Feature Project: Bellanza, The Prestige City Sector II, Mulund

Posted on December 21, 2024

 

Figure 1. Perspective Image (Image Provided by Prestige Group)

Prestige Bellanza Residences stands as a landmark development in Mumbai, symbolizing modern architectural elegance and quality by the Prestige Group. Comprised of six 54-story high-rise towers atop seven podium levels, Bellanza is an impressive addition to the city’s skyline. This residential project is designed to set new standards in urban living in Mulund with its grand scale and meticulous attention to design. Situated in one of India’s busiest metropolises, Bellanza showcases contemporary aesthetics combined with structural precision, making it a standout addition to the city skyline. It reflects Prestige Group’s commitment to creating monumental, transformative spaces that redefine luxury and sophistication in Mumbai’s residential landscape.

Windtech worked alongside Prestige Group to provide wind advice to deliver tailored wind analysis and design recommendations that optimize the performance of Bellanza’s high-rise structures. Our assessments involved conducting a detailed analysis of the regional wind climate to set the boundary conditions for the various wind tunnel studies conducted. In order to properly simulate the wind flow structures at scale, a 1:400 scale model of the target buildings was manufactured using 3D Printers. A model of the surrounding buildings and land topography was also built representing the general surrounding building massing up to 500m away from the site location

In order to obtain the pressure gradients across the surface of all the buildings 1,955 pressures were installed, each with the ability to measure the pressures at a sample rate of 2,000 samples per second. To put this into perspective, the total number of measurements across the entire project was in the billions assuming normal scale model sample times. Aaron Lefcovitch, a Director based out of Windtech Singapore Office goes on to say that, “the pressure system used in our facility is quite unique as it was built in-house from the best available components. In addition to this, we have developed advanced proprietary signal conditioning algorithms that allow us to measure pressure from more than 1,100 pressure sensors simultaneously with exceptional signal-to-noise ratios, and at high sample rates and low phase lag. It is akin to comparing a Bowers & Wilkins sound system to a JBL. The Bowers & Wilkins as far greater depth of fidelity, and this affects its accuracy”.

Figure 2. Scale Wind Tunnel Model Used for Measuring Surface Pressure

In addition to obtaining the pressures on the cladding of the buildings, the same pressure system is used for determining the wind forces on the structure and the building accelerations which can affect occupant comfort. This was via the High Frequency Pressure Integration (HFPI) Technique which allows for the accurate derivation of wind-induced forces, accounting for both translational and torsional responses. Windtech’s HFPI results align closely with full-scale data (e.g., Texas Tech Experimental Building), demonstrating industry-leading accuracy down to ±5%. Some of the conclusions drawn from the study were as follows:

• All buildings exhibited peak tip deflections for a 20-year return period which were within the standard H/500 criteria, ensuring that all building systems (i.e. lift and façade systems) would not be affected by excessive building flex.
• All buildings exhibited 1-year and 10-year return period accelerations and rotational velocities satisfied comfort standards for occupants ensuring no excessive motion discomfort due to wind-induced vibrations?.

Another aspect of the commission was was a detailed wind environment study to evaluate pedestrian comfort and safety across outdoor areas. The study identified high wind zones, particularly on the rooftop terrace of Wing D, where wind speeds exceeded comfort criteria. Recommendations included installing 1.5m high impermeable balustrades to mitigate wind impacts and ensuring compliance with wind comfort and safety standards. With these measures, Windtech concluded that all areas would meet pedestrian comfort and safety requirements, highlighting their commitment to enhancing the usability of outdoor spaces.

Prestige Bellanza demonstrates how cutting-edge engineering and thoughtful design can transform the design and construction of tall buildings. The collaboration between Windtech Consultants and the Prestige Group highlights the importance of integrating advanced wind engineering into high-rise developments to ensure safety, comfort, and sustainability. This case study serves as a benchmark for future projects, showcasing the seamless blend of innovation, precision, and luxury that defines the modern urban landscape.

If you are working on any projects that could benefit from the capabilities presented in this article, please reach out to our regional offices Sydney & Melbourne, Australia, London, UK, and Mumbai, India. New York & Miami, USA, Toronto, Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong & Singapore, we guarantee to support you wherever you are based.

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