Monday, August 10, 2009

Reaching new heights

Kalpataru Limited’s innovative designs and excellence in construction has carved a niche for itself, says Parag Munot .

Since its inception in 1969 by chairman Mr Mofatraj Munot, Kalpataru Group has witnessed several changes. Kalpataru has developed a core competence in the field of property development, power transmission towers, civil engineering, property management and real estate. Kalpataru Limited is the real estate arm and a part of Kalpataru Group.
Kalpataru had a humble beginning with the first project Kalpataru at Peddar Road. Since then, they have set up some landmark projects. Kalpataru Heights in 1995-96 was, at 39 storeys, the tallest building at that time. At Kalpataru Horizon, Worli, the first floor starts from 14th level, where space is dedicated to parking, a clubhouse, and gymnasium.
Mr Parag Munot, director, who joined the group in 1995, after pursuing his education at Carnegie Mellon University, USA. says: "Quality, innovative design, achieving excellence in technical aspects as well as customer experience have always been Kalpataru’s aims.”
Kalpataru has a presence in Mumbai as well as Pune. In Mumbai, its projects are in Thane, Ghatkopar, Andheri, Sion, and Parel, among others. "Every locality has its own uniqueness," Mr Munot adds.
Citing their project at Sion, Mr Munot says, "Kalpataru Residency was a different project, as people from Sion itself shifted to our project. We also have Kalpataru Habitat, which was altogether an achievement, as having a luxurious project at Parel was never thought of."
Their current projects include Kalpataru Aura at Ghatkopar, Kalpataru Towers, Kalpataru Gardens Phase II at Kandivali (east), Srishti at Mira Road, Kalpataru Estate at Andheri (east), Kamdhenu at Mulund (east), Siddhachal and Kalpataru Hills at Thane (west) and their Navi Mumbai project Kalpataru Riverside at Panvel. Projects in Pune are Kalpataru Estate at Pimpale Gurav, Sudha Kalash at Pimpale Nilakh, Kalpataru Serenity at Manjari. Some future projects include Kalpataru Pinnacle at Malad (west) and Kalpataru Splendour at Wakad.
Kalpataru is also present in the commercial segment with Korum at Thane (west), Kalpataru Square at Andheri (east). Kalpataru Synergy at Santacruz (east), Kalpataru Point at Sion and Kalpataru Court at Chembur, which are completed projects.
Going green is the new trend and Kalpataru has used ample green initiatives, particularly in Kalpataru Square. Most of their projects are environment friendly and importance is given to energy saving. Mr Munot says, "Our commercial project Kalpataru Square has received platinum level pre certification LEEDS-CS rating from the US Green Building Council."
"Land cost has to be low for affordable housing," feels Mr Munot. Affordable housing has a huge demand and depends upon location and city, Mr Munot says.
Elaborating on their E3 homes concept, Mr Munot says, "Most families prefer to buy 2 BHK and an extra room is always a good value proposition. We have pioneered the concept of E3 homes (economical, elegant and efficient) to offer an additional room to customers and let them enjoy the benefits of 3BHK, while not actually paying the cost for a regular 3BHK."
Demands have changed over the years and buyers have become quality conscious. Mr Munot explains, "Every customer wishes to be in a home, where one is getting luxurious amenities within the complex."
Kalpataru Group is firmly committed to the community through its Munot Foundation. Mr Munot says, "We have Mobile Crèches at construction sites for worker's children and medical camps are also held at our projects. We also do many social activities at our home town Rajasthan."
Kalpataru has received many awards for their contribution to the sector. The group has won awards for Kalpataru Horizon and Kalpataru Synergy. Kalpataru Heights received the award of "Outstanding Concrete Structure 1999-2000" by Indian Concrete Institute, Maharashtra Mumbai Centre.
Speaking of the industry, Mr Munot says, "There has been a dramatic change due to professionalism, FDI opening and appetite of the developer is also growing. "Infrastructure is very important for the sector," he adds. "Projects like Bandra-Worli sea link, and metro rail will really boost the sector, but government needs to increase the initiatives."
Mr Munot says that what he likes best about being in the industry is the “passion to create developments” During leisure hours, Mr Munot likes to spend time with his family and pursue photography.
"Our vision,” he declares, “is to give premium and innovative projects and to see that buyers get the best."

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