It’s not just in the movies: Two friends meet through their respective other halves and go into business together. That business today is a thriving success and goes by the name Direct Developments Limited. Design & Build caught up with two formidable women, friends and entrepreneurs: Nadyne Cassar de Sain and Jacqueline Demajo. This is their company.
Jacqueline Demajo has always been intrigued by facades or front views of buildings. “Ever since my childhood, I would observe frontages of houses and build up imaginary stories in my mind about the lives of the inhabitants, depending on the types of windows, lighting and ceilings inside – so when I bought my house over 20 years ago, all that gold and silver single-glazed aluminium so prevalent at the time was horrific, and my first priorities were the doors and windows.”
exclusively available from Direct Developments Ltd.
Recognising the need for insulating white apertures, Jacqui delved into research and selected the internationally renowned German manufacturer Finstral S.p.A. located in the Dolomites region. At that point, she asked her trusted friend Nadyne Cassar de Sain to consider becoming her business partner. Jacqui had enormous faith in Nadyne and “also our differences complement each other perfectly. Nadyne was quite settled with a job of her own and happy but she took the plunge”, and the 2 started working from Jacqui’s house. This was a time when internet had not yet taken off in Malta, and negotiations needed to be conducted in person. “No internet, only faxes and land line calls” smiled Nadyne.
They embarked on this project and began supplying UPVC doors and windows in 1999 through their company Direct Developments Ltd. “Our first job was a beautiful house in Mosta with enormous three-centred arches which we replicated perfectly with abundant guidance from abroad. After all, at our beginnings we were unskilled, inexperienced; and we needed training and guidance which we were so fortunate to have access to for anything we needed at Finstral S.p.A.
“We installed FINSTRAL PVC doors and windows from Direct Developments Ltd – AND THANK GOD FOR THAT! Apart from their aesthetic value, superb quality and great insulation/cooling properties, their security features saved us from a near break-in. This is was the police officer had to say:“You are so lucky to have these PVC doors and windows installed – the thieves tried for 28 minutes to break in (as seen on our CCTV system) but to no avail!” Thank you Jacqui and Nadyne!”
“Whenever we need to order large doors with equally large glass panes we are bound by the factory to fill in forms explaining the wind factor and the level and position of the openings vis-a-vis the sea, and the type of exposure to the elements. If Finstral S.p.A advise not to take on a project after careful analysis of the guaranteed limits, we oblige and are always so grateful for their input.”
The owners of Finstral S.p.A appreciated the opportunity to expand into a new market and they also sent specialists to train local installers and invite Jacqui and Nadyne to attend various courses abroad every year. Eventually, Direct Developments Ltd set up their website and the value of their service and products became well-known.
White was no longer a staple colour after 2001. Finstral S.p.A also evolved and added new interesting colours and systems. “There is huge demand for replacement windows with a colour on the outside for apartments that need to have the new windows or doors in keeping with the colour of the rest of the block, or for those who simply wish to add a colour to their façades. For this reason we provide a upvc profile which has a matt aluminium cladding clipped onto the outside. Thus, clients are able to choose any RAL colour for the external view. Also, for those who wish to have a different colour on the inside as well as the outside, they can choose Finstral S.p.A’s aluminium profiles which again come in any RAL colour and which have a thermal break of 58mm!”
“One of the special qualities about Finstral S.p.A is that they produce their own profiles unlike most factories where the profiles are out-sourced and bought from producers of profiles”. The standard colours are all acrylic baked and not colour films so there is no risk of peeling away due to excessive heat. Finstral S.p.A also have a separate factory for recycling any doors and windows which have been replaced. Other companies soon followed suit but Jacqui and Nadyne had made sustained in-roads by developing a reputation for personal service, a keen eye for detail and for supplying a superior quality product that lasts a lifetime.
“As soon as we saw the amazing range of installed apertures published on Direct Developments’ website we immediately got in touch with Jacqui and Nadyne. Considering the humid climate of our home’s location, we thought PVC would be the best option. What made us choose FINSTRAL is the quality of the finish and the strength of the material which was the best we found. Although these may not be the cheapest option, the quality definitely justifies the price. Today we’re really happy with the result and are glad to have chosen Direct Developments Ltd, not only for the impeccable quality of FINSTRAL’s products but also because of the great service.”
The company’s portfolio soon grew to include timber doors and windows and internal doors. This opened up new markets and sectors such as the hospitality industry and apartment blocks. The timber fixtures are supplied by an Italian factory in Padova. Nadyne recalled that breaking through the Maltese market with timber was hard as in the past, people experienced warping, leaks and lack of insulation with the timber fixtures that were available on the island. The timber used for the doors and windows provided by Direct Developments Ltd is assisted by modern nano technology and is also sustainable.
“One of the special qualities about Finstral S.p.A is that they produce their own profiles “
The Italian company Walor Group buys their timber from an area where a new tree is planted for every tree that is chopped. Also, the timber used for these doors and windows does not originate in Europe especially not from Scandinavia, but in South America where wood withstands intense heat, sunlight and water. Moreover, the spray used for colours on wood is water-based and therefore environment friendly and durable. While being more costly than standard availabilities, these products not only add a unique touch of beauty to an development but moreover provide perfect waterproofing, sound and thermal insulation.
Soon to celebrate their third decade in the industry, Jacqui and Nadyne have a vast portfolio of prime projects. “We have always worked consistently at a busy pace but, in recent years, we see that people have learnt more about materials and they focus on environment friendly, insulating properties and excellent security systems.
During last days, the strong wind and rain was directly targeting our northwest facade. In the past, this typical autumn weather used to be cold, dusty and drafty due to our old windows not isolating at all. However, with your new doors and windows now installed, all remained warm and pleasant and even with a constant indoor temperature. Hardly any heating required. What a difference!
People also appreciate the return on their investment after acquiring doors and windows from Direct Developments Ltd as one can see from the testimonials that we have garnered throughout our years of operation.”
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