Pro Landscaper Gulf September 2015

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

September 2015

DESIGNING

LOCAL AL BARARI

DUNCAN DENLEY EXPLAINS

Details of the new development

MOST INFLUENTIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

BIG INTERVIEW MUHAMMAD NADEEM ANWAR Cover GULF.indd 1

26/08/2015 16:43

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Full pages.indd 53 pro_landscaper_210x265_HOC_0815.indd 1

26/08/2015 11:45 24/08/15 11:17

WELCOME

September 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 3

Concept to Delivery

GULF

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

September 2015

DES IGNI NG

AL BARARI

LOCAL DUNCAN DENLEY EXPLAINS

Details of the new development

Welcome to September 2015

MOST INFLU ENTI AL LANDSCAPE COMPANIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

BIG INTERVIEW MOHAMMED NADEEM ANWA

Welcome to the September issue of Pro Landscaper Gulf. We’re delighted to announce that from this issue onwards, Pro Landscaper Gulf will be published on a monthly basis.

As the Pro Landscaper brand continues to make waves, we wanted to let you know that we are a business to business magazine that aims to help you and your peers create a thriving industry that we all can be proud of.

We are asking for your help in sharing your ideas and experiences

Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 570 Publisher – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 589 EDITORIAL PLGulf@eljays44.com Editor – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 579 Commissioning Editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 577 Editorial Assistant – Jack Bacon jack.bacon@eljays44.com +44 (0)1903 777 573 Production Editor – Susie Duff susie.duff@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 578 Subeditor – Toby Wilsdon toby.wilsdon@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 578

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LEADER.indd 3

with your fellow landscapers through Pro Landscaper Gulf magazine.

We have loads of great features this month including a look at tree care in the region from landscaper Mark Laurence, advice from desert INK on how to use regional products to ‘design local’ and from TerraVerde on the importance of getting a good client brief when designing a domestic garden.

We have a great interview with Muhammad Nadeem Anwar, executive landscape engineer at Hortus Landscaping Works LLC; inspirational projects from Space Designs and Baharash Architecture, and a site visit to Al Barari’s stunning luxury green development.

To top it off we have an example of an international project from British designers Bowles & Wyer, who took on the brief to create a modern garden in sympathy with an avant-garde house and the Rocky Mountain landscape surrounding it.

This issue sees the introduction of our Most Influential section, in which we

ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 588 Sales Executive – Ben Cumberland ben.cumberland@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 571 Horticulture Careers – Laura Harris laura.harris@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 587 Accounts Assistant – Lisa Woollard accounts@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 570 Managing Director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 589

R

will be profiling a selection of Middle Eastern landscaping companies and giving some insight into why they are the most influential in the region.

We take a detailed look at the new winged bench from Bluestream and that company’s collaboration with a German-based landscape architecture firm and we have a question and answer feature from Rensons. Finally, we have the products section, offering information on equipment available to landscapers in the region and if you turn to page 44, you will find the announcement of a brand new event.

Don’t forget to look out for the next Pro Landscaper Gulf issue in October!

Joe Wilkinson Committed to producing the best landscape magazine in the region.

Design – Amy Downes Kara Thomas Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture Pro Landscaper’s content is available for licensing overseas. Contact jamie.wilkinson@ eljays44.com

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Tel: +44 (0)1903 777571 Subscription enquiries jessica.garrard@eljays44.com

GULF

Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

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The best in UK landscape and garden design

T HE FU T URE OF L A NDSCA PING

SAVE THE DATE: 17 NOVEMBER 2015 www.futurescapeevent.com FutureScapePage.indd 1

19/05/2015 15:05

CONTENTS

September 2015 Volume 1 Issue 3

GULF

17 6

News Shed

8

Tenders

Industry news from the Gulf region

A list of current landscaping tenders in the Middle East

EXPERTS 10 Mark Laurence

Mark talks about the tree care industry

12

desert INK

14

TerraVerde

State Of Emergency

28

Living Landscape

Katie Hilal offers her advice for making sure you have a good client brief when designing a domestic garden

The executive landscape engineer of Hortus UAE LLC talks about his business in the UAE

PORTFOLIOS 22 Floating on Air

Space Designs’ domestic pool project apparently floats on air

www.prolandscaper.ae

UK design and build company Bowles & Wyer share their project from Spokane, USA Baharash Architecture lands Phase 2 of the Dubai Sustainable City project

32

FEATURES 32 Inside Al Barari

Pro Landscaper Gulf visits Al Barari, one of the most prestigious and environmentally conscious developments in the region

Duncan Denley explains how the Gulf can benefit from ‘designing locally’

INTERVIEW 17 Muhummad Nadeem Anwar

Contents.indd 5

25

12

MOST INFLUENTIAL 36 We bring you a selection of major companies to look out for in the region

PRODUCTS 46 Wing Bench From Bluestream

A collaboration between Bluestream and Laue Martens Industrial Design leads to the elegant new Wing Bench

48

Latest Products

51

Trading With Renson Sufyan Al-Masalmeh on solar shading

22 Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

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26/08/2015 16:50

NEWS

NEWS SHED Umm Slal Municipality plants 3,000 seedlings The parks section at the Services Affairs department of Umm Slal Municipality planted 3,000 seedlings of the Portulaca seasonal flower as well as 200 Dodonaea landscaping plants along Zekreet Road last month.

A total of 80,003sq m of grass was trimmed at Nasser Al-Attiyah Park and Al Kharaitiyat Park, Kentucky roundabout, Ahmed Bin

Ali Street, Civil Defence and Arwa Mart, according to a statement.

Other services included 17 tree trimming operations for the benefit of citizens, conducted through the ministry’s website, besides four applications through the parks section.

The section also conducted preventive spraying for 2,500 Sidr trees and hauled 4,900,000 gallons of water for irrigating trees in the municipality.

This included 700,000 gallons of fresh water and 4,200,000 gallons of treated water, the statement added. www.gulf-times.com

Green flag raised at three Abu Dhabi parks Three parks in the city have received an international award for their adherence to environmental standards.

The parks in Delma, Khalifa City and Al Rahba were given the Green Flag Award for the sustainable practices used in their management, reported Al Ittihad, the sister newspaper

of The National.

Abu Dhabi Municipality said the award was a result of its improvements in health and safety practices and energy efficiency.

The authority aims to expand green areas to provide more options for entertainment and recreation for residents. www.thenational.ae

New parks and plazas for Dubai underway

be ready by March 2016.

Among other projects, phase three of the Quran Park, valued at Dh26m is being implemented and the Dh21.3m Palm Park will be ready in December 2016.

Additional parks under construction are in Oud Al Muteenah, (Dh6m); Al Aweer (Dh5m); Al Twar 2 (Dh5m); Al Mankhool (Dh4m); Al Habab (Dh5m); Al Warqa’a (Dh4m); a public square in Al Barsha (Dh1.25m); a new park in Al Garhoud that will open early next year at a cost of Dh3.48m and a Dh6.3m park in Al Mizhar 2, which will be ready in May 2016. www.gulfnews.com

The are a number of new parks and public squares currently being built in Dubai. The projects, worth a total of Dh77m, will add more green and leisure spaces in the city.

In December, a Dh4.5m park will open in Nad Al Sheba 2, followed in the first quarter of 2016 by a public square in Muhaisnah 1 costing Dh2.5m. Another public square, will be completed by next May in Al Twar 2 costing approximately Dh2m. A third public square project in Al Warqa’a 3, worth Dh23m, will

Two million mangrove trees planted in Abu Dhabi The Environment Authority in Abu Dhabi has planted two million mangrove trees as part of efforts to protect an essential part of the coastal ecosystem.

The planting drive is a pre-emptive move by the agency to protect mangroves from the effects of development and expansion projects in the emirate.

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Mangrove trees provide a safe habitat for many species of birds and fish, supporting biodiversity and helping to replenish fish resources. Dr Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, executive director of the land and marine biodiversity sector, said the project’s main objective was to increase the mangrove canopy along Abu Dhabi’s coast.

Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

After careful consideration, the coastal line between the Abu Dhabi port and Thamiriya in the western region was chosen as the area for planting. “Mangrove trees, along with the coastal ecosystem, are the key for preserving the sustainability of our emirate and for ensuring a more sustainable future,” she said. www.thenational.ae

GULF

Submit your news stories to Pro Landscaper Gulf If you would like to submit any stories regarding Middle East landscaping projects, floating tenders, contract awards and new trends in green design and build, please email them to jack.bacon@eljays44.com or tweet to @PLGulfMagazine

www.prolandscaper.ae

26/08/2015 16:46

NEWS

Jeddah Municipality to tackle pollution at parks

Jeddah Municipality is concerned that the general public is polluting the city’s parks by smoking, littering and barbecuing irresponsibly, Al-Madinah reported.

New parks to open in Ras Al Khaimah

Three new parks will open in Ras Al Khaimah this year.

The parks are in Al Burairat, Al Jazira Al Hamrah and Shawkah, said an official at the Public Works and Services Department (PWSD).

They will be opened as soon as possible, the official added, noting that creating parks in residential areas is part of a master plan to increase green spaces in the emirate.

The official said that the PWSD is also carrying out comprehensive maintenance work at Al Saqr Park to expand the car park, increase green areas and build a new fence. www.thenational.ae

www.prolandscaper.ae

news.indd 7

Jeddah Municipality spokesman Mohammad Al-Bugamy said there are 540 parks in Jeddah and it is the responsibility of visitors as well as the city to maintain them.

He said: “Despite the non-smoking and littering signs, people are polluting the parks with their negligence and misconduct. We do not have enough officers monitoring the parks around the clock and we do not have any penalties for

those who smoke or litter.”

Resident Ahmad Al-Jihani said parks are the best place for a family outing as they are open and free. Parents can sit, relax and enjoy nature while the children can run about and play.

Agricultural engineer and consultant Niveen Afifi said the parks available at the moment are too small and contained.

“We need bigger parks that are open for children to run around.”

She added parks also need maintenance as negligence could turn a green area into a dumping ground where rats and insects gather. www.en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com

Saudi Arabia approves 168 municipal projects worth $266m Saudi Arabia has approved contracts worth USD $266m to implement 168 municipal projects across 14 governorates, the state news agency reported.

Projects include storm water drainage systems, environmental health projects, walkways, construction of municipality buildings and public facilities, seafront developments as well as several consultancy contracts, the Saudi Press Agency said.

Riyadh province will see projects worth USD $41.8m for public parks, walkways, cultural centres and water networks, while Jeddah will have contracts worth USD $46.3m awarded.

Projects in the Eastern Province – costing a total of USD $30.1m – will include studies on disabled friendly cities, the completion of northern Al-Khobar corniche, development of a number of

Dammam districts, rehabilitation of rainwater drainage plants, the vegetable and meat market in Al-Khafji and a garbage disposal plant in Al-Qaissoumah.

Asir Province will have projects worth USD $27.4m awarded for maintenance of street lamps, projects to prevent floods and rainwater drainage, and maintenance of drainage canals in Mahayil Asir, Tanoumah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Sarat Obeidah and Al-Farshah, plus natural recreation centres, public parks and walkways in Balqarn and Ahad Rufaidah.

Makkah projects will include preparation of plots for the planned district in Al-Bayda; management, operation and maintenance of a garbage dumping ground; and securing cleaning equipment for the municipality among others worth USD $11.3m. www.meconstructionnews.com

NEWS IN BRIEF Four favourites for Oman Cultural Complex project

Four companies have emerged as front-runners to win the construction contract for the Oman Cultural Complex project, which the Ministry of Heritage and Culture is planning as part of its strategy to promote cultural and artistic innovations in the country. www.muscatdaily.com

Parsons wins Dubai Expo 2020 site contract Construction consultancy Parsons is to carry out the design and supervise the construction of all infrastructure works for Dubai’s Expo 2020 site. www.thenational.ae

Plan to develop Al Bateen Beach and Al Sharia Park Abu Dhabi Municipality has two new projects for the capital – the Al Sharia Park and the Al Bateen Beach project. The beach project will convert Al Bateen into a vibrant waterfront recreation and leisure destination and will comprise three main zones – a ladies beach, a public beach and a waterfront walkway. Similarly, once the Sharia Park is fully developed, the entire area near Al Rabha will have a new feel, making it a unique leisure spot for both residents and visitors. www.gulfnews.com

$40m urged for Bahrain parks facelift Bahrain’s public parks and other facilities could be in line for a facelift after an additional BD15 million (USD 39.5m) budget was requested for maintenance, a report said. www.tradearabia.com

Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

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26/08/2015 16:47

TENDERS

TENDERS

A selection of projects open to tender across the GCC region

Saudi Arabia Tender Name

Description

Client

Tender Cost

Closing Date

Green Fields Construction

Construction of green fields and playgrounds in municipality

Makkah Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

267 USD

11/10/2015

Irrigation & Maintenance

Maintenance and irrigation of gardens, green fields and irrigation networks

Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs (Saudi Arabia)

533 USD

06/10/2015

Nursery Construction & Development

Construction and development of nursery

Jeddah Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

533 USD

05/10/2015

Nursery Maintenance & Operation

Project for maintenance and operation of nursery of municipality

Unayzah Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

533 USD

16/09/2015

Entries Improvement & Beautification

Improving and beautifying of entries

Eastern Region Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

533 USD

15/09/2015

Irrigation Water Rationalisation Devices

Supply, operation and maintenance of irrigation water rationalisation devices

Ministry of Agriculture (Saudi Arabia)

533 USD

14/09/2015

Plantations & Gardens Maintenance

Operation and maintenance of plantations and gardens

Riyadh Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

2667 USD

13/09/2015

Entries Improvement & Beautification

Provision of improving and beautifying of entries

Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs (Saudi Arabia)

267 USD

13/09/2015

Plantations & Gardens Maintenance

Operation and maintenance of plantations and gardens

Riyadh Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

2667 USD

13/09/2015

Gardens & Irrigation Networks Maintenance

Provision of maintenance of gardens and irrigation networks

Qassim Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

267 USD

13/09/2015

Nursery Construction

Construction of nursery for the municipality

Hasa Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

267 USD

09/09/2015

Parks Development

Provision of developing of parks

Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu (Saudi Arabia)

2400 USD

08/09/2015

Entries Improvement & Beautification

Improving and beautifying of entries

Najran Municipality (Saudi Arabia)

133 USD

08/09/2015

Client

Tender Cost

Closing Date

Oman Tender Name

Description

Palm Offshoot

Supply and plant palm offshoot

Muscat Municipality (Oman)

641 USD

04/10/2015

Beautification Works

Carrying out beautification of a residential area

Muscat Municipality (Oman)

513 USD

27/09/2015

Houseplant Care Works

Carrying out works of houseplant care

Oman Establishment for Press, Publication & Advertising

65 USD

21/09/2015

Advanced Irrigation Networks Green Houses & Pumping Units

Supply, installation, and commissioning of advanced irrigation networks and pumping units

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Oman)

974 USD

09/09/2015

Client

Tender Cost

Closing Date

Nakheel PJSC (Dubai)

1365 USD

07/09/2015

Dubai Tender Name Infrastructure Works

8

Tender.indd 8

Description Carrying out infrastructure works on various plots

Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

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26/08/2015 16:45

Abu Dhabi Tender Name Design & Supervision Services

Description Provision of design and supervision services for the development, rehabilitation and construction of new reservoirs, pumping station and irrigation networks to use TSE water as irrigation water

Client Department of Municipal Affairs - Western Region Municipality (Abu Dhabi)

Tender Cost

Closing Date

136 USD

15/09/2015

Qatar Tender Name

Description

Client

Tender Cost

Closing Date

Indoor Plants

Provision of supply and maintenance of indoor plants to QF and its entities

Qatar Foundation

137 USD

04/10/2015

Soft Landscaping and Other Works

Maintenance of soft landscaping and other works.

Ministry of Municipal & Urban Planning (Qatar)

82 USD

16/09/2015

Kuwait Tender Name

Description

Tender Cost

Client

Closing Date

Consultancy Services

Provision of consultancy services in the ďŹ eld of planning and detailed designing of gardens

Public Authority for Housing and Welfare (Kuwait)

N/A

17/09/2015

Plants and Seeds

Supply of different types of plants and seeds.

Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources - PAAFR (Kuwait)

268 USD

17/09/2015

Client

Tender Cost

Closing Date

Bahrain International Circuit

39 USD

09/09/2015

Client

Tender Cost

Closing Date

Council for Development & Reconstruction (Lebanon)

N/A

16/10/2015

Bahrain Tender Name Landscaping Maintenance Services

Description Provision of landscaping maintenance services

Lebanon Tender Name Consultancy Services

Description Awarding of studies in the context of contributing to the national programme for planting 40m trees

*The tender cost is the fee charged by the client to purchase the tender document.

Typically, the tender cost is 0.001% of the contract value.

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26/08/2015 16:45

TECHNICAL EXPERTS

CARE OF

URBAN TREES IN ARID REGIONS Landscaper and arborist Mark Laurence discusses some of the problems faced by the arboriculture industry in modern Middle Eastern cities

T

rees are essential in all cities and especially so in arid climates. Cities like Dubai have grown fast and the landscape industry has emerged to create the human spaces in between buildings.

It is true to say that not all maintenance skills have developed as quickly and tree care is a case in point. This is not surprising; even in the UK with its established arboriculture industry, I see trees that are badly pruned. In modern Middle Eastern cities where many of the urban trees are newly introduced exotics, it’s no wonder these trees are given incorrect care.

I have carried out a number of surveys of trees and reports in the UAE and given training to maintenance staff in correct pruning methods. This is, however, a mere scratch on the surface of what is needed. Training schools

Delonix regia

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Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

MarkLaurence.indd 10

and permanent, well-motivated staff are essential in both the maintenance crews and the nurseries that supply the stock. Most faults I see in trees should have been corrected in the nursery with a pair of secateurs.

So what is actually needed?

Firstly, an understanding of the structure and growth habits of trees. Secondly, maintenance crews need knowledge of how, when and why to carry out corrective pruning. This is a difficult one given the temporary nature of much of the labour force; if you invest in training, you need to keep your skilled workers. Thirdly, there needs to be the right equipment available. This is basic but there is not a huge range of good arboricultural equipment in the UAE. Lastly, there needs to be the processes in place which schedule this work. Without awareness of the need and the appropriate budgets, none of the above will happen.

With an urbanising world population, demand for new landscapes in Dubai and other cities will continue to increase. Trees make a city bearable, providing substantially cooler streets, adding moisture through evapotranspiration, trapping dust particulates and removing NOx (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide). They provide

The ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) our biophilic connection and turn a nice place into a truly special one. In the UAE, the native ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) is revered.

Beautiful trees like Delonix regia are imported and sit well within an urban framework, with their beautiful red or yellow flowers. Both suffer from overwatering through irrigation and manifest symptoms of this in different ways.

People need to know how to deal with the eclectic mix of trees available.

ABOUT MARK LAURENCE Mark Laurence has had 35 years working in the landscape industry as an aquatic landscaper, arborist, landscape designer, and in the last decade, as a living wall specialist. In 2012 he set up living wall company Vertology Ltd. Consultancy: www.marklaurence.com Living walls: www.vertology.uk.com

www.prolandscaper.ae

26/08/2015 12:04

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Full pages.indd 57

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26/08/2015 12:06

EXPERTS

DESIGNING LOCAL Managing director of desert INK landscape architects, Duncan Denley advocates the use of local planting and resources as the region’s landscaping culture comes of age

12

Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

desert ink.indd 12

www.prolandscapermagazine.com

26/08/2015 12:02

T

en years ago the region was a place of mimicry, with architects borrowing ideas from overseas and fighting back the harsh desert environment as best they could. Lush green parks and tropical jungles proliferated and we congratulated ourselves on how green it all looked.

Like a musician who starts out learning the music of others before graduating to his own melodies, this region is now poised to write its own songs.

It would seem that the public are also ready for this new music. Markets are yearning for a more sustainable landscape taking the region’s climate and culture into account. There is much to learn from overseas projects but we must interpret, develop and reinvent, rather than copy these ideas. We only need to look at Australia and the south-western United States to see how distinct and exciting an arid landscape can be.

Our starting point at desert INK involved extensive travel in the region. Our commission for the landscape design of an Ajman mall was

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desert ink.indd 13

inspired by mountain terraces seen while trekking.

Our design includes gabion terraces stacked with stone excavated on site, while monocultures of ornamental grasses create a field pattern

THE NEXT BIG LEAP FOR US IS CREATING NATIVE AND XEROPHYTIC SOFT LANDSCAPES reminiscent of those in the high valleys of the Mussandam. Combinations of Hatta stone, gabions, corten steel, olive trees, swaying grasses and crushed local bluestone create an exciting new vernacular, almost exclusively sourced within the Gulf. These landscapes are appropriate, responsible, low cost, low maintenance and look like they belong here because they are from here.

The next big leap for us is creating native and xerophytic soft landscapes. Many landscape architects shy away from this challenge, worried that xerophytes will not be appreciated by clients brought up on a diet of lush green lawns and tropical resorts. Convincing clients to adopt an unfamiliar planting philosophy undoubtedly presents a challenge but the benefits must be outlined and case studies sited.

We highlighted numerous species of native desert plants growing freely outside offices of an airport project recently. The client was fascinated by their potential. Saltbush, Leptadenia,

Pennisetum divisum and Calotropis are often found thriving on wasteland. If corralled into sweeping designs by landscape architects and irrigated at monthly intervals, these plants could be grown without soil treatment or fertilisers and with very little maintenance. Not all natives can be tamed of course – some plants poison the adjacent soil to prevent competition for example. Desert Group has amassed huge data on these however and is poised for the right project with the right client.

One of the major benefits is cost. With TSE water supplies becoming strained, there will inevitably be a reduction in supply and increase in price of irrigation water in coming years. We should design for this eventuality now.

Our Akoya Oxygen sales centre project is now flourishing in Dubai. Landform was created from site spoil and gabions to contain visitors’ views within a narrow valley of billowing grasses.

This landscape was extremely cost effective and requires very few inputs to cope in the harsh desert environment.

ABOUT DUNCAN DENLEY Duncan’s professional experience since 2000 spans the globe, with completed projects in the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia. Since arriving in Dubai in 2002, many of Duncan’s award-winning schemes have defined the landscape architecture profession in the Gulf region.

Email: duncan.denley@desertgroup.ae

Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015 13

26/08/2015 12:03

VALUE ADDED In the first of a two-part series, Katie Hilal from TerraVerde talks about the value a landscaped garden can add to a home

W

hen is the right time to renovate a garden? In my opinion it’s always the right time. Your client may have a preference as to the time of year, depending on whether they want to be around when the work is done or if they prefer to be away. However, there are other determining factors influencing when landscaping works should begin, especially with different procedures to be followed from the relevant developers here in the region.

In Dubai there is no distinctly popular time to renovate a garden, but of course there are benefits to both summer and winter renovation.

From a horticultural perspective, the optimum time of year for planting to take place is during the winter months, as plants acclimatise better during the cooler months. Alternatively, from a

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Pro Landscaper Gulf / September 2015

TERRAVERDE.indd 14

practical point of view the summer season is the time of year when the garden is least used, either because it’s too hot to be outside or because people tend to be away on vacation.

Property owners may ask why they should renovate their garden. Is it worth it? One thing that’s great about the UAE is that people generally understand the value a professionally landscaped garden can add to their home. An effective outdoor area means that you can enjoy your property to its full extent, from inside out, as opposed to being restricted to its interior.

If the landscape has been designed and constructed professionally, the garden will be a continuation of the living space, making sure that no facet of the land is wasted. The garden can give personal pleasure for the long term. Here in the Middle East, the garden is of particular importance because of the amazing weather we get. By having a beautiful practical garden space, people can enjoy the climate all year round.

Whether it is used for dining, relaxing, working, playing, exercising or even to just improve the aesthetics of your property, there are countless reasons to renovate outdoor space, and keeping it well maintained. A garden designed and built by a reputable professional can add substantial value to a home. Equally if the garden has been renovated to a low standard, that can potentially decrease the value of the property or put prospective buyers off.

The life cycle of the garden depends on how innovative and practical the design is and also how timeless it is. The materials used should be durable and suitable for the excessive heat we experience in the region. Proper planning and execution of the plantation will mean the garden improves over time as long as it is properly maintained, something that is crucial.

A good landscaped garden would require minimal renovation within the first 10–15 years after completion.

The first question I ask all of my clients is: “How do you want to use your garden?” I ask how they live in and enjoy their current garden. Secondly I ask for their wish list so we can incorporate as much of this into the design concept.

THE LIFE CYCLE OF A GARDEN REALLY DEPENDS ON HOW INNOVATIVE THE DESIGN IS AND THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIALS BEING USED In this climate, top of most people’s list is a swimming pool. People sometimes think that they would like one but when they think how often they would use it, it isn’t always the best option to include one in the build. They can add a different dimension to the garden and increase the overall value, however. There are different

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EXPERTS ONE THING THAT’S GREAT ABOUT THE UAE IS THAT PEOPLE GENERALLY UNDERSTAND THE VALUE A GARDEN CAN ADD TO THEIR HOME

styles of swimming pools, from skimmer to overflow, to infinity edges; we have to take in all aspects of the landscape design when deciding which to include in the concept.

Once we establish whether a pool is required we know the space we are working with, usually making the pool the focal point of the garden.

We always gather as much information on how the garden will be used and who will use it, as that influences the layout of the design. It gives us a better understanding of which facilities are considered a necessity. For example, if clients like to dine outside as a family, then a formal dining area potentially with a barbecue, pergola for shading and quick access to the kitchen/service area is more practical. If there are children then it requires more softscape areas for playing.

Once the structure and layout is decided and we know what features we need to include, the next step is understanding the style. Is it to be modern or traditional? Contemporary or tropical? The colour scheme is also taken into consideration. Maybe they would like to incorporate the interior design too? If so, we follow that to create harmony between inside and out. It’s the answers to these questions and grasping the personality of the client which shape the design for the landscape.

TerraVerde has been running for nearly 12 years and the trend today is towards a more modern feel with minimal grass as everyone is becoming more aware of the environment. Clients are also realising how important lighting is in the landscape and with current LED technology we can achieve some amazing effects.

The selection of tiling materials now available in Dubai is also better than 12 years ago. We

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have much more choice in terms of finishes and colour. For example, the decking we use is called Duralife, a composite wood that requires no maintenance and is available in a choice of colours.

Another trend we have introduced is a different swimming pool tile. Most swimming pools used to be tiled in the traditional 2.5x2.5cm ceramic tile, mainly in a standard blue colour. We have been introducing our clients to a ceramic cracked glass tile that comes from Thailand. The array of colours it comes in is endless, from deep dark blues to bright turquoises that really make the swimming pool inviting and fresh looking.

Most of our clients tend to go with a contemporary style, something on trend and really fresh looking. Bi-folding doors are very popular right now and we like to bring the level of the garden up to meet the villa. It’s nice to be able to seamlessly flow out from the villa instead of having to use steps.

Pergolas have also become more modern over time. They used to be traditional looking and made only of wood whereas now we clad the pillars in different materials to match the other components of the landscape. They can also be built out of composite wood materials to keep the maintenance down.

The most desired feature has to be the swim up bar and when this is designed well, it creates an amazing facet to any swimming pool, especially when coupled with an area in the pool for relaxing on sun loungers.

The market has changed in that the quality of products, materials and landscape execution has improved over the last decade. The choice of what’s available is much greater than it used to be. There is a bigger array of colours and sizes meaning that such materials can be used for many more applications.

ABOUT KATIE HILAL Katie Hilal is the business development director of TerraVerde and has been with the company for the past 10 years, working within the developing landscaping industry of Dubai. Liaising with clients directly, one of Katie’s primary responsibilities is to ensure that TerraVerde maintains the highest standards of client relationship management. www.terraverde.ae

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bespoke outdoor kitchens www.gulf-leisure.com

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enquiries@gulf-leisure.com

+971 43 791 390

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INTERVIEW

THE

BIG INTERVIEW

MUHAMMAD NADEEM ANWAR Muhammad Nadeem Anwar tells us about his young company Hortus Landscaping Works LLC which is thriving in the Dubai landscaping market

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INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

Tell us a little about yourself...

I have a master’s degree in landscape horticulture and have horticultural certifications from the UK, Australia and Singapore, so I am one of the most qualified people in this field within the UAE. I am a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and the UK’s Landscape Institute – one of the world’s leading landscape architecture institutions.

How long has Hortus been in business?

Hortus is just about three years old now but I have more than 12 years’ experience in this field.

In the past I have worked in Pakistan, Singapore and the UK, but for the last eight years I have been working in Dubai. I started Hortus Landscaping with my partner, M Afzal.

Do you offer the whole spectrum of design and landscaping services?

We cover a lot of fields including agriculture, horticulture, irrigation and landscaping. We’re consultants, designers, landscape contractors and we also maintain the projects ourselves.

Is your work mostly domestic or do you cover local authority and commercial projects too?

We mostly work in the domestic market but we do also cover some farms and projects such as schools and hotels. We provide consultancy services for commercial agricultural farms, irrigation systems and green houses.

The domestic market is more profitable for us because it is easy, can be finished within a short space of time and the handling is easier.

IT’S A DESERT – NO ONE CAN THINK TO LIVE IN DUBAI WITHOUT SOME KIND OF LANDSCAPING

about 90 species here to play with. The environment is very tough with high levels of humidity and difficult soil conditions.

What is the typical size of landscaping project you would undertake?

We are handling projects that range from AED1m to 1.5m (USD408k). People like to spend a good amount of money on high end products. Our clients are mostly Europeans, Russians with a few Emiratis.

Do you import soil for use in your projects?

We import soil additives and mixing materials from overseas to mix in with the existing sand, and then of course irrigation plays its part.

Do you work throughout the Gulf region?

In the Middle East we offer only design and consultancy services, but in the UAE we cover all the states with our complete range of services.

How many people does Hortus employ?

We have more than 50 people, a full team consisting of carpenters, electricians, civil engineers, horticultural engineers, designers, team and project managers and consultants. We are also approved consultants for the municipality.

What about the soft landscaping – do you get involved in planting design?

Yes, we offer the full package. I am an expert in planting design and have had specialist training from the KLC School of Design in London.

What challenges do you find with the soft landscaping side of the business?

The planting palette is limited. We have only 1

How do you source new imported products?

We have all the suppliers and every kind of material is available here in the UAE but sometimes we need to import from countries such as China, Turkey, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe as per the needs of the project. We import sandstone from India and travertine tiles from Turkey. Most suppliers have offices here in Dubai as well so it’s easy to coordinate them with our requirements.

Furthermore, the prices for materials are always very reasonable here.

What are the trends in terms of where work is coming from?

Dubai, as you know, is a desert. No one can think to live without having some kind of landscaping. The trend is low maintenance, clean, tidy work. Work is always there if you provide a good quality service to your clients.

We are busy and always have projects in hand.

Work is excellent in Dubai.

Are many people using low maintenance products such as artificial grass and composite decking?

Yes sure, people love to have good quality artificial turf as it saves on maintenance costs.

We also recommend composite decking for use on most of our projects. People enjoy their gardens here and use them year-round.

So is lighting also an important aspect of a garden design?

People have to be educated where lighting is concerned. We recommend having 12V LED lighting systems in the gardens. These are

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Pool Water Features project, The Villa Community, Dubai

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Mirador project, Arabian Ranches, Dubai

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Seating area with overflow pool view, The Villa Community

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Pool and villa view with base planting and synthetic turf, Mirador, Arabian Ranches

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Pool and pergola view with BBQ area, Mirador, Arabian Ranches

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Lighting effects on limestone floor tiling. Thatch gazebo

by Cape Reed, The Villa

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INTERVIEW

safe, energy efficient and produce quality lighting effects. There are always new products being introduced to the market and people like trying new things. We try to educate our clients that the LED systems we use, running on 12 volts are the best.

Do you offer a maintenance contract once you have finished your projects?

For the first one to two months (depending on the size of the garden) we offer a free maintenance service to our clients and we also provide a maintenance schedule which they or their gardeners can follow. It’s their choice whether they continue.

Do you charge separately for your design service?

We have separate pricing but if we win the project the design costs are absorbed. We have meetings with clients during the design process where we find out the brief and guide them professionally. Then we give them the estimates and of course at that stage they are free to get costs from other contractors too. If they are happy with our pricing and want to proceed, the design costs are waived. Clients mostly do proceed with us because our pricing is very competitive.

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Are projects usually won on price?

I would say 99% of the time, but it’s not just about the cost. Clients also respect qualifications and experience, as we know how to do our job.

Are your staff trained?

We have trained people in the UAE and always provide the environment for them to further enhance their capabilities.

Would you also undertake interior landscaping projects?

We do a little interior work but it’s not our main focus.

What are your future plans for the business?

We are planning to expand our horizons. In the immediate future we are moving into green walls, green roofs and roof gardens. I’m going to the USA for training on green walls in October. The authorities always plan to deal with

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the heat island effect in the region and we will be focusing on green walls as a solution.

There is a big market for it here and people are asking for them more and more.

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ABOUT HORTUS LANDSCAPING WORKS LLC

Hortus Landscaping Works Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 50 283 1341 Web: hortusuae.com

7 Sunken seating with feature wall, Saheel project, Arabian Ranches, Dubai 8 Seating area with bench, Saheel, Arabian Ranches 9 Saheel, Arabian Ranches

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Leaders in design and manufacture of synthetic turf surfaces t: +971 4 810 3111 e: MEinfo@tigerturf.com

www.tigerturf.com

FLOWPOINT

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British Technology

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PORTFOLIO

F L O AT I N G O N A I R Space Landscape Designs created a resort-style swimming pool using wet edges to create the illusion it floats on air

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he brief was to create a modern pool unique to the area with a resort-like aesthetic. The idea of the four-sided wet edge pool was to give the illusion that the water was floating. The clients wanted an international design team experienced with swimming pool design. Cost wasn’t a factor, but experience was paramount. Planting was to be as low maintenance as possible and tropical.

Design and build As the job was designed in Oman it was important that the plans were very detailed so that the pool could be tendered out. The plans showed all internal steps, external landscaping and all dimensions so that any contractor could build from them. Space Landscape Designs also created engineering plans of the pool and landscape design.

The design took two weeks and the build took three months as the pool needed to sit for 28 days to set. Following a survey of the property the design stage began. Various designs were given to the client who took elements from each. A final design was then presented to the client to tender out the build.

Materials were sourced from local suppliers where possible, but the pool tiles, coping pavers and plants were all imported. The project ran smoothly thanks to the initial detailed design.

Space Landscape Designs create modern, contemporary, resort and classical style landscape designs, garden designs and swimming pool designs for luxury and high end villas in the Middle East. Our landscape architects and landscape designers create innovative outdoor spaces suited to the site, climate, lifestyle and budget.

Our landscape design work is based on a thorough understanding of the physical characteristics of the site. This site is very similar to some of the projects that we build in Australia, so we were very familiar with what needed to be done with this project. We have also designed other pools and landscaping for clients in Saudi, Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Our approach is to develop a unique and cost effective solution using a broad range of plants, materials, finishes and water features.

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n air

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PLAN DRAWINGS

OUR WORK IS BASED ON A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE 1

BEFORE/DURING THE BUILD

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ABOUT SPACE LANDSCAPE DESIGNS 3

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The stunning end result

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A four-sided wet edge pool design gives the illusion that the water is floating

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Formwork, steel and pool plumbing begins, getting the pool ready for concreting

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The pool has been fully tiled and all plumbing installed. Just add water!

Space Landscape Designs has been creating landscape and swimming pool designs throughout the Middle East since 2002. We specialise in all aspects of garden landscaping design and have a wealth of landscaping ideas to create you an awardwinning oasis. We create unique landscape plans for condos, villas, residential homes and apartments. www.spacedesigns.com.au

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PORTFOLIO

ROCKY ROAD Award-winning designer John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer was charged with creating a garden in sympathy with the landscape and architecture of an avant-garde Rocky Mountain retreat

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PORTFOLIO

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he initial contact from the clients came in an email message in June 2009: “We are in desperate need of landscaping advice... landscaping is an overwhelming blank slate... HELP!” The site was a 4.5ha plot on the western slopes of the Rockies near Spokane, Washington State, in the north-western United States. It was overwhelmingly populated by ponderosa pine, with little else other than granite boulders. With an average annual precipitation of around 30cm (much of it falling as snow), summer temperatures of 30°C and winter temperatures of -20°C, this could reasonably be described as a difficult environment in which to establish a garden.

An additional problem was the distance.

The clients wanted to carry out as much of the installation of the garden as they could themselves, with help from local craftsmen.

Other than that, the brief was actually pretty open. It had to include a vegetable garden, and be easily looked after by one person.

Water was from a 300m deep borehole, but in limited supply.

I spent five days in the area in September 2009, initially on site, then walking/cycling around the local landscape, visiting stone and plant suppliers and talking to nurserymen. I photographed the

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site at all times of day. By the end of the five days I had sketched my preliminary ideas for the front area for the clients. The proposals were hardened up in the UK, where I made the back garden designs too.

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Project description The front garden takes its cues from the architecture – the house is very unusual with a combination of obtuse angles and planes, combined with different coloured claddings that take their cue from the surrounding landscape. I designed an approach path of huge asymmetric slabs of in-situ concrete with small gaps in between. The angles of these slabs are carried through to lines of rock-filled gabions (using local basalt). These run at angles in both the horizontal and vertical plane with a deliberately slightly disconcerting effect. Large granite boulders taken from on-site complete the hard landscape. The planting is made up of four elements: aspen trees (native to the Rockies), dwarf pines, grasses and carpet forming herbs (such as thymus).

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PORTFOLIO 4

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Unique issues and problems There are always problems working remotely, particularly if the climate and terrain at either end are very different. The design has to be clear and robust enough so that any problems that occur can largely be sorted out without having to jump on a plane at every turn. There was an additional complication (or opportunity?) in that the clients wished to carry out much of the construction themselves.

The clients made up an interesting couple, one half paediatrician and one half ex-cattle rancher and community activist. Denise (the latter) was pretty handy and able to drive machinery and understand levels, but even she probably underestimated what was involved.

However, with the help of some specialist contractors and suppliers, the scheme was executed. Exact costs are difficult to calculate,

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(Overleaf) The finished entrance

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View across the front garden with a four tonne site boulder in the foreground

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The front path was cast in-situ by a specialist contractor. The jagged shapes echo the architecture

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Sweeps of herbaceous planting

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Landscape plan for the front garden

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The rear garden merges into the landscape

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Near the house, rough rock and herbaceous planting take up the level changes

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The scheme upon completion

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another. Sweeps of herbaceous planting such as penstemons, grasses and herbs with a belt of shrubs beyond were planted using a high proportion of native material. The planting was based on xeriscape principles so as to be compatible with the local climate. Nearer the house, rough rock and herbaceous planting took up the changes in level around the building.

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but an approximate equivalent might be around AED 580,000 (USD 150,000).

The garden as planned is yet to be completed, with the timber land art and sculpture along with some of the shrub planting remaining to be done as the clients decided to move back to Tennessee for professional reasons.

What makes this project unique is the fusion of the natural and designed landscapes, along with the uncompromising nature of the forms, drawing inspiration from the building and surrounding landscape. What interests me is that instead of imposing our own house style on a foreign site, the design draws deeply on the local culture and landscape, resulting in something fresh, but clearly grounded.

ABOUT BOWLES & WYER Bowles & Wyer was launched in 1993. Its impressive repeat client list contributes to its current £2m turnover while its passion for strong design, expert craftsmanship, horticulture and skilled maintenance is at the heart of the company’s success.

Tel: +44 (0)1296 662 439 Email: admin@bowleswyer.co.uk Web: www.bowleswyer.co.uk

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PORTFOLIO

LIVING LANDSCAPE Award-winning London design studio Baharash Architecture saw off a shortlist of prominent international practices to land the second phase of the 46ha Dubai Sustainable City project

PROJECT DETAILS Dubai Sustainable City PROJECT VALUE AED 1.1bn SIZE Phase 1: 55,862m² G.F.A Phase 2: 118,545m²

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PORTFOLIO

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ubai Sustainable City is a project that will cover 46ha with 550 residential villas, organic farms, educational facilities and 600,000sq ft of solar panels. Each house within the city will be equipped with solar panels, which will provide residents with 60% of their energy needs. The project will also feature a smart water system that will reduce the water demand of buildings by 30%. Grey and waste water will be used to irrigate plants across the city, there will be a waste recycling system and 20 organic farms.

In 2013, Baharash Architecture beat an international field of contenders to win Phase 2 of Dubai Sustainable City. The brief for Phase 2 was to design a mix-use zone, a Juma mosque, an institute for ecological engineering, a museum and planetarium, a ‘green’ school for K-6, an eco resort, country club and equestrian centre.

Design and build It takes a holistic approach to create a sustainable city. For Phase 2 of the project Baharash Architecture approached the design from the ground up by creating a variation of green space solutions that were integrated with the innovative buildings which it designed. In the eco resort, for example, to expand the landscape area and provide passive buffers between plots and resort zones, Baharash proposed a new typology of apartments with a continuous green landscape roof, which could be accessed from the main building. These ‘fingers’ were extended to the central spine, to take advantage of the views and bring guests closer to the central heart of the productive landscape.

Baharash then created breaks in the ‘fingers’ to provide opportunities for permeability, and better shared connectivity to the apartments. These breaks naturally occurred at the ends of each apartment block.

Green spine and eco resort

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Eco resort aerial view

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Eco resort aerial view

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Phase 2 scope aerial view

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Eco resort bungalows

DESIGN PLAN

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The apartments in the eco resort were designed to create tranquil and active zones.

By positioning the villas in the heart of the tranquil zone, guests will experience what it feels like to live in the productive landscape.

Each villa will have its own vegetable garden, and with the help of a chef, guests will be able to cook their own food produced from this landscape. The active zone is located on the key viewing corridor from the old city and central landscape, providing outdoor recreational areas at the resort.

The resort was designed to provide enough buffer space to allow for light electric vehicles and bicycles to access apartments and villas. Cars are parked in a semi-basement

by valet parking, minimising the presence of cars in the resort.

Accessible green space has long been one of the key components to the success of some of the world’s most liveable cities. We designed the school to provide direct links and access to the central spine through the atrium. We also integrated the library within the heart of the school, which in the original brief was a separate building.

The active transport strategy helped to provide great space savings in the city, which meant we could expand the landscape area inside the Phase 2 into more varied, vibrant and healthy spaces. The mix-use area, for example, features a large public shaded

plaza which is used for events and activities throughout the year.

Materials At the concept stage we provided a list of targets and goals for the developer’s in-house team to follow when sourcing materials for the complete project. These were categorised into seven targets:  Design intent  Materials specification  Recycled content  Regional materials  Rapidly renewable materials  Responsible sourcing of materials  Designing for robustness

MASTER PLAN

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GREEN FINGERS

TRANQUIL ZONE

ACTIVE ZONE

ACCESSIBILITY

PERMEABILITY, ASPECT & PROSPECT

RESORT FACILITIES WITH A VIEW

Using these targets and our concept designs, the final sourcing and selection of materials was undertaken by the developer’s in-house team.

Challenges One of the key challenges when working on a sustainable project is at the early stages. Basic design decisions such as orientation, density and form provide the biggest environmental gains, yet require the least financial investment. So at the early stages we are able to reduce a large amount of energy demand with little cost.

Another key challenge was working with the client and consultant team to develop a series of sustainable initiatives and targets. These targets helped guide the design in the pursuit of the sustainability goals. We divided some of these targets into categories:  Water  Pollution  Health and well-being  Ecology  Energy  Waste  Materials www.prolandscaper.ae

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ABOUT BAHARASH ARCHITECTURE Baharash Architecture is an award-winning design studio based in London.

It works on all sizes of project from urban scale, such as master plans, landscape design and buildings, to smaller scale, such as interiors, furniture and products. The company offers clients visionary designs, which are sustainable, smart and elegant. Every project presents an opportunity for developing innovative and creative solutions that make a positive contribution to current and future generations. www.baharash.com

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FEATURE

AL BARARI SITE VISIT Pro Landscaper Gulf visited Al Barari in the Nad Al Sheba area of Dubai to see its uniquely diverse landscapes and flora that afford residents utmost privacy in a beautiful and tranquil setting

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ocated adjacent to the royal enclave of Nad Al Sheba, Al Barari is the flagship development of the family-run Zaal Group. With Phase I completed and most of the villas handed over, Al Barari has succeeded in its vision to create one of the most desirable and environmentally-conscious developments in the UAE. Founded in 2005 by Zaal Mohammed Zaal and his family, Al Barari is the first sustainable residential development of its kind in the Middle East, offering high-end residences in a private location. It is a botanic haven with serene landscaping providing its residents space for quiet contemplation just a 15 minute drive from the city centre.

Literally meaning ‘wilderness’, Al Barari was designed to be a true desert oasis. Eighty per cent of the development is made up of green, lush space that envelops 189 Al Barari residences and

the 28 bespoke luxury villas of The Reserve.

Beautiful themed gardens with over 16.4km of naturally landscaped freshwater streams, cascades waterways and lake shoreline, make Al Barari the lowest density development in the UAE and more akin to a botanical garden than a residential community.

With Phase I complete, Phase II is now starting with three separately designed residential developments: Ashjar, Seventh Heaven and The Nest. The former is an award-winning design of a group of 19 blocks each containing four apartments, with communal areas, swimming pool and lush gardens for residents to enjoy. Seventh Heaven is made up of 157 homes including exclusive duplexes, penthouses, sky villas and garden homes. The design for Seventh Heaven looks like the sails of a yacht and linear landscaping will match the contemporary architecture.

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Contemporary garden

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Al Barari masterplan

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Mediterranean garden

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With award-winning landscape designer Kamelia Bin Zaal in the Woodland garden

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Contemporary garden

ABOUT AL BARARI Al Barari features 34 elegantly themed gardens, with six already completed under Phase I and 28 more to come in Phase II. The completed gardens include the Balinese, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Renaissance, Water and Woodland gardens.

There are also 16.4km of naturally filtered lakes, freshwater streams, cascades and waterways.

The landscape is a major part of the charm of this development and there is a team of over 100 trained gardeners tending to the more than 446,000m2 of gardens and open spaces, with all green waste sent to the plant nursery for recycling.

The development integrates sustainability and ecology across the site. It is the only one of its kind to have its own plant nursery and recycling and composting plant on site and among other initiatives it uses natural dye in the ponds to stop the spread of algae.

Due to the way the planting has been designed, Al Barari is 4°C cooler than other developments in Dubai on average.

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FEATURE

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THE WOODLAND GARDEN

THE BALINESE GARDEN

THE SHOWCASE GARDENS

TREES

TREES

TREES

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Conocarpus Silver Acacia xanthophloea Alstonia scholaris Ficus ‘Amstel Queen’

Ficus ‘Amstel King’ Ficus lyrata Pongamia glabra Callistemon viminalis

Dalbergia sissoo Pithecellobium dulce Tecomella undulata Ficus carica Ficus microcarpa nitida

SHRUBS

SHRUBS

Plumbago auriculata ‘Pale Blue’ Cyperus alternifolius Hymenocallis littoralis Bougainvillea glabra

Ixora chinensis Atriplex halimus Hamelia patens

SHRUBS

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Cestrum diurnum Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Acalypha wilkesiana red Scaevola frutescens Lantana camara

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THE CONTEMPORARY GARDEN

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TREES Terminalia catappa Albizia lebbeck Delonix regia Azadirachta indica Cordia sebestena

SHRUBS Tecoma stans Clerodendrum inerme Duranta repens Ixora coccinea Vitex agnus-castus

THE RENAISSANCE GARDEN TREES Coccoloba uvifera Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Tricolor’ Delonix regia Thespesia populnea Peltophorum inerme

SHRUBS Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum Carissa grandiflora Tecomaria capensis Orange Ficus ‘Green Island’ Pandanus

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8

6

Mediterranean garden

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Ashjar real model

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Roheo Discolour

CONTACT Al Barari Firm Management LLC PO Box 74429 Nad Al Sheba Area Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 388 6030 Email: sales@albarari.com Web: www.albarari.com

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26/08/2015 15:29

Award Winning Covers for Your Landscape Project Weʼre not just about drain covers, see our: • Tree Grates • Screens • Street Furniture & more All available in a variety of materials & fi nishes

FOR THEIR DESIGNED DRAIN COVERS

Contact us on +44 208 450 2244 | info@lateraldesignstudio.co.uk | www.lateraldesignstudio.co.uk Lateral Design PLG4.indd 1 Full pages.indd 60

05/08/2015 10:09 26/08/2015 14:34

MOST INFLUENTIAL

MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPANIES IN L ANDSCAPING IN THE GCC REGION WHICH ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPANIES IN THE LANDSCAPING SECTOR IN THE MIDDLE EAST? Over the next few pages and issues, Pro Landscaper Gulf will be letting you know.

These case studies come in no particular order but are profiles of the companies we believe to be industry game-changers. We have sought different types of company including landscapers, maintenance contractors, architects and designers as well as those offering a range of products to the sector. The companies featured are

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championing the landscape industry and doing a great job greening the Gulf. These are the companies to look out for over the next few years. They will be responsible for designing, creating and maintaining beautiful, sustainable public and domestic spaces for the region.

With the area becoming more accessible to tourists and ex-pats alike, it is important that companies such as those

we are featuring continue to make the GCC area an attractive place to live and work. It’s a big time for the region. Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Dubai is hosting the international EXPO 2020 so the Gulf will continue to attract people from all over the globe.

Let’s take a look at the first selection of the most influential companies in landscaping in the Middle East.

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MOST INFLUENTIAL

AL BARARI CHAIRMAN: ZAAL M OHAM M E D Z A AL AGE O F COM PAN Y: 10 YE ARS OL D

F

or many years, Emirati entrepreneur and visionary Mr Zaal Mohammed Zaal nurtured a dream to create a lifestyle integrated into the environment, rich with culture, breathing space and all the luxuries to live life without bounds.

With a vision for a greener, more sustainable Dubai, it was only natural for him to execute this vision in his beloved native city. And so, Al Barari was born.

Al Barari’s vision of an exceptional botanic haven unrivalled in its ecological sensitivity has now been realised. It is this vision that continues to propel Al Barari to keep discovering and to become the benchmark for sustainable luxury in the region.

Literally meaning ‘wilderness’, Al Barari was designed to be a true desert oasis. We envisioned a green space where residents could feel at peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Eighty per cent

of the development is made up of green, lush space that envelops 189 Al Barari residences and the 28 bespoke luxury villas of The Reserve.

A total of six themed gardens with more than 16.4km of naturally landscaped lakes, freshwater streams, cascades and waterways make Al Barari the lowest density development in the UAE and more akin to a botanical garden than a residential community. Garden maintenance and landscaping services are provided by Al Barari’s in-house plant nursery, Green Works.

Al Barari has succeeded in its vision to create a development that is one of the most desirable in the UAE while having an environmental conscience and it was the first in the region to do so.

The company was founded in 2005 and has come a long way since then, from creating the largest privately-held plant nursery in the Middle East and winning

awards for its unique properties, to winning an award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and having many of its developments sell out within days of their launch.

Phase II of the development aims to introduce Al Barari to a wider audience and will see the

creation of a six-star boutique hotel, retail offerings and further residential development in addition to Ashjar, Seventh Heaven and The Nest.

Whatever we build in the future will definitely be green and it will be an extension of the existing sustainable developments in Al Barari.

A WORD FROM THE CHAIRM AN

CO NTAC T

We have always sought to be the industry benchmark, at the forefront of sustainable living. We were the first to bring the green concept to the UAE and since then it has been an incredible journey. While other developers concentrated on maximising profit by creating buildings with as many apartments as possible, we focused on quality of life by building a low-density community nestled in lush greenery. With green surrounds, our aim was to bring that soothing, calming effect of nature to the community and allow residents to be at one with their environment.

Tel: 04 388 6030 Email: sales@albarari.com Web: www.albarari.com

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MOST INFLUENTIAL

WT BURDEN M ANAGING D IRECTOR: M ARK HE X AGE OF COM PAN Y: UAE 11 YE AR S

W

ith over 90 years’ experience as a solution and service provider to the UK landscaping market, Wt Burden has been supplying markets in the Middle East for 15 years. Wt Burden Middle East FZCO was set up in 2004 in Dubai to give local service and support to its fast growing Middle East business. The company works throughout the GCC region with offices in Dubai and Doha.

The Wt Burden Middle East offers a wide range of products and solutions for the environmental, landscape and urban beautification industry. It specialises in the design and supply of street furniture; play equipment and shading structures, and geosynthetics for softscapes from capillary breakers and tree stabilisation to green walls and roof gardens.

With eight months of perfect outdoor weather, the GCC region is pushing the boundaries of how public spaces can be functional, integrate fitness and play, and yet create a serene public realm experience for all. Projects such as the Jumeirah Corniche Jogging Track and Sidra Doha have proven that urban furniture can be more than just something to sit on or fix your bike to, it can be urban art that encourages people to interact, to be energetic or simply sit back and relax and watch the sunset.

Having been rewarded with over 320 projects and 150 ongoing specifications, Wt Burden believes this is testament to its influence in pairing top quality sculpturally dynamic urban elements from Europe’s best designers with the most influential developers and architects in the Middle East.

By understanding and working closely with its clients, Wt Burden has sought to inspire by creating iconic urban elements. Now the company’s aim is to grow

organically by listening to its clients’ needs and goals both when planning new public realms and mixed-use public spaces or when upgrading existing ones.

A WORD FROM THE M ANAG IN G DI R EC TO R

CO NTAC T

Since we started in 2004, our company has been involved in many projects in the Gulf, including some of the most amazing and ambitious ones. We have had the honour to work with the most prestigious architectural and construction firms in the region. We have become a well-known name in the market for providing landscape solutions that fulfil every project requirement from a design, cultural, economical and environmental perspective. We not only strive to provide our clients with the best products – whether standard, personalised or entirely customised – but we are also committed to providing unrivalled customer service, quick problem resolution and full support throughout every phase of the project.

Tel: +971 4 8860 700 Email: streetfurniture@ wtburden.ae Web: www.wtburden.ae

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Corten Style Seats by Metalco - design: Aurel design urbain

Luxurious, Romantic, Trendy, Sophisticated, Eco-friendly, Experimental, Flamboyant.

Whatever is your idea of Outdoor Space, We help you make it happen.

WT Burden Middle East I PO Box 261378, Dubai (UAE) I t. +971 4 8860 700 I streetfurniture@wtburden.ae Full pages.indd 55

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-D Design i &B Build ild - Operations & Maintenance - Nurseries & Plant Trading

Dubai Phone: Fax: P.O. Box: Dubai, UAE

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+971 (4) 455 2316 +971 (4) 885 9079 31926

Eyad Turman Email: Eyad.t@akigroup.com

26/08/2015 12:12

MOST INFLUENTIAL

GULF LANDSCAPES & I R R I G AT I O N S Y S T E M S MANAGING D IRECTOR: Z AID AL KH AY YAT AGE O F COM PAN Y: 31 YE ARS

G

ulf Landscape and Irrigation Systems LLC (GLIS) is a landscape service company providing all aspects of design, construction and maintenance. It also has its own nurseries and plants trading operation.

Founded in 1984, GLIS was a pioneer in providing a customised service to clients all over the UAE. Since its acquisition by AKI in 2007 it has rapidly progressed to being one of the region's premier landscaping companies.

GLIS undertakes landscaping projects of varying complexity, scale and nature, ranging from golf courses, public parks and sports fields to resorts, hotels, palaces, residential complexes, and also commercial centres.

GLIS’s team comprises design professionals supported by highly-competent engineers.

Together they provide creative

concepts, innovative solutions and unique features in the creation and development of leisure attractions.

The company implements eco-friendly techniques, offering total landscape solutions from conception to completion, working together with the subcontractors, landscape architects and consultants associated with the project. The company has proven expertise in providing soft landscaping, irrigation systems, hard landscaping, water features and swimming pools, street furniture, landscape lighting, wooden works and children’s play equipment.

GLIS has been promoting green living for over 25 years.

The team feels a responsibility to deliver high quality, ecologically, friendly services. It fosters a keen sense of social and corporate responsibility, with LEEDaccredited personnel who

encourage sustainable practices to benefit our clients.

The commitment from GLIS includes executing developing projects in an eco-friendly manner so that natural resources are conserved and soil, water and the environment protected, in order to ensure a suitable future.

GLIS continues to research and apply new practices, products and technologies for efficient and sustainable projects and alternative irrigation methods that save up to 80%. It is also looking to expand on its services in sport fields in general and golf courses in particular.

A WO RD FROM THE GE N E RAL M ANAGE R

CO NTAC T

GLIS aims to provide exceptional quality with total customer satisfaction and its services continue to exceed clients’ expectations. GLIS doesn’t only focus on repeat business but also aims to approach a diverse range of new clients. The company wants to expand its services to many areas and different sectors such as high tech irrigation solutions, sports fields, golf courses, water retention structures and new technologies.

Tel: 04 455 2316 Email: eyad.t@akigroup Web: www.akigroup.com

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MOST INFLUENTIAL

DESERT LANDSCAPE C EO: MICH AE L M ASCARE N HAS AGE OF COM PAN Y: 27 YE ARS

J

ulian Lee and H E Saeed Al Ghaith established Desert Landscape in 1988 with a desire to design and construct landscaping projects to world class standards. Julian Lee had worked as a landscape consultant and been frustrated by the limited plant palette available and by not being able to find a company in the UAE able to carry out landscaping works to international standards.

Michael Mascarenhas joined Desert Group in October 2012 as Group CEO in the wake of the global financial crisis. Following Michael’s appointment, Desert Group is focusing on a more sustainable, efficient and profitable business model. This has led to a more regional focus with an emphasis on innovation, smart technology and retail operations within the horticultural and agricultural sectors.

This focus on innovation and sustainability together with a strong corporate social responsibility

programme has encouraged a more entrepreneurial spirit.

Desert Group’s portfolio includes many of the region’s iconic landmark hotels, resorts, golf courses, government projects and public works, together with a considerable number of Dubai's more prestigious residential communities.

The company offers a wide range of services including pools, waterscapes, plaster and rock work, carpentry, electrical and civil works and full nursery services. Its nurseries grow more than 1,200 species of plants including rare palms, trees, shrubs and ground covers. Its horticultural products and machinery company provides the most advanced equipment. It also sources and supplies a comprehensive range of landscape related trade and construction materials.

Desert Group has been a pioneer in the region for decades. It has been at the forefront of introducing new plant species that have not

been used commercially in this part of the world. It is now the only private company with an ongoing research and development programme for the propagation and promotion through seed, cuttings and tissue culture of native plant species in the region.

There is a growing recognition that sustainability is an important

part of developing projects in the Middle East. The region is ready for a different landscaping experience based on the its unique, iconic flora.

Desert Landscape is at the forefront of this sustainability drive, focusing on a range of foliage and irrigation systems and developing a landscape plant palette instantly identifiable as native to this region.

A WORD FROM THE CEO

CO NTAC T

Desert Landscape is poised to introduce new capabilities and ideas to a very demanding marketplace.

Our enhanced abilities in smart irrigation, new native plant species and landscape construction are second to none. We work with clients, collaborate and offer a deep knowledge based relationship to deliver value.

After all one does have a lot to offer to the community after 27 years in the business! Our clients understand the value of that and we are honoured to work with them to achieve excellence.

Tel: 04 340 4440 Email: group@desertgroup.ae Web: www.desertgroup.ae

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PRODUCTS

ORIGAMI A UNIQUE DESIGN INSPIRATION FOR URBAN ARCHITECTURE

J

ohannes Laue and Christoffer Martens (below) began their collaboration while studying industrial design, spelling the beginning of Laue Martens Industrial Design, a Berlin based design studio focused on the light and simple design principles of these two designers. They chanced upon origami as inspiration for street furniture while working on a multitude of urban architecture projects.

The Wing Bench has gained considerable attention in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for its iconic design. It is an elegant approach to seating arrangements in urban spaces and its design is solely inspired by the art of origami. A wing-shaped base in multiple pleated steel sheet carries a seat made of solid wood planks. The result is a comfortable bench with exceptional aesthetics.

To bring this bench to the MENA region, Laue Martens Industrial Design teamed up with the region’s leading street furniture and urban design firm Blue Stream Environmental Technology LLC. This partnership brings many of the groundbreaking designs from the studio within the reach of projects and individual clients across the region, maintaining exacting quality standards and exceptional economical value.

Blue Stream has worked on street furniture packages for more than 18

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PRODUCTS

years with quintessentially design oriented clients across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area.

Hardscape elements have come to define landscape architecture more than ever in the region and innovative designs like the Wing Bench showcase this development.

Laue Martens’ Industrial Design’s Wing Bench bench is fully customisable. It can be constructed to any length, width, or height and made of any material in order to best suit the customer’s needs. The uncompromising quality and processing of the Wing Bench guarantees durability in even the harshest climatic conditions.

Blue Stream Environmental Technology LLC is the sole licensed manufacturer of the Wing Bench in the MENA region and the product has already been specified for many leading projects there. We look forward to seeing this international partnership introducing more ground breaking designs to the region and transforming its public space.

ABOUT BLUE STREAM Blue Stream specialises in urban street furniture, play equipment and a variety of landscape elements. Our gamut of high quality products includes: benches, planters, litter bins, bollards, tree grates, play and fitness systems, natural swimming pools – every kind of outdoor urban element. We offer complete turnkey solutions from design and manufacture to supply, installation and maintenance. www.bluestreamme.com

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PRODUCTS

A look at what’s new in landscaping...

Dubai-based Pavers & Decks is a leading supplier of natural stone flooring, composite wood decking and swimming pool tiles. Recently revealed as its new outdoor flooring finish, K2 porcelain slabs by KEOPE are designed to capture the elegance of Italian fashion with its range of models, colours and sizes allowing clients to customize the 2cm thick product. Highly durable and resistant, K2 can withstand heavy duty work and is also suitable for garage use. The product is resistant to colour change and its realistic finish provides the feel of natural stone.

The Marinara by Gulf Leisure comes with an impressively large 80x80cm oven. It is equipped with a practical stainless steel trolley with shelf, wheels and hook to hang tools on. It is provided with a fire tool, flue pipe with adjustable smoke exit valve and chimney top closing for the cooking chamber.

The fire surface is made of high quality refractory chamotte, certified for food use.

The internal structure is in stainless steel, while the external one is electrogalvanised steel treated with paint at high temperature for maximum resistance to heat, weather and rust. The oven is insulated using natural rock, allowing it to maintain a stable temperature more efficiently and to avoid the external structure becoming too hot.

www.gulf-leisure.com

The smooth, slightly wavelike texture and almond-shaped structure brings a contemporary aesthetic to the Minium litter bins by mmcité. High quality materials and sophisticated details predestine this new range to be used in public realms as well as in all types of public interiors. Minium is available in numerous design options. mmcité products are exclusively distributed in the GCC region by Wt Burden Middle East.

www.paversanddecks.com

www.wtburden.ae Locally grown at Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries in the UAE, Roystonea regia, commonly known as the royal palm, has acclimatized well to the local climate having been grown there for a number of years. Originating in Cuba, Roystonea regia is an evergreen, self-cleaning palm with an erect stem and prominent crown. Featuring a sturdy trunk, this tall palm can grow to between 15 and 20m tall with a spread of up to 8m and a stem diameter of 60cm. The regia typically grows at a rate of 30-40cm per year and has a lifespan of 60-100 years. Best planted in warm and humid coastal areas, the royal palm is well suited to being used along roadsides and in parks and large gardens.

Easigrass has recently announced the official launch of the world’s first striped artificial grass product – Easi-Stripe. The cut is a realistic option for customers who want the look of a freshly mown lawn with alternating directional stripes. The brand new Easi-Stripe has a pile height of 25mm and comes with a six year warranty. As with all Easigrass products, a UV defender has been applied to the grass. This protects the grass from the sun’s fierce rays, keeping it looking lush and green for years to come. Easi-grass has managed to find a solution for people seeking a striped artificial lawn reminiscent of the All England Club at Wimbledon or Lord’s Cricket Ground.

www.easigrass.ae

www.dgnurseries.com

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REPs UAE

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PRODUCTS Muck-Truck is the number one provider of pedestrian operated motorised power barrows, having produced them since 1997. Distributed in the UAE by MAK Pools, the original Muck-Truck is an ideal transporter for landscapers, nurseries and local authorities, and is able to carry up to 350kg of materials such as turf rolls, soil, gravel, slabs, rubble and waste from site to site.

Powered by a commercial grade Honda GVX 5.5hp engine, the 4-wheel drive muck-truck can climb a 30° slope fully loaded. Weighing 110kg unladen, the muck-truck simultaneously reduces employee fatigue and increases productivity.

www.makpools.com

Patchwork gardening has taken the world by storm as many people are beginning to discover the joys of growing their own food. It is a fun, rewarding experience that doesn’t require a lot of space. A plethora of pre-made square metre garden beds are widely available. But if you prefer a luxury alternative, then WALFiLii’s Herbs & vegetables range is exactly what you’re looking for. WALFiLii Herbs & vegetables containers are square or rectangular, high or low, with or without wheels. Gorgeous, useful and available in all colours or corten steel they make an ultrapersonal statement in your garden or on your terrace.

www.walfilii.be

The most popular of TigerTurf’s extensive range of landscaping products, Finesse combines deep and varied green tones with a brown root layer to produce a strikingly natural appearance. With a short blade offering a freshly mown effect, the versatile surface is available in widths of both 2m and 4m, and is ideally suited for medium to light use across a variety of applications. This makes Finesse the perfect choice for relaxing days and peaceful evenings spent in a garden, balcony or rooftop setting.

Transgulf Cement Products has been supplying concrete products in the Jebel Ali Industrial Area since 1996. Its highly versatile tiles are installed for use on public walkways, yards and a variety of amenity areas. Transgulf’s tiles are made of concrete with natural aggregate and are available in different sizes to meet the customer’s requirements. The range of distinctive colours and finishes will allow you to select the right tile for your environment.

Transgulf’s tiles are manufactured using hydraulically pressed wet mix as per the relevant British Standards.

www.tgcp.ae

www.tigerturf.com/uk

Kreal is the playground and street furniture provider that offers a wide range of innovative everyday products for multifunctional use by all generations. Kreal products reflect the creativity made possible by aluminium, which, combined with design and architecture in different open spaces, gives new, useful ways of being fit and active while spending your time outdoors. Besides sitting on the Kreal multifunctional bench, you can do gymnastic exercises since the backs of two benches serve as parallel bars.

Similarly, parents can exercise on the Kreal bench without the back, while their children are playing.

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PRODUCTS

TRADING WITH RENSON Sufyan Al Masalmeh, Renson’s Area Sales Manager in the Middle East, tells us a bit about the company and why its Aluminium Pergolas are ideal for landscapers looking to give clients an outdoor space they can use all year round.

No speed limit on innovation Renson is a trendsetter in ventilation and solar shading. Since 1909 the company has developed and manufactured innovative products and solutions, which improve the living conditions of people and at the same time cut energy costs. Renson provides solutions to the landscape market and offers architects, specifiers, developers, fabricators and installers a wide range of innovative systems. Our product ranges include window ventilators, louvres and continuous louvre systems as well as hinges, sun protection elements with aluminium blades and screens and terrace covers. Through the intelligent combination of ventilation and sun protection, we offer energy efficient concepts for a healthy and comfortable indoor climate.

Today, the company has a sales team of

Renson HQ

over 75 people and a network of partners worldwide, in Western-Europe, but also in Eastern-Europe, America, China, India and the Middle East.

Aluminium Pergolas Renson’s complete range of terrace covers and patio roofs have been developed to control excessive sunlight on the terrace. All the systems are based on a sturdy aluminium structure, combined with a fabric sun protection roof that easily slides open and shut (Lagune and Lapure) or with a louvred roof with aluminium louvres that can tilt 150° (Algarve and Camargue). By incorporating wind-resistant screens, glass sliding doors or sliding panels, these terrace covers become extra outdoor spaces that offer protection against sun, wind and rain. There are wind-resistant motorised Fixscreens available that can be fitted with Crystal windows, or glass sliding doors can be built in and combined with the screens. Loggia sliding panels with screens or wooden blades offer another possibility, plus covers can include integrated lighting, heating elements and flat panel speakers. All of which ensure a client’s outdoor space can be used from early in the morning till late at night – the whole year long.

Lagune

Lapure

Algarve

CONTACT

Sufyan Almasalmeh Company name Renson – Middle East Email Middle-east@renson.net Tel +971 52 640 1352 Web www.renson.eu www.renson-outdoor.com Camargue

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