Omni Block in Saudi Arabia
The construction has begun on the first residential building in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The builder/developer Al-Tahaluf Real Estate, a subsidiary K. Hovnanian, a USA based company, is closely working with the Saudi Ministry of Housing to bring highly sought after cost-effective and energy efficient construction technologies to the Kingdom. After considerable due diligence and studies of numerous insulated wall systems, Al-Tahaluf selected Omni Block as their product of choice.
Construction began August 13, 2017 on a 250 square meter (3200 square feet) single family middle income residence. The photos below document the construction process and the surrounding development improved with paved roads and decorative light posts.
Basically, Riyadh is growing rapidly and new developments are springing up in its outskirts, which formally were in the middle of the Arabian Desert.
After the pad was compacted the footings were formed and the rebar placed according to the engineers from Arizona Structural in Phoenix, AZ.
The footings being pumped with concrete. The work attire can be much different in Saudi Arabia, even when it is 115°F (46°C) most of the day.
An aerial photo of the footing being poured with a concrete pump from a ready mix truck. In the background the photos shows the block and insulation inserts (covered) and other building materials. This will be the model home of the 462 lot development; all earmarked for Omni Block constructed homes. Omni Block inventor and CEO, Denny Miller, is in the noticeable white shirt.
Once the forms are removed the massiveness of the 30″ wide by 12″ thick footing is exposed. The interior footing is for the engineered staircase wall.
