My SPACE : GAURAV ROY CHOUDHURY ART FORM : HIROTOSHI ITOH DESIGN DESTINATION : GOTHENBURG
vol 15 issue 02
february 2016
total pages 140
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
SUSTAINABLE INSIDE OUT BY ARCHITECTURE DISCIPLINE FUSING THE PAST AND PRESENT CHINTHAKA WICKRAMAGE ASSOCIATES
ANTIDESIGN
UPCYCLED INNOVATION AT SOCIAL BY RIYAAZ AMLANI
SURFACES SPECIAL CATCH UP WITH THE LATEST IN SURFACE FINISHES
Photo: Cyrus Dalal
U
sing ‘upcycled’ and ‘reused’ as defining keywords, the decor of the new Social in Delhi highlights its bare-bones character with élan. Conceptualised to play a double role of a collaborative workspace during the day and a hip hangout at night, this trendy hotspot hits the mark with its unapologetic and quirky design details. At Social, the Impresario Hospitality team boldly re-imagines toilet paper rolls as hand wipes, hospital beds as tables and menus that are made to look like a tabloid. Here, scraps of metal and wood are repurposed to become kitschy furniture pieces, light fixtures and other functional necessities. The Social is the anti-thesis of a fine dining experience - it’s grungy and self-effacing, making it a groovy place to wind down during the day or night. Sri Lankan architect Chinthaka Wickramage refurbishes part of an ancestral home keeping in sight core attributes of form, light and colour. Fusing the past and the present, he is mindful of traditions and is yet not straight-jacketed by them. The refurbishment of this home is cleverly executed using a frugal material palette with an emphasis on flowing spaces and clean lines. This home stays true to the fundamentals of blurring the boundaries between the inside and out, allowing for plenty of natural air and light, being low on maintenance and most importantly being a welcoming refuge for its occupants. The young design studio Naksh Atelier makes their debut in this issue of Home Review with a contemporary styled apartment in Ahmedabad. They combine raw industrial finishes with refined and sophisticated touches that contrast and complement each other. Aiming for a seamless and uncluttered design program they stitch together a space with a distinct character that delights the owners and wonderfully showcases the creative aptitude of this firm. Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
6 Home Review February 2016
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emails + feedback Make in India The Inward House Khosla Associates have done it again – going against the norm and yet realising a beautiful structure with ample of light, space and outdoor areas. The simple and elegant touch given results in a home . Neera Joshi Mumbai
Kamat & Rozario The different recycled elements used for this small restaurant ‘Lemirado’ come together as a whole making it dynamic and brimming with creativity. The team at Home Review has done a fantastic job of portraying this picturesque little eatery. Lavina Rai By Email
Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com
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It was refreshing to read about the ‘Made in India’ segment and the young crop of designers who make the cut. India is truly a powerhouse of talent. Jay Rathore Hyderabad
Art Deco Style The glamour of the Art Deco style has been exemplified in the James Royal Palm Hotel in Miami. This is a restoration that will be remembered for some time. Hriday Chauhan New Delhi
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28
Architecture for me is shelter, privacy, space, emotion and poetry
Gaurav roy choudhury
24
Take a tour at one of the finest residences of the world, the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad
Cover Story Part of a chain of restaurants all bearing the same name, Social has arrived at two of Delhi’s famous addresses where upcycling and reusing are the design mantra
40 Sustainability happens as a whole - architect Akshat Bhatt demonstrates this notion in a building in Gurgaon, where every brick plays a role in the live architecture
46 art
form
Gleaning from his family business, the beauty of the city of Matsumoto, and his own expression, Hirotoshi Itoh turns stone into surreal sculptures
FEbruary
51
85
Get the scoop on one of the furniture industry’s premier upcoming trade events, the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016
By Akshat Raghava
80 52 Refurbishing an extension to his ancestral home, Srilankan architect Chinthaka Wickramage’s interventions become one with the surroundings and the original structure’s rusticity
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Surfaces Special The Surfaces Special captures the latest trends and brings forward new dimensions in surface finishes
Page
58
By amalgamating sophistication and an exposed look, Naksh Atelier has transformed a 3 BHK apartment into what was exactly desired by the client
98
94 Read about Aftab Jalia’s assessment of Frank Gehry’s Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris
103
88
Through a flamboyant design narrative, Marcel Wanders decodes Switzerland in his trademark style at the Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel
product
designer
91
What would domestic interiors be like without furniture? This and other intriguing questions are posed by award-winning Austrian designer Robert Stadler
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GREEN PROJECT
A childhood centre in Auckland has been designed by Collingridge And Smith Architects as a sunlight-flushed structure inspired by avian and nautical elements
february
116
THE MARKETPLACE Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
New Delhi-based design firm DCA Studio excels in blending not only the contemporary with traditional but also the old with new
120
Carefully curated vignettes, presented like a real home is clearly the focus of the Beyond Designs store in Delhi
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137
Landscapes
124
GOTHENBURG A DESIGN DESTINATION
130
Layers Studios strives to connect with the immediate surroundings of the site whilst focusing on keeping its work deeply rooted in regionalism
Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj
Arushi Chaudhary Freelance Writer A journalist by profession, freelance writer by choice, she is most content in the company of words. When not writing, she spends her time juggling roles as an army wife and mommy.
Features Editor Mala Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Senior Sub Editor Rehana Hussain Contributing Writers Chryselle D’Silva Dias Christabelle Athaide Devyani Jayakar Dhanishta Shah Himali Kothari K Parvathy Menon Shruti Nambiar Designers Asif Shayannawar Darshan Palav Pooja Modak Snigdha Hodarkar Akshat Raghava Industrial Designer An alumnus of the Rhode Island School of Design, USA, he enjoys learning and exploring different materials and manufacturing techniques that will able him to design and manufacture ecofriendly products.
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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Mr. Rakesh Kini (Head - Marketing) Mr. Ganesh Gurav, Mr. Vivek Jadhav, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133 / 23736131 / 23743069 E response@marvelinfomedia.com
Architecture Discipline Sustainable Inside Out, Page 40. Architecture Discipline is an award winning multi-disciplinary design studio that explores architecture through multiple scales. The outcome of every commission is determined by a series of critical design processes that result in an architectural expression that is contextually charged and contemporary. Architecture Discipline was established in 2007 by Akshat Bhatt.
Delhi Ms. Sumita Prakash Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075 Tel 09899179540, Email: sumitabiswas63@gmail.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction. Editor Mr. Anish Bajaj. Published and Printed by Mr. Anish Bajaj on behalf of the owner Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Corrigendum In the Picture This section of the January 2016 issue, the email id of Apurva Bose Dutta was cited incorrectly. Her contact details are apurvabose@yahoo.com and www.apurvabose.com. The error is highly regretted.
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Chinthaka Wickramage Associates Fusing the Past and Present, Page 52. The practice was set up in 2005 by Architects Chinthaka Wickramage and Nileeka Senerath. CWA has extensive experience in post disaster and post conflict reconstruction projects in the North and East of Sri Lanka. It has won several architecture awards including ARCASIA Gold Medal for Social Responsible Architecture 2013.
Layers Studios for Design and Architecture Spaces with Spiritual Character, Page 130. The principal architects at LSDA are Neha Bhardwaj and Gaurav Kapoor who consider the built environment as complex structures with numerous overlapping layers of activity, functions, usage patterns, aesthetics, desires and prospects for the future. The studio aims to incorporate local traditions, international ideas, respect for the environment and cutting-edge technology in their design sensibilities.
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 19Launch JAN of Carysil’s Display
Each year renowned architects, interior designers, design consultants, academicians, artists and editors form the jury and holistically review and critique the designs. The format of the awards is unique and its process both transparent and efficient. The award trophy this year was designed by the eminent designer Michael Foley.
Gallery, New Delhi
This year the winners of the awards under various categories include Khosla Associates, Artha Studio, Core, Manthan Architects, Formwerkz Design Team and Usine Studio. Divyang Mevda of Formwerkz Design Team was awarded the Young Interior Designer of the year. www.iiidaward.net The awards included over 75 top architects in the country including Ar. Kamal Malik, Ar. Ratan Batliboi, Ar. Uttam Jain and Ar. Ambrish Arora whose 180 shortlisted projects were put on display. About 35 international architects also showcased their own projects. There was also a unique display of ‘Material Installations’ which was constructed using different materials such as glass and steel. German engineered brand for quartz kitchen sinks Carysil has recently launched a display gallery in New Delhi to present its wide range of products. The inauguration of the gallery was done by Sanjeev Dayal, Vice President (Sales and Marketing), Acrysil India. This is Carysil’s second display gallery in Delhi, and 70th overall in India.
23IIIDJAN– Anchor Awards 2015, New Delhi
Design Fair 2016, presented by Dastkar and in its third edition took place from 21st January to 1st February . A fair showcasing contemporary craft design, it also featured special works of designers who work with traditional handicraft-skills in handloom textiles, regional embroidery styles, decorative objects and furniture.
www.acrysil.com
The works of the designers have been inspired by traditional crafts of India that include Kantha, Ikat, Sujni, Applique, Bodo, Ari, Ajrakh and Pashmina. Design Fair 2016 featured designer Shweta Gupta, whose design start-up SWGT provides a unique take on hand-woven Chanderi and Kota cotton.
TO 20Artists 22 inJANConcrete Awards, Navi Mumbai
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New Delhi
www.aica.in
On display will be Carysil’s extensive range of products and appliances for the kitchen including home appliances, stunning chimneys, hobs, ovens, dishwashers, ice-makers along with its collection of sinks. A pioneer in composite quartz technology, Carysil is one of the largest manufacturers of quartz and granite sinks internationally.
The 8th edition of Artists in Concrete Awards (ACIA) was held in Mumbai from 20th to 22nd January. The event honours excellence in the fields of architecture, landscape and interior design and allures participants from all around the world. A festival that took place over three days, ACIA presented visitors with a bird’s eye view of global architecture, interior design and construction.
21Dastkar JAN TO 1Design FEB Fair 2016,
Anchor by Panasonic in collaboration with Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) rewards the finest efforts in the field of interior design each year, honouring designers who showcase brilliance in their field. The 18th year of the IIID Awards was organised on 23rd January this year.
Poochki by designers Ishanee and Anirudh, a label that strives towards the promotion and preservation of Indian fabrics and traditional arts, was featured as well. Another label that was featured included Anitdote, which looks for inspiration from the crafts of hand knitting and leather work. www.dastkar.org
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 15 DEC 16 FEB TO
Expected exhibitor’s profile includes the categories of water distribution, air handling and air distribution products, unitary products, refrigeration accessories, building management systems, etc. Also organised as part of the event are several seminars and workshops conducted by experts on topics of most relevance today in the industry.
Photo Credit Akshat Nauriyal
St+art Delhi, New Delhi
The fourth edition of the Urban Street Art Festival, St+art Delhi 2016 is to take place between December 2015 and February 2016. Organised by St+art India Foundation, the festival’s highlight this year is revamping the Lodhi Colony area of New Delhi. The festival will see over 24 acclaimed national and international street artists come together to transform this quaint Delhi locality. Part of the festival is also an exhibition called WIP – The Street Art Show, which opened on 31st January and will be open all month long. The WIP (Work In Progress) is organised at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Tughlakabad, which is the largest dry port in Asia. Here the artists are to make use of shipping containers and make them their own by painting the exterior distinctly while exhibiting their work inside. Artists involved include Agostino Iacurci (Italy), Amitabh Kumar (India), Borondo (Spain), Gaia (USA), Harsh Raman (India), Zbiok (Poland) and many more.
There will also be a series of parallel roundtable programmes and interactive panel discussions organised for the participants. Acrex India is one of the most lucrative fairs for networking and building contacts with experts in the industry. www.acrex.in Hadid’s work ranges impressively over 30 years and includes such magnanimous projects as the MAXXI Museum in Rome, the London 2012 Olympic Aquatics Centre, the Guangzhou Opera House and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi. For this exhibition, Hadid is to present design work from over 30 collections that exemplify her evolution from the tectonic to the fluid architectural language of her recent work.
www.leilahellergallery.com
25 TO 27 FEB
Acrex India 2016, Mumbai
18 JAN TO 29 FEB
The oeuvre of the internationally acknowledged architect Zaha Hadid will be exhibited at the Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai. It is set to be a mid-career exhibition of Hadid’s work and spans the architect’s product designs in the 80s to the 2015 Liquid Glacial Collection furniture range.
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Furniture Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Hadid’s design work demonstrates the 21st century’s shift towards the organic. It is also in itself an exploration of scale, innovation and materiality.
www.st-artindia.org
Zaha Hadid Exhibition, Dubai
10 TO 13 MAR
Acrex India is South Asia’s largest exhibition on air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration and building services to be held at Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre. After a successful 16th edition at Bangalore, Acrex returns to Mumbai this year. Around 25 countries from the world over are expected to participate, including Japan, Ukraine, Egypt, USA, Germany, Korea, Italy, Saudi Arabia and more.
Furniture Indonesia returns this March and brings with it new team members and an enhanced trade experience. Since the year 2008, Indonesia International Furniture and Craft Fair (IFFINA) has been providing a crucial and unique sourcing furniture platform for buyers both international and local. The products presented at the fair are evocative of the distinct culture of the country. Participating exhibitors and visitors can make the most of the various opportunities that the event brings with it. There will be a chance for face-to-face talks with decision makers of the highest level. Exhibitors will be able to display their products cost-effectively and attract international buyers and promote their names in the global scene. There will be an ample amount of opportunities to connect with people from the industry and of discovering path-breaking innovation. Furniture Indonesia 2016 will also see the inaugural edition of Mozaik Indonesia, an event that is to showcase the very latest and trendiest products from designers and producers from across the region. www.iffinaindonesia.com
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S
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GRCA, a Bengaluru-based architecture firm, was introduced when ‘what architecture really should be’, started dictating architect Gaurav Roy Choudhury’s thoughts. After working for 4 years with a reputed architectural firm in Bengaluru, Gaurav decided to set–out on his own, with the ‘hopes of redefining honest architecture through a process of re-invention and storytelling.’ His work embraces the old-school principle – space is key, and not the skin – and yet keeps the design relevantly contemporary. Their portfolio reflects their worship for a space and its user, and breathes life in the design through a subtle composition of light, space and materials. The firm, which was established in 2007, has ever since worked on several disciplines across design – ranging from architecture, interior design, graphic design and urban design. However, the firm doesn’t believe in having too much on the plate, and prefers doing justice to a limited number of projects. GRCA has mastered in articulating a certain restraint in their work, which shuns the blind idolisation of the skeleton of a structure, and instead focuses on bringing complexity and coherence within the space. This approach, which proposes an alternative to the existing display of visual extravagance, resonates with the thoughts of legendary architect, Louis Kahn, who had once said, ‘A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.’
Interview by Shweta Salvi
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Your firm caters to multiple disciplines; is there a design constant you maintain across disciplines? Was there a defining phase in your career which formed the core of your design sensibilities? I think, when you start on your own, the first three or four years define you. Also, in my case, it was a really tough period overlapped with this intense questioning of ‘what kind of work I wanted to do?’
We do not have any constants whatsoever; in fact, I despise having limitations at the start of design. Yes, at every independent design level, there are eventual constants or ideas which hail sway in design but nothing at the start.
That period initiated a deep introspective process, which I still practise today. It also made me connect with myself to an extent where I could not fool myself anymore, or for that matter, draw a single line without believing in it.
Architecture is perceived differently by each architect, for some it is about function, for some it is all about visual experience. In today’s context, it could also be about modern materials and technology. What is ‘architecture’ to you?
Architecture for me is shelter, privacy, space, emotion and poetry.
Architecture for me is shelter, privacy, space, emotion and poetry. I think all good architecture needs to celebrate all of these factors. I think it is mediocrity that hides behind functionality, or visual aesthetics.
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I will always prefer a building which is done well and recognises 100 things as its core brief, than one done spectacularly and recognises only 10.
We see the use of wide-ranging materials in your work that add texture and colour to the space. Is there any building material that fascinates you and one that you would like to explore? For me materials are important, but they come in a little later down the line in the design process. It is something like casting actors for a film, after the script and story is ready. Of course, they have a very important role, but their character and selection come from the script/ vision of the project. I would love to work with garbage, plastics, and things we throw away. I really believe that society should reflect and introspect a lot more and in every way possible. What better way to do that, than a building made from what we are desperately trying to get rid-off? To give meaning back to things that we have used and ripped away all meaning from.
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The constantly evolving innovations in the field of design and tools like parametric design, allow the architects to imagine beyond the obvious and that too with uncontested accuracy. What are your views on the growing digitisation of the field? Look, I am not a big fan of parametric building design. I feel they simplify building processes. I will always prefer a building which is done well and recognises 100 things as its core brief, than one done spectacularly and recognises only 10. Complexity is there everywhere. You just have to look and you’ll find it – in the site, in the power structures, in the weather, in the impact. So again, between a complex design and a complex looking design, I would choose the former.
Could you name one building which will always be a landmark structure in architecture for you? I like the Pompidou Center by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, mainly because it is probably still one of those buildings, which is incredibly relevant today. It denounced aesthetics to some extent, and is a ‘skeleton of functionality’. It shed the skin off architecture, which I believe is the way to the future. Any current international architectural practice that inspires you‌ and why? I am a big fan of a lot of the current Japanese firms constructing these small, beautiful and spatially primal houses there. I like their de-constructive processes addressing lifestyle, economy, family, which makes them do so much in very little space, and with very little fuss.
An Indian monument you would love to give a facelift to? I am not big on face lifts. I love the honesty of decay, neglect and irrelevance. What is the firm currently working on? We are working mostly on residences currently. But all of them are exciting designs that are looking to push to the maximum at their individual levels.
What do you prefer to do in your spare time? Any interests? I love watching movies and listening to music. I also love to travel, sketch, delve in sculpture and do a little writing. The last year has been a little less productive, but I am hoping 2016 will be different. gauravroychoudhury@gmail.com
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If grunge can be chic, this is it! Part of a chain of restaurants all bearing the same name, Social has opened its doors in Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village and Defence Colony, redefining ‘with it’ by a casual aesthetic in which all the furniture and other paraphernalia in the restaurants is either upcycled or reused.
Just the bare bones in design. Nothing new to be used. Raw surfaces with no cladding or high-end finishes. Everything at Social has been found and not bought, making it exceedingly environment friendly, if unpretentiously mismatched.
Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs By Neha Pandey - Hauz Khas Social; Aman Chotani - Defence Colony Social
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ANTI-DESIGN Home Review February 2016
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Since ‘found’ and ‘upcycled’ items may not be available in bulk, nor easily replicated, every Social is slightly different, while adhering to the same design philosophy. If this sounds like a strange diktat around which to build the theme of a chain of restaurants, be assured that the resulting relaxed ambience qualifies as the new hip. Unassuming in every detail yet sporting an attitude, the restaurants open at 9 am to function as an office for their clientele by day - and pub by night, when they metamorphose into buzzing stomping grounds every evening, post 6 pm. Riyaaz Amlani of the Impresario Hospitality group which owns the brand has conceptualised a “collaborative workspace” for those who opt to work from home and for freelancers looking for an office. The path that leads to Social in Hauz Khas Village leads off from a bylane with a cobblestoned walkway; something like a narrow alley culminating in a dungeon. Lined with graffiti, it opens up into an unexpectedly vast space with two floors, numerous rooms and big glass windows offering a prized view of the lake and the archaeological park. Spread out over 8,500 sq ft which house Social, Anti Social and Chhat (on the terrace), each level has a different feel.
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The ground floor operates like a regular cafĂŠ, while the first floor is dedicated to those using the restaurant as their office and includes a conference room for anyone who would like to conduct meetings at the venue, assisted by TVs, projectors, blackboards, wifi and power sockets to plug in laptops. All available at a rent of Rs 5,000 per month, fully redeemable against food, Social clearly offers what no other restaurant does. Combining the facilities of a boardroom with a bar, the concept of Social scores in being unconventional and unorthodox in every detail of its design. Much like an old warehouse, there is an unfinished, industrial feel to the space - graffiti et al and a variety of seating options. The rustic ambience simulates a ‘dhaba’ with contemporary styling. Skeletal table clamp lights add strong lines to the large communal tables and naked bulbs dangle unabashedly from the ceiling. The terrace has hospital beds with tables suspended over them and diners can sit cross-legged or lean on pillows. The quirky element reigns supreme. Reinforcing the theme are hand tissues in the form of toilet paper rolls, sitting between the menus which come in a rolled up newspaper format and cutlery bunched informally in an aluminium holder.
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Add to this, serving dishes which have seen better days, humble aluminium plates instead of bone china, water glasses with ‘paani’ printed on them and iced tea that is served in a tiny bathtub with a straw - and you have a recipe for surprises at every turn. Like the Social in Hauz Khas Village, the one in Defence Colony has a long, narrow entrance - albeit with steps and maintains the theme of maximum upcycling. Kitschy unfinished industrial scraps like wooden benches, broken lifts and industrial piping rule the design palette here. Inescapably, the building with the bold marquee screaming ‘Defence Colony’ stares you in the face from almost anywhere, justifying the tag of DefCol Social to this outlet.
This is as far away from fine dining as
can be and teems with
an energy that is
correlated to the age
of its
hipster denizens.
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Seating 100, the 2,200 sq ft space is much smaller than its sibling in Hauz Khas Village, but spreads across two floors nevertheless. Spring bar chairs and hanging staircases populate this space. The hard benches that can be wheeled around are made of train trolley wood. Recycled furniture and walls in exposed brickwork are a leitmotif, the latter being elevated by original wall art by the St+art team (a collaborative platform for street artists from India and around the world, which focuses on the idea of ‘Art for everyone,’ with the prime objective of having a positive impact on society and reaching out to wider audiences. It aims at transforming the city into a gallery space).
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Social makes an anti-design statement and looks like it’s straight out of the Meatpacking District in Manhattan. Most of all, the décor acknowledges that people come to a restaurant for the ambience and the experience it provides, as much as the food and drinks. In a dynamic business which has to keep evolving, these restaurants have succeeded in being different. In spite of their down-to-earth design mantra of ‘nothing new’. www.impresario.in
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The main facade of the Falaknuma Palace features deep colonnaded verandahs across two levels.
In the Lap of Luxury Falaknuma Palace TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net As one of the finest residences of the world, the Falaknuma Palace has a rather curious twist to its beginnings. Construction was initiated by Nawab Viqar ul Omra, the Prime Minister of the princely state of Hyderabad in 1893, but the Palace’s ostentatious plans soon dwindled his wealth. His wife saved them from certain bankruptcy by inviting the then Nizam, Mir Mehboob Ali Khan, to the palace and offering it as a gift. Even as the Nizam accepted this gift, he had his treasurers promptly reimburse the Nawab.
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Perched on a rocky hill, the Falaknuma Palace offers sweeping views of the city of Hyderabad. Designed by English architect William Ward Marrett, the Palace’s wings spread out in the shape of a scorpion.
Immediately ahead is the Nizam’s study and the original home of one of the largest diamonds of the world - the Jacob diamond. Though instead of setting it upon a crown, the Nizam preferred to use the diamond as a paper-weight!
Heavily influenced by classical European architectural styles, the exteriors of the Palace are finished in soft hues of blue and white. The interiors boast of a series of grand reception rooms and luxurious living spaces.
A grand central staircase with marble balustrades and portraits of the former Nizams leads one to the upper floor of the main palace wing. Here a succession of stately rooms begin with the Jade Room that was used to host visiting dignitaries; the Billiards Room and Smoking Room with their panelled walls and darkened interiors; and the 101 Dining Hall which boasts of a 108 feet long dining table that can seat 101 people at the same time.
A white marble fountain stands in the midst of the entrance foyer, which is decorated with European motifs including cherubs, angels and idyllic landscapes.
A grand central staircase leads to one of the stately rooms on the upper floor of the Palace.
The study of the Nizam and the desk which used to hold one of the largest diamonds of the world.
The Billiards Room has a made-to-order billiards table from Burroughes & Watts in London. Home Review February 2016
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European motifs embellish the marble fountain and entrance lobby of the Falaknuma Palace.
The Jade Terrace overlooks the Palace lawns and is a venue for high-tea.
With seating for 101 guests, the dining table at the Falaknuma Palace is one of the longest in the world.
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The perforated skin is borrowed from the traditional Indian jaali and expressed in a new language. It creates a uniform mesh around the building while internally adds to the light dynamics, ensuring privacy along with abundance of filtered daylight.
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SUSTAINABLE INSIDE OUT
Sustainability happens as a whole - architect Akshat Bhatt demonstrates this notion in a building in Gurgaon, where every brick plays a role in the live architecture. What is a modern structure? Is it a steel shell? Does it have to scrape the sky? Is it decided simply by appearance? Or also by how it works in its entirety? And does its location play a part? Gurgaon is one of the fastest growing cities of India, with many glass skyscrapers dotting its landscaping and heralding the advent of modern architecture. But this is also a fact, that most of the said modern structures, are in fact just steel shells that have been masked with a glass veneer or an Alucobond skin, playing no role whatsoever in the architecture. 53 Silver Oaks, a corporate guest house designed by New Delhi based multidisciplinary firm Architecture Discipline, is another of the many modular steel structures in the Gurgaon foot print, but one where every part of the structure has an architectural function. In this steel monolith, the glass envelope is not just a mask, but a cover whose transparency has been specifically engineered for the building.
Text By K Parvathy Menon Photographs Courtesy Architecture Discipline Home Review February 2016
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Says Akshat Bhatt, principal architect at Architecture Discipline, “53 Silver Oaks has all the unique qualities of mid-century modernism that put post-independent Indian architecture on the global map.” The rectilinear site condition did not allow for windows to open on either of the longer sides, hence the client’s simple brief asking for a building that could house a large public space with many different types of guest rooms, became a spatial challenge. In response, the design team conceived the structure as a self-contained box that opened inwards into a triple height public space, ‘a home away from home’, just as the client desired. We enter at the basement level, where the kitchen and the main common area of the building are situated. Explains Akshat Bahtt, “As a unique parti, we decided to create the main public areas below ground level. Hence, the principal entrance leads to a large subterranean space.” The guest rooms are placed on the upper floors organised around a vertical movement core, whose geometry is emphasised by the staircase.
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Having limited concrete to the basement retaining walls and roof slabs, and instead using structural steel, the team has deftly reduced the dead load. This also warrants the maximum use of recyclable and locally sourced materials, thereby making the building sustainable in its life cycle. For the vertical surfaces at the higher levels, double insulated glass units, which effectively control the noise and provide insulation as well, have been used. But the highlight of 53 Silver Oaks is the perforated pattern on its external façade, which is borrowed from traditional Indian Jaalis and expressed in a modern context. This perforated skin, acts as a sun glare and temperature moderator, whilst splaying the interiors with uniform and subtle light. A usual recurrence in most of their designs, the Architecture Discipline team points out that the objective was “to wrap the structure in a thin, light, perforated screen so that the structure itself could be lighter and free from supporting the weight of unnecessary heavy interior and exterior partitions.”
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Material palette has been consciously limited – the architectural fabric from Germany that has been used as an acoustic false ceiling, is also used for the wall panels and headboards, bringing in a uniformity and also increasing usability.
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Reduction of the dead weight in the structure is also contributed by the steel frame that has been designed for maximum lightness, with diagonal members acting as bracing units. Not only is the need for repeated painting negated, but there is also maximum structural flexibility attained. There is a beauty in the way external architecture and interiors have been integrated, without concealing any of the columns or beams.
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Their geometry becomes a beautiful and irreplaceable part of the spartan aesthetic. Services were also ingrained in the design in its embryonic stage, as the team knew that “it was imperative to design the services to take decades of wear and tear without needing costly maintenance or routine supervision.� They re-examined every mundane decision for efficiency and durability. Intelligence in design is showcased in how the spaces have been designed and executed in materials that not only reduce thermal footprint and solar impact, but also contradict the requirement of unnecessary energy during day time. Further helping the cause is the roof that is made from a material that has a high solar reflective index; this establishes a situation where one could walk barefoot on the roof top even during hot summers. 53 Silver Oaks is a building that breathes new life into the banal concrete jungle of Gurgaon. If in the morning it looks like a perforated box, in the night it shines like a simple lamp. The structure is not just about positioning materials according to the plan, but about the symbiotic interrelation amongst every element.
The light material palette has allowed the architect to integrate the structural elements into the interiors smoothly. The joists and beams are open to view and become a beautiful part of the facade.
Akshat Bhatt and his team have always believed in exploring all possibilities and advancements in the built environment; this has ensured that 53 Silver Oaks will sustain the passage of time with consummate ease. info@architecturediscipline.com www.architecturediscipline.com
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Dentures are often used, and these infuse surprise, humour and a surreal feel in some of his works.
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art form
No Stone Unturned Gleaning from his family business, the natural beauty of the city of Matsumoto, and his own expression, Hirotoshi Itoh turns stone into surreal sculptures.
Given that his family has been involved with stone work since 1879, and that he had enrolled himself in the Metal Works Department of the Tokyo University of Arts, all set to take over his family business, it is no wonder that Hirotoshi Itoh found inspiration and a very solid form of expression in the stones that surrounded his place of residence. When he graduated from the Tokyo National Fine Arts University in 1982, he returned to Matsumoto, to the stone masonry his family managed. Their primary business was creating stone lanterns, gravestones, tombstones and memorials. This was the environment he had grown up in, observing members of his family, deftly creating objects from stone.
By etching the surface of the stones, Itoh achieves unbelievable accuracy in replicating the textures of fabric and wool.
Text By Revati Upadhya Photographs Courtesy Hirotoshi Itoh Home Review February 2016
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Hirotoshi Itoh was exposed to a variety of skills, techniques and materials and equipment used in stonework. As a result, he was drawn to the idea of working with stone. Also living in a city where granite and marble were in abundance, he soon began to experiment with the material in his spare time. It was only a matter of time before he graduated from making lanterns and gravestones, to by capitalising on the naturally occurring unique forms of the found stones creating unique, one-of-akind sculptures. By adding a big dollop of whimsy to the existing shape of the stones he arrived at the subject of each of his projects. Itoh describes the city of Matsumoto, where he lives, to be rich with natural beauty. Flanked by splendid mountains and cascading water bodies, the stones he has access to, have been weathered by these fresh-water streams for decades. The result is a natural habitat rich in a variety of stones in a host of sizes, shapes, colours and textures. Applying the traditional masonry techniques he observed and learned and using standard equipment like saws, chisels, hammers he etches and shapes the stones to create surrealistic objects. He is inspired by things he sees around him, by experiences in his daily life, and the result is objects that are beautiful, imaginative, often tongue-in-cheek, quaint and quite unbelievable too at times. His work broadly falls into two categories. In the first, by altering the natural surfaces of marble or granite, he creates sculptural forms and shapes, to look like objects that are not made of stone. The finished forms look amazingly like articles made of wool, rope, paper or even soft fluffy fabric. He commonly uses unrelated objects like shells, teeth, rope, thread and metal objects, against a background of stone.
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Many of Itoh’s works are inspired by mundane objects seen in our everyday lives.
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In the second, using the naturally smoothened cobblestones, he makes clever interventions – mostly by the addition of an object or a different material like metal, glass or even coins – to give the stone a totally different character and a life of its own. It is as if in each stone that he picks up he sees within it a hidden form that needs to be brought out. The completed pieces are engaging to say the least and often draw expressions of both awe and humour from the observers. Inspired by simple objects from his life and everyday experiences, he likes to create illusions that make lifeless pieces of stone seem like so much more. Today, Hirotoshi Itoh is widely renowned for this ability to very simply create imaginative pieces of art out of a material that is known to be unmoving and cold. His work succeeds in making stone look like anything but stone; the fluid and malleable look of his creations is a testament of the effort and expertise that goes into it. Inspired by traditional streams of Japanese thought, he emphasises the need to retain the natural shapes, colours and beauty of his material. He feels compelled to stick to the naturally found, original shapes of the stones he picks up by the riverside. In his own words, “Respecting and utilising the natural characteristics of original material is a very old and important aspect of Japanese culture.” This ties in very closely to the Japanese concept of creativity known as mitate – creating new things, by taking something of contextual significance in one space, into another and giving it a different context altogether. A large part of his work is rooted in creating objects out of stone, but such that display a softness quite unlike stone. This soft gooey cake gives no clue to the hard and unwieldy stone it is crafted from.
Despite being a contemporary artist and creating fairly modern pieces of art, Itoh’s roots go deep. His foundation is embedded in concepts of ancient Japanese wisdom, the culture he grew up in and the natural habitat that surrounds him. www.tumblr.com/tagged/hirotoshi-itoh
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The upcoming edition of IFFS will host brand new elements in line with its recent rebranding, paving new and creative ways for exhibitors to showcase their designs and presenting visitors with visually stimulating and aesthetically appealing displays. There will be a fresh hall layout, focusing on spatial and experiential elements to enhance the trade fair experience. Besides the creatively buzzing halls where visitors will be treated to an array of product displays that include bedroom, living room, dining room, garden and outdoor furniture as well as decorative accessories, there will also be astounding structural and interactive displays.
IFFS Revamps Itself Ahead Of Its 2016 Opening There will be a lot to look forward to in this edition of one of the furniture industry’s premier trade events, IFFS.
Text By Tasneem S. Pocketwala The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016 will be coming to the Singapore Expo from 10th to 13th March 2016 and bringing in a new identity in tow. The International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd has formally released a new brand identity for the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016 / 33rd ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS).
The themes this year are presented to be Smart Living, Convivial and Design Forward. Smart Living revolves around furniture that is more than just aesthetics and redefines how furniture and spaces are utilised. Convivial highlights the emotional aspect in the use of spaces and furniture. Lastly, Design Forward looks at sources of inspiration and how to use them to fuel ideas and design creativity.
For the very first time, there will be a ‘Garden and Outdoor’ pavilion, where international exhibitors with garden or outdoor offerings are set to showcase through a Garden Boulevard concept. Moreover, IFFS will be spilling out in the open in this edition with an alfresco lounge, managed and decorated by Maiori Design. Besides these, there are a series of design dialogues and business seminars organised for the benefit of the participant. IFFS will also hold its Design Stars, previously called Asian Star, which will feature a collection of products designed by emergent designers from around the world. IFFS 2016 promises to be an exciting trade affair and set the furniture industry abuzz with new ideas, trends and innovations. www.iffs.com.sg
In its 2016 revamped version IFFS will be arriving in conjunction with The Décor Show and furniPRO Asia. Its new tagline follows - ‘Design, Inspiration, and Trade’ and is reflective of its aim to facilitate business opportunities, the exchange of innovative ideas and connecting people in the industry. Mr. Ernie Koh, Chairman of IFFS Pte Ltd, while talking about the rebranding, said, “Good designs stem from inspirational experiences, and a company with a winning product understandably receives positive attention. This, in turn, leads to higher chances of success from a business standpoint. The three elements in the tagline share a synergistic relationship that ultimately promotes a thriving furniture industry. Here, IFFS plays the role as the connector that links ‘design, inspiration and trade’.” Home Review February 2016
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The generous use of doors and windows in both levels of the house ensures that the barrier between interiors and exteriors is blurred to a high degree and encourages natural cross ventilation in the hot tropical climate of Sri Lanka.
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FUSING THE PAST AND PRESENT Refurbishing an existing extension to his ancestral home near Colombo, Srilankan architect Chinthaka Wickramage is mindful that his interventions become one with the mood of the surroundings and the rusticity of the original structure.
There is no lofty architectural statement here. After a labyrinth of small bylanes in Nugegoda, Colombo, a simple wrought iron gate leads to this unassuming, ‘L’ shaped, two-storey home. Painted blue, the modest pitched-roof structure rubs shoulders with other homes which sit in close proximity. “In an urban environment, where considerations of costs often override aesthetics, it is shape, light and colour that must work seamlessly together to maximise space,” says Chinthaka Wickramage. Completed within a modest budget, the refurbishment of the annexe to the compact home includes a ground floor of approximately 1250 sq ft and an upper floor of about 950 sq ft, consisting mainly of a timber deck. The cool blue exterior has a double height verandah, with a recycled teak timber door bearing a panelled façade being used to scale down the height. Within, a double height lounge has warm terracotta tones which convey an ‘always been there’ feel.
Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Eresh Weerasuriya Home Review February 2016
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Local tiles and titanium cement floors indicate that this is a functioning house meant to be lived in, rather than be showcased. Simple wooden stack shelving hold knick knacks and rough, cement benches are scattered throughout the house, accented with cotton cushions in bold prints. The timber shutters and the chunky coffee table carry forward the earthy aesthetic. The ceiling is a lattice of timber against white, from which round paper lanterns and energy saving LED lights provide soft illumination. More shelving is tucked under the wooden staircase that leads to the mezzanine, creating an abstract composition of squares and rectangles. This floor houses a small home office and a TV, keeping the living room below peaceful for personal interactions. The spacious master bedroom has a ‘kumbuk timber’ (a rich brown coloured wood which is difficult to machine cut, as pebbles and even larger stones from the rivers grow into it) bed and an ensuite bathroom with a cement vanity counter, in addition to a spacious balcony. Recycled windows salvaged from old manor houses have been used in this airy room. The lounge and dining room both open out onto a secluded courtyard garden, with large windows framing a view of the minimal design with a Zen motif of pebbles, rocks and scattered tropical plants. A ferro-cement cupboard in the dining area provides storage, with a wooden dining table and simple chairs creating a relaxed, informal ambience. Used by either family or guests, the ground floor also has two bedrooms, which overlook the garden. The kitchen sits adjacent to an interior courtyard which naturally ventilates the middle of the house and also acts as a light well. The permanent residents here are a mature seasonal fruit tree and a temple tree, both of which dictated the location of this courtyard. The comparatively ‘thin’ section of the house with a garden in the front and a garden at the rear, help cool the house due to shade and induced natural cross ventilation. The front and rear verandahs are painted in special cement paint composed of rubberised glue and standard Portland cement, creating a contrast against white-washed walls and the natural grains of the extensively used timber.
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The rear garden of the house is overlooked by a combination of timber framed fixed glazed windows and multiple sashed tophung timber framed glazed windows. Due to privacy issues, the rear boundary wall of the house has been raised by 20 ft using a custom-made concrete wall, as the house is located in a high density urban area with back-to-back houses. A keen awareness of light and colour, an in-depth knowledge of materials and surfaces, and a sharp sense of spatial proportion has provided Chinthaka with the requisite tools to realise his unique vision of architecture. The frugal palette of materials includes white washed plastered brick walls, natural timber decks, timber framed glazed windows, titanium dioxide mixed cut and polished cement floors, white cement board ceilings and corrugated cement roofing sheets.
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A traditional roof is fused with the tropical modernist emphasis on flowing spaces and clean lines, paying close attention to how the designed environment interacts with the climate and the needs of the users. Also true to context, contemporary furniture used in the interior has been carefully selected to maintain a stylistic continuity with the lowmaintenance feel of the space. The generous use of doors and windows in both levels of the house ensures that the barrier between interiors and exteriors is blurred to a high degree and encourages natural cross ventilation in the hot tropical climate of Sri Lanka. This results in high energy savings, as air conditioning is not required. Says Chinthaka, “We have a free thinking yet functional conception of how buildings can work both inside and out. Though mindful of the traditions that have shaped Sri Lankan Architecture, we never allow them to become unbending rules, inhibiting our freedom to design or the comfort of those that will occupy that building.”
Ground floor layout of Nugegoda House.
Privacy and simplicity of design have come together comfortably in this home. “We share an exciting vision of how architecture not only is, but can be, an environment for working and living with an eye to the past but both feet firmly planted in the future,” he says. chinthaka@wickramagearchitects.com www.chinthakawickramage.com
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THE INSIDE TRACK NOW ON APPLE AND ANDROID
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY* OF THE INSIDE TRACK AND STAY CONNECTED All you need to do is download the free Magzter app. Apple users can download Magzter from the App Store. Android users can download Magzter from Android Market. Try it out today.
* Limited Period Offer Home Review February 2016 57
A STORY OF SURFACES Plugged into technology, today’s design community is drawing inspiration from around the world. New dimensions in material, paint, colour, pattern and texture are raising the bar for home and office environments.
WALL TALK
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Home Review’s Surfaces Special is an eye-operner for you to see and explore the latest materials, gain new insights and understand how environmental considerations are impacting architecture and interior design. Continue browsing as the following pages come with the latest in surface finishes and capture the trends driving the markets in 2016.
FIRM FOOTING
SEALING SPACES Page 64
VERSA‘TILE’
Page 67
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WINDOW WEAR
INNOVATION IN VOCATION Page 72
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Details are being added to walls like never before. Recycled materials are becoming even more attractive as they envelop surfaces in innovative ways. Stone continues to create bespoke textures and windows are dressed up in exhilarating prints drawing key inspiration from damask patterns. Floorings are getting transformed as carpeting is getting softer, wood is getting more roughed up, vinyl is getting even more luxurious, leather more exotic and tiles more digital.
IT’S THE ‘TREND’ANCY! Page 76
Ceilings not only continue to add unusual geometry to your space but climb a notch higher by imparting surface finishes in different materials, some of which are even acoustically equipped. Don’t miss how innovation has taken over the market in order to create new demand for an array of unusual, unexpected and incredible surface finishes. While we bring forth some of the current trends in the industry, read what some of the most eminent names have to say about the most ‘in-things’ for 2016.
Text By Kanupriya Pachisia
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Empty walls are a canvas for design. Today, wall decorating themes vary from extravagant painting ideas to bespoke wallpapers, modern panels and partitions and other creative solutions.
WALL TALK
ASIAN PAINTS BOOK OF COLOURS, 2016 Asian Paints launches its Book of Colours, 2016 which comprises of three collections. The Contemporary Collection presents evocative design styles for the true design connoisseur. The Classic Modern Collection encompasses the reliable and classic dĂŠcor styles that consumers have tried and loved and lastly, The Experimenter Collection is for the more adventurous as it embodies bolder design styles. www.asianpaints.com
DULUX PAINTS DULUX VELVET TOUCH DIAMOND GLO
KANSAI NEROLAC PAINTS LTD. PEARLS EMULSION
A premium product by Dulux, it renders aesthetically superior surfaces and high performance. This emulsion represents the next generation interior paint. With more than 2000 colour offerings it also includes ten exclusive shades which have been inspired from diamonds around the world. It is available in one, four and twenty litres packaging.
Pearls Emulsion provides a rich soft sheen at a compelling price. It has demonstrated excellent washability and stain resistance. It also has the distinct ability to hide hair line cracks which tend to surface over time. This helps reduce noticeable wear and tear on the paint surface and the wall continues to look as good as new for a substantial period of time.
www.dulux.in
www.nerolac.com
BERGER PAINTS SILK ILLUSIONS MARBLE FINISH Illusions Marble is a premium superior quality designer finish paint comprising of high percentage of emulsions and special additives. Once tinted with colourants it provides a marble like finish. It can be easily washed and is 100% acrylic based. It is 200 microns thick and gives coverage of 30 sq.ft in a litre. www.bergerpaints.com
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D’DÉCOR THE EUROPEAN COLLECTION D’décor unveils an array of inspiring and classic textured European wallpapers which resound opulence, refinement and versatility. The new range has four attractive and distinctive qualities - elegance, structured plains, graphics and spectacular designs. A multitude of colour options turn these into perfect all-rounders. They are stable and sturdy and can be effortlessly pulled off and used without prior soaking. www.ddecor.com
F&F CALEDONIA COLLECTION BY COLE AND SON The Caledonia Collection is a range of subtly textured wall coverings suitable for both residential and commercial use. Featuring eighteen qualities in a range of heathery, neutral toned hues, Caledonia acts as a smart and durable substitute to conventional wallpaper. Comprising of grass cloths, sisal, jutes, woven paper and bamboo these designs are produced in a range of widths.
MARSHALLS WALLCOVERINGS THE CHOTA BHEEM COLLECTION Marshalls Wallcoverings gives a truly aesthetic and vibrant look to your walls in a range of 10,000 plus themes and designs. Their latest Chota Bheem Collection also promises to bring your child’s fantasies into their bedrooms. The collection ranges from scenes to story lines and is washable, durable and long lasting. www.marshallswallcoverings.com
www.fandf.in
PEEKABOO PATTERNS BOOK SHELF WALLPAPER The Book Shelf Wallpaper from Peekaboo Patterns is definitely turning heads around. This upbeat and super trendy wallpaper can be used as an accent in a library or any voracious little readers room. It helps create an uncommon feature in the room and stands out as a distinctive design element. It is non toxic, highly durable and offers coverage of 55 square feet. www.peekaboopatterns.com
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NOTION CLADDING Notion, the trustworthy brand in the exterior cladding industry has introduced another revolutionary product, ‘Cladding’ for front elevations. The wood types selected are handled and treated using utmost care. They first undergo a crucial drying process, followed by expert grading selection. They protect the walls from extreme weather conditions. They are manufactured by a double grooved profile and do not require drilling. www.notion.net.in
STYLAM INDUSTRIES FASCIA EXTERIOR CLADDING Fascia - high pressure laminates used for exterior cladding is another one of Stylam Industries’ ground breaking products. They have a decorative surface suitable for exteriors. Resistant to colour fading and weather-proof with special protection, they have been designed keeping in mind international design requirements. Its applications include wall and façade lining, partitions, fences, etc. www.stylam.com
3 FORM OPTICAL WOODS Optical Woods – a new generation in woods achieves optical movement through layering of HighRes not seen before. It consists of Barque that evokes the surface of a tree trunk, Stroll that is more linear, Sift that creates motion and Portal that renders horizontal linearity. Available in various gauges of thickness and sizes they form good looking partition walls while also rendering beauty to furniture. www.3-form.com
D&M STRING2 MAARS PARTITION WALLS String2 is the most popular demountable wall system. Its sturdy construction is based on a modular linking system. They can be finished using barely visible 0 mm joints or given a subtle accent with shadow joints of 5 mm. They can be combined with different materials and elements. They offer great performance in terms of fire resistance and sound proofing. www.dnmindia.in
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FIRM FOOTING
Styles come and go and flooring is no exception! Carpets, wood, tiles and vinyl have defined flooring solutions since years but now they do it in a more interesting and glamorous way.
PERGO ORIGINAL EXCELLENCE - CLASS 33 Pergo’s latest collection, Orginal Excellence is a strikingly attractive flooring solution for commercial spaces. Available in 25 different shades it consists of single and multiple strip planks patterns with some having a rustic surface that add an extensive experience of space in your room. This original laminate collection has been upgraded to PerfectfoldTM 3.0 making installation 30% faster. www.pergo.co.in
FLOWCRETE FLOWFRESH RESIN FLOORS Flowcrete launched Flowfresh floors for food manufacturers to provide high food safety standards.The Flowfresh range has Polygiene homogeneously distributed throughout the system’s polyurethane matrix, meaning it can eliminate 99.9% of the bacteria coming into contact with the floor’s surface. Being a resin floor it exhibits hard wear and tear properties making it a safe choice to rely on. www.flowcrete.in
SQUARE FOOT STATIC CONTROL VINYL FLOORS New generation of static control floorings offer greater safety in sensitive environments like Intensive Care Units (ICUs), computer rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing units where protection from static discharge is needed. They help reduce component failure, equipment malfunction and incidents of explosions. Available in 9 versatile colours, they are electric resistant and foster positivity and healing when used in schools and pediatric wards. www.squarefoot.co.in
NOTION ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING These floors are said to lend a sense of permanence to the interior space. Engineered wood floorings work well in kitchens, basements and bathrooms or other spaces where light moisture may be present. Though it is more expensive than laminate, it provides better value in the long-run as it can be periodically sand papered to revive the wooden grains and erase scratches. www.notion.net.in
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EUROTEX IPE HARDWOOD FLOORING AND DECKING Eurotex specialises in exotic hardwood flooring and decking to name a few. Its Ipe collection is incredibly durable. Its dense cell structure serves as a natural deterrent to insects, decay and molds. Because of this natural resilience it gains first choice for decking and flooring. Aesthetically pleasing, its hardwood is light to dark olive brown with contrasting yellowish-grey or grey-brown tones offsetting it. www.eurotexflooring.com
GREENLAM INDUSTRIES LTD. MIKASA PRISTINE OAK COLLECTION Greenlam launches Mikasa real wood floors, produced in India for the first time at their plant in Behror, Rajasthan. Mikasa Pristine is a distinctive selection of 15mm hardwood flooring. Crafted to perfection, the latest offering in the range captures the natural strength of Oak. With a collection of 7 different Oak finishes it offers freshness to your space.
ASAHI INDIA AIS SECURITY GLASS & AIS SECURITYPLUS (FLOORS & STAIRCASES) AIS Security Glass (intrusion-resistant laminated glass with 1.52 mm PVB interlayer) and AIS Securityplus with a Dupont Sentry Glass interlayer that is 5 times stronger and 100 times stiffer than conventional laminating materials from Asahi India Glass Ltd. can be used for designing glass floors. The PVB (polyvinyl butyral) interlayer increases tolerance and enables aesthetic and complex designs with minimal structural support. www.aisglass.com
www.greenlam.com www.mikasafloors.com
STYLAM INDUSTRIES LTD. WALKON EXTERIOR FLOOR BOARDS Processed in laminate presses under high pressure and temperature, Walkon Exterior Floor Boards by Stylam Industries are revolutionary products in the market. Not only do they give a premium wooden look, they are also easy to install and maintain. These boards are engineered laminates that use rivetless technology and durable clips. They are ideal for terraces, balconies, outdoor platforms and decking. www.stylam.com
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SQUARE FOOT ARTIFICIAL TURF FLOORING Square Foot’s artificial turf/ landscaping grass is made from high quality synthetic fibre (25 and 40mm) which makes it indistinguishable from natural grass. It can withstand heavy traffic and is child and pet friendly. It requires zero maintenance, helps conserve water and is resistant to varied climatic conditions. With easy installation it is a popular choice in the sports industry. www.squarefoot.co.in
DECOWOOD CARBONN SERIES Carbonn offers unique textures and sophisticated look. They come with blackened edges to highlight a contrast between the colour of the floor and the beveled edge, to outline each plank. It imitates the look of an elegant rustic floor with chic patina. This laminate flooring by Decowood is available in 6 inch wide planks and totally transforms the look of the room. www.decowood.in
INTERFACE BIOPHILIA INSPIRED COLLECTION-EQUAL MEASURE AND NEAR & FAR David Oakey, Interface’s frequent collaborater is responsible for the two newcomer collections - Equal Measure (a carved, irregular pattern that recalls well-worn cobblestones) and Far & Near (a clear organic design that turns up the volume by incorporating depth and dimension). They are available as 25 cm x 1m skinny planks and offered in eight neutral colourways. www.interface.com
FCML ENGINEERED WOOD LEATHER FLOORS The wood and laminates floor section under FCML called FCML wood floors offers a variety of species, finishes and inlay options in combinations of wood-stone, wood-leather, wood-wood, etc. These engineered wood leather floors are hardwood engineered flooring with the top layer being pure leather. They possess unique characteristics which spruce up your study, den, walk-in closet or even your bedroom. www.fcmlindia.com
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SEALING SPACES
The key to integrating a ceiling into a room design is understanding the space and its needs. Today’s ceilings have adapted themselves ideally, to both form and function.
ASAHI INDIA GLASS LTD. ECOSENSE GLASS CEILING Ecosense is a high performance glass that can be used for skylights, canopies and pergolas. It comes in four ranges Enhance (Solar Control), Exceed (Solar Control - Low-E), Essence (Low - E) and Edge (Solar Control and Thermal Insulation). Their energy saving properties help reduce heat without compromising on the incoming natural light. They are processed to provide safety and also ensure solar gain. www.aisglass.com
SAINT-GOBAIN INDIA PVT LTD GYPROC BUSINESS ECOPHON CEILINGS Ecophon ceilings are a comprehensive system on acoustics. They can be used in most application areas with options, level changes and design and precision. Manufactured using high density glass wool, their visible surface has an AkutexTM FT coating while the back is covered with glass tissue. They have a recycled content of 70% with a very high light reflectance and a diverse product range. www.gyproc.in
USG BORAL CLEANROOM CLIMAPLUSTM ACOUSTICAL CEILING PANELS Designed for clean room environments, these Class 100 and Class 10M-100M suspended panels are sag-resistant. These acoustic ceiling panels are perfect for computer and control rooms, kitchens and sterile rooms. They are designed with FIRECODE for use in fire-rated assemblies and are available with high recycled content (HRC). It is made of mineral fibre and is available in sizes of 600x1200 mm. www.usgboral.com
BARRISOL RECYCLED STRETCH CEILING Recycled Stretch Ceilings from Barrisol are ideal for the development of 100% ecological constructions i.e. the ‘Green Buildings’. The recycled sheets are intended to equip not only sustainable buildings but also all types of construction which contribute to the safeguarding of the environment. Available in shades of beige, white, grey and black they are either matt, perforated or acoustically designed. www.barrisol.com
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VERSA‘TILE’
Unique colours, shapes and materials have set the trends for tiles in 2016. From new twists to the classics, to something bright and new, tiling projects are creating a statement.
SICIS JAKUCHU COLLECTION This exquisite collection from Sicis represents mosaic panels inspired by the Japanese artist, Jakuchu. It mainly recalls naturalistic, figurative and orient-decorative art. The mosaics, rich on shades echo a strong pictorial effect. The prinicipal features of this stunning collection are the chromatic choices that respect the mainstream tones of Japanese art and refinement of the manufacture. www.sicis.com
FCML AURORE COLLECTION The Aurore Collection is one of the many underwater tile collections offered by FCML. Named Turchese it is a mosaic tile. Available in a size of 30 x 30 cms, it picks beautiful azure shades that reflect the essence of water. They find great use in swimming pools and bathrooms completely transforming the floor they are embedded in. www.fcmlindia.com
NITCO NITCO MAGNIFIED 2015 With an ideology to carve out a distinct recognition through innovation and excellence, Nitco launched Nitco Magnified 2015 across categories like glazed vitrified tiles, ceramic wall tiles and vitrified heavy duty tiles. To meet the consumers demand of amplifying the enormity of space, Nitco launched tiles that are larger than standard sizes. Aesthetically inspired from natural elements, they are anti-skid, scratch and chemical resistant. www.nitcotiles.in
H & R Johnson JOHNSON PORSELANO COLLECTION Johnson Porselano Collection showcases minutely designed, germ free, porcelain, vitrified wall tiles. These tiles possess an elegant matt finish. Available in shades of brown and grey, they are the right choice for your kitchens, bathrooms and also your living room walls. The design theme is realistic. They are available in sizes of 120x60 cm slabs and 120x20 cm splits. www.hrjohnsonindia.com
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GRESCASA CERAMICS LTD. THE PARISIEN COLLECTION Grescasa boasts of a collection that will help you keep up with the pace of ever changing styles. Parisien by Grescasa only goes to reinstate them as connoisseurs of style and quintessence of quality. Available in a size of 60x60 cms they can be applied on walls and floors. Emblems of digital technology, these are frost resistant. www.grescasa.com
RAK CERAMICS THE SURFACE COLLECTION SOMANY CERAMICS STONE16 Somany Ceramics’ Stone16 are outdoor floor tiles with a thickness of 16 mm that is double the thickness of an ordinary floor tile. Available in sizes of 600x600 mm, they are one of the toughest tiles in the market. This range of thicker, high-performance, engineered Durastone is anti-skid and load resistant. They are ideal for all sorts of outdoor applications.
Surface is a collection of floor glazed, porcelain, matt relief tiles. These tiles resemble refined concrete that emit the brusque vibes of sun baked cement with amalgamated tones that gracefully adorn interiors and exteriors with crisp textures. The eco-friendly range comes with uniform flatness, minimal chipping and colour variation. They are ideal for use in commercial, residential and industrial spaces. www.rakceramics.com
www.somanyceramics.com
BISAZZA CEMENT TILES - TOM DIXION Bisazza’s new collection designed by Tom Dixion puts a contemporary spin on the traditional cement tiles. The collection includes square and hexagonal tiles. The hand-made tiles are made using high-strength cement which is blended with coloured oxides. They are available in 25 colours and in a vast range of multi-coloured decorations. They are suitable for internal floors and commercial floors with medium traffic. www.bisazza.com
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SWASTIK TILES DIGITAL CERAMIC WALL TILES Digital ceramic tiles by Swastik are multi-purpose and long lasting. Such tiles can be applied on both floors and walls. They are mostly used in bathrooms and kitchens as they can resist moisture. These are prepared from an assortment of clays that are formed into various shapes. They possess an extra ordinary ceramic covering which is stain, scratch, fire and slip defiant. www.swastiktiles.in
SIMPOLO CERAMICS WOODEN STRIP FLOORING TILES Simpolo Ceramics introduces Wooden Strip Flooring Tiles to enhance floors. It comes in full body and different shades of wood. Available in planks of 195x1200 mm and 600x1200 mm they are glazed vitrified tiles. These tiles are anti-skid and anti-scratch and draw inspiration from worldwide woods. Their design is adaptable for any room in an extremely natural and versatile way. www.simpolo.net
ASIAN GRANITO INDIA LTD. GRANDURA PLUS COLLECTION AGL has brought forward a new parking plus heavy area tiling solution by introducing Grandura Plus - Digital Vitrified Tiles (DVT). Grandura Plus delivers a ‘grandeur’ of design with extra durability. Available in sizes of 300x300 mm they come in a diverse range of designs in mostly muted earthy tones. These parking tiles are hard and possess low porosity making them ideal for use. www.aglasiangranito.com
BHARAT FLOORINGS MICRO CEMENT FLOORS With virtually unlimited design options and quick installation time, micro cement floors can turn any space into a vibrant and beautifully designed area. These can be overlaid over existing floors and are cost effective. With a sealer coating, the floors last years with minimal need of periodic maintenance. Micro cement floors are made to withstand heavy traffic. www.bharatfloorings.com
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WINDOW WEAR
Framing your windows with style and elegance does more than just enrich your home - it gives you the freedom to be as creative as you like and when you like.
D’DÉCOR AESTHETIC DESIGNER BLINDS Home couture destination, D’Décor introduces its range of aesthetic designer blinds. These include the Duplex Blinds, Sheer Horizon Blinds, Roller Blinds, Roman Blinds and Vertical Blinds. While some use a two phase system that switches from dim-out to sheer, some allow complete control of light. The collection ranges in a variety of colours, patterns and luxe fabrics to suit all environments. www.ddecor.com
ALDECO CHARACTER COLLECTION Aldeco, a dynamic and creative Portuguese brand launches the Character Collection, deriving its uniqueness and geometric strength from Italian Renaissance architecture. A touch of opulence translates into elaborate embroidery, while application of lurex threads in gold, silver and copper bring the grandeur of the churches alive. The symbiosis of detailed geometric designs draws inspiration from the great Italian squares. www.aldeco.pt www.maishaa.com
PEEKABOO PATTERNS WINDOW DRESSINGS Peekaboo Patterns has always expressed aesthetics for children with sheer playfulness and pop. Their products tie a room concept into a story. Their ‘World Map Blinds’ hang the entire world map on the window rendering a perfect combination of design and learning for your child. Their lovely ‘Cupcakes’ and ‘Dinosaur’ curtains in cotton liven up your little one’s abode. www.peekaboopatterns.com
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CLARKE & CLARKE THE TRAVIATA COLLECTION Reminiscent of the Italian Mediterranean colours of the Riviera Blue, chartreuse and olive are brought to life through rich embroidered damasks, bold geometrics and metallic weaves in the Traviata Collection. It uses a mixture of tie-dye printing techniques combined with embroidery on linen grounds, woven jacquards and textured plains. Chartreuse, ebony, ash, striking flamingo and ink are dominant shades of the collection. www.clarke-clarke.co.uk www.bharatfurnishings.com
F&F DESIGNERS GUILD ASTRAKHAN COLLECTION This collection from Designer’s Guild, housed at F & F features reinventions of traditional themes from damask to botanical. Typifying the influences found along the ancient silk road, the range breathes new life into classical and baroque inspirations, infusing them with contemporary flavours. Chic shaded elements and a fusion of tastes from ikat to photographic are deployed in the collection. www.fandf.in
RUMORS THE VEGAS COLLECTION ZYNNA COMMERCIAL BLINDS These commercial blinds by Zynna are chic, space saving and easy to use. They are available in a mixed range of printed panels with contemporary prints on polyester. Designers are increasingly opting for these blinds to create signature window treatments. Available in various colours along various design concepts, they help in temperature control and also allow occupants to see outside.
Inspired by exotic paradises, lush foliage and painterly gardens, The Vegas Collection is brimming with modern prints, tropical colours and an overall cheer. A unique collection of digital prints paired with stripes and lush velvet jacquards come forth to meet current upholstery needs. A collection of fun and eclectic designs, it comes in an assorted range of bright colours. www.rumorsindia.in
www.zynna.in
HUNTER DOUGLAS DUETTE ARCHITELLA HONEYCOMB SHADES Unique fabrics are layered together in the Architella construction to fuse function and style. It’s a patented honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design that enables to reduce heat transfer by 50%. Its shape and choice of fabric also helps in providing good acoustics inside. With more than 180 colours and multiple design choices, they help protect from UV rays. www.hunterdouglas.com
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INNOVATION IN VOCATION Today’s design savy society looks for a visual interest on all surfaces. Combining time honoured patterns and new technology, floors and walls sport an interesting, innovative look these days.
Recycled rubber floors by Fab Flooring India
Synonymous with beauty and practicality in design, Tarkett has introduced woven fiberglass and foam floors as a new take on linoleum. Tough and resilient it stands up to scuff, moisture, water, mold and scratches. Stain resistant and easy to clean, they are also hypo allergic and certified asthma and allergy friendly and spread well across all floor types.
Natural wood floors by Ego Floors
Speaking of innovation, solid bamboo floors from The Bamboo Flooring Co. deserve mention. Bamboo has a high fibre rating than any hardwood, making it an excellent alternative to hardwood floors. Belonging to a fast growing grass family, it is a good green solution for most subfloors. Innovative brains have lead to the reincarnation of leather under our feet, repurposing the material into sleek, exotic flooring. Baron Leather selects superior hides for good quality leather tiles that develop a natural patina over time, rendering a luxurious look. Scratches and natural marks only enhance the look of this floor.
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Green walls by ELT India
Rubber is yet another talked about material which keeps industrial and commercial floors clean and safe. Fab Flooring India has flooded this sector of the market with its interlocking and recycled rubber floors that have extended themselves into indoor and outdoor play areas as well as gyms. Strong and resilient, if properly cared for, these floors can last for a good twenty years. Thicker versions also act as good sound barriers. Subtly adding timeless appeal to your interiors are solid wood floorings. Natural wood floors by Ego Floors are highly aesthetic and technically better equipped than traditional wood floors. Using technology as innovation, these floors are 70% more stable and minimise tension making the floors more resistant to shrinkage, gapping and warping. Re-spelling uncommon beauty, panel curtains from Creation Baumann are lending themselves as an ideal complement to minimal interior design. Precisely adjusting the amount of light that can enter, they can be perfectly adapted to any architecture in question. Innovatively doubling up as partitions they provide excellent glare protection.
Panel curtains by Creation Baumann
The gorgeous green living wall is a great addition to any contemporary residence or office space. ELT India’s green walls are gaining recognition as a modular unit for commercial framing of plants to build up a bio wall. They have sufficient moisture and space for absorbing roots. Lithos Design has redefined texture in its purest form by remoulding stone in its full expressive potential in terms of shape, essence and recollection of nature. Resting on an invisible steel frame they can be attached to the floor or ceiling. Thanks to avant-garde technologies and specifically developed equipment, Q-Bo launches wall coverings in natural stone and marble with reliefs and shapes. Recalling laces, brass, fishnets and flowers they are bespoke designwise and enriched with strass powder that adds a special touch of glamour. The multi-purpose plant of hemp has lended itself to yet another application of accentuating wall coverings. Braided hemp by Maya Romanoff is weaved with Lokta paper and is completely handmade without the use of chemicals to transform into an interesting wall surface.
Textured stone walls by Lithos Design
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IT’S THE ‘TREND’ANCY! Searching to build your personal design statement? This article will provide you with the tools to discover and investigate the latest trends in surface finishes.
Dulux’s Velvet Touch range in Monarch Gold
Centered around simplicity, serenity and seamlessness, 2016 finishes reflect our need to switch off and detox. There’s a saying in the design world that an empty wall is a blank canvas. With a million options to convert walls into pieces of art, two most popular trends are being defined by textured and 3D surfaces that lend actual variation to a wall and temporary and personalized wallpapers that bring in unique simplicity.
Wood Parquet Collection, Jomfruland, Coffee Oak Variation by Pergo
Tempaper easily applicable on satin finish walls, offers high impact decoration for renters and those who do not want to commit to a particular design style. Karan Sharma from Marshalls Wallcoverings states “Personalised wallpaper is perfect, especially with the advent of digital wallcoverings. Wallcoverings give you the option of changing over in two hours, thereby you can stay updated with the latest trends.”
Rajiv Rajgopal, Director, Akzo Nobel India Ltd. shares “Wall textures have lately found resonance and acceptance in India. Keeping up with this simple yet effective element, we launched high performance and aesthetically superior textured finishes for exterior walls Dulux Weathershield Signature.”
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Ligno acoustic light panel by D&M India
Quoting Gitesh Agarwal, CMO, D&M India, on a game changing trend for 2016, “We may perhaps see a lot of action through embedded technology like video and acoustic walls. We may also see the rise of demountable walls so that the spaces can be redefined at will.” With the infusion of technology into materials, vinyl and leather floorings are leading trendsetters under the flooring category. Luxury vinyl is magnetically drawing consumer attention. Technology has unquestionably given some vinyls a whole new look. Abhishek Saraf, Jt. MD, Square Foot, says, “New generation of static control vinyl floors offer greater safety in sensitive environments.” While Naresh Maheshwari, CEO, Pergo states, “Leather floorings are trending more than before - it’s gorgeous and durable.” Sameer Hora, MD, IDUS, shares, “Leather accentuates any existing style that you have - traditional or contemporary and helps you achieve a rich and luxurious feel in any room. It offers sound-proofing, shock absorption and temperature gauging properties. It should be in trend in 2016.”
Vinyl floors by Square Foot
Ashok Goyal, CEO, Nitco, opines, “Watch for tile treatments with the look of carpeting and fine-tuned floors comprising of framed tiles,” stating patterns with panache would definitely be a game changer for 2016. Sharing his views on the same, Sharad Mathur, MD, Interface India, says, “Our continued research and understanding of biophilic design has shown us the many benefits of surrounding ourselves with nature, which has lead to new product introductions that feature natural, sophisticated designs following nature’s model.” Maheshwari also shares, “One game changing trend in 2016 is not just for wood anymore but Wood Parquet that is quickly gaining popularity in flooring options. Exotic and vintage are the ranges for 2016. The trends in the stunning world of flooring are wide plank styles, classic looks and long plank formats.”
Echopanel WovenImage Mura Rise .45 Tile by D&M India
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Arabescato Cervai by Nitco
Covering the upper limits of your room, would probably be of least importance but it’s definitely one that holds the entire room together. While wood is one of the most timeless natural products to adorn a trendy look each time, metallic finish ceiling tiles command the trend of the contemporary. Milap Verma, GM, GKD India Ltd. says “If you see functionality and the desired atmosphere in the room, wood’s ability to absorb sound and heat, coupled with the ease of installation makes it a better choice.” Technology is always evolving, resulting in new trends and products appearing every day.
Karim Rashid, Global
Love Collection by Marshalls Wallcoverings
To anticipate a game changing trend is to make yourself stay ahead of them. Verma has very correctly described it as, “World over designers are hunting for new materials that can glide their vision. They have started amalgamating different materials and many unprecedented combinations that truly stand out. They use materials to make the building more efficient and environment friendly. The ‘green’ trend will definitely drive design this year.”
Architectural meshes by GKD
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Raw yet Refined By cleverly amalgamating sophistication and an exposed unfinished look, an Ahmedabadbased design firm has managed to transform a 3 BHK apartment into what was exactly desired by the client. Driven by certain romanticism to create beautiful, harmonious and dramatic spaces, two creative minds, Harshil Bhavsar, a young architect, and Binal Shah Bhavsar, a passionate interior designer, set up design studio, Naksh Atelier, in 2012. The young firm has since modelled a versatile body of work, from corporate offices to residences and institutional spaces.
Text By Arushi Chaudhary Photographs By Arpit Patel, Camraw
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Harshil, an alumnus of Sarvajanik college of Engineering, Surat, and Binal, who completed her education from School of Interior Design at Surat, have together achieved a connect between architectural and interior design through the use of sustainable yet innovative ideas. Their firm recently took on the task of remodelling and designing a residence in Ahmedabad for a structural engineer’s family of four. Since they were working with limited space in a 3BHK apartment, the primary focus of this designing project was to build upon a seamless and uncluttered space that the family could transform into a cosy home. Explaining how she managed to navigate through the available floor plate to achieve this fine balance, Binal says “Every time when I sit to design, my constant effort is to create a harmonious and seamless space which depicts its own unique language. For this particular residence that belongs to our firm’s structural designer, who also happens to be a dear friend, I was keen on creating an ambience that enhances every design element.” This was achieved by bringing in a magical rhythm by connecting spaces through the repetitive use of materials, patterns and wall treatments.
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This concept of creating a seamless space was actualised through the use of simple yet smart techniques such as cladding the TV wall and walls hosting the master wardrobe and entrance doors; use of head board panelling in the master bedroom; design elements such as a bespoke carpet, a centre table top and creative door handles; and creating a division between the living area and dining room.
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Speaking of these design concepts, she says, “I loved every nook and corner of the house, but the part I enjoyed working on the most was designing furniture pieces such as the main door, wardrobe shutters, TV units and the shoe rack in such a way that no hardware elements such as hinges, handles, channels, and locks are seen from the outside.”
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One of the key highlights of the project is the liberal use of reclaimed Valsadi teak wood taken from old rails and door frames. Asked if the decision to work with recycled wood was an integral part of the original design plan, Binal explains, “Yes, as the client had displayed a definite inclination towards a wooden look. However, using teak for wall panelling, cladding the wardrobes and building a solid wood bed would have overshot the budget manifold.” She adds, “Therefore, to cut down on cost and still maintain the original design concept, we decided to use wood from 30year-old Valsadi teakwood door frames. The leftover wood was used to create furniture pieces such as the centre table top with the same pattern as that of the screen and other wooden artefacts. After all, today every designer should be committed to the global cause and strive to bring in elements of ecofriendliness in all their projects.” In order to make the interiors of the house blend in with the natural setting of the apartment, large amounts of greenery were incorporated in the design. The apartment is located in a developing area of Ahmedabad, with a lot of vegetation around. The spill out spaces such as the balcony and window shades were covered with pots with large plants, which helped merge the interior with the exterior flawlessly. In order to make the seating area in the balcony lively and appealing to the children of the house, sparrows roosts made of metal were hung at several places.
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The whole appeal of the newly remodelled apartment can be best summed as both ‘raw’ and ‘refined’, for which a wide selection of inherently different elements were blended in together. “Elements like a Corten steel name plate, exposed cement plaster on the walls, light fixtures made from industrial waste, reclaimed folding dining chairs and a rust wall texture were used to create a feeling of rawness.” On the other hand the refined look was achieved through the use of polished wood cladding, PU finished furniture with stainless steel legs and tinted glass in various colours. One finds a noticeable amalgamation of myriad elements that work well together, all under a single roof. nakshatelier@gmail.com
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DESIGN MINIMALLY The first seeds of my design journey were instilled in me by my family history. Growing up in Moradabad - which is famous for its handcrafted goods - and being born in a family which owned a handicraft manufacturing company, allowed me to be around manufacturing processes and that’s where my creative curiosity initially stemmed from. For schooling, I went to New Delhi and after spending a significant amount of time looking at conventional avenues for my career direction and choices, I took the path less travelled and attended Rhode Island School of Design, USA to study Industrial Design.
By Akshat Raghava
DESIGNQUEST
As an Industrial Designer, I enjoy the freedom to learn about different materials, manufacturing techniques and get opportunities to design a diverse variety of products. So far, I have been lucky enough to work on subjects as diverse as jewellery, furniture, toys, baby products and accessories. For me, what makes varied projects really interesting is that each project comes with a different set of challenges and goals to achieve, and my philosophy in design is to enjoy the process as much as I enjoy the final product and at the same time, keep things simple.
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The Grab bench, as the name suggests, is inspired by the visual representation of hands grabbing a wooden plank. The minimalistic design allows the beautiful wooden slab to be the main attention grabber when viewed from the front, while when viewed from the sides, the legs (or hands as visualised) in steel give the bench a completely different perspective.
The wood used in the bench is planned and polished to highlight its natural grains and colour, and for legs, brass sheet is rolled and braised to achieve strong cones which are finished in a reflective polished finish to compliment the colour of the wood.
Straight lines in the front design are complemented with small curves on the side of the legs. The wooden slab of the bench is polished in matte finish, and the wood colour is left natural to emphasise the natural beauty of wood.
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The Hour Bar Stool design is quite simplified so that it reminds you of an hourglass figure, but the seat element is unique, as it takes the place of sand in a traditional hourglass.
Block Bench The Block bench is inspired by the visuals of piled up wooden logs at a lumber yard.
Akhrot Side Table The side table is made of solid walnut wood, with emphasis on its beautiful grain patterns.
Grab Bench Straight lines in the front design are complemented with small curves on the side of the legs of the Grab bench.
I think of myself as a problem solver and that’s how I approach my design projects, by keeping my designs as simple as possible and focusing on the functionality of the project. The Block bench is inspired by the visuals of piled up wooden logs at a lumber yard. The bench is a furniture piece which can work in many different settings with its minimalistic design, clean lines and simple geometric profile.
The top half of the hourglass allows the cushion to be enclosed, yet be completely visible, while the bottom half allows the user to place their feet and sit comfortably. The seat is upholstered in textured leather with seamless stitching all around, while the unique shape and sturdy materials used make this stool strong and durable.
Blanco Lamp The Blanco lamp is designed to work in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Bell Pendant Lamp The Bell Pendant Lamp is inspired by glass encased, ship-in-a-bottle decorative pieces.
Hour Bar Stool The Hour Bar Stool design is quite simplified so that it reminds you of an hourglass figure.
The Bell Pendant Lamp is inspired by glass encased, ship-in-a-bottle decorative pieces. The design of the lamp is such that the bell always remains the highlight and the clear glass case mimics the display box. This lamp design gives the classic bell a new purpose with a modern look. The bell body - made out of brass - has a polished, reflective surface which takes on the characteristics of its surroundings. This lamp can be used in a room, over a dining table or a bar.
The Blanco lamp is designed to work in both indoor and outdoor conditions. My inspirations for the lamp were from a traditional nón lá (Vietnamese leaf hat) and straw hut. The lamp is designed to stand out in any environment it is being used in, yet it doesn’t overpower the surroundings.
The ceramic body element in the centre of the piece compliments the metal shade and the texture on the metal shade allows light to be reflected in beautiful patterns. The cage around the ceramic body is made up of metal, on top of which rests the shade. Its tall tripod legs help makes this lamp stand 147cm tall and make it the centre of attention in any setting. For my upcoming projects, I am working on experimenting and exploring new materials for future designs, and because as a designer I have a responsibility to design and manufacture products which are environment friendly and help local communities to grow and in the immediate future, that’s what I plan to focus on. akshatraghava@gmail.com
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In the guest rooms’ decor, Marcel Wanders not only references the chocolate and finance industry of Switzerland but also infuses other Swiss cultural aspects like their paper cutting art and floral resources.
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THE WONDER OF WANDERS
Through a flamboyant and eclectic design narrative, Marcel Wanders decodes Switzerland, its culture, heritage and many achievements, in his trademark style at the Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel.
Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel celebrates being Swiss like no other. Designed by Amsterdam based Marcel Wanders, this international lifestyle hotel is a ‘modern place of retreat’, where art meets style meets technology. It features a stunning neo-baroque interior that embraces Swiss ingenuity in a decor that can be best described as festive, majestic, flamboyant and unpredictable, true to Wanders style. Dubbed ‘Lady Gaga of Design’ by Times New York, Marcel Wanders is all about “bringing the human touch back to design,” preferring holistic solutions rather than technocratic. In Kameha Grand Zurich, his designs defy modern chic and instead romance poetry, fantasy and the beauty of different eras. The spatial language is a continuous narrative, different in every area, yet with an underlying similarity.
Text By K Parvathy Menon Photographs Courtesy Kameha Grand Zurich Home Review February 2016
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A wide range of influences reflect the functionality of design in the communal spaces’ decor. For the Italian restaurant, an image of a cosy Italian eatery was masterminded through snug circular sofa seating around an open plan live-cooking station, and hard to ignore Swiss chocolate allusions. A larger than life appeal is lent to the space by an oversized upturned pasta bowl that hangs from the ceiling. Meanwhile, in the Japanese fine dine sushi bar, minimalism and traditional Asian influences play alongside Swiss literalism, to make the space unique. The decor here is perfectly augmented with ‘Scherenschnitte’; the traditional Swiss paper cutting art, covers the walls in shadow-play tales. Similar paper art continues in the exotic ‘Shisha Lounge’ that takes its cue from modern Arabia and is in total contrast to the Smoker’s Lounge, which is a testament to the traditional English Gentleman’s den - complete with dark wooden surfaces, leather armchairs and hanging candelabras. What catches our eye however, are the large photographs of people smoking, leaving no doubts at all about the functionality of the space.
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Marcel Wanders’ love for lavishness and grandiosity is clearly seen in the guest rooms where each theme is a detailed example of high end welcoming hospitality. Wanders firmly believes in “replacing the coldness of industrialism with a style brought vividly to life in the contemporary moment” and follows through in each of the differently themed suites, with a plot quite of their own. The themes are translated through furniture, tapestry, accessories and textures, where Swiss connotations too are seamlessly infused. In the Workout Suite, if it is about saluting the athletes with a medallion wall and stadium flooring, in the Princess Suite, a delicate white volume shows whimsy at its best. If Poker cards, a roulette table and walls looking like chocolate squares outfit the game themed Poker Suite, the Serenity Suite has scented candles and yoga accessories as furniture elements.
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In the Workout Suite, it is about saluting the athletes with a medallion wall and stadium flooring.
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The international aesthetics in the exotic ‘Shisha Lounge’ takes its cue from modern Arabia, with oriental references in its furnishings.
Likewise, the other suites defined by their ‘originality and extraordinary details’, a by-product of mixing design with life, present to the guests all possible thematic iconography as per the name suggests - the Diva, the Burlesque, the Gentleman, the Fair Play, the Workout, the Ghost-writer, the Watchmaker, and the Oriental Suite. Palpable in all these spaces, and also throughout the hotel, is Wanders’ unique approach of paying homage to Switzerland, through sometimes quirky, sometimes blatant touches. They connect the kaleidoscopic decor like a common tool - while walls and sofas are draped in chocolate references, the country’s finance industry gets recognition in the form of mini-bars modelled like bank vaults in each room. The tapestry is a tribute to the country’s needle craft, and motifs take after tulips and other local floral resources. But by far the most impressive space of the Kameha Grand Zurich is its dramatic central Kameha Dome which holds the property’s 701 sq m meeting space. Here Marcel Wanders has very creatively used colours and patterns - a black and white monochromatic patterned tile composition brings out the grandiosity of the chandeliers and opulent blood red drapes. Glass windows ensure abundance of natural light in the large space minimising the heavy, ostentatious appeal of drapes and the tile pattern.
Words and books come to life in the ‘Ghostwriter Suite’. Wanders’ love for exaggeration is perfectly rendered in the oversized table lamp.
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Kameha Grand Zurich is a collection of many small tales that are a part of the bigger story, outlined through archetypes and stunning interior elements. There is a passion in detailing which has made every space specifically purposeful, albeit in a whacky way. It objectifies Marcel Wanders’ belief that, “A hotel should entertain, inspire and stimulate. The place should be full of surprises and beauty, so that the guests experience a luxurious lifestyle.” In Wanders’ trademark style, the hotel decor is a blend of styles, speckled with Swiss elements; but instead of being a chaotic medley that overwhelms, it is like a jigsaw puzzle that fits perfectly. The autograph collection hotel, Kameha Grand Zurich truly lives up to its name. caroline.cerny@kameha.com pr@marcelwanders.com www.kameha.com www.marcelwanders.com
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From street level, the glass sails play with light to control opacity.
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Fondation Louis Vuitton Frank Gehry’s Fondation Louis Vuitton in the Jardin d’Acclimatation of Paris opened its doors to public on 27th October 2014. So widely anticipated was this building that The Guardian featured it in three sequential articles by three journalists who took turns at being gradually scathing in their review of it.
That the Fondation Louis Vuitton is in Gehry’s trademark style could be a bone of contention for critics to jump at the opportunity but that the building had managed to get built in one of Paris’s oldest parks, Jardin d’Acclimatation and was backed by France’s wealthiest man, Chairman and CEO of the luxury brand LVMH, Bernard Arnault, were more likely some of the reasons for the attention.
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A seemingly infinite number of glue-laminated and steel struts and beams hold up the glass sails.
True to its privileged nature, French President Francois Hollande inaugurated the new Fondation building on the 20th of October before it was opened to public on the 27th, renowned pianist Lang Lang gave the auditorium its first performance and the Centre du Pompidou held a major retrospective of Frank Gehry’s work featuring around 100 models of the Fondation Louis Vuitton alone. Not to forget the fierce legal battle, albeit briefly successful, put up by local residents to stop the building from violating numerous regulations which warranted the intervention of the French National Assembly to overrule regulations by justifying it to proceed as a ‘major work of art for the whole world’.
A model of the Fondation without its flamboyant glass sails.
On lease from the French government for 55 years, the building (but not the art) will be handed over to civic authorities upon expiration of the lease and is therefore seen by the LVMH group as a ‘gift’ to the city. True to Gehry’s characteristic style since the Bilbao Museum, the essence of its realization lies in Gehry Partner’s increasingly indispensable reliance on the practice’s computational whiz cousin Gehry Technologies. Because the Fondation’s design involved resolving numerous complex details alongside the additional collaboration between partners based in the U.S., UK, Spain, Italy and Germany, Gehry Technologies was proactive in creating a platform that would build
upon their existing expertise and allow for consultants on the project to collaborate in real-time through a private cloud. In an article for Architectural Design, Gehry Technologies’ Tobias Nolte and Andrew Witt detail out how the office initially started off with commonly used platform called Subversion (SVN) and eventually developed GTeam, which the duo claim is ‘the world’s most advanced building information model (BIM) navigator that combines social computing, accountability, data visualization and numerous other construction-related aspects into crowdsourcing high-accuracy design.’ Less technical metaphors attributed to the building have also been aplenty. Its architect, benefactors and admirers called it a cloud of glass, a fish, a vessel or more eloquently: a ship in the ocean of greenery - as told by a adorable children’s pop-up book on the building produced by the Fondation. Its detractors have equally added to the repertoire by describing it as: a strange beetle, a grotesque imposition, a shattered Louis Vuitton perfume bottle, and a mess of white blotches. Gehry is equally poised against both stands.
While the Fondation building claims that the rooftop and its external staircases are meant to provide views of Paris’s best sights, one can argue that this is more circumstantial than contrived.
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Although comfortable in admitting that he is terrified of what people think of his building on opening day; when asked by a journalist at an event in Spain what he thought of people who believed that he only created architecture for spectacle, Gehry was quick to show his middle finger. The interview had taken place just days after the Fondation’s opening in Paris.
The multi-leveled rooftop is one of the building’s most successful spaces.
Undoubtedly, the Louis Vuitton Group was keen on making its mark in Paris’s architectural scene and this would not be achieved without attitude. Its captain, Arnault was also no stranger to Gehry’s work nor its constantly controversial reception having been keen on roping the architect for the Fondation ever since his visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao in November 2001. But if we are to compare the two buildings, my visit to the Fondation in 2015 left me wanting more. It doesn’t have the appeal of the Guggenheim’s robust beauty nor its variety of spatial experiences. The Fondation’s details on the other hand were all too familiar from Gehry’s past works: the offset cladding panels, lovely plain cement flooring, voluminous gallery spaces with sky lit white walls. One gaping omission however was the magnificent atrium of the Guggenheim Bilbao. The Fondation’s atrium is very dull and confusing. The novelty of the Fondation lies in its rooftop spaces. While these are all too revealing of the building’s structural excesses, the rooftop is layered on different levels, offering vistas to the garden below and Parisian landmarks in the distance.
Louis Vuitton Group’s LV logo at the entrance to the Fondation.
It is also the first time that one is able to appreciate the sculptural profiles of building blocks which are hidden by the glass sails from the outside. It should come as no surprise then that docents at the Fondation encourage visitors to begin their tour of the building on the rooftop. If models of the Fondation’s staggered stacked volumes held promise of a well-scaled building, the flamboyance of the billowing glass sails covering the building’s facade are an excessive indulgence that betray any hope offered.
“It doesn’t look finished, purposefully, to encourage people to interact with it over time.” Designed and built close to a decade since inception on an undisclosed budget, it is how the Guardian’s journalist noted: “At least some people were hoping that Gehry was joking.”
But surely, indulgences of the sort must not be considered outlandish for a luxury goods brand! Nonetheless, the choice of the kind of glass used is its saving grace and makes it a sophisticated version of Gehry’s usually metal-clad exteriors. However, I am disappointed to remark that managing to provide visual delight is not enough for a building to qualify as architecture. Furthermore, attempting to borrow elegance by comparing it to the Grand Palais is sacrilege. Having to justify why the building was practically over-engineered and indulgently ‘Gehry’, the architect boasted about not being happy with it…
Aftab Jalia Aftab studied architecture at Pune University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He loves graphic novels and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from Cambridge University.
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In a society that is so habituated in using machinedriven and mass-produced goods, there is little scope for pure craftsmanship to subsist. Besides, the advent of newer, cheaper materials, have catalysed several Indian crafts to be on the verge of phasing out. One such exquisite craft is handcrafted pottery which, in Jaipur has been given a new lease of life by Studio Asao. Rujutaa Joshi and Ronak Dandia, the young and enthusiastic founders of Studio Asao, had their first brush with local craftsmen while pursuing their studies. Both being graduates of the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design at Jaipur and ceramic designers simultaneously, gave them an edge with pottery and its design. Shares Rujutaa, “The beginnings of Studio Asao were deeply rooted in the various experiences we had with the local craftsmen while studying in Jaipur and interning with product design firms. Working alongside the artists inspired us to start reviving the art of pottery and establish a production unit in the form of our own studio.�
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THE CERAMIC CULTURE TEXT BY REHANA HUSSAIN
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Studio Asao isn’t just a business model selling beautiful ceramic products; it has a larger purpose in the overall scheme of things. They believe in preserving the indigenous craft techniques and skills of the pottery community in Jaipur, while enhancing the way people connect with ceramic products today by offering quirky, handcrafted utilitarian items. This Ronak says has “given us the scope to make use of our entrepreneurial skills and create a progressive environment for local potters.” They also felt that in the long run, ceramics had lost their importance in the Indian dining experience. Thus, they are here to rekindle the culture of clay in the country.
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Studio Asao works with ceramics on a whole; their product ranges from table ware/serve ware and home decor products such as tea light holders, lamps, vases, incense burners to large, murals and sculptures. The origins of their name ‘Asao’ is rooted in Sanskrit, which means ‘essence’ and since their products capture the essence of clay, this was deemed an apt title. Each handcrafted product is created with extreme caution and care after undergoing numerous processes, starting with the preparation of clay itself. Rujutaa further explains the process, “Once the clay is ready, the piece (depending on its function), is either hand thrown on the potter’s wheel or assembled by hand. It is allowed to dry to a ‘leather hard’ stage, where it undergoes its first trimming or finishing or addition of any surface texture. Then it is dried completely and ‘biscuit fired’, which permanently hardens the clay and gives it strength. After an application of glaze, the piece is fired once again. This complete process usually takes minimum three weeks.” It is a combination of the firing process and the glaze that usually gives ceramics their colour, smoothness and shine. The studio offers a fresh approach to hand thrown pottery, experimenting with slips, glazes, refined clay bodies and different firing techniques. Since all their products are handmade, even those from the same batch have a distinctive quality. The products from the stable of Studio Asao are designed to be durable and resist trends; the range is available from Rs. 300 onwards. Being a small scale pottery unit, requests for customisation and manufacturing small quantities are more than welcome. Ronak adds, “Most of the products that we manufacture are for customised orders based on the requirements that clients provide. Products are also made to order based on the collections that the studio has developed. We always consider quality over quantity and believe in creating beautiful goods that stand the test of time.”
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Rujutaa and Ronak who design the products, are inspired by Indian cultures and traditions, ranging from architectural elements to age old crafts. All products at their workshop are developed with collective inputs from both the artisans and designers to create a better piece. The studio has given impetus to the potter community who has been in this business for centuries. But the scope of their products has reduced on a regular basis; for instance the use of terracotta utensils has narrowed down to the common matka, gamla, kullad or diya. This waning tendency of using clay products has caused the potters to look elsewhere for a sustainable source of income, thus triggering a drop in the local artisans who practised this craft. Their involvement with craftsmen has also been “rewarding as their approach is very different from ours” in their own words. Initially, they didn’t have faith in pottery ever being a source of sustained livelihood. However, with joint efforts, they’ve grown to a team of eight, some of whom are trained potters while others are being trained. Studio Asao retails its wares from various stores in Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Goa as well as various websites, and has recently launched its own website. If beautiful handcrafted ceramics are your thing, you know where to go.
Studio Asao B- 18, Rajendra Marg, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur - 302015. +91 9166630501 studio.asao@gmail.com www.studioasao.com
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Photo Credit Jacques Gavard
RO8ert staOLER
What would domestic interiors be like if they were deprived of furniture? This and other intriguing questions are posed by award-winning Austrian designer Robert Stadler.
Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer
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There’s nothing typical or ordinary about a Robert Stadler product. Every design is a surprise. Every installation makes you think twice, look again. And even after twenty years in the business, this award-winning creative genius shows no sign of reigning in the horses of his imagination. Stadler was born in Vienna, Austria in 1966. He studied design in Milan and Paris following which he founded the RADI Designers group in 1992. The group was active until 2008. Since then, Stadler lives and works solo in Paris. His work is represented by various international brands including Dior, Maison Thierry Costes, Nissan and Thonet.
Low Table and Cheese Plate
Stadler’s work encompasses very different fields ranging from art installations, product design, limited edition furniture and lighting. His furniture, for example, is perfectly functional, yet not out of place in a museum. One of his early works, Do Cut (2000) takes the shape of an “abstract totem with no obvious purpose”. The product comes with a saw so that “the user can decide which object – a stool, a lampshade, or a vase – will appear when the hollow column is cut”. Do Cut gives a new meaning to DIY, for sure. Part of the ‘Plate series, the Low Table and Cheese Plate (2001) is reminiscent of traditional pottery work. Stadler and his team “distorted, cut and stuck together pressed plates–standard pottery objects – before firing them. This is the origin of a family of containers that are hybrid in terms of the way they are made: they are both ‘handmade’ and ‘machine made’.
Monochrome
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Alquimista
What would domestic interiors be like if they were deprived of furniture? The ‘Pools and Poufs’ series takes the traditional Chesterfield sofas and turns them into three dimensional furniture. Affixed to walls or free-standing, these pieces look like they’re melting, or ready to slide off. They look like drops of water left after a thunder shower. Similarly, the Monochrome series plays with traditional shapes as well. In this case, quilting is used only where necessary, to help the leather mould itself to the shape of the furniture. The Cut Paste series takes discarded marble and aluminium panels and creates usable furniture from them. The console tables, bookshelves and coffee tables are geometric beauties and you’d never guess that these are recycled. The re-usability of a piece is also reflected in the Apart stool/table (2015) where the table can be transformed into a stool, using the wall as a backrest. The Alquimista is cosy and makes you want to snuggle up under its warmth. Made by Coopa Roca, an association of seamstresses in Rocinha, (Rio de Janeiro), all the materials used come from suppliers who provide material for the Carnival parades. “The gold-coloured aluminium reflector produces a particularly soft light, creating a peaceful space below it.”
Apart
The EVAA lamp (2011) was created for low ceilings, in a bid to avoid in-built spotlights as they make a room look “anonymous”. EVAA is inspired by metal grilles traditionally seen in front of fluorescent lights. Think of street lights in India, for example. The twist, literally, is in the shape of the grill. The EVAA is convex, “giving extra volume to the spotlight and muting the light by minimising the direct angle of vision towards the light source.” EVAA lamp
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The PdT is another example of this reuse. “PdT stands for Pierre de taille (Ashlar) in French. It refers to a traditional way of making architecture following a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) process. Here blocks of stone left over from an imaginary building site seem to have worn down to new shapes on a domestic scale: melancholic traces of an architectural past. These limestone remnants are carved out by a digitally controlled milling machine.” Stadler’s installations are also remarkable and full of little details. ‘Back in 5 min’ plays with the various time shifts and anachronisms of places which used to be full of life and are now frozen into a museum space.
Back in 5 min
Robert Stadler’s current philosophy is ‘Invasive Shifting Absurd Exercise’ where all his works are grouped within these four notions and appearing in different percentages. In an interview to design publication Artemest, Stadler explains, “A certain project can be 63% invasive, 11 % shifting and 36% absurd for example. This classification is an absurd exercise in itself, yet done with utmost seriousness. It’s my self-portrait.” Absurd exercises can have some unusual results and one can almost guarantee that Robert Stadler’s new ‘self-portrait’ will be as intriguing and exciting as all his previous work has been. 1000 Jours (exhibition) info@robertstadler.net www.robertstadler.net
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GREEN PROJECT
The wide glazed faรงade of the building ensures an acreage of natural light.
Wings And Waves
Fantails Childcare Early Learning Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, has been designed by Collingridge And Smith Architects as a sunlightflushed green structure whose looks have been inspired by both avian and nautical elements. Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs By Simon Devitt
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The client wanted a bold-looking building that would set it apart from its neighbours.
The large glass panels ensure a constant connectivity with the outside.
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Fantails is an early childhood centre in Auckland, New Zealand, and is shaped like the tail of the fantail, a common New Zealand bird.
The Fantails Childcare Early Learning Centre stands in the midst of a stark but verdant landscape in Silverdale, Auckland. This location makes its craft-paper-toy-meetsfuturistic-sea-vessel form stand out more than it would have otherwise amongst a crowded concrete thoroughfare. What may not be immediately apparent though is that this early childhood centre is also a structure stringently committed to environment-friendliness. The centre was designed by Collingridge And Smith Architects (UK) Ltd. (CASA), by a team working on a client brief that asked for ‘a bold architectural statement’.
Talking about its scene-defining shape, “The triangular plan and elevation of the building are abstracted from the form of the fantail, a bird with a striking fanned tail and native to New Zealand; the Childcare is even named after it,” states the team. This shape was cleverly envisaged and realised to also look like “overlapping sails on a yacht”, a fitting homage to a place bearing the moniker, ‘city of sails’. The tilting shell and the glazed façade of the building are also primed to harvest as much sunlight as is possible in these climes.“Daylight factor is well over 2.5 at all times of the year,” attests the team.
The double-glazed sliding doors, 9x2.4m in dimension and openable, ensure 6 times more natural air circulation than is stipulated as the building code minimum. These twin features ensure comforting warmth during winters, and maximum natural relief during the summer months. The sweeping floor plan flanked by the glass walls also ensures great and constant communion with the exterior environment, a subtle but critical element that ensures that the children are never boxed-in and have ample space to move about in. The design team, in fact, claims 80% visual connectivity with the outside from all rooms at all times.
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The interiors of the centre reflect the sparse but effective charm of its surroundings.
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The interiors have been built using safe and certified materials including the paint finishes and plasterboard.
The interiors thankfully have broken away from the garish precedent set by countless childcare centres from around the world to boldly let pristine white walls stand guard here. The colour will come from other sources – the toys, the artwork, the learning tools, the clothes, and the children themselves. But just in case help is needed in this regard, there are deep red chairs to provide motivation.
LED fixtures dominate the scheme; further lowering energy consumption. The reception holds the main kill switch. The building was built using an array of lowVOC/Environmental Choice (NZ) and/or FSC certified materials which include the sealants and adhesives; the floor finish of bamboo; the carpet; the plasterboard; the paint finishes; and all the sheet timber products.
The immense flushes of natural light would make questions about artificial lighting almost redundant. Nevertheless, it has been provided for, in the form of T5 fluorescent battens that are covered by panels that subtly ensure that they are reached for only when absolutely necessary.
The bathrooms, too, are green in spirit, with their high-rated WELS tap ware, showerfittings, and WCs all minimising potable water usage and overall wastage. About half of the steel used in the construction is of the recycled variety.
The sweeping floor plan flanked by the glass walls also ensures great and constant communion with the exterior environment, a subtle but critical element that ensures that the children are never boxed-in.
In spite of the sophisticated, technicallyforward modernity of the building, there is a ‘wide-arm-hug’ warmth about Fantails Childcare Early Learning Centre felt right from the entrance. Aside from being an exemplary green building, it is also a barrier-free space, with all the staff facilities, kitchen, laundry, toilet and shower, and the reception desk being fully accessible to wheelchair-bound and ambulant disabled users with flush thresholds on all doors. This centre sets all the right examples for the generation occupying it.
phil@casa-uk.com www.casa-uk.com
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JUA
JUA, a firm that makes only handcrafted products in the Kingdom of Thailand, was born of the idea that it is only through trying and failing and repeating, that we gain a true understanding of the world around us. JUA believes in bestowing modern sensibilities to ancient Thai cookware, which has essentially remained unchanged for the past few centuries. Using only locally sourced, sustainable materials, JUA’s highly skilled artisans create products of unsurpassed quality and workmanship. Designed to stand the test of time and challenge conventional thinking, JUA’s collection of unique kitchenware and cutlery is bold, innovative and versatile and yet stays true to its cultural roots.
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Items like the wok, the mortar and pestle, the cleaver and the cutting board are seen to have kept their original forms as seen over the years. JUA’s designers took on the task of reinventing these basic kitchen elements and in the process have given them an edge, that too by using only sustainable materials. JUA’s cleavers are forge-welded and hand-hammered from carbon steel in the Ratchaburi Province of Thailand.
Tamarind wood is dense, durable and resistant to decay and is therefore the preferred wood for chopping boards and butcher’s blocks in Thailand. This rapidly renewable resource is hand-picked and processed by a family with more than 40 years of experience. Hand-worked coconut wood is the common denominator across JUA’s Maprao Collection.
The old wood is then discarded or burned for firewood. JUA reclaims the heartwood from these old trunks and uses them for the manufacture of mortars. Sanding and hand polishing helps bring out the wood’s gorgeous sheen.
Carefully selected from 100 year old coconut trees culled from plantations within hours of Bangkok city, it is hand-polished to a brilliant lustre. This frequently overlooked and often discarded wood is used across JUA’s collection as handles, cutting boards, mortars and pestles.
Ang stone is a sparkly, warm-toned rock once found in abundance along Thailand’s eastern seaboard. It is composed mainly of granite and sandstone, and has now all but disappeared due to overharvesting. JUA’s Sila collection is composed of smaller, secondary stones sourced from masonry centres, scrap heaps and abandoned quarries.
Coconut wood, or coco-wood, as it is more commonly known, performs as well as or even better than conventional hardwoods and represents a viable substitute for endangered or unsustainable species. The older the coconut tree, the more bitter its fruit. Planters in Amphawa often cull older trees to make room for newer, sweeter, saplings.
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Ang Sila, meaning ‘stone basin’, is a sleepy fishing village on Thailand’s eastern seaboard not too far from Chonburi City. The village is famous for its mortar and pestles, used for pounding chillies and creating spicy sauces so essential for Thai food. The making of these mortars is a traditional craft that has been preserved for generations. Grown for its tangy fruit, which is used extensively in Thai cooking, Tamarind trees and plantations can be found all over Thailand. Like the coconut, the tamarind fruit loses its quality over time and old trees are regularly replaced by young saplings. JUA collects these old logs and uses them for their Makham collection. Tamarind wood is dense, durable and resistant to decay. It is the preferred wood for chopping boards and butcher’s blocks in Thailand. JUA’s mutually interchangeable mortars and bowls are fashioned from black granite and fit firmly, in a mortise and tenon fashion, into an accompanying base. It’s the perfect marriage of form and function.
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The artisans of Ang Sila produce some of the country’s finest works and the stone they prize most is known as Ang stone. It is a mixture of granite and sandstone and has a rich, warm glow, flecked with bits of golden pyrite. Over the past 50 years Ang stone was over-quarried and now just a little of it remains. JUA salvages stones from masonry centre scrap heaps and abandoned quarries and puts these unloved and discarded stones back into good use. www.stew.co.th
In 1996, architects Rahul Bansal and Amit Aurora came together to form DCA Studio, a design consultation firm headquartered in New Delhi. The studio offers architecture, interior design and design coordination services. The overarching philosophy of the team is to “always create value through such design that maximises the project’s complete potential”. Given this objective, it is therefore not surprising to see their wide range of projects, from retail to residential, each of which has an element of surprise, a certain charisma that makes you want to admire and look at everything twice. The DCA office itself is a worthy example. An existing warehouse was taken and transformed into a studio, keeping not only the old structure intact but also using the local context of the original settlements in the area. With courtyards, brick and stone walls, the studio allows “contemplation of the sky and conversations with the clouds”. A sure-fire way to boost the spirits of a creative soul! The industrial interiors have rough edges and the general aura is natural and minimalistic. Textures abound, old and new furniture blend comfortably with glass cubicles and exposed wiring. This attention to the surroundings and to details that would otherwise be lost in a typical design is what sets these three projects of DCA Studio apart.
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This residential project was to restructure the home to the current needs of the three generations of the family that inhabited the building. “A modern abode with traditional elements” was the brief and DCA implemented a dual strategy of structural and design changes to transform this into a contemporary home. To bring in more natural light, some walls were pulled down and windows were enlarged or repositioned. Bay and corner windows were created to maximise the views and provide additional seating zones. The staircase is the focal point, the “most dramatic feature of this abode”.
Reconstructed in wood and metal to connect the ground floor with the upper floor landing, it further extends to the terrace with floating steps. Chandeliers fall like raindrops at various levels competing with a gallery wall for attention. The palette is serene and the furniture and accessories have been made the main points of interest. Earthy stone and wood flooring brings in another natural element, along with the artefacts collected by the family on their past trips. Long before malls or even large stores were run-of-the-mill, Akbarallys originated in 1897, was India’s first departmental store. The 10,000 sq ft ‘Akbarallys Men’ is a multi-brand store stocking premium brands and also bespoke clothing. The building in Mumbai’s historic Fort area has its own special history and charm.
Text by Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy DCA Studio
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DCA was brought in “to transform the old site into its contemporary avatar, while retaining the celebrated inheritance”. Doing so meant stripping away decades of renovations and heading for a complete facelift. The refurbishment revealed beautiful old architectural details like half-broken cornices and old arches, which were part of the character of the building. Salvaged ship and machine parts were sourced from the Mumbai ship breaking yard to “celebrate the spirit of industrialisation”. Coloured glass, antique mirrors, trunks and black and white flooring added a vintage vibe. Extra features include a private barber shop and shoe polish station to add that final dash of good grooming to the busy urban male.
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This bistro in New Delhi could be transported into a quiet town in Europe and it would be perfectly at home. A simple palette composed of a wooden trellis, tall windows and antique mirrors contrasts beautifully with the cheerful yellow planters, wooden slatted ceiling and sandstone flooring.
The dining room has painted metal chairs paired with custom-made chairs. The kitchen and rest-room walls, on the other hand, are decorated with locally available ‘Delhi’ stone, “cut to perfection on site”. The walls are used to display bottles of wine; the light glinting off the bottles adds another dimension of interest. The double height of the restaurant is cleverly augmented by a beautiful large antique mirror. On the opposite side, a life-size sculpture of an orchestra overlooks a balcony and serenades the diners. The large windows flood the space with natural light and in the night, the warmth of the bespoke lights is like a beacon drawing customers in. Luxurious yet unpretentious, Amour Bistro is an elegant space that outlives fickle design trends and manages to create a timeless, yet contemporary look. Blending traditional and modern comes effortlessly to DCA Studio and their projects are excellent showcases of this approach. dcaarch@dcaarch.com www.groupdca.in
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What sets the store apart is this display concept which provides a lived-in apartment look.
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Retail Therapy
The Show Home Carefully curated vignettes, presented just like a real home is quite clearly the focus of ‘Beyond Designs’. This store mirrors both elegance and panache that appeals to all the senses and which keeps clients wafting inside… Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs By Beyond Designs
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The raw cement look on the floor and ceiling provides the neutral colour base against which the exquisite artworks and colourful artefacts and accessories stand out.
Beyond Designs is a Delhi-based luxury home furniture and lifestyle brand. The brand’s new “Show Home” in South Delhi has been designed by founder (and interior designer) Sachin Gupta and his wife Neha Gupta.
The unique walk-through concept showcases a formal living room, dining room, bar lounge, bedroom and a bathroom. What sets the store apart is the display concept itself which presents a lived-in apartment look.
“The name ‘Beyond Designs’ was actually picked by me when I started my work way back in the year 2000. I always wanted my work to be away from the usual and beyond the believable. Hence the name, Beyond Designs came to my mind,” explains Sachin.
“Being interior designers we did not want to do up our stores as if we were just trading in furniture. We wanted to create each space complete to its last detail like we do in our projects. That’s why we created areas in our store that look like spaces from actual homes. It gives the client a sense of the entire ambience and they are able to identify with the pieces,” says Sachin.
When their design practice was extended to having retail stores, it was quite natural to continue with the same name.
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The product range comprises of furniture, home accessories, art and artefacts.
The 1400 square-feet space exudes an enthralling ambience and reflects the tastes of those who understand and appreciate the finer things in life. As one delves deeper into the store, one realises that the display is in fact a canvas for an expression of a multitude of design experiments and influences. Amidst the different shapes, forms and surfaces one can feel the varied influences of art deco, graphic futurism and lyrical decadence. The store has basic cement flooring with beautiful rugs all over.
The very art of choosing the right amount and type of lighting is evident in the store ambience.
The walls have interesting finishes and treatments. Most of them have velvet emulsion paint but certain walls have been highlighted with cement textured panelling or raw brick work to produce some really spellbinding results. The raw cement look is evident on both the floor and the ceiling as well. Incidentally, this provides the neutral colour base against which the exquisite artworks and colourful artefacts and accessories stand out.
The elegant contrast between the blue wall, textured ceiling and the pop of colour of furniture, speaks volumes about the unique style of the designers.
“When a customer enters the store, he or she is most likely to first get attracted to the visual displays in the store. This can include aspects like window displays, décor styles, fixtures, amongst others that give a visual identity to the store,” says Sachin, clearly outlining the efforts that they put in to ensure that this visual identity remains strong through the layouts. The displays are changed two to three times a year to tone things up a bit. The most important part of a space is its lighting. It can make or break the look. The store uses lighting to compliment and complete the look. Besides the mindblowing light fixtures, the very art of choosing the right amount and type of lighting is evident in the store ambience.
The product range comprises of furniture, home accessories, art and artefacts - all bounded by the unique vision of the couple. The fusion look is their USP. In general, the products are common to all looks and can go very well with all types of ambiences. Professionally lit and artfully accessorised, rich and opulent, the studio oozes an exuberance and sophistication. Great design and great products…indeed, this store goes beyond design! contact.beyonddesigns@gmail.com
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DESIGN DESTINATION
GOTHE WHERE Gothenburg, the second largest city of Sweden, sits at the mouth of the river GÜta älv and has the largest port in the Nordic countries. It was founded by royal charter in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus. Erstwhile a ship-building town, it remains a vibrant, bustling and enviable port city today.
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NBURG WHEN
WHY
It is best visited in summer when all the restaurants spill out into the streets. Fall and spring could be a bit cold when the winds from the sea come in. But, if the cold doesn’t daunt you and you want to experience the town during Christmas, when it is all lit up and filled with festivities, then December is a nice month to come!
The city is one of Europe’s most sought-after weekend destinations. This place is dotted with Michelinstar restaurants, has a bustling music and art scene, is firmly placed on the culture map of the world and is known for a bohemian coffeehouse culture. Popular attractions such as the Liseburg amusement park, dating back to 1923 (and the largest of its kind in Scandinavia) and the beautiful archipelago only add to Gothenburg’s charisma.
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REIGNING IN HARMONY The Avalon Hotel, a member of Design HotelsTM is located in central Gothenburg, overlooking Kungsportsplatsen and its tightly clustered cobbled streets. It is Sweden’s only Feng Shui certified hotel. Hence, its environs and ambience have all the elements that go into making a place friendlier and more harmonious. The decor, candles, scents and sounds play a major role in the experience it offers.
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The upscale hotel has a relaxed and elegant vibe to it. One notices swathes of light wood, splashes of colour and a rooftop pool as well. The design is chic, cool and youthful. Indeed, the marriage of Feng Shui with Scandinavian design comes out in a subtle and yet refreshing manner. With 101 rooms of varying categories that range from standard and moderate, right up to superior (which have open baths), deluxe (boasting panoramic views), suites and a penthouse suite as well, there is a lot of scope for exciting design. The Avalon Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy high-quality, international cuisine. In the summers, this space is open to the skies.
HOUSED IN HISTORY. . . What makes Kafe Megasinet special is that the modern upbeat café is housed in an historic and protected building. Designed by Carl Fahlström, the elaborate brick architecture exudes a classicist style. Modern details such as cast iron beams and pillars are exposed. What was used as a warehouse since the 19th century is now a café, but intact with its original soul. The existing concrete floor, walls and surfaces were dealt with minimal treatment. The traces of a removed floor structure and electrical appliances are left in the wall surface. Cast iron pillars are painted black. New copper and glass doors are added to the old wooden doors. Untreated plywood, fibreboard and black steel are recurrent materials resonating with the raw, informal characteristic of the space.
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A WALK DOWN HISTORY Haga, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Gothenburg, created as one of its first suburbs, is a pedestrian street, lined with wellpreserved wooden houses. The houses are characterised by a ground floor in stone and two wooden floors on top. The typical wooden houses were built between 1870 and 1940, as housing for the working class. The old neighbourhood was developed by those people who could not afford to build a stone house within the fortified wall of the city. Many wooden houses from that time have been preserved until now. Today, it is a fancy district with loads of cafés, antique and design shops, exuding the old world charm of the past with the hustle and bustle of the present.
CYLINDRICAL ICON Six shades of red and two shades of green in a glazed terracotta style make up the skin. Each successive floor grows in size and the dramatic cylindrical form gets stronger and more powerful as one approaches the building. The triangular windows allow daylight to follow the ceiling deep into the building. Designed by architect Gert Wingårdh, this round five-story building that resembles a gear, is named Kuggen, meaning ‘cogwheel’. Adaptive ventilation, adaptive lighting, interactive heating and cooling systems and effective daylighting are some of the eco-friendly techniques adopted. Located at the Chalmers University of Technology the unique structure facilitates the purpose of the building - that of housing offices and providing scope for interaction. Text By Dhanishta Shah
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duravit’s DURASTYLE FOR “ALL” PROJECT APPLICATIONS With its form, functionality and extensive variety, the award winning DuraStyle collection sets a new standard in the bathroom. DuraStyle makes planning any project much easier by matching products with various projections. The wall mounted toilet of DuraStyle has a conventional installation system that is quick, simple and cost effective. Additionally, the wall mounted toilet with a 62cm projection is available with the concealed Durafix mounting to meet high visual and hygienic demands.
DuraStyle designed by Matteo Thun is the new standard in the bathroom. The deliberate restraint of its styling opens up enormous design freedom. This makes it a perfect solution for various applications. DuraStyle’s large furniture washbasin, thanks to its narrow rim makes a very lightweight impression. While DuraStyle’s above counter basin offers an appealing look when combined with materials like stone, wood or other surfaces, it also allows for a large counter space.
DuraStyle bathtubs are available with five different projections, they come with acrylic or furniture panelling that can match the bathroom furniture or as a built-in tub, with or without a whirl system. A total of nine urinal options are also available for different uses. The DuraStyle range suits virtually every need of a project. It also has been judged as a winner of the Iconic Awards as well as the Red Dot Design Award. tel: 079 66112300 respond@in.duravit.com www.duravit.in www.pro.duravit.in
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Nature had already played its role perfectly, and therefore, the foremost landscape design dictating decision was to play along with the natural gradient and topography with reduced site intervention in terms of grading and construction.
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Landscapes
Spaces with Spiritual Character Through its landscape design, Layers Studios strives to connect with the immediate surroundings of the site whilst focusing on keeping its work deeply rooted in regionalism. Delhi-based Layers Studios for Design and Architecture (LSDA), run by architects Neha Bhardwaj and her partner Gaurav Kapoor, both alumni of School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, works on the principles of ingenuity and adding a touch of whimsy to create a brand identity. With its ethos firmly based in the concept of incorporating the natural setting of a site in the design, Layers Studios has taken on two radically different projects to deliver on the promise of being one with nature. Landscaping Aloha on the Ganges, a resort in Rishikesh, Uttrakhand, and a residence in Udaipur, Rajasthan the design studio has created settings that resonate with the character of the immediate environment of the sites.
Text By Arushi Chaudhary Photographs Courtesy Neha Bhardwaj Home Review February 2016
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With imposing mountains in the backdrop and the Ganges flowing alongside, the restaurant is designed to transport guests to a whole new level of unwinding.
Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh In the Aloha on the Ganges project, Layers Studios has worked around the existing natural gradient and topography with reduced site intervention in terms of grading and construction. There has also been a conscious decision to use local and sustainable materials that gel with the context and lend the resort’s landscape a serene and meditative feel.
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Several big rocks and boulders dotting the area have been retained to add a raw appeal to the design. Similarly, the infinity edge pool has been strategically placed to create the illusion of water falling into the mighty Ganges. The lighting too here has been custom designed to make it look like a part of the natural scheme of things, with most path lights being fused to the bottom of planters lining the area.
The design is wrapped around a central water feature which sits next to the living room of the house, with water flowing in and out at various levels and locations through the entire landscape.
The Udaipur Residence The Udaipur residence, on the other hand, has been designed with the idea of playing with traditional design elements albeit with a contemporary twist. The concept was to wrap the landscaping around a central water feature which sat next to the living room of the house, with water flowing in and out at various levels and locations. Structurally, the design consists of a driveway leading to a drop off plaza which in turn leads to the house through a path next to the central water-body and the main lawn.
Given the hot climate of the area for the most part of the year, the garden has been designed for evening use with lighting playing an important role in the ambience. Spouts and cut mesh have been used to render a dramatic effect to an otherwise subtle lighting; the sensory experience of the sound of flowing water and the fragrance from the flowering trees heightens the effect of being close to nature.
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The driveway is lined with custom-made sculptural cut mesh columns which turn into beautiful decorative lights at night.
Speaking of the aesthetic sensibilities behind these design concepts, Neha Bhardwaj of Layers Studios, says, “While designing for the ‘Aloha on the Ganges’ project, the aesthetics of the design were broadly dictated by the natural landscape and topography around the site and the dominant design sensibility was to be one with the nature.” She continues,“The Udaipur house project, on the other hand, being an internal looking landscape and not being placed in a strong context or urban setting, demanded the design to act like an oasis. The design here followed a more contemporary style and yet incorporated traditional local elements responding to the legacy of the city at large.”
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Despite the marked difference in the site location and design requirements, both the projects are liberally dotted with similarities that reflect conscious choices made while envisaging a scheme of design. “The basic design principle behind the two projects is one - being in sync with the context and to create an aesthetically pleasing and contiguous space that fulfils the project’s usage requirement.”
The central water body is finished with broken tile mosaic flooring laid in a contemporary pattern using various shades of blues and is visible from every point of the house and the garden. Home Review February 2016
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The lawn is designed for evening use and dotted with fragrant flowering trees.
Water features are also an integral part of the design scheme in both the projects, with the infinity pool at Aloha on Ganges and the central water feature in the Udaipur residence being the highlights of the landscape design. Speaking of which, Neha says, “Yes, water does play an important role in both the designs, primarily since both Rishikesh and Udaipur have had their relationship with water since time immemorial. Yet, this similarity of water playing an integral role in the two projects becomes the biggest difference between them as one design pays respect to an already existing natural water source, the mighty Ganges, where as the other focuses on water bodies that were designed and created to enhance the landscape.”
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Talking about the elements needed to make every design unique in its own right, the designer says, “We always strive to connect with the context and location a design is to be placed in. Every site and project has its own perspective, challenges, constraints and advantages. Responding to these factors is the key to sustaining uniqueness in the different projects despite the same basic design elements being used in most of our projects.”
layersstudios@gmail.com
THE MARKETPLACE Roca Presents Its In-Tank Meridian
Roca, providing the bathroom products solutions for today and tomorrow presents In-Tank Meridian, an integrated WC concept. In-Tank Meridian integrates the cistern into the WC and comes with the latest Soft Air® technology, noise free flush system, soft close seat cover and it consists of an air pump that pushes the water from the tank to provide the dual 4.5/3 litre flush.
Presenting India’s Thinnest Tiles - Grestek Slimgres By Asian Granito Asian Granito India Ltd. has recently launched India’s thinnest tiles, the Grestek Slimgres ultra-thin glazed vitrified tile. Available in the size 600x1200 mm and a thickness measuring just 6.8 mm, Slimgres is the thinnest tile to be ever made in India. Despite its slimness, Slimgres is amazingly strong: its ceramic body is highly glazed and vitrified, making it compact and stress resistant, rendering high flexural strength to the tile. The most remarkable advantage is its tileon-solid surface (tile on tile, tile on marble, tile on quartz, etc.) feature, which means it can be laid on older, pre-existing tiles, making it absolutely ideal for renovation. The negligible thickness of 6.8 mm makes minimum difference to the existing wall or floor levels. Apart from being eco-friendly and affordable, Slimgres by Asian Granito India Ltd. can be laid on both walls and floors, offering a wide range of applicability. www.aglasiangranito.com
Sternhagen Launches 3D Quartz Tiles
The single body In-Tank Meridian WCs eliminate the need of installation for cistern or flush plate as the WC itself incorporates an integrated tank and flush system. Commenting on the new collection, Mr.Pau Abelló Pellicer, Managing Director, Roca Bathroom Products Pvt. Ltd. said, “For many years at Roca we have anticipated the future and provided the products way ahead before the need arises. The compact and well-rounded shape of IN- TANK Meridians makes them an apt choice for innovative bathrooms owing to its space-optimization quality. We believe that innovation reigns in our industry and with this Roca has once again redefined the bathroom space, through its latest technology in water conservation, practicality, design and concern for the environment.” www.roca.in
Sternhagen has recently launched threedimensional Quartz Tiles to provide the perfect solution to designing a statement wall. Sternhagen is an innovative materialfocused design and manufacturing company, crafting designer sanitary ware and highlighter tiles. The 3D effect of the quartz tiles absorbs sound, resists water, and responds to light. The multidimensional shape of the quartz tile casts shadows that create artistic structures on vertical surfaces, changing its look with the position of the light source.
The material used in its making is SaniQ, which is a high-tech quartz composite material, developed and patented by Sternhagen in Germany. SaniQ Quartz possesses a unique silk matte finish, perfect for easy upkeep and artistic sculptures. Homogeneity of the material creates an antibacterial surface and colour protection. 3D Quartz Tiles by Sternhagen is available in a wide variety of colours including rich green, ice blue, berry and mid grey. www.sternhagen.com Home Review February 2016
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THE MARKETPLACE ShopClues Launches Its Online Furniture Store
ShopClues, India’s first and largest managed marketplace is expanding into the furniture category. Maintaining its market leadership position, it has launched a furniture store with a wide assortment of 40,000 products across 60 categories on its platform. The products will be sourced from thousands of merchants across India to fulfil the requirements of its customers. The products offered are of a high quality and are available at an affordable price. ShopClues with its online furniture store has associated with popular brands that include @Home by Nilkamal, Usha Furniture, Nesta Furniture by CenturyPly, HomeTown, The Attic, Orka Bean Bags, Bluebell Ergonomics, Invogue and Dolphin Bean Bags. It has also brought on board niche collections from regional merchants. From wall shelves, book cases, puja mandirs, beds, shoe racks, almirahs to dining sets, office furniture laptop and study tables, ShopClues presents an array of products all under one roof. www.shopclues.com
Aura By Crystal Crystal has recently launched Aura, a classic range of singer levers and allied faucets from Ark Rubinetterie. With its elegantly graceful lever and innovative mixers, Aura sets a new benchmark for faucets in India. In terms of design and performance, Aura marks an exciting futuristic leap with these faucets. Ark Rubinetterie is an effort by Crystal Sanitary to bring forth the latest in water deliverance implement in Europe to Indian customers. The company presents a slew of the best ranges of faucets and showers that combine European style and grandeur, maintaining a tough Indian core at the same time. Aura introduced by Crystal establishes a new standard for the connoisseurs of contemporary and stateof-the-art products. www.crystalfaucets.com
Le Creuset Launches Elysees Yellow And Chiffon Pink Le Creuset has launched its new products, Elysees Yellow and Chiffon Pink. Le Creuset is well-known for premium quality ranges of enamelled cast iron cookware, multiply stainless steel, toughened non-stick, stoneware and ceramics, along with its outstanding range of wine accessories. Inspired by sweet spring bouquets, Elysees Yellow brings the warmth of summer sunshine to your kitchen, whereas Chiffon Pink brings the beauty of nature into your home.
True kitchen essentials, these cast iron products are not only perfect for making casseroles, stews and one pot roasts, but are versatile enough for baking cakes and bread. Cast iron cookware also works efficiently at low to medium cooking temperatures and retains heat effectively, ensuring food stays warm for longer. The unique enamel finish is not only durable and easy to clean, but also looks beautiful when presented at the table. The cast iron casseroles are suitable for all hob types (including ceramic, halogen, induction, gas and oil or wood) and are protected by a lifetime guarantee for total peace of mind. www.lecreuset.com
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