At Home in Gibraltar

the smart home man meets kitchen antique misconceptions let there be light! spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 1

WE SELL, WE LEND . . .

U YO T LE

From our range of mortgages, including a buy-to-let option, to our dedicated estate agency specialising in local sales and letting – we can help with all your real estate needs in Gibraltar.

To find out more, drop into our branch on Main Street or visit our Estate Agency in Cannon Lane.

Call : 45050 for the branch Call : 48532 for the estate agency www.npbs.co.uk/gibraltar

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Norwich and Peterborough Building Society is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission No. FSC00472A. P.O. Box 535, 198-200 Main Street, Gibraltar.

Telephone: 45050 Fax: 45051 Principal Office: Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6WZ, England. Telephone: +44 01733 372372.

Norwich and Peterborough Estate Agency is a trading name of Hockleys Professional Limited. Registered Office: Hockleys Professional Limited. Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6WZ, United Kingdom. Registered in England No. 2360274. VAT Registration No. 513 9211 71.

at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

in Gibraltar SPRING | SUMMER | 2008

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innovation .......................................................................... 4 the professional touch of an interior designer .............. 6 rising damp ....................................................................... 7 how is the property market? ........................................... 8 feng shui fooey .............................................................. 10 BFA valuers .................................................................... 12 the smart home.............................................................. 14

page

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the LED revolution ......................................................... 16 icon glass ....................................................................... 16 let there be light! ............................................................ 18

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seven steps to security ................................................. 20

t At Home in Gibraltar is a FREE supplement to The Gibraltar Magazine published in Gibraltar each May by Guide Line Promotions Limited Copyright Š 2008 All rights reserved.

No part of this periodical may be produced without the written consent of The Gibraltar Magazine, PO Box 561, PMB 6377, Imossi House, Irish Town, Gibraltar Tel/Fax: (350) 200 77748 E-mail: gibmag@gibraltar.gi www.TheGibraltarMagazine.com Cover Photo: Poggenpohl & Porsch Design

smart home

Let your home look after itself

man meets kitchen ........................................................ 22 antique misconceptions ............................................... 24 property guide ............................................................... 26

feng shui

innovations

fooey? page

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man meets page

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kitchen spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 3

ADVERTORIAL

innovation A

key to success in today’s business environment is innovation, and in a reversal of roles business leaders are turning to designers to help them close the “innovation gap”.

With ever increasing pressures on companies to change and evolve quickly as consumer’s needs spurt forward companies have to choose one of two strategies — attract customers by offering low-cost, low-value goods and services, or innovate and create new high-cost, highvalue products and services.

But how do you generate profitable innovation? Business schools have for decades churned out executives who are

Industrial designers take everyday objects and improve their functionality. This Hansacanyon fittings series (Octopus Product Design & Bruno Sacco) tap has LEDs so the atmospheric lighting of the water jet gradually changes its colour depending on the water temperature.

much better at managing costs than managing imagination. Yet innovation by its very nature requires leaps of faith, attempts to do what hasn’t been tried before, and most important of all, a strong understanding of consumer culture.

So where should managers go to learn how to turn themselves and their companies into great innovators? A growing number are looking to design schools or design consultancies to learn design thinking and strategy.

Internet shopping has finally arrived on the Rock

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Think again... designers use materials in innovative ways to create new products. The BetteFloor shower surface does away with the old tray idea and enables showering without any trip hazards. The room appears larger thanks to the even surface. BetteFloor comprises steel and enamel coated with a thin varnish. The smooth surface is more hygienic than tiles thanks to the absence of seams.

(Bette GmbH & Co.)

Apple computers is the classic example of a company which has relied on innovation and quality rather than price to sell its products. (photo courtesy Apple)

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shop.gi

at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

t’s a growing concept to check out the web to find the best price for items we’re looking at purchasing, but by the time we’ve added the postage, packing and extras which will get the goods to us here in Gibraltar, we might as well have popped down to the shop down the road and save ourselves the headache.

All that is changing. Shop.gi is a new and innovative project which is bringing the web and local businesses together to provide the perfect solution.

Buying online is simple, efficient and means we don’t have to beat the street to find the product we want, and Shop.gi brings Main Street to your doorstep, taking away the plodding, calculating and bag hauling that we’ve become accustomed to with traditional shopping methods.

Shop.gi brings you local products at internet prices - isn’t that what we’ve all been waiting for? And with the unique situation which Gibraltar offers, payment methods range from card, PayPal and even cash on delivery. Yes, shop.gi will deliver to your door, and if you order before 4pm, you’re just about guaranteed a same day service.

With a continually growing range, Shop.gi at present offers items from gadgets and gizmos through to healthcare products.

Coupled with a simple business affiliate scheme the site is set to grow steadily to inlcude an increasing variety of products over the next few months and is already fast becoming the first stop to finding the product you need with the minimal hassle.

And that’s not all. With a free classified section, you can place your own items on sale in what is fast becoming the first stop to shop on-line in Gibraltar.

“ under the protection of Divine Providence, the Rock

“

of Gibraltar was at once the emblem of our security Admiral Sir John Jervis, HMS Victory, December 1796

sales

Anchorage, Gibraltar £550,000

Highcliffe House, Gibraltar £775,000

Ragged Staff Wharf, Gibraltar £639,000

Apartment

Galleried Penthouse

Duplex Penthouse

A large three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a 36m2 terrace and private parking. This south district gated and secure complex will boast landscaped gardens, a health and fitness suite and breathtaking views.

A stunning two bedroom, two bathroom galleried duplex penthouse, fully furnished to a particularly high standard. Lounge/ dining room Rooftop patio. Swimming pool & gym.

Secure parking

Spacious three bedroom duplex penthouse with three balconies overlooking the Queensway Quay Marina Imposing development with easy access to Main Street boasts two swimming pools, gym, gardens, secure parking.

Highcliffe House, Gibraltar £1,800 per calendar month

Royal Ocean Plaza, Gibraltar £2,000 — £3,750 per calendar month

Town Range, Gibraltar £3,500 per calendar month

A stunning one bedroom galleried duplex penthouse with two terraces in modern Taylor Woodrow built development. Garage parking.

Available immediately. Furnished.

A choice of several two & three bedroom, two bathroom apartments at Ocean Village.

Marina views from West facing Sun balconies.

Garage parking. Available immediately.

Furnished.

Beautifully decorated three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse. Spacious roof top terraces with impressive Rock and Bay views. Luxury development offering communal swimming pool and secure parking. Available mid April.

lettings

Chesterton are proud to announce the newest addition to our international network — Chesterton Gibraltar

Chesterton Gibraltar — sales, acquisitions, lettings 20 Ocean Village Promenade, Ocean Village, Gibraltar

chestertongi.com +350 200 400 41 spring | summer | 2008| enquries@chesterongi.com at home in Gibraltar 5

the professional

touch

of an interior designer W

hen you buy that dream house or apartment it usually needs those extra touches that will make it truly a home.

However, if you’re time-poor, or just don’t have confidence in your decorating ability, the solution is to put your property in the hands of an interior designer, who, with advice from you, will finish the furnishing and decoration of your house and turn it into a home.

Nicole Ferro is an interior designer who, through her company, In 2 Design, deals with properties in both Gibraltar and nearby Spain. She is enthusiastic about putting her skills to the service of her clientele and her work has grown out of her longterm interest in interior design, inspired by the many moves her family made during her childhood and the need to adapt each new residence to make it into a home. After training in interior design at the KLC School in London, Nicole returned to her native Gibraltar to set up her business and has carried out some exciting projects in Gibraltar, including at Ocean Village and Atlantic Suites. Also, she works with clients in nearby Spain and is particularly proud of a project she carried out in Gaucin for a British couple.

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She makes sure that she keeps up with all the latest design trends and, prior to the commencement of each job, she provides detailed schemes, together with mood and sample boards, to ensure that both she and the client are thinking along the same lines.

Nicole is always pleased to have an introductory discussion to explain how to benefit from her expertise in interior design and can be contacted by telephone (+350) 200 50998 and Gibraltar mobile 5401 8797 and by e-mail nicole_interiors@hotmail.com.

at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

rising damp The mustiness of damp walls in old buildings with no or insufficient insulation is a common problem in Gibraltar.

And when the plaster begins to fall off the walls, salt blisters with paint flaking appear on the facade and spots of mould make rooms impossible to live in, this is usually the end phase of a process which has been going on for some years.

At this point it would be wrong to treat these damaged

before treatment

after treatment

areas “cosmetically” with only mortar and paint, and have to put up with a very unhealthy living climate with higher energy costs. This stage of damage requires thorough corrective action in order to prevent total dilapidation of these sections of the house.

drying out walls by electro-osmosis The system introduces a very small and perfectly safe electric current into the wall just above ground level through a series of titanium anodes inserted into the brickwork. Its effect is to repel the rising moisture molecules down the walls and harmlessly back into the ground. As long as this tiny positive charge is maintained, the protected walls remain dry and totally free of damp.

Installation is neat and quick.

A series of small holes are drilled in the outside masonry just above ground level, and tiny anodes inserted, linked by a special connecting wire which is ‘pointed’ into the wall.

The finished result is virtually invisible and the disruption is minimal.

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Permanently guards against the dangers of rising damp

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Protects property of any age or structure Simple to install with little disturbance to building structure

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Immediately effective Virtually indestructible (self healing) Can be fitted with monitoring system for added peace of mind 30 year Guarantee

Contact Paul for a free survey: 00350 5402 5433, 0034 666 122 279 or by email to: lectrosgibraltar@gmx.com

spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 7

how

by Nick Gale, Chartered Surveyor

the property market?

M

boom of high value property, has led to a significant private rented sector.

Then there has been an influx of new residents from overseas ranging from professionals working in the Finance Centre and associated areas, retired people and others looking for employment and a new lifestyle.

Low interest rates and the general growth of real estate values resulted in phenomenal activity and a lot of property changing

photography by John Wood

uch speculation rests on property and property values. Many of us have homes that we own and some of us have two properties or perhaps more still.

The trend towards property ownership in Gibraltar has now been growing since the early 1990s when the idea of buying a property was encouraged by the Government. Over that period of time we have had the end of the last slump and then a slow steady growth in values leading up to a significant jump in around 2002 to 2003 followed by a period of steady growth up to today.

The demand that the gaming companies brought to the rental market in the late 1990s stimulated that sector and this, coupled with the growth of tax residency which has provided a back bone for the speculator-led

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at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

hands. But have we now reached a point where this growth has peaked?

The answer to this is probably ‘maybe’, but overall the market in Gibraltar is a very durable one. If values have peaked then there will likely be a period of readjustment rather than anything more drastic. Because the market is so unique for its size, with a number of sub-markets each of which depend on certain unique circumstances for their survival, it is practically impossible to come to any firm conclusions overall.

What we should all remember, no matter how short our memories tend to be, is that the

levels of activity we have seen in the market could not really be sustained indefinitely. Values have quadrupled in some sectors over a period of about 12 years and across all sectors there has been an impressive growth. But even when the values were a quarter or a third of their current levels there was always market activity in Gibraltar.

Today, lenders and estate agents report activity but less activity. The cost of borrowing is still at a low level when you consider the past 12 to 15 years and notwithstanding the effects of the credit crunch, the gloom and doom that we are told exists

photography by John Wood

in the UK and in Spain, does not appear to be impacting locally.

There are trends and factors unique to the local market however that are influencing the demand and supply ratio and in turn the level of activity in the market. An example within the local market is the recent movement of residents to Spain. This trend looks likely to continue with the recent changes in income tax assessment which removes the tax advantage of property ownership in Gibraltar.

Another example which affects the higher price band is that of tax residency and the ability of the market to supply a sufficient number of tenants to fill the large number of apartments that have recently been put on to the market, and more importantly for the values, whether the high rents will continue to be achieved at a level to satisfy the investors’ borrowings.

The scenarios illustrated above will impact on the local market and the high value market respectively but in both cases an underlying demand is still very evident. The local blocks like those in the Westside area for example have always had a steady demand, but values have not grown at the same rate as other areas because the general trend has been an outward movement of owners, either across to Spain or up the market to other locations and this coupled with high prices for first time buyers wanting to buy in has resulted in this limited growth in values.

The high end properties are also experiencing a slowing of demand and some are taking longer to find tenants. This market has separated itself from the rest of the market and has now evolved into a true sub market where the apartments are both a commodity as well as a home. The difficulty this market may now face is an over supply until the demand picks up

again as new tax residents and professionals come to Gibraltar to take up tax residency.

But in both cases the market is still active and the highlighting of these issues should not be interpreted as signs of decline.

As previously stated the market is durable and has always been an active one. The rate of activity and the additional time purchasers take to make decisions is now something that characterises the market and that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

So, how is the property market?

Well, it has likely entered into a quiet phase. There are too many external factors that I do not fully understand that may well impact locally but I am not sufficiently qualified to comment on those, but to date the activity during 2008 seems to be slower rather than anything more dramatic and there is certainly business being done across all sectors.

This is of course the viewpoint of a local valuer and surveyor.

I am actively involved in the market, but not right at the sharp end. An estate agent may have a differing but perhaps more immediate and up to date view and a developer will look for signs to indicate longer terms performance. But those of us who have been working in the market for many years and seen the downs and the ups never forget basic wisdom where real estate is concerned. Firstly property is a long term investment and is not generally a liquid one and secondly you can’t beat a great location! spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 9

feng shui fooey?

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hat can you do when your life feels like it is falling apart — you’ve had months of restless nights, financial worries, your marriage is in distress and there seems to be no hope of getting through things?

Can rearranging your home really make a difference?

Feng Shui consultants would have us look at our home and work environments to determine whether they have positive ‘chi’ running through them rather than trying resolve things one step at a time.

Does Feng Shui really help or can it make things worse? What happens if the chi in your home is so negative that nothing can help to change it? Is that when consultants start to break down walls and tear your house apart, hoping for a positive recovery?

Feng Shui has been around for over 3000 years but has undergone a renaissance in recent years. So what made it such a popular trend, which has many feeling like it can resolve the trials and tribulations of life?

Feng Shui literally means “wind water” and the art of Feng Shui is the ability to read the direction of energy that flows in a person’s environment. The perfect balance of this flow of energy, so the consultant will tell you, helps to harmonise the person’s life and therefore brings an equilibrium to everything.

This may mean clearing out the clutter from your room or moving the position of your bed. It may also mean adding to the decor by placing a plant in a specific part of your house, allowing that position’s representation to flourish in abundance.

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at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

by Priya Gulraj

We’ve heard how much Feng Shui has helped people, but what about those who haven’t been so lucky in their Feng Shui quest. What happens when people spend their savings on trying to balance the energy in their house and find they are in no better health, wealth or disposition than before?

Some may call this skepticism but it’s hard to understand how people can believe placing a statue in a certain part of your living room, or leaving a bamboo shoot in your bathroom, may help to bring better luck, love or health.

Clearing clutter is understandable, dust mites and bacteria can live in dusty, dark places, which can lead to different health problems like asthma and allergies — but will putting red in your relationship area really help you find Mr or Ms Right? Perhaps it just changes your frame of mind.

And what happens when the layout of the house is completely wrong? When building a new home, many followers of Feng Shui consult their practitioners in order to build a home which is full of good chi. With regards ready-built homes, as we’re more likely to find here in Gibraltar, I suppose we must start doing away with the layout to move around the rooms so that they are in sync with the Ba-Gua (the Feng Shui ‘map’).

Feng Shui has become a booming industry in recent years. Celebrities such a Sting, Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump, brought it to our collective attention. The lifestyle these celebrities exude is what consumers aim to buy, so rather than an art or a way of living, has Feng Shui become just a new accessory?

to create your perfect home interior designers & home furnishers Office and Commercial Interiors

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and Completed 62 Engineers Lane, Gibraltar.

Tel: 44012

spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 11

Email: jane@denvilledesigns.com meme@denvilledesigns.com www.denvilledesigns.com AT HOME IN GIBRALTAR • SPRING/SUMMER 2006

the

art

B

Who are BFA Valuers?

of

value

FA Valuers are in a privileged position case in the EU Court of Justice in respect as they become aware of development of its Corporation Tax Reform proposals, schemes at the very early stages of the and although nothing in life is ever certain, most analysts agree that Gibraltar’s case is development process.

Clearly, without funding, such schemes strong and likely to succeed. Unfortunately, would not be able to materialize and this although the case was heard early last year, is where their expertise comes in. Lending the court ruling is still anxiously awaited.

The Spanish market is a different story, institutions rely on BFA Valuers’ local knowledge of the market and they have also although Mark Francis, who has been on several occasions assisted International valuing residential properties at the higher Valuation firms such as CBRE, DTZ and end of the market over the last two years, Savills to name but a few of the more has not detected any significant changes in that sector.

Exclusive important names in properties in the the global market.

Marbella area have up They have also in spite of the looming to now held their value, been involved in global recession, the but he believes that two major market much depends on the research reports outlook for both the quality of the properties carried out for residential and and their surrounding two local leading commercial market in infrastructure. Exclusive financial institutions residential zones, such and whilst they are Gibraltar is favourable as La Zagaleta, where, obviously bound not only the highest by confidentiality standards of planning agreements, they are pleased to say that in spite of the looming and construction are rigidly enforced but global recession, the outlook for both the where maintenance, management and residential and commercial market in security are likewise of the highest standards, Gibraltar is favourable. Much will depend on are still very much in demand and will the outcome of the Gibraltar Government’s always be desirable properties at the higher end of the market.

It is often said that valuation is not a precise science, but is also an art. There is some truth in this because apart from the main methods of valuation, i.e. the ‘Comparison Method’, the ‘Investment Method’, the ‘Profits Method’ and the ‘Contractor’s Method,’ at the end of the day an experienced valuer has to judge how much an interested buyer would be willing to pay to a willing seller at arm’s length without compulsion and after a proper period of marketing assuming the parties had full knowledge of all the facts.

That is how Market Value is defined by the RICS in its latest Valuation Standards Manual internationally known as the Red Book and although the valuer will rely on one or more of the four main methods of valuation, such a judgement often requires a much wider approach based on his years of experience.

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at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

BFA Valuers have been undergoing valuation works in Gibraltar and in Southern Spain over the last 21 years, ever since its founder member Brian Francis FRICS resigned as Director of Crown Lands to venture into the private sector.

The BFA Group is composed of BFA Valuers, BFA Estate Agents and BFA Management and all three have specific roles within the organisation. The entire Group employs 28 members in the three sections, of which BFA Valuers rely on 5 members of staff – 2 Chartered Surveyors and 3 members for secretarial support.

Brian Francis is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He obtained his Chartered status in 1974 and became a Fellow in 1986 when he started his private practice.

His son Mark is also a Chartered Surveyor, having obtained his Charter in 2003 after successfully passing his APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) following his First Class Honours at University of Westminster. He also obtained the RICS Central London Prize for the best student.

Today, both Brian and Mark carry out extensive valuation work for lending institutions, developers and private clients.

The work ranges from Valuation Appraisals of large development schemes to smaller mortgage valuation work.

BFA Valuers are also involved in other general valuation work such as rent reviews, lease renewals, and arbitrations where their knowledge and experience is invaluable.

The group prides itself in that, with the exception of Land Property Services, who provide consultancy services to the Gibraltar Government, it is arguably the largest property consultancy firm on the Rock. Indeed, because of the increase in workload, BFA Valuers are now actively seeking to recruit another Chartered Surveyor or Graduate who they would train to obtain Chartered status.

Brian, who is also Managing Director of the Group believes that as a service provider the most important ingredient for success is not just the quality of the staff which is excellent but also their well-being.

Hence, apart from generous performance driven incentives, all members of staff enjoy a private pension scheme funded by the company after the first year of employment, thus ensuring continuity and company loyalty. More recently BFA has also subsidised those wishing to become members of the new Ocean Village Health Club. As a keen sportsman himself, Brian firmly believes in the old adage “ of sound body and mind ” and this will inevitably redound to the benefit of their numerous clients.

spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 13

Photo courtesy Miele

the

smart home R

We Want...

eturning to an empty house?

No problem — use your phone to turn on the climate control, preheat the oven, thaw the dinner, set the video and put the lights on so there’s a warm welcome.

Sound like futuristic fancy?

Not so. No longer just the stuff of Sci-Fi movies, as technology gets smarter and more affordable smart homes are not a design concept of the future they are being created right now.

Technology is already scattered throughout our homes in the form of appliances, computers and home entertainment, and things are changing fast — just look at the iPod which quickly made CDs seem old hat.

Manufacturers, architects and developers know the changes are coming and are rushing to create environments which function seamlessly.

Smart homes and buildings have a direct impact on the

lifestyles of the people living in them yeilding dramatic increases in comfort and energy cost savings.

Things such as lighting, airconditioning, heating, blinds and curtains, sprinklers, security, doors, home theatres, multi-room audio and CCTV cameras can be integrated and controlled via one or multiple keypads, touch screens, computers, telephones and even mobile phones.

But what defines a Smart Home? A smart home or building is the integration of the various automation devices (lighting, security, home theater, climate control etc.). Integration of these systems allows the user to operate everything simultaneously with a single button in pre-programmed scenarios.

Whole home control systems instantly change the mood of the home from entertaining to entertainment, relaxing to elegant dining. It is possible to create

moods with any combination of lights, temperature, curtains, music and TV and the whole setup changes at the press of a button.

Successful smart home design takes into consideration a number of factors such as the family’s lifestyle, system compatibility, how the system will be integrated, ease of use

Photo courtesy Miele

Miele@home InfoControl mobile display unit provides a status report on all Miele domestic appliances connected to the system and prompts action where necessary. It will relaying the steam cooker’s message when the fish or the side dishes are exquisitely done so you don’t need to keep rushing to the kitchen. Miele is one of the first manufacturers offering communication-enabled domestic appliances from virtually the entire product range. So it isn’t only smart ovens we’re talking about: hob units, steam cookers, refrigeration products as well as washing machines and tumble dryers are ringing in a new age.

Equipped with the latest electronic componentry, these new appliances are all part of a smarthouse system.

Let your home look after itself

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at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

and end expectations of the user.

Reliability, future expansion and maintenance are also things to think about at the planning stage.

One of the keys to a smart home is structured cabling. With a structured cable system, you can create whole house audio, for example, without the use of multiple amplifiers. Good

structured cabling systems leave room for expansion and allows wiring to grow along with technology needs.

There are many ready made home automation systems on the market, but few if any will come with all (or even most) requirements and so it is essential to employ an industry expert to integrate products, creating

a complete system that works seamlessly and is easy to use.

The ability to control the home remotely from another location is an added bonus of the smart home and dial-in control allows users to arm or disarm the security system, put the lights on or off, change the temperature controls, DVD settings etc all from a mobile telephone.

It is also possible to access the internet to organise your home remotely from work, or internally via an intranet for control of TV viewing, and to network screens in different rooms to share information or play games or maybe greet you in the morning with a your favourite stock prices or the day’s weather.

Personally I am just waiting to unpack my remotely operated vacuum cleaning robot (currently available from several manufacturers) which cleans while I relax with a magazine... ahhh the joy of technology.

spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 15

For years, LEDs were nothing more than indicator lights on appliances, now, not only are they being used to create incredibly powerful architectural floodlights and wall washers, but they are beginning to infiltrate the consumer market.

in everything from desk lamps and path lights to landscaping floodlights and night lights.

LED lights are more rugged and damage-resistant than compact fluorescents and incandescent bulbs and LED lights don’t flicker.

LED (Light Emitting Diode —

LED Wall Washer - Easy-to-use LED Wall Washer provides structures with a vibrant wash of light that turns any dull and lifeless piece of architecture (indoor or out) into an eye-catching attraction once the sun goes down.

For example, under-cabinet lighting is a staple in most residential kitchens, provided either by toxic fluorescents or inefficient incandescents. Using LEDs instead of a fluorescent or incandescent, will cut energy consumption ten-fold (LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescents) and longevity (LEDs last up to 100 times longer than incandescents), they emit much less heat and have the ability to point light where it is needed.

Low profile and high light output, they are now being used

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a semiconductor device which converts electricity into light) lighting has been around since the 1960s, but is just now beginning to appear in the residential market for space lighting, driven in part by reduced cost and the desire for energy efficiency plus its incredible flexibility.

The application of LEDs for the home is endless. We love this uber-modern cocktail table from www. lightenergystudio.com

at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

icon glass Producing expensive veneers no longer means sacrificing the rain forests the representation can now be created on a fully sustainable material – glass.

ICON-GLASS brings a whole host of opportunities for architects and designers by

combining glass with a unique printing process. ICON-GLASS works perfectly for the latest trend of wet rooms and walk in showers, effectively replacing troublesome tiling and offering a single easy clean surface. www. glassdomain.co.uk

International Standards,

Local expertise

As a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) we adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct. With over 21 years of local expertise backed by 27 trained staff members in 3 branches, we offer the most complete and comprehensive services in Gibraltar. Whatever your property needs, contact us and we will steer you in the right direction.

B F A

Estate Agents G I B R A LTA R D I V I S I O N

Tel: +350 200 71131 | Email: info@bfagib.com

B F A

Valuers CH A R T ERED SUR VEYORS

Tel: +350 200 42326 | Email: valuers@bfagib.com

B F A

Estate Agents SPANISH DIVISION

Tel: +350 200 71625 | Email: gallery@bfagib.com

B F A

Management P R O P E R T Y & R E N TA L

Tel: +350 200 42326 | Email: management@bfagib.com

w w w . b f a g i b . c o m

spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 17

hen remodelling and decorating, we usually look for furniture, paint, carpets and decorative items such as pictures.

However, the lighting can have a big impact on the overall look of a room. The lighting design is responsible for setting the mood or ambiance of a space. With careful design and planning for the type, colour and hue of the lighting, the room can be given a different ambience. The right lighting can set a mood, improve productivity and contribute to people’s sense of well being.

It can transform unappealing

Good lighting design will not make you frustrated in the kitchen when you are not able to see what you are doing, and it will stop the arguments in the bedroom over whose turn it is to get up to switch off the light.

Instead, you should be able to transform a room from a bright, vibrant living space to the setting for a romantic dinner for two.

Natural lighting is the light from the sun that comes through windows and doors.

Direct sunlight is a healthy source of light, but the brightness and intensity is very

or aesthetic. Functionally, the lighting needs to be correct for the intended purpose. A great example of functional lighting is task lighting: lamps for reading, lights over the sink or over the mirror in the bathroom.

Task lighting should always be glare free to make the task easier without straining the eyes. Aesthetically, the lighting gives an ambiance to the space.

For creating an ambience, environment lights are used in ceiling corners or along the sides of the room. The intensity and colour of the lights are important

Denville Designs

W

let there be light! how to choose lighting for the home

by Jane Hart, Denville Designs

Nono. Denville Designs

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variable. The time of the day, the season or the weather all influence natural sunlight. To control the quantity of natural light, different types of glass or curtains can be used. Diffusion and reflection are great ways to control this free light source.

A good idea is to find the wall that received direct light from the sun and paint it in a bright colour. The reflected light creates an ambiance in the room. The surface of the wall can control the diffusion of the light; rough surfaces have different effects than smooth surfaces.

Artificial lighting can be any kind of lamp. This light source can be controlled in every aspect; intensity, colour, and the area of spreading. To get the desired effects in a room, the best idea is to use a combination of different types of artificial lighting.

Ambience lighting is to lighten the whole room and give a certain “mood” to the space. Accent lighting is used to illuminate certain aspects or details of the interior decoration, as sculptures, pictures or display shelves.

Lighting can be functional

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for the ambiance, for “mood” lighting, it is very important that the source of the light is hidden.

With a few lighting design ideas, you can change the visible appearance of a room and make it look larger or smaller. Rooms with high ceilings can get a cosier radiance by using lighting that is lower than the ceiling. The light should not escape beyond the height of the source. Use a lampshade that directs the light downwards. The other way around, by using upwards lighting pointed at the ceiling, rooms appear to be higher.

Standing lamps and table lamps work great for specific purposes and lighten up only an area of the room. A lamp should be placed behind a reader’s shoulder. Lamps are also perfect to brighten up dark corners in rooms. And of course, decorative lampshades on O&L. Denville Designs

spaces into desirable ones.

Bright rooms give a positive and optimistic feeling, while darker rooms are more intimate and romantic.

Research has proven that light can make a big difference in how we feel.

corner end tables and bedside tables enhance the ambience and bring attention to a specific area of the room. The style of the fixture will add to your interior decoration whether turned on or off.

Lighting is just as important in interior design as the colours or the style of furniture and accessories. Your entire work in decoration can be ruined at once by poor lighting. But carefully planned lighting will greatly enhance the best details in your design.

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seven

steps to security Will your home insurance give you the money you need when you need to claim?

by Peter Bosbury, Quest Financial Services Limited

Malabar. Denville Designs

hen we consider our homes, invariably the biggest single investments many of us make in our lives, and our possessions are so precious to us, is it not strange that many people strive to get the cheapest Home Buildings and/or Contents insurance policy to cover them?

As a large number of people in the UK have found over the past year, cheap isn’t always cheerful when they need to claim! Independent brokers are frequently surprised that clients are more concerned with the premium cost than the actual cover given by the product. Little consideration is given to ensuring the product will supply the necessary funds to repair or replace their homes and their valuables in the event of a claim due to disaster striking at the core of their lives, their home.

The issue here is that people invariably work under the misconception “It will never happen to me” and therefore do not feel it is necessary to give time to ensuring the policy they are paying for will actually do what they want it to do when they need to claim. This is even more important in places like Gibraltar where there are a large number of properties covered by group Buildings Insurance policies and a number of individuals purchase pure contents cover to protect their valuables and home contents.

Why is it important here in Gibraltar (and in Spain for that matter)? Well, firstly, if you only take out Contents cover relative to your property, will your kitchen, bathroom and flooring be insured? Due to the anomalies here in Gibraltar (and Spain) if you, and not the building contractor, have put in the new kitchen, or, replaced it, the bathroom and/or laid new wooden flooring etc, it is potentially not insured. This is because a number of group buildings insurance policies (those you would normally rely on to reimburse you for the losses incurred if damaged by fire or flood, etc) do NOT deem these to be

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7

House and Home

Contents Insurance Tips

1

Find out what YOU need in terms of cover – Do you require Accidental cover? Is your kitchen, bathroom, flooring covered? What about the laptop, flat-screen TV etc? Do you want to include an ‘All Risks’ facility.

2

Conduct a full review of all your contents, possessions and valuables and total up the cost of replacement of all these items. People are often surprised to see exactly how much it would cost to replace their treasured items in the event of a fire etc.

3

Take photographic evidence of the main items you possess and keep these stored away from the home. I cannot stress how important it is to have this record stored away form the home.

4

Retain your receipts and valuations reports for all of your main items alongside of the photographic record so you have evidence for the insurance assessors in the event of a claim.

5

Get an up-to-date indication of your property ‘Re-Build’ costs to ensure you are not under-insuring and conversely, you are not over-insuring and paying too much for your cover.

6

Get advice from an Independent Broker and be prepared to spend time talking through your requirements with the adviser to ensure they can source the appropriate product for you from the insurance marketplace.

7

Read the policy documentation to ensure you know what you are covered for.

Voyage. Denville Designs

W

fixtures and fittings. Unfortunately, these items may not also be covered by a cheap general home contents insurance policy either and therefore, in the event of requiring repair or replacement, it will be YOU who foots the bill.

This fixation with always trying to get the cheapest policy can also lead to people ‘Under Insuring’ which can result in another serious issue when individuals need to claim.

If anyone is deemed to have under insured their property re-build costs and/or contents cover, it can have serious implications regarding the amount of claim paid to the policy holder by the insurer in the event of a claim. The insurers can take the view that the payment made at the time of the claim will be, at best, equal to the percentage of cover in place. For an hypothetical example, if your contents are deemed to be worth £50,000 and you had only insured for £25,000 then your claim could be reduced by at least 50% to reflect this. As you can appreciate, this could have serious financial implications if a claim was related to a building’s repair or, worst case scenario, rebuilding of your home and could leave you, the owner, with a serious shortfall in capital available that would need to be funded out of your own resources.

I could continue with a number of other issues people should take into consideration when purchasing their home insurance but space does not allow. All I can say is the message is the same.

If you are parting with your hard earned money, make sure you are getting what you think you are paying for. When this is House & Home insurance, make sure it is the right policy to provide the right financial support when you need to claim.

MANUELL CANOVAS

Jane Churchill COLEFAX & FOWLER Wide range of Leather Sofas at competitive prices

Kirby house Villa nova

ROMO Sanderson Complete Range of Domestic & Contract Carpeting

Solid Wood Flooring

Louis P. Borge Ltd. Ltd. (Estd (Estd 1947) 1947)

Furnishing Fabrics, Wallpapers, Furniture, Sofas, Carpets, Rugs, Parquet, Laminate Floorings.

4 King’s Yard Lane, Gibraltar.

Tel: 74445 Fax: 76353 spring | summer | 2008| at home in Gibraltar 21

man meets P

oggenpohl has teamed up with Porsche Design to produce perhaps the world’s first kitchen specifially designed for men. But what do men want when it comes to their cooking spaces and are there any striking differences when planning the ‘bachelor’ kitchen?

“As we all know, only women can multi-task properly, and men are generally better concentrating on one thing at a time. This means they tend to view the kitchen as a collection of individual functional elements, rather than taking it in as a whole room concept in one go,” explains Martin Gill, MD, Poggenpohl UK. Appealing to this basic difference, the Posche Design P’7340 kitchen concept presents its many fascinating technological features and detail led designs in a collection of individual, sleek and modern elements, dynamically linked by crisp and functional aluminium

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frames, “adding a mechanical sophistication redolent of aerospace engineering”.

Wisely, though, these separate parts combine to give a beautifully proportioned, architecturally balanced overall room design that is both bold and harmonious: clever combinations of ultra luxurious materials in distinctly varied textures but a relatively

neutral colour palette are supported by subtle lighting effects to give the room a streamlined yet comfortable ambience, adding to its all round appeal.

“Although men may not seek it out specifically, they certainly appreciate the beneficial effects a holistically planned environment has on their sense of well-being,” Martin adds.

Does the Man Kitchen have different needs in terms of gadgets and appliances?

Well apparently, men’s more competitive nature means they are always seeking the latest and most exciting extras to get ahead of the crowd. All the latest high specification integrated appliances, with automated features and detailed programs are a must, but ‘hidden’ techno features, like electronic door and drawer openers add to the smooth design and appeal to the James Bond in them all.

Unusual and extravagant appliances, such as a multi-burner hob with wok ring and large capacity fridge-freezer are coveted items in the man kitchen, as is a wine cooler and built-in or counter-top espresso machine.

As timing is not always the forte of the male cook, warming drawers are a key item in this type of kitchen, where space allows.

So the mundane clearing up process does not mar the evening, a dishwasher is another must. Instant chilled and boiling water from a tap, a tepan yaki and a microwave are all options men will take a strong interest in — in fact, says Martin, persuading them to leave something out is the challenge!

Of course, the latest high-tech audio visual systems including wide screen television are also an important consideration in the man kitchen, particularly when it’s open-plan.

So now we know what a man wants, but

what will he avoid when chosing a kitchen?

Predictably it’s fussy extras and extraneous decoration which definitely don’t feature highly on the male cook’s list of priorities, but then that’s not Poggenpohl’s style either.

Men do, however, like “practical storage interiors such as bottle racks and large capacity pan drawers, and get real pleasure from the precision engineering evident in smoothly damped closing motion of a heavily-laden pullout”!

And, it seems, the single man has a different requirement when it comes to materials and finishes. Wood, metal and glass have enduring masculine appeal and the new Poggenpohl P’7340 includes these materials in a palette of black, white, neutral tones of green and grey plus aluminium. Finishes are a combination of textured aluminium and driftwood or marsh oak with highly polished or matt glass door fronts. Reminiscent of a car, this kitchen designed in collaboration with Porsche Design has a clearly structured linear form which combines traditional craftsmanship with the most modern production technology. Just what a man wants from his kitchen!

So what is the definition of a man kitchen?

Technology, engineering, purity of design.

With the P’7340, the ultimate man kitchen, even the tap has been designed for its minimalist, architectural form and one-hand operation. Reminiscent of highly polished automotive paint, the tap’s black-chrome

The Poggenpohl Porsche Design P’7340 is the first kitchen to be designed specifically to cater for a man’s desires

shimmering surface incorporates ruthenium (a precious metal).

Engineering elements aimed at male buyers are also a key feature, such as handleless doors with assisted opening via an extending and retracting spacer pin.

Poggenpohl Porsche Design P’7340 — starting price from £35,000.

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by Mark Baker, Irish Town Antiques

A

common attitude towards antiques is that they are expensive, and that you have to know what you are doing.

I have been an antique dealer for almost 20 years and, although I have picked up a bit of knowledge in that time, one thing I have learned is that the more I learn the more I realise how little I know!

It’s a minefield! The world of antiques has such a wide spectrum, I don’t think there is a day that goes by without me picking up a bit more knowledge.

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misconceptions

All this doesn’t really matter though, you needn’t really know everything about something to be able to appreciate and enjoy it. And it certainly doesn’t have to be worth a fortune for one to appreciate it and enjoy it either.

You watch those TV programmes showing items that are worth thousands (normally picked up at a car boot sales for 50p... I wish!) but in fact, most antiques aren’t really worth a lot. More often than not they are cheaper than new equivalents.

That is certainly the case with furniture, for example, where the

at home in Gibraltar | spring | summer | 2008

expense comes from the labour and the raw materials. Antiques are 100 years old, or sometimes even older, so this all had to be paid for years ago. The fact that they have lasted 100 years or more is a testament to the build and quality, unlike new things which aren’t built to last.

So please, don’t be put off by the word Antique, it doesn’t automatically mean expensive!

Pop in and have a look around Irish Town Antiques (on Irish

Town of course) even if you have had no interest in Antiques before. Our policy is not to harass and to let people browse at their own leisure.

We challenge anyone to not find something they like from our extensive and varied stock, whether it be a piece of furniture, a painting or print, a mirror or piece of glassware, silver, clocks or porcelain, or thousands of other antiques and collectable items we have in store.

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property guide Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Cold-Aire Engineering Ltd 28 & 70 Harbour’s Deck, The New Harbours Tel: 200 79732 Fax: 200 40415 R&J Refrigeration 18 Town Range Tel: 200 73036 Fax: 200 42607 Warners M&E (Gibraltar) Limited 94 Harbour’s Walk, New Harbours Tel: 200 48774 Fax: 200 45249

Architects WRSM Architects 1.2.20 Eurotowers, Europort Road Tel: 200 74547 Fax: 200 74583 www.wrsm.gi Email: architects@wrsm.gi

Builder’s Merchants & DIY Supplies ClAP (Construction) Ltd 325a Main Street Tel: 200 40787 Fax: 200 40799 80b Devil’s Tower Rd Tel: 200 40746 104 106 Irish Town Tel: 200 75220

Building & Renovations Amco Construction Ltd. Tel: 200 40840 Fax: 200 40841 FJS Welding & Construction Service Unit 23 Eaton Park Industrial Estate Devil’s Tower Road Tel: 200 46608 Fax: 200 51507 Mobile: 54242000 Haymills (Gibraltar) Limited 94 Harbours Walk, The New Harbours, Rosia Rd Tel: 200 40690 www.haymills.com Topgem 4 Shackleton Rd Tel: 200 46887 Fax: 200 46089

Consulting Engineers Datatec Ltd 1/9 Ocean Heights, Fish Market Lane Tel: 200 78562

Domestic Appliances BIA 46 Irish Town Tel: 75188 Fax: 200 72653 The Red House 66-70 Main St Tel: 78513 Fax: 200 79710 E-mail: info@theredhouse.gi

Electrical AA Sheriff & Sons Ltd 51 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 78065 14 Watergardens Tel: 200 73083 Electrician (Spain & Gibraltar) Tel: 00 34 956 173384 Email: rmf2@telefonica.net Integrated Cabling Solutions Tel: 58008845 & 00 34 628870503 info@icslimited.net

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J Balban Electrical 42 Crutchett’s Ramp Tel/Fax: 200 40232 Workshop: 200 44542 Warners M&E (Gibraltar) Limited 94 Harbour’s Walk, New Harbours Tel: 200 48774 Fax: 200 45249

Fire & Burglar Solutions AA Sheriff & Sons Ltd 51 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 78065 14 Watergardens Tel: 200 73083

Flooring A. Abecasis Gonzalez 33 Harbour’s Deck, Rosia Road Tel: 200 78536 Fax: 200 40484 Louis P Borge Ltd 4 Kings Yard Lane Tel: 200 74445 Fax: 200 76353

Quest Insurance Management (Gibraltar) Ltd. 260/262 Main Street Tel: 200 52908 Fax: 200 59731 www.quest-financialservices.com Trafalgar Insurance 1C, Centre Plaza, Horse Barrack Lane Tel: 200 44628 www.trafalgardirect.com Interior Designers Jane Hart Denville Designs 62 Engineers Lane Tel: 200 44012 Nicole Ferro 604 Atlantic Suites Tel: 200 50998 / 54018797

Key Cutting Arcade Keys The Arcade 30-38 Main Street

Furnishings

Legal Services

A. Abecasis Gonzalez 33 Harbour’s Deck, Rosia Road Tel: 200 78535 Fax: 200 40484

Attias & Levy 39 Irish Town Tel: 200 72150 Fax: 200 74686 www.attiaslevy.gi

L. P. Borge Ltd 4 King’s Yard Lane Tel: 200 74445 Fax: 200 76353 Denville Designs 62 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 44012 Fax: 200 74231 www.denvilledesigns.com Email: jane@ denvilledesigns.com Irish Town Antiques Irish Town Tel: 200 70411

Gardening Supplies Greenarc Convent Gardens Convent Ramp Tel: 200 43134 Fax: 200 50648

Glazing

Budhrani & Co Suite 1, 62 Main St Tel: 200 73521 Fax: 200 79895 Email: budlaw@gibtelecom.net Hassans 57/63 Line Wall Road Tel: 200 79000 www.gibraltarlaw.gi Isolas Portland House, Glacis Road Tel: 200 78363 www.gibraltarlawyers.com

Loans CTK Limited 9 Convent Place Tel: 200 72050 or 5475400

ClAP (Construction) Ltd 325a Main Street Tel: 200 40787 Fax: 200 40799 80b Devil’s Tower Rd Tel: 200 40746 104-106 Irish Town Tel: 200 75220

Mineral Water Stations

Home Finance

Office / Shop Fitting

Barclays Bank 84/90 Main Street Tel: 200 52378

Bridge Office & Shop Solutions PO Box 598 Tel: 57185000 Fax: 200 77041

Jyske Bank 76 Main Street, PO Box 143 Tel: 200 72782 Fax: 200 76782 Email: jyskebank@jyskebank.ltd.gi www.jyskebank.ltd.gi

Space Interiors 24 College Lane Tel/Fax: 200 73992 www.spaceinteriors.gi

Norwich & Peterborough Building Society 198-200 Main Street Tel: 200 45050 www.npbs.co.uk/gibraltar

Insurance Masbro Insurance Suite lA, Main St Tel: 200 76434 Fax: 200 76741

Watercoolers Tel: 58365000 Fax: 200 74141 E-mail: watercool@gibtelecom.net

Plumbing / Supplies ClAP (Construction) Ltd 325a Main Street Tel: 200 40787 Fax: 200 40799 80b Devil’s Tower Rd Tel: 200 40746 104-106 Irish Town Tel: 200 75220 Warners M&E (Gibraltar) Limited 94 Harbour’s Walk, New Harbours Tel: 200 48774 Fax: 200 45249 Watson Plumbing Ltd 31A Roger’s Road PO Box 870 Tel: 200 41618 Mobile: 58190 000

Property Developments

Satellite Systems

Ocean Village Tel: 200 40048 www.grandoceanplaza.com www.majesticoceanplaza.com www.oceanvillagegibraltar.com

AA Sheriff & Sons Ltd 51 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 79066 14 Watergardens Tel: 200 73083

Property Sales & Rentals

Denville Designs 62 Engineer Lane Tel: 200 44012 Fax: 200 74231 www.denvilledesigns.com

Bray Properties 3 Market Lane Tel: 200 47777 www.brayproperties.com Brian Francis & Associates 299a Main Street Tel: 200 71131 Email: info@bfagib.com www.bfagib.com Chesterton Gibraltar 20 Ocean Village Promenade Tel: 200 40041 Fax: 200 44011 www.chestertongi.com

Soft Furnishings

Fashion House 85 Governors Street Tel: 200 52938 Fax: 200 52988 Email: thefashionhouse@gibtelecom.net Louis P Borge Ltd 4 King’s Yard Lane Tel: 200 74445 Fax: 200 76353

Surveyors, Chartered

Norwich & Peterborough Estate Agents Old Bank, 17-21 Cannon Lane Tel: 200 48532 www.npestates.com

Nicholas Gale Tel: 200 46579 E-mail: gibsurv@nicholasgale.com

The Property Gallery The Balcony, 17B Casemates Square Tel: 200 71625 & 200 71131 Fax: 200 71625 www.bfagib.com

Wyse Hire & Supplies Ltd 68b Harbour Deck, New Harbours Tel: 200 78984 Fax: 200 43974 www.wysehire.gi

Property World Real Estate Unit F2A ICC Tel: 200 49494 http://www.propertyworld.gi Email: info@ propertyworld.gi Seekers Ltd Suite 11, 3 Turnbull’s Lane Tel: 200 44955 Email: seekers@gibtelecom.net S. Levy 3 Convent Place Tel: 200 77789 & 200 42818 Fax: 200 42547 Email: slevy@gibraltar.gi

Tool Hire

Upholstery & Awnings M.F Balloqui & Sons 39-41 City Mill Lane Tel: 200 78105 Fax: 200 42510 Email: mfb&sons@gibtelecom.net Larbi Upholstery Shop 19/2 Governor’s Parade Tel: 200 74018

Windows & Doors Aluminium Solutions Ltd 6A Ocean Heights Gallery Tel: 54023390 Email: asl@gibtelecom.net

Property Management

CIAP (Construction) Ltd 325a Main Street Tel: 200 40787 Fax: 200 40799 80b Devil’s Tower Rd Tel: 200 40746 104-106 Irish Town Tel: 200 75220

Bray Properties 3 Market Lane Tel: 200 47777 www.brayproperties.com

Light Industrial Activities 6 Eaton Park, Devil’s Tower Road Tel/Fax: 200 45955 Mobile: 58641000

Taylor Woodrow Sales Office 17 Bayside Road Tel: 200 40550 Fax: 200 75529

Brian Francis & Associates 299a Main Street Tel: 200 71131 Email: info@bfagib.com www.bfagib.com

To Advertise in the Gibraltar Magazine please call us on: 200 77748

Seekers Ltd Suite 11, 3 Turnbull’s Lane Tel: 200 44955 Email: seekers@gibtelecom.net

Removals / Storage GibCargo Ltd Unit 3 North Mole Industrial Park Tel: 200 70787 Fax: 200 70721

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