Gulf Construction Online - Spanish allure

Abu Dhabi

Spanish allure

01 August 2023

Construction work is well under way on the first two phases of the AED 9-billion ($2.45 billion) Bloom Living, a fully integrated residential development which aims to become the “most desirable community in Abu Dhabi for families of all sizes”.

Bloom Living, situated within Zayed City, will be built in various phases. Foundation and superstructure works for Phase One – known as Cordoba – are progressing on schedule for completion in Q4 2024; while enabling works for the second phase – Toledo – have started recently.

Cordoba is due for completion by Q4 2024, while Toledo is scheduled to be completed in Q2 2025. Casares, the third phase of Bloom Living, is targeted to be completed in Q1 2026.

Inspired by Mediterranean Spanish architecture and being built over an area of 2.2 million sq m, Bloom Living is designed to be one of the most attractive multi-generational, mixed-use residential and recreational destinations in Abu Dhabi.

“The community’s best interest remains a core element of its offering. Ample well-being facilities and top-class educational institutions will provide residents with a luxurious and relaxing environment, and buyers with a compelling investment proposition,” Carlos Wakim, the Chief Executive Officer of its developer Bloom Holding, tells Gulf Construction in an exclusive interview.

Masterplan of Bloom Living ... to comprise more than 4,500 homes.

The fully integrated and all-inclusive residential community will comprise more than 4,500 homes, with a total built-up area of 950,000 sq m, including a selection of villas, townhouses, and apartments that vary in design and type.

The residential units boast simple, yet highly elegant designs and are built using high-quality building materials.

Situated in a strategic location away from the city traffic and its hustle-bustle, Bloom Living is a community that promises a high-end, luxurious way of living that is easily accessible from every area across Abu Dhabi.

Along with the elegance and peace of mind provided by Bloom Living’s surroundings, a strong Spanish sense of style will be clearly reflected in both interior and exterior designs, as well as in the building and architectural material used, says Bloom Holding.

The units within Bloom Living feature stylish and spacious apartments, villas and townhouses which range from one- to three-bedroom apartments, two- to three-bedroom townhouses, and three- to six-bedroom detached villas, each designed with attention to detail and high-quality, premium finishings.

Each of the homes within Bloom Living are highly efficient, spacious, and have a harmonious interior concept which supports a variety of interior design styles. Balanced, neutral lighting enhances these well-ventilated and well-proportioned openings spaces.

Construction work in progress at Cordoba.

Additionally, each unit’s architecture exudes elegance, with timeless Mediterranean-inspired architecture and decorative detailing. Each unit within Bloom Living’s secure gated community also has generous covered parking.

The low-density suburban destination is set in manicured gardens, lush green spaces and anchored by a serene lake which features an island. Even pets are catered for through a dedicated dog park, Bloom Holding points out. Amenities also include a linear park, pool parks, kids play areas, and greenbelt parks and trails to ensure a healthier outlook on life.

The self-sufficient walkable community offers its residents a healthy outdoor living experience featuring plenty of out-in-the-nature recreational facilities that address the needs of adults and children alike.

Bloom Living will also be home to several leisure and entertainment facilities, including a town centre retail facility which will be host to an array of retail and food and beverage (F&B) options, as well as multiple club houses. Sunset and Sunrise Plazas will provide spectacular views of the community, featuring multipurpose amphitheatres surrounded by the serene lake, all interconnected by pedestrian bridges, shaded seating areas, as well as jogging, walking and bike trails.

Bloom Living will be gated with a 24/7 security service and will have two international schools and a mosque situated within walking distance from most of the residences.

Launched in March 2022, the community is an investment zone where expats and foreigners of all nationalities can own a property, says the developer.

Bloom Holding appointed the first contractor, Edrafor Emirates, for enabling works for the entire project in August last year. Subsequently, it selected Emirates Link Maltauro as the main contractor to carry out the infrastructure and villas construction works for Cordoba, the first phase of Bloom Living.

“With the commencement of the main contracting works at Cordoba, and Toledo we seek to fulfil our promise of delivering the project on schedule and to the highest construction standards,” Wakim says.

The overall progress is currently at over 21 per cent.

“Works at Cordoba are progressing steadily with over 21 per cent of the units complete. The foundation and superstructure works are progressing as planned and on schedule for completion in Q4 2024. Enabling works have started at Toledo and progressing as planned, on track for completion in Q2 2025,” he adds.

Offsite construction techniques are being used to ensure quality and speed up work on site, according to Bloom Holding.

Wakim elaborates: “The townhouses units and detached villas are built out of precast panels in a pre-made mould and will be transported to the construction site for final assembly after they have been cured in a controlled environment. No earthwork or excavation was required. We have installed 2,500 piles to support the units, and the manpower at peak will be around 2,000 workers.

“The project has reached over 500,000 manhours on site with zero lost time, which has involved the use of more than 2,500 tons of steel and over 20,000 cu m of concrete for the production of the precast elements of all units.”

He points out that the smooth sequence and planning for the precast superstructure work including precast vertical walls and precast horizontal slabs has resulted in enabling the contractor to achieve 50 per cent completion of the superstructure works of over 20,000 sq m (90 per cent of the townhouses superstructure has been completed).

“The precast panels are insulated in the precast yard under strict quality control procedures and delivered to site for direct installation which enhances our green footprint as it complies with Estidama requirements for one Pearl rating,” he adds.