2018_12 - KLA Construction Progress

November brought a change in temperatures and weather conditions to Mitrovice, but construction has continued.  The contractor is working on form work for the third floor and columns to support the roof slab.  When weather does not allow for the forming to be done the team retreats to the lower levels to lay up the clay block walls.  The walls will eventually be covered by insulation and a hard stucco finish in the exterior.  The interior clay block walls will be covered by a finish plaster system.  It's a race against the weather during this time of the year!

Column forming and reinforcing on the third floor

Third floor middle section being prepared for concrete

 Clay block walls being installed on lower levels

North Wing - West Facade

2018_11-09 - Phase 2 Concrete Work Continues

Work continues at the KLA.  The structure is now very easily seen from the streets surrounding the school.  The first elevated slab has been cast, cured and shoring removed.  Columns and shear walls that will support the second elevated slab are being formed for a concrete pour.  Planning is underway for the start of the clay block infill walls and other items requiring early coordination.

The site has had groups of visitors curious about the construction including the science classes.  The Project Office and the KLA have coordinated tours to enhance the students understanding of scientific principles.  It also gets the students excited to see where their new home will be very soon!

 

KLA science class on site 

 KLA science class on site learning about reinforcing steel

 North Wing

 East Facade

 Core - Public toilet rooms, grand stair and elevator lobby

 South Wing

 Construction crew preparing the elevated slab

 South Wing - East Facade

South Wing - South and West Facade

2018_10-12 - Phase 2 - Elevated Slabs

Construction continues as fall begins to set in.  Warm days and cool nights are the norm for this area of the world.  Many compare it to living in Columbus,Ohio.  The moderate weather will allow the team to continue working far into the fall and if we are fortunate even into the start of winter!

Work over the last month included completion of the ground level slabs and utilities, form work for the first elevated slab and even the pouring of sections of the slab.

 Foundation waterproofing at the elevator pit

 In-slab utilities ready to be covered

 First run of stairs poured

 Form work for first elevated slab

 First elevated slab being prepared for a concrete pour

 

 The first graduating class of the KLA leaving their mark on the KLA

 Panoramic view of the busy construction site.

We are hopeful to raise the final $300,000 needed to release the contractor to build-out the ground level, first level and exterior wall finishing.  If these funds can be in place by the end of December we believe 18 classrooms could be on line near the beginning of the 2019 school year!

2018_09-20 - Phase 2 - Foundations

Over the past several months the contractor for Phase 2 of the KLA project has been busy excavating and prepare the site for the building's construction.  In August the foundations began to be formed and poured.  Although no one will ever see this part of the building it is often considered the most important activity of construction.  Without solid well-constructed foundations there could be problems constructing the part everyone sees!

 Foundations are poured - back-fill taking place

 Initial back-fill in place

Concrete pour on first section of Phase 2

 Columns formed and ready for concrete pour on first section of Phase 2

 Concrete slab poured on second section of Phase 2

Columns formed and ready for concrete pour on second section of Phase 2

2018_06-05 - Phase 2 - Ready to Begin!

Construction of Phase 2 will be beginning soon!  Through generous donations we have the ability to sign a contract to construct the exterior shell of the multi-story classroom building.  We are hoping and praying additional funds will be available to immediately finish the interior of the building's ground level and 1 level providing learning spaces for 18 classrooms.
Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses

Phase 2 Site (rear of Phase 1)

Meeting with the KLA/Global Neighbors Team and the Phase 2 contractor