One of the most prominent benefits of working with a consultant is, without a doubt, the experience and specialized knowledge that they bring to the finish selection process. Mar Azul Projects has highly trained professionals who understand the quality and functionality of different types of finishes, thus supporting the best selection at the time of purchase of these materials, and adding knowledge about the latest technological innovations in terms of materials and systems. . This allows us to advise accurately and provide personalized recommendations for each particular project.

Choosing the right finishes has a significant impact on the functionality and durability of a building. This is when —as an advisor— the specific needs of each space can be evaluated, considering both the design line and other influencing factors, such as natural lighting, expected traffic, and local climate, among other relevant aspects. With this information, the most appropriate materials and systems can be recommended, guaranteeing that the selected finishes meet quality standards and fit within the established budget.

Another advantage of working with an advisor is the optimization of resources. The proper choice of finishes can help maximize energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and improve user comfort. Mar Azul Projects has vast experience in different types of projects for which it has provided the best choice of materials: efficient lighting, durable coatings suitable for each traffic, thermal and acoustic insulation, and even in the choice of doors and windows that favor energy saving, acoustic comfort, and aesthetics.

Another great value in working with subject matter experts is simplifying the decision-making process. The variety of options on the market can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the world of construction. Mar Azul Projects, as an experienced advisor, can present a selection of finishes that fit the client’s style and preferences, thus avoiding the loss of time and resources in the search for inappropriate alternatives.

In summary, the choice of finishes in a construction project is a fundamental aspect that should not be left to chance. Having an expert advisor, such as Mar Azul Projects, provides the assurance that the selected finishes will be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and in accordance with the needs and expectations of our clients. Our specialized knowledge, experience, and ability to optimize resources make investing in a consultant an intelligent decision that will be reflected in the final result of the construction.

La entrada Importance of having an expert advisor in finishes se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

For us, in a simple way, efficiency is doing things well in the shortest possible time, optimizing the use of resources. This is how in recent years we have achieved an implementation of cleaner, more efficient, and highly specified construction systems, which has allowed us to be at the forefront of the requirements requested by our clients or transnational entities. This has allowed us to be competitive and to contribute greatly to the projects in which we have participated.

In the construction sector —one of the areas where we can see the evolution of technology and the search for efficiency— and more specifically, in the areas of design and architecture, everything points to the use of BIM technology and its adaptation to the local market. It should be noted that an attempt should be made to promote this technology to clients in the simplest and easiest way that allows them to understand the efficiency involved in carrying out correct project planning.

As project managers, we also see it through the use of technology in tools. It is a widely developed field that makes it possible to obtain even greater benefits in the construction industry and that can still provide many additional advantages, but in which for various reasons (costs or consultancy) it often happens that the information or data that can be achieved with these devices, is not exploited.

At Mar Azul Projects, we have been pioneers in the use of the Procore construction platform, which is a state-of-the-art tool that provides us with both efficiency in real-time data management and comfort in the execution of a work. Next, five main benefits that we obtain with the use of this tool:

1. Efficiency in inspection time;
2. More practical ways to work collaboratively, using digital tools;
3. Processes integrated with the practical management of construction administration and inspection;
4. Practicality to obtain authorizations and/or signatures regardless of the physical position of the person; and
5. Adaptability and flexibility in handling a high volume of documentation, as well as easily accessible and supported information.

As in all areas, adapting to new technologies, tools or systems always entails challenges from which no one escapes. Therefore, from our experience, here are the three that we consider the most relevant challenges:
→ Identify the correct tool;
→ Cost of the tool and implementation; and
→ Implementation plan and power of persuasion with the human staff that will use the tool.

The changes will continue. We positively see the new areas where technology is migrating, so we invite the construction sector to get involved and be interested in two extremely interesting and important fields, such as the implementation of 3D printers in construction, since it allows jobs to be carried out faster, with higher quality and in a cleaner and more efficient way, as well as sustainable construction, which is very important not only for the future of the industry, but also for our planet. Considering that resources are limited, we must focus on their best use and interact with nature, respecting and caring for it.

We know there is much more to do. It is a long road, but very promising, so we will continue to search for, integrate, and encourage technologies that allow us to continue increasing our efficiency and stay at the forefront of our projects.

La entrada Leap to technology: integration and efficiency se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

In summary, the Test Fit is an analysis process that is used so that —in a preliminary way— the use of a space can be visualized. In turn, this allows decisions to be made and a design to be much more aligned with the tastes and needs of the client, as well as the size of the place, proving that all the components fit within this space. It is done in conjunction with the designer and the client, resulting in a more efficient and much clearer design for a specific client.

It is important to understand the space requirements of the client and, in the same way, to comprehend their daily operation so that the design is consistent with the operation of the company, which is exactly what is sought to be achieved through a Test Fit. It also helps to better use the resources of a remodeling, a gray space or a new office, it helps to use the budget in the most efficient way, anticipating all the details and requirements, already based and aligned with the operation of the company that will be in execution in that new space.

In our experience with commercial projects, especially in the area of corporate offices, we have had the opportunity to experience how much value this process provides by helping us to clearly understand what is required by each of our clients and to avoid letting details slip that could only be seen when the site is already in operation. It also influences the schematic design phase as all parties test and examine the space plan.

Making the decision to run a Test Fit process is always a good idea, it’s a simple and fast process that does a lot, giving you a clear idea of the functionality of your future workspace, without exorbitant costs.

What do you need to start this process? Once the decision to carry it out is made, you only need:
→ Empty architectural plan to use as a base;
→ Essential requirements of the client in terms of spaces;
→ Approximate footage per space (if this information is available);
→ Company organization chart; and
→ Contact with the person in the company who sees and understands the daily operations.

In conclusion, once a Test Fit is done, those involved can see, react, and respond to the space plan prior to a final design and help guide all solutions for the full functionality of the future workspace.

La entrada What is a Test Fit? se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

Welcome to both. This December the doors of the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo hotel opened, a space located on the foundations of a long history, and it undoubtedly becomes an icon for our country. David, from your perspective as manager and representative of Sofitel, we would like you to tell us a little about what the Sofitel Legend Hotel is.

→ David Kianni: Well, first of all thanks for having me here, my name is David Kianni. I am the general manager of the Hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama of the Sofitel chain, which is one of the brands of the Accor hotel company. In turn, Accor is a French company, which has more than 5,000 hotels in the world with different types of categories: economic, midscale, upscale, luxury and ultra-luxury.

Sofitel hotel is one of the luxury brands and Sofitel Legend is the ultra luxury brand. This means that all Sofitel Legend Hotels must be located in a building with at least one hundred years of history or heritage. That is why we are here at the former Union Club. All Sofitel Legend hotels have high standards, offering products and services of much higher quality than other Sofitel hotels, of which there are more than 120 in the rest of the world.

As a foreigner, opening this emblematic hotel in Panama is a source of pride; for that, thank you, Panama! Thank you for allowing me to be here to open this hotel. Its history and heritage is very important, not only for Panama, but also for our brand. We have something called: “CULTURELink”, and part of this focuses on telling the story that we are living in the country. And now, with the doors already open, here we are in this fantastic building which was made possible in conjunction with Mar Azul Projects, and we are ready to share its story.

José Ramón, we would like to hear about you and that you can tell us about the experience of being part of this project for Mar Azul Projects.

→ José Ramón Icaza: My name is José Ramón Icaza, partner director of Mar Azul Projects. We are a firm that has more than ten years of experience in project management, technical inspection of works, and engineering services. For many years we have focused on developing large-scale and complex projects, unique projects such as the Sofitel Legend Hotel Project on this occasion, but we have also had the opportunity to participate in other projects.

Our service is based on three fundamental pillars: a proven track record, standardized processes, and a firm belief in innovation and technology. In this project, Sofitel Legend has allowed us to incorporate each of those experiences lived in the past, with processes and technologies, in order to develop this unique piece in Panama City.

From your perspective as director of Mar Azul Projects, a company with a history of many years, what has it meant to be part of this iconic project?

→ José Ramón Icaza: Well, from the moment the owners approached us to collaborate with the Sofitel Legend project, for us it really was the validation of many years of experience, trajectory and development of similar projects, because at that time they were Trusting in our company Mar Azul, in our work team and in myself, a project that for them was a jewel. It was about building a unique piece, as Mr. David has mentioned, in the Casco Antiguo, in Panama City.

From that moment on, with great commitment, enthusiasm and passion, we devoted ourselves to collaborating with the team that was developing the Hotel Sofitel Legend project at that time. We also meet the Sofitel brand team, committed to achieving the quality, product and service that has defined this brand for many years. In Panama an introduction has been made with golden gates in a property that truly represents what is the history of the development of Casco Antiguo in Panama City.

Having this Sofitel Legend Hotel on the sea makes it truly unique because there are very few properties in the world that can say that they are in a location like this, with the privilege of having all the rooms facing the sea, in an area of the city that is so many years old, with so much history. Especially in a city like Panama, a cosmopolitan city that connects all of the Americas and that always maintains a positive vibe that promotes the development process of the region.

José Ramón, tell us a little more about the specific support and contribution of Mar Azul Projects to the Sofitel Legend Hotel Project.

→ José Ramón Icaza: Mar Azul finds itself with a project in the process of finally finishing the rooms, the common areas, the architectural part, everything that the guests experience and see, and that both for Mar Azul and for Sofitel, was of great importance to execute with the expected quality.

When we joined the project, we had the difficult task of being able to organize that each of the systems complied with the standards of the Sofitel brand. It was sought that the electromechanical part, the part that many times the client does not see (everything that is behind the walls), would work properly so that the quality of the service that the guest receives is always at an optimal level. In the same way that the electromechanical part was worked on, we turned to making all the revisions of the architecture, internal design, and systems, in order to make the corresponding corrections and proceed with the commissioning process and final delivery to the Sofitel Hotel.

When we entered, we found an advanced project; however, there were areas that we had to correct in order to achieve the quality required by the brand. Our way of acting was to assign a committed team, with vast experience in the construction of unique and high-quality spaces, in order to integrate all the necessary pieces. The assigned team was a diversified team, not only with experience in hotel projects, but a team with vast experience managing high-end corporate offices and luxury residential; other areas of the construction industry in which we have extensive experience.

Thanks to all this diversification in knowledge, it was finally possible to integrate the electromechanical systems, occupational safety systems, air conditioning ventilation systems with architecture, among others, to proceed with the final completion of the project and enter the installation stage of all the furniture. Furniture of exquisite taste, with a contemporary French touch, which has given it the final distinctive touch to be able to create these very pleasant spaces that we have today in the hotel.

We would like to hear from each of you, now from a more human perspective, how has the collaboration between the Sofitel Hotel team and the Mar Azul Projectsteam been for you?

→ José Ramón Icaza: I could start by commenting that when we started, one of the things we found was a communication that had room for improvement. We understood that over time, the communication between the construction team, the design team, the Sofitel Hotel team, and the owner’s team had deteriorated.

Upon identifying this, we quickly began working to improve communication between the different teams for the benefit of the project, always keeping in mind the expectations and needs of the owner and the Sofitel brand.

Our job was to identify where that opportunity for improvement existed within all the parties involved, in order to speed up the workflow and achieve quality standards and time within budget in the same way. We did it in a fashion that we were able to establish successful communication channels that allowed us to recover that trust that had deteriorated throughout the project’s execution time. In this way, the team of designers, the hotel team, and the owner’s team felt confident that Mar Azul could support them to continue with the work.

We created cross collaborations between teams. We connected the electromechanical team of Mar Azul Projects with the electromechanical and the Fire Life and Safety team of the Hotel Sofitel, with the support of a new commissioning team to be able to integrate this component. In the same way, we integrated the team that was seeing the final completion of the architecture of the project from Mar Azul Projects with the internal design team of the Hotel Sofitel and we added to this collaboration the list of suppliers and subcontractors, in such a way that there was a synergy that would allow them to reach the expected quality standard.

Finally, the line of communication was worked at the executive level, considering the Mar Azul team, in this case led by myself, with the hotel team, led by manager David Kianni, the corporate team of the Accor Sofitel chain and the hotel owner. Communication channels and bridges of trust were forged. I can say that this was the success that allowed us to move forward with a road map and work plan and thus be able to reach the goal.

→ David Kianni: I think the key word here is collaboration. And, from the moment we started working together, we have had a very good collaboration between different teams, which José Ramón just mentioned. It is not my first time working with a construction and architecture team. I have worked in different places and I can say that we have had an excellent relationship and we are here, with this beautiful hotel open, that we work together, hand in hand. And also thanks to effective communication, which helped us get to this point. We have done an excellent job together.

Thank you both, you have shared your perspectives very well with us. Now, we would like to hear from David, what do you consider has been the greatest value that Mar Azul Projects has contributed in the execution and delivery process?

→ David Kianni: I started working on this project two years ago and, prior to the entry of Mar Azul, when we worked with another administration that was managing the construction, we were not achieving what we have achieved in the short term with José Ramón and his team. Prior to Mar Azul, it was difficult because the communication was not there, nor was the commitment. But, again, with Mar Azul we have achieved an excellent product, because we have worked together, which was made possible by the experience that Mar Azul has creating other hotels, creating other projects, creating luxury apartments. They understand very well the level of detail and the level of demand that we are looking for, which has allowed us to make what we have achieved possible.

After all the hard work that has been done, the integration of new teams, the adaptation, all the challenges, what does this achievement represent for you and how do you envision being able to enjoy this space?

→ David Kianni: We have a fabulous project, but it’s not fully complete yet; we continue to work hard and finalize details to finish it and be able to open the hotel at 100%, something that is going to happen very, very soon. We are very close to getting there and, well, how am I going to enjoy it? With open heart and hands, because we are going to invite all Panamanians and foreigners to live not only the history of this building, but also the unique experience that we are going to create for our clients in this Sofitel Legend.

→ José Ramón Icaza: I would add that, after a rather arduous construction process, we must recognize the work of all the people who made this project possible; the design team, architects, contractors, different administrations, different owners.

I think that many times, when you see a building, one fails to perceive all the effort, complexity, and hard work that was required to achieve these unique spaces and, when you have the opportunity to complete a project, I think that it is very important to take a moment to recognize the commitment and dedication of all the people involved.

Despite the fact that we have sometimes experienced difficult moments, we have also experienced very pleasant moments and, always with David, we have joked that when we finish this project we will have a good beer and come to enjoy the space.

There have been many stories that we have lived to make this hotel possible. Stories of laughter, stories of surprises, some positive and others not so much, but in the end, they have all been stories that remain as memories and experiences that allow us to grow. Once the project is fully completed, Panama wins, Casco Viejo wins with a world-class hotel offer, and the tourism sector also wins, because Sofitel Legend brings with it many experiences, a world-class service that in turn will raise the standard of care and service in Panama. I am sure that we are going to enjoy it and we are going to celebrate together thanks to that work team that has been doing everything possible for several months to make Sofitel Legend a reality.

To finish this interview, we would like both of you to invite everyone to get to know Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo and to live this experience.

→ José Ramón Icaza: I believe that there are different ways to extend an invitation, both to Panamanians and from abroad. As David well commented at the beginning of the interview, this is a unique property, a property that is over a hundred years old and that brings back many memories to Panamanians; above all, to those Panamanians who are in their third and fourth ages and had the opportunity to get to know the former Union Club before its headquarters moved.

When you wander around the hotel and begin to walk through the spaces and see the photographs, such as the historical photos that are in the boardroom, it really seems that you are transporting yourself to the past. I want to invite Panamanians to live that story at the New Sofitel Legend Hotel because Panamanians who had the opportunity to visit this club at the time or even when it was in ruins, I know that when they visit it now they will remember very beautiful moments. And the foreigners who probably did not know its story will now have the opportunity to understand it, live it, and hear it from the person who receives them, always with a smile. I am sure that they can also imagine a bit about the grandeur of this space and what has been managed to be rescued today.

→ David Kianni: Panama is a jewel, a jewel that is not yet known worldwide. I believe that, with the construction and opening of this hotel, we can position Panama as a luxury destination for luxury travelers who are looking for unique experiences, because Panama has everything, it has culture, it has friendly people with beautiful smiles, it has biodiversity, it has something called duality: it has North America, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean.

So why not talk about and present Panama as it should be and how people should know it? At Hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, we are going to tell all those stories, we are going to open our doors to our clients, so that they can discover Panama, everything that was and everything that is now, from the former Union Club; the Sofitel Legend Hotel, an oasis that is built on a fabulous building.

And, as José Ramón mentioned, many people were involved in this vision; people who dreamed what this hotel could be after what it was. I believe that we are telling a fabulous story for everyone, both Panamanians and foreigners. So again, I am very proud to be able to open these doors for our clients and we are here to welcome you all.

December 23, 2022
Hotel Sofitel Legend, Casco Viejo
Panama City, Panama

La entrada Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, a unique experience in Panama se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

Regarding the post-tensioned slabs, we can summarize that they are a construction system composed of high-strength steel, arranged according to a parabolic configuration, previously analyzed, and designed by a structural engineer, considering the use of the particular structure.

It is through cables inside the concrete, which are anchored by means of wedges to their anchors (live or dead) at the ends of the slabs and, subsequently, are subjected to a determined tension. This procedure is called slab tensioning where internal pre-stresses are induced, opposite to the application of the loads and that helps to minimize the effect when loads are exerted on the slabs and it is executed, once the control laboratory of quality, validates the minimum design resistance of the concrete, required according to plans. This resistance is expected after three days.

At Mar Azul, our inspection service is in charge of verifying and validating each process at the time of tensioning and, before the laboratory provides and delivers the concrete resistance, information obtained at the time of taking the corresponding concrete sample. when pouring each slab. Within the revisions that are carried out, another very important one is the calibration of the equipment; Once reviewed and complied with, authorization is given to proceed with the tensioning.

A post-tensioned system can be used for commercial, residential buildings, foundation slabs, parking decks, and other industrial uses.

There are many benefits of post-tensioned slabs. We will share three that we consider provide great value and we will review them in a comparative way to the traditional system, such as a reinforced slab:

Initially, a post-tensioned slab significantly reduces construction times, since after three days when the tensioning has been completed, the slab can be stripped. A reinforced slab approximately requires a one month waiting period to be able to strip the slab.

As a second benefit, we can highlight that the structure is much lighter, also allowing the slab to be thinner, which directly impacts both savings in concrete and in the amount of steel, in addition to allowing greater spans, lights or spaces between supports. In a reinforced slab, its weight is greater, both due to the amount of steel and the required amount of concrete, and the spans cannot maintain as much distance as in a post-tensioned slab.

And, as a third point, the reinforced slab also provides greater design flexibility. Unlike a reinforced one, which requires more analysis for slabs with less traditional shapes.

Additionally, when purchasing the cables, it is important to take into account that they must comply with what is specified in the plans and with the respective certifications of the product, according to standards, in order to be sure that we are selecting quality materials. Similarly, for the installation, companies with previous experience must be used and, therefore, verify that all the equipment is in good condition and properly calibrated with their corresponding calibration certifications.

Reducing the natural cracking of the concrete, savings in materials, and greater spans between supports are examples of benefits that we can obtain through the use of post-tensioned slabs, and this, in turn, allows structural improvement; a real evolution as far as slab options are concerned.

La entrada Our experience with post-tensioned slabs se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

This new trend pays special attention to the spaces in which we live and work, which is why we want to share our experience with office projects that have sought to provide their collaborators with that efficient space that invites them to attend and return to their jobs with a nicer modern shape.

Today, a modern and productive office gives you comfort and change. A novelty that has brought a series of spaces that have been designed to develop proactivity and enthusiasm in collaborators. In these types of offices we will find unconventional spaces that provide flow and dynamism within collaborative activities, allowing for better concentration, organization, and creativity.

Definitely, the pandemic brought with it good and not so good things; however, we believe that the home office has greatly influenced the design of both new and old offices. For this, the designers have had to develop attractive and significant spaces that invite the collaborator to return to their operating centers, which are undoubtedly necessary for optimal development based on the requirements of each company, without overlooking the resumption of the ability to share among collaborators that influences the work environment so much.

Today, a trend has emerged for additional collaborative spaces that allow greater concentration, where comfort and flow in the operation of production activities are the basis; where each piece of furniture has its function, lighting is key, the temperature must be adequate, among many other things that are linked to optimize results and functions to be developed. We went from having just one meeting room to several collaborative spaces for different groups, both in size and focused on the desired result, be it creativity, concentration, or social. In itself, it is sought that the spaces respond to the integral needs of the collaborators and not only to the work spaces.

These new and modern office designs provide us with multiple benefits: functionality, dynamism, contributions to proactivity, security, and warmth. They allow effective communication, collaboration spaces, and contribute enormously to the camaraderie among collaborators.

We can mention aspects that have been developed to improve or bring novelty to the current office spaces, such as:
→ Lighting: it must be adequate, it is essential and can contribute or affect health and comfort in the office;
→ The furniture: it must give the collaborator the necessary comfort for the efficient performance of their functions;
→ Collaborative spaces: help to break with the classic desk and chair; and
→ Lactation areas: have come to stay since they are new requirements by law that are being handled within the new designs.

Without a doubt, multifunctional spaces are here to stay. That we have the possibility of adapting an area to make it comfortable for collaborators is priceless. It is important to be clear that working in areas that are tangibly efficient and correctly designed with the user in mind brings optimal results.

Businesses evolve and, in turn, the environment; That is why it is not possible to stay traditional with so many novelties at hand that will allow us to offer better services and all this, with the help that the new and innovative office spaces offer us.

La entrada Multifunctional spaces se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

There are several types of certifications with different purposes. It is important to choose it appropriately according to the area that the company is interested in addressing and define what it wants to achieve with this certification, adapt and align it with both the organizational goals and the amount to be invested, or the focus of the company’s objectives for certification, whether it is human welfare, cost reduction, impact minimization, or corporate differentiation. For the construction sector there are certifications that represent an ecological and responsible construction, focused on the design, construction, modernization, and maintenance of these. These are the five most important:

→ Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): it is one of the best-known building certification systems whose acceptance continues to increase, demonstrating that these are practices and methods that do work. LEED certification focuses on strategies to improve performance, energy efficiency, water efficiency, emission reduction, air quality, and resources in general. In this certification, there are classifications depending on the degree or level that the building wants to reach, such as: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This certification is recognized worldwide and, by obtaining it, provides a special distinction from the rest of the companies, both in the design and construction processes as well as in the operation processes; the latter is the process that requires continuous recertification, unlike the first two, which, once obtained, are permanent.

→ Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE): this certification is used for both new and existing constructions and allows evaluating the cost of ecology and encouraging savings. It has been applied and very well accepted in developing countries, both for luxury and economic projects, in the residential, commercial, hospital, and tourism sectors. It also allows adapting to the stage where the project is and does not sacrifice design, being a little simpler and more intuitive. Another benefit of obtaining this certification is that it has been used as a prerequisite for the financing of projects with banking entities where, in order to avoid risks, the bank requests this certification as a requirement.

→ International WELL Building Institute (WELL): this certification focuses on people, on creating spaces where human health and well-being are promoted. WELL is divided and certified by steps, ranging from adapting a space in the building to an entire organization. This certification is not so easy to monetize; however, it transmits and demonstrates a strong corporate culture, allowing the company to differentiate itself from the rest by generating quality of life in areas such as family, food, comfort, personal productivity, and mental health, which allows it to create a totally distinctive corporate image.

→ Living Building Challenge: international in scope, it is known for being the most rigorous certification of sustainable buildings and ecological construction of all. It is considered a futuristic certification, which seeks to reject everything, creating a completely sustainable cycle. Each of its seven categories is certified by petals as it is known to address the following specific issues: place, water, energy, health, materials, equity, and beauty.

→ Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM): created in the United Kingdom, it is considered the oldest method for certifying the sustainability of a building. It promotes obtaining credit for categories such as health, management, wellness, energy, transportation, water, materials, waste, pollution, and innovation. The final certification depends on the number of credits obtained in the design, construction, and maintenance phases. This certification focuses both on the people linked to a building and on the company’s corporate image.

There are many benefits to be gained by deciding to obtain a certification. Its main reason, and the most important, is to provide well-being to people and the environment. Undoubtedly, obtaining a certification provides valuable benefits at the corporate level, such as the generation of trust in the company, since there is no better marketing than a company that transmits concern for its environment. In addition, it provides great value when obtaining bank financing and, of course, marks a unique differentiation between companies.

When a company decides to make a change and support it with a certification, it takes a big step towards well-being as a whole, since it is not only the company that receives the certification. It also entails the creation of more sustainable products and solutions, more responsible manufacturers and better processes that allow them to be part of this market. All this indirectly leads those involved to seek improvement and this is a positive impact that we all benefit from.

La entrada Which sustainable certification to choose and which is the most suitable for my project? se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

On this occasion, we want to share recommendations when working with natural stones, since it is of great importance to pay special attention at the time of its selection, installation, and handling in order to make the most of all the benefits that this type of finish offers.

First, we must evaluate the area where it is going to be installed taking into account the type of material that we are going to choose, if it is for exterior or interior, if it is for a humid area and if it is going to be installed on the floor or wall.

A second point of great importance is knowing what material will be installed. For the installation of stones in walls, it must be ensured that the type of wall supports the weight of the stone as well as its porosity. If the installation is on floors, topping must be carried out with a good dosage; especially if it will be exposed to outdoor elements.

Regarding the topping, we must emphasize that it must be completely dry with the appropriate dilations and a good dosage.

Third, but not least important, is the proper care when placing the stone with the use of spacers so that the joints between the stones are symmetrical and thus prevent the pieces from breaking in the future. Similarly, cleaning should be done with water and neutral cleaners designed for natural stone. Do not use a mop; rather a damp towel that is first passed to the floor. Then the products can be applied. It is also important to avoid the use of acidic products that can stain the stone.

Let’s not forget that natural stone, as its name indicates, comes from natural processes of millions of years, so each piece of this material is unique and unrepeatable.

Natural stone cladding embellishes any room; take these recommendations into account and encourage yourself to use them.

La entrada Recommendations for working with natural stones se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

Having a fixed cost reduces the risk for the client and the contractor bears any risk if costs rise, as well as bears all the benefits of lowering costs. However, this benefit for the client is linked to the fact that the scope and specifications under which the fixed price has been agreed are fully defined, and this is where the risk of change orders for this type of contract lies. Any activity that has not been considered or any specification that has been omitted within the original agreement, implies a change order for the contractor and, therefore, an adjustment in the price.

In addition, the contractor would always be motivated to reduce costs in order to increase the profit, which is why an independent technical inspection is crucial to validate the quality of the work performed.

There are different variations of the standard fixed cost contract modality that seek to mitigate these situations, such as the Fixed Cost Contract plus Incentive Fees or the Fixed Cost Contract plus Performance Fees. In all these cases, the contractor is usually the one in charge of managing all the work subcontracts: windows, doors, elevators, etc., charging an administration and utility fee that typically ranges between 8% and 15%, depending on the size and the complexity of the work.

At Mar Azul we offer support to our clients under the figure of Construction Management (CM). Under this figure, the project would not have a general contractor or GC, but different subcontracts would be handled, which would be managed by a CM.

Under the figure of CM, the work of all the client’s contractors and suppliers is managed and supervised, also supporting the price negotiations of all contracts. This figure guarantees that all the savings generated by the management will belong to the client and, in addition, achieves significant savings in the indirect costs described above, reducing them to approximately 4% – 5%, depending also on the size and complexity of the project.

This figure also outsources the inspection of the project for better quality control during execution. Some benefits of the CM figure include:

1. The client keeps all the savings with contractors and suppliers as a result of value engineering, optimization, and price negotiation;
2. Control of the real cost of project change orders, without paying additional administration and utility margins;
3. Control of the quality of labor and materials of specialized contractors and suppliers;
4. Control of withholdings and deductions to be applied to contractors for defective work; and
5. After-sales and warranty control, once the delivery has been made.

At Mar Azul we advise our clients on which is the best route for their project, depending on each situation. We have clients who have opted for the figure of GC in some of their projects and CM in others, depending on the particularities of each case.

At Mar Azul we are happy to support our clients in these analyses. Contact us to advise you on the best structure and contractual modality for your project.

La entrada How can Construction Management (CM) optimize your indirect construction costs? se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.

First let’s start with its definition: a Light System is an industrialized system that stands out for the use of light products and that does not require the addition of sand and cement mixtures, also known as dry construction. Among its main characteristics we have: high degree of specification and well-defined processes, savings in labor, cleanliness on site, compliance with international standards, weight reduction in the building and architectural comfort.

Throughout our history we have worked with different lightweight systems. Some outstanding projects where these types of systems have been used are: Tryp Panamá Albrook Mall Hotel, Santa María Court – Hotel and the Greengarden Project. Within them, the most widely used systems are: firewall, acoustic, against humidity and exteriors. These systems are always accompanied by heavy gauge profiles, insulation, elastomeric seals and sheets of different types and thicknesses. These types of systems provide better thermo-acoustic comfort for spaces, better quality finishes and works with a certified guarantee for fast and efficient construction processes, all benefits that represent a great value to each project.

When deciding to use lightweight systems it is important to use materials with the correct specification for the different uses and applications that the buildings entail. On the other hand, the technical parameters requested by some organizations that use their own standards, based on international guidelines such as the USG, must be met, which ensures optimal results can be obtained.

One of the important challenges presented to us in one project was to recommend and demonstrate to the client and project contractor, the use of lightweight systems on the internal walls of a tall building, where the client had requested a traditional system of blocks. It was resolved by demonstrating the degree of detail of the technical specifications, the guarantee of the finishes, the ease of construction, the speed of the system and, finally and of great value, the considerable weight reduction in the building due to the use of this system versus the traditional block system, which provided considerable savings, considering the construction area.

Like any system, an evaluation is required from its specification; the type of project must be taken into account to avoid errors and to ensure that the system will prove to be consistent with its purpose. In the same way, it is always important to maintain established processes and correctly carry the installation guides, avoiding failures in the execution. An example of what to take into account when specifying these types of systems is our climate. When we consider the use of these systems in extreme climates, once the best option is correctly specified, it has very good performance, especially in the humid – tropical climate of the Republic of Panama.

It is important to mention that the knowledge and experience in the management of these systems allows us to open the borders to use them in international projects, in which these systems have a common use, and provides a difference in experience and knowledge compared to what is traditionally used locally. That is why in Mar Azul Projects we always continue to learn about these systems and the new options they offer to the national and international market, to always be able to offer the best alternatives to each of our clients.

La entrada Our experiences with Light Systems se publicó primero en Mar Azul | Project Management.