Sourcebook_2011

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the ultimate guide for building and renovations

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The Team Publisher

cooling systems & lighting

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flooring & interiors

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indoor & outdoor furniture

Toute Bagai Publishing Limited

Production

Simone Gillette simone@macomag.com

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Graphic Design

Daryl Nagil daryl@macomag.com

Sales & Advertising

Michelle Hart michelle@macomag.com

Writers

kitchen & bathrooms

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building materials & finishes

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Services & solutions

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Nikola Lashley

Photographers Šistockphoto.com [Aggressive Entertainment, Ainsworth, Arkhipova Maria, Bob, Christian J. Stewart Photography, David Lee, Digital Savant LLC, DTS, Eye Design Photo Team, ferrerphoto, Idesign, joxxxxjo, Kameleon007, K.I., Mansi Ltd, Marco Prandina, Mayer George, NickS, sbayram, skyman8, Stephan Drescher, Tiburon Studios]

Advertising Offices

Financial & insurance

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Listings

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26 Kelly Kenny Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad. W.I. Tel: (868) 622 0519 Fax: (868) 628 6909 Website: www.macomag.com www.facebook.com/MACOmagazines www.twitter.com/MACOmagazines

The cover and content of MACO SOURCEBOOK TRINIDAD are fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission.

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solar

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writer : nikola lashley

Plug in an appliance and electricity flows. Flip a switch and there’s light. Our need for electricity is instantly met.

Until recently we cared little about where it came from or the impact on the environment at having the convenience of power at our fingertips.

Not surprisingly harnessing the sun to generate solar energy is a rapidly growing trend in the Caribbean. Two hundred and ten miles northwest of Trinidad and Tobago on the neighbouring island of Barbados solar panels have become a permanent rooftop fixture.

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of

take those blessings for granted. Yes

projects and feed-in tariffs have been

abundant sunshine here in Trinidad and

we get a cheap electricity price but

established by law to buy back your

Tobago, the solar revolution seems to

there’s still an associated cost. There

surplus electricity.

be lagging behind. But the lack of mass

are big businesses that utilise a lot of

An average three-bedroom home

consumption of solar panels on the island

energy paying 25,000TTD per month

in Trinidad and Tobago spends 700 -

is no anomaly. On the surface the slow

on electrical bills. When you’re looking

900TTD in electricity every two months.

take up of an alternative energy source is

at Solar from efficiency of application

For Luna Solar Energy Co. the smartest

due largely to Trinidad’s enviable status

it’s going to tie back into cost, but what

cost savings comes with replacing

as an oil rich nation—able to produce

Luna has done to enter into the market

your parameter lighting, which typically

and supply some of the world’s cheapest

is, we’ve focused on lighting. Right

runs for 10-12 hours per day and uses

electricity per kilowatt.

now with the mass availability of LEDs

800watts with the cleaner energy of

coupled with solar technology we can

Helios solar units. The company offers

Even with affordable electricity there’s

take you off the power grid with regards

a full assessment of your electricity

much more to consider and much more

to lighting your home or business indoor

consumption based on your current

is at stake. As the global demand for

and outdoor.”

utility bill.

Whilst

there’s

no

shortage

“We break down your assessment

solar energy intensifies, invariably the cost of solar panels is driven down,

Utilising solar energy in Trinidad

in segments by application. So we

which means switching to solar can

and Tobago is possible without flouting

can calculate what you use for interior

actually save you money in the long term.

electricity

lighting,

Even in Trinidad and Tobago using solar

related land regulations which are still

appliances, television and computers

power guards against any unforeseeable

somewhat of a grey area when it comes

and air conditioning. Then we understand

increases in the cost of electricity as the

to solar projects. What Sabga is talking

what is needed and look for the saving.

toll on the environment mounts.

about is a partial opt out from the national

When it comes to parameter lighting that

PowerGen grid as a feasible and cost

saving is immediate. The cost to install a

effective way to go green.

Helios solar unit is a ladder, a spanner a

It’s

estimated

that

in

order

to

legislation

or

exterior

lighting,

kitchen

significantly reduce climate change the

shoulder and a pole and a drill, and you

emissions from greenhouse gases need

don’t even need a pole, you can screw

to be reduced from around seven metric

On the other hand in Barbados

the bracket onto an existing wall and in a

tons per person, per year to just one ton.

subsidies and tax breaks are a clear

few short hours you can have light. Now

indication that government is committed

that is revolutionary,” explains the upbeat

to

Luna Solar Energy Co. president, Curtis

Enter solar pro, Richard Sabga,

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distribution

environmental

sustainability.

The

CEO of Luna Solar Energy Co. “In

same can be said for the US and UK,

Trinidad we’re blessed, but we cant

where grants are available for green build

Noel.

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At a cost of 4 , 0 00TTD one

Pros • No direct pollution to the planet

H elios solar unit can light a space of 16 0 0 sq ft and

• Other forms of renewable energy, such as wind turbines, can be noisy, but solar produces electricity in silence.

• Solar energy can be harnessed and produce electricity in remote communities

only needs servicing once e v ery 3 y ears .

without access to the national power grid • Installing solar panels can be more cost effective for new build projects, compared to fitting high-voltage T&TEC cables.

• Whilst the initial cost may seem expensive, Installing solar panels provide a totally free source of electricity, which more than pays for itself in the coming years.

At a cost of 4,000TTD, one Helios solar unit can light a space of 1600 sq

• Solar panels can also add to the price value of your home or commercial property.

ft and only needs servicing once every 3 years. Sabga added, “What we tend to

Cons

find through research and development

• The manufacturing of solar panels and

is that LEDs last a minimum of 30,000

transportation of the goods causes

hours, so the LED component of the

pollution

Helios solar light is good to go for many

• In heavily polluted areas pollution levels

many years. The solar panel itself can

can sometimes affect the efficiency of

last for decades. What you’ll tend to

solar cells

find is that the battery, as you know with

• Governments slow to buy in to solar energy

laptops, where the energy is stored the

production, due to the conflict of interest

performance reduces over 2-3 years.

with state owned utility companies.

But, our units have built in replacements, our technicians come in switch over the battery and you’re good to go, and the cost of that is filtered into our service contract. When the lights go during that three years and you still have light, the cost of switching to solar becomes priceless.”

The concept of solar powered homes and businesses goes beyond the sticker price of solar panels and the cost of installation.

Reducing your carbon footprint requires a small step in the right direction, with little alteration to your lifestyle. There’s no better return on investment than doing your part to protect the planet for future generations.

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the science of

appliance writer : nikola lashley

If

you drive an

SUV,

leave the engine

Getting it right and shopping smart

your

reduces your impact on global warming

children from school, think your television

and helps to conserve valuable resources

and microwave are not using electricity

such as water. There’s also an added

in standby mode, own several recycled

benefit when it comes to using energy

shopping bags, but always forget to use

efficient products; you make long-term

them and think filling up the kettle to make

savings on your utility bills.

running

while

waiting

to

collect

one cup of tea saves time, then you are what’s known as an eco-enemy.

Think long term, there are two costs

It’s also

associated with a new appliance; the

likely your home or business is seriously

cost price to take it home and how much

lacking in environmental creditation.

it will cost you in electricity or water to

When it comes to choosing a new fridge,

machine,

Take the humble, hardworking fridge,

microwave

every home and most businesses have

understanding energy efficiency has

at least one. But refrigerators are the

never been easier. While goods and

only appliances that operate all year

home appliances manufactured after

round, 24/7, making them the biggest

1990 are identified as energy efficient

energy consumer of all appliances.

air

cooker,

conditioning

using

a

washing

run it.

unit

qualified

or

labeling

system.

The amount of electricity consumed

These appliances can be slightly more

by appliances depends largely on their

expensive, but typically use 20-30

location and how you use them. Here’s

percent less energy.

a rundown of a few essential things to

Most appliances exported to Trinidad

remember about your appliances when

and Tobago originate from the US.

it comes to making your home and

But the blue Energy Star logo is an

business a little more energy efficient.

International standard and the labels can also be found on some European goods.

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D oes it really need to be that big ?

High and dry and clean • If possible only use your washing

The bigger the set

machine when you have a full load • If you have to use a dryer, use it back to

the more energ y it uses.

back, stopping and starting after each load requires more energy to heat it up after it cools down.

• Using the sun to dry is better for the environment and your clothes.

Lint

is actual fabric, which breaks down during a tumble-drying cycle.

• Choose a washing machine with a fast spin speed, better water extraction means less energy consumption and clothes dry quicker.

On becoming a fridge magnet

A lesson in cool

Ready, steady, cook

• Refrigerators without added extras

• Keep all windows and doors closed

• Use a burner on your cooker that

such as water coolers and ice-makers

when operating air conditioning units

is a similar size to your saucepan. A

use less energy.

and clean filters regularly.

small pan on big burners is a waste of

• Don’t store your fridge next to your

• Free standing fans and ceiling mounted

cooker or oven, it means the appliances

versions use less electricity over the

• Switch off the oven a few minutes

works harder at staying cool. Likewise

same period of time compared to an

before your food is ready and let the

try to avoid placing your fridge in direct

air conditioning unit.

pre-heat do the rest of the work.

sunlight.

• It’s smarter to mount air conditioning

• Regularly defrosting freezers ensures the appliance runs at an optimum level of energy efficiency.

units on cooler north facing walls or in an area shaded by trees or foliage.

• Choose the right size unit for the room

energy.

• Electric kettles use less energy than cooker top versions.

• Opt for a self-cleaning oven they tend to be better insulated.

• Choose a washing machine with an energy conserving wash and rinse cycle.

Seeing is believing • LCD televisions use less energy than a plasma screen • On average TVs account for roughly 10 percent of your overall electricity bill.

• Does it really need to be that big?

The bigger the set the more energy it uses.

• Don’t leave the fridge door open longer

size. A smaller air conditioning unit that

• Every time you open the oven door

than necessary and avoid putting hot

runs for a long period of time is more

roughly 20 percent of the heat is lost.

food in your fridge or freezer.

energy efficient, than one frequently

use between 20-30 percent less

switch on and off.

electricity.

• Top and bottom freezer mounted refrigerators

use

significantly

energy than side-by-side models.

less

• TVs with an Energy Star sticker

• If your air conditioning units are

• When you’ve finished watching the TV

more that 10 years old, consider

switch it off from the mains, standby

replacements, you can reduce your

mode still zaps electricity.

energy consumption with newer more efficient models.

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Crafted

over

millennia

the

Caribbean

landscape is a vivid masterpiece with a full

appeal writer : nikola lashley

hole in the ozone layer.

hues.

But there’s a gradual shift away from

When it comes to choosing the ideal wall

oil-based paints here in Trinidad and

covering for your home or commercial

Tobago as a vast array of acrylic based

property draw your inspiration from the

paints become available.

timeless beauty of nature.

looks and behaves the same as the

spectrum

surface

lingering noxious smell and the growing

of

riotous

shades

and

This paint

Whilst it’s tempting to stick with neutral

oil-based option, but is a little kinder to

palettes, opting for fearless tones and

the planet, which has kept paint in high

alternative textures can revive any

esteem with interior designers and home

space.

décor enthusiasts.

In the tropics the default setting when

In a world of choice quality paint has

decorating is paint and rightly so; it

long been available in a dizzying array of

requires little skill to apply, it’s relatively

colours and finishes, suitable for interior

inexpensive and is available in a range

rooms and exterior walls.

of colours and finishes. To stand back,

to adore about the warm feel of wood

brush or roller in hand and admire a

trim, painted in a contrasting silk matte

freshly painted room can be hugely

finish? Or a bold accent wall where the

satisfying.

stand out colour is a work of art in its

And over the years the paint industry

What’s not

own right.

has been working hard to clean up its act in line with global environment best

Say it with an accent

practices, aimed at reducing carbon

Make a bold statement: The accent

emissions. Many paint brands are now

wall, like signature furniture should be a

phasing out the use of Volatile Organic

focal point, and used correctly a welcome

Compounds (VOC’s) those harmful toxic

element of surprise.

chemicals, largely responsible for that

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Lacq uer ed Wa ll s r e qu i r e c o mmi t me nt f r o m t h e s ta r t . I t ’ s a lo n g l a b o u r inten s i v e p r o c e s s , b u t t h e r e s ul t s are s up r em e ly g l a m o u r o u s .

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Harness the power of colour

advances in wallpaper construction and

Be brave, use a bright or deep colour

Any wall coating, whatever the colour

adhesive technology means that you can

to define the purpose of an area in the

is only as good as it’s finish, and there’s

bask in your perfectly applied wallpaper

room. As an example, set your dining

a myriad of designs and textures to

for years. A solid modern black and white

table adjacent a deep red lacquered wall

choose from.

damask design or a warm terracotta and

with an opulent crystal chandler.

Frescos are a nod to the past,

gold stripe can add bold panache and beautifully offset antique furnishings.

Subtle blend

conjuring up the drama of 18th century

It’s also perfectly acceptable to create

Renaissance Italy, the aesthetic and

Mirrored Mosaic Tiles lend a disco

an accent wall in a slightly lighter or darker

finish, done correctly can be a decadent

vibe to any room, although better suited

shade than the surrounding walls.

twist within any contemporary living

to small interior spaces or bathrooms

space.

alongside stainless steel fittings or dark

Beyond paint

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tiles or even a bespoke mural.

An accent wall can also be created

Wallpaper is less favoured in the

using damask or patterned wallpaper,

Caribbean due to the humid climate, but

wood, it’s a groovy look that reflects the liberty and passion of the 60s and 70s.

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Natural

Wood

Panelling

an

Against the backdrop of the Caribbean

interior/exterior of wooden walls is a rich

Sea—with a thousand shades of blue

and uncomplicated look. Trinidad and

this finish is ideal for grand homes and

Tobago produces some of the world’s

properties set against the coastline.

or

finest lumber. Green and purpleheart

Lacquered Walls require commitment

and cedar offer a versatile textured finish

from the start. It’s a long labour-intensive

that can exude rustic charm or classic

process, but the results are supremely

sophistication depending on how it’s

glamourous. The glossy sparkle packs a

treated.

wonderful punch that other wall coatings

Concrete is not just for contractors,

cannot possibly match.

with a little imagination and know-how it can be teased, buffed and polished from

The light fantastic

stark to customised perfection. There’s

Movie stars and great works of art

a range of colourants and seals to create

flourish under superb lighting, and

unique finishes, which adds character to

the same applies to wall coatings.

the zen-like swagger of cool minimalist

Incandescent light flattens detail, use

décors.

soft lights with blush tints to create a

Wall Tiles made of ceramic and clay

diffused quality that lifts patterns and

can outclass and outshine most wall

makes colours playful.

coatings, but it’s the cold refined luxurious

to consider is the direction of the light.

finish of porcelain tiles that captures the

Various points of light in a room or

heart of discriminating designers and

LEDs directed at an interior feature can

architects.

smooth shadows and hide a multitude of

In recent years tiles have

changed in dimension and design.

The last thing

imperfections.

Larger format tiles and rectangular tiles

Like all great undertakings failing to

are gaining popularity due to fewer grout

plan is planning to fail. Take care not

lines and the overall look of a smooth

to over extend your skills or resources,

continuous surface.

if necessary commission an expert. Be

Coral

Rendering

distinctly

inspired beyond swatches and sample

Caribbean finish for exterior walls. The

pots. Pause, breath, throw open your

white sand mix replicates the oatmeal

windows and take your cue from nature.

is

a

colour and texture of coral stone.

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