Dubai-based design-led real estate developer Ellington Properties has disclosed that MEP works on its Harrington House project are progressing on schedule, with the first fix of site execution complete and the second fix currently being undertaken, alongside authority drawing submissions.
The Harrington House project was launched to strong investor response in September 2021 and has been scheduled for delivery in Q4 2022. Underlining its commitment to timely delivery, Ellington Properties has already achieved the topping out construction milestone as per schedule.
Under construction, the development has a single basement, ground floor, and a four-residential-floor configuration with a total built-up area of 13,388.43m2 on a plot area of 3,290.76m2.
Sharing exclusive insights in conversation with MEP Middle East, the co-founder and managing director of Ellington Properties, Joseph Thomas, reveals: “Located in the heart of Jumeirah Village Circle in Dubai, Harrington House comprises 92 apartments, including studios, one-, and two-bedroom units that are thoughtfully designed for families.
“The residences have high ceilings, sculpted balconies, wood-look porcelain tile flooring, and fitted wardrobes. Inspired by Arabian gazelles, the interiors comprise a mix of earthy desert hues in neutral beige and warm ash tones, contrasting with charcoal and black accents.”
The project offers easy access to the leisure and business hubs of the city, with Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina only 10-15 minutes away; The Walk in JBR merely a 25-minute drive; and Dubai World Central Airport located only 10 minutes from the development.
Focus on safety and superior stakeholders
One of the UAE’s leading construction companies Al Ashram Contracting LLC is the main contractor on the project, and Dubai-based Al Wasl Al Jadeed Consultants – which is a leading firm of consulting architects with special expertise in the design of commercial, industrial, and residential properties – is the main consultant on the project.
Highlighting safety as a key priority through the construction process, Thomas adds: “We have completed more than 522,160 safe man-hours without any lost-time incident (LTI). Our contractor provided detailed training sessions to our internal as well as external teams, including Weekly Toolbox Talks sessions; safety induction for people entering the site; and emergency drills.
“We also carried out third party training sessions for scaffolders, welders, tower crane operators, riggers, banksmen, firefighting personnel, as well as cutting/bending machine and lifting supervisors.”
Additionally, key construction milestones achieved by the contractor on the Harrington House residential project include DEWA substation approvals on 31 October 2021, following which the structure was completed and topped out in December 2021.
Dubai-headquartered company Agnice Electromechanical LLC – which is an ISO 9001:2008 certified EPC contractor specialised in the execution of commercial, industrial, infrastructure, civil, MEP, and fire engineering works – is the MEP contractor on the Harrington House project.
UAE-based “sustainable consultancy” and engineering firm, Consistent Engineering Consultants – which has been awarded with ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 for Environment Management, ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health & Safety Management, and ISO 50001:2018 for Energy Management – is the MEP consultant on the project.
LG Electronics has supplied the VRF systems for the residential project, while Shield has provided the fire alarm solutions.
Middle East-based manufacturer Naffco supplied the firefighting products.
Meanwhile, the CCTV cameras were supplied by Samsung. The switches and sockets were sourced from MK by Honeywell Building Technologies.
In addition, UK-based Bagno Designs – which provides high-quality, on-trend bathroom products with an extensive range of sanitary ware and furniture, brassware and accessories, bath and shower components, as well as a spa selection under the Sanipex Group – supplied the sanitaryware for the Harrington House residential project.
In terms of the MEP and HVAC components, Kingspan supplied the ducting; Hepworth provided the uPVC and PPR components; Xylem supplied the pumps; Ariston installed the water heaters; and the cables were sourced from UAE-based National Cables.
Furthermore, the light fittings were sourced from Romaluce; the lighting control was supplied by Schneider Electric; the LV switchgears were provided by ABB; the PVC conduits were supplied by Multiplast; the video intercoms were sourced from Comelit; and the access controls were obtained from Suprema.
Proper planning and key technologies
Like most construction projects built during the pandemic, the Harrington House project has had to overcome supply chain constraints faced by its third-party suppliers.
Thomas explains: “We have had a strong project management plan in place to address the challenges of the pandemic, more so because we launched it immediately after the deep impact of the lockdowns and economic slowdown receded.
“Having factored in lead time extensions in raw material delivery, we have been able to address the supply chain challenges and the project is progressing as scheduled.”
Moreover, Harrington House also embraces key technologies and specialised equipment that has improved quality-, time-, and cost-related efficiencies on the project.
For instance, FCUs with inverter type DC motors have been installed as they lower noise considerably and have far better cooling performance. Also, acoustic lagging has been used for drainage pipes where they are crossing dwelling units and the sitting areas of the building, thus, ensuring better noise reduction.
Thomas adds: “We selected a high-grade GRP insulated panel type water tank on the roof for the water supply system, which helps maintain the standard cold-water temperature.
“We use high-grade electrical panels and best-rated circuit breakers in electrical power systems. Additionally, we are using an IP video intercom system that is integrated with an access control system, enabling tenants to allow entry to guests, for deliveries, etc. to the building.”
The project also uses an access control system with a bio-metric option and a long-range card reader for the gate barrier.
High quality and energy-efficient concealed kitchen appliances supplied by German firm TEKA have been installed alongside frost-free refrigerators for the Harrington House project
The decorative sanitary wares used are high in quality, as they ensure efficient water flow rates in line with green building regulations. The project also follows smart monitoring systems used by DEWA for water and electricity bills.
Energy efficient sustainable systems
The Harrington House residential project has taken sustainability into consideration in terms of its building materials, electricity, water usage, and HVAC elements. The project has prioritised locally available materials such as concrete, steel, block, wires, and cables, to name a few.
“Energy-efficient VRF outdoor units will perform better at part load conditions, and the condensate drain from FAHUs will be collected in a tank and reused for irrigation,” Thomas explains.
Furthermore, a smart monitoring system from LG will control air conditioning in the common areas of Harrington House to optimise energy consumption, and the FAHUs have been equipped with an energy-efficient heat recovery wheel, bearing a minimum 75% efficiency.
He adds: “Motorised dampers and the VCDs control the air flow of fresh air for proper balancing. In addition, thermal insulation for AC ducts, ventilation ducts, refrigerant pipes, and hot water pipes in the building and roof have been installed.
“Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in all pumps and fans will save energy, while lighting control systems and motion sensors will save electricity in the corridors, public areas, and parking.”
Additionally, energy-efficient LED light fittings have been used throughout the project. In line with the Trakhees Green building regulations, water-efficient sanitary fittings have been used.
Only low VOC insulations, adhesives, and paints have been utilised on the project, while CFC-, HCFC-, and halon-based refrigerants have been avoided on the project to lower its carbon footprint. Waste materials such as PVC pipes and conduits are being sent for recycling purposes even during the construction process.
Highlighting the amenities within the Harrington House project, Thomas concludes: “A distinctive attraction of Harrington House is its lobby lounge with sophisticated furnishings, concierge service, and artworks by local artists.
“There will also be a central two-storey courtyard with a dramatic external wood staircase serves as the heart of social life, with spacious outdoor seating area connected to a pool deck and a Zen Garden.”
“Other amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, a barbeque area, fully equipped gym with zoned training areas, as well as an eco-friendly and Montessori inspired kid’s play area.”
The Harrington House residences are competitively priced with a studio, 382ft2 to 456ft2 in size, starting at AED 444,828; one-bedrooms of 484ft2 to 806ft2 starting at AED 480,828; and two-bedroom apartments, starting at AED1,004,828, in sizes of 993ft2 to 1,940ft2.
