01 June 2016

With the rapidly rising demand for green construction and sustainable solutions in the GCC, where the focus is on cutting costs and conserving energy, Bahrain-based Smartsource Construction Solutions is looking at taking its portfolio of green alternatives throughout the region. Driving this policy is Ioannis Katramadakis, director and general manager, and his team.

Smartsource Construction Solutions provides specialised products and services for architectural, building, civil and infrastructure projects, dealing with nearly all phases of construction, starting from steel reinforcement to fit-out works. The company offers a comprehensive range of environment-friendly and energy saving solutions. “We promote high-quality products from reliable brands in Europe at very competitive prices,” Katramadakis tells Gulf Construction.

Its vast range of products include finishes and systems for roofs, ceilings, walls and floors; high-tech façade systems including external insulation façade systems (EIFS); honeycomb cladding; hygienic drainage systems; mobile drinking water plants as well as mobile waste water and grey water plants, green walls; architectural finishes; energy-saving aluminium profiles/systems; steel reinforcement bars; lighting solutions; photovoltaics and many more.

Having developed an effective network of trade partnerships over the years, Smartsource has tie-ups with leading companies in Europe, from Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey among many others where it sources many of its products. Smartsource has representatives and cooperates with internationally recognised quality control companies in all the countries in order to conduct quality/quantity checks of materials locally before they are dispatched.

He says the eight-year-old company has had a green focus since its inception but has recently embarked on an aggressive campaign to promote the benefits of sustainable products, especially since plunging oil revenues have put greater urgency on conserving resources and cutting costs in the region. Katramadakis – who is a qualified architect/engineer with 37 years’ experience, over 30 of which have been spent specialising in the application of bioclimatic architecture and renewable energy sources – urges the local industry to adopt green ideas for the future of the region, with the emphasis being on introducing technologies and products that are sustainable, efficient and adaptable to suit the local weather conditions.

Katramadakis says his company has been fiercely advocating the use of renewable energy sources, adding that the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region has an advantage in that it enjoys abundant sunshine. Also, people in the region have shown a keenness in adopting renewable energy policies. He supports the idea of setting up smart (energy efficient/autonomous) cities in Bahrain in line with other countries in the GCC/Mena.

The company’s quest for new products is an ongoing process to ensure that it offers the latest available in the market. Amongst the new products added to Smartsource’s portfolio is cork laminate flooring, which is a product packed with attractive properties including environment-friendliness since it is made of natural products; scratch and stain resistance; sound dampening; easy and quick installation; and recyclable. It is also hygienic since it does not retain dirt.

Additional products supplied by Smartsource include a wide range of furniture for homes, hotels, kids rooms, offices, schools, auditoriums and sports halls. 

Katramadakis also points out that one of Smartsource’s particular strengths lie in the marble sector, where it offers an extensive range of quality marble at competitive prices sourced mainly from Europe. Clients are offered dry lay mock-ups so they can visualise and inspect the final finishing layout before dispatch and the actual laying.

Smartsource has worked on many major projects in the public and private sectors, providing products and tailor-made solutions to government facilities, bank and corporate headquarters, commercial centres and malls, luxury hotels, restaurants and upscale residential developments.

Currently, Smartsource Construction Solutions continues to be involved in supplying materials and services to some of the kingdom’s key projects which are diverse in almost all the construction sectors in Bahrain.

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Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.