Among them was Manar Moursi, the principal behind Studio Meem, which repurposes ordinary Egyptian objects into eco-friendly furniture.

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Today, the 21st-century property mixes old and new, with eco-friendly practices, vintage furniture, flat-screen televisions, a game room, famed artwork and hot tubs adorning the property.

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Opened in 2010, the light-filled building with its pale-wood furniture and splashes of bright blue and yellow prides itself on being an eco-friendly hotel that pays close attention to its energy and water consumption and contributes to the community (for example, the mostly organic breakfast is provided by local bakers and greengrocers).

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