INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE
ISSUE 54
ISSUE 54 APRIL 2012
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SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS The symbiosis of spaces
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big or small it’s their entire world. KREA (Malta) Ltd. Mdina Road, Qormi E-mail: info@krea.com.mt www.krea.com.mt
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Tetrix design Michael Young
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KOMMA
The “best seller” kitchen from Italy can be found at: THE ATRIUM Mriehel By-Pass Mriehel BKR3000 - Malta Tel (+356) 2147 0000 Fax (+356) 2149 1063 Email: kitchendesign@theatrium.com.mt Just for business use: www.scavolini.biz Scavolini S.p.A. 61025 Montelabbate (PU) - Italia Tel. +39 0721443333 Fax: +39 0721443413 contact@scavolini.com www.scavolini.com
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Scavolini uses only Idroleb panels for the carcase of its kitchens: a water repellent V100 panel with the lowest formaldehyde content presently available in the world.
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System of Environmental Management UNI EN ISO 14001
The “best seller” from Italy 009
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contents ISSUE 54 APRIL 2012
013 Readers’ Letters
074 Our Little Cosmos
017 Home News
081 Home Ideas
021 Greenworks 2012
095 Garden News
023 Trend Spot: Milan Design Week
096 Spectacular Spring
026 Hanging House
101 Food News
038 The Big Flow
102 Fine Fare
046 You, Me & The Apartment Makes Three
106 Upkeep Essentials
054 Sublime Springtime
107 A-Z Directory
062 Understanding Spatial Relationships
114 Address Book
066 Craft Commitment
026 HANGING HOUSE Chris Briffa Architect’s latest project at ‘Villa la Maltija’ plot in San Pawl tat-Targa
038 THE BIG FLOW A homeowner’s conversion in Zejtun, which epitomises spatial connections, as well as his personal relationship with them
046 YOU, ME & THE APARTMENT MAKES 3 A young professional couple residing in the heart of Sliema in a truly distinct apartment, which clearly illustrates a great use of space
097 FINE FARE Hilton Executive Chef Joe Vella brings us light and lean fare as the days grow longer and warmer
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Opposite Ta’ Xbiex Yacht Marina Blue Harbour Business Centre, Ta’ Xbiex TXB 1043 +356 21 324 990
www.therugcompany.com
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EDITOR’S LETTER HW
In the words of project manager Chris DeMicoli, “The art of building is essentially an intangible method, which involves the planning and manipulation of the relationships of volumes, masses and spaces. In most buildings there is no single vantage point from which the entire structure can be completely understood – that’s why the use of lighting, design decoration and especially spatial relationships can greatly enhance a structure or cripple its appeal. As such, ‘spatial relationships’ in architecture is not simply the definition and design of space. The term ‘spatial relationships’ indicates that the space has a relationship with the user; that there’s an affiliation between the two”. This issue is all about such relationships. Although they probably couldn’t differ further to one another in terms of face value aesthetic, each of the three homes featured in this issue greatly illustrates the relationship of space within the homes, as well as with their homeowners. Chris DeMicoli’s article, ‘Understanding Spatial Relationships’ on page 062 takes the architectural jargon down a notch to make understanding the complex term easier. This issue also focuses on art within the home, a feature that begs the big question – find art to match the home, or alter the home for the art? (Page 066) With the “home of the future” always just within reach, David Schembri offers insight on what’s really on the local home automation market by speaking to leaders in the industry (page 074). Don’t miss our different features on welcoming in the spring season – decorating inspiration (page 054), what to look out for in the garden (page 096) and what to tweak around the home in general (page 106). After the tough winter we’ve just woken up from, we say bring on sensational spring!
PUBLISHER MARC SPITERI HOMEWORKSMalta HOMEWORKS is published by writeon ltd. every two months on Sundays with an audited circulation of 39,500 copies distributed with The Sunday Times of Malta. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor no publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we endeavour to ensure that firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. © 2012
3 TM
EDITOR LISA BORAIN PUBLICATION COORDINATOR TROIKA ZAMMIT ART DIRECTOR MARC SPITERI DESIGN JOSEPH CARUANA JONATHAN BAJADA
PHOTOGRAPHY MAS ALAN CARVILLE TONIO LOMBARDI DAVID PISANI / METROPOLIS
SALES & MARKETING ANDREW FARRUGIA +356 2133 9999 +356 9933 2224 sales@writeon.com.mt
CONTRIBUTORS NICK BORG BARTHET CHRIS BRIFFA CHRIS DEMICOLI ELISABETH CARDONA KENNETH GAUCI BORDA BILL HERMITAGE GUY LAGUENS CHARLES MERCIECA DAVID SCHEMBRI MELINA SCODANIBBIO JOSEPH VELLA CHRISTINE XUEREB
PRE-PRESS & PRINTING PROGRESS PRESS POSTAL ADDRESS / E-MAIL WRITEON LTD. AIRWAYS HOUSE, LEVEL 5, HIGH STREET, SLIEMA SLM 1551 MALTA info@writeon.com.mt
IS A REGISTERED TRADE MARK OF WRITEON LTD.
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COMPETITION GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK AND WIN THIS FABULOUS PRIZE FORWARD YOUR IDEAS OUTLINING WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE PUBLISHED IN HOMEWORKS. THE PERSON SUBMITTING THE MOST INTERESTING IDEA OR CONCEPT WILL RECEIVE THIS PLANT ARRANGEMENT WORTH €25, COURTESY OF PISCOPO GARDENS Send your ideas to: HOMEWORKS Feedback, Level 5, Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or email: info@writeon.com.mt
ISSUE 53
WINNERS
ALAN DIMECH IS THE WINNER OF THE SIA CANDELIERE GLASS FACET & CANDLE, WORTH €49, COURTESY OF FLOREAL HOME ALAN WROTE:
“I would like to congratulate the HOMEWORKS team for every issue. I have managed to collect all issues over the years and notwithstanding having them all, I also bought the HOMEWORKS book, which is also of the highest standard and quality. What I would like to suggest is perhaps to include a layout plan of the properties featured. It would give us readers a better understanding of the homes.” DEBORAH ATTARD
“I would appreciate a feature on how wooden floorboards can work in different rooms and how in relation to this, garden decking can create a flowing indoor/outdoor space. Thank you for inspiring me!” LOUISE BONETT
“I refer to the interesting article on colour in the last February issue. What I would like to read about and see is how colours look in different direction facing rooms. I recently painted my north-facing sitting room in a vanilla cream colour and loved the outcome, so I decided to paint my south-facing bedroom the same colour. Despite using the exact same colour, it looks totally different from north to south. I think an article about this matter would be an interesting read, since we have such strong sunlight here in Malta.”
HOMEWORKS NEEDS YOU! Readers are invited to submit interesting photographs and a brief description of their homes, which may be distinct in their architectural design. Of particular interest are homes that offer outstanding elements of both interior and exterior living spaces. HOMEWORKS will select the best submissions for future features. Send a photo and information for the attention of: The Editor, Writeon Ltd., Airways House, Level 5, HIgh Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or info@writeon.com.mt (photos will not be returned)
BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Did you know that you can view back issues of HOMEWORKS on our facebook page? Every month we’re updating our facebook catalogue, bringing you those back issues you may have missed out on. Go to facebook and search ‘HomeworksMalta’. There are also great prizes to be won every month!
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HOMENEWS
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NEWS HW
CONCRETE PROJECT Now available at B&M Supplies, Concrete Project is the full-thickness porcelain stoneware from ImolaCeramica made for modern architecture and design covering solutions. The concrete is turned into a tile with a clear contemporary mood, designed to inspire and surround. Minimalist and highly modular, Concrete Project is available in different sizes and colours. www.bmsupplies.com
MOSAIC MUCH MUSA The new Musa Deluxe collection at Krea offers a wide range of styles and finishes that can be personalised to various tastes. The collection includes soft closing functionality, textured interiors, a shelf thickness of 32mm and a 5-year guarantee. www.krea.com.mt
Mosaic is the new 2012 line by Samsung Staron Seamless Surfaces for a similar look and feel to marble or quartz but with the benefits of a solid surface. Mosaic is a striking mix of natural elements fused with durable and practical materials. www.jtstrading.com
SPOT ON SALE For the first time ever, Spot On Supplies of Paola are offering special discounts on all available light fittings and wallpaper. The sale takes place throughout the month of April and includes the latest range of lights, including LEDs. www.spotonmalta.com
SPANISH TEXTILES LEMILLEBOLLE After the success of the Sport Collection, FAER Ambienti at Carmelo Delia has just launched another catalogue for kids: LeMilleBolle. The new catalogue boasts multiple solutions for all room types, personalising the room with its new colours and particular design, full of great technical features for the bedroom. www.bigbon.com
The luxury online gifts store LUXONAS has just opened a new outlet in Rabat. Offering a wide variety of high-end gift ideas for any occasion, LUXONAS hand crafts their pieces, ensuring that they’re 100% original. Free delivery and gift wrapping on all orders makes the shopping easy. www.luxonas.com
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NEWS HW CURRENT
>
FLOW
DISEGNO CARAMICA
Opening its doors in April, the new FLOW Concept Store is a byappointment store open to the public, as well as dedicated to architects and interior designers. The floor space displays various branded items, such as the Moss Tile, the Slimtech 3mm Flexible Tile and the Microban Anti-bacterial Tile, amongst others.
The elite, young and enterprising Italian sanitaryware manufacturer Disegno Ceramica has just officially opened a retail outlet in Malta in collaboration with MRCD Ltd. www.disegnoceramica.com
LUCIANO’S GLASS His first exhibition since 2006, renowned Artist Luciano Micallef will be exhibiting his latest glass artworks together with abstract paintings at his personal Gallery 5 in San Pawl Tat-Targa. This will be the Artist’s fifth exhibition held within the gallery since it opened in 1996. Each exhibition launches a new specific medium, which becomes the feature of the exhibition. This art presentation’s new medium is glass, which holds an important reference for the artist. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 12th - May 26th, every day from 4pm until 7 pm or any time by appointment. www.lucianomicallef.com
ENTERTAINMENT ONDEMAND! With Melita’s New Home Entertainment Pack, a selection of over 1,000 titles are now accessible. Movie buffs can rent the latest blockbuster or their favourite classics in High Definition with Video OnDemand. www.melita.com
FLOATING EOOS The Delos range of bathroom furniture by Duravit features a reduced design but introduces a particularly comfortable atmosphere and new lightness into the bathroom. The apparently floating console designed by EOOS has no visible supports – possible due to an invisible wall fitting that enables the straight-lined design to be showcased to full effect. www.creationsomni.com
VERSATILE The new Istra sofa from BoConcept is perfect for relaxing with two rows of loose-back cushions in two different sizes. The choice of two different leg designs are available, as well as the option for a headrest. The Istra is available in both fabrics and leathers. www.boconcept.com.mt
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GREENWORKS A SPOTLIGHT ON ENERGYSAVING AND SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS, TRENDS AND PRODUCTS
RUBBER REMARKABLE Thanks to its non-toxic qualities, resistance, ease of maintenance and respect for the environment, Artigo rubber flooring (designed by Ettore Sottsass) has just been selected by Architects Miquel Mariné Núñez and César Rueda Boné for a building project dedicated to children in the town of Alcaniz in Spain. www.artigo.com
SUN JAR PAPER POTTER Paper Potter is an award winning wooden tool that makes seedling pots from old newspapers. The pots can then be planted in the garden where they will biodegrade. New roots will grow through the newspaper as it rots away. It’s made from FSC wood and is presented in an unbleached recycled cardboard box, which is printed with full instructions. www.paperpotter.co.uk
Designed by Tobias Wong, the Sun Jar sits on the window sill during the day, then when it gets dark it automatically turns itself on and glows, providing a warm ambient light. It’s made with a traditional Mason jar and high-tech energy efficient lighting (highly efficient solar cells, a rechargeable battery and low energy LED lamps sit inside the jar). When the Sun Jar is placed in sunlight, the solar cells create an electrical current that charges the battery over a few hours. This energy is then used at night to power the three LED lamps. There is a light sensor inside that automatically activates the lights when it gets dark or lights are turned out. The jars are completely water tight, so they can be left outside in any weather conditions. www.suck.uk.com
CARDBOARD! Cardboard Future designs and manufactures durable and sustainable furniture, all made to comply with current EU standards for strength and stability – 100% ‘cradle to cradle’ sustainable. www.cardboardfuture.com
BIO-LANTERN Designed by Cameron Fry, the Bio-Lantern is a designer lamp constructed entirely from biodegradable take-away food boxes. It comes complete with all fittings and an A-rated energysaving bulb. www.liquidesign.co.uk
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WHEN YOU PURCHASE A SOFA WORTH OVER €2300 This offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Offer valid till stocks last.
Mosta: 2143 2003 I Fgura: 2180 1092 I www.b4.com.mt FoLLoW us oN
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For our Latest coLLectioNs aNd speciaL oFFers
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TREND
SPOT MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2012
Milan Design Week is where product designers make it big, trends are determined and the furniture that we’ll see for years to come is first showcased. This year, colour and fun prevail – see it in funky and free shapes, whimsical colours and furniture pieces that possess a sense of humour
36h / 56h by Fabio Novembre for Driade, www.driade.com
Jupe Lights by Elia Mangia, www.eliamangia.com
Murana vases by Fabio Novembre for Venini, www.venini.it
Wonder Cabinet for Skitsch, www.skitsch.com
A
.
2012 07:42
La Mise Sofa by Luca Nichetto for Cassina, www.cassina.it
Top Tea Set by Nendo, www.nendo.jp/en
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bathrooms & tiles | shower cubicles | saunas | sofas | solar | air-conditioning | furniture
Koshi Collection 450x450, 300x600, 600x600, 1200x600 by Imola Ceramica.
simple ideas. inspiring design.
Affordable Quality.
tel: 21 440 710 email: info@bmsupplies.com
www.bmsupplies.com
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SPACES >
The spaces featured this issue all focus on spatial relationships - the definition and design of space, as well as the affiliation between the space and its user. We begin with Chris Briffa Architects’ ‘Villa la Maltija’ plot in San Pawl tat-Targa, which resulted in a sculptural white cube with seemingly very few apertures, hanging over a narrow but gripping side-garden. A homeowner’s conversion in Zejtun epitomises spatial connections, as well as his personal relationship with them. Aurelie Bussi and Sam Brown welcome us in to their truly unique Sliema apartment, with each room effortlessly leading on to the next. High ceilings and open plans throughout clearly illustrate great use of space.
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HOUSE A few years ago, Richard England’s celebrated ‘Villa la Maltija’ and its surrounding gardens in San Pawl tat-Targa were demolished to make way for semi-detached villas. Permission was granted for the developers to divide the estate into parcels of land with an average area of 250 square metres each. One of these lots was entrusted to Chris Briffa Architects Architect: Chris Briffa Architects Photography: David Pisani / Metropolis Words: Guy Laguens
he past six years has seen a busy construction landscape of the twenty or so structures in San Pawl tat-Targa – each by a different owner employing a different architect – all designed and built at pretty much the same time; yet all very different from each other. A sort of microcosm of local middle-class architectural tastes, the neighbourhood varies in style; from traditional to modern to nondescript. One of these lots was entrusted to Chris Briffa Architects, who designed and recently completed this sculptural white cube with seemingly very few apertures, hanging over a narrow but gripping side-garden.
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The clients - a family of three – needed to capitalise on their modest 250 square metres of land. While zoning regulations allowed only 40% site coverage, they presented the architect with a very demanding brief: an open plan living area, a separate dining room, two large bedrooms with bathrooms, an independent home-office, a study, a three-car garage, a pool, as much garden as possible and an area to enjoy their daughter’s piano playing.
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A welcoming front garden under a white cube: mosaic slate walls, timber louvered doors, steel ‘comb’ fence and a staircase-bridge leading to the main entry
After numerous hours of design planning and meetings, Briffa proposed cantilevering practically half of the house over the pool area, in order to liberate more space in the garden, while still falling within planning regulations. A scale model illustrated the proposal’s use of space, with a skillful juxtaposition of exterior and interior spaces, and the clients agreed to the design. The layout not only satisfied their brief, but also provided a generous outdoors area compared to the small side-terraces of similar surrounding properties. The clients moved in at the end of 2011, after a saga of permit delays, construction hiccups and bespoke interior finishing. From the street, a steel staircase bridges over the underlying front garden and invites us beneath the sheltering white mass. High louvered doors, similar to traditional Maltese ‘persjani’, lead to the interior. Essentially two opposing openings and a staircase, the entry hall is compact but motivating: an unassuming composition of horizontal lines of glass, steel, timber and marble. One opening is a doorway into the living area, while the other a narrow window to the outside; catching a glimpse of water from the pool beneath. The hall extends upwards onto a light steel staircase, sandwiched between an eight-metre-high space naturally lit from above. The long living area – a double-height volume attached to a low one – accommodates the piano salon (with enhanced acoustics thanks to its high ceiling), the sitting room, concealed stairs to the garage and the sunny kitchen/ breakfast area. The dining room and guest WC are each hidden behind a composition of oak doors and storage cabinets, which also hides the vertical services and cooling system. The main living area - extending from back to front - with its south facing kitchen on one end and north-facing skylight on the other
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Every single room enjoys cross-ventilation from opposing windows
The piano platform and living-room storage sit under a double height volume enhancing the acoustics of the space. “Bug” armchair by Paola Navone for Poliform from onepercent, painting by Gabriel Caruana from Lily Agius Gallery, “Zeppelin” chandelier by Marcel Wanders for Flos from Light Projects, bespoke sofa from camilleriparismode, “Starflower” wool rug from The Rug Company 029
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bulthaup
bulthaup & core: a new challenge in the design era! At bulthaup we understand the desires of individuals who are fascinated by the sensuality of high-quality materials and by the aesthetics of form. This is the reason why, with bulthaup, you can create living spaces that stretch beyond the kitchen area. Visit the core showroom, where our kitchen specialists will custom design your bulthaup kitchen.
core Valley Road | bkr9085 B’Kara | T. +356 21443449 | www.bulthaup.com
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The dining room extends into the garden on a cantilevered concrete slab enclosed by three glass walls; hovering above the deep end of the pool surrounded by south-facing olive trees. This perimeter garden – with its twelve-metre long pool, olive trees and outdoor eating area – enjoys privacy from the street thanks to an elevated, semibasement room, which houses the home office. The dining room – purity encapsulated between inside and outside – consists of a concrete cantilever and three glass walls. “Tubular Bells” by Piero Lissoni for Flos from Light Projects, “Wishbone” chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son and “Nori” table from Kristalia, both from core 031
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The basement home office, underlying the cantilever dining room & olive trees. Bespoke desk by Domestica, travertine flooring by HalMann Vella, ‘Riga’ fluorescent light by Antonio Citterio for Flos from Light Projects, Eames Chair DAR by Vitra from Joinwell The unassuming guest bathroom is naturally lit, and placed under the glazed main stairwell. ‘Total” door knob by Rodolfo Dordoni for Olivari, “Button” light by Piero Lissoni for Flos from Light Projects, “City” Sanico wash-hand-basin and mixer, mirrors by Moab80 all from from FLOW
Perhaps the most interesting (and the architect’s favourite) internal space, this peculiar home-office is partly underground, sharing a wall with the pool while looking up to the olive trees and the cantilevered dining slab. Water reflections from the pool dance on its inclined ceiling in the early summer months. The inspiring home headquarters enjoys a separate access from the street and additional light and ventilation from the front yard of the house. Upstairs, the main bedroom suite is entirely cantilevered over the whole length of the house. A progression of personal privacy levels, it consists of a linear arrangement of terrace, sitting area, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and bedroom; with a low level window strictly controlling privacy and reflected natural light. With a low-energy, water-based under-floor heating system keeping the house warm in winter, the architects’ main concern was to keep the building cool in the summer months. Every single room enjoys cross-ventilation from opposing windows, and the south-facing dining area becomes a terrace when the large doors are opened. The main ‘lung’ of the house – the space above the main staircase – acts as a cooling tower in summer, channelling the heat up from the main areas while scooping the cool, prevailing summer breezes from the uppermost clearstory windows.
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“We do our best to help clients visualise our goals within their budget, but it often takes a leap of faith...”
The bedroom suite is an enfilade of walk-in wardrobe, bathing area and sleeping area - in that order – soberly following the early/ late tasks of the day. The 8emezzo bed is from core, bed linen from camilleriparismode, photography by Elsa Von Brockdorff from Lily Agius Gallery
The roof study, with distant views of Mosta and Mdina. “Wallace” armchair by Jean-Marie Massaud and “Tridente” low table by Emmanuel Gallina both for Poliform from onepercent; “Stripe” rug by Paul Smith from The Rug Company; Amelia Saint George sculpture from Lily Agius Gallery The entrance hall – a composition in horizontality with timber louvered doors leading to the living area on the left and to the steel/glass staircase to the upper floors
The hanging home – pure and weightless from the outside, slowly revealing its balmy spaces as one explores the interior – is the result of a healthy clientarchitect relationship. “We were allowed to explore a variety of architectural solutions,” says Briffa “…all the way to the last detail. We do our best to help clients visualise our goals within their budget, but it often takes a leap of faith …” 034
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THE BIG
FLOW
This homeowner renovates and restructures a derelict house in Zejtun to create an edgy home full of character with impressive symbiotic internal and external flow Photography: Alan Carville Words: Elisabeth Cardona
hen the homeowner initially went in pursuit of a home, his main aim was to find a sizable house with an outdoor area small enough for manageability, yet large enough for a comfortably sized pool.
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“I grew up in a farmhouse with a garden so that’s what I’m used to. I wanted the same characteristics of that, but with the feel of a villa. I didn’t want something orchestrated with a fly-by design – I wanted the real world look and when I saw this house, it encapsulated all the possibilities I wanted to create – high ceilings, ample potential for open plan, and enough character to separate the property from today’s box minimalist approach to living.” When considering the derelict state of the home when first purchased, it’s clear that the initial vision had to be strong. The homeowner’s background in art helped his intuition guide him in this area and he knew what he wanted. It took two turnkey contractors and three architects before he was comfortable.
“All architectural projects are challenging, but the frustration kicks in when architects insist on their vision and don’t consider the homeowner’s.” .” The brief was to achieve a balance between the old and the new, while preserving and illuminating the significant details that give the space so much character (bringing in chunky wooden beams for the ceiling, treating the old stone and accentuating the natural links from one room to the next). Details, such as polished concrete flooring throughout and the enormous arched windows that merge the garden with the living area and kitchen give the spaces a contemporary element, and in turn convenience. Part of the project was about renovation (for instance, the one-bedroom flatlet, which was once sided by a pigeon loft), while the other part was about altogether new structural additions (the entire first floor, inclusive of four bedrooms, as well as the open plan sitting room and kitchen area).
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The sunken level and cosy second sitting room – ideal for kids to play in while being watched through a natural window in the stone from the kitchen 039
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“I wanted the real world look and when I saw this house, it encapsulated all the possibilities I wanted to create...”
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The brief was to achieve a balance of the old and the new, while preserving the significant details that give the space character
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Bold use of a mixture of materials to create a rustic, yet contemporary look; wooden worktop, stainless steel cabinetry and glass-clad shelving. The islands was salvaged from the Phoenicia Hotel after renovation
The dining room, which is the link between downstairs and upstairs. A cosy and intimate space by night, while during the day sunlight comes in through the courtyard-facing windows. Vase and flowers on right from One Two One Interiors
The sitting room/kitchen area is an entirely new structure that was designed to merge into what already existed. The other major change was the entrance corridor, which was moved to the other side of the courtyard to create a better flow within the house. One of the most striking features of the home is the tremendous ceiling height throughout. Full advantage has been taken of the enormity of the
space through the open plans, most juxtaposed by seamless polished concrete floors, which act as a striking contrast on all counts. Concrete was a practical and interesting material to use for flooring, as well as being easy to clean, which is ideal for a lifestyle that calls for low maintenance wherever possible. The combination of white walls and natural walls was dictated by what was plastered and what wasn’t. What keeps the space interesting (apart
from the structure and layout itself) are the eclectic furniture pieces – finds from old embassies, hotels, inherited pieces and skips mixed in with ultra new pieces, such as the black leather chaise longue or the oversized brushed steel Anglepoise floor lamp. The primary focus was for the flow of spaces to work for the homeowner specifically. His open plan kitchen
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Above left: Fitting the staircase into the allocated space was planned together with the overall structure/design of the house, as it was important that the staircase was one piece and not welded in place. Above right: En suite bathroom complete with comfortably sized bath and walk-in shower
Interesting take on a four-poster bed, custom-made by the homeowner
and sitting room area allows him to entertain guests while preparing in the kitchen. The sunken level and cosy second sitting room is ideal for kids to play in, while being watched through a natural window in the stone from the kitchen. “Each space occupies a special relationship with the next and denies neither space the ability to breathe.” In terms of obstacles: “Mepa were efficient and timely, but when the heritage committee became involved this changed everything. They suspected catacombs that turned out to be bomb shelters and this not only took a lot of time, but also incurred a lot of extra expense. Further to this, instilling pride within this workforce was challenging. It was all about
the money, which is unfortunate, as cutting corners leads to disagreements that inevitably leads to slowing down the project.” As for the location, the homeowner is happy to live in Zejtun. “It’s real. There is a feeling that the people somehow protect each other but don’t dare show it. It’s a genuine village; despite the closed doors there is strong feeling of community.” After a cosy winter, the homeowner is now looking forward to making the most of his comfortable sized, yet manageable back pool area to bask in the long sunned summer days.
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YOU,ME & THE APARTMENT MAKES
THREE
Young professional couple Aurelie and Sam exemplify relaxed elegance in their refreshingly offbeat Sliema apartment Photography: Tonio Lombardi Words: Guy Laguens Special thanks to: Dulux Paints, Vee Gee Bee Ltd and Calamatta Landscapes
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f course, human dispositions are far too intricate to be merely summed up by the style of their home, yet Sliema apartment couple Aurelie and Sam manage to adeptly coin the term ‘shabby chic’. What so many spend far too long striving to figure out, the young professionals have mastered it: “We want to live in the sort of home we can properly enjoy. We don’t see the point of living in a brand new apartment, one that looks like all the others, with no character and no soul. Distinct was definitely one of the first aspects on our home hunting list”. There was never a doubt that the couple wanted to live in a bustling part of the island – being far away from their workplaces and social hang outs wasn’t an option: instead they wanted to be in the middle of it, yet in a comfortable home where total respite was not only possible, but actually encouraged by the space itself. Elegantly relaxed homes that accommodate a variety of needs don’t come easily. Although not always entirely in agreement tout de suite (Aurelie’s French/Italian laid back approach to style doesn’t always meet Sam’s English practicality in the first quarter), the couple have found a common ground that results in a distinct combined style.
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Each room is...a lovely diversity of finishes and eras that speak of the couple’s intimate and natural instinct for style
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The quirky kitchen echoes that of a farmhouse one. Vase and flowers on the table from One Two One Interiors and pink chairs painted in Dulux eggshell Candy Love 3 pink An ideal example of the couple’s eclectic style; gild mirror reflecting down on the early 20th century period dining table, framed by oversized high-back wicker colonial style chairs (from Form). The dining room’s location between the living room and kitchen makes it ideal for easy entertainment
There are certain elements of the apartment that are truly rare, making for an impressive canvas to work with. The ceilings are impossibly high, creating an expansive feel of space. In the living room, tall windows are left ajar, encouraging a lazy breeze to float throughout. This, combined with a constant flood of natural light, creates this almost surreal white and airy space. Dark, real hardwood floors – worn-in to create a Victorian townhouse retro feel – frame the room perfectly, as well as help accentuate that so-hard-to-get-just-right, alluring mix of easygoing and stylish. And this was already here. The couple didn’t hesitate to pick up on the cue, bringing in their own individual finds and eclectic pieces. The chunky and beautifully worn Asian coffee table crowned by a Moroccan lantern; the pewter side table from Marrakech and the Parisian armoire, which the couple sanded down and re-painted together – all work superbly well within the room. There’s even a peaceful coexistence between the enormous flat screen TV and its turn-of-the-century Maltese woodworking bench stand. Open plan to the dining room, the eclecticism strives on. The large gild mirror reflects down on the early 20th century period dining table, flanked on either side by oversized high-back wicker chairs. The original Maltese flooring creates a mustard backdrop beneath a large navy and natural coloured sisal
rug. The dining room’s location between the living room and kitchen makes it ideal for easy entertaining. The quirky kitchen echoes that of a farmhouse – a chunky polished stone work surface with faded white wooden cabinets that resemble antique style drawers and cupboards. Half a metre high wall-tiles following the worktop are both convenient and quaint. Aurelie’s roots imply an innate ability to cook – the stainless steel six burner range and chimney hood ensure that the act of cooking is by no means as ‘olde’ as the rest of the kitchen. The kitchen table’s chunkiness and rough wooden texture forces the thought of a satisfying wine bottle clunk sound when it hits the wood, while its age and patina reflect the couple’s informal nature, as well as a certain nostalgia. Add to that the industrial pendant lamp above it and here their style is summed: different textures, ages and influences coming together to create a particularly individual home. 049
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A short hallway lightened by white parquet flooring and allwhite walls leads off to the spare bedroom on the right, and the master bedroom ahead, both complete with en suites. The master bedroom, blessed with a burst of natural light throughout the day, allows for a wardrobe and dresser in a daring charcoal grey colour. Again, here a woven mix of styles; large dark furniture amongst a neutral coir matted floor rug; a thin framed gild mirror sitting next to an industrial test tube lamp atop the dresser. The white-ironed bed frame melts in with the soft greys of the bed linen. Each room is the epitome of the next; a lovely diversity of finishes and eras that speak of the couple’s intimate and natural instinct for style. It’s almost as if there’s a team of three here – Aurelie and Sam, plus their best mate: the apartment that embraces and complements their charismatic personalities, silly moments and much-coveted downtime together.
Wardrobe and dresser painted in Dulux Eggshell Water Based Night Jewels 2. Lamp on dresser, glass jar on dresser, lamp on side table, cushions on bed and wicker side tables from Zara Home. Plant on side table from Floreal Home 050
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Springtime Sublime! LET THE TEA PARTIES BEGIN..! “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” - Mark Twain Styling: Lisa Borain & Troika Zammit Photography: Alan Carville Cakes & Cupcakes: Caroline Pillow, Lulu Café Shoot Location: Garden of Serenity, Sta Lucija
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DECORATING HW
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DECORATING HW 1.
2.
3.
4.
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6.
7.
1. Pastel yellow Ghera Textiles tablecloth (€57) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Coloured bottles (€11 for a pack of 3) from NEXT HOME. Beverly Hewitt lavender mug (€16) from LITTLE LUXURIES. White birdcage (€29) from NEXT HOME. Fluffy owl on birdcage (€4.60 each) from JUNCTION 66 2. Lemon frosted cake (€20) and cake pops (€1.75 each) from LULU CAFÉ. Purple and white Rosenthal Versace vase (€257) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Thin legged bird (€2) from JUNCTION 66 3. Two-tiered cake holder (€18.50) from JUNCTION 66. Cupcakes (€1.95 each) from LULU CAFÉ. Rosenthal Versace crystal vase (€253) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS, tulip flowers inside (€5.75 per stem) from JUNCTION 66 4. Lazare turquoise watering can (€18.56) from FORM
7. Mad Hatter hat on chair handmade by ANNEMARIE QUERCIA. Carrot and walnut cake (€22) from LULU CAFÉ. Fan (€1) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Coach House cake stand (€21.50) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Cupcakes (€1.95 each) from LULU CAFÉ. Sia Layers vase (€23), violet Lisianthus flowers in vase (€6.50 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Small pink teacup & saucer (€2.80) from JUNCTION 66. Cath Kidston milker (€7) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Miamiam multi-coloured cupcake holders (€18.84 for a box of 12) from FORM
5. Lanterns (€9 each) from LITTLE LUXURIES 6. Duck (€25.50) from PISCOPO. Silea glass floor vase (€117.90), flowers in vase (€21.90 per stem) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS 057
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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, ON THE GROUND: Emu ‘Heaven’ outdoor floor vase (€1,070), Vrankx flowers in vase (€18.30 per stem) from FINO. Sia Conico vase (€170), Lily flowers in vase (€49 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Lazare turquoise watering can (€18.56) from FORM. Kaeming birdcage (€45.95) from FLOREAL HOME. Pale green watering can (€15.90), Lilium mini flowers inside (€1.95 per stem) from PISCOPO GARDENS. Sia Pocal vase (€49), white Hydrangea flowers in vase (€25 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Sia Babel vase (€39), flowers in vase (starting from €6.90 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Sia Orchid ball (large: €175) from FLOREAL HOME. Sia Pocal vase (€49), white Hydrangea flowers in vase (€25 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Sia glass floor vase (€209.50) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS, Agapanthos flowers inside (€3.20 per stem for whites/€3.75 per stem for purples) from PISCOPO GARDENS. Duck (€25.50) from PISCOPO GARDENS. Silea glass floor vase (€117.90), flowers in vase (€21.90 per stem) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS ON THE TREE: Lanterns on tree (€9 each) from LITTLE LUXURIES. white pompom hanging from tree, handmade by ANNEMARIE QUERCIA FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE TABLES: Beverly Hewitt milk jug (€21) and teapot (€50) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Sia Osaka vase (€39), Violet Lisianthus flowers in vase (€6.50 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Boreale espresso cup (€9.15) from FORM. Kaeming twotiered cake stand (€59.95) from FLOREAL HOME. Cupcakes (€1.95 each) on cakestand from LULU CAFÉ. Foison blue tablecloth (€77.74) from FORM. Kamala green teapot (€45.47) from FORM. Sia vase (€178), flowers in vase (€16.50 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Mikasa fine china Gardenia range teapot (€133.80), teacup (€29.90), sugar bowl (€48.90) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Banana and walnut muffin on saucer (€1.50) from LULU CAFÉ. Beige lacquered Veneta Cucine chair, model Settecento (€355) from FINO. Pastel yellow Ghera Textiles tablecloth (€57) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Silea espresso cup (€22.90 for a set of 6) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Small pink teacup & saucer (€2.80) from JUNCTION 66. Cath Kidston teacup [behind] (€7.50) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Cath Kidston milk jug (€7) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Miamiam multi-coloured cupcake holders (€18.84 for a box of 12) from FORM. Cupcakes (€ 1.95 each) from LULU CAFÉ. Sia Layers vase [behind] (€23), violet Lisianthus flowers in vase (€6.50 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Mathilde hot chocolate jug & mixer (€57.99) from FORM. Portico aqua coloured tablecloth (€15.37) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Large glass Spectra vase behind (€88.60) from PISCOPO, small Orchid ball in vase (€69) from FLOREAL HOME. Faux cakes in jar (€9) from NEXT HOME. Mathilde cake stand (€30.11) from FORM.
Lemon frosted cake (€20) and cake pops (€1.75 each) from LULU CAFÉ. Cath Kidston spray flower teapot (€22) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Purple and white Rosenthal Versace vase (€257) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS, Gerbera spider flowers in vase (€1.75 per stem) from JUNCTION 66. Thinlegged freestanding bird (€2 each) from JUNCTION 66. Santa Barbara teapot (€42) from FORM. Small jar with small peaches inside (€11.68) from JUNCTION 66. Chirping chick (€7.50) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Two-tiered cake holder (€18.50) from JUNCTION 66. Cupcakes (€1.95 each) from LULU CAFÉ. Rosenthal Versace crystal vase (€253) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS, tulip flowers inside (€5.75 per stem) from JUNCTION 66. Mad Hatter hat on chair handmade by ANNEMARIE QUERCIA. Hummingbird cake (€30) from LULU CAFÉ. Fan (€1) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Coach House cake stand (€21.50) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Multi-coloured cake (€45) from LULU CAFÉ. Sia Layers vase [behind] (€23), violet Lisianthus flowers in vase (€6.50 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Silea crystal vase (€39.90) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS, tulip flowers in vase (€7.60 per stem) from JUNCTION 66. Lignato pink top teapot (€37.68) from FORM. Chocolate fudge cake (€22) from LULU CAFÉ. Rosenthal Versace vase (€173) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Silea cake stand with lid (€22.50) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Thin-legged freestanding bird on top of cake stand (€2 each) from JUNCTION 66. Beverly Hewitt tea4one (€40) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Greengate milk jug (€15) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Teacup egg holder (€12) from NEXT HOME. Sia Osaka vase (€39), Gerbera flowers in vase (€3.90 per stem) from FLOREAL HOME. Pink jar (€8.50) from NEXT HOME. Cath Kidston teapot (€20) and milk jug (€7) from LITTLE LUXURIES. Ingrid teapot [back] (€21.15) from FORM. Silea crystal vase (€39.90) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Riviera Textiles pastel yellow tablecloth (€13.39) from ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS. Cake stand (cover: €24 / cake plate: €21.50) from PISCOPO GARDENS. Multi-coloured cake inside (€45) from LULU CAFÉ. Coloured bottles (€11 for a pack of 3) from NEXT HOME. Beverly Hewitt lavender mug (€16) from LITTLE LUXURIES. White birdcage (€29) from NEXT HOME. Fluffy owl on birdcage (€4.60 each) from Junction 66. Sia Line vase (€99), flowers in vase (starting from €5.90) from FLOREAL HOME. Frog [on bench] (€22.80) from JUNCTION 66. Various shaped plastic outdoor tables (starting from €26.95 for an 80x80cm table) from TABONE DIRECT. Drum wooden table covered with green fabric (€678) from FINO. Rese wood and gild table covered with blue tablecloth (€850) from FARRUGIA LIGHTING & INTERIORS. Black and silver legged console table (€275) from FARRUGIA LIGHTING & INTERIORS. Luigi XVI armchair (€330) from FARRUGIA LIGHTING & INTERIORS. Gold leaf and black leather Colico chair (€968) from FINO. Veneta Cucine beige lacquered chair Settecento model chair (€355) from FINO. Tomasella ‘Barrel’ armchair (€209) from FINO
FIND IT: ANNE MARIE QUERCIA, Tel: 7900 1201. www.anamidalli.com FARRUGIA LIGHTING & INTERIORS, Triq Dun Karm, Iklin. Tel: 2141 9111. FINO, Fino Buildings, Triq Notabile, Mriehel. Tel: 2549 3000. info@fino.com.mt / www.fino.com.mt FLOREAL HOME, Triq Il-Parrocca, Naxxar. Tel: 2747 0744. florealhome@melita.com / Facebook: Floreal Home FORM LIMITED, Triq Il-Wied, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 6000. www.formltd.com JUNCTION 66, 66, Triq It-Torri, Sliema. Tel: 2133 4451. LITTLE LUXURIES, 128, Triq Il-Kbira, Sliema. Tel: 2701 9131. www.littleluxuries.com.mt
LULU CAFÉ, Triq L-Uqija, L-Ibrag, Swieqi (across from Green’s Supermarket). Tel: 2138 4498 NEXT HOME, Triq Bisazza, Sliema. Tel: 2134 4156. ONE TWO ONE INTERIORS, Vjal Il-Wiehed U Ghoxrin Ta’ Settembru, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9. Ix-Xatt, Sliema. Tel: 2132 3155/65. www.onetwoone.eu PISCOPO GARDENS, Triq Toni Camilleri, Burmarrad. Tel: 2158 3755 / 2158 3013. www.piscopogardens.com TABONE ENTERPRISES (MALTA) LTD, Zona Industrijali, Triq L-Imprendituri Mriehel. Tel: 2144 3193. www.tabonedirect.com
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collection 'Lifestyle'
SAFETY FEATURE HW
a Mosta Road, Lija. LJA 9012, Malta t 2141 2222, 2741 5694 w www.ssbathrooms.com 061
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UNDERSTANDING [SPATIAL] RELATIONSHIPS
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Architects are always referring to “spatial relationships”, but what does the term mean exactly? Project Manager Chris DeMicoli of DeMicoli & Associates takes the architectural jargon down a notch to make understanding easy Photography: Tonio Lombardi Words: Chris DeMicoli, DeMicoli & Associates
he art of building is essentially an intangible method, which involves the planning and manipulation of the relationships of volumes, masses and spaces. In most buildings there is no single vantage point from which the entire structure can be completely understood – that’s why the use of lighting, design decoration and especially spatial relationships can greatly enhance a structure or cripple its appeal. As such, ‘spatial relationships’ in architecture is not simply the definition and design of space. The term ‘spatial relationships’ indicates that the space has a relationship with the user; that there’s an affiliation between the two.
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When talking about space from a design perspective it’s important to keep a number of contributing factors in mind, such as: sizes, materials, proportions, light, sound and most important of all, the people. The person occupying the space and its use forms the purpose of the space. Therefore there must be a balance; of volumes as well as key differences in purpose from open spaces to closed spaces. Good spatial relationships means the importance of the psychology of space has been considered. For instance, a closed space might make one feel claustrophobic, but also secure – an open space might make one feel free and light, but also vulnerable and exposed. That is why the psychology of the space and the balance is so important.
The residential functions circulate though the duplex volume, the effect creating pockets of intimacy in an airy and light space highlighting the spatial functions
Good spatial relationships revolve around a further three important factors. The first is the purpose of the space and what it will be used for. A bedroom for example is traditionally designed in a way to ensure a feeling of security and privacy. The function of the space also dictates the qualities the relationship should have – this is related to the program, which inhabits the space. Finally we’re left with the influence of volumes and the material palette, and again, everything needs to be taken into consideration; at each step the architect/ designer/ planner needs to contemplate the purpose of the space, it’s psychological effect and its function – and again these planning stages are further enhanced through proportions, materials, light, etc. 063
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The bedroom and office functionality maximises the views out to Spinola Bay whilst still retaining necessary privacy
Dining and kitchen space is separated with the dual function of the bookshelf staircase. The volume of the living area is accented through visual connectivity and a shared volume with the upper bedroom void, which retains its privacy
Good spatial relationships only come with proper planning, understanding the purpose of the space and design sense. More often than not there are other variables, which can affect the space. In the case of the Portomaso Block 31 apartments featured here, an in-depth structural study pushed regular construction boundaries because we had to design around the existing Portomaso car park structure. Moreover, the site was too deep for a single apartment back-to-front as regards feasibility and adequate space design.
This vertical take on the contemporary open plan format acted as an ideal living environment for single dwellers or young couples – creating good spatial relationships with this particular demographic. The unit comprised living space and a kitchen area with a steel staircase leading to the bedroom zone on the upper floor. The highly finished and furnished unit made for interesting special design due to the high volume above the living space and because each section floated around on different levels.
The solution was to edge the building into the existing pavement of Portomaso and gain a little more space. After we managed to obtain a little more space we could then abandon conventional floor heights rather than limit the apartment space to long narrow apartments. Therefore, by splitting the rectangular plot through use of a corridor, the site was open to be designed with double loaded corridors and duplex loft style units. This exercise created a good spatial relationship in terms of feasibility and execution for the block.
The design presented a series of good spatial relationships; where the entrance to the apartment was open and inviting, where despite the open plan the bedroom still had private space, all complimented by the large windows and open plan. The result was a building that used the space available judiciously and created a new and exciting volume for the everincreasing mono-space culture.
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HW ART
CRAFT
COMMITMENT
Selecting art for the home is easier than many may think. HOMEWORKS, along with gallery owner Christine Xuereb (Artitude), as well as artists Pierre Giusti and Christian Urpani, offers some suggestions on where to begin
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buyer doesn’t have to spend thousands of euros, consult an art adviser, or restrict themselves to expensive art. Following intuition is key – choosing art that is instinctively inspirational is crucial. A buyer’s personal style usually extends itself through to taste in art. For instance, if you have a very modernistic slant in clothes, furniture and home décor, you’ll probably be drawn to abstract or modernistic paintings or sculptures. Also, considering the mood desired helps – whether it’s restful, inviting, vibrant, etc.
Christine Xuereb at Artitude Gallery: “The most important thing is not to rush. A lot of people do up their home and then rush around at the last minute, desperate to find pieces to cover their walls. What happens is that they don’t give themselves time to figure out what they truly like and then they end up choosing what they prefer from a limited amount of exhibitions. Sometimes people commission artists they like to do specific pieces for them, but this could take a lot of time, depending on the artist.” THE BIG QUESTION: SHOULD THE ART FIT THE ROOM OR THE ROOM FIT THE ART?
Artist Pierre Giusti’s home gallery and studio
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the dreamy
bedroom month Come and see our display of comfortable new bedrooms at great prices. Decisions you won’t have to sleep on (or lose any sleep over the price) at Joinwell.
Mill Street, Qormi | 2278 2000 | www.joinwell.com.mt
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ART HW
Pierre Giusti
Pierre Giusti
Most artists will tell you that it should be all about buying the art you love and then finding a place to put it. Some interior designers will tell you the opposite. If a person is looking to find a piece of art and then feels very strongly about something they see, most designers and artists alike will probably agree that the person should go for it. Artist Christian Urpani: “When I work on my current art, which is contemporary, I imagine it in a clean, white modern location, as opposed to being amongst old paintings with gold frames. I feel that my art fits well in this setting, as it gives the wall some colour with a textured finish.” Artist Pierre Giusti: “When creating my art, the idea of where it’s going to go when it’s finished is something my soul fights with constantly. Ideally I don’t think about it, but if working on private or corporate commissions then size, colours, and subject do become factors that need to be considered. Some argue that a true artist should never compromise himself and should only paint what he desires. I used to follow the same mindset, but then art is also about pleasure and the challenge of creating something more specific, still using your talent. World renowned artists like Caravaggio and Klimt have
Pierre Giusti
produced works to commission that have become some of the most soughtafter images in the world”. WHEN DESIGNING A ROOM TO ACCOMODATE THE ART Christine Xuereb: “I don’t recommend making a room in the home look like a gallery. I suggest playing around with paintings to see where they sit best in the home”. Pierre Giusti: “Art does have its requirements if it’s to be cherished and not ruined. The best quality materials will still deteriorate if direct sunlight is allowed to shine on them day after day, so the walls where art is hung should be screened from direct sunlight. Interior lighting should be warm and not too close to the artworks, as heat can also destroy a painting. Works should not be placed where they can be easily brushed up against and if possible there should be enough room to be able to walk around sculptures if they form a part of the art collection. If you are planning the room or building from scratch it is advisable that certain feature walls are created as ‘display walls’ for particular works that you may want to grab attention. Allow enough space in the room so that the art can be appreciated from a distance”.
Christine Xuereb: “Spotlights on each painting are not necessary, but the room should be well-lit. Direct sunlight on ink or photography is not good for them, but oil or acrylic paintings are okay in sunlight”. WHEN SELECTING ART TO FIT THE ROOM If the room comes first to the art, then size and colour are the two major criteria for selecting art to fit its surroundings. For any particular space, art that is too large will overwhelm and art that is too small will be lost and look out of proportion. There are no rules when it comes to art, but there are a few grammatical details that will enhance the way the piece is viewed. If paintings are hung so that the centre is at eye level, they can be enjoyed more directly. If you’re selecting a painting based on the fact that it matches the colour of the room, it’s best if the art possesses some of the colours already in the room. Although it doesn’t necessarily have to be an exact match, picking up a couple of the same colours will make the painting look as if it belongs in the right environment.
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ART HW
‘Black Eye Spiral’ by Christian Urpani
‘Red Shadow’ by Christian Urpani
If the colours in the room are difficult to find in the art, an alternative is to choose art with subtle, neutral colours. A black and white scheme is a good solution, as well as art that is framed in a way that mutes its colour impact in the room. Consider the style of your space when choosing frames for the art. There’s no rule that says styles can’t be mixed, but be aware of the potential conflict – you could end up with a piece of art that sticks out like a sore thumb – in a bad way. Christian Urpani: “When someone is looking for art for a particular area, they should first consider the size of the piece they want, then the colours of their soft furnishings, as well as the amount of natural light. The choice in the end is what moves the person, as it’s a personal instinct”. HOW TO BUY ART Christine Xuereb, “The more exhibitions visited, the better. If something strikes you right away, go for it. If you don’t look around, you won’t know what’s
‘The Viking’ by Christian Urpani
available and you’ll end up buying something that you like, but may not love. The art-buying process shouldn’t be rushed. A lot of people want their walls filled up right away but I don’t recommend it when committing to art”. Decide if you want original art or reproductions: Original artworks are more expensive than reproductions. Reproductions, prints or exact copies in actual materials (not made by the original artist) are great for limited budgets, or if the art you absolutely want is way beyond your reach. Decide if you are going to buy art by artist, genre (Expressionism, Surrealism, etc), theme (landscapes, seascapes, stilllifes, etc) or medium (oil paint, acrylic paint, charcoal, etc). Don’t buy simply because the artist is ‘happening’ at the time, but rather on the strength of an individual piece. The same goes for the other elements – unless the intention is to keep changing the art with the changing scenario, best let it come down to personal choice. Christine Xuereb: “A lot of buyers tend to go for the artist, but I don’t think this is much of an investment, since our
local artists tend to churn out quite a lot of paintings. What would be worth something is the early work of an up and coming artist who ends up making a name for themselves. To live with a piece of art just because of the name and not because it’s cherished is quite pointless to me. “In terms of technically good work – most reputable galleries will stock art that is technically good. Also, people tend to instinctively feel when art is good – even if they’re not trained, they tend to have an eye for it. “Some artists obviously sell more than others, since buyers tend to be looking for the same thing locally. A lot of people have minimalist style homes and depend on the art to bring in colour”. Artist Pierre Giusti: “A person should choose a work that touches the heart, strikes a cord, stokes the imagination and leaves them in awe. Too many people talk about choosing art by this artist or that artist more because they deem it as an investment rather than because they love the actual piece beyond description”.
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CHRISTIAN URPANI “My current work is an evolution from stained glass and then mosaic. It’s colourful, yet different, as the marble I use gives the pieces texture, while the glass offers light reflection. A lot of people who see my work respond positively to it – I think because it’s so different to other art that they have seen. People like to have something original as an art piece because it attracts attention. Some of my mosaic pieces are almost like sculptures because they create shadows, as well as reflect light from the glass. As the lighting changes throughout the day, it looks different in colour and texture, which makes it ideal for spaces that have a lot of natural light.”
PIERRE GIUSTI “The last couple of years have seen my work concentrate more and more on our prehistoric temple culture, inspired by the audacity to build something so bold and decorate it so intimately at an age when the tools available were extremely inadequate. Designs, patterns, and motifs are still the predominant traits of the works. Working in acrylics, graphic effects are achieved as layer over layer builds a sense of depth that defies the need for perspective. Textures beg the viewer to touch the painting and emanates warmth. An abstract of Ggantija temples has seen the evolution of a trefoil motif that has now become a ‘megalithic tree’, complementing scenes of temples and temple rocks that have an ever-increasing life of their own. Constantly asking myself ‘what if?’, I seek to imagine a more immediate presence. Mystery and symbolism are often given an element of playfulness.
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HOMEWORKS finds out that there’s no better time than right now for your home to do things for you. David Schembri explores the ins and outs of home automation
JMartans customised home automation system offers total control of the entire home and multimedia technology at the touch of a fingertip
Designer switches, intelligent controls and door entry system in a white glass finish. Find it at Future Habitats
echnological progress can perhaps best be seen as engineers working hard so that the rest of the world won’t have to. The wheel took care of the shorter distances, until the cart, the bicycle, the train and the car took us even further. Then planes came, and travelling distances, which would have been unimaginable a century ago is now a question of popping over to your closest airport and catching a flight there.
In Genesis, the Creator made sure there was an earth before He went on filling it with all sorts of living things, and that translates into one thing: planning. I’ll hazard a guess and say that by the time your home is taking shape, your bank account might not stretch to installing the full bells and whistles of home automation.
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Now that “transatlantic” is an everyday word, simplicity is back in fashion, and today’s main advancements are happening on a much smaller scale. And with digital technology here to stay and getting cheaper by the minute, adding that extra touch of comfort and class may well be within reach. Before you go about turning your home into your own little cosmos where everything revolves around you, it might be worth taking a page out of an unlikely source of interior design these days – The Bible. Whether you’re religious or not, there is a lot to be said for intelligent design, particularly if you have to live with it.
But it certainly is good practice to think ahead, and, with your architect and designer, consult a certified home automation supplier to see that any wiring needed for the system you fancy can be accommodated, saving any future costs and troubles, and installing all the wiring you might need is good practice; even a good wireless system requires a strong wired backbone. And now, let there be light. Ever since the humble light dimmer came along in the latter part of the 20th century, lighting control has made huge leaps forwards, and it is a key feature of all the home automation systems available on the market today.
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The iRoom motorised in-wall docking station for the iPad. Find it at Astral
Lighting, David Zammit, director of Astral (www.astral.com.mt) says, is so much more than dimming lights: “It can bring any room to life and enhance the best features of your home to stunning effect.” There is also an economical case to be made, as intelligent lighting allows you the opportunity to “reduce power consumption and improve lamp lifetime, all while enhancing the quality of the light”. Speaking of economy, it makes good environmental and economic sense to use LED lighting, according to Oliver Pace, director of Brighter Solutions (ledmalta.com.mt). These little wonders of technology consume so little energy that “sometimes the HA system does not even see them because it would need a minimum load to work”. This “problem” can be addressed by installing an artificial load, but again, planning is key. Illumination, particularly in Malta, is also available for free in the form of sunlight, and this source can be harnessed using automated shutters and blinds, which most centralised systems can handle. Today’s systems, such as those provided by JMartans can also offer control of air conditioning, humidity, underfloor heating, as well as giving you access to energy management information. As always, however, it is best to plan ahead, and see which suppliers can best meet your needs.
GEWISS restart earth leakage device with auto test, which automatically tests and restarts your device after a nuisance trip. Find it at Hydroelectric
Apart from comfort and savings, security can also be catered for, ranging from control of alarm systems to presence emulation, making it harder for would-be burglars to break into your house. If you’re considering home automation, a Luddite you most certainly aren’t, and that you might be the owner of a smartphone or a tablet, or planning to become one. Should you be one of the people who have an app for everything under the sun, you might want to consider using your tablet or a smartphone (Smarthomes) to control your own house using an iPad dock (Astral), or else using a system such as Legrand’s Arteor range, which look like tablets but aren’t (Elektra). On the other end of the scale, simpler solutions are also available, with systems such as Gewiss’s (Hydro electric) Chorus range, which is as Spartan as HA gets.
Samsung LED Lights can now be integrated with all home automation systems. Find them at Brighter Solutions
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The new Legrand Smart Home system creates lighting, shutter, sound system, temperature regulation and alarm system scenarios, offers control access, and manages the whole installation from a single point or from a tablet touch screen. It allows users to customise solutions according to their needs. The Arteor™ range offers a wide choice of graphic user interfaces speaking the same “icon language” as modern electronic consumer devices. Find it at Elektra
The most important functions of the house or building can be controlled from any type of telephone. All TELETASK functions can be accessed through an iPhone, iPad, Windows smart phone or android device with the ISGUI installed. Check cameras and memorise remote pictures without limitations. Find it at Smarthomes
Dedicated home cinema in Malta. Find it at Doneo
It’s now time to address the elephant in the room – entertainment. Astral and Doneo here are major players, and both have years of experience in providing bespoke home entertainment systems, ranging from small units to fullyfledged home cinemas. While you may not have the means – or the space – for your own cinema, there is a lot to be said for home automation. Gentle music can be programmed to play as soon as you come back home from a hard day’s work as the light comes on, and a centralised system can handle music in different rooms (Sonos, Future Habitats). Integrating the different entertainment devices into one centralised system can also help get rid of the clutter remote controls, wires and so on can create, taking some stress out of entertainment. Machines will be machines though, and it is advisable to have a back-up plan –“it is important to make sure that the individual systems can still operate completely independently via standard control and regardless of the functionality of the other systems,” says Josef Debattista of Doneo. Whatever your needs may be, the ultimate goal of your home automation system should be simplicity. This means choosing your products judiciously and planning ahead with someone who knows what they’re doing, and sticking with one system or supplier wherever possible. The rest will take care of itself.
Lutron wall-mounted keypad with custom engraving. Find it at Doneo
FIND IT: Astral, Triq L-Abate Rigord, Ta’Xbiex. Tel: 2134 0562. www.astral.com.mt Brighter Solutions Ltd, 2/3 Tal-Balal Road, Xwieki L/O Gharghur. www.brightersolutions.com.mt Doneo Co Ltd, Showroom, Park Lane Buildings, Triq Mountbatten, Hamrun. Tel: 2123 0741. www.doneo.com.mt Elektra Ltd, Triq il-Mithna, Qormi. Tel: 2546 3000. electrics@elektra.com.mt / www.elektra.com.mt Future Habitats, Triq il-Kostituzzjoni, Mosta. Tel: 2142 4251. Hydroelectric, Triq il-Kappillan Mifsud,Hamrun. Tel: 2124 1111. hydrolectric@hydrolectric.com.mt / www.hydrolectric.com.mt JMartans Automation, Ivy, Flat 1, Triq Salvu Barbara, Mosta. Tel: 2142 0655. www.jmartans.com Smarthomes, Triq il-Wied, Msida. Tel: 2733 4499. info@smarthomes.com / www.smarthomes.com
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A lovely range of vases and candleholders from Sia. Price: Vaso Dune (h 90cm): €99 / Vaso Dune (h 35cm): €27 / Ramo Lavanda (h 45cm): €12 / Delphinium (h 113cm): €39.50 / Candeliera Dune (h 12cm): €29 / Hurrican Dune (h 22cm): €45. Floreal Home, Triq il-Parrocca, Naxxar. Tel: 2747 0744. florealhome@melita.com. Facebook: Floreal Home
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Make your home Italian! Choose Chateau d’Ax.
Chateau d’Ax proposes the PRIVATE COLLECTIONS: furniture and furnishings chosen by popular Italian celebrities. We present the homes of Carlo Conti, Manuela Arcuri, Cristina Chiabotto, and Eleonora Daniele.
Old Railway Track, Santa Venera SVN9022 Tel: +356 2144 6411 - info@chateaudax.com.mt
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SEAGULL AVAILABLE WITH LEATHER OR MICROFIBRE UPHOLSTERY
www.chateau-dax.it more than 350 shops in the world
Opening hours: Mon 09:30 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 20:00. Tue to Fri 09:30 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 19:00 - Sat 09:00 to 13:00.
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Made to measure micro/vertical/roller/Roman blinds – specialising in large sized manual or motorised roller blinds. Available in a wide selection of screen and blackout fabrics to reduce energy consumption. Price: Upon request. B4 Group, Fgura. Tel: 2180 1092. Mosta. Tel: 2143 2003. info@b4.com.mt
A gift list at Raphael Azzopardi means a wide choice of dinner set, fine crystal and cutlery set ranges, plus style, quality and trustworthiness – a concoction that produces the perfect gift list. Now in Tal-Ibrag (opposite Greens’ Supermarket). Raphael Azzopardi, Tal-Ibrag. Tel: 2137 3812.
As striking as it is sophisticated, Country with its flamboyant floral theme, is just one of the latest spring/summer collections from carréblanc. The collection is complete with a selection of towels, cushions and bed linen. Price: King sized duvet cover: €114. carréblanc, Tal-Balal Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880 / 2738 8880. www.facebook.com/carreblancmalta (go to ‘shop’).
The concealed metal bookshelf by Umbra becomes invisible behind a stack of books (mounting hardware included), creating an innovative look to the home available in two sizes to hold small or larger books. Price: Starting from €15.80. Gifts & More, Level 1, Topline Centre, Triq Sant’ Andrija, St. Andrew’s (opp. Luxol). Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt
Serie Neo interprets a modern remake of the most classical shapes in the sanitary ware timeline. Price Upon request. Disegno Ceramica, Triq Dun Karm, Iklin. Tel: 2141 8775. disegnoceramica@mrcd.com.mt / www.mrcd.com.mt / www.disegnoceramica.com
All in 100% cotton, the cool fresh look of Borneo by carréblanc echoes spring in the air. Matching duvets and pillow cases with a selection of towels complete the range. Price: Double duvet cover: €78. carréblanc, TalBalal Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880 / 2738 8880. www.facebook.com/carreblancmalta (go to ‘shop’).
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Arcade Street, Paola. tel- 2180 9111/2 fax- 2180 9114 email- info@banjuboutique.com
www.banjuboutique.com
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Make up a dream wedding list from the extensive selection of exclusive tableware, such as the Free Spirit collection in a platinum finish by Rosenthal. In addition to quality products, a flexible and personalised service is guaranteed. Price Upon request. One Two One Interiors, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9. Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema. Tel: 2132 3155. www.onetwoone.eu
Extraordinary and decorative, yet functional products from Egizia. Silver leaf is used for the design and applied by handmaking each unique and distinctive piece, with each work of art bearing the designer’s signature – photo frames, glasses and other tableware available in this line. Price: Starting from €58. Raphael Azzopardi, Tal-Ibrag. Tel: 2137 3812.
Stem Interiors offers a unique range of pieces, from console tables, decorative lamps, wallpaper and fabrics. Lampshades can also be made to any size and colour. Price: Butterfly mirror: €149 / Wallpaper: Starting from €79. Stem Interiors, Hughes Hallett Street, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019.
My Nest by Famaliving is a self-indulgent chair for curling up, which comes complete with a circular base for swivelling – different fabrics available to choose from. @240, Zabbar Road, Fgura. Tel: 2367 6100. www.famaliving.com/stores/malta
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A new large range of carpets with various designs now available. Price: Starting from €8.25. Piscopo Gardens, Burmarrad. Tel: 21583 755. info@piscopogardens.com / www.piscopogardens.com
Made-to-measure framed mirrors – choose any style frame, then select the preferred colour and size from The Mirror Shop’s large collection. Frames and mirrors are both manufactured and assembled in Spain. Price: Starting from €89. The Mirror Shop, 122, Triq il-Kappillan Mifsud, St.Venera. Tel: 2701 4794. www.themirrorshop.eu
The installation of underfloor heating is a fundamental decision, which is almost impossible to change at a later date. Pre-plan at a relatively early stage with Rotex Underfloor Heating. Price: Upon request. Klimaflo, 16 Triq il-Hgejjeg, San Gwann. Tel: 2701 1118/9 / 9949 5161. sales@klimaflo.com / support@klimaflo.com / www.klimaflo.com
Reversible placemats and runners that can be changed according to the table mood – made of durable easy care fabric that can simply be wiped clean. Colours and designs coordinated to create the perfect combination. Price: Starting from €10.90. Petrolea Showroom (open all day), Valley Road, Msida. Tel: 2123 4501. showroom@petroleamalta.com
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‘Witch’, designed by Marco Piva, manufactured in Italy by Leucos. Available in various finishes including a patented, mirrored chrome, this crystal glass pendant light will add a touch of understated elegance to any space it adorns. Price: Starting from €651. GLOW, Skyway Limited, 179, Triq Marina, Pieta. Tel: 2733 3788. projects@glow.com.mt
Be inspired by beautiful home fabrics – go a step further and choose the made-to-measure curtain and blind service or request a home consultation to better create the look that’s right for you. Price Upon request. One Two One Interiors, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9. Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema. Tel: 2132 3155. www.onetwoone.eu
At bulthaup the new solid walnut front takes craftsmanship and technology to the next level by interspersing three layers of wood with two fine layers of aluminium to create something truly beautiful. Price: Upon request. core, Valley Road (on the way up to Mannarino Rd), B’Kara. Tel: 2144 3449. www.core.com.mt / www.bulthaup.com
By using state of the art technology and materials, Smeg ovens from Forestals are able to respond to the most widely varying requirements in terms of performance, reliability, safety, styling and dimensions. Smeg offers both built-in ovens and free-standing cookers in a huge variety of styles, including designs by Renzo Piano, Evolution, Linea and Classic. Options, such as pyrolitic cleaning systems, all-glass inner doors, telescopic shelf supports, pizza functions and many more are available. Special offers are now on with prices starting from just €399. Forestals Showroom, Mriehel. Tel: 2343 6000. www.forestals.com
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Lighting | Sofas | Furniture | Accessories
Your Lifestyle‌ Your Choice The largest selection of lighting, furniture, sofas & accessories. A huge choice to suit all tastes & budgets. A T F E
Dun Karm Xerri Street, Iklin. +356 2141 9111 +356 2148 5126 farrugialight@waldonet.net.mt
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Rosemoore – Fragrances for the Home is the new contemporary and stylish home fragrance brand being launched exclusively by Enesco in 2012 – available in 15 distinct fragrances. Price: Starting from €3.50. Junction 66, Tower Road, Sliema and Arkadia Gozo. Tel: 2133 4451
KEVIN DARMANIN All types of garage doors, insulated sectional doors, gate remote control motors, and balcony railings. Kenneth Darmanin. Tel: 7947 4786. info@kennethdarmanin.com / www.kennethdarmanin.com
Kumquat trees and many more dwarf citrus trees available, as well as a new range of fruit trees, such as Kaki and Kiwi. Piscopo Gardens, Burmarrad. Tel: 2158 3755. info@piscopogardens.com www.piscopogardens.com
LED lamps 3w/5w/6w in 240v by CALEX, which are easily replaceable conventional halogen lamps – available in daylight, cool white and warm white (30,000 hrs lifetime). Price: Starting from €16.50. At all leading hardware stores & VCT Ltd. Tel: 2143 2571 / 2143 6186.
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Poseidon Pools in conjunction with Astral Pools, the number one leader in swimming pool supplies, are offering a range of swimming pool equipment and accessories for the pool. Poseidon Pools International Ltd, Main Street, Mosta. Tel: 2141 1141 / 2141 2599. info@poseidonpools.eu
Leisure Pools offer a Lifetime Structural and Osmosis Warranty on all fibreglass composite pools. Leisure Pools Europe Ltd., No 25, Triq Victor Denaro, Msida. Tel: 7947 3922. leisurepoolsmalta@yahoo.com / www.leisurepools.com.au
Whether weatherproofing new furniture or brightening up garden furniture and decking, there’s a highly effective, simple-to-apply solution to give the desired finish. Price: Decking Oil (2.5l): €25.50 / Aqua Stop (2.5l): €39.95 / Extreme Varnish (750ml): €12.50 / Garden Furniture Oil (500ml): €8.50 / Teak Oil (1l): €12.50. Finishing Touches, Naxxar Road, Lija. Tel: 2141 8750 / 2741 8750. finishingtouchesmalta@hotmail.com
Terracotta Garden – a new collection of turquoise accessories ranging from planters, vases, water jugs, as well as other ornamental pieces that will embellish any terrace or garden. Price: Starting from €7. Junction 66, Tower Road, Sliema and Arkadia Gozo. Tel: 2133 4451 093
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Single at €41 Double at €55 King at €68 Superking at €82 FOLLOW US ON www.facebook.com/DebenhamsMalta
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The Point Shopping Mall, Tigné Point
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GARDEN NEWS > SWING! The new modernist Swing Collection by Manutti successfully combines boldness and classicism with its rounded, graceful lines. The curved frame of the lounger showcases its stylish contours and can be adjusted for maximum comfort. The resin wicker chair match the chairs in the collection, with side tables and footrests as finishing touches, perfect for leg stretching. www.3citydesigns.com
GET READY! All-new range of garden furniture at Pertolea. www.petroleamalta.com
TERRACE COLLECTION The new terrace Collection garden furniture now available at Floreal Home. Facebook: Floreal Home
SPHERE PLANTER Designed by Stephen Green when he was working in the Industrial Design/Space Architect division at NASA, the Hanging Sphere Planter was inspired by the liquid fuel tanks and engines on the Saturn 5. Green created the planter as a side project, which he later sold to friends. Now handmade in Tokyo, the planter allows excess water to drain from the plant and creates a contrast between the plant and the sculptural form of the object. www.etsy.com
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FABULOUS FRESCO The new Fresco Planters from ‘Garden It’ offer a distinctive look inspired by Italian ‘polished plaster’ with a variegated contemporary light/dark grey finish. The planters are smooth to the touch, with a slight sheen and come in various square sizes. www.gardenit.com.mt 095
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Spring
SPECTACULAR
Words: Melina Scodanibbio
With its abundance of flowers and scents, together with mild temperatures, spring is definitely the ideal time to enjoy the garden. Landscape Designer Melina Scodanibbio brings us advice on what to sow, transplant, prune and where to start on the pest control
ith so much going on, we may be tempted to just throw a bunch of plants in the empty soil patches to get some colour, without much consideration for plant combinations. Yet this is part of the challenge of springtime, and some great planting compositions can be achieved with a bit of thought. When choosing your spring and summer annuals, take a good look at the existing structure of your garden, made up of the evergreen shrubs, trees and perennials, which provide volume and sense of scale. Create colour schemes, from soft pastels and whites, which are still appreciated in the softer spring light to the hot, bright colours that perform best in the glaring summer sunlight. Foliage colour, combined with the right flowers, can also be used to great effect and this is where you can achieve some stunning compositions by mixing perennials and seasonals. The burgundy foliage of perennials Pennisetum ‘Rubrum’ and pink Gaura, for example, can be completed with Cosmos, magenta and violet Petunia and Gomphrena for a very effective colour scheme. Creamy variegated leaves look best mixed with blues, white and a touch of yellow so Lobelia, white Vinca and a few yellow Zinnia would be a good blend. Group your annuals rather than dotting a few here and there; large spots of colour
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Ipomoea
Red Zinnia
Tulips
Portulaca
While chemical fertilisers are the quick and easy fix, they are sometimes difficult to dose correctly – too much resulting in plant damage, and over time tend to cause the soil structure to degenerate are much more effective and can also be achieved using pots. A variety of seeds and seedlings are available at this time of year – take your pick from Lobelia, Tagetes, Petunia, Portulaca, Zinnia, Cosmos, Amaranthus, Gomphrena and Ipomoea to name but a few. Remember that seasonal plants have different water requirements to the far more drought resistant evergreens so irrigation needs to be adjusted accordingly. In the vegetable garden, seedlings of cabbages, peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, lettuce and cauliflower should be ready
for transplanting, while cucumber, carrots, beans, peas and many herbs can all be sown. Repeat sowings ensure a steady supply of produce. Preserving moisture in the soil is essential, as is weeding and checking for pest attacks. Spring is the main growing season in Mediterranean climates, before the summer dormancy, which affects so many plants and causes growth to slow down considerably or cease completely. It is therefore the right time for feeding, and the best way to do this is slowly and consistently. While chemical fertilisers are the quick and easy fix, they are sometimes difficult to dose correctly – too much resulting in plant damage, and over time tend to cause the soil structure to degenerate. Adding well-rotted compost to the soil on the other hand, has countless benefits; it improves the air/ moisture balance while greatly improving the structure of the soil, provides nutrients and lowers the pH. When the spring flowering annuals start to fade and are removed, prepare the soil with compost and let it rest for a couple of days before planting the summer annuals.
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Every time you harvest herbs for culinary use, consider it a mini-pruning, which will encourage growth and, as plants like basil and coriander start to bloom, cut them back to prevent them going to seed
WHAT TO SOW NOW: Flowers: Lobelia, Tagetes, Petunia, Portulaca, Zinnia, Cosmos, Amaranthus, Gomphrena and Ipomoea Vegetables: Cucumber, carrots, beans, peas and herbs Keeping plants in good shape and preventing them from becoming woody and leggy is another important spring task. Pruning also induces more and finer blooms on perennials, and should be carried out towards the end of the flowering period in order to prepare them for the summer dormancy. This applies to many Mediterranean plants, such as lavender and sage. Every time you harvest herbs for culinary use, consider it a mini-pruning, which will encourage growth and, as plants like basil and coriander start to bloom, cut them back to prevent them going to seed. Deciduous trees and shrubs should not be pruned in the spring but during their dormancy in winter. Similarly, don’t prune plants which flower and fruit on the previous year’s growth to avoid the accidental removal of buds.
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FOOD NEWS HW
FOOD NEWS >
APE APERITIVO Italian industrial designer Giulio Iacchetti has developed the ‘ape’ aperitivo set for Alessi’s 2012 collection. The seven-piece assortment consists of a bowl and spoon for mixed nuts, a container for olives, a toothpick holder, a bowl for chips, a waste receptacle and a wooden cheese board. Comprised mostly of thermoplastic resin and stainless steel, the aperitif system creates a neutral backdrop of various heights for a dynamic landscape of food. Find Alessi at Petrolea. www.petroleamalta.com
GARLIC ZOOM As featured on the Homeworks(Malta) facebook page, the Chef’n Garlic Zoom at Cose Casa is an all-new innovative and easy-to-use garlic chopper. With its award-winning design, the Garlic Zoom makes chopping garlic fun by using a rolling motion to chop pre-peeled garlic cloves. It comes complete with a removable stainless steel blade for easy cleaning and is also top-rack dishwasher safe. www.cosecasa.com
BEATER The German design trio Ding3000 has created the whisk ‘Beater’ for Normann Copenhagen that’s sculpturesque, space-saving and functional all at the same time. Beater can be folded together, saving space in the kitchen drawer or on the wall. Inspired by a pack of straws, it’s gathered in the middle using a ring that functions both as an opening and closing mechanism, as well as a hanging fixture. www.normann-copenhagen.com
COOLBREATHER SPICEVINE The funky new Spicevine by design savvy brand Umbra holds ten spice bottles, inclusive of labels. Find Umbra at Gifts&More. www.giftsandmore.com.mt
The new Menu CoolBreather from core allows for wine to both aerate and cool. It can also be used for cool water and juice. www.core.com.mt
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HW CUISINE & WINE
FINEFARE
Hilton Executive Chef Joe Vella brings us light and lean fare as the days grow longer and warmer. Bill Hermitage at Delicata Winery suggests the ideal wine accompaniments Recipes: Joe Vella from A Passion for Cooking cookbook Wine Recommendations: Bill Hermitage, Emmanuel Delicata Winermaker Photography: MAS Cutlery: Next Home
Seared Venison Carpaccio with Confit of Garlic, Baby Rocket Leaves, Saint Agur Cheese & Chocolate Orange Chive Dressing Ingredients (serves 4) 50g saint agur cheese garlic confit 400g well-trimmed venison fillet ½ tbsp rapeseed oil sea salt crushed black peppercorn 1 bunch rocket leaves 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp coriander 1 tsp parsley 1 tsp rosemary 10g mixed spices
Ingredients for the Chocolate Orange Chive Dressing 1 orange zest juice 1 dash of lemon juice ¼ tsp honey olive oil ½ tbsp rapeseed oil 55ml sea salt 2 tsp chopped olives 3 tsp dark chocolate
Method: Season the venison fillet with salt and pepper. Heat the rapeseed oil in a frying pan until piping hot, then add the venison fillet and seal quickly for 10 seconds on each side. Only the outer surface of the meat has to be cooked, so the heat must be kept really high. Prepare a mixture with thyme, crushed black peppercorn, chopped coriander, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary and a pinch of mixed spice. Wrap the venison fillet with this mixture. Place the fillet in the fridge and chill until firm and very cold, for at least two hours. Remove the venison from the fridge and place on a cutting board. With a very sharp knife, slowly cut into very delicate slices, making sure not to tear them. When serving, place some rock salt, crushed peppers and olive oil on a plate. Place the carpaccio around the plate, and serve with some rocket leaves marinated in olive oil and balsamic, diced Saint Agur cheese on top and five whole confit of garlic. Finally, place the chocolate orange chive dressing on top of the meat.
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CUISINE & WINE HW Pan Seared Fillet of Fresh Cod Scented with Thyme on a Rustic Ratatouille Ingredients (serves 4) For the cod 720g fillet of cod 6 tbsp
olive oil
salt and pepper 20g thyme For the rustic ratatouille: 4 diced tomatoes 1
diced red pepper
1
diced yellow pepper
1
diced green pepper
8 tbsp
olive oil
4 tsp
crushed garlic cloves
2
diced red onions
2
diced courgettes
1
diced aubergine
4 tbsp
chopped basil
4 tbsp
chopped mint dash of balsamic reduction
Method for the ratatouille Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and cook the onions and garlic for two minutes. Add all the diced vegetables and stir for five minutes until soft. Add the chopped basil and mint together with the balsamic reduction. Keep warm aside.
Method for the fish Score the skin off the cod, scented with rock salt and thyme. Heat some olive oil in a heavy based frying pan, and fry the cod fillet (skin side down) until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Turn the fillet on the other side and fry for a further minute, until the skin is crispy. Spoon the ratatouille on a warm plate and place the cod fillet on top. Drizzle on some olive oil and serve.
BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2010 GRAND VIN DE HAUTEVILLE VIOGNIER - D.O.K. SUPERIOR MALTA “The two things to concentrate on when trying to pair a wine with this dish is not actually the delicate fish itself, but its skin and the accompanying ratatouille. The skin is recommended as being ‘golden brown and crispy’, and to achieve that the pan-fried seasoned skin will have an influential flavour. Added to that is the strongly flavoured ratatouille with its three peppers, basil, mint and balsamic reduction. I am therefore going to go for a clean, dry, white wine that is powerful enough to cope with all these flavours and so I have chosen the Grand Vin de Hauteviile Viognier, which is robust, soft and full flavoured enough to go perfectly with this recipe.”
BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2010 VICTORIA HEIGHTS CABERNET SAUVIGNON CABERNET FRANC - D.O.K. SUPERIOR GOZO “For this meaty dish, although a full flavoured white might do, I am going to propose a full-flavoured, but non tannic red. The red in question needs to be very fruity and have decent weight so that it complements the chocolate based dressing, the Agur cheese and of course, the fairly strong flavoured venison. This particular Gozitan wine from the 2010 vintage has all of these attributes and is drinking particularly well at the moment. It’s packed with ripe sweet fruit and has bags of flavour and little tannin, making it ideal with this delicious dish.”
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HW FOOD NEWS
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Email: sales@portelliandbrincat.com.mt 104
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www.portelliandbrincat.com.mt
04/04/2012 19:04
CUISINE & WINE HW
y d!
s. St.
Lemon Cheesecake Ingredients (serves 4) 150g cream cheese 80g sugar cooked to 1210 C 250g cream 2 gelatine leaves 3 egg yolks 1 juice of lemon 1 candied lemon zest ½ vanilla pod
Method Cook the sugar and pour on egg yolk, whip and add the gelatine, cream cheese, vanilla, lemon zest and juice. Add whipped cream, sugar and eggs. Refrigerate until set.
BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT – 2010 CASELLA MOSCATO SWEET WHITE WINE “A clean, citrus flavoured, refreshing dessert that requires a sweet wine to counter-balance it. The combination of the sweetness of the wine and the tartness of the cheesecake leaves the palate with a delightful amalgamation of flavours. My choice is Casella, which is made from 100% Moscato grapes, which as well as making a wine that is deliciously sweet, also has very aromatic and floral characteristics that complement the candied lemon and vanilla flavours perfectly.”
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UPKEEPINGESSENTIALS SEASONAL SERVICING TIPS FOR THE HOUSEHOLD, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EXPERTS
KENNETH GAUCI BORDA VEE GEE BEE WHOLESALE LTD “After a harsh winter, it’s time to start giving the garden furniture some attention. Metal furniture will probably be showing signs of rust. Brush down with a wire brush, wipe clean with white spirit, then apply two coats of a good direct to rust metal paint. Choose a brand that can be applied directly on to the metal without the need of using a primer and undercoat, as well as one that offers long lasting protection. Wooden garden furniture needs to be sanded down from the old and flaking paint. Apply a coat of undercoat or all-purpose primer, followed by a topcoat gloss finish. Gloss finishes are more resistant to UV and weathering than matt or eggshell. If you’re going for the natural look, you need to coat soft woods with two or three coats of exterior varnish, while hard woods can be coated with teak oil.”
MELINA SCODANIBBIO, GARDEN DESIGN “In the vegetable garden, seedlings of cabbages, peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, lettuce and cauliflower should be ready for transplanting while cucumber, carrots, beans, peas and many herbs can all be sown. Repeat sowings ensure a steady supply of produce. Preserving moisture in the soil is essential, as is weeding and checking for pest attacks.”
CHARLES MERCIECA, BRANDS INTERNATIONAL LTD “It’s time to pay attention to the water tank. At this time of year when the weather starts heating up, if the water is not clean it will develop algae.”
COLIN ZAMMIT, THP DIY “Inspect windows and doors for any cracks or holes. These need to be cleaned and sealed with silicone around the frame. Now is a good time to tend to it because after all the rain the sun is going to dry them out quickly, which will cause pealing from the sudden heat. Also, see if there’s any damage from the rain in outdoor structures. Fill in the cracks with plaster (sand, cement or special outside cement) and then give it a stabiliser, followed by a coat of exterior paint.”
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A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS HW
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04/04/2012 19:04
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HW A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS
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HW A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS
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available from
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04/04/2012 19:04
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Adore More, Vjal il-Haddiem, Rabat. Tel: 2145 6570. sales@adoremore.eu www.adoremore.eu
Ceramax, Triq Il-Mosta, Lija. Tel: 2142 0536. info@ceramax.com.mt / www.ceramax.com.mt
AM Projects Ltd, 8, Triq Il - Garra, Victoria Gardens, L-Ibrag, Swieqi. Tel: 2137 4563. www.ampmalta.com
Chateau d’ax, Triq il-Ferrovija l-Antika, Santa Venera. Tel: 2144 6411. info@chateaudax.com.mt
Anne Marie Quercia, Tel: 7900 1201. www.anamidalli.com
Core, Triq il-Wied, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 3449. info@core.com.mt / www.core.com.mt
Artech, Triq Fleur de Lys, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 1300. sales@artechmalta.com www.artechmalta.com Asia Arts, 114, Triq il-Kbira, Sliema. Tel: 2133 4564. 39, Triq Abate Rigord, Ta’ Xbiex. Tel: 2133 5688 / 7082 2785. www.asiaartsmalta.com Astral, Marina Court, Triq L-Abate Rigord, Ta’Xbiex. Tel: 2134 0562 / 2134 5522. info@astral.com.mt / www.astral.com.mt Attard & Co, Canter Business Centre, Triq Patri Felicjan Bilocca, Marsa. Tel: 2123 7555. info@attardco.com / www.attardco.com B&M Supplies, Bypass ta’ B’Kara, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 0710. www.bmsupplies.com B4, Triq Haz - Zabbar, Fgura. Tel: 2180 1092. Triq Kostituzzjoni, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2003. info@b4.com.mt www.b4.com.mt Banju Boutique, Triq L-Arkata, Paola. Tel: 2180 9111/2. info@banjuboutique.com / www.banjuboutique.com BDI, 1, Triq Pietru Felici, Qormi. Tel: 2149 1727/2. homesbybdi@onvol.net / www.homesbybdi.com Biggie Best, Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880 / 2738 8880. www.biggiebestmalta.com Blueline Halmann, Triq Achille Ferris, Msida. Tel: 2131 6432/5. Triq In-Naxxar, Lija. Tel: 2141 2187 / 2141 4288. sales@blueline.com.mt / www.blueline.com.mt BOV, 58, Triq Zakkarija, Valletta. Tel: 2131 2020. www.bov.com Brabantia (RPL Enterprises Ltd), 39, Emerald Building, Triq il- Gizimin, Swieqi. Tel: 2138 0415 / 9949 9066. rlautier@rplent.com Brands International, Triq In-Naxxar Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2744 4110 / 2144 4110/ 7977 1100. sales@brands.com.mt / www.brands.com.mt Brighter Solutions, 2/3, Triq tal-Balal, Xwieki L/O Ghargur. Tel: 2142 4750 / 2742 4750. info@brightersolutions.com.mt / www.ledmalta.com.mt Calypso Mfg Ltd, 5, Triq Cospicua, Fgura. Tel: 2180 4588/ 9947 4190. luciana@calypsomfg.com Carefree Furniture, Factory 10B, Zona Industrijali, Xewkija, Gozo. Tel: 2155 7456/ 7947 3427. Carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Triq Il-Wied, B’Kara. Tel: 2388 9200 / 2147 2882. info@carmelodelia.com / www.bigbon.com Casanova, Triq San Tumas, Luqa. Tel: 2180 0221 / 2180 0214. info@casanova.com.mt / www.casanova.com.mt
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Cose Casa, 77, Triq it-Tlett Knejjes, Balzan. Tel: 2144 7672/3. info@cosecasa.com / www.cosecasa.com Creations Omnistat, Liland Buildings, Triq l-Mdina, Attard. Tel: 2141 1541/ 2141 7616. johann@creationsomni.com www.creationsomni.com de Valier, Triq San Gwakkin, Mriehel. Tel: 2149 1111. info@devalier.com.mt www.devalier.com.mt Debenhams, The Point Shopping Mall, Tigne Point, Sliema. info@debenhams.com.mt / www.debenhams.com.mt Doneo, Triq Mountbatten, Hamrun. Tel: 2122 5381 / 2123 0741. info@doneo.com.mt / showroom@doneo.com.mt / www/doneo.com.mt Elektra Ltd, Triq il-Mithna, Qormi. Tel: 2546 3000. info@elektra.com.mt / www.elektra.com.mt Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker Ltd, The Winery on the Waterfront, Paola. Tel: 2182 5199 / 7982 5199. info@delicata.com / www.delicata.com Farrugia Lighting & Interiors, Triq Dun Karm Xerri, Iklin. Tel: 2141 9111. info@farrugia.com.mt / www.farrugia.com.mt FGP Ltd, 109, Triq il-Belt Valletta, Luqa. Tel: 2166 7107/8 / 2167 5384. sales@fgp.com.mt / www.fgp.com.mt Finishing Touches, Triq in-Naxxar, Lija. Tel: 2741 8750 / 7941 8750. finishingtouchesmalta@hotmail.com Fino, Fino Buildings, Triq Notabile, Mriehel. Tel: 2549 3000. info@fino.com.mt / www.fino.com.mt Floreal Home, Triq Il-Parrocca, Naxxar. Tel: 2747 0744. florealhome@melita.com Forestals, Bypass ta’ L’Mriehel, Mriehel. Tel: 2343 6000. info@forestals.com / www.forestals.com Future Habitats, Triq il-Kostituzzjoni, Mosta. Tel: 2142 4251 / 2142 0596. info@futurehabitats.com / www.futurehabitats.com G R F Ltd., Triq Bella Vista, San Gwann. Tel: 2137 7378 / 7942 4422. info@grfmalta.com / www.grfmalta.com Garden It, Triq Is-Santwarju, San Gwann. Tel: 2137 7448 / 7979 3000. info@gardenit.com.mt / www.gardenit.com.mt Gifts&More, Topline, Triq Sant Andru, St. Andrews. Tel: 2137 2256. info@ giftsandmore.com.mt / www. giftsandmore.com.mt Glow, Skyway Ltd, 179, Triq Il Marina, Pieta. matthew@glow.com.mt Hydrolectric Ltd, Triq il-Kappilan Mifsud, Hamrun. Tel: 2124 1111. hydrolectric@hydrolectric.com.mt / www.hydrolectric.com.mt
Jmartans Automation, Ivy, Flat 1, Triq Salvu Barbara, Mosta. Tel: 2142 0655 / 7942 0655. info@jmartans.com / www.jmartans.com
Piscopo Gardens, Triq Tony Camilleri, Burmarrad. Tel: 2158 3755. info@piscopogardens.com / www.piscopogardens.com
Joinwell, Triq Il-Mithna, Qormi. Tel: 2278 2000. marketing@joinwell.com.mt / www. joinwell.com.mt
Portelli & Brincat, Triq Kukkanja, Santa Venera. Tel: 2148 8199, 2148 2831. info@portelliandbrincat.com.mt / www.portelliandbrincat.com.mt
JTS Trading, Triq Il-Kummerc, Qormi. Tel: 2149 6415 / 9944 6951 jurgen@jtstrading.com / www.jtstrading.com
Poseidon Pools, 167, Triq ilKostituzzjoni, Mosta. Tel: 2141 2599 / 9942 3585.
Junction 66, 66, Triq it-Torri, Sliema. Tel: 2133 4451 / 9933 4451. junction@onvol.net / www.junction66malta.com Kenneth Darmanin Ltd, Tel: 9947 4786. info@kennethdarmanin. com / www.kennethdarmanin.com Klimaflo, Triq il-Hgejjeg, San Gwann. Tel: 2701 1118/9 / 9949 5161. roger@klimaflo.com / www.klimaflo.com Krea Ltd, Triq L-Mdina, Qormi. Tel: 2146 3501. info@krea.com.mt / www.krea.com.mt Leisure Pools, 25, Triq Victor Denaro, Msida. Mob: 7947 3922. leisurepoolsmalta@yahoo.com / www.leisurepools.com.au Little Luxuries, 128, High Street, Sliema. Tel: 2131 9209 / 9989 1006. info@littleluxuries.com.mt / www.littleluxuries.com.mt Lulu Café, Triq l-Uqija, L-Ibrag. Tel: 2138 4498. info@lulurestaurant.com M.Demajo, Misrah Iz-Zebbug, Qormi. Tel: 2148 7078. timbers@demajo.com / www.demajotimbers.com Mac Med Ltd, B24, Bulebel Industrial Estate, Zejtun. Tel: 2182 4101/4 / 2180 6815. info@macmed.com.mt / www.macmed.com.mt Melita, Tel: 2727 0270. www.melita.com Mizz Trading Ltd, 16, Triq Abate Rigord, Ta’ Xbiex. Mob: 9932 4125. mizzimark@yahoo.com MRCD, Triq Karmenu Camilleri, Qormi. Tel: 2146 8770 / 1/3. Triq in-Naxxar, Lija. Tel: 2141 3132. www.mrcd.com.mt Muscat Pools, Triq Fr Edgar, Mgarr. Tel: 2157 4658 / 9947 1148 / 7925 8227. pools@muscatpools.com / www.muscatpools.com Natuzzi, Triq Testaferrata, Msida. Tel: 2131 7401. Triq il-Wied, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 6000. www.natuzzi.com One Two One Interiors, Vjal Il-Wiehed U Ghoxrin Ta’ Settembru, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9. Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema. Tel: 2132 3155. sales@onetwoone.eu / www.onetwoone.eu Outdoor Solutions, Triq il-Wied, Msida. Tel: 2099 0009. info@avc.com.mt / www.weinor.com Petrolea, Valley Road, Msida. Tel: 2123 4501 / 2123 5487. showroom@petroleamalta.com / www.petroleamalta.com Philip A Tabone, 21/26 Tower Point Mansions, Triq it-Torri, Sliema. Tel: 2134 6632 / 2134 6109. Warehouse: Triq Hal-Luqa, Qormi. Tel: 2144 1800. info@patabone.com
Raphael Azzopardi, 6, Triq Uqija, Swieqi. Tel: 2137 3812. info@raphaelazzopardi.com / www.raphaelazzopardi.com S&S Bathrooms, Triq il-Mosta, Lija. Tel: 2141 2222, 2741 5694. www.ssbathrooms.com Satariano, 122, Triq Il-Wied, B’Kara. Tel: 2149 2149. www.satariano.com Seamless Solid Surface Solutions, 4, Triq Guze Duca, Qormi. Tel: 2144 0404 / 7940 0404. sales@seamless.com.mt / www.seamless.com.mt Shaker, 3, Triq il-Gibjun, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 7686/ 2738 7686. info@shaker.com.mt / www.shaker.com.mt Sherries Garden Centre, Triq Burmarrad, Burmarrad. Tel: 2158 0021. sherries@go.net.mt Smarthomes, Triq il-Wied, Msida. Tel: 2733 4499. info@smarthomesmalta.com www.smarthomesmalta.com Sphinx Creations, Entrata Bldgs, Triq Haz- Zebbug, Attard. Tel: 2143 0075/6 2143 0076 / 9944 5231 / 9901 9901. info@sphinxcreations.com / www.sphinxcreations.com Spot On Supplies Ltd, 102, Triq Il-Palma, Paola. Tel: 2166 8880 / 7981 7777. info@spotonmalta.com / www.spotonmalta.com Stem Interiors, 1A, Triq Hughes Hallet, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019. steminteriors@yahoo.co.uk / www.stemlighting.co.uk Tabone Enterprises, Zona Industrijali, Triq L-Imprendituri, Mriehel. Tel: 2144 3193. www.tabonedirect.com The Atrium, Homemate, Bypass ta’ l’Mriehel, Mriehel. Tel: 2147 0000. info@theatrium.com.mt / www.theatrium.com.mt The Mirror Shop, 122, Triq il-Kappillan Mifsud, St.Venera. Tel: 2701 4794 / 9942 3392. info@themirrorshop.eu / www.themirrorshop.eu The Rug Company, Area F, Blue Harbour Business Centre, Ta’ Xbiex. Tel: 2132 4990. www.therugcompany.info Tip Top Sports, Triq Haz-Zabbar, Fgura. Triq il- Parocca, Naxxar. Tel: 2248 3031. info@tiptopsports.com / www.tiptopmalta.com Tower Aluminum, Triq Ghar Ram, Zebbug. Tel: 2146 5156. info@toweraluminium.com / www.toweraluminium.com VCT Ltd Light & Design, Triq Ponsomby, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571. info@vct.com.mt / www.vct.com.mt Vella Falzon, Triq Regjonali, Msida. Tel: 2144 5165. info@vellafalzon.com / www.vellafalzon.com
TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE CALL: 2133 9999 OR EMAIL: INFO@WRITEON.COM.MT
04/04/2012 19:04
renovating your fairytale home Once upon a time you chose your dream home. Now is the time to add features you’ve always wanted, like a swimming pool or some additional space. We can make this process more straightforward and affordable than you think. Talk to us today for more details.
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BOV HOME LOANS
BOV 30773
2131 2020 I bov.com
SATARIANO adverts DPS - IDS.indd 1-2 HW54 FRONT COVER Final.indd 2
Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c. 58, Zachary Street Valletta VLT 1130 - Malta
Loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from your BOV branch. Terms and conditions apply. The term of the loan must not go beyond retirement age.
122, Valley Road, B’Kara T: 2149 2149 www.satariano.com
7/14/11 8:53:03 AM 05/04/2012 16:21
INSPIRATION IMPROVEMENT STYLE
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ISSUE 54 APRIL 2012
HW54 FRONT COVER Final.indd 1
SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS The symbiosis of spaces
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