edge Kitchen & Bathroom Magazine issue 019

19 www.edgemagazine-me.com

KITCHEN TRENDS MOST POPULAR OF 2011

INTERVIEWS

GRAZIANO VERDI/FIANDRE GUIDO RODELLA/TUBES MICHEL ROSET/AATI

BATHROOMS

MASTELLA DESIGN ANTONIOLUPI HANSGROHE ALTMANS

DHS 15

SCAVOLINI

BALTIMORA

atmospheres of tradition in the mark of a newly-renewed elegance

Grohe spa Edge GCC DPS 47-34

10/18/11

10:37 AM

Page 1

HOME IS WHERE MY GROHE SPA™ IS Transform your bathroom into a haven of relaxation with GROHE SPATM luxury fittings.

grohespa.com

TEKA AD Edge Kitchen & Bathrooms DPS.ai

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1

10/24/11

10:11 AM

Save up to

60 % water

Constant flow rate

N PASSIO

The Timeless Innovative Design

BE INSPIRED – WITH NOLTE KITCHENS

Since its foundation in 1958 the family enterprise nolte kitchens has been dedicated to manufacturing high quality kitchens. Today, we are Germany‘s second largest brand with over 1.100 employees and standard production capacity achieving 800 kitchens daily. Expert logistics, intensive service and a large variety of door styles and cabinets have assured us strong long-term co-operations with both retail and

www.nolte-kitchens.com Tripoli Est. F. Kabbara | Chadi Center | Monla street | t: +961 6 211082 | f: +961 6 211083 e: info@kabbara.me | w: www.kabbara.me

11_1174_Anz_Lib_kabbara_460x330.indd 1

project partners in more than 40 countries worldwide. In combination with our innovative measurement system “Matrix 150� kitchens from nolte kitchens provide the first step for a successful partnership!

Beirut Est. F. Kabbara | Karam building | 240 Badaro street | t: +961 1 381582 | f: +961 1 382265 e: info@kabbara.me | w: www.kabbara.me

07.09.2011 11:45:45 Uhr

Unashamedly nostalgic and yet timelessly modern: its octagonal design makes the Series 1930 a bathroom classic.

1930 Series

In 1930, Adolf Loos celebrated his sixtieth birthday. It was on this day that the great architect and father of modernism coined a remarkable phrase: ”The culture of a people is revealed by the nature of its washing amenities and toilets.” An incontrovertible affirmation of the impor tance of uncompromising interior design in the bathroom. Perhaps it was in championing this cause that Duravit was inspired to create a washbasin whose famous octagonal shape remains as modern today as it was 70 years ago.

VISIT US AT OUR NEW SHOWROOM !

CERAMICS•SANITARY WARES•DOORS•WARDROBES•KITCHENS•PAINTS•MARBLES•SPECIALTY MATERIALS

The Renaissance of Classic Modernism

UNITED SUPPLIES EST. SHOWROOM (DEIRA - DUBAI) TEL: 04 268 7755

Contents 22

37

46

46 INDUSTRY NEWS 18 SEVERIN

Electric BBQs cut cooking time in half

20 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY WEEK World’s 1st precious Gems tone bathtub sold - 6.4 million

22 GROHE Supports the Great Umayyad Mosque

24 CONTEMPORARY ISTANBUL Celebrates its 6th Anniversary

26 KOHLER

Numi launch wows crowds at Index 2011

28 FIR ITALIA

Presents a broad selection of the bathroom collections

30 STOCCO - CERSAIE 2011 32 BRANDONI DESIGN

12

Brandoni Design presented in Bologna 3 new projects issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

34 CRISTINA King & Queen by: Ornella Mainini & Roberto Camisasca

36 TURKISH CERAMICS At Cersaie 2011

37 CERSAIE 2011 SPECIAL ROUNDUP RELEASE

Cersaie's world leadership Kazuyo Sejima: Architecture discovers the strength of fragility Beautiful Ideas, Image for Cersaie 2012 unveiled Power of the place Patricia Urquiola Living with an evolving market

KITCHEN TRENDS 44 2011 MOST POPULAR 46 SCAVOLINI

Atmospheres of tradition in the mark of a renewed elegance.

KITCHEN ACCESSORIES 54 WEBERT 360° WHITE Design by: Manuela Busetti E Matteo Redaelli

56

60

82

106

116

60 80 HIDRA 82 HANSGROHE New Raindance Select Showerpipes

84 HATRIA A Marazzi Group company

86 GLOBO - (ITS) DESIGN TIME Design is an integral part of our lives and our everyday existence

54 INTERVIEW 56 GRAZIANO VERDI - FIANDRE

90 EFFEGIBI Logica twin collection

88 ANTRAX IT - CERSAIE 2011

BATHROOM ACCESSORIES 96 ALTMANS

118 MICHEL ROSET - AATI

98 NEWFORM Fantasy and corporale social responsability guide the company

102 CEA

BATHROOM TRENDS 60 MASTELLADESIGN

106 KLUDI RAK PRIME - The Beauty if Geometric Order

64` GESSI iSpa. Biodesign

106 HUBER - AQUA EMOTIONS Collection Levity

68 ANTONIOLUPI OiO / Design Michel Boucquillon

BRAND OVERVIEW 112 ARTE CASA Feel the difference

110 GUIDO RODELLA - TUBES

70 EBAN Eban is back to Cersaie 2011... ready to amaze

74 WEBERT - ANGELICA

HOME 114 VERSACE HOME 2011 Soft lines and metallic touches

76 LAUFEN New forms and fuctions for ilbagnoalessi one

116 @HOME Launches new collection

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

13

Te

Contents 122

150

162

172

134 TILES & CERAMICS 122 PRODUCTS & TRENDS Fall/Winter 2011/12

130 ARIANA At Cersaie 2011

134 MIRAGE Outstanding quality of Italian ceramics

138 FIANDRE Cersaie 2011: right here, right now

140 KEOPE The purity of stone, a protagonist of living.

142 FLAVIKER PI.SA

Idea Of New Metropolitan Design

An interview

162 YASSIN TAG - VACHERON CONSTANTIN An interview

HOLIDAY DESTINATION 166 ACROSS THE GLOBE WINTER DESTINATIONS

Vienna Barbados Hafjell Ski Resort, Norway Saas-Fee, Switzerland

144 BISAZZA

AUTOMOTIVE 172 ASTON MARTIN - ONE 77

Cersaie 2011 - Two faces, one spirit

148 INAX - DENT CUBE 150 ACTIVE - IRIS CERAMICA

EYE ON DESIGN 154 Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi Delivers unprecedented standards of European service & style

14

NOVELTIES 158 JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BABIN - TAG HEUER

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Handbuilt by Aston Martin 2009

176 MERCEDES-BENZ

The new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG CoupĂŠ Black Series

MUST HAVE 142 SONY DIGITAL CAMERA

Sony accelerates position as Leading camera brand with Launch of revolutionary digital Imaging products

K P S D T a

F w

Sca Fax

KOMMA

Tetrix design Michael Young

Kitchen Designs LLC P.O.BOX 81553 Salahudeen Road Deira - Dubai Tel. 971 - 4 2691003 ayman@kitchendesigns.ae For trade only: www.scavolini.biz

Pls. download our general catalog from www.scavolini.com

Scavolini S.p.A. 61025 Montelabbate (PU) - Italy Tel. +39 0721443333 Fax: +39 0721443413 contact@scavolini.com www.scavolini.com

For the carcase of the kitchens Scavolini uses only Idroleb: a water repellent V100 panel with the lowest formaldehyde emission, lower than specified on the Japanese standards F**** (4 stars).

System of Quality Management UNI EN ISO 9001

Discover Scavolini’s commitment for a cleaner world on www.scavolinigreenmind.com

System of Health & Safety Management OHSAS 18001

System of Environmental Management UNI EN ISO 14001

The “best seller” from Italy

Editor's Letter Dear Readers, It is the time of the year where we can see the coming year’s trends in case you are building a new house or considering re-modeling your Kitchen, Bathroom or Tiles.

While some trends are definitely on the rise, others that were hot (or not so hot) last year are gaining (or losing) momentum. Here is the definitive list of what will be big in the coming months: 1. Space it up! It seems that today we don’t want to be stuck in a stodgy room, simply knocking down a wall may be enough: Knocking down a few walls costs a lot less than adding square footage. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, though, make sure you’re not destroying load-bearing walls.

2. Tough Counter to Crack. Quartz is back in a big way. People are going for the hard mineral because it is the “perfect alternative to granite and marble for low maintenance and high durability” in both the kitchen and the bathroom.

Lara Mansour Sawaya

3. Going Green. While it is important to be eco-friendly, this year people are quite literally going green, especially in

lara.m@amedadvertising.com

bathrooms. The calming, earthier tone saw a rise in popularity late last year and will continue in that direction next year and hopefully years to come.

4. Dark Times. Dark natural and deep reddish-brown maple finishes are in this year for cabinetry and even floors.

With more people turning to the dark side, medium natural, white, and glazed finishes have fallen by the wayside.

5. Relax in Style. People are turning up the volume on in-home luxury; maybe because of the economy, people are finding ways to pamper themselves at home. From spa-like bathrooms to a rise in un-chilled, wine cabinets being installed, homeowners are creating spaces in their homes to simply relax.

6. Going Green…The Other Way. Some choose to paint to be green, but homeowners are also becoming - not surprisingly - more eco-aware in their choices. From bamboo flooring to installing LED lighting, remodeling is taking a turn for the sustainable.

7. Spa Bathrooms. Remodels are taking a turn from the super-industrial look with finished metal to vessel sinks and integrated sink tops, which have a warmer, more classic feel. The bathroom vanity is also seeing double-dual sinks are now a “given” in master baths.

8. Hit the (Hardwood) Floor. While carpeting may have never been the best choice for the kitchen or bathroom, this year it is being planned for the entire house. Hardwood and tile remain a staple, but bamboo flooring is also gaining popularity.

Among the coming pages check out a compilation of product novelties and trends for the Kitchens and Bathrooms that we have selected while we attended Cersaie Exhibition in Bologna- Italy , where the masters of the sanitary and

19 www.edgemagazine-me.com

Ceramic industries showcased their latest creations to the world and set the trends for the year to come. Design and innovation were not limited to the Kitchens, Bathrooms and Ceramics in this issue, as we have a very special

KITCHEN TRENDS

interview with Mr. Jean-Christophe Babin, President & CEO of TAG Heuer Group Worldwide, to tell us more about

INTERVIEWS

the brand’s latest news and launches in our Eye on Design Section as well as Tag Yassin, Brand Manager of Vacheron

MOST POPULAR OF 2011

GRAZIANO VERDI/FIANDRE GUIDO RODELLA/TUBES MICHEL ROSET/AATI

Constantin who gives us an overview on the latest novelties.

BATHROOMS

MASTELLA DESIGN ANTONIOLUPI HANSGROHE ALTMANS

Which do you prefer? Warm or White winters? Do not fret because this issue’s Travel Section has combined both in to four marvelous destinations for you to take your pick.

Car enthusiasts, we never forget you! Aston Martin with its effortless beauty and Mercedes-Benz with all its glory, make their way onto these pages this issue.

DHS 15

SCAVOLINI

BALTIMORA

ATMOSPHERES OF TRADITION IN THE MARK OF A NEWLY-RENEWED ELEGANCE

This issue was not enough to cover the numerous outstanding designs that we wanted to share, so stay tuned to our coming issue as well to check out the rest of the Cersaie products and trends for the coming year so you will get a complete idea on what would be the ideal design and product that will find your taste and convenience.

Front Cover Enjoy the read..

Main image SCAVOLINI KITCHEN Copyright Edge © Kitchens & Bathrooms.

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the writen permission of AWRAQ PUBLISHING S.A.R.L.

Lara Mansour Sawaya Editor in Chief

Publisher: AWRAQ Publishing S.A.R.L. CEO: Hisham Sawaya Managing Editor: Lara Mansour Sawaya Assistant Editor: Ylova Hamdan Advertising: Nadine Kahaleh nadine.k@amedadvertising.com Design: Louie Carmona

Luvin Santiago

Henry Pascual

16

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Awraq Publishing S.A.R.L. Wanlyan Bldg. 9'th Floor, Sin El Fil, Main road, Lebanon Tel.: +961 1 497910/20 Cell.: +961 3 449344 E-mail: awraq.publishing@gmail.com

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE - U.A.E. Amed Advertising The Executive Towers D office 1301 Business Bay, Dubai - U.A.E. Tel.: +971 4 4541566 E-mail: info@amedadvertising.com

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE - TURKEY Nispetiye Cad. Ihsan Aksoy Sok. Modern Ap. No: 2 D.21 34337 Etiler / Istanbul – Turkey Tel: +90 212 257 76 66 Fax: + 90 212 287 00 99 e-mail: titajans@titajans.com

Industry news: Severin

severin

Electric BBQs cut cooking time in half Table-top and easy-to-clean Barbeques can now take place on high-rise balconies or even the dining room table using an electric BBQ grill from Severin.

Thought to be the first-of-a-kind in the UAE, the charcoal-free, table-top grills run on electricity and cut cooking time in half, when compared to conventional units. They are easy-to-clean, energy efficient and keep smoke to a minimum.

Interactive dining is now a reality with Severin’s range of German made quality electric cooking appliances that are reliable, durable and sit right on the table, from raclettes, to fondues and even BBQs that do their magic inside the house!

The Severin range of electric BBQs comes in a variety of sizes and finishes, including a contemporary natural stone surface.

Available at Juma Al Majid outlets and Geant Ibn Battuta Mall.

18

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Industry news: Dubai International Jewellery Week

WORLD’S FIRST PRECIOUS GEMSTONE BATHTUB SELLS FOR AED 6.4 MILLION AT

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL

JEWELLERY WEEK Showstopping Jewels and Rare Luxury Accessories add to Glamour of Region’s largest Jewellery Event While priceless gemstones and dazzling jewellery collections continue to be top sellers at this year’s Dubai International Jewellery Week, it was the sale of the world’s first gemstone bathtub that had the show abuzz yesterday. Selling for a staggering AED6.4 million, the Le Grand Queen bathtub is created from a rare and precious Caijou gemstone that is renowned for its strong healing benefits.

The Caijou Group’s Sales & Marketing Director, Reka Peresa said: “The Caijou gemstone bathtub is a unique luxury object, crafted out of one of the strongest healing stones in the world. Ancient Chinese, Arab and Egyptian civilizations knew of this stone’s beauty and its healing ability, having stored over 100 million years of energy from the earth and universe.

This is our first ever sale worldwide and we are delighted it as made at the Dubai International Jewellery Week. The response we’ve received here has been wonderful.”

20

issue 19

Dubai International Jewellery Week runs until 10:00pm on Sunday,13 November 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s event features over 300 exhibitors from 27 countries, for a truly global collection of jewellery pieces and industry expertise.

For more information, and the full list of competition winners, please visit www. jewelleryshow.com.

November 2011- January 2012

The Caijou gemstone bathtub is a unique luxury object, crafted out of one of the strongest healing stones in the world

Industry news: Grohe

GROHE Supports the Great Umayyad Mosque in Going Green By offering 50 Contropress and Contromix mixers with self-closing taps to conserve water

The “Green Mosque” initiative, launched in the Middle East in 2009, is part of GROHE’s global WaterCare campaign, which seeks to increase public awareness about water conservation techniques and to secure the future of this precious natural resource. The Great Umayyad Mosque was selected as the beneficiary of this initiative in Syria because it is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world and is considered the fourth holiest place in Islam. It is also the destination for thousands

22

issue 19

of worshippers and tourists every day; hence, this water conservation initiative will have a great impact in preserving water and saving public funds.

"GROHE is dedicated to using its advanced technological resources, first-class materials and design innovation to ensure water efficiency," said Ziad Saasaa, the Country Manager of GROHE in Syria. "It is this combination of factors that directly equates to reduced water consumption and products that deliver the best

November 2011- January 2012

possible experience and which last a lifetime."

The new mixers were ordered from GROHE headquarters in Germany, where the company designed 29 Contromix mixers especially for the Umayyad Mosque to be installed in the ablution rooms (for male and female), in addition to another 21 Contrpress wall-mountable mixers in the central courtyard area. The position and location of each mixer was set to ensure maximum comfort during all stages of the ablution.

As part of its "Green Mosque" campaign and in coordination with the Ministry of Waqf in the Syrian capital Damascus, GROHE, the world's leading premium brand for sanitary fittings, replaced 50 mixers in the Great Umayyad Mosque with Contropress and Contromix self-closing taps to minimize water wastage during ablution. The new mixers were replaced in the ablution rooms and in the central courtyard area to ensure the economic, ecological and safe use of water.

GROHE is dedicated to using its advanced technological resources, first-class materials and design innovation to ensure water efficiency," Ziad Saasaa, the Country Manager of GROHE in Syria.

After the installation process, representatives from GROHE trained the Mosque’s technical team on how to set up and use the new mixers.

Commenting on the success criteria of the “Green Mosque” initiative, Mr. Saasaa concluded: "GROHE installed five water meters inside the ablution rooms and central courtyard to monitor the water usage for a period of one-month, before and after the mixers were installed. A report on the amount of water conserved by

this initiative is expected soon."

GROHE launched the "Green Mosque" initiative in Dubai in 2009, in partnership with the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA) and Sesam Business Consultants. In this initiative, 20 new mixers with self-closing taps were installed for free in the Abu-Hamed Ghazali Mosque resulting in a 30% decrease in water usage.

The "Green Mosque" initiative is now being rolled out in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

23

Industry news: Contemporary Istanbul 2011

Contemporary Istanbul th 2011 Celebrates its 6 Anniversary

Celebrating its 6th anniversary in 2011, Contemporary Istanbul is Turkey’s most comprehensive “modern and contemporary art event” to date, expanding Istanbul’s cultural and artistic life to the world.

Consisting of national and international galleries chosen by the organizational committee, art institutions and sector representatives, the premier art fair of the region will open its doors this year to art lovers on November 24-27 at Istanbul Congress Center & Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center/Rumeli Hall. Contemporary Istanbul showcases contemporary paintings, sculptures, videos, photographs, installations and limited editions with the participation of national and foreign galleries.

The art fair that aims at being in the Top 10 list of the world art fairs within the next couple of years, is also dedicated to contributing to the development of Contemporary Turkish Art, introducing the

24

issue 19

genre to collectors with pieces that increase in value and are globally recognized.

This edition brings together 89 contemporary art galleries from 20 countries, half being international, featuring art initiatives, independent projects and publications along with art institutions in addition to exhibitions. 3000 contemporary artworks belonging to 550 local and global artists will be exhibited and more than 1000 collectors will be visiting Contemporary Istanbul.

Ali Güreli, Chairman of Contemporary Istanbul said, “Contemporary Istanbul’s aim is promoting contemporary art in Turkey and Turkish contemporary art to the world.

We are once again excited to host the pioneer names in art, culture and architecture in our Contemporary Istanbul Event and to contribute to making Istanbul an artistic center of attraction bringing in foreign collectors, artists, press members and art lovers in general. We will continue our efforts to make Istanbul one

November 2011- January 2012

of the capital cities in the art realm.”

“We hope that Contemporary Istanbul provides its visitors the opportunity to catch up on the latest trends in Contemporary Turkish Art and the global art scene, while ensuring to remain the medians through which the international art communities can interact.” continues Ali Güreli.

For the first time, Contemporary Istanbul will also be hosting galleries from the Gulf Region in it’s New Horizons section in 2011. Furthermore, a number of preeminent galleries will be participating, celebrating aspirant artists and real talent from the Gulf. Amongst the exhibiting galleries from the Gulf region are Etemad Gallery, XVA Gallery, Empty Quarter Gallery all from Dubai, FA Gallery from Kuwait and EOA Projects from Saudi Arabia .

Contemporary Istanbul offers a rich experience during the fair with various panel discussions on contemporary art. Contemporary Istanbul

Dialogues (CI Dialogues) where local and international speakers will share their observations and experiences of their respective countries’ Contemporary art enviroments and art instutions with art enthusiasts. The 3rd day of CI Dialogues will be special for New Horizon Section; art experts, advisors, curators and art critics will be discussing the current art market, emerging artists and art institutions in the region. Laura Egerton, Curator, Abraaj Capital Art Prize and Arsalan Mohammad, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar Art Dubai are two of the key speakers within this dialogue.

Also Contemporary art expert on emerging markets, Ian Robertson will talk about the emerging markets and the changing dynamics and geographies in contemporary art.

With social events held throughout the fair, Contemporary Istanbul brings together collectors, press members, artists, gallery owners, critics and all art enthusiasts from around the world.

The fascination of perfect harmony.

System design from BLANCO STEELART

BLANCO STEELART system design fascinates with the way all the functional elements are a perfect match for the sink centre. In form and finish. The straight-lined design of the tap, soap dispenser and pop-up from the BLANCOLEVOS range logically complement the BLANCOCLARON- IF sinks. Discover BLANCO STEELART. www.blanco-steelart.com

Perfection of form and finish: BLANCOQUADRIS functional elements in stainless steel brushed finish and BLANCOZEROX-IF sink.

U.A.E.: Mohammed Zainal Faraidooni Tel: 971 42626555 - Taps & More Tel: 971 43386230 路 Kuwait: Hassan Abul Co. Tel: 965 2624466 Qatar: United Supplies Co. Tel: 974 4685277 路 Oman: W.J. Towell Tel: 968 24814789 路 Bahrain: A. Rasool Ghulom Ali & Sons Tel: 97317400 843 KSA: A.M. Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi Co. Tel: 966 26696263 - Kafco: Tel: 966 12651999 - Al Siddiq Trading Tel: 966 38271120.

DEED S.A.L. Marketing Consultants - www.deedsal.com, Associated Co. Taps & More Marketing Consultants - www.tapsmore.com

Industry news: Kohler

kOHLER numi launch WOWS CROWDS at INDEX 2011

26

New “smart” toilet is the ultimate marriage of advanced design and technology

technologically-savvy user while the interface provides an easyto-use experience for just about any member of the family.

23 October, Dubai, UAE: Kohler has wowed visitors to its stand at the “K & B Essentials” feature of INDEX 2011 today, with the regional launch of its most advanced toilet to date - the Numi “smart” toilet. Innovative global leader in kitchen and bathroom design, Kohler, put on a dazzling show to showcase the launch of its ultimate marriage of design and technology, which was complemented by products exhibiting the latest in sustainability and conservation from Kohler’s distinctive Artist Editions range, as well as faucets, showers, fixtures and furniture.

“The Numi is truly an innovative product that makes a bold design statement, and where better to make that statement than at the Middle East’s only dedicated exhibition for kitchen and bathroom suppliers,” said Mohamed Nada, Regional Marketing Manager at Kohler Co. “Kohler envisioned a toilet that creates a category in a calibre of its own. Numi packs technology into a compact toilet and is controlled by an advanced and intuitive interface. It’s an astounding example of modern industrial design where form and function go hand in hand, and has been a real hit at INDEX this year.”

Making its international debut in April this year, the WaterSense and CALGreencertified Numi ups the ante for sophisticated living in the region with its minimalist, futuristic design and features that include a sleek, interactive LCD touch screen interface, intuitive auto-open and -close lid, music system, heated seat, foot warmer, deoderiser, bidet, and innovative dual flush technology. A distinctive, pared-down vision blended with personal technology will impress the most

Numi is a celebration of the most technologically inspired experience in personal convenience. Adopting legendary architect Mies van der Rohe’s “Less is more” mantra, the Kohler design team took a minimalist approach to Numi’s creation, arranging complex technological functions internally within a limited space, all while presenting extreme simplicity externally. The result: a figment of beauty and geometry with high attention

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

to detail, featuring a series of intersecting planes.

Following Kohler’s successful 2005 launch of the Purist Hatbox toilet, whose tankless silhouette redefined the bathroom category, Numi breaks the mould with its

entirely new visual and technical language. Its design reflects a furniture aesthetic, creating an original toilet profile.

The Numi is now available through the Kohler Middle East distributor network.

laCornu

Industry news: FIR Italia

FIR ITALIA all in Through its new web portal, FIR ITALIA presents a broad selection of the bathroom collections of its catalogue, among which the two new Handy and Ready collections and the new Showers programme stand out.

fir italia all inside. A moment of great showcasing at the Cersaie 2011 to present, through its new portal with detailed information MyFIR (www.fir-italia.it/myfir) and the framework of the elegant stand with warm and soft color tones, a broad selection of what FIR

28

issue 19

ITALIA has to offer for home bathrooms.

An event centered on the concept of hi-tech all-roundness, perfectly represented by the QR code, which allows browsers to access the homepage of MyFIR, where operators of the industry, architects, contractors, installers, agents, reporters, customers, and suppliers can sign in to access services, technical features, and information of various type, each expressly conceived for each profile, and which touch all the articles on catalogue.

The graphic leitmotif of the QR

November 2011- January 2012

code on the MyFIR homepage, purposely reproduced at the entrance of the stand this year, within which the larger portion of articles on catalogue are showcased and among which the Handy and Ready collections particularly stand out, the two latest additions to the range of FIR ITALIA collections to provide customers a pleasant, practical, and familiar bathroom space, and the new Showers programme, a vast assortment of solutions for shower arms including shower heads, shower bars and shower slide bars.

Inside the stand, the visitor takes a tour among the myriad

of FIR Bathroom offers: each collection and programme decorated in an either modern or classic style has its own expository “island� dedicated to it, subdivided into wash basin area, bath area and shower space, where the different article types and installation solutions available and suggested for each collection are represented.

A decisive choice to propose itself to the wider public in a thorough and impactful manner, reminding visitors of the proposals that have proven most successful over the years, and welcoming and ushering the many novelties on display in this edition.

laCornue_EdgeOc11:Layout 1 9/14/11 8:59 AM Page 1

La Cornue présente les Domaines Culinaires, des cuisines complètes réalisées sur mesure, ébénisterie en chêne ou noyer massif, métal et verre.

Au premier plan: un Château 120 en îlot central. Email Cocoa, finitions nickel et inox.

2 fours à voûte gaz et électrique, brûleurs professionnels en laiton massif.

Epiceries en chêne massif, tiroirs doublés inox. Fabrication à l’unité et sur commande.

Disponible chez: Galerie La Cornue: C Design Boutique, Beirut Tower, Minet El Hosn, Solidère - Tel/Fax: +961 1 366 234 / 5 E-Mail: info@c-design.co Poggenpohl Studio: Atomium Tower, Ashrafieh, Ashrafieh Street, Tel: +961 1 205999, +961 3 877729 E-Mail: info@poggenpohl-lebanon.com

la-cornue.com

Industry news: Stocco

Stocco

at CERSAIE 2011 Stocco presents LINEA_09: standardization no longer exists in the bathroom.

Welcome Creativity!

As always, important news waited to greet visitors to the Stocco stand during CERSAIE 2011. Outlined here is the new Linea_09 collection, versatile furniture!

The new 48 collection: practicality is now even more flexible.

A design that has become legendary: introduced in 1999, this collection derived its name from the depth of 48 cm. Over time, it has been improved to make it more innovative and modern. Today, the 48 collection has been completely revamped and restyled, maintaining the same great practicality and minimalist lines as before, but enhancing it even more with the introduction of additional furniture solutions, resulting in maximum flexibility.

30

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

A world of bathtubs! At Cersaie, Stocco shows a wider range of the ORIGAMI collection featuring many new products.

The Origami collection expands with a new series of finishes and an innovative solution: the versatile bathtub. Its base structure, in fact, installed on a comfortable inspectable frame, can be matched with tiled, wood or perforated panels, with smooth ones made of Cristalplant® and much more.........

Stocco presents COLORS, the new healthy multimedia mirror!

“Colors”, the new Stocco polished edge mirror, is not only a sophisticated multimedia product offering a full range of digital functions, but it is also healthy! Thanks to the RGB lamps and dedicated preloaded Music/Light programs, it transforms the bathroom space into a SPA. And by using wi-fi, other RGB lamps can be connected to the mirror!

Stocco presents CLIPS, a line of practical shelves that can be used in conjunction with the Stocco mirror......exactly where you want!

Functional, colourful, very practical: the new shelves of the Clips collection complement the Stocco polished edge mirrors right where you need them. No drilling is required, either in the wall or on the mirror!

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

31

KB_A

Industry news: Brandoni

Brandoni design becomes three!!!

Brandoni presented in Bologna three new projects born from the collaboration among the company dynamics and the architects Nisi Magnoni, Itamar Harari e Studio Batoni The ferment that characterizes this year’s edition of Cersaie tradeshow in Bologna, undoubtedly reflects the evolution that Brandoni has been going on for some time.

In fact, Bologna is the context chosen by the company placed in Castelfidardo to launch new products and projects by architects extremely creative who have contributed to create the new collections signed Brandoni.

ALLDAY: design Nisi Magnoni A radiator wh heats, organizes, and makes fun! Allday, the new Brandoni project, entraste to the designer Nisi Magnoni. It comes from the idea to create a “human” radiator, an element usually uncomfortable, too much technical and not too useful.

From this perception, the architect and designer Nisi creates an object that isn’t only an heating element but also a furniture complement to use during all day, from morning to evening. The original idea is the “warm touch”, an area composed by an orthogonal

32

issue 19

plot of holes in which the magnetized pins are threaded, and they have different functions, hooks for clothes, motorcycle helmet, gloves or scarves; it can contains essences to perfume the house, a case for keys, a mirror to fix wherever you wish, and so on.

There are many composition possibilities we can create in this radiator: thanks to the ability to move the different accessories all over the plate of the radiator, you can customize it at any time under the various requirements. A range of accessories that create a game making them forget the only function of a radiator.

With ALLDAY the heating is enriched with a new way to live the heat during all day long, re- inventing the traditional concept of furniture. www.nisimagnoni.it CARAVEL: design Itamar Harari Itamar Harari renovates the collaboration after having obtained significant results with other products thanks to his creatività.

November 2011- January 2012

For the Cersaie tradeshow is presented Caravel, a steel plate with a curving shape, beveled angles that draw the radiator with elegance. Irreplaceable component of furniture perfect to heat big or small environment. A unique style hat combines the needs of contemporary furniture. www.harari.it BLOOM and UNIKO: design Studio Batoni Studio Batoni shows two new products realized by Brandoni.

Bloom is a steel radiator with a particular shape, a soft movement that create a flower on the wall. Stylish and contemporary, can be realized in the horizontal and vertical way, a heat touch that enrich the furniture of your home.

Uniko is a interlocking system that Batoni Studio projected to make useful the radiator, wood boxes decorate a unique design, a rectangular shape that forms pockets that can contain special wood boxes for newspaper, keys and everything you need handy.

KB_Anzeigen_intern_Klinke 21.03.11 12:52 Seite 6

««

e.g. TANDEM Swivel Pull-Out – More storage space, better organised, better access.

We believe that there are more important things to worry about than storing food.

Kesseböhmer GmbH | Mindener Str. 208 | 49152 Bad Essen Tel.: +49 (5742) 46-0 | E-Mail: info@kesseboehmer.com

www.kesseboehmer.com

Industry news: Cristina

KING & QUEEN design by:

Ornella Mainini & Roberto Camisasca Smooth and graced or strong and masculine?

Two new series released

by CRISTINA, different but with the same soul.

Match them, for a new bathroom solution

For the first time at CERSAIE 2011, KING & QUEEN, the latest series by CRISTINA rubinetterie: two different lines, but complementary.

The KING & QUEEN mixers, designed by the Arch.

Ornella Mainin and Roberto Camisasca, are the two faces of the same soul: the first one is squared, strong, masculine.

Like a King.

The second is elegant, smooth and graced. Just like a Queen. Both sharing the same essential, pure and contemporary design, but divided by opposite

34

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

sensibilities: CRISTINA rubinetterie presents two different models, but born to be matched together.

KING & QUEEN are two lines that are born together, and can be selected separately, based on your bathroom choice. But, they can be even matched together in the same surrounding: in case of twin ceramics, for instance, to create a real new concept of bathroom. Perfect expression of the house space that, more than the others, belongs to the man as well as the woman.

Inside there, as ever, there’s the CRISTINA technology: a modern product, not only for the shape but even in the essence, synthesis of research for beauty and high quality.

Definitely Made in Italy.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

35

Industry news: Turkish Ceramics

Turkish ceramics

Burhan öçal & trakya all stars’ breathtaking tunes enchanted Bologna With the occasion of Cersaie 2011, more than 2000 audience of ceramic sector professionals and Bolognaise listeners were fascinated by the magnificent concert of Burhan Öçal & Trakya All Stars presented by “Turkishceramics”

With the occasion of Cersaie 2011 more than 2000 audience of ceramic sector professionals all over the world and Bolognaise music enthusiast came together at 21st September night to listen Burhan Öçal & Trakya All Stars magnificent show presented by “Turkishceramics” Confirming its prominent presence in the World and European Ceramics production, Turkey, represented by Turkish Ceramics Promotion Group, has attended at Cersaie 2011 and presented a special music show which has already became a tradition over the years. Besides, this year 19 leading Turkish ceramic brands participated to the Cersaie with their latest collections.

‘Turkish Touch’ to Bologna Having presented “Hüsnü Şenlendirici Ensemble” last year at Cersaie, this year “Turkish Ceramics Promotion Group” displayed another show with ‘Burhan Öçal and Trakya All

36

issue 19

Stars’. Burhan Öçal, recognized as a worldwide virtuosic percussionist, showed an enthusiastic performance with his “most personal” project: Trakya All Stars in which he collaborated with master musicians from Thrace region, paying tribute to the musical heritage of his birthplace, Kırklareli Turkey. As a part of this special performance the minimalist electronica DJ Murat Uncuoğlu featured with his electronic rhythms and chief dancer of Istanbul State Opera & Ballet Erhan Güzel and his partner Zuhal Balkan carried out their special performance.

The special show of Burhan Öçal by using the ceramic sinks as an instrument attracted the audiences’ attention and sparked huge interest among the Italian and Turkish press.

Basing on 8000 years tradition, technology and design, Turkish ceramic sector keeps growing strongly.

November 2011- January 2012

“Turkishceramics” aims to promote Turkish ceramic knowhow which is inherited through adding up different techniques and developed by different civilizations over 8000 years. According to the export data, tile exports of Turkey has increased to 470 million dollars and export of sanitary ware products has reached 160 million dollars in 2010.

While today Turkey maintains its position in the worlds’ ceramic tiles and ceramic

sanitary ware exportation as being one of the sixth countries in value terms, on the other hand due to its growing market share in the existing export countries and establishing strong and permanent business relationships in the new markets, 3.5 billion dollars of exportation value is targeted for ceramics sector to reach in 2023

by Turkish Exporters Assembly.

For more information, www.turkishceramics.com

2011special round-up release

Industry news: Cersaie 2011 Round-Up Release

CERSAIE'S WORLD LEADERSHIP

Cersaie's world leadership confirmed by the figures 113,165 total admissions over five days and 81,552 individual attendees.m Increase in numbers of international and paying attendees, fewer Italian visitors. More than 700 accredited journalists.

The success of 'Building Dwelling Thinking' was demonstrated by the packed out Architecture Gallery

Cersaie has once again confirmed its world leadership position in the field of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishing trade fairs. After selling out all the floor space in the Bologna exhibition centre five months before the event (965 exhibitors from 31 countries, including 265 non-Italian companies), the show’s importance was further underscored by the number of visitors.

38

issue 19

The number of “actual admissions” to the 2011 event was 113,165, up 0.8% from last year’s figure of 112,292.

This figure, which is the most widely used by leading trade fair events, counts the number of visitors actually present inside the exhibition centre and includes re-entries on subsequent days. In detail, the number of international attendees rose from 43,939 to 45,616 (+3.8%) while numbers of paying visitors increased by 5% to 2,714. The figure for Italian attendees dropped by almost 900 (-1.4%) to 64,132.

Cersaie also confirmed its international appeal, with nonItalian visitors now accounting for 40% of total attendance.

Another important figure is that of attendance considering first entries only, which at Cersaie 2011 totalled 81,552.

This figure, which shows a small 2% reduction compared to last year’s 83,286 attendees, confirms an increase in

November 2011- January 2012

numbers of international attendees (from 24,960 to 25,155; +0.8%) and a fall in numbers of Italians (from 58,326 to 56,397; -3.3%), due to the well-known difficulties in the domestic building sector.

A total of 703 journalists took part in this 29th edition of the show, including 248 from outside Italy (35.3% of the total).

Attendance was strong at the first day’s events consisting of the opening conference entitled “Living with an evolving market”, which was attended by more than 700 people, and the International Press Conference, which attracted 180 journalists from all over the world.

The various conferences and symposia in the third edition of Cersaie’s cultural programme “Building Dwelling Thinking” were especially well attended by architects, designers and

students. Almost a thousand people attended the keynote lecture by Kazuyo Sejima and the “lesson in reverse” given by Alessandro Mendini, which included a particularly strong student presence.

The Architecture Gallery was also fully packed out for the meetings with Giorgio Bianchi from Renzo Piano Building Workshop on New York architecture, with Cameron Sinclair on the initiatives of Architecture for Humanity, with Kengo Kuma on projects in Japan and worldwide, and with Patricia Urquiola on her vision of design.

The exhibitions “Ceramics of Italy. Le Metamorfosi” in external area 48 and “Cersaie Downtown” located in three squares in the centre of Bologna also attracted strong attendance.

The 30th Cersaie will be held in Bologna from 25 to 29 September 2012.

Kazuyo Sejima:

architecture discovers the strength of fragility

This morning Cersaie hosted a keynote lecture given by one of the best-known figures in contemporary Japanese architecture, the winner of major international awards and the first woman to curate the International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale If Kazuyo Sejima is precisely what she seems – petite, fragile, almost suspended in space – her architecture likewise has nothing to hide and plays with transparency and the immaterial, with the relationship between interior and exterior. Her rapport with the surrounding environment is more than a mere dialogue, it is a two-way relationship capable of modifying space. And space in turn alters behaviour, a fact that architecture has to take into account. She uses reflecting surfaces, facades that project real images or create new, illusory ones; sinuous volumes that adapt to the landscape and invite people to enter and leave, to look in from the outside and to look out from within.

The result is an architecture of unique impact and appeal, capable of reaching out to the whole world. The universal appeal of Kazuyo Sejima’s work is demonstrated by the success of the keynote lecture she gave to a packed Europauditorium in

the Palazzo dei Congressi this morning as part of Cersaie’s Building, Dwelling, Thinking programme.

Winner of last year’s prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, Kazuyo Sejima has recently been working on other high-profile projects in Europe, including the Rolex Learning Center at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, Switzerland, opened in March 2010, and the new branch of the Louvre Museum in Lens, France, currently under construction.

A key representative of Japanese architecture who combines innovation and an ancient tradition, Kazuyo Sejima discussed her most important projects carried out in Japan, Europe and the United States.

Following the opening remarks by the chairman of Confindustria Ceramica’s Research and Technological Innovation Commission Alfonso Panzani, who welcomed participants on behalf of the Association, the event was introduced by Fulvio Irace, architect and professor of the history of architecture at Milan Polytechnic.

“Kazuyo Sejima looks at the urban scene in a new and different way,” explained Irace.

“She adopts an emotional and procedural approach that is based on the way that people relate to and use spaces. The constant feature of her work is therefore interpreting spaces from the viewpoint of the people that live there. The minimalist label that is often attached to her is not really appropriate. I would instead define her as maximalist: because she maximises the impact on the human body.

Spaces become large magnetic fields within which people act. But another key aspect of her projects is that they raise questions and prompt restlessness and ideas,” continued Irace.

“Right from the start of my career I was interested in the connection between inside and outside,” explained Kazuyo Sejima, illustrating her project for the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa which in 2004 won the Golden Lion at the 9th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale. It was a building that was to serve not only as a museum but also as a public space. The central idea is that the appearance of buildings changes according to their uses. It is important to design buildings that can change to suit the people who use them and their surroundings.

The architect then explained the philosophy behind the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York. “Instead of creating a closed volume, as is normally the case with art galleries, we designed a structure that is truly open to the city, with terraces and facades that allow visitors to admire the city and in turn enable the city to see what is going on inside. The buildings in the area are quite low, so the museum stands out in terms of height. To alleviate its impact,

we composed it of various staggered volumes, each of which is of similar dimensions to the surrounding buildings.”

Another truly astonishing project is the Toledo Museum of Art’s Glass Pavilion in the United States, where people as they walk can perceive the change in images reflected from the glass walls. “Sometimes one sees clear glass, other times reflected images that are superimposed with others. Some are real, others are mixed and yet others are illusions. The overall impression is a liquid image.”

The Federal polytechnic of the University of Lausanne is another very interesting project. “The aim was to create a meeting place for students that would be accessible from all sides,” explained Kazuyo Sejima. “We created a low, singlefloored building with undulating floor and roof where at one point the visitor has the sensation of being inside a single large space.

Inside, you walk as though over hills or through valleys. Each volume performs a different function and offers a different viewpoint, a view over the lake or a more intimate tranquillity.”

Lastly, the Louvre Museum in Lens, France, of which the first two phases have been completed, leaving only the task of building a single façade encircling the entire building.” We constructed a building that would not disturb the site or the remains of the former mine. This is another example of a building that adapts its geographical layout according to the environment.”

The famous architect, visiting Bologna for the first time, also expressed her wonder at the city.

“It’s lovely,” she said. “I went out for a walk yesterday evening and felt that I was wandering through a theatre, where shows might be staged on every corner.”

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

39

Industry news: Cersaie 2011 Round-Up Release

Beautiful ideas image for cersaie 2012 unveiled The design by Grazia Piccininno from the University of Genoa has won the competition for the image of next year's show. The award ceremony held on Thursday at Cersaie also hosted the presentation of the new competition, based on the theme "in praise of normality"

Once again this year Cersaie has been won over by female creativity. Grazia Piccininno, a student on the Industrial Design degree course at the University of Genoa’s Architecture Faculty, under the supervision of Prof.

Vannicola, is the winner of the second edition of the Beautiful Ideas competition for the image of Cersaie 2012, this year exploring the theme of “Ceramic evolution”.

Promoted by Confindustria Ceramica and organised by Edi. Cer. S.p.a. at the International Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishing Exhibition, the competition – now in its third edition – is open to students at Italian university faculties and design institutes, who are invited to demonstrate their talent and express their creativity and passion.

The simple and highly effective design submitted by Grazia Piccininno for Cersaie 2012 is a three-dimensional image consisting of two angled red tiles resting against each other to form a roof, a symbol that represents the world of architecture and interior design.

This idea was judged as the most effective for conveying the spirit of the show and the evolving role of ceramic and bathroom furnishings, which combine tradition with an

40

issue 19

ability to adapt to the many functions now demanded by the market. The submissions were judged by a jury consisting of Michele De Lucchi, Beppe Finessi, Franco Origoni and Lia Piano, as well as representatives of Confindustria Ceramica.

Special mentions were given to another two students who presented projects of particular interest: Silvia Valpiani, from ISIA (Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche) of Faenza, and Marco Paccagnella from the IUAV University of Venice.

For years the creation of the promotional image of Cersaie was entrusted to eminent designers and masters of Italian and international architecture.

But 2010 brought a change of direction with the idea of harnessing the creativity of students, tomorrow’s designers, architects and opinion leaders.

This policy has proved highly fruitful and will be continued next year.

The meeting also served as a platform to present the next edition of the Beautiful Ideas competition to design the advertising page for Cersaie 2013. The theme that the young designers are asked to work on is “in praise of normality”.

November 2011- January 2012

Not great prophecies or microvisions of the future, but an objective gaze onto the world, as it truly appears to us.

Because ceramics and bathroom furnishings belong to our daily lives; they are symbols of a normality that looks forward with determination and is capable of embracing the new.

The award ceremony was preceded by a meeting with three “key representatives of new Italian design”, in the words of professor Beppe Finessi, architect and lecturer at Milan Polytechnic. “Three professionals who are carrying on the work of the great masters who went before them.

Although they are now well established within the Italian manufacturing system, they have always gone against the flow, arriving at this point by an independent route without sacrificing their individual identities.” They set an example for the students of design present in the hall and for everyone who wants to make progress in the sector. “Your work and your unique qualities are the road to success,” added Finessi.

These three designers described their career paths and discussed their most important

projects, many of which make use of tiles. First to speak was designer Luca Nichetto, who initially trained in the Murano glassworks and subsequently diversified thanks to his enormous professional capacity.

Today he works not just with glass but also with ceramics and other materials, maintaining an artisanal approach. The second was architect and designer Diego Grandi, who while at university, unlike his fellow students who were keen to design chairs, wardrobes and armchairs, was interested in less usual objects such as rugs, tapestries and tiles.

His sensibility and taste has enabled him to explore a new aspect of decoration. As for tiles, he particularly enjoys interpreting the joints, a key feature of this product that can either be emphasised or rendered invisible. Last but not least, designer Matteo Ragni shot to fame when he won the Compasso d’oro award together with Giulio Iacchetti for the celebrated Moscardino spork, and is now involved in small-scale production runs and projects for major international companies such as Campari.

Power of the place When architecture becomes nature

Power of the place: when architecture becomes nature Kengo Kuma at Cersaie 2011. The keynote lecture by the Japanese star architect focused on respect for the environment, the use of humble materials and traditional architecture

“Poverty is the mother of Japanese architecture,” declared the great Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, today’s guest in the Architecture Gallery, at the beginning of his keynote lecture. These words reflect his focus on humble, local materials and a constantly respectful attitude towards nature. There is nothing presumptuous about his projects. They represent the perpetual human challenge of giving a meaning to places, of adapting to them, of harnessing and at the same time taming their power. A major figure in world architecture, Kuma has carried through numerous highprofile and innovative projects

in Japan and worldwide, most notably the Water/Glass House in Shizuoka, the Toyoma Center for Performance Arts in Miyagi, the Stone Museum in Tochigi and the Nezu Museum in Tokyo.

He is currently involved in a number of major projects in China and Europe, including the Arts Centre in Besançon, France and the Performing Arts Centre in Granada, Spain. A recurrent theme of Kengo Kuma’s work is that of the void, which he uses as a key component of architecture on a par with other building materials. The opening remarks were made by Confindustria Ceramica chairman Franco Manfredini: “The world of ceramic is growing ever closer to that of architecture,” he said. “The changes prompted by innovation have resulted in ceramic tiles being used in various spaces and dialoguing ever more closely with the world of architecture. This is what we are trying to do by holding these important meetings from the Building, Dwelling, Thinking programme as part of

Cersaie,” he added. “Anyone who wishes to get to know the history of contemporary architecture cannot ignore what the Japanese have done in recent years,” argued Francesco Dal Co, Architect and Professor of the history of architecture at the IUAV university of Venice, who introduced Kuma’s lecture.

“Their architecture serves for the modernisation of the country, which means being in step with the times but also discovering that the present has deep roots in the past. There is something profoundly ancient underlying every aspect of Japanese contemporary culture. The Japanese are entirely open to that which is new but at the same time are aware that true change is not possible. This is the secret of the Japanese approach, a process of becoming that never stops but is not afraid of repeating itself and reproducing knowledge. It is typical of all great artists to eliminate, remove and create things that are beautiful because they are appropriate,” he added, referring to the master Kenzo Kuma and his passion for materials. “To create great architecture you have to be aware that every material has its weaknesses, which at the same time are its strengths. This is perhaps the greatness of Kenzo Kuma.” The

Japanese architect introduced the public to his essential but powerful poetic vision, outlining with the aid of images some of his most important works: the Water/Glass project which originated from a small wooden box, the Lotus house, built with light, transparent materials, the Bamboo house and the Ceramic Cloud.

“What is power of the place?” he asked, illustrating his project for the Museum of Hiroshige Utagawa, a Japanese artist who brought together art and the environment and from whom Van Gogh learned much. “The museum is located in a typical village. Behind it stands a mountain and on the mountain there’s a temple. In the 20th century people began to forget about the mountain. So I tried to design the museum as if it were the door to the mountain. Visitors to the museum find themselves face to face with the mountain and the temple. The materials used are rice paper, stone and wood from the surrounding mountains, because the carpenters maintain that the best wood for construction is that of the trees from the mountains behind the village. Everything was done by the artisans from the village, who helped us enormously. In Japan there remains an extremely high quality artisanal tradition throughout the country.”

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

41

Industry news: Cersaie 2011 Round-Up Release

Patricia Urquiola

Patricia Urquiola, heir to the "Milanese school", at Cersaie The acclaimed Spanish designer will speak at Cersaie 2011 on the theme of "blurring boundaries", bringing together architecture and art, identity and design.

It will be a unique opportunity to meet a professional who has worked alongside the great masters of Italian design

Patricia Urquiola, one of the world’s most sought-after female designers whose teachers have included some of the greatest names in Italian industrial design, is to speak at Cersaie on Wednesday 21 September at 10.00 a.m. in an address entitled “Blurring boundaries

42

issue 19

– Interconnections between product design and architecture.

Cultural boundaries between integration, superimposition and respect for identity”.

Born in Oviedo in Spain, Patricia Urquiola attended the architecture faculties of Madrid Polytechnic and later Milan Polytechnic, where she graduated in 1989 under Achille Castiglioni. Since then, she has lived and worked in Milan, where she trained with Bruno Munari, one of the founders of the Milanese school. From 1990 to 1992 she worked as assistant to Eugenio Bettinelli and Achille Castiglioni on the industrial design courses at Milan Polytechnic and at the E.N.S.C.I. in Paris.

In 1991 she began working at the new product development

November 2011- January 2012

department at Maddalena De Padova’s firm, soon becoming head of the department. It was there that she met Vico Magistretti, with whom she would later collaborate. In 1998 she began working at Moroso, where she designed a new seating concept with interchangeable components for a truly customisable living room space. She is renowned for products that combine intimacy and comfort and are conducive to socialisation.

In 2001 she started up her own practice in Milan that focuses on architectural and showroom design. She collaborates with dozens of companies including Agape, Alessi, B&B Italia, Driade, Flos, Foscarini, Kartell, Molteni and Rosenthal. Some of her products are featured in

the permanent collections at MoMA in New York and other international museums. Recent projects include the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona, the W Resort & Spa in Vieques (Puerto Rico), the Gianvito Rossi stores, the Flos and Moroso showrooms in London and the general design of the Spadolini Pavilion at Pitti Uomo 2010 in Florence.

She has been named Designer of the Year by the magazines Wallpaper and Elle Deco and Designer of the Decennium 2000-2010 by German magazines Home and Häuser.

She has also received the Red Dot Award and the Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Awards. Personal exhibitions of her work have been held in museums all over the world.

Living with an evolving market

Living with an evolving market, rules and reforms for overcoming the crisis The CERSAIE ribboncutting ceremony was held this morning. The opening conference saw the participation of Jacques Attali and Emma Marcegaglia

A record Cersaie was opened this morning in Bologna.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, BolognaFiere chairman Duccio Campagnoli welcomed participants to the International Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishing Exhibition: “At a time of great concern for the future of our country, the show provides an opportunity to explore Italy’s new ethical approach to building – an approach that combines rigour, efficiency and quality,” he said.

The president of Regione Emilia-Romagna Vasco Errani added: “Our region’s ceramic cluster has demonstrated that it is possible to overcome the challenge of competition. We are striving to act as a growth engine for Italy and to relaunch our country at an international level. The country must step up a gear, both for its future and in the general interest of the community. We must restore Italy’s credibility at a world level

in the hope that we will be able to report positive results in the global market when we meet here again in a year’s time.”

The welcoming remarks were followed by the economic conference “Living with an evolving market”, moderated by the editor of Il Sole 24 Ore Roberto Napoletano. “The ceramic industry has a turnover of 4.7 billion euro,” he said.

“Our presence here testifies to the vitality of our country's economy, which has the strength to react to the current situation.

But now we risk paying an even higher price for a crisis that was not of our own making. Not only have we become a country for sale, there is also a lack of buyers.”

Confindustria Ceramica chairman Franco Manfredini believes that the phenomenon of globalisation lies at the centre of the evolution of the market: “This process has led to the emergence of economies that until just a few years ago were considered third world countries but are now the powerhouse of the global economy. The bar of competition is being raised and we must improve our performance.

But we need rules that are the same for everyone and that are respected by everyone.”

In this context, Manfredini

believes that European unity is a necessary process together with the evolution of markets: “Europe is the point of reference for companies and is vital if we are to be competitive at a world level.” Along with Europe, Manfredini also reaffirmed his support for the euro: “All member countries must recognise that it needs to be supported and defended as an essential platform for our companies and member states.”

Economist Jacques Attali believes that rules are key to the future of the market: “I don’t believe that the crisis is over. In reality we are on the edge of the abyss, just a step away from tumbling over the edge,” he began. “Although this is a time of potentially strong growth, there can be no sustainable market without laws and without order. What is the sense of globalisation without the globalisation of laws? This was how the crisis began in the first place. Putting off the problem while waiting for a solution to turn up has pushed up the national debt. Now too, all we are doing is waiting. Italy risks following in the footsteps of Greece if measures are not implemented over the next few months. And France and the rest of Europe will be next,” he continued. “Europe will not survive without a federal

budget, and if a European state is not created the Euro will vanish together with the single market within 10 years.” The concluding address was given by Confindustria chairman Emma Marcegaglia, who commented on Italy’s current economic situation: “What is happening to the country is unacceptable,” she declared.

“Ours is a serious country with an important manufacturing fabric, with sectors and niches such as the ceramic industry where Italian entrepreneurs are leaders. We have entrepreneurs who conquer the world and keep the country afloat. We have a unique work culture. This means that Italy can pull through. For weeks now I have been constantly saying that time has run out. The necessary measures must be adopted, even if they are unpopular, or the Government must accept the consequences. It is vital to complete once and for all the pension reform, to sell off public assets and to carry through the tax reform so as to reduce taxes for workers and businesses, lowering IRPEF (personal income tax) and IRAP (regional tax on production activities), while at the same time promoting research and innovation. These are the major reforms that are needed to restore our country’s credibility.

As Confindustria we will continue to speak the truth with a firm, authoritative and independent voice.”

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

43

Kitchen trends: 2011 Most Popular

most popular 2011

Kitchen Trends The year 2011 is almost over and Edge is taking a look at some of the most popular kitchen trends that presented itself in the year that is passing.

Curved shapes Interior designers introduced curved shapes to the kitchen like other parts of the house.

Therefore, the usual sharp and straight looks were replaced by softer appearances. The easiest way to introduce curved shapes

and impart the kitchen with a contemporary look is through the introduction of rounded sinks, bowed cabinets, curved islands and curved faucets.

Materials and styles Kitchens have been designed with a particular style but the trend in 2011 is to mix and match materials and styles to impart a unique look. An example is blending brick walls with stainless steel cabinets and an arched back splash.

PEDINI

44

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

HACKER KITCHENS

Artistic details Artistic details have also known to enhance the look of a room it was introduced in to kitchen also. Artistic details can be added by introducing molded designs in the cabinets. Replace the straight cabinet handles with curved handles featuring any design. The faces of cabinets and drawers can also be detailed with artistic design.

Vibrant and exotic countertops The countertops are known to play an integral role in the look of the room. Instead of the plain and dark colored countertops, make the countertops flaunt punchy colors and showy surfaces. Do not forget to complement the walls with matching tiles.

SCAVOLINI

PEDINI

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

45

Kitchen trends: 2011 Most Popular

Open shelves an open minded approach is being applied in all aspects, how about applying it to the shelves. Open shelves hung with designed brackets against a board will definitely create the perfect nostalgic look. Another contemporary option is to hang stainless steel shelves against a textured or plain wall.

HACKER KITCHENS

HACKER KITCHENS

46

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Introduce pendant lighting fixtures Lighting is known to be eye catching feature of any room. Instead of typical lighting fixtures, add pendant lighting to the room. Shaped glass lights shall add drama to the room at minimal effort and cost.

NOBILIA

Eco-friendly Although it's not a new trend, going green is here to stay. It's easy to see the impact you can make on the environment and your utility bills by making a few simple changes like using water-saving kitchen fixtures.

Look for an array of interesting countertops to find their way in new kitchens, like butcher block tops, concrete, glass, aluminium and eco-friendly solid surfaces that mimic granite and marble.

Eco-friendly flooring like bamboo, recycled wood and natural stone tile remain a favorite among homeowners looking to create an eyecatching design to complement their kitchen's decor.

When it comes to lighting, fluorescent lights are clean, bright and can cut energy use by 50 percent!

STOSA

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

47

Kitchen trends: Scavolini

Scavolini’s Baltimora atmospheres of tradition in the

mark of a newly-renewed elegance

Scavolini presents the restyled Baltimora, one of the brand’s greatest successes in terms of classic proposals, designed by Vuesse in collaboration with Marco Pareschi.

An important kitchen for prestigious, refined ambiances, today renewed with new essences, colours and finishes.

New features with respect to those already in production include the oak doors, stained in various colours, two of which have a pore finish and antique gold and silver effects, and the matt lacquered models, all of

48

issue 19

which are also available with a stylish antique gold or silver effect.

Baltimora has also been renewed in terms of the range of elements with new 15 cm extractable columns. 15, available in two versions, the first that recalls the original look of the model and the second (available in lacquered versions), customised by the presence of a capital.

The inclusion of this will give the composition a great personality, emphasised by the tops and frames that will follow and overhang the capital conformation.

November 2011- January 2012

New elements are to be included in the Provence masonry kitchen, which will serve to create a unique niche rested on the top where the hob and hood can be inserted.

The perfect icon of traditional taste inspired by the ambiance of American countryside.

Baltimora is the ideal solution for all those who consider furnishing and living as peaceful gestures of the soul, and that customs handed down from tradition remain the essence of good aesthetic sense.

Built with valuable materials and solid wood doors (in

the oak versions), Baltimora is designed and finished with care, to last through fashions and time. As all Scavolini proposals, it is highly customisable allowing for the creation of exclusive solutions that can blend the traditional and the modern with perfect elegance.

A customisation that is made possible by a wide range of complements and accessories marking the line, such as the elegant frames and classic decor, the worked sides, the midway units, chimney hoods, bases with removable wicker baskets, units with open elements, plate

racks, doors with wooden grates and glass doors with Englishstyle frames. The cupboards with glass doors and Englishstyle frames are both highly practical and extremely elegant.

When combined and enhanced by wooden edging and strips, they can furnish entire walls.

The following versions are new for 2011: Oak in colours: Yellow, Red, Dark Brown, Natural with green antique effect, Natural without green antique effect, Blue, Honey, Absolute White, Cream, Green, Kyoto walnut and Antique walnut.

Cream and Blue oak with pore finish and Gold or Silver antique effect; Smooth (pore-free) matt lacquered finish in Black, White, Sand Grey, Red and Green, with an antique Gold or Silver effect.

post-consumption FSC certified wood and have the lowest formaldehyde emission values worldwide, even below the limits specified by the extremely severe Japanese F**** standard which defines an emission level of 0.4 mg/l, whilst IDROLEB panels guarantee a level of 0.35 mg/l. The Idroleb panel also complies with the V100 standard for water repellence and guarantees a maximum swelling level of 10% in 24 hours.

These new finishes are in addition to the traditional options in Cherry and White Ash, which are still available.

All doors are currently proposed with an elegant white porcelain knob.

Two new handles are new for 2011, a metal knob and a push-pull knob for the new 15 columns. The 15 elements are interesting, fitted with pull-out baskets, already available in the Absolute Classic programme.

Baltimora is finished off with a range of tables and chairs which echo the style of the kitchen and the wood finishes of the doors; a new table, “Hilton”, will soon be added, along with a selection of standard tables and chairs completing the range, available in the same colours as the model itself.

Baltimora is also a green kitchen: in tune with the company’s awareness of environmental issues, Scavolini has chosen to adopt Idroleb ecological panels on all its kitchen structures.

Produced by the Mauro Saviola Group, they offer an ideal combination of environmental protection and maximum attention to consumer health.

The panels are made of 100%

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

49

Kitchen trends: Scavolini

the new "living" MOOD kitchen Trendy design and finishes… contemporary style coupled with a novel, modern approach to wood… high-tech spirit and cutting-edge functionality… all this can be found in Mood

by Scavolini (design by Silvano Barsacchi). A kitchen that meets with new life and living styles that today is completed and enhanced by a brand new

50

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

restyling for a space to be lived, without boundaries.

Simplicity and rigour come to the fore in this kitchen system.

Highly customisable and carefully designed in its every detail, it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and sobriety and will appeal to the tastes of a young public that loves colour and clear-cut

shapes. A proposal that blends functional technology with concrete creativity, ideal for furnishing open spaces that include kitchen, dining room and living area. This guarantees maximum flexibility and freedom of choice in the many different versions proposed: linear, gulf, peninsula and island.

The real features are the different opening method, with or without handles. In the Flat Line version, in fact, the new kitchen eliminates the handles on the front part of doors. The elements are opened with the aid of under top frames and recessed handles located above and beside the fronts or – in the event of pull-out drawers and drawer baskets – through the Tip-On guide system or pushpull knobs.

The unprecedented island, designed specifically for this model is new for 2011, with cooking area and table built-in and tops at two different heights. Another new

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

51

Kitchen trends: Scavolini

characterising element takes the form of the open modules, which create an interesting frame for the wall units and one that is perfect for open space environments. And the suspended and floor-mounted furnishing items with open units and electrical appliance columns are also new, ideal for furnishing open-plan kitchen/living areas, as are the base units standing 37 cm tall, perfect for creating living compositions that can be directly integrated into the kitchen - the ideal solution for studio flats and smaller homes.

The island has also been especially designed for Mood, featuring the inclusion of open shelves on the side and a top that extends above to ensure

52

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

maximum practicality and the best possible aesthetic result, and curved elements proposed in lacquered versions, presenting as terminals that can be open and supplied for the bases - also for islands and peninsulas -, the wall units and columns with the same depth as the element to which they are joined.

Offering maximum practicality and ergonomics are the wall units with a foldable door for easier access and the doubledepth bases with two rows of pull-out drawer baskets, for greater ease in accessing the worktop.

Mood has a surprising choice of finishes and materials.

The wood finishes chosen for the doors are updated to current trends and include the following: the new Absolute White Oak (proposed with a new structure using the same colour) and, above all, the new decorative versions available in 14 different colours (Biscuit Larch, Oat Larch, Morello Larch, Zolfino Larch, Smoke Oak, Ash Oak, Sand Oak, Humus Oak, Woodland Oak, Earth Oak, Khaki Oak, Ecru Oak, Brine Oak, Parchment Oak), to be mixed freely with the nuances of the lacquers and laminates or - for a new-tech taste - with the aluminium of the ribbed doors and sophisticate transparency of the glass versions. Also the materials available for worktops offer refined and

extremely functional solutions.

Among them, steel, Quartz (a highly resistant compound that is ideal for worktops subject to high stress) and the new material, Okite, an innovative quartz compound that is scratch and stain resistant. Allowing for highly customisable solutions, MOOD Flat Line is characterised by the flat door offered in several versions to satisfy any type of aesthetic or functional need: veneered in the finishes of Grey Oak, Dark Oak, Light Oak and Absolute White Oak (new for 2011): Assembled veneered panel with aluminium edge in the following finishes: Zebrano, Antibes Oak, Rosewood and striped Teak. Ever sensitive to ecological issues and environmental protection, Scavolini has chosen to discard this type of wood, which is protected at a worldwide level,

in favour of assembled material with the same aesthetic features.

Decorative in a range of 14 colours (new for2011) with edge in the same colour and finish; Glossy and matt lacquered in a range of 36 colours.

Glossy (with aluminium edge) and matt (with ABS or aluminium edge) laminate in 45 colours.

Ribbed aluminium and steel for high-tech environments.

Glass (normal or nontransparent) with aluminium frame.

The following 8 finishes are available for the structures: Grey Oak, Absolute White Oak, White, Aluminium Grey, Teak, Cream, Decape Oak and Dark Oak. Mood is also a green kitchen: in tune with the company’s awareness of environmental issues, Scavolini has chosen to

adopt Idroleb ecological panels on all its kitchen structures.

Produced by the Mauro Saviola Group, they offer an ideal combination of environmental protection and maximum attention to consumer health.

The panels are made of 100% post-consumption FSC certified wood and have the lowest formaldehyde emission values worldwide, even below the limits specified by the extremely severe Japanese F**** standard which defines an emission level of 0.4 mg/l, whilst IDROLEB panels guarantee a level of 0.35 mg/l. The Idroleb panel also complies with the V100 standard for water repellence and guarantees a maximum swelling level of 10% in 24 hours.

Mood by Scavolini ... ...a strong and sophisticated character for a novel approach to the kitchen, in constant evolution.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

53

Kitchen accessories: Webert

Webert

360째 WHITE Design by: Manuela Busetti e Matteo Redaelli

54

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Revolutionary mixer tap, designed to facilitate all daily actions in the kitchen.

It is equipped with an innovative spout that rotates 360 degrees, it combines functionality and design, introducing aluminium details, a real tap innovation.

With this Webert created new shapes and finishes.

The two handles, in addition

to the classic chrome, were finished and matched in anodized black, red and grey, and to the newest finish in matt white.

MICRO_Design: Manuela Busetti e Matteo Redaelli Micro is a very innovative sink mixer with essential and neat layout design. The pullout-spray is fixed to the body through magnets that allow an extremely easy , handy direct use.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

55

Interview: Graziano Verdi - Fiandre President & CEO

50 years have gone by since Castellarano Ceramiche was established on the Fiandre farm, in the centre of a town that lived mainly on farming at that time.

A land that has given birth to and nourished a successful enterprise, a name that has become synonymous with Italian-made quality and the ceramics district as time has gone by.

GranitiFiandre celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011.

Half a century of milestones achieved through the values that have made the company an example of success in the ceramics industry and in the world, a case history studied in universities everywhere.

Since 1961 GranitiFiandre has stood out in the Italian economy for its attention to issues of great relevance today, such as environmentalism and innovation. 50 years in the business marks an important milestone, well worth celebrating.

interviews

graziano Verdi

President & CEO of Fiandre

56

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

edge had the pleasure of meeting the President and CEO of Fiandre , Mr. Graziano Verdi, during Cersaie, to tell us more about the milesones and novelities of the comapny Today Fiandre celebrates its 50th year, tell us about the major milestones that the company achieved during this time?

Fiandre was established in 1961.

Many important milestones took place, to name a few would be: In the late 80’s, the company was the first to introduce to the markets the format of 40cmX40cm slabs in that period and it was very strong technical material however maybe not nice esthetically and the possibility of application.

In the 90’s we have been able to reproduce the marble and the stone in a larger format which is 60cmX60cm and 60cmX120cm.

That was another important step because the format was allowing the architects to use the material in very important projects.

After all that we come to 2010, and Fiandre since the beginning was the leader on that file, something that was recognized by the Italian Government, where Fiandre was chosen for the Italian pavilion in Shanghai for the Floor and walls. With all the ceramics in Italy, to be chosen for the Italian pavilion was a very important matter for us, and not only Ceramics since traditionally our booths were always represented by marble, so for us it was a revolution to be out of almost 1000 companies. It simply meant a lot for us!

Today at Cersaie we are proud to launch our latest novelty “Maximum”, the 3m X 1.50m Slab.

It is currently the largest marble slab in the market. It is unique from many points of view, such as Resistance, Cleanliness, Hygienically and one thing I would like to say is that we were the first ones to be able to polish the big sized material since ours are full body materials. It is a durable tile for all.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

57

Interview: Graziano Verdi - Fiandre President & CEO What are the Novelties that we can see today at Cersaie?

As discussed earlier, our new horizontal tile was the reference of this exhibition, and that is what many of the competitors said.

Fiandre is known to be a leader in terms of antibacterial tiles, tell us more?

This is called: Active and it was developed 2 years ago and now with technology that brings Fiandre closer to the healthy part. Active has a production methodology which makes possible to create ceramic floor and wall tiles able to carry out a specific antibacterial action and to reduce polluting factors.

This is a breakthrough; imagine how important this material is for schools, restaurants and hospitals. It is a significant material for significant projects.

How do you see the Ceramics industry growth in 2011?

The industry is growing worldwide by 2 to 3 percent each year; the big speed up is done by the Chinese in terms of production and they think that Italian companies must follow them, But from our point of view as Fiandre, we follow the line of distinction, be it distinction in quality, in Technology, and in design and matching all things together to stand out in this competitive market.

58

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

How do you assess the Middle East market?

The Middle East is a very important market to us and it represents 10 percent of our revenue. It’s a growing and developing market where we are growing now. And we expect with this new generation of material to enhance and strengthen our position there.

LINE OF GREEN? Fiandre’s Legacy of Green has resulted in a comprehensive range of traditional and modern porcelain tile solutions made with all-natural minerals in an environmentally responsible production process.

Where is your biggest market in the Middle East?

The most important markets are Dubai, in the UAE where we are working on the new project of the Jebel Ali Airport, and the other market is Saudi Arabia.

We’ve been the first to realize a material called Serie 100. A collection that combines large sizes with ecology: tiles measuring 75x75cm and aiming at 100% sustainability. Using the highest percentages of recycled products from the ceramics and recycled from glass, ceramics and sanitary.

Everyone is talking about sustainability and the green projects, tell us about Fiandre’s

Fiandre has created a new material that is both beautiful to look at and kind to the environment.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

59

Bathroom trends: MastellaDesign

Mastella design

During the 29th edition of Cersaie 2011 in Bologna, Mastella, a consolidated company of bathroom fittings from Treviso, presented its innovative solutions for bathrooms including baths Aki and Bahia, the Kallashort and black Sasso washbasins, the furnitures Dress-G and Summit-G. Design, high technological standards and functionality characterise the new Mastella products, able to create environments of elegant sobriety and great personality.

60

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Bathtub Aki Characterized by a clean and minimalist design, Aki is a versatile bathtub, which other then the freestanding version, can be recessed in the wall or floor. Born from a mould that includes the recess and the floor, then, depending on the demand, the sides can be modulated.

It is also possible a reduction in length in centimetres. The material used is the Cristal plant 速; a technologically advanced and unique composite material, formed from single high percentage of natural minerals, and a low percentage of acrylic. It is an inert material, nontoxic and hypoallergenic. A solution of great elegance and style to fit naturally in modern and contemporary. Aki is also available in bi-colour version from the range of the Mastella Design colour chart.

Bathtub Bahia Elegant and refined, Bahia is the new bath or semi-fitted washbasin signed by architect Oriano Favaretto for Mastella Design.

Bahia is made from Cristalplant 速, a 100% recyclable material, fireproof, with excellent resistance to "UV" compact, nonporous, hygienic, durable and pleasing to the touch for its velvety finish.

Perfect synthesis between aesthetics and quality, the bowl can be positioned to Bahia free wall, corner, in niche or freestanding. In addition, the plan-top can be shortened to centimetre. It is available, as well as white, even in bicolour from the Mastella design range of colours.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

61

Bathroom trends: MastellaDesign

Washbasin Sasso Nero Inspired by nature, taking the form of a pebble of the Brook, the basin Sasso (stone) designed

by Christian Piccolo.

The basin Sasso is made from Cristalplant 速, a fusion of acrylic resins and minerals which gives the product a compact, non-porous, full paste, resistant and pleasant to the touch.

Available in black and white: the black version is not due to painting but for solid surface of the paste. Soft and smooth surfaces give an aesthetic Rock basin, creating a unique and sophisticated style.

Washbasin Kallashort Kallashort, basin designed by Oriano Favaretto, was born as an evolution of the model freestanding Kalla, undisputed protagonist of the Cersaie 2010 collections. The soft and sinuous lines inspired by the enveloping corolla of the flower to make a Kallashort offers great personality and a strong aesthetic impact.

Can be positioned above a moderate height consolle or cabinet.

Proposed in the white version and made in Cristalplant 速, the washstand Kallashort interprets a collection with a refined design and natural elegance.

62

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Bathroom furniture Dress-G 50/35 Dress is a modular collection characterized by rounded sides that enclose the terminals of the compound furniture or the single element. The result is a "dressing" softly enveloping which covering the space between the front and sides gives the mobile look clean and harmonious.

In addition, Dress allows the appropriate installation of the system of opening "push pull", which requires a clear space between the sides and front.

At the next Cersaie, Mastella presents the Dress-G, a throat opening system: no handles and practical opening; and the change of depth 51/35, much appreciated in the bathrooms not large.

Bathroom furniture Summit-G Summit is a bathroom furniture featured by a carcase (sides and fronts) with internal step (patented) which encloses the front (doors and drawers) in a thin frame giving the unit a refined and aesthetic result of the strong tendency.

At the next Cersaie, Mastella will present the evolution Summit-G, where G stands for "throat", i.e.: handle-less fronts opening with comfortable grip and along the top edge.

Also, the hollow can be lacquered with all colours of the Mastella Design range, as well as the fronts and sides.Â

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

63

Bathroom trends: Gessi

iSpa. Biodesign The future, so full of technology and complexity is not frightening if its forms are not alien to man but inspired by biology, and insofar friendly and empathetic. The “I” takes center stage in the project: the design of Gessi becomes "Biodesign".

The iSpa project fosters a more human-centric approach to designing objects and develops a concept of "visual simplicity" with a concept of "Biodesign", which is morphologically simple and organic, as inspired by biological forms.

64

issue 19

The stylistic feature of the collection is a rectangular shape made smooth by corners rounded as smoothed by the water itself. This is a friendly and reassuring form easily felt as one’s own, pleasing to the eye and to the touch.

Gessi attains the result of a design with an edge yet not radical: the glamorous minimalism of Gessi is softened and acquires a new charm. With iSpa Gessi realizes for the first time a Collection designed from the very project for the complete furnishing of a bathroom; in

November 2011- January 2012

fact it spans from the faucets proposed in numerous high-tech models, to accessories, wellness systems, ceramic-ware, mirrors, up to the first bath tub designed and manufactured by Gessi.

Elegant but not blasé, iSpa’s language is rather empathic and communicative; simple shapes inspire confidence with the collection objects – their soft, sculptural and pleasantly rounded looks produce strong tactical attraction and communicate the relaxed sophistication and absolute serenity of a personal spa to each bathroom.

With its substantially formal perfection, the iSpa mixer calls to mind the idea of an architectural work; the well-engineered interplay of proportions between a lean base and a wide surface on the tap mouth makes the metal plate look lighter and somewhat suspended, with water oozing out of thin air.

Likewise, controls are minimal – a soft-touch mixer either electronic or fashioned like a sleek joystick, allows easy adjustment of the water flow and temperature.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

65

Bathroom trends: Gessi

In the electronic version of the mixer, the distribution of water is activated by a soft touch of the mixer button. At every use of the tap, this latter invariably distributes cold water, so that the boiler is not ignited and energy is saved. The desired temperature of water is reached by rotating the mixer button.

Its light enhanced base of the button signals the actual temperature of water by shining in all the shades between blue and red. The capacity can be reduced or augmented by pressing and rotating the mixer button. A double touch of the button commands the immediate delivery of mixed water, a threefold touch of the button commands hot water. If the button is pushed continuously for some seconds the tap turns into a stand by mode, for 30 seconds signalled by a pulsating green light;

66

issue 19

during this time the tap can be cleaned without its activation.

Similarly to all Gessi programmes, iSpa is inspired by an idea of extreme customisation of the modern bathroom, a place for an aesthetically and functionally rewarding experience representing the owner’s personality, the “I” (ego) recalled by the collection name and around which the environment has been designed.

Design: Prospero Rasulo for Gessi.

Materials.

Brass – ware : Chromed Brass.

Finishing: Chrome, Chrome with white corian insert.

Ceramic ware: white ceramic.

Basins : ceramic, crystalplant.

Color: white.

November 2011- January 2012

Bathroom trends: AntonioLupi

Antoniolupi

OiO / Design Michel Boucquillon

68

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

In the bathroom fitting field, antoniolupi is synonymous of quality, research and design, a fame that has been known and appreciated over the years both on the Italian and international markets.

On the occasion of Cersaie 2011 it surprises us once more showing the line of baths and washbasins OiO, drawn by the Belgian designer Michel Boucquillon, with clearly glamour and fun features, addressed to dynamic customers.

This collection has a democratic design since on the market an even younger public will also appreciate this item. These baths and washbasins are made of polyethylene with a rotational molding in one single piece.

The items of the OiO line are available both in the translucent or colored version, are all free-standing and can be placed both indoor and outdoor. Polyethylene, a material that is 100% recyclable, gives them strength and lightness so that you could move with bath and washbasin as well.

They can be both equipped with an inside lighting system, to create places differentiated from the chromatic point of view.

Dimensions: L1750 x P86 x H57 Lavabo: L63 x P35 x H85

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

69

Bathroom trends: Eban

Eban is back to Cersaie 2011... ready to amaze EVERY MASTERPIECE HAS TWO SIDES, ONE FOR ITS OWN TIME AND ONE FOR THE FUTURE, FOR ETERNITY." In the calendar here comes the unmissable appointment with CERSAIE, International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, held in Bologna, from the 20th to the 24th of September 2011. Eban makes return in grand style and under the sign of "NEW".

New is its image and new its logo as well: sign, symbol, identity holding the essence of

70

issue 19

an already written tradition and a future eager to be designed.

Eban will be discovered and unveiled, page by page, through its catalog with the new graphic look and concept; not just for mere consultation, but a precious tool through which the company tells its values, modus operandi, creativity and the very heart of its creations.

New is also the products offer: the line of bathroom furniture Opera makes the best of it on the scene. Opera as a masterpiece, as the clear intensity of a voice modulating an emotion, as the lyrical poetry

November 2011- January 2012

of matter and form. The brand new line reveals that path of evolution and innovation of the company towards new solutions, aiming at a design more and more sophisticated, in order to transform the bathroom into a unique space, intimate, private, with Nature breathing and living deep inside of it.

Opera shows linear aesthetics and personality, highperformance materials, complex constructive solutions with high technological value. Opera talks about art, thanks to the touch of masters craftsmen who give life to fine art dĂŠcor. And it

becomes unique and exclusive, thanks to the customization of the decoration based on the client's design.

Eban's choice stays the same, ever: solid wood, irresistible protagonist of the scene, rigorous but at the same time able to reinvent itself to interpret styles, tastes and demands. And the color palette comes new and enriched with additional tones: Pergamon, London smoke, Cherry, Tundra.

So, the meeting point is stand A79, Hall 21, where Eban's staff will be pleased to welcome all visitors... ready to be amazed.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

71

Bathroom trends: Eban

72

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Since 1970, a family, and a business, made in Italy Eban is a big family and an ambassador for Italian-made goods throughout the world.

The tradition of craftsmanship combines with the potential for innovation, to create unique products. Eban searches for productive and constructive solutions, with superior quality in materials, technology and design.

Just solid wood.

The name Eban is synonymous with solid wood: this sensible, environmentally-friendly choice has a timeless value. Its quality and reliability make it a noble, precious substance, tough but versatile - a classic material that can also express modern tastes.

Production and quality.

Starting from research and development and from the design to the processing, each phase in the creative and production cycles is strictly supervised and followed attentively. For Eban, quality is the guiding principle and the aim it must achieve on a daily basis. All the products come to

life through human efforts and, since they are human, even the inevitable small imperfections are little signs of humanity.

Craftspeople, even more so today.

The word “craftsman� still retains its full meaning for Eban. Ability, experience and intuition: skilled hands work the material,conforming to tradition and interpreting modern times. Human contact is a value that Eban puts into action, looking at the person, as well as at his or her work, with the same respect and attention that it devotes to the customer.

Water-based paints, renewable energy.

Sustainability is a responsibility, even a mission. This is why Eban chooses to use exclusively water-based paints, which are not harmful to workers, end-users or the environment.

Eban also chooses renewable energy and the necessary power is supplied to it by its photovoltaic plant. This highlyadvanced technology ensures maximum levels of safety, control and eco-compatibility.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

73

Bathroom trends: Webert

Research, innovation, quality and design are the strong points of Webert, which interprets the bathroom environment evolution with a up-to-date solution: the collection Angelica for the Beauty Area.

Innovating for Webert means to transfer into products experimental ideas strictly connected to extreme functionality and emotional design features.

A challenge that the company faces with the serie Angelica, composed by a washbasin, a tray-base and a mirror all made by minelarmarmo ( mineral marble fiber). Angelica’s soft and sinous lines were designed by the famous designer Massimiliano Settimelli and are dedicated to that part of our bathroom where we spend time for taking care of our beauty and ourselves. This area has been defined

by Webert as Beauty area. The serie Angelica is made of a round basin laid on a tray-base, which gives great flexibility of use. The basini is hooked on the base with a completely new patented draining system. It’s an unique system easy and simple to use, which allows removing the basin from the base with a simple gesture and with no need to use any tool. In this way it’s possible to have a wide surface, a true beauty “consolle” on which we can place our necessities for the care of one’s face and body.

Webert developed this project with a design matching all area’s single elements : mirror, accessories, tap and basin.

Apart from this, the possibility of removing the basin from the tray-base allows a perfect cleaning and hygene thus avoiding impurities and water staining.

The tray-base can also host any type of basin fitting its size. Angelica is presented with Aria serie’s taps with “cascade” type flow, also designed by Massimiliano

74

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Settimell, having a flow reducer inside the body, thus allowing to reduce remarkably water consumption. Angelica’s base is fixed to the wall by 2 brackets included in the Kit Box but it can also be layed on an existing cabinet.

Thanks to its characteristics, Angelica has been created for consumers sensitive to design, who love RRR products and environments and who look for the best qualityprice match. The phrase “ Webert has chosen Beauty”

is the perfect synthesis of our reference points in creating new models. Ita has always been like this for the production of water taps, and even more now, when we propose for the first time complete and coordinated solutions of all objects belonging to the Beauty Area (basin, tap, mirror, accessories) Having chosen Beauty and Harmony as reference points of our design, makes of Angelica and of the following new lines for the Webert Beauty Area, which

we will be introducing in the next few months, real and unique furnishing systems.

Webert is not anymore only a manufacturer of high quality tapware. Today is much more than that: an unique supplier of harmonized products and design with a perfect “qualitypriceaestethics” matching ratio.

BEAUTY AREA We’ve been the first to introduce the term Beauty area to identify the area in the bathroom where every day we

spend time for our beauty care. Rinsing face, shaving, washing hair, putting makeup on and brushing, are much more than simple and repetitive gestures: they are unique moments dedicated just to ourselves, for example before the working day or in preparation for a special night. Every object of the Beauty area is studied to get the maximum comfort to these rituals and to furnish your bathroom with great harmony.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

75

Bathroom trends: Laufen

LAUFEN new forms and fuctions for ilbagnoalessi one Alessi and Laufen are extending the successful bathroom classic, ILBAGNOALESSI One. As for the first version, Italian architect and designer Stefano Giovannoni has again been commissioned with the creation of the signature design and a completely new high quality furniture range.

The Swiss bathroom specialist has translated the challenging designs into ceramic form with consummate skill and also incorporated many ingenious functions.

NEW PRODUCTS Ceramics Washbasins Style flagship of ILBAGNOALESSI One has always been the floorstanding washbasin, also known as 'Tam Tam’. This design icon is now also available in a 900 mm high, freestanding version, fired in one piece thanks to a traditional fine fire clay technique – and Laufen speciality.

Also new is the 400 mm high 'half' Tam Tam. It comes without a tap hole and faucet and can be showcased as a freestanding washbasin bowl.

Also with the makings of a classic is the 1600 mm

76

issue 19

washbasin which designer Stefano Giovannoni has shaped in the form of a wave that laps over the furniture element below. On the right the 1600 mm washbasin merges into a filigree and extremely useful ceramic shelf – it can be used as a convenient, easy-to-clean surface for bottles and soaps.

Other equally stylish additions include a semi-recessed washbasin and washbasin bowl characterised by a lavish flat oval design and practical wide rim.

November 2011- January 2012

All new ceramic pieces, and the existing ILBAGNOALESSI One models are available either as standard in White with a dirt-resistant LCC finish or in a velvety matte Warm Gray. The new colour version not only lends the ceramics an exclusive look but also changes the feel of the surface. It is warmer, more organic to the touch, even a little like velvet. The Swiss bathroom specialist’s exceptional love of detail also comes into play here: even the ceramic waste covers of

the washbasins and bidets are available in the two colours.

Well-being Shower cabin The 1200 x 800 mm ILBAGNOALESSI One ceramic shower tray now has a matching glass shower cabin enriching the bathroom with its crystal clear minimalist design and high comfort. A special highlight is an integrated Oras overhead shower fitment running diagonally above the shower cabin. It lends the side

wall additional stability as it is anchored in the wall at one end and in the glass at the other.

A wide door gives comfortable access to the shower, its all but frameless structure providing an unobstructed view of the bathroom beyond.

The shower cabin is available for installation on the right or left and features exclusive, practical details: the high gloss chrome door handle, for instance which can be used as a hand towel rail when

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

77

Bathroom trends: Laufen

mounted horizontally, magnets to keep the doors closed, exceptionally tough safety glass that can be enhanced with an anti-lime coating and flush-mounted chromed door hinges embedded in the glass for ease of cleaning. Apart from a stupendous showering experience, Laufen has also focused on easy installation.

Adjustable aluminium profiles, for instance, facilitate attachment even in adverse conditions.

Semi-recessed bathtub Another innovation in the ILBAGNOALESSI One wellness portfolio is a 2030 x 1020 mm bathtub in high quality sanitary acrylic, also suitable for semi-recessed situations.

Like all bathtubs in the designer bathroom collection, it can be optionally fitted with a whirl system for ultimate comfort and relaxation.

The bathtub is also visually stunning, its signature contours and continuous panel blend seamlessly into the bathroom ensemble, beautifully coordinated with the new bathtub furniture in 2400, 3200 and 4000 mm widths with which it forms a perfectly integrated whole. In 2400 and 4000 mm widths, the bathtub is centremounted, in the 3200 mm width, asymmetrically, either on the right or left. If desired, the bathtub surround can even be customised in length for snug-fit

78

issue 19

recessing. It makes an excellent seat, additional storage area, e.g. for hand towels or for displaying ornaments.

Furniture Aside from the new bathtub furniture, Stefano Giovannoni has designed a whole new furniture collection for ILBAGNOALESSI One, the discreet, clear lines of which are a perfect foil for the lyrical design language of the ceramics and bathtubs. All furniture is either available with a Noce Canaletto real wood veneer or a hand-varnished white finish combined with a shelf in scratch- and water-resistant technical marble.

Washtops Other new additions are washtops in 600 to 1600 mm widths which can be combined with the new half Tam Tam. They match the 400 or 800 mm wide drawer elements, each with two pull-outs and optional storage system in the appropriate size.

Vanity units The collection also includes vanity units in various sizes with cut-outs for the ILBAGNOALESSI One semi-recessed washbasins as well as a vanity unit for the new elegantly curved washbasin with which it forms a stylish, practical combo. Depending on the version, the vanity units are available with two, three or four softly closing drawers with

November 2011- January 2012

ample space for all bathroom accessories. Divider inserts are also available for all vanity unit drawers. As the storage system is modularly designed, matching drawer dividers can be added according to the size of the drawer.

Tall cabinet, mirror cabinets and mirrors Extra storage space is supplied by a 1700 mm tall cabinet with doors mirrored on both sides and a mirrored rear wall. It is

fitted with four glass shelves that can be optionally equipped with sensor-controlled lighting. As a variation, two of the glass shelves can be exchanged for two inner drawers. Four mirrors and two mirror cabinets, all with integrated lighting and effective anti-misting, round off the exclusive furniture collection. The mirror cabinets conceal their contents behind fully extendable, softly closing sliding doors.

Weavers Center, Clemenceau Street, Beirut, Lebanon Tel.& Fax: (961-1) 37 77 38 www.mawadgroup.com

Bathroom trends: Hidra

Hidra

80

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Design and production made in Italy. Established in 1989, Hidra is now a company specialized in italian design and production of bathroom furnishing and sanitaryware collection for private use and contract sector.

Collections. Hidra offers to the Italian and international markets every year brand new collections of sink and sanitaryware in order to suit latest lifestyle trends. Products with a strong identity able to express the new ways of living through ceramic materials.

Design & Quality. The products of Hidra are quality items designed by Meneghello Paolelli Associati, realized in the manufacturing areas dedicated inside the company with a well established productive knowhow and highest level quality standards. The collection of Hidra are accompanied in sale pointsby a coordinated communication tools.

International. The collections of Hidra are distributed throughout Italy and abroad in over than 50 countries.

CERSAIE 2011 At Cersaie 2011 Hidra presents the new collections: FLAT, an high-level series which is both classic and modern at the same time, and PIANO, a collection of accessories with a dual function, being also a shelves. MIA, an economical collection characterised by simple and smooth curves; the last freestanding washbasin WIRE, a combination of two elements: the ceramic basin (W1/W2), that can be used as a countertop basin aswell, and

the column, made up of steel rods that gives the optical illusion of a meshwork. DROP: a very tall and narrow urinal that takes up less room in the bathroom, very different from all the other urinals. At Bologna there are also other products: the freestanding washbasin Mister, the freestanding washbasin Miss, and the collections Hi-line, Dial and ABC. All these products are designed

by Meneghello Paolelli Associati.

WIRE WIRE is not a one-piece freestanding washbasin, but a combination of two elements: the basin, that can be used as a countertop basin aswell, and the column, made up from a circular array of 18 steel rods that gives the optical illusion of a meshwork.

Size: 46 x 46 x 85 cm with W1 basin; 50 x 50 x 81 with W2 basin. Wire is available with wall or floor drain.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

81

Bathroom trends: Hansgrohe

New Raindance Select Showerpipes

HANSGROHE

Select your shower

The success story of the Raindance showers from Hansgrohe is being continued with the new Raindance Select 150 hand shower.

The pleasantly easy-to-hold, ample-sized shower allows users to easily change the jet at the simple touch of a “Select” button.

Shower lovers get to choose The new Raindance Select Showerpipes combine elegance and intuitive operation “Everyone’s idea of the perfect shower is different.” While company founder Hans Grohe wanted to use his inventions to make showers affordable for everyone, his grandson Richard Grohe is responding to a clear trend. Nowadays, highly individual requirements are shaping people’s personal choices of pleasurable shower experiences. The shower

82

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

specialist Hansgrohe (www. hansgrohe.com) worked with the designers from the prestigious Phoenix Design studio to develop in the Raindance Select Showerpipe 360 a new shower system that combines overhead shower, hand shower and thermostat perfectly under the motto “Raindance Select. Select your shower”.

A systematic approach to showering Those who want to enjoy the flexible showering pleasure of a hand shower but without relinquishing the rain-like

sensation of standing under a large overhead shower should try a Showerpipe. As fully a pre-installed unit, it can be installed easily in front of the wall. The integrated thermostat allows users to conveniently and safely manage their pleasurable shower experiences.

The range of Raindance Showerpipes has been extended with some attractive models: From the Raindance Select 240 to the Raindance Select 300 Showerpipe, all variants come with a swivelling shower arm and the new Raindance Select 150 hand shower.

The ShowerPower package A visual highlight among the new additions to the family is the Raindance Select Showerpipe 360.

High-quality finishes, soft curves, elegance and understated luxury all characterise this completely new Showerpipe archetype. The flat profile of the flow of water blends first into the angled shower arm and then into the flat, 360-millimetre, shoulder-width overhead shower. This provides users with comfortable freedom of movement under the voluminous, aerated AirPower shower rain.

Equally extraordinary is the new Ecostat Select thermostat – a convenient operating unit, which also offers a comfortable, spacious shelf for shower utensils. The new Showerpipe is also available as a bath tub model with a longer shower bar.

Within the international Hansgrohe Group, Hansgrohe is the premium brand for bathroom and kitchen fixtures, showers and shower systems as well as thermostat and plumbing technology. Winners of numerous awards throughout the world, the brand’s products stand for modern technologies, innovative design and a superlative level of functional quality. This explains the success of the brand as a market leader in the shower segment and as one of the leading manufacturers of fixtures. With inventions such as the shower bar, adjustable spray types, the QuickClean function, the AirPower or the EcoSmart technology, Hansgrohe is regarded as one of the leading innovators in the international sanitation industry.

A question of change Showering pleasure can now be controlled flexibly with the new Raindance Select 150 hand shower and Hansgrohe is continuing the success story of the often imitated Raindance showers. The product developers focused on ease of handling and use. The result: a flowing round, modern shower with an easy-to-hold handle and “Select” – an ultra-simple jet change function.

Users can select their favourite jet type at the simple touch of a button.

Soft RainAir, massaging CaresseAir or a refreshing mixed jet: it is all a question of choice.

The 150-millimetre-wide jet disc with AirPower technology, which enriches water with air, douses users in voluminous, pleasantly soft rain drops. The models with Hansgrohe EcoSmart technology reduce the water flow to approximately nine litres per minute. Water and energy costs can therefore be notably reduced compared to those incurred when using standard showers. A choice can also be made between the highquality, seemingly monolithic look with a fully chrome-plated jet disc or a fresh, two-coloured version with a white and chrome finish.

Raindance Select 360 Showerpipe

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

83

Bathroom trends: Hatria

Hatria

The Marazzi Group company that specialises in the production of ceramic sanitary ware for the contemporary bathroom.

84

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Washbasins of all types and shapes, floor- or wall-mounted WCs and bidets and shower trays: these are just some of the articles to be found in the Hatria catalogue, which also includes bathroom furniture, shelves, accessories and towel holders.

The innovative technologies employed by Hatria in the new, cutting-edge production plant in Terramo ( Italy ) are fundamental to the development of a range of bathroom products that are continually evolving and improving, with the creative contribution of major names in the field of design. Â

Aesthetic research, high technology, functional design, reliability and tradition: these are the cornerstones of Hatria’s action strategy.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

85

Bathroom trends: Globo

GLOBO

(its) DESIGN TIME! Design is an integral part of our lives and our everyday existence, it is inherent in the things we do and say .... we are surrounded by its constant presence and live in a world of design that expands, evolves and is subject to endless transformation.

And GLOBO is one of today’s most outstanding examples.

It presents the most dynamic innovations and, above all, it melds ideas and cultures to highlight the beauty, irony and functionality only design can

86

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

convey.

As always, attention is focused on the bathroom since it represents the most edge-cutting and interesting expression of design: in all the four corners of the world, man applies design to furnish interiors in vastly different ways.

GLOBO owes its latest design products to the creativity of Giulio Iacchetti and Luca Nichetto. Forms, harmony and colours have contributed to breaking down the traditional

limits of bathroom interiors to establish a new design frontier.

Olivia and now Affetto.

And what about the future?

International designers’ projects for a storage element in constant evolution.

Every day the research team of GLOBO experiments, contemplates and defines new creative and technical uses for ceramic. This working group of professionals aims at going beyond any preconceptions associated with this material,

by proposing new bathroom applications and enhancing its creative and design content. GLOBO’s Creative lab + is a project stemming from a fusion between design and the Italian tradition of craftsmanship, in which creativity is driven by important forms of collaboration with the protagonists of contemporary design.

GIULIO IACCHETTI ( GLOBO’s design consultant) Giulio Iacchetti, born in 1966, works in the field of industrial design since 1992.

He alternates this activity with teaching at many universities and schools of design in Italy and abroad. The distinctive characteristics of his work are research and definition of new object typologies, like the Moscardino, the multiuse biodegradable utensil for which, in 2001, together with Matteo

Ragni, he won the Compasso d’Oro, with the object becoming part of the permanent design collection of MoMA New York.

The concept and coordination of the group project Eureka Coop, for Coop Italia, brought design into the major retailing circuit and focused on the new generation of Italian design. In 2009 this project won the Premio dei Premi for the innovation bestowed by the President of the Italian Republic. He works as artistic director for important brands like iB rubinetterie, Ceramica GLOBO and Il Coccio design edition. For Corraini Edizioni he has edited the book Italianità, a collection of contributions on objects, symbols, smells, flavours and sounds that contribute to form the consciousness of the Italian people. In May 2009 the Milan Triennale held a solo show of his work entitled “Giulio Iacchetti. Disobedient Objects”.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

87

Bathroom trends: Globo

research and product development (2001–2003). In 2006 he launched his own design firm, Nichetto&Partners, which specializes in industrial design and offers its services as a design consultancy.

In 2011 he also opened another professional office in Stockholm, Sweden.

Over the course of his career, Nichetto has been awarded a number of international prizes, including the Gran Design Award (2008), the Chicago Atheneum Museum of Architecture’s Good Design Award (2008), the IF Product Design Award (2008) and the Elle Decoration International Design Awards’ (EDIDA) Designer of the Year award in the Young Designer Talent category (2009).

LUCA NICHETTO (designer) Luca Nichetto was born in 1976 in Venice, where he studied at the Art Institute. Afterwards he attended the University Institute of Architecture of Venice (IUAV), where he earned a degree in Industrial Design.

He began his professional career in 1999 by designing his first projects in Murano glass for Salviati. That same year he began his collaboration with Foscarini, for whom he not only designed products, but also worked as a consultant on new materials

88

issue 19

Apart from participating in various design exhibitions in Europe, the U.S and Japan, Nichetto has also been the subject of important retrospective shows mounted in prominent European cities, including Venice, London, Paris and Stockholm, and he has served as art director for a number of international design events. In addition, he has been invited to sit on prestigious juries for a variety of design competitions held both in Italy and abroad.

Today, Nichetto collaborates with a wide variety of Italian and international companies, including Bosa, Casamania, Ceramica GLOBO, Ceramiche Refin, Emmegi, Established & Sons, Fornasarig, Foscarini, Fratelli Guzzini, Gallotti & Radice, Italesse, King’s, Kristalia, Mabeo, Moroso, Offecct, Ogeborg, Salviati, Skitsch, Skultuna,Tacchini and Venini.

November 2011- January 2012

DME_

ST.TROP STEAM SHOWER. WELLNESS IN TOP FORM. Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need to make life in the bathroom a little more beautiful. More info at Duravit Middle East S.A.L., P.O. Box 13-6055, Chouran-Beirut, Lebanon, Phone +961 1 397329, Fax +961 1 397330, info@lb.duravit.com. Duravit Middle East (Branch), P.O. Box: 293622 – Dubai, Dubai Airport Free Zone - United Arab Emirates, Phone +971 4 7017117, Fax +971 4 7017121, info@ae.duravit.com. Duravit Saudi Arabia LLC, Al Hamra district, Aarafat street, Shahwan commercial center, 3rd floor – Office number 4, P.O. Box 9135, 21413 Jeddah, Phone +966 2 66 580 54 / +966 2 66 176 94, Fax +966 2 66 410 38, info@sa.duravit.com. www.duravit.com

DME_Edge_StTrop_230x330mm.indd 1

27.04.11 15:25:15 Uhr

Bathroom trends: Effegibi

EFFEGIBI LOGICA TWIN collection The EFFEGIBI LOGICA TWIN range, designed by Talocci Design, is the perfect marriage of two traditions: the Finnish sauna and the Hammam, the latest evolution of the Logica sauna design which won the 2003 German Design Council Design Plus award.

The two sections employ different technologies and materials: prized Canadian hemlock for the sauna and laminated grès porcelain for the Hammam.

The showerhead with its own LED lights is at the centre of a roomy access area that

links the two sections. Just like all EFFEGIBI products, colour therapy is included as standard in each environment.

Also available as a sauna only with shower or Hammam only with shower, all versions of the LOGICA TWIN design range are ideal for the home spa or any environment given over to health and beauty care.

Logica Twin can be made-tomeasure in both the twin and separate sauna or Hammam versions.

AQUASTEAM AQUASTEAM is the multifunctional steam generator

90

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

used for the LOGICA TWIN Hammam that can also be installed in other shower environments.

The AQUASTEAM design marks another step forward in EFFEGIBI’s relentless research into new technology, a distinguishing feature throughout the entire history of the company.

The control panel is extremely compact (only 21cm wide x 53cm high), the inset part being simple to position while the unit is being installed. A curved glass panel with digital controls, a spring and a bowl make AQUASTEAM perfectly

intuitive to use.

The AQUASTEAM touchscreen controls access and activate the ceiling lighting and colour-therapy programs, the steam generator and the cool water supply from the central spring.

The spring is backlit to create a delightful effect, such that the water seems to gush out of a natural spring in the wall. The bowl that collects the water is modelled on the traditional Hammam design.

Available in 3.0 and 4.5 kW versions, it can be installed in any shower cubicle up to 4.5 m3 in size.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

91

Bathroom trends: Antrax IT

CERSAIE 2011 BLADE design Peter Rankin New - Antrax IT presents a new frosted chrome and frosted gold finish for its most important models in the Griffe range, mainly designed for the Arab and Eastern markets, which also fit perfectly in modern homes.

Blade, designed to solve the practical problem of fitting radiators into tall and narrow or low spaces,is a very functional product and at the same time a very elegant and fine radiator. Blade’s futuristic liqui-metal form draws inspiration equally from nature, science fiction and the compelling work of Italian artist Lucio Fontana, it has been designed in the same way as our Saturn & Moon, radiators to feature a gently curved front and softly rounded surfaces and edges throughout.

Like Saturn & Moon, Blade appears to float off the wall and features hidden workings, controls and plumbing.

Placed in a bathroom Blade becomes a practical towel warmer, thanks to the additional chromed bar.

92

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

LOFT Andrea Crosetta design Designed and engineered

by Andrea Crosetta, Loft is a modern and eclectic linear radiator, simple but sophisticated at the same time, designed for those who live in city lofts and apartments in large cities.

The radiator is made of aluminium and its surface has a texture made up of little waves that create an unusual effect and make it soft and pleasant to touch. Thanks to its versatility, it can be installed both horizontally and vertically and up to three elements can be placed side by side.

The formal characteristics of this radiator ideally place it in contemporary style environments.

The single element is 20 cm wide and its height can vary from 150cm, 170cm and 200cm.

Menhir di Simone Micheli “Building for our present and future means thinking outside the box, with the aim of developing functional elements that are highly distinctive and meet the needs of contemporary living perfectly. This fundamental intellectual view, shared with Antrax, has produced ‘Menhir’, a changing, fluid aluminium geometry that transforms with a simple gesture from a hieratic domestic sculpture into a smooth stone with a spark of fire to warm your soul.”

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

93

Bathroom trends: Antrax IT

BD is the acronym which identifies the range of towel rails of Antrax IT, available in different dimensions and heating powers, which now will be increased by a new towel rail version in horizontal version.

Thanks to this particular shape the towel rail will now find the possibility of a congenial installation under baths, beneath windows or above a sink top.

It is available with 13 mm and 25 mm diameter element or in version called BDO Trim characterized by rectangular elements.

ZERO-OTTO Francesco Lucchese design Adding functionality, and the emotions connected with the possession of an object, to aesthetics, are the ingredients of Francesco Lucchese design.

Through this philosophy and his creativity, Zero-Otto has been created, a new heated towel rail.

As well as heating, Zero-Otto, offers the possibility to perfume the surrounding area, in its single version, thanks to a container of essences that is formally integrated with the radiator.

According to our emotions and state of mind, it is in fact possible to perfume the room with the desired essence.

With its simple and clean shape, it is suitable for furnishing contemporary environments, as well as providing heat.

Zero-Otto is made of aluminium and can be installed as a single element, either vertically or horizontally, or in its double version.

The single element has a diameter of 80 cm.

The double version measures 80 cm x 140 cm.

94

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

SATURN & MOON designed

by Peter Rankin New - Antrax IT presents new frosted chrome and frosted gold finishes for its most important models in the Griffe range, mainly designed for the Arab and Eastern markets, which also fit perfectly in modern homes.

Saturn & Moon. A highly sculptural piece of Zen minimalism that is calm, contemplative and relaxing.

Saturn features a towel holder handle (Saturn’s ring).

When the towel holder is removed from Moon, it fits perfectly into any environment.

Saturn & Moon features a totally hidden system connection, which is also easily accessible, thanks to the special attachment that allows the radiator to be raised, offering immediate access to the valve and holder.

The sphere-shaped surface of Saturn & Moon captures light from the environment and softens the borders of the radiator like the halos at the beginning and the end of the eclipse. Saturn & Moon radiators are perfect for any environment, including homes, hotels, restaurants, cafĂŠs, clubs and bars. They can be placed in corridors, airports, on board yachts and cruise ships, as well as in the tiniest bathrooms.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

95

Bathroom accessories: Altmans

96

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

ARIMA - Overflowing emotion.

The emotion of water and an immersion in time. A unique experience. That is the magic of ARIMA. The overflow spa by Glass Design Lab. White or pearl effect with grids in ductal® ARIMA is the built-in spa offering maximum comfort and with an overflow which ensures that the water is collected, circulate and filtered.

GLASS IDROMASSAGGIO MIDDLE EAST OFFICE P.O. Box 75833, Dubai, United Arab Emirates  Tel. No. : 00971 4 3250010  Fax No. : 00971 4 3250490  Email : tapman@emirates.net.ae  Website : www.tapsmore.com

www.glassidromassaggio.com

Bathroom accessories: Newform

Newform

fantasy and corporale social responsability guide the company Newform’s history passes through time, oscillating between the past and future.

The importance of tradition and experience gained over the years intertwines, in the company’s philosophy, with a strong willingness to look forward, with a glance capable of anticipating and suggesting new trends and new styles.

Indeed, environment and communication are two fundamental elements of the company philosophy, which are matched to the main company mission: design.

98

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Created in 1981 in Serravalle Sesia, Newform has chosen as its headquarters a choice setting and architecture, able to summarise and express the way of thinking which has always driven the company: a precious crystal and steel building, immersed in the Valsesia countryside, in a harmonious bilance between elegance, modernity and nature.

A love for aesthetics, constant attention to functionality and to technology while constantly maintaining a close eye on Nature, both as a source of inspiration and as a reference point for balance and harmony, have established Newform as a leading brand in the field of designer taps for bathroom and kitchens.

Thanks to a well-established experience in coupling the latest digital production processes and production phases with craftmade finishes, Newform is renowned for its painstaking care for detail which renders each tap unique and able fully to satisfy the requests of a knowledgeable, demanding clientele.

Constantly looking for innovative solutions within stylistic and technological design, the added value which renders Newform different and superior to the competition is their strong attention to environmental responsibility and communication.

Indeed, environment and communication are two fundamental elements of the company philosophy, which are matched to the main company mission: design.

Always careful about image, aesthetics, but also engaged in the search for technologically advanced solutions, Newform firmly believe in a functional, environmentally-friendly design which is also within everybody’s reach – from the novice to the connoisseur.

An endless imagination and a strong corporate social responsibility confidently guide Newform towards the future.

Ergo Ergo: simple and clean lines for a new tap resolved by the essence of form and the linearity of contours. The actual novelty brought by Ergo is its coloured finish that makes this tap dynamic and original.

The “chrome� version can in fact be customized with a coloured insert in handle. Choice includes a red version with an oriental-style, white for those who love essential design, and black, for the most refined bathrooms. Ergo is also available in two unique shades of colour that complement bathroom environments: black, for a refined and stylish bathroom, and white for a soft ambience.

Newform meant to play up the freshness of details and the dynamism of colours to make a bathroom look ever different.

Personal taste thus blends with design and with the absolutely Italian personality of a brand like Newform

Life Design, aesthetics and passion for the absolute beauty dedicated to living design: so are Life collections, which have become an integral part of Newform. Life is a lifestyle that gives a touch of class and modernity to everything rounding off the bathroom environment.

Life products are meant to bring the concept of beauty into people’s everyday life, by proposing new ideas and treading original paths, that bring a genuine wave of freshness into the universe of bathroom furniture.

The absolute novelties of this line are the Fluida bathroom ceramics, connoted by bending surfaces and round contours capable of giving a unique grace and elegance to bathroom furniture. This series satisfies the emotions and needs of the most demanding people, with its wide range of combinations: the line includes in fact toilet bowls and bidets in the wall hung and floor standing versions.

Two absolute novelties can be found in the basin section: Solo and the line

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

99

Bathroom accessories: Newform

of floor-standing basins.

Solo captures the original shape of geometry, which enhances the model, and the minimal and graceful form for a total ceramic look. The qualities of Solo are measured by light surfaces capable of capturing the original peculiarity of outlines. Smooth and rounded forms make Solo a one of a kind basin.

Made of Cristalplant, Solo also intensifies the sense of touch thanks to the softness of its surfaces.

The floor standing basin line distinguishes itself for its soft line ceramics that materialise out of shapes that draw inspiration directly from the nature, where materiality seems to fade away. Soft and essential forms unveil high versatility, with an elegance perfectly adapted to modern and minimalist contexts as well as to more informal environments.

Flux Minimal design, absolute lightness and clean lines characterise components of the Flux line, which are good objects of bathroom design arising from the creative capabilities of Luca Cimarra.

Being linked with shapes that are nature-inspired, the soft lines of all elements of his collection remind one of a leaf’s light and sinuous movements. Flux is in perfect harmony with the spirit of pure design and this product line shows the magic of materials dedicated to people who enjoy aesthetic harmony.

It is offered in a full product range including amongst many proposals the taps for wash basins in both structured and wall-fixed styles, in traditional or shower jet styles, whether the bathtub is against the wall or on the floor and the shower column.

100

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Pura Pura the new collection of Newform taps distinguished by its clean and sharp traits, the symmetry of volumes that reflects a clear expression of equilibrium filling the bathroom with a style that becomes essentially orderly.

In the Pura collection, space evolves in a manner that is definitely regular, in the form of consistency of proportion, through a play of reflections which, as the name itself indicates, are in search of purity.

It is the rigour that captures the attention, it is the accuracy that directs the harmony of the figures of products in the Pura collection.

Its image is exalted thanks to the dimensions, spelled out in a natural definition of solidity, evidence of a creative research that wells out clear and smart.

Solidity, square and modern shapes can be found in all the elements that form part of the collection: from the square shape of the support plaque to the clear-cut silhouette of the water supply spreader, to the balanced lines of side controls.

This range includes several designs including external mixers for basin, tabs and shower, built-in mixers and shower-heads for showers, polished or brushed chrome finished to adapt the product to environments with different colours.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

101

Bathroom accessories: CEA

CEA TWO 180/270 Set up in 1984 as a company specialized in the production of thermo-hydro sanitary plants CEA, acronym of CENTRO ENERGIE ALTERNATIVE (Center of Alternative Energy), increases its know-how in research and development of innovative technological solutions in the alternative power sources field.

Today CEA enjoys itself among design and innovation and not only in faucets sector, with a constant attention to power sources theme: from water saving typical of CEA products to “TWO” project which is almost alternative power.

TWO is the result of a study for the achievement of following goals: • Low consumption • High performances • Flexibility in applications TWO is a ceiling destratification fan. As adjuvant in heating and cooling processes allows to optimize air movement for a well-being.

The carbon blades, the design of a dedicated 12/24 Volt electric motor and an electronic system specifically studied to control it, led to high efficiency with low consumptions (9 Watt/h at its maximum speed).

TWO is available in two different sizes: a big one of Ø 270 cm with six blades and a smaller one of Ø 180 cm with three blades. Thanks to standard and customized extension cables it is possible to install it in case of a large distance between the ceiling and the fan or inclined ceilings.

TWO is IP65 certified. Design Giulio Gianturco.

102

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

ASTA Hydroprogressive mixer tap in AISI 316L stainless steel, available in polish or satin finish. The pole as support of the adjustable spout and the colored silicone rubber hose (available in white, aqua green, cobalt blue and anthracite grey) are strinking. Design Romano Adolini.

CARTESIO Hydroprogressive mixer tap in AISI 316L stainless steel with a polish or satin finish.

This synthetic design confers linearity with orthogonal junctions and a strongly essential design. This range also includes a broad selection of counter and wall mount mixers.

Design Michele Cazzaniga, Simone Mandelli, Antonio Pagliarulo.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

103

Bathroom accessories: CEA MILO360 The project MILO360 answers installation needs with a collection that maintains the stainless steel of high range models and offers the public an appealing product at a competitive price. This extraordinary range of mixers is made from AISI316L stainless steel, polish or satin finish, that can be installed on the sink, floor or wall and there are also free-standing models complete with shower/bathtub sets.

These mixers are enriched with flexible coloured water supplies (FLEX) in white, aqua green, cobalt blue and anthracite grey.

BOLD Adjustable rain jet shower-head made from AISI316L stainless steel, polish or satin finish, diameter 100mm. It is suitable for all CEAdesign series. Water capacity at 3 BAR pressure 14lt/min.

104

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Bathroom accessories: Kludi RAK

KLUDI RAK

106

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

PRIME

The Beauty if Geometric Order The KLUDI RAK PRIME line offers sheer pleasure in the bathroom. A fantastic design and great value for money!

Unique, essential forms assign the overall impression of the product line. The elegant rolling spout and the reduced handles build a perfect unity.

A range of taps to suit all bathrooms

PRIME KITCHEN Whether with an arched or a horizontal spout, this design is a pleasant eye-catcher in any kitchen; with its 360° swivel range, kitchen chores are handled easily and swiftly from all sides – which is particularly practical in the case of sink island units or double sinks arranged in the centre of the kitchen.

Available for two- or singlehole assembly – and for unpressurized storage tanks.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

107

Bathroom accessories: Huber

COLLECTION

LEVITY

Its design is a combination of light and continuous strokes where the cylindrical base joins the spout and the lever through a game of curved and flat mirror surfaces. Profiles draw volumes featuring the entire collection.

The final outcome is an elegant and refined style, at the same time very unique and exclusive.

LEVITY range consists of 3 single-lever basin mixers available in different heights as well as thermostatic bath, shower mixer and shower column.

LEVITY is available in chrome finishing.

108

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

109

Interview: Guido Rodella - Tubes

Guido Rodella Sales Director TUBES Tell us about TUBES and their products?

When the headhunter with whom I used to work proposed me a radiator/towel heater company, I asked him if he is crazy. My CV explained very well what I wanted and at that time a company that has to do with steel and alluminium weren’t my first choice. But when i looked at the catalogue of TUBES I discovered a new world, a company that was created to be leader but needed to be managed and positioned correctly on any market in the world.

TUBES radiatori srl is a company created in 1994 with the aim of introducing radiators with a strong architectural impact, great attention to detail and a high level of technology to the market. Initially we produced tubular radiators, like one would know them from other suppliers as well. We noticed soon that we need to think out of the box and create unique ideas that nobody else is able to provide. This is when we created the Elements collection. The radiators in this collection are no longer mere technical components, but real architectural elements; studied and developed by internationally famous designers. In fact, one of these products – add-On by Satyendra Pakhalé - is in the permanent collection of one of the most famous and important museums in the world, the Pompidou Centre, the Museum

110

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

of Modern Art in Paris.

What is the main difference between the Element range and the Basic range?

As I said before, there are many differences between the Basics_Extras and Elements collections. From a technical point of view the Elements collection is connected to the heating system through remote controlled valves. We also use alternative materials to steel, like aluminium, to create models with an extremely innovative design by internationally famous designers, with radiators that are not immediately recognisable as such, but are real architectural features that characterise any space they are placed in.

Do you see a trend that the radiator or towel heater gains more importance for the architect or the home owner?

Towel heaters for the bathroom and radiators for living room and other spaces in the home are becoming increasingly important today, especially if we are talking about design elements like the models we produce. Our market spinoffs are totally a result of our continual and constant partnership with the architects who work with our clients and our technical office every day.

Also, thanks to the vast range of models, which differ both in shape and cost, the end client can choose the product that

best suits his or her needs, independently, or with the help of an architect. Tubes is certainly recognised as a company that offers quality, reliability and safety and these are powerful and important stimuli for obtaining the most in terms of technical performance and quality, with the aim of offering our clients the very best.

Are you working with famous designers? How important is their vision for your company?

The Elements collection saw numerous partnerships with internationally famous designers with contrasting styles. This allowed us to broaden our vision and our boundaries and to offer the market products with different architectural features.

Partnership is very important to us, as it allows us a presence on the international scene that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. Our aim, as a company that is strongly design-oriented, is to meet the countless requests for architectural models that can customise our clients’ homes and make them unique.

Can you explain how normally the process of developing a new product with those designers looks like?

Everything begins with an idea

by Tubes, in particular with a reflection on the needs that come from our partnership

with architects and clients, and from our extremely broad vision of what the features of a new product could be. With this baggage of information we try to identify the most appropriate ‘style’ for the designer and we begin to analyse this with him or her. The aesthetic work is then taken over by the designer himself. He or she looks at various technical solutions with our R&D department that will make the ‘form’ of a radiator functional, ecological and sustainable. We then create a prototype and analyse its market position. We also look at the best image for the product in terms of communication.

This is followed by an economic analysis for production and the time needed to finish the project. Sometimes finding the best solution for heating a model isn’t easy, especially if you want a product that is technologically advanced, simple to produce and energy efficient. But this is also very stimulating for us.

Now since a few weeks, one of your products is exhibited in the National Museum of Modern Art, the Pompidou in Paris.

How did this happen and what effect does this have on your business?

From 6th April 2011, the day of the opening of the exhibition on the 4th floor of the Pompidou, presenting the history of modern art from the ’60s to the present day, one of our models – add-On, designed by Satyendra Pakhalé – has been displayed.

This is further recognition for the product, a synthesis of poetry and technology that comes after the Red Dot Award won in 2008. The recognition is clearly due to the features of the product. It is a simple model that was complex to produce. The fact that one of Tubes’ products is now in the Centre Pompidou is an extraordinary news, both from the point of view of international communication and sales, which are increasing at the moment, especially in France.

We are now also focussing on

other important international museums, as a result of the synergy created by partnerships with the designers who helped produce the Elements collection.

The Middle East is a very hot region. Why do you still see a big potential for your company?

The fact that someone puts a towel heater in the bathroom, has not much to do with the weather conditions of the country. There are several aspects that make a towel heater an interesting product that adds value to the bathroom. First the design aspect.

Especially the products from our elements collection are interior products that underline or even create the bathroom ambience that the architect wants to realise. Then you have the ecological aspect. Think about a hotel. Instead of using the towel only once and throwing it on the floor, the user would put it on the towel heater and use it again. And last but not least the comfort aspect.

Who doesn't want to use a warm towel after the shower? We start the day in the bathroom and we end the day there. It's a private place where we want to pamper ourselves.

How are you penetrating this region? Do you have any office?

In order to be successful in this region, it is mandatory that we are close to the customer to not only provide excellent service in terms of technical consultancy or after sales service, but as well in order to see local market trends and needs.

We provide local service through a partnership with MENAGATE (www.mena-gate.com), a company based in Beirut, that serves for us as a branch office for the Middle East & North Africa region. The main task for the coming 2 years is to go into local partnerships with retail and furniture shops all over the region, so that local clients can experience the uniqueness in our products.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

111

Kitchen trends: Title Brand overview: Arte Casa

Arte Casa

feel the difference Arte Casa Features the globe’s most distinguished and extensive range of opulent modern designer bathroom creations, furnishings and fixing. Renowned for the uniqueness and superior quality of its products, Arte Casa utilized the creativity of its various prestigious suppliers. These refined brands were carefully selected for their globally recognized distinction, eminence and time honored traditions.

The contemporary forms

112 128

and functions of these products convey elegant artistic designs at the same time as revolutionary advanced technologies.

Arte Casa’s products can be found in the most prestigious edifices in the United Arab Emirates.

These inspiring designs have been used in palaces, 5 star hotels, and Luxury villas, first class apartment and lavish commercial and industrial development.

issue17 19 May November 2011January 2012 issue 15 - July 15 2011

a

These ascribed creations stand out with their sophisticated fabrications, Classic designs and endless variety of forms and colors. Arte Casa’s product range is extensive and goes far beyond the paged of this cataog; they promote the world’s finest sanitary wares, bathtubs, whirlpools, spas, fixtures, bathroom accessories, Ceramic tiles, antique marbles and mosaic tiles.

Arte Casa is dedicated to the world’ most beautiful and innovative luxury bath rooms.

The company’s objective is to professionally offer first class products at sensible prices, stylish modern designs and consistent with quality and comfort. In order to ensure consistent satisfaction, Arte Casa is always available for after Sales services to their valued customers and retailers.

November 20112012 May 15 -January July 15 2011

19 issue 17

113 129

Home: Versace 2011

VERSACE HOME 2011

Soft lines & metallic touches 114

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Versace presents today its new Home collection which is imbued with soft lines and bright colors, clearly inspired

by Versace’s rich fashion heritage.

Designed by Donatella Versace for any type of environment, the collection includes items of varying dimensions. Shapes are refined and the collection now includes more plastic, giving lamps and innovative chairs and seating – the latest in furnishing accessories – extra sinuosity and intensity.

Metal is the material of the season and forms a link throughout the entire collection. This is exemplified in the gilt strip – shiny, satin or chromium plated – which recalls the asymmetric cuts on Versace clothes, resulting in a graphic interpretation of the house’s emblematic Greek logo.

At times this effect is rendered decoratively by laser, while at

other times it is structurally part of the actual furniture.

The color palette goes from vibrant blues to lacquered red, from a golden yellow to an elegant pearl gray, with touches of black and white.

Fabrics are opulent and, along with leathers and velvets exclusive to the Versace Home collection, there are cotton satins and silk satins, shiny laminated textiles, and technical fabrics with lacquer effects.

Among the many diverse decorations there is a return of the iconic Baroque print proposed on a resin-coated fabric or embroidered by hand on leather or velvet, and a python print inspired by the Versace fashion collections.

The new Versace Home collection is made up of exclusive pieces of furniture, distinct design items that give any setting a special touch of exclusivity.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

115

Home: @Home

@home

launches new collection

116

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

@home, South Africa’s leading homeware store launches its new collection – ‘Garden Party’, offering a glamorous and fashionable range of products for the entire home including bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining, living room, general home décor, home appliances and office accessories.

Start getting geared up for a spring clean…think outdoor fun, picnics, barbeque and unwinding in the warm winter sun!!!

This whimsical yet modern ode to the perfect picnic or garden tea party, makes staying at home feel like a relaxing getaway. Inspired by the garden, botanicals become the focal point for print inspiration and direction, with birds and butterflies in all shapes and forms being celebrated. Flowers and plants become the must have FAKE accessory to any space, bringing the outdoors in, maintenance free.

There is huge focus on outdoor, offering a whole “TAKE ME HOME TODAY” collection of well priced items that can transform

your outdoor space in a fun and modern way.

Twinkling string lights, bright candles, lanterns and cushion covers all help to give that traditional tea party a new exciting and stylish twist without harming the pocket. The story is fun and carefree, encapsulating good design whilst celebrating the outdoors.

The colour palette is made up of vibrant brights - yellows, oranges, greens, hot pinks with a mix of designs and patterns that are bold and geometric.

The “leisure” range has also been expanded to offer exciting woven items that are perfect for a covered patio or beach house look.

So go ahead celebrate nature, enjoy the winter breeze and get geared to party this festive season with @home.

The new @home collection is available in the UAE-Dubai: Mercato, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Ibn Batuta, Mall of the Emirates, Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaima: Al Hamra Mall.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

117

Home: Interview - AATI's Michel Roset

an Interview with aati's

Michel Roset

creative director & co-owner 118

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Firstly, we would like to congratulate you on celebrating 150 years in 2010.

On that note, how do you see the brand this year in 2011?

Despite the crisis, there is still one thing which remains true: we have evolved a lot within the last 150 years! That was actually an important event as very few companies can claim the same, and even fewer remain 100% owned by the family as we are.

In the meantime, and even if celebrating the past is important, keep focusing on the future is key to success.

What new ventures have you taken on this year with regards to your latest collection?

As you know, the 2011 collection has been stuning both in terms of creativity and versatility, offering diverse solution in term of style.

Indeed, we launched around 10 sofas, a full cabinet program, Mixte, designed by Mauro Lipparini, dining chairs, smaller cabinet and of course a full

collection of smaller pieces (lightings, rugs, vases…).

This year, and in light of the turmoil, the focus has been put on more classical furniture both for upholstery and cabinet and also on competitive prices.

We shall nonetheless launch spectacular pieces…

What can you tell us about your outdoor collection that has just been introduced?

Indeed, we have decided last year to penetrate a segment where people were waiting for us to enter.

We shall take the opportunity of the new collection to keep on offering different solution in our outdoor collection with François Azambourg, Philippe Nigro.

From the collection, what product would you say makes you and the brand most proud and why?

Definitely Ploum from the Bouroullec brothers.

Indeed, if Togo remains our iconic product, I actually

did not participate to its elaboration as I did not join the company at the time.

In the meantime, I believe I have been able, with the genius of the Bouroullec’s, to recreate a product of similar importance and which shall remain an icon of contemporary furniture.

Ploum has actually been crowned several times among, which the much sought after “best of the Best 2011”.

This would actually be the first Chesterfield which is comfortable…under nose of English! Trying it is buying it and once bought, it becomes your companion.

Aati showroom celebrates their 30th year of contemporary design. Ligne Roset, being one of the first brands represented by the showroom has had huge success in the region. How much impact did that have on your brand?

First, I think we shall first congratulate Mr Obaid Al Tayer who has been able, 30 years

ago, to select our company with its innovative image.

We are experiencing in Dubai a real commercial success which leads to a interesting growth of the Middle East area, thus positioning Dubai on the map like Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo…

Following the opening of the Ligne Roset Showroom here in Dubai in 2007, how has the market in the region treated the brand till date?

To echo my previous answer, the partnership between Aati and Ligne Roset has been extremely successful and fruitful.

Indeed, I believe both of us learned form the other and fed the other with its own experience which led to a complete osmosis to adapt the collection to the Middle East markets.

Indeed, if the Gulf countries taste have evolve over time to become more contemporary, ligne roset has also taken on board expectations form the

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

119

Home: Interview - AATI's Michel Roset

As you know, the 2011 collection has been stuning both in terms of creativity and versatility, offering diverse solution in term of style.

area, which ultimately paved the way to success.

GCC’s therefore plays a very significant role in the company development.

What would you say is the most ordered Ligne Roset product in the region and in the world?

Togo.

Indeed, this master piece, designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973, has always been our best seller item.

We have actually sold the 1Â 253 832 seats since its creation.

This sofa is actually considered as a contemporary furniture icon, being in the permanent collection of the Guggenheim museum in New York and in various other museum collection.

What can you tell us about the 2011 trends or themes when it comes to contemporary furnishing?

I am not sure whether this shall be considered as a trend but price is a very important criteria in Europe now.This will actually be an important parameter during the January fairs. Then, we shall then focus on filling gaps which might exist in the existing collection, in every segment of the collection.

120

issue 19

What is your definition of a well-furnished home when it comes to contemporary designs? What elements etc would you incorporate while furnishing?

Space, no total look richness (in material, textiles) and discreet‌that it to say all which characterised ligne roset.

Could you tell us a bit of what your home is like when it comes to design?

As we say in France, the shoemaker is the most bad wearing. I actually live in three different places (Lyon, Paris and Briord) and actually try not to get involved in my flats furnishing. I prefer to leave this matter to other people.

Besides contemporary design, what other styles do you prefer?

I do not fear collection pieces from galleries or even prototypes that have never been edited.

What is the best piece of advice that you would give to our readers when purchasing furniture?

To pay a visit to Aati where qualified and professional people will be able to help them finding the best solution to their situation.

November 2011- January 2012

For your local Dealer, please visit www.twyfordbathrooms.com

Tiles & Ceramics

PRODUCTS & TRENDS

fall/winter 2011/12 ABK New Country One of today’s trends is a return to the elements and flavours of the past. New Country features some aspects of this style, from classic to chic, from natural to minimal, using a combination of four collections.

Pictured: Puro beige 16.65x33.3cm porcelain floor tile and Ricordi white and bordeaux 25x25cm wall tile.

122

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Paul&Co Royal The ceramic marble tiles from Paul&Co recreate the regal classicism of marble in a more modern style ideal for luxuriously elegant or minimal-chic solutions. It is a style whose beauty remains undiminished over time, just like the material that inspired it. The wall tile consists of 25x60 cm glossy white body double firing and the floor tile 33.3x33.3 cm matt glazed porcelain.

Tagina Warm Stones Warm Stones is a new floorand wall tile collection devised for contemporary living, the ideal combination of creativity and tradition. The wide range of Warmstones sizes allows for unprecedented freedom of composition to enhance interior spaces with novel and surprising geometric visions, and is available in nine colours.

Acif Sweet Fresh pastel colours have inspired the new Sweet collection from Acif, in which delicate spatula strokes enliven the splendid glossy background. A surface covering with overlapping, delicately shaded organza flowers, pearly luster embroidery, mirror strips and elegant sanding effect adorn the bathroom, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and sophistication. Sweet comes in six colours and a 25x45cm size.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

123

Tiles & Ceramics

PRODUCTS & TRENDS

fall/winter 2011/12

Bardelli Mezza This series features four decorative themes that are freely modular on all sides, created by black screen printing on a glossy white background (Bianco Extra), each composed of two 10x10 cm tiles.

Designer Marco Ferreri.

La Fabbrica Pietra Lavica The Pietra Lavica innovative ceramic floor and wall tile collection has a strongly modern flavour and a bold and unique design.

124

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Marazzi Stonevision Marazzi Stonevision is inspired by the classic elegance of Marble.

Its ceramic tile collections come in an innovative large format (32.5x97.7 cm) and low thickness.

The collection is complemented by a wide range of decorative tiles that include damask inserts and geometric, striped, floral and mosaic elements for creating intimate, personal spaces.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

125

Tiles & Ceramics

PRODUCTS & TRENDS

fall/winter 2011/12 De Maio Giovanni Terre del Cielo Natural terracotta where the colour is crystallised in a unique and unrepeatable moment. The surface and glaze blend in indissoluble harmony in a collection in which each piece is unique. Available in various sizes. Pictured: Terre del Cielo, Rosso Vulcano.

126

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Cipa Gres Hi-Tech Granati The Asciano 30x30 cm - 8.4 mm tile from the Granati series is part of the Hi-Tech collection, a complete range of technical porcelain tile products. Created by the Graniti-Granati-ColourStyle division, it coordinates with trim pieces in technical applications such as ventilated facades and raised floors.

Century Kosmos In the Kosmos collection, variations, colours and textures mix together freely to customize any type of setting. Available in colours Lyra, Orion, Pegasos and Skorpios (pictured), Kosmos delivers high technical performance and can be used in residential or commercial applications.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

127

Tiles & Ceramics

PRODUCTS & TRENDS

fall/winter 2011/12 Capri Bardiglio The Bardiglio collection from Ceramiche Capri is inspired by the patterns and colours of Bardiglio marble: grey, cream and white, neutral colours ideal for modern, sophisticated spaces.

It consists of a 60x60 cm porcelain tile in a honed and rectified version and a white body 24x59 cm tile.

Pastorelli Lithos Inspired by stone, Lithos is a porcelain tile collection available in three sizes (60x60 cm, 45x45 cm and 30x30 cm) and four colours specially created to enhance the design of spaces. Lithos features unlimited colour variations and a wide range of accents and mosaics that are ideal for customising spaces.

128

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Il Palagio “Galestro” treated cotto Galestro is a new product that joins the well-established Cotto Trattato a Maiolica.

An impermeable and fully finished terracotta tile with engobe, “Cotto Trattato a Galestro” is characterised by its distinctive lustre and transparency that leaves the texture of the ground surface intact. “A Galestro”: a historic name for an innovative and highly durable tile with unique colour tones and surface quality.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

129

Tiles & Ceramics Ariana

ARIANA AT CERSAIE 2011 PERSONALITY, STYLE AND WARMTH: ARIANA’S PROPOSALS FOR A NEW HOME CONCEPT Natural wood, exotic marble and original combinations of different materials: Ariana’s proposals for Cersaie 2011 focus on a sophisticated and personal vision of living spaces.

With three collections, three styles and three ways of interpreting and experiencing living space, Ariana is bringing to Cersaie 2011 all the creativity and innovation for which it is renowned, combining passion and personality to create a dream home.

This vision underlies the concept of the new stand created for this edition of the show, “La nostra casa è la tua casa” (“Our home is your home”), represented metaphorically by the image of several doors that invite the visitor to enter. The stand concept also expresses Ariana’s vision by displaying various solutions for furnishing the home, a personal space that is always different depending on who lives there.

A new idea of natural essence, a sophisticated interpretation of exotic marble and an original combination of different materials and shapes are the new features exhibited by Ariana at this year’s show in Bologna.

130

issue 19

Natural, sophisticated and modern sensations come to life in the Rovere project, a porcelain floor tile collection that reflects the transformation of wood into a new material ideal for contemporary living.

Available in 6 colour versions and two original plank formats, Rovere lends warmth and personality to very different residential interiors.

Exotic marbles have been chosen for Stile, the new tile collection created by ARIANA to lend character and elegance to the bathroom in accordance with the latest trends in furnishing and design. The collection comes in a new 25x60 cm size and four colours complemented by a range of original accents.

The Stile collection, which can be used in coordination with Rovere collection floor tiles, offers a choice of six different bathroom proposals freely inspired by the aesthetic criteria of modern or traditional homes.

An interplay of codes and materials is the leitmotif of Convivium, a creative collection that breaks down the conventional barriers between ancient and modern, blending forms and materials to create a harmonious whole. Concrete meets ancient terracotta, natural stone and majolica, bringing the best qualities of each to an original offering for floors and walls designed to lend strong personality to living spaces.

November 2011- January 2012

CONVIVIUM In today’s living spaces it is hard to draw a clear distinction between ancient and modern. As the barriers between these conventional categories break down, interior design is increasingly subject to interactions between innovative materials and objects inspired by the past. The distinctive patina created by time and wear renders everything more authentic, helping to make the domestic environment warmer and less formal.

Starting out from the meaning of the Latin term Convivium, the traditional ritual of gathering around a table to eat and converse in the company of friends, Ariana has developed a collection that offers original compositional solutions based on the creative use of different materials and sizes.

Depending on the colours and sizes, CONVIVIUM recalls the materiality of concrete, the artisanal flavour of old terracotta, the variable qualities of natural stone, the glossy sheen of majolica – all sensations incorporated in a range of floor and wall tiles that lend a strong personality to modern or traditional homes.

The collection consists of porcelain floor tiles in 5 different colours with a varied antique-look graphic design and an original semi-gloss surface, coordinating with high-gloss wall tiles for the bathroom and kitchen, also available in 5 colours.

CONVIVIUM is a complete collection that revisits the tradition of rustic tiles with the distinctive ARIANA style, combining large, contemporary floor tiles (60x60 cm, 41.5x81 cm) with “micro” effect wall tile sizes (20x20 cm, 20x20 cm inset and mosaic, both incised and groutable).

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

131

Tiles & Ceramics Ariana

ROVERE, WOOD ACCORDING TO ARIANA The natural appeal of wood comes to life in the Rovere collection from Ariana, a line of porcelain floor tiles in which the latest technologies faithfully reproduce the tactile and visual qualities of one of the most widely used natural products in today’s homes.

The natural graphic variability of oak wood, together with the surface finish with a light “planed” effect, is reflected in 6 colour versions ideal for a wide range of living spaces.

The collection ranges from natural colours such as Avorio, Naturale and Noce to versions simulating a varnished finish and trend colours that allow the grain of the product to show through (Wengè, Cenere and Bianco).

Rovere comes in two sizes ideal for different locations and types of home: 13.5x80 cm and 20x80 cm, both rectified.

These two practical plank formats can be installed individually or combined as a modular solution.

132

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

STILE Inspired by sophisticated, exotic marble, Stile is the new tile collection created by ARIANA to lend personality, character and elegance to the bathroom in accordance with the latest trends in furnishing and design.

But rather than creating surfaces with mere photographic reproductions of natural stone, the Ariana research laboratory has provided a modern reinterpretation in a new 25x60 cm size and four two-tone colour combinations, enhanced by various decorative proposals for an original, distinctive product.

The first combination consists of Serpentino Miele and Arenaria Ambra, the warm, delicate colours of elegant vein-cut marble blending harmoniously with the vibrant tones of marbles referred to as “wood stone�.

Venato Avorio, a fascinating interpretation of Paonazzetto marble slabs in which the normally strongly pronounced veins are transformed into delicate colour transitions from white to beige, coordinates with Fior di Tabacco, characterised by a fairly uniform colour but with a wealth of details.

Seta Grigio and Seta Nero, both coordinating with Seta Gesso, create a further two types of bathroom in which light plays with the pleasantly directional veins inspired by Eramosa and Seta marble.

The Stile collection can be used in coordination with Rovere collection floor tiles, offering a choice of six different bathroom proposals freely inspired by the aesthetic criteria of modern or traditional homes. Six original and sophisticated installation solutions cater for individual tastes in decoration and allow users to create the bathroom of their dreams.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

133

Tiles & Ceramics Mirage

MIRAGE Outstanding quality of Italian ceramics

MIRAGE represents the outstanding quality of Italian ceramics worldwide and is a key reference for the design sector and construction market. With its qualitative research, innovative design, and advanced technology, Mirage offers not just aesthetic but structural solutions for the design and decoration of contemporary living spaces. To create added value for dealers, associates and designers, as the perfect partner in the delicate phase of design and project management.

Over 120 million square meters of tiles laid around the world, from America to Europe and from Asia to Oceania: that's

134

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

a concrete guarantee of the rock-째solid reliability of Mirage, a company that has helped shape the story of porcelain stoneware worldwide. Long experience, along with major investments in research and technology over the years, have helped our company meet with efficiency and flexibility to the demands of the design world and the construction sector, offering solutions that are ever more innovative and sophisticated, in terms of both reliability and design.

Expertise, enthusiasm, and efficiency: unique assets that Mirage puts at your disposal, for optimal results on projects large and small.

Airports, shopping centers, subways, public and private spaces, from large surfaces to small ones, from ventilated facades to raised floors. Mirage porcelain stoneware has always provided high-°quality, high°tech solutions for all kinds of demands, in terms of both design and application, for the world of flooring and cladding.

Our technical staff cooperates with designers and construction companies in 5 continents: this is what makes Mirage products so special. Mirage has consolidated experience in dealing with the aesthetic sensitivity of designers and the technical requirements of fitters, and can therefore

transform their needs into concrete solutions. Mirage Engineering is the division specialized in the design of ventilated facades and raised floors; it offers valuable technical assistance in all stages, from the first draft of the project to site installation.

The result: total freedom for the designer and maximum simplicity on the construction site.

Mirage’s wide and complete range offers solutions to all project variables: with a library of more than 180 colours, 20 collections, 5 surfaces, 10 sizes (both modular and with a single worksize), designing becomes

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

135

Tiles & Ceramics Mirage

a stimulating process of a creative research. Mirage offers a complete range of products that meets specific project needs that architects and interior designers have.

Moreover, Mirage constantly updates and renovates its range of products with the aim of offering an absolutely professional service. The hightech and aesthetic qualities of Mirage porcelain stoneware create surfaces inspired by nature, mixtures of metal surfaces and material textures; surfaces which stimulate both visual and tactile senses, satisfying all project requirements.

136

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Tiles & Ceramics Fiandre

Cersaie 2011: right here, right now The year started with the celebrations for GranitiFiandre anniversary, culminates with Cersaie 2011: an excellent year for the Fiandre Group who for 50 years had a leadership role in the ceramic world.

It's a slogan full of enthusiasm the one chosen

by GranitiFiandre for the 29th edition of the International exhibition of ceramic tile and

138

issue 19

bathroom furnishings. “Right here, right now� represents for GranitiFiandre, Italian leading manufacturer of top of the range porcelain slabs for floors and walls, the rallying cry: attention to current events, to the rapid changes in today's world, to the evolutions of demand and technology. A technology that today allows the company to enter the market with a unique product for the architectural world, since ever a privileged and proactive interlocutor for GranitiFiandre.

November 2011- January 2012

Cersaie 2011 rises to host major innovative projects: the main role of the exhibition space designed by architect Massimo Iosa Ghini, at Hall 25 (A122-B123), is held by MAXIMUM collection, the contemporary declination of the evolution of "ceramics" species. Guests are welcomed in an impressive architectural structure where the company's philosophy keywords are combined and materialized in the large format 300x150 cm presented in the versions NewMarmi Maximum and Aster Maximum, great surfaces for a great conception of architecture.

of future, a tomorrow that the company's philosophy protects through a rigorous environmental policy: energy saving, emphasis on containing and reducing emissions into the atmosphere, emissions into water reduce, reuse and recycling of process wastes that ensures a significant reduction in the consumption of natural raw materials, are actions that make GranitiFiandre and its products a model of industrial eco-sustainability.

A new stage that moves further ahead the finish line to be reached and that has spurred GranitiFiandre to tend towards the new and the forefront of research, since the beginning of its history. For 50 years GranitiFiandre manufacturing facilities has forged the matter

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

139

Tiles & Ceramics Keope

Keope The purity of stone, a protagonist of living.

Dream is the new concept of rectified porcelain stoneware wall and floor tiles for interiors of Ceramiche Keope. It recalls and reinterprets the charm of natural stone and is the perfect background for modern or traditional environments.

With Dream, top quality and a unique style combine and interact to create new settings for everyday living. In nature, the colour of stone is the result of an infinite range of tones and shades blending together. In the same manner, each piece of the collection is unique thanks to the variability of veining and to the elegant colour shades.

140

issue 19

The available pieces and decorations will allow you to fulfil any design requirement: from soft, glowing and elegant colours that add warmth to an environment to cooler tones for refined and exclusive spaces.

In particular, ceramics of the Dream collection, ideal both for residential and commercial uses, are available with a matt finish in five colour variants: Almond White, Honey Beige, Steel Grey, Indian Brown and Light Black, all available in sizes 60x60, 30x60, 14,7x60, 45x45 cm.

As far as decorations are concerned, Dream offers: the Mosaico Multispessore 30x60, the Mosaico size 30x30 cm, Strips size 30x60 cm and

November 2011- January 2012

Decoro Flower 60x60. Trim pieces: the 8x60 bullnose, the glued 33x60 cm step tread and the glued 33x33 cm step tread with corner piece complete the collection.

The Dream series bears the GreenThinking logo,

which attests to the commitment of Ceramiche Keope to protection of the environment. The Made in Italy mark guarantees sound principles, such as style, design, innovation and quality and above all respect for the environment and for people.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

141

Tiles & Ceramics Flaviker Pi.Sa

FLAVIKER PI.SA

Idea Of New Metropolitan Design A contemporary vision of living, interpreted through the collections Urban Wood, Concrete Urban, Urban Wall,in a perfect balance between nature and technology

Solignano, September 20, 2011 - A visionary urban landscape, but not improbable, where technology and nature coexist in perfect balance. This is the inspiration of URBAN LIVING, an integrated project of technologically advanced materials, through which Flaviker-Pi.sa explores a new

142

issue 19

idea of metropolitan design that will be presented in preview during the show Cersaie 2011.

The fast and ever-changing urban spaces variation, too often separated by the undisputed dimension of the nature, led to the idea that the city represents the modern, the future, in contrast to what it is excluded, relegated to the past. The man’s transformation of the natural environment for his needs to the detriment to ecological balance has found the maximum expression in the

November 2011- January 2012

city, which is the humanised landscape par excellence. The same materials of natural origin have been developed and transformed to become something else, with different names and looks.

Flaviker Pi.sa addresses his researches towards the utopian city of the future with URBAN LIVING: a city where nature and technology find a harmonious synthesis , where the most advanced technological development and automation of living spaces counterbalance the need to regain a more natural perception of everyday life, and it express the today’s living needs in ceramic material .

URBAN LIVING is not just a collection but an integrated project, a container of interchangeable materials, high tech, in porcelain and in double firing, which evolves over time.

The modernity and naturalness of expressive language of the new URBAN LIVING Project, which is initially developed through the collections Urban Wood, Urban Concrete and Urban Wall, expresses the best contemporary spirit of the ideal city and offers to the design a broader and more flexible vision of the opportunities for use of ceramics.

Three different collections with different origin, but with common purposes to serve the contemporary architecture. It is possible to realize any living indoor and out-door space, from urban design to the bathroom room, with surprising versatility by using a combination between each components of each series.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

143

Tiles & Ceramics Bisazza

Bisazza at CERSAIE 2011 two faces, one spirit

144

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

On the occasion of the forthcoming International Exhibition of Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furnishings, Bisazza will present two separate stands: one dedicated to Bisazza Mosaico and the other to a new division of the brand, Bisazza Bagno.

Bisazza Mosaico will unveil new collections and patterns

by Edward Van Vliet, Tord Boontje, Carlo Dal Bianco, Patricia Urquiola and Marcel Wanders, as well as a range of patterns in the new 5X5 size format. Bisazza Bagno will launch The Wanders Collection, a new line of bathroom furnishings designed by Marcel Wanders, in addition to The Hayon Collection, which was designed by Jaime Hayon and previously presented in March at ISH in Frankfurt.

Today Bisazza can boast a catalogue that is unparalleled worldwide in terms of both variety and depth of the range, always with a view to meeting individual tastes and the most diverse needs in private or contract interior decoration.

Bisazza is delighted to announce its participation at CERSAIE with two separate stands that showcase the company’s newly expanded offerings. One stand will be dedicated to mosaics, the core business of Bisazza since its founding in Vicenza in 1956.

The other stand will present the Marcel Wanders-designed bathroom furniture collection for Bisazza Bagno, a new division of Bisazza that was launched at ISH in Frankfurt in March. This year Bisazza Mosaico introduces several new collections, with new tile formats as well as new patterns designed by internationally renowed designers such as Edward Van Vliet, Tord Boontje, Carlo Dal Bianco, Patricia Urquiola and Marcel Wanders.

Today Bisazza can boast a catalogue that is unparalleled worldwide in terms of both variety and depth of the range, always with a view to meeting individual tastes and the most diverse needs in private or contract interior decoration.

This variety can now be seen on the new Bisazza website (www. bisazza.it) where the diversity of the catalogue shines through the new “made to measure"

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

145

Tiles & Ceramics Bisazza option, a section dedicated to personalised mixes that lets the consumer create their own mix "to measure".

In addition to a more dynamic online presence, this year’s launch of the new Bisazza Bagno division introduces a whole new dedicated sales team and a distribution network of its own, in addition to drawing upon Bisazza’s extensive sales network. Bisazza Bagno collections are available at the 12 Flagship Bisazza stores (Antwerp, Barcelona, Berlin, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, New York, Paris, Rome, Tokyo) and through a network of international retailers. Quality and variety will be the guiding principles of the commercial strategy.

146

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

ARIMA - Overflowing emotion.

The emotion of water and an immersion in time. A unique experience. That is the magic of ARIMA. The overflow spa by Glass Design Lab. White or pearl effect with grids in ductal® ARIMA is the built-in spa offering maximum comfort and with an overflow which ensures that the water is collected, circulate and filtered.

GLASS IDROMASSAGGIO MIDDLE EAST OFFICE P.O. Box 75833, Dubai, United Arab Emirates  Tel. No. : 00971 4 3250010  Fax No. : 00971 4 3250490  Email : tapman@emirates.net.ae  Website : www.tapsmore.com

www.glassidromassaggio.com

Tiles & Ceramics Inax

Dent Cube

Nagomi & Japanese wellbeing presented for the first time in Europe Dent Cube is the latest new product from Inax that will be presented for the first time in Europe at Cersaie 2011 in Bologna. It is a three-dimensional porcelain stoneware cladding that can be used to create walls either indoors or outdoors with a particularly attractive and distinctive indented pattern that offers extensive possibilities for customisation.

Like other products that Inax has been working with for some time now, Dent Cube is part of the wider concept of

148

issue 19

Nagomi. This concept has been developed with the help of architect and designer Teruo Yasuda who has brought colour to the product and also come up with the design of the stand.

The East is always a source of valuable inspiration and food for thought. Nagomi means tranquillity, peace, a sense of inner calm and serenity. It is a mental state that once reached means that one spontaneously seeks the same wellbeing at the level of the senses.

Inax has been working on the notion for Nagomi for

November 2011- January 2012

some time now, developing collections that have been studied in great detail and designed to be long-lasting.

Quality is a prerogative with Japanese products in general at a level that is reached by few in the rest of the world and that is expressed not only in the actual characteristics of the product in terms of form and technical aspects but also in terms of the idea and content behind the design.

Harmonious colours to convey a sense of peace of mind, in the

version with glass inserts Dent Cube brings together yellows, pinks, reds, blues, light blues and greens. Pure aesthetics with the addition of rhythm and pattern.

Another example of how Inax has interpreted the idea of Nagomi is found in Ecocarat, one of their classic lines. It is a particularly innovative ceramic tile that can absorb toxic substances, improving the quality of the air.

Rigour and poetry. True aesthetics.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

149

Tiles & Ceramics Active

active life One of the leading new features presented by Iris Ceramica at Cersaie is the ACTIVE LIFE collection, the first ACTIVE Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ project specifically designed for homes. A collection with an ecofriendly spirit, with properties that ensure an unmatchable standard of cleanliness and hygiene, making a valuable contribution to health, particularly in places such as bathrooms and kitchens, where cleanliness and hygiene are important.

ACTIVE Clean Air & Antibacterical Ceramic™ makes the ACTIVE LIFE slabs a true eco-active, antibacterial and antipollution “super material”. Real “magic” made possible by titanium dioxide (TiO2) which is bonded to the slabs at high temperature in the form of micro-metric particles using an exclusive method which allows the eco-active properties of titanium dioxide to be maintained over time and avoids any risk to human health and the environment during its manufacture. Simply by exposure to light, whether natural or artificial, the photocatalytic process responsible for its anti-polluting and antibacterial action is activated. Walls and floors covered with ACTIVE LIFE reduce the harmful household caused, for example, by heating and air conditioning systems and cigarette smoke.

150

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

151

Tiles & Ceramics Active

ACTIVE LIFE thanks to its absorbent properties is also less vulnerable to dirt, making it easier to remove dirt by reducing the need for use of clearing products (which are themselves pollutants).

The five choices in the ACTIVE LIFE collection are distinguished by their candid spirit, which bathes interiors with reflections of light, creating an effect of total purity. Natural Essence and Light Essence, available in a 60x20 format with a natural finish and a thickness of just 6.5 mm, convey the warmth of wood in tones of beige and white. An essential, contemporary feel inspired by cement colours characterises the Natural slabs, with beige tones, Deep with grey tones and the Light slabs in white. The cement references are available in 60x20, 60x60 and 30x30 formats, complete with mosaics and strips.

152

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

ACTIVE LIFE thanks to its absorbent properties is also less vulnerable to dirt, making it easier to remove dirt by reducing the need for use of clearing products (which are themselves pollutants).

The five choices in the ACTIVE LIFE collection are distinguished by their candid spirit, which bathes interiors with reflections of light, creating an effect of total purity. Natural Essence and Light Essence, available in a 60x20 format with a natural finish and a thickness of just 6.5 mm, convey the warmth of wood in tones of beige and white. An essential, contemporary feel inspired by cement colours characterises the Natural slabs, with beige tones, Deep with grey tones and the Light slabs in white. The cement references are available in 60x20, 60x60 and 30x30 formats, complete with mosaics and strips.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

153

Eye on Design Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi

Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi Delivers Unprecedented Standards of European Service and Style to the UAE Al Farida Investments and Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) Welcomes Europe’s Leading Family-Based Luxury Hotel Group to the Emirates His Excellency Sheikh Hamed bin Ahmad al Hamed, Chairman of Al Farida Investments, and senior representatives from Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) today joined Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman and CEO of Rocco Forte Hotels to usher in to the Emirates an unprecedented level of European service and style, as the Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi prepares to officially open its doors on 7 November 2011, joined by members of the media.

“In this auspicious 40th anniversary year of the United Arab Emirates, I would like to acknowledge the great wisdom of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan- President of the United Arab Emirates; whose vision, influence and determination is the driving force behind the continuing success of this Great nation. I would like to extend my Special thanks to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for his continuous support and his efforts in the realm of economic development aimed at increasing economic diversification in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi” said Sheikh Hamed bin Ahmad al Hamed, Chairman of Al Farida Investments.

154

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

“I also want to thank His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan- Chairman of TDIC for his continuous support of the tourism industry which has been developed through showcasing the natural and cultural splendors of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is through this support and the support of Sir Rocco ForteChairman of Rocco Forte Hotels and the financial support of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, which has encouraged us to take the initiative to build this iconic landmark hotel building, for which we are here to celebrate the opening. Our investment of AED 700 Million in to the hotel industry is paving the way for the future development and completion of our second phase – the AED 300 million Rocco Forte Residence and Office Tower – which we are currently preparing with the management of Rocco Forte Hotels” Sheikh Hamed bin Ahmad al Hamed added.

Accepting bookings from mid-

October and welcoming its first guests on 7 November, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi has seen tremendous interest from the corporate market in the UAE for both rooms and events, as well as bookings from the wider region and Europe for both leisure and business travellers.

With strong recognition for the luxury and elegance associated with the Rocco Forte brand among Middle East residents who have previously stayed at the group’s European properties, the management of Rocco Forte Hotels is keen for a wider audience to experience its distinctive service and ambiance.

“Rocco Forte Hotels has had a significant reach into the Middle East during the last 15 years, as travellers from this part of the world make up a strong proportion of our guests in the UK, Germany, Italy and other destinations. Our design and interiors, our meeting spaces, our dining outlets, and

especially our service approach have all been created to satisfy the discerning traveller.

The Middle East is a vitally important destination to our company, and our opening on 7 November represents a historic development for us,” said Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman and CEO of Rocco Forte Hotels.

With exquisite attention to detail, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi offers guests a

contemporary and elegant space in the city, with 281 spacious, well-considered bedrooms and suites, seven diverse and compelling options for dining and recreation, a generous spa and wellness centre, and some of the UAE’s most sophisticated meeting and event spaces. The hotel’s interiors combine the comfort and style of both Arab and European influences through the use of marble, mosaic, and

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

155

Eye on Design Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi

agate, with artworks by regional artists and a design aesthetic which subtly reflects the Arabian Gulf and surrounding desert.

Shaun O'Connor, Chief Financial Officer of TDIC, commented “We are extremely pleased to partner with Al Farida Investments in bring the Rocco Forte brand to the Middle East for the first time.

Delivering this spectacular new property to the UAE is a major accomplishment for TDIC, as Abu Dhabi continues developing its regional and international reputation as a key business and leisure destination. Its strategic location, considered mix of facilities and its superlative service will help further enhance the Abu Dhabi experience for visitors and residents,” Stand-out attractions of the new Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi, which will be open from 7 November, include a supremely well-appointed 2,000sqm spa with separate male and female facilities, indoor swimming pools, traditional wet and dry Hammam, fully-equipped

156

issue 19

Rocco Forte Hotels has had a significant reach into the Middle East during the last 15 years, as travellers from this part of the world make up a strong proportion of our guests in the UK, Germany, Italy and other destinations. gymnasium, 15 treatment rooms and a yoga/pilates studio.

Guests and Abu Dhabi residents seeking new dining options can choose from the Martin Brudnizki-designed Oro Italian restaurant; the Oceana Grill, a speciality seafood restaurant; Rouge, serving contemporary Japanese and Chinese cuisine and Brown’s Tea Lounge, a contemporary space serving traditional favourites. Before or after-dinner drinks can be enjoyed in Blue, a suspended lounge with a 15-metre handpolished agate serving area and stunning views from every vantage point.

In designing the guest bedrooms for Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi,

November 2011- January 2012

Olga Polizzi has taken into account the needs of regional and international travellers, delivering spacious living areas and generous bathrooms complemented by artwork from Arab artists. Especially for the Emirate’s growing population of business travellers and events, Rocco Forte Abu Dhabi offers a dedicated executive floor and lounge, seven meeting rooms, a ballroom accommodating 500 seated guests with its own valet area, and a VIP majlis.

To celebrate its expansion into the Middle East market, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi has a special *introductory offer from 1,200 UAE Dirhams ($330 USD) per room, per night

including breakfast and a 15 per cent discount on all bars and restaurants in the hotel, valid until 31st December 2011.

Following on from its Abu Dhabi property, Rocco Forte Hotels will open a 159-bedroom hotel in Jeddah in 2013, a 90-all suite golf and spa resort in Marrakech in 2014, a 275 bedroom property in Cairo in 2014 and an 82-bedroom hotel in Luxor in the same year.

For further information on The Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi or to book a room, please call +971 2617 0000 Email: reservations.abudhabi@ roccofortehotels.com or visit www.roccofortehotels.com

hunting packages

travel

South Africa South Africa Experience

4 HUNTING DAYS 5 NIGHTS IN SINGLE ROOM PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Lodging in single room with bathroom (4*/5*).

At your disposal: • Beretta • Rifles for game shooting • Guns bullets 12 caliber, lead 00/0/2/3/8/9 - $14 per box (25shots) • Taxidermist available on request with extra charge • Photographer on request with extra charge - $200

Including breakfast and lunch.

• Beers and wine included, any other spirits will be extras.

The package does not include:

• BBQ dinner before departure.

• Out and home airplane/bus ticket/visas/travel insurance • International veterinary certificate • Tips for professional Hunter

• Shooting license during the whole hunting time with official invitation card.

• Professional hunters(PH).

IMPORTANT!

• Transfer airport-hunting farms.

• Counseled fowling time from 01/05/11 to 31/08/11 Game shooting available, pricelist on demand.

• Hunting set-up.

• PACKAGE WITHOUT KILL LIMITS. • Head game preservation in cold storage room.

PROGRAM PRICE $ 2,600/-

For more information about Hunting Packages please contact:

Mr. Joe Balesh, at Hunting & Safari

Tel: 00961 71 768211 • Mob: 00971 50 551 5957 Email: jbalesh@mailme.ae / hsmagazine.travel@gmail.com

Reservations must be done 45 days prior departure, with our acknowledgment • 100% Advance upon reservation • Minimum purchase of 500 Bullets upon booking • Additional hunting day $500/-

Novelties: Interview - Jean-Christophe Babin

An Interview with

JeanChristophe Babin President & CEO, TAG HEUER

158

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

It’s been 10 years since you joined TAG Heuer- what were your first impressions when you arrived?

When I became TAG Heuer’s President and CEO, I had no experience in the watchmaking world.

I ever liked watches and for me TAG Heuer was the most attractive luxury Brand in that business as combining a unique blend of innovation, tradition and modernity at the same time. As the Company was already strong and could grow faster than its competitors I decided then to take the challenge and change business, life and country!

In 10 years, I noticed that like everything else in life, the world of watches has been changed – from the way manufactures design and produce watches, to how we sell and what we buy.

Watch world has become more professional in most ways. It starts by computerise design studies and visualisation, the production process today is highly automated and manufactures know both sell in and sell-out.

Otherwise, personally, I am maybe more passionate of the brand than at the beginning as I everyday discover what “TAG Heuer is really made of” :)

Luxury Trends begin to evolve more slowly and it's now more acceptable to own and reuse an item over a period of years rather than months, consumers are beginning to make more direct associations between value, quality and design. barriers of convention and leap into the unknown that makes TAG Heuer design teams so consistently innovative. An innovation which is consistently rewarded by peer recognition and commercial success.

How has business been for the company in the past one or two years?

We were obviously impacted as any watch Company in Switzerland despite being present in 120 countries and being the world leader in luxury chronographs, i.e. a strong Brand with a balanced geographical risk. As we couldn’t grow sales in 2009, TAG Heuer focused on gaining market share which we actually

did with 17% market share on the 1500-7500 CHF market worldwide, i.e. clear leadership.

Each of our products has a clear role in our assortment and is developed to respond to different consumer wants, needs and budgets.

That is the reason we don’t intend to reposition our brand by doing more mid-price ranges.

How do you see the luxury market, particularly the luxury watch market, globally?

Luxury Trends begin to evolve more slowly and it's now more acceptable to own and reuse an item over a period of years rather than months, consumers are beginning to make more

direct associations between value, quality and design. As consumers start buying less for more, they are now even more inclined to want each luxury product they purchase to last a considerable length of time and so are very conscious of getting more and better value for money.

In terms of opportunities, watch industry has never been so innovative, qualitative and consistent in recent years.

We know that India is one of your key markets, can you tell us about that, and where does the Middle East rank on your priority markets?

India is a very interesting

What drives the TAG Heuer brand?

What drive TAG Heuer is the passion for precision and performance. The true secret to TAG Heuer’s success is not just to be found among its sports celebrities and movie stars, but among its less heralded artisans and engineers, and in its state-of-the-art workshops and laboratories, where prevails a rigorous dedication to quality and service bordering on obsession.

Albert Einstein said, “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it,” words that TAG Heuer Design Lab have taken to heart. It is this ability to push beyond the

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

159

Novelties: Interview - Jean-Christophe Babin

market and one of the fastest growing. As a global brand, we are present in 120 countries .

We enter markets on the basis of maturity, size and potential.

Some markers have to generate cash, others have to generate growth in the short-term and mid-term. India is in the second category and is one of our major markets. India will be the backbone of TAG Heuer by 2020, I am convinced that by 2020 India will be a top-five market for TAG Heuer. The middle east is obviously a key market, and if we are to reach our targets of six to 10 per cent here, we have to grow it faster than many other region What’s your growth strategy for this region?

I would like to introduce the region covered from our regional representative office based in Dubai before proceeding to further explanations. We are in all GCC countries, Levant, Egypt and the recent addition to the portfolio of our team are the Indian Ocean Islands, Turkey and South Africa.

In regards to the Middle East markets’ growth strategy, we are focusing on a Pull and Push approach; expand our retail presence on one front and increase our advertising presence on the other. By the end of the year, we will have two new boutiques, our 2nd store in Iran based in

160

issue 19

Milad El Noor mall and our first boutique in Saudi Arabia located in Al Khobar in Rashid Mall. Moreover starting October 2011, TAG Heuer will launch its 1st TV campaign in the region which will target both Arabic and English speaking potential customers and friend of the brand.

Let’s talk about TAG Heuer novelties for this year?

First of all TAG Heuer is renowned for its exceptional quality, its Avant-Garde Design and its unbeatable value. This year again we introduces new products keeping a very high quality a unique design and a very attractive value. I think more specifically of the new Link men collection available later this year which has been completely redesigned with more Avant-Garde and elegant codes. Second we came back to our more than 150 years of history to develop a new CARRERA collection called CARRERA Heritage keeping all the codes of the golden age of the watch making industry: blue hands, “flinqué” texture on the dial, vintage minutes indications as well as the Carrera 1887 with an in-house manufactured movement.

Third we also introduce some “haute horlogerie” products including manufacture movement such as the Monaco V4 in Rose Gold and Silicon Nitrite and the CARRERA Mikrograph Rose Gold

November 2011- January 2012

measuring and displaying the 100th of a second! To finish we have further enriched our collection for ladies with the introductions of 4 references in our Formula 1 Steel & Ceramic series with diamonds.

You’re known for your love of sports and speed, how does this passion help you in understanding the brand ?

I have always been, besides luxury sporty timepieces, being a fanatic of motoracing and nice GT cars since my father took me to the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1972 when I was a kid.

Ever since I’ve been passionate

about motoracing and F1 in particular. It’s extreme in terms of technology, performances, team work and spirit, not to forget glamour as you can see in the paddocks. It’s unique in the world as it showcases modern technology and human talent and determination at its very best. Exactly what we humbly try to do with TAG Heuer watches in our workshops in Switzerland.

You were once quoted saying : TAG Heuer is a daring brand” , can you elaborate?

Definitely TAG Heuer is a daring brand as we love

to challenge the taboos of watch-making, and there are many, although we also pay a tremendous respect to traditional watch-making.

If we did the MONACO V4, it is because we were too respectful of the classical Tourbillon to make another one without legitimacy, we had to do our own TAG Heuer complication. More generally speaking, the taboos of prestigious watch-making are for us opportunities and new challenges. As long as our products have a true and legitimate value, we have still many unexplored fields to discover. The recent success of the Mikrograph or the Mikrotimer t is a brilliant example.

It’s been 10 years- so what are you going to do at TAG for the next 10 years?

We will continue to leverage the brand as the most legitimate brand in chronograph but we will also continue our investments in unique movements, from high volume such as our new in house chronograph calibre 1887 but also continue exceptional never done before timepieces, such as the Monaco V4, the Mikrograph or the Mikrotimer. We will also work hard to develop exceptional products for women, one area where we could do much better.

You’re a father of 5, how do you manage your time?

It is a question of organization and priorities. I spend my free time skiing, sailing, scuba diving, or even occasionally driving a Formula 1 on the F1 track of Barcelona. It is a fantastic and necessary way to relax and enjoy my free time…

I need sport as a balance to stress. It is also for me a privileged moment that I can share with my kids. And this has no price!

If you were to wear a watch brand other than TAG Heuer, what would it be and why?

A Zenith because I love the El primero movement

TAG Heuer is renowned for its exceptional quality, its Avant-Garde Design and its unbeatable value. This year again we introduces new products keeping a very high quality a unique design and a very attractive value.

Novelties: Interview - Yassin Tag

An Interview with

yassin Tag

Middle East Brand Manager Vacheron Constantin

162

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Before the crisis the watchmaking industry was very creative, maybe sometimes a bit too much. After the crisis, people want to go back to the essence of things, true and timeless values. In fact, these elements are part of Vacheron Constantin DNA since its founding

Today we see the launch of Patrimony Traditionelle world Time, tell us more about this watch, its complication and why is it so unique?

A longstanding part of the Vacheron Constantin watchmaking heritage, the World Time complication is making a noteworthy comeback to the collection from the manufacture. The 42.5 mm case houses the new caliber 2460WT bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, this new mechanical self-winding movement is distinguished by its capacity to indicate the world’s 37 time zones, including those offset from Universal Coordinated Time (UCT) by a half- or quarterhour – an exclusive mechanism patented by Vacheron Constantin.

Rose Gold is strongly back into all luxury items be Jewelry or watches, why we are seeing that?

It is true the rose gold is the favorite gold color nowadays; the rose color gives special warmth to the precious metal.

Rose gold was very much utilized during the 1920’s and 1930’s.

We hear today – due to the crisis-that there is a return of classic watches, isn’t that rather the result of a lack of creativity?

Before the crisis the watchmaking industry was very creative, maybe sometimes a bit too much. After the crisis, people want to go back to the essence of things, true and timeless values. In fact, these elements are part of Vacheron Constantin DNA since its founding in 1755.

Few years ago you had to be well off to buy a Vacheron Constantin; today you have to be rich! How do you explain this?

A part from the gold value who more than tripled, the level of watchmaking craftsmanship and finishing is extremely high.

Very few people in the world

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

163

Novelties: Interview - Yassin Tag

are able to achieve such work.

Training the watchmakers, taking the time to reach exceptional level of finishing such as the Hallmark of Geneva to only produce a limited number of timepieces at the end has its impact on the value of our watches.

Vacheron Constantin has an amazing and diverse production of vintage watches but hardly communicates on this. Why? It has been many years that Vacheron Constantin is communicating on its history, we have a dedicated heritage department in Geneva where thematic exhibitions can be viewed in our historical maison.

This summer we have organized an exceptional exhibition in Singapore where we have exhibited 180 different watches from 1755 till today.

We are planning many more exhibitions in the future.

Where is VC most important market?

The Vacheron Constantin distribution is quite balanced

164

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

between the different regions of the world but we can say that South East Asia and Europe are our brand main markets.

Tell us about the brand’s expansion across the region?

We are covering a large area from Dubai, which includes the Middle-East and India.

Our aim is to strengthen the fundamentals, which are a qualitative distribution network, a qualified sales advisors and a competent after sales service locally.

Our strategy in the region is not opportunistic but rather a long term one. I personally believe that the importance of the Middle East will grow as long as the quality of the business is growing.

What’s in the pipeline for VC? Many beautiful models other than the World Time will be arriving in the Middle-East soon such the Patrimony Contemporaine Perpetual Calendar and the new Quai de l’Ile Annual Calendar.

Who is the VC customer?

Vacheron Constantin customers are watch connoisseurs, who appreciate refinement, exclusivity, craftsmanship, history and understated luxury.

What tips would you give potential buyers for luxury watches?

The most important tip is to “do your homework before you buy”, visit the boutiques, go on internet on discussion forums such as “The Hour Lounge” which is the Vacheron Constantin discussion forum, however, people in there can ask questions about watchmaking not necessarily related to our brand. And of course never overlook quality.

If you weren’t wearing VC, what would watch would you wear and why?

Any watch that would offer me a creative way to read the time, that would have a high level of finishing and that would be timeless.

Holiday LightingDestination Title

Across The Globe

Winter

Destinations

166

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

This issue,

we takes you around the world to locate the greatest winter destinations. Romance, adventures, snow, tropical beaches - we have it all in this few list of places!

Read on and select the best destination for you!

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

167

Holiday Destination Vienna The charming city of Vienna, located on the banks of the Danube, is the capital of Austria with a population of about 1.7 million. It is also the largest city in the country.

Rich heritage is nestled throughout the city hence allowing all its visitors a chance to explore its culture and pure art.

Although Vienna is considered to be a very romantic city, ideal for couples looking for a passionate getaway, you will still find families that travel to this charming pearl of a city to have fun excursions. There is indeed, something to look forward to for everybody.

Vienna embraces the world of art and is also home to some of history’s greatest musicians including Mozart, Beethoven, Shubert and Strauss.

168

issue 19

If you are looking to soak up the arts of music and literature, it is definitely the city for you.

Vienna is probably one of the most Christmassy places in the world.

Christkindlmarkte are temporary markets designed to sell Christmas items, ranging from specialty foods to toys and gifts and these are found throughout the city.

The biggest of these markets are situated in the Vienna City Hall. Here, you will find handcrafted gifts, and you will get lost in the aroma of roasted almonds and chestnuts.

You will find your eyes flirting with the myriad of lights that adorn the trees surrounding the square.

Vienna is literally a Christmas card, ready to be posted.

November 2011- January 2012

Barbados The islands of the Caribbean Sea are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean. They have long been known as the ultimate resort vacation destination and with the year-round good weather; the Caribbean has a great deal to offer all vacationers. Warm paradise islands, lush rainforests and romantic resorts alongside white sand beaches – sounds almost heavenly doesn’t it?

Barbados is a stunning island, northeast of Venezuela. It is surrounded by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The island was once a hideaway for the world’s elite but now it attracts a mix of visitors due to everything the island has to offer.

Indeed, it is a small island but there is plenty to do and see.

Stylish hotels and shops dot the island, the heavenly beaches act as a magnet to the eyes, and the water sports and nightlife are really just out of this world when indulged in on the island of Barbados.

If you are a shopper, then definitely visit the island’s capital

of Bridgetown. It is excellent for shopping when looking for a discount.

ability to experience the calm and gentle waves of the ocean makes it even more worthwhile.

A really good way to see the island from the ocean is by taking a Barbados boat trip. Not only is the view of the island from the ocean magical, but the

So, you like to party? Well, lucky for you, St. Lawrence Gap is a great place to go for nightlife.

The area is extremely popular with both tourists and locals.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

169

Holiday Destination

Hafjell Ski Resort, Norway Located to the north of Oslo, in the Oppland region of Norway, nearby the familiar Lillehammer, is the Hafjell ski resort, which was the venue for the 1994 Olympic Alpine events.

The Olympic trail has now been extended, offering 30 slopes for skiers of all levels.

Hosting amazing facilities, Hafjell Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Norway and also a great location for cross-country skiing. More than 300 kilometers of beautifully maintained cross-country trails are present. Other popular activities include downhill skiing, summer skiing and freestyle snowboarding.

Hafjell’s trademark is of its long runs, excellent and reliable snow, its sunny climate and family oriented ambience.

It has 15 ski lifts available, including a gondola lift.

170

issue 19

A normal season usually starts in Mid November and ends in late April. The resort is a number one choice for those who prefer twin-tip skis or snowboards.

Lillehammer is a magical town during the winter season and it offers a large number of award winning restaurants and a wide selection of shops, bars and nightclubs, where you can enjoy a lively and impressive après ski scene.

Many visitors take advantage of the evenings to try out the different off-slope leisure activities in the area that include, cinemas, swimming, ice rinks, and many other indoor sports.

The resort should is a ‘must visit’ destination, not only in winter but all year round!

You will lose yourself in the beauty of nature and the thrilling experience hence finding yourself back for more!

November 2011- January 2012

Saas-Fee, Switzerland Located in the canton of the Swiss Valais, Saas-Fee is the largest and highest village in the Saas Valley, where visitors come to escape into a winter wonderland.

Its natural beauty is not the only reason why this destination is popular; Saas-Fee boasts incredible winter sports!

Skiing and snow-boarding are offered for ten months of the year amongst other activities. In the summer, the glacier is used for skiing and snowboarding.

The skiing experience is simply excellent with activities and slopes for both beginners and experts. The High Season at Saas-Fee is usually around Christmas and New Year‘s time and all of February through mid April.

The resort’s extensive ski area is divided into three sectors: Morenia, Plattjen and Längfluh.

Saas-Fee is one of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts and it is definitely the place to be if you are looking to indulge in great winter sports while admiring the view of majestic mountains that surround the resort.

It is an eco-friendly mecca for skiing and snowboarding that showers us with gorgeous landscapes, a family-oriented ambience, exceptional hotels and resorts, a vibrant night-life as well as peace of mind along with so much more.

The only thing left to say is that Switzerland is indeed skiing in Europe and this pearl of a place, with its white charm and surrounding glaciers is the place to be. So, allow yourself to fall under its spell and embrace in its magic!

We assures you that traveling to any one of the above places will surely make your winter holidays unforgettable. Happy Holidays!

By: Ylova Hamdan

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

171

Automotive: Aston Martin - ONE-77

Aston Martin

One-77

HANDBUILT BY ASTON MARTIN 2009

172

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Gaydon, Warwickshire. The One-77 is Aston Martin’s definitive sports car, one that epitomises everything Aston Martin from technology, the hand-craftsmanship of the hand rolled aluminium panels to the attention to detail. A culmination of all the marque’s know-how, the One-77 delivers effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potential eclipsing any previous Aston Martin.

Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez commented: “Right from the very beginning of the project the vision for One-

77 was very simple: It had to combine high-technology with hand-built craftsmanship, and demonstrate the unique capabilities and passion of our designers, engineers and technical partners.

“Quite simply it had to be the ultimate expression of Aston Martin.”

Chris Porritt, One-77 Programme Manager adds: “We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what’s under the skin as the exterior styling itself.

We started by identifying the

most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application.”

Consequently the One-77’s structural core is a lightweight and immensely rigid carbon fibre monocoque. Conceived and designed at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the monocoque, or ‘tub’, has been built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC). As world leaders in carbon composite technology,

advanced vehicle analysis and dynamic simulation, MTC brings unrivalled specialist capabilities to the exacting challenge of the One-77 programme.

Employing the classic formula of double wishbones at each corner, the One-77 features inboard suspension front and rear, with pushrods employed to transfer vertical suspension movements to the horizontally mounted spring/damper units. A practice taken directly from racing car design, the main advantages of inboard suspension are a reduction in unsprung weight and the ability

to package the suspension components more effectively.

The dampers are fully adjustable and feature advanced Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology; a world-first for a road car application.

These special valves are state-of-the-art even at the highest levels of motorsport, and use high-precision machined components to enable the shock-absorbing characteristics of the damper to be changed without having to remove them from the car, as is the norm.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

173

Automotive: Aston Martin - ONE-77

Our brief to the engine team was for them to take the 6.0-litre V12 as far as it could go, both in terms of output and weight reduction

Underlining the truly bespoke nature of the One-77, once delivered to its owner, the car’s suspension characteristics will be precisely set-up by Aston Martin engineers to suit their exact requirements, from settings suitable for the ultimate long-distance GT, to a machine capable of conquering the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

While functionality and efficiency are paramount in the design and construction of the One-77, so too is aesthetic beauty. To this end every single component has been crafted from the finest materials with absolute attention to detail.

From the mesmerising weave of the glossy carbon fibre tub and

174

issue 19

the abstract, sculptural beauty of the dry sump’s oil reservoir, to the unerring precision of the billet machined aluminium suspension mounts.

Of course the irony is that the vast majority of these exquisite components will be hidden from view in the finished car, yet each and every piece is a work of art in its own right. It’s this extraordinary workmanship and money-no-object commitment to quality that makes the One-77 unique.

Naturally, such a spectacular sports car demands – and gets - an equally exceptional drivetrain. It comes in the

November 2011- January 2012

form of an immensely potent 7.3-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine. Thanks to the adoption of a dry-sump oil system the engine is mounted 100mm lower than in any previous V12-engined Aston Martin road car, which helps keep the One-77’s centre-ofgravity as low as possible.

To further aid agility and endow the One-77 with progressive handling and stable, predictable on-limit behaviour, the engine is also mounted 257mm aft relative to the front wheel centreline.

In so doing the front-midengined layout shared by all of Aston Martin’s current road car range has been taken to a new level.

The One-77’s magnificent power unit is an extreme evolution of the 6.0-litre V12 engines fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models.

Like the collaboration with MTC for the build of the chassis, Aston Martin has chosen a world-leading partner with which to develop the motor: legendary engine builders, Cosworth. It has proved to be the perfect collaboration, as Chris Porritt explains.

“Our brief to the engine team was for them to take the 6.0-litre V12 as far as it could go, both in terms of output and weight reduction. The targets were a power output of

no less than 700bhp with a 10 per cent reduction in engine mass. Incredibly, the Aston Martin and Cosworth engineers achieved a mass reduction of some 25 per cent, and although we’ve yet to complete the final engine calibration work, I’m confident we’ll see in excess of 700bhp. It’s an awesome accomplishment, but one that’s typical of the One-77 project, for it has consistently brought out the very best in everyone involved.”

Wearing Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres (255/35 ZR20 front, 335/30 ZR20 rear) developed

specifically for the One-77, all 700+bhp is transmitted to the road through the rear wheels via a new six-speed gearbox. Controlled via columnmounted paddles behind the steering wheel, this robotised sequential manual is a new generation of Aston Martin’s familiar transmission. Though it is made specifically for the One-77 and features specially strengthened internals to cope with the tremendous power and torque, the lessons learned in its development will ultimately find their way into the company’s series production models.

It’s a mark of the inherent capabilities of Aston Martin’s acclaimed lightweight Carbon Ceramic Matrix brake technology that it has been used as the basis for the One-77’s braking system. The internals of the calipers have been re-engineered to transmit less heat from the brake pads into the brake fluid, while the discs themselves have been developed to ensure the maximum possible contact area between the face of the disc and the brake pads for improved stopping power. Due to the One-77’s increased performance, special attention has also been paid to brake cooling, as the brakes have less time to cool between bursts of acceleration.

With a projected weight of 1,500kg the One-77 will occupy the very highest echelons of road car performance. Top speed is confidently predicted to be in excess of 200mph, with a 0-60mph time in approximately 3.5sec. Perhaps more importantly, thanks to the purity of a front-engined, reardrive layout, the responsiveness and immense tractability of a naturally aspirated V12 and the low mass, high-rigidity properties of a carbon fibre chassis, the One-77 promises a driving experience of unrivalled intensity and excitement while representing the world’s most desirable automotive art form.

Communications Manager,

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

175

Automotive: Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG

The new Mercedes-Benz

C 63 AMG

CoupĂŠ Black Series

176

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

AMG unleashes its full fury with the most powerful C-Class of all time Like a fire breathing chimaera emerging from deep within the darkest catacombs of Affalterbach, the demonic scream of the furious AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has signaled the arrival of the fearsome new Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series in the Middle East.

Possessed by the new AMG brand claim, ‘Driving performance’, with design that both frightens and inspires at once, AMG has summoned technology and driving dynamics from the world of motorsport like no other AMG model to create the most powerful C-Class of all time.

The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series 6.3-litre V8 engine’s howl will strike fear into the hearts of all that dare oppose it. With its maelstrom of hefty torque delivering tremendous pulling power and responsiveness, the raging AMG beast catapults to the edge of the abyss, from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds (all data provisional).

The Black Series flaring snout delivers air to the large cooling modules through intakes in the striking front apron, whilst spitting engine heat from two openings in the aluminium bonnet. Broad, low, brawny and bulging rear haunches mean the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is poised for attack, while front struts emphasise the fierce vehicle’s width.

Adjustable AMG coil-over sports suspension, functional standard equipment and an AMG high-performance

compound braking system help keep those that command such ferocity from oblivion.

For those that wish to tempt fate, the AMG Track Package is available as an option to enhance the insane power and driving dynamics even further.

It boasts sports tyres and active rear-axle transmission cooling, plus the AMG Aerodynamics package including flics, a functionally tuned front splitter and an adjustable carbon-fibre rear aerofoil.

From the first glance it is clear that the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is made for ambitious laps on a closed race track.

In visual terms the new high-performance vehicle is reminiscent of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sports car and

symbolises the transfer of technology from the sphere of motorsport, which has been part of the corporate philosophy of Mercedes-AMG GmbH for 44 years. With its new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series, AMG is presenting an exciting sports car for enthusiasts that crave horsepower, and this marks the impressive continuation of the Black Series strategy, which began back in 2006. AMG, the performance brand of MercedesBenz Cars, is once again demonstrating its expertise when it comes to designing and developing emotionally appealing high-performance cars.

for the permanent transfer of technology from the race track to the road. The numerous successes in the DTM, the customer sports range featuring the SLS AMG GT3 and our commitment to Formula 1, where we have been providing the Official F1TM Safety Car and the Official F1TM Medical Car for the past 15 years, continuously spur on our engineers and technicians. The C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series embodies the new AMG brand claim, Driving Performance, like no other AMG model,” said Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant.

“AMG has its roots in international motorsport. The new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the best proof there is

The new C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series goes into production in January 2012, and will be available in the region in Q1.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

177

Must have: Sony Digital Camera

sony

camera reborn Sony Accelerates Position as Leading Camera Brand with Launch of Revolutionary Digital Imaging Products 178

issue 19

November 2011- January 2012

Sony’s ‘Camera Reborn’ Concept includes World’s Fastest Shutter Speed Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera Sony, the leading consumer electronics brand, today unveiled a comprehensive line-up of digital cameras with the purpose of reinforcing and extending its market-leading position in the compact digital still camera market.

Taking a quantum leap in speed and precision, the new range has taken digital imaging to the

next level with revolutionary technologies that deliver exquisite photography, ease of use and portability.

The range featuring the Alpha SLT-A77 features Sony’s award winning Translucent Mirror Technology, making it the quickest, most responsive interchangeable lens camera in its class. The NEX range featuring the Alpha NEX-7 and the NEX 5N features quick, responsive auto-focus and the world’s fastest release time lag.

This range also features the slim-bodied Alpha NEX C3.

Addressing a press conference, Osamu Miura, Managing Director, Sony Gulf, said: “There is a clear market need for cameras that can offer the superb responsiveness, image quality and creativity. From the introduction of the world’s first CCD camera to bringing single lens 3D photography to the consumer, Sony has always

aimed to be at the forefront of digital imaging “Today, it gives me great pleasure to introduce our concept of ‘Camera Reborn’ with our new line-up of Alpha cameras that incorporate revolutionary technologies to deliver high clarity imaging and ease-of-use. These cameras will not only bring new user experiences to our customers and the world of digital imaging, they will also enable Sony to accelerate its position as a top tier camera brand.”

The new Alpha models build on the powerful creative possibilities of the first translucent mirror cameras from Sony, the Alpha SLT-A55 and SLT-A33. Unlike conventional DSLR cameras, this innovative design enables super-fast shooting responses with full time continuous AF during stills and HD video shooting in a compact body.

The Alpha SLT-A77 is the

world’s fastest* 12fps fullresolution continuous shooting camera with high-precision phase-detection AF. It is also equipped with 24.3 effective megapixel EXMOR APS HD CMOS sensor and newly developed BIONZ image processor which give the camera unparalleled speed and accuracy. Sony has given the SLT-A77 the world’s first* XGA OLED True-FinderTM, providing the best resolution, contrast and responsiveness of any electronic view finder (EVF) on the market. Budding film makers will also benefit from a number of enhanced video capabilities in the SLT-A77.

Thanks to the faster speed of the new BIONZ processor, users can now film in both interlace and progressive including cinematic mode.

The compact, beautifully styled Alpha NEX-7, NEX-5N and NEX-C3 allow photographers to capture DSLR-quality stills and

video with the creative freedom of interchangeable lenses.

Taking creative options to new extremes, the Alpha NEX-7 is styled in magnesium alloy for superior strength and premium looks, and weighs approximately 291g (camera body only). The NEX-7 features the Sony-unique EXMOR™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution that is teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine. With the world’s fastest shutter release lag of nearly 0.02 seconds, the NEX-7 is the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital cameras in the world.

The new Alpha NEX-5N from Sony draws on the positive acceptance of the NEX-5 and offers superb responsiveness, image quality and creativity of a D-SLR camera – all in a compact body.

November 2011- January 2012

issue 19

179

Must have: Sony Digital Camera

Styled in tough, light magnesium alloy and just 23.3mm at its slimmest point, the NEX-5N is a step forward from its predecessor in terms of still image and HD video quality, powerful creative features and intuitive interface. Furthermore, an improved AF algorithm doubles the readout speed from the image sensor and more efficient image processing results in an AF that is significantly faster than the current NEX-5 model.

180

issue 19

The new Alpha NEX-C3 is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor model the NEX-3. Offered in a choice of stylish colours, the NEX-C3 features an attractive new body design that combines a solid metal top casing with an easyto-use streamlined grip shape.

Resolution of the large EXMOR APS HD CMOS sensor is boosted to 16.2 effective megapixels, capturing stills and 720p HD video with breath-taking clarity.

The large, DSLR-sized sensor

November 2011- January 2012

also lets you produce pro-quality background defocus effects, whether you’re shooting HD video or stills. * Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras with APS-C size sensor as of August 2011

RUBINETTERIA GABOLI LUIGI Middle East Office P.O. Box 75833, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel. No. : 00971 4 3250010 Fax No. : 00971 4 3250490 Email : tapman@emirates.net.ae Website : www.tapsmore.com

Raindance Select_210x297_Edge11-11.indd 1

10/11/2011 16:48:02