Dragan Kopčalić, CEO of company "Monterra“ Ltd.: Complex "Zavala“ – the pride of Montenegro and the region

„Monterra Montenegro“ is building indoor complex "Miraxa“, future elite and the most representative complex at Montenegrin seaside

Complex "Zavala“, which will include 38 villas at 1,000 square meters each and a tower - a wave-like 28-floor building, on the organized area at the seaside between Budva and Bečići, is one of the largest projects in the Mediterannean. It is a significant investment of Russian company "Mirax group“, worth approximately 220m EUR, which cooperates in implementation of this project with company "Monterra Montenegro“ - the general contractor.

On that occasion, Dragan Kopčalić, the CEO of company "Monterra“, pointed out in the talk with editors of eKapija that only strong investors could implement the project like "Zavala“ and make the elite complex that the whole region will take pride in. Although nothing is happening in field of civil engineering at Montenegrin seaside at the moment, because of the tourist season, Kopčalić points out that "Monterra Montenegro“ was completely ready to resume the commenced works, that is, to enter the second phase of construction on September 15th.

(Dragan Kopčalić)

-We are well-prepared for this job. We have over 400 workers at any moment and we will have more than 1,000 workers on building site Zavala during the building season. This is such a big job that "Monterra Montenegro“ had to organize extremely complex logistics - from accomodation of workers, purchase of complete equipment and machines, to the installation of concrete factory. The problem is even even larger when you have in mind that the whole region lies on specific rocks and that large investments are required for special machines, such as, for example, dredge with jet hammers.

How many phases will the project have ?

The project will have four phases. The first phase includes construction of 38 villas at 1,000 square meters each, while the second and the third phase are focused on construction of the wave-like 28-floor tower with commercial contents and hotel capacities. All that represents one functional whole - indoor complex "Miraxa“.

The fourth phase is organization of the coast that will have its own contents, such as small marina, elite restaurants, discotheques, cafes, pastry shops, SPA centers, etc.

In what phase is the construction of facility now?

Construction of villas has been completed. We have also finished osmosis, the water treatment procedure on Zavala peninsula. We are currently in the phase when we work on installations and we are carrying out finishing works on the villas.

Value of investment is approximately 220m EUR. What is the value of works carried out by your company?

"Monterra Montenegro“ is the general contractor, which means that we are carrying out all the works. We can not tell the exact cost of the works right now because the main project, that is, some finishing details on the wave and the tower, is still being changed.

What we can freely say at this moment is that this is one of the largest projects not only in Montenegro, but also in the Mediterranean.

What are the innovations in the work of "Monterra“ on project "Zavala“?

What we are currently doing is above the standard levels in civil engineering. I point to introduction of "smart house“ system in all 38 villas that we have already mentioned. "Smart house“ represents the unique control and management of weak current and mechanical installations from one center, such as cooling, heating, air venting and many other things.

Practically, one can control everything by pressing only one button. This system can be run from other state, so that the clients, if they are staying in Moscow, will be able to set floor heating and, thus, create adequate temperature in the premises although they are not home.

Did you use some special material during construction ?

Since the investor requested, we are using only the best materials, such as water-resistant wood that will be used to cover facade and the interior of all facilities. This is very expensive material and it is very demanding. The use of this type of material shows how demanding the investor is, as well as his intention for exclusiveness of the entire facility that should resemble the interior and exterior of a yacht the moment you see it.

We are also using stones from local quarry and other materials that can be found on local market. Practically, very small part of materials must be directly imported.

When do you expect to get building permits and when do you expect to finish the works?

The investor has already obtained the building permit. However, the works are currently stopped because of the tourist season. Starting September 15th, we will be able to continue with earth and other works, so that "Monterra Montenegro“ is ready to start the second phase of construction on that date.

Which are your subcontractors?

We have about 10 subcontractors at this moment and we are very satisfied. Subcontractors are more of the matter of the market. Those who have sufficient capacities, know-how and qualities to meet the demands of this job have the chance to become members of our team. This kind of subcontractors we intend to hire, especially for the specific works that "Monterra“ can not carry out by itself.

How attractive does your company find Montenegro?

Montenegro has entered one very serious investment cycle, which is, by the way, something that European coastal countries do. That cycle was once entered by France and Italy, Spain, and now it is entered by Montenegro. Similar boom is expected in Albania.

The Mediterranean has the most beautiful seaside in Europe, which makes Montenegro very attractive to the leading investment groups. Montenegrin Government shows that it can use these potentials in the right way and that it understands the latest trends on real estate market. The Government is makig agreements with the most serious investors in Europe and in the world and that is a good thing. Also, only strong investors can implement the projects like "Zavala“ and make something that Montenegro and the whole region can be proud of.