Local architectural firm Akitek Rekabina Sdn Bhd and Italian-based BiCuadro Architects are bridging the gap between Eastern and Western designs to create international works of art.

Established in 1972, Akitek Rekabina mostly designed housing schemes in its early years but it has turned to building public institutions such as schools, colleges, polytechnics and universities.

Richard Yacenda, a managing director for Deustche Bank, had looked at 50 apartments in Singapore before deciding on a 2,896 sq ft three-bedroom unit at Parkview Éclat, a boutique luxury condominium located along Grange Road.

KUALA LUMPUR: Earthworks and infrastructure works for the construction of Sanctuary Ridge Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Gasing have begun and are expected to be completed within 24 months.

HONG KONG: The number of homes completed in the city in the first seven months has plunged 43 per cent from a year earlier, Ricacorp Properties says. But housing construction starts were up.

A rise in construction starts should mean more flats coming onto the market in two to three years' time.

SINGAPORE: CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has clinched contracts to manage two more properties in Chengdu and Beijing.

LONDON: Recent global concerns over Southern European sovereign debts, downgrade of credit rating for the US, volatility in the stock markets coupled with the recent rioting and looting incidents in London have had a knock on property prices in England and Wales. Prices in London Central however, has bucked the trend and continue to rise.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd is acquiring a 30% strategic stake in Eastern & Oriental Bhd for RM2.30 per share or RM766 million to extend its presence in the property development and hospitality sectors, beyond the Greater KL region, specifically in Penang and Johor.

Prime land for development in the central business district (CBD) of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital city, is not easy to come by. So, when a 2.5-acre parcel came up for auction three years ago, businessman Datuk David Chu seized the opportunity to add to his landbank and acquired the site.

The efforts of homeowners to go green paid off at the recently concluded haven/The Edge My Dream Home Awards 2011. The prize-giving ceremony was held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre (New Wing) last weekend.

KUALA LUMPUR: Ireka Corporation Bhd was in the black in the first quarter ended June 30, 2011, with earnings of RM7.45 million compared with a net loss of RM3.26 million a year, lifted by contribution from its associate, Aseana Properties Ltd.