Design Destination: Havana
vol 17 issue 09
September 2018
Specialist: Made In Happy
Design Quest: Material Immaterial
total pages 132
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
THE THINK TANK MALIK ARCHITECTURE HAVING IT ALL ATELIER DESIGN N DOMAIN GREEN AND GORGEOUS PROJECT CO.
PRESERVING THE OLD EMBRACING THE NEW SiCiDi ARCHITECTURE BREATHES NEW CHARACTER INTO A CHARMING OLD FAMILY BUNGALOW IN ALIBAUG
Photo: Cyrus Dalal
M
uninder Chowdhry and Vishakha Dholakia, the principal architects of SiCiDi Architecture provide a much needed makeover to a weekend getaway in Alibaug. The design duo reinvent the space and infuse it with a sharp aesthetic turning ‘drab and dreary’ into ‘chic and distinctive’. The architects start by removing unwanted walls and restrictive false ceilings and go on to completely reorganise the living spaces. They provide a sequence of interaction and flow to the home that creates a convivial atmosphere. Adding to the new spatial dynamic is carefully selected art and accoutrements that ensure every niche and corner is well detailed and reflects the new contemporary vibe the designers were aiming for. Arjun Malik of Malik Architecture designs a collaborative office for start-ups that stays clear from the typology of boxed-in cubicles. He creates a program that compliments the new paradigm of growth hacking and disruption - a space for sharp minds to team together and hammer out solutions. To give shape to this agenda, Arjun designs a large indoor amphitheatre that sits smack in the centre of the 4,000 square foot co-working studio. This stepped formation becomes the go-to space for entrepreneurial teams to bring out their laptops and sketch pads and arrive at break-through solutions. The amphitheatre is in reality an interstitial space flanked by team rooms and other meeting spaces, however its core positioning makes it the much in demand zone for discussions, presentations, film screenings and even musical performances. Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
The Vatican Chapels The Vatican commissioned a series of chapels for this year’s Architecture Biennale in Venice. The result was an exceptional showcase of multifaceted structures displaying incredible imagination. Watch the Highlights of the Venice Biennale - produced by Design Owl in association with Hafele.
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emails + feedback
Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com
6 Home Review September 2018
Foodgasm
Eco-Chic
Amidst all this art work, Melissa Broyle’s Sugabombe cookie cutter article made me rush to the patisserie and stuff my face silly! On a serious note, great work and an inspiring story.
Eco-friendly and green design can look beautiful if more efforts are made. Very impressed with the serenity this store designed by Project Co. exhumes amidst the chaos of Delhi.
By Email Sanyukta Jagtap
By Email Sudarshan Waghmare
Arty-Farty
Luxe Living
Hotel Akihabara is one-of-a-kind and I am definitely visiting it during my trip to Tokyo. It’s a unique idea to generate income for local talent while simultaneously creating a designer structure.
Milan is a style hub and the Mandarin oriental is luxury personified. These hotel interiors are unlike any other and a must visit for any design and travel fanatic. You have given a super coverage. Good job!
By Email Raj Shah
By Email Pooja Satpute
28 art
34
form
20
Melissa Broyles’ handcrafted cutters are fast becoming quite the rage
A two-level luxe bungalow designed by Atelier Design N Domain promotes family togetherness as well as high octane entertaining
41
Cover Story SiCiDi Architecture breathes new character into a charming old family bungalow in Alibaug
By Nitin Barchha
44 Malik Architecture designs a massive collaborative workspace in Mumbai for start-ups to flourish
50
September
Known for its rooted traditions & pristine appearances, Kerela’s character is reflected by BCA Architecture with architect Babu Cherian at the helm
54 Delhi’s newest chic boutique designed by Project Co is also an eco-friendly, green store
67 60 Amidst the green hills of northern Lazio in Italy, stand two archaic farmhouses designed by Massimo Alvisi and Junko Kirimoto
8 Home Review September 2018
product
designer
Known for his diversity and multi-cultural appeal, Stocholm based Nichetto’s products are characterised by superior craftsmanship
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In Tokyo’s BNA Studio Akihabara Hotel, you might just be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a room
The Public House in Bhopal is an eclectic café replete with unique architectural elements
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HAVANA A DESIGN DESTINATION
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September
GREEN PROJECT Delivered by skilled and caring individuals, this net-zero house adeptly merges low environmental impact with real style
108 The Mandarin Oriental in Milan is situated in the centre of the city where fashion, culture and history collide
THE MARKETPLACE
Landscapes
Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
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122
AHBE Landscape Architects have executed a prime example of ‘healing gardens’ At Bouteak, both the old and the new manage to merge ever so seamlessly
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Eclectic styles, varied themes, upcoming trends come together in our newly launched segment!
Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj
Priyanka Menon Writer Priyanka Menon is a copywriter, lecturer in advertising and English literature, poet, and author for HarperCollins and Juggernaut. When she isn’t busy with any of these roles, she can be seen at Starbucks, sipping on white-chocolate mocha, scribbling in her diary. She lives in Pune.
Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Sr. Sub-Editor Neerja Kapadia Contributing Writers Devyani Jayakar Dhanishta Shah Priyanka Menon Kanupriya Pachisia Ramya Srinivasan Shruti Nambiar Virupa Kantamneni Himali Kothari Avani Patwardhan Vandana Krishnan Designers Asif Shayannawar Darshan Palav Snigdha Hodarkar
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.
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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Ms. Sheetal Waghmare B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133 / 23736131 / 23743069 M 9833301852 E marketing@marvelinfomedia.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I.Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. This issue has a total of 132 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 128 inside pages. We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.
SiCiDi Architecture Preserving The Old, Embracing The New, Page 20. SiCiDi Architecture is an award winning multi-disciplinary studio practice of Architecture + Design based in Mumbai. Muninder Chowdhry and Vishakha Dholakia are the principal architects. SiCiDi brings Big Firm systematization and Boutique Firm attention to detail to projects of all scales. They are a design centric practice and are driven by the promise of producing great work.
Atelier DND Having It All, Page 34. Shobhan Kothari is an architect who graduated from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute during which he studied in an exchange student programme at McGill University, Canada. He was worked with esteemed architects such as Kapadia Associates and Nitin Killawala before setting up his own practice in partnership with Anand Menon. Together they have been involved in numerous projects of residential and commercial nature under their firm ADND. An avid reader and a sporadic blogger, writing is also what fuels his passion.
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.
Gazal Gupta & Project Co Green & Gorgeous, Page 54. Project Co., founded by Shabnam Singh, is a design firm that creates spaces that are distinctive and timeless. An interiors, exteriors and landscape design consultancy, it translates luxury into every detail. Project Co works on blending functional needs with aesthetic sensibilities, where each space tells a unique story. Along with clothing designer Gazal Gupta, who specializes in bridal couture, they have collaborated to build an eco-friendly, green store together using recycled materials and plants.
14 Home Review September 2018
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 25 MAY 25 NOV
At a time when new collections are popping up in stores and the new concepts for the autumn season are being launched, the event brings together the talents and forces of retailers, galleries, showrooms, hotels and restaurants to share their experience in design and creation with the public.
TO
Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy
www.maison-objet.com/en/paris-design-week
Helsinki Design Week presents the new faces and phenomena of design, promotes design internationally in collaboration with various partners and offers city citizens through design a forum to participate in developing and discussing the city and its culture. The festival programme contains around 250 events every year, and includes both events targeted for professionals as well as the general public. The Venice Biennale is back for its 16th edition showcasing two of our Indian architects, Rahul Mehrotra and Gurjeet Singh Mathroo in addition to many world famous entities. With the theme of Freespace, the Biennale will present for public scrutiny examples, proposals, elements - built or unbuilt - of work that exemplify essential qualities of architecture which include the modulation, richness and materiality of surface; the orchestration and sequencing of movement, revealing the embodied power and beauty of architecture. While previews of the main event will be held on 24th and 25th May, the exhibition will open to the public from 26th May - 25th November, 2018.
www.helsinkidesignweek.com
06ParisTO 15Design SEP Week Paris, France
The key meeting place for professionals in the art of living brings together a 360° offer that is in line with the diverse needs of global markets. For 20 years Maison&Objet has been the largest lifestyle platform, at the crossroads of business and creativity and provides solutions that meet the needs of visitors from around the world.
www.labiennale.org
Helsinki, Finland
The Nordic countries’ largest design festival, Helsinki Design Week gathers together over 150 design events around Helsinki every year. The programme consists of main events produced by Helsinki Design Week in collaboration with its partners as well as various productions brought together by an extensive event-planning network and an open call for programme entries.
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Paris, France
The festival programme takes place in a variety of event spaces spread throughout the city; from museums to markets, from seminar halls to secret shops. The festival also actively seeks new spaces and ways to explore the city.
Architects, Designers, Installations, Products, Art dealers, Curators, Sculptors, Students and all other design fanatics will coagulate under one fair, uniting to benefit each other from networking to building. It will be a one stop shop to associate with some of the who’s who of the design world globally.
TO 06Helsinki 09 SEPDesign Week
TO 07Maison 11 SEP& Objet
Completing the universe of Maison&Objet in Paris, the eight annual Paris Design Week, scheduled to overlap M&O, will take place from 6th – 15th September, 2018. For ten days, the event will invite French and international professionals as well as the general public to discover the best showcases of design in Paris, while the leading talents in the discipline will gather in the Le Off exhibition. Paris Design Week will unite over 250 participants that all proudly promote first-rate designs in Paris.
MAISON&OBJET is the international authority for home decor, interior design, architecture and lifestyle culture and trends through its shows, events and its digital platform. Renowned for bringing together some of the greatest talents of the world in this discipline, this is an event not to be missed and serves greatly for networking needs as well. An extension to this fair, there is MOM, which is the year round digital platform and Paris Design Week, held from 6th – 15th September, 2018. Professionals and lifestyle lovers alike love to rediscover the city through the prism of style and innovation which is M&O. www.maison-objet.com
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 14 23 SEP
Thousands of visitors, hundreds of events and private and institutional partners of extraordinary prestige for a creative platform open to the public and professionals in the sector, with a view to collaborating and achieving increasingly ambitious production and cultural results.
TO
Death of Architecture, David Hall Art Cafe CGH Earth, Kochi
Building on London’s existing design activity, their concept was to create an annual event that would promote the city’s creativity, drawing in the country’s greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to a deliver an unmissable celebration of design.
The Death of Architecture; circa 2000 is a traveling exhibition assembled by 13 of India’s thinking and concerned design practices. Through evocative art works, poetry and prose, the exhibition decodes and amplifies actions some which are orchestrated, others inconsiderate. Actions that slowly tear and restructure the fabric of our cities and the architecture within and along with that impact our sense of being. The exhibition presents evidence that will allow discussions about our present, and yet at the same time is embedded with clues and signs that can help effect meaningful dialogues about the future. In a sense, it consolidates the many critical discussions that form the dough which leads to design such as those about the demise of our cities as we know them or the meaning of inspirations from the past, or ideas of beauty, or duplicitous ways of achieving identity, or ways of understanding spatiality.
This fantastic event, located in the creative heart of East London, is a four-day industry event that brings together 550 exhibitors from over 36 countries and demonstrates the capital’s position as a powerhouse for the creative industries. London is known for its creativity and continues to attract the best companies, innovation, talent and ethnicities from around the world. LDF stages five major trade shows, known as Design Destinations. These are the commercial pillars of the festival and are key meeting places for designers, manufacturers, buyers, specifiers, the media and design enthusiasts to discover new product releases and identify current trends. www.londondesignfestival.com
TO 26Bologna 30 SEPDesign Week Bologna, Italy
The exhibition is a strong mirror that will allow cities and design communities to structure conversations that are pertinent to their immediate realm and concerns. www.deathofarchitecture.com
15 TO 23 SEP
London Design Festival London, England
The vision of London Design Festival is to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world. London Design Festival was conceived by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans in 2003.
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Bologna Design Week is an international event devoted to the promotion of design culture in Emilia-Romagna in Italy. Organised in the historic center of Cersaie, BDW is an event that maps and combines cultural, creative, productive and distributive excellence into an integrated communication project.
This annual event is organized in the historic center on the occasion of, and in collaboration with Cersaie. It is the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings. Bologna Design Week is an event conceived and organized by Youtool, a communication agency that since 2011 has facilitated the meeting between designers and companies. www.bolognadesignweek.com
29Vienna SEP TODesign 08 OCTWeek Vienna, Austria
Vienna Design Week is Austria´s largest design festival, with a variety of locations and events in Vienna. The festival, curated by Lilli Hollein entered its 12th round this year. Opening up creative processes and giving scope for experimentation on site are core elements of the festival concept. During Vienna Design Week, the city becomes a platform and showcase of design. Design is more than just a designed object and VDW defines design as an essential part of the cultural production. The festival shows that design shapes our material culture, our every-day life and our world as consumers. Simultaneously, it influences our lifestyles and most fundamentally our aesthetic senses and judgment. Over ten days, Vienna Design Week shows what design can do with a concentrated load of events: from September 28th to October 8th, everything in Vienna revolves around design. It turns the city into an annual design hotspot. In collaboration with Vienna’s museums, product manufacturers and designers from all over the world, the festival offers a variety of opportunities to learn more about the topic of design, with over 100 events, exhibitions, installations, tours, workshops, and plenty of parties. www.viennadesignweek.at
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20 Home Review September 2018
Mumbai-based firm SiCiDi Architecture breathes new character into a charming old family bungalow in Alibaug. The speed boat skims over the grey waters of the Arabian Sea and within minutes the fishing trawlers and the ferry boats have shrunk to toy-sized proportions. The South Mumbai skyline fades away and Alibaug appears on the horizon. The drive from the jetty towards Alibaug town is dotted with squat bungalows, orchards and fields.
Text By Himali Kothari Photographs Courtesy Tanuj Bhatia
PRESERVING THE OLD EMBRACING THE NEW Home Review September 2018
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Towering palms in the distance mark the pristine beaches that lure Mumbai folks here over the weekend. When SiCiDi Architecture were roped in to redo an old bungalow in prime Alibaug, they were keen that the visual construct of the house reflect the beach vibe ofthe weekend getaway location. Located amidst a sprawling 5-acre piece of land, the original bungalow was oozing with charm but lacking in character. The entire space was laid with drab gray Kota stone and lack of planning had created small pockets that made the house look shrunken. Muninder Chowdhry and Vishakha Dholakia, the principal architects of SiCiDi Architecture could immediately spot the possibilities that were waiting to be uncovered. “We went to the drawing board intent on maintaining the charm, while redirecting the flow of energy through the house. It was also important that the space have a farmhouse feel, distinctly different from the client’s city apartment.” Muninder elaborates on the design process.
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A key aspect of SiCiDi Architecture’s design philosophy is to ensure a synergy between the space and its site. Another key element is their commitment to make sure that no two projects look the same, which is achieved by integrating the client’s personality into the project. The first step was to strip the house down to its bare bones and next was to restructure it from the ground up. All the walls enclosing the verandahs were done away with. This opened the house up to the lush, green landscape on one side and the pool on the other side. The new cement floor, in a contemporary pattern, which starts inside the house and extends to the outdoors, further blurs the insideoutside divide and gives one the sense of being both indoors and outdoors at the same time. The client wanted the house to serve the purpose of entertaining as well be a venue for the family and extended family to gather in. Thus, the common spaces have been designed like pockets that serve specific purposes but at the same time blend into each other seamlessly. Vishakha explains, “Here, a lot of people can do a lot of different things and yet be together and still occupy individual and unique spaces.”
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The original bedrooms had been fitted with false ceilings which cut off the height that the pitched roof provided. By replacing the original windows with ones that slid outside the walls, one more boundary between the inside and the outside was eliminated. A splash of colour, different flooring materials and distinctive statement furniture pieces and adornments lent a unique character to each of the bedrooms. A herringbone brick flooring, a tessellated pattern on the stone on the bar, Brazilian Ipe on the pool deck, lightly distressed cement sheet wall panels, wooden roofing rafters and corrugated sheets in light pastels on the columns - all come together to add texture to the space and infuse it with an element of fun and surprise.
SiCiDi removed the false ceilings and used a
lightly distressed wood underside
the scale, height and angles of the original roof and
add to the rooms’ volume. 24 Home Review September 2018
All the art and sculptures that occupy the walls and different corners were carefully selected after considering their relevance to that space as well as the house as a whole. The size of the house allowed the designers to choose larger than life statement pieces and create a dramatic impact. With every niche and corner, painstakingly deliberated upon and designed, it may be difficult to pick a favourite but for Vishakha it is the indoor bar. She says, “It serves the functional purpose of a bar but its artistic appearance sets it apart and creates a broader visual impact.�
Home Review September 2018
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26 Home Review September 2018
Most of the furniture and accessories were sourced from Bali while the contractors for the civil work and textural finishes were sourced from Mumbai. Muninder stressed on working on a strict deadline to complete the project, “We had to make sure that the work was completed before the onset of the monsoons while the speed boats were still operational. It would have been an arduous task to make a 3-hour road trip to get to the site.” He adds, “Despite the fact that we were working away from Mumbai, it was smooth-sailing and thorough because of the client’s unwavering trust in us.” This trust combined with a clear vision for the project has resulted in a comfortable home that in equal parts reflects both old world charm and modern day elegance. muninder.chowdhry@sicidiarchitecture.com admin@sicidiarchitecture.com www.sicidiarchitecture.com Home Review September 2018
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Love, love, love this Valetine’s Day speciality!
28 Home Review September 2018
art form
SUGARBOMBE Seattle-based designer and baker Melissa Broyles’ handcrafted cutters are fast becoming quite the rage and to think that baking wasn’t even her first choice for a career!
For Melissa Broyles even though baking wasn’t the first choice for a career, it has always been a significant part of her lifestyle. Home Review tries to explore the world of this Seattle-based designerbaker and her singular venture, aptly titled Sugarbombe. Three years ago, Melissa’s personal life ran into a rough patch with the passing of her father as well as the ending of almost a 15 year old relationship. “I decided to take some time for myself,” she recalls. It was during this strenuous time that she ‘reconnected’ with her passion and love for design and baking. In a short span, she began to bake on a daily basis. Are you feeling Christmasy already? A snowman, Christmas geese, candy, confetti and Christmas trees - what a lovely scene!
Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Courtesy Sugarbombe Home Review September 2018
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“Baking inspired me creatively,” Melissa goes on. During one of her shopping sprees for baking supplies, she noticed that the market did not have a particularly great selection of cookie cutters. By now, we can almost hear the gears of creativity shifting and immediately Melissa took matters into her hands. “I started designing cutters on paper and in no time, had a large stack of drawings,” she adds. The next logical step was to look for a 3D printer, which is exactly what she did with some help from a friend. The printer agreed to ‘build and print models’ for her. Working odd jobs in order to support herself and her creativity, she began to have a lot more of these self-designed cutters printed as demo samples. “Eventually, I learned how to lay out and build the models myself through online courses and by soliciting information from people I knew in the tech industry,” Melissa adds. Simultaneously, Melissa also began photography lessons and learned Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator through online courses. Help from family, friends and neighbours was appreciated by sending over baked goods. This right here is an important lesson in conscientiousness and self-discipline. For Melissa, the process of creativity didn’t end at just having her designs printed. She decided to add to her own repertoire of baking and building skills, thereby turning herself into a self-taught and above all self-reliant artist, who for the most part, had her work cut out!
What better way to celebrate Easter than munching on these Easter Bunny shaped cookies
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Having worked through most of spring and summer, by the end of 2015, Melissa had managed to procure a 3D printer, as well as a camera and lighting equipment. “Every bit of money I made went straight into Sugarbombe,” she confesses proudly.
Snake-shaped cookies if you’re into them!
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“I would wake up at 4.30 am in order to work on images that I had shot the night before, and then leave for work” she adds as she reminisces the initial days. She’d get back home after work by 7 pm and would start baking, decorating or photographing cookies. “There was never enough time in the day,” she chimes. The year 2016 brought with it the resolution of fine-tuning her business plan. This meant acquiring all the necessary licenses, trademarks and copyrights. “I also wanted to have my own website live, a small stock of cutters built on hand, and the requisite supplies to start selling cookie cutters by the end of the year,” Melissa adds. “I sold my first cutter on December 29th, 2016,” Melissa says with the utmost of pride. It is here that a journey of transformation that began to take flight two years ago found a befitting culmination. The first sale brought with it a sense of validation and purpose. It was a new dawn, not just for Sugarbombe, but for Melissa as well. “It has been a transformative time,” she adds. In spite of never actively seeking baking as a career path, the fact that a dinner hosted by Melissa would always have a one-of-akind dessert at the centre, was indication enough. “Friends and food have been at the centre of my life and these have created cherished memories,” she confesses. With Sugarbombe, Melissa hopes to share a little bit of that passion with her customers while helping to preserve the creatures we share the world with.
Scottish Terrier shaped cookies with heart collars. Melissa’s creativity now has simply no bounds.
Melissa’s Sugarbombe isn’t just a cookie cutter business. The concept of edible art has been taken to a whole new level with her products and creativity. From having snake-shaped cookies decorated on a plate to dunking bunny-shaped cookies in a mug of hot-chocolate, the versatility of an otherwise single-shaped piece has been beautifully explored by Melissa. The simplicity of her designs augmented by the striping and dragging method to make patterns on the different cookie shapes makes Sugarbombe a brand for nearly every special occasion, the simple joy of eating a cookie every day notwithstanding! www.sugarbombe.com
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The design world just got more exciting thanks to Maison&Objet which is set to open its doors and fuel your creativities this fall.
MAISON&OBJET LIAISONS
The biannual mega show for all things design is back for its September 2018 edition alongside its all year round digital platform MOM. Every year M&O presents the world’s most renowned exhibitors as well as budding new talents. Design enthusiasts can experience the newest trends and products in the décor and interior industry. This year Maison&Objet will be held at the Paris Nord Villepinte in Paris (at its usual venue) from 7th - 11th September from 9.30am - 7.00pm. Around 645 new exhibitors in addition to Ateliers d’Art de France and Solutions for Interior Design will comprise the main itinerary of the show. M&O, which is essentially a community that brings about global interactions among the who’s who of the industry, facilitates this dialogue with its layout that is a coalition of eight halls segregated into two universes. Meticulously straggled across the exhibition halls, all the segments come together in a complementary interplay of familiar and exotic styles of unique product inspirations.
Loyal to its pursuit of providing ultimate cognition to all design fanatics, every M&O session sees in-house experts analyze emerging types of consumer behavior that results in the outcome of its customary inspirations theme which is titled ‘Virtuous’ for the upcoming edition. Ever so faithful to its vocation to felicitate new and established talents, the September edition will also host its customary ‘Designer of the Year’ and the ‘Rising Talents’ awards. Ramy Fischler is the chosen designer of the year and Paola Sakr, Marc Dibeh, Anastasia Nysten, Carlo Massoud, Studio Caramel and Carla Banz will be the recipients of the latter. M&O, a global community provides free-flowing conversation and a sensorial experience that analyses the creative as well as commercial aspects of home décor, design and lifestyle industries. www.maison-objet.com
Ramy Fischler - Designer of the year
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The family wanted a large garden with its own separate entrance, so the guests would not have to enter the house to access it, when there was a large party.
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HAVING IT ALL
A two-level bungalow in Vadodara designed by Atelier Design N Domain has a luxurious sprawl. Its clever design promotes both the consolidation of family togetherness and high octane entertaining.
“A farmland culture exists in Vadodara, since there is no paucity of land. Consequently, gardens are an integral part of many developments,” says Anand Menon of Atelier Design N Domain. “A good deal of socialising takes place at home, so the design of the spaces is important as it is connected with social status.” The family wanted a large garden with its own separate entrance, so that guests would not have to enter the house to access it, when there was a large party. A porte-cochère offers a shaded dropoff for cars, past the security and kennel facility at the gates. The building itself has a cladding of calibrated granite and wood finish fibre, a high wall flanking the driveway with water gurgling into a water body from polished gargoyles embedded in it. The entrance door in continuity with the wall is a full height one in solid wood. Since there are no other openings to give a sense of the scale of the house beyond, an air of privacy prevails. Sitting across the main door is a larger than life brass sculpture, customised by Navin Chahande. “An abstracted version of two figures in conversation and its design was guided by the client, who ascribes value to interaction with family and friends,” says Anand.
Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Courtesy Photographix Sebastian + Ira Home Review September 2018
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The ground floor houses all the public spaces including the formal and unformalliving rooms.
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The linear site encouraged a similar footprint for the structure, which runs the length of the plot. “Taking into consideration the clients brief and various site forces, the plan is essentially a stretched linear box aligned with the cardinals to ensure that all functions receive ample morning sunlight and enjoy undisturbed views of the adjoining landscape. The plan for the latter is broadly divided into the formal party lawn directly accessible from the drop off driveway and the family lawn that runs parallel to the house,” says Anand. A pool sits in front of the 13,790 sq ft house, with a glazed box housing an outdoor gym at the far end. At right angles to the home is a shaded gazebo which interacts with the pool and offers respite from the sun. Its fluted solid wood backdrop has a concealed door that leads to the powder rooms, changing facilities and spa in this uber luxurious set up. The ground floor houses all the public spaces in addition to the master and guest suites. Formal and informal living rooms, a family lounge, puja space, powder room, waiting area for guests, dining room and two kitchens (a show kitchen and an everyday use one) round up the facilities. An extended verandah offers a buffer between indoor and outdoor areas. “This elongated space is the core of the house which not only receives you when you enter but also acts as the connect between all functions at the ground level,” says Anand. Housing a bar in micro concrete with an apron in corrugated copper sheets, it opens onto the lawns outside during parties and becomes a very active zone. The entrance door is flanked by a sky lit visitor waiting area on the right and a mandir which is accessed by traversing a sky lit water-body. On the wall, an installation by Gopinath Subbanna in white ceramic and metal has been inspired by a flower and creates a sense of pause while it announces the entrance to the formal living on the opposite side - a taller rectangular volume with floor to ceiling corner glazing that overlooks the landscape beyond.
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“Large sliding doors separate the verandah space from the informal family living space. The centrally located family living room acts as a link between the master bedroom suite and guest bedroom on the ground floor and the staircase that leads to the upper floor,” says Anand. Located off the verandah is the all-black slate clad powder room that adds to the lounge like experience.With every intention of creating drama, it has an overhead tap for the washbasin while the walls are covered in a shimmering black silver slate. Two rows of lights suspended above the wooden counter echo the geometry of the overhead faucet. The warm tones of wood offset by the sophisticated black create a glamorous ambience for the extensive use of guests. “The metal and wood open staircase sits on top of a shallow water feature, enhancing its sense of lightness. Featuring a free-standing metal screen in a series of random horizontal slats, its pattern is echoed in the external wall of the staircase which bears long linear slits,” says Anand. As one navigates the flight, these slits offer a glimpse of the landscape on the rear of the house, the bar code like geometry creating an interesting play of light and shadow through the day. The floor above houses only a media room, separating the suites for the son and daughter. “Doubling as their lounge space, it has dark tones in the furniture, fabric clad walls and ceiling punctuated by track lights to add to the theatrical experience.The extension of the media room is a wood clad balcony, announcing itself on the exterior as a cantilevered wood clad box sandwiched between the floor slabs. Floating above the swimming pool like a diving board, it offers an expansive view of the gardens,” says Anand. The son’s bedroom is in hues of grey and dark wood tones, its camel tan bed back conveying a masculine aesthetic. On the other hand, the daughter’s bedroom employs a muted aesthetic with white stained oak wood furniture and an English ambience supported by a buttoned headboard and wing chair. The fusion of formal and informal elements makes for a distinct style statement, complementing her occupation as a fashion blogger.
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The all-black slate clad powder room that adds to the lounge like experience.
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Atelier Design N Domain has adhered to the brief of the client, delivering a home with expansive spaces in which to live as well as entertain family and friends.
“We wanted to utilise natural light for the interior spaces and address the various aspects of a contemporary modern lifestyle,� says Anand.While maximising the potential of the site, Atelier Design N Domain has adhered to the brief of the client, delivering a home with expansive spaces in which to live as well as entertain family and friends. atelierdnd@gmail.com www.adnd.in.
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CONCRETE CHRONICLES
By Nitin Barchha
DESIGNQUEST
Material Immaterial is a design studio based in Mumbai. They explore the bare beauty of materials like concrete, papier-mâché, wood and brass. All their products are architecturally inspired and are ideal for architecture and design enthusiast to be used as jewellery, home décor and collectibles.
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Mirage - Knobs
Spaces collection
When asked what the idea behind the brand was, Nitin Barchha, owner, responds, “As designers, we are essentially minimalists and our design approach has always been of what to leave out, rather than what to put in.
Through our work, the studio strives to challenge the purpose of material and lets design be at the helm of things. Thus ours is a design centric practice that ensures that the importance of this principle is maintained at all times.
Cufflinks
The studio is built on the basic principles of exploring the bare beauty of materials. All their products are designed and built at their studio in Mumbai. Since they are handcrafted pieces, each has its own unique texture and appearance. Infact, no pieces are identical.
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When asked about their best selling products, Nitin says, “The ‘SPACES’ Collection is our best selling product. It is inspired from the best and most influential buildings of the last century like Le-Corbusier’s quintessentially modernist Villa Savoye, F.L.Wright’s spellbinding Falling water, Oscar Niemeyer’s nation defining Brasilia to Tadao Ando’s exhilarating Church of the Light.”
Essentially, the collection celebrates the amalgamation of space and volume that has sparked their senses as designers over the years. The effect of these pieces is almost magical and they never miss attracting the attention of a curious onlooker. In a cut-throat world of highly competitive product design, Material Immaterial is an extremely fresh and new take on a merge of unlikely concepts. A novel idea combined with a productive result is bound to achieve great levels of success. Talking about competition, Nitin says,” As our work is design centric, the concept of competition doesn’t exist.” www.india.materialimmaterial.com
Mirage - Handle
The studio focuses on design and even though the materials are visible at the first glimpse of the product, the essence is truly exposed much later.
Chimera
Earrings
We have named our practice Material Immaterial, which means Material ‘is’ Immaterial.”
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Thinqbate is a contemporary collaborative workspace inspired by the traditional design language of communities that had streets associal hubs and courtyards as mediation spaces between private and public spaces.
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THE THINK TANK
Designed by Malik Architecture, Thinqbate is a 4000 sq ft collaborative workspace in Mumbai for start-ups to innovate and build solutions. An incubation venture by the Marwah Group, it has the perfect open ambience to breed futuristic ideas.
Text By Ramya Srinivasan Photographs Courtesy Bharath Ramamrutham at Graf Media
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Designed by Malik Architecture, Thinqbate is anchored around the central amphitheatre kund that flows around to island meeting room parts and finally steps upwards leading to the mezzanine lounge.
Co-working spaces have a distinct character. On one end, they uphold a sense of unfettered abandon, creating an environment that celebrates the individual and promotes free thinking. On the other end of the spectrum, they bring together people from different organisations and backgrounds in unexpected, informal settings, offering incredible opportunities to connect, brainstorm and innovate.
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In a way, this is similar to the traditional model of towns where people live across streets in their own cocoons but step out frequently to interact and socialise. This analogy is put to effective use in Thinqbate. Arjun Malik, Architect, Malik Architecture, explains this connection, “If you look at any traditional development in Indian architecture, it looks at the street as a hub of social activity and courtyards as spaces to mediate between private and public spaces. This is how old communities functioned. At the time, there were economic, cultural and social aspects to it (the model), but even today, these are good devices to explore contemporary spaces, understand how they mobilise and connect them, and create different situations for collaboration.” Using this design concept, Thinqbate is anchored around the central amphitheatre kund that flows around to island meeting room parts and finally steps upwards leading to the mezzanine lounge. At the centre, there runs a wide corridor that acts as the street bridging the formal and informal spaces. To the right, there are regimented formal workspaces arranged as a linear grid and to the left, the amphitheatre is positioned in the middle with fluid spaces around it that can be interpreted as needed. “The idea was that these fluid spaces would enable people to spill out, throw cushions and sit with their laptops or sketch pads. In the process, as they interact with other groups, it becomes a hybridised, crossfertilisation atmosphere,” describes Malik. This flexibility finds its balance with carefully devised zones for acoustic privacy. Two meeting rooms dot the open landscape – one of these is structured as an abstract cultural object, shaped as a metal cylinder topped with a cruciform skylight above. The other is an odd-shaped translucent space closer to the start of the building.
The décor, kept simple with kota stone flooring, unconcealed ceiling and recycled wood along with extensive use of steel, allows the space to absorb the character of its inhabitants.
Malik explains, “As these rooms do not touch the ceiling, you never get the sense of being hemmed in, but still manage to get the privacy in a larger space.” In cognizance of the fact that idea generation is a key theme of start-ups, Thinqbate allows itself to adapt to dynamic requirements.
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} }
The individual work spaces designed as wide bays can camouflage into private desks or meeting areas. Sliding panels that flank the street can be left open or closed in various configurations based on the level of privacy required. The panel surfaces made of matte glass double up as writing and pinup boards to allow jotting down of impromptu ideas and notes. Overhead storage spaces above the workstations are similarly lined with writing friendly panel surfaces. At the heart of the project is the amphitheatre that pulsates 24/7, with displays, presentations, film screenings and musical performances. Inspired by the design language of ancient times, it pushes the boundaries of Thinqbate to evolve from a confirmative to a communal space. The subtle décor is inspired by the concept that “spaces become activated by their inhabitation.” At a restrained budget, it is as minimalistic and raw as it could be. Originally, the building was a steel production unit of the Marwah group. In reference to that, the architecture group has maintained the core shell undisturbed and made extensive use of raw steel for surfaces and joineries. Malik says, “Our intention was not to give a raw, industrial look in a purposeful, aesthetic manner. Rather, it’s because that was the most efficient way to do the design and we wanted to retain the natural expression of the materials that existed.” True to that philosophy, the flooring is adorned with beautifully polished kota stone, the ceiling is not concealed but only coated with grey paint to make it recede to the background while the amphitheatre is kept lightweight with recycled laminated wood. The only wall that has an applied paint in terracotta colour has a purpose to it. “As the plaster was scraped off from the wall, it was found that the bricks behind were in a bad condition. Although, the wall was plastered again, the paint colour remains as an allusion to the memory of what lies behind,” shares Malik. Like everything else in Thinqbate, this, too, is an honest expression of its making.
info@malikarchitecture.com
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The cylindrical meeting room with a cruciform skylight does not hinge itself to the ceiling, rendering a feeling of openness even within the constraints of serving as a confined space.
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Known to the world for its rooted traditions, evolving outlook and pristine appearances, the architecture of Kerala has a strong advocate in Calicut based BCA Architecture with celebrated architect Babu Cherian at the helm. Armed with over 20 years of experience, Babu Cherian’s work is often cheered for its vernacular style focusing on traditional Keralan architecture. Underlining the now while holding onto the past is not an easy feat and he elaborates thus, “I enjoy creating homes that follow traditionalist concepts and detailing while including a modernist sensibility, homes that are suited for today’s lifestyle yet also such that exude a sense of warmth and a strong connection to its landscape and environment. I often draw inspiration from rural Kerala archetypes such as farms, paddy fields and the backwaters and seaside villages along the Arabian coast.” His projects “Ammanpuri”, “Ramraj” and “Caroleeyam” showcase his penchant for Kerala’s signature design styles that have evolved over the centuries.
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Designed as a family getaway for Babu Cherian and his family, this holiday home is located just outside the hustle and bustle of Calicut city. At a modest 2000 sq ft, the planning of this house focuses on the lifestyle and requirements of the occupants.
Using this guidance, the firm came up with functional spaces that flow into one another hinting at the need for interactive spaces. Nature plays a vital role in this design with the outside and inside seamlessly blending with one another. “Its highlight is the continuity of spaces from nature, to built-up structure and again back to nature. The intelligent manner in which certain architectural elements and special walls have been used as visual blinds, allows for niches of privacy. “Ammanpuri” which means “Place of Peace” in Sanskrit is an ideal settlement for the carefree mind and contemplative spirit,” states the architect cum creator. Split into two levels, the ground floor hosts a guest bedroom along with a living area and open planned kitchen that stays modestly hidden behind a screen wall. Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts of a balcony and skylight along with an entertainment area. Sensitive to climate, this style of architecture is responsive to the need of the hot, wet and humid faces of Kerala’s weather. The padippura plays the foyer leading the public space into the private. Along with it the courtyard and landscape create an illusion of being in a cosy cocoon amidst nature. Signature roofs, stone walls and intricately crafted furniture in earth tone colour palettes of the interiors showcase the vernacular style of the designer.
Text By Virupa Kantamneni Photographs Courtesy the Architect
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Two homes for two brothers in one single house was the core of the design brief for this project. This lavish house is juxtaposed with the surrounding nature and welcomes it lovingly inside. The two homes, each located on different levels have common spaces that embrace the key values and focus of the design plan. The design team elaborated on the firm’s focus on the vernacular and climate sensitive design approach, “The residences have broad and long verandahs along the two sides and an ante-space from where both the bright sunshine and heavy monsoon rains can be enjoyed to the same extent.” Several quintessential design elements like the extensive use of timber intricately planned and calculated roof structures, the brass adorned monolithic pillars and the signature Charupadi celebrate the traditions of Kerala’s architecture that the firm has so proudly showcased.
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Upon first glance itself, this residence in Calicut reveals its identity proudly. Standing majestic amidst the nature surrounding it, this house showcases a varied number of traditional elements no doubt, but what stands out is the intricate design detailing by the design team. Planned with multiple structures interlinked by courtyards and wooden bridges, this home sits comfortable in its surroundings and at instances converses with it too. “The front verandah along with the traditional poomukham establishes the welcoming nature of a traditional entry. An additional sitting space is provided with the formal living room for more compatibility,” detailed the team. Grand and adorned, the monolithic pillars marry form and function in a rather pompous way. Usage of wood is synonymous with most of the firm’s projects but that too with reason. “Timber isn’t used as a material to treat the ceiling or wall; it is a basic building block of the structure. Not to say that the basic building blocks are devoid of treatment. Since wood is abundantly and locally available in Kerala, wooden houses are the norm in the southern state. These factors, coupled with the fact that wood has a low thermal mass, justify the use of timber as a building material.” explains the well-researched design team at BCA Architecture. babucherian@bcaarchitecture.in www.bcaarchitecture.in
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A bridal boutique sans the ostentation! A resplendent array of planters and plants that are locally sourced sits in the middle of the space naturally offsetting the deep tones of the clothes on display.
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GREEN & GORGEOUS Delhi’s newest chic boutique designed by Project Co is also an eco-friendly, green store. Founded by Shabnam Singh in 1997, Project Co. is a design firm that creates spaces that are distinctive and timeless. In Delhi’s swanky Mehrauli neighbourhood is a 2000 sq ft ‘eco-chic’ boutique designed by Project Co. for fashion designer Ghazal Gupta. In a tete-a-tete with Home Review, Project Co. shared the nitty-gritty behind the eclectically designed and flora-inspired bridal boutique. Project Co. is an interiors, exteriors and landscape design consultancy and is thus adept at infusing luxury into every detail. From conception through to completion, their operations are carried out on a turnkey basis. While working on blending functional needs with aesthetic sensibilities, “where each space tells a unique story,” Project Co. has cleverly integrated nature into the design aesthetic of the store by putting together recycled materials and plants.
Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Courtesy Project Co.
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Soft, natural and warm tones are infused into every corner of the boutique.
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For her boutique, Ghazal Gupta had a single-line brief - she wanted to include plants in her store and wanted greenery all around. A clear abstinence from the typical ostentation created using chandeliers, gilded décor, deep reds, and bridal motifs. Dubbing the boutique as ‘eco-chic’, Project Co. has given it a unique persona and character. Imagine walking into a bridal store and being surrounded by plants, sustainable materials and two large trees that have been retained in their natural habitat. For one, it appears as a soothing and eloquent oasis in the middle of New Delhi’s urban hustle. And secondly, for a concept that is still unexplored in the capital, the look is “minimalistic, rustic and raw.” This weaves together a wonderfully intricate tapestry that pays due respect to the designer’s brief as well as gives a fresh new perspective to the term ‘bridal shopping’. With the intention of repurposing and reusing existing material and resources, Project Co. sought to maintain a “restoration vibe.” This has been magnificently brought to life with the way the opulence and grandeur of the clothes are offset by exposed ceilings, repurposed mirrors that were part of Ghazal’s previous showroom and basic concrete flooring. The pillars that were part of the earlier layout are now refurbished with reclaimed wood and playfully interspersed with peacock motifs. These hold a special place in Ghazal’s heart and are oftentimes worked into her seasonal collections. Vintage brass light fittings that emanate soft yellow light augment the aesthetic of the boutique and are in keeping with the primary utility and functionality, that of being a bridal store. However, it is the eclectic and creative use of wood that is really the pièce de résistance of the boutique. Wanting to make sure “the greenery is a natural extension of the interior and exterior spaces,” there is a couture nursery nestled within the boutique, the seeds for which were planted when Project Co. met the designer at the Akshay Pratishthan Mela some time ago.
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Not only can you buy your perfect lehenga at Ghazal’s boutique, but you can also purchase planters and plant concepts that are displayed in the nursery and store. Sourced from Jaipur and Thailand, these planters render the bridal store with another dimension to its character. The Indonesian Hand-Blown Glass Planter range is absolutely wondrous to behold! One of the most fundamental directives in the design brief was to not cut any trees! As a result, Project Co. conceived a courtyard-like concept. With an intricately carved backlit screen that is offset by the water-tap side table that sits right next to the cash counter, the courtyard can be quite easily touted as the embodiment of Project Co.’s endeavour to bring about a balance in aesthetics by adding a dash of quirky and contemporary statement pieces. The courtyard is connected to the rest of the showroom with arched windows at the head; also floor-to-ceiling windows in the other parts allow natural light to filter in. For Project Co. the second favourite space is Ghazal’s private office, the first undoubtedly being the courtyard. A driftwood panel separates the office from the main showroom and also serves to provide a level of privacy while still being connected to the showroom floor and the rest of the space. Imbuing this space with its own kind of green quotient, are two planters fashioned out of a slab of driftwood. Wedding shopping, more often than not, is endlessly nerve-wracking. However, what Project Co. has created here is a space that not only soothes the mind and allows you to calmly peruse through a designer range of bridal couture, but is also full of a multitude of colours that would have otherwise never been considered as part of the same aesthetic. And just in case a brideto-be finds herself battling pre-wedding jitters, she can always step out into the courtyard … and breathe!
A top-view of the courtyard with a tall tree right in the middle! As tall orders go, this was perhaps the tallest with Project Co. having to work around the tree and incorporating it into the layout as well.
intelliquocommunications@gmail.com
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CONSERVATION ACCOMPLISHED Architects Massimo Alvisi and Junko Kirimoto renovated two farmhouses dating from the first half of the 20th century for Sylvie Guillem, Paris Opera Ballet’s youngest-ever étoile, the company’s top-ranking female dancer, and Gilles Tapie, her husband, fashion and dance photographer. Text By Ramya Srinivasan Photographs Courtesy Luigi Filetici
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Amidst the green hills of northern Lazio in Italy, as part of a 27,000 sq m property, stand two archaic farmhouses, that after decades of neglect have been given a new lease of life. Named ‘Villa Guillem’, the project is an inspiration not only in the manner in which it pays tribute to the existing architectural spaces, but how it also makes an ambitious effort to use principles of energy conservation and environmental sustainability. A renovation project can be a challenge in itself and imbibing green principles in an existing space that comes with its plate of constraints can be an added test of skill and will. However, Alvisi and Kirimoto explain, “This is the logical result of attention to the environment that Sylvie and Gilles have always had at the centre of their commitment. Both are supporters of environmental causes. In its own way it is a programmatic manifesto, translated into a practice of a deep respect for the landscape and the nature of the countryside where their new home is located.” Sustainability is also one of the main themes in the work of Alvisi and his wife Kirimoto, founders of the Alvisi Kirimoto architecture studio based in Rome. So, it was only natural that the architect couple built a residence for another couple based on the shared view of respect for the ecosystem. The lush property is set against a picturesque green backdrop, characterised by alluring slopes and contours carved out by the forces of nature and boundaries marked by ditches and woods. The two farmhouse buildings stay separated by about a hundred metres and are marked by a steep natural gradient that extends from north to south, ensuring their correct exposure.
Natural light floods the double-height space of the entrance, thanks to a series of openings facing south, east and west that also frame varied views of the surrounding landscape.
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“In line with their historic and functional character, both buildings consist of a central two-storey core,” explain the architects. These constituted the main residence earlier, while a series of lower structures built out of local grey stone, tuff or mixed stone and brick masonry, “were used as annexes such as sheds for livestock, storehouses for tools and cellars for the produce from working the fields.”
While the staircase is made out of an iron framework and wood salvaged from old beams of the roof of the farmhouses, the floor is laid on mortar using terracotta tiles.
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Post the renovation, the main farmhouse, located farthest to the south, now functions as the residence; the other one is devoted to the clients’ art workshops and has a small apartment for the caretaker on the upper floor. On the ground floor of the villa are a living room, master bedroom and bathroom; the guest rooms are on the upper floor. A staircase, made of an iron framework and wood salvaged from old beams that formed the roof of the farmhouses, connects the two levels. “This space is characterised by the presence of a large number of windows, facing south, east and west, and is filled with natural light that enters the room throughout the day, providing an illumination that is constantly changing and casting patterns of shade on all sides of the space from the series of windows,” describe the architects. The project conserves the beauty of the historical building but renders a new identity to the place by adding to the natural landscape vegetable gardens and olive trees.
In here, all the materials used are “natural and salvaged” – for example, terra cotta and tufa stone. There are other techniques used in the project such as recycling existing wood beams, water collection, phytopathology, ventilation shafts and heat pump units that minimise the environmental impact. A small, concealed solar power field in the site builds self-sufficiency with enough power generated to sustain all units through seasons.
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In the smaller farmhouse that has the artists’ workshops,the terracotta tiles and the ceilings clad in plasterboard establish a dialogue with the visible stonework of the walls, a precious memory of the past life of this building. Large windows allow expansive views of the countryside. “For this farmhouse it was decided to respect the original appearance of the building,” share the architects. This approach works as an astute architectural device, lightening the impact of the building’s volume. As the wondrous landscape surrounding the farmhouses is an integral part of their character, the designers have maintained their natural features as much as possible. However, they have also worked in collaboration with small local contractors to create a magnificent stretch of about two acres of olive groves and orchards.
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The villa embodies sustainability principles through a discreet use of technology, a mechanism that defines urban planning interventions in delicate and complex contexts such as those in the Italian suburbs.
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Its inherent laidback setting makes it a natural choice for not just a residence, but also a creative space, a perfect match for the couple it hosts.
Villa Guillem is an interesting marriage between the old and new; while it retains the simplicity and charm of the old world, it creates a new refined identity for itself. Its inherent laidback setting makes it a natural choice for not just a residence, but also a creative space, a perfect match for the couple it hosts. That it does all these, while using traditional, hand-made materials and supporting local artisans only makes it all the more awe-inspiring. info@alvisikirimoto.it
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LUCA NICHETTO
Luca Nichetto, one of the most famous young designers of today is known for his well-researched and uniquely designed vibrant projects, which incidentally are much in demand.
Text By Rashmi Gopal Rao Photographs Courtesy The Designer Home Review September 2018
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Alphabeta Floor lamp Born in Venice and raised in Murano, Nichetto is known for his versatility and his expertise in the world of furniture, industrial design, accessories, architecture and interiors. Born in 1976 and raised in the glass making capital of the world, Murano, Luca Nichetto seems to have art and design in his genes with his father being a painter and his grandfather being a master glass maker. After studying glass production at the Istituto Statale D’Arte di Venezia, he went on to earn a degree in industrial design at the Università luav di Venezia. After working initially in the field of lighting, Nichetto set up his first studio in 2006 in Venice followed by a second one in 2011 in Stockholm. Creating a perfect synergy between the visual elements of Italy and Scandinavia, Nichetto has designed more than 200 pieces till date and has collaborated with brands like Nendo, Foscarini and Hem. With several awards to his credit including the Interior Innovation Award in 2013, Nichetto’s works have been displayed in some of the most renowned shows worldwide, including Venice, London, Paris, and Stockholm. Apart from teaching at the Università Iuav di Venezia, the designer has also been on the panel of judges for several international design competitions.
You Dining Chair
Created for Scandinavian design brand Hem, the Alphabeta Floor lamp range is customisable and can have several versions from a range of eight shapes and various colours that include both black and white. With as many as twentyfour combinations, the lamp has a steel structure and a flexible arm that can control the direction of the lamp. The key feature of the Alphabeta lamp is that it helps provide bi-directional lighting that illuminates spaces both above and below it.
Astro
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A great example of creative thinking, Astro is a fan heater that is designed as a small spaceship on the verge of taking off. Apart from heating, the gadget also aids in air purification. The device can be controlled remotely via bluetooth. The touch buttons help in activation of the device and also help adjust the intensity. Astro has a sturdy polyurethane shell and is available in various colours and is equipped with two sets of legs with varying heights.
Constellations
A combination of class and style, the You Dining Chair is a picture of elegance and comfort. The large seat and the round shape of the backrest are ergonomically perfect and prevent any kind of postural stiffness. The curves give the chair a ‘soft look’ and exude an ‘easy-going’ vibe. Depending on the setting, one can choose to buy the chair as per one’s choice of colour, fabric and stitch finish. Yet another item that is high on innovation and aesthetics is the Constellations range of coffee tables. These are essentially created from the juxtaposition of various shapes and different kinds of materials. Semi ellipses and circles are some of the commonly used shapes in varying thicknesses. The tops are mounted on an inconspicuous metal structure beneath, which gives the effect of the tops floating just like levitating objects. A delightful looking collection of cone shaped lights that perform a perfect symphony for any space, the Legato is one of Nichetto’s exclusive creations. Multitiered and mounted on a solid aluminium structure, the lamp is bidirectional and the individual units allow for different combinations. Truly, a chic chandelier that is suitable for homes as well as public places.
Lucerna
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A classy outdoor lamp, Lucerna is a lantern that combines elements of the contemporary and the conventional. The outer structure is made up of a waterproof core which has the capability of diffusing LED light adding to the intensity of the piece. A sturdy metal ring at the top makes the Lucerna perfect as a table top as well as a suspension lamp. There is a portable version too that is provided with a set of rechargeable batteries that are inset as well as a removable cable. A multifunctional set of decor elements akin to building blocks, the Quark is the perfect solution for modern day needs of flexibility. Storage spaces, surfaces and lamps come together to create wall fixtures and floor units that can be used in a variety of environments to serve various purposes. Quark
A versatile piece, the Tenso sofa system has a tubular structure designed for both comfort and style. The backrest includes a headrest that is adjustable. Easily adaptable to homes as well as business units, the sofa comes in a variety of support surfaces and with a large choice of cushions. Known for his diversity and multicultural appeal, Nichetto’s works are characterised by superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Living in Stockholm, his work today is influenced largely by functionalism and he hopes to design a boutique hotel someday or do some work for the space industry. www.nichettostudio.com
Tenso
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The elements, colours, and patterns incorporated into this room are all in keeping with a childhood replete with colours and adventure - something which the artist Ryohei Murakami has intently explored throughout the design and orientation of the room.
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PUSHING LIMITS, BREAKING BARRIERS In Tokyo’s BNA Studio Akihabara Hotel, you might just be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a room! Apart from the continuous life buzzing through its streets and alleyways, and the quiet poetry of Cherry Blossom Trees, Tokyo is also home to myriad arts and art-forms. Bringing this city’s glorious artistic phenomena to life is BnA, a creative collective exploring the relationship between art and the community to develop a global network of artists, social agents, creators and free thinkers. The primary motivation behind the coming together of these people is to do things differently and make it more apparent to the world around them. One of BnA’s main ventures in this endeavour is its hotels, nestled in the heart of Japan’s cultural and artistic neighbourhoods. Of these, Home Review gives you a stunning look into one of them, namely the BnA Studio Akihabara, which is a result of a consummate collaboration between the BnA Collective and real-estate developer Colombia Works, with five livable art rooms specially designed by Japanese artists for keen travellers and art-lovers. “Each art room is an experimental space not only in unimaginable artistic concepts but also in interior and furniture design,” explain BnA. The furnishings around, though modern, are bespoke with textiles and materials handcrafted specifically for the hotel and ‘to invite its guests into an immersive art and travel experience curated for a 21st century lifestyle.’
Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Courtesy Tomooki Kengaku Home Review September 2018
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One of the most incredible features of this initiative is the group of three Tokyo-based artists who have collaborated with the hotel to design spaces that are singular and unique. With the interiors and design of the hotel detailed with a great respect for Japanese tradition and craftsmanship, BnA Studio Akihabara is a veritable gallery of the three artists. The first of the five rooms is The ATHLETIC PARK Room designed by longtime BnA collaborator-designer Ryohei Murakami and produced by studioBOWL. Echoing the happy colours of one’s childhood with a gym-like design and features like monkeybars, this room is, in the artist’s own words, ‘remake & rebirth’. Made using scrap materials and ready-made items, Murakami gave new life to everyday objects by turning them into sculptures as well as design and space concepts.
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The second room, also designed by Ryohei Murakami and produced by studioBOWL, is aptly titled The WONDER PARK Room. Peppered with elements and symbols that are reminiscent of childhood, the artist transports the guest back to their childhood where all that really mattered was riding a tricycle and going to the park, while attempting to explore and bridge the divide between pop art and industrial design. Two rooms, titled The RESPONDER Room and The HAILER Room have been designed by a collective known as 81 Bastards, comprising of six painters, a tattoo artist, photographer, cinematographer and a DJ.
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By way of a massive 360-degree mural, the former can be touted as homage to traditional Japanese motifs, calligraphic styles, street art and even ukiyo-e-paintings from the 17th and 19th centuries - an absolute blend of traditional and abstract styles, ideal for those who love abstract as well as traditional art. The HAILER Room, on the other hand, is more whimsical and modern with a noir-like colour tone. It is entirely different from the other room designed by 81 Bastards. By incorporating street art into its design scheme in a subdued and demure fashion, travellers can also witness the inspired version of Japan’s most renowned works of art by Satotsu Tawaraya, Wind God and Thunder God. The two rooms are direct reflections of the collective’s thought process and ideology, retold with breathtaking amounts of drama and flair. The fifth room is The ZEN GARDEN Room, and is a collaborative effort between Art Director Taku Sato and 51.3 G-WAVE artists, Nanook, Kazuma Ogata, and Mitsuko Shimae. By comparison, this is the only room in the cluster of five that leans more towards traditional elements of design, symmetry and layout.
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The colour purple plays a multifunctional role in this room as a hyperbolic expression of modern day teeming metropolis with undertones of the Zen philosophy. It is this union that the colour explores and brings to magnificent life. Low Japanese furniture and a rock garden, known locally as karesansui, maintain a certain level of authenticity and bring about a calming effect when compared the vibrancy and theatrics of the other four rooms. In an attempt to subdue the heavy artistic overtones of the five rooms, BnA Studio also boasts of minimal bathrooms. “The first floor of BnA Studio houses the office of creators collective MIKKE who also run an exclusive co-working space known as ChatBase which is open to guests during their stay,” BnA go on. The revenue generated from these hotels by BnA is channeled into supporting local artists and art movements.
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Warm lighting and a subtle blend of traditional and modern elements, this room may be quite the haven for those looking for some quiet time and privacy.
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By far the most different of the five rooms, The Zen Garden Room¸ designed by 51.3 G-WAVE is the room for quiet reflection. With traditional Zen elements and modern day inspired elements, the room is soft, mellow and tranquil.
So the next time you’re in Tokyo and looking for a place that doesn’t come with monotony of high-rises and clichéd views of skylines, be sure to look up BnA Studio Akihabara. www.bna-hotel.com
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Sternhagen Hosted An Exclusive Preview of 3d Composite Tiles in New Delhi.
THREE DIMENSIONAL WALLS
Germany’s premium Sanitaryware brand Sternhagen hosted an exclusive preview of its new range of contemporary and persuasive composite 3-Dimensional Wall Tiles.
The exclusive preview was held during a gala event at The Roseate, New Delhi on August 17, 2018 for fifty noted luxury brands, suppliers and partners who were given a comprehensive impression of the exclusivity and modernity of this new collection. Sternhagen’s commitment to high quality standards and design excellence can be seen in the exquisite 3D Tiles Collection which is designed to offer the consumers an impressive mix of luxury materials and finishes with high-style and custom quality. Mr. Chirag Parekh, Chairman and M.D briefed the guest about the aesthetic appeal, usage and functionality of this collection. This iconic collection heightens the aesthetic appeal of your home and workspace and is available in beyond the trending colour options like Papaya, Klein, Carib, Avacado, Curcuma along with White, Black, Grey and Cream. Under the 3D Composite tiles collection, Glam, Diamant, Bossi, Spark, Hexy and Visua are the six designs which are soon going to be available at Sternhagen’s Flagship store as well as pan India through their dealer network.
(From L-R) Mr. Ashwin Faldu, Sun Marketing, Distributor of Sternhagen Pune region, Mr Nishit Mehta with Mr. Chirag Parekh, CMD, Acrysil Group
The 3D Tile collection by Sternhagen is aimed at giving an impression of exclusivity and modernity to any type of interiors. The visual appeal of the collection is a result of perfectly rendered angular forms that bind the exquisite nature of symmetry, as well as the dynamic reciprocation of depth, light and shadow of the geometric flow. www.sternhagen.com
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From vintage feminine floral prints on boxes to rugged styled trunks for men, Made In Happy provides designer crates of all kinds. Made In Happy was incepted in 2017 as a bespoke gifting house which eventually turned into a niche designer boxes and trunks brand.
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TRUNKY TALES TEXT BY NEERJA KAPADIA
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It was an outcome of the founder’s passion for creating good-looking and highly functional products, giving users’ a complete value for their money. The founders and best friends Arwa and Sakina come from creative and entrepreneurial families which have aided them in gaining relevant knowledge and experience to be able to convert their interested into a fullfledged business.
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Made in Happy designs and curates premium boxes and trunks which serve a variety of purposes- gifting, décor and re-selling. They are mainly made from three materials - Imported Hardboard, Metal and Wood - Pinewood, Walnut, Maple, MDF and Rosewood. When asked Arwa quipped, “Some of our trunks are crafted with premium suede fabrics to bring out the richness of the napped finish or are wrapped in raw silk, bringing out the detailing of handcrafted embroidery and sequins work. The diversity in use of so many materials also includes self-printed fabrics for making trunks with the base material being either wood or hardboard. Then they can choose to print, engrave or emboss any design on any material and get the best combination.” They have a ready stock from which people can pick up as many pieces as they want. They also offer customization services in design, shape, print and material as per client requirement on bulk quantities as well as a single piece. From storing clothes and jewellery to shoes, these innovatively designed trunks accentuate and uplift the functionality as well as aesthetic appeal of any space or corner they’re placed in. Their vintage inspired suitcase-style trunks and wooden trunks with printed leather suede and belts are already a favourite amongst buyers and are rapidly gaining national momentum. “All the products are designed by our team of designers and karigars. We brainstorm with our print team to understand the possibility and scope at which we can experiment with designs, hues and sizes and accordingly suggest the best possible options to our clients,” says Sakina.
Made in Happy designs and curates premium boxes and trunks which serve a variety of purposes- gifting, décor and re-selling.
The diversity in use of so many materials also includes self-printed fabrics for making trunks.
“Travel is our biggest inspiration. We make it a point to travel to lesser known places in India once or twice a year and explore culture, traditions and lifestyles. Every culture has their own vibe and feel to it. That’s what we crave for. Every little thing - from their attires to spaces, opens up our minds to adapt those styles in our designs and help our clients with some raw and authentic designer trunks. We always have an eye on handmade things too. It has a different feel altogether,” they both added almost in unison.
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‘India is an inspiration hub. If you explore your own country and people enough, you won’t need to look for inspiration anywhere else.’ This is the genesis of their brand. Despite being from the 21st generation, their souls seem stuck in the vintage era. The pastel, bold and classic hues are incorporated in our almost all of their products. They are also constantly updating their collection and launching newly themed collections. The whole idea behind the brand is to help people have access to affordable designer storage and decor at their doorstep. They wanted to create products which leveraged a balance between décor and storage proving reasonably priced but also designer pieces. They also have noble visions of collaborating with NGO’s who work for women empowerment and give them a platform to showcase their talent, at the same time giving them a source of income and identity. Whether the products are used for gifting or for self-use, Made In Happy is a young new brand that stands ahead of the competition and provides bespoke one-of-a-kind functional décor products that will ornate your homes.
Made In Happy
604-605 Lok Raunak CHS, Marol Maroshi Road, Marol, Andheri (east), Mumbai - 400059. Landmark: Seven Hills Hospital. info@madeinhappy.in sakina@madeinhappy.in arwa@madeinhappy.in Sakina - +91 9820739116 Arwa - +91 9892841537
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The Inside Track Now on Apple and Android
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The Public house in Bhopal has a feature wall located in the private party zone. The long pitch-black wall has beautiful bouquets of colourful blooming flowers painted on it.
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SHABBY CHIC The Public House in Bhopal is an eclectic cafĂŠ replete with unique architectural elements making it a popular hot spot for many in the city. Text By Rashmi Gopal Rao Photographs Courtesy Sameer Chawda
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The light studded polished black ceiling compliments the matt exposed brick white wall and subtle grey flooring.
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Designed by architect Akshay Selukar of H & A Consultants, this 3380 sq ft space stands out for its universally appealing architectural design. A rugged industrial look complimented by the use of rustic colours, innovative light fixtures and a combination of different materials used in the building of the cafe makes it a totally unique space. A cafe that is full of character, Public House is as well known for its design as for its food. The stage is set right from the entrance, where you are welcomed by the renowned animated “public-house keepers” with their inimitable expressions, positioned against a beaming white wall. A design that offers several photo opportunities and ‘selfie zones’ for guests, this 500-cover cafe has an interesting play of colours and contrasts. The polished black ceiling, brightly coloured furniture, vibrant accessories and bold accents on walls lend a distinct bonhomie vibe to the place. Adding to this are the exposed brick walls adorned with multiple retro themed wall frames and old vinyl records; a stack of books forms a perfectly cosy corner. The highlighted white pointing in the brick walls, whose joints are filled with white cement using a buffing technique, stands out. Old metal trunks, milk cans and chunky black switches on wooden switch boards complete the vintage themed look. Arguably one of the most attractive aspects of the cafe’s design is its lighting. The ceiling-hung tabletop lights have various shapes and textures complimenting the arches that they follow. While one is an upside-down steaming pot, the other is a steel plate. The red and yellow geometric u-shaped lights in the ceiling of the private party area are yet another highlight. The brightly hued refurbished table fan covers fixed on the ceiling with bulbs embedded in them are a focal point of the cafe and add to the aura of the space.
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Wood and timber accents with padlocks and metal handles complete the industrial look.
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Vernacular timber tables that are tint polished form a contrast to the leather sofas and old school wooden chairs.
The unique choice of materials adds to the distinctive look and feel of the cafe. Corrugated asbestos sheets used as a wall texture, tin sheeting used to envelope the lights and refurbished tyre metal frames used as supports for the wooden tables add a raw element to the decor. Tin sheeting timber used predominantly adds an old school vibe to the space. A plethora of colours including turquoise and rustic blue along with neutral colours like greys and browns forms a wonderful contrast. Blue and green add a hint of rustic ethnicity to the place.
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Table fan covers mounted on the ceiling with bulbs add to the drama of the space.
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Outer view of the colourful and chic Public house CafĂŠ in Bhopal.
The stunning design did pose its own set of challenges. According to the architect team, the installation of sanitary fittings and kitchen waste management since the cafe is located in the basement was a tricky task. Also, the procurement of antiques and the wide-ranging materials from various sources and integrating all of them together to create a synchronised look was indeed challenging. All in all, the cafe is a perfect example of a space that is high on aesthetics and design sensibilities. A globally inspired design, it makes best use of both conventional materials like brick, timber and stone along with contemporary materials like metal and glass. akshay78s@yahoo.com architects.haconsultants@gmail.com www.architectakshayselukar.com
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DESIGN DESTINATION
HAV WHERE Havana, the capital city of Cuba, may seem contradictory and complicated in the beginning, until its beauty settles upon you! One can sense years of history coupled with a passion for the future encapsulated in every nook and corner of this vibrant city.
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ANA WHEN
WHY
December to May is more or less dry and sunny which makes it a perfect time to visit the city. However, the wet season begins in June, which makes moving around not so easy and the period between August and October carries a risk of hurricanes as well, so is best avoided.
Havana is one of the most architecturally diverse cities of the world. The reason for this is a rich and eventful history. One finds a variety of building styles here, ranging from Colonial, Baroque, Neo-classical, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Modern and Contemporary and so on.
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LIVING WITH HISTORY The Hotel Inglaterra Havana opened in 1875. It is situated in the heart of downtown Havana ever since. These two are reasons enough to visit! Beautiful locale apart, the hotel has several areas that encapsulate and capture the spirit of the city. Inglaterra means England, but the hotel seems to have influences from all over! There is a sidewalk café, the Gran Café el Louvre, where visitors can enjoy the street atmosphere with live performances. This area has a relaxed and casual vibe, with its cast iron chairs adding to the charm. The restaurant El Colonial has a neo-classical style. The reception is horse-shoe shaped.
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The bar-café La Sevillana is also done up quite attractively. Here, the key décor feature is the attractively paneled area. Ceramic tiles from Seville in rich patterns and colours form a part of this panel. The ornately carved archways and moulding add to the look. The rooftop terrace with a spectacular view over the old city is indeed one of the best. The hotel has eighty-three rooms. All are decorated with a hint of opulence and old-world charm, reflecting the myriad décor influences that make up the city itself!
HERITAGE UNBOUND Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the ancient heart of the city and is the oldest and the most walk-able part of the capital. The boundaries of old Havana were actually the confines of the original city. Hence, we could say that this place is actually the core of the capital making it a popular amongst visitors. The promenade reveals hidden and obvious architectural gems as one walks through. There are squares, churches, cathedrals, old buildings, forts and convents. Most of these are in the baroque and neo-classical style.The government is quite active in restoring many of these old gems. While there are many buildings that one must admire, there are a few notable ones. Firstly, being a port town that once had the misfortune of being ravaged by pirates, there are a few fortresses that were built to protect the city. The Castillo Del Morro, La CabaĂąa, San Salvador de la Punta and the Castle of the Royal Army are noteworthy forts. The Cathedral de la San Cristobal is one of the prominent Baroque Cathedrals. Home Review September 2018
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AN ACT TO REMEMBER The Gran Teatro de La Habana or the Great Theatre of Havana is laden with great beauty and also a lot of symbolism. The theatre has a been historically significant since the was opened in 1837. It was one of the main cultural and artistic centres in the country. The old building was brought down and a new one created in 1914, by Belgian architect Paul Belau. This building is reminiscent of. oldworld Spanish architecture. The architectural style is Neo-Baroque. While the exteriors are impressive enough, so are the interiors. There is a grand marble staircase which adds the aura of opulence. Another feature worth looking at is the four marble sculptures representing Theatre, Music, Education and Charity. One can see these very conspicuously, and they add meaning and symbolism to the building. Besides the extensive use of marble, we can also see the use of stone and bronze in the four-storied building. The theatre also symbolises the retention of the old and the incorporation of the new.
POETRY IN BRICK “Cuba will count as having the most beautiful academy of arts in the world,” Fidel Castro had so said of The National Art Schools in 1961. The Cuban National Schools of Arts was originally imagined by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in 1961. It is an architectural achievement of the Cuban Revolution. The schools are listed on the World Monuments Watchlist and are being restored to their former glory. The five buildings that collectively make up the The National Art Schools represent the post-revolution architecture. Architects Richard Porro, Vittorio Garatti and Roberto Gottardi worked their magic on the buildings. What stands out here is the use of local materials for construction-Brick and terracotta are predominant in the buildings. Also, viewers can notice the use of domes in the structures. These domes are very sensual in design, thanks to the curving roofs. For the roofs and the dome, the local Catalan vault system was used. There is a new Cuba emerging…and its present architecture says it all!
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Text By Dhanishta Shah
Clad in a responsibly harvested pine that has been thermally treated to improve the wood’s durability, the main structure’s façade is defined by a jagged saw-tooth roofline.
GREEN PROJECT
A NET ZERO BUILDING
The Sky House by Stoney Lake in Canada is a reflection of an urgent need to nurture nature and create solitude in a world that is relentlessly losing both. Delivered by skilled and caring individuals, this net-zero house adeptly merges low environmental impact with real style.
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The 3,100 sq ft project was perceived as a volume of two structures stacked one above the other. The architects inform, “Without cutting down old growth trees, we stacked two volumes on each other, nestling the lower volume into the landscape.”
In the words of Bruce Garrabrandt, “Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.” A pair of Canadian architects and artists, Julia Jamrozik and CorynKempster have fashioned a holiday home that builds upon these ordinary moments with utmost flair and style along with paying homage to the site it perches on.
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This distinctive feature allows for a series of vertical skylights to let in daylight while significantly avoiding heat gain.
A lot of us dream about a holiday house in an enchanting location. As far as possible, without weighing too heavily on the environment but at the same time not sacrificing those comforts that make you enjoy a holiday in the lap of nature. The Sky House on Stoney Lake fits the bill perfectly. Negotiating the steep topography of a lakeside site, the house embraces its natural environment and the outstanding views offered by its privileged setting. The lake straddles the border between the Canadian Shield and the Great Lakes.
Influenced by the rugged granite of the Canadian Shield in the north and the more gentle heavily forested Great Lakes to the south, the house comes forth as a contrast between warm and cold materials and between architecture and landscape. The 3,100 sq ft project was perceived as a volume of two structures stacked one above the other. The architects inform, “Without cutting down old growth trees, we stacked two volumes on each other, nestling the lower volume into the landscape.” In fact, the lower volume is barely visible as one first approaches the house. The upper volume supported partially by the lower one stretches across a dip in the site to rest on a concrete pier at the other end. This forms both a bridge and a cantilever below which a powder coated steel swing compliments a perfect shaded spot to enjoy surrounding views.
The Sky House is a sustainable powerhouse packed with energy efficient features. Clad in a responsibly harvested pine that has been thermally treated to improve the wood’s durability, the main structure’s façade is defined by a jagged saw tooth roofline. This distinctive feature allows for a series of vertical skylights to let in daylight while significantly avoiding heat gain. They also pose as an inspiration to the name ‘Sky House’. Opposite the windows on each of the roof’s ‘teeth’, photovoltaic panels are angled southwards to maximise energy production. In fact, these solar panels generate all the power for the house rightly labeling it as a ‘net zero building’.
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Tucked behind this wall is a sunflower yellow bathroom that stands out against white interiors.
Behind the kitchen and by the front door, there’s a small hallway with closets.
“The roof of the lower volume becomes a terrace with direct connection to the living spaces,” explain Julia and Coryn. The lower volume is more private and enclosed and houses the bedrooms, while the upper volume contains the living spaces and is open towards the lake. By backing the lower volume partially into the terrain the designers minimised the house’s visual impact on the picturesque landscape and provided the walls with natural insulation.
While the windows are sufficient in the warmer months, an energy recovery ventilation system supplies the house with fresh air during the winter. “The house draws all its water directly from the adjacent lake with a system that uses UV light and filters to clean and purify the water,” informs the duo.
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The interiors are a crisp contrast to the rustic warmth outside. Formaldehyde free plywood, left natural or painted white has been used for cladding most of the interior walls. Blasts of colour mix things up in the bathrooms and main living space where the sofa, lighting and dining room chairs accentuate in various shades of Robin’s Egg Blue. “The focal point of this open concept space is the hearth which places a high efficiency wood stove atop a blue glazed brick plinth,” shares the team. The brick adds to the effectiveness of the stove by acting as a thermal mass. Not only does it add colour, it also transitions into a cosy reading nook with the addition of a mattress and cushions. In fact, the stove provides extra heat during winters and acts as a back-up when solar resources run low.
This forms both a bridge and a cantilever below which a powder coated steel swing compliments a perfect shaded spot to enjoy surrounding views.
Formaldehyde free plywood, left natural or painted white has been used for cladding most of the interior walls.
Behind the kitchen and by the front door, there’s a small hallway with closets. Pink push-pin like wall hooks and a row of lighting on the wall add drama to the narrow passage. Tucked behind this wall is a sunflower yellow bathroom that stands out against white interiors. Downstairs, the bedrooms are wood lined and a turquoise bathroom ties in with the rest of the décor upstairs. Concrete floors are radiantly heated to reduce the house’s carbon footprint.
The designers and owners respect for the site translated into several environmentally sensitive design decisions. All in all, the Sky House is a poetic marriage between the tangible and intangible palette, which ties the house to the land in a most undisruptive way making it blend into the landscape as if it were always there.
www.ck-jj.com
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SCRAPSHALA
Based in Varanasi, UP, Scrapshala, founded by Shikha Shah is a product and service based company that provides imaginative and novel solutions for waste management by creating a one-of-a-kind home décor range of products. Talking about the initial days, Shikha shares, “Working with ‘scrap’ was the biggest challenge and it still remains so. “Seeing the potential in the concept of creating value out of trash in the form of unique handcrafted products and the presence of an untapped market of scrap, in a country like India, where the waste management sector is highly unorganised and where upcycling could bring a household level pragmatic solution, were the main triggers that set me off on the path of creating my company, Scrapshala,” says Shikha Shah.
Commercialising something made out of scrap was difficult in many ways. Making artisans work on trashed material, designing the products, making the family believe that it was not a disrespectable job and having clients accept the upcycled products was a huge struggle. Coming from a conservative Marwari business family, it was complicated to answer why and how I would be able to pull off an unconventional idea like ScrapShala. Our current team doesn’t have any professional designers and it was difficult at times to make people agree that we can pull off creating products out of waste just by using our common sense.
Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj
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Some relationships don’t work! “Two years ago, I broke up with someone; someone that was always there for me but was creating a toxic environment not only for me but for others too. That someone was plastic. So I decided to create my own happiness. Something that would make me feel better every single day. That something was Scrapshala,” explains Shikha.
It was also difficult to convince investors to get involved with a women-led team and the most common question that was asked was, ‘what will happen once you girls get married?’”
If toxic things have to exist, Scrapshala modifies them, to make them exist in the most harmless and stylish way. Scrapshala believes in taking discarded objects which are headed to landfills and customising them into useful home decor elements such as furniture, table accessories, wall hangings and items of garden décor. Their upcycled products are eco-friendly, sturdy, aesthetic and affordable. They can be purchased both online and offline. Everytime you buy from Scrapshala you contribute to an artisan’s livelihood and reduce trash from the environment. Scrapshala provides a consumer level solution to trash by converting it into innovative items of home decor.
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Upcycling as a solution is used to increase the lifespan of unused/outdated/one-timeuse non-biodegradable stuff into items of utility. “We are a service and product based company trying to bring the concept of zero-waste among citizens. We believe in growing our range day by day and introducing newer categories of urban waste collection and management,” shares Shikha.
People are slowly understanding and adopting the concept of zero-waste, generation of money out of trash, livelihood options for the under privileged section of society and contributing towards pollution reduction by not trashing mindlessly. These steps when taken will help lower the carbon footprint right at household level.
Upcycling is actually the simple procedure of giving a second life to waste material. It is not only user-friendly but also the need of the hour as we cannot expect more landfills or recycling facilities everywhere.
The existing solution of urban waste management in India is landfill dumping and recycling. While most landfills have been filled beyond their capacities, recycling as a solution lacks infrastructure and requires segregated raw material collection which today is a huge problem and as a procedure itself is very energy-intensive.
Scrapshala’s exquisite range of upcycled products is creating quite an impact on making customers reduce their creation of household trash.
We can reap enormous environmental benefits when non-biodegradable objects do not pollute our environment by staying out of landfills and our natural resources like rivers, lakes and ponds. “Whenever your life feels black and white or grey, come down to Scrapshala, our work is seasoned with colours and love for the environment,” signs off Shikha. Come; let’s tweak our habits this year, trash less and use less plastic, because we all deserve better and healthier options. www.scrapshala.com
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MILANESE CHIC Superbly located on the uber chic Via Andegari in one of Milan’s most eminent districts, the Mandarin Oriental is but a short amble away from the illustrious La Scala opera house.
The Mandarin Oriental, Milan is situated in the centre of the city where fashion, culture and history collide. Not only is it near the Teatro alla Scala, it is also a leisurely stroll aways from the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the famed Duomo. The hotel is housed within four original 18th century buildings that open out onto two parallel streets. Originally a manor house, called Palazzo Confalonieri, it later became the city’s tax office and subsequently a bank. Like other prestigious Milanese buildings of that era it had imposing inner courtyards behind a charming facade.
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The multi-disciplinary design studio of Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel was enlisted to re-create that classic local Milanese feel for the manor’s new avatar as a hotel. The architects’ first task was to amalgamate the four buildings with their distinguishable characteristics, yet keeping their history of ‘inner’ Milan intact. A de-linear plan was drawn up, where each room was unique and had its own individual character, just like rooms one would find in a home. Allocating colour schemes was very common in Milanese interiors during the 1930s and 40s, hence following this particular design principle of the traditional Milanese residence, Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel employed colour as their tool to designate area functions. Red, green and yellow pastel hues adorn the hotel’s lobby and lounge, while the bar has a distinctly black and white palate, and the restaurant’s green tones coordinate with the green marble jambs under the courtyard windows. The entrance area’s grey stone flooring connects the hotel not only physically but aesthetically as well to the courtyard leading to via Andegari, evoking its historic role as a cart entry. Mandarin Oriental, Milan has 70 guest rooms and 34 suites and junior suites covering five floors. Every room has a modern interior with individual layouts and views overlooking inner courtyards, rooftops and surrounding streets.
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Ceiling heights fluctuate from floor to floor with the highest being on the ‘noble’ lower levels where the aristocratic owners once lived. The upper stories which lodged their servants had lower ceiling heights, and to compensate this the architects put in large windows with expansive views over Milan, creating the illusion of space. Italian marble complements gargantuan bay windows that frame beautiful views of the rooftops.
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The kitschy Fornasetti Suite is stuffed with priceless original Fornasetti pieces and over the top design.
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The Mandarin Bar and Bistrot is bedecked with groovy black and white mosaic that creates dazzling patterns at night in the mirrored ceiling and sleek bar counter-top.
Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel have employed colour as their tool to designate area functions like the red hues used in the lobby.
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The works of Italian design masters, Piero Portaluppi, Giò Ponti and Asnago e Vender, inspired the strong Milanese ‘essence’ of the interiors - gracefulness melded with practicality, imbibing that homely feeling in every room. Beautiful oak parquet covers the floors, while walls feature oak and walnut boiseries. Every item of furniture in the hotel has been crafted by leading Italian firms with tailormade pieces designed by Antonio Citterio himself. The warm colour palette for the soft furnishings range from shades of beige to an assortment of purples, be it on the velvet armchair coverings, the carpet and linen curtains and even the headboards. In the bathrooms, Italian marble complement gargantuan bay windows that frame jaw dropping views of the city. Mandarin Oriental, Milan takes pride in its two ‘speciality suites’ that pay homage to Piero Fornasetti and Giò Ponti. The kitschy Fornasetti Suite is stuffed with priceless original Fornasetti pieces and over the top design. From the pièce de résistance in the living room, a pillar covered with Riflesso (reflection) wallpaper that separates the ‘Ultime Notizie’ dining table, ’Capitello’ chairs and the ‘Fly’ coffee table, the ‘Guscio’ sofa and the ‘Boss’ black leather armchair, to the Venetian trumeau ‘Architettura’ and ‘Palladiana’ sideboard that complete the furnishings in the lounge. While green walls embellished with mirrors and motifs on the ceiling reflected in the curtains, round off this visual cacophony. The hotel’s two Michelin starred restaurant, Seta presents fine dining, while the Mandarin Bar and Bistrot is the hotel’s beating heart. The vibe here changes slowly from a quiet retreat in the day time to a spirited night spot after dark. Guest can relax outdoors on loungers bathed in muted light, while indoors the walls are bedecked with groovy black and white geometric mosaic that create dazzling patterns in the mirrored ceiling and the sleek bar counter top. La Loggia, a corner of the courtyard subtly screened by columns and yet imbued in the ambience and glamour of the Mandarin Bar and Bistrot is the optimum setting for an intimate meal. While Seta, located in the hotel’s second courtyard offers its guests a more formal atmosphere as it unwraps itself indoors as well.
Located in the hotel’s second courtyard, the hotel’s two Michelin starred restaurant, Seta offers its guests a more formal al fresco atmosphere. Home Review September 2018
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The spa and wellness centre has six private treatment rooms, a Spa Suite and a special Thai massage room and awesome indoor swimming pool.
Huge glass windows connect inner and outer spaces, while wooden floors and ceilings, carefully appointed green upholstered chairs matching the marble tones of the doors create a dignified air. Milan’s cultural flamboyance mingled with the hotel’s legendary Oriental heritage reverberates through its exemplary service and incredible design. The Mandarin Oriental, Milan is truly ‘the’ place to be! www.mandarinoriental.com/milan
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LONDON CALLING C tribhovandas & co. Introduces ‘london’ collection of porcelain stoneware from faetano - Delconca C Tribhovandas & Co. introduces ‘London’ full-body porcelain stoneware collection from Faetano-Del Conca. It translates all the charm of traditional decorated cement tiles into a contemporary language with its floral and geometric patterns, suitable for lifetime durable floorings and coverings. The collection is available in size 20mm x 20mm and characterized by five sold singularly decorations - Camden, Soho, Nottinghill, Whitechapel, Mayfair and in four matching basic colors - white, cyan, gray and turtle. London reveals a strong appeal to the past and the patterns of the 60s and 70s. Perfect for both floor and walls of any type of space - from living areas to bathrooms, London plays with a mix and match of patterns and colors to recreate a sought-after vintage style in a home. The patterns seamlessly combine floral and geometric themes in a color palette that is simultaneously gentle and striking. The designs are crisp and clean, and then softened by subtle shading that adds to the timeless effect of decorative concrete. London from Faetano-Del Conca is exclusively available in India at C Tribhovandas & Co. C. Tribhovandas & Co., 3-D, Laxmi Industrial Estate, New Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400053. Tel: 022- 26399996/ 26399997/ 26399998. www.ctribhovandas.com C. Tribhovandas & Co., Vikas Building, Ground Floor, 11 Bank Street, Fort, Mumbai - 400023. Tel: 022- 22663821/ 22642600/ 22632858. www.ctribhovandas.com
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Curved wooden benches mimic the shape of the planters adding a second sculptural element to the landscape.
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Landscapes
AUGMENTING REJUVENATION The presence of gardens can literally work wonders in spaces where people are at their most stressed and undergoing the process of healing. In hospitals where there is no other respite from the sterility of the wards, being seated in the lap of nature can definitely work wonders by augmenting the progression of cure and rejuvenation. Walking through the corridors of most medical institutions, we often experience the electronic whirr and buzz of instruments. We are surrounded by an artificial symphony composed of fluorescent lighting, featureless walls and maze-like layouts. Collectively these tend to confound the senses, creating a sense of disease that can even compound patient symptoms. In this milieu, as a quiet counter revolution hospitals are being designed to promote healing and restoration via spaces that soothe the senses and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Heliphoto Courtesy V2com Home Review September 2018
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Many agaves, succulents and other textural plants suited to the warm and dry climate of Southern California and other varieties from Non-US Mediterranean climates were planted to express a poetic affinity with the environment.
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Drawing on several decades of research that people can heal more quickly and with less pain when in the realm of greenery, CedarsSinai Medical Center, located in Southern California, Los Angeles adopted this concept of natural healing whole heartedly. With AHBE Landscape Architects on board, they successfully executed a prime example of healing gardens.
Since the site was located atop a building AHBE had to develop a multi-layered landscape solution that would protect the existing building’s structural and mechanical integrity while accommodating a series of four lush planted gardens. “The Cedars-Sinai Healing Garden Plaza project presented several constraints that encouraged innovative thinking,” says AHBE.
Known for their expertise in designing thoughtful evocative landscapes that allow for contemplation and reflection, AHBE Landscape Architects share, “We believe in creating a beautiful and above all, a healthy environment. The pursuit of greater good is what drives our firm.”
The existing space was redefined after considering the existing drainage system, emergency access, lighting and way finding systems to make the landscaped environment operate seamlessly.
In addition to this garden, ‘The Blue Garden’ was planted on the north side of the south tower for quiet meditation with private nooks and small circular pools that spell cool and calm.
“The metaphor for the gardens’ design was the layered structure of the human skin the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis that protect the body and are the first layer of defense against disease,” informs the design team. To minimise structural upgrades and impact upon the existing drainage system, as well as construction interference, a vegetated green roof system was created on the existing structural deck. Four distinct gardens with carefully chosen planting palettes thus sprang into existence. Intended as a flexible event space with portable furniture, ‘The Plaza Garden’ was developed to function as an outdoor café for an adjacent restaurant and a large courtyard space for tented receptions.
On the south side of the north tower, ‘The Garden of Whimsy’ comes with a playful character, undulating planters and an eye-catching sculptural pavilion by Ball Nogues Studio to uplift and transform the human spirit. In addition to this garden, ‘The Blue Garden’ was planted on the north side of the south tower for quiet meditation with private nooks and small circular pools that spell cool and calm. Lastly, ‘The Foyer Garden’ located along the busy north-side passage, between the garden terraces and tower lobbies that help transition visitors and patients, came into existence to stretch the green concept of healing.
Standing as a focal thread of the plot, the Ball Nogues Studio’s steel pavilion, visible from patients’ rooms is fabricated from 2,793 linear feet of 2” diameter mild steel tubes bent with a numerical computer rolling system. In total, there are 352 individual tubes that are quite unique in design and collectively form a structural shell. The pavilion’s intricate design and the interplay of shadows cast on the ground are meant to transport the onlookers and visitors mind away from thoughts of illness.
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Drought tolerant foliage and an innovative ground water system became part of a campus-wide water conservation strategy, estimated to save 28.6 million gallons of water annually.
The narrative structure could be perceived as a simple chain of events with a distinct beginning, middle and end but the team informs that apart from being a shading device it manifests an experience that symbolises hope. Many agaves, succulents and other textural plants suited to the warm and dry climate of Southern California and varieties from Non-US Mediterranean climates were planted to express a poetic affinity with the environment. Drought tolerant foliage and an innovative ground water system became part of a campus-wide water conservation strategy, estimated to save 28.6 million gallons of water annually.
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Wooden paths create calming places to walk and umbrella shaded tables provide a relaxing space to wait between medical appointments. Curved wooden benches mimic the shape of the planters adding a second sculptural element to the landscape. At night, hidden lighting lights up the edge of the planters allowing for communal seating and nooks for employees to indulge in during breaks.
In a hospital, people are generally fraught with anxiety and exhaustion. The gardens serve to make them feel a part of a soothing system larger than their selves. In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that these tranquil spaces provide a soft and peaceful escape for people at the brink of the most challenging times of their life. They serve to help them better cope with the difficult thoughts and decisions that any hospital stay can effect.
www.ahbe.com
Wooden paths create calming places to walk and umbrella shaded tables provide relaxing spaces to wait out between medical appointments.
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Each room in the store has been designed in a manner that it projects a different atmosphere.
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Retail Therapy
An Aura Of Opulence At Bouteak, a furniture store in Chennai, both the old and the new manage to merge ever so seamlessly. Here period furniture is showcased at its contemporary best!
Text By Dhanishta Shah Photo Courtesy Eyemage photography Photo Credit Maheshwar
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The lighting and setup is planned thoughtfully in order to create a cosier atmosphere.
Bouteak is an apt name to describe this store. The name is inspired from the words ‘boutique’, meaning a small and exclusive store and ‘teak’, which is the primary wood used for crafting rich furniture. Thus, Bouteak is a niche space with selective wood offerings for people who love to craft their homes creatively.
The 3500 sq ft store exudes an aura of opulence. One of the very subtle but important aspects of the store that truly accentuates the period feel is the use of wooden flooring all throughout its space. But for one room, which is carpeted, all other rooms have different species and patterns of wood on the floor.
“Bouteak’s soul originates from the definitive talent of consummate craftsmen. This identity is built upon by exclusive and beautiful designs to create a range starting from period classics to contemporary offerings,” explains Sushil Kumar Sethiya, Managing Partner, who is at the helm of affairs at the store along with Gautham Chand Bafna, his partner.
Each room in the store has been designed in a manner that it projects a different atmosphere. For instance, one of the rooms displays furniture in a more contemporary manner, deviating from the traditional style. The other has classic pieces. Yet another displays furniture in a luxurious manner. The home office and study room have their own charm and unique feel.
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An opulence associated with period furniture is quite evident throughout.
The veranda oozes a fun, rustic, bright and colourful vibe. “This helps us show customers how classic and contemporary pieces can blend well in so many different atmospheres. It helps us showcase the versatility of the product design,” says Sethiya. Some of the walls are quite bright and strong in colour. This was done in order to help the viewer understand the furniture in the context of space. Black and white walls tend to create a clinical look. Bold colours bring a tangible home feel. Hence, the latter was given prominence. Even the lighting of the store is geared to focus on the furniture.
“Our lighting is based on how light travels to a piece of furniture. Some of it is direct and some indirect depending on the feel of the furniture. You may notice we have used quite a few lamps. This is because they create a cosier atmosphere,” explains Sethiya. One notices that the star of the store is indeed the furniture. “We manufacture our own furniture and also pick up some accessories to complement the entire collection,” says Sethiya, as he explains how the complete look of the store comes together.
It is indeed amazing to see how all the elements - home decor, rugs and the accents go so well together and create a homogenous feel which one does not really perceive whilst setting it up! It just comes together and happens! While there is a mandatory change in the arrangement of the displays every three months, small changes happen on a daily basis.
As one moves through the store, it is clear that much beyond the physical décor, it is the final product - that is, the furniture that is given a lot of importance here. The customer is made to see the final outcome and visualise how good the product would look in their own homes. This makes them understand the design and grasp the look faster and better and thereby take a decision spontaneously. This is exactly where “Bouteak” lives up to its name and reputation! www.bouteak.in
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Design Farzi Cafe, Mumbai With an aim to create an amazing dining experience, designers Sushant Verma and Anchal Chaudhary from rat[LAB] interiors have used parametric design methods to create interiors that symbolize a restaurant under the Mumbai sea. A large boat has been suspended from the ceiling along with smaller boats that form the chandelier at the entrance of the restaurant. The bar area and stage are assembled piece by piece to form a sculpted feature element as a monolith wave. The restaurant front is recessed to give a distinct character by incorporating a balcony-style terrace which is adaptable to be used during live performances. The large glazed windows give a view of the outside and can be opened to an aisle like balcony. The flooring pattern in hand-made printed tiles was chosen to depict intricacy and connotation of the sea floor and combined with the warmth and welcoming aura of the city of Bombay through wooden flooring. The furniture is custom-designed for different spaces with consideration to space optimization. The complete restaurant is a story that unfolds as a visual experience that mimics an under-water dynamic space. interiors@rat-lab.org www.rat-lab.org/interiors
Text By Avani Patwardhan
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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.
Coolline Agency, Gujrat With an aim to give a modern touch to their new office, Vipul Sukhadia and Kruti Sukhadia from Sharan Architecture have created a space to boost creativity for their clients. Giving it bright interiors and innovative elements, they have created ideal spaces for meeting, conferences or regular work. The interior itself shows the workflow of the company as it has an open copper piping for the air-conditioner specially made for company’s client for them to have a practical look. Based on the client’s profile and nature, an open plan design combined with highend materials has been chosen to create a sense of modernity. The area is well segregated into the departments which have been utilized to the maximum in a very intelligent and sophisticated manner. Each workstation is a fine combination of visual splendor and necessary functionality. The furniture and decor adds to the atmosphere of the office and the dark veneer on the furniture gives a warm look to the design. The sleek & stylish reception table has been specially designed and compliments the casual look of the space. sharaninterior@gmail.com
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24K Atria, Maharashtra With a simple brief to create something stylish, chic and cozy, the Imagination Inc. team did just what their clients ordered. Imagination Inc. is a complete service provider for space design solutions for those who are fond of the finer things in life. Situated in the midst of nature, the design reflects the 24K Atria philosophy. With their principal architect Stephane Lasserre and interior designer Shriya Kolte, Imagination Inc. created spaces to relax, rejuvenate, entertain or simply sip champagne with the crème de la crème of society. The spaces are beautifully crafted and portray a chic and aristocratic personality through their design. While creating a modern home, they have depicted the colours of nature which have been their true inspiration. Warm colours of the beautiful sunset views set the mood for the living room while green takes over the den! A perfect abode to spend time with family as well as to host friends! www.imaginationinc.in www.24kliving.com
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THE MARKETPLACE Fanzart Introduces The ‘Venetian’
Hafele’s Neptune III Slim Shower System This shower system comes with a flexible hose for connection, providing plenty of mobility. The triple-function of 3 in 1 spray patterns - Rain, Mist and Cascade delivers a seamless showering experience by mixing water with air to produce a soft refreshing spray. All the elements are vertically integrated thereby effectively utilizing the space available and enhancing your comfort and pleasure. The sleek chrome finish brings a sophisticated and radiant new look to your bathroom.
Create your perfect bathing experience with Häfele’s new innovative Neptune III Slim Shower System. With a thickness of just 1.5 mm this shower system is extremely versatile and offers an alluring look wherever installed, whether in an existing bathroom or a newly designed one. Fanzart India’s first Luxury Fan Brand introduces its range of Fandelier Fans, the first being ‘Venetian’, a fantastic amalgamation of the fan & chandelier. With mesmerising craftsmanship, inspired from the iconic Italian city, Venice, regarded by connoisseurs as one of the greatest hubs of art, Venetian has as many as 14 foldable acrylic blades around a stunning LED mounted crystal dome & remote-control kit for comfort and convenience. A Fanzart exclusive, Fandelier brings together the comfort of a ceiling fan and the style of a chandelier to create one unified fixture that is the best of both worlds. With the unique construction, Venetian is equipped with 70 LED lights and 120 crystals that consume only 55 watts of power (DC power). When not in use, the Venetian ceiling fan looks like an astonishing ceiling light fixture, with 14 foldable acrylic blades which can also be collapsible blades around a stunning LED mounted crystal dome. Its exclusive motor technology ensures that the fan will remain quiet, when in operation.
It weighs 3.45 kgs and comes in three spray options while the shower thickness is 1.5mm. It’s sleek body is made of chrome finished stainless steel. Hafele comes up with yet another must-have for your bathroom. www.hafeleindia.com
Stonelam Laminam Launches Architectural Façade Skin Stonelam Laminam, has launched the Architectural Façade Skin, a revolutionary slab that does not neglect environmental friendliness, natural raw materials and recyclable products. With a thickness of 3 and 5mm, these perfectly flat and extremely light slabs form an authentic architectural skin designed as a covering material for facades. This Skin by Stonelam Laminam boasts excellent performance ranging from soft textures to industrial & ultratechnological options. Stonelam’s mission is to produce exclusively large size porcelain slabs; a concept that has evolved with the addition to the production set-up of latest generation technologies that are clearly able to meet the needs of the market.
Starting with this idea, it has given rise to a brand new concept of surfaces, creating an aesthetically advanced product, with exceptional technical unique characteristics. Produced using advanced technologies, it teams reduced thickness and large size with high resistance to mechanical stresses, to chemicals, to wear, to scratches, to deep abrasion and to bending, it is easy to sanitise, resistant to frost, fire, mould and mildew, and to the effect of UV rays. All the characteristics and chromatic properties of the slabs are unchanging, designed to stand the test of time in all atmospheric conditions. www.stonelam.in
Their range of Fandelier Fans -are exclusive to the upcoming festive season. Not only do Fandelier Fans illuminate your room in style but also brings the breezy flair to your celebrations. www.fanzartfans.com Home Review September 2018
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THE MARKETPLACE Sternhagen Unveils Kristall Tiles
Renowned premium sanitary ware and bathroom fittings brand Sternhagen introduces yet another visually appealing as well as a superlative and functional collection, Kristall, to ornate your surfaces. Kristall tiles are designed to infuse one’s life with the beauty of modern art and engineered to German perfection. As the name suggests, Kristall is inspired by the exquisite and unique beauty of a natural crystal. The USP it adopts is to virtualize the uniqueness of nature by refracting light from clean-cut crystalline surfaces with no two designs alike. This collection is a centrepiece collection which helps to provide natural perfection to any surface and because of its versatility; the collection is durable and easy to match with accessories and other fixtures.
Ventura International presents ‘Luxe Tiles’
Ventura; a leader in the luxury wall surface arena presents Luxe Tiles for your stunning space presents their new range of faux-leather tiles that can warm up your wall & ceilings while providing a luxurious design element. The myriad colours, textures and patterns seamlessly compliment contemporary as well as classic interiors. Plain, embossed or engraved, you can easily banish the baldness of plain walls and ceilings and choose a one for you that visually links your furniture, textiles, accessories and colours. These tiles have a collection of captivating faux-leather for surfaces and are great at dampening sound within a space and age with grace.
www.sternhagen.com
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The tiles come in a 40x40cm size with a thickness of 9-34mm and they also boast of 17 patterns and 5 colours. www.venturaindia.com
Kaff’s New Built-In Microwave Enables Faster, More Efficient Cooking The built-in microwave launched by KAFF is a combination of a grill and microwave made of all-black tempered glass and a stainless steel outer frame front door with glass. Considering the current lifestyle of young professionals, finding time to make delicacies at home with limited space in the kitchen to keep appliances is a challenge. A built-in combination microwave is an ideal solution for such challenges, making cooking less time-consuming and stress-free.
To add to this ultimate luxury experience, the collection offers unlimited colour possibilities like Pure White, Mid Grey, Pale Green, Black, Berry, Ice Blue, Deep Brown and Pale Gold. It is made from Sani Quartz materials with a metallic glossy surface, having a base of the hardest natural ingredients. Sternhagen’s Kristall tiles are a masterpiece rendered through unremitting innovation in the application of technology into classic artwork. Committed to create and enrich the daily suite experience, Sternhagen thrives to connect visionary design to flawless technological production expertise, every day.
Ideal for bedrooms, living areas, lobbies, restaurants and retails stores, they also can be inset into table tops and used as furniture inlays. The intricate and life like leather grains and structure imbibe the interiors with a classical plush finish. They complement casa panels beautifully by providing them with a rich highlight, in the same faux leather finish. They are waterproof, fire retardant, acoustic and easy to install and maintain.
The premium kitchen and home appliances brand, KAFF has launched a new built-in microwave that helps in preparing delicious food in less time.
The key features are include a capacity of 20 litres, push door opening button, child lock, digital clock with time display, thermostat of 230 degrees and energy efficiency. www.kaff.in