As a result, the contractor early on switched the structural system from conventional reinforced concrete slabs to prestressed concrete elements, says Bojan Petkovic, construction project manager at Turner International. “Constant improvement of coordination between various trades” also was key to keeping construction on schedule, he adds.

Photo by Selangor Properties Berhad

At the same time, transforming Tower B—the existing residential structure that was built in the 1970s—into the same modern style of Tower A would generate its own unique hurdles, including the need to match the older building’s exterior and interior details, such as ceiling heights, with that of the new structure.

Tower B’s transformation required removal of the structure’s facade and demolition of portions of the structure down to bare concrete. 

Photo by Selangor Properties Berhad

Also, contractors needed to strengthen beams while also reducing the depth of existing floors to achieve the designed ceiling heights that match those of the new tower.

Moreover, since Tower B originally featured more corners and angles than did the new building’s design, contractors extended the existing slab in certain areas to enable the older structure to more closely reflect the shape of its newly built twin.

Additionally, the owner, project manager and construction team collaborated to implement an award-winning safety program that used FIVE-S lean practices, which help to achieve a cleaner, safer and more organized workplace.