Dubai, UAE, 12 February, 2013: The Cape Reed Group of Companies, a world leader in the construction and installation of exclusive tailor-made timber and thatch structures, has completed work on the only commercially developed island on The World.

The Royal Island Beach Club, a Caribbean-style beach club aimed at high-flyers, is the first commercial development to open on Dubai's famous offshore island project The World.

Cape Reed's work included the construction of the main restaurant building which comfortably seats up to 200 guests, as well as eight chalets, 10 beach umbrellas, and two cabanas for welcoming guests.

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.

"The treatment of the timber had to be environmentally friendly as we did not want any chemicals in the timber treatment to endanger sea life surrounding the island," explains André van Heerden, Managing Partner for Cape Reed's Middle East operations.

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 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 than a standard roof cover, making it ideal for the local climate.

"The entire process from design to completion took more than a year due to the lengthy approval process by the developers because of the uniqueness of the project. Naturally, due to the location of the island, we also had a few logistical challenges getting the material and our team of thatching artisans to and from the island on a daily basis," added van Heerden.

Wakil Admed Azmi, owner of The Royal Island Beach Club, said that the work done by Cape Reed on the island is truly commendable.

"Their fine work is not only appreciated by us, but also by everyone who has visited this island, and we are all extremely satisfied by Cape Reed's work, as well as their professionalism and dedication."

"Lebanon Island and The Royal Island Beach Club is synonymous with Cape Reed, because everyone who visits the island really appreciates the beautiful South African structures created by the company," added Azmi.

The Royal Island Beach Club is located on the island of Lebanon on The World development, four kilometres out to sea, and takes approximately 30 minutes by water taxi. The club has eight private chalets, an international cuisine restaurant, a swimming pool and two beach areas.  

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.

© Press Release 2013