Places - Design & Living (September 2016) by Times of Malta

PLACES ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER 2016

Design & Living

Undercover REGAL PLACES OF REST

COPPER KITCHENS Concrete solutions

Holding on to industrial heritage FROM OLD BREWHOUSE TO NEW BUSINESS PARK

Capturing Francis Sultana’s lifestyle through the lens

Serenity above the city A seamless connection with the sea

FINE FOOD, COOL COMPANY, DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS DESIGN

PLACES

THE BLUEPRINT

Design & Living

ISSUE 11 SEPTEMBER 2016

MY DESIGN

THE PROJECT 10 The Sea Inside Serenity hovering above Sliema PROJECT PEOPLE 14 Palazzo Perfect Francis Sultana and the finer things in life TASTE 20 The Artisan in Coffee Ethical taste 24 Copper Coating Cladding kitchens in lustre 26 In Concrete Terms Making good [cuisine] connections HOME DÉCOR 30 ACCESSORIES Bedtime Stories Sink into plush bedding 35 DOING IT UP: DO/DON’T The Stuff Dreams are Made of Where ideas are born 37 The Lowdown on Downsizing A smaller home for a lifetime of stuff WORKSPACE 40 The History of Industry… in the Making Celebrating industrial heritage THE GREAT OUTDOORS 44 How Does Your Garden Grow? Plant panels are the latest wall coverings DESTINATION, HERITAGE & ENVIRONMENT 46 GOING PLACES Fit for a Queen A historic mansion for a holiday home 51 CONSERVATION CORNER The Paint Job Picturing planned 17th-century fortifications PROPERTY POTENTIAL 55 As Good as New Home interiors consultancy 57 IDEAS & MORE

ON THE COVER See story on page 51

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PHOTO: SEAN MALLIA See story on page 30

MY DESIGN

PHOTO: BRIAN GRECH

IT’S FuNNy. Whenever I think of where I would like to go on holiday, especially at this time of the year, that Mediterranean feel springs to mind. I think of the beaches and clear waters of the Adriatic and Aegean Seas; I think of coastal, low-lying resorts, fusing into the typical landscape; I think of fishing villages, fish feasts and the rest of the Mediterranean diet; I think of olive groves, citrus trees, prickly pears and the sound of cicadas… I think of uniform whitewashed houses, with turquoise shutters, huddled into hills; I think of courtyards, rubble walls, church squares and feasts, aperitifs on roof terraces and pre-dinner seaside strolls; I think of earth tones, terracotta and natural materials. I also think I may be unadventurous and unwilling to travel far, but really, it’s quite simply the lifestyle and setting that appeal to me and what I am always seeking out. And then I think: Hang on a minute! I actually live on a Mediterranean island [on paper];

always have. So why am I searching for it elsewhere? The answer is simple. While Malta may have had all the ingredients to create and even capitalise [for those who only talk money] on that unique charm somewhere along the line, it has done its utmost to destroy it and try to become something else… And off we go to seek greener pastures… maybe never to return some day. The truth is Sicily is only a comfortable catamaran ride away and is starting to beat going to Gozo, opening up an authentic and unspoilt world just a stone’s throw away, which we can really identify with, but have actually lost. The haphazard rise of towering infernos on our islands has just about set alight the last fragments of our Mediterranean style. Much has been said about these developments that will mar skylines forever and hammer the last nail into this country’s concrete coffin, leaving its identity in limbo… and everyone else living in hell. Almost a year ago now, when I met the foreign architect entrusted to a business park project, I was left impressed and inspired by his vision and that of the property owners, who, instead of knocking it down and proceeding to build as densely as possible and as high as they could, were simply not into tall buildings. Already, it was a breath of fresh air… almost literally.

The idea was to make sure the view from Valletta to Mdina was protected. up until then, there would have been no high-rise buildings between them. Back then, the thinking was that such an important sight line should not be broken, nor compromised. The architect had a vision of the height limitation and believed no building should rise above the current, sacred skyline. yes, it was a breath of fresh air to hear someone talk about eco-friendliness in genuine terms; to hear about financial viability in terms of construction methods that would have even benefitted the man in the street; to hear about saving buildings, appreciating and pioneering industrial heritage. unfortunately, the article remained on the backburner for too long. Today, his ideas – particularly those pertaining to the skyline – no longer hold water, buried under the debris that characterises this country. yes, we have, indeed, experienced that predicted earthquake! Speaking to Prof. Ian Ritchie had filled me with hope… because even back then, when towers were not on the drawing board and hadn’t yet been slipped in by stealth as a side note, I was already uneasy and sensed that we were living on the edge.

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THE PROJECT

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The sea inside This waterfront apartment does its utmost to detach itself from the chaotic scene that Sliema has become. It’s illusory simplicity leads to serenity… Up on the eight floor, it strives to continue a seamless connection with the sea. PHOTOS: ALEX ATTARD

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THE PROJECT

BUILT ON A SITE LADEN WITH AWKWARD ANGLES AND ACUTE CORNERS, ORDER AND UNIFORMITY WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH A NUMBER OF BESPOKE JOINERY ELEMENTS THAT EXPLOIT THE SPACE, WHILE PROVIDING A SEAMLESS FLOW

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Location: Sliema Size: 280 square metres Project team: Steven Risiott, Patricia Grech from A Collective Suspended above a chaotic seaside node, this eight-floor apartment strives to create a haven of tranquillity that breaks away from the hustle and bustle of the busy street below. The apartment forms part of a larger residential block, meaning it was impossible to intervene on the façade and its openings. So A Collective was commissioned exclusively for the conversion of the apartment’s outdated interiors. The conceptual development of the proposal was centred around the notion of creating a continuous visual and audial connection with the sea. The apartment unfolds as the permeability of the space increases. The wall framing the front door is diminished to slats, providing a teaser taster of the uninterrupted sea views.

Behind these slats on a raised timber platform is the summer living room, so positioned to allow for a view of the horizon when seated. The timber slats were designed to reflect the flanges of the steel column, which frames the entrance hallway. Aligned with this steel column, pivoted between the entrance, living room and kitchen, is a 10-seater dining table culminating in an elegant marble-clad fireplace. Built on a site laden with awkward angles and acute corners, order and uniformity was achieved through a number of bespoke joinery elements that exploit the space, while providing a seamless flow. Concealed behind a pivot door at the end of the corridor, the room furthest away from the sea was transformed into a cosy, winter TV room, library and study. The bespoke cladding and storage elements within this space incorporate concealed entrances to annex service areas.

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PROJECT PEOPLE

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DESIGNER FRANCIS SULTANA INVITES PLACES INTO HIS VALLETTA PALAZZO TO SHADOW SHOOT A MAJOR HOUSE & GARDEN FEATURE ON HIS ARTISTIC AND ENTREPRENEURIAL LIFE – A REFLECTION OF HIS WORK, CREATIONS AND INSPIRATION. PIECE BY PIECE, WE GET TO UNRAVEL THE MARVEL OF HIS MALTA HOME, WITH ITS FOCUS ON ALL THINGS FINE FROM FOOD TO PEOPLE AND SPACES. Photographer Sean Mallia captures him entertaining guests on the breathtaking roof terrace of his Malta home, hanging over Grand Harbour. In his own shoot that epitomises this magazine’s design and living tagline, he offers a glimpse of the lifestyle of the London-based, Gozitan interior decorator, art collector and furniture designer. Moving around the stunning location, losing himself in suggestive corners and feasting on delicious details, he captures Francis’s trademark style, characterised by a love for glamour and luxury – two adjectives that sum up the designer’s lifestyle and surroundings and accompany him whatever he does. Born and raised in Nadur, Francis left for London in his gap year and has lived there ever since, working with international visionary creatives, including the likes of the late Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid in honour of whose life and works he recently curated the Masterpiece London art fair’s Zaha Hadid Commemorative Salon. Over the last quarter of a century, Francis has created several bespoke pieces for his discerning clients, launching his first signature furniture collection in 2011. He opened his eponymous studio and showroom, Francis Sultana Ltd, on London’s Fulham Road, at 38, and recently moved them to David Gill Gallery, of which he is also CEO, in St James’s. “I am in an enviable position to be working with some of the biggest artists and designers in the

PALAZZO PERFECT PHOTOS: SEAN MALLIA

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PROJECT PEOPLE

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world, and with my own interior and furniture design studio, I get to travel all over, creating interiors for my clients, whether they are in London or New York. We are now even expanding into new areas like Asia and Russia.” Francis’s latest collection, Narmina, is scheduled for spring, and other plans include returning to London in autumn to show the work of Hadid at David Gill Gallery. He will also be sitting on the judging committee of PAD, London’s leading fair for 20th-century art, design and decorative arts, where he is also showing the work of US artist Michele Oka Doner. Francis was recently invited to address the Dream Big Malta event, which saw a number of local visionaries in their fields, who have succeeded beyond the island’s shores, inspire youths to dream bigger. He regularly returns to his roots, describing his Valletta home, a baroque palazzo and painstaking restoration project with his partner, renowned design gallerist and mentor, David Gill, as “an essay in everything I love – from design to art and interiors of course, but also for the honour of being able to restore a piece of Maltese architectural

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PROJECT PEOPLE

heritage in this stunning palazzo. The house is not yet finished, but already it is giving me so much joy”. His favourite spot is the roof terrace, where he can look out over Valletta every morning and evening. “It’s one of the best views I know – and one that I keep in my head when I am travelling and look forward to seeing when I come home. “My heart is still very much Maltese, and to have created a beautiful home I can come back to is the best of all my worlds.” Francis is pictured here in the company of guests, Suzanne and Christopher Sharp of The Rug Company, arts journalist Michela Moro and her husband, House & Garden features director David Nicholls and photographer John Laurie. They were invited to drinks and dinner, which included vol-au-vents with goats cheese and home-grown olive mousse, a chilled cucumber soup and a blueberry and lemon mascarpone tart, among other delicacies, prepared by chef Matt Vella and served in Francis’s awe-inspiring dining room. Francis has always been passionate about rich materials, attention to luxurious detailing and harnessing the increasingly rare skills of dedicated craftsmen. All these elements have naturally found their rightful place in the capital’s heart.

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“MY HEART IS STILL VERY MUCH MALTESE, AND TO HAVE CREATED A BEAUTIFUL HOME I CAN COME BACK TO IS THE BEST OF ALL MY WORLDS”

TASTE

PHOTOS: CHRIS SANT FOURNIER

THE

ARTisan

IN COFFEE When you pride yourself on serving coffee that is an “ethical” product, the place you serve it from has to be built on that ethos too. At Kefa-Kafe, it’s not about the packaging; if we’re talking genuine, responsible and eco-friendly, it’s reflected also in the space. The devil’s fruit is in the detail. IF YOU’RE drinking artisan coffee, you make up a mere seven per cent of those 4.5 billion cups consumed every day; the remaining 93 per cent live on the commercial, processed versions by the big names. And only a fraction of that seven per cent consumed is backed up by certification – proof of 100-per-cent traceability to the plant, with nothing to hide. Now if you’re getting your morning caffeine fix from Kefa-Kafe in Naxxar, you form part of that fraction – a minority that barista Steve Alamango is trying to increase, as the slogan goes, one cup of coffee at a time. “With every cup, you’re supporting the whole chain, starting from the farmer, who supports the environment, using ethical techniques…” One fine day, Steve woke up and, literally, smelled the coffee, deciding to change his line of work drastically, moving from the corporate to the caffeine world. While many may wish they could just do what they enjoy and believe in, they fear taking the plunge due to money matters, he admits. But Steve wanted to wake up to “something higher”… literally even. This “something higher” meant sourcing coffee from the uppermost altitudes – what gives it that

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cut above. “Speciality coffee is down to altitude,” he explains, “where the air is pure and clean and the beans can absorb flavours and pick up notes from the fruits growing around them.” Kefa-Kafe, which serves – and it’s quite a mouthful – directly traded, high-altitude, shadegrown, single-estate coffee, which basically goes from the farm to the roaster to the cafe, with no auctions, or warehouse storage in between, is his little ripple in the ocean of unhealthy, destructive living. And the rawness, in the sense of authenticity, of his coffees is reflected in the design of his Naxxar joint, which is competing with another 10 in the area, but in reality, is offering something altogether different. Steve steered away from “aluminium, large displays and adverts”. His choice materials are sackcloth and wood. As a result, the space – probably once a service house to the palazzo round the corner, or a stable – is not clinical and modern, but has a cosier feel… Most items are recycled and made by the man himself – from the shelves to the bar and the wall painting [down to the drains and electricity]. His overall ethos is reflected in the design. And the eco-friendliness trickles down to the 100-per-cent

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THE SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE IN THE SPACE IS THAT YOU DON’T NEED MUCH IN LIFE AND YOU DON’T NEED TO SPEND THOUSANDS; YOU JUST NEED TO GET YOUR PRODUCTS RIGHT, AND BY RIGHT, HE MEANS GOOD AND ETHICAL compostable cups, lids and bags, made from vegetable oils. Makeshift and simple, it is decorated with random gifts from friends, including an old Russian samovar, masks from the Dogon tribe in Mali, an old guitar and old books and a figurine of Kaldi, the legendary Ethiopian goatherd, who is said to have discovered the coffee plant. Even the sugar is raw from Ecuador; so is the cocoa for the hot chocolate… This and a wide range of teas, possessing various health benefits – barring the childhood-memory-inducing condensed milk version, I suppose – are all served here. In a coffee house, you’d expect to find coffee on the floor, Steve says. And, indeed, you can spot the stains that are testimony to the passing trade. The subliminal message in the space is that you don’t need much in life and you don’t need to spend thousands; you just need to get your products right, and by right, he means good and ethical. Then there’s the all-important barista side, which requires passion, detail and love. “You have to be serious about it and skilled,” Steve says as he dabbles patiently with his coffee contraptions, almost as though he is conducting a science experiment. “The 50th

coffee of the day has to be like the first. And consistency comes with passion…” Needless to say, Steve is also attracted to the science aspect of it all: there are 1,200 different variables, from production to serving, that can affect a coffee. And each blend has its own way of brewing. In fact, among the equipment on his shelves are rudimentary items like paper bags, through which his brew drizzles, a pestle and mortar, and a siphon filter, used for single-estate coffees, which, as the name implies, come from one estate, where the bean has a particular profile. “The estates don’t even look like plantations – just pieces of forest,” he adds, veering back to the environment. Yes, there’s a geographical slant to certified speciality coffee too. And at Kefa-Kafe, you can go on a tantalising journey from Peru to Costa Rica, Ethiopia and El Salvador, to name a few stops. Just be sure to include a taste trip to the Jamaican Blue Mountains, which are the top in every sense. Situated 6,000 square metres above sea level, they provide the finest brew. But you can also have it freshly roasted round the corner in Naxxar.

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Copper coating Just when you thought you’d seen it all, copper is cladding entire kitchens too. From mirrored to matte, the malleable, reddish-brown metal is the latest trend to take over your cupboards, surfaces, stools and sinks…

COPPER has been used in kitchens for a long time, albeit perhaps not so much in Malta. Popular in Britain and the US, it is, however, becoming local designers’ material of choice. From functional accents like sinks and mixers, handles, railings and appliances to touches in soft furnishings like stools, pendants and pots and pans, copper is here to stay. Copper goes well with soft, muted colours [think mint and pale blue], but also with bolder, darker colours [charcoal grey, midnight blue, bottle green] and also with white for those after a soft Scandinavian look; think of a mix of white fronts, a reclaimed wooden top, subway tiles and copper-fronted top cupboards and handles. Copper can be used in small doses for those who aren’t after a daring effect; a copper faucet and sink, coupled with bin pulls, are sleek and sophisticated. Copper produces a stunning texture-ontexture effect. Too shy to go with the full polished effect? Mix some highly mirrored copper into a more sombre matt finish and the result is understated elegance.

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Copper has great anti-bacterial properties as it destroys fungi spores, bacteria and viruses and it is easy to wipe down and maintain, although it is prone to showing up fingerprints, just like stainless steel.

COPPER SCRATCHES AND STAINS EASILY, ACQUIRING A LOVELY PATINA WITH AGE Copper scratches and stains easily, acquiring a lovely patina with age. Of course for those who prefer their furniture to remain as when first purchased, the copper Factory fronts by Aster Cucine are great substitutes. These are basically stainless steel doors, sprayed and treated to look like copper, without the disadvantages that come with the natural soft material. In addition to making a statement, copper is of course a valuable material and can be reworked into multiple things at the end of its intended use. For example, a copper worktop can be remade and polished into a backsplash. It can be cut and machined into light fittings, furniture pieces, decorative tiles, accessories, or sold off as scrap.

The Factory kitchen is an interesting mix of reclaimed wooden fronts, matt copper bases, a shiny copper hood and hand-painted panelled doors, anchored beautifully together with the dark anthracite cement top and backsplash. This kitchen is all about raw and industrial. Matt copper is mixed in beautifully with chalkboard top cabinets and a dark grey cement top, backsplash, plinth and the very stylish uprights, which serve to delineate and sharpen the look.

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PHOTOS: SEAN MALLIA

IN CONCRETE TERMS The client wanted a raw and sexy kitchen, with a strong connection to the adjoining courtyard. This is how architects Simon Grech and Elisa Camilleri from Model rose to the challenge… and raised the bar. THE AIM was to maximise the connection between internal and external spaces through the continuation of the materials, as well as functionality. Users of the kitchen can sit at the ‘bar’ outside while the chef cooks inside and “the feeling of both spaces should be equal”. The starting point was an older house so natural materials, which would age gracefully with the beautiful stone, were used. The project was not without challenges and constraints, the kitchen area being tight and narrow. This was

overcome by opening the space into the courtyard and tucking the kitchen in between. The end result is a graceful and raw kitchen, designed with all modern amenities sitting comfortably and effortlessly in an older, restored, traditional townhouse. The finishes – concrete, timber and stone – are basic and as raw as possible. The stand-out feature is the concrete counter, while other important touches include hidden aperture rails and embedded services within the concrete countertop.

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ACCESSORIES

e m i t d s e e B stori

s; che . u o nky mt war be swa n i in tle nes sleep ; g u in edd om yo b h o lus er to p let th k in

Sin

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PHOTOS: SEAN MALLIA STYLING: IRENE ZARB ADAMI LOCATION: THE XARA PALACE RELAIS & CHATEAUX, MDINA

ACCESSORIES

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Cushions, €19.90, The Atrium | magazine rack/centrepiece, €234.40, Fino | Mini Togo chair, €2,572, Fino.

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DOING IT UP: DO/DON’T

THE STUFF DREAMS ARE MADE OF Interior architect Antonella Riotto, from Fino Interiors Design Studio, focuses on the bedroom – that often small and rather overlooked space in a home. At the end of the day – literally – most of our dreams and inspiration are born from it. THE FAMOUS phrase from architect Mies van der Rohe – “less is more” – should be the starting point when decorating a bedroom [where you not only rest, but also relax, read a book and even do some work] and finding the right balance between style, personality and functionality. While decorating with fewer objects can sometimes result in the creation of voids, these should be perceived as a plus. Residual spaces can actually accommodate a walk-in closet, a bathroom and turn your ordinary bedroom into a real suite. Minimal design is also required to achieve a sophisticated style. This can then be enriched with the right

decorations and soft furnishing, according to personal taste. Every element in the room should be in its place and nothing should get in your way…

luxurious feel, why not pick natural stones, including travertine and marble. Tiles are another in-between solution; easy to clean and versatile, they are today’s chameleons, mimicking other materials.

The bed is the heart of the bedroom. Pay attention not only to its style but also to its features. Consider a storage unit if you need the extra space.

The wardrobe is one of the most important features of a bedroom and lack of space in dressing areas is often a problem. But are you aware that you can have a complete walk-in closet in just 2.5 square metres? Always bear in mind that: the bottom part of the wardrobe should be used for drawers, extractable trays and accessories [such as shoes and ties], or shelves with rails for hanging jackets, shirts and the smaller items; consider placing the last shelf with a top rail [for long dresses and coats] no higher than 1.90cm to reach the hangers easily [for the extra height, just use a pull-down mechanism]; and use the top part of the wardrobe for storing clothes you use less during the year, or for suitcases and boxes.

Still probably the most undervalued item of a bedroom, the mattress is an essential element that can significantly impact the level of comfort of your bed. Soft furnishings and other decorations can be used to create a visual impact. For example, using double curtains in light and heavy fabrics can be both practical and pleasing to the eye. The flooring is another element that is usually neglected, but extremely influential. For that feeling of warmth and comfort when walking barefoot, a parquet floor should do the job. And for a more

WWW.FINO.COM.MT

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The front room of this new home doubles as a casa e bottega to do away with superﬂuous stuﬀ.

MOVING HOUSE

The lowdown on downsizing Moving house is a headache. But what about relocating to a more confined space… after a lifetime of accumulating items of sentimental value it would seem impossible to part with. Here’s a real-life – and clever – case of how downsizing can be done. Remember: a place for everything and everything in its place. PHOTOS: STEVE ZAMMIT LUPI

EVEN if you’re anti-clutter and throw away things at the first sign of wear and tear, years of life will see you hold on to many a seemingly useless item with some story attached to it, let alone the things of material value you’ve invested money in over time. And it would appear

that, the older you grow, the harder it is to discard. Rennie and Paulanne Vella have 34 years of married life behind them… and they are collectors by nature, to boot. But that did not stop them from taking the plunge and moving, together with their two children, from

five spacious floors to a two-storey townhouse, “without even a washroom”, descending from eight to three bedrooms in a heartbeat. While they cannot say the experience was a walk in the park, they managed to mitigate the effects of downsizing and having to do away

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MOVING HOUSE with their precious belongings primarily through a clever use of space… and a casa e bottega in their front room to sell whatever they could get themselves to part with. “Its contents are just a drop in the ocean of all the extra stuff we have,” says Rennie as he opens the front door and points to the first room. The couple have been coolly candid, unafraid of facing the future and planning ahead. “We intend to keep living in this house when we get older; we don’t want to bother the children.” So the casa e bottega is ready to be turned into a bedroom, with drainage and sink connections in place for when they can no longer walk up the stairs… “Why hobble down a corridor to go to the toilet in old age?” Apart from having to lug along a lifetime of items that have sentimental value – and the Vellas seem to have an anecdote about every minute decoration in their house – Paulanne is also an avid porcelain specialist. Displaying her collection alone required museum-style showcases… Suffice it to say that she still has the first teapot she bought at seven years old from a curiosity shop for what was then 25c and is now worth $127 [not to mention a nofs sold in it, which her grandfather had given her for good luck]. Such is their memory of all their possessions. If the couple have been together for 34 years, Paulanne’s relationship with porcelain dates back half a century! Having a big house meant she could buy and buy with no problems of storage. But at some point, the home just became too large. “You can’t keep up with the cleaning anymore and with the whole upkeep; at a certain age, it’s simply time to downsize!” The fundamental difference is that they now don’t have rooms that are untouched. It’s all very used, and convenience is the order of the day. The strategy for the Vellas has also been to use every nook and cranny and to be inventive with storage space. Custom-made furniture is the trick of the downsizing trade, and fine examples include a floor-to-[high]ceiling showcase, which has not only utilised the full volume of the landing, but also turned it into a study through the incorporation of a hidden desk, with a filing system tucked neatly away in its lower cabinet doors.

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Paulanne Vella’s vast porcelain collection alone would have been hard to move.

Rennie Vella relocates and opens a door onto a leaner life.

Do they miss their huge study? No. Did Paulanne get rid of “the kids” – her porcelain collection? Of course not! She has just been practical about her second family, keeping only the best of the best, which are on proud display in this central spot. Meanwhile, a chipped vase finds its way into the garden and is used in the soil for plants. That way, the water can run out more easily… The multi-purpose showcase-cumstudy is white, to be as unobtrusive as possible. It fits neatly between the hall columns – a space that would normally have catered for a superfluous table and two unused chairs in some other house. Of course it helps that Paulanne is an organised person, who lives by the mantra: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” The tendency is that the more space you have, the more you fill it. So an element of discipline is also required. Their compact desk would not necessarily work if Paulanne were not the type of person to go through all correspondence immediately, pay any bills and file everything away. On the other hand, Paulanne also has interests that would make downsizing seem harder for her than for anyone

else. She’s a big fan of Christmas and decorating the house for the festivities… and she wants all her paraphernalia immediately at hand. So it’s all packed away under the stairs on wheels and all she has to do is slide it out when the time comes. Although they have downsized, the Vellas have ended up with a sizeable pantry, which, in reality, not every standard house has. It also doubles as a laundry room, with Rennie referring to it as his “garage”, and it includes space to hang his house clothes too. It was once the kitchen, which has now moved to the main open room. Even though it is spacious, they have included extendable surfaces that roll out from the cupboards. Back in the pantry, storage climbs all the way up to the ceiling and may not be that easily accessible. But again, organisation is the name of the game. “I know what I’m going to be using on a daily basis and it is all at hand,” says Paulanne. And finally, the Vellas know how to recycle, downsizing a huge wardrobe from their old house to be able to take it with them, without losing any closet space, really. Why waste money? They reupholstered their old couch, making it as good as new, to avoid having to do away with some of the stuff they were attached to. But the bottom line is: “If it’s not close to your heart, get rid of it! And if your kids don’t want it, don’t bring it with you. Sell it online.” And on that detached note, was there no emotional side to the move? Let’s face it, Rennie was actually born and grew up in that house, meaning he left after a good 50 years. Moreover, he was the third generation to live in it so the pull was strong. “We’ve been through a lot in our old house… even ugly things,” says Paulanne. But in truth, there was only one teary moment. “We had packed our things in boxes and left the office furniture. As we were leaving, I had an outer-body experience and I saw Rennie and I on our chairs in the study, working away side by side as we always have…” They may take it in turns to use the desk today, but its central location in the heart of the home means the couple are never too far apart.

WORKSPACE

THE HISTORY OF INDUSTRY… IN THE MAKING

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The concept of the business park is based on pavilions, set in a series of courtyard gardens, inspired by the character of Maltese palaces.

Industrial heritage is largely overlooked in Malta. We barely get to appreciate the beauty and value of other older buildings that require our attention, let alone of factories and manufacturing plants… Fortunately, the Farsons Group has had the foresight and is about to be the pioneer in the preservation of industry’s infrastructure. Leading international architect Ian Ritchie lets PLACES in on his thought process, while Farsons Group chairman Louis Farrugia momentarily moves away from the business to the personal and emotional element of the project. Both are brimming with passion and vision for the Farsons Business Park.

Family history behind industrial heritage Farsons is among the pioneers of industrialisation in Malta. And the Farsons Business Park is set to be one of the country’s first and exemplary conversions of an industrial heritage building. So apart from the physical challenges behind the transformation of the iconic old brewhouse and former packaging halls on Mdina Road, the conservation of the art deco elements and the eventual take-up of the office space, the project’s success will also come to depend upon a change in culture. Industrial heritage encompasses not only the architectural envelope of buildings, but also the machines they house, as well as the fabric of a changing society. The public needs to understand the intrinsic historical value of this manufacturing plant… The man in the street needs to appreciate that industrial history is an important part of cultural history. And no one does so more than Louis Farrugia, Farsons Group chairman, whose attachment to the brewery and building is also emotional. The building is “his” – his late father’s, Lewis V. Farrugia, an architect by profession and the entrepreneur who conceived and designed the brewery, which was inaugurated in June 1950. It’s almost as though his legacy lives on in its stones, so the responsibility to carry it into the future is even more compelling. Probably for this reason also, the brewery will remain intact and its façade will be retained to allow Malta’s industrial heritage to be showcased. “We still marvel at it. It is a scheduled grade 2 property, but we would have still looked after it even if it weren’t listed,” Mr Farrugia says.

As the operation migrated to the south of the premises due to space constraints, the fate of the original brewery was always a concern. Leaving it as it is would have resulted in its decay, so the answer is to breathe new life into it and stop using it as a warehouse. His father had worked with the Scottish architect William Binnie on the 1948 brewery building. Now, following a tender process, Mr Farrugia has coincidentally also chosen a British man of Scottish origin, Ian Ritchie, to help inject another lease of life. It’s almost a case of history repeating itself; he describes it as a “happy coincidence”. “We communicated our passion and vision and he understood the commitment and is impassioned by it too,” Mr Farrugia says of the entrusted architect, who has a long list of iconic works under his belt and whose practice has received more than 60 national and international awards, art and cultural heritage being a major part of his portfolio.

He is not pessimistic about public perception. Aesthetic values and their acceptance shift over time. The truth is that we have been simultaneously ignoring and appreciating this sort of thing throughout history, he maintains. “The Fortress Builders – Fortification Interpretation Centre in Valletta was no more than a warehouse and yet we do understand its relevance,” he points out. “Most sites we cherish were of an industrial nature too… “Protecting iconic industrial heritage, such as the Farsons Brewhouse, is akin to holding on to a story from a bygone era – except once preserved, the stories can be narrated time and again.” It’s with more than a hint of nostalgia that Mr Farrugia tells his own story of the building. For a moment, he’s almost more focused on the human element of the landmark project than the business aspect; on his father’s important role at such a young age. And it’s with more than a hint of regret that he slips in the fact that he died when he was only five.

THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THE INTRINSIC HISTORICAL VALUE OF THIS MANUFACTURING PLANT… THE MAN IN THE STREET NEEDS TO APPRECIATE THAT INDUSTRIAL HISTORY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF CULTURAL HISTORY Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd is supported by Malta-based engineers TBA Periti, and its major architectural and engineering works include the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art in Madrid, the Leipzig Messe Glass Hall and the Louvre Sculpture Courts and Pyramids. “It is not the aesthetic beauty, or the age of an old building that matters. The only criterion is the public interest in the object,” Prof. Ritchie says of industrial heritage.

It was from that year that the company began to be profitable and has been so ever since, he says, pointing out the scepticism his father faced about such a major project in a country that was still getting its act together after the war. The surroundings The magnitude of the development project – a €60 million investment – and the fact that it has to be

SEPTEMBER 2016 PLACES

WORKSPACE

profitable are, of course, major concerns, which have required a wider consideration of the surrounding area and built environment. The vision is anything but shortsighted and has extended to the whole industrial estate, which needs upgrading. The project, in fact, represents an opportunity to regenerate and rehabilitate Mriehel, while highlighting the importance of industrial heritage structures and placing their transformation into a high-quality development. Prof. Ritchie knows the area like the back of his hand and has observed every single surrounding building. He knows he is creating something iconic in what could be considered one of the more neglected areas of Malta. A public-private partnership, which includes 18 stakeholders, has been set up in the form of the Mriehel Foundation and the ball is now rolling to embellish the industrial estate, with no less than 180 tonnes of waste having already been cleared during the summer months. Mr Farrugia is the chairman of the Mriehel Foundation and the vision is to holistically rehabilitate the area to facilitate its transformation into a modern business district and destination.

Past…

An artist’s impression of the brewhouse oﬃce concept.

Going against the grain The Farsons Business Park has been a long process and time has been spent thinking things through. Permits are due at the end of the year, with works scheduled to start by mid-2017. Mr Farrugia did his homework in the run-up, visiting similar iconic examples of industrial heritage in the UK and settling on the creation of 20,000 square metres of innovative office space for over 1,000 workers, with more than 1,200 square metres of food and beverage areas. The project also includes a visitors’ centre, housed in the old brewhouse, with the coppers and vats incorporated into the design. The Farsons Business Park goes against the grain in more ways than one, and the fact that it is limited to a number of individual, low-density units of five recessed floors is yet another feather in its cap.

PLACES SEPTEMBER 2016

A holistic approach On his part, Prof. Ritchie did not stop at the architectural design. His holistic approach to the project means he is not just looking at aesthetics, but also at commercial sense. There is a hugely practical side to his work and he has an understanding of what it takes to truly set up a successful business. An architectural project cannot be detached from its economic feasibility, while foregoing a holistic approach would be too easy, he says.

He has, therefore, gone into minute detail to see how to get the best value out of the assets and land available. His first consideration: Why knock down when you already have a building? Next: Why excavate? The project also differs considerably from what the man in the street is used to in terms of parking measures, having avoided the need to excavate. Prof. Ritchie’s simple explanation makes it even clearer that there is little sense in this, not least because the underground area would require mechanical ventilation that costs money.

and future

Energy efficiency But apart from being driven by financial sense, environmental concerns are also high on the agenda and, indeed, the two go hand in hand. ‘Energy efficiency’ and ‘green’ are not just buzzwords. For example, natural ventilation is being factored in, translating into tangible energy gains, and the green building is taking an environmental approach to cooling and heating for a comfortable working environment throughout the seasons. It’s a question of “pure common sense”, Prof. Ritchie points out. “I simply don’t want to waste money on heating, lighting and maintaining the building.” These are not financial considerations that only benefit the developer, but good commercial sense that is environmentally driven and so everyone stands to gain. This is not just about creating office space; this is also about making it viable and sustainable.

TO DISCOVER OLD SPACES AND TO REINVEST ENERGY INTO THEM AND GIVE THEM A NEW LIFE, IN EFFECT A RENAISSANCE, SHOULD BE AS THRILLING AS CREATING A NEW BUILDING

Raising the bar The idea is to raise the bar of office design and what is on offer to Malta’s business community. The concept is, in fact, based on sustainable business pavilions, set in a series of courtyard gardens, which were inspired by the traditional character of Maltese palaces. The courtyard gardens should provide a tranquil and inspiring work environment, while the office blocks will be connected to the old brewhouse and multi-level car park through corridors and restored walkways that used to serve the old brewery.

The existing boundary wall will be removed and the building will become one with the road and accessible to the public. The idea is that the perception of the block will also change considerably between night and day. Work and entertainment will be distinguishable through subtle lighting, and Prof. Ritchie already sees it buzzing with entrepreneurs at the Cisk Sky Bar by night. “To discover old spaces and to reinvest energy into them and give them a new life, in effect a renaissance, should be as thrilling as creating a new building,” he says… for a refreshing change.

SEPTEMBER 2016 PLACES

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

How does your garden grow? Looking for a feature wall, but not keen on the run-of-the-mill coverings, or a simple paint job? Why not bring the outside in with plant panels that add a unique sense of freshness… N.B. Green fingers are not necessary – these moss walls are virtually maintenance free.

PLACES SEPTEMBER 2016

DO YOU have a humid and dark area in the house that you want to brighten and freshen up? Do you like greenery, but can’t be bothered with the constant watering? Well, then moss panels may be the answer. Available in three types of preserved greenery, they are designed for indoor use and can be attached to walls and ceilings in a variety of combinations and compositions. Aesthetics also meets functionality, with excellent soundproof features making them ideal for public spaces. Created from live lichen, plants and foliage, they undergo a unique and ecological preservation process that consists of substituting the sap with a preservative similar to sugar that is 100 per cent biodegradable. The sap is completely evaporated to give way to a mixture of natural glycerine, water and food colouring. Thanks to this method of preservation, the plants and foliage are able to retain their natural and fresh state without maintenance; they are organic, 100 per cent natural and biodegradable. Exposure to UV rays is not recommended because, as with any organic but inert product, these would accelerate the process of ageing and decay. Moss walls are treated to last over time at a humidity rate of not less than 30 per cent and not more than 70, while for the lichen, humidity ranges between 30 and 95 per cent. The plant walls do not need watering and should not be sprayed or immersed in water or any other liquids. Moreover, they are not static, so they do not attract dust. They are created utilising standard or custom-sized MDF panels, according to the project’s requirements, and can be easily applied to any surface. All the plants used to create these panels are thoroughly cleaned of all external agents, treated and produced by artisans, with strict control over the preservation

process that allows for the monitoring of the source. By following the basic rules of maintenance, which simply include monitoring humidity levels, no watering and no UV rays, the product has a guaranteed life of seven years. But in truth, the panels last much longer than that.

SEPTEMBER 2016 PLACES

PLACES SEPTEMBER 2016

queen FIT FOR A

If you plan on visiting Florence, you may not want to stay at Villa Cora. The chances are you won’t set foot outside the lavish Relais & Chateaux property once you step inside. You’ll be content with the bird’s-eye view of the Renaissance city, perched as it is on the Boboli Gardens, and happy to feast your senses on the Moresque, oriental, baroque and contemporary taste that gives it that uniquely eclectic charm. SOMETIMES, a hotel room is just that – a space to leave your belongings and in which to end the day. But sometimes, the hotel is the holiday! It is not only significantly much better than your own home, but an experience in itself. That experience is usually the result of museumworthy design and décor; a history that sees you stepping back in time into the set of your favourite iconic movie; and a level of pampering and service that means every sense has been seen to. At Villa Cora, you run the risk of compressing your sight-seeing plans to one single morning and you could find yourself rushing back to make the most of the historic Florentine mansion, its luxury and service, and the luscious setting it lies in.

cosmopolitan and cultural symbols and among the most prestigious residences of the Tuscan capital, immediately takes you back in time… It takes you back to the 19th century, when the architect Pietro Comparini was commissioned by Baron Oppenheim to design and build an aristocratic residence – supposedly as a wedding gift for his wife – reflecting the architectural and stylistic characteristics of that era, dominated by strong decorative eclecticism. The 45 rooms and suites, located in the main villa and in two adjacent buildings, have been painstakingly restored, down to the slightest detail, to conserve the original architectural style of the 1800s.

IT TAKES YOU BACK TO THE 19TH CENTURY, WHEN THE ARCHITECT PIETRO COMPARINI WAS COMMISSIONED BY BARON OPPENHEIM TO DESIGN AND BUILD AN ARISTOCRATIC RESIDENCE – SUPPOSEDLY AS A WEDDING GIFT FOR HIS WIFE – REFLECTING THE ARCHITECTURAL AND STYLISTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THAT ERA, DOMINATED BY STRONG DECORATIVE ECLECTICISM Located on the hills just above the historical centre of Florence – which can be reached on foot along the gently winding and shaded Viale Machiavelli, though the hotel offers an efficient shuttle service to and from – it remains far removed from the hustle and bustle, enveloped in a centuries-old park, overlooking the Boboli Gardens. Villa Cora is opulent – in the best sense of the word. Its recent restoration has seen the retention of elaborate furnishings, intertwined with modern touches that create that unbeatable eclectic mix. There’s something about a property that is steeped in history… and yet very now. Entering what has, over the years, become one of Florence’s major

In the main residence, each of the four floors is characterised by its own style: the Noble Floor has its original frescoes; the second is dedicated to the former empress Eugenia, widow of Napoleon III, and her passion for roses; the third leans towards the orient, decorated in a Moresque and oriental style; and the junior suite on the top floor is inspired by 1950s America. Villino Eugenia, overlooking the outdoor swimming pool and the Boboli Gardens, is in keeping with the bourgeois styles of the late 19th century, with ceilings depicting rare and exotic subjects. Its ground floor houses the Bené Spa, while a guesthouse on the edge of the park, Le Follie, is a single residence, ensuring complete privacy. SEPTEMBER 2016 PLACES

GOING PLACES

Luxury and refinement are the predominant elements throughout, with each room boasting authentic pieces of antique furniture and exquisite fabrics that are warm and welcoming. Each suite is a story in itself, linked to the personalities that have sojourned at the villa. Among them are Suite Akihito, in memory of the stay of the Emperor of Japan; and the Boudoir of Eugenie, who sojourned at length in the villa and whose passion for roses is amply reflected in the décor. The suite dedicated to the Japanese monarch is, indeed, fit for a king, occupying the entire façade of the villa on the Noble Floor, with a view of the city and the internal garden, and boasting original frescoes, as well as a majestic canopy bed and other rich touches. These are also evident in the fascinating Moresque Room, with its oriental style and domed ceiling, embellished with an original fresco by Antonio Caremmi. Other exclusive spaces that characterise Villa Cora include the Ceramics Room, with its outstanding large

PLACES SEPTEMBER 2016

glass table, lit internally and creating a fascinating play of light on the refined original wooden dressers from the mid-1800s. The common areas have been renovated in full respect of the original elements, with the Hall of Mirrors, and its original baroque décor, considered to have been the most amazing ballroom in the city. The Cards Room, for afternoon tea and reading, oozes tranquillity, while the smoking room in the White Salon is characterised by a monumental fireplace in Carrara marble and embellished by a neoclassical statue. But maybe more important than the interiors are the views of the city’s monuments and the surrounding verdant hills. These can best be enjoyed from the hotel’s top floor, the elegant Bellevue Roof Terrace, an exclusive lounge area, furnished with white sofas and large skycoloured cushions. Villa Cora also has its own outdoor swimming pool, located in the Italian garden, with over 100 types of roses in delicate colours. Glistening in the shadows of majestic

EACH SUITE IS A STORY IN ITSELF, LINKED TO THE PERSONALITIES THAT HAVE SOJOURNED AT THE VILLA yew trees and centuries-old oaks, the pool and surrounding flooring are heated and the atmosphere is a again romantic and sophisticated, elegant yet casual. And just to be sure no stone was left unturned, the spa is connected to the main residence through an underground panelled passageway, and has teamed up with equally prestigious names for its tailor-made treatments from beauty guru Sarah Chapman and the historical Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, founded in Florence in 1612. Because of the nature of the hotel, it is also the perfect people-watching place. Once upon a time, it hosted international personalities of the likes of Princess Eugenie and French pianist and composer Claude Debussy.

While today’s guests may not be going down in history – although in truth, you never know – they remain intriguing. You find yourself dying of curiosity to understand who the plump and boisterous young woman, who has been there for two whole weeks, is… She walks in with her big bags of Prada purchases and engages in passionate monologues and gesticulation with her mousey PA. She knows the staff well and they know her. She interviews a potential nanny in the lobby and you wonder where her children are. She wants today’s newspaper because her husband is interviewed in it and you wonder who he is. She has a meeting with her seamstresses and you want to know what for. And you hang on to every word you hear to be able to piece the jigsaw puzzle of her jet-setting life together. But you’ll leave Villa Cora none the wiser. Discretion is the name of the game. And its guests know they can feel at home in their mansion away from their home. WWW.VILLACORA.IT

SEPTEMBER 2016 PLACES

CONSERVATION CORNER

The paint job In the days before drones, paintings provided the aerial shots. Conservator Roderick Abela from Recoop Ltd goes through the layers of this work of art, which is also an excellent piece of historical documentation about Malta’s planned and proposed fortifications from the 17th century. THIS painting is an extraordinary representation of Malta’s Grand Harbour and its fortifications as planned and constructed in the late 17th century during the time of Grand Master Gregorio Carafa [1680-1690]. Unfortunately, even though the typology of this work was popular, the artist is unknown.

It provides excellent historical documentation of the extensive fortifications planning as proposed by the Knights of St John, capturing an aerial perspective of the city of Valletta, together with the plans for the outer fortifications of the Three Cities, and serves as a cartographic panorama, having a legend and references to indicate several locations of military importance.

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CONSERVATION CORNER Anti-clockwise from left: Valletta detail; infrared image; before restoration; under ultraviolet lighting; final version.

IT PROVIDES EXCELLENT HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION OF THE EXTENSIVE FORTIFICATIONS PLANNING AS PROPOSED BY THE KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN Cleaning of the painting was an interesting phase, where the true remaining original colours re-emerged beneath a monochromatic yellow/brown tinge of the old varnish. Details got sharper, and as expected, it was confirmed that the painting went through two phases in its manufacturing history.

A painted scroll at the top gives the date of the painting – 1687. An angel playing the trumpet, representative of the allegory of fame, holds a flag bearing a coat of arms related to the unknown patron, who commissioned the painting. At the bottom left is the legend, where the locations corresponding to the numbers on the plan are listed. The artist further embellished the composition by the addition of several figures in traditional costumes. Using an oil-on-canvas technique, the painting was stretched onto a wooden auxiliary support. Its condition was quite stable, though it had several layers of discoloured, aged varnish and altered past retouchings, which prevented the viewer from enjoying the originally intended colour palette. Apart from normal diffused lighting, the painting was also documented in ultraviolet lighting and with an infrared camera to get a good idea of the number of overpaintings and how old the varnish layer was. Infrared also helped in discovering pentimenti – the artist’s remodelling of the design and composition.

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Initially, prior to the cleaning phase, there was a faint indication of some underpaintings. In fact, during this process, it emerged that the artist had initially painted a series of fortifications that were never built, and maybe this was the reason why he or someone else covered them at a later stage. These fortifications, located where Paola is today, were never constructed, most probably due to lack of funds. Once cleaned, the painting was reinforced structurally by consolidating all its layers and performing a lining treatment, intended to give additional strength to restretch it back onto its auxiliary support. Infilling of losses in the paint layer with gesso followed and a levelled and homogeneous texture was obtained. It was then retouched with reversible materials, closing all the white gesso infills for the painting to regain its unity. With regards to the uncovered pentimenti, the way forward was discussed with the owner of the painting and it was agreed that the discovered fortifications would be left showing as a historical testimony of Malta’s military defence.

PROPERTY POTENTIAL

“The co-ordination of the various trades’ people involved, the logistics of same, acquiring permits where necessary, and the collection of estimates all take their toll on your energy reserves. But the biggest ‘headache’ is when a property needs converting, or redoing from scratch,” Leonard adds.

ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE HOME INTERIORS DIVISION IS FOR CLIENTS TO SIT BACK AND RELAX WHILE THE JOB IS DONE, BUT FROM EXPERIENCE, LEONARD KNOWS IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO DO THIS MAINLY BECAUSE THEY ARE IMPATIENT TO SEE THE RESULTS

AS GOOD AS NEW The Frank Salt Real Estate Home Interiors Division focuses on converting a property from start to finish, within a stipulated time frame and with minimal hassle for the client, who is meant to just sit back and relax. It’s a tall order, but Leonard Grech, senior home interiors consultant, finds being kept on his toes “interesting and exciting”. DOING up a house is supposed to be fun, but really, it’s a headache. Once in a lifetime is bad enough. But for some, it’s a full-time job. Leonard Grech and Mary Bezzina, home interiors consultants from the Frank Salt Real Estate Home Interiors Division, find it “interesting, exciting and very challenging to say the least. The spade work is fun, and discussing options and possibilities with the clients is an enjoyable experience”. But when it comes to the execution of the project, they admit the headaches take over.

The fact is that older properties have a different set of rules, and offer different challenges. People who invest in older houses do so because they fall in love with their layout and style and want to retain as much of these features as possible. However these, in themselves, can make things more complicated. “For example, normally, the floor is used to access the drains, or prepare new electricity, and the services are laid below it. But if the tiles are still in good condition, few people accept to remove them, and another alternative, if available, would have to be sought. This can be pretty difficult,” Leonard points out. Moreover, building methods in the past did not cater for modern technology, and some houses also have problems with rising damp, although, today, there are products on the market that can mitigate these issues. Leonard acknowledges that “most clients listen to what we have to say and take our advice, especially when it involves the more technical issues and solutions. However, they also put forward their own ideas to add that personal touch to the property they are, ultimately, the owners of”. One of the aims of the Home Interiors Division is for clients to sit back and relax while the job is done, but from experience, Leonard knows it is difficult for them to do this mainly because they are impatient to see the results and it also depends on the individuals and how much input they would have invested initially. “Having said that, they always look forward to learning about the progress on the finishings and do little to hinder us,” Leonard adds. The division also ensures that the job is done on time – no mean feat, given it is a known fact that this industry is not the most reliable. He says there are projects and projects: some are pretty straightforward and it is not difficult to meet deadlines; others are more challenging and obstacles are found along the way, such as delays on goods ordered, or contractors not turning up on time and other unforeseen issues, which happen mostly when renovating old houses. But at the end of the day, Leonard and Mary still think their job is “interesting, exciting and very challenging”. And that’s just as well for us because we're more than happy to leave it in their capable hands.

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PROPERTY POTENTIAL

Top trends and has-beens Life has become a fast-moving experience, leaving less time to enjoy the house and appreciate workmanship in the design etc… Modern, minimalistic finishes are, therefore, the current trend. Straight lines are the more common choices of today, aimed at creating more serene and simple environments. Colours again are mostly light, with the possible addition of a darker shade on one feature wall. Wallpaper, self-designed or textured, is again finding its place on the interior design map. Antique and shabby chic furniture is also being used together with modern finishes, giving a touch of old amid the new.

One project you are most proud of… Initially, the Home Interiors Division was called in to change the two old bathrooms of a large penthouse in Gzira. But after discussions, it was obvious the property needed an overhaul, and the new owners were ready to listen to the suggestions. Eventually, one thing led to another and the division ended up converting the whole apartment.

The Home Interiors Division

One project you are looking forward to starting... Works will soon start on Ta’ Monita in Marsascala. The owner of this property is a foreigner and he is very willing to leave it all in the division’s hands. In fact, Leonard has never met with him personally, and they only spoke over the phone once. The rest of the communication was done through e-mails, where he was sent pictures of the proposed furniture, brief descriptions of what is intended to be done, and of course, the estimates. He was happy to accept the offers and it is just a matter of waiting for the apartment to be his upon signing of the contract.

This was set up around 12 years ago with the purpose of assisting clients, buying properties through the company, to furnish their newly acquired property, either because they did not have the time, or due to lack of knowhow. Apart from offering a consultancy service, the division specialises in turnkey projects and interior design for its mostly foreign clients, who are not around to co-ordinate everything and follow up on the works. Eventually, the department branched off into taking care of more complex projects, like helping clients convert old houses, renovate older apartments, or improve properties. Common projects include furnishing new apartments, down to false ceilings, air-conditioning, decoration, soft furnishings and even the cutlery in the drawer. The most common requirement today is finishing and preparing a property to make it attractive for rental. The rental industry is growing fast and since Frank Salt offers the expertise in this department, through its letting consultants, the division is also in a position to help with what potential tenants look out for. WWW.FRANKSALT.COM.MT

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IDEAS & MORE

These everyday materials contain chemicals that, if not disposed of properly, are harmful to the environment and subsequently to human health. While some products, such as sprays and paints, are easily identified with universal hazard symbols, others like medicines, makeup, soaps, batteries, syringes and light bulbs are not. In addition, summer brings with it a number of activities that may generate additional hazardous household waste such as fjakkoli, expired charcoal, charcoal ash, insect Yes, we do generate hazardous waste repellant, or leftover paints in our households. And disposing of it from DIY decorating. incorrectly is a danger. All of these items must be handled carefully and ALTHouGH we may think that disposed of safely if we are to ensure the waste we generate at home is that hazardous waste is treated innocuous, the truth is that a certain properly and does not go to landfill. portion is considered to be hazardous If wrongly disposed of, this kind of in waste terms and hence does not waste contaminates our environment, belong in the black or recycling bags. aggravating the pollution problem.

HOME

HAZARDS

The six Civic Amenity sites in Mrieħel, Ħal Far, Luqa, Magħtab, Ta’ Qali and Tal-Kus in Gozo accept all hazardous waste, bulky waste and recyclable materials generated by households for free. The sites are open seven days a week [including public holidays] between 7.30am and 5.30pm. Vehicles can drive directly through the facility avoiding the need for parking. No appointment is needed so it really is plain sailing all the way. In fact the purpose of these centres is to optimise the collection of certain types of waste and increase the recovery of secondary materials. once collected and sorted, this waste is exported for treatment, unless it is treated locally and re-used for other purposes. Many local councils also offer a free bulky refuse service, some of which will also collect hazardous waste. Speak to your local council to see what they offer. For more information on how to get rid of your hazardous waste, visit http://dontwastewaste.gov.mt

Maximum resistence

Sofas’ month

The best night’s sleep

Direct Developments Ltd, local representatives of FINSTRAL® SpA since 1999, has become Malta’s market leader in the supply and installation of PVC doors and windows. When choosing FINSTRAL® PVC, clients are investing in long-term advantages such as security and thermal and noise insulation, together with superior German technology and Italian design. Efficient service, flexibility and personal attention are provided by the directors, who manage all clients and oversee each job from start to finish. FINSTRAL® SpA guarantees maximum resistance to the elements. Call on 2138 2595. www.pvcmalta.com

September is Sofas’ Month at Distinct Homes Ltd. The Gozo showroom and its Malta branch are celebrating this month with some very special offers. Distinct Homes is extending its free two-seater sofa offer with the purchase of this real leather 3+1-seater sofa set with recliners. Throughout September, it is launching another special offer on its real leather chaise longue sofa, recliner also included. Both types of sofas are available in coffee and caffelatte colours and are exclusively imported to Malta by Distinct Homes Ltd in Mdina Road, Attard, and Pope John Paul II Street, Victoria. www.distincthomes.com.mt

The Dorelanbed Concept Store in Mriehel brings the top Italian brand Dorelan to Malta. Dorelan offers a ‘Made in Italy’ range of beds, pillows mattresses and linen, tastefully designed and produced using quality materials to ensure the best night’s sleep. Dorelan is renowned for its range of high-end spring and memory foam mattresses, with different support zones to cater for the individual’s size, weight and preferences. High-density memory foam mattresses offer maximum support and take the shape of the body. Quality is also reflected in the pillow collection that caters for customers’ different needs and tastes. Dorelan beds are stitched to perfection and available in a variety of fabrics and colours, giving the client the luxury of personalising any bedroom. For a limited time only, buyers of any Dorelan bed will get a free storage system worth €550. For more information, visit www.dorelanbed.it; or check out the Facebook page Dorelanbed Malta.

IDEAS & MORE

Added benefits Loans come in different shapes and sizes, with different repayment terms and conditions. Here’s how customers can find the right financing solution for their particular circumstances… and benefit from free life cover. IN PRINCIPLE, the logic is simple – lending is about resorting to a bank to obtain financing for projects that people cannot fund from their own reserves at that point in time. The bank provides the financing required as long as it has sufficient reassurance that the borrowers will be able to abide by their repayment schedule in return for an interest payment on the amount of capital borrowed. The reasons for seeking financing are multiple – the most popular being for studies, for a car, a boat, a property, or to refurbish a home. However, it is always personal and individual purposes are infinite. So how are customers expected to find the right financing solution for their particular circumstances? There is no secret formula. However, one of Bank of Valletta’s strengths remains the effort it puts into getting to know individual customers and building a long-term working relationship with them. This has never been a mere sales pitch for Bank of Valletta, but a distinctive trademark that its people have nourished and passed on to new recruits. This is what enables the bank to tailor the financing solution to suit the customer’s particular circumstances at a given point in time. Furthermore, the bank continuously collates and evaluates customers’ feedback because it strongly believes that this is the best way to ensure that its suite of products, as well as the level of service it is offering, is up to their expectations. These two factors have led the bank to package important benefits in its BoV Personal Loans. When taking a personal loan, customers can be certain of rapid time frames for the processing of the application. In general, minimal documentation is required, namely a document of identification, an invoice of the asset/service being financed and evidence of income in the form of an FS3, or Profit and Loss Account. Recently, the bank has upped its offering by including another important benefit. All customers taking up a new BoV Personal Loan are automatically eligible for free life cover. This benefit is being included automatically and at no extra charge when a customer takes out a BoV Personal Loan, be it partially secured, or completely unsecured. With this benefit, customers have the peace of mind that their loan is automatically settled should they pass away before they make all the repayments. The free life cover is being made available to all customers aged 18 to 69 for loan balances of up to €25,000, whether they take up the facility in their sole name, or jointly with a third party. At Bank of Valletta, the goal is to partner its customers throughout their life journey. This is how it gains their trust. Going forward, it is committed to remain the financial partner of choice for its customers. To learn more about the free life cover, visit www.bov.com; call BOV Customer Service Centre on 2131 2020; or send an e-mail to customercare@bov.com