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WE MAKE SEARCHING FOR PROPERTY A LUXURY L U X U R Y S Q F T . C O M —— VOLUME ONE ——

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W E M A K E S E A R C H I N G F O R P R O P E R T Y A L U X U R Y

L U X U R Y S Q F T . C O M—— V O L U M E O N E ——

V O L U M E O N E W E M A K E S E A R C H I N G F O R P R O P E R T Y A L U X U R Y

thereserve.ae

Build your dream home in The Reserve in Al Barari

Plot sizes range from 14,000 to 40,000 sq ft. We offer a complete in-house build solution which includes:

- Villa design- Construction- Interior design- Full landscaping

For further inquiries, please contact us at +971 4 388 6030 or [email protected]

Only 7 freehold plots now available

In a world where elite nomads spend much of their time travelling, returning home is an event to be cherished. In societies that are increasingly transient, the desire to capture a sense of permanence through buying and

decorating a property is tangible.Chris Boswell is one of the region’s most successful brokers.

His clients invest formidable sums in property, as well as in attaining perfection in their surroundings – only to sell up a few years later and begin again elsewhere. Read his insights into buying and selling luxury homes on page 150. While the market may be experiencing a ‘correction’, for many the pursuit of the next investment is relentless.

Interior stylist Jamie Allpress works with high-end clients to make their bricks and mortar feel like home, and his signature style is mixing modern touches with heirlooms and antiques.

“The furnishings I chose suit the surroundings; placing a beautiful 18th century oak dresser with a contemporary painting creates an outstanding display.” Exceptional decor is

what turns a property into a haven, and in these pages we feature the world’s best architects, designers and property specialists, for whom designing a setting for ideal living is a constant goal.

With Downtown Design taking place this month and bringing leading furniture, home and product designers to Dubai, it seems a fitting time to reintroduce our new look for Luxury Sq Ft. We are the region’s leading luxury property publication, offering a curated edit of the world’s best properties along with the people who build, design and decorate them. Whether you’re in the market for a new villa, or looking for ways to increase the value in your existing home, Luxury Sq Ft brings you inspiration and insider knowledge in equal measure.

Jola ChudyEditor-in-Chief

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E RE

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ceciliaclasoninteriors.com04 297 5077

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Luxurysqft.com is published six times a year by Pinpoint Media Group and printed in Dubai by Raidy Printing Press. All rights reserved. Copyright 2015 by Pinpoint Media Group. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices and credits are accurate at time of going to press but are subject to change. Opinions expressed

in Luxury Sq Ft are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher and its editors. Editorial enquiries should be directed to the editor via email ( [email protected]). While every reasonable care will be undertaken by the editor, Luxury Sq Ft cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Unsolicited materials will not be

returned unless accompanied by sufficient payment for return postage.

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Chief Executive Officer Darren [email protected]

Managing Director Dominic [email protected]

Chairman K.T Pagarani

Creative Director Karl [email protected]

E D I T O R I A L

Editor-in-Chief Jola [email protected]

Graphic Designer Najeeb Hamza

A D V E R T I S I N G

General Manager Jihane [email protected]

Senior Account Manager Ryan Shoucair [email protected]

052 9488 683,

Property Listings Head Nelissa [email protected]

Senior Finance Manager Amith Joe Mathew

Administration Manager Sreejith Karimbil

Administration Assistant Arun Kannoth

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Cindy Bailey, Eugene Costello, Kelly Crane, Matthew David, Jihane Miller, Rachel Silvestri

Pinpoint Media FZ LLCP.O Box 487177, United Arab Emirates,

Telephone: +971 4 435 6212

Discover & Shop Luxury Interiors Online

W W W . L U X D E C O . C O M

14 DOSSIER

INTER IOR S24 THE OLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL How to mix modern with antiques

32 THE TASTE-MAKER Meet style arbiter Jean-Louis Denoit

36 IMPECCABLE PEDIGREES Shining a light on British luxury interiors

DESIGN52 BUSTER & PUNCH The world’s first designer LED bulb

58 SUBLIME DESIGN Mini’s big story

64 GEM STORE Burdifilek design for Mark Lash

ARCHITECTUR E72 OPPENHEIM’S BEACH HOUSE The architect’s castaway vision

78 WINDOWS OF THE WORLD Architecture should be more mindful of the environment, argues Professor David Coley

80 AVENUE OF DREAMS Manhattan’s most prestigious real estate is growing

THE GR ID94 THE LOVELY BONES Inside Hueso restaurant in Mexico

102 NATURAL AFFINITY Park Hyatt Hadahaa’s eco-minded design 112 THE WHOLE FINE YARD Yard Milano is an emporium of curios and artefacts

122 RETAIL DETAILS Luxury brands impeccably designed spaces

132 NEIGHBOURHOOD EATERY Fumé, Downtown Dubai’s new hot spot

THE LOVELY BONESWith its exposed, whitewashed interiors and macabre collection of animal bones, Hueso restaurant in Mexico explores the idea of skeletons and bones. The work of Cadena & Asociados, the design boasts a special connection to the restaurant, as the chef and designer are brothers.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T ST

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International Partners

LISTINGS

140 BARBICAN’S BEST Heron is an exciting new property redefining London’s Barbican

144 BATTERSEA POWER STATION The transformation of this Thames Landmark is nothing short of extraordinary

150 IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND Super-broker Chris Boswell shares insights on property at the highest end of the market

152 LIFE’S A BEACH Why Jumeirah Beach Residence remains one of Dubai’s most popular residential areas

156 CITY PADS Properties for sale and rent in urban locations

164 HOMES BY THE GOLF COURSE Real estate for sale and rent, with a view of the fairways as part of the appeal

182 WATERFRONT PROPERTIES From floating ‘Seahorses’ to private beaches, properties by the water remain a top choice for real estate investors

210 THE ULTIMATE TROPHY Could anything be more outrageously lavish than this Palm Jumeirah mansion?

216 WHO OWNS THE MOON? With real estate on terra firma getting pricy, could space be our next property frontier?

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T ST

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International Partners

PROPERTY INVESTOR AND HOMEBUYER SHOW

The UK’s premier property expo is a ‘must attend’ event for anyone serious about making money from property investment. It is the ideal place for networking, obtaining reliable and up to date property market information and, of course, investment property to buy. It is designed to cater for all levels of property experience – everyone from the novice to the seasoned investor will find an answer to their questions. With 120+ exhibitors expected and over 70 seminars and presentations scheduled, you can identify the expertise and advice you need to make the right decisions on your specific area of investment interest. Approximately 40% of the event will be dedicated to international property, providing the opportunity to compare established overseas markets such as USA, Spain, France, Portugal, Turkey and Cyprus with emerging locations such as South-East Asia, India, Nigeria and Ghana. International agents and developers will be present alongside specialists who can advise you on the process of buying, selling, and even moving overseas.October 9 and 10 at London’s ExCel Arena. Find out more at www.propertyinvestor.co.uk

D O S S I E RD

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DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR

While Dubai is known for its superlatives — the tallest building, the largest mall, the highest standards of luxury — the Dubai of tomorrow seeks to go beyond these to become a model for future cities. Dubai Creek Harbour at The Lagoons, by Emaar and Dubai Holding, is set to expand the city’s heart, enabling sustainable growth.  Built next to the protected Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai Creek Harbour at The Lagoons is an ambitious project offering views of the creek and city skyline. The masterplan is not tied to any legacy of infrastructure, which means its design is a fresh canvas in city planning. Commerical, leisure and residential districts, along with parks and a wildlife centre that respects the pre-existing natural infrastructure, are all set to make this one of the emirate’s most ambitious and exciting developments to date.

www.emaar.com

CHARLES & RAY EAMES RETROSPECTIVE

Charles and Ray Eames are among the most important designers of the 20th century. This exhibition surveys their careers and extraordinary work at the Eames Office where the Eameses and their teams produced an array of pioneering designs. Their work included many classic designs for furniture and products, yet their interest in addressing the needs of any given problem led them to communicate using a variety of tools and media.  They were driven by philosophical ideals; embraced the potential of technology and science for the common good; and saw no separation between life and work. This exhibition presents the world of Charles and Ray Eames through objects and projects produced during their lifetime including film, photography, furniture, products, drawings, sculpture, painting, models, and artefacts. 

October 21-February 14 at London’s Barbican Centre, www.barbican.org.uk

TRIM STUDIO

The ‘Matawi’ shelving system offers a fresh perspective for shelving that suits both personal and public spaces. Trim Studio is an art and design creative workshop originating from the collaboration of the designer Daniele Iannicelli and the graphic designer Corrado Lamorgese. Their professional experience spans many years and has been profitably interwoven since 2011, leading to their first project, the Trimy chair, a recycled and recyclable cardboard chair in print. Their bespoke work includes the Matawi shelving system (pictured here) that features wall-mounted steel shelves in an organically-inspired storage system. ‘Matawi’ is the Swahili for branch, and the separate modules can be assembled in a variety of ways, allowing for your branches to grow like a tree.

www.trimstudio.it

D O S S I E RD

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DOWNTOWN DESIGN

Downtown Design is the only platform in the Middle East for the region’s trade professionals to discover original, high quality

design from all over the world. In its third edition, the Fair will take place at the Dubai Design District and present a carefully edited

roster of established and emerging brands across a range of product categories including furniture, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens,

textiles and accessories. In fostering greater interaction, connectivity and commercial opportunity, Downtown Design is dedicated

to providing a dynamic environment for buyers and brands to do business easily and efficiently. Downtown Design is a key element of

Dubai Design Week, which also takes place this October. 

Downtown Design takes place October 27-30 in Downtown Burj Khalifa. Discover more at www.downtowndesign.com

D O S S I E RD

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Recently launched at Domotex 2015 in Germany, ‘Project Error’ studies the concept of misprints - nature’s interruption of mechanical duplication to create unique pieces of overlooked art. The project is the work of Jaipur Rugs Company, a Rajasthan-based company specialising in innovative approaches to traditional crafts. Drawing inspiration from the crossroads of nature and machine, works emerge as new, spontaneous design. This collection explores

what happens when the precision of machines is sidelined by happy accidents. Each rug in this collection is created by hand weaving nearly 100,000 asymmetric knots of finest hand- carded, hand-spun wool and bamboo silk in every square metre.

The company prides itself on providing sustainable livelihoods to thousands of artisans across India, preserving an ancient craft.

One of the rugs in the collection, ‘Anthar’, has been nominated for the German Design Award 2016 in the Product Excellence category. The award is the international prize of the German Design Council, which annually recognises unique design trends and includes the most exciting designers from around the world.

www.jaipurrugs.com

Each rug in this collection is created by

HAND WEAVING NEARLY 100,000

ASYMMETRIC KNOTS of finest hand- carded, hand-spun wool and

BAMBOO SILK in every square metre.

PROJECT ER RORDrawing inspiration from the crossroads of nature and machine, Jaipur Rugs collection explores what happens when the precision of machines is sidelined by happy accidents

D O S S I E RD

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I N T E R I O R SDesign & decor that makes a house a home

NATURAL BEAUTYA touch of agate here, a hint of horn there – the addition of organic elements brings a space to life in the most natural of ways. Combined with raw finishes and free-flowing silhouettes, these unique pieces maximise the potential of going au naturel.

Left to right:Shagreen gourd table lamp, John-Richard. Stacked rings table lamp, John-Richard.Large ring table lamp, Visual Comfort & Co.Gold ‘Warren’ table lamp, Aerin.Gold gingko leaf sculpture, LuxdecoFloating orb table lamp, John-Richard.Babylon table lamp, Luxdeco.Linear illumination table lamp, John-Richard.Shop all online at luxdeco.com

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While the selection and purchase of antiques can appear intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. Just as in love, the golden rule of modern decorating stands that opposites attract. Put two opposing forces in a room together and

you’ll master the art of mixing modern and antique.After all, variety is the spice of life (and decorating). This is the

abiding philosophy of master decorator Jamie Allpress from Allpress Antiques. Based in Malvern, Victoria, Australia, his approach to decorating your home has made him one of the country’s most sought-after interiors specialists, leaving a portfolio of enviably, and tastefully decorated homes in his wake.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L I N T E R I O R S

CUR ATING FOR THE CONTEMPOR ARY HOME

Juxtaposing modern touches with antiques requires a sensitive balance of old and new style. Interiors stylist Jamie Allpress describes the process

by K EL LY CR A N E / Photography: RUS SEL L W I N N EL L

I N T E R I O R SI

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Layering your home with different periods and price tags creates a rich and varied, not to mention unique, decor. The interior designer says it’s time to step out, be brave and mix precious with pop to punctuate. If decorators remember to make antique pieces part of their interior design, and not just an afterthought, an impressive antique can easily become the highlight of any home. However, small gestures can still be introduced to provide the finishing touches and have just as much of an impact. Allpress suggests angling your lighting to highlight these features

“Looking through magazines or real estate publications, I see a lot of same-same homes and interiors without much individuality,” says Allpress. “It’s easy to follow the herd into

a huge contemporary retailer and fill your floor plan according to the display on the shop floor. However, placing a beautiful 18th century English oak dresser or sideboard with a large contemporary painting or photographic art hanging above creates an outstanding display that your eye is drawn to – and you won’t see that in any showroom.”

Decorating with antique furniture is all about how to mix the old with the new in a tasteful and well-balanced way. Consider achieving this interior concoction as not just an art, but a science. “Newton’s third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so balance your yin with your yang.,” says Allpress. It’s about balancing the emotional connection to what may well be a family heirloom,

I N T E R I O R SI

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Left: The yellow exterior sculpture, “Noo” (2009) was commissioned to John Kelly. Right: A large painting by Jon Cattapan named ‘Viridian Eye’ above an 18th century English oak dresser.Below: 19th century French chestnut and oak side table; bronze sculpture by Martin Tighe of Tom Wills (2011).

with its potential relationship to brand new furniture items.Give antiques a position where family and friends give them

the admiration they deserve. An old cabinet, bookcase or table will be an attention-grabber in any setting, and doesn’t need to compete with other furnishings. Antique pieces should be spaced out, so don’t group them together in a modern setting or they’ll come across as an antiquated island in a sea of new furniture. To avoid larger pieces looking old-fashioned and stodgy, resist the urge to fill a bulky dark wood bookcase with old tomes, and instead display a collection of vibrant coloured glassware. sPair each antique item with a piece of low-key or modern style furniture. For example, a regency dining table paired with plastic Philippe Stark chairs.

Other examples he gives include pairing a curvaceous

baroque chair with a sleek dark wood empire commode, or marrying a collection of shiny black lacquered pieces with a mid-century Eames Side Shell Chair.

“Carefully placing a special or a unique item can really finish off a room,” he says. “Consider what might suit the style of the area: a 17th-19th century European botanical engraving in a modern frame; a nice modern bronze or decorative glass work; a beautiful 18th century English pewter charger with a pile of figs, limes

or pomegranates; or an early Mason or Imari porcelain plate, bowl or platter can look fantastic.”

Antiques can sometimes be the antidote to a one-dimensional approach to contemporary architecture. However, the expert concedes there are times they don’t work due to the fact they are heirlooms and may not be in keeping with personal style despite their strong sentimental value.

Each season brings with it a collection of trends. However, we’re stretching our design motto beyond the anticipated neutral forecast to celebrate a fine-tuned style when it comes to mixing antiques with contemporary furniture or settings.

“I feel when dressing either a modern or an older home you should always start with the main pieces, like a feature sideboard, maybe a nice pair of chairs, one on each side of a

“Newton’s third law of motion states thatfor every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so balance your yin with your yang,” says Jamie Allpress. In this Melbourne home, he has succesfully juxtaposed antique and contemporary touches.

I N T E R I O R SI

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nice (not too low!) modern lounge suite, then slowly add other items,” says Allpress.

While antiques can be subtle background decoration or the focal point of a room, without proper handling they can just as easily become forgettable or overly distracting.

“Not all antiques suit a modern home,” advises Allpress. “Victorian, Edwardian and average Deco don’t mix well at all, also average Georgian and Regency mahogany don’t cut it, either.” It seems that there are rules when it comes to breaking rules. However, Jamie says period 17th-19th century English and European country furniture can mix well if the right pieces are selected. “Some town pieces can look great, such as Queen Anne Walnut or well faded George II-III chairs and side tables, just as long as they aren’t over-restored and faded,” he says. “And – a little like a classic suit – if you place a good country Georgian piece in the right spot it will never goes out of style. A single decorative chair can go just about anywhere, as can an interesting George III country oak wine table, which is great for corners or between sofas or wing chairs.”

For more information visit allpress-antiques.com.au

Some town pieces can look great, such

as QUEEN ANNE WALNUT or well faded George II-III chairs and side tables, just as long as they aren’t OVER-

RESTORED AND FADED,” he says. “And – a little like a classic

suit – if you PLACE A GOOD COUNTRY

GEORGIAN PIECE in the right spot it will never

goes out of style.

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T H E T A S T E M A K E R

JEAN-LOUIS DENIOT

He trained at the prestigious École Camondo in Paris, his intuitive projects

have afforded him a place among the world’s top designers and the legendary Henri Samuel (interior designer for the

Rothschilds, the Vanderbilts and Valentino) came to his 21st birthday party – Jean-Louis

Deniot is a true design authority, but he’s not at all what you’d expect.

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“I’m not impressed about pieces with pedigrees. It’s great if they do [have one] but it’s also great if they don’t,” the Parisian designer says open-mindedly – one of the many comments he makes which nod to his refreshing individuality and assured character. He’s no purist either (he thought nothing of converting a one-of-a-kind Ado Chale dining table into a coffee table for his office – a move which would make less confident design minds shrink) and he humorously calls the art industry “a system which is made for suckers”, instead buying pieces just because he likes them.

If his maverick attitude wasn’t proof enough of his nonconformism, Jean-Louis’ design ideology definitely is. He’s a master of Neoclassicism – which he studied independently when his school cancelled the class – but he prefers to push design boundaries. Like a design counterpart to Picasso – a self-confessed modern-day Raphael who instead spent his career experimenting – Jean-Louis is much more concerned about advancing his craft than resting on the laurels of his inherent talent for traditional French design.

“Putting yourself in danger is just much more exciting,” the designer says with all genuineness, “You get to produce things that are simply more challenging. I want each result to be completely different, and the result needs to actually bring interior design a little further, so that it participates in the design evolution.”

Jean-Louis’ portfolio is a fitting tribute to this worthy goal. He flirts between gallery-like, classical and transitional styling in Paris, whilst international projects (take your pick from a New Delhi palace, a Corsican holiday home or a New York loft amongst others) are treated with equal individuality. Each is influenced by its surroundings and designed with pieces chosen specifically with it and its owners in mind in — a formula that Jean-Louis

reveals is, more often than not, “one third catalogue pieces, one third vintage pieces and one third custom pieces which just pull it all together.”

An advocate of personal style, the designer notes, “People are always scared about other people’s opinions. I just wish that everyone would respect their own individuality and their own sense of style.”

This is far from a condescending statement. To hear Jean-Louis talk of design is to feel reassured and empowered that, above all else, creating a home should be a personal venture.

Of his own style he says, “There’s something which might kind of feel impressive,” with an endearingly audible question mark, “but it’s not made to impress, it’s actually made to please.” Both impress and please it certainly does.

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‘Stephanie’ console table, AED3,875, Dom Edizioni.‘Tokyo’ upholstered cube, AED3,848, LuxDeco.‘Genova’ table lamp, AED3,318, Villa Lumi.‘Cocteau Trittico’ mirror, AED23,254, Oasis.‘Rocko’ bookends AED975, LuxDeco.Shop all online at luxdeco.com

I N T E R I O R S

METROPOLITAN LUXE

A modern golden age has dawned and brings with it a new definition of city living for the urban gent and lady. Emerging in the form of refined

silhouettes accented by subtly glamorous touches and sophisticated hues, the look captures the allure of luxurious cosmopolitan living,

entertaining and relaxing. Playing the texture card, generous seating – piled with furs and velvets – creates irresistible spots to curl up in come those early winter nights whilst glossy marble and metal tables strike a

smart balance. Unique, sculptural decor, glossy photo frames and vases of autumnal blooms add depth and are the keys to giving a home a polished

touch. The dining room is set, once again, to become the social hub of the home. While away the pre- and post-dinner hours around a stylish Art Deco-inspired table, enveloped in sumptuous champagne velvet

armchairs under the atmospheric glow of an elegant chandelier. Accented with a glistening table spread, the look transitions beautifully for festive occasions. A masterclass in form and function, this season’s home office

teams a softened masculine vibe with rich leather detailing, shagreen desk accessories and plush flooring. The bar, which features sleek lines and a

moody ambience, makes for a stylish setting to enjoy company. And, of course, the bedroom – the ultimate haven away from eventful city life – delivers luxurious comfort in spades. A modern four-poster bed, dressed in a quilted duvet and finished with modern artwork, turns bedtime into

a thrilling prospect night after night. London, New York, Chicago or Paris – wherever you are, experience the best that city living has to offer.

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Left to right:Large ring table lamp, AED2,342, Visual Comfort & Co. Medium ‘Kent’ side table AED6,273, Oasis.Small ‘Kent’ side table AED6,050, Oasis. ‘Holmes’ sofa AED43,219, LuxDeco.

‘Holmes’ storage pouf, AED13,938, LuxDeco. ‘Baccarat’ coffee table AED9,477, Eichholtz. ‘Collipi’ Painting AED19,067, Quintessa. Shop all online at luxdeco.com

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‘Proust’ desk AED24,836, Oasis.‘Musa II’ Cchair AED6,979, Oasis. ‘Evan’ mirror AED10,035, Van Collier. ‘Pointed Star’ clock AED2,118, LuxDeco.Taupe ‘Ascot’ rug AED2,000, LuxDeco.

Opposite page: Chocolate ‘Shagreen’ photo frame, AED1,143, Aerin.Brown leather ‘Jack Valet’ tray AED418, GioBagnara.Brass horse letter opener AED195, LuxDeco.‘Rocko’ bookends AED975, LuxDeco.Shop all online at luxdeco.com

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‘Montpelier’ side cabinet AED89,752, Davidson.‘Emily’ dining chair, AED15,335, LuxDeco. Floating orb table lamp AED7,054, John-Richard. ‘Umpara’ painting AED13,856, Quintessa.Small ‘Kent’ side table, AED6,050, Oasis. ‘Rosebery’ dining table, AED139,376, Davidson.Gold ‘Czarina’ chandelier AED15,752, Heathfield. Shop all online at luxdeco.com

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Left: Gold ‘Dahlia’ placemat, AED72, Chilewich.Smoke ‘Manakara’ bowl AED1,505, Guaxs.

Mini rock pots AED418, Michael Aram. Braid napkin jewels, AED557, L'Objet.

Gold ‘Ballet’ 41-piece tableware set AED3,959, Porcel.

Shop all online at luxdeco.com

Enjoy the thrill of entertaining at home with tableware

designed to be seen. Opt for a gold-rimmed dinner service,

jewellery-like napkin rings and glossy flatware.

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Above: Flower sprig vase, AED66, LuxDeco. ‘Elegance’ Martini glass set, AED278, Waterford.‘Goldtone rock’ jigger, AED122, Michael Aram.‘Goldtone rock’ cocktail shaker, AED446, Michael Aram.

Right: ‘Empire’ floor lamp, AED16,088, Smania.‘Spectre’ chair, AED20,912, LuxDeco. ‘Solitaire’ bar cabinet, AED23,505, Selva. ‘Siglar’ bronze paintings, AED6,495, Quintessa. ‘Piccadilly’ occasional table, AED6,021, Selva.Shop all online at luxdeco.com

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Left: King size ‘Grainger’ bed, AED26,267, LuxDeco.‘Solitaire’ nightstand, AED6,803, Selva. Brown marble ‘Cliff’ table lamp, AED4,182, Aerin. ‘Churchill’ tray, AED1,840, LuxDeco.‘Aida’ bedspread, AED3,318, LuxDeco.

Above: Flower bouquet vase, AED195, LuxDeco. ‘Pansy’ tea light holder, AED362, Aura. Gold photo frame AED334, Vera Wang for Wedgwood.‘Pleats’ photo frame, AED975, L'Objet.Shop all online at luxdeco.com

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PEN PERFECTEstablished in 2011, the Ajoto design

studio is based in Manchester. Taking a collaborative approach,

Ajoto seeks out manufacturing specialists with which they

develop elegant and affordable products that can be used every day, but treasured for a lifetime.

www.ajoto.com

D E S I G Nobjects & elements

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London architect and industrial designer Massimo Buster Minale launched his label in 2013, carving out a reputation for exceptional product design. From unique pieces such as the ‘Rockstar’ bar to its precision-cut fixtures and fittings, the Buster and Punch label represents a compelling voice in the sphere of Design.

“From lighting and hardware, to custom motorcylces and interior products for those who want to live with conviction, our work is inspired by London’s fashion, music and sub-culture scene,” says Minale.

LUX SQ FT: How did you come to start Buster and Punch?Massimo Buster Minale: By day I used to work as an architect in a large architecture firm and by night I used to make custom motorcycles in a small garage in Hackney, East London. We sold our motorcycles to rock stars in London and then we started to get requests to make custom lighting and furniture pieces and this was how Buster and Punch was born.

How did you manage to combine your architecture profession with a love of customising motorbikes and creating unique products?I am an architect and interior designer by trade who has always

had a passion for music, motorcycles and metal. I studied for seven years to become an architect and during that time I taught myself how to build motorcycles and work with solid metals to make unique interior products.

From bespoke motorcycle design to interiors to one-off furniture, you’ve worked on many disciplines of design. What are some of the challenges in being a designer with such a broad range?To be honest my range is actually smaller than you think. Everything I do is always focused around the details. Whether it is the steel junctions on a skyscraper, the handlebars of a motorcycle or the knurled knobs on a kitchen cupboard, I build everything around the details or the ‘devil’ as we

like to call it. Walls, floors and ceilings are just used to frame the details.

What have been some of your favourite projects that you’ve worked on?Working with Justin Deakin on our limited-edition biker boots was our first step into fashion and super exciting for me. We were the first interior products company to show at London Design Week and this has paved the way for us to

DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

Whether the steel junctions on a building, the parts of a motorcycle or the details on a kitchen cupboard, Buster and Punch design is centred around the details “or the ‘devil’ as we like to call it,” says founder Massimo Buster Minale.

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THE LIGHT FANTASTICBuster and Punch’s lightbulb

designs marry highly functional design with the latest LED

technology, complementing their highly artistic bespoke

product design and creating a revolutionary new product in

the arena of lighting

by JOLA CHUDY

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move further over into fashion in the future and blur the lines between your home and your wardrobe.

What are your ‘VS’ collaborations?As we started in a small garage, we wanted to keep this as the essence of our products and so we set up ‘VS’, which is where we invite some of the world’s biggest brands and hottest designers to challenge us to make exclusive products in the garage where it all began. It’s exciting as it takes you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to your limits.

We believe that as the world gets smaller and technology develops, the future of interior products will lie somewhere between fashion, music & lifestyle, so the ‘VS’ collaborations allows us to explore this and ultimately excite our public with glimpses into the future. We are currently working with Rolls Royce to design a limited edition LED Buster Bulb that will blur the lines between cars and interiors.  

Lighting design is a big part of your output - what is the world’s first designer LED? What inspired it?

Our LED Buster Bulb, is the world’s first designer LED light bulb that can be retro-fitted into any light. Three years ago we knew that the popular ‘filament’ bulbs were being phased out across the world and wanted to be the first to make an eco-friendly solution that would change the way people saw LED light forever. People thought we were crazy because every multi-billion pound bulb manufacturer in the world was also trying to be the first to make this product and we were just three guys in a garage with no money!

We worked ourselves to the bone and somehow won the race to launch the world’s first decorative LED bulb. This bulb has transformed us from greasy motorcycle builders to being at the forefront of interior product innovation and design, it has also shown people that an LED bulb can save you money, save the planet and also look beautiful at the same time.

You recently unveiled Hardware. What are the main design codes in this collection and what has influenced its aesthetic?We are striving to create ‘details’ for every room in your

“My signature style is what I like to call ‘LONDON HEAVY’. By this I mean

that I design products and spaces that are inspired by London’s fashion, music

and sub-culture scene so they feel EXCITING & MODERN.”

- Massimo Buster Minale

HOUSE STYLE

Set in an old Edwardian Mews House in South West London,

Buster and Punch transformed an unassuming property into a stunning space that showcases the best of Buster and Punch’s

design elements and style.

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house. Following on from our Lighting and Electricity collections we knew it was time to design a bunch of beautiful knobs and handles that would change the way people saw their doors, cabinets and kitchens forever. We adopted the same aesthetic as our other ranges, using solid metal, so they could be matched up together. Our Hardware range uses our signature diamond-cut knurling so that they feel amazing with every touch. They are also available in 12 different finish combinations using brass, steel, smoked bronze, satin black and matt white metal.

Do you have a signature style? How would you describe it?My signature style is what I like to call ‘London heavy’. By this I mean that I design products and spaces that are inspired by

London’s fashion, music and sub-culture scene so that they feel exciting and modern, but they also have a heaviness to them that will last forever. You should always develop a ‘style’ that lies deep in your DNA and for me, London is it.

What kind of design do you personally love? Whose work influences you?I love design with character that reflects where it is born. Currently, I find myself heavily influenced by the ‘Brooklyn’ scene that has some of the best music, design and fashion talents in the world right now. I am also inspired by designers such as Alexander Wang, BLK DNM and Lindsey Adelman.

Discover more at www.busterandpunch.com

“Our LED Buster Bulb, is the world’s first designer LED light bulb that can be retro-fitted into any light. Three years

ago we knew that the popular ‘FILAMENT’ BULBS were being phased out across the world and wanted to be the first

to make an ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTION that would change the way people saw LED light forever.”

One of the signature elements of Buster and

Punch design is the diamond-cut knurling,

which enlivens the sense of touch.

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S U B L I M E D E S I G N

A CLASSIC IN MINIATURE

Car enthusiasts say the Mini has endured because it is fun — fun to

drive and fun to look at. However, as a design, the Mini endures because of how its designers worked within the constraints they were set and in how the design relates to the world around it. Now as a brand that has

a completely different focus, the original Mini is a design classic that has endured even though the world

around it has changed.by DJ HU PPAT Z

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This process helped the Mini’s design team to understand how to arrange the parcel shelf under the dashboard and how to better size the door bins. There are, of course, some quirks or personal touches to the Mini’s design. The door bins are infamously sized to accommodate a bottle of Gordon’s Gin and, while the first Mini had no provision for seat belts it was equipped with an ashtray — Issigonis was a chain smoker.

Even the iconic look of the Mini, simultaneously modernist and friendly, is a direct result of Issigonis’ response to the restrictions in the brief. A monocoque construction with the panel joins on the outside of the body, rather than hidden away, mostly to gain precious quarter-inches inside, and a body shape that clearly says ‘the engine is here and people sit here’ lend the Mini an honesty that has perhaps

only ever been since matched by the similarly idiosyncratic Volkswagen Beetle, and its sportier sibling, the Porsche 911.

DRIVING THE TIDES OF CHANGEIf the first Mini was a response to the world around it, later Minis were swept along with the tides of change. By 1967 Issigonis wanted to see his proposed replacement, the 9X prototype, enter production.

The 9X was smaller than the Mini, more efficient in its use of materials and easier to build. However, many competing interests, not least the nationalisation of the British motor industry, got in the way and instead the Mini was

THE COMPACT CARThe 1959 Mini (or, properly the Morris Mini-Minor, or Austin 850, among several other variations) was a response to a very specific threat that faced the British motor industry in the 1950s.

A fuel crisis  had prompted a stronger interest in German micro cars, such as the  Messerschmidt  and  BMW Isetta, and the British Motor Corporation (BMC) didn’t have a competing product.

Car designer  Alec Issigonis, who had previously designed the Morris Minor, was called back to BMC from Alvis Motors, and given the brief to design a small car ‘with a proper body and a proper engine’, to fit inside a footprint 10’ long by 4’ wide by 4’ high.

The design began with the timely and novel ‘east-west’ drivetrain arrangement, involving an extremely compact four-cylinder engine and gearbox assembly, and left Issigonis and his team with the problem of fitting four people inside a tiny space not much bigger than 8’ by 4’. This restriction was a response to the German micro-cars, most of which couldn’t seat four people and had two-cylinder engines.

The interior layout was achieved through what we’d today call low-fidelity prototyping, a method of using simple materials to help think about more complicated solutions. At the time of the Mini’s creation, designers called it “putting seats on the shop floor” and having people, from secretaries to factory workers, sit in them and indicate how much space they’d need inside a car.

While other vehicle marques have become largely

unrecognisable from their original designs, the Mini’s

unmistakable form remains instantly recognisable for its silhouette as well as its

diminutive dimensions.

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The DOOR BINS are infamously sized to

accomodate a bottle of Gordon’s Gin and, while

THE FIRST MINI had no provision for seat belts it was equipped

with an ashtray — ISSIGONIS was a

chain smoker.

updated but never really re-designed. It continued, mostly visibly unchanged until 2000, with a remarkable 41 year production run.

In the 1970s, the Mini remained in production even as BMC (by this stage known as British Leyland) took the same concept and modernised it, first with the the larger Allegro in the early ’70s and then the mini-sized but far more modern-looking Metro in the ’80s. Through this period the Mini remained competitive during the ’80s against far more modern competitors by virtue of its small size and low cost.

THE MINI REVIVALA revival of interest in the Mini in Japan in the early 80s led to continued interest in the UK and a second revival in the 90s led to niche sales across Europe. It was at this time that the

Mini began to be appreciated as a classic in its own right, no small feat for an economy car, with the always strong enthusiast following achieving a critical mass that cemented it as a clasic.

Further, or perhaps continued, turmoil in the British Motor Industry led to the eventual sale of the Rover sub-brand and the rights to the Mini to BMW in the early ’90s. When, in 2001, BMW launched the new Mini’, or ‘MINI’ as they used to insist, it mimicked the styling but not the human-centred design of the original Mini. The new MINI is a response to changing pressures in the automotive market. The new MINI, now in its third re-design, is positioned as a premium car, rather than a car for everyone, and competes not just on efficiency but also on image. The MINI is undoubtedly successful but the entire industry has changed and the specific

challenges the Mini addressed in 1959 are no longer relevant. The Mini endures as a design classic because of how it responds to the world around it and the specific vehicle demands, whether economic or aesthetic, of the time.

DJ Huppatz is a Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology

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THE NEW MINI is a response to changing pressures in the automotive market. THE NEW

MINI, NOW IN ITS THIRD RE-DESIGN, is positioned as a premium car, rather than A CAR

FOR EVERYONE, and competes not just on efficiency but ALSO ON IMAGE.

The Mini began to be appreciated as a

CLASSIC IN ITS OWN RIGHT, no small feat for

an economy car, with the always STRONG

ENTHUSIAST FOLLOWING achieving

a critical mass.

Left: John Whitmore. Bill Blydenstein’s Mini Cooper finished 9th overall and 3rd in class in ‘Motor’ Six Hours race at Brands Hatch, England in 1962.Right: Rupert Jones-Harry Ratcliffe’s Morris Mini Cooper S in the Targa Florio, Sicily, 1964.

Burdifilek is an international interior design consultancy refining brand experiences for retail, hospitality, and real estate development partners around the world.

Led by Creative Director Diego Burdi and Managing Partner Paul Filek, the Burdifilek design philosophy embraces sophistication and creative intelligence. Creators of an international style, the firm’s identity is demonstrated through an ability to realize expressive, sophisticated interiors with global relevance. A commitment to excellence and artistry elevates brand experience, transcending trends to blend distinctive design vision with trademark elegance and polish.

What was the scope of work?A Canadian designer of fine jewellery launched his namesake brand over two decades ago and has since grown to become one of the most coveted jewelry brands in North America. Influenced by the beauty and timelessness of his trademark designs, the new 1,690 square foot flagship store in Toronto encapsulates the creative ethos of the brand with a new signature identity.

What were the project goals and objectives?Having outgrown their previous space as the brand gained notoriety, the client was looking for a signature design identity with international appeal. The programming of the new space

BOUTIQUE GEM

A triumph of simplicity and refinement, Burdifilek’s design

for Canadian jewellery Mark Lash is a blend of practical

design and aesthetic beauty. Diego Burdi tells Luxury Sq Ft

about the project.

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In terms of store planning, concept, materials, fixtures, lighting etc., what makes this project unique? The intimately scaled interior awakens the desire for uncompromised luxury. The boutique is inspired by the breathtaking brilliance and timeless simplicity of an iconic pave stone setting - where detailed inner-workings beneath the surface create a perfect setting for showcase - yet full of innovative components and modern materiality. Noble finishes of honed marble, matte lacquered panels, and custom panelled walls envelope the space. The warm, textured palette

was compartmentalised into a three-zone solution to serve clientele. First, the showroom lined with sleek vitrines welcomes the clients and immediately draws the eye in to the artful collections; second, the cash point and ear piercing zones are purposefully disconnected from the retail floor to refine the client experience; and third, the engagement room, doubling as a space for private consultations, is the crown jewel of the boutique. The subtle iridescence of layered dichroic glass and bronzed mirror extend the space beyond its four walls to heighten the sensory connection to a magical ethereality.

Any unique challenges involved in this renovation? What solutions were employed to overcome them?Dedicating the retail floor to showcase collections required removing operational clutter and obstructions from sight so the cash point and ear piercing zones were tucked away, discreetly hidden behind layers of glass to maintain visibility for security. Storage compartments built into the wall vitrines and display pedestals provide ample space to keep the shop tidy and eases user accessibility. The seamless integration of beauty, functionality, and built-in security measures ensures the commercial support of the shop’s operations. The innovations result in a showroom filled with a calm serenity, refined yet practical.

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A serene, minimalist environment was created by removing clutter and disguising operational clutter. A sense of luxury is heightened through soft lighting and noble marble panels, laquer and subtle iridescent glass.

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is enhanced by the subtle iridescence of layered glass and mirror, extending the space beyond its four walls to heighten the ethereality and intimacy of the space. Lighting in the space emanates primarily from the vitrines to focus the experience on the product upon entry and floods into the rest of the space, filling the showroom atmosphere with a warm glow.

A carefully considered balance of simplicity and refinement is articulated throughout the shop, from the weightless cantilever of the mid-floor fixture to the strong tailored lines of the wall vitrines. Moments of pause are designed to emphasize the small scale of product, as evidenced by the visual merchandising within the case lines to the schematic layout of the shop footprint; each element intentionally designed to contribute to the sensory atmosphere. Sliding floor-to-ceiling mirrors glide across the full length of the room allowing clientele to admire the precious jewels in context and

proportion, in reverence to jewelry’s strong ties with fashion.Fine jewellery has carried a long history of pleasure and

significance. Not limited by cultures, geographical boundaries, or generations, it has been characteristically embodied by a strong association with quality craftsmanship and luxury. The flagship paid homage to this old world commodity by incorporating old world finishes and techniques while reinventing the proverbial jewellery store design with contemporary forms and functionality. Updated with a modern relevance, the final result is a classic design identity with international appeal for the namesake brand.

Designer: Burdifilek. Project Size: ±1,690 sq ft. Project Location: Toronto, Ontario. Project Completion Date: 13/02/2014. Client: Mark Lash, Toronto. Burdifilek Design Contact: www.burdifilek.com

The flagship paid homage to this OLD WORLD COMMODITY by

incorporating old world FINISHES & TECHNIQUES while reinventing the proverbial JEWELLERY STORE DESIGN with CONTEMPORARY

FORMS and functionality.

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INSIDE THE TUBEArtist and architect Muti Randolph of Rio de Janeiro redefines the boundaries between various fields to create designs for sets, nightclubs, and runways. ‘Tube’ was a sound and light installation.

A R C H I T E C T U R EConstructions, buildings & habitable designs

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Chad Oppenheim’s architecture encompasses the full spectrum

of building design – from luxury homes and interiors to ambitious

large-scale urban architecture. His practice has achieved global

recognition for its thoughtful, environmentally and socially

aware architecture that sensitively connects humans to their

environment. For his most personal project to date, the master architect created House on a Dune, a home

for himself and his family.by EUGE N E COS T EL LO

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Oppenheim has designed homes for the world’s most successful individuals, bringing into being

structures that not only celebrate the lifestyles and achievements of exceptional people, but bring a genuine enhancement to the surroundings in which the building exists. For his Bahamas home, the architect’s signature minimalist style reflects both his aesthetic language and his respect for the environment. The building rests sympathetically against the tree line, the 3,000 sq ft residence connecting its inhabitants with the beauty of this jungle and waterfront. Oppenheim has created a thing of wonder and beauty, almost seamlessly woven into its surroundings, so expertly has the build complemented, rather than worked against, its environment at Harbour Beach in the Bahamas.

Oppenheim is the go-to man for exquisite contemporary homes that embrace purity of design with an overriding insistence upon values such as the environment, sustainability and embraces humanitarian concerns to boot. “A minimalist on a beach of excess”, as the New York Times has hailed him,

completed the project only this year. Part of the thinking was to reconnect

its residents with nature, and Oppenheim has achieved this in numerous ways, such as the open-plan style that brings the outside in, and the inside out without fierce demarcation between the two. But what is most striking is its simplicity — far from being a small property, at 3,000 square foot, it nevertheless settles into

its surroundings, and never dominates them. For instance, the entire structure is slightly lower than the palm trees that abut it, a refreshingly modest architectural approach. While Oppenheim has worked on 50-storey projects, it is refreshing to see a top-flight architect secure enough in his ethos to blend form and function, utilitarian and aesthetic, so that the environment becomes a powerful but silent partner rather

Part of the thinking was to RECONNECT

its residents WITH NATURE, and

Oppenheim has achieved this in NUMEROUS WAYS, such as the

OPEN-PLAN STYLE that brings the outside in,

and the inside out without FIERCE demarcation

between the two.

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than a peeved neighbour. Continuing this inside-out, outside-in theme, within there are retractable glass walls that afford glorious views of the sea, the jungle and, of course, the sky while at the same time letting cool breezes run through the house — meaning no real need for the environmental villain of air-conditioning to show its wasteful face.

So the house is essentially one large open pavilion, whose centre is the living and dining area in the midst of the breezy temple, with a kitchen and four bedrooms discreetly off. The communal areas open on to generous verandas that are protected even in rain season by the simple expedient of extending the gabled roof into overhangs that double as canopies, making the house a year-round treasure, not just a summer break option.

Materials were selected for their sustainability as well as their design integrity. Architects have shied away from

concrete in recent years but it is one that has embraced environmental concerns, meaning that it can be one of the lowest impact materials available to builders. Standout features include the palm-fronded roof that is built of cedar shakes, a style of building specific to the area for hundreds of years, and sliding doors made of shockproof glass.

Another neat hallmark of Oppenheim’s clever design here is that modern technology is hidden as much as it can be — any jarring notes that strike discord with the melody of nature, such as light fixtures or ventilation outlets, have been cleverly hidden.

This is a superb example of both Oppenheim’s work and also the new breed of architects that value sustainability, social impact and legacy as much as they

do dollars. This deceptively simple beach house stands as a compelling focal point that juxtaposes jungle, beach and sea without attempting to dominate those natural partners.

This deceptively simple beach house stands as A COMPELLING FOCAL

POINT that JUXTAPOSES JUNGLE, BEACH AND SEA without attempting

to dominate those natural partners.

Standout features include the PALM-FRONDED ROOF built of CEDAR

SHAKES, a style of building specific to the area for hundreds of years, and

sliding DOORS MADE OF SHOCKPROOF

GLASS. Another neat hallmark of Oppenheim’s

CLEVER DESIGN is that MODERN

TECHNOLOGY is hidden as much as it can be

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For decades glass has been everywhere, even in so-called ‘modern’ or ‘sustainable’ architecture such as London’s Gherkin. However, in energy terms, glass is extremely inefficient – it does little but leak heat

on cold winter nights and turn buildings into greenhouses on summer days.

For example, the U-value (a measure of how much heat is lost through a given thickness) of triple glazing is around 1.0. However a simple cavity brick wall with a little bit of insulation in it is 0.35 – that is, three times lower – whereas well-insulated walls will have a U-value of just 0.1. So each metre square of glass, even if it is triple-glazed, loses 10 times as much heat as a wall.

While the climate is changing, so too is the weather. Climate is expressed in terms of long-term averages, whereas the weather is an expression of short-term events – and the weather is predicted to change by much more than our climate. This creates challenges. A 0.5°C increase in monthly temperature can made a difference to farmers, or the energy used by an air-conditioning system, but a peak temperature of 38°C or a vicious cold snap can be far more serious. Buildings are designed to handle extremes, not just averages.

Architects and engineers around the world are now having to struggle with this issue, especially since buildings last so long. At Bath we have recently been awarded a grant to look at long-term weather forecasting and  how building design will have to change. After all, you can’t move buildings to a better climate.

One obvious possibility, for UK designers at least, is that they pick a place where the weather currently is similar to what the Met Office suggests the UK will have in 2100, and simply put up buildings like the ones they have there.

The problem is this ignores the low-carbon agenda. Many hot countries have spent the past 30 years designing buildings similar to those found in more temperate countries, while leaving enough space for monster air-conditioning systems. The air-conditioned skyscrapers in Las Vegas and Dubai, for instance, look just like buildings you might see in London or Boston, despite being built in the middle of a desert.

As an experiment, type ‘Dubai Buildings’ into Google images and take a look at what has been built and, more worryingly, artist’s impressions of what is  on the drawing board. You can even see this inefficiency in cultures that one might expect more of, for example the famous energy-guzzling glass towers of Vancouver.

Buildings will have to be simplified. Heating, lighting, energy supply, air con, escalators, IT networks and so on – all these “building services” will have to be stripped right back. Those services that do remain must use almost no energy – and possibly generate the energy they require on site.

Cutting back on glass would be an easy win. Windows need to be more appropriately sized, not glorified, and sized for a purpose: the view, or to provide natural light or air. Windows also need to be shaded. Many would argue that we need to re-invent the window, or the building. We need to build buildings  with  windows, rather than buildings that are one big window.

Maybe we should look to the Mediterranean. People have mainly lived in countries such as Greece, for example, without air-conditioning – and it is true that such heavyweight, thick-walled buildings with small openings are capable of moderating external conditions very well.

However they don’t offer the climate control we are used to, especially if you pack them with people and computers. The people of the Mediterranean also had generations to adapt themselves and their working arrangements to fit with the climate. We don’t have this luxury: the weather is changing too fast.

We have yet to invent architecture ready for whatever happens to the climate, but it is clear that we need to take lessons from the past – and from other cultures. We can’t simply air-condition our way through global warming.

David Coley is Professor of Low Carbon Design and head of the Energy and Design of Environments Research Centre at the University of Bath

PEOPLE IN GLASS HOUSES

How do we go about designing buildings today for tomorrow’s

weather? As the world warms and extreme weather becomes more

common, sustainable architecture is likely to mean one major casualty:

glass, writes David Coley

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From top: A proposed eco-friendly ‘Perfumed Jungle’ for Hong Kong, by Vincent Callebaut Architects; Zaha Hadid’s King Abdullah Financial District metro station

design; Desert House in Cave Creek, Arizona, 1949–1950, by Paolo Soleri.

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THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN TO NEW YORK’S TALLEST RESIDENTIAL TOWER,

WHICH COMPLETES THIS SPRING.

by JOLA CHUDY

432PARK AVENUE

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Manhattan, famous for its skyscrapers, has just added three more to its increasingly crowded skyline.

On 10 October last year 423 Park Avenue topped out at a lofty 89 floors. Last year also saw the 75-floor One57 tower reach maximum height, while One World Trade Centre finally opened in place of what was the Twin Towers of the old World Trade Centre. But of all the new developments in New York, small and large, it’s perhaps 432 Park Avenue that has captured the mood of our times.

Set to fully open in the Spring of 2016, the luxury development has just unveiled its first completed residence and finally the world can see what the fuss is about. Or more accurately, the price. Apartments start at over $16 million, which is as much the going rate in Manhattan as it is a fiscal doorman that will ensure only the ‘right’ type of person moves in here. And by right, we mean the ultra-wealthy looking for modern luxury in one of the most prestigious real-estate plots on the planet.

Designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, it’s the tallest residential building in New York City and the Western Hemisphere. As well as hiring a renowned architect, co-developers, CIM Group and Macklowe Properties have also aimed for high-quality rather than quantity, confident that the increase in price this brings won’t

RAFAEL VIÑOLY ARCHITECTS”My design philosophy is rooted in the development of architectural ideas that are powerful, distinctive, and relevant,” says the eponymous founder of the architectural firm behind 432 Park, whose other work includes Brooklyn Children’s Museum and Battersea Power Station. His early work in Argentina transformed the landscape of his native country, while his first major international projects - the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and the International Forum in Tokyo - established Vinoly as a global presence in architecture.

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The interiors have been planned by celebrated DESIGN ARCHITECT, DEBORAH BERKE

who was able to maximise a design that was created from the inside out, with a focus on creating

UNCOMPROMISED COLUMN-FREE LAYOUTS.

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price people out. There’s more than 400,000 square feet of usable interior space, but there are only 104 apartments and each of these will occupy either a full or a half-floor.

The interiors have been planned by celebrated design architect, Deborah Berke who was able to maximise a design that was created from the inside out, with a focus on creating uncompromised column-free layouts. The 4,082-square-foot model residence has three bedrooms, four full bathrooms, including double master baths, a powder room and a library. Details that the developers say are representative of the apartments throughout 432 Park Avenue include a 12’6” finished ceiling height, private elevator landing, entrance gallery, windowed eat-in kitchen with marble breakfast bar, oak flooring, and master bathrooms featuring statuary book-matched marble floors and walls, a freestanding soaking tub and a 1,200-pound solid cubic Bianco Sivec marble countertop.

Handpicked furniture adorns the space with a mixture of classic Elizabeth Eakins silk rugs, a gold leaf Yves Klein coffee table, a hand-poured, sculpted glass chandelier by John Pomp and other custom-designed furnishings. Working in conjunction with the Ryan Lee Gallery, works by Donald Sultan, Ellsworth Kelly, Clifford Ross, Kiki Smith and others are prominently displayed.

The building’s staff will provide in-suite catering, concierge, 24-hour doorman, and valet services while additional amenities for residents include a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa featuring a yoga studio, sauna and steam room as well as a 75-foot indoor swimming pool that gives swimmers abundant natural light and city views. And don’t dismiss the views, it’s where a chunk of the price tag comes from.Intentionally oversized 10-foot-by-10-foot windows have been put in to maximise and frame the spectacular views of Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers, Atlantic Ocean, and iconic Manhattan buildings and avenues.

Handpicked furniture adorns the space with a mixture of

CLASSIC ELIZABETH EAKINS SILK RUGS, a gold

leaf Yves Klein coffee table, a hand-poured, sculpted GLASS

CHANDELIER BY JOHN POMP and other custom-

designed furnishings.

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The building’s staff will provide IN-SUITE CATERING, CONCIERGE, 24-HOUR DOORMAN, AND VALET

SERVICES while additional amenities for residents include A STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS CENTRE and spa featuring a yoga studio, sauna and steam room as well as A 75-FOOT

INDOOR SWIMMING POOL that gives swimmers abundant NATURAL LIGHT AND CITY VIEWS.

432 Park AvenueFAC T SHEE T

What investors need to know

Location: Park Avenue New York, between 56th and 57th Streets.Number of apartments: 104. The official web site lists 10 as currently available for sale. Starting price: Currently, $17,175,000 buys you a 3,575 sq ft two-bedroom apartment with a library.

At 1,396 feet tall, 432 Park Avenue is officially the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The tower, which redefines the New York skyline, boasts 96 floors and luxurious amenities such as a fitness centre, sauna, steam rooms, and huge indoor pool.

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The tower is, as Fortune Magazine dubbed it, “the new cathedral to uber-wealth” and property watchers have been speculating on who might buy the penthouse – a full-floor unit on the 96th level – and live atop the richest of the rich. A buyer happy to pay $95 million for it is rumoured to be Arabian retail and real estate titan Fawaz Al Hokair, the price tag he allegedly paid working out at roughly  $11,500 a square foot. The average asking price in the building is around $7,000 a square foot.

By late last year half the apartments had been sold and developers are confident that all will soon be bought, but interestingly, rarely filled. It’s believed that at no one time will the building be more than a quarter full, with ultra-high-net-worth owners using apartments as an investment or one of many places to stay. 432 Park is not a home, as much as a statement, but as declarations of wealth go it is, at least, a beautifully tasteful one.

Discover more: visit www.432parkavenue.com

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PARADISE FOUNDRed Bull billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz’s Fijian home Laucala is an unspoiled island of tropical subforest and turquoise waters. Just a tiny part of the north of the island is inhabited, functioning as one of the world’s most exclusive private island hotels. The 60,000 sq ft landscaped pool is filled with fresh water that comes from the island’s own natural supply, and forms a focal point for the boutique resort.www.laucala.com

T H E G R I DAdventures in design and architecture

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The long wooden dining table provides a focal point both visually and in terms of function; it is here that the diners at Hueso sit down to experience the menu created by Cadena.

H U E S O R E S T A U R A N T , M E X I C O

THE LOVELY BONES

A concept restaurant in a refurbished 1940s building in Mexico offers an intriguing

and unique exploration of some unusual materials. Thousands of animal bones form

the focal feature points in the interior, designed by Cadena and Asociados design studio. “The design approach begins with

creating a double skin,” say the studio’s founder Ignacio Cadena. The architect and designer had a particularly close affinity to

this project: the restaurant that the building houses, called ‘Hueso’ (or ‘Bone’) belongs to

his brother, Chef Alfonso Cadena.

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TThe restaurant in the Lafayette Design District of Guadalajara features a menu that includes bone-referencing dishes such as marrow, and the dishes form part of the décor, which is predominantly white and white-washed.

“On the exterior, a clean artisanal, handmade ceramic tile covering with a graphic approach protects the inside skin layer, which becomes more organic and full of texture, says Cadena.” The exterior pattern, which evokes an almost Aztec-like grid of repeated, juxtaposing lines, hints at the interior with its white ceramic-clad surface; the informal, untamed greenery and splashes of foliage softening the edges of this sharp building exterior.

“Inspired in a Darwinian vision, the inside skin covers almost every vertical square inch of the interior with over 10,000 collected bones,” notes Cadena.

Upon entering, a single lone bone hangs in the doorway, subtly referencing the rest of the interior. An off-white colour palette in the lobby features a collection of aluminium cast bones hung on walls,

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Accents of pure white and off-white reference the natural features of

Hueso’s eerily beautiful bone collection. More than

10,000 animal bones are displayed throughout the

property, which also explores concepts of the exposed in elements of the decor, such

as the building’s skeleton that is revealed in places.

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while the exposed kitchen table forms a focal point, with the bar nearby offering a partition between the kitchen and the main table. At the back, a reclaimed wood seating area creates a dialogue between the space and the tree at the end of the restaurant.

The 240 sq ft interior explores the theme of bones throughout, in a rigorously creative and architectural expression of space. Like the skeletons it displayes, elements of the building interior have also been left to the elements, revealing Hueso’s own ‘skeleton’ in raw brickwork, unfinished walls and opened out ceilings. The space shows exposed interior architecture in the form of the building’s brickwork, fixtures and fittings and window frames. The rough, organic elements contrast with slick, minimalist fixtures and fittings such as the lights, which feel industrial; there is a rough-hewn honesty in this design, where the pared-back meets the covered and polished.

Ignacio Cadena is one of Mexico’s leading design-architects. He trained at the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Tecnologico in Monterrey and earned his master’s degree in Architectural Design at Southern California Institute of Architecture.

His work explores the boundaries of contact between art and science, with urban environments created from modern media informed by highly visual concepts; in partnering with his brother the Chef, a space unlike any other has been created. www.huesorestaurant.com

From the smallest detail, such as the somewhat chilly use of a vertebrae to hold menu orders, to grand statements such as the sweeping, crisp white staircase, every part of Hueso offers a visual feast to complement the one served up by Chef owner Cadena.

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DESIGNED FOR LEISUR EPark Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is notable among the five-star properties of the atoll nation for its award-winning design. In addition to winning the 2012 Green Good Design Award (presented

by the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and The Chicago Anthenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design), Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa won this year’s Leading Designer Resort award from the Maldives Travel Awards. Luxury Sq Ft speaks to General

Manager Mariano Silvestri about the concept and its relevance to hotel guests.

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Recognised as the Maldives’ ‘Leading Green Resort’ at the

2015 World Travel Awards, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

offers a fully integrated experience of environment, culture and luxury within a

highly contemporary design.

Q U E S T I O N 1

Who designed the resort?

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s effortless integration with nature and the environment bears all the hallmarks of its principal designer, the highly-

respected Chan Soo Khian of Singapore-based architecture firm SCDA. Bringing out the best in local materials and pushing a sense of place to the

fore, he was the perfect fit for Hadahaa’s understated, environmentally-conscious luxury — the only resort

in the Maldives certified by EarthCheck for both design and construction.

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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa comprises just 50 villas, 36 on

land and 14 over water. The Park Water Villa is constructed with

native timber and stone and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows

that maximise connection to the ocean. Inside, the villa is

designed in a minimalist style with a neutral palette that

echoes the understated luxury of the Park Hyatt brand.

Q U E S T I O N 2

What is unique about this resort and its design and architecture?

Park Hyatt is absolutely unique here in the Maldives with its low impact on its natural surroundings. It is the only resort in the country with a pristine, uninterrupted house reef — as you can imagine, this caused some real difficulties during the construction of the resort, but it

would have absolutely been a deal breaker for the reef to be touched. The hotel’s villas, jetties and buildings were constructed entirely around the natural features of the

island, not the other way around. Ancient coconut palms, table corals and thick, natural vegetation took precedence over construction, which gives the resort a feeling of total

harmony with nature. Unique and elegant architecture, contemporary design and a sense of effortless comfort best describes the resort’s buildings, which along with Hadahaa’s

natural beauty makes for a breathtaking combination.

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Natural sunlight, constant ventilation and areas that link indoor and outdoor spaces make the villas feel instantly connected to nature. Luxurious yet environmentally conscious touches such as locally sourced stone and wood are at the essence of the property.

Q U E S T I O N 3

What are some of the materials used?

Infusing contemporary design with traditional Maldivian elements, Hadahaa’s guest villas feature local wood and stone in a design that is both suited

to the climate and pleasing to the eye. Timber is used to its most spectacular effect in Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s unforgettable Dhoni — this reception area

directly in front of the resort’s arrival jetty is constructed in the manner of an upturned dhoni, the traditional

seagoing vessel of the Maldives. The ‘hull’ forms the roof of the structure, with the stunning beams visible from

below, while the floor is carpeted in a layer of Hadahaa’s very own pristine white coral sand.

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Public spaces such as the beach and the Dhoni (below) fuse pristine nature and authentic cultural influences. The soft footprint of the resort complements the existing surroundings.

Q U E S T I O N 4

How does the design influence the guest experience?

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is one of the world’s most remote luxury resorts, and as a result enjoys incredibly diverse

and healthy sea life, absolute tranquility and the exclusivity that only a private island can offer. With just 50 guest villas,

nestling amongst Hadahaa’s lush foliage or suspended over the incredible house reef, they are minimalist spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in and all mere steps from the ocean. The Dining Room offers elegant yet casual

all-day poolside dining, while the beachside Island Grill, open for dinner, allows you to feel the sand between your toes as

you indulge in innovative and regionally-inspired dishes. The Vidhun Spa is a must-visit for its locally-influenced treatments that feature plants and herbs gathered on the island, as well as its serene 80-foot pool and private or group yoga classes. But

the real star of the resort is what lies beneath the water’s surface — our five-star PADI Diving and Activity Centre can guide

you through snorkelling and diving  in the magnificent private house reef, or you can even take a sunset cruise, go dolphin

spotting or visit a local island for a taste of true Maldivian life.

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The Vidhun Spa pool is set within an expanse of lush

natural flora, with thatched-roof treatment rooms nestled

amidst the greenery.

Anyone accustomed to visiting Milan will be familiar with the city’s somewhat ‘standard’ hotel offerings. That’s not to say that there isn’t lavish accommodation

in abundance - the luxury stalwarts are all there in the form of the Four Seasons, the Westin, the Armani and the Park Hyatt, to name a few, but there has been a gap in the market that has now rather noticeably been filled by the boutique offering of the Yard Hotel. Once the definition of design-led, independently operated properties, the boutique category is one that has been somewhat muddied, whether through compromise on the standard of accommodation or lack of understanding of what

The Yard, Milan

THE WHOLE FINE YARD

Set against Milan’s luxury landscape, The Yard Hotel Milano distinguishes itself

through it through its individually decorated rooms and decidedly independent approach,

writes Jihane Miller

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the boutique hotel customer truly wants. No such misconception at the Yard Hotel, which has perfectly achieved the luxury of beautiful design paired with quality and comfort across the board.

Taking its design cues from the world of sport, the Yard offers a tongue-in-cheek approach to its interiors. Filled with leather trunks and vintage hat boxes (the evocation of the golden age of travel is pervasive throughout the property) that are complemented by various sports trophies and other antique objects that have either been lovingly restored or preserved in order to layer old with new, the result is the impression of an atmosphere that is timeless.

This attention to detail starts with the entrance to the hotel and is extended all the way through common areas and to guest rooms. On the ground floor, the Yard Club is an area comprising the hotel’s bar, lounges and lobby, designed to feel like a old boy’s club with modern updates. Here guests can relax with an eclectic mix of vintage backgammon sets and playing cards, or enjoy a movie in the Cinema Lounge. With truly modern sporting rhetoric, the hotel bar, the Doping Lounge, adheres to the pillars of dandyism, sport and entertainment, with décor inspired by old chemistry labs. This unique concept is essentially an apothecary for discerning drinkers, managed

Filled with leather trunks and vintage hat boxes — the evocation of the

GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL is pervasive

throughout the property – complemented by SPORTS TROPHIES

and other antique objects.

The YardINTERIORS

www.theyardmilano.com

The Yard is located in the Navigli district, which is also home to the city’s canals that are lined with bars and restaurants. The hotel is a short walk from the Roman ruins of the Colonne di San Lorenzo. Porta Genova train station is also nearby. The interiors feature an array of collected items amassed by the owner from various flea markets and thrift stores. The lounge area boasts several seating areas - think scruffy leather sofas and coffee table books on photography and fashion. A bar crowded with sports memorabilia offers a focal point to the carefully curated clutter.

by two mixologists that will no doubt find a cure for anything that ails you, offering a selection of premium spirits and bottles, presented in specially ‘doped’ dosages.

The whimsy of the sporting touch continues upstairs in guest rooms that are divided into junior suites, suites, dependences and maisons, which all follow their own sporting theme such as golf and tennis, fencing and polo. The ‘tennis’ themed junior suite’s design touches include vintage tennis rackets, framed photographs of Bjorn Borg in his heyday

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and an array of trophies around the room. Another suite showcases the power of Mohammed Ali in a series of black and white portraits and provides a vintage punchbag at the foot of the bed. Despite the description, the junior suites are the most petite of the accommodations offered at a minimum size of 27sqm. Dependances and Maisons are the most lavish in size and décor, ranging from 40 to 50 square metres. With a particular focus on luxe tapestries, selected materials and high quality furniture, these particular rooms embody the true spirit of boutique.

The hotel has received multiple plaudits for its design, with certain rooms in particular being singled out for use of innovative materials, such as the EQ Dekor wallpaper.

The hotel has received MULTIPLE PLAUDITS FOR ITS DESIGN,

with certain rooms in particular being singled out for use of INNOVATIVE MATERIALS.

Perhaps one of the most interesting

aspects of the various decorative objects that reside at the Yard is the

fact that THEY ARE NOT PERMANENT

FIXTURES. Gathered, curated

and assembled as part of an AESTHETIC

JOURNEY, guests are invited to explore the

hotel and encouraged to enquire after items that

catch their eye.

Developed by design house Inkiostrobianco in partnership with Mapei – paint, adhesive and sealant specialists – the unique wallpaper contains structural characteristics that minimise the risk of wall detachment during earthquakes. This ‘seismic’ wallpaper can not only lengthen the evacuation time from buildings, it can also be eye-catchingly designed, demonstrating that form need not prevail over function, or vice versa.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the various decorative objects that reside at the Yard is the fact that they are not permanent fixtures. Gathered, curated and assembled as part of an aesthetic journey, guests are invited to explore the hotel and encouraged to enquire after items that catch their eye. Whether it be a miniature sports car fashioned in

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Design and décor apart, the hotel’s strength lies not just in the SPORTING AND TRAVEL

MEMORABILIA that fills its walls, but in its LAID-BACK, UNSTUFFY ATMOSPHERE

that is more akin to a family drawing room than an exclusive member’s only club.

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tin, or the macabre mask of skull cast in steel, there is the chance that there is the possibility to acquire various items that can be carried along on a different path, making way for a new wave of trinkets that will come to reside at the Yard.

Design and décor apart, the hotel’s strength lies not just in the sporting and travel memorabilia that fills its walls, but in its laid-back, unstuffy atmosphere that is more akin to a family drawing room than an exclusive member’s only club. Although this is largely due to the design, it is also the result of the fact that the Yard is family-owned, in a way that a classic Italian pensione is family-owned, with a hands-on approach, rather than a distant dynasty, ruling from afar. Eager to help and keen to ensure that guests want for nothing, the family is perfectly content to leave guests with keys to lock up at the end of the night, knowing that this is a building that is meant to be inhabited rather than photographed, although with interiors this stunning, who could resist taking a snap or two. www.theyardmilano.com

INSIDE THE YARDEach room is designed in the theme of a different sport, from tennis to boxing, and features unique pieces of furniture. Within the property is a discreet bar called The Doping Club, which is renowned for its clever cocktails and slick ambience. It’s popular with hip locals as much as with the hotel’s guests.

The Yard is FAMILY-OWNED, in a way that a classic Italian pensione is family-owned, WITH A HANDS-ON APPROACH, rather than a

distant dynasty, ruling from afar.

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D E S I G N E R B O U T I Q U E S

SHR INES TO ST YLE

Luxury retail spaces have taken on a new dimension, with immersive environments that ritualise consumerism to eye-catching effect. Some of the most ambitious interior design

projects can be found in shopping cities such as London, New York, Paris and Dubai, with iconography, art and architecture all part of the mix. Ideas about what constitutes an effective point of purchase are changing fast; maintaining an air of exclusivity is imperative and investing heavily in store design is one way to

reinforce superior credentials. Retail spaces are being designed to function as multifaceted emporiums, where brands connect with

customers and forge loyalties based on more than the products themselves. Samantha Armstrong looks at some of the most

impressive examples of big brand names that are bringing their bricks and mortar to life. The Franck Muller Dubai

boutique exteriors and interiors feature interpretations of the brand’s numerals design and complement the light gold interior of the store. The entrance is flanked on either side by a contemporary spin of the classical Mashrabiya, an architectural concept of carved latticework.

shrines TO style

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D E S I G N E R B O U T I Q U E S

NIKET O K Y O , J A P A N

The sight of 500 white running shoes suspended from the ceiling at Nike’s Harajuku haven is just one of the bold and beautiful

moves employed by ID firm Wonderwall. The vast retail space – the brand’s largest in Japan – is renowned for being a community

hub, as well as a shopper’s paradise. There is a staggering array of products and services housed behind the sleek glass-fronted exterior and thoughts are never allowed to stray too far from

the central role of the iconic footwear. Visual highlights include chandeliers made out of shoes, walls covered with soles and the hallmark Nike tick refashioned from artfully grouped trainers

in a range of blazing shades. Technology is also a key component and in the first floor Runner’s Studio, below the light made from numbered bibs, customers can have their stride assessed with the

use of high-speed video analysis.

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D E S I G N E R B O U T I Q U E S

FRANCK MULLERD U B A I , U N I T E D A R A B E M I R A T E S

One of the ways flagships distance themselves from fast fashion is to instil a

sense of permanence in their design. When luxury watchmaker Franck Muller opened

a boutique in Dubai, dark wood and luxe materials added an air of sophistication. The

brand’s signature classic numerals feature throughout the store, including the modern

monochrome clock projections on the walls, a striking centrepiece on the floor and inventive

detailing such as wrought iron table legs. Famously labelled within the watch fraternity as the “Master of Complications”, the Franck

Muller Boutique in Dubai Mall has been perfectly crafted to reflect the world of haute

horology and showcase some of the most complicated timepieces in existence.

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D E S I G N E R B O U T I Q U E S

LONGCHAMPG L O B A L

Cutting-edge creative collaborations are at the heart of Longchamp’s global store strategy and the company has invited a number of leading

artists to make their mark on key retail destinations. Engaging customers in fundamental brand beliefs is an important way to create a point of

difference and for Longchamp the initiatives reinforce its promotion of the arts on an international scale. In conjunction with French architects

Carbondale, Venezuelan kinetic and optical artist Carlos Cruz-Diez created an animated work for the Madison Avenue boutique in New

York with rotating sheets of bright acetate that blend together to create new colours as they overlap. At the recently opened ‘La Maison in Motion’ store on London’s Regent Street, the art collective Troika

devised a large sculpture that hangs above the floating mezzanine and folds and unfolds in reference to the bestselling Longchamp Le Pliage

bag. Astrid Krogh was commissioned to create a dazzling 70-square metre aluminium installation for the Champs Elysees flagship; as the

light hits it Cloud Illusions casts shadows across the room and the material resembles an ethereal drapery blowing in the breeze. Furniture was brought into focus in Miami by Thomas Heatherwick who played

with convention by installing chairs that resemble spinning tops without compromising on comfort.

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D E S I G N E R B O U T I Q U E S

BALENCIAGAL O N D O N , U N I T E D K I N G D O M

The Balenciaga flagship store on Mount Street, London, has its eye fixed firmly on the future with

an avant-garde approach developed in collaboration between ex-creative director Nicolas Ghesquière,

French artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster and lighting designer Benoit Lalloz. Testament to Ghesquière’s love of contrast, the futuristic

concept blends white walls with bright overhead lights, coloured clothing rails and plasma screen

technology. In the changing rooms customers are welcomed into an all-white cushioned cocoon with

occasional flashes of acid carpeting underfoot.

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Occupying a prime strip of newly-refurbished space along Emaar Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, Fumé is a Dubai story from starter to finish. It is a brand conceptualised, created and brought to life in Dubai, and stands as a reminder that not every hip, fashion-forward or sophisticated concept doing business in the city has necessarily been imported from abroad.

Indeed, with its exposed ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and clever, laid-back menu, Fumé could be a ‘neighbourhood eatery’ in any fashionable district of London or New York. The fact that it is in Downtown Dubai, however, is down to JAS Hospitality, a business that has made its business in developing and growing successful dining brands in the region. The team is behind Qbara, a lavish modern Arabian eatery where traditional ingredients are revisited with a highly conceptual approach and where the cocktail list is almost as impressive

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R E S T A U R A N T D E S I G N

KER B APPEAL

Restaurant concepts are the speciality of jas hospitality, the team behind dubai-grown fumé downtown that ticks all of the city’s

latest dining trends

as the décor – it is a boudoir-esque cathedral of opulence that is certainly helping to drive customers back towards the Wafi area of the city. Fumé, which opened its first outlet at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina in 2014, offers a contrasting concept, explains Joy Ghoussoub, one of the three directors behind Jas Hospitality, the team who designed the interior and created the concept.

Diners are welcomed through a heavy, faux-distressed wooden door that swings silently shut behind them. Both the downstairs and upstairs seating area (the latter accessed via an industrial-style staircase) are spacious: they run along the length of the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering diners good views of the passing streetlife and the Burj Khalifa beyond. The connection to the outside space is key to the concept, as Fume is intented to feel like a ‘restaurant around the corner’ that is easy to drop into.

That was at the heart of the brief, adds Ghoussoub. “The space was designed to enhance the family style dining experience whereby dishes are set in the middle of the table for our guests to share; the style of the interior deliberately

the interiors of the Downtown Fumé restaurant have been decorated with a series of ‘found’ objects, sourced from markets in Mumbai.

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industrial and rustic, with a vintage feel.” The design complements the restaurant’s style, ambience

and menu, supporting a “come as you are” philosophy. The environment features a collected assortment of ‘found’ items and design elements inside the restaurant that give it its unique, offbeat character.

“Vintage items were selected by our team from a market in Mumbai, along with purposely mismatched flatware and other rustic finishes,” says Ghoussoub. Rusted metal and timber are among the materials chosen for the interior, as both enhance the sense of a rustic, pared-back, authentic feel. Exposed ceilings add to the industrial feel, as if the restaurant could be a pop-up in a Meatpacking District or Smithfield Market warehouse.

The menu has been matched to the interior, with a tapas-style sharing concept of comforting dishes from around the world. European and North and South East Asian cuisines heavily influence the menus, producing a fusion of sweet, sour, spicy and salty flavours smoked, pickled, brined, cured, or slow cooked to perfection. Diners can choose from moreish favourites such as Mac and Cheese, Smoked Duck Hash, or Baby Chicken Tawook. There is a

breakfast menu, and a lunch and dinner menu. At time of writing, the Marina eatery is fully licensed, with the Downtown venue awaiting the final accreditations necessary to serve alcohol.

There’s a palpable trend within the UAE dining scene for ‘authentic’ eateries, bistro-style cafes and restaurants that feel intimate and local - even if they come with five-star prices on the menu. The rustic, pared-back, approach in both food (comfort, organic) and décor (exposed, industrial) at Fumé seems to both reflect this trend and build on it.

“I believe that the fine dining segment in Dubai is reaching the level of saturation, and people are starting to demand a quality meal in a more casual, uncomplicated setting. Fumé food has three main characteristics in that it is uncomplicated, delicious and affordable. We strove to create an environment that was comfortable and unpretentious, yet striking with a touch of cosiness… and we’ve achieved that. We have managed to create an environment in which our neighbours feel at home.”

Discover more at: www.fume-eatery.com

ONE AT PALMConsisting of 90 residences ranging from 270 to 2,000 sq m, the Omniyat project is being led by SOMA Architects. In addition, One at Palm has an international team of tastemakers creating every aspect of this exceptional project, including renowned landscape architect Vladimir Djorovic, and Japanese firm Superpotato for the interiors.

L I S T I N G SThe world’s most exceptional properties for sale & rent

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BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

A luxury development in the heart of the City of London is the first

residential project to have launched in the area in over 30 years.

When scouting for luxury property locations in London, the City is not the first district that springs to mind. Affluent buyers tend to consider well-trodden areas such as Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Mayfair or other

parts of central London that have more in the way of residential offerings, since many of these contain century-old homes that have gradually been surrounded by a city that has grown inwards as well as outwards. Mayfair is a good example; mainly open fields until development started in the Shepherd’s Market area around 1686, most of the area was built during the 17 to18th century as a fashionable residential district that now boasts rents that are among the highest in the world.

The City of London has always been a major business and financial centre. It has a resident population that numbers 8000, which is in stark contrast to the 350,000 people that come into the city on a daily basis for work. That might sound off-putting but it shouldn’t. It means that in the evenings and weekends, the City is a calm and tranquil place that is a stone’s throw from the West End without any of the hustle and bustle, with f&b and hotel offerings of an extremely high calibre, given the level of business that is conducted in the environs.

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For property investors who expect nothing less than the superlative, the Heron Penthouses location only adds to the appeal. The development is in the heart of the City’s cultural quarter, adjacent to the Barbican Centre, Shoreditch, St Paul’s Cathedral and Clerkenwell. There is a wide selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, bars, shops and designer boutiques giving residents a plenitude of leisure pursuits. For the musically-minded, the Guildhall School of Music is located within the Heron complex, comprising a 608-seat music concert hall that regularly hosts an illustrious roster of events. Transport connections are excellent, with Barbican, Moorgate and Liverpool Street underground stations all in walking distance, providing quick transfer times to five of London’s Tube lines and two main line stations.

The residential structure itself consists of a slender, 36 storey tower of 285 apartments that also includes a penthouse collection. The two penthouses – North and South – measure 6000 sq ft with four bedrooms and four bedrooms and 4000 sq ft with three bedrooms and thee bathrooms respectively. Both benefit from spectacular panoramic triple-aspect views that run from floor to ceiling. There is also an ‘indoor outdoor’ room on

the upper level of each unit, with a fully retractable roof. Fittings and fixtures are highly specified, in this case featuring polished Sahara Noir marble flooring, Boffi kitchen with Bianco quartz stone and fitted with Gaggenau appliances. Master bathrooms feature dark smoky quartz and black granite.

The luxury of the offering doesn’t stop with the interior of the apartment; top of the line concierge, valet parking, private residents’ club with gym, lounge areas, bar, screening room, business facilities and a landscaped roof garden are also available. The ‘expansive lateral living’ – a strapline used by the developer is, in this case, not a clever bit of marketing but rather a literal description. The aspect from the top of this tower through floor to ceiling windows is breathtaking, providing an elevated perspective on the city that is quite rare. The capital’s landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Shard and St Paul’s are of course, familiar to London residents and to many visitors, but not necessarily from 36 storeys of height. From this elevation, there is a sense of splendid isolation and a calmness that can only come from witnessing the everyday sights on the street reduced to unwitting, barely tangible miniature.

The lavishly appointed interiors of the Heron Penthouses boast Sahara Noir marble flooring, Boffi kitchens, Bianco quartz stone and Gaggenau appliances.

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Last month, news that Sting and his partner Trudie Styler had bought an apartment in Battersea Power Station was the equivalent

of the needle being yanked off the record to a deafening scratch, a “wha?” moment that signified that something, possibly everything, had changed. Why? Because Battersea is “South of the River,” and as every Londoner will tell you, there’s much more than geography going on here. If you’re from north of the river, South is the place that cab drivers won’t take you to late at night. It’s the bit of London that’s impossible to get a Tube back from. It’s just generally less glam, fab, and… well… Londonish than North London. Celebs don’t live in South London. All the famous bits of London – whether Hampstead, Soho, Shoreditch or Notting Hill – most assuredly are not in South London.

To a South Londoner, their bit of London is where the real people are. It’s more honest, more down to earth. They’ll tell

you it’s the true beating heart of the city. On Sundays in some of the old pubs, they still put out roast potatoes on the bar, a free treat for the regulars. You’d never get that in North London, not without money changing hands.

The needle was yanked off the record again when it was pointed out that Mr and Mrs Sting haven’t just bought a pad on the “wrong” side of the river, they’ve bought one in one of the most long-running development black holes in London history.

Ever since the power station closed down just over 30 years ago, plans for its redevelopment have been teased

repeatedly. But news that a Malaysian-backed consortium were sinking £1.35 billion into the project and had got architects Frank Gehry (the Guggenheim, Bilbao) and Norman Foster (the Gherkin, London) involved does finally seem to have brought to an end one of the most grisly stalls in the capital’s development history. So, no, the old power station won’t be

BATTERSEA BITES BACKThis neglected corner of London is about to get a

serious upgrade.

by S T E V E MOR R IS SE Y

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becoming a theme park (the 1983 plan), an office/shop/hotel complex (1990’s bright idea), a gigantic shopping mall and leisure complex (the early 1990s) or the hi-tech confection of gizmo-whizzery that briefly seemed likely in 2006.

And as each of these various non-starters was being talked about, real Londoners were shaking their heads in sorrow, quietly convinced that whichever developer was currently the owner of the power station had only bought it in the hope that the building would just collapse one day, so the area could be redeveloped without the bother and expense of having to nurse a Grade II listed building back to structural health.

Londoners are genuinely fond of the building, love it, even. As well they might. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott – who also gave the world the red telephone box – Battersea Power Station is one of the country’s finest Art Deco buildings. This upside-down coffee table comprises anywhere from four to eight million bricks (depending on who you ask) and

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construction started in the 1930s – the power station is actually two separate power stations side by side. And when power station B was finished in the 1950s it was, and still is, the largest brick building in Europe.

The building gained a global profile after Pink Floyd put it on the cover of their 1977 Dark Side of the Moon follow-up, Animals (with an inflatable pig floating overhead? Shine on You Crazy Diamond? That one.)

The power station and its immediate environs apart, the area has been gagging for an upgrade. With acres of social housing, featureless business parks and the New Covent Garden Market in the surrounding locale, it’s hardly chi-chi. But look a little further and there are signs of civilisation – the Prince of Wales Road, running parallel to the river, has been smarter than whole chunks of Chelsea for at least a decade, and the local park, with its Buddhist temple, is one of the great open spaces of the capital.

As to the development itself, 75 per cent of Phase 1– 866 one-, two- and three-bed apartments at Circus West (west of the power station itself) – sold off-plan within a week of

launching in January 2013 – a record for the capital.

Phase 2 is the refurbishment of the power station itself, into a mixed use building that will become apartments (studio to five-bed), a world-class shopping destination, a 2,000-capacity auditorium, plus cinemas, cafes, restaurants and a boutique hotel. The brief here is to retain as much as possible of the heritage fabric of the building – they’re putting a glass lift in one of the chimneys!

Phase 3 is where Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners come in, this involving the construction of 1,305 homes, a new high street, parks, a gigantic roof garden

(designed by James Corner, who did New York’s High Line), fitness deck, woodland walk, summer kitchen, theatre spaces. To

call this ambitious is to redefine the word. People are set to start moving in sometime in 2018, with

completion set for 2020, which is when the new extension to the Northern Line will open, putting Battersea only minutes from the West End. With the US Embassy moving into the area, it looks like Mr and Mrs Sting’s purchase is very canny. Battersea is on the up.

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People are set to start moving in some time in

2018, with COMPLETION SET FOR 2020, when

the new extension to the Northern Line will open, PUTTING BATTERSEA only minutes from the

West End.

I once had a client (he’s a close friend now and will laugh when he reads this) turn up to view a USD$10 million property dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, with both arms covered in tattoos. The owner refused to let him in. He’s actually a

very wealthy man, and was fully capable of buying the villa outright should he have so decided. It was the owner’s loss, but it’s a silly kind of mistake that happens more often than you’d think: A wealthy owner will not allow entry to his home unless information about a prospective buyer – such as proof of funds, nationality or line of business are provided – things that can make a prospective buyer feel unsettled — some value their anonymity. Another mistake that owners of top-end properties make is in the price. Being out of touch with the market, being stubborn, over-spending on interiors and refusing to swallow a loss to secure a deal if they need to sell... It is unfortunate, but it happens. My brother helped launch the resale market on Palm Jumeirah. He would say, “If you fall off a balcony and land in the water,” then it’s a safe investment. Palm Jumeirah is an area that I’ve always been passionate about and that reflects in my work for my clients there. The Palm is iconic and the most exciting waterfront real estate development in the world – and I believe that it represents a ‘bullet-proof’ investment.

Some of the things to consider when selling a luxury villa are down to common sense. Showing the property in its best possible state seems obvious, but many sellers choose to ignore presentation, which is incredibly naive. I never cease to be amazed when vendors expect you to find a client for a home that is in poor condition. Some properties have an empty swimming pool, poor landscaping, dead palm trees, and an interior that’s shockingly unclean or in need of repair. Yet the owners still demand the same price as their neighbour, simply because the villas share a similar location. You can’t appraise purely on location and land value, because painting the exterior, changing a few pool tiles, laying new turf and doing a deep clean are not very costly compared to what you could lose by presenting a poorly maintained property.

The term ‘luxury’ is commonly used in this market but some owners who consider their property to fit within this category are out of tune with what qualifies as a luxury product. Giorgio Armani famously said, “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” However a lot of the supposedly luxurious properties that I see do not adopt this approach.

There are things that owners of high-end properties can do to help the chances of a sale: granting exclusivity to one broker with historical proof of high-end sales is key. Some brokerages claim to be experts in a particular area when in fact they have never sold a single property in the area they claim to specialise.

Listing with multiple agencies does not mean you will sell your property faster. If anything, the listing can become ‘toxic’, with brokers competing to close a deal but using unethical practices i.e. undercutting other agents to win a deal by agreeing with the buyer to take a lower fee. We then have a property being offered all over the market at different prices.

Choose one or two established brokerages that really know your area. I think sellers should include a fee in their asking price and not have the buyer pay the commission, but only transfer fees. Agree a 2-3 per cent commission incentive with them, it will motivate them to find a buyer. If your

listing agent finds a buyer through another broker, then the listing commission fee can be shared between them. This gives everybody a fair chance. If unoccupied, allow him or her 24/7 accesses to the property.

Form a synergy with your broker; allow him or her 24/7 accesses to the property. Some viewers are so eager to see, they won’t wait until the next day. This sounds crazy but Dubai, like New York, never sleeps and it’s what makes this market so exciting. I once agreed to show a AED27million villa at 9.30pm, had a verbal offer by 10.30pm, with all parties meeting at The Royal Mirage hotel soon after to sign initial paperwork at 2am. Crazy, but it happens. www.chris-boswell.com

HOW TO MARKET YOUR

MANSIONSuper-realtor Chris Boswell advises

on the highs and lows of selling ultra-luxe properties

“PALM JUMEIRAH is an area that I’ve always been passionate about and that

reflects in my work for my clients there. The Palm is iconic and the most exciting

WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT in the world.”

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Wwhen it launched in 2007, it was the largest single-phase residential development in the world and globally-hailed as the epitome of the city’s growth. But this being dubai, nothing is ever really finished, instead merely exists in a

permanent phase of development. The six connected projects — Murjan, Sadaf, Bahar, Rimal,

Amwaj and Shams — comprise residential buildings offering studios, 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Because it was such a vast residential project there were fears that the 6,917 apartments coming online at the same time would have a detrimental impact upon the sales and rental market – at least from the investor and landlord’s point of view.

This was back in 2007, however, in the pre-crash property boom and the apartments at JBR were absorbed into the

market without causing a noticeable drop in demand citywide. A staggering testament to the population growth in the city at that time and the desire to live in this area of the Marina.

When it was launched, there were units available for as little as AED350-to-375 per square foot. A three-bed apartment with sea view could be bought for around AED700k. Now you would struggle to find a three-bed with sea view for anything less than AED2.8 million. At the top end, a four-bed (plus maid’s room) penthouse 0ver 6,500 square feet, with sea and palm views in JBR will go for something in the region of AED12.5 million

In terms of what’s on offer, things have begun to settle down. Initially there were a lot of empty shells, but as they filled residents were often baffled as to why some businesses had opened there. There was a time on one of the upper plazas where there were not one, but two shops where you could buy fur coats but nowhere nearby to buy milk or tea bags. That appears to have settled down now with pretty much all the essentials in the area available.

One resident who has been there since the start is Deepika Gupta. “This is the 7th year of living in JBR, a lot of changes when we arrived it was a sandpit. The Walk developed in front of us, then The Beach mall, the tram and now the Plaza Level is

being uprooted to make space for squash courts, skating rinks, tennis courts, and covered play areas for the residents, so we have seen it grow.”

Deepika, having the foresight to move in early, is in one of the duplex apartments that have now become highly sought after. “We live in the Rimal sector on the plaza level which has a duplex setup and access to a back patio, which leads us to the garden, so the apartment has a very Villa-esqe feel to it. Both of my girls grew up here, they went to the local nursery just metres away.”

N E I G H B O U R H O O D F O C U S

JUMEIR AH BEACH

R ESIDENCEIt’s one of the UAE’s most

desirable residential addresses, and with a stunning new

beachfront, it’s also leading the way in Dubai’s new wave of contemporary urban planning

by H E N RY DY L A N

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Arguably the key attraction of living in JBR is the

proximity to The Walk, the 1.7 km of retail space that occupies the ground

level. WITH OVER 300 RETAIL SITES it meant that Dubai would at last

have something that residents had been craving

– OUTDOOR SHOPS WITHIN AMBLING

DISTANCE.

FACT SHEETAverage rents

Studio apartment 65,000 to 75,000 AED per year

1 bedroom 90,000 to 130,000 AED per year.

2 bedrooms 130,000 to 160,000 AED per year.

3 bedrooms 180,000 to 210,000 AED per year.

4 bedrooms 230,000 to 250,000 AED per year.

Along with nurseries there are local doctors, a supermarket that’s open 24-hours, a vast range of places to eat, cinema, access to seven pools and a neighbourhood that’s in walking distance of the sea. In addition, The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence – a retail complex on the actual beach in front of JBR — has become one of the nicest parts of the city to take an afternoon stroll and with the addition of the Saturday market it’s developed its own community feel.

Arguably the key attraction of living in JBR is the proximity to The Walk, the 1.7 km of retail space that occupies the ground level. With over 300 retail sites it meant that Dubai would at last have something that residents had been craving – outdoor shops within ambling distance. Recent additions that have upped the cool cachet of the area include Tom Aikens’ Pots, Pans and Boards eatery, which opened this month.

There is speculation among residents and property watchers that The Walk had originally been designed to accommodate two-way traffic but the powers that be decided to extend the pavement and allow just one lane. Either way, it can be painfully slow driving down the road adjacent to the walk and the traffic in general in the marina is notoriously bad, espeically at peak times.

Indeed, the downsides of the area are a direct result of its popularity. “During the tram construction we had to bear the brunt, it was horrible and we had to plan to leave the home 20 minutes earlier to accommodate this,” says Deepika. The completion of the tram should greatly alleviate the congestion, not (somewhat ironically) because people will now use the tram — it’s slow and with a limited range — but because it was the construction of the tram itself that led to roads being dug up and caused delays.

And, like most metropolitan areas, parking is an issue. Residents will have allocated spaces but if you’re expecting visitors then it can be hard for them to find a spot or deal with JBR security who are very reluctant to let non-residents into parking areas.

The urban feel of JBR is something that people previously used to city living appear to take in their stride. “During the weekends it gets tad noisy, with things like the Harley Davidson crew roaring by, the huge cars revving up their engines without silencers,” says Deepika, adding “but we are city dwellers, a young couple with two kids, we enjoy being in the centre of all things.” With nurseries, the beach, play areas and swimming pools, it’s easy to see why this lifestyle appeals to families, while nearby restaurants and bars bringing single

professionals eager to live a slice of the Dubai dream with the sea and marina in view. Prices have steadily risen and have done nothing to temper the demand for living in the area. In the last quarter of 2014, however, the average rents declined by five per cent with “residents choosing to relocate due to traffic congestion” being cited by MPM Properties estate agent as the key reason. That decline is expected to be reversed in 2015 largely due to other options at the Marina end of the city — notably Jumeirah Lake Towers on the other side of Sheik Zayed Road — seeing huge price increases.

JBR is now over seven years old and although the residential area appears to be complete, the surrounding area is continually evolving. More hotels are under construction along The Walk and Bluewaters Island just off the end of JBR is currently under way. It’s hard to see these further additions doing anything other than adding to the area’s popularity.

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LILLIE ROAD, EARLS COURT, LONDON, SW6

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 1 – 3 Bedroom apartments Size (Sq ft): 584 – 1,259

This is a new and exclusive London development, and part of the larger Earl’s Court masterplan and regeneration. Taking the traditional London garden square as its inspiration, 50 per cent of the site is open space. Located where Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham meet, these exceptional apartments offer a high standard of contemporary urban living, combined with elegant public spaces, outstanding landscaped gardens and panoramic views of Central London.

The luxuriously innovative interiors have been created by renowned London design firm Johnson Naylor and feature Bulthaup bespoke kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, underfloor heating and comfort cooling throughout. The 5 star concierge service and extensive members’ clubhouse facilities offer a new approach to luxury living. Residents will enjoy a range of high end amenities including a residents’ lounge, 20m indoor swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as spa treatment rooms and a private exercise room. A private cinema room and private function room offer residents a space to entertain guests and can be booked for private events.

Reference: CO-S-1713RERA BRN: 2025Broker: Scott Isbitt/Core SavillsContact: +971 (0) 56 497 9783

Price: from AED 4,571,443.34– AED 12,264,847.98 or £820,000 - £2,200,000

The interiors have been created by renowned LONDON DESIGN

FIRM Johnson Naylor and feature Bulthaup bespoke kitchens, contemporary bathrooms,

UNDERFLOOR HEATING and comfort cooling throughout.

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BURJ KHALIFA, DOWNTOWN DUBAI

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 2 Size (Sq ft): 1,888 (Built-up area)

An impressive property, this apartment is in the world’s tallest building. Fitted to high spec, the mid- level floor apartment enjoys views over the Dubai fountains.

Reference: DUB150019RERA BRN: 31018Broker: Gregory Lewis / Knight FrankContact: +971 (0) 4 4267 610

Price: AED 5,350,000

HOUSE ON ELVASTON MEWS, SW7, LONDON

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 3,239

Description: This restructured 19th-century stable mews house has been transformed into a contemporary living space. This house received a 2013 International Property Award as the best single residential development. In keeping with the local period style, the original façade of the building has been preserved whilst transforming the remaining structure into an open- plan living space. Entry is via a magnificent arch built in 1865. The Property is within walking distance of Hyde Park.

Reference: W-022QPQBroker: Engel & Völkers ChelseContact: +44 20 7584 1100

Price: AED 336,097,09.58

TRUMP WORLD TOWER, NEW YORK

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 5,000

An opportunity to combine 44B & 44C to create a sprawling corner unit. 845 United Nations Plaza offers amenities including doorman, concierge, valet, limo, garage, wine cellars, spa and health club, 60-foot pool and a garden courtyard escape. 

Reference: E-0017ZMBroker: Adam Lichtin, Engel & Völkers New York cityContact: +1 646-757-2358 

Price: AED 40,146,07.26

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ACACIA VILLAS, AL SOFOUH 2

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 8,100

Rare to the market is this stunning villa in one of the best freehold locations in Dubai. Two minutes from SZR and five minutes from the beach, you couldn’t ask for a better location.

Reference: DUB151884RERA BRN: 30707Broker: Ben Brooks / haus & haus Real Estate BrokerContact: +971 (0) 56 950 1782

Price: AED 10,500,000

JUMEIRAH LIVING, WORLD TRADE CENTRE

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 2 Size (Sq ft): 1,868

Exclusive Duplex unit in the most luxurious building in the heart of Dubai, with breathtaking views of Burj Khalifa and DIFC.

Reference: RT-S-3338RERA BRN: 666Broker: Roots Land Real Estate LLCContact: +971 (0) 50 559 1668

Price: AED 2,980,000

INDEX TOWER, DIFC

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 2 Size (Sq ft): 1,865

One Real Estate is pleased to offer this spacious apartment situated on a high floor with views of the Burj Khalifa and

Downtown. Separate dining area, plus two parking spaces; vacant upon completion.

Reference: ON-S-3859RERA BRN: 12019Broker: Jonathan Le Pore/One Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 56 254 5065

Price: AED 3,750,000

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Beautifully finished homes make use of natural stone and luxurious materials, while a welcoming feeling infuses the atmosphere. With 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses in the heart of upcoming MBR City

(Meydan), the gated residential community of 326 townhouses is the project of G & Co. With SPF Realty as their exclusive sales and marketing agents, G & Co. have developed projects such as Millennium Estates (AED 2.7 billion), Grand Views (AED 1.5 billion) and more recently Jade at the Fields, all of which sold out in record time. Millennium Estates is scheduled for handover by the end of 2015 and Jade at the Fields, the sister project of Viridian, saw over 300 townhouses sold in just two months.

Launched at an attractive price point, starting at AED 2.34 million, Viridian is offered with a six-year payment plan. This payment plan comprises a nominal down payment of 5% (AED 117,000) and where 65% of the purchase price is payable post-handover, in quarterly installments over 3 years, a first in a townhouse/villa project. The freehold property project is scheduled for completion in January 2019.

Mr. Ranjeet Chavan, Director of SPF Realty explains, “The community is set to be a first choice for investors in Dubai market, with demand for premium homes in the city increasing, led by Dubai’s status as the region’s business and lifestyle hub. With this project we aim to meet the demand for a project with all the elements that the market-demands.”

“Think of Viridian as a pristine haven away from the bustling city, shaped for fine living and fine-tuned for family pursuits,” elaborates Mr. Kalpesh Sampat, Director of SPF Realty. “Viridian mixes contemporary style with plentiful space, refined technology and colour schemes that draw inspiration from nature. The townhouses are spacious with floor to ceiling windows, enclosed terraces and gardens both in front and back, allowing families to entertain and engage in outdoor activities.”

At Viridian, residents can enjoy and share a host of amenities from one of the outdoor gyms, to time at the park. When it’s time to refuel, relax on the grass for a memorable picnic or create a mouth-watering alfresco feast in one of the barbecue areas.

Amidst the greenery, open spaces and modern architecture, there is a range of shops too. From haute couture and iconic brands to an authentic farmer’s market, a wealth of lifestyle features have been planned as an integral part of the Viridian masterplan. The area will feature a choice of excellent restaurants, bistros and cafés perfect for special celebrations or just a friendly get-together, and as such represents a cohesive and desirable new residential development that will make onlookers green with envy.

Viridian at the Fields is where your dream of luxury living comes true. To explore your new home, get in touch at [email protected], 800 SPF, www.thefields.ae

VIRIDIAN AT THE FIELDSInspired by the Latin word ‘viridas’ meaning green, fresh and lively, at Viridian at the Fields by

G & Co., life comes alive, with exquisite green tones across the gardens and open spaces

Viridian villas

V3 (3 Bedroom +Maid & Family room)Size (Sq ft): 2,040Price: AED 2,340,000

V4 (4 Bedroom +Maid & Family room)Size (Sq ft): 2,321Price: AED 2,610,000

V4E (4 Bedroom + Maids & Family room) End UnitSize (Sq ft): 2,683Price: AED 2,990,000

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JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 7,071

haus & haus is proud to present this superb villa set on the plot of 9,100 sq.ft and overlooking the 7th hole of the Earth golf course. Olive Point community has a unique cluster style design set on an elevated landscape.

Reference: DUB152117RERA BRN: 33571Broker: Olga Pikina / haus & haus Real Estate BrokerContact: +971 (0) 55 757 1068

Price: AED 16,900,000

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES, SUNDIALS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 7,712

Overlooking the golf course, this Bella Vista villa is a ‘must view’. On the ground floor are living and dining areas opening out to a garden and pool. An open-plan kitchen leads to a family room; an external maid’s room and utility room lead off the kitchen. 

Reference: SL-S-2120RERA BRN: 11650Broker: Sloanes Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 348 4421

Price: Price Upon Request

EMIRATES HILLS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 9 Size (Sq ft): 28,000

Overlooking Emirates Golf Course, this villa offers dual family living and has a spacious layout. The villa has privacy secured as it is elevated in comparison to most other villas in Emirates Hills. With a total of 9 bedrooms (5 in the

East wing and 4 in the West wing) this spacious home offers unique living and serene views of the golf course and skyline including the Burj Khalifa. The surrounding garden is green and lush and meticulously maintained.

Reference: VI6119ORN: 12521Broker: Gulf Sotheby’s International RealtyContact: +971 600 545 453

Price: AED 75,000,000

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ARABIAN RANCHES, LA AVENIDA

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 17,000

Ascot & Co. present this exceptional home. With full golf course views, it boasts a huge marble-floored hallway leading to a living area with double height ceilings. Bay windows flood the villa with light.

Reference: 66977545ORN: 12947Broker: Ascot and Co Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 56 769 3473

Price: AED 12,250,000

DUBAILAND, AL BARARI SILK LEAF 4

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 13,000

This exquisite home has been designed to a beautiful standard. Internal courtyards, family areas, roof terraces with bbq areas, stunning bathrooms with their own private gardens and floor-to-ceiling doors and windows are a few of the features that make it exceptional.

Reference: 54378841ORN: 12947Broker: Ascot and Co Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 55 639 6000

Price: AED 15,500,000

MEADOWS 8

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 10,000

Ascot & Co. present this upgraded Hattan L1 home with full lake views. On a large, private plot, there is an extra family room to the side of the house and external driver’s and maid’s quarters, as well as large courtyard and double garage.

Reference: 57106745ORN: 12947Broker: Ascot and Co Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 55 411 1123

Price: AED 9,999,950

JASMINE LEAF, AL BARARI

Property Category: RentBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 16,750 / BUA 14,000

The villa boasts two large living areas, dining room, breakfast area, fully equipped kitchen, rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities. The basement has 2 halls, maids area, study, and 5 storage rooms.

Reference: A1-R-1916RERA BRN: 31920Broker: Ernan Caurac /A1 PropertiesContact: +971 (0) 55 640 9008

Price: AED 540,000

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EMIRATES HILLS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 39,500

This mansion is set on a huge corner plot on a golf course and boasts a grand entertainment foyer, private pool, quality finishes and elegant kitchen.

Reference: TM-S-2169BRN: 28482 ORN: 12081Broker: Ayaz Butt / Trimeta Real EstateContact: +971 50 451 2297

Price: AED 60,000,000

EMIRATES HILLS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 10, 000

The light-filled villa that can be sold with or without furniture is on a lake-facing plot and boasts a stunning pool. It has a large study, 3 living areas and spacious kitchen. The master bedrooms come complete with huge walk- in wardrobe and bathrooms.

Reference: PHD1017747RERA BRN: 7491Broker: Myles Bush/Powerhouse PropertiesContact: +971 (0) 50 950 1897

Price: AED 37,999,999

ARABIAN RANCHES

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 3 bed + maid Size (Sq ft): 9,000

While the design is modern, the accent is on harmony with its desert setting. Primed on generous plots, some with golf views and some facing parks, each detached Saheel villa exudes an aura of bliss that permeates throughout.

Reference: VI26713ORN: 1201Broker: Coldwell BankerContact: +971 (50) 735 6608

Price: AED 4,100,000

ARABIAN RANCHES, HATTAN

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 8 Size (Sq ft): 16,668

Upgrades include outside flooring, pool, garage doors, driver’s room, bathrooms and wooden flooring in bedrooms. Presented in great condition with 3 reception rooms, large kitchen and cinema.

Reference: OV-S-6936ORN: 511Broker: Oceanview Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 322 2466

Price: AED 16,500,000

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POLO HOME, ARABIAN RANCHES, DUBAI

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 24,000

This type F villa backs on to the equestrian club. The built up area of 10,227 sq ft consists of six large bedrooms including guest room, interior courtyard, breakfast room, two living rooms, family rooms, maid’s room, patio overlooking the pool, garden and 2 garages.

Reference: VI603ORN: 15433Broker: Christie’s International Real Estate UAEContact: +971 4 279 8888

Price: Price Upon Request

EMIRATES HILLS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 7500

The Villa has its own swimming pool and landscaped outdoor area. The Villa has covered parking for 3 cars along with seperate driver and maid’s facilities. With high quality marble and wooden floors, the villa is very well maintained.

Reference: PPL-S-2486RERA BRN: 33587Broker: Tahir Majithia, Prime PlacesContact: +971 (0) 56 442 7845

Price: AED 27,500,000

ARABIAN RANCHES, SAHEEL VILLAS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 4,695

Engel & Voelkers offers this highest level of Arabian Ranches lifestyle Every room has marble flooring and interior-designed features. The property boasts a family sized kitchen with upgraded fixtures and fittings.

Reference: W-0238UVRERA BRN: 33676Broker: James Francis/ Engel & VoelkersContact: +971 (0) 4 375 5120

Price: AED 7,000,000

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EMIRATES HILLS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 24,700

Among the features of this mansion are formal living room with double height ceiling, family living room, dining room, kitchen with Miele appliances and office/study; cinema room and bar and snooker areas.

Reference: AP6213ORN: 12521Broker: Gulf Sotheby’s International RealtyContact: +971 (0) 600 545452

Price: Price Upon Request

LA AVENIDA, ARABIAN RANCHES

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 bed + maid Size (Sq ft): 18,000 BUA (Sq ft): 5,178

The villa has an open-plan kitchen and is in a gated neighbourhood of 17 villas centrally located between Arabian Ranches Golf Course and the community centre.

Reference: VI9226RERA BRN: 27333Broker: Sherry Dang Briet/Coldwell BankerContact: +971 (50) 735 6608

Price: AED 13,000,000

ALVORADA 2 VILLA, ARABIAN RANCHES

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 7,300

Vacant and ready to move into. Downstairs guest bedroom with bathroom. Two bedrooms share a bathroom. Guest bedroom has en-suite. bathroom. Fully landscaped gardens with pool.

Reference: ON-S-4060RERA BRN: 12019Broker: One Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 595 0711

Price: AED 6,300,000

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES, DUBAI

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 3,842

Facing the 7th hole of the Earth golf course, the villa has a large reception and living area with double doors opening out onto the garden and pool. A bedroom, or if preferred study, is adjacent with doors leading to the garden.

Reference: PPL-S-2325RERA BRN: 29869Broker: Niels van Baasbank, Prime PlacesContact: +971 (0) 50 189 6869

Price: AED 5,850,000

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EMIRATES HILLS, SECTOR E

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 13,500

Located in the most prestigious area of Emirates Hills and E sector, close to the lake and golf

course, this exceptional property comes complete with five large bedrooms, a main kitchen, additional kitchen area, and a driver’s and maids room. The neighbourhood benefits from a sense of established exclusivity, with some of the city’s finest properties located here amidst lush landscaping in a secluded location that is moments from the main roads connecting Dubai. This particular villa

is more spacious than other Hambra villas in the area, with an upgraded swimming pool and mature garden. The exterior and interior have been modified to the owner’s practical needs. With high ceilings, bright light throughout the rooms, a generous and open layout, and a beautifully designed garden, this property is the perfect choice for someone

who is looking for both luxury and comfort in this highly prestigious neighbourhood of Dubai.

Reference: W-02332AORN: 16081Broker: Engel & VoelkersContact: +971 (0) 4 375 5120

Price: AED 28,500,000

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SANCTUARY FALLS, JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 5,625

An exceptional property, this brand new type ‘A’ villa features stunning architecture and a contemporary interior. With spectacular views up the fairway, this home has a spacious open-concept feel throughout.

Reference: DUB150040RERA BRN: 31018Broker: Gregory Lewis/Knight FrankContact: +971 (0) 4 426 7610

Price: AED 10,115,000

OLIVIA, VICTORY HEIGHTS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 8,700

Set on a large plot, this stunning 5 Bedroom C2-type villa faces back onto the park. It is fully upgraded internally, including wooden flooring and a downstairs bedroom conversion.

Reference: PHD1019773RERA BRN: 30962Broker: James Bush/Powerhouse PropertiesContact: +971 (0) 56 352 5592

Price: AED 4,900,000

EMIRATES HILLS, E SECTOR

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: Size (Sq ft): 20,500

A fully renovated luxury home - beautifully upgraded and set in a prime location in one of the top sectors of Emirates Hills. Facing

onto the lake, this villa is nestled on a large plot of approximately 20,500 sq ft and boasts a beautiful, spa-like private pool. The interior benefits from the finest luxury materials such as Spanish Crema Mafil marble, and solid wooden parquet flooring. Many of the bathrooms are finished in Italian Porcelain. The main entrance opens up to a lobby enhanced by two family rooms and a formal dining room alongside a fitted kitchen and

a beautiful breakfast area. The ground floor also consists of a large guest bedroom with a walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom, a game room with pool table and darts and a beautiful bar. The villa also comes with a luxury elevator that fits up to 6 people. The first floor consists of a family area overlooking the large garden and the pool. There are 4 spacious bedrooms, each with walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms. The master

bedroom comes with a walk-in wardrobe and private study with a breathtaking view of the lake. The property is fully furnished.

Reference: ES-2647ORN: 936Broker: Mohamad Nahal, Espace Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 903 4245

Price: AED 29,999,950

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For real estate investors looking to buy a slice of the Dubai dream, there is still much on offer. Arabian Ranches is one of the Emirate’s most glittering real estate gems – a thriving and established residential

area whose desirable address has become synonymous with quality and durability. Sought after by both investors and end users, the development enjoys a genuine sense of being a real, thriving neighbourhood, popular with families and those wishing to be far enough away from the city to enjoy the extra space, yet close enough to feel truly connected to Dubai.

And yet, even here, there are still new villas being added, which means that the demand for buying into an established and well maintained community such as this represents a truly appealing investment.

Forming a part of the Arabian Ranches development, adjacent to the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, 71 new polo villas have been completed and are nearing completion.

“The project was started in 2007,” says Helen Tatham of Prime Places Real Estate, a boutique agency with a focus on quality and high level of customer service.  With over a decade in the business, Helen is an expert on most areas of Dubai, having seen them develop over the years. “The villas, built by Emaar Properties, are part of Arabian Ranches but on the other side of the road, adjacent to the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club,” says Helen. “The structures of the villas are complete and there is a mix of finished, under renovation and shell & core units.”

The first finished villas were handed over as “shell and core” at the beginning of 2013. The villas are built in an appealing ‘Andalusian’ style that complements the sunny climate in the region.

“They boast extraordinarily large plot sizes of 15,000 to 40,000 sq ft,” adds Helen. “The fact that they are shell and core offers an opportunity to design the interior according to one’s taste and needs. There are a variety of different layouts, from four to six bedrooms among the villas.  Some boast open plan kitchens and some come with statement features such as a courtyard incorporated into the building.”

The interior of one of the show villas is testament to what can be achieved with the right vision. Style Addicts sisters Aimee Martin & Jenny Helliwell completed the interior design of the villa. The developers requested an elegant interior that would appeal to a wide range of nationalities and cultures.   The result certainly does that – it is bright and airy and the large rooms welcome endless light.  

A R A B I A N R A N C H E S P O L O V I L L A S

AN ASPIR ATIONAL LIFESTYLE

With rolling polo fields, abundant greenery and a sense of retreat, Arabian Ranches’ villas offer a

truly exceptional standard of living

by JOLA CHUDY

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Polo VillasSPECIFICATIONS

Arabian Ranches

Property Category: Rent/SalePlot Size (Sq ft): 15 - 40,000

Description: Part of the most recent addition to the Arabian Ranches development, built in an Andalusian style.

ORN: 12859Broker: Prime PlaceContact: +971 50 123 4567

Price Upon Request

Special features include bespoke entertainment units and wood panelling in formal entertaining areas, custom-made furniture and quality accessories that accentuate the large rooms and high ceilings. Top-of-the-range furniture and soft furnishings are throughout, and the statement centerpiece – the black and white tiled flooring – dominates the ground floor and first floor hallways that run through the entire home.

The prices for this new wave of villas ranges depending on individual specifications, but they start from around AED 9 million, all the way up to AED 30 million. This equates roughly to a price of AED 1,300 / sq ft up to AED 2,500 / sq ft.

“Due to the relatively low number of villas and the fact that the plots are so large, there is no need for communal amenities as such but their proximity to the Polo & Equestrian Club provides for a clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, restaurants and play area. The neighbourhood is upmarket and exclusive, and the lifestyle being offered here is one of luxury, overlooking one of the most elite sporting destinations in the region.”

The properties will no doubt appeal to investors with a penchant for polo, but are also designed with families in mind, especially those for whom open space is a mandatory feature.

“Polo is a great spectator sport and for those villas positioned on the field itself there will be an air of excitement as part of day to day living, whenever polo games are played,” says Helen. With large garden plots awaiting the individual touch of their owners – from landscaping to stunning swimming pools, the sense of space, serenity and luxe living is apparent throughout these magnificent properties.

Elegant decor, high ceilings and dramatic flooring are some of the signature touches of this custom-designed Arabian Ranches Polo Villa, complete with top-of-the-range furnishings.

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W A T E R F R O N T P R O P E R T I E S

THE FLOATING SEAHORSE

The Floating Seahorse is a radical departure point for the traditional waterside abode, bridging the gap

between a floating craft and a permanent home

Rather like traditional canalboats that are today synonymous with the idea of making a home on water, the Floating Seahorse is a home on water that will seek to redefine the parameters of modern

urban dwellings. Each villa will boast three storeys, one underwater, one at sea level and an upper deck.

The Floating Seahorse has been designed and developed by leading European architects for Kleindienst Group’s iconic island project, The Heart of Europe, located just 4km from the coast of Dubai. The project is synonymous with clean lines, neutral colours and contemporary high quality specifications.

The master bedroom and bathroom will be totally submerged underwater and will command breathtaking views of the surrounding coral reef and marine life. The sea level accommodation will boast floor to ceiling windows, uninterrupted sea views, a fully-fitted kitchen with a dining area, an open plan living area and a sun deck. This area can also be converted into a bedroom at night as it offers sleeping facilities. The upper deck is the perfect place for alfresco

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dining and relaxation and features an external shower, an informal bed, a mini bar, a kitchenette and a beautiful glass-bottomed jacuzzi.

The Floating Seahorse is a unique underwater product, the first of its kind in the world. In real terms, The Floating Seahorse is a marine style retreat (essentially a boat) which has its own plot in the Arabian Gulf. To be located just offshore from The Heart of Europe and a short boat ride from the coast of Dubai, each individual Floating Seahorse will boast three levels, one underwater, one at sea level and an upper dck.

CEO of Kleindienst Group, Josef Kleindienst comments “Many months of research, design and planning have gone into The Floating Seahorse and we are excited to be able to officially

launch and build it in Dubai. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark in the luxury lifestyle market for innovation, design and underwater living.”

Each individual property will boast floor to ceiling windows at sea level to embrace the sunlight and views of the Arabian Gulf. The area at sea level will offer a spacious open plan living room with a seating area and dining room, perfect for adults and families on holiday. The same floor will also offer a compact, fully-fitted kitchen which has been cleverly designed to camouflage itself when required, through the incorporation of sliding wooden panelling and a fully-fitted bathroom. The stunning decking area, will also offer plenty of space for sunbathing and al fresco dining. From this

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The area at sea level will offer a spacious OPEN PLAN LIVING ROOM with a

seating area and dining room, perfect for adults and families

on holiday. The same floor will also offer a compact,

FULLY-FITTED KITCHEN which has been cleverly

designed to camouflage itself when required, through the incorporation of SLIDING WOODEN PANELLING.

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level, you have direct access to the sea, via a ladder, when you fancy a dip or a snorkel! The lower level is what sets this property apart from anything else currently available in the world. The master bedroom and bathroom is totally submerged under water and will command breathtaking views of the surrounding coral reef and marine life. Key features include floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom, stunning wood panelling and a high quality, fully fitted bathroom with a freestanding bath tub, heated mirrors and an enviable view out to sea.

The top level of the property is essentially a luxurious upper deck home to an informal bed which will be the perfect place to relax, enjoy sunset and star-gaze. What’s more, this alfresco level will also have an external shower, a mini bar, a kitchenette and a beautiful glass-bottomed jacuzzi /whirlpool which acts as a skylight on the living room ceiling below. It’s an ambitious project that has already attracted global interest from investors who’d like a floating home.

Discover more at: www.thefloatingseahorse.com

Key features include FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS in the bedroom, stunning wood

panelling and a high quality, fully fitted bathroom with a freestanding bath tub, heated mirrors and an

ENVIABLE VIEW OUT TO SEA.

COURSES FOR SEAHORSESJosef Kleindienst, CEO of Kleindienst Group, estimates completion for the Floating Seahorse to be end of 2016. As part of the project, the developer will create an artificial coral reef beneath the luxury retreats which will be a protected area in which the villas namesake seahorses can safely live and breed. “The seahorse is an endangered species and we will create an artificial coral reef beneath the luxury retreats which will be a protected area in which seahorses can safely live and breed,” he says.

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23 MARINA, DUBAI MARINA

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 5,644

With views of Dubai from the living room and bedrooms, this upgraded duplex penthouse features luxuriously furnished bedrooms, and an interior by leading designers, including an elegantly modified kitchen.

Reference: TM-S-2832RERA ORN: 12081Broker: Ayaz Butt / Trimeta Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 451 2297

Price: AED 13,200,000

PALAZZO VERSACE, CULTURE VILLAGE, DUBAI, UAE

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 12,578

Description: haus & haus are proud to offer this unique penthouse with luxurious sized bedrooms and bathroom suites. The kitchen is fitted with Miele appliances throughout.

Reference: DUB152544RERA BRN: 28642Broker: Anthony Oates / haus & haus Real Estate BrokerContact: +971 (0) 56 950 1785

Price: AED 19,995,000

LE RÊVE, DUBAI MARINA

Property Category: Rent/SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 14,350

Own the quintessential 45th full-floor penthouse in what is considered by many to be

Dubai’s most prestigious address – the awe-inspiring Le Rêve. This architecturally impressive landmark is home to one of Dubai’s most exceptional homes. It boasts 13,400 sq ft of interior space and over 800 sq ft of sky terrace. Conceptualised and furnished by French architect Jean Louis Mainguy, this four-bedroom home offers owners a residence with the finest details,

luxury and comfort. Key features include an innovative Bulthaup eat-in kitchen, with a separate entrance that connects to the formal dining room, providing ease and efficiency for a simple breakfast, intimate dinner or a large scale entertaining. The modern sophistication of this penthouse is complemented by a Smart Home System, that places all lighting, climate, and

music settings at your fingertips through iPad control.

Reference: AP6203ORN: 12521Broker: Gulf Sotheby’s International RealtyContact: +971 (0) 600 545451

Price: Price Upon Request

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SIGNATURE VILLA PALM JUMEIRAH VILLAS - FROND L

Property Category: RentBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 13,499.98

Engel & Voelkers is proud to present this a one-of-a-kind villa, located on a high frond with six bedrooms and a family room.

Reference: W-0237WDRERA BRN: 33673Broker: Paul Musson, Engel & Voelkers Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 4 375 5120

Price: AED 725,000

SIGNATURE VILLAS FROND O, PALM JUMEIRAH

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 7 Bedrooms plus Majilis Size (Sq ft): 13,000

Stunning seven bedrooms Grand Majilis Villa on the Palm Jumeirah, with sea views.

Reference: CRL-S-4496RERA BRN: 11693Broker: Carlton Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 980 6722

Price: AED 26,000,000

ZAYA NURAI ISLAND, ABU DHABI, UAE

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 10,011.00

This water-edge villa tucked away on Abu Dhabi’s coast

catches the fancy of the world’s wealthy. A part of the luxury development of Zaya Nurai Island, the property serves as a serene escape, a remote hideaway that can only be accessed by boat or helicopter, while offering direct panoramic views of the Ocean as well as views of Abu Dhabi skyline on the horizon. With a unique contemporary design, the magnificent

residence is filled with natural light, and is built on a plot of 33,000 square feet. Stunning features include a cinema room, a chef-calibre kitchen and a spa and wellness center. The property emanates quality far beyond utility, boasting private beach access, an infinity pool and an unadulterated solitude that is second to none. A set of steps lead from the villa to open

spaces that can accommodate helicopter landings.

Reference: CO-S-2783ORN: 2025Broker: Tugba Dogan, CORE Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 56 674 7368

Price: AED 30,000,000

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THÉOULE-SUR-MER, FRANCE

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 8 Size (Sq ft): 15,070

At 15 minutes from Cannes, this sublime waterfront property set on a plot of land offers a stunning view over the sea and harbour.With space for four cars it is close to Cannes waterfront.

Reference: MZICA2526Broker: Christie’s International Real Estate UAEContact: +971 4 279 8888

Price: Price Upon Request

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PALM JUMEIRAH VILLAS - FROND P

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 7,000

Engel & Voelkers offers this upgraded residence surrounded by the Arabian Gulf and boasting its own private beach; owners can watch the sunset from large balconies overlooking the pool and landscaped garden. The property has an entrance hall, private lounge, dining room, fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, guest suites, cinema room, staff quarters, six bedrooms with en suite facilities. The villa has a 13,400 sq ft plot size and comes with a double garage.

Reference: W-022X5TRERA BRN: 33680Broker: Engel & Voelkers Real Estate Brokerage LLCContact: +971 (0) 4 375 5120

Price: AED 49,000,000

JUMEIRAH ISLANDS MANSION

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Bedrooms + Maid Size (Sq ft): 12,000

The upgradeed property boasts 4 reception areas. The lounge has a staircase to the first floor reception room which is ideal as a family room, with a covered terrace with breathtaking views.

Reference: ES-2602RERA BRN: 29166Broker: Roberto Lorezo Perez, Espace Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 55 333 3724

Price: AED 14,950,000

PLETTENBERG BAY PANORAMIC VIEWS, SOUTH AFRICA, WESTERN CAPE, HERMANUS, ROOI ELS

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 10,764

Modernist design and a secluded setting sets this home apart. This single level residence makes use of open space and glass to maximise the panoramas.

Reference: ENV74683Broker: Jan Minnie Plett and Knysna Properties Ltd Contact: +27 (0) 44 533 6440

Price: AED 17,731,880

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23 MARINA, DUBAI MARINA

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 5,450

Description: Contemporary 4-BR fully furnished duplex penthouse, Spectacular full sea view, fully automated & fully upgraded, private pool & jacuzzi, private cinema & private lift

Reference: RC-S-7400RERA BRN: 10017Broker: Saber Zeroual / Real Choice Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50-9531078

Price: AED 17,500,000

STUNNING LAKE FACING SPRINGS VILLA FOR SALE

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 3 Size (Sq ft): 3250

Description: A Stunning example of a type 1E villa situated backing straight out onto scenic fountain and lakes of the Springs

Reference: PHD1019854RERA BRN: 33827Broker: Kyle Walczak / Power House Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 52 981 3318

Price: AED 3,500,000

UMM AL SHEIF, INDEPENDENT VILLA

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 15,000

Sloanes Real Estate is proud to bring to the market this unique villa.  The property is located in a quiet street minutes from

Burj al Arab. It sits on a plot of 15,000 sq ft and offers spacious accommodation.  Spread over 2 floors, it comprises an entrance hall that opens out onto a large, living room with a wall of windows overlooking the landscaped garden and pool.  Through an arch, you reach the dining room that can accommodate a large dining table.  An upgraded fully fitted kitchen offers further family dining areas.  There

are 2 bedrooms on the ground floor which share a bathroom. A grand staircase leads to the upper floor and opens onto a lounge and tv area which also has its own kitchen for convenience.  The master bedroom is tastefully decorated and offer views of the garden. A further 3 bedrooms are also located here. In addition, there is a majlis room, store room, and shower and bathroom overlooking the pool.  There

are 2 staff bedrooms and a kitchen/utility room at the rear, with a double garage at the front. Viewing by appointment through Pauline Leale.

Reference: SL-S-1409ORN: 11650Broker: Sloanes Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 348 4421

Price: AED 26,000,000

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ST TROPEZ

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 3,660

Ideally located between Saint-Tropez and the Pampelonne beaches, nestled at the heart of a landscaped park of about 8,000 sqm, this prestigious Belle Epoque property offers a majestic sea view onto the Baie des Canoubiers. With high-quality fittings and separate guest house, the Style and charm perfectly combine to lend this property a unique allure.

Reference: MZIST648Broker: Christie’s International Real Estate UAEContact: +971 4 279 8888

Price: Price Upon Request

PALM JUMEIRAH, OCEANA CARRIBEAN

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 BR PenthouseSize (Sq ft): 5,726

Ocean View Real Estate is proud to offer this prestigious penthouse in Oceana.  The apartment has been designed by the owner into a one-of-a-kind penthouse where every detail is to the highest quality. 

Reference: OV-S-5984RERA BRN: 24879Broker: Renata Burlachenko Contact: +971 (0) 50 727 5565

Price: AED 18,000,000

MARINASCAPE, DUBAI MARINA

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 10,000

This beautiful townhouse with large balconies, is right in the heart of Dubai Marina, on the waterfront. Trident Marinascape offers direct access to Marina Walk and easy access to transport routes.

Reference: DUB150571RERA BRN: 30708Broker: Michael Frampton / haus & haus Real Estate BrokerContact: +971 (0) 56 361 6005

Price: AED 12,000,000

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EMIRATES HILLS, E SECTOR

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Bedrooms, study + maid Size (Sq ft): 15,000

Beautifully upgraded and fully renovated villa in one of the quietest sectors of Emirates Hills. This 5-bedroom villa boasts ‘fantasy home’ features such as a private pool, fully equipped gymnasium and a Turkish sauna with massage room. The interior of the villa benefits from completely renovated Italian marble flooring, new bathrooms, piping and plumbing have also been totally changed. The open plan living space is a visually outstanding aspect of the ground floor area, which is enhanced

by the benefits of a library room with a separate bathroom and a fully equipped Italian kitchen that opens up to a well-lit dining area. The first floor consists of a family area and four spacious bedrooms dominated by a sumptuous master bedroom with a spacious walk-in wardrobe. The property comes fully furnished and benefits from Bang & Olufsen TV sets in the living room and all bedrooms. This property has a built up area of 10,000 sq ft and sits on a 15,000 sq ft plot fronting onto the lake.

Reference: ES-1975RERA BRN: 24503Broker: Daniel Rakhubovskyy, Espace Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 253 0195

Price: AED 32,000,000

This 5-BEDROOM VILLA boasts ‘fantasy home’ features such as a PRIVATE POOL, fully equipped gymnasium and a Turkish sauna

with massage room.

L I S T I N G SBY THE WATERL

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NURAI -WATER VILLA, ABU DHABI, UAE

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 4 Size (Sq ft): 26,000

Ultra modern, one of only 12 luxury homes, the property has

a built up area of 10,011sqft and is spread over 2 floors with a garden roof terrace.  An open plan living space boasts direct sea views.  The kitchen is fully fitted to the highest standard. The island is developed in partnership with some of the world’s most renowned architects, designers and brands. In addition to the in-house features, residents will

have access to all of the amenities provided by the island’s boutique retreat, which include world class restaurants, lounges, a private helipad, private beaches, floating marina with arrivals lounge and spa and fitness centre. Nurai’s spa will be operated by Per Aquum, who specialise in luxury retreats in some of the world’s most desirable destinations in the world including the

Maldives and Sri Lanka. Their development ethos is based on sustainability and responsibility.

Reference: SL-S-1451ORN: 11650Broker: Sloanes Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 503484421

Price: Price Upon Request

ELITE ADMIRAL PREMIUM,ALANYA, TURKEY

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 2 Size (Sq ft): 3116

600 metres from own beach. All interiors can be tailored with a choice of fittings and finishes. Standard features include Daikin air con, ceramic tile underfloor heating, ‘Smart Home’ technology; fitted kitchen.

Reference: RT-S-3370ORN: 666Broker: Roots Land Real Estate  Contact: +971 50 559 1668

Price: AED 2,797,356

PALM JUMEIRAH

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 13,405

Armani wood, Italian travertine, Cavalli chandeliers, Fendi Casa, Bentley and Rugiano furniture... this villa exemplifies sophistication at every corner, with the finest furniture, fixtures and fittings underscoring the grandeur of this lavish home.

Reference: VI6298ORN: 12521Broker: Gulf Sotheby’s International RealtyContact: +971 (0) 600 545 452

Price: AED 63,000,000

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CANADA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, VICTORIA, METCHOSIN

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 10,700

An award-winning design by Marko Simcic, this home coexists gracefully with the surrounding West Coast landscape and maintains an intimate and easily communicable presence despite the size of the space. Canyon River runs through the home and controls the temperature via hydrothermal radiant energy, lending the home impeccable eco credentials. In addition, the home’s mechanical and electrical systems can be accessed from anywhere on the globe via the Internet. The space is wonderfully fluid and provides ease of daily functionality, while housing every luxury, with formal entertaining space, and

separate guest accommodations. Vaulted ceiling, skylights, bridges, decks and an impressively sized car port add to this home’s grandiose allure. Tennis courts, hot tub, and pool add to this active retreat; an enclosed boathouse within the home allows you to roll out of bed and into the ocean! This award- winning quiet and private waterfront Metchosin home is the epitome of excellence; having achieved the Canadian Architect Award in 2003 and a Lieutenant-Governor’s Award in 2008. While seemingly a hidden sanctuary, the home is only 30 minutes outside the capital; allowing you to stay connected to amenities, shops, and air travel or enjoy the quiet seclusion.

Reference: CA-00001EBroker: Scott Piercy, Engel & Völkers VictoriaContact: +1 778 433 8885

Price: AED 36,741,952

This award- winning quiet and PRIVATE WATERFRONT

METCHOSIN HOME is the epitome of excellence; having

achieved the CANADIAN ARCHITECT AWARD in 2003.

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EMIRATES HILLS W SECTOR

Property Category: RentBedrooms: 5 Size (Sq ft): 16465

Sloanes Real Estate offers this immaculately presented fully furnished five bedroom villa

which is situated in the luxury community of Emirates Hills.On the ground floor, the elegant accommodation comprises open plan sitting/dining room, a guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, a games room, a white modern style kitchen, cooking kitchen and 2 staff quarters. The second floor boasts a family room, a beautiful master bedroom suite with an

impressive walk in wardrobe, a sizeable en suite bathroom and a perfect al fresco balcony. There are three further three double bedrooms with luxurious en suite bathrooms. The villa is upgraded, impeccably interior designed, and offers superb bespoke high-end furnishings. Externally the villa offers a landscaped garden with a BBQ bar area, a gazebo

sitting area and an infinity pool overlooking the tranquil lake.

Reference: SL-R-1277ORN: 11650Broker: Sloanes Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 348 4421 Contact: +971 4 552 1273

Price: Price Upon Request

BALQIS RESIDENCE, PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UAE

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 2 Size (Sq ft): 1,964

With uninterrupted views over the Arabian Gulf, this prestigious address offers attractive investment as well as kerb appeal to buyers.

Reference: RT-S-3356ORN: 666Broker: Roots Land Real Estate LLCContact: +971 (0) 50 559 1668

Price: AED 3,600,000

ROYAL VILLA, JUMEIRAH 1

Property Category: SaleBedrooms: 6 Size (Sq ft): 25,500

Luxury villa near Mercato Mall, with 2 lounges and one office. There are two kitchens, one inside and one outside, while two lounges and a living area with private majlis offer generous space for entertaining.

Reference: ON-S-3835ORN: 12019Broker: One Real EstateContact: +971 (0) 50 100 32 25

Price: AED 22,000,000

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G iorgio Armani famously said, “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused

on the smallest detail.” This Palm Jumeirah home is a true example of this.

The current owner has been successful in creating a property that ticks all the boxes for the most discerning of buyers, and may well come to be regarded as one of Dubai’s finest trophy homes.

Located at the end of L-Frond, on an extended 7,500 sq ft plot with a modified 7,000 sq ft built-up area, this contemporary masterpiece boasts stunning panoramic sunset sea views of Atlantis Hotel and and the Marina skyline. 

No expense has been spared while creating this home. Imported Palestinian white stone exterior cladding covers the entire house and gives this home a look that is unlike any other on the Palm. At the villa’s entrance, visitors are greeted with the sight of a serene fountain with two steel dolphin sculptures from Korea. Close the doors behind you and enter the main foyer, where a bespoke chandler from Europe

IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDThis sumptuous and grand villa exudes

extreme attention to detail, cutting-edge technology, exclusive bespoke designs, and the ultimate in luxury.

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Interior specs

All interior walls are clad in white wood, while the leather is from Switzerland. The interiors have been designed by a leading interiors specialists from Monaco, while the house was designed by TAO. Materials inside include: black ‘Marquina’ marble, micro white crystallised Japanese white marble. Door handles and accessories sourced from Italy; fittings in the bathrooms also from Italy. Bespoke chandelier designed in Monaco. Technical details include JUNG Home Automation Controls, AC, Music System, Lighting, Sony built-in televisions.Over US$150,000 was spent on curtains alone, these are from Italy as is the kitchen.

hangs gracefully above black mirrored walls. The space is truly exceptional, bestowing an unforgettable impression on any guests who are invited to the property while also being a welcoming and practical family home. The property, designed by TAO, is being offered fully furnished, and the work of one of Monaco’s most sought-after interior designers speaks for itself throghout.

A two-year project where not a single expense was spared, the home features black Marquina and micro white crystallised Japanese marble, state-of-the-art Juno Smart Home technology, five en-suite  bedrooms (two of which are Disney-inspired childrens rooms), dining room, formal reception, two media family rooms, study, elevator, gym, bar and billiards room. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows are fully converted Schüco aluminium, and a covered rear terrace boasts

panoramic views of the ocean. All fittings and accessories are from Italy, with luxury Italian brands in all of the 5 en-suite bathrooms including the ground floor powder room.

Imported from Switzerland, a 150kg black bespoke hand-made clock that took six months to create hangs proudly in the formal sitting area.

Outside, there is a stretch of pristine private beach, a barbecue area and a stone pergola; these create an idyllic setting complemented by appliances from the United States. A stunning  infinity pool and Jacuzzi designed by Toscana lends a touch of luxury to the beautiful landscaped garden.  This grand home is a must see and a true piece of art.

The property is exclusive to: www.chris-boswell.com

The space is truly exceptional, bestowing an UNFORGETTABLE IMPRESSION on any guests who are invited to the property while also being a welcoming and practical family home.

The garden features the finest imported materials, a suitably lavish surroundings to the property, a one-of-a-kind testament to the ambitious design inside. Offered fully furnished, the villa is unlike any other on Palm Jumeirah.

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FURNITURE & FURNISHINGSBaccaratwww.baccarat.com+971 4 339 8942Bloomingdale’s Home+971 4 350 5464Christoflewww.Christofle.com+971 4 339 8451Duxianawww.duxiana.ae+971 4 339 9100Ethan Allenwww.ethanallenuae.com+971 4 330 8871Flamantwww.flamant.com+971 4 388 2411Irony Homewww.ironyhomelifestyle.com+971 4 434 0166ID Designwww.iddesignuae.com+971 4 341 3434Jashanmal Home Department Storewww.jashanmalgroup.com+971 4 325 3808Laliquewww.lalique.com+971 4 339 8782Lux Dexowww.luxdeco.com+44 0 203 586 1536Merinos+971 4 339 9247Marina Homewww.marinahomeinteriors.com+971 4 341 0314Persian Carpet House+971 4 341 0410Tavola+971 4 340 2933The Red Carpet+971 4 340 9924The White Company +971 4 341 0493Rogaskawww.steklarna-rogaska.si+971 4 325 3660Versace Homewww.versacehome.com+971 4 330 8697Villariwww.villari.it+971 4 447 1332Yves Delorme

www.yvesdelorme.com+971 4 339 8787

INTERIOR DESIGNERSAlgedrawww.algedra.ae+971 4 363 9703Alidadwww.alidad.com+44 20 7 384 0121Aristo Castle Interior Designwww.aristocastle.com+971 4 321 9007Ann [email protected]+44 20 7 384 1660B Living Designwww.b-livingdesign.com+971 4 420 3863Broadway Interiorswww.broadwayinteriors.net+971 4 450 8546Casa Prestigehwww.casaprestige.ae+971 50 153 8158Circadian.com, www.circadianid.com+971 4 439 3435Cecilia Clasonwww.ceciliaclasoninteriors.com+971 4 362 6261CLSEwww.c-lse.com+971 4 338 8733Crux Interiorswww.cruxinteriors.com+971 55 716 1106David Collinswww.davidcollins.com+44 20 7 835 5000Decorum Designwww.decorumdubai.com+971 4 450 4 290Elegant Interiorselegantinteriordesign.greensmedia.com+971 4 385 8550Fox Linton Associateswww.foxlinton.co.uk+44 20 7 907 2269Ions Designwww.ionsdesign.com+971 4 454 2675Ishtar Décorwww.ishtardecor.com+971 4 442 1119Intaryawww.intarya.com

+44 20 7 349 8020Katharine Pooleywww.katharinepooley.com+974 4 407 7171 KN Interiorswww.kninteriordesign.com+971 4 379 5379Nina Campbellwww.ninacampbell.com+44 20 7 225 1011Nikki B Signature Interiors LLCwww.nikkibinteriors.com+971 4 277 6998Nicky Haslamwww.nh-design.co.uk+44 20 7 730 0808Kelly Hoppenwww.kellyhoppenretail.com+44 20 7 471 3350Schemes Interiorswww.schemes-interiors.com+971 4 334 6966Serendipity by Designwww.serendipity.ae+971 4 441 2661Silverstone Interiorswww.silverstoneinteriors.com+971 4 454 2246Splycewww.splyce.ae+971 4 3806560Swiss Bureau Interior Designwww.sb-id.com+971 4 277 0402WA Internationalwww.wa-international.com+971 4 266 3050Zen Interiorswww.zeninteriors.net+971 4 340 5050Taowww.taouae.com+971 4 227 1633

To be added to our property listings pages, features pages or directory page please email [email protected]

I N D E XREAL ESTATE SPECIALISTSA1 Propertieswww.a1properties.ae+971 4351 5583Ascot & Co. Real Estatewww.ascotandco.com+971 4 391 8544 Carlton Real Estate LLCwww.carltonrealestate.ae+ 971 4 278 0975 CBLR Londonwww.chris-boswell.com+971 508 889 265 Christie’s International Real Estate UAEwww.christiesrealestateuae.com+971 4 279 8888Coldwell Banker UAEwww.coldwellbanker-ae.com+971 4 439 1200 Core Savillswww.core-me.com+971 4 423 9933Engel & Völkerswww.engelvoelkers.com +971 4 375 5120Espace Real Estatewww.espace.ae+971 4 306 9999Gulf Sotheby’s International Realtywww.gulfsir.com +971 4 818 4999Knight Frankwww.knightfrank.com+971 4 426 7644 Powerhouse Propertieswww.powerhousedubai.com+971 4 347 6853Prime Place Real Estatewww.primeplace.com+971 4 123 4567Roots Land Real Estate Brokers LLCwww.rootsland.com+971 4 329 8333Sloanes Real Estate Brokerswww.sloanesrealestate.com+971 4 552 1273

The Mews House in South West London, designed

by Buster and Punch.

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S

Some believe humanity’s survival depends on colonising celestial bodies such as the moon, while big corporations, rich entrepreneurs and even US politicians are eyeing up the moon and its resources.  Without proper regulation, the

moon risks becoming an extra-planetary Wild West.To figure out whether “earthly” laws can help decide who

owns what in space – or if anything can be owned at all – we must first disentangle sovereignty from property. Back in the 17th century, natural law theorists such as Hugo Grotius and John Locke argued that property rights exist by virtue of human nature but that they can only have legal force when they are recognised by a sovereign government. Within the context of space law, the big question is whether sovereignty reaches infinity – how high must you go to escape your country?

When the US was confronted with this query in the early 1950s, it lobbied for the recognition of outer space as a global commons. The Soviet Union was difficult to infiltrate to gather intelligence, so open access to Soviet air space was crucial for the US during the Cold War. Perceiving outer space as a commons was also another way of preventing national sovereignty in space. But neither the USSR nor the US was keen to fight out the Cold War on yet another front.

This principle can be found in the 1967  Outer Space Treaty  which forbids “appropriation by claims of sovereignty, means of use or occupation by any other means”. It has been widely accepted: no one complains the various moon landings or satellites in space have infringed their sovereignty.

However, legal commentators disagree over whether this prohibition is also valid for private appropriation. Some space lawyers have argued for the recognition of real property rights on the basis of jurisdiction rather than territorial sovereignty.

Historical records of the Space Treaty negotiations clearly indicate people were against private appropriations at the time, but an explicit prohibition never made it into Article II. Lessons have been learned from this omission and the ban was far more explicit in the subsequent Moon Agreement of 1979. However only 16 countries signed the agreement, none of which were involved in manned space exploration, leaving it somewhat meaningless as an international standard.

Consequently, space entrepreneurs such as  Dennis Hope from the Lunar Embassy Corporation seem to think that there is a loophole in Article II, which allows private citizens to claim ownership of the moon. Most space lawyers disagree. So while the idea of buying some lunar real estate might be fun, in order for these plots to be recognised as property there needs to be legal recognition by a superior authority such as a nation

state. As states are not allowed to claim sovereign rights in outer space, landed property on the moon and planets will in all likelihood be outlawed.

But all of these arguments are rather theoretical. If you just simply occupy a place and no one else can access or use it, aren’t you the de facto owner? Lawyers call this corporate possession and it represents a reason why title deeds cannot be a legal proof of lunar ownership – no one is physically there. In order to possess something, both mind and body need to be involved. Intention alone is not sufficient; possession also requires a physical act. And it seems technology is once again outsmarting the law. Back in the late 1990s commercial firm SpaceDev intended to  land robotic prospectors on an asteroid  to conduct experiments and claim it as private property. The project eventually ran out of funds and was shelved, but advocates point to salvage companies claiming undersea wrecks as property after exploring them with robots. After all, if a probe was all that was required to take possession of a shipwreck, why can’t a space probe be enough to take possession of an unclaimed patch of celestial real estate?

Though legal ownership of the moon or Mars is prohibited, the appropriation of material is a whole different matter. It looks like entrepreneurs could claim something like “enterprise

rights” that allows them to explore and exploit natural resources in outer space. I get the uncomfortable feeling of a déjà vu. Was it not Locke’s property theory that justified possession over nature and vacant land and eventually led to the colonisation of the Americas? Let’s hope that the international community and individual states come to their senses before it’s too late and get to sign and ratify the Moon Agreement which might give us a little bit of hope that we can avoid another enclosure movement. Saskia Vermeylen is a Senior Lecturer in the Lancaster Environment Centre

WHO OWNS THE  MOON?

As scarcity of terrestrial real estate looms in a not-too-distant future, ambitious pioneers are revisiting

science-fiction scenarios of condos in space and mansions on the moon.

Which begs the question…

T H E E N D

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