Luxurious living in Mauritius at Matala Estate

Live in Mauritius

Today there is an increasing demand for exotic Real Estate and even more so for that which is safe, warm and economically vibrant. The Matala Equestrian Estate & Spa offers the investor various options to invest in this booming market while enjoying the benefits of owning your own piece of paradise on this beautiful island.

Recently the Mauritian Government has introduced the Integrated Scheme (IRS) that makes it possible for foreigners to take full advantage of the valuable benefits of freehold home ownership in Mauritius, attractive taxation, a secure offshore investment in US Dollars and Mauritian residency.Investors will have to act soon in order to realize attractive returns on their investment as there are only a limited number of these Schemes on the island.

Why buy in Mauritius?

• Safe and politically stable
• Favorable tax regime
• Voted as one of the top 3 island resort destinations in the world by Condé Nast Traveller
• Ideal climate all year around
• Championship level golf courses
• World class windsurfing, kite surfing, destination diving and water-skiing
• Mountain biking, hiking, riding and nature excursions
• Horse racing, deep sea fishing, sailing and tennis

Boating for Matala Members

A catamaran, a luxury yacht and two high speed family boats will be put to the disposal of the homeowners by the promoters.

Matala homeowners will have direct access to the sea through a Marina and its boat management program (Yacht Management Ltd.). Whether you possess your own boat or use the Estate’s boats, the essential thing is to make the most of the deep blue ocean off “Grande Rivière Noire” which is teaming with dolphins and aquatic life.

Take your family off for a day at Ile aux Bénitiers and enjoy the warmth of the beautiful turquoise lagoon. This little island lies between the famous Le Morne and Matala. It will only take a short seven minute boat ride to reach the island.

Black River not only boasts the world record for Marlin fishing, but is also nature at its best. It is one of the sunniest locations in Mauritius and is ideal for all year round boating or nature activities. Although Matala lies in the very heart of nature, it is also a mere 1.5kms away from the village shops, restaurants, schools, medical and recreation. Matala is convenient yet secluded.

For any enquries, please contact authorized Eastern Europe marketing specialist and sales rep for Matala from Keywest Windows - Yuliana V.S. at +27-83-254-3775 or send your questions to KeywestWindows@gmail.com

Deciding to replace your windows?

Deciding to replace your windows?

You are on a right track! Noise from the road, dust in an air, heat in sunny South Africa, electricity bill that going CRAZYYYY in a winter - all of it can be solved in 3 simple steps!

Deciding to replace your windows, doors or siding is an important decision, one you'll have to live with for many years to come. At Key West Windows, our three-step replacement process makes this decision easy and worry-free. From consultation to installation to guaranteed satisfaction, see for yourself what so many satisfied customers have already experienced.

Step One - Consultation.

.

Give us a call on +27-071-444-6667 or send us e-mail to mailto:KeyWestWindows@gmail.com and we will arrange a free in-home consultation, let our knowledgeable professionals guide you through the window replacement process. We will assist you in determining what new construction, remodeling products or services meet your individual needs, style and budget.

.

.

Step Two - Order and deliver from USA.

.

When choosing Key West Windows, you have selected most skilled professional sales people in South Africa. We have years of experience and practice in building industry, dealing with architects, builders and designers. We are constantly trained on the latest trends and products from Andersen Windows in USA. Our professionalism would enables you to make sure you have only trained, certified experts working on your home.

Step Three - Satisfaction.

.

Enjoy the beauty, comfort and peace of mind that goes along with knowing you have the highest quality products delivered and created by certified installation specialist in USA. Upon the completion of your project, we will mail you a Satisfaction Scorecard so you can grade our performance. And at Key West Windows, we don't just promise your satisfaction for as long as you own your home, we guarantee it with our exclusive Peace of Mind Guarantee.

Gliding and Frenchwood hinged patio doors

Designed for strength and practicality, Anderson has launched a range of Gliding and Frenchwood hinged patio doors. On the outside, the wood base frame and panels are protected by a weather resistant Perma-Shield system. On the inside, knot free pine offers a natural wood finish. An oak threshold can also be added to the interior.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Original article came from our friends in UK here: http://www.buildingproducts.co.uk/supplier-product/Andersen-Windows/200089/03/

Sliding into self cleaning

Sliding into self cleaning made to measure sliding sash windows with self cleaning glass from Andersen Windows have been upgraded. The Woodwright range of products offers the company's new Low E4 self clean glass as standard. Low-E4 glazing incorporates a durable layer of titanium dioxide which is self activating through exposure to sunlight, reducing the build up of dirt and grime and assisting in reducing the cost of cleaning. The window is the first to use Fibrex, a material made from a blend of reclaimed pine wood fibre bonded with a thermoplastic polymer, offering the strength of natural wood and the benefits of pvc-u with Part L compliance.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Original article you will find on a site of our UK friends: http://www.buildingproducts.co.uk/supplier-product/Andersen-Windows/200089/03/

Sliding sash window

Sliding sash window claimed to be the first sliding sash window to use Fibrex - a material made from reclaimed pine wood fibre bonded with a thermoplastic polymer - Anderson?s Woodwright window is now its top seller. Fibrex has the appearance of natural wood and the same strength rigidity and thermal performance, but with superior stability. It is also resistant to flaking, blistering, peeling cracking and corrosion so that, like pvc-u, there is no need for painting or regular maintenance.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Original article came from our UK friends from http://www.buildingproducts.co.uk/supplier-product/Andersen-Windows/200089/03/

Andersen Flexiframe creates glazing feature

Andersen's range of Flexiframe made to measure windows is popular and practical choice for builders wanting to take the glazing right up to the eaves to create a striking glazing feature.

With Flexiframe, any straight-edged window design can be custom made to virtually any shape in sizes of up to 5.58m2, making it an easy and cost effective way for builders to open out the attic area, creating a dramatic sense of light and space for the homeowner Ideal for new build and refurbishment projects, Flexiframe can also be used to create distinctive and unusual shapes such hexagons, triangles, octagons, diamonds, pentagons, rectangles or trapezoids that can add character to a home.

As with all Andersen windows, Flexiframe is high strength, low maintenance, and weather resistant. The profiles are made with a Perma-ShieldO protective reinforced fibreglass on the outside, which is attached to a wood base frame to give the windows structural strength.

The low maintenance Perma-Shield exterior is supplied in four standard colours: white, Sandtone (neutral beige), TerratoneO (an earth shade) and Forest Green.
On the inside, the natural knot-free pine can be painted, stained or varnished to taste.
All Flexiframe windows are supplied with soft coat low E, argon filled double glazing and new High Performance Low-E4 self cleaning glass as standard.

High performance solar control glass is also available with a soft grey tint, special tempered insulating glass and a range of Andersen Art GlassO options.

Flexiframe components are designed to complement other styles of Andersen windows and patio doors and are available with accessories and optional extras including natural wood glazing stops, extension jambs, and a range of custom divided lights and glazing bars.

Builders are constantly looking for practical, innovative and cost effective ways of making their homes stand out from the crowd and using Flexiframe windows to glaze the gable ends can certainly add kerb appeal!

The complete range of Andersen windows and doors is available in Africa and South Africa.

Call Keywest Windows today and make the best choice for your investment of the life.

Trevor Swartz - authorized representative and owner of Keywest Windows
Cell: +27-071-444-6667
E-mail: KeywestWindows@gmail.com

Renovating for Climate Change

South Africa’s electricity crisis has highlighted just how far behind the international norm we are when it comes to green building. The Eskom debacle has put fresh emphasis on going green. And as a result, there’s an array of new laws and practices in the offing which will change the face of the homes we live in.

So what does it mean to live in a green building?

Well, ideally it means the efficient use of resources, like energy, water and other materials. If done properly, a green building design could save you around 50 percent on electricity and up to 50 percent on water usage. And since Eskom cut the power to building developers in March this year, they’ve needed to come up with some creative designs for energy efficient buildings. New developments are therefore focusing on using gas, on solar water heaters, insulated roof spaces and light fittings that allow for energy efficient lights. According to Andrew Schaefer, MD of Trafalgar, a residential letting and property management group, they’re also introducing motion sensors or timers for lights, air conditioning units and geysers. “Creating green buildings that promote more ecologically-efficient living spaces has become a reality rather than science fiction...,” says Schaefer.

But going green will also lead to changing trends in the property market especially if you’re planning to buy a new home any time soon. For one, developing green buildings isn’t cheap: solar water heaters cost anywhere between R10 000 and R30 000. Installing solar panels is an even more expensive affair, especially if you want to cut Eskom completely out of the equation. Schaefer estimates that an average green building could cost up to 15 percent more than a normal building –therefore pushing the price up for the home buyer. Some experts put that even higher, and say it could push prices up by as much as 40 percent.

The green drive will not, however, only impact on buyers looking to get into the market now: sellers, too, will have to change their ways. According to Mike Bester, CEO of Realty1 International Property Group, at some stage in the future it will be impossible to sell your property unless it complies with energy-efficient regulations. “Although it may seem unnecessarily costly now to renovate for climate change, not only will suitable climate proofing help reduce current energy costs, but it will greatly improve the chances of selling the property in the future,” he says.

So what are some of the law changes set to come to SA?

Well, it wasn’t law, but Eskom in March refused to issue quotations for any new electricity connections above 100 Kilovolt-Ampere (KVA). It’s now overturned that decision – but said the new connections will only get the go-ahead as quickly as space is created on the system. That encouraged Johannesburg, too, to introduce new requirements for property developers –including that new developments have alternative energy sources or energy saving devices. Building plans must also be evaluated to ensure low energy consumption.

The Green Building Council of SA (GBCSA) was also formed late last year, and is responsible for green building in the commercial sector. It’s also establishing a rating tool – or a guide for developments – which will not only apply to the commercial sector and public development, but also to the top end of the residential property market, says Meagan Woolf in Business Day. If the tool’s recommendations are followed, the building should use 50 percent less power from the grid – well above Eskom’s 10 percent electricity reduction demand.

The problem, according to Bester, is that the SA residential building industry “does not yet have this issue at the top of its priority list”, not least because South Africa is still attempting to catch up with its housing programme for the masses. That means homeowners will be missing out: according to Bester, green buildings will add value. “The homeowners will reap the benefits both through improved lifestyle and increased property values.”

Original article was published in 20 Aug 2008 by Heather D'Alton for MoneyWeek in issue 52 .


Keywest Windows in cooperation with Andersen Windows has Green Seal, Charter Member of the US Green Building Council, Andersen has been recognized by the EPA as a charter member of the National Environmental Performance, Track Initiative, Energy Star Alliance to Save Energy.

Original documentation you can find on a site http://www.andersenwindows.com/ as well as on http://www.greenbuilding.co.za/ by searching Key West Windows details.

HISTORY of Andersen Windows in USA

The privately owned business was founded in 1903 by Danish immigrant Hans Andersen and his family in Hudson, Wisconsin, where logs arrived via the St. Croix River. Today, Andersen Corporation is an international enterprise employing over 9,000 people at more than 20 locations with headquarters in Bayport, Minnesota, a 2.8 million-square-foot facility that covers 65 acres.

Andersen annually manufactures more than six million wood windows and doors, with sales worldwide.

Highlights:

1905: Andersen originates the "two bundle" method, which streamlines the window construction process. By standardizing sizes of frame pieces, then packaging them in separate horizontal and vertical pairs, units can be assembled on the job site in as little as ten minutes. It was nicknamed the Ten Minute Window.

1932: The Andersen® master casement window becomes the first completely assembled window unit in the industry — sash, frame and hardware. It quickly becomes an industry classic.

1952: Andersen begins fitting its windows with a first-of-its-kind new Welded Insulating Glass to provide protection against condensation and frost. It also eliminates the need for a removable storm panel.

1966: The Perma-Shield® Cladding System makes its debut. The patented, tough vinyl exterior for wood windows is developed with the help of Italian inventor, Luigi Zanini. The low-maintenance, vinyl-cladding system revolutionized the window industry and created an entire category of wood windows: clad-window.

1991: Development of Fibrex® material: a revolutionary composite made of wood fiber, reclaimed from Andersen manufacturing, and vinyl. Among its features are resistance to rotting, excellent insulation and low thermal expansion rate in extreme temperatures.

1995: Renewal by Andersen is founded — a subsidary that offers a fresh approach to window replacement by serving "do-it-for-me" homeowners who want simple, reliable solutions for replacing old windows with low-maintenance, energy-efficient, custom-made windows.

2003: Andersen Corporation celebrates 100 years in business and launches its 100 Years/100 Homes project with Habitat for Humanity pledging to build 100 homes over 5 years - a $5 million commitment.

Andersen Windows NOW available in SA!

Andersen Tilt & Wash sliding sash windows - Big Hit With The Builders and Architects!

Pioneering "Tilt-Wash" sliding sash window from Andersen is proving to be the company's biggest seller with builders and developers.

As the market moves away from the old fashioned "mock sash" with the fixed lower light, the popularity of a more sophisticated sliding sash styled window with a modern tilting facility is becoming more evident, UK distributor for Andersen Windows Tilt Wash sales have been further boosted by the window's safe and easy compliance with Part B of the Building Regulations, which require an unobstructed opening area of a minimum of 0.33m2 and at least 450mm high x 450mm wide in residential buildings for fire egress

Futhermore, the "Tilt Wash" also offers the additional practical advantage of allowing homeowners to clean both panes from the inside as the both sashes tilt, by means of wash assist glides. A modern take on the traditional box sash, the slim-lined Tilt Wash combines the beauty of knot-free pine on the inside, which can be varnished, stained or painted to suit any home, with a unique low maintenance Perma-Shield system on the outside, which does not chip, rot or blister.

Exceptional energy efficiency is provided by high performance low E argon filled double glazed units, supplied as standard, with U values as low as 1.51 - exceeding Part L of the Building Regulations. Optional extras are available, including Georgian glazing bars, pine extension jambs, removable insect screens and a range of hardware.

The "Tilt-Wash" is available in 99 standard sizes, many in four colours: White, Sandtone (a neutral beige), Terratone (an earth tone), and Forest Green. This extremely practical window combines the traditional appearance popular in today's market with a thoroughly modern construction which easily meets current building regulations.

Andersen Tilt-Wash sliding sash windows as well as whole range of their full products now available in South Africa. Sole distributor for this company in South Africa was agreed to be company called KeyWest Windows. The owner of this company Trevor Swartz has an experienced work history behind his shoulders in South African building industry.

You can contact KeyWest Windows by clicking here or simply call 071-444-6667