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TRAVEL NOTES

Regulars

Salvatore Ferragamo, CEO of Il Borro Resort, Spa and Winery off ers insights on the estate with a thousand-year history and enjoying yourself while in Tuscany, Italy BY YOUNG LIM IMAGES COURTESY OF IL BORRO RESORT, SPA AND WINERY, WWW.RELAISCHATEAUX.COM

Under A Tuscan Sun

Q Where is Il Borro located in Tuscany?

A The resort is situated in the Loro

Ciuffenna commune in the province of

Arezzo within Tuscany. Originally comprising

of a manor house and a medieval village

established in 1039, the current Il Borro estate

has been restored to retain its ancient charm

and re-designed to cater to its new purposes

as a resort, spa and winery.

How large is the estate?

Il Borro is spread over 700 hectares, extending

to the borders of the ancient via dei Setteponti

road in the basin of the Valdarno river valley.

In fact, the name of the resort is inspired by

the craggy rocks (borro) in the ravine formed

by the bed of a stream that medieval village

was built upon. We are located 400m above

sea level and enjoy a climate that is perfect for

a wide range of local fauna and fruit plants,

such as olives and grapes.

What was the vision you set when your

father Ferruccio Ferragamo purchased

the property?

Our main goal was to maintain and improve

its historical essence without changing its

internal and external structures. This is what

weve been doing for the last 20 years since

my father bought the estate. The history and

signs of the past are what make this place

beautiful and unique. For this reason, the

interior decorations reflect all the classic

Tuscan characteristics in an elegant, refined

way without being excessive in style. All

our designs are in perfect alignment with

the outdoor spaces that surround the

apartments and villas of the resort.

Is there a thriving design scene in the area?

The nearby Valdarno region is rich in

arts and culture, because of its proximity

to major cities like Florence and Siena.

Along with Tuscany, these cities are

often considered the cradles of art and

http://WWW.RELAISCHATEAUX.COM

237 SINGAPORE TATLER HOMES |

architecture. Guests to the resort can begin

by visiting the private gallery we have on site,

comprising a collection of antique prints

dating back to the 15th century.

Where can visitors go to view the best

scenery on the estate?

For those who love the Tuscan sunsets

during the summer months, one of the best

places to head to is the swimming pool of

our wellness centre, accompanied by a glass

of wine of course. It is also nice to catch

a view of the main villa from the medieval

village or vice versa, but in order to get a

birds eye view of the entire estate the best

place would have to be the garden in one of

our villas, Chiocci Alto, which is located at

the highest point of the Borro.

Out of the resort, where can guests go to

learn more about the region?

I recommend visiting the main cities nearby,

such as Florence, Arezzo and Siena. Arezzo is

a mere 30-minute ride away from the resort,

while Siena is 45 minutes and Florence is

an hour away by car. In these places, you

can visit the major museums to learn more

about the local art scene and history. There

is also plenty of shopping to be done there.

Some stops that you shouldnt miss are the

Uffizzi Gallery in Florence, the works of Piero

della Francesca in Arezzo and in Siena, the

Piazza del Campo. We also have a variety

of packages and guided tours available at

the resort to provide activities for sports,

wellness, wine and art appreciation.

Where can visitors head to for local

souvenirs?

There are several shops in the medieval

village on the estate offering locally designed

and produced jewellery, fabrics, home

accessories, ceramics, paintings and even

shoes. But the most iconic souvenir from the

region is the extra virgin olive oil, which we

produce on our property. Our winery also

produces Vin Santo, a sweet wine typical

of Tuscany. These make wonderful gifts for

your friends and family back home.

Whats the best time to visit?

Christmas is the best time to visit because

there are fairy lights around and there is a

magical atmosphere in the air. If you are

lucky to encounter snowfall, you can visit the

medieval village covered in white snow.

CLOCKWISE

FROM TOP LEFT

Visitors can spend

the day exploring

the resorts vineyards

and parks; Il Borro is

also an active winery

that produces its own

label; The classic-

styled interiors offer

guests a warm and

cosy atmosphere;

The resort overlooks

scenic views of

the region; The

ancient town is part

of the resort

Visit www.relaischateaux.com/

ilborro for more information.

http://www.relaischateaux.com/ilborrohttp://www.relaischateaux.com/ilborro

XZQT HOME \ 8 PANDAN CRESCENT #01-05 UE TECH PARK \ TEL: 6774 8031 \ WWW.XZQT.COM.SG

XZQT FEATURE

THE AMALGAMATION OF GEOMETRIC BEAUTY AND luxurious materials gives rise to a strikingly glamorous presentation of what practical style and stylish practicality would look like a Cattelan Italia design.

Designs For LifeFounded with the notion of using furniture as a way to experience time, Cattelan Italia has led the way with innovation and elegance to become a leader in the manufacture of Italian furniture. From the ultra-contemporary and attention-grabbing, to the stylish and timeless, every piece of furniture is designed and made with the panache Italians are so famous for. And as a purveyor of fine Italian furnishings, it leaves little to be desired for XZQT to carry the very best.

Bringing Design To The TableLET THE TABLE BECOME A FOCAL

POINT OF THE LIVING SPACE WITH THE

LATEST DESIGNS FROM CATTELAN

ITALIA, AVAILABLE AT XZQT, THAT ADD

STYLISH FLAIR AND FUNCTIONALITY

TO THE CONTEMPORARY HOME

Focus In StyleThe sleek and modern Valentinox dining table combines style and practicality to make an incredible focal point, of the room, and of admiring gazes. Its tempered glass top comes in various shapes for different aesthetics. The two elements of the base create a unique asymmetry not only in terms of shape but also in their contrast in colour and textural finishes. The v is made of stainless steel, while the cylinder comes in three types of polished marble. These components come together for a striking piece of furniture with clear abundance in shapes and textures.

Elegance Takes Centre StageDrawing on the success of the original Spyder table, Cattelan Italia created the Spyder-Wood, a version with a wooden top that comes in either Canaletto Walnut or Burn Oak. The irregular natural wood edges create a sense of warmth and sophistication for any dining setting while the hand finished base creates lines and angles for a contemporary touch. These components combine to give a clear sense of balance.

Spyder table

Valentinox dining table

http://WWW.XZQT.COM.SG

Presenting and receiving presents are an essential part of the year-end festivities, and something everyone looks forward to. Check out our special gift guide on the latest gadgets for your

loved ones to keep them in good cheer for the year ahead BY HUANG NICKMATUL IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS AND RETAILERS

TECH@HOME

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Personal View

Art lovers and those who appreciate

customisable options will appreciate a

Loewe Reference ID Television from Atlas

Sound and Vision, as its designed to have

an artistic exterior seamlessly combined

with innovative, user-oriented technology.

Available in three different screen sizes

(from 40-inches), Loewes Reference ID

Television marries a Full-HD LCD screen

with anti-glare coating, a special contrast

filter panel and automatic contrast system

with a minimalist design that can be easily

customised. Over 12 frame options of

various materials and colours, six exclusive

speaker covers and nine different rear panel

colours are available in addition to the basic

version of an aluminium frame in Chrome.

Its award-winning Loewe Assist Media

operating system also offers customisation

options including the integration of

internet content, videos, apps and

television programmes.

Ultra high

Samsungs ultra-high definition television

(UHD TV) is the ideal gift for the house proud

who appreciate timeless designs and cool

technology. At 85 inches, the S9 series is one

of the largest UHD TVs out in the market.

Titled the Timeless Gallery design, the TV

seemingly floats within a black frame and

adds another layer of interest to its sleek

good looks. Others in the F9000 series of

UHD TVs, while marginally smaller at 65 and

55 inches, retain the same visual-processing

power as the S9: the picture quality offers

up to four times the resolution of Full-HD

televisions. With Samsungs legendary

award-winning Slim Bezel design in play,

the pictures shown on screen are virtually

edge-free, in addition to utilising Samsungs

proprietary Quadmatic Picture Engine to

scale SD, HD, and Full-HD contents to UHD

quality. This will be the gift to wow the tech-

buff in the family.

Instant View

The Kaleidescape Cinema One is a

must-have for anyone whose drawers

and cupboards are overflowing with

DVDs and Blu-ray discs. Cinema One

allows owners to store and instantly

access up to 100 Blu-ray or 600 DVD-

quality films in the highest possible

audio and video quality. Thanks to a new

user interface, hundreds of movies can

be browsed quickly; when screened,

the film shows immediately without

previews, ads and menus. Better still,

owners of Cinema One have direct

access to the Kaleidescape Store, which

offers movie downloads that have

exactly the same audio and video quality

of Blu-ray discs. Downloads include all

special features, audio tracks and extra

content that is otherwise available only

on the physical disc! If one Cinema

One isnt enough, a second can be

purchased at Clarity AV in Singapore

to double the storage capacity and

enable viewing of their combined

libraries on a second television.

GIFT OF SIGHTWhether one is an armchair traveller that looks at the world through film or a movie fanatiic, these items give you greater vision

241 SINGAPORE TATLER HOMES |

Technology is but an enabler for one to fully enjoy his or

her investment in a home. The ultimate tech gift would be

a network of turn-key home entertainment and lifestyle

systems that deliver music and movies on demand, and

true-to-life private cinema experience at the slide of ones

very own tablet touch screen or smart phone.

Soon Ong, CEO, Clarity Group

Curvy

Theres no doubt that LGs Curved OLED TV is a game-changer. Simply by pairing a gentle

curve in the TVs form with LGs proprietary WRBG OLED technology, the Curved TV

produces superbly life-like colours and an infinite contrast ratio with deeper blacks

and brighter whites than a conventional RGB display. In addition to helping create

this incredible picture quality, the curvature of the screen means that regardless of

ambient light or viewing angles, the screen delivers accurate colours. LGs simple

but profound design change for its OLED TV has been recognised by several

international product testing and certification bodies and as the Best of the

Best in the red dot design awards. This is the gift for someone who

enjoys intelligent design and is a movie fanatic or better yet.

Close-up

For those who enjoy being in the thick of

the action, Sonys HMZ-T3 Head Mounted

Display is the ideal present. Once slipped on,

the lightweight headset offers supersized

HD images with a virtual screen that

Sony claims is the equivalent of viewing a

750-inch cinema screen from 20m away.

Enjoying movies, television serials, apps and

even games on the HMZ-T3 is as simple as

hooking the headset up to your console,

PC or smartphone. A compact battery box

keeps the HMZ-T3 powered for hours and

double as a battery pack for smartphones

and tablets too.

All-In-One

When Bang & Olufsen released its 65-inch

BeoVision 12 Plasma TV, it was already a

stunning piece of work. The refresh that

is their BeoVision 12 New Generation

seems even better. Its video engine is

rich in features that allows the ultra-flat

and lightweight TV to adapt itself to both

what it shows on-screen as well as the

surrounding environment; viewers neednt

fiddle around with remotes and buttons

anymore. To complement the powerhouse

visuals, the BeoVision 12 New Generation

includes a full 7.1 surround sound module,

which allows the owner to connect the

desired number of speakers directly to

the TV. This is complemented by their

innovative TrueImage technology, which

automatically ensures that the sound

output is optimised for the sound system

hooked up to the TV.

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GIFT OF SOUNDAccording to Plato, Music is the universal language, which gives soul to the universe and wings to the mind. These technological aids help the spirit soar higher than ever, and so make perfect gifts

Handmade Swiss Perfection

Watches arent the only premium precision

handcrafted items to come out of

Switzerland. Piega, available at Atlas Sound

& Vision, has been wowing the world

for years with their handmade speakers.

Extruded from a single three-ton block of

aluminium in a single step, the speakers

streamlined good looks also happen to

be acoustically perfect housing. The

amazingly clear audio quality comes

from Piegas own painstaking research.

The 0.02mm thin linear drive ribbon

tweeter creates impressive frequency

with very little distortion, thanks to its

small mass while the completely unique

coaxial ribbon system means the tweeter

and midrange membrane operates as

single point sound source for near-perfect

pulse response.

Crystal Clear

The AeroSystem One by Lalique offers

a true objet dart for the home that

remains perfectly functional. The original

AeroSystem One was created by French

musician Jean-Michel Jarre for Jarre

technologies after four years of research.

The powerful system accepts every single

digital format out there from MP3 to AAC to

WMA, as well as all iPod and iPhone models.

It also has an integrated USB 2.0 port and

a mini-jack port to offer the possibility

of connecting the system to a laptop,

smartphones, hard-disk drives as well as

a vinyl turntable. It even incorporates an

electronic signal circuit to reproduce bass

lines and high notes with optimal precision.

Laliques version transforms its elegant but

simple form into a sparkling Art-Deco icon

where a mystery emerges from the crystal

decorating the speaker: the face of a woman

surrounded by aquatic wildlife. And if the

clear crystal doesnt exude enough mystery

for you, there is a limited edition black

version. This speaker is great for those who

are tired of the ordinary, and looking for

something really special.

Less Is More

Using audio technology

developed by

mathematician and

composer Thomas Pfob,

the Pandoretta from

Poet Audio was designed

to be perfectly simple to

use with superb results.

Offering a 360-degree

sound experience with

seven speakers and a crystal

clear 170 watt amplifier,

the Pandoretta can receive

music from all smartphones

and computers wirelessly

making it the perfect gift for

anyone who hates dealing

with tangled wires. Available

at AV One, Pandorettas

stainless steel and wood form was

designed by award-winning

Austrian designer Thomas

Feichtner, with an optional

oak base.

243 SINGAPORE TATLER HOMES |

Great music does wonders in soothing the mind,

something even more important than ever in todays

hectic society. In fact, my favourite thing about

Christmas is the relaxed mood and atmosphere

attached to the season. If I had to pick an example of

a gift, I would choose the Burmester 111 Musiccenter.

Its not necessarily the most expensive, but when

selecting a gift, I would consider the exclusiveness and

uniqueness of the gift.

Goh KarHoul, Head of Business, AV One

Going Digital

Thanks to AV One, the audio systems of

famed German brand Burmester are now

available in Singapore. Manufacturing

their own designs since 1977, Burmester

has partnered with some of the biggest

automotive brands (Bugatti, Mercedes-

Benz and Porsche) to create sound

systems for some of their most high-end

models. For car lovers who appreciate

the right sound system in their ride, the

Burmester 111 Musiccenter makes a

excellent surprise. It store up to 1 TB of

music and comes with an integrated slot

drive for downloading contents from CDs.

Musiccenter is designed to read the data

over and over until all the information

is recovered so that the music stream is

completely free of errors.

Musicality

For serious music lovers, theres a definite

cachet to owning a Steinway Lyngdorf.

After all, who could know more about

sounds than Steinway & Sons, makers

of the finest pianos in the world, and

Peter Lyngdorf (associated with having

invented the first truly digital amplifier).

Their flagship speaker, the Model D, is

fitted with built-in, fully digital amplifiers

which emits sound from its front and back.

Steinway Lyngdorf believes the Model

Ds construction results in extremely

open and life-like musicality. In itself, the

speaker is beautifully constructed with

strict attention to detail; with each Model D

taking eight weeks to assemble by hand.

As You Like It

It can be difficult to find a quality surround sound system that doesnt look like a giant

square or rectangle, but the BeoLab 14 from Bang & Olufsen offers a good-looking,

witty design. The small sculptural subwoofer and adorable round speakers (of anodised

aluminium) have a full array of placement options. What makes them especially great gifts

is that while the BeoLab 14 speakers connect seamlessly to all Bang & Olufsen televisions,

they also connect through plug-and-play with other televisions and AV receivers.

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GIFT OF FUN

Multitasker

With the Xbox 360 and Kinect, users

can indulge in games by utilising body

movements to participate. This means

gamers get a full-body workout everytime

they play. Today, with peripherals like the

Xbox SmartGlass and a powerful online

support through Xbox Live, owners can

also link up their tablets or smartphones to

create a mobile second screen with the Xbox

360 for an enhanced gaming experience.

The Xbox Live experience is an incentive for

families with loved ones residing overseas as

members can use Kinect to chat face-to-

face or play games together.

Moving Edge

The gaming professionals at Razer created

a gaming rig so exciting that even non-

gamers are cooing over it. The Razer Blade

is the first Windows-based gaming laptop

that packs the stunning power of a desktop

into one of the smallest and lightest chassis

that any gaming computer manufacturer

has ever seen. Its 16.8mm-thin, all-

aluminium chassis with 14-inch HD display

protects the latest and greatest in computer

chips, including a blazing fast fourth-gen

processor and 8GB of memory, a

powerful Nvidia GeForce

GTX 765M graphics

processing unit as well

as a Killer Wireless-N

wireless networking

adapter that has been

tested to be up to five

times as fast as other

adapters in its class.

If you know a roving

gamer with a need

for speed but likes to

pack light, this is

the gadget to

get for him

or her.

No School Like Old School

Nintendo is undoubtedly one of the oldest

and most reliable names in the world of

game consoles, so its Wii and 3DS consoles

are the gift of choice for grown-up gamers

waxing nostalgic over the good old days

when Mario and Luigi bashed bricks and

pounded turtles. Currently, Wii offers

immediate access to classics such as the

aforementioned Super Mario Bros, Donkey

Kong and even The Legend of Zelda. With

the newly released Pokemon game however,

this portable console is the ultimate reward

for the young ones whove been studying

hard all year.

Heavyweight

Fun comes in all forms, and isnt always about moving pixels.

If you know an aspiring DJ or a really serious turntablist,

show some encouragement with Acoustic Signatures Ascona

Turntable. Acoustic Signature is famed for its superb engineering,

solid build quality and amazing sound. Every technical aspect

of the Ascona, now available at Clarity AV, has been carefully

contemplated to offer performance as perfect as one can imagine.

The record platter was designed to

eliminate resonance while the platter

bearing was reinvented and made

from multiple materials to be stable

and create extremely low noise and

friction. The platter chassis of the

massive 78kg turntable will accept two

arms and its motors are designed to

remain steady, no matter how external

power sources behave.

The Xbox 360 with Kinect would be a top choice for

a gift of fun. It suits everyone in the family, whether

youre a hardcore or casual gamer, and Xbox has a

great selection of titles across different genres. As

a Christmas present, it can be opened immediately

during parties and provide an ice-breaker!

Maurice Tan,

Director, Consumer Channel Group Lead, Microsoft Singapore

HANSGROHE BOUTIQUE & AQUADEMIE \ 69 MOHAMED SULTAN ROAD \ TEL: 6884 5060 \ WWW.HANSGROHE.COM.SG

HANSGROHE FEATURE

IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH MORE RELAXED IT FEELS to shower in a space that is devoid of clutter. However, shower stalls are not usually palatial to begin with, yet they still have to accommodate bathing essentials and other practicalities of life. All this can now be effortlessly resolved with the combined shower control and shelving unit of the Hansgrohe ShowerTablet Select 300.

Pared Down for Enhanced Pleasure Created by the experts at Hansgrohe and Phoenix Design, the ShowerTablet Select 300 offers reliable control of water volume and temperature, as well as a 300 mm wide shelf for toiletries all in one sexy unit. New shut-off valves mean even soapy hands can easily turn on or off the water flow at the click of a button. Users of all ages and physical ability will not have to fumble with rotating controls again.

Modern Living Made SmartThis clever piece of design is so well thought through, you can even choose to have the button protrude slightly in the shut-off position, making it easier to locate it by touch. Cleaning is also simple with its precision fit flush to wall and safety glass shelf surface, and if used in a bathroom renovation project, it perfectly conceals existing connections.

Simply StunningWith its timeless architectural shape and gently rounded edges encapsulated in a clean SoftCube design, the ShowerTablet Select 300 could definitely be passed for art in the shower for some. As if that wasnt attractive enough, it comes in two handsome colour variants as well: chrome, and a crisp-looking white-chrome colour combination with a white shelf. The ShowerTablet Select 300 is available as separate products for the bathtub and the shower.

Personal PleasureINTELLIGENT SHOWER CONTROL FROM

LEADING BATHROOM AND SANITATION

SPECIALIST HANSGROHE DOUBLES UP

AS SHELVING AND SELECT FEATURE IN

THE MODERN BATHROOM RETREAT

http://WWW.HANSGROHE.COM.SG

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TECH@HOME

Regulars

When selecting a gift, I would consider the persons

personality and practicality of the gifts in their

daily lives. Something like the LG Hom-Bot is great

because it helps to keep the house sparkling during

the holiday party season!

Reece Teo,

Director of Consumer Electronics, LG Electronics Singapore

GIFT OF TIME

Transformation

The new 10.1-inch Transformer Pad from

Asus has a stunning IPS display, the latest

high-performance Nvidia Tegra 4

quad-core processor, a front and rear

camera, and a gorgeous metallic

design that is just 8.9mm thick

and weighs 585 grams. However,

what really turns the pad into a

productivity monster is the mobile

dock it comes with. Equipped

with a full-size keyboard, large

multi-touch touchpad and a USB

3.0 port, the tablet turns into a

powerful Android laptop when

docked. Microsoft Office-

compatible Polaris Office

suite is pre-installed, and the

docks built-in battery actually

extends the Transformer Pads

own battery life by hours. This

gadget is a boon for those

who need a capable tablet that

doubles as a laptop.

Hip To Be Square

Heres a handy helper for homemakers who never seem to have the time to clean up. The LG Hom-

Bot Square is a smart vacuum equipped with hi-tech sensors and long brushes for a thorough sweep

throughout the house. Its sleek and square shape allows the Hom-Bot to reach corners far more effectively

than a rounded design. In addition, the Hom-Bot is fitted with a unique Dual-Eye 2-camera system, which

allows accurate scanning and analysis of the floor. With this spatial

information, the Hom-Bot knows when the edge of the floor

has been reached, when to turn and when to stop. A

learning function enables the Hom-Bot to automatically

remember room designs and furniture locations.

All Synced Up!

Family servers are the solution for

family members who are constantly

sharing digital and media content.

The Samsung HomeSync makes

for a handy server that supports

up to 8 separate accounts and

can be synced to multiple

devices. Each user can easily

up- and download content

and instantly share files

with each other an extra

useful feature when working

on family projects. And for

those working from home, the

HomeSync has file encryption

features to ensure business files are

kept confidential from the children.

User-specific IDs and passwords ensure

another layer of privacy.

Going To The Extreme

As befits its name and status as one of the

newest tablets on the market, the HP Slate7

Extreme offers power, speed and graphics

processing capabilities that will satisfy

anyone living in the internet age. With front-

facing speakers, a dedicated bass-reflex

port speaker and the Nvidia PureAudio

technology, it also offers a unique surround

sound experience that makes it especially

impressive for video

presentations on the

tablet with seven-

inch screen. The

tablet also features an

integrated stylus pen,

so that even those

who carelessly toss it

into their bags wont

lose it.

Redefining True VersatilityConsidering a complete solution that stores and displays items by changing from cupboard to walk-in closet? The Moduli A Giorno provides beautiful yet practical storage for every sartorial need by cleverly blending into small spaces while marking out areas for use in larger rooms. Hinged, pullout sliding and sliding doors hide the carbone oak, mongoi, HDS and matt colour lacquered interiors. Such rich outfitting paired with a black frame will no doubt liven up any open wardrobe space.

DREAM INTERIORS FEATURE

DREAM INTERIORS \ 456 RIVER VALLEY ROAD \ TEL: 6235 0220 \ WWW.DREAM-INT.COM

PREMIER ITALIAN FURNITURE LABEL

PORRO, AVAILABLE AT DREAM

INTERIORS, STANDS OUT FOR ITS

MASTERY IN COMBINING SIMPLICITY,

FUNCTIONALITY AND QUALITY

Stellar Storage

FOUNDED IN BRIANZA, THE TRADITIONAL BIRTHPLACE of Italian quality furniture, Porros creations are easily recognised for their simple geometry, quality and understated practicality that blend effortlessly with most modern living spaces. It is little wonder they are clear leaders in storage systems. Designed by Piero Lissoni, the Moduli A Giorno and Air storage units promise your well-invested possessions the quality safekeeping they deserve.

Style With SubstanceThe Storage Air unit is a sight to behold and sheer pleasure to touch. Standing out with its lightweight freestanding frame, the iron profile allows important collections to be showcased in their fullest glory. Shelves of extra-bright clear glass further lighten this elegant, self-standing structure.

Form Fitting Style Without the need to be fitted to the wall, the Storage Air offers a world of possibilities when it comes to interior styling. In line with Porro's pursuit of innovation and versatility in design, homeowners can easily include the units in their desired configurations, along with the options of glass or wood back panels as well as glass sides. The transparency and the strong lines of the carbone oak melamine structure create a retro design which reinterpretes a furnishing classic with contemporary technologies. Storage Air units are available in matte lacquered colours, carbone oak, cenere hemlock and HDS fittings, with metal frames in white or black, or in cenere hemlock.

Storage Air

Moduli A Giorno

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SAMSUNG FEATURE

Seeing The FutureBOLD FORM MEETS STRIKING INNOVATION IN THE NEW S9 LED

UHD TV BY SAMSUNG, REVOLUTIONISING THE CONCEPT

OF PREMIUM AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEMS FOR THE HOME

SAMSUNG FEATURE

IN AN AGE OF HIGH-TECH HOMES AND SEAMLESS

design integration, bridging the divide between modern technology and human emotions has been a goal many AV system developers have been trying to perfect with their new creations. However, few have managed to think out of the box when it comes to creating a closer connection between the conventional television set and lifestyle needs of its users.

Renowned lifestyle tech manufacturer Samsung recently offered a new way for users to interact with the TV, as well as for the television set to become a part of the home, which has taken the industry by storm and changed the way TV audiences feel towards the television forever. Yet, this was exactly what Samsung had intended with its S9 LED UHD TV series - to create an icon capable of establishing a legacy that would last for generations to come.

With a unique focus on human-centred value and the balance between reason and emotion, Samsungs designers and engineers worked closely together to create a form-fitting solution in line with the theme of Timeless Design. Timeless Technology.

Discovery Technology

Precision Simplicity

Unparalleled Innovation

The result is the S9 UHD TV, which immediately stands out from the competition with its awe-inspiring 85-inch screen. The outstanding resolution, which is four times higher than a full-HD TV, comes with exclusive up-scaling engine that converts HD and Full-HD clips to enhanced UHD-level clarity regardless of the video source. What this means to homeowners, is the ability to enjoy your entertainment and DVDs in HD formats with even sharper, clearer and extraordinarily vivid views.

The inclusion of Precision Black Pro technology also delivers intense true blacks and pure, vibrant whites, creating a perfect colour contrast to offer ultra-clear images that capture your attention and overwhelm your senses.

When it comes to stimulating your senses, the S9 UHD TV also astounds with its aural prowess, with 3D sound, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS Premium Audio, front firing and full range speakers as well as woofer and sound customiser. While audiophiles will marvel at this extensive list, the S9 was developed to captivate and entertain everyone at home in ways that conventional television sets have never been able to do.

More Than Words

Yet more than all its high-tech features can offer, it is also the S9s sleek aesthetic form and thoughtful interactive functions that elevate the TV-viewing experience to an all-new level.

The S9 is part of Samsungs continuing dedication to years of research devoted to studying how design can enhance the lives of homeowners. Having brought previous memorable designs, such as the Bordeaux TV (created in 2006) and Touch Of Colour (created in 2008), inspired by natural forms of beauty like a crystal glass and the sunset, Samsung follows through with the S9s unique Frame TV design inspired by the look of an artistic masterpiece displayed on an easel. This award-winning ultra slim bezel design, with its virtually edgeless look, is a breakthrough innovation compared to the stereotypical monolithic designs of large screen TVs in the past.

A Gallery Of Wonder

At first glance, the S9s screen seems to float within its frame, free from all forms of visual clutter. This visual feat is achieved by the use of modern technology and creative engineering design in order to conceal the speakers as well as the conventional black bezel and unsightly neck stand.

However, beneath the ultra-modern post-minimalist frame and finger-thin screen lies powerful speakers that are carefully aligned to offer a flawless soundscape ensuring the immersive quality of high-definition entertainment.

When switched off, the S9 assumes the quiet elegance of a modern masterpiece, proudly displayed and laying in wait to surprise its viewers with a universe of sensory delights that no other television set has been able to provide.

SAMSUNG FEATURE

SAMSUNG \ FOR ENQUIRIES AND A COMPLIMENTARY DEMO \ EMAIL: UHDTV@SAMSUNG.COM \ WWW.SAMSUNG.COM.SG

COMPLEMENTS

ONE CONNECT BOX

The One Connect box is an

external input and processor unit

that attaches to the S9 via

a cable and offers input

selections compatible

with a wide range of

input sources, such as HDMI, USB,

RF as well as optical digital audio

output, ethernet port and IR/

RS-232 control ports.

EVOLUTION KIT

The Evolution Kit allows current

owners of flagship Samsungs

2012 TVs to update their sets

with the latest Smart TV features.

3D GLASSES

The S9 is accompanied with

3D glasses to enable 3D movie

watching.

OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE

Aside from the 85-inch S9 LED

UHD TV, the F9000 series is also

available in the 65-inch and

55-inch options.

Sense and Sensitivity

Blazing the trail for television set designs to come in the future, the S9 further enhances user interactivity with ergonomic user features in addition to its Smart TV capabilities. Users can now navigate and browse content through hand gestures and voice commands, similar to the swipe gestures used for digital devices today. The accompanying Smart Hub interface also helps to organise your entertainment and personalize content into three panels: Apps, Social, Photos and Videos and Music. In addition, built-in 3D technology means homeowners can now enjoy 3D movie-watching as well as connectivity with friends through the embedded wifi network and camera.

For discerning homeowners who are uncompromising when it comes to matters of style and innovative technology execution, Samsungs S9 represents an AV system that is in a league of its own and a worthy investment that will entertain for many years to come.

mailto:UHDTV@SAMSUNG.COMhttp://WWW.SAMSUNG.COM.SG

Cant wait for our next annual guide?Visit us online to get your daily bites instead.

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DISTRACTIONS

Regulars

Rice & Grains

Ghillie James

Page One

Not just for the rice lovers, this 256-

page volume also includes a treasure

trove of recipes succinctly categorised

according to meal courses as well as

rice or grain variety. Aside from an

entertaining introduction into the

history and chronology of rice, readers

also learn about the different grain

products, such as cracked, rolled,

roasted grains, grits and flour, as well as

how to store and cook grains, such as

amaranth, barley, chia seeds, polenta,

kamut, faro and freekeh. While grain

may be the feature in this book, the

author thoughtfully included easy-

to-follow recipes that include the use

of grains in more subtle forms, such as

spice sweetcorn and pumpkin fritters, Vietnamese beef, wild rice and papaya salad, as

well as chilli-glazed salmon and ginger parcels. A wonderful addition to your kitchen

library, Rice & Grains is a source of ideas whenever you run out of dishes to prepare for

your next potluck or family dinner. $27.90, Available at all leading bookstores

Origami Bonsai

Benjamin John Coleman

Tuttle

If you or your child is an avid origami

enthusiast, then this boxed kit will offer

everything you need to take the hobby a

step further by learning to create bonsai

floral arrangements with origami art.

The 64-page full-colour guide begins by

introducing the techniques required to

create various types of leaves and flowers

out of origami paper, before combining

them with natural materials, such as

branches and stones, to create life-like

bonsai arrangements. For beginners, the kit also includes a DVD of instructional footage

by Coleman himself. There are also 48 pieces of custom-designed double-sided folding

papers to start users off. A timely read for the year-end festive season and lunar new year

decorating, this kit will offer hours of family activity that you and your family can indulge

during the holidays. $23, Available at all leading bookstores

The Sustainable Asian House

Paul McGillick

Tuttle

With the growing concern regarding

climate change and excessive

wastage of natural resources, modern

homeowners in Southeast Asia are

beginning to take active steps towards

building homes that are not only good

to live in but equally beneficial to the

earth as well. This 208-page tome

explores 27 sustainable home designs

in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore,

Indonesia and the Philippines. These

homes impress with their clever use of

space and architecture to add natural

light and fresh air into the house while

still keeping the construction process

sustainable and environmentally-

friendly. McGillick also takes an in-depth

look into the ventilation and insulation

methods to find out what the designers

have done to achieve energy efficiency

by developing air-control systems to

keep the tropical home cool while

creating minimal carbon footprints.

$50, Available at all leading bookstores

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www.boredpanda.com

Heres a great website to surf through with your digital tablet whenever youre stuck in

transit or just waiting for the high tea to be served. Comprising a diverse array of topics on

art, design, lifestyle and decorating, the stories and articles posted on boredpanda will keep

you entertained and help fill up those spare pockets of time in between appointments.

Whats more, you can also choose to be a source of inspiration by becoming a member and

sharing unique stories youve seen elsewhere for the others to enjoy too. This system also

ensures that there is always plenty of relevant reading fodder to be enjoyed, giving you the

perfect alternative to other forms of social media sites.

SITE VISIT

BOOKS

http://www.boredpanda.com

Finishing Touch

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When Singapore Tatler Homes sat down with Juan Lladr (pictured right) to talk about plans for his famous porcelain empire based in Valencia, Spain, the 82-year old founder shared that he

has big plans to take Lladr into the next century. Assisted by daughters ngeles and Rosa, part of his strategy is to expand Lladrs collections of artistic sculptures into functional home ware accessories and lights made out of fine porcelain. The latest result of his efforts, a new range of lamps inspired by the form of classic chandeliers, is set to captivate the hearts of homeowners and collectors alike, making Lladrs creations as popular with modern homeowners as it has been with previous generations.

The Belle de Nuit recently premiered in Singapore as part of Lladrs 60th anniversary celebrations. The line includes ceiling, tabletop and wall lamps of various formats and in a variety of trendy colours. Everything, from the stem down to the lampshades, are carefully sculpted out of porcelain, creating

a seamless look and unique texture to the chandelier that is seldom seen. When lit, the porcelain lampshades become semi-transparent lithophanes that emit a warm, subtle glow throughout the room. This collection is an example of Lladrs creativity and craftsmanship as well as highlighting a contemporary slant on the traditional crystal chandelier, says Alejo Rodriguez, CEO of Lladr Asia Pacific. For interior designers and homeowners, Belle de Nuit also offers a new form of ambient lighting that is sophisticated and elegant without the heaviness and formality of classic crystal chandeliers.

A testament to the everlasting beauty of porcelain and its relevance to the lives and homes of modern city dwellers, makes the Belle de Nuit chandelier a perfect finishing touch for the home.

For enquiries, contact Lladr at 6738 3900.

Seeing The Light