2019_05 - KLA Construction Progress

I recently returned from a trip to check in on the construction progress of Phase 2 at the KLA.  Work is starting on the interior finishing and the construction team is preparing the exterior for the finish system.  Of course we need to keep in mind why we are doing this work, so I enjoyed some time seeing the students in their classrooms housed in the Phase 1 portion of the school.

 Classroom with initial wall plaster applied

 Main Corridor being prepared for plastering

 Application of plaster in stairwell

 Students in Rally Point time at start of school day

 Students taking Albanian exam

 Students perfecting airplane for timed run

 Students perfecting airplane for timed run

 Just one more adjustment before the next run

 Pre-school gym time

 South west corner of the classroom wing

Northwest corner of the classroom wing - ready for exterior finishing

2019_03 - KLA Construction Progress

The cold weather and snow in February slowed work on the structure a little, but work continued on the brick walls inside the school in preparation of spring's arrival.  As March closes out work is picking up on the exterior of the school with the completion of roof framing, window installation and the start of the metal roof installation.  The team is optimistic to have funds on hand soon to contractor for the building's exterior and interior finishing to get kids moved into two levels sometime this fall.

 Framing for concrete work in one of the three stairways

 The building facade receiving brick in preparation for the windows

 What will be the main corridor with classrooms to the right

 Roof framing beginning

 Roof framing complete!

 It's a beautiful site!  The building will eventually house 27 classrooms!

Window installation nearing complete.

2019_01 - KLA Construction Progress

January was a slow month for progress.  Winter set in hard with much colder weather and a bit of snow.  However there were pockets of warmer days allowing the construction crew to continue moving forward with form work for the final concrete pour and laying up the clay block infill walls.  Our on-site construction manager also held a "topping out" party which is a tradition in the U.S. when a building reaches its highest point for the structural system work.  This was a special time for him and the leadership team from the school to thank the workers for their hard work on the project and encourage them for the work that is still ahead of them.
The construction team is looking forward to spring appearing soon so work can ramp back up to full capacity!

 Topping Out Party in the KLA's gathering hall

 Snow blankets the site

 Form work stalled out during the snow storm

 As quickly as the snow comes it melts away

The grand staircase rising above the existing building

2019_01 - Beginning of Year Update

The weather has remained mild throughout the first part of the winter in Kosovo allowing construction to continue.  Although there have been the occasional snow storms, but them the temperatures warm just enough to melt off the snow and work can continue.  When the weather has not been cooperative for concrete forming and pouring the construction crew has been able to work on the placement of the clay block infills on both the exterior and interior walls.

The team is optimistic to raise the final $115,000 needed to begin Phase 2B work which is the finishing of the exterior and the ground and first level classrooms.  The goal is by the end of January to have all funds on hand to sign a contract extension for this work.

 Materials being lifted to top level

 Winter hit but eventually melted off!

 Interior clay brick walls along main corridor of classrooms

Tim has continued communications and friendship building with Hilmi, the owner of the construction company for Phase 1 of the KLA.  This year Hilmi made a trip to Canada to visit his sister and her family who moved there in the 1990's when war broke out in their homeland.  They were able to visit for an afternoon over lunch in Windsor, Ontario.

Tim & Hilmi on this side of the Atlantic

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!