Picture This: Historical Brisbane
vol 16 issue 02
FEbruary 2017
Specialist: Canofjuice
Uncovered: Sona Reddy Studio
total pages 132
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
The Backyard by DCA Architects Classy All The Way by a + t associates
UNREMARKABLY REMARKABLE Mandvi house by SPASM Architects
Home Automation Products and ideas that are redefining your personal space
Photo: Cyrus Dalal
S
anjeev Punjabi and Sangeeta Merchant of Spasm Architects revel in crafting solutions that reflect on identity and practicality. This understanding of place and context manifests into a reality with their recently completed Mandvi House. This re-interpretation of a family home in a port city in Gujarat is testimony to their idea of sensitive architecture that attempts to amalgamate its surroundings, rather than upstage it. A research based approach to their creative overtures leads to the use of traditional timber instead of concrete, a liberal use of the locally procured ‘Khavda’ stone, white lime plaster on the walls and ceilings, as well as thin tall windows. These vertical punctuations in the façade welcome the light breezes that permeate within, while restricting the harsh sunlight. The program of the home is a commitment to functional architecture. It succeeds in remaining humble and respectful to its neighborhood while allowing for a little more indulgent interior design scheme. The work of this young duo at Flamingo Interiors demonstrates a succinct blend of aesthetics, functionality and tradition. Their recently completed bungalow in Ahmedabad is a showcase of their understanding of space, clever detailing and their brilliant capability of conceptualising an interior that is mature, charming and progressive. Do turn to page 74 to see Aashni’s and Esha’s labour of love. I am sure we will be featuring a lot more of their work in the near future. Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
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emails + feedback The ‘Special’ Issue
Vintage vibes
I congratulate Home Review for successfully highlighting the best products and ideas that are currently creating a buzz in India. The article on top quirky brands really caught my attention as it helped me source out the best décor products for my under construction living space.
The Chatter House designed by M:OFA does give you the old charm of vintage Irish pubs as tanned antique leather upholstery and dark wood high panelling are reminiscent of the Irish bars and pubs in and around Dublin.
By Email Rajashree Jagdale
Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com
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By Email Priyanka Adhav
A home with clever design
Geometric Inspirations
Dipen Gada’s clever design sense has made this house look stylishly beautiful. Looking more like a villa, each and every corner of the house enumerates design in its best form. Further, the enigmatic art pieces add glory to it.
The astounding interiors in sync with the patterns on the exterior in the Cube House designed by Yakusha Design Studio gives an amazing approach of integrating the design of the whole house with its surrounding nature.
By Email Vivek Lobo
By Email Sachin Dhumaal
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32 art
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form
Specialising in moss embroidery, Emma Mattson’s art transcends the natural and leaves you with a piece of landscape that is entirely unique, and almost life-like
As the capital of Queensland, Australia’s second largest state Brisbane boasts of some interesting pieces of contemporary design that span art, architecture and urban interventions
Cover Story The Mandvi House by Spasm Design Architects is a vertical power structure that sports a simple stone façade, clutter-free interiors, and an eye-catching timber jaali detail; all these elements come together to establish both cooler climes and substantial privacy for the residents
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DCA Architects have employed a laid back aesthetic, encouraging diners to watch the world whiz past as they enjoy a leisurely meal at a casual café cum bar located on a busy street in New Delhi
46 Hyderabad-based Sona Reddy Studio specialises in creating interiors that ooze freshness. Simple lines, plenty of wood detailing, and unconventional installation pieces distinguish their projects from the rest
february
50 74 56
Home Automation Special
Products and ideas that are redefining your personal space
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Flamingo Interiors adapted an aesthetic replete with elements of British Colonial decor intermingled with their signature minimalistic touches for the design of this bunglow in Ahmedabad
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Eclectic styles, varied themes, upcoming trends come together in our newly launched segment!
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LYON A DESIGN DESTINATION
92 Situated in a high-end locality in Vadodara, this 2000 sq ft apartment designed by Architects Patel and Tanvi Rajpurohit from a + t associates oozes class all the way
Algarve in Portugal is home to Casa Modesta, a splendid reflection of traditional and contemporary Portuguese culture
product
designer
Florent Coirier designs simple products. From furniture to lighting, Coirier’s designs are sleek. They may have simple lines, but each one has thoughtful details and a design that is timeless
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february
GREEN PROJECT Mork-Ulnes Architects, breathed new life into this derelict, wooden barn, transforming it into an artist’s studio, home and office using adaptive re-use strategies in its construction, thereby taking on a green approach
Landscapes
116 Anthony Paul, a landscape architect, based in Surrey, UK, believes that, “the marriage of the soul with nature makes the intellect fruitful.” His belief comes alive in this simple yet stunning garden designed by him
124 THE MARKETPLACE It takes a lot to be able to infuse a mélange of Indian craftsmanship with modern elegance and sophistication. At Nappa Dori, it all began with the simple combination of leather and thread
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Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
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Ramya Srinivasan Freelance Writer Hailing from Bangalore, Ramya Srinivasan is an IIM-B graduate, who worked in the corporate world for twelve years before switching to writing full-time. She has written features, travelogues, book reviews and personal essays for multiple online and print magazines.
Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Contributing Writers Chryselle D’Silva Dias Devyani Jayakar Dhanishta Shah Himali Kothari K Parvathy Menon Kanupriya Pachisia Ramya Srinivasan Shruti Nambiar Designers Asif Shayannawar Darshan Palav Pooja Modak Snigdha Hodarkar
Kunal Bhatia Architect and Photographer Kunal Bhatia is an architect, photographer and travel writer based in Mumbai. He finds inspiration in cities around the world, the people that he meets and fleeting encounters. To experience more of his work visit kunalbhatia.net.
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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Mr. Ganesh Gurav, Mr. Vivek Jadhav, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133 / 23736131 / 23743069 E response@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 Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. This issue has a total of 132 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 128 inside pages. We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction. Editor Mr. Anish Bajaj. Published and Printed by Mr. Anish Bajaj on behalf of the owner Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033.
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Sanjeev Panjabi and Sangeeta Merchant Unremarkably Remarkable, Page 20. Principals of Spasm Design Architects,the duo believe two station points in anarchitectural perspective render greaterdepth to an image. Over the last fifteenyears and through endless hours theyhave used each other as station points of revelation; evolving and developing theirparticular expression to specific conditions. Their practice is now 13 people strong andis busy with the construction and design of several residential, commercial andmixed use projects in India and Tanzania.
DCA Architects Crate and Barrel, Page 38. DCA Architects is an award-winning, nationally and internationally acclaimed multi-disciplinary design firm, based out of New Delhi, India. Founded in 1996, over the last two decades, the firm has accomplished architecture and design projects across diverse scales and typologies. Spearheading group DCA are architects Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal, who graduated in 1993 from the esteemed School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi. Today, the firm has to its credit, remarkable, award-winning, widely acclaimed projects including residential, retail hospitality and work spaces.
Flamingo Interiors For Old Times’ Sake, Page 74. Flamingo Interiors is a design firm that is run by sisters, Esha Pandya Choksi and Aashni Pandya. They design residential and commercial projects across areas of interior design, furniture and architecture with a seed of thought that lends an idea which helps a space or product come alive. The firm believes that design seeps into your subconscious and transforms your experience within it.
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 14 JAN
Stosa Cucine Opens Its First Store In Bengaluru
Symbolizing quintessential Italian design sensibilities and having a 50 year old legacy in designing luxury Modular Kitchens, Stosa Cucine by Mirius Interni forayed its presence in the Indian market by opening its first store in Bengaluru. Creating state-of-the-art products for decades, the brand is all about revolutionising kitchen lifestyle with innovative designs, trends, fittings, materials & finishes, accessories & appliances and techniques. Re-inventing kitchen scapes in the country with an evolved sensibility and an aesthetic flair, the company offers a gamut of modern, contemporary and classic modular kitchen designs from the iconic maker. Mirius Interni renders a holistic service that amalgamates modular kitchen designs with complete kitchen solutions including flooring and lighting suggestions.
India’s leading building products company, HSIL Limited inaugurated its new state-ofthe-art Hindware Galleria and QUEO concept store in Hyderabad. Named Bath Boutique, the store showcases a wide range of premium and luxury products by the brand ranging from faucets, showers, washbasins, chromo showers, bidets to WC’s. Spread over 3000 sq. ft. area, the store also boasts of an exclusive QUEO Luxury bathroom zone dedicated to showcase the fashion lines by renowned designers like Antonio Bullo, Romano Adolini, Fedrico Tombolini, Chiara Valeri and Antonio Cristofaro. Hindware Galleria and Queo concept store will provide the consumers of Hyderabad an opportunity to avail complete sanitary ware shopping experience under one roof. The store’s retail format is planned keeping in mind the versatile set of customers in the region who enjoy a fine mix of premium and luxury sanitary ware products. It is inspired by the idea of timeless art and the brand’s desire to enhance customers’ bathrooms with elegance and refinement.
Spread over 70,000 sq.m., the exhibition displayed new products, new materials, new knowledge, new trends and new environmental and technological solutions. In the same week, Stockholm Design Week filled with creative meetings, world premieres and hundreds of fantastic events was hosted from 6 - 12 February 2017. Over 40,000 people visited the fair in 2016 from over 60 countries. www.stockholmfurniturelightfair.se/#
TO 7Bahrain 13 FEBInternational
Design Week, Manama, Bahrain
www.hindwarehomes.com
TO 7Stockholm 11 FEB Furniture & Light Fair
www.miriusinterni.com/
28 JAN
Hindware Galleria & Queo Luxury Bath Ware Store In Hyderabad
Bahrain International Design Week (BIDW) is dedicated to gather artists, creators and designers offering the latest in unique style and design spanning personal, architecture / interiors design, and services design. It is an exhibition specialized in design covering the MENA area. Being one of world’s largest meeting places for Scandinavian design, Stockholm hosted the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair presenting the latest innovations within interior design and lighting for both homes and public spaces. Being an international fair with attendants from all across the world, the event hosted 700 exhibitors from 32 different countries.
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The BIDW caters for all type of designers from different design fields. Our aim is to provide opportunities for designers who seek to demonstrate their skills to the international market. Finally the exhibition is a One-Stop- Shop for visitors who are looking for new and unique designs or to learn and pursue design careers. www.bidw.co
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 3India21 FEB Arch Dialogue, TO
Providing a unique and exciting platform to network and establish long-term business relations with Asia’s top architects, interior designers, property developers, retailers and private buyers, Design Shanghai Week is all set to take place at Shanghai Exhibition Centre between 8-11 March 2017.
New Delhi
Being one of Asia’s leading International Design events, Design Shangai showcases the best design brands and galleries from across the globe. The event is all set to showcase an exciting mix of never-seen-before designs from over 300 participating brands and some of the world’s top galleries.
An Architectural Exhibition of sketches, presentations, talks and dialogue, India Arch Dialogue 2017 is all set to take place at Qutab Minar Complex in New Delhi. Sketches of 20 internationally renowned architectural minds will be on display at Gallery 1AQ with interactivive events and presentations and talks by 8 renowned international architects such as Wolf D. Prix from Austria, Alexander Schwarz representing David Chipperfield Architects from UK, Jacob Van Rijs from Netherlands and others. There will also be presentations by 20 top Indian design professionals such as Akshat Bhatt, Ambrish Arora, Arjun Malik, Priya Paul, Raghu Rai, Ravindra Kumar, Robert Verrijt, Shefali Balwani, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Samar Jodha, Sandeep Khosla, Sandeep Khosla, Sanjay Puri, Shimul Javeri Kadri, Sonal Sancheti, Sourabh Gupta and Sudipto Ghosh. www.fcdi.co.in/
1 TO 3 MAR
Indian Ceramics, Gujarat One of India’s leading ceramic fair, Indian Ceramics and Ceramics Asia 2017 will take place on March 1-3, 2017 at Gujarat University Exhibition Centre in Ahmedabad. Leading companies like Imerys Ceramics India, Sacmi Engineering, Sibelco India Minerals, Torrecid India and others are all set to participate in the event which is all set to host 300 Indian and international companies.
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A wide range of raw materials and additives, measurement and control systems, storage systems, feeding and batching systems, grading and separation systems, heat treatment chambers, tools, spares, replacement parts, glazing, decorating and surface treatment chemicals and such other products. Alongside the fairs, the supporting programs such as the Innovation Exchange and Buyer Seller Forum will be taking place. www.indian-ceramics.com
Design Shaghai 2017 will attract more than 350 exhibitors, including top international and Chinese design brands and galleries, unveiling new designs and launching never-before-seen products. With this, the city will buzz with design tours, business meetings and exclusive networking parties. www.designshanghai.com
9 TO 12 MAR
International Furniture Fair Singapore, Singapore
TO 8Design 11 MARShanghai, Shanghai
Asia’s premier sourcing platform and designled exhibition, The International Furniture Fair Singapore held in conjunction with the ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS) and the newly rebranded Nook Asia is back with its 2017 edition. This year, IFFS celebrates inspiration in the form of three themes - Smart Living, Convivial and Design Forward based on which the seminars will be held on a variety of design and business-related topics. In addition to opportunities for business networking, IFFS 2017 will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience a bit of Italy in Asia through “The Italian Hospitality” for which a special collaboration with renowned Italian designer, Giulio Cappellini has been announced. www.iffs.com.sg
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The Mandvi House by SPASM Design Architects is a vertical power structure that sports a simple stone façade, clutter-free interiors, and an eye-catching timber jaali detail; all these elements come together to establish both cooler climes and substantial privacy for the residents. The city of Mandvi’s generally brown facade will appear unremarkable at first sight, but it is a place of many hidden treasures and unassuming landmarks. The old Gujarati port city is today promoted as a haven for travellers who love to veer off the beaten track. They come for the beach, the remnants of the fort, and the simple spectacle of a town that seems stuck in a time warp. Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs Sebastian Zachariah and Ira Gosalia
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UNREMARKABLY REMARKABLE Home Review February 2017
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SPASM Design Architects, however, was summoned to Mandvi to realise a family home on a 240 sq m site. “Being the birth place and sacred hometown of the family in Kutch, Gujarat, Mandvi holds a special place in the hearts of the clients,” states the design team. The designers, thus, scoured the neighbourhood, taking in the narrow streets and the homes standing within breathing distance from each other. These areas are arid, with precious little colour breaking the grand brownness of them all. The architectural legacy of Mandvi has centred on high practicality, with just enough detailing or frill added for effect. The façades in the surroundings are plain, and the general aura is weather-beaten, with most of the paint on the sun-baked walls having lost all layers of sheen. In the low-rise buildings found here, wide terrace spaces and evenly distributed but small windows and balconies work together to balance the heat and light influx. It is, in short, a locality where standing out is just too easy, and just as risky. Sensitive design demands that modern architecture observe its surroundings and attempt to honour it; upstaging is anathema. SPASM, through its deep understanding of the client’s needs, a research-based approach to design, and a commitment to functional architecture, has succeeded in realising a home that is plush on the inside but respectfully simple on the outside.
Mandvi House Ground Floor Plan
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The balance between old ideas and new inspirations began with the material use. The team eschewed the traditional use of timber in favour of concrete, further underlining the structure’s unassuming nature. “The body of the building is completely clad in locally procured ‘Khavda’ stone, which has a worn and pitted texture; this feature resonates with the worn building bastions of what used to be a major port in the Gujarat of the yesteryears,” explains the team. From the outside in, focus has been on introducing a sense of calm solidity, a facet that is complemented by the lowclutter quality of the interiors. White lime plaster adorns the walls and ceilings, while white ‘Bhaswara’ marble, specially sourced from Rajasthan, dominates the flooring. To amplify the verticality of the structure and open up as much space as possible, all storage units have been pushed into the walls. “Thin windows with timber verticals allow light breezes and yet establish privacy, while also restricting sunlight,” adds the team.
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Timber has been strategically brought into the scheme in the form of an expansive jaali cover that splits the strong natural light and unleashes a carpet of whimsical shadows across the interiors. This effect takes on magical tints in the stairwell shaft, where the glass surfaces, concrete steps, and the hanging lamps seem to be playing parts in an elaborate shadow themed performance. All along, the team reiterates the compactness and the introverted nature of the home, and it is a trait one encounters everywhere. This is a home for thinkers, for philosophers, for residents who revel in minimalism. But even brooding souls seek the occasional escape. This home provides it through a beautiful terrace that is hugged by an open-to-the-sky fence of timber jaali. The tall mullions ensure privacy to the terrace revelers, while affording them plenty of breeze and filtered sunlight.
The Mandvi House is a testament to how restraint in
achieve
design can
functional,
that harmoniously complement
their sites. 24 Home Review February 2017
They can also look out and soak in the unique sights of the city around. “The house is self-contained and compact at the lower level as a response to Mandvi’s extreme climate while the rooftop has been treated to provide the much needed sense of openness and release,” affirms the team. In a constricted space, the SPASM designers have introduced little elements of colour, like the bright blue wall that looks across to the stairwell.
Mandvi House Section
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The solid structure protects the home against seismic disturbances as well as extreme weather conditions. It is a project that manages to combine multiple facets and make them a remarkable whole. This visual language could indeed help inform the modern re-imagination of old towns across the entire country. spasm@spasmindia.com www.spasmindia.com
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A historical Queenslander house with pitched roofs, enclosing verandahs and decorative grillwork.
HISTORICAL BRISBANE TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA AND SHUVAJIT PAYNE kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net As the capital of Queensland, Australia’s second largest state, Brisbane is a vibrant and booming city with a history that spans centuries. Its growth and development has been shaped by the Brisbane River which winds its way across the region in a series of bends. European settlers in the early 19th century founded a colony by displacing the region’s native inhabitants from a riverside area that is now occupied by the city’s business district.
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A few decades later, a gold rush in the hinterlands of Queensland prompted an enormous inflow of wealth into Brisbane and it was during this period that many of the city’s landmark architectural pieces were built. Prominent amongst these are the Treasury Building, constructed out of sandstone in 1889 in the Italian Renaissance style. A few blocks away and in a similar style and material of construction is Brisbane’s City Hall, with a 70metre high clock tower modelled on the lines of the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Another major landmark is Brisbane’s Shrine of Remembrance, built in 1930 in the Greek Revival Style in memory of fallen Australian and New Zealander soldiers of World War I.
On a domestic scale, the region is well known for its indigenous Queenslander houses. Constructed primarily of timber, these were originally built on raised stumps to account for undulating land, keep pests away and to provide cooling from underneath. Another climate-induced feature are their deep verandahs that provide a respite from the tropical heat of the region. These kind of houses have been built since the 1840s and many charming examples can be seen lining the banks of the Brisbane River even today. Apart from these historical gems, Brisbane also boasts of some interesting pieces of contemporary design that span art, architecture and urban interventions. Keep an eye out for these in the March issue of Home Review.
Top and Bottom: Terrace houses from the late 19th century built in the Victorian Italianate style; now refurbished as Government offices. Restored interiors of the Old Government House of 1862, built as a residence for the first Governor of Queensland.
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The grand exteriors of Brisbane’s Treasury Building feature a series of arcades on each level. The City Hall boasts of a colonnade of Corinthian and Ionic columns and is topped by a clock tower which was once the tallest structure in the city. A ceiling detail from the entrance lobby of Brisbane’s City Hall.
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Dedicated to the ANZAC soldiers, the Shrine of Remembrance’s 18 columns are a reference to the conclusion of World War I in the year 1918. The heritage-listed Albert Street Church is characterized by a red brick construction in Gothic style, with its spire rising tall amidst surrounding high-rises. Interiors of Brisbane’s Cathedral of St Stephen’s in the Gothic Revival style.
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For Maryland based photographer and artist, Emma Mattson, moss embroidery has become a way of life. It looks so real you’ll probably want to water it.
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art form
50 Shades Of Green Moss embroidery is artist Emma Mattson’s vehicle to alleviate stress. We think it also works as a medium of storytelling.
For many years art has been touted as a way to overcome stress, anxiety and depression - perhaps this is how the phrase ‘art is therapy’ came into existence. For Maryland based photographer and artist, Emma Mattson, it has become a way of life. Specialising in moss embroidery, Emma’s art transcends the natural and leaves you with a piece of landscape that is entirely unique, and almost life-like.
With a darker base, this piece gives equal prominence to each texture and colour.
Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Emma Mattson
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There are more than 10,000 different species of moss, and Emma’s creations serve to glorify this rather often-ignored flowerless plant. It is interesting how the embroideries, which Emma calls ‘miniature landscapes’ are so intricately detailed, in varying shades of green alone. Even without the usually bright colours and hues that blossom in gardens, these miniature landscapes really do stand out as a wonderful manifestation of the artist’s creativity. “The different shades of green,” Emma says, “work rhythmically together with no sharp contrasts.” In their own way, these landscapes offer a sense of peace and quiet. The detailing flows freely enough to allow a harmonised and balanced reflection of nature, also highlighting the symbiotic relationship that exists amidst plants. “The repetitive motions of creating French knot after French knot” is a wonderfully therapeutic way to cope with daily stress. Along with the knot(s), felt and thread, Emma creates (stitches) moss-like tapestry onto fabric mounted on embroidery hoops. Much like real and natural moss, Emma’s moss embroidery is also bound to the base. Each piece uses a mix of different yarns in varied textures and colours. But what is interesting is apart from the usual felt and thread she also sews fake moss into her creations, with the aim to mitigate the difference between what’s real and what’s not. This addition to the embroidery is what makes the entire piece of art stand out. It suffuses the elements with a kind of homogeneity which make them come together in a unique framework of colours, shapes, patterns, and ultimately, art.
Fits in the palm of a hand but has a world of beauty in it.
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With a degree in Fine Arts from Townson University and a photographer by profession, Emma believes mass embroidery is ‘about creating and building up a scene from nothing.’ Her landscapes, though bursting with colours here and there, reflect her idea of subjects that sort of merge with the textured topography. “My mass embroideries mimic a natural texture,” Emma says. Her photography and multi-media art work in tandem to accommodate each other.
Emma’s craft is painstakingly detailed, but she merely considers it as a vehicle to alleviate stress.
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“This kind of creation is so wonderful because it is free flowing,” Emma goes on to say. “I get lost in the motions and don’t have to think.” As a form of therapy, if art can pull you away from the drudgery of daily life then it has managed to surpass just a singular purpose. Creativity is an important aspect of human development and evolution. The root of art therapy lies in creating something of your own entirely by yourself. In Emma’s words, she gives one-dimensional art a threedimensional narrative. “I layer felt together for three-dimensionality in round shapes and go from there in a more abstract sense.”
Emma thinks that the scope of moss embroidery is endless as long as the artist can see every piece in a new light and define its purpose in shapes and patterns that weave a story in three-dimensionality.
What drives such kind of art is the artist’s vision and determination to take it through. In Emma’s case, the scope of moss embroidery is endless as long as the artist can see every piece in a new light and define its purpose in shapes and patterns that weave a story in three-dimensionality. Emma puts up her work for sale on Etsy, but they don’t stay unsold for very long. She also puts up her WIPs and details of upcoming sales on Instagram. Moss art isn’t unknown to the average green thumbs. But Emma’s artificial embroidery is so real and intricate with its complex stitches that it might just pass off as real moss in your miniature gardens. And you never know, the unassuming passerby may even imagine a creepy-crawly growing in it! (Only you’ll know the truth) Art is therapeutic. And at the end of the day, is also a narrative. emmamattsonphoto@gmail.com www.instagram.com/emmancipationx
Looks so real, if you think you see something growing in this foliage, you may be forgiven.
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A casual cafĂŠ cum bar located on a busy street in New Delhi provides an oasis in the midst of all the chaos. DCA Architects have employed a laid back aesthetic, encouraging diners to watch the world whiz past as they enjoy a leisurely meal. Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Andre J Fanthome
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CRATE AND BARREL
The trees outside get lit up, to simulate the feel of an outdoor space after sunset - festive and yet relaxed.
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A quiet oasis on a street with high traffic levels? That requires a willing suspension of disbelief. “Not really,” counters Amit Aurora of DCA Architects. “There are trees which act as an effective buffer, so the cafe is actually much quieter than you’d expect.” Entrusted with a brief which the name of the café itself spells out - The Backyard DCA Architects went about orchestrating a carefully put together “random and unstudied” look…exactly what one would expect to find in a backyard. “However, it does provide an ambience of relaxation by means of every detail,” says Amit. “The client brief called for a casual hang-out place that would be perfect for a Sunday brunch or a Saturday evening as well, for friends and family. Conceptually, it was envisaged as a unique café space that would transform the mood and give the visitor a feeling of being in the backyard, just as the name suggests. The trees outside act as an effective buffer, reducing the sound that is generated from the movement on the streets nearby, so the cafe is actually much quieter than one would expect.
“At the entrance, the plaster on the wall next to the staircase was in bad shape, so we simply removed what was left and painted over it,” says Amit. “Throughout the restaurant, we’ve followed this method of removing things rather than repairing them.” Within, creating an oasis in the middle of a chaotic street that is typically choked with traffic, the intent was to exploit the views, while crafting a restaurant space. “Planned in a manner that enables a leisurely experience while sitting on the terrace or next to a window, the visitor gets an experience of the world whizzing by. Demarcation of space is enabled by means of plants and trees that augment the natural ambience, while reducing the sound that is generated from the movement on the streets nearby,” says Amit. The lower floor has a long bar with seating next to large glass windows which inundate the space with natural light. The trees outside get lit up, to simulate the feel of an outdoor space after sunset - festive and yet relaxed. The wooden flooring offers an earthy grounded base. Antique mirrors strategically placed in a metal grid on the ceiling draw attention away from the services above while they reflect parts of the restaurant. Placed between beams, the grid also holds acoustic panels.
}
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}
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All the tables have industrial metal bases which are replicas of old drafting tables. With their height being adjustable, they offer great flexibility in the restaurant. At a higher level, they facilitate stand-up cocktails during the evening, whereas at a lower height they are used for sit-down meals during the day. “This is in keeping with the requirement of multiple roles and different services being offered within the same space. The same space may be used for a meeting, a party or by a family. Hence flexibility is very important,” says Amit. “Some of this flexibility occurs naturally, as the quality of light changes from day to night. The music and food on offer supports and is in sync with this change.” On the terrace, pendant lights hang from a pergola, while loose gravel on the existing floor mimics the feel of being outdoors. An open area in front of the bar eliminates crowds and encourages people to use its services without having to jostle for space. “Our design intent was to invoke the imagery of objects that one would discard, or store in the backyard,” says Amit. To this end, the furniture is created out of crates and barrels and the stools are made out of industrial metal and reclaimed wood. To capture the essence of this look, some of the accessories and accents have been picked up from kabaddi vendors. “The old green glass bottles used for the lighting on the terrace are one such example,” says Amit.
Terrace Plan
}
Is the terrace very hot during the day? “Surprisingly, it is really popular at all times. We’ve installed a cooling system with mist and fans, so it’s actually quite pleasant,” says Amit of this space which has close to half of the total seating of the restaurant. “There has been a conscious effort not to overdo the design aspect,” says Amit. “There had to be a semblance of order in the chaos, since it had to work at a professional level. So it couldn’t be too haphazard. Striking the right balance was important. We sourced and carefully curated all the furniture, to achieve the required look. Some of it is made for exports, so it’s not seen very frequently in the Indian market,” he adds.
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}
Terrace Plan Large glass windows blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
Treading a fine line between contrived or cheesy and maintaining the order that a working space would require, DCA has managed to create a space which may look au naturel, but has all the specs of a restaurant in place. dcaarch@dcaarch.com www.groupdca.in
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Hyderabad-based Sona Reddy Studio specialises in creating interiors that ooze freshness. The team employs simple lines, plenty of wood detailing, and unconventional installation pieces to distinguish their projects from the rest. Sona Reddy Studio likes to keep it simple. The team’s projects feature functional wooden furniture pieces, smartly-placed feature walls and installations, and colour schemes so subtle, they redefine restrained brilliance. “We are a firm that loves design and colour, and happy places even more,” the team assures. Headed by principle architect Sona Reddy, the following three projects represent the firm’s refreshing attitude towards interior design.
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The interiors of this sunny eatery were inspired by Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai styles, which were then juxtaposed with many nature themed visuals, primarily of airborne birds. The name and intent of the establishment may be distinctly Asian, but the design team was determined to avoid employing the related clichés. “It’s been a conscious decision to steer away from red and green and fiery dragons, and instead to create an Asian ambience, but with a modern take,” states the team.
In place of deep red colour sweeps and dim-lit spaces, the guests here are greeted by flushes of sunlight, beautifully patterned accent walls, elegant furniture pieces made from reclaimed wood, and a heady feeling of being at a European promenade café, but on a rooftop! Every aspect of the 100-seater Haiku seems to have come out of a restrained universe; the floor is a mix of cement and wood, and the view to the outside includes potted greenery and surrounding trees. The exclusion of loud details, in colour or form, helps direct the focus on the nuances of food and the experience of eating - critical factors that may be lost in a more elaborate setting. “Air-conditioning has been avoided and instead air coolers have been used, which are supported by breezeblocks and terracotta tiles on the roof. This brings the temperature down by 4-5 degrees,” the team adds. The lamps - sphere-like to conjure up clouds - add to the sense of calm, while that feature wall, sporting an expansive array of wooden slats to depict branches of an abstract tree, is an absolute beauty! Synthetic birds, suspended from wires, dot the wall’s foreground, guaranteeing every diner a pleasant canvas to stare at while tucking into the food.
Text by Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy the Designer
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Walking around apparel stores used to be an overwhelming experience, but it is so no more. Most brand outlets now have interiors whose personalities match those of the clothes on display, and Store Anonym did not want to be any different. Team SRS has created a space where 5 brands and a popup gallery can co-exist in chic harmony, and all visitors can treat themselves to walking around sublime spaces peppered with open shelves, quirky accessory display sections, and smart arrays of thread rolls standing in as tall show-pieces. The most remarkable detail here is the lighting scheme, which is muted and soft yellow, and composed of lamps looking down from a ceiling criss-crossed by exposed pipes and a pretty central metal grid installation. Metal pipes descend from the ceiling and become the rods from which the display is hung, a feature that together accords the space a spot of industrial edge.
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“Metal, birch-ply and installations played the major elements in this store,” confirms the team. “Jaisalmer stone slabs are juxtaposed with cement as the floor finish.” Without doubt, the project’s smartest aspect is its careful sprinkling of artistic detailing, including uneven mirrors, randomly-hung fabric curtains, metal meshes and screens that demarcate the display sections, and of course, a lovely loom. These elements keep the setting somewhat grounded, by emphasising the raw parts that came together to form the refined outfits that populate the brands today.
What kind of interiors do you build around the sale of a superstar dessert? Good gelato can probably sell itself, but of course, a great eatery around it is always welcome! The design for Ice Creamery is all about pulling in attention, and it employs colours and forms of the freshest variety in this pursuit. The main door and French display wall sport such a fresh coat of spearmint green that no set of eyes passing by will be able to resist peeping in. And inside they will find a sparse furniture layout spread across a beautiful wooden floor that is punctuated by grey hexagonal tiles. The vibe is decidedly European, established using cane chairs and stools, and a pastelheavy colour scheme. An uneven, thick slab of polished wood becomes the bar-top, over which hover three artsy exposed metal lamps. On the opposite wall are two wooden, wall-affixed mini tables, overlooked by a pair of lamps covered by scuffed metal shades. Small potted plants delicately complement the Spartan settings. This is one more project that the SRS team can be proud of having designed with great maturity. sr@sonareddystudio.com sonareddystudio.com
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Pepping up the décor ante of your space is CanofJuice, an online décor studio presenting you with bright, zesty and quirky décor products and accessories. The design and décor of your house is a reflection of your ideas and ways that you want your dream home to look like. Right from the colour of the coaster to the placing of a chair, little things are a big game changer which can make your home look fab from drab.
Rolly Polly Terrarium
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CURATING FRESH IDEAS TEXT BY SNEHA LUKKA
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Fan Palm Note Book
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Adding an innovative and refreshing look and appeal to your space, CanofJuice intends to become your go-to home décor brand while looking for household items that are colourful and quirky in nature. This online décor store is also a collaborative space encouraging illustrators and product designers to express their ideas on themes chosen for a season. Curated with an idea to present the latest décor products and accessories, Vishvan Saran, Founder and CEO, CanofJuice explains, “The idea behind CanofJuice was to create a brand that keeps evolving in terms of design and look. With every collection that we launch, we tend to do something entirely different from our previous collections and offer new designs and ideas in each collection. So we don’t adhere to one style or theme and that is why we love to collaborate with illustrators and artists to get a fresh new perspective from them as well and always have something new to offer to our customers.”
Torrential Collection Coasters
Specializing in designing a range of products including wall art, cushion covers, notebooks, trays, coasters and table mats, CanofJuice also deals in crafting organically grown plant terrariums and recently have come up with a limited edition series of hand printed and crafted skulls, handmade using fibre resin. Breaking the stereotypical way of producing similar styled products, CanofJuice doesn’t adhere to a particular style and instead showcases myriad styles by both amateur and established artists that energises people to do something new and exciting.
Vintage Bamboo Sunglasses
Talking about the design inspiration behind the products, Vishvan says, “We generally draw inspiration from various seasons for our in-house designs. We love to find that unique connect with a particular season and create designs based on that. For example, our first collection which was during summer and was called the Lemons & Melons Series and all our designs were based on lemons and melons in various forms.
Masaai Skull Limited Edition Series
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Why we chose lemons and melons is because they are the main fruits of summer and everyone enjoys these seasonal fruits during summer to cool them down. Whereas, our next collection was the torrential collection which was released during the monsoon season. Some of our designs were based on nostalgia of the monsoon season from childhood such as paper boats, flying kites, etc., and the rest of the collection was a tribute to the fauna and the organic aspect of the monsoon season with various plants, birds, trees we encounter.�
Autonaut Framed Art Print
Vishvan continues saying that CanofJuice not only intends to establish itself as a retail brand as they also do product development and customisation as well for other brands, corporates and individuals for events and gifting purposes. In the future, Vishvan sees CanofJuice as a leading innovator in product development and design segment. “We tend to experiment with a lot of products and the functional design aspect of it. We have worked with multiple brands and help them launch and create products of their own. So 5 years from now we want to be a collaborative product design space where people come to us with their ideas and we make them into a reality," concludes Vishvan.
Parakeet Illustrated Cushion Cover
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CanofJuice vishvan@canofjuice.com 1st Floor,, 154, 19th Main Road, 6th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka
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AUTOMATE LIVING
58 Lighting
64 Security Systems
60 Window Coverings
66 Appliances
70 7 Reasons Why You Should Automate Your Home
72 In Conversation with Gunjan Srivastava & Shishir Gupta 56 Home Review February 2017
62 Heating And Cooling
68 Modular Switches
WELCOME TO HOME AUTOMATION! How many times have you searched for your house key? How many times at work it suddenly dawned on you that you may not have switched off the geyser or lights at home? How many times did you get that nagging feeling of not having turned off the gas? Today, most of us live in a modern home, one that is high on aesthetics. But, is it truly modern if we still have to worry about these mundane tasks? We own a smartphone, but are we really making the best use of technology? Enter the world of home automation. In this world, you no longer have to fret over trivial things. In this alternate universe, you experience the comfort and convenience of smart, connected devices that understand you, your preferences and lifestyle. This world is not about isolated devices that cater to disparate needs. Here, they converge to learn from each other and provide an evolved level of service. Through the Internet of Things (IoT), the devices at home such as television, AC, lights, fans, locks, etc. can talk to a central controller or your smartphone, and sometimes with each other, too. They can now be remotely controlled from a far-away location. They can be programmed to behave in a certain way and at certain times. They can be tuned to your moods and activities. They make your home a safe place with no intrusions. These smart devices give you a truly modern home. In this Home Automation Segment, we have put together a selection of products across multiple categories. So just put your feet up and read on.
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LIGHTING Lighting is all about the experience, aesthetics and a reflection of the mood rather than pure function. These products and solutions make lights an extension of your personality and lifestyle.
SILVAN LUMOS Lumos allows to control your lights and fans either through an app or through conventional switches. Its unique architecture enables a completely fault-tolerant system. If you want to adjust lights according to your mood and activity, Lumos can do the magic. So if you are up for a party, this device can easily turn your house into a party zone with just a simple touch. www.silvan.co.in
IFI HOMES IFITECH™ MOTION SENSOR NIGHT LIGHT - MSNL104 This motion sensor light uses passive infrared (PIR) technology to sense human motion and turns on or off based on occupancy and ambient light level. Designed to substitute a standard light switch, this wireless night light can be pasted on any surface. It is ideal for any location at home with no hassle of wires and switches or screws and bolts. www.ifihomes.com
Z-WAVE HOGAR CONTROLS Z-WAVE TEN TOUCH SWITCH PANEL + 2SOCKET
HAVELLS CRABTREE SMART LIVING LIGHTING CONTROL
A smart home deserves better than an ordinary light switch. This touch panel belongs to a one-of-a-kind collection of switches, dimmers, and scene controller that will transform walls from boring to absolutely breath-taking. The panel features a stunning glass face with advanced capacitive touch sensor engineered with smart home wireless standards ZigBee, Z-Wave Plus and Wi-Fi variants.
With Crabtree Smart Living, all the lights at your home can be controlled (turned on or off, dimmed, etc.) from one place remotely via your iOS or Android device. This modern low-energy lighting solution brings up to 90% reduction in energy consumption. Not to mention, it looks fantastic and can create any colour temperature you desire.
www.z-wave.in
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www.havells.com
PHILIPS LIGHT CONTROLLER KEYPAD The Philips Controller Keypad is a wall mounted keypad that gives you complete control over your lighting environment at the push of a button. It features eight buttons for selecting shows, on-board LEDs to indicate the current show, dimmer controls and a master OFF switch. It is designed to use with colour kinetics iPlayer3. Its compact design uses space efficiently. www.colorkinetics.com
PANASONIC MOTION SENSOR Walk your way into your home and let your lights follow you! Panasonic’s Motion Sensors work on infrared technology with room temperature detection. Mounted on standard ceiling height it possesses a 360O detection. The delay time can be set from 10 secs to 30 mins. It is user friendly and its automatic control of lighting enables energy saving. www.panasonic.com/in
ARTEMIDE SILENT FIELD
Silent Field works on three different levels - luminous, perceptive and acoustic. Its sound absorbing surface supports 12 adjustable LED units ensuring maximum light via small spotlights. If you want even and comfortable illuminance, Silent Field is just for you. Resembling a moon crater, its geometry ensures sound absorption of the reverberating frequencies of human voice, creating an acoustic symmetry. www.artemide.com
PHILIPS PHILIPS HUE The Philips Hue app has 16 million colours to choose from, to reflect your mood. Transform any room into a dance floor and see how light reacts to your music; pick your favourite photos and relive memories with splashes of light. You can also use the Hue to create occupation illusion, dim lights gradually and even save different light settings for different rooms. www.meethue.com
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WINDOW COVERINGS Automated drape control has elevated window coverings from just aesthetics to intelligent temperature control and adjustment. That too, at the touch of a button. What’s not there to like!
INOHO INOHO CURTAIN CONTROLLER The Inoho Curtain Controller module adjusts the window shades based on your preference. It talks to the central home controller that manages all the devices at home. You can set up connected scenarios here as opposed to the limited functionality that stand alone motion sensors or curtain controllers provide. www.inoho.com
HAVELLS CRABTREE SMART LIVING SHADING CONTROL The Crabtree curtains and blind motors allow you to automatically open them at sunrise and close when the room illumination level reaches a pre-set level. They can be operated via an Android or iOS device, or even the old-fashioned way! They can enhance security by opening and closing even when you’re away, creating an illusion of your presence. www.havells.com
HAWORTH OPENEST PLUME COLLECTION Brought to life by Patricia Urquiola and Haworth, Openest Plume Screens are made of polyester fabric adhered to a polyester core, compliant to flammability requirements. These free-standing dividers are perfect acoustic symbols and help diffuse sound. They soften spatial boundaries and carve out informal niches. They are a good choice to add a new dimension to your workspace. www.ap.haworth.com
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Z-WAVE REVO BLIND MOTORS COLLECTION Revo Blinds Collection is backed by the smart Z-Wave motor. With a range that covers a diverse range of curtains and blinds, the Revo collection is impressive. Take your pick from tubular motors for normal, Venetian or skylight blinds, fireproof roller blinds, touch screen radio receiver or more. www.revoblinds.com
ASAHI INDIA AIS SWYTCHGLAS AIS Swytchglas offers a cutting-edge glass technology that turns clear glass to frost at the switch of a button. With this intelligent glass made of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film, you can do away with curtains to get a better view and also the comfort of blocking heat and glare when you need to, saving air conditioning costs during summer. www.aisglass.com
CREATION BAUMANN GLARE AND HEAT COLLECTION The Glare and Heat Collection by Creation Baumann with a selection of 140 fabrics not only adorns your windows, it also directs the flow of light. The metal base, shadow, silver and steel collection also reduce heat radiation and contribute to improving the indoor climate. These functional textiles are a comprehensive problem solver for optimal sun, glare and privacy protection. www.creationbaumann.com
LOXONE MINISERVER
Loxone’s Miniserver enables smart homes - specifically, it achieves intelligent blind control by regulating room temperature efficiently and automatically with shading. For example, when the temperature falls below a threshold, your shading will start its job as insulation. The Miniserver is able to decide when to do this by getting data from temperature and light sensors. www.loxone.com
LUTRON SERENA® REMOTE CONTROLLED SHADES Available in insulating honeycomb and roller styles, Serena Shades offer a variety of fabric colours and textures. These ultraquiet, wireless window coverings feature industry-leading battery performance. Since it integrates with the Apple® HomeKit, you can also do voice-control. Just tell Siri what you want. With smart lighting, temperature monitoring and fire detection integration, this is just what you have been waiting for. www.lutron.com Home Home Review Review February February 2017 2017
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HEATING AND COOLING Temperature controls have evolved from basic heaters and coolers to thermostats and now, remote control apps. You can tweak the settings for different people, rooms and the weather of the day.
PERT PERT PLUG While many smart home technologies require a centralized controller to manage their products, the Pert Plug directly connects with your smartphone completely eliminating the need of a controller or hub. This helps you to remotely monitor and manage your homes environment and is ideal to control appliances such as geyser and air-conditioner from your smartphone. www.pert.me
SILVAN SIRUS SIRUS is a wireless retrofit Air Conditioner (AC) control module that gives convenient and easy use of your AC from anywhere. Using your home Wi-Fi, the product makes your AC a true IoT device and is ideal to save energy at home. SIRUS can fit inside the flap of the split AC unit, not compromising on the aesthetics of your home. www.silvan.co.in
HAVELLS CRABTREE SMART LIVING COOLING AND HEATING CONTROL With Crabtree Smart Living, you can tailor your environment by only heating or cooling rooms you use thus saving energy. With a single press of a button you can change the environmental settings for all rooms in the house or adjust each room separately. You get total control via an iOS or Android device or a DLP panel.
HANSGROHE SHOWERTABLET SELECT 700 Hansgrohe’s ShowerTablet Select is an intelligent thermostat which doesn’t allow hot water to enter the thermostat casing and doubles up as an ample storage space in your shower. It works on an innovative ‘Select’ shut off valve which controls water flow into the shower. With electricity free ‘Select’ technology and no hot water supply in the thermostat’s casing, it offers a carefree shower experience.
www.havells.com www.hansgrohe.in
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NEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP. NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT (3RD GENERATION) The Third Generation of the Nest Learning Thermostat offers a sharper and larger touchscreen display. Its best feature is that you can make changes to your home’s energy efficiency with settings which are automatically based on your lifestyle. It can also sense occupancy and adjust accordingly. It is also capable of shutting your HVAC in case it detects smoke. www.nesttech.com
EMERSON SENSI WI-FI THERMOSTAT The Sensi Thermostat by Emerson is built around a smartphone app. A typical thermostat tells you the temperature whether it’s hot or cold, but Sensi tells you the current temperature and humidity level of your local weather and also takes you through upcoming heating and cooling schedules through its app. It also lets you set and change the schedule for each day of the week. www.sensicomfort.com www.emerson.com
HONEYWELL WI-FI SMART THERMOSTAT WITH VOICE CONTROL
As the name suggests, Honeywell’s Smart Thermostat allows hands-free control. You talk; it listens. If you choose to use the touchscreen, the screen is sharp and responsive to commands. It also comes with a remote control with the Total Connect Comfort App. You can be anywhere and manage your home’s comfort and energy use. www.honeywell.com
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC WISER AIR WI-FI SMART THERMOSTAT The Schneider Electric, Wiser Air Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat can be operated through the unit’s touchscreen or your smartphone, tablet or laptop. It has a strong app for use which communicates with the utility company and guides you on how you can save money by changing the energy usage patterns. Its comfort boost feature provides quick bursts of heating or cooling. www.wiserair.com www.schneider-electric.co.in Home Home Review Review February February 2017 2017
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SECURITY SYSTEMS A new age of security systems give your home the ultimate protection. From digital locks to end-to-end solutions that can even sense gas leaks, we bring you the complete range.
SILVAN SECURE Secure is a state-of-the-art wireless security system that secures your home against unwanted intrusions. Combined with other sensors, it can also help detect gas leakage, door intrusion, fire and movements. This sleek device, a fusion of advanced engineering (Cloud Central Monitoring System and Integrated Property Services Manager) and design, can pinpoint the precise location of a security breach. www.silvan.co.in
OZONE BIOMETRIC DIGITAL DOOR LOCK Ozone’s biometric door locks offer you keyless convenience with both user code and fingerprint access options. The finger print scan technology offers one touch verification method for hassle-free access and the password keypad comes with a smart touch feature. They are perfectly designed to counter pranks and force break-ins. Ideal for wooden doors with thickness from 35 to 50mm. www.ozone-india.com
IFI HOMES IFITECH™ IFIPT1 INDOOR HD 720P WIRELESS CAMERA
Z-WAVE HOGAR CONTROLS Z-WAVE GAS SENSOR
This sleek camera with the ability to generate motion detection alerts is perfect for your surveillance needs. Combining a HD digital video camera and a mobile app, it provides live video anywhere. Just ‘plug and play’ - scan the camera’s QR sticker with your smartphone and it syncs with the camera automatically. You can also playback recordings directly from the SD card onto the ifiView mobile App.
Z-Wave has a range of sensors to detect combustible gases, carbon monoxide and smoke. This specific model detects household gases, LPG and natural gases. With an acute sensitivity, this sensor triggers an alarm when flammable gas goes higher than pre-set level. When paired with the controller, it can send alerts, shut off the gas valve or increase ventilation. www.z-wave.in
www.ifihomes.com
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HAFELE HT SERIES SMART LOCKS A lock with a combination of fingerprint, card and password, Hafele’s ST Series Smart Locks are an integration of computer information technology, electronic technology, mechanical technology and modern hardware techniques. The ST Locks have the alarming reminding of low battery and improper door closing, and 1024 logs available in real time clock and meet the requirements of modern security. www.hafele.com
SONY QRIO SMART LOCK Claiming to be the smallest smart lock available, Qrio from Sony is retrofittable and lets you open your front door with your smart gadget. It slips over your existing hardware with the help of adhesive making it a good choice for rental houses or even exclusive rooftop parties. Anyone who has the encrypted key can unlock the door. www.sony.co.in
SAMSUNG DIGITAL DOOR LOCK
The Samsung Digital Door Lock is a push-pull innovation. It uses a convenient authentication method aimed to reduce your worry over key loss or passwords hacking. Its fingerprint recognition system increases safety and double authentication strengthens security. The equipped IR sensor automatically activates the welcome feature once it detects any motions within the range of 70 cm. It also comes with a locking notification feature.
KWIKSET KEVO Made by Kwikset, Kevo is a smart deadbolt with a radio 4.0 Bluetooth built-in that enables you to communicate with your smartphone. However it doesn’t restrict you to using a smartphone, you can even use the conventional key or use its key fob to open the door by simply touching the lock, provided you have the key fob on your person. www.kwikset.com
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AUTOMATION AND APPLIANCES First, there were appliances that automated your work. Now, there are ingenious hubs that automate how you control and schedule these appliances. Read on to pick from a deluge of options.
SILVAN CUBO CUBO is a sleek CFY (Customized for You) home automation hub. When used along with companion devices like LUMOS and SANSA, it enables control of your appliances such as lights, fans and AC from anywhere in the world. CUBO integrates Silvan’s multiple solutions in the home automation space. It is easy to install, allows flexibility in configuration for individual needs and is completely secure. www.silvan.co.in
THASMAI JBL SYNTHESIS SYSTEMS Cornering the audio and visual automation space, Thasmai has tied up with Synthesis to offer JBL Synthesis® systems. Combining advanced signal processors, equalizers, amplifiers and loudspeakers, they create the most realistic listening experience possible in rooms of any size. To experience this firsthand, visit their 1000 sq.ft display room in Bangalore, setup with 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos Speaker and Epson 4k Laser Projection. www.thasmai.net
SHARPNODE HOME AUTOMATION SOLUTION This device helps you control all the electric appliances at your home from a remote location. It is embedded with a motion sensor that helps ensure safety. With features such as scheduling, timing, temperature and humidity reading, this is a holistic solution that can be operated using a smartphone or a web app. www.sharpnode.com
IFI HOMES IFITECH™ HOME AUTOMATION STARTER KIT This non-expensive starter kit controls the electrical devices at home remotely. Through its Wi-Fi enabled universal remote, you can manage infrared appliances such as TV, music system, AC and set top box. Here, the smart phone becomes your automation hub using which you can time events (turn lights on or off, set the start time of your AC, etc.) as per your preference. www.ifihomes.com
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HAVELLS CRABTREE SMART LIVING MUSIC CONTROL With this music control, you can play your favourite songs in one room or in the entire house or program it to follow you through different rooms. It can accept input from all common sound systems and can play multiple file formats. You can also integrate this with your security solution and play active home sounds to give the illusion that you are home. www.havells.com
KOHLER MOXIE SHOWERHEAD The Moxie Showerhead from Kohler plus wireless speaker delivers up to seven hours of music, news and more by pairing wirelessly with your Bluetooth enabled device . The sprayface features sixty angled nozzles that deliver a full enveloping spray. Moxie is equipped to help you save water without sacrificing performance. Its silicone sprayface is also easy to clean. www.kohler.co.in
IROBOT ROOMBA VACUUM CLEANER 980
The Roomba is a dream come true! This semi-autonomous robot vacuum can now be scheduled to automatically start cleaning at specific times regardless of whether you’re near it or not. Its full suite of sensors help it map and adapt to real world clutter. It works for a full two hours after which it recharges itself, resuming its unfinished business! www.irobot.in
BELKIN WEMO The Belkin Wi-Fi enabled Wemo Switch lets you control electronic devices from anywhere. It uses your existing Wi-Fi network to provide wireless control of TV, stereos, lamps and more. All one needs to do is download the Wemo App and plug the switch into one of the outlets and plug any device into the switch. You’ll be able to operate the device using a smartphone or tablet. www.belkin.com/in
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MODULAR SWITCHES Welcome to a world of smart switches that seamless fit into your existing panel and give complete power over your devices. Take a peek at these functional, yet sleek switches.
PERT PERT 4 AND 8 NODE The Pert 8-Node smart switch is a Wi-Fi enabled smart device that can easily be installed into your existing 6 to 8 module switchboard. Similarly, the 4-Node smart switch is compatible with a 4 module switchboard. These smart switches give you the flexibility to control and schedule appliance operations from any part of the world using the Pert app www.pert.me
SILVAN SANSA SANSA is a Wi-Fi light controller that can perform multiple tasks in one touch. It is a stylish smart wireless switch that can act as a programmable scene controller or drive loads like lights, fans or AC directly. It also has the option of infrared remote control and can fit into a 2-modular electric box. www.silvan.co.in
INOHO INOHO SWITCHBOARD MODULE
SHARPNODE SMART SOCKET PLUG
This wireless Inoho module goes behind the existing switchboard panels. Each module can control 4 or 5 switches, and the switchboard can be customised to automate as many switches as you want. Installation is easy and takes just 30 minutes. Its flexibility blows your mind - for example, manual switches continue to work in concurrence and the module functions even in the absence of internet.
Based in Navi-Mumbai, SharpNode focuses on developing IoT based gadgets for home automation. This smart plug can monitor and control high energy consumption appliances. At the end of the day, these smart devices help you welcome into a home that has lights and cooling just to suit your temperament with your favourite song playing in the background. www.sharpnode.com
www.inoho.com
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OAKTER SMART PLUG Oakter’s plugs smarten existing home appliances so that they can be controlled better and managed remotely using a mobile app. These can be integrated with a variety of appliances including AC, water heater, water motor, mosquito repellent, fish tank and lamps. Interfacing with a central hub using your home Wi-Fi, they can also communicate with other Oakter devices. www.oakter.com
Z-WAVE HOGAR 3D BUTTON Hogar’s 3D button is a tiny portable device, convenient enough to attach on a glass, wooden, metal surface or table top. When paired with the controller it can activate ten scenes with intuitive gestures like simple touch, gentle press or figure swipe. This beautiful smart interface can be used to dim the lights, set temperature, control media, activate alarm, control shades, etc. www.z-wave.in
LEGRAND ARTEOR SCENARIO SWITCH
Legrand’s Scenario Switch offers a new way of setting the scene for your everyday life. With a simple press you can activate and customise different functions in the room (lighting, heating, shutters etc.), program a cosy ambience or adjust the temperature. The functionalities of the switch are made more precise by an integrated 1.2” touch screen which provides easy navigation through its icons. www.legrand.co.in
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC DLT WALLPLATES Schneider Electric’s DLT Wall Switches feature ‘Dynamic Labelling Technology’, displaying labels that show what each switch does. They even change automatically to show the status of products like radio stations, light levels or an alarm that is under their control. With its ultrasleek lines and chic square look, it’s sure to enhance the look and feel of your house. www.schneider-electric.co.in
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7 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD AUTOMATE YOUR HOME Home automation systems no longer belong only in the fictional world. When Tony Stark gives instructions to JARVIS, his super-computer, we do not have to be wide-eyed wondering whether we would ever get to experience something sensational as that. Today, the market for home automation systems has evolved globally with a wide range of interesting products available for the consumer. If you are a tech geek who gets an adrenaline boost by getting things done with the touch of a button or piping out commands to a machine, you are probably already sold on these awesome gadgets. But if are still on the wall looking to understand the benefits, we bring you the top 7 reasons why you should automate your home.
Home automation providers are
offering integrated, holistic solutions rather than addressing disparate needs
You Get The Two Must-Have S’s For Your Home - Safety And Security With its password protected feature, digital locks remove the risk of someone making a duplicate key to your residence. You can even configure restricted access to some parts of your home for the housekeeping staff. Interactive security sensors get activated when someone knocks at your door, and transfer images of the visitor to your smartphone. They can also do a facial recognition to announce who it is. If there is any suspicious activity near your windows or doors, your system flags it to your attention. Isn’t that the kind of security that you want in a modern home?
Control Your Appliances With The Touch Of A Button You are on the way home from work and would like to pre-heat your oven or brew your coffee before you even walk in. How about doing it right from your car? There are plugged sensors that can easily integrate with various home appliances such as thermostat, air conditioning, water heater, lamps, refrigerator, washing machine and even a mosquito repellent. All of this using a smart app from your phone.
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Control your home and all its devices with the touch of a button
Use It As An Aid To Dependent Care At times when you have to leave the children alone or with a baby sitter at home, your automation system doubles up as your monitoring device with CCTV cameras and video shots relaying live information. Similarly, this can be a great enabler for elder care. For example, features such as regulating temperature settings based on health condition and remote control of appliances for individuals that require assisted living can be life-altering tech interventions.
Digital locks with password protected entry keep your home safe and secure from intrusions
Re-Design Your Home To Your Mood The level of sophistication from installing a home automation system allows you to tune the ambience to the mood of the day. With complete control over your appliances, gadgets and even the shades, you can tweak everything to the need of the hour. For example, a party setting in your system can automatically dim the lights, get the entertainment system started, adjust the temperature in the room (to a cooler setting if there are more people in the room), get your alarm system to include a wider set of facial profiles, and so on. This is luxury packaged and delivered right at your home. Convenience From Anywhere One of the most useful things about a system like this is the convenience to access everything remote. So, whether you are at work or travelling somewhere, you no longer have to lose sleep wondering whether you turned the gas off or you switched off the heater. You can even make it appear like someone is at home by switching on the lights or television. You can schedule time based operations (e.g. switch on the porch light in the evenings) and get systems to start or shut down wherever you are. Save Energy And Money There is no denying the wastage of energy in most households due to devices switched on or in standby mode even when we do not need them. One of the most effective uses of employing an automation system is that it constantly monitors the energy usage of your home appliances. You can configure it to send alerts for manual intervention or automatically shut down devices. Some advanced systems can even analyse the energy usage and distribution between appliances and point out the ones that consume maximum energy. One Solution For Many Problems An integrated home system could be the stress-reliever that you are looking for to fix many of your housekeeping issues - ensuring safety, security, protecting entry, monitoring, regulating appliance usage, etc. Most of these systems are technologically nuanced but require one time installation and cost that make them worthwhile.
 Keep a tab of everything at home from anywhere in the world
 By monitoring and scheduling your appliances efficiently, you can save a lot of energy
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IN CONVERSATION Home Automation is a nascent market in India, but consumers are catching up to the trend fast. The industry itself is a concoction of many players, some of them major global leaders who have been in consumer durables for many years, and now extending their reach into this automation segment. There are other niche players who are rolling out targeted products. To understand the market pulse and trends, we present to you the views of two leaders in this industry. Gunjan Srivastava is the Managing Director and CEO of BSH Household Appliances. His core expertise lies in consumer marketing, sales and distribution, business management and brand building. Shishir Gupta is the co-founder of Oakter, a Noida based firm started in 2014 and focused on building smart plugs and smart locks. Oakter has been growing at an average of 40% over the last eight months. Excerpts below:
Gunjan Srivastava, MD & CEO, BSH Household Appliances
and installation has been complicated. Now with advent of IoT this is changing fast. Also, I feel home automation so far is just scratching the surface of what convenience it can offer to consumers. In future, it will offer similar comfort as an autonomous car. What are some of the interesting trends and products that have come up in the last couple of years? Gunjan: Dishwashers are something which are which are high on trend. Built-in appliances are again something which are in trend and lot of consumers opt for it as it gives seamless look to their kitchens. Small appliances are in trend for various categories.
Bosch has an impressive range of household products
How has home automation helped consumers’ live better? Gunjan: Home automation brings energy efficiency in products, improves appliance functionality, allows remote access to homes (cloud based technologies) and maximises home security. Shishir: In terms of making life easier, home automation is similar to having power windows and central locking in your car. You can also roll down windows and lock the car via key but it’s much easier with power windows and central locking. After you get used to it, it’s hard to have a car without them. The reason home automation has not become as popular as car central locking is because its price has been high
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Oakter Hub
Shishir: Amazon Echo and voice interface is a very interesting development. It has gained quick popularity, thanks in part to it being a cool product and also to Amazon’s extraordinary retail capability. It is redefining the home automation market. How is the Indian consumer responding to these trends? Is there any challenge in the consumer mind set? Gunjan: The Indian consumers have been very receptive of the new trends and they don’t mind experimenting with new products and trends as they understand that such appliances come at a price and there isn’t too much of a challenge.
Shishir Gupta, co-founder of Oakter
Shishir: The mainstream Indian consumer is new to home automation and is usually not aware about global trends. What are the kind of products we can expect in the next few years? Gunjan: Home Robots are something we expect to see in trend in the coming years. Dishwashers again is an upcoming trend considering the convenience it brings to the Indian household. Shishir: I think smart switches, smart plugs and smart locks will gain popularity in Indian market in the next few years.
Amazon Echo
Oakter SmartLock and Digital App
Siemens Oven
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High ceilings clad with wooden rafters in some areas, and adorned with ornate cornices in others keep the spaces cool.
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For Old Times’ Sake
For the design of this bungalow in Ahmedabad, Flamingo Interiors adopted an aesthetic replete with elements of British Colonial decor intermingled with their signature minimalistic touches. The result was a straight lined look deeply influenced by the time of the British Raj. The peak of British colonisation happened during the 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when their empire covered more than quarter of the world. The British subjects that were sent to govern Indian colonies brought with them the traditional decor of their home country. Here, they blended it with indigenous materials and construction techniques to adapt to the local tropical climate and landscape. A unique British Colonial design style was born as a result of this dynamic period in history.
Text By Ar. Priti Kalra Photographs Abner Fernandes
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One of the hallmark traits of the British Colonial style is the use of dark wood furniture and floors. Ebony, teak and mahogany are widely available in India among other native woods. These have been employed to build customised furniture for this Ahmedabadi residence. Though the essence of the furniture design is British, the embellishments and accents are Indian.
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The design studio has retained the idea of dark flooring, but experimented with material finishes other than wood. Thus, various combinations of black and white tiles and marbles, as well as vast meticulously knit rugs highlight the flooring of the house. In one of the bathrooms, a vanity unit with minimalist wood and granite detailing sits atop black and white tiled flooring with an Escher-like pattern. Much akin to the traditional style, walls have been painted in light colours to provide a contrast for the furniture and flooring. Not only does the reflective paint help to counteract the oppressive heat, it also makes the rooms feel light and airy. Large floorto-ceiling windows with dark wood frames further bring in light and ventilation. High ceilings clad with wooden rafters in some areas, and adorned with ornate cornices in others keep the spaces cool. In one of the bedrooms, pale blue coloured wallpaper with a floral pattern covers the four walls. The furniture layout in the family and entertainment areas has been designed with an intention to offer free movement and ample circulation space. Key interventions in transition spaces highlight their functional purposes. For instance, a cozy seating niche has been provided with a large wood and wicker armchair and ottoman. The two pieces have been finished with traditionally embroidered upholstery. A sleek standing lamp finished in brass along with a fan (known as punkah) painted in black and propped on a stark red tripod add to the quaintness of the space.
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In one of the bedrooms, pale blue coloured wallpaper with a floral pattern covers the four walls.
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Situated at the front of the bungalow, the formal living room overlooks spacious green lawns. Characteristic of the British Colonial style, a deep verandah forms a buffer space between the indoor and outdoor, and acts as a comfortable shaded area to retire out in the sun. The verandah has been built around a tree that acts as the focus of this space. A large balcony overhead is supported by wooden pillars that have been intricately carved to mimic the form of the tree. “We have chosen accessories very carefully and as per their availability in the region,� say the principal designers. Locally woven wicker mats and pressed botanical art add to the ethnic flavour of the house. Items such as fine China crockery and silverware take the form of wall hangings and lend a delicate contrast to the more rustic wood and wicker finishes. Decorative showpieces carved by local artisans add to the vernacular aesthetic. Potted plants, ferns and palms scattered about the indoor areas and the verandahs bring life to the design. Wrought iron seating and side tables find their way into some of the outdoor spaces.
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Aashni Pandya and Esha Pandya Choksi began their careers in the field of finance and business. A series of unexpected twists and turns led both to pursue higher degrees in design, and establish Flamingo Interiors in the year 2011. The flamingo is a bird that is unique to the fauna of Bombay. After travelling the world over, it returns to the urban coastline late in November every year. Though it is impacted by a variety of global experiences and cultures, it never loses sight of its origins and roots. Further, as it stands on one leg, it emanates functionality, beauty and balance. The team at Flamingo Interiors takes its cue from this remarkable bird and constantly strives to create spaces that blend beauty with balance, aesthetics with functionality, and tradition with innovative technology. aashni@flamingointeriors.in
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Design The Sassy Spoon, Mumbai Refurnished by Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane, Mumbai’s favourite eatery, The Sassy Spoon in Bandra recently revamped its menu and the interiors giving its patrons a ‘sassy’ dining experience in the form of delicious food and eyecatching interiors. The new avatar imbibes a more youthful spirit with its warm and chic bar centric ambience. Being true to their oxymoron like nature, the design blends well with the essence of a contemporary resto bar with a sprinkling of the original Sass. A fresh colour palette of vintage pink with floral artwork has been introduced on the walls along with a spectrum of pink ombre on the rope ceiling in the outdoor patio. The play of eye-catching furniture detailed with accents of pink along with brass edged marble tables and a layer of laser cut lattice work on the window panes give a fresh appeal to the place. Overall, the design draws inspiration from street side French cafes which exude a homely vibe coupled with fun design elements, quirky lighting and classic furniture pieces all done in colourful hues.
www.theorangelane.com
Text Compiled By Sneha Lukka
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Intelligent design need not be restricted to mammoth-sized spaces. Sometimes even a small idea can lead to stunning, brilliant themes in the creation of interiors.
Mixology Design Mixology spotlights innovative design in various domains such as showrooms, bars, clinics, spas and much more.
The Tribe Fitness Club, Bengaluru Designed on the lines of being a raw workout space for patrons of Bengaluru, this Cross-fit box is designed by 1Leaping Frog Studio. Located on the second floor of a mall, the club comes off as juice bar with the fitness area located aside. Divided into three areas- RPM room (for spin classes) and The GX room (for group exercise classes) anchored by the Reception area with grid in yellow painted ply that highly dominates the colour scheme of the space. In order to give maximum floor space for CrossFit work-outs, a mezzanine was inserted into the double height space to house treadmills above and rowing machines below, and to also add an extra dimension to the space. The IPS floor enhances the grittiness of the gym, while the black and yellow color palette was inspired by the Club’s logo and the graphics added a layer of motivational humour and fun to the space without it being overpowering. The integrated signage, graphics and interactive video feed create a dynamic front that gives a glimpse of the workouts done at the club. The intention was to strip the “interior” down to its bare - bones, raw and exposed, with nothing to hide, like a work-out itself.
www.1leapingfrog.com/
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Hilti India, Gurgaon Coming off as a young, fresh and vibrant workspace, the Hilti India office in Gurgaon is curated by AVA Design Studio. This 15542 sq.ft plate area has been designed such that the raw concrete elements have been left exposed with other elements of design working around the exposed RCC columns and the slab. The exposed and raw look serves as a perfect backdrop to highlight the Brand HILTI to anyone who walks inside the office. The Hilti corporate colors have been used to accentuate the brand image. A major feature inserted in the design is the Collaborative Booth seating near the bay windows at one end of the floor plate, allowing and promoting a work culture that embraces collaboration and interaction. Meeting rooms depict an engaging and immersive design with meaningful graphics making its way across the ceilings, while the cafeteria is an intimate space designed to give the experience of dining out of an inn on a highway.
www.avadesignstudio.com
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Rustic nature meets simple architecture.
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FAMILIAL HOSPITALITY Carlos Fernandes commissioned The Home Project Design Studio to convert his ancestral home into a boutique hotel. The project brief required an amalgam of culture and luxury. Algarve in Portugal is home to Casa Modesta, a splendid reflection of traditional and contemporary Portuguese culture. In the owner’s own words, “a family house opening its doors to tourism in an almost unknown land, facing the sea and in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park is the USP of Casa Modesta.”
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These hammocks suspended between the stairwells are unbelievably inviting.
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The Home Project Design Studio converted the house into a boutique hotel. For Carlos, the hotel presents a unique way to share stories from his childhood. The original edifice was built in the first half of the twentieth century, by Carlos’ grandfather Joaquim Modesto de Brito, who was an “old sea dog” according to his grandchildren. In a way, Casa Modesta is a repository of treasured childhood memories that have breathed life into the walls and grounds of the property. For Carlos, who named the hotel after his mother, welcoming travelers and tourists to his hotel is a way of keeping his grandfather’s legacy of warmth and hospitality alive. The two two-storey buildings have four bedrooms on each floor, with private patios and en-suite bathrooms. A ninth bedroom is situated in the back of the second building, and also comes with its own private patio and en-suite bathroom. The terraces of these bedrooms are further divided into three different kinds of rooms - a standard room, more spacious rooms, and two rooms with minimally designed bathtubs. Each of these rooms is connected by a shared kitchenette.
Simple and minimalist fittings in the stark white bedrooms do away with the ostentation of five-star luxury. And instead, make room for natural luxury.
“We translated ancestral legacies to a contemporary language, creating and feeding social and economical dynamics connected to local arts and crafts,” say The Home Project Design Studio. Casa Modesta is an experience that is created by a network of partners specialising in nature, culture, adventure, sports, and even gastronomy. The idea was to maintain and preserve the integrity of the original structure, and simultaneously combine “rural tourism with a contemporary feel”.
Antique style bathroom fittings that blend in with the luxury of a large en-suite bathroom.
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To this end, materials were procured from local markets, and most vegetables and foods are either grown organically in the on-site vegetable garden, or bought in from the local markets. The guests are offered a variety of choices in local and international cuisines, including the option of homecooked meals, where guests can be a part of the culinary experience. “When the body requires rest we surrender ourselves to wellness rituals, taking advantage of the natural properties of local olives, and almonds,” says Carlos, who believes a trip to Casa Modesta is less of a vacation, and more of a journey to get reacquainted with culture. Perhaps the most beautifully unifying aspect of Casa Modesta is the vistas presented and enjoyed from each of the rooms. With all of them opening to views of the vibrant blue sea, the hotel provides an unparalleled experience of luxury in the lap of nature, and nature in the lap of luxury - something which is a bit of a rarity today. And where else but Algarve will you find this in? Algarve is in Portugal’s southernmost region famous for its breathtaking Mediterranean beaches and sprawling golf resorts. All along the coastal line are spectacular stretches of ocean views dotted with beach bars, water-sport arenas, discotheques, castles - an all-encompassing cacophony of tradition and modernism. Located in a remote and secluded location, away from the hustle and bustle of every day city life, Casa Modesta, according to Carlos, is the idyllic getaway for families and couples in search of peace and quiet. With the entire vicinity focused more on nature, rather than urban development, travelers and tourists find this to be a drop in the ocean, quite literally. “We may sound biased if we say that from Casa Modesta you witness the best morning in all of Algarve; from here we can watch the migration of birds, the practice of shellfish gathering and the harvesting of salt.” An interesting remaking of a wine-cellar, don’t you think?
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Perfect for corporate meetings, family holidays, couples retreats, Casa Modesta was “built using the legacy inherited from Algarve’s traditional architecture”, and the surrounding magnificence of Ria Formosa Natural Park Landscape, one of Portugal’s seven wonders, serves to only augment the hotel’s natural serenity. According to Carlos, the best time to visit Casa Modesta is from March to June, and September to November.
The dining area with its long and rustic style seating brings in the locally favoured dinner arrangements.
A beautiful shot of all the elements at Casa Modesta, minus the sea, of course!
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“We are waiting for you at Quatrim do Sul, between the city of Olhao and the village of Fuseta, in the Ria Formosa Natural Park.” To be honest, we don’t need a second invitation. We are packing already! info@casamodesta.pt www.casamodesta.pt
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The client who was based out of London wanted a non-fussy, contemporary and youthful look for her apartment.
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CLASSY ALL THE WAY On the first floor of the building Address 12, is Jayshree Patel’s home, a plush residence with an exquisite charm. Situated in a high-end locality in Vadodara, this 2000 sq ft apartment oozes class all the way. For this project, Architects Patel and Tanvi Rajpurohit from a + t associates created a visual language that is a blend of their characteristic functional style and the client’s brief. And the brief was clear - keep it young, buoyant and cheerful, but not overenthusiastic and flashy. Also, the preference was for a minimalistic, contemporary type of styling. Tanvi Rajpurohit from a + t associates says, “The client was based out of London, and was used to a décor that is easy to maintain. She was unambiguous about not wanting too many intricate details in the design that would make it difficult to ensure a clean upkeep.”
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The design team satisfied this requirement cleverly by introducing very few artefacts in the first place and also only those that signified luxury in a unique way. The first visual cue to this meets us right in the foyer in the form of a wooden hanging console unit paired with a backdrop of a half veneer wall panelling with grooves and an off centre suspended lamp. To add more drama, a custom designed mirror in the form of a dried leaf is placed in an asymmetrical format. The sense of abandon from this piece gets well-balanced in the living room which is resplendent with different shades of white and neutral tones. Occasional bursts of colour through furniture and other wall arts provide the much needed counter effect. The olive green sofa, a modern country style piece, takes centre stage while the bright or ange lounge chair works as a stark contrast against the rest of the setting. Opulence is the mantra in the cosy master suite as warm colours on the bed and the chesterfield headboard exude their plush magic against the veneer wall panel.
“We made sure to repeat some colours to provide a sense of connectivity and oneness throughout the apartment. The pale avocado wall panelling of the TV unit, for example, is inspired by the olive green sofa,” explains Tanvi. This continuity in shades and textures present throughout the house, binds the different elements into a single unit. The three bedrooms have an intimate design solution with each room having a unique character to it. Custom designed furniture pieces further add an authenticity to the space. “In the bedrooms, we tried to avoid bright colours and instead opted for pastel shades. The rooms were smaller, and so we were conscious not to make them claustrophobic. The client also wanted them to exude an understated luxury,” shares Tanvi. This is evident in the wooden double bed in the master bedroom, set against a chesterfield headboard. Beige coloured silk bed linen lends a certain extravagance to this master suite.
Although the bed rooms are not huge, the opposite sides of the wardrobe walls are exposed to open spaces lined with pots and plants lending an organic touch to the ambience.
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Italian stone as the headboard framed in a wooden moulding introduces a sophisticated finish to the guest room. The customised side tables complete the wholesome look.
Integrated with the living area, the dining space shows off contemporary hanging lights in subtle grey; the beige wall is resplendent with two digitally enhanced paintings.
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The pale green colour makes a re-appearance in the wall of the third bedroom establishing the promised homogeneity. This subtle shade contrasts perfectly against the headboard designed with khaki coloured 2’x4’ vitrified tiles and an off-centre motif.
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Finally, there is the immaculate study room which is actually a multi-purpose space encompassing the puja area as well. A sliding door helps to cover the puja section when needed. The study room is ensconced by a sleek glass partition with a sensational flying bird art work in buff film. More hues of pale green greet you in this room as well. The spill out spaces such as the balconies in the living area and the bedrooms have been designed as garden nooks covered with pots and large plants, merging the interior with the exterior seamlessly. The cane furniture seating placed in the living area balcony and the Buddha statue waterfall in the corner create the perfect setting for introspection in the milieu of gentle running water. Discussing the eclectic collection of paintings hung on the wall, Tanvi explains with exuberance, “As a team, we have a deep interest in digital media and graphics. So, when it came to paintings, we customised each one of them by editing and enhancing them with software. Finally, we decided on the right mount, frame and size to suit the piece.” In that curated selection of art work, in the engraved patterns on the wall panels, in the sublime choice of colours and in the surprising blend of continuity and diversity, a + t’s attention to detail and creativity shines through. atassociates.05@gmail.com
The TV panel unit is a complete package of elegance with the pale avocado smooth PU finish paint countering the textured wall, uneven yet balanced grooves and basal wooden ledges.
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The Inside Track Now on Apple and Android
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY* OF The Inside Track and stay connected All you need to do is download the free Magzter app. Apple users can download Magzter from the App Store. Android users can download Magzter from Android Market. Try it out today.
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DESIGN DESTINATION
LY WHERE Fringed by Paris and Marseille, Lyon is located in east-central France. Commanding a strategic spot on the confluence of the Rhone and Saone Rivers, it is France’s third largest city. Shaped by its two rivers that run northsouth, it is an archetype of a heritage city in the Rhone-Alps region of the French country.
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ON WHEN
WHY
The combination of the cold winds blowing in from the eastern Alps and warm breezes that arrive from the south-east and Mediterranean Sea give Lyon a temperate climate. While January is biting cold, March to May is pleasant and rejuvenating. Autumn is probably the wettest spell and one needs to go prepared.
Reflecting 2000 years of history, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city knows how to put on a summer extravaganza with outdoor music filling the air and modern venues fit to dance the night away. Being a commercial, cultural and banking powerhouse it is also a gateway to explore multiple whispering vineyards.
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URBAN KIBBUTZ After Istanbul, LA, Paris and Marseille, Lyon has its own Mama and its own Shelter! The Mama Shelter is a boutique hotel created with the intention of offering a unique, chilled-out, romantic and interactive place to stay. A Mama Shelter in the centre of France is a strong symbol. Imitating Lyon’s image of being a melting pot of various cultures and ethnic groups, the hotel brings along with it a cultural diversity, wind of freedom, smile of humour and a kiss of love.
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Mama Shelter Lyon features 156 bright and comfortable rooms. Each space has a surprise element attached to it. The reception area appears like a psychedelic basement featuring a stark black reception desk with a sledge shaped bench to welcome guests. Additionally, the reception area, bar and restaurant ceilings sport a charcoal black paint in a matt finish with random artwork and graffiti inscriptions. The restaurant and bar are backed by a pop art character; the bright and bold furnishings, walls and multi-coloured water tubes that lie suspended from the ceilings just add to the overall scheme. Large tables, cocktail bars and open kitchens invite you to participate in culinary magic. The meeting rooms, recreational spaces and library have an absurd sense of perfection in the random combination and arrangement of objects. It is not just a hotel - it is a way of life!
AT THE POINTE DE CONFLUENCE Sitting on a man-made peninsula at the confluence of Lyon’s rivers, the Musee des Confluences’ form was a response to a desire to maintain pedestrian movement across the site. Designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au the museum was envisioned as a medium for transfer of knowledge rather than a mere showroom for products. The team developed a structure consisting of three key parts - The Crystal, The Cloud and The Plinth. This divided up the exhibition spaces, public entrance and auditoriums and workspaces. Named after its crystalline glass structure, The Crystal houses circulation spaces. A spiral ramp leads to a bridge pathway that offers access to various exhibition spaces. These galleries are contained within the steel-clad section of the building called The Cloud. Both these sections sit above the reinforced concrete plinth housing two auditoriums alongside a series of educational workshops and technical spaces. The public plaza directly beneath the elevated entrance hall has a small pool that reflects the underside of the building’s reflective skin. Home Review February 2017
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SEASONED BY NATURE Between city and countryside in Chaponost, LaForet Noire has been revealing it’s luxurious, elegant and Art Deco flavour to the city of Lyon. Playing on the contrast of materials, shapes and colours, the brass and green velvet chairs, crafted out of steam moulded beech wood define wide seats and ergonomic backrests while the ‘Midsummer Night’ wallpaper sets the tone. The retro atmosphere embellished by cane is accentuated by a black and white marble floor that underlies a graphic game. Sinuous bar stools are fitted with the most unexpected of bases and an interpretation of natural colours and lights is further highlighted by a Waltz Coat Rack. Behind large black oak doors, foliage floods the ground in the form of a very colourful and daring carpet, inviting one in to enjoy a complete experience.
WHICH WAY TO GO Spanish footwear brand, Camper opened its doors in Lyon with an interior inspired by what we use shoes for - walking. Accentuated by lines running all over the place, a red blueprint forms the Camper model world of walking within the store. While the shop is filled with the illusion of walkable spaces with graphic line drawings of staircases, ladders and stepladders covering the walls and floors, the black, white and red achromatic colour scheme not only brings out the products but also makes a compelling statement on a playful sentiment. Stairs form display stands for shoes and are outlined in bright red to merge with graphic lines printed on the surrounding walls such that the stairs seem to go on forever. More shoes are displayed on recessed steps and the highest shelves can be reached using mobile blocks of yet more steps! The ‘pret-a-porter’ designs can be moved throughout the store, adding to the place’s mixed sense of perspective.
Text By Kanupriya Pachisia
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FLORENT COIRIER oESIgN STUoIO
Meet Florent Coirier, a French designer with a single goal - designing simple products that give meaning to everyday life.
Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer Home Review February 2017
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Florent Coirier designs simple products. From furniture to lighting, Coirier’s designs are sleek. They may have simple lines, but each one has thoughtful details and a design that is timeless. Coirier was born in 1983 in Nantes, western France. Armed with a degree in design, he spent three years in the UK doing a Bachelor of Design and Masters at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design where he graduated with distinction in 2005. On his return to France he worked with several design agencies before starting his own independent studio near Montmartre, Paris.
Portique Armchair
One of Coirier’s first furniture designs was the Hide and Seek bedside chest (2009) that is inspired by a magician’s cabinet. This intriguing design features a 45 degree mirror that reflects the pattern of the lining and suggests that the box is empty. It is a fascinating piece of furniture, a conversation starter for sure and one that turns the user into a magician. The ThreeFold Stool (2012) came next, expressing beautifully the poetry of economy in design. The small metallic stool is laser cut out of a steel sheet. The design is repeated three times with the same angles and radius of curvature. The parts are assembled not by welding but by using rivets through laser cut holes.
Lyze
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Spektra
For Coirier, inspiration comes from everyday objects and events. The Portique Armchair (2012) is a chair inspired by garden swings, as well as the loading of goods from the port of Nantes. Working in collaboration with craftsmen from the local port, Coirier used traditional shipbuilding materials for this chair. Aluminum tube was used for the body, a solid wood board for the seat and the traditional rope was replaced by nautical rope in polyester. The new Lyze collection (2016) “brings tradition and modernity to a chair” and changes it from a classical shape to a “more technical object”. The shape of the chair might seem traditional but the design of the stainless steel backrest and the distance between the seat and the backrest give it an elevated appearance. All the parts of the chair are screwed together giving the user the option of interchangeable colours between the body and the backrest. Coirier’s designs for lighting are also inspired by unusual things. The Spektra (2016), for instance, is inspired by astronomical telescopes. The lamp, created in collaboration with Belgian company Modular Lighting Instrument, “allows the user to manually choose the angle of the light beam from 15 – 55 degrees, by rotating the front ring and lens”.
Polka
If the angles of the Polka table lamp (2012) remind you of a dancer in motion, it is because it was the idea behind the simple lines of the lamp. Two oblong wooden elements are connected briefly but each can move 360 ° with an 18 ° inclination allowing for the lamp light to be positioned at various heights.
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Coirier’s Instagram feed describes him as a bonsai lover. Little wonder then that he brings plants into his designs. The Kusamono lamp (2011) not only provides light but also doubles up as a growing space for plants. The “enriched colour spectrum light source” promotes the growth of vegetation making it ideal for spaces with low light. Available as a floor or desk lamp, the rectangular shape of the lamp allows it to fit against most surfaces including furniture, giving the user a range of options for placement. The Ukiyo-e (2009) can be called a planter, but it isn’t any ordinary suspended planter. Inspired by the Japanese genre of art called ukiyo-e (which can be translated to “pictures of the floating world”), the planter is hung at eye level so that the user has a new way of engaging with the plants as opposed to an overhanging view. It is this new way of seeing things that are increasingly characteristic of Coirier’s designs. One can see glimpses of new designs on his social media feeds and if these secret peeks are evidence enough, then we can be assured that the Coirier studio will be designing and developing some very interesting products in the near future. florent@florentcoirier.fr www.florentcoirier.fr
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Kusamono
Ukiyo-e
GREEN PROJECT
Defined by curved concrete eight inch thick walls, the thermal mass insulates the space on chilly days and keeps it cool during the summers.
BORNE OF A BARN
When your starting point is a humble barn and the end result is a modern and sustainable artist’s studio, one can only imagine what an exciting transformation it must have been in order to deliver this level of architectural flexibility.
Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Courtesy Bruce Damonte and Grant Harder
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A radiant floor heating system has been installed for optimal heating and parts of the demolished foundation were used as landscape elements.
Two artists desired a modern interpretation of a barn to house their vast collection of curiosities and memorabilia in the midst of a stunning Californian vineyard. Throw in some Casper Mork-Ulnes charm to the mix and the result is a jaw dropping artist’s studio in Sonoma County. With offices in Oslo and San Francisco, Casper Mork-Ulnes is considered one of the emerging talents on the international architecture scene, capable of blending Scandinavian functional precision with American creative freedom with consummate ease. Re-used materials and proximity to nature play the main roles in this multi-part new structure seated in the town of Sebastopol across 2,500 square feet of space.
The indoor green patch helps purify the indoor atmosphere and reduce temperatures. It also facilitates reuse of water.
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The architectural team uses thermally broken aluminium for windows and doors with low e-glass that help reduce heat loss by 20% and provide low emissivity by reflecting escaping heat back inside the room.
Mork-Ulnes Architects, breathed new life into this derelict, wooden barn, transforming it into an artist’s studio, home and office using adaptive re-use strategies in its construction, thereby taking on a green approach. Casper recalls, “The main challenge became to create an ideal art studio within the barn vernacular.” Conceived as two distinct but complimentary spaces, the main barn studio appears to give birth to the organically shaped, 720 square-foot concrete kitchen and dining area, affectionately nicknamed the ‘Amoeba’.
The studio preserves the shape of the barn. Casper tells us, “Using the barn typology had an instant appeal.” The owners, Lars Richardson, an entrepreneur dealing in Scandinavian arts and antiques and Laila Carlson, a painter informed, “We wanted to create an indoor-outdoor environment that is comfortable, interesting and attractive. A place that is conducive to a sustainable lifestyle.” Addressing the Norwegian owners’ love for wood and need for a sustainable encompassment, 100 year old reclaimed barn siding was used as the exterior cladding material. Framing material and siding from the existing barn was used for cabinetry.
By inverting the traditional gable roof into a ‘butterfly’ shaped one, the architectural team was able to render a distinctive look to the building that referenced its pastoral context and establish double height spaces within to accommodate art production and storage. Made of weathering steel, the roof contributes towards reduced toxic emissions due to the absence of an oil based coating. The construction system comprises of wooden and steel frames which the architects explain, “allow for large utilitarian openings and spans required to manoeuvre tractors and artwork in and around the building.” Operable windows were employed to usher in natural light and facilitate cross ventilation within the premises.
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The studio preserves the shape of the barn.
Norwegian owners love for wood and need for a sustainable encompassment, 100 year old reclaimed barn siding was used as the exterior cladding material.
Emerging from the back of the house, the all-weather concrete pavilion, dubbed the ‘Amoeba’, bleeds into the yard. Its retractable glazed front wall opens up onto the landscape while a large, central, diffused skylight punctures the flat, exposed-wood, scissor beam roof. Defined by curved concrete eight inch thick walls, the thermal mass insulates the space on chilly days and keeps it cool during the summers. “The walls were formed by spraying layers of Shortcrete cement onto screens of recycled barn wood siding”, the studio explained. “When the concrete had dried, the boards were removed, thus exposing the familiar wood texture”.
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The ‘Amoeba’ takes on a life of its own in the form of an almost Zen like meandering garden area, with dining and kitchen areas dotted along the journey. The two architectural languages seem to contrast sharply but the fact that they don’t seem to jar is a demonstration of utmost skill and a testament to the quality of the design. A verdant indoor garden of taro, fig and bamboo softly separates the kitchen and dining area. Mork-Ulnes Architects tell us, “The clients wanted the extension to have a jungle like feel.”
The two architectural languages seem to contrast sharply but the fact that they don’t seem to jar is a demonstration of utmost skill and a testament to the quality of the design.
The indoor green patch helps purify the indoor atmosphere and reduce temperatures. It also facilitates reuse of water. Apart from this the architectural team uses thermally broken aluminium for windows and doors with low e-glass that help reduce heat loss by 20% and provide low emissivity by reflecting escaping heat back inside the room. The presence of formaldehyde-free fiberglass in the woodensteel frame construction promotes thermal and acoustical insulation. FSC certified milled wood not only endorses the buildings LEED recognition but also helps in reducing its carbon footprint. Minimum use of new materials facilitates a reduction in waste materials. A radiant floor heating system has been installed for optimal heating and parts of the demolished foundation were used as landscape elements.
Both green building standards and environmentally-conscious customers require independent third party assurance. Mork-Ulnes Architects not only provided this assurance but also proved that barn conversions still reserve a special place at the forefront of modern architecture as they delivered an ingenious blend of straightforwardness, pragmatism and functionality with openness to invention.
info@morkulnes.com www.morkulnes.com
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ONYA
“At Onya, we come to work every day because we want to make a difference,” so say the employees of Onya, a company, based in Western Australia and involved with creating reusable alternatives to single use plastic. It was in the year 2004 That Jon Brousson the founder of Onya was struck with the desire to creating a meaningful change in his community by reducing the prevalence of single use plastic. Every day Jon found himself confronted by out of control plastic waste with disposable shopping bags being a major contributor. With a little ingenuity and few sewing skills, Jon created Onya’s first reusable shopping bag.
Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj
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He proudly used his shopping bag at every opportunity - at the supermarket, farmers market or just shopping for anything that would require a bag, and pretty soon people were asking him to create one for them too. Onya has since grown into a company that prides itself on creating high quality, useful, reusable products for your everyday life that can easily be kept ‘On You’.
From reusable shopping bags, reusable produce bags, backpacks and reusable coffee cups, to one of the highest quality stainless steel drink bottle on the market. Onya’s products are responsibly made in China. Wherever possible our products are not only 100% recyclable, but they are also made out of recycled material such as rPET, a fabric produced from recycled plastic water bottles.
Onya is quite literally taking plastic waste from landfill and turning it into something reusable for many years to come. Onya’s goal is to offer their customers a well thought out quality alternative to single use plastic and it is by companies like Onya, partnering with likeminded people that can actually make the change we want to see happen in our world. “Why wait for tomorrow when we can take action today?” ask the people at Onya. Onya uses rPET to make its reusable shopping and produce bags. Plastic bottles are gathered from recycling plants and are cleaned and sorted. Then they are crushed into small flakes, heated to melting point and extracted to create yarn - which is used to make bags at Onya.
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Creating an eco friendly product in this way - from an already existing material rather than straight from scratch - saves on energy and resources and also means there is less plastic polluting the natural environment or wasting away in landfill. It is these processes and products that will help us build a more sustainable planet and way of living, rather than simply churning through resources and living beyond our means, feel the people at Onya.
While eco friendly products are becoming more popular and available, there is still a lot of work to be done to make sure they become a completely integrated part of everyday life around the world.
The great thing about Onya rPet reusable bags is that unlike single-use alternatives, they have a long lifespan, and so also help to lessen the planet’s burden.
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Consumer culture and behaviour can change to be more sustainable with the more eco friendly products that are available - so if your favourite companies and suppliers aren’t making the kind of sustainable products you want, contact them and let them know how important eco-friendly products are to their customers.
After all finding a solution to global warming should not only be the responsibility of scientists and the like, if every person on the planet decides to think innovatively and tries to make a difference, be it big or small, mankind in general may still stand a chance in the fight to save our planet. www.onyalife.com
REDEFINING YOUR PERSONAL SPACE Leading tiles and sanitary ware brand Somany launches its exquisite French Collection comprising a range of water closets, urinals, wash basins and others. As the effects of global warming and climate change continue to take an everincreasing toll on the planet, sustainable living is becoming a priority. Therefore, construction companies, globally and in India are centered on the development of smart buildings with features like smart bathrooms to promote sustainable development and energy efficient management. Smart bathrooms offer optimally integrated solutions such as smart toilets, automatic flush systems and automatic faucets. The demand for smart bathrooms, especially in urban areas and among rising affluent Indians is increasing significantly as consumers move towards the trend of energy conservation adoption and maintain high standards of hygiene. Inspired by the unique elements of French heritage, Somany Ceramics redefines its smart toilet category by introducing exquisite French collection range. The collection has over 28 products, ranging from water closets, urinals to wash basins, which fall under 11 different series, namely Jazz, Dior and Ace amongst others. Each series follows a particular theme with different patterns of technology integration.
The star of the Somany French Collection is the “Ace” series having the first high IQ toilet by Somany Ceramics which is designed to ensure that there are minimum pressure points so as to enhance overall comfort. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Abhishek Somany, MD, Somany Ceramics Limited, said, “The launch of this collection reiterates our promise of bringing the most fascinating and technologically advanced products for our valued customers in India. The addition of the new collection will strengthen our product portfolio and will continue to help us expand our consumer base.” He further added saying, “The smart bathroom and toilet trend is here to stay as consumers get more environment and health conscious and this collection caters to this growing segment. We are confident that the French collection will be a resounding success as it has been created keeping in mind the modern contemporary housing needs of consumers. With this launch, we hope to lead the smart toilet industry in India and aim to be amongst the Top 3 players over the next two years.” The price range for the French collection varies according to the series and the products, starting from INR 7,990 for the Quest Art Basin to INR 1,65,000 for the Ace Automatic Toilet. The new collection is available across India at Somany Exclusive Stores and Experience Centres. www.somanyceramics.com Home Review February 2017
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Gardens are too precious a possession to be left to chance and Anthony’s landscapes are built on practical experience along with a sensitive understanding of materials, plants and spatial use.
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Landscapes
NOVELTY AND NOSTALGIA Anthony Paul, a landscape architect, based in Surrey, UK, believes that, “the marriage of the soul with nature makes the intellect fruitful.” His belief comes alive in this simple yet stunning garden designed by him. Landscape architecture is instrumental in creating a beautiful relationship of the built mass with its environs. Through team work it helps celebrate the differences of the two areas and it would not be wrong to describe it as a topographic art that provides the prosaic patterns of life with an enriching dimension. With over three decades of experience, Anthony Paul is known for his innovative and contemporary gardens. With a childhood spent in the rugged yet mesmerising natural beauty of New Zealand, the stunning panoramas of the country became a reference for his work. Inspired by Japanese landscapes, he draws on the simplicity of Asian design practices. Gardens are too precious a possession to be left to chance and Anthony’s landscapes are built on practical experience with a sensitive understanding of materials, plants and spatial use.
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The presence of the large stainless steel edged deck and its precision in design and construction contributes to the overall success of the garden in both visual and practical terms.
A garden is one of the most beautiful corners a house has to share. Anthony explains, “My approach to every project is always site specific.” Filling up the green pocket for Huf House in Farnham, Surrey, he shares, “Linking a new contemporary house to an established garden with spectacular views requires bold design. In this garden a large stainless steel deck extends out from the house and projects over an ornamental pool.” Working in close collaboration with his wife, Hannah - curator and art dealer, he takes you on a wonderful artistic journey which he masterfully mingles with his signature style of planting.
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Anthony shares, “The design of a garden does not end with hard landscaping. Once the main structure of the scheme is in place the garden then requires the finishing layers and dimensions, all of which contribute to its personality.” “Great planting is the key to all stunning gardens and arrangement, choice and setting are paramount to good design”, says Paul. Large groupings of plants like Phlomis Russeliana, Salvia Verticillata - ‘Purple Rain’, Coreopsis Verticillata Grandiflora and Helenium to name a few render drama to the garden. Paul avoids employing stiff hedges and strong barriers, his gardens are seamless, relaxing and architecturally exciting.
Most of the hardwood or reinforced concrete planters are designed by Anthony; these he positions on firm ground, to create both a sense of scale and enclosure.
Anthony believes that without flowing water a garden can seem lifeless. The introduction of a pool reflects the surrounding trees, while glass sculptures only enhance its transparent beauty. The use of soft LED lighting and up-lights on trees help set the mood. Paul shares, “To enjoy good design, good quality furniture is a must.” His Zen benches with clean lines and bold forms become statement pieces drawing your attention in the midst of lush greens. He also shares, “My decks and platforms are something I am particularly proud of.”
The presence of the large stainless steel edged deck and its precision in design and construction contributes to the overall success of the garden in both visual and practical terms. Designing most of the hardwood or reinforced concrete planters that he positions on firm ground, Anthony manages to create a sense of scale and enclosure at the same time. Most of the hardwood or reinforced concrete planters are designed by Anthony; these he positions on firm ground, to create both a sense of scale and enclosure. He believes, “Contemporary art enhances and enlivens a space. The mere presence of a quality piece of art can change the mood and atmosphere of a garden.” Home Review February 2017
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“Linking a new contemporary house to an established garden with spectacular views requires bold design. In this garden a large stainless steel deck extends out from the house, and projects over an ornamental pool.”
A latticed figure in wire overlooks the garden as Paul embraces the artist within him and makes a statement outdoors. Adopting a modern emphasis on the space to compliment the contemporary house, Paul’s respect towards unadorned materials creates a setting which is not only inviting but personalised and artful. Starting with an organised palette in and around the outdoor rooms, his plantings eventually almost dissolve into the surrounding environs. He shares, “I sometimes feel that I fill in the foreground like a stage and the background is done by a far bigger hand than mine; the borrowed scenery gives presence and credibility to my designs.”
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Anthony has most strategically infused pockets of bold and bright colour with the help of his plants. A second look at this brave move is unavoidable. Native plants and pollinator attracting perennials aid in bringing balance and connection to this structured space. Cosy corners are introduced in a broken pattern and these draw the eye around the garden rather than moving it in a single direction. The house walls are mainly glazed and the lush blocks of colourful perennial plants can be enjoyed from every angle within the house’s open and minimalist interior. At night, the garden is lit up, further connecting the inside and outside.
Anthony’s patch of green lies at the intersection of both private and collective experiences of nature. It addresses the material and historical aspects of landscape even as it explores nature’s more poetic associations, leading to a piece filled with novelty and nostalgia.
apaul1945@aol.com www.anthonypaullandscapedesign.com
The house walls are mainly glazed and the lush blocks of colourful perennial plants can be enjoyed from every angle within the house’s open and minimalist interior.
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KITCHEN BRAND METRIKA LAUNCHES A NEW LIFESTYLE STORE IN AHMEDABAD
Taking you beyond the experience of cooking and dinning, Kitchen brand Metrika is all set to launch 10 stores PAN India. Revolutionizing the kitchen scenario in India, Metrika with its excellence in designing modular kitchens has over the year’s delighted customers with its eclectic range of international product offerings. Being one of the leading names in the kitchen industry, Metrika has stood out in offering a perfect blend of technological and luxurious kitchen products. Combining traditional craftsmanship, innovative design and functional excellence, the brand transforms your home into a space of comfort, elegance and efficiency. Primarily dealing in providing kitchen products and alluring kitchen designs, the uniqueness of the brand lies in customizing designs as per the clients need and budget. With a new logo enumerating a new face of the brand, Metrika has now extended its business in the B2C market, directly reaching out to its customers with a new lifestyle store in Ahmedabad.
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The aesthetically designed showroom is spread over an area of 4000 sq.ft. and is the biggest kitchen store in Ahmedabad. Located at Prahladnagar in Ahmedabad, the store displays an entire collection of Italian kitchens, wardrobes and bed sets that are functional, aesthetic and fully customizable. On display are also kitchen appliances by leading global brands. A team of Italian designers are working on the brands new product development and Mertika further plans to launch premium “Opera “kitchens having collaborated with some of the Italy’s finest furniture brands to bring world class wardrobes and exceptional bedroom solutions. In the coming time, the brand soon plans to launch 10 stores across PAN India with an aim to delight its customers with finest quality home décor accessories and products. metrika@metrika.in
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The display looks highly organised and neat, aptly segregated category-wise, based on collections and styles.
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Retail Therapy
Leather And Thread It takes a lot to be able to infuse a mÊlange of Indian craftsmanship with modern elegance and sophistication. At Nappa Dori, it all began with the simple combination of leather and thread‌ Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs Nappa Dori
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Very soon, patrons can look forward to Cafe Dori on the mezzanine, where they may enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Six years ago, an idea was born. Gautam Sinha, a NIFT graduate in Fashion Design explored the nuances of Indian leather and artisanal craftsmanship through Nappa Dori, his store nestled in Delhi. Just a few days after its 6th birthday, Nappa Dori opened the doors to their first store in Mumbai.
The quaint charm of South Mumbai finds its way into the store. It is located just a few steps from the historic Gateway of India, and right behind the famous hotel, Taj Mahal Palace. Indeed, the location demands a classy and highly elegant ambience. True enough, the store flaunts a grand entrance, tall French windows that let an abundance of natural light rush in, and a high ceiling that adds to its grandeur. “The colour scheme is black, white and brown. That’s our signature look and colour scheme for all our store interiors, packaging and website,” explains Ishaan Bharat, Head Visual Artist, Nappa Dori, indicating how the unified brand identity seeps through the store décor seamlessly. While the store is way bigger than any of the other stores of the brand, it still exudes a similar vibe and visual language as the stores in Delhi.
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Yet, on closer look, one can see that the décor imbibes some unique features typical to Mumbai. For instance, this space has a mix of old wooden and metal beams, so reminiscent of construction prevalent in the Bombay of the days gone by. These are massive and sturdy, and make a statement by themselves. The space is interspersed with signature teak and rubber wood tables and shelves. The floor goes from wood to raw concrete; in most parts it is dark wood, with some areas in raw cement. The lights too are a mix of vintage deconstructed lamps and simple modern ones.
All items are handmade by Nappa Dori artisans in the workshop cum design studio in Sultanpur, New Delhi.
The island in the middle of the shop has a mix of products from various collections.
The very striking staircase and the mezzanine were inherent parts of the structure. The mezzanine is reserved for the display of home accents. But, very soon, patrons can look forward to Cafe Dori where they may enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The mezzanine is going to be converted into a sitting space where one can pause, take a seat and enjoy their cup of coffee while flipping through the various books themed around India and Indie magazines which are on sale.
Covering a floor space of 1200 square meters, the space showcases the entire range of Nappa Dori products. The display looks highly organised and neat, aptly segregated category-wise, based on collections and styles. Of course, there are the beautiful handcrafted leather products and travel accessories that Nappa Dori is so famous for. “While the middle island has a mix of products from our various collections, the rest of the store is organised with shelves designated to collections. There’s a separate section for stationery and the mezzanine mostly holds overnighters, box bags and home accents,” says Bharat.
Many products are small in size and the displays take that into consideration. The brand used to make furniture long ago, but is currently expanding into Home Decor with smaller table top items. All items are handmade by Nappa Dori artisans in the workshop cum design studio in Sultanpur, New Delhi. Remaining true to its essence and still imbibing the charms of Mumbai (or rather, old Bombay), here is a store that never fails to work its magic on you. When you walk in, you almost always want to walk out with a part of it! www.nappadori.com
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INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR SINGAPORE Touted to be Asia’s premier sourcing platform and design-led exhibition, The International Furniture Fair Singapore held in conjunction with the ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS) and the newly rebranded Nook Asia is back with its 2017 edition. With over three decades of experience since its inaugural event in 1981, IFFS/ AFS remains the most distinctive channel for International companies to penetrate the Asian market and is also recognised as exhibition event on Singapore’s international exhibition calendar by The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.
“Innovation holds the key to business success, and this applies not only to furniture companies but to IFFS as well”, said Mr Ernie Koh, Chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd. “Trade fair modes are evolving. Recent trends indicate that event organizers are moving towards novel ways of offering valuable content through new formats that do not necessarily require large physical presentations. In the same manner, IFFS will move in this direction progressively, starting with the all-new Virtual Reality Zone that we’ll be offering this year.”
The annual International Furniture Fair Singapore features a comprehensive range of furniture by a diverse paortfolio of quality exhibitors, and attracts a healthy and well-represented attendance of trade buyers and visitors. Having established itself as one of the leading premier business platforms in Asia-Pacific, the upcoming edition is set to vow the industry once again with introduction of an array of business and design-led initiatives. This year, IFFS celebrates inspiration in the form of three themes-Smart Living, Convivial and Design Forward based on which the seminars will be held on a variety of design and businessrelated topics.
Specialised Initiatives and New Pavilions
Nathan Yong
For the first time, IFFS will implement the use of VR technology offering exhibitors limitless potential and giving participating companies an opportunity to extend their product displays beyond the physical space. IFFS partners Singapore-based start-up Dimension 5 Technologies (D5T) to inject a fresh perspective to the well-established sourcing platform. Visitors can look forward to a novel experience at the Virtual Reality Zone where furniture pieces from companies like Commune, Danovel, Resource Decor, and Sam & Sara will be presented in VR showrooms at dedicated VR booths, both in Hall 4 and within the respective exhibitors’ booths. Other new pavilions include the EU Business Avenues in South East Asia Pavilion and the Upholstery Pavilion. As part of a Contemporary European Design business mission, the pavilion is expected to house 50 of the best design and interior companies from across the European Union. The Upholstery Pavilion houses a curated line-up of exhibitors with upholstery offerings, including Alexander & James, Asiades, Bellagio Asia, Novaz, NS Furniture, PR
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Interiors, Prieels, and Sofa Source. It will feature a comprehensive showcase of furniture, interior lighting, finished home textiles, wallpaper, carpets, and decorative items such as pottery, high-end design tableware and cutlery. IFFS will also organise a familiarisation trip devoted to brands that are keen to explore international franchise expansion. This newly-developed initiative will offer these companies valuable opportunities to learn and network with a group of seasoned franchisors, and gain necessary market knowledge in the process. New Design Showcases In addition to opportunities for business networking, IFFS 2017 will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience a bit of Italy in Asia through “The Italian Hospitality� for which a special collaboration with renowned Italian designer, Giulio Cappellini has been announced. The Italian Hospitality is a curated space and lounge exclusively styled by worldrenowned Giulio Cappellini representing the best of Italy in IFFS, whether in furniture production, design, or gourmet. The space will also present the contemporary trend of juxtaposing current and technological furniture with some pieces of tradition and rich history, emphasising the Italian savoir-faire. The White House, designed exclusively by home-grown designer Nathan Yong, will showcase selected works from key exhibitors, whose pieces are derived from the theme
of whiteness. Participating companies include the likes of A. Garcia, Deesawat, Fashion Interiors, Geoffrey Marshall, Jatra Design, Maiori, Massimo Cappella, Mok Kam Por, Resource Decor, Sam & Sara, Square Roots, The Rug Republic, Triboa Bay Living, Wendelbo, and Woven+.
Giulio Cappellini with Candy Tables
Apart from discovering how Cappellini and Yong transform their concepts to real-life displays, visitors can also get acquainted with up-and-coming designers through the Design STARS Showcase. The showcase features product debuts by
10 design talents from around the world, including Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom. Opening times: For trade visitors/exhibitors: 9 - 11 March, 09:30 am - 06:00 pm 12 March, 09:30 am - 05:00 pm For public visitors: 12 March, 12:00 pm - 05:00 pm www.iffs.com.sg Home Review February 2017
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THE MARKETPLACE Western Red Cedar And YellowCedar By Canadian Wood
A house with a nice green lawn is the idea of the perfect home for most people. Throw in a beautiful ‘relaxation’ spot like a gazebo or a pergola and it all becomes pictureperfect. While gazebos and pergolas can be made in various materials, use of wood creates a distinct charm and feel. Being an outdoor structure that will need to withstand extreme weather conditions, it is vital that the wood used is durable, requires minimal maintenance and is naturally resistant to termite, rot and decay. Hence, premium wood brand Canadian Wood brings you red cedar and yellow cedar wood to design the gazebos and pergolas in an attractive and sustainable way. Western Red Cedar and Yellow-Cedar from British Columbia, Canada are the perfect choices as the tree extractives provide natural defense against termites and rot making them inherently resilient species. They have an attractive color and are easy to work with, lending beauty to any application. Since the species can also take on a range of stains, colors and finishes easily you can either keep it natural with a UV coat or stain it to mimic hardwoods. Gazebos and pergolas in Western Red Cedar and Yellow-Cedar from around the world that will inspire you to get the most out of your outdoor space. canadianwood.in
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Introducing Napshell-Your Space For Relaxation
Considering the kind of fast paced life style we live in, power napping is important and is currently gaining a foothold in the corporate philosophies and health management systems of innovative companies. And to let you take a power nap amidst your busy schedule, Napshell provides you a space for relaxation. The Napshell perfectly reconciles the employee’s need for quality of life, and the company’s need for productivity. It is a place that creates a balance between performance
and simply being. It doesn’t come with a manual as all you need to do is just lie down in it, relax and benefit! The product intends to bring about 360 degree brain enhancement, creativity, concentration, satisfaction, motivation and performance. The product lowers 34% risk of heart attack, 30% increase in performance, 16% faster response capacity and 50% improvement in decision making capacity. napshell.com
K-lite Launches LED Bollards Founded in 1977 in India, K-Lite has grown to be the leading manufacturer of outdoor luminaires and decorative poles. Recently, the brand launched efficient and cost-effective LED bollards with rotationally symmetrical illumination for ground surfaces. These LED bollards are designed to illuminate footpaths, entrance areas, private and public areas and driveway. The photometric design of these luminaires is based on LED integrated with K-Lite’s precision reflector module. Consistent implementations of new technological developments combined with highest technical and structural quality have resulted in these state of art luminaires. These luminaires are characterised by their high luminous efficiency, extremely long service life and uniformity of the degree of illuminance. These luminaires are available in Ø100 and Ø166 and 3 different heights to suit the installation site. Their sturdy construction makes them especially suitable for areas in
where considerable robustness is required to ensure vandal proof service. www.klite.in
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