Design Showcase: serene living spaces

ALEJANDRO GIMÉNEZ ARCHITECTS

Creating Serene and Welcoming Living Spaces on the Costa del Sol

Located in Marbella, in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Alejandro Giménez Architects comprises an experienced team of architects and interior designers who have been developing cutting-edge architectural projects for more than 20 years. Their key focus is on the design of creative architecture that is highlighted by meticulous attention to detail, using local and natural materials. “On the Costa del Sol, which is suffering from a loss of its architectural identity,” they note, “our aim is to create contemporary architecture that still gives a nod to traditional Andalucían and Mediterranean architecture. Using water, natural light and a mélange of textures, we seek to create spaces that provide serenity and tranquility. “We believe in architecture with roots… architecture that is linked to a place where Andalucían tradition is in harmony with modernity while still maintaining its soul.” Alejandro Giménez Architects focuses on design and timelessness through this coming together of tradition and modernity, always seeking the best of Mediterranean architecture to create contemporary spaces where details and materials play a significant role. Each project is personal and unique, and all details and materials are carefully chosen, with the objective of creating a warm space with an identity of its own. Each creative process of a project is developed hand-in-hand with interior design experts to achieve a cosy, comfortable and contemporary style.

VILLA SENSES - A STUNNING FAMILY HOME OVERLOOKING THE SEA

Alejandro Giménez Architects was an integral part of the team that created this stunning family villa. The design starts from a core base of the sea, sky and vistas, showcasing the property’s location and reversing the customary distribution of a house. The sleeping and lounging areas are located on the ground floor, and everyday activities and magnificent views are enjoyed on the first floor, complemented by a spacious terrace. The house is designed with meticulous detail, taking the utmost care to choose the most appropriate materials that enhance its Mediterranean roots and contemporary-style spaces. The design features open and bright spaces that create a direct connection between the interior and outdoor areas.

Peter Meirsman, managing director of Nalipemi, the construction company that was responsible for the build, comments, “The project was initially meant to be a reformation, but in the end the old building was knocked down and we started the construction of the new property from scratch. We had never worked with Alejandro before but found him to be very professional, and his designs very inspiring. We loved how the project was so related to traditional Andalucian style but then added what we felt were Asian influences to the design, with rounded corners, varnished plastered walls and wooden features of perhaps Japanese influence. The build took around 15 months in total and it was a pleasure to work with everyone involved, and also to be a part of the project itself as it was so unique.”

Alejandro Giménez Architects Tel. (+34) 951 253 412 / (+34) 652 591 405 estudio@alejandrogimenez.net www.alejandrogimenez.net

Nalipemi (Peter Meirsman) Tel. (+34) 619 342 043 www.nalipemi.com Photos by Mercedes Higuero

OCEAN VIEW

BESPOKE HOMES DESIGNED FOR WELLBEING

A selection of prime contemporary homes is being created on the Costa del Sol that truly stands out. Those who take a close look will discover that Ocean View has a completely different property development philosophy – one that is especially good news for owners. If you do take the time, in person, to find out more about these homes, you will love the drive up through country scenery, and most definitely the spectacular views back across the coastal plain and sea to Marbella, Gibraltar and northern Africa. Behind you are wooded slopes at the entrance to the hill club community of La Mairena, while stretching out immediately in front of you is a 230-hectare section of protected nature, providing views across verdant natural surroundings towards the sea from each of the 44 apartments and penthouses. The spectacular views and setting are just two of the elements that go into the making of a community of homes – especially one of such high calibre – but they do form the all-important starting point from which all else flows. “It is no coincidence that Ocean View has a location of this kind, as we are committed to only build if we find land that fulfils a long list of requirements, and above all captures the imagination,” says experienced German developer Sascha Falk, owner of the FRD Group. Having discovered a location that fired his imagination and his passion for creating beautiful homes, he took the next key step: building the right team for the project. For this he joined forces with Tony Parrado as general manager, a professional with three decades of experience building luxury villas in places such as La Zagaleta, and above all someone who shares his passion for this fast-moving business sector.

New Sources of Inspiration “We also share a desire to focus on uncompromised quality, and to shun quantity. We’re a boutique developer that creates madeto-measure homes with a clear emphasis on the client and a love for the product,” say Sascha and Tony, who bring all their expertise in this industry to the project and the building of a team that they are very proud of. “We developed this project from a different premise, wanting to create homes that are a delight to be in, so we sought inspiration from stylish boutique hotels and introduced elements into Ocean View that give it a distinct character, look and feel.” Entering this select development sets the tone for Ocean View, reflecting these qualities: fine-quality stone, wood, glass, lighting and luxurious lifts. The layout, materials, dimensions and space follow this pattern of exclusivity and tasteful styling; and – if the standard finishing is already extremely special – then the buyer’s freedom to choose their own materials and finishes goes beyond anything available on the market today. “Essentially, we give owners the ability to almost completely personalise their new home to their taste and requirements,” says Tony, “and it comes with the full support of myself and our professional interior design team. Our input in creating an expression of style and setting the tone for quality of life and wellbeing extends from the sumptuous interiors and terraces of the apartments and penthouses through to the personalised furniture selection for each owner.” Bespoke living – the very essence of Ocean View.

Ocean View Marbella Centro Comercial Elviria, Ground Floor, Local Nº7, Marbella Tel. (+34) 951 255 255 info@oceanviewmarbella.com www.oceanviewmarbella.com