MY SPACE : _OPOLIS ARCHITECTS
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
PRODUCT DESIGNER : JOHAN LINDSten
vol 13 issue 8
DESIGN DESTINATION : SAO PAULO
AUGUST 2014
total pages 172
AHEAD OF THE CURVE 1LEAPING FROG STUDIOS DESIGNRITMO PLAYING WITH PATTERNS
TRUE TO FORM
A TOWERING TEMPLE OF LOCAL MATERIALS
BATHROOMS GET THE BEST OF WELLNESS: FROM FAUCETS AND TUBS TO COMPLETE BATH SUITES
Photo: Cyrus Dalal
s
ports centres are often designed to be high-tech, glitzy studios that stake a claim to ultimate performance. In a departure from convention, the Sport City complex in South Mexico stays away from the slick and synthetic and instead trains its sights on combining traditional construction techniques with local materials and craftsmanship. Located in an area which is home to UNESCO World Heritage structures, the architects placed their trust in mud brick walls - made with the help of local craftsmen who mixed earth with sawdust, black clay, and horse dung to help create the building blocks. Another marvel is an intricate sub-structure of bamboo that connects an adobe building with one made of concrete. The design team has also integrated a vibrant multi-coloured metal covering that wraps the entire roof and works as a beacon calling out to architects, locals and students to come and witness the versatility and design prowess of this unique ‘green’ creation. A Teahouse by Chinese studio Cutscape Architecture situated at the periphery of the Forbidden City (home to emperors and their dynasties) in Beijing walks the thin line between history and the present. Designed to host tea ceremonies as well as double up as a space for social occasions, the Teahouse has a series of rooms - each of which has been given a distinctive modern appearance using a variety of interior finishes, like bamboo, white marble, copper and acrylic tubes. What makes the Red-Wall Teahouse exceptional is that modern materials have not been used to make it stand out, but in fact are directed to engage and reflect the heritage and the history of its surroundings. Relaxation, rejuvenation, wellness and indulgence. These keywords are today increasingly linked to the modern bathroom. With cutting-edge technology and bespoke design added to the mix, the bathroom today takes on a completely new persona - it has become a private sanctuary, a ‘room’ in itself, meant for you! For those looking at revamping their bathrooms look no further. Turn to page 46 for the very latest in in bath solutions from India and the world over. Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
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Sustainable architecture is the only way forward
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We bring you the best for your bathroom; from complete bath suites to avant-garde faucets, basins and much more
_ OPOLIS
ARCHITECTS
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Cover Story
Space within a Space
Sport City in Mexico is a modern green structure realised by combining traditional construction wisdom with local materials and craftsmanship
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The new showroom for ‘Nolte’ designed by KNS Architects matches the German kitchen and furniture brand’s sensibility not only optimally but also with panache
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AUGUST
Sturdy walls, exquisite palaces, scars of wars and tales of valour; a visit to the fortress of Mehrangarh in Jodhpur
96 art form With scrap metal, a welding machine and an overheated imagination, Andrew Chase creates robotic sculptures which are surprisingly terrifying and terrific
102 AHEAD OF THE CURVE An imaginative curved wall turns this open-plan office of an international media company into a well-partitioned space
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A BREAK FROM TRADITION
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The Second Floor Please Situated in Khan Market, New Delhi, Second Floor Studio is more of a cosy drawing room rather than a retail store
112 The Red-Wall Teahouse designed by Chinese studio Cutscape Architecture walks a thin line between history and the present in the Forbidden City
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123 132
SAO PAULO A DESIGN DESTINATION
GREEN PROJECT From a sustainable and economical school building in Bangladesh, to a film institute in Thailand; a look at two projects which espouse the green quotient
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TWICE THE FUN By Pooja Malhotra and Gopika Parekh
PLAYING WITH PATTERNS With the help of a diverse material palette in varied permutations and combinations, patterns take centre stage in this house created by DesignRitmo
128144 Landscapes
Knock Knock
August
A mid-century house in Tucson, Arizona finally gains a formal main entrance and some more with clever landscaping planned by Ibarra Rosano Design Architects
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THE MARKETPLACE Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
PEARL ON THE BAY Ideally located along buzzing Marina Bay, The Mandarin Oriental in Singapore is the perfect pick for both business and leisure
154 SKETCHING WORDS
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168 164
product
designer Swedish designer Johan LindstÊn believes his designs are an opportunity to influence people’s state of mind by making the surrounding environment more beautiful and joyful
Architecture & Beyond builds dynamic residences and offices, that focus on freedom of movement and a host of multi-dimensional features
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Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj
Chryselle D’Silva Dias Freelance Writer Chryselle D’Silva Dias is a freelance writer and blogger currently based in Goa. She writes about places, people, interiors, books and green issues. Her work has been published in national and international publications including TIME, Marie Claire and The Guardian. Visit her at www.chryselle.net.
Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Sub Editors Vikas Bhadra Ulka Vartak Rehana Penwala Contributing Writers Chryselle D’Silva Dias Christabelle Athaide Dhanishta Shah Himali Kothari K Parvathy Menon Shruti Nambiar Designers Asif Shayannawar Snigdha Hodarkar
Pooja Malhotra and Gopika Parekh Designers An alumni of Rachna Sansad School of Interior Design, Pooja and Gopika share a similar design philosophy. This unity of thought led to the inception of The Fuchsia Lane, a design studio based in Mumbai specialising in furniture design.
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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Mr. Ganesh Gurav, Mr. Vivek Jadhav, Mr. Rakesh Kini (Digital), B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133/1, 32958501 F 022 23743069 E response@marvelinfomedia.com
KNS Studio Space Within A Space, Page 87 KNS Architects Private Limited is a multidisciplinary Architecture and Interior design firm based in Mumbai. Formed in 1997 by Ar. Kanhai Gandhi, Ar. Neemesh Shah and Ar. Shresht Kashyap, the company has successfully designed and executed several projects across India.
Delhi Ms Sumita Prakash Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075 Tel 09899179540, Email: sumitabiswas63@gmail.com Chennai Mr S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr Subrata Mazumder 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.
Aatira L. Zacharias Ahead Of The Curve, Page 102 Principal Architect of 1Leaping Frog Studio, a one year old firm in Bangalore, Aatira pursued her B.Arch from University School of Design, Mysore; she believes her work is a result of creative passion with significant influences from architects and designers in her family.
This issue has a total of 172 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 168 inside pages. We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction. Editor Mr. Anish Bajaj. Published and Printed by Mr. Anish Bajaj on behalf of the owner Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033
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Anna Heringer Green Project, Page 123 Anna Heringer, a green crusader believes that architecture is a tool to improve lives. The vision and motivation for her work is to explore and use architecture as a medium to support local economies and foster ecological balance.
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emails + feedback A Class Architect Your interview with Arjun Malik was an interesting read. Not only does he manage to captivate us with his projects but he is equally engaging with his words and ideas. Gaurav Jain Mumbai
Recycling Stone Your project ‘No Stone Left Unturned’ pointed out an innovative and beautiful way to recycle stone; while hills are getting converted into stone quarries, the project provides an alternative way to save the environment. Hemal Kapadia Mumbai
Best of Both Worlds
After reading your article on landscape designer Michael Glassman; I feel his design ideas are niche yet practical.
I have followed projects designed by Khosla Associates. The firm is very good with concepts that are out of the box. But at the same time their Long House project featured in your magazine, resonates tradition and contemporariness.
Rohit Bhoite Gujarat
Aanoshka Choksi By Email
Practically Innovative
Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com
Perfect Spotlight Time and again your magazine has focused on dying arts which have been preserved by a handful. I thank you for your efforts and hope you will continue the trend. Chirag Raheja Pune
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 31 JUL
From its modest beginnings in 1997 to an international focus in 2002, Sydney Design has always been about promoting a critical understanding of design in the way it impacts everyday life and culture.
Opening Of Duravit Showcase Tarapur, Gujarat
The new Duravit showcase in Tarapur, Gujarat not only presents the latest trends but also highlights bathroom design from various perspectives. An array of products find a place in the factory showcase - from modern classics like the Starck 1 series to wellness products like Sundeck and the SensoWash shower-toilet; innovative products are up for display.
2014 sees Sydney Design return for its 18th edition making it one of the world’s longest running design festivals. This year’s program brings together an exciting array of contemporary design drawn from across Sydney’s creative industries. structures. Yet another product “ThinBike” from German manufacturer Schindelhauer Bikes reinterprets the significance and functionality of a classic two-wheeler: a fullsize bicycle that is easy to fold and thus can be stored in even the smallest rooms on an appropriate wall mount.
The event focuses on how Sydney’s design community is transforming the design futures of the city and nation. It also reflects on how participants might help shape this transformation.
Traditionally, the Red Dot: Design Team of the Year is presented in the White Hall of the house. The Red Dot Design Museum illustrates in a vivid way, where and how we meet outstanding design in every condition of life and at any time.
30 AUG TO 2 SEP
16 TO 24 AUG
Sydney Design Australia The ‘Form’ exhibition presents new and innovatively designed products selected from the entire range to be seen at ‘Tendence’ which is one of Germany’s most important international consumer goods trade fair.
www.duravit.in
Organised by the German Arts & Crafts Association, the competition skilfully creates links between arts & crafts, craftspeople, industry and design. The exhibition gives a topical overview of the latest developments and innovations in the field of high-grade industrial and small-series products.
8 JUL TO 3 AUG
Design on Stage Essen, Germany The Red Dot Design Museum presents “Design on Stage”, which displays state-of-the-art products in the international product design category.
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Form 2014 Frankfurt, Germany
www.red-dot.de
The products exhibited in the new display bear the signature of Philippe Starck, Sieger Design and Matteo Thun. The focus is on the practical interaction between good design and technology that is used intelligently.
Amongst many on display will be the “Oraïto” dining table by Roche Bobois, which challenges the beholder’s familiar habits and patterns of perception with its complex
www.sydneydesign.com.au
Sydney Design is one of the few design festivals in the world produced and managed by a museum (Powerhouse museum).The event has grown to become a key event on the design industry’s calendar.
Chosen by a jury of experts, the awardwinning products will be exhibited during Tendence. At the exhibition, trade visitors and press will have the chance to retrieve information about innovations by wellknown exhibitors as well as by companies which take part in the fair for the first time. www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 1 3 SEP TO
The event forms an instantaneous international overview of the trends in home decor and design innovation. To support design in the realm of architectural solutions, Maison&Objet is introducing the Maison&Objet projects and Awards.
Design Interiors Marina Bay, Singapore
A wide range of quality events offered by many independent associations and organisations will add to the cultural component of Design September; exhibitions, conferences, a design market, visits to studios of Brussels-based designers are a part of the program. Like every year, a large number of emerging creators will be taking part in this urban circuit. Throughout the month, participating stores, pop-up stores and iconic design flagship stores will stage a brand and/or a designer and its new products in a particular fashion. Designinteriors 2014 brings you sustainable, habitable and eco-interiors, spanning across all segments of your living spaces. From bathrooms, kitchens, bedroom furniture, flooring to wall finishes and exquisite architectural lighting; every aspect is covered.
Light India New Delhi
Maison&Objet Paris
In 2012, Electric Lamp & Component Manufacturers’ Association of India (ELCOMA), the apex body of lighting industry in India, partnered with Messe Frankfurt, the leading global exhibition organiser to introduce an international lighting exhibition - Light India.
www.100percentdesign.com.sg
1 TO 30 SEPT
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18 TO 21 SEPT
5 TO 9 SEPT
This annual event for design professionals is being held under the all encompassing tree of the Singapore Green Building Week.
For its ninth year, Design September will continue to showcase design’s various applications and its multi-disciplinary relationship through design of furniture, architecture, graphics and textile.
www.maison-objet.com
www.designseptember.be
Designinteriors charmingly displays a gallery of enthralling eco-centric interior exhibits to captivate its audience this year. The event will create a confluence of interior designers, architects, hoteliers, retailers with exciting on-hand green projects.
Design September Brussels
This competition recognises the most innovative products presented at the show with two awards granted by the public (invited to vote for their favourite products on Maison&Objet’s facebook page from July 2014 until the show opens) and an international judge’s panel.
Maison&Objet is both general and specialised. From the ambiance found in the ‘home’ that is ‘Maison’ in the broadest sense, to the infinite multitude of items captured by ‘Objet’. This experience covers every galaxy in the universe of decor and design.
The show has established itself as a premier trade and networking platform for the lighting Industry in India. Now Light India 2014 includes a comprehensive program which combines the trade fair with co-located seminars and informational sessions; upcoming technology and solutions on bottlenecks will be the topics of discussion by leading industry lights. The exhibition will usher in architects, interior designers, construction companies, institutional buyers and government authorities. www.light-india.in
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S
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All you need to do is download the free ‘Magzter app. Apple users can download Magzter from the App Store.’ Android users can download Magzter from Android Market.
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Subscribe to The Inside Track and stay connected Volume 8. Issue 06. June 2014 Rs. 25/-
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Cover Story
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The Chemical Technology Era Of Construction
The construction industry in India relies heavily on chemical technology to provide many functional properties expected of construction materials. BY ULKA VARTAK performance mixes tailored to meet the specific needs of each project given considerations such as the geographic location, the time it takes to get the premixed concrete to the job site, the configuration of the job, and the end-use application. We give you an insight into some of the types of chemicals that are widely used in the construction sector today. Super Plasticers Dr. Fixit’s Pidicrete CF 21 is a solution of sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde and additives in water. It is a superplasticising admixture to produce ‘pumpable’ or ‘flowable’ continued on page 2
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“ Without spirit, Modernist architecture cannot fully exist.” - Tadao Ando These words by the renowned Japanese architect eloquently resonate in the practice of _Opolis Architects. Principal Architects Rahul Gore and Sonal Sancheti both secured their undergraduate degree at CEPT Ahmedabad and went on to pursue their Masters in US. Before starting their own firm, they worked for few years in Japan and their experience there duly reflects in their architecture. _Opolis architects’ work is also influenced by Corbusian’s purist language and the clean lines find space in their interior projects too. This vocabulary is further strengthened by apt use of materials, bringing out a striking visual texture in their work. Following the diktat endorsed by legendary masters like Louis Kahn, Le Corbusier and more recently by Tadao Ando, the duo offer a slice of experiential architecture as opposed to the two dimensional visual excess that is prevalent today. _Opolis has won several awards and competitions and in the past 13 odd years has created a niche that is devoid of any trimmings or gimmicks. The firm conscientiously adheres to sustainable principles while designing and has ventured into extensive material research to optimise the quality of design. In this space, they talk about architecture, influences and life in general.
Interview by Shweta Salvi
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Firstly, could you tell us a bit more about the interesting name of your firm, _Opolis architects? ‘Polis’ stands for a city in Greek and ‘O’ comes from our time spent in Japan. ‘O’ in Japanese is a prefix used to show respect. Like O Basaan which means grandfather, O Mizu is water. All things that need to be revered are followed by this prefix. So, Opolis stands for respect for the city and respect for the practice that happens in context with it. _ makes the practice more open ended. So, basically an open practice paying ode to its surrounds. That said, the name also did sound cool!
That’s the question one should ask oneself when one sits at one’s drawing board or even otherwise in life, “Is it really required?”. So, this approach towards design, you may call as purist or minimalist. This very ideology cast the foundation stone of our young practice. Yes, there are times when one works towards making a ‘statement’ with a structure, but in those cases too, it should come through a coherent thought process. So, the core idea is to really question everything that you do. Then again, we have had great references in the form of masters like Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Tadao Ando. These are the In early 2000s, organisations like
Sustainability has become a buzzword, though in truth it is a necessity today.
There is a purist architectural language that emanates in your work, which also transcends in your interior projects. What are your basic design fundamentals when you design any project? Primarily, to keep it simple. Throughout our practice we have worked at keeping things clean and crisp. And again this comes from our teachings by our Japanese professor and mentor, Prof. Shimizu, who used to always ask us, “Is it really necessary?”.
veterans who have stuck to the purist vocabulary and have inspired us deeply.
LEEDS, GRIHA were introduced and the ‘green architecture’ wave had just hit the country, this period proved to be equally crucial for our practice too. In the year 2003, we had participated in an international competition for the design of sustainable cities, hosted at the World Gas Conference, Japan. Our team represented India and did really well at the competition. But what the competition did was, it really changed the direction our practice took and we looked at anything we did from a sustainable perspective and when we say sustainable we primarily mean food, water and energy. These three things we need to secure as we go ahead and essentially conserve them. Architecture is directly related to collective energy (embodied, natural, material and physical) and water, hence wherever we can economize on that front, we definitely do. It’s all about being sensitive towards earth and its elements and respecting them. And traditional Indian architecture’s basic constitution has always been sustainable, so, we already have a strong legacy to refer from.
Your firm adheres to sustainable sensibilities while designing any project. What according to you should be the approach of a designer to achieve an all-inclusive sustainable project? Sustainability has become a buzzword, though in truth it is a necessity today. Sustainable architecture is the only way forward; we don’t have the luxury to not take that into consideration. Without complicating it too much, in most cases if you use your common sense, sustainable design would be the end result. So we are not taking any special effort to be sustainable. Home Review August 2014
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The debate between the benefits of technology vs. traditional techniques and concepts is an old one. Today, however, we find the young generation of architects blindly aping the west without understanding the climatic make-up of our country. Do you think architects should draw a line between getting inspired and blindly emulating? Firstly, we are also young, so won’t preach (laughs). India is heading towards globalised architecture, but having said that, an architect should be always true to him/herself. And when you are attuned to the fact that you are a contemporary Indian then there is no question of blindly aping anybody. No architecture should be accepted if it is not indigenous to the place in which it is built, and this applies even within the boundaries of one nation. The design sensibility should be both reflective and responsive to the topography it occupies. Rahul, you have often mentioned about your fascination with Nari Gandhi’s exceptional work. Could you elucidate more about his design sensibilities and why do you admire them so much? Rahul: His work has touched my heart at a very early stage in my life and his work is something that I have cherished all along. As far as influence goes, anything you like will always influence you... What we learnt from Nari Gandhi’s work is to actually enjoy the architecture you do, and again, question everything you do.
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Our country has a wonderful architectural heritage (sadly some of it is in dilapidated condition), any personal favourite structure. Do you take cues from our rich history? Many actually, but to name a few, there is this palace in Mandu, Rani Roopmati Palace; it’s almost early medieval architecture. Mr. Gandhi did not answer anybody but he did answer himself for whatever he did. He had an innate understanding of the materials used and had a natural flair for structure. He was an artist, potter, a structural engineer all wrapped in one. His work moved me from within. It deeply affected my sensibilities and I wanted to study why it affected me so much. So I decided to confirm it through my undergraduate thesis. I had not met him personally so I had to draw analogies primarily through experiencing his structures and by measure drawings of his buildings.
Then again, the glorious Ellora temples and Ajanta caves are a living proof of what exceptional architecture our country has witnessed in the past, the craftsmanship and finesse literally staggers you. You may choose to visit these places multiple times and you still find something new to learn from them. And besides, history is a good teacher in every walk of life.
When developers think of building iconic structures or commercially viable designs they invariably turn to the West to rope in architects. When will the Indian talent get the opportunity to prove their mettle? Yes, the construction industry is growing and Indian architects somewhere have not been able to deliver the kind of volume and intensity of a complete document that these larger projects demand, that’s the reason why developers have been going abroad. However now, the architects are learning the tricks of the trade and sooner as opposed to later, Indian architects will effortlessly fill up whatever void the developer community felt existed. Indian architects are fundamentally good. Again I say this, if we remain true to ourselves and at the same time learn certain aspects from others, like time and quality management, if we figure that out, it will be a win-win situation for all Indian architects. Having said that, India is a growing economy so there is scope of work for everybody.
What would you like to say about the increasing number of Indian women in architecture getting recognition, today? What do you think has been instrumental in bringing this much needed change? Sonal: I beg to differ on this. I don’t think that enough number of women get recognised for their work. Going by numbers alone, the headcount of girls in my undergraduate batch exceeded the boys; it makes me wonder why such few women architects manage to climb to the top! The ratio, to be frank, is staggeringly at odds.
No architecture should be accepted if it is not indigenous to the place in which it is built, and this applies even within the boundaries of one nation.
One thing for sure, we are way more empowered to multi-task and can handle the various dynamics of a project. But Indian society, I feel, still hesitates to give women architects their due credit and respect. A project that is very close to your heart... You will hear every architect saying, all projects are important and special, but there are of course favourites and lesser favourites. In the more favourite ones are some of the houses that we have done.
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One of them is House on the Ridge, one of our early projects. We are fortunate enough to use it because the weekend house is designed for Sonal’s parents. Effectively in this house, design for us is a continuous process, every time we go there, we learn, we improvise; it’s one project which is on the drawing board for us all the time. A traditional technique or a material that you would like to work with in future... We were working with bamboo and continue to be interested in it. Unfortunately, we have not been able to explore it further, since there has been no client who was open to experimenting. In 2008, the project we were working on was stalled when markets went bust, so we couldn’t continue to investigate it further. But we still continue to experiment with natural materials. What are you currently working on? Our office is involved in Bihar Museum project, in Patna, an international competition that we won along with Maki & Associates, Japan. So that’s something that’s keeping our office busy, it’s on a tight schedule and on a large scale.
personal favourites. We are galloping towards the opening by March-April next year. Then there are residences happening all over the country Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Coimbatore etc. A structure designed by another architect that you never tire of visiting.... Rahul: All of Louis Kahn’s and Le Corbusier’s structures. They are spaces you would repeatedly want to visit. La Tourette, Lyon by Corbusier and Kimbell Art Museum, Texas by Louis Kahn are my
On a lighter note: Any other creative activity you indulge in? Rahul: I love to play tennis and I like to be ‘creative’ at beating my opponent. So, that’s me being creative there. (Laughs) Sonal: For me, my architectural creativity is best when it’s supported by the many other creative activities I indulge in. I love to travel and explore the world; I enjoy scuba diving and love to paint in my spare time! Going trekking in the Himalayas is my latest obsession and I have been learning the ropes literally! Besides, I can get really creative in the art of multi-tasking. Work, kids, home, social events, family, and still finding the time to explore something new always is what keeps me going!
sonal@opolis.in rahul@opolis.in
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TRUE TO FORM 38 Home Review August 2014
Sport City in Mexico is a modern green structure that was realised by combining traditional construction wisdom with local materials and craftsmanship.
Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy The Architects
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Most sports centres tend to define themselves as temples of modern technology. They are slick and high-tech, full of mascots of speed and efficiency. In this universe of thought, Sport City is an earthy and welcome aberration. Its 16,000 sq. mts. girth may rely on a relatively Spartan faรงade, but its aesthetics have been defined by much deeper thinking. Sport City is located in Oaxaca de Juarez in South Mexico, a teeming tourist hub home to the UNESCO World Heritage structures. To construct a towering temple of synthetic materials, would have been a blasphemy here.This fact was understood well by b-rOOtStudio and Arquitectos Artesanos.
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They avoided any such bad moves by instead immersing their plans deep into the treasure trove of construction legacy of Oaxaca, and roped in the help and counsel of local people, including skilled craftsmen. Completed in 2013, the sprawling centre today houses gymnasium facilities, as well as outdoor accommodations for tennis, swimming, basketball and much more. But in this entire scheme, the design team is most proud of its use of “local and noble� materials.
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The walls of the main building hold a fascinating example of how intimately close this project was to the local legacy. A senior local named Don Julio helped the team recover the mortar mixture for the wall, by taking them to the exact spot his grandfather used to draw earth for construction. Local craftsmen mixed the earth with sawdust, black clay, and horse dung, and let it mature for 3 days, to help build the 33,000 coffee-coloured adobes that make up the wall today. In spite of the architects’ confidence, there was an ironical chapter in this story. “Due to the lack of trust in the materials, it was necessary to conduct laboratory experiments (mechanical ones) on the earth and on the bamboo poles. These analyses assured the clients and the contractor that the materials were safe and capable,” the team states.
To further display the versatility and strength of this mixture, the walls were built without any concrete reinforcements, which is a fantastic risk of faith in a seismic zone like Oaxaca. Still acutely aware of the practical requirements, the team infused a joint in every 12 mts of the long walls, repeating the pattern in the steel-supported roof as well.
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The columns have 50 cm wide gaps of space between them and reinforced concrete angles in the walls bring in some solid balance of weight. The foundation here is of stone, with the stone basement carved out manually, and then treated with an age-old, trusted lime and sand mixture.
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The other remarkable sub-structure here is the august bamboo ceiling that connects an adobe building with another made of concrete. The symmetrical bamboo sticks are held up by stout concrete columns through metallic connectors, and the entire swathe is held together in a solid embrace by plywood. Water-resistance is offered by a finish of asphaltic cardboard, and fixtures of tiles made by the locals. The traditional materials and methods involved naturally led to a gathering of architects, locals, students, and academics into the building process to whet, affirm, and realise this brilliant roof. The industrial quality of the shed roof, with its succession of triangular openings, is reinforced by the thin metal sheet covering.
While the material sends a nod towards a low-cost approach, the flaky sweeps of 11 colours point to a fun-loving quality. The ventilation in the structure is natural, flowing through the openings across the adobe walls. It is important to notice that all the 140,000 red bricks, and 22,000 tiles used in the complex were manually produced in local communities and demonstrated to have more quality than the industrial ones. Each red brick or tile is unique as they have the fingerprints of the craftsman that made the unique pieces, giving the construction both heart and aesthetics the team reiterates. caeirojoao@gmail.com
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Page 58 Showers Rain, spray, mist & massage; for that perfect showering experience Page 52 Bath Suites Complete design solutions & individualistic concepts Page 74 Water Closets & Basins Award-winning designs with redefined contours that refresh the senses
Page 63 Shower Floors & Drains Secure & safe solutions Page 65 Bath Mixers & Faucets A healthy dose from classic to the avantgarde
THE BEST FOR YOUR
BATHROOM
Page 86 Page 80 Bath Flushing Surfaces Systems Impervious, slipWater efficient resistant & striking solutions for - the qualities everyday that define a needs bathroom’s floor Page 82 Furniture & walls & Accessories Fully integrated, customised furniture solutions that tend to all the little essentials 46 Home Review August 2014
Page 78 Bathtubs & Whirlpools Create a spa within your home
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THE BEST FOR YOUR
BATHROOM The Rho Milan Fairgrounds opened up this year to present the biennial International Bathroom Exhibition an accompaniment to the Salone del Mobile 2014 - with new, interesting bathroom concepts and design inspiration. Moving from utilising the space for traditional ablutions to making it a haven for rejuvenation and relaxation - on view was a new, redesigned bath space. Minimal functionalist design, demonstrative and material sensations along with wood, warm colours and rough surfaces. Manufacturers and designers also revisited the classic sanitary ware trend which was sprinkled with bouts of nostalgia. The biennial had 174 exhibitors from around the world that showcased the very latest products from shower cubicles, furniture and accessories, saunas and sanitary ware, to faucets, bath and hydro massage tubs.
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Text By Rehana Penwala and Shibani Punekar Photographs By Carola Merello
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The bath scene in India too has transcended boundaries with clean, minimalist designs evident in many leading companies’ collections. With rising disposable incomes, consumers too are inclined to bring the wellness experience from luxurious hotels and spas right into their homes. A soothing ambience, natural materials, organic contours and elegant sanitary fixtures are being increasingly incorporated into Indian homes. We bring you an in-depth coverage from the International Bathroom Exhibition and the bathroom landscape at home to acquaint you with the latest trends and ideas for your personal bathing sanctuary.
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BATH SUITES Complete design solutions & individualistic concepts
ANTONIO LUPI ILBAGNO IlBagno is a collection that reminisces the past, replete with a warm and soft romantic style reinterpreting classic forms and design. Designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, it is characterised by organic shapes, different components and combined materials of wood and lacquers, but has a single romantic philosophy. IlBagno is a rich and elegant collection by Antoniolupi, a recurrent theme for their collections since the 1950s. IlBagno was presented at the Salone International del Mobile as a complete collection: furniture, wall sconces, mirrors, accessories and bathtubs with a possibility of including shower enclosures and fittings later. www.antoniolupi.it
LAUFEN ILBAGNOALESSI ONE The IlBagnoAlessi One range designed by Stefano Giovannoni has transcended conventional bathroom designs. Present in the market for 11 years, it extended its line with a solid surface bathtub, a WC with flush tank, two versions of the console basin and a family of accessories such as the towel shelf, all in SaphirKeramik at the Salone del Mobile 2014. The collection is defined by soft, round lines in terms of the porcelain pieces, while the furnishings in a Canaletto walnut or white painted finish have clear and precise geometric lines. www.laufen.com
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VILLEROY & BOCH SUBWAY 2.0 The Subway 2.0 collection is extended with a wall-mounted washbasin available in three sizes and new slender WC seats called SlimSeats. The washbasin can be fitted to rest on a panel and the different sizes offer a range of applications. Equipped with convenient SoftClosing and QuickRelease functions, the SlimSeats are the shallowest seats in the Villeroy & Boch range, available in White Alpin, Star White and Pergamon. The extended furniture line includes 16 new vanity units with two pullout compartments and interior lighting for the drawers. The furniture is available in two new colours Santana Oak and Stone Grey. www.villeroy-boch.com
SCAVOLINI MAGNIFICA Magnifica brings about a contemporary touch to the classical bathroom by combining different materials and finishes for their tops, washbasins and handles. The range comprises sanitary fittings, bathtubs, shower cabins, tap fittings and accessories in chrome and gold finishes, and the doors and interiors of all units are in gloss or matt lacquered finishes, available in 30 colours. The gold and silver lacquered surfaces as well as the gold or silver leaf washbasins are a new inclusions for Magnifica. Features exclusive to the Magnifica are three mirrors - oval lacquered, a framed lacquered version and one in resin with inset lights and as well as three other lighting systems - a fabric wall light, a wall light and a conical shaded lamp, all in various colours, shades and structures. www.scavolini.com
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VITRA ISTANBUL The pure, natural and sculpture-like contours inspired by Istanbul’s culture find place in the Istanbul collection. Ross Lovegrove’s Istanbul collection for VitrA comprises a comprehensive range of bathtubs, bath mixers, washbasins, showers, tiles, WCs and bidets. The Red Dot Design Award winning series has introduced new bathroom furniture in glossy tones of white, olive green and burgundy with a mirror framed with LED lighting, a spacious cast mineral sink and an upright cabinet with internal compartments. www.in.vitra.com.tr
SCAVOLINI KI A fine blend of minimalism, Italian craftsmanship and the distinctiveness of Japanese studio Nendo who have designed it is prominent in the Ki bathroom collection. Ki comes with an exclusive range of decorative finishes specifically created for Scavolini, including three wood-effect nuances. The container replaces traditional wall units in the bathroom and also defines the washbasin, offered in lay-on, semirecessed, under-top and free-standing versions. Concealed LED lighting in mirrors and towel racks are also included www.scavolini.com
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TEUCO ACCADEMIA The constantly innovating and evolving Italian bathroom manufacturer Teuco presented the Accademia collection at the 2014 iSaloni fair. Belonging to the Autoritratti range, the Accademia collection includes bathtubs, washbasins, furniture, mirrors as well as bathroom furnishings. The bathtubs are available in three limited edition versions in Duralight, a patented material and marble in different colours, while the monolith, console and sit-on washbasins are available in onyx as well. There is a lot of room for customisation for the furniture available in this range: the base units and tops are in glass, glossy or matt lacquered wood and marble; tall units and furnishings in wood and eco-leather. The shower cubicles have 8 mm extra-clear tempered glass which features Clean Glass, due to which drops of water flow off quickly. www.teuco.com
SICIS Sicis presented a series of wellness rooms at iSaloni, one of which was distinguished with a variety of black and white decorative elements in marble, mosaic and black glass. The creative use of these materials produces a beautiful interplay of transparent, semi-transparent and iridescent mosaic tiles. However, the star of this room is an energy-filled mosaic panel illustrating an explosion of flowers, from the Flower Power collection. Sultan, a matching bathtub with rhombus shapes in shades of black and white lends the bathroom a princely appeal. www.sicis.com
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HINDWARE TWILIGHT The essence of this bathroom suite is class and stunning design. Sharp edges and a smooth finish are the key distinctive attributes of this designer suite. The suite includes a wall mounted EWC and washbasin from Hindware and massage tub from Amore. www.hindwarehomes.com
The symmetrically designed bathtub can be freestanding or wall-installed or mounted on a solid console, available in the attractive wood tone Elm Impresso or in White Matt. The ceramic elements of My Nature can be successfully combined with various Villeroy & Boch furniture collections. The bathroom programme Legato is characterised by a minimalist design and introduces thin edges of the countertop which are slanted on three sides giving a light airiness to the vanity unit.
Villeroy & Boch’s My Nature Natural materials, gentle colours and authentic shapes, all combined with flexibility and functionality, give interior design particular appeal. This is the background against which Villeroy & Boch has compiled the bathroom collection My Nature. The central element here is the curved, narrow washbasin and the optional Castanea décor. The WC and the bidet are also characterised by their well-proportioned designs.
The furniture programme True Oak includes two vanity units, a closed front and an open front option, which can be combined with the surface-mounted washbasin from My Nature. The furniture from the bathroom collection Aveo new generation can also be combined with My Nature. The premium tap fitting series L’Aura’s slim body with its clear but organic form and soft contours combined with the lateral position of the lever harmoniously complements My Nature. Advertorial Home Review August 2014
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SHOWERS Rain, spray, mist & massage; for that perfect showering experience
DELTA H2OKINETIC TECHNOLOGY
H2Okinetic™ showers look different because they are different. The science behind H2Okinetic Technology creates a shower experience like no other. The H2Okinetic Technology sculpts water into a unique wave pattern, giving you the feeling of more water without using more water. Water droplets move in a unique wave pattern that provide a warmer, more drenching, and more intense coverage for a totally relaxing shower experience. www.deltafaucet.co.in
AXOR SHOWERPRODUCTS Front has designed a line of shower products for Axor to manifest the industrial appeal of the shower. The design is focused on intuitive use and sophisticated aesthetics, with an attempt to open up the bathroom towards the living room. The products turn the mundane pipe, joint and valve into an attractive design object, bearing the concealed functionality of technology. The range includes a hand shower, a shower set consisting of a hand shower, a wall bar, a shower house, an overhead shower, and a showerpipe consisting of a thermostat, an adjustable overhead shower and a hand shower. www.hansgrohe.in
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JAQUAR
ROCA PUZZLE
Jaquar presents its first self cleaning shower. Now enjoy an even spray of water throughout your bath with no deposits in the shower nozzles and no nasty fungus or germs. Jaquar gives you a revolutionary, self-cleaning system that solves the problem of an unsatisfying water spray and unhealthy deposits on the shower head. Rediscover the joy of a completely clean and refreshing bath.
The Puzzle range is the ingenious one-stop answer for integrated and compact shower spaces. The user can customise their shower space to satisfy every need. A range of eight elements are available to choose from, and can be installed in various positions and combinations. The illusion of a puzzle adds to the aesthetics making your bathroom space look totally unique. Giving you the benefits of hydromassage with panache and simplicity, the Puzzle collection ensures you have a wonderful showering experience any way you like.
www.jaquar.com
www.roca.in
GROHE RAINSHOWER FLOWER Inject a bit of colour into a boring bathroom with the new Rainshower Flower range of showers by Grohe. The range has been inspired by summer flowers and can be co-ordinated with bath tiles for a lively, interesting bathroom space. It is available in six different colours. The Grohe Dreamspray technology distributes water evenly to all shower nozzles and produces a wonderfully soft spray to pamper the skin with myriads of tiny rain droplets. It will give you the perfect bathing experience to energise you in the mornings and de-stress you in the evenings. www.grohe.com/in
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GROHE EUPHORIA CUBE Taking the concept of minimalism to a new level, Grohe presents a range of cubic shaped showers - Euphoria Cube. The pronounced edges, plane surfaces and consistantly parallel lines, exude a strong sense of precision craftsmanship. A distinct feature is the cut out in the operating lever. This little window loosens up the geometric appearance of the faucet, giving it a lighter feel and an ergonomic touch. The square-shaped Rainshower 230 Allure head shower and the purist Euphoria Cube stick hand shower with the new Grohtherm Cube thermostat combines the benefits of a head shower and hand shower in a single product engineered for maximum comfort and safety. www.grohe.com/in
DORNBRACHT SAMPLING Dornbracht presents a range of water modules or showers that are customised to different needs of different people. The functions, finishes and designs from different series can be combined with one another and used in several different styles. Specific products are precision-tuned to respond to diverse bathroom rituals and activities. In the shower, a special faucet has been developed by Sebastian Kneipp, based on a hydrotherapy approach, to treat calf and thigh problems. www.dornbracht.com
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HR JOHNSON HR Johnson gives you a variety of wellness products to choose from to give your bathroom an edge. The water flow from rain showers comes as droplets giving an actual experience of rain. Special internal design ensures uniform flow from all the nozzles thereby giving a luxurious bathing experience. Johnson also has a range of high end shower panels which has attributes of water fall, body jets with multiple massage effects that enhance bathing pleasure. Also, colour changing LED lights give a chromotheraphy effect to soothe the mind, body and soul.
KLUDI FIZZ The Kludi Fizz represents practicality and exceptional design in both hand and overhead showers. The range gains inspiration from nature as well as technology. The fluid design of the shower’s fan array is unique and the angle between handle and shower head is slight. The natural, organic form lends the technically sound design a natural essense. The water flows directly and in uniform flow, in a constant direction. The combination of chrome elements and high-gloss white showerhead base give a visual impression that is fresh, clean and distinct. In the case of the overhead shower, the dual-head design and the triple-head shower have been designed to provide a full rain bath to the human body.
www.hrjohnsonindia.com
www.kludi.com
KEUCO METIME_SPA The meTime_spa products from Keuco are elegant and innovative. Uniting comfort, design and functionality, meTime_spa yearns to make a complete bath experience. It is designed by the studio Tesseraux + Partner for Keuco. The control elements and shelf space are available in different sizes to suit larger areas or compact ones. The chromeplated handles of the hand and head showers are a visual treat and have a restricted flow rate of 15 litres/minute, except the waterfall shower which comes with a 25 litres/ minute flow rate. www.keuco.com
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TOTO RENESSE
DELTA PALMSHOWER
The Renesse range of showers by Toto is the perfect solution for those who are trying to combine streamlined designs with timeless elegance. The bathroom furnishings have smooth, almost seamless surfaces with chrome and stainless steel details for added aesthetics. The rounded elements can be combined with wood surfaces for a classic look. The fittings are designed with modern styling and the metal construction is finished with a durable finish.
Choice, control and durability are in the palm of your hand with the innovative Palm Shower from Delta. It offers simple, one-handed operation and slides easily into the palm of your hand with a non-slip, rubberised grip to hug your hand securely. There are four spray options including the popular pause feature that can be conveniently controlled with just one hand. It features Touch-clean spray holes in a stretchable stainless steel hose in chrome or brilliance stainless.
asia.toto.com
www.deltafaucet.co.in
GROHE AQUATHERAPY People now look at bathrooms as spaces for relaxation. Aquatherapy by Grohe works on a basic concept of utilising the power of water to heal the body. The calming effect of water gives the user relief from pain and treats aches. These showers give you an experience of both, a calming caress and invigorating vitality of aqua therapy. The water flow, pressure and temperature of water can be adjusted to calm the muscles and stimulate stress points in the body. www.grohe.com/in
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SHOWER FLOORS & DRAINS Secure & safe solutions for your bath spaces
OZONE SHOWER SEATS Ozone, a well-known brand of modern architectural hardware solutions, offers customised solutions for different styles of bathrooms. Keeping in mind the comfort and safety of customers, Ozone has introduced a range of shower seats ensuring convenience in the bathing experience. Available in a number of different finishes like natural solid wood, Burma teak and ABS material, these shower seats are sturdy and efficient in terms of space. They have a load bearing capacity of up to 150 kgs and can be folded to stack up against the wall. www.ozone-india.com
VIEGA Visign grate The new bathroom drain by Viega is the first on the market to be completely frameless. It has been engineered with a low installation height of just five mm which makes it ideal for high-quality bathrooms and spas. There are versatile design options through the unrestricted use of different floor coverings like tiles, natural stone and even glass mosaic. Any material can be used, from 5-30 mm. The water drains out through the narrow circular slot between the cover and the flooring. Despite a low width, it has a capacity of around 0.4 to 0.5 litres/second. www.viega.com
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VILLEROY & BOCH ARCHITECTURA METALRIM Villeroy & Boch presents the Architectura MetalRim, a new ultra-slim acryl shower floor with steel reinforcements. It caters particularly to the requirements of installers, planners and international architects. A modular principle is used to structure the products. The ultraslim, edgeless shower floors made of acryl reinforced with galvanised steel guarantee extreme stability. The floors are easy to clean and are capable of taking up to 1000 kg load. The shower floors are formed from four mm solidcoloured sanitary acrylic.
KALDEWEI XETIS Kaldewei presents Xetis, a range of enamelled shower surfaces with an integrated wall outlet which sets a milestone in modern bathroom design. It has been designed keeping in mind the requirement for floor level showers in modern bathrooms. It has been developed in such a way that no tile grout and outlet disrupts the purist design of the seamless shower surface. Xetis is available in 13 different sizes ranging from 90 X 90cm to 100 X 180cm. It is available in sleek Alpine White and also in exclusive colours of the Coordinated Colours collection to combine harmoniously with wood or stone surfaces. Its Secure Plus system guarantees optimum safety in the shower without compromising on the aesthetic design of the enamelled shower surface. All the components in Xetis are perfectly matched for quick and safe installation. The three system components and the installation set are provided together. www.kaldewei.com
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www.villeroy-boch.com
Bath Mixers & Faucets A healthy dose of classic to avant-garde styles, imbued with revolutionary technology
QUEO F-MOSAICO Queo, a leading brand of bathroom fixtures from Barwood UK, has introduced the F-Mosaico line of faucets. Designed by the reputed product designer Antonio Cristofaro, the collection is inspired by the ancient art of mosaic and is handcrafted with Bisazza’s mosaic. The single lever basin mixer is designed uniquely, adding beauty to the bathroom space. The collection in black and gold, has been engineered for functional effectiveness with a promise of aesthetics. www.queobathrooms.co.uk
ROCA L20 Roca recently launched the L20 faucet collection with SoftTurn technology enabling smoothness in choosing water flow and temperature levels. The collection provides maximum functionality with minimum consumption of energy and water. The faucets are equipped with the new frontal cold water start system for the bidets and basin models which save energy and cuts CO2 emission. The mixers have options like high-swivel spout, flexible swivel spout, or bottom swivel spout with aerator and flexible water supply hoses. The EverShine electrolytic coating guarantees a long-lasting, dazzling finish for the faucets which repel stains and scratches. www.roca.in
DORNBRACHT MEM REFINEMENT MEM makes a trend-setting shift away from cool whites and metallic in the bathroom space to warm, glowing hues of pink gold and copper with the Cyprum finish. The finish, made out of 18-carat pink gold and copper imbue the bathroom with intimacy and elegance. To complement the MEM series, Dornbracht has released a 3-hole mixer for the edge of the bath, and a free-standing bath mixer with a flow spout and bar type, hand-held shower head. In addition to this, they have created adaptations of the rosette dimensions to enable combinations with outlets and controls from other series. The MEM designs are available in chrome, platinum, platinum matte and the pink gold cyprum hue. www.dornbracht.com
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ARTIZE CONFLUENCE The Confluence basin mixer is perfect to create a personal stream in your bathroom. The calming effect of naturally falling water has been replicated in Confluence by crafting a gentle flow that descends from a half-cut bamboo into your palms. Overcoming engineering challenges, it ensures that the flowing water never leaves the confines of the channel; while the dual-fall dispensing system guarantees that the water doesn’t create a splash. www.artize.in
GESSI ELEGANZA Gessi embraces the essential need for beauty and style in everyday living with the creation of Eleganza, a new bathroom collection with refined architectural lines and cleverly conceived function. Distinctive design and meticulous attention to detail are hallmarks of the collection which includes bathroom fittings, faucets, accessories, sinks and tubs. Designed in-house by Gessi Style Studio, the range showcased at iSaloni 2014 - is created from chromed brass and available in various finishes from brushed chrome, antique brass and satin gold to polished chrome and brushed gold. www.gessi.com
AXOR STARCK V Axor’s revolutionary washbasin mixer reflects the vitality and emotionality of water by bringing water visibly to the foreground through the vortex phenomenon. The brand’s first transparent mixer, Axor Starck V is made of organic, scratch-resistant crystal glass and is available as a single lever basin mixer, a two-hole basin mixer and single lever basin mixer for washbowls. Starck V is available in chrome and white powder coated finishes, PVD finishes and further finishes are offered through Axor Manufaktur. www.hansgrohe.in
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VITRA MEMORIA The design of VitrA’s new Memoria series by French designer Christophe Pillet is driven by emotions and minimalism. The delicate silhouette of the sink faucets rounds out the Pillet series which are available with single and double control levers. In addition to the double-lever bathroom sink faucet, the series also has embedded bathroom sinks and faucets as well as bathtub faucets. Memoria faucets have also won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. www.in.vitra.com.tr
GROHE GRANDERA Grohe’s additions to its range of faucets include the Grandera faucet collection for bathtubs and washbasins. The design of the faucets is a play of contrasts, where flowing feminine forms meet clearly defined masculine edges. The collection includes a five hole bath/shower combination, a three hole basin mixer along with other accessories. The gently curved spouts soften the clean, geometric lines of the washbasin and bathtub, while the chrome finish lends it a stylish appeal. www.grohe.com/in
KLUDI AMBA The Kludi Amba range of bathroom mixers boast of sleek contours and a polished chrome finish. Sans the blue and red markings of the operating mechanism, the mixer seems as if its cast in one piece with the handle only being evident in use. Intuitive to operate, a slight tap starts the water flowing softly while temperature is regulated with a simple, practised twist motion. The single lever mixers in various sizes and heights blend in perfectly with large washbasins or smaller vanity basins and freestanding bowls. With a rate of five litres/minute, it achieves the best possible result in terms of water efficiency. www.kludiamba.com
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CERA TOUCH TAP The latest from Cera is Touch Tap - an innovation of convenience and practicality. The Touch Tap has everything working in its favour. It saves water, consumes as low as 0.5 mw power, can operate on both main power supply and battery and reacts instantly to the touch (within a second). Cera faucets are manufactured at a modern plant with highest quality standards. With a minimum copper content of 60% and maximum lead of 1.5 % the brass ingots used in the manufacturing process conform to BSEN 200 Standards. Quality nylon and food grade rubber parts are also used in the faucets. www.cera-india.com
VIEGA MULTIPLEX TRIO E Expanding its electronically regulated bathtub fittings range, the two versions of the Viega Muliplex Trio E combine intuitive operating comfort with excellent design. Users can select the water temperature, volume as well as switching to the hand shower with the Multiplex Trio E2, which also stores and recalls the settings for later use. While one of the operating elements in the Multiplex Trio E3 version shows the current temperature and, at a touch, the user menu displays all other functions for filling the bathtub. www.viega.com
DELTA VIRAGE The Virage™ bath collection by Brizo® for Delta Faucet Company refines the timeless geometry of a graceful arching spout with an unexpected twisting effect. Elegantly twisted forms create a handcrafted work of art for the bath. The collection includes a widespread lavatory faucet, two-handle wall mount lavatory and four hole roman tub fillers. Available in Brilliance® Polished Nickel, it is also WaterSense® labelled. www.brizo.com www.deltafaucet.co.in
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GROHE ALLURE The Allure Collection includes a choice of basin faucets styles to enhance user comfort and ensure design compatibility with all shapes, sizes and styles of bathroom ceramics. With crisp planes, intriguing angles and cut-out details, Grohe’s Allure faucets are a perfect match for all kinds of washbasins. Bold use of geometric shapes and the cylindrical form emerging from the square base plates entices with its perfect silhouette. www.grohe.com/in
HINDWARE RUBBIC Rubbic basin mixer from Hindware’s faucet range is inspired by geometry with its smart cube-like design. The faucets use the most advanced electroplating technology which prevents corrosion, rust and gives a long lasting shine to the products. All Hindware faucets use the 3-C technology which stands for supreme coating, casting and cartridge. www.hindwarehomes.com
KLUDI BALANCE Clean lines with smooth curves are demonstrated in Kludi’s award-winning Balance range which now includes a single lever mixer, shower mixer with thermostatic control and freestanding bath filler. With a 180 mm or 220 mm reach, the mixer is apt for concealed wall mounting. The highlight of the collection though is the bath filler and shower mixer with their large, plain surfaces which give essence to the name Balance. www.kludiamba.com
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GROHE EUROCUBE Doing away with curves and cylindrical elements, the Eurocube range of faucets and bath fittings explores pronounced edges, plane surfaces and parallel lines. Grohe offers a complete range of cubic shaped faucets, showers and shower systems, accessories, flush plates and thermostats to set a new standard in cubic bathroom design. www.grohe.com/in
DELTA VERO Delta Faucet Vero™ bath collection features waterefficient showerheads and faucets in an elegant ribbon design. The clean lines in a ribbon and modern styling of the contemporary look, lends contemporary elegance to the bathroom. The Vero bath collection is a full suite of products to provide a coordinated look throughout the bath and is available in Chrome. www.deltafaucet.co.in
QUEO F-CLAIR Backed by research in colour therapy, the F-Clair range of bath/shower and basin mixers emits light with the water flow; the colour of the light is determined by the water temperature. Colours are known to have therapeutic benefits like restoring physical and mental balance and their intelligent use makes the time spent in the bathroom a refreshing experience. www.queobathrooms.co.uk
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WATER CLOSETS & BASINS Award-winning designs with redefined contours that refresh the senses
KARTELL BY LAUFEN WASHBASINS The Kartell by Laufen bathroom collection presents square washbasins made of SaphirKeramik, a highly innovative ceramic material. They are designed with a delicate rim around the edge that prevents water from overflowing, a tap ledge and an integrated shelf area. A highlight of the collection is the oblong floor-standing washbasin measuring 470 X 360 mm, which is made of fine fire clay. With the exception of the round washbasin bowl, all washbasins in the range have a concealed drain, which can be combined with a concealed overflow. The round washbasin bowl has a point-type outlet without overflow with a valve cover made of SaphirKeramik. All washbasins are available in white, LCC (Laufen Clean Coat) white, matt white, gloss black and matt grey. www.kartellbylaufen.com
ROCA CLEANRIM THE GAP Roca’s rimless close, back-to-wall design is a new addition to the Gap collection. Being a compact 600 mm toilet that uses a 4/2 dual-flush system it consumes 30% less water than the standard 6/3L dual flush cisterns and is hygienic and easy to clean due to its rimless design. Water is delivered via a distributor at the back of the pan which covers the entire perimeter of the bowl and assures immaculate cleanliness. www.roca.in
VITRA WATER JEWELS The Water Jewels range of washbasins by VitrA, are available not only in a variety of colours and patterns but also in a variety of sizes. The platinum, copper and gold tones give the bathroom a traditional, royal feel. For the contemporary bathroom spaces, the two-toned basins are perfect. www.in.vitra.com.tr
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STERNHAGEN KRISTALL
With a minimalist design and clear geometric forms in a wide range of versions and sizes, the washbasin series Loop & Friends offers diverse combination options for individual bathroom design. The round or rectangular surface-mounted washbasins are available in Espresso - a full dark brown, Cassis - a fine purple shade and now in Timber - a matt earth tone which is a suitable match for matt furniture fronts and woody or white tones.
Made from composite quartz, Kristall washbasins command your attention. The Sani-Q technology allows the Kristall to sport finely rounded edges for easy upkeep, while looking crisp as a freshly cut stone. The Kristall sinks have scratch and stain resistance properties along with antibacterial protection, and are available in over the counter versions in glossy black and white.
www.villeroy-boch.com
www.sternhagen.com
VILLEROY & BOCH LOOP & FRIENDS
DURAVIT SENSOWASH Duravit combines two innovative technologies SensoWash速 shower-toilet seat and the Rimless toilet technology to provide a hygienic cleansing experience. The SensoWash速 models designed by Phillipe Starck offer three different types of shower: comfortwash, rearwash and ladywash. Water pressure, nozzle position, water and seat temperature can all be individually adjusted by means of the remote control and saved for later use. The shower-toilet seat can be paired with the Happy D.2 and DuraStyle range. www.duravit.in
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CORIAN Washbasins by DuPont™ CorianŽ are easyto-maintain, non-porous and bacteriaresistant. They are easy to clean and give residential bathrooms highly desirable performance attributes. Corian solid surface bathroom countertops, sinks and backsplashes are available in a spectrum of colours and a vast array of styles to fit any bathroom design. The washbasins are easy to clean and can last for many years. They are nonporous and with proper cleaning, will not allow growth of mould or mildew. www.dupont.co.in
VITRA INFINITE Vitra brings a range of washbasins designed by the French designer Christophe Pillet for a more defined look for your bathroom. Available in various sizes, the basins are whitened using a special process, so they always stay shiny and look new. The water overflow hole has been eliminated for a clean, sophisticated look. The 80 cm bowl ensures that there is no spillage of water while the 40 cm bowl is appropriate for more confined spaces. The range implicates the concept of simplicity and function. www.in.vitra.com.tr
LAUFEN ILBAGNOALESSI ONE Available in two versions the 900 and 1200 mm, the console basin from the Stefano Giovannoni designed IlBagnoAlessi One collection seems to float like a wave on the furniture below. It is inspired by the iconic image of a stone that is inserted into the wall and with the upper part cut open, creating a perfectly elliptical shaped basin. Both versions along with the support shelf in various sizes and functional drawers were presented at iSaloni 2014. www.laufen.com
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GESSI CONO The inspiring principle behind Cono is the power of forms that convey evocative graphic symbols; in this case a cone. The Cono collection of bathroom furnishings, from taps to accessories, from basins and baths to sanitary ware is designed by the designersculptor Prospero Rasulo. The Cono washbasins are created out of Cristalplant© and come in a range of colours such as white, green, cream, etc.
VILLEROY & BOCH PURE STONE Inspired by the interaction between water and stone, the Pure Stone bathroom collection is designed by Oliver Conrad for Villeroy & Boch. Grey Stone, a superior glaze with a stone look was developed for the top-mounted washbasins and other accessories to enhance the organic pebble shaped ceramics. Alternatively, all ceramic elements are also available in various whites, such as star white, white alpin and edelweiss.
www.gessi.com
www.villeroy-boch.com
KEROVIT Kerovit’s new range of washbasins combines simplicity and perfection to add an extra oomph to the bathroom. It’s available in countertop, under the counter, half pedestal and full pedestal styles, to suit a variety of design sensibilities. The range is stain and bacteria resistant, thus providing for a sanitised experience. It’s also equipped with a 10-year warranty. www.kerovit.com
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BATHTUBS & WHIRLPOOLS Create a spa within your home
VITRA MEMORIA Simplicity and functionality characterise the Memoria series by Christophe Pillet. The ergonomic bathtub made from cast mineral has a distinct look featuring sharp lines. It is perfect for those who prefer simplicity and bold lines in the bathroom. The bathtub brings a feeling of warmth to the bathroom with wooden panels that match the furniture of the series. www.in.vitra.com.tr
DURAVIT SUNDECK A pool and a sundeck at the same time, the Sundeck by Duravit guarantees all round relaxation. It has been designed by the Australian designer trio EOOS, to be used in the bathroom or terrace. It comes with a replaceable filter that ensures the water remains clean for up to three months. A shelf of about 30 cm width is provided, which also conceals the integrated technology. The pool features slim, elegant panelling, and is covered by a leather-upholstered cover. It also comes with advanced water temperature control technology. www.duravit.in
CIELO LE GIARE The bathtub Le Giare is a unique product that goes beyond being just a bathroom fitting. A sculpture with natural and harmonious forms, it finds its highest expression when placed freestanding. The product has a strong personality and provides comfort and function. The dimensions of the smallest model of the bathtub are 190 x 122 cm and a large shelf on one side can be used for keeping toiletries. www.ceramicacielo.com
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CORIAN Corian bathtubs are created with the DuPont™ Corian® solid surface which integrates seamlessly, achieving a signature flowing look. They are easy to maintain and give a classic look to contemporary bathrooms. They are also non-porous and bacteria resistant. They provide bathrooms with pleasant aesthetics and also high performance functionality. www.dupont.co.in
KALDEWEI CAYONO With a modern design and hygienic surface, the Cayono bath is set to create a new standard in the bathroom. Available in five different sizes, Kaldewei’s spacious bath is suitable for small as well as spacious family bathrooms. To ensure a safe showering experience, the pore-free, hygienic surface is made of 3.5 mm Kaldewei steel enamel and can be optionally provided with an antislip enamel finish. The foot-end rim of the bath is wide enough for placing bath utensils and installation of fittings. www.kaldewei.com
AMORE COPPIA Coppia massage tub from brand Amore is a range of wellness products from HSIL. The product is equipped with features to soak oneself and be immersed in a tranquil environment. It has 8 hydro massage jets, 16 air jets, 12 back massage jets, 2 HP whirlpools and an online heater for comfort. Its safety and hygiene features include electrical leakage protector, double pole cut-off, auto disinfection and water level sensor and anti odour drainage. www.hindwarehomes.com
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BATH SURFACES Impervious, slip-resistant & striking - the qualities that define a bathroom’s floor & walls
ANTONIO LUPI AFFRESCHI After the success at Cersaie, Affreschi returns anew with an extension of the wall decorations created by Riccardo Fattori. An innovative way of decorating walls, Affreschi is striking and evocative. The collection was inspired by Wunderkammer - the room of wonders - rooms where Collectors, from XVI to XVIII century, preserved collections of extraordinary objects. Courtesy of an improved, innovative technology, the decoration is obtained by paper transferring that allows the pigments of the design to penetrate directly in the plaster’s pores as with the traditional fresco technique. The painted wall is then treated and made water repellent. www.antoniolupi.it
KAJARIA Kajaria has recently launched a collection of 30 X 90 digital ceramic tiles that are inspired by various countries across the world. Algeria tiles in grey add sober and stylish aesthetics to the bathroom while the Cambodia tiles in olive give an earthy finish. The Moscow tiles reflect the popular Marfil or Ivory texture. The Norwegian, Tanzania and Slovenia digital highlighters give your space a pop of colour. The Venezuela Marfil paired with the corresponding highlighter will automatically make a style statement in your designer bathroom as will the Imperial Bianca Cubezoid highlighter when combined with the Blanco tiles. For a simple, cheerful look, opt for the Riviera Skyblue digital tiles. www.kajariaceramics.com
NITCO THE ROYALE TREASURE The Royale Treasure collection by Nitco aims at exuding natural beauty to modern urban homes. Inspired by Mother Nature, the tiles are manufactured using modern age six colour prism printing HD digital technology that gives textures resembling stone and wood finish to the minutest details. They are available in five variants: Marvellous Marble, Stunning Stone, Tempting Textiles, Lavish Leather, Gorgeous Geometry. Along with providing aesthetic value to modern day homes, the tiles are dust resistant and joint free. The highly durable and stain resistant tiles, are available in the sizes of 300 x 600 mm, 300 x 900 mm and 300 x 450 mm. The price of this collection starts at Rs. 65 per sq. ft. www.nitco.in
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SOMANY SLIP SHIELD SICIS SICISTONE SiciStone revives millenary Roman art through modern creativity and cutting-edge technologies. It is a collection of precious marble and onyx panels featuring artistic mosaic inserts in glass or precious metals such as gold or platinum. Marble and stone slabs are waterjet cut for creating outlines of the mosaic pattern/design which are all created by hand by Sicis craftsmen in Italy. Great attention to detail is placed on the colours and patterns; hence every tessera is cut and placed by hand.
Taking forward the tradition of innovation in tiles, Somany’s Slip Shield floor tiles are the new entrants in their wide range of floor and wall tiles. There is a coating applied on the tiles which keeps the co-efficient of friction high even when the surface is wet or soapy. It also allows limitless design possibilities due to a variety of colours available and are resistant to scratches and blemishes. www.somanyceramics.com
www.sicis.com
CORIAN The wall surfaces by Corian® are designed for bathrooms with special efforts to match the beauty of modern bathroom fittings. Sinuous organic forms, textured surfaces and several such elements are used to make the wall surfaces attractive. They are stylish, durable, easy-to-maintain solid surfaces. The DuPont™ Corian solid surface brings the same beauty to walls in bathrooms as it does in other spaces. A combination of functionality and good looks, they make any bathroom look wonderful, and are still durable. www.dupont.co.in
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FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Fully integrated, customised furniture solutions that tend to all the little essentials
VILLEROY & BOCH MY VIEW 14 MIRROR CABINETS My View 14 mirror cabinets fit harmoniously into every bathroom due to them being available in five sizes from 60-130 cm. Both sides of the cabinet doors, aluminium cabinet body and the edges of doors are mirrored for an ideal refreshing experience. With modern LED lighting being integrated into the doors, it illuminates the interiors of the cabinets and the washbasins below. They are also equipped with heightadjustable shelves, a magnetic strip, a magnifying mirror and a tray. www.villeroy-boch.com
DURAVIT VERO Opposites are known to attract and this creates in us, a need for harmony as a natural instinct. The new Vero collection of bathroom furniture by Duravit, is a response to this dicotomy. With Vero by designer Kurt Merki Jr., Duravit is expanding its Vero range of ceramics that has achieved 12 years of success. As a complete bathroom programme, the Vero series is characterised by recurring material thicknesses and dimensions that define the cubic look. The furniture console sports a shiny chrome frame which also acts as a towel holder; there is optional LED ambient lighting below the console while the versatile possibilities for combining the vanity units adapts to individual bathroom needs. www.duravit.in
VITRA NEST Nest is a distinguished range of bathroom products aimed at fulfilling various needs of different members in family homes. Nest cabinets designed by Pentagon, work equally well for both spacious and compact bathroom spaces and come with sensor-operated LED lighting. Along with appealing aesthetics, Nest promises you modular pieces that are appropriate for every kind of bathroom. Single door cabinets are available for the smaller spaces. Bigger families that need more storage space can opt for the double door cabinet. www.in.vitra.com.tr
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GESSI GOCCIA Goccia is a collection of furnishing objects that features an innovative design inspired by the fluid and natural shapes of water. It includes a freestanding soap dispenser, soap holder, tumbler holder made from a homemade process of porcelain Greis and is available in white and black versions. www.gessi.com
DURAVIT Duravit has introduced sound quality into the bathroom that is specially tailored to the acoustic situation in the bathroom. After connecting a Bluetooth-compatible device to the Duravit sound system once, music can be streamed wirelessly hereafter. Up to eight different users can be registered in the system, so every member of the family can enjoy his or her own individual music. A waterproof and moisture resistant acoustic textile protects the system from water. The sound system can be integrated in all mirror cabinets with LED technology from the Happy D.2, X-Large and Delos series. www.duravit.in
KARTELL BY LAUFEN ALL SAINTS MIRROR A round mirror surrounded by a pleated frame, creates a suffused interplay of refractions when lit giving the bathroom an instant ambience. Available in transparent or gold or silver chromes, this product is a design object that is versatile and can transform the bathroom into a contemporary or even an eccentric, unconventional or traditional design. www.kartellbylaufen.com
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LAUFEN ILBAGNOALESSI ONE Laufen presents a collection of functional accessories designed especially for the bathroom, including cabinets, mirrors and other bathroom furniture in its IlBagnoAlessi One range. The towel shelf has been designed for the convenience of having toiletries and a towel at hand. It has been made using the revolutionary SaphirKeramik ceramic introduced by Laufen. It is a functional product that only adds to the aesthetic value of the bathroom.
VILLEROY & BOCH SUBWAY 2.0 Villeroy & Boch launched the Subway 2.0 furniture range with 16 new vanity units equipped with two pull-out compartments, one of which is twice the height of the other. The lower drawer thus offers enough space to stand lotion bottles upright while the top drawer can be used to store small items. A particular highlight of all the vanity units is the optional lighting for the drawer interiors which turns on automatically when the drawer is opened. Feet are also optionally available for all the new vanity units. The design of the vanity units is visually appealing. The harmonious impression of the design is emphasised by the integrated handles, which are available in both, a glossy chrome shade and matt silver.
www.laufen.com
www.villeroy-boch.com
LIRA CURVA TECNICA (CONCEALED ELBOW) The new, innovative product Curva Tecnica ‘Concealed Elbow’ is an ideal solution for connecting bottle trap/P traps of any make to the drain outlet behind the wall and is available in 32 mm and 40 mm diameter sizes. Being non-corrosive and made of virgin Polypropylene (PP), it facilitates ease of connection at the wall end for the finished product as it has an O-Ring which provides ease in fixing the outlet pipe without glue, rubber bushings, silicon, etc. while remaining a totally water-tight connection. The disposable, orange PP cup cap prevents cement and other solid particles from entering the pipeline during installation. www.lira.com Trade and project enquiries: sales@connfluence.com +91 9769683356
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KARTELL BY LAUFEN RIFLY LAMP This cylindrical lamp is characterised by an external surface with a pleated effect, and is embellished by light reflectors. Available in two versions, pendant and appliquĂŠ, this lamp is designed to amaze and excite with interplays of colour and refractions. The available range from transparent to gold and even silver chroming, makes it easy to transform the space using this single versatile piece. www.kartellbylaufen.com
LIRA SPAZIO Traps for basins and sinks The new Spazio program by Lira is designed to save space under sinks and basins for storage by creating space. These traps are more acid resistant than conventional brass traps as they are manufactured from virgin grade Polypropylene. These non-corrosive traps remain unaffected by poor water quality. Precision moulding and machining ensure they are 100% leak-proof. They are easy to maintain and are suited well for single bowls, double-bowl and triple-bowl sinks and basins. They also come with an option of washing machine connection adapters, which facilitate the draining of washing machine water through a single outlet. The traps come with the 50 mm water seal ensuring that the space remains absolutely odour free. Since the traps can be customised to site needs, they are especially suitable for different Indian conditions. www.lira.com Trade and project enquiries: sales@connfluence.com +91 9769683356
DURAVIT Duravit’s stylish range of mirrors and cabinets adapts to any kind of bathroom and illuminates it to perfection. With practical features like additional storage, integrated light functions, mirrors on the inside of the doors, night light programs as well as integrated sockets and touch LED switches, they are available in various sizes and furniture finishes. www.duravit.in
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FLUSHING SYSTEMS Water efficient solutions for everyday needs DURAVIT RIMLESS After presenting the Rimless toilets at the ISH 2013, Duravit is now extending their range of Rimless toilets to the Happy D.2 and Darling New design series. The open design of the flushing rim ensures an innovative and powerful flow of water with outstanding flushing results. It uses small volumes of water, but delivers outstanding cleanliness. The water enters the bowl evenly and powerfully so that the entire interior surface is fully rinsed during the flushing process. All rimless water closets are available with the optional WonderGliss coating, which makes it easier to clean the bowl. www.duravit.in
VIEGA ECO PLUS ELEMENT Catering to multi-generational needs in households, the Eco Plus Element from Viega adjusts the height of the WC at the touch of a button for every single use. Without any alterations or electronics, an attractive design hides the necessary technology behind a glass panel. The seat height can be individually adjusted from 40 cm to 48 cm. The manual, contactless or electronic flush system, support rails with WC remote control and other components and ceramics can be effortlessly combined with the WC. www.viega.com
TOTO TORNADO The Tornado Flush reimagines the way a toilet flushes. Instead of letting water pour down from the rim as in a traditional flush, the Tornado Flush projects three powerful jets of water from inside the bowl. This motion creates a whirlpool effect that cleans the entire surface. As well as cleaning far more thoroughly than any other flush system, it is quiet and water-efficient. Tornado Flush toilets have a rimless design, so there is no place for dirt and germs to hide, making for a more attractive, more hygienic toilet. asia.toto.com
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The vibrant yellow container at the showroom, perceived as ceiling hung, exhibits a dramatic industrial look.
Space within a Space
A national award winning project in Mumbai by KNS Architects, the ‘Space within a Space’ showroom redefines unique and bold elements; it matches the German kitchen and furniture brand’s sensibility not only optimally, but with panache. Text By Namrata Joshi Photographs Courtesy The Architects
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Spread across 2500 sq. ft. the showroom situated in Mumbai is a domain that houses some of the most exclusive products of Nolte Kitchens, a Germany based kitchen and furniture brand. The showroom, without a doubt, exhibits a bold statement that creates a continuous and cohesive impact on the visitors. The principal architects of the project, Mr Kanhai Gandhi, Mr. Neemesh Shah and Mr. Shresht Kashyap knew almost immediately that the project called for a more audacious structure. Inspirations from the surrounding urban atmosphere, keeping in mind the modularity of the product, were taken. Hence, the idea was conceptualised to put forth an exhibition space held in a warehouse, where the showroom would not be a mere display area but a defined space that emulates the products and its design sensibility.
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The showroom has been designed with a variety of dedicated areas that accommodate different displays, and cover the entire floor plate. Each area is an entity in itself, highlighting the display of merchandise. In addition the neutral spaces shift the focus entirely on the products which are presented more as art pieces than anything else. What makes one halt in one’s tracks while walking through the showroom is a vibrant yellow container suspended from the ceiling in the open area. The corrugated metal sheet container, perceived as ceiling hung, sets the tone of the showroom with a dramatic look and daringly breaks the monotony of the space, therefore creating ‘space within a space’.
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The voluminous container adds to the industrial - warehouse concept and aptly exhibits Nolte Kitchens with the use of colours like stark yellow and black, thus integrating the brand colours and creating recall value. As Mr. Shresht Kashyap, one of the principal architects on the project shares, “Our vision was to include Germany in the character of the showroom in a dominant fashion and that is the reason why the design texture is quite mechanical, based on the impression of the country where the brand is based.� The entire space includes raw - finished materials and industry - inspired forms that fill the portions above the display zones. The display zones are kept neutral to accentuate the products. The two tone paint on the walls, the overall structure and the expansive ceiling along with the river washed granite floor offer a neutral background to heighten the impressions of the products displayed.
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To ensure that the showroom can be modified, exposed open ceiling and moveable partitions allow the indoor configurations to be more flexible, as required for season based furniture arrangements.
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Lighting plays a pivotal role in any indoor setting and keeping that in mind, the design team ensured that it should be kept minimal to complement the look of the entire space. This was achieved by using task lights throughout the showroom, to maximise the flexibility angle and to accentuate the product as desired.
The linear cantilevered staircase is another element in the showroom that speaks for itself and adds character to the space. The floating effect of the staircase forms a strong ribbon that fortifies the connection of the floor and the container.
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The wall adjoining the dark coloured staircase is a prominent white. It serves as the perfect place to hang several framed photographs that beautifully capture the history of Nolte Kitchens. The overall interior design of the showroom reflects the brand and its philosophy, it quite clearly mirrors the brand’s core values that manifest the perfect balance between aesthetics and function. An extraordinary amalgamation of sleek, stylish and modern components, the showroom has won numerous awards including IIID National Award - Retail, IIID Regional Award - Retail and ArchiDesign National Award. Commenting on the accolades recieved Mr. Shresht Kashyap adds, “We are very thrilled to have received the awards because the entire concept of creating a ‘space within a space’ was quite a bold step. We were challenging the parameters of retail and are surely glad to have received so much appreciation from all the sectors. This will hopefully make way for more unconventional and novel concepts to take form.”
neemesh@knsarchitects.com www.knsarchitects.com
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Mehrangarh TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net
Crowning a rocky hill 400 feet above the surrounding plains, the fortress of Mehrangarh dominates the skyline of Jodhpur. Behind its sturdy walls, exquisite palaces, scars of wars and tales of valour come together to offer a glimpse into the fascinating times of an era gone by. Dating back to the 15th century, Mehrangarh’s origins are shrouded by tales of a hermit who was the hill’s sole inhabitant. His curse of draughts and the extreme measure of burying a man alive in the foundations of the fort, to ward off any bad luck are spoken about.
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Another horrific tale awaiting visitors at its seventh gate are the handprints of the 15 wives of Maharaja Man Singh, who immolated themselves on his funeral pyre in 1843. A number of palaces and galleries within the fortress were embellished thematically - the walls of the Sheesh Mahal are covered with intricate mirrors. The Phool Mahal is gilded with floral motifs while the Moti Mahal is clad with a pearl-like white lime plaster. The larger rooms are surrounded by connecting galleries and intermittent courtyards with a profusion of decorative surfaces, geometric jaalis and elaborate alcoves. The ramparts that run across the periphery of the fort are littered with ageing canons and cries of kites. Bask in the swift breeze as you soak in the splendid vista of Jodhpur’s old town sprawled out below you.
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Kerovit’s new range of sanitary ware solutions seamlessly blend style and sensibility Kerovit, Kajaria’s in-house brand of sanitary ware flaunts a gamut of professionally-crafted products that successfully merge the concepts of modern living with classic architectural nuances. Modern, sensual and harmonious lines combined with the best quality of materials result in a seamless user experience, unmatched by any other. Kerovit’s new series of WCs epitomise excellence in form and functionality. The range is available in two elegant colours of ivory and white and boasts of top of the line features like swirl flushes, soft close, quick release and easy-clean lids. The WCs have been crafted from materials that are highly durable, stainresistant, bacteria-resistant, easy-to-clean and hygiene-friendly. They also come equipped with water-flow control, concealed cisterns and push-to-flow features allowing you the benefit of having state-of-the-art technology at your fingertips. Kerovit gives you the choice to opt for wall-hung or one-piece
WCs depending on your taste preferences and space availability. Throw in a 10-year warranty and this fabulous range promises to be a veritable asset for any bathroom. Kerovit’s new range of washbasins adroitly merges utility with artful sensuality. Each piece in this comprehensive range embodies an elegant charm and a unique take on minimalistic design. Shaped to perfection, they have also been crafted to provide you with stain-resistant and bacteria-resistant assets for your bathroom. With added benefits of easy installation and a 10-year warranty and you have a lifestyle accessory that is irresistible in every aspect. Kerovit’s range of washbasins includes countertop, under-the-counter, half-pedestal and full-pedestal styles to suit a variety of design sensibilities.
“Launching Kerovit was the logical next step for us as a brand which is gradually evolving into a 360o bathroom solutions provider. Kajaria, being one of India’s most trusted brands, believes in keeping their product portfolio dynamic and fresh while consistently surpassing the expectations of our customers. With Kerovit we aim to do just that, by offering them true value for money coupled with the perfect blend of simple style and functionality. Simplicity for us however, does not imply ‘plain’. On the contrary, it signifies purity of form with effortless technology that puts your comfort first, and this is what we believe Kerovit will bring to the table,” commented Mr. Dhirendra Joshi, General Manager, Kajaria Sanitaryware Pvt. Ltd.
www.kerovit.com
Promotion
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Andrew’s robots are featured in action in his story book – Timmy, though the book has yet to find a publisher.
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art form
A Brave New World Scrap metal, a welding machine and an overheated imagination are all that were required for Andrew Chase to create these surprisingly terrifying and terrific robotic sculptures.
At about the same time that I was interviewing American artist Andrew Chase regarding his robotic menagerie, the movie Godzilla was released to the world. As theatre halls shuddered with the screams of an over stimulated audience, much of what I had planned to ask Andrew about his artistic vision suddenly became obvious. American artist Andrew Chase is a photographer who also creates sculptures and furniture. This multi-faceted artist graduated with a Major in Photography who has no other formal training in art; his entry into the world of designing furniture and sculpture too was quite unconventional.
Text By Christabelle Athaide Photographs Courtesy Andrew Chase
This sculpture is no Godzilla but its robotic attributes are nevertheless unnerving.
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“After college, I moved to Salt Lake City to work as a commercial photographer, and soon after bought a small welder to make a set of otherwise unaffordable security bars for my studio. After finishing the windows, I went a little crazy and welded all new furniture for my studio and apartment with mixed success.” A little more tinkering later and Andrew discovered an inherent talent for sculpting. Blending reality with his impassioned imagination, Andrew sculpts creatures that are familiar to memory but clearly belong to a different world. His cheetah, elephant, giraffe, polar bear and other creations are made out of sheet metal, rods, pipes, tubing and other interesting bits and pieces he comes across. He adds, “One of my favorite places to find components for my work is an industrial salvage outlet. They have all sorts of weird and unidentifiable fasteners and bits of machinery that I just love to use. I get almost all of my gears and bearings from auto transmission shops. Most of them are happy to let me take whatever I want from their recycling bins.” Recycling junk to create art is a trend that has gained much traction recently, though Andrew’s motivation is slightly off centre. “I use recycled material because it’s the easiest and cheapest way to get cool and interesting stuff. There’s also the serendipity factor - working with what I find forces me to be more creative than I would be if I just ordered parts from a catalogue.”
Their kinetic attributes and ability to strike a number of poses make the sculptures even more real.
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Using his liberated powers of visualisation, Andrew reproduces a verity in likeness that is as awe-inducing as it is terrifying. The standard cheetah is 24 inches at the shoulder and takes roughly 4 weeks to create while the life-size cheetah is 36 inches high and takes about 6 weeks till completion. These robotic animals are closer to the kinds you encounter in sci-fi movies than at a zoo.
Andrew’s sculptures are straight out of a sci-fi movie and arouse awe and excitement for the viewer.
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A confirmed sci-fi buff, Andrew unleashes his own wild imagination with photographs of his creatures in angles and situations that are intriguing and post-apocalyptic. Andrew’s vision of an alternative world is both thrilling and frightening but what makes his robotic menagerie spectacular is the unexpected kinetic endowment of each creature. The animals are perfectly joint, well articulated and capable of striking a number of poses. Andrew explains his animals were initially intended as characters for a picture book and in order to arrange them in different poses it was essential to keep their bodies flexible. He came across the idea of creating a picture book one day while indulging his imagination with photographs of the robots running down deserted streets, hiding on a rooftop or broken down and rusting on a mountain top. The robotic sculptures are created out of auto transmission parts, electric cables, sheet metal and other junk that the artist salvages from industrial dump yards.
He says, “I decided to continue making them (the sculptures) articulated because this gives the piece a sense of realism and honesty that they might not otherwise have. With a static sculpture you can cheat in ways that you can’t with a kinetic one.” The concept of a sci-fi story backed with real photographs of the sculptures in action was simple; executing it however proved to be a monumental task. In the end, it took thirty five shots and four years to finish his first book - Timmy. He says acceptingly, “Timmy still isn’t published but I certainly don’t regret doing it. It was a great learning experience and it got me started making sculptures which has been hugely enjoyable.”
The animals seem aglow with life, but their metallic constitution harnesses them to another world.
In the meantime, Andrew’s sculptures have found many takers and some animals have already moved to new houses and to new owners. The human fascination with creationism is never-ending. Andrew has now discovered ways to give life to his imagination. It will be interesting to see what he does next. photographer@andrewchase.com www.andrewchase.com
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The CVC Network office interiors offer a study of the interplay between the formal and informal.
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AHEAD OF THE CURVE
An imaginative curved wall turns an open office into a well-partitioned space that accommodates both the formal and informal.
Text By Christabelle Athaide Photographs Gareth Hoover Photography
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This lounge opens onto a large sit-out that faces the road. As the company expands, this area can easily be converted into a stand-alone workspace to house related facilities.
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Offices today are mercifully no longer the dull, grey sweatshops that once made employees sick at the thought of work. These days, workspaces are evolving into bright, welcoming zones that propagate the idea of work being fun. In fact, most commercial spaces today vie for top position when it comes to offering employees better interiors, funkier recreation spaces, designer furniture and innovative cafeteria menus. Employees, for once, have precious little to whine about. The modern concept of the office as a welcoming, creative and comfortable area is embraced with ease by ‘1Leaping Frog Studio’, a young Bangalore-based architectural firm. The studio puts this idea to great effect while designing the office interiors of CVC Network, an international media company with its Indian headquarters now located in Indiranagar, Bangalore.
Lights in the multi-purpose area transform the space into a cosy lounge as the evening wears on.
“We were presented with a complex brief that had both functional and open-ended requirements to house 20 employees involved in ideation and broadcasting”, reveals Aatira Zacharias, who co-founded 1Leaping Frog Studio with her husband and partner Bhyrav B.R in 2013. CVC Network’s 3,500 sq.ft. office in Bangalore’s Indiranagar is a cleverly designed space with all the trappings of a serious commercial workspace but with an atmosphere that spurs creativity and bluesky thinking. “Many of CVC’s employees are actors or singers and it was essential to offer them an environment where they felt inspired to create,” remarks Aatira.
A standard office table is elevated into a 24-foot long imaginative floating desk which adds to the overall creative atmosphere of the office.
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It helped that the office was located within an efficiently designed building that faced North and hence could take advantage of ideal lighting conditions. The office enjoys natural light till 5p.m. after which the artificial lights take over
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The ideation zone is located at the North end of the office where natural light stimulates creative discussion. The heart of the office is occupied by the actual workspace which is flanked by the conference room and supervisor’s office on one side. The workspace flows seamlessly into the breakout spaces where employees can refresh themselves in between intense work sessions. The defining feature of CVC’s office is a curved wall that begins at the threshold and flows to the opposite end, binding all the different spaces together. “It is a multi-dimensional structure” quips Aatira, referring to the wall’s clever features that include privacy, transparency as well as handy shelf space across its length. Interestingly, the vision of the curved wall was finalised by the architects much later in the day when other corners of the office were already up and standing. “We always knew we wanted to create a curved wall here but the finished idea really fell into place only towards the end,” confess the design team.
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The curved wall brings much-needed privacy to an open-plan format and introduces an element of intrigue and suspense to visitors who walk around its bend. As the wall gradually reveals the office’s interiors it also brings to the fore the architects’ exploration of spatial concepts, most notably - the orthogonal vs. the curve; order vs. the free plan; transparency vs. opacity.
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1Leaping Frog’s attention to detail across every aspect of CVC’s interiors is quite remarkable considering the space was readied in a record-breaking three months’ time. The 24-foot, high-gloss workstation table, for instance required out-of-the-box solutions to endow it with a ‘floating’ appearance. Similarly, the natural effect of the exposed brick wall was achieved by sourcing a variety of coloured bricks from three different villages. This attention to detail has paid off in the form of an elegant office that boasts of a character uniquely its own. The warm, easy-going charm of the place can also be attributed in part to a balanced mix of informal and formal materials. Floors in the main areas, for example, are left as exposed concrete whereas laminated timber flooring is laid out in the ancillary areas. Exposed masonry is juxtaposed with plaster ceilings and exposed conduiting and ducting add to the raw feel. The informal atmosphere is complimented with polished MDF, hi-gloss finishes, laminates, lacquer, metal and wood. Recently, 1Leaping Frog received the IIID Anchor Award for their CVC office interiors, marking an important achievement in the trajectory of a firm barely a year old. Their biggest compliment however was the assignation of another interior design project by a thoroughly satisfied CVC Network. You could say the firm is all set to leap to the next level with this.
1leapingfrog@gmail.com
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When the products come together it is as if there is a creative orchestra performing in harmony.
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Retail Therapy
The Second Floor Please Second Floor Studio welcomes you to an area that is more of a cosy drawing room rather than a retail store. While the retail aspect is only an offshoot, what’s really special is that this is a permanent space where experiments happen!
Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs The Second Floor Studio Team
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Each product is a statement piece by itself and hence produces a stunning effect when viewed in an apt combination.
Hand-painted pillows featuring different motifs are signature pieces.
Punit Jasuja, who also serves as Creative Director of the Second Floor Studio wanted a hint of nostalgia in his store. What better way to achieve that than through the name itself? His very first store was on the 2nd floor in Khan Market, so the idea of the name came from that.
But carpets and rugs, including some really exotic ones (such as cowhides from Argentina) have been used creatively to bring in a touch of drama. The walls and ceilings are also kept quite simple, they allow the products to take centre stage and shine. And shine they do!
While Jasuja belongs to the fields of interior design and events, the “studio” is a place for the expressions of his ideas in the realm of décor. It is as such another outlet for his innate creativity.
In addition to being quite colourful themselves, even the smallest of the products can be said to be a statement piece. Thus, when they all come together, it is as if there is a creative orchestra performing in the most harmonious manner.
With over 3,500 sq. ft. in two stores in Shahpur Jat, the studio has expanded to meet the increasing needs of the décor industry. Since it is a concept store, there are three distinct areas - home, men’s and women’s. In each section, there are little design vignettes that serve to bring the products to life while the concrete flooring keeps the store clean and uncomplicated.
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Signature statement pieces, especially if prominent, automatically contribute to the existing décor and supply their own unique charm. Coming to the products, these are a combination of those produced in-house and those sourced from select vendors from around the world. The in-house label, Punit Jasuja 74 focuses mostly on cushions and linens. Their signature pieces are hand-painted pillows featuring horses, butterflies and the like.
There is a lot of scope for changing the displays and thereby experimenting with visual merchandising. Jasuja is a mixmaster of sorts with a natural gift for curation at times, and he changes the displays daily! “The idea behind Second Floor Studio was that we wanted the store to fit into any city and work with it. We feel that the store will be a success in any city from New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam to Buenos Aires. That’s our goal when we display and curate new products,” explains the team of the studio as we talk about what exactly is the inspiration behind the décor of the store. www.facebook.com/ SecondFloorStudioKhanMarket
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The teahouse itself exists between the palace’s royal garden on one side and the surrounding and the Hutongs on the other.
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A BREAK FROM TRADITION
The Red-Wall Teahouse by Chinese studio Cutscape Architecture at the periphary of the Forbidden City in Beijing walks a thin line between history and the present.
Text By Himali Kothari Photographs Courtesy Wang Yi, Zhang Hetian, Chen Su
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Glass panels placed at varied angles reflect the historic red wall that make up the backdrop of the teahouse.
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For over 500 years, the Forbidden City formed the nucleus of China. It was the home of emperors and their dynasties, it was the political seat of the government, it was invaded and captured and battles were fought over it. But over the last century, the Beijing cityscape has evolved and the intricately carved ancient towers and roofs now have to jostle with skyscrapers. The Forbidden City was thus named, because nobody could enter it or leave from there without the emperor’s permission. The red brick wall that hems in the Imperial Palace still exists, but its significance has blurred. The recently unveiled Red-Wall Teahouse is one such space that connects tradition with the current. It has been inserted inside a public park which used to be the Ancestral Temple, a royal memorial temple for ancestors southeast to the Forbidden City. The red wall of the Forbidden City forms the backdrop and Hutong houses surround the other sides. Two dilapidated old industrial sheds occupied the space where the teahouse now stands, one attached to the red imperial wall and the other one set around three meters away north to the first one. The industrial sheds marked an opening in the wall, which effectively gave the Red-Wall Teahouse direct access to the Imperial garden. When Chinese studio Cutscape Architecture conceptualised the layout, they wanted experience of rambling in a village when they entered the teahouse. The warehouse close to the Wall was worse for wear, and thus the team at Cutscape was compelled to make more drastic structural changes there. That space was given an inside-outside kind of a setting by taking down the roof and replacing it with a new roofline of steel and glass triangles, thus converting the space into a sort of an unroofed garden.
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The new roofline respects the height of the historical palace wall and at the same time resonates with the buildings which make up the surrounding Hutong. A tree-lined street leads to the Red-Wall Teahouse. Freestanding steel-frame tea rooms are clustred in the middle of the unroofed garden. The glass panels placed in different angles that reflect the brick wall give the impression, that many segments of the wall are standing alone. A Gravel-paved pathway leads to the north teahouse, whose exterior is insulated with new material. Its interior was transformed to match the modern needs of the space, floor-to-ceiling acrylic tubes were used to give it an ultra-modern appearance. The space has been designed to host tea ceremonies as well as serve as a venue for events, exhibitions, meetings and other social occasions.
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The complex has seven main rooms, each of which has been given a distinctive appearance by using different interior finishes, like bamboo, white marble, copper, acrylic tubes, etc. The unique character of each tearoom creates an ambience that is unique to itself. The cloud tearoom for instance is extensively done up with white and grey streaked marble. This combined with the glass opening in the roof which opens the space to the sky lends it a surreal floating feeling that lives up to its name. The bamboo tearoom on the other hand has a more earthy tone with bamboo sheets making up its interiors. The acrylic tearoom, fitted with floor to ceiling acrylic tubes has an ultra-modern appearance, in stark contrast to its heritage location.
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What makes the Red-Wall Teahouse distinct is that the modern materials have not been used to make it stand out, but in fact, the architects have made a conscious design decision to engage and reflect the heritage and the history of its surrounds. In the past, the wall had been a symbol of the social class division in old China, which in recent years had become simply a spatial boundary between the imperial garden and the Hutong houses. The Red-Wall goes one step further in bridging the gap by giving local residents the opportunity to get closer to the traditional structure and at the same time introducing a modern touch to the ancient temple. general@cutscape.com www.cutscape.com
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DESIGNQUEST
By Pooja Malhotra and Gopika Parekh
TWICE THE FUN
At The Fuchsia Lane (TFL) we lead the firm and are intimately involved in every aspect of the business. We both studied at Rachna Sansad School of Interior Design and share a similar design philosophy. This eventually led to the inception of TFL in 2010. TFL is based in an industrial locality near Phoenix Market city, which houses a studio cum workshop.
At TFL we offer absolute customization of all products in terms of design, size and finishes ensuring each piece is absolutely unique and truly yours. Whether a project is residential or commercial, we are ready to assist design professionals, architects, builders as well as direct clients in specifying. Along with our customisation facility, our competitive pricing is a further testimony to the above-mentioned philosophy.
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The inception of digital printing perhaps imported high doses of creativity in the realm of furniture and we too were inspired by it. The Chaise lounge we designed dons a modern touch by cladding a digital print all over making it a fun piece to be added with the regular setting.
Barstool with console The product features eclectic upholstery and silver leafing.
The Barstool with a console is one from our revered body of work; it features a mildly handcraved wooden barstool with a cushioned seat & back, a beautiful eclectic upholstery and silver leafing adds a touch of glamour. The console is handcarved and finds its design inspiration from the twirls of a stem.
Reclined arm chair with foot stool The armchair and footstool is upholstered in faux leather.
Coffee Table The coffee table consists of four paisley’s that can be arranged together in different ways.
As friends we would often design together - born out of desire to create stylish pieces that are truly an extension to art while retaining their functionality. Designing furniture has been our area of expertise and we have created a number of bespoke pieces which have been appreciated by one and all.
When it comes to finishes we ensure our products add value to the factor of beauty and vibrancy of your existing home. Finished in faux leather our Reclined arm chair with foot stool is a sure shot testimony to the same; a perfect sit out for reading a book or simply unwinding in a cosy corner of a room, a gleaming tiger eye veneer adorns its back and adds to the USP.
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Study Console The Study Console has a modern staggered detailwith Duco and PU polish.
Swings The Fuschia Lane also designs customised swings.
Chaise Lounge The Chaise Lounge dons a modern look dressed in a digital print. Coffee Table The coffee table is carefully clad with the purest of Greek Thasos (white) marble.
In furniture we enjoyed working on our two coffee tables - one has been carefully clad with the purest greek Thasos (white) marble available, while the other is a set of hand carved paisley’s - the collection consist of 4 paisley’s hand carved in wood and finished in champagne antique leafing.
When talking about our products we would like to mention we also make a lot of swings. We complement them to the furniture around in the space for it to look like a part of the same family and then there are times where they stand apart becoming the focal point of the room.
For instance this simple swing with glamorous champagne leafing strings makes an absolute statement without having to match anything around it, whereas the another one with carving was designed in harmony to the rest of the furniture. TFL to a lot of people is known as a swing maker. It’s like the icing on a cake. The Fuchsia Lane derives its name from the exotic Fuchsia flower that in its varied species and types adds abundant beauty to the surroundings it grows in; and we as lead designers will continue to infuse new life into living spaces with our bespoke creations. www.thefuchsialane.com
For one of our clients we designed a study console - a compact study it looks like a simple standalone console with 5 handy drawers. The front is made out of wood and has a modern staggered detail. While the duco and PU polish up the ante, the legs are pure stainless steel.
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GREEN PROJECT
Beauty In Sustainability
With its sustainable and economical school buildings designed by award-winning architect Anna Heringer, a tiny village in rural Bangladesh shows the way forward.
Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy Kurt Hoerbst and Anna Heringer Home Review August 2014
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The ground plus one building is an intriguing juxtaposition of traditional materials and modern design. The bamboo walls give the mud structure a beautiful sense of fragility.
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The entire village was heavily invested in the project with villagers involved in every stage of the construction.
The cob walls have windows and small openings for natural light and ventilation.
When you think of a school building, what comes to mind? I think of tall, nondescript buildings with long corridors punctuated by classrooms and wooden desks. Architect Anna Heringer had other ideas, though.
The DESI building is unlike any rural school you have seen. The principles of design were the same as for METI – regional construction, local materials, but here new ideas were incorporated for structural stability and sustainability.
The structure of the building in question was designed around a typical Bangladeshi home where all of the household functions eating, sleeping, washing, etc are performed in separate structures built around a central courtyard.
At 19, she spent a year in Bangladesh volunteering with a charity called Dipshika. That stint gave her a deep insight into the community and its needs. From that experience grew Heringer’s first architectural project in Bangladesh - the award-winning METI School in the village of Rudrapur, which formed the basis for her thesis as well.
In an interview with the German website Architekturclips, Heringer says, “When you see Bangladesh - all the fields, the rubbish and the energy going into the air, then you know that the choice of material should not be merely an aesthetic one, since it has an impact on the environment, on the climate.”
The DESI building, however, incorporated all these functions into a single structure with two classrooms, two offices and two residences for the school teachers. The teachers have separate bathrooms with two showers and toilets, while on the ground floor a student bathroom has many toilets and sinks.
Anna Heringer propagates buildings made out of clay with traditional materials and crafting techniques. She challenges the modern approach of ignoring traditional materials in favour of mass-produced ones.
The toilets have their own two-chamber septic tank. “This is the first time that sanitary units have been built into earth houses in Bangladesh, proving that mud and bamboos are flexible enough to accommodate modern lifestyle requirements.”
The METI School was completed in 2006 and received immediate acclaim as well as several awards including the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Since then, Heringer has worked on several other projects in Bangladesh including on the one which is the focus of this article - the DESI (Dipshikha Electrical Skill Improvement) training centre for local electricians, which incidentally is also run by Dipshika.
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Bamboo-laced ceilings provide insulation, texture and can be easily replaced.
For the construction, Heringer and her team used mainly mud and bamboo, but improved the stability with a masonry foundation and damp-proofing. The team tested the soil of Rudrapur and found that it was mainly silt with some clay (referred to as ‘Loam’). They were convinced that this mud would withstand the pressure of a building and would harden well without cracking. The building is rural, yet contemporary. It is high-tech, yet low-tech. Sticking to traditional building methods, no machinery was used in the construction. Instead, local villagers worked on the site, alongside eight water-buffaloes and made cob walls (by mixing earth, water and rice straw). The windows received a traditional border of lime plastering, while the rooms were given many windows at varying heights for ventilation and natural cooling.
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Bamboo walls for the first-floor classrooms provide both shade and softness.
The lattice-work bamboo wall covering in the first floor gives the area a romantic, medieval touch, and generates criss-cross light and shadow patterns across the floor. Simple cotton saris hang over head a traditional awning adds another layer of shade. Straw mats cushion the ground and provide seating along with bamboo benches. The building is also innovative for its use of solar panels, which students helped install as part of their curriculum. 100% of DESI’s energy needs are produced by the solar panels which provide warm water as well. The residents of Rudrapur are proud of their ‘international’ buildings. “In place of a cement-plastered brick wall, a sophisticated woven bamboo wall becomes a sign of prestige. In that way an independent, local identity evolves quite automatically.”
Heringer’s green projects and evolving architecture proves that by using materials that might be considered ‘rural’ or even ancient, one can make strong, sustainable, modern and beautiful buildings. “I often hear that sustainable architecture is ugly and I fully disagree with this. A building has to be in accord with the social and environmental context and if these layers are all in harmony then it is a beautiful building and at the same time a sustainable one. For me, sustainability is beauty.” At the DESI School, there is no compromise with either form or function. There’s texture, shadow and light. There’s movement and energy. And when you have a building that not only teaches but also inspires, you know that the purpose of such a structure has been achieved. What more does a school need? www.anna-heringer.com
GREEN PROJECT
Act On Green
Acting is magical. Change your look and attitude, and you can be anyone at all. It can be both therapeutic and liberating; the Kantana Institute based in Thailand’s capital is a perfect testimony to this idea.
Text By Mala Bajaj Photographs Courtesy Aga Khan Award For Architecture Home Review August 2014
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The network of friendly, airy and shady enclaves is all conducive to nurturing and stimulating student interaction. Beatific views of the surrounding landscape add to the calm and peaceful environment.
The eight metre high, hand-made brick walls have several geometrically shaped negative spaces to mitigate heat and provide casual spaces for the students to sit in.
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The orthogonal gaps in the wall promote just the right amount of daylight ingress. The same gaps allow views of the ‘inserted forests’
When Kantana Edutainment (International) Co. Ltd. wanted to set up a Film and Animation Undergraduate School where the youth of Thailand could come and learn the finer nuances of this art form they approached the Bangkok Project Company Limited. The young firm not only fulfilled the task but also saw that they built a green and soulful building which very deservingly went on to get nominated for several architectural awards. Roughly 45 kms north-west from Thailand’s capital Bangkok, a rural site was transformed from a paddy field into a place of learning. Nakhon Pathom the location where the Kantana Institute is set up is one of the central provinces of Thailand. The capital city of the province Nakhon Pathom is also called Nakhon Pathom and has grown to encompass the provincial border. Today Nakhon Pathom attracts people from all over Thailand, and has become a veritable mega city.
In this milieu Boonserm Premthada along with his team members Ittidej Lirapirom and Piyasak Mookmaenmuan, wove some architectural magic to create a structure that not only treads lightly on the environment but also serves the purpose of inspiring students to first relax and then acquire the skills of acting and animation. The location on which the film institute stands is rural, going by that Boonserm hit upon the idea of employing the one resource that was in abundance around the site. He zoned in on the idea of using only handmade bricks constructed out of mud found right there and around the site. Saving on travel miles by employing local crafts persons and using a cheap and plentiful material, he took the first step towards restricting the carbon footprint. Over half a million handmade bricks were produced and used employing a very simplified and organic method.
A schematic of the Kantana Film Institute building.
About the bricks Premthada says, “You can see the touch of both hand and foot as they were made one by one. They have the soul and heart of the people who made them. We wanted to conserve and strengthen this old craft which still exists within the area.” Eight metre high walls were first constructed using the bricks; it was all about geometric lines albeit with gentle undulations.The single-storey building is divided into four main areas including administration, lecture room and library, together with a canteen and studio. The library is brim full with all kinds of free data for the students and the studio is designed for experimental activities. Each section is attached to four directional walkways to facilitate an easy and comfortable flow. Within the walls lies an inner structure constituted out of steel, a cavity present between the bricks and steel helps moderate temperatures.
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The complex’s five different areas - administration office, lecture room, workshop, library and canteen - are all connected by an ‘inserted forest’ in the form of a grey stone and concrete pathway punctuated by trees.
The building is designed to block sunlight and create cooling shadows; architecture mediates between humans and the natural environment. Passive climate control is further underlined with the help of orthogonal apertures in the brick walls. The alcoves so formed also double up as informal seating spaces for the students of the institute; it is here that they ruminate and solidify the knowledge they have just acquired. The complex’s five different areas administration office, lecture room, workshop, library and canteen - are all connected by an ‘inserted forest’ in the form of a grey stone and concrete pathway punctuated by trees, running centrally along a solid east-west and a broken north-south axis.
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From afar the building reminds one of an ancient Thai Stupa with its recessed walls forming 12 corners around the lower base. The network of friendly, airy and shady enclaves is all conducive to nurturing and stimulating student interaction. With this project Boonserm Premthada and his team have articulated a distinctive green architectural language and confidently executed a large and complex project with élan. The dean of the institute apart from being delighted over the savings on the energy running costs says, “The texture, the line, the shape, the angle, the mass, the voids each offer a way of thinking and inspire the students to come up with interesting compositions.”
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DESIGN DESTINATION
SAO P WHERE Sao Paulo aka Sampa is not just the largest city of Brazil, it is also the largest city in the southern hemisphere. The city may not get instant recall in comparison to other world cities but it plays a pivotal role in the fields of commerce, finance, art and culture at the global level.
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PAULO WHEN
WHY
A mild year-round climate makes Sao Paulo a great spot to visit any time of the year. The most hospitable time of the year is from June to December when the temperatures are pleasant and there is little rain. It is also during these months that the city’s social calendar is packed with various events.
In the 20th century, Sao Paulo saw a meteoric rate of development and many historical monuments were sacrificed to make space for skyscrapers. But some of the 17th century architecture survived and provides an interesting contrast in the largely modern skyline.
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PLAYING TO THE GALLERY Three large slobbering lips look down on the passers-by and stop them in their tracks. If you think that locals are used to the attention-grabbing façade of the Melissa flagship store, think again. The design of the store, both the outside and the inside is updated every three months. Bold graphics depicting different themes cover the towering walls of the shop’s exterior. The current graphics of the lips represent the brand’s latest collection Eat My Melissa. In the past, the space has seen graphic representation of the dense Amazon jungle, and on another occasion the designer’s vision of what tropical plants in the future may look like.
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An African-themed installation also incorporated a sculpture of an elephant to boost the drama quotient further. Most of the installations are created on the computer by designer Muti Randolph and then printed. But one especially stunning visual was created by creating a design with postits of different colours. About 3,50,000 post-its covered every inch on the walls and visitors were invited to fill them with messages of love. The interior of the store continues in the same eclectic tone that is set by the exteriors. The shoes are displayed in bubbles suspended from the ceiling or mounted on the walls. The graphics on the walls are also changed to mirror the theme set by the outside. No wonder then that Galeria Melissa, doubles up as both a shoe store and an art gallery.
A PLACE IN THE SUN A white stucco-exteriored building, a wooden door and a minimalist signboard that says ‘KAA’ grabs your attention at this restaurant known not just for its food but also its stunning architecture. One step through the door and it is clear why. The space is long, narrow and windowless but the layout is such that what should have been constraints have been turned into highlights. A retractable roof takes up half of the high ceiling and floods the area with natural light. The wall in that part is covered with live plants, 7000 of them. That along with a shallow pool gives it an oasis-like vibe. The colour palette is earthy and muted and helps add to the warm and cosy ambience. KAA hits all the right notes in providing an inside-outside experience.
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AT LIBERTY
Museu Paulista stands as an insignia of Brazil’s freedom from Portugal. The outstanding architecture of the building and its size is especially impressive because it was built in the 19th century when Sao Paulo did not have the know-how or the skilled labour to undertake this mammoth task. The musuem building is designed along the lines of the Versailles Palace complete with the manicured lawns that stretch in front of it. Art, sculpture, photographs, maps and other objects make up the museum’s vast collection that spans four centuries.
ONE OF A KIND There is no denying the fact that this hotel in Sao Paulo is unique. And it is not just because it is named Hotel Unique, the building is unlike any other in the world. The Hotel building was designed to look like the hull of a ship with its unusual crescent shape and windows shaped like port holes. The locals though have nicknamed it Watermelon owing to its shape which is reminiscent of a slice of watermelon. Text By Himali Kothari
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The staircase acts like a
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a subtle divide between the continuous space starting at the living room and ending in the dining-kitchen unit.
PLAYING WITH PATTERNS
With the help of a diverse material palette in varied permutations and combinations, patterns take centre stage in this house designed by DesignRitmo.
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Patterns dominate the design philosophy in this elegant house, aptly named ‘Pattern Box’ by the designers - Surat based firm, DesignRitmo. Summing up to 540 square meters and spread over three levels, the inspiring interiors were imagined as a play of patterns using different materials in a single box. Principal Architect Dipesh Kheni explains to us, “DesignRitmo’s concept was to generate different patterns and most of them are based on graphics within a simple line grid. The layout of the house is also in accordance to this simple grid.” There is a clear definition of spatial zoning - private spaces, the bedrooms, are accommodated on the second floor while public spaces like the living room, dining room and family room are planned on the first floor, and the ground floor is restricted to services, storage and landscape. A mixed range of materials, textures and patterns compose a different story for all these separate spaces, and combined they induce a sense of calm recollection.
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The approach to the main house is dramatised by many landscape features including a striking white staircase which leads up to the house entrance. A combination of a white wall lined with planters, an inclined lawn and a lone tree, becomes the ideal ensemble for the approach. On the first landing that one steps onto, is a beautiful garden with a water feature, that reaches out in a serene welcome.
The house is designed in three levels, the main house being accommodated in the second and third level. The level differences give the facade a beautiful geometric juxtapositioning.
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A few steps more and one arrives at the house and into the pattern and material repartee. Geometric floral cut-outs on the main door and louvered veranda doors drench the living room in a beautiful speckled light pattern that is reflected by the polished stone flooring. The dark and rich colours of the surfaces, wood being the dominant material and the striking illumination patterns together create a warm and lush aura. Open planning provides a continum of space right from the living room to the dining-kitchen zone, with only the staircase in between becoming a segregation indicator. The DesignRitmo team used different material palettes and pattern plays to give the two spaces their own separate and distinct identities, but connected them nonetheless through a basic pattern grid. White surfaces distinguish the diningkitchen space and the family room, where the spatial dimensions and alabaster colouring render an appearance of a vast space. Strip lighting in the ceiling only adds to the spacious feel enhancing the clarity in design.
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Even the staircase boasts of a light appearance. Pine and teak wood floating treads, a railing that has criss-cross patterns made out of ropes, adjoining walls with interesting art and glazed walls filtering abundant sunlight as a backdrop – all this effectively creates a unique identity for the staircase which becomes an unobtrusive eye catching feature at every level.
As one explores the second floor housing, we quickly realise that each of the bedrooms has a specific signature pattern according to the tenor of the room’s essence. In the master bedroom, a focus wall clad in black stone makes a statement; while in the other rooms patterns highlighted as art make a point.
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One can’t help but notice the different material combinations used by DesignRitmo; stone cladding and stone veneer were put to use; copper sheets for the Indian feel and graphic patterns for the modern touch was also utilized; Kaddapa in combination with Sadarli granite also finds a place in this varied material palette. The same pattern follows in the facade outside. Notes Dipesh Kheni, “We have connected the interiors and the exteriors via patterns not in terms of just a physical reflection, but also through light and ambience.” An interesting play of negative and positive features in the spaces is the tool used by DesignRitmo to paint the entire house in a beautiful and inspiring style. The owners had just one design request, ‘a simple but dramatic ambience in the house’. And the team has stayed true to the condition by revealing the house’s story in a series of details that show off the best in a modest and elegant display of creativity.
info@designritmo.com www.designritmo.com
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Low–level, low-voltage lighting displays environmental sensitivity and contributes to darker skies and less disturbance to nocturnal creatures as well as professional observatories.
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Landscapes
Knock Knock A mid-century house in Tucson, Arizona finally gains a formal main entrance and some more with clever landscaping - planned and executed by Ibarra Rosano Design Architects.
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In the hauntingly beautiful desert area of Tucson, Arizona, visitors to the mid-century Moltz residence have always entered the house from the utilitarian door which faces the front instead of the main door located on the side. Since the ambiguous entry proved to be a constant source of embarrassment for the owners who regularly entertained friends at home, they finally decided to change the energy of the house by re-orienting the entry and creating an inviting outdoor space where they could continue to entertain friends and family.
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Enter Ibarra Rosano Design Architects, an award-winning Tucsonan firm, well recognised for its minimal and modern desert architecture. Initially reluctant to take on just a landscaping project, the firm eventually relented when they realised the brief included more than just landscape design for the 1300 sq.ft outdoor space. Luis Ibarra and Teresa Rosano, co-founders of the design firm relate, “Our requirement was to create a framework which would help make sense of the existing random plantings and the slope of the terrain.
Since the house lacked a clear rationale for its placement on the site, our challenge was to re-orient the house without touching it. The firm tackled the entrance issue head-on by erecting a double-cantilevered wall at the front, therein bypassing the need for a predictable main gate.� This impossible-to-miss stylish marker leads visitors inside towards the front door of the house and towards the patio where a fluid arrangement of horizontal planes in coloured concrete bring order, utility and sophistication to the outdoor space.
A judicious selection of cacti, succulents and native plants balance the concrete floors and walls without overwhelming the space.
“One of the main goals behind the Moltz landscape design was to entice the homeowners and their guests to enjoy the spaces outside of the home, effectively increasing the house’s living area without adding air-conditioned square footage,” says Teresa Rosano referring to the creation of an outdoor kitchen which makes perfect sense considering Arizona’s warm climate. A rectangular glass dining table sits invitingly in the kitchen space and the presence of a grill, aluminium counter and shelf suggest that the owners often enjoy an outdoor, interactive dining experience.
But it is the landscaped patio which easily forms the most stunning feature of the outdoor space. Here multi-level horizontal planes in concrete replace the original brick patio and the clever arrangement makes provision for in-built planters and benches. A row of deckchairs placed on the cantilevered concrete is perfect for lounging and the owners record their experience here as a sensation of floating into the horizon. One of the challenges of landscaping involved taming a group of randomly arranged mature trees on the east side of the house. “An ordering system was needed to rationalise their presence and harvest their shade,” says Teresa.
Adding to the natural flora is a selection of potted cacti, succulents and native plants that are drought-resistant; these are discreetly arranged across the outdoor space. The tall cacti stand regally and command a sense of awe as they create interesting compositions by day and provide dramatic accents by night. A deliberately restrained palette of cast concrete, concrete block, glass tile and native plants ensures that while tidiness and order are bestowed upon the patio, the overall effect is one of a seamless blend with the natural environment.
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The outdoor living space allows the owners to take advantage of South Arizona’s climate and mountain views all year round.
Adds Teresa, “The concrete does most of the spatial work but does so in the background, as a simple stage set up for everyday life. Our solution was to simplify and amplify the energy of the space that was already there.” The ability to create modern spaces that co-exist in perfect harmony with their surroundings is the trademark of Ibarra Rosano, a firm inarguably tilted towards sustainable living. The lighting in the Moltz house for instance is low-voltage, low-level and this Teresa believes pays an ode to the endangered nocturnal biodiversity.
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The use of drought-resistant plants and the creation of an outdoor living/cooking space further conserve important natural resources. The concrete used contains fly-ash, a recycled material. A large number of other materials used were also locally quarried, processed and manufactured. Referring to the completed project, Luis and Teresa add, “What we enjoy is putting houses back in order, so that they connect to the land and the experience unfolds in a way that has meaning, clarity and joy.”
With their house now put in order and a lovely outdoor living area to boot, the Moltzs are lucky to have found a fairytale ending to their long standing plight.
teresa@ibarrarosano.com www.ibarrarosano.com
Opened in 1987, the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore was built by US architect John Portman who also conceptualized the design for the novel fan-shaped atrium lobby – the fan being the chain’s characteristic insignia.
PEARL ON THE BAY
The Mandarin Oriental in Singapore is ideally located along buzzing Marina Bay, a stone’s throw away from the heart of the Central Business District. With easy access to Marina Square Mall, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, The Singapore Flyer and Esplanade, the MO is the perfect pick for both business and leisure.
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Opened in 1987, the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore was built by US architect John Portman who also conceptualised the design for the novel fan-shaped atrium lobby - the fan being the chain’s characteristic insignia. In 2004, H.L. Lim the renowned interior designer of LTW Design Works (who handled the refurbishment of The Oriental in Bangkok) was responsible for transforming the hotel into a modern landmark. With a multi-million dollar renovation that included the redesign of all 527 guestrooms and suites, public areas, dining and meeting facilities the hotel was re-launched in May 2005; post the overhaul, the hotel has become an epitome of luxury mixed with unparalleled service.
Pan-Asian influences are speckled in the details of the Bay Suite with an ode to Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage - the overall effect whispering of modern sophistication..
Ranging from 62 to 242 square-meters, guests can choose from five über luxe suites - Harbour, City, Premier, Oriental and The Presidential Suite. The décor echoing the beauty of nature has a neutral and soft colour palette as its base. Natural elements can be seen everywhere, from the polished wood panel behind the bed and the twig motif on the bedspread to the textured ivory fabric on the walls. Pan-Asian influences are speckled in the details with an ode to Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage - the overall effect whispering of modern sophistication. Clean lines follow through in the bathrooms, which are clad in sleek granite and dark timber with floor-toceiling wooden blinds covering the glass panel separating the bathroom from the living space. Guests staying in the 106-room Club floor can enjoy ultimate privacy and exclusive access to the Oriental Club Lounge. Boasting panoramic views of the city skyline, this 481 square meter lounge was re-designed in a contemporary style mixed seamlessly with Oriental design accents.
Boasting panoramic views of the city skyline, 481 square meter Oriental Club Lounge was re-designed in a contemporary style mixed seamlessly with Oriental design accents.
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Located on the 5th floor of the hotel, the swimming pool area has also been re-designed by renowned hospitality interior design firm Buz Design and St Legere Design International of Hong Kong.
The 25-metre swimming pool has been enhanced using elements like underwater benches and Frank Gehry’s stunning lounge furniture.
Dolce Vita oozing Italian charm with its open kitchen, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, stone-flagged floor, wooden dining chairs and panels in vivid Mediterranean colours.
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The ultimate in Chinois chic, the Cherry Garden is styled like a modern Oriental residence.
Surrounded by lush tropical foliage it has been ingeniously laid out in split-levels to accentuate the breathtaking city views. Peppered on the upper deck are five private cabanas, each outfitted with controlled lighting, a ceiling fan, iPod dock, Wi-Fi connectivity and an on-call button for food and beverage service. The 25-metre swimming pool itself is beautiful with its Italian glass mosaic designs in tones of lilac, blue and purple, glittering at night with fiber optic lighting.
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The underwater benches, hand-sculpted sandstone water features and wet deck, coupled with designer Frank Gehry’s stunning lounge furniture, steep this modern oasis in unfettered indulgence. Situated by the pool is Dolce Vita oozing Italian charm with its open kitchen, floorto-ceiling glass windows, stone-flagged floor, wooden dining chairs and panels in vivid Mediterranean colours.
Bold reds, silver and black are mixed with luxurious materials, bathing this late night lounge with a sensuous vibe.
The Cherry Garden on the other hand is the ultimate in Chinois chic. Styled like a modern Oriental residence, walls are adorned with a combination of sheer ivory voile and charcoaled teak panels, wooden tables and plush chairs, while pearly-shelled lighting fixtures create an intimate evening ambience. Jaw-droppings views enhance the postmodern interiors in the Axis Bar and Lounge. Bold reds, silver and black are mixed with luxurious materials like leather, ebony and metal bathing this late night lounge in a sensuous, almost sexy vibe.
Designed by the award-winning firm AB Concept, the spa has been inspired by Singapore’s heritage, suffused in a natural palette of warm earth tones with splashes of purples and reds. Peaceful cloud silhouettes are lit from below, while lacquered panels line the walls. Natural wood finishes and mosaic tiles are juxtaposed against glass screens and mother-of-pearl accents, creating a delicate landscape of contrasting textures.
The Mandarin Oriental in Singapore represents the very best accommodation Marina Bay has to offer and is among the most sought after places to stay in the city. Attracting the more discerning guest, it more than lives up to the luxurious service and attention to detail expected from such an iconic group. www.mandarinoriental.com
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In this information age pictures and images have retained their ability to convey and enthral audiences. A message, which otherwise would need a plethora of words with precise style, syntax and grammar, instead gets conveyed in a shorter span of time with better recall value with a visual. No wonder Napoleon once said “A picture is worth a thousand words.� There are a multitude of streams of visual arts which we aware of, but in the daily conundrum of life we often ignore; Calligraphy is one such unique communication medium.
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For starters, calligraphy is a visual art related to writing and has been widely practiced in a number of regions across the world; structures built at different times and in different styles have examples of fine calligraphy etched in them. So how did it begin in India? “Calligraphy in India was used as a pattern of encryption,” says Achyut Palav “This was done in order to ensure that the authenticity of the message can be verified.” Achyut Palav is a well-known calligraphers based in Mumbai who not only espouses the art but also proliferates it in every possible way.
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An alumnus of the prestigious J.J School of Arts, Achyut was drawn towards calligraphy in his college days and ever since has remained loyal to this art form. Going into the finer aspects of the art Palav says, “If an artist requires a canvas and paint brushes to express himself and his art; a calligrapher too needs his tools of expression and a calligraphy pen is definitely a pre-requisite.” Calligraphy is like free hand sketching where you can’t use scale or any other elements in your geometry box, but yet you have to maintain the measurements which vary with each font. In short you are an artist who is drawing a font, a message, a slogan et al.
Achyut has exhibited his works in Germany, London, Korea, Dubai and Russia. At the recent International Exhibition of Calligraphy which was held in St. Petersburg, Russia; along with his colleague Manohar Desai he informed the audience about the variations in the Indian culture of calligraphy. This series of global conventions which saw Achyut spread his knowledge of Indian Calligraphy across the world began with a single lecture at IIT-B in Powai. Recollects Achyut, “I was once giving a lecture on calligraphy at IIT-B in Powai, two Germans who were among the attendees noted my annotations, and felt that as a calligrapher it was essential for me to share this knowledge with larger diasporas across the world. They invited me to a convention in Germany and that was just the beginning.” Such global conventions have spread the art of Indian calligraphy far and wide. Citing an anecdote Achyut makes a mention of a German student who gave him a bunch of letters written in the Devnagari script. “It was one of the most memorable gift I received, it goes to define the impact of the Indianness in calligraphy and proves that art forms operate sans any borders.” Achyut is also known for fusion of performing arts and calligraphy wherein he etches calligraphic designs in the backdrop of music and dance. His body painting demonstrations too have turned out to be a real hit. In minutes, he paints designs on a model’s body. Umbrella calligraphy which he promotes quite regularly in his workshops is also a popular diversion of the art in practice. Achyut Palav believes the role of calligraphy in the contemporary times has evolved; from wedding cards, to sarees and products like jewellery, calligraphy is also being utilised actively by architects and interior designers. “Calligraphic tattoos for instance are a rage with numerous participants, especially young girls love it,” confesses Achyut candidly.
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Art forms have time and again been put to use by the principle of democracy - so how can calligraphy be left behind. At the stroke of his calligraphic pen, Achyut reproduces English in an Arabic style and Marathi fonts in a Bengali way. In one of his exhibitions at the Tao Art gallery Achyut skilfully merged Om and Allah into a singular symbol which was greatly appreciated. Achyut who also runs calligraphy tutorials and also an ad agency believes calligraphy should be introduced in schools to ensure better visibility of the art form; Achyut notes, “Since India is home to numerous languages, it will find a profound use, the permutations and combinations involved will run into large numbers and we as a nation can become the leading experts of calligraphy which has capitalised itself in the West and South-East Asia.” Achyut also has a number of books to his credit. One of his books titled “Silver Calligraphy”, wherein he collaborated with noted German calligrapher Katharina Pieper, was released by wellknown lyricist Gulzar and popular actor Nana Patekar. More recently ‘The World of Calligraphy’, a compilation of present day calligraphy, assembled together by Achyut along with 50 students his School of Calligraphy was released by Hon. Chief Minister of Maharastra Shri. Prithviraj Chavan. A national award winner, Achyut also has three Marathi books to his credit namely Aksharanubhava, Aksharkruti and Urjaakshara. Calligraphy has certainly come of age from mediums like wood and paper, it has diversified into other mediums including glass too. It has not only survived, but evolved, and at the helm of its evolution and survival are people like Achyut Palav. So if words and fonts strike an artistic chord, maybe you too have inherited some calligraphic genes. Go check!
ACHYUT PALAV SCHOOL OF CALLIGRAPHY G - 203, Deck Level, CBD Belapur Station Complex,CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai 400 614 +91 022 27571513 / 9513 palavachyut@gmail.com www.achyutpalav.com
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Johan Lin0sten
The designs of Swedish designer Johan LindstĂŠn are juxtaposed against traditional materials and more interestingly, a question or thought that evolves into a sleek, modern product.
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Orbit Pendant What is it about the Nordic air that consistently produces some of the best product designers on the planet? From fashion to furniture, Scandinavian designers continue to make their mark with new and innovative ideas. Swedish designer Johan Lindstén is one such designer who is creating waves with his designs for furniture and lighting. Born in 1981, Johan established his own studio - Lindstén Form Studio- in 2008. His unique designs have found a home with international design houses including Cappellini and FontanaArte. Johan’s designs often originate with questions - and the answers show up in the form of quirky, yet eminently useful objects. One of his earliest designs is ‘The Oak Concept’ consisting of a wooden chair and lamp. This grew out of the question “Why aren’t there any good looking lamps in wood?” To prove that it was possible to create elegant lamps made out of wood, Johan designed this arching lamp with the “thinnest LED lamp in oak”. Accompanying the lamp is “a cocky modern chair” in wood.
The Oak Concept Chair & Lamp
Level Table and Lamp
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Similarly, the Level table and lamp and the Meltdown lamps were inspired by a trip to Japan, shortly after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Reflecting on that awful event, Johan asked the question, “Would an actual meltdown happen, and what would the impact be?” The Level lamps are built into table-tops with the bulbs appearing to be melting down into the table-top.
Meltdown Lamps
The Meltdown lamps are globes of handblown colourful glass, with the bulbs pooling into the glass and coming out the other side as if the glass had melted.
The Gravity Lamp
The Gravity lamp is Johan’s interpretation of “the relationship between the moon and the earth where the moon is the light source that is constantly drawn towards the earth’s surface but never reaches.” The almost-two metre high white floor lamp has a red cable and ends in a flat base making it a great minimalistic statement with an incongruous touch of colour. A stark contrast to the Gravity is the award-winning Orbit Lamp, inspired by old movie recording lamps. “From the beginning the lamp was designed with Gärsnäs in mind and their philosophy about furniture that it should be durable, beautiful and makes people feel good. The name of the lamp comes from the movement pattern of the lamp head which is similar to the eye movements. The four muscles that control the up, down, left and right movements of the eye are together called the Orbit, as the lamp is now called.”
Orbit Lamp
Arena Chair
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Johan’s designs for furniture are equally noteworthy. The beautiful Dresscode chair has a “slightly over-sized back” that allows for long periods of sitting, thanks to its ergonomic design. The elegant colours and textures of the upholstery means that it can be customised to suit individual preferences, hence the name.
Dresscode Chair
The Code chair follows from Dresscode with a similar form but pared down to be perhaps more suitable to a corporate environment. The variations in upholstery, however, keep the playful spirit of the design alive. Another playful chair is the ‘Speed’, a collection of stackable chairs and lounge seats. The colourful chair legs form the focal point of the chairs with a contrasting body for maximum effect. Stacking the chairs creates an interesting geometric pattern that may make you want to leave them stacked!
The Code Chair
Leaf Sound Absorbers
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One of Johan’s more innovative yet traditional designs is the limited-edition Embroidery Chair, which are contemporary chairs with backrests embroidered with country scenes. The backrests are broad enough to be not blocked fully when someone sits on the chair, thus allowing for the beautiful embroidery to be still visible. Johan explains the inspiration behind these chairs: “There is a struggle within myself as a designer that I am continuously fighting. My role as a designer is to create new interesting designs but at the same time I am really sentimental and fond of old beautiful objects. This furniture is also an attempt to combine these two desires.”
The Speed Chair
Johan sees his designs as “an opportunity to influence people’s state of mind by making our surrounding environment more beautiful and joyful.” His simple and elegant designs evoke an emotional response and the unexpected and thoughtful details make his products something to look forward to and cherish. info@lindstenform.com www.lindstenform.com
Comeback
Embroidery Chair
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Surat-based Architecture & Beyond is dedicated to building simple, dynamic residences and offices that focus on freedom of movement and multi-dimensional features. Architecture & Beyond (A&B) embodies the spirit of many young Indian architectural firms. It prefers to focus on the basics, and use natural textures and hues as much as possible. While frill and pizzazz is not the primary go-to response for these design teams, it is expertly employed whenever the need for it is felt and this sense of quiet confidence permeates through all A&B projects. They are usually sparse on the outset, but a good analysis would reveal the layered thought processes behind what came to be. A&B’s personal style is to create spaces that are multi-dimensional, no matter what the built area. They always try to question the linear and the hyper-defined, preferring instead to design homes and offices that afford movement and change. Principals Aashish Patel and Bhavesh Patel have led this multiple award-winning firm based in Surat, Gujarat, since its establishment in 2011.
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This was originally a 3BHK flat on the 11th floor of an apartment building in Surat, Gujarat, which was converted into a customised 2BHK flat. Admittedly, the most remarkable feature here was the skylight, which ultimately influenced the choice of the materials, colours and textures used for the interiors. “Considering the amount of natural light, rough and smooth natural materials are juxtaposed freely; like shaded golden kota, concrete finished walls, metal handles, polish on waterproof ply, a chocolate brown carpet, and rustic finish leather, amongst others,� states the team. The predominant colour tones here are brown and grey, but the design team has evidently worked hard to include both modern and relatively traditional furniture pieces to create a feel of eclecticism. The dining area is cordoned off by an 80 kg curtain made of heavy wooden pellets, while its ceiling features interesting lamp fixtures aping the shape of water pots. A transparent central table acts as a collection box for newspapers which invariably collect in Indian households. Smart touches such as these make the Soham Residence a project of remarkable depth.
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It speaks volumes about an architectural firm when one of its best projects is its own office. With a carpet area of 85.5 sq. mt. the Architecture & Beyond office is a breathing, dynamic ensconce whose aim is to flip the linearity of working spaces and make them more artist-friendly. A sublime lotus pond stands below the entrance courtyard. Once inside there is a fluid division of space; discussion spaces to the left and work studios to the right. Wood, metal, and brick dominate the material composition, and the illumination is all industrial and highly customised. To set an example of creative freedom, the office hides smart features - by working some gears, the conference room can be made to jut out over the lotus studio. One knows this is a truly open-minded space because most of the furniture pieces are mobile, and many of them are also multi-dimensional to facilitate multiple uses - like the acrylic drafting tables that can be turned into a conference table of any preferred length. A&B has built for itself a slick space to work out of, but like the best of purveyors, has created its own advertisement of skill as well.
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If one is to look carefully, all the evidence is right there. The interiors of the sweet haven, Love Sugar & Dough in Surat, Gujarat, have been carefully designed to conjure up the same culinary treats guests can hope to enjoy there. The space may be small (117 sq. ft.), but the A&B design team has ensured that LSD is much like an ĂŠclair, surprising and impetuous on the inside, and a solid shade on the outside; a beautiful brick wall becomes the facade of the shop, whereas from the outside an interesting play of plywood renders it as an abstract structure. This design scheme is clearly intended to add a bit of youthful zest to the area. Inside, the low-seating and the MDF board walls sport layered splashes of colour, while on the ceiling there is a marvellous source of warm light seeping through lamps made of inverted jelly jars. Sure seems like the perfect place to dig into a pastry. anb.firm@yahoo.com
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THE MARKETPLACE Crystal Presents Ark Water Level Controllers assistance from anyone.
Ark Water Level Controllers by Crystal Sanitary Fittings Private Limited are devices that automate the process of overhead water storage tank refilling. Water Level Controllers (WLCs) use sensors to detect the level of water in the overhead tank. If the water falls below a bottom mark level sensor, the WLC device, switches on a water pump attached to a ground level (or underground) storage tank to enable, transfer of water to the overhead tank.
The automation of the process of recharging of the overhead tank (OHT), relieves the members of the activity of checking overhead tank levels as a precursor to switching on the water pump. This detection of water levels of the OHT is taken over by the WLC and its sensors. Another advantage of the WLC is that the top mark sensor also disallows spillage/ run off of water from OHT, due to overflows caused previously by longer than necessary pumping of water to the OHT. Using the WLC device, the top sensor automatically gives an instruction to the WLC to stop the water refilling process as soon as the pre-marked top level has been reached in the OHT.
The motor keeps on pumping the water from the ground or underground tank, till the level of water in the overhead tank reaches a filled level mark, as detected by another sensor. Once, the water level reaches the top marked sensor, the WLC circuit cuts off the pump. When water in the overhead tank is used by householders in various bathing and washing activities, the water level in the overhead tank falls and with time, again reaches the bottom sensor mark. This would again send a cue to the WLC circuit to restart the pump.
As long as the WLC is connected to an electric supply and there is sufficient water in the ground level or underground tank (which are filled by the regular city waterworks supply), the WLC will automatically keep on refilling the overhead tank, without needing
Prayag Introduces The Kings Gold Collection
Belmont Whirlpool Systems
Prayag acclaims to be one of the leading players with a varied range of faucets, stainless steel kitchen sinks, flush cisterns, seat covers and other accessories. Prayag has recently introduced a new range of gold products. Celebrating its successful three year innings with the Kings XI Punjab cricket team, Prayag has dedicated their exclusive range of gold plated faucets and washbasins as Kings Gold Collection. The collection is perfect for connoisseurs who wish to add a touch of opulence and royalty to their bathrooms to make it look king like. www.prayagindia.in
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Since its inception, Apple Thermo Sanitation Pvt. Ltd has specialised in manufacturing and designing bathroom products suitable to Indian conditions and lifestyle, offering luxurious bathing experience to its customers. Apple Bathing System has several products in its portfolio like acrylic bathtubs, whirlpool systems, shower panels, shower enclosures, steam generators, sauna bath systems, pressure booster pumps and customised bathroom solutions. Its latest product, Belmont is a rectangular one seater whirlpool bathtub system with
Ark WLCs use broader sensors that don’t allow water salinity to dull their sensitivity. The wider surface of the sensors also allows for their easy maintenance. www.crystalfaucets.com
16 small hydro massage jets. It comes with several features such as back spinal massage jets, hand shower, neck rest, earth leakage protection, dry run protection, FM radio with speaker, LCD control panel and much more. The bathtub also boasts of circulatory cascade waterfall flow, 23 air bubble bath jets and two coloured air jets, chromo therapy under water light along with light weight transparent silica gel pillow. www.applebath.com
THE MARKETPLACE The Connoisseur’s Choice In Home DÊcor
Since its inception in 1969, Somany has been a frontrunner in creating trends in home dĂŠcor. With focus on design and innovation, the company has been instrumental in catapulting the growth of the Indian tile industry. With its pioneering initiatives, and a vast network of dealers across the country, Somany is no longer just a tile manufacturer, but a complete multiproduct solutions brand, with its product portfolio ranging from wall and floor tiles to CP fittings and sanitaryware. Somany aims to give you more than what you expect through an assorted range of spectacularly designed tiles, Duragres, engineered to perfection with its innovative VC Shield technology. Italian in design and available in a variety of surface finishes,
these full-body glazed vitrified tiles are built to enhance the ambience of your living spaces. The Duragres range of tiles not only offers a unique visual appeal but are also scratch and abrasion resistant, thus making the beauty of the tiles ageless. Duragres tiles are a perfect blend of classic designs and contemporary looks. Fused with state of the art technology ,these tiles perfectly capture the beauty and essence of natural wood and marble to create an everlasting impression. The tiles are also available in a variety of surface finishes and textures such as matte, satin, sophisticated rust and the imperial looking stone finish. These tiles are available in 300x600mm and 600x600mm sizes and strip sizes of 190x1200mm, 150x800mm & 145x605mm.
Somany was the first company to launch large format tiles in India. These tiles are available in 600x1200mm, 800x1200mm and 800x800mm sizes, which mean lesser number of tiles over a larger area. Considered to be the best flooring option and a better replacement to marble flooring, these tiles give a luxurious, affluent and spacious look to ambient spaces. Another advantage of these tiles is the ability to provide a seamless flooring option. Somany constantly strives to bring out better quality products that have better designs, better technology, better features and a better range, to make sure that your home gets the tiles it truly deserves. www.somanyceramics.com
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