4 minute read
Design Showcase: contemporary comfort
HIDDEN PARADISE
Offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and Gibraltar and surrounded by golf courses, El Mirador de La Reserva de Sotogrande is a private residential complex developed by Sotrogrande S.A. that has been designed and built by ARK Architects and superbly integrated into nature. With its exceptional mix of sustainability, efficiency, design and privacy, this project truly is one-of-a-kind in southern Europe. The six sustainable and energy-efficient villas awaken emotions and generate a wonderful experience for the senses, offering a high quality of life that fuses together nature, water, natural stone, wood and light, ensuring that a feeling of well-being is perceived at all times, as the development seamlessly blends into the natural environment. Special importance was given to minimising energy consumption. As Manuel R. Moriche from ARK Architects explains, “Anyone who sees the size and dimensions of these villas would assume that, in order to maintain a pleasant temperature inside the home, energy consumption would be exorbitant. However, we were determined to stand by our architectural commitment regarding environmental integration, and therefore we couldn’t put our name to a project that was going to have a negative impact on the environment. “Each villa is angled in such a way that the diaphanous and functional spaces are blurred between the interior and exterior, thus maintaining direct contact with the environment at all times. In addition to the low level of
energy consumption, special attention has been given to the development of home automation. This opens up numerous possibilities for the implementation of internet-controlled household objects, a trend that is especially highly valued by new generations who are more familiar with technology and who consider the ‘smart home’ to be a must in their lifestyle.” One of the main Reynaers Aluminium systems chosen for the villas is the Hi-Finity – a minimalist sliding window that provides an optimum amount of transparency and enables the interior to merge uninterruptedly with the exterior. With Reynaers Hi-Finity, the aluminium profiles are so discreet that the frame is invisible, offering impressive glazed surfaces that stretch from floor to ceiling. Moncada Aluminium, a member of the Reynaers installer network, was also part of the project, specifically in regards to the manufacture and installation of systems for windows, doors and sliding doors.
For more information: Sotogrande S.A. Tel. (+34) 856 560 922 www.sotogrande.com Reynaers Aluminium Tel. (+34) 900 262 026 www.reynaers.es / www.grupomoncada.com
MAXIMISING COMFORT
WITH A MODERN MEDITERRANEAN DESIGN
As specialists in “comfort construction”, Naxfor Homes are well-placed to provide invaluable information for people keen to improve their home projects. Here they outline some key tips, accompanied by photos of one of their recently-completed homes in Marbella, designed by leading architect Alberto Rodríguez of RDM architecture. The Costa del Sol climate is renowned for being quite mild, but in summer it can become less pleasant. Using extended layouts enables the creation of shady spaces in the lower area and terraces in the upper part, where you can enjoy outdoor life to the fullest. The use of simple lines gives a sense of order and balance, while glass railings make these spaces look lighter from the outside without obstructing views from the inside. It is always a good idea to try to integrate the garden and pool with the rest of the house. Being able to feel close to them while sitting on the sofa is an absolute pleasure. It is also advisable to choose local plant species such as olive trees, as well as cacti and other plants adapted to a dry and hot climate. This will greatly reduce water consumption and also add special character. Smooth walls covered with white plastering is a tradition on the Costa del Sol, and makes the house look cooler, but it is also interesting to combine them with walls comprising local white stone. For the floor, it is most convenient to use durable materials that allow light to be reflected from the outside to the inside of the house. In the home featured here, we opted for porcelain stoneware in large-format pieces. By using the same flooring inside and out, an attractive continuity between the two spaces is achieved. Inside, open spaces and light colours create lightness and freshness. The false perimetral ceiling is very elegant and adds a sense of greater spaciousness. The division between the ground floor rooms can be achieved through different ceiling heights or by how you place the furniture and carpets. In home décor, the choice of a simple and refined style of neutral colours always works here on the Coast, but a boho style with small ethnic touches can also add more personality while maintaining a relaxed ambience.
Naxfor Homes Cuevas Bajas 2, Edificio Picasso, Málaga Tel. (+34) 951 917 824 / www.naxforhomes.com
