Dubai, UAE, 15 December, 2013: The Cape Reed Group of Companies, a world leader in the construction and installation of exclusive tailor-made sustainable timber and thatch structures, has completed a 15 million Dirham project for the new Sofitel resort located on the Palm Jumeirah.

Cape Reed started work on the project in April 2011 and has completed the design and installation of 7,000m² thatched roofing for the hotel, as well as 5,000m² thatch tile ceilings, including 100 meters of timber hand rails and 800m² of timber decking. The company also designed and built 60 thatched breach umbrellas, 40 thatched beach cabanas, five life guard huts, as well as 200m² of timber pergolas. 

Special pressure-treated timber columns from South Africa were used to build all the structures, while the group's unique cape reed thatching was used for all the roofs.

"Cape Reed was involved with this project from the design stage and we are extremely proud to be a part of this tremendous accomplishment and to see this remarkable resort set new standards for sustainable resorts in the UAE," said Andre van Heerden, Managing Partner, Cape Reed Group of Companies.

"In fact Cape Reed thatch recently achieved a score of 54.52 and our Eucalyptus timber scored 80.31 in the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council's Estidama standards (Arabic for sustainability), which further proves the high level of sustainability of the materials we use."

The company's primary roofing material, which also gives the company its name, is cape reed, a unique kind of thatch that only grows on a small strip of land, approximately 78 x 23km, in the Southern Cape region of South Africa. Because of its scarcity very strict farming practices are adhered to in order to ensure its sustainability.

The cape reed plant grows for an average of six years before it is harvested, and provides one of the most durable natural fibres on earth, making it ideal for thatching. Cape Reed thatching structures have a life expectancy of anything from 20 to 50 years. It allows trapped water and heat to escape, making it waterproof and UV-proof, while its insulating properties mean it can be as much as 10˚C cooler in summer, and warmer in winter than a standard roof cover, making it ideal for the local climate.

"The natural materials used throughout the resort are key in connecting our guests to their environment," said Christophe Schnyder, General Manager of Sofitel The Palm, Dubai.

"Cape reed definitely falls into this category as they provide a very successful natural product with a high level of installation and quality control. They were selected due to their expertise in dealing with the natural reed product, which was utilised effectively as a unique architectural element throughout the Palm Jumeirah Sofitel Resort."

The Sofitel Palm Resort & Spa opened on the 1st July, 2013, and is a Polynesian-themed resort with 318 rooms and suites, as well as 561 serviced apartments, 42 beach suite units, as well as three luxurious Lodge Villas that belong to the owner of the development, and will be for his exclusive use. The resort will also feature 12 restaurants and lounges, including a health club, Spa, tennis courts, 10 swimming pools, including a private beach and entertainment activities ideal for families. The 5-star resort will also include banqueting and events facilities for up to 500 people.

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About Cape Reed Group of Companies
The Cape Reed Group of Companies is a world leader in the construction and installation of exclusive tailor made timber and thatch structures, with offices in Dubai (UAE), Cape Town (South Africa), Marbella (Spain), and Valetta (Malta), and new expansions into  Qatar and the South of France.

The company's primary roofing material, which also gives the company its name, is cape reed (thamnochortus insignis), a unique kind of thatch that only grows on a small strip of land, approximately 78x23km, in the Southern Cape region of South Africa. Because of its scarcity very strict farming practices are adhered to in order to ensure its sustainability.

The cape reed plant grows for an average of six years before it is harvested, and provides one of the most durable natural fibres on earth, making it ideal for thatching. Cape Reed thatching structures have a life expectancy of anything from 20 to 50 years. It allows trapped water and heat to escape, making it waterproof and UV-proof, while its insulating properties mean it can be as much as 10˚C cooler in summer, and warmer in winter if compared with a conventional roof, making it ideal for the local climate.

The Cape Reed Group has also developed a unique fire retardant construction method, by weaving a fire retardant cloth into the thatch. This material is able to withstand temperatures of up to 500˚C. In the case of commercial projects, the fire rating can further be enhanced by the application of an international approved chemical (Cape Reed FireShield) that is sprayed both internally and externally.

Together with beautiful timber harvested every 15-20 years from sustainable forests where 165,000 new trees are planted annually, Cape Reed creates stunning gazebos, pergolas, majlis' and  chiringuitos, as well as roofs and interiors, complemented by additional extras such as light fittings and furniture handcrafted in South Africa.

Cape Reed has introduced rustic chic to properties around the region, from villas on The Palm,  Emirates Hills, Victory Heights and in Arabian Ranches, to commercial projects including Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, Royal Island Beach Club on Lebanon Island The World, and Sofitel Hotel and Resort on the Palm Jumeirah.

The company's work has won numerous awards including the Arch of Europe in the Gold Category for quality and technology, and the Dubai Swimming Pool and Traders Association Gold Awards.

Cape Reed believes in benefitting society as well as the environment, which is why it has set up a training academy for specialised craftsmen in South Africa, and is also involved in various outreach projects.

For further details, please contact:
André van Heerden
Managing Partner
Cape Reed Group of Companies                                                                
Tel: 04 341 7452  
Email: andre@capereed.com    
www.capereed.com

Lorey Fenton   
Marketing Communications Consultant                                                                                    
Tel: 050 553-4231      
Email: lorey@lmcdubai.com

© Press Release 2013