Vijay Shanthi Builders Ltd, Chennai
Epitome of Quality in Construction
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Globally, there has been a steady growth in the real estate sector compared to last few decades. In India, the real estate segment has been one of the major revenue generating segments contributing to the growth of the country’s economy. The main cities which are influenced by this constant escalation in the realty sector are Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
When it comes to South zone, Chennai has made a tremendous progress in the field of Information Technology. The city has housed some of the reputed educational institutions, hospitals and stadiums. With these developments in the cultural city of Chennai, real estate is one such area which is not far behind compared to other industries.
Chennai real estate market has raised its bar from small projects to the present large township projects. Currently, the realty sector in the city is witnessing a continuous upsurge due to demand in residential, retail and commercial segments. |
In this context, Vijay Shanthi Builders Ltd (VSBL), a Chennai based real estate company has been engaged in property development mainly for promotion of residential spaces in and around the city.VSBL was established in 1977 as a partnership firm in the name of Shri Shanthi Construction Company and was renamed as Vijay Shanthi Builders Ltd in 1992. It is the vision of the Company’s founder promoter Late Mr. V C Jain, to build homes for one and all. As home reflects not just one’s lifestyle but it is a basic necessity and need, VSBL transformed this need into a dream of luxuries that are lured by all fantasies. Currently, under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Suresh Kumar Jain who serves as the Managing Director, the company has continuously witnessed steady growth. Mr. Jain has been the driving force behind one of South India’s most successful and fastest growing real estate companies. With the educational background of Engineering and having worked in various other organisations, Mr. Jain joined VSBL in the year 1996 and today, he has rose to become the Managing Director of the company since March, 2003. Due to his foresightedness, prudence and dedication, the Company is placed among the top building promoters in southern India.
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Initially, VSBL started with 25 projects worth INR 10 crores which catered to mid and affordable housing section. The company has conveyed best crafted contemporary homes covering a mammoth built up area aggregating to 50 lakhs sq.ft and constructed about 275 projects. New projects planned and existing projects under various stages of development involve a built up area aggregating to 30 lakhs sq.ft. The company boasts of being first to enter the premium segment in the year 2003 and also came up with the concept of Lifestyle Premium Homes with a theme, concept planning and high end amenities.
Speaking on the successful journey of VSBL Mr. Jain says, “Vijay Shanthi Builders, as always is in the obsession of creating magic through its spells and presenting people’s imagination in reality, just as they dreamt. In its wake of creating a history, this 35 year old foundation has become one of Chennai’s most enduring builders. VSBL is not known just for its quality, but also for its zeal and zest to create a difference in the homes of all, through its impeccable and unimpeachable styling, green ambiance, and life style enhancing facilities.”
Focus on Residential Segment
VSBL considers it a social responsibility to deliver immaculate homes to the society enhancing the welfare and state of well being of the citizens of Chennai. VSBL believes in using its imagination to create homes with a distinct character and soul. The company is known for its excellence in quality of Homes with a delivery of clear title, on time and without cost escalations, along with necessary completion certificate(s) from the regulatory authorities. VSBL has broadened its horizon and includes properties in mid segment and true value homes, various luxurious and lifestyle apartment complex, semi-independent bungalows, villas and so on.
The company focus is mainly on the residential sector and has successfully completed many commendable projects in the recent past. Observing the demand for residential sector Mr. Jain says, “As population increases there is more demand for housing. With the current market scenario, rental prices are on the higher side. Higher employment rates and lofty remunerations are supplementing the need to own a house. The real estate market has shown good growth in the past and will continue to show the same even in the future. This segment is a healthy and a safe investment with promising and good returns.”
VSBL has been pioneers and have been delivering affordable housing for over 35 years. This is a tried and tested market and has proven itself to be very successful. It is highly promising as the need for an own house will never disappear. Affordability in housing can be brought by revamping the government schemes and introducing user friendly schemes that encourage the buyers.
Impediments in Realty Sector
On the other hand, Mr. Jain observes some of the impediments prevailing in the real estate industry. These are labour shortage, delays in approvals, lack of infrastructure, escalation in materials cost and poor patterns of building development often lead to congestion and inefficient use of land, resulting in greater energy consumption and travel time, loss of productivity.
Elaborating his views on the acute shortage of skilled labours Mr. Jain says, “The only way to address the problem of skilled labours is by introducing new construction technologies and vocational institutions. Newer construction technologies mean shifting from wet construction to dry construction. If this practice is brought in, machines can replace man and do the job. Government must introduce vocational institutions where in a person can learn and master the skills. This will not only prove beneficial to the construction industry, it will also eradicate the problem of employment and poverty.”
Chennai – a Developing City
Chennai is one of the promising developing states in the field of real estate. Sharing his views on the same Mr. Jain, asserts, “We have been in this business since 1977 and have seen a steady growth in the market. The middle income groups are our highest buyers, reasons behind which are the desire to own a house and maximum employment in this sector. Unlike the other cities, the end user in Chennai is the actual buyer and not an investor. This will result in rates being established and no speculation in terms of pricing. Hence, we see affordability in the Chennai market thereby, creating a demand for an own house.”
Sustainable Practice
Sustainability has been a major issue of concern in the construction industry. Explaining about the implementation of the practice in the construction arena Mr. Jain says, “Sustainable construction aims at reducing the environmental impact of a building over its entire lifetime, while optimizing its economic viability, the comfort and safety of its occupants. While standard building practices are guided by short term economic considerations, we believe in construction that is based on best practices which emphasize long term affordability, quality and efficiency. At each stage of the life cycle of the building, it increases comfort and quality of life, while decreasing negative environmental impacts and increasing the economic sustainability of the project.”
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A building designed and constructed in a sustainable way minimizes the use of water, raw materials, energy and land over the whole life cycle of the building. The building sector has a strong global potential to help protect the environment and increase life comfort and well being.
When asked about the initiatives, VSBL has adopted to reduce the carbon foot-print in the projects, Mr. Jain, says, “In terms of planning, we follow practices that enable the best use of natural resources such as, ample daylight, ventilation and wherever possible climate responsive houses that enable lesser dependency on electricity. We strongly believe in giving large breathing spaces on site that comes around 70-80 percent of open landscaped areas. On site, during construction, we try preserving as many trees as possible. If needed, we grow more trees, ensuring less carbon footprint right from the construction stage. Other measure that we take to ensure that the building is lesser dependent on natural resources are recycling of water, rain water harvesting and so on.”
Technological Innovation
There has been a constant change in real estate with respect to technology. When asked about this development Mr. Jain says, “Client’s needs are understood with years of experience and constant research and development on their requirements. With a steady change in technology, we see new construction materials entering the market. There is a conscious effort and realization for the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials like fly ash bricks. There is a shift from individual house to apartments and multi-storey buildings. Hence, comes in innovation in technology and methods of construction. In the present context, we see the use of techniques like pre-fab for building construction.”
Smart Home Technology
Smart Home Technology is slowly catching up in India. With this new development, the developers are tapping the high-end market. Elucidating the concept in the present context Mr. Jain says, “Smart home technology is a good system but it requires high maintenance on a daily and annual basis. This means there is an incurred cost every day. This is one reason we see only the upper segment of the society using this technology in their homes.”
He also expresses the disadvantages of the concept and says, “India is a dust prone country and these devices are not designed for the Indian market. Therefore, in order to make sure this technology is available to everyone; one must ensure that it is designed for Indian conditions and its market. In the long run, this technology is going to be necessary as the cost and need for security are going to increase.”
Modification of Policies
Having known the industry for over a period of time, Mr. Jain feels that the real estate industry requires some changes and modification with respect to its policies. He says, “The process of sanctioning the projects and approvals should be made easy. There should be development in infrastructure. Also, changes in the rules and regulations of taxes in the real estate reduce cost thereby, making houses affordable.”
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Upcoming Projects
Ela, Thandalam, Chennai
Total Area - 7.46 Acres
Type - 1,2 & 3 BHK & Premium 3 BHK + Apartments
No of Units - 879 Apartments
Floors - G + 19
Towers - 14
Open space – 70-80%
Designed by a team from our office in collaboration with a Spanish architect, VSBL proudly present to Ela, housing with an edge. They have made a conscious effort in bringing in a change in the architecture and planning of the building.The idea kept in mind while designing this building was to incorporate a sense of community living. |
This is achieved by designing spaces the enable community living. The numerous amenities provided also ensure the same.
Whistling Woods, Mambakkam , Chennai
Total Area - 4.5 Acres
Type - 1, 2 & 3 BHK
No of Units - 395 Apartments
Floors - G + 17
Towers - 7
Open space – 70-80%
Housing apartments, this project is certain to blow your minds off. The architecture and the planning of this property is one of its kinds. Staying steps ahead of the current market scene we have designed this building to look and feel luxurious while maintaining the pricing for the middle income sector. A dedicated club house with amenities in abundance, landscaped spaces and stunning elevations with optimum use of plinth area. “Affordable luxury” would best define this project.
Palette, Kovalam, Chennai
Total Area - 2 Acres
Type – 4 BHK
No of Units - 5 villas
Floors - G + 2
Open space – 80 percent
Uber luxurious project, VSBL developers presents palette. 5 exclusive villas, Palette is designed especially for you. It is not designed but painted using all forms of art keeping the customer’s needs on the palette.
Palette is a masterpiece created by a Canadian architect blending le corbusire's style of architecture with his style and all that he learned while his stay in Auroville. Overlooking the beach, the villas capture the best of the views available. Extremely climate responsive, the building breathes and sings along with the nature. Palette is visual music. Palette is literature! The building is intelligent in its own way.
I, Perungudi, Chennai
Total Area – 8 grounds
Type - 3 BHK
No of Units - 13 Apartments
Floors –G+13
Towers - 1
I is a signature project by VSBL. 13 apartments, one per floor, world class amenities and extra added features that distinguish I from the other buildings in Chennai. VSBL wanted to make a building that reflected the personality of the word i, its pride and uniqueness. They believe to be the best and had to beat the best.
Besides these projects, VSBL are also launching shortly projects at Ambattur, Ratnamangalam, Kilkatalai, Tambaram, Oragadam, Besant nagar.