Commercial Interior Design - March 2010 by ITP Business Publishing

COMMERCIALInterior design An ITP Business Publication | Licensed by Dubai Media City

March 2010 Vol.6 Issue 3

Introducing APID 2.0

Outdoor Furniture

DOES A NEW TEAM MEAN NEW DIRECTION FOR APID?

REMOVING THE BOUNDARIES BET WEEN INDOORS AND OUT

Mar Vol.6 Issue 3

The essential guide for Middle East interior design professionals

Drawing on the

An ITP Business Publication

DESERT

HOW THE BANYAN ANYAN TREE AL WADI IS S BLENDING GS SE AMLESSLY SS INTO ITS SURROUNDINGS

COME IN FOR A COFFEE our Buro 4 5 showroom uses 70% arabica + 30% robusta coffee beans from Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll caffe di roma, lavazza - so come in for a coffee and a chat, see our latest office furniture, and add value to your business.

contact details Buro 4 5

Buro 4 5

garhoud - near irish village emirates crew building P.O.BOX 36491 dubai uae www.buro45.com e: uae @ buro45.com te l : +971 4 283 1928 fax: +971 4 283 1929

king abdul aziz road amalkis center P.O. BOX 116914 jeddah ksa www.buro45.com e: ksa@ buro45.com te l : +966 2 60 79 426 fax: +966 2 60 79 427

CONTENTS

March 2010 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

05 11

DESIGN UPDATE INDUSTRY SPEAK Does a new team signal new direction for the Association of Professional Interior Designers?

DESIGNER Q&A Catching up with Zain Mustafa, winner of Index’s inaugural Contemporary Majlis Competition.

CASE STUDY

How the newly-opened Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah blends into its desert setting.

CASE STUDY Rocco Forte Collection’s The Augustine in Prague.

FEATURE The latest trends from the world of outdoor furniture.

DESTINATION FOCUS The low-down on Jordan’s interior design industry.

SHOWROOMS YOU SHOULD VISIT A handful of showrooms that can’t be missed.

PRODUCTS A showcase of new products, including Botanic, Magic Showerhead, Rotor, Fluo and Ege’s Performance.

CONTRACTS Your monthly guide to contract tenders in the region, provided by Ventures Middle East.

OPINION The benefits of holistic energy management, by Brett Annesley.

www.constructionweekonline.com

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

FORM FOLLOWS FLOW. Living City, design Phoenix Design

Bathroom Culture since 1892

www.laufen.com/middleeast

Bahrain: Al Abbas Gallery +973 17741919 alabbas@batelco.com.bh Iran: Farbar +98 21 88 03 6364 sales@farbar.ir Jordan: Izzat Musa Marji & Sons Co. +962 65 52 02 84 info@marji.jo Kuwait: Arte Casa Trading Co. +965 4848 000 info@artecasa.bz Lebanon: Georges Nassr +961 1 482 462 georgesnasr@zahleh.com Oman: Ahmed Mohsin Trading L.L.C. +968 248 17 019 sware@amtoman.com Qatar: M.S.K Building Material +97 44 440 051 info@mskqatar.com Saudi Arabia: Dar Alfun for Ceramics (Articasa) +96 6 2252 4402 info@articasa.biz Syria: Uni Group +96 31 15 32 67 00 unigroup@net.sy United Arab Emirates: German Home for Bathrooms & Kitchens +971 4 268 9993 info@germanhome.net Yemen: Abu Al-Rejal Trading Corp. +967 1 272 519 sanitary@abualrejal.com

COMMENT

Registered at Dubai Media City PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: 00 971 4 210 8000 Fax: 00 971 4 210 8080 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Dubai & London ITP BUSINESS PUBLISHING CEO Walid Akawi Managing Director Neil Davies Deputy Managing Director Matthew Southwell Editorial Director David Ingham VP Sales Wayne Lowery Publishing Director Jason Bowman EDITORIAL Senior Group Editor Stuart Matthews Editor Selina Denman Tel: +971 4 435 6209 email: selina.denman@itp.com ADVERTISING Publishing Director Jason Bowman Tel: +971 4 435 66344 email: jason.bowman@itp.com Sales Manager Leigh Roche Tel: +971 4 435 6473 email: leigh.roche@itp.com STUDIO Group Art Editor Daniel Prescott Art Editor Simon Cobon PHOTOGRAPHY Director of Photography Sevag Davidian Chief Photographer Khatuna Khutsishvili Senior Photographers G-nie Arambulo, Efraim Evidor, Thanos Lazopoulos Staff Photographers Isidora Bojovic, George Dipin, Lyubov Galushko, Jovana Obradovic, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Group Production Manager Kyle Smith Production Coordinator Louise Schreiber Managing Picture Editor Patrick Littlejohn Distribution Manager Karima Ashwell Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami CIRCULATION Head of Circulation & Database Gaurav Gulati MARKETING Head of Marketing Daniel Fewtrell ITP DIGITAL Director Peter Conmy Internet Applications Manager Mohammed Affan Internet Design Manager Hitesh Uchil Web Designer Meghna Rao ITP GROUP Chairman Andrew Neil Managing Director Robert Serafin Finance Director Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Board of Directors K M Jamieson, Mike Bayman, Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin Circulation Customer Service Tel: +971 4 435 6000 Certain images in this issue are available for purchase. Please contact itpimages@itp.com for further details or visit www.itpimages.com

Safety in numbers

here’s a reason why clichés become clichés. And it’s generally because – in spite of their undeniable cheesiness – they express an unavoidable, resounding truth. The much-abused idiom, ‘there’s safety in numbers’, is a good case in point. The recent unveiling of a brand new president, board of directors and executive committee at the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID) should represent an important milestone for the region’s design community at large. It is the next step in the evolution of what is still a relatively young and inexperienced entity. This ‘changing of the guard’ comes at an opportune time. APID’s hosting of the IFI General Assembly and World Design Congress at the end of last year gave the organisation an undeniable boost in credibility. In spite of limited resources and a crushingly-inhibitive time frame, APID put on a commendable show – a real testament to what can be done when people work together, use their influence and share their contacts. The current economic climate will also work in APID’s favour. Companies that may not have seen the benefits of being part of a wider group in the past are suddenly appreciating the truth in that age-old adage: there’s safety in numbers. The trials and tribulations of the past year have left the industry vulnerable and scarred. All of a sudden, having a collective voice, a common contract, more accountability, greater regulation, increased segmentation, or even just a forum for good, old-fashioned, honest, upfront discussion, sound pretty enticing. Truth be told, there are a lot of battered design companies out there that will take any security that they can get. So, the timing is good. Which means that all APID has to focus on is making sure that it is topical and relevant – not just to a select few but to as wide a cross-section of the industry as possible. There are still too many design firms that haven’t been brought into the fold; who haven’t been convinced of the benefits to their business; or who don’t see how they can contribute. Wooing these firms, whatever their size, attitude or inclination, should be a key priority for APID’s new team. Because before you can have safety in numbers, you need numbers.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press L.L.C. Dubai Subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

BPA Worldwide Audited Average Qualified Circulation 7,683 (July - December 2009) Published by and © 2010 ITP Business Publishing, a division of the ITP Publishing Group Ltd. Registered in the B.V.I. under Company number 1402846.

www.constructionweekonline.com

SELINA DENMAN, EDITOR selina.denman@itp.com

Receive Commercial Interior Design every month. To subscribe, please visit: www.itp.com/subscriptions

Cover image: Banyan Tree Al Wadi, RAK

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

DESIGN UPDATE

The personal touch MJ & CO ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE HANDS-ON, PERSONALISED PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES UAE: Mohsin Jawaheri, of former Designlab fame, has launched MJ & Co to provide clients with highly personalised project management services. MJ & Co Project Management & Engineering Services will offer the full gamut of advisory services, Jawaheri explained. “Once we have been given the mandate to be the client’s consultant, we will help them with evaluating location. We will then help them to appoint the right designers, and we will advise them on approval processes. “We will then move on to finding the right contractors and procurement channels. We will review contracts, design drawings and material samples and, if required, advise on value engineering. We

www.constructionweekonline.com

will also be involved in the certifying of invoices,” he explained. “At all times, we will be making sure that the project is completed within the stipulated time period, within the budget, and according to the client’s expectations and quality requirements.” Having worked in the industry, Jawaheri is well placed to understand how to protect interior designers, while still acting in the best interests of the client. “There has to be a formula that will help everybody – and I will be working on finding that formula,” he said. MJ & Co will differentiate itself by offering a hands-on, highlypersonalised service. With over 13 years of industry experience, Jawaheri’s business proposition

rests on developing strong, trusting relationships with his clients. He will be looking to partner with a select group of reliable, capable companies, he noted. “I’d like top use a handful of people in each sector. I don’t want a database of thousands of designers. I am looking for people that we are comfortable working with and that we can trust to deliver; people that are creative and co-operative when it comes to working with the various entities involved in a project.” When it comes to suppliers, companies such as Erco Lighting and Vitra fit the bill perfectly, Jawaheri explained. “I have chosen some of the best. “I’m not saying no to anyone that wants to send their portfolio

to me, but obviously I have an idea of the kind of people that I would like to work with, and build a relationship with.” MJ & Co is resigned to growing slowly, which Jawaheri views as an inevitable consequence of his focus on quality rather than quantity. And while the timing might not seem ideal to some, Jawaheri remains confident. “We are no longer living in a time where you start a company today and make millions the month after. “I think this is healthier; you can build organically and have more stability. The companies that can sustain themselves in these situations are the ones that deserve to stay around, and who will help the economy in the long term.” Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

DESIGN UPDATE

UAE launch pad EUROPE AN COMPANIES CONFIRM T HEIR PRESENCE AT ABU DHABI’S INT ERIORS UAE

UAE: Taking place in Abu Dhabi from March 29 to 31, Interiors UAE is promising to act as a regional launch pad for a number of companies looking to introduce new products to the market. Portuguese company, Boca do Lobo, will use the exhibition to present two new furniture designs, Crochet and Monochrome, for the first time in the UAE. Crochet is a wooden chest of drawers

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

featuring seven drawers and inspired by the traditional craft from which it gets its name. The process of pulling loops of yarn through other loops was reinterpreted by a local jeweller who forged 60kg of classic brass pulls. The result is a mesh that covers the silhouette of the piece. The chest is darkened by gold leaf, which contrasts with vibrant, purple, jewelled handles.

Meanwhile, the Monochrome stool was designed to bridge the barrier between design and art. It is a fluid and unusual form moulded from fibreglass and filled with expandable polyurethane. The piece is a reference to the use of a single material, with a uniform and high-gloss tone of electric blue. Italy’s Air Nova will also introduce two new products at the show. The company, which specialises in the production of leather chairs for both the contract and retail markets, will introduce the Swarovski-encrusted Elettra, as well as Patchwork, which features a mix of different leathers in the same colours. The company will showcase a range of its armchairs, including the popular Aisha, along with consoles and chaise longues, on its stand. No stranger to the region, Air Nova supplied 650 of its Elisa chairs to Burj Khalifa. UK-based soft furnishing and fabric designers, Soul Living, will also be unveiling a new product at the show, having decided to create a dedicated range for Interiors UAE. The range will be ‘overwhelmingly luxurious’ combining traditional and contemporary styles in an eclectic range of colours and fabrics. Another UK-based company attending Interiors UAE is Yarwood Leather, one of the largest suppliers of leather to the UK furniture industry. The company, which is a first-time exhibitor at the UAE exhibition, specialises in blending traditional skills and modern technology to create more comfortable, durable products. A number of other European companies have also confirmed their attendance, including Germany’s Faustig Kurt, best-known

for breaking the record for the world’s largest chandelier, created for the Abu Dhabi Mosque. Traditional European crafts will be presented by Spanish company, Virtus 1945, which creates bronze accessories using the antique technique of sand-testing. Its extensive product offering includes table clocks, candelabras, mirrors, tables, vases, photo-frames and figurines. The exhibition will also include seminar sessions on ‘Colour Trends for the Interior Design Sector for Spring/Summer 2011’, presented by the London-based colour consultancy studio, Global Color Research, which will also be conducting interactive workshops at its stand. The seminars and workshops will educate interior designers, architects, retailers and product designers on colour trends for the coming few years. Global Color Research will also work with visitors to show them how to use colour trend information effectively and accurately. “Creative minds need to keep ahead of the game,” said Justine Fox, colour specialist and materials editor of Global Color Research’s Mix magazine. “Global Color Research would like to invite professionals to create the colours of the Middle East for 2012. Every visitor to our stand at Interiors UAE will help create a colour palette applicable to the Middle Eastern market and the interior design sector. Because of the special characteristics of this market, global trends cannot be applied without considering socio-economic factors. “For this reason, we believe that a region-specific colour palette will be a great tool for professionals who work in this area.”

www.constructionweekonline.com

Philips Lighting ad 300x225(T).ai

2/22/10

2:45:50 PM

PROFILE

H채fele

W H O? H채fele GmbH is a privatelyowned German company that has been operating since 1923. Our two main catalogues contain over 50,000 fittings for the furniture and joinery industries, as well as architectural ironmongery for windows and doors, and are printed in many different languages. The company has subsidiaries in over 30 countries as well as 40 international sales offices around the world.

WHERE? H채fele Middle East has had a head office in Dubai for the last 25 years and now supports offices in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Rather than working through distributors, we recognise that a direct sales team in the region guarantees our support, quality and reliability as a premium supplier.

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

PROFILE

US P S ? Our easily recognisable catalogues worldwide give designers confidence in specifying a benchmark of quality products from one complete range. Many of our staff are qualified to the UK Guild of Architectural Ironmongery standard and we are therefore able to offer a complete free-of-charge service to assist designers and produce hardware schedules to the required specification.

W H AT ’ S N E W ? Our latest success was reflected in the opening of the Burj Khalifa whereby we supported the client and project team with the full specification and supply of the door hardware from top to bottom. This involved many unique challenges to complete the largest project the company has ever supplied worldwide. No project is too big or too small for Häfele. Häfele has also just launched a new generation of its Dialock hotel entrance locking range which continues to offer touchless door entry and has been supplied to many of the region’s most iconic buildings. One of the unique features of Dialock is that as an option we can produce a three-dimensional room key in the shape of the actual building. Our most recently opened office in Bahrain is currently supplying the hardware and furniture fittings to the island’s latest five-star hotel, the Sofitel Zallaq Beach Resort. We have also recently launched a new range of lever handles that incorporate Swarovski crystals in the design.

T H E FAC E Adam Taylor (adam.taylor@hafele. ae) is the general manager and has worked in the Middle East region for over 15 years. He believes this market to still be one of the most exciting areas of the world to be involved in the supply to the furniture and construction industry.

www.constructionweekonline.com

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

THE ORIGINAL. H A N D W O V E N F R O M W E AT H E R - R E S I S TA N T D E D O N F I B E R .

DEDON Collection SEASHELL. Design by Jean-Marie Massaud. DEDON International Contract Department Paseo de Gracia 54 – 7D · 08007 Barcelona/Spain Tel. +34 93 208 0903 · Fax +34 93 208 0773 contract.export@dedon.es · www.dedoncontract.com

INDUSTRY SPEAK

Next generation APID FOLLOWING T HE RECENT ELECT ION OF A NE W APID BOARD, CID QUEST IONS T HE A SSOCIAT ION’S RELE VANCE TO T HE REGION’S INT ERIOR DESIGN COMMUNIT Y

s the region’s interior design industry continues to evolve, the need for an association that can represent – and protect – its interests has become ever more acute. The Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID) was established over four years ago, to act as a much-needed industry mouthpiece. “As the UAE continues to develop, all serious professionals need an association that will represent them and assist their professional growth in the region. APID is the only organisation in the region that has been created to answer this demand,” said Fernando Arteaga, associate director, Hirsch Bedner Associates, and director, APID. Arteaga is part of a new APID board of directors that came into place following the recent retirement of former president, Kenneth Laidler. Under the leadership of new president, Farida Kamber Al Awadhi, the association is entering a new phase in its evolution. This ‘changing of the guard’ comes at an important stage in the development of both the association and the industry. Last year’s successful hosting of the IFI World Design Congress gave APID an undeniable extra dose of credibility, and exposed it to a larger audience than it has traditionally been used to. At the same time, the current economic climate has reminded design companies of the security that comes with being part of a ‘pack’. The success of APID ultimately rests on its ability to make itself more relevant to a larger cross-section of the industry. The association must reflect the varied and multi-faceted nature of the sector as a whole. “They need to make themselves more relevant,” Zain Mustafa, managing director of Zain Mustafa Interior Design, reiterated. “I don’t see them organising enough events, activities and seminars – and if I just haven’t heard about it, then I

should be informed. That’s a step that APID has to take; to find out who is out there, doing what, and to bring us in. “APID was visible last year during the IFI Design Congress but that’s three days out of 365. What happens for the rest of the year? This is something that has to be ongoing,” he said. Ben Corrigan, managing partner of Bluehaus, has also questioned APID’s pertinence in the past, but has decided to join the association this year. “I didn’t use to think it was relevant, which is why we haven’t joined in the past. We are just about to join now. “We attended a meeting recently that talked about how the industry can be improved and how we can somehow have a collective voice. That really caught my attention because in the

out there that sell themselves as interior designers when actually they are selling furniture. I think it is misleading to the market. What we’d like to see – which maybe we can eventually get out of APID – is the government being a bit more specific about roles.” With a new team in place, APID has outlined its key objectives for the next three years. Amongst these, focus will be placed on increasing membership; organising quality events; providing education programmes; creating common documentation; and introducing a festival of interior design. Beyond this, new blood also means new ideas.“One thing I would like to see happen is that interior designers come together to create a statistical reference database on our projects;

We attended a meeting recently that talked about how the industry can somehow have a collective voice. That really caught my attention because in the past I haven’t really understood how it could benefit us past I haven’t really understood how it could benefit us,” he admitted. In the current climate, initiatives such as a single, standardised contract, which is top of the APID agenda, are sounding increasingly attractive. “It is a competitive market, especially now,” Corrigan pointed out. “Arguably, some of the companies that have joined APID this year wouldn’t have joined during the boom times.” Like many others in the industry, Corrigan would like to see more regulation on the market, an area that APID has always been keen to address. “There are design companies that set up overnight, without anyone doing any background checks. Or we see companies

including information about contracts, fees, resources and project duration. This would be a valuable tool that APID members could use to further strengthen their negotiating power,” suggested Christian Merieau, managing director, Middle East, Samuel Creations, and APID executive committee member, responsible for events. “I will also propose that APID launches an annual membership survey to clearly gauge the needs and interests of members. Most importantly, I will strive to ensure that APID events will help to attract new and young blood to the community, while further focusing APID on availing the knowledge of longstanding local design firms.” Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

INDUSTRY SPEAK

Who’s Who

1 Farida Kamber Al Awadhi. 2 Hazem El Khatib.

INT RODUCING T HE NE W APID T E A M

Fernando Arteaga.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FARIDA KAMBER AL AWADHI Managing director, Cinmar Design President, APID What is the importance of having an association such as APID? The industry has developed without any monitoring of the quality of services or the ethics of the profession. This is why we see intruders in the market trying to play the role of the professional interior designer. The act of their intrusion has left consumers exposed and has introduced unhealthy competition in the market. Therefore, it is imperative to have an association such as APID that aims to protect both professional interior designers and consumers.

HAZEM EL KHATIB Managing partner, Design Design Vice president, APID How will you make APID more relevant to the design community? APID has emerged from the heart of

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

the design community. A part of APID’s objectives is to identify and resolve the common problems that the industry faces. Furthermore, APID drives towards connecting its members and opening doors to new opportunities, nationally and regionally.

BASHAR AL YAWER Managing director, Guideline Interiors Director, APID What will your new role entail? I will try my best to present APID in all fields, as well as to governmental bodies, and worldwide. I decided to get involved because I believe that the interior design profession needs to have more integrity and competence.

FERNANDO ARTEAGA Associate director, Hirsch Bedner Associates Director, APID What will your new role entail? My role is to assist APID and all of its

members in achieving their key objectives in the shortest term possible. Personally, I will use my international experience to incorporate elements that have proven to be successful in other countries, so we can have an association that embraces professionalism and has the credibility of a serious organisation. HBA is a founding member of APID and we believe that APID is the perfect platform to develop a successful dialogue between government, the private sector and international bodies.

GARY LAWTON CEO, United Design International Director, APID What will your new role entail? In my new role, I hope I will be able to bring my experience of the industry to the table, in order to help define the future strategy of the organisation and to assist in developing existing members’ participation, in order to further establish APID in the design community.

www.constructionweekonline.com

INDUSTRY SPEAK

EXECUTIVE COMMITEE CHRISTIAN MERIEAU Managing director, Samuel Creations Executive Committee Member, responsible for Events What will your new role entail? My role will be to develop a conceptual framework detailing the type of events that would be of most interest to APID members. From my perspective, the events hosted by APID should provide a platform for relationship building and an opportunity for the community to debate topics affecting our business in the Middle East. We expect to host six major events in 2010. One important event for all interior designers to keep in mind will be the new Festival of Interior Design that will put an annual spotlight on the region’s creative potential.

JAN ARENTOFT Manager, A&D, Gemaco Furniture Executive Committee Member, responsible for Education What will your new role entail? All APID members already have a high level of education, as they are graduates from all over the world. But if we want to keep up with our colleagues ‘back home’, it is important to maintain, develop and refresh our competencies, so that our companies can provide the same or a better level of service, and can handle overseas competition. We need to stay tuned for new challenges and to provide optimal solutions for our clients and the communities we help create.

GIANNI SHARROUF Business development and marketing manager, Purity Executive Committee Member, responsible for International Relations What will your new role entail? As chairman of the international relations committee, my role will include developing regional chapters for APID, twinning APID with other regional and international design associations, helping bring international design events and inspirational speakers to the UAE, teaming up with international awards organisations and developing the relationship between the interior design community in the UAE and abroad.

NATHALIE HABIB Group marketing and PR manager, Greenline Group Executive Committee Member, responsible for PR and Marketing What will your new role entail? I will put in place a marketing strategy that provides new initiatives that meet APID objectives. The most important input I will provide is creating communication platforms that will raise the profile and image of this association in the eyes of the media, industry professionals and both the local and regional economic and commercial sectors.

What will your new role entail? I will be in charge of the membership committee, which has the role of increasing APID memberships. This will be done by putting in place a robust action plan which will try to cover most of the design community not only in Dubai but also in the Middle East. APID is tackling problems that we as professional interior designers face every day. By uniting, we will strengthen the interior design industry and this will be for the benefit of everybody: interior designers, clients and suppliers.

ADDITIONAL MEMBERS KENNETH LAIDLER Chairman, KLD Past president A 7th board membership will be reserved for the universities and will be rotated amongst them. FATEN ALSARRAF Managing director, Final Fix Interiors Executive Committee Member, responsible for Professional Practice. 7

NEMR SIDANI Managing director, Archdome Interiors Executive Committee Member, responsible for Membership

6 4 Christian Merieau. 5 Jan Arentoft. 6 Nathalie Habib. 7 Kenneth Laidler.

www.constructionweekonline.com

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

DESIGNER Q&A

House of

GE T T ING UP CLOSE A ND PERSON A L WIT H DE SIGN M AVERICK Z A IN MUS TA FA

ulti-coloured, mismatched cushions jostled for space, a striking reinterpretation of traditional, nomadic-style seating. Bold geometric patterning wove its way from the floor plan onto decorative wall motifs, before taking on the form of an irregularly-shaped mirror-topped table in the centre of the space. Wooden floors worked with gently-glowing light boxes to exude a sense of warmth; and state-of-the art speakers towered overhead. This was Zain Mustafa’s entry for the first ever Index Contemporary Majlis Competition – and he was convinced that he had got it all wrong. Made almost entirely out of recycled materials, he had aimed to create an honest, fresh, sleek, sustainable interpretation of a highly traditional space. Mustafa’s majlis was revolutionary in its simplicity, in its sensitivity, and in its ability to retain a sense of authenticity whilst catapulting itself into a contemporary context. And, in spite of Mustafa’s misgivings, it won. More importantly, it acts as a telling example of what Zain Mustafa – and the interior design company he has founded – stand for. At the age of 39, Karachi-born Mustafa has already enjoyed a career that spans academia, fashion, interiors, art, and web design. A public school education in the UK led to further education at New York’s Parsons School of Design, Boston University and Columbia University. Returning to Pakistan to undertake some research for his PHD, Mustafa fell into

www.constructionweekonline.com

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

DESIGNER Q&A

1 A bedroom derived from a Japanese artist’s painting. 2 A contemporary restoration, inspired by old homes and cafés in Damascus.

the world of fashion design. Much like the contemporary majlis, Mustafa’s designs went back to basics, embracing organic, natural fibres and mueslins, in unbleached whites and ivories. Five years later, Mustafa returned to New York, finding himself in the midst of the dot-com boom. He started designing websites, exploring the art of transporting people from A to B in a digital space. Until 9/11, when he watched as the Twin Towers fell,

string to his already bursting bow, he was recently selected to present a 16episode television show for Dubai One. CID caught up with Mustafa to find out more about his colourful career path. What were the highlights of 2009? The design award for the contemporary majlis at Index has definitely got to be the biggest achievement of last year for us. It was great to have been sharing a design platform with people that I have looked up to all these years, like Hirsch Bedner Associates. We were wondering, financially, where we should go, what direction we should take, whether we should veer back to more residential rather than commercial, whether we should go more into educational programmes or not, and then the Index thing suddenly happened. When it came down to it, I really thought I had made the worst decision. I was looking at our piece and I remember thinking: This is obviously out of place, I’ve misread the brief, something has gone terribly wrong. We were very shocked when we won. Tell us about the design of your entry. What we did – and I think this is one of the reasons that we might still be here – is we were honest. We were not trying to mimic anything. For whatever it’s worth, our work comes from our hearts.

and decided that it was time to move on. A stint in Santa Fe saw Mustafa’s focus shift to art, which led to an invitation to take part in the 6th Sharjah International Biennial in 2003. By his own account, that’s when he “fell in love” with Dubai, and he has called the emirate home ever since. While his main focus now falls predominantly on interiors, Mustafa continues to dabble in a range of design disciplines. Adding a brand new

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

DESIGNER Q&A

There are a million magazines floating around in our office. We look at what’s out there, but we don’t just open up a magazine and say that’s it, let’s bring it in. I know some people do that and each to their own. I know there’s a market for it. They do variations of what’s trendy. I think our work, especially the contemporary majlis piece, is extremely unfashionable and untrendy. I kept saying we need to go back to essentials, make it more basic. I looked at the mathematics of the mashrabiya; it was important to understand the mathematics, the tradition of movement and transition. We looked at how we could make it flexible, and how we could make it green, but still contemporary. It had to be cool and contemporary, so it had to have a chic-ness to it and a slickness to it. Just because something is traditional, it doesn’t mean that it has to be heavy and clunky. I also decided that we were going to look at recycled products. I wanted to put something together just from leftovers. So, for example, the fabrics came from a company that we work with. It was just throw-away fabric that would have gone to some charity, but it came to this charity instead! There was a list of people that supported

us and that, for me, was also a big achievement. There was a group of people that said we believe in this young team’s movement forward in the design world. I couldn’t have done it without Mohanned Sweid of Depa, for example. I wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation if it wasn’t for people like him. The result is a strong statement on contemporary Middle Eastern design. Do you see effective examples of this in Dubai? I think it’s a matter of evolution. There are a lot of ‘Madinat Jumeirah’ type exteriors and interiors going up all over town. And then there’s the ‘uberclean, crisp, chrome and white leather’ happening at the other end. A lot of it is either coming from replicating traditional architecture or from replicating western architecture. There’s the Mediterranean ‘Knowledge Village’ style that is now broad-brushed all over town. Or the Emaar look, which is very stoic. It’s beautiful but it sits back and is far too reserved. I don’t think anybody’s getting it right, necessarily. But I think it’s really fun to look at the design discussion that is happening in Dubai right now. We are

not far from coming up with our very own design language. Should the design industry be driving the sustainability debate? I definitely think we should be driving it. I say this all the time but it doesn’t seem to be hitting home: We need to be driving this. We are educators. If it becomes something that’s easy to talk about then the clients will want it too. Maybe that’s why I was a little bit nervous about our piece at Index. It wasn’t reactive to what people might have wanted. It wasn’t reactive to a

3 A contemporary, functional yet dramatic apartment building lobby concept, created for Presotto, Dubai. 4 The Jamjar studio, café and art gallery in Al Quoz, Dubai.

www.constructionweekonline.com

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

DESIGNER Q&A

market, or an economic requirement. It was reactive to a brief. I thought that’s what competitions were for, that was the whole idea. You spit out a bunch of ideas and whether it gets built or not is irrelevant. You open up the dialogue.

5 British public school

You have worked across a range of design disciplines. Do you think that if you are truly creative, you can work across the whole spectrum of design? One thing will inform another. It is a little bit like if you are on the treadmill. If you are just running at the same pace for twenty minutes, your body will stop responding. But if you go fast, slow, fast slow, up, down, up, down, then you’ll get results. That, for me, is a good work analogy. I’d like to think that our designs are fresh, bordering on interesting, but mostly honest. It’s inspired by anything, from the beggar on the street, to the decoration on a camel, to the sweat coming off an endurance horse, to false eyelashes – everything and anything. And I think that’s how it should be. Why would you want to put a limit on what you are inspired by? The world out there offers so much. Who knows what will act as a trigger?

and cigar loungeinspired Signature Clubs offices, located at DIFC in Dubai. 6 Detail of a chandelier sitting a few centimetres above the dining table.

You say that you moved to this region because you ‘fell in love with Dubai’. Do you still love it – and is it the same place that you fell in love with? It’s not at all the same place. I’ve just started shooting a 16-episode television series that is all about Dubai and I think one of the reasons that they picked me is that I’ve lived here a fair amount of

years, and I see it as home. When I first came here it was a really sexy city. It was just right, growing at exactly the right pace… and then suddenly it hired itself a personal trainer and got onto steroids and it just inflated. What’s happened now is it has had some sense beaten into it. I think now is a very charming time to be in Dubai. It’s enigmatic – we have no idea what’s going to happen. Its big brother has said: ‘I’ve got muscles too, which I can also flex’, and that sibling rivalry is going to be extremely healthy. I think it’s a great place to be. As much as I picked Dubai over New York seven years ago, I would be even more likely to pick it now. I think New York has died. Giuliani cleaned it up but what made New York cool in the 1980s was its grunge, its edginess, its street art and fashion, and that’s all gone. It’s now extremely safe, clinical and civilised, but it lost its art base. 6

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

Does Dubai offer you the opportunities that you need as a creative? It’s carte blanche, as far as I’m concerned. For people like me that are poking their fingers into every pie possible and living life to the fullest, this is the place that has the least boundaries. It’s a really democratic and laissez faire environment, even if its infrastructure doesn’t state that. You can walk into any government office, pitch a proposal to anybody, and they will look at it. And if they think it works, contrary to their existing mandate, they will fit it in. This is a place where they are open to new ideas and new people coming in. When it comes to the region’s design industry, what are the key issues that need to be addressed, in your opinion? There’s got to be a way of doing projects that creates a signature language for us. I’m really keen on having Gulf-based design that can be imported from here. It’s time to start creating a cool, contemporary, forward-thinking Middle Eastern design language. Let’s create our own vocabulary. Also, the interior design industry needs to come together. There should be a design think-tank at governmental level. Dubai Municipality approves what can be built and what can’t be built, but are they approving on the basis of aesthetics? Have they decided that this is going to be the look for this region? That’s a place that I’d like to be involved in. I live here and I love it, so why can’t I contribute to what it looks like?

www.constructionweekonline.com

CASE STUDY: BANYAN TREE AL WADI

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

CASE STUDY: BANYAN TREE AL WADI

Desert bound THE NEW BANYAN TREE AL WADI IN RAS AL KHAIMAH BLENDS SEAMLESSLY INTO ITS DESERT SETTING

hen it came to selecting a location for their first ever resort, the founders of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts settled on a 600-acre site in Phuket, Thailand – vast swathes of picturesque coastal land punctuated by lagoons of the most intense cobalt blue. It soon transpired, however, that the intensity of the blue had little to do with the marvels of Mother Nature and was, in fact, the result of extensive pollution from the site’s previous tenant, a tin mine. Rather than walking away, the founders dedicated themselves to cleansing the acid-laden soil and planted more than 7,000 trees, painstakingly transforming an ecological wasteland into the environmentally-sensitive site of the first ever Banyan Tree resort. This was a founding block of the Banyan Tree ethos. “Banyan Tree is about the romance of travel and giving people a ‘sense of place’,” explained David Barclay, assistant vice president of design, Architrave Design and Planning, the design arm of the Banyan Tree Group. “Through the design and architecture of our resorts, we promote the uniqueness of indigenous cultures. “Each Banyan Tree resort is designed to blend into its natural surroundings, using locally-made materials as far as possible, and reflecting the landscape and architecture of the destination.”

www.constructionweekonline.com

UAE DEBUT The company’s inherent respect for natural environments is reiterated in the newly-opened Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah, the brand’s debut property in the UAE. First and foremost, the Ras Al Khaimah resort was designed to blend unassumingly into its striking desert backdrop, Barclay explained. “At Banyan Tree Al Wadi, the interface between the desert and the resort is intended to be as seamless as possible, providing guests with the experience of staying ‘in’ the desert,” he said. “Consisting of 70 Al Rimal Deluxe pool villas and 31 Al Khaimah and Al Sahari Tented pool villas, the resort sits on 100 hectares of desert plains, of which 60% is dedicated to a nature reserve housing indigenous wildlife and flora. “Designed to retain the natural feel, topography and vegetation of the desert, the pool villas are constructed on valley floors between existing dunes, thus maintaining a degree of privacy and consequently preserving the site naturally,” said Barclay. Every Banyan Tree resort has its own distinct sense of character, and the Ras Al Khaimah property is no different. It is the first Banyan Tree with its own nature reserve, horse and camel stables, water home, bird hide, and falconry mews. The emphasis is on creating symbiotic relationships between resorts and their

Banyan Tree is about the romance of travel and giving people a ‘sense of place’

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

CASE STUDY: BANYAN TREE AL WADI

1&2 Natural vegetation was preserved. 3 Pools are built in deep blue mosaic. 4&5 Arabesque motifs are used throughout.

physical surroundings, while embracing local influences and the natural quirks of the selected site. “If you look at our signature restaurant, Saffron, for example, which is a restaurant that can be found across all Banyan Tree properties, each Saffron is uniquely designed. “Saffron in Banyan Tree Al Wadi has been designed overlooking the waterhole so that you have a front-row seat for animal viewing,” Barclay noted. This is one of a number of ‘interest areas’, Barclay explained. “As the resort is spread out over one quarter of a 100hectare private nature reserve, we tried to create interest points as guests move through the resort – such as the waterhole, which is a source of water for the animals, watchtowers on higher ground,

and the falconry mews with viewing deck, to name a few,” he detailed.

ASIAN-ARABIAN The resort, which has been dubbed ‘an oasis of indulgence’, has very consciously embraced Middle Eastern design influences. Customised geometric Arabesque motifs are reiterated in light fittings, fretwork, timber and glass-reinforced concrete panelling. “To enhance the sense of adventure, we used elements of typical regional architecture,” Barclay explained. “For example, each villa is finished with polished wood, high ceilings, and elaborate Arabic touches of lattice woodwork, stylised motifs and intricate carvings,” he continued.

MY FAVOURITE BIT “My favourite part is how the resort has been built and designed to capture that sense of being ‘in’ the desert, resulting from the integration of all the facilities and activities that we have to offer, from the private nature reserve that the resort sits within, the soft adventure activities such as falconry display, hiking and walking trails, and the first rainforest hydrotherapy circuit in the UAE. Personally, the feeling of sitting on top of sand dunes and watching the gazelles is simply incredible.” David Barclay, assistant vice president of design, Architrave Design and Planning

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

For the block pool villas, the design was inspired by the atypical architectural style of traditional mud-brick housing still seen in Ras Al Khaimah today, consisting of square blocks with private courtyards. The tented pool villas were inspired by the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin. “We created a modernised version of the tents by structuring them on a raised platform for better views and privacy, and added a personal infinity edge swimming pool built with deep blue mosaic to represent an oasis of water,” Barclay noted. While the design ethos is predominantly Arabian, there are also subtle Asian undertones throughout. The aim was to create a delicately balanced design that was respectful of the hotel’s Middle Eastern setting, but also paid homage to the company’s Asian roots. “The interior design is mainly Arabic with small Asian hints, such as employing Thai silk for fabric and cushion covers, to bring a little Asian influence into the overall Arabic sensibility. The artwork in public areas is a combination of antiques and contemporary Arabic collections. Thai and Asian artwork is specifically used in our spa and ‘rainforest hydrotherapy’ circuit, and for our signature Thai restaurant, Saffron. “Over recent years, even with the company growing at a tremendous rate, it has not forgotten its Asian roots. In fact, it has grown to embrace the world’s increased awareness and interest in being Asian. At Banyan Tree Al Wadi, I believe that we have married the perfect design

www.constructionweekonline.com

The Address Marina, Dubai

Traders Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Four Seasons, MACAU

•

Global FF&E specialists for the hospitality industry

•

Our team designs custom furniture with internationally recognised A&D ﬁrms and clients

•

We offer a turnkey service from design concept through to installation

•

We furnish hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants and public areas

•

interior and furnishing solutions: hong kong . china . macau . uae . india Indigo Living LLC . Ofﬁce 120 . Third Floor . Oasis Centre . Sheikh Zayed Road . Dubai . UAE . T: +4 339 7705 F: +4 339 7704 . www.indigo-living-projects.com

CASE STUDY: BANYAN TREE AL WADI

6 Banyan Tree

balance of Arabian architectural heritage with Asian touch points,” said Barclay.

focuses on ‘the romance of travel’. 7,8&9 Light fittings also promote a Middle Eastern aesthetic.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Architrave made a point of utilising locally-produced materials and locallybased suppliers. Flooring, cladding and wall tiles were made by RAK Ceramics, for example, while natural stones for bars and water features were extracted from local quarries. Other suppliers included AMS Joinery, Thermavium, RAK Luminar, Bose, Ginox, Promorak and RAK Aluminium Fabrication. The designers were also conscious of making the resort as sustainable as possible. Showing respect for the natural environment was of vital importance, so villas were build in neutral tones to ensure that they blended seamlessly into the desert backdrop. Meanwhile, the landscape was kept as natural-looking as possible, through the planting of typical desert flora such as cattails, ghaf trees and sidr trees. In the villas, sliding, full-length windows allow for natural ventilation and reduce the need for reliance on air-conditioning, Barclay explained. “Waste water collected from the resort will undergo a reverse osmosis process so that it can be pumped into the reserve’s water-hole, as well as used for landscape irrigation. “Apart from establishing water flow control systems and utilising energysaving light bulbs, a recycling centre will be set up on site, segregating all waste material,” he continued. 7

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

7 6

The team were already dealing with a site that had no existing infrastructure to speak of, which presented a whole host of challenges. Using building methods that were as unobtrusive as possible was cause for further complication. “There was no existing infrastructure to support such a sprawling villa property, so necessities such as plumbing and roads were built from scratch. Due to the remote location of the resort, the limited access meant that we had to construct a new road from the main highway. “In wanting to maintain the site naturally, we had to be more sensitive with the type of equipment we employed as well as in the careful preservation of the natural vegetation of the desert. We planted an additional one thousand ghaf trees, sidr trees and local grasses throughout the site. Unobstructive 8

fences and walls to keep the protected wildlife had to be built and constructed in such a way so as to blend seamlessly with the desert landscape and not noticeable,” Barclay detailed. The end result is a viable reaffirmation of the principles that were laid down all those years ago on a polluted, acid-laden beach-side site in Phuket.

SOURCES RAK Ceramics AMS Joinery Thermavium RAK Luminar BOSE Sound Systems GINOX PROMORAK RAK Aluminium Fabrication

www.constructionweekonline.com

AN INTERNATIONAL DESIGN LED INTERIORS EXHIBITION FOR PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS, RETAILERS, ARCHITECTS AND HOTEL DESIGNERS

29 - 31

MARCH 2010 ABU DHABI NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE

For more information and to register for your free entry badge please visit:

www.interiorsuae.com CO-LOCATED WITH

Trade only, STRICTLY no children

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY:

CASE STUDY: THE AUGUSTINE

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

CASE STUDY: THE AUGUSTINE

Vintage Czech T HE AUGUST INE HOT EL ENCOMPA SSES SE VEN HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN T HE CENT RE OF PR AGUE

et across seven historic buildings in the heart of Prague, Rocco Forte’s The Augustine hotel is steeped in cultural significance. Of the seven buildings, the largest and most important is the 13th century Augustinian Saint Thomas monastery, from which the 101-room hotel has taken its name. Other buildings within the complex include the monastery’s former brewery, and a building belonging to the ministry of the interior. “The Saint Thomas monastery and church complex where The Augustine is housed holds undeniable importance in the early development of Prague as a city,” explained Hanning Matthiesen, the hotel’s general manager. “When the Augustinian religious order first arrived in Prague in 1285, Malá Strana, the Lesser Town, where The Augustine is located, then comprised of a closely parcelled area of land nestled below the royal castle promontory, or Hradcany, and separated from the Staré Mesto, or Old Town, of Prague by the sinuous and unpredictable Vltava river,” Matthiesen detailed.

BACK TO BASICS

www.constructionweekonline.com

London-based design firm, RDD, worked with Olga Polizzi, The Rocco Forte Collection’s director of design, to transform these seven buildings into a hotel that was suitably high end, but also respectful of the site’s heritage. The buildings were carefully preserved and restored, using, wherever possible, original masonry and materials. “The designers have ensured that historical features, such as the cloistered gardens, painted ceilings, vaults

and stone arches, have been preserved. The interior of the main restaurant incorporates two fully-grown listed trees. A bar located in the monastery building from the 13th century features preserved stuccos and late baroque ceiling paintings,” Matthiesen explained. The hotel has 101 rooms and suites, which are notable for their size. It also offers a high ratio of suites to rooms, meaning that guests have a greater choice of higher-end rooms. Standard rooms measure in excess of 40m², while suites average in at 62m². There is also a 150m² presidential suite. All rooms boast striking views over the courtyards, the monastery chapel or Prague Castle. Each room is different, with the majority offering quirky architectural and structural features such as vaulted ceilings and ornate doors. Room 117, for example, includes unique 18th century features that were exposed and lovingly restored during the renovation. “The upper floors of the original monastery building housed the monks’ living quarters and in many cases two or three of the ‘cells’ have been combined to create the new rooms and suites,” Matthiesen added. Care has been taken to ensure that the rooms retain a sense of authenticity, explained Polizzi. “We wanted the hotel bedrooms to reflect The Augustine’s rich monastic history and the strong cultural heritage of Prague, by using a simple design with a distinctly ecclesiastical feel. Plaster finishes and timber floors have been used in many of the bedrooms, in keeping with the requirements of the listed building authorities, as well as reflecting the design philosophy,” she explained. Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

CASE STUDY: THE AUGUSTINE

CUBIST ACCENTS Against this backdrop, RDD and Polizzi opted for accessories inspired by early 20th century Czech cubism. Many of these, including timber chairs by Pavel Janak and chaise-longues by Aldolf Loos, are reproductions by Czech design specialist Modernista. Rooms are also equipped with custom-made beds designed specifically for Rocco Forte hotels, with traditional hand-tufted Hypnos mattresses. The rooms have distinct colour schemes, which inlcude green with purple accents and grey with orange accents. They feature heavy linens and velvets in papal-inspired shades of purple, red and orange. In a further nod to the hotel’s spiritual past, many of the bathrooms have a sculpted angel wing mounted above the bath. An even more acute sense of history is evident in the hotel’s main bar.

“Housed in the cellar of the original brewery building, The Brewery Bar features stalactites and stalagmites dating back to the 17th century, and an authentic underground water source which has been glazed over and incorporated into the design. A lit, floating terracotta floor has been laid to protect and highlight the stalactites and stalagmites,” Matthiesen said. The walls of the bar were given a rough finish to reinforce a monastic feel. Cubist overtones were once again incorporated, in the form of Vlastislav Hofman-designed chairs, complemented by an angular bar. Meanwhile, Tom’s Bar, which is found in the monastery’s former vaulted double-height refractory, features restored eighteenth century baroque frescoes. In direct contrast to the historic buildings, the lobby and The Monastery restaurant are new, contemporary 4

www.constructionweekonline.com

structures. A custom-made glass and metal sculptural light by British artist Anthony Critchlow is an arresting focal point. All in all, a total of 1,500 different types of light fittings, including customcreated lines, were used in the hotel. “The lobby has been created in an area which once formed part of the entrance courtyard and has a stunning wood-panelled reception with a desk incorporating woven leather and a large open fireplace,” said Matthiesen. But even in the most ‘modern’ parts of the hotel, historical elements are never hard to come by, he added. “The light-filled ‘Monastery’ restaurant sits in a glazed courtyard and incorporates three protected horse chestnut, Canadian maple and sycamore trees, with outside seating during the summer months. The restaurant has bespoke gold leafed panels and chairs based on a 1930’s Bauhaus-inspired design.”

1 Rooms are notable for their size. 2&5 Tom’s Bar features eighteenth century baroque frescoes. 3 The Brewery Bar’s rough walls promote a monastic feel. 4 The lobby is located in a new, contemporary structure.

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

FEATURE: OUTDOOR FURNITURE

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

FEATURE: OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Seamless transitions THE DAYS OF ‘DRAB BUT DURABLE’ OUTDOOR FURNITURE HAVE COME TO A CLOSE, SELINA DENMAN DISCOVERS

o longer the poor, practical relation of its indoor counterparts, outdoor furniture has undergone something of a transformation. From an aesthetic point of view, the days of ‘drab but durable’ have come to a close, and the boundaries between indoors and out are being irreversibly broken down. As a result, an increasing number of furniture manufacturers are turning to outdoor furniture as an obvious next step in their evolution. Clients are demanding a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating obvious opportunity for companies that can service both.

NATURAL PROGRESSION

www.constructionweekonline.com

“As a specialist in residential and contract furniture, we were constantly being asked to ‘complete’ our collection with outdoor products. That is why we launched our outdoor range and now our products can dress not only restaurants, bars, offices and residences, but also their pool areas, gardens, patios, outdoor restaurants and so on, all with the same spirit,” explained Roberto García, area sales manager, Andreu World. García cited unique design, innovation, quality and versatility as the key

components of effective outdoor furniture. “Probably the best way to succeed with a new product is to make it attractive, practical, of good quality and original. We take all these matters very seriously, focusing on them from the design stage, carrying out tests for comfort and quality, and working on new materials,” García maintained. “Our outdoor collection is the result of years of study of new materials, among which are Ecolingus, a FSC-certified wood which is extremely resistant to environmental aggressions, fungi and bacteria. We are also using ceramic and slate for the table tops,” he added. Roche Bobois has also identified potential in the outdoor furniture sector, and recently launched Bel Air, its first ever outdoor collection. According to Nicolas Roche, director of the Les Contemporains and Les Voyages collections, and son of company founder, Francois Roche, creating an outdoor collection was a natural evolution for a company that is present in some 40 countries, with 240 stores. “The trend now is for people to do more things outdoors and to spend more and more time living in their gardens. Moreover, our outdoor collection can be used as indoor furniture as well,” said Roche. Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

FEATURE: OUTDOOR FURNITURE

3 4

MATERIAL GAIN

1&5 Andreu World has launched an outdoor furniture line. 2,6&7 Roche Bobois’ first ever outdoor collection, Bel Air. 3 Indigo Living creates project-specific outdoor furniture. 4 Kettal has unveiled its Landscape line.

Bel Air was designed by Belgradeborn designer and long-time Roche Bobois collaborator, Sacha Lakic. The extensive outdoor collection consists of sofa units, loveseats, chairs, bridges and pedestal tables, created in woven polyethylene fabric. The pieces are adorned in Missoni Home fabric, combining browns, greens, yellows and blues to conjure up an essence of the Garden of Eden. “Hand-woven, the fully recyclable synthetic fibres create soft and loose shapes, like a stretched skin over a frame. A very unique collection, Bel Air is an invitation to extend to the outdoors, the comfort you cherish inside,” Roche commented. “The collection is natural, fluid, smooth, horizontal and melts into the landscape. It is modular, recyclable and light. The designs of Roche Bobois are elegant, quiet and accessible.”

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

Recognising the growing importance of aesthetics in the outdoor space, Spanish outdoor furniture specialist, Kettal, has launched a new collection of outdoor rugs, designed by Patricia Urquiola. Made of Chenilletex and protected by a layer of non-slip PVC, they are available in ‘Kernel’ red or brown, and ‘Paddock’ red or brown. Also new from the company is Kettal Landscape, a collection of configurable day beds and pergolas. The collection also features an armchair, as well as a dining table with a ceramic or matt glass tabletop, which includes a new integrated extension system. Kettal Landscape is made up of aluminium and the new Natte structured fabric, which creates volume and comfort. Moving forward, manufacturers will continue to experiment with materials and textures, predicted David Sutherland, CEO and president of the US-headquartered Sutherland Furniture. “I think we will see terrific combinations of materials and designs leading the industry and those who are successful in that arena will lead the way.” Established in 1994, as a collaboration between David Sutherland and the internationally-acclaimed furniture

designer John Hutton, Sutherland Furniture pioneered tailored cushion deepseating collections for the outdoors, and was also the first company to introduce fully-upholstered outdoor collections. The company’s latest offering, the Great Lakes Collection, features a combination of aluminum and recycled HDPE lumber in a weathered grey colour and matte surface. “We call it Ecoplex. The materials are easily maintained and completely UV stable and stain resistant,” Sutherland said. “The level of maintenance required coupled with the cool touch of the material in direct sunlight make it an ideal combination for the outdoor environment worldwide,” he continued.

www.constructionweekonline.com

FEATURE: OUTDOOR FURNITURE

EcoPlex contains 97% post-consumer recycled plastics by weight. Designed by Terry Hunziker, the product offers durability that is almost entirely maintenance free, with built-in resistance to moisture, fading, insects, splintering, warping and other environmental hazards.

CUSTOM MADE With a host of new materials on the market, designers are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor furniture. “Limed teak is a trend that has become popular with the high-end market,” noted Eileen O’Connor, senior project manager, Indigo Living. “It is not an economical product as it is always custom-made and requires a lot of

attention and work in the manufacture. However, the end result is remarkable and truly unique.” Indigo Living, which has been involved in projects such as The Address, Dubai Marina, Four Seasons, Macau, Trader’s Hotel, Abu Dhabi, and Links Golf Club on Yas Island, works with clients and designers to create projectspecific outdoor furniture. The company also has standard ranges that are updated on a regular basis to reflect shifts in market trends – in terms of form, shape, or variances in weaves and colour. While the company is able to work with a range of materials, having custom-manufactured furniture in everything from teak and rattan to metal and cane fibre, O’Connor reiterated the importance of selecting materials that are able to withstand the extreme climactic conditions of the region. “The Middle East, because of its harsh climate, is generally geared towards the rattan finish. Timber suffers in the intense sun and needs constant attention – oiling, waxing and so on – if it is exposed. Metal is generally not recommended as it is too hot to touch. “With rattan furniture, specify fibres with UV resistance,” O’Connor suggested. “Also, when specifying rattan, always check the thickness of the aluminium framework underneath. Only ever specify teak as an outdoor timber as it really is the only suitable material. “Ultimately, you get what you pay for and if it seems too good to be true then this is usually the case. Cheap outdoor furniture is always available but does not last,” she warned.

CID meets Sacha Lakic, the designer behind Roche Bobois’ first outdoor collection How did you first become involved with Roche Bobois? I met François Roche in 1995, and my first project was the Onda bed. This was a kind of modern futon, playing with the metaphor of a ‘flying carpet’. I have a collaboration with Roche Bobois that results in more than ten new products a year. What was your inspiration for Bel Air? My inspiration is nature. I wanted every piece of the Bel Air collection to be perfectly integrated into the vegetal surrounding of terraces and swimming pools. At the same time, the design had to be elegant and timeless. What are its defining characteristics? I would define the design of the Bel Air collection as vegetal and organic, for harmonious integration with nature. Each piece of the collection is designed as if it were a product for indoor usage – with the same focus on the quality of the materials and ergonomics. Is designing outdoor furniture different to designing indoor furniture? The way of working is the same. The only difference is with the materials used, which are specific to outdoor usage. What are the trends currently impacting outdoor furniture design? The trend is towards designing furniture that looks like elegant sculptures, but is also functional and sustainable...this is the message of the Bel Air collection.

www.constructionweekonline.com

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

1 4 7

2 5 8 0

3 6 9

DESIGN + SUSTAINABILITY = W + W

W+W has arisen from Roca’s ambition upon incorporating new, unique and innovative solutions into bathrooms. This solution combines design and sustainability as it brings the toilet together with the washbasin in a single piece. An eye-catching design makes it ideal for compact spaces, although its most innovative feature is technology that allows water from the washbasin to be reused to ﬁll the toilet’s cistern. A unique product that Roca has made a reality.

Bahrain: SAYYAR TRADING AGENCIES W.L.L. Tel.: +973.17.290.111, E-mail: sayyartd@batelco.com.bh · Iran: BANA BUILDING IMPORTS, Tel.: +98.21.2613.1223, E-mail: Info@banabi.com · Jordan: A. KAYYALI & CO., Tel.: +962.656.90016, E-mail: info@kayyali-roca.com · Kuwait: ABDUL AZIZ IBRAHIM ALRUMAIH & CO., Tel.: +965.484.88.80, E-mail: rumaih@qualitynet.net · Lebanon: O-TEC CO. FOR SANITARY WARES & TILES S.A.L., Tel: +961.1.868.529, E-mail: otec-co@cyberia.net.lb · Oman: KHIMJI RAMDAS, Tel: +968.24.705.133, E-mail: krbmd@omantel.net.om · Pakistan: ABDULLA & CO., Tel: + 92.21.585.04.90, sabdulla@cyber.net.pk · Qatar: SAYYAR TRADING Co. W.L.L., Tel: +974.469.69.23, E-mail: sayyartd@qatar.net.qa · Saudi Arabia: MUHAMMAD SALEH BAHARETH CO. (MSB CO.), Tel: +96.2.66.33.462, E-mail: info@roca-saudi.com · Syria: TRANS MEDITERRANEAN TRADING CO., Tel: +963.11.661.70.48, E-mail: tm@transmedit.com · UAE (Abu Dhabi): SANITARY MATERIALS CO., Tel: +971.2.677.13.63, E-mail: sanitary@emirates.net.ae · UAE (Dubai): HAMAD RAHMA ABDULLA ALSHAMSI GENERAL TRADING, Tel: 971.4.266.64.29, E-mail: hrshamsi@eim.ae · Yemen: ABUALREJAL Trading Corporation, Tel: 967.1.272.519, E-mail: sanitary@abualrejal.com ROCA SANITARIO S.A. (Middle East Representation Office) Gold & Diamond Park, Building 5, Offi ce 111 · Sheikh Zayed Road, 4th interchange, next to Bur Dbai Trffi c Department · P.O. Box 282337, Al Quoz branch, Dubai, UAE · Tel. +971.4.347.64.00 · Fax +971.4.347.64.08 Mobile: +971.50.465.93.24 · Website: www.roca.com

DESTINATION FOCUS: JORDAN

Small and

sophisticated T HE HA SHEMIT E KINGDOM OF JORDAN IS BRIMMING W T H E X A MPLES OF GOOD DESIGN 1

hen it comes to design, Jordan is surprisingly advanced. “While Jordan is a small market, it is arguably more sophisticated in design,” noted Isabel Pintado, associate partner of Godwin Austen Johnson. “It is renowned for its distinctive architectural style that respects both the local environment and the progressive culture of the country,” she added. The capital, Amman, is brimming with examples of excellent design, and has been successful in retaining its cultural heritage, despite rapid development. “Urban planning has been well considered, despite the country’s rapid development throughout the 1900s. “The Cultural Village that has grown up around the Darat King Abdullah II in Amman includes the region’s leading theatre and visual arts school. This has had a tremendous impact on the high caliber of design work in Jordan. “Architectural and interior design is one of the most established fields in Jordan, with the country having produced some very prominent works. On my last visit in December I saw incredible development in the city of Amman and I believe Jordan is a country full of possibilities,” Pintado maintained. Jordan has experienced significant growth over recent years, explained Tareq Abdein of the Amman-based Tareq Abdein Design and Furniture Consulting. “Jordan has gone through a major real estate development boom over the last

three or four years,” he said. “Jordan is considered a stable country politically and economically. Therefore, it attracted foreign investment, and became a base for many international firms that work in the region. In addition, the population has increased due to the stability offered, which created large demand for residential properties,” he continued. According to city mayor Omar Mani, Amman’s population is set to grow to six million by 2025, up from its present 2.2 million. There will need to be enough housing for the increased number of residents, supported by the necessary transport and infrastructure. “While last year saw the cancellation of some major projects in Jordan, investor confidence seems to be returning, especially as more Jordanian expats look to invest in their home country,” Pintado added. “The country is also now exploring the options of new fuel technologies which, if successful, would create new wealth for the country to upgrade its infrastructure.” Efforts to upgrade tourism infrastructure are already underway. A new 85,000m² terminal is being constructed at Queen Alia International Airport and will see capacity increase to over nine million passengers a year – an obvious indicator of Jordan’s tourism ambitions. International hotel chains have been vying to increase their presence across the country, with InterContinental Hotel Group, Kempinski and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts all having opened new hotels

in Jordan in 2009. Hilton Hotels is due to open two new properties in the next two years, in Aqaba and Amman. Growth in the tourism sector will have a knock-on effect, creating opportunities in other areas, Pintado predicted. “I see the potential to design high-end public spaces such as restaurants, offices and private spa clinics. We also shouldn’t forget that this growth in tourism is creating a retail revolution, so we are also exploring retail opportunities and fit-outs as part of our business development plans.” As a stable, sophisticated market intent on enhancing its infrastructure, Jordan offers undeniable opportunity. But it is still a relatively small market, and the average consumer is still cautious, warned Abdein. “They are still scared of trying new ideas; they always prefer to be safe. That applies to design ideas, materials, and costs.” Limited availability of materials is another issue, as is the quality of contractors. “The craftsmanship is not up to international standards, and finishing contractors lack the attention to detail. There is also no legislation in Jordan to protect interior design clients or designers. Intruders – those that are not educated or trained as designers – can easily work in this field.” Being original is essential. “Be different, be distinguished,” Abdein suggested. “This is the only way to prove yourself in this market, especially if you are new here.”

1 Jordan.

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

SUSTAINABILITY E N V I R O N M E N TA L AWA R E N E S S A N D R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

eighty percent of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage.

Abu Dhabi: 3rd Floor - Al Saman Tower, Hamdan Street E Road, PO Box 107208, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: 02 635 5588 Dubai: Ground Floor, UAE Enterprises Bldg. Airport Road, PO Box 26326, Dubai, United Arab Emirates T: 04 282 9911 Sharjah: Industrial Area 13, PO Box 30413, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates T: 06 544 0563 www.thetotalofﬁce.biz info@thetotalofﬁce.biz

DESTINATION FOCUS: JORDAN

Spring clean SIX SENSES IS C APITALISING ON JORDAN’S NAT UR AL WONDERS

ying 264m below sea level, and lauded for their therapeutic qualities, Jordan’s Ma’In hot springs have been attracting visitors since early Roman times. The springs are located at the edge of Wadi Mujib and feed into one of Jordan’s most remarkable attractions, the Dead Sea. They are currently receiving more visitors than ever, following the opening of Six Senses Hotels and Resorts’ latest Middle East property, Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa.

THE NATURAL APPROACH The design of the resort focuses heavily on the natural marvels on its doorstep, Manish Puri, the hotel’s general manager, explained. “The primary focus was the springs and the waterfall – we wanted to direct the attention to these natural features as much as possible. In terms of design, we wanted to put emphasis on the local element as much as possible throughout the design, always interpreting this in a Six Senses way.” This is in keeping with the core values of the Six Senses brand, which is renowned for its responsible attitude towards local communities and natural environments. In this instance, careful

www.constructionweekonline.com

consideration was given to the setting of the building, to ensure that it blended unassumingly into its natural surroundings. The site’s existing features, which included a cave, palm trees, and the surrounding cliff face, were carefully maintained, and intelligently incorporated into the design scheme. The building adopted a south-north orientation in order to minimise the impact of the sun in the summer, while ensuring that the winter sun would enter deep into the building. At the same time, walls and roofs were thermally insulated to minimise energy consumption within the resort. To reiterate its respect for local cultures, the company used indigenous, natural rough stone for external finishings, while wood and plaster were utilised in a way that reflected authentic Jordanian architecture. Ensuring that the resort looked and felt quintessentially Jordanian was a key priority, Puri explained. “Much of this was achieved through the use of local materials and the study of architectural and design features in historical sites in Jordan – in Amman as well as local villages. Beyond stately buildings, we were looking for influences in local

dwellings, interpreting them in a Six Senses way and adding the elements of space, amenities, and service true to a luxury product. “We adopted local design details but translated them into a less detailed or ornate form. We brought traditional Six Senses elements into the design through our use of fabric and fabric colour, generous daybeds and occasional playful and fun elements true to Six Senses, such as swing seating in the lobby area,” Puri said.

HOT STUFF The resort consists of 92 rooms and suites, as well as two Royal Suites and a Terrace Suite located on the highest level of the eight-storey property. This offers almost 360º views of the top of the waterfall, the Dead Sea and the surrounding valley. A highlight of the property is the Six Senses Spa, which is tucked beneath the hot spring waterfalls. The waterfall cascades down into the spa’s main pool and relaxation area, and is complemented by a natural steam cave. Built in Jordanian stone, the standalone spa features ten treatment rooms – four single and one double for both Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

DESTINATION FOCUS: JORDAN

1 The Arabic fine-dining restaurant. 2 Brown Bar. 3 The spa is located directly beneath the hot springs. 4 Rooms overlook the waterfalls. 5&6 White Bar.

males and females. “Treatments focus on the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich waters, offering healing mineral and deep sea therapies combined with Asian and Six Senses signature treatments to ensure pure pampering in the hands of expertly trained Six Senses Spa therapists,” said Puri. The resort’s extensive array of food and beverage outlets also capitalise on their natural surroundings. An Arabic fine-dining restaurant is set 50m from the waterfalls, and offers a specialty menu and floor-level seating. “The restaurant aims to serve guests ‘menu degustation’ on individual trays,” explained Puri. “One can equate this to menu styles of Michelin restaurants where one chooses between two or

three menus only and is served top cuisine prepared by a great chef. Here we plan to address this by having a top chef specialising in Arabic cuisine.” Other food and beverage options include the aptly-named White Bar, which has 18 seats on the inside, along with an outdoor area that includes 24 seats set around a fire. “The name is acquired by the décor, which is primarily in shades of white, serving drinks that are almost of a transparent nature, along with interesting cocktail concepts that follow the theme. “The idea here is to have a story teller telling stories of Jordan, while in the evening guests enjoy a cocktail close to the open fireplace, seated on comfortable day bed-style seating, amongst the quaint fire torches,” said Puri. 4

Its antithesis is the Brown Bar, which specialises in spirits that are brown in colour. The design is more Arabesque in nature, with private tents and an outdoor shisha area that give it a more laid back feel. The use of leather helps to create a more relaxed ambience. Meanwhile, an all-day dining restaurant serves cuisine from around the world. “The restaurant is set on the lobby level of the hotel and the design features different colours. To add to the uniqueness, there are different designs of chairs for each table, so that guests have the opportunity to sit on a different-styled chair each day, adding to the concept of ‘fun’ dining. This will eventually become a place for the perfect Sunday brunch.”

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

Accredit yourself free of charge www.conceptobano.com

The latest temptation in bathrooms is coming to Barcelona At Concepto Baño, discover all the trends of a constantly changing world. Come and be amazed in a unique setting, especially created for the sector. A privileged encounter with all the bathroom sector has to offer. Join the most highly qualiﬁed professionals in order, now more than ever, to make the most of the best ideas and business opportunities.

Coinciding with:

Gran Via Venue 11-15 May 2010 www.conceptobano.com

www.constructionweekonline.com

12-15 May 2010

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010 FEBRUARY 13–19, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK

C l ip b oar d P a g e Numb 23 er

www.andreuworld.com

SHOWROOMS YOU SHOULD VISIT

showroom is a fundamental component of any company’s brand offering. It provides potential clients with an invaluable opportunity to see, touch, feel, engage and interact with the products on offer. In the tactile,

www.constructionweekonline.com www.constructionweekonline.com

multi-sensory world of design, this hands-on interaction is particularly important. As such, suppliers must create spaces that are both attractive and inviting, but that also effectively capture and convey their brand’s ethos. Recent months have seen a

host of new showrooms being opened in the region – a sure-fire sign of increased confidence in the market. With so many options on offer, CID has asked a handful of companies to tell us why their showrooms are worth making time for. Commercial Commercial Interior Interior Design Design | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2010

SHOWROOMS YOU SHOULD VISIT Ghada Khoury, managing director, Zawaya Décor, talks to CID about the company’s latest offering.

Zawaya Showroom

Tell us about your company. Zawaya Décor was established in the UAE in 1990 with the intention of bringing high-quality interior design to the residential and commercial marketplace. It is an interior architecture firm with a design studio and construction team that offers its exclusive clientele services ranging from concept to development of detailed designs, to the choice of all soft furnishings and final execution. Zawaya Décor has completed a number of prestigious projects throughout the UAE, including palaces, hotels, restaurants, offices and private villas. To take its success to the next level, Zawaya Décor has introduced its counterpart, Zawaya Showroom, which marks an expansion into the consumer retail market.

When did the showroom open? February 2010.

The low-down from Lamia Sayari, showroom manager.

Tell us about your company. Huda Lighting is a specialised project lighting company with the resources and expertise to support the complete lighting requirements of projects of any type and size. Since it started its operations nine years ago in Beirut, Huda Lighting has opened branches in fi ve Middle Eastern cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Amman and Beirut), and is currently in the process of setting up its sixth in the Saudi city of Jeddah. Huda Lighting currently has two retail lighting showrooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and its new Jeddah operation will also have one. By maintaining a strong relationship with many of the world’s top lighting manufacturers, Huda Lighting guarantees that it is always up-to-date with the latest trends in the lighting industry. This also assures accessibility to a diverse range of products, so that no matter what the requirements of a project are, the needed products are located and supplied. In addition

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

to lighting, Huda Lighting has also expanded its expertise to home automation, lighting control systems and wiring devices.

Where is it? The showroom is located in the Sheikha Mouza Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Building on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, in Abu Dhabi.

What’s on show? The showroom showcases some of the world’s most modern and high-end home furnishing products, ranging from lighting and furniture, all the way down to accessories.

What are the highlights? Zawaya Showroom combines for the first time in Abu Dhabi some of the world’s leading luxury home furnishing brands: Giorgetti, Poliform, COR and Montis, all under the same roof. Each brand is as unique and luxurious as the next. But, of course, each is distinguished with its personal design label and individualistic creative direction.

How do we get more information? For more information about Zawaya Décor and Zawaya Showroom, please visit http://zawayadecor.com.

Huda Lighting

When did the Dubai showroom open? It opened in mid 2006, but was renovated in 2009 to double the size, with wider selections and newer product ranges.

Where is it? On Umm Suqeim Street, between the first and second traffic lights.

What’s on show? A selection of all types of lighting needed for any home or small project, wiring devices and ceiling fans.

What are the highlights? Great location with easy parking, and friendly service! A large variety of products for all tastes and requirements, at competitive prices. We also offer installation services.

How do we get more information? By calling us on +971 (0)4 341 1301, or visiting www.hudalighting.com.

www.constructionweekonline.com

SHOWROOMS YOU SHOULD VISIT Muneer Idrees, sales manager, on the company’s brand new showroom.

Hesse Lignal Middle East

Tell us about your company. Hesse Lignal Middle East was founded in the UAE in April 2005, as a subsidiary office of Hesse GmbH & Co. KG, providing a complete range of professional services and wood coating products. In early 2007, the company’s principals brought together the complementary skills and years of accomplishment at all levels in the industry, in order to set up a trading company in Dubai, providing distribution and service locally and all over the Middle East.

When did your showroom open? Our new showroom opened in March.

Where is it? Our showroom is located in Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone (South) with the building consisting of an administration office, showroom, training room, warehouse, laboratory and testing area.

What’s on show? Visitors will see a huge variety of wood

CID speaks to Karine Obegi, managing partner of Obegi Home.

week from 10am until 9pm, from Saturday until Thursday.

Tell us about your company.

What’s on show?

The Obegi Group was established in 1905 with diversified business interests in the Middle East. In 1973 the group ventured into the retail sector, opening up the first Obegi Better Home showroom in Jal El Dib, Beirut, Lebanon. The three-storey multi-brand showroom gained immense popularity, which gradually led to the opening of another showroom/boutique in Ashrafieh, Beirut, dedicated solely to accessories.

Obegi showroom has furniture pieces, lighting, kitchens and wardrobes from Baker, Giorgetti, Poliform, Brand Van Egmond, Fiam, Desede and Treca de Paris. Its outdoor collection features the products of Kettal, Spain and McGuire, USA.

When did your Dubai showroom open? In October 2007, Obegi Home opened its picturesque showroom in Dubai, housing world-renowned brands synonymous with design and quality from the USA and Europe, to cater to the growing region of the UAE.

finishings within different categories. These include samples of wood finish for PUR high glossy; samples of wood finish for PUR water base system; samples of wood finish for natural material/environmentally-friendly material; samples of wood finish for boat interiors system; samples of wood finish for PUR colour system; samples of glass with back-painted effects; samples of wood finish for PUR parquet system. Ideas of design creation are unlimited and so is our commitment to service.

What are the highlights? To provide technical knowledge of wood coating through our new facilities will be our main aim. We welcome you to visit our showroom and training facilities, where the education of wood coatings and application techniques will take place. Appointment is required.

How do we get more information? For more information, please visit www. hesse.ae, send your inquiry to info@ hesse.ae, or call our office through +971 (0)4 886 44 64.

Obegi Home

What are the highlights? Known for being a one-stop shop for interior solutions, Obegi Home offers a unique array of interior design services ranging from loose furniture packages to the design and installation of walkin-closets and kitchens from Poliform and Varenna (a venture of Poliform), respectively. Quality service has always been a focal objective of the Obegi Group, whose prime focus is customer service at all times.

Where is it? The sprawling 1,000m² showroom located in Umm Al Sheif, Jumeirah, is a delight for furniture connoisseurs to visit. The showroom is open six days a

www.constructionweekonline.com

How do we get more information? You can contact the showroom on +971 (0)4 394 8161 or visit www.obegihome.com. Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

SHOWROOMS YOU SHOULD VISIT

Marlin Furniture

Catching up with Christoph Haiboeck, general manager, Marlin Furniture.

Tell us about your company. Marlin Furniture is part of A.A.Al Moosa Enterprises, a dynamic, diversified group with interests that span across architecture, design and planning, hotels and hotel apartments, real estate development, car rental, manufacturing, marketing, trading and hospitality services. Marlin offers total furnishing solutions for the home, office, hotel, serviced apartments, staff accommodation, hospital, educational and retail segments, and interior fit-out and turnkey projects. Marlin showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have a uniform, unobtrusive display ambience so that customers can select their furniture in a relaxed environment with a sense of space, style and conviviality.

CID speaks to Joe Hepworth, general manager, Middle East, Indigo Living.

large presence at the new Home Design store in Mall of The Emirates.

Tell us about your company.

What’s on show?

Indigo Living has been in Dubai for four years and in Hong Kong for 30. We are a unique interiors operation in that we have successful operations in retail and project work and are also pioneers of furniture rental. Whilst furniture rental is aimed particularly at the corporate expat market, we also have quite a lot of interest from the interior design world where clients like having the flexibility of changing things after one or two years. On the project side, Indigo is a specialist in the custom design and manufacture of FF&E for the hospitality industry. We have done the FF&E for The Address Marina, The Westin, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Traders Hotel in Abu Dhabi, and the clubhouse at Links Golf Club on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

We typically have six to seven furniture collections in store, of which five are contemporary. In addition to our casegoods and upholstery, Indigo has a very strong home accessories range which we renew twice each year.

When did your showroom open?

Where are your showrooms? In Dubai, we are located on Port Rashid Road and Sheikh Zayed Road. In Abu Dhabi, we are on Airport Road, and in Sharjah, we are on Al Qassimia Street.

What’s on show? After the Dubai Shopping Festival, a new collection from all over the world will be arriving in our showrooms.

What are the highlights? Newest designer office desks for styleand trend-orientated decision makers, and top functional workstations considering all ergonomic aspects. Selected furniture designer pieces which will highlight every home.

How do we get more information? Visit www.marlinfurniture.com, call toll free: 800 MARLIN, or email: info@ marlinfurniture.com.

Indigo Living

What are the highlights? With our seasonal collections, our clients love the fact that they will always find something new on every visit and that we are in tune with the wider design and fashion world. I was in Dubai Mall last week and I saw that the fashion stores have launched their spring/summer collections with an emphasis on deep blues, rich purples and berry colours. Indigo’s spring/summer collections are called Va Voom Violet and Indigo Indigo, which are based on the same colour palettes and themes. We’ve done our homework!

Autumn 2007.

How do we get more information? Where is it? In Al Quoz (Road 8/Street 19), close to Times Square. We also have a boutique store in JBR, Sadaf Plaza Level, and a

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

You can visit www.indigo-living.com. I would also suggest getting in touch on +971 (0)4 3397705 or salesdubai@ indigo-living.com.

www.constructionweekonline.com

SHOWROOMS YOU SHOULD VISIT

Purity By Gianni Sharrouf, business development and marketing manager, Purity.

and architects while selecting high-end solutions for their products.

Tell us about your company.

When did your showroom open?

Purity started by closely observing lifestyle trends, with a desire to showcase contemporary design concepts within the region. Our collection comprises the most exclusive furniture, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, surfaces and home accessories. The selection of our brands follows a clear direction; every piece is about form, function and exceptional quality. Purity offers pure and contemporary spaces, conceived to inspire and designed to promote interaction between the guest, the products and our team. Exhibiting timeless and extraordinary collections, Purity stimulates designers, architects and our visitors to feel, connect, reflect and dream. Our team offers knowledgeable advice, practical guidance and attentive service. Dedicated, talented professionals accompany the client from product selection, design and installation right up to the last finishing detail. Purity has emerged as the first choice for leading interior designers

In November 2004, Purity opened its store in Dubai and a new extension in November 2009 to cover a total display area of 1,300mÂ˛.

www.constructionweekonline.com

Where is it? Umm Hurrair Road, Bur Dubai, before Maktoum bridge. Our opening hours are Sundays to Thursdays from 09:00 to 20:00 and Saturdays from 10:30 to 18:30.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on show? High-end, design-oriented brands of furniture, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, surfaces, fabrics, and complementary items.

What are the highlights? Living Divani Extrawall seating composition with Tubo side tables designed by Piero Lissoni. Porro Lipla Bed with a pull-out sliding door wardrobe system designed by Piero Lissoni. Paola Lenti Wave outdoor chaise longue made with

Aquatech rope. Artemide Mercury suspended ceiling light designed by Ross Lovegrove, and Reeds LED lighting system for the outdoors. Boffi K14 tall kitchen units by Piero Lissoni. Boffi B14 bathroom storage by Piero Lissoni and Terrabathtub by Naoto Fukasawa. Brix Daedalus porcelain tiles designed by Jean Marie Massaud.

How do we get more information? By logging onto www.purity.ae, or contacting Rafael Pedro, Dubai Gallery manager, on +971 (0)4 334 9943, or rafael@purity.ae. Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

THS_Mike_Interior & Design_225x300mm.ai

2/21/10

5:12:16 PM

The Hotel Show is the place to nd the latest design insights The Hotel Show is a world class event where I can nd new solutions and products for our new hotels. I am especially looking forward to the haute’l feature to nd those unique design pieces. The seven star conference provides a great networking opportunity and is the perfect forum to debate where the industry goes from here.

(NEW)

Mike Scully Managing Director, Seven Tides Hospitality

Free fast track entry www.thehotelshow.com/register OPERATING EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Co-located with:

18–20 MAY 2010 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE 11:00 –19:00 DAILY

| SECURITY & TECHNOLOGY | INTERIORS & DESIGN | THE RESORT EXPERIENCE Sponsors and Partners:

PRODUCTS

New on the market ROTOR Designed by Luciano Bartoncini, Rotor is an occasional table with a shifting shape. The upper and lower elements are fi xed while the three middle tops can rotate 360째, providing various options with regard to surfaces and use. When entirely closed, Rotor is a compact and simple element, with

www.constructionweekonline.com

overall dimensions of 63cmx63cm. It is available in a variety of finishes, including laminate, wood and gloss lacquers, and in a wide range of different colours. KRISTALIA +39 043 462 3678 www.kristalia.it

Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

PRODUCTS

CELERIE VII Valtekz, a leader in luxury composite fabrics for residential, automotive and marine interiors, has released Celerie VII. The collection consists of three patterns, Glassed Dragon, Glassed and Ages Gracefully, which are available in 22 luscious colours. CELERIE VII +1 866 794 7979 www.valtekz.com

TAILL ARDAT Inspired by 18th century France, Taillardatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of high-end furnishings now includes the Grande Loris chest and the Blandine bedside table (below). Grande Loris is designed in Louise XV style and features two drawers and a marble top. Blandine is in Louis XVI style and includes three drawers with a wood top. PIERRE FRE Y +971 (0)50 798 6704 www.pierrefrey.com

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

PRODUCTS

FLUO Arturo Álvarez’s Fluo lamp has received a Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The suspension lamp is made from steel, and available in a white, black or ‘RAL Cassic’ finish. An interplay of transparency and volume combine in this gentle, floating form. ARTURO ÁLVAREZ +34 981 814 600 www.arturo-alvarez.com

EGE Danish carpet manufacturer, Ege, is promoting its Performance range, which is created specifically for the healthcare industry. A new fibre treatment provides the carpets with a ‘shield’, preventing any micro-organisms from surviving. Contrary to old methods, where bacteria is treated chemically, the new carpet treatment is completely non-toxic. Ege Performance also stands out from other carpets available to the healthcare sector because of the wealth of colours and patterns on offer. EGE +45 971 174 57 www.ege.dk

M AGIC SHOWERHE AD Magic Showerhead’s patented technology uses LEDs to turn an ordinary shower into an illuminated waterfall. An environmentally-friendly product, it doesn’t use batteries or electricity to function – water pressure drives the illuminating experience. The two-minute colour rotation model encourages greater awareness of water usage. Illumination can be in seven different colours: white, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue and green. MAGIC SHOWERHE AD +1 626 257 1188 www.magicshowerhead.com

MARCH 2010 | Commercial Interior Design

www.constructionweekonline.com

CONTRACTS

Project Focus COMMERCIAL INT ERIOR DESIGN IS COMMIT T ED TO HELPING ITS RE ADERS GROW T HEIR BUSINESSES, SO WE HAVE T E A MED UP WIT H VENT URES MIDDLE E A ST TO BRING YOU T HE L AT EST T ENDERS FROM AROUND T HE REGION ON A MONT HLY BA SIS.

B A H R A I N P R O J EC T S D ATA B A S E PROJECT TITLE

CLIENT

CONSULTANT

MAIN CONTR ACTOR

VALUE / VALUE RANGE (US$. MN)

PROJECT STATUS PROJECT T YPE

33-Storey Residential Building at Seef Mr. Mustafa Ahmed Nasser

Syrconsult Consulting Engineers

Not Appointed

31 - 100

Bidding underway for the main contract

Residential Buildings

Cebarco Tower at Umm Al Hassan

Mr. Khaled Abdulrahim

Modern Architects

Cebarco

Project under construction

Mixed Use

Mall at A’ali

Al Namal Group

United Engineering

Al Namal Construction

2.5 - 15

Project under construction

Shopping Center

Riffa Views - The Oasis Estate

Riffa Views

Mohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering

Poullaides Construction/Terna 31 - 100 Contracting

Project under construction

Residential Development

Al Matrook Tower

Mr. Faisal Ali Al Matrook

Mohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering

Charilaos Apostilides (Chapo)

Project under construction

Commercial Buildings

5-Star Hotel & Multi-storey Apartment V.K Universal Property Management at Bahrain Investment Wharf Co.

Future Engineering Consultants Al Namal Construction

31 - 100

Project under construction

Mixed Use

Shopping Mall in Hidd

V.K Universal Property Management Co.

Global Engineering Bureau

Project under construction

Shopping Center

King Hamad General Hospital in Muharraq

Ministry of Health

Ismail Khonji Assoc./Australian AA Nass/Burhan International Design Group Construction

135

Project under construction

Hospital

Diyar Al Muharraq

Diyar Al Muharraq/Kuwait Finance House Scott Wilson

Not Appointed

3,200

Project under design

Mixed Use

Durrat Marina

Al Khaleej Dev’t. Co./Durrat Khaliji

W.S. Atkins

Not Appointed

130

Project under design

Mixed Use

Diplomat Commercial Office Towers

National Hotels Company

Mohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engg. Bureau

Chase Perdana Berhad

Project under construction

Commercial Buildings

Water Garden City

Albilad Real Estate

HOK/Scott Wilson

Not Appointed

7,000

Project under design

Mixed Use

Villa Compound at Al Areen

Al Khaleeji Commercial Bank

Modern Architects

AAA Homes

Project under construction

Residential Development

Bahrain National Theatre

Ministry of Works & Housing

W.S. Atkins/Architecture Studio Not Appointed (France)

Project under design

Recreational Facilities

Nurana

NS Holdings Co./Manara Developments Davenport Campbell

Al Namal Construction

1,000

Project under design

Mixed Use

Workshop & Accommodation in Tubli Skyline Trading Corporation

Aref Sadiq Design Consultants Skyline Trading

Not Appointed

2.5 - 15

Project under construction

Mixed Use

30 Storey Residential Building in Juffair

Tashyeed Properties Company

Syrconsult Consulting Engineers

16 - 30

Project under design

Residential Buildings

Al Reef Shopping Center

Ministry of Works & Housing

Aref Sadiq Design Consultants Not Appointed

Project under design

Shopping Center

Muharraq Mall

Muharraq Mall Company

Leigh & Orange Architects

Not Appointed

Bidding underway for the main contract

Shopping Center

Investment Gateway

Al Salam Bank/Amar Holding Company OBM International (US)

Not Appointed

101 - 250

Project under design

Commercial Buildings

@bahrain Development

Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company Aedas

Not Appointed

1,000

Project under design

Mixed Use

Marine Heights

Mr. Jameel Al Ghana/Mr. Mohd. Arif

Project under construction

Residential Buildings

Not Appointed

Aref Sadiq Design Consultants Al Ghanah Contracting

Note: The above information is the sole property of Ventures Middle East LLC and cannot be published without the expressed permission of Ventures Middle East LLC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

www 86 arabianbusiness C i l I tcom/construction i D i O t b 2007 www.constructionweekonline.com

Commercial Interior Design 2007 bi November b i / t 101 ti Commercial Interior Design | MARCH 2010

OPINION

Holistic energy management BY BRE T T ANNESLE Y

t is widely accepted that artificial lighting contributes approximately 30% of electricity consumption in a commercial building, and buildings collectively account for 40% of total world energy use. In view of this, energy management approaches to lighting control and design may provide the key to reducing energy consumption within the commercial sector. The drive to improve energy efficiency in commercial lighting is only one part of the ‘sustainable development’ equation, however. The lifecycle assessment of materials used, and indoor environmental quality standards, are considerations of equal importance. The implementation of lifecycle assessment principles, which seek to minimise energy consumption over the lifetime of a building, can result in ‘future-proof’ installations. Strategies include the selection of products that provide extended service life, the adoption of modular installation practices, and the use of systems providing a high-resolution – or ‘granular’ – level of control, which allows lighting to be changed during a building’s evolution. Changes to a building’s fabric and occupancy – known as ‘churn’ – are best accommodated by enabling lighting-grid changes and luminaire-group rezoning, to avoid the necessity for rewiring a facility. Digital addressable lighting interface (DALI), for example, which enables each light unit to have an individual digital address, will facilitate rezoning of luminaires across a network.

INTELLIGENT DETECTION While lifecycle assessment has longterm implications, energy efficiency itself will have a day-to-day impact. Energy reduction strategies include the use of daylight harvesting, in

MARCH | Commercial Interior Design

conjunction with sensors to automatically adjust lighting levels as appropriate. Daylight harvesting involves slowly dimming artificial lights in harmony with daylight entry. Multifunction sensor devices – incorporating photo-electric (PE) detection of lux levels, and passive infra-red (PIR) and ultrasonic for motion detection – are increasingly prevalent. These can be used in either single-mode, or leverage in-built ‘multi-mode’ intelligence. For example, a system can be configured to increase lighting levels when the lux level falls below a set threshold, but only when motion is detected. Energy management strategies should not be implemented at the expense of indoor environmental quality, however. A lighting design can be flexible and save energy, but if occupants do not feel comfortable, it can be considered to have failed. Correctly managed exposure to daylight has an important bearing on the wellbeing of occupants, measurably improving worker productivity, as well as saving energy. The correct selection of curtains, blinds and glass has a direct impact on natural light levels, and is critical to both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Maintaining a slow ‘fade time’ when using sensors to manage lighting levels will also typically result in greater acceptance by occupants. ‘After hours’ worker comfort provides further challenges in order to balance energy demands with savings. The control system can be configured to limit illumination for late workers to their immediate surroundings and an egress path, using motion detection sensors. Gradual closure after all movement has ceased will ensure energy is not wasted. Minimising overhead lighting in preference for task lighting over the desk

area can also reduce energy usage and improve comfort. This can be enhanced by empowering individuals to control personal task lighting from their own workstation and is a development endorsed by green building rating tools such as the Green Building Council of Australia’s ‘Green Star’.

BUILDING TUNING While such strategies are important, the predominant challenge lies in consolidating them with a professional commissioning approach. Commissioning guidelines are provided by CIBSE Code L/M for Green Star. After commissioning, Green Star recommends ongoing building performance evaluations for the first 12 months of occupancy, a process known as ‘building tuning’. These assessments may result in distinct building and tenancy energy-performance ratings. Existing buildings can similarly be audited to assess their efficiency through data-logging of local distribution boards and monitoring lightingusage through lux meters. The results can prove invaluable in highlighting where corrective action is needed. Such building tuning will help ensure that the efforts made in the pursuit of a reduced carbon footprint – through life-cycle assessment, energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality – are not wasted. When the right balance is achieved, the result is a building that will remain energy efficient throughout its life, and which will bring unprecedented levels of comfort to its occupants long into the future. Brett Annesley is energy management segment manager at Philips Dynalite. For more information, you can visit www. dynalite-online.com.