Progress made on supertall buildings in Noida, Colombo.

One of India’s Tallest Towers Looks Toward Completion

At 300 m tall and 80 stories, Spira will become one of the tallest towers in India, and developer Supertech Ltd. expects it to be complete in two years, the Hindustan Times reported. Part of the Supernova development in Noida, Spira will contain 600 studio apartments and 250 other residential units, along with offices, hotels, stores and an array of high-end amenities including “high-tech and high-speed elevators,” according to contractor Arabian Construction Co. (ACC). In September, construction had reached the 59th floor on Spira, and approximately 100 residents had moved in to their homes in the 44-story, 180-m-tall Nova East and West towers. Supertech said it is developing 80,000 flats at 50 locations across northern India.

84-Story Ritz-Carlton Residences Rising Quickly

The 326-m-tall (84-story) Ritz-Carlton Residences is rising quickly in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with construction reaching the 16th floor in September, Daily FT reported. Part of a trio of towers also including the 376-m-tall commercial building The One and 303-m-tall JW Marriott International Tower, Ritz-Carlton Residences is scheduled for completion in December 2021. It will contain one- to four-bedroom units and 2,900 m2 of event space. Previously part of the development known as Krrish Square (ELEVATOR WORLD, December 2013), Ritz-Carlton Residences is being developed by One Transworks Square Ltd., with Zhong Tian Ding Hui Co. as general contractor.

Startup Aims to Turn Elevator Cabs Into Fire Safe Rooms

Within three years, Israeli startup Salamandra Zone aims to partner with an elevator manufacturer to bring its technology known as B-Air to the market, Israel 21c reported. Geared toward high rises, the solution consists of a small device placed on top of an elevator cab that converts toxic gases into breathable air in “nanoseconds,” as well as a high-powered fan that prevents smoke from entering the cab and sends cool air into it. The source noted that elevators typically shut off when a fire is detected, but Salamandra Zone wants to turn elevators into “safe rooms” with its system that senses and converts toxic gases, enabling escape.

Earlier this year, the company’s seven-person staff spent several weeks at Underwriters Laboratories offices in the U.S. to test their equipment. Salamandra Zone CEO Marat Maayan told ELEVATOR WORLD in September the company is in contact with a number of elevator manufacturers and is progressing toward finalization of the product.