homeworks 39

tufty time | DESIGN patrIcIa urquIola | www.bEbItalIa.com

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ISSUE 39 O

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HOMEWORKS 3-08-2009 18:16 Pagina 1

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The architect’s role is no small feat; they must meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. The spaces they create should enhance life’s quality, achieve customer satisfaction, provide flexibility and adaptation to user changes, support desirable natural and social environments, as well as maximise the efficient use of resources. There is no room for error; there is no slack to be cut.

This issue of HOMEWORKS focuses and profiles four contemporary architectural firms who are shaping the present and future generations. The firms are all of different sizes, but their continuous struggle is unanimous: creative and sustainable architecture.

Architecture Project (AP) highlights a pool pavilion, illustrating the firm’s ambition to exploit the diversity that underpins their creative philosophy. (Page 022)

Architects Studio features an amalgamation of different projects that highlight their allusion that bettering the environment is a veritable balancing act, weighing the various demands and exigencies of the client, site, environment and public alike. (Page 030)

Matthew James Mercieca Design Architects (MJMDA) features an urban chic apartment, which is all about transitions and inner transport on page 038.

_spacestudio illustrate their philosophy that each project is approached with a non-predetermined design solution, ensuring that the solutions adopted are site and project specific through a Mellieha conversion on page 046.

Zillah Bugeja investigates the forces at play behind the future of Maltese domestic architecture on page 053.

The future is bright as the young budding architects from SACES (Society of Architecture and Civil Engineering Students) show us what they’ve got on page 082.

Architecture is the foundation, but Interior Designer Penny Apap Brown highlights just how much the soft furnishings can make a difference to a space. See the before and after feature Cosy Up Your Home on page 059. See how warmth and interest can be added to a room through the smart use of colours, textures and accessories.

Two interviews this issue: one with Italian Aran Kitchen Designer Luigi Cicconi (page 069) and the other with Industrial Designer Laurent Muller (page 073), who is now bringing the skills he developed in his painting for the past 6 years to interior and furniture design.

The HOMEWORKS team would like to extend a thank you to all the readers who responded to last issue’s survey. The results prove as a fantastic consultation exercise and will invariably help us improve to make HOMEWORKS even better. This issue is a packed one, inclusive of some features that were requested by readers. Welcome to the cosy reading season and enjoy!

welcome to

020Architecture ProjectPOOL PAvILIOn

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MjM DeSiGN ArchitectS‘URBAn CHIC’ APARTMEnT

ArchitectS StuDioFIRM PROJECTS

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061coSY it uP

BY DUO DESIGnERS

007 HOMEWInnERS

009 HOMEnEWS

019 SKIn DEEP & THE ARC

020 ARCHITECTURE PROJECT (AP)

028 ARCHITECTS STUDIO

036 (MJMA) DESIGn ARCHITECTS

044 _SPACESTUDIO

053 MOnOPOLY MALTA

061 COSY IT UP

069 MAKInG KITCHEnS MAGnIFICEnT

073 DESIGnInG STORIES

082 THE YOUnG GUnS

085 AnTICIPATInG AUTUMn

093 CUISInE & WInE WITH DELICATA

100 HOMEWORKS A-Z OF SUPPLIERS

044–SPAce StuDio

MELLIEHA COnvERSIOn

Architecture ProjectPOOL PAvILIOn

093cuiSiNe AND WiNeWITH DELICATA

hoMe iDeAS 015, 057, 075, 077, 079

053MoNoPoLY MALtABY ZILLAH BUGEJA

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HOMEWORKS is a registered trademark of writeon Ltd.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher

is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are

believed to be correct at time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any

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organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that

they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. © 2009

HOMEWORKS is published by writeon ltd. every two months on Sundays with an audited circulation of 39,500 copies distributed with The Sunday Times of Malta.

thiS eDitioN: eDitorLiSa BORain

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Art DirectorMaRc SpiTERi

DeSiGNcHRiS pSaiLa MaS cOMMunicaTiOnS

PhotoGrAPhYMaSKuRT aRRiGOaLan caRViLLE pETER M MERciEcaDaViD piSani - METROpOLiS

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Pre-PreSS AND PriNtiNG pROGRESS pRESS

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NEXT ISSUE OF HOMEWORKS:OuT nOVEMBER 29TH

“i was wondering if someone would be able to help us finally sort out my 16-year-old’s bedroom so that he can finally identify with his room, feel comfortable and take pride in keeping it in a good condition. We live in a townhouse in Balzan and most of our rooms have been decorated in a mishmash of furniture and styles, taking into consideration the period of the house and our own budget limitations. However, justin’s bedroom was put together through cast offs rather than him choosing any of the items himself. Hence no sense of ownership or pride really exists. We have now sort of decided to move him into another bedroom and would like to give him the opportunity to finally design his bedroom with help, still on a shoestring budget! is there any help you can perhaps offer, even if it is in giving us ideas of how this room can incorporate a desk, with some modern furniture whilst still keeping in mind the townhouse feel of the rest of the house?”

Mariella Mamo

™

CAROL CORTIS IS THE WINNER OF THE MODEL BOAT, COURTESY OF SERENDIPITY, SAN GWANN WORTH €70.Carol wrote: Dear Editor,

“I find HOMEWORKS magazine to be very intriguing to say the least and every issue captivates me. My house continues to reflect my character in an absolute manner – very conservative. Everything is in perfect alignment, symmetry and a matching colour scheme. I would love to experiment with different styles – striking soft furnishings, an odd feature or two and maybe a dash of bold paint, but am somehow afraid to venture into the unknown. Can HOMEWORKS help me put up with a challenge by offering tips on the above?”

Carol Cortis

ISSUE 39.09

READERSWROTE

HOMEWORKS REaDERS are invited to submit interesting photographs and a brief description of their homes, which may be distinct in their architectural design. Of particular interest are homes that offer outstanding elements of both interior and exterior living spaces.

HOMEWORKS will select the best submissions for future features. Send a photo and information to the attention of: The Editor, Writeon Ltd., Airways House, Level 5, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551 Malta or [email protected] (photos will not be returned)

NEEDS YOU!

Forward your ideas outlining what you would like to see published in HOMEWORKS.The person submitting the most interesting idea or concept will receive a 19î shade with patterned wallpaper inner cover and turqoise outer fabric. Courtesy of Stem Interiors, worth €99.

Send your ideas to:HOMEWORKS Feedback, Level 5, Airways House, High Street, Sliema SLM 1551 or email: [email protected]

HOMECOMPETITION WE WANT yOUR FEEdbACK!

HOMEWORKS ISSUE 38 SURVEY WINNERThe winner of the HOMEWORKS issue 38 survey is Maureen Farrugia. Maureen won the dinner for two at the Oceana Restaurant at Hilton Malta. The results of this survey will be published in the next issue of HOMEWORKS - issue 40.

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HOMENEWS

ORIENTA NEW CONCEPT WAREHOUSE/SHOWROOMA new concept warehouse & showroom has finally arrived in Malta, next to the American Embassy in Ta’ Qali, with total parking convenience. The showroom is a 2,000 square metre warehouse, which has been opened by the Orienta chain. Enjoy a leisurely view of home settings, which includes kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, sofa suites, light fittings and any accessory imaginable to make your living space a home.

BIG BEN NEW STOCKNew stock of curtain material such as taffetta, sheers and jacquard has just arrived at big ben. There’s also a new section of cut-length exclusive material and wallpaper with a delivery time of approximately two weeks.

DOMESTICA NICOLETTIHOMENicolettihome, one of the top leading Italian manufacturers, is now available at domestica. The company produces sofas to the highest quality standards.Nicolettihome offers a wide range of sofas, which are available in different sizes and can be adapted to suit everyone`s needs, from an extended range of leather and microfiber sofas, available in any colour. Nicolettihome sofas are available from the domestica Showroom in Msida.

CARMELO DELIA THURSDAY LATE OPENING HOURSFollowing the positive feedback during their recent late opening hours, Carmelo delia in birkirkara Valley are pleased to announce their late opening hours on Thursdays. The showroom will remain open until 9pm, every Thursday, as from this October. This service is aimed at offering customers more convenience to shop around for home requirements.

VASSALLO JOINERSREBRANDVassallo Joiners Ltd., Malta’s leading manufacturers of bespoke wooden kitchens, doors and furniture have recently rebranded their identity to reflect the company’s passion and philosophy to manufacture each custom project with flawless craftsmanship, top quality raw materials and lasting value to the smallest detail.

JOSEPH CACHIA & SON LTD EFFICIENT LED LIGHTJoseph Cachia & Son Ltd, a subsidiary of the M. demajo Group, has recently launched a new eco friendly product on the local market. The Pharox Lemnis LEd Light is a highly efficient LEd bulb, that is rewarding for both your wallet and our planet.

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VCTNEW SHOWROOMVCT will be launching a new showroom, together with a new range of products. A wide variety of recessed light fittings in LEd lamps with a decorative twist will be available in three colour temperatures.

HOMENEWS

VELLA FALZON GROUP GRES PORCELLANATO The latest trends and collections of Glamour Textile Gres Porcellanato have just arrived at Vella Falzon Group. Combine floor and wall tile designs to create a stylish and glamorous wallpaper effect finish.

THE TILE PIETRA DI MATERA BY FABBRICA DEL VIGNOLAPietra di Matera by Fabbrica del Vignola is now exclusively available from The Tile in San Gwann. This tile is now available in three sizes and the finish is the closest look-alike to the natural and local “Ciangatura”. It is stain resistant in Gres Porcellanato, which makes it maintenance free, just like the authentic stone.

SPOT ON ELEGANT LIGHTSSpot On Supplies of Paola have recently introduced a large selection of elegant light fixtures, which compliment today’s contemporary design. This new collection is available in different shaped shades in various designs and colours, including chrome, stainless steel and wenge finishes. The collection is often used in commercial outlets, as they promise a feeling of warmth and offer a welcoming effect. To maximise a room’s style, different shades can be chosen for different designs.

C FINO + SONS FINO MARINE C Fino + Sons Ltd. have just launched a new division - Fino Marine; createdto fill a need in a highly specialised and niche market of the yachtingindustry. Thanks to its skilled workforce the company is able to produce any yacht interior from design concept right up to installation to give a truly customised look for any waterborne asset.

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21803-Satariano 09 ideal double page homeworks 2.indd 2 9/14/09 2:29:07 PM

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HOMEIdEAS

Tite - Suspension lamp in fibreglass fabric with yellow Kevlar and regular or black carbon thread - support in brushed stainless steel, available in 3 different sizes. Price: starting from €318. Brilliant, Tower Road, Sliema. Tel: 2202 2164.

The baroque bourgie table lamp by Kartell made entirely of transparent or batch-dyed polycarbonate, is available in different colours and is composed of three layers that interconnect with its large lampshade made with a pleated effect. Price: upon request. Domestica Showroom in Msida. Tel. 2144 7604. www.domestica.com.mt

Table Twiggy - Ample, linear, essential design combined with strong flexibility characterise the formal elegance and light sophistication of Twiggy. Price: table twiggy, made of lacquered composite material on a fibreglass base, available in white, black, yellow and red for €410. Brilliant, Tower Road, Sliema. Tel: 2202 2164.

Solar energy saves you money throughout the year - M & E Installations can advise you on its many related domestic and industrial cost saving uses - innovative solutions with professional installation and service, a guaranteed investment. M & E Installations, Unit 4, binja Wejter, dun Gejtanu Mannarino Str., b’Kara. Tel: 2701 9389 / 9987 3324. [email protected]

Light glass hole fittings for false ceilings. Price: starting from €68, including electronic control gear and lamps. VCT Ltd. Light & design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571 / 2143 6186. [email protected]

Light glass-hole fittings for false ceilings for energy efficient lamps. Price: starting from €65, complete with electronic control gear and lamps.VCT Ltd. Light & design, Ponsomby Street, Mosta. Tel: 2143 2571 / 2143 6186. [email protected]

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A Silent Gliss Solution

We offer the complete SILENT GLISS range which includes ultra silent electrically operated curtain tracks, high-performance roller blinds, roman blinds, vertical blinds and sliding panels.

Since the fabrics selected for the blinds regulate the amount of heat entering or leaving the room, great savings can be made on electrical consumption from heating systems and air conditioning.

Silent Gliss products are covered by a five year guarantee.

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HOMEIdEAS

Mdina Glass produces a large variety of vases, bowls and lamps, which are both functional and decorative – as with all their glassware, different colour application techniques are employed, thus rendering an exciting selection of patterns and colours. Price: starting from vases €58 / bowls €70 / lamps €186. Mdina Glass. Tel: 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.net

Mdina Glass offers a diverse collection of fused plates and bowls, which are available in a variety of colours, shapes and textures. This flexibility makes it possible for Mdina Glass to create custom-made items to satisfy personal requirements. Price: starting from €35 for clocks. Mdina Glass. Tel: 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.net

Visit the new Mdina Glass outlet in Gozo and discover a world of light and colour, including the new range of specially produced Gozo scenes. Price: starting from €30. Mdina Glass. Tel: 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.net

Each and every Mdina Glass piece is handmade, enabling Malta’s pioneer glassmaker to customise glass items to clients’ preferences, whether in terms of design, pattern or colour scheme. Price: starting from €220 for sculptures. Mdina Glass. Tel: 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.net

Mdina Glass coloured candle holders create a range of ambient atmospheres to suit every mood and occasion - ideal decorative items for the home. Price: starting from €12. Mdina Glass. Tel: 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.net

Mdina Glass decorative plates can be used for practical purposes but are also extremely popular as decorative items on walls and in display areas. Price: starting from €350. Mdina Glass. Tel: 2141 5786. www.mdinaglass.net

Modern, Elegant & Energy Saving LightingExquisite contemporary designs for today’s homes

Farrugia Lighting & Interiors offer a wide choice of beautiful, modern and sophisticated lighting,including a vast range of energy efficient fixtures that do not compromise on design. All the depicted articles are suitable for use with energy saving light bulbs. Visit Farrugia today.

019

THEARC

matthew james mercieca design architects

16.10.2009

SKINPEEPby Chris Briffa Architects & Matthew James Mercieca Design Architects (MJMDA)

17th October - 20th November 2009St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, Valletta.

ARCHITECT CHRIS BRIFFA:

“Good design in buildings is often appreciated in very much a skin-deep manner. Yet there is a complex thought process that goes beyond the obvious issues of planning authorities, structure and construction.

By literally relocating an entire architectural office into a temporary interactive space, SKIN PEEP will attempt to put this process on display. Placing members of an architectural studio within a voyeuristic “skin”, the public will be encouraged to “peep” into the office, view the live workspace, while becoming part of the anthropological experiment.

The physical installation will constitute half the exhibit, while the other - the daily work that goes into developing an architectural concept from idea to physical project – will be on display in an uninhibited theatrical stance.

Attempting to break down the link between the architectural profession and the public; SKIN PEEP will also serve to mark the studio’s 5th

year of activity, displaying selected works while focusing on the deeper issues and processes behind them.”

ARCHITECT MATTHEW JAMES MERCIECA:

“Traditionally the ‘Perit’ has been relegated to the role of laying out, legalising, engineering, and supervising the construction of shell buildings in an isolated manner. Society today, needs once again a holistic architectural process and practise to deliver high standard solutions that work in today’s reality and for the benefit of its users.

We think that historically ‘aesthetically un-ambitious and intensely practical and conservative’1 Maltese individuals are changing. Instead of forming part of an insular society with limited economic means they are more akin to mainland European thinking due to the new socio-political integration and the instant technological free flow of knowledge and information.

Look around you. Everything you see is at your scale. The short film produced by Charles & Ray

Eames, ‘Powers of Ten’ opens up our view to a journey from human scale to macro and back to micro. Through the journey one can identify striking similarities between scales that harbour secrets to unlock further possibilities of reality. At each of these scales is an immense network of energy and relationships.

We are using this parallel and focusing on the electric arc as a symbol of information exchange. We believe that frequent electric arcs (micro) between the core components such as clients, architects and contractors in a technological platform will produce an ideal architectural process (macro), which will result in Architecture being a dynamic and functional art form.”

Briffa and Mercieca graduated in architecture in 1999 from the University of Malta, furthered their studies at Virginia Tech (USA) and Politechnico di Milano (IT). They are both design tutors at the University of Malta and share a common approach to architecture connected with their friendship and professional development.

St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity (Valletta) is currently hosting two exhibitions by two architectural firms: Chris Briffa Architects & Matthew James Mercieca Design Architects, until Friday November 20th. The two architectural installations revolve around a common theme, which interprets their perception of the architect’s role in the local context. The two studios feel that current building industry has locally relegated the ‘Perit’ to be read as a necessary evil, for both developers and environmentalists. While arguing whether the term ‘Perit’ is still appropriate in today’s multidisciplinary design processes, the exhibitions will offer a platform for both studios to attempt self-examination and poetical representation of their respective design methods. Here is what they had to say about their interventions:

MEETS THE ARC

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ARCHITECTURE PROJECT THE SUMMER PAVILION RESPONDS

TO ITS HILLTOP, PRIVATE GARDEN SETTING, PROVIDING FAMILIAL POOL-SIDE FACILITIES.

Residential: Pool PavilionArchitecture: Architecture Project (AP) Photos: Kurt Arrigo

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ARCHITECTURE PROJECT

The brief specifically called for the reorganisation of the then existing pool-side facilities, not solely to encourage their use by the family on a more regular basis, but also to enhance their role when the gardens are geared for entertaining.

The project was scheduled to be undertaken in two distinct phases. The first concentrated on the pool, which had originally almost carelessly been positioned at a remote end of the garden. The interventions sought to integrate it into the surrounding landscape. The second phase was tackled one year later. It dealt with the creation of new pool-side facilities to replace the available rooms constructed to the south.

The lawn and the trees initially stopped short of the pool, hesitant and wary of this intrusive body of water. The gentle curve of the existing path was therefore extended to embrace the water and develop the sense of the pool as a pond at the bottom of the garden. The lawn was drawn right in to the water’s edge and the colour of the water was darkened. A raised deck was constructed to one side, seemingly blocking the flow of water down the hillside beyond the garden limits, and the greenery was wrapped around the pool’s perimeter.

RAISED SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE POOL, THE NORTH FACING DINING AND BARBEQUE SPACE OPENS TO THE LANDSCAPE BELOW AND THE MEDITERRANEAN BEYOND.

Lawnæ drawnæ rightæ inæ toæ theæ waterÍ sæ edge.æ Raisedæ deckæ constructedæ onæ oneæ side,æ seeminglyæ blockingæ theæ flowæ ofæ waterædownæ theæ hillsideæ beyondæ theæ gardenæ limits;æ theæ greeneryæ wasæ wrappedæ aroundæ theæ poolÍ sæ perimeter.æ

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Designed primarily as a covered external space for summer living, the main volume of the pavilion is aligned with the pool and the original garden terraces, but orientates towards the views beyond.

Conceived as a monolith rising out of the surrounding terrain, the pavilion itself sits on a raised deck, at the end of the curve of the path leading from the house. Designed primarily as a covered external space for summer living, the main volume of the pavilion is aligned with the pool and the original garden terraces, but oriented towards the views beyond. A finger of roof extends perpendicular to this covered outdoor dining space into the lush greenery of the surrounding garden. The extension becomes an enclosed space where opening glazed screens protect the living/kitchen from the occasional strong winds. Electrically controlled semi-translucent proprietary blinds provide privacy when desired and shelter from the intense summer sun, while retaining visual continuity between the interior and the surrounding landscape.

The pavilion is built of a simple steel-supporting frame anchored at the extremities into reinforced concrete blocks, which conceal the services spaces and provide additional shade. Clad entirely in hardstone slabs, identical to those used in the floors, the detailing is purposely minimal throughout, allowing the surrounding garden, its greenery, the views and the refreshing breezes to absorb the thoughts and senses of the occupants, so that they may fully participate in the ceremony of the day and the spectacle of the setting.

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Theæ pavilionæ isæ builtæ ofæ aæsimpleæ steel-supportingæ frameæanchoredæ atæ theæ extremitiesæintoæ reinforcedæ concreteæblocks,æ whichæ concealæ theæservicesæ spacesæ andæ provideæadditionalæ shade.

Purposelyæ minimalæ detailingæthroughout,æ allowingæ theæsurroundingæ gardenæ toæ absorbætheæ thoughtsæ andæ sensesæ ofætheæ occupants.æ

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Profile:AP (Architecture Project)Photo: MAS

This open-ended and flexible organisation puts AP in a position to address the specificity and uniqueness of each individual project. It is clear, however, that notwithstanding this, the underlying areas of interest remain constant, and, as the number of built projects increases, the areas of research that emerge are becoming more defined.

The rehabilitation and revitalisation of historic buildings and sites is manifestly one of their favourite themes. The revitalisation of Pinto Wharf, for example, has been a great contribution to the consolidation of the role of Valletta as gateway to the island. Besides, who doesn’t associate the work of the firm with the creative mixing of new materials with traditional construction methodology? The communications tower in Nadur, with its sculptural qualities and formal contrasts is clearly the epitome of this marriage. Add to this a concern with energy efficiency (The Malta Stock Exchange), contextuality (the Marks & Spencer Bridge) and social responsibility (their new landscaping project for Dock 1 in Cottonera) and you have a palette of interventions that are breathing new life into our ageing urban fabric.

Under their belt is a long list of fascinating projects, some of which have won important local and international awards (The Europa Nostra Award for the Valletta Waterfront, for instance). Amongst various international developments, commercial

outlets and amazing domestic projects, they’ve also been responsible for the Xara Palace Hotel, the rehabilitation of parts of the Auberge de Castille and St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the re-organisation and fitting out of the Manoel Theatre premises. The list doesn’t end there – recent projects, including the austere formal discipline of new building for the Malta Maritime Authority and, not so far from it, the small wooden fantasy in the Q Bar on the Valletta Waterfront, are an indication that the virtuosity of AP’s architectural expression is as animated and vibrant as it has always been. Last year they were shortlisted for the Architects’ Journal Small Projects Award with a sculptural extension to a house in Malta and, recently, for the World Architecture Awards with a project entitled ‘Corporate Village’.

This year, they were chosen by Renzo Piano Building Workshop to be associate architects on the project for the new City Gate and Parliament building. Their combined vision will breathe new life into the entrance to Valletta, left abandoned for so many years.

True to their ambition to exploit the diversity that underpins their creative philosophy, in 2003 AP set up an office in Split, Croatia (where they won a competition for a major commercial and residential development at the entrance of the town) and more recently, an architectural office in London.

AP WAS CONCEIVED AS A DESIGN LABORATORY WHERE INNOVATIVE IDEAS ARE ENCOURAGED AND ALLOWED TO THRIVE, AND WHERE SOLUTIONS EVOLVE IN A DYNAMIC AND FERTILE ENVIRONMENT. AS A RESULT, TEAMWORK IS A FUNDAMENTAL QUALITY OF THE SPIRIT OF THE OFFICE, AND EVERY TIME A NEW MEMBER JOINS THE TEAM THE NOVEL VISION THAT IS ADDED BRINGS FRESHNESS NATURALLY TO THE FIRM’S PORTFOLIO.

ABOVE,æ FROMæ LEFTæ TOæ RIGHT:æ APæ Partnersæ Davidæ Felice,æAlbertoæ Miceliæ Farrugia,æ Davidæ Dragoæ andæ Konradæ Buhagiar.

Model: TULIPANO M A LTA’ S F I N E S T

ARCHITECTSSTUDIOARCHITECTS STUDIO BRINGS TOGETHER A GROUP OF EIGHT YOUNG(ISH) ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS EACH POSSESSING A CREATIVE SPIRIT UNLIKE THE OTHER.

028Courtyardæ sunscreenæ inæ Birkirkara.

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The studio was founded by four of the architects in 1995 after they had first gone their separate ways for six years. They still retain their own individual practices within the same offices but combine resources and skills on certain projects.

Staircase, Lombard Bank (Malta) p.l.c., Valletta

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They have no formal mission statement but their vision as architects and as a studio is straightforward and clear: the quality of our lives depends enormously on the quality of the built environment. Architects Studio’s task is to play a small role in improving this environment. They allude to this task as a veritable balancing act, weighing the various demands and exigencies of the client, site, environment and public alike. Their concern with aesthetics, form and function is fundamental, well aware that the buildings are there to stay and that they must function well. More recently, their concern and interest in the energy performance of buildings and their sustainability has grown. Their hands-on approach to their profession, together with the flexibility that the scale of the office affords, ensures a commitment of one of the partners to oversee all stages of the projects.

Conversionæ inæ Gharghur.

ResidenceæinæGharghur

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Profile:Architects StudioPhotography: MAS

Architects Studio portfolio includes such diverse projects as a chapel altar at the Jesuit Retreat House and the structural design of the National Arts Centre at St.James Cavalier; the Commonwealth Heads of Government Media Centre and the Malta Pavilion at Hannover EXPO 2000. One area of particular interest to the studio is the renovation and conversion of historic buildings; the four founding members of the firm all spent some time at the now defunct Antiquities Section of the Works Department, overwhelmed by the nature and state of our rich architectural

and cultural heritage. Amongst the various renovation projects that the studio worked on are Casa Leone in Sta.Venera, the Lombard Bank (Malta) plc Wealth Management offices in Valletta and the Atlas Insurance PCC head office in Ta’Xbiex. More recently Architects Studio have been commissioned to oversee the restoration and conversion of the Banca Giuratale in Valletta and the last remaining fully detached house on Tower Road, Sliema.

ABOVE,æ FROMæ LEFTæ TOæ RIGHT:æ Adrianæ Mamo,æ Godwinæ Vella,æRupertæ Pace,æ Bernardæ Vella,æ Rayæ Said,æ Patrickæ Calleja,æ KennethæZammitæ Endrichæ andæ Chrisæ Aguisæ Burke.

Monday 12th October to Sunday 18th October from 9.30 to 13.00 & 14.00 to 20.30

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DESIGNARCHITECTS

Photos: Peter M Mercieca

DESPITE THE VERY SMALL SPACE AND AREA, THE ‘URBAN CHIC’ APARTMENT IS ABOUT TRANSITIONS AND INNER TRANSPORT.

MATTHEW JAMES MERCIECA (MJMdA)

Theæ narrowingæ spaceæ betweenæ theæ timberæ spacesæ concealsælaundry,æ boxæ room,æ guestæ restroomæ andæ aæ controlæ room.æ æ

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Timber masses with their outlines alight were set afloat over a white fluid resin floor. One mass was shaped to become functional storage and bar in the living space. Another was turned into one of two psychological restrictions. The narrowing space between the timber surfaces concealing laundry, box room, guest restroom and control room uses space wisely, simultaneously deters entry, as well as enhances a sense of safety and self.

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Mostly concealed kitchen, which provides a pivot and vantage point, providing the balance between a toned work station and the plush ‘Tufty’ by B&B.

Main bedroom, which was conceived through a blend of analysis of living patterns and sequences (bathing-clothing-sleeping-relaxing).

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The apartment has two bedrooms, initially long and narrow that were re-configured to make both work. Each have their own en-suite. The second bedroom is a light material set room with floors becoming walls and the structural concrete support kept pure and evident. The main bedroom was conceived through a blend of analysis of living patterns and sequences (bathing-clothing-sleeping-relaxing), as well as further tunnelling into the sanctum comfort zone of the bed. Taking the abstracted path from the entrance to the bed takes one to physical and mental rest.

The living space was designed to satisfy many more practical uses. A mostly concealed kitchen provides a pivot and vantage point providing the balance between a toned workstation and the curvaceous plush ‘Tufty’ by B&B.

A Porro glazed table is attended by Arper leather chairs. To heighten the senses orange back-sprayed crystal clear glazing, Foscarini O-Space and mosaic were used to spike yet unite the experience.

THIS PURPOSE-BUILT APARTMENT WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A CHIC AND COSY SETTING BY THE USE OF CREATIVE COMBINATIONS

Theæ livingæ spaceæ wasædesignedæ toæ satisfyæ manyæmoreæ practicalæ uses.æ

Toæ heightenæ theæ sensesæ orangeæ black-sprayedæ crystalæ clearæ glazing,æ Foscariniæ O-Spaceæ andæ mosaicæwereæ usedæ toæ uniteæ theæ experience.æ

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Profile:Matthew James MerciecaDesign Architects(MJMdA)

Photo: MAS

MJMDA maintains the simple aim to assist others in experiencing the vibrancy of life as a cut above when buildings and interiors are designed, not left to chance. The firm does this by turning the traditional method of planning permission first; design later, totally on its head, and by uniting construction design and interior design together. The philosophy of the firm is to design a building or space up to its finished state consistently in order to really satisfy the aims and wishes of their clients. The dynamic design process blends brief, research, planning and various inputs to focus on the real priority of the building or space: the usable product.

Apart from seeking to create the best possible usable architecture and interiors, the firm’s direct communicative approach with clients from all walks of life over the years has further evidenced points that it believes would better the quality of architecture locally across the board.

The firm believes that individuals or organisations commissioning architecture and interiors should generally better consider whom and why they choose architects, investigating exactly what is on offer.

Mercieca: “Choices that are stronger than reason, research or even development motivations are more like roulette do not upgrade the quality of architecture. Clients should feel empowered to fully research and compare like for like having all the core facts first. We are living in an unprecedented time of complexity as well as choices; the best road to take is communication, clarity and contractual agreement.” As a result, “architecture should not be

about a percentage fee or a blind leap in the dark, but about a beautiful technical art form”. The firm advises its clients in full knowledge of the risk of coming across as being demanding and despotic and would gladly welcome an advisory service as proposed by KTP (Kamra tal-Periti) to guide clients for the local profession that assists them in knowing what to expect when contracting architects that operate to a standard. “Since many clients are unprepared, there is the tendency to forget their important defining role and expect to carry out the architect’s job instead. In reality, the client’s function and preparation is key, the architects crucial and the contractors indispensable. Once that is clear, clients have less difficulty in understanding the passion and obsessive dedication a good architect has to his work.”

MJMDA’s long-term goal is to create a dynamic, technologically based communicative forum required for efficient, sustainable and qualitative architecture. “I am happy to appreciate the promising work carried out by a few of my contemporaries.

“Other good projects gives the team at MJMDA a sense of accomplishment that their own drive is in synchronicity with others, sharing a common purpose for quality architecture.”

MJMDA has worked on the rehabilitation or renovation of many homes, designed and built new villas, bungalows, apartments, and apartment blocks, amongst others. Their projects have aided the improvement in the lives of many individuals

that experience attention to detail and forethought. Their clients often remark how limited spaces have been expanded beyond the physical limits of the walls the space inhabits. Continuous creativity and innovation of the team in the direction of technical performance and efficiency, use of materials, staircases, as well as the use of natural light and resources continue to leave memorable experiential journey with owners and guests alike. Commercially the firm is especially apt at working on office spaces with a sensitivity to lifestyle and flexibility, retail with magnetic qualities, food and beverage outlets to soothe the senses and commercial complexes. MJMDA focuses on the quality of their work, the project as an entity for the client’s benefit in the long term, the level of service, the responsiveness of the team, the technology employed, as well as the procedures and operation to deliver a watertight service. Their work has been recognised in architectural magazines and publications internationally, as well as in local media, publications and referenced in academic work.

According to Mercieca, the robust dedication of the firm to their cause is priceless. He leads the team to work hard and be sustainable in what they do, to deserve what they get paid for and to lead by example, even by riding fuel and congestion-efficient motorbikes. This way he maintains that they ensure the creation of optimal architecture for their clients long term. As a tightly knit team they are all too often reminded that this ‘glutton for punishment’ approach has slow results and that patience and continuous hard work is essential.

Above,æ fromæ backæ toæ front,æ leftæ toæ right:æ Haydenæ Sciberras,æ Dimitryæ Angelov,æ Edwardæ Coppini,æ Josephæ Vella,æ Matthewæ J.æ Mercieca,æ Etienneæ Fenech,æ Sandraæ Spiteri,æ Ianæ Critienæ andæ Janiceæ Fiorentino,æ

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SPACESTUDIOWITH ITS HILLTOP LOCATION, UNOBSTRUCTED 180º VIEWS TO DIE FOR AND NOT MUCH ELSE, THE BRIEF FOR THIS TERRACED HOUSE CONVERSION WAS CRYSTAL CLEAR TO ARCHITECTS MICHAEL PACE AND DAINE PRANAITYTE.

Residential: Mellieha ConversionArchitecture: _spacestudio Photos: MAS

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The client’s brief was to convert the existing house to create a first-floor apartment and an overlying duplex for a father and son. The request was to keep it fresh avoiding sterility, exposing the stretched views of Mellieha Bay as much as possible.

The plan of the available space presented little inspiration; a back façade, a front façade and third party walls on either side. For this reason the project was not designed on plan but by volume. Planning policies presented the design team with room for flexibility in terms of height, providing the opportunity to play with space and sightlines through the juxtaposing of volumes within the internal envelope. The result is a series of overlapping spaces, which come together to form the whole without compromising the individual experience of each.

Enter the second floor duplex and the manifestation of the brief becomes clear. The front entrance leads straight up a terrazzo

staircase to the main room that comprises a living, cooking and dining area. White walls, resin floors, Corian kitchen surfaces and raw steel keep it fresh, while dimmable lighting, dark ceilings and neutral iroko avoid sterility.

The first experience upon mounting the entrance staircase is the double height cooking/dining area, where a high level north-facing window adds light to the already bright space. Head towards the living area, where the ceiling drops and a glass façade opens up to everything north of Malta’s tail. A bathroom and bedroom complete the plan at this level. Like the main room, the bedroom is also double in height, complete with a timber mezzanine and high-level window that draws the north views all the way into this rear section of the property.

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Take the steel staircase and walk the clear glass bridge to the front lower roof deck or stop on the bridge and look around: north towards the terrace and Gozo, sideways through the master bedroom floor window, up towards the sky through three equally sized skylights, down through the steel columns towards the main volume, and finally – directly beneath your feet through the glass floor to the underlying entrance.

Head further up to the master bedroom and its en-suite, which hovers above the cooking area, supported on the same steel columns that support the staircase and bridge. Here cosiness is a priority, with under-floor heating, low ceilings, shears and timber floors all contributing towards the same objective. Watch sunset from the upper bedroom terrace or while taking a shower. Dim the lights, lie in bed and allow the beam from the Ghasri lighthouse lazily light up the room in gentle rhythm, as sleep slowly takes over.

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Profile:_spacestudioPhoto: MAS

Since 2003 the firm has taken on a variety of both local as well as international projects. These projects are diverse in size, context, as well as in their individual programmes that range from master plan proposals, individual residential design to the detailed design of interiors and fittings. The practice is driven towards design quality. Each project is approached with a non-predetermined design solution, ensuring that the solutions adopted are site and project specific.

The team work closely together from concept design, through planning, construction and up to completion, thus ensuring through constant dialogue that concept, function and aesthetics are constantly addressed within the various stages of design. The current partners are Christopher Micallef, Michael Pace and Ivan Cachia. All three are members of the Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers.

_SPACESTUDIO WAS SET UP IN FEBRUARY 2003 TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE RANGE OF ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES.

ABOVE,æ FROMæ LEFTæ TOæ RIGHT:æ _spacestudioæ partnersæ ChristopherMicallef,æ Ivanæ Cachiaæ &æ Michaelæ Pace.

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200946 ZARA DPS Homeworks Ad.pdf 02/10/2009 10:03:49

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MonopolyMalta

This is an interesting time for domestic architecture. Reform is under way at MEPA. The mega projects are casting their shadows. The population is dwindling in numbers yet increasing in age. The Piano City Gate project has rekindled architectural debate among the public while our EU membership has forced government’s hand to create the Energy Performance Certificates for new buildings. Heating and cooling costs are spiralling out of the homeowner’s reach and building land is at a premium. Yet it is a buyer’s market and the apartment block looks set to dictate the scene. Does this mean there will be no more expression to the face of the new Maltese home than an omnipresent rectangular sliding door and balcony?

What are the design directions for domestic architecture in Malta in the next five years and to what extent is the design direction for domestic architecture being driven by market factors, the individual architect’s vision or by environmental/people-friendly considerations? HOMEWORKS asked several architects to give their views.

Architect Richard England

“Form follows profit, is the esthetic principle of our times” - Richard Rogers

“Back in the 1st century BC the Roman architect Vitruvius, referring to the complexity of the architectural profession (I personally prefer the term ‘vocation’) wrote “let the architect be educated, skillful with the pencil, instructed in geometry, know much history, have followed the philosophers with attention, understand music, have some knowledge of medicine, know the opinion of the jurists and be acquainted with astronomy and the theory of the heavens” …a tall order indeed. While it is not expected that architects today become cognizant of all these disciplines, the requirements which Vitruvius outlines, throw a heavy responsibility on pedagogues involved in architectural training. An architectural education of excellence is the initial requirement for individuals, to later on, produce an architecture of quality.

“Local domestic architecture seems to fall into categories of apartments, maisonettes, terraced houses and individual isolated villas. Most are

the products of speculative ventures, where quality, both in terms of design and construction is sacrificed to profit. A few apartment developments, at the higher end of the price market, do offer better quality in terms of construction and finishes, if not always in design. Where great strides have been made is in the interior design field, with many excellent examples of sophisticated and imaginative interiors.

“However, architecture is also a social art, and the impact of the construction industry is not only on the user, but perhaps more so, on the observer. I purposely use the term ‘construction industry’ rather than architecture, since architecture to me has always implied beauty, harmony and a sense of emotion; qualities all conspicuously absent from the local building scenario of the last decade.

“In ancient times architecture was a path to enlightenment. Regretfully today, it has been relegated to a mere route to speculation. Architects need to again discover the mystical and the magical of this art and to no longer despoil the remaining beauty spots of this once land of beauty. The Sliema coastline, the Xemxija side of St. Paul’s Bay, Zebbug village from the Siggiewi side and numerous other incongruous over-scaled developments provide ample evidence of this desecration.

“Architects working today also need to seriously consider the design of their buildings in relation to a world suffering from serious ecological maladies. The architect of the future must assume the role of producing sustainable energy-saving environments to act as antidotes to man’s irresponsible emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, while also addressing the problem of how to curb waste from existing energy-wasting edifices.

The mention of existing buildings brings to mind the exorbitant number of vacant premises, both old and new, at present available on the island. Perhaps the upgrading and the rehabilitation of the older of these would be a step in the right direction, if only to curb the consumption of our fast diminishing virgin land.

HOMEWORKS INVESTIGATES THE FORCES AT PLAY BEHIND THE FUTURE OF MALTESE DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE.Words: Zillah Bugeja Photos: MAS, Alan Carville

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“The onus of the present plight rests firmly on the shoulders of the speculators and their demands and also on the architects involved, but much more so on MEPA; the institution which ultimately provides the final stamp of approval. While MEPA, despite recent reforms, still seems unable to control damaging our ambience and environment, the architectural scene, on the other hand, provides promise for the future in terms of a number of excellent conscientious young architects. Their completed buildings reveal not only excellence in design but also commitment to quality in the execution. It is an architecture on this level which offers hope that this art may once again become ‘a business to weave dreams’.”

Architect Chris Briffa

“New Maltese homes, in the past five years, have experienced finer quality in building services and finishes. New products together with their installers have strived to keep up with designers’ and clients’ high expectations, and are starting to reach a good standard.

In the next five years, homeowners’ expectations will increase further, and the demand for quality will reach unprecedented heights. We are realizing that well-being in your home is somehow attributed with what we choose to surround ourselves with, or what we choose to avoid. We want more space, and less clutter. We need thermal comfort, but at low energy consumption. We desire both indoor and outdoor living – often both at the same time – and user-friendly technology.“As space becomes more limited for the most of us, we have no choice other than to master compact, efficient living; where all the exterior and interior details are very well planned in advance. Well-designed homes with highly functional and aesthetic characteristics are most likely to outlive inferior ones, both in terms of marketability and livability. Unfortunately the recent over-supply of the latter will probably lead to more vacant properties: a natural survival of the finest.

“In my experience, people are learning to trust architects and designers with design decisions much more than they used to in the past. Just like one would trust his doctor with his health plan and medicines, we have realized that an architect’s job is not only to prepare a set of plans for the builder but also to fully detail the fusion of the building’s vast number of components. In this sense, the individual architect will probably have more say on the design of our homes, for the simple reason that their will be home-seekers who will seek a contemporary design while avoiding DIY solutions.

“Finally, environmentally-friendly solutions will go beyond buying your solar water heater and insulating your house. The new generation of architects will hopefully cultivate an understanding of the rudimental building techniques employed by our ancestors and employ them with contemporary technology and knowledge. Building cheaply will not be an option any longer, as the end buyer who seeks professional advice will easily be able to calculate the building’s energy needs and its relative costs. Never more then before has the Maltese saying ‘L-irhis, ghali’ (the cheapest is the most expensive) been more apt than to our times.”

Architect Daniel Scerri

“I am seeing two main issues taking predominance in domestic architecture. The first is energy conservation, which keeps gaining importance in the present economic situation and the rising costs of energy use. This in turn affects the aesthetics of buildings too. Designs that incorporate passive energy conservation features are now much more easily accepted by clients, if not requested by them in the first place. This leads to a wider use of materials eg. louvres, trellises, etc. and extra construction features, such as projecting slabs and proportion of windows.

“The second, especially for individual houses, is arediscovered joy and appreciation of design and aesthetics. This is due to an increased availability of materials, and more architects willing to experiment with new materials or using existing materials not previously used in our construction methods.

“In the last few years we have seen an improvement in building finishes, which has now increased the basic standard of new construction. Now, however, more and more people are beginning to appreciate the extra thought given at the design stage, for the creation of interesting and inspiring architectural spaces for living in.

“The availability of workers and tradesmen due to a slowdown in the construction industry has also made a bit of experimentation possible. An over-abundance of basic residential building stock has led to a situation where dwellings are left unsold. This is leading to fewer development projects, but with increased quality. The ever-increasing cost of energy and environmental awareness will keep on being the driving factors to convincing people to invest in better quality of architecture, not just finishes.”

“NEW MALTESE HOMES, IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, HAVE EXPERIENCED FINER QUALITY IN BUILDING SERVICES AND FINISHES.”

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The latest hip range from carréblanc, Jules makes a bold statement of individuality – 100% jersey cotton bed-linen and towels and bathrobes to match, excellent value with a single duvet cover. Price: €58. Biggie Best, Tal-balal Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.

The ASA vases are handmade 100% stoneware, which may be found in different patterns and sizes – ideal for creating a stylish atmosphere in your home, as well as the perfect gift solution. Price: €21 per vase. Domestica Showroom in Msida. Tel. 2144 7604. www.domestica.com.mt

Large collection of home textiles, blinds, poles and accessories - custom made service and quilting. B4 Fgura. Tel: 2180 1092. B4 Mosta. Tel: 2143 2003. www.b4.com.mt

Passereau from carréblanc – a charming range of bedlinen and towels for youngsters with a delightful aviary theme. Price: a douche size towel is €35. Biggie Best, Tal-balal Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880, 2738 8880.

A blend of prestige and opulence, the Louxor collection by carréblanc presents beautifully embroidered bed-linen and towels. Price: a double duvet cover is €114. carréblanc at Biggie Best, Tal-balal Road, San Gwann. Tel: 2138 8880 / 2738 8880.

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FAER wardrobes boast infinity of choices: equipped to make spaces matching your personal demands. The flush sliding door features the ‘motion’ mechanism. Price starting from €1330. Carmelo Delia, Valley Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2147 2882. [email protected]

At Smarthomes first-time buyers are encouraged to take advantage of their design services, which are being offered at a very reasonable price and aiming to add a designer touch to first homes. Price: starting from €1000. Smarthomes, Level 2, Carmelo delia, Valley Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2147 2882. [email protected]

Spa baths, as known in most countries, is the traditional interpretation of Salus Per Aquam meaning health through water; an ancient definition of modern wellness. Price: starting from €4500, for a 5 person SPA with heater and Ozonator included. Smarthomes, Level 2, Carmelo delia, Valley Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2147 2882. [email protected]

Piquattro are passionate about their productions and aim to produce an ideal product for everyone’s needs and styles, incorporating leather cutting which is still a handcraft phase of the production. Price: starting from €1,850. Carmelo Delia, Valley Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2147 2882. [email protected]

FAER are renowned for providing a wide range of space-saving solutions, such as their recent stylish range of double-beds with storage. Price: starting from €800. Carmelo Delia, Valley Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2147 2882. [email protected]

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061

The change that accessories and colour can bring to a room is truly amazing. Interior designers penny apap brown and annabel caruana embark upon a bare living room, furnish it and highlight through their choice of colours and accessories, how a room can go from bright and cool to moody and cosy – without breaking the bank.

From Cool to Cosy

Whiteæ leatheræ sofaæ (startingæ atæ ó1930) ,æ glassæ shelvingæ vitrineæ (ó730) ,æ bronzeæ ceramicæ accessoriesæ insideæ glassæ shelvingæ unitæ (startingæ fromæ ó 70),æ black-lacqueredæ glassæ coffeeæ tableæ (ó 675),æ trayæ onæ coffeeæ tableæ(ó35) ,æ TVæ cabinetæ (ó675) ,æ andæ Wengeæ armchairæ withæ stainlessæ steelæ legsæ andæ fabricæ upholsteryæ (ó 345)æ byæ Carmeloæ Deliaæ (1890).æ Blackæ cowæ skinæ &æ chromeæ benchæ (ó 748),æ andæ stripedæ fabricæ (ó 100æ peræ metre)æonæ wallæ panelæ byæ Orienta.æ Baskets,æ yellowæ blanketæ throws,æ chromeæ teaæ candlesæ holder,æ andæ wineæ glassesæ (allæ pricesæ uponæ request)æ byæ BoConcept.æ Blackæ birdcageæ (ó 55),æ syntheticæ liliesæ (ó 4.90),æ yellowæ glassælampæ baseæ &æ yellowæ shadeæ (ó13 9),æ andæ conicalæ blackæ lampæ &æ shadeæ (ó 129)æ byæ Stemæ Interiors.æ Blackæ lacqueredæ sideæ tableæ (ó 225),æ smallæ blackæ lacqueredæ sideæ tableæ (ó 160),æ silveræ flooræ lampæ (ó 550)æ &æ shade,æandæ blackæ &æ chromeæ vasesæ (startingæ fromæ ó38) æ byæ HomeTrends.æ Bohemeæ yellowæ stool/tableæ (ó 112)æ andæ yellowæ ï TakeÍ æ lampæ onæ sideæ tableæ (ó 67.51)æ byæ Studioæ Moda.æ Chrome-framedæ brownæ leatheræ shelfæ unitæ(h:175cmæ /æ w:121cm)æ (ó695) æ byæ Oneæ Twoæ Oneæ Interiors.æ Whiteæ rugsæ •æ 100%æ mercerizedæ cottonæ pileæ (l:æ 230æ xæ w:æ 160)æ (ó 795)æ byæ Theæ Rugæ Gallery.æ Swarovskiæ framedæ LCDæ Loeweæ televisionæ (ó 5,000æ foræ 37-inch),æbyæ Duoæ Designers.æ Brushedæ steelæ curtainæ rodæ (19æ &æ 30mmæ thickness)æ (ó25. 50)æ byæ B4æ Textiles.æ Verticalæ blindsæ withæ blackoutæ PVCæ materialæ (windowæ blinds:æ ó 70,æ dooræ blinds:æ ó 120)æ byæ B&Dæ Blinds.æ Curtainsæ andæarmchairæ coveræ byæ Maryæ &æ Adrianæ foræ Duoæ Designers.æ Paintingæ byæ Georgeæ Apap.

Styling & Interior Design: Penny Apap Brown & Annabel Caruana, Duo Designers

Photos: MAS Location: Courtesy of Alison Gauci & Neil Azzopardi

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Change of lamp colour to tie in with the other accent colours.

Change of fabric colour. A pattern was added to tie in to other aspects, such as the wall panel behind the sofa and the cushion on the armchair.

Alcohol burning fire - ideal for spaces that don’t have a fireplace.

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Whiteæ leatheræ sofaæ (startingæ atæ ó1930) ,æ glassæ shelvingæ vitrineæ (ó730) ,æ bronzeæ ceramicæ accessoriesæ insideæ glassæ shelvingæ unitæ (startingæ fromæ ó 70),æ black-lacqueredæ glassæ coffeeæ tableæ (ó 675),æ trayæ onæ coffeeæ tableæ(ó35) ,æ TVæ cabinetæ (ó675) ,æ andæ Wengeæ armchairæ withæ stainlessæ steelæ legsæ andæ fabricæ upholsteryæ (ó 345)æ byæ Carmeloæ Deliaæ (1890).æ Blackæ cowæ skinæ &æ chromeæ benchæ (ó 748)æ byæ Orienta.æ Blackæ lacqueredæ sideæ tableæ(ó225) ,æ smallæ blackæ lacqueredæ sideæ tableæ (ó 160),æ silveræ flooræ lampæ (ó550) æ &æ shade,æ andæ blackæ &æ chromeæ vasesæ (startingæ fromæ ó 38)æ byæ HomeTrends.æ Baskets,æ purpleæ cushions,æ wallæ painting,æ chromeæ teaæ candlesæholder,æ wineæ glasses,æ andæ purpleæ vasesæ byæ BoConcept.æ Conicalæ blackæ lampæ &æ shadeæ (ó 129),æ purpleæ wineæ glassesæ (ó 8æ each),æ redæ wineæ glassesæ (ó 8æ each),æ purpleæ lampæ &æ shadeæ (ó 139),æ chromeæ lampæ &æ fuchsiaæshadeæ (ó159) ,æ andæ syntheticæ purpleæ orchidæ inæ potæ (ó49) æ byæ Stemæ Interiors.æ Chrome-framedæ brownæ leatheræ shelfæ unitæ (h:175cmæ /æ w:121cm)æ (ó 695)æ byæ Oneæ Twoæ Oneæ Interiors.æ Whiteæ rugsæ •æ 100%æ mercerizedæcottonæ pileæ (l:æ 230æ xæ w:æ 160)æ (ó7 95)æ byæ Theæ Rugæ Gallery.æ Purpleæ carpetæ (priceæ uponæ request)æ byæ core.æ Swarovskiæ framedæ LCDæ Loeweæ televisionæ (ó 5,000æ foræ 37-inch),æ syntheticæ fuchsiaæ floweræ andæ cushionsæ onæsofaæ byæ Duoæ Designers.æ Verticalæ blindsæ withæ blackoutæ PVCæ materialæ (windowæ blinds:æ ó 70,æ dooræ blinds:æ ó 120)æ byæ B&Dæ Blinds.æ Curtains,æ cushions,æ materialæ onæ wallæ panel,æ andæ armchairæ coveræ byæ Maryæ &æ Adrianæforæ Duoæ Designers.æ Sculptureæ onæ aæ solidæ Wengeæ baseæ (h:æ 65cm)æ (ó150) ,æ brushedæ steelæ curtainæ rodæ (19æ &æ 30mmæ thickness)æ (ó 25.50),æ andæ chromeæ curtainæ tie-backæ (ó 14.65)æ byæ B4æ Textiles.æ Chimney-lessæ fireplaceæ•æ alcoholæ burningæ fireæ (ó430) æ byæ BIæ Stores.æ

Thick cosy rug in a rich myriad of warm colours.

Accent can be added through accessories, such as vases, cushions, flowers and lamp shades.

Fabric-covered canvas/wall panel - a great way of changing the feel of a room fast.

Surprisingly, two seperate rugs can work well together.

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The basics: Penny and Annabel chose neutral furniture in order to gain flexibility of contrast with accent colours. This way, nothing was so obtrusive that it might clash with any accent colour. The basic furniture formed a backdrop that could remain throughout the transformation of one colour to the next.

getting started...

1. Vertical blinds with blackout pVc material, complete with heavy duty rails - sun drape made in Germany. price: window blinds ó 70, door blinds ó 120 (not including installation). B&D Blinds, B10B industrial Estate, Bulebel, Zejtun. Tel: 2169 2885. www.blindsanddrapes.biz 2. italian hand-made piquattro leather sofa featuring urban – price: starting at ó 1930. carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2147 2882. 3. Black-lacquered glass coffee table – price: ó 675. carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2147 2882. 4. Wenge salver – price: ó 35. carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2147 2882. 5. Wenge armchair with stainless steel legs and fabric upholstery. price: ó 345. carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2147 2882. 6. Floor cabinet featuring high definition transparent tempered glass. price: ó 675. carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2147 2882. 7. Wenge Vitrine with high definition tempered glass and ball bearing slides. price: ó 730. carmelo Delia (Est. 1890), Valley Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2147 2882. 8. chrome-framed brown leather shelf unit - height: 175cm x width: 121cm. price: ó 695. One Two One interiors, 21st September avenue, naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9. 9. Making furniture integral with technological solutions, Duo Designers offers gorgeous reflective mirrors that appear to be normal mirrors when the TV is switched off - switch on the power and the LcD TV LOEWE reveals itself. alligator, Swarovski and other finishes and sizes available upon request. price: for 37” starting from ó 5,000. Duo Designers, Sky apartments, 178/ 4th Floor, Marina Street, pieta . Tel: 2201 9230. [email protected]

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1. Soho rug, handmade in Turkey from a soft silky 100% mercerized cotton pile - high quality, luxurious and heavy weight. Price: starting from ó 250. The Rug Gallery, Qui Si Sana Seafront, Sliema. Tel: 2133 4191. [email protected]

2. Citrus yellow lamp and shade. Price: ó 139. Stem Interiors, 1A, Hughes Hallet Street, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019. www.stemlighting.co.uk

3. Conical black lamp and shade. Price: ó 129. Stem Interiors, 1A, Hughes Hallet Street, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019. www.stemlighting.co.uk

4. Synthetic white lilies. Price: ó 4.90 each. Stem Interiors, 1A, Hughes Hallet Street, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019. www.stemlighting.co.uk

5. Black birdcage. Price: ó 55. Stem Interiors, 1A, Hughes Hallet Street, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019. www.stemlighting.co.uk

Penny and Annabel chose mimosa and teak as the accent colours for the cool room look, which both contrast strikingly well with the neutrals of black and white.

cool room...

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Penny and Annabel opted for a warm colour palette here, with rich shades of bordeaux, fuschia and purple to create an inviting feel. The reds and pinks contrast well with the backdrop neutrals, such as black, white and brown, while silver is used throughout to add glamour.

warm & cosy room...

1. Synthetic orchid in a pot. Price: ó 49. Stem Interiors, 1A, Hughes Hallet Street, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019. www.stemlighting.co.uk

2. Rich, pile-high rug. Price: upon request. core, Upper Mannarino Road, B’Kara. Tel: 2144 3449.

3. Chrome lamp & fuchsia shade. Price: ó 159. Stem Interiors, 1A, Hughes Hallet Street, Sliema. Tel: 2133 2019. www.stemlighting.co.uk

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Making Kitchens Magnificent

What makes Aran Cucine so unique?

First and foremost, Aran Cucine is a trendsetter. Our priority is innovation and design. We offer the widest range of kitchen styles, from high to low end, which offers the consumer flexibility. We also offer model kitchens and variations on these to cater to any style. Eighty percent of our designs are accepted internationally, which undoubtedly makes us the leaders in design.

The company focuses on the technology and internal structure of kitchens as well. However, the look of our kitchens is really what makes us stand out. This is the difference between Italian and German kitchens – Italians make their kitchens look beautiful.

Aran Cucine has an interesting structure. How does the company work?

The company employs approximately 350 employees. All the kitchens are manufactured in a factory, which is over 50,000 square metres and which is spread over seven big production facilities in Italy. Each production department is specialised in a different area, is automised and highly efficient with the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. There is

the administration department; the assembled kitchens management and production department; the Newform knock-down kitchens production department; the worktops, panels and special elements production department; the doors and other wood furnishing accessories production department for kitchen cabinets; the doors warehouse and office furniture production department for “Newform Uffici” brand and the semi-finished products department for kitchen and office furniture.

The price range of Aran Cucine kitchens varies. How does the company manage to include quality materials within a realistic price range?

We manufacture 100 kitchens a day. The quantity that we produce allows for this to be possible. Which materials make a difference in the price of a kitchen?

The surface, or worktop makes a large difference. This is due to the fact that quality surface finishes, such as lacquer, take a long time to manufacture properly.

Not only are Aran Cucine kitchens the most purchased Italian kitchens worldwide, but the company is also Italy’s number one export kitchen manufacturer. Aran Cucine has been in operation for over 30 years and exports to 120 countries. Originally an American multinational company, the Italians took over 5 years ago, changing the direction of the company to focus more on what the Italians are best at – design and innovation. HOMEWORKS talks to Aran Cucine’s Design & Marketing Consultant, Luigi Cicconi

Dali

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What are the kitchen trends in Italy at the moment?

White has made a big comeback. Cream and neutral colours are and will continue to be popular. White and black is still very much in demand. The future is a contrast of light and dark. The light colours are appearing in the surfaces, the dark through the natural textures, such as wood. Dark grey walnut is a big wood for next year.

Open-plan kitchens continue to combine the kitchen with the living room, as the kitchen has definitely become the socialising area of the modern home. The curved kitchen is a response to this trend. This is Aran Cucine’s emblematic kitchen style.

In terms of colour, what is dated now?

Bright colours, such as red, orange and blue are slightly dated in Italy. Of course, different countries have different trends.

How do you go about marketing such a large company as Aran Cucine?

We are innovative and flexible. For instance, look at the kitchen in the last Italian “Big Brother” programme – it is none other than Aran Cucine. We got enormous response from this. The owner’s daughter, Erica Rastelli has taken over and has some great ideas. She really reinforces Aran Cucine as a global brand.

Theæ curvedæ kitchen:æAranÍ sæ emblematicæ kitchenæ style.

Theæ latestæ inæ kitchenæ trends:æ contrast.æ ïV olareÍ.

CASANOVA

2009 09 Homeworks_tt.indd 1 25/09/09 15:25

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Designing Stories

In Malta, we know Laurent Muller as an artist, particularly for his paintings under glass. His real background is in fact industrial design. He graduated in 1998 from the French National School of design in Paris, ENSCI – Les Ateliers. He’s now bringing the skills he developed in his painting for the past 6 years to interior and furniture design.

Can you describe your area of design for us?

The first five years of my career as an industrial designer took place in Paris and New York where I worked respectively for V.I.A. (Valuation of Innovation in Furnishing) and Olive 1:1. Following this I took residence in Malta and spent the last five years painting and developing my skills in colour and composition. Today, I feel ready to link all my different experiences through space and volume.

Furthermore, I am by nature a storyteller and as a result, in my work I like to design exclusive stories; I design desires. It is all about sensuality, personality, the senses and uniqueness. Style is not enough. The content of the story is all. Every wall should have not only a function, but also a meaning, even a poetic one. My goal is that the knowledge of the past can emerge in very different ways. From form follows function to deconstructivism or neo-baroque, the common link is the sensation it creates.

How is this translated into your work?

Malta was the perfect place to experiment linking art, history and design. I had three main opportunities to link painting and architecture: Ideacasa, for which I designed and completed a full nine-metre high atrium composition that also serves as a display of the showroom’s wares. Then there was the Pegasus bar of the Phoenicia Hotel

for which I created a large painting on black board that displays the menu and has since completion influenced the branding of the place, and finally…Caffé Cordina with an imposing three-metre high painting on glass that brings a touch of the past and also operates as a partition. Each of these examples was born from a conceptualisation of the space, specific to a need that was different in each case. For each of my projects I work either with architects or interior architects, which allows me, through the teamwork, to constantly challenge my ideas and concepts. Always look further is a motto to share and that helps me materialize what I have in mind.

Today I am creating exclusive interventions that lie on the overlap between interior design and artistic installations. In this way, a chandelier can be much more than what it seems and can crystallise the energy of a Sala Nobile. A bathroom doesn’t only need to be a water room but instead can become a moment of peace in a walled garden, etc. In my opinion ‘overly–designed’ spaces are a dead recipe, sophistication without a soul, without a story, is no longer acceptable. An expertise of personalisation and coherence is what I want to transmit.

What do you feel is missing today in the world of interiors?

We are so lucky to be able to enjoy the knowledge we have about styles and their evolution. In the

same way that we all have the right to evolve, as well as to change job to fulfil the needs of our personality, interiors are alive and need to change too. Therefore a house needs to embrace its own personal evolution and all the stories that make it special. Understanding the dream of my client, even if this entails taking risks to express difference, is my first motivation in design. I love to work with personalities that share this vision.

What are your requirements in your work?

In the great tradition of the decorative arts, I would say the notion of ‘haute facture’ (notion of very high standards in terms of know-how and quality), the exploitation of the finest craftsmanship, is fundamental. The exercise of proportion, the use of texture and the presence of the chosen material are all dependent on the precision of details. An experienced mind could, wittily, risk marrying mosaic work with Corian® and silk in order to answer a particular need and to provoke an even more unexpected moment of pleasure. Once risk and novelty become friends, a story will start to emerge that is original and engaging, transforming the flavour of the project from commercial to exclusive. And don’t we all want to be unique?

“….I design desires. It is all about sensuality, personality, the senses and uniqueness. Style is not enough.”

MullerÍ sæ wallæ artworkæ atæ Pegasus,æ Leæ Meridienæ Hotel,æ Floriana.

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HOMEIdEAS

Stainless steel towel holder & roll/brush holder; a trendy set for your bathroom. Price: €35.75 each. Contemp Interiors, 119, Naxxar Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]

These hand-crafted wine plaques will make an ideal gift for any wine enthusiast, as well as just give that finishing touch to a bar, kitchen, or cellar - much wider range available. Price: starting from €50. Serendipity, San Gwann. Tel: 2721 0210 www.serendipity.com.mt

Parkfloor of Favor offers a vast finishing wood range with abrasion resistance and resistance to the action of liquids, which enhances solidity. Price: upon request. Fino Ferramenta, St.Luke’s Road, G’mangia. Tel: 2122 2257. www.finoferramenta.com

Visit www.camelotpictures.com to view a virtual shop of stunning pictures and superior quality prints. Price: upon request. Contemp Interiors, 119, Naxxar Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]

Memo board in black or white glass complete with marker, magnets and key holder. Price: €18. Contemp Interiors, 119, Naxxar Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]

Stainless steel bathroom sets available in different styles and colours. Price: starting at €10.75. Contemp Interiors, 119, Naxxar Road, birkirkara. Tel: 2144 2116. [email protected]

Tower Street Msida (near a to z electronics)Tel: +356 2149 1931Email: [email protected]: www.moodsfurniture.com

TIMELESSFURNITURE

16771 - Writeon Homeorks 39 Moods Ad OUT.indd 1 5/10/09 08:36:43

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HOMEIdEAS

Wash dishes in style with these high gloss ceramic washing liquid dispensers, available in white, black and red. Price: €19. Gifts&More – Topline, St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex, Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com

Set of 24 pewter wall mounted butterflies – these and other unique wall decor accessories are now available. Price: €38.80. Gifts&More at Topline St. Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Plush towels by Aquanova complete with matching bath mats and coordinating accessories, which could turn an older bathroom in a haven of luxury. Price: starting from €6.50. One Two One Interiors, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9.

Nona multi frame – the latest designs of multi frames from Umbra available at Gifts&More. Price: €59.90 holds: 3 photos (8 x 8cm) 2 photos (10 x 10cm), 1 (13 x 13) and 1 (15 x 15). Gifts&More at Topline St.Andrew’s and Cornerstone Complex Mosta. Tel: 2137 2256. www.giftsandmore.com.mt

Visit the website www.minkamalta.com to view their entire collection of premium quality cowhides, patchwork carpets and home decoration accessories. Free deliveries and home demonstrations. Min.Ka - Malta’s Exclusive Cowhide store online. Tel: 9945 9753.

The new Waterfall design is a fine example of bone china dinner sets by Royal bone China, which for decades has been perceived as the ultimate in fine dining - make up your dream wedding or engagement list from the extensive selection of exclusive tableware. One Two One Interiors, 21st September Avenue, Naxxar. Tel: 2142 2948/9.

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HOMEIdEAS

The Tile - exclusive agents for Emilceramica, Fabbrica del Vignola and Ergon engineered stone - Italy’s leading ceramic companies. The Tile, bella Vista Street, San Gwann. Tel: 2137 1891. [email protected] / www.the-tile.com

Fino Ferramenta represents the prestigious brand Valli & Valli, which offers a vast range of handles in various finishes. Model: H 329. Price: upon request. Fino Ferramenta, St. Luke’s Road, G’mangia. Tel: 2122 2257. www.finoferramenta.com

Add a touch of glamour - furniture handles available. Price: upon request. Protrade Ltd., Triq Is-Sebh, Qormi. Tel: 2148 5203. [email protected]

Find out the cost effective ways to enjoy the comforts of solar powered underfloor heating this winter with M & E Installations’ professional installation and service, which can advise you on the many innovative energy saving options available for your home. Price: upon request. M & E Installations, Unit 4, binja Wejter, dun Gejtanu Mannarino Str., b’Kara. Tel: 2701 9389/9987 3324. [email protected]

drapes carries the latest sleep systems on the market and offers the perfect combination with Otten Motorized beds, together with the Comfortline visco-elastic pressure relieving mattresses. Price: starting from €740, inclusive of mattress. Drapes, Naxxar Road, b’kara. Tel: 2144 0670.

Master craftsmen of handles for all eras from ENRICO CASSINA. Price: upon request. Protrade Ltd., Triq is-Sebh, Qormi. www.protrademalta.comwww.ompporro.com

Carmelo Delia (Est. 1890)The Strand, Gzira. - Tel: 2134 4675

Valley Road, Birkirkara. - Tel: 2147 2882Big Bon, Level -1, Naxxar Road, B’kara. - Tel: 2147 0933

E-mail: [email protected]

Visit the new Carmelo Delia showroom in Birkirkara Valley and discover some of the world’s

leading home interior brands all under one roof! At Carmelo Delia you will find an array of

products and services to meet the entire requirement of your home ranging from living rooms,

dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, sofas, tiles and joinery services. Our knowledgeable staff is

always on hand to consult to your particular need. Visit us today!

Valley Road showroom open till 9pm on Thursdays.

CARMELODELIAthe home of luxury living

Surfaces Tiles TilesTiles

NEW PLACE N E W FA C E

16703-CDelia DPS HW39 Ad HI N.indd 1-2 10/2/09 12:47:13 PM

the younggunsDESIGN STUDENTS AT THE FACULTY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, SPANNING FROM FIRST TO FIFTH YEAR, RECENTLY COLLABORATED WITH SACES (SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS) TO PRESENT A DESIGN EXHIBITION, INCORPORATING DESIGN, 3D ANIMATION, ARCHITECTURE, PHOTOGRAPHY AND MODEL-BUILDING ACROSS A RANGE OF MEDIA. THE INTENTION OF THE EXHIBITION WAS AND IS ALWAYS TO ALLOW ARCHITECTURE TO APPEAL TO AS WIDE A PUBLIC AS POSSIBLE. HOMEWORKS PROFILES SOME OF THE PROJECTS EXHIBITED.

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Project photography provided by: Emma Warrington, SACES PRO

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Project by Lino Micallef, Steve Scicluna and Jean Paul Vella.

Project by Carlo Muscat. Project by Victoria Falzon, Michela Francalanza and Sarabelle Montebello

Backstage for outdoor theatre in Valletta. Project by William Bondin, 4th year.

VASCAS

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ANTICIPATING AUTUMNAS THE SEASON SLOWLY CHANGES OUR GARDENS WILL START TO CHANGE TOO, AS WELL AS THE

WORK WHICH NEEDS TO BE DONE. THE WEATHER IS STILL PLEASANT, WHICH MAKES IT A GOOD TIME TO

ACCOMPLISH MANY LITTLE BUT IMPORTANT JOBS TO PREPARE THE GARDEN FOR THE WINTER AHEAD.

HERMAN SCIFO, MAINTENANCE MANAGER AT CALAMATTA LANDSCAPES LTD. GIVES HOMEWORKS AN

OVERVIEW OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE SEEN TO DURING THE AUTUMN MONTHS.

Words: Herman Scifo, Calamatta Landscapes Ltd.

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“Checks should be made of various elements in our garden. Look over paths and steps, lighting and gravel, which may have become thinner. We can clean the garden of weeds, re-pot any container plants, as needed and lightly cultivate soil so that rain water can easily enter the soil. Digging, hoeing and transplanting should be restricted to days when the soil is not wet in order to preserve its structure. Rain can also loosen the anchorage of tree roots and stakes so it’s very important to carry out re-staking and tying. Some trees and shrubs will also need pruning and thinning to allow heavy winds to go through them.

“Plants will need to be watered but no doubt less than in previous months, so irrigation patterns need to be adjusted according to the weather.

“It’s time to replace the summer annuals with those that will give colour through the winter and it’s also time to start thinking about spring bulbs. Planting should be completed by the end of November, except for gladioli, which can be planted even later.

“IT’S TIME TO REPLACE THE SUMMER ANNUALS WITH THOSE THAT WILL GIVE COLOUR THROUGH THE WINTER AND IT’S ALSO TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT SPRING BULBS.”

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“Several small sowings of all vegetables can be carried out and many herbs can also be sown at this time of the year. Fruit trees can be given well-rotted farmyard manure and we can also prepare holes for new trees to be planted later in winter. This will help the soil to weather and the manure to break down nicely. Use a well-balanced fertiliser on a regular basis from now on. Deciduous (stone) fruit trees can be transplanted from November until the end of January. Winter pruning, which for Malta is mostly a corrective type of pruning, can be done now and all dead branches removed. Damaged citrus fruits that have fallen under the tree should be picked up and destroyed to remove further danger of fruit fly.

“Quite a good number of garden chores should be done if we want to make sure that after the winter we will be heralded by a triumphantly colourful spring.”

“DAMAGED CITRUS FRUITS THAT HAVE FALLEN UNDER THE TREE SHOULD BE PICKED UP AND DESTROYED TO REMOVE FURTHER DANGER OF FRUIT FLY.”

WINDSOR WRONG SIZE

Exquisitely EffortlessIn collaboration with Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker, ta’ Cassia of Salina brings you three easy-to-do scrumptious recipes.

Ingredients:

250g cooked prawns 500g soft cheese7g fresh mint½ lemon (juice and zest)300g smoked salmon15g nori sheets

Mustard-Dill Sauce:

3/4 cup spicy brown mustard1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice1tbs dry mustard3/4 cup vegetable oil3/4 cup drained capers1/2 cup chopped fresh dillground black fresh pepper

Method for sauce:

Mix first four ingredients in a bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in the capers, chopped dill and a generous amount of fresh pepper. Makes about 30 servings and can be chilled for up to a week.

Method for roulade

place the first four ingredients in a blender and blend until mixture is soft. Spread over a sheet of cling film (30 x 30 cm). put the salmon slices overlapping slightly, leaving a margin of about 5cm on each side. Top with half of the nori sheets. Spread the prawn mixture evenly onto the nori sheets, then place the other half of the nori sheets. Roll it up “Swiss roll” style by holding both ends, rolling it to create the form of a log. Refrigerate overnight. Decorate four plates with some lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. place three pieces of the roulade and place a tablespoon of the mustard-dill sauce on top. Serve.

Salmon Roulade with Mustard-Dill Sauce

PHOTOS: ALAN CARVILLE

CUISINE

Mix first four ingredients in a bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in the capers, chopped dill and a generous amount of fresh pepper. Makes about 30 servings

lace the first four ingredients in a blender and blend until mixture is soft. Spread over

ut the salmon slices overlapping slightly, leaving

overnight. Decorate four plates with some

BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT: 2008 PJAZZA REGInA I.G.T. MALTESE ISLAnDS WHITE – CHARDOnnAY vIOGnIER vERMEnTInO.normally with a smoked salmon dish I would opt for a lightly oaked dry white wine but in this instance we have a soft cheese in the roulade and a sweet dill and mustard sauce whose flavours would both clash with the oak in the wine. I therefore require a white wine that has good weight, medium acidity and lots of fruit such as the Pjazza Regina white. It has a rich enough flavour to cope with ingredients like capers, black pepper, dill and mustard but is also soft enough to marry well with the soft cream cheese.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

8 canned artichoke hearts (drained)4 thinly sliced parma ham300ml fresh cream4tbs grumbled dolce latte cheese4tsp toasted pine nuts 1tbs grated parmesan cheese8 slices toasted bread2tbs butter

Method:

Half the artichoke hearts. cut the parma ham slices in 1cm pieces crosswise. Heat the artichoke hearts in a pan with the melted butter, add the parma ham, fresh cream and the cheese, increase heat until sauce thickens. place the ingredients in a shallow dish, add the pine nuts and grill in a broiler until gratin is slightly brown.

Serve four artichoke halves with the sauce on each plate along with the crusty bread.

BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT: 2008 GRAnD vIn DE HAUTEvILLE vIOGnIER D.O.K. MALTA.

A fairly rich dish that is going to need a full flavoured wine and because of the fresh cream and the fact that the artichoke hearts are sautéed in butter I am going to choose a dry white. Other strong flavours include Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts and Parma ham, all of which will require a wine with substantial character to compete. The Grand vin de Hauteville viognier certainly has enough weight to do this and it is also soft enough to complement the hot melted creamy cheese flavours that dominate this delightful dish.

Artichokes au Gratin

CUISINE

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 large red capsicum1 large eggplant, sliced2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced2tbs olive oil4 beef fillet steaks (275g each)4 2cm x 6cm round Maltese bread with crust4 garlic heads2tbs extra virgin olive oil50g rocket leaves8 black olives

Ingredients for Dressing:

1/3cup olive oil2tbs balsamic vinegar

Method for Dressing:

combine the olive oil and vinegar in a jar and shake well.

Method:

Quarter the capsicum, remove seeds and membranes. Roast under the grill or in a very hot oven, skin side up, until the skin blisters and blackens. cover the capsicum pieces in plastic or paper for 5 minutes, peel away the skin, slice into thin strips;cover to keep warm. Brush the eggplant and zucchini with oil; cook, in batches, in heated oiled griddle pan (or grill or barbecue) until browned and tender; cover to keep warm.

pound each steak with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness. cook the steaks as desired on a charcoal-grill or heated oiled griddle pan until browned on both sides.

Meanwhile, brush the bread with extra virgin olive oil and rub in the cut garlic; roast in oven until brown and crispy.

Fillet ta’Cassia

BEST WINE ACCOMPANIMENT:2008 MEDInA SAnGIOvESE I.G.T. MALTESE ISLAnDS.This dish simply deserves a full bodied red that has bags of fruit and character and soft tannins. It’s a charcoal grilled prime beef fillet with rich juicy meat flavours together with milder vegetable flavours, such as capsicum, eggplant and zucchini with an Italian influence from elements like olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar and black olives. The Sangiovese grape, as long as it is full bodied enough, will go well with this dish, especially a Malta grown one like the Medina, as it has this wonderful spicy almost peppery quality too it that makes it perfect with almost all charcoal grilled red meat dishes.

CUISINE

TO aDVERTiSE in THiS SEcTiOn pLEaSE pHOnE: 2133 9999 OR EMaiL: [email protected]

BATHROOMS

AIR CONDITIONING

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS

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DECORATIVE FINISHESA TO Z OF SUPPLIERS


BLINDS

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DOORSDIY & INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

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FIREPLACES AND BABECUESA TO Z OF SUPPLIERS


DOORS


HOME DECOR

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS

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FURNITURE

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HOME DECOR

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS


HOME DECOR


HOME SECURITY

HOME DECOR

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

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KITCHEN APPLIANCESA TO Z OF SUPPLIERS


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For technical reasons connected with colour reproduction, the colours shown may not exactly match the paint colours and do not represent a particular �nish or texture.

108

SOLAR FLOOR HEATINGA TO Z OF SUPPLIERS


PAINTS

We Simply Paint

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109


TEXTILES & SOFT FINISHINGSSURFACE SOLUTIONS

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS

110

TILES & BATHROOMS

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS


TILES

111


TURNKEYTIM

BER

A TO Z OF SUPPLIERS

112

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