The US$ 400 million-plus ITC One Colombo project, which comprises the Sapphire Residences residential tower and super luxury ITC Hotel, is creating history by recording many firsts in Sri Lanka and is on course to be completed in 2023.

The majestic 50 storey Sapphire Residences tower and parallel 30 storey super luxury ITC Hotel sit in the heart of Colombo’s prime Galle Face oceanfront. Its most distinctive feature is the eye-catching AHASA ONE Sky Bridge, which is one of its kind in South Asia. It has been installed c.100 metres in the air and connects the two towers between the 19th and 21st levels.

Widely celebrated as an engineering marvel and featured in a recent TV documentary, AHASA ONE proudly announces that Sri Lanka is ready to join the ranks of world-class global destinations where outstanding landmarks are found.

Poised to become a visible and vibrant symbol of resurgent economic growth in the island, this landmark project is being developed by WelcomHotels Lanka, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC.

ITC is one of India’s foremost private sector companies with interests in Fast Moving Consumer Goods, hotels, paperboards and packaging, agri business and information technology.

As a global leader in sustainability, ITC is the only enterprise of comparable dimensions to be carbon positive, water positive and solid waste recycling positive for over a decade. Therefore, it is unsurprising that WelcomHotels Lanka is dedicated to delivering the finest and greenest residential and hotel complex in Colombo.

The company’s commitment guarantees a magnificent luxury residential development with five-star hospitality services, all created around the unwavering principle of ‘responsible luxury.’

Sapphire Residences embodies these values and in keeping with the company’s ethos, it has already achieved the prestigious and globally respected LEED® BD+C (Core and Shell Development) pre-certification at the highest platinum level. The ITC Hotel is also being designed to be certified as a LEED platinum building.

There is also a conscious effort to source materials based on availability and quality parameters with preference being given to domestic sources. Indeed, the majority of the project team consists of local talent supported by world-class experts and engineers from around the world.

They include principal architecture by Gensler (US) working alongside revered local architect Surath Wickramasinghe, residential interiors by YOO inspired by Starck (UK), principal structural engineers Thornton Tomasetti (US), landscape design by Burega Farnell (Singapore), hotel interiors by DESIGNWILKES (Malaysia), security design by Control Risks with L&T Construction as the general contractor. This process ensures an effective transfer of knowledge and upgrading of local skills too.

Other unique features of the development include first of its kind diaphragm wall construction, which ensures minimum disturbance to the existing groundwater, and provides a higher level of water tightness due to fewer joints, water bars and similar elements.

An HDPE Waterproof Membrane system and LED architectural lights are used for facade illumination. This consumes less energy and lights up the building in a way that makes it stand out from every angle.

More features include a state-of-the-art hydropneumatic system; sewage treatment plants; rainwater harvesting; hundred percent recycled water for irrigation; flushing and cooling the tower; high end technology features including flexible and highly adaptive technology for audiovisual systems, as well as home and guest automation systems for both Sapphire Residences and the ITC Hotel.

There are also multiple high-speed elevators, which enable the rapid movement of people in the buildings; four underground basements for parking to prevent traffic congestion on the road; a helipad on the roof of the hotel tower to enable VIP movement and emergency services. All these features contribute to making this property a valuable centrally located facility.

Managing Director of WelcomHotels Lanka Subi George notes: “WelcomHotels Lanka remains committed to the vision and status of this landmark development, which has already delivered many milestones that are the first of their kind in the country.”

He elaborates: “This has been achieved despite the significant external challenges that we continue to face during these uncertain times. We are confident that this development will generate a surge of positivity and pride in Colombo, and benefit the wider economy, not least through the creation of thousands of jobs. We look forward to being part of Sri Lanka’s bright future.”

– Compiled by Dona Senara

COMPANY DETAILS

Telephone
7877777

Email
info@sapphireresidences.lk

Website
sapphireresidences.lk