Home Review September 2014

MY SPACE : Sunitha Kondur

vol 13 issue 9

SEPTEMBER 2014

MOAD UNCOVERED

total pages 148

DESIGN DESTINATION : BEIRUT

RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM

WINNING STROKES

by M:OFA Studios HOME REMEMBERED Minnie Bhatt Design

BRICK

BY BRICK

AANGAN ARCHITECTS’ SMART PLAY OF SPACE AND LIGHT

SCINTILLATING SURFACES THAT MAKE A MARK - FLOORING, CEILINGS & WALL COVERINGS

Photo: Cyrus Dalal

A

angan Architects have worked with an open-plan scheme crafting a largely ethnic setting for a residence in Vadodara. An open brick-work detail used in combination with geometric punctuations in the facade introduce a quality of soft filtered light in this home’s welcoming interiors.

The design is an interplay of exposed brick, form-finished concrete and black kadappa stone flooring, accentuated with Teakwood furniture. The design idea that shines through emphasises on space and light. Also finding prominence in the interiors is an assortment of artefacts collected by the owners that are peppered throughout the space. ‘Every design has a soul,’ believe team M:OFA; and this adage is fittingly reflected in an office that revolves around a swirling cloud installation smack-dab in the middle of the workspace.

Designed for the Delhi Daredevils IPL franchise, this project is an exercise in camaraderie. Spaces overlap to dispel hierarchy and encourage team spirit, while no opaque barriers and partitions are introduced to create unnecessary divisions. The swirling cloud vortex is the anchor of the space - playing the role of dissipating energy, dynamism and passion - similar to what one of its occupants might experience in a stadium.

The young Mumbai-based designer Minnie Bhatt has been on a roll creating unique dining experiences. This time she delivers on a design scheme for a Burmese eatery. The diner is replete with Buddhist prayer wheels and ethnic cloth parasols that float from a vintage ceiling. To emphasise the age-old goodness of the Burmese way of life, she has also introduced a native tea bar replete with elegant red lacquered cabinets and other local paraphernalia like cane baskets and toys that all cleverly resonate the name of the restaurant - Burma Burma.

Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com

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The biggest advantage of being in a country like ours is the vast crafts that we have inherited

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Benares - a trip to the holiest city, located on the banks of the river Ganga

SUNITHA KONDUR

Cover Story Using the principles of space and light, Aangan Architects design a traditional yet contemporary home in Vadodra which makes the most of an open plan design

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Shining a spotlight on the most popular solutions that have become quite a rage in contemporary interiors and architecture

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SEPTEMBER

Designed by M:OFA Studios, the new office of Delhi Daredevils espouses the energy of the IPL team through vibrant strokes of colour, pattern and spatial dynamism

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A SYNONYM OF LUXURY

By Yashesh Virkar

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The ‘Burma Burma’ restaurant designed by Minnie Bhatt plays an elegant homage to the colours and richness of Burmese culture

90 ‘The Little Door’ cafe in Mumbai has a dual personality; a cafe cum store by day it turns into an eatery by night

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GREEN PROJECT

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Vo Trong Nghia and his eponymous firm harness the country’s abundant natural resource - bamboo - to create a stunning landmark, the Kontum Indochine Café in Kontum city, Vietnam

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BEIRUT A DESIGN DESTINATION

‘Yalikavak Palmarina’, a marina development project by Emre Arolat Architects combines architecture with the natural landscape

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product

designer

Designers Noa Ikeuchi and Tommaso Nani created the Mist-o studio to design and produce contemporary, minimalistic products that are stunning, just by their simplicity and elegance

SEPTEMBER

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THE MARKETPLACE

The Thief, a hotel in Oslo, Norway robs visitors of all that is mundane, familiar and stressful and offers them cutting-edge architecture, art and world class cuisine

126 BLOOMIN’ GOOD

The Reford Gardens in Quebec come alive with art and blooms every year for the avant-garde International Garden Festival

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Landscapes

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Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market

134 Aplenty with fashion-related cues this glamorous apartment in Lokhandwala designed by Kunal Barve makes clever use of spaces

Based in Chennai, Madras Office for Architects and Designers (MOAD) comprehends clients’ requirements to devise solutions which are both practical and creative

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Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj

Vidyavati Chandan Photographer A self-taught photographer from Mumbai, India, Vidyavati actively enjoys travel and documentary photography.

Her canvas is broad and inundated with moments which capture the slice of life.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Sub Editors Vikas Bhadra Ulka Vartak Rehana Penwala Contributing Writers Chryselle D’Silva Dias Christabelle Athaide Dhanishta Shah Himali Kothari K Parvathy Menon Shruti Nambiar Designers Asif Shayannawar Snigdha Hodarkar

Yashesh Virkar Designer A Bachelor in Product Design from Raffles Design School, Singapore, Yashesh Virkar is the founder of Yasanche, a design studio which creates bespoke products for the home decor segment.

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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Mr. Ganesh Gurav, Mr. Vivek Jadhav, Mr. Rakesh Kini (Digital), B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133/1, 32958501 F 022 23743069 E response@marvelinfomedia.com

Aangan Architects Brick by Brick, Page 28 Instituted in April 2001 by Architect and Urban Designer Vishal Shah, the Founder Partner and Ar. Vishal Desai, Aangan Architects aspires to create sensible and responsive design collaboration in fields related to built environment. Ar. Niti Shah and Ar. Prathama Desai provide an edge to planning and interior design respectively.

Delhi Ms Sumita Prakash Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075 Tel 09899179540, Email: sumitabiswas63@gmail.com Chennai Mr S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr Subrata Mazumder 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli).

Kolkata 700084 Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

Minnie Bhatt Home Remembered, Page 84 Principal architect of Minnie Bhatt Design, a seven year old firm, Minnie Bhatt designs spaces which are tasteful and timeless with an emphasis on authenticity. Her design style is eclectic and contemporary, and she endeavours to steer clear of doing repetitive work.

This issue has a total of 148 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 144 inside pages.

We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved.

Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information.

All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.

Editor Mr. Anish Bajaj. Published and Printed by Mr. Anish Bajaj on behalf of the owner Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033

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M:OFA Winning Strokes, Page 68 Headed by Principal Architect Manish Gulati, M:OFA since its commencement has grown from a boutique architectural design firm to a comprehensive institution. Here architecture and design have gone beyond passion to an elaborate conglomeration of innovative minds and efficient systems. M:OFA is based out of New Delhi and is doing projects across India.

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PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 4 6 SEP

Reminiscent of the fact that design impacts everything and everyone, Paris Design Week takes on the colours of the art of living. In the city and its inner suburbs, 236 participants in 150 venues will open their doors to illustrate this impact.

The construction industry is one of the largest economic activities contributing to India’s development. In a time when India has been witnessing tremendous growth in the building and construction sector, the stakeholders of the industry have a vital role to play in preserving the environment.

The event also provides an impetus to young designers and design entrepreneurs with support operations like Carré Orange; the Carré Orange project helps young designers and producers by encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives. The project offers the designers a platform of visibility that introduces them to established design professionals and their future audience.

TO

Green Building Congress Hyderabad

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) was thus formed in the year 2001. Since then the council’s activities have enabled a market transformation with regard to green building concepts, materials and technologies.

To advance the green building movement in the country, IGBC is organising India’s flagship event on green buildings, Green Building Congress 2014 at Hyderabad, India.

The event will be heralded by international speakers who will speak on a number of topics ranging from green homes to green building products and equipments.

www.parisdesignweek.fr

There are five categories of awards with two prizes in each category of Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh each. The categories are: 1) Cost Effective Rural/Urban Housing including Disaster Resistant Housing, 2) New and Innovative Town Design Solutions/Eco-cities, 3) Conservation of Heritage, 4) Green Buildings and 5) Landscape Planning and Design. www.hudco.org

13 TO 21 SEP

London Design Festival London

12 SEP

Last Date for Receipt of Entries Hudco Design Awards

www.greenbuildingcongress.com

9 TO 15 SEP

Paris Design Week Paris, France

Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA), Government of India is a premier Techno-financing Institution in the area of housing and urban development.

Since inception, through its technical and financial assistance endeavours, it has contributed significantly towards improving the habitat conditions, especially of the urban poor.

Known as the fashion capital of the world, the Paris Design Week seeks to extend this status to the design genre beyond just style and fashion that Paris is so well known for.

Working towards this aim are a number of events that form the Paris Design Week which include Design in France, Art & Design, Food & Design, Design & Architecture, Iconic Design, Digital Design and Design & Mobility.

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HUDCO has played a pivotal role in the improvement of the built form of cities through its consultancy operations. In keeping with this tradition, HUDCO instituted the HUDCO Design Award in 2012 which encourages innovative ideas of architects, town planners and engineers; that make cities inclusive, beautiful and environmentally sustainable.

The London Design Festival has established a reputation as one of the largest and most dynamic design events in the world. Now celebrating its twelfth year, the festival will run from 13th - 21st September and aims to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world and as the gateway to the international creative community.

Over 300 events and installations will be in the offing across the capital; from a stimulating programme at the Victoria and Albert museum, to a major installation within Trafalgar Square, over 250 partners will participate in the nine day festival.

The festival is both a cultural and a commercial event; from product launches and receptions to installations, talks and seminars. The majority of events are free of charge - enabling visitors to participate and make purchases. www.londondesignfestival.com

PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S

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PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 26 27 SEP TO

Festival of Architecture & Interior Designing The Lalit, Mumbai

Design has been and is an important field in the production of culture: it shapes the material culture, everyday life and the consumer world; it influences lifestyles and fashions and most fundamentally the aesthetic sense and judgements at an individual and collective level.

This wide-ranging impact is a reason both to celebrate design and to examine it critically, and Vienna Design Week has made both of these its mission.

The Festival of Architecture & Interior Designing will present 30 architecture and interior design practices from across the country that have made an impact in contemporary design in India.

The event will provide a national forum for the exchange of ideas and experience amongst experts from a broad range of disciplines. The envisaged interaction will stimulate ideas and lead to better understanding of modern interior designing on local, regional and global levels.

In co-operation with many partners - from Vienna museums to production and retail companies to designers from all over the world - the whole of Vienna becomes a platform and showplace of design. Vienna Design Week doesn’t have the character of a trade fair but instead offers a variety of venues and approaches specific to Vienna. www.viennadesignweek.at

In case of partnership firm’s entry, one of the firm partners should be a valid member of IIA. In such entries, the award and certificate will be named on either firm’s name or any of the valid member’s name. An entry fee of Rs. 5000 has to be deposited per entry for each category separately by way of DD in favour of ‘IIA’ payable at Mumbai.

The last date of submission of entries has been extended to 30th September 2014.

For more details check the website mentioned below. www.iia-india.org

1 TO 3 OCT

World Architecture Festival Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

30 SEP

IIA Awards Last Date of Submission of Entries

www.foaidindia.in

26Vienna SEP TODesign 5 OCT Week Vienna

The objective of the IIA Awards is to encourage, acknowledge, appreciate and honour the creative contribution of the IIA members in the field of architecture.

A distinguished panel of jury which consists of The President, IIA (or his nominee) and a panel of eminent senior architects will assess all the entries. The decision of the jury shall be final and binding on all participants.

The aim of Vienna Design Week is to show and enable people to experience the manyfaceted creative work in the fields of product, furniture and industrial design as well as experimental design. After seven successful festivals yet another exquisite and colourful programme of events will be awaiting the visitors in October 2014.

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A member can send one or more project entries in any number of categories. Entries, including those sent by proxy, should be accompanied by the entry form duly signed by the author of the design/project. On the entry panel, drawings, reports, etc. participants should not mention their name or IIA membership number or any other identifying mark.

World Architecture Festival (WAF) has over 60 hours of thrilling and informative content, packed into three days of pure design inspiration. The festival keeps you updated with the world’s most innovative and exciting architecture.

Apart from presenting a plethora of innovative architectural projects and stimulating debates, keynote talks from world renowned architects and thinkers include Dietmar Eberle, Jeanne Gang and Patrick Bellew.

WAF award finalists sit at the heart of this hubbub of creative energy. All finalists present live at the festival in open crits, just like school!

Finalists will receive feedback from highly experienced and acclaimed architects from around the world. www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S

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Sunitha Kondur, one of the faces behind the immensely talented Bangalore-based firm Hundredhands, counts in those select few women architects who have made a mark on India’s architectural map.

After completing her Masters at MIT, Sunitha went on to work with several renowned international firms before finally setting up her own multi-disciplinary practice along with partner Bijoy Ramachandran in 2003.

The studio firmly believes in responsible design that stays true to the context and takes inspiration from traditional typologies and technologies. By completely giving a miss to glitzy design statements, they uncompromisingly pursue sensorial expression in architecture.

Though simple, their buildings are not devoid of drama; in fact they touch an emotional chord with their strong spatial sense as well as perfect application of indigenous materials and resources (labour, crafts and techniques).

Staying true to the firm’s ethos, Sunitha has also set up a company called SOURCE that designs and sources authentic fine design products and materials not just from India but from all over Asia.

Here, Sunitha shares with us her experiences and influences as well as the future goals of their studio Hundredhands.

my space

Interview by Shweta Salvi

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What are the core fundamentals of your practice at Hundredhands?

We strive to find design solutions that are contextually appropriate - to scale, to context, to the material that is used and the crafts that exist in that context. In doing so, we hope that we create design that is responsible, both to the clients and the environment in general.

After securing your Bachelor’s degree, you went on to pursue your Masters in one of the most sought after institutes in the world. What was the experience like studying in MIT and how has it impacted your practice?

The biggest advantage of being in a country like ours is the vast crafts that we have inherited.

Studying at MIT was one of the best experiences ever. Not only does it broaden your horizons in the field of design by giving you access to the best resources, teachers, speakers, interaction with students from all over the world, but also makes you a much more wellinformed, confident and professional individual in general.

The way you systematically approach a problem, the tools of solving that problem and to be able to present that to a larger audience is something that you learn there and eventually apply in your practice. It also gave me the opportunity to major in Real Estate Finance and Management along with architecture, which led to broader opportunities in my career.

Your practice eloquently reflects your understanding of the climatic and social context while staying true to the form and the craft itself. At the same time, there is an adequate dose of modern technology used in your work. How do you manage to bring out this effortless balance of purism v/s futuristic in your practice?

The biggest advantage of being in a country like ours is the vast crafts that we have inherited. The option of getting something custom made with exquisite material, detail and great quality just has to be used.

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There have been several starchitects who are known for their sketches as much as their buildings, for eg: Frank Gehry and Steven Holl. You have often mentioned that you too believe in the conventional medium of designing, so is there a particular architect whose drawings inspire you and leave you in awe?

The opportunity to be able to do that is what made me set up my company SOURCE, which sources all fine design related things - furniture, lights, linens, accessories, etc.

Hundredhands is a practice that truly believes in using this opportunity of engaging with crafts people, to reinvent building techniques and concepts of sustainability. The core idea is to look beyond the building systems and pay close attention to the principles of a pragmatic and responsible design.

Things that inspire you (apart from design/architecture) that eventually also stimulate your design cells...

Lots of things - nature, music, travel around the world, good food...the list can go on. Anything that is balanced and can bring happiness to my mind often helps my clarity of thought.

All projects for an architect have some memories attached to it. Was there one such project which was a learning experience in terms of ‘dos and don’ts?

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My most satisfying and cherished project would be the Alila Hotel. In partnership with Allies and Morrison UK, HH was not only involved in the architecture of this project but also the interior design; my other company SOURCE was involved in sourcing every little detail for the project.

So, to see it from inception to completion in the most holistic way is very challenging yet special, and at the same time it is a great learning opportunity. We were very lucky to have a client who trusted us completely with the project.

In my previous job as a project manager of the Houses at Sagaponac, New York; I have had the most amazing interaction with the starchitects of the world, from Richard Meier, Phillip Johnson, Henry Cobb, Zaha Hadid, Richard Rogers and a whole bunch of others. But the ones that come to my mind would be Samuel Mockbee’s hand drawn sketches on yellow trace. They were masterpieces.

We had all his sketches framed as we received them for reviews. Moreover, here I don’t have to look too far - I think Bijoy’s sketches are amazing. His sketches just bring the projects to life on the drawing board helping the clients visualise the project. I am really, really bad at sketching and so that makes me appreciate his skill so much more. I am also very fond of Doshi Sir’s sketches - both his architectural and non-architectural ones.

Competitions are a good platform to tap into new talent. How has participating in competitions helped your practice?

Participating in competitions gives our practice an opportunity to look at design opportunities not only in India but all over the world. It also creates opportunities to win projects based solely on merit; especially those that might not be given to young and upcoming firms otherwise.

Hopefully, in the future, it will provide our

work a wider audience and eventually, through this platform we will also get the opportunity to do some interesting work.

A structure designed by another architect that had a lasting impact on you...

That would be Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute and IIM - A. Among the Indian Architects - B. V. Doshi’s IIM - B, I am also very fond of Geoffrey Bawa’s work, especially his Paradise Road Office. All these projects are rooted to the context they are set in.

Hundredhands is a practice that truly believes in using this opportunity of engaging with crafts people, to reinvent building techniques and concepts of sustainability.

What are you currently working on?

We are currently working on the Bangalore International Centre - a project that was awarded to us through a competition, a couple of multi-family housing projects, residences, a factory building and a few office spaces, plus residential and hospitality interiors.

Any woman architect who inspires you?

And why?

When I was working on the Houses at Sagaponac project, I had the great opportunity to work with several women architects. The one that really stood out for me was Annabelle Selldorf. Both for her simple and responsible architecture, and also the way she managed her successful practice with such poise.

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Women in India are gradually making their presence felt in every competitive field, to a certain extent even in the design industry. However, the progress in the field of architecture is sluggish. Why? It is such a surprising thing and I remember discussing this with someone recently. In architecture school, the ratio is almost 1:1, with more women than men. But it is hard to imagine why there are such few women designers compared to men.

My guess is that majority of them are working away quietly in a larger practice and don’t end up setting up their own practice. There are several women doing amazing work, like Shimul Zaveri, Samira Rathod, Brinda Somaya and others. But I think they don’t go all out for publicity, so they continue to be the unsung ‘heroes’ in the field. Hopefully things will change in the future.

On a lighter note…One thing which you want to do, but you feel you can’t?

Ha! I would love to change the world in so many ways, but for now, I wish I could do something about how public facilities and infrastructure are managed in Bangalore.

It deeply disturbs me to see how public funds are being washed away in the terribly designed metro infrastructure.

It is such a great opportunity to build something that can give the city a new progressive identity, but has been completely wasted.

Just feel so helpless. More so, because Bangalore has such a great fraternity of designers who would happily have done this for their city. We desperately need someone who has a larger revolutionary vision for the city and can appreciate the need for good design.

suni@hundredhands.com www.hundredhands.com

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BRICK

BY BRICK 28 Home Review September 2014

Creating a new family home while using the principles of space and light is always a challenge. In this project Aangan Architects show how an open-plan design works beautifully in an Indian setting.

In Vadodara, a new-old house is adding character and charm to the city’s architecture. The home was designed for a couple in their late forties, with grown children no longer living at home.

The family had acquired the adjacent plot to the one they owned and lived on and wanted to build a new home for themselves. Aangan Architects, an awardwinning design firm based out of Surat was appointed for the project.

Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Architects Home Review September 2014

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“The family had lived in the neighbourhood for many years and were rooted to the place. They were keen on rebuilding in the same place so they could keep their social ties intact,” explains Vishal Shah, Chief Architect at Aangan Architects. “The couple wanted state-ofthe-art facilities yet wanted to have the home open enough so the family didn’t feel isolated or closed off.”

To achieve this, the architects designed an open-plan layout on the upper level.

The living area is open across the upper two stories creating a double-height space that brings in light throughout the space.

“The dining area, staircase, windows and the bridge of the bedrooms form a part of this central space around which all the other areas revolve.”

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The stairwell is in the centre of the floor and from this vantage point the lady of the house can monitor the entire house.

The house is built in a combination of exposed brick work, form-finished exposed concrete and black kadappa stone flooring. Teak wood furniture along with artefacts collected by the family over the years completes the decor. “One of the things the lady of the house wanted us to incorporate in the design was space for the assortment of handicrafts they had collected over the years,� says Shah.

This brief came in very useful as the design team was able to make changes and use the items as starting points in the design.

The warm tones of the brick, concrete and stone act as a lovely counterpoint to the earthy handicrafts.

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The second floor hosts the two bedrooms and a home gym. Interestingly, the gym can only be accessed through the bedrooms, thus keeping it private. A garden on the first floor brings in a spot of greenery.

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The focal point of the home’s design is the exposed brick work and the geometric patterns on it. From the outside, it becomes a design feature and a conversation starter.

Inside, the openings bring in light that changes during the day creating a relaxed and warm ambience. “Vadodara has a dry climate and we had the freedom to play with bricks,” says Shah. “We discussed this with our mason and he came up with various patterns. This one was the most interesting and appropriate and worked well with the shape of the bricks.”

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The geometric floral pattern even shows up in the bedroom. “The owners were keen that the rooms be bright and not dingy. The open brick-work brings in subdued light - not much, but enough to brighten the space during the day.”

Patterns also show up in the kadappa stone and in the exposed concrete. “The patterns keep the visitor and the residents engaged in a continuous dialogue with the design and spaces and maintain a constant interest. This is a very important aspect of the design of the house which is going to be inhabited by just two persons for most of the time.”

On the lower ground floor, the parking area doubles up as a space for ‘satsangs’ and discourses, making it ideal for public gatherings without compromising on the privacy of the spaces in the house.

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The terrace, on the other hand, is a feature in itself. A large circular opening in the roof adds architectural interest and light.

The rest of the terrace is covered and is used by the family as an outdoor space.

This project shows how a family home can be traditional and contemporary at the same time. Using local materials and playing with space and light have made this home a vibrant, light-filled space that holds many, many memories, both old and new.

aangan.architect@gmail.com www.aanganarchitects.org

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Home Review Now on Apple and Android Devices

All you need to do is download the free ‘Magzter app.

Apple users can download Magzter from the App Store.’ Android users can download Magzter from Android Market.

Try it out today.

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By lanes of Benaras TEXT AND PHOTOS BY VIDYAVATI CHANDAN viduj3@gmail.com

On the banks of river Ganga is situated the ancient and the holiest city of Benaras. Also known as Varanasi or Kashi it is home to Hindus, Muslims, Jains and Buddhists alike. It is also an abode to many philosophers, poets, writers and musicians. Every year innumerous pilgrims and tourists visit this vibrant city.

Along the riverside, the Ghats of Benares are forever hustling and bustling with various religious activities. Behind these Ghats you will find many narrow and complex by-lanes dotted with small shrines, residences, tea-shops, traditional Indian sweet meat shops and lodgings for pilgrims.

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The maximum breadth of these by-lanes is 3 to 4 feet. At some places the breadth goes to even one foot such that only one person can walk through at a time. The by-lanes are all surrounded by buildings and for a larger part of the year sunlight doesn’t touch the ground.

Through the by-lanes one can walk from the southernmost to the northernmost tip of the city or head east to reach the river bank. Walking through these labyrinthine by-lanes there is a constant sense of discovery as they are full of bright coloured walls and doors, murals and ancient architecture. You will be amazed to find strong cultural influences of various communities like the Marathas from West and Bengalis from East in this Northern part of India.

There is never a dull moment in the by-lanes of Benares. It is like stepping into an ancient era and losing sense of time and place.

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SCINTILLATING SURFACES THAT MAKE A MARK

Page 44 Tiles The latest novelties to transform a project

Page 59 Blinds & Drapes Create that perfect window treatment for your space

Page 50 Flooring Innovative ideas to add ĂŠlan to your flooring

Page 62 Paints The classic way to add charm to your living space

Page 54 Wall Coverings Novel and innovative ways to re-design your walls

Page 64 Ceilings Unique applications to rev up your ceilings

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SCINTILLATING SURFACES THAT MAKE A MARK

The ceiling, wall and floor together make an effervescent element of a living space, holding prime significance in the interior landscape. Whether it is a modular stretch ceiling for a restaurant, silk wallpapers for your bedroom or eco-friendly carpet tiles in an office, these treatments leave a filmic impact on your senses. The choice of materials and surface cladding plays a larger role in interior schemes than just providing a practical solution. And with the abundance of materials, finishes and patterns, the possible combinations and permutations are numerous and enticing.

Photo Courtesy: Hindware

Modern living and well-informed clients have beckoned architects to go beyond the realm of the safe and known. They are now keener to explore ways to beat the traditional, treaded ways of building and designing ceilings, walls and floors. Ceilings are no longer the white stretch of monolithic planes, floor covering options have moved over from marble and cement, while walls don’t specifically adhere to paints as their sole covering material.

Text By Rehana Penwala and Shibani Punekar

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Photo Courtesy: Bisazza

Photo Courtesy: F&F

Photo Courtesy: Armstrong

The era of the innovative and novel has been ushered in - acoustic walls, bamboo flooring, antibacterial laminates and the like find expression in today’s modern residences, offices and retail spaces. We shine a spotlight on the most popular and latest solutions that have become quite a rage in contemporary interiors and architecture.

Photo Courtesy: Asian Paints

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TILES

The latest novelties to transform a project

CERA RUVIDO Cera has grown to become a revolutionary brand in various spheres of daily life.

Cera recently launched the Ruvido Anti-Skid tiles. The range has been specially designed to reduce chances of slipping on wet tiles. They are particularly suitable for bathrooms.

These tiles also work well for outdoor areas like swimming pools, corridors, patios, etc. The vitrified floor tiles are available in a size of 300 X 300 mm. www.cera-india.com

THERMATEKÂŽ HEAT RESISTANT TERRACE TILES This is a unique, stand alone, reflective thermal insulation product designed to seamlessly integrate with the concrete roof system.

It has been manufactured to last several years with a thoughtful balance of new technology and a unique manufacturing process using non-degradable materials. The tiles measure 300 X 300 mm and weigh around 4 kg per tile. The tiles are environment friendly and ideal for hot climates. www.thermatek.co.in

BISAZZA AFFRESCO Paola Navone has designed a range of eye-catching patterned tiles for Bisazza called Affresco. It is a modern interpretation of traditional floral dĂŠcor, featuring geometric and floral motifs, in bright, grainy, surreal colours. Using computerised methods, Paola has managed to bring the unusual combination of traditional and modern design together beautifully in this pattern. The collection is stylish and ideal for decoration of trendy contemporary interiors. www.bisazza.com

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NOTION ROOFTOP DECK Rooftop decks are being recognised as a major value adding feature in urban buildings. Notion has introduced Rooftop Deck tiles made of fine tropical wood and assembled on a high density toxic chemical free coating that ensure resistance against termite and moisture. The mechanism is unique and allows rain water to flow down faster and also makes the space slip resistant. A durable and stable product, it costs around Rs. 485 per square foot. The installation process is simple and it takes only a few hours for setting. www.notion.net.in

RAK CERAMICS RAK STYLER EDITION 2 RAK Ceramics India launched RAK Styler Edition 2 as a sequel to its successful Styler series. RAK Styler Edition 2 are vitrified wall tile highlighter concepts in a size of 298 X 598 mm. Due to its unique eye catching design, the Styler Edition is the focus of application in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. www.rakindia.com

KAJARIA ETERNITY WOOD Wooden flooring gives a beautiful feel, but along with it comes heavy maintenance. Kajaria tiles bring the perfect solution. The company has launched Eternity Wood, a collection of digital glazed vitrified tiles in a real wood finish, created by designers from Europe. This range has been designed by gaining inspiration from the beauty of nature. They are abrasion-resistant, stain proof and absorb zero percent water, making them ideal for any setting. They are available in two sizes, 60 cm X 120 cm and 20 cm X 120 cm. www.kajariaceramics.com

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BHARAT FLOORING AND TILES HERITAGE The HeritageTM tiles by Bharat Flooring and Tiles are handmade with the possibility to custom design the floor. A pattern is formed by a combination of four tiles. Different rooms like the living room, bedroom and passageways can be designed based on any theme. The elegance and durability of the tiles make them works of art. Interior designers and architects can use these tiles to design their dream floors. www.bharatfloorings.com

KAJARIA THE COLLECTION This avant-garde range of tiles captures the power of high definition and interesting prints created by retina imaging technology. Finishes like Matt, Lappato, Stone and Polished are the distinct characteristics of this range. Each of these unique finishes are designed to bring life in your living and office spaces and transform them to havens of stunning patterns and colour. www.kajariaceramics.com

SICIS NEOCOLIBRI The introduction of NeoColibri to the Sicis Neoglass Collection makes a new age presentation of mosaic artistry based on the heritage of the company. The Neoglass mosaic is available in different formats, Cubes, Domes, Barrels and Petites Fleurs collection, a six petal flower. This collection is now available with 70 NeoColibri colours which combines the metallic shimmer with the thickness of the NeoGlass collection. The glass tiles are 6mm thick making them particularly resistant to wear and tear and appropriate even for commercial floors. The eclectic and versatile collection provides exciting plays of light from the gold and metallic finishes. www.sicis.com

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SOMANY DURAGRES Somany aims at providing an assorted range of differently designed tiles. The Duragres collection of tiles is engineered to perfection with its unique VC Shield technology. Available in a variety of surface finishes, these full-body glazed vitrified tiles are built to enhance the look of living spaces. They add to the visual appeal and are scratch and abrasion resistant. The tiles are also available in a variety of surface finishes and textures such as matte, satin, sophisticated rust and imperial stone finish. They are available in 300 mm X 600 mm and 600 mm X 600 mm sizes and strip sizes of 190 mm X 1200 mm, 150 mm X 800 mm and 145 mm X 605 mm. www.somanyceramics.com

NITCO EXOTIC GATEWAYS Bathrooms have evolved as a space to heal from the pressures of everyday life. Functionality now exists with serenity in a beautifully designed bathroom space, which reflects the user’s needs and preferences. Nitco’s bathroom wall design in the Exotic Gateways range is a collection of tiles that will transform your bathroom to a stirring haven.

Inspired by nature, there are five new collections in the Exotic Gateways range - The Mesmerizing Marble Collection, The Monochrome Collection, The Mosaico Collection, The Earthy Wood Collection and The Rejuvenating Spa Collection. www.nitcotiles.com

H&R JOHNSON SSR H&R Johnson has recently launched an innovative range of floor tiles called SSR - Scratch and Stain resistant Tiles. SSR as a collection combines style and strength where style connotes contemporary designs and strength basically giving better build quality to take all wear and tear in day to day usage. It provides optimum grip even in wet conditions with its protective shield which is skid resistant. They are inspired by nature and are eco-friendly. The product line brings ease and flexibility in application and is available in both glossy and matt finishes.

Available in 600 mm X 600 mm size, they can be used in living rooms, dining areas, balconies, kitchens, atriums, commercial spaces, passages, lobbies, etc. www.hrjohnsonindia.com

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SOMANY GLOSSTRA Somany presents Glosstra, one of India’s glossiest tiles for walls.

Somany’s Glosstra comes in a wide range of bright and vibrant colours, accentuated by an extraordinarily shiny surface.

It reflects light and propagates a sense of wideness and openness. Options in Glosstra include fabric texture, undulated surfaces and stone finishes, and use of motifs and florals in patterns.

They are available in the 30 cm X 60 cm size. www.somanyceramics.com

SICIS SICISTONE Sicis presents their latest collection of precious marble and onyx patterned tiles featuring mosaic inserts in glass or precious metals such as gold or platinum. Marble and stone slabs are waterjet cut in order to create the outline of the mosaic pattern that are placed by hand by Sicis mosaic masters in Italy. Every tessera is cut and placed by hand so that the curvy lines and the details in colours and patterns are respected and highlighted. www.sicis.com

BISAZZA HALO HALO The Halo Halo collection of mosaic tiles by Bisazza has a modern style that stands out from other Bisazza patterns because of its strong take on pop and graffiti art in shades of black and white. The nine unique graphic motifs of Halo Halo can be arranged to your liking, making it possible to customise your space. www.bisazza.com

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GRESCASA PARISIEN Grescasa has launched a Parisien range of ceramic tiles which consists of both flooring and wall tiles. They are frost resistant and are available in the 60 cm X 60 cm size. They instantly add life to passages, lobbies, living rooms and dining rooms. They are manufactured using the latest digital technology. www.grescasa.com

CERA DIGITAL PORCELAIN TILES Cera has launched a collection of digital porcelain tiles in a size of 600 mm x 600 mm. They are available in both matt and glossy finishes with several exclusive designs like wooden, geometric and normal marble designs for different kinds of spaces. www.cera-india.com

WOVEN IMAGE ECHOPANELTM MURA Much more than just a traditional wall tile, EchoPanelTM Mura Tile from Woven Image brought to India by D&M India provides a solution that is design driven, acoustically superior, cost effective and easy to install, setting a new standard for interior wall covering products. Available in eight vibrant block colours and two designs Mura Dune Tile and Mura Wave Tile - it can be rotated to achieve a number of designs. With its felt-like finish, Mura Tile is pleasing to the touch while achieving outstanding noise reduction ratings. www.dnmindia.in www.wovenimage.com

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FLOORING

Innovative ideas to add élan to your floor

CLASSIC MARBLE COMPANY KALINGASTONE Kalingastone, born of aspiration, designed in Italy, and processed in India is very popular as a flooring material. Drawing its inspiration from nature, each block, slab and tile form of Kalingastone takes its attributes of colours, designs and patterns from natural stones found in quarries around the globe. 92% of Kalingastone comes from crushed natural stone left over in quarries, making it an environmentfriendly marble. www.kalingastone.com

FLOWCRETE NATUREWALK Flowcrete offers the Naturewalk range which is a joint-free surface and natural stone finish. The Naturewalk range has seamless, eyecatching and durable surfaces, whereby a range of natural stone aggregates are scattered into a solvent free polyurethane resin binder. The ideal environments for the Naturewalk products are subject to heavy footfall such as leisure complexes, theme parks, holiday resorts and such other public spaces. www.flowcrete.in

ARMSTRONG BRUCE® Bruce® hardwood floors by Armstrong bring the richness of nature to your contemporary lifestyle. The American Exotics engineered hardwood floors are equipped with a permion finish, that is, advanced aluminium oxide technology that protects the wood surface from traffic, scratches, splits and stains and thus maintains its natural wood beauty for years.

With a 2.0 mm layer of real wood and multiple layers of wood assembled and glued in a cross-ply construction, it promises a stable surface less susceptible to shrinking and expanding. www.armstrong.co.in

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PERGO PERGO VINYL PLANKS & TILES Pergo has unveiled its latest vinyl flooring collection with fourteen different designs in two quality levels i.e. Optimum and Premium.

The products in Optimum range belong to Class-33 with glue down laying system which is preferred for commercial areas and Class-32 Premium range products have PerfectFold TM 3.0 installation system, made for residential use. Pergo Vinyl Planks & Tiles comes in a variety of sizes, is easy to install and durable, PUR (Polyurethane) coating over the top surface makes Pergo vinyl flooring so tough that it can withstand years of use and still look beautiful. www.pergo.com

TANDUS TANDUS TILE CARPETS D&M India brings Tandus Flooring, a US based flooring brand that creates innovative floor-covering solutions through a unique product line of hybrid resilient, modular and woven products. Tandus carpets have a cushioning effect and thus feel better to walk on, their maintenance is easier and less expensive. Made of nylon fibre, they are nonallergenic too and absorb ten times as much atmospheric noise as hard flooring. www.dnmindia.in www.tandus.com

OBSESSIONS OPALE COSY Bring in colours to your home with a new brightly coloured range of carpets by Obsessions. The Opale Cosy range consists of beautifully designed carpets which are chic and add a sparkle to your dĂŠcor. Intricately created these carpets are soft yet tightly woven to avoid wear and tear. The structure of the twisted frieze fibres used in the carpet makes stains, dirt, foot prints and wear less noticeable. Moth-proof, dirt free and very easy to wash and maintain, these carpets are the best option to brighten your home. www.obsessions.co.in

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ARMSTRONG Armstrong is one of the leading flooring solutions provider, offering flooring that is designed for specialty segments. Armstrong makes specialised flooring that delivers both performance and aesthetics. Their product range includes hardwood, laminate and linoleum floors, as well as vinyl tiles and sheets which offer chemical resistance to mineral oil and grease, recovery from indentations, anti-static properties, etc. Their collection is priced from Rs.50 to Rs.500 per square foot. www.armstrong.co.in

GREENLAM LAMINATES Greenlam Laminates’ entire range of laminates comes with an antibacterial shield. They have a revolutionary technology that will retard the growth of nearly 99% of microbes with utmost efficiency, creating healthy and hygienic living spaces. Produced by permanently incorporating a US-EPA approved and widely used antimicrobial agent, these improved laminates can decrease both the risk of contamination and growth of bacteria, hence creating a complete antibacterial atmosphere. The product can thus be used in kids’ rooms, kitchens, living rooms, restrooms, hospitals and offices making them totally germ-free. www.greenlam.co.in

FLOWCRETE MONDÉCO The Mondéco seamless terrazzo flooring range is a special flooring line designed to bring forth style and sophistication in flooring surfaces. As a luxurious alternative to granite and marble tiles, it delivers a joint-free, easily cleaned and maintained finish with no cracks or crevices to harbour dirt or dust. www.flowcrete.in

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WALL COVERINGS

Novel and innovative ways to design your walls

ASIAN PAINTS NILAYA Nilaya by Asian Paints is a curated collection, with surfaces handpicked from manufacturers and designers from all around the world. Nilaya is an exquisite new offering from Asian Paints, a blend of good understanding of surfaces and the Indian aesthetics. It reveals a world of inspiration, where design, material and technique come together to create stunning surfaces. Nilaya’s range of signature surfaces - wallpapers, wall coverings, decals, borders and paintable wallpapers, give aesthetic value to any wall making the room come alive. www.asianpaints.com

F&F EFFERVESCENCE Effervescence by Osborne and Little is a range of bright, patterned wallpapers that can brighten any room. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms, they are available in several colours. F&F is a retailer of the Osborne and Little brand of wallpapers and is a world renowned company known for its innovative and breathtaking range of wall coverings from UK, France, Spain, Belgium and USA. With its breathtaking designs and textures, they surprise in imaginative finishes, visionary techniques and bright, lively colours. www.fandf.in

JEB INTEGRA A new operable wall system from JEB, Integra has been designed to meet today’s modern office requirements.

Creating open, flexible workspaces that can be either solid or glazed, this range focuses on aesthetic superiority and acoustic performance.Originated in Australia, The JEB Group is a comprehensive supplier of architectural products and services. It is retailed in India by D&M, an integrated interior solutions firm. www.dnmindia.in

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SAINT GOBAIN NOVELIO Novelio fiberglass paintable wall coverings from Saint-Gobain Adfors are indispensable for renovation work and new builds.

These paintable wall coverings easily cover cracks and rough wall surfaces and are available in a wide range of patterns that can be painted as often as needed to match the latest interior design trends. Their unique mechanical properties – reinforcement of weak surfaces; abrasion and impact resistance – guarantee lasting protection for walls and ceilings. It’s also easy to install and cut, soft to touch and sufficiently flexible to be crease-proof. www.saint-gobain.com

BARRISOL ARTOLIS Barrisol, one of the leading stretch ceiling companies introduces Artolis, a comprehensive range of printable fabrics up to 5 metres wide and 50 metres long, weld and seam free. Quick and easy to implement, Artolis will give your room an impeccable finish integrating all wall-mounted technical elements. High definition digital printing over an elaborate surface, Artolis makes interiors colourful. Since acoustics and light are an integral part of a harmonious and convivial setting, Barrisol also applies its Acoustic and Lumière concepts to the Artolis range. www.artolis.eu

DUPONT CORIAN® Sinuous organic forms, textured surfaces, tremendous colour range, and brilliant lighting effects – are some attributes of stylish, durable, easy-to-maintain Corian solid surface. Endlessly smooth to touch, a wall panel in Corian gives elegance and a reassuring permanence to any space, and with various creative techniques such as inlaying, Corian solid surface can be transformed into a work of art or an information tool. www.dupont.co.in

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PEEK-A-BOO Peek-a-boo is a brand that takes kids’ room’s interior design to a whole new level by offering an outstanding line of products like wallpapers, curtains, bed linen, etc. These easy to paste wallpapers can be quickly installed and look gorgeous.

They come in rolls of 55 sq. ft. each for Rs. 5500. They customise products to the smallest of details and requirements, making it unique for every customer. www.peekaboopatterns.com

SONEAR TIMBER RUSSET Sonear’s exotic stone veneer collections come close to nature and bring the outside in, as its exotic collection of stone veneers are a perfect amalgamation of natural beauty and style. For people who would love to create a rustic charm in their homes and for lovers of minimalism, the stone veneers are colourful, flexible and a light weight alternative to tiles and real wood panels. www.sonearply.com

MARSHALLS PICCOLO Marshalls is one of the leading brands of wallpaper in India.

They have launched the Piccolo collection of wallpapers especially for children’s spaces. In child friendly colours, the range of bright wallpapers are ideal for kids’ bedrooms, study areas, nurseries or play areas. The design details are intricate, the concept is simple and the material is of good quality. They promise a no-mess, no-smell, fast and convenient installation within eight hours. www.marshallwallcoverings.com

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3FORM VARIA ECORESIN A pioneer in translucent material technology, 3form provides a variety of material platforms for a collection of aesthetic and performance options – all with a unique environmental sustainability core. Varia Ecoresin’s translucent resin wall panels are available in diverse styles. The colour, pattern, texture, interlayer and finish can be selected according to the preference. It transforms into the ideal medium for any architectural application.

Varia is easy to clean and can be used in a variety of spaces. It possesses 40 times the strength of glass and is available with UV stabilisation for exterior performance. www.3-form.com

WOVEN IMAGE ECHOPANEL™ Australia-based Woven Image specialises in design driven textile products. It’s brought to India by D&M India, an integrated interior solutions company that creates unique interior experiences. Their latest EchoPanel™collection is a decorative wall panel manufactured from non-woven PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and is lightweight, highly durable with acoustic properties. It contains no adhesives, has low VOC and is 100% recyclable, translating into a green product. Available in 7mm, 12mm and 24mm thick panels, and in a variety of colours and print patterns, it enables designers to redefine, reinvent and reconfigure the interior. www.dnmindia.in www.wovenimage.com

ZYNNA RASCH TEXTIL The Simply Stripes collection of wallpapers by Rasch Textil consists of a wide range of classic striped wall coverings that will add an aura of elegance to homes, study spaces and offices alike. Zynna is the only Indian retailer of Rasch Textil and several other brands from various parts of the world. They offer world class home solutions under a single roof. From the beginning, Rasch has been driven by an ambition to create and market innovative, high quality products. www.zynna.in

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ALKEMI DECOR Alkemi Decor presents a variety of wall coverings like wall murals, wall tattoos and door skins. Their wall murals are easy to install and are the ideal choice for a highlighter wall in both residential and commercial areas. Their unique customisation program ensures that the mural appropriately fits the wall size and the colour and layout is altered appropriately to suit the room decor. The wall and door tattoos are the new, trendy home decor accessories that bring character to the room with minimal effort. www.decoralkemi.com

ZYNNA YORK WALL COVERINGS York Wall Coverings has a collection of different wallpapers like the Risky Buisness II range. The Great Expectations wallpaper in Black, White and Grey is a part of this range and adds drama to the urban home without looking over the top. It is printed on eco-friendly paper that is produced using harvested renewable resources with low VOCs and non-polluting water based ink.

Zynna is home to the world’s most iconic furnishing and interior brands. As the sole Indian partner to brands from USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and many more, they offer a wide range of home furnishing solutions. www.zynna.in

AARCEE WALLCOVERINGS Aarcee wall coverings are synonymous with fashion, offering the largest range in wallpapers to match different moods. They are a one stop solution for decorative and trendy walls with a clientele of top architects and interior designers. They present a collection of over one lakh designs to add life to any space, whether commercial or residential. www.facebook.com/aarceewallcoverings

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BLINDS & DRAPES

Create the perfect window treatments for your space

PEEK-A-BOO JOLLY JURASSIC BLIND This Jolly Jurassic roman blind is produced in a printed fabric in 100% cotton. The blind has cute dinosaurs printed all over with multi-coloured striped borders on the sides. Peek-a-boo is a brand that takes kids’ room interior design to a whole new level. While offering a wide range of home interiors and furnishing products, their forté lies in window dressing, bed linen and furniture.

They customise products to the smallest of details and requirements, making it unique for every customer. www.peekaboopatterns.com

RUMORS FINE FURNISHINGS BELISSIMO Rumors Fine Furnishings is a one stop furnishing brand

by Bangalore based Ascent Décor Private Limited. They conceptualised the idea of making a mark in home furnishings by offering top-notch furnishing fabrics to attend to the needs of diverse sets of consumers with distinctly different penchant towards picking fabrics for decorating interiors. The Belissimo collection starts at Rs.1500 and consists of bold and bright patterns. This collection started after a collaboration with Prestigious Textiles UK and has a bright array of prints ranging from floral to abstracts to geometrics. www.rumorsindia.in

MATTS CORNER MONSOON BLINDS Monsoon blinds by Matts Corner are made from special scratch-resistant PVC and acrylic fabrics. The former ensures a long lasting newness in the exterior blinds and the latter allows light to pass freely making it the ideal shield. They not only safeguard against water, but also heat and dust giving protection all around the year. Available in white, beige, pearl grey and more colours, they are ideal for sea-facing resorts, open restaurants, food courts, roof top cafeterias, windows and gardens. www.mattscorner.net

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ZYNNA MYB TEXTILES All MYB fabrics are designed and manufactured at their mill in Ayrshire, Scotland. Over the years, MYB Textiles has invested heavily in design technology and modernisation to meet the needs of the evolving marketplace.

Zynna is the Indian retailer of this brand. The classic lace designs from historic archives are produced in neutral colours like white, ivory and natural.

They instantly add elegance and beauty to any room and can be matched easily with furniture thanks to their neutral colours. www.zynna.com www.mybtextiles.com

HOME ET TU This beige coloured, sheer blind by Home Et Tu with an abstract motif lends the room a peaceful aura. Suitable for a modern as well as a classic home, it adds charisma to any space with its subtle yet characteristic look. Home Et Tu is a premier, high-end home store by Honey Jolly in Delhi, retailing luxurious furniture, furnishing fabric, rugs, lamps and other accessories. They provide design suggestions and ensure that the client is given an individualistic treatment to create distinctive looks. www.homeettu.com

HUNTER DOUGLAS EXPOSE™ The Expose™ Collection provides a very unique look to any interior space. The multiple step finishing process coordinates with the several valance design options.

Exclusive Expose decorative tapes set them apart from other collections. Its features include TopShield™ finish which is durable, easy to clean and resists scratches; the de-Light™ feature which can be specified for a routless design that reduces light leakage and ensures a higher degree of privacy and the LiteRise® option which is a cordless operating system allowing you to lift the shade with a touch of a finger. www.wf.hunterdouglas.asia

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PEEK-A-BOO Peek-A-Boo’s curtains are made of cotton and cost around Rs. 300 to 400 for a metre. They are manufactured using high quality fabric and are easy to maintain. They are digitally printed and available in very cute prints like cupcakes and owls. www.peekaboopatterns.com

MATTS CORNER INSULATED GLASS BLINDS Insulated glass blinds by Matts Corner are sophisticated blinds made of pre-fabricated glass and ideal for cooling of the interiors. They reduce air-to-air heat transfer and help save energy. They prevent heat from being transferred outside in winters and restrict outside heat from entering in summer. The special mechanised controls make the blinds easy to operate. They are ideal for office environments. www.mattscorner.net

F&F DIADORIM F&F acts as the retailer of Osborne & Little, which has launched the Diadorim blind. It carries a geometric pattern composed of large bands of cross motifs.

Found in vivid, bright colours, it will add drama and life to a dull living room. The name Diadorim is inspired by the heroine of a novel by Brazilian author Joao Guimaraes Rosa. www.fandf.in

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PAINTS

The classic applicant to add charm to your living space

DULUX SUPERCLEAN Dulux Superclean by AkzoNobel, is the only stain repellent paint in India with a new beading technology which ensures that stains do not form on the walls, instead they turn into tiny beads which roll off the wall’s surface. This innovative paint has distinct features like washability, superior stain protection and enhanced anti-fungal properties. www.dulux.in

BIRLA WHITE TEXTURA The Textura paints

by Birla White are a collection of eco-friendly textured paints. They are algae and moisture resistant, and require absolutely no curing.

The textured paint brightens up the wall with its variety of finishes and colours.

It efficiently covers any undulations of the wall without compromising on the overall look. www.birlawhite.com

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CEILINGS

Unique ceiling applications to add vitality to your ceilings

SAINT GOBAIN GYPROC Gyproc ceilings contribute greatly in creating homes that are unique, elegant, better lit and more energy efficient. Saint Gobain Gyproc India Ltd. is a part of the Saint Gobain group, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of ceilings, drywalls and gypsum plasters. They lead when it comes to false ceilings and offer a wide range of options like gypsum plasterboard based false ceilings, Ecophon acoustic ceiling tiles and grid ceiling tiles using materials as diverse as gypsum, mineral fibre and metal. www.gyproc.in

ARMSTRONG SOUND-SCAPE SHAPES ACOUSTICAL CLOUDS Armstrong India has come up with Sound-scape Shapes Acoustical Clouds ceilings with an aim to create ideal room acoustics. These false ceilings and suspended ceiling systems absorb unwanted noise and echo and ensure sound communication and acoustic clarity. These are especially important in a commercial space. Also, suspended ceilings conceal unsightly pipes and wiring on a ceiling. These clouds are available in ten eye-catching shapes and six attractive colours. www.armstrong.co.in

ESSAR STEEL WOOD FINISH STEEL Essar Steel, one of India’s leading integrated steel producers, presents a revolutionary wood-finished steel product for the Indian market. These are a good substitute for wooden laminates. The wood-finish products are easy to use, last longer and are environment friendly. They are termite resistant, easy to maintain, light weight, fully recyclable and do not require any post treatment. As per requirement, they can be produced in customised sizes and shapes. www.essarsteel.com

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MONIER ELABANA Monier offers a range of concrete roof tiles, glazed clay roof tiles, fittings and roof components. The translucent tiles give the benefit of a free skylight, which helps save money by controlling energy consumption. Available in sizes 330 mm X 420 mm, it perfectly integrates with the roof, resisting heat upto 80°C and allows 90-95% natural light transmission. www.monier.in

EUROCEIL STRETCH CEILINGS EurocĂŠil is a manufacturer of stretch ceilings and walls.

They have launched a special PVC membrane prepared on sophisticated CNC and hi-tech welding machines, stretched and locked to a proprietary aluminium profile fixed on the periphery of walls. They are flexible and allow designers to realise all kinds of shapes and dimensions of ceilings and walls. www.euroceil.com

BARRISOL LIGHT LIGHTING STRETCH CEILING Barrisol Light brings a bright ceiling to enlighten a part of the entire room. Due to the unique texture, the ceiling allows uniform diffusion of the light source placed behind. It makes it possible to give extreme light intensity, full day or very felted releasing atmosphere.

Thanks to the different colours and degrees of translucidity of the sheet, the light can be diffused, coloured or natural. en.barrisol.com

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With time wood has been substituted with many other materials. Hardly anything is made of wood anymore as wood construction requires a lot of effort. But wood has always been on a higher pedestal and has never lost its charm. Durian, recognising this widely respected belief, has launched a special Wooden Collection which looks effortless and is timeless.

The Wooden Collection is a fusion of modern lifestyle and Indian culture. It is a harmonious collection where the past and present have been amalgamated keeping in mind style and modernity.

Keeping luxury, with the compact space as a focus for this collection, emphasis has been given to subtle details that are executed with perfect craftsmanship along with attractive and exclusive finishes and fabrics.

Simple yet marked designs; the Wooden Collection relies on simple formal content and

original propositions to typify modernity. This collection stands out as a perfect collection of versatility.

The sofas are enhanced by linear and simple design, which perfectly match the subtle and vivid combination of fine and smart fabrics based on the concept of contrast and complimentary colours. The products, with a remarkable evocative impact, are tailored to meet many design related requirements.

Laredo Series The Laredo series is designed keeping in mind the distinctive fusion of veneer and ecoleather which becomes the best choice for a modern looking living room without actually changing the interiors of the space.

Tucson Series The Tucson series is designed bringing exclusive veneer and eco-leather together, which perfectly blends with the contemporary looking living room by adding warmth to the space.

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Helena Series The Helena Series is a fusion of modern and contemporary design. Solid wood is the accent of the collection, which can add an earthiness to your living space.

Malacca Series The Malacca series is designed to provide the customer with a distinctive set of furniture pieces which could fit in their living rooms, making the living room a space for chatting and relaxing. These furniture pieces can accommodate a varying size of gatherings and are light enough to be moved easily to change with seating requirements.

Sheraton Series The Sheraton series is simple in design with straight lines crafted of hardwood which adds warmth to the living space. The pieces are designed in a manner that actual sturdiness doesn’t cloud the beautiful airy look.

www.durian.in

Promotion

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The waiting space is designed to connect the new with the old, creating that high intensity and madness that cricket is associated with.

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WINNING STROKES

The energy of the IPL cricket team, Delhi Daredevils is captured

by M:OFA Studios and given a physical form through vibrant strokes of colour, pattern and spatial dynamism.

‘Every design has a soul,’ believe team M:OFA, and the soul of Delhi Daredevils’ new office designed by them, is so full of vibrant energy that it shoots a surge of adrenalin the moment you step into its field.

Manish Gulati, principal architect of the New Delhi based practice M:OFA Studios Pvt. Ltd, says “The space for this Indian Premier League team’s office has been designed to exude the same energy, dynamism and passion as one experiences on a cricket pitch, field or stadium.”

Cricket is a religion in India, and for the ardent followers, Delhi Daredevils - an IPL cricket team - their office is akin to a temple - an epitome of their zeal. The team recently got a new logo, comprising of fluid curves - a connotation of a jam packed stadium and the fluid stroke of a batsman hitting a ball across the boundary for a six.

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The team branding happens all through the design quite effortlessly - on the exposed air conditioning ducts, along the swirling cloud installation and on the various surfaces and furnishings.

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M:OFA have taken a little of the logo and distilled the vigour, passion, dynamism and team spirit associated with Delhi Daredevils into an architectural language with relative ease and power that leaves us spellbound.

A glass door, with etchings of ‘Delhi Daredevils’ in different languages ushers one into a space infused with a scarlet drama that surrounds a central swirling installation. The spatial aura greeting us is not one of a formal office premise, but one of a full on ‘chill out’ zone.

Explain the M:OFA team, “Keeping the brand image in mind, the office is planned as a youth oriented semi formal open plan with multiple overlaps between work and meeting areas. The idea was to blur the lines between the various functions in order to let the sporting energy vibe spread throughout the office.”

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Without doubt, the star player of the spatial dynamics of the office is the swirling cloud installation in the middle that grabs your attention amidst the overall decor composed of colours and memorabilia. Cocooned within this swirl of energy, is the informal discussion space, labelled by the staff as ‘the think tank lounge’.

Points out Manish to us, “It is a true representation of various cricket balls hit by multiple batting strokes in various directions all across a stadium.”

The design team analysed different batting strokes and bowling swings to derive the ‘model of a swirl cloud’ which they then decoded into a physical reality using a slender steel cage covered by planks of recycled waste shipping pallets.

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This swirl much like a tornado grips all the spaces around it, and has become the spine of the office. Adds Manish, “The installation provides multiple experiences, both from outside and inside. From outside it emulates the energy of batting strokes whereas from inside it resonates with the collective force of thousands of spectators cheering during a match.”

The entire office is planned around this twirling core, spaces overlap to disparage corporate hierarchy and encourage team spirit. The cabins and main conference hall, zoned to the periphery of the office have glazed panels with bright graphics on them to create the requisite visual barriers.

To further the friendly work ethos, the workstations too, do away with opaque dividers and instead make use of low red acrylic panels.

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Balancing the surge of red and amber shades, the colours symbolic of Delhi Daredevils, is the understated neutral grey palette of the floor and surface finishes.

The architects elucidate further, “We added another layer to the experiential depth of the office space, by juxtaposing a fair amount of recycled wood planks and natural MDF panels with bright colours and neutral greys.”

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Even the light features do not back out in referencing the quintessence of cricket. Custom designed by Luzlight design studio, the workstation task lights represent the three wickets. In the think tank lounge, linear point lights embody the million flashbulbs going off during a match in a stadium.

“The air conditioning ducts run open throughout the office with the words “Delhi Daredevils” spray painted in 10 different regional languages representing the multi-cultural player profile of the team,” says Manish, as he explains how the services further the team’s aura.

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Colours and the swirling pattern dominate the spaces, and when we walk into the office, this whirlpool sweeps us along on its never ending energy packed journey. M:OFA studios have given a dynamic soul to the office which just like the thrill of a ‘sixer’ lingers on for a long time. contact@mofastudio.com media@mofastudio.com www.mofastudio.com

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A larger than life appeal is an essential ingredient of movies. Theatres too embrace the latest technology to ensure that this element of largesse is communicated effectively; but what if you wanted to create a similar ambience (or even better) at your home? Where could you possibly go?

In the lanes of Laxmi Industrial Estate in Andheri exists a maverick who is certified to turn this dream into a reality. As I wait in his office I can’t help but notice the neatly placed set up of speakers, sub-woofers and variety of remotes to control them.

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REGALE YOUR SENSES TEXT BY VIKAS BHADRA

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On a starting note that begins with “Sorry, I’m late,” the conversation steers to the nitty-gritty of audio and video components and the finest companies that can create a magical ambience.

I am in conversation with Mehol K Vora, an audio video consultant and system integrator, who has more than a decade’s experience in the audio video and entertainment industry. Mehol is also a member of CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association) and a THX certified practitioner.

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Possibly one of the first of his kind in the city, Mehol has been commissioned to work on creating numerous bespoke home theatre and audio experiences for some of the country’s leading interior designers and architects, including the like of ZZ Architects and Red Architects.

With ZZ Architects he recently designed the Audio Video space for Hemant Mota whereas with Red Architects he was instrumental in revving up the home for Mrs. Apoorva Shroff. In both these projects he impinged his skillful demeanour to an everlasting effect.

With Mehol’s deep understanding of AV technology (and the multitude of brands in operation) coupled with his network of distributors guarantees that you get the best solution (as well as a killer deal).

From a single BHK to a sprawling mansion, Mehol has a defined approach to spaces complimenting them with a customised audio visual ambience. He has also recently started designing specialised audio-video furniture; this combined with the designs specs recommended by CEDIA ensure that the outcome will leave your senses in a state of euphoria.

With a professional like him you can expect your TV to pop out of your bed or ceiling or also do a 360 degree pirouette.

Just like the earth revolves and rotates, your TV can too!

Designing AV spaces is a creative and innovative exercise; for a 1BHK he recently designed a moving panel which accommodated the TV besides acting as a partition between the hall and the bedroom. On a similar scale he designed another moving panel which accommodated the TV and acted as the door of a wardrobe.

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When it comes to Home Theatre Systems (HTS) the client as a rule is updated on the brands that can up the ante. For those who love customisation, Legacy Audio tops the list, then there are names like Request Whole House Media and Audio Servers, Torus Audio and Definitive Audio.

All these are international brands and Mehol has used them to good effect in a number of homes owned by the who’s who of society.

Apart from the technical details of Home Theatre Systems, there are aspects of novelty like seating, the wall finish, lighting, precise air-conditioning and a host of other details which have to be worked on so that the end result is sublime.

As an AV consultant Mehol not only helps you make the right choice but also ensures the overall ambience is in sync with the AV components put to use. So you may be an individual with a cosy apartment or own something like the Hiram Lodge (the richest man in Riverdale who owns sprawling acres and a stately home), Mehol has a perfect solution for your theatre at home.

RADIO GAGA 627, Gazdar House, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai. +91 9967070707 mehol@radiogaga.co.in

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A SYNONYM OFLUXURY I believe design in itself encompasses luxury. Our creations are primarily intended to make lives easier and design is a part of this process. It is also the parameter which defines and reflects the inherent creativity besides adding a dose of glamour to the end product.

When it comes to furniture design it’s a perfect amalgamation of form and design which garners attention, beyond this paradigm it serves as a unique experience for the patron.

By Yashesh Virkar

DESIGNQUEST

From a young age, I had a zest for creative work rather than academics and this led me to opt for interior design. I took up interior design after getting rejected in fashion, fine arts, commercial arts and sculpture, so initially it felt alien to me and I was not able to connect to it in a satisfying way.

Product Design dawned on me when I was 22 and I took up Bachelors in Product Design from Raffles Design School, Singapore. Craving for extensive knowledge and experience helped me develop a keen eye for honesty and simplicity in design. This enthusiasm expanded my horizons of design which soon would etch itself in the products I created.

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Cane was put to use instead of metal since it is tensile and durable to withstand all types of climatic changes.

The Rocking Lounge was selected among the best top 12 designs in The Prix Émile Hermès 2014 design competition among 54 countries and 750 participants.

The whimsical Fox Head mirror, is yet another innovative product I designed.

It features a remarkable mosaic of a Fox head, complete with pointed ears and sloping eyes of mirrored glass.

With such attention to detail and impressive size, this mirror could become the centrepiece of any room it’s in.

While attending design seminars in Singapore, I came across Mr. Christopher Guy Harrison, an internationally acclaimed furniture and lifestyle designer in Singapore.

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Single Seater Sofa A single seater at an inception stage for a well known brand Rocking Lounge Cane was used instead of metal owing to its tensile strength and durability

Drawers A chest of drawers uniquely designed for a neat look

The concept of Rocking Lounge - one of the products I designed - was influenced and inspired by the very need of the human body to find a place, a corner to relax.

After few meetings with him he absorbed me in his firm as a design assistant. While working with his firm, I developed skills which were necessary to work as a designer for a truly international furniture brand. I soon started working with distributors from Russia, Middle East and the US to assist their clients in planning multiple rooms for their villas and penthouses.

Whereas the Slice sideboard is a modern sideboard, framed in beautiful walnut doors and drawer fronts, it is also available in varied exterior finishes and offers ample storage.

At the moment I have not ventured into the green arena. In future, I have plans to come up with a collection using 100% reused and eco-friendly materials and techniques.

Slice sideboard Slice sideboard is available in varied exterior finishes

Perspective is one of the first projects I undertook post the studio launch. An executive desk with two bronze mirrors, ziricote veneer and mop inlay on top, ups the ante of this customised desk designed for a client in Mumbai.

Surreal TV unit The TV unit consists of a flip down compartment in the middle finished in gloss white paint

Perspective Perspective was developed for a Mumbai based client Fox Head Mirror The Fox Head mirror stays true to its name

By 2012, at the age of 29, I decided to set up my own design studio, Yasanche.

(Yas, which is a part of my name and also means ‘to strive’ in Sanskrit, whereas the suffix ‘anche’, is a derivation from Marathi which connotes ‘belong to the person’)

Currently I am designing an outdoor furniture collection named Linnaea.

Besides Linnaea a few other furniture pieces I have designed include Surreal TV unit and Slice sideboard. Framed in beautiful walnut inlay door, the Surreal TV unit consists of a flip down compartment in the middle finished in gloss white paint.

yash@yasanche.com www.yasanche.com

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The restaurant serves Burmese culture perfectly on a platter.

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HOME REMEMBERED Burma Burma in Mumbai is not just a restaurant, it is an elegant homage paid to the colours and richness of Burmese culture.

This restaurant carries its heart on its sleeve. From its name to its colour tone and of course its culinary inspirations, this place is one hundred percent Burma.

To realise it, Mumbai-based Minnie Bhatt Design worked on a brief that was succinct in its demands - it asked for a slice of Burmese culture with a contemporary aesthetic. It also had to be warm, welcoming and exude cosiness from every corner.

The tenor of the eatery is all subtle swathes of wood, with highlights of warm lighting on the walls and the ceiling. The logo of Burma Burma is a cherubic doll that brings to mind the exotic innocence of Russian Matryoshka dolls. “The round bottom Burmese doll symbolises the resilience of a woman, as she bounces back up against all odds. I had two 3D dolls made in wood, and mounted one on either side of the entrance door,� says Bhatt.

Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy The Designer

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The interiors have obvious references to the signposts of Burmese culture. So naturally Buddhism is high on the list of design inspiration. To the left from the entrance is a beautiful moulded wall that spans the seating area. The wall, inspired by the Buddhist pagodas, would have been a remarkable touch in itself, but it is made even more special by a long series of traditional Buddhist prayer wheels embedded in them.

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To distinguish them from the original pious wheels, the ones here have been covered in earthy colours of turmeric yellow and neem green which sport Buddhist symbols like the lotus form, the Bodhisattva and others. The long beige sofa here is offset by silk bolsters sporting fine patterns. The floor meanwhile has been done in grey IPS. Keeping them company are some lovely cloth parasols that hang from the vintage ceiling. To emphasise the ageold goodness of the Burmese way of life, and the preferred materials that dot the landscape there, the old ceiling of the place was retained.

The fabric of the parasols is truly lovely - it has a beautiful intricate design and is in a colour that is a tempo up from that of the prayer wheels, though still elegantly steering clear of being garish. The parasols look like designer clouds floating above the tables.

Adding to the unmistakable Burmese nostalgia are etchings of the Burmese script on the wall behind the seating.

The booth seating has been carved from cane and wood, the former being another nod to a long-standing Burmese industry. Even the bathrooms continue the theme - find pictures of modern-day Myanmar on the walls here.

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To the right of the entrance is the Khow Suey take-out counter. The tea bar display here is amazingly elegant; red lacquer cabinets, fashioned after the Burmese original, fit in snugly in an otherwise teak-wood shelving. The collective effect of the warm lighting, the multiple shelves with the colourful pots and pans, and the tea paraphernalia; all come together beautifully to become a picture of a lovingly busy kitchen.

Cane baskets, toys, and lacquer-ware were brought in from Burma to populate the bar. It will be impossible not to sip tea, elbows resting on the natural log that forms the bar counter top, and look up admiringly at all the little spots of colour on the bar shelves.

All around Burma is the distinct whiff of the traditional Buddhist cloth painting legacy called Thangka. The paintings are swirling melting pots of colours and details so fine that every piece is a masterpiece of creative fervour and the possibilities of human labour. At Burma Burma, this legacy is paid a subtle homage, especially through the colour scheme.

Burma Burma, already reaping brownie points for its culinary expertise, is in fact a complete sensory experience. In the chock-a-block food landscape of Mumbai, it is tough work to stand out, and Burma Burma does it with ease because of its single-minded devotion to the experience of one rich culture. Few restaurants can claim to espouse such true commitment to inspiration, and express it beyond just food.

Burma Burma, already reaping brownie points for its culinary expertise, is in fact a complete sensory experience.

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minniebhatt@gmail.com

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It is interesting to observe how the products on display and the cafĂŠ set-up coexist harmoniously.

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Retail Therapy

Opening New Doors This is a rather exciting time for the design world as the quest to explore newer frontiers enables innovative designers to creatively enrich people’s lives in more ways than one. We’ve found a little door that leads to several new and exhilarating experiences!

Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs Fenny G and Friends

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All the products of the store are somewhat unconventional and this is what makes them so special.

A little door leads you to ‘The Little Door’, a popular cafe, that can indeed be accessed by a quaint little wooden door, which appears straight out of a fairy tale!

This place has a dual personality. By day, the area is known as “Fenny G & Friends”, and it is in the avatar of a store that aims to provide a unique design experience.

So, from 9.30 am in the mornng to 6 o’clock in the evening, the café cum store is open for shoppers, post that, it turns into an eatery.

The idea was born when the owner, and designer, Fenny Ganatra travelled around Europe with her debut product “Bounce”.

“I realised that design is a part of the social fabric here. I saw many places where décor, art, music, fashion and many other things come together on a single platform to give a unique experience to the end user. This persuaded me to create a similar environment,” she says, explaining the origin of the store.

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The store is accessed by a quaint little door that looks straight out of a fairy tale!

The relaxed vibe of the stone floors and the semi-outdoor café environment is complemented by the curated ambience that changes every day. Yes, that’s true!

They actually set up the store every day in the morning and pack it back in the evening. So the way the things are displayed changes every single day!

The customers are able to spend more time with the products, which in turn facilitates the buying process.

From the design point of view, it is interesting to observe how the products on display and the café set-up coexist harmoniously.

The displays here are so arranged that customers can have a leisurely look at them without facing the problem of several things vying for attention, all at the same time. Some products are actually a part of the décor of the café, for instance, the Bounce chairs at the entrance.

At the periphery of the cafe, products are creatively arranged on different pieces of furniture and one observes that the products blend in with the décor of the store quite subtly.

Consequently, in the evening when everything turns into “The Little Door”, the eatery, there is still a glimpse of Fenny G & Friends evident.

The mushroom-like cluster of rounded and rectangular tables makes quite a striking feature.

The relaxed vibe of the stone floors and the semi-outdoor café environment is complemented by the curated ambience that changes every day.

About 200 sq. m. of the store is actually designated for the display of most of the products, but actually the whole space appears to be quite seamless. This area thus merges with the café, giving the appearance and experience of one single unit. My favourite element in this area is the mushroom-like cluster of rounded and rectangular tables of varying heights on which products are displayed.

The products reflect the tastes of the discerning patrons of the store. Fenny G & Friends houses specially handpicked brands from across the globe, such as Fenny G (India), Flux, LEFF Amsterdam and Zisiska (The Netherlands), Seletti (Italy), Day Craft (HongKong), Mayank & Shraddha (India), Batle Studio (San Francisco), and IndianBean.com (India). Paintings by Aura Arts (artists: Bhushen Koul, Vidhyasagar Upadhyay, Madan Lal, etc.) are also part of the merchandise.

This may be an impressive set of names, but to put it in simple words, all the products of the store are unconventional and this is what makes them so special. They play around with materials, challenge technologies and sometimes even add a sense of humour by bringing out the ‘fun’ part of the design.

While Ganatra designs some products herself, a few are curated on her yearly travels. What she looks out for is a kind of uniqueness in each product.

With this store, Ganatra has ventured into a territory that has not really been explored in this manner by many. She is brimming with ideas on the future of this store, or rather, this concept. The broad aim remains to make design a part of people’s daily lifestyle, and spread the design culture via alternate locations.

As she continues with the “live-style” store she looks forward to having more brands, product hampers and a change in menu too. But she refuses to reveal more. “A few plans are on the drawing board, but till the concept is crystal clear in my head... or let’s just say like the magicians, we designers also never tell!” she says elusively! www.fennyg.com

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DESIGN DESTINATION

BEI WHERE Beirut is located on a peninsula along the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon. It is not just the capital but also the main seaport as well as the country’s financial nucleus.

Despite its tumultuous recent history, the city has made it to some prestigious global lists including top places to visit by New York Times and Lonely Planet’s liveliest cities of the world amongst others.

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RUT WHEN

WHY

The best time to visit Beirut is from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and the days long. As the peak of summer sets, the weather gets hot and the ascending levels of humidity add to the discomfort.

While winter temperatures are not extreme, it is rainy at that time of the year.

Beirut has a history of being a popular tourist destination and its popularity had earned it the appellative “The Paris of the Middle East�. The Lebanon Civil War brought about a dark period in the city’s history but since its end in 1995, Beirut is well on its way to attracting tourists from across the globe. French, Arabic, Ottoman and Roman influences on the cityscape make for a charming setting.

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THE LAP OF LUXURY The warm ochre colour façade of Hotel Albergo sets the tone for the rest of the stay. The owners renovated an old 30s style mansion taking care to ensure that the soul of the original heritage building was preserved in its new function as a luxury boutique hotel. In the times where minimalism is the safe mantra, Albergo explores the other end of the spectrum where more is less.

Plush chaise lounges, copper and crystal chandeliers, ornate rugs and curtains add to the luxurious feel of the setting. A treasure trove of antiques and artefacts occupy nooks and corners and shelves.

Such is the variety at display that it appears to be the collection of a traveller who spent many years zigzagging across the globe.

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The word ‘rooms’ fails to describe the suites at the Albergo Hotel; ‘boudoirs’ is more appropriate. Much like the rest of the hotel the theme of opulent luxury continues in them. An individualised design approach ensures that each suite has its own unique personality.

A different colour scheme has been applied to every suite ranging from the calm blue of the Mediterranean to sandy yellow to a fresh green. The rooms have been furnished and fitted to match the theme be it Oriental or French or ancient Lebanon. Attention to detail ensures that all the elements come together to create an atmosphere that is more like a homely apartment than a hotel room.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION It is difficult to imagine a wallpaper as the main attraction of a design concept as elegant as the Liza Restaurant in Beirut.

Artist Idarica Gazzoni’s stunning wallpaper adorns the walls of all the rooms, each one different, each one narrating the story of that room.

It is a green leafy one in the Banana Room which helps create an alfresco dining atmosphere. The Money Room is covered with blown-up images of old Lebanese currency while the Building Room showcases the towering skyline of modern Beirut. Moorish-style windows separate the spaces while the daylight flooding in and flowing amongst them binds the entire space to tell one cohesive story. The largely white colour scheme and extensive use of glass lends the Liza an ethereal yet inviting aura.

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BIG ON STYLE AND SPACE

Many spots around Beirut herald Lebanon as a global design destination, and the uber cool Ginette is right up there amongst the best. A bistro, art gallery and concept store all rolled into one, Ginette is a statement in minimalist sophistication.

The spaces, all under one roof, flow seamlessly into each other but at the same time a clean layout keeps the space clutter-free. A dramatic two-storey high glass faรงade visually merges the inside and outside spaces of the bistro.

Besides the delicate origami chandelier and some other details, the space relies on subtle factors to charm the visitor.

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IN ANSWER TO A PRAYER The earthy tone of the minarets and the walls and the contrasting bright blue of the domes make a striking picture in the Beirut skyline. Built between 2002 and 2007, it is apparent that the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque has been inspired by Ottoman architecture.

Not only is the structure impressive, the interiors too have been ornamented with detail and care. Paintings, calligraphy, gilding and stone and wood work have been used effectively to create a striking ambience in its interiors.

Text By Himali Kothari

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The cut-outs in the structural masses give beautiful framed views and vistas of the Turkish Riviera.

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The Mediterranean Way ‘Yalikavak Palmarina’, a marina development by Emre Arolat Architects combines architecture with the natural landscape in a language inspired by the local style present on the beautiful Turkish Riviera.

Istanbul based Emre Arolat Architects (EAA) have designed a marine development project in Yalikavak on the Turkish Riviera that has attracted yachters and design lovers alike. Titled Yalikavak Palmarina, the development designed in phases, aims to bridge the ‘outsiders’ and the locals by presenting many facilities to the local population while also extending the pre-existing harbour.

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The first phase of the master plan includes an island, while the second stage focused on the marina shoreline development. The ‘island’ left empty by the previous owner had a narrow pedestrian connection, which the EAA team redesigned, giving it a new revolutionary character.

The new link from the mainland, thought of as a ‘harbour extension’, facilitates easy docking of yachts, and the luxuries of restaurants, shops and other services for visitors to enjoy.

“The main motivation for the design of the ‘island’ was to search for the possibility of reconciling the needs of the visitors with those of the locals of Yalikavak as a Mediterranean settlement,” explain the team. Hence the structures and building on the island reflect the region’s characteristics, trying to blend seamlessly into the terrain.

The architects detail the design, “Instead of a generic design that can easily become an alienated object for this place, the architecture was derived from the local character. It was interpreted as a composition of masses with different heights, merging with the landscape and the sea, and has integrated well with the place.”

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The stone pathways of Priene Theatre, St Gimiano, Rhodes and other ancient cities became the muse for the architectural style used on the island and the shoreline development. A grid layout neatly composes the open, semiopen and closed spaces, while a linear wall has been included to sometimes become a separator between spaces and other times an indicator.

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Landscape and architecture merge to blend into the Turkish landscape.

This layout creates a central space between the linear wall and structural masses, which has been conceived as a gathering space by the architecture team. The cut-outs on the linear wall and other masses provide new views and vistas when we look across the sea to the mountains beyond. The final touch to this Mediterranean appeal is a watch tower, much like the ruins of Stgimiano and Rodos.

Travertine stone has been used as the cladding material for the entire complex, rendering the complete plan in the same stroke, thus unifying the design. The architects chip in, “Following the ancient cities like Kos, Rhodes and Siena, clad in one material, we used travertine to render the whole complex.”

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As a form, the structural composition blends into the Turkish surroundings and the sandy brown colour also becomes indistinguishable from the local landscape.

The second phase focusing on the shoreline development has shops, retail stores and other structures along the coast. A continuous shaded path is created along the shoreline by large dramatic overhangs from the outlets and colonnades alongside some shops.

Point out the EAA team, “All the shops are fragmented in planning and the overhangs are designed in different levels overlapping each other in order to keep to the building scale.”

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Shopping plan.

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Sticking to travertine as a unifying design element, most of the vertical and horizontal planes are clad in the sandy brown stone broken only by the glazed volumes of shop windows.

‘Mediterranean aura’ as described by Emre Arolat Architects resonates through the large overhangs and singular cladding.

The later phase also caters to a boutique hotel, spa and fitness centre, offices, storage facilities and a shipyard for boat repairs, thus eventually making the marina self sufficient.

The colonnades create interesting shadows in the morning and evening hours; a magical environment is created, that is at once welcoming and laidback much like the Mediterranean surroundings.

It is said that on the Turquoise Coast the Mediterranean meets the Aegean, and the sun rises and sets over breathtaking views.

Doing justice to such natural beauty, the ‘Yalikavak Palmarina’ tries to present a new lifestyle by blending the architecture into the landscape, thereby providing all visitors and locals with an unforgettable and rich experience, much like the tradition seen on the Mediterranean.

info@emrearolat.com www.emrearolat.com

The first phase of development was the ‘island’. Designed like the ancient Mediterranean cities, the grid layout has open spaces, gathering spaces and linear walls with beautifully framed views.

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GREEN PROJECT

The cafĂŠ is attached to a hotel complex and consists of a main building with a big horizontal roof made of bamboo and an annex kitchen made of concrete frames and stones.

An Ode To Bamboo

Routine breakfast rituals are easily transformed into uplifting experiences within the towering shade and gentle ambience of this all-bamboo cafĂŠ. Step inside for a closer look.

Text By Christabelle Athaide Photographs Courtesy Hiroyuki Oki Home Review September 2014

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Located at the gateway to Kontum city, the café offers a spectacular vista to those entering the city.

Despite Vietnam’s tropical climate, the café does not require air-conditioning thanks to the deep eaves and the shallow lake that keep the café’s interiors cool.

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In for the long haul, bamboo is seasoned by soaking in mud and then smoking out before being used for construction.

The quest for sustainable living has unearthed a variety of green materials of which bamboo has emerged as a clear favourite with many architects and designers who love it for its abundance, low cost and versatility.

In Vietnam, architect Vo Trong Nghia and his eponymous firm harness their country’s abundant natural resource - bamboo - to create stunning landmarks, the latest of which is the Kontum Indochine Café in Kontum city.

Attached to a hotel complex that runs along Vietnam’s Dakbla River, the café offers a spectacular gateway to visitors entering Kontum city. Built in 2013 on a corner plot, the Café is composed of two major elements: a main building with a big horizontal roof made of bamboo and an annex kitchen made of concrete frames and stones.

All elevations are open to air with the south facade facing the main street along the Dakbla River; the east facing the service street; the west facing a restaurant and the banquet building belonging to the hotel complex and finally the north facing the annex kitchen which serves the Café.

The café’s quasi-al fresco layout makes it a naturally attractive venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner besides it is often preferred as a banquet hall for weddings and other events. The grand bamboo arches of the café frame a picturesque view of the Dakbla River against the backdrop of rugged mountains in the distance.

Inside the café, guests often liken the experience to being in the midst of a bamboo forest closed in by the mountains.

According to architect Vo Trong Nghia, “The challenge of the project was to respect the nature of bamboo as a material and to create a distinctive space unique to bamboo.”

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The roof of the café is covered by fibre-reinforced plastic panels and thatch that shelter it from harsh natural elements

The architect who is often admired for his innovative creations in bamboo does not disappoint in the design of this café either. Hollow, flexible poles have been utilised to spectacular effect by bending and tying them into 15 giantsized inverted cone-shaped structures that rise dramatically to support a high V-shaped roof.

The architect states quite simply that, “The form of these columns was inspired by a traditional Vietnamese basket for fishing which gradually narrows from the top towards the base.” Reproduced in this size however, the indigenous form takes on a dimension of stupefying effect.

Design apart, what also elevates the bamboo cones to another level of wonder is the absence of any steel joints in their construction; a material ostensibly essential to the creation of the cones.

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According to the architects, bamboo’s unique characteristics demand a treatment different from that applied to steel and timber. They explain, “Using steel joints kills the cost benefit of bamboo structures. It also generates too much local load which is not appropriate for bamboo, often causing it to buckle under.”

The indigenous solution to seasoning and strengthening bamboo for such structures, they share, involves an age-old process whereby bamboo is soaked in mud and then smoked out. Natural rattan tying methods and bamboo nails are further employed to hold the bamboo in place.

The bamboo columns frame a picturesque view of the Dakbla River and rugged mountains that compete for attention in the distance.

All elevations are open to the air with the south facade facing the main street along the Dakbla River; the east facing the service street; the west facing a restaurant and banquet building belonging to the hotel complex and finally the north facing the annex kitchen which serves the cafĂŠ.

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The architects further reveal that their bamboo construction techniques were informed by Japanese knowledge and a long-standing experience of wooden structures. They add, “Maintenance is planned every three years and happens periodically. During the maintenance, workers will check damage, tighten the rope and relocate damaged bamboo if necessary.”

Outside the café, Vo Trong Nghia paints nature into the surroundings with an artificial shallow lake that skirts the rectangular layout of the main building.

The reflection of the bamboo cones in the lake, especially at night, creates a vision of breathtaking beauty.

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The shallow artificial lake surrounding the café adds to its aesthetic charm while simultaneously cooling the air that enters the café.

The roof of the café is covered by fiber-reinforced plastic panels and thatch that shelter it from harsh natural elements but allow light to penetrate into the main volume of the space.

Despite Vietnam’s tropical climate, the café has little need for air-conditioning thanks to the structure’s deep eaves and large trees in the vicinity as well as the artificial lake that cools air flowing inside the café. The open structure maximises wind flow into the building during summer and at the same time resists harsh storms during turbulent weather.

The Kontum Indochine Café is an elegant response to the call for sustainable architecture while simultaneously whetting the human appetite for beauty and grandeur in man-made structures. pr@vtnaa.com www.votrongnghia.com

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“We are convinced that eco-friendly products will be the next generation lifestyle icons and as a brand we want to aim to be the frontrunners.”

WorkshopQ was started by two like-minded well educated sisters who simply could not resist re-thinking about all the waste lying around us. They wanted to start a movement instead of just simply a ‘business’. WorkshopQ was thus born out of that very need to innovate with creativity, sustainability and functionality.

WorkshopQ believes that there is scope to upcycle (converting waste materials or useless products into new materials and products) and reuse in every process and way.

Polygonal Wooden Clock

A carpenter’s workshop was scoured and from the tons of waste wood pieces this contemporary clock was designed and created after appropriate buffing and finishing.

Steel Framed Mirrors

These handsome mirrors were carefully handcrafted from high-carbon steel strip waste, salvaged from the scrap yard of a steel factory. Completely handmade using a no-glue technique, where all the steel strips are linked with nuts and bolts, makes this mirror even more sustainable.

Wire Matted Tissue & Storage Boxes

Handloom weaving is regarded as India’s second biggest economic activity. A twist was added to this traditional weaving technique by using old discarded telephone wires sourced from telephone exchanges. These elegant boxes made by weaving together these wires are not only elegant but very robust and useful as well. www.workshopq.com

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mist - 0 stu0iO

Designers Noa Ikeuchi and Tommaso Nani created the Mist-o studio to design and produce contemporary, minimalistic products that are stunning, just by their simplicity and elegance.

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Mist-o is the design studio created by Noa Ikeuchi and Tommaso Nani. The designers, who are from Japan and Italy respectively, met while studying at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan, Italy. Ikeuchi and Nani both have successful careers as designers and collaborate at Mist-o to create products for companies such as Cappellini, Living Divani, Grag, Ichendorg and Mogg.

Flamingo Bookshelf

Mist-o’s minimalistic designs are like a breath of fresh air in this presently chaotic design world. Their clean, spare designs would be right at home in a Scandinavian setting or in a contemporary Indian home where the product would be of course the star.

One of their earliest products was the ‘Flamingo’ bookshelf (2009) made of lime tree wood and plexiglas. The legs of the bookcase support each other “by sheer force of gravity” and remind one of a flamingo standing on one leg. The plexiglass shelves provide added support to this simple, yet sturdy, design.

Mist-o has several intriguing pieces of furniture. The ‘Leaves’ coffee table (2010) is a small table made of marble and plexiglas that seems to be suspended on very thin legs.

Leaves Coffee Table

The Mezzanino Coffee Table

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The Moon Beside Table

The ‘Mezzanino’ coffee table (2012) comes with a series of steps, calling to mind stairs in homes. The steps become a valuable storage and display solution while keeping the main table top free of distractions - a new and elegant twist to coffee-table decor. The designers say that the steps are also “a conceptual part which metaphorically goes from one world to another, from one space to another, from a chaotic outside environment to one that is calm and domestic on the inside.”

The ‘Moon Beside’ table (2014) is a sultry drum-like table that opens up to reveal two hollowed halves fitted with shelves, which are perfect for storing paraphernalia while keeping it out of sight at the same time. A design like this would work in every room - just imagine the possibilities!

Mist-o’s range of products and accessories for the home are equally intriguing. The ‘Prisoner’ range of fruit ‘Squares’ (2010) and ‘Bowls’ (2014) are made of aluminium and create a dialogue between the object and what it contains. “The fruit almost seems imprisoned in the embrace of the object, thus becoming a fundamental part of it,” explain the designers.

Prisoner Range Of Fruit Squares And Bowls

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Mist-o has also created several collections of carafes and glass objects. The ‘Tequila Sunrise’ (2013/2014 for Ichendorf) collection of carafes in coloured borosilicate glass mixed with clear glass creates different layers which look as if the carafes have liquid in them already.

The ‘Tokyo’ collection (2013/2014 for Ichendorf) on the other hand is a collection of carafes, bottles, glasses and an interesting greenhouse/candle-holder in clear glass.

Another interesting and out-of-the-box product is Mist-o’s ashtray-incense burner which is a ceramic ashtray that converts into an incense-burner when turned over.

“This is a conceptual contrast between the bad odour of smoke and the pleasant perfume of incense. The object is born and lives in the continuous dialogue between these two opposing actions.”

Similarly, the ‘Atlantis’ vase (2014) is an interaction between two different materials - ceramic and glass. Three ceramic vases are “immersed” in a glass case which creates an underwater world with the flowers rising to the surface like the mythical lost city of Atlantis.

“Besides being a decorative container for flowers, this creation seeks to enhance the value of the poetic act and ritual of floral composition and of giving life to cut flowers,” explain the designers.

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Nest Hanging Lamps

Tequila Sunrise Collection

The Tokyo Collection

Apart from furniture and products for the home, Mist-o has recently branched into interior design with a Helicopter interior design exhibited in Milan. They have tried to apply the standards of living at home to the interior of the craft.

Atlantis Vase

The space is thought of as being extremely flexible so that the seating composition can be changed around in order to give the passenger the facility of experiencing the cabin more freely.

In this way one can choose what kind of trip one wants to make, whether it’ll be a business trip with a rigorous and formal arrangement or a more relaxed and family-oriented excursion with the seating corresponding to a living room.

Mist-o’s intention of “communicating a vision of the world where things and relations arise from the union and meeting of different meanings and symbols” comes across clearly in their products. Whether it is a functional table or an elegant carafe for your kitchen, the essence and purity of Mist-o’s design shines through clearly. www.mist-o.com

Woodpecker Helicopter Interior Design

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The Thief, a hotel in Oslo, Norway robs visitors of all that is mundane, familiar and stressful. Instead they find themselves immersed in cuttingedge architecture, art and world class cuisine.

Text By Mala Bajaj Photographs By The Thief Hotel

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THIEF! THIEF!

With iconic neighbours like the Renzo Piano designed Astrup Fearnley Museum and other new architectural highlights on Tjuvholmen, the exterior of The Thief had to not only fit in with the neighbourhood, but it had to do it ever so sensitively.

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Several international designers like Tom Dixon, Boca do Lobo, Jacco Maris, Autoban, Brunner and upcoming Norwegian designers have contributed to the hotel’s splendid dÊcor.

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The Thief, a member of Design Hotels, in Oslo, Norway, opened to business as recently as January 2013. There may be other new hotels as well in Norway but The Thief has clearly become the most famous and spoken about in this short spell of time.

The Thief’s immediate neighbour is the newly opened Renzo Piano-designed Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art which houses an enviable collection that has all the big names - Koons, Hirst, Barney and many more. But of course thanks to The Thief’s owner Petter A. Stordalen, who is a private sponsor of the museum, art is periodically borrowed from the museum and placed in the public area galleries of the hotel to add another quotient of spoiling the guest.

Some more culture comes the way of the guests thanks to Sune Nordgren, the former director of Norway’s National Museum of Art, who has handpicked original artwork for each of the 119 rooms. But that’s not all - interactive TVs in each room will offer ‘art on demand’ which allows you the privilege of shopping for art right in the comfort of your room.

Offering some more one-of-a-kind activities, the hotel also provides themed maps such as Oslo Escape Routes which can take you on curated tours of art, design and architecture in the city and the hotel’s boat is more than happy to take you around the fjords all summer long.

The ‘chambre séparée’ provides a perfect setting for an intimate meal with loved ones.

The attention to detail and comfort at this uniquely named hotel, with 119 spacious rooms, all with luxurious down-duvet bedding, rainfall showers, Antonio Cittero armchairs and decorated in an ultra-chic style, with LCD TVs, video on-demand, sound systems, Nespresso machines, high speed free WiFi and superbly loaded minibars, is way above any bench.

The Thief’s interior was designed by Anemone Wille Våge, one of Norway’s most prominent designers. Exquisitely furnished, art-filled spaces are carefully endowed with cutting-edge designer pieces. Thanks to floor-length windows the hotel is not only flooded with natural light but wonderful views of the surrounding area too are possible.

The spa has stolen the best ideas from spa cultures all over the world and brought them home.

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This particular guest room elegantly decorated and fitted with every de rigeur amenity has one more feather in its cap: the tantalising view of the quay with its sleek luxury liners, the sight of which can keep one hooked for hours.

It was exactly due to the proximity of the Tjulholmen quay, that Wille Våge took inspiration from the maritime world. “The use of subdued hues, punctuated by strong, arresting colours such as orange and turquoise, is inspired by the classic Riva yacht. It is such a perfect example of timeless elegance,” she says.

The play with contrasts is the strongest in the rooms where dark wood-panelling is interspersed with back-lit panels, and rich brown carpets are paired with light parquet floors and sand-coloured curtains. Goldtoned pillows and coffee tables provide vivid accents throughout the otherwise muted colour scheme.

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The well-designed bathrooms have white Vittorio marble floors, Corian sinks and toiletries by the holistic Cotswolds, UK-based beauty brand Ila-Spa. With iconic neighbours like the Astrup Fearnley Museum and other new architectural highlights on Tjuvholmen, the exterior of The Thief had to not only fit in with the neighbourhood, but it had to do so ever so sensitively. The award-winning architectural firm of Mellbye Architects AS who were at the helm of the architecture of the hotel not only fulfilled this aspect ‘to a tee’ but also based the design on a fundamental philosophy of sustainability and local qualities.

The hotel has clever, energy-efficient solutions that reduce energy and water consumption and also handle the waste.

New technology allows this process to operate efficiently for the hotel and seamlessly for the guests.

At the hotel, guests can enjoy good food, with an array of seasonal seafood and produce from Norway and Scandinavia.

With a vision to revive the wild and pure flavours experienced due to a life lived on a farm, head chef Kari Innerå regularly changes the menu to make the most of nature’s seasonal offerings.

The life-affirming comforts, style and the general uniqueness, whether it’s the name of the hotel or its amenities, keep getting the hotel a constant supply of patrons who want to willingly be ‘robbed’ not once or twice but over and over again.

www.thethief.com www.designhotels.com

Elements of design dot the interiors, each one varied but equally stimulating and engaging.

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A riotous field of marigolds is visible through a keyhole in a wall or through a thin veil of fabric on the other side. The installation plays with our “reaction to enclosed spaces and the effect a single colour can have on our emotions.�

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Landscapes

BLOOMIN’ GOOD The Reford Gardens in Quebec come alive with art and blooms every year for the avant-garde International Garden Festival. With some very interesting entries this year, the festival which lasts till September 28th is a must see.

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The designers wanted to prove that all things can be used as material for a creative environment. The cones serve as planters for different kinds of flowers, and also conceal noisemakers that respond to touch.

Right now, the International Garden Festival in Quebec is in full bloom. Held each year at the Jardins de Métis/the Reford Gardens - named after their founder Elsie Reford - it is the biggest such festival in North America. Now in its 15th year, the festival receives entries from around the world and promotes contemporary landscapes and the designers creating them.

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“This year we saw over three hundred proposals from 30+ countries. The number has steadily grown over the years,” says Alexander Reford, Director of the Reford Gardens and great-grandson of Elsie Reford. Explaining plans for this year Reford said, “We did a special anniversary celebration for the 10th edition; for the 15th edition, we are preparing a new book on the festival with publisher Birkhauser Verlag.”

Charred posts with bright bands of orange are reminiscent of a forest fire and what happens after that.

Evergreens and saplings sprout out from the ash, reaffirming the forest’s life cycle.

This year there are twenty-two contemporary gardens put together by 65 designers from places as diverse as Seoul, Amsterdam and New York. The installations “invite visitors to enter and contemplate new ways of seeing the landscape and the world.”

I was curious to know how the festival has changed over the years. The festival has evolved in several ways. “We have more installations and extra-mural gardens this year in Toronto, Montreal, London and other places. We allow the gardens to mature over 2 or 3 years, instead of allowing them to be exhibited for one year only,” explains Reford.

Most of the installations are thought provoking, either subtly or in an overt way.

The works remind us of the importance of nature and landscape in our lives, and the vacuum left in its absence. What happens, for example, in the aftermath of a forest fire? ‘Afterburn’ is an installation by Civilian Projects, New York that recreates the aftermath of a fictitious forest fire in the boreal forest. Using charred posts marked with bands of bright orange paint, ash-rich planting soil, river stone and coniferous plants, the team showed that fires are “an intrinsic part of the forest ecosystem” and that life does spring forth and evolve, from the seemingly barren remains.

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Edge Effect by Snøhetta is a steel and rope installation that creates a ‘room’ to allow the interaction of people and that particular intersection of forest and open meadow and the species that thrive in it.

The Cone Garden by Livescape, Seoul, is “a pop-up garden made of cones that make sound.” Familiar objects on construction sites worldwide, the orange cones “symbolise our desire to control our environment.”

The designers wanted to prove that all things can be used as material for a creative environment. The cones serve as planters for different kinds of flowers, and also conceal noisemakers that respond to touch. The sound of the wind and of ocean waves juxtaposes the man-made cones against the landscape.

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Similarly, Edge Effect by Snøhetta is a steel and rope installation that creates a ‘room’ to allow the interaction of people and that particular intersection of forest and open meadow and the species that thrive in it.

The steel form twists and turns around trees and earth creating an interesting geometric vision.

Colour is pronounced in the festival with several installations embracing it unabashedly. Line Garden by Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster is one such garden.

The duo drew on the formal language of historical garden design and the contemporary mass-produced materials using wooden stakes and barrier tape to create a tightly spaced sculpture with an interesting herringbone pattern from a distance.

Designed like a docked and unfinished ship, the sculptural shape is reminiscent of plant cells and stores seeds of one of the 35 different plant species native to the Quebec region.

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Not just a reflecting pool, this is a device intended to “capture the beauty of nature.”

Somewhat different to the others is Méristème by Châssi. A giant herbarium, this is a sculpture that stores seeds of one of the 35 different plant species native to the Quebec region. Designed like a docked and unfinished ship, the sculptural shape is reminiscent of plant cells.

One of my favourite installations is the ethereal Rotunda, a large black basin filled with water to reflect the surrounding forest, then left to be used by local wildlife.

Simplistic as this may sound, the designers - Spanish firm City Laboratory – intend it to be “a device capturing the beauty of nature.” Over time, like any water body, it will be home to falling leaves and be subject to the vagaries of weather.

Orange Secret by Nomad Studio is a riot of merry colour and plays with perception. A riotous field of marigolds is visible through a keyhole in a wall or through a thin veil of fabric on the other side. What you see depends on where you are, at what height.

The installation plays with our “reaction to enclosed spaces and the effect a single colour can have on our emotions.”

The installations are meant to provoke a response and encourage a debate on the effect of our environment on our lives.

There is beauty in the ordinary and certainly in a sculpture of bright orange construction cones or a collage of hazard tape. Perhaps one just needs the backdrop of nature to appreciate this.

info@refordgardens.com www.refordgardens.com

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EMBROIDERED LIVING

This 3BHK apartment in Mumbai exudes an aura of glamour with several of its features hinting at the owner’s deep-rooted connection with the fashion industry. Can you spot the clues?

One look is all it takes to conclude that the owner of this plush apartment in Lokhandwala, Mumbai is a fashion aficionado.

Principal Architect at Interface as well as the brains behind the interiors of this 1,800 sq. ft. apartment - Kunal Barve - nods delightfully at the observation, affirming that his client is indeed a family man whose embroidery business sees him travel widely to meet leading couturiers of the world.

The fashion related clues are aplenty at this glamorous apartment, starting with the living room area that woos visitors with its sophisticated European accents.

The elegantly carved chairs, modern centre and side tables, wall-mounted lamps and an abstract carpet design all convey an enchanted relationship with contemporary Western trends.

The dining table nearby, on the other hand, betrays an Oriental weakness for embellishment, made apparent by the intricate pattern of the uberluxe mother-of-pearl top and richly embroidered chairs.

The exquisite embroidery on the dining chairs was voluntarily and lovingly laboured over by the client at his office workshop, whereas the table top with its gadzillion precise squares of mother-ofpearl was painstakingly assembled in the course of two months by another band of craftsmen.

Text By Christabelle Athaide Photographs Courtesy Santosh Jadhav

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Imported lighting fixtures contribute to an easy-going glamorous atmosphere.

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There’s more mind boggling detailing to be discovered in the enclosed balcony attached to the living room: a carved wooden door evenly lit and suspended from the ceiling trains its gaze on a hypnotic mosaic-tiled floor below.

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“The client was very keen on creating a simple interior but still wanted it to be special with lots of attention to detail,” informs Kunal, as he elaborates on the tedious process employed by his team to cut and assemble three types of marble stone for an exclusive geometric pattern in the outdoor lounge area.

The pull of intricate pattern is visible again in the powder room where ogee-patterned flooring offers a lyrical setting for the most mundane of human functions.

Kunal uses the opportunity to create more drama here with an unusual washbasin where water spouts out from the top of a tilted mirror. “The reflection of the water cascading over the mirror is really dramatic,” he states adding that the space between mirror and wall is used practically to create additional shelf space for visitors who stay over.

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Kunal’s other impressive work of illusion features a sliding door that separates the living room and the family den, where a mix of glass and mirror are used to create a distorted reflection that plays a practical joke on the viewer.

This playful spirit spills into the family den where a pit sofa doubles up as a bed and where the family can relax or entertain visitors. “The client wanted a casual atmosphere here where he could play cards or watch TV with his friends”, points out the architect.

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Imported lighting fixtures contribute to an easy-going glamorous atmosphere.

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Considering the high premium on real estate in Mumbai, the architect has put every corner of the 3BHK house to good use.

The master bedroom may have been cut in size to accommodate the family den but its adjoining balcony is efficiently utilised to seat a study table.

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The master bedroom with its luxuriant white leather headboard, parquet flooring, chic ceiling lights and floor-to-ceiling wardrobe is decidedly plush and comfortable. “Adding designer fittings really helped create a sense of glamour in this relatively small bedroom,” explains Kunal.

In the children’s bedroom, safety and colour are introduced into the space in the form of bolsters that line the sides of the bed as well as clad an entire wall.

The hard edges of the window and ledge are sheathed in chenille giving off the appearance of living within a storybook.

As for the kitchen - obviously a muchutilised area in this house - the design team has been generous with space and has treated this utility area in white, with a fretwork panel and a dining chair being the sole compromise towards embellishment and colour.

Referring to the inclusion of decorative detail across many of his interior design projects, Kunal says, “I like art and enjoy incorporating it into my work.” In this apartment too, he exhibits an acute eye for detail that fortunately resonates with the client who is equally consumed by the finer points of good living. “Being from an industry where attention to detail is paramount, the client was appreciative and understanding of the amount of time it took to create everything to perfection,” signs off Kunal.

contact@kunalbarve.com www.kunalbarve.com

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Based in Chennai, Madras Office for Architects and Designers (MOAD) is flexing its muscles in pursuits as dynamic as architecture, urban design and interior installations.

The firm boasts of a portfolio seeped in myriad interests. In their repertoire one will not only find architectural projects but also residential extensions, designs for theatrical set-pieces, interior design, schemes for public spaces and more.

The diversity in MOAD’s thought process is like its home itself, because like Chennai, the firm’s outlook leans heavily on cultural pursuits, as much as on building the life blocks of a metropolis.

Active since 2004, MOAD has divided its energies across the different branches of architecture like architecture and urban research, architectural design, master planning, graphic design, installation art and set design, architectural interiors, and relevant academic pursuits.

The team is committed to understanding clients’ requirements and offering them “creative design solutions”. The following three projects highlight the firm’s solid creative ethic.

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This was to be a home extension project, and therefore in effect, also an effort in integrating two generations of design thought within one compound. “The extension is designed as a stack of boxes that both deliberately offsets from the old building at ground level and gestures to overlap at the first level,” states the team.

The most eye-catching feature of the extension is the jaali wall that encloses the corridor up to a transparent dining room. It is the most flamboyant sign of new having landed in an old expanse.

The lower level also features a kitchen and a bedroom. Up a folded sheet metal stairway is another level, housing a living room and a terrace over-looking a garden; and a bedroom with a private balcony.

The MOAD team has maturely infused the extended 1,600 sq. ft. area with a refreshing vigour, without compromising on the old charm of the pre-existing structure.

Like almost everything that MOAD likes to associate itself with, its interior design portfolio isn’t straightforward. It doesn’t just involve sprucing up the insides of stores and homes, but includes helping enhance the theatre experience.

In collaboration with Chennai-based group, The Madras Players, MOAD has designed the sets for three of its productions - including Tunnel Vision and Serious Men. Arguably, the set pieces have a strident architectural vision just the same, and are strong structures that become benches and podiums, thereby demanding a closer look by the audiences who are struck by their deceptive simplicity.

When it comes to de rigueur interior design, look for MOAD’s work at Carbon Banjara in Hyderabad. This ‘retail container’ has been transformed into a towering visual experience with the help of criss-crossing white bands of reinforcements across the store, and the effect of all the glass in the middle.

This non-linear thinking is a surprise element in what could have easily turned into a staid retail display. Now, the store looks like a shape-shifting zen master, just as MOAD’s smart team must have wanted.

Text By Shruti Nambiar Photos Courtesy Ganesh Ramachandran, Dhivya Ravishankar, Mahesh Radhakrishnan, Saravana Raja and MOAD Home Review September 2014

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This urban design-biodiversity project is another interesting effort taken up by MOAD and because the aegis of this assignment goes beyond just beautification, it adds further credence to the firm’s reputation as a place of unconventional thought.

The Water Edges project is a collaborative effort which aims to bring forth ideas and designs for responsible public places in the city of Chennai.

The timeline for the project stretches up to the year 2020, and its priorities are broad and encompassing of all the elements of a fulfilling city experience which includes infrastructure, ecology and culture.

The sub-projects under this scheme will be realised along the Chetpet Lake waterfront, the Pallikaranai Marsh and the Egmore Cooum water-front.

Commissioned by the Chennai Corporation and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, the conceptualisation for ‘Water Edges’ is currently being handled by MOAD and team, in collaboration with the Chennaibased NGO, Care Earth. info@moad.in

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THE MARKETPLACE Simpolo Gets An In-House Lab

Versatility Of Dupont Corian

Today’s manufacturers must develop products quickly and inexpensively to meet the demands of a competitive marketplace.

If not properly planned, third-party approvals can inadvertently delay product launch plans and increase overhead costs. With a wellequipped in-house lab, the development team can make product adjustments without delays.

Corian is an advanced mineral-filled acrylic material with homogeneous colour throughout, offering a distinctive finish and a fascinating interaction with light.

The key to comprehensive quality control is the use of an in-house laboratory. Having an in-house, state-of-the-art laboratory is absolutely necessary to manufacture superior products. In-house laboratory allows for timely, accurate testing that ensures every product, from raw material to finished goods, meets all quality requirements.

With a qualified lab onsite, Simpolo can save weeks or even months in the product’s launch plans. The company can perform product testing in tandem with product development. There are many benefits to this strategy, including improved economies of scale, quick identification of product flaws, and quicker lead time to market with modified or new products.

With this move, Simpolo is able to stay ahead of others in terms of quality and innovation.

Simpolo has started the twin pressed double charged product with great success. Some of their popular products Alaska White in double charged technique and in 800 mm x1200 mm size and Absolute Black in 600 mm x 600 mm size reflect the strength of their research and development department. www.simpolo.net

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It is designed to offer choice and adaptability, Corian can be counted on to play any part within any scheme. In the hand of DuPont authorised fabricators, it can flow smoothly from breakfast bar to countertop, shelves to backlit display systems and so much more.

Corian has been used in design oriented projects like the Delhi and Mumbai International Airport as well as healthcare projects like CCU in AIIMS. The health care sector relies on Corian to make their hospitals aesthetically pleasing and a germ-free zone.

You may also see a Corian job done in a restaurant as a table top or a wall cladding done in a residence or a kitchen countertop.

Furthermore, the integrity of DuPont Corian Exterior Cladding, a smooth, solid, non-porous

solution that will not warp or delaminate, is guaranteed for twenty years and is enhanced by colours selected for exterior application that will not fade and are guaranteed UV stable for ten years.

Besides growth in the residential, retail, exterior wall cladding, healthcare and commercial market, Corian’s DeepColor technology has seen a differential growth.

It delivers greater depth of colour and improved durability while reducing the scratch appearance by 50% and increasing resistance to impact whitening.

DuPont Corian is not just a product but a brand promise. DuPont continues to invest in improving the quality of the product and their investment in fabrication capability through its design and development centre in DuPont Knowledge Center, Hyderabad is proof of the same. www.dupont.co.in

Aquatherapy By Grohe People now look at bathrooms as spaces for relaxation. Aquatherapy by Grohe works on a basic concept of utilising the power of water to heal the body. The calming effect of water gives the user relief from pain and treats aches.These showers give you an experience of both, a calming caress and invigorating vitality of aquatherapy. The water flow, pressure and temperature of water can be adjusted to calm the muscles and stimulate stress points in the body. www.grohe.com/in

THE MARKETPLACE Herman Miller Introduces The Wireframe Sofa Group

Rolf Benz Plura Is Much More Than A Sofa Presenting to you the most renowned Germany based luxurious premium sofas Rolf Benz’s Plura. Whether it is upright seating, laid-back relaxing or comfortable snoozing - this multi-functional sofa can adapt to your favourite position in just a few moves.

Herman Miller Inc. continues to blend life and work with the introduction of the Wireframe Sofa Group, a newly commissioned design by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of London based Industrial Facility.

Minimalist and modern with a visible lightness, the Wireframe Sofa Group features an external structure that uniquely holds its soft and contoured cushions in place. Made from steel wire, the lightweight, durable frame is half the weight of typical like-size seating. This makes adjustment, movement and transportation simple and relevant to today’s more transient living.

Moreover, because the frame is separate from the upholstery, both are easy to clean and maintain. The first sofa to employ suspension technology developed by Herman Miller for the healthcare industry, Wireframe evenly distributes sitting pressure, making it a comfortable and versatile choice for home, work and hospitality environments.

The Wireframe Sofas are available in two-seat, three-seat, lounge chair, and ottoman with black and white frames.

The cushion upholstery is available in all Herman Miller collection fabrics. www.hermanmiller.com

The soft, radius-accentuating design of the cushions stands in charming contrast on Rolf Benz Plura to the rectilinear metal frame that comes in silver, black painted or highgloss chrome to match your personal style and design preferences. Carefully-finished decorative seams accentuate the sofa’s superlative quality, which comes with three different seating heights to reflect your ergonomic needs.

With an option of over 180 fabrics and 120 leather options, Rolf Benz’s Plura can be customised in different seat depths, seat heights and widths; from a two seater to an L-shaped sofa, any kind can be designed.

Luxus By Square Foot

Square Foot has announced the launch of its latest range of luxury laminated wooden flooring - Luxus. This flooring range offers a global fusion of colour and design. The unique look of Luxus combines a dramatic variation of exotic woods and colours specifically derived from Europe, for a look that creates a tropical oasis in your living spaces.

The Luxus range is designed for a variety of applications ranging from commercial to residential environments that are looking to create an elegant yet timeless appeal.

Innovative and versatile, this luxury flooring range comes with the unique surface attributes of natural touch, durability and water resistance.

When installed it adds a sense of elegance and nature to any room and complements an individual’s tastes and preferences.

With just a few moves, it can be transformed from a classical sofa to a comfortable, multi-functional lounge piece.

The Luxus range offers numerous design possibilities with its four colours: Oak Indiana, Maple Montreal, Hemlock Ontario and Hemlock Toledo. It is available in a unique size of 244 mm width x 1383 mm length.

The flooring range starts at a special price of Rs 155/++ and is available across all Square Foot stores in Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Goa and Delhi.

The side piece can be folded down and then the entire seat tilted. It is a great way to transform the sofa to a chaise lounge.

www.squarefoot.co.in

The back can be folded upwards to offer more head support and can be adjusted backwards too. The folding sides, swiveling seats and multi-positional backrests of the Rolf Benz Plura ensure the most comfortable sitting and lying experience. www.rolf-benz.com Home Review September 2014

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