SimplyAbuDhabi XLV

Simply Home by Nick Rice S tepping into the vast Traforart workshop takes you from the crisp surrounding forests into a contained world of metal, sparks, and art. The air carries the scent of molten steel and the rhythmic clanging of hammers on metal. This is where Traforart (a word play on art for art) creates outstanding fireplaces—where the visionary ideas of the design team are brought to life by the skilled hands of the company’s artisans. At the helm of this fireplace empire is Anna de Fàbregues- Boixar Nebot, the CEO, and her partner Jordi Quintana, the Product Development Manager, who is also responsible for approvals, materials and performance. Together they have breathed new life into the Traforart brand after acquiring it less than a decade ago. The company has existed for over 40 years, and now with Anna and Jordi guiding the ship, it is becoming a global concern, delivering extraordinary fireplaces to properties such as high-end hotels in China and luxurious residences in Russia, through to private member’s clubs in North America and upscale mountain retreats in Europe. Standing near the huge front doors of the factory, it is fascinating to approach the rows and rows and enormous packages and read the addresses on them—amazing to think that these hulking parcels will make long journeys to faraway countries and become the heart of a home, or the attention- grabbing centrepiece of a five-star hotel. Meeting Anna is a pleasure, she is bright, vivacious, and passionate about the business. “When I learned about Traforart’s rich history and the potential it had, I felt a deep connection to its mission of creating outstanding fireplaces,” she explains. “The challenge of saving a beloved brand was both daunting and exciting, and over the past six years, we’ve focused on revitalising our product line, enhancing our technology, and re-connecting with our customers.” PHOTOGRAPHY: NATACHA ELMIR Simply Abu Dhabi | 257