The Inside Track December 2015

Volume 9. Issue 12 . December 2015 Rs. 25/-

THE

INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

Cover Story

T

he world today has become highly sensitive, and rightly so, to the energy crunch that is becoming a grave concern all over the globe. There has been an intense focus on sustainability and green building in the last few decades.

Essentially sustainable design and construction refers to making the most of the available resources and enabling more energy-efficient green homes and lifestyle.

T h e re i s a n e m p h a s i s o n leaving a lighter footprint on the environment by way of conserving resources and using energy-efficient, green products. Sustainable design fundamentally means holding building construction in tandem with sustainable environment.

Bu t s u s t a i n a b l e d e s i g n i s much more than just installing solar panels to a building that is essentially inefficient and keeping it at that.

We also need to consider the materials used in the building construction, if its water management is efficient and whether it is energy efficient.

This drive towards sustainable design is making designers and architects scramble to create the most innovative green buildings.

The World’s Most Sustainable Buildings

The world is going greener by the day and sustainable buildings are the future. We discover some of the greenest buildings in the world. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA But how many of those are also novel in their appeal? Here’s a short list of what we think are the most sustainable buildings from around the world.

Shanghai Tower, China Shanghai Tower is not only the second-tallest building after the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, it is also the planet’s greenest tall building.

Created by the firm Gensler, the super skyscraper has wind turbines installed at its top that provides enough power to cover the building’s exterior lighting as well as park areas.

The building has a transparent second skin or a double-glass

The Waste House installed at the University of Brighton, UK is almost exclusively made from discarded waste

Created by Gensler, the super skyscraper has wind turbines installed at its top that provide enough power to cover the building’s exterior lighting and park areas

façade that works towards reducing the building’s carbon footprint substantially by 34,000 tonnes per year. The skin also helps insulate and enables natural light to flood into the building, thus reducing energy use.

Shanghai Tower’s sleek spiral shape with a tapering top is designed keeping sustainability in mind. The building accomplishes a 120-degree twist. According to the architects at Gensler, this is an optimal rotation for minimising wind loads.

The building has also installed sky gardens in its structure, along with a host of cafés and shops for

workers and residents.

Contact www.gensler.com Waste House, UK The Waste House is literally made from discarded waste, almost exclusively so.

Installed at the University of Brighton, UK, about 90% of material that went into its construction was obtained from household and construction waste. This includes toothbrushes, DVD cases, denim jeans, floppy discs and carpet tiles, the latter of which was used as weather proof cladding for the façade. continued on page 2

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Waste House, at University of Brighton, U.K.

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS

December 2015

COVER The World’s Most Sustainable STORY Buildings 1 continued from page 1 Recycled wood has been used to construct the frame and floors of the Waste House. The house consists of a rammed-earth wall that has been made from compacted chalk waste and clay, which only add to the structure’s energy-efficiency and sustainability due to its 35 cm thickness and thermal properties.

The Brighton Waste House, designed by a team of undergraduate students and apprentices led by BBM Architects Director and senior lecturer Duncan Baker-Brown, is now an open design research studio and

permanent design workshop centred on sustainable development.

Contact www.bbm-architects.co.uk Tata Consultancy Services Technopark, India India has undergone a ferocious green revolution over the last few years.

One among the increasing number of sustainable buildings is Tata Consultancy Services Technopark in Chennai, designed by Uruguayan architectural firm Carlos Ott Architects in association with Carlos Ponce de León Architects. continued on page 3

Breaking Myths To Build The Future 4 Sustainable Materials 5 A Sustainable Solution 6 Lixil Gets Going In India 8 Eco-Living Off-Grid 10 Insulation At Its Best 11 The Fantastic Bioplastic Chair 12 Urban Forests 13 A Mystic Bookstore 14 Exhibitions and Fairs 16 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 17 Folding Walls 21 3D-Printed Design 22 Smog-Sucker Tower 24

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Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 9. Issue 12. December 2015. English - Monthly.

This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Senior Sub-Editor Alyssa Lobo Sub-Editors Tasneem S. Pocketwala, Rehana Hussain Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Darshan Palav, Priyanka A. Dhumal, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai Rakesh Kini (Head-Marketing), Ganesh Gurav, Vivek Jadhav. B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Email:response@marvelinfomedia.com Delhi Ms. Sumita Prakash, Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi Tel: 9899179540 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) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder, 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel: (033) 2410 4296 Mob: 9831131395 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

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The ACROS Fukuoka Foundation Building in Japan contains garden terraces that host about 35,000 plants representing 76 species

The TCS Technopark in Chennai has been designed to optimise energy, water and natural resources and improve the microclimate

continued from page 2 The corporate office, green right from the conceptual stage itself, has been designed to optimise energy, water and natural resources, furnish the site with healthy indoor spaces and endeavour to improve the microclimate.

Some of its green features include high performance double glazed glass, rooftop shading fins and sun louvers to decrease solar transmission and increase natural light transmission.

Treatment Plant that generates recycled water, and an RO system that is used for landscape irrigation and the AC plant.

Contact www.carlosott.com www.poncedeleonarchitects.com ACROS Fukuoka Foundation Building, Japan Designed by Emilio Ambasz & Associates, the ACROS Fukuoka Foundation Building in Japan is a sight for sore eyes amidst the concrete jungle of the city. One side of the ACROS Fukuoka Foundation Building

It s e f f o r t s t ow a rd s w a t e r conservation are impressive and consist of a rain water storage pond that not only improves the microclimate, but also provides backup water storage for as long as three months. The greenery planted is irrigated through drip irrigation system which further helps reduce water consumption.

There is also an onsite Sewage

structure looks like a regular office building, but it is the other side that makes it so distinct, containing a large terraced roof that merges with a park. This building epitomises the wonderful fusion of native greenery and architectural concept that is sometimes referred to as eco-architecture.

The garden terraces host about 35,000 plants representing 76

species. This green roof helps to reduce the building’s energy consumption by keeping the internal temperature stable and comfortable. The interior of the building consists of a huge atrium that floods the entire space with natural light, thus helping in this endeavour.

The side of the structure that has a staircase-shaped garden consists of a systematized design of water drainage that mimics that of a mountain. It allows natural irrigation to take place when the

water flows from the peak of the building and waters the vegetation on its journey downwards.

Contact www.emilioambaszandassociates. com Sustainable design, therefore, need not be all about technicality and efficient functionality. As these few buildings establish, it can push the limits for creativity and innovation while at the same time staying true to the idea of green design and sustainability.

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Green Special

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o s t o f In d i a i s s t i l l unbuilt - over 70% of the building stock is yet to be constructed - so unlike the rest of the already developed world, India can build in a new, efficient and sustainable manner.

Today, there is some progress being made in this field. In India, green buildings account for 3% of the total buildings as of today. This is set to go up to 10% by 2022 according to Chandrashekar Hariharan, vice-chairman of the Indian Green

Breaking Myths To Build The Future

We dispel some common misconceptions about green buildings and tell you why you should consider going green. BY ALYSSA LOBO

By relying on natural light and outdoor fresh air, the San Francisco Federal Building saved $11 million in mechanical cooling

Building Council (IGBC) and will reach one lakh by 2025. According to a recent release by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), India ranks third among the top 10 countries for LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified buildings.

However despite the vast potential, green buildings have still not caught on in India. There are several reasons for this, but the most obvious is the myth that constructing a green building will cost more.

Most builders perceive the cost of constructing a green building higher than establishing a conventional one.

At most, the additional cost is about 5% of the base price, and the same is recovered within three to five years of the operation of the building.

In fact recent reports by the US General Services Administration show that green buildings cost 25% less to operate. For example, by relying more on natural light and outdoor fresh air, the San Francisco Federal Building saved $11 million in mechanical cooling with a total construction cost of 13.5 % below the market average.

One Indiabulls Centre, situated in central Mumbai is a green building constructed using recycled metal and water and energy efficient technology.

The project has substantial cost savings in energy and operational costs. It has also generated carbon credits for Indiabulls Real Estate, which in turn can be traded, becoming a potential revenue source for the company.

There is also a tendency to look at sustainability as being the same

Traditional buildings in India use high walls, sloping roofs and jaalis to control the temperature of the building

as environmentalism, and thus it is often misunderstood as curtailing use and stifling developmental activity.

While the long term environmental benefits are definitely there, the basis of sustainable building is that it integrates the ‘triple bottom line’ of social, economic and environmental value - people, profit and planet. The DART tool, developed by RTKL Architects helps guide designers towards achieving ‘Performance Driven Design’.

Another misconception is that green construction is more time consuming due to additional research,

tends to intimidate a large number of our populace. When one thinks about it, we have always practised sustainable design in our architecture, right from ancient times. Many traditional buildings in India use structural elements such as high walls, sloping roofs, jaalis, step wells, etc. to control the temperature of the building. Another easy, low cost way to be sustainable is to incorporate basic rain water harvesting systems in pre-existing buildings.

When thinking on sustainability, many architects feel that they have very little to contribute to this aspect

One Indiabulls Centre in central Mumbai is a green building constructed using recycled metal and water and energy efficient technology

analysis and search for alternative products. But taking the path of integrated design, i.e. involving the project’s key stakeholders, designers, consultants and contractors early to get consensus on goals, actually can save time by ensuring more thorough coordination and avoiding costly changes later. Sustainable design can lead to a better product faster.

Another major deterrent is the belief that sustainable design requires huge investments into technology.

Sustainability is thus associated with smart energy solutions such as solar panels and wind turbines. Often, smarter techniques merely make us better at making things worse.

This is an especially problematic misconception in India as technology

of the construction as it has very little to do with design. However some would argue that the opposite is true.

Basic decisions about a design’s shape have a significant impact on both the resources needed and the people who use it. It’s been estimated that 80-90% of the impact of a building or product is determined in the earliest stages of development.

Designers and architects prefer to focus on the aesthetic aspects of building and conceptions of environmental construction generally classify it as something noble, yet dull. However one only needs to take a look at traditional Indian buildings to see how sustainability can be combined with aesthetics and practical, human considerations.

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Green Special

A

t the heart of building sustainable structures is making use of sustainable materials in their construction.

In their most basic sense, green materials include materials that are renewable and cause no harmful effects to the environment in their wake.

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Sustainable Materials The first step towards building sustainably is making use of green materials in construction. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA cotton materials such as denim can be used as insulation as it lacks formaldehyde, and hemp fibres are naturally resistant to infestation, thus making both materials suitable for insulation.

Ferrock This material is one of the most innovative and is a carbon negative cement alternative. Little known is the fact that cement, one of the most widely used materials in the world, is responsible for about nine per cent of global carbon emissions.

atmospheric carbon. What could be a better alternative to cement than a material that has the hardness of cement without its toxic qualities?

Recycled steel There are large amounts of scrap steel produced each year. If this steel is recycled, the energy produced in making steel can be reduced by 75%.

Moreover, it is touted that a house that would require 40 to 50 trees for its frame will only need recycled steel obtained from six scrapped cars.

Moreover, steel does not undergo

Recycled wood is reclaimed from demolished buildings, old logs, homes and is more durable than new wood

While green buildings are deemed to be those that are energy and water efficient, sustainable building practices also relies heavily on the sort of materials and products that go into their construction.

More often than not, eco-friendly materials are much pricier than the traditional ones generally used. But the payback of using green materials costwise, although coming in later, exceeds the expense spent investing in them.

Here we look at some of the popular and most energy-efficient materials used in construction:

not only limits deforestation, but it also has a myriad of benefits.

Recycled wood is durable as it comes from old growth trees and is harder and denser than new wood.

It also carries with it a distinctive appearance, being weathered and hard worn as it is. This wood is additionally cheaper.

There’s another kind of recycled wood that is green to use too. A half and half combination of wood fibres and waste plastics has been found to be more durable and less harmful than conventionally treated wood.

Recycled wood Recycled wood is reclaimed from demolished buildings, old logs, homes, etc. Using this sort of wood

Plant-based material Products extracted from plants such as cotton and hemp can be used for insulation. Recycled

Ferrock has emerged as a perfect alternative to cement.

It acts almost like a sponge and absorbs and binds atmospheric carbon

Ferrock has emerged as a perfect alternative to cement. The material is impressively strong. But it does not stop there: Ferrock acts almost like a sponge and absorbs and binds

any sort of product degradation in the process of recycling. And since it can go through the process of recycling infinitely, its life cycles can be said to be perennial.

There are large amounts of scrap steel produced each year which can be recycled and reused

Products extracted from plants such as cotton and hemp can be used for insulation

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Green Special

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ndia has always had a vibrant history of wood craftsmanship – both in wood products and structural parts. Wood has found a special place in furniture, floorings, ceiling panels, intricate carvings to decorate walls, pillars, statues, etc. It still continues to be a popular and aspirational choice.

Peter Bradfield, Technical Advisor, FII India

In fact, the demand for solid wood has grown exponentially, leading India to import more than 7.5 million cubic meters a year to meet the rising demand. The domestic market for wood and panel based furniture is expanding at more than 30% annually, the growing interest and demand has bolstered import from several countries across the globe like Malaysia, New Zealand, Myanmar, USA, among others.

Also due to India’s expansive requirement and depleting forest cover, the government has endorsed the need to protect its forest reserves and encouraged imports from sustainable suppliers. Only 10% of the world’s forests are certified and Canada holds 40% of the world’s forest certification, with British Columbia being the provincial leader.

Canadian wood, harvested from sustainable sources has become a credible option to fulfil critical need gaps in the Indian market. The wood is certified, assures quality and adopts

A Sustainable Solution Canadian wood has become a sustainable option to fulfil critical need gaps in the Indian market. BY ALYSSA LOBO proper manufacturing practices apart from being one of the best in the world.

“British Columbia species stand out due to their visual impact, grain, workability, superior strength to weight ratio, lower density and ease of handling. Individual species are recommended according to the need for natural durability, strength, nail and screw holding, glue adhesion, aesthetics, a smooth finish and ability to take stain or polish,” says Peter Bradfield, Technical Advisor, Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) India.

Wood products procured from sustainably managed forests help combat climate change, as more trees are planted in place of those cut down.

The government of British Columbia allows less than one per cent of the forest to be harvested each year.

British Columbia’s forestlands are unique among worldwide producers in that 95% are publicly owned and subject to strict forest-management laws, backed by a comprehensive compliance and enforcement process that involves various provincial and federal agencies. British Columbia’s Forest and Range Practices Act maintains the province’s high level of environmental protection, and applies to any forest or range activities on public land. Canada’s forest management standards are internationally recognised and are certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) systems managed by independent organisations.

Another plus is its positive carbon footprint, even post import, despite being shipped all the way

Canadian wood has a positive carbon footprint, even post import

from British Columbia to India.

Trees and the wood products that come from them store carbon dioxide from the air in their cells.

By taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, trees can help reduce climate change impacts known as ‘global warming’.

An independent study into the impact of shipping products from British Columbia to India concluded that the carbon dioxide stored in wood products far outweighs the extra carbon dioxide generated by manufacturing and shipping wood products to be used in India.

companies demonstrate a commitment to conserve the environment when importing wood products or lumber.

Given the features of Canadian wood, the solid wood species can be extensively used in creating furniture, doors and windows for both indoor and outdoor furniture. It has a proven record of resistance to insects, termites and pests. It can easily be used for numerous applications such as decorative panelling, mouldings, cabinet work. Wood species promoted

by FII are Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF).

95% of British Columbia’s forestlands are publicly owned and subject to strict forest-management laws

About 2.3 times more carbon dioxide is taken out of the atmosphere and stored in wood products shipped from British Columbia to India than the carbon dioxide generated through the production and transportation of the products. This is a very positive environmental impact, which is even better if you consider the carbon dioxide also stored in the wood that will not need to be harvested within India or in unsustainable tropical forests.

The need to preserve tropical forests is a major concern to environmentalists and governments. While Indian customers look at wood for their various requirements, they are also conscious of the need to preserve tropical forests.

Customers are also concerned that sourcing imported tropical hardwood logs may be harming the environment as unsustainable logging is known to take place in some regions. Hence they are increasingly demanding that

All products currently produced from traditional hardwoods in India can be produced from Canadian wood. “SPF is being used successfully in the manufacture of timber cabins in resort areas and farms in India, and is ideal for flush door-frames as this species is consistently straight and stable, glues well and exhibits strong fastener holding. Douglas Fir is being used in two impressive developments in Northern India, both in a structural application as a large section post and beam and an appearance application as exterior cladding,”says Bradfield.

British Columbia species are versatile, cost effective, often cheaper than traditional hardwoods and will benefit India by augmenting the growing supply shortages in Teak and other Asian species.

Contact web: www.canadianwood.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Co. Profile

I

n April this year the Japanese conglomerate, Lixil Group fully acquired Grohe, a leading manufacturer and supplier of bathroom fittings. Grohe is present in over 130 countries, offering highquality bathroom line-ups mainly to high-end luxury markets.

Renu Misra, Managing Director, LIXIL Water Technology

With its Joyou brand the market leader in China, the Grohe Group covers the fast growing Chinese sanitary market and now has plans to grow aggressively in other markets like India.

In 2013 Lixil Corporation acquired ASD Americas Holding Corp., the parent company of American Standard Brands. American Standard Brands (ASB) is one of the largest primary housing equipment providers in North America, making and marketing kitchen and bathroom products for residential and commercial use in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company has built a solid presence particularly

Lixil Gets Going In India Grohe’s acquisition by the Lixil Group adds

to the conglomerate’s clout in the bathroom and sanitary ware segment. in the U.S. and Canada, where their sanitary wares and plumbing fixtures, faucets and accessories can be found in approximately 65% of households.

The company includes multiple labels, such as American Standard (an already well established brand in India) and DXV. The acquisition integrates ASB’s strong brands and network with Lixil’s technologies.

By acquiring both these brands under Lixil’s Water Technology division, the conglomerate now has a major advantage in the bathroom segment. Lixil has organised its global business under a new Global Management Committee (GMC).

Hence several global brands are sharing management resources.

In India, both Grohe and American Standard will be sharing their top management. With Grohe clocking approximately 350 crore sales revenue in India and American Standard about 25-30 crore, the sheer size of the combined business makes it logical to integrate the top management under one leadership.

However all three corporate identities – Lixil, American Standard and Grohe will be separate with all personnel below top management operating independent of each other.

Managing Director, Renu Misra, who will lead the combined entity in India, is very positive about the development: “You would want to put more synergy around this acquisition and you have to make

The Grohtherm 1000 thermostat

it a cost optimal model, otherwise you can never run a synergistic operation.” In India it will be the top management of Grohe who will take the lead in shaping the future of the Grohe and American Standard brands. Misra explains, “In today’s world the biggest costs on P&L are management costs and

However Grohe has already launched ceramics in China since last year, consisting of their floor mounted WCs and basins. Says Renu Misra, “In India, we already have Grohe wash basins in stock in our warehouses. We are just waiting for our wall hung WC models to come in as well; as a large retail brand you

Grohe’s Euphoria shower head: Grohe’s wide portfolio and ability to close sales makes it a strong ally in the Indian market

cost of common shared resources. So if they are separate you are spending 2x, but with this arrangement you are at 1.5x.”

With Grohe and American Standard in India, both brands will continue to carry their individual portfolios in ceramics and fittings.

American Standard is a strong ceramic brand, with 75% of its sales coming from ceramics and only 25% from fittings. Misra elaborates, “If you look at other ceramic brands that have also entered the bath fittings space the ratio is the same.

This is because their origin was in ceramics, and then suddenly they realised ‘full bathroom solutions’ and added bath fittings.”

The reverse is true for German companies like Grohe that initially focused on fittings and then entered into ceramics. It will take these companies a few years to develop a decent ceramic portfolio. Thus the strategy is for Grohe and American Standard to complement each other’s offerings in the Indian market.

cannot enter into the market without having everything. You cannot say to the consumer: We have 16 basins but I have just this one wall hung WC. He will walk away. You have to have the right variety for the customer.”

The additional models are expected to arrive by April 2016, after which Grohe plans to go for a ‘full throttle’ ceramic sanitary ware launch.

Another major differentiator between the brands is their positioning in the market. American Standard is a mass brand, while Grohe will be a mass premium to a premium brand.

However, there is some overlap as there is a broad spectrum of products with both brands. “The highest end of American Standard will probably be a third level of Grohe. So we will compete because we are brands with independent minds, but we will complement also,” says the dynamic Managing Director, Renu Misra.

The group’s strength is that Grohe has a very strong fitting portfolio while American Standard is very strong in its ceramics portfolio.

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

But the biggest advantage is their institutional business. Says Misra, “Most developers understand our brand pedestal very well. Some pick a complete American Standard portfolio, while some pick fittings from Grohe and ceramics from American Standard. It gives us a lot of power in terms of variety, which an institutional business understands.”

Misra is aware that down the line, there is a need to get fully integrated to be able to get the global processes in place. She cautions against separating two sister-brands completely. The company looks to open 100 stores for American Standard by 2016, with about 30 being shared by both brands.

So out of 400 stores, about 330-340 stores would sell both brands.

With this strategy, Grohe is also looking to increase it’s over the counter sales through building its in-store experience. Currently they have 200 direct stores in the country and 700-800 indirect stores through their distributors. “Our 200 direct stores have created a lot of experience around the brand, where our sales teams are also involved. About 40% of the sales which are generated over the counter are actually closed by

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Grohe will launch its ceramics range in India around April 2016

our sales team that is present at the location. That gives a lot of confidence to our partner in the strength of the brand,” says Misra.

Though Grohe has a wide portfolio and is able to drive numbers up, it still faces limitation in scaling, especially in reaching end customers directly.

To counter this, Grohe is turning to digital media and e-commerce. Misra explains, “Most of our consumers are internet savvy. So they are checking on our products, they know about

style, they have travelled the world.”

Internationally, Grohe has increased its online presence through partnerships with major players like Amazon and China’s Alibaba.

Says Misra, “For the last one and a half year our investment in the digital space has increased. We have experimented in getting things moving. So in 2016 you will see us getting more aggressive. There is a lot of investment in e-commerce as a channel because it provides a

lot of visibility which a vanilla TV commercial cannot.”

Going forward, the future certainly looks bright for Lixil in India, with a product portfolio that includes Grohe branded ceramics and fittings, American Standard branded ceramics and fittings, and new innovations happening in both categories in both brands.

Contact web: http://grohe.co.in tel: +91 124 493-3000

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Spot Light

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Photos courtesy -Tomas Manina

cocapsule’s journey began in 2008 when Slovakian architectural studio, Nice Architects participated in the Andes Sprout Society idea competition to design a small housing unit for an artist. The initial version, Ecocapsule v1 bore three pivotal design features: a round shape to minimize energy losses, water collection capability and mobility. Though the entry was not successful in the competition, the project got a breakthrough after it was selected by inhabitat.com as one of the most interesting picks from the competition.

Following numerous inquiries, Nice Architects decided to develop this project further but had to put it on hold as the technology had not developed enough to be able to sustain a fully independent house. It was only in 2014 that technology had progressed enough for the studio to finally be able to finish designing the Ecocapsule v2 prototype, equipped with necessary systems for long term independence.

The Ecocapsule was designed as a self-contained system which is able to sustain long periods without external resources. Much like a Swissarmy knife, it packs in everything you need.

Eco-Living Off-Grid The Ecocapsule by Nice Architects is

a low energy house built for long term independence. BY ALYSSA LOBO The Ecocapsule team – Architects Tomas Zacek, Sona Pohlova and Igor Zacek

Photos courtesy -Tomas Manina and Juraj Fifik

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you to fill the tanks from any natural water source. Bio waste is collected in the composting toilet. There is also an electrically powered incineration

difference is crucial. An on-board low consumption computer provides a more efficient means of energy control.

Long term off-grid stay is burdened by a lack of resources and the need for constant resupply. Usually this means a constant flow of equipment and fuel, which negatively impacts the environment. The capsule is equipped with everything needed, thus limiting impact to the environment.

The Ecocapsule v1 was significantly bigger and raised a lot of questions about transport of the unit. Reducing it to shipping container size eased transportation problems – it can be transported on a truck, towed on a trailer and in 2016, it will receive an undercarriage.

“At first we planned to use the Ecocapsule as a frontier dwelling.

It is a housing unit for people who need to stay in nature for a long time like scientists, photographers, rangers or extreme tourists. Easy mobility, containerisation and long term energy independence opened new ways to utilise the potential of the capsule,” says Igor Zacek, partner and architect at Nice Architects.

The capsule can be quickly shipped and used as housing for emergency teams in rapid response situations where infrastructure is damaged, for example earthquakes.

There is no need for teams to build a rescue base and facilities.

The capsule can serve as a small power plant and water filtration unit. It can also be used as an urban dwelling for singles in high-rent, high-income areas like New York or Silicone Valley. It can be placed on a rooftop or in a vacant parking lot for a longer period of time.

“During the construction of the capsule we learnt a valuable lesson. If you want to survive, you need to utilise all the resources you have available. Otherwise you will be punished by limited function,” says Zacek. “I guess that is also applicable to planet Earth.

Only the punishment will be more severe.”

Contact web: www.ecocapsule.sk email: info@nicearchitects.sk

Designed as a self-contained system, the Ecocapsule packs in everything you need to sustain long periods without external resources

Long term independence is mostly a matter of strategy - how to harness and reuse every kind of energy available. A dual power system containing high efficiency solar cells and silent wind turbines allows the capsule to bypass periods without sufficient sunlight or wind.

The energy produced is stored in the batteries to power all on-board systems. A thick layer of efficient thermal insulation and energy recuperation system significantly reduce thermal losses. The round shape helps to collect rain water and a series of membrane filters allow

unit. Heat from the incineration will be used for heating.

These minor tweaks create a system that is able to sustain itself without resources for long periods of time. Manual water pumps are also installed as a backup system in case of a depleted battery. In such a case, the capsule will still retain its basic functionality as a shelter.

The Ecocapsule is built as a low energy house. The key to a successful survival strategy is strict management of energy resources. Conventional houses can afford to lose several watt/ hours but for the Ecocapsule this

Ecocapsule has three pivotal design features: a round shape to minimize energy losses, water collection capability and mobility

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Spot Light

R

adiant heat is a major factor that needs to be taken into account when one is constructing any building. This heat is invisible and has no temperature, just energy. When this energy strikes a surface, it is absorbed and increases the temperature of that surface.

Atul Khanna, General Manager - Thermal Insulation Division, Supreme Industries Ltd.

In summer, radiation from the sun strikes the outer surfaces of walls and ceilings and is absorbed causing the surface to heat up. This heat flows from the outer wall to the inner wall through conduction which is then radiated again, through the air spaces in the building, to other surfaces within the building.

“There are many types of materials that reduce heat gain and heat loss.

Some materials provide greater resistance than others, depending on the mode of heat transfer: convection, conduction or radiation,” says Atul Khanna, General Manager - Thermal Insulation Division, Supreme Industries Ltd. “As a result, each provides different thermal performance and corresponding ‘R’ values.”

Most insulation materials work on the principle of trapped air gas being a good insulator. Mass insulation like, ‘INSUshield’- closed cell, FR crosslinked polyethylene foam, use cellular walls of plastics or fibre glass wool to reduce convection, thereby decreasing the transfer of heat. These materials also reduce heat transfer by conduction due to the presence of trapped air.

However, these products, like most building materials, have very high radiant transfer rates. Most building materials, including fiberglass, foam and cellulose have ‘E’ values greater than 0.7.

“Reflective insulation typically has ‘E’ values of 0.03. Therefore, it is

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Insulation At Its Best The latest offering from Supreme

Industries is an innovative solution for insulation needs. superior to other types of insulating materials in reducing heat flow by radiation,” says Khanna.

The primary function of reflective insulation is to reduce radiant heat transfer across open spaces, which is a significant contributor to heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. When reflective insulation is installed in building cavities, it traps air and therefore reduces heat flow by convection, thus addressing all three modes of heat transfer.

A reflective insulation system is typically formed by layers of aluminium or a low emittance material and enclosed air spaces which in turn provide highly reflective or low emittance cavities (air bubble film) adjacent to a heated region.

The performance of the system is determined by the emittance of the materials (the lower the better) and the size of the enclosed air spaces.

The smaller the air space, the less heat will transfer by convection.

Therefore to lessen heat flow by convection, a reflective insulation, with its multiple layers of aluminium and enclosed air space (INSUreflector), is positioned in a building cavity (stud wall, furredout masonry wall, floor joist, ceiling joist, etc.) to divide the larger cavity (3/4” furring, 2” x 4”, 2” x 6”, etc.) into smaller air spaces. These smaller

Supreme INSUreflector - Underdeck Insulation

trapped air spaces reduce convective heat flow.

Different structures require different types of insulation requirements. Supreme’s Thermal Insulation Division offers solutions such as: ducting insulation (hospitals, shopping malls, airports), pipe insulation (split AC tubings, chiller piping, drain pipes, chilled water lines), floor insulation (in server rooms, data centres, medical and diagnostic centres), underdeck insulation (PEBs, textile units, malls)

Supreme INSUreflector - The aluminium foil reflects 96 to 99% infrared radiation received by the surface

and overdeck and wall insulation (commercial and residential buildings, cold storages).

Supreme offers diverse insulation solutions for different needs.

Supreme’s ‘INSUreflector’ is made of polyethylene air bubble film (ABF) laminated with aluminium foil on one or both sides. The bright surface of the aluminium foil reflects 96 to 99 % infrared radiation received by the surface of a heated slate roof. It protects the building from undesirable heat gain. The thin reflective foil having low emissivity and high reflectivity when installed with an air space restricts the transfer of far-infrared radiation, making it an ideal material to be used for underdeck application.

Another product, ‘INSUshield’ is a non-fibrous, fire retardant, closed cell, tri-dimensional chemically crosslinked polyethylene foam XLPE. It is an ideal environment friendly insulation material, with a perfect solution for all your insulation needs for ducts, roofs, pipes, vessels, etc. The divergent advantages of ‘INSUshield’ are ease of installation, low thermal conductivity and good moisture and vapour resistance, preventing microbial growth and optimum condensation protection.

Contact web: www.supreme.co.in email: atul_khanna@supreme.co.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Green Special

T

he world has finally come around to taking sustainability and green products seriously, even in the realm of products for mundane use, such as chairs.

Move over hard, uncomfortable and hardly sustainable chairs and make way for the bioplastic chair! Jean Louis Iratzoki has designed a line of bioplastic chairs, called Kuskoa Bi, for the French company Alki. These chairs consist of an enveloping shell, delicately placed on a solid wood trestle that is cut out in such a way so as to optimise arm and back support.

The Fantastic Bioplastic Chair Designer Jean Louis Iratzoki has designed a green chair made of bioplastic, the first of its kind. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA sustainable development. To find a solution to this dilemma, we carried out in-depth investigative research and found a new material: bioplastic.�

Bioplastic is a material that shares many similar features with fossil fuel plastic. However, it is made

Bioplastic chairs consist of an enveloping shell, placed on a solid wood trestle that is cut out to optimise arm and back support

The company had envisioned creating a comfortable enveloping chair with a semi-conclave shell.

The material that best facilitates this shape is plastic. However, as Alki says on its website, “The production of plastic is contrary to our fundamental principles on

out of renewable resources that are essentially plant-based such as beet, corn starch, sugarcane, etc. And because bioplastic is plant-based, it is very much biodegradable. This is an excellent, green alternative to plastic, which depletes the world’s fossil resources and is also a pollutant.

There is a series of mechanical processes involved in the make of the compound that eventually becomes bioplastic

There is a series of mechanical processes involved in the making of the compound that eventually becomes bioplastic. This is then followed by a fermentation period.

The polymer that is then obtained can be injected, extruded and thermoformed into any desired shape. This polymer is both recyclable and biodegradable.

The chair provides support to the arms and back, with its shell resting within a solid oak frame.

The company also provides an upholstered version of the chair.

Contact web: www.alki.fr

Bioplastic is made out of renewable resources that are essentially plant-based such as beet, corn starch, sugarcane, etc.

The chair provides support to the arms and back, with its shell resting within a solid oak frame

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Green Special

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new kind of architecture seems to be taking the world by storm, one that is highly self-conscious of the environment around it and is deeply concerned about sustainability and being green, sometimes literally. And this Italian project fits the bill perfectly.

This project, aptly named Vertical Forest or Bosco Verticale in Italian, is conceptualised by Boeri Studio and consists of two landscaped towers which have incorporated diverse vegetation that includes a variety of big, medium and small sized trees, groundcover plants and shrubs.

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Urban Forests An Italian project uses a forest for a

facade and makes for a highly sustainable building. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA to a hectare of forest on flat land. As “a model of vertical densification of nature within the city,� the Vertical Forest is an urban landmark. The leaves of the forest on its facade will change seasonally depending on the plants, and offer a changing view of the city beneath.

The vertical forests will also unquestionably aid in protecting the

The Vertical Forest works towards enhancing urban biodiversity but without spreading out along the pricey urban spaces

Vertical Forest consists of two landscaped towers incorporating diverse vegetation that includes a variety of trees, groundcover plants and shrubs

The main road and parking facilities linked to the complex have been built underground, freeing space of about 1,60,000 square metres for a pedestrianised cycling area where vegetation, public squares and bridges are also integrated.

Intended as epitomising a sort of biological architecture that rejects adhering to the technological and mechanical template of maintaining environmental sustainability, the project is an oasis of vegetation in an urban space.

The Vertical Forest works towards enhancing urban biodiversity but without spreading out along the pricey urban spaces. The greenery that the towers hold are equivalent

living space from acoustic pollution, maintain a microclimate, absorb carbon and dust particles, give out oxygen, and protect against harsh sunlight and pollution.

On the roof there are photovoltaic panels that make the structure selfsufficient. Additionally, grey water obtained from the building is filtered and reused to water the plants, thus making the entire structure efficient and sustainable.

The leaves of the forest on the facade will change seasonally and offer a changing view of the city beneath

Constructing such vertical forests in metropolitan areas will surely help in making the city a greener place and bring gardens and parks and spaces of lush vegetation into the city.

Contact web: www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net

The vertical forests will protect the living space from acoustic pollution, harsh sunlight, maintain a microclimate and absorb carbon and dust particles

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Spot Light

L

ibraries imbibed a sense of stored knowledge in Chinese history and tradition, and were usually located in, around or beneath Buddhist temples.

Retaining in its architecture this sense of ancestry, respect for knowledge and a kind of mysticism associated with secret scriptures and hidden wisdom is Fangsuo Bookstore designed by Chu Chih-Kang Space Design.

The entrance is an impressive, sculptural rendition of a meteor

A Mystic Bookstore

The Fangsuo Bookstore evokes ancient knowledge, spirituality and tranquility in its breath-taking architecture. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA Raw materials and techniques utilised to give off such an effect include installing concrete columns with large cutting surfaces, bookcases kept in a loft, ramps across the bookcases, etc.

The bookstore is also rife with astral imagery and imagery of the cosmos. Planetary diagrams and constellations also feature in this space. The entrance in itself is an impressive, sculptural rendition of a meteor.

Located in Chengdu, Sichuan, Fangsuo Bookstore also provides a place of refuge amid mounds of dusty books. It seeks to become a place to unwind and relax, which again echoes back to history to the

Fangsuo Bookstore retains a sense of ancestry, respect for knowledge and a kind of mysticism associated with secret scriptures and hidden wisdom

Raw materials and techniques used for a cosmic effect include installing concrete columns, bookcases kept in a loft and ramps across the bookcases.

The architects intended to construct a modernised version of the sutra depository, which is known to be a place in ancient China to store all kinds of knowledge including sutras, books, letters, etc.

The bookstore was patterned along these ancient libraries, and the theme of mysticism very palpably runs along Fangsuo Bookstore.

The bookstore is rife with astral and cosmic imagery.

concept of ‘nesting’. Nesting refers to the need of the Sichuan people to find a place for refreshments between activities.

Heeding this requirement, the architects have created several resting areas, where people can nest and peacefully enjoy the activity of reading.

The bookstore truly embodies h i s t o r y, c u l t u r e , k n ow l e d g e and tradition, and seems to be embracing the past, present and future in the mystic atmosphere it creates.

Contact web: www.kang.com.tw

Fangsuo Bookstore provides a place of refuge amid mounds of dusty books

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Spot Light

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he more limited the colour palette, the greater the importance of high-quality materials and finishes. Highgloss décors create extravagant highlights against a black-andwhite backdrop. This strong contrast creates a sense of calm within a room. In the bathroom, Duravit’s black furniture finishes are an ideal combination with their classic white ceramics.

Duravit’s Classic Black And White Combinations Black and white is a classic colour contrast. It stands for pure opposites and elegant timelessness.

PuraVida

Starck

With his furniture series, Philippe Starck uses the contrast of light and dark to create something purely aesthetic. The vanity units in high-gloss black with their spacious drawers can be combined with both Starck 1 vanity basins and wash bowls from the Starck 2 line. The black base celebrates the organic form of the Starck 2 models and places the spotlight firmly on the flowing silhouette.

The stylish black painted finishes of the PuraVida furniture harmonise particularly well with white ceramics and give the interior

Vero Advertorial

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a unique, high-quality look.

PuraVida is all about gentle forms and an understated elegance.

Ceramics may shine in pure white but black introduces a highly individual look. Vero is the only bathroom range

by Duravit to have a washbasin, toilet and bidet in black. Straight-lined and timeless, this classic with its pure form is perfect for black-and-white colour schemes.

Contact Duravit India Private Limited tel: 079 66112300 email: respond@in.duravit.com web: www.duravit.in

PuraVida

Starck

Vero

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Fair News

India Art Fair Date 28th - 31st Jan 2016 Venue New Delhi Contact www.indiaartfair.in

Exhibition Of Warli Art Date 14th Nov 2015 - 3rd July 2016 Venue London Contact www.vam.ac.uk/moc Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood in London will host a rare exhibition on Warli, a traditional Indian art form. The event is scheduled to start from 14th November and last up until 3rd July next year.

The exhibition, entitled The Tales We Tell: Indian Warli Painting is a collaborative project with A Fine Line and seeks to spread awareness in the UK about this tribal art from India.

Focusing on the innovative and unique styles of Jivya Soma Mashe and Ramesh Hengadi, the exhibition will showcase the distinctive styles which reflect the changes in community life and the shift in local market and global economies. There will also be a film screened by artist Johnny Magee talking about Mashe’s practice of Warli art and daily life.

India Art Fair is one of South Asia’s premier platforms for modern and contemporary art and serves as a portal to the region’s cultural landscape.

The fair seeks to present and promote South Asia’s diversity in the visual arts and provide participants with a platform to engage in innovation.

The programme schedule includes a Speaker’s Forum, which will incorporate panels for art criticism, curating, collecting, patronage and cultural policy. In addition to this, the fair has newly included a programme of events and discussions called the Spotlight. Here, there will be a smaller number of speakers, a shorter duration with focus on individual artists, institutions and publications. Scheduled also is a film programme in which Shai Heredia, filmmaker and director of Experimenta which is India’s international festival for moving image art, will screen pioneering film and video art from Asia and abroad.

Fairs & Exhibitions MIDEX 2016 Date 10th - 13th Jan 2016 Venue Tehran, Iran Contact www.midex.ir/en The international exhibition of Interior Design, Architecture and Modern house (MIDEX) returns for its 6th edition at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground. The event will provide visitors and companies with an opportunity to display their brands in a large market and connect with others to build a network with potential business partners.

Last year there was an estimate of 235 companies exhibiting their products from 14 different countries including South Korea, Malaysia, Germany, Poland, Turkey, England, Italy, etc. Among the 25,000 visitors attending the fair were included top-level managers, suppliers, traders, investors, experts and end users. The product categories roughly include interior design, architecture and design, lighting and smart building, prefabricated houses and modern materials, environmental, furniture and related accessories, etc

Date 15th - 18th Jan 2016, Furniture & Furnishings Fair Venue Mumbai Contact www.infairs.in The Furniture & Furnishings Fair is a complete and comprehensive fair for interiors. Leading companies will be visiting to display a wide variety of products including furniture, furnishings, bed linen, flooring, tiles, modular kitchens, bathroom fittings, lightings and more. The fair provides a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products to the architects, designers, builders, traders attending the event. The show will provide plenty of chance to interact and network with exhibitors and end users.

The exhibitor’s profile roughly includes antiques, artifacts, artistic furniture, brass ware, bathroom linen, bed linen, cupboards, floor coverings, specialty lights, kitchen accessories, upholstery and lots more. The fair is to be held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai between 15th to 18th January, 2016.

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

It Products Outdoor Furniture

By Ficus Fine Living Ficus Fine Living has recently released its new collection of outdoor furniture. Associated with renowned brand The Great Eastern Home, Ficus Fine Living draws inspiration from nature to create a style that seamlessly

blurs the boundaries between the outdoors and indoors, and merges materials, textures, colours, forms and finishing in ways that are contemporary yet timeless.

Every outdoor furniture piece offered is created using special materials like outdoor metals, cast aluminium, hardwoods, etc. making it suitable for any weather conditions. The outdoor collection includes trunks, chairs, tables, benches, chests, lounger, racks, shelves and diwans. The wooden furniture gains expression from a great lineage of master carpenters like Kevar Anwar Bhai, whose painstaking attention to detail exudes a sense of grace, style with the best durability.

Contact www.ficusliving.com

Roche Bobois Unveils Its Winter Collection Roche Bobois, the French luxury furniture brand has recently launched its Winter Collection 2015. This new collection highlights comfort and usability, and aims to defy expectations, be emotive and to establish a dialogue between the customer and the design.

The products in the collection play with straight lines and curves, 3D effects, unusual shapes and various colours.

Each product creates a strong visual impact. Some of the products that especially stand

out include the Helis bookcase

by Philippe Bouix, the Suspens table designed by Cedric Ragot, the Booleanos China Chest by Joël Escalona and the Focus Cocktail Table designed by Fabrice Berrux.

A range of beautiful accessories such as mirrors, rugs and lighting also form a part of this collection. A brand of international repute, Roche Bobois provides high-end, cutting edge furniture.

Contact www.roche-bobois.com

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Vauth Sagel Introduces Cornerstone And VSA Vauth Sagel’s Cornerstone is a swivelling system component for corner cabinets that automatically extends the entire contents out of the cabinet upon opening the door. In this the travel path is controlled and is confined to the area of the corner cabinet carcass which offers the advantage of utilizing neighbouring cabinets or the dishwasher.

Vauth Sagel’s VSA is an innovative system solution for opening angles of 90-160°.The new generation of cabinets automatically and comfortably move the baskets and stored items towards the user, hence providing a perfect overview of the contents.

Hafele – sole distributor for Vauth Sagel are expanding this larder cabinet product line to include the narrow VSA 300 and 400 versions, therefore offering customers across the globe an even broader, modular range. Users can store, and swiftly access, the most diverse

foodstuffs and kitchen utensils on up to five spacious levels. With just one movement, everything stored in the cabinet comfortably and automatically emerges from the carcass, hence making access to stored foodstuffs even easier.

Contact www.vauth-sagel.com

Grandeur Launches Amalfi Full Kitchens

Grandeur brings to India the Amalfi Full range by Italy’s premier kitchen brand Del Tongo, created to introduce a new design paradigm to kitchen spaces.

Designed by Centro Ricerca e Sviluppo at Del Tongo, the Amalfi Full range consists of a neat, clean and straight-line character on the outside, while on the inside, it provides wide, functional spaces as great storage options.

The specialty of the range is the straight-line aluminium

groove built into the head of the door, which completes the linear design while maintaining the functionality of a handle.

Available in natural aluminium, burnished aluminium or lacquered in the same colour as the doors, the handles are fully customisable, intrinsically integrating with the overall design. The range also offers double-height loft units for creating customizable lofts to create storage space.

Contact www.grandeurinteriors.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

The Nest Trendy Series

By VitrA

The series offers familysized comfort with a wealth of features right from the child step, night lights to the laundry cabinet and easy to reach storage areas.

It also offers the heat gauge of the digital bathroom mixer that displays water temperature with great accuracy for extra comfort and safety. Equipped with smart functionality, the Nest Trendy series offers a digital

VitrA has introduced a new range of highly modular family bathroom furniture called Nest Trendy. This series is designed by Pentagon Design, a leading Finnish design agency. Nest Trendy series by VitrA draws inspiration from the needs and desires of every member of the family and is backed with VitrA’s aesthetics and advanced technology.

display that allows the users to keep track of the water flow and total water used, enabling more efficient savings.

With a wide range of functional products designed along new generation modularity, Nest serves the needs of every member of the family.

Contact www.vitra-india.com

It Products

Kaldewei Presents Its Meisterstück Incava Bathroom Collection

Kaldewei, an iconic bathroom solutions brand shaped from superior steel enamel, has recently introduced its latest range of baths and washbasins designed by Anke Salomon, titled Meisterstück Incava. The product is an exquisite designer object for the bathroom.

The freestanding bathtub consists of an interior with harmoniously flowing lines, narrow rim and conical enamelled panelling. There is a striking contrast between the

softly shaped interior and the bathtub’s geometrical exterior, which exudes elegance and sophistication. Meisterstück Incava was awarded the Red Dot Award for Product Design in 2015 for its superb design. This latest bathroom collection from Kaldewei ensures the highest quality coupled with exquisite aesthetics to offer the very best in luxurious bathing.

Contact www.kaldewei.com

Avento Bathroom Collection

By Villeroy & Boch Villeroy & Boch has introduced a wide range of opportunities for a colourful design in the bathroom from colourful highlights to fresh surges of colour and right up to neutral accents. The new Avento bathroom collection from Villeroy & Boch combines a modern design with practical functionality.

For the washing area, Avento offers a large selection of washbasins with narrow edges and bathroom furniture with acrylic glass fronts in four trendy

colours that include crystal white, crystal grey, crystal black and the expressive crystal blue.

In particular, the new blue shade brings a strong accent colour into the bathroom. It matches exceptionally well with the white ceramic. In this combination, it gives the bathroom a modern, Scandinavian or even a Mediterranean-style atmosphere.

Contact www.villeroy-boch.com

Luxury Home Products By Bandhini Home Bandhini Home has come up with a wide range of luxury home products.

Bandhini Home is driven by the love for Indian craftsmanship and techniques such as handloom, weaving, hand embroidery and tie-and-dye.

Bandhini Home has grown into becoming a luxury home décor brand, and designs bespoke home furnishings that include designer cushions, bedspreads, bed sashes, luxury throws, upholstery fabric and wall art.

The brand has released a host of luxury home products with a festive theme to gift or liven up your own home. You can choose from the Gudri collection which consists of rustic and royal elements of the Rajasthani culture, or take your pick from the Phulkari collection that displays the rural tradition of Phulkari handwork the northern parts of the country. The products are ornate, emotive and comfortable to use and make for a perfect choice for this season.

Contact www.bandhinihome.com

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

It Products Alfresco Collection By D’Decor

festive theme and is sure to enhance the look of your interior spaces this season.

The collection integrates the themes of vitality, diversity and abundance. The products are available in numerous shades that include chocolate brown, teal and silver grey. The Alfresco collection is perfect if you want to go for elegance, style and sophistication.

One of the leading home couture destinations in the country, The D’Decor Store has recently released its luxurious collection named Alfresco. The collection is charged with the

The traditional Jacquard texture will especially make for an exquisite décor statement and will complement any mood.

Contact www.ddecor.com

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Zynna Launches Its Colette Collection Zynna has recently introduced its new Colette collection by CTA Fabrics from Italy. This new collection offers a wide range of textile composition in cotton, linen, viscose, polyester and silk in varied tones of olive, blue, green, turquoise, red and dove grey.

The fabric used in this exquisite Colette collection is ideal for light upholstery, window treatments and bedcovers. The colour palettes are very soothing and subtle, and enhance the

classic décor statement of the interiors. The collection replicates a dramatic watercolour-like effect which is a new trend in interiors, made to enrich the ambiance by the use of digital printing technology. With varied designs and finishes in stripes, damask and floral patterns; accompanied with classic and sophisticated fabrics, this exquisite range gives off a fresh and elegant look.

Contact www.zynna.in

Piel Sa Launches Its Blankets Collection Wall Coverings By Nilaya The luxury wall covering line from Asian Paints, Nilaya has recently unveiled a brand new edition of wall coverings that have been designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The wall coverings are exclusively designed for Nilaya and include the five series – India Baroque, Spice Route, Jodhpur, Makhmal and Varanasi.

The series are beautiful, sensuous and lush and are

Spanish luxury brand, Piel Sa launches its new collection of blankets this winter for the Indian consumer. The brand Piel Sa has been characterized by its global vision of the textile industry and offers comprehensive textile solutions adapted to the different requirements of each of its clients.

The blankets and bedspreads on offer are decorated with sophisticated, minimalist

embossed geometric prints and timeless designs. Personal and daring, Piel Sa blankets fit in the most cutting-edge atmospheres and are available for different bed sizes and also in plaid version for sofas. Piel Sa re-creates a sumptuous lifestyle and brings in a fresh approach to each new design with a mix of classic and contemporary ideas to form their various collections.

Contact www.pielsa.es/en

inspired by India’s rich culture, history, tradition, architecture and natural beauty. They are a perfect harmony of shades and prints, consisting of shades like madder, amber, pearl and narangi and prints like hazarbuti, jamdani, kalamkari, Benarasi brocade or regal tanchoi. The result is an exquisite handmade artistry.

Contact nilaya.asianpaints.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

It Products Somany Launches Its Stone16 Collection Somany has recently launched its product Stone16, a range of outdoor floor tiles available in 16 mm and have double the thickness of an ordinary tile.

This range of thicker, highperformance, engineered Durastone is designed to cater to the outdoor requirements of tiling. This new product is easy to lay and provides excellent performance which guarantees resistance to load, anti-skid finish and convenient maintenance.

Somany Stone16 is suitable to be used in all kinds of outdoor areas such as gardens, terraces, paths, pool sides and driveways.

These naturally inspired stone textured tiles can bring any surface alive with their breathtaking aesthetics. The product is available in subtle tones of beiges and greys.

Contact www.somanyceramics.com

Goldilocks By Godrej Godrej Security Solutions (GSS) has launched Goldilocks, world’s first personal locker for securing everyday valuables. The majority of people have no means of protecting against petty theft of these daily valuables. There was a need to create a state of the art, stylish product that would serve as a personal locker and one that not only dazzles with its functional capabilities, but also provides an aesthetic appeal.

Breaking away from the general perception that lockers are bulky, Goldilocks with its small form and vibrant colours offers both convenience and security, allowing one to be more organised. Some of the features of this new product include a smart touch-panel with glossy finish, tamper alert, portability,

number locking system and the additional security benefit of a locking cable.

Contact www.godrejlocks.com

Elementto Presents Its Christmas Collection Christmas is around the corner and in celebration of this festive season Elementto shows you a whole new world of opulence and charm, with its range of

tailored collection to go well with the season’s festivities.

Elementto wallpapers are easy to apply and help avoid the mess and odour of repainting.

exquisite decorative wall accents and wall papers. Setting new standards for ultimate quality and sophisticated services, Elementto brings to you a wide range of interior lifestyle products.

Elementto offers exquisite designs of wall coverings, décor and successful collaborations with reputed international brands and for Christmas, it has launched a

The new range for Christmas includes some unique designs like reindeers with a 3D effect in a snow white background for those themed Christmas parties, grassland collection for the greenery lovers and wall papers that have eclectic and vibrant prints in a colourful shimmer.

Contact www.elementto.in

Clarke & Clarke Launches Its Gustavo Collection Clarke & Clarke has recently launched its new collection, Gustavo, of Furnishing Fabrics.

Established only 6 years ago, Clarke & Clarke has a dedicated strategy of bringing high quality fabrics wallpapers to customers at affordable prices. The Gustavo collection is sure to lend the home a more elegant and edgy look.

The collection consists of fabrics that are retro and Scandinavian in style with bold

and contemporary patterns.

The fabrics are wrought using techniques such as applique and embroidery on linen-mix grounds.

They come in designs ranging from Caper, Kristen, Henrika and Gina which combine with Alvar, rich velvet and are available in 18 punchy shades. The collection is available in all leading furnishing stores across India as well as in Maishaa stores across India.

Contact www.clarke-clarke.co.uk

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Spot Light

C

hinese screens were originally used as partitions and were artistically decorated. They were not meant to be moved around frequently. Traditional Chinese screens were heavy wooden structures with cloth or leather thongs and could

Folding Walls

The architecture firm Arch Studio has created folding walls on the lines of traditional Chinese screens to manoeuver and negotiate with spaces. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA

Arch Studio repurposed the use of traditional Chinese screens as walls that can be folded to create space in an exhibition gallery in Beijing

be pulled through holes at the corners of the panels.

Now, the architectural firm Arch Studio has picked up this concept, repurposed it and come up with walls

living spaces which sell several craft pieces, artworks and antiques.

In this buiding the architects have added walls in the form of foldable screens on the ground and first

The architects have added walls in the form of foldable screens on the ground and first floors

that can be folded to create space in an exhibition gallery in Beijing.

The Rongbaozhai Western Art Gallery in the city’s Liulichang district was to be updated by Arch Studio.

This area is known to be one of the city’s oldest parts and consists of a series of traditional two-storey stone

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floors. This is done to make the room flexible and open.

The design was driven by the intention to enable a space for nature and simplicity as well as to maximise the interior space.

The folding walls create an exhibition hall on the first floor

The folding create an exhibition hall on the first Forwalls Interface, design is an important aspect floorwhile that isdeveloping made separate fromwork the rest of solutions the room new age space

that is made separate from the rest of the room. The first storey is designed to be an up-and-down transparent exhibition hall that is enfolded with folding walls. Apart from the seclusion that the screen provides, it also makes for a striking first impression. These walls can be folded back to make the top floor of the dwelling an open-plan room.

This can then be configured to display artworks.

These folding walls make space flexible and in so doing, they infuse the hall with a sense of creativity that goes well with what the gallery in itself stands for.

Contact web: www.archstudio.cn

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Spot Light

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an 3D printing technology be used to make intricate ornamental structures, or even art?

Apparently it can. Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer have created a ten feet tall ornamental wall called Arabesque Wall with the help of this technology. The wall was created in collaboration with Design Exchange for the 3D printing exhibition in Toronto, Canada called 3DXL. The wall was 3D printed in the course of four days from a 50 Gigabyte file and epitomises all that settles within the realm of possibility with the help of algorithmic design and 3D printing.

Its intense intricacy and astounding complexity is also an appraisal of human perception.

The arabesque is a form of decoration that is characterised by intricate, intertwining plants and abstract curvilinear motifs.

The Arabesque Wall takes its inspiration from the arabesques from Islamic ar t which use elaborate overlapping, flowing, sinuous lines produced through geometric rules.

3D-Printed Design Two designers have created an intricate

piece of design work, all with the help of 3D printing technology. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA

The Arabesque Wall, exhibited in Toronto, heralds a highly differentiated and spatially complex architecture in which ornament and formal expression cease to be a luxury

Dillenburger and Hansmeyer made use of custom software and an iterative folding algorithm in order to make a form containing about 200 million surfaces, at a resolution of a mere 0.2 mm.

Visually overwhelming in its intricacy and consistent overlaps, the Arabesque Wall is driven by crafted intentions.

As Hansmeyer and Dillenburger explain on their separate websites, “It plays with the aniconic, geometric tradition of arabesque ornaments by creating intricate constellations that are at once figurative and abstract.

Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer created the ornamental wall for Toronto’s 3DXL exhibition with the help of 3D printing technology

The team made use of custom software and an iterative folding algorithm to create a form containing about 200 million surfaces

“The Arabesque Wall’s rhythmic, interwoven curve elicit viewers’ individual interpretations and engage viewers to approach it, touch it and to explore. Each perspective offers new impressions.”

What great advantage does this herald for architecture, then? “In uniquely employing 3D printing for

its fabrication,” explain Hansmeyer and Dillenburger, “the Arabesque Wall heralds a highly differentiated and spatially complex architecture in which ornament and formal expression cease to be a luxury.”

Contact web: www.michael-hansmeyer.com www.benjamin-dillenburger.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2015

Spot Light

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utch designer Daan Roosegaarde has lately completed the installation of his creation, Smog Free Tower, in Rotterdam in a bid to improve the quality of air in the city. Something on the lines of a huge vacuum cleaner, the Smog Free Tower is designed to spout clean air and thus

Smog-Sucker Tower This tower sucks smog from its surrounding area and coughs out the freshest air in its place. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA create a block of purified air in its area, aiming to relieve the people of the alarming air pollution at least in its vicinity.

The tower is seven metres high and processes 30, 000 cubic metres of air per hour, all the while not using electricity extravagantly – not a notch above that used by a

The smog that gets accumulated inside the tower is also put to some use, however eccentric that use may be. The collected particles of smog are gathered and converted into jewellery pieces by Roosegaarde. For instance, the dust extricated from 1000 cubic metres of air is compressed and tightly sealed within a resin cube. This cube is then put to

water boiler. The Smog Free Tower purifies the air in this manner: the tower sucks in the smog through its top, and the cleansed air is released through vents on its six sides. This is in a fashion similar to the air purification systems that hospitals are known to install.

use as an ornament and can adorn a ring or a cufflink.

The Smog Free Tower is touted to travel the world over soon, coming to some of the most polluted cities such as Mumbai and Beijing.

Contact web: www.studioroosegaarde.net

The tower is touted to travel the world over soon, coming to polluted cities such as Mumbai and Beijing

The tower sucks in the smog through its top and the cleansed air is released through vents on its six sides