Utopia 11 Jan/Feb 2017

THE KING HAS ARRIVED

Photo by Interiors by Päivi Halt

The Definitive House & Home Bible THE KING HAS ARRIVED

From the middle of August you’ll find the world’s finest linen and towelling conveniently located with free parking.

King of Cotton has an established reputation for high quality at reasonable prices, come and see for yourself or visit our website.

EST

1880

KING OF COTTON The world’s finest linen and towelling www.kingofcotton.com

K I N G O F C OT TO N , C E N T R O C O M E R C I A L L A C O L O N I A A V E N I D A D E L A V I R G E N D E L R O C Í O 6 - 7 2 9 6 7 0 S A N P E D R O D E A L C Á N TA R A , M A R B E L L A , M Á L A G A T : 0 3 3 4 9 5 1 2 3 9 3 0 5

10 villas, tailored to your exacting requirements

From €1,950,000 Believe in the beauty of your dreams...

Dreams are just wishes unfulfilled. But dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature wouldn’t haunt us with them.

Picture white-washed buildings with a seductive backdrop of densely-wooded, deep emerald mountains. An area steeped in history and tradition. Home to some of the finest, most talked about restaurants in Southern Spain. The place where you’ll find everything your heart desires...

No dream you have dared to dream is beyond your grasp. And it’s with great pride that Atlas Signature Homes present you with a unique opportunity.

A choice of ten plots in the most perfect location...

Centro Comercial Atenea, Local 1 y 17 Ctra. N-340, Km. 168, 29680, Estepona, Málaga

Certain things in life deserve to be tailor-made.

Wake-up to the home of your dreams..

Introducing the Atlas Signature Collection...

Wouldn’t it be great to commission your own villa to your own exacting requirements?

Atlas Signature Homes are offering you the opportunity to tailor-make your perfect home, set in the chic enclave of Benahavis, Marbella.

Designed by leading architects, masters at harmonising the contemporary with tradition, each stunning villa will be a vision of unparalleled quality and luxury.

We have acquired a spectacular selection of 10 plots, in an exclusive location, that are the perfect setting for you to relax, play and unwind.

Benahavís, an area steeped in culture and tradition.

To make your dream come true, we have engaged with three of Europe’s leading architects. Each has the ability to tailor make one of their works to ensure it fits your lifestyle and requirements.

Over 300 days of sunshine per year and tucked a few kilometres inland from the coast, the picture perfect village.

Artisans from all walks of life have created a relaxed and cultured environment that is the envy of many.

Benahavís is home to 12 of the Costa del Sol’s 70 golf courses and for more energetic outdoor pursuits, the surrounding spectacular mountains of the Serranía de Ronda and Guadalmina river give hours of pleasure.

Contact Atlas Signature Homes www.atlasbenahavis.com info@atlassignaturehomes.com (+34) 951 350 068

% 50 SO LD Naturally Modern Living

�Bask in the light, breathe in the mountain air, enjoy complete peace and tranquillity, at Palo Alto your ideal home awaits.�

PaloAltoMarbella.COM

• Contemporary architecture by acclaimed architects, Villarroel Torrico • Premium quality kitchens and bathrooms by Gunni & Trentino • 5 minutes from La Cañada • Health Club with indoor pool, concierge, business centre, kids club • Easy and secure payment plan • Limited availability • 2 bed apartments from €440,000, 3 beds from €530,000

TO BOOK A TOUR, CALL 900 102 322

For sale, in advanced construction phase: Contemporary 4 Bedroom

IDD - REF: 3.90 - Please contact us for more information or to arrange a visit to the site

D e s i g n e r V i l l a P r o j e c t i n M o n t e M a y o r , B e n a h a v i s •••• 1.650.000 €

SYZYGY Homes brings together a series of factors that produce a unique living environment on the Costa del Sol. An enviable location, exclusive modern Mediterranean design and the finest materials coincide to make SYZYGY Homes the ideal lifestyle choice, in the New Golden Mile.

SINCE 1990

Discover more about this new living experience at SYZYGYbyFm.com

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it” Ansel Adams

THE KING HAS ARRIVED

From the middle of August you’ll find the world’s finest linen and towelling conveniently located with free parking.

King of Cotton has an established reputation for high quality at reasonable prices, come and see for yourself or visit our website.

EST

KING

1880

OF COTTON The world’s finest linen and towelling www.kingofcotton.com

K I N G O F C OT TO N , C E N T R O C O M E R C I A L L A C O L O N I A A V E N I D A D E L A V I R G E N D E L R O C Í O 6 - 7 2 9 6 7 0 S A N P E D R O D E A L C Á N TA R A , M A R B E L L A , M Á L A G A T : 0 3 3 4 9 5 1 2 3 9 3 0 5

UTOPIA & Covet House at: Luxxu

MAISON ET OBJET IS THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS INTERIOR DESIGN TRADE SHOW AN DIS HELD ANNUALLY IN PARIS. THIS JANUARY, THE COVET HOUSE GROUP, WHICH INCLUDES PORTUGAL’S TOP DESIGN BRANDS, ATTENDED THE SHOW ON THE 20 – 24 JANUARY AND AS WE ARE MEDIA PARTNERS WITH THE GROUP, THEY TOOK COPIES OF UTOPIA MAGAZINE WITH THEM FOR VISITORS TO ENJOY AND DISCOVER WHAT IS HAPPENING IN TERMS OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA. The group set up a Covet Lounge in the exhibition area to showcase the brands and they team invited visitors to stop for a rest, refreshments and a chat.

Covet House also introduced a very popular Happy Hour and organised lunch meetings where visitors could discuss the amazing range of design products that Covet House offers whilst also enjoying delicious food.

The brands represented at the fair included Boca do Lobo, DelightFULL, Brabbu, Koket, Essential Home, LUXXU and CIRCU. Boca do Lobo specialises in exclusive furniture and brought the best of its handmade traditional techniques that bring together contemporary design and Portuguese tradition. Its Metamorphosis range of tables in glass and marble and its new Xplosion chandelier attracted many admiring comments.

DelightFULL light designs inspired many visitors with its mid-century designs and its five new pieces that included Basie Table Lamp, Basie Wall, Sinatra Essential Home UTOPIA - 13

UTOPIAl s

Trave

Essential Home Torchier Lamp, Janies Table Lamp and Matheny Table Lamp were very well received.

Brabbu presented over 100 pieces that had never been seen before, including the Oreas Sofa, Ibis Bar Chair and Cauca Rug. Opulent Koket showcased the chic metal additions to its range. The Guilty Pleasures and Exotic Opulence collections included a new Opium cabinet featuring leather covered doors, and the Decadence Bookcase composed of two ornate metal semi-circles joined in a glamorous union by sleek glass shelves.

Furthermore, KOKET took a unique approach to the new lighting additions, introducing new materials and striking designs. The Amaretto sconce and chandelier have a traditional, round panelled design composed of tempered bronze and polished brass.

Essential Home attended for the first time in 2017 and its mid-century lines based on the 1930s and 1960s celebrated the look of those eras. Similarly, LUXXU’s lighting designs demonstrated a harmonious synthesis between innovation and tradition. Many praised the fabulous McQueen pendant light from its Tycho collection for its style.

CIRCU’s world of magical beds for children is always a popular and visitors this year were as impressed as always. It presented the three main novelties from its Magical Furniture collection: the aviation-inspired bed Sky B Plane, a plane shaped bed, the Teepee Room, a bedroom inspired by magical Indian tents, and a smaller version, the Teepee Play, a magical playground for little warriors.

Utopia is delighted that Covet House brands had such a successful time at Maison et Objet 2017 and would like to thank the team for taking this magazine with them to this important trade show where designers flock for inspiration.

UTOPIA - 14

Delightfull

CONSTRUCTION

. . . my passion TURNKEY CONSTRUCTION PRICE FOR THIS VILLA

290.000€

WE LOCATE THE PLOT A DV I C E

RUBÉN OTERO Managing Director

DESIGN YOUR BESPOKE VILLA

I NVE ST M E N T S

ARCHIT E CTU RE

D E SI G N

www.otero.com.es

CONSTRUCTION ONLY 12 MONTHS CO NSTRU CTI O N

T +34 951 569 722 M +34 688 222 777 E ruben@otero.com.es Avd. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe – Carolina Park 36B – Marbella

D E V E LOP M E N T

REAL ESTATE IN MARBELLA ew Era

A N

THE PROPERTY SITUATION IN MARBELLA IS CHANGING FOR THE BETTER. THIS MAY SEEM A BOLD STATEMENT CONSIDERING THE CRISIS SITUATION OF THE LAST FEW YEARS. BUT, EVEN IF THE MARKET WAS MORE CAUTIOUS AND QUIET DURING THE RECESSION, IT WAS NEVER REALLY DEAD.

As a result of this persistence and non-stop work, we can say that the real state business in Marbella is the most dynamic one on the Costa del Sol. At the same time, clients have also developed new needs and are looking for a different kind of property. Buyers’ expectations and demands when investing in a property are now higher and when they look for a home it needs to be “the home”. Construction companies are very well aware of this situation and are adapting their strategies to offer exactly what every client dreams about: that is, buying off-plan so they can enjoy a brand new property, the pleasure of a luxury custom-made home and the privilege of having the best views of the coast in a location that provides privacy and quietness.

“Off-plan property, custom made and privacy” are the three key elements paving the ‘yellow brick road’ that leads to success. After speaking with our friends in the business we have realised they all agree on one thing: the tendency now is to buy property off-plan. Sales are increasing considerably when it comes to projects in development.

The current clients are in constant pursuit of uniqueness and maximum comfort. This is why all the projects carried out at the moment have the concept of customization at their heart.

Otero g roup

Atlas

One example is Palo Alto’s apartments and penthouses. The construction of this residential complex is due to start in early 2017 and 50% of the properties are already sold. This reflects the trend for investing in a development project rather than ready-made villas or apartments.

Apart from the obvious reason of enjoying a brand new product, buyers also get to personalise the property from the very beginning.

Also, there are developments such as Las Terrazas de Cortesín, that have been an immediate success. Two phases of the project have already been built and they are almost sold out. The quality of the product is undeniable and no one will hesitate to acquire a new product with such characteristic quality.

Especially when personalisation and is such an important factor.

Architects and construction companies aim to achieve the best product possible. They are very well aware that the current clients are in constant pursuit of uniqueness and maximum comfort. This is why all the

projects carried out at the moment have the concept of customization at their heart. Clients need to feel they are involved in the process of creating an ideal home and companies know this, and make it a key selling point.

Syzygy Homes

Palo Alto

There are other interesting projects in Marbella right now. One of them is Amapura Villas in Nueva Andalucía.

This Otero Group developed this project, which consists of five luxury villas, each one different from the others. Antonio Ruiz, who is one of the most reputable architects in Marbella, designed them. The Otero group always sticks to its philosophy of getting to know its clients, providing them with what they need and what they want. Another project that deserves a mention is the Atlas Signature collection, it is comprised of 10 villas tailored to the clients’ exact requirements in the Benahavís area.

The new buyers’ pursuit of peace and privacy as a main priority is another considerable change in the market. In the past the investors were focused on beach side and front line golf properties, but now they want more countryside surroundings. Also, most UTOPIA - 17

of new projects don’t focus that much on the stereotypical Marbella house by the sea, or a hotspot area like Puerto Banús: the market now looks for quiet and peaceful areas that will ensure a private living environment.

and for them a development by Syzygy homes provides the highest quality properties in the heart of the Golden Mile: a perfect spot to enjoy Marbella life up close.

Enjoying a beautiful sea view is still very appealing, but new clients prefer to do it from a distance. This is certainly the case with Amapura villas - their views are just stunning. The same goes for projects like Atlas Signature in Benahavís and Palo Alto on the road to Ojén. Both projects ensure a closer relationship with nature and tranquillity. However, there will always be lovers of the ‘busy life’,

Marbella’s real estate market is definitely flourishing once again. We cannot yet state whether it is due to a change in the economy, or because of the new wave of Dutch Belgian and Scandinavian clients who are impacting on the market.

What we are sure of is that it is now easier than ever to create, or find, your own heaven on Earth in Marbella. Utopia’s team is always working hard to help you with this task.

UTOPIA - 18

RE NOVAT I O N S

. . . my passion JORGE GIL Interior Architect

YOUR DREAMS - OUR REALITY Contact us for your FREE design study, which includes: - Architect plans - Visual 3D images - Fixed cost quote - Fixed timing under contract THE BEST PRICE FOR REFURBISHMENTS Forget overpriced estimate from intermediaries and speak directly with the builders. We’ve been building houses since 1955 and specialise in residential properties for families. With our great team of in-house experts to provide a range of skills, you can rest assured that your project is in the hands of true professionals.

www.otero.com.es

T +34 951 569 722 M +34 633 500 838 E jorge@otero.com.es Avd. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe – Carolina Park 36B – Marbella

Modern Marketing

APARTMENT IN SELWO Ref: R2815541 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Terrace: 42 m² Build Size: 116 m² Price: 199,000 €

Located in the New Golden Mile, close to Selwo Adventure Park is this nice 3-bedroom apartment on a first floor, south facing with garden and pool views.

Comprising an ample living and dining room, a fully fitted kitchen

with laundry area, a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom and two guest bedrooms sharing a second complete bathroom.

A garage space and storage is included in the price.

To arrange an internal inspection please contact Jackson Grundy Real Estate.

Traditional Values

Edificio La Rotonda, Avd.Manolete Nueva Andalucía (opposite La Sala) & Centro Comercial Centro Plaza. Nueva Andalucía

T: +34 952 90 75 21 E: sales@jacksongrundy.es

jacksongrundyspain.co.uk

Ref: R2817257 Bedrooms: 2

APARTMENT IN NUEVA ANDALUCÍA

Bathrooms: 2 Buid size: 96 m² Price: 250,000 €

We are delighted to offer for sale these 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, stylishly presented Ground Floor Apartment.

The apartment is located in the ever popular Aloha Gardens Development.

This really is a fantastic location with bars, shops and restaurants on your

doorstep and only 20 minutes walking to Puerto Banus and the Beach.

The property boosts a generous garden area and there are 3 pools within the development one of which is indoor and heated. Please call now to arrange a internal inspection.

To arrange an internal inspection please contact Jackson Grundy Real Estate.

Modern Marketing

APARTMENT IN RIO REAL Beautiful luxury apartment in Golf Gardens, Rio Real. South facing, partial seaviews, private and situated on the first floor. One of the best units in the complex.

Large living and dining area with fireplace (gas), fully fitted kitchen with Siemens appliances, laundry area, two bedrooms en suite and a guest toilet.

Two parking spaces and a storage room.

New spacious terraces with lightning and sunscreens.

To arrange an internal inspection please contact Jackson Grundy Real Estate.

Ref: R2815667 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Buid size: 139 m² Terrace: 59 m² Price: 499,000€

Traditional Values

T: +34 952 90 75 21 E: sales@jacksongrundy.es

Edificio La Rotonda, Avd.Manolete Nueva Andalucía (opposite La Sala) & Centro Comercial Centro Plaza. Nueva Andalucía

Ref: R2664977

VILLA IN ESTEPONA Lovely fully renovated charming villa/ finca on a big plot, with nice views to the sea and the mountains, south to west facing, very quiet and private.

Close to Estepona town centre and the beach (1,5 km).

All on one floor, large living and dining area, open plan fully fitted

jacksongrundyspain.co.uk

kitchen, master bedroom suite and 3 guest bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.

Direct access to the covered and open terraces, the pool area and the garden.

Fully renovated with a lot of extras.

Solar panels, airco in each room individual, fireplace, wooden floors, alarm, automatic gate, double glazing.

To arrange an internal inspection please contact Jackson Grundy Real Estate.

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Buid size: 177m² Garden/Plot size: 3.000m² Price: 530,000 €

My Andalusian

HOUSE PROJECT

by Päivi Halt Final Photos by Charly Simon

WHEN INTERIOR ARCHITECT PÄIVI HALT’S FAMILY MOVED TO SOUTHERN SPAIN SHE FOUND THE IDEAL PROPERTY TO TURN HER DREAM OF A VILLA IN TUSCANY INTO AN IDEAL SPANISH HOME. OVER THE LAST FEW ISSUE OF UTOPIA SHE HAS CHARTED HER EXCITING JOURNEY FROM FINDING THE PERFECT PROPERTY THROUGH TURNING IT INTO A FAMILY RESIDENCE THAT TICKS ALL THE BOXES. FINALLY THE DREAM IS A REALITY. WE TAKE A LOOK OVER THE CHALLENGES SHE AND HER FAMILY HAVE FACED IN THE COURSE OF REFURBISHING THE PROPERTY.

Last words on the whole experience Being more or less finished with the house project, my main feeling is relief.

We had set a tight schedule and budget and in the end were only a month late and slightly over budget, as you normally tend to be when renovating your own home. Still, I strongly believe at the end we added value to the house and hopefully, should we ever sell it, it will turn out to have been a good and enjoyable investment.

We bought the house in December 2015 and now it feels like a million years ago. While renovating, the whole family had to embrace this endeavor and trust that everything would be worth it. Living through this experiment has created strong feelings for the house and now after six months of actually living in the house, it feels like our own little corner in this world. The house feels like a home. It feels safe and warm. The kids just love their rooms, even though they are sleeping farther away from us than before. One of the biggest changes in the house layout was connecting these previously exterior bedrooms to the interior space. While the renovation was ongoing, we also took on two Spanish water dogs, and they have found their own places next to the kid’s bedrooms.

Another major change was extending the main staircase to the basement, which at the start I disagreed with my husband about. I’m happy to admit that it was worth the extra expense, as now we really are using the whole house 100%.

All the ‘dead’ corners have found their purpose and the flow of the house works fluently. The open layout is very practical as the family spends most of its time together in the kitchen, dining room or living room; the movie watching and gaming happens downstairs, where it doesn’t bother the adults. Yet we all have privacy in our own quarters when necessary.

I’ve been pleased with the material choices we made. The polished concrete floor is amazing! It does absorb some liquids, but even with the stains, it looks beautiful. The anti-slip floor tiles in the bathrooms work well too. They look perfectly aged, but still modern. The oak wooden floors are now more or less fine. The white walls are still white-ish, but thankfully easy to repaint when needed. So even though the house is finished, the snagging is still going on.

And I think it will never end, as we will just start calling it maintenance.

UTOPIA - 24

The house was really tested at the end of the year when rain hit us. That was a great test for the roof and structure. The roof held the water well, the only leaks were surprisingly caused by the poor quality of the exterior floor tiling. We have now started works in the garden and yards, and the focus really will be on the drainage system. Maybe because it doesn’t rain that much, or that often, here, it never seems to be a priority, neither inside the house, nor outside. Water can do so much damage if drainage isn’t taken care of. Let’s see if the extreme flooding at end of last year changed any attitudes to this.

If you are planning to start a building or renovating project in this area, I wholeheartedly wish you luck. It can be done. This kind of project challenges you and, of course even more so, when you are in a foreign country. But in the end it’s worth it, and it really makes you to settle deeper into your new home country. Hopefully, you’ll love Spain in the end even more, as has happened to us. During the project we met so many interesting people and visited new places, learnt a lot about them and ourselves too. People here are so helpful and when you really are facing a hard time, like we did when my husband broke his leg just before moving in, you will get help. We have become an even stronger unit as a family and I just can’t wait to see what the future will bring us now we have our home haven and can really start living in and exploring Andalucia.

Let’s take a look back at how the work progressed…

The project started with a demolition job!

This week has been an amazing start to our project. On Monday afternoon the house started to look more orange than red. Every corner was full of guys with orange vests carrying furniture to the storage or to the skip. Already, on the same day, the house started to look very empty. On Tuesday the walls of the master bedroom were down and by Wednesday the kitchen walls had disappeared. So what is all that talk about mañana-workmen? If the guys continue at this speed, I’ll be the one struggling seriously with the timetable for finding my fixed furniture!

Before

Before

Before

This kind of project challenges you and, of course even more so, when you are in a foreign country.

But in the end it’s worth it, and it really makes you to settle deeper into your new home country.

UTOPIA - 25

Followed by ideas for the dining room…

Between the kitchen and living room there is a dining room. It’s a good size room with beautiful Andalucian floor tiles. This room, together with the living room, really only needs white paint. I’m also going to remove the glass doors in the living and dining rooms that are facing the corridor beside the courtyard. This way the whole house will feel more opened up and the flow between the rooms will be much better and all the rooms will be connected.

When it comes to furnishing a dining room, it is always a challenge. How do you decorate a dining room so it’s cosy enough to be used every day and fancy enough to be changed into a setting for a dinner party? For me it’s important that all rooms are used every day. Your house shouldn’t be designed just for visitors.

And the perfect living room…

All these years I’ve been fighting against modern, simple Scandinavian architecture and design in our house in Finland. But here we are and the only design style that I can see in our house here in Spain is very white and natural spiced up with Spanish or Moroccon decorations and textiles. Clean, but comfortable, and enough patterns and colours to hide stains! In the living room I can see us as a family sitting around the fireplace with the dogs snoring on the sofa. I would like to create a space where we can relax without TV. Designing the bathroom was not straightforward either…

UTOPIA - 26

Before

I’ve never found a bidet very useful.

In our house they have only been used for washing the dogs. So instead of adding them in every bathroom, I’d rather import bidet faucets from Finland. The bidet faucet is a washbasin tap with small hand shower. It’s super practical and something I’ve really missed here.

So, we needed to make a decision about the taps immediately. I do have my favourite brands and models, but I also had to do my research and look at the price range in Spain. So, I went to the local hardware stores to inspect their collections. It’s also important for me to understand which brands the Spanish value, in case we sell the house. I found many unfamiliar and inexpensive brands but, in general, every hardware store stocked mostly Roca, Hansgrohe and/or Grohe. I ended up choosing Grohe; the brand that is well known by all of the plumbers.

Bathrooms and taps Designers often discuss sunlight in the bathroom and while a bathroom has to be well lit, direct sunlight is not ideal. Therefore, the natural location for the shower and toilet is on the north side, in shade. These spaces can be lit with wall or ceiling lamps and the washbasins will be in the middle of the room to get the all the available light.

I think the washbasins, or basin, are best located by the toilet and shower. In Spain you normally have two washbasins in the master bathroom, however, I would prefer one big basin, but let’s see what kind of furniture I can find for it.

This time I’ll try to find a ready-made modern washbasin in white with a couple of drawers beneath!

UTOPIA - 27

into the painting straightaway without having to remove the previous surface. My inspiration normally dies quickly if I have to sand off the varnish first, but now there is going to be a new problem; everything is in danger of getting some paint!

Choosing the right floor tiles posed all kinds of questions…

Our house has amazing terracotta floors in most of the rooms, which we decided to keep. At this stage of the project, I can tell you, it wasn’t an easy decision because it just would make the renovation so much easier to just rip up the floors.

All this led to a search for new floor tiles. I’m really addicted to the Spanish floors and Sebastian Erras did us a real favour by photographing hundreds of floors in Barcelona. But, which one to choose? Aren’t these floors brilliant! I just love the colours and patterns, and the crazy combinations of them all.

Designing and decorating the children’s rooms required thought about their personalities and hobbies…

The Children’s Rooms The kids’ rooms are located at the other end of the house. Our son’s room was naturally chosen to be the darker one with less sunlight, as he really enjoys playing in the darkness with the curtains closed. In his room it’s important that the room will adapt to his needs as he grows older.

Therefore, I’m looking for very basic furniture for him. He will choose the decoration and colours, and these are things that can easily be changed when he wants to update his room.

Paivi also discovered ways to use her love of chalk paint.

Playing with Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint We discovered that the storage area was filled with old furniture left by the previous owners, including lamps, paintings, chairs, tables and other wooden furniture. It is mostly traditional Spanish furniture, which is great as they already look lovely, even without any paint. But with some lovely shades of grey and different finishes this furniture will look amazing! With this paint you can get UTOPIA - 28

Our daughter’s bedroom lacked light and it was much smaller than the other bedroom. To solve these two problems, we connected the tiny back room off the kitchen to her bedroom. Even though the added space is not enormous, it provides enough extra room for a desk, for example. The biggest benefit was the sunlight that really brightened up the room.

By now, Paivi had almost reached the end of the project and she was thinking about the furniture and finishing touches…

Furnishings and finishing touches The thing I love the most about our new home is the fact that I don’t really have any design rules or styles I need to follow. I have a free hand to mix old Andalusian and modern Scandinavian furniture and anything else that will fit.

August went by with unpacking boxes from Finland and from our rental house here. It was like Christmas, as you forget so quickly what you have packed. It’s so great to finally have our own furniture. But, of course, we only had a basic set of things, so IKEA has been a lifesaver.

Sotogrande has great interior design shops too, so I could save some energy by shopping here. Manapany Home has a lovely collection and they seem to have new items every week. I found the rattan dining chairs there that are brilliant for inside and outside use. In summertime they are perfect for the patio, and in the rainy season I’ll take them inside and just mix and match the chairs with Gervasoni’s Ghost dining chairs. Ghost furniture by Gervasoni keeps pleasing my eyes even after many years. It is great for a family with kids and pets.

Removable upholstery is a must and you can wash them so easily.

And the lighting is one of the most important elements to get right…

Lighting is one of the most important things for a great interior. It doesn’t matter how great your house is otherwise if the lighting has been designed badly it can destroy everything. For example, it can alter the colour of the furniture, and it can also give you headaches or make you distressed.

Normally, I strongly recommend hiring a lighting specialist, or at least consult with your lighting supplier to avoid any major mistakes. Of course, in our own house we did exactly what I always don’t recommend: we did it by ourselves with help from the architect and electrician.

The general lighting is to be used occasionally, only when you need really strong light, while cleaning for example. The most important value of the hanging light is as an interior feature. With a hanging lamp, you can pull an interior together, or add contrast in it.

The ambient light is the where the art comes in. It’s the kind of lighting that creates atmosphere. To avoid destroying the ambience of the house, we added several sockets for floor and table lamps. In the end we went a bit overboard with these sockets, but at least it gives the freedom now to modify the lighting levels.

In the end, it’s much better to have more lights to choose from, than missing light points. Adding lights is nearly impossible, or at least very expensive, when you want to add them after the walls are closed and painted.

Thank you everyone, especially all the lovely people in UTOPIA, for sharing this journey with me! I wish all the best for you all and if you will ever need any interior architecture help, you know where to find me, I’ll be living my dream here under the Andalucian sun.

Before UTOPIA - 29

UNIQUE VILLA IN VEGA DEL COLORADO

EXCLUSIVE LISTING as featured in the back cover

Ref: V6094 | Build Size: 879 m² Plot size: 2.750 m² | Terrace: 372m²

Price: 7.500.000€ Stunning and immaculate, contemporary south facing 6 bedroom villa situated in the gated community of Vega Del Colorado above Nueva Andalucia’s Golf Valley. This exceptional property offers only the very finest materials and has a generous, private plot with lovely views to the sea. An extraordinary residence in every way which truly must be seen to be appreciated.

Some features include: High vaulted ceiling, a separate dining room and family room, high specification and fully equipped spacious kitchen with dining area, central elevator, indoor heated pool, cinema room, gym, bodega, air conditioning and under floor heating, feature fireplace, lovely ¨chiringuito¨and BBQ, mini golf, direct access to padel court, 3 car port, 3 car garage, 24 hr security...

STUNNING VILLA IN LAS BRISAS WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS

Price: 2.450.000€ Immaculate 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom villa situated in a cul-de-sac in the heart of the prestigious Las Brisas Urbanisation (Nueva Andalucia) offering panoramic views of the La Concha Mountain and of The Golf Valley.

The property, which is designed by renowned architect Miguel Tobal in 2008, offers superb, high specification materials with a lift and with a layout distributed with comfort in mind.

This impressive property offers features such as a superb Clive Christian, high specification and

well equipped kitchen, cream marble flooring, individual per room air conditioning under floor heating throughout, a lovely feature fireplace, satellite tv and 300mb fibre internet, Otis elevator for 6 persons, gym/music room, cinema/games room area, solar panels for hot water, 4 car garage + additional parking for up to 7 cars and more.

The landscaped gardens with automatic irrigation system has a large swimming pool and poolside gazebo, ideal to enjoy our superb climate.

Ref: V5223 | Build Size: 607 m² | Plot size: 1.872 m²

WASA REAL ESTATE CC Centro Plaza 65-66, Nueva Andalucía 952 818 000 / 607 818 002 peter@wasarealestate.com www.wasarealestate.com

IMMACULATE APARTMENT IN MAGNA MARBELLA Ref: A3431 | Build Size: 156 m² | Terrace: 63 m²

Price: 935.000€ Fully renovated, south west facing, corner 3 bed, 3.5 bathroom elevated garden apartment with a private garden and plunge pool, enjoying stunning views to the sea and mountains.

Some features include: Brand new, fully equipped, high specification kitchen, air conditioning and under floor heating throughout, new

bathrooms, lovely decking on the generous terraces, direct access to the main community pool, garage space, gated community with 24 hour security and much more.

Without doubt one of the finest units in Magna. A genuine villa feeling in an apartment with sea views.

Must be seen!

BEAUTIFUL GARDEN APARTMENT IN ALOHA PARK Ref: A3528 | Build Size: 229 m² | Terrace: 124 m²

Price: 1.350.000€ Impeccable, south west facing 3 bed, 3.5 bath apartment with private garden and pool, situated in the much sought after Aloha Park Urbanisation (Nueva Andalucia). The property has direct, private access to the adjacent main community pool area, ideal for a family.

It also enjoys lovely garden, pool mountain and sea views.

Some features include: Individual/per room under floor heating and air conditioning, fully equipped high specification Siematic kitchen, on site service office, 24hr security, enclosed community and much more. A genuine villa feeling without the inconvenience!

Must be seen to be appreciated.

WASA REAL ESTATE CC Centro Plaza 65-66, Nueva Andalucía 952 818 000 / 607 818 002 peter@wasarealestate.com www.wasarealestate.com

Las Cimas, Sotogrande Alto. Front line Golf. Plot size: 1406 m2. Build size: 670m2. Price 2.450.000â‚Ź

LUXURY SOTOGRANDE Sotomarket 28, Sotogrande, Cadiz luxurysotogrande.com info@luxurysotogrande.com Brian Hooper: +34 711 160 031

10.000€ THE OWNER OF A LUXURY VILLA OFFERED AN AMAZING 10.000€ PRIZE TO AN ARTIST WHO COULD CAPTURE A SCENE THAT REFLECTS ANDALUCIA OR SPANISH TRADITION AND CREATE A FRESCO FOR THE CUPOLA IN THEIR SOTOGRANDE VILLA.

THE K H A S A R RIIN G VED

THE VILLA

Casa Alvarado info@luxurysoto grande.com

Photo by

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The world’s KING OF finest linen and C OT TO N , CENTRO towelling COMERCI www.kingo 29670 SAN AL LA CO fcotton.co PEDRO D L O N I A AV E A L C Á N TA m E N I DA D E RA, MARB LA VIRGEN ELLA, MÁ DEL ROCÍ L AG A T: O 6-7 03 34 951 239 305

LUXURY SOTOGRANDE, THE REAL ESTATE COMPANY SPECIALISING IN PRESTIGIOUS VILLAS FOR SALE AND RENTAL IN THE SOTOGRANDE AREA, HOSTED THE COMPETITION AND HAS ANNOUNCED THE TALENTED PRIZEWINNER – MARÍA DOLORES DONAIRE GALIANO OF ALHAURIN DE LA TORRE IN MÁLAGA.

The Prize –Winning Presentation:

Reflections of the South

My proposal shows scenes from everyday life in Andalucia. After studying the cupola and the architecture of the villa I want to suggest an alternative technical solution to those set out in the rules.

Both Andalucia and the rest of Spain have produced great artists throughout history and they have made us aware of inspirational, avant-garde trends. One of the greatest examples was Gaudí, and artist who was much criticised during his era, but today a great source of inspiration for many artists. I have used this as my pretext for going beyond the rules as set out. However, not only have I preserved the essence of the competition and captured scenes from everyday life in Andalucia. Furthermore, I have used a technique that also adds to the architecture itself, which is the context in which the scenes are framed and which characterizes much of Spain and Andalucia: light, colour, joy, movement and dynamism.

My proposal consists of images of everyday life in stained glass of individual colours. The stained glass windows, each containing an individual scene, will be illuminated by an LED light system. The energy consumption is minimal and UTOPIA - 34

will last for a long time. A natural light alternative is possible, but would require other structural changes.

The design is intended to create a game of light and colour that contributes dynamism and splendour to the space. The LED light system can be adjusted and controlled from a mobile, using domotic technology. This allows the owner to control the lighting at any time of day and without being present.

The everyday scenes

Holy week

A bullring Although stained glass is often associated with large windows in great cathedrals, the technique is now the latest fashion in interior design. Stained glass windows personalise a space and tell small stories. They also provide colour and a unique quality to any residence.

About María Dolores Donaire Galiano *

Bachillerato from the Instituto Gerald Brenan in Alhaurin de la Torre

*

Graduate in Architecture from Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid

*

Winner of faculty prize for ‘extraordinary talent’ at Universidad Camilo José Cela, Madrid

An Andalucian horse *

Finalist in an ecological competition run by Ecoembes (winner to be announced in 2017)

*

Skills: Creativity, efficiency, responsibility, innovation, initiative and team working.

Luxury Sotogrande +34 711 160 031 or brian@luxurysotogrande.com for further information

A pilgrimage procession

A flamenco dancer

An ‘espeto’ of sardines

Walking on the seashore UTOPIA - 35

LEGENDARY SLEEP COMFORT BUY A JENSEN SUPREME CONTINENTAL IN PURPLE MEADOWS AND GET A GIFT SET WITH A VALUE OF €580

The gift set consists of a blanket from Innvik in 100% wool that matches the bed nicely, four pillowcases in the same fabric as the bed and base and two convenient storage pockets. @jensenbeds

Jensen Store S CA ND I NAV I A N B E D S

Polígono Nueva Campana 23 Nueva Andalucía, Marbella Phone +34 952 90 88 55 Monday - Friday 10-14, 15-18 www.jensenstore.com

AN OPULENT

Spanish Escape

UTOPIA - 38

Jaime Parladé, who along with his wife Janetta, a member of London’s artistic Bloomsbury Group, redecorated the house and created a magical and magnificent garden to make Alcuzcuz the very special residence that it still is today.

ONE OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES ON THE COSTA DEL SOL IS HIDDEN AWAY IN LA SERRANIA DE RONDA. DEHESA DE ALCUZCUZ WAS A PRIVATE PROPERTY, BUT NOW IT IS A BOUTIQUE HOTEL OF INCOMPARABLE TASTE AND LUXURY. The farmhouse was built in 1850 in the “Málaga style”, although calling it a ‘farmhouse’ now would create the wrong impression. It’s an estate of ten acres.

Not vast, but substantial enough to warrant this description. It has been a retreat for famous names over the decades, including London socialite and club owner Mark Birley, but it was most famously the home for one of Spain’s most famous interior designers, Jaime Parladé, who along with his wife Janetta, a member of London’s artistic Bloomsbury Group, redecorated the house and created a magical and magnificent garden to make Alcuzcuz the very special residence that it still is today. The current owners, Andres and Jaime Parlade, have retained the Parladé style.

LA TARTANA AND SWINGING MARBELLA Parladé is remembered in Marbella for many design ventures, especially his shop La Tartana, which he opened in the Old Town in 1958.

It specialised in local antiques, Andalusian earthenware, rugs, fabrics and stylish, unpretentious furniture. His manager, Menchu Escobar, was a Marbella institution, and Parladé designed Menchu’s Bar, which was a leading light of swinging 60s Marbella. He also decorated La Fonda Hotel, another Marbella hot spot. Its guest book contained the familiar names of Brigitte Bardot, Lauren Bacall, Omar Sharif and a raft of European royals. So, it is unsurprising that Parladé’s own home became a retreat for those whose names regularly appeared in the world’s press.

Jaime Parladé’s assessment of his talent in his own words is this: “What I have is a good eye for good taste…but I do not like to use that expression because good taste is something so relative and so difficult to define”. He also valued his eccentricity and really disliked shiny surfaces; he used to scrub at any item he thought was too shiny. The dulled down sheen of the old attracted him.

A family friend of the Parladés, blogger Gina Melián (Fashionsphinx), describes his work thus: “Jaime decorated the homes of the Rothschilds, Von Bismarcks, Julio Iglesias, Diana Ross, Duchess Of Alba and the Abelló and March families, travelling around the world and its markets, always curious, always alive and open to new ideas. His taste and choices were “poor” but his clients were grand. The Jaime Parladé style was in fact a mixture of styles: luxurious, classic, poor and modern were combined to create a lived-in atmosphere or what is now called shabby chic, even though I much prefer the term rustic chic. I guess he was the pioneer of all that.”

She also remembers Alcuzcuz, which is only a 20-minute drive from Marbella, or five kilometers from San Pedro, up the Ronda road, as a “garden of Eden filled with rock n’ roll people.” Her garden of Eden has “a large vegetable and fruit

THE PARLADÉ STYLE Alcuzcuz is not typically Marbella in style, it is more classically bohemian in its appearance and decoration. Its red ochre walls complement the colours of the landscape, while its lush, tropical gardens are a meticulously designed wilderness. Jaime and Janetta created a lifestyle at Dehesa Alcuzcuz, based on a shared aesthetic that reflects an aristocratic tradition blended with the free spirit of modernity. Perhaps it is because Jaime Parladé was the Marques de Apezteguia, yet also somebody who embraced the Sixties ethos that the house has such a distinguished ambience.

garden, two huge albercas (water reservoirs) for watering the plants, a hidden swimming pool which looks and feels like an alberca because it blends in so naturally and has views to the sea.”

UTOPIA - 39

The Interiors

UTOPIA - 40

An explosion of white Banksia roses jutting out from the walls, reminding me of the Parque De Maria Luisa in Seville and the many beautiful Andalusian farms which stand out for their simplicity and elegance.

De Maria Luisa in Seville and the many beautiful Andalusian farms which stand out for their simplicity and elegance”.

The house is a quintessential reflection of Jaime’s style. It combines elements of the villas of southern Spain, the comfort of the English and Andalucian humour and grace as well as influence from his childhood in Morocco.

Jaime said: “I always liked objects that were eccentric, Irish pieces for example, they are always so strange, and everything English. On the other hand, I am not crazy for the French (objects), even though there are some pieces that I cannot but admire; I am horrified by its richness, its ostentatiousness, it represents everything that I do not want. A house full of decorative elements makes me ill”.

THE BOUTIQUE HOTEL Today, as a boutique hotel, Dehesa de Alcuzcuz offers six bedrooms and two self-contained cottages with double bedrooms, kitchen and sitting room.

Each bedroom is unique in its styling, and the current owners have retained the distinct Jaime Parladé style throughout, as they say “combining Spanish landscape, French refinement and English comfort.” The images on the website certainly convey that sense of a designer who didn’t pay attention to interior design trends; instead each room was a blank canvas that he worked on as if it was a painting and the results beg to be studied like a work of art.

The terraces are filled with exotic plants and there are numerous rose gardens that Sylvia Melián, sister of Fashionsphinx, describes thus: “Like in the house, you feel that air of multiculture through the combination of plants and flowers. Every rose bush is special. The delicate Pierre De Ronsard roses from France in white chalky pots line a dark red wall or climb a palm tree from which they cascade over row after row of Iceberg roses from England. An explosion of white Banksia roses jutting out from the walls, reminding me of the Parque

At the entrance to Alcuzcuz, visitors will find the Alcuzcuz Gallery Concept Store – Bistrot where, apart from eating delicious dishes prepared by chef Gaston Ducet, antiques, contemporary art and decorative objects are available for sale, recreating the ambitions of the original shop in Marbella Old Town. Andres Parladé and his wife Rocio, who work to keep the spirit of their uncle Jaime alive and preserve the position of Dehesa de Alcuzcuz in Marbella’s history, run both the hotel and the shop.

Furthermore, the kitchen produces a superlative menu using products from the kitchen gardens and orchards and the breads and jams served at breakfast are all home made. One senses that Jaime Parladé would approve of their hard work and attention to detail. Dehesa de Alcuzcuz is a treasure on the road to Ronda that you just have to discover for yourself one day.

Alcuzcuz.es | info@alcuzcuz.es

UTOPIA - 41

bykoket.com

The Definitive House & Home Bible www.kingofcotton.com

The Definitive House & Home Bible

Now covering all areas of property – from interiors and furnishings to gardens, construction and décor – as well as showcasing the very best agents on the Costa del Sol. UTOPIA is bursting with informative features, the latest property news, stats and facts – and of course, we feature some of the most sought-after private addresses in the Marbella vicinity.

This sleek, chic and avant-garde magazine is the only property guide you need to be on the pulse with the market in Marbella.

Following UTOPIA’s groundbreaking success in Marbella’s property market and its growing popularity with local developers, the exclusive magazine has attracted the attention of architects, interior designers and furnishing stockists alike.

Our new look UTOPIA has incorporated all aspects of HOUSE and HOME so that whether you’re an agent, homeowner or in search of your dream home, you will find stockists, designers, features, properties and articles that are current, relevant and contemporary – all in the most stylish property magazine in town.

Distributed from Málaga to Gibraltar, as well as at leading international property and interior design fairs around Europe, UTOPIA is delivered to golf courses, restaurants, fashionable bars and clubs, in addition to the hotel bedrooms of all of the coast’s leading hotels.

UTOPIA is the first magazine of its kind, specifically aimed at aspirational individuals in search of their slice of the idyllic Marbella lifestyle.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS FOR ONLY

125€/ month To have your company featured in UTOPIA contact: info@utopiamagazine.es +34 600 625 520 UtopiaRealEstateBible

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Ceremonial Songs TRADITION? A BREAK WITH

Part of

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Spain, Gibraltar and The Balearics’ dedicated wedding bible

THE KING HAS ARRIVED ESTEPONA

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Club de Golf La Reserva

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* Locations are approximations for visual purposes only UTOPIA - 47

NEW YEAR MORE STYLE

By Heidi Gubbins at

AMBIENCE WELCOMES 2017 IN TOP GEAR AND WITH GREAT CREATIVE INTENT! ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL, WE ARE CURRENTLY DESIGNING A REFURBISHMENT PROJECT IN LAGO DI GARDA, THE COMPLETE INTERIOR DESIGN OF A REFURBISHMENT PROJECT IN BUDAPEST, LUXURY PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN BOTH HOLLAND AND GERMANY AND A FULL INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT FOR AN ESTATE NEAR KINGSTON UPON HULL IN ENGLAND. AS ALWAYS, WE CAN’T WAIT TO VISIT THE UPCOMING FURNITURE AND DESIGN FAIRS AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING WITH YOU WHAT’S HOT AND THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE WORLD OF INTERIOR DESIGN. IN THIS ISSUE WE’D LIKE TO WHET YOUR APPETITE WITH SOME OF ARKETIPO’S STYLISH FURNITURE DESIGNS, SOME OF WHICH WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE IN OUR SHOWROOM.

UTOPIA - 50

The cosmopolitan style of the ATLAS SOFA is both aesthetic and practical because of its modular shapes and forms. The Atlas sofa provides a diverse layout with its corner units and chaise-longues along with the accessories that blend well together.

Slim, wide, high and low arms create the architectonic lines that express elegance and style.

UTOPIA - 51

For an eclectic touch, we have ROXY, an armchair with a sinuous and regal Junoesque form, characterised by a cover that alternates pinchquilted upholstery with quilted parts. It is suitable for any setting. This statement piece, with its high back, modern throne look allows multiple seating positions, welcoming the body in a refined embrace.

UTOPIA - 52

Soon available in our showroom: A unique lightness is the essence of the armchair JUPITER LITE, the result of the constant and innovative stylistic research of Arketipo Firenze. Already very popular, the designer Mauro Lipparini has created the new version Lite with the shell in polyurethane, a smoother material in comparison to fibreglass. The result is an extremely versatile and flexible armchair: the shell can be also upholstered with leather Pelle Leonardo, in all its colours, and the structure, besides micaceous brown and titanium, is now available in a sophisticated black nickel finish. The perfect balance of the shape and the taste of a timeless style make Jupiter a key piece of the living area.

UTOPIA - 53

For visual and subtle impact we propose IRIDE. Iride is a sculpture made of lines and circles, with a geometric shape and strong decorative impact that reminds you of Kandinsky’s works. The disc creates a luminous halo similar to several eclipses. The intertwining structure is made from three discs and three bars in micaceous brown metal and one disc and bar in titanium finish.

Check out Arketipo’s side and coffee tables for a mix of modern and timeless designs The small LITH tables are attractive for their unusual contrast of soft and rigid components that coexist to convey a harmonious and cosmopolitan style. They can be placed in the room like small planets. Available in three versions: round, square and rectangular for the marble or sandstone topped table and oval, square and rectangular with blunt edges for the smoked glass topped table. The metal base is available in micaceous brown, oxy grey or black nickel.

UTOPIA - 54

THE KING HAS ARRIVED

From the middle of August you’ll find the world’s finest linen and towelling conveniently located with free parking.

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The ELAS accessories are multi-material and versatile items: the console can be placed along the wall or behind the sofa, whilst the small table can be used as a side table next to the sofa arm or as service table.

Geometric forms and well defined details are stressed by the union of materials such as metal and wood, available in different finishes.

The small NOTH tables provide the living area with a contemporary style and functionality. The metal structure is available in micaceous brown, oxy grey or black nickel and the top in moka oak, sucupira or glossy ebony. The open spaces and geometric design make their arrangement easier in the centre of the room or next to the sofa.

Finally, we’d like to wish you all a fantastic 2017!

Blvd. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe C.C. La Poveda, Local 6. Marbella +34 952 858 699, ambiencehomedesign.com UTOPIA - 56

AUDIO VISUAL AND CONTROL SOLUTIONS EXPERIENCE THE UTMOST COMFORT AND LUXURY * Audio & HD video

* Easy access to our experienced technical team

* Home theatres * Integrated systems

* The latest information on all technological developments and innovations

* Multi-room audio

* Home automation

* Outdoor entertainment solutions

* Lighting control

(+34) 952 800 544 | 662 100 300 | 675 040 872 | info@dhssvc.com Jardines de Atalaya 32, Isdabe, Marbella

www.dhssoundvisioncontrol.com

L’ Appartement A PARISIAN PROJECT at Rue Bonaparte

UTOPIA - 58

What interested me in this project is the preservation of the original construction of the time, for example, the marble and inlaid mirrors using carved wood. I wanted to keep these characteristics as they really mark the building’s era.

L’APPARTEMENT AT RUE BONAPARTE IS A CONTEMPORARY PROJECT WITH AN ELEGANT DESIGN AND RETRO LIGHTING INSPIRATION FROM DELIGHTFULL. L’Appartement at Rue Bonaparte is an apartment full of history. Built in 1880, it is part of the major restructuring of Paris, decided by Napoleon III and directed

by Baron Haussmann. The buildings on the street are considered very exclusive; only one apartment per floor, the second floor is the main floor and each has a long balcony along the entire facade. This building, located 20 metres from St. Germain, perfectly reflects what lovers of Paris look for in Saint Germain des Prés.

Designed by Gérard Faivre, the French interior concepts creator, this apartment is an exceptional place where art, design, lights, music and scents create a one of a kind experience. Finished in December 2015, the designer was inspired by the French Revolution in every part of the project.

“What interested me in this project is the preservation of the original construction of the time, for example, the marble and inlaid mirrors using carved wood. I wanted to keep these characteristics as they really mark the building’s era. I composed a bold staging inspired by the past, influenced by the style of the Second Empire, while dreaming of the future. We find the emblematic colours of that era: oranges, greens, blues and also the shades of gold that symbolized wealth, luxury and which bring an extra sparkle.

A foreign lover of authentic Paris style will find it very suitable,” says Gerard.

The designer is always looking for new designs and new brands that represent the luxury with which he can collaborate and use in his projects. Working with DelightFULL was a great experience, he said and the brand is presented in the living room lighting with pieces like Ike Suspension Lamp above the dining table, Hendrix Wall Lamp above the sofa in the living room and also Donna Table Lamp in the fireplace.

UTOPIA - 59

This collaboration between Gérard Faivre and DelightFULL turned out to be a very special, colourful and high-end residential project. Thanks to Delightfull, we are able to bring you an interview with Gérard Faivre, who many consider an expert in the architecture and design of the Second Empire.

Where do you come from and what are your studies?

My studies were soon oriented towards architecture. The death of my father forced me to take over the family’s company “Prêt à porter”. Therefore I spent about 30 years in this field as manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler. We produced and sold to supermarkets in France and abroad.

In 1985, I met a designer and decided to found a brand in Paris named “Un dimanche dans nos Campagne”, a store where I mixed the sale of clothing, furniture and other items from all over the world. I was probably the pioneer of this type of store concept, which was replicated by others such as “Colette” in Paris.

UTOPIA - 60

By chance, I met with my wife in Saint Rémy de Provence, a town that was immortalized in Van Gogh’s paintings. Deeply in love, we bought our first “Mas,” which we have fully restored and decorated.

A person in the neighborhood who witnessed this metamorphosis, fell in love, and decided to acquire the place fully furnished in order to keep the ambience that I had given it the during the renovation work. Later, in 2000, I had the idea of selling completely renovated properties and “ready to live” apartments, fully decorated and furnished by myself.

How did you decide to set up your business and why?

I have found that when a foreigner wants to buy a “Pied de Térre” (a small living space) in Paris, or elsewhere, he has no choice but to go to a real estate agency.

This type of business representative does not really know its customer’s needs besides what is demanded on paper. Therefore, they don’t understand the

client’s desires, although some boast otherwise! They offer everything and anything, leaving the client unhappy. Once the acquisition is made, the client is left alone, wondering what to do with the residence.

For the luxury clientele we work with, it is inconceivable to settle in a place that is not decorated to their taste, and they will eventually contract an interior designer and renovate the space in their own way.

For the client it can be a long journey to discover what he really wants and it requires time to develop the final plan of renovation/transformation of the space. Often more than 18 months pass before the customer gets installed and uses his newly acquired Parisian “Pied a Térre”! Do not forget to talk about important issues such as prices that involved in all of these steps. The customer knows the cost of acquisition, (usually referred as “price per m2”), but does not control the final total cost of the investment, so it is extremely important to keep

the costumer updated regarding these costs. This clientele is accustomed to, and demands, luxury and comfort for the interior design of their apartments, including the latest technology (home automation, sound system and air conditioning.

Faced with this difficult path, Gérard Faivre formed an imaginative idea that remains his greatest creation: his own business “Art Home Maker”. The idea of having “ready to live” luxury apartments allows him to explore his know-how, especially in real estate, architecture and home decoration. The process is as simple as it is innovative: buy a home that somehow has a great and inspiring feeling, renovate, modernise and decorate it, before putting it on the property market.

Fully furnished and equipped with the best technology, his homes are ready to be bought and inhabited immediately. For the customer, there are many advantages to acquiring properties designed by “Art Homes”.

Where does your inspiration come from?

And how do you work in team (i.e. who does what?)

Like a work of art, to have value, it must remain unique! The challenge is to never repeat the same project. For me, each client is unique, therefore the interior decor must be unique as well! Inspiration is in my heart and my imagination is ready to go. Often the history of a space, a building, and even some iconic pieces, become a source of inspiration for my work.

The name “Art Homes” also signifies my collaboration with artists (painters, sculptors, photographers). This allows artists to exhibit their works in a luxurious interior, and also, through our publications, those artists gain international recognition and meet fans worldwide.

How do you choose artisans and materials?

Which are your favourite materials?

To decorate prestigious locations, I collaborate with craftsmen who best represent the French “Savoir Faire”. I like to combine the materials such as marble, wood, glass, fabrics and wallpapers.

The goal is to create a perfect harmony for a unique place that will attract customers.

Tell us a little about L’Appartement at Rue Bonaparte. What was your inspiration?

I love this area because it is the birthplace of the French Revolution and is also the district of literature. I chose this apartment on rue Bonaparte, as the name still evokes for many foreigners, a very important figure in our history. It is an apartment full of history.

How did you mix colours, materials, patterns and textures for this project?

I was inspired by the colours green, orange and gold, and the specific materials (velvet, wood, marble) that were found in the interior decorations at time of the Second Empire.

Do you have any favorite brands and designs for your projects? Which ones?

I believe that every place is different, and I am always looking for new designers and new brands that represent the luxury with which I can collaborate and use in my projects.

What are your future projects and collections?

I recently finished a “Parisian” project at Rue du Cirque, a sublime apartment of 310 m2. I also finished another project at a prestigious location, close to the Arc de Triomphe. I have a team that knows the timing and requirements of my projects - each takes three to five months maximum.

UTOPIA - 61

A Flytastic AIRPLANE The Bed For Daring Kids

A FLIGHT THEME WILL MAKE ANY CHILD’S BEDROOM FEEL MORE LIKE AN ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND AND A PLACE WHERE THEY WANT TO SPEND TIME EXPLORING THE WORLD WITH THEIR IMAGINATIONS. PUTTING THIS AIRPLANE BED AT ITS CENTRE WILL MAKE EVEN MORE EXCITING AND PERHAPS ENGENDER A LOVE OF TRAVELLING. THE AIRPLANE BED FOR KIDS IS NOT ONLY COMFORTABLE, IT BRINGS A SENSE OF MAGIC AND SWEET DREAMS TO THE BEDROOM. Circu’s Sky B Plane is a bed inspired by Leadbottom from the Disney movie “Planes’’. This character is a puttering old biplane and a grumpy taskmaster. He has too many crops to spray and not enough hours in the day to spray them. Leadbottom keeps himself as busy little bee, for him, work comes first, then... well, more work.

UTOPIA - 62

This bed is high for the floor with decorative suitcases for climb up or down to the airplane. Plus, the plane’s wings have a storage compartment that is very handy when it comes to a kid’s room. The finishing’s on the main structure, wings and body, are made with fibreglass. Its wings have a convenient storage compartment and the interior of the bed is made of velvet upholstery. The propeller is in real wood and the wheels are made of rubber. Also, with its creative and playful design, the bed of the Sky B Plane toddler bed makes the crib-to-bed transition as trouble-free as possible.

Bring some aviation-inspired magic to your little pilot’s bedroom with the Sky B plane bed. They’ll love it to infinity and beyond! circu.net

LA CASA

AZUL

By Eleanor McKenzie

WHERE AN ARTIST (IN ANY MEDIUM) LIVED FREQUENTLY BECOMES A TOURIST ATTRACTION AND A PLACE OF PILGRIMAGE FOR DEVOTEES. MONET’S HOUSE AND GARDENS AT GIVERNY IN FRANCE ARE ONE EXAMPLE; ELVIS’S GRACELAND MANSION IS ANOTHER. THEY ARE QUITE DIFFERENT, BUT THAT DESIRE TO TREAD THE SAME FOOTPATHS OR STAND IN THE SAME ROOMS AS SOMEBODY WE ADMIRE, ATTRACTS THE FAITHFUL AND OFFERS A MOMENT OF IMAGINATION WHEN THEY CAN LOOK AT THE WORLD AS THE ARTIST SAW IT AT HOME. The Museo Frida Kahlo is housed in the artist’s home, the famous Casa Azul in Mexico City’s Coyoacán district, where she was born and lived with her husband, artist Diego Rivera, for most of her life. The house at 247 calle de Londres is in one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful districts. It was converted into a museum in 1958, four years after Frida Kahlo’s death: now it is one of the most visited museums in all of Mexico with around 25 million visitors annually, and 45% of them are overseas tourists. Unsurprising really when you consider that she is the best-known Latin American artist on the world stage.

One of the reason’s that Frida’s home is so important to fans of her art is that much of her work was produced in the Casa Azul and she had an intense relationship with the house itself. She was born in this house and died here, and it is undoubtedly the centre of her creative universe. The museum UTOPIA - 64

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?

- Frida Kahlo

“Painted blue outside and inside, it seems to house a little of the sky. It is a house that is typical of a tranquil village where a well-provisioned table and deep sleep give one sufficient energy to live without major shocks and a place to die peacefully.”

-Carlos Pellicer

has preserved the house as it was during her lifetime and visitors can immerse themselves in the ordinary, everyday objects of her life, as well as enjoying the permanent exhibition of some of Frida’s most notable works, including Viva la Vida, Frida y la cesárea, a painting that highlights Frida’s many health problems, a theme in a number of her paintings, plus a portrait of her father.

In Frida’s room, her bed with its mirror on the ceiling remains as it was. After she suffered a crippling injury after an accident on board a school bus that required her to convalesce for nine months in bed, the mirror on the ceiling

allowed her to see herself, and from this, she developed her distinct style of self-portraiture. We know that Frida had many lovers, as did her husband Diego Rivera, and we know that Leon Trotsky was one of them. He met with Frida while trying to escape Stalin’s revenge, but, interestingly, Frida kept portraits of Lenin, Stalin and Mao Tse Tung in her bedroom as well as gifts from the famous people, such as Nelson Rockefeller, who bought the easel she used.

The photographic portrait of Frida on a white, wrought iron bench, taken by another of her lovers—photographer Nicholas Muray – also has pride of place in her bedroom.

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Visitors can see the crutches and corsets that were a constant part of Frida’s life after her accident and numerous operations. On a happier note, her toys, jewellery and dresses show a rather flamboyant Frida, who loved decoration and colour, which is apparent in her artwork. The kitchen reveals the combined tastes of Frida and Diego, who were both avid entertainers. It is typical of older Mexican buildings, with the clay pots hanging on the walls, and the pots on the stove are testimony to the variety of stews as both Diego and Frida liked to entertain their diners with dishes of Mexican, pre-Hispanic, colonial and popular cuisine, and they certainly hosted some of the most famous names, including André Breton, Sergei Eisenstein and Edward Weston.

Above all, Casa Azul is an important cultural destination because it is a synthesis of Frida and Diego’s tastes and their love of Mexican art and culture. The couple made a conscious decision to collect pieces of art that showcased the best of Mexican culture: Diego Rivera had a special love for pre-Hispanic art and in the Casa Azul’s garden you can see his wonderful arrangement of pottery and ornaments in the pyramid shape of an Aztec temple. Both Frida and Diego wanted to donate the house to the people of Mexico, and after Frida’s death, Diego asked poet Carlos Pellicer, to organise its opening as a museum. In 1955, Pellicer described the house thus: “Painted blue outside and inside, it seems to UTOPIA - 66

house a little of the sky. It is a house that is typical of a tranquil village where a well-provisioned table and deep sleep give one sufficient energy to live without major shocks and a place to die peacefully.”

The house itself is not enormous; it is 800m2 on a plot of 1200m2 and has a central courtyard. When Frida’s father built it, it was more in the French style, but Frida and Diego changed it and opted for the colours and decorative style that was popular in every Mexican pueblo. Other changes were made at various times, and in 1946, Diego Rivera commissioned Juan O’Gorman to build Frida’s studio. Diego proposed using materials of the area: volcanic stone or basalt, materials used by the Aztecs to build pyramids and carve their ceremonial pieces. The studio, besides having a functionalist style, was also decorated with objects of Mexican popular art. It’s in this part of the house that Diego placed the tiles with mosaics and filled the walls with sea snails and jugs with front openings to serve as dovecotes.

If you want to understand the breadth and depth of Mexican culture, Frida and Diego’s Casa Azul is a good place to start.

Casa Azul is a work of art rather than architecture, and in its entirety, it offers the visitor a journey into the lives and work of two Mexican artists who celebrated their country’s culture not just in their art, but also in every aspect of their lives. If you want to understand the breadth and depth of Mexican culture, Frida and Diego’s Casa Azul is a good place to start.

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Altitude

Architecture at

NEW ANDEAN DREAMS

By Eleanor McKenzie

BOLIVIAN ARCHITECT FREDDY MAMANI SILVESTRE HAS TRANSFORMED EL ALTO, THE WORLD’S HIGHEST CITY, INTO A WONDERLAND OF NEW ANDEAN ARCHITECTURE. El Alto sits at four thousand metres above sea level, on a plateau above Bolivia’s capital La Paz and it is one of the fastest growing cities in South America. Freddy Mamani has completed 60 projects here since 2005 and he is creating a buzz in the press with his flambuoyant, colourful buildings that are so distinctive they have been awarded a style label – New Andean.

Mamani is quite unique in other ways as well; he is self-taught, he doesn’t have an office and he sketches his plans on a wall or gives oral instructions to his associates. You won’t find blueprints or computer aided design software anywhere in his firm, although he is qualified as a civil engineer, so he isn’t just making it all up as he goes along. It is thanks to Bolivia’s improved economy and its enterprising population that Mamani has had the opportunity to create this new style of architecture, as the demand for dream houses has grown among the city’s new wealthy.

Bolivia’s population is mainly indigenous, and Mamani is Aymara, as are most of his clients. Aymara culture has survived colonialisation by the Incas and Spanish and Mamani has tapped into his native culture to produce an “Aymara vernacular of his own invention.” His houses are “mixed use,” which may sound puzzling until you understand how they are structured behind his exuberant façades: · Ground floor – commercial premises, usually with a jazzy shop front. · Mezzanine – a baroque ballroom for parties. · One or two storeys of apartments · Penthouse – for the owner of the entire building

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His style incorporates various aspects of Aymara culture: the ciricular motifs found in Aymara weaving and pottery, the Day-Glo colours of traditional Aymara dress and it always incorporates hints of the staggered constructions of ancient Andean temples. But, Freddy Mamani isn’t the kind of architect who is content to simply draw on the native vernacular style or Bolivia’s ancient history; he’s a sci-fi fan and the Transformer movies have also exerted a considerable influence on his work.

He has been given an opportunity in El Alto to take a city that is under construction and make it his own, in the same way that Gaudí shaped the aesthetic of Barcelona and Niemeyer decided the ‘look’ of Brasilia.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Mamani said that he found El Alto “monotonous and depressing” during the period of building it.

Half-finished buildings and treeless streets presented him with a building site that he decided to liven up. He certainly did that. As his interviewer reported: “Walking into one of Mamani’s buldings is like coming out of a rabbit hole into a Bolivian electric wonderland.“ Even just looking at photos of his buildings, you’d have to agree. It’s a candy-coloured world with “spellbinding tapestries, doorways shaped like owls and playful Andean motifs.”

Some critics have dismissed his work as ‘kitsch’ and merely ‘decorative’, but he responds to this with a shrug.

He complains that his teachers only wanted to follow European forms and his decision to draw on “bright UTOPIA - 70

“

Walking into one of Mamani’s buldings is like coming out of a rabbit hole into a Bolivian electric wonderland.

“

colours and extravagant designs” was not well received by the architectural establishment. By contrast, his newly affluent clients in El Alto see his work as a status symbol.

His clients are the reason El Alto has been transformed from a slum into a commercial hub for the country and they have been encouraged in their endeavours by Bolivia’s first indigenous president, Evo Morales.

La Paz, the capital, had no room to expand, while El Alto, which sits in the rim of a canyon above the city, had plenty of space for “new arrivals, new money and unconventional architecture.” Mamani explained that there have always been some wealthy Aymara, but until Morales became president, “they didn’t want to draw attention to themselves.” He added, “Now they say, ‘This is where the successful Aymara live.’ They are proud of Evo, and they say, ‘I have wealth, I can show it off. I don’t have anything to hide.’”

Mamani is still hard at work transforming the world’s highest city into the capital of New Andean architecture and people travel from all over to experience what might be called ‘destination architecture’ – the same way they go to Barcelona or Brasilia. Freddy is putting Bolivia on a map of architectural aesthetics and delivering dreams at height.

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THE TOP

10 Latin american Designers DESPITE THE FACT THAT SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA HAS EMERGED AS A “POWERHOUSE OF ORIGINALITY AND INNOVATION IN DESIGN, PRODUCING AN ARRAY OF AUDACIOUS DESIGNERS ACROSS THE CREATIVE SPECTRUM, FROM HIGH FASHION TO MODERN ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN,” ACCORDING TO ZOE MCINTYRE AT CULTURE TRIP, WE DON’T SEEM TO HEAR TOO MUCH ABOUT SOME OF THEM IN THE EUROPEAN MAINSTREAM MAGAZINES. SO, AT UTOPIA MAGAZINE, WE DECIDED TO CORRECT THAT AND BRING YOU A BRIEF GUIDE TO SOME OF THE TOP LATIN AMERICAN CREATIVE MINDS IN FASHION, ART AND ARCHITECTURE.

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Carolina Herrera

This lady is famous in Spain and around the world. The VenezuelanAmerican entered the world of fashion design thanks to her grandmother. She has dressed some of the world’s most famous faces, including Michelle Obama, Bianca Jagger and Mick Jagger.

Her signature trademark is the use of “rich and luxuriant fabrics to create a clean, classic look that oozes elegance.”

César Pelli

This Argentine architect has designed some of the world’s tallest buildings and is regarded by many as one of the most important architects of the 20th century. His most eminent works include the World Financial centre in New York and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Francisco Costa

Brazilian fashion designer Costa is Creative Director at the Calvin Klein Collection. He is credited with revamping the brand to give it a fresh, minimalist aesthetic. He trained with Oscar de la Renta before working with Tom Ford at Gucci. His cool and stylish designs won him Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2006 and 2008.

Joaquín Torres García

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay in the 1870s, he was a painter, sculptor and muralist and the father of Latin American Constructivism. In Spain, you can see the results of his

collaboration with Antoni Gaudí, when the pair created the stained glass window for the cathedral in Palma de Mallorca and his frescoes adorn the Templo Expiatorio in La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. He is also famous for drawing an inverted map of South America and making the statement that “our north is our south.”

Roberto Burle Marx

A Brazilian landscape designer whose sculpted parks and gardens have made him world famous. He is credited with bringing modern landscape design to Brazil and for influencing the design of tropical gardens in Brazil and other countries. He applied other artistic expression such as graphic design, tapestry and folk art to his landscapes, and he was one of the first people to call for the conservation of Brazil’s rainforests. His work can be seen on the Copacabana Promenade, the Parque del Este in Caracas and the Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo.

Carlos Cruz-Diez

A Venezuelan artist now living in Paris, Cruz-Diez is internationally famed for his kinetic and op art exhibitions. With a focus on lines and perception, his visual style works by “inviting the viewer to actively participate in the designs by immersing them in changing colors, UTOPIA - 73

irregular patterns and a sensation of movement that alter the immediate experience.” One of his most famous works, Chromosaturation, involves 22 electrically lit cabins in red, blue and green, which was first displayed at the entrance of the Place de l’Odéon in Paris.

Oscar Niemeyer

The Brazilian architect is possibly one of the most famous to emerge from Latin America and Utopia has profiled him more extensively in other pages of this 2017 issue. So, there’s no need to say more about this King of the Curve here.

Léon Ferrari

He’s an Argentine conceptual artist who was born in Buenos Aires in 1920 and his artistic philosophy of “Art is not beauty of novelty, art is effectiveness and disruption,” is evident in his body of work. He became known for his protest art in many mediums including painting, collage and printmaking that used a combination of materials such as wood, wire and concrete. He dedicated his life and work to “art and human rights, and was highly critical of war, social inequality and abuse of power.” His series of collages condemning the Argentine ‘dirty war’ made him both a highly controversial and respected figure.

Lina Bo Bardi

This Brazilian modern architect (1914-1992) took a radical approach to design and held a commitment to building for society’s needs. She is arguably the most underrated architect of the 20th century, and her talents embraced architecture, political activism, designer furniture and stage sets. She is also famous for using elements from Brazilian culture and her own home -- the Casa de Vidro (Glass House) -- in a suburban district of São Paulo “illustrates her capacity for creating exquisite designs in harmony with its natural surroundings.”

Daniella Issa Helayel

London-based but Brazilian-born, she is founder of the Issa label, which is a favourite with celebrities from Naomi Campbell to Madonna. Kate Middleton wore an Issa design to announce to her engagement to British royal Prince William and sparked a new trend in “the little blue dress.”

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OSCAR

NIEMEYER

THE MAN WHO DESIGNED BRAZIL’S UTOPIA OSCAR NIEMEYER DIED IN 2012, JUST 10 DAYS BEFORE HIS 105TH BIRTHDAY. HE WORKED RIGHT UP UNTIL THE END OF HIS LIFE AND HE WILL BE FOREVER REMEMBERED AS THE ARCHITECT WHO CREATED A CAPITAL CITY, WHICH IS SO DRAMATIC AND OTHERWORLDLY, THAT THE VISITOR MIGHT WELL IMAGINE THAT NIEMEYER’S BRASILIA HAD BEEN DROPPED STRAIGHT OUT OF A MOTHER SHIP FROM ANOTHER PLANET. Niemeyer’s passion for Modernism, which he inherited from his mentor Le Corbusier, the architect who is regularly name-checked by the majority of modern architects when asked about important influences, resulted in an exceptional career that has left a powerful legacy for Latin American architects to follow.

By Eleanor McKenzie Few would argue that Niemeyer was not merely an architect who was born in Brazil; he was Brazil. Rather like Pele and samba. His vision of modernism was uniquely Brazilian, in that he took the harsh lines of European modernism and filtered its philosophy through his cultural lens and developed a style of swirling, curved lines that echoed the smooth sensuality of Brazilian jazz. Listen to Milton Nascimento, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joäo Gilberto while you look at Niemeyer’s works and you’ll discover a harmonious relationship between the creative forms of music and architecture that reveals the soul of Brazil.

He started his career in the 1930s, working alongside Lucio Costa, Brazil’s first modernist architect, and Le Corbusier. Together they designed the Brazilian Ministry of Health and Education in Rio.This was Brazil’s first major public building in the Modernist style, and architectural experts say that this building became “a sign to the world that Brazil wanted to make itself a place of cutting-edge architecture.” Buoyed by Brazil’s enthusiasm for this building, Niemeyer started departing from the rectilinear style of Frenchman Le Corbusier, and introduced the flowing, curvaceous lines that became his trademark.

One journalist remarked: “Niemeyer began to establish his own style… so in sync with the image of Brazil that, looking back at his work, it is now difficult to say how much Niemeyer emerged out of an inherently Brazilian attitude toward design and how much his architecture itself created that attitude.”

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BRASILIA A NEW UTOPIA Niemeyer soon became renowned for his midcentury modernism and his high-rise homes and museums are regarded as spectacular. However, his masterpiece is Brasilia. Few architects of the 20th and 21st centuries have had the opportunity to design a new capital city, but when the Brazilian government decided to build a new city in the undeveloped centre of Brazil, Lucio Costa designed the layout, but Niemeyer created the architectural style that sets this city apart from anywhere else in the world.

Brasilia was built between 1956 and 1960 and Vanity Fair writer, Paul Goldberg says of it: “Brasilia is profoundly flawed, profoundly beautiful, and profoundly moving—a testament to an entire nation’s belief that the 20th century might truly create a utopian city and that modern architecture could serve as the symbol of Brazil to the world.”

Of course, Brasilia is not a utopian city; it is more like a gigantic sculpture park, where Niemeyer’s buildings are the artworks on display, surrounded by extraordinarily wide boulevards and vast open spaces that showcase his work.

The Foreign Ministry is housed at the spectacular Itamaraty Palace and the President’s office at the Planalto Palace is similarly awe-inspiring, as is the round cathedral with its splayed ribs.

And then that government fell to a military dictatorship, and Niemeyer, a lifelong Communist and vocal advocate of socialist policies, was not a person the junta wanted in the country. He fled to Paris where he worked until he could return to Brazil in the 1980s, where he remained until the end of his life. He was never permitted to enter the USA, which meant he was never able to work on an American commission for a business centre in Miami, but many would agree UTOPIA - 82

that this was America’s loss, thanks to its anti-Communist paranoia. He worked for the next three decades, creating masterpieces around the world, all of which have Niemeyer’s signature sensuality.

“

Of course, Brasilia is not a utopian city; it is more like a gigantic sculpture park, where Niemeyer’s buildings are the artworks on display, surrounded by extraordinarily wide boulevards and vast open spaces that showcase his work.

“

Brasilia may belong to the past now, and has gone through periods of being widely admired, then shunned, only to be hailed again as a masterpiece of mid20th century architecture. In many ways, nobody should view it as a working city; it is entirely its own creation, and “a fully realized product of a set of deeply held beliefs that, at least for a period, were shared by an entire national government.”

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Here are just seven of his 500 buildings worldwide: The National Congress in Brasilia This remains one of Brasilia’s most landmark buildings. Note Niemeyer’s use of ramp-style walkways.

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The Cicillo Matarazzo Pavilion A three-storey exhibition space that covers 30,000 square metres. Here we see the use of ramps, this time in spiral forms.

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The Lucas Noguiera Garcez Pavilion, Ibirapuera Park, Sao Paulo The pavilion houses museums and exhibition spaces. It’s curves, spirals and setting shout “Niemeyer.”

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Museu Oscar Niemeyer, Curitiba, Brazil The museum known as “The Eye” in Curitiba, Brazil is dedicated to the architect’s own work, but also exhibits international artists working in a range of mediums.

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The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, Rio de Janeiro Could it be that Niemeyer dreamed of spacecraft when he created this popular tourist destination in Brazil’s most famous city?

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The Serpentine Gallery, London In 2003, Niemeyer designed a temporary pavilion for London’s famous Serpentine art gallery, which hosts numerous international art exhibitions.

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Oscar Niemeyer International Culture centre, Avilés, Spain This building was inaugurated in 2011 and it is one of Niemeyer’s final designs before his death in 2012. The use of Spain’s national colours add a design touch not seen in many of his other buildings, although we can still see his love of wide open spaces and curves.

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Landmark BUILDINGS OF THE WORLD

By Eleanor McKenzie

THERE ARE MANY CELEBRATED ARCHITECTS ON THE COSTA DEL SOL, EACH WITH THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL STYLE. UTOPIA ASKED THEM TO SELECT A BUILDING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THAT THEY CONSIDER GROUNDBREAKING AND WHICH HAS INFLUENCED THEIR WORK. IN THIS ISSUE, ESTEPONA-BASED ARCHITECT ALEJANDRO GIMÉNEZ REVEALS HIS CHOICE.

My Landmark Building: THE LUIS BARRAGÁN HOUSE BY LUIS BARRAGÁN Alejandro Giménez Architects About Luis Barragán (1902 – 1988) This exceptional Mexican architect was born in Guadalajara and studied as an engineer prior to becoming a renowned architect. After graduation he travelled through Spain and France and while in the latter he discovered the works of Ferdinand Bac, a writer and designer who became a significant influence in Barragán’s professional life. He also met with Le Corbusier before returning to Mexico where he practised architecture in his home city of Guadalajara for a few years before moving to Mexico City where he spent the rest of his life.

The European modernism of Le Corbusier was an early influence on Barragán’s work and if you look at even a small selection of his output, such as Casa Gilardi, Fuente de los Amantes and the Torres de Satélite, the clean lines of modernism are clearly visible. Other larger scale works of note are the Lomas Verdes residential area and the San Cristóbal Estates, both in Mexico City. He won the Pritzker Prize, architecture’s highest award, in 1980, however, out of all his designs, it is Luis Barragán’s own home that is considered by architects and designers worldwide as the highpoint of his design philosophy and in 2004 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Barragán’s philosophy with regard to designing houses was this: the house should not be “a machine for living.” He was opposed to functionalism and sought to bring the emotions into his designs, saying, “any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake.” He primarily worked with stone and wood, but it is the way he combined them with a dramatic use of light that distinguishes his style. He had a talent for using both natural and artificial light, and in particular hidden light sources, in ways that created atmospheric and tranquil interiors. He is not a minimalist within the strict definition of minimalism, because he uses colour to striking effect, but he has influenced the modern minimalists in countless ways.

His last project was the Casa Gilardi, completed in 1976, which he designed for the owners of an advertising agency in Mexico City. The striking house of eyepopping colours was built for young men’s parties and it remains decorated with Barragán’s choice of furniture and decorations. The current owner had some issues with storage space and told her sister, “I don’t have space for my shoes and bags.” Her sister replied, “But you have a house by Barragán.” That sums up his global importance as an architect.

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Barragán’s philosophy with regard to designing houses was this: the house should not be “a machine for living.” He was opposed to functionalism and sought to bring the emotions into his designs, saying, “any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake.”

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What makes this building exceptional?

In my opinion, it is a Mecca for architects. Barragán didn’t design lots of houses, yet the ones he did create have made him a giant in world architecture. The architecture of the Casa Luis Barragán is emotional. It is a conquest of the senses and unites architecture with sculpture. Some of its spaces are almost on a grand sculptural scale that makes an adult feel small like a child - this comes from Barragán’s childhood on Mexican haciendas. It is also like a painting: his use of colours creates the sense of living in an abstract painting where he plays with bright pinks and primary colours against the blue of the sky and the green of the garden.

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His use of colour also reflects his country. Look at how Oaxacan women dress, their vibrant clothes are like tropical birds’ plumage. This kind of use of colour in architecture only works in a sunny country where the colours can be fully themselves. The house’s design is also influenced by Barragán’s visits to the Alhambra in Granada and to Morocco where he also found a striking use of colour.

The architecture of the Casa Luis Barragán is emotional. It is a conquest of the senses and unites architecture with sculpture. Some of its spaces are almost on a grand sculptural scale that makes an adult feel small like a child

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His work has the greatness of timelessness: it is beyond passing fads and speaks to shared human emotions. It is pure harmony and beauty and those who live in it, discover this feeling in themselves.

The importance of this work also lies in the fact that it is Mexican and it conveys the country’s traditional values in a modern way.

It speaks of the culture of a country, which is the opposite of the homogenous globalisation we find everywhere today, in which a home in the Netherlands looks exactly the same as one in the USA. Has this building, or its architect, influenced your work in any way?

Barragán’s architecture spoke to me of a mystery unfolding through a gradual discovery of architecture. It is a game of seduction created with walls, spaces and colours. It’s what I try to do every day in my work: look for harmony, beauty and surprise. Casa Barragán made me understand that the house is a place to rest and to relax in, a refuge from the busy life that we live.

My clients talk to me about how they feel good inside my spaces and they like the way I play with light. I think this is the most important goal for me, because that emotional and sensual feeling comes from my following Barragán’s philosophy that a home is not a machine for living in.

It’s what I try to do every day in my work: look for harmony, beauty and surprise. Casa Barragán made me understand that the house is a place to rest and to relax in, a refuge from the busy life that we live.

Alejandro Giménez Project

Alejandro Giménez Architects Plaza de Manilva, 6. Estepona Tel. +34 951 253 412 alejandrogimenez.net

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THE KING HAS ARRIVED

Luis Barragán Architect

The Definitive House & Home Bible From the middle of August you’ll find the world’s finest linen and towelling conveniently located with free parking.

King of Cotton has an established reputation for high quality at reasonable prices, come and see for yourself or visit our website.

EST

1880

KING OF COTTON The world’s finest linen and towelling www.kingofcotton.com

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