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On our visit to Italy this time, we went through the usual Rome-Florence-Venice routine, and then on a whim, or perhaps because friends raved about it, took a leisurely drive along the Amalfi coastline.

 

And what an experience awaited us! Enchanting is perhaps too scant a word to describe this 50-km stretch in the Campania region.

 

What does it not have by way of dalliance – pastel vistas, diminutive beaches, azure bays, enigmatic grottos, quaint fishing villages, rugged shores, and terraced vineyards?

 

Then there are the famed lemon groves conveniently tucked into the landscape reminding you of the fragrant chilled glass of Limoncello awaiting you on the hotel balcony opening up to an expanse of blue blue sea.

 

 

The serenity makes it hard to imagine that Amalfi was once a bustling maritime power to reckon with, until that fateful earthquake of 1343. It was followed by a massive tsunami, which saw most of the old city claimed by the sea.

 

So, much of what we see today is relatively new. It is interesting to note that the architecture of this region has heavy Arabian, Sicilian and Norman influences.

 

Juxtapose that with the number of villas built in the Mediterranean style in Dubai and you find a striking affinity with the surroundings.

 

The Amalfi landscape, incidentally also a World Heritage Site, is verdant with gardens, both public and private spaces.

 

 

Ravello, for instance, has played muse to many a philosophic heart. Its spectacular gardens and elegant estates that found a common chord with writers D.H.

 

Lawrence, Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster, and composer Richard Wagner, more than complement the striking Mediterranean views.

 

Gardens, one feature that we don’t exploit often enough in our homes, are on full display here, painting the vista in myriad colours –pink Bougainvilleas draped over pretty pergolas, majestic Pandanus and palms share space with vibrant roses and pastel hydrangeas, offering stunning views from the many lookout points or belvederes.

 

Of course, the temperate weather of Amalfi makes the outdoor more inviting, but that does not mean that tropical climates such as Dubai cannot boast of green havens.

 

In Dubai, technology has played a huge role in turning the city green with blooming flowers and luxuriant plants almost everywhere, which is nothing short of a miracle considering that it is in reality a desert!

 

Bringing in the outdoors is possible today with some effective planning. For example, most homes that boast of some greenery ensure constant and proportionate watering.

 

 

If you are looking for inspiration, then Amalfi has all the right answers. The high point of Ravello, a picturesque town in its own right, has to be the famed Villa Rufolo that is the setting for Wagner’s ‘enchanted garden’.

 

The garden itself is true to its name and a riot of colours spread across two levels. Hydrangea, Japanese Spindle, Holly, Oleander, Rosemary, Hawthorn, and many more flowering plants prettify the garden while Cedar, Cypress, Ginkgo, Olive and varieties of lime are just some of the trees.

 

Such an extensive variety will not be possible in Dubai but a resilient and low-maintenance selection can include Raphis palm, Oleander, Pandanus, Ixora, Caecilpinia, Ruelia, Duranta, Bauhinia, Flame of the Forest and Alstonia among several others.

 

 

However, the key to a successful garden is in planning the little details that make the natural beauty stand out and shine. The architects of these Mediterranean gardens knew just how to accentuate the glory of nature.

 

Notice the calm cloister leading to stunning views of a garden bursting with joyous colours or the stark walls forming an apt backdrop for a fiesta of creepers.

 

 

Even today, smart use of hardscapes such as gazebos and pergolas can work wonders to transform a space. An elegant brick pathway or simply some stepping stones can add that old world charm.

 

While natural stone paving is practically on the verge of extinction with ceramic and porcelain tiles ruling the roost, if old is what still enchants you, use natural stones.

 

Lingering on in Amalfi is easy, there is so much to captivate the mind. Travelling around Christmas has its benefits – a glimpse of the popular presepes (nativity scene) complete with intricate and life-like figurines of shepherds, pizza makers, shepherds and sheep!

 

These presepes are prepared at this time of the year and are generally placed near or in fountains, sometimes they are so elaborate that they are permanent features of the landscape.

 

 

In Dubai climes, fountains and other such water features can lend to a cooling and soothing effect in addition to beautifying the area. There is a world of possibility once you find your muse. Are you ready for your green getaway?
 
If you’d like a slice of the Amalfi coast in your home, contact us for a complimentary consultation today.
 

 

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recent projects

Here is a collection of beautiful water features and pools we have designed and built in our clients homes.

 

 

I was born in Mumbai in the month of June when it was raining profusely. I lived for 30 years on the Marine Drive Sea face and heard the sound of the waves flowing and crashing on the large tetrapots.

 

I went to sleep and arose to the sound and sight of the mighty Arabian Sea right outside my window. Water was an inherent part of my life.

 

 

Since 2007 we’ve been building concrete pools of any shape, size and style which bring nature into the homes of our clients and creates a serene environment.

 

Water features and pools require special skills to design and execute them properly. Proportion, size, mechanical and electrical calculations, even the sound of the thud of water and its flow is essential to know how the water will behave once the pool is finished.

 

Milestone excels at this. I am so proud to share with you some of our best Aquascape designs that we have delivered in the last few years.

 

 

This unique design of water flowing on glass makes a subtle sound as the glass is just 30 centimeters above the water and sound is controlled.

 

The water curtain gives the illusion of rain combined with the sound of raindrops. The lighting showcases the glass panel with koi fish with water plants and the 1 meter depth pond is very modern.

 

The entire bio filtering, oxygenating koi pond system is concealed in the pump room and was built to conceal this equipment. This water feature sits in the entrance and is a very nice Vastu and Feng Shui element to enhance the flow of energy into the house.

 

 

Check out some of out best pools – Skimmer, overflow and infinity pools that we have built. Combined with fire, water flowing into the pool, flanked decks, Jacuzzi, each pool is a different experience.

 

Water walls, water flowing into a pond like water basin, immaculate lighting, the choice of the right material, height and depth of the water flow makes them unique.

 

 

A water feature adds a wow factor to the garden. They can be fully automated with an inlet of water, a drain point connected to manholes, vacuum points, filters and a chlorinator to keep them clean just like a pool.

 

You can completely avoid the headache of self-cleaning and have a water features that doesn’t require you to maintain it.  Lastly, as this is a water rotating system, you don’t need to keep changing the water, just like a pool!

 

 

 

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

 

we’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

 

 

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recent projects

Villa Lantana is a freehold villa development within Dubiotech, close to Barsha 3. These villas were launched in 2014 by Tecom Investments, also the master-developer of Dubiotech. Villa handovers commenced from late 2016 through 2017.

 

 

We were contacted to propose a design for a villa landscape. The plot is not too large and architecture very simple, linear and modern. Our intention was to keep the design simple, linear, clutter free and create as much space for ease of movement.

 

Check out the before and after transformation of this space:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pergola is waterproof with a slanted slat sunroof covered by polycarbonate sheet. The space below has an in-built concrete seating with cushions:

 

 

The paving tiled deck complements the color of the wooden facade. Each window has a picturesque look from the inside out and the Buddha sourced by Milestone has a backing of our signature lantern wall – an amazing feature at night!

 

 

Artificial grass keeps water and irrigation costs to a minimum and creates enough space to entertain guests.

 

 

 

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

 

We’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

 

 

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recent projects

 

 

Casa, a Moroccan-styled community with exceptionally designed homes, is a fairly new community in Arabian Ranches 2 adding to the luxury lifestyle choices offered by Emaar. Drawing inspiration from the ever-changing desert landscape, the exteriors of Casa reflect the colors of soft sand and the warm hues of dusk.

 

We were called by the owner in 2016 to complement the villa architecture, keep it simple, modern, easy to maintain and build a nice swimming pool for his family. They owner wanted to have a pergola and barbeque area to entertain guests with a nice outdoor dining and living experience.

 

We presented the plan with just this brief:

 

 

The pool is an overflow pool, aligned parallel to the villa on the left and on the right it follows the slanted boundary wall for maximum space utilization. The pool is flanked by decks on either side to sit and enjoy the serene beauty of water.

 

Deck is tiled with Ceramic wood looking tiles that are easy to maintain and clean. It is so nice to sit and chat with friends, sipping tea, overlooking the children swimming in the pool.

 

The stone clad wall nicely conceals the pool pump room and equipments and gives privacy to the pool shower. The pool safety fence allow the pool to be segregated and makes it baby safe for young children.

 

 

The grass has been kept artificial to keep the water bills down and ease the maintenance and headache of mowing regularly.

 

 

A waterproof pergola is a nice feature for an entertainment area. Check out the beautiful outdoor kitchen with barbeque grill and sink. Conveniently placed near the kitchen and closer to pergola, it gives easy access to their outdoor dining experience.

 

 

The design thoughtfully takes care of their lifestyle needs.

 

 

 

if you’re considering upgrading your existing home or you are moving into a new property, book a complimentary design consultation with us.

 

we’ll help you gain clarity of what you truly want and help you understand the time and cost associated with your project:

 

 

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