Lanka tsunami project nominated for architecture awards

US: A ground-breaking project created by Colliers International that reconstructed the Sri Lankan village of Kirinda after the tsunami has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards in Las Vegas in November.

The awards take place at the world-famous Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas on 16th November. The Kirinda project was nominated for the Best Architecture (multiple units) prize as one of the top four scorers in entries from around the world. The gala event coincides with the National Association of Realtors conference and expo in Las Vegas from 13th-16th November.

The Kirinda project was previously honoured at the MIPIM real estate awards in Cannes in March where it won the Best Residential Development award and received a Special Tribute award. Following its success at the summit a new prize was announced, the Green Building award.

Shigeru Ban - the architect hailed by Time Magazine as one of the Top 100 innovators of the 21st century - worked with the trust set up by Colliers International, the Colliers Kirinda Trust, to reconstruct the village.

He and his firm of architects donated their time to produce a radical vision that embraces local traditions and materials (the houses were constructed with rubber tree wood, coconut wood, teak, and sun-dried earthen blocks, natural materials chosen for their durability, strength and beauty) and conforms to the highest environmental standards.

His design ensures that the houses can breathe in the heat and that air can circulate freely inside.

Many other project homes made from concrete force occupiers to sit outside during the hot dry season. Also, all wood for the project has been purchased from local tree farms, which has kept the money in the local economy. And in a first, 100% solar-powered street lighting has been introduced.

Philip Bay, Regional Director, Colliers International Southeast Europe, initiated the project and is a trustee of the Colliers Kirinda Trust. "I am delighted that we have received this recognition for the project. It underlines what an extraordinary achievement this is by Shigeru Ban, my colleagues in Colliers, and of course the people of Kirinda and our friends in Sri Lanka."

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has welcomed the impact of the project. "The project has become the standard to compare with for ongoing tsunami reconstruction work in Sri Lanka."

More information about the Kirinda project can be found at www.collierskirinda.com.

Live-PR.com