Fire resistant doors

A building or premises should be compartmentalised to slow the spread of fire from one area to another. This is achieved using doors which allow foot traffic to move through the premises. These doors should comply with fire door regulations and be manufactured to carry out two functions: form a fire resistant barrier when closed to prevent the spread of fire, and provide a means of escape from fire when opened.

Different areas of a building should form compartments built of fire resisting materials. The openings leading into and out from these compartments should have internal fire doors to act as a barrier against fire and provide adequate resistance to smoke or combustible products during the first stages of a fire.

A fire door needs to provide half an hour of fire resistance as a minimum and be fitted with the following fire door hardware:

Fire door closer – An automatic fire door closer is a self closing device which ensures the door closes automatically after someone passes through.

Silver Door Closer Size 3	Architectural quality door closer

Three door hinges – Made from quality steel or brass, hinges should measure 102 x 76 x 3mm and be certified for use with a fire door.

Stainless Steel Hinge Pair and Half	Brass Hinge Pair and Half

Intumescent door seals – Intumescent smoke seals are fitted to the door and frame. When temperatures exceed 200°C the seals swell and seal off the gap between the door and frame.

Air transfer grilles – Buildings still require ventilation for health and safety and for the comfort of occupants however ventilation ducts compromise fire containment so the answer is to fit air transfer grilles. Grilles allow air to pass through a building under normal circumstances but in the event of a fire will close to provide a barrier and restrict the flow of dangerous gases.

Fire door risk assessment

By carrying out a fire risk assessment audit, safety officers should identify any potential problems with fire doors and any poor practices such as wedging fire doors open. Failure to carry out a fire risk assessment is a breach of the 2007 Fire Regulations with fines already ranging from £40,000-£250,000 and also the potential closure of a premises until compliant.

The majority of fines issued under the new Fire Regulations have been for blocking means of escape (fire exits) or for fire doors being wedged open. While the practice of wedging open fire doors may be convenient for staff or occupants (particularly if the route is one with heavy footfall or an area where goods are moved from one place to another) it creates a major fire hazard by breaking the fire barrier.

Proper training and information is essential to keep fire doors closed and every door should display a visible sign informing occupants to keep fire doors shut.

Fire Door ‘Keep Shut’ Sign	Fire Door ‘Keep Locked’ Sign

Murcia golf properties

Location of Los Olivos Resort

Los Olivos residential resort is situated within the main golf resort of Mosa Trajectum in the Murcia region of Spain. Currently the San Javier airport is the closest to the resort and a mere 20 minute journey by hire car or taxi. From 2010, the new Corvera airport will open close to Los Olivos substantially cutting that journey time. The Polaris World resorts of El Valle, Hacienda Riquelme, La Torre and Mar Menor are a short journey from Los Olivos and the beautiful beaches of the Costa Calida and crystal clear waters of the Mar Menor lagoon are within a 15 minute drive.

Los Olivos Facilities

As this exclusive residential resort is within the established Mosa Trajectum Golf Resort, many of the facilities are fully open and operational while others will open in the near future.

At the heart of the resort is the 300 year-old Parador farm building which has been converted to a restaurant, Tapas bar and guest-house. Two more hotels are planned for the resort – a 5 star hotel overlooking the Parador and a 4-star sports hotel which will be adjacent to the sports academy (where you’ll find tennis courts and other sporting facilities).

Next to the Parador is a 19^th century chapel available for wedding ceremonies and worship. The shopping village has recently opened and is spread across nine buildings. Here you’ll find various shops along with restaurants serving Spanish and Italian cuisine. There is also a music venue planned and Billi’s Sports Bar has recently opened offering snacks, drinks and Sky TV.

Los Olivos Golfing

Before we talk about the golf courses available to Los Olivos residents we should mention the conservation of nature and the surrounding environment which has played an important role in implementing three golf courses that are the most ecological in Spain. The courses at Mosa Trajectum use biodegradable foam and slow release fertilisers to avoid contaminating groundwater while also helping to reduce water evaporation by 70%. The lakes around the resort are the first in the world to be free from legionella and both wastewater and rainwater is purified at the on-site plant.

Mosa Trajectum boasts three nine-hole courses with a combined 27-holes offering the possibility of three separate rounds of 18-hole golfing. Each course has been given a different name and each presents a unique challenge to your game. There is also a par-3 practice course and driving range.

The Stone Course – If your game is suited to a technical challenge and plenty of strategy then the Stone Course will provide a real test of those skills. The nine holes here offer a breathtaking landscape created using over 8,000 palm tress and over 20,000 cacti.

The Olive Course – These nine holes characterise a typical Spanish countryside meandering through olive trees and designed in a links style resemble courses found in the UK.

The Pine Course – At the highest point of the resort you’ll find the Pine Course and its stunning views across Mosa Trajectum and the landscape beyond. The fairways and greens are guarded by over 3,000 pine tress and the hidden water hazards will test your course management skills.

Los Olivos Villas

The Los Olivos development at Mosa Trajectum has 27 villas with just 16 currently left for sale. The villas have private communal swimming pools and many have front line views of the golf course. The villas have been built in a typical Spanish style and finished to a high standard.

Recommended properties

	This beautiful three bedroom villa has full air conditioning, central heating, garage, private garden and access to a communal swimming pool. The property also benefits from a piped music system throughout and a video entry system. It is currently discounted by 15% with further discounts available on quick completion.
	This 3-bed, 3-bathroom villa has all the benefits of the property above with the same great discounts. The communal pool for this property is shared with only six other villas.
	Another great three bedroom villa, this property backs on to the golf course and offers the same features as the first two properties. Favourable discounts are also available on quick completion.

Murcia is home to some of the best golfing in Europe and the Roda golf resort continues in that spirit with its course designed by one of Europe’s most prestigious designers. If you enjoy golf among magnificent surroundings and in a warm climate that’s year round, then buying a golf property in Murcia will be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

Roda Golf and Beach Resort

This resort combines glorious weather, great golf and luxury to create the perfect golf holiday or permanent Spanish residence. Located just a 5 minute drive from Murcia airport, travelling to your Roda golf property from the UK will take just a few hours. Once there, you’ll be just 1.5km from Mar Menor and the 250km of Mediterranean beaches which stretch out either side. At the resort you’ll find property and facilities which blend in with, and match, the beauty of the Murcia landscape plus elegant homes that integrate with the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Roda Golf Property

At the Roda Golf and Beach Resort you’ll find a range of exquisite properties to suit your budget including apartments, townhouses and villas. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the resort, your property will always be a short stroll from a communal pool and the private residents pathways which lead you to the golf course and resort facilities.

Apartments at Roda are available in two styles named Alhambra and Brisa. Within the styles you’ll have a choice of 2 or 3 bedrooms along with private gardens, solariums and optional jacuzzis.

Townhouses are available in five types of varying size and layout. The townhouse designs have been named Balcon, Baranda, Finca, Hacienda and Mirador and offer 2-3 bedrooms with living space across two floors plus access to a swimming pool.

The villas at Roda golf resort have been designed in four styles named Albatros, Eagle, Birdie, and Green. Villa properties are available in 4, 3 or 2 bedrooms with ample terraces, optional swimming pools and great views of the golf course.

Phase 4 of property development at Roda is well under way with low-density of building and the eagerly anticipated Brisa apartments.

Facilities at Roda Golf and Beach Resort

As you’d expect from one of Murcia’s newest and best golf resorts, facilities at Roda are opening at a rapid rate. The sports facilities containing tennis courts, multi-purpose sports pitch and football pitch have recently opened. Here you’ll also find some first-class changing facilities and a children’s play area surrounded by beautiful landscaping and views across the 7^th hole and lake to the clubhouse.

The commercial centre of Roda will be home to shops, restaurants and bars and work begins in September 2009 ready for early 2010.

The resort is also home to the Beach Club. Here you’ll find a swimming pool, mud baths, bars and a restaurant right on the doorstep of a sandy beach. Head through the entrance to the club and you’ll pass by an elegant staircase and emerge between a bar and restaurant with shining white floors and glass doors.

To the rear of the club is a vast sliding door leading you out to the beach with the sea lapping at the shore just a few metres away. Sun loungers, an outdoor bar and swimming pool invite you to spend plenty of time here enjoying the climate and indulging in food and drink. Head back inside and up to the first floor and you’ll discover a veranda offering stunning views across the Mediterranean. The Beach Club is a great place to relax during the day or for an evening’s romantic dining among luxurious surroundings and attentive staff.

Roda Golf Course

The real draw of Roda is the 18-hole par 72 course designed by Dave Thomas – one of the most in-demand course designers in Europe. Utilising the Mediterranean landscape and natural vegetation, golfers will find this course challenges their golfing skills on every level but with the convenience of being just a short stroll from home.

The terrain at Roda was initially flat but has been transformed to provide undulating fairways and greens weaved around three lakes. The clubhouse and course facilities are managed by DeVere Hotels who have experience and knowledge of handling some of the best PGA European Tour events such as the Ryder Cup which has been played at the DeVere Belfry four times.

Roda is also home to a PGA golfing academy which has the latest generation of facilities and equipment to help you improve your game.

Condado de Alhama Golf Resort

The Polaris World Condado de Alhama golf resort is in the Valle del Guadalentín area of Murcia, Spain. Situated in the foothills of Sierra Espuna and Carrascoy-El Valle (two regional nature reserves) the resort is divided into three areas: Los Jardines de Alhama, Los Naranjos de Alhama and La Isla del Condado.

Los Jardines de Alhama

Translated this means ‘The Gardens of Alhama’ and the area, as you’d expect, is spacious and green with properties built around landscaped gardens and swimming pools. The Los Jardines complex is pedestrianised with dedicated cycle lanes enabling residents to stroll or cycle around the parks and enjoy the vast variety of plant life. Los Jardines de Alhama is extremely family friendly with its separate play areas for children and it also has excellent sports facilities including tennis courts, football pitches and basketball courts. The properties are built in a traditional Mediterranean style with architecture that blends in perfectly with the manicured surroundings.

Recommended properties:

	Ground floor apartment situated on Los Jardines de Alhama  within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position close to the communal pool.   It is situated within a short distance from the town centre where there will be many bars, restaurants and all the facilities expected within such a resort.
	First floor apartment situated on Los Jardines within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position overlooking the communal pool with West facing orientation. Property construction is to first floor level only, and this apartment benefits from a great roof solarium.

Los Naranjos de Alhama

‘Naranjos’ is the name given to a native orange tree of the region and this area of Condado de Alhama is lined with the ornamental tree on its streets, within its gardens and around its squares. Los Naranjos is in the heart of the golf resort and once had its own town centre called El Agora. This town centre has been extended to encompass the new resort town centre called El Foro providing an even greater range of facilities just a short walk away along the leafy avenues. Properties in Los Naranjos have a stepped architectural design and the penthouses look out onto the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course (under construction – due for completion in December 2009).

Recommended properties:

	First floor apartment situated on Los Naranjos within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Situated close to the communal swimming pool, the property faces to the South-East, however the solarium will provide a great place to sunbathe throughout the day
	Constructed in blocks of four staggered floors in the traditional white Mediterranean architecture.  Within a short distance to the town centre where there will be many bars, restaurants and all the facilities expected within such a resort

La Isla del Condado

Condado de Alhama translated means ‘Alhama County’ which is where the resort is situated in Murcia. La Isla del Condado means ‘The Island of the County’ and this area is an apartment complex on an island on the lake in the centre of the golf resort. La Isla is a waterfront setting that stretches down to the main town centre of El Foro. Residents benefit from stunning views from their apartments across the lake as well as three infinity pools that give the impression of being part of the lake itself. La Isla has tranquil boulevards and green spaces that incorporate children’s play areas. Around the lake are several piers from which a ferry service runs to the town centre.

Recommended properties:

	First floor apartment situated on La Isla within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position with lovely views over the lake facing towards the South-West with only one immediate neighbour.
	Lovely penthouse apartment situated on La Isla within the resort of Condado de Alhama.  Great position with lovely views across the lake to the South.  With accommodation of approx. 66.8m2 and terrace of 18.10m2.

El Foro & El Oasis Town Centre

The focus of activity at the Condado de Alhama golf resort is within the El Foro and El Oasis town centres. El Foro means ‘The Forum’ and this vast 12,000 square metre complex includes the relocated El Agora town centre which initially served the Los Naranjos complex. Designed in a Hispanic-Arabic style around a courtyard with a large central water feature, the El Foro town centre is due to open this month (July 2009) and along with the 60,000 square metre El Oasis town centre provides bars, restaurants, banks, stores, supermarkets, hairdressers, launderettes, pharmacies, restaurants, cinemas and healthcare services to residents.

Mar Menor Golf Course & Property

The course at Mar Menor golf resort is currently a 9-hole par 36 but is being extended to an 18-hole par 72 with full clubhouse and practice facilities projected to open in October 2009. Make no mistake, at 9-holes this course is still a great challenge and as you’d expect from Nicklaus Design the wide smooth fairways, greens and simple shaped bunkers are in excellent condition. Properties are located close to each hole meaning that if you buy here you really will have a golf course in your back garden!

This beautiful 2 bedroom townhouse overlooks 3 of the new 9 holes of the Mar Menor course that is currently being extended. Air conditioned lounge and a third floor solarium with balconies front and rear make this a great buy.

La Torre Golf Course & Property

La Torre golf resort has an 18-hole course fully complete and presents the golfer with a par 68 challenge around trees and three lakes. An accurate short game is required when playing the wide fairways which are dotted with large bunkers waiting to catch you out. And for those who like to put their driving to the test there are two par 5′s to let rip on. The facilities at La Torre are first rate with driving ranges, putting greens, a pro shop and bar/dining areas.

This 2 bedroom villa is south-west facing but has a rooftop solarium which gets the sun throughout the day. The property is fully furnished, has an air-con lounge and access to a communal swimming pool so you can cool off after your round of golf.

El Valle Golf Course & Property

If you like your golf course in the ‘desert’ style then El Valle is for you. The par 71, 18-hole course across 51 hectares of rocks, native vegetation, cascading waterfalls, streams and two lakes will offer golfers of all standards a real challenge in stunning surroundings under the perfect Murcia sunshine. Excellent facilities await you before and after your round as well as trained staff and instructors on hand to help your game.

This ground-floor 2 bedroom apartment benefits from a large garden to the front and side of the property and a jacuzzi. Fully air-conditioned and close to the town centre this property is great for access to all the El Valle golf resort has to offer.

Hacienda Riquelme Golf Course & Property

From an ecological point of view the course at Hacienda Riquelme is well designed as its sown with Papsalum grass which requires less watering but remains in top condition for golfing. For the golfer, the course is larger than average with 18-holes and a par of 72. Fairways are lined with olive trees and wild flowers and there’s five lakes. Once the old Hacienda Manor House at the end of the course has completed its restoration it will provide a dramatic backdrop to the final hole.

The resort itself is apartment only meaning a low-density of property and this 2-bedroom is a great example of what’s on offer at Hacienda Riquelme. Situated on the second-floor with views across the course, it has a communal swimming pool, underground parking and air-conditioned lounge area.

La Loma Golf Course

The La Loma resort has been designed as a sports centre resort and a 9-hole course is currently in the planning phase of construction. Once complete it will aid the resort’s golfing academy and teaching centre. The course will serve to improve the game of beginners as well as providing a fun pitch and putt style challenge to more experienced golfers.

Las Terrazas Golf Course & Property

Another ‘desert’ style golf course can be found at Las Terrazas golf resort. Similar to El Valle and designed to be reminiscent of the Jack Nicklaus ‘Lake’ course in Las Vegas, the course at Las Terrazas is currently under construction but once complete will be one of the jewels in the crown of the Nicklaus Golf Trail. Rolling fairways and undulating greens run through the desert style dunes and around a large six hectare lake. The 18-hole par 72 will have similar characteristics to the links courses found in the UK but with the benefit of Spanish sunshine!

Now’s the time to take advantage of a property at this “apartment only” resort and this 2-bedroom second floor apartment overlooks the communal pool with a south-west facing balcony.

Condado de Alhama Golf Courses & Property

Notice we say courses for the Condado de Alhama resort because this great location will boast three Nicklaus Design golf courses. The first is a Jack Nicklaus Principal Signature course meaning the great man designed it himself for Polaris World. With 18-holes and a par of 72, this course promises to be the best on the Golf Trail with elevations that change sharply and four lakes providing a dramatic backdrop.

The second and third courses are in the planning phase but will be designed as ‘replica courses’. This will mean 18 different holes at each course that are replicas of Nicklaus Signature Courses from around the world including: Muirfield, Royal Palm and Bayside. The first course will be reminiscent of the tropical style course found at Florida Parklands while the second will have holes selected from 240 Signature Courses in the desert style similar to Mexico and Arizona.

The potential for some of the best golf in the world at the Condado de Alhama resort will surely have whetted your appetite to buy a property and this stunning first floor 2-bedroom apartment could be the one. Great views across the lake and access to the communal swimming pool are just some of the benefits

And remember, as a Polaris World property owner and resident you have discounted tariffs for all the golf courses on the Nicklaus Golf Trail.

Getting to Murcia – Flights and Airports

Murcia is just 75km south of Alicante and both cities have their own airport from which you can travel to Mar Menor. Currently there are 10 airlines flying to both these airports which means plenty of low-cost flights. In 2010, another airport will open in Corvera just 20 minutes outside of Murcia city.

With a flight time from London to Murcia airport at just under 2 hours, and many UK regional airports also providing daily flights to the region, Mar Menor is simple to get to making it a great golf resort for long breaks or a short weekend trip.

If you’re flying into Alicante you’re just a 45 minute drive from the Polaris World Mar Menor resort via the A7, AP7 and A30 motorways. From Murcia airport, which is actually situated near the town of San Javier (45km from the city of Murcia) it’s a mere 10 minute car or taxi journey.

Getting to Mar Menor Golf Resort – Taxi or Car Hire

If your flight lands at Murcia airport then your best options for getting to the Mar Menor Golf Resort are by taxi or hiring a car – public transport does not serve the area well.

A taxi from Murcia airport will cost around €20.00 and take approximately 10 minutes. If you’re landing at Alicante, expect to pay around €70.00 for a 40 minute journey into the Mar Menor Golf Resort.

If your search for a golf property at Mar Menor is over a few days why not take advantage of hiring a car so you can get around and visit some of the fantastic attractions, mountains and beaches the region has to offer. Spanish car hire is relatively cheap and you’ll find a good choice at both Murcia and Alicante airports. Book ahead and then pick up your keys from the terminal rental office on arrival. You can get some great deals using online internet car hire brokers such as Sky Cars or Car Jet.

Once you become a Polaris World Mar Menor Golf Resort resident or owner you’ll be able to take advantage of Polaris World’s own car rental service. You’ll find the service offers some competitive rates and exclusive services such as collection from the airport and your car being delivered to your golf property. Prices for this exclusive service for a small hatchback begin at around €40-50 per day.

Staying at Mar Menor Golf Resort

Given that your golf property search is at Mar Menor it makes sense to try and stay in the heart of the golf resort to soak up the atmosphere, play a round of golf and see for yourself all that this quality resort has to offer. Mar Menor has its own 5-Star hotel with all the facilities you’d expect from a world-class hotel including a pool, gym and a number of bars and restaurants.

A short car journey west of the Mar Menor Golf Resort is the municipal of Torre Pacheco where you’ll find some quality accommodation for your stay in Murcia. A few miles East of the resort is Los Alcazares, a village on the coast of the Mar Menor sea famous for its therapeutic waters. Here you’ll find some great 4-Star hotels ideally placed for water sports and your journey to Mar Menor to check out some golfing properties.

Polaris World Mar Menor Golf Resort Properties

Once you’ve arrived safely in the sunny region of Murcia you can begin your search for the ideal golf property at Mar Menor. The resort boasts a Jack Nicholas designed golf course surrounded by lush green vegetation and palm tree lined pathways which will guide you around this magnificent resort. Created as place for complete luxury, relaxation and a healthy lifestyle for its residents, you won’t be disappointed by the unique atmosphere Mar Menor has to offer.

Here’s a selection of the great Polaris World golf properties currently available at Mar Menor.

	Mar Menor Golf Resort – 2 Bed Villa A beautifully furnished 2 bed villa with 2 bathrooms and a living/dining room area. West facing with air-conditioning, central heating, a glazed terrace area, private swimming pool and solarium.
	Mar Menor Golf Resort – 2 Bed Villa West facing semi-detached 2 bedroom villa with large rear garden that’s well-established with plants and borders. Both floors have their own terrace and the property comes complete with its own Jacuzzi.
	Mar Menor Golf Resort – First Floor Apartment Ready for late 2009, this first floor apartment boats south facing views over the golf course. 2 bedrooms and constructed over two floors this is effectively a penthouse that offers a great value way into property on the resort.
	Mar Menor Golf Resort – Ground Floor Apartment Only 9 of these large terraced apartments are being built at present and will be ready late 2009. South facing with views over the golf course, the property offers 2 bedrooms and a great internal design.