Lifestyle by Porcelanosa issue 16 by EKA Group

ISSUE NO. 16 / 5 EUROS

&Porcelanosa PAVEMENTS KITCHENS STRUCTURES BATHROOMS

QUALITY+DESIGN

FUTURE PERFECT

Editorial

Far-sighted projects

Cover photograph: HOTEL BARCELÓ ASIA GARDENS & THAI SPA, ALICANTE (SPAIN).

LIFESTYLE STAFF EDITORIAL BOARD

Cristina Colonques Ricardo Ferrer Francisco Peris Félix Balado PUBLISHER

Ediciones Condé Nast S.A. MANAGING EDITOR

Sandra del Río

ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR

Vital R. García

TRANSLATORS

Paloma Gil (English) Geneviève Naud (French) Lionbridge (Russian)

There are companies that join in successful projects, whereas other companies, like Porcelanosa Group, generate successful and far-sighted projects. The Porcelanosa Interior Design Contest, and subsequently the award presentation to four big projects, were held in Valencia in a multitudinous event with a debate forum that served as a meeting point for the professionals from the world of design and architecture of today and tomorrow. The current situation of the sector was analysed, as were the challenges and possibilities both in the present and for the future. Also discussed were the new values of the industry and the need for betting on “the creative muscle”. It is on these occasions when a company like Porcelanosa Group puts forwards all its values, created and maintained thanks to the talent, entrepreneurial skills and teamwork of the eight brands that make up the Group. There are no chances in this success – there is solidity and devotion, and the best professionals associated to each project. In Porcelanosa Group, all efforts are concentrated on the field of innovation and the quest for new and optimal materials in order to strengthen the technology used and the beauty of shapes, as well as to pay the due respect to the natural environs and to the new challenges of an everevolving world.

COPY EDITOR

Sarah E. Rogers (English) COORDINATION

Marta Sahelices (Project Coordinator) Andrea Morán (Print Edition) Blanca Jiménez de la Hoz (Features) Sukeina Aali-Taleb (Features)

Photograph of the jury in Valencia: Fernando Salas, Mauricio Anglada, Isabel López, Alfaro Hofmann, Joan Lao, Cristina Colonques, Tomás Alía.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Monfil Alex del Río Pepe Botella

PRODUCTION

Francisco Morote (Director) Rosana Vicente Juan Ignacio Bocos Fernando Bohúa ARCHIVES

Reyes Domínguez (Director) Irene Rodríguez Eva Vergarachea Begoña Sobrín PHOTO LAB

Espacio y Punto PRINTER

Altair Impresia Iberica Catalogue no.: M-51752-2002

&Porcelanosa

Contents/16

We discover the new headquarters of Porcelanosa in Miami, Mexico, Lisbon and Mérida. And we enjoy Formula 1 races.

Those awarded in the Third Edition of Porcelanosa Interior Design Contest accept their prizes during the First Interior Design Conference by Porcelanosa.

Luca di Montezemolo: The soul of Ferrari.

Joaquín Torres shows off his architecture work.

Hotels: The latest in exterior design and landscaping.

Interiors & fashion: A perfect couple.

The Hotel Gasterij de Roode Schuur interacts with its surrounding environment.

Abu Dhabi: It is so... It’ll be so.

Alfonso Casares explains his working method and how a hospital is designed.

The great eight: The eight brands of Porcelanosa Group exhibit their novelties at the 17th International Ceramics, Kitchen & Bathroom Show.

Gamadecor wins at Milan International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition.

An urban spa in Madrid: So that you can care for yourself in a better way.

Urbatek, a brand in demand among the best specialists.

Porcelanosa in the world.

We’ll be talking about... Santiago Calatrava in New York.

Porcelanosa opens a new shop in Mexico City in

Mexico City also welcomes Porcelanosa 8

the exclusive company of several outstanding guests: Isabel Preysler, the firm’s image for over 25 years (she has just arrived from the opening of another establishment in Miami); her children Tamara Falcó and Julio Iglesias Jr.; the latter’s girlfriend, Charisse; two renowned Mexican actors, Ana de la Reguera (who has recently starred in a film along with Bruce Willis) and Eduardo Verástegui (also a producer and singer); Genoveva Casanova, a Mexican too, and the inexhaustible singer Carlos Baute. The event, celebrated in the exclusive bankers’ club of the city, was also attended by executives of Porcelanosa Group, including its President, Manuel Colonques, and representatives of the

ABOVE (clockwise) Julio Iglesias Jr., Mexican actress Ana de la Reguera, Tamara Falcó, Carlos Baute, Isabel Preysler, Mexican actor Eduardo Verástegui, Genoveva Casanova and Julio’s girlfriend Charisse. BELOW Courtyard of the exclusive bankers’ club in which the opening was celebrated. OPPOSITE PAGE Mexican Eduardo Verástegui, Ana de la Reguera and Genoveva Casanova share a photo with singer Carlos Baute.

companies Gilsa, distributor of Porcelanosa in Monterrey, and Palacio de Hierro. The new commercial space, located in Colonia Valle Dorado, has an area of 17,000 square metres, of which approximately 2,000 will be devoted to the display and sale of the company’s products: from the latest trends in ceramic floors and coverings to the most current kitchens, along with elegant designs for floorings in wood or natural stone, and an exhaustive range of bathroom furniture and gear. This shop will consolidate the presence of Porcelanosa in the city, as it already opened to visitors another shop in Interlomas last year. / ABOVE Isabel Preysler with her daughter and actor Eduardo Verástegui. LEFT (clockwise) Directors of Gilsa, the distributor of Porcelanosa in Monterrey: Gilberto Villarreal, Adrian Villarreal, and Eloísa Villarreal. Silvestre Segarra, Porcelanosa advisor, and Inés del Hoyo, José María Blanco, José Luis del Hoyo and Ignacio Reynoso, from Palacio de Hierro. BELOW LEFT Manuel Colonques, President of Porcelanosa, accompanied by Genoveva Casanova and Ana de la Reguera. BELOW RIGHT Isabel; Julio Iglesias Jr.; Tamara and Charisse.

Welcome to Miami In the Doral area, and after an exhaustive redecoration and an extension of its facilities, Porcelanosa has just reopened to visitors its Miami shop, a space with new bathroom collections and kitchen furniture and fittings, wardrobes and walk-in wardrobes. The opening had the invaluable presence of Isabel Preysler, elegant as ever, and her daughter Chábeli. This was the first of Isabel’s engagements in the American continent, since some days later she would travel to Mexico City to preside the opening of a new establishment of the firm. Thus, two new spaces have recently been added to the array of commercial outlets that Porcelanosa has opened around the world. Actually, with the Miami shop, first opened in 1999, the firm has a total of 15 shops distributed all across the United States, since back in 1986 it landed with its first establishment in Anaheim, Los Angeles. The Miami shop, with impressive views of the city, has a renewed showroom of about 1,800 square metres to display the brand’s products, and an office area of 900 square metres distributed between two floors. In addition, it has an extensive parking area for the visitors’ convenience, and an automated logistics centre of 7,650 square metres. Among the attendees to the cocktail party celebrating the reopening of the upgraded space, apart from Isabel Preysler and her elder daughter, were many outstanding people of the city, along with Porcelanosa directors and exceptional guests. /

Isabel Preysler, in a dress from Marta Rota, and Chábeli Iglesias, wearing a design from Badgley Mischka (both sporting jewellery from Suárez), pose in the new Miami shop, surprising for its modern design and its views. ABOVE Isabel Preysler and her daughter with the President and directors of Porcelanosa.

New headquarters in Mérida “ Th e n e w s h o p i s wonderful, and I am impressed!” Eugenia Martínez de Irujo showed this warmth during the recent opening of the new shop of Porcelanosa Group in Mérida. The establishment will replace the Spanish company’s old headquarters in this city, which has been present in the Extremadura Autonomous Community for more than 15 years. With more spacious facilities – an area of 2,500 square metres for the display and sales of the products from the eight brands of the Group – the new shop is located in one of the city’s best commercial areas, the Commercial Park Copansa. The opening event, attended by around 900 guests, gathered many outstanding 12

Eugenia Martínez de Irujo accompanied by former torero José María Manzanares and Manuel Colonques, President of Porcelanosa Group, who received the Duchess in the new headquarters of the Spanish company in Mérida.

people from the social and entrepreneurial spheres, and had also the presence of wellknown personalities, like the famous former torero José María Manzanares and the businessman Tomás Terry, both united by a long-standing friendship with Porcelanosa: their countryside properties have many products from the Group, chosen for their great quality and innovative designs. The Duchess of Montoro responded warmly to all the affection she received in the opening event of the new Mérida shop and expressed her gratitude towards Porcelanosa Group, of which she asserted: “I really love all the materials they have to decorate the whole house. Porcelanosa is a great company.” /

Porcelanosa

illuminates Lisbon Swedish model Helen Swedin has been the one in charge of presenting the new shop of

Photos: ©VICTOR FREITAS.

Porcelanosa Group in Lisbon, sited in Avenida Infante D. Henrique (next to Parque de las Naciones). An opening in which the 1,200 attendees had the opportunity of seeing for themselves the ample showroom in which all collections from the Group will be exhibited. With this new space – of about 2,000 m2 – Porcelanosa has already four outlets in the Portuguese country (the other shops are located in Port, Viseu and the Algarve). The new shop in Lisbon highlights once more the overtly international import of Porcelanosa Group and its strong international expansion: its commercial infrastructure surpasses 400 shops all over the world. More than 35 years of experience add to this, making it a solid corporation that never forgets to offer a close relationship and personalised attention to its customers. /

ABOVE Helen with Pedro Tarouco, Managing Director of Porcelanosa Lisbon, and Héctor Colonques, President of Porcelanosa Group. BELOW Details of the showroom and guests during the day of the presentation.

A Grand-Prix weekend 300 among the best clients of Porcelanosa Group, including architects, interior designers, installers and important European distributors, had the opportunity of enjoying the European Formula One Grand Prix held in Valencia in the most exclusive and luxurious style of all: from a VIP terrace reserved by Porcelanosa to witness both the official rehearsal and the race itself. But the attentions did not end there, as Porcelanosa wanted to entertain its clients with different events, such as the exquisite welcome cocktail party celebrated in the top terrace of the Butech office building (these new premises occupy 60,000 mÂ˛) and prepared by Gourmet ParadĂs. Or the supper at the Restaurant Mar de Bamboo, in the peculiar Veles e Vents Building, designed by architect David Chipperfield on the Port of Valencia and that can be found just in the heart of the Formula One circuit. /

TOP A detail of the Formula One urban circuit in Valencia. ABOVE VIP terrace reserved by Porcelanosa. LEFT Cristina Colonques, Director of the Corporative Communication & Marketing Division of Porcelanosa Group, with Serafin Guinot, from the Marketing team of Butech, who has coordinated the event. Terrace of the Butech office building during the welcome cocktail party, in which Pepe Fenollosa, Managing Director of Butech, is talking with a customer.

III DESIGN CONTEST

INTERIOR DESIGN For one more year, the 3rd Edition of the PORCELANOSA DESIGN CONTEST, whose aim is to promote the artistic activities of novel and future professionals, has awarded the creativity, functionality and viability of the projects entered into the contest. The ideas have been awarded with a cash prize of �10,000 in the Professional category, and �3,000 in the Student category. Moreover, on the occasion of this contest, PORCELANOSA GROUP organised a Conference on Interior Design that attracted leading professionals from the sector.

THE JURY

Seven experts made up the jury of the 3rd Edition of the Porcelanosa Design Contest – including architect Teresa Sapey, who could not attend (clockwise). Fernando Salas His teaching experience is as extensive as his list of prizes and mentions. Mauricio Inglada Although he was not part of the jury, the Managing Director of L’Antic Colonial was present the day of the award decision. Isabel López This interior designer came just after being awarded the Iplus Prize for the best hotel project for her Hotel EME in Sevilla. Alfaro Hofmann An industrial designer who knows a great deal more than just about daily objects. Joan Lao An icon of international design, this creator from Barcelona is above all things a major conceptual artist. Cristina Colonques Director of the Porcelanosa Group’s Communication & Corporative Marketing Division. Tomás Alía He is one of the most soughtafter interior architects.

GENERATING THE FUTURE

III DESIGN CONTEST INTERIOR DESIGN THE WINNING PROFESSIONAL PROJECT

RIVER

The River project, winner of the 3rd Edition of the Porcelanosa Design Contest, is based on a small separate loft of 70 m2 built over a riverbed which includes a large hydraulic wheel that supplies energy. The house is divided into lounge, bedroom, kitchen-diner, bathroom and terrace. The kitchen is at 30 centimetres below the general level of the loft, and the bedroom 30 centimetres above, which also helps to adequately differentiate the spaces. The large wheel, glazed and placed inside the house, becomes a dominant element and provides the bedroom with a certain privacy from the rest of the house. The exterior facade is covered in two kinds of granite, sunset and coal, so as to enhance the different zones from the very outside. From bathroom to kitchen, the loft features products from the Group, like the shower tray made in Krion. 20

HONOURABLE MENTION mLH3

The Honourable Mention in the Professional category of the 3rd Edition of Porcelanosa Design Contest has gone to the Project MLH3, an isolated single-family house-garden, although its rectangular shapes allow, by changing the position of the garden, to join it with a multi-family building. The control of natural light is outstanding, like the separation of the cleared space that turns translucent and allows a homogenous artificial lighting (a face in Krion with high content in retro reflective polyester). The face supports the furniture associated to the living room, dining room and kitchen; the garden is raised and transforms itself to shelter the houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movable furniture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; furniture belonging to a collection of regular, mobile pieces, made in Krion and teak.

III DESIGN CONTEST INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDED STUDENT PROJECT

NOHGAKU

The project awarded in the Student category, based on the theatre concept Nohgaku (contrasts), is a loft conveying a duality between the private and public space, but its spaces are fully connected in an openplan inherent to the loft concept. It has been projected as a big hollowed out marble cube in which three wooden boxes are inserted creating the spaces of the Noh stage (mirror-office room, bridge-passage area and stage-bedroom), and its design is austere, far from flashy. The fourth space (dressing room-bathroom-walk-in wardrobe) is made up by the very hollow in the marble. The public space, Kyogen, shaped in the reverse way, is completely open and the only multi-purpose common space. A stage that transforms itself by leaving room for a party, a meeting, a yoga session, or taking over the space to sit and talk on the sofas, have dinner, play table football or get in shape.

HONOURABLE MENTION ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WERE FOUR GIANTS...

The Honourable mention has gone to the project Once Upon a Time There Were Four Giants... Made in natural stone, four “giants” emerge in two heights. The central one becomes the central character of the play and, through a dialogue with the other three, generates the whole project: its spaces, passages, lighting, etc. In addition, these “giants” hold parts of the programme inside with no interruption of the spatial continuity, but responding to the need of a visual break and a sort of public privacy. The four “giants” made in natural stone are quartzite bricks whose shapes vary according to the space that each occupies. The natural wood rounds off the atmospheres providing warmth, elegance and order to the powerful avantgarde dialogue that is established.

III DESIGN CONTEST INTERIOR DESIGN FIRST INTERIOR DESIGN CONFERENCE AND AWARD

VALENCIA 7TH MAY 2010

ABOVE Part of the jury – also lecturers in the Conference – in the first row, listen attentively to the deliveries of their peers. RIGHT (clockwise) Fernando Salas during his lecture The most natural skin; Joan Lao delivering his Design as a solution to the creation of far-sighted projects, and Fran Silvestre explaining the development of a project. RIGHT Family photograph in the City of Arts and Sciences.

LEFT The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia was the place chosen to hold the First Porcelanosa Interior Design Conference, attended by around 400 people, where the awards to the winners of the Third Edition of the Porcelanosa Design Contest were delivered, too. This time, the projects had to recreate the interior of a loft-style home featuring natural products from L’Antic Colonial, and, for the first year, from some of the Group’s other companies that manufacture kitchen and bathroom equipment, such as Noken, Gamadecor and Systempool.

The First Porcelanosa Interior Design Conference, held in the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, was the occasion also chosen for the award presentation of the Third Edition of the Porcelanosa Design Contest. This forum for debate was attended by around 400 people and served as a meeting point for professionals from the world of design and architecture of today and tomorrow in order to analyse the situation of the sector. Thus, Fernando Salas surprised the public with an analogy between natural stone and human skin, and Isabel López, Vice-president of the FAD [Foment de les Arts Decoratives] and renowned interior designer, underlined the importance of wood as an enveloping material that provides atmospheres with warmth. In turn, designer Joan Lao referred to the current situation of the market and urged the industry “to focus on design”. He also evoked the time of splendour that the sector once experienced – which, in his opinion, made the companies grow lazy and lose “creative muscle”. As a solution, he proposed the creation of design projects starting from well-defined concepts, and he stressed the need for making the concept of luxury evolve towards an approach more oriented to health, well-being and balance or harmony. Finally, young architect Francisco Silvestre in his lecture Five Houses, One Museum and One Chair made a tour through the different stages of a project taking his own creations as examples. / ABOVE The winners in the Student category accepting their award (they were distinguished for their project Nohgaku among the 123 projects entered in the contest). RIGHT The winners in the Professional category were presented their award by Joan Lao (their project River won against the 186 projects competing).

Luca di Montezemolo embodies as few people do the ﬁgure of the man

born for glory. His name comes from the old family title of the Marchese di Montezemolo, a prominent family to which Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, appointed cardinal in 2006, belongs too. Text and photos: JM RUBIO.

FERRARI The magnetism of an idea

A born leader, brilliant in his speech and diplomatic in his manners, this man is the most emblematic figure in Ferrari and the FIAT Group, the largest Italian industrial corporation, even though he decided to leave its leadership a few months ago. Seeing this 62-year-old and Law graduate from Bologna heading several projects at once has been a regular thing. After a brief career in the car races driving a Lancia rally car, and since he started working for Ferrari in 1973, he has occupied high responsibility posts for almost his entire life, and not just in the field of sports: Managing Director of the Scuderia in 1974, Director of all the industrial group’s competition activities a year later and of the brand Cinzano, and also of the advertising firm Itedi, of the first Italian racing yacht in competing for the America’s Cup (the Azurra), and even of the Committee that presided Italy’s 1990 Football World Cup – almost a Renaissance man, able to engage in many activities, and efficiently in all of them. A year after the death of the founder, Enzo Ferrari, he took over the Presidency, and subsequently, also that of Maserati’s. He managed to set the company of the Cavallino afloat again (in sales of street cars) – it had been in the red – and brought the racing team, that was in full decline in the grid, back to the path of victory, especially after he recruited young star

OPPOSITE PAGE Luca di Montezemolo’s figure in the foreground. ABOVE An image of Schumacher driving a Formula One Ferrari in France’s 1997 Grand Prix. RIGHT Enzo Anselmo Ferrari, founder of the Scuderia and automobile brand Ferrari.

Emilio Botín, President of Banco Santander and a great supporter of Fernando Alonso, at the 2010 Bahrein Grand Prix. Alonso proudly wears the colours of Ferrari and Banco Santander, thanks to which the dream of the Asturian has come true.

ABOVE LEFT Restaurant Il Cavallino, in Maranello, Italy. ABOVE Fagioli, Fangio and Farina, three legendary racing drivers. LEFT Fangio on an Alfetta in 1950.

ABOVE Original poster of Great Britain’s 1950 Grand Prix. RIGHT Different historical car models of the brand. BELOW Ferrari 125 from 1950, in the Donington Motor Museum.

Michael Schumacher in 1996, now running for Mercedes and whom “I still miss”, as he has recently admitted, after conquering five world titles. With the German, along with Ross Brawn in the technical area and Jean Todt as Director of the racing team, Ferrari had its golden era at the beginning of the 21st century. “I have a high opinion of him, because we have won so much together, he has given so much to us, that sometimes I feel that I need him,” recently confessed the new boss of Fernando Alonso, the racing driver bound to bring Ferrari back towards a new glorious era. “I am really happy with Alonso, both in the racing circuit and outside it, for his determination, his optimism and his concentration,” he has recently commented. For the time being, he is among the first drivers in the championship in his first season dressed in red: “This season is not going badly at all. Alonso has achieved some incredible races, arriving sixth even when his grid position was last. Red Bull cars are not unbeatable.”

In 2004, Montezemolo combined the Chairmanship of Confindustria and Fiat Group, just as he simultaneously directed the World Championship association of F1 racing teams FOTA, fiercely fighting the FIA and Max Mosley – today out of the Big Circus after a huge quarrel with the racing teams, of which the latter came out triumphant. As a consequence, the former director of the Scuderia, the French Jean Todt, is today the FIA Chairman. Montezemolo, now critical with Bernie Ecclestone’s way of ruling the Formula One, is one of the most authoritative voices in the championship, and has strongly supported the classic circuits and the powerful racing car teams to the detriment of the latest additions, which he classifies as GP2, a reason why he thinks that each racing team should have three cars. “I wish the FIA allowed the entry of a third car in the Grand Prix. We want a third car, and I’d do my best for having Valentino Rossi with us. When he wins the MotoGP championship this year, that will

ABOVE Fernando Alonso poses with the colours of Ferrari and his new helmet. LEFT The recruitment of Fernando Alonso by Ferrari was celebrated in a grand way in the city of Valencia in November last year. Next to him, Luca di Montezemolo and Felipe Massa, the other driver in the racing team.

be enough, and he’ll have to win in the F1, too.” The arrival of the Italian who has been the champion of motorcycle racing several times is one of the old aspirations of Luca di Montezemolo and, of course, a revolutionary move. “At the end of May we will celebrate Ferrari’s 800 grand prix in Formula One and the 60 years that our brand has been present in the competition. We are the only ones boasting this record,” he proudly says. “That’s a reason for us to be proud and greatly satisfied, as it means that Ferrari is here, even

at difficult times, while other racing teams have come and gone,” he says. “I insist that a Formula One without Ferrari would not be Formula One, and this year, there are many racing teams that should be competing in the GP2 Series,” he maintains. Montezemolo does not set any limiting horizon to his career. In his physical and mental prime, he is, along with Frank Williams and Ecclestone himself, the most veteran and experienced figure in the paddock. Fernando Alonso could not have a better boss. /

A HOUSE IN MADRID

Night and day

This single-family house located in the Somosaguas urban development, Madrid, responds to the essential traits of the spatial concept of the architecture studio A-cero.

Text: SUKEINA AALI-TALEB Photos: A-CERO

ABOVE The lounge in the house is a cosy and elegant place in which the clearobscure contrasts prevail, with some coloured strokes on the walls. The sofas with Gancedo upholstery and the coffee tables in MDF have been madeto-measure by the studio itself. LEFT The sculptural contour of the construction rests next to the lakes.

The studio A-cero is also responsible for the landscaping project. They have chosen plants that harmonise with the groves and the typical landscape of the area, the north sierra in Madrid, for the garden. The stairs and handrail (designed by A-cero) are hidden behind the fireplace and lead to the common space of the house. The steps lead directly up to the main lounge. The semi-basement has a small lounge in clear tones. As for the exterior, the two upper floors turn into an exquisite work of art made in rough-textured concrete painted in grey. A large window runs along the facade of the house.

The sculptural volumes and formal beauty are pervading and distinctive hallmarks of each and every architectural project carried out by A-cero. Architect Joaquín Torres and his partner Rafael Llamazares direct this studio headquartered in Madrid. Specifically, for this project located in the town of Pozuelo de Alarcón, they went for an audacious kind of architecture designed to make life more comfortable for its inhabitants, with attention paid to all details. Thus, its walls contain a heated swimming pool, a media room, a painting workshop and a gym, among other commodities, to which the gorgeous views of the lakes and landscape of Madrid’s north mountain range are added. A-cero employs in all its projects the same working method, and it has also served for this singular building. They first start with an indepth study of the client’s needs. They pose the problems and consider the possibilities to solve them. The materials and details are decided just as they exert their ability to imagine and design. According to Acero’s directors, in this process, the architecture emerges by itself. Thus, architecture shows off bluntly and imaginatively in this house in Madrid, as it rather seems to be conceived as a big liveable sculpture.

Contemporary art, like in the rest of the studio projects, is the source of inspiration, but to carry out this project, Joaquín Torres and his team adopted greater formal freedom, taking risks with a play of curve lines perfectly integrated in the environs. The construction was also adapted to the slope in the terrain – the horizontal volumes are overlaid in layers, as if they sprang from the ground. The building stands on a plot of almost 5,000 square metres. Its sculptural profile has big and protruding glass faces breaking the uniformity of straight lines. With a concrete structure, the building has a total area of 1,750 square metres, and the residential space is structured in two upper floors, to which a semi-basement has been added. In this spacious open-plan house, the modern, minimalist and really current style of the interiors is the highlight. The ground floor has an ample hall, a bathroom, a kitchen, a lounge and a dining room opening to the terrace, with a spectacular large window 15 metres long. There is also the main bedroom, fitted with a walk-in wardrobe, a bathroom and a lounge. And the space is completed with an office, a gym and a heated swimming pool. This floor has also a garage with

JOAQUÍN TORRES, ARCHITECT In 1996, the architecture and townplanning studio A-cero started operating, and it has had a very fast evolution. The studio has grown at an amazing pace, and it has doubled its staff as the work volume increased in recent years. Its origin is in the town of A Coruña, but they soon enlarged their offices and opened their central headquarters in Madrid. The studio, headed by the tandem of architects Joaquín Torres and Rafael Llamazares, has since its beginnings focused on an integral development of architectural projects: turnkey deliveries, all of them works previously designed by the architect team. Its architecture outstands, as it is very current, pondered over and neat, and special attention is paid to each and every detail. Nowadays, they maintain an office in A Coruña, have also facilities in Dubai and in the near future will open an office in the Dominican Republic. The key to the success of their many works, according to Joaquín Torres, lies in not losing the coherence of the idea all throughout the process. Outstanding among their projects are single-family houses, singular buildings, offices, as well as interior design and landscaping projects.

The house has an exterior garden and a swimming pool. The curved shapes of the fireplace are supported on the stairs that lead down to the semi-basement. The main door marks the highest point on the plot and opens to an ample hall that distributes the rooms in the ground floor. The house also boasts a heated swimming pool with several deck chairs designed by the studio.

capacity for eight cars, a storeroom and a junk room. As regards the distribution of the semi-basement, it opens onto the garden thanks to huge glaziers. It has four bedrooms, a guest lounge, the changingrooms of the exterior swimming pool, a media room and, finally, the rooms arranged for domestic help: bedrooms, office, drying-place, lounge, storerooms and facility rooms. The upper floor is reserved to the painting workshop, with lots of natural light. To attain an effect of continuity among the different spaces, the team of architects enhanced that feeling by paving the three floors with white big-format porcelain stoneware, highly resistant and durable. Concerning the walls, the architects chose the white colour for the semi-basement floor and a grey tone for the upper floors, matching with the facade of rough-textured concrete. Another important element in the conception of this house is water. From the entry door a series of flooded roofs visually connect with the exterior swimming pool and with the lake. The garden has also been designed by the landscaping department of A-cero. / 35

DE LUXE EXTERIORS

GREEN HEART

Exterior architecture and landscaping are gaining followers in the world of hotel design. PORCELANOSA GROUP is contributing with its products. Text: SUKEINA AALI-TALEB

Photos: BENJAMÍN ALCÁZAR, DAVID MONFIL AND DR.

HOTEL BARCELÓ ASIA GARDENS & THAI SPA

A bit of the East in the Mediterranean

Asian reminiscences are present in the lavish vegetation and millenary bonsai trees of this architecture and landscaping project

Located in an extraordinary spot among the surrounding mountains of Sierra Cortina in the Mediterranean coast, this hotel stands over a huge pine wood. Asian reminiscences are present in the architecture and in the landscaping project. The lavish vegetation has been chosen so that the guests have the feeling of being in the tropics. And the team of architects and landscapers have successfully achieved their objective, creating an idyllic Asian atmosphere. A total of 312 rooms surrounded by sumptuous gardens with more than 300 different botanic species, with water as a central element. From the first moment, the team of professionals – architects Rodolfo Nonini and Cristian Larrain, and agricultural engineer and landscaper Miguel Ángel Vico – were intent in leaving clear, non-built up spaces. “This way, the swimming pools, gardens, fountains, springs, pergolas and paths are perfectly integrated and in tune with the architecture”, they claim. The building draws its inspiration from Asian design. The same can be said about the type of gardening and, of course, the presence of water, a pervading element in the East. The studio approached the landscape design including tropical botanic species, with a range of exotic plants and millenary bonsai trees. The delicate balance between water and plants is visible in the swimming pools, of which there are seven, totalling an area of 3,500 m2. The goal was to achieve pleasant but also functional spaces. And the result is the creation of different atmospheres that make guests feel that they are walking through a unique place that has been conceived for the well-being of body and mind. The main materials used for this project are aged marble in a cream tone and wood in the most luxurious communal areas. For exteriors, marble has been combined with slate and black granite, and wood has also been used. The swimming pools are made in ceramic tiles in different formats, colours and finishes.

ABOVE Hydra, from Systempool, a mini-swimming pool that operates at 38ºC, with a water-jet and bubbles, expressly developed for public use.

ABOVE Team of architects (from left to right): Rodolfo Nonini, Cristian Larrain and Miguel Angel Vico.

HOTEL OCEAN CORAL & TURQUESA

The Caribbean’s wild flora

AVOBE Thermal deck chair Salus from Systempool affords the ideal temperature for relaxing. It reaches 36-37ºC (depending on the temperature outside), providing a pleasant feeling of warmth.

OPPOSITE PAGE The Merbau Wengé model 18 x 65.9 cm, from Porcelanosa, can be found all throughout the hotel.

The Hotel Ocean Coral & Turquesa, belonging to the Catalonian hotel chain H10, is located right in front of the sea in Puerto Morelos, a fishing village in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico. It is outstanding for its extraordinary location, as an ample green area whose biodiversity has been respected to the maximum surrounds it, and the architecture has been fully integrated into the natural environment. Specifically, this project was conceived to preserve the indigenous flora, since it decisively contributes to the general beauty of this marvellous landscape. For this reason, most of the plants chosen for this landscaping project are Mexican: species that outstand for their high resistance and are genuine survivors, as they are able to withstand the weather conditions of the area, characterised for their extremeness and variability. The landscaping project consists of a union of its distinct spaces in a single concept: harmony, since it combines architecture and beach in such a way that the green spaces configure an area devoted to rest and relaxation, as well as to the enjoyment of the wide range of vegetation typical of the Caribbean. Mercedes de Rada, head of landscaping in this project, points out: “The jungle has been recreated in the large spaces, leaving the smaller ones for the kind of details that make for a very special landscape”. Concerning materials, those that respect the architectural style while also the natural environment have been chosen. Outstanding is the tropical wood, and specifically palm wood. Additional highlights are materials that masterly recreated stone, and also the flowerpot holders and urban furniture expressly designed for the hotel. Another quality of the hotel can be found in the views from its rooms, for they are arranged in front of an impressive white sand beach and look over the second largest coral reef barrier in the world. Just as indigenous vegetation has been chosen for the landscaping project, the rooms have been decorated combining Mexican tradition with a modern interior design. Teak furniture, colourful patterns and a big wooden flower feature in every room in the hotel.

Architecture and beach have been united in such a way that green spaces are devoted to rest and to the enjoyment of the Caribbean vegetation.

HOTEL EL CONVENT DE BEGUR

Once a convent, now a retreat

ABOVE Bench-deck chair, from Teklassic. ABOVE RIGHT In the hotel exterior and common areas, the model Manual Musgo Protegido, from L’Antic Colonial, has been used; in the rooms, Venice Ivory 31.6 x 59.2 cm, from Porcelanosa and White Almeria Protegido and Beige Travertino Protegido, from L’Antic Colonial, in common toilets and in some rooms.

The idea was to preserve the original structure of the terraces, on which the founding friars would grow different kinds of produce for their own consumption.

This hotel is located in the charming Begur, the heart of the region of Bajo Ampurdán, in Girona, between luxuriant mountains and the seacoast. More specifically, it stands on Sa Riera Creek, one of the privileged corners of the Costa Brava. In the streets of this Catalonian location we can find buildings that evoke a rich historical past – like the imposing medieval castle that dominates the village, or the building of this hotel, that originally housed among its walls the austere rooms of a convent. A wonderful place perfectly integrated into the natural environment, and in which peace and quiet preside. The building, located on an exceptional spot, is surrounded by a Mediterranean wood of holm-oaks and pines. The construction was built as a convent in the year 1730 by the Order of the Minim friars, and the restoration and adaptation works to convert it into a hotel with today’s commodities began in 2001 and were completed in 2005. It has a total of 25 rooms plus the restaurant Refectori, which offers refined and imaginative dishes. The principal idea of the landscaping project, carried out by Joseph M. Serra, was to preserve the original structure of the terraces, in which the friars who founded the convent would grow different kinds of produce for their own consumption. The old orchids are now natural terraces in which guests can enjoy reading under the shade of the cypresses. The materials include the stone typical of the region that reinforces the terrace faces, and train sleepers that have been used to make trellises. The garden lighting contributes to create a quiet and nice atmosphere thanks to low-consumption light columns made out of oxidized iron. As regards vegetation, native species have been chosen: black pines, olive trees, cypresses, fruit trees and ivy. The reason for this choice is they easily integrate and perfectly adapt to the climate of this region. All the construction elements are in harmony with the landscaping project and with this the natural character of the whole, preserving the essential concept of the monks who founded the convent. /

ashion ATMOSPHERE

This New York apartment brings us back to contemporary luxury and exploits the liveability of its different spaces to the highest degree. PORCELANOSA GROUP, with its products of high technical quality and perfect beauty, offers black and white as the absolute stars inside an atmosphere in which fashion and style prevail. Interior decoration photographs: RICARDO FERRER Fashion photographs: QUENTIN DE BRIEY Production: BLANCA J. DE LA HOZ

CHESS QUEEN

ELEMENT DUALITY

Long dress with train in black velvet with jet embroidery on one side, from Andrew GN.

The lounge of this beautiful apartment has been designed as a large space in which black and white contrast their tonalities in order to enhance and integrate elements. Just like in the floor, in which White Arabescato 59.6 x 59.6 cm has been combined with Grey Bardiglio 59.6 x 59.6 cm, from PORCELANOSA.

FOR RELAXING

(Above) The bright reading area with a chaise longue is perfect to relax in and enjoy wonderful views of the city. The floor (close to the windows) has been made in White Windmill Marmara-Black Marquina-Java 40.9 x 40.9 x 1 cm, from L’ANTIC COLONIAL. (Opposite page) To integrate the reading area into the lounge, the same floor has been used as next to the White Chimenea Manhattan, from L’Antic Colonial: namely, White Windmill Marmara-Black Marquina-Java 40.9 x 40.9 x 1 cm, from L’ANTIC COLONIAL. In the rest of the lounge,

White Arabescato 59.6 x 59.6 cm and Grey Bardiglio 59,6 x 59.6 cm, from PORCELANOSA.

BETTER IN PAIRS She is sporting a grey knit jersey with a legend written in black, from Love Moschino, and straight trousers with black sequins, from Alvarno. The sandals with copper paillettes are from Miguel Palacio. He is wearing a brown silk shirt with a pattern of green and blue links; grey wool trousers; a black jacket and a brown leather belt, all from Hermès. The red Oxford-type shoes in laminated skin are from Hugo.

A CULT SPACE The kitchen, leading to the exterior terrace, has a large central aisle and another area devoted to storage and sink, which makes its layout more functional: green cedar/clay G445 model, from GAMADECOR. Models White Marmara Classic 15 x 30 x 1 cm and Blanco Marmara Classic 15 x 15 x 1 cm, from Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ANTIC COLONIAL, have been used to cover the walls.

DREAM TERRACE Having a terrace of this size in the centre of a big city is a privilege within the reach of just a few. Moreover, if you decorate it with terrace furniture from La Maison du Mond, like in this case, it is exploited to the best advantage. The wooden floor is made in the Ipe Iguazú model 10 x 2.2 cm, from L’ANTIC COLONIAL. On the left, next to the plant stands, the technical floor model called Avenue Brown Texture 60 x 60 cm, from URBATEK, has been used.

EXTREMELY STYLISH Grey sleeveless knitted T-shirt dress with a tartan side fringe, from McQ, Alexander McQueen; brown leather belt, from Love Moschino and Borsalino-style hat in camel shade, from Malìparmi.

A TASTE FOR ORDER The walk-in wardrobe Natura with front finish in a Subdued Walnut and Sand Tulle in its interior, from GAMADECOR, is perfect to be placed between two atmospheres and find your clothes instantly. The floor has been made in White Sheen Carrara 59.6 x 59.6 cm and Black Sheen Marquina 59.6 x 59.6 cm, from PORCELANOSA.

CLASSIC MODERNITY

In bathroom atmospheres again black and white tones have been combined to provide minimalism and beauty to spaces. (Above) Outstanding are the Lounge tap gear, 50-cm circular mirrors and Giro accessories, all from NOKEN. The Almond bathtub and basins (all made in KRION® Stone) and the Vitra Screen shower screen are from SYSTEMPOOL. The wall covered in Grey Nacaré 33.3 x 66.6 cm and in White Deco Nacaré 33.3 x 66.6 cm, from VENIS, contrasts with the dark floor in Crystal Floor Dark 59.6 x 59.6 cm, also from VENIS. (Right) To cover the walls of this bathroom, a little bit more classical, the model Maui Pearl 20 x 31.6 cm, from VENIS, has been

used. From the company NOKEN are the horizontal Dinasty mirrors 110 x 70 cm in white sheen; Dinasty wall lamp in white sheen; Dinasty basins, 110 cm, in white, with white Dinasty stand; Century tap gear (3-piece basin set); Dinasty toilet seat with medium-capacity tank; all accessories and the free-standing magnifying mirror are Century. The floor has also been made in the Dark Crystal Floor model, 59.6 x 59.6 cm, from VENIS.

MASCULINE AND SINGULAR Blazer-like jacket in black leather and matching trousers in black leather, both from Calvin Klein; grey knit jersey, from Tommy Hilfiger, and black Oxford-style shoes with brown-leather toe, from Salvatore Ferragamo.

AN OPEN VISION The furniture of the Traveler Collection, from Colecci贸n Alexandra, are harmoniously integrated with the floor Black Marquina 59.6 x 59.6 cm and White Sheen Carrara 59.6 x 59.6 cm, from PORCELANOSA; the bathtub Victorian Single, from SYSTEMPOOL, even though an atypical element for a bedroom, is equally integrated. Future tap gear, floor embedded from Noken.

THE PERFECT NIGHT Black strapless dress with black and green feathers and tulle details, from Rafael L贸pez. FASHION CREDITS: Photography Assistant: Baptiste Vuerich. Make-up and hair: David Bello (Ana Prado) for Chanel and K茅rastase. Models: Diana Ionele (Uno Models) and Adrian Barwell (Presumo). Production Assistant: Daniela Girod.

HOTEL GASTERIJ DE ROODE SCHUUR

A curvy universe This singular hotel located in Nijkerk, a town in the interior of Holland, is a surprise for its curvy structure and its cosy interiors with a modern atmosphere thanks to the collaboration of Porcelanosa Group. Text: SUKEINA AALI-TALEB

The hotel Gasterij De Roode Schuur, literarily translated as Red Barn, outstands for its peculiar structure of curved roofs, and once the main door is left behind, its interiors surprise us for their contemporary and fresh decoration. Located in a rural area in Holland between the National Park De Veluwe and the cities of the western part of the country, the astonishing design of this building makes a very attractive identity hallmark for the area. In 2009 the hotel was renovated, since the original construction, built in 1992, needed

urgent improvement. Thus, the architecture studio Van Bokhorst went to work with the objective of devising a construction in tune with this primarily rural region. This has been successfully achieved, and the renovated hotel perfectly fits with its countryside environs and, moreover, it has become a distinctive icon of the area, largely due to its original roof of rounded forms made with cane. The concept has been developed by the interior designer Els Willemse, the owner of Something ELS, a company specialised in

ABOVE The hotel renovation has successfully combined the modernity of design pieces with the rural environs in which it stands. OPPOSITE PAGE Noticeable on the exterior of the hotel is the curved structure of its roofs and the hotel bar, whose walls are covered in Mosaic Iris Oxide 2.5 x 2.5 cm, from Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antic Colonial.

CLOCKWISE A detail of one of the colourful rooms; a detail of one of the bathrooms, with floor in Tavola Mogano 14.3 x 120 cm from Venis; another bathroom atmosphere, whose walls are covered in Mosaic Iris Dark 2.5 x 2.5 cm, from Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antic Colonial, and floor in Tavola Kenya 14.3 x 120 cm, from Venis; a detail of wall and floor, covered in a fitted carpet imitating wood.

creating the brand image for hotels, restaurants, bars and offices. For this project, Els Willemse took a global approach, having in mind the location of the hotel, the rural surroundings and the local traditions and handcrafts, in order to incorporate it all into a contemporary interior. Particularly interesting is the interior decoration chosen for the restaurant and bar Meadows, which has tables for group meals, as well as corners reserved for more intimate dinners. The name of the restaurant refers to the colourful meadows of the region, and is

tangibly reflected in the use of the tones for the furniture chosen: green shades that evoke fresh grass, yellow for dandelions and lively red for poppies. In harmony with this vivid environs, the bar space is covered in multi-coloured mosaic tiles from Porcelanosa Group, and its lighting suggests the colours of the rainbow that so often can be seen over the meadows after a rainy day. The traditional floor in wood has been made in Tavola Rovere tiles, 19.3 x 120 cm, from Venis. Some elements of the old construction have

been preserved, as is the case of the original beams and the fireplace. Among the specialities of the menu in the restaurant Meadows, regional and seasonal food outstands. The hotel has a total of 38 rooms and remarkable are the two particularly luxurious nuptial suites, with 50 square metres each. Els Willemse has provided for different interiors, each of them with its own colour range. The highlights are the bright carpets and the bathrooms tiles from Porcelanosa Group, chosen for the different interiors. /

ABOVE The flooring used in this room, Tavola Mogano 14.3 x 120 cm, from Venis, contrasts with the colourful decorative elements: the green carpet with a flower pattern, the vibrant red headrest and the original wall painted in electric blue.

In less than a decade, the United Arab Emirates have managed to attract the attention of the rest of the world and position themselves as a top desired destination. In the case of the capital, Abu Dhabi, it is not a faraway place on the map anymore, but has become a centre devoted to leisure, travel, luxury and, generally, pleasure. But what is so special with this Emirate that it has even managed to bring to its arena a grand prix of the Formula One World Championship? First, and perhaps most importantly, it has 9 and 5 per cent, respectively, of the whole planet’s oil and gas reserves. A wealth that, contrary to its neighbours, Abu Dhabi has been – and is – wise enough to efficiently manage: so efficiently that it has had to lend money to its friends in Dubai so that they would not go bankrupt. And this substantial stockpile is noticeable in all its buildings: from the avant-garde and modern ones to the most traditional, like the Grand Mosque, none of them spare any occasion to show off their luxury and eccentricity. In the case of the Grand Mosque, the biggest mosque open to non-Muslim visitors in the world, the marble has been imported from Italy, India and Greece, and some of its columns are made of the same kind of marble that was used for the Taj Mahal. With touches in gold, its interior is also remarkable, as it has the biggest one-piece carpet (weighting 38 tons) and the biggest lamp (decorated with Swarovski crystals) in the world, and its main entrance doors are made in Murano glass.

ABU DHABI LUXURY AND DESIGN

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, comes as a surprise in the West for its buildings, the grandeur of their touches and the ease with which they imitate and surpass any known marvel. 60

Photos: ALEX DEL RÍO

ABOVE A camel market, near Al Ain. TOP A terrace in the hotel Yas, with state-of-the-art design and sited in the middle of the Yas Circuit Island (a part of the circuit layout even crosses it, buried underneath). LEFT The hotel Qasr Al Sarab, in Anantara, at a

distance of 200 km, is accessed by a road that goes through the desert, and has an area expressly built for the royal family. OPPOSITE PAGE Views of the Grand Mosque from the Hotel Shangri-La.

Just as this temple exudes grandiosity and spirituality, a more recent construction such as the artificial Yas Island, in the outskirts of the city, is really striking. Everything revolves around auto racing here. On the one hand, the Yas Marina circuit, completed two years ago, holds since last year the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, planned this year for the middle of November. The layout includes the best details of all Formula One circuits in the world, but improved: for this is Abu Dhabi, a city based in everything known, but whose aim is never failing to surpass it all. Thus, the circuit is surrounded by a marina with moorings for yachts, in the Monaco style, and the imposing and modern Hotel Yas stands right in the centre. You can enjoy the rounds of the racing cars from the swimming pool on its roof. Also in this area, although still uncompleted, is the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a thematic park where you can find all things related to the Italian brand: passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation. To have a picture of what it will be like, you just have to look at its red roof, which extends over 200,000 square metres and bears the biggest Ferrari logo ever created.

ABOVE RIGHT The Grand Mosque, built in white marble and gold, is the third biggest in the world. Its columns were carved of the same kind of marble used for the Taj Mahal. Inside, it boasts the biggest onepiece carpet and the biggest lamp – made of Swarovski crystals – in the world. ABOVE Al Ain National Museum, in Abu Dhabi.

Another hotel that attracts attention, although in this case rather for its location than for its structure, is the Qasr Al Sarab. An infinitely straight road that seems to lead nowhere leads to this luxury resort in Anantara at 200 kilometres from the city. Once there, if you get bored of the private swimming pool of your villa, you will always have the possibility of riding through the dunes on a rented camel. But if you want a more exclusive experience – and have plenty of money – you can even rent the wing that was built for the royal family, several metres apart from the resort. The truth is that if you are looking for a luxury hotel, you are in the perfect place: in Abu Dhabi there are more than 20 five - or six star hotels. And one of them is the emblematic Emirates Palace, which this year has come out with a surprising holiday package called “The one-million-dollar Saint Valentine’s dream”. Nothing to add. Abu Dhabi is synonymous with luxury and ostentation, but also with change and evolution. Right now, as I am writing these lines, the city is already different: it has already changed.

CLOCKWISE A detail of a dagger in the Al Ain National Museum; an old photograph of the Emir of Abu Dhabi; one of the falcons in the Falcon Hospital – an essential facility in a city in which virtually every inhabitant possesses one of these impressive birds of prey; and the mountain of Jebel

Hafeet, over 1,000 metres high and surrounded by the Mabzara Valley, an oasis fed from the warm springs from the mountainous range.

PORCELANOSA IN ABU DHABI

Great projects

Porcelanosa Group signs a joint venture in the Arab Emirates with Galaxy Building Material LLC, a company that is building a shop devoted exclusively to all the products of Porcelanosa Group in the centre of Abu Dhabi. As part of this cooperation agreement, Porcelanosa is contributing with its products to the building projects of the Gate Towers and the Shining Towers.

BELOW Thanks to the cooperation agreement between Porcelanosa Group and Galaxy Building Material LLC, the Spanish company is contributing with its materials to the building of the impressive Gate Towers. OPPOSITE PAGE Infographic image of the Gate Towers from another angle.

And in these ever-changing environs – most of the buildings now comprising Abu Dhabi’s skyline have proliferated in barely ten years – Porcelanosa Group has wanted to be present. For that purpose, it has signed a joint venture with Galaxy Building Material LLC in the Arab Emirates, a Capital Investment’s and Sorouh Real Estate’s investee company that supplies a wide range of materials for the construction industry. In addition, in one of the busiest areas of the centre of Abu Dhabi, Galaxy is building a shop exclusively devoted to Porcelanosa Group products. As part of this cooperation agreement, the products from Porcelanosa have been chosen for renowned projects such as those of the Gate Towers and the Shining Towers. The Gate Towers, which will provide the city with a new style of urban life in which modern comfort and natural lifestyle combine, will b oast an imposing architecture design and with an unsurpassable location.

Quality high end offices, luxurious apartments, and exclusive penthouses, they all will cater, in sum, for the most demanding needs. The project is divided into: Residential Tower, with 65 residential floors, including penthouses; Residential Arc, with 17 residential floors; Business Tower, with 55 office floors, and different leasable areas. In turn, the Shining Towers have been conceived as a pair of dancers moving together without touching, as each of them appears to lean in two directions: sideways and towards one another. The shorter one, a concrete frame structure of 33 floors, holds apartments, and the taller one, 42 floors built with a steel frame, houses offices. Both buildings will be fully glazed. A three-floored podium and three basement levels – devoted to leisure facilities and car parking – link the two towers. Concrete cores and shear walls largely provide for stability. The building project is scheduled to be completed in 2012. /

LEFT Infographic image portraying the future Gate Towers offices – they will occupy the Business Tower, with a total of 55 floors. BELOW Infographic image of the area devoted to leisure and fashion in the Gate Towers. OPPOSITE PAGE, ABOVE Infographic image of the exterior of the Shining Towers. OPPOSITE PAGE, BELOW A panoramic infographic exterior image of the imposing Gate Towers.

ALFONSO CASARES

An intelligible, human and reasonable architecture

Alfonso Casares, who heads the architecture studio Aidhos, explains to LifeStyle the universe of the construction of hospitals and its evolution over time. He also reveals the projects on which he is working now. Text: MARTA SAHELICES

Alfonso Casares asserts that he would like to make in the future a revision of what hospitals imply and a serious analysis of the works carried out so far in the hospital field, but meanwhile he does not stop working and designing big hospitals, and fully renovating these spaces that prove â&#x20AC;&#x153;so complicated for their close relationship to life and healthâ&#x20AC;?. From his studio Aidhos, devoted to hospital architecture and engineering design and made up of a team of 25 professionals, he talks about the constant evolution and immediate future of these highly systematised and also highly organised structures. Just one piece of information: the cost of building a hospital equals that of its operation during a whole year. How would you define the style of architecture and engineering design of hospitals that you and your team practice?

ABOVE Architect Alfonso Casares. TOP General lecture room in the University of Alicante. OPPOSITE PAGE Hospital of Calahorra, La Rioja.

ABOVE Hospital of San Juan, in Alicante. LEFT Exterior view of the Hospital of Montecelo, in the Galician province of Pontevedra.

RIGHT Interior of the Hospital Puerta de Hierro in Majadahonda. FAR RIGHT Hospital Reina Sofía, in Córdoba. BELOW Exterior view of the University Hospital of Granada.

“He who reviews the history of the hospitals in the last 40 or 50 years and thinks that they are consolidated into permanent models, is – in my opinion – wrong”

Hospitals are highly complex buildings, for this type of architecture is complicated by its close connection with the health and lives of people. We have largely endeavoured to make these buildings intelligible, human and reasonable. We believe that a hospital should have clarity, luminosity and a comfort that is not like the one needed in a home or an office, but a more general comfort, which is more complex at once. Would you rather engage in a building project for a new hospital or in a large renovation? Engaging in a large renovation never fails to be really interesting work, as it implies getting to the heart of a big organisation with many people – people who worry a great deal about their work. However, a new hospital is something that can be more easily understood. The nature of the problems is different, and it is indeed more brilliant and easier to face. Obviously, as an architect, I’d rather build a new hospital. Is there actually such a thing as a ‘new hospital model’? Yes, there is. A hospital is a building with a highly schematised, highly

systematised structure – very complex, but also very well-organised. These big structures are in an ongoing process of deep change and, of course, the health system seems to be in really good condition (hospitals are the most important buildings in the Spanish Communities, as they are a social indicator). The future pursues new hospital models. I am certain that these models are not just in our minds, but actually, the very nature of hospitals and their operation demands a large degree of organisation. Computers and communications have already taken an extraordinary step forward in the control of the organisation: they have brought about a modification of the old models. Of course, he who reviews the history of hospitals in the last 40 or 50 years and thinks that they have consolidated in permanent models, I frankly think that he is wrong. What does the Directing Plan with which Aidhos works consist of? The concept of the Directing Plan has many possible interpretations. The easiest and most primary: the group of surveys and plans to carry out a large renovation or an integral renovation of a hospital – basically complex

“What we are really proud of is having devoted ourselves throughout the last 30 years to the hospital field almost exclusively”

tasks. But the Directing Plan has evolved to be understood rather as the representation of life inside an organization with a very fast development over time (such as a hospital is). Precisely the Directing Plan is a sort of strategic plan for a hospital infrastructure which, besides, linked to the maintenance of hospital buildings – very complicated – and to the tremendous deterioration suffered by them in general and, more specifically, by the equipment they have inside, it is a very interesting method, a discipline, a work product, to put it somehow. In sum: how planning should face the future of an already existing hospital. Each hospital has its strategic plan and should have its functional Directing Plan almost from the moment when it starts operating. What projects do you feel most proud of? We feel really happy because we have devoted ourselves almost exclusively to the hospital field for the last 30 years. We indeed feel proud of that. But, more specifically, we are now immersed in three works in which we have invested lots of time and expectations: Valencia’s Hospital La Fe; Hospital Son Dureta in Palma de Mallorca and Granada’s University Hospital.

And the most innovative... We’ve built a hospital in Almansa for the Sescam (Castilla-La Mancha Health Services) that I believe has the value of innovating the understanding of a small hospital, a local hospital. And La Fe might have been the one that has most allowed us to take an in-depth approach for more complex structures, since it is the most exacting hospital, the most demanding from the organization and quality viewpoints. Do you have any projects for the future? We’re working on a very interesting and special collaboration project: a private clinic for Bilbao’s health company IMQ that we are building by the Estuary together with Carlos Ferrater and his studio. We are also excited about a series of works currently underway in Portugal: the renovation of a maternity hospital in Porto (a very amusing and interesting work), and now we are about to start building a very small local hospital. And we maintain an uncontained excitement over the renovations of Madrid’s important buildings of Hospital Clínico San Carlos and La Paz, in which we’ve been working for a long time. /

Lounge floor: Bardiglio Grey 59.6 x 59.6 cm. Par-Ker step. Kitchen floor: Casona Chestnut 19.3 x 120 cm. Covering: Venice Mocha 20 x 31.6 cm and Marmi Ivory 31.6 x 90 cm. Kitchen model: G445 Green Cedar / Clay.

THE GREAT

The eight brands that make up PORCELANOSA GROUP present their novelties in the 17th International Ceramics, Kitchen & Bathroom Show.

PORCELANOSA

London Mother-of-Pearl confers volume, design and texture to walls

The most up-to-date walls are covered in porcelain tiles whose finishes and textures improve the quality of atmospheres and afford a sophistication of their own in an example of the most contemporary interior design. Such is the case of the new LONDON model from Porcelanosa, which with its pattern of coiled waves creates a feeling of beauty and motion.

VENIS

Maui: small ceramic tessellas that play with light The new ceramic range MAUI appears as a micro-mosaic of irregular hand-made forms whose gloss and range of tones generate a play of small reflections on the walls. There are several colours to choose from: Pearl, Coffee, Red, Ocean, Dark and Metallic, all of them with high chromatic value and a very distinctive appearance.

THE SOFT LIGHT The new Maui collection is in fact made up of mediumsize ceramic pieces that are easy to install and which, once in place, have the appearance of small ceramic tessellas. Format: 20 x 31.6 cm. Product type: Mono-porous covering. (Above) Metallic Maui. (Right) Pearl Maui. (Far right) A detail of the Maui Red model.

MORE THAN JUST A COVERING

LONDON MOTHER-OF-PEARL

The company Porcelanosa is focused on new coverings that turn walls into genuine works of art, with texture, volume and design.

Grounded covering in 31.6 x 9.0 cm format; finish, sheen. The models included in the London series are Mother-ofPearl, Sand and Anthracite.

KENYA PULPIS 74

(Right) Ston-Ker floor. Measurements: 43.5 x 65.9 cm. Grounded, matt, untoned. The Kenya series models are Graphite, Pulpis, Silver and Sand.

GAMADECOR

Contemporary and functional walkin wardrobes and modular series GAMADECOR presents several novel elements, such as its functional walk-in wardrobes and modular bathroom series, with so many finishes from which to choose – from the type of wood to the basin design – that you can create yours à la carte. In addition, they come with different complements, such as shelves, towel racks, lighted mirrors and magnifying mirrors.

The softest and most rounded formal purity from Systempool Manufactured in Krion® Stone, the free-standing bathtub ALMOND, of soft and rounded forms, from the company Systempool, outstands for its formal purity. An element that adds serenity and cleanliness to bathroom atmospheres. In addition, the ALMOND bathtub model complies with both the EU and the American standards (UPC).

NATURA WALK-IN WARDROBE

TECHNICAL DATA

Folding opening, front finish in Subdued Walnut and interior finish in Sand Tulle.

The bathtub Almond measures 180 x 90 cm and is 60 cm high, and incorporates a built-in overflow device. Compliant with EU standards, it also conforms to the American norms (UPC).

CALA BATHROOM SERIES: SIENA WALNUT A modular series that combines different elements, including wood, steel, granite and Krion. Its materials present a choice of finishes – Ukola, Siena Walnut, Brown Walnut and Subdued Walnut in wood – whereas those lacquered have a wide range of colours, both sheen and matt. The basin can be made fully in Krion or with a Krion structure covered in granite with different finishes.

SYSTEMPOOL

L´ANTIC COLONIAL

BUTECH

Victorian Collection bets on distinction and good taste

Geothermics, an inexhaustible and ecological source of energy

VICTORIAN COLLECTION is a range of select products remarkable for their high quality and their classical appearance – they can transform a lounge wall into a genuine work of art. Natural stone and carved crystal mosaics, unique pieces to cover the best lounges with the most exclusive material and the excellent quality of L’Antic Colonial.

The company BUTECH is committed to a new system of geothermic energy exploitation: GEOTHERMICS, a constructive solution that respects the natural environment while being profitable and efficient. As this system has no combustion, it does not emit gases or odours, and does not deplete the ozone layer. Low-maintenance, this is the only system that generates heat, cold and SHW.

AESTHETICS All the reception elements (probes) are buried, and the machinery is installed inside the house – therefore, there is no visual impact; no auxiliary support system is needed, since it operates day and night in any weather condition, all the year round: it conforms to the CTE HE4 [EU ordinance for the use of renewable sources of energy], which means that there is no need to install solar thermal panels. As it is considered renewable energy, this product has subsidised prices.

IN GREAT DETAIL (Above) Curve White Marmara – Black Marquina is a mesh backed mosaic made up of small pieces cut in curved forms that are inserted and fit to perfection. A composition alternating black and white materials, presented in meshes of 40 x 40 x 1 cm.

ATMOSPHERE (Left) The Diamond mosaic combines White Marmara Marble with small inlayed rounded crystal pieces. An elegant composition made with small triangles that create geometrical patterns and is presented on a mesh of 32.9 x 28.3 x 1 cm.

ENERGY SAVINGS The energy savings is higher than in conventional heating systems: 75% as against electric heating, and 60% compared to natural gas systems.

NOKEN

CERANCO

The elegance of Lounge Diamonds enters the bathroom space A new model has arrived to the LOUNGE collection: a suspended piece of furniture 120 centimetres wide, with a frontal drawer and a finish in textured black that provides a touch of elegance to any space. LOUNGE DIAMONDS thus completes this series created by designer Simone Micheli for the Spanish firm. ECOLOGIC DESIGN

Neo, the new generation of technical porcelain tiles What is the sense of manufacturing ceramic to endure for life if it is not beautiful? That is the question that they have asked themselves in the company CERANCO, and they have answered with NEO, the new technical porcelain tile model that boasts of resistance and, at once, finishes: polished or half-polished, natural or textured. A pure and multi-purpose product with a surprising beauty.

The Lounge series possesses a standard water saving device that provides a maximum of eight litres per minute â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is to say, it reduces the water flow by 35 %.

TECHNICAL DATA A suspended module 120 cm wide, 33 cm high and 45 cm deep. Textured front and drawer with soft-close mechanism.

A NEW ATMOSPHERE (Left) Models: Neo Coal Polished 60 x 60 and Neo Coal Texture 60 x 60.

A TOUCH OF COLOUR (Below, from left to right) A detail of three technical porcelain tile models: Neo White Texture, Neo Coal Texture and Neo Black Texture. Neo is the first Urbatek collection offering polished, matt and textured finishes in the same range.

EUROCUCINA 2010 / MILAN

A success for Porcelanosa The brand of Porcelanosa Group specialised in kitchens, Gamadecor, wins in the reputed Milan International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition: Eurocucina 2010. A biennial rendezvous that received for the first time the Spanish group as an exhibitor, and that was attended by around 330,000 visitors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7% more than in the former edition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who had the privilege to see for themselves the novelties of the 144 exhibitor and distributor companies. In turn, Gamadecor presented its latest designs for this home space with innovative materials and surprising designs, like kitchens with fronts and work tops in Krion, a resistant material particularly suitable for the most demanding kitchens and with antibacterial properties (certified as conforming to the UNE-EN ISO 1186 standard) which guarantees its use in food handling, and, therefore, its application in work tops and any other element that may come into direct contact with food. /

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM A general view of the Gamadecor booth, at Milan International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition: Eurocucina 2010: G680 Ukola / G975 Krion models, in dark tones and worktop in white, and G475 Matt Gypsum / Dark Grey Oak models. RIGHT, G580 Shine White / G680 Subdued Walnut models.

NEW SPA

Thermal area: The swimming pool is made in Fashion Mix B Blues 2 x 2 cm (32.7 x 32.7 cm) and the column in Mosaic Crystal Cherry 20 x 33.3 cm, both from L’Antic Colonial.

Urban health resort in Madrid Los Nogales Spa & Wellness Puerta de Hierro is a new urban health resort located in the northeast of Madrid that has an ample thermal area with all the elements needed for interacting with water: from bathtubs to warm beach entry pools, and also relaxation swimming pools at contrasting temperatures. It is actually divided into a leisure area (with swimming pools, saunas, Turkish bath and relaxation room), a treatment area (with 30 cabins in which to enjoy both body wraps and jet showers), and a sports area to do exercise. Located near Puerta de Hierro (Isla Malaíta, 10), the highlights are its beauty protocols for brides and its instant tanning treatment. Also its body treatments like mesotherapy, anti-stress, detoxifying and the specific treatment for tired legs. /

ABOVE The stairs and footbridge are covered in Jatoba Wengé Exteriors 14.4 x 120 x 1.2 cm. LEFT On the column, White Plaited Marmara 30 x 30 x 1 cm; on the floor, Travertine Moka Prot 30 x 60 x 1.2 cm; and in the thermal deck chair, Mosaic Air White 30 x 30 x 1 cm. LEFT, ABOVE Covering in Travertine Mosaic Polished Perseo 3 x 5 x 1 cm and floor in Travertine Moka Prot 30 x 60 x 1.2 cm. LEFT, BELOW Covering in Deco Saigon Grey 31.6 x 90 cm. All products are from L’Antic Colonial.

NOVELTIES

Urbatek, the

brand to be followed It has already been six years since Urbatek, the line of technical porcelain tile, was added to the vast choices of Porcelanosa Group, a period in which the company has proved to be the favourite for architecture and interior design professionals. This is due not just to the resilience and technical standards of its materials, but also to the wide range of finishes and the beauty of its designs: in Urbatek the durability of the product is as important as its aesthetics. For another year, Urbatek comes brimming with novelties, from the Mosaic Avenue model, perfect to cover bathroom spaces, to the State White Polished flooring that gives shine to any room. We should not forget the model Tribeca White, simply perfect. /

ABOVE Brick Avenue Black model, 30 x 30 cm. The Avenue collection is prepared to resist the most demanding conditions in any home; suitable for wet areas, it is designed to remain always like the first day and available in a wide range of colours. LEFT Tribeca White Polished 40 x 80 cm, 80 x 80 cm and 20 x 80 cm. A clear example of Urbatekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposals for the home: the most accomplished shine finishes in the market, a mirror-like finish for the entire house. TOP LEFT State White Polished 60 x 60 cm. The State collection, similar to natural marble stone, has the advantages of the ceramic material: its water absorption is insignificant and, therefore, it is much more resistant to stains than any other natural stone. Made without enamels, only natural pigments are used to colour it. 86

PORCELANOSA IN THE WORLD ■ A CORUÑA SUMINISTROS VIA-MAR, S.L. A CORUÑA Avda. Finisterre, 11b. Tel. 981 279 431 BETANZOS Avda. Fraga Iribarne, 56. Tel. 981 772 190 NEIRA & ORTEGAL, S.L. FERROL Ctra. Catabois, 258. Tel. 981 326 532 Fax 981 324 951 ORTIGUEIRA Cuiña. Ctra. C-642, s/n. Tel. 981 400 880 Fax 981 400 883 JOSÉ OTERO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA General Pardiñas, 13-bajo. Tel. 981 569 230 Alto del Montouto. Carretera de la Estrada, Km. 3. Tel. 981 509 270 Fax 981 819 334 PORCELANOSA Pol. Comercial Costa Vella, s/n. Tel. 981 530 901 ■ ÁLAVA JORGE FERNÁNDEZ ARABA VITORIA-GASTEIZ Los Herrán, 30. Tel. 945 254 755 Fax 945 259 668 Paduleta, 53. Polígono Jundiz. Tel. 945 244 250 Fax 945 247 877 ■ ALBACETE PORCELANOSA Pol. Campollano, calle B, nº3. Tel. 967 243 658 Fax 967 193 465 OLIVARES MATERIALES DE CONSTRUCCIÓN VILLAROBLEDO Avda. Reyes Católicos, 168. Tel. 967 138 105 Fax 967 138 023 ■ ALICANTE PORCELANOSA ALICANTE Calle del Franco. Pol. Las Atalayas, parcela VI. Tel. 965 109 561 Fax 965 106 965 ALCOY Ctra. de Valencia, Esq/Tirant lo Blanc, 27. Tel. 965 333 758 Fax 965 333 767 ELCHE Ctra. Alicante, 2. Tel. 966 610 676 Fax 966 610 700 SAN JUAN Ctra. Valencia, Km. 88. Tel. 965 656 200 Fax 965 655 644 TORREVIEJA Avda. Cortes Valencianas, 58. Esquina Crucero Baleares. Tel. 966 708 445 Fax 965 718 722 MATERIALS CONSTRUCCIÓ ROCA ALTEA Bon Repós, s/n. Edif. Glorieta I. Tel. 965 841 507 HIJOS DE JUAN RIBES BENISSA Avda. de la Estación, 2. Tel. 965 730 419 CALPE Avda. Ejércitos Españoles, Edificio Apolo VII, Local 10. Tel./Fax 965 839 105 LLACER INSTALACIONES Y SERVICIOS DENIA Pedreguer, 10-12 Tel. 965 781 635 Fax 965 789 821 AZULEJOS JAVEA JAVEA Liverpool, 4. Tel. 965 791 036 ELDECO FLORENCIO CABALLERO LA NUNCIA Ctra. BenidormLa Nuncia, Km. 9 (Complejo Trópico). Tel. 966 874 360

■ ALMERÍA PORCELANOSA ALMERÍA Avda. Mediterráneo, 2º tramo. Tel. 950 143 567 Fax 950 142 067

EL EJIDO Ctra. N-340, Km. 411. Tel. 950 483 285 Fax 950 486 500 VICAR Centro Comercial Viapark, Parc 1. Tel. 950 325 575 Fax 950 338 651 ■ ASTURIAS GARCÍA MILLÁN AVILÉS Gutiérrez Herrero, 11. Tel. 985 549 744 Fax 985 544 543 OVIEDO Cerdeño, s/n. Tel. 985 113 696 Fax 985 110 279 ■ ÁVILA PAVIMARSA ÁVILA Pol. Ind. Vicolozano, parcela 2. Tel. 920 259 820 Fax 920 259 821 ■ BADAJOZ PORCELANOSA MÉRIDA Avda. Reina Sofía, 8. Tel. 924 330 218 Fax 924 330 315 GALLERY CERAMIC BADAJOZ N-V Madrid-Lisboa, Km. 399. Tel. 924 229 144 Fax 924 229 143 ■ BARCELONA PORCELANOSA L’HOSPITALET DE LLOBREGAT Ciències, 65. Gran Vía l’Hospitalet. Tel. 932 642 500 Fax 932 007 036 COMERCIAL MAESTRO CANET CANOVELLES Pol. Can Castells, nau 7-8. Tel. 938 466 568 Fax 938 409 216 PRAT MATERIALS I MAQUINARIA MANRESA Mossen Jacint Verdaguer, 26. Tel./Fax 938 741 903 NAVAS De Mujar, 52. Tel. 938 204 033 Fax 938 204 098 AMARGANT PINEDA DE MAR Santiago Rusiñol, 96. Tel. 937 671 416 Fax 937 670 894 SANT POL Passeig Parc, 1. Tel. 937 600 112 Fax 937 600 411 CASANOVA SABADELL Avda. Rafael Casanova, 24. Tel. 937 481 015 Fax 937 274 834 ST. FRUITOS DE BAGÉS Ctra. De Manresa a Berga, Km. 1. Naus 2-7. Tel. 938 770 625 Fax 938 776 530 TERRASA Avda Can Jofresa, nau 4-5. Cant Ptge. Marie Curie. Tel. 902 934 094 Fax 902 934 099 GARRO ST. BOI DE LLOBREGAT Ctra. Sta. Creu de Calafell, km. 10,7. Tel. 936 545 952 Fax 938 400 620 SUMCO ST. PERE DE RIBES Ctra. De Barcelona C-246, Km 42,4. Tel. 938 933 016 Fax 938 741 066 VILLAFRANCA Pol. Ind. Domenys II. Avda. Tarragona 136. Tel. 938 933 066 Fax 938 936 004 JODUL TARRADELL Ctra. de Vic, Km 5,8. Tel. 938 800 800 Fax 938 126 054 JOAN DOT TORELLÓ Ter, 50. Tel. 938 504 646 Fax 938 504 286

■ BURGOS CERÁMICA DE LAS MERINDADES MEDINA DE POMAR Avda. Bilbao, 11. Tel. 947 192 081 Fax 947 192 082 BIGMAT FONTECHA BURGOS Alcalde Martín Cobos, 15. Naves 5 y 6. Tel. 947 483 902 Fax 947 483 941 ■ CÁCERES PORCELANOSA CÁCERES Avda. Juan Pablo II, 130. Tel. 927 236 337 Fax 927 236 205 BIGMAT CAYUELA MORALEJA Avda. Extremadura, 26. Tel. 927 515 198 Fax 927 147 266 ALICATADORES ROMU, S.A. PLASENCIA Avda. del Valle, 59. Tel. 927 426 493 Fax 927 426 495 ■ CÁDIZ PORCELANOSA EL PUERTO DE SANTA MARÍA Pol. El Palmar. Carretera Madrid-Cádiz, Km. 653,2. Tel. 956 540 083 Fax 956 540 083 ALGECIRAS Ctra. de Málaga, Km. 109. Tel. 956 635 282 Fax 956 635 285 CÁDIZ Avda. José León de Carranza, esq. Plaza Jeréz. Tel. 956 205 622 Fax 956 266 362 JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA Carretera N-IV. Parque Empresarial, parcela D1. Tel. 956 187 160 Fax 956 302 904 SAN FERNANDO Polígono Tres Caminos, s/n. Tel. 956 592 36 Fax 956 592 833 GRAVIGRES S.L. CHICLANA Pol. Ind. Urbisur. Severo Ochoa, 57. Tel. 956 400 108 Fax 956 400 650 ALMECOR OLVERA Llana, 47. Tel./Fax 956 120 776 DOCURRI UBRIQUE Fernando Quiñones, 1. Tel. 956 461 838 Fax 956 460 384 AZULGRIF VILLAMARTIN Rosario, 9. Tel. 956 730 687 Fax 956 730 911

■ CANTABRIA PORCELANOSA SANTANDER Avda. Parayas, s/n. Tel. 942 352 510 Fax 942 352 638 TORRELAVEGA Boulevard Demetrio Herrero, 1. Tel. 942 835 026 Fax 942 881 787 ■ CASTELLÓN PORCELANOSA CASTELLÓN DE LA PLANA Asensi, 9. Tel. 964 239 162 Fax 964 238 930 VILLARREAL Ctra. Villarreal-Onda, Km. 3. Tel. 964 506 800 Fax 964 525 418 VINAROZ Ctra. N-340, Km. 1.050,1. Tel. 964 400 944 Fax 964 400 650 ■ CEUTA BAEZA CEUTA Ampliación muelle de Poniente, 96. Tel. 956 511 312 Fax 956 511 309 ■ CIUDAD REAL PORCELANOSA CIUDAD REAL Ctra. de Carrión, Km. 1. Tel. 926 251 730 Fax 926 255 741 ALCAZAR DE SAN JUAN Corredera, 56. Tel./Fax 926 546 727 TOMELLOSO Avda. de los Industriales, parcela 9. Tel. 926 259 206 Fax 926 529 207 ■ CÓRDOBA PORCELANOSA CÓRDOBA Ctra. Nacional IV, Km. 404. Pol. de Torrecilla. Tel. 957 760 024 Fax 957 760 123 JOSE SÁNCHEZ CARRETERO CASTRO DEL RÍO Ronda Vieja Salud, 68. Tel./Fax 957 372 775 FRAPECO DECO S.L. LUCENA Ejido Plaza de Toros. Tel. 957 509 334 ANTONIO HIDALGO SALIDO MONTILLA Avda. Andalucía, 36. Tel. 957 651 726 JUAN PRIETO E HIJOS S.L. VILLA DEL RIO Carretera Bujalance, s/n. Tel. 957 177 693 Fax 957 177 335

■ CUENCA MAT. CONST. MARTÍNEZ ORTEGA CASAS DE HARO Dos de Mayo, 28. Tel./Fax 969 380 708 PORCELANOSA CUENCA Hermanos Becerril, 6 bajo. Tel. 969 233 200 Fax 969 234 475 VICENTE DE LOS RIOS S.A. TARANCÓN Ctra. MadridValencia, 81. Tel. 969 321 323 Fax 969 321 334 ALMACENES PAÑOS S.L. VILLANUEVA DE LA JARA Camino de Rubielos, 8. Tel./Fax 969 498 000 ■ GIRONA OLIVERAS ANGLÁS Verneda, 5. Tel. 972 423 018 Fax 972 423 051 CORNELLA DEL TERRI Ctra. De Girona a Banyoles, Km. 12,8. Tel. 972 594 131 Fax 972 594 552 FIGUERES Ctra. N-II Km. 759. Tel. 972 672 259 Fax 972 672 255 LES PRESSES Pol. Ind. Les Presses. Parcella 20. Tel. 972 694 704 Fax 972 693 003 PALOL D’ONYAR-QUART Ctra. Comarcal C-250, Km. 4,3. Tel. 972 468 119 Fax 972 468 123 BRECOR S.L. BLANES Ctra. Tordera, 79. Tel. 972 336 062 Fax 972 358 482 MATERIALES CREIXELL ESCLANYÀ-BEGUR Palafrugel Regencos P.I. Riera Esclanya, 1. Tel. 972 300 628 Fax 972 610 772 ■ GRANADA TECMACER ARMILLA Avda. San Rafael (Junto Sprinter). Tel. 958 253 081 Fax 958 183 367 ■ GUIPÚZCOA JORGE FERNÁNDEZ GUIPUZKOA SAN SEBASTIÁN Pol. Belartza. Fernando Múgika, 15. Tel. 943 376 966 Fax 943 376 841

■ HUELVA PORCELANOSA HUELVA Ctra. Tráfico Pesado, s/n. Pol. La Paz. Tel. 959 543 600 Fax 959 234 652 ■ HUESCA BERGES CENTRO COMERCIAL FRAGA Avda. Aragón, 70 Tel./Fax 974 471 439 PORCELANOSA HUESCA Pol. Sepes. Ronda la Industria 1-3. Nave C. Tel. 974 242 738 Fax 974 242 676 ■ ISLAS BALEARES PORCELANOSA Gran Vía Asima, 21. Pol. Son Castelló. Tel. 971 430 667 Fax 971 297 094 INCA (MALLORCA) Pagesos s/n. Pol. Inca. Tel. 971 507 650 Fax 971 507 656 SANT ANTONI DE PORTMANY (IBIZA) Pol. Monte Cristo, s/n. Ctra. Ibiza. Tel. 971 317 292 Fax 971 317 293 MAGATZEM SES FORQUES LLUCMAJOR (MALLORCA) Doctor Fleming, 10. Tel. 971 662 114 Fax 971 662 816 PORCELANOSA SOLLER (CA’N SOLER) Calle del mar,167 Tel. 971 630 219 PORCELANOSA MANACOR (GALMES) Calle Vía Palma, 102 Tel. 971 554 502 MACODOR, Ctra. Calonge-Cala D’Or Km. 1,5 Tel. 971 658 210 ■ JAÉN PORCELANOSA JAÉN Polígono Olivares. Carretera Bailén-Motril, Km 323. Tel./Fax 953 284 035 HNOS. MESA QUESADA CAMPILLOS DE ARENAS Ctra. Casablanca, s/n. Tel. 953 309 523 VIFERSAN S.L. HUELMA Virgen de la Fuensanta, 61. Tel. 953 391 413 HERNÁNDEZ GÁMEZ S.L. LINARES Ctra. Torreblascopedro, s/n. Tel./Fax 953 693 423 ÚBEDA Avda. de la Libertad, 88. Tel./Fax 953 735 168 MAT. CONST. Y SAN. HIJOS MARTÍN SÁNCHEZ VILLACARRILLO José Rodero Mataran, 53. Tel. 953 454 167

MATERIALS PIRINEU LA SEU D’URGEL Ctra. de Lleida, 28. Tel. 973 351 850 Fax 973 353 410 EXCLUSIVAS DE HORMIGÓN PREFABRICADO LLEIDA Ctra. Tarragona, Km. 40. Tel. 973 202 350 Fax 973 203 113 RAMÓN MEDA TÀRREGA Avda. Tarragona s/n. Tel. 973 312 900 Fax 973 310 220 COMERCIAL RIBERA VIELHA Ctra. França, 40 (Mig Aran). Tel. 973 641 460 Fax 973 642 271 ■ LUGO ALMACENES BAHÍA S.L. FOZ Maestro Lugilde, 6. Tel. 982 140 957 ARIAS NADELA LUGO Tolda de Castilla, s/n. Tel. 982 245 725 ■ MADRID PORCELANOSA LEGANÉS Avda. Recomba, 13. Pol. La Laguna. Salida 53-M50. Tel. 914 819 200 Fax 916 930 292 ALCOBENDAS Parque Río Norte. Tel. 916 623 232 Fax 916 624 607 ALCORCÓN Ctra. N-V, Km. 15,5. Parque Oeste de Alcorcón. Tel. 916 890 172 Fax 916 890 170 MADRID Ortega y Gasset, 62. Esquina Conde Peñalver. Tel. 914 448 460 Fax 914 025 111 Alcalá, 514. Tel. 917 545 161 Fax 917 545 555 ■ MÁLAGA PORCELANOSA MÁLAGA Avda. Velázquez, 77. Tel. 952 241 375 Fax 952 240 092 ANTEQUERA Río de la Villa, 3. Pol. Industrial. Tel. 952 701 819 Fax 952 843 751 MARBELLA Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 65. Tel. 952 826 868 Fax 952 822 880 ■ MELILLA MELIRIF S.L. MELILLA Paseo Marítimo Mir Berlanga, 23. Edificio Athena. Local 1. Tel. 952 696 174 Fax 952 696 331

■ LEÓN PORCELANOSA SAN ANDRÉS DEL RABANEDO Ctra. León-Astorga, Km. 3,5. Tel. 987 801 570 Fax 987 801 475

■ MURCIA PORCELANOSA MURCIA Avda. Juan de Borbón, s/n. Parque Comercial Thader. Tel. 968 879 527 Fax 981 831 725 CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ Avda. Ctra. Granada, 20. Tel. 968 705 647 Fax 968 705 648 CARTAGENA Belgrado. Parcela 81. Pol. Industrial Cabezo Beaza. Tel. 968 529 302 Fax 968 528 362 LORCA Ctra. de Granada, 127. Pol. Ind. Los Peñones. Tel. 968 478 130 Fax 968 470 820 YECLA Avda. de la Paz, 195. Tel./Fax 968 718 048

■ LLEIDA PRETENSADOS RIBERA EL PONT DE SUERT Ctra. N-230, Km. 124,5. Tel. 973 690 063 Fax 973 690 400

■ NAVARRA MONTEJO CERÁMICAS MUTILVA BAJA Pol. Ctra. Tajonar, Calle 2, Naves 2-4. Tel. 948 239 065 Fax 948 230 503

■ LA RIOJA RIOJACER LOGROÑO Avda. de Burgos, 43. Tel. 941 286 021 Fax 941 202 271 ■ LAS PALMAS PORC. Y PAV. CANARIOS LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA Avda. Mesa y López, 63. Tel. 928 472 949 Fax 928 472 944

PAMPLONA Navas de Tolosa, s/n. Tel. 948 224 000 Fax 948 226 424 TUDELA Ctra. Tudela-Tarazona. Pol. Ctro. de Servicios de Tudela. Tel. 948 848 365 Fax 948 848 573 CERÁMICAS CECILIO CHIVITE CIENTRUÉNIGO Pol. Ind. s/n. Variante N-113. Tel. 948 811 973 Fax 948 815 249 ■ OURENSE GREMASA MNL ABAD SABUCEDO S.L. OURENSE Nosa Señora da Sainza, 48. Tel. 988 391 114 Fax 988 250 413 ■ PALENCIA CANTALAPIEDRA PALENCIA Juan Ramón Jiménez, 4-6. Tel. 979 706 421 Fax 979 702 652 ■ PONTEVEDRA SANEAMIENTOS ROSALES SEIXO, MARÍN Doctor Otero Ulloa, 1. Tel. 986 702 041 Fax 986 702 080 VIGO García Barbón, 139-B. Tel. 986 228 806 GREMASA Monte Faquiña-Tameiga. MOS. Tel. 986 288 041 ■ SALAMANCA PORCELANOSA SALAMANCA Pol. Villares. Ctra. Salamanca-Valladolid, Km. 2,5. Tel. 923 243 811 Fax 923 123 414 ■ SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE PORC. Y PAV. CANARIOS SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Avda. 3 de Mayo, 18. Tel. 922 209 595 Fax 922 209 596 SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA Abenguareme, 3. Tel. 922 412 143 Fax 922 420 012 LOS LLANOS DE ARIDANE Las Rosas, s/n. Tel. 922 461 112 Fax 922 461 166 ■ SEGOVIA SEGOCER EL ESPINAR Ctra. MadridA Coruña, Km. 64. Tel. 921 172 426 Fax 921 171 828 SEGOVIA José Zorrilla, 134. Tel. 921 444 122 ■ SEVILLA PORCELANOSA SEVILLA Pol. Ind. La Negrilla. Tipografía s/n (Autovía A-92, dirección Granada). Tel. 954 579 595 Fax 954 578 304 DOS HERMANAS Parque Cial., Zona 2. Doctor Fleming, Sector 13, Parcela 3. Tel./Fax 955 661 368 TOMARES San Roque, s/n. Polígono El Manchón. Tel. 954 152 792 Fax 954 153 188 HERNÁNDEZ CARBALLO S.L. LORA DEL RÍO Betis s/n. Tel. 955 800 473 Fax 955 801 439 ■ SORIA MAT. CONSTRUCCIÓN ODORICIO S.L. SORIA Pol. Las Casas-II. Calles A y J, parcela 201.

Tel. 975 233 228 Fax 975 232 188 ■ TARRAGONA MONSERRATE ESTIL CERAMIC S.L. CAMBRILS Pol. Ind. Belianes nau 5. Ctra. Cambrils-Montbrió. Tel. 977 364 900 Fax 977 364 953 VIUDA DE ANTONIO FONT EL VEDRELL Valls, 12. Tel. 977 660 794 Fax 977 662 217 SEGURA DISSENY S.L. REUS Plz. Del Nen de les Oques, 8. Tel. 977 312 502 Fax 977 317 211 CONSTRUCCIONS CIURO RODA DE BARA Acceso a Roda de Bara, Km. 1. Tel. 977 802 951 Fax 977 802 012 RAMÓN MAGRIÑA BATALLA Montblanc, 14. Tel. 977 600 210 Fax 977 603 302 ■ TERUEL GARGÓN TERUEL Pol. La Paz, P. 143-149. Tel. 978 609 661 ■ VALENCIA PORCELANOSA ALBUIXECH Avda. Mediterráneo, parcela 6. Pol. Ind. del Mediterráneo. Tel. 961 400 561 Fax 961 401 078 GANDÍA Camí Vell de Daimus, parcela 307. Tel. 962 965 105 Fax 962 965 980 PATERNA Zona Cial. Heron City, Pista Ademuz, S. 6-7 - Calle V-1. Parc.1 Sec.14. Tel. 963 160 348 Fax 963 160 599 SEDAVÍ Avenida Mediterráneo, 28. Zona Cial. de Sedaví. Tel. 963 185 021 Fax 963 180 094 VALENCIA Colón, 56. Tel. 963 530 230 Fax 963 531 688 ■ VALLADOLID CANTALAPIEDRA VALLADOLID Don Sancho, 3/5. Tel. 983 217 921 Fax 983 308 292 Ctra. de Soria A-24, Km. 5. Tel. 983 217 010 Fax 983 200 921 ■ VIZCAYA BILBU AMOREBIETA Barrio Boroa, s/n. Tel. 946 731 158 Fax 946 733 265 BILBAO Iturriaga, 78.

Tel. 944 113 018 Fax 944 128 637 Alameda Recalde, 39-41. Tel. 944 218 625 Fax 944 218 879 ■ ZAMORA PORCELANOSA ZAMORA Avda. Cardenal Cisneros, s/n. Tel. 980 519 283 Fax 980 529 404 ■ ZARAGOZA PORCELANOSA ZARAGOZA Autovía de Logroño, Km. 2. Tel. 976 403 131 Fax 976 300 094 Plataforma Logística. Taormina, 2. Tel. 876 269 500 Fax 876 269 389 Parque Comercial Puerto Venecia. Tel. 976 930 800 Fax 976 930 603

INTERNATIONAL ALBANIA Tirana ARGENTINA Buenos Aires/ Mar del Plata/ Mendoza ARMENIA Yerevan AUSTRALIA Adelaide/ Brisbane/ Hobart/ Launceston/ Melbourne/ Newcastle West/ Perth/ Sydney/ Sunshine Coast AUSTRIA Graz/ Linz/ Salzburg AZERBAIJAN Baku BAHRAIN Manamah BELGIUM Heist-op-den-berg BERMUDA Pembroke BOLIVIA Santa Cruz BOSNIAHERZEGOVINA Banja Luka/ Citluk/ Sarajevo BRAZIL Parana-Campo Largo BULGARIA Blagoevgrad/ Burgas/ Petric/ Plovdiv/ Sofia/ Varna BYELORUSSIA Minsk CAMBODIA Phnom Penh CAMEROON Douala CANADA Moncton/ Vancouver/ Woodbridge CHILE Santiago de Chile CHINA Beijing/ Chongqing/ Dalian/ Fuzhou/ Guangzhou/ Haikou/ Hangzhou/ Hong Kong/ Kunming/ Shanghai/ Shenzhen/ Wenzhou/ Wuhan/ Wuxi/ Xian COLOMBIA Cali CONGO REPUBLIC Kinshasa COSTA RICA San José CROATIA Dubrovnik/ Porec/ Pula/ Rijeka/ Split/ Varazdin/ Zagreb CYPRUS Limassol CZECH REPUBLIC Liberec/ Prague DENMARK Glostrup/ Odense DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Santo Domingo

ECUADOR Guayaquil/ Quito EGYPT Cairo EL SALVADOR San Salvador ESTONIA Tallinn FINLAND Vantaa FRANCE Ajaccio/ Arcueil/ Aubagne/ Beaucouze/ Besançon/ Biguglia/ Brest/ Chambray les Tours/ Champagne au Mont d’Or/ Chasseneuil du Poitou/ Chenôve/ Coignières/ Guerande/ La Chapelle Saint Aubin/ La Roche-sur-Yon/ Les Pennes Mirabeau (Plan de Campagne)/ Lezennes/ Lorient/ Merignac/ Mondeville/ Montigny/ Nîmes/ Olivet/ Orvault/ Perols/ Saint-Gregoire/ Sotteville les Rouen/ Vannes/ Vendenheim/ Vert Saint Denis/ Wittenheim FRENCH GUIANA Cayenne GEORGIA Tbilisi GERMANY ACHIM/ Aschaffenburg/ Bad Salzuflen/ Bautzen/ Beeskow/ BergischGladbach/ Berlin/ Boffzen/ Bottrop/ Bruchsal/ Burgstädt/ Crailsheim/ Dortmund/ Elterlein/ Erkrath/ ERFURT/ Frankfurt/ Freiburg/ Fulda/ Gera/ Görlitz/ Nuremberg/ Hamburg/ Haren/ EMS/ Itzehoe/ Kehl/ Koblenz/ Kranichfeld/ Löbnitz/ Lübeck/ Mainz/ Meschede/ Münster/ Munich/ Nordhausen/ Plauen/ Postdam OT Fahrland/ Radebeul/ Reutlingen/ Ronnenberg/ Schramberg/ Schwabach/ StuhrMoordrecht/ Stuttgart/ Völklinger/ Vs-Schwenningen/ Weinsberg/ Wiesbaden-Biebrich/ Zwethau GREECE Attica/ Athens/ Larissa/ Lefkada/ Loannina/ Serres/ Thessalonica GUADELOUPE (WEST INDIES) Baie Mahault/ Saint Bartholomew GUATEMALA Guatemala City HAITI Puerto Príncipe/ Petionville HUNGARY Budapest/ Debrecen/ Eger/ Gyongyus/ Miskolc ICELAND Reykjavik INDIA New Delhi INDONESIA Bandung/ Jakarta/ Semarang/ Surabaya IRAN Teheran IRELAND Cork ISRAEL Haifa/ Bnei Brak/ Modi’in/ Raanana/ Rishon LeZion/ Jerusalem ITALY Andria/Corsico/ Sassuolo/ Rome IVORY COAST Abidjan JERSEY ISLAND St. Saviour JORDAN Amman KAZAKHSTAN Almaty KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Bishkek KOSOVO Pristina KUWAIT Safat LATVIA Riga LEBANON Beirut LIBYA Benghazi/ Tripoli LITHUANIA Alytus

MACEDONIA Skopje MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur MALTA Birkirkara MARTINIQUE (FRENCH ANTILLES) Le Lamentin MEXICO Interlomas/ Tlalnepantla MOLDAVIA Chisinau MONTENEGRO Bar MOROCCO Casablanca/ Marrakech/ Rabat/ Tangier NEPAL Kathmandu NETHERLANDS Venlo NEW ZEALAND Auckland NICARAGUA Managua OMAN PAKISTAN Karachi PANAMA Panama City PERU Lima PHILIPPINES Makati/ Manila POLAND Bialystok/ BielskoBiala/ Czestochowa/ Gliwice/ Gorzów/ Jelenia Góra/ Katowice/ Kielce/ Krakow/ Lodz/ Lublin/ Opole/ Poznan/ Radom/ Rzeszow/ Sopot/ Szczecin/ Torun/ Warsaw/ Wroclaw PORTUGAL Guia Albufeira/ Lisbon/ Porto/ Viseu PRINCIPALITY OF ANDORRA Andorra la Vella QATAR REUNION ISLAND Saint Denis/ Saint Pierre RUMANIA Bacau/ Brasov/ Bucharest/ Constanta/ Craiova/ Iasi/ Oradea/ Pitesti/ Ploiesti RUSSIA Bryansk/ Ekaterinburg/ Irkutsk/ Kazan/ Krasnodar/ Krasnoyarsk/ Makhachkala/ Moscow/ Novosibirsk/ Rostov-na-Donu/ Samara/ Sochi/ Petersburg/ Stavropol/ Surgut/ Tyumen SAUDI ARABIA Jeddah/ Riyadh SENEGAL Dakar SERBIA Belgrade/ Novi Sad SINGAPORE Singapore SLOVENIA Ljubljana/ Maribor SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town/ Durban/ Johannesburg SOUTH KOREA Seoul SUDAN Khartoum SWEDEN Danderyd/ Enköping/ Hässleholm/ Malmö/ Mölndal SWITZERLAND Basel/ Bern/ Cressier/ Geneva/ Lanquart/ Losone/ Lucerne/ Pura/ Schlieren SYRIA TAIWAN Kaohsiung/ Taichung/ Tainan/ Taipei THAILAND Bangkok/ Pattaya TOGO Lome TUNISIA Tunis/ Tunis Cedex TURKEY Istanbul UKRAINE Donetsk/ Kharkov/ Kiev/ Odessa UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Abu Dhabi UNITED KINGDOM Bangor/ Birmingham/ Bristol/ Cardiff/ Croydon/ Doncaster/ Edinburgh/ Exeter/ Fulham/ Glasgow/ Leeds/ Leicester/ London/ Manchester/ Newcastle/Norwich/ Nottingham/ Peterborough/ Reading/ Sheffield/ Solihull/ Southampton/ Warrington/ Watford URUGUAY Montevideo UZBEKISTAN USA Anaheim/ Boston/ Chicago/ East Brunswick/ Dallas/ Miami/ Paramus/ Pompano Beach/ Ramsey/ Riverside/ Rockville/ San José/ Westbury PORCELANOSA NYC New York Design Center 200 Lexington Ave, suite 609 New York, NY 10016 Tel. 212 252 7370 VENEZUELA Caracas VIETNAM Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City YEMEN

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL BE TALKING ABOUT...

Photos: SANTIAGO CALATRAVA, LLC RETRATO: MICHAEL FALCO

World Trade Center Transportation Hub

Wo r l d Tr a d e C e n t e r Transportation Hub is an

ambitious project commissioned by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to the well-known architect Santiago Calatrava so as to replace the old transportation hub destroyed in the 9/11 attacks. A focus point whose functional objective will be to significantly improve the connections with Lower Manhattan: the PATH trains and underground lines (1, 9, N and R) will converge there. Besides, it will also serve as a nexus to link the Towers 1-4, Liberty Place, Memorial Site and the World Financial Center. In order to hugely simplify that which might look like a confused maze of underground passages, Calatrava has projected the transport hub so that it can be perceived as a series of distinct spaces but with unifying characteristics, such as colour and materials: steel, concrete, stone and glass prevail. Concerning lighting, the architect has given great importance to natural light, as a powerful symbol of hope and vitality. The World Trade Center Transportation Hub is scheduled to be completed at the beginning of 2015. It will be another of the different reshaping projects developed at Ground Zero to promote again this New York district. /

SANTIAGO CALATRAVA To summarize in this page the work of this Valencian architect and sculptor specialized in big structures would be virtually impossible. For this reason, we will only highlight his Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts, his National Architecture Award and his American Institute of Architects Gold Medal.