MY SPACE : FADD STUDIO
vol 15 issue 07
July 2016
DESIGNQUEST : OBJECTRY
SPECIALIST : TRUNKS COMPANY
total pages 148
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
WALLMAKERS’ GREENER THAN GREEN! WHERE DESIGN MEETS NATURE BY OPEN IDEAS
TRADITION AND KITSCH ABIN DESIGN STUDIO’S ODE TO BENGAL
DESIGN MAVERICKS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LIGHTING UP THE PATH OF INDIAN DESIGN
Photo: Cyrus Dalal
a
bin Design Studio and Square Consultancy deep dive into vignettes of Bengali culture to seek out esoteric influences that allow a more engaging connect with the authentic Bengali cuisine served at the 6 Ballygunge Place restaurant in Kolkata. Staying clear of the commonplace, the architects turn for inspiration to the linocuts of the Sahaj Path (a learning guide for children penned by Rabindranath Tagore) and artworks by Lalu Prasad Shaw and the Kalighat School of painting. The team conscientiously replicates the innate style of brush strokes and draws encouragement from the same colour palette of these masterpieces. They infuse the décor with visual iconography and design elements that build a deep connect with visiting patrons. This heritage residence stands transformed today into a sensorial restaurant that is a physical manifestation of local culture held together in a contemporary embrace. Vinu Daniel the founder of design firm Wallmakers doesn’t believe in just lip service. Deeply committed to the ideals of sustainability he demonstrates his intent by building a home using primarily construction waste (left behind on the plot by some (un)friendly neighbours) and discarded materials. To add to his requirement of raw materials he scavenges scrapyards for elements that could be aesthetically woven into his design. The architect doesn’t use any paint on the mud walls and incorporates coconut shells as a ‘filler’ in the slab to reduce the amount of cement. In fact everything used to build this home embodies a spirit of recycle and reuse. The result is a tribute to delivering on a promise of being truly eco-friendly; the homeowners would not have wanted it any other way! Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
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emails + feedback Amazing Eco-village Concept
Truly, Madly, Deeply In Love! Studio Wood Office’s endeavour of designing an office for Truly, Madly has proven that vibrant, pulsating and effervescent interiors in offices are possible. The rich use of colours without overdoing it and the space segregation with the right dose of whimsy is a given here. By Email Amesh Singhania
Collage House
Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com
8 Home Review July 2016
The Collage House is a veritable achievement by S+PS Architects that stands tall amidst a hodgepodge of Mumbai’s chaotic landscape. I admire Home Review’s tryst in always procuring the best of architectural landscapes for us to appreciate. By Email Sapna Kothari
Good Earth has realised an amazing concept of an eco-village in a bustling city like Bangalore. Considering this is the fifth one, I’m amazed at how it has picked up speed and what a wonderful way of giving back to the Earth. By Email Suyan Mahena
Innovations Ahead Reading about the ideologies and work ethics of BandukSmith Studio was a fascination. We need innovators such as them to proliferate in our country so that it can see better design and better architecture. By Email Paroma Mukherjee
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26
A design that borrows from different cultures goes into a category with no definition - an area where creativity can flourish without having to be a certain way
FADD Studio Ahmedabad-based Apical Reform has a fascinating repertoire of work that combines art and functionality in all its unconventional glory
22
Cover Story The variety of art and graphics honour the quintessential Bengali home at 6 Ballygunge Place, a quaint restaurant by Abin Design Studio
38 Taking eco-friendly and green architecture to the next level, Wallmakers create a bungalow in Kerala out of construction debris and waste material
july
46 art
form
Voluminous, antiquated books go under the knife of Brian Dettmer and emerge as brand new works of art that are meant to be viewed
72
51 By Aanchal Goel and Sugandh Kumar
54 Amidst the glitzy facades of Singapore, are a host of hidden treasures that reflect the city-state’s rich historical past
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58 66 Amanpuri’s Thai-styled pavilions and private villas serenely repose in Thailand, personifying its moniker which means a ‘place of peace’ in Sanskrit
Aahan Villa by Open Ideas in Ahmedabad encapsulates the need for fluidity and is not bound by inherent assumptions, making it stand out
MODERN OFFICE SPECIAL TRAILBLAZING PRODUCTS AND Concepts FOR YOUR OFFICE
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82
DESIGN MAVERICKS Aesthetics and functionality blend seamlessly in hand-picked projects by the young breed of talent in India
Page
87
AvroKO Hospitality Group blend conventionally opulent materials with the ideas of eco-friendliness and artisanship at 1 Hotel Central Park
77
product
designer
Inspired by nature’s own designs, Joseph Rastrullo creates elegant pieces that combine form and function with remarkable ease
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Eclectic styles, varied themes, upcoming trends come together in our newly launched segment!
110
HOUSTON A DESIGN DESTINATION
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115
july
GREEN PROJECT +House enjoys dramatic moments of spectacular views that coalesce effortlessly with the charm and elegance of its uncomplicated interiors
124
KIHAT is a labour of love and brilliance in design as the architect of Design Core has built it for himself and his family
THE MARKETPLACE
132
Landscapes
128 An Anganwadi designed by architect Sachin Agshikar for the Charles Correa Foundation honours the design philosophy of the great architect himself
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Art meets Architecture meets Horticulture is an equation that is underlined by Steve Ritchey in his compelling creations that respond fully to the site and the client’s needs
Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
144
140
AnanTaya, the store respects the infinite legacy of Indian crafts and expresses them through its beautiful and versatile products that cleverly invoke our heritage
MODERN OFFICE SPECIAL TRAILBLAZING PRODUCTS AND Concepts FOR YOUR OFFICE
Avantika Shankar Freelance Writer Avantika Shankar is a freelance writer based in Mumbai. She graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in screenwriting, and subsequently went on to write two plays, as well as produce content for various publications based both in and out of Mumbai. She is currently working on her third play.
Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj 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
Aanchal Goel and Sugandh Kumar Product Designer Belonging to different design schools - Aanchal from Symbiosis Design and Sugandh from NIFT – came together to start Objectry which they define as ‘the art of making objects’. They observe architectural details and try to implement them in their 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
Abin Design Studio Tradition and Kitsch, Page 26. Abin Design Studio is a design firm based in Kolkata. Established by Abin Chaudhuri, ADS has successfully completed numerous projects in the realms of architecture, landscaping and interior design over a slim span 10 years and aims to provide a ‘soul in the shell’.
Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. This issue has a total of 148 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 144 inside pages.
Wallmakers Greener than Green!, Page 38. Wallmakers was found by Architect Vinu Daniel, who exhaustively explores the relationship between space, materials and mathematics. He believes that we are borrowing the resources from our future generations and his actions are reflection of his beliefs.
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.
Seed Studio Art meets Architecture meets Horticulture, Page 132. Seed Studio is a residential landscape design studio serving the San Francisco Bay Area. The studio creates living gardens that complement modern lifestyles. Seed Studio’s designs extend your livable space comfortably into the outdoors, inviting the memorable moments of life to occur there as well.
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 11 JUNE
Address Home Launches First Store, Kolkata
Spread across 3000 sq ft, Address Home, the luxury home décor brand, has lately launched its first exclusive store at The Promenade, Remount Road. Its Kolkata store symbolizes a new style of interiors where the vintage meets the contemporary. Nestled in one of the many domelike warehouses with its rusted-metal exteriors, the store combines modern industrial chic with old world charm. Rajat Singhi, Founder and Creative Director, Address Home, says, “The store offers a boutique ambience to showcase the color-coordinated collections, expertly laid out to inspire ideas for one’s own home. We also plan to make our store a cultural hub by hosting events with artists, designers, writers and theatre actors, as we believe in the synergistic approach in design.”
ARCHIDEX (International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition) is one of South East Asia’s most successful annual industry trade event for the architecture, interior design and building fraternity.
Other concurrent attractions include VIVID (Vibrant Visions in Design), the country’s 14-year long design competition for emerging Australian designers. The winners of 5 categories will be announced on 22nd July 2016.
Held annually at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia, the exhibition is widely recognised as a leading event that draws together South East Asia’s fraternity of architects, interior designers, developers, urban planners, engineers, academicians, students and various related industry professionals. ARCHIDEX is jointly organised by the Malaysian Institute of Architects and C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, a leading Malaysian trade and lifestyle exhibitions organiser.
DESIGN: Bazaar and WALL ST showcases the work of budding independent studios, surface artists and textile designers and provides them a platform to grow. The 2016 International Seminar Series brings together international and Australian design experts to discuss their work, design inspirations and share perspectives around the theme: ‘Global-local inspiration’.
ARCHIDEX 15 garnered 33,900 visitors from 70 countries, while continuing to strive to be at the forefront of the region’s robust architecture, design and building industry. The event also features Biz@ARCHIDEX which presents a series of talks by selected exhibitors on the built environment; while the New Product Award and Green Dot Award (previously referred to as New Eco Product Award) are meant to strengthen the positioning of the winning products and brands.
20 TO 23 JULY
Archidex 16, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
India Kitchen & Bath, New Delhi
21 TO 24 JULY
Décor + Design, Melbourne
Décor + Design is Australia’s leading interior event, showcasing the latest in interior products and furnishings from the nation’s leading companies. This show gives interior designers, decorators, architects, furniture and furnishing buying groups the opportunity to see and buy hundreds of new products, learn the latest industry developments and network with peers. Industry leaders and upcoming designers present their products in the categories such as fabrics, soft furnishings, wall decorations, lights & lamps, outdoor decorations & furnishings, furniture, objects d’art, artwork and many more.
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22 TO 24 JULY
www.archidex.com.my
Address Home offers various kinds of deluxe offerings such as linen and lighting collections, china, glassware, cutlery, table décor and accessories including glass vases, planters and decorative pieces. www.addresshome.com
www.decordesignshow.com.au
India Kitchen & Bath creates a platform, uniting both industry members with each other and members of the trade with their buyer and specifier groups. UBM Index Fairs, launched this exhibition last year. The second edition hosts exhibitors in these areas for displaying their latest innovations: modular kitchens, OEM white goods, specialized lighting, kitchen accessories, tiles, bath furniture, fittings and accessories. IKB offers an opportunity for visitors to interact with quality exhibitors, source and discover new products, latest launches and collections, meet international buyers and sellers, gain exposure to global brands and comprehend the latest trends and key insights of the sector. On the other hand, the exhibitors can establish connections with significant buyers, specifiers & decision makers, make strategic alliances with professional bodies such as MCHI-CREDAI (Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry / Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India) and more. www.ikb.co.in
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 2 AND 3 AUG
SICI 2016, Bengaluru
The 7th annual Sustainability in Design & Construction (SICI) 2016 organised by Nispana focusing on varied topics like inclusion of aesthetics in built and un-built spaces, holistic construction, retrofitting and energy efficiency and all the key topics on sustainability. Buildings consume about 35% of total energy in India, and as a result of rapid economic and population growth, this consumption is likely to rise at an alarming rate.
This event will also provide buying groups, retailers, interior designers, architects an opportunity to liaise and place orders, learn the latest industry developments and network with their peers. The fair will offer market concentration, an opportunity to enable clients to meet vendors and expand knowledge of the latest products and a chance for intensive exchange of information on the product quality range, brands and new designs.
SICI is a platform for architects, construction companies, developers and consultants to meet, network and gain knowledge about the latest in green building practices. The highlight for this year is policies concerning sustainability in construction, sustainability concepts at city-level, successes, barriers and recommendations for further implementation towards mitigation of climate change impacts while discussions on operating such sustainable cities and buildings.
The exhibitors showcasing at the India Furniture Expo belong to the following sectors: various kinds of furniture, furnishings, décor, art and artifacts and design and consultancy firms. The Best Product Design Award and Best Displayed Stall Award will be conferred to the deserving participants during the expo, while The Edge – a concept furniture design competition will also be held, featuring promising student designers from various colleges in India.
SICI seeks to bust myths on sustainability, learn about the best practices and tips from leading architects and much more. Speakers at the event include M. Selvarasu, Director, LEED Fellow, LEAD Consultancy & Engineering Services (India) Pvt Ltd, Mili Majumdar, Managing Director, GBCI Inc. India, Senior Vice President, USGBC and architect Dr. Benny Kuriakose among others.
www.ifex.in
18 AUG TO 1 SEPT
Design + Build Workshop, Sierra Leone
www.nispana.com/sici2016
5 TO 8 AUG
India Furniture Expo 2016, Mumbai The Association of Furniture Manufacturers & Traders and Introduction Trade Shows Pvt. Ltd presents the 4th edition of India Furniture Expo 2016. This fair will showcase latest designs from India and overseas, while trade visitors can discover upcoming design trends, ecofriendly products and network with their existing suppliers.
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Building Trust, a non-profit charity founded in 2010, have a number of sustainable design and build projects around the globe in 2016, ranging from schools and housing to wildlife conservation and healthcare. The Design + Build workshop is a hands-on participatory workshop for those wishing to gain experience in sustainable building techniques and understand more about humanitarian design while building worthwhile projects that will have a huge benefit to the local community. The workshop involves designing and building a project made from earth and seeks to impart an insight into a number of building techniques and architectural styles while working with community and skilled workers.
On-site skills to be learnt are cinva ram brick making (compressed stabilized earth bricks), wall building and brick laying with natural mortars, soil testing and stabilization, rammed earth form work and compacting and lime plastering. Building Trust believe in good design for all and that design at its core is about developing skills for problem solving and creating better solutions. Those interested can drop in an email at info@buildingtrustinternational.org. www.buildingtrustinternational.org
31Deadline AUG For Submissions To WAN Awards
The world’s largest awards in international architecture - The World Architecture News Awards, WAN Awards – is a truly unique international architectural awards program. A total of 22 categories are represented throughout the year and every two months diverse areas as Adaptive Reuse, Transport, Performing Spaces and Waterfront Architecture are judged by an extensive panel of top international experts. The judging panels engage in a thoughtprovoking debate and for a project to make it through this rigorous process and come out on top is a true test of its creative quality and credibility. Currently, architects can submit their proposals in the following categories until 31st August: Façade, Waterfront, Transport and House of the Year. Running in its 8th year, WAN Awards receives over 1000 entries from more than 70 countries and is judged by 300 international judges. So far, winners have been announced in the categories of Sport in Architecture, Education and Performing Spaces. www.worldarchitecturenews.com
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Timeless designs are attainable if you court the unknown. And the young duo at FADD Studio is doing precisely that. Farah and Dhaval, the Principals at FADD, after gaining valuable experience at Khosla Associates set-up their own firm in 2012 in Bangalore. Ever since, they have carved an oeuvre that seems a touch unreal. That’s because the firm doesn’t believe in riding on a wave but believes in creating a new one with each progressive project. There is a sense of unpredictability, which is consistently achieved by reinterpreting different techniques and trends. It is difficult to trace a fixed pattern in their work - the bizarre excesses in Sotally Tober can even make a teetotaler feel a little drunk, whereas the quaint French motifs at the office of La Vie evoke the elegance of the vintage era. Signature styles are clichéd and marked by vanity, and therefore, the duo believes not in forcing their vision but letting the space talk to them. They can effortlessly swing between quirky eccentricities and classical frills; their only leitmotif is the ‘wow’ factor which is omnipresent in each of their projects. Our question about merging global trends and identity crisis receives a very Zen response from them, ‘a design that borrows from different cultures goes into a category with no definition’. And with this overarching philosophy, the studio continues to create a stir in the world of design.
Interview By Shweta Salvi
22 Home Review July 2016
What factors define the sensibilities of FADD Studio? The world of design is in a constant state of flux; exploring and evolving into and out of new ideas, concepts, trends and fads. It is also about revisiting older trends that were set decades ago and reinterpreting them in a fresh and contemporary way. So is the philosophy of FADD Studio. While FADD is an acronym for Farah and Dhaval Design, it is also a play on the word ‘fad’. It is easy to stagnate into a style that becomes a firm’s identity. And we believe that having a singular style defies the purpose of design, which is to push beyond what we know, achieve something novel and unique in every project, and be constantly propelled out of our comfort zone into a world where we not only embrace new concepts and techniques but also create fads of our own.
Each project undertaken by the firm has a unique identity. How do you manage to instill this organic aesthetic in each project? Because we are stubborn about not having a singular style, we never turn down a client who has a particular style in mind that we haven’t explored or because that style is not “in”. We work with what we have from the client, augment the style with inspirations from other trends and complementary aesthetics; and satisfy them by giving them a little of what they want and surprise them by showing them a lot of things they didn’t know could be done with what they want!
With this stubborn sensibility and desire to be original, we aspire not to create a style unique to us but to give you a design identity that is exclusive to you and your space whether it is a home, restaurant or store.
What according to you is the most ignored aspect of design today?
Because we are stubborn about not having a singular style, we never turn down a client who has a particular style in mind that we haven’t explored or because that style is not “in”.
We think people pay too much attention to filling the space than the space itself. More importance is given to branded furniture than to the kind of finish on the walls. Walls are definitely ignored. From the perspective of designer to client, we feel original thinking is ignored. It’s not enough nowadays to explain a creative thought from your head. The clients want to see a “reference” image. And that defeats the purpose of an original idea because if we are able to show a reference then it means it’s been done. So we find that when we have an idea we need to sketch it out or show a 3D view to convince the client. Home Review July 2016
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A design that borrows from different cultures goes into a category with no definition, a category where design has no limits – an area where creativity can flourish without having to be a certain way. Sometimes identity can be restrictive.
Colour, form, and visual illusions often replace the presence of physical accessories in your projects. How important are these elements to your design? We believe that only placing things within a space without doing anything else is just surface embellishment. While placing furniture and accessories in the right place is usually the final step and an important one, it is most definitely not the step that defines a space. How the space houses these accessories and furniture elements is far more important because the smaller items are transient. People can change them, decide they don’t like them, and replace them for new travel souvenirs and so on and so forth. So it’s the colours, the forms of the space and any illusions we create using them that make up the immovable shell. Relative to things and items, the shell of the space is more permanent and thus forms an integral part of the design and something the occupier will love for a long time.
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All projects for an architect have some memories attached to it. Was there one such project which remains your top favourite, for the way it turned out or what you took away from it after its completion? Flower Box is a project very close to our hearts. It was our first retail project and there was something very Zen about the client, the design, the way it was executed; it still feels like that when we visit. As it was one of our first projects and we had only one staff member, we ended up doing everything for it - drawings, presentations, shopping in Bangalore’s Chickpet market for oil/milk cans to hold the flowers, long site meetings till 11pm (a fast track project we completed in 28 days!). So something about all that combined always brings back amazing memories.
Can you name one country (not India) whose cultural heritage charms you and has great design potential? Cuba.
What immediate goals have you lined out for the practice? The design scene has changed drastically in our country with ample exposure to global trends. Do you think that would lead to an identity crisis? On the contrary, the world is slowly moving toward homogeneity with inter-racial and inter-cultural marriages, with gorgeous looking offsprings who have several identities and cannot be defined with a singular term. For example, what would an offspring with an African-American father with Jewish and Christian descent and an Indian-Chinese mother with Buddhist and Muslim descent be? I don’t know. Same, a design that borrows from different cultures goes into a category with no definition, a category where design has no limits - an area where creativity can flourish without having to be a certain way. Sometimes identity can be restrictive. I think instead of an identity crisis in design, it will be an identity closure and the beginning of eclectic design that does not conform to an identity - a truly international design.
From the perspective of our practice, we would like FADD Studio to not just be a local or national name, we would like to be known globally as a boutique studio where great ideas are born. From a design perspective, we would like to infuse more local Indian arts and craft which are fading out into our design in order to give them and through their use our design a new perspective. What are you currently working on? Currently, we have 3 club houses, a marketing office, a mock up, two villas, three apartments, two restaurants, a gallery/retail space, office, gated community’s common areas and mock villas simultaneously progressing in various stages of development.
Your favourite architect/designer amongst your contemporaries. There are many. But just to name a few, Frank Gehry, Patricia Urquiola, Yabu Pushelberg, Kelly Hoppen, Sandeep Khosla, and Philippe Starck. What do you prefer to do in you spare time? Any interests? Dhaval - I love travelling and sports. Farah - The list is a tad longer. Travel, cooking, eating, art, photography and spending time with my son Luca! info@faddstudio.com www.faddstudio.com
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When Abin Design Studio and Square Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. pooled in their talents to deliver a holistic experience for the newly expanded restaurant ‘6 Ballygunge Place’ in Kolkata, they turned to what would be instantly recognisable imagery for Bengalis; they went on to simply steep the space in the local culture. Think of Kolkata…what comes to mind in connection with its art and culture? Films by Satyajeet Ray? Rabindranath Tagore’s Gitanjali? “Those associations are very commonplace,” says Abin Chaudhuri of Abin Design Studio. Since this is an iconic restaurant which serves only authentic Bengali cuisine with no pretence of any attempt at fusion, the team chose references which are a little more esoteric. An extraordinary Bengali primer by Rabindranath Tagore called Sahaj Path, is used by every child to learn the language. Illustrated with linocuts by Nandlal Bose, it was chosen as one of the references. Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Ravi Kanade, Subhrajit G Mitra
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TRADITION AND KITSCH Home Review July 2016
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If you’re not a Bengali, you’re unlikely to ‘get it,’ when you see the visuals derived from this book on the white exterior which provides a perfect canvas. Oversized painted motifs from Sahaj Path wrap around the ground floor. The other reference was to the work of the famed artist Lalu Prasad Shaw, known widely for his highly stylised portraits of Bengali women and couples, using the greatest economy of line and colour. Kalighat paintings (a class of paintings and drawings on paper, produced by a group of artists called Patuas in the neighbourhood of the famous Kali temple at Kalighat during the 19th and early 20th century), were also referenced, with an artist being commissioned to create the artworks. Motifs recalling those on the walls of old Bengali homes were stencilled to recreate an ambience familiar to the diners. “The Bengal potochitro that so inextricably depicts the local flavour has also been incorporated. The huge wall on the first floor, framed by a series of arches presents a traditional wall painting, with a symbolic representation of a balcony on one side,” says Abin. “This restaurant was located in an old building at 6 Ballygunge Place, so we merely used the address itself as the name,” says Abin. When the owners bought over the first floor, it was time to revamp what had now become a 10,000 sq ft place.
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The project involved a total facelift of the exterior, addition of floor area to house extra dining space and services, aided by landscaping. “Since it had once been a home, there were many pockets of rooms. We were stuck with this layout, since it was a heritage building in which we couldn’t get permission to pull down any walls, as they were load bearing,” says Suvra Mitra, of Square Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., a firm which specialises in interiors for the hospitality sector. This led to the idea of giving each room an individual look, so that repeat diners could have different experiences each time they visited. All the lights and furniture have been customised. The rooms were intimately designed for the first floor, in contrast with the second floor which provides an expansive banquet hall. The first and the second floors use expansive black and white chequered floors that are ubiquitous in traditional mansions. Impervious to trends, the classic pattern has retained its credibility. The ground floor provides a predominantly rustic grey surface, with patterns at the centre.
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“The smaller rooms house traditional Sara paintings on the walls, which are typically terracotta plates painted with mythological figures. These are augmented by wooden louvered fenestrations that allow filtered sunlight to create a play of light and shade, enlivening the interior. Accent lights were customised, combining illumination and decoration. While the central buffet holds a chandelier made with traditional Bengali kitchen equipment, the cage chandeliers recall the Bengali fascination with birds,” says Abin. Imagery hasn’t just been picked up from the past and placed here. The style has been replicated, using the past as an inspiration, taking cues from the way strokes were used by an artist, or the colour palette employed. “The homage to traditional art and culture was envisioned through some kitschy tweaking of colours and use of industrial products to represent traditional designs,” says Abin.
The enormous variety of art and graphics honour the
quintessential Bengali
home,
being just a
mindless
repetition.
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From L to R: Ground floor part plan, front elevation and first floor plan.
Traditional elements abound, down to the auspicious ‘swastika’ in the railing of the staircase. A line of individually suspended pendant lamps cascades down the narrow stairwell, echoing its geometry. Exploring areas of art and culture which would resonate with the patrons of this restaurant, the architects have created a unique dining experience which keeps pulling the crowds back for more. “It’s not only about the food…it’s a complete sensorial experience, bonded by a theme,” says Suvra.
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The complex associations with the art and culture of Bengal, together with the reinvention and reinterpretation of traditional imagery have created a contemporary aesthetic‌albeit with flashbacks and fond nostalgia. Hovering between tradition and modernity, the rural and the urban, the space is at once old world yet kitschy. With bright pops of colour comfortably rubbing shoulders with classic elements, the spaces beguile and entice, inviting exploration. contact@abindesignstudio.com www.abindesignstudio.com
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Villa K
Ahmedabad-based Apical Reform has little interest in being ‘normal’. The firm has a fascinating repertoire of work that combines art and functionality in all its unconventional glory. Apical Reform is a firm where art, architecture, photography, and general eccentricity converge. And that’s not accidental, it happens by deft design. From the name to the intent, to the choice of projects, everything that this firm does aims to break down the mundane, and then tie it up into beautiful knots with the abstract and a whole lot of boundary-pushing. It would be a compliment to suggest that this team doesn’t think in straight lines, instead it pushes its imaginations down wild landscapes of waves and loops and geometric meshes, to come up with designs that surprise the viewers. Why surprise? Because it tends to stand on the demarcation between the minimalist-simple and the mathematical-complex. Apical Reform’s projects are spartan overall, but they are composed of parts that are technologically advanced, of unconventional form, and of deep existential meaning. This style of churning out contradictory but still complementary spaces is what defines the firm’s signature.
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Villa 24
Apical Reform was formed in 2011 and is led by Amrish Patel and Darshan Soni. The team has delved into product, architectural, and interior design, meanwhile also building an avant-garde portfolio of photographic works and customisations. The design team’s language is expansive and instep with global complexities of artistic expression, an almost pre-requisite in a cluttered market of concrete and glass. The following three categories outline the firm’s most remarkable collection of works.
The firm approaches design as a challenge that is mounted against the natural order of things, pushing the elements to change their ways, their shapes, and their usual demeanour, to bring out the unusual. In its architectural projects, Apical Reform keeps up its modus operandi, but is acutely aware of functionality. Evidence is in ‘Villa K’, whose posh white polished surfaces are coolly punctured by ceiling accents that look like the wall has come alive and is moving like smoke eddies.The Apical Reform design team is a whiz at creating living spaces that employ dazzling white tones to build a sense of serenity as well as simplicity.
The team then contrasts this starkness with mind-bending accents, staircase forms, ceiling fixtures, customised furniture, and unobtrusive lighting to add a hefty dose of futurism to the living quarters. Futurism is especially on display at ‘Villa 24’, located at Aamby Valley in Lonavala. Designed in 2012 with a decided avant-garde tilt, the villa is perfectly stark but still eye-catching, and what’s more, it totally complements the topography. The interiors ‘unfold’ as one moves through them, as opposed to having sections piled onto one another. This fluidity is held together in a tight concrete shell that is dynamic and multilayered in form, with sharp edges and slopes jutting out and standing poised to almost pierce the clouds. Breaking away from residential spaces is the ‘Parshwanath Business Park’, a commercial complex whose façade Apical Reform designed as multiple ‘skins’ that come together to form that deceptively simple display again. The envelope sets up a double-take-inducing hologram effect as sunlight sails through its many crevices, bringing an interesting element to a structure that could otherwise easily fade into the environment as another bland piece of commercial architecture.
Parshwanath Business Park
Text by Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy The Architect
Villa 24
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Fluix
Diagrid
Apical Reform’s product line is like a protracted view of things through a microscope. Here, the design inspiration starts with utility, but then shoots up into the stratosphere, overturning all the boring rules along the way. A bench thus won’t look like a mere bench. It will become a brilliantly-crafted specimen of lattice design. So there is ‘Shard’, a beauteous “low poly version of solid fluid forms”. This bench doesn’t sit horizontally, but rather looks like a piece of comet that hit the Earth, albeit a very polished comet. Its form is of a carbonbased element, its multiple faces ending in dangerous-looking spikes. The ‘Diagrid’ is a lamp which was crafted out of aluminium, which the design team treated like craft paper, folding and unfolding it along precise angles to create a remarkably complex fixture. This creation realised the firm’s other great fascination – setting up friendly impediments in the way of light.
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Shard
Another bench creation is the ‘Fluix’, a calmer, softer cousin of the ‘Shard’. It is a product of the firm’s experiment in parametric modelling and generative design. This two-side seater sits parallel to the ground, but subverts expectations with a shape that’s hard to categorise. Its side-profile is reminiscent of a jet-ski, but when looked at from above, it’s more like a wispy paint brush. Or is it neither? It is possible that this is exactly the kind of dilemma that the designers wanted to inspire in the viewers.
Apical Reform’s artistic work explores shape, grain, flow and movement to its fundamental core. These works rip out the skins and peep inside, or create a different internal reality altogether. Cue ‘Piranha’, made of thin steel sheets of rose gold hue, and looking every bit as dangerous as the real carnivore. But this fish, though it retains the prehistoric silhouette of the original, is composed of shiny mechanical layers and gears – more an unconventional clock than a water creature.
Equus
If ‘Piranha’ was looking in, then the ‘Animals’ collection re-imagines outer-skin. ‘Equus’ admires the sturdy form of a fully-grown horse, and aims to simplify it by re-creating it through an expert contouring process. This artistic piece is a marvel; it invites the viewer to re-imagine the animal, its one foot raised in a foxtrot, the contours making the being seem like a moving illusion almost. And there is adorable ‘Quco’, a life-size bulldog sculpture, realised in an abstract soft pastel yellow and blue. Piranha
This piece recreates with perfection the natural silhouette of the animal through a complex set of fluid puzzle pieces. The sculpture’s visual artistry is its solidity that never fades, even when your brain tricks you into thinking that the animal seems to be melting, like wax. With ‘Digiscape’, Apical Reform pulls back and goes hyper macro in inspiration. This series is on a miniaturised crosssection of intriguing topographies, recreated through a deft contouring process. One can identify myriad hills and mountain ranges, valleys and undulating paths of rivers - all anonymous, but still so inexplicably fascinating. info@apicalreform.com www.apicalreform.com
Digiscape
Quco
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Taking eco-friendly and green architecture to the next level, Wallmakers has created a bungalow in Kerala out of construction debris and waste material. However, the thoughtful design elevates the humble materials, imbuing the home with art and soul. Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Anand Jaju
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GREENER THAN GREEN!
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It doesn’t always pay to be helpful. But maybe it does, in an unexpected way. Biju Matthew had good-naturedly permitted his neighbours to dump their construction debris on his vacant plot, with the understanding that they would clear it once their homes were complete. “But you know how it is….” says Vinu Daniel, award winning architect and founder of Wallmakers. “When Matthew came to me, there was a huge mound of debris on his plot, located in the Housing Board Colony in Pathanamthitta Town. Even the Public Works Department had refused to clear it, since it was not biodegradable. So we had a problem on our hands.”
Roof plan of Matthew’s house.
But it’s not for nothing that Daniel has earned his reputation. “I asked myself what was the use of calling ourselves ‘eco-friendly’ architects, if we couldn’t deal with this.” As always for Daniel, the solution came out of necessity and then became the highlight of the project, instead of some feature that he tries hard to disguise or tuck away in some corner, hoping no one will notice. Putting all the construction waste on the site to use, Daniel constructed a debris wall. With the raw material at hand, discarded though it may have been, the only resources needed were time and manual labour. Daniel learnt how to make mud buildings at Auroville Earth Institute at Puducherry. This kind of construction uses only a fraction of the energy required for firebricks. Which was exactly what Matthew was in search of, for his family of six. An ardent environmentalist, his primary consideration while building his home was that it should not compromise nature’s ecological balance. “For four years, Matthew was not able to find an architect who would deliver what he wanted, till he saw a programme on television in which I was featured…that’s how he contacted me,” says Daniel.
First floor plan of Matthew’s house.
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The plot was just about seven cents (approx. 284 sq m) in size, sloping and raised five feet above the road level. There were homes in close proximity on both sides and a huge retaining wall at the rear. “It looked to me like the entire house would be a car porch,” says Daniel. Digging out just enough earth to accommodate the car, the rest of the house is built into the levels above.
Unclad surfaces in the kitchen are in keeping with the design credo.
The courtyard with the patch of sky visible above, pulls light into the interior.
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“The retaining wall at the back ensured that there was going to be no light coming in from there. The only source of light and ventilation was the front, so it immediately became another big problem that I had to solve,” says Daniel. “Have you seen how people push and shove at a railway station during peak hours?” he asks, seemingly irrelevantly. “I decided to make my walls ‘wiggle’ in the same way, to extract three bedrooms and a courtyard out of this 13 m wide plot.” Starting from the porch, this undulating wall passes through the house, leaving in its wake spaces which are transformed by the unconventional path it takes. To retain the feeling of continuity the walls are floating and a piece of sky is visible through the handkerchief-sized courtyard, all of 6ft x 3ft. Purchased from a scrapyard, discarded electricity meter boxes have been integrated into the aesthetic. “I didn’t want the look to be very eclectic. It had to be functional and yet art,” says Daniel, true to his avowed credo. But using scrap without the structure looking tacky, may be rather like reconciling incompatibilities. Stylish scrap? Exactly that! Iron rods at the windows have old meter boxes welded onto them, creating a surprisingly sophisticated abstract scatter. Putting into practice his strongest beliefs, Daniel has created a home with dignity. Within, the multi-functional furniture in plywood and mild steel has been designed by Daniel, with the dining table capable of being pulled down whenever required. Other furniture has been made from recycled wood, deriving its form from boxes to store Matthew’s books, since he is a school teacher. A traditional urli, ubiquitous to Kerala, functions as a wash basin.
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“I didn’t want to add to global warming by using cement. Daniel used coconut shells in the roof in a filler slab method...and ferro-cement to reduce the use of cement and iron bars,” says Matthew. The coconut shells double as light fixtures and are connected to plastic bottles holding LED lights. “There is no paint…the natural colour of mud can be seen. I may add a couple of fans, although there’s enough air circulation.”
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Some of the furniture has derived its form from boxes to store the books of the client, since he is a school teacher.
Daniel’s work has been featured in ‘Architecture in India’, a prestigious tome by architect Rahul Mehrotra, Professor of Urban Design and Planning at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Mehrotra is reported to have said of Daniel’s work, “You will rarely find art, function, sustainability and integrity all together in one design.” Reducing the use of resources is a constant refrain in Daniel’s work. With his idealistic views on architecture, sustainability is not a choice. It’s a necessity. sagark.arch@gmail.com vinudaniel@gmail.com
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The artist considers his work a collaboration with the existing material and its past creators and the completed pieces expose new relationships of the book’s internal elements in exactly the same place where they have been since their original conception.
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art form
The Book Surgeon Voluminous, antiquated books go under the knife of Brian Dettmer and emerge as brand new works of art. However these are meant to be viewed rather than read.
Enough obituaries have already been penned on the death of the physical book as we know it, and so when we come across an artist like Brian Dettmer who retrieves antiquated books from their dusty shelves and offers them a chance in the spotlight again, we are compelled to sit up and take notice. Brian refers to himself as an artist who cuts up books, but of course, he’s just being modest here. This New York-based artist has earned the sobriquet of ‘Book Surgeon’ over the years for his unbelievable sculptures, created out of old, unused books using little more than an X-Acto knife and his imagination. Brian first started cutting up books in the year 2000 and describes his art as a kind of remix, in the same way as a DJ works with somebody else’s music.
Text By Christabelle Athaide Photographs Courtesy The Artist and P.P.O.W, New York
Artist Brian Dettmer cuts into the surface of old books with knives, tweezers and surgical tools, carving one page at a time and exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest.
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This book surgeon cuts into the surface of old books with knives, tweezers and surgical tools carving one page at a time and exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the book is relocated or implanted, only removed. Images and ideas are revealed to expose alternate histories and memories. The artist says, “My work is a collaboration with the existing material and its past creators and the completed pieces expose new relationships of the book’s internal elements which are exactly where they have been since their original conception.” A book’s size, age, colour and material are all determining factors when starting on a new piece of work but often it is the content of the book that holds the key to an idea for a new piece. For instance, Brian says, “In a basic sense, if I am working with an anatomy book, I may think of the book as a body. Or if I am working with a history book, I think of the work as an excavation into the past or into our memory of the past.” The artist admits he rarely ever reads the books he cuts up, especially voluminous reference books, which really is the whole point of his art – the uselessness of outdated information. It is only once he gets to work, cutting, that he really gets deep into the text and images. “This”, he says, “is more interesting for me and also allows for a more spontaneous flow in the work.” When it comes to fiction however, Brian does try and read the book, often listening to the audio-book version while cutting into the actual book.
A set of encyclopedias is cut up to resemble a water wheel in this sculpture. Instead of water, it is ideas that flow and which are capable of generating power.
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Work on a new piece starts with sealing of the edges with thick varnish. If you look at Brian’s sculptures, you can see that the inherent problem with this approach is that Brian never really knows what’s coming next and must improvise on the go as every excavation uncovers new text and images.
This was a tower created out of a complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica and is Brian’s most challenging work on account of the structural complexity as well as the effort and time involved.
Brian admits that he does not read the reference books he cuts up, which is really the whole point of his art – the uselessness of outdated information.
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He adds, “Beyond establishing a design of several integrated books, I do not plan any design. The content and design of the work emerges as I go.” Not only does he find this spontaneous approach exciting but also believes it allows the book to have an active voice in the final piece. Brian’s process and style of working requires patience along with physical and mental stamina and this itself forms an integral part of his artwork. He explains, “I believe that I need to honour the material if I have chosen to transform it and I need to put enough work to justify the destruction of the book and to call the final work my own.” While just about every piece created by this artist makes us rub our eyes in disbelief, Brian reveals that the most challenging piece he ever undertook was in 2013 when working on a series of two towers from complete sets of Encyclopedia Britannica. He says, “These were challenging in an engineering sense, to figure out how they could be successfully constructed, but then they were also mentally and physically challenging because of the amount of work and time they required to complete.” Brian feels that the reason most people feel distressed when they see a book being cut up is because they tend to see books as living things. While he agrees with this view, he finds it impossible to ignore the fact that physical books are losing their intended function and are now misfits as linear forms in a non-linear world.
As Brian edits and dissects communicative objects or systems such as books, maps and other media, the medium’s role transforms. Its content is re-contextualised and new meanings or interpretations emerge.
From his perspective, Brian perceives books as a body, as a technology, as a tool, as a machine and as a landscape. One thing he is convinced about is that books will never die; they will simply evolve into something new and exciting. anna@ppowgallery.com www.briandettmer.com
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Playing Around With Materials
By Aanchal Goel and Sugandh Kumar
DESIGNQUEST
Sugandh and I went to NIFT and Symbiosis Design respectively, and worked together at a metal exports firm for a few years. We learnt a lot about design, art and architecture from our experience there. We quit to venture into different materials. He started working with wood, while I started to learn pottery.
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The things that inspire us come from all sorts of places ranging from modern art to fashion. We observe small details in architecture and try to implement them in our products. Which is why when one sees the design, they usually come back to look at it for a second longer to notice the chamfers, joints, pattern of the grains, etc. The Beehive bowl for example, creates a pattern of the grain because of its joinery. Similarly, Parallel Lines coaster has its lines grooved according to the direction of the grains.
Walnut on Walnut Curve. Soft. Shallow.
Slide Bowl Slip. Alternate. Cavity.
Since all our products are handmade, we learn and grasp a great deal of knowledge from our carpenter. A two-sided learning experience takes place while working with the artisan. Whereby he educates us about the skill and technique, the limitations of a material and its potential and we expose him to aesthetic, design and joinery details.
Cone Clock Move. Off-Centre. Depth.
Beehive Box Face. Wrap. Slide.
Our first collection called ‘experiment 1’ was launched in October 2015. It was so named, because that was the first time either of us had worked in wood. The collection consists of tabletop accessories, photo frames, clocks and more. All the designs that we created lent impeccably to the material that wood is. Since most designs were ‘form’ based, they were beautifully ornamented by the pattern of the wooden grains.
We met after a few months and decided to combine our knowledge of different materials and start Objectry. The idea was to work with whatever material we could get our hands on. The name ‘Objectry’ came about after a lot of brain racking - the art of making objects. Like the art of making pots is pottery, the process of working with chemicals is chemistry.
O-ve Desk Organiser Scoop. Scale. Parallel.
Chisel Desk Set Chamfer. Slide. Collect.
We are actively working towards adding materials to our catalog. Ceramics is something that will be included soon, followed by metal and stone. In the future we hope to work with a lot more unconventional materials. We wish to, at some point, work with rubber, charcoal and even chocolate.
Three Brick Box Stack. Taper. Zoom.
studio@objectry.com www.facebook.com/objectry
The idea of reducing things down to the essential, in a design, is something we believe in. Our brick box eliminates the need for a knob, as the chamfers create a grip to open the box comfortably. With Objectry, we also wanted to introduce a different aesthetic to the Indian market that we see internationally but are hesitant to bring into our homes.
We try to make basic products of daily utility, interesting. A simple bowl kept on the table that turns into a conversation starter, or a chest of drawers that amplifies the look of a space. Our O-ve Desk Organiser is one such product that cannot go unnoticed on a desk. Having worked with wood for a few months, we’re now extending our catalog to add bigger pieces such as stools, tables, chairs etc. We’re also working on a project for an interior retail space.
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Profusely decorated interiors of the Leong San See Temple, a Taoist temple built in Little India in 1917.
Traditional Singapore TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net Singapore is well known for its contemporary architectural marvels - some of which were featured in the previous issue of Home Review. But amidst the soaring heights and the glitzy facades are a host of hidden treasures that reflect the city-state’s rich historical past and the many influences that have shaped it over the centuries. Begin exploring at Chinatown’s shophouses - the quintessential Singaporean structure that combined shops on the street level with dwellings on the upper floors.
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These long, narrow blocks abutted each other on either side, with only the front facade overlooking the street and providing a relief with windows. More well-to-do families lived in similarstyled houses, but with generously proportioned spaces and multiple internal courtyards that provided light and ventilation within the linear blocks.
Amongst these is the grand edifice of the National Museum of Singapore, built in the neo-classical style in 1887. Also impressive is the Palladian style Fullerton Hotel, whose prime riverfront building includes a row of mighty Doric columns and was originally home to the city’s post office and to the elite Singapore Club.
A prime example of these homes is the Baba House - originally belonging to a wealthy Peranakan family, the resplendent three-storeyed structure has now been restored by the National University of Singapore down to its original architectural elements, decorative features and soft furnishings. Singapore’s long period of colonial rule is showcased in the many stately buildings that dot its city centre.
Some other specimens of interesting historical architecture found in Singapore include a string of Art Deco buildings along Orchard Road, a former bandstand in the midst of the lush Botanical Gardens and the beautiful cast iron structure of the Lau Pa Sat market that stands in stark contrast to the towering high-rises that surround it.
Commissioned in the 1919, the luxurious building occupied by the Fullerton Hotel once served as a post office, a club and even as a hospital during World War II.
The neo-classical style building of the National Museum of Singapore includes a rotunda atop the central atrium and twin pediments on the facade.
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In the 1920s and 30s, many of Singapore’s retail and commercial buildings adapted the international trend of the time: the Art Deco style with its streamlined ornamentation and gently flowing lines.
An octagonal structure erected in 1930, this Victorian-style gazebo in the Singapore Botanical Gardens was meant for musical performances by regimented-bands.
Shophouses in Chinatown are characterised by a series of wooden windows with louvered shutters and vividly painted facades.
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Restored interiors of the Baba House showcase the living quarters of a wealthy Perankan family of the 1920s, including period furniture and art works.
Built in the 1930s by the then Chief Surveyor, this Tudor style cottage on the Pulau Ubin Island today serves as a visitors’ centre.
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Perched on the verdant western coast of Phuket, Amanpuri gazes down languidly at the turquoise waves of the Andaman Sea. The resort’s 40 Thai-styled pavilions and 32 private villas serenely repose in this tropical paradise, personifying its moniker which means a ‘place of peace’ in Sanskrit. Text By Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Photographs Courtesy Aman Resorts
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A PLACE OF PEACE
Amanpuri’s public spaces are scattered around the main swimming area - a shimmering midnight blue pool reflecting the swaying palms that cluster around it.
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Spacious bedrooms lead into breezy dressing areas fitted with twin vanities, luxe sunken baths and separate rain showers.
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Renowned architect Ed Tuttle was intrusted with designing Amanpuri, the Aman Group’s first ever property. Initially conceived as a holiday home, the estate was never intended to be a hotel and only later evolved into a small resort – eventually becoming a kind of blueprint for every other Aman development and its luxury hotel family. Like all Aman properties, Amanpuri is a reflection of the place, people and culture surrounding it. Enveloped within a coconut plantation, Edward Tuttle realised Amanpuri’s natural potential and indigenous abundance, therefore using only local materials like granites and hardwoods. He metamorphosed the space into an ancient temple complex, taking his inspiration from Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand. This native Thai aesthetic was carried into every detail from the rosy maka wood panelling that borders the sliding glass doors, to the ornately pitched tiled roofs. Amanpuri’s roofs cape is but one example that effortlessly illustrates the quintessence of traditional Thai design within its layout.
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Surrounded by lush vegetation, each guest pavilion has its own outdoor sala or gazebo.
Elevated leafy paths connect guest pavilions to the resort’s other facilities, while the purposely limited use of walls and doors ensures the openconcept plan is further enhanced, and welcomes the outside in. Surrounded by lush vegetation, each pavilion has its own outdoor sala (gazebo) and sun deck strewn with secluded day beds, while three units also feature private swimming pools. The spacious bedrooms lead into breezy dressing areas fitted with twin vanities, luxe sunken baths and separate rain showers. The extravagance of space is obvious as bathing areas are as large as the rooms, while minimal furniture and warm woods awashed in soft lighting elevate this sense of airiness.
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The private villas that Tuttle describes as “abstracted versions of classical Thai buildings that retain all the proportions of classic Thai architecture,” have all been constructed of wood - maka, hardwood and teak. Blending in with its environs, yet keeping up tradition, maka paneling in vertical fretwork patterns bedeck the structures, while granite in the outdoor areas mirror the rocks on the beach. Every villa though different in layout (two to six bedroom plans) consists of a number of separate pavilions peppered around a private swimming pool at varying levels. Furnishings are kept to an absolute minimum as the restrained use of Thai textiles, art and antiques preserve the indoor-outdoor flow. Each villa features a separate dining, sleeping and living pergola, a fully equipped kitchen, a cook and a housekeeping service - perfect for a relaxing family vacation.
Minimal furniture and warm woods awash in soft lighting elevate the sense of airiness in Amanpuri’s interiors.
As with numerous Aman hotels, Amanpuri’s public spaces are scattered around the main swimming area - this one a shimmering midnight blue pool reflecting the swaying palms that cluster around it. At dusk, as the sun sets into the Andaman Sea, restaurant guests can dine alfresco on moulded bronze tables and rattan backed chairs, under the balmy skies. Traipsing down to Amanpuri’s powdery crescent beach at the foot of several stone steps, guests can plunge into an oasis pool set in the sand, sip on a cocktail, or just lie by the sea soaking in the sun.
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Traipsing down to Amanpuri’s powdery crescent beach at the foot of several stone steps, guests can lounge in the sun and surf.
Set against a backdrop of 10,000 rustling coconut trees spread over 94 emerald acres; Amanpuri’s vanguard is its outstanding team or “samashik” (meaning family in Thai), 30% of who are still with the property since its opening way back in 1988. Establishing a reputation for world renowned personal service, gourmet cuisine and understated luxury steeped in natural beauty, Amanpuri is truly a heaven on Earth. amanpuri@amanresorts.com
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The splashes of colours in the wall paintings contrast with and serve to highlight the elegant, white sofa in the living room.
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Where Design Meets Nature
Change is the essence of life; and so is design. Here, a brilliant design encapsulates the need for fluidity and is not bound by inherent assumptions. This is why Aahan Villa stands out, true to its character yet ready to embrace change.
When Aalekh developers reached out to Open Ideas, a multidisciplinary design studio, they had just acquired a land near Vastrapur Lake and wanted to figure out the construction typology to replace the existing old bungalow. Eventually it was agreed that there would be four row houses at the centre and two twin residences on the corner sites in Aahan Villa. But, things took an interesting turn. Leading IVF specialist in Ahmedabad, Dr. Jayesh Amin, wanted to purchase one of the twin residences, but wished to convert them into a single living space. The need for a reconfiguration elevated the challenge and excitement in the project.
Text By Ramya Srinivasan Photographs Harsh Pandya from Studio Flamebirds
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Balconies overlook the lush green courtyards at the front of the house.
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The doctor couple named their personal abode, Reva, signifying the Narmada River that flows peacefully taking different forms in its course. “The client was clear that he did not want the house to look like two units had been put together. It needed to have a seamless flow to it,” says Monarch Champaneri, co-founder and principal architect of Open Ideas. True to the brief, there is an expansive quality about the house with a sense of continuity from one room to another. Only the bedrooms have wall enclosures, while the rest of the rooms merge together to form one free space, only separated at times by wooden and metal screen walls. Reva shows how an open, green and relaxed space can be created right in the centre of the crowded, urban city of Ahmedabad. There is a conscious touch of greenery right from the lawn and the spacious courtyards at the front of the house to the terrace garden. “The couple have stressful jobs as both of them are doctors. So, they wanted to come back home to a place where they could connect with nature,” says Champaneri. Even the patio area with an informal dining space comes with an adjoining green wall.
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The Ashan project uses a natural palette and the same theme has been extended to Reva, too. The façade has horizontal stone cladding accompanied by a zigzag patterned concrete. This, along with the subtle wooden finishes and liberal use of steel and glass in the interior accentuate the natural look of the house.
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A beautiful Ganesha idol welcomes as you enter the house. The living room has a modern and uncluttered look with two separate seating areas. One is for informal use, while the other is to interact with clients and guests. The beige Italian marble flooring flows through the spaces on the lower level integrating them into one. The colour scheme is minimalistic but bursts of colours are strategically contributed by the wall cladding and art providing a refreshingly divergent appeal.
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Ground floor plan
A DNA-shaped Swarovski crystal chandelier with dazzling white lights hangs majestically from the double heighted ceiling of the dining room. This, along with other aesthetic elements such as the painting at the foyer, the innovative display of brown wall art and the triad paintings in the bedroom using primary colours, represent a common theme of transformation in human life. They tell the beautiful story of evolution, how one cell multiplies to grow into a life and how change is inevitable.
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Three generations of the family stay in Reva with the first floor shared by the grandparents and the twin children of the couple. “Communication was an important goal for the clients. They wanted the design to facilitate an interaction between the senior and junior generations in order to bond, share wisdom and have fun in short,� says Champaneri. On the second floor is the master bedroom with a private lounge and deck area. Another striking aspect of the house is the carefully designed lighting and ventilation scheme that amplifies the roominess, yet retains a cosy feeling. Given the hot and dry climate of Ahmedabad, it was essential to ensure sufficient lighting in the rooms, without the harsh heat. Sun path diagrams were studied to bring in maximum light into the house. Elements such as wooden overhangs were added to ensure this. In the patio, the semi-open wooden roof creates a light and shadow play allowing optimum levels of light to come in. Long shades and windows bring in the cool southern breeze. The Aahan Villa wins you over with its simplicity and oneness with nature. It is a place where every element is there for a purpose, blending with the personalities of its residents. That’s why it has turned into just the perfect home for a family to make memories in. info@openideas.co.in
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}
The land of Jaipur brims with a magnificent past that is engulfed with a rich and colourful vibrancy of heritage structures and majestic palaces. This royal city, with a history of several traditional arts and crafts, serves as a threshold and muse to many folks. The founders of Trunks Company have fallen for its charm as well. Brother-duo Priyank and Paritosh Mehta have this to say about Jaipur’s role in their journey: “Jaipur has been a source of continuous inspiration for Trunks Company since its inception. Be it the lavishness of the leather and suede used in the making, the assortment of colours, or the special purpose for which a trunk is crafted, it all derives its inspiration from Jaipur and its aura.”
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A VINTAGE REVIVAL TEXT BY REHANA HUSSAIN
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So what is Trunks Company known for? Trunks Company creates bespoke, handcrafted trunks that can treasure cherished possessions and memories. Their sole concept revolves around altering vintage, regal trunks that were used as premium accessories of royalties into coveted, personalised pieces of art that can be used for different purposes.
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They are equally concept-driven and functional in their usage as much as they evoke old craftsmanship. They symbolise six self-explanatory concepts: Bar, Dressing & Make-up, Entertainment, Precious, Travel and Treasure. Inspired by the diverse culture of Jaipur, brothers Priyank and Paritosh Mehta along with an ardent Parisian designer Livio Delegues collaborated to revive an heirloom that has been long-lost in the royal history of the 19th and 20th centuries – trunks. Trunks Company has evolved this legacy to fit a contemporary lifestyle to cherish possessions and moments of perfection. Together with their team of skilled artisans and French design sensibilities, they handcraft custom-made trunks for generations. In 2012 the trio decided to give trunks a novel definition and a resurrection from its past associations. They say, “Few years ago, the inspiration from the rich culture of Jaipur intrigued us and Livio into the creation of a craft close to emotions, of timeless grandeur. We followed our instinct and together with our research, eye for detail, expertise of leather craftsmanship and ingenious design sensibilities, indulged in the art of trunk making.” Handling the creation and development department of Trunks Company, Priyank, with a post-graduate degree from Symbiosis University plays a vital role in lending a majestic touch to this brand. While Paritosh’s Honors in Business & Management from UK helps him understand the market sensibilities, the clients and their needs to create a cult following for the brand. The essence of their journey is to transform trunks into a lifestyle concept; thus changing their status from a mere travel accompaniment to a statement piece destined for cherishing one’s treasure. They meticulously handpick the raw materials such as fine quality leather, suede, wood and brass hardware from the finest sources worldwide.
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Each trunk is a result of 400 man hours by skilled craftsmen who work on trunks at different stages. From sanding down a piece of wood, finishing process of leather, carving, stitching of leather, to hammering the nails, every aspect is handled with detailed care. Paritosh adds about the handiwork of the artisans, “Our trunks are crafted by passionate artisans from different parts of India who are well trained to handicraft trunks with great prudence and virtuosity, refining their craftsmanship expertise and knowledge which passes from generation to generation.� The trunks are priced Rs.40,000 onwards, varying with customisation. There is a technical team that offers services to patrons during installation to avoid hassles in functionality and they can also be summoned on a chargeable basis post-delivery. As of now, their travel trunks are sold online, while those interested in other categories can place an enquiry on their website. For those looking to experience the products in real-time, can check out the Sabyasachi store in New Delhi and Simone Naturally Inspired in Mumbai. Trunks Company is also setting up their very own store real soon in the regal city of Jaipur, the city that made it all happen.
TRUNKS COMPANY 44, Lane #4, Kartarpura Industrial Area, 22 Godown, Jaipur - 302 006, India Phone: +91-141-4064999, +91-141-2210595 mail@trunkscompany.com www.trunkscompany.com
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JoSEPH RASTRULLo
Inspired by nature’s own designs, Joseph Rastrullo creates elegant pieces that combine form and function with remarkable ease.
Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer
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Farfalla Finding harmony in exploring form and function is something close to designer Joseph Rastrullo’s heart. Born in the United States and raised in the Philippines, Rastrullo adds to this his education at Italy’s famed Domus Academy, giving him a unique cultural view which reflects in his work. Rastrullo is now based in the Philippines where his studio designs and produces lighting, furniture, decor and accent pieces. He has experimented with materials as varied as wood, plastic, acrylics, resin and iron. An apprenticeship with legendary Philippine designer Antonio ‘Budji’ Layug pushed him to hone his craft and focus on form. Rastrullo’s furniture combines traditional texture with contemporary designs. They are also inspired by nature. The Farfalla chair, for example, uses synthetic rattan to create a sensuous butterfly-inspired outdoor chair that bends and twists. The back ‘leg’ of the chair curves like a ballerina poised to take flight. The La Donna adjustable chaise lounge chair is also made of synthetic rattan making it ideal for outdoor use. The Manolo reminds one of a large leaf bowl but is actually a very comfortablelooking chair and is made out of laminated rattan. The Manolo comes in a chair or couch version. The Manta chair, on the other hand, is immediately identifiable as evolved from the Manta Ray. The floppy edges of the ray translate rather well to a piece of furniture. Made out of rattan and iron, the La Manta was designed for the March 2014 Manila Fame show.
La Donna Chaise Lounge
Manolo
Manta Chair
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Ragno
Keeping with the animal theme, the Ragno is evidently inspired by a spider web. Using abaca rope, the design brings a little bit of nature right into your home. Inspired by the 2000-year old Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines, Rastrullo designed a series of furniture and accents using the shapes and curves of the terraces. The theme of the Banaue series is called Raccolta, which is Italian for ‘harvest’. On his travels, Rastrullo was so taken by the rice terraces that he made several subsequent trips. The forms seeped into his design and the series has a coffee table/bench and lighting made out of welded bent wires and iron. There’s also a twisty ‘artistic’ coffee table made from Permacane. The Terremoto table is inspired by the Lego movie – the table top is actually a real puzzle that you can move around for hours of fun. It is a fun idea that can be used to keep not only kids but also adults busy.
Banaue Raccolta Bench & Wall Light
Rastrullo’s design for lighting have received acclaim for their innovativeness and experimentation with materials. The Terza series of lights is made of acrylic and formed by hand. The smoothness of the material and the soft fall of the curves make it look like a handkerchief of silk.
Terza Lamp
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The Sole light is a more dramatic design which demands your attention right away. It is Rastrullo’s version of a sunburst. The 2m x 5m sized design has woven wicker ‘rays’ which make it sculptural enough to work as a wall piece or as a hanging pendant light.
Sole Light
The Linea collection features the ‘Ombrello’ light made of welded iron bars. The crisp lines of the design were executed by the Prado Filipino Artisans. Contrasting with the strict geometry of the Linea collection is the Rompere. A crazy, eccentric design of fibreglass and acrylic spikes, this entertaining piece adds a definite character to a space. Along with designing, Rastrullo has also been working with local crafts people across the Philippines to help them maintain a sustainable livelihood and develop their craft. For someone who is influenced by local traditions and craftsmanship, there may be no better way of giving back. Ombrello Light design@rastrullo.com www.rastrullo.com
Rompere
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Designer of the Vero collection, Kurt Merki jr.
As a complete bathroom programme, Vero represents a harmonious unity of balanced design and memorable details.
VERSATILITY REINVENTED IN DURAVIT'S VERO COLLECTION The Vero collection of bathroom furniture by Duravit has carefully balanced proportions blended with a strong design identity. The Vero collection sees Zurich-based designer Kurt Merki jr. expanding Duravit’s Vero range of ceramics that has enjoyed twelve years of success. Discreet and yet expressive, the highgloss finish highlights the furniture collection’s cubic credentials. There are many versatile options available as it offers a tremendous amount of space and is suitable for different uses. Vanity units can be combined with an open compartment or closed drawers, console applications and cabinets, as well as mirrors and mirror cabinets with double mirror doors and shelf elements. Thanks to this tremendous variety, Vero intelligently adapts to individual bathroom needs and to any interior architecture. However, it is the details that show the quality of the furniture.
Further complementing the functionality of the range to meet individual requirements, mirrors and mirror cabinets can be optionally fitted with both a sound system and LED dimmer function. Depending on the arrangement of the shelf and mirror surfaces, they appear to flow into one another and highlight the unique expression and lively aesthetics that Vero introduces into the bathroom. tel: 079 66112300 respond@in.duravit.com www.duravit.in For Professionals: www.pro.duravit.in
The wood grain of the individual washing areas is horizontal throughout and both looks and feels authentic. Vertical handles that are inset in the fronts create a striking contrast to the classically modern form. The cubic look is defined by recurring material thicknesses and dimensions that feature in all the items of furniture. The open compartment of the furniture console has a shiny chrome frame - a characteristic design feature and also serves as an integrated towel holder. Optional LED ambient lighting below the console accentuates the relaxed atmosphere that the wood surfaces bring into the bathroom. The drawers are optionally fitted with a maple or walnut interior organiser system and, thanks to integrated tracks, close particularly softly.
Offering versatile options, Vero is suitable for a wide range of different uses.
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“In some cases, the materials wouldn’t read as ‘luxe’ to the guest, so we had to find ways to layer them,” says Philip Pond, design director at AvroKO.
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When Green Meets Grand
SH Group CEO and Chairman, Barry Sternlicht, started 1 Hotels with the simple belief that “those who travel the world, care about it.” His efforts have been towards breaking the stereotype that ‘green’ design and luxury cannot coexist.
The core principle of the fledgling chain is sustainability combined with highend luxury. With this vision in mind, the in-house design unit led by Kemper Hyers assembled a team of professionals that shared the same ethos for nature. Following the completion of 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami, AvroKO Hospitality Group (New York-based firm) was brought on board to design 1 Hotel Central Park. Situated in the middle of Manhattan, the site is one block away from Central Park, at the corner of 58th Street and Sixth Avenue. The biggest challenge in the brief came from the decision to reuse an existing building. The project aimed at converting a 19-storey office building into a 230 key luxury boutique hotel. “It’s impossible to predict all the conditions that will have to be addressed throughout the adaptive reuse process,” says Adam Farmerie, one of the founding partners of AvroKO. The project involved selective demolition and asbestos removal, working around two existing tenants. The facade was restored and new entrances constructed. Internal renovations included relocation of stairwells, introduction of an elevator shaft and planning of a fully integrated IT control room.
Text By Priti Kalra Photographs Eric Laignel
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The facade features a three-storey green wall (created by AgroSci) and two large steel doors clad in 16,000 fallen twigs – totally a red carpet experience. The ivy-covered skin not only offers homage to the neighbouring park, but also provides passersby some respite from the bustling street. Retaining the industrial architecture – the exposed concrete ceilings and floors, steel columns and beams, and terracotta block masonry walls – a natural material palette of wood, brick, marble, stone and glass was blended in. Original markings, veining, knots and colour variations were preserved and celebrated. Materials were selected to adhere to LEED standards and sourced locally, wherever possible. These include a salvaged water tank, wood branded with its source, river stones, plant species, linen screens, leathers, natural cotton linen soft furnishings, and hemp-blend mattresses. Barry Sternlicht wanted to blend conventionally opulent materials with the ideas of eco-friendliness and artisanship. “In some cases, the materials wouldn’t read as ‘luxe’ to the guest, so we had to find ways to layer them,” says Philip Pond, design director at AvroKO. The marble in the showers contrasts the rougher wood and metal textures. Similarly, wood panelling becomes a sculptural statement with brass insets. Elevators open onto artistic renditions of floor numbers, designed in repurposed materials like penny nails or acorns. Preserved moss fills the hallway niches.
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The overall concept was to keep the space simple, transparent and approachable. Greg Bradshaw, one of the principals at AvroKO, says, “Our goal was to leave the space feeling somewhat unadorned, so the materials and core of the space could speak for themselves.” The idea of ‘approachability’ was to leave some of the spaces designed ever so slightly, to allow for moments of breath and pause.
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}
The ground floor houses public spaces – the lobby, check-in desk, concierge, seating areas, and restaurant (Jams by Jonathan Wax). Here, Napa-style paned windows overlook the street. The design highlights the industrial interiors complementing it with natural light, reclaimed oak, a quarry stone bar floor, a soap stone bar top and a plumcoloured palette.
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The next floor houses the communal spaces, gym, and a mezzanine which overlooks the restaurant. Five private meeting rooms boast of full-height windows, millwork decor, and the latest technology for business needs (sound systems, 55” TVs, interactive surfaces). Three of these rooms can be combined into one forming a 600 sq ft space called The Great Lawn. A business area, The Hive, features two e-kiosks. A fitness centre, The Field House, equipped with the latest in exercise technology, is flooded with natural light and fitted with flooring reclaimed from the University of Wisconsin’s basketball court. The remaining floors house the guest rooms. Here, furniture made by local craftsmen is proudly displayed, offset by a palette of warm, neutral colours and accents of blues and creams. Green touches throughout the building (provided by Sprout Home) include terrariums in the guest rooms. Custom box-bay window seats allow guests to perch above the street. Landscape design elements (contributed by Harrison Green) include planters before each room entrance. Other sustainable elements include energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, custom 1 Hotel products like naturally-derived scents and eco-friendly cleaning solvents, and a paperless approach. This entails electronic checkin, bedside chalkboards, and an in-room Nexus device loaded with newspapers, magazines and 1 Guide (the hotel’s app). Additionally, the hotel provides electric vehicle rides within a 15-block radius and complimentary bicycle valet parking. “Of course travellers will always want the ultimate in experiences and services,” Sternlicht says, “And I believe we can deliver that in a modern, responsible way that feels natural, organic and connected with the local environment.” info@avroko.com www.avroko.com
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Design MAvericks
MAIA DESIGN
94 Design office, mumbai
90 COLLECTIVE PROJECT
96 Patch Design Studio
Workshop Inc.
100
98 We Design Studio
102 function + aesthetic
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DESIGN MAVERICKS There is a new wave of young designers and architects in the country, challenging the usual with their avant-garde and out-of-the-box solutions. Today, we take a look at some of their stand-out projects giving a glimpse into the variety of innovative ideas and concepts that have successfully pushed creative boundaries.
Text By Ramya Srinivasan Photo Credit: Kunal Bhatia
Experimentation is the key with this gutsy, young breed as they fearlessly try out new materials, textures and palettes to stamp a strong brand identity. At the same time, there is an equal effort to provide individuality to a project asserting the quirky preferences of clients. Aesthetics and functionality seem to blend seamlessly in these hand-picked projects. Though the shift is towards the contemporary, often, there are classical influences in the accessories and artefacts, bringing that old world charm. The new brigade is welltravelled and so, foreign techniques and trends find a way into their design, but there is an earnest attempt to exploit the juxtaposition of the local culture. Carefully handcrafted and locally sourced artistic pieces are a testimony to this. Acknowledging the need for calm amidst the fast pace of today’s times, reading and thinking corners are everywhere, irrespective of whether it’s a home, retail or office space. Technology makes its inroads with a thump as 3D printing seems to be here to stay, creating the possibility of an array of mind-boggling products. Sustainable design is gaining momentum with the increasing collective consciousness of the environment. Challenges are welcome for these design mavericks - whether it involves playing with a rigid architectural layout or absence of a favourable view; they know how to capitalise on them and turn them instead, into opportunities to come up with something beautiful and brilliant. Read on to know more about their creations. Photo Credit: Kunal Bhatia
Ecole Intuit Lab, one of the leading design schools in Mumbai by Patch Design Studio.
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An innovatively-designed bookcase by Design Office, Mumbai.
Boho Studio’s quirky lights.
Sting Ray Table by Saahil & Sarthak
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DESIGN OFFICE Founded by Rushda Hakim and Rishita Das, Design Office, Mumbai, is a multidisciplinary studio that combines modern and classical design with ease. Their projects and designs tend to reflect the philosophy of both the client and the brand. Photographs Kunal Bhatia
FARMHOUSE Tranquil and pure air fills the expansive spaces in this farmhouse at Kamshet. The client brief was to extend the existing heritage holiday home of the family, but also to give it a modern twist. Design Office, Mumbai has succeeded in compartmentalising this vast, spread out horizontal space into functions without compromising the roominess required to feel relaxed during a vacation. Two distinct zones manage to separate the public areas - the living, bar and the recreational room - from the two private bedrooms. A patio area in between with a glass ceiling connects these two freestanding structures. Material and furniture picks help to demarcate individual zones and create interesting corners and spaces inside the huge recreation and living rooms. Muted stripes with bright yellow and green sofa and chairs, along with earthy tones in the bar area introduce a sense of holiday cheer. The tilted ceiling with exposed metal beams accentuates the raw quality of this farmhouse.
Made in Earth created this cheerful foster home for HIV-positive children in Tamil Nadu, using sustainable techniques and community involvement. Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias
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BLANKSLATE OFFICE
Rushda Hakim and Rishita Das of Design Office, Mumbai.
‘You say I dream too big, I say you think too small,’ reads the caption in bold letters on the wall of the BlankSlate office in Mumbai. The ambience of the office only seems to reinforce this motto. The office cubicles, the conferences rooms and the cabins are in pristine white interspersed with clean touches of black fabrics and chairs. Representing the culture of the creative marketing firm, the space has an open and spacious character with no barriers to communication. Amoeboid shaped desks interspersed with trees at the cubicle junctions add fun to the décor. In contrast to the formal cubicle spaces, the studio room has dashes of bright and bold colours splashed across the walls, ceiling and even the floors. Coloured bands of soft fabric bring peppiness to the workstations. The mix of the classical black-and-white and the vibrancy of primary colours spell out the youthful energy in the BlankSlate office.
designofficemumbai@gmail.com www.designofficemumbai.com
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MAIA DESIGN Founded by Shruti Jaipuria, Maia is all about experiential design deriving inspiration from multiple sources such as nature, spirituality, mathematics, geometry, materials, texture and colour. Reviving traditional arts and crafts to practise sustainable design is also a key focus. Photographs Sanjay Ramchandran and Manoj Masand
TOAST & TONIC This barn-themed restaurant and bar in Bengaluru has an elegant beauty that exudes warmth and comfort. Showing off different textures of wood, the bar is crafted with layered pinewood, chipboard walls and decade old sleeper wood on the roofs and floors. Timber framework with artistic representations of animals, livestock and farm produce along with custom designed animal lights hanging from the ceiling emphasise the theme. So do the dried wheat and jowar, wooden reindeer heads, sculpted garlic and sausages, fresh flowers and cacao pods. The ‘cross’ visual pattern is liberally splashed on all textures and artefacts, creating visual harmony. In Toast & Tonic, all elements seem to come together to tell a timeless story – whether it is the earthy toned fabrics, delicate pops of red, raw silk lampshades or the bevelled mirrors, they succeed in infusing a sense of nostalgia. For unbridled conversations, there is also the snug basement with an intimate cellar-like ambience.
Made in Earth created this cheerful foster home for HIV-positive children in Tamil Nadu, using sustainable techniques and community involvement. Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias
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Photographs Manoj Masand
PEBBLE BAY PENTHOUSE
Shruti Jaipuria of Maia Design.
The cacophony of Bangalore fades away in this charming penthouse designed for a young couple by Maia Design. On the 19th floor, Pebble Bay sits majestically offering panoramic views of the city. While the design is contemporary, the detailed Indian influences highlight the individuality of the house. Custom-made amber light installation of 40 glass droplets, demonstrating blown glass technique, creates an aura of grandeur in the living room. The dining room stands out with eye-catchy mercury chandeliers, copper clad wall, a Roche Bobois dining table and beautiful sheers with printed tree silhouettes, giving an impression of being amidst nature. The Indian influence continues with the white marble inlay on the floors in the guest room reminding of old havelis. The attention to detail shines through even in the door handles - one of them is a fetching sculpture made by artist Dimpy Menon and another is a wardrobe handle with metal leaves from Bastar.
info@maiadesign.in www.maiadesign.in
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COLLECTIVEPROJECT At CollectiveProject, a young international design studio founded by Cyrus Patell and Eliza Higgins in 2013, spatial narratives, landscape and materials find their voice to deliver a wholesome architectural experience. The architects believe in an open, fluid approach inspired from site, culture, environment and technology. Photographs Tina Nandi Stephens
SPOONFUL OF SUGAR This project by the studio involved designing the second outlet for the Bangalore-based patisserie and café. With more locations in the pipeline, this was an attempt to create a unique identity for the brand. Reflecting the nuances of the art of pastry making, the décor lays emphasis on details, precision and refined materials. Every object here is custom designed - the pendant lamps, the furniture and even the planters and the subtle grey tiles - to give Spoonful of Sugar its individuality. Keeping the colour scheme to a cheery floral white and pink, this café shows off a young, playful character. Clusters of furniture with bright pink accents make an attractive combination with aligned shades in the graphic wall motif. Choose between the cosy indoor seating and the airiness of the outdoor locale. There is also a third casual bar seating area adjacent to the street. What a splendid hangout to boost your sugar quotient!
Made in Earth created this cheerful foster home for HIV-positive children in Tamil Nadu, using sustainable techniques and community involvement. Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias
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GARDEN FOLLY
Cyrus Patell and Eliza Higgins of CollectiveProject.
Why wait for a vacation to curl up in a corner, read a favourite book or experience nature, when all these are available in the confines of your home? Innovatively designed in a 15’x50’ extension of a residential plot in Bengaluru, Garden Folly combines a reading nook, planted garden and an amphitheatre into one space. The pavilion is designed as a sunken path lined with black granite to give privacy and acoustic separation from the neighbourhood. The granite flooring along with the central structure clad in thin strips of reclaimed wood and the surrounding lush green landscape create a strong visual language that embodies comfort. In the evening, small diyas illuminate the walkway. On special occasions, the reading space can also be converted to a covered amphitheatre for family performances. While Garden Folly has a separate entrance and a masonry wall partition from the house, there are different vantage points that allow it to be enjoyed from the client’s residence.
info@collective-project.com www.collective-project.com
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WORKSHOP INC. Based in Ahmedabad, Workshop Inc. combines multiple disciplines such as architecture, interior design, products, graphics and installations to offer a wide range of creative solutions. Harsha Mistry, Varun Shah and Keta Shah are the firm’s principal architects. Photographs Kunal Bhatia
ADVANCED DIABETES CENTRE Advanced Diabetes Centre in Surat breaks the conventional norm of a healthcare centre as a dull and serious place, instead creating a calm ambience with cheerful shades. As a centre that offers holistic treatment and prevention of diabetes, patients tend to visit regularly for tests and spend hours in the waiting area. The offbeat design ensures an environment that gives a positive and relaxing experience. In the central waiting room, the textural combination of different materials such as wooden panels, rusted metal and the black kadappa flooring break the monotony during repeated visits. Seating is café-style instead of standard row-based arrangement, facilitating communication between patients. The consulting cabins are placed towards the windows to facilitate natural flow of light. Fresh hues of green and yellow, wooden flooring and glass partitions with bold infographics form the palette of the consulting cabins. Watch out for the vibrant yellow and blue columns and the loud reflectors on the ceiling.
Made in Earth created this cheerful foster home for HIV-positive children in Tamil Nadu, using sustainable techniques and community involvement. Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias
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PROJECT CAFÉ
Harsha Mistry, Varun Shah and Keta Shah of Workshop Inc.
At the intersection of food, retail and art, there is nothing but sheer joy. Project Café is a testimony to this blissful experience. At this art café, food is a catalyst to take art and design to the masses. Situated in an old bungalow in Ahmedabad, the small, disconnected rooms are opened up to join into one seamless interior. The walls with the rugged white finish, open shelves and flexible industrial display systems lend this place a raw appeal that succeeds in bringing a direct connect to the displayed works. The spread of colourful furniture peppered across the space elevates the optimistic charm of this cosy café. Workshop Inc. also helped the clients curate artists and put together complementary design elements such as furniture, cutlery and linens. The design works in a timeless fashion, giving the place a strong identity even as the exhibits continue to change.
connect@workshopinc.in www.workshopinc.in
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PATCH DESIGN STUDIO This multidisciplinary design studio started by Ipsit Patel and Rika Chaudhry is all about pushing the boundaries of design and function by experimenting with new materials and ideas, and producing a cohesive result tying the larger context with minute details. Photographs Kunal Bhatia
ECOLE INTUIT LAB One of the leading design schools in Mumbai, Ecole Intuit Lab, shares its space with Whyness, an ad agency. Although the total footprint is 11,500 sq.ft, the shared area presents a huge design challenge. There are brilliant instances of smart usage of spaces to fix this problem - the conference room, for example, is shared by Whyness and the school. The labs double up as a studio, and the sliding partitions between the labs work as a display panel for students. The partitions open up to make way for ample space to conduct labs or guest lectures. A breakout space integrated with the corridor serves as the hub of social interaction between students. Different textures give a distinct branding to the various programs in the school. For the corridor partitions, polished cement fibre boards are used with epoxy flooring. For the lab partitions, packaging board with vinyl flooring give a unique look. This is a clever example of astute planning in design and architecture.
Made in Earth created this cheerful foster home for HIV-positive children in Tamil Nadu, using sustainable techniques and community involvement. Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias
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UZO
Ipsit Patel and Rika Chaudhry of Patch Design Studio.
An exquisite restaurant bar tucked in Mumbai, Uzo has a fungible quality to it. The alfresco seating segregated by clear glass panelled shutters from the indoor bar allows it to transform from a café in the day to an evening lounge. The seating patterns varying from exposed concrete benches to round high tables and carved intimate booths complement different types of social interactions. It’s hard to take eyes off the riveting rubber wood frames that run as a continuous design feature. These frames act as the bar counter backdrop, then fold to become a feature ceiling, sweep over the alfresco seating and terminate as a vertical screen along the road. The rhythmic bands of rubber wood balance the coarse finish of Shahbad stone flooring. Patch Design Studio’s attention to detail reflects in the way the lush landscape cushions the outdoor area from the busy main road, yet not compromising its spatial character.
rikachaudhry@gmail.com www.patchdesignstudio.co
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WE DESIGN STUDIO Founded by Nupur Shah and Saahil Parikh, We Design Studio is all about austerity and simplicity. The studio believes that there lies an inherent sensuality in designing and building with restraint, order and control. Photographs Ira Gosaila
APARTMENT BY THE BAY Luxurious, contemporary and international - the apartment by the bay sits on the 29th floor of a residential building in the heart of Mumbai. A clutter-free, spacious apartment with subtle white shades instils a sense of calmness with pops of red and orange upholstery and bright art pieces introducing a playful cheer. The floor to ceiling glass walls in all the rooms cleverly allow to enjoy a majestic view of the city and the sea from this high rise building. The living room has a minimalistic, clutter-free design with the white couch as the show stealer. The colour of the floor and the couch blend to give an expansive character to the room. This concept is extended to other rooms, too, as there is a seamless integration of planes - floor, walls and ceiling - defying their individual functions and instead choosing to define a shared visual language.
Made in Earth created this cheerful foster home for HIV-positive children in Tamil Nadu, using sustainable techniques and community involvement. Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias
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Photographs Kunal Bhatia
APARTMENT 701
Nupur Shah and Saahil Parikh of We Design Studio.
Merging two smaller apartments into one requires structural changes that can make the end-result look odd. But, not so in Apartment 701. Here, the structural challenge seems to work in favour as the walls give way to large wardrobes. This home reflects the ethos of its residents - a well-travelled, creative, young couple, who have accumulated a collection of art works from across the globe. The colours, texture and finish of the materials along with the lighting strategy are designed to highlight the beauty of every art piece in the apartment. Neutral colours of black, white and grey keep the ambience in the house warm and simple. The cabinets, dining table and other wooden panels have an exposed plywood finish with a linseed oil polish lending the house an avant-garde charm. Along the exteriors are cavity walls that allow for cushy corners along the wide windows to read a book, sip a coffee or enjoy the view outside.
saahil@wedesignstudio.co.in nupur@wedesignstudio.co.in www.wedesignstudio.co.in
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function + aesthetic
From the funky to the functional, symbolism to pure aesthetics, antique to modern, inspiration from local culture to global trends, we bring you a curated collection of products from our young design mavericks.
SAHIL & SARTHAK LIGHTS Feel the radiance with Sahil & Sarthak’s lamps where the traditional meets the contemporary. From the completely handcrafted Kite Bird Lamp to the Love Bird Lamp that infuses Gond painting on abstract geometry; from the sleek two-layered Peacock Lamp with brass-finish to the Quattro Lamp using rust to create earthy pendant lamps, the collection is simply breath-taking. www.sahilsarthak.com
STUDIO WOOD 3.0H! COLLECTION Here is an eclectic, quirky mix of transitional furniture pieces with a diverse material palate of solid teak wood, resin, silk, raw logs of larch wood and sleek metal. Speakerson, the highlight piece, is a bar cabinet made of solid teak wood contrasted with a bright red metal brass trumpet and a 3D printed mobile phone holder. www.studiowood.co.in
NO-MAD THE TABLE COLLECTION Set your table now, as No-Mad arrives in style with its collection of linen, monk bowls, tea and coffee pots, glass jars and trays. Traditional objects like the kulhar ease their way into contemporary lifestyle. No-Mad’s philosophy of 3% inspiration from elsewhere sparkles in their creations with influences of Sashiko embroidery technique, African Lamu pot and Russian Matryoshka. www.no-mad.in
RAYDEN DESIGN AMALTAS Inspired by the clustered yellow flowers of the golden shower tree, this hexagonal lampshade by Parul and Mooshir Vahanvati has an alluring design of petals woven into one another. The interlocked design and the textural brilliance achieved with Polypropylene plastic sheets create a magical hide-and-seek lights effect. Available as pendant, table or floor lamp. www.raydendesign.com
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THE PINK CHAIR ASHLEY Komal Sandhu’s Ashley brings retro in style with a dramatic yellow, grey and black print. This chic, curvaceous chair with rounded diagonal legs makes a bold statement on its own. The artist took the plunge by using what was supposed to be a curtain cloth as the chair fabric. Perhaps, this is how iconic pieces are born. www.thepinkchair.in
RE-CULTURE DEAR O’ DEER This ceramic planter highlights the juxtaposition of the dead and living. The design of the animal trophy questions the ethics of hunting and transforming a living creature into a decorative accessory. In contrast, the plants symbolise life and its vivacity. Rohan Chhabra and Kriti Chaudhary challenge the usual with a playful experience.
BOHO STUDIO THE BAR CHAIR Komal Bhulani and Imayavalli Gopal’s bar chair breaks the monotony of glossy finish with its vintage industrial design. The antique stained mango wood seat can rise from 24” to 32” in height. Adjusting crank and gears made of black sealed iron, only add to the rustic charm of the product. www.facebook.com/BOHO-Studio-517738858382518/
www.re-culture.com
TAAMAA BIRD OF PARADISE The exotic crane flower that derives its name from a brightly coloured bird in flight gets an enticing interpretation in this Bird of Paradise sculpture. Crafted in aluminium with nickel and copper finishes, its elaborate petals accentuate the appearance and put on a phenomenal show as a décor piece. www.taamaa.in
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Design Sample Flat, Priveria, Mumbai Located at Khar West, Priviera by Oberoi Realty is positioned to be a dream home for the luxurious elite. The show flat done up by Sussanne Khan of The Charcoal Project fame was entrusted with the task of converting the 4BHK spacious apartment into a hospitable, tranquil and comfortable space with a subtle but luxurious touch. The residences have been created by Guz Architects from Singapore with an open design plan. The one residence per floor project has an Indian sensibility with an overarching influence of European and French colour palettes, fabrics and decor. This lent a warm and peaceful feeling to the apartment and concurrently ensured a seamless flow of energy across the space. The apartment includes three huge bedrooms and one large den. A lot of glass and wood in clean lines has been used to give a cosy and warm feeling to the spacious rooms. The den has been done up in a darker colour that gives it a rich yet chic look.
www.thecharcoalproject.com
Text Compiled By Rehana Hussain
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Intelligent design need not be restricted to mammoth-sized spaces. Sometimes even a small idea can lead to stunning, brilliant themes in the designing of interiors.
Mixology Every month, Design Mixology - our latest entrée in the design arena will spotlight innovative design in various domains such as showrooms, bars, clinics, spas and salons and much more.
Jain Builders Office, Jaipur A minimalistic workspace nestled in the heart of Jaipur is inspired by the idiosyncratic temples of India where references from age old architecture take centre stage through pristine marble flooring, alluring giant pillars with accents of gold and distinctive temple shelves. The interiors are composed of unique art and forms with a focus on customised elements orderly scattered around that showcase a transitional metamorphosis of design. The façade is crowned with a cantilevered balcony erected in a continuous pattern that displays repetitive ‘jharoka’ like archways. The entry into the reception area overlooks temple-like steps. It is an abstract form of a ‘bawri’ or a step well that travels from ground floor to the first floor. The highlight of the stairway is a roof that makes a cantilever projection allowing skylight to seep in. A statement floor-to-ceiling panel creates an interesting visual for the two floors and represents abstract art along the stairwell. While the base colours are all neutral and warm, a dash of bright is incorporated in the form of paintings, art, artefacts and furniture.
www.facebook.com/shantanugargdesign
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Lutyens Cocktail House, New Delhi Lutyens Cocktail House is a tribute to the great Sir Edwin Lutyens, a British architect who had a major role in designing and building the monuments of Delhi as well as the metropolis Connaught Place. The walls recall Lutyens’ Old Delhi as the paintings adorned narrate the story of the era. The wooden chairs and couches are a throwback to the classic English bars highlighted by the burgundy and dark wood decor. LCH is decorated like a living room of an influential colonial personality. Classy wooden furniture, colonial arches, island bar, antic fixtures and pictures are adorned in a very British European setting making it an ideal cocktail house. “This space and this menu is my tribute to the great master Sir Edwin Lutyens. I have attempted to create a dining experience that is rooted in surroundings created by Lutyens and arches out with mood and food that is steeped in tradition yet speaks to the palate of today and tomorrow,” says Priyank Sukhija, Restaurateur.
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ACRYSIL’S ARC OF SUCCESS
Mr. Chirag Parekh, CMD - Chairman and Managing Director of Acrysil charts out a strong plan for Acrysil’s growth trajectory.
Mr. Chirag Parekh, CMD - Chairman and Managing Director, Acrysil.
What are the unique features of Acrysil’s kitchen products that appeal to Indian design sensibilities and set it apart from other brands? Acrysil has been innovative and inventive in design, product development, manufacturing, and even marketing. Every product is sophisticated in styling, outstanding in operation, matchless in materials and dependable in durability. And that’s how it’s known both domestically and in over 40 countries worldwide. We first began designing and manufacturing kitchen sinks of composite quartz and granite, under the ‘Carysil’ brand. Since then we’ve extended the brand into a range of kitchen accessories and appliances. We’ve innovated with new materials, such as kitchen sinks of hybrid steel and granite, and later of stainless steel. And we’ve invaded new territory - namely bathrooms - beginning with washbasin bowls, and are already poised to launch strikingly stylish WC seats and other fittings.
Slider Free Stand Cooking Range – 2
What will be Acrysil’s biggest challenges in the coming year? In more than 40 countries, in the most challenging markets, Acrysil’s products - under the Carysil brand as well as third party OEMs - have carved out a premium niche. Our major markets are USA, France, Russia, Germany, Canada, China, UK - and, most recently, Tunisia, Romania, Finland, Australia and New Zealand. Acrysil recently acquired Homestyle Products Ltd., a well established kitchen products distribution company in the UK. In all these demanding overseas markets, Acrysil products command pride of place as the choice of discerning buyers.
What can we expect from Acrysil for further expanding its sales and positioning in the market? We have new technologies along with intense research and product development. To take the company to its next level our key strength will be our people. We are putting in place talent of the highest calibre – such as the exceptional people in the team now building our domestic appliances brand. We are creating a talent pool and a knowledge base that will elevate the company, and sustain its growth trajectory. We are targeting growth at an accelerated pace and with the initiatives in place so far it would be achievable. www.acrysil.com
Which are the latest products from Acrysil in the offing? Are there any new categories you are going to enter in 2016? Many gallery openings are planned in the coming years, as well as numerous launches of appliances and sanitary ware products. We constantly introduce new models in our product lines. This year, we launched 3D tiles for the first time in India and soon, we would be launching our range of 3D wash basins.
MVO-2
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DESIGN DESTINATION
HOUS WHERE Houston is a sprawling metropolis, well-known for its diversity and the arts, culture and community that are the direct results of a multi-ethnic society. One of the largest Southern ports in the US, Houston has been no stranger to faraway visitors, nor to the culture evolution, that is a continual consequence of diversity.
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STON WHEN
WHY
Located in one of the most humid regions of the United States, Houston sees soaring temperatures during the summer, and relatively moderate winters. The best time to visit is during the spring, or the fall, when the weather is more moderate, and permits easy walks around the museum, arts and shopping districts.
Famously known for housing the Mission Control Centre for NASA, Houston is associated with ideas of space exploration - moon missions, rocket launches, even the phrase “Houston, we have a problem� has been immortalised in pop culture. However, there is so much more to Houston, as it happens to be one of the most culturally diverse cities.
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CLASSICAL LUXURY IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON An exclusive member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the Hotel Icon is a luxury hotel that speaks volumes about the history and heritage of the city of Houston. It was constructed in 1911, and originally served as the Union National Bank Building, as is made evident by the hotel’s grand neoclassical architecture - a style so iconic of the administrative buildings of the pre-war years.
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There is a sense of elegant grandeur that pervades the entire hotel, from the magnificence of the facade - a 12story behemoth that stands as a testament to a time of simplistic, classical elegance - right through to the minutest decor details in the suites. The finishing all over is in rich, muted tones of ivory, with hints of ochre that give it a textural royal glimmer. Melded with this gilded sheen is a contemporary, balanced design - the Hotel Icon brings together old world class with modern simplicity. As sleek as it is rich, the hotel manages to balance its more opulent elements with almost effortless serenity, allowing for it to remain a place of comfort and ease.
A VERITABLE EDEN Bayou Bend is one of the United States’ foremost collections of American decorative arts. Housed in the former home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg, the space now functions as the Museum of Fine Arts, holding rare works of art dating as far back as the 17th century. The mansion was built according to specifications by Hogg to reflect a ‘Latin Colonial’ style of architecture - in keeping with a sense of simple, erudite elegance to serve as adequate quarters for these vastly exquisite works of art, without overpowering them. Bayou Bend comprises 28 period rooms, each with its own sense of design inspiration. The museum also holds an extensive, graciously cultivated series of gardens, rich with the heritage of the area’s natural environment - a radiating floral landscape.
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HOUSTON'S BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY A veritable panoply of contours, textures, colours and fabrics washes over the casual visitor to Houston’s most enigmatic store. Tienda X, the artistic curatorship of owners Garrett Hunter, designer, and Michael Landrum, architect, is a confluence of cultures and heritages, embodied by rare pieces of artistically detailed furniture from across the world, each with their own space, source and back-story. From velvet chaise lounges opulently detailed with gold that is entirely in keeping with its 1970s Hamptons heritage, to chairs made from Oriental rugs - along with a number of furnishings that have been developed in-house, Tienda X is brimming with rich artistic texture - featuring pieces that move beyond their function as furniture, and are works of art in their own right.
CREOLE CUISINE FOR THE MODERN NOMAD Considering Houston has been ranked as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, anyone’s top pick for eating out should be the Underbelly, a celebration of Creole cuisine. The term Creole originates from the idea of cultural fusion - the idea of infusing local ingredients with diverse cultures. The space itself is a reflection of these ideals - exposed wood and piping, scrawled over with ivy and rustic finishing blend seamlessly with sleek, urban-millennial signature décor elements. An absolute, don’t-miss is their extensive wine library, curated from the best quality of small family-owned vineyards, and presented with distinct oldworld flair.
Text By Avantika Shankar
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GREEN PROJECT
Heat mirror triple glazing, operable skylights facilitating passive ventilation, natural day lighting and a pond loop geothermal system are just a few features of this LEED Gold-targeted project.
A Green Design Takes Root
As you move around this green abode called +House, you witness dramatic moments of spectacular views that coalesce effortlessly with the charm and elegance of its uncomplicated interiors. Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Courtesy Shai Gil Photography
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The green structure lives up to its tag by conserving natural resources and thus lowering the carbon footprint, protecting biodiversity, reducing operating costs, minimising strain on the local infrastructure and improving occupant health and comfort.
The township of Mulmur is a hidden gem of Dufferin County, Ontario, Canada. Straddling the famous Niagara escarpment this house enjoys unparalleled vistas. Architect Andre D’Elia of Superkul Architects points out, “Our clients wanted a healthy house - one that first and foremost was sensitive towards the environment and secondly was also a beautiful space to live in. Therefore to our clients and to us the most important dialogue with the environment started with an understanding that the most beautiful space could also be a potentially worst space if it was not a healthy space. The two had to be one!”
Site plan of +House.
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Durisol blocks or ICFs (Insulated Concrete Formwork) made from concrete and recycled wood producing no VOCs have been used throughout the building. These are also fire and soundproof and energy efficient as they help reduce thermal mass.
The 2,150 sq ft four season house consists of no drywall - something very unusual for a Canadian house. Sited in a valley facing the banks of a stream fed pond, the explicit lines of the building accentuate its profile while also contradicting with and highlighting the vegetation behind and the angular perpendiculars of the slope. As some of the best buildings have always shown a concern for the environment, +House is no exception either.
A green roof assists in absorbing heat and acts as insulation, thereby reducing energy consumption. Lift and slide doors provide access to a full length deck, integrating all indoor spaces with the outdoors during the warm months, making them joyously liveable. Lightweight and porous Cedar boards plunge from the ceiling to the exterior soffit relieving noise pollution and adding to the insulation quotient of the house.
Andre explains, “The expanse of a 14 feet high glazing along the south facade responds to and allows for an interaction with the environment but there are also several other features that are hidden or not evident enough which contribute towards the dialogue with its environment.” As Andre elaborates further, “The house is designed to breathe and the walls help to regulate the humidity naturally using a clay product that never fully dries.”
Bedrooms located on opposite ends of the rectangular plan help in extending the limits of the house into comfortable, cosy and inviting rooms. The open kitchen and the large room situated in the heart of the building, collect ample light. +House’s precise profile and eminently functional spaces belie a wealth of complex health and ecologically sensitive technologies hidden beneath.
Each material and finish was vetted by the architects and then tested by the client to ensure zero adverse physical reaction. Durisol blocks or ICFs (Insulated Concrete Formwork) made from concrete and recycled wood producing no VOCs have been used throughout the building. These are also fire and soundproof and energy efficient as they help reduce thermal mass. The interior walls are finished with a natural clay plaster that is a self finishing breathable product requiring no paint. The concrete floors that connect with the Cedar deck unfolding outside serve as a counterpoint to the tall ceilings.
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Bedrooms located on opposite ends of the rectangular plan help in extending the limits of the house into comfortable, cosy and inviting rooms.
A soy based sealer was used on the concrete floors and counters. Soy proved a sensible alternative to regular petroleum based sealants as it is a renewable product and helps in reducing the carbon footprint. Untreated silk and hemp that are popular biodegradable and organic substitutes were used in the form of curtains along with a PVC free blackout roller shade fabric that is mildew resistant. Hospital grade Hepa filters were suspended in the duct systems to help purify the air. An array of large quadrangular openings placed throughout the external skin of the building called for compelling attention to the beauty found in the otherwise straightforward explicit geometry.
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Lightweight and porous Cedar boards plunge from the ceiling to the exterior soffit relieving noise pollution.
Heat mirror triple glazing, operable skylights facilitating passive ventilation, natural day lighting and a pond loop geothermal system are just a few more features of this LEED Gold-targeted project. Andre tells us, “The house is the clients’ summer home in the country so they wanted it to be their oasis.� With a combination of local and natural materials and a line up of distinct design elements, the archly rectangular structure is a classic example of what modern architects are renowned for.
A green roof assists in absorbing heat and acts as insulation, reducing energy consumption.
In fact, the green structure lives up to its tag by conserving natural resources and thus lowering the carbon footprint, protecting biodiversity, reducing operating costs, minimising strain on the local infrastructure and improving occupant health and comfort. Andre very aptly puts it - “The house was always conceived as the sum of its parts where every material, be it building skins, structure, mechanical and electrical systems, finishes and furnishings all had to come together as one voice that would sing a sweet healthy song.�
www.superkul.ca www.twitter.com/superkul
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ILIÜI
Sara Güida and Alessio Nobili are Italian by birth but live in the countryside of a little village of craftsmen, called Gata de Gorgos, in the south of Spain. Well entrenched in this place since the last 8 years, this couple which has the good of the environment close at heart, decided to chuck up their everyday jobs to pursue their dream project. It is more a way of life now that they have happily embarked upon. “Both of us love to explore different crafts,” says Sara Güida who studied in the Institute of Art in Rome and specialised in industrial and fashion design in Milan.
Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj
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Alessio isn’t a designer or carpenter by profession, but he has always loved making things. The name of their firm which is, Iliüi, has been formed out of letters making up their own names. It was in the city of Alicante, where the duo once lived, that they happened upon several trashed empty cans and were inspired to re-purpose them.
Their goal then became to create original, hand-made designs with a deep attention to details, out of the trashed cans and other reclaimed materials. They decided to prove that it was possible to create contemporary and ‘cool’ products out of recycled material. It was in September 2013 that they constructed their very first lamp prototype.
Team Iliüi starts its day early in the morning. Working out of their house and surrounded by nature, only serves to fuel their inspiration and energy. Sara and Alessio do not have an ‘average’ day pattern. Life is full of answering emails, taking pictures of new products, writing invoices, packing products, making labels and ordering materials.
And, of course since they live in the countryside they also spend some time taking care of their plants, and playing with their dogs. When asked if they have always had an interest in recycling and upcycling, they say, “Yes, we both love nature, so, taking care of the environment has always been important for us.”
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Sara’s degree in fashion and her experience in the fashion industry have come in great use in creating the vast range of green products. It is only when you look carefully at them that the origin of the components can be discerned. The careful attention to detailing and the exquisite finish of the products can compete with any other product made out of virgin components.
Additionally, explains Sara, “The feeling for what comes next is something I always had, not something that I learnt. However, what I did learn was to analyse upcoming trends and work out when to action an idea. That I feel is very important in order not to waste a great idea at the wrong time.”
Sara and Alessio are always on the lookout to finding and then using new and exciting materials that are trashed but could well be metamorphosed into something that is both stylish and useful. They love to utilise stuff that you would normally find at a landfill site and they believe that with a little bit of ingenuity, pretty much everything can be re-used. All it needs is some focus and respect towards our environment. It could then well lead to a situation when all waste will be organic, just as it used to be. www.iliüi.it
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A view of the luxurious living room with a ringed wooden panel partitioning the deck.
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KIHAT
When the principal architect of an interior design firm builds a house for himself, it is bound to become a culmination of two facts - labour of love and brilliance in design. And, that’s precisely what Kihat is.
The Kihat residence is carefully put together, just like its curious appellation that is an ensemble of the last letter of every person in the Choksi family. Located in Piplod, Surat, the house boasts of stunning views of both the city and the Tapi River. Not only does the residence stand for the ethos and personal taste of Manish Choksi, the chief architect of Design Core, it is also a stand out home designed to impress his clients. The designer, Moiz Faizulla, talks about how the home is actually a clever combination of two apartments that led to a sprawling single space measuring 6500 sq ft. “We decided to create two separate spaces within the house, both with different themes – one for living and the other for lifestyle,” says Faizulla. To the right of the living room is the main section with four bedrooms, a kitchen, dining and puja area. The left leads to the lifestyle space which houses the home theatre, spa, yoga and meditation rooms, Jacuzzi, steam room and shower, the office studio and a guest bedroom. “Right from early on in the project, Choksi was clear that he wanted a finished contemporary look and not a rugged, earthy feel,” states Faizulla. This was consistent with his own taste as well as the client’s for whom the residence was meant to be an exhibitionistic piece. The Italian marble finish on the flooring, the usage of wooden panels and the false ceilings accentuating the lighting within the house definitely provide the contemporary edge. However, some rustic elements have been deliberately infused too. The pots, the lamps on the centre table, the huge wooden clock and the exposed brick structure (painted white to retain balance) behind the TV panel in the living room add an interesting juxtaposition to the otherwise ‘finished’ appearance of the house.
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Enjoy the glorious city view from the deck while the green wall emanates a sense of tranquillity in the background.
Kihat is meant to be a comfortable and cosy place for the family to relax in and nowhere is this fact more evident than the deck area that flanks the living room. Combining the space of two balconies into one, the vast semioutdoor deck with the cushy swing chair is ideal for someone to unwind after a long day. The glass windows allow ample entry of light into the living room and also provide a brilliant view of the city. The crowning glory of the deck is the green wall that is ingeniously highlighted by the wooden panels on all the other surfaces in the room including the floor, walls and the ceiling.
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Explaining the colour themes of grey and white in the residence, Faizulla says, “This is the in-thing now. We are now moving away from the traditional brown and white combination to a more subtle colour palette.” One glimpse at the house and you understand the impact this colour scheme brings – not only does it impart an expansive character to the rooms, but it also helps the other colourful artefacts in the room to shine. The colours blend seamlessly with the imported dining set and the stylish kitchen cabinets. The puja area has an uncluttered look with calligraphic details adorning the walls. Each bedroom has an individualistic charm based on personal choices. While the grandmother’s room has a minimalistic look, the daughter’s room has a sporty lounge with the adjoining wall hosting pictures of her favourites – cars and boats. Her bedroom has a long Corian study table latched on to the walls with metallic frame supports. The master bedroom is segregated into sleeping and sitting halves, embellished by a huge projector for entertainment value. The wooden flooring flowing in continuity with the panelled wall creates the illusion of a separate lounge area.
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To go to the ‘lifestyle’ section of the residence, one needs to walk through a long passage from the living room. The wall of memories along this path, breaks the monotony of the walk and instead builds points for conversation with guests. With pastel purple and green fabric stitched onto the walls, pure white comfortable recliners and the ceiling lights punching out a bold, vibrant look, the home theatre room loudly announces that it’s time for entertainment. Then, there is the relaxation area that also hosts the yoga and meditation space with soothing water and light effects in the backdrop.
Minimalism is the mantra for the grandmother’s room.
The Kihat residence uses the amalgamated apartment spaces dexterously and has show-off elements to boast its design excellence. But, it does these at no compromise to the fact that it’s ultimately a place for the family while staying true to its identity as an architect’s personal abode. info@designcore.co.in www.designcore.co.in
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report An Anganwadi designed by architect Sachin Agshikar for the Charles Correa Foundation honours the design philosophy of the great architect himself, which always held great respect for the inhabitants and surroundings of any building. 4
Architect Charles Correa was one of the most iconic architects of modern India and one who was actually a pioneer in contemporary design that shaped the postindependent Indian architectural scenario. His designs were not stale imitations of colonialism or the modernism prevalent in the West, instead they were developed in response to the local setting, embracing vernacular architectural principles. Charles Correa believed in designing for social needs and hence initiated the Charles Correa Foundation (CCF), a non-charitable trust based in Panaji, Goa, whose primary aim is to encourage architecture, urban design and community projects that work for the betterment of the natural and built habitat. The foundation is testament to Correa’s belief in architecture for social causes that help the urban poor and also support the local community by the use of local resources in terms of material and craftsmen. One of the Foundation’s endeavours is the designing of an Anganwadi in South Goa and Charles Correa entrusted architect Sachin Agshikar, who had worked alongside the mastermind quiet often, with the project.
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Text By K Parvathy Menon Photographs Courtesy Architect Sachin Agshikar
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An Anganwadi is actually a government sponsored child-care and mother-care centre in India and was propogated as a part of the Integrated Child Development Services program (ICDS) to combat child hunger and malnutrition. “This project was important to Charles Correa, as it was going to be the first built project of the foundation. The prototype Anganwadi, reflects Correa’s work ethos and style, especially in the climatic and energy factors, and most importantly in the respect for the site’s inhabitants,” says architect Agshikar.
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According to the CCF team, “The intent of the project was to propose and implement a vision and strategy to generate an ideal Anganwadi prototype which would provide for a quality environment conforming with the needs and requirements of children for a constructive early childhood development.” The physical environment becomes integral to this early learning process, thus the Anganwadi, needed to be a low-income multipurpose quality space.
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2 1. Keeping in mind the children who use it, they chose black Cuddapah, an inexpensive yet durable stone, to clad the floor and bright orange paint for the shutters. 2. Sachin Agshikar, project architect tells us, “Built on a limited budget funded by the JSW foundation, the small structure was designed keeping in mind the children who would be using the premises.” 3. The large rain tree could not be incorporated into the building, so the team kept in line with its axis and built the Anganwadi under the tree. 4. Like all of Charles Correa’s projects, the Anganwadi project by the Foundation also respects the topographical and organic scale of the site. 5. Airy, open, cheerful and inviting – the model Anganwadi is a lowincome quality spatial solution. 6. Zoning based on air flow pattern that emphasises cross-ventilation places the multipurpose space in the centre, and kitchen, crèche and toilets to the corners.
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The structure factors in the regional climate and has been built in response to the hot, humid weather of Goa, with large openings on all four sides to assist cross-ventilation and counter the climatic discomforts. With air flow pattern as a primary consideration, the zoning of the functions had the design team placing a large multipurpose space in the centre, with kitchen, toilets crèche and store room facilities pushed to the periphery into the corners. The built space, situated under a large rain tree in line with the axis, acts like a large verandah due to the openings that connect it to the surrounding on all four sides. Material vocabulary for the prototype structure echoes the low-income typology. Being a space for kids, the team chose black Cuddapah, an inexpensive yet durable stone, to clad the floor while the surfaces were plastered and painted with external paint as a cost cutting feature. The bright red external facade becomes a perfect backdrop for the ever changing shadows of the rain tree that create wonderful patterns throughout the day, almost like an art work.
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Architects like Sachin Agshikar who have understood his ideology and translated it into their own unique spatial language continue his legacy, through creations and architectural endeavours; just like this model Anganwadi, of the Charles Correa Foundation. sachin_architect@yahoo.com
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WEST ELEVATION
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SOUTH ELEVATION
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1. South elevation of the site. 2. Deep set openings, common to many of Correa’s structures, feature in the design and serve as a multipurpose indooroutdoor space. 3. “A large verandah,” is how the design team describes the structure as a whole, one that opens and connects with its surroundings on all four sides. 4. Note how the design team has creatively used the symbol of a girl and boy to mark the building as a space for children. 5. The red surface is the perfect backdrop for the everchanging shadow patterns cast by the large rain tree on site. 6. The structure factors in the regional climate and has been built in response to the hot, humid weather of Goa. 7. Section of Anganwadi. 8. Designing emphasised on the air flow pattern through built masses while the negative-positive spaces were marked out. 9. West elevation of the site.
The small prototype structure was designed keeping in mind the children who would be using the premises. 4
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A landscape designed for entertaining, gardening and sunsets.
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Landscapes
ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE MEETS HORTICULTURE Art meets Architecture meets Horticulture – is an equation underlined by landscape designer Steve Ritchey in his compelling creations that respond fully to the site, region and the specific needs of the client. Steve founded Seed Studio four years ago and has since then been exploring the beautiful connection between nature and design on all ‘grounds’. Steve’s designs are aimed at adapting the house to the environment. The landscape elements that he plants into his works make the entire space germinate as a whole.
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The clients requested a garden that could handle a large gathering yet feel intimate for two.
Steve says, “When I begin a new project I primarily want to create a space for the user and provide him with a great user experience. I work with the existing elements and spaces and try to instill feelings of comfort, intimacy and transition. I ask myself, where does the space feel best? Where is the vibe lacking? How can I help? I then add elements as needed, shuffle the pieces around until they fall into a kind of order. I call this working with the psychology of the space.”
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He goes on further to explain, “This process requires an element of artistic vision, though I would never call myself an artist. There is a certain magic when the project comes together with a beautiful elegance. Once a concept is basically functional, I seek out this aesthetic purity in my work. You can feel it when a space has integrity. That has always been my goal.” When a designer’s initial approach considers how the client wants to experience their outdoor space, the result is always something unique and personal. His spaces stand as testimony to some of the most original and inventive examples of landscape design. His projects Potrero Hill Lookout and Portola Writer’s Retreat are worth shifting the spotlight on.
The centrepiece is a Corten steel wood burning firepit, surrounded by a seat height deck with many nooks for gathering, relaxing and conversation.
This is about a landscape designed for entertaining, gardening and sunsets. The clients requested a garden that could handle a large gathering, yet feel intimate for two. The centerpiece is a Corten steel wood burning fire pit, surrounded by a seat height deck with many nooks for gathering, relaxing and conversation. An outdoor living room allows comfortable viewing of the nearby Bernal Hill. Planting includes succulents compatible with the rocky soil, bamboo for screening and a vegetable garden for homemade meals. Steve explains, “The planting for this project was driven by the thin rocky soil. In some areas solid rock was only a foot or so below grade.”
While designing a space, one stumbles upon certain indispensable elements that eventually form part of the design story. Steve shares, “There was an existing bamboo hedge that provided excellent screening along one side. I used it as an anchor for the deck and wall areas.” Wooden backdrops meet wooden planks set alive by softly, gleaming tea lights and a string of glowing bulbs. Fresh vegetation was woven into the space creating intimate spaces on a unique material palette. Steve states, “I love using gravel as it ‘flows’ , I think of it as water in a different state and use it to fill spaces in a quiet way. Here it was used to unify the design and provide a casual patio.”
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Anchoring the design an existing apple tree becomes the symbolic heart of the garden.
Located in San Francisco’s Portola neighborhood, the retreat’s design reflects the client’s desire for a landscape with a modern, clean, aesthetic and varied, edible plantscape. Steve shares, “The planting for this project was designed to provide a variety of food and herbs, many native to California. Examples include California Huckleberry, Western Hazelnut and Yerba Buena”.
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Anchoring the design, an existing apple tree becomes the symbolic heart of the garden. “We had to keep the Apple tree in the centre of the yard, despite it not being in great shape and awkwardly located,” says Steve. Flowing around this element, the layout wields a dynamic tension between the strong geometry of the patio areas and the mixed thematic planting zones.
“As the pieces started to fall into place around the tree it took on more meaning for me as an appropriate centre-piece that reflected the client’s adventurous spirit and their extensive travels throughout India,” explains Steve. A writing/guest cabana, a spa, vegetable beds, dining and lounge areas, an unusual Floss Silk tree and hidden clotheslines in a dining patio screen, all coexist harmoniously. Steve loves working with wood.
“We built a small deck around a round wood spa tub. I particularly enjoy creating intimate, hidden spaces in a design.� Home Review July 2016
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An out of sight clothes line in a dining patio screen is just one of Steve Ritchie’s many beauty with functional elements employed.
He shares, “For me as a living plant that has been transformed into a building material it represents something unique in the material palette. In this project we built a small deck around a round wood spa tub. I particularly enjoy creating intimate, hidden spaces in a design.” Steve’s spaces focus on the integrated master landscape planning of a property and the specific landscape design within it. The result is a landscape designed to marvel at!
steve@seed-studio.net www.seed-studio.net
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The philosophy and essence of Anantaya works around nurturing traditional crafts and giving them a contemporary twist which is reflected in the store design.
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Retail Therapy
Infinite Legacy AnanTaya, the store respects the infinite legacy of Indian crafts and expresses them through its beautiful and versatile products that cleverly invoke our heritage.
Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs Shine Bhola
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The basic structure is industrial, but the idea has been informed by tradition.
Located in Jaipur, AnanTaya has the advantage of being in a locale where indigenous craftsmanship thrives. The name resonates not only with the philosophy of the owners Geetanjali and Ayush Kasliwal, but also with the names of their children. “My oldest daughter is named Anunya, and my middle daughter is Tanaya (fondly called Taya). Derived from these two names, AnanTaya means infinite, neverending or ever flowing, which we thought was a beautiful way to describe our incredible craft legacy,” says the duo.
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Displays are revamped partly or completely, as required, depending on newer ranges or in-store exhibitions.
An open courtyard greets you on entering the 1500 square feet store. The location was once a derelict space, having been a car mechanic’s garage and also a warehouse for a timber merchant previously. The raised podium is almost 80 years old, and the couple has even retained the original surface. “It makes a beautiful space for us to organise and host workshops, talks, events and performances. We had a wonderful concert by the Kabir cafe at our launch, several book launches and even a bespoke event during the Jaipur literature festival in January 2016,” they state.
The philosophy and essence of the brand works around nurturing traditional crafts and giving them a contemporary twist. Indeed, this is also reflected in the store design. Black natural finish Cuddapah stone lines the floor. The basic structure is industrial, but the idea has been informed by tradition. For example, the store picks on the visual language of traditional tents which used to accompany the rulers of Rajputana on their military campaigns. There are textile awnings installed in the summers to keep out the harsh sun.
The wide variety of products are mostly designed and produced in-house.
The south-facing veranda has a carved screen made in traditional lime mortar, a technique rarely used in contemporary architecture. The delicate screen is echoed on the other side in the large hand beaten globe made by master craftsman Dilshad using the traditional ‘repoussé’ technique. “The artisan made them on site, and it actually took more time to make the screens, than it did to make the entire building! But it was worth the wait,” say the couple. The complete glass frontage has been lined with beautifully woven bamboo sticks, which cast dappled shadows in the evening sun. The unique door handles, made in sand cast brass have bronze bells hanging on them. The fabric lined ceiling changes seasonally, with bright Leharia curtains coming out in Holi and rich red ones in Diwali.
The displays are on flexible shelves that can be folded occasionally to form wall panels and opened up as necessary.
This fluidity naturally translates to fluid displays as well. The displays are on flexible shelves that can be folded occasionally to form wall panels and opened up as necessary. “We have been very careful about the in-store signage, and most objects have labels describing the product, and the idea behind it.” “We wanted the products to appear to be in a curated museum space and exude a unique narrative that would be completely accessible and something that the patrons could enjoy in their homes today,” they explain. Displays are revamped partly or completely, as required, depending on newer ranges or in-store exhibitions.
The wide variety of products are mostly designed and produced in-house. However, the store also showcases creations of talented people who share a like-minded philosophy. The mélange of the décor, in-store experience and respect for Indian craftsmanship that pervades everything - right from the brand philosophy to the products and the way they are displayed, makes a visit to AnanTaya a refreshing dip into the world of contemporary Indian design. www.anantayadecor.com
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THE MARKETPLACE Featherlite Introduces Height Adjustable Table
Prayag Unveils Sparkling Vignette Collection
Office Furniture
The new height adjustable table by Featherlite achieves new heights in the workplace, helps comfort and productivity through allowing users to easily alternate between sitting and standing postures. Regular switching between these two positions is a proven method to keep lower back and neck pain at bay. Researches show that most people who work in the office and sit for long hours can suffer from some serious illnesses. Height adjustable tables are a new generation of worktables that offers flexibility to users who sit glued to their work for more than eight hours. Study shows that people who sit and stand during their work decrease the musculoskeletal pain after four to six weeks of working using the height adjustable table. They become more comfortable, thus work effectively and productively. Using the height adjustable table improves blood circulation, helps in maintaining the right posture, and boosts energy levels resulting in good nourishment of the muscles. Featherlite’s height adjustable tables come with simple buttons that will help you reach the requirement of your sitting and standing positions. Everest white table is one of the top products, featuring 5 feet dimension with 2.5 feet that causes you no visual distraction while working, instead it fosters creativity. These tables give workers an ability to adjust the work surface height quickly, effortlessly, and quietly without the help of electricity, while promoting and encouraging frequent work style transitions. Featherlite Height Adjustable table allows workers to reenergize themselves throughout the day by changing positions whenever they want for a more comfortable and healthier day. This product is perfect for business start-up as well as freelancers or individuals who work at home. www.featherlitefurniture.com
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Prayag, a leading brand in bath assets and sanitary ware has rolled out its new high-end ‘Vignette collection’ (the art of luxury), an amazing range of faucets and bath accessories in a wide choice of sparkling metallic tones and finishes which also include Matt Pure Gold and Gloss Steel. The finish and colour tone of this luxury collection is obtained from state of the art PVD technology, that gives much longer application life than conventional chrome finish. Luxury taps and shower panels offered in the swanky Vignette Collection have a smooth, polished finish that have an enhanced usage value as well as add to the overall aesthetics of washbasin areas. Available in durable metal finish, these taps are also offered in other design options. The exciting collection made using superior grade metal for lasting durability is suitable for use in areas like homes as well as at hotels and resorts. While unveiling the stunning ‘Vignette Collection’, Mr. Nitin Agarwal, Managing Director, Prayag, said, “With its elegant, sparkling and refreshing looks, “Vignette Collection” is here to make your ambiance lighter, brighter and a luxury retreat.” ‘Vignette collection’ by Prayag is thoughtfully designed to provide a wide and comprehensive range of models. Made from the finest grade of stainless steel, Vignette Collection is tough, corrosion and scratch resistant, maintenance free and promises a lifetime of completely dependable service. Apart from unbeatable durability with high performance, Prayag’s ‘Vignette collection’ also offers 1 year guarantee. Vignette Collection by Prayag is available with price ranging from Rs. 7500/- to Rs. 40,000/-. www.prayagindia.com
THE MARKETPLACE Philips’ Latest Range Of Air Purifiers
SL90 Sliding Door By Veka Its multiple chamber design enhances heat and sound insulation properties. Galvanised steel reinforcement of thickness greater than 2 mm imparts optimum stability to the system. Colour foil lamination and vacuum spray coating processes can be applied for colour co-ordinated windows.
Nowadays people are opting for bigger sliding doors and windows. Regular sliding door systems are suitable up to 2200 mm. So there is a need of heavier systems for sizes bigger than 2200 mm, such as SL90.
www.veka.in
SL90 sliding door is suitable for use in residential developments, commercial buildings, factories, schools, hospitals and hotels. The system’s compliance to various performance specific criteria makes it an ideal choice in the construction market. SL90’s main profile wall thickness of more than 2.8mm is fully compliant to technical specifications as set forth in European standards, EN 12608 Class ‘A’.
A pioneer in the air purification segment in India, Philips has introduced the latest innovations in the air purifiers category. The two new products Philips Air Purifier Series 3000 and Philips Air Purifier Series 6000 come with Philips’ Aerasense technology that offers real time numerical PM 2.5 LED display. Aerasense is a cutting edge technology exclusive to Philips with the accuracy and performance benchmark against a professional sensor, senses and delivers superior purification.
Herman Miller, one of the leading American manufacturers of office furniture, equipment and home furnishings globally, has launched its online store for retail customers in India through its website store.hermanmiller.in.
Both the series have a range of filters such as German multi-layer filter (HEPA), VitaShield IPS professional filtration system and NanoProtect S3 filters that offer complete protection for different conditions which can clean up to 0.3 micron particle. Philips Air Purifier Series 6000 is a heavy duty air purifier designed for larger spaces.
Through Herman Miller’s new online store, customers will not only be able to access detailed product information of all their furnishings but also explore product concepts, meet the designers, and discover the behind the-scenes inspiration it takes to produce some of the world’s most exciting products for the home and office.
With its Vitashield IPS, TwinForce aerodynamics design delivers superior purification against pollution and common allergens. The Philips Air Purifier Series 3000 offers respiratory particle feedback, a special allergen mode, new filters, improved airflow and an Aerodynamic design. Philips Air Purifiers are available at modern retail outlets and leading retail stores.
The online store will offer a diverse range of Herman Miller products including Mirra 2 Chair, Aeron Chair, Celle Chair, Sayl Chair along with accessories like Eames HangIt-All, Flo Monitor Support and Lapjack Portable Laptop Holder.
www.philips.co.in
Maximum size per shutter can be 1200 x 2600mm (W x H). It has zero water penetration feature during maximum rainfall too and thanks to an add on track provision, water can be quickly drained out.
Herman Miller Launches Online Store
In the coming few months the company plans to launch more products like Embody Chair, Eames Lounge and Ottoman, Caper Stacking Chair, Envelop Desk, among others.
Speaking about this endeavour, Kartik Shethia, Vice President, Herman Miller Asia Pacific stated, “Through its online store, Herman Miller hopes to reach out to a wider consumer base in India. This online store will allow people to directly interact with the Herman Miller brand and have the opportunity to research and shop from the comfort of their home/office.” www.hermanmiller.in www.store.hermanmiller.in Home Review July 2016
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