There is nothing quite as dramatic as a natural disaster and we’ve had our fair share of them throughout Europe over the last few years. In particular, wild fires, which have the potential to destroy everything in their path, displacing people and taking lives, including the brave firefighters who battle against the flames and suffocating heat.
According to the media Euronews.com more than 700,000 hectares of land have been affected by forest fires across Europe this year. This is the largest area affected by fires since records have been kept. Spain, in particular, has been badly affected with 283,000 hectares burned in fires. Not all fires are confined to inland areas, the slightest spark from a barbecue or a carelessly discarded cigarette can start a fire and burn anywhere.
Whether the initial spark is accidental or provoked, the results are catastrophic for many families and businesses. The fires are attributed to the extreme temperatures of the July heat wave across Europe. In the UK, even the central London region suffered several fires. Statistics provided by Planet Labs show that between January and 23 July, a whopping 515,475 hectares were destroyed.

Can beachside businesses protect against fire?

This is when we need to ask the question, “Is there anything that businesses on the Costa del Sol can do to prevent or at least slow the progress and limit the damage caused by fires?”. The answer is yes, it is possible to protect structures with professional fire-retardant treatments, such as Cape Reed’s Fireshield de Cape Reed.

Along the Costa del Sol the beaches are dotted with chiringuitos and beach clubs,from small rustic shacks to celebrity hangouts such as the Nikki Beach in Marbella. Apart from the superb beachside locations and fresh seafood dishes (one such chiringuito staple is sardines prepared on an open fire!), they all have one thing in common… the buildings are constructed using natural materials such as a wood, reeds and ‘brezo’. In the case of Nikki Beach, the venue has lots of wooden sunbeds, daybeds, thatch shades, pool bars constructed of wooden gazebos with thatch roofing.

All it takes is for one spark from the sardines and BBQ to be carried on a gust of wind for a fire to take hold. Obviously, no sane chiringuito owner is going to forego the BBQ to avert a fire risk, when they have queues of hungry customers who have been tempted in by the delicious aromas.

Laguna Village, Estepona

Of course, it isn’t only the rustic chiringuitos which are at risk of catching fire from a spark or nearby forest fire. An example of one of the most high-profile fires in Malaga province over the last few years is the Laguna Village shopping centre was razed to the ground by fire in 2020. All of the buildings including the iconic Polynesian style Tiki thatch roofs that characterised the complex were completely destroyed.  

In retrospect, a tried and tested flame-retardant treatment such as Cape Reed’s Fireshield could have provided a modicum of protection, by making it much more difficult for a spark to take hold. The right protection may not have prevented the fire but it could have slowed its progress.

How Does Cape Reed’s Fireshield Work?

Cape Reed Fireshield is a unique fire-retardant coating which has been formulated to comply with all relevant international standards for flame resistance and prevention when constructing with natural sustainable materials. The treatment is verified every quarter to ensure that it reaches the correct fire-resistant standards.

Sustainable and Non-Toxic

What’s more, Fireshield is a water based intumescent coating that does not contain any toxic elements, making it kind for the user and also environmentally friendly.

In fact, the use of fire-retardant’s such as Fireshield are often required by insurance companies before full insurance cover is approved. This is because, although nothing is 100 per cent fireproof, it is possible to take steps to minimise the risk.

Accidents can happen, and most of the time all you need to do is grab a fire extinguisher, but Fireshield adds an extra level of protection.

We all would sleep more peacefully knowing that our investment property or holiday home is protected to the best of our ability and the insurance policy is in place!

Conclusion

Protecting your business on the Costa del Sol is crucial, and Cape Reed’s Fireshield offers an advanced and effective solution. Fire protection not only safeguards your property and assets but also ensures the safety of your employees and customers. With Cape Reed’s FireShield, businesses can benefit from a highly efficient, eco-friendly fire retardant that is specifically designed for thatched structures. Investing in this protection means peace of mind and a significant reduction in fire-related risks. Ensure your business remains safe and secure with Cape Reed’s Fireshield, and focus on what truly matters: growing your business.

FAQs

What is Cape Reed’s Fireshield, and how does it work?
Cape Reed’s Fireshield is an eco-friendly fire retardant specifically designed for thatched structures. It works by creating a protective barrier that reduces the spread of fire and minimizes damage in case of an incident.

Why is fire protection important for businesses on the Costa del Sol?
Fire protection is vital for businesses on the Costa del Sol due to the region’s hot and dry climate, which increases the risk of fires. Protecting your business helps safeguard your property, assets, employees, and customers from potential fire hazards.

How does Fireshield compare to other fire retardant solutions?
Fireshield is designed specifically for thatched structures and is eco-friendly, providing effective protection without harmful chemicals. It offers superior performance by reducing the spread of fire and minimizing damage, making it an excellent choice for businesses with thatched roofs.

Can Fireshield be applied to existing thatched structures, or is it only for new installations?
Fireshield can be applied to both existing thatched structures and new installations, providing versatile fire protection for any stage of your thatched roof’s lifecycle.

What are the environmental benefits of using Cape Reed’s Fireshield?
Cape Reed’s Fireshield is eco-friendly and free of harmful chemicals, making it safe for the environment. It ensures that your business’s fire protection measures do not negatively impact the surrounding ecosystem.

Imagine a large private residential complex and country club in the south of Spain. You probably picture white buildings and terracotta tiles in Mediterranean style. So Cape Reed renovated the magnificent clubhouse at La Zagaleta in Benahavís, creating a stunning piece of exterior architecture with natural reed roofs of African Reed. The stunning result offers the wow factor of one of the most private and expensive postcodes in the world.

Four takeaways about the qualities of thatch roofing from this article:

• Natural cape reed is adaptable to any environment, enhancing all types of architecture.
• Experience artisan craftspeople create beautiful bespoke structures
• Reeds harvested after six years for greater durability, longevity and resistance to rot.
• 100% organic and sustainable materials

About La Zagaleta

La Zagaleta is the most exclusive development in Europe, if not the world. The resort, a former hunting estate owned by Adnan Khashoggi, spans 900 hectares. Purchased by a consortium for 36€ million (after the land was embargoed by the US Government), the land was developed into a limited number of private estates. Nestled amongst the forest, rare species of birds and wildlife thrive just a short drive from the beach clubs and marina of Marbella and Puerto Banús.

Luxury lifestyle at La Zagaleta

Protected by private security, privacy is guaranteed. Residents enjoy an extremely rarefied lifestyle of luxury, peace and quiet, plus an extensive range of exclusive amenities. Nothing is out of bounds, from helipads to a private equestrian centre and beautiful hiking trails and tennis courts. There are also two world-class 18-hole golf courses: the Old Course and New Course.

The New Club House Renovation

It is the New Course’s Club House which has undergone a complete renovation. Spanning 5,000m², the Club House is a popular venue comprising, several bars, lounges, events and hospitality rooms, a gourmet restaurant and terrace, enjoying stunning sea views, reaching as far as Gibraltar.

Cape Reed’s renovation brief

The brief was to ensure the building and facilities are in keeping with La Zagaleta’s very high standards. Cape Reed, a company with a reputation as the ‘masters of thatching’, replaced the original Brezo roof, providing a bespoke sustainable wooden roof structure featuring natural reed thatch roofing.

It was necessary to replace the covered entrance walkway with a completely new wooden structure. Cape Reed removed the original roof cover to thoroughly inspect the wood structure, which was found to be correctly maintained and up to the correct standard. The next step was to install almost 500m² of natural cape reed thatching.

What is Cape Reed thatch roofing?

Cape Reed is one of the best thatching materials in the world. The a African Reed is grown for at least six years prior to harvesting, compared to other commonly used reeds, which are cut after only six months. The longer growth period provides greater durability, with higher resistance to rot compared to other natural materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lido Beach Pepe restaurant has been a familiar sight on Marbella’s popular Las Chapas beach for many years. What started out as a small snack bar in 1988, evolved and expanded over the years to better serve the community and its customers, the most recent being a total renovation of the restaurant.

Cape Reed’s Role in the Transformation

Cape Reed International, a renowned construction company in Spain, played a pivotal role in the remarkable metamorphosis of Lido Beach Pepe. Their expertise and craftsmanship are evident in several key elements of the renovated restaurant.

Stunning Laminated Timber Roof Structure

One of the standout features of the renovated Lido Beach Pepe is its breathtaking laminated timber roof structure. Supported by reinforced concrete columns and beams, the roof boasts intricate timber tongue-and-groove cladding that adds depth and character to the ceiling.

Natural Thatch Roof

To infuse the restaurant with a tropical ambiance, Cape Reed adorned the roof with a layer of natural thatch. This eco-friendly material not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the establishment but also provides insulation and protection from the elements.

Timber Decked Terrace

Guests at Lido Beach Pepe can now enjoy al fresco dining on a newly constructed timber decked terrace that extends seamlessly from the restaurant to the beachside. The expansive outdoor space offers unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea, making it the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.

Clear Treated Pine Timber Pergola 

Adding to the allure of the terrace is a stunning clear treated pine timber pergola. This elegant structure provides shade and shelter while allowing guests to bask in the beauty of their surroundings. Whether dining or socializing, patrons can relish the idyllic coastal atmosphere under the pergola’s canopy.

 Timber Wall Cladding

Both inside and outside the restaurant, timber wall cladding adds a rustic charm to the ambiance, reminiscent of traditional Spanish chiringuitos. The warm hues and natural textures create an inviting atmosphere that complements the coastal setting of Lido Beach Pepe.

Atmosphere and Experience

Beyond its architectural splendor, Lido Beach Pepe offers a captivating atmosphere and unparalleled dining experience. Whether stopping by for a quick drink or indulging in a leisurely meal, patrons are greeted by a light and breezy ambiance that perfectly complements the beachfront locale. With unspoiled views of the Mediterranean Sea and a welcoming atmosphere, Lido Beach Pepe invites guests to savor the magic of Marbella’s coastline

Conclusion

In conclusion, the transformation of Lido Beach Pepe represents a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, thanks to the vision and expertise of Cape Reed. With its stunning architectural features and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant continues to be a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Whether seeking a memorable dining experience or simply soaking in the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline, Lido Beach Pepe offers an unforgettable retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

As one of the world’s leaders in the design, construction and installation of exclusive tailor-made timber and thatch structures, we partnered up with Carmo Wood, to play a pivotal role in the roof construction of the prestigious JNcQUOI Comporta. Located in the breathtaking Praia do Pego, this is the latest beach club of the prestigious Amorim Luxury Group.

Craftsmanship in the Heart of Comporta

Nestled in the heart of Comporta, Portugal, this beachside haven boasts a 533m² main restaurant roof and a 100m² service area, both thatched with cape reed thatch.

Superior Quality with Cape Reed Thatch

With durability and quality of material being of crucial importance in a project such as this, cape reed thatch, native to South Africa, can hardly be beaten. Its natural resistance to pests and rot, along with a dense core that ensures enhanced stability and durability, makes this specific type of thatch a fantastic roofing material in the Mediterranean climate. African reed In turn, these unique characteristics also offer superior thermal and acoustic insulation with the added benefit of a natural, elegant appearance and a welcoming ambience that’s second to none.

Cape Reed Fireshield Safety Measures

As an added layer of protection (and overall peace of mind!), we applied a generous layer of Cape Reed Fireshield to both roofs. This specially formulated fire-retardant coating provides robust fire protection for a variety of natural materials, especially thatch and timber. In a world where fire safety is of paramount importance, Cape Reed Fireshield stands as a beacon of security, offering enhanced resistance to fire and peace of mind for homeowners, builders, and architects alike.

Elevate Your Culinary Experience at JNCQUOI

JNCQUOI Beach Club is the perfect place to enjoy the best fresh fish and seafood cooked with authenticity and flavor. From traditional recipes to innovative creations, every bite is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors.
Contact Us today to give your chiringuito or restaurant the ultimate Mediterranean look https://www.backoffice.capereed.es.

Frequently Asked Questions