Kalpataru Sparkle Review

Kalpataru group launched Kalpataru Sparkle in Bandra east as a part of redevelopment of buildings in MIG. This area has been massive facelift in the past due to the growth of office spaces in Bandra Kurla Complex. To fulfil the growing needs of working professionals in Bandra Kurla complex a lot of projects have come up in this area including project life Rustomjee Oriana. Let's do a quick fact check for the project:

• Spacious 3 & 4 BHK apartments
• 3 towers of 18 stories
• 2 levels of parking
• Club house on the podium level
• Vastu Compliant
• In close proximity to shopping arcades, schools, hospitals, etc.

The location open project is very interesting. Not only has it offered excellent connectivity to western express highway but also central business district like Bandra Kurla Complex. The project does not have very good access road in terms of location but it is still one of the most premium projects in terms of location.

If you look at the layout of the project, it can be seen that the project has very good common amenities. Since, the overall area of the plot is limited the open spaces are also constrained by it. Kalpataru has tried to load this area with all top of the line amenities which can justify the premium positioning of the project.

In a quick review of the project floor plans, we see that the size of bedrooms in 3 BHK is relatively less. Although the size of master bedroom is sufficient, the other two bedrooms don't live up to the mark. The size of toilets and kitchen is sufficient. It has one of the most sought after features in Mumbai that is sundecks which are available with every bedroom and living room. If we look at the floor plan of 4 BHK, the issue of smaller bedroom is addressed. The sizes of all the kitchen and bathrooms is sufficient. In addition, it also showcases design efficiency which is a hallmark of Kalpataru projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do we like

• Kalpataru brand name

• Excellent location
• Good Connectivity
• Efficient floor plans
• Proximity to BKC

What we dont like

• 
  
• Redevelopment project
• Smaller plot area limiting the open spaces
• Redevelopment Project

Final verdict

We believe that Kalpataru Sparkle is one of the better property which have come into development in Bandra east. Couple that with the brand name of Kalpataru, its design and execution quality and this project has all the making of becoming a landmark in future. So, if you are looking for a project which offers very good living spaces and is from a to developer and are ready to compromise a bit in terms of common area, this is the project for you

Hubtown Sunmist: Review

Overview

Located in Mumbai’s largest and ever growing suburb Andheri Hubtown Sunmist definitely attracted a fair amount of praise for its external facade. By focusing on a severe, almost corporate, sharp-cornered design it managed to stand out from the crowd of Hiranandani and Kalpataru copies and sculpted concrete efforts.

According to an Economic times report released recently, “Home buyers in and around Chandivali, Andheri and Sakinaka are having a tough time getting the possession of their property because of multiple problems. Either the government is delaying giving permissions or the registration takes time forever or the builder is struggling to finish the project in time because of cash crunch. "The builders are facing lot of issues in sourcing funds for completing projects," said Arjun Thakkar, a real estate consultant based out of Andheri East.” It is learnt Hubtown Sunmist a victim of one of these issues had a initial possession date of December 2013.

Location

The location is perfect if you are someone who works in the suburbs of Mumbai. Connectivity wise it doesn’t get better. However the same boon happens to be a bane if you have a young family. Be ready for traffic jams and noise every morning. This is one of the most active junctions in Mumbai and is certainly one of the busiest parts of the Andheri suburb. If you can live with this fact Andheri station is close by, you are close to the Metro (all at walking distance). You will have to depend on Andheri west for your shopping needs since these residential apartments are right in the middle of Andheri Business district.

Plans

The plot shape is quite regular and with adjacent roads on three sides, its exact locality is very nice. Since, the plot area is a bit less and it’s a standalone building, the open areas will be limited. So, there is a certain give and take involved between location and layout here. 

2BHK

The 2 BHK has an entrance lobby which opens up into a spacious living area of 22*11 with a separate 100 sq ft + dining space which can easily accommodate an 8 seater dining table. The kitchen is huge again with 2 separate counter slabs. A master bedroom of size 11*18 is ‘luxury’. 2 big washrooms and huge utility space for your storage space and a 21 feet deck. Need we say more. It’s spacious!

3BHK

• Living room is spacious with balcony, puja room & dining area.
• Kitchen is big and attached with dry balcony.
• General bedroom is of ok size.
• Other bedroom is little bit big compare to general bedroom attached with toilet.
• Master bedroom is very spacious attached with balcony but layout is not that good because the passage.
• Master bedroom is also have utility area which good to keep old stuff

             

• Living room is small compare to other 3 BHK.
• General bedroom and other bedroom is of ok size.
• Utility area is very big which is very good.
• Master bedroom is very spacious along with big balcony and passage area is also nicely utilised with wardrobe.

4BHK

• Living room is small if we see as 4 BHK apartments.
• General bedroom & toilet is of ok size.
• Other bedroom and other master bedroom is spacious.
• Other master bedroom layout of window.
• Master bedroom is very spacious.
• Just 1 balcony.
• No utility space.
• Passage area which is given is good idea and can be utilised nicely.

 

• Living room is spacious compare to other 4BHK.
• All the bedrooms including master bedroom is spacious.
• This floor plan is having utility area which is very useful.
• Balcony is big but it is accessible from kitchen and general bedroom which I think is a negative aspect. 

What do we like

• We like floor plans of the project, the living room master bedroom and other bedrooms are very spacious they all are having the huge as well.
• The location is spot on as far as connectivity is concerned close to the western express especially if you work in Andheri/ Malad/ BKC
• Noise proof windows in the whole apartment.

What we dont like

• The junction it is at is most certainly the busiest part of the suburbs - I'm pretty sure there will be traffic jams (and hence the noise) up to 11pm every night.
• Per sq. ft. price for this project is much higher than compare to the average price in andheri east region.
• This project is already going 2 years delay so can’t trust the builder

Final verdict

Great planning. Large size apartments with big decks is a dream for every housewife in Mumbai, however it’s an SRA project where the developer was allegedly struggling for money and clearances. If you have an office space in BKC/ Andheri and can live with some traffic go for it after negotiations.

Nirmal Turquoise: Review

Overview

Mumbai. A city of more than 1.5 million people. The financial capital of the country which is the golden bird of Maharashtra is struggling to meet the housing demands of the citizens. Logic says that a golden bird must have golden resources and minds and a golden finesse to fly. So what do our own golden minds do, they try to eat the golden bird. Exactly what has happened in the context of Zircon, Omega, and Turquoise & Amethyst specifically? It’s a shame that all customers who have booked at Zircon, Omega, and Turquoise find possession is delayed.

Bookings for the same were initiated in the year 2005 -2006. Yes! Almost 10 years back and customers are yet to see the structure complete. Sources say the same would by possible only by 2017. Now that is a long wait.

This project has seen all sorts of troubles: Financial losses to the developer, forest land issue ensuring the project is stalled and then a circular sent out stating that high rises in Mulund would not be permitted, new DCR ruling ensuring floor plans change, ad hoc notices sent by the developer increasing the parking charges.The current condition of Nirmal Lifestyle mall and the construction stage of Nirmal Riverside in Kalyan are not good. Work on the club house in City of Joy has not been completed on time. Nirmal group has failed to live up to promises in these cases. They look wonderful in concept like jogging on the 46th floor and having US Open courts.There are questions on the overall work quality on the delivered projects as well.At this moment we don’t recommend Turquoise. Let the developer complete the project then lets decide the rating.

RNA Exotica: Review

Styled by leading architects and designers Space Matrix Singapore, RNA Exotica is intended to meet the needs of the urban commuter by providing convenience of location, amenities that are above par: a residential monument with four wings including two basements, ten levels of podium parking, e-deck and 30 floors of dwelling space as stated on their website with a ticket size of 2 cr. for a (3 BHK).There is no argument that the Exotica offers value for money. The problem is the question about its delivery and construction issues. We have visited the site and find the project value for money. But, there are some details that we came across while researching about the project. Please refer to the content from the link here for more details and decide for yourself.There is no argument that the Exotica offers value for money. The problem is the question about its delivery and construction issues. We have visited the site and find the project value for money. But, there are some details that we came across while researching about the project. Please refer to the content from the link here for more details and decide for yourself.

Lodha Aurum Grande: Review

Overview

‘Lodha Aurum’ alias ‘Lodha Aurum Grande’ alias ‘Lodha Celestia’ – 3 Names 1 project; I shall refer the project name as Lodha Aurum for ease of understanding

• Year of start of construction: 2009
• Land is clear, a total of 5 acres of land acres being developed ( Lodha owns 10 acres jointly with Jollyboard – 5 acres being used for commercial)
• 5 towers, 30/34 storeys tall
• Keys Highlights: AC homes, marble flooring, I-pad controlled homes, e-concierge
• 1 lac sq.ft. of landscaped green, children’s play area
• Lifestyle Features – Clubhouse with gym & spa, 3 pools, Jacuzzi , waterfront café
• Strategic location - Easy connectivity to Eastern & Western suburbs 

Location

Let me start with the location – Located approx. 3 kms from Powai next to Kanjurmarg Railway Station, off JVLR and the Eastern Express Highway, the location of Lodha Aurum is ideal for a residential complex, an unexplored gem of some sought.

You wonder why Kanjurmarg as a destination has had the privilege of not been eaten up by land sharks for so long and having acres of green space. Well, back in the early 80’s Kanjurmarg had earned the reputation of being a burrow for criminals. Naturally Kanjurmarg was not a popular destination with home buyers.

However over a period of time things have changed; you have many prominent developers in the close vicinity who have picked up land here; Lodha, Hiranandani, Raheja and Runwal to name a few. This convenient destination has everything working for it brilliant connectivity with 6 lane roads (a privilege of some sort in Mumbai), rail connectivity at your door step, an upcoming 7 star hotel and few mom n pop stores; little social infrastructure development around in terms of a school and some retail outlets and this would be by far the best location in the central suburbs.

What is interesting about the location is that it is a 10 minute drive from Powai (Don’t be surprised if the area is referred as Lower Powai in few days). 

Site Layout

Given the constraints of the plot let me tell you the overall layout is quite good. The open spaces are quite enticing. The distance between the buildings also seems to be good enough for sufficient lighting and ventilation. The project also boasts of some very good amenities which are plotted well in the centre. Everything seems to be ideal except 1. There is a commercial complex right in front of the project and Lodha has tried to pitch the product as a walk to work concept as well, however privacy could be an issue on the lower floors.

Floor Plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The overall floor plan is quite efficiently designed. One thing we don’t like here is the dining area right at the  entrance. The houses come with sundecks which is a rare thing now in Mumbai at least at these ticket prices. The sizes of bedrooms are a bit small to our liking although the toilet and kitchen sizes are sufficient. Also, privacy is ensured with one common toilet and complete isolation of kitchen from the living room. In all, it is an efficient design albeit with small room sizes.

What do we like

The location, the overall delivered product

What we dont like

Its close to the railway station so you might experience some noise issues (Tower C)

Size of the bedrooms

Final verdict

Overall what works for me is the location, the product, the price point which is surely attractive considering the fact that the product is close to completion and similar products in the vicinity are far more expensive.

*Ideally suited for service class professionals who lead a busy lifestyle looking for a product with all the luxuries for a lifetime. 

1 REVIEWS

• 

  Shilpa Ranjan - February 14, 2015 at 07:26 am

  Made a wrong decision by not purchasing this product 3 years back, Was gettting Arurm & Aurum Grande 2 BHK at 1 cr. Today it costs 2 cr. The apartments are small. That is my only concern. The location is fantastic and clubhouse ready, which is good and bad. I dont think its a good idea for a developer to deliver the clubhouse when construction is going on. There is lot of dust and debry which can damage it. else the product is good. If you are looking for a product in central suburbs this is it!

L&T Emerald Isle: Review

Overview

AM Naik's realty gambit: Unlocking value of Powai campus can be big opportunity for L&T

Small wonder then that analysts are taking a close look at Naik's latest — and perhaps last — value-creation gambit. According to property brokers, L&T Realty has already sold nearly 300 apartments at a recently launched residential project called L&T Emerald Isle at the Powai campus. The project that was initially exclusively for L&T employees at an attractive discount was opened to the public on January 31 at Rs 15,500-19,000 per sq ft. The bookings were closed in three days, says one of the analysts. According to them, the project may reopen soon but with a likely upward revision of 10-15% in prices.

Quick Fact Check

• Total Area of Project of 16 Acres
• Total Blocks: 8 Residential Towers of 30 Storey and Level Elevated Podium
• Tennis court & Cricket bowling machine with net
• Yoga and meditation centre & Multi-purpose hall 
• Reading lounge & Golf simulator
• Children’s play area for different age groups
• Clubhouse with Swimming pool & Gym
• Sauna, spa & Jacuzzi
• Traffic-free podium 

Location

Its next to Hiranandani, opposite Powai lake & very close to L&T Business Park. Its perfect, dont think you can find a better location in Powai. The only hitch is you will have to rely on busses/ autos / your private vehicles for transportation since the closest station is Kanjurmarg which is a good 4 km away. In terms of social infrastructure, you have everything around. Powai as a location works thanks to Hiranandani, Powai. Its amongst the top 3 suburbs of Mumbai and is home to the best restaurants, schools and hospials. So that is completely taken care off.

Key distances:

• International Airport – 6 km
• Eastern and Western Express Highway – 6 km
• Bandra-Kurla Complex via Kurla – 11 km
• Domestic Airport – 11 km

Plans

Coming to the project layout the entrance is from Saki Vihar road and not lake side, you could experience some traffic jams while entering and exiting. The layout is not ideal and is a major disappointment. Views will be blocked/ compromised on the lower floors since there is a huge Mhada complex on the rear end of the project and L&T business park on the front. Tower 1 is the only tower assured of Powai lake views with the rest getting partial views from upper floors. If you are looking at towers T5, T6, T7 consider lower floors (garden side) it would be better.

A living space of 20*11 with a separate dining space of 12 * 4 is really good. Both the bedroom sizes are fairly sizes. Approx 145 sq ft master bed and guest bedroom of size 120 sqft will ensure you have decent living space. Kitchen though not ideally placed (right at the entrance is of a good size of almost 90 sqft, there are 2 counter tops which is well planned and there is a separate dry balcony. Overall its excellent.

 

The 3 BHK’s are even better. In the floor plan above you will note there is a spacious (approx. 48 sqft) deck attached to the impressive living dining space (approx 280 sqft). Again the kitchen of size more than (approx. 90 sqft) comes with 2 counter tops and a separate dry balcony area. Spacious bedrooms and a well thoughtfully planned layout is how we can describe this product.

What do we like

• Developer brand name, quality assured
• Floor plans & amenities are good
• Delivery timelines as it is L&T project
• Location and connectivity
• Apartment sizes

What we dont like

• Layout plan
• Lack of clarity on the proposed future development
• Mahada development right next to it to block views

Final verdict

If you are a young couple, want an investment home, looking to purchase an under construction apartment in Powai go for L&T, if you are still not convinced you have options like Nahar, Raheja, Hiranandani. Having said that with L&T for you know you will get a good quality product in time.