EDGE LEVANT Kitchens & Bathrooms Issue 09

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Levant Edition www.edgemagazine-me.com

DURAVIT

GOOD IDEAS FOR THE FAMILY BATHROOM

PHILIPPE STARCK

AN INTERVIEW

KITCHEN

SCAVOLINI

FLUX

styled by Giugiaro Design

10,000 L.L. | 5 JD

THE COOL OF CONTEMPORARY AND CLASS OF COUNTRY

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MDF polyurethane kitchen

by Osimex, showing Viking full line professional kitchen appliances.

MDF polyurethane kitchen by Osimex, Viking full line professional kitchen appliances.

MDF polyurethane kitchen showing

by Osimex, showing Viking full line professional kitchen applianc

Stainless steel outdoors kitchen complete with Viking professional outdoor applainces

The best seller from Italy

Much more than a cookerhood

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Contents 54

78

92

30 INDUSTRY NEWS 30 ZUCCHETTI.KOS Experience & quality to serve the Contract Industry

36 PROJECT LEBANON 2011 Opening of the Third “Sustainability Week” conference

54 ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA & FLOS Partner Up At The Salone Del Mobile

38 LG CONCEPTUALIFE Environmentally Sustainable Kitchen Concepts

56 PRINCESSCARE

40 PHILIPS Showcases Innovative Green Range at EPIC 2011

58 MERCEDES BENZ

44 CERSAIE 2011

KITCHEN TRENDS 60 KITCHENS

Ushers in the age of the “Sustainable Trade Rair”

46 BOXART

Cersaie Preview 2011

48 KOHLER

New Kohler Katalyst

50 GENTRY HOME the Cersaie 2011 preview 22

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52 LG

Implements One Of The World’s Largest Led Lighting Installation

PrincessCare believes that the best care is offered at home.

Mercedes-Benz models dazzle the Middle East from Beirut

The Cool of Contemporary & Class of Country

66 ARMANI/DADA

The kitchen, checkers

70 SCAVOLINI

FLUX Styled by Giugiaro Design

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106

116

120

124

96

60

120

74 VIKING

It's something we call Design Integrity

TM

78 best

Innovative Aspirations

80 NOBILIA

The German Kitchen

BATHROOM TRENDS 96 BATHROOMS

The Cool of Contemporary & Class of Country

102 RUBINETTERIE ZAZZERI Virgin & Shirò

106 DURAVIT Good Ideas For The Family Bathroom

84 ASTER CUCINE

86 LA CORNUE

112 BANOS 10

116 KLUDI RAK PRIME The Beauty if Geometric Order

A new Vision of the Kitchen

KITCHEN ACCESSORIES 88 CAMPOMATIC 92 COMPAGNUCCI

Absolute quality and design no frills

94 KENWOOD

The Kenwood brand is committed to spearhead the ongoing development of innovative kitchen appliances

Mix of practicality, quality and comfort

HOME 120 MISSONI HOME Transform your home with bursts of color, pattern and texture

INTERVIEW 124 PHILIPPE STARCK An interview with Phillipe Starck July - September 2011

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Contents 132

160

172

156

LIGHTING 132 BACCARAT Highlights

156 RAGNO ESPRESSIONI

142 LE PORCELLANE Home and Lighting

160 PLAZA CERAMICAS One of the pioneers in the development of the Ceramic Sector in Spain, was established in 1962.

FLOORING 144 MAFI Mafi Parkett (Austria)

EYE ON DESIGN 166 ST. REGIS VILLAS

TILES & CERAMIC 148 ANTOLINI

172 BVLGARI HOTELS & RESORTS

Shellstone Collection The fascination of sea, the emotion of mother-of-pearl

152 KER AV KER AV Marchetti has been in the third firing ceramics sector for over twenty years.

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Follow your own Rhythm, Naturally

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TDIC Launches First St. Regis Branded Villas

A unique, refined concept of space, exclusive treatments, and a warm welcome, along with an innovative philosophy of well-being based on traditional Oriental practices, Ware features of the Spa at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan.

174 PORSCHE CAYMAN R

The new top-of-the-range model for the mid-engine CoupĂŠs

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Editor's Letter Dear Readers, This issue brings you the best news and trends of the kitchen and bathroom industry and is sure to spice up your imagination for decorating and/or remodelling.

Editor in Chief Lara Mansour Sawaya lara.m@amedadvertising.com

With sneak peaks and previews into the latest collections by some of the industry’s biggest names, you will surely not be able to put the magazine to rest, not even for a moment!

News and events that define the industry grace the pages of this issue, as always. We strive to keep you, our faithful readers updated all the time through Edge.

Our articles include the latest kitchen and bathroom trends for the season, Country and Contemporary styles and how to achieve them.

Sections that feature the latest in accessories, lighting, flooring and tiles and ceramics is a must read to find out more about the stars of the industry and their creations.

Get personal with Philippe Starck as the interview of him in this issue is unlike any other. Mr. Starck, the genius of the design industry reveals himself to all of our readers which definitely contributes a great deal of interest to this issue.

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Last but not least, our Eye on Design section brings to you detailed articles on two beautifully designed hotels as well as the Porsche Cayman R which is synonymous with luxurious design.

Levant Edition www.edgemagazine-me.com

DURAVIT

GOOD IDEAS FOR THE FAMILY BATHROOM

PHILIPPE STARCK

AN INTERVIEW

KITCHEN

We hope this issue exceeds your expectations as we always aim to do so with every edition!

SCAVOLINI

FLUX

styled by Giugiaro Design

10,000 L.L. | 5 JD

THE COOL OF CONTEMPORARY AND CLASS OF COUNTRY

Happy Reading,

Front Cover

Editor in Chief

Main image FLUX - Scavolini

Lara Mansour Sawaya

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 Santiag

Henry Pasqual

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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.

Awraq Publishing S.A.R.L. Honein Bldg. 2'nd Floor,Antelias Bikfaya main road, Rabieh Metn Lebanon Tel.: +961 4 523910 | +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

ARMANDO TESTA

Faculty of Architecture of Genova, Alessandra Parodi for Cersaie

20-24 SEPTEMBER 2011 www.cersaie.it

Organized by EDI.CER. spa

Promoted by CONFINDUSTRIA CERAMICA

In collaboration with

Show Management: PROMOS srl - P.O. Box 37 - 40050 CENTERGROSS BOLOGNA (Italy) - Tel. +39.051.6646000 - Fax +39.051.862514 Press Office: EDI.CER. spa - Viale Monte Santo 40 - 41049 SASSUOLO MO (Italy) - Tel. +39.0536.804585 - Fax +39.0536.806510

Advertising Campaign co-financed by

Industry news: Zucchetti.Kos

Zucchetti.Kos Experience & quality to serve the

The Zucchetti.Kos Group, leader in bathroom design, has always been extremely successful in the contract sector. For many years it has been the undisputed main player in major architectural projects worldwide.

To meet the needs of the most important residentials, hotels and ship projects, in 2004 the Group set up a specific in-house Contract Division, headed by Marco Zucchetti.

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Managing contract for the Group does not just mean delivering big quantity supplies, but guaranteeing information, consultancy and assistance.

A flexible efficient service where meeting aesthetic and functional needs different from those of the serial production market is seen as an opportunity for continual improvement and updates of technological know-how.

Zucchetti.Kos combines its global service of technical consultancy before and after sales for planners, designers and clients, with custom-

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Contract Industry

made solutions that comply with the most recent national and international legislation.

Contract for the Group today is an important parallel business that complements its retail distribution.

Marco Zucchetti_Manager for the Contract Division: “We are very satisfied with the results achieved over the past few years. The contract sector has taken on increasingly greater importance for us: we are present in the best hotels all over the world and we work with the biggest international design studios. It represents a

key opportunity for working with a diverse range of cuttingedge clients. Turnover from the contract channel has shown constant growth of around 20% a year. In 2010 it accounted for about 25% of overall company turnover, with 65% of our projects abroad. This growing presence demonstrates that the lifestyle and absolute quality for which we have always been recognised are today a guarantee the world over.�

With over 150 projects completed in the last 5 years, including hotels, residentials, spas, wellbeing centres, boats

and yachts, the Zucchetti.Kos Group is today a benchmark for the international contract scenario.

Zucchetti collections have been chosen for the biggest luxury hotels all over the world.

FOUR SEASONS, STARWOOD (with the brands St. Regis, W and Sheraton), KEMPINSKI, DORCHESTER GROUP (with the prestigious Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan), MARRIOTT, HILTON, RADISSON, BANIAN TREE, HYATT, BAGLIONI HOTEL and NH HOTEL have selected the company as a preferential supplier for their hotels.

The Zucchetti.Kos Group is also present in a large number of design and boutique hotels in Italy and abroad: from the Missoni Hotel in Kuwait City (directly overseen by Rosita Missoni), to the Romeo Hotel in Naples (refurbished by Studio Tange Associates); the brand new award-winning The James Hotel in New York and the historical Pera Palace in Istanbul, where Agatha Christie wrote her famous Murder on the Orient Express. To luxurious accommodation in some of the most wonderful location: the Pod Hotel in Camps Bay or Le Burgundy Hotel in Paris.

Photo: POD HOTEL, Cape Town (South Africa)

July - September 2011

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Industry news: Zucchetti.Kos

Museums and public buildings, like the Poldi Pezzoli in Milan and the Reggia di Venaria in Turin. Embassies, such as the Italian one in Brasilia or of the Republic of China in Rome, airports like Ciampino in Rome and in Sofia have chosen Zucchetti for the quality of its products and the versatility of its lines.

With its own innovative topquality products, Zucchetti also represented the excellence of Made in Italy at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai. It was selected as the exclusive supplier for the Italy Pavilion, designed by the architect Giampaolo Imbrighi. The Pan collection,

designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, was used in all the public washrooms and the Wosh collection, designed by William Sawaya, in the areas reserved for Delegations.

“Zucchetti is a primary industry and we are pleased to have taken part in the building of the Italy Pavilion. The company successfully interpreted the affinities between the Shanghai Expo and its own products and did not want to miss this important opportunity to promote products made in Italy”, commented Beniamino Quintieri, the Italian Government’s commissionergeneral for the Expo in Shanghai.

Aguablu by Zucchetti, design Barbara Sordina – Marianelli Design

Simply Beautiful by Zucchetti, design Matteo Thun con Antonio Rodriguez

Numerous wide-ranging requests are also received from the boat sector: from cabins on large cruise ships belonging to Costa Crociere, Holland American Line, Carnival Cruise Line, P&O and Silversea to more bespoke projects for Ferretti Yachts, Benetti, MMGI, MondomarineSan Lorenzo, SouthernWind and Fitzroy Yachts.

The Zucchetti and Kos brands symbolize an innovative unique bathroom universe: exclusive, design-oriented and perfect whatever the requirements, worldwide.

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www.armaniroca.com

A new bathroom concept

ARCOM awraq

M DPS q to fill

Industry news: Project Lebanon

PROJECT LEBANON 2011 Opening of the Third “Sustainability Week” conference in the framework of Project Lebanon 2011 under the auspices of H.E Minister of Energy & Water Resources Engineer, Gibran Bassil H.E. Minister of Energy & Water, Engineer Gebran Bassil, inaugurated yesterday morning the Third “Sustainability Week” conference at BIEL, organized

by IFP in cooperation with the Order of Engineers & Architects of Beirut, and with the support of the Lebanese Center for Environmental Conservation (LCEC), “The Lebanese Association for Solar Energy, and “The Lebanese Council for Green Buildings,” and “The American Association for Heating and

Cooling Engineers-Lebanese Branch (ASHRAE)”.

At the opening ceremony, the Minister of Energy & Water, Mr. Gebran Bassil, the President of the Order of Engineers & Architects in Beirut, Mr. Elie Bsaibis, the President of the Mechanical Engineers Branch at the Order of Engineers & Architects of Beirut, Mr. Rabih Khairallah, and the President of the Lebanese Center for Environmental Conservation (LCEC), Mr. Pierre Khoury, addressed the attendees, mainly key industry figures, a score of environmental experts & green activists besides diplomats and media representatives.

The Third “Sustainability Week” will tackle the topics of green buildings, sustainable construction, renewable energy and the conservation of natural resources. The conference deals with everything that pertains to this vital field, from financing to the availability of technologies, their applications and their economic effects. As it has become customary since its inception in 2009, this event will host an elite of experts and local and international speakers.

Furthermore, “Sustainability Week” will witness this year the launching of the Lebanese Council for Green Buildings ARZ System, which has been developed in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This system is the first of its kind in the Middle East that classifies the environmental performance of existing commercial buildings according to sustainability standards.

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

grohespa.com

Industry news: LG Conceptualife

Environmentally Sustainable Kitchen Concepts

Take Centre Stage at LG Conceptualife 2011 12 MEA regional winners battle it out at grand finale of design championships

Participants and panelists at LG Conceptualife 2011

The regional finals of LG Conceptualife 2011 drew to an exciting finish last night as 12 aspiring designers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt and Iran, presented their vision for the future of eco-friendly kitchens and appliances to an expert panel of judges.

In its second successful year and under the theme of ‘Green and Futuristic’, Tolga Tekin from Turkey’s Marmara University in Istanbul was awarded first place by skillfully amalgamating basic interpretations of sand and water with innovative energy solutions. In addition to winning a fully-paid one-month internship at Dubai-based design firm X-Architects, Tekin also received $5,000 in cash and an LG Optimus smartphone.

When asked how he felt, excited 22-year old Tekin said, “I still cannot believe I am holding this award – I am on top of the world and now, am even more confident that I will be a successful designer who can make a difference. I thank LG from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity and allowing me to realise my dream.”

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The 1st runner up was also from Turkey - Serdar Soyal from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul while the second runner up prize went to Karyn Schott from Greenside Design Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In addition to an LG Optimus smartphone, they were both awarded with $3,000 and $2,000 in cash respectively from LG. Commenting on the high levels of creativity and talent showcased at the LG Conceptualife competition, Mr. K.W. Kim, President, LG Electronics, MEA Region, said: “It was a difficult task to pick the top three designs. We had a powerhouse of talent and LG is proud to provide a forum for these gifted students to showcase their skill. Most of the designs were presented as concepts but it is only a matter of time before these futuristic green kitchen solutions are recognized and adopted. I am pleased to see how well our aspiring designers of tomorrow understand the importance of an environmentally sound kitchen design and appliances which is also one of LG’s key objectives.”

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Tolga Tekin’s winning design titled ‘Waveset’

Each of the 12 finalists were invited to present and explain their kitchen design concepts to an expert panel who evaluated their work based on uniqueness of design and integration of innovative green features, optimum utilization of kitchen space, environmental friendliness, usage of materials and functionality. The expert panel of judges consisted of K.W. Kim, President, LG Electronics, MEA Region; Ahmed Al Ali, Founder and Executive Chairman of X-Architects and Annie Cudmore, Editor of InsideOut Magazine.

“I particularly liked Tolga Tekin’s design, as it integrated technology with cutting-edge design albeit with a human touch. I felt this design was the most applicable and it would be very interesting to push

this concept forward,” added X-Architects Ahmed Al Ali. “Even though the contestants were from six different countries, it was very interesting to see similar themes running through all the designs, such as indoor gardens and integrated appliances with functionality being key,” commented panellist, Annie Cudmore.

LG Conceptualife was established in 2010 as an annual event to provide up and coming design students with an outlet to demonstrate their talent and harness their creativity by showcasing the future of kitchen design and appliances. Drawing hundreds of entries from across the region, the finale saw submissions narrowed to the top 12 entries.

GOOD DESIGN

SNAIDERO MIDDLE EAST, Zouk Mosbeh, LEBANON, Christ Le Roi Highway, Tel. 09 209 007, info@smemig.com, www.smemig.com Abdel Rahim Diab, Unesco, LEBANON, Tel. 01 868146 - GIT Riyadh, KSA, Olaya, Tahliya Street, 11383 Riyadh, Tel. +966 1 2932242 GIT Jeddah, KSA, Rawdah Street, La Plaza Center, Tel. +966 1 2932242 - AL MOAIBED Khobar, KSA, King Abdul Aziz Street, Tel. +966 3 85 92 796, snaidero@awalnet.net.sa - AL MOAIBED Manama, BAHRAIN, Salmaniyah Roundabout, Manama 311, Tel. +973 17 24 23 31, snaidero@batelco.com.bh - RAFCO Doha, QATAR, Old Rayyan Street, Tel. +974 4 807 797, rafco@rafcoqatar.com - K.A.A.M, KUWAIT, Shuwaikh 70654, Tel. +965 47 47 741, kitchenart@mailamind.com - INTERNO Limassol, CYPRUS, Cyprus 24, Spyro Kyprianou Street 3070, Tel. +357 25 818 222, interno@cytanet.com.cy - LAOURIS HOME STYLE Paphos, CYPRUS, Mesoyi Road, 8280, S. Lambrou Building, Tel. +357 26 81 86 81, laouris@laouriscyprus.com - LAOURIS Nicosia, CYPRUS, Cyprus 20,

Nikis Avenue 1086, Ayioi Omologites, Tel. +357 22 450 080, koullalhs@cytanet.com.cy

Snaidero Middle East

member of INDEVCO group Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon Tel. 09 209 007 www.smemig.com

Industry news: Philips

Philips Showcases Innovative

Green

Range at EPIC 2011

Philips is proud to announce its participation in Epic, the sustainable living expo taking place in Dubai mall from the 22nd to the 31st June 2011, to showcase in the Philips Green Home, their range of energy efficient consumer lifestyle and lighting innovations that enable consumers to save energy.

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The Philips Vision 2015 strategy, which includes doubling investment in Green Innovation by 2015, highlights the company’s commitment to contributing towards a greener environment. These new eco-friendly solutions address a growing consumer demand for sustainable options that enable them to contribute to the environment through small everyday steps. Epic allows Philips to showcase these green alternatives to the general public and business operators, inspiring sustainable consumerism.

The new Philips energy efficient range of consumer lifestyle innovations is made up of several ingenious vacuum cleaners, a powerful handheld vacuum cleaner, a

range of energy saving steam irons, a family of volume control and temperature regulating kettles, Blu Ray home theatre systems, Blu Ray DVD players, a range of LCD TVs and a stunning range of consumer lighting. Designed to conveniently reduce their impact on the environment without compromising on performance or design, these appliances benefit from new Philips technology which allows them to work at the same capacity as regular ones but by using less energy or incorporates unique features that enables consumers to actively save energy themselves. Switching to these energy saving appliances will help every household reduce its CO2 emission without having to change their lifestyle.

Industry news: Cersaie 2011

Cersaie 2011 ushers

in the age of the

“sustainable trade fair” A three-year project has been launched to reduce the environmental footprint of the International ceramic tile and bathroom furnishing exhibition.

Six specific initiatives will be pursued immediately, from waste reduction to optimisation of energy, water and paper consumption, as well as agreements to promote sustainable transport The ceramic sector has long been sensitive to environmental issues and this is reflected in the latest project pursued by the international ceramic tile and bathroom furnishing exhibition Cersaie to reduce the show’s environmental footprint.

The three-year project Cersaie for Sustainability has the key aims of reducing energy requirements and the production of waste, making this 29th edition of the show the first trade fair outside the environmental sector to focus strongly on sustainability.

The project will be pursued in

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cooperation with BolognaFiere and will consist of six initiatives, some of which will already be implemented this year with a view to initiating an ongoing process of improvement in Cersaie’s credentials as a sustainable trade fair. As of this year, FSC certified eco-friendly paper will be used for all publications and printed material, while the press folder will continue to be produced in an electronic format. As for communication, the institutional stand will be reorganised as a “green area” for publicising the initiatives and results achieved by the sector in terms of sustainability.

There will also be a focus on visitor transport through an agreement with Trenitalia to apply special fare reductions on the high-speed rail line to and from Bologna.

Cersaie 2012 will focus on water, electrical energy and waste. The waste produced in the pre-exhibition set-up stage will be monitored this year, then in 2012 a programme will be introduced to encourage the separate collection of paper and plastic. This will include

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providing a larger number of collection points, setting up separate waste collection islands and launching a programme to convert waste into building materials. Last but not least, the project will focus on electricity and water consumption. On the basis

of variables measured at this year’s show, initiatives to reduce consumption will be introduced in 2012.

Cersaie 2011 will be held in the Bologna exhibition centre from 20 to 24 September. For full information visit www.cersaie.it.

The ceramic sector has long been sensitive to environmental issues and this is reflected in the latest project pursued by the international ceramic tile and bathroom furnishing exhibition Cersaie to reduce the show’s environmental footprint

Industry news: Boxart

BOXART

CERSAIE PREVIEW 2011 Boxart presents the classic travertine sitting & the shower tray in golden and walnut travertine

Classic travertine sitting.

Thought up for relax enviroments, both in wellness centers and private homes, the new Boxart’s sitting in classic travertine is perfectly suitable to build a turkish bath area.

Sittings are modulars, they can be removed or added depending on necessities of space and taste.

Travertine is the material used for this composition, but it can be made bespoke using every kind of marble and travertine.

Composition is completed by

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a fountain made on the model of the cilindric column basin, again of Boxart

Shower Tray in golden and walnut travertine.

On the occasion of Cersaie 2011, Boxart presents the new shower enviroment, caracterized by a modular shower tray in golden and walnut travertine, with a teak foottboard, everything built at the same level of the ground floor. Wall covering has been made in Becagli travertine, that is a tipical travertine from the querries of Rapolano, in a particular finish called “vergata”. Shower tray is modular and made by a stainless steel tank, a frame divided in 4 units, and a central element that it can be in travertine, marble, slate or in different species of wood.This new system allows an incredible versatility and ensures an assembly extremly easy.

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

Industry news: Kohler

New Kohler Katalyst Showerhead offers a luxurious shower experience with peace-of-mind New technology for showerheads delivers indulgent heavy droplets whilst saving up to 20% on water consumption With the Middle East now blazing in the heat of the Arabian summer, Kohler, a global leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, is reinforcing its commitment to water conservation with the launch of its latest Kohler Kataylst showerhead.

The innovative new singlefunction showerhead offers customers the same luxurious shower experience delivered by the Katalyst showerhead technology’s large heavy droplets, while ensuring peaceof-mind thanks to a new water conserving design.

The Katalyst technology was introduced last year by Kohler with optimized sprayface, internal waterway design and innovative air induction system .This year latest addition is an update of the Kataylst technology and has been WaterSense listed, providing a soothing steady flow of water at eight Litres per minute and saving up to 20% on water consumption.

“Consumers in the Middle East are becoming increasingly greener in the way they live.

We have updated our Katalyst showerhead technology this year to help individuals continue to enjoy their luxurious shower experience offering respite from the summer heat, whilst providing peace-of-mind through the new water saving design,” said Mohamed Nada, Regional Marketing Manager for Kohler Co. in the Middle East. “In keeping with our design ethos

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to create products that offer design without sacrificing performance, the easily installed Kohler showerheads continue to deliver an exhilarating showering experience reminiscent of an Arabian summer downpour, whilst conserving water, and money thanks to reduced utility bills.”

The WaterSense is introduced on Kohler’s Purist, Forté, and Bancroft single function showerheads suites of sophisticated bathroom products. The new Katalyst technology provides a new sprayface that optimizes the water pattern and droplet size for superior coverage, intensity and rinsing performance providing customers with a natural intense hydrotherapy experience.

A new patent-pending air induction technology maximizes the air-water mix to deliver a dense invigorating showering experience and the Master Clean sprayface is easy to clean and maintain because it resists mineral build-up that can also reduce spray coverage and volume.

Also news is a unique clear nozzle that is sleek and coordinates easily with all available finishes.

Kohler’s Kataylst technology showerheads are now all available across the Middle East through the Kohler Middle East distributor network.

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Industry news: Gentry Home

the Cersaie 2011 preview

Gentry Home

Regal tub, Empire Porcelains & Ithaca tub REGAL BATH The Regal acrylic bath is characterized by its elegant line with an ancient taste, by its upturned front edge. The Regal bath is comfortable, but at the same time it has contained sizes and gives aesthetical elegance to the bathroom.

Its light material allows to lean it on any kind of floor.

Its little feet can be made in the following finishing: white, chrome, antique bronze and incalux..

Ithaca BATH It is a studied simplicity. The Ithaca acrylic bath shows a refined, clean and impressive line, with its upturned external edge. The external finishing is raw and its painting may be available in all the RAL scale colors. The inside enamel is white. Its sizes are W 180 cm x H 57 cm D 80 cm.

EMPIRE PORCELAIN The new line of porcelain, Empire, is essential and at the same time rich and is characterized by its elegant shapes. It is a revisited classic with some contemporary hints thanks to the squaring of its corners as if they were sheared cleanly. The porcelain is English with top quality enamels.

This collection includes a sink unit, the columnar sink, the console and the bathroom fittings.

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Khalife Building, Saida old Road, Hadath - Beirut tel: +961 5 469 469 - 3 469469,

email: khalife@khalife.com

fax: +961 5 464981

Industry news: LG

LG IMPLEMENTS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST LED LIGHTING INSTALLATION LG LED lights and lighting control installed at LG Twin Towers in Korea will provide 53% energy savings over equivalent conventional fluorescent installations Dubai, UAE; June. 19, 2011 – LG Electronics (LG) today announced that it has implemented one of the world’s biggest installations of LED lighting technology in its Twin Towers headquarters buildings in the Korean capital, Seoul.

LG’s Twin Towers headquarters buildings have been outfitted with energy and cost-saving LG LED lights and a dedicated lighting control system. LG has estimated that in a year, the lighting systems on both buildings will save a total of 1,717 MWh of electricity, for a 53% saving over equivalent buildings using conventional fluorescent lighting technology.

savings over conventional lighting as it is more efficient and has a longer life. LG has estimated that its lineup of lighting solutions provides energy savings ranging from 20-80%, and can last five to ten times longer.

This performance can be enhanced using LG’s digital controls, which can dim LED lighting according to ambient brightness and activate it via motion sensors.

Mr. H.S. Paik concluded: “LG is committed to leading research and development in LED lighting, and we will continue to apply realworld solutions through technological breakthroughs.”

Commenting on LG’s achievement, Mr. H.S. Paik, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE said, “This accomplishment shows that LED lighting can deliver cost and energy savings in commercial scales, while being more eco-friendly at the same time. This feat was only possible because of breakthroughs in LED technology that LG has pioneered.”

LG’s LED lighting technology delivers energy and cost

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

Industry news: Ermenegildo Zegna & Flos

Ermenegildo Zegna & Flos partner up at the Salone del Mobile Ermenegildo Zegna and Flos worked together on the occasion of the 2011 Salone del Mobile – Euroluce, which saw Zegna’s global store in Milan become a showcase for two lighting products from Flos: Net by Philippe Starck and Kelvin LED byAntonio Citterio with Toan Nguyen.

The longstanding reciprocal admiration and deep esteem that link the two brands this year led to the idea of uniting their two particular trades, of joining the world of fashion to that of design to create a space where Net and Kelvin LED had an ideal dimension for public exhibition.

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Ermenegildo Zegna’s global store in via Montenapoleone in Milan, designed in 2007 by Peter Marino and lit by Flos, became a window for Philippe Starck’s latest creation, a lamp that illuminated and at the same time transmited images of the worlds of Zegna and Flos thanks to 2nd generation iPads or iPhones mounted on the lamp itself, while Kelvin LED came in an innovative version with a photoelectric cell and a mud color exclusively for Zegna.

The boutique’s two large windows, dedicated for the occasion to creations by the two

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designers, was crossed by the unmistakable woolen thread typical of the world of Zegna plaited with the electrical cord of Flos creations.

“It’s a great pleasure to be able to work with Flos,” said Ermenegildo Zegna, CEO of the Group of the same name, “and with artists of the calibre of Philippe Starck and Antonio Citterio. To be able to present Flos’s latest creations in our global store in Milan is further proof of the importance to us of the world of art and design and it will be with profound esteem for Piero Gandini that we celebrate this collaboration

during the Salone del Mobile by putting our space in via Montenapoleone at the disposal of Design”.

“Collaborating with Zegna, a company that’s always been so sensitive to the values of creativity and quality is a cause of great satisfaction and stimulus for us,” said Flos chairman Piero Gandini.

“My thanks go to Ermenegildo and the Zegna family for this invitation to celebrate Flos’s new products together in Zegna’s global store, which turns out to be an ideal venue for design in the lively period of the Salone del Mobile”.

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Ermenegildo Zegna Group is a leading maker of luxury wear for men and is one of best known business enterprises in Italy. Founded in 1910 in Trivero, in the Alpi Biellesi, by the young entrepreneur Ermenegildo Zegna, it started out by producing some of the finest and most highly appreciated fabrics in the world. By the end of the’90s the Group completed its strategy of vertical integration, giving rise to a global luxury brand producing fabrics, clothing and accessories and focusing on retail – mostly under direct management - and penetration of emerging markets. In 2010, it celebrated 100 years of excellence.

It now has 550 singlebrand stores (of which 300 proprietary) in 80 countries, and posted consolidated sales of €963m in 2010.

FLOS Founded in 1962 in Merano, FLOS is an international

company that offers a range of lighting products and systems for residential and architectural applications.

Known for its creative and innovative lighting solutions, the company can boast a rich catalog of iconic products created by legends of design like Achille Castiglioni, Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Marcel Wanders, Konstantin Grcic, Jasper Morrison, Patricia Urquiola, Ron Gilad, and many others. FLOS show constant commitment to technological research and innovation, together with an extraordinary capacity to spot new creative talent. With the recent launch of the Soft Architecture collection, an avant-garde project which has received top international awards, the company gave further proof of a well established brand’s ability to look to the future without forgetting its own tradition. Flos has singlebrand stores in Rome, Milan, Paris, Hong Kong, Stockholm, London and New York.

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Industry news: PrincessCare

The whole Princess team

PrincessCare The family members of PrincessCare are: • SteamCare, the generation of Princess Steamers that clean and iron while they steam.

• CleanCare, the generation of Princess vacuum cleaners that move around your home, sliding between corners, making sure to leave behind nothing but a trace of care at home.

• EatCare, the generation of Princess Kitchen and outdoor electrical appliances.

• WellCare, the generation of Princess electrical appliances that offers you the pampering you deserve right where you want it to be… at home.

An advertising campaign was created for PrincessCare and launched by the Princess Worldwide LTD – Beirut established in 2005 and represented by Area Director, Mr. Tarek Kassassir.

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Present at the event were Princess Household Appliances CEO and management Team from Holland and Germany, board member and CEO of WMF-CE, mother company of Princess Household Appliances, Miss Pamela Antaki, Director of Kapa: the Princess Distributor in Lebanon, Princess Regional Distributors, Princess Beirut Office and Kapa staff members, as well as major Lebanese press and media representatives who were present to cover this exclusive advertising campaign launch.

The host, Mr. Tarek Kassassir, Princess Area Director welcomed the crowd, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Princess operation in the region, and his belief in the potential of the new campaign created for PrincessCare.

Ms. Maya Moussalli, Princess Area Marketing Manager,

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Tarek Kassassir

explained the campaign idea and discussed its tactics.

“PrincessCare believes that the best care is offered at home. When you think of care you think of comfort.

Hence our campaign idea for PrincessCare, a Home made comfort. After all, what’s a home without a Princess?”

The annual Princess Household Appliances Agent Day for the Middle East & North Africa region also took place in parallel with the press conference, where numerous, new innovative and special products were displayed and highly successful sales and marketing activities were presented.

GEORGES KHOURY awraq to fill

Industry news: Mercedes Benz

Exciting new

Mercedes-Benz models dazzle the Middle East from Beirut Beirut, Lebanon: In a city famed for its glamorous nightlife filled with mil-lionaires, models, socialites and celebrities, it was the Mercedes-Benz sparkling three pointed star that stole the show in Beirut last night, as the luxury automo-tive company launched its all new C-Class Coupé, and third generation of its most successful sports car ever - the SLK Roadster - in spectacular style.

Held at SkyBar, one of the Middle East’s most fashionable nightspots, the stun-ning Middle East launch of the innovative and sporty new Mercedes-Benz mod-els drew gasps from the rooftop guest list of 800 VIPs, which included Mercedes-Benz’ General Distributors, customers, and media from across the region.

The C-Class Coupé enters a new market segment for MercedesBenz, offering a sporty compact coupé with classic proportions and a forward-looking, expressive style, and technology that includes a new generation of telematics with in-ternet access. From the side, the new coupé beguiled revellers with its flat sil-houette, powerful shoulders and narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design.

Also wowing the crowd were the C-Class Coupé’s trim parts available in a porce-lain piano-lacquer look - a first in automotive engineering - complementing the car's exclusive interior feel.

The C-Class Coupé will be available in the Middle East as C 250 BlueEFFI-CIENCY, and C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY engine versions. A 457hp 6.3-litre C 63 AMG Coupé V8 engine version is also offered, with the

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option to be boosted to 487 hp with the AMG Performance package. An additional C 180 engine ver-sion will be available in the Levant.

The launch of the new SLK Roadster marks the third generation of one of the most exciting and successful sports cars ever built, designed to take driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to a new level. It blends light-footed sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports-car design with total suitability for everyday use, and top performance with exemplary ecology.

Fittingly launched beneath the twinkling night-sky, the SLK proudly introduced the Middle East to its world-first panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which switches to light or dark at the touch of a button. Three new direct injection engine powered

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SLK models will be available in the region. Four-cylinder engines include the 184 hp SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and 204 hp SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, and the 306 hp V6 engine in the SLK 350.

Speaking at the event, a delighted Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Market-ing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East & Levant enthused: “2011 is a momen-tous year for Mercedes-Benz. 125 years since the invention of the automobile by our founding fathers Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler, we are still creating cut-ting edge luxury vehicles with groundbreaking designs. But this year is different. With these new models, this is the year that Mercedes-Benz stops being the car your Dad drove, and becomes the car that you drive.”

Addressing the glittering audience from giant LED screens as the evening cres-

cendoed towards the unveiling of the C-Class Coupé and SLK Roadster, Mike Belk, President and CEO, Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: “MercedesBenz cars, and especially our coupés, have become like the stars of the Middle East’s social scene. They’re confident, beautiful, desirable, fashionable, ambitious, young and successful, whilst always remembering our core values of safety, quality, reliability, comfort and efficiency. There’s definitely no missing the glint of the three pointed star either.”

Unveiled using groundbreaking 3-D mapping technology, fireworks, and dance performances to a soundtrack provided by leading DJs and musicians, the Mer-cedes-Benz C-Class Coupé and SLK Roadster innovative designs dazzled a city that has seen it all.

exclusive agent

Kitchen trends: Contemporary & Country

Flat Line by Scavolini

Kitchens The Cool of Contemporary & Class of Country

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Contemporary Style These designs tend to be described as modern, minimalist and geometric.

The characteristics include horizontal lines, asymmetry and a lack of molding and other ornamentation. Materials often are man-made rather than natural. Stainless steel, laminate, glass, concrete, chrome and lacquer are the most common materials.

Contemporary encompasses styles from the 1940s to the present, with Europe – especially, Italy, Germany and Scandinavia – leading the way.

Scenery design by King & Miranda by Scavolini

Contemporary Kitchens In contemporary kitchens, you can expect to see frameless cabinets with oversized hardware, frosted glass inserts, stainless steel and other metallic accents as well as curved cabinets and counters.

Here is one of our favorite picks for a contemporary style kitchen: Imagine industrial metal-framed doors, old church chairs, wooden workstops and a Belfast sink with concrete surrounds.

The metal-framed doors allow plenty of natural light to stream into the kitchen while the other

designs add to the simple, utilitarian look.

The perfect color to complement a design like this would be light and cool colours to enhance the airy, soft feel of the kitchen.

Subtle shades such as green, aqua and blue create a lovely harmony and relaxing effect.

Keep in mind that contemporary kitchens have a very modern feel to it and even though the term modern is usually associated with edgy yet minimal, etc. You can still make your kitchen look and feel warm with the right furniture, fixtures and colors.

EGGERSMANN

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Kitchen trends: Contemporary & Country

Country Style Country designs imply a deeper connection to the outdoors and the simple life than other styles and use an abundance of natural elements. They are cheery, warm and welcoming, with light and/ or bright colors, painted and glazed cabinets, woven baskets, floral motifs, and decorative shelving and molding. There are many styles of country that include French Country, English Country, Farmhouse, Cottage, Tuscan Country, Swedish Country and Garden.

Oxford by NEFF

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Kitchen trends: Contemporary & Country

Luna - KITWOOD

Country StyleKitchens One of our favorite picks for a country kitchen design is as below: Brick work around the cooker, wooden storage racks and leafy plants. These all make for a very inviting country kitchen.

One of the most important things to consider while designing your country kitchen is the color. The color has to be fresh, soft and warm and everything natural.

Ultra-marine blues and brilliant yellows form a stunning

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contrast that creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Yellow is glowy and warm and it will perfectly reflect the earthy tones of the brickwork surrounding the cooker.

House plants thrive in the steamy and humid atmosphere of a kitchen so fill your kitchen with plants to enhance the country feel.

Rustic warmth, terracotta tones and natural elements are what you should incorporate in your kitchen if you are designing a country kitchen.

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MIELE awraq to fill

Kitchen trends: ARMANI/Dada

the Kitchen, Checkers The Armani/Dada collection, borne of the partnership between the Armani Group and the Molteni Group for the production and distribution of kitchen systems, interpreting and conveying excellent Armani style in this sector too. The collaboration between the two groups was intended to bring the simplicity and elegance of Italian style to the world.

A goal reached as several important creations in the

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contract area demonstrate; 144 Armani residences inside the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Armani/Dada kitchens can be found too on the 57th floor of the Federation Tower in Moscow. The Armani/Dada line encompass: Bridge (2008), Calyx, (2009) and Checkers (2010).

Checkers, Giorgio Armani Checkers interprets the home workspace through a sensorial

approach that develops from a refined and exclusive research of materials, finishes and colours. At the same time, from a formal viewpoint, the project is based on an extremely simple, sober and linear language that completely revives those expressive elements that distinguish the work of Giorgio Armani the stylist.

The kitchen emphasises sophisticated and integral

elegance, subtly visible in smooth 3D effect surfaces, clear-cut geometrical forms that give order to the functional system and essential volumes that underline the architectonic elements of the project. Added to this are skill in the use of materials, sophisticated elegance of the colour choices, formative use of light and the utmost attention paid to the smallest constructive detail.

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Kitchen trends: ARMANI/Dada

Checkers is in perfect harmony with Armani style and conceives a sophisticated and comfortable environment, a space of great atmosphere that conceals an internal solid functional element, able to satisfy even the most rigorous professional requirements. Checkers is a functional kitchen, ordered and efficient in its technological apparatus and specialized appliances. It is an extremely practical workspace, designed to simplify every activity and make it a pleasure.

Created for great spaces of large dimensions, Checkers defines a larger scale kitchen that envisages several types that develop in linear, corner, or wall compositions, and is available in a wide range of materials, finishes and colours that allow the personalisation of every composition from an aesthetic standpoint.

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pr o g e t t i n u ov i

Click, on go the lights, vmmm, the column turns, svschh, back go the bins, frrr, the glass doors open, pffft, the cupboards close, sssh, the electronic tap flows. Trim: the kitchen finally comes alive.

Design Dante Bonuccelli

www.dadaweb.it

INSIDE sal Antelias-Dbaye Internal Road and Congress Center Bridge Intersection P.O.Box: 60373 – Antelias – Lebanon T +961 4 520111 F +961 4 522014 inside@vivre.com.lb www.vivre.com.lb – R.C.Bda.: 62001

Kitchen trends: Scavolini

FLUX

styled by Giugiaro Design

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Scavolini offers an exclusively styled kitchen bearing the name of Giugiaro Design. A unique, innovative model, the Flux kitchen features perfect combinations of straight and curved lines, unusual materials and fascinating layouts; apparently futuristic creative concepts that never forget the functional needs of everyday use. Its “must”? The strategy of concentrating all the most specifically “working” functions in a round island, separate from the kitchen itself. An attractive, highly original work-station, with everything it takes to make cooking a pleasure.

The entire body of the kitchen, in “Wood�, is arranged around the island, with its rational appeal and highly original dynamic, curved shape. The sinuous, ergonomic lines of base and wall units make it easy to organize storage space effectively. The base units have roomy pull-out big baskets, while the flap doors of the wall uni9ts mean more space inside.

The combination of the curved and flat surfaces of the various elements gives the kitchen a streamlined elegance. Extratall wall units with twin curved flap doors, straight larder units and tall units for the appliances, and base units with curved or flat doors, create a perfect combination, stylish yet functional. The finishes and colors are contrasting: metallic Grey lacquered for the wall units, and wood color Vein for the other elements. The variable-length handles are in satin-finish metal.

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Kitchen trends: Scavolini

A seductive kitchen with state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated lines Now also available in a Flat Line version with no handles in the fronts of the doors.

Units are opened by means of grooves, with handles set into the top or side of the door or, for drawers and pull-out baskets, using the Tip-on

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system. Another novelty for this model: the new Alaska Blue color (in additional to the rich assortment of colors already available for its wood, lacquered or glass doors) and a new steel bridege-type handle for the version with handle.

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Tbe best seller from Italy A striking, contemporary composition with metallic red gloss lacquered doors, combined with steel worktops and wall claddings. The base and wall units, with curved doors, have visible aluminiumcolor carcase. The circular cooking zone, including a base unit with revolving basket and cylindrical hood wit mat black lacquered wings, is also eye-catching. The steel sink is integral with the worktop.

Available at:

FOUAD KHALIFE & CO

The “high-tech� version of the Flux kitchen, with its metallic red gloss lacquered doors, has a very strong personality. Alongside its innovative design, the new materials (available in a vast range of finishes and colors), the technological features and the new style of the elements, it is still clearly conceived to guarantee flawless service and absolute convenience.

Khalife Building, Saida old Road, Hadath - Beirut T.: +9615 469469 - 3 469469 F.: +961 5 464981 E-mail: khalife@khalife.com

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Kitchen trends: Viking

VIKING

by Osimex 74

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Consistency in both performance and design should be a major consideration when building or remodeling a home. With the complete Viking kitchen, every single product works together in form and function with the same level of excellence.

It’s something we call Design Integrity™

Imagine your life in a Viking Kitchen

MDF polyurethane kitchen by Osimex showing Viking full line professional kitchen appliances

Viking. Agent exclusif pour Moyen-Orient: Osimex Liban s.a.r.l.

TĂŠl: (961) 1 396088 - 396089 - 391144. Fax: (961) 1 395352. E-mail: osimex@osimex.com

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Kitchen trends: Viking

Island cooking with Viking professional hood, guarantees a kitchen free from odors

Solid wood kitchen complete with Viking appliances

Available at:

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OSIMEX Liban s.a.r.l.

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Sami Solh Ave., Serhal Bldg. P.O. Box: 116-5086 Beirut - Lebanon Tel.: +961 1 39 6088/89 - 391 144/99 Fax: +961 1 395 352 E-mail: osimex@osimex.com

Kitchen trends: Best

best

Platinum

INNOVATIVE ASPIRATIONS

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The most advanced product concepts in the cooker hoods are reflected into the new Platinum Collection of BEST. A fascinating variety of models for style and technology.

Poland and high flexibility in customization, BEST can cover any possible request, in tems of domestic kitchen extraction, should be received at planetary level.

highlight, is a company mission.

And a evident invitation for the end users to live with passion and “emotion” the kitchen ambient. A new perception for a global hystorical brand.

BEST, now part of the American Nortek Group, is active in this field since more than 30 years.

Founded in Fabriano, the world’s most renoun district for the manufacturing of cooker hoods, BEST, today, mantains its competence center in the same area together with a state of the art manufacturing facility for high end production.

Adding a mass manufacturing facility plant based in

BEST was the first manufacturer to study the global trends in domestic contemporary life style, in order to define new aesthetic “models” for its industrial design.

But also the first one to integrate comfort in the kitchen and user friendly criteria into their R&D process.

Platinum Collection is therefore elegant beyond any possible doubt.

BEST: Style & Lifestyle More than a communication

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The range, covering wall and island categories, often combines air treatment with kitchen illumination of great effect.

More technical products, such as down-drafts and integrated ceiling hoods, are also available, always distinguished by the unique BEST design.

But coherent with BEST vision, Platinum Collection is also a offering the highest levels of innovation in technology in energy saving, noise reduction, automatic controls and mantainance.

LED lighting and tri-phase motors ensure the lowest electric consumption.

Low noise while in operation, as the result of continuous study on fluid-dynamics and motors (BEST owns one of the largest specialized manufacturers for the production of cooker hoods motors), is guaranteed and BEST cooker hoods with Silent Tech are considered, in fact, the “quietest” in the world.

Automatic sensors are able to detect odours, smoke, vapour and heat, and to activate the opportune functions of the cooker hood only when needed.

Radio Control, as an option of most of the Platinum Collection hoods, is a beautiful and useful complement for easier remote operations.

best Polar

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY INTO CLASSIC SHAPES Polar, wall or island versions, within Platinum range, represents one of the most distinguished examples of BEST R&D vision.

In fact this linear traditional form, never due to become obsolete, has been however remodeled by adopting the highest standards in manufacturing and a accurate material combination.

Glass and steel are now added for the pleasure of the “eye” , for the easiest manteinance and for the highest perimeter aspiration efficiency.

But, more important, Polar is filled up with the most advanced technologic features.

A light touch Rotary Control Panel, very contemporary in design and intuitive in use, fills with elegance the sleek body. LED micro-coloredbulbs indicate, by changing colour or intensity, the state of work of the hood. A Timer allows to activate a number of programmed operative modes.

Speed can be adjusted without solution of continuity.

BEST Silent Tech is implemented at the highest level on Polar. Due to the “Wave” (tri-dimensional grease filter) determinant for the maximum noise reduction. But also due to the unique Tri-Phase motor developed by BEST in

its own motor manufacturing center of competence. A motor able to erogate a very high torque in combination with extremely low noise operations and an unbeliavable 55% saving

on power consumption.

Design, energy saving, noise reduction, quality of the air, environmental care: the challenge of Polar, the challenge of BEST for the years to come.

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Kitchen trends: Nobilia

Quality made in Germany, perfect processing, individualised customer service and good value for money are nobilia’s success factors. With its sales figure of more than 743 million EURO and about 1,960 employees, nobilia is the largest built-in kitchen manufacturer in Germany. The two factories in East-Westphalian Verl count among the most modern and productive manufacturing sites for kitchen furniture in Europe. Almost every third kitchen sold in Germany is a nobilia kitchen. The export quota amounts 35%.

Nobilia sets the highest standards in quality for its products.

We take pride in the fact that our kitchens have been produced in Germany for more than 60 years. More than 2,000 kitchens leave the plant every day. This is equivalent to 455,400 kitchens annually - or to put it another way: approx. 4.6 million units. Each nobilia kitchen is unique - individually planned and produced on highly automated machines. The high degree of automation guarantees a consistently high quality level at attractive prices.

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The nobilia range offers a wide spectrum. From modern to trendy, classical and timeless through to the Mediterranean cottages style - nobilia kitchens cover about 80 percent of the market. A cleverly structured range of types enables individualised design solutions, tailor-made to perfectly fit every kitchen floor plan.

Maintaining our own fleet of vehicles offers a series of advantages for our trade partners compared to the widespread use of transportation companies, and meets our own quality claims.

Important success factors, such as the delivery quality of our kitchens and delivery on time remain in our hands allowing us to flexibly respond to customer requests and special wishes.

For over 15 years MAWAD has supplied the finest quality Kitchen furniture.

Design is the key to a kitchen that is as unique as the owners personality.

Our qualified designers can help you customize the atmosphere of your kitchen through the use of finishes,colors and materials.

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Kitchen trends: Nobilia

Available at:

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MAWAD for Trade & Construction s.a.r.l.

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

Kitchen trends: Aster

Buying an Aster Cucine design means buying into a whole multi-sensorial experience, where everything from the catalogue to the show room, from the references to history and art make the choice and the experience of buying something truly exceptional.

They know that we have our roots strongly grounded in our past, and that choosing us links them to a world that has always existed and that always will exist. They know that what they buy goes beyond its mere commercial value and has a worth that makes it stand out as truly memorable.

That is why our clients are not all about mere rational choices, nor would they want to be. When our clients spend they also take account of the feelings and aesthetics that condition how they spend their money. Our clients know only too well that they could look at buying from us only in rational terms, yet they choose not to

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limit themselves, so that they can really enjoy making their choice.

We like to make the pleasure our clients get when choosing designs from us our top priority.

Our clients are eclectics who like to stand out in the choices they make. They alone can decide what is best to suit their mood and the look that suits them.

They are only too happy to take inspiration from the creative variety we are able to offer them.

Our clients are all about doing things for the sheer fun of it.

The pleasure of doing things just for the joy of it is about more than just finding something to do the job as it should, what is more important is the imaginary world that comes with whatever design is chosen.

So what Aster adds is an extra cultural, and aesthetic dimension, as well a strong sense of fun to its already highly complex identity.

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Available at:

CUCINE

Lebanon, Beirut, Dowtown Azarieh Building T.: +961 1 992779 M.: +961 70 604049 E-mail: info@cucine-lb.com www.astercucine.it www.cucine-lb.com

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Kitchen trends: La Cornue

A New Vision of the Kitchen:

La Cornue Launches Culinary Architecture More than 100 years after its creation, La Cornue is broadening its expertise and unveiling its vision of Culinary Architecture.

Always searching for the ideal kitchen, La Cornue is inaugurating the concept of Culinary Architecture in order to design and create a unique space at the heart of the house. The notion of Culinary Architecture goes beyond simply cookers, to creating a remarkable and harmonious kitchen space, reflecting the central role of kitchens and lifestyles in our society.

La Cornue cleverly arrange the areas for conservation,

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preparation and cooking, refrigeration and heating, ventilation, essential storage, the necessary utensils and generally speaking everything which leads to the preparation of a meal.

Beyond these technical considerations, the real talent of Culinary Architecture resides in being able to create sensations and share emotions. Now, the kitchen is on display, it is an increasingly welcoming area for receiving, communicating, sharing and exchanging.

The company’s experience in the manufacture of topof-the-range kitchen ranges

and fittings has allowed it to acquire an unrivalled reputation for excellence and durability.

It has placed all its expertise and know-how in all aspects of kitchens.

With Culinary Architecture, La Cornue offers the design and creation of an incomparably luxurious space.

Made-to-measure, the Culinary Space promises to reflect its owner. With its ambitions, demands and constraints, Culinary Architecture aims to become La Cornue’s foremost service, expressing the essence of its culture: Beauty at the service of Practicality. This unique vision of an à la carte

kitchen, but one which is designed as a whole embodies the values of the company and reveals all the knowhow of our craftsmen, the experience of our engineering and design department and the commitment of our after-sales service. The entire Culinary Architecture project is based around the stove, the very essence of the project.

For La Cornue, the kitchen of the third millennium will be firmly under the banner of Culinary Architecture.

Joint reflection...

When the owner enters a La Cornue shop, he enters a world of excellence and perfection…

After discussing his requirements, the constraints of the location, his tastes... the dedicated La Cornue team produces an initial plan of the kitchen and positions the 4 areas of the Culinary Architecture project, following a circle to guarantee optimum circulation: • Refrigeration (Refrigerator, Wine Cellar).

• Storage and preparation area.

• Cooking and ventilation area.

• Washing area.

Culinary Architecture according to La Cornue obeys 3 essential rules:

• Total absence of the superfluous. The kitchen must be lively, active and spacious and reflect the owner’s lifestyle and culinary habits. To do this, it must be functional and well-ventilated.

• Avoid angles. Culinary Architecture needs space and generosity. So they can be places of pleasure and wellbeing, La Cornue kitchens are linear.

• Respect balance, proportions and symmetry.

The cooking area is the true epicentre of a La Cornue kitchen and the other areas are designed around the cooker or the island.

For La Cornue, these three criteria are essential for the creation of a harmonious, warm space where well-being rules and delicate aromas fill the air. Together they choose the materials, the colours and the finishes so that the result is the exact reflection of the personality of the client and the layout proposed by La Cornue is perfectly suited to his requirements so that he can take a first step towards this exceptional project.

Made-to-measure and reflecting its owner and the chef who will flourish there, no two projects are alike.

Culinary Architecture opens onto a new dimension, that of well thought-out luxury.

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Kitchen accessories: Campomatic

CAMPOMATIC was born in 1970 in Camposampiero (Padova) Italy as a washing machine & gas cooker brand and has since then expanded to become a global company. Its large product range offers an exhilarating mix of Italian design and technology, in which impressive style is at the forefront & functionality enriches the user experience.

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• Regional Office Europe & CIS: CAMPOMATIC S.R.L in Padova, Italy • Regional Office Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific: CAMPOMATIC OFFSHORE S.A.L in Beirut, Lebanon • Regional Office Far East: CAMPOMATIC HONG KONG Ltd in Hong Kong.

• Regional Logistics Hub: CAMPOMATIC GULF TRADING L.L.C in Dubai, UAE

CAMPOMATIC’s large range of product categories includes Home Appliances, Residential & Commercial Air Conditioners, Cookers, Built-in Appliances, Televisions, Consumer Electronics, Small Kitchen Appliances, Personal Care, Energy Saving Lamps and more.

In May 2011, CAMPOMATIC moved its Middle East, Africa & AsiaPacific Regional Offices to the new 8 story CAMPOMATIC HQ Building on Dora Highway.

CAMPOMATIC maintains its commitment to innovation through its extensive global research and development facilities.

Campomatic now has four global headquarters established to meet the company’s new strategic goals.

The new HQ offices include the CAMPOMATIC Projects Division. The division provides solutions for residential & commercial real estate projects including Commercial Air Conditioners, Hotel LED/LCD TVs, and Free Standing & Built-in Appliances for modern kitchens.

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90cm Heavy Duty Hob Front Control Operation Single Touch Ignition Cast Iron Pan Supports

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60cm Built-in Gas Oven Touch LED Programmer Turbo Convection Fan Flame Failure Safety Double - Glazed Door

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Round Design Chimney Hood 1000m3/hr Air Flow LCD Sensor Touch Control LED Lights Tempered Black Glass

• • • •

Four-Way Cassette 18K Cooling / 20K Heating 360 Air outlet LED Display

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Wine & Beverage Cooler 40 & 100 Bottle Capacity Stainless Steel Frame & Handle Wooden Shelves LED Temperature Control

• • • •

42’’ LED TV Full HD Slim Metal Frame 3* HDMI 2* USB

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CAMPOMATIC’s latest trendy built-in digital kitchen appliances include the state of the art Optimo Modular Range which is 100% Italian Manufactured.

It includes Microwave & Steam Ovens, Espresso Machine, Vacuum Packing, Blast Chiller and Dishwasher.

Available at:

Campotec Distribution SAL

Campomatic Headquarters Building, Dora Highway, Metn Lebanon T.: +961 1 253777 F.: +961 1 254777 E-mail: Projects@campomatic.com www.campomatic.com

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SILGRANIT

Kitchen Sinks & Kitchen Mixers Germany

Blanco is one of the leading providers of innovative, design-oriented kitchen sinks and system solutions for domestic kitchens.

Founded in 1925 in Germany, Blanco is a company with a history spanning over 80 years and a tradition of manufacturing high quality products.

The company is located in Germany, and manufactures at 6 sites for domestic technology products. More then 1600 employees worldwide are working everyday to make your dreams become true.

Blanco uses only the best possible material, manufacturing process, and quality management systems that ensure consistently high standards.

Additional consideration to design, form and practical custom made accessories ensures that Blanco stays ahead of the market. Blanco quality design products meet the highest standards in function, ergonomics and appearance.

Kitchen accessories: Compagnucci

Compagnucci Absolute quality and design no frills

The brand Compagnucci is a symbol of today’s design and quality typically made in Italy that it brings in all the countries in which it promotes and markets its products.

Born with the wire processing, Compagnucci is a dynamic and modern Company, able to identify development opportunities and, above all, to anticipate the trends of modern living, offering innovative and distinctive solutions. The main feature for Compagnucci is represented by technology now, more than ever, synonymous of comfort, elegance and style.

Here is the difference between a traditional kitchen and a modern, functional and innovative one, where aesthetics still remain important but other concepts play a main role such

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as functionality, ergonomics and home automation.

The systems and accessories of Aycom line, dynamic and servocontrolled for the customized organization of the kitchen interiors, create a new trend in lifestyle: the kitchen is not only the “operating” space in the house, it is now a specialized laboratory full of brilliant and futuristic applications, highly modernized for comfort never experienced before.

Furthermore, technologies enhance and highlight the attention to details and the exactness in materials research. Compagnucci has set new standards respecting the finishes thanks to the Crominox® and Stylinox® chrome plating, the use of Safety Glass, allowing the maintenance of constant product quality over time, responding to practical needs

as for safe containment of accessories (anti-skid buttoms) but, above all, ensuring quiet and new visual and new tactile perception that evokes elegance and refinement.

“Compagnucci began to penetrate the foreign markets for some time and is structured to provide its commercial partners specific support that goes beyond the provision of product and service. It is in fact a winning partner, ready to identify development projects and products in line with the strategies of those who work for a long time in these markets, such as kitchen furniture manufacturers, design studios, furniture retailers and supply chain” said Stefano Santini, Head of Marketing and Sales at Compagnucci Spa.

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Kitchen accessories: Kenwood

Kenwood

True Compact Blenders Joining the Kenwood collection of modish kitchen machines is a range of powerful multi-tasking blenders, complete with versatile attachments, high performance and style

What better way to start the day than with a hot cup of aromatic ground coffee or a cool freshly blended fruit juice – Kenwood has just made that a realization, with the introduction of the new range of True Compact Blenders combining power, versatility and style to make blending, grinding and grating a much more effective and easier task.

skills of the user and allows them the opportunity to ‘experiment’ with confidence and create more in the kitchen.”

The Kenwood True Compact Blender range is currently instore in the UAE and across the region. Thanks to this feature the world’s best chefs, as well as beginners

The Kenwood True Blender BL480 600W model is ideal for multi-tasking. It has a 2L family sized goblet, and a metal lined grinding mill ideal for spices and herbs to make preparing spice mixes and pastes even simpler, it also comes complete with a pre-programmed dedicated ice crush button.

Controlled with the 3-speed plus pulse it has a handy cord storage feature and an easy clean design.

Also for multi-functional usage, the compact and powerful Kenwood True BL378 400W key features include a 1.6L goblet, a multi-mill suitable for herbs, baby foods, sauces and pastes, plus the design and storage features of the larger model.

“The Kenwood brand is committed to spearhead the ongoing development of innovative kitchen appliances,” said Mark Broad, Commercial Director Middle East, Kenwood & DeLonghi, “which all the time expands and complements the

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or enthusiastic home cook’s choose them without hesitation.

On top of this the design is classic and timeless ensuring that they never go out of style and they enhance the décor of any kitchen.

Since 2001 Kenwood has been owned by DeLonghi.

Khalife Building, Saida old Road, Hadath - Beirut tel: +961 5 469 469 - 3 469469,

email: khalife@khalife.com

fax: +961 5 464981

Bathrooms trends: Contemporary & Country

2nd floor - DURAVIT

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The Cool of Contemporary & Class of Country

Bathrooms Contemporary Bathrooms Urban chic, cool colors, innovative designs and reflective materials such as glass and chrome all come together to make a contemporary, minimalist scheme.

For a contemporary design in bathrooms, try incorporating refreshing colors and pale woods to ensure a bright, modern feel. Aqua tiles on white walls are perfect for bathrooms and give off a cool, crisp and clean feel. Glass door walk-in shower stalls really do look amazing in contemporary bathrooms.

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Bathrooms trends: Contemporary & Country

Country Bathrooms Brilliant pinks, warm yellows, and lively patterned wallpapers bellow a country bathroom style. However if you choose to cover your walls with a patterned wallpaper, make sure to keep the rest of your dĂŠcor very simple as it may be too much. Balance is the key.

Wooden boarding and white tiles will go perfect with the colors mentioned above.

CERAMICA ST'AGOSTINO

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Bathrooms trends: Contemporary & Country

1930 Series - DURAVIT

If you are looking for something more subtle, you can take on the great outdoors scheme in your bathroom with a blend of greens, greys and wood tones that create a woodland feel. The flooring can be a beautiful natural shade of marble.

Accessories can be made of wood and straw to add to the nature inspired feel. Plants should be introduced to give your bathroom more life. It will definitely be a great addition to this style.

Vintage bathroom by Herbeau

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Bathroom trends: Rubinetterie Zazzeri

Rubinetterie Zazzeri

Virgin & Shirò VIRGIN

by IS_Daniele Bedini Designed thinking to a rip in the rock from which the water gushes out, Virgin is much more than an innovative shower system. The water and the light chase one another in multiple amazing combinations, turning the shower into a moment of absolute regeneration.

Waterfalls, rain and RGB lights stimulate the body and the mind, creating the ideal atmosphere for a complete wellbeing experience. The Virgin system offers, besides the majestic showerhead and the thermostatic unit, also a series of adjustable shower sprays, and the possibility to control the sequence of the lights with one switch only. Every switch

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can control up to two Virgin showerheads and, in the same set of commands, a switch for the room lights is provided.

This way the comfortable atmosphere created by the water and the lights can be enjoyed at its best and without interruptions. The colors follow one after the other from white to yellow, from red to green and blue, ending with an intense violet. The lights can stop on the preferred colour, start rotating again in a stimulant sequence and stop once more on a different shade.

Manufactured in white steel and corian, the Virgin showerhead is available with three different middle grids: steel, black and gold.

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SHIRĂ’

by IS_Daniele Bedini Shirò is a shower collection for a contemporary metropolitan taste. Versatile, innovative, this line gives both to the architect and the more demanding customer, room for their plans and ideas. The rectangular showerhead - the largest piece of the collection - combines the traditional rain effect with the more modern waterfall that bursts from the slit. The wall-mounted article offers the pleasure of a vigorous cascade that gushes out directly from the wall. The square showerheads are available in several versions, with rainfall, with the rainfall and the cascade, with the rainfall and the led RGB lights. The collection is completed by side and corner showers that allow to have a water jet in all the desired points. All articles are realized in chrome finished brass and stainless steel; the showerheads are equipped with silicon anti-limescale nozzles.

The rectangular showerhead - the largest piece of the collection combines the traditional rain effect with the more modern waterfall that bursts from the slit.

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Bathroom trends: Rubinetterie Zazzeri Toscano Design Luca Ceri

Founded in 1929 in Florence, Zazzeri is recognized on the Italian and the nternational market like a cutting edge company in the bathroom furnishing and design fields.

The great experience and competence gained over the years, the attention and care for details, the high investments on the product research and the use of high quality materials and components have determined the success and reliability of a consolidated brand. The prestigious collaborations with architects and designers have always contributed to develop the company innovative drive, giving life to fashionable collections, often ahead of the taste orientations.

Zazzeri presents Toscano (design by Luca Ceri)

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Branch: Sin El Fil Main Road, GGF Center T/F: +961 1 483485

Main office: Gallery Semaan, Mar Mikhael Area facing Blom Bank Beirut - Lebanon T/F: +961 1 554655, 543902, 545860 www.intermedceramica.com

Bathroom trends: Duravit

duravit Good Ideas For The Family Bathroom Mix of practicality, quality and comfort The family bathroom has to meet the needs of young and old alike.

It’s the one room in the house where young foam fighters can have great fun and later, as teenagers, go on to create pandemonium in the mornings. All this means that the bathroom furnishings have to meet the highest requirements in terms of durability, practicality and robustness. At the same time, parents see the bathroom as a private space to relax and they look for comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. A delicate balancing act that Duravit masters to perfection with the Ketho and 2nd floor ranges. The high-quality workmanship offers long-term durability, even when subjected to the rough handling of children. The washing areas, mirrors, mirror cabinets and units are available in various dimensions and designs for maximum planning freedom and ensure an optimum layout.

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Bathroom trends: Duravit

Ketho, the customised bathroom series

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As a visual link between ceramics and the bathtub, the choice of bathroom furniture has a decisive influence on the overall mood of the bathroom.

When developing Ketho, Duravit therefore chose to collaborate with an infallible furniture designer: Christian Werner. For Ketho, Werner started to “think furniture into the bathroom” and designed a range that is flexible enough to suit any modern bathroom ambience.

The series is characterised by clear, rectangular forms with

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a delicate frame that adds a special subtlety to the furniture.

The second characteristic feature is a continuous aluminium strip handle that cuts across the fronts at rhythmical intervals. Recessed between the wooden surfaces, it is also extremely comfortable to use, whether old or young, tall or small.

The furniture is robust and durable in every respect. All items of furniture feature comprehensive melamine

resin protection and bonded, waterproof edges that can withstand a great deal of splashing around. Thanks to the integrated SoftClose function with silicon end dampers, doors always close smoothly and quietly and, in so doing, spare both the user’s fingers and the material.

Different décors highlight the refinement of the form: white, basalt and graphite add subtlety, whereas garnet red creates a powerful blaze of colour. The

matt structure of the surfaces makes them pleasant to the touch, a property that also features in the bath panelling: Ketho offers a consistent design for all its bathroom objects, creating a harmonious overall appearance with which many people can identify and derive pleasure throughout the bathroom’s lifetime and at all stages in their life. Combined with good value for money, Ketho becomes the ideal range for the modern and demanding family bathroom.

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Bathroom trends: Duravit

2nd floor – complete bathroom to meet the highest requirements When designing the 2nd floor complete bathroom series, Sieger Design set out to create a comfortable ambience that, with lots of new options, sets standards for today’s family bathroom. The overall appearance is friendly and inviting and is characterised by elegant proportions, sophisticated details and the harmony of quiet lines.

However, the practical aspects have not been neglected either. High material quality, practicality and aesthetics come together to guarantee a long service life: with ceramics, furniture, bathtubs and shower trays in a wide variety of different dimensions, easy-care wood and painted surfaces ranging from rosewood, ebony and oak to high-gloss white

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it’s possible to design highly individual bathrooms. With a wealth of product variants, 2nd floor meets the needs of different users and offers surprisingly good value for money in this market segment with added value in terms of variety and design.

Generous on the interior, the shallow design of the washbasins, bathtubs and shower trays harmonises perfectly with the slimline exterior. The range includes everything from the small cloakroom unit to the large double washbasin that, depending on requirements, is available with anything from the elegant wood surround to the floor-standing vanity unit.

The drawers and doors in the furniture are self-closing and close gently to protect delicate (children’s) hands. Mirrors and mirror cabinets couldn’t be easier to operate: a small

contact-free sensor point replaces the light switch and thus increases the comfort of all bathroom users, as do the sockets next to the shelves inside the cabinets used, for example, to plug in a hairdryer.

The 2nd floor bathtubs and shower trays are items of furniture in their own right since, in addition to the builtin versions, there are also various models with wood panelling. The model with additional large storage shelf is particularly family friendly; this can also be used as a seat and features a shelf or drawer for greater storage space. If the bathtub is surrounded by a step, it also features a practical support that doubles up as a towel rail. The many practical details ensure that day-to-day life in the bathroom runs smoothly and also offer lots of comfort in the family bathroom.

Branch: Sin El Fil Main Road, GGF Center T/F: +961 1 483485

Main office: Gallery Semaan, Mar Mikhael Area facing Blom Bank Beirut - Lebanon T/F: +961 1 554655, 543902, 545860 www.intermedceramica.com

Bathroom trends: Banos 10

Banos 10

by SILVERDECO Banos 10, a company leader in the production of acrylic bathtubs, takes near 20 years offering health and well-being through water, air colours and, now also hidromagnetic.

Since 1997, integrated in “Group Suner�, Banos 10 has a very important international projection and its products are present in cities all over the world

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Traditional and innovation Among centuries in the use of water like source of health and the most modern technology arise global solutions for the bathroom. Functional products, in constant evolution, with a care design, true synthesis form and functionality.

Banos 10 products adapt to the 21st Century need, fulfilling in each one all the wisdom of miles of years in the use of water as source of well-being and relax.

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Bathroom trends: Banos 10

Available at:

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SilverDeco

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Missirian Building Horsh Tabet Main Road Sin El Fil Offices: 1st Floor / Showroom: G Floor Telefax: +961 1 501 414/1415/1515 E-mail: info@silverdeco.com

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Bathroom accessories: Kludi RAK

KLUDI RAK

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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.

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HANSG OPERA

GROHE ATION

Home: Missoni Home

Missoni Home Transform your home with bursts of colour, pattern and texture

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The collection displays a rich mosaic of interior must haves by Missoni Home. From an extensive collection of bedroom accessories to floor rugs, throws, cushions and ottomans, the eclectic range is sure to add a touch of style to your abode.

It boasts an assorted selection of patterns, contrasts and interweaves with floral, geometric motifs, and perspectives of imaginary landscapes.

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Home: Missoni Home

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

Interview: Philippe Starck

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Interview with

Philippe Starck Why do you think people find you so fascinating?

I have no idea (because I see nobody). We live completely alone and we meet nobody.

My daughter says that I’m a modern autistic - which is true. We live mainly in the air in a plane every day. When we land we live in the middle of nowhere.

We live in a very small Island with some fishermen in the north of Venezia or we live at the end of the island of Formentera on a rock in a house. On the door of this house there is a big board on which “no visit without appointment- all appointments cancelled” is written. It’s been there for 20 years. For 20 years nobody’s come into this house.

That means I have no thoughts of what I can be to people.

Do you think you could work for any company?

No way. My company is called UBIK for ubiquity (Allgegenwart). Also for the good of Philip K. Dick who was the most advanced visionary for the society. He was the first who spoke in the 60s about the ubiquity of the world, of parallel worlds like the moving inception. And me I live in inception. I live in Einstein relativity. That means for me nothing exists and there are just parallel worlds like that. I don’t know if it is a dream or not. More than 30 years ago

when I founded this company it was not trendy to speak about ethics. But I’ve created the first ethical company. We work only when the people can make a project which enables people to have better lives in any type of life and also when we love the people.

You have a lot of kinds that you love?

Yes. Because I never stop that means I never work and I never go to my office. I have not been in my office for 10 years.

I am a professional dreamer.

That means my work is not to work. My work is to dream.

That’s why we have so many, many, many new ideas and projects we are working on - you will be surprised.

It is a really interesting project and I shall try to design less and do more of this sort of things.

Strangely I am very old now but it’s getting better and better.

Mr Starck, did Duravit contact you or was it the other way around?

Duravit obliged me. They urged me to create a new collection.

Now we have a new project that I love: we shall launch in 1 year the laboratory of fundamental research of pure creativity. That means I am now in contact with scientists, doctors, psychologists, biologists, everybody is there to find why we have ideas. What is the difference between us and animals? It’s “Eureka I have an idea!”.

I love to work with Mr Kook because he is a very serious man. Behind this seriousness, there is a fantastic manager. He made Duravit 70 times bigger than it was at the beginning of his management. He’s a good guy and very German.

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Interview: Philippe Starck

How would your life be different if you hadn’t been commissioned by Mitterand?

It would’ve stayed the same.

My life is like friends. That means friends are cut into two parts in right or left.

It is fifty-fifty. That means when I work for Mitterand I have worked for the left president. That means 50% of the population love me more and the other 50% hate me more. And that is my life.

That either means people love me too much or hate me too much.

It was good to meet somebody so incredibly intelligent. It is the soul of life. When you speak with somebody like him you understand how a real genius works. But that’s all.

Nothing changed my life. The only thing that changed my life is my wife.

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Does anybody give you an idea?

My wife. However, I have a new passion – Agriculture and it’s been that way for a week now We are very impressed by the new way of thinking and type of agriculture. There are a lot of interesting things.

It’s normal always be in advance of your time. To be just in time is useless. To be delayed is a stupidity. To think in advance is our duty as human beings.

GEORGES KHOURY awraq to fill

Interview: Philippe Starck

Do you remember that lemon squeezer for Alessi? It was designed when Alberto Alessi asked me to design a box to put butter in. I think butter is bad for cholesterol so I made this instead.

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Do you think you’re advanced?

Oh yes, I am very advanced but for useless things. I’m incredibly advanced. I was locked in a room for 5 days.

Benedikt Taschen, the German editor, wants to make a new big book about me as we have been out of stock now for 5 years.

I spent these 5 days updating my first designs. I was astonished! There are so many things you cannot imagine. And I realise it was so incredibly in advance and sometimes it was good because it was the right timing to be in the market but a lot of things were too much in advance. But it is better to be early than to be late.

How many of your ideas never became a product?

A lot. This is because I do not try to develop everything.

Sometimes it is better that these things stay ideas. For projects it is difficult to say.

Strangely it is a lot but not that much.

Do you feel pressure to be novel, to be fresh when you come up with new design ideas?

No, I don’t want to make new things and I don’t want to make a new product just because my editors need a new product.

My editors know that if they order something from me they always receive something else, even the opposite to what they asked for. But it will always be a success.

Do you remember that lemon squeezer for Alessi? It was designed when Alberto Alessi asked me to design a box to put butter in. I think butter is bad for cholesterol so I made this instead. That’s all.

So you produce for a world you do not want to live in?

Because it is the only way to do it. The people who live in the real world make the things. You have to be out of the game to see the game and find new ideas.

If you are in the game you are out. You can make intelligent things but you can not have the (clicks his fingers) “miracle”. It is impossible for me.

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Interview: Philippe Starck

I am the fastest in the world because I am the slowest in the world. That means I subconsciously think about everything at the same time.

You need the dynamism?

No, I need nothing. I am sick.

I’m crazy. I need only myself.

What if you could never materialize your ideas?

For me the materialization of ideas is pure necessity, I am obliged to do it. Like you said before, when I have an idea I have the duty to share it.

Because I’m not a writer, I’m not a singer so the only way to share it is to produce it. I’m obliged to share and so I do it.

But if I was rich and I did not need the money I would stay in my bed the whole day and dream continuously.

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I am a monk. A modern monk…!

Yes, a very modern monk, yes.

When you have these ideas… how does it end and how much do you build?

Some designers hate me because I say to journalists that I can design a chair in 2 minutes. I can make a hotel complete with all the furniture in 1 and a half days … two days when I’m not in a good mood.

I am the fastest in the world because I am the slowest in the world. That means I subconsciously think about everything at the same time.

What does your bathroom look like?

My bathroom is always in the bedroom... I cannot imagine having a separate room. We have a bed, two desks, a bathtub (which we use less and less), a shower for 2 people with a fantastic view. Strangely, we love showering with view.

It is part of the life so we have no separate room. That’s why we invented le Salon d´Eau in Paris 17 years ago. It was the idea of having the things – i.e. the shower, bathtub fire place and so on - in one room. It was a big thing and we had a lot of success with that.

Lighting Baccarat

HIGHTLIGHTS

Philippe Starck

Marie Coquine In the manner of a cheeky, bouncy, sexy tale, Philippe Starck has designed a gravitydefying floor chandelier for Baccarat. Marie Coquine, for that’s her name, colourfully combines a marriage of convenience with an invitation to dreamland. Mary Poppins squaring up Raging Bull in a ring corner. And when the two meet, Marie Coquine deploys all her grace, at once fragile and strong, perfectly balanced and subtly anchored to the ground.

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With her stunning build, and a figure to break the hearts of poets, this variation on the Zénith 12 lights chandelier has inspired Philippe Starck a subtle battle of wills. Under its ivory umbrella and with its crystal ribs articulated around a telescopic illusion, the chandelier version seems to float in mid-air, radiant and replete. Perched atop a photographic stand, the Zénith floor light is ready to take off, simply counterweighted

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by a camel leather punching bag. Sheer spatial magic.

And the light, singing in the rain, transforms fantasy into reality. Naughty and nice, Marie Coquine.

Technical Info.

12-light Zénith chandelier topped by an ivory umbrella, chestnut wood handle.

White pleated taffeta Zénith lampshades. Available from May 2011. h 110 cm x Ø 140 cm

Floor lamp with a 12-light Zénith chandelier topped by an ivory umbrella, chestnut wood handle. White pleated taffeta Zénith lampshades. Steel camera stand, camel-colored leather punching bag, saddle stitching. Numbered and limited edition of 120. Available from July 2011. h 2,85 m x l 2 m x L 4,35 m

I saw a very beautiful Baccarat chandelier. So far, so normal! Then it began to rain on the chandelier.

How odd! The chandelier, still identifiably Baccarat, opened a large, white umbrella and drifted skywards.

I shouted “Why?” And from afar came the chandelier’s response: “Because I am Marie Coquine, and because everything is possible in a dream.

Philippe Starck

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Lighting Baccarat

Only diamonds are able to make the brilliance of light brighter still by magnifying its splendour through its sparkling radiance, identical to a shaft of light. Only crystal can achieve that same feat Michele De Lucchi

Michele De Lucchi

Sfera

Imagined as a dialectic of interior and exterior, the Sfera collection designed by Michele De Lucchi transcends the crystal at its very core. While paradoxically invisible, the wealth of detail is inescapable.

Sfera doubles sensations and pleasures by simultaneously diffusing and receiving its magnified light even as it diffracts.

The magic in the Sfera collection resides in the alchemy of skilled layering. Inspired by the glassblower’s first injection of air into the mass of molten glass, the spherical globe imprisons and shields within it a variation on a Baccarat decanter. The contours and boundaries show to be infinitesimal.

When switched on, the bulb dissolves inside the decanter as the contained becomes the containing, in a two-way exchange between matt and glossy. As a ceiling light, floor light or lamp, Sfera stands out

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like a beacon. Its shadows mingle and fascinate, light brilliantly diffracted for reaching the shine.

Technical Info.

Sfera Michele De Lucchi Double sided lamp, blown and beveled, handle and base in brushed nickel-plated brass.

Available from May 2011. h 53 cm x Ø 30 cm Double sided floor lamp, blown and beveled, handle and base in brushed nickel-plated brass.

Available from October 2011. h 164 cm x Ø 30 cm Double sided ceiling lamp, blown and beveled, brushed nickel-plated brass ceiling rose.

Available from October 2011. Ø 30cm – Ø 113/4” Small size ceiling lamp, brushed nickelplated brass ceiling rose.

Available from October 2011. Ø 13cm – Ø 57/8”

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Branch: Sin El Fil Main Road, GGF Center T/F: +961 1 483485

Main office: Gallery Semaan, Mar Mikhael Area facing Blom Bank Beirut - Lebanon T/F: +961 1 554655, 543902, 545860 www.intermedceramica.com

Lighting Baccarat

The Fibre de Cristal collection embodies what we love about nature: the discernible energy of living Alain Moatti & Henri Rivière

Alain Moatti & Henri Rivière

Fibre de Cristal When technological prowess leads to levitation, design duo Moatti & Rivière have conceived the first flat chandelier in Baccarat’s History. A perfectly symmetrical chandelier and a fresh take on classic designs stamped by innovation.

Through its combination of materials, formal beauty and dimensions, the Fibre de Cristal collection draws an abstract and thrilling horizon. Adaptable to all heights, its silhouette is revealed in all its perfection.

Nestling at the heart of a flat carbon fibre surface, the finely chased light of the crystal glows from the central solar sphere, surrounded by a constellation of led pendants. The shadow of the carbon fibre toys with the twinkling crystal, which

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distils and diffuses the light to infinity. Designed as wall unit or chandelier, the Fibre de Cristal collection recreates the wonder of the night sky, transcending the chandelier into a captive Milky Way. Technical Info.

Fibre de Cristal Alain Moatti & Henri Rivière Carbon fibre flat chandelier inlaid with drop beads, crystal central bowl. 3 lighting intensity levels. Available from June 2011. h 35 cm x l 94 cm x L 94 cm Carbon fibre wall or ceiling unit, crystal central bowl. 3 lighting intensity levels. Available from June 2011. p 17 cm x l 40 cm x L 40 cm

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Baccarat

Collection Zénith Zénith Comète 2011, in a subtle union between past and future, Baccarat launches the Zénith Comète 24 lights chandelier, a hybrid hi-tech version of the legendary Zénith. Standing at the crossroads, the Zénith Comète sets fire to the darkest nights. Awakened by the use of state-of-the-art led, its glow morphs from brilliant to soft.

Spectral or phantasmagorical, it breathes and pulsates into the poetic and unexpected.

Zénith Midnight Midnight strikes. Illuminating the darkest hour, in 2011 Baccarat launches the Zénith Midnight 12 lights chandelier, giving a refreshing new look to the iconic Zénith which has constantly evolved over the decades. With all-crystal lampshades, clothed from the

top down in Baccarat’s unique midnight blue, the Zénith Midnight chandelier discreetly pulsates with a mesmeric glow. Wreathed in its deep blue light, it owns the night, at its most intimate, its natural element.

Technical Info.

Zénith Comète Baccarat 24-light Zénith Comète chandelier, integrated led lighting system. Available from May 2011. h 141 cm x Ø 108 cm Zénith Midnight Baccarat 12-light Zénith Midnight chandelier and lampshades in midnight crystal. Available from May 2011. h 88 cm x Ø 82 cm

Eager to push its own limits ever further, Baccarat has opted for an absolute transition in 2011. From traditional incandescence to electroluminescence, from the classic filament to the magic of the led. The aesthetic codes of this new galaxy of lights have skyrocketed, propelled by hightechnology. Crystal more than ever revealed in its evanescent essence Baccarat

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Lighting Baccarat

Crystal gifts light with a magical brilliance. Light breathes life into crystal. Their alliance contributes to the perfect balance between nature and culture Jaime Hayon

Jaime Hayon

Candy Light It has the attraction of a character in a play, ready to go on stage - all restrained but elegant, unashamedly possessed by its history. As an extension of the Crystal Candy Set designed in 2009, Jaime Hayon has now created his first lamps for Baccarat. A lighting design personified in three colours (copper, platinum and white), based on a same creative script.

Named Candy Light, the trio of lamps is a distillation of rich textures and materials, a subtle conjoining of ceramic base and clear, cut-crystal shade. Delicately inserted into the base, the switch embodied by a Baccarat red crystal pendant triggers and diffuses the light even as it controls it. Between its ceramic base and its crystal shade inspired by Baccarat’s iconic

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Juvisy pattern, the outline takes shape and creates an impression of bountiful perfection, enhanced, when lit, by a delicately embossed waffle collar. When the object turns into a living presence, Jaime Hayon transmutes the crystal into a light finery.

And the surrounding space becomes inhabited.

Technical Info.

Candy Light Jaime Hayon Platinum, copper-colored or shiny white ceramic table lamps, provided with a luminous red crystal dimmerswitch button. Crystal lampshade, Juvisy cut pattern.

Available from May 2011.

Platinum Copper White h 51 cm x Ă˜ 23 cm

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When today’s traditions were created, they were the innovations of the day. I am convinced that the only way to approach any form of creation is to study the past in order to imagine the future Eriko Horiki

Eriko Horiki

Sora

Walking an elementary fine line between Water and Fire, Japanese artist Eriko Horiki designs the Sora collection for Baccarat. A collection of lights born from the alliance of two materials and two craft traditions.

Aiming at poetic reincarnation, the Shizuku version, - drops of the moon - reinterprets the famous Zénith 12 lights chandelier. Its drip pans and baluster have been sheathed with Japanese washi paper. Like a pearls’ screen, the handsewn crystal octagons flow along the length of the pendant.

Combining led white light and washi paper soft glow, the Zénith chandelier emerges in another elegant reincarnation, filled with lightness.

As a lantern version, the Senritsu - rhythm of sunshine - proudly bears its name.

Comprising two half-ovoid

shapes made of paper, magnified by a shower of crystal pendants on the underside, the solar chandelier warms the space it fills. Filtered by a crown of woven crystal prisms, it bestows its light in a balletic interplay of rays and shadows. Underlined, haikustyle by its stream of signs.

Technical Info.

Sora Eriko Horiki Senritsu lantern: traditional Japanese Washi paper lantern inlaid with crystal octagons Numbered and limited edition of 5. Available from October 2011. h 146 cm x Ø 91 cm Shizuku 12- revisited Zenith chandelier, Washi paper inlaid with drop beads in clear crystal.

Numbered and limited edition of 8. Available from October 2011. h 108 cm x Ø 81 cm - h 42 1/2” x Ø 31 7/8”

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Lighting Baccarat

Arik Levy

Ellipse & Tourbillon As a variation on a recurrent theme, Arik Levy takes a fresh look at Baccarat’s iconic Zénith chandelier, a boundless source of inspiration, since its creation. Arik Levy’s perceptive observation of the original is a lesson in outstanding craftsmanship as he propels crystal into an undiscovered dimension.

Ellipse Inspired by cold-worked crystal, the Zénith Ellipse 16 lights variation is a shape-changing shake up of traditional assembly principles. Thanks to its slightly staggered branches, the chandelier evolves from round to oval shape through an anamorphosis. With its central illuminated bowl and extendable bare baluster, the clear crystal chandelier can be adjusted to any height. Seen

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from directly below, it takes the form of a delicate wave.

Technical Info.

Ellipse Arik Levy 16-light oval chandelier, lighted central bowl in frosted crystal, polished stainless steel wiring. White pleated taffeta Zénith lampshades (to order separately). Available from October 2011. h 98 cm x Ø 81 cm à 117 cm Tourbillon Arik Levy 6-light chandelier, lighted central bowl in frosted crystal, polished stainless steel wiring.

2 installation diameters and 3 kinds of lampshades available (to order separately). Available from October 2011. h 89 cm x Ø 91 cm

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Baccarat crystal metamorphoses from optical maze to radiant glow-worm, transforming every space and every recess into a starry display of sheer elegance Arik Levy

EX CLU S I V E AGENT

SIN EL FIL, DAOUD AMMOUN STREET, BEIRUT LEBANON T + 961 1 492 200 / 1 / 2 + 961 3 463 900

SWITZERLAND WWW.JREISSATI.COM

Lighting Le Porcellane

LE PORCELLANE

HOME AND LIGHTING Collection VERDE ORO The material characteristics of the earthenware The decorative treatment that combines copper green coloring with gold leaf exalts the material features of the earthenware that serves as the foundation for a beautiful range of furnishing and lighting accessories. The process involves firing at 985ď‚° and the application of the precious gold leaf with a wax glazing.

Collection BISANZIO The colors of antique parchment scrolls The minute decorative motifs of the master amanuensis provide the inspiration for this line of furnishing and lighting accessories. The luminosity of the gold and the prevalence of red on the ivory background, the colors of the precious initial letters found in the antique parchments scrolls provide the

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Bisanzio line with an original and unique style that offers a journey through time to faraway lands. The materials are refractory in white earthenware (ceramic) treated with pigmented enamel and fired at 985ď‚° with a process that uses 3 different firings.

The products also feature 24-karat pure gold details

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Collection ORO ANTICO Universal and timeless style The brilliance of the white enamel and the minute gold leaf details, along with the roughness of the earthenware come together to create an unbeatable synergy: this is the leitmotif of this wide range of furnishing and lighting accessories. The universal and timeless style and technical features of the enameled earthenware, which is fired at 985 for a total of 3 firings make versatility and adaptability one of the distinguishing elements of Oro Antico Collection.

Collection COTTO TOSCANO Warm and Natural earthenware combined with the precious gold.. …Bring this line of furnishing and lighting accessories to life.

The Cotto Toscano Collection uses artisan tradition as its strong point. The manufacturing process features a firing at 985 and the high quality gold leaf entirely by hand.

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Flooring: Mafi

Mafi Parkett (Austria) Mafi is a trendsetter in the range of special designed natural oiled wooden floors. Its philosophy is to work with natural materials only and to oil floors to keep the perfect attributes of the wood.

A mafi floor is not installed but composed to suit a specific room. This also adds to its individuality – and makes every living space an artistic place. The floor is not sealed but is processed in a natural way. This is representative for mafi’s entire philosophy: only when treated as naturally as possible can wood develop all its positive features: warmth, comfort, charm and beauty. mafi regards the tree as a work of art in its natural growth and converts it in turn into artistic flooring. Since 1992 mafi has pursued this concept, joined by enthusiastic designers and interior designers from all over the world.

Initially consisting of classic oiled country-style planks, the product range today includes numerous innovative designs with sophisticated surface treatments. From 14 native wood sorts mafi creates 400 different floor variations. Each is unique, each is a walkable work of art.

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Flooring: Mafi

Available at:

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MAWAD for Trade & Construction s.a.r.l.

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

THIS IS A KITCHEN …it just takes a special eye to see it

The most innovative design starts with a designer’s vision.

Visitors to INDEX understand that great design is much more than simply assembling, arranging or editing, it is something that is felt!

Showcasing products and services that range from traditional to quirky, opulent to minimalist, INDEX provides all the creativity and inspiration you need for your next design project.

To find out more and to register online, visit:

www.indexexhibition.com/attend

WHERE INSPIR ATION THRIVES

w w w.indexexhibition.com

22 - 25 October 2011 | Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Rashid Hall and Maktoum Hall | Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE Opening Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 daily. No children under 18 years of age permitted to the exhibition.

Scan the QR code and become part of the INDEX evolution

Tiles & Ceramics Antolini

ANTOLINI luigi antolini

SHELLSTONE COLLECTION The fascination of sea, the emotion of mother-of-pearl

Imagination, elegance and design in the crystal-clearness of a sea wave. The marvels of nature become surfaces to furnish places in a unique and special way, bringing a little bit of sea into our rooms.

“3D Version” The latest “3D” version has a tridimensional effect, nearly in relief.

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Once again, colors and reflection evoke magic atmospheres: it is an unbelievable kaleidoscope of ridescences that meet the delicate fragility of shells.

Antolini matches the versatile brightness of mother-ofpearl with the solidity of the natural stone ni order to offer a product that wins for its delicacy and for the grace of tridimensionality.

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Tiles & Ceramics Antolini

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Tiles & Ceramics Ker-av

ker-av

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KER AV Marchetti has been in the third firing ceramics sector for over twenty years. The know-how we have acquired in these years has led us to implement ceramic processing methods which convey artistic taste at the same time as an advanced technology; for the most part, this is still based on manual processing so as to make an exclusive piece out of every single product. In addition to our own range of special pieces targeted to the private market, KER AV S.r.l. collaborates with the major Italian and international ceramics companies for the design, production and supply of coordinated decorative lines.

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Tiles & Ceramics Ker-av

MV 108 Alena 30x30

MV 107 Borealis 30x30

MV 109 Polaris 30x30

MV 110 Zosma 30x30

MV 112 Sirius 30x30

MV 111Nashira 30x30

MOSAICOVERO P= Cod. prezzo al pz. (quantitĂ inferiore alla scatola) - P= Price code/pc (less than 1 Box)

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P= cod. prezzo al pz. (scatola completa o maggiore) - P= Price code/pc (1 Box +)

MV 102 Izar 30x30

MV 101 Gedi 30x30

Available at:

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SilverDeco

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Missirian Building Horsh Tabet Main Road Sin El Fil Offices: 1st Floor / Showroom: G Floor Telefax: +961 1 501 414/1415/1515 E-mail: info@silverdeco.com

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CHROME BRASS SHATTAF SHOWER

Model STYLE made in Italy

ANDOLINA MIDDLE EAST OFFICE Tel. No. : 00971 4 3250010 Fax No. : 00971 4 3250490 Email

: tapman@emirates.net.ae

Website : www.tapsmore.com

www.studiokey.it

P.O. Box 75833, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tiles & Ceramics Ragno Espressioni

FOLLOW YOUR OWN RHYTHM, NATURALLY

The new ceramic stone with a “green� soul Inspired by the warm, embracing shades of Quartzite, Sunriver mirrors its colour variations and veins to create strong, original effects. Large sizes for double-loaded rectified fine porcelain stoneware, suited to a wide range of wall and floor tiling solutions, in both residential and contract settings. Designed for In&Out use, with its dual natural and textured finish, Sunriver is the expression of the sober, changing elegance of natural stone, to be interpreted freely according to taste.

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Tiles & Ceramics Ragno Espressioni

A textured surface to live the outdoors as a “domestic oasis”, in complete freedom

Available at:

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WADIH JREISSATI & FILS S.A.L.

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Sin El Fil. Daoud Ammoun St., Beirut Lebanon T: 961 1 492200/1/2 - 961 3 463900 e-mail: wadihjreissati@jreissati.com | www.jreissati.com

4 U. DIVERSITY WRITTEN LARGE.

KERAMAG 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

Kreuzerkamp 11 D-40878 Ratingen Tel +49 (0)21 02/9 16- 0 Fax +49 (0)21 02/9 16- 2 45 info@keramag.de www.keramag.com

Tiles & Ceramics Plaza Ceramicas

Plaza Ceramicas

One of the pioneers in the development of the Ceramic Sector in Spain, was established in 1962.

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Surprise Over years, Plaza Ceramicas has enriched its production line by third fire decorative pieces with the machinery and latest techniques available such as; Digital Print technology.

Generate Passion White body, porcelain and large format tiles are the emphasis for the future of Plaza Ceramicas, a company strongly committed to design, quality and service.

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Tiles & Ceramics Plaza Ceramicas

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Create Trends Plaza Ceramicas is in constant striving for quality improvement, maximum product value and efficient customer service.

Harmonize Plaza Ceramics tailored its designs to suit individual circumstances and create unbeatable quality and remarkable features to satisfy customers that look for first class products and services.

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Tiles & Ceramics Plaza Ceramicas

Innovate Plaza Ceramicas offers a large array of different designs as well as perfectly controlled variation of tonality, thus obtaining the creation of natural & innovative designs that had never been previously available.

Available at:

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INTERMED C E R A M I C A

Gallery Semaan, Mar Mikhael Area facing Blom Bank Beirut - Lebanon T/F: +961 1 554655, 543902, 545860 www.intermedceramica.com

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Sin El Fil Main Road, GGF Center T/F: +961 1 483485

TWYFORD 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.twyfordbathrooms.com

Eye on Design St. Regis Villas

TDIC Launches

First St. Regis Branded Villas The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort to offer unparalleled luxury, with all villas featuring stunning views of the Saadiyat Beach Golf Course and Arabian Gulf Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of Saadiyat island in Abu Dhabi, today launched The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, a collection of 32 exclusive villas that are set to be delivered in the fourth quarter of the year. Located in the Saadiyat Beach district, this prestigious residential community offers prospective homeowners the first opportunity to own a St. Regis branded property in the region, and to enjoy St. Regis’ a la carté privileges and benefits, such as 24-hour butler services and in-residence dining. The launch of The Residences coincides with the opening of a fully furnished show villa, which is now available to the public for viewings.

The four and five bedroom villas at The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort will feature Mediterranean Spanish style architecture and a contemporary interior design. The villas will offer stunning views of the Gary Player designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Course and Arabian Gulf, as well as spacious living areas and verandas, resort standard

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garden areas, and swimming pools. They will also feature luxurious design finishes, the latest white goods, and easy access to Saadiyat Beach. The show villa, which offers a preview of the appearance of The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, features two majilis, marble floors and mosaics, a timber and wrought iron balustrade on the staircase, and a warm colour scheme.

“TDIC is eagerly anticipating the completion of The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, which is set to become

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an elite residential community that is unrivalled in the market.

Only 32 of these exquisite villas are being developed, which is indicative of the level of exclusivity and prestige they will offer their owners. We are confident that these homes will appeal to discerning clients who are seeking something that isn’t available anywhere else in the region,” said Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director of Sales and Leasing, TDIC. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV more than a century ago, with the opening of the first

St. Regis Hotel in New York City, the St. Regis brand is synonymous with luxury, customised service, and elegance. Residents of the villas will enjoy renowned St. Regis branded privileges on an a la carté basis, which include in-residence housekeeping services; in-residence dining; in-residence personal chef and catering; St. Regis’ renowned personal butler service; personal assistant, secretarial and translation services; and car valet service. Residents will also be entitled to a wide array of benefits and

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Eye on Design St. Regis Villas

ABOUT THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI The hotel provides 380 rooms that offer panoramic views of the turquoise Arabian Gulf or the resort courtyard. An air of mystique is created by thoughtful Mediterranean architecture and a contemporary interior.

discounts on various St. Regis products, including hotel stays, spa treatments and dining.

The villas are part of the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort complex, which also comprises a 380 room hotel, 259 residential apartments and a highend retail complex. The hotel is set to launch in November 2011, and will offer the villas’ residents easy access to a number of attractions, including firstclass restaurants, shopping facilities and fitness clubs.

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The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and The Residences at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort are located in Saadiyat Beach – Saadiyat island’s hospitality hotspot, which upon completion will feature a collection of international five-star resorts, and outstanding sports and leisure facilities. These include the region’s first championship beachfront golf course, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which opened in January 2010, and the world’s first Monte-Carlo Beach Club outside of Monaco, MonteCarlo Beach Club, Saadiyat,

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which will open in September 2011.

Residents of the villas will also be in close proximity to the Saadiyat Cultural District, which will feature leading cultural institutions designed by five Pritzker Prize winners, including Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

For further Sales related information, please contact: Email: salesandleasing@tdic.ae Tel: 800 TDIC (8342) or +971 800 8342

A choice of restaurants will delight connoisseurs of any cuisine. The 3,000 sqm function space with its ocean view terrace is adorned with state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, ideal for a visiting business group or a bespoke wedding. This area is supported by a series of boardrooms and business facilities.

A peaceful spa offers internationally acclaimed rejuvenating treatments that blend traditional remedies with modern technology. For an extraordinary spa experience, three individually designed spa suites with private terraces and pools are offered.

Parking for more than 2,000 vehicles will be available, in addition to 2 tennis courts and 2 squash courts; 5 swimming pools including a 25-meter indoor lap pool and an adult only pool.

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Eye on Design Bvlgari Hotels

A unique, refined concept of space, exclusive treatments, and a warm welcome, along with an innovative philosophy of well-being based on traditional Oriental practices, are features of the Spa at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan.

The pool - Leo Torri

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Located in the heart of Milan’s most prestigious cultural and shopping area, the Bulgari Hotel Spa is adjacent to La Scala Opera House, the Brera Art Gallery and the fashion district.

The Spa, originally conceived as a service for Hotel guests, has quickly become a Milan landmark.

Designed by architects Antonio Citterio & Partners, the Bulgari Hotel Spa is characterised by its combination of rare materials, creating a surprising blend

of surfaces and chromatic harmonies that give the various spa areas a timeless look while retaining a rigorous contemporary design. In an evocative area 400 square meters in size, marble, mosaics and fine wood create an intimate, refined atmosphere.

The natural daylight that pours in through the large window that overlooks the outdoor lounge area connected to the Hotel garden, merges with the reflections and shadows created by lights and candles.

The hammam - Luca Campigotto

The pool - Leo Torri

The Spa entry area leads to the main hall with its spectacular swimming pool, which is completely mosaic tiled. The tiles on the upper portion of the pool, from the water’s surface to the last step, shine with gold leaf, while the floor and walls have emerald green mosaic tiles with streaks of gold.

The Spa entry area leads to the main hall with its spectacular swimming pool, which is completely mosaic tiled. The tiles on the upper portion of the pool, from the water’s surface to the last step, shine with gold leaf, while the floor and walls have emerald green mosaic tiles with streaks of gold. The columns along the hall have been specially treated to pick up the golden colour of Vicenza stone that covers the floor and the walls, enhancing the

exquisite mosaic work in the pool and the emerald green Hammam window.

Here, a masterful selection of colours and lighting effects creates an atmosphere of total relaxation: lit from within, the glass offers a glimpse of light and steam.

Seats and floor are in Turkish Afyon marble. In the personalised treatments area, all five rooms are furnished with electronic, heatable anatomical tables, specially covered with a natural, seaweed-based fabric, with

silk carpets and bathrobes whose grey colour was created by Frette especially for Bulgari. The fitness area features a well-equipped weight room and the latest line of Tecnogym machines.

Outside, large, comfortable cushions cover the enormous teak relaxation deck, creating an inviting lounge connected to the large, 4000 square meters garden that surrounds the Hotel.

The centre offers a complete range of carefully designed

treatments, each of which permits access to all Spa structures, including the pool, steam room, outdoor relaxation area and fitness centre. Based on the rhythms of a modern lifestyle, they draw their inspiration from the philosophies and techniques of ancient cultures the world over, translated into a wide variety of treatments that include aromatherapy, reflexology, Ayurvedic massage, and hot stone treatments, all based on holistic principles.

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Eye on Design Bvlgari Hotels

Each treatment combines sophisticated massage and skin care techniques with exclusive, scientifically advanced products that use top quality, absolutely pure ingredients: blends of essential oils and plant extracts are selected based on their specific properties and individual needs.

Treatments are provided by a team of ten wellness experts, whose services are attentive to their clients’ needs. The team at the Hotel Bulgari Spa has

received extensive training that includes the elements and principles of aromatherapy and Ayurvedic techniques.

A unique concept of wellness and a collection of treatments created for the Bulgari Spa ensure personalised care.

Treatments offered include Bulgari Signature Experiences, Intensive Facial Treatments and Essential Body Massages.

Speciality Treatments and Bulgari Half and Full Day Rituals, which combine several treatments, complete the menu.

The pool - Leo Torri

The pool staircase - Leo Torri

Gold mosaic steps Richard Bryant – Arcaid

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The treatment room - Luca Campigotto

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Automotive: Porsche Cayman R

Porsche Cayman R The new top-of-the-range model for the mid-engine Coupés Lightweight with exceptionally sporting ambitions The Porsche alphabet reserves the letter R for very special sports cars: R for responsive and refined – but most especially for racy. The new Cayman R combines all these attributes without compromise. The mid-engine Coupé is lighter and more powerful than the Cayman S and therefore quicker and more efficient, and is designed purely for driving dynamics.

With its specially adapted sports chassis, it provides an even more precise driving experience than the Cayman S. The main aim during the design of the Cayman R was to improve the two-seater even further in its performance, driving dynamics and agility through consistent weight reduction. Overall, the vehicle weight of the Cayman R was reduced by 55 kilograms to a DIN empty weight of 1295 kilograms compared with the Cayman S. This means that the Porsche engineers were able to reduce the power-to-weight ratio of the Coupé with standard manual transmission to 3.9 kilograms per horsepower, and the PDK version has 4.0 kilograms per horsepower.

The largest savings were achieved through the use of lightweight components and doing without convenience

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fittings. For example, the series version is not fitted with an air conditioning system or radio, which results in 15 kilograms less vehicle weight. On the bodywork side, a further 15 kilograms was saved through the use of aluminium doors as used in the 911 Turbo. Light sports bucket seats do not just improve the driver's side support in bends, but they also contribute to a further weight reduction with a saving of around 12 kilograms compared with the conventional seats used in the Cayman S. The reduced door trim without storage compartment and with door opening strap, dispensing with the instrument cluster cover and the cupholder in addition to a wide range of minor measures round off the lightweight package.

As for the 911 GT3/GT3 RS and Boxster Spyder, an optional lithium-ion lightweight construction battery is also available. In addition, the top model in the mid-engine Coupé is equipped with the lightest 19 inch wheels the entire Porsche program can offer. The 10 spokes are so finely designed – but still extremely robust – that the complete rim set only weighs 40 kilograms.

The Cayman R's purpose and purist character can be seen at first glance. The extended silhouette of the bodywork, which has been lowered by 20 millimetres compared to the Cayman S,

combined with the distinctive fixed rear spoiler, the high-quality silver-painted wheels and numerous sporting emphases in both the interior and exterior ensures an individual appearance. The exterior mirrors together with the “PORSCHE” lettering on the side, the lateral air intakes and the rear spoiler top section – in contrasting black or silver, depending on external colour –, in addition to the black-framed headlights take design cues from the classical Porsche racing cars.

Precisely this “PORSCHE” lettering was the trademark of the first Porsche with the “R” designation, the 911 R of 1967. It was created for racing sport use in a small series of 19 cars for a small circle of top private drivers and, of course, for the company itself. The “R” was a prototype based on the series Coupé with a 210 horsepower Carrera 6 engine and, thanks to its many plastic components and extremely sparse fittings, weighed only 830 kilograms. The 911 R demonstrated its stability and speed on the 84-hour “Marathon de la Route” on the Nürburgring in 1967, where Porsche used the race as a welcome endurance test for a new series component: Vic Elford, Hans Herrmann and Jochen Neerpasch won in a 911 R fitted with the new Sportomatic transmission. The successes cumulated.

Entered by the factory, the 911 R was also a winner during the “Tour de France” driven by Gérard Larrousse in 1969.

Cayman R 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine with 330 hp (243 kW);rear wheel drive; six-gear manual transmission, optional seven-gear Porsche doubleclutch transmission (PDK);acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds, 4.9 seconds with PDK; top speed 282 km/h (175 mph), 280 km/h (174 mph) with PDK; fuel consumption (NEDC) 9.7 l/100 km (3.43 gallons imp. per 100 miles), 9.3 l/100 km (3.29 gallons imp. per 100 miles) with PDK.

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