Home Review November 2018
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4 Home Review December 2018
EDITOR’S NOTE For 16 years Home Review has been at the forefront of bringing you the latest in design and architecture from India and around the world. During this tenure we have seen the need for well crafted interiors grow exponentially. Home owners are increasingly discerning of their living spaces, they have even more clarity as to how they should express themselves. Today, they embrace design and architecture as part of their lives. This is not only true of the classes, but even the masses. Going forward our desire to contribute to this design narrative in a significant and meaningful way only increases. However, in light of changing media consumption patterns this engagement can no more be relevant by means of a consumer facing monthly print magazine. Instead it is far more suited if a commentary is delivered via films, social media and digital communication - channels that our erstwhile readers have now switched to. Over the course of the past two years we have created such a platform in Design Owl. This digital channel shares pioneering design content daily. If you haven’t already logged on to our website or subscribed to our social media feeds please do - and continue to experience the latest in design and architecture on your mobile phones and laptops. As for a print copy, we are working on ‘what’s next for Home Review’. (Turn to page 10) Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
The April 2002 issue was the first edition of Home Review.
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FAVOURITES OVER THE YEARS It’s never easy to pick favourites but we tried. Here’s our pick of features that inspired and informed.
ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE POETRY IN FILMS JANUARY 2010
SPECIALIST : THE DEMOLITION MAN FEBRUARY 2012
HUNNARSHALA: LOOKING BACKWARD TO SEE AHEAD JUNE 2013
‘Movies can capture landscape, cityscape or some small obscure details and blend it with soulful (or tragic) music to bring to you an unparalleled wholesome experience. Books can tell; but a film reveals it all.’
‘Girishbhai, as he is known, loves to say: Ever Say, Ever Again. That’s because if you want a special door, window, or anything related to wood or cast iron, in a particular style, or material, he will never say no.’
‘Hunnarshala is a design-and-build practice that willing invests in time and labour-intensive construction methods to uphold their ideology of craft and environmental sustainability.’
Aftab Jalia’s series on Architecture in Movies took us on a visual excursion as he examined three fascinating films – The Fall, Blade Runner, and Gattaca - that captured the beauty of architecture, design and landscape, which were poetically weaved in with the film’s narrative.
Demolition Man, a piece on a purveyor of architectural salvage, featured in our Specialist segment. The article pulled out Om Sri Timbers from the busy by-lanes of timber market and celebrated the work of this authorised demolishing house, which for generations, had been salvaging the best surviving wood and preparing it for a new lease of life.
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Hunnarshala’s ethos and work puts you in permanent state of awe and reverence. Unlike most present-day practices, Hunnarshala, spearheaded by architects Kiran Vaghela and Sandeep Virmani, invests in and collaborates with the local community - empowering and educating them to hone a niche skill. Our account on their tenacious effort to establish a practice that mainstreams alternate approaches remains to be one of our all-time favourites.
UNCOVERED: A HUNDRED HANDS JULY 2013
PERISCOPE : ARCHI GRAM JANUARY 2014
ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL APRIL 2016
‘A Hundred Hands doesn’t like building spaces that are crammed with statementmaking props, or believes in what it called “architecture without adjectives.”’
‘Archi Gram, a magazine that danced around with the rules of the game to produce issues that were roaring meltingpots of creative ideas.’
Our section Uncovered presents a sweeping view of an architectural firm’s aesthetic and philosophy, and highlights the firm’s diversity of thought. This feature on Bangalore-based architectural firm, A Hundred Hands, was a deep dive compilation that unravelled the core inspirations and values, which emerged from their diverse body of work.
Through Periscope, our monthly piece that unravelled uncommon design and its manifestations, we sought to pay an ode to Archi Gram, a magazine borne out of the collective imagination of six Londonbased architects in the 1960’s who defied convention.
‘There are intangible factors in a building and there are questions of whether you are psychologically comfortable or enjoy being in it. There is an inner urge to make buildings that elevate one from a normal level of existence to a higher being.’ For our 14th Anniversary issue, we invited Architect Gurjit Singh Matharoo to stepin as the guest editor and channel the content for our special anniversary feature. He eloquently spoke on concerns about architecture in India, shared about his inspirations, thoughts on global trends, and his aspirations for a utopian India.
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TIMELINE From Home Review’s debut to its final issue today, we chronicle the journal’s milestones spanning the beautiful and memorable journey of 16 years.
2007 MONTHLY ISSUE
2002 LAUNCH
Home Review debuted in 2002 with an objective to highlight home aesthetics, trend-setting ideas and design solutions. It started as a bi-monthly magazine and the pages of our inaugural issue provided the readers easy access to some avant-garde and creative ideas to style their homes. Remember those were the days when internet wasn’t big and instant information wasn’t a norm.
Home Review graduated from a bi-monthly staple to a monthly magazine. The mandate remained the same as before, but now it acknowledged the need to give space for new definitions of design given the scope of expanding design realities and expressions. Segments that covered technical aspects of architecture and design as well as interdisciplinary fields like Product Design and Landscape received prominent coverage.
2009 GREEN BY DESIGN
2004 NEW DIRECTIONS
Progressively, Home Review editions threw light on emerging discourses within the realm of design. The content explored wider aspects of architecture, technical know-how and new directions in contemporary design.
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Taking in account the collective environmental impact, it was and still is crucial to put sustainable design centre-stage and not use it as a superfluous propaganda. Acknowledging the need to make ‘ecofriendly’ the core of conceiving designs led to the genesis of Green By Design, a bimonthly supplement that highlighted green practices, materials, technologies and products.
2012 HOME REVIEW 2.0
2010 DESIGNQUEST
On the eve of the 10th Anniversary, Home Review got a complete overhaul. Edgy designs, new paper stock, breakthrough content that dwelled deeper, engaged and informed the readers, were incorporated. Some old segments were reimagined and some new ones were introduced - like Designquest that gave voice to young designers, Specialist that put a face to an oft-neglected expert, On Site that took you through the process before you could truly appreciate the finished structure.
Designquest, an interactive design program was ingeniously structured to provide 15 shortlisted finalists a chance to present their concepts before a distinguished jury, and the final five winners of the contest won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the world’s most recognised interior design and furniture show, I Saloni - now known as Salone Del Mobile - in Milan. The contest ran for 3 seasons.
2018 DOA
2011 DESIGN MILE
Death of Architecture; Circa 2000, a traveling exhibition assembled by 13 of India’s thinking design practices was opened to public. The team at Home Review was delighted to be a part of this endeavour assisting the ‘showings’ in various cities across the country. The exhibition through evocative art works, poetry and prose, models and installations, seeks to allow design communities to structure conversations that are pertinent to their urban environments.
Home Review’s DesignMile provided a platform for 10 emerging young designers to display their work at select popular locations spread across one mile circuit in a trendy neighbourhood in Mumbai. Stylish restaurants, hip bars and popular cafes were the setting for an interactive experience, encouraging people to touch, look and marvel at these exceptional designs. The final 3 winners of DesignMile went on to journey to the prestigious Maison et Objet design fair in Paris and then proceeded to the Red Dot Museum in Essen, Germany.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR HOME REVIEW While we realise the time for a consumer facing interior design magazine has passed, we strongly believe the need for critique and close scrutiny of the evolving paradigms of design and architecture will be served best by a print journal - this is the new avatar of Home Review.
Redesigned and with a focus on research, analysis and critical commentary, we are working closely with thinking professionals, students and academicians to document conditions related to the practice and profession of design. The first volume of Home Review’s new direction is in the works with a journal titled Towards a New Interior (Design). Curated by Zameer Basrai, partner at The Busride Design Studio, we are examining the profession of interior design in India from the perspective of history, theory, practice and education. Unlike ‘architecture’ which is backed by formal training and structured as a science - ‘interior design’ is open to varied interpretations. It is largely practiced as a personal choice and as an individual response to the needs of project. It can also be attributed as being unstructured and random. We are very interested to examine the evolution of interior design and share an “emerging theory” relevant to the future of the profession in India. This is the first order of business for the reloaded Home Review - with many more such thinking efforts in the pipeline.
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Design Destination: Xi’an
vol 17 issue 12
December 2018
Specialist: Baro
total pages 134
Design Quest: Saraf Furniture
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
SOULFUL CRAFT CHRISTIE’S FREEDOM WITHIN CONFINES HSC DESIGNS WALKING THROUGH A RAINBOW UTOPIAN ARCHITECTS
BENT TO PERFECTION
INDIA’S FIRST TRUE RETAIL RESTAURANT, PLUM BY BENT CHAIR ADORNS THE CITYSCAPE OF MUMBAI
22 art
28
form
Lisa Clayton’s sourdough breads enchant you to a mesmerising level
4
India’s first true retail restaurant, Plum by Bent Chair adorns the cityscape of Mumbai
35
Cover Illustration by Karthik Natarajan
By Raghunandan Saraf
38
Dece
HSC Designs’ office and studio space is one that inspires creative thought and original ideas
44
Soulful Craft
Leonie Mir brings back ceramics with the first of its kind auction at Christie’s London
48 MRVDV does a brilliant job of amalgamating with its neighbours in the Paradise City in spite of its window-less facade
61
designer
56 Hotel Alexandra in Copenhagen is a cornucopia brimming with masterpieces from renowned Danish furniture designers
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product
Designer in fields like furniture and jewellery, Domenico Orefice develops brand strategy for clients who consider design an instrument
122
126 117
Eclectic styles, varied themes, upcoming trends come together in our newly launched segment!
THE MARKETPLACE Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
132
GREEN PROJECT Anchored away from the hustle and bustle of touristy Goa, on the serene island of Chorao stands this two century old Portuguese villa
110 Nimb Hotel, attached to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks reopened in May 2008 following extensive renovations
Landscapes
104 Pentana Solutions commissioned Ian Barker Gardens to create a green patch on their rooftop for its employees
ember
98 Basking in the picturesqueness of sun-kissed Portifino, the Belmond Hotel Splendido stands resplendently on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio
94 74
XI’AN No-Mad, a tiny little textile shop fit into the existing hustle and bustle of a busy cloth bazaar
A DESIGN DESTINATION
88 66 The Head Office of Asian Paints in Dhaka showcases the brand employing a meaningful interpretation of colours designed by Utopian Associates
80 Every detail of Hotel Teatro’s décor immerses you in a charming theatre-like atmosphere emitting dramatic vibes Home Review December 2018
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Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj
Devyani Jayakar Freelance Writer An abiding fascination with language, culminated in a Master’s degree in English Literature and a post graduate diploma in Communications Media. Convinced that there is nothing more addictive than luxury, leads her to contribute regularly to several publications on lifestyle topics including interiors, design, architecture and art.
Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Sr. Sub-Editor Neerja Kapadia Contributing Writers Devyani Jayakar Dhanishta Shah Priyanka Menon Kanupriya Pachisia Ramya Srinivasan Shruti Nambiar Virupa Kantamneni Himali Kothari Designers Asif Shayannawar Darshan Palav Snigdha Hodarkar
Rashmi Gopal Rao Freelance Writer Rashmi Gopal Rao is a freelance writer and travel-lifestyle blogger from Bangalore. She writes on travel, food and decor. Highly passionate about home decor, gardening, travelling and good food she blogs at http://rashminotes.com/ and tweets at @ rashminotes.
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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Ms. Sheetal Waghmare B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133 / 23736131 / 23743069 M 9833301852 E marketing@marvelinfomedia.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 Publishing Director Mr. R.I.Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. This issue has a total of 134 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 130 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 be printed 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.
Natasha and Neeraj Jain, Bent Chair Bent To Perfection , Page 28. Founded by father-daughter duo, Natasha Jain and Neeraj Jain, Bent Chair, an e-tailer lifestyle brand was born out of creative and unconventional individuals who wanted to create a one-stop-shop for all furnishing needs. Starting their journey from different educational backgrounds and claiming prestigious degrees, they have successfully completed their first retail-interior experiential restaurant with many more in the pipeline.
Karthik Natarajan Graphic Designer, Cover Page Karthik Natarajan is a Bangalore based architect/designer working on everything from affordable housing, retail, food, coffee, travel, products and digital services. He does not know how to pose for photographs.
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.
Utopian Associates Walking Through A Rainbow, Page 66. Soumitra has crossed 24 years in architectural journey. He founded Utopian and worked in Kolkata for 10 years, before working in a leading MNC as Head-East for 6 years. In 2013, he joined Utopian Associates, a partnership firm co-founded with Ar. Sukanta Basu, which operates in India, Bangladesh and Bhutan. During his elaborate and creative career, Soumitra established himself as a prominent architect in India.
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 03 08 DEC TO
Business of Design Week, Hong Kong
The Business of Design Week (BODW) is a flagship event organized by Hong Kong Design Centre since 2002. Each year, BODW brings to Hong Kong some of the world’s most outstanding design masters and influential business figures to inspire the regional audience on creative thinking and design management. In addition, it also provides a valuable platform for participants to network, exchange ideas and explore business cooperation. Taking the theme of ‘Think ∙ Collaborate ∙ Create’ , BODW 2018 will team up with Melbourne - the world’s most livable city for seven consecutive years (2011 - 2017) according to The Economist Intelligence Unit - and other countries and economies to explore design and innovation in branding, space, communication, product and culture, with new conference streams on Digital & Design, Greater Bay Area & Design and more. Debuting this year is the BODW City Programme, a creative community activation programme featuring exciting festivals and happenings in Wan Chai and other districts in Hong Kong to engage the public. As an extension of the main BODW event, it fosters collaboration between local designers, businesses and brands, and will stage annually from November to January.
Ideally positioned at the region’s most accessible meeting facility, the 3rd annual ICFF South Florida will take place at the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center December 4-6, 2018, and is strategically aligned with the nearby Art Basel and Miami Design Week events. ICFF South Florida exhibitors will include over 200 of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of what’s best and what’s next in luxury interiors for the South Florida, Caribbean and Latin American markets. This remarkable blend of exhibitors from all points of the globe creates an unparalleled opportunity to view a broad yet highly focused selection of the world’s finest, most innovative, and original avant-garde home and contract products side-by-side, all under one roof. The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center will be abuzz with more than 6,000 interior designers, architects, retailers, representatives, distributors, facility managers, developers, manufacturers, store designers, and visual merchandisers. ICFF South Florida is also open to the general public.
04 06 DEC
ICFF, Florida, USA
www.miami2018.designmiami.com
21TheTO 23Architect DEC and Construction Specialty Expo,Chennai, India
TO 05Design 09 Miami, DEC Miami, USA
Design Miami/ is the global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. Occurring alongside the Art Basel fairs in Miami, USA each December and Basel, Switzerland each June, the design event has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing and creating a collectible design. Design Miami/ is more than a marketplace for design, where the world’s top galleries gather to present museum-quality exhibitions of the twentieth and twenty-first century furniture, lighting and objets d’art.
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By continuously expanding and enriching its program, Design Miami/ seeks to not only satisfy the demand for a high-end design fair but also to broaden awareness of modern and contemporary design, fuel the market for collectible design and provide an exciting yet accessible destination for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
www.icffsouthflorida.com
www.bodw.com
TO
Each show balances exclusive commercial opportunities with progressive cultural programming, creating exciting collaborations with designers and design institutions, panels and lectures with luminaries from the worlds of design, architecture, art and fashion, and unique commissions from the world’s top emerging and established designer and architects.
The Architect and Construction Specialty Expo will focus on technology, products and materials. Among the new innovations and products, some of the categories that are expected to be seen will be, bath and sanitation, tiles and ceramics, decorative and architectural lighting, air-conditioning and refrigeration, paints, coats and wall coverings, home office automation, safety, security and fire protection, international cucine and kitchen technologies, electrical wires and cables, doors and windows, hardware and fittings, switches, roofing and cladding, wood, veneer, floorings, marble, plumbing, landscaping and many more categories. It will be your one-stop-shop to all things architecture and design. One of the most lucrative platforms for networking and business dealings, this is a must-visit for anyone who is in the architecture industry. It will open its doors from the 21st – 23rd December, 2018 from 10am - 8pm. www.10times.com
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 30Finders NOV Keepers 02 DEC Design Market TO
Sydney, Australia
The Big Design Market brings you the best of independent design for three huge days of Christmas shopping! Discover a stellar line-up of over 200 stallholders across homewares, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, lifestyle products, tech accessories and gifts for kids. Visitors to The Big Design Market can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from local taste-makers, our exclusive designer show bags, free kids activities and much more! The Big Design Market is a wonderland for Christmas shoppers, with thousands of distinctive, exclusive goods for sale. For those who place value on ethical production, sustainability, quality, originality and good design, this is a shopping event not to be missed.
The Finders Keepers is a massive three-say design market featuring over 250 stalls filled with work by independent makers and designers from all across Australia. Founded in 2008, the Finders Keepers has now grown to be Australia’s leading design market. With events held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, the market promotes and supports over 1200 sellers each year. More of a festival than a market, the events combine design, art, good food, live music and a fun community spirit under one awesome roof in major city locations. Their markets are a unique experience to shoppers and with each visit, new sellers are showcased at each event. They always seek out beautiful venues with historical significance to host our events, further reinforcing the sense of wonder to shoppers and stallholders alike. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors to each event, their markets provide a retail shopping event to the general public like no other. With something for everyone, their events provide a solid channel for shoppers mindful of conscious consumerism, and those seeking to actively support small, local businesses. This year, it will be held from 30thNovember – 2nd December 2018 at The Cutaway Barangaroo, Sydney. www.thefinderskeepers.com
07 TO 09 DEC
Big Design Market Sydney, Australia
To make sure everyone has a relaxed day of shopping we have ensured there is plenty of room in the aisles with enough space to stop and chat with friends, as well as a dedicated kids area with creative activities to keep them entertained!
The environmentally attentive design philosophies explored at the Sea Ranch, along with the nowiconic graphics, resonated globally and continues to influence architecture and design today. Adult general admission to SFMOMA is $25; admission for seniors 65 years and older is $22; and admission for visitors ages 19 through 24 is $19. General admission and special exhibitions for all visitors aged 18 and younger are free. www.sfmoma.org
TO 21Indubhai 29 DECParekh School Of Architecture, Rajkot
www.sydney.thebigdesignmarket.com
TO 22TheDECSea2019 28 APR 2019 Ranch: Architecture, Envi-
ronment, and Idealism Cairo, Egypt
The Death of Architecture; circa 2000 is a traveling exhibition assembled by 13 of India’s thinking and concerned design practices. Through evocative art works, poetry and prose, the exhibition decodes and amplifies actions some which are orchestrated, others inconsiderate. Actions that slowly tear and restructure the fabric of our cities and the architecture within and along with that impact our sense of being.
SFMOMA presents The Sea Ranch: Architecture, Environment and Idealism - an exhibition running from December 2018 through April 2019. Distinctive architecture, uninhibited ocean views, bold super graphics, shared open space, and meditative tranquility - these were the beginnings of the Sea Ranch, a beacon of Modernism on the Northern California coast. Designed by a small group of Bay area architects and designers in the early 1960s, the development was envisioned as a progressive, inclusive community, guided by the idealistic principles of good design, economy of space, and harmony with the natural environment. This exhibition brings together original sketches and drawings from the project’s designers, along with archival images, photographs of the Sea Ranch today, and a full-scale architectural replica.
The exhibition presents evidence that will allow discussions about our present, and yet at the same time is embedded with clues and signs that can help effect meaningful dialogues about the future. In a sense, it consolidates the many critical discussions that form the dough which leads to design such as those about the demise of our cities as we know them or the meaning of inspirations from the past, or ideas of beauty, or duplicitous ways of achieving identity, or ways of understanding spatiality. The exhibition is a strong mirror that will allow cities and design communities to structure conversations that are pertinent to their immediate realm and concerns. It is going to take place at the Indubhai Parekh School Of Architecture in Rajkot from 21st - 29th December, 2018. www.deathofarchitecture.com Home Review December 2018
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Lisa’s favourite inspirations are those that come from nature. Her honey and lavender loaves were inspired by bees, busily collecting nectar from lavender blooms.
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art form
IN KNEAD OF SOME IMAGINATION As children, we were all told not to play with our food; Lisa Clayton not only played around with her bread, one of the most mundane of foods, but also went on to create the most astonishing, unique and decorative range of sourdough breads.
Is there a connection between bread and art? Not really! In fact, to a layman there is no clear relationship between the two but this does not apply to the ample vision of an artist who sees the scope to be creative in almost everything. In fact, bread and art appealed so greatly to the biologist Lisa Clayton that it brought out the artist in her. Marrying both the creative and culinary fields together, she has given the lowly loaf a whole new look making it much more than the sum of its simple parts. Lisa Clayton’s sourdough breads enchant you to a level where you want to just keep looking at them rather than cut them and eat them up.
Dusted with flour and crisp of crust, Clayton’s sourdough loaves are magnificent to gaze at.
Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Courtesy Lisa Clayton Home Review December 2018
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It was only around two years ago that artist Lisa Clayton first made art out of the sourdough bread that she had prepared at home and today if we were to classify her as an experimental baker, the description would not be wrong altogether. Bread, more often than not, connects people and cultures. Clayton’s loaves inherently capture this association from a conceptual as well as an aesthetic standpoint. Bread ‘scoring’ - the art and craft of slashing a ball of dough with a sharp blade or ‘lame’, before placing it in the oven, influencing how it will expand and crack in its final form, is a classic baking technique. It also happens to be a method that with a little finesse can produce some really ornamental loaves. Dusted with flour and crisp of crust, Clayton’s sourdough loaves are magnificent to gawk at. In fact, one look at her exquisite masterpieces will make you realise that her brain and oven are never satisfied. When asked about the source of her inspiration behind this unconventional art form, Clayton shared, “To begin with, I started out by copying designs I found online or in books. Eventually, whenever I had an idea, I sketched it and added it to my folder for future use. I also love the online sourdough community and how many of its members are willing to share their knowledge to help others progress.” Baking does not come with a recipe. It takes something other than a recipe to bake bread which is part science and part artistry. Most cooking involves working with ingredients which are almost always dead. With bread, they are alive! The moment you mix flour, water and some culture, the yeast and the bacteria in it start searching for food and begin to break it down. This process creates dynamism and as one plays with the dough, changes occur from moment to moment. The dough will tell you when it is ready if you are just willing to listen.
Clayton explains, “To begin with I started by copying designs I found online or in books. Eventually, whenever I had an idea, I sketched it and added it to my folder for future use.”
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One cannot work by the clock. You’ve got to dance in the moment. Clayton shares, “There is no single recipe for making sourdough bread and so the time it takes can vary hugely depending on many factors such as temperature, the types of grains used and the amount of starter used. On an average the type of sourdough breads I make take about 25 hours from start to finish but some take less time and some much more.”
Baked to perfection, almost crackling on the outside and soft and fragrant on the inside, Clayton’s loaves are nothing less than artifacts.
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Baked to perfection, almost crackling on the outside and soft and fragrant on the inside, Clayton’s loaves are nothing less than works of art. Talking about her edible designer pieces, Clayton says, “My favourite inspirations are those that come from nature. For example my honey and lavender loaves were inspired by bees, busily collecting nectar from lavender blooms.” However, her inspirations are mere starting points for her to go on and develop her own unique and creative designs with decorative cuts. The lame becomes her paintbrush and the dough a blank canvas. She shares, “To make patterns on a loaf, I use a thin and sharp blade to score or cut the surface. I also use stencils to apply flour and when the loaf bakes, the flour remains white while the rest of the crust darkens making the design really stand out.” It is through baking that Clayton is regularly immersed in a creative process that she loves. “I often bake my bread in the morning after the dough has been resting overnight in the fridge. On these mornings I wake up with a sense of excitement!” A utopia seeker or an erudite nonconformist, an artist is almost always born out of a hive of inspiration and ridiculously generous amounts of creativity. “Creating something from scratch that is healthy and wholesome provides you with such a great sense of achievement,” shares Clayton. Her work definitely comes forth to reinstate the fact that imagination is synonymous to jam. One has to spread it on a solid piece of bread for it to shine. Otherwise, it remains a shapeless thing not looking like anything much. www.instagram.com/sourdough_nouveau
Bread ‘scoring’ - the art and craft of slashing a ball of dough with a sharp blade or ‘lame’, before placing it in the oven, influencing how it will expand and crack in its final form is a classic baking technique.
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Marrying the creative and culinary fields together, she has given the lowly loaf a whole new look making it much more than the sum of its simple parts.
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“At Plum, you can shop while you eat and take home everything in sight, from the crockery, wall art, to furniture�.
28 Home Review December 2018
BENT TO PERFECTION Stepping out of the usual, India’s first true retail restaurant, Plum by Bent Chair adorns the cityscape of Mumbai.
Is it really relevant to create an experiential dining space in the heart of Mumbai? Father-daughter duo Neeraj and Natasha Jain have taken it upon themselves to enter into this unparalleled space and find out. Without hiring an interior designer, they, along with prolific restaurateur Priyank Sukhija, designed their restaurant. Plum creates a fine balance and melds modern designs with a traditional touch. When asked about the vision and true meaning of a retail restaurant, Natasha said, “At Plum, you can shop while you eat and take home everything in sight, from the crockery, wall art, to furniture”.
Text By Neerja Kapadia Home Review December 2018
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Merging their educational and experiential knowledge, they have managed to transform a fairly mundane appearing common space in the commercial Kamala mills compound in Mumbai to an uber chic haven. Using a material palette largely of wood and metal peppered with carefully selected eclectic pieces of furniture, light fixtures, flooring patterns and materials and even the crockery and cutlery, this restaurant is truly an unconventional retail experience for a diner. The mĂŠlange of modern and traditional riddled with downplayed but bright hues of purple and pink tones manages to showcase the glamour of a restaurant. Natasha is an engineer from Stanford University and Neeraj has an experience of over thirty-five years in high precision manufacturing and design of medical microscopes and imaging devices. He is one of the only Indians to be awarded the RedDot design award thrice for his impeccable and extremely functional designs. When asked, Natasha said, “Bent Chair has held a strong presence on the online platforms as has been strengthening through stores in India. We wanted to bring a distinct venture that could set us apart from the other brands and to have the first true retail restaurant under our belt is an achievement that we are aggressively bringing forward to maximum public exposure. Plum offers you a holistic look and feel of what Bent chair stands for.â€? At Plum, the decor embodies unconventional art and irresistible quirk. Justifying its name, Plum carries the elegance of the colour throughout the space. A variety of attractive furniture, namely the Reed chair, Luke chair and the Ming coffee table fills this space with vibrancy. The Vogue Plate, Bennet Cabinet along with quirky decor accessories such as Yellow pug dog with glares, metallic plane wine holder etc. together make this space breathtakingly welcoming. From the ceiling hang various botanics and the walls adorn unconventional decor that brings life to the place!
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As soon as you enter the restaurant, you’re directed to the reception area in which lies small vestibule consisting of a lacquered table adorned with quirky mugs and cups overlooking the 2000 sq.ft rectangular restaurant introducing you to the live interaction of the space right at the start. The towering showcase cabinets at the entrance act both as a divider between the adjoining bar as well as cozying it up by enclosing the space. Needless to say, all the displayed showpieces, along with the entire cabinets and shelves are up for purchase! The grey stone floors are a stark contrast to the plum tones and bright artefacts protruding out of the wall. The light chandeliers and the planters suspended from the ceiling, despite being different from each other, don’t confuse the charming ambience; instead, they magnify the edginess of the concept. The furniture ranges from pink to blue tones built with metal, wood, upholstered, edgy and ornate backrests.
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Continuing the experiential dining, Plum also constantly changes its interior display every few months, just like any retail store would. So basically it would give a completely new look every few months making it seem like a new restaurant for any visitor! The towering skyline view from the windows doesn’t hurt the eye either. “This resonant space transcends beyond the concept of an artsy studio into a more integrated, cosy and creative dimension. When it comes to experiential dining, we are the pioneers. Bringing our collections live to a restaurant setting has been incredible and it only goes forward,” voiced Neeraj. With a finger-licking authentic Pan-Asian cuisine coupled with tongue tantalising cocktails, Plum gives us a very inviting vibe of dining along with some shopping! The restaurant is all set to offer a never before dining cum shopping experience under one roof.
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The furniture ranges from pink to blue tones built with metal, wood, upholstered, edgy and ornate backrests.
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The modest tones with interjecting bursts of bright colours set a wonderful contrast creating a oneof-a-kind experience, whilst the Jains manage to combine restraint with measured doses of oomph creating a space worth visiting at least once! www.bentchair.com/plum
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SHEESHAM STORIES
By Raghunandan Saraf
DESIGNQUEST
With a strong in-house design team and a vast reach all over the country, Saraf Furniture aims to engage significantly with the wood world. Sheesham wood has been around for generations, now founder Raghunandan Saraf has crafted a way of creating modern furniture from its ancestral roots.
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Solid Wood Capital Sofa Cum Bed Trundle
Solid Wood Indiana Shade Coffee Table
While Saraf Furniture has made its online debut recently in 2014, the brand has been around for nearly four decades. Operating out of Rajasthan, the company has been providing high quality solid wood sheesham products to Indian consumers at affordable prices. Its vast product portfolio includes elegant and minimally designed poster beds, storage beds, bookshelf tables, consoles, wooden doors, solid wood clocks, sofas, dining sets, garden furniture, bar furniture and study tables among numerous others.
In fact, each and every piece is bespoke and comes with a lifetime termite resistance warranty, thus ensuring that Saraf Furniture customers don’t have to worry about the little bugs eating their way into the woodwork”, explains Raghunandan.
What sets Saraf Furniture apart from other competing brands is the use of solid wood for manufacturing, as well as its superlative product customization, lifetime warranty, free shipping all over India and easy shipping to international customers. Additionally, they sell their products to various dealers but don’t buy products from other brands ensuring authenticity.
Solid Wood Romeo Drawer Chest
“All products are designed in-house by our production team which comprises of highly skilled workers. We don’t compromise with the quality at any stage.
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Solid Wood Jali Bar Tully
Solid Wood Classic Garden Table Set
furniture@insaraf.com www.insaraf.com
Wooden Log Indiana Thar Bookcase
The e-commerce website for Saraf Furniture was launched observing the buying preferences of tech-savvy and time-crunched consumer demographics like newly-married couples, urban working professionals, new-age interior decorators, cafes, and hotels. It follows a hub & spoke model wherein the furniture is shipped to the hub from the manufacturing warehouse and distributed to the relevant centre from there.
Though reluctant to point out a favourite when asked, Raghunandan said, “Almost all our products have a solid demand and sell well thanks to their superlative finish, quality and appropriate pricing. However, if we have to name a few specifically, we’d say that the Kuber Bed, Dining tables and Sofas see maximum traction; the design, creativity, utility and price of the products make them special and a customer favourite.”
At present, the brand is physically accessible in Banglore, Surat, Hyderabad and the Delhi-NCR region. It plans to expand its offline footprint across the country soon. While the idea is to emerge as a pioneer in the online and offline furniture space in India, the brand envisions establishing its distinct online retail presence across India to become one of the biggest online retail stores in its category, both within the country and abroad.
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The choice of colours in this space allows for the single bookshelf installation to stand out as the most unique piece in the room.
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FREEDOM WITHIN CONFINES Ahmedabad-based design firm HSC Designs’ office and studio space is one that inspires creative thought and original ideas. Let Home Review give you on an exclusive inside tour!
Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Courtesy HSC Designs Home Review December 2018
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Boxed Openness is HSC Designs recently completed office space that is designed on the principles of creative dynamism with plenty of space for innovation and nurturing of new ideas. Speaking to Home Review, lead designer and head of HSC Designs, Hiloni S. gives us an exclusive insight into the process and implementation of the project, created specifically for HSC Designs itself. In an area of about 2000 sq ft the idea was to build a space that essentially encourages free thought - openness while remaining within a space - boxed.
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The installation embodies the primary work philosophy of HSC Designs. Like the project is named, the bookshelf is a collection of open boxes.
“The most challenging feature of this project,” Hiloni begins, “was to design a solution which would speak to the ideology of the firm and be true to its identity, in a very small budget.” Seeing as HSC Designs is also into product and furniture design, repurposed material was used throughout the project, while ensuring that every space is multi-functional and can be grown to accommodate more people in the future as well. Inspired by the works of Jeanne Gang, Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry and others, HSC Designs created ‘an open plan with custom designed tables’ that would increase in numbers as the studio grew. “The middle of the table serves as an area for electrical conducting and can also accommodate pin-boards,” she adds. The partition wall that separates the studio from the main work areas is essentially a full-heighted piece of furniture that is curved in order to meet the spatial needs of the place. “The wall is created by iterations of two sizes of boxes,” she goes on. While the bigger boxes open to the cabin, the smaller ones open to the studio. The curved partition sort of adds its own charm to the space by creating a dynamic and free-flowing space, one that is filled with stimulating conversations and comes with a small reading nook.
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A working view of the boxed installation.
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While mostly sticking to the original plan of design, Hiloni speaks of a few changes here and there owing to budgetary constraints when it came to purchasing materials, as well as site conditions. “The amorphous partition, which is the main element, is also the main storage space in the whole area,” she says. The pantry wall is also made from repurposed German oak, most often used in pharmaceutical shipping containers. “The multifunctional and height-adaptable custom designed lights are made from simple tubing and LED strips; the glass punctuating the kadappa flooring is reused from the glass doors of an old site,” Hiloni says. The latter provides an immediate visual break by breaking the monotony of design, while the glass doors serve as model making areas for the studio. Custom designed lights are used throughout to suit the different height requirements in order to make good workspaces. “The lights are designed as openable loops with three different configurations,” Hiloni adds; one for studio ceiling lighting, second for closer table lighting and third for model making on the glass floors.
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Boxed Openness is essentially made up of elements that together stand as cohesive works of design and innovation, while singularly remaining versatile as well. “HSC believes in a hedonistic approach to preservation,” Hiloni confesses. And the studio space is a reflection of this philosophy. One of the most interesting features of the space is the bookshelf that emerges from the boxes stacked, with shelves created by their tessellation providing the ideal space for certificates, books, photo frames, etc. While ensuring that the space is equipped to handle informal team meetings and formal client meetings, HSC Designs have managed to create a kind of unique dwelling for creativity as well as perfectly mirrored their own philosophies through the foundations and building blocks of the space.
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Another view of the working space, strategically facing the bookshelf.
In a future that is moving towards repurposing materials and reducing waste, designs like these will help companies and architects alike to think differently while maintaining their creative integrity and never stopping the accolades from pouring in. A space that finds freedom within its confines is truly what a modern day survival is all about. And HSC Designs’ studio exemplifies this well enough! hiloni@hsc-designs.com
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Soulful Craft Ceramic art returns with a bang with UN/Breakable, rubbishing notions of clay craft being a dying art.
Text By Neerja Kapadia Photograph Courtesy Christie’s
Moon Slippers by Nermin Kura
Leonie Mir - Senior Specialist and Director at the post-war and contemporary department Christie’s London
Vase Porte Bouquet Atahualpa by Paul Gauguin
Ever thought that rummaging through your attic or garage where you have dusty pieces of art, manuscripts, an old bottle of wine or even an old book could possibly transform you to a millionaire? Well, Christie’s in London is just the place to get all your assumed junk valuated.
Not limited to only auctions, anyone can purchase or valuate their possessions at Christie’s. Public as well as private viewings are organized and curated by the in-house team.
Primarily an auction house, Christie’s, whose reputation precedes itself, sources, values, sells, and buys exclusive art pieces from all over the world and provides them to the collectors and connoisseurs of art.
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Multilingual German national, Leonie Mir, senior specialist and director at the post-war and contemporary department started out as a photographer and went on to work with prolific artists and famous auction houses all over the world before joining Christie’s in 2011.
She specializes in in international contemporary art with a strong passion for post-war art and has worked closely with artists like Jack Pierson, Alex Katz, Anselm Kiefer and George Baseliz to name a few. Prior to Christie’s, she has worked with the famous Thaddaeus Ropac’s gallery in Paris. While at Christie’s, she has dealt with a vast range of clients from the Middle East, India, Thailand to America, England to many more.
Portrait de Jacqueline by Pablo Picasso
Ceramic Sketch by Thomas Schutte
She speaks about her experiences and gives talks on relevant panels as well. Her pure passion for ceramics brought about this pursuit to create the first of its kind ceramics auction - UN/Breakable. Having done pottery herself, she was intrigued as to why ceramic artworks that are so beautifully crafted are comparatively less expensive compared to flat art. Realizing the shifted interest of collectors towards ceramics further encouraged her to pursue her quest of bringing back the ceramics as an art form and not just as a functional craft.
Grand Vase aux Femmes Voilees by Pablo Picasso
It took her three years to organize and carry out this auction in which she personally selected all the pieces. A clear cut idea and narrative were key in her demonstration of the ceramics sale. UN/Breakable, inspired mainly from the 50’s, a very traumatizing time for people due to the World War 2 starts off with two pieces from the late 19th century. “During the 50’s, people found it therapeutic to work with clay. It was cheap, humble, modest and had soul.
What is beautiful about pottery is that anyone can do it and if one is creative, the transition from natural to modern becomes simple”, explains Leonie. Ranging from artists from the 18th century to young artists of today, the auction catered to a distinctive group of collectors.
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Red Black Slipped gold Kairagi Shino Egg by Takuro Kuwata
Tall Bowl by Alev Ebuzziya Siesbye
Golden Ghosts by Grayson Perry
“A groundbreaking time for the creation of art, the 50’s evoked intensity in the art created then. I also have a love for Greek antiquities and Indian calligraphy in addition to ceramics. If art is meaningful and soulful, no matter in what form, it will have a place in my heart”, she continues.
With pure genius that traces back one hundred and forty years of ceramic art, some of the pieces on auction were; Crocifisso by Lucio Fontana, The Red-black slipped gold kairagi shino egg by Takuro Kuwata, Metal force by Linda Benglis, Ceramic sketch by Thomas Schütte, Portrait de Jaqueline and Grand vase aux femmes voiles by Pablo Picasso, Golden ghosts by Grayson Perry, Hourglass vessel by Hans
Held on 2nd October 2018, UN/Breakable, Christie’s first ever dedicated sale of contemporary and modern ceramics contains artwork evolved from the 50’s to modern day.
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Coper, Vase porte-bouquet “Atahualpa” by Paul Gauguin, Deux Figures by Fernand Léger, Bowl by Lane Lucie Rie, Corinne by Junior Schnabel, Colourfield by Edmund De Wal, Moon Slippers by Nermin Kura, Two Tile Panels by Bernard Leach, Ohne Titel by Martin Kippenberger and Vaso Pavone by Fausto Melotti.
Vessel by Dame Lucie Rie Vessel
Unbreakable was held at Christie’s London on 2nd October 2018
I Gessetti by Fausto Melotti
There were many more pieces that were mostly sold and Leonie successfully completed her first ever venture with a whopping four million dollar profit selling thirty-four of thirty-seven pieces. When asked about any one of millennial artists to watch out for she said, “Shio Kosaka, who makes pots and vases. She furthermore uses imagery on them from the paintings her artist husband makes which showcases innate beauty and refinement.”
Leonie is currently working with a number of international collectors to build museum collections. “Finding perfect works for clients, helping them to give their collections direction and focus, is what’s best about my job,” she says.
In today’s world of conceptual art where machine made is at an all rise, products with a personal touch that are handmade and purely born out of passion are the need of the hour and India is the forefront of this. With crockery, cutlery and even paintings being machine made, events like the Indian Ceramics Triennale bring hope to soulful craftsmen.
www.christies.com
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A source by itself, the golden spot is like a glowing ember on a dark night.
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SEAMLESS YET COHERENT Located in Incheon, South Korea, The Imprint, a project completed by the architecture firm MRVDV, does a brilliant job of amalgamating with its neighbours in the Paradise City, in spite of its window-less facade.
Text By Virupa Kantamneni Photographs Courtesy Ossip Van Duivenbode
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A challenging design brief presented to MRVDV entailed a thorough study of the macro space keeping in mind the design styles and kinetics of the other buildings located in Paradise City. “Given the proposed programme of the 2 buildings - a nightclub and an indoor theme park - the client required a design with no windows, yet one that still integrated with the other buildings in the complex. The design of ‘The Imprint’ therefore arises from a simple question: can we design an expressive façade that connects with its surroundings even though it has no windows?” mused Winy Maas, principal and co-founder of MRVDV. A building without any windows to be surrounded by existing office buildings that were “alive” in the real sense presented itself with a problem of having to blend in with the surroundings in Paradise City rather seamlessly yet coherently. Highlighting the derived design methodology of successfully “imprinting” on the skin of the structures ,Winy Haas of MRVDV highlights, “The design achieves this by projecting the façades of the surrounding buildings in the complex, and ‘draping’ them over the simple building forms and plazas like a shadow and by literally ‘imprinting’ them as a relief pattern onto the façades. By placing, as it were, surrounding buildings onto the facades of our buildings and the central plaza, we connect The Imprint with its neighbours.”
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The reflective ceilings of the interiors are the perfect correlation to the dramatic facade.
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Often art and architecture are entwined in each other but unique designs are those that thrive off the other in some cases. Following complex 3D modeling trials right from the start of the design, The Imprint was created using glass fibre reinforced concrete panels. As Winy Maas explains, “Two months ago most of the cladding was done and the client said, “This is a piece of art.” What is interesting about that is that they were looking for some momentum - and the building became artistic in this way. What, then, is the difference between architecture and art? The project plays with that and I think that abstraction is a part of its architecture; it not only surprises and seduces but also calms one down.” Perhaps the most radical feature of the facade, the golden spot creates an ethereal drama against the otherwise crude white facade. Made of simple gold paint, the spot draws the attention of onlookers from far and near. The team at MRVDV with the help of upward lighting ensured that this sparkle of gold grabbed everyone’s attention. The virgin building has received a splash of gold. It appears as if the entrance is also illuminated at night by a ray of sunlight,” says Maas. “Passengers in incoming aircrafts can already see this ‘sun’ from above the ocean, as a kind of welcome to South Korea.”
Over and under, just as the Imprint demands.
Further creating an air of mystery, the entrances to The Imprint blend into the facade creating an almost curtain-like vision that gives way to the glass media floor and mirrored ceilings ensuring that the drama beckons from behind.
Elevation
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Fluidity created with the help of glass fibre reinforced concrete.
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“Reflection and theatricality are therefore combined, in our design, after the nightly escapades, a zenlike silence follows during the day, providing an almost reflective situation for the after-parties. Giorgio de Chirico would have liked to paint it, I think,� concludes Maas. pr@mvrdv.com
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Hotel Alexandra in Copenhagen is a cornucopia, brimming with masterpieces from renowned Danish furniture designers - all the rooms and public spaces are pure retro heaven.
“More than fifteen years ago, we started collecting classic Danish furniture, today our sixtyone rooms are a tribute to the masters, each furnished differently,” says Jeppe Mühlhausen, the General Manager. During the late 1950s Danish architects such as Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Hans J. Wegner, Ole Wancher and Poul Kjærholm established what is known as Danish Modern. A novel style of Danish furniture design, it championed the aesthetics of modern simplicity combined with unwavering craftsmanship and quality. Standing up front and centre with more than 500 chair designs to his credit, architect Hans J. Wegner is considered the beacon for introducing Danish furniture to the world. ‘The Chair’ that he designed for John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon’s first ever televised presidential debate, made him into an icon. Taking inspiration from that era, set designer Camilla Bjørnvad who was overseeing the redesign of twenty-two rooms, has created a décor inspired by architect Finn Juhl, where every piece has been painstakingly researched and tailor-made.
Text By Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Photographs Courtesy The Hotel
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Welcome to Retro Heaven
The lobby and all the rooms at the Hotel Alexandra are pure retro heaven.
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Guests can enjoy the Panton Chair, Easy Chairs 1-2-3, Globe Lamp, Flower Pot Lamp and Panthella lamp in the Verner Panton Suite.
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Twenty-one of the sixty-one rooms on the other hand, showcase the indefinable spirit of the 1960s. Rooms are unapologetically multicoloured with textured textiles and ceramics from the early 60’s. The Verner Panton Suite is a tribute to the man commended with the design of the very first one piece, mass produced, plastic chair - the Stacking Chair or the ’S’ chair, as its known. Danish design classics by the man himself can be enjoyed in this room from the celebrated Panton Chair, Easy Chairs 1-2-3, Globe Lamp, Flower Pot Lamp and Panthella lamp. Hotel Alexandra also has a room furbished in the epitome of the 1970s, with furniture made of light cheap wood (just like many Danish homes at that time) and a colour palette of brown, green and red. Products like the PH lamp 4/3 in orange aluminium, a Børge Mogensen wooden sofa, the 600 chair andJørgen Bækmark’s couch tables can all be found juxtaposed against the sea-grass carpet, lambskin and woven pine baskets.
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Jens Risom, FORM portfolios and Lise Beckmann have also designed the new Risom room at the hotel. One of Denmark’s most internationally successful designers, Risom helped launch the world famous furniture company Knoll. “We originally found inspiration in his summer house and selected upholstered cozy pieces. We also wanted to add a vintage 654 webbed strapping chair, as it is Jens Risom’s most iconic design, as well as one of his early magazine tables,” says stylist Lise Beckmann.
In the Arne Jacobsen and FinnJuhl rooms, one can see Danish Modern design from the 50s - modern simplicity combined with unwavering craftsmanship and quality.
Other pieces guests can use in the room are the A 742 desk originally designed in 1968 for his own home, the C275 chair that goes with it and even an original Playboy magazine from 1961 with an article on Risom! Then there’s the Collector’s Suite at Hotel Alexandra which has been put together by Anders Petersen and General Manager Jeppe Mühlhausen. Reinterpreted four times a year, this suite will be re-designed to feature curated vintage pieces with all the items up for sale. At the moment ,The Collector’s Suite has a 70s vibe with a large glass carboy for wine-making, an American pop colour scheme, Kjeld Jensen paintings and an overall straight forward design.
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The Collector’s Suite is reinterpreted four times a year with curated vintage pieces all up for sale.
‘We see the Hotel Alexandra as a fun and rewarding way to introduce our guests to our Danish design treasures. In Denmark, we are known for actually using our design furniture. It’s not just put on display like precious sculptures in our living rooms; it is put to use as living history in ordinary Danish homes. That is an experience I would like to share with our hotel guests,’ concludes General Manager Anders Petersen. www.hotelalexandra.dk
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00menico orefice
A multitalented personality, Domenico Orefice is the name behind the renowned Domenico Orefice design studio in Milan. An art director as well as a designer in fields as diverse as furniture, jewellery and industry, Domenico Orefice develops brand strategy for clients who consider design an instrument and a motivator for change. All Orefice’s projects are characterised by their innovative as well as visual appeal.
Text By Rashmi Gopal Rao Photographs Courtesy The Designer Home Review December 2018
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Domenico Orefice is an alumni of the prestigious Politecnico di Milano which is the largest technical university in Italy. Orefice graduated in Industrial Design in 2006 with a grade par excellence, during which time he had also mastered street art and viral communication. He went on to work with several studios from 2005. It was in 2010 that he founded his own studio in Milan, the Domenico Orefice studio, which is a multi-disciplinary creative agency. With the application of “design thinking� to all his products and branding projects, Domenico Orefice won his first award at Promosedia International Contest which is a prestigious prize in the world of furniture.
Saffron
He has also been conferred the Young Blood Award by the Ministry of Youth Policies. Domenico Orefice collaborates tirelessly via his studio with companies and multinationals and helps design bespoke bathrooms, furniture and even exclusive jewellery. Saffron - Man de Milan (ZAFFERANO_ Man de Milan) is an innovatively designed stool with the precious material saffron as its inspiration. The design was born as a result of the research on the use of saffron as a natural colour combined with another material like resin. The simple yet aesthetic yellow hued design that is high on functionality has won many accolades.
Salvada
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Mill
A classic ball shaped piggy bank made from red and white clay, the Salvada - Man de Milan is yet another unique creation from the studio of Domenico Orefice. An ergonomic handle as well as uniformly designed linear holes at the top ensure easy passage of the coins. The bank is extremely versatile in its design in that it can also be reused as a vase or a container once the top is removed.   Made from solid walnut wood and cedar the Mill - Man de Milan or Mulino project is a distinctive book case that can either be hung up on the wall, moved to a corner on the floor or even sit in the middle of your living space. Inspired by the machines designed by Leonardo during the Sforza era, the design enables the bookcase to be larger by placing one element on the other. The key differentiating feature of this piece are the straight sides of its shape which helps the bookshelf to be in equilibrium. Moving it from one side to another and even rotating it, leaves the books intact. Curti tiles - Man de Milan is a collection of clay terracotta tiles designed in hues of red, white and pink. With the city of Milan itself being the inspiration behind this design, these tiles reflect the architectural sensibilities of the city. The original line of tiles were designed in Milan’s historic Fornace Curti, which is a centre of history, culture and craft in the city.
Curti tiles
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RINGHIERA Man de Milan is a project that has been inspired by the agricultural buildings of Lombard that are characterised by a shared balcony replete with an iron railing. Again, made from solid walnut wood and cedar, this multipurpose cabinet has a grilled projection akin to a balcony that acts both as a handle as well as a storage shelf. NEBBIA Man de Milan made from cotton and viscose, this eclectic carpet is yet another remarkable creation from the studio of Domenico Orefice. With a wavy feel, the material of the carpet creates a kind of illusion that makes it appear evanescent as one looks at the carpet from one direction to the next. www.dostudio.org
Ringhiera
Nebbia
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ONE-STOP-SHOP Merino Group launches its new experience centre in Mumbai that will solve all your surface requirements. After taking the design world by storm all over the country, Merino Group recently launched their exclusive “Merino Experience Centre” in Mumbai recently. It will serve as a one-stop solution for all surface needs, with a grand display of all products of Merino under one roof. To experience the world-class designs and unleash the unique concept of “Power to Create” your space with world-class surface products, the Merino Experience Centre not only offers display of the complete bouquet of Merino’s product portfolio but also adds value when it comes to experiencing them in real life scenario, with all possible surface products combinations. Merino has always been a leader when it comes to laminates but the company’s Mumbai centre clearly showcases how the brand can offer decorative laminates to compacts, PU acrylic panels to Internal & External wall cladding for restroom solutions offering all surface solutions from one brand. The event was graced by presence of Architect Hafeez Contractor, by inaugurating and taking a round of the centre. Architect Chandrashekar Kanitkar also adorned the event by his presence. Apart from him, industry gems like Ar. Bakir Baldiwala, Mr. Narsi Kularia, Mr. Bhupesh Mistry and Mr. Deepak Lakhani were also present to share their experience. www.merinolaminates.com The spotlight shines brightly on Merino’s current novelties, but with the launch of their exclusive showroom, they have come up with latest surface product called “Imagino” Customized Digital Laminates, which is showcased in many possibilities at the center. Any design can be customized on the laminate, the laminate can be used as it is, or on a panel or compact or the same compact can be used as an internal wall cladding solution with customized design printed on it and above all finishes from suede, matt to gloss to mirror like finish as can be customized. Home Review December 2018
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WALKING THROUGH A RAINBOW The Head Office of Asian Paints in Dhaka, Bangladesh showcases the brand employing a meaningful interpretation of colours. The design by Utopian Associates allows one to literally walk through a catalogue of paints which the company manufactures.
Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Courtesy The architects
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At the reception, the informal poufs for seating echo some of the colours seen on the wall.
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If one were to design the office of a company which manufactures paints, what would the theme be centred around? Colour, right? However Soumitra Majumder, Sukanta Basu and Dibya Sen of Utopian Associates decided to circumvent the trite and bypassed obvious moves such as saturating the upholstery or walls with colour. “But obviously, we still had to use colour. In choosing an alternate path for the concept, this 14,000 sq ft office for Asian Paint in Dhaka has been interpreted as a walk through the company’s catalogue of available shades,” says Dibya. This is an office which is visited by customers, buyers and vendors to discuss types of paints and techniques of applying the paint.” However, the utility oriented brief also came with a tight budget.
“Our original recce of the site showed that there was plenty of natural light, since the building has glazing on three sides. From there came the inspiration of using the colours as they would appear if refracted by a prism; like a spectrum” says Sukanta. “Even the cuboid light fittings have been installed in a VIBGYOR sequence, while the cabins have different shades of the same colour.”
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“Colours are made of pixels which create larger wholes when they come together,” explains Soumitra. “The whole look and feel of this space is based on the cuboid or square form of the pixel.” Blank walls were identified to display various collages of colours in a VIBGYOR sequence, so that there is a continuity in the tones.
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At the reception, the informal poufs for seating echo some of the colours on the wall. Within, the space planning led to locating the open offices near the windows, with meeting rooms towards core. The strict budget prompted the threesome to leave the concrete walls and columns bare, with the low ceiling height of just eight feet ruling out a false ceiling. “We haven’t used putty or tried to cover up the textures in the walls - we just painted directly on them, so some of the holes are still visible,” says Soumitra.
}
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A total of 313 shades of colours have been used for the colour collages, with the floor and most of the furniture offering neutral backdrops to balance these bursts of colour. Er…313 colours? But Utopian Associates’ use of this mind boggling palette is judicious, resulting in a light, airy ambience which is never claustrophobic. Everywhere, colours in measured doses take centre stage, while the surroundings take a respectful and appropriate backseat. “Measuring 150 mm x 150 mm with a 6 mm gap, the pre-planned scatter of colours was carefully executed on site by trained painters from Asian Paints, creating a mosaic-like effect in parts. This was no easy task, since no 6 mm tape was available in Bangladesh. But the result is like ‘an abstract expressionism of paints’,” says Sukanta. The tedious and exacting execution has resulted in a carefully orchestrated scatter of pixels which spreads over walls, climbs ceilings and moves onto the floors. Adding an explosion of colour, a vertical screen which divides work spaces is made up of colourful mdf boxes, mounted on tubes. Doubling as an installation, the screen is immobile, although it appears flexible. The lighting consists of customised ‘light trays’ and boxes suspended from the ceiling.
Flooded with natural light from the window, this huddle area has sparing use of colour. At the ceiling, a duct for utilities is clearly visible. Home Review December 2018
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Glass partitions have small frosted squares, echoing the pixels on the walls, albeit devoid of colour. Is this walk-through colour collage subject to wear and tear which would result in changes in the accuracy of the colour displayed? “Since the office is airconditioned, weathering is minimal…this is close to ideal conditions for the colour palette,” says Dibya. Adding local flavour and rooting the design to its place, the columns depict pattachitra (a traditional, cloth-based scroll painting, known for its intricate details as well as mythological narratives and folktales inscribed in it. Pattachitras are a component of an ancient Bengali narrative art, originally serving as a visual device during the performance of a song), a local art form which varies from region to region. Small plaques displaying previous advertisements from Asian Paints are also suspended from the ceiling. “We were happy that our colleagues were instantly able to identify the photographs of this site as being that of a paint company,” says Soumitra happily, content that the branding exercise has come through clearly in the refined concept of the design. Moreover, the end result doesn’t betray the tight budget. “We didn’t compromise on the quality of materials used. That the very competent in-house team of Asian Paints executed the complex colour collages to perfection also helped.” sukanta@utopianassociates.in soumitra@utopianassociates.in www.utopianassociates.in
In the cafeteria, the colours take to the ceiling, grounded by the moulded chairs which echo some of the colours.
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DESIGN DESTINATION
' XI WHERE Xi’an lies in the North-western region of China, and is the capital of the Shaanxi Province.
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AN WHEN
WHY
Xi’an has a temperate climate. March to May is the best time of a year to pay a visit, as Spring is quite pleasant. Early autumn, that is, September and October are also good months for travel.
Talking about Xi’an takes you back in time. It is one of the oldest cities in China and hence, undoubtedly filled with old world gems. It is also the oldest of the four Great Ancient Capitals. It is one of the few cities in China that still has a complete city wall from the old fortress intact. This megacity is now an important cultural, industrial and educational centre of the central-northwest region.
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THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE Steeped in history as Xi’an is, it is not surprising to see a little history pervade in its hotels as well. Huaqing Palace Resort & Spa is located in the historical Huaqing Palace, just a little away from the Terracotta Army. Story goes that the Huaqing Palace is also famous as it was the centre stage of the romance of Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang GuiFei. It is in this environ that the hotel is located.
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The décor is a blend of the Eastern style with the Western look, incorporating a contemporary touch as well. As a nod to the hot springs of the area, every room has a hot tub. The rooms are spacious and very luxuriously done up. The décor incorporates a blend of contemporary elements in terms of lighting, upholstery, artwork and so on, which merge with design accents that refer to the historical background of the space. For example, the entryway looks quite contemporary. However, on closer examination one notes that the roof is clearly inspired by the local buildings.
ANCIENT FORTRESS The Xi’an City Wall or the Fortification of Xi’an has the credit of being intact even after centuries of existence. It is clearly one of the best-preserved Chinese walls and remains an impressive tourist attraction. It has four gates that correspond to the four directions. It seems as if the city is neatly arranged along the walls! With a perimeter of 14 km, this wall is 12 m high, 18 m wide at the base and 15 m wide at its top. Since the base is wider than the top, the wall is quite sound and firm. It used to host a great defense system. Observers will notice ramparts sticking out at regular intervals. These were meant for soldiers to stand and observe if any enemies were trying to approach the city. Now of course, people walk and cycle on the walls in lieu of the ancient chariots and horses that used it! There are some historical buildings and structures on the top of this wall. Tourists soak in the old-world charm, complete with views of the forests and the moat.
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LET THE SHOW UNFOLD.. The Xi’an People’s Theatre was originally built back in 1954. The purpose then was to house Northwest Art Work Troupe (which is today the Shaanxi Singing and Dancing Troupe) that had been relocated from Yan’an to Xi’an. This building has the distinction of being the first modern theatre in Northwest China. The mixed Chinese and Western architectural styles make it interesting.
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The use of red colour, which is very common in the Chinese style, is apparent here. It can hold more than 1000 persons and has been the venue for plenty of dramatic performances. Today, it also integrates dining with entertainment. A few socialist realism sculptures stand in front of the building and are quite interesting to observe.
THE BUDDHIST TOUCHES The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or Dayan Pagoda, a gem of Chinese ancient architectural history continues to be a very important symbol of the city. It was originally built in 652 in Tang Dynasty for Xuan Zang to put the scriptures and statues he had brought back from India. This iconic Buddhist landmark combines the Indian Buddhist architectural forms with the Chinese Han vernacular building features. It is made of brick without using any cement. The present pagoda is 64.5 meters high and has 7 storeys. The base has Buddhist statues with delicate carvings. Buddhist statues, paintings, famous poems continue as part of the structure and are depicted with finesse. Another treasure here are the ‘pattra-leaf scriptures’, which are Sanskrit manuscripts.
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BOOKING IT
The Xi’an Zhongshu Bookstore designed by Shanghai-based Wutopia Lab, is a very surprising change from the ancient architecture that one may associate Xi’an with. At first glance, this is a white cocoon. Well, you would be forgiven for thinking you’re entering a space station! The whole space is marked by curves. The ceiling and the many bookshelves as well, appear to swirl and twirl as if caught in a picture of a merry dance. The floating bookshelf, which has a steel frame at its heart, is a ten-level one and is largely responsible for that feeling of having your head in the clouds! The space includes a children’s library and public reading room.
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Bespoke furnishings like a cluster of chairs that sits perched atop a round wooden base encircled by an over-sized negative film strip contribute to the theatre like feel further reinforced by the thick, opulent curtains.
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ENCORE!
Feel the magic of being in a theatre as soon as you push open the huge copper doors of this enchanting hotel and step inside! Every detail of Hotel Teatro’s décor immerses you in an atmosphere that will have you reaching for your entrance tickets.
Text By Mala Bajaj Photographs Courtesy Design Hotels™
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Outside the dining area, thick ropes drape across the ceiling of Bar Plateia, meaning ‘audience’, which serves up a range of cocktails and port wines.
Each property of Design Hotels™ reflects the ideas of a visionary hotelier, an “Original”, someone with a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity, thoughtprovoking design and architecture. Hotel Teatro in Porto, Portugal ticks every box required to be a member of Design Hotels™ and many more.
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There are certain places that make the perfect cut and Hotel Teatro is one of them. Dedicated to the classic dramatic vibes of a theatre, every detail of the hotel’s dÊcor will have you asking yourself if you want to be an actor or spectator. The best part is that you can swing from one to another or even be both! The Baquet theatre was built in the year 1859, and stood in the very spot that Hotel Teatro now stands. Its unique, refined and bohemian environment has not only been duplicated by the internationally celebrated designer Nini Andrade Silva, but also reinforced to form an atmosphere where the guests are constantly filled with the same excitement as one feels in a real theatre. The inner courtyard of the hotel is a versatile garden, a quiet and secluded haven far away from the hullabaloo of the city. The gym on the top floor satisfies the urges of both the exercise junkies and those looking for a spot of relaxation.
A wall mural depicting a rapt audience in the middle of an exciting performance works towards the theatre like feel of the interiors.
The bar is fashioned after the refreshment area of a theatre where you would normally find yourself standing after you have experienced half a performance and another half has yet to unfold. From the check-in that takes place at the box-office like reception area where room tickets are handed out, to the elaborate costumes that hang in glass cabinets and on racks in the corridors, to room numbers that are illuminated like seat numbers at the base of doors, to black-and-white films that loop on a big screen in the bar area, everything about Hotel Teatro is totally geared to establish a theatre-like feel. Over and above to underline the intended ambience the entire hotel is dimly lit by discreet spotlights and down lights.
Lavish details such as the sumptuous bedding and curved, canopy headboards cocoon guests in the ultimate of comfort.
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Ranging from 21 to 94 sq m, the 74 guestrooms all afford views of either the street or the hotel courtyard and are full of touches borrowed from tinsel town. All rooms and suites have the option of either a king-sized bed or twin beds, excluding the Audience room, which features a king-sized bed. The 21-27 sq m Gallery rooms and the 27- 32 sq m Tribune rooms both have a bathroom with a bathtub or shower, while the Audience rooms and the 37 sq m Junior Suites offer both. The Suites span between 52 and 95 sq m and boast a private terrace.
Elaborate costumes hang in glass cabinets and on racks in the corridors. Small and big touches borrowed from tinsel town help establish the theatre like feel.
All the guestrooms are contemporary masterpieces equipped with all the de rigeur amenities, in exuberant shades of bronze and gold, echoing the splendour of a stage. Lavish details like sumptuous bedding and curved, canopy headboards cocoon guests in the ultimate of comfort. A strong sense of drama pervades both the public and private spaces. Bespoke furnishings like a cluster of chairs that sits perched atop a round wooden base encircled by an over-sized negative film strip contribute to the theatrical effects, while thick, opulent curtains complete the look. Hotel Teatro’s contemporary restaurant, Palco, which means ‘stage’ in English, offers à la carte and degustation menus with wine pairing. Outside the dining area, thick ropes drape across the ceiling of Bar Plateia, meaning ‘audience’, which serves up a range of cocktails and port wines. The hot and cold breakfast buffet is nicely varied and includes self-serve Nespresso coffee and sparkling wine.
Gold and bronze touches in the bathrooms help reinforce the drama in the interior decor.
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Referencing a classic theatre the interior décor cum accessories come together beautifully to make you feel you have come to watch a performance. More than a collection of hotels, Design Hotels™ represents a collection of stories and you are sure to be intrigued by the many you will experience at Hotel Teatro in Porto, Portugal.
Hotel Teatro’s contemporary restaurant, Palco, which means ‘stage’ in English, offers à la carte and degustation menus with wine pairing.
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A Portuguese poem inscribed on the huge copper entrance doors provides a hint to the ambience found behind them.
At the end of your stay, when it’s time to leave, you go away with a head full of stories, half of them being some lovely old ones that were brought alive and the other half being some fresh, new ones that only transpired during your stay at Hotel Teatro.
www.designhotels.com/hotels/ portugal/porto/hotel-teatro
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Kim Sharma with Mr. Arun Cherian,Mr. Sanjay Kumar & Ms. Mitali Kakkar at Rise Design Art exhibition.
INCEPTION 2019 Rise Design Art presents its first-of-its-kind exhibition of functional art pieces designed by Sanjay Kumar, called ‘Inception 2019’ The showcase will be available till 16thDecember 2018 at Bombay Arts Society. The master design, intricate engineering and accurate artistry in nature leaves us spellbound many a times. Yet nature is functional, it transforms and continuously evolves into perfection. The only constant in nature is change. Nature’s accidents are uncontrived, deeply connected in a rhythm of impermanence and always shape shifting into the new. Rise is a meeting point of science, medicine, design, innovation and philosophy. We celebrate transitions and transformations. Rise Design Lab has several years of experience in manufacturing prosthetic legs from medical grade cane from the forests of India. The vestiges of the procedure that do not find use in their labs have been used to make the exquisite handcrafted art pieces of Rise Design Art, with a vision to ensure zero waste in our unit.
Founder Arun Cherian says, ‘Rise Design Art embodies stories of courage, dynamism, growth, evolution, transformation, surmounting and rising above challenges every time; each time. Our art sales will cross-subsidise the research and development needed for word class solutions at the Rise Design Lab and keep our medical devices affordable to our customers, everyday people around you and me.’ Contact Pooja Notiyal Phone - +91 9892155249
Our artist Sanjay Kumar is inspired by Nature’s asymmetry and performs a personal and heightened awareness of Nature’s dynamic design marvels in his work. He calls it Hyper Nature. Nature that metamorphoses into larger than life dramatic structures that emit wondrous energy brought to life by the most able and meticulous cane and metal artisans. Designer Sanjay Kumar says, ‘Hyper Nature stands as a tribute to the maestro that Mother Nature is. Even as we continue to be befuddled by her scientific sorcery, our objective has been to reflect a bit of that in our designs.’
Mr. Anuj Jalota at Rise Design Art exhibition.
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A space for sharpened aesthetics and creative expression, Baro is filled with inspiration from near and far. Born out of a passion to create and sell bespoke furniture, founders Srila Chatterjee and Siddharth Sirohi suddenly decided to transition from film making to furniture making!
Shortwave
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BUILDING BARO Text By Neerja Kapadia
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Oorjaa
Leaps and bounds away from what they were doing merely a few years ago, they couldn’t be further from their original professions; and yet, Baro was born.
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An experimental child conceived out of its parents’ boredom, Baro has proven to be the spark they needed in their professional lives. Named Highlight Living initially, it started with a compilation of objects like fabrics, art, carpets, etc. With no initial monetary investment, they upgraded it into Baro in only two years’ time. With Siddharth doing the designing and Srila taking charge of sales, this powerhouse was on a mission to succeed. Every piece of furniture they sell is designed and built in-house. In addition to this, Baro supplies the customer with various cushion lines, linen and runners which are designed by emerging designers that don’t stock their products anywhere else in Mumbai. This is a great way of encouraging young talent. Vintage and handmade carpets from various parts of Asia are also available for the exotic buyer.
Galaxy Light
Personally known to the founders, reputed artists house their folk and traditional art at Baro; they also selfdesign and produce lights in addition to selectively housing handcrafted lights from Oorjaa and Purple Turtle. As is the case of today, you have to be seen to be heard and Baro does just that. Curating pop-up events that focus on different forms of design, craft and art are held regularly where the store acts as a space that can present a multitude of quality cultural experiences in addition to professional networking. “Inspired mainly by Mid Century Modernism and the Art Deco period is the base from which we encourage all clients to add their own individuality and their own “stories” through customized styling. The other things that we stock are carefully curated to reflect local design and craft”, says Srila.
Memsaab
“Even though all our pieces are so close to our heart, our ‘Shortwave’ console is an instant eye-catcher because it looks like a radio and is very hip”, laughs Srila when asked about a favourite piece”, she continues. Other mention worthy products are Atlas, Galaxy and Memsaab.
Atlas
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Baro is about a headspace that applauds people who want to tell their own stories and celebrate everything around them. It is about high quality, great design and sensible prices. It is also about working equitably with the community in general, about opening their doors to influences and experiences that are uncommon and about never aiming at the lowest common denominator but rapidly proving that there is a world that is interested in quality of all kinds.
Carpet
“I hope we will always stand for what I just described. We are not a brand looking to have 100 stores in 20 cities. We would love to have other people who think like we do and like what we like, take Baro to other places, and make it their own. I hope we will always be a brand rooted in old fashioned standards of hand crafted quality where the materials we work with and the finishes we present will be celebrated. I also hope we will be a brand people will want to work for, be associated with and always enjoy.� adds Srila.
BARO 12, Sun Mill, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013 Phone: +91 22 40344888 www.baro-india.com
Russell Street
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MERGERS & COLLABS Kohler co. Unveiled as principal partner of manchester united.
(L-R) David Kohler, President and CEO of Kohler Co., with Richard Arnold, Manchester United’s Group Managing Director
Manchester United and Kohler, a global lifestyle brand headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin-USA, have agreed to a multi-year global partnership. The KOHLER brand logo will feature on the sleeve of the most iconic and best-selling club shirt, for both the men’s and women’s teams. The partnership also includes joint participation on game day activities, innovative improvements to club facilities, global sustainability and social responsibility projects and other partner collaborations with Manchester United fans and Kohler customers and associates. Kohler Co. is a leader in the design and innovation of kitchen and bath products and one of the largest manufacturers of power systems in the world. Founded in 1873, the two organizations have been in existence for over 140 years, sharing a long history steeped in tradition, excellence and innovation, as well as a common vision to make a positive impact on the world. Manchester United and Kohler will celebrate the partnership with United fans around the world on 19th July when the new 2018/19 home shirt, to be unveiled next week, is worn for the first time by the men’s team in the opening fixture of its Tour 2018 against Club America in Phoenix, Arizona.
David Kohler, President and CEO of Kohler Co. is welcoming of this partnership and is excited about the new opportunities showcasing the qualities of Kohler products and services. Kohler will be happy to help build their global brand among people who align themselves and their lifestyles, with leading edge innovation and a desire to make the world a better place. Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of nearly 37,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; luxury cabinetry and tile; and owner/ operator of two of the world’s finest fivestar hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland. Kohler’s Whistling Straits golf course will host the 2020 Ryder Cup.
David Kohler, President and CEO of Kohler Co.
Contact kate.lowe@manutd.co.uk stephen.maliszewski@kohler.com www.KohlerUnited.com
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Customers come in and sit down to view the fabrics. This is an entirely different take on the experience that a customer gets in a store. This seating is reminiscent of a traditional bazaar.
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Retail Therapy
In the Bazaar How does a tiny little textile shop fit into the existing hustle and bustle of a busy cloth bazaar? We turn to No-Mad for some answers‌. Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs Courtesy Sameer Toad
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Creative Director, Valerie Barkowski, who imagined the brand, was clear about the bull logo from day one. Over time the logo got extended into portraits with No-Mad designs embellished on them.
At the outset, No-Mad seems to be an odd name for a fabric brand. Founder Anuj Kothari’s brand started off in the heart of the textile market in Mumbai. The name somehow appealed to him at the time, and also worked seamlessly with the surroundings. Then, they shifted to what used to be their former workshop where they first started the brand a few years back. “Our new store is a real small space, measuring about 30 square metres. We love the fact that we have been able to build a unique experience within such a small intimate space for our customer,” explains Kothari.
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Yes, it is small. But, there is a lot to take in. For starters, customers come in and sit down to view the fabrics. This is an entirely different take on the experience that a customer gets in a store. This seating is reminiscent of a traditional bazaar. “We were inspired by the traditional fabric shops surrounding us. Hence the idea of having people remove their shoes, before sitting on a gadda to view the collections at leisure. It’s our idea of slow retail,” says Kothari. The concept for the shop fell in place very organically. There were some aspects that became a starting point. For instance, one notices that the bull motif keeps reappearing. The credit behind that goes to Creative Director, Valerie Barkowski, who imagined the brand and was clear from day one that ‘Nandi’ would be the logo. Over time the logo got extended into portraits with No-Mad designs embellished on them.
While fabrics for the home and upholstery are key products, handmade homeware and decor accessories also form a part of the offering.
“When we were launching our Fabric Collection, Valerie thought of making dolls using our fabrics, which somehow became an emblem of the Fabric Collection, and eventually became a product in its own right,” he adds. The design allusion to the origins of their old store at Mangaldas market, a popular and crowded textile hub in South Mumbai is quite conspicuous. Of course, the gaddas or the mattresses (which are made by their neighbours in the bazaar) top the list. Then, one can see the trunks that are used to store samples - again evocative of the bazaar.
The natural beech wood flooring that has been used aids in keeping the look as neutral as possible.
Every element in the store, be it the decor or the product is one way or another inspired by the bazaar. From the icons of the traditional shop like the nimbu mirch, incense, tape and scissors to products like muddahs or the thali trays, India and its street life remains at the centre of the No-Mad universe. For Kothari, it is difficult to point out his favourite element of the décor. “Besides the window and the gadda (I can spend hours reading there!), I love the vintage calendar that I managed to find in my house. It belongs to my mother’s family in Jodhpur and was for me a fun way to bring an element of God in the shop,” he says.
For him, the décor is not only about fixed pieces and fittings but also about little things that make the shop and how it looks, smells and sounds. Testimony to this are the beautiful plants that line the window. Then, there is an ambience that has been mindfully created to give the customer a different experience. They have the right music - they have made the music playlist with a Brussels based musician. They also use select essential oils to perfume the space. As a result, the space looks and feels fresh, light and homely, almost like an oasis in the bazaar. Indeed, the response has been very good and Kothari asserts that people are very happy to spend time at the store.
The natural beech wood flooring that has been used aids in keeping the look as neutral as possible. This makes it easier to play around with the fabrics in the space, to bring in colour and highlight the collections. While fabrics for the home and for upholstery are key products, handmade homeware and decor accessories (candles, select furniture pieces, bags and so on) also form a part of the offering. While No-Mad captures elements of the traditional cloth bazaar, incorporating them into the current look, there is also a sense of freshness injected every quarter when they introduce new colours, new products and basically just a new vibe! Well, this is completely in sync with the name and brand-essence we would say! www.no-mad.in
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The Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy is spread majestically on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio.
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LA DOLCE VITA COULD GET NO SWEETER! Basking in the picturesqueness of sun-kissed Portifino, the Belmond Hotel Splendido stands resplendently on a hillside overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio; while its sister hotel, the Belmond Splendido Mare reposes on the charming main piazzetta right on the harbour. What the Belmond proffers is truly ‘La Dolce Vita’ - whether you are sipping Bellinis by the gorgeous infinity pool, relaxing in their world class spa or dining on the famous spaghetti at Chuflay (a favourite of Elizabeth Taylor), it offers its guests a taste of ‘the sweet life.’
Text By Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Photographs Courtesy The Hotel
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Lush pathways and pretty gardens run gently down the slopes to the sea.
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Originally a monastery in the sixteenth century, the Belmond Hotel Splendido was attacked with such fervour by Saracen pirates that the monks abandoned it until Baron Baratta restored the ruins into a summer house in the nineteenth century. Finally, in 1901 Mr. Ruggero Valentini, the pioneer of tourism in Portofino, transformed the Villa Baratta into the Grand Hotel Splendid. Since it’s opening, the hotel has played host to the creme d’la creme of Europe. In 1952, the Duke of Windsor was the first person to sign the visitors’ book along with his wife Wallis Simpson. In 1985 Orient-Express Hotels bought the property and started a massive renovation, completely redecorating and refurbishing all 67 rooms and suites. The main building has been built on an east-west axis to elevate the panoramas of the harbour and reap maximum sunlight. While, the pretty gardens run gently down the slopes to the sea in bushes of fragrant lavender, wild herbs, old olive trees and bright pink bougainvillaea.
The Belmond Hotel Splendido’s design inspiration is the Italian glory days of La Dolce Vita - iconic, chic and timeless, with jaw-dropping views of the sea.
The Belmond Hotel Splendido’s design inspiration is the Italian glory days of La Dolce Vita - iconic, chic and timeless! High-end interior designer Eric Egan has collaborated with this luxury property to create a space that is uber exclusive for the ‘champagne set.’ Chicago born Egan, who has lived in Milan for more than 20 years is all about the details, overseeing everything from the linens to the tableware and everything in between. All rooms at this Mediterranean paradise offer dazzling undulating vistas from private balconies, plush furnishings and above all, privacy. French Architect and Interior Designer Michael Jouannet was commissioned to revamp three new rooms following the blueprint of the same avant-garde and luxurious style that characterises the rest of the hotel. Jouannet expands on the ideas for the existing Dolce Vita Suite, creating a harmonious link throughout the property between contemporary European tastes and traditional Lingurean styles.
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Using modern Italian and French craftsmanship, the suite evokes a sense of homely comfort, with exquisite details such as textile screens, unique carpets, authentic mirrors from Murano and one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and artwork from France.
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While he has retained the parquet flooring, old tiles from Lebanon and the pastel painted walls done in authentic Portofino style, he has introduced veined Vatican white marble in the bathrooms and mosaic-framed mirrors and motifs, speaking in the same design language as the rest of the spaces.
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The Wisteria, Bougainvillea Presidential Suites and the Ginepro Executive Junior Suite feature spacious balconies and lavish black and white marble bathrooms. Each suite has hand painted murals on the walls, a continuation of the originals found through the hotel, while the antique chandeliers and inlaid floors have been inspired by the grand villas of the 1800s found along the Ligurian coastline. Bay windows open onto large areas overlooking the water, while dividers can be removed to turn the space into a single 60-metrelong terrace! Down by the water, on the celebrated Piazzetta is the intimate Belmond Splendido Mare with just 16 rooms and suites with magical views of the harbour. Guest can gaze as yachts cruise in, fishermen unload their catch and locals and visitors stroll by, all while eating Ligurian specialities at the famous Chuflay Restaurant and Bar. Unfettered luxury, fresh local cuisine, unparalleled views, amazing service and exclusive tailor-made experiences (like an al fresco spa treatment, fishing aboard a traditional boat or your own private cycle tour) is what makes the Belmond Hotels in Portofino icons in this Italian paradise. www.belmond.com
Built to maximise the view, the gorgeous infinity pool literally hangs over the winding roads of Portofino and the azure harbour.
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The design team explored the compositional relationship between the indoors and outdoors through a steel pergola that maintains the coherence between structure and the open-to air space.
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Landscapes
GREEN PEACE There was a time when greening the office space restricted itself to a few scattered potted ferns or the addition of a fresh bouquet on the reception table every day. These days most companies are taking greening their workspace to a new level quite literally, with the introduction of roof gardens. Today’s modern urban lifestyle is more often than not associated with chronic stress due to working in closed spaces. In such a scenario, urban green spaces are often relied upon to promote mental and physical health and reduce morbidity by providing a relaxation or chill-out zone. In an attempt to act ambassador to the above thought, Pentana Solutions commissioned Ian Barker Gardens to create a green patch on their rooftop for its employees. Thus came to life, a green refuge in the sky, 5 stories above the ground in suburban Mount Waverly, 17 km south-east of Melbourne’s business district, allowing the automotive professionals to retain the joy of outdoor living as they transition from the suburbs to the city each working day. It won’t be wrong to say that design is almost always intuitive and not inductive.
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A bad choice of colour can often mar a design scheme but the vibrant orange shade of the car, mingles into the surroundings with such subtlety that it only adds to the magic of the garden.
Thus, when Pentana Solutions approached Ian Barker, he decided to forgo the norms and took it up as a creative opportunity to offer the corporate professionals something truly spectacular and maybe a little quirky even. The simple archetypal piece of land, modern in appearance, features carefully aligned passages and openings to generate a direct visual relation between spaces. Raised garden beds filled with fresh foliage and fragrant flowering plants, define each zone while acting both as windbreak and virtual balustrades. Barker explains, “A square expanse of synthetic turf bordered by garden beds of mixed plantings in the south-east corner provided the perfect place for gatherings and group exercise classes.�
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The north side of the rooftop features a large area of paving and a strip of turf, flanked by hedges contained in large rectangular planter troughs. These troughs made of granite are propped up a few inches above the ground making them a more tangible and focal part of the design. Dividing this area from a row of timber benches and tables is a giant chessboard made of turf and granite pavers. It adds personality to the space without disrupting the minimalist aesthetic at the core of the garden’s contemporary style. The design team explored the compositional relationship between the indoors and outdoors through a steel pergola that maintains the coherence between structure and the open-to air space.
The pergola’s retractable awning dances overhead, shielding its visitors from sunlight, wind and rain.
The pergola’s retractable awning dances overhead, shielding its visitors from sunlight, wind and rain. Barker shares, “The fact that the garden was located on a rooftop, getting materials up was a challenge. Lifting through cranes and careful planning helped to overcome it.” A garden is a combination of the natural aesthetic and plastic interventions. The plants to a landscape designer are not only plants but also colour, shape and volume out of which he can create arabesque like patterns if he so desires. Barker’s plants are little figures relaxing in the cadence of their surroundings.
The planting palette consists of plants in gorgeous copper tones. Barker says, “This garden was constructed without its components being attached to the building membrane. Attaching would cause punctures in the membrane and leaks in the offices below. We had to find another way to secure these items to the rooftop without them being swept off by high winds.” The progression of plant and blossom colours in different parts of the garden marks a seasonal change. In fact, the planting style is not rigid and has a loose and natural appearance that brings a sense of playfulness and liveliness.
The flower colours warm things up and combine well with the ornamental grasses. Naturalistic plants like Helenium Mahogany, Sanguisorba Tanna, Achillea Terracotta Yarrow and Calamagrostis Karl Foerster sync up to choreograph the chartreuse foliage that unfolds dramatically against the greyscale shades of granite and steel. Sculptures tend to impart a landscape design with a fourth dimension as they add symbolic meaning for a personalised experience. In fact, the right sculpture should resonate with the true character and energy of the space.
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Barker explains, “A square expanse of synthetic turf bordered by garden beds of mixed planting in the south-east corner, provides the perfect place for gatherings and group exercise classes.”
The design team paid special attention to the selection of the sculptural piece for the garden, so now a defunct Fiat car sits on a bed of natural planting, injecting an element of fun and whimsy to the space. Colour can often work against a design if not selected with some thought, but here the vibrant orange shade of the car, mingles into the surroundings with such subtlety that it only enhances the magic of the space.
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In fact, one can easily coin this Ian Barker garden as a landscaped piece that is both emotionally and psychologically therapeutic – one that offers a refuge to tired minds and extends an invitation to interrupt their rhythm of thoughts that are continuously playing to the staccato of mundane work life.
www.landscape.net.au
The planting style is not rigid but has a loose, informal appearance due to the inclusion of naturalistic foliage that brings in a sense of playfulness and liveliness.
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The Nimb Hotel, attached to Tivoli Gardens was inspired by a Moorish bazaar back in 1909.
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A DANISH FAIRYTALE In 1872 the Nimb family took over a restaurant in the famous Tivoli Gardens called Divan 2, and that is where the journey began. In 1909, inspired by Moorish architecture and built by architect and managing director Knud Arne-Petersen himself, they opened the white palace like hotel that we can still see today. Text By Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Photographs Courtesy The Hotel
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All the rooms and spacious balconies (except one) face Tivoli Gardens and the city beyond.
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Nimb Hotel, attached to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks reopened in May 2008 following extensive renovations. Each room was refurbished with the best of Danish design and the ‘hygge’ (feel like home) concept. The Nimb underwent a total re-haul, both internally and externally where the facade was restored in Italian marble and stucco to create a simpler more exclusive feel. Solid Douglas wooden floors were installed and interior elements of Øland granite were integrated in the design. Natural materials of the highest quality were used to give Nimb a breath of modern Scandinavian architecture, while still preserving its original Moorish inspiration. In November 2017 a new wing was added, expanding its 17 rooms to 38 luxurious rooms and suites. The timeline between the hotel’s new and old wings is 108 years, but New York based architects Pei Cobb Freed and Partners have integrated the hotel beautifully to read in one fantastical design language. Expanding the hotel by 2,000 square metres, the extension included a new roof terrace featuring a pool and bar, individually designed suites with balconies, a wellness-centre and basement level training facilities. Besides being attached to Tivoli Gardens, the hotel also includes Tivoli Corner that houses several restaurants and the Tivoli Food Hall, which features 16 different food stands and recently received the American Architecture Award, given to an American architect in or outside the United States. Nimb Hotel is also known worldwide as the hotel with the most gourmet restaurants under one roof! Nimb’s chief designer René Jasper Thomsen has planned the new spaces in a contemporary style, where simple Nordic design has been combined with classical art and beautiful antiquities. Open fireplaces and spacious bathrooms are just a few new elements added to pamper guests, while all the rooms except one face Tivoli’s lush greenery.
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The new Nimb Roof has been designed as a private sanctuary with great attention to detail. The lounge furniture has been painted black to echo the Nimb style, while the pool has been clad in Italian mosaic, hand-sorted and selected to create the perfect underwater interplay.
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The pool also has a counter-flow feature, allowing guests to swim on the spot. “Our mantra has always been ‘time and space are luxuries’. From the large rooms and suites to the Nimb Bar with its high ceilings and now the Nimb Roof, with plenty of space to enjoy your time and the unique views,” proudly explains René Jasper Thomsen. Dining at the Nimb is a gourmand’s fantasy. From the traditional Nimb Brasserie with its French favourites, the intimate Nimb Bar’n’Grill, the heritage ballroom bar like no other that also serves afternoon tea, to the Vinotek with up to 1100 different wines to choose from and Fru Nimb, a classic Danish open sandwich restaurant serving gourmet beer and homemade aquavit with ingredients collected from Tivoli Gardens.
The new rooms and bathrooms have a contemporary style combined with simple Nordic design and beautiful antiquities.
The pièce de résistance though is Gemyse - an urban garden restaurant with a greenhouse outdoorsy feel situated in the heart of Tivoli Gardens. The newest member of the Nimb family, it serves fresh seasonal dishes with organic greens from its own garden. No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to Cakenhagen - a classic Danish pastry shop with an enchanting French twist. From French macaroons to Danish cream cakes - “It has to be worth the calories,” is Head Pastry Chef Torben Bang’s motto.
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Gemyse is an urban garden restaurant with a greenhouse outdoorsy feel situated in the heart of Tivoli Gardens.
In 2015, Nimb Hotel was named the world’s best hotel by Small Luxury Hotels, picked among 520 properties from 82 countries. Guests staying in this ultramodern haven will feel like they’re in a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, complete with amazing design, superb service and every home comfort thrown in for good measure. www.nimb.dk
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GREEN PROJECT
Having withstood the test of time, this remarkable piece of architecture stands proud beaming from within.
THE GRAND DAME OF CHORAO ISLAND
Anchored away from the hustle and bustle of tourist Goa, on the serene island of Chorao stands this two century old Portuguese villa that was given a breath of fresh air, that too with a consciously sustainable approach.
Text By Virupa Kantamneni Photographs Courtesy Studio Momo Home Review December 2018
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The courtyard is a vision that could easily be mistaken for one in Portugal.
Home to a beautiful bird sanctuary along the Mandovi River, Chorao Island is a picture book vision of Goa’s Portuguese heritage. The island’s architecture and culture led the way for inspiration during the restoration of the 200 year old villa by Goa based architecture firm Studio MoMo. An environmentally respectful approach was adopted by the Oxford educated architect duo Gurmeet Akali and Benjamin Robb who run Studio MoMo. Guided by the Japanese philosophy “Wabi-Sabi” the firm is strong with its vision of “designing and creating a built form that has a direct relationship to its context both physically and culturally.” This validates why they were approached for this design-sensitive renovation project.
Minimum demolition and maximum restoration were the guidelines adopted for this beautiful heritage conservation project.
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Rustic wooden beams and reclaimed furniture create a serene and calm space for the inhabitants.
Minimum demolition and maximum restoration are common guidelines to go by for a successful heritage conservation project. The brief given was “to retain the character and charm of the existing structure, but cleverly modify the house to feel open and more suited to modern living and be environmentally-conscious in terms of practice and approach.” And, keeping this in mind, the architects perceived that “the structure needed light, openness and a sleeker demeanour to suit the client’s affable personality and to achieve this, careful additions and subtractions were made to different parts of the house.”
A key feature in the villa’s existing footprint was the courtyard, a design element popularly used in the houses of the humid Southern India but rarely found in this region. Creating a microclimate within the house, this design element plays a key role in the climate sensitivity of the house by providing much needed cross ventilation and natural light for the rooms within. “The courtyard has terracotta flooring laid in the herringbone pattern. Terracotta is local to Goa and the colour blends well with the naturally available laterite stone apart from bringing down travel miles and adding to the lowering of the carbon footprint of the project. A majority of the rooms open into the courtyard but in addition to this a semi-covered dining area overlooking the courtyard was integrated into the design”, elaborated the design team.
Perhaps the most obvious element that went through a physical make-over was the laterite columns that flanked the courtyard. Client tastes also play a vital role when prioritising design elements and the team justified that, “The plastered columns formerly had a hexagonal profile with rounded edges and a square capital. The architects deemed their aesthetic overly ‘masculine’ and ‘bulky’ and decided to recreate shapely columns in their place that were soft and earthy and which would complement the owner’s personality.” Given the topography of the site which is a steep incline, the designers made maximum use of it by creating five terraced levels each with its unique character and purpose.
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Reclaimed from Gujarat, this antique spiral staircase has its own history to share with the villa apart from adding to the recycling quotient.
Lush green lawns and trees that have danced over time, welcome visitors to this sensible grand old home with open arms.
Uninterrupted views of the back waters of the Mandovi river from the front garden and kitchen gardens with wall mounted herb planters all work towards integrating with the natural environment around with the help of man-made elements in the form of hidden filters that are low in water consumption. Vernacular design implemented in crucial design detailing showcases Studio MoMo’s primary vision of “environment sensitivity in approach and passion for creating eco-friendly architecture and interior/exterior finishes.” Extensive use of local natural laterite stone and Goa’s own terracotta tiles further enhances the earthy beauty of this heritage villa.
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The use of organic hard-wax oil and beeswax developed by Studio MoMo’s own in-house company for their projects adds longevity to the interior wooden elements while giving it an untouched rustic look. Taking eco-friendliness a notch further, “the studio was inspired by the blue lime plaster that was used by the Portuguese in Goa and re-created that look by mixing indigo pigment with lime wash in certain areas.” The inclusion of indigo highlights the otherwise neutral palette of the villa’s interiors and also negates the use of VOC containing paints.
Indigo enters the medley of earthy tones like a show stopper, apart from negating the use of VOC containing paints at the same time.
From sourcing most of the furniture locally to manufacturing it in-house by Studio MoMo, the villa stands true to its heritage albeit in a fresher avatar. Staying carbon-footprint sensitive by emulating the Portuguese who built the original villa using only local materials without resorting to importing, Studio MoMo has scored and how!
www.momo-studios.com
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WONKY WORKS
Disgusted by this aspect, Ekta thought of creating something out of these discarded glass objects. This led to two positive outcomes, her new products not only helped keep glass and other reusable materials out of landfills, but these were also minimal, well-designed pieces, that were made to last. In the age of mass produced uniformity, she believes in celebrating the glitzy, the fuddled, the skewed, pieces that are absolutely unique.
“To be greener than the greenest green,” is the mantra that inspires and guides Ekta Doctor through life. She is the founder of Wonky Works an independent up-cycling and design studio, one of the first in India, creating up-cycled glassware, sustainable interior design, vintage and up-cycled furniture, art, architectural elements and specialty tutoring. When we stop to think about the used glass bottle we chuck out, almost every single day - be it the one that earlier had sauce or beer, or oil in it, and wonder what happens to it, the answer very simply is - nothing! It will not compost, rot, erode or rust. It will most probably lie in landfills, breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces of glass but not breaking down completely into its main ingredient - silica (sand), one of the hardest minerals on Earth for a long, long time.
Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj
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Wonky Works started out as few shedlike rooms eight years ago. The studio mainly uses discarded glass, which could be kiln-formed, blown and etched, found objects, junk and waste to create an eclectic collection of handmade glass art, functional art, tableware, objets d’art, holders, stands, planters, lights and inexhaustible varieties of bric-à-brac.
One of Ekta’s earliest challenges was to create products that would have the finesse and design to appeal to mainstream customers, rather than just to people who were aware and conscious of green design and thus specifically searched for sustainable products.
Reminiscing over the inception of Wonky Works Ekta says, “It all started with the furnace I already possessed. I also knew how to melt glass in it. All I needed was glass. And then I melted my first used bottle! And then I melted more, and more, and hundreds more!” She of course used only discarded or found objects.
The growing awareness in India of the green culture helped to a certain degree, as did the innate common sense Indians are born with to turn waste into something useful. “It also helps that I make many versions of the products and test their user-friendliness on myself and with a closed group before placing the objects on display,” shares Ekta. Quite excited Ekta looked into glass recycling and up-cycling seriously. She shares, “I researched glass waste and disposal methods and collected all possible glass waste from my home - all that was broken or discarded - and started experimenting to make things out of melted glass. The heat needed to melt glass items is very high.
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However, that is still about 40-50 percent less than what would be needed to make fresh glass. Not to mention the reduction in consumption of more raw material. Thus, less energy usage, less air pollution and water pollution, less water usage, and even lesser greenhouse gas emissions.
Apart from this, it eliminated an entire tier or two of the recycling process that included collecting, sorting, processing and breaking down, converting, and finally, new manufacture.” Now, the studio also takes on architectural and interior design projects where the clients are willing to use 90% waste as raw material.
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In Wonky Works’ two floor studio in Vadodara, Gujarat, apart from the leaking roof, the entire first floor is up-cycled. “Thanks to some good fabricators, engineers and a lot of steel scrap, and old windows and doors we got our very own very up-cycled and very wonky workspace,” shares Ekta.
Ekta believes in empowering the poor womenfolk of India so has only women in her work force. Additionally she offers them flexible working hours and two Saturday’s off every month. “I am hooked to up-cycling glass into welldesigned products that please the eye and are different - ‘wonky’ as some label these. This has actually led me to lead a greener lifestyle. I am ethically vegan since a year now and have been trying to be zero-waste as well,” signs off Ekta. www.wonkyworks.in
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Design Blossom Restaurant, Mumbai With the idea of developing a cohesive concept that represents the style of her clients, Sonam Jhavar of Sonam Jhavar Design designed and executed a dream restaurant for an experimental chef. Keeping in mind the engineer turned chef client, they created the restaurant in two divisions. While one of the spaces was finished with patterned tile, the other was made using grey rustic tiles inducing a unique character to both the places. A monochromatic colour palette was selected and materials that fit that theme were then chosen. All the furniture was given a raw look while making the rest of the background subtle. They played along a similar material for the cash counter and the chairs were finally made after a lot of trial and testing. Taking further inspiration from the client’s skill to make dishes with natural ingredients, Sonam embraced the natural light and chose design elements such as raw wood that would complement the surrounding. The concept for the doodle on the wall came from the scriptures on the garden walls. They drew palm leaves behind the sofa seating to give a nature-like feel while on the other side, they incorporated food elements to highlight the belief of the methodology of the food, ‘Adventure in every bite’. sonam@sonamjhavardesign.com
Text By Neerja Kapadia
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Intelligent design need not be restricted to mammoth-sized spaces. Sometimes, even a small idea can lead to stunningly brilliant interior themes.
Mixology Design Mixology spotlights innovative design in various domains such as showrooms, bars, clinics, spas and much more.
Freshco, The Health CafE, Surat With the success and appreciation that Freshco Vadodara garnered, The Crossboundaries was committed to recreating the same magic with their new café in Surat. Following with a crispy clear brief, TCB went on to create a vibrant, soothing and inviting space. Reviving some elements from the earlier franchise, the overall layout of the café has a transparent façade allowing visual openness. Reflecting the ethos of a health café, Freshco has a theme of cool colours, bright indoor plants and a blend of natural finishes. A large feature wall with bright wallpaper in contrast with the plastered grey ceiling reflects founder Harsh Boghani’s passion into creating something unique. Opposite the colour splashed wall is a designer lighting element set on a turquoise background which is further accentuated by bright green plants and sleek Eames-ish chairs. The most striking aspect of the melange of these elements is the blue-tinted micro-concrete flooring. The black cantilevered ledge at the entrance makes a great spot for a quick meal with comfortable high bar stools and ambient lighting in addition to a family seating area across. As another bold step in design iteration, TCB designed and produced a range of twentyfour custom made hanging lights, cast in fibre and suspended neatly along the ceiling giving it a visual of lily pads floating across the space. studio@thecrossboundaries.com
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Cultured CafE, New Delhi The client desired to create a warm, snug little eatery which evoked a welcoming atmosphere to diners, providing them with a relaxed and easy-going spot. To invest in a multi-functional centre that supports daily life experiences, the inspiration behind the ‘Cultred’ cafĂŠ was to bring people of every taste and age group, all under one roof, and as suggested in the name itself, it could be made possible with an inciting design which is a melange of greenery and minimalism. The space has been designed with an arched featured wall, hand done with a white, rugged texture and wooden log inserts that encase the bakery, coffee and billing counter. The area is structured with anything but basic white walls, complemented by black and white French styled doors and windows. The white painted ceiling becomes a backdrop for the tailor made PVC jaalis with flowing greenery making the ambience very captivating. Located in a tiny dwelling giving it the authenticity it deserves, but also limiting the designers to be able to add elegance, Lav Choudhary, founder of AND Studio overcame the challenge by pure design genius of providing a leisurely vibe with the intent to create an open floor plan supported by an open kitchen ensuring ample sunlight and ventilation. www.andstudio.in
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Four Seasons Private Residences, Mumbai The Four Seasons Private Residences Mumbai is the city’s exclusive new address and a flawless setting for elegant living. Nestled next to the verdant and secure Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, this slender tower will cement its status as a benchmark for luxury residential architecture rooted in Indian ethos. Offering spacious apartments in Mumbai, plush amenities and the luxury of absolute exclusivity, these residences will showcase a brand new ‘luxury norm’ for the discerning. From single-floor Residences, North and South duplexes, garden duplexes and penthouses, spacious seclusion characterizes this extremely luxurious property. Secure private entry lobbies with keyed elevator access will ensure compromised privacy. Provenance Land, India’s bespoke lifestyle developer dedicated to creating and managing luxury hospitality and real estate projects has created this plush space. The group have built five greenfield hospitality projects in partnership with Hyatt International and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Four Seasons Private Residences were created for anyone who has ever experienced a Four Seasons hotel or resorts and said: “I wish I could live here.” www.mumbairesidences.com
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Oven Bonbons, Banglore Oven bonbons is a fine example of miracles being born out of passion. Transforming a 500 sq. ft. area into a ravishing baking studio, designer Swati Seraan of By the Riverside has created nothing short of a miracle given the budget and many client requirements. The reception cum office area is a place equipped with all essentials. The white brick wall and the wooden furniture around gives a vintage look which the owner was very keen on because she wanted to make the place very earthy and warm. The teaching area is actually a part of the house. The table has the capacity of nine chairs to fit in with in-built writing slide outs and the storage to keep all her utensils in it. The underground wiring for her T.V is used to play videos. The washing and baking area has been given a dramatic look with splashes of black and red. The earthy and traditional style is appealing so a focal wall was designed accordingly. All elements were hand-picked from the arched door to the grilled window. The beautifully coordinated seating area in teal and white combination adds life to the corner. Overall, This place is a fine combination of vision and design where the zeal of a tutor met the creativity of an enthusiastic designer. www.bytheriverside.in
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Know Chow, Mumbai
Photo Credits: Kunal Bhatia Photo Credits: Kunal Bhatia
Photo Credits: Kunal Bhatia
Photo Credits: Kunal Bhatia
The programmatic brief with the constraints of a 750 sq.ft area with the site being located at a very busy intersection called for an efficient use of space amalgamating the comfort factor in an authentic oriental setting. Responding to this challenge of a serene environment within a boisterous locality, the principal architect Amol Divekar of Creative Yard came up with a pragmatic solution. Given the tight linear nature of the site, the space has been divided into two zones. The entrance space configured with loose seating against the silhouette of a mountainous terrain creates an aura of an oriental Pavilion. With the budgetary constraints and with the re-use of existing flooring material, the inner zone caters to a well-spaced out seating. Combining subtle use of colour and strategically placed vibrant wall art makes the space appear larger than its actual proportions. Elements like back lit wall decor, semi-permeable screens and bamboo lights have been used to further enhance the concept. www.creativeyard.co.in
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THE MARKETPLACE Viega Pressgun 5: Easy Pressing Of All Dimensions
The Pressgun 5 by Viega combines benefits like low weight, dimensions and power. Powered by battery or a power pack and weighing only 3.2 kilograms, it easily presses all dimensions from 12 to 108 mm. It is one of the smallest light-weight press machines for the XL press connection on the market. Viega has achieved the weight through its compact structure, a light housing construction and a new lithium-ion battery. It is only half as big as previous models but supplies twice the capacity with 18V/2.0 Ah. As a result, it is possible to work full-day on the building site using the battery without worrying about recharging. The integrated monitoring electronics and an improved cold-start feature effectively protects against deep discharge. If the battery capacity reduces than one can continue operating using the main electric supply. This feature enables tradesman to pick the best variation depending on the installation situation. Additionally, it is easy to handle, performs powerfully and is diverse in usage and fixing.
Anchor By Panasonic Unveils First Of Its Kind Iot Enabled Smart Plug Kit - ‘Vetar’
Anchor Electricals Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation has introduced first-of-its kind, ‘Vetar’, an IoT enabled smart plug kit that controls all sort of home appliances, on the go with the ease of a smart phone. A revolution in home automation technology, Vetar adds intelligence to a non-smart product by providing flexibility to the user. This smart adaptor plug can be accessed digitally through the Android and ios app on the smart devices and can be controlled and managed from anywhere, thereby providing convenience to the consumers and transforming houses to smarter homes. The product is exclusively available on Amazon and Flipkart.
www.anchor-world.com
The Two New Products From The Senator Group ; Axyl And Oran Oran is characterised by the combination of a soft appearance and feel, with a precise and defined upholstery detail. Designed by multiple award-winning designer Mark Gabbertas, Oran is a modular sofa system designed to work in both workplace and hospitality environments.
www.viega.in
Axyl is a seating collection designed by acclaimed British industrial designer Benjamin Hubert. The collection offers a sophisticated combination of recognizable elements. Comprising of an arm chair and stool, Axyl utilises a strong geometric design language that is entirely original yet draws on familiar references to create a range of highly functional seating.
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Taking cognizance of this phenomenon, Anchor has launched Vetar, which is equipped with latest Zigbee gateway. This revolutionary smart plug consumes low power, avoids multipath, and supports mesh-networking and multi-hopping making it flexible and expandable over a long range. It also has an advanced security layer making it immune to cyberattacks. Additionally, the product can work with Amazon Alexa and can connect directly to Amazon Echo Plus (without a Zigbee Gateway) and operate through Amazon Echo and Echo Dot (with Zigbee Gateway).
The rounded and voluminous interior of the sofa is restrained by a defined seam, which leads the eye with ease around the sofa profile. Carried by a minimal powder coated Aluminium frame and cast Aluminium corner leg, the system allows the creation of an infinite number of configurations from a limited number of individual seat units. www.thesenatorgroup.com