Picture This: Perth
vol 16 issue 06
June 2017
Specialist: Paul Matter
total pages 136
Uncovered: Case Design
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
DRAMATIC FLOURISHES BY DESIGN RITMO A REFINED MAKEOVER BY PS DESIGNS
SUBLIMITY DEFINED
Parallax Design Studio creates a home that defines elegance Kitchen Special Innovations and ideas that are creating a rage in the Kitchen
Photo: Cyrus Dalal
a
courtyard house in Alibaug is a comfortable sprawl of earthy, airy rooms and the ideal escape for its owners who live in chaotic Mumbai. This inviting getaway designed by Parallax Studio embodies a sense of tradition that is very apparent from its construct. The design team has made its selection of materials, colours and forms with the intent of creating a pastoral dwelling that integrates better with its surrounding rural landscape. A remarkable quality of this home is the effort to do away with artificial cooling and devise a passive ventilation system. The roofing arrangement plays a primary role here. Composed of clay tiles, a system of wooden louvers and large overhangs, this ingenious detail allows for less heat gain and frequent air exchanges in the internal volumes. The progressive design keeps the home comfortable through the year without the need of any energy sucking air-conditioning units. Clients often request they would like their homes to have an exaggerated sense of space and be a statement house! The architectural firm Design Ritmo was subjected to a similar demand for a bungalow in Surat. Dipesh Kheni and his team managed to achieve the desired result with ĂŠlan by creating imposing spatial volumes with natural light streaming into most corners. To further accentuate the feeling of space the team relied on an open plan layout with glass partitions used to seal of areas in the interest of privacy. While using a varied material palate would be one way to achieve the ‘look at me’ result, the design team thankfully decided to adopt a more restrained material selection. They devised a subtle option of using concrete finishes and un-plastered brick walls as muted backdrops to theatrical installations and bespoke furniture pieces - keeping both the client and themselves satisfied. Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
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The Ministry Of New is a super cool co-working space speckled with an eclectic mix of plants, books, art and designer furniture. Watch the episode on www.designowl.com. #Getinspired is presented by Hafele.
emails + feedback Awesome Adelaide
Green Home
It was a pleasure to read the feature on Adelaide, a city that summarizes the charms of a small town combined with the buzz and excitement of a big city!
The weekend home by Modo Designs with its semi-open spaces is a visual retreat and I wonder how amazing it would be to relax and rejuvenate in this elegant sanctuary.
By Email Geethika P.
By Email Saurabh Gupta
All About Art
Wonderstruck!
As an artist myself, I realize the value of a space in rendering complete expression of one’s artistic genius. ‘Artrovert’ designed by Anagram Architects embodies a creative disposition of its very own.
The unique décor aesthetic of the newly launched Masque restaurant in Mumbai is a wonderful manifestation of the design sensibility of Architect Ashiesh Shah.
By Email Sujoy Dutta
Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com
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By Email Ranjit Kaur
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32 art
28
form
Endre Penovac’s paintings are a dramatic dialogue between the control over a craft and the chaotic energy of watercolour
Capital of the state of Western Australia, Perth is Australia’s sole regional capital to straddle the Indian Ocean on the country’s east coast
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Cover Story The Courtyard House in Alibaug designed by Parallax Design Studio sets out to walk on a middle path between traditional and modern architecture
In this charming bungalow in Surat, Design Ritmo has succeeded in creating a sense of grandeur by cleverly incorporating theatrical design elements
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June
By Nayanika and Gazal
48 Mumbai-based Case Design works to realise projects that pack substance and exude elegance
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78 58
Kitchen Special
Our Kitchen Special edition presents a selection of curated products and brilliant ideas just for you
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Piyush Mehra and Priyanka Pradeep of PS Design enjoy a free reign as they make beauty and comfort intermingle in an elegant shell
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product
84
designer
Eclectic styles, varied themes, upcoming trends come together in our newly launched segment!
Designer Mike He likes to create things that make people happy. Inspired by fairy tales and stories, his designs maybe playful and a bit irreverent at times, but never fall short of being functional
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Naumi, a chic boutique hotel situated in the very heart of Singapore, has a design that flirts with its guests and becomes a place for them to kid around with each other
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GREEN PROJECT
The Ridge House designed by Amit Khanna Design Associates successfully holds its own against a context which screams ‘intimidating’
june
108
With its cheery terrace garden and warm interiors, the building’s penthouse, designed by KNS Architects, is a quiet family haven that breaks away from the chaos of the outside world
THE MARKETPLACE
114
Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
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128 The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, designed by world renowned architect Gensler, is an oasis amid the metropolitan sprawl
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MANAMA A DESIGN DESTINATION
The vibrancy of the colours combined with the nuanced heritage of the designs makes each piece created at India Circus exceptional
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
Kanupriya Pachisia Interior Design Consultant Kanupriya Pachisia is a practicing interior design consultant in Kolkata since the last seven years. Her philosophy resonates that a room should start a conversation before people start conversing.
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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 136 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 132 inside pages.
Parallax Design Studio Sublimity Defined, Page 20. Since its inception in 2005 in Mumbai, Parallax Design Studio’s approach to creative problem solving begins with the observation and understanding of the unique values of each client. Parallax Design Studio collaborates with Mumbai based Prakash Mankar Associates. Rohit Mankar, who heads Parallax Design Studio is a graduate from the Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Ahmedabad.
P S Design A Refined Makeover, Page 78. Established in 2009 as an architectural and interior design studio, PS Design works on the principle of ‘less is more’ and remains fixed in the belief that each project is unique and requires renewed inspiration. Spearheaded by Piyush Mehra and Priyanka P. Mehra, ably assisted by a staff of nine architects, the PS Design team is well versed with work across both residential and commercial sectors.
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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Amit Khanna Design Associates Conscious Architecture, Page 99. Amit Khanna is the Founder and Design Principal at AKDA, a design firm that integrates the disciplines of architecture, interior design, furniture, lighting and product design. Established by Amit Khanna in 2004, the studio philosophy is to make regional specificity and sustainability intrinsic to the design process and product.
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 15 MAR 04 JUN TO
Imagine Moscow, Moscow
Imagine Moscow: Architecture, Propaganda, Revolution will mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution, exploring Moscow as it was imagined by a bold new generation of architects and designers in the 1920s and early 1930s. Drawing on rarely seen material, Imagine Moscow will present an idealistic vision of the Soviet capital that was never realized. Large-scale architectural drawings are supported by artwork, propaganda and publications from the period. Taken together, these unbuilt projects suggest an alternative reality for the city, offering a unique insight into the culture of the time. Each of the eight projects presented in the exhibition introduce a theme relevant to life and ideology in the Soviet Union: collectivisation, urban planning, aviation, communication, industrialisation, communal living and recreation. www.designmuseum.org
NYCxDESIGN is a collaboration between New York City Economic Development Corporation, City agencies, the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and a steering committee composed of some of the City’s most renowned design institutions, retailers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, curators, educators, editors and above all designers. The 2017 NYCxDesign ran from May 3rd to 24th, 2017. The fifth annual celebration of global design had an extended program allowing for expanded programming in venues throughout the City. The program celebrated outstanding talent across major areas of design such as architecture, interiors, furnishings, lighting, and technology, and unified more than 500 events. The NYCxDESIGN Awards were launched to celebrate our beloved city and showcase New York City as the center of design.
www.denfair.com.au
TO 12Barcelona 14 MAY Design Week, Barcelona
The event also honoured the outstanding products exhibited throughout NYCxDESIGN and to highlight the New York-based projects completed throughout the year. It brought together all the disciplines of design, commerce, culture, education, and entertainment with a full, varied program, including exhibitions, installations, trade shows, talks, launches and open studios. www.nycxdesign.com
TO 08Denfair 10 JUNE 2017, Melbourne
TO 03NYCxDESIGN 24 MAY 2017, New York
The 2017 Denfair, a curated art and design event for forward-thinking professionals to connect, work and inspire, will be held from June 8 to 10 in Melbourne. The event showcases the best in Australian and International furniture and design. Denfair will include a collection of curated local and international design brands, a national platform for emerging designers and creative collaborations with Australian designers.
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New product ranges to be showcased in 2017 include Cult, Ajar, Zuster, Space, Mokum, Domo, Anibou, Great Dane, Fred International and Meizai. Denfair delivers the very best brands to their customers within a stimulating environment of discovery and inspiration. Founded on principles of authenticity and decades of experience in fair organisation, Denfair is motivated by the needs and desires of an evergrowing design community and the relationship potential that exists within.
The 12th Barcelona Design Week will be held June 6-14, 2017. With the title ‘Transforming society,’ the objective of this year’s BDW is to highlight design as a tool to transform society and a key factor in innovation, sustainability and the improvement of the quality of life of people. In order to celebrate its 12th anniversary, the BDW will offer an special and multidisciplinary program of 100 events, that will combine activities aimed at bringing design, innovation and entrepreneurship closer to citizens through exhibitions, workshops, design circuits and conferences, and other events addressed to professionals and companies that will have the opportunity to network and create business opportunities. One of the main attractions of BDW 2017 will be the BDW Congress, a meeting point for companies, organizations and professionals in which success stories and work methodologies are shared on strategic and emerging themes, with speakers of recognized international prestige. www.barcelonadesignweek.com
THE INSIDE TRACK NOW ON APPLE AND ANDROID
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 07 11 JUN TO
70th Annual International Conference, Glasgow
Since 1969, NeoCon has evolved into one of the most recognized and attended trade shows in the industry. The 49th annual NeoCon will be held from June 12-14 at The Mart in Chicago. The single most important commercial interiors event of the year, NeoCon sets the tone for the industry, and drives it in new and inspiring directions. It is acclaimed as North America’s most important commercial design show since 1969. The three-day event attracts 50,000 design professionals.
The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) will hold its 70th Annual International Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, from June 7-11, 2017, marking the first time SAH has met outside North America since 1973. An estimated 600 historians, architects, preservationists, and museum professionals from around the world will convene to present new research on the history of the built environment at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology & Innovation Centre. The conference program will feature paper sessions, keynote talks, roundtables, social receptions, and public events including architecture tours in and around Glasgow and a seminar on heritage and sustainability. The conference will officially open on Wednesday evening, June 7, with a civic reception hosted by Glasgow’s Lord Provost at the City Chambers. www.sah.org
12NeoCon, 14 JUN TO
Chicago
The show launches thousands of new products every year covering a wide range of specification needs including building products, contract accessories, floor coverings, furniture, lighting, outdoor products, technology, textiles, tile, stone and other surfaces and wall coverings.
Los Angeles
The event is a premier platform for connecting, learning and doing business in the industry. www.neocon.com
14 TO 22 JUN
San Francisco Design Week, San Francisco San Francisco Design Week 2017 celebrates its 10th anniversary with the theme, “Question Everything”, attaining a reputation as one of the world’s most innovative design events on the West Coast. This year, Design Week, produced by the American Institute of Graphic Arts/San Francisco (AIGA/SF), will celebrate and promote San Francisco as the country’s most influential design centre, creating a platform for inspirational design initiatives. Over 200 events across the San Francisco Bay Area will be offered from Silicon Valley to San Francisco, promoting ideas from more than 60 partners, representing the heart of San Francisco’s design community. From tech inventions to culture changing products, human centred design, emerging fashion to international architecture, San Francisco Design Week is an opportunity to experience the regions unique design talents, impact and innovations. www.sfdesigncenter.com
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TO 23Dwell 25onJUNDesign,
Dwell on Design, curated in partnership with the editors of Dwell magazine, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 23-25, 2017. With three full days of dynamic exhibitions, unparalleled learning opportunities, cuttingedge technologies, 30 onstage programs, over 60 speakers, and 2,000+ innovative modern furnishings and products, Dwell on Design keeps design dialogue moving forward. Dwell on Design brings together the brightest people, latest products, and curated content in modern design under one roof. Held each year at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the exhibition and conference showcases the best in modern design materials, furniture and accessories, home technology, garden and outdoor materials, kitchen and bath, and international design. Comprised of one trade day and two consumer days, Dwell on Design features world-class speakers, product demonstrations, continuing education classes for design professionals, and trend talks for design-seeking consumer. www.dwellondesign.com
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SUBLIMITY DEFINED 20 Home Review June 2017
The Courtyard House in Alibaug sets out to walk on a middle path between traditional and modern architecture. Parallax Design Studio who was at the helm, has created an elegant home with a refreshingly open plan which allows both sunlight and sea breezes to roam free. “To experience sublime natural beauty is to confront the total inadequacy of language to describe what you see. Words cannot convey the scale of a view that is so stunning it is felt.�
Eleanor Catton, author.
If sublimity had to have a built form, it would in all likelihood look exactly like The Courtyard House. This comfortable sprawl of earthy, airy rooms is a delight for the senses. The house manages to elevate the charm of its primary visual inspiration the traditional courtyard system of homedesign, but with a tempering of modern forms - to peak elegance levels.
Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy the Architect Home Review June 2017
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The intelligent and subtle mix of materials, colours, and forms here seem to seek to obscure boundaries between home and retreat, and yes, they succeed. Located in Alibaug, Maharashtra, The Courtyard House’s ambition was to create an ensconce away from the bustle that exists quite close to it. The cleaver knife-shaped site sits in the vicinity of the main jetty, so the narrow entrance patch is a smart diversion from it in the interest of privacy and visual integrity. An approach road starts from the main road and cuts through the landscape, passing an outhouse before landing at the house’s porch. The visual operation starts with the eponymous courtyard. The rectangular, open-to-sky space has a polished black tile central patch that shimmers in sunlight; but its greatest whimsy is the custom detailing of colourful fish patterns on every single tile, all together looking like a fantastical constellation.
All around the court is an
explosion
of eye-popping
the paint job looks like a generous smear of
beauty-- -enhancing turmeric. 22 Home Review June 2017
“The graphic was adapted by the architects from a fabric design and each tile was custom made to bring the pattern to life,� explains the team from Mumbaibased Parallax Design Studio. A stout, short tree sits pretty at one end of the patch, while on the other end is a surprisingly attractive chain pipe connected to an upper drainage spout; the minor metallic waterfall here looks surprisingly at home. The rectangular verandah, propped up by metal columns, establishes multiple spots of seating around the court, some looking out to the beauteous green landscape while allowing others some peering into the interiors. Speaking of the interiors, the verandah and courtyard are the links between the two distinct pavilions of the house. The living room, kitchen and TV room form the public cluster, while the pool-facing master bedroom and another bedroom make up the more privacy-seeking section.
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“The rectangular living pavilion and the L- shaped sleeping pavilion are slightly skewed in plan, creating a dramatic pause at the entrance, with the views of the garden and hills slowly unfolding beyond,� states the team. The large pool becomes an unexpectedly traditional element in the scheme as it mildly conjures up visions of temple ponds commonly seen in the southern parts of India. At night, the combined beauty of the metal detailing, the resplendent yellow from the court, the subdued browns of the furniture from the room, and the surrounding greenery can be seen reflected in the pool; it all somehow represents the calm design thinking that realised the home. The other courtyards are outside the bathrooms and are wrapped in a Corten steel embrace. The screens, made out of a rotated square grid and three-dimensional in character, are sources of both light and privacy, facets that the Courtyard House clearly admires.
The rooms have no trouble shining in the daytime, with streams of sunlight rushing in to elevate the sheen of the smooth flooring. The colour palette inside is dominated by tranquil polished wood that includes many tall rectangular window and door frames evening out any possibilities of rough edges.
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Bursts of colour, acting almost like palate cleansers, have been stationed around carefully - there is the kitchen island, dipped in iridescent green-yellow and then there are the rectangular photo frames in the sitting area, looking clinically modern in an earthy universe. The furniture pieces sport slick finishing but clearly display the style of yore - all long arm-rests, crossed legs, and fabric upholstered or woven furniture. The house’s roof system is composed of a triad - the topmost slope is affixed with the familiar spread of terracotta Mangalore tiles; then come the wooden louvers; and finally, a roof overhang most noticeable over the courtyard. The foremost element is undoubtedly the most traditional, but the layout also establishes the sustainable tenor of this artificial airconditioning-less home. “The panels let out heated air and bring in fresh air through the openings below, keeping the house significantly cooler throughout the day,” states the team. White lime plaster, another old faithful, further aids the process of maintaining energy efficiency. The east-west inclination of the face of the house (with the façade looking westward) means that sea breezes can very easily criss-cross the main rooms. The east-facing private sections get the added perk of uninhibited views of the Alibaug hills and a shield from too much direct natural light. Home Review June 2017
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The Courtyard House’s lingering charm is a sum of all its parts. It is a home that makes you yearn for the monsoon. It is a home where one can escape and re-appear on whim. With this project, Parallax Design Studio proves its remarkable talent at creating spaces that are so selfassured in their inspirations that they don’t need glorified totems to succeed. projects@parallaxdesignstudio.com www.parallaxdesignstudio.com
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The two storeyed Royal Hotel has architectural features characteristic to the Gold Rush: a decorative façade with Mansard roof, deep verandahs to shelter against the summer heat and cast iron filigree work on the railings.
Cosmopolitan Perth TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA AND SHUVAJIT PAYNE kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net This is the second of a three-part series on Australia’s regional capitals, with Adelaide featured in the May issue of Home Review and Hobart coming up in the next issue. Capital of the state of Western Australia, Perth is Australia’s sole regional capital to straddle the Indian Ocean on the country’s east coast. And given the spread of the continent, it also happens to be geographically closer to Bali than to Sydney. These vast distances have contributed to its cosmopolitan character and independent-streak of thought, both of which are reflective in its taste of contemporary architecture.
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Perth was founded in 1829 and experienced a population boom in the late 19th century when gold was discovered in Western Australia. This period witnessed the construction of many historic hotels at strategic locations - such as street corners near the city’s railway station - to cater to the growing number of visitors pouring into the city. Prominent amongst these are the The Royal Hotel constructed in 1882 and the Grand Western Hotel built in 1896. A couple of decades later, an open-air shopping arcade named London Court was thrown open in the city’s CBD. It was built in an Elizabethan and Tudor style - a nod to the English-centric aspirations of the city’s predominantly Anglo-Celtic population.
Moving on to recent times, Perth has not been hesitant to add contemporary pieces of architecture to its historic fabric. A stunning example of this is the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, a glass and steel structure that snakes its way through the dense tree cover of the city’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden. The walkway soars to the height of tree tops and allows visitors to appreciate the park’s diverse flora as well as sweeping views across the Swan River. Some more noteworthy examples of modern design are to be found at Elizabeth Quay. Standing proudly at the shore is the minimalist sculpture Spanda, with its concentric rings open to interpretation. Besides it is the Bell Tower, a contemporary take on a traditional structure, built to welcome the 21st century; and in front is the gently curving, sculptural form of the Elizabeth Quay Bridge.
Top and Bottom: Grilled windows, corner turrets and iconography of knights and nobility give Perth’s London Court a very English feel. London Court’s façade is characteristically Elizabethan and Tudor in style, with wrought iron gates, pitched roofs and mock timber-framed walls. Numerous art galleries, museums and public squares come together to form the vibrant Perth Cultural Centre.
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The top of the Lotterywest Federation Walkway by Donaldson + Warn Architects has a sleek form that cuts across the botanical garden’s dense tree cover. Angular pylons holding up the walkway are finished in weather-resistant rusted steel and are meant to merge in with the trunks of surrounding trees.
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Perth’s Bell Tower by architects Hames Sharley is a modern take on a traditional belfry, with bold curves and an extensive use of copper and glass. Artist Christian de Vietri’s sculpture ‘Spanda’ makes references to ripples in water and is said to be named after the Sanskrit word ‘spand’ which refers to vibrations and motion. The Elizabeth Quay Bridge by Arup Associates continuously curves in plan and changes elevation in section. Twin arches lean dramatically and hold up the pedestrian and cyclist’s pathway with cable-stays.
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“The painting is always borne in my mind before I begin to paint. My technique renders unexpected results which I keep gladly.�
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art form
Fluid Expressions Endre Penovac’s paintings are a dramatic dialogue between the control over a craft and the chaotic energy of watercolour. It’s like a dance between his hand and his mind that take turns leading, posing as crucial connectors to the vitality of watercolour painting.
While some of his paintings are doors, others are windows - they are all portals that transport you into Endre Penovac’s world of colour. The honest presentation of Penovac’s world through his bold colours, fluid ink and expert brushstrokes have become his own trade mark as an artist. His illustrations are nothing short of an alternate existence in response to a dominant narrative of life that surrounds.
His illustrations are nothing short of an alternate existence in response to a dominant narrative of life that surrounds.
Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Courtesy Endre Penovac Home Review June 2017
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Born in Tornjos, Serbia, Penovac completed his education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad, and now lives in Backa, Topola. An independent artist, he has been exhibiting his work across Europe since almost the last four decades. The themes he revisits in his paintings are inspired from our immediate world. This theme has become his signature style. Speaking of style, he tells us, “Style comes from individuality. In other words, it should reflect your personality. When we have found ourselves our style has been reached.” The drama in Penovac’s work is not depicted through discreet geometric compositions where horizontals and verticals oppose each other but by simple brushstrokes that fade at the boundaries, bleeding naturally on the paper. This contact between the brush and the paper is a wordless coherency that demonstrates his gift of form as a profound homecoming. His subtle yet stunning pieces of art come easily to him. He explains, “I never choose a subject. They are all around me. I look for an opportunity where the elements of the painting and the technique successfully meet the theme and deliver the message clearly.” Using materials in a direct and simple way, he keeps his pieces broad and non-objective allowing the viewer to bring in his own interpretation drawn from his experience. The extraordinary effect of Penovac’s paintings is achieved by diluting ink and watercolour pigments with plenty of water and making them spread across paper on their own. As easy as it sounds, the paint can be quite difficult to control. It tends to render a ghostly and fuzzy quality when it dries which is just perfect for his black cats.
His subtle yet stunning pieces of art come easily to him. He explains, “I never choose a subject. They are all around me.”
With regard to his black cat paintings, he shares, “Here the intensity of black ink is more important than colours. The success of my black cat paintings is about the lucky togetherness of the theme and the technique I apply. Only one brushstroke is able to conjure the tail of the cat on a wet paper.” It seems that Penovac uses the unpredictability of the medium he works with to his favour. In other mediums where one is responsible for every mark there is probably more control but with watercolour one is engaged in a subtle dialogue with the paint.
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Penovac’s paintings are like a dance between his hand and his mind that take turns leading, posing as crucial connectors to the vitality of watercolour painting.
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Penovac’s paintings are a glimpse of this dialogue where both the artist and his art respond to each other, encouraging an intuitive response, a spontaneity which allows magic to happen on paper. Penovac tells us, “Watercolour is a technique through which I can express my vision of the world most clearly. I refer to the conflicts and the duality of opposites which I can see around me and in myself. I try to show the unity of antagonisms to create harmony in my paintings.”
The honest presentation of Penovac’s world through his bold colours, fluid ink and expert brushstrokes have become his own trademark as an artist.
His wonderful technique continues to capture other organic and dynamic forms. Caught in sublime sceneries and happy faces, the viewer is struck by the simplicity of his paintings. He tells us, “I apply the principle, less is sometimes more. I try and use clean, unmixed colours that look more intense and effective. I put the colour that I want to emphasise onto a grey or contrasting or so called neutral background, so the chosen colour can have a key role in the painting.” They say that the difference between writing and painting is just good grammar. Looking at Penovac’s perfect paintings we wonder whether he has something in mind when he first brings the brush to the page or whether that develops as he paints, to which he shares, “The painting is always borne in my mind before I begin to paint. My technique renders unexpected results which I then keep gladly.”
In other mediums where one is responsible for every mark on the page there is probably more control but with watercolour one is engaged in a dialogue with the paint.
The captivating use of colour in his paintings brings us to recognise the inward significance of his subjects. Penovac shares, “The black colour doesn’t have any symbolic meaning for me. The paper is white and the ink black - it has long been invented and given that they look impressive together.” Looking at his work we recall once more that art is a representation of a personal taste and feel and no one represents this truth more so than watercolourist Endre Penovac! endre@live.com www.penovacendre.com
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HÄFELE LAUNCHES A STATE-OF-THE-ART DESIGN SHOWROOM IN CHENNAI Häfele’s Design Showroom in Chennai introduces “live concept” set up of home interiors. The seamless minimalist look and the sophisticated technologies laden into the Nagold freestanding refrigerators elevate the look and performance of your kitchen. Häfele’s new range of Automatic Sliding Systems ensures smooth transition on highly frequent passages. Häfele’s new range of ceiling downlights adds the much needed taste and style to your homes. The new pivot door systems by Häfele enable you to create design elements that can influence space, functionality and perception.
The international leader in German Hardware Technologies, Häfele launched a state-of-the-art Design Showroom in Chennai on 26th May 2017. The showroom was inaugurated by renowned architect, Mr. C. S. Raghuram (Director, “C R Narayana Rao Consultants”) together with Mr. Jürgen Wolf (Managing Director, Häfele South Asia).
With the launch of this exclusive Design Centre, Häfele introduces some of its latest innovations in interior solutions, catering to every application of a given interior space.
The new facility with an area of approx. 5300 sq. ft., introduces the local consumers to the “live concept” set up of home interiors. With the opening of this showroom, Häfele will now have its 7th successive company-owned Design Flagship Showroom in South Asia.
Häfele ICONIC’s extensive range of luxury home appliances has new additions in the form of elegant and professional ovens under the ASKO pro series offers a series of home appliances that have extraordinary performance and convenience of modern technology.
Häfele’s new surface range, Dekton®, made up of sophisticated raw materials has infinite applications - flooring, cladding, facades and countertops for both inside and outdoors.
Häfele’s Digital door security systems are configured to allow various possibilities of safeguarding residential / commercial entrance doors through modern locking technologies. Häfele’s range of waste management systems is specially created for small, busy or minimalist kitchens. With these introductions and a host of existing comprehensive solutions, Häfele provides the most ideal offerings to its customers through an international retail environment. The typical layout of any of Häfele’s Design Showrooms includes real-time displays of the company’s many product functionalities including a LIVE kitchen equipped with storage areas, appliances and other utilities. Commenting on the Live Kitchen concept, Mr. Jürgen Wolf, Managing Director of Häfele South Asia says, “Stylish hardware fittings that give you the best functionality for your individual application in your business or residence are hard to select from a catalogue. The new Live Kitchen section gives the customers a firsthand feel of the products before they purchase it. Functionality is how we think; functionality is what we make and functionality is what we sell. Häfele is proud to introduce this quality to the Chennai market through this exclusive Häfele Design Showroom”. www.hafeleindia.com Home Review June 2017
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Design Ritmo team decided to scale up the building to cater to the client’s desire for a large house appearance.
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DRAMATIC FLOURISHES In this charming bungalow in Surat, Design Ritmo has succeeded in creating a sense of grandeur by cleverly incorporating theatrical design elements. The outcome does complete justice to the client’s main requirement of ‘a simple but dramatic ambience.’ Excellent use of natural light, an imposing spatial volume and a dramatic ambience characterise this elegant residence in Surat. Sitting on a south-east facing plot, the house had the natural advantage of access to ventilation and lighting from two sides. This set forth the process of maximising the use of daylight and channelising it to every corner of the house.
Text By Ramya Srinivasan Photographs Courtesy Ravi Kanade Home Review June 2017
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Marble flooring and teak wood veneer dominate the interiors.
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The design team has implemented the lighting strategy using a few strategies like the ceiling to floor glass façade on the south has helped bring in copious amount of natural light. To offset this glaring brightness, grey slate stone has been used to clad the walls while the steps have been covered with dark polished wood. Wood plate lights arranged with an intentional randomness on the wall not just work as foot guide lights in the evening, but also bring in an old-world rustic charm to the narrow spaces. Another interesting approach to illumination is the use of sky lights in the library on the second floor. Designed with a double height ceiling, the library has the illusion of opening up to the magnificent sky. There is a lot of theatre going on in this cosy library space - adjoining the book shelf is an exposed brick wall against which a comfy white-and-grey couch rests.
The open bedroom design is one-of-a-kind and has huge closets on both sides and a continuous space from the balcony to the bath.
Quirky art pieces adorn the encompassing glazed walls that allow ample sunlight. But the crown of glory clearly rests on the majestic ceiling which lets you believe you are reading in the outdoors with its bird shaped hanging lights. The library is undoubtedly one of the eye-catchers in this beautiful residence. The layout of this bungalow is neatly segregated - while the ground floor contributes to the spatial configuration and the three car-parks, the first floor is where the living space begins. There are four bedrooms, of which the master bedroom and the son’s bedroom are on the third level. Just below, on the second level, are the library and the younger child’s bedroom.
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}
The first level has a voluminous appearance; however it is compartmentalised into public (living and family seating area), private (grandfather’s bedroom) and semi-private (kitchen and dining) spaces. The compartmentalisation is subtle - for example, a stylish wooden staircase serves as a break between the public and private spaces. The lift acts as a logical connecting point between the semi-private and the private spaces, and a simple L-shaped design separates the living and dining areas. To cater to the client’s requirement of a visually big space, Design Ritmo has implemented a few ideas; the double heighted ceiling and the sky light library being the prominent ones. Open bedroom planning is another clever design feature huge ceiling-to-floor closets run parallel in each bedroom with a central, continuous space running from the balcony window and leading into the bath zone. Glass partitions and wooden frames serve as segregation indicators, successfully lending a voluminous look to the bedrooms at the same time. The choice of materials for the residence had its share of debate - while using multiple materials is the popular trend, the design team chose to go ahead with a minimal palette for this project. For example, only one type of teak veneer was used throughout the house. It was a challenge to convince the client about this, but ultimately they were won over by the sophisticated finish and appearance. While for the exterior walls, basic white rustic texture was used, for the balcony and entry canopy, exposed RCC texture and teak wood ceiling panels were the choice. The beige travertine stone cladding, laid out horizontally, renders a touch of elegance and also works to give a sense of ‘bigness’ to the building. In the interiors, too, continuity in colour palette is retained with similar beige and white tones. Marble flooring and teak wood veneer dominate the interiors; the slate stone and exposed brick wall contribute the ruggedness required to be in sync with the exposed RCC finish used in the exterior.
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}
Glass partitions and wooden frames serve as segregation indicators, successfully lending a voluminous look to the bedrooms at the same time.
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The ‘dramatic’ ambience of the house is mainly contributed by the cosy library with its theatrical height, bird shaped lights and glazed walls allowing ample sunlight.
As much as this is a work of intelligent design and execution, it is also a project that’s been done with great care and meticulous detailing. As the proverb goes, ‘It takes hands to build a house but only hearts can build a home.’ designritmo@gmail.com
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Conceptualizing Aesthetics
By Nayanika and Gazal
DESIGNQUEST
IDAM attempts to bridge the gap between the modern and the traditional by combining contemporary aesthetics with conventional techniques and functionality.
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At IDAM, each product is unique with an exclusive story behind it. From the inspiration to the design process and its execution, every step involves adequate attention to details. Be it a doodle in a diary or the fallen leaves outside their studio, or how the folk art adorns the streets on India, they bring it all in an array of prints.
Dotdotdot Collection
The brand is named after the Sanskrit word ‘idam’ which implies ‘this, here or yonder, present or seen nearby, fit for, denoting location, position or place’. The designs of IDAM are therefore largely inspired by tradition and rooted with values, thus transcending the sense of time and place. The brand recently showcased its talent at the Ambiente 2017 in Frankfurt in February 2017.
Enarya Oven Mitts
Charcoal Ikat Ghol Dhurrie
Translating design aesthetics into contemporary home and lifestyle products is what Noida based brand IDAM is all about. The brand was born out of the numerous car ride discussions to and from college between a duo of dreamers – Nayanika and Gazal. Hailing from different design backgrounds, they contributed their textile and graphic design expertise to create a mesmerizing range of products under IDAM. Their products include cushion covers, bed covers, table linen, rugs, bath, quilts and dohars, blanket sets and accessories.
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Enarya Beaded Cushion Cover
Maasai Collection
The USP of their products is that all the designs are hand-illustrated. Moreover, IDAM has taken a commendable step towards sustainability. They have pledged to use 100% organic fabrics for all their products and 100% fair trade certified fabrics.
Talking about how they differ from other brands, Nayanika says, “The designs are unique and contemporary. We carry over the great work done in the farms to our manufacturing factories, which always follow ethical fair labour practices. We take pride in our work ethics where we do not encourage child labour, gender discrimination or low wages�. IDAM looks forward to a prospective brilliant future. The designer duo Nayanika and Gazal wish to pattern bomb the world with their prints and designs. Their agenda is to rise above and beyond the Indian market and be a part of the global design industry through their remarkable product and design initiatives. hello@idamstore.com www.idamstore.com
Baholo Tea Cozy Set
Their designs are an attempt to give the customers a glimpse into the daily escapades. In the past year, IDAM has evolved from an idea to a full-fledged print and surface design studio. The designs are made by Nayanika and Gazal themselves. Besides, IDAM has a small team comprising managers, public relation executives and a marketing team as well. IDAM sources its materials from various parts of Delhi.
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Case Design doesn’t believe in making statements. The firm instead works to realise projects that pack substance and exude elegance, because what matters to the team is that people should truly connect with the spaces they create. Mumbai-based Case Design is a purveyor of all things simple. The firm’s projects carry the unmistakable air of an efficient rejection of frills, but make no mistake, that is not merely the focus. As it often is, this simplicity is a result of hard work and sustained efforts at incorporating layers of meaning and utilitarian solidity under the skin. The firm’s product line, Casegoods - clean, smooth, and impressive - is a standout representative of the style and ethics of the team members. Their work includes projects in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with an aim on building objects that last.
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The team from Case Design took to heart the concept of providing an environment conducive for studies, and this naturally had to include lots of free-flowing spaces. The Avasara Academy, located in the valley of Lavale in Maharashtra, has a two-pointer charm offensive - a carefully selected mix of material textures, and an inter-connected layout that almost makes your head spin, but in a great way! The former perfectly complements the site’s rocky agrarian surroundings.
The latter, understandably, has been created with a hearty expectation of lots of movement and therefore the need for several spaces for students to gather in. It is these two facets which link together to define the uniqueness of this decidedly simple building. There is comforting familiarity in the low-frill walls and the traditional mosaic tiles. The classrooms and reading rooms go back to the basics, with the open shelving, wide windows, and simple furniture layouts creating an environment of reliable efficiency. The team refers to an “an informal series of walkways, courtyards, gardens and terraces” in the structure, as an idea inspired by countless educational institutions’ building design. The young female students of this academy will find plenty of tables and charpoys and open spaces to not only study but also ruminate on their future. The 4.3-acre swath is part of the ‘Knowledge City’ township, and like a young mind keen to take on information and experiences, this project too waits to be filled with the chatter and creative expression of its residents.
Text by Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy the Designer
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This home is resplendent, which makes the fact of its small material palette somewhat of a surprise. The designers from Case Design, handled a compact space in a famously space-exhausted city, with characteristic maturity. The number of primary materials was kept down to 3, namely khada plaster on the walls, Udaipur marble, and reclaimed Burma teak. The furniture pieces, too, were kept to a clinical minimum. The storage sections are one with the walls instead of jutting out and becoming obstructions. The polished wood, the most visually-indelible element here, accords the space an aura of class. But the plaster work and the marble are the ones that make the rooms truly shine.
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As sunlight rushes in from the beautiful balcony, every space in the home comes alive, commending its remarkable restraint. This project had to deliver a home to a multi-generational family, and it is hard to point out how any one of any age won’t feel right at home here!
In Case Design’s universe of calm simplicity, the Rolling Round Light is a theatrical wild child. Made of brass/ rosewood, this spherical table lamp sits a bit askew, challenging the centre of gravity away from its comfort space, while the light source juts out of the main sphere like a bubble gum bubble. And imagine spinning the sphere, watching it throw out a trippy cascade of light, and then come back to rest like nothing happened. Delightful! The Folding Flat Chair’s uniqueness, on the other hand, is the 4 cm-thinness of its folded form. This product, deceptively simple again, points to the team’s eternal love for wooden textures. The teak/ rosewood frames, assuredly beautiful, work across brass and steel fixtures to hold seats made of wood or waxed leather. One look and you would know that these chairs will fit in anywhere. Residing peacefully in geek kingdom are the Topologic Bowls. Made of rosewood, teak or mahogany (no surprise there), these products are hollow at the top and square/triangular at the bottom. Their distinctive form is informed by the faceted exterior of the bowls and the beauty of the natural markings of the chosen wood. Depending on how wide, flat and shallow/deep these products can work the full range from dinnerware to home accessories. Or both at the same time! The Casegoods product collection also includes beautifully crafted wood and metal door handles and knobs, tables (the Round Cast Table is a testament to the team’s interest in heavy-duty mechanics), and the faceted, monolithic reclaimed mahogany masterpiece destined to be remembered as the winner of the AD50 Design Award, 2017. mail@casedesign.in www.casedesign.in
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Custom lamps for residential and commercial settings created by New Delhi based light studio, Paul Matter take their cues from mid-century modernism, industrial edge and Paul’s own minimalist aesthetics.
Tango three brass
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EXQUISITE LUMINESCENCE TEXT BY ANINDITA GANGULY
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Tango one
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The studio revisits iconic motifs across the range of these influences to create its own distinctive collections. The pieces draw from a lux material palette that includes buffed and aged brass, copper, stone, leather and mouth blown glass. The brand, founded in 2016, is dedicated to on-demand production which allows for each piece to be customized in accordance to a specific client's needs. At the headquarters of Paul Matter, the pieces are hand finished and assembled - one lamp at a time with attention to details and finesse, making them truly artisanal and luxurious. Adequate care is taken to ensure that each of the finished products speaks the language of perfection.
Satellite Lamp
The ultimate motive for the brand is to collaborate and co-ordinate with some of the most exciting independent designers and artists working today with an attempt to create a collection of exquisite and unique light sculptures. Paul Matter focuses on the quality of light. They also believe in the longevity of the design, not only in terms of materiality, but also in the visual language. The design for the brand needs to survive the test of time and should not become dated and associated with only a certain time period. A significant aspect of the materials used to design these lights is that brass, copper, stone, leather and glass get better with time and utility. They can be used in their truest form while revealing its layers. Brass exhibits exuberance with a mirror-like perfection when buffed and aged-imperfection when it is patinated. The brand also plans to use stone and leather extensively in the designs to come in the near future.
Tango two glass gold
Tango two brass
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Talking about the future prospects of the brand, owner Nikhil Paul says, “I am not sure where I see the brand in the next 5 years or ten or twenty. What I do know is that we have set out to explore different aspects of lighting design and while doing so push limits and boundaries of design, craft and manufacturing”. Paul Matter has launched three series so far. Each series has found homes in some amazing spaces designed by leading architects and designers of the world. Success is measured by the understanding of the product and the application. They do not account for the success of a product based on mere interims of numbers sold. The product is a success if it has been conveyed by an interior designer the way they intended it to while designing. When inquired about competition of the brand from other brands, Paul says, “I would rather look at it as a potential for growth, collaborations and innovation. I don't see it as competition.”
Paul Matter info@paulmatter.com www.paulmatter.com
Tango three brass front
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REINVENTING THE KITCHEN Text By Ramya Srinivasan The kitchen has always been a special place at home. It’s that space where all five senses come together to create and serve wondrous recipes. It’s that corner where the most long-lasting memories are made. Even as you hop between cities or countries, you always tend to remember the aromas of the kitchen you grew up in, the taste of those delicacies that were made with love and care. Today, the kitchen design industry is growing rapidly. Just the modular kitchen market is expected to grow at a CAGR of almost 43% in 2018. It is possibly because of increased disposable income of the urban middle class, and better access and exposure to world trends.
No two kitchens look alike as individuality is the key trend today.
The Indian designers are not just following international trends, but also conceiving intelligent tweaks to make them relevant for the Indian consumer. If we could come up with our own flavour of Chinese and Italian cuisines, we can certainly do the same for our designs, too!
At the centre of these designs is complete surrender to the core demand - functionality. But after getting that ticked off the list, the consumers are more than willing to experiment with the designs, textures and colours. From countertop materials to wall surfaces, from built-in appliances to maverick gadgets, from out-of-the-box hardware to vibrant accessories, the consumer is more likely to try out something new today. And this is because of the desire to differentiate oneself and demonstrate individuality. So, today, no two kitchens look alike, and that’s the most distinctive trend in 2017. In this edition, we present a selection of curated products, just for you. Whether you want to build a new kitchen or remodel one, you do not want to miss our list. Just tuck your napkin and dive in to the feast!
Indian designers are making their own intelligent tweaks to international trends
Modern kitchens are not just about getting in and out; they also function as dining and entertainment spaces.
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Page 60 MODULAR KITCHENS
Page 62 APPLIANCES
Page 64 WORKTOPS AND SURFACES
Page 68 HARDWARE
Page 70 STORAGE AND ACCESSORIES
KITCHEN SPECIAL
Page 66 SINKS AND FAUCETS
Page 78
Page 72 APPLIANCES MAKE LIFE EASY
Page 74 THE FUTURE OF KITCHENS
Page 76 FIVE DESIGN TRENDS THAT RULE THE KITCHEN
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MODULAR KITCHENS Whether you have a small or large kitchen, your textural choice is wood, stone or steel, you prefer handles or handle-less, you lean towards bold or understated, our picks cover the entire gamut.
HACKER STONE FRONT KITCHEN
H&R JOHNSON NOBILIA LINE N In partnership with Germany’s Nobilia, H&R Johnson offers high-end kitchens in India. The recently launched handle-less kitchens, LINE N, comes in high quality lacquer or perfectly crafted matte fronts with laserwelded edges. Ergonomically shaped recessed handles made of anodized stainless steel allow comfortable access to doors, drawers and pull-outs. www.hrjohnsonindia.com
Backed by German engineering, this handle-less kitchen with its innovative stone veneered front is a latest addition to the Hacker product line. The MDF board is coated with a slate veneer and the front is lacquered with a 1-2-component system for surface protection while the edges are lacquered in black. Built-in appliances from Siemens add to the streamlined spatial concept in this sleek kitchen. www.haecker-india.com
IDEAS STONE BLOCK KITCHEN This magnificent stone block kitchen has auto-native modern accessories complementing its style. You get a designer edge with the same stone pattern echoed on a wall panel. The island doubles up as the cooktop rest and the storage spaces lie tucked behind. Peripheral slab space around the island works as a breakfast seating area and serves as open storage as well. www.ideaskitchens.in
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NOLTE NEO SALON There is a youthful and sensual quality about this Nolte kitchen. A timeless motif on larder units and appliance housings harmonizes with the carcase and interiors in Kansas oak. Open shelves add to this magic. The island fronts are of genuine glass mirrors with a chrome recessed handle trim and the worktop sparkles in 12mm thick genuine glass white. www.nolteindia.com
METRIKA FUTURISTIC KITCHEN With experience centres located in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad, Metrika is a brand that is synonymous with designer kitchens that are a perfect blend of technology and luxury. The company has recently won the Kitchen Retailer Award 2016 at the Indian Kitchen Congress. This smart kitchen is a textural melange bringing together wood, steel and stone. www.metrika.in
WURFEL STAINLESS STEEL HYBRID KITCHEN This is one trend that is catching on quickly. Stainless steel is durable, hygienic, eco-friendly, water-resistant, termite-free and not impacted by weather conditions. With all these benefits, it is no wonder that modular kitchens are being manufactured using them. Not to mention, they look stylish and sparkling always. These are a perfect replacement for wood in Indian kitchens that use stain-prone masalas. www.wurfel.in
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APPLIANCES In the world of appliances, there appears to be a competition between innovation in aesthetics, technology and function. This only augurs well for the consumer who is flooded with options to choose from.
FABER RO WATER PURIFIER
HAFELE NAGOLD WARMING DRAWER The Nagold Warming Drawer, made from Stainless Steel Grade 430 and black insulated glass, is extremely durable and robust in its operations. It is designed to perfectly match the minimalistic construction of the Nagold Built-in Ovens. It has a maximum capacity of holding 20 Kgs or 6 dinner plates, 6 soup plates, 3 serving bowls and 2 platters and gives you an option of warming your food. www.hafeleindia.com
Faber uses Filmtec membranes across its range - these membranes are untouched during the manufacturing process helping the water purifier to perform in the TDS limit of 3000 ppm. No TDS controller is used. Its Germblock technology protects the purified stored water from microbial contamination. Copper Guard and Mineral Addition Technology filter adds essential minerals, with copper acting as an anti-fouling agent and enhancing the taste. www.faberindia.com
KENT NOODLE AND PASTA MAKER Make home-cooked noodles or pasta with perfect texture in just ten minutes with this Kent appliance. It features automatic mixing, kneading and extruding functions – so, just choose a program and relax. You can even customise the taste by adding juice or egg. With its compact smart drawer design, you can neatly store accessories such as shaping dies and cleaning tools. www.kent.co.in
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FABER 3D HOOD Faber introduces world’s first 3D Chimney with T2S2 technology using 3-way suction. Its unique filters on the sides of the hood extract any smoke that escapes the bottom vent, ensuring 15% better smoke and grease reduction in the kitchen. Available in black and steel options, 3D hoods come adapted to latest designs and finishes from Europe. www.faberindia.com
SIEMENS STEPFLAME HOB Technology meets style as Siemens introduces stepFlame hob offering 9 levels of flame control. From meals that require light cooking to stir-fry recipes, one can now be assured of creating consistent and great-tasting meals. The display indicates the flame level selected and hence checking under the pot is not necessary. You can choose between stainless steel and ceramic cook tops. www.siemens-home.com/in
BOSCH SMS60L18IN DISHWASHER This dishwasher is perfected for Indian utensils, cleaning and drying even oily and masala stained kadhai, cooker, stainless steel utensils, microwave safe plastic, milk pots and glassware. While manual washing uses minimum 60 litres of water, this uses just 10 litres of water. It cannot get more hygienic than this as the water heats up to 70 degree C and kills 99.9% germs. www.bosch-home.com/in
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WORKTOPS AND SURFACES The willingness to experiment has accelerated progress in this space. Durability is still the prime factor, but textural innovations and availability of colour choices are promising a lot more to the consumer.
H&R JOHNSON TOP SHIELD COUNTER TOP
FORMICA CAFÉ AZUL LAMINATE Café Azul, launched as part of the 180fx® collection, is a timeless, quartz inspired pattern featuring veins of cool grey and warm brown that flow through a white background. 180fx® laminates offer visual drama due to their high resolution and true-to-scale granite patterns. They are perfect for adding contemporary colouring to a traditional kitchen. www.formica.com
The Johnson Top Shield quartz counter top is manufactured with a special anti-microbial formula, also certified as food-grade. It requires no resealing, and is highly resistant to scratches and stains, offering the beauty of natural granite without the maintenance associated with it. Available in a variety of textures and colours, this is a hassle-free and hygienic option for your dream kitchen. www.hrjohnsonindia.com
ANTICA CERAMICA STONE PASSION TILES SERIES This tile series is inspired by natural stone with reliefs and hipernaturals graphics, catering to the high demand for natural looking tiles. As a product between cosmopolitan and rustic chic, it can adapt easily to either rustic or contemporary decor, coating both walls and floors. These tiles are an excellent alternate to natural stone as they are cost effective and easy to maintain. www.anticaceramica.in
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POGGENPOHL CHROME PLATED LACQUER To cater to upmarket kitchens, Poggenpohl has introduced the chrome-plated high-gloss lacquers. These are available in 14 metallic shades such as diamond white, champagne gold and night blue, with a modern, straightforward front design and conventional framed fronts. Here, it displays a kitchen scheme with wide fronts in metallic petrol green combined with black lacquer, polished natural stone and stainless steel. www.poggenpohl.com
WILSONART DUSK ICE SOLID SURFACE Part of the Ice Series launched by Wilsonart last year along with 19 new solid surface designs, Dusk Ice is a tribute to the strength of neutrals. It has a soft grey quartz look with medium particulates in translucent light grey and mirror chips, reminiscent of the frosty earth glistening in the setting sun. It’s available in matte, satin, semi-gloss and gloss finishes. www.wilsonart.com
AVONITE STUDIO COLLECTION™ The Studio Collection™ with 12 new design materials is a breakthrough combination of veined translucency and 3D aesthetics. These newly created polymer-based materials combine design aesthetics with a formable, repairable, backlit and inconspicuous seam functionality. The designs with their movement and texture, ultra-translucency and terrazzo-inspired looks are an excellent alternative to other higher-cost surfaces such as concrete, glass and natural onyx stone. www.avonite.com
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SINKS AND FAUCETS New styles emerge in the sinks and faucets space with increased effort to create artistic designs. The combination of textures in worktops, sinks and faucets have started to matter now more than ever.
ACRYSIL CARYSIL SWAN GRANITE SINK
GRAFF PERFEQUE Graff’s rich experience with creating designer-based collections for the luxury market comes through in Perfeque. With coordinating kitchen and bar faucets, Perfeque offers a distinct style paired with incredible features such as twist and lock spray-head, and pulldown spray controls. Utilizing the latest manufacturing technology, this showcases a distinguished and elegant arrangement of curved elements. www.graff-faucets.com
Swan is a remarkable combination of beauty and performance. It has distinct spaces for preparation, clean-up, and wet and dry work. The back half of the platform curves, allowing more space in the sink basin, making it perfect to hold large kitchenware. The design also ensures that the dishes drying on the platform stay out of sight. Truly suited for a busy kitchen! www.acrysil.com
FRANKE MYTHOS FUSION SINK The purity of steel meets the warmth of Fragranite bringing alive a unique fusion sink. Three elegant steel details fuse perfectly with Fragranite to create a product that uniquely combines different materials and colours. Fragranite tackles the cleaning problem associated with composite sinks. Tests have proven that when treated with SanitizedÂŽ hygiene function it reduces bacteria and microbe growth by 99%. www.franke.com
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KOHLER SENSATE TOUCHLESS FAUCET Sensate’s intuitive Response® technology is in tune with your move: a simple wave of hand or an object turns it on or off. Its sensor is designed to prevent false activations in the sink area. Sweep® spray creates a wide, forceful blade of water for superior cleaning. Kohler’s new docking system, DockNetik®, secures the pull-down spray-head to the spout using magnetic force. www.kohler.co.in
DUPONT CORIAN® SINKS Corian continues to score with its durability and stain resistance while delivering on aesthetics as well. With multiple colours and options to choose from - single bowl, double bowl, large sink, sink with a drain board, etc. - Corian never ceases to impress. This works as an excellent option, especially, when integrated with a Corian worktop rendering a seamless flowing feel to the kitchen. www.corian.com
GROHE GROHE BLUE® PURE This faucet is the solution for people who prefer the natural taste of still water. Using the unique GROHE Blue® filter technology, it turns ordinary tap water into fresh water, with no aftertaste of heavy metals, lime scale or chlorine. The GROHE Blue® filter cartridge can purify up to 600 litres of water and can be replaced in just a few steps. www.grohe.co.in
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HARDWARE Hardware has always been about function, but now the focus is on upping the quality and sophistication quotient. It is all about providing an effortless and elevated experience to the user.
GODREJ KITCHEN FITTINGS
VAUTH SAGEL CORNERSTONE MAXX Now, this is one smart corner cabinet system! Its features include straight-forward kinematics with energy storage support, floating design with wide, stable tray surfaces and easy assembly. Tray heights can be adjusted easily, and floors can be moved in and out independent of each other. And it does all this without blocking the adjacent corridor. www.vauth-sagel.com
The new range of kitchen fittings from Godrej caters to the urban middle-class demand for strong, durable and aesthetically superior products. These (ergo box, cutlery organiser, swing tray, etc.) are made using salt spray tested stainless steel materials that come with 10-15 years of warranty. All these products undergo 1.5 lakh life cycle tests showcasing the commitment towards quality manufacturing. www.godrejkitchenfittings.com
HETTICH PRODECOR HANDLE COLLECTION ProDecor offers four distinct styles – New Modern, Deluxe, Organic and Folk – letting your kitchen express its individuality. 40 new models with 170 options have been included in the new collection. The copper and retro trends have had a key influence on these models with clearly defined styling, and options ranging from luxurious materials and colours to natural looking materials and traditional shapes. www.hettich.com
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HAFELE LEGRABOX TIP-ON BLUMOTION TIP-ON BLUMOTION combines the advantages of the TIPON mechanical opening support system with the reliable BLUMOTION dampening for a silent and effortless closing. The front opens with just a light touch and has a smooth running action. This advanced motion technology can be used with LEGRABOX, Blum’s purist box systems with straight side panels. Just the solution for your handle-less kitchen! www.hafele.com
HAFELE AVENTOS HK - XS Lift System Blum together with Häfele brings to you the Aventos HK-XS lift system which offers a high level of design freedom. Best suited for handle-less furniture solutions, the highly stable and durable system can be installed with Servo-Drive, the electric motion support system or TIP-ON the mechanical opening system, guaranteeing advanced ergonomics and optimal functionality. www.hafeleindia.com
EBCO KITCHEN TOWER This is one functional item that adds definite value to your kitchen. It automatically slides off the unit when the door is opened, and is easy to access from three sides and from above. This way, your cooking utensils are within easy reach. It can be installed on the left or right side, and has convenient holders for knives, spoons and chopping board. www.ebco.in
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STORAGE AND ACCESSORIES Storage has always been a hard one to tackle, especially in the kitchen. Here, we bring you some innovative storage products along with cutesy accessories to make your day.
GODREJ CARTINI KNIVES AND SCISSORS RANGE
EBCO CONVOY LAVIDO This wide larder unit is designed with utmost care. It has optimum accessibility from three sides, and its rounded shape ensures that every inch of storage is put to good use. The non-slip mat sticks to the shelf surface and can be removed for cleaning. You can adjust storage spaces using infinite height adjustment shelves, and magnetic divider and rails. www.ebco.in
This has a complete knives package with features such as hallow grinding, serration and orbital riveting along with a higher composition of carbon and chromium. The larger scissors can be wielded for cutting hard objects such as cardboards, flower stems and cloth. The smaller collection is ideal for light kitchen application with the highlight being the roundtip mini scissors for children. www.cartinigodrej.com
IDAM KITCHEN LINEN IDAM has come out with a selection of 100% cotton kitchen linen that adds fun and colour to the cooking time. These vivacious and bright prints are hand illustrated and then screen printed. Handcrafted trims like the thread buttons and tassels are added for a contemporary look to the aprons. A pair of mitts in a matching print complements the apron. www.idamstore.com
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POGGENPOHL +STAGE THEME STORAGE UNITS In these functional theme units, activities otherwise carried out in different areas are grouped together within a compact width of 120 cm. Slide-in hinged doors called pocket doors with a stylish design offer the best in individuality to suit personal habits and preferences. The innovative +STAGE theme units were awarded the ‘Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017’ and the ‘Good Design Award 2016’. www.poggenpohl.com
IDEAS SPICARIO In kitchens cramped for spaces, this elegant spice rack works wonders. It can be placed under any wall cabinet in the kitchen providing easy access while cooking. The drop-down feature of the box does not let it consume a lot of space, and hence makes it the perfect compartment to store your spices and condiments. www.ideaskitchens.in
HAFELE HAILO CARGO-SOFT PULL OUT BIN Hailo is a complete waste bin system that includes soft close covered runners for fixing to cabinets and door front. Automatic closure and soft close is enabled by the Smooth-Tec mechanism. Silver epoxy coated steel bin holder accompanies light grey plastic bins. With a total capacity of 25 litres, this is most suitable for under-sink applications. www.hafeleindia.com
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APPLIANCES MAKE LIFE EASY In the space of appliances, there are many interesting brands offering exciting products. Gamle is the new kid on the block, differentiating its offerings through a keen understanding of the Indian mindset. In 2016, Sanjeev Dayal decided to start his own venture. It took him just four months to plan it out. He acknowledges that he is ‘not too much of a planner’ and acts more on impulse. We spoke to him to understand his journey so far. Excerpts from the conversation: Sanjeev Dayal, Gamle
Can you share with us the story of Gamle’s beginnings? After having worked in the sales profession for around 27 years with firms such as Onida, Sony Ericsson, Kaff and Acrysil in various leadership positions, I felt the urge to do something on my own. I took a break for three months and then started Gamle. Ever since I’ve been in this industry, as an entrant till the senior most level, this market has given me a lot of joy. So, I felt it was my turn to give back something to the customer. I understood the Indian customer’s mindset and wanted to offer affordable products that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. I wanted the customer to get complete value for his money.
Gamle Zircon with 5 burner hobs
Tell us more about the products you offer. With the intention to cater to a wide segment of people, we decided to start with chimneys, hobs and cooktops. These are the most used in our kitchens. At a later point, we would consider rolling out luxury products such as microwave, oven and dishwasher, and even built-in appliances.
Is there a story to the name ‘Gamle’? Gamle stands for ‘Great Appliance Makes Life Easy’. It stands for our motto, of making the customer’s life simpler. I also liked the sound of the acronym - it has a stylish ring to it.
Gamle Emma filterless chimney
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Tell us about your observation on recent kitchen trends. I think the primary need is convenience and speed. Fifteen years back, one could hardly do any customisation with a microwave, but today there are so many configurations available. Consider the example of how dishwashers have caught on in the market. Earlier, there was poor reception for them. The trend of smart kitchen may also be seen in the next two years. Today, we are catching on to international trends faster. In one of my earlier companies, we introduced wine cooler and barbeque grill. At that time, we were one of the initial players to do so. Those products may not have done a lot of business then, but they certainly catapulted the brand image as a serious player.
Gamle Brooklyn baffle chimney
At Gamle, we would definitely like to launch some of these trendy products but at a price point that the consumer would appreciate.
What are your future plans for Gamle? One of our immediate plans is to come up with a brand store called ‘Gamle World’, where we can showcase all our products. Financially, our goal is to reach an annual turnover of 50 crores in three years.
What are some of the challenges you are facing? Internally, we have had limited challenges so far. But, external factors have impacted us significantly. When I was about to launch the company, demonetisation plans were announced.
Gamle Emily stainless steel chimney
The market has since recovered from that impact, but now our entry into around five states are at a standstill waiting for the implementation of GST (Goods and Services Tax) in July. There are ambiguities still, and our trade partners and distributors want to wait-and-watch before making any commitment. Things may just work out easy in the end, but until then we are going to be impacted.
Gamle Cooktop
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The Future Of Kitchens
To understand the pulse of the kitchen industry, we spoke to Radhakrishna Somayaji, Chief Sales Head in India for the Appliances division of Liebherr. Liebherr offers stand-alone and built-in refrigerators and wine-coolers for the premium consumer segment. Last year, they opened an experience centre in Mumbai showcasing their technologically superior appliances. Excerpts from the conversation: Radhakrishna Somayaji, Liebherr
Can you tell us about Liebherr’s foray into the Indian market? Initially, we entered India through an importer in 2008. Later, in 2013, the company invested about 500 crores and then decided to focus on this market intensively. Currently, we import built-in appliances from Germany, but we are also planning to locally manufacture some of our products. We are coming up with a factory in Aurangabad to offer optimally priced products that can target a wider section of consumers. Liebherr refrigerator with BioFresh
Liebherr is marked for innovation and timeless design. What products do you specialize in? While we do stand-alone, our specialisation is in built-in appliances. In Europe, more than 65% appliances are built-in, but here it used to be a negligible percentage. But now the trend is moving towards appliances integrated with the kitchen. Our offerings are a part of this dramatic change happening in the industry. Modular kitchens are becoming common in Indian households; people are travelling more to western countries; and Indian manufacturers are doing well on their own without just relying on imports. So, the demand and acceptance for appliances such as built-in and under-counter refrigerators have grown.
Liebherr Wine cabinet
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What is the current scenario for appliances pertaining to the Indian market? Earlier, appliances were only considered for utility. But, now, with open kitchens, these are visible and hence the design has started to matter more. Earlier, appliances were not considered part of the kitchen. Not anymore! Also, the younger generations wants trendy colours in appliances. We have also come out with a black steel refrigerator. In one of the exhibitions in Europe, we showcased the concept where the refrigerator was designed with the picture of London telephone booth. I believe that freestanding appliances may need to go in this direction in the future i.e. have customised designs on them. Liebherr Black steel fridge
Can you talk about how technology is shaping the future of kitchens? In the next couple of years, we are expecting to bring smart appliances to India with futuristic products in partnership with Microsoft. These are devices connected to each other with smart cameras inside.
From your experience, what are some of the recent interesting kitchen trends? It’s all about seamless now. Edgy designs, elegant corner finishes and handle-less kitchens are in demand. So are motorised mechanisms such as one-touch push, retractable shelves and soft-close systems. The customer also wants everything concealed, including the appliances. The idea is that once you’re done with cooking, nothing should be visible. In terms of colours and textures, the trend is to go natural. In the last EuroCucina Exhibition in Milan, we observed the increasing popularity for natural timbers, glass, stainless steel, ceramic, wooden extended counters and grey shades. Liebherr built-in fridge
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FIVE DESIGN TRENDS THAT RULE THE KITCHEN Move away antique, as contemporary stamps its presence on the kitchen. Move away baroque, as minimalism takes its foothold. Move away darker shades, as neutral tones make their way in style.
Appliances are neatly tucked inside well-planned storage spaces.
As some trends continue through the years, while some fade away, we take a look at five interesting design trends that rule the roost in this Kitchen Special Edition. It’s all black-and-white, and some grey too! Yes, we still love white kitchens. But, black is also in, and in a big way. The combination also works powerfully as monochrome prints in the form of tuxedo cabinets render a timeless, regal quality to your kitchen. Grey is making a gradual entry, too, in both matte and glossy finishes. Rather than keeping it solo, mixing grey with patches of bright yellow, navy or ocean-blue can make yours a fun kitchen. Appliances are hiding in the closet:
Smart kitchens are a fusion of technology, quality and elegance.
The appliances are integrated with storage shelves. Most of them, especially the smaller devices, remain concealed. Even for the larger ones, storage is planned ahead at the design stage so that these do not jut out awkwardly. Novel gadgets such as Rotimatic or new ideas such as a grill right next to the stove (Teppanyaki) are also making their way into the kitchen as people are willing to experiment more.
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If you think that a refrigerator is just for cooling, think again. Some of the contemporary designs such as a French-door refrigerator would make you want to forget its core function and buy one just for its stunning look. Black is in here as well; black fridge, oven, microwave, hob, hood, toaster, etc. are the flavour of the season.
Black and white are here to stay - in solo form and as tuxedo cabinets.
Smart kitchen technology is making life easier: With Internet of Things, your devices are now connected enabling a sophisticated and enriched lifestyle. For example, in a smart kitchen, sensors in the bins or in the refrigerator can predict your current stock levels and directly order groceries from e-tailers. These smart products truly understand you - they make the exact kind of coffee you need or send an alert when you have breached your mandated calories. You can also manage your gadgets remotely using a mobile app. Just switch on the coffee maker as soon as you wake up, right from the bed. Or, have the oven send a text to your phone when cookies are ready. Brass, copper and black steel the metal impact: Brass and copper seem to blend well even with modern kitchens. For black kitchens especially, these metal faucets are just the perfect accessory. From utensils and lightings to taps and handles, these metals can add class just by themselves. Metallic sinks with matching taps is another cool trend to watch out for.
 Brass and copper faucets and handles give a timeless look to this kitchen.
Also, black steel is the latest trend in kitchenware and in gadget finishes as well. This one is here to stay. From a textural point of view, the smooth, glossy finish of black steel balances well against concrete, stone and wood. Adding an X-factor into the kitchen: Now, every kitchen needs that one thing that can make it shine. Something that catches the eye, something that overwhelms the audience. For example, retractable hood can be a sleek addition to the kitchen. It doubles up in function by making the room spacious when not in use, and is also a winner with its elegance. Splashback is an area that can be played around with; coloured or 3D glass splashbacks do not just add a zing, but are also easier to maintain. A minimalist kitchen can be contrasted with huge overhang light fixtures. These help to supplement natural light and to introduce rustic tones. A twisted or an oval shaped island can also provide a slightly eccentric dimension to the kitchen space.
 Coloured glass splashbacks can bring a cheery ambience to your kitchen.
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A pair of intricately carved shutters finished in gold reveal a prayer room propped up against a backdrop of Honey-Onyx.
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A REFINED MAKEOVER Houses have always been interesting little laboratories where spaces are created to specifically cater to their occupants’ lifestyles. ‘Radhika’ the house in question has been designed to respond to a rich yet simple lifestyle that demands a minimalistic aesthetic with a fine-cut neatness.
A pleasing balance between unpretentious simplicity and cosmopolitan sophistication greets you as you walk into this 5000 square foot of redeveloped space that constitutes a bungalow located in the Deccan region of Pune. Unfolding layers that respond to the specific profile of the residents, Piyush Mehra and Priyanka Pradeep of PS Design enjoy a free reign as they make beauty and comfort intermingle in an elegant shell. A 40 year old construction endowed with small windows and closed spaces had to be remodelled. The architectural team tells us, “The design was a challenge. We broke down 90% of the walls and reframed the space into a modern open and well planned space.” From a traditional old home, the building underwent a complete make-over in order to gel with today’s contemporary look, redefining its vernacular core.
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“The lineage of the bungalow is a landmark for the locals. We therefore decided to eliminate the age old elevation features like mouldings and cornices and converted them into simple straight lined architecture�. A touch of wood was added to bring in character for the elevation and highlight a prominent projection of the house.
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Space and light form the basic elements which are articulated in a highly sculptural manner, enclosing volumes which are dynamic and transcendental. The whole house is awash with a restrained colour palette. Beige and white guide the project.
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The height restriction of the main door led to making it wider to six feet. The foyer leads into the fourteen feet high living room. Twelve feet wide windows perch themselves here, bringing the outdoors in with views of a perfectly manicured garden. Along the same axis, the dining room is located adjacent to a huge kitchen, store and utility area. The subtle and wide palette continues its way into the dining room where a Turri table and chairs occupy centre stage. The high polish of the table reflects the light that is suspended from modern fixtures above. Fragrant blooms introduce a dose of freshness to the room as they sit atop a modern buffet unit whilst catching a glimpse of their reflection in a pair of Laurameroni mirrors.
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The architectural duo shares, “The clients wanted a white and beige look throughout the house”. Thus, the colour story around the house has been kept neutral. Light shades of biscuit clad the floors in slabs of Michelangelo and Crema Bellissimo marble. The redeveloped bungalow gains a new heart in its extensive mix of furniture that leans towards a global look through the lifestyle accessories sourced from Italy, Singapore and Dubai. Some sourced from Mumbai and Delhi chip in to introduce some local flavour. While the beds wear the label of Cattelan Italia and Turri, the plush sofa in the lounge is from Arketipo. Compositional dominants of the project were incorporating design elements with simplistic lines, careful architectural detailing and references. The house is an apt showcase for the client’s comprehensive art collection. “The owner is an avid art collector and most of the paintings were out of his own personal collection”, inform Piyush and Priyanka. “We worked around the art and decided the location of the key pieces before deciding on the rest of the furniture”. The team has skilfully converted the house into a personal museum. “A house becomes a home from personal collectibles. There is always a story behind a certain piece of art.”
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A punchy canvas of red, wine and blue animates the living room which is a welledited haven of classic cum contemporary pieces. Two concise tables on curved ‘X’ legs accentuate the corner tucked at the foot of the staircase. The house enjoys a flight of floating steps protected by a glass railing, suspended from a steel handrail that turns at the landing. A pair of intricately carved shutters finished in gold reveal a prayer room propped up against a backdrop of Honey-Onyx. The bathrooms are glamorous and monolithic in terms of materials used. The duo shares, “Marble is not just decadently beautiful but also serves to infuse a sense of luxury in most spaces”. Beige Travertine used in the master bathroom and Grey Estremozin the daughter’s bathroom lends an artistic quality to the whole space. The powder bathroom is a hybrid of Honey and White Onyx.
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A stone wall highlights the water feature of the bungalow as it reiterates the strength of the wall. The terrace presents another story of contrasts. An impromptu purchase of a bench finished in wood and colourful ropes knotted together is its star attraction. Adding a poetic spin on pure forms the house is a well-adapted version of a homogenous blend of tradition and modernity. www.psdesign.co.in
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Design A Bar Called Life, Mumbai After successfully running One Street Over and Bastian, Ranjit Bindra, Owner of Aallia Hospitality, felt the need of doing a space which reflects the life in India, and A Bar Called Life was conceptualised. To this end he roped in national award-winning Chef Amninder Sandhu to execute an Indian comfort food menu, as well as Dhaval Pillay from the Taj to do the cocktail menu (complementing the food menu and reviving childhood memories reflecting through the drinks). Looking at the competition around he did not want it to be just another regular bar with cheap drinks and music. The design of A Bar Called Life was inspired by his travels to the south of France where the bars would transform into complete party zones with different kinds of acts and high levels of energy in service. The interiors were done keeping exactly that in mind; while the outside area was done to be a more open and an alfresco dining kind of a space for people to relax after a hard day of work, the inside space was planned keeping the transformation of the bar to a high energy club in mind. andrea@aalliahospitality.com
Text Compiled By Anindita Ganguly
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Intelligent design need not be restricted to mammoth-sized spaces. Sometimes, even a small idea can lead to stunningly brilliant interior themes.
Mixology Design Mixology spotlights innovative design in various domains such as showrooms, bars, clinics, spas and much more.
Coffee Culture, Bardoli As the cafe was based in a Bardoli, Gujarat a satellite town where scrap can be found in abundance, the team of architects from The Company of Design came up with an idea to design a “contextually responsive environment” by using scrap. The existing long wall in the cafe was stripped off its plaster and kept as an exposed brick wall with minimum finishing layers. It also acts as a backdrop for the coffee counter while the other walls are finished with grey textured paint. The dark space is lit by a series of Edison light globes which are suspended above the counter. The unusual geometrical twists of the GI pipes wind up creating a merchandise display rack, bottle storage, lighting fixture and support for furniture as well. Consistent use of the colours white, brown and blue brings certain calmness between the otherwise fairly random placed elements. The design and material palette were manipulated carefully to echo the site’s narrative while maintaining Coffee Culture’s branding strategy as a young and trendy company which evolves with time and place. info@thecompanyofdesign.com
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The Photo Company, Pune The premise which is based in Pune was earlier a factory complex comprising of a large factory shed, servants’ quarters and a watchman’s cabin with a significant amount of open space in the front. The factory shed was converted into the studio for the photography due to its expanse and the height available, while the watchman’s cabin and the servants’ quarters were converted into an image processing unit and an office respectively. An unused space between the new office and the factory shed was converted into a transition court. Linear, multi-coloured windows in wood planks open out the office façade to the paved, landscaped entrance court. The main access to the factory shed was redesigned by adding a wall that hid the toilet door and creating a brickwork frame with a bamboo pergola, creating an enclosure for outdoor seating. The structure has minimal windows and obtains light and ventilation only through the front coloured windows and the side court open to sky. The design character is minimal, with almost no decoration. Natural elements such as light and air along with architectural characters and colours that are local to the tropical climate of India form the design language. projects@lovekardesign.com
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Pistacchi Oesi6n
Designer Mike He likes to create things that make people happy. Inspired by fairy tales and stories, his designs maybe playful and a bit irreverent at times, but never fall short of being functional.
Text By ChryselleD’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer Home HomeReview ReviewJune June2017 2017
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Once upon a time there was a designer who wanted to create things that would make people smile. He took his ideas from everyday life, from his own experiences and from the popular fairy tales and stories that make up our childhoods. The result? A brand that consistently creates happy products that are not only charming to look at, but also functional and thought-provoking.
Honest Pinocchio
Meet Mike He, creator and founder of Pistacchi Design, a design brand based in Taiwan. He (He Ren Wei) was born in 1980 and studied art and product design. From 2005-2015, he worked with Acer Computer Co., Ltd. as a product designer and developed a niche for product design in the technology industry. Now, at Pistacchi Design, he focuses on designing simple and practical lifestyle products. His goal is to deliver positive feelings through his designs, helping people to experience their life again - in a fresh way. He approaches design through the lens of comics and cartoons, making the humour evident immediately and to all; even those not familiar with the story. One of the first products he designed was a pencil sharpener inspired by the fairy tale Pinocchio. The pencil becomes the nose of Pinocchio and because this is “Honest Pinocchio” (as opposed to the lying version of the fairy tale whose nose grows longer with every tale he tells) the ‘nose’ becomes shorter and shorter.
The Kingdom
Little Red Hood
The Once upon a Time series has other similarly-themed products. The Kingdom, for instance, is a range of ceiling lamps that look like castles. The contemporary designs and colour make it a quirky addition to a modern household. Little Red Hood is a layered food container set that incorporates the concept of nesting dolls with a twist. Here, bowls with lids are designed to fit in with the story of Little Red Riding Hood, her grandmother and the wicked wolf. The nesting lids open to reveal each character which, to me, is such a charming idea. Use the bowls to store food or as a decorative item by itself.
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Honest Axes
Lively Trunk
He turns the story of the ‘Honest Axes’ into a side-table where the three axes form the base of the table with a clear top representing the river water into which the axes were thrown. The Lively Trunk is a vase/watering can that gives new life (literally) to what seems like a dead tree trunk in the forest. The artificial tree trunks in various colours can be used as vases (therefore making it seem like it is bursting with new growth) or as a watering can through a spout on its side (which can also be used to hold flowers). If this isn’t happy enough, get your happily-ever-after ending with the Happy End necklace which will surely put you in a cheerful frame of mind. Moving on from fairy tales, his Comma Stool/Chair is a good example of how he takes a classical element and deconstructs it into something totally different yet identifiable and useful. The Comma Stool/ Chair (made from marble, wood stone horn, foam) is inspired by the comma.
Comma Stool/Chair
Like the punctuation mark, this piece gives users a reason to pause, to take a break. The Comma was designed to be a functional public sculpture that is visually attractive and also allows one to use it as something to lean on. The design can easily be changed to a chair with backrests or a highchair using other materials like wood, metal or plastic. The 1,2,3 Blocks Chair is a children’s chair (also a stool) that “provides a small triangular world in which everyone can create his/her own version of a rural landscape.” The chair has building blocks that represent the iconic images of Taiwan and allows children to get imaginative with their play.
1,2,3 Blocks Chair
The soothing colours, rounded edges and multiple possibilities for play make this a functional toy of sorts. As He says, “The discovery process is as simple, natural, and interesting as what we feel about Taiwan a promised land full of wonders.”
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Talking about his AnimoSphere series the word AnimoSphere is a combination of Animo (animal) and Sphere, which can also be pronounced similar to Atmosphere, to bring out the fact that human beings and animals co-exist and share this planet equally. The ‘Good Old Days’ lamp range from this series has wall-mounted animal heads with halos around their heads. Here He wants to remind humans that the planet is as much for the animals as it is for humans. Similarly, the Gotcha! Table Lamp makes a playful comment on traditional lamps that use “glorified” animal or human figurines as décor. “Once you look closer, you will find that the dog is peeing on the pole, a chameleon is in the transition of blending in with the shade pattern and cows are getting sucked towards the light,” says He.
Good Old Days
It is exactly this irreverence that makes He’s work memorable. His use of the classical element to make new objects relatable to consumers ensures that his designs will be seen in the right context and continue to create magic and produce smiles on the faces of all those who experience them. pistacchi.design@gmail.com www.pistacchi-design.com
Gotcha! Table Lamp
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With Naumi, a chic boutique hotel situated in the very heart of Singapore, the goal was to design something that would not only flirt with its guests, but would also become a place for them to kid around with each other. Text By Mala Bajaj Photographs Courtesy Naumi
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CHIC AND CHEERFUL
Set amidst the Singapore skyline, Cloud 9, the already famous infinity pool on the top floor has awe-inspiring views. Serving up champagne and wine all day long, a refreshing drink by the pool is an experience not to be missed.
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A sense of caring and communication can be felt everywhere in this hotel which houses 73 stylishly artful guestrooms, several fully-equipped meeting and event spaces, the new destination restaurant Table by Rang Mahal, and a re-designed infinity pool offering spectacular views of the Singapore skyline. The hotel’s interiors have only recently been renovated by the multi-disciplinary design studio, White Jacket. The inviting and highly sophisticated rooms feature designer furnishings, functional work desks with built in phone chargers, seven layer bedding in 400 thread-count Egyptian Cotton, premium bath amenities from the Australian brand SOAK Superfood Skincare, complimentary high-speed WiFi, Apple TV’s AirPlay Mirroring which allows guests to screen what’s on their Apple devices to the television, and above all a complimentary well-stocked mini bar. Other highlights include complimentary liquor shots from 4.30pm to 6.30pm in the lobby for all hotel guests as well as sound-proofed rooms designed by a Parisian acoustic expert to ensure a great night’s sleep.
A private room which works for both formal and informal meetings.
Naumi is an inviting and playful spot of joy, a hotel that allows you to let your hair down in the utmost of comfort and as a first in the field of hospitality it also pays special attention to the need of any traveller seeking additional privacy. The hotel has actually dedicated an entire floor to such guests by adding an extra security entry door that can only be accessed by guests staying on Level 3. Modern furniture by B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau, Zanotta, Tom Dixon and Artemide and floor-to-ceiling windows come together to create a contemporary, relaxed space. Specially commissioned art pieces, such as a six-foot tall spray painted policeman by graffiti artist Tr853-1, dot the spaces, making it one of Singapore’s hippest locations.
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This is a hotel which speaks to its guests with messages such as “follow me” “i hide” “Fairway to heaven” “i say go for it”, popping up from its different corners. A feeling of the hotel actually communicating with you is established; the infectious flippancy in the atmosphere not only serves to brighten up the day of those reading them but also passes on to others around them.
Table by Rang Mahal, the hotel’s new all-day dining restaurant in the lobby extends a holistic dining experience by serving up a diverse range of contemporary cuisine with an Indian influence.
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At Naumi, there exists a balance between comfort and sophistication, one that is different from the ubiquitous monochrome, glass-walled hotels that have sprouted in the vicinity. Touches like nature inspired motifs on lamps and elevator interiors and the predominant use of the colour white lends itself to an environment that is airy, fresh and rejuvenating. Table by Rang Mahal, the hotel’s new all-day dining restaurant in the lobby extends a holistic dining experience by serving up a diverse range of contemporary cuisine with an Indian influence. Breakfasts which are served here too, are sumptuous apart from being health oriented. Every requirement of the fitness conscious guest’s diet has been considered. Thus you have a healthy corner that not only serves fruit, muesli, yoghurt etc but also offers collagen shots, protein mixes and a variety of vitamin pills. Table also features all day-dining and efficient, speedy bento lunches specially designed for business travellers.
The inviting and highly sophisticated rooms feature designer furnishings, functional work desks, seven layer bedding, complimentary WiFi, and above all a well-stocked mini bar.
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Set amidst the Singapore skyline, Cloud 9, the already famous infinity pool on the top floor has awe-inspiring views and has been redesigned to accommodate 10 to 50 guests. It is a venue just perfect for private events and intimate solemnisations by the pool. Serving up champagne and wine all day long, a refreshing drink by the pool is an experience not to be missed. Naumi Hotel also offers meeting and event spaces equipped with the best of high-tech AV facilities with flexible configurations for up to 20 guests accompanied by exquisite catering and their hallmark hospitality. Each space within Naumi invites you to relax and watch time go by while reveling in the one-of-a-kind luxury of its glamorous and exclusive atmosphere.
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Naumi Hotel also offers meeting and event spaces equipped with the best of high-tech AV facilities with flexible configurations for up to 20 guests accompanied by exquisite catering and their hallmark hospitality.
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The breakfast buffet at the Table is sumptuous apart from being health oriented. Every requirement of the fitness conscious guest’s diet has been considered.
Naumi Hotel originally opened in September 2007 and garnered an enviable list of awards before it closed for refurbishment. It is a part of the Singapore based group of luxury boutique hotels, Naumi Hospitality, which opened its second property Naumi Liora, in November 2012. This boutique hotel which is an enticing blend of comfort and charm laced with humour may easily be considered as a more than adequate ‘home away from home’ base to embark on a discovery of one of the cleanest and stylish cities of the world - Singapore. www.naumihotel.com
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GREEN PROJECT
Bands of grey Kota stone elegantly complement the kiln-burnt fiery hue of the brickwork.
CONSCIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Sandwiched between a 50 ft high party wall to the left and the pivotal courtyard of a neighbour’s house to the right, The Ridge House in Kailash Colony, New Delhi successfully holds its own against a context which screams ‘intimidating’.
Text By Ar. Priti Kalra Photographs Courtesy Amit Khanna Design Associates Home Review June 2017
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Screens or ‘jaalis’ that combine regular sized bricks with thinner ones break the monotony of the façade as well as protect the interiors from the harsh sun, thus curtailing the use of energy.
Designed by Amit Khanna Design Associates (AKDA) and completed in 2016, the house derives its name from The Ridge, the northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Mountains, which it stands on. Over 1500 million years old, The Ridge comprises primarily of jagged quartzite and is infamously difficult to build on. The planning authorities have demarcated its undulating topography such that religious structures occupy the higher points and row housing lines the lower contours.
For one, the inverted outline results in the creation of a larger shared courtyard. Secondly, in the composite climate of Delhi, the quality of air and natural light that enters both houses is preserved.
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The site in question previously housed a small two-storey residence abutting a 25 ft high rocky outcrop to the rear. With the revision of government byelaws, the plot now allows for a five-storey construction to be built, with ground level and basement allotted to parking, services and storage, and the four upper floors dedicated to residential use.
From a structural perspective, aligning the columns through six unique floor plans became the second challenge of the project.
A distant bird’s eye view reveals the rim of the long, narrow hilltop that the site sits on. On zooming in closer, the site appears to be nestled within a valley of sorts, a low-lying depression created by the intersecting planes of the party wall, the rocky outcrop and the central garden carved out of the neighbour’s property. The house in question mediates, so to speak, the tension created between the three dynamically different boundary conditions.
The third, and possibly most important outcome of the intervention, is the regeneration of collective living. In a world of builders and developers, where cheek by jowl construction dominates the field of architectural practice, a mutually beneficial communal open space encourages the residents of The Ridge House to come together with their neighbours to grow and nurture their trees, as well as to relax and unwind.
The first response of the design studio was to mirror the building outline of the neighbour’s house. The benefits of this gesture were envisioned to be three-fold. For one, the inverted outline results in the creation of a larger shared courtyard. Secondly, in the composite climate of Delhi, the quality of air and natural light that enters both houses is preserved.
The basement of the residence is for holding religious congregations and the ground floor is occupied by stilt parking for both owners and tenants. The residential programme begins on the first floor. Here, two apartments overlooking the courtyard below boast of independent access from the parking level and are intended for use by tenants.
On the second floor, a smaller apartment for the client’s grandparents allows for a luxurious open terrace to be accommodated at the rear. The third floor, again, is designed specifically for tenants, while the fourth floor is a sprawling three-bedroom penthouse for the client. The penthouse leads to a spacious terrace above, replete with extravagances such as water landscaping, a bar counter and seating area for entertaining guests, and a space to meditate and practice yoga. The total built-up area of the multi-storey residence is 18000 sq ft.
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A parallel perspective of the building indicating response to composite climate conditions.
The brief of the project posed two major challenges to the architects, one due to site conditions and the other due to programmatic requirements. The first was the bed of pure impenetrable rock that the site sat on. The byelaws of the residential neighbourhood dictated that hydraulic splitters and explosives could not be used to break through the bedrock. Thus, manual labour had to be employed to excavate the site for the foundations. On the bright side, the sheer mass of the rock eliminated the need for a retaining wall in the basement. Here, the decision to expose the stone surface and light it from above via slit skylights resulted in an interesting backdrop for the gathering space.
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From a structural perspective, aligning the columns through six unique floor plans became the second challenge of the project. The basement demanded a large columnfree space. The ground floor had to be governed by the number of parking spaces required. The upper residential floors with varying programmatic concerns needed comfortably spacious rooms without protruding columns hindering movement. The elevation of the building was covered predominantly in brick, which served as a unifying element to the complex volumetric nature of the form. The inspiration to use brick came from the reddish colour of the excavated stone. Screens or ‘jaalis’ that combine regular sized bricks with thinner ones break the monotony of the façade as well as protect the interiors from the harsh sun, bringing down the use of energy required for artificial cooling.
The third, and possibly most important outcome of the intervention, is the regeneration of collective living.
Bands of grey Kota stone elegantly complement the kiln-burnt fiery hue of the brickwork. A large chunk of Kota stone finds its way into the flooring of the stilt level, interspersed with small bits of black granite - the leftovers from the bathroom and kitchen countertops. The use of local stone and recycling waste material was part of the focus on the eco-friendly approach of the project.
Sustainability forms an important aspect of the project. Doubly glazed windows increase thermal comfort and minimise the entry of dust. A 5-star energy rated, variable refrigerant flow air conditioning system from Mitsubishi further controls ambient air quality. LED light fixtures defeat the purpose that energy intensive decorative lights serve. In conjunction with the brick screens, a doubly insulated roof on the uppermost floor mitigates heat gain.
www.akda.in
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EARTH ENABLE
The world over and especially in many third world countries billions of people live on dirt floors. These floors are a major cause of infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, malnutrition, and vector-borne diseases. EarthEnable, based in Rwanda, is a social enterprise on a single minded mission to improve both health and housing in low-income communities by eliminating unsanitary dirt floors. EarthEnable builds locally sourced, earthen floors that are 75% cheaper than regular concrete floors.
Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj
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EarthEnable started with a dream to improve health conditions through simple and affordable solutions. Traveling to Rwanda under the program, “Entrepreneurial Design for Extreme Affordability� in 2013, four Stanford students were tasked with their partner organisation - The Mass Design Group - to design a product or a service that would make homes or communities healthier.
They first sought to understand how sub-optimal homes affected physical and emotional health outcomes. They were shocked to discover the significant health problems that dirt floors cause. Eliminating just the dirt floor in a home leads to dramatic reductions in childhood asthma, diarrhea, malnutrition, and other parasitic infections. The groups realised that they could bring about a huge change in people’s lives if they found a way to change the existing floors of houses in Rwanda.
Nearly 80% of Rwandans live on dirt floors, which have shown to be a major cause of infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, malnutrition, and vector-borne diseases. Concrete flooring - the only other viable alternative - is prohibitively expensive at 300 plus USD for a 200 square foot home. This problem is not limited to Rwanda alone and exists in practically all third world countries. There is substantial unmet need for clean, durable, and affordable floors throughout the developing world, representing a potential market of billions of people. EarthEnable provides an affordable alternative to dirt floors: locally sourced, earthen floors that are 75% cheaper than concrete floors. Earthen floors are a proven technology in the United States, where the trade has been refined to make them waterproof, easy to clean, abrasion-resistant, and modern looking. They are made by hand with a mixture of compressed earthen materials - gravel, sand and clay - and are then sealed with a drying oil.
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EarthEnable has made this product feasible in Rwanda by: a) Developing a proprietary process to cost-effectively convert any locally available, unsaturated oil into a drying oil. b) Developing a training curriculum that equips masons with the skills to install highquality earthen floors. c) Developing a distribution model to scale without sacrificing quality.
EarthEnable has employed more than 80 people full-time. Part of its organisational culture is to invest significantly in the professional development of its staff. The organisation has frequent coaching sessions and check-ins, and is constantly reshuffling duties and responsibilities for the teammates to grow into more senior roles. Youth unemployment is high in the countries they work in and as a result, it is very common for the youth there to graduate from college without jobs.
EarthEnable’s floors are a substantial improvement from concrete floors, not only because concrete is prohibitively expensive, but also because the industry is incredibly environmentally unsustainable, responsible for 5% of global carbon emissions. Earthen floors enable the developing world to shift to proven, affordable, and green construction technologies while improving health; a significant improvement over the status quo.
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EarthEnable has seen considerable success and growth since it was founded 2.5 years ago. EarthEnable has built over 1,100 floors reaching approximately 6,000 people. In just 2016 EarthEnable built almost 1,000 floors. The organisation currently employs over 100 people in jobs ranging from office employees to mason apprentices. EarthEnable plans to scale their operation rapidly in 2017, hopefully planning on providing many more families with healthy, clean and sustainable floors.
EarthEnable believes it’s their responsibility to hire and train bright young individuals in the third world especially those who want to be part of their country’s development. www.earthenable.org
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Extensive use of Italian marble and wood, and leather wall coverings with gold accents for furnishings gives the living and dining area a plush look.
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FUSION AT THE FORE In the busy area of central Mumbai, this apartment building stands out as one of the tallest. With its cheery terrace garden and warm interiors, the building’s penthouse, designed by KNS Architects, is a quiet family haven that breaks away from the chaos of the outside world.
An exquisite amalgamation of modern and traditional themes is at work in this 3500 sq ft penthouse, leading the design team to give it the moniker of ‘fusion’. When you have a family of six - patriarch and his wife, son, daughter, daughter-inlaw and granddaughter - spanning three generations, individual preferences can turn out to be quite at conflict with each other. Hence, the blend of the old and new design worlds is no accident; rather, the fusion idea skilfully brings together the choices of the people residing in the house.
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Kanhai Gandhi, an architect in the KNS team explains, “The main challenge with the project was that there were distinct personalities in the family with diverse design and colour choices. To cater to that and also to make the house appear as a seamless entity was not easy.” So, the bedrooms retain individual styles but the common areas adopt a more neutral approach. Starting right from the elevator lobby, there is a mix-and-match theme - while the flooring has a simple and clean finish with Italian marble; the ornate black chandelier with prominent curves works in contrast. As we enter the common space that combines the living and dining area, minimalistic lines define the structure and design, but these are enriched with the use of luxurious materials. Armani brown marble flooring gives the space a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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While everything else sits harmoniously in the background, the diamond-patterned wall panel in the dining space catches the eye of any visitor. This panel made of acoustical fabric stretches to the top floor ensuring a sense of continuity between the two levels; a perfect backdrop to enjoy a leisurely meal at the dining table! A glamorous staircase connects to the upper floor - this one steals the show with its glass side walls and black-glass steps. Kanhai Gandhi explains, “We wanted to give the staircase a stylish and uncluttered look. The use of glass gives a floating appearance. There is also an intentional gap behind the staircase to position the chandelier from the top floor.” Again, the old-world chandelier comes together beautifully with the modern staircase, creating an interesting mix of elements.
The penthouse in Matunga is designed by the KNS Architects team of Kanhai Gandhi, Neemesh Shah, Shresht Kashyap, Mansi Sangoi and Prachi Kothari.
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Each of the four bedrooms has a remarkably unique character, but there are some common features that unite them. For example, the marble flooring extends neatly into each adjoining bathroom identifying them as one unit. The bathroom walls have a distinct herringbone-like pattern, varying in texture and colourbased on the adjoining bedroom.
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The master bedroom has neutral shades of white and brown indicating the choice of the older couple in the house. Glossy veneer panels in the wardrobe shutters and the backdrop of the cot render a timeless elegance. In contrast, the son’s room makes a bold statement with concrete finished walls and black accents. Kanhai Gandhi explains that the son chose a ‘masculine’ look for his room. The bathroom again is an extension of this with a monochrome wall print.
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The daughter’s room has a vintage design. A soft wine and white colour scheme paired with roses, motifs and ornate wall hung lamp gives this room the old-world charm and yet retains a fresh and contemporary feel. Watch out for the elaborate use of mirrors accentuating the illusion of space! The grand-daughter’s bedroom transports you to a different world altogether, just perfect for the little girl of the house. Treated in soft hued accents of pinks and blues along with a chessboard floor, there is a fairy-tale like quality to this room. The chequered flooring brings movement to the otherwise static space. In line with the theme of the rest of the house, this bathroom, too, is an extension of the bedroom; adorned with butterflies on the wall and pink accessories, the aura is all floral and feminine. Finally, we enter the most coveted space of the house - a mesmerising terrace garden amidst the urban jungle. With a view of the eastern harbour and the juxtaposition of vertical greens against the black edged granite, this cosy ‘nature nook’ of the house instils an earthy sense of calmness and stability. Despite the multiple colour schemes used, KNS architects manage to create a homogenous flow with the clever use of materials, textures and patterns. So, while every person gets a unique space, the penthouse comes together as an abode in complete harmony. sahiba@knsarchitects.com kns@knsarchitects.com
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A SCINTILLATING EVENING AT HÄCKER KITCHENS A live cooking event was organised in collaboration with Siemens at Häcker showroom.
When art meets technology, something extraordinary is bound to happen. It was a similar experience during a cooking extravaganza at Häcker Kitchens in Delhi. In collaboration with Siemens, Häcker invited Celebrity Chef Debabrata Mukherjee from Mumbai to give a live cooking demo.
Chef Mukherjee’s fine culinary skills set up a sumptuous display of food. A remarkable agility to move around the kitchen and cook with dexterity showed that he was completely at ease with this next generation kitchen and their equipment.
scrumptious recipes in a state-of-the-art design kitchen with the best appliances to support it was like a dream. The kitchen space is the most important area in a house for me and Häcker just makes the experience magically - clean designs, modern aesthetics with great storage.”
He shared his heart-warming cooking tips and 5 popular recipes ranging from appetizers, barbeque to bake treats, all made at Häcker state of the art kitchen. With over 14 years of experience in the field, Chef Mukherjee showed how even the most indigenous recipes can be cooked with such ease using Siemens Built-in cooking appliances!
A patron, attending the event, remarked, “Live Cooking Event was quite an experience for me, getting my hands on and learning how to cook some
It turned out to be a memorable event that left people asking for similar events. www.haecker-india.com
Capt. Mukesh Kumar, CMD, Kanu Kitchen Kulture Pvt. Ltd., speaking at the event said, “Siemens and Häcker have worked together for over a decade to provide perfect kitchen solutions to our customers. High quality precision and state-of-theart production facilities are common attributes for both the companies and therefore complement each other perfectly with their product range. From our long association since 2004, we have learned that many clients have apprehensions about Desi cooking in German kitchens. Hence, this idea of live cooking in our showroom came about to physically prove and clarify such doubts over a casual interaction with our patrons.” Home Review June 2017
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The distinctive limestone faรงade and interiors of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC have been designed by renowned architect Gensler.
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Desert Luxe
Standing apart from the jungle of mind boggling avant-garde skyscrapers, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is an oasis amid the metropolitan sprawl. World renowned architect Gensler magnificently melds urban luxe with European and Eastern inuences, reflecting the spirit of this multi-cultural city. Text By Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Photographs Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC
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Using water as a leitmotif, luxuriant plants and trees have been purposefully scattered to give guests relief from the stifling heat.
The distinctive limestone faรงade, as well as the 5000 tons of carved stone and marble sourced from Spain, Italy, Morocco, India and Oman not only enhances the luxury of the property, but also keeps the soaring temperatures down. Using water as a leitmotif, lush sunken gardens, cool shaded terraces, eight refreshing waterfalls (one being 10 stories tall), forty species of luxuriant plants and trees create a kind of micro-climate, as they are purposefully scattered through the hotel, giving guests a much needed relief from the stifling heat of Dubai.
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Visitors approach through a porte-cochere (much like the layout in an aristocratic château), entering the Art Deco lobby adorned with plush upholstered walls in creamy silk. But the pièce de résistance is the breathtaking frosted branch light sculpture on the ceiling, created by Czech artisans and signed by the famous designer Lasvit. Fitted with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, all 341 rooms, 80 suites and 124 executive residences are bathed in natural light and equipped with every extravagance. The Royal Suites overlook a panorama of the business district, with Art Deco interiors intermingled with Asian effects. Each suite has a private kitchen, a fully customized office area and library along with a personal guest relations manager! Dark wood, classic furniture and a mix of leather and silks give the interiors a sumptuous 1940’s Parisian salon look. Given its high profile target audience, The Ritz also has two very private upper floors, dedicated to VIP guests with access to an exclusive Club® Level Lounge.
Dark wood, classic furniture and a mix of leather and silks give the suites a sumptuous 1940’s Parisian salon look.
Dining at The Ritz is a gastronomical delight from the No. 5 Terrace to Center Cut that serves up juicy steaks and the very French Le Cirque. But for decadent desserts, pop by Cake patisserie and café where handmade confectionaries are conjured up by Executive Pastry Chef Dragan Rucnov using only the finest ingredients. For a taste of old Europe Cafe Belge is a must visit for brunch, as is their lavish seafood platter. A flamboyant restaurant and bar with its design and gourmet roots proudly evoking the golden era of 1920s Brussels, it is all about the Art Deco and Art Nouveau dazzle. Ornate iron doors leading to the terrace, carvings on columns, bold geometric pictures, ornamental chandeliers and shimmering mirrors stand out stunningly against the rich marble floors and high ceilings.
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Café Belge proudly evokes the golden era of 1920s Brussels, while Le Cirque is oh-so French.
Art has always been in the DNA of The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC since its inception and the hotel has since built up an impressive collection with over 100 pieces peppered around, including 30 sculptures by renowned artists which the Opera Gallery provides and changes on a quarterly basis. Highlights that include Pierre Matter’s impressive Evolving Falcon in the lobby, Requin by Corda Mauro (a three metre long shark weighing 700 kilos), Cypresse by Frederico Uribe, Jack the Dog by Fabienne Arietti, Bon Bon Mimosa by Laurence Jenkell - are only some of the engaging art on display. The interactive ‘Discover with You’ was also created to encourage guests to explore the hotel’s artworks in a unique way, by enjoying a private tour and learning the basics of investing and even building a personal collection.
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The frosted branch light sculpture in the lobby signed by Lasvit, L’Espadon by Mauro Corda and Jack the Dog by Fabienne Arietti are only some of the engaging art on display.
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The lavish spa, roof-top pool and fitness facilities are an added attraction for both the local and the international guest.
Ensconced in a prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC with its stylish accommodation, executive residences, epicurean eateries, lavish spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities and expansive event spaces is a must visit for both the local and the international guest. dxbif.leads@ritzcarlton.com www.ritzcarlton.com/dubaiifc
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DESIGN DESTINATION
MAN WHERE Manama, or Al Manama in Arabic, is the capital city of Bahrain, a small but important independent nation in the Middle-East. Manama is not only a key financial hub in the region, but also a capital of culture. The city has seen rapid urbanisation and is the centre of many economic activities.
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AMA WHEN
WHY
The climate in Manama is extreme. Summer temperatures rise up to 48 °C, while in winter it could get as low as 7 °C. This is probably why the best time to visit the city is in autumn when it is very pleasant.
It is rich and charming, and yet not as commercial and consumerist as some of the popular cities in the Middle-East. The city and its coastline is swanky and developed. Yet, the remnants of the past shine through the old heritage buildings beautiful mosques, museums and bustling markets. It is a mix of the old and the new, coupled with great options for cuisine!
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THE ISLAND HAVEN It takes but a glance at the majestic building of Four Seasons, to know that luxury and opulence are at home here in Manama. The hotel is on its own private island. The design aesthetics undoubtedly are a nod to the Ottoman heritage. The décor is beautiful, spacious, luxurious and highly elegant and sophisticated. The 48-story structure is in the form of two textured concrete towers that rise 201 metres above the reclaimed island. It offers 273 guest rooms. The restaurant ‘Skypod’, provides fantastic views of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel apart from extensive event and meeting spaces, has a business centre, spa and gym facilities, all arranged in a strategic way within the structure.
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A bridge connects the hotel to mainland Manama. Of course, if guests prefer to come there by boat, that is an option as well. The rooms boast of wonderful views. This is thanks to floor-to-ceiling glazing on the north and south facades, providing unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and surrounding Manama skyline. All the rooms are extremely spacious and designed in a contemporary style with dashes of a classical touch thanks to the careful choice of accessories, plush furnishings, furniture and art. One feels as if one is walking into a swish home. The outdoor areas have been thoughtfully landscaped, with greenery taking prominence. This bold architectural expression viewed from a distance reflects the energy and the modernism of Manama. The building is a visual landmark in the cityscape.
FORTIFIED BEAUTY Despite modern high-rises, the city accords great respect to ancient architectural gems. The Bahrain Fort, also called Qal’at al Bahrain, is an ancient ‘tell’. The word ‘tell’ refers to an artificial mound made up of layers created by successive occupation. It is said to be a former Portuguese military fortification. Excavations date the structures back to 2300 BC. Archaeologists have uncovered streets, residential structures and monuments from different eras, which show that diverse civilizations were at work building up the place. When this is viewed in context of the fact that only around a quarter of Qal’at al Bahrain has been uncovered, it shows what a wealth of civilization lies hidden just waiting to be discovered. The site contains many areas and walls. Currently, one can see fort walls in the northern, western and southern slopes of the ‘tell’. The eastern side is yet to be excavated. The Bahrain Fort is incredibly well preserved and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list.
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RACING GLORY One can easily expect this modern city to become F1’s original Middle East venue! It hosted the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004. The circuit was designed by German architect Hermann Tilke. It has six tracks, a test oval and drag strip. Racing in the desert, where it is very hot and dusty can get challenging. The issue of sand blowing up on the track was resolved in a creative way: an adhesive was sprayed on the sand all around the track. Over 12,000 tons of stone were used in the build, a third of it Welsh granite, chosen for the track surface due to its excellent adhesive qualities. The 5412 km Grand Prix circuit has 50,000 grandstand seats, all providing excellent views. They have also been designed in a manner that protects spectators from the scorching sun. The 15-corner design provides drivers with genuine overtaking opportunities. Obviously, this would translate into great race entertainment for the fans! One of the building landmarks here is the tower. The 8-storey VIP tower (Sakhir Tower) has a roof terrace, VIP suites, a restaurant and administration offices. The circuit is indeed an aesthetic and technical landmark for Bahrain.
AUTHENTIC SLICE OF BAHRAIN The Bab Al Bahrain (Gateway of Bahrain) and the Manama Souq together are indeed a gateway to the very heart of Manama. Bab Al Bahrain is a historical building. It is located in the Customs Square in Manama’s former central business district. It was designed by Sir Charles Belgrave and was built in 1949. The arched entrance gateway to the Manama Souq has undergone many big changes over the years. Today it is a cultural landmark. The Manama Souq is basically a street bazaar. It is here that the inner spirit of the city can be felt and experienced. The mix of the sights, sounds, scents, tastes and textures all allude to the original character of Manama. Gold jewellery, exotic spices, lights, carpets, accessories, perfumes and much more, jostle for place here. The grand entrance and the narrow alleys and street market make a great combination which is definitely worthy of a visit. Text By Dhanishta Shah
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LEADING THE KITCHEN WITH METRIKA Metrika is all set to be the leading name as Futuristic Modular Kitchen provider.
Metrika, one of the leading names in kitchen industry has revolutionized cooking in India and made it a lifestyle experience. It has always stood out for its commitment of offering smart kitchens to today’s generation making it a perfect blend of technology and luxury. The company has won kitchen retailer award 2016 at Indian Kitchen Congress. Shri Vasant Vasudeo, managing Director was honored with the award in the standalone category. Having installed ample kitchens, Metrika has specialized in
the field of modular kitchens like none other. With the industry expanding, Metrika recognizes the need to develop and strengthen relations with all partners in order to deliver products specially designed to meet the demanding Indian consumer needs and taste. Our USP is that we customize our designs according to the client needs and their price points and inherent expertise of Metrika in understanding the requirements of its customer & providing best solutions to them. To put it down
simply, we don’t offer what we make, we offer what the customer wants. Metrika has its experience center located in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad which offers finest design and international quality for upliftment of your lifestyle. As a Futuristic Modular Solution provider, Metrika is your partner, helping transform your home into spaces of comfort, elegance and efficiency. metrika@metrika.in www.metrika.in
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The inner gallery is a lounge of sorts, where meetings and client interactions can also take place. The striking blue brick wall is quite a statement piece here.
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Retail Therapy
New India Assured About five years ago, India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta started quite boldly as an online design store. The first offline avatar of the popular home and personal accessories label, now finds expression as a store cum-gallery in the art and design hub of Kalaghoda, Mumbai.
Text By Dhanishta Shah Photo Credits India Circus
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The entire space has been designed with signature contemporary elements and reflects clean bright tones.
The 1300 square feet store is nestled on the first floor of Dresswala Building in Kalaghoda. The stairway is indeed one of the highlights of the space. It is built out of beautiful teak wood and has been only recently restored. It has crescent moon and star motifs, that make pretty reflections on the wall as they gleam in the light of the sun. Mehta agrees that the stairway sparks a great feeling even before we enter the store. “Few things can influence the perception and feeling of the overall quality of the entire interior like your staircase can,” he opines.
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As one enters the store, it is best to be prepared for a colourful assault on the senses. The haven of vibrant colours and intricate designs greets the visitor and sets the tone for a cheery visit right away! The entire space has been designed with signature contemporary elements and reflects clean bright tones. A whitewashed brick wall adds to the organic and rustic look. The flooring is tiled and made out of IPS cement. IPS flooring is also commonly referred to as “red oxide flooring”. It provides the perfect foil for the multi-hued products on display.
A casual coffee table area, surrounded by the luxury wallpaper displays provides yet another cosy corner.
The store radiates a very distinctive and dignified elegance. “The vibrancy of the colours combined with the nuanced heritage of the designs makes each piece created at India Circus exceptional. Our store decor was built around these principles. It’s an extension of our online personality,” says Mehta, as he describes how the ethos of the brand permeates not only the products but also the store décor. The store has a very organic and breezy spacious feel. The products have been clustered together in a manner akin to a kind of organised chaos. Just like the raw organic nature of the store, the products find their way on the shelves against the wall or the larger furniture ‘islands’ in the midst of the area.
India Circus products are inspired by the sounds, sights, colours and myriad moods of India.
One cannot miss the charming narrow balcony, which is an important design element. Sleek and simple are the keywords behind its layout and design. “We plan on having several events at the store. The balcony will be utilised to entertain guests and as a smoking zone area,” explains Mehta. The store also has a separate gallery room, where artworks are displayed. “The inner gallery is a community of the conscious creative. It is a space to bring in likeminded people,” says Mehta. This is a lounge of sorts, where meetings and client interactions can also take place. The striking blue brick wall is quite a statement piece here.
The store has a very organic and breezy spacious feel. The products have been clustered together in a manner akin to a kind of organised chaos.
India Circus products are inspired by the sounds, sights, colours and myriad moods of India. The products range from lifestyle accessories, stationery, luxury wall art, wallpapers, furniture, cushions, crockery, rugs, carpets and other accessories. Mehta has merged the platform with Godrej, one of India’s leading business conglomerates. Launching the brick-and-mortar store in Mumbai marks a proud milestone for Mehta and Anil Mathur, from Godrej.
Traditionally, a company opens a store, expands its footprint to the web and then works to integrate its online and in-store sales. But for India Circus, the opposite approach seemed more enticing. “We wanted to create a flagship destination where our patrons can truly experience the beauty, quality, and craftsmanship of India Circus creations in a truly luxurious way. This launch is just another step towards creating and capitalising on the synergy between our online and offline retail. We believe the future is digital, but at the same time feel that actual in-person experiences too aren’t quite going away,” concludes Mehta. www.indiacircus.com
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THE MARKETPLACE
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THE MARKETPLACE Bollard Application from K-Lite
VitrA Introduces Sento Series VitrA is a leading brand of Eczacıbaşı, a prominent Turkish industrial group. VitrA manufactures 5 million units of sanitary ware, 350,000 bathtubs, 370,000 units of bathroom furniture, 3 million faucets and 2.5 million bathroom accessories every year.50% of production is exported to over 75 countries worldwide for sale in 150 exclusive showrooms and 2,000 sales points across the world.
K-Lite introduces efficient and cost-effective LED bollards with rotationally symmetrical illumination for ground surfaces. The photometric design of these luminaires is based on LED integrated with K-Lite’s precision reflector module. Consistent implementation of new technological developments combined with the highest technical and structural quality has resulted in state of art luminaires. These luminaires are characterised by their high luminous efficiency, extremely long service life and the uniformity of the degree of illumination.
Founded in 1942, Eczacıbaşı is a prominent Turkish industrial group with 41 companies, 11,730 employees. Eczacıbaşı, core sectors are building products, healthcare and consumer products. Globally, Eczacıbaşı has established itself among the world’s top providers of bathroom and tiling solutions for homes and commercial venues. VitrA has introduced inspiring combinations - ‘Sento’. The series includes different solutions for storing cleaning material. Sento by VitrA comes with a Nordic clarity offers all the modules needed in a bathroom with functional and warm details.
Combining aesthetic and functional features, this series has a multipurpose unit to house a washing machine and laundry basket. Fine and rounded corners ensure safety and enable easy cleaning in small bathroom spaces. www.vitra-india.com
Hacker Launches Stone Veneered Front
These luminaires are available in Ø100 and Ø166, three different heights to suit the installation site. Their sturdy construction makes them especially suitable for areas in which considerable robustness is required to ensure vandal proof service. These are ideal for the illumination of footpaths, entrance areas, driveways, private and public areas. www.klite.in
The new kitchen from Hacker displays the stone veneered front - the latest addition to hacker product line. These fronts are an innovation in the modular kitchen industry. The MDF board is coated with a slate veneer with the rear side and edges lacquered in black. Additionally the front is lacquered with a 1-2-component lacquer system as surface protection. The kitchen exhibits stone veneer in a handles less range which creates an exciting contrast to the streamlined design with its unique, natural structure.
Built-in appliances like refrigerator, coffee machine, combi steam oven, dishwasher and gas hob from Siemens add to the character and streamlined spatial concept. The breakfast counter from hacker in black satin lacquer creates additional spaces for integrated cooking and dining concepts. The raw look along with sophisticated design elements set the tone and make for a homely atmosphere. www.haecker-india.com Home Review June 2017
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THE MARKETPLACE IDUS Launches Wrinkled Furniture Pieces
IDUS the luxurious furniture store has launched its exquisite Collection of “Wrinkled Furniture pieces” comprising of Sofa sets and armchairs to let you sit down with endless comfort and radiate the flair of classy décor. The exquisite collection of “Wrinkled Furniture pieces” comprising of Sofa sets and armchairs are made using the sturdy frame of either wood or steel and upholstered with premium quality Italian leather. Infused with a super comfortable padding of multi-density foam for firm support, this seating collection comes packed featuring the best of expert craftsmanship with its unique tufting, a few soft wrinkles spread throughout or in certain specific areas and gorgeous design lines. It is designed using neutral colour leather upholstery like black, brown, and white or off - white to match the décor of every living space while surrounding absolute elegance and unique demeanour. According to Mr. Sameer Hora-MD IDUS, this exquisite collection of Wrinkled Sofa sets and armchairs are designed using contemporary aspiration to make the minimal wrinkled design look grand and emit class, coolness, and beauty to the decor of your abode with incomparable standards. www.idus.in
Graff Presents Solar Collection Graff, the worldwide manufacturer of innovative faucets, introduces Solar; a new, cutting edge faucet collection. The minimal design consists of a geometrical composition of cubes, rectangles and right angles that align perfectly - both in the opening and closing position. The handles have a rectangular shape that perfectly matches the cubic shape of the body. Solar offers a very wide range of elements for the bathroom and the shower and is available in the single-lever version as well as the three-hole option. The washbasin and bathtub faucets exist in the deck-mounted and wall mounted versions, while the washbasin and bathtub floor-mounted faucets complete the range of articles with two astonishing elements. Solar mono components are equipped with eco-friendly aerators that save water by reducing water flow from 11 to 7 litres per minute. Together with a very functional exposed thermostatic shower, and several wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted showerheads, the Solar collection includes also the characteristic Ski shower, a wall mounted item with matching levers,
Besides the traditional polished chrome, this contemporary collection can be produced also in the matt black and matt white finishes, both obtained through a powder coating process that makes products resistant to scratches, chipping, abrasions, corrosion, fading, and other wear issues. www.graff-faucets.com
Notion Introduces Splendid Collection Of Tiles For Your Pool Patio Notion - the trustworthy brand in wooden flooring and exterior cladding industry has come up with an exquisite collection of splendid “Deck Tiles” that promise to complement and beautify your Pool Patio. By infusing this signature collection custom made with precision from solid tropical wood with a high density engineered plastic base which can efficiently hold up to moisture and all the wear and tear you are definite to indulge in an absolute one-time and cost effective investment to relax around the poolside with a drink in hand with the sound of music for your ears. These tiles come with an absolute easy to install -click based system as well as they are efficiently put together to stand on non-slippery, weather resistant and stain resistant properties. According to Mr. Akash Saini-Director of Notion - “Revamping the pool patio region of your abode with this Deck tiles
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four body sprays and a distinctive “ski-like” design.
collection would be an apt choice to lift up the pool patio with a streamlined effect, and will give your pool deck an absolute clean, stylish and contemporary look”. These Deck tiles are best choice to display a timeless elegance that would perfectly complement your pool patio. www.notion.net
THE MARKETPLACE
Home Review June 2017
131
THE MARKETPLACE
Home Review June 2017
131