With over 300 days of sunshine per year in Spain, its no wonder so many households are taking a shine to solar energy. With the country’s photovoltaic power capacity growing steadily, there’s hope for a more eco-friendly future.

Already thousands of Spanish homes are powered by solar energy and it’s not difficult to see why. Not only is it the cleanest form of energy, but unlike other sources, it’s renewable and there’s no danger of it ever running out.

Watt’s going on?

Solar panels are made up of cells each containing a special material that absorbs the sun’s rays then transforms them into direct current electricity – a process known as photovoltaics.

Since the beginning of this year, over 100 countries have begun generating electricity through photovoltaics, making it the fastest growing power-generation technology in the world, despite only comprising a tiny fraction of the total global capacity from all sources (4800 GW).

Catch the sun

It’s estimated that 7,300 MW of new solar photovoltaic power capacity was installed globally last year – a 20 per cent increase on 2008. Thanks to this, total installed photovoltaic capacity reached a record 21,000 MW, producing enough to power 5.5 million households on the planet.
As well as this, 127 MW of solar thermal energy plants opened in 2009, bringing the total operating capacity to 613 MW.

Ray of light

In terms of development of solar energy, Spain is one of the most advanced countries in Europe. The government are working hard to promote its advantages and continue to export 80 per cent of solar output to Germany. It’s not surprising then that photovoltaics and thermal generated solar energy now counts for around 1 per cent of electricity demand in Germany and more than 2 per cent of the demand here in Spain.

Advances in technology and increases in manufacturing sophistication have steadily brought down the cost of converting light into direct current electricity since the very first solar cells were made therefore, the future’s looking bright for those who choose to go solar!

Day spas, five-star hotels and exclusive country clubs come to E-Z UP not
just because of its visual allure, but also because of its high-grade Sunbrella ® fabric.
Sunbrella ® was created to be water resistant and shield guests with 99%
UV protection, making sure that even when the weather fails, the bungalows
certainly do not. And when the guests have gone home, each pavilion slips easily
and compactly into its own storage bag, ready to be debuted again at your next
gathering.

Bespoke Shade
Nonetheless, you’ll surely want to keep these beautiful cabanas at a
standstill once you’ve seen the many custom options and accessories offered.
If your business is looking for a means of outdoor advertising, the Creative
Gazebos will give your potential clients the ability to associate comfortable,
yet bespoke living with your product. In-house graphic designers can work with
your business to come up with the perfect way to differentiate and promote
your brand, and since there are no limitations when it comes to colour combinations,
your potential for success is only barred by your imagination.

Clients of E-Z UP have confided in Marbellas.com that their luxury bungalows
have not only served as hot tub enclosures or lounge chair coveralls, but also
as additional rooms creating a more defined area in the garden or even a cosy,
romantic corner. Positioning a patio pavilion over a bar set instantly adds
an impressive focal point, a much simpler and less costly alternative to starting
an elaborate construction project. Plus, with customized options, clients can
match their home’s outdoor colour scheme and blend in their bungalows
with poise.

While E-Z UP has been on the market for more than 24 years, their launch into
the casual furniture market has caused quite a stir. In 2006, with only one
year into the new venture, Bungalow by E-Z UP was awarded two coveted Design
Excellence Awards by the Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association.
These awards are considered the highest recognition for product design in the
casual furniture industry and honour manufacturers whose merchandise demonstrate
innovation, fine craftsmanship and great engineering in 10 product categories.

The Bungalow by E-Z UP designs and other accessories (think room screens and
beautiful lighting fixtures) are found at the newest E-Z International location,
Cubre del Sol in Torrox.

CUBRE DEL SOL
Urb. Costa del Oro
Modulo 1 local Nº 7
29793 Torrox-Costa
Malaga Espana
T: +34952531885
M: +34678540976

www.cubredelsol.com
info@cubredelsol.com

A ‘Real’
gem, situated in the beautiful and established urbanization of Torre Real
and set in acres of gardens this 290 square metre dwelling was orginally
two apartments
and has been ingeniously made into one fabulous living area. Situated on
the 5th floor of Torre Real, large landscape windows allow spectacular 360
degree
views to the Mediterranean; to the south and west, the bay of Marbella,
the Rif Mountains in Africa and Gibraltar, then to the north and east, the
iconic
La Concha mountain, the white village of Ojen, and the palm lined
golf course of Rio Real.

Recently renovated with no expense spared on interior design, there are three
spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms. With a wooden parque floor which
runs throughout, the open plan living room with dining area is enormous
yet cosy. The kitchen boasts a full Siematic kitchen which can be used as part
of the living space or with modern smoked glass sliding planels is easily separated
if desired. Perfect for the passionate cook and for entertaining. The
open plan area also comprises a small area for gym/ work out , but could be
used for TV viewing. The 60 sq. mtr. living room terrace faces
out over the sea – no finer place to view the setting sun.

Other features include a dressing room with and abundance of wardrobes and
storage space and the apartment has an unusual amount of built-in stylish bookshelves.

During the modernisation of the property, the windows were replaced with modern
double glass, warm water heating was installed as well as air conditioning.
Both bathrooms have under floor heating and modern appliances.

Five hectares of well kept garden with tall palm trees surrounds the building,
which is one of the very few tall buildings in Marbella. Owners can benefit
from two tennis courts a large swimming pool plus a smaller one for children
and a barbecue area for garden parties.

Also there are two garage spaces with an adjoining basement storage room.
The outside parking area is private for owners and guests and the whole complex
has 24hr security with a concierge in the building.

Quite unique in Marbella, with exceptional views, and a restoration which
has given brightness and a modern freshness to the property, it is just five
minutes by car from the centre and less than half an hour to the airport with
easy access to the toll road.

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Plot Size: 290 m2
Terraces: 60m2 
Price: 1.3 m €

Call 607 627 161 for ‘owner direct’ information and a chance to view this
superb ‘designer’ apartment.

The only outlet to offer a whole
array of CVO flueless fires, guaranteed to add the wow factor to your property,
Pias Chimeneas are on to a winner with these neat, sleek, devices. Almost sitting
flush
to the wall, these designer fires can be installed without requiring a chimney,
are eco friendly, hand made, and simply hang on your wall.

The very coolest way to heat your room, the strip style open flame dancing
within its steel surround makes for compulsive viewing. 100% energy efficient,
this is one hot piece of kit that you can install without fuss and safe in
the knowledge you are being green. Perfect for restaurants and bars as well
as in the home, with multiple fascias to suit your requirements.

Accessorise
If a fire’s not what you’re after, but you want to turn up the
heat in your house and garden over the winter months, Pias Chimeneas is an
Aladdin’s cave of flaming accessories. Make a feature of your pool
while it’s not in use and decorate it with their floating torches. Gas
lit, these torches will make your pool sparkle and shine under the moonlight.
Or choose one of the fire bowls…..a shiny bowl of licking flames that
would look great on any table, filled with a fuel called Bioalcohol which burns
without any smell or smoke – great bowls of fire!

Pias Chimenas also
have a great range of modern and classic fireplaces available, that each
use Bioalcohol, and require no chimney. Or for simple, elegance, choose one
of the glass cubes to brighten up any room, which, when filled with paraffin,
burn using afibreglass wick that never runs out.

Chimeneas, Fire and Design, S.L.
Calle El Califa 564
29660 Nueva Andalucia, Spain
Tel: 0034 951 275 693
info@pias-chimeneas.com

www.pias-chimeneas.com

Famed for its fashion know-how and dedication to style, Italy’s the perfect
place to start when looking at providing your clientele with the very latest
trends in modern furnishings. Gunni have very wisely chosen to work alongside
chic Italian furniture manufacturers B & B Italia – a company with a knack
of anticipating changes in design trends – and include their Canasta
Collection in the Guni Global Store here in Marbella.

Spanish born designer, Patricia Urqiuola has worked with the Italian company
to produce their newest collection of outdoor furniture called the Canasta
Collection. Trained in architecture in Madrid, Patricia completed her formal
studies in Milan
in 1989 under the guidance of prominent architect Achille Castoiglioni. She
then moved into the field of furniture design while working for the De Padova
furniture
company and since then has fast captured the attention of critics across the
world, naming her a design star to keep an eye on.

Inspired by the shapes and style of fruit baskets (known as Canastas in Spanish),
the seats, beds and tables within the range have all been created from lightweight,
weather-resistant
polyethylene fibres that have been woven together – thus creating a basket-like
look and feel. The award winning designer has also drawn on the theme of using
traditional woven patterns within her work for the stunning seats and cushions
that adorn the furniture in the collection. The resulting pieces are stunning
items of design work that would suit any outdoor space in a cool, contemporary
home.

The Canasta Collection includes two types of sofas and armchairs with low
or high back rests, a large rounded armchair and a stunning, slick, chic,
sun
bed. All are available in two subtle tones of cream and bronze. Decorating
each of
the seats in the range are a choice of exquisite cushions of funky floral
or trendy strips in beige, brown, purple and chocolate shades that can
be mixed
up and chosen to suit your own style. A range of stylish cube-like tables
topped with ceramic tiles, that use the same woven designs as seen on the
cushions,
complete the look.
Not sure your outdoor look is up to scratch? Then head down the Gunni Global
Store to check out this collection and enjoy luxurious lounging, Italian
style.

Gunni Global Store, Marbella Club, Local 2. Tel: 0034 951 968 771.

He’s got his Dior collar and swarovski encrusted dog tag -
looking every part the dapper dog he is. However, can your loyal companion
look at his bed with real pride, or does he skulk off to lie down, embarrassed
by the lack of luxury his battered bed provides, dreaming of a better place
to lay his head, of becoming a cool dog.

Well, worry no more. The fantastically chic Gunni Global Stores have come
up with just the ticket for your pooch to relax in absolute comfort with the
launch of their cool dog range. These swanky sofas are designed to keep even
the most particular of pedigrees comfy and content, and will fit in with your
chic interior an absolute treat.

Located on Marbella’s prestigious Golden Mile, Gunni have already fast
made a name for themselves as providing clients with the very best that modern
furniture designers have to offer, and The Cool Dog collection doesn’t
disappoint.

A Pedigree Chum
Personalised to satisfy the taste of even the most demanding clients, models
include the Germain chair, the Moscova chaise longue and the Brook bed. All
designs are produced in three different sizes to suit the smallest of Chihuahuas
right up to the largest of Labradors and come in several colours and finishes,
with every model fashioned from natural wood or stainless steel.

Why skimp on quality and style when it comes to your treasured, prize pooch?
And with Gunni Global Stores offering the perfect solution, right on your doorstep,
there’s absolutely no excuse. Now look your pup in the eye and tell him
he doesn’t deserve it. Go on, try.

The Ascot Barbeque

This fire combines the fun and great tasting food of a barbeque with the look
and warmth of a traditional fire. It is enclosed with a glass front and covered
flue pipes so an unexpected shower won’t mean the end of your evening.
What’s more, this outdoor stove is made of durable steel, which is weather
resistant and blends with your garden all year round.

Pias Chimeneas also stock an extensive range of products to give warmth and
an unusual centre piece for outdoor dining. Their stylish Fire Bowls can be
placed in the centre of an outdoor table or round the edge of a patio for an
interesting focal point, heat and light. Plus, they are designed to stay alight,
even in high winds.

Chimeneas also have other accessories such as candles and lamps to make your
outdoor space shine as well as fires and chimneys from Europe’s leading
manufacturers.

Fire Bowl

Petra from Chimeneas also suggests looking ahead to your heating needs for
the winter before it gets cold again. “Spring and summer is a great time
to plan and install a new fireplace so your home is ready for the winter months.” She
says “When considering your heating needs, it is imperative to plan ahead
and to seek

professional advice on appliance size, chimney location and the
different heating systems available. If someone is in the process of building
and is considering installing fires, they should take their house plans to
an experienced heating provider so they can give you the best advice for all
your heating options. Our professional team will be happy to help with your
queries.”

Contact Chimeneas, Fire and Design, S.L. for more information
Tel: 0034 951 275 693
Email info@pias-chimeneas.com

www.pias-chimeneas.com

Interview: Louise Cook Photography: courtesy of Carlos Lamas.

What projects are you currently working on?
The type of work
I’m doing now has changed – because of current restrictions
in the property sector in Marbella. Until the new urban plan is finalized,
new houses can’t be built, but we are doing a lot of projects in neighbouring
areas such as Benahavis and Estepona, as well as several projects abroad in
Ireland, England and Rumania.

What are the most important considerations when designing a house?
The
major factor is the location of the plot, and what is surrounding it. The
plot lends itself to a particular style of house, depending on whether it is
flat or on a gradient.
Next is the lifestlye of the people who will live in the house. It is a question
of designing a home to live in, not an object. How the client lives is
crucial – as the house is an expression of this. For some people, the
kitchen is the soul of the house, for some, it is a showroom and for others
a kitchen is like a cupboard that is hardly ever opened! The architect has
to mould the house to the lifestyle of its occupants.

In the 21st century home, what features can people not live without?
Tastes
have changed so much. The most important thing for most clients
is having highly contemporary kitchen and bathrooms. Before people in
Marbella would opt for Mediterranean inspired homes, with a strong Andalusian
influence, but now they are looking for cleaner, more pared down designs, neutral
materials, full length windows, infinity pools. This has a lot to do with the
impact of media, films and design magazines.

And now, all kinds of luxuries are considered fundamental – such as gym, sauna,
play room, bodega, underfloor heating, air conditioning, heated pool – the
standard of living in Marbella is very high. This is because people are more
mobile, and spend longer periods in Marbella and want their second home to
be as good as their main residence.

How do you incorporate the client’s ideas into your work?
It
is important that there is a connection between the architect and the person
who will live in the house. It’s a question of sharing the same aesthetic
sense, speaking the same language, as it were. This way, when the client has
suggestions, they are in line with the style of the architect and the ideas
flow.

Do you take Feng Shui into consideration?
Yes – it is vital
and makes perfect sense. Feng Shui is, however, often
misinterpreted – it is not about moving objects around to create good luck
- it is all about harmony between man and his environment. To be honest, most
of the priniciples of Feng Shui are pure commonsense – and make a big difference
to the design of a home or business.

How do you see Marbella architecturally speaking?
I think
it has been overcriticised. Generally, Marbella has many great architectural
features, lots of developments and hotels with fantastic gardens and water
features; the frontline beach area is not overly built up – certainly not like
other coastal towns such as Benalmádena and Torremolinos – and there
are mane exceptional homes – some of the finest in Europe. And let’s
not forget the golf courses – which are like enormous gardens for the
people living on them. I believe it is incredibly important that we don’t
think of the whole coast as a “ciudad lineal”. Marbella has many
unique features that set it apart – so the rules for urban development can
not be applied to Marbella in the same way as other towns on the Costa del
Sol.

And finally, how do you like to relax in Marbella?
Simple – beside a swimming pool with wonderful views and great company.

Estudio
Carlos Lamas, CC Guadalmina Tel: 952886970
www.carloslamas.com

Ingredients:
1 fl oz oil
2 oz unsalted butter
4 oz leeks, finely shredded
1 clove garlic
crushed blackpeppercorns
2 tbspns chopped fennel
1 small glass white wine
4 tbspns double cream
juice from 1 lemon
salt

3 oz black olives, stoned
2 cloves garlic
1 tbspn capers
½ oz anchovy paste
1 tbspn chopped coriander
juice from ½ lemon
pinch allspice
5 fl oz crème fraiche
2 fl oz olive oil
8 scallops
diced tomato flesh for garnish
leaves of fresh coriander for garnish

Method

1. Heat the 1 fl oz of oil and add the butter. Once it’s hot then add
the leeks, garlic and peppercorns. Cook until soft and then add the fennel,
white wine, reduce by half and add the cream and lemon juice.

2. Season to taste, cover and keep warm..

3. Blitz the black olives, garlic, capers and anchovy paste in a food processor
until smooth. Remove and add the coriander, lemon juice, allspice, and creme
fraiche. Place to one side.

4. Heat a griddle pan and lightly grease with the remaining olive oil, season
the scallops with salt and freshly milled black pepper, Cook one side of the
scallops until they are lightly browned and remove from the pan.

5. To serve place a portion of the leeks into a ring mould, remove the ring
and place the scallops on top of the leeks. Using two spoons mould a quenelle
of the black olive salsa on top of the scallops.

Finish with the tomato and coriander garnish.

Marco Dalli and Julian Reynolds

Showcasing the fine Gloria Reynolds  from the Badajoz bodega of the same
name, Marco Dalli and Julian Reynolds organised a charming soiree
of fine wine and food for a select group of Marbella stalwarts. 

Enjoying the cosy ambience of the centrally located Marco Dalli’s Pasta Factory,
guests could savour ample quantities of the well-rounded 2002 vintage produced
at the impressive wineries which were founded in Portugal in 1820 by Thomas
Reynolds, cousin of the famous painter, Sir Joshua Reynolds, founder of The
Royal Academy of Arts.

Melissa, Romilly
and Andres

Several generations later, and the tradition of creating fine wines lives
on. Produced organically using a combination of Elentejo, Trincadeira, Aragones,
Alicante Bouche grape varieties, Reynolds also place great emphasis on the
fine quality of wood used for the kegs and barrels employed in the ageing
process. The Segun Moreau French oak helps to create the special flavour of
the wines.  

A Special Lady
The Gloria Reynolds vintage is the first limited
edition wine produced by the bodega for exclusive distribution through the
bodega’s own wine club.  Membership
is  offered in return for the purchase of a case of Gloria Reynolds per
year (at a reasonable 300€ & IVA), and entitles members to form part
of a connoisseur’s circle of events, harvest parties, and access to the
bodega facilities for events. 

A distinctive, full bodied wine, with a powerful fruity punch, a fair few
bottles of Gloria Reynolds were enjoyed alongside a traditional Italian feast
of bruschetta,
Porcini risotto and fine ribbon pasta prepared with flair
in the open-plan Dalli kitchen. Among the guests enjoying the occasion
and mulling over the possibility of romantic escapes to the charming and
unspoiled winery were Pablo Villarroel, Debbie Pea, Romilly
White, Melissa Gordon and Angela Sharp. 

Debbie, Marco and Roland

Reynolds vintage