´...with an approach that is customer-centric and sustainable.´Mofatraj P Munot, Chairman It has a focused philosophy: To develop high-quality properties in terms of design, construction and environment sustainability. Indeed, Mumbai-based Kalpataru Group has translated its 45 years of expertise into offering landmarks, luxury apartments, large residential complexes and townships and signature commercial projects in Mumbai, Thane and Pune. With a strong belief that innovation is the key success factor to implement sustainable responsible design concepts, Mofatraj P Munot, Chairman, Kalpataru Group, has led the company to international shores and proven the competency and capabilities of Indian housing and infrastructure. A man of exemplary vision and enterprise, under his expertise, the group has established a strong footprint in over 32 countries across continents. Munot touches upon the innovative factors that have resulted in the groupÆs brand equity... Game changers Kalpataru has always believed in delivering products that match the consumer´s expectations. As for the factors that have made a huge difference to the way we perform, principles of sustainability are tightly integrated during design and development of projects. We have received several external recognitions for our projects. For instance, Kalpataru Square was the first building outside the US and the sixth in the world to receive the US Green Building Council´s Platinum certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Core and Shell V.2.0. Also, in order to achieve high standards of design and new concepts, the company has been using international designers and architects to develop its projects. We are one of the few real estate companies to provide a host of amenities in projects for consumers. Moreover, specific requirements for a project and challenges encountered by us during project design and development offer an important avenue for innovation. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas to address such challenges or requirements. Brand salience Recognition of projects like Kalpataru Square are testimony to our commitment towards sustainability. Take Project Sunrise, for example, which received a tremendous response for its launch despite an economic slowdown. We believe that our strategy to offer a quality product at an attractive price for a limited duration worked well and we sold the maximum number of units within a short span of time. Dream project My dream project is the 100 acre plus township development in Thane. Summing up To meet the new-age demand and expectations of home buyers, builders should adopt innovative strategies in their projects. Also, growing economic pressures will compel builders to innovate and implement new processes, material and technology. Hence, every real estate builder should adopt innovative strategies because change and innovation are the needs of the day. Inno-Vision Zone Residential Kalpataru Pinnacle, Mumbai Size: 3.36 acre Date of completion: June 2013 Unique features: A large entrance porch leads into a 30-ft-high, grand air-conditioned lobby with two high-speed elevators. Kalpataru Pinnacle is a uniquely planned building with an orientation and apartment layout that allows each of the three apartments on every floor to not only capitalise on the westerly breeze in Mumbai throughout the year but enjoy paranomic views of the creek. With a sundeck in each apartment, the building has been designed with a Y-shape to ensure that there are no common walls between apartments, thus providing privacy. A pre-certified Platinum-rated building by the Indian Green Building Council, the top soil has been preserved and used in landscape areas on the project. Also, provision for 100-per-cent rainwater harvesting for rooftop water has been made. Ninety eight per cent of construction waste materials are diverted from landfills while 31.21 per cent of total materials (by cost) contain recycled content and 56.05 per cent of total building materials (by cost) are sourced within 500 km of the project site. Impact on the end-user: Home buyers will experience energy savings by 12 per cent. IT Park Kalpataru Prime, Thane West Size: About 3.3 lakh sq ft Date of completion: May 2013 Unique features: LEED Gold-certified by the Indian Green Building Council, this premium five-storied commercial building is supported with smart technologies like a timer controller for common area lighting and dual electrical metering. Kalpataru Prime is also equipped with smart features like high-performance glass to provide better insulation and day-lighting, water-cooled chiller to reduce noise levels and provide better efficiency, garbage chute for collection from individual floors, stack parking and lifts with group control. An innovative material in the form of Everest solid wall panel, an alternative for brickwork, has been used. Also, to reduce power consumption, LED, CFLs, T-5 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballast have been fitted. Moreover, while charging points for electrically charged vehicles are provided, 100-per-cent covered parking helps reduce the heat island effect. Impact on the end-user: The project is strategically located in Thane offering connectivity to arterial roads, railways, schools, colleges, malls and multiplexes. 5-Step Approach for an Innovative Project In-depth research and analysis of consumer needs and expectations Understanding global trends Planning and strategising to simplify the development process Execution of the plan Spreading the word by using the right medium of communication