INNOVATIVE BUILDING CONCEPT

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1 INNOVATIVE BUILDING CONCEPT FOR YUMA DEL MAR PROJECT PRESENTED BY: Masstech Dominicana S.A. ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, FOREIGN INVESTMENTS, MANAGEMENT Consultants Ave. 27 de Febrero #194, Suite 201, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Tel:

2 Innovative Building Concept for Yuma del Mar Project by Masstech Dominicana S.A. Table of Contents 1. PREFACE MATERIAL DESCRIPTION 4. Page 3. SOURCE OF SUPPLY END PRODUCT DESCRIPTION MATERIAL YIELD END PRODUCT USAGE/VALUE MODIFYING THE LANDSCAPE / INCREASING ITS VALUE EXPORT POTENTIAL CONCLUSION ILLUSTRATIONS November 1999

3 1. PREFACE This is a summary of a method where the design for construction an development takes into account that more than 60% of the physical elements of building will come from the immediate environment. This method is based on a fact that a 5,000 home construction project surrounded by 7 hotels, a marina, commercial and community centers and various parks and public spaces will be erected on a site where 90% of the ground consists of calcareous rock of biological origin. Also that 90% of all waste will return to the immediate environment. No waste will be discharged outside of the development areas. A method where there are no inventions, but where modern technology integrated with highly industrialized planning will prevail. A method whereby logistics take into account the work to be done and the efforts necessary to accomplish any part of the project, thereby programming the maximum use of time, energy, labor and material. This project at first may seem sophisticated or lacking in simplicity; however it is not. One must first consider the following: I. The project is in the Dominican Republic. II. In this country there is full freedom of action to implement new technology. III. The architects and engineers in charge of the project will have full authority to decide on any different or new technology provided it is ecologically acceptable. IV. The various sectors of development will be integrated and coordinated. V. All construction will be modular, pre-engineered, pre-manufactured. (see separate study on this subject) VI. The architectural planning and design will take into account the availability of modular, precast and pre-cut elements, thus creating a constant demand for an industrialized production. (Again see separate study on this subject) VII. We have mentioned that the majority of the physical elements would come from calcareous rock. We have studied it's qualities and the proximity of it's availability. We have planned the material extraction with the objective of preserving the natural beauty of the landscape, obviously avoiding any kind of resemblance to a huge surface mining or quarry project. The following pages will explain in greater detail the steps that will be employed to meet the above mentioned objectives. Page 3

4 2. MATERIAL DESCRIPTION The source of the material which will come from excavation will consist primarily of approximately 50 % of Coral block which are % Calcium Carbonate CaCo3, almost pure Calcite and 50% of Caliche in various proportions of Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Chloride, Sodium sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Alsulfate and Magnesium Sulphate, depending of many geological accidents. However the coral blocks represent a more stable consistency. We believe from our studies the coral & caliche to be approximately in 50% to 50% proportions. To assure ourselves of the feasibility of our idea, we called upon the services and skill of a renowned Italian company from Carrara, the "Benetti Macchine Spa" represented by an expert, named Aldo Nero who came to study the material from various sites. After returning to Italy with samples of the stones, the Benetti Company recommended a series of techniques and machines that can adequately and economically cut and handle all of calcareous material. We have also studied the quality of this material in Montreal, for use as an aggregate to make concrete, the result is positive. To satisfy the need for an economic supply of raw material for this project, we came to the conclusion that this quantity of calcareous rock was not costly to handle but economically sound due to its participation in our need for aggregates and building elements. 3. SOURCE OF SUPPLY Our studies have led to the identification of the following areas of supply: A) Road, water and sewer mains In phase 1 of the subdivision plan, 18 kilometers of streets are required. (see plan) The excavation of trenches for water treatment systems has been estimated to yield 20,000 cubic meters of calcareous rock. B) Marina From the previous conclusion we have elaborated a marina design where a canal would be cut out into the coral element. This would not only give us a good source of aggregates for the construction of the houses but also enhance aesthetically the design of the marina and supply all the large coral blocks necessary for the construction of the docks (see artistic view of the marina). C) Sea water pools Here we have imagined large sea water pools which will be quite attractive and innovative; due to their sizes, the constant sea water circulation via wind powered pumps and illuminated water fountains, will be entirely cut out of the coral rocks. Four of these pools in phase 1 and will yield approximately 60,000 cubic meters of material. Page 4

5 E) Energy Our studies in search of the solution to our energy problem has led us to consider the creation of air reservoirs which will be cut out into the coral. Aeolian (large windmills) will compress air to 50 atmospheres. This compressed air would power electrical alternators. The reservoirs will store the energy, and at the same time furnish a good supply of coral blocks to be used for construction. F) Propane Propane reservoirs for the project are needed, they will be built into the coral for safety and economy. At the same time this will contribute to a good supply of quarried rocks, which will be turned into profitable building elements. G) Water reservoir The project will need at least 3,000,000 gallons of water per day. Four 750,000 gallon reservoirs will be excavated into the coral, supplying us with a quantity of useful elements. H) Half moon pools The sea littoral of this project is approximately 5 kilometers in length. There is a limitation of sandy natural beach areas, therefore we have designed sea pools that will be cut into the coral, permitting the controlled entry of sea water, thus providing safe natural access to the sea. The construction of these pools will supply a good quantity of blocks and aggregates. 4. END PRODUCT DESCRIPTION We can economically make large blocks for the construction of the marina, small building blocks for general construction use, also sidewalks, decorative ornamental units, columns, monuments, tubs, benches, tables, posts, fences, troughs for water fountains, etc. Many other applications can be conceived. From the cuttings of the blocks we can easily produce crushed stones and sand. Therefore, from aesthetic, economic & logistic points of view, we have detailed the use of this material and its redistribution. We suggest to use the coral as follows: A- Coral, when well cut represents a beautiful decorative stone which is durable & of various colors and consistency. We can cut it easily into large blocks of 1M x 2 that can be used for the docks in the construction of the marina. Page 5

6 B- We can cut these blocks and make.46m x.46m x 5CM or.61m x.61m x 5CM or 76CM tiles to be used advantageously for patios and walks. C- Larger dimensions of 1.5M x.2m x 1.22M or 1.8M long can be used for side walks. D- Different dimensions of blocks can be cut for fence posts.61m x.3m x 1M or units of. 3M x.3m x 1M or 1.22M to produce variations of design. Can be used efficiently and advantageously with other concrete elements. We have drawn a variety of fence designs to illustrate this possibility. E- When necessary to make street curb blocks on both sides, coral blocks can be cut for this function. F- We have designed a swimming pool coral contour block, along with steps, benches, tables seats, etc. cut out of coral blocks. G- When cutting coral from different shapes that are not necessarily perfect cubes or when the handling and cutting damages or break pieces, then every little particle of coral can be used along with irregular shaped cuttings. They are processed through crushing, sized, sieved and used as aggregate in the making of concrete blocks used in the construction of houses. H- When excavating out of coral, we cannot be assured that we will encounter perfect pure coral in 100% proportion. In this territory, we find approximately 50% Caliche of consistency which varies considerably. Caliche has many uses, the following explain a few important applications: A- It can be used as compacted material in road base and in construction. B- Can be washed and powdered to be used for treating the P.H. of the soils. Can be mixed and used in the preparation of top soil, in this case, caliche is washed to remove soluble salts and the mixed with organic substances (waste) to form a suitable body to sustain organic growth. C- When crushed and washed it can be an aggregate which, when mixed with an appropriate cement, can form concrete blocks of various forms and good strength. The color offered adds to the aspect of the finished product. See colored illustration attached. Page 6

7 5. APPROXIMATE MATERIAL YIELD Source of material and yield: The cutting of the coral from the marina 174,000 M3 Excavation of private pools 108,000 M3 Excavation of water & sewer trenches 70,000 M3 Excavation of water reservoirs 3,000) 12,000 M3 Excavation of large pools (phase 1 only) 40,000 M3 Excavation of 16 half moon pools 2,550 M3) 40,880 M3 Miscellaneous excavation 40,000 M3 Total excavated material 484,880 M3 Page 7

8 6. END PRODUCT USE / VALUE Suggested utilization of coral & caliche Approximate volumes and values for equivalent substitute products (concrete, crushed stone, organic waste, etc). PRODUCT / USAGE VOLUME M3 U.S. DOLLAR VALUE per TOTAL CORAL CALICHE /M3 CORAL CALICHE A BLOCKS -1 The construction of docks in for the marina (see plan) 45,000 $44 $1,968,750-2 Giant triangular wave breakers 6 15,000 M 90,000 $44 $3,937,500 Block centers filled with caliche 30,000 $19 $562,500 dumped from barges B C D E F G H AGGREGATE 5000 homes-modular prefab coral 37,000 $31 $1,156,250 caliche 37,000 $25 $925,000 TOP SOIL 2,500,000 M2 of green area 3/4 caliche (2,500,000 x 1/12 x 3/4) 156,249 $8 $1,171,868 1/4 organic material PATIO & WALK WAY BLOCKS 5000 x 60 M2 / house x 1/12 M (thick) 25,000 $150 $3,750,000 ROADS Road for 70 KM of project roads M x 8 M (wide) x 1/5 M (thick) 112,000 $9 $980,000 SIDEWALKS On main streets only coral blocks of 1.2 M (wide) x.25 M (thick) M x 1.2 / 4 10,500 $156 $1,640,625 CURB BLOCKS 0.41 M (high) x 0.23 M (wide) x M (long) 14,000 M (roads) / M 13,145 $156 $2,053,906 FENCES Combination of coral & caliche blocks 50/50 For 5000 lots each 80 M (long) (5000 x 80) / 2 / 1.5 M (fence section length) x.38 M3 25,333 $156 $3,958,281 25,333 $156 $3,958,281 TOTALS 245, ,582 $18,465,313 $7,597,649 $26,062,961 Page 8

9 7. MODIFYING THE LANDSCAPE / INCREASING ITS VALUE We have land to develop, this land is situated by the sea. When houses are offered for sale, it becomes evident that we cannot guaranty a sea view for every buyer. However upon studying well our land and due to certain physical advantages nature has given this territory, we have found a way to improve significantly the number of houses with a view to the sea. We would cut new intermediate levels from the existing 15 meter high step running parallel to the sea at approximately 200 meters from the shore. This step could be mined east to west for about 4 kilometers (see attached sketch). The benefit would be improved visibility for new houses and reduced road inclination. This would in turn ease sales while bringing in higher prices. 8. EXPORT POTENTIAL We have been researching the "ecological" cutting of coral for 10 years. It is a profitable operation in itself, especially more so in recent years because of a shift in demand from marble to coral as a "hot" & "in style" building and landscaping stone. Current prices for large "meter" size blocks is around $US400 / cubic meter in the Florida and southeast US coast. A 10 year operation could generate several hundred million dollars. However, mining of very large blocks 1, 2, 3 meters square rarely exceeds 15 to 20% of extracted material. Smaller blocks and irregular chips make most of the volume. In actuality, nearly all coral or marble mining operations around the world have to "Export" their products. In our case, we would be our own client, the largest client of the coral operation, because of the planned utilization of coral in our house construction, landscaping, monument, fence and walkway needs. All of this material would be processed, cut and put to use. (Feasibility study available) We can conclude by saying that the cost of modifying and improving our territory to improve land and house value would be greatly compensated by the use of the coral mining operation. Further construction cost, quality and material delivery are improved. Coral mining is feasible, profitable and becomes a positive contribution in the ecological balance between man's intervention and preservation of nature and natural resources. Page 9

10 9. CONCLUSION Other possibilities of material source exist from the cutting or digging 800 private swimming pools. This would equal to the excavation of approximately 22,000 M3 more. Also not listed in our Material use table (from the previous page), are the products resulting from the excavation of the Windmill reservoirs (20 such reservoirs estimated at 100,000 M3). These project components would provide a large amount of additional material. One can perceive in this document as how we will take advantage of the project site's natural assets consisting mainly in an unlimited supply of coral and caliche. If we were to spread all the excavated material over our land at a thickness of 1/10 of one meter we could cover our entire territory of 5,700,000 square meters. The uniqueness of this concept is simply to focus the excavations in areas of need, while not disrupting the adjacent environment and finding logical uses for the material rather than utilizing other products that would have to be brought in to our site from this country or abroad. By selectively cutting and crushing the extracted material, we can adjust the end products to the project's needs. We believe that this concept of material reuse will provide our project with an ecological, aesthetic, and financial advantage that will be difficult to rival. On the following pages you will observe artist's conceptions, that illustrate procedures, equipment and application of the coral cutting concept. Page 10

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