Bangalore
HOMES January 2014 `50
bangalorehomesmagazine.com
Insider guide for best of properties
LIC HFL
Helping Home Seekers Find A
Dream Home Nimma Mane Property Expo 2014 |1|
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January 2014
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Vol 2 Issue 1 • January 2014 Publisher Group Managing Editor Asst.Managing Editor
Alok Chaturvedi Christo Jacob Rachita Sharma
Editorial Team Anupama Desai
NEXT Issue Febuary 2014
Nandini Mukherjee
Sr.Visualiser
Ashok Kumar
Visulalisers Jayalakshmi Ramesh Kanna Ranjith C
GM - Sales & Marketing Circulation Manager
Nagendra Kumar Magendran Perumal
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Home Decor Special
Editor Christo Jacob Copyright Š 2014 SiliconMedia Technologies Pvt Ltd, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and accordingly, no liability is assumed by the publisher.
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Contents Cover Story
LIC HFL's Nimma Mane Property Expo 2014
10
fab furnishing Living Room Essential: Coffee Table
54
Emerging Developer of the Month WhiteStone Landmark: Affordable Homes for Better Living
Affordable Homes 42 NBR Developers and Builders: Coming off Age Community Living
14 Luxury homes
Affordable Homes
22
East Point: Home to the Connoisseurs of a Good Life
26
Pashmina Waterfront: Redefining Luxury Living
50
Prisha Orchids: Creating Smart Eco-Friendly Living Spaces
34
RBD Stillwaters Changing a Dream House to Reality
08
Opinion
Affrodable Homes
28 46
Ramani Sastri, Chairman & MD, Sterling Developers
40
Style Your Home Neon Fashion Meets Decor Style Your Home Add Sparkle and Opulence with Crystal Accessories
36
Green Homes Green living Building eco-friendly Homes
58
Banker's Advice The Road to a New Home
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Opinion
Let Reason and not Sentiments
Govern a First Property Buying Decision Ramani Sastri, Chairman & Managing Director, Sterling Developers Founded in 1983, Sterling Developers is a premier real estate developer in Bangalore. In the business of making luxury apartments and villas that delight and satisfy its customer in every way,Sterling Developers has built a dedicated reputation for quality.
Ramani Sastri
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T
he real estate sector in Bangalore is different from other cities as here the buyer is not the investor but directly the actual end user. And when a market is user driven, prices have its own spiral, similar to when it is investor driven. Because of this reason, Bangalore’s property market remains stable. Looking at the IT sector which is steady, it indicates that the real estate market will also remain balanced. There is employment generation at the pace of 7 to 10 percent per year. So, the pace at which the real estate market will grow also remains the same. Looking at this scenario, Bangalore’s real estate market seems to be moving towards better prospects with a promising future. In Bangalore, the demand is in micro markets where social infrastructure, affordable housing and niche products are available. The real estate market can see a sudden burst post May 2014 due to the impending elections. However, this mood swing is difficult to gauge. But any government that comes in power and gives the semblance of stability, the market sentiments will change according to that. The markets can be positive for some amount of time and further can travel with more velocity. Nowadays, real estate market has become like any other commodity market, which is cyclical in nature and every 18-24 months, one can see peaks and valleys happening. Otherwise it was every 2 or 3 years that a valley or a peak could be seen and that was
happening throughout the cycle and used to be long sustained and long deep. There are a few factors affecting Bangalore’s real estate market. As can be seen apart from IT and financial sector everything is expanding in Bangalore. More employment is generated and lot more people migrate and settle here. So, basically real estate market grows. Nowadays the question is how many quality people come out from the institutes and are able to find employment. This creates an indirect effect on the real estate industry. Sliding Rupee and its Effects on Real Estate The general sentiment about the sliding rupee value is whether it affects real estate market or not but the local buyer is always buying in rupee terms and it does not affect because the quote is in rupees and payment is also in rupees. The fluctuation of rupee does not matter to local market. It may affect overseas buyers. Overall the rupee slide is about 15-20 percent, so India becomes cheaper for foreign buyers. Their dollar can stretch them little longer. Then the whole host of Indian buyers’ diaspora that has not invested in real estate can be found buying for investment in India including Bangalore. The mechanism of rupee being what it was, what it is and what it will be can affect the investment from the foreign buyers in the real estate industry. For more overseas buyers India will always look attractive. Different markets across the country are seeing varied demands in sizes and prices and also they are
more inspirational now than ever before. So, another factor is growing middle class and rise in disposable income that increase the demand for quality residential real estate and real estate as an investment option. Challenges and Hurdles The general scenario looks very attractive but there is still scope for improvements. As overall, the Indian property market has low transparency when compared to the more mature and developed real estate markets. Same problem persists in Bangalore as well. Although market transparency has improved, reliable and consistent information on the property market is still not easily available. Addition to lack of information and low transparency in the real estate segment the age old property related issues also exist. This discourages the investment of the large players in the semi urban and rural areas thus slacking an overall growth of the real estate sector. Time taken for approvals, shortage of labor and lack of clear title lands are the major
challenges faced by Bangalore real estate market. First Time Buyers’ Guide The decision of buying a property is a sentimental one however, first time buyers must be very careful while taking the plunge in the real estate sector. It is always advisable to buy from any of the branded or reputed real estate developers or at least who are CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India) members. This gives homebuyers a value for money when they are looking something to buy as an asset. Even if it is 30 percent cheaper from non reputed buyers, it is not worth. It is a risk people are running. For first time property buyers in Bangalore, it is advisable to invest in next booming places such as Marathahalli, Whitefield and the Southeast and North Bangalore Hebbal area because of their close proximity to new Bangalore International airport, schools, employment opportunities and developing social infrastructure. (As told to Anupama Desai)
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Fab Furnishing
Living Room Essential:
Coffee Table By BH Team
The life of a living room, a coffee table has been a must have piece for ages. The multi purpose piece of furniture can lively up a room without much effort.
W
hat coffee is to an urban Indian, a coffee table is to a modern home, ie: highly essential. This multipurpose piece can act as a footrest, a spot for favorite books, a study space, or just a place to set the morning coffee mug. Regardless, a coffee table is a musthave piece in any living room! When the living room needs resurgence, a coffee table is a great place to start.
An interesting coffee table can pull a living room together
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Size Matters The standard height for coffee tables should be from 16 to 18 inches, but it can go up to 21 inches. A high coffee table is a better choice when people are entertained frequently so that guests don't have to bend too much. But, ultimately, the height of the adjacently
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surrounded pieces should determine the height of the table. Another guideline is that a coffee table should be about the same height or one or two inches lower than the seat height of the sofa. At least 16 inches around each side of the table should be left vacant. The length of a coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa. The width should be determined by how much space is between the table in the seating arrangement and the soft pieces around it. These are the general guidelines but exceptions can also be there. Accessorize for Impact A coffee table should look good, serve well and display a few accessories that reveals one’s personality – and do it all with a style quotient. One can put a variety of things on the coffee-table. There could be books, candles, flowers and various decorative objects or bottles. These will provide visual interest to overall setting. All these elements give different interest and flow to the table. Same height or all the same size elements should be avoided. Beautiful trays can be included on the table and it can be accessorized in different ways. To find the right coffee-table could be a little harder. It is essential that the chosen coffee table should be ideal for the setting. Guide for the selection There are three basic parameters on which selection of coffee table should be preferred. These parameters are material, size and shape and function. For a conventional setting, even a wooden or a glass table will be more suitable and elegant. For a contemporary setting, coffee tables made of aluminium, metal, plastic,
Old world charm-wooden cofee tables
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Use a glass coffee table for a contemporary look
glass or a combination of these materials can be used. The deciding factor for the size of coffee tables would be space available in the room. If it is an office lobby then a rectangular table can give visitors more space to put down things and if it is a circular table, it can hold magazines and books. The shape of the table depends upon an individual's personal choice but one should keep in mind that some shapes can add depth to the room, while others can give the room a more spacious look. Another important aspect is functionality. Some tables can save space by adding extra storage to it or some can have the facility to relocate by addition of wheel to it. To save space, other tables can ‘nest’ into one another. A person should remember that there is a different use of living room coffee table and family room coffee table. Family room coffee tables tend to get more rough use. Depending upon decoration, formal coffee table can be used such as glass top tables in living room. Sturdier coffee table can be used in family room. While the purpose of the coffee table is quite self-evident, still it can be used for many other purposes. When it is used as a decorative piece, it gives an identity to the room and enhance the style quotient as well.
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Coverstory
Helping Home Seekers Find Their Dream Home By Nandini Mukherjee
I
ndia is among the few countries who witnessed an upsurge in the property prices after the recession. When the economic slowdown hit the real estate sector in 2008, it saw the emergence of a new buzz word ‘Affordability’. The estimated shortage in dwelling units during the period 2007-12 is approximately 25 million in India. Given India’s rapid population growth, increasing urbanisation and rising affordability, the housing finance market will continue to grow. Now when the home seekers have an easy reach to their dream house, they need to start their search with bumpy rides along the outskirts of the city, walking through dusty by-lanes to see sample flats and a stream of brochures. If this is the case with you, then property exhibitions or expos are the right place to start your house hunt. Property expo is a one-stop shop for new projects where one can get details of the various projects he is interested in ultimately rescuing the house hunter from the hassles. One can easily find new projects at various stages of completion - some ready to move in, some may be nearing completion while others may be at the initial stage. Each project is displayed with a rate list along with details including floor plans, application forms and payment options. Understanding the unusual combinations of benefits that these expos bring to the table for the buyers and sellers, LIC Housing Finance Ltd., a trusted housing finance company since 1989, has been organising ‘Nimma Mane’ - a unique property expo held annually since past three years.
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The 4th Edition of the three-day expo will be inaugurated on January 17th 5PM at RBANMS Grounds, Ulsoor, Bangalore. The expo will translate into opportunities in all spheres for the buyers. The event showcase more than 70 builders & developers participating with around 300 projects displayed. Last year, the event got a remarkable response with a footfall of more than 12,000 property seekers and 65 prominent builders participating at the expo. “Because of the goodwill and the association the builders have with us, we are able to conduct such a successful event.,” says R.J. Rajaraman, Regional Manager, LIC Housing Finance Ltd. This year too Times Redcell will be the event managers of the Expo. Nimma Mane- A market for property buyers When Manish Kumar, an MNC professional, decided to buy a property in central Bangalore, he was unsure about taking it forward. “I decided
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to buy a house for me, but things like reliability, durability, finance and others were roving over my head. I went to various builders and banks but to vain. Then I came across LIC HFL’s Nimma Mane Property Expo and decided to give it a try as LIC has been a symbol of trust for its customers since years. Though it was the first year of the expo; I was surprised to see it housing big builders & developers under one roof and the availability of hassle free home loans. I had various options to choose from. The struggle for the past few years ended and today I am the proud owner of my dream house,” shares an excited Manish. The silver lining of the property expo is that LIC HFL carries the brand of LIC & hence the LIC policy holders also evince interest in exposition. LIC HFL has a strong customer base of about 60,000 customers under South Central Region. They also offer ‘on the spot’ home loan offer letters for people coming with pay slip or income tax certificate.
The silver lining of the property expo is that LIC HFL carries the brand of LIC and hence the LIC policy holders also evince interest in exposition
With major amount of publicity being involved for the exposition, participating exhibitors have an astounding chance to grab attention of customers without making any extra efforts to reach their target audience. It allows developers to connect directly with potential customers and showcase the premium and affordable apartments, villas, row houses, and residential sites. One of the participants of last year expo says, “Property exhibitions have not only helped us to cater the very specific and niche group of audience of property seekers but also helped prospective buyers with a good overview of available housing options fitting into their pockets and locations of choice. They can visit the project sites they are interested in right away, or schedule a viewing in the near future”. The walk-in’s attending the fair also get an opportunity to avail on-the-spot financial support from LIC HFL with special offers on processing fees and also stand a chance to win surprise gifts. The expo ensures space, facilities, and footfalls this year. The focal point of the exhibition will be the visit of Smt. Sunita Sharma, MD & CEO, LIC HFL which will be a positive facet for the participants as well as the customers. She has assumed charge as MD & CEO of LIC Housing Finance Ltd on 5th November 2013. She is also the first woman to be the MD & CEO of the Company since its inception in 1989. Prior to this assignment, Smt. Sharma was Executive Director of Investments in LIC of India looking after the areas of equity research and risk management. Pension & Group schemes became most successful marketing channel and business grew manifold for LICI when she was spearheading the assignment as Executive Director. In a career spanning over 3 decades in the Corporation, she has handled various assignments like Personnel, New Business, Policy Servicing, Finance & Accounts and Estates. She had also served as Regional Manager of LIC HFL of Northern Region covering the states of Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
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Providing Affordable Housing Finance The Housing Finance Industry is one of the most keenly competitive segments of the economy, with the banking sector having a significant presence. Making a special mark in the crowd, LIC Housing Finance Limited (HFL) entered in the market with a mission to provide secured housing finance at an affordable cost. It offers long term finance to individuals for purchase, construction, repair and renovation of new or existing flats and houses. The company also provides mortgage loans on existing property for business, personal needs and gives loans to professionals for purchase or construction of clinics, nursing homes, diagnostic centres/ office space and also for purchase of equipments. The organization has won prestigious CNBC TV 18 Award for ‘The Best Housing Finance Company’ and has been able to grow as one of the largest housing finance providers in India. Touted as ‘the Most Trusted Brand’, LIC HFL serves more than 12 lakh customers; the company provides loans for homes, construction activities, and corporate housing schemes. Around 93.83 percent of the loan portfolio is derived from the retail segment and the rest from large corporate clients. With strongly embedded values of fair and transparent business practices, the organization has been successful in winning the trust and confidence of home finance seekers. It has always provided finance at affordable and competitive rates making it a preferred destination for the customers. Not only this, it has also been an aide to the developers. In Project Finance Forte, LIC HFL provides short term bridge finance to reputed builders and developers to complete their projects. They have a minimum 6 months and maximum term 5 Years or up to completion of project. The loans can be for various purposes of developing residential units’ shopping malls, hospitals and IT parks. The company had exposures to major players in Bangalore like Embassy Group , Prestige Group , Hoysala, Sobha, Adarsh, Nandi and so on. LIC HFL segregates the finance support to the developers into four different categories. Construction Finance - Sales Model wherein loans are given to developers/ builders for the purpose of developing and constructing residential / commercial premises for the purpose of Sale, Construction Finance - Lease Model where loans are provided to developers / builders for the purpose of developing and constructing residential / commercial units to be let out, rental securitization where loans against future rent is receivable from the project / premises and term loan which are given to developers / builders for business purposes.
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With strongly embedded values of fair and transparent business practices, LIC HFL has been successful in winning the trust and confidence of home finance seekers
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES 1. LIC HFL Care Homes Limited
The borrower may not use the same on any specific project or for specific purposes. Among several players in Home Loan providers, LIC HFL has made its stand and has been recognized by National Housing Bank and listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). LIC HFL has been rated ‘AAA’ by CRISIL for the 12th consecutive time in the year 201213 and also bagged the ‘Best Outstanding Company in Home Finance'. The company has also launched a new line of business by the name Property Services Division across the country in select centres to enable a prospective home buyer select the property up to taking the possession of the same. The evolution of the Indian real estate sector has been phenomenal in the past decade, propelled by a growing economy, liberalized foreign direct investment policy and the higher yields the sector is offering. The organization foresees that the housing finance industry will be able to maintain a higher growth in the residential home loans over the coming future, the LIC HFL plans to make Nimma Mane Property Expo, a power booster for the real estate market and envisions to prolong their hard work and sincere approach towards helping their customers with their services.
To address the crying need of housing for the senior citizens of the country, the Company had promoted LIC HFL Care Homes Limited, to establish and operate assisted community living centres. LIC HFL Care Homes Limited was incorporate on 11th September, 2001. It launched its eco-friendly pilot project in Bangalore with cost-effective independent cottages and all other on-campus amenities, fully structured and selfcontained to address every possible need of residents. It has library, community centre, home theatre, meditation centre, and doctors on call and ambulance to take the ailing to the nearest city Medicare centre – all that would make the lives of senior citizens comfortable and satisfying. New such projects are planned in Bhubaneshwar and Jaipur and the company is in the process of finalising the purchase of land for a few more projects.
2. LIC HFL Financial Services Limited LIC HFL Financial Services Limited was incorporated on 31st October, 2007 for undertaking non fund based activities like marketing of housing loans, insurance products, credit card, mutual fund, personal loan etc. It has become operational in 2008-09 and has already opened five offices in Maharashtra and plans to open atleast another thirty offices during 200910.
3. LIC HFL Trustee Company Private Limited LIC HFL Trustee Company Private Limited was incorporated on 5th March, 2008 for undertaking the business of trustees of venture capital trust, funds – in India and offshore fund. The Company would very soon launch its operations - act as trustee of the fund raised through private placement, public offer etc.
4. LIC HFL Asset Management Company Private Limited LIC HFL Asset Management Company Private Limited was incorporated on 14th February, 2008 for undertaking the business of managing, advising, administering venture funds, unit trust, investment trust in India as well as abroad. The Company would launch its operations very soon.
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Best Projects and Developers
at a Glance 2013
F
rom luxury villas to affordable houses and smart-homes, from multi-storied apartments to duplexes and villament, Bangalore is not just the Silicon Valley of Asia, but is gradually transforming to become the real estate capital of the country. International Airport in the outskirts of Bangalore, IT hubs and software parks, marvelous malls, extraordinary architectural structures and an old history of successful ventures, all have led Bangalore to top the real estate chart nationally. The recent metro expansion in the city and the plans of several large IT/ ITeS, Engineering and Automobile MNCs to grow in the city has infused and ensured a healthy growth rate in residential segment along with commercial segment. The residential segment in Bangalore is gaining interest from developers, landowners and investors due to significant population of young, double income household and growing migration to the city owing to job opportunities. The Government of India also took several steps to enhance the situation and augment the growth in this sector and also to boost the sector by directing Reserve Bank of India to implement several schemes and ease existing norms of lending to this sector. Keeping in mind this shift, Bangalore Homes presents to you the ‘Best Projects and Developers at a Glance- 2013’. The projects are categorized under ‘Luxury’ and ‘Affordable’ homes. These comprehensive lists will help prospective home buyers take a close at the best projects in each category. In the past few months we have scrutinized over 100 projects and finalized on the coveted spots. Bangalore Homes intends to help buyers by providing them with the insiders guide to the best of properties.
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Best Luxury Homes Builder Name
Project Name
Location
Price (Rs.)
Assetz Property Services Pvt Ltd.
Assetz East Point
Outer Ring Road
68.85Lac - 2.04 Crore
Pashmina Builders & Developers Pvt Ltd
Pashmina Waterfront
Old Madras Road
80 Lac Onwards
Prisha Properties India Pvt.Ltd
Orchids
Thannisandra Road
51.84 Lac Onwards
RBD Shelters Pvt. Ltd.
RBD Stillwaters
Off Sarjapur Road, beside HSR Layout
1.68 Crore- 2.55 Crore
Sobha Developers Ltd.
Sobha Indraprastha
Rajajinagar
2.2 Crore- 4 Crore
Best AFFORDABLE Homes Builder Name
Project Name
Location
Price (Rs.)
Aswani Properties
Aswani Sitara
Near Electronic City, Chandapura
15.5 Lac – 21.45 Lac
Commune Properties India Pvt Ltd
Commune1
Chandapura-Anekal road
19.89 Lac-41.34 Lac
Definer Ventures
Definer Kingdom
Off Old Madras Road, near Budigere cross
30.65 Lac - 59.08 Lac
NBR Land Developers and Builders Pvt Ltd
NBR Lakeview
Electronic City
21.67 Lac - 25.50 Lac
Sowparnika Projects & Infrastructure Pvt Ltd
Sowparnika Chandrakantha Phase II
Dommasandra Off, Sarjapur Road
25.83 Lac - 35.69 Lac
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Luxury Homes
Home East Point:
of a
Good Life
to the Connoisseurs
By Nandini Mukherjee
L
uxury has different connotations for different people. Although a good life need not necessarily include materialistic comforts but most often owning luxurious possessions is considered as living a good life believes Mr. Pal, a recent home buyer. Mr. Pal, a techie, wanted to purchase a new luxury apartment in Bangalore for his joint family. He started exploring all the upcoming luxury projects in Bangalore. “My major concern was to find a house which would endow my family with all the comforts; a luxurious residence which offers luxury in all aspects and at the same time close to my work,” says Mr. Pal. After a thorough research, he discovered East Point. “East Point represents an ultimate luxurious living. With all world class amenities, it is a perfect abode for connoisseurs of a good life like us,” adds Mr. Pal. “Be it the world class sky garden, Horizon Pool or Club East, every aspect of the project exudes luxury,” says Mr Pal. Spread on a sprawling 7 acre landscape, East Point comprises of ten contemporary towers of 12
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floors spread across three blocks (namely block A, B and C) which forms a triangle on the periphery, with a central scenic courtyard and open space in the center. The central landscape has water feature with gazebos and seating facilities on both side of the water. The clubhouse, “Club East” is spread across multiple levels of Block C, reducing the concrete footprint within the community and leaving more space for greens and open areas. While the event hall, party lawns, reading room are on the ground level, the squash and badminton courts are on the ninth level with the crowning glory being the Horizon Pool on the rooftop.
Choosing the Right Spot East Point is located adjacent to the Intel campus off the IT corridor at the MarathahalliSarjapur stretch. Conceived and executed by a team of highly experienced professionals, East Point introduces its residents to a luxurious and contemporary lifestyle that can be experienced in all the homes built here – which includes 1 Bed Homes, 2 Bed + Study homes, 3 Bed Luxurious homes, 3 Bed Duplexes and Penthouses. The apartments have been strategically located on Outer Ring Road close to the Tech Parks, reputed educational institutes, renowned hospitals and shopping malls of Bangalore to allow its residents to have an easy access to all their needs. The location is surrounded by the comforts of a world-class urban lifestyle – from gourmet restaurants, the finest schools & hospitals, to leisure hubs and cultural attractions – all in the neighborhood. The project is poised to be an ideal home for the IT / ITeS professionals who wish to walk-to-work to IT Parks in the immediate vicinity. “The strategic location works as a wonder for my family. We are now well connected to parts of the city and the locality has also a generous smattering of educational institutions, healthcare, multiplexes and hotels. Above all, it empowers me to spend quality time with them since office is now almost next door” explains Mr. Pal.
East Point's location is surrounded by the comforts of a world-class urban lifestyle
Luxury at its Best
Armed with all the modern day luxuries, East Point brings out nothing but the finest dwelling in Bangalore City one can think of. East Point is not built on the solitary premise of housing, but on a completely higher level of luxury. The project is fully equipped with modern amenities and extraordinary features that promise to make living an absolute refined experience. Set on lush acres of greenery, one can surely have the peace of mind which is much required for the corporate being. “When the everyday humdrum of life takes its toll on you, a holiday in a far off land will not be required. All you require is to spend some quality time in the tranquil environment that East Point provides,” exclaims Mr. Pal. The entire East Point community has been planned to let residents experience a luxurious and fulfilling lifestyle for everyone from kids to their grandparents. From sky garden, reading room, mini theatre, multipurpose open terrace, party lawn, kids pool & play area to basement car parking, 1 KVA Back-up for every home, diesel generator back-up for common areas, rainwater harvesting; East Point offers it all.
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Luxury Homes
Pashmina Waterfront: Redefining Luxury Living By Nandini Mukherjee
F
alguni was anxious. This was the first time she was making an investment entirely based on her decision. “I always wished to give a comfortable and luxurious living experience to my parents. Not compromising on the locality, natural surroundings and quality of designs I was looking to find the best possible option available,” says Falguni. After a year of hard research, the perfectionist finally found the best address for her parents, Pashmina Waterfront by Pashmina Developers. “The project is a perfect combination of beautiful aesthetics both inside and outside. On seeing the floor plans I was convinced that this was the perfect gift for my parents,” says an excited Falguni. Initially Mr. Rao was unconvinced about his daughter’s decision. “I was not sure whether she was doing the right thing by
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making a huge investment on property that too in such an early age, although she was adamant. When I saw the specifications of the project, I didn’t impede her,” says Mr. Rao. Pashmina developers have meticulously planned a fabulous living for the dwellers with several promising luxurious amenities. The project has been a one of its kind masterpieces in the city of Bangalore. Pashmina Waterfront is situated right in the middle of three lakes. To its north is the 12 acre Bhattarahalli Lake and to the west is the 22 acre KR Puram Lake. The Yellamma Lake (near Cipla) forms the frontier on the eastern side. “The best feature is the 270 degree view from the apartments open from three sides adds to the beauty of the project. It is the best way one can unwind after a long day,” explains Falguni.
Convenience meets Luxury "Commuting in Bangalore has always been a hassle. My house hunt was not yielding any successes because all the luxury properties worth their salt were far away from the city. But I was delighted to see that Pashmina Developers had chosen a rather strategic location for their project,” says Falguni. Situated on the new growth corridor of Bangalore, Pashmina Waterfront makes for a value investment. Waterfront abuts the 8 lane
expressway on Old Madras Road. The project is just a 15 minutes drive from Indira Nagar, Outer Ring Road, Bangalore Metro, and Whitefield. The International Airport is situated only 45 minutes away and ITPL is only a 20 minutes drive. The area has proximity to all organized retail shops and entertainment hubs like
Pashmina developers have meticulously planned a fabulous living for the dwellers with several promising luxurious amenities
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Gopalan Signature mall, Phoenix mall, ITPL mall, Big Bazaar, Auchan, Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, KFC, Mc Donald’s making life convenient for dwellers. The locality has propinquity to some of the premium schools like New Baldwin International School, Lake Montfort School and Indus Valley Residential School. “Locational advantage of Waterfront has reaffirmed my decision of buying an apartment here. My office is now just a 20 minutes drive,” says Falguni with a sigh of relief.
Luxury Living Spaces Set amidst acres of greenery and 12 acres lake adjoining Pashmina Waterfront is a visual delight. Keeping its commitment to building the best possible surroundings, only 20 percent of the project’s footprint is brick and mortar while the other 80 percent is
covered with aesthetic landscape and luxurious amenities. Falguni’s major concern while looking for a house was a clean surrounding for a healthy living. “After a frantic schedule of work, I wanted to spend quality time with my family. Waterfront is like my own rejuvenation center,” she further adds. Keeping in mind of a healthy lifestyle, the developers have also incorporated several recreational facilities like well designed clubhouse, swimming pools, squash court, jacuzzi, skating arena, cricket pitch, volleyball court and so on. The added attraction of the project is that 2 swanky clubhouses which offer hours of recreation with a world class gymnasium,
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library, meditation centre, a multipurpose hall, saloon, roof top swimming pool and coffee shop. What makes the project stand out in the crowd is that the builders have not ignored the needs of any demographic. The children can have a great time in the playgrounds and swimming pools. The elderly can relax in the senior citizen’s park. Fitness freaks can make use of the gym, tree plaza with yoga platform, therapeutic walkway, and lake facing walkways. The project has something in store for everyone. “At Waterfront every minute details of every room have been worked on to enhance every aspects of our living experience,” adds Falguni. Leaving no stone unturned to make it a perfect luxurious living for the dwellers, Waterfront has used choicest of fixtures and fittings in all the apartments. The entrance, kitchen and the master bedroom of all the units are Vaastu compliant. The layouts are spacious and well designed. The apartments seek to echo peace and space. Falguni’s face says a happy story. Her smile conveys the satisfaction of having invested in a dream home. Pashmina Developers believe in conceiving, building and delivering residential, commercial and retail real estate properties with a signature touch. Every apartment, row house, villa, commercial and retail property of Pashmina carries a signature touch by combining unique design aesthetics with state-of- theart construction techniques. The developers envision delighting all the dwellers with creativity, compassion, integrity and a quality conscience- consistently. Falguni’s story is a testament to that.
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Style Your Home
Neon Fashion Meets Decor By Anupama Desai
Neon colors are making way into homes in a big way this season. These bright and bold colors bring an energy flux to any place and wash it with shades of freshness.
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verybody dreams of a home with the most dynamic and distinguished interiors. One of the major elements that make the interior pop is the colour schemes used. Neon colours have been in vogue for quite some time now. Having made its way into interiors these bright and bold colours are a rage this season. These distinguished colours can jazz up any simple home and can also bring an energy flux with shades of freshness. Be it hot pink, lime green or bright yellow, people today are not shying away from using them to spice up dull interiors. Neon is more about the user’s personality. This colour has energizing and stimulating effects on the mood and adds liveliness to the place. Its energizing effects can be beautifully described with seasons like, it is cheerful during summers, lifts up spirits on a rainy day, and provides endearing comfort during winters. Neon colours add unmatchable brightness. It can lend a retro yet contemporary looks and has the ability to give any space a distinctive appeal when used in a balanced manner.
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It oozes energy, and gives ample scope to mix and match and can be implemented in artistic, unique and balanced ways. This colour epitomizes person’s taste and propensity for exceptionally unusual designs and can be supplemented in conjunction with neutral colours in solid chunks. Large neon coloured vase can be put on the neutral coloured coffee table or side table or the other way around can also be done. One or two neon accessories can be incorporated together such as pillows, candles, flowers, and art work or a painted door or door jam in bright colours which can accentuate the room in exceptional way. Knick knacks such as vases, candlesticks or bowls that feature these colours can be displayed on a wooden mantle. With smaller objects bright neon shade can be used because, the neutral tones in the rest of the room can balance out the bolder colours. There are so many ways that this colour can be incorporated as an element of accessories in home decor which can give a unique dimension to the appearance of a home. Here are a few know-hows about how neon shades can be incorporated in specifics of home decor.
Painting Walls Some neon colours that work well as accent walls in a different colours are hot pink, electric blue, green, bright yellow and orange. If an entire wall is covered in these shades is too much then, smaller neon accents can be paired with an otherwise neutral room. Neon pillows or shade lamp can be sited to beige, gray or tan sofa or can be used against a cream coloured wall. Curtains Basic curtain rods painted with different neon colours can give a touch of brightness in the
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room. Neon tabbed curtains from the curtain rods can also be used. Neon sheers are available and make perfect tiebacks for the curtains. Bead curtains are available in these colours and look great placed on top of the fabric curtains. Furniture Neon-coloured furniture can give contemporary look to the home dĂŠcor such as painted the headboard in hot pink or other colours and decorated with stickers of neon colour can give a different edge to the bed. Painting a dresser in bright colour and each drawer and knob with a different neon colour gives a totally topical feel and similarly beanbags, chairs and couches are other pieces of furniture in the room that can add a splash of novel look. It is a matter of contrast, to use a daring piece of furniture that complements modern and playful interiors. Bedding Solid-neon-colour bedding, with a comforter and bright colour sheets can be used to enhance the look of the room. Several neon-coloured pillows and blankets around the room on couches and chairs can be used to accent all the same kind of colours in the room. These colours can make overall look more accentuated.
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Cushion Soft cushions or printed cushion covers with neon coloured can be piled up on the bed. Some soft combination of these colours can give soothing effect on mind. Wall Hanging/Vases Hanging neon coloured bright clocks and pictures on the walls is another way to incorporate neon in home interiors. A collection of neon vases or ceramics on a shelf top can make an unforgettable display. Wall pictures contrasting to walls paints will be more enchanting. Crockery Art is entering everywhere. In the kitchen neon is registering a remarkable presence. Using glass or plastic neon plates or cups are matter of individual taste. Plastic neon crockery is durable, plates can be soak-proof and cut resistant. Spoons, dinning sets, coffee/tea mugs where creativity sets in with neon’s ample of shades, which makes tea time or food time more enjoyable. Neon plates, cups, can also have embellishments similar to the stamped designs on clothes.
In the kitchen neon is registering a remarkable presence
Neon Coloured Wall Lights and Lamps Textured lamp shades can give an amazing touch to homes. Neon light around the top of the bedroom is another way of using this colour in home decor. These can be a perfect blend of lights and colours for walls and lamps and will look mesmerizing by giving interesting and fun elements to them. These are just glimpses to imagine, how all home accessories can incorporate neon shades. More creativity incorporated with other elements in carpets, wardrobes, table cloths, chandeliers and many other accessories can make home interiors more beautiful and astonishing. It should be allowed that these explicit accessories speak for themselves by giving them a breathing room, rather than enclosed with more pieces together. Neon makes a big statement all on its own and can contrive a focal point and give a character to a home interior. They are gracing home accessories world like never before. A festive mood can be made throughout the year with these colours. These colours are like a smile on a face, which brightens the life.
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Luxury Homes
RBD Stillwaters Changing a Dream House to Reality By Nandini Mukherjee
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he story of Mr. Shah is a happy one. Unlike other home buyers who face disappointing experiences while making the final choice for a house, the Shah family found a perfect house of their choice within a short span of time. “We put our trust in RBD Shelters after consulting our family and friends who had earlier purchased houses in Bangalore. Everybody had a pleasant thing to say about them, so without much delay we made the choice. Among all their ongoing projects, we chose the one which suited our needs,” explains Mr. Shah. While looking for a home, Mr. Shah’s biggest concern was a clean surrounding. “My previous house was situated in a congested area and the neighborhood was not good. My family didn’t feel secure while staying there. When I came across
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RBD Stillwaters, the first thing I noticed was a calm location with a good neighborhood,” explains Mr. Shah. The project which is spread across 7 acres of lush greenery on the banks of the pristine Lakedew Lake shows its strong commitment towards creating a hospitable family environment amidst nature. Stillwaters located off Sarjapur Road; right next to HSR Layout, gives unparalleled quality at a strategic location. “The central location of the project is one of the major reasons why we chose Stillwaters,” says Mrs. Shah. “Now we are well connected to the city and have educational institutions, hospitals, super markets at a stone’s throw,” she adds. RBD Stillwaters is well connected to important parts of the city. The distance to Koramangala 4th block is 8.4km, Indiranagar 100ft road is 13km, Electronic city is 7.7km, Outer Ring road junction is 4.7 km. The locality also has proximity to corporates like Wipro which is 5.4km, Intel and RMZ Ecospace is 7km.
A lifetime experience A healthy living style is much in trend today. The builders have advantageously paid attention to all modern day amenities that range from a cricket pitch, meditation space, aerobics
The legacy RBD Shelters Private Limited, a sister concern of Ferns Builders & Developers, is a leading real estate developer who has been responsible for the transformation of Bangalore into a city that can afford an international standard of living at an affordable price along with beautifying its skyline, thereby bringing the 'real' back into realty. They have been managing the Ferns Icon property since its construction in 2008. The company oversees the building's various services to keep the property in top shape while maintaining its commercial value. Incepted in 1994, the company now has an impressive portfolio that encompasses residential complexes and plots, private residences and farm houses. In its 7 years of existence, the company has gained a reputation for providing affordable, high quality residences and corporate structures at convenient and prominent locations. The developers seek to achieve success with a combination of efficient technology, intelligent designs and high quality materials. The developers ensure customer satisfaction and that the thriving businesses on premise get complete value for their investment.
room, squash court, billiards/pool table, table tennis, basket ball court, tennis court, multipurpose court, jogging track, swimming pool, gym, steam& sauna, Jacuzzi and so on. “Now my children can have a wholesome environment to play run around,” says Mrs. Shah. “The silver lining of the project is that in addition to living in the midst of such splendor, they also give the choice of selecting between two entirely diverse yet fabulous design structures by two distinguished and renowned architects,” adds Mr. Shah. The project also provides well designed interiors with abundant space for a family to live. Mr. Shah and his family found their dream with all the optimum conveniences they could ever think of. Their dream house epitomized desirable surrounding, quality construction, value pricing and complete legal transparency. RBD Builders stands true to its value of making life better.
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Green Homes
Green living
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small girl Nandini asked her grandfather living in a village, how he still looks young and maintains high energy at such an old age. To this, the grandfather replied, “to remain evergreen, you must not go away from the green”. In today’s fast paced life, people spend a lot of money on those artificial facilities which nature gives for free. Going away from nature leads not only to the loss of money but also health. Sitting in closed chambers and cubicles with laptops, tablets and mobile phones around, having a stressful day at work with no natural light, air or greenery to see, driving a long way to home in the midst of noise, pollution and heavy traffic has become an everyday lifestyle in urban areas. People today have all modern amenities and technology equipped houses but it’s high time when people must look at the positives of sustainable living and making peace with the nature. The house developers today are more focused on equipping constructions with modern amenities and equipments, the concept of going green is misunderstood by them as just planting a few trees or creating a lawn. While green living is not just about creating a house of concrete and bricks with a lawn, it’s a much wider model of being sustainable and supporting ecological development and ecofriendly endeavors. The cost of building an ecofriendly home can be high initially but is very economical considering its long term benefits. A house made up of mud bricks keeping the home naturally cool, skylights in the roof with a flood of sunshine serving as a major source of light during day time, ventilators and
Building eco-friendly Homes By Pankaj Kundwani
Sustainable living attempts to reduce an individual's use of the Earth's natural resources and personal resources. Using simple and cost effective solutions, turn your home eco friendly.
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The skylights will illuminate the abode with ample of natural sunlight for free
windows bringing natural air in, energy efficient lighting backed by solar power, a small garden with fruit plants like guava and lemon, vegetables and medicinal plants, fencing of bamboo sticks enhancing the beauty of house are some of the best features of green homes which can really make you feel closer to the nature. Simple Solutions for Sustainable Living Green living encourages sustainable living with minimum wastage of water, electricity and other natural resources. Energy and power as it relates to green living, is one of the first steps that many individuals begin to take into a green living genus. There are different ways to make any home eco-friendly and sustainable. Install Solar Panels Sun is an abundant source of energy which is pure, clean and renewable. Solar panels can offer energy for a house in different ways. It can be used for water heating and can fulfill the power needs of a house during day time. The surplus energy can be transferred to a battery and stored for later use. Though the cost of installing solar panels could be lofty, it’s a onetime investment that can save money in the long run. Installing Skylights in the Roof The skylights will illuminate the abode with ample of natural sunlight for free. It will considerably reduce electricity consumption as the occupants need not switch on lights during
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and should not be thrown on the streets.
day time. This is a highly cost effective measure as well. Use Energy Efficient Lighting Using low wattage lights like CFLs is a great way to save energy. Some of these can even be brighter than standard light bulbs which consumes more energy.
Water recycling is a way of reusing grey water from the wash basin, shower and washing machine after it undergoes
water treatment procedure
Rain Water Harvesting and Waste Water Recycle Water is a scarce resource and its management is a growing concern. Demand for water is going up constantly and supply is rather inadequate. Water recycling is a way of reusing grey water from the wash basin, shower and washing machine after it undergoes water treatment procedure. Rain water conservation can also help in meeting the water needs radically. Segregation of Garbage In most homes, kitchen waste is more than dry waste, which can be turned into compost and can be used in the garden. Dry waste like plastic, metal, rubber can be put in the city-wide recycling process
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Using Low Water Flow Mechanisms Leakages can waste many gallons of water every year. Those taps, pipes, showers and toilet mechanisms should be chosen which uses less water while doing the same job as regular toilet mechanisms with no leakage at all. An eco-friendly home can really be a stress buster in today’s demanding and high paced life. Green living enhances the air quality, day lighting, health and wellbeing of the occupants and is an aide to conserve scarce natural resources. Other than numerous benefits that it brings, it can help in making a lot of monitory savings in the long run. Understanding the importance of sustainable living, some developers are taking sincere steps in bringing eco-friendly projects with true essence of green living. A green home guarantees peace of mind and joy that no other fancy house can give.
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Affordable Homes
Definer Ventures: Redefining Lifestyles By Nandini Mukherjee
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hanging lifestyles of urban folk have had a strong influence in their choice of properties and preference of living spaces. This puts the onus on a superior floor plan to convince prospective buyers. “Nowadays, builders do not pay enough importance to the floor plans. Buildings are erected right next to each other, compromising on an individual’s privacy,” says Chirantan, a recent home buyer. “I was overwhelmed to see that Definer Ventures is making an effort to provide home dwellers with better designs and floor plans which give supreme importance to privacy and better livability. Seeing this special feature provided by Definer Ventures, I instantly decided on my dream home,” Chirantan adds with a content smile. “In today’s world everybody needs a happy place to unwind after a long day of work. Nobody likes to have prying eyes of neighbors meddling in their business. We realized this need of home buyers that was not being taken care of and decided to design our apartments to cater to just that,” says Ravi Varma, CEO, Definer Ventures. Definer provides buyers with better floor plans in terms of better privacy, private balcony and gardens. None of the balconies oversee any other house. The floor plans are also vastu compliant. De-
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finer’s two ongoing projects Definer Kingdom, located off Old Madras Road near Budigere cross and Definer Premium, located off Banaswadi ring road near TC Palya Main Road are giving home buyers a perfect living experience with all the important amenities required.
A Rich Legacy Established in 2004 by Ravi Varma, true to its name, Definer Ventures has been defining industry standards for quality and perfection. Today, Definer provides affordable housing by giving top of the line specifications and amenities that are usually found only in high-end apartment projects costing twice as much. Experience, improvised by further understanding of the customer’s needs over time has led to many value-enhanced features that Definer Ventures provides in their projects.
Strategic Location Chirantan’s decision to put his faith in Definer Ventures was made easier after taking a look at their successful list of projects which include ‘Definer Residency’, near Bommanahalli, ‘Definer Serene Drive – I’ and ‘Serene Drive – II’ between ITPL & Hoskote.. The list currently expands to Definer Kingdom and Definer Premium. “Apart from the quality of the apartments, Definer Ventures is an expert at finding the perfect locations for their projects,” adds Chirantan. Chirantan who is an IT professional had been on a house hunt for several months. “I was quite happy with my job but the difficulty arose when I started looking for a house which was close to my office,” he adds. Chirantan took the final decision in favor of Definer Kingdom because of its highly strategic locations. With a dis-
tance of 10 minutes to ITPL, Whitefield and K.R. Puram, the project gives people like Chirantan the easy connectivity to all parts of the city. The silver lining is the five proposed government projects like IT city, BT city, Aerospace, Finance city and Semiconductor Park, coming up between the Budigere and International Airport which will create the demand for residential properties in the area resulting in better ROI. “My office is only a 10 minutes drive now,” says Chirantan with a smile. Definer Venture’s other project, Definer Premium is also an ideal choice for IT professionals and people working in and around ITPL, Whitefield, Manyata
Along with convenient locations, Definer gives ample importance to the quality of constructions Tech Park, RMZ Infinity, Bagmane Tech Park. The area is also well connected to MG Road, International Airport at Devanahalli. The accessibility and the approach to the Definer apartments add up to their profitability. Location alone cannot win over home buyers; hence Definer Ventures gives ample importance to the quality of constructions and thus bring luxury living within the reach of regular home buyers. With a perfect amalgamation of features that make home living a treat, Definer Ventures is creating numerous happy stories similar to Chitantan’s Definer is one of the first companies to consciously incorporate eco-friendly measures like rainwater harvesting and waste recycling systems in its projects.
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Affordable Homes
NBR Developers and Builders:
Coming off Age Community Living By Anupama Desai
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ishabh an investment banker was born in Bangalore but had to move away to Nasik at an early age. A transfer at work has brought him back to his city. “I am so glad to be back in Bangalore. I still remember it as the garden city where everybody believed in community living. While looking for a house in the city, my prime concern was to find an environment similar to that,” says Rishabh. His quest for finding the perfect green project which incorporated community living took him to several builders, but to no avail. On a relative’s recommendations he decided to try NBR Developers and Builders. “This is where my search ended as I found the perfect amalgamation of community living in a green environment,” Rishabh says with a sigh of relief. NBR Developers and Builders is a well known real estate developers for community living in Bangalore. “I was quite assured on seeing NBR’s dogma of wanting to inculcate community living in their project”, adds Rishabh. As a staunch believer of the motto of “live, work and play”, NBR developers are adhering to this fact by replenishing one or more community facilities such as hospitals, retails and commercial buildings. Comprehensively developed, master planned and well executed communities are the highlight of all the projects.
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A Legacy NBR Developers and Builders are managed by NBR brothers Mr. Nagabhushan Reddy and Mr. Aswathnarayan Reddy. Incepted in 1998, the developers have successfully completed many prestigious projects till date. Their operations also span
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Nagabhushan Reddy, Managing Director
across various aspects of real estate such as land identification and acquisition, project planning, designing, marketing and execution. NBR is self funded so it is more cautious in its operations. “NBR’s various projects such as NBR Green Valley, NBR Golden Valleys, NBR Orange County, NBR Meadows and NBR Garden RV have already marked their presence in Bangalore. "After taking a look at the quality of construction I was rest assured,” says Rishabh. All these projects have state of the art amenities such as club house with modern luxury, a swimming pool for unprecedented experience with calm and refreshing retreat, flower park containing a wide range of flowers, huge landscaped gardens and parks to add a touch of green to everyday life, indoor & outdoor games facility, well equipped gym & relaxation area, kids play area for children and fruits and vegetable
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Aswathnarayan Reddy, Director
shop are some among others. Maintaining the Sheen of the Garden City NBR is also working in the direction by effectively incorporating green building concept in all the projects. Bangalore is continuously expanding in all the directions and new properties keep coming up. It is daunting that Bangalore is losing its charm as ‘Green City’ and ‘City of Gardens’. This is a matter of concern. Devoting to maximize the use of space within its projects for green cover is other good thing about the developers. NBR is consciously functioning towards the wellbeing of the environment and making Bangalore again a Green city. Rishabh was more than a happy to know about this as he believed in sustaining green environment. NBR has big plans for the future ahead. The organization
NBR has earned a coveted place by providing customers a value for their money and helping them own their dream home
is continuously working towards the mission of shoring up the best properties at affordable prices at the strategic locations. This mission is supported by the vision to instigate the operations in other cities of India. To cater the needs of NRIs the developers are escalating the branches internationally. They take pride for winning the Bangalore Real Estate Award in 2012 which was jointly conferred by Silicon India and LIC HFL. “NBR has been successful in building trust and confidence among their customers and this is why I decided to put my trust in them,” says Rishabh. Over the years they have been successful in perpetuating their existing customers by continuously thriving for excellence. NBR has earned a coveted place by providing customers a value for their money and helping them own their dream home.
Visit us at:
Special Pavillion 4
Homes
Style Your Home
Add Sparkle and Opulence with Crystal Accessories By BH Team Add shimmer and shine to you home by adding classic crystal accessories. When used in different shapes and colors, crystals create a feeling of opulence.
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uxury and opulence is an eternal style statement when it comes to home decor. Crystal home accessories lend that opulent touch to interiors with ease. Be it an over the top crystal chandelier or a small crystal sculpture, they add a special pizzazz to the room. This classic style of decorating homes can be used in versatile ways. Crystal decor also holds a unique place in modern designs. The beauty of the crystal lies in its shine. When used in different shapes and colors, crystals can look very beautiful. When most people think of crystals, they are most likely to imagine crystals that are perfectly clear. However, crystals can come in many colors depending on how they are made and which minerals are used in their manufacturing process. If there is a place full of colorful crystals then it can look like a beautiful garden full of different flowers. Uses for Crystal In this day and age, crystals can be used to make many different things that can add sparkle to any home. From elegant glassware that can be used at dinner parties,
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Crystals can be incorporated in any decorating schemes for homes
to ornamental crystal chandeliers that hang in entryways to crystal candle holders. Crystals can be incorporated in any decorating schemes for homes. Beautiful crystal kitchen accessories can enhance the overall look of the kitchen and dining space. One of the most popular uses of crystals is as stemware. Stemware includes objects like wine glasses, crystal goblets and champagne flutes. Using crystal is particularly appropriate for these types of glasses. Because stemware is held by the stem, that makes for a cleaner glass in the long run, but more significantly it allows light pass through the glass in a unique way, when drinking delicate things like liquors. Because wine and liquor drinking is about the ambiance and enjoyment of the aesthetic, crystal can make the experience of the beverage more pleasurable overall. Crystal House Wares The dining room is not the only place in the house that can benefit from the sparkle of genuine crystal. There are many other types of household items that can be made from crystal to great effect, such as lamps, chandeliers, and crystal candlesticks, crystal chairs and crystal tables. These are all items that use the flicker of crystals to more beautifully and effectively reflect light around the room. Crystal Staircases are also one of the things that can absolutely change the look of the space in the home. Crystal railings have become popular decorative stair balusters. Crystal stair railings are amplified with pure crystal with both the practicability and aesthetic values, keeping in mind and that gives the sparkling look to them. To decorate crystal balusters in houses, hotels and restaurants the bubble crystal columns are used which are full of bubbles inside showcasing the unique colorful glass luster reflected by the diverse color lamps and it is also the best choice to design and ornament offices, bars, and public occasions. Crystal lamp shades can give a cozy luminosity and cool scatter light to enhance the mood and give accent to the home decor. They can give contemporary look by using chrome steel frame with fine crafted crystals which can create the elegant luxury effect. The lamp
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Crystal home accessories lend that opulent touch to interiors with ease
shades can includes wall, ceiling, table, and floor lamps. Each decorative lamps can have own unique attention to express the style and bring the special atmosphere to a room. The Quintessential Objects One of the most popular ways to use crystal in decorating a home is with a crystal chandelier. Glamorous light source with crystal can create gorgeous effect for any common room in a home. Most often, crystal chandeliers are placed in entryways or dining rooms where people are often gathered. It is important to take care of the size when purchasing crystal chandeliers. A large chandelier can create a dramatic effect. Crystal chandeliers that are of higher quality are generally more expensive, but also reflect light better. Crystal chandeliers can be well worth the price as they make a powerful statement about the kind of home that an individual keeps. Beautiful winking candle light can illuminate the hundreds of hand-strung acrylic beads that grace the shade. candle holders Candle holders can make that look extravagant. If that holder has diamond cut glass, then with its diamond cut glass crystals, this crystal candle holders can add warmth to any setting.
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Crystal Chairs Crystal chairs are another way to glorify the home interiors. The modern and breath taking designs of these outdoor chairs that can make people anxious to sit in it. The crystal chairs look is elegant and ornate. They are durable and constructed in such a way that they can be great for outdoor spaces. So, they are preferred by restaurants, cafes, and hotels, and can also definitely catch attention on patio or porch. Crystal Tables Crystal tables can seamlessly blend into the most creative interior design spaces which have sublime crystals in prolific magnificence. These impressive tables can epitomize the creative genius and can make a statement as home accessories. Colored crystal table can give stunning look to the room. The light reflection and refraction can work wonderfully to create the outstanding appearance. Crystals were used in the previous era of time and now also becoming specific element of the home decor. Pricy crystals are worth spending money on as they give the distinct luminous effect and look to the space.
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Luxury Homes
M Prisha Orchids: Creating Smart Eco-Friendly Living Spaces By Pankaj Kundwani
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odern urban living promises many conveniences, amenities and delivers a world of luxuries. But what seems glaringly absent is ample of breathing space and imminence to the nature. But Raman’s case is different. Working for a reputed MNC, Raman spends most of his time stuck inside the office with the slightest breathing space. “I felt throttled at times. The stress of work was getting to me, thus I decided to find myself a house where I could escape the pressure and live amidst nature to rejuvenate,” says Raman. His search for a peaceful living led him to Prisha Orchids. With a very unique intend and concept, Prisha Orchids brings nature closer to living. The inhabitants get unimpeded views and munificent light and air with ample of living space. The airy, open-plan apartments’ with large floor to lintel height corner windows, facing planted verandahs set apart Orchids from other apartments. “The moment I enter Orchids, I’m endowed with a sense of respite and freshness,” explains Raman.”After a tiring day, Orchids gives me abundant open spaces to breathe fresh air,” he adds. Setting Quality Standards Assessed as an IGBC Pre-certified Gold rated green project, Orchids is an expansive and visually
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appealing residential space which is a home for 167 luxury apartments. With a green park spread across the entire length of the site, it allows plantation of tall leafy trees forming a green reserve which buffers the noise and pollution from the upcoming busy road. A walkway is also set to be developed guiding the user from the reception linking the three access cores of the three blocks offering a constant view of this front park. Its feature rich club house makes Orchids a most sought after residential abode for the discerning few. “While finalizing on a house I was looking for aesthetically done up apartments. My needs were met well with Prisha Orchids,” Raman says. The interiors are spacious and aesthetically designed. The unique design is created not just as an aesthetic enhancement but also goes a long way in creating a superior living environment, filled with fresh clean air. The alternating pattern of vines gives the facade of the apartment a green and unique look. The green element emphasizes the openness and closeness to nature that is espoused by the overall design and philosophy of the development. “Orchids show a strong commitment towards nature. I feel blessed to spend time in the lap of Mother Nature,” says Raman with a smile.
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Gratifying all Needs Most apartments today are isolated in design and nature, oblivious to the importance of a social environment within the resident community. Orchids is for inclusive living where there is adequate community space with two layers of circulation – a semi-open and an enclosed one, which are connected to the park, the walkway, the club house and stretch to the pools at the rear of the development. The landscape plan provides an aroma garden in front, while the pools, gardens and play area at the rear create a strong communal realm across the site. Occupying a prime spot right on Thanisandra Main Road near Hebbal, Prisha Orchids delivers quick connectivity to the central Bangalore making it a fast appreciating investment. The location is in proximity to International Airport, popular hotels, leading corporate campuses, acclaimed hospitals and educational institutions. “The entire project has been designed to provide homeowners like us with acres of fresh spaces and fabulous amenities,” says Raman. The residential project presents the finest living options with two, three, and four bedrooms and penthouses. At the heart of each large sized unit is the expansive living area, dining spaces highlight the connection of the interior with the exterior, bringing glimpses of nature into pristine buoyant home with smart living features. Raman never thought that he could ever experience such a lavish living in the lap of nature until he found Prisha Orchids. A zenith of modern day conveniences blended with the elements of nature is what makes Orchids, an eco friendly and luxurious adobe. A design value re-emphasizing in each part of the living space instigates the inhabitants to live, breathe and get indulged everyday with the beautiful view and the sun rising over the cityscape.
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Special Pavillion 1
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Emerging Developer of the Month
WhiteStone
Landmark: By BH Team
Affordable Homes for Better Living By Nandini Mukherjee
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everie of home is common and to make it reality with required amenities in affordable cost is a time consuming job. When Deepthi shifted to Bangalore, she was uncertain of an appropriate accommodation. She thought of searching a flat at an affordable price. Some of her friends who were already settled in Bangalore discouraged her saying that she won’t get any good apartments with the required services at such a price quote. “I was worried.
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I didn’t know much about the real estate scenario in Bangalore,” says Deepthi. “My budget was limited. I stopped over a number of projects for about four months but lost hope of purchasing a flat of my own,” she explains. After some more disappointing visits to different homes, she decided to change the game plan. She started looking at newer affordable homes, so as to have more options. Soon she realized that it was easier to cover all of her needs when looking at affordable homes. She came across Whitestone Landmark, a project by Whitestone Builders, one of the popular residential developments in Bangalore. The Whitestone Builders is actively involved in developing the residential projects with luxurious amenities but at an affordable cost. “The first time I pulled up to the house, I felt I was in the right place,” says Deepthi. “I immediately called up my friends to inform that I found my dream home,” she adds. With all the optimum amenities and well
to make it a dream home. “I spend most of my time in office craving for space. I was decided that I would not compromise on finding ample space and green surroundings while looking for my dream home,” explains Deepthi. A major portion of the project is occupied by natural greenery, lavish landscapes, gardens and open spaces to breathe in fresh to create an aura of natural relaxation. The green building with its eco-friendly nature, extravagant amenities, and luxurious apartment blocks stands magnificently over a 50,000 sq.ft land making it a perfect living space for urban folk. The project comprises of two blocks with 72 flats. Block 1 has 32, three bedroom flats and Block II has 40 flats with either two or three bedroom flats. Deepthi’s other concern for safety was also fulfilled by the builders who ensure round the clock security safety. “Being a single working woman, safety was my prime concern. I am now rest assured that my security will be taken care of round the clock,”
connectivity with parts of the city, Deepthi decided to book a flat without delay. The apartments were affordable and well designed to make it an epitome of gracious living. What drew Deepthi to Whitestone Landmark was the fact that the builders have left no stones unturned
A major portion of the project is occupied by natural greenery, lavish landscapes, gardens and open spaces
adds Deepthi. With all the extravagant amenities, Landmark’s interiors are aesthetic and functional with eco friendly environment. To meet the requirements of urban dwellers like Deepthi, Whitestone Landmark has extensive landscaped gardens, swimming pool and water body, sandpit, gym, billiards, table tennis, children’s play area, senior citizens area, basketball court, badminton court, leisure pavilion, jogging track
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and so on. Apart from affordability amenities provided by the developers, what drew Deepthi’s attention was the locality. “I always thought finding an affordable home in a favorable locality was a difficult task. But thanks to Whitestone. It helped me find a perfect home for myself,” says Deepthi with a smile. Landmark is strategically located off the fast growing Whitefield Main Road with just a five minute drive to ITPL. The location has a generous smattering of educational institutions, retail outlets and other important places. “Faced with the prospect of making a decision was ultimately my choice, but with well connectivity with parts of the city, it was a tough decision to miss being a part of the project,” exclaims Deepthi. “Another factor that got me sold on the project was the reputation of the builders. Making such a big investment requires a lot of trust and commitment. Thankfully Whitestone Builders has been a symbol of quality work over a period of time,” says Deepthi. Incorporated in 2010 as a “Partnership Firm” in Bangalore by young entrepreneurs, Whitestone started with a vision to offer affordable luxury for all classes. Even though the partners’ families have been in the business of construction for over 30 years, they decided to start a new company with a fresh look and feel, so that they can realize their own dreams of creating new benchmarks instead of fitting into the existing frame. With the help of partners from diversified industries and geographies, Whitestone has left no stone unturned for creating first class homes with richer
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January 2014
Whitestone has left no stone unturned for creating first class homes with richer environment environment. “We personally take care of each project and pay attention to minute details to offer affordable luxury with an astounding wish to excel in the field of construction,” says Satish Bogollu, Managing Partner of WhiteStone. Bogollu adheres to the strong foundation for the company while Mrs. Sree Nagavalli Tatakuntala, Executive Partner, plays an active role starting from identifying the project site, extracting the best planning out of architects to hand picking the best class project executive personnel. Mr. Magham Sarath Babu, CEO, looks after the entire gamut of activities. Deepthi found her dream house with all the amenities that she could ever think of with WhiteStone. “Whitestone Landmark made my life better by offering much more than a mere four walls. It gave a far richer environment and a beautiful new world,” signs off Deepthi with a big smile.
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January 2014
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Special Pavillion 2
Banker's Advice
The Road to a New
Home By Nandini Mukherjee
B
uying a house means spending hours and days looking for a suitable property, doing background checks and finally scouting for the best deal on a home loan. Comparing home loan interest rates of various lenders is not enough. It is important to ensure that the home loan does not turn out to be too expensive over the duration of the loan.
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Interest rates depend on various factors, including availability of money in the market, inflation and monetary policies. In case of opting for a floating rate loan, the home loan installments will keep changing with fluctuations in interest rates. In contrast, a fixed-rate loan might mean that the monthly outgo is calculated at a higher interest rate even when the market is flush with liquidity and funding is cheap. To keep the total interest outgo at the minimum, is essential to know whether it is time to opt for a fixed or a floating rate loan. The Right Option Interest rate for most loans is linked to the lender's base rate, which is decided by the banks based on the Reserve Bank of India guidelines. As banks review their base rates at least once in a quarter, the interest rates may go up or down based on the call taken by the bank. In contrast to floating rates, fixed rates are expected to remain the same for the entire term of the loan. Fixed rates are generally 0.5-1.5 percentage points higher than the prevailing floating rates. Though fixed rate loans are distributed at a higher rate to compensate for the risk of rate fluctuations, several banks offer a fixed interest rate only for a specified duration, after which the loan rate is realigned with the prevailing market rate. Fixed rates provide protection from rate fluctuations and give a sense of security and
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January 2014
Though fixed rate loans are distributed at a higher rate to compensate for the risk of fluctuations, banks offer fixed interest rates only for a specified duration certainty in terms of the cash flow even when market rates are rising. Generally, fixed loans have higher exit charges and pre-payment penalties. These may also have more restrictions on partial prepayment. Floating loans offer more flexibility in terms of prepayment, but these also require regular monitoring for changing interest rate scenario and its impact on the cash flow. Making a Choice The decision to choose floating rate or fixed rate depends on their difference, various economic factors and outlook. One important factor that can be easily known is the difference between floating and fixed rates and the level of interest rates at the time. If a person feels that interest rates are high currently and likely to come down, he should opt for a floating rate. If the current rates are low, it is advisable to go for a fixed interest rate. One should also factor in their risk appetite while choosing between fixed and floating rates. If anyone wants stability in terms of cash flow, a fixed loan that remains the same during the entire term might be a good option. However, it is required to
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ensure that the interest rate is low enough to enter into a long-term loan contract. Depending on the ability to take risks, the choice between floating and fixed loans must be made. Though fixed rate offers stability and might be able to lock-in at low rates, it might not always be the suitable option. Hence, it is advisable to go for a floating rate loan. Before taking a loan, it might be good idea to consult an expert to get the best loan for a dream home. If interest rates are low and loan for a short term is required, a fixed rate loan might be a good choice.
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Property index Bangalore Locality
Capital Values (`/Sq feet)
Locality
Capital Values (`/Sq feet)
Arakere Babusabpalya Banashankari Banasvadi Bannerghatta Road " Bellandur Benson Town Bommanahalli Borewell Rd Brooke Field BTM Layout Chandapura Cookes Town Cox Town CV Raman Nagar Devanahalli Doddaballapur Road Domlur Electronic City Phase-1 Electronic City Phase-2 Frazer Town Gottigere Harlur Harlur Rd HBR Layout Hebbal Hennur Hennur Road Hoodi Hosa Road Hosur Road HRBR Layout HSR Layout Indira Nagar ITPL Jakkur Jalahalli JP Nagar JP Nagar Phase 7 K R Puram
3650-4850 3600-4200 5800-8200 3400-4500 3900-4800 4800-5800 8000-9500 3300-4300 3400-3900 4700-5400 4250-5600 2500-3300 6500-8000 5500-6600 4500-5800 3300-4400 3600-4500 5500-6900 2900-4000 2500-3600 6900-8000 3500-5200 3900-4900 4400-5800 3900-4500 4800-6300 3500-4350 3900-5200 3450-4200 3500-4150 3500-6000 4600-5500 4900-6900 7800-9000 3850-4650 3900-4800 3800-5500 4000-5000 4500-6000 3800-4800
Kadugodi Kaggadaspura Kalyan Nagar Kammanahalli Kanakapura Road Kasturi Nagar Kengeri Koramangala Kudlu Gate Kundalahalli Lavelle Road Mahadevpura Mallesh Palaya Malleswaram Marathahalli Mathikere MG Road Mysore Road Nagarbhavi Nagawara Old Airport Road Old Madras Road OMBR Layout Rajaji Nagar Rajarajeshwari Nagar" Ramamurthi Nagar Richmond Town RT Nagar Sanjay Nagar Sarjapur Sarjapur Road Silk Board Thanisandra Thanisandra Road Tumkur Road Ulsoor Uttarahalli Vidyaranyapura Whitefield Yelahanka
3200-4000 3500-5500 3500-4100 3800-4700 3450-4600 4200-5150 2800-3200 6500-8500 3800-4900 3950-4500 12500-15000 4444-5100 3450-4400 8800-11000 4200-5550 4000-4800 10000-12500 3500-4500 3200-3950 3900-4500 4100-5500 3700-4600 4100-5300 6500-8500 3100-3700 3300-3600 8400-10500 5200-6900 6000-7250 2900-3900 4500-5400 4000-5500 3700-4200 4200-4900 3200-5500 7500-9500 3000-4200 3500-4500 4500-6000 4100-6000
Source: WWW.REMAX-BLR.COM/RATES |62|
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RNI. Reg.No. KARENG04489
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HOMES
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October 2013