Concept to Delivery
DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN
GULF
December 2015/January 2016
RELAXING AT THE RANCHES
Luxury villa’s Maldives style
DIGGING D3 Dubai’s design hub
GOING MOBILE Top marketing tips
BIG INTERVIEW AHMED BUKHASH P001_cover.indd 1
14/12/2015 14:25
Full pages.indd 54
26/08/2015 11:50 ADS TEMPLATE.indd 1
14/12/2015 14:24
WELCOME Concept to Delivery
GULF
DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN
GULF December 2015/ January 2016
December 2015/January 2016 | Volume 1, Issue 5
RELAXING AT THE RANCHES
Luxury villa’s Maldives style
December 2015/January 2016
DIGGING D3 Dubai’s design hub
GOING MOBILE
Top marketing tips
BIG INTERVIEW AHMED BUKHASH
Hello and welcome to the joint December 2015/January 2016 issue of Pro Landscaper Gulf – and we’ve got yet another great issue for you to enjoy. For this issue, we have interviewed a leading architect, Ahmed Boukhash, who offers his thoughts on how he integrates his buildings with the outdoor space surrounding them. We also have three more inspirational projects in our portfolio section, two from the Gulf and one awardwinning show garden from the
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 777 570 EDITORIAL PLGulf@eljays44.com Editor – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 579 Managing Editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 577 Production Editor – Martin Cooper martin.cooper@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 570 Editorial Assistant – Jack Bacon jack.bacon@eljays44.com +44 (0)1903 777 573
UK. TerraVerde and Alargan show off projects they are particularly proud of, TerraVerde showcases a beautiful pool-side garden in the Arabian Ranches, while Alargan details a garden that surrounds a villa in the Shuwaikh residential area of Kuwait. The third portfolio features a rooftop garden that was on show at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where the project scooped a silver medal for Aralia Garden Design. Duncan Denley, managing director of desert INK, explains how the company’s move to the new creative hub in Dubai has inspired and influenced the team’s work, while Mark Laurence offers expert advice on tree irrigation and says that as climates shift, the goal has to be minimal water use. We also have lighting advice from TerraVerde. Chris Parker, the company’s marketing and sales executive, believes that lighting is all too often overlooked at the design stage of a garden build. TerraVerde is also currently trialling smart
ADVERTISING Business Development Manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 588 Account Manager – 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 777 570
lighting, which allows clients to adjust and alter the colour, intensity and direction of the lighting using an application on a smartphone. Our guest this issue is Mike Laws, who offers handy tips when tackling mobile marketing. Alongside all this, we also have all the usual features, including a list of the latest winnable tenders and the latest products that are available to supplement your design and build projects. Make sure you check out our news pages too, where you will find information on the Outdoor Design and Build Show that you will not want to miss. Have a great end to 2015 and I wish you all a succesfull new year.
Joe Wilkinson Committed to producing the best landscape magazine in the region
Design – Amy Downes
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.
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 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
www.prolandscaper.ae
P003_Leader.indd 3
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
3
14/12/2015 15:59
© 2015 Trex Company, Inc. All Ri © 2015 Trex Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
4C
Color:
Bleed: NA
LIVE: NA
Job Name: CONSUMER PRINT DUBAI 2015
Date Produced: 5/8/15
Job Number: TREX0225 AD: DB TREX
Publication: DUBAI ARCHITECTURAL
Client:
TRIM: 8.27” X11.69”
Bleed: NA
Color:
4C
TRIM: 8.27” X11.69”
LIVE: NA
Date Produced: 5/8/15
Publication: DUBAI ARCHITECTURAL
Exclusive Distributor in the UAE
Designed for lasting beauty. Engineered for less worry.
Designed for lastingDesigned beauty. Engineered for less worry. for lasting beauty. Engineered for less worry.
Trex decks have all the elegance wood, easyoftowood, maintain, are and are Trex decksof have all theare elegance are easyand to maintain, engineered to last with a engineered 25-year fade warranty. are just to lastand with stain a 25-year fade and Those stain warranty. Those are just threeisofthe the #1 reasons why Trex isin the #1 deck brand in the world. trex.com/ae three of the reasons why Trex deck brand the world. trex.com/ae
Tanseeq L.L.C, P.O Box 28665, Dubai, U.A.E Tel : 971 (04) 3617199, Fax : 971(04) 3607966 info@tanseeqllc.com | www.tanseeqllc.com
aqua (on page).indd Full pages.indd 57 1
Trex decks have all the elegance of wood, are easy to maintain, and are engineered to last with a 25-year fade and stain warranty. Those are just three of the reasons why Trex is the #1 deck brand in the world. trex.com/ae
15/10/2015 26/08/2015 16:20 12:06
CONTENTS
December 2015/ January 2016
GULF
Volume 1 Issue 5
20 6
News Shed The latest industry news from across the Gulf region
PORTFOLIOS 20 Staying cool by the pool
TerraVerde transforms the gardens of a luxury villa at Hatton in Arabian Ranches into a pool-side paradise complete with gazebo, outdoor kitchen and pool table
EXPERTS 10 Design has a new home
Duncan Denley, MD of desert INK, explains how a new home for his team has inspired and influenced their work
11
12
13
24
Rooms with a view
27
Praising the roof
Let there be light TerraVerde’s Chris Parker says good, effective lighting should be high on the agenda when it comes to garden design
Irrigation isn’t always the answer Mark Laurence says that in light of shifting climates, the goal has to be minimal water use
The business of mobile marketing InTarget Group CMO Mike Laws offers tips on exploiting the many mobile marketing opportunities available
INTERVIEW 15 Ahmed Bukhash
The chief architect and founder of Archidentity talks trends, sustainability and what the future holds for the industry
www.prolandscaper.ae
P005_Contents.indd 5
15
Alargan Landscaping Company was tasked with revamping the surrounds of a villa in the Shuwaikh area of Kuwait
27
Aralia Landscape Design created an award-winning office rooftop concept garden at RHS Chelsea
PRODUCTS 31 Latest Products
A look at what’s new in landscaping, including corten steel planters, wood ovens and artificial grass
TENDERS 34 Tenders
A list of landscape-related projects open to tender in the GCC region
10
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
5
14/12/2015 16:19
NEWS
NEWS SHED Al Sharq launches luxury project at Palm Jumeirah Saudi-based Al Sharq Investment has announced plans to develop a major luxury residential project, The Alef Residences, on a 46,840m2 area of land at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The Alef Residences will be serviced by W Dubai – The Palm, a resort and residential complex which will feature a spa, swimming pools and other water features. The project is a joint venture between Al Sharq Group and Qatar’s Almana Global. An Al Sharq spokesman said: “The pinnacle is reserved for two ultra-luxurious single penthouses and three duplex penthouses. “The project has been uniquely tailored to cater for a diverse range of cultures, with the top two floors just shell and core so owners can take advantage of world-class interior designer partners to customise their apartments to their individual sense of style.” He added that the residences were surrounded by a tropical landscaped garden and a 475m white sandy beach – the largest private residential beachfront location in Dubai. He added: “The beachfront promenade will become a haven
6
for relaxation and recreation, with private cabanas and a range of water sports. The residences will also boast an exclusive private members’ club, the Club 104, which will be available to residents and select VIPs to unwind, socialise and dine. “In addition, residents will have VIP access to the W, its 24/7 concierge service and amenities.” www.tradearabia.com
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P06-08_news.indd 6
37 million flowers keep Dubai looking beautiful Dubai is set to bloom with more than 37 million flowers after Dubai Municipality’s efforts to beautify the city’s highways and byways. Mohammad Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi, head of the agriculture section at the Public Parks and Horticulture Department at Dubai Municipality, said more than 1,700 workers were responsible for the planting and maintenance of flowers during the year. He said: “We are now in the first season of planting, and the most common type of flowers you will see in the city are petunias. “Our gardeners are now replacing the older ones, as well
as planting in new areas too.” Flowers and trees are planted, watered and checked for bugs at four municipal nurseries, before the greenery is distributed to eight of the city’s parks, in addition to roundabouts, streets and across road dividers. Al Awadhi said: “All the flowers and trees are grown right here in our nurseries, and they are either native to this country or their seeds were imported.” He pointed out that nearly 27 million seedlings were planted around buildings and junctions, as well as more than 750,000 seedlings for patching works. gulfnews.com
Communities In Bloom International Challenge The call has gone out for entries to the Communities In Bloom International Challenge, which involves municipalities that wish to showcase their achievements in providing green spaces. Over the years, participants have included communities from across the globe as they compete based on population categories. Canadian not-for-profit organisation Communities In Bloom said that entrants were evaluated by an international jury on the accomplishments of their entire community (municipality, institutions, businesses and
citizens). It added that the evaluation, which normally takes place in June or July, is based on the following criteria: • Tidiness • Environmental action • Heritage conservation • Urban forestry • Landscaped areas • Floral displays The awards will be presented in Regina, Saskatchewan, from October 26 to 29, 2016. International finalists will be provided with promotional opportunities during the event. www.communitiesinbloom.ca
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 11:10
NEWS
Registration opens for next year’s Outdoor Design & Build Show Registration is now open for the largest construction industry event in the Middle East – the Outdoor Design & Build Show. The 2016 event, which takes place from 4 to 6 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is a wellestablished trade show for professionals specialising in urban development and infrastructure. In 2015, the show had more than 80 exhibitors and 4,000 attendees, a 22% growth on the previous year. With a focus on design, build and construction of all private and public spaces, including parks,
urban areas, government and healthcare projects and major residential housing, the show attracts thousands of key decision makers, city planners, investors, architects and developers. The event has become an ideal exhibition for suppliers looking to
break into the Middle East and Africa region. Exhibitors showcase products from all key sectors of the industry, including landscaping, outdoor design and build, infrastructure and urban development, facility management, water technology, and management. The show is attended by business professionals involved in the planning and execution of high-budget projects and this year the exhibition includes the Future Landscape 2016 Conference and the Urban Space 2016 Seminar. www.theoutdoorshow.ae
Kamelia Bin Zaal moves to make her mark on Zaya Nurai Island landscape There are changes afoot on Abu Dhabi’s Nurai Island, which is home to Zaya Nurai Island, a boutique luxury development consisting of a hotel and 23 private homes. Nadia Zaal, co-founder and chief executive of Zaya Retreats, has recently put the island’s
www.prolandscaper.ae
P06-08_news.indd 7
landscaping and planting in the hands of her sister, Kamelia Bin Zaal, best known for becoming the first Emirati to exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show earlier this year. Kamelia has been charged with enhancing the existing landscape design of Nurai by
introducing new plant species and improving the skills of the in-house landscaping team responsible for its care and maintenance. Kamelia has been revamping the island’s planting scheme in phases, with an initial focus on public areas. She said: “Basically, we are working in stages now. Our priority was the welcome centre, reception, deli area, Frangipani Restaurant & Bar and the pool area. What I’ve also done is concentrate on one of the existing resort villas to show how I want it to be changed. “We are waiting now for a delivery of plants so I can get in there and complete one. I’m doing it stage by stage.” wwww.thenational.ae
SSH wins Kuwait sewage treatment plant contract
SSH, an infrastructure, building design and project management company based in the Middle East, said it had been awarded the contract to design a sewage treatment plant for a waterside residential development in Kuwait. The Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City is a 6.4 million m2 waterside residential project being developed by La’ala Al-Kuwait Real Estate Company. SSH will undertake concept, preliminary and detailed design of the plan for the treatment plant. The Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City project began in 2002 and is expected to accommodate about 100,000 people once the works are complete. SSH said the sewage treatment plant would have a capacity of 45,000m3 a day and utilise state of the art SBR (sequencing batch reactor) technology. The plant will also use UV and chlorine disinfection systems to treat raw sewage so that the resulting product is clean enough to be pumped back into irrigation networks for use in landscaping. www.tradearabia.com
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
7
14/12/2015 11:10
NEWS
Fourth Middle East Smart Landscape Summit scheduled for Dubai in April The fourth Middle East Smart Landscape Summit will be held on 25-26 April at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, global conference organisers Expotrade have announced. The summit will play host to experts from across the globe, who will convene to discuss the latest developments in the landscape industry and measures to further improve sustainable landscape practices in the UAE. This year’s edition of the summit, held under the patronage of the Dubai Municipality, will offer a
platform for more than 400 attendees, including senior-level landscape architects, government authorities, urban planners, developers, environmental specialists, and contractors from across the GCC. They will be able to engage in intensive discussions on the best practices and embrace new perspectives on the trends and challenges the industry faces. Brad Hariharan, regional director of Expotrade Middle East, said: “Our Middle East Smart Landscape Summit has become one of the most popular events in the region,
attracting the attention of experts from across the globe. The UAE has been at the forefront of developing initiatives for smart landscape planning. Our summit addresses the key themes integral to delivering sustainable development.” The 2016 conference agenda will cover such broad topics as Dubai Municipality’s innovations in landscaping; innovations in design and sustainability; artificial turf; smart irrigation techniques; urban planning in arid environments; and native plant landscaping. www.landscapesummit.com
Riyadh master plan gathers momentum A far-reaching master plan that will support the thousands of projects already taking shape across Riyadh is expected to put the city on course to become a leading “global metropole”, its Emir, Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, has said. In an exclusive interview with global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group, Prince Faisal said the drafted Strategic and
8
Comprehensive Master Plan of Riyadh had economic development and sustainable growth at its core. Both, he said, would be achieved “by focusing on upgrading human capital, diversifying income sources, promoting modern infrastructure to accommodate the demands of development and supporting environmental protection programmes.” Projects will be rolled out
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P06-08_news.indd 8
through a raft of strategic programmes under the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), the government agency responsible for the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental development of the city. The plan, Prince Faisal added, included the rehabilitation of Wadi Hanifah, Silay Valley and Al Ha’ir Lakes. He said: “It also calls for the construction of 100 municipal parks throughout the city and the development of plazas and pedestrian walkways to create open spaces for the citizenry to enjoy.” Prince Faisal, who is also chairman of the ADA, said the broad range of projects already under way across Riyadh included commercial and social initiatives, alongside ambitious transport infrastructure upgrades that would “change the city”. www.albawaba.com
Manama’s move to ban new parks
A ban on new public parks and gardens has been imposed throughout Manama. However, many of the existing family recreation facilities in Bahrain’s capital will be developed so that they include new or upgraded walkways, sports pitches and indoor sports courts. The decision was taken by the Capital Trustees Board, which said the move would prevent millions of dinars being wasted on unnecessary projects. The board also wants the private sector to get involved by investing in new leisure facilities, instead of the government having to shoulder the financial burden. The decision was taken as Bahrain looks to rein in its public spending because of the currently low oil prices, which have prompted significant government cuts. Board chairman Mohammed Al Khozaae said: “We have around 10 public parks and gardens all located less than 3km away from each other.” The Capital Trustees Board ordered the Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry to halt all work on any ongoing plans for new public parks or gardens in Manama. www.gdnonline.com
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 11:11
Project : Private Residence (Germany) Products : Fixscreen® 150EVO & Topfix® Max
Your innovating and reliable partner in solar shading! Every dealer wants to guarantee its customers the right solution and the best
Fixscreen®
service. A wind-tight sun screen type Fixscreen, a horizontal screen type Topfix for conservatories or skylights, aluminium blades, sliding panels or other architectural solar shading solutions. RENSON® always has an appropriate solution available. Choosing for RENSON® means choosing for innovation and communication, quality and service, experience and reliability. For contemporary houses & passive house solutions!
km/h TESTED & WARRANTY
12 BEAUFORT
Topfix® Max
Interested in becoming our partner? More info: Tel : 971 52 640 1352 • middle-east@renson.net • www.renson.eu/middleeast
ADS TEMPLATE.indd 1
10/12/2015 10:48
EXPERTS
T
he desert INK team moved across to its new offices at D3 this month, and we are already starting to realise the benefits of being located in this burgeoning new creative community. There has been a lot of buzz around TECOM Group’s latest business park of course, but what’s it all about? The principle behind D3 (Dubai Design District, D+D+D = D3, get it?) is to offer first-class lodgings to house the region’s design agencies and creative industries. The first phase of D3 consists of 10 office buildings linked by a series of pedestrianised streets and courts furnished with occasional street furniture and clusters of trees. It’s not just about office space of course, and the real value of this development is not physical. D3 is set on promoting opportunities for the cross-fertilisation of ideas, interdisciplinary collaborations, and hosting design events for the region.
FRESH SOURCES OF INSPIRATION ARE ALREADY INFLUENCING OUR DESIGNS We’ve already seen a number of such events take place at D3, and it all seems to be working brilliantly. Dubai Design Week was hosted by D3 in October with great success, and already two other events have taken place at the campus since. So, you may ask, how exactly does all this benefit the landscape community? Again, the benefit is not a physical one; D3’s streets and courts are somewhat underwhelming for a design hub, with unbroken grey granite and concrete permeating every corner. What these landscape spaces do cater for brilliantly, however, is flexibility. The open plazas are populated by new installations almost on a
10
DESIGN HAS A
NEW HOME Duncan Denley highlights how his team’s move to the new D3 creative hub in Dubai is inspiring and influencing desert INK’s work weekly basis. A car launch one week, a sculpture installation the next. This constant exposure to new ideas, new thinking and new materials is a serious hit with desert INK, and these fresh sources of inspiration are already influencing our design work. The community is building and networks are being forged. We’ve already had some ‘drop ins’ visit our office. Future collaborations are being planned and contacts shared, while clients are being introduced to other creative professionals. Several of our clients will join us at D3 in the coming months, leading to closer collaboration. All this cross-fertilisation prevents isolation in the landscape industry, enabling us to form part of a much wider creative community making waves around the world. A great example of this was the blank canvas presented by our new office space. Rather than hiring an interior designer, we seized the opportunity to test our belief that a talented designer can turn their hand to any form of design. With a limited budget but unlimited creativity, our team set about the interior design of our new space as we would a landscape. We worked with materials familiar to us, such as wood, plants, concrete and light. The end result is as distinctive as our landscapes and perfectly fits with the D3 vibe of experimentation and boundary-breaking. So here’s to D3 and the amazing opportunities it presents. Something tells me we will be hearing a lot more about this place in the coming years.
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P010_ Duncan.indd 10
ABOUT DESERT INK Known for its amazing landscape designs, desert INK is a registered design consultancy based in the Dubai Design District. With 13 years of experience in the region, managing director Duncan Denley leads a creative team backed by the 27 years of experience held in the Desert Group and vision of CEO Michael Mascarenhas. www.desert-INK.com www.desertgroup.ae
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 10:53
EXPERTS
LET THERE BE LIGHT TerraVerde’s Chris Parker says effective lighting should always be high on the agenda when it comes to garden design
O
ne aspect of landscape design that is often overlooked and yet is crucial to not only the ambience, but also the functionality of a project, is lighting. As technology constantly evolves and with landscaping generally becoming more innovative, lighting design has never been so flexible. Lighting isn’t always high on the agenda during the initial stages of creating an outdoor space. Clients tend to pay most attention to their hardscape, softscape, plantation and even their outdoor furniture. These aspects are considered integral due to the frequency of their use and it is because of this, that lighting is often wrongfully neglected when it comes to investing time, attention and budget. Looking at it from a different perspective however, you soon realize the significance of effective lighting and the impact it has on the design. Lighting isn’t only applied so that you can see in the dark (though if there was ever a reason use something, that would be it). Aesthetically it can improve your garden substantially. Good quality lighting installations are incredible to look at and give that ‘wow’
www.prolandscaper.ae
P011_ CHRIS PARKER.indd 11
factor everyone craves when revamping any part of their home and garden. A good lighting solution means your enjoyment of your garden isn’t limited to when the sun is shining – you can enjoy your garden 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Quality lighting transforms your garden so radically that with the contrasting looks between the daytime and the evening, it feels like you have two gardens. There is so much choice when it comes to styles, shapes and sizes, it’s hard to choose what’s right for you and your project. It differs depending on the specification (i.e. style, scale and location), highlighting why it’s beneficial to use a professional landscaping company like TerraVerde. Today LED lighting is the number one lighting choice for designers and electrical engineers alike. They’re a safe option and use just 12W as opposed to 220W, making them the more energy efficient lighting choice. Fiber optic lighting, an underused technology, is becoming increasingly popular within the UAE. Its cabling system allows more creative freedom with lighting design, as opposed to installing a standard marker light. Interestingly, TerraVerde is currently trialling Smart Lighting. This allows clients to adjust and alter the colour, intensity and direction of their lighting using a mobile application on a smartphone. The popularity of home automation as a whole is increasing and as it becomes more accessible and affordable, this trend will no doubt continue into the future. Soon it may well be the norm to have more bespoke lighting that can modify the landscape with the touch of a button, adjusting the light setting to suit your mood or the occasion.
ABOUT CHRIS PARKER Chris Parker is a marketing and sales executive at TerraVerde, which is based in Jumeirah, Dubai. Chris achieved his BA (Hons) degree in business and marketing at Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, UK. He has been described as “a natural marketeer with a strong creative side” and possessing “a natural talent for establishing strong relationships with clients”. www.terraverde.ae
Pro Landscaper ProGulf Landscaper / December Gulf2015/January / September 2016 2015 11
14/12/2015 15:58
EXPERTS
IRRIGATION ISN’T ALWAYS
THE ANSWER Landscaper and arborist Mark Laurence says that in light of shifting climates, the goal has to be minimal water use
I
rrigation is considered a necessity when landscaping in arid climates. It is a view I wouldn’t like to completely contradict, yet I have seen a fair bit of evidence that tells me that many plantings, trees especially, are over-watered. Of equal importance is the fact that many irrigation methods waste water and sometimes damage the trees themselves. We have to discern the different requirements of trees and understand that what is necessary for one species is overkill for another, particularly when mixing native with exotic species. You will spot Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) and Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi) growing wild without irrigation, but imported exotics need a
Millingtonia hortensis with sprinkler damage
12
regular supply of water. I have seen Ghaf trees blown over in roadside plantings caused, I suspect, by shallow root development encouraged by excessive surface irrigation. Even exotics such as the flame tree (Delonix regia) tend to be over-watered, causing a reduction in flowering and a susceptibility to bacterial wetwood.
MANY IRRIGATION METHODS WASTE WATER AND SOMETIMES DAMAGE THE TREES THEMSELVES How the water is applied is just as important. Pop-up sprinklers in lawns can damage the trunks of trees, causing aerial rooting in species such as palm or fig, discolouring bark or causing stress-induced rots to occur. Drip irrigation is better but still not ideal, as it applies water at the surface and still encourages shallow rooting. In the UK, we are used to putting a subterranean irrigation ring around trees, which gets water to the roots at a deeper level. For watering established trees, perforated tubes can be used, inserted vertically throughout the root zone, with the trees either manually watered or connected to standard irrigation systems. Supplying water at a slightly deeper level means less water is used. A word of warning, though. Most feeding roots occur in the top 300 to 500mm of soil, so watering too deeply can also be wasteful. In coastal cities, problems can arise from a naturally high-level, saline water table. Halophytes (salt tolerant plants) have evolved to cope with this but for some imported
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P012-13_Mark Laurence/Mike Law.indd 12
species, salinity can be a problem. You also have to be aware of the quality of the irrigation water itself which, if drawn from the ground, may have a high saline content. Get your water supply tested if you are unsure. Ultimately, I believe that planting styles and expectations of “landscape” must change. A more natural style, with more xeriscaping (landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation) and use of natives or other arid-loving plants from different parts of the world (but from similar conditions), will emerge. Building plant communities that function and thrive in place without much human care or maintenance is more important, in my view, than using strictly native species. As climate zones shift rapidly around the world, nature cannot keep up and it will be down to us in the industry to create landscapes that sit well in their altered environments, whether native or not. I believe we can do this with considerably less use of irrigation. The water we do use should be grey water (from taps and sinks), which is a much better way to conserve processed water use. The goal has to be minimal water use, natural, ecologically benign planting, and urban environments which feed our need to connect to nature. ABOUT MARK LAURENCE Mark Laurence has had 35 years working in the landscape industry as an aquatic landscaper, arborist, landscape designer and living wall specialist. He designs and consults in the Middle East and UK. Consultancy: www.marklaurence.com Living walls: www.vertology.uk.com
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 11:13
EXPERTS
THE BUSINESS OF MOBILE MARKETING Mike Laws, Group CMO of InTarget, says the ‘Please Call Me’ service can help you exploit the awesome mobile marketing opportunities that exist out there Conventional wisdom has it that Africa is a continent of feature phone users. A feature phone is a mobile phone on which you can surf the internet and store and play music, but it lacks the advanced functionality and support for third-party software of smartphones. TechCentral has reported that by 2019, only 27% of cellphones sold in Africa will be feature phones. The vast majority will be smartphones, with 155 million being shipped next year alone. According to research by International Data Corporation, feature phone sales are declining by 20% every year. Statistics like these are relevant to mobile marketing because industry commentators often use them to signal the death knell of ̒ basic’ mobile marketing campaign tools such as SMS and USSD (standard GSM technology supported by all GSM handsets that is session-based and supports longer message content than texts). This is wrong, however. Just because USSD and SMS are the mobile marketing tools those with feature phones use most, doesn’t mean smartphone users don’t also use text messaging and menu-driven USSD. SMS and USSD have, in fact, become growing mobile marketing bearers in their own right. Just because a smartphone user has downloaded an over-the-top (OTT) messaging app (where third parties provide instant messaging services as an alternative to text messaging services provided by a mobile network operator) such as WhatsApp, it doesn’t mean they don’t regularly send and receive SMSs to and from people and organisations they don’t wish to add to their OTT app. www.prolandscaper.ae
P012-13_Mark Laurence/Mike Law.indd 13
Here are a few tips you should bear in mind Thanks to the growing popularity of the most successful USSD application ever – Please Call Me – this technology will continue to prove one of the most effective and measurable ways for brands to reach mobile users, in 2019 and beyond. InTarget continues to partner with some of South Africa and the continent’s leading brands when it comes to exploiting the awesome mobile marketing opportunities offered by the Please Call Me service. InTarget’s established relationships means it is able to commercialise this service, which is highly valued by literally tens of millions of prepaid cellular users. This is achieved by adding text tags to the end of ̒Please Call Me messages for a specified time. Just as in SMS-based mobile advertising, there is a certain art in composing or structuring text tags that get your message across in the most effective way.
1
Don’t devalue the services you offer by reducing words to ‘SMS speak’ in an effort to save yourself space. Using SMS abbreviations such as “thnx” instead of “thank you” might be fine in a casual text conversation with your friends, but consumers expect the companies they interact with to uphold certain standards.
2 3
Because space is limited, don’t mix messages and ensure there is one clearly understandable call to action that is also just a click away. Know your audience by understanding that the products and services most suited to Please Call Me text tags are usually low-value recurring items that are also subscription or debit-order based.
4
Read back through your message before you send it, predictive text can make some strange and potentially embarrassing changes to the message you are trying to get across!
ABOUT MIKE LAWS Mike Laws is group chief marketing officer for InTarget, one of Africa's largest mobile aggregation and solutions companies. He has more than 23 years’ experience in the ICT industry and has worked in multiple MNOs in Africa such as Econet Wireless and Vodacom South Africa. He is currently commercialising mobile advertising across 33 countries in Africa and the Middle East for Airtel Group and MTN Group. He has an MBA from Oxford Brookes University and is an expert on the role of mobile as part of large-scale marketing. www.intarget.mobi
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
13
14/12/2015 11:14
ADS TEMPLATE.indd 1
14/12/2015 15:12
INTERVIEW
THE
BIG INTERVIEW
AHMED BUKHASH
Archidentity’s chief architect and founder talks to Pro Landscaper Gulf about landscaping trends in the region, sustainability, and what the future may hold in store for the industry
P015-018 Interview.indd 15
14/12/2015 10:55
INTERVIEW
How long ago did the business start? We established the company five years ago. It was based on carrying out high-end residential housing work. We are not only limited to that but we wanted to build a strong foundation. Now we have many projects around Dubai and we've also been invited to tender for a couple of projects in Qatar. When you design architecture for a villa, do you also design gardens as part of the project? At this stage we are only focusing on our core background, which is architecture, but we recently started developing concept designs for interior and landscaping. However, it is purely on a conceptual level and we then approach the market to get professionals to submit their design and build scope. Is that a practice many are doing in Dubai? It depends on the company’s philosophy. There are those that only work on a couple of projects a year. Their fees are much higher and they take full turnkey solutions, from landscaping to interior design and architecture. That is one methodology to take. The other is where the majority of the market is based on everybody having their own specialisation. So basically we start with the architecture and approach the specialised people in the landscaping field in terms of design and build. The common practice is for people to break down into specialities but there are a few companies which do the full scope because sometimes people get discouraged by the large bulk of fees up front. How do you select your landscapers when it comes that situation? Most of the time the interior design is outsourced and, under that umbrella, they already offer a landscaping package, although they are two separate specialisations. It seems the market has developed in a way that means interior designers are also asked to do landscaping. How many people do you employ? We have seven staff – we are considered a boutique office. We work on high-end residential properties and focus heavily on the details. Most of the time we also focus on a developer mentality because my own background is from
16
a developer history. I worked as a developer for seven years so we understand that our clients want high quality in the shortest time as well as an all-round design solution. Developers prefer not to go to separate parties and through the awarding work process – it takes a lot of time and they are always under time constraints. We have developed a strong network of people who we connect with and we plan to provide those services in-house – but that’s in the long-run. In terms of managing the budgets and costs for all that, once a landscaper is given the work do you manage the processes? Yes. Again, if you go with the theory of doing everything as per a company’s own specialisation, each sub-contractor has their own budget to work with. Some clients are very flexible, they tell us they want the best design and take it step by step. Some people are wealthy but still say there is a certain budget they should not pass. As architects, we check and double check those in a general way, but the final responsibility lies with the people who are in that field itself, for example the landscaper. What is the trend in Dubai at the moment? Villas with gardens? Rooftop gardens? There are lots of trends which I don’t expect to be long-lasting. Then there is a trend of rather than having a building and landscaping around it, bringing that landscaping within the building instead. Clients are very particular about the quality of space outdoors so they are ready to spend additionally on that. However, from our experience landscaping at this stage is mostly an afterthought. The priority is always for clients to complete the building then think about how to carry out the landscaping. We are different in the respect that we deliver it all together. Even in our first villas we took into consideration the difference in ground levels as this makes a big difference. I think the general trend is that the residential market is catching up with the commercial projects. A lot of companies now focus on urban design too. How much does sustainability influence what you do? The authorities are enforcing the fact that we
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P015-018 Interview.indd 16
OFTEN, PEOPLE INSTALL GREEN ROOFS BUT THEY ARE MORE PLASTIC THAN REAL
www.prolandscaper.ae
15/12/2015 09:26
have to go with the green roof systems and, if we install irrigation systems, that the water is recycled. I think the government is heading into a tough direction in terms of enforcing those. As consultants, we are getting regular comments prior to approval of a scheme in terms of accommodating those systems. I think it’s very important to incorporate those things but, at the same time, it’s important to ensure it is not just superficial. Often, people install green roofs but they are more plastic than real. We also have to make sure the contractors are up to the level where they can provide adequate spaces and prevent any water leakage, for example. Sometimes the speed of construction overtakes the quality and sometimes, when it rains only twice a year, we get a lot of problems with leaks and rain coming through the ceiling. How do you go about specifying products? Mostly through site visits. The well-executed projects become very popular and then we ask who the consultants and contractors are and try to get that same formula into our projects. Another way is to attend events such as the Outdoor Design and Build Show, where you get to know companies from all over the world which are new to the market.
RE L
You also have composite decking samples? Yes, because we always look to replace natural materials with artificial ones because they are known to last longer. For example, the plastic composite decking looks and feels exactly like wood. We try to create all this detailing as best we can. We wouldn’t go for pure marble, for example, because after a while it cracks. We always look for substitutes with a natural look. What about products such as artificial grass? Depending on the quality, we definitely use artificial grass. Some of them look like plastic but others are high end. Is design, architecture and landscaping seen as a good career in the UAE? It is seen as a good career but also very challenging because there is a surplus of such companies in the market. To create a good reputation, you need to have a strong background in terms of executed projects.
www.prolandscaper.ae
P015-018 Interview.indd 17
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 17
15/12/2015 09:27
INTERVIEW
For us, we mostly award projects on simple site visits, looking at signboards and so forth. It is not really what is in the brochures and websites, it’s about what you have done on site. That’s where your brand is created. Are things in place to maintain projects that have been completed? They say the cash cow is for the people who maintain the schemes, although some projects aren’t easy to maintain. I think people recognise that and there are many companies involved in regular maintenance. I think that’s a strong market and your reputation and brand is built on quality of service. Ahmed Bukhash, centre, with the Archidentity team
When you are designing and building a project, do you think about the maintenance costs? The design and build approach is a risky one. Sometimes architects over-depend on the contractor and so they omit a lot of details. Basically, you can say they are taking the headache away from themselves and dumping it on other people. That reflects negatively on the project later on if it’s not dealt with or controlled properly. Are most of your clients Emirati? We have Indian nationals, Emiratis and that’s basically it. What do you think will happen to the market in the next two or three years? I think it’s positive. I think most of the local concern is over the political situation going on around us. Other than that, in terms of the UAE perception it’s only going up towards 2020 and, from then on, I’m sure there will be a new strategy from the government in terms of how to maintain such speed of construction and the reputation of those companies involved. That will also come in government initiatives and future development strategies. ABOUT ARCHIDENTITY
P.O. Box 112994 Dubai, UAE Tel: +971-438-05883 Email: info@archidentity.ae Web: www.archidentity.ae
18
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P015-018 Interview.indd 18
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 11:00
indoor & outdoor ďŹ re features www bbq-warehouse com www.bbq-warehouse.com
@
sales@walfilii.be
ADS TEMPLATE.indd 3
www.gulf-leisure.com
enquiries@gulf-leisure.com
+971 43 791 390
+32 (0) 3605 1884
10/12/2015 11:03
PORTFOLIO
STAYING COOL BY THE POOL TerraVerde took on the task of creating a Maldives feel at a luxury villa at Hattan in Arabian Ranches, Dubai
20
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P020-023 Terraverde.indd 20
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 10:43
PORTFOLIO
www.prolandscaper.ae
P020-023 Terraverde.indd 21
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 21
14/12/2015 10:43
PORTFOLIO
T
he client asked TerraVerde to create a stunning contemporary garden sustainable and durable enough to be used for a multitude of activities at the luxury villa, including parties, relaxation, recreation and al fresco dining. Privacy surrounding any of the ‘breakout’ areas within the villa’s gardens was crucial to the design, as was utilising every inch of space. TerraVerde orientated the landscaping around an exotic, tranquil theme that is modern with respect to the layout and design but with a natural feel similar to the Maldives. The surrounding exterior space had to be clearly differentiated from the villa’s interior, not only for an aesthetically beautiful view when looking outside but also to give a sense of escapism when people enter the garden. From the entrance to the rear garden, the villa’s ‘journey’ begins with an electronically activated gate which opens on to a beige, travertine-tiled pathway leading to the main door and a welcoming Greek-style water feature. The pathway runs throughout the outdoor area and leads from the entrance to the side garden, which is festooned with exotic plants, flowers and ground covers. Soft seating and an Arabic-patterned feature wall in the centre of the
garden make for a perfect resting point. As you turn the corner into the main outside area, you encounter another seated section surrounded by green plantation and sculpture. A thatched gazebo sits at the opposite end, equipped with a bar, outdoor kitchen, pool table, fixed seating, projector screen and ceiling fans. A decked area lies next to this, on the corner of the large swimming pool, with sun loungers and another tranquil water feature to act as a backdrop. A courtyard is subtly hidden away in the rear of the garden, filled with palm trees, grass verges, stepping-stone tiles, pebbles and shrubs, interlinked with symmetrical pathways. TerraVerde’s landscaping and construction designs all went to plan. However, to provide the villa’s residents with privacy and shading and to give the courtyard section an impressive ‘wow factor’, the company planted six large Washingtonia robusta palm trees. Installing the trees required great technical precision, as planting six trees so close together meant the allocated space needed to be measured in terms of millimetres, otherwise growth and stability would be unsuccessful. The large swimming pool is the focal point of the project, spreading across the back garden
1 (Previous page) The large swimming pool is the
3 & 4 A thatched gazebo houses a bar, outdoor
2 Landscaping was designed around an exotic,
5 & 6 Hard and soft seating areas are brought
focal point of the project
tranquil theme with a natural Maldives feel
kitchen, projector and pool table
together as one distinctive design
and bringing the thatch and water feature, as well as hard and soft seating areas, together as one distinctive design. Pools of this size are exceptional for residential projects. Stretching as long as 20m and spanning more than 7m at its widest point, the pool is versatile, with its size and shape allowing people to take a casual dip, play, exercise or grab a refreshment at the bar while perching on the plush seating at the top end of the pool. As the feature is an overflow pool, it is essentially the same level as the bordering pathway. Water runs over the edge of the pool, creating a stunning mirrored effect and reflecting surrounding structures. The light blue glass tiling and contiguous white pebble coping gives the pool an inviting, fresh, organic look. The pool is equally impressive when the sun goes down. Sequenced LED lights were inserted around the coping and, together with the calming surface of the water, make for a relaxing, yet stunning, scene. The pool runs parallel to the villa and, when not in use, acts as a picturesque water feature in itself, resembling an enormous moat around a castle or stately home. REFERENCES Design Studio TerraVerde Villa 454, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai Tel: 04 344 3228 / 055 997 1756 Email: chris@terraverde.ae www.terraverde.ae Architecture Studio TerraVerde Architect and Lead Designer Nehme J. Moujaess
3D DRAWINGS
22
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P020-023 Terraverde.indd 22
ABOUT TERRAVERDE TerraVerde has a region-wide reputation for creating exceptional, award-winning landscapes and gardens for the commercial and domestic sectors. Its philosophy of ‘enhancing the environment and sustainability’ has helped TerraVerde become a leader in its field. Now providing interior design, its solutions are the result of inspired design and excellent project management. www.terraverde.ae
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 10:44
PORTFOLIO
PROJECT DETAILS Luxury villa in Hatton, Arabian Ranches, Dubai APPROXIMATE COST DHS2.4 million SIZE 1,350m2 TIMELINE Four months
2
4
3
5
www.prolandscaper.ae
P020-023 Terraverde.indd 23
6
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 23
14/12/2015 10:45
PORTFOLIO
1
ROOMS WITH A VIEW Alargan Landscaping Company was tasked with transforming the gardens surrounding Al Ghunaim Villa in the Shuwaikh residential area of Kuwait
1
Simple, attractive outdoor spaces were requested by the client
2
Many palm trees were already on site
3
Three new palm trees were planted to face the dining room’s tall, glass façade
4 & 6 Concrete tiles used for walkways were thinner and more eye-catching
5
24
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P024-026 Alargan.indd 24
Plants had to be hardy and able to tolerate the full glare of the sun and Kuwait’s hot, dry weather
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 10:48
PORTFOLIO
2
PROJECT DETAILS Al Ghunaim Villa APPROXIMATE INVESTMENT LEVEL KD26,000
3
SIZE 100m² PROJECT TIMESCALE April 2013 – November 2014 LANDSCAPE DESIGNER Rana Akiki, of Alargan Landscaping Company
4
6
www.prolandscaper.ae
P024-026 Alargan.indd 25
T
5
he client requested simple, attractive outdoor spaces, with a low green border surrounding the villa and a modern design to match the exterior architecture features of the house. The landscaping around the house was simple, with plenty of lawn and low plants to highlight the house without impeding views. Maintaining views to the house was an important factor for the client and, prior to the design stage, Alargan designer Rana Akiki considered a 5% slope for all surrounding space. Her landscape design implemented a wide range of landscaping, including excavation, levelling and irrigation, as well as both softscaping and hardscaping. The driveway paving was created from moulded, light-grey concrete formed into tiles, with embedded Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 25
14/12/2015 10:50
PORTFOLIO
MAIN PLAN
white pebbles connected to the garden’s walkways. The concrete paving used in the project was thick and durable enough to withstand the pressure of regular use by a car. For the walkways, the concrete tiles used were thinner and more eye-catching and grey concrete interlock was used for the 2m retreat which must be used around all public walkways to concur with a law brought in this year. An olive tree was raised with a stone border to create a focal point in the garden and to highlight the fountain behind it. A total of 25 palm trees were already on site and Alargan had to arrange and relocate some of the healthy ones. The company planted three new palm trees on the side area facing the dining room’s tall, glass façade. Six more palm trees were used to flank the driveway, three on each side. The condition of the site and the client’s brief called for plants that were hardy and could tolerate the full glare of the sun and Kuwait’s hot, dry weather. Alargan decided to use rounded and sword-shaped foliage to add interest to the front yard. 7
Six palm trees were planted to flank the driveway
8
Concrete paving used in the project had to be thick and durable enough to withstand the pressure of regular use by a car.
9
Rana Akiki’s design implemented a wide range of landscaping, including excavation, levelling and irrigation
26
8
ABOUT ALARGAN LANDSCAPING 7
9
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P024-026 Alargan.indd 26
Alargan Landscaping Company has been delivering and maintaining premium landscape and contracting services in Kuwait since 1995. The company’s landscaping team offers landscape creations with efficient designs and consultancy services for both private and public sectors. Alargan Landscaping Company is able to undertake complete design and build projects, delivering turnkey solutions from initial design through to completion. ARGAN Business Park, Free Trade Zone, Shuwaikh (Block F25 - F41), Kuwait Tel: (965) 2226 3222 Email: info@alargan.com www.alargan.com
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 10:51
INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
PRAISING THE ROOF Pro Landscaper Gulf looks at an award-winning RHS Chelsea show garden designed to sit in splendour on an office block rooftop, combining technology and tranquillity to create an ambient working environment
www.prolandscaper.ae
P027-029 Aralia.indd 27
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 27
14/12/2015 11:02
PORTFOLIO
D
esigned by Patricia Fox, of UK-based Aralia Garden Design, this stunning 10m x 20m plot was presented as an extension to the working office that could make excellent use of often neglected rooftop space. The garden was created to inspire people to make better use of unused commercial space by demonstrating that office rooftops can be used as viable garden or work spaces amid overcrowded cities. Patricia’s aim was to create a practical, yet stimulating work environment that combined the requirements of an office within a relaxed and creative outdoor setting. The space is both practical and beautiful, offering an innovative, thought-provoking environment with ambient space for collaboration and inspiration. There are work spaces for individual staff members as well as collaborative group ‘breakout’ areas. The garden is designed to capture and enhance the networked world we live in, being flexible and innovative. This is highlighted through the use of technology such as wi-fi, TV screens, laptops and tablets, which can be utilised throughout the garden. Sustainable features and recycled elements have also been used in the garden wherever possible. The design, entitled Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow, was awarded a prestigious RHS Silver medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and, as part of the technology already highlighted, an LED sports screen emitted calming and relaxing sounds and visuals as visitors enjoyed the scene, uniting cutting-edge technology and tranquility in one picturesque package. As well as 21st century technology, Patricia also selected a number of innovative materials, including bamboo decking made from fast-growing bamboo. All tabletops were built using Richlite, a compound material manufactured from compressed recycled paper. Furniture and planters in the garden were manufactured from ‘up-cycled’ materials – Grade A plastics (including black plastic plant pots) which previously went into landfill and which Aralia commissioned from UK-based company Thomas Bramwell Outdoor Living. Quirky, ‘C-shaped’ chairs were commissioned to hang from the bespoke wood and metal pergola frame and functionality is key
PROJECT DETAILS
Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow DESIGNER Patricia Fox, Aralia Garden Design SPONSORS RBS in association with Walworth Garden Farm AWARD RHS Silver medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show SIZE 10m x 20m
28
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P027-029 Aralia.indd 28
1
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 11:02
PORTFOLIO
to this garden, which doesn’t stop with the planting as a stunning ‘herb wall’ was included, where users can pick their own herbs to make some revitalising herbal tea. The wall also features a vertical Buxus Parterre. The modern ‘Cube’ building provides weatherproof office space within the garden and features a green roof that offers biodiversity by attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Calm and understated planting was used to create a textural, structured, yet beautifully delicate space. The colour scheme is a mix of green and silver-blue foliage, with simple white flowering plants such as Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium), Rocket Candytuft (Iberis Amara) and White Campion (Silene Latifolia). The main focal plant was a stunning Pleached Field Maple (Acer Campestre) to give some stature to the garden. A West Himalayan Birch (Betula Pendula) was selected for its ashy bark, which complemented the white flora throughout the garden. A Norway Maple (Acer Globosum) was included to provide a natural ‘umbrella’ for the floating workstation and render subtle shade under which staff would be able to relax with a laptop or tablet. Buxus cubes, Thymus balls and Buxus hedging provided the necessary structure to the garden, mimicking the ‘rounded square’ tablet-inspired shape used consistently throughout the garden’s design. For visitors to the RHS Chelsea show, Rooftop Workplace of Tomorrow proved memorable, inspiring and thought-provoking.
3
2
3
4
5
1
The rooftop garden is an office within a creative outdoor setting
2
‘C-shaped’ chairs hang from a wood and metal pergola frame
3
The living ‘herb wall’
4
There are interior and exterior spaces in which staff can work
5
The garden’s designer, Patricia Fox, with TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh
6
The main focal plant was a Pleached Field Maple within a tablet-shaped raised bed
ABOUT ARALIA GARDEN DESIGN
6
www.prolandscaper.ae
P027-029 Aralia.indd 29
Aralia Garden Design is a professional, versatile, down to earth design and build practice, which provides high-quality outdoor spaces that are innovative, yet functional. Established in 2004 by Patricia Fox, Aralia’s extensive portfolio ranges from contemporary to traditional and from small suburban gardens to large country estates. The company, which is based in Hertfordshire and works in the UK and abroad, understands its clients needs are paramount to good design. Patricia combines breathtaking dramatic landscapes with strong spatial design and harmonious textures and colours. www.aralia.org.uk
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 29
14/12/2015 11:03
FLOWPOINT
British Technology
Used on prestigious projects worldwide Independently tested and approved Walk on in 1 hour - Drive on in 4 hours! Perfect, stain-free paving every time Ideal for large-scale, public regeneration projects
Local distributor: Tanseeq LLC 路 +971 (04) 361 7199
ADS TEMPLATE.indd 3
14/12/2015 14:52
PRODUCTS
TigerTurf: Vision artificial grass range
A look at what’s new in landscaping...
Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries: Aloe Vera Aloe Vera has developed over generations as a desert succulent able to thrive in a harsh environment. Wahat Al Sahraa Nurseries, part of Desert Group, grows the plant and has this advice: “Aloe Vera likes full sun to partial shade and does not like to be over-watered. Aloe Vera leaves are long and thick with a serrated edge and a spike at the end so you should plant it away from any walkway.” In landscaping a garden it is often planted in clumps of three to five plants. It grows up to one or two feet high and produces multiple ‘pups’, which need to be replanted to stop the Aloe Vera spreading.
The Vision range from TigerTurf is designed to replicate a lush lawn all year round. Renowned for its prominent shades, Vision provides a number of options to meet the needs of every user. TigerTurf said Vision Plus Deluxe is “one of the most realisticlooking synthetic turfs on the market, with a premium density for the ultimate luxury look and feel”. Vision Plus, the company added, is a vibrant surface that offers thick, soft and healthy looking grass. TigerTurf’s Vision Lite variant is a short turf for light use, resembling an “expertly manicured lawn”.
www.tigerturf.com
www.dgnurseries.com
Gulf Leisure: Fontana Gusto Wood Oven
The classic Fontana Gusto Wood Oven has evolved over the years to become one of Gulf Leisure’s best-selling products. It combines beautiful Italian design with versatility and functionality. The brick ovens cook everything to perfection, the company said, including pizza, bread, roasted meat and vegetables. The wood oven is portable, fully insulated and designed to cook evenly as its domed chamber ensures uniform heat distribution. The Gusto has three racks, an interior light and convection fan. For long-lasting performance, the company said, the ovens are electro-galvanised before being powder-coated to provide “superb protection against corrosion”.
Larus Design’s ‘sheet’ litter bin evokes the concept of a folded paper sheet, with bended edges on the front and rear metal plates. The Portugal-based design company said its mission is to create a “symbolic and emotional empathy against the displeasure people usually have towards waste containers”. Larus Design said it is “dedicated to the design, development and production of urban street furniture, delivering uniqueness and exclusivity to markets around the world”. Blue Stream is Larus Design’s exclusive representative in the Middle East. The bin won the prestigious Red Dot Design award in 2014.
www.gulf-leisure.com
www.bluestreamme.com
Blue Stream: ‘sheet’ litter bin
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 31
P031-033_Products.indd 31
14/12/2015 11:08
GULF
IONS AVA ERS IL EV
LE AB
THR E
Download the FREE Pro Landscaper app today
mark laurence design
GULF
tree care consultant surveys/assessment staff training in pruning resilient landscape design species selection natural/native plantings
UK based and working in the UAE & GCC
1 Go to the App Store 3 Download the free app 2 Search ‘Pro Landscaper’ 4 Choose and download your issue
Under the Patronage of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi Minister of Public Works
+44 (0)7949 099195 www.marklaurence.com mail@marklaurence.com
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS
OUTDOOR
DESIGN & BUILD May 23rd – 25th, 2016 | DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
THE INTERNATIONAL OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW FOR LANDSCAPING, INFRASTRUCTURE & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Projects worth US$19.6m under construction in Dubai to create more green space in the city. The Outdoor Design & Build Show is an established trade event that attracts garden designers, architects, landscape contractors, landscaping professionals and facilities managers from all over the Middle East and beyond. Thousands of professionals will visit the show to source products and services for the outdoor design, furniture and landscaping industry.
BOOK YOUR STAND NOW TO SHOWCASE YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES Rajendra Salgaonkar
+971 4 4453652
Project Manager
+971 56 1741686
rajendrasalgaonkar@dmgeventsme.com Strategic Partners
www.theoutdoorshow.ae
Brought to you by
Wimbledon Private members enclosure
The Scotscape Living Wall system is flexible, lightweight, and can be applied to projects of any scale and shape, it is suitable for use in both exterior and interior locations. The patented water retaining fabric enables specification of the system in hot climates whilst supporting healthy plant growth.
To discover more abouT This unique sysTem conTacT: Organised by
sales@scotscape.net T: + 44 0208 254 5000 www.scotscape.net
SS_Ad_Pro Land_Golf_AW.indd 1 ADS TEMPLATE.indd 4
09/12/2015 15:18 14/12/2015 15:46
PRODUCTS
WALFiLii: corten steel planters WALFiLii’s planters achieve a contemporary industrial look and are manufactured in corten steel, a copper, nickel, chromium and zinc alloy weather steel with the same strength as other metals such as stainless steel. Corten steel develops a protective barrier that does not compromise the structural integrity of the material, nor requires any special maintenance. It is naturally resistant as it comes with a coating of rust that protects the material against further corrosion. Corten steel planters are unique, with a warm and natural feel.
www.walfilii.be
Lateral Design Studio: decorative tree grates London-headquartered Lateral Design Studio has launched a new range of decorative cast iron tree grates. The company said the range exudes quality and sophistication, “adding an individual charm to your landscape project”. The grates are available in a wide variety of designs, shapes and sizes. The covers “lift and transform pedestrian areas and city streets to a new level”, while also allowing space for trees to grow unhindered. The covers are available in a variety of finishes, including baked oil, and are supplied with supporting metal framework. Custom designs are also available on request.
BinHendi Playgrounds specialises in creating play areas for children, regardless of their physical ability. Since 1998, BinHendi has been involved in the playground industry trading under the name American Eastern LLC in partnership with Landscape Structures Inc (LSI), of the USA. BinHendi brands include Benito Urban, a major Spanish street furniture manufacturer. LSI manages the whole playground production process, from product design to manufacturing, distribution and sales. Another addition to the BinHendi brand is the NottsSports Synthetic Surfacing, from the UK, which creates safe surfacing for playgrounds with 15 colour options.
www.binhendi.com
BinHendi: playgrounds
www.lateraldesignstudio.co.uk
Black Diamond: lawn edging Black Diamond has been an industry leader in lawn edging since its formation in 1968. The company said its original patented lawn edging “sets the standard for quality”, with its plastic composition “unmatched in the industry”. Black Diamond added that although many landscapers today were aware of lower-priced alternatives, they remained loyal to the consistency of Black Diamond performance. Its ultimate edging is half an inch taller and 20% heavier than other edging products, it added. The Mighty Diamond Classic was designed to offer a quality choice at an economical price. Each 20ft length of edging is 5in tall and comes with four metal stakes and a connector.
www.tanseeqllc.com www.prolandscaper.ae
P031-033_Products.indd 33
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016 33
14/12/2015 11:05
TENDERS
TENDERS
A selection of projects open to tender across the GCC region
Kuwait Tender Name
Description
Aesthetic Agriculture, Afforestation and Irrigation
Prequalify Contractors for Aesthetic Agriculture, Afforestation and Irrigation
Kuwait University
179 USD
07/01/2016
Aesthetic Agriculture and Irrigation Development
Execution, Development and Maintenance
Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs & Fish Resources – PAAFR
3,300 USD
24/01/2016
Tender Cost
Closing Date
Client
Tender Cost
Closing Date
Oman Tender Name
Description
Client
Landscaping and Irrigation Works
For a Main Building, Social Centre and Workshop
The Research Council
256 USD
10/01/2016
Date Palm Trees
Supply of Date Palm Trees
Muscat Municipality
577 USD
24/01/2016
Client
Tender Cost
Closing Date
Saudi Arabia Tender Name
Description
Green Fields Irrigation and Co-ordination
Irrigation and Co-ordination of Green Fields
Ministry of Education
133 USD
03/01/2016
Gardens and Parks Construction
Construction of Gardens and Parks
Najran Municipality
1,733 USD
03/01/2016
Plantations Maintenance
Maintenance of Plantations of Gardens and Streets
Qassim Municipality
1,333 USD
03/01/2016
Gardens, Pedestrian Passageways and Yards Construction
Construction of Gardens, Pedestrian Passageways and Yards
Najran Municipality
1,333 USD
05/01/2016
Gardens Construction
Construction of Neighbouring Gardens in Districts and Charts
Madinah Municipality
2,667 USD
05/01/2016
Plantations, Green Fields, Trees, Flowers and Irrigation Networks Maintenance
Maintenance of Plantations, Green Fields, Trees, Flowers and Irrigation Networks
Eastern Region Municipality
1,867 USD
05/01/2016
Trees Maintenance and Irrigation
Carrying out Maintenance and Irrigation of Trees
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
533 USD
12/01/2016
Gardens, Yards and Pedestrian Passageways Construction
Construction of Gardens, Yards and Pedestrian Passageways in Al Nabhaneya and its villages
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs
267 USD
08/02/2016
34
Pro Landscaper Gulf / December 2015/January 2016
P034_Tenders.indd 34
www.prolandscaper.ae
14/12/2015 11:18
ADS TEMPLATE.indd 1
15/12/2015 09:22
ADS TEMPLATE.indd 1
14/12/2015 12:57