COVER STORY

By Pinaki Roy (with inputs from Sushila Budhathoki, Bivek Dhakal and Abha Dhital)

 

Corporate Buildings

Customised Business Premises as Corporate Fad

 

Corporate houses in Nepal are attracted towards having their own buildings with a vision to make business operations easier and less time consuming among a host of other reasons. The trend of getting customized buildings constructed has caught up fast with the corporate entities in the last one-and-a-half decade or so, observe analysts.

 

Getting a building constructed for business purposes is becoming a onetime and long-term investment for the corporate groups in the country. Om Rajbhandary, the Chairman of Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd credits the banking sector for starting the trend. He says, “The banks were among the first ones to have their own buildings constructed while the other sectors followed suit in the last 15 years or so.”

 

 

Operating from rented offices is becoming a thing of the past. By having their own buildings, corporate big-wigs are focusing more on creating an impression on their business associates and the clientele at large. People usually perceive a corporate house to be of a certain standard if it owns a building. Kumar Lamsal, the CEO of Sanima Bank believes, “It directly relates to the image of a company that can neither be built nor destroyed in a day.” He explains that though one has to spend a huge amount in constructing own building, “The benefits are for many years to come and the cost will be ultimately compensated in the long run.”

 

 

From a global perspective too, the need of the hour for businesses is to opt for high rise buildings. It is more so in the case of Nepal where there is little land to spare in urban areas, especially in Kathmandu, where most corporate houses operate from. The multi-storied corporate buildings serve as easy means to minimize uncontrolled urbanization as well as the completion cost of the buildings. “I believe that the corporate big-wigs building skyscrapers for their organizations is a positive initiation given the rapid flow of unmanaged urbanization in Kathmandu,” says Bishnu Panthee, the Vice President of the Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA). He adds that there aren’t any viable options other than building high rises in the capital as the city needs to adapt to the latest trend and move ahead with the times.

 

 

The charm of working when you are using your own resources makes the working environment more conducive and also boosts the workers’ moral spirit. Working environment plays a vital role in productivity and a good infrastructure certainly leaves a good impression on the minds of the internal as well as external customers. A well furnished and equipped office space helps to maintain reputation and image of the companies. Round the clock CCTV and security system, high speed elevators, fire fighting system, emergency exits, telephone facilities on demand, adequate parking space, power back-up system, earthquake resistant structures and external finishing are features and facilities that the corporate buildings provide.

 

 

There is a deep-rooted concept in the psyche of a regular Nepali that people who have their own houses are stable. “Having own building for corporate and business purpose feels no different and hence, can’t be termed as an exception,” asserts Rajbhandary. He adds, “It is high time indeed for the corporate houses to move on with their own resources.” Lamsal agrees and cites the convenience of conducting business operations from own premises as an overriding reason for the decision to have ‘Alakapuri’, Sanima Bank’s corporate headquarters. He adds, “For a bank, owning a building means a lot and having it has always been one of our priorities. We needed the building to run our business in the most efficient manner possible.”

 

The trend for owning customized buildings has emerged as a requirement for the Nepali corporate houses. To have your own building makes you feel like you have everything in your business, say experts. “You are comfortable in that building because it’s made as per your requirements and hence, it has become common for corporate houses these days to treat this factor on a prioritized basis.” The sense of pride and ownership in having one’s own office premises is a temptation that most corporate companies are finding hard to resist and one that promises to grow stronger as time passes.

 

 

 

 

Sanima Bank

Commonly known as Sanima Bank building, the ‘Alakapuri’ building is situated in Naxal. Designed by Architect Dr Prakash Bir Singh Tuladhar of New Progressive Designers, it has a contemporary design with structural glazing facade. While Vastu has been adhered to, it also has a fountain and basement parking. This six storied building with a total area of approximately 47,000 sq ft can accommodate up to 300 work station at one time. It also has elevator and automatic sensor doors in each floor. Approximately, Rs 350 million was invested in the building which took three years to complete and came into operation in January this year.

 

 

Butwal Power Company

Butwal Power Company (BPC), located in Buddhanagar, is designed by Innovative Createers Pvt Ltd. This nine storied building with a basement and gross area of 50,000 sq ft can accommodate up to 300 employees. While the building is mostly based on Vastu, it also portrays the Green Building concept with an objective of being LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certified project to be issued by USGBC (US Green Building Council). The BPC building has Earth Air Tunnel with solar system for continuous hot/cold air, Wind Turbine (3KW capacity) with battery hybrid system, Anaerobic Sewage Filter System, double glazed window system for energy optimization, deep boring for water supply, and LED lights. Its underground parking system can accommodate up to 50 vehicles at a time. It has two elevators and a terrace garden of approximately 15000 sq ft in area. With open office arrangement, the building also has a pantry in each floor. Approximately, Rs 300 million was invested in the building which took three years to complete and came into operation in August this year.

 

Bhat Bhateni Super Market

The corporate building of Bhat Bhateni Super Market is situated in Tangal. With a total area of 85,000 sq ft, the building has five floors. This Seismic Resistant Structure designed by Tanka Bahadur Shrestha is also based on Vastu. The building that has a massive accommodation capacity was constructed in several phases. It has five escalators and a 13 person capacity elevator. The parking area for customers has room for 75 cars and 400 motorcycles. The building also has a 24 hours generator backup system.

 

 

Prabhu Finance Company

The corporate building of Prabhu Finance Company Limited located in Lainchaur is designed by Dr Prakash Bir Singh Tuladhar. This contemporary building has six floors and an area of 26,300 sq ft. This building can accommodate up to 250 people at a time. A total of Rs 100 million was invested in the construction of the building that took 18 months to complete. The building has pantry, elevator and a basement parking area.

 

 

Shikhar Biz Centre

Shikhar Biz Centre situated in the heart of Thapathali boasts of seven floors. Designed by Vastukala Paramarsha, the building is vastu friendly. The design of Shikhar Biz Centre has a contemporary look and the owner Shikhar Insurance operates from the fifth, sixth and seventh floors. With an investment of about Rs 200 million, the building took four years to complete construction. The building has an area of 5500 sq ft and includes a small lawn and underground parking. The building has two elevators, a staircase and an emergency staircase.

 

Rastriya Banijya Bank

The design and supervision of Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) was done by Rachana Consulting Architects and Engineers Pvt Ltd. RBB, government owned and the largest commercial bank in Nepal, was established in 1966. According to an RBB source, a French lady was the architect of the building. Located in close proximity to Singha Durbar, the seven storied building has an accommodation capacity of 500 people. With an investment of Rs 110 million, it took two years to complete construction. The main building, built in an area of 11 ropanis, was officially inaugurated in 2055 BS. The building has a parking area, a garden and three big halls. The special feature of building is that all the rooms receive adequate natural light. The Bank also has a cafeteria for the staff and two elevators.

 

 

Lomus Pharmaceuticals

Bishnu Panthee, the Vice President of Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) is the architect of Lomus building situated at Lazimpat. While talking about Vastu, minute details have been taken into consideration and the building has a contemporary look. It has three-and-a-half floors with an overall accommodation capacity of 80 people. It took around seven months to complete the construction of the building. Constructed with an investment of about Rs 40 million, the Lomus building built on an area of 20 annas has been in operation since the last seven years. It also boasts of a spacious parking lot and a big hall.

 

 

Siddhartha Insurance

Vastu Kala Paramarsha designed the building of Siddhartha Insurance Limited located at Babarmahal and is vastu-friendly. The five-storied building has an accommodation capacity of 42 people on each floor. With an investment of approximately Rs 90 million, the construction started in 2066 BS and it took two-and-a-half years to complete. The building came into operation five months ago. The total area of the building is 12000 sq ft and has a double basement parking in addition to two elevators. The fourth and fifth floors of the building are used by Siddhartha Insurance. Similarly, rest of the floors are given on lease. The building has a special ‘Betel Leaf’ shape on the north east direction covering second, third and fourth floors.

 

NMB Bank

The building and interior design of NMB Bank located at Babarmahal is done by Architecture Design Firm. The building of NMB is based on vastu and can accommodate around 250 people. The building has five floors and boasts of a contemporary look. It took around one-and-a-half years to complete the building construction, with an investment of Rs 50 million. The total land area of the building is 11529 sq ft with open space covering 6980 sq ft and plinth 4547 sq ft. The bank building has separate parking facilities for two wheelers and four wheelers. Similarly, the building has training and system rooms and has ensured efficient management of space for large number of staff in the main hall. The building also has an elevator.


 

 

Ace Development Bank

The corporate building of Ace Development Bank located at Naxal in Kathmandu is designed by Architect Rajesh Shrestha from Vastukala Paramarsha Nepal. From the direction of the floor face to the positioning of different departments, the structure of the building is completely based on the instruction of Vastu expert Madhav Mangal Joshi. The four-storied building accommodates around 120 employees and is built on two ropanis while the total area of the building is 20,000 sq ft. The first phase of the construction was completed in one-and-a-half years which included the basement, ground floor and first floor. The rest of the construction was completed three months ago. The bank has utilized the space to the maximum; there is a basement with parking capacity for 27 cars, a conference hall with 100 people capacity, a garden inside the compound, and a cafeteria for the staff. It has meeting halls in each floor while rain water harvesting system makes the building unique among other corporate buildings.

 

 

Nabil Bank

 

Located at Durbarmarg, the heart of Kathmandu, the corporate building of Nabil bank has a combination of modern design and vastu. The building is designed by Design Cell Pvt Ltd and the annex building took about 12 months for the construction. The total area of the building is 53500 sq ft which has six floors including the basement. The bank shifted in the building in November 2010 which accommodates around 320 staff members. There is a roof top garden, two units of elevators and two staircases in the building. Basement parking is only meant for motorbikes while two other parking spaces behind the building are for other vehicles. The basement parking accommodates around 100 motorbikes while 40 big vehicles could be parked over the ground.

 

 

 

 

Saakha Halls

 

The five-storied corporate building of Saakha Group located at Tinkune, Kathmandu is built as per pillar system and is contemporary in design. The building is built on 2.5 ropanis while the area of the building stretches about12500 sq ft. Since the building has window glasses on three sides, there is no need to switch on the lights during the day time. The group established their office in this building two years ago that accommodates around 200 people. There is a board meeting room, a visitors room for staff and a business room. Parking facility inside the compound is available with a capacity to accommodate 15 big vehicles and 25 motorbikes. A separate pantry for staff, a 100 KV transformer and lift facility are also part of the building.

 

 

Sarada Group

Sarada Group’s corporate building is located at Thapathali. Designed by Architect Rajesh Shrestha of Vastukala Paramarsha, the building is built on an area of two ropanis and stretches to 40000 sq ft. Constructed at a cost of around Rs 100 million, it can accommodate around 300 people. The building has six floors including the basement parking which accommodates around 100 motorbikes and 30 vehicles. There is also a motorbike parking over the ground within the compound area. The group is operating from the third floor of the building since the last three years and has rented other floors to various businesses. It also boasts of an elevator and generator back up.

 

 

United Traders Syndicate

The corporate office of United Traders Syndicate, the sole distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nepal, was built more than 45 years ago. The building was further renovated 15 years ago at a cost of around Rs 50 million. Built from Nepali bricks, the building has the look of a typical Nepali house with a modern design. It accommodates around 120 staff members. The five-storied building has different departments in each floor including the Chairman’s office on the third floor, a conference hall on the fourth floor and a monitoring, controlling and processing room (MCP) on the fifth floor. The parking at the building accommodates around 30 big vehicles and 50 motorbikes. The building is built on six ropanis and also features a small garden, a workshop and a sales office.

 

 

Brihat Investment

 

The corporate building of Brihat investment is designed by Architect Prathana Vaidya. The company has tried its best to incorporate every possible feature based on vastu from office cabin to its desk position. Contemporary in form, the building has features like duplex unit with eight rooms, two board rooms, executive board room and an executive lounge. Lawns, separate parking areas for motorbikes and cars, pantry and a spacious garden are also part of the building. The 3500 sq ft building took one year to complete with an investment of Rs 40 million. The company shifted in this building in 2010 which also has an elevator facility. Brihat Investment itself designed the building with the concept of an open office plan for easy and cross communication between the departments as well as to take maximum advantage of the natural light.

 

 

NIC Bank

 

The Biratnagar corporate office of NIC Bank is housed in a classical building on the city’s main road. Internal layout of the building is according to Vaastu and the designing credit goes to Adf Nepal. It is a two-storied building with 17 office rooms including four different halls namely customer services, board room, trade finance and company secretary. The building is built in an area of 7290 sq ft land and the interior of the building measures 6578 sq ft. The parking space at the front is about 750 sq ft which is designated for customers while the parking space behind the building is for the staff. The building has accommodation capacity for 192 employees. There is a small garden and lots of indoor plants in the building.

 

 

Disclaimer

 

The corporate buildings featured in this article were covered as per the following criteria:

 

1)       Only the corporate buildings that were conceptualized by the owning companies/business groups themselves were taken into account.

 

2) As per the criteria, the companies were expected to have their own corporate offices in the said buildings.

 

3) Even if some parts of the buildings were rented out/ leased to other businesses, they must largely reflect the identities of the (respective) majority stakeholders.

 

Additionally, we could only cover a limited number of corporate buildings for a variety of reasons and hence, the article does not represent an exhaustive list of buildings owned by corporate entities that we have in the country.

 

 

COVER STORY

 

 

‘It’s the Need for Businesses to Opt for Skyscrapers’

 

BISHNU PANTHEE

Vice President

Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA)

 

 

How do you comment on the recent trend of corporate houses to have custom built office buildings?

 

I believe it is a positive initiation given the unmanaged urbanization in Kathmandu. The major factors of zoning and the high and low rise structures, however, should be carefully implemented while constructing custom office buildings. Such initiatives should be approved keeping in mind the safety and security factors first. Nonetheless, there should also be proper implementation of land use maps by abiding the theory of urbanization.

 

 

 

Tell us about the experience of SONA while dealing with the corporate houses in such matters?

The main concern here is the high cost of land in Kathmandu. In rising cities like Kathmandu, such artificial hikes make it difficult for the owners to purchase land for construction. It also adds more challenges on the part of SONA. Being an umbrella association of Nepali architects, SONA has experienced several ups and downs. Sometimes, our designs have also been misused. We use theory, knowledge and modern technologies in our practice. However, we still lag behind when it comes to proper implementation of the same. Ultimately, the high cost of land causes hiccups and the projects become more expensive than is expected.

 

So what could be the solutions to minimize the risks?

 

To begin with, legal measures to control the artificial price of land should be taken into consideration. We haven’t strengthened ourselves technically as well as legally. Therefore, infrastructure development should be well governed and monitored by the authorized policy makers to minimize the risks. As we are rich in antique designs, much research should be done to dig into our architectural history that is unknown to most people.

 

What are the government policies in place given that Kathmandu falls under a fragile seismic zone and is highly prone to earthquakes?

The government policies don’t reveal much and are also not up to the mark when compared to the global phenomenon. The loose monitoring system and purview sometimes make it so hard for us that we have to take steps to take matters into our own hands. Besides, the lack of tight scrutiny and invigilation cause the projects to fizzle out. Nevertheless, we are doing our best to comply with the basic standards. Regarding the Kathmandu Valley part of the fragile seismic, we believe that there is a solution to every problem. For example, in the case of Japan, there are many high rise buildings and the country is prone to earthquakes. If proper monitoring, quality maintenance, awareness and utilizations are in place, then we can definitely minimize the risks involved.

 

 

What is your comment on the trend of corporate houses opting to build skyscrapers in the current scenario?

 

While analyzing the trend from a global perspective, it is the need of the hour for businesses to opt for skyscrapers. In our case, I see the skyscrapers as a welcome respite to the mismanaged urbanization. Additionally, it also minimizes the projects’ completion cost. We don’t have any viable options and must adapt to the latest technologies practiced globally.

 

 

How is SONA addressing the unethical practices in this business?

SONA is an independent non-profit and professional association of architects in Nepal. We are the voice for the architects and work to protect their rights. Therefore, we try our best to discourage any unethical practices at all times. We meet and hold discussions within the association as and when any untoward and malicious situation arises. Even though we may not take any official action, we definitely try to expose such practices in the public domain.

 

 

How do you perceive the artistic choice of the architects themselves while building these corporate offices?

 

Quite literally, SONA is here to add glitter to gold. An individual architect always strives to seek his/ her identity at some point or the other. It is our responsibility to help realize that vision for every architect. For example, if someone comes with a creative design, then we scrutinize the work and finalize the decision on a bilateral basis. Therefore, the creativity of an architect’s work can be well explored ultimately. The brand value consciousness is also a prime concern for us to safeguard the professional rights and interests of the architects.

 

What are major points to consider for ideal office buildings in commercially burgeoning cities like Kathmandu?

The recently built commercial buildings in Kathmandu should be careful that the historical and cultural importance of antique buildings is not disturbed. In the quest for constructing swanky buildings, the artistic values of endangered heritages must not be compromised with. Taking it as our social responsibility, SONA has discouraged such acts. For example, we have been opposing the construction of high rise buildings around Dharahara, for example, and raising our voice to keep ancient art intact while renovating old temples across Kathmandu.

Do you think the investments made by corporate houses in constructing own buildings pay them in the long run?

 

This depends on the will power of the investors to cope with the challenges ahead. Given the uncertain political state of the country and ineffective policies as regards the housing sector, our path is full of thorns. The first and foremost concern is the artificial price of land. Therefore, if these issues are properly addressed, the situation may get better for the corporate houses.


 

 

‘Owning a Building Helps a Corporate House Enhance its Brand Image’

KUMAR LAMSAL

CEO, Sanima Bank

 

 

What is the reason behind naming Sanima Bank’s building ‘Alakapuri’?

 

It is because Alakapuri refers to the state ruled by Kuber, the lord of wealth. Hence, we decided to name our building after his empire because he is worshipped as an important god when it comes to money and business.

 

 

How do you envision the latest trend of corporate houses owning swank buildings? Do you perceive this as the need of the hour for corporate houses to construct their own buildings?

 

I don’t think it is compulsory or urgent for any of us to own buildings. Constructing own building depends on one’s choice and the kind of business they run. However, I think such a trend has emerged as a requirement for corporate houses where it has become increasingly important to own a building. It is a psychological factor where owning a building makes you feel secure and gives a sense of achievement. You are comfortable in that building because you have made it as per your requirements. Hence, it has become common for corporate houses these days to follow this trend.

 

Specifically speaking, what is it that led Sanima Bank to construct its own building?

 

For a bank, owning a building means a lot. It leaves a good impression on the public in terms of an enhanced brand image. A bank usually works for a long term and since we are here in this business for a long time now, having our own building has had been one of our priorities. We needed the building mainly to run the business properly.

Could you please tell us about the investment that has been made in the construction of your new premises?

We have invested around Rs 34 million on the construction of the building which took three years for its completion.

Do you think the investments made in their own buildings pay the corporate houses in the long run?

 

Constructing your own building itself is a long term investment for the corporate houses. It directly relates to the image of the company that can neither be built nor destroyed in a day. Although our cost is higher in comparison to the cost in the rented building that we operated from earlier, the benefits are for many years to come. We have indeed spent a huge amount in constructing the building but in the long run, that cost will be compensated in due course of time. People usually perceive a corporate house to be enjoying a certain standing if it owns a building. And the good news is; our building has started attracting walk-in clients already.

 

 

How significant is it for you to have constructed your own corporate building and then conducting business operations from it?

 

It has been significant for us primarily because we have constructed it as per our demand and design. It is based on our choice and the way the building has been constructed meets our business demand too. We are very happy to be operating from our own office and it has certainly fulfilled our expectations. Its interior design is as good as the exterior design and has more space. It is also an attractive and strong structure while the previous building was small and congested. At the end of the day, it is easier to conduct business operations from ‘Alakapuri’.

 

 

‘It’s High Time for Corporate Houses to have their Own Resources’

OM RAJBHANDARY

Chairman, Brihat Investments Pvt Ltd

 

How old is the trend of corporate entities in Nepal moving from rented premises to their own building?

If we look at the corporate culture in Kathmandu, much of the credit for this trend goes to the banking sector. They initiated it and for around 15 years now, corporate houses started having their own buildings in Kathmandu. Earlier, it was limited because most of the businesses were family-run entities. Most of the corporate houses today boast of their resources within their own premises.

 

 

How do you envision the latest trend of corporate houses owning swank buildings? Do you perceive this as need of the hour for corporate houses to construct their own buildings?

 

Yes it is high time for the corporate houses to move on with their own resources. The vital aspects of a business - property, productivity and perception should not be forgotten at any point of time. While on one hand, we lack productive infrastructure, we are keeping a tight vigil even on minor things like the use of electricity and interior designs on the other. For the entrepreneurs to start new businesses, they must increase the size of their functional area to strengthen productivity. If property area and services planning etc are not done properly, the expenses are going to be that much higher. In the present context, these things amount to savings because of the one-time investment one is putting in. Besides, people’s perception of you is different when you are staying in a rental office and don’t have your own resources. According to our traditional concept, we believe that people who own a house are stable in life. Having one’s own space in the office and possessing the premises saves on the rental.

 

What is it that led Brihat Investment to construct its own corporate office building?

 

Brihat is striving to construct environment friendly homes to cater the need of people and to help non-hazardous urbanization. Using your own resources makes the working environment more conducive and also boosts the workers’ spirits. That is the main reason for Brihat Investment to construct its own building.

 

 

What would be an ideal investment for a corporate building?

 

The cost depends on requirements and clear vision. The specific need of area, infrastructure and manpower should be the prime aspects to take care of rather than the monetary value itself while investing. Even the minute things like color choice, material choice, electricity and interior designs should be well scrutinized to minimize the ultimate cost. The choices should be clear and cost effective. For example, the trend of using LED lights is for a tangible benefit. If we move forward in a balanced way, it will not be a huge financial burden in the long run.

 

 

How significant is it for you to have constructed your own building and then conducting business operations from the premises?

 

When you own a building, all the requirements are met accordingly. People look at safety as the least concerned factor. That is wrong attitude. As Kathmandu lies in an earthquake prone area, certain safety measures should be taken into consideration. The distribution of things according to the need and demand is like an art. Good management is like oxygen, we should have proper utilization of our resources to get palpable benefit. If the structural cost comes around 10- 15 per cent, the cost for safety measures and needed infrastructure only takes an additional three per centof the building cost. Hence, having your own building is of great significance.

 

 

 

Do you think the investments made in own buildings pay the corporate houses in the long run?

 

This highly depends on the political and economic situation of the country. The real estate business is not going well at present as it used to be few years back. In reality, every flourishing business pays back to the society. Here, the fluctuating political situation and unmanaged policy has affected the business a lot. If the period of uncertainty continues, then the entrepreneurs will be forced to switch over to other business. Recently, some big hotels of Kathmandu have been turned into shopping malls and it can be taken as a good example. With regular and periodical review and a long term vision, the investment in owning buildings will certainly pay off for corporate houses in the long run.

 

 

How challenging is it for you to keep abreast with the growing demand for new designs?

 

It is challenging but the investors and the designers need to have more healthy discussions on this matter to mitigate those challenges. To me, innovative ideas come first. If a designer is precise about his ideas, he should persuade me to pursue his idea. There should be a fine balance between the designer and the building owners.