2
0
1
the ultimate guide for building and renovations
1
The Team Publisher
cooling systems & lighting
12
flooring & interiors
16
indoor & outdoor furniture
Toute Bagai Publishing Limited
Production
Simone Gillette simone@macomag.com
20
Graphic Design
Daryl Nagil daryl@macomag.com
Sales & Advertising
Michelle Hart michelle@macomag.com
Writers
kitchen & bathrooms
30
building materials & finishes
46
Services & solutions
56
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
64
Listings
70
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.
2
3
solar
101
4
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.
4
5
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,
6
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.
7
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.
8
9
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.
10
11
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.
12
13
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
14
15
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 .
17
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
16
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.
17
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.
18
19