World class Polo stables

In t he infinit e pa mpas , t he desi gn of details

Famed Argentine Polo Player creates his own Polo Stables just outside of Buenos Aires City

By: Jimena Martignoni

The Figueras Polo Stables designed by Estudio Ramos are located to the northwest of the City of Buenos Aires, in a rural area where the horizon always appears unreachable, almost as a mirage, and where silence prevails.

The vastness of the existing landscape, which is that of the infinite pampas, becomes both the perfect natural scenario for the practice of Polo (a key constituent of the Argentinean culture and a niche sport in most parts of the world) and the very essence of the design. The poetic horizontality of the local flatlands seems to be emulated with every aspect of the enclosing and conceptual plan and with every built piece of the building. The lines of the roofs of the two volumes, which from afar look as one single composition, the linearity of the freestanding walls that outline intimate gardens in front of the social areas and, especially, the manner in which the architectural layout surrendered to the existing tree planting, strengthens the fascinating sense of infinity of this typical region of extensive farmlands.

In the past, the area destined to polo fields and stables exhibited a green avenue consistently planted with large and luxuriant London plane trees, which turned into the origin of the conceptual design. This linear presence marks part of the project’s itinerary including the walking circuits for horses, and it was also used as a condition for the building’s formal articulation. Differentiated in

volumes which, combined, house 44 stalls plus horse grooming and training facilities, the building’s shape was defined in response to the trees’ existing position. One can make out the trees from any possible angle: the trunks creating a subtle rhythm along the full extension of the two linear volumes and the crowns casting shadows on walls and pavement, surrounding the visitor in unexpected ways.

With their reflections, the shapes of the trees are also present in an expansive shimmering pool lined with locally-sourced cobblestones. The pool is positioned exactly in front of the living room, almost as an outdoor extension of this relaxing indoor area.

The building’s front elevation overlooks the polo field which measures 270 by 150 meters, in compliance with the official international dimensions of a polo field. The back elevation houses the groom’s quarters and work facilities.

In the main facade, the concrete roofs look as floating planes coming out from the sloped land that serve both as access and as natural stands from where to watch the matches. The recessed second volume, which faces a courtyard outlined by freestanding walls, is shuttered from direct sunlight via a series of reddish louvers. These patinated corten steel vertical pieces also demarcate the walkways for horses and help to preserve the sense of quietness and privacy, away from the matches.

In order to take care of the preservation of the horses’ health and appearance the site had to be very carefully planned, incorporating areas for resting, feeding, exercising, bathing and drinking. The circuits for these actions are part of a daily routine and the functionality of the spaces was essential for the project. Even tiny design details such as the ironwork for the stall doors

have been customized, making everyday operational aspects successful and helping to assure an overall low maintenance plan. In the same detaildesign direction, for every set of stalls and located at opposite sides of the floor plan, there is one elevated infinite pool made of raw concrete, from where horses drink.

As a sculptural gesture, a seductive concrete spiral staircase leads to the floating rooftop above which is entirely covered by native grasses and seems to blend into its environment. These green roofs were thought out as another natural podium from where to observe the polo fields and enjoy the matches

during the polo season. The views from this elevated wild-looking platform are overwhelming, reminding the observer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, not just there; beauty is definitely (also) in the eye of the designer.

Location: Gral. Rodríguez, Buenos Aires Architects: Estudio Ramos: Juan Ignacio Ramos & Ignacio Ramos Total Area: 3,600 m2 Date of completion: 2017 Photography: Daniela Mc Adden

Historic site brought to life

Jebel Hafit Desert Park preserves the UAE’s biodiversity, archaeology and cultural heritage

The UAE’s newest tourist attraction, Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain, occupies a 9-kilometre stretch on the eastern flank of Jebel Hafit mountain, where visitors can enjoy the park’s stunning natural surroundings while discovering the unique archaeological and historical remains that have been unearthed in the area, all of which attest to the rich history and ancient inhabitation of the United Arab Emirates.

A site of unique historical significance The Jebel Hafit Desert Park site allows visitors to experience and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the environment and human settlements from the Neolithic age until the modern day. Jebel Hafit Desert Park is a component of the World Heritage Sites of Al Ain, the first designated World Heritage Site in the UAE. UNESCO designated Al Ain with “Outstanding Universal Value”, with its various sites providing “exceptional testimony to the development of successive prehistoric cultures in a desert region, from the Neolithic to the Iron Age”.

For thousands of year’s people have recognised the value of the Jebel Hafit area, from Neolithic herders taking advantage of the good grazing though to Bronze Age people finding spiritual significance in this natural monument and choosing it as a site to build tombs for their kin. Dating back as far as the Iron Age, where people used ingenious new ways to control the water supply here in the form of Aflaj and for the Bedouin it was an important stopping place as they moved through the landscape.

It is the combination of these factors – the incredible geological story of the birth of the mountain, the biodiverse environment it has created, and evidence left by the remarkable peoples who have used the site over thousands of years – that makes the Jebel Hafit Desert Park site truly unique.

The tombs and artefacts from the site are testament to how, over many millennia, the ancient peoples living in the area adapted to changing climate conditions and learned how to exploit the many resources in the vicinity of the mountain. This history of occupation reflects many of the major transformations that took place throughout the country over the past 8,000 years.

The site boasts a wealth of features, both natural and cultural, of international importance, including geology and fossils from the Cretaceous period; Neolithic sites; 122 Bronze Age tombs; the natural fauna and flora of the Jebel Hafit ecosystem; Falaj systems; Mezyad Fort; and Mezyad Palm Garden.

The primary purpose of Jebel Hafit Desert Park is to protect, preserve and present the site’s biodiversity, archaeology and cultural heritage.

Activities at Jebel Hafit Desert Park To discover everything Jebel Hafit Desert Park has to offer, visitors are welcome to explore on their own, or avail themselves of the multiple site tours that are given daily. Visitors can sightsee by bike, walk the trails, take a buggy ride or experience a horse or camel tour, making for an adventurous and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and activity levels.

Three shelters within the grounds are perfect for picnics, and shaded benches are placed throughout for hikers and bikers to rest and enjoy the views. Those keen to extend their visit can take advantage of the public campsite, spending the night under the stars in a traditional tent (pitch your own, or hire one onsite). There is also a serviced overnight desert camping package, including meals in a Bedouin-style tent and a five-star ‘glamping’ experience in an air-conditioned bubble tent, offering the utmost comfort in a luxurious setting.

Location and Directions Jebel Hafit Desert Park is located 20 kilometres south of Al Ain. Head south from Al Ain Museum along Route 21 towards the border point with the Sultanate of Oman. Jebel Hafit will appear on your right after 15 km. The park entrance is just before the border point.

Opening Hours Jebel Hafit Desert Park is open daily from November to May. The park is open from 8 am – 6 pm (subject to time of sunset); the campsite is operational 24 hours a day. jebelhafitdesertpark.ae

UltraScape reaches for the sky in Dubai

UltraScape’s Mortar Paving System in accordance to British Standard BS7533,the global standard for rigid paving construction has been used to install and joint 15,000m² of paving at the iconic Residences Sky View in Downtown Dubai.

Designed by the same architects who created the Burj Khalifa, Residences Sky View is set to become the next landmark in Dubai.

The luxurious twin towers are home to a 166 room hotel and 531 serviced apartments with the complex and beautiful Sky Bridge connecting the two towers together. The Sky Bridge is home to world class restaurants, stunning ballroom and infinity pool offering panoramic views of Dubai. Residences Sky View is the epitome of elegant and grand living and so it was crucial that the materials used to create this development were aesthetically pleasing and could withstand the constant trafficking from tourists, visitors and residents.

UltraScape’s Mortar Paving System, supplied by Instarmac’s partner in Dubai, Tanseeq LLC, was used to install and joint 15,000m² of paving around the base of the complex. UltraScape’s Mortar Paving System is made up of tested, trusted and proven materials including Pro- Bed HS bedding mortar, Pro-Prime slurry primer and Flowpoint Smooth rapid set flowable grout.

Pre-blended for ease of use, Pro-Bed HS fine bedding mortar provides the ultimate laying course for all types of paving. It can be laid from 10mm – 75mm, is shrinkage compensated and can be opened to foot traffic in just 12 hours, allowing contractors to move on to the next part of the project quickly. Formulated to provide an exceptional bond between your paving element and Pro-Bed HS, ProPrime slurry primer eliminates costly failures caused by general wear and tear and heavy load bearing.

To complete the installation, Flowpoint Smooth rapid set flowable grout was used in Charcoal to joint the selected pavers.

Flowpoint Smooth is a flowable grout which allows for large areas of paving to be grouted quickly. Suitable for joints from 3mm to 50mm and as deep as 200mm, Flowpoint Smooth has been developed over a number of years to provide a durable finish which will not crack or stain – even in the extremely hot temperatures in Dubai.

With an initial set after just 15 minutes, and a walk on time of one hour, it is unsurprising that Flowpoint Smooth has become synonymous with fast application, cost-effective and robust jointing.

Residences Sky View is the latest in a long line of prestigious projects for UltraScape’s Mortar Paving System in Dubai. Other projects include MBR City, City Wal , Dubai Opera House, Bvlgari Resort, Mandarin Hotel, Dar Wasl and Mudon park.

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Books of inter est

Design f or Ou tdoor Recr eation ISBN-13: 9780415441728 Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: Taylor & Francis; 2 edition (August 15, 2008) Language: English Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 8.8 x 10.8 inches Price: 319.00 Dhs. Books Description Design for Outdoor Recreation takes a detailed look at all aspects of design of facilities needed by visitors to outdoor recreation destinations. The book is a comprehensive manual for planners, designers and managers of recreation taking them through the processes of design and enabling them to find the most appropriate balance between visitor needs and the capacity of the landscape. A range of different aspects are covered including car parking, information signing, hiking, waterside activities, wildlife watching and camping.

How to Read the La ndscape ISBN-13: 9781856231855 Paperback: 226 pages Publisher: Permanent Publications ( January 12, 2015) Language: English Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches Price: 111.00 AED

Book’s Description: According to an ICM poll, 77 percent of UK adults, or about 38 million people, say they walk for pleasure at least once a month. It is remarkable, therefore, that no one has written about the landscapes they’re walking through and enjoying...until now. Patrick Whitefield has spent a lifetime living and working in the countryside and twenty

The Good Gard en, The La ndscape Ar chitectur e of Edmu nd Hollander Design ISBN: 9781580934152 AUTHOR: Anne Raver PUBLICATION DATE : 20 July 2015 HARDCOVER: 320 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION: This book presents dozens of gorgeous estate gardens across the Northeastern states of the US, approached thematically; individual sections reveal how components such as gateways, paths, pool terraces, bisques and years of that taking notes of what he sees, everywhere from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish Highlands. This book is the fruit of those years of experience. In How to Read the Landscape, Patrick explains everything from the details, such as the signs that wild animals leave as their signatures and the meaning behind the shapes of different trees, to how whole landscapes, including woodland, grassland, and moorland, fit together and function as a whole. Rivers and lakes, roads and paths, hedgerows and field walls are also explained, as well as the influence of different rocks, the soil, and the ever-changing climate. There’s even a chapter on the fascinating history of the landscape and one about natural succession, how the landscape changes of its own accord when we leave it alone. The landscape will never look the same again. You will not only appreciate its beauty, it will also come alive with a whole new depth of appreciation and understanding.

groves, walls, and borders contribute to lush garden rooms, windblown seaside gardens, calming meadow gardens, intricate formal gardens, and shady tracts of woodland. Over 300 color photographs of beautiful properties in the Hamptons, Connecticut, and upstate New York provide glimpses of the best garden design happening today while breaking down its ideas for the home gardener. Author Anne Raver details how the firm works to envelop visitors in landscapes that feel entirely whole: plantings near architecture create a dynamic entry progression; hardscape features that lead out into a broader garden gradually cede to more natural, living elements; pools are surrounded by gracious swaths of flowers that bloom in sequence as the season progresses to provide privacy for bathers and a sense of quiet seclusion.

With its headquarter in Tokyo, Japan and world class stores spread over countries like America, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan and now in DUBAI – UAE , Kinokuniya is a globally known book seller of repute. The store in Dubai Mall is a massive 68,000 square feet wide paragon book gallery which stocks more than half a million books and thousand magazines in English, Arabic, Japanese, French, German and Chinese at any given time. The Store is also a distinct cross cultural hub wide range of time to time multicultural events such a comic art demonstrations, language learning workshops, book launches etc. The pleasant ambiance, stenographic design and add to it the impressive view of modern skyline – world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, Kinokuniya at The Dubai Mall is just the place to evoke emotions and add pleasure to your book shopping. You may like to visit our website for more information. www.kinokuniya.com

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