When a culture is mixed with another, which often lasts is what works. In Britain, Roman roads and baths. In Spain it was, and remains, architectural heritage and style of the Moors. First introduced from North West Africa 1,300 years ago, the beautiful and striking essence of Moorish architecture is maintained and remains a model for builders and property developers in the area.
Their presence may be gone for 500 years, but its influence of Islamic architecture remains largely in the character and heritage areas such as Granada, often referred to as the 'jewel of the arrears. "The best surviving examples of historical data of the ages 14 and 15 are La Mezquita, the Roman Catholic cathedral and former mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada.
The Arabic style has more than horseshoe arches and interlocking patterns. Elaborately decorated work, intricate mosaic ceiling and ornate carvings also play their part, like the Royal Estate. This is especially characterized by the presence of a courtyard or 'riad', which originated in Morocco and other parts of the Islamic world in the Middle East.
Also in the heart of a Moorish building is the use of nature and light. Many of the characteristics emanating from the Arab desert conditions found in parts of northern West Africa, on the edge of the Sahara. Water use is essential and very important for the Moorish style. All parties, whether a room, a patio or garden, use the water. In fact, interior courtyards typically have a drinking water source nearby mountains. Fountains, reflecting pools and tiny channels that run through the floors combine aesthetics with soda cold weather throughout the year.
As important as water use is the use of light. Depending on the property and the living room or patio, full light can be filtered, reflected, or create elaborate designs through plants according to taste. Double height ceilings are also typical, ensuring retention of the Mediterranean light late into the night. Both water and electricity use, introduced more than 1000 years, is considered highly sophisticated when compared with existing practices across Europe.
History of architecture continues to have a direct bearing on the present and future. This can be easily seen in the work of architects such as Francisco Pastor Gil and Alfonso Bermejo Oroz, responsible for the development Champneys Marbella. His work in a museum building in the historic Palace of the Alhambra, which is protected by UNESCO as World Heritage, reflects many of its award-winning real estate search and Arabic style in a modern context. His projects have been published in prestigious publications in Spain and Europe.
Apartments and penthouses in the style are available in exclusive luxury hotels in the hills of National Park Champneys Marbella in Marbella. This development boasts Moorish architectural elements in an idyllic location overlooking the coastline of Marbella and Puerto Banus. The continued success of the Champneys Marbella development despite global financial pressures it is no surprise, says sales director Tony Roberts. "The reason we have money any downward trend is that buyers recognize the innate appeal of the apartments and penthouses of themselves, as well as locally. Its beautiful interiors and stunning palatial surroundings, peaceful melt the hardest heart of the individual. All development combines the best of Champneys spa lifestyle with spectacular Mediterranean climate. "