signatureliving-sep2011

LIVING

Home is where one starts from

T. S. ELIOT

So, how does one go about making this ideal dwelling where you and your loved ones can live,

surrounded by love and harmony? Home ownership means you no longer pay monthly rent for

the roof over your head. You can do what you want with your house (within reason). When you

leave, you can sell it to recoup the purchase price and - with any luck - earn a profit too. But

don’t kid yourself. Home ownership comes with a slew of disadvantages, responsibilities, and downright

headaches. So before going any further, consider whether your lifestyle and finances make home buying a

smart move.

Your home is also built around your dreams. It’s an expression of YOU, and what you want in life. It reflects

your aspirations, your inspirations and desires in life. So buying a home is also an emotional task. It is an

exercise where the heart and the head have to work in tandem. So be emotional… and be practical as well.

Signature Living is all about spaces. Homes, global trends, dream interiors and so much more! With plenty

of ideas that will help translate those dreams of yours into reality. It’s exclusive, it’s luxurious, it’s one-of-

a-kind, because that’s what living life in the luxurious lane is all about!

A classic signature of what you deserve in life. Only the best!

FROM THE DESK

A HOME SONG I read within a poet’s book

A word that starred the page:

Stone walls do not a prison make,

Nor iron bars a cage!

Yes, that is true; and something more

You’ll find, where’er you roam,

That marble floors and gilded walls

Can never make a home.

But every house where Love abides,

And Friendship is a guest,

Is surely home, and home-sweet-home:

For there the heart can rest.

Henry Van Dyke

CONCEPT & CREATIONMAYANK SINGH, DEEPA RAJAN

CONTENTREKHA BALA, SUSHMITA SARKHEL

ART Senior Art Director

SANDESH S. RANGNEKARArt Director

MINAAL G. PEDNEKARDesigner

KHOULA RASHID AL WHAIBIYPhotographers

RAJESH RAJAN, MOTASIM AL BALUSHI

PRODUCTIONProduction Head

GOVINDRAJ RAMESHADVERTISING & MARKETING

Advertising ManagerCHANDNI MANIAR

Asst. Advertising ManagerJISHA VELLUVAN

Senior Media Executive BENAIFER SETHNA

CORPORATEChief Executive - SANDEEP SEHGAL

Executive Vice President - ALPANA ROYVice President - RAVI RAMAN

Sr. Business Support Executive - RADHA KUMARBusiness Support Executive - ZUWAINA SAID AL RASHDI

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An

PresentationCopyright © 2010 United Press & Publishing LLC

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

4

23

LIFESTYLE

VIEWPOINT

CONTENT

8

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FOCUS

TRENDS

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34

PROPERTIES

WORLDSCAPE

4 SIGNATURE LIVING

Ever wonder what it’s like to live in

a multi-million dollar mansion?

Well, a few examples are illustra-

tive – David Geffen, the co-founder

of DreamWorks SKG studio, has Pollock and

Rothko paintings lining the walls of his 100-

room Beverly Hills, California mansion. Paul

Allen, Microsoft’s co-founder can dock his 416-

foot yacht -- the Octopus, beside his Mercer

Island, Washington, waterfront property. And

Bill Gates can shut the world out in his 60-foot

swimming pool with an underwater music

system, just steps from his 66,000-square-foot

home on the edge of Lake Washington near

Seattle.

Over the last few years, Oracle co-founder

Larry Ellison has spent US$200 million on a

dozen properties in Malibu, including five

homes that in aggregate would create a cus-

tom compound. His 23-acre estate in Wood-

side is reminiscent of a 16th-century imperial

Japanese palace and reportedly cost upward

of US$100 million to build.

Decadent homes, magnificent locations and

lavish properties are just a few amenities that

the super rich are entitled to after a hard day’s

work. As they say, the rich are different and

residents of super luxury homes are not con-

David Geffen, the co-founder of DreamWorks SKG studio, has Pollock and Rothko paintings lining the walls of his 100-room Beverly Hills, California mansion

LIFESTYLE

LAP OF LUXURYDecadent homes, magnificent locations and lavish proper-ties are just a few amenities that the super rich are entitled to after a hard day’s work. See how the rich live…

Mukesh Ambani’s Antilla is valued at close to US$2 billion

A view of Bill Gate’s 66,000-square-foot home on the edge of Lake Washington

tent with gourmet kitchens, gigantic master

suites or Olympic-sized swimming pools. They

yearn for properties with an expanse of land

that affords privacy and breathtaking views.

Add to this, recreational facilities such as a

bowling alley, tennis courts and even a the-

atre. Luxury housing today also refers to com-

puters which monitor the temperature within

the house, lights and other electronic appli-

ances for a pampered lifestyle, beautiful and

elegant landscapes which incorporate differ-

ent elements in the area. These are not limited

to plants but also to terraces, courtyards, decks

and other rooms for outdoor living.

The bare essentialsSo what do the rich and famous look for in a

property. A landscaped mansion ups its mar-

ket value. Houses which are equipped with

sustainable technologies that save energy,

conserve natural resources and protect the

environment are a plus. Having an address

in a posh neighbourhood also brings ap-

peal with it. If the mansions for rent also have

character or a historical value, they can also

be rented out for a day. They can be used as

venues for weddings, parties, photo or video

shoots or any other event.

There are others who like living in luxury

apartments located in the middle of every-

thing -- be it work, shops or the gym. Such

apartments offer large kitchens, lavish master

suites and massive swimming pools but they

forego the stretch of land common among

mansions. They are also located in upscale

neighborhoods which may still have spec-

tacular views and other inclusions, such as

a viewing deck, balcony or patio. Some of

these apartments are like hotels which pro-

vide laundry and linen change, salons, spas

and business services. A number of people

opt to rent luxurious apartments for lesser or

maintenance-free living. High-rises, especial-Paul Allen, Microsoft’s co-founder, can dock his 416-foot yacht -- the Octopus (featured here), beside his Mercer Island, Washington, waterfront property

ly penthouses, provide centralised amenities

like a doorman and elevators. Their materials,

such as hardwood floors and certain types of

tiles and appliances, also make the apartment

more expensive.

Upping the anteRinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest man recent-

ly bought a London penthouse in Hyde Park

for a whopping £136 million (US$222 million),

making it the most expensive apartment in the

world. Akhmetov will be shelling out another

£60 million (US$98 million) on renovations and

interior design. The apartment costs more

than £6,000 per square foot and boasts floor-

to-ceiling windows, a car park and access to

spas and squash courts. It features a panic

room and bulletproof windows for those un-

wanted situations and there are SAS-trained

security guards who guarantee the highest

level of security.

For housing connoisseurs who thought that

they had seen it all, we have only this to say --

you ain’t seen anything as yet. Mukesh Amba-

ni, the fifth richest man in the world is building

the world’s largest and most expensive home,

Antilla -- a 27-storey skyscraper in downtown

Mumbai costing close to US$2 billion. Atop six

stories of parking lots, Antilla’s living quarters

begin at a lobby with nine elevators, with sev-

eral storage rooms and lounges. Down dual

stairways with silver-covered railings will be

a large ballroom with 80 per cent of its ceiling

covered in crystal chandeliers. It features a re-

tractable showcase for pieces of art, a mount

of LCD monitors and embedded speakers, as

well as stages for entertainment. Another big

differentiator -- no two floors will be alike in

either layout or materials used. When it comes

to luxury living the imagination of the rich and

famous seems to be the only limitation. As far

as a billion dollars is concerned it is merely

pocket change.

thewavemuscat.com

Located on the edge of 6km of natural beach, The Wave, Muscat will be home to over4,000 residences, a world class 400 berth marina, retail, leisure and dining precincts, a new Kempinski and Fairmont Hotel as well as a signature Greg Norman golf course.

Oman’s premier lifestyle destination

Lifeas it shouldbe

Visit us todayApartments, townhouses and villas

available nowSales centre open from 10am - 6pm, Saturday to Thursday

[email protected]

+968 24534400thewavemuscat.com

PRICE FROM: OMR 200,000 PRICE FROM: OMR 279,000 PRICE FROM: OMR 120,000 PRICE FROM: OMR 74,000

AL MOUJ TWIN VILLAS AL MOUJ SINGLE VILLAS TOWNHOUSES APARTMENTS

3 & 4 bedroom

For the first time, The Wave introduces twin villas.The dream of inspirational design and graciousliving awaits those who demand uncompromisedquality. With a choice of 3 or 4 bedrooms andwithin walking distance of the parks and beach,these villas offer practical functionality tocomplement your lifestyle.

4, 5 & 6 bedroom

Impressive and cleverly integrated, these standalone villas offer superior fittings and contemporaryfeatures that would be admirable anywhere inthe world. With a choice of 4, 5 & 6 bedrooms and inclusive of a 2-car garage these villas alsohave the option of a private pool within yourgarden. A variety of these villas are situated on the lakefront with superb views and private waterfronts.

2, 3 & 4 bedroom

The charms of the townhouse at The Wave areparticularly popular with young professionals and families. Traditional Omani looks perfectlycomplement stylish modern interiors, many ofwhich feature distinctive balconies and an outdoor patio area where you can relax and enjoy the cool winter evenings.

1 & 2 bedroom

Found only in Al Marsa Village, apartments at The Wave, are ideally situated within easy reachof the development’s shopping, dining and leisurefacilities. Elegant design details and Europeantextures feature throughout, combining therefined excitement of city living with the quietrelaxation of suburban life.

Winning CombinationStrong backing:The Wave, Muscat is a joint venture between the highly regarded Majid Al Futtaim Properties(responsible for successful retail and leisuredevelopments such as Mall of the Emirates in Dubai)and the Government of the Sultanate of Omanrepresented by NIFCO and Waterfront Investments.

Banks:The Wave, Muscat has signed agreements withleading banks in Oman to offer our customers awide range of mortgage and financing servicesand solutions.

The Wave, a place to call home

8 SIGNATURE LIVING

FOCUS

PROPERTY-WISEFive simple steps to owning your dream home…

We don’t all get the chance to road test a property before we buy it. But if you’ve decided that it’s time to buy,

be it at home or abroad, understand the game, know the risks, and calculate the costs before you put in

that offer. Buying a house is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make in your entire life.

Therefore, you need to make careful plans before you make the final decision.

Visualise Your Dream House Think about the house that can fulfill all your family’s needs and desires. Make a list of things that you think your house

must have. How many rooms do you need? Do you want a modern or classic house? Are you looking for hustle-bustle of

the city or the quiet of the country-side? Judging the location correctly could be all important when searching for a dream

house. While you may have always dreamed about the rural idyll, have you considered the isolation factor? Similarly,

that dream pad in the heart of the city may not be so appealing once the din of the city begins interfering with your sleep

time. Weigh up what type of lifestyle really matches your personality – not the vision of what you would hope it to be.

10 SIGNATURE LIVING

Research before SearchDo your research well. You can never

do enough research. A lot of people

dive into the property market head

first and blind folded, and that’s when

people make bad purchases. Find out

everything about the area you want

your house to be in. If you are looking at

buying abroad, make sure you know all

the laws and regulations of that particu-

lar country.

Let the search beginAsk your agent where you can find houses that is close to what you have

envisioned. If there is none, look for alternatives. Keep a Plan B ready. You

can never find the right property after one viewing; even if you think oth-

erwise. Make sure you take your time looking at several difference proper-

ties. Don’t just look in one area, be a little open minded and open yourself

to possibilities.

FOCUS

Patience is the keyDon’t let your impatience get the

better of you. Never rush into buying

a property. There is an art to buying

property, and patience is a big part

of it. Impatience leads to expensive

and inadequate purchases. The

whole journey of finding, negotiat-

ing, and closing a deal is can be an

emotional experience for those who

are looking for their dream home.

Never settle for something because

it happens to be there. Your dream

home is worth more than just that.

Tour & SurveyOnce you have zeroed in on the options, go and look at the property. Re-

member that the devil usually lies in the details. Hence, make sure you

check and double check all the details. The worst mistake you can commit

is to fall in love with the properties you are looking at. It does not matter if

it is a new construction or a second hand property, always make sure you

ask what comes with the property before you make an offer. A lot of houses

are presented beautifully, especially with fitted bathrooms and kitchens.

There is always a price attached. Moreover, make sure that these fittings

are all in accordance with your requirements. Also, if you are looking at

buying a second hand property, Find out how long it has been on the mar-

ket for. You may be in love with it, but if it has been on the market for a long

period of time, ask yourself why; be alert.

The Company Established as a joint venture between

Swiss based Orascom Development Hold-

ing (70 percent), and Omran (30 per cent, a

government-owned company) Muriya Tour-

ism Development is the single largest tour-

ism development company in Oman. Since

its establishment in March 2006,

Muriya has stood apart from any other de-

velopment projects due to its low-density

building policy, a concept that has been

adopted successfully by Orascom’s flagship

development, El Gouna. As per the policy

only 25 per cent of the land will be used for

construction purposes, while 75 per cent will

be used to enhance the natural surround-

ings with landscaping projects. Muriya is

also committed to taking the lead in promot-

ing environmentally and socially responsi-

ble tourism adopting stringent measures to

preserve the flora and fauna of the nation.

Another attraction is the non-resident own-

ership in Muriya’s integrated tourism com-

plexes, ‘Jebel Sifah’ and ‘Salalah Beach’.

The projeCTs Muriya has announced four ambitious proj-

ects across the beautiful locales of Oman.

Three of the ongoing projects under con-

struction are integrated tourism complexes

(ITCs) offering freehold properties – ‘Jebel

Sifah’ and ‘Salalah Beach’ and an exclusive

boutique hotel on As Sodah Island. In addi-

tion, Muriya also has extensive plans to de-

velop a city walk in Muscat.

Mock-up Villa, Jebel Sifah

salalah BeaChSpread over an area of 15.6 million sq m,

Salalah Beach is 20km from the Salalah airport.

This integrated tourism complex will comprise

of high end luxury freehold apartments and

villas, its own shopping and retail outlets, five

Five-Star hotels and two marina boutique

hotels, two 18-hole PGA Golf Courses, a 200-

berth inland marina and a marina town,

restaurants and cafes. World class hotels such

as Club Med, Rotana and Mövenpick Hotels &

Resorts have been designed to enhance the

atmosphere of the area, each capitalizing on

the beauty of the coast with easy access to the

beach. Work is ongoing on the Rotana Hotel.

A club house will also be developed around

the golf course, which is in the stages of

being shaped. ‘Salalah Beach’ will play a

fundamental role in harnessing the country’s

tourism potential.

Two marina boutique hotels; namely ‘Lagoon’,

and Juweirah add further ambience to the

marina town. The marina is surrounded by six

marina apartment blocks that are in finishing

stages. The apartments range from 1 to 3

bedrooms starting from 74 sq m.

The villas part of this integrated tourism

complex come with a varied choice of

architectural designs and beautiful views of

the lagoon, mountains, the sea and the golf

courses. These villas will be neighbours to

five star hotels and within walking distance

from the marina town, which will be the heart

of entertainment. Villa choices range from 3 to

6 bedrooms starting from 266 sq m.

Salalah Beach

Salalah Beach Marina Apartments

jeBel sifahLocated along Sandy white beaches and

turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea with

a backdrop of the majestic Hajjar mountain

range, the distinctive appeal of Jebel

Sifah as a destination lies in it being a

beckoning getaway with close proximity to

the capital (Located 45km from the capital),

accessible in less than an hour’s drive. The

drive to Jebel Sifah, takes you through a

peaceful fishing village, beautiful views

of the mountains and the sea. Jebel Sifah

is spread over an area of 6.2 million sq m.

This dramatic mountainous setting will be

home to luxurious freehold apartments and

villas of diverse architecture and style, four

Five-Star hotels and a marina boutique

hotel, up to 100 berth inland marina and

marina town, retail venues, restaurants

and cafes.

The project will house Oman’s first Four

Seasons, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and

Angsana Resorts & Spas and Hotel Missoni,

by the Italian fashion house ‘Missoni’. The

Jebel Sifah project is also home to Sifawy

boutique hotel that stands in the heart of

the Marina Town and is the first to open its

doors to guests in 2011.

The villas and apartments part of this

project come with varied architectural

style and views that range from marina,

mountains, golf course and the sea. The

villas are available from 2 to 6 bedrooms

starting from 266 sq m, construction is

ongoing on the villa’s. Eighteen blocks

have been dedicated to providing novel

apartment homes around the Marina. The

apartments give way to Marina views,

and are ideally located near retail shops,

restaurants and cafes. The choice in

marina front apartments range from 1 to

3 bedrooms, starting from 120 sq m. The

18 apartment blocks are receiving their

final finishing touches and handing over

will start in Q3 2011. Mock-up villa and

apartment are ready on site for visit.

Jebel Sifah Marina

Jebel Sifah Marina Apartments

Jebel Sifah

12 SIGNATURE LIVING

REAL ESTATE CHECKSignature Living takes a look at some of the premium options available in the city...

PROPERTIES

A new destination for the upscale

traveller and international resident,

The Wave, Muscat is Oman’s pre-

mier project, offering freehold status

to all purchasers - Omanis, GCC nationals and

expatriates alike. It is located on a continuous

seafront site in Muscat and is in the heart of the

natural growth corridor of the Omani capital. It

offers easy and straightforward access to major

shopping centres, medical facilities, the interna-

tional airport and international schools, and is

approximately a 20-minute drive from downtown

Muscat.

Inspiration OmanThe Wave, Muscat combines more than 4,000

magnificent properties, a 400-berth Marina, the

Greg Norman signature golf course, a quartet of

leading hotels and new retail, leisure and dining

opportunities. It is the first integrated resort and

residential development to be undertaken in the

greater Muscat region.

The project’s captivating architecture and design

have already garnered major industry plau-

dits. The Wave, Muscat has been the recipient

of numerous international and national design

awards from CNBC Arabian Properties and

Homes Overseas. In addition to the Homes Over-

seas award for The Best Luxury Development,

it was also awarded Best Development Design,

Best Marina Design, Best Apartment Design and

Best Golf Course Design.

The reason for The Wave, Muscat’s success is

clear for all to see. World-class architects, Triad

Oman Consultants International, Meletitiki (Alex-

andros N. Tombazis) and ER International (Carlo

Santini), have successfully translated traditional

Omani designs and way of life into a modern,

workable and progressive master plan for a new

village community. Villas, townhouses and apart-

ments are set in sympathetically landscaped

THE WAVE, MUSCAT

14 SIGNATURE LIVING

chic urban lifestyle together with the advantages

of living by the marina at the heart of town in

Oman’s first master planned community.

As the focal point of The Wave, Muscat the 400

berth Marina is surrounded by restaurants,

shops and cafés, acting as a magnet for people

who want to socialise, celebrate or relax against

the backdrop of a stunning panorama.

The art of hospitalityThe Wave, Muscat features two of the finest

names in global hospitality; Fairmont Hotels &

Resorts and Kempinski. Fairmont is a leader

in the international hospitality industry, with a

worldwide reputation for excellence. Its diverse

portfolio includes historic icons, stylish resorts

and up-to-the-minute city centre properties.

From the beaches of Hawaii and Bermuda to

the heart of New York City, all of its hotels offer

an exceptional guest experience that is uniquely

‘Fairmont’. Fairmont offer guests a remarkable

and extraordinary place that is created by com-

bining distinctive architecture and structure, ex-

pressive decor and artistry, and superb features

all in one illustrious setting. Add great service to

this and the end result is an amazing experience

that makes a stay truly memorable.

Hassle-free tenancy and landlord serviceThe Wave, Muscat, the nation’s landmark free-

hold development and first Integrated Tourism

Complex (ITC), has expanded its property man-

agement offering with the formation of a new

specialised Lease Department. David Stafford,

VP Sales and Marketing of The Wave, Muscat,

said the new department was launched in re-

sponse to increased demand for a hassle-free

tenancy and landlord service.“In a market cat-

egorised by a shift from speculators to end users

as the project matures there has been increased

demand for residential leasing over the last two

years, and by leasing direct from the developer

tenants will be assured of the widest selection of

premium properties.” The Wave, Muscat has al-

ready delivered in excess of 660 villas, townhous-

es and apartments and the new Leasing Depart-

ment is a natural extension of the value added

services to help new owners rent their properties

and provide an easy and accessible option for

those wanting to call The Wave, Muscat home.

grounds featuring broad tree-lined boulevards,

green parks and inland pools and waterways

filled with gently moving seawater. Planting

has been carried out with water conservation in

mind.

What is more, the new Marina has revitalised

the area, attracting motorboats and the type of

yachts that, until now, have seldom been seen

in Oman, whilst the 18-hole green links-style golf

course, designed by Greg Norman, and its golf

academy, indoor practice nets, gym, spa, treat-

ment facilities, pool bar and tennis courts are

proving a huge attraction for tourists and resi-

dents alike.

And for those with a little foresight, The Wave,

Muscat offers an incomparable opportunity to

secure a valuable investment by tapping into

the long-term potential of Oman’s premier water-

front destination. The Wave, Muscat is an inspi-

rational, world-class destination now welcoming

international property investors across the globe.

The Wave, Muscat has also signed MoUs with a

number of leading banks including Bank Mus-

cat, HSBC, Standard Chartered, National Bank of

Oman and Oman Arab Bank, thereby offering its

customers a range of mortgage solutions.

Designs that dreams are made ofTowards the end of 2010 The Wave, Muscat

launched an exciting new villa project; a first

of-its-kind design previously not offered that has

been developed in response to customer feed-

back.

Already offering a wide range of beachfront vil-

las, villas and townhouses, the emphasis in the

new design is efficient living space and added

lifestyle community features, such as mature

green landscaping and garden walkways that

connect residents through spacious parkland ar-

eas to the beach and recreational facilities.

Over the next twelve months, The Wave, Muscat

will hand over a number of its core lifestyle and

tourism offerings, including the Sultanate’s first

18-hole PGA standard Greg Norman golf course,

400 berth Marina and Phase I of the Retail Vil-

lage, adding new dimensions to residential liv-

ing within The Wave, Muscat’s growing and dy-

namic community. To date over 1,000 properties

have been sold and more than 600 delivered

with more than 300 families already calling The

Wave, Muscat home.

A slice of utopiaThe wide-open spaces and ingeniously designed

landscaping give rise to The Wave, Muscat being

a breathtaking place to live, creating a way of life

that is perfect for community living. In fact, inhab-

itants actually talk to one another, with more and

more people being drawn in to celebrate what

has developed into a healthy community-based

lifestyle.

A lively town centre, a refreshingly pure natural

environment and a philosophy designed around

a string of neighbourhoods, featuring a variety

of villas, townhouses and apartments, each suc-

ceeding in nurturing an ambiance that’s unadul-

terated joy.

Residents are no more than a few hundred me-

tres away from the beach or prime waterfront

areas, with footpaths providing easy access to

carefully landscaped green spaces and water-

ways flowing serenely through the broad, tree-

lined boulevards of the residential areas. You’d

be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled upon a

slice of Utopia.

The focal point Living around a marina area is looked upon as

one of the most sought after lifestyle options. The

meticulou sly planned Marina at The Wave, Mus-

cat offers residents the exhilarating vibrancy of a

PROPERTIES

SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH

The project is a partnership between

Saraya and Omran, Oman’s tourism

development and investment arm. The

development area covers the moun-

tains’ foot slopes, valleys, beach front, and two

of the site ridges.

Discover Saraya Bandar JissahAs an Integrated Tourism Complexes project

(ITC), Saraya Bandar Jissah is available to all na-

tionalities and entails 100 per cent freehold prop-

erty rights plus many other attractive benefits.

Located on the North East outskirts of Muscat and

nestled amongst the distinctive splendor of the

Hajjir Mountains, Saraya Bandar Jissah is situ-

ated in one of the most attractive sites on what is

a spectacular coastline.

In Persian, the word “Bandar” is defined as a

haven and Bandar Jissah lives up to its name,

concealing therein secrets of magnificence and

beauty. It is a portrait that blends the beauty of

nature in its purest form with a sense of exclusiv-

ity, elegance and charm.

Saraya Bandar Jissah is built on 2.2mn sqm

(220 hectares) of a curved beachfront sheltered

by a mountain ridge. The secluded destina-

tion caters to the desires and expectations of

your optimum way of living through a combi-

nation of rugged mountains, golden soft sands,

landscaped green grass, a tranquil blue ocean

and the peaceful turquoise lagoon, blending

to create impeccable scenery and embody

16 SIGNATURE LIVING

OmranOmran is mandated by the Government of Oman to deliver major projects and manage tourism assets and Investments. This is in line with the Government’s vision of positioning tourism as a major economic driver of the future and generator of employment. Omran’s growing project portfolio includes some of the largest developments in Oman such as the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Having delivered the 2nd Asian Beach Games facilities in record time and with a impressive HSE record, it is now focusing on the delivery of its numerous projects spanning the country. Omran is also a prominent asset manager owner and of tourism assets in Oman. Saraya HoldingsSaraya’s vision is to compose a world of distinctive and cherished experiences. Its mission is to offer an exclusive experience in luxury travel, tourism, and lifestyle by focusing on turning locations into luxurious tourist destinations.Aiming to provide superior quality real-estate products, Saraya offers customers exceptional services to ensure a personalised, luxurious and memorable experience.

equilibrium. Saraya Bandar Jissah reflects the

essence of harmony as it brings together nature

and good living with a selection of lavish resi-

dential components and luxurious outlets rang-

ing from recreational facilities to commercial

venues in addition to the highest calibre inter-

national hotel brands. It is designed based on a

modern contemporary theme while still catering

to the culture and heritage of the area.

All residential units and hotels have been

planned to give their residents or guests the

feeling of being connected to the external envi-

ronment. Stunning views are framed by strong

architectural forms and glazed walls slide away

to connect the interior with the exterior allowing

the spaces to flow together.

Saraya Bandar Jissah residents also have access

to a state of the art recreational facility located

in the centre of the community. The club has

magnificent views over a beautifully manicured

park, which will give families a place to enjoy the

outdoors and come together as a community for

special functions and activities creating a sense

of belonging for its members.

PROPERTIES

Are you looking for that perfect life-

style; one that balances business

with pleasure and where life runs

easy and smooth; where the sun

nearly always shines; where the mountains

shelter and the sea beckons? This perfectly de-

scribes the lifestyle that awaits in Muscat Hills

apartments, located on the first grass PGA

championship Golf Course in Oman.

Located only moments from Seeb international

MUSCAT HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

18 SIGNATURE LIVING

airport with easy access to the Gulf of Oman’s

sandy beaches, Muscat Hills is situated in the

foothills of the Hajar Mountains and therefore

away from the noise of aircraft and road traf-

fic. Also the area around Muscat Hills (but not

too close) has been earmarked for the devel-

opment of a new Oman Culture and Heritage

Centre, Convention Centre and the new Cen-

tral Business District.

The Golf Resort Lifestyle Today Golf resort living has fast become one

of the most desirable and exclusive lifestyles

in the world. As a resident of Muscat Hills

you will be offered an unparalleled interna-

tional community experience , a retreat from

the pressures of modern life, sumptuously

verdant surroundings and of course a perfect

game of golf on your doorstep.

An unsurpassed investment opportunity, the

modern architectural design of Muscat Hills

two-bedroom apartments provides for gracious

living and total freedom for owners to create

their own interior decor. Every apartment is

spacious and fabulously appointed with high

quality fixtures and built-in fittings. Generous

windows provide breathtaking views with an

abundance of indoor natural light and the liv-

ing area and bedrooms all have their own out-

side terraced balconies. There are a total of 29

apartment blocks around the golf course, con-

sisting mostly of two-bedroom units at 163sqm

each, besides some three and four bedroom

Penthouse units at 356sqm. Almost all units

face the golf course and are only three-floors

high. The ground floor units have walk-out ter-

races to the communal garden and the upper

units have balconies, providing breathtaking

views of the surrounding area.

The Best of all Worlds After enjoying your round of golf on the 800,000

m2 of lush green fairways and greens, Muscat

Hills also offers residents the best of all worlds

with the opportunity to walk, jog, cycle and

pursue other outdoor leisure activities around

the 13kms of cart track that vein the course.

And when all the hard work is done there is

always the friendly atmosphere of the Muscat

Hills Clubhouse facility to enjoy, an experience

to be cherished for a life time.

PROPERTIES

RIMAL, AQAR

20 SIGNATURE LIVING

AQAR’s (Al Khonji Real Estate &

Development) brand new luxury

residential project for Omani

and GCC residents boasts 254

apartments, two swimming pools, a shopping

mall and three levels of underground park-

ing. Called RIMAL, it will be marketed and

sold by Better Homes Oman. The modern new

apartment residences will be centrally located

in Bowsher providing easy access to the new

southern expressway and 23rd July Street and

spectacular views of the neighbouring Muscat

city, Bowsher sand dunes, mountains, sea and

Muscat skyline

The new develop-

ment will be one of

the largest of its kind

in Muscat covering

50,000sqm and is

made up of one, two

and three bedroom

single-storey homes

as well as three and

four bedroom duplex

apartments together

with a maid’s room.

The complex will en-

courage modern liv-

ing where residents

will enjoy high end

leisure facilities such

as two private gyms,

one for men and one for women, a choice of

two swimming pools for children and adults, a

shopping mall, climate controlled corridors and

three levels of underground parking - making

RIMAL one of the most convenient places to live

in Muscat.

The project takes its name RIMAL – which is

Arabic for sand dune – from its location next to

the famous dunes of Bowsher. RIMAL’s archi-

tecture and apartment designs have been very

carefully planned by AQAR to combine a host

of modern and traditional features conscious

of its local surroundings as well as providing

residents with a range of flexible layouts and

spaces guaranteed to suit every home owner’s

needs whether they are living alone or with

their family.

RIMAL is not the first real estate development to

join the AQAR portfolio. AQAR is the name and

brand identity for Al Khonji Real Estate & Devel-

opment with many years of experience in prop-

erty development,

architecture and

the implementation

of other projects in

the Muscat area

such as Qurum Ter-

race, Qurum Hills,

Al Wadi complex

and more. Better

Homes Oman has

been appointed as

the official real es-

tate agent responsi-

ble for the sales and

marketing of all 254

RIMAL apartments.

All apartments

come with a selection of white goods, including

an electric cooker, refrigerator and extractor

hood and a washer/dryer as well as a selec-

tion of contemporary, high quality fixtures and

fittings. Telephone, internet, cable and satellite

connections all come as a standard feature pro-

viding all new residents with everything they

need to start their life at RIMAL.

PROPERTIES

“WE HAVE SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND EFFORT MAKING SURE THAT RIMAL HAS EVERY-THING HOME OWNERS WILL NEED FOR THE MOST COM-

FORTABLE LIFESTYLE POSSIBLE WHICH INCLUDES A CENTRAL

LOCATION, LEISURE FACILITIES AND AMENITIES ALL AT THEIR

DOORSTEP.”

MOHAMED AL KHONJI, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF AQAR

“WE HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED A GREAT DEAL OF INTER-EST IN RIMAL FROM BUYERS WHO ARE IMPRESSED WITH THE

LOCATION, THE LAYOUTS OF THE APARTMENTS AND THE QUALITY OF THE ARCHITECTURE, WHICH ISN’T SURPRISING

CONSIDERING THAT IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY MOHAMED AL KHONJI AND HIS BROTHER QABOOS AL KHONJI, WHO HAVE

BEEN ABLE TO INCORPORATE THEIR PASSION FOR EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE INTO THIS PREMIUM NEW PROJECT AT THE

SAME TIME STAYING TRUE TO THEIR OMANI HERITAGE.”

GLENN MEEK, GENERAL MANAGER FOR BETTER HOMES OMAN

AL JAWHARA RESIDENCE TOWELL PROPERTY

22 SIGNATURE LIVING

Towell Property’s new luxury resi-

dence, Al Jawhara Residence, is lo-

acted in Madinat al Sultan Qaboos

(MASQ), an area synonymous with

a best in class residential complex in Mus-

cat. Designed by Talati and Panthaky (India’s

leading design firm

specialising in Ar-

chitecture, Sustain-

able Planning and

Interior Design) the

residence is built in

traditional Omani

style, evocative of

classic residential

buildings and boasts

bespoke amenities

for each unit.

The projectAnother first in

Oman’s Real Estate

sector, Towell Prop-

erty’s ‘Al Jawhara

Residence’, comes

with a private plunge swimming pool in

each apartment.

The residences are elegant and spacious, with

their open plan living and dining areas, master

and guest bedrooms with en-suite bathing fa-

cilities and fitted Jacuzzi, a powder room and a

full-sized kitchen with German Hacker fittings.

The residences also come with a maid’s room,

weather safe basement parking for each unit,

elevator for easy access and split air condition-

ers and 24-hour customer service and mainte-

nance facilities.

Even more impres-

sive are the floor

and glass doors

leading to a private

plunge pool, giving

views to the horizon

and adding to the

feeling of infinite

space.

Towell Property

has been providing

luxurious homes

since 1970 in Mus-

cat, Oman. Towell

Property is a diver-

sified real estate

company catering to over 30 nationalities and

around 150 companies, with landmark projects

in residential, commercial, and warehousing

and staff accommodation. Al Jawhara Resi-

dence is the latest offering aimed at providing

you with the best in luxury and comfort.

PROPERTIES

“WITH CONTEMPORARY FLAIR AND A PREMIER LOCATION IN THE HEART OF MASQ, AL JAWHARA RESIDENCE IS A

UNIQUE OFFERING. A BLOCK AWAY FROM SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS,

AL JAWHARA OFFERS SPECTACULAR VIEWS, HIGH-

END FINISHES AND AN AMENITY-RICH LIFESTYLE.”

IVOR BRAGANZA, CEO, TOWELL PROPERTY

The origins of Omani architecture can be

said to have been strongly influenced

by the need for safety and belonging.

By studying the earlier architecture of

the region, it can be observed that the trend in a

community or a village was to erect houses very

close to one another, that is if they had not been

built wall-to-wall, then they would have a secure

wall encompassing the community or village as

a protection from outsiders and as a means of

creating an identity for the citizens. Another as-

pect of early Omani towns’ layout is its limited

employment of public spaces and use of narrow

walkways between the structures. A fascinating

example of this is the ‘Sur Al Lawatia’ at Mutrrah

ROOTED IN HERITAGEHasna Al Lawati on what makes Omani architecture so unique and Muriya’s efforts to protect and preserve these features in contemporary projects

VIEWPOINT

Sur Al Lawatia at Mutrrah corniche

24 SIGNATURE LIVING

corniche, where the ‘Sur’ (Arabic for wall) sur-

rounds the houses of the Al Lawati community,

whose features match the former description.

Another interesting observation of the early

Omani architecture is how every region utilised

architecture differently to adapt to their environ-

ment. For example, the people of Jebel Al-Akh-

dar designed terraced houses to cope with the to-

pography of their mountainous habitat, while the

people of Dakhiliyah preferred to build in clus-

ters and have farms, mosques and souqs near-

by. Furthermore, protection was also required

against common climatic factors; mainly the

impact of sun, heat, wind and sand, which were

resisted by the use of solid natural materials such

as stones, clay and concrete for the construction

of slabs and walls with a general trend for small-

er windows and wooden traditional doors.

The Development The development of Omani architecture has been

led at a steady pace, unlike the world’s drastical-

ly fast architectural development; Omani archi-

tecture has developed uniformly and smoothly

with the growing sense of independence of the

Omani citizens. This independence was firstly

depicted in the change of the previous town

planning concept, where individuality has struck

and the Omani families’ housing preference has

taken a more private approach by having an in-

dividual villa for each family with a recess space

and a wall surrounding the family’s villa. The

resemblance to the Omani culture at this stage

merely lies in the features of the façade such as

employing traditionally designed doors, domes,

parapets etc.

Moreover, with the Omani citizen’s growing self-

actualization and acknowledgement of their

own potential and the massive potential of their

rich land, the architectural development has

bloomed, the construction of public spaces has

significantly increased; beginning with schools,

hospitals, working spaces, gardens, wide roads

and bridges to the construction of malls and

recreational facilities keeping in mind that en-

vironmental protection is a priority. Recently, a

great focus has shone on boosting tourism, thus

combining the Omani culture’s hospitality with

modern ideas; the development of hotels and re-

sorts has become very popular especially in big-

ger cities like Muscat, Salalah and Suhar. This is

when Muriya took the initiative to start investing

in three large-scale projects in the Sultanate.

The present and future The architectural achievements of Oman are

truly applauding and for continuous architectur-

al beauty and excellence, the architectural lan-

guage needs to address aspects of sustainability,

innovation, renewable energy and reserving the

environment. The department of Design, Engi-

neering & Planning at Muriya is working towards

this, by aiming to preserve and protect the envi-

ronmental treasures and has done so through

the protection of beaches, sand dunes and wadis

on their lands in a natural way. Muriya has also

employed the use of sewage tank plants (STPs)

for recycling grey water, to be used for irrigation,

in all of their developments, as well as having a

recycling plant in Jebel Sifah.

Moreover, natural elements from the sites such

as rocks are used to construct the boundary

walls and pavements of the Marina at Salalah

and Jebel Sifah. Finally, the use of solar powered

electrical buggies for transportation in El Soda

Island and a solar catamaran as an eco-friendly

approach is planned.

The writer is Design Engineer with the depart-

ment of Design, Engineering & Planning, Muriya

Tourism Development Terraced houses in the mountains of Oman

VIEWPOINT

When it comes to buying prop-

erties anywhere in the world

there is a famous three word

phrase that has always proved

the best advice you can have, “location, location,

location”.

This proves surprisingly accurate, whether it is

applied to a first time buyer or to the most expen-

sive property in the world. Why do I say surpris-

ing? Well, like everyone, I dream of winning the

lottery or somehow inheriting obscene amounts

of money to buy myself the best that money can

buy. Of course, once you have finished fantasis-

ing about it, you do allow your thoughts to shift to

your ideal property.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONLee O’Donoghue on dream homes and buying properties

Monte Carlo is still the home for the rich and famous with property prices averaging over US$47,500 per square metre

26 SIGNATURE LIVING

My dream home or homes would be an island in

Fiji, a castle in Scotland, a chateau in the south

of France with its own vineyard, an estate in the

south of Europe overlooking the Mediterranean,

or more locally in the stunning mountains over-

looking the sea on the coast east of Muscat. I think

very few would dream of buy a house some-

where in the middle of a city, however if we were

to be practical that’s probably where we would

end up buying.

Given the complexities of modern life, more and

more people are opting to living in cities and the

predictions are that this shift will continue more

rapidly over the coming

years. It doesn’t matter how

wealthy you are your prima-

ry residence will be dictated

by your daily routine wheth-

er its proximity to work, dis-

tance of school runs access

to public transport etc. Once

you have identified your

requirements, your budget

will dictate the neighbour-

hood and size of the property

you choose. Taking this in to

consideration you would not

be surprised to know that

the most expensive prop-

erty, valued at US$1 billion,

is located in one of the most populous cities in

the world. It is common knowledge that real es-

tate in places like London and New York is very

expensive, but I don’t think many of you would

have guessed that the most expensive property is

actually in Mumbai. Built on a 4,500sqm plot, this

27-storey building is a product of acquired taste.

Monte Carlo still is the home for the rich and

famous with property prices averaging over

US$47,500 per square metre, more than double

that of second place, Moscow (nearly $21,000).

The biggest deal done last year in this time of

recession was for a 1,600sqm penthouse apart-

ment for US$340 million, which is a staggering

US$212,500 per square metre!

Third on the list of most expensive properties per

square meter is London. Although the United

Kingdom has been severally hit by the recent

recession and even major cities like Dublin have

seen massive drops in property price, London

has not experienced the same problems. There

are still investors looking to put their money some-

where and London is seen as a safe option due to

good rental returns. It is a safe option because it

has been established over

a long period and survived

many recessions. It also has

a large working, well paid,

population that requires

somewhere to live. I recent-

ly attended a property event

at BankMuscat where they

were promoting London

properties. This event was

targetted at the expatriate

market, but it was the Omani

nationals that showed the

biggest enthusiasm to in-

vest. London is currently at-

tracting a lot of interest from

the Gulf nationals as well

as people from the Sub Continent and Russia.

Prices are dictated by supply and demand and

therefore with this global attraction, London pric-

es will always be amongst the highest.

So, this brings us back to my initial point. Re-

member, when buying a property, unless it is

pure indulgence, remember the three key words,

“Location, Location, Location”.

The writer has worked for the last five years

within the Oman Real Estate Sector.

THE BIGGEST DEAL DONE

LAST YEAR IN THIS TIME OF

RECESSION WAS FOR A 1,600SQM

PENTHOUSE APARTMENT FOR US$340

MILLION

London is among one of the most expensive places to own a property

VIEWPOINT

Diar Al Habib properties 0nly if you

want the best. So Think positive, think

Diar Al Habib

PO Box: 2663, PC 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of OmanTel: 24702666, Has’san : 92887266

Semi detached brand new Villa for rent between Madinat Qaboos and Madinat Al ellam ,This lovely property provides spacious and bright rooms and has well designed accommodation comprising of: 5 bed room + big family hall + asking rent OR 1100 per month .Property Ref: DA M1123

Twin brand new Villa Boushar 35, 5 bed room + 2 Family hall + 1 Majles - plot 690 sq and built up area 680 sq asking price OR 350,000 Property Ref: DA M1143

Semi detached villa foe sale at Ansub 3 - 4 bed room – 1 family + 1 majlis -sizes are Villa A - plot 325 SQ Built up area 240 price 100,000 Villa B - plot 325 SQ Built up area 183 price 95,000Villa C - plot 325 SQ Built up area 185 price 95,000Villa D - plot 325 SQ Built up area 290 +250 price 130,000Property Ref: DA A1845

Villa for sale at bousher height - 6 bed room + 2 Majles - 2 family hall + garden – 1year old

Plot size 650 sq– built up area 500 sq -asking price OR 260 ,000 Property Ref: DA B 923

Villa for sale at khweir 25 - 6 bed room + 2 Majles - 2 family hall + – 4year old Plot size 450 sq– built up area 500 sq -asking priceOR 250 ,000 - Property Ref: DA K 943

28 SIGNATURE LIVING

FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTUREWhat’s trending when it comes to architecture in 2011? Signature Living finds out…

TRENDS

Here comes the sunWith the world looking at new sustainable forms of energy, the focus on the

design world too seems to heading in this direction. Solar architecture refers

to an approach to building design that takes advantage of climatic condi-

tions to achieve comfort rather than depending on artificial energy. Solar

engineers have now developed a ‘glaze’ system that can be ‘architecturally

integrated into the facades and roof atria of buildings while still providing

maximum outside views and diffuse daylight for building users. And contrary

to what most people think, the new trends have an accent on beautification

as all. So you see, solar architecture is not just about ugly solar panels!

Small is sensibleLarge, super-sized homes

are out. Simple and prag-

matic is in. The recession

has taught people to look

before they leap and live

within their means. Smaller

homes mean easier to man-

age and design and lower

costs. They will also be eas-

ier to sell. With recession

also came less dependence

on non-essentials and that’s

seen in the simple, geomet-

ric design of furniture.

Home is where the heart isWith more and more people working out of home, opting for flex-times, home space will be designed to as-

similate work activity, and work as a hub. Individual offices, within the home will be common. In this scenario,

kitchens will also be a central place to work and brainstorm – bringing business and pleasure together – more

like an informal office environment within a home. Both office and home blend seamlessly if you want it to!

Green is inGreen architecture is growing in popularity as more and more people see and under-

stand the benefits of constructing sustainable, energy efficient and environmentally

friendly buildings. By using the concepts of green architecture, houses and industrial

spaces can be built that are not only in harmony with their surroundings but can save

money on heating, lighting and water bills. Solar panels, small scale wind turbines, re-

cycling grey water (waste water from showers, baths and wash basins) and rainwa-

ter harvesting, there are a variety of ways in which buildings and homes can become

green.

Minimalism is here to stayBasic structures and furniture are minimalist. Materials for building are basic too includ-

ing the cement, the patters and interiors. Geometric shapes and minimalist design are

all the rage. Did you know that minimalism is a long tradition in Japanese culture? It sig-

nifies wahi and sabi, wahi meaning quiet taste and sabi being elegant simplicity. ‘Do-

ing more with less’ is the motto here. A structure’s beauty is also determined by playing

with lighting, using the basic geometric shapes as outlines, using only a single shape or

a small number of like shapes for components of design unity. Tasteful non-fussy bright

colour combinations, usually natural textures and colours, clean and fine finishes are

the hallmarks of minimalism.

30 SIGNATURE LIVING

INNER BEAUTYSignature Living compiles a few interior decor trends that can help you shape that luxury home…

Patterned ExistencePatterns make a comeback in a big way, showing an increase in surface interest. Patterns can be

found in woven textures, beadwork or fretwork. They are painted, embroidered, carved, beaded

and show all kinds of interesting influences from all different corners of the world. The influences

can be anywhere from folk art, Mexican patterns or tribal Africa. Experts predict that you will see

influences of shapes found in nature.

Colour Splash While it seems likely that turquoise will still stick around, it seems the 1970s will also

play a major role in determining colour choices. Greens ranging from different of avo-

cado to olive seem to be big, but then, so is teal. Remember teal? Purples that have

been greyed, or are paired with greys seem to be popular. Melon also sounds like a

color you will see frequently. According to Pantone the color for 2011 is Honeysuckle.

TRENDS

Art speaksBe it wall tapestries, sculpted metal

wall art, or canvass paintings, art is

always in fashion. The trend now

seems to be shifting to furniture as

well and you can see more and

more art directly on furniture as

well. Modern Art makes its appear-

ance too along with photographic

art. Arresting imagery, in color and

black and white, of streetscapes,

landscapes, portraits and still life

can make any wall come alive

and therefore is a trend to watch

out for.

Glass Metallic Finishes and AccentsGlass can be found in all its different manifestations from antique and vintage looks to mod-

ern or retro. Jewel tones, soft earth tones, or mercury glass, you name it and it is there. It can

be highly polished, or look simple and hand-crafted. Glass can be found in lamp bases, ac-

cessories, or wall art. Green Metallic finishes have been popular for a few years. Gold and

copper along with silver are also being used in textiles as well as rugs. Metal lends an air of

luxury, and both shiny and subdued metal looks have been predicted for this year.

Victorian-French EffectThink Victorian style brassy met-

als that have a rusty, hand-beat-

en look. Industrial metals and

elements such as gears, pulleys,

and decorative brackets, and

hinges are used alongside with

crystals and velvet.

Apart from the Victorian influ-

ences, the French seem to be

casting their spell. The Old World

romance of vintage French

pieces will make a comeback.

French motifs such as fleur de

lys and quatrefoils seem to be

popping up.

Green FurnitureGreen furniture has always been avail-

able, but now it seems to be going main-

stream. Manufacturers are transition-

ing into greener resources and ways of

production. Diminishing resources and

pollution concerns have led to more re-

cycled or repurposed materials. Mate-

rial from torn down buildings is being

used for furniture as a step taken to re-

duce landfills. Multifunctional furniture

has also come into its own.

You can find storage in tables, under

beds, and also in entertainment con-

soles. Technology-driven furniture

seems to be order of the day as well.

While entertainment centers are obvi-

ously made to accommodate the new

entertainment paraphernalia, bedroom

sets, accent tables and other furniture

pieces are also being made to accom-

modate our gadgetry.

32 SIGNATURE LIVING

SIGNATURE PROMOTION

LIGHT MOMENTSVerner Panton was and inspirational and colourful personality. A unique person with a special sense of colours, shapes, light function and room. Over the course of his career Verner Panton (1926-1998) introduced a series of modern lamps with personalities unlike any of his Scandinavian contemporaries. We present to you some of his most famous creations, all of which are available at IdDesign showroom located in Markaz Al Bahja Mall

Fun M.O.PM.O.P. stands for Mother of Pearl (the sea, beach, sun, light, sound, sand; the infinite) Verner Pan-ton uses the world around him for inspiration. Combine materials that would express a great experience in the small details. Fun (M.O.P.) is the best example of the greatness of detail. Of nature’s own solution, combined with the creativ-ity of designs and requirements for functionallity. The result is a lamp where you can feel and hear the world light. Fun was created to be seen and heard. It deserves much more than a corner and a remote spot in your room. Use it as a prominent and inspiring part of your interior design.

OnionThe Onion lamp (in the seventies the lamp was known un-der the name YAMAGIWA) is in form reminiscent of the cross section of an onion and consists of a large number of metal discs lacquered white. These hide the light source and at the same time act as reflectors. The Onion pendant comes in two sizes. Besides the pendant the Onion is also available as table lamp.

Globe The controlled light; the transparent light; the coloured light: Both Panto and VP Globe planets are unusually light globes. An airy bubble that give the light optimum working condi-tions and let it show its best advantage in space. The light discs above and below the shielded bulb and again could be related to the ball allows variation and adaptation of the light to fit the space. And they show Verner Panton's great feeling for the technical aspects, materials and opportunities, and bright.

Spiral Spiral pendants were designed in 1969 by Verner Panton. The Spiral pendants are available in various types of commut-ing. Whether you want them to metal frames or lace, or at 1, 2 or 3 bunches. Available in colours gold, silver, white and multi-colour, the Spiral lamp is anoth-er example of Verner Panton's play with colours and shapes. If the Spiral lamp is hit by a light breeze appears the closest to live and offers a wonderful re-flection of the room.

34 SIGNATURE LIVING

MARVEL AT THESE A famous architect once said, “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” We here at Signature also subscribe to this point of view and want to highlight some of the most stunning architectural accomplishments that may not encapsulate conventional design sensibilities, but they sure have that je ne sais quoi that will keep people flocking to see and marvel at them for eons to come…

WORLDSCAPE

Krzywy Domek (The Crooked House), PolandThe Krzywy Domek is an irregularly-shaped building in Sopot, Poland. Its name translates in to English as the Crooked House. Built in 2004, it is approximately 4,000sqm in size and is part of the Rezydent shopping center. It was designed by Szotynscy and Zaleski who were inspired by the fairytale illustrations and drawings of Jan Marcin Szancer and Per Dahlberg. The Krzywy Domek hon-ours its guests in a special way. It is a tradition that people who participate in cultural events put their signatures on the wall of the Krzywy Domek, named ‘The Wall of Fame’, which is the Polish version of the American Hollywood Walk of Fame.

36 SIGNATURE LIVING

Forest Spiral- Hundertwasser Building, GermanyThe splendid Forest Spiral is located in Darmstadt, Germany. The Bauverein Darmstadt (Darmstadt Building Association) commis-sioned Hundertwasser to design a housing complex with 105 residential units in the Bürgerpark area of Darmstadt. Hundertwas-ser's idea was to plan the building so that it rose up on the site in the form of an afforested spiral. The building begins to rise on the southwestern corner of the site in a constantly climbing meadow to a final height of nine stories on the southeastern corner of the site, where a twelve-story tower rises up 41m providing a unique accent. The facades were designed by Hundertwasser as an al-legory of the Earth’s strata, of the sediment that has been deposited over millions of years.

WORLDSCAPE

Le Palais Idéal, FranceFerdinand Cheval was a postman who built his dream: Le Palais Idéal. A unique site unlike any other, straight out of a country postman’s roaming imagination, the structure is a tribute to the genius of nature, through which Ferdinand Cheval walked each day during his long postal rounds in 1879. He claimed that he had tripped on a stone and was inspired by its shape. He returned to the same spot the next day and started collecting stones. For the next thirty-three years, Cheval picked up stones during his daily mail round and carried them home to build the Palais idéal.

38 SIGNATURE LIVING

Habitat 67, CanadaHabitat 67 is a housing complex and landmark located on the Marc-Drouin Quay on the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Its design was created by architect Moshe Safdie based on his Master’s thesis at McGill University and built as part of Expo 67. The cube is the base, the mean and the finality of Habitat 67; 354 cubes of a magnificent grey-beige build up one on the other to form 148 residences nestled between sky and earth, between city and river, between greenery and light. The whole unites in a gigantic sculpture futuristic interiors, links, pedestrian streets and suspended terraces, aerial spaces, skylights of different angles, large plazas and monumental elevator pillars, without forgetting the openings, here and there.

WORLDSCAPE

Dancing House, PragueThis stunning building, constructed be-tween 1992-1996, is a fine example of a modern, glass building surrounded by historic architecture. The building has daring, curvy outlines, which led its ar-chitects, Vlado Milunc and the Ameri-can Frank O Gehry, to initially name it the ‘Astaire & Rogers Building,’ after the legendary dance duo. The top floor of Dancing House is home to one of the city's leading restaurants, Celeste Restaurant. Diners can enjoy delightful cuisine and magnificent views over the river and up to Prague Castle.

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Manchester Civil Justice Centre, UKThe Manchester Civil Justice Centre was constructed between 2003 and 2007 and is located in the Spinningfields district to the west of Deansgate. The western side of the 80m (260 ft), 17-storey building faces the River Irwell, which marks the border between the cities of Manchester and Salford. It was designed by Australian architects Denton Corker Marshall with engineers Mott MacDonald. The build-ing is notable for the ‘fingers’ at each end that are cantilevered over the lower lev-els. On the western side is an 11,000sqm (120,000 sq ft) suspended glass wall, the largest in Europe.

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The National Library, BelarusThe National Library of Belarus founded on 15 September 1922, is a copyright library of the Republic of Belarus.The 23-storey library is designed in the form of a rhombicuboctahedron (diamond). Designed by architects Victor Kramarenko and Michael Vinogradov, the building is covered with glass panels. During the day, all 24 sides glitter like a diamond. It houses the largest collection of Be-larusian printed materials and the third largest collection of books in Russian behind the Russian State Library (Moscow) and the Russian National Library (St Petersburg).

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Dar Al Hajar, Yemen Dar al-Hajar stands atop a protruding rock formation in Wadi Dhahr, a fertile and pleasant valley of small villages and clay-walled orchards. Pictured in many books about Yemen, it has become a symbol of the country itself. Imam Yahya (1911-48) built the five-storey palace in the 1930s as a summer residence. Building a palace in such an extraordinary place was not his idea; there were already ruins of a prehistoric building on top of the hill. The well penetrating the rocks next to the house is said to date from then. This summer palace of Imam Yahya is actually a group of palaces famous for its delightful location and its beautiful gypsum orna-mentation in the Sana'a style.

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Palau de lese Arts Reina Sofia, SpainThe Valencia Opera House (Palau de lese Arts Reina Sofia) was the creation of well-known architect Santiago Calatrava. This was the last piece of the jigsaw which completed Calatrava's amazing City of Arts and Sciences. El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia sparkles in the sunlight and is shaped like the helmet of an ancient deity. Considered to be the largest opera house in Europe, Palau de les Arts has a seating capacity of 4,400 and was officially opened on 9 October 2005, which is also the National Day of Valencia. The opera house contains the most modern technology and open-air auditoriums for theater, opera and concerts. There are four different halls - the main hall, master room, amphitheatre and chamber theatre.

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Kubuswoningen (cubic houses), The NetherlandsKubuswoningen or cubic houses are a set of innovative houses built in Rotterdam and Helmond in The Netherlands, designed by architect Piet Blom and based on the concept of ‘living as an urban roof’: high density housing with sufficient space on the ground level. Three test versions were first constructed in 1974 and in 18 houses were constructed in Helmond in 1977. The many houses required for a 'woonwoud' (English: living woods) were never realised. The houses in Rotterdam were designed in 1977 in a plan of 55, of which 39 were built.

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