The Inside Track January 2016

Volume 10. Issue 1 . January 2016 Rs. 25/-

THE

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

Cover Story

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he furniture industry in India has always been a local game. Due to the high level of investment required, both in time and money, and the problems in transportation, consumers preferred dealing with their neighbourhood carpenters, even when organised manufacturers set up shop in India.

Howe ve r t h i s c h a n g e d i n 2011 when furniture entered the e-commerce space through brands such as Pepperfry, FabFurnish and Urban Ladder. These major players are on a high growth curve; driven by backing from international investors, growing internet penetration and shifts in consumer behaviour towards online shopping.

Online portals give businesses the chance of having a greater reach without the heavy real estate costs.

“Through an online store we can reach most parts of the country rather than using the brick and mortar format, which would have restricted us to metros. The high real estate cost, and the space required for displaying all the furniture, would effectively increase the product cost that a consumer would have to pay,” says Saurabh Ailawadi, Founder, Gulmoharlane.com.

Consumers’ changed perception towards online shopping is a major influencer in this segment, thanks to the popularity and convenience of online shopping in other segments like fashion and electronics.

Online furniture shopping a l l ow s c o n s u m e r s t o b row s e

The Online Revolution

With the rise of e-commerce websites specialising in furniture and furnishings, the future of decorating your home could well be online. BY ALYSSA LOBO

From Pepperfry: The online furniture market is expected to reach Rs. 4000 crore by 2020

a vast range of collections in various designs, colours, shapes and dimensions at one go as per their convenience. Easy and fast customisation gives them an edge over the brick and mortar stores.

From Urban Ladder: Some of the big pulls for consumers towards online furniture are discounts, wider choice and after-sales service

Free delivery and installation being offered by most online retailers and easy payment options are other reasons that make online furniture shopping far superior and convenient.

However the furniture has still a long way to go before it can reach such levels of high adoption.

But there are good signs for this sector. By 2018, India’s online marketplace is expected to grow to $14.5 billion (Rs. 88,921 crore) and online furniture retail’s share is likely to go up. It is expected that the online furniture market will grow with a CAGR of 75% and reach the $700 million (Rs. 4000 crore) mark by 2020.

The Indian furniture and furnishings market consists of furniture, home textiles and other home décor products.

Bougainville Armchair from Gulmohar Lane

continued on page 2

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Gulmohar Lane Chesterfield sofa: A major speculation among investors is how the market will be split between general players and vertical players

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS continued from page 1 The Indian furniture and furnishings market is ranked as the fifth largest market in the world.

The growth of the furniture market in India has drawn general e-commerce majors like Flipkart and Snapdeal into the market as well. A key point of speculation among investors is how the market will be split between these general players and more specialised vertical players like Urban Ladder and Pepperfry.

Some of the big pulls for consumers - both in metros and smaller towns - towards online furniture are discounts, wider choice and after-sales service.

Says Ailawadi, “Gulmohar Lane provides easy customisation options where the customer can choose the size, fabric, and fill for their sofas.

A customer can click on the fabric swatches and see the sofa in that fabric. It’s the first time in India that you have an option of getting down feather as a fill option to get the most luxurious comfort for your sofas.”

However there are some challenges that this market faces: The ‘Feel’ Factor Customers still have a need to touch the product before it is finally delivered to them. In a survey by Redseer Consulting, 36% of respondents felt continued on page 3

January 2016

COVER The Online Revolution 1 STORY A Smarter Future Awaits 4 Lighting India’s Brilliant Future 5 Driving Awareness And Innovation 6 Surfaces With A Feel 8 New Year, New Kitchen Materials 10 A Fitting Home For The Future 11 Häfele’s Plans For 2016 12 HSIL Reveals Its ‘Moonbow’ Brand 13 Tapping Into Emerging India 14 Action Tesa’s Rise To Fame 16 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 18 Exhibitions and Fairs 22 A New London Bridge 23 New-Age Atmospheric Sensors 24

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

continued from page 2 that the need for touch and feel is high in the furniture market. This is because of the high cost of the products.

Furniture is also a very personal object and would be a part of the home for many years, so customers want to make the right choice. Players like Urban Ladder are trying to overcome this barrier by offering free home trials for certain product categories.

Says Saurabh Ailawadi,“We at gulmoharlane.com provide the consumer with fabric swatches while choosing furniture. We actually courier it to them so that they could keep the fabrics next to the existing furniture, walls, flooring, etc. and decide on the right choice for them. We get them to speak to our experts and clear any doubt that they might have.�

However this is a complex problem that needs to be addressed by online furniture dealers, probably through a combination of technology and service extension.

Trust in Online Though consumers have gradually begun trusting e-commerce sites more, online furniture portals still have a long way to go.

From Urban Ladder: Major players offer additional services such as free delivery, delivery tracking and customer friendly return policies

Unlike general online retailers like Flipkart, and Amazon who have built trust through their other retail segments, online furniture players are relatively new.

Hence building trust among their customers is an important concern for them. Having active call or email support, customer centric return policies, strong customer support, payment/EMI options and a good customer review system are some of the measures to build trust with customers. Leading online furniture retailers also have investment backing from seasoned Indian and international investors which lead to further enhancing the trust with the online retailer.

Long Delivery Times Delivery time for online furniture retailers exceed that of physical stores significantly. This is because most online retailers are yet to localise their production houses and shipments are made pan-India from furniture hubs in Jodhpur, etc.

To compensate for this barrier, players offer additional services such as free delivery, delivery tracking and customer friendly return policies. In the long run, it is likely that online players will invest in a country wide network of hubs and fulfilment centres to ensure a much faster turnaround time for fast moving product categories.

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Advance payment Furniture generally involves huge expenditure and requires an advance payment to be made online. The combination of not being able to feel the product, along with an advance payment, deters customers to shop for furniture online. Most players today offer easy financing options, COD for smaller value purchases and EMIs to ease this problem.

The online furniture market in India is expected to follow patterns that are similar to more mature markets in the same segment, such as in countries like Brazil and China. Players are expected to widen their product selection, adopt omni-channel selling, own the logistics networks, resort to deep discounting, all in an attempt to capture a larger share of the fast growing pie that is the online furniture market. Additionally, with the entry of leading e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart, the focus is also expected to shift from the premium products to mass market products in the near future.

Contact web: www.pepperfry.com www.urbanladder.com www.gulmoharlane.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

New In 2016

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athroom fittings is possibly the most vibrant product segment among construction related industries, if not in the overall Indian market. The bathroom fittings market (faucets, showers and accessories excluding sanitary ware) in the organised sector was about Rs. 3,200 to 3,500 crore in 2014 with an overall market growth between six to nine per cent, per year.

With rising income, the premium and luxury segments have seen greater growth than the market and are growing at 12-15 per cent.

Over the years especially since 2005, the market for bath fittings and accessories has flourished on the grounds of substantial growth in personal disposable income; rise in urban population and majorly by government impetus towards enhancing sanitation facilities in rural areas.

India is set to become the second largest consumer of sanitary ware products, bath fittings and accessories in the Asia-Pacific region.

Says Asutosh Shah, Managing Director, Duravit India Private Limited, “Changing life style and use of the bathroom as a room to relax and de-stress has brought design competence into real play.

Purely functional bathrooms are increasingly a thing of the past and demand is showing a rising

A Smarter Future Awaits A combination of consumer awareness

and practical concerns has resulted in the growth of the smart bath fittings segment. BY ALYSSA LOBO respect to fittings. “More premium and high technology products for their bathrooms are being preferred now-a-days by the customers,” says Shah.

Some of the primary reasons for the increase in demand for intelligent bath fittings are the growth of the real estate and tourism sectors, rising disposable incomes and change in lifestyle have raised the demand for bath fittings and accessories. According to Shah, “In India, housing and institutional sectors are the major growth drivers. The demand results from new projects as well from the replacement market.”

This growing demand for premium bathroom fittings has drawn the interest of foreign bathroom fittings brands. Many international bath fittings brands are increasing their presence in Indian market by either joining hands with domestic brands in

Durvait’s SensoWash Starck is a remote controlled sophisticated combination of toilet and bidet

trend towards designer bathroom sanitary ware.”

The market has evolved from being merely a functional value product to one which that can offer a number of benefits; whether it is a better bathing experience, greater water savings, better hygiene, etc.

The range of bathroom products now available has gone beyond basic faucets to include bath tubs, basins, shower accessories, etc.

There is also an increased emphasis on luxury, style and elegance in

the segment or forming their wholly owned subsidiary in India. These brands have gradually introduced innovative and technologically advanced bath fittings from their international markets into India.

Industry leaders in the organised segment such as Duravit, Delta, Br a v a t a n d Do r n b r a c h t a re progressively scaling their production capacities, upgrading manufacturing processes and focusing on innovative technologies to produce ergonomically convenient designs.

Dornbracht Smart Water range offers digitally controlled fittings that allow automatic filling of the bath or the warm-up function in the shower

Another reason for the increased demand for intelligent fittings is the growing awareness among consumers about different products.

This is especially true of the mass premium segment where consumers from three and four tier towns, with the growing penetration of the internet have begun to ask for products like hot tubs and specialised showers and jets.

The past year saw a sparse and truncated monsoon, with many parts of India experiencing drought conditions. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Indians use an average 55 litres/day/ person for bathing and another 30 litres/day/person for flushing.

Local municipal corporations, such as Pune’s have pushed for new constructions to opt for water saving techniques. Consumers are also concerned about water savings and hence turn to smart faucets and showers with ‘water sculpting’ technologies that give a satisfying shower experience, while using less water.

Duravit is able to offer toilets that flush hygienically using just six, four and a half or even less water. At an international level, Duravit offers toilets that also flush efficiently with a low flushing volume and that carry the ‘EPA WaterSense High Efficiency

Flushing’ label. The MC Dry Urinal from Duravit reduced water consumption to zero. With Duravit’s dual-flush technology, a household of four can additionally save about 17,000 litres of water per year.

SensoWash Slim is a minimalist addition to Duravit’s shower-toilet range, with a particularly intelligent use of technology. With balanced proportions and an especially flat shower-toilet seat, it looks like a classic toilet, and therefore satisfies the desire for sleek aesthetics and timeless modernity.

To u c h l e s s f a u c e t s a n d fixtures also lower the risk of cross-contamination and cuts down on waste by dispensing only as much water as needed.

These fixtures are popular in commercial projects, especially hotels and restaurants.

The increasing awareness among consumers is also influencing their demand pattern which is, in turn, having a positive impact on the growth of the industry. However, the key challenges that hinder the growth of the market include huge unorganized sector, lack of replacement demand for bath fittings in India and demand being restricted to urban areas.

Contact web: www.duravit.in

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

New In 2016

W

hile it is evident that LEDs will overtake CFLs and incandescent lamps, there is much that still needs to be done, both in terms of consumers’ knowledge of products, as well as from the supply side of the equation.

India’s LED market is forecast to reach Rs. 200 billion by 2019, according to a Ken Research repor t. Despite this, LEDs only have a three to five percent market share in India.

In the residential market, LEDs are mostly seen in new constructions, with existing CFL users less willing to convert to LED lighting. However, India’s construction sector is forecast

Lighting India’s Brilliant Future LED is the latest buzzword in the Indian

lighting segment with major players introducing LED specialised products. BY ALYSSA LOBO Major agencies like ELCOMA (Electric Lamp & Component Manufacturers’ Association) and BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) have tackled the absence of national standards for LEDs and lack of testing protocols, facilities and accredited laboratories

Solar LED Street lights: Street lighting application accounts for majority of the market revenues in the Indian LED lighting market

to grow at seven to eight per cent each year over the next decade according to a report by PwC. This could provide the much needed fillip for this segment.

The issue of high initial costs and long payback period has to some extent been addressed with the improving efficiency of bulbs but the limited availability of LED technology in India is still a long term concern for the industry.

Government initiatives to replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, increasing energy demandsupply gap, declining prices and rising concerns with respect to energy conservation are the factors driving the growth of LED lighting in India.

Havells’ Joy is an ultra-bright compact down lighter with high brightness LEDs

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to counter the import of substandard products.

China has several incentives for LED manufacturers, which left Indian companies struggling to compete with cheap imported goods.

The government’s Make in India programme has greatly benefited Indian companies. The segment received a boost thanks to government initiatives such as the Bachat Lamp Yojna, LED Village Campaign and the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP).

The domestic production of some LED components has also brought down costs.

Street lighting application accounts for majority of the market revenues in the Indian LED lighting market.

In fact, according to a Research and Markets report, the Indian market continues to be driven by the government, which makes up 51% of all LED orders.

A major scheme that has helped is a government-sponsored LED distribution programme, which outlines the replacement of incandescent bulbs and CFLs with energy-efficient LED lamps.

Almost 90% of houses in Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have replaced incandescent bulbs with LED lamps and the electricity bills

of households have reduced by up to Rs 200 every month, according to Saurabh Kumar, managing director of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). The consumers themselves fund this scheme, through an ‘onbill EMI’ model. The government aims to completely replace all incandescent bulbs in the country with LED lights in the next three years.

In the commercial lighting segment there is a heightened interest in industrial lighting and in downlighters, which in India are vigorously shifting to LED as a source. There are also state and central government regulations for commercial outlets to change

to LED down lights, according to down light specifications prepared

by ELCOMA. Havells’ Joy is an ultra-bright compact down lighter with high brightness LEDs, that is ideally suited for low ceiling areas to give glare free light. It also has a high quality polycarbonate frosted diffuser for glare free uniform light distribution.

Other major players like Philips, Osram and Syska LED are also producing fixtures that are specially made for LED bulbs.

Contact web: www.havells.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Interview

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ith a strong foothold in the bath segment, Jaquar Lighting now looks to conquer the lighting sector with multiple product ranges in the commercial, decorative and outdoor lighting categories. But with LED lighting still in a nascent stage, the company has much to do if it wants to take the lead over established competitors in this field.

The Inside Track speaks to Ranbir Mehra, Director, Jaquar Ligthing about the company’s plans for the year ahead and its strategy to increase brand visibility and awareness.

Ranbir Mehra, Director, Jaquar Lighting Which are some of the new products that Jaquar Lighting is planning to launch this year?

Over the years, introducing the latest in technology and design has been the mantra for Jaquar Lighting.

Taking this spirit forward, we will be shortly introducing decorative lights in filament range - a fusion of retro and modern lighting concepts.

They will be focused towards niche clients - connoisseurs of finer aspects in decorative lighting. The comeback of the old tungsten light, also known as the filament, is a latest trend among interior designers and this is getting promoted in high end lounges and cafés with unique outer surface designs.

We are not restricting our launches to a particular category; in fact, we are introducing a full range of decorative lights for Indian customers like specially manufactured chandeliers, where apart from crystal other material options are also given.

Jaquar Lighting is committed to focus and introduce the latest in commercial, outdoor and decorative lighting in LED. How is Jaquar Lighting planning to further build its identity and positioning in the market in the upcoming year?

Jaquar Lighting, through various

Driving Awareness And Innovation Jaquar Lighting begins the New Year with

an expanded, comprehensive portfolio and a new media campaign. communication vehicles, is establishing itself as a pan-India complete lighting solution brand for premium customers.

Our major focus is on creating awareness and education of the brand offering and its USP. It is critical not only for the brand but its customers at large as the awareness level about the real value offering in this segment has not reached the desired level. Jaquar Lighting, through its 22 company-owned showrooms, is spreading category and product awareness. Jaquar Lighting today is seen as a complete lighting brand with the most comprehensive solutions across outdoor, decorative, commercial and regular home lighting concepts and products.

LED is a major development in recent years. How does Jaquar Lighting plan on responding to this? Are there any efforts to increase awareness among customers and dealers?

Yes, LED products are the future, in view of green energy with efficient lighting, and for Jaquar Lighting this has been a major development initiative in the recent years. As always,

electricians understand the products before they buy, use or suggest them. We have a large dedicated service team of over 30 people who provide service to our customers and train local electricians so that they understand the product before they go to any site for installation. These training programs takes place at our OC’s (company owned showrooms) which are present in more than 22 cities across India. Such initiatives

Do you have any sales targets or projections for 2016?

Jaquar Lighting works in line with the Jaquar Group philosophy where numbers are important but creating new markets and setting new benchmarks is what drives the brand. We have ambitious sales targets for 2016, with a wide range of LED concepts and product led solutions. With consumers spending on renovation and a massive awareness in the LED range of products, Jaquar Lighting is expecting 60-70% growth in 2016.

Jaquar Lighting has a dedicated team of over 30 people who provide service to customers and give training to local electricians

we are in the forefront and have taken various initiatives to give its customers something unique in the market at the best value pricing. In this sudden race to become an LED driven brand, we also see a huge responsibility to introduce products which are of high quality and genuine material. We introduce LED concepts and products which are not only good in design but also maintain the highest global quality standards.

There has been a tremendous change in the working of the team and the programmes being designed and managed to bring about awareness at the point of sale. We have helped in creating awareness and making sure that dealers, customers and

provide the electricians necessary tools which are required to do the work at any given site. OCs also run awareness programs for end customers through effective display and live demonstrations.

There are many major players -both national and international in the Indian LED segment. What is your strategy for competing with them?

How do you plan on being topmost in customers’ mind?

Healthy competition is always good for any growing market. Our approach is quite different when it comes to competition. Innovative value products, offering a comprehensive

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

portfolio – one of the widest in the industry (commercial, outdoor and decorative lighting), market development through education, are some key pillars on which Jaquar Lighting will continue to win the hearts of all our stake holders. We will continue this through our 360 degree integrated marketing and communication across customer touch points. Our recent campaign ‘Chhodo Kal Ki Baatein…’ is a testimony to this. It was massively promoted on mass media, on ground, online and at the sales counter. Our mission is to be in the top five lighting brands in India, offering complete premium lighting solutions.

Are there any new business partnerships, collaborations or expansion plans for Jaquar Lighting in 2016?

Yes we are all set to increase our production capability and facility in the near future. A program is taking shape at our new production facility at Manesar (NCR region) in view of the growing demand and quest to deliver high quality products for the Indian market. Jaquar Lighting has been

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working with dedicated ancillary units on set material and quality parameters across the globe for specialised parts/equipment.

The e-commerce industry is flourishing in India. Does Jaquar Lighting plan on taking the e-commerce route with its lighting division?

We will explore all customer touch points which will bring ease to the customer buying process. Online shopping or e-commerce is the latest growing trend and Jaquar Lighting is already present across a couple of leading e-commerce portals. But our intention is not to bring imbalance and conflict among various channels but to bring in value to each.

We are cautious in this regard and taking small but steady steps. We don’t want to only provide affordable products; but ‘creating value’ is Jaquar Lighting’s mantra. We want to educate and bring about wellinformed buying decisions among end customers with value offerings. Yes, the convenience of online shopping is immense but Jaquar Lighting will ensure that the experience of the customer at any point should not be

Jaquar Lighting will be introducing decorative lights in filament range – a fusion of retro and modern lighting concepts

compromised as lighting needs more information other than just price.

Our website is already doing great service by informing and selecting outdoor, decorative, commercial

and regular home lighting concepts and products across a spectrum of customers.

Contact web: www.jaquarlighting.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

New In 2016

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urfaces with a tactile texture are those that need to be touched in order to be experienced.

These are distinct from visual textures, which give an impression of their tactility through visual cues only and reveal nothing when actually touched. Tactile surfaces have aspects you can actually feel, which make them all the more exciting and unique.

Tactile surfaces often have relief, which creates a palpable presence.

A soft and raised structure, one that is tactile, along the walls absorbs light rather than reflecting it, and so exudes comfort and warmth in the room. We at The Inside Track present to you with a few options to bring that warm tactile feel to your homes.

Wallpapers and wall coverings Wallpapers and wall coverings anyway enhance the look of a room greatly. But with a dash of tactility to boot, these can make a bold statement and lend an interesting

Surfaces With A Feel

This New Year, take courage and experiment with new tactile surfaces that can lend a room character. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA Other kinds of textured wallpapers include cork wallpapers, which are not only touchable and visually very appealing, but also quite eco-friendly.

Tiles Tiles are available in a variety of textures. Not only do tactile tiles add to the aesthetics of the home, but they also have the added advantage of being slip resistant and durable. Some of the tactile textures more popularly available include metallic textured floor tiles that come with wonderful relief designs. Mosaic tiles, when installed 3D wall panels add a whole new dimension to the walls

popular styles of wall panel is the wave wall texture.

Tactile panel designs demand attention and make a strong impact, and they are also quite easy to install

appeal. Woven wall coverings such as those made out of grasscloth and jute are versatile and stylish. Made of natural fibres that can be thickly or thinly woven, these wall coverings are a superb choice for use in a media room, library, formal dining area or the living room.

Nilaya from Asian Paints draws together texture, material and motif to create a tactile wallpaper that does not compromise on aesthetics.

In fact, Nilaya puts the emphasis on Indian aesthetics, celebrating traditional designs and patterns.

But to keep up the look, especially when the wallpaper is made from natural fibre, regular care and maintenance is essential.

As a spokesperson from Nilaya says, “Wall coverings of natural material like jute would need to be dry wiped or cleaned occasionally to maintain the look.”

creatively, also make for a stunning surface choice offering tactility and a unique visual appeal as they do.

Some of the leading players in tiles include Palladio Mosaics that offers an exhaustive range of 2x2 and 1x1 cm size mosaics in Vitreo, Brillante, Shining and Aureo.

Panels Wall panels, on the other hand are by definition tactile. Wall panels can come in brick, concrete, wood and stone, with natural and beautiful textures. Tactile panel designs demand attention and make a strong impact, and they are also quite easy to install.

3D wall panels, moreover, add a whole new dimension to the walls.

Reliefs of various designs patterned on to the panels can redefine the entire look of the room and enhance its ambience. One of the more

Paints Textured paints make feature walls look spectacular. Blended creatively with carefully selected paint colours for the other walls, the overall effect can be absolutely stunning.

The Dulux Velvet Touch range consists of paints that provide the experience of a smooth velvet touch on the surface of the paint for interiors.

As against this, Asian Paints offers its Ultima Allura range of textured finishes for exteriors. “In modern structures, the varied textures that are naturally available in stone bring in an added element of novelty when

used on any exterior surface,” says a spokesperson at Asian Paints. The finish that its product, the Ultima Allura Granizia provides imitates that of granite, thereby lending it an air of sophistication.

The paint lends the exteriors an elegant granite surface without the stone’s weight affecting other aspects, which is a mighty boon for builders and architects. The chosen finish will retain its charms for a long while due to its erosion resistant feature, and protect the surface from pollution.

Contact web: www.palladio.in www.asianpaints.com www.dulux.in nilaya.asianpaints.com/nilaya

Woven wall coverings such as those made out of grasscloth and jute are versatile and stylish

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

New In 2016

M

ove over granite and marble in making counters, backsplashes or cabinets. The New Year has ushered in some ideas and a few new trends in kitchen materials.

While granite is the most popular material used for counters and backsplashes, it can get a little

New Year, New Kitchen Materials Here’s looking at a few new materials that you can use instead of conventional ones to build your kitchen. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA

Corian is a solid surface material made from minerals blended with acrylic and expected to last a lifetime. It is a great option for countertops

dull and monotonous when used constantly over the years as if there’s no other option available. Granite is in fact a great option as it is not only hard and durable but also costeffective, though it tends to hog the spotlight. But what is generally overlooked when it’s time to revamp the kitchen again is that there are several other, equally good options available for the kitchen, too.

For backsplashes and cabinetry, a little applied creativity and a bit of research reveals a whole lot of materials that can be used instead of the more conventional ones. Here are some alternative materials that can be used for the kitchen: Corian The most rigorously used of all surfaces in the kitchen, countertops should be made of materials that are ideally strong, hard and durable, preferably appealing, and go well with the overall tone of the kitchen.

Corian is one such. It is a solid surface material made from minerals blended with acrylic and expected to last a lifetime.

DuPont India provides Corian kitchen countertops that can blend seamlessly with Corian sinks and backsplashes. “The entire counter top merges with the backsplash, sink, and facia into one entity and feels like one unit,” says Mr. Durgesh Pal Singh, Quality Network Leader, DuPont India. “Also,” he continues, “DuPont Corian can be thermoformed to give shapes. This allows designers to design kitchens

which otherwise would have been either very difficult or impossible in other materials.”

Available in a range of colours, this material is an excellent alternative to granite. The material moreover is scratch resistant, stain resistant and resists elemental damage such as wear due to exposure to sunlight. It is also durable, easy to clean and gives a finishing that is sleek and as smooth as stone.

In India, DuPont offers DuPont Corian and DuPont Montelli in the market. “DuPont provides the deep colour technology in DuPont Corian (patented technology) where fabrication effort has been reduced by 20% and the scratch visibility in the product has been brought down by almost 50%,” says Mr. Singh.

Stainless steel The use of stainless steel for kitchen countertops has newly become trendy and seems here to stay. Stainless steel offers practicality: it is heat resistant, stain resistant, is easy to clean and sanitise, is versatile and very, very durable. Anuj Jain, CEO, JSL Lifestyle Limited. opines, “Stainless steel is the most diverse, versatile and sturdy material for the Indian weather and cooking conditions.”

Jain also explains how stainless steel could be an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, as “hot food can directly be placed on the top without any burn marks happening.”

Additionally, “the textured surface is scratch resistant and these surfaces can be used for cutting and food preparation directly.”

The material also lends an industrial look to your kitchens, giving it a commercial air since restaurants usually have stainless steel kitchen countertops.

Stainless steel can also be installed as a backsplash. Backsplashes are essentially installed to protect the wall against spills and splashes.

Making use of stainless steel for backsplash not only enhances the kitchen’s overall industrial look, but it is also highly functional and easy to maintain.

In India, Arttd’inox, a brand under the umbrella of JSL, offers modular kitchens made of stainless steel. Its range of stainless steel island kitchens

is eco-friendly, fungus resistant and hygienic. Made available in multiple colours and textures, these kitchens are designed keeping in mind the duality of aesthetics and utility.

Back-painted glass Glass makes for a good material for counters, since its hardness and strength can beat most other surface materials. Back-painted glass involves installing glass that has been painted on the back for countertops.

It is not a very conventional choice of material for countertops, but this is exactly what makes it more stylish, and the effect it produces does not fail to elicit a positive response. For backsplashes, too, this material is a promising option. Available in a variety of colours, back-painted glass as backsplash makes it easy to clean and is also heat and scratch resistant.

Wood Wood is another new, quite unconventional material used in the kitchen, especially when it comes to backsplashes. Backsplashes made of wood however add a nice warmth to the kitchen and redefine its looks, besides being very workable.

Wood is also used to make kitchen cabinets, and is the most popular option therein.

Contact web: www.dupont.co.in www.arttdinox.com

The use of the durable, heat and stain resistant stainless steel for kitchen countertops has newly become trendy and seems here to stay

Backsplashes made of wood add a nice warmth to the kitchen and redefine its looks, besides being very workable

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

New In 2016

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echnological advances have changed the way we live, work and play. And no change has been greater than the one we have seen within our own homes. Home automation has its roots in smart home appliances which have led to the development of integrated smart homes. This segment today largely consists of four functional segments - Lighting, Security, Audio/Video and HVAC. Residential usage is the highest and accounts for nearly 60% of the home automation industry, according to a Redseer Consulting report.

Security is a major concern, primarily in the urban market, hence realty developers offer security systems as an appealing add-on.

Commercial spaces contribute to 30% of the automation market and this segment is largely driven by security and access systems.

Large companies like Samsung, Bosch and Honeywell dominate this segment in India.

The hospitality industry accounts for 10% of the market. Security and lighting systems are popular in this sector due to the growing need for differentiation.

CCTVs account for about 25% of the security systems. However the market for security systems is highly fragmented between local, Chinese and other international players.

A major reason for the robust growth in this segment is the exponential growth of internet penetration, mobile usage and connectivity in India over the past few years.

A report by Global Industry Analysts notes that in the coming years, connectivity is poised to balloon into a more pervasive trend, to the extent of being an embedded standard in virtually every household device and equipment. Smart homes of the future will feature over 20 to 30 connected sensors and devices linked via a home area network to the Internet

Honeywell access control panel

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A Fitting Home For The Future Electrical Automation is revolutionising the

hardware and fittings segment, as well as our homes and the way we live. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Panasonic Video Phone door: Security is a major concern, hence realty developers offer security systems as an appealing add-on

as well as the service provider’s back-end systems.

Indians are usually very conscious of energy costs, and modern home buyers are ready to spend on luxury, comfort, and security systems with automated control devices that can regulate utility services. The view is that long term energy savings justify the expense of these fittings.

Lighting control is the key segment in the home automation market and forms more than 50% of the residential automation market.

Lighting is followed by HVAC controls for which automation is preferred to ensure comfort. In India, the industry is still dominated by remote control solutions as mobile apps and other advanced solutions are costlier. Lutron, Philips and Legrand dominate the lighting market in India.

This will no doubt change over time. Rapid strides in technology have brought smart homes to the middle class, largely due to innovations that allowed for the development of smaller and lower-cost sensors and actuators that gather information from devices in real time.

The digital home has become accessible because of the further development of less-costly, cloudbased hub services through which those automated devices are able to communicate in a seamless manner.

As home automation systems become available at affordable prices, demand will increase for smart technologies.

The home automation market in India is expected to reach Rs. 8800 crores by 2017. The key growth drivers for this demand are increasing consumer awareness and financial ability, product innovations (like smart phone apps), builders’ requirement for market differentiation and an increase in the preference for energy efficient systems.

However the market is still in its growth phase with a significant gap for more innovative and connected systems. Some of the key constraints include high product costs and moderate levels of satisfaction among the customers.

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Interview

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he New Year has ushered in new demands, new expectations, new trends and innovations. As everything settles in for a fresh new start and new plans and strategies are drawn up and collaborations and partnerships are formed, we talk to influential companies about what lies ahead for them and their customers.

Häfele, a leading brand offering product verticals such as kitchens, appliances, lights, sanitary and quartz surfaces, etc. maintains a solid presence in the architectural and furniture hardware industries today.

Häfele’s Plans For 2016 Jürgen Wolf tells us what Häfele has in store for its customers and reveals the company’s plans for the near future. fittings, our 3rd generation of LED lights, additions to our sanitary range, revolutionary new surfaces and so on. We will not, however, launch completely new categories in 2016. We introduced so many new products in 2015 which need settling in first.

What can we expect from Häfele for further building its identity and positioning in the market?

Jürgen Wolf – MD, Häfele India Pvt. Ltd.

The Inside Track speaks to Mr. Jürgen Wolf – MD, Häfele India Pvt. Ltd., about what’s in store for Häfele this year, the challenges it foresees and its strategies to tackle them, new products to be released and more.

Which are some of the new products from Häfele in the offing? Are there any new categories you are going to enter in 2016?

Offering new products to the market is a way of life for Häfele.

We are constantly engaged in innovation and try to set trends rather than follow others. The year 2016 will see new launches in almost every product category: new appliances, new exciting kitchen

We will continue our journey of getting our products and services closer to our customers through a big number of shop launches and appointments of new dealers.

Further investments into logistics as well as our technical and customer services will help to ensure that we can deliver on our brand promise of delivering a premium experience to our customers at all times.

What are your projections for Häfele one year down the line in terms of sale and turnover?

Häfele has experienced enormous growth over the past years and we continue to be ambitious in our outlook for 2016 as well. We are targeting growth in excess of 30% this year.

What will be your company’s biggest challenges in the coming year?

The biggest challenge is how to cope with the enormous rise of e-commerce offerings. Häfele is presently very much a brick and mortar company but we cannot

“Offering new products to the market is a way of life for Häfele,” says Häfele’s Jürgen Wolf

ignore the rise of e-commerce activities in the market and have to formulate strategy which on the one hand protects our physical partners in the market and on the other, takes advantage of selling opportunities online.

cities in India to support our trade partners there.

There are many companies vying for the discerning customer’s attention in India. What is Häfele’s strategy to compete with other leading companies in the segment?

I feel that some companies are jumping on the e-commerce wagon a bit too readily. Not every product category lends itself to being sold online like a mobile phone. Also, every brand which has a strong physical presence in the market has to think very carefully about how it can protect its brick and mortar businesses.

Having said that, I believe that e-commerce is a reality which no one can ignore and is likely to grow stronger over the coming years. Many of our products are components and are possibly very technical for the common customer, so to try and sell them online makes little sense.

There are some categories however, like appliances, lighting products, kitchen accessories and some bathroom products which could be offered online individually.

For those categories, we are in the process of defining a business model which allows us to carefully explore this business opportunity while at the same time, ensuring that our shop partners have a strong incentive to continue to invest in Häfele.

Contact web: www.hafeleindia.com tel: +91 1800 266 6667

Here we have to go our own way.

Häfele has always been a premium option for products and services. This is our way. Others have concentrated more on price and volume and neglected building a strong brand that can actually deliver on its promise. So, Häfele will continue to follow its roots of quality products combined with quality services.

We have to offer our customers an experience which wants them to come back to us and recommend Häfele to their friends and family.

I believe that if you do that, success will follow organically.

Does Häfele have any new business partnerships, collaborations or expansion plans in 2016?

The year 2016 will see new launches by Häfele in almost every product category including appliances, kitchen fittings, lightings, surfaces and more

Yes, these relationships are pivotal to our success. In 2016 we will partner with a significant number of new parties to bring Häfele closer to our customers. In addition, we will expand our network of companyowned design centres to several

Since the e-commerce industry is flourishing in India, does your company plan to have an online presence soon?

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Interview

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he past year has been an exciting one for HSIL. In July the company introduced a new range of water heaters in association with Groupe Atlantic and co-branded as ‘Hindware-Atlantic’.

Now HSIL has also launched a new brand under its consumer product division, named ‘Moonbow’.

The Inside Track spoke to Rakesh Kaul, President and Chief, Consumer Business, HSIL Ltd. about the company’s expectations for Moonbow and its plans for the consumer product segment.

Rakesh Kaul, President and Chief, Consumer Business, HSIL Ltd.

Could you tell us how Moonbow fits within HSIL’s business portfolio?

HSIL is looking to grow the consumer business multi fold and bring in the next level of growth. The existing HSIL consumer business consists of premium kitchen appliances.

We also have a strategic venture with Atlantic, Europe’s largest in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. We are also licensed to sell Vents, Europe’s leading brand in exhaust fans.

HSIL Reveals Its ‘Moonbow’Brand HSIL is expanding its consumer product division with the debut of its latest brand, Moonbow.

The categories that we wanted to enter into required the effort of laying a foundation. One of the reasons for getting into the new brand name was to differentiate it as a distinct product category from Hindware.

Hindware has a certain amount of brand personality and brand promise.

The direction and positioning of this new brand is going to be totally different from Hindware.

Our philosophy talks about tangible disruption and that core has to fit into our new brand, Moonbow.

A moonbow is a rare phenomenon.

The idea is that we will create certain products that will be completely different from the normal products which are available in the market.

What are the kinds of products that you will be releasing under this brand?

Under Moonbow the categories will be largely purification. So the idea is to enter into most of the purification categories, water and air to start with.

What is the target audience that HSIL is looking to tap into with this new venture?

We’re talking to the TG that is young, ambitious, which is into experimentation. So we’re looking at an SEC A1, A2, B1 and B2, who will be 20-45 years, young and working, always looking for something new to add to their home.

What is your strategy when it comes to the pricing of this product? How do you want to position yourselves in the market?

Moonbow Air purifier 8608: HSIL plans to enter into most of the purification categories such as water and air

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From a product perspective this will be in the mass premium segment.

The brand’s core is ‘expect the unexpected’ so at least one product in any category will have some differentiation from the market and we’ll build on that differentiation.

At the same time we don’t want to be just premium, we want to be mass premium.

Do you have any targets in terms of revenue and distribution with regard to Moonbow?

Air purification is a nascent category in India but it’s growing like crazy.

The numbers that we’re talking about for 2018 will probably be preponed to 2016. I will not be able to tell you a clear cut area of revenue. But I can fairly say that in the first year itself we will have a five to six percent share of the category.

As of now air purification is primarily driven by the large format retail and e-commerce. These are the two big hinges on which the category

is revolving because it still speaks to the niche customers.

Are there any particular regions or cities that you will be targeting initially?

The quality of air across the country, in majority of the cities is very bad. So it’s not just restricted to the four or five major cities, there’s a whole list of cities with bad air. Having gone through the e-commerce route, it is imperative that fourteen to fifteen cities are targeted in the first phase of launch itself.

Contact web: moonbowliving.com email: lalimabose@hindware.co.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Interview

W

ith the past year being dominated by Grohe’s acquisition by the Lixil Group, 2016 is the time for the company to use this development to push its advantage in the Indian market. And Grohe has a definite strategy in place - an increased presence in markets

Tapping Into Emerging India

Grohe looks towards tier two and three cities to reinforce its position in the Indian market. BY ALYSSA LOBO How does Grohe plan to develop its identity and positioning in the market in the near future?

Ramesh Kaushik, G.M. - Marketing, Grohe India

beyond major metros and wider product portfolio.

The Inside Track spoke to Ramesh Kaushik, GM-Marketing, Grohe India about the company’s plans for the year ahead and how it will mould its identity in the Indian market.

Which are some of the new products from Grohe in the offing? Are there any new categories you are going to enter in 2016?

Amongst the latest products that we have unveiled in the Indian market are the Grohe Rainshower® SmartControl 360 Shower System and the Grohe Eurodisc Joystick.

While the former enables maximum enjoyment with its XXL size head shower, offering 100% control of your bathing experience, the latter stands out with its super-slim, wall-mounted washbasin mixer giving smooth and long-lasting fingertip control.

Since last year, we have been focussed on developing a strong identity and presence in tier two and three markets of India. After having established a solid niche in tier one geographies, we want to tap the immense potential for premium sanitary ware that lies in these markets.

Since we do not have companyowned outlets, we will ensure that Grohe’s product line-up is available in more stores beyond the major retail outlets and in the Groheapproved reseller stores.

What are your projections for Grohe one year down the line in terms of sales and turnover?

We have been growing at 26% compounded growth rate year on

Grohe Eurodisc Joystick: Grohe is focussed on developing a strong identity and presence in tier two and three markets of India

The sanitary ware and fittings market is packed with many high quality Indian and international brands.

What is Grohe’s strategy to compete and stand out in the segment?

While the market is truly growing and many players are doing exceptional work in this domain, Grohe remains the undisputed leader in this space. We are the global pioneers and frontrunners in the world of premium sanitary fittings. Our commitment to quality, technology, design and sustainability puts us firmly ahead of other players.

We are the ‘Masters of Technology’ since 1873.

All our products’ components, ease of operation and perfect

looks have to withstand numerous endurance tests - the toughest in the industry - and pass with flying colours before the products leave our premises. The result of this is the joy you experience every time you use our products and the joy we experience every time we receive an award for our uncompromising love for quality. Grohe is one of the few brands in this industry to have an in-house design team and our investment in continued R&D is one of the largest in our segment.

This allows us to turn world-leading technologies for bathrooms and kitchens into reality.

Contact web: www.grohe.com/in tel: +91 124 493-3000

year and are confident to surpass that with our new range line up and expansion strategy.

What will be your company’s biggest challenges in the coming year?

We find opportunity in every challenge as it helps us to raise the bar. As the industry leader, we are eagerly looking forward to new opportunities that 2016 has to offer in terms of growth in emerging India (tier two, three cities and towns); offering unparalleled solutions in bath and kitchen and providing best of class experience.

Grohe Rainshower® SmartControl 360 Shower System: Grohe is one of the few brands in this industry to have an in-house design team

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Spot Light

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onfined conditions don’t imply limited design freedom. Small floor plans call for compact designs. Where there is not much floor space, the focus needs to be on the base elements and their arrangement – adapted and reduced dimensions are key. A loving attention to detail, design flourishes and smart storage can all help increase the utility of available space.

An efficient layout can be achieved with a narrow-edged handrinse basin with its width of just 450mm. A model with an extra-short projection and side-mounted tap fitting can also save valuable space.

For bathrooms with smaller dimensions, toilets with a shorter projection could be the answer. Many Duravit series include compact wallmounted toilets having a reduced length of just 485mm that are an ideal solution for tight spaces.

Small Bathroom Solutions From Duravit

The creative use of available space can transform even small bathrooms into having a big bathroom sensation.

Another solution is Duravit’s OpenSpace B shower enclosure that simply folds back against the wall after use, significantly increasing the available space. Duravit offers a range of products that provide creative and intelligent use of limited bathroom space.

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

P3 Comforts

Starck 2

X-Large

Vero

Advertorial

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2nd Floor

OpenSpace B

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Spot Light

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ction Tesa has recently released its new product range of the High Density Fibre (HDF) board and the High Density High Moisture Resistance (HDHMR) board. These products are growing in popularity, with Action Tesa’s HDHMR rapidly replacing plywood.

Action Tesa’s Rise To Fame We take a look at Action Tesa’s HDHMR

range of products and discover why it seems to be preferred by leading companies.

Action Tesa’s HDHMR boards’ features, especially its water resisting quality make it ideal for modular kitchens and home and office furniture

The boards are manufactured using hard wood so that its density is better than that of most other products in the market.

Action Tesa’s boards are equipped with the best routing characteristics due to uniform density gradient and a compact core. This is achieved by making use of German technology for MAT formation and eight cylinders with eight day light press.

The brand also utilises state-ofthe-art glue kitchen, thus resulting in a high core internal bond which helps in accomplishing high quality routing, intricate machining as well as an increased water resistance.

Because of this attractive quality of high water resistance, Action Tesa’s High Density High Moisture Resistance boards are especially suited for areas with a higher level of humidity, such as some states in the southern part of India. Which is why, people seem to be opting for this product in the place of traditional plywood.

Some of the leading manufacturers of modular kitchens and furniture, too, prefer using Action Tesa’s HDHMR range of products. Its properties and features, especially its water resisting quality which is as per the ISI standard, make it an ideal product for modular kitchens as well as furniture for the home and office.

The use of hard wood to ensure high density, coupled with the special glue that goes into its make, result in this high functioning, efficient product.

Another feature of the HDHMR board is that its smooth surface absorbs less paint, thereby saving the cost that would go in using more paint.

The boards can also be costeffectively used for panelling. Action Tesa’s products not only deliver quality of a high standard, but they also deliver value for the money spent for them.

Contact web: www.actiontesa.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

It Products Franke Launches Centinox Sink Franke has launched a new product called Centinox sink with state of the art design, formed using the highest grade stainless steel 304 18/10. It comes with three-tiered accessories and a basket strainer waste.

The product has won the Red Dot Award for Product Design, thus proving itself to be one of the best sinks in the market.

The Centinox sink is very easy to clean and maintain. Its smooth, non-porous surface makes it difficult for bacteria and micro-organisms to survive.

The stainless steel used in its make is highly resistant to rust and the aggressive action of acids and chemical products.

Especially designed to protect from scratches, abrasion and corrosive agents, Franke’s product comes with a patented Décor and Microdecor finish that creates a stunning aluminium effect, enhancing its shape and emphasising the elegance of the design.

Contact www.franke.com

Solna® Articulating Kitchen Faucet By Delta Faucet Copany Delta Faucet Company brings the latest innovation in kitchen faucet design with the launch of Solna® Articulating Kitchen faucet by Brizo® in India. A culinary-driven innovation, the articulating faucet comes with crisp lines influenced by modern Scandinavian aesthetics with the timeless design and definitive functionality of an architect lamp.

The Solna® articulating faucet offers enhanced efficiency for both professional and home chefs because of its high flexibility. The faucet is logical and instinctive in function and knows to direct the water where you need it. It can be positioned at various heights and angles to

help make the tasks simple. The faucet offers a much wider range of movement than traditional pull-downs without taking up more space.

When the two-function spray wand is undocked, a user can freely move the wand to aim water in any direction in and around the sink. When docked, the wand stays securely in place with Brizo MagneDock® Technology, a patented, state-ofthe-art magnetic docking system which keeps the spray head perfectly aligned. This freedom of movement allows enhanced use, streamlined functionality and endless possibilities.

Contact www.deltafaucet.in

Häcker Launches Its Weinrot Modular Kitchen

Häcker has recently launched its Weinrot modular kitchen, which is a kitchen in wine red high gloss lacquer perfectly matched with simplicity of design. The kitchen allows for freedom of space utilization and has a balanced look for all moods. Häcker makes sure through its products such as the Weinrot modular kitchen, that each day in the kitchen is simple and enjoyable.

Häcker offers modular kitchens for every market segment, ranging from competitively-priced to medium, high-end and premium. Their

strength is in their continued research and development to keep pace with the latest technologies. Every kitchen from Häcker, with a standard cabinetry system, can be customised to fit any space. Equipped with modern technology and design, Häcker’s products are available in 163 different options in terms of surfaces, colours and styles.

A variety of finishes, laminates, veneer, solid wood and lacquer are also available in matte and high-gloss surfaces.

Contact www.haecker-india.com

Ecocompatta Modular Kitchen

By Veneta Cucine

Veneta Cucine launches its avant-garde and iconic product Ecocompatta designed by Paolo Rizzatto, which is a perfect blend of space utility and functionality. Add on to this, Ecocompatta comes with sustainability, innovative shapes and a trendy design.

This latest product by Veneta Cucine is crafted and designed carefully to fit in with space that is limited, yet is complete when it comes to functions and systems of the kitchen.

The load-bearing frame of the kitchen, which consists of two elements with internal spaces for wires and cables, is made of antibacterial laminate, as are the bottoms of the drawers, the partitions and the shelves.

The doors made of MDF are subjected to an engraving process that gives them an exclusive, distinguished look.

Ecocompatta comes in the colours black and white.

Contact www.venetacucine.com

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

It Products Häfele Launches Refrigeration Technologies From Liebherr

Häfele introduces Liebherr, one of the leaders in finest refrigeration in India. Liebherr’s engineering excellence provides the widest range of freezers, refrigerators and wine cabinets across the globe.

Häfele’s range of refrigerators from Liebherr provides different

temperature zones required for various kinds of food to be stored and preserved in the refrigeration unit – all in the same unit. This all is achieved with the most sophisticated electronics and refrigeration technology available today. Even in case of a power cut, the Liebherr refrigerators and freezers can hold their optimum temperature up to 48 hours.

Liebherr’s products include its Side-by-Side Freestanding Refrigerator that presents large capacity storage solutions specially designed taking into account the Indian food consumption

system. Its 3 Zone Freestanding Wine Cabinet and Under-counter Wine Cabinet, on the other hand, are ideal for storing wines for long periods of time to allow them to mature to absolute perfection.

Contact www.liebherr-appliances.com

A Contemporary Furniture Collection By Houseproud.in

Window & Door Profiles For Soundproofing By Veka

Veka India has recently introduced window profiles that could accommodate glass with thickness of 40 mm. A first-ofa-kind in the Indian scenario, the profiles will efficiently cut noise levels for residences and commercial spaces in the cities.

A glass of 40mm thickness offers the ideal solution for high performance acoustics. Veka India has built these profiles specifically for the Indian market and will be available across all major cities in the country.

Pollution, both noise and dust being a major problem in the metros, Veka India’s uPVC profiles address and provide effective solutions for living spaces.

textures, the products borrow their essence from traditional rural and fashionable urban ideas.

Houseproud.in has an array of products in this category ranging from side tables, chairs and shelves to frames and other decorative pieces. The collection has bold colours to give the home a vibrant, energetic and young vibe.

Contact www.houseproud.in

The main USP of uPVC windows is the welded corners, the high insulating properties and excellent weather-ability.

These characteristics, coupled with the possibility of installing glass with thickness of up to 40 mm, can reduce external noise by 42 to 47 decibels (dB) and can almost completely eliminate the ingress of dust or even water.

The profiles have excellent sound insulating properties and can be equipped with special glazing. Veka profiles are suitable for all sound insulation classes.

Contact www.veka.in

Digital Décor Products

By HashtagDécor HashtagDécor brings revolutionised digital printing, thus striding away from conventional frameworks and rendering paper and canvas prints obsolete. HashtagDécor features images printed on wood and metal.

Furniture at home can often seem boring due to lack of options.

Houseproud.in is an online portal that brings customers a spectacular, hand-picked selection of top-brand and designer home decor and kitchen products at sensational prices.

Houseproud.in presents its consumers with a wide range of rustic yet contemporary Indian furniture. With bold, bright colours and distress wooden

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This revolutionary printing technique allows the brand to emerge as a market differentiator and a pioneer in the existing market.

HashtagDécor products possess superb finishing and longevity as the material does not erode or decompose with time, is scratch-resistant, easy to maintain with great value for money.

The collection of imagery from the brand is not only enticing but showcases a beautiful balance of colour, contrast and quirk across, not just wall spaces, but desktop-appropriate sizes as well. The products are available in a plethora of themes across landscapes and wildlife as also witty one-liners and tongue-incheek mottos.

Contact www.hashtagdecor.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Zynna Introduces Digital Collection

blue further adding a lively and phenomenal touch to the interiors.

With a versatile palette of soft natural shades inspired by nature and French charm, this new collection works together to create a unique interior and make the ambiance chic and soothing.

Floral ombreys accompanied with digital technique is a new and promising trend in interiors these days, where one can give free rein to their imagination without restriction. Inspired by nature, this new range tries to

Zynna has recently introduced their new Digital collection from STOF, France. This new collection offers a versatile range of textile compositions in cotton, linen,jersey and polyester in varied subtle tones of pink, off white, grey, peach, green and

render tranquillity and classic contemporary décor statement to one’s interiors. The fabric material used is 100% cotton which is suitable for curtains, upholstery and soft furnishings.

Contact www.zynna.in

It Products

Thin Rim Washbasins By Cera

Cera has recently launched a range of contemporary table top washbasins with thin rim in a variety of designs. These stylish thin-rim washbasins make the bathroom look elegant and are designed keeping in mind the growing needs of modern consumers.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, by virtue of the thinner rim, the bowl area of the washbasins is much larger. The designs are round, rectangular

and oval in shape and are meant for table top installation.

The thin rim wash basins are manufactured using superior grade inputs and modern technologies conforming to international quality standards.

With superior ergonomics and a contemporary look, these new thin rim washbasins portray the versatility and innovation of Cera at its best.

Contact www.cera-india.com

SWR Plumbing Systems By Ashirvad Pipes SWR Systems by Ashirvad Pipes includes an extensive range of Soil, Waste and Rain Water Plumbing products for commercial, industrial, housing and public sector developments, all built on the strength of quality and innovation.

The SWR Systems offer unrivalled strength and product finish that provides a leak proof, maintenance free and long lasting solution to the customer. All this is backed by extensive technical research to support all aspects of design and installation, including installation support and supply of required products.

Also available is an extensive range of accessories for SWR plumbing systems that include fire collars, air admittance valve and pan connectors. Ashirvad Pipes’ Promastop®Fire Collars is a new generation of fire collars designed to protect plastic pipes by stopping fire flow from floor to floor.

Ashirvad Pipes also offers air admittance valves, which provide a method of allowing air to enter the plumbing drainage system to prevent siphonage of plumbing fixture traps. To connect toilets with horizontal/vertical outlets to standard SWR pipework, Ashirvad Pipes has introduced a new range of pan connectors that are plumber friendly in nature.

Contact www.ashirvad.com

Classic Marble Company Launches Its Onyx Collection Classic Marble Company (CMC) has announced the launch of its latest collection of Onyx from its natural stones range. From fringed to veined and even crystalline patterns, the collection is a set of rare gemstones sourced from various parts of the globe.

Titled Onice Fantastico, Bianco Onyx, Jade Onyx Veined, and Honey Crystal Onyx, each has a distinct design characteristic and can be installed in counter tops, vanity tops, wall highlighters or even bar tables.

Translucent backlighting is a creative support tool that many

designers use to achieve artistic, indoor environments. Because of the stone’s rich variety of colours and patterns and its opaque characteristic, it allows itself to be experimented with and installed in niche areas or otherwise.

With it being intrinsically delicate and due to its ability to be decked up with lighting, Onyx assumes the place of being a princess of the stone world.

Onyx can be installed on vanities and other non-food service countertops.

Contact www.classicmarble.com

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

It Products Grestek Slimgres By Asian Granito Asian Granito India Ltd. has recently launched its Grestek Slimgres ultra-thin glazed vitrified tile. Available in the size 600 x1200 mm and a thickness measuring just 6.8 mm, Slimgres is the thinnest tile to be ever made in India. Despite its slimness, Slimgres is amazingly

strong: its ceramic body is highly glazed and vitrified, making it compact and stress resistant, rendering high flexural strength to the tile.

The most remarkable advantage is its tile-on-solid surface (tile on tile, tile on marble, tile on quartz, etc.) feature, which means it can be laid on older, preexisting tiles, making it absolutely ideal for renovation.

The negligible thickness of 6.8 mm makes minimum difference to the existing wall or floor levels.

Apart from being eco-friendly and affordable, Slimgres by Asian Granito can be laid on both walls and floors, offering a wide range of applicability.

Contact www.aglasiangranito.com

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Usha Launches A New Range Of Room Heaters To keep the chill at bay this winter, Usha International launches a new premium range of room heaters and an ultrasonic humidifier. Usha’s new range is the perfect combination of latest technology and safety features. The new room heater range comprises of three variants – Steam Heaters, Panel Heaters, and Carbon Heaters & Oil Filled Radiators. Usha has also launched the Usha Cool Mist Ultrasonic humidifier that fights dry air while maintaining the required humidity level in the air to retain body moisture.

The Usha Steam Heater is enabled with smart technology that includes a steam function to prevent dryness. Usha Panel Heater has a slim and sleek design that blends well with today’s modern home interiors. Usha Carbon Heater is cost-effective and a healthy alternative to traditional room

heating solutions, while the Usha Cool Mist Ultrasonic humidifier is an ideal combination of form and function. With style, innovation and powerful performance, Usha room heaters promise to provide you a warm, safe and healthy living experience this winter.

Contact www.usha.com

Launch Of Moonbow Air Purifier Junckers Launches Beech Sylvared Flooring Junckers, the premium solid hardwood flooring brand from Denmark has launched exclusive and exquisite Beech Sylvared collection of flooring to accentuate the home décor.

The Beech Sylvared collection consists of the wood species beech, which is available in very large quantities. This exotic

wood species has a warm reddish colour that is high in demand in the market.

Beech has been vacuum stained so that it gives off a rich reddish shade throughout the floorboard. It appears as an interesting and exciting alternative to the limited volumes of the exotic wood species.

The Beech Sylvared collection has wood available in a thickness of 14 mm and 22 mm in two planks in various width measurements.

As Mr Suresh Mansukhani, Country Manager - Indian Sub-Continent, Junckers Industrier A/S says, “Our Beech Sylvared flooring is one of the best products on offer as it has all the unique and required features for Indian spaces. Available in beautiful shades, these floors are evenly distributed for increased durability ensuring the utmost consumer satisfaction.”

Contact www.junckers.in

Moonbow, the new brand from HSIL Limited, was recently launched as it made its foray into the air purifier market. As the first product being introduced under this brand, air purifiers

by Moonbow is powered by Puri 5 technology, a five stage filtration process in every model irrespective of the price band.

The importance of five stage filtration lays in its ability to sieve away unsafe levels of particulate matter, also known as particle pollution or PM up to 2.5 micro metres in size in the air.

Designed to tackle today’s deteriorating air quality that surrounds us, Moonbow air purifiers goes beyond purification and instead, the final outcome is fresh air.

Some of the features of this product include the LED indicator that changes from red to blue as the air quality becomes cleaner. It also has a speed control timer for two to eight hours, and a filter change indicator.

Contact www.moonbowliving.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Fair News

Interior Design Décor & Furniture Expo Date 15th - 17th Feb Venue Muscat, Oman Contact www.idfoman.com

Imm Cologne 2016 Date 18th - 24th Jan Venue Cologne, Germany Contact www.imm-cologne.com Imm Cologne is an important trade event that sets off the trends and topics in the furniture segment for the year ahead. Its status as one of the leading international fairs of the industry attracts industry visitors from the world over as well as premier international decision-makers and furnishing experts.

Imm Cologne provides a platform for fresh ideas and innovations and gives a chance to those with creative design ideas. This is also the first interior show of the year and is likely to set off new trends and give shape to the furniture and interiors sector for this year. The event also fuels business for the industry and gathers the entire furniture sector under its roof. This year, the theme is established to be ‘Trend Avenue’ and visitors will get a sense of the trends and ideas of tomorrow at the event’s many stands as also at its special shows and forums.

With the increase in demand for interior and outdoor design, décor and furnishings especially in Oman, the Interior Design Décor & Furniture Expo is noteworthy as a platform for visitors and exhibitors to network.

The event also enables participants to showcase and discover innovative products and services, and exchange ideas and information pertaining to the design and furniture industries.

The focus of the exhibition will be on accessories, art, bathroom, décor, furniture and furnishings, lightings, interior design, luxury lifestyle, surfaces and finishes, outdoor design and build, building material and more. The IDF expo will help exhibitors to generate new sales leads and secure existing clients and customer loyalty. The event will also expose visitors to the latest products and technologies available in the market and provide them with the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and learn about the latest developments in the industry.

Fairs & Exhibitions Build Intec 2016 Date 12th - 15th Feb Venue Coimbatore Contact www.buildintec.codissia.com Build Intec 2016 is an international construction expo that aims at bringing together under one roof the best brains and best hands of the construction industry. This event will be a meeting point of ideas, information and business in the construction industry. Taking place in the industrial hub, Coimbatore, the eighth edition of Build Intec is to take place over four days from 12th to 15th February at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex.

The event is expected to be visited by the likes of consulting engineers, contractors, builders, architects, property developers, interior designers, dealers, distributors, etc. The previous edition of the fair boasted 200 indoor stalls and 10 outdoor ones. Participants from places such as Pakistan, Germany and America were also seen.

Date 6th - 14th Feb, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Venue Mumbai Contact www.kalaghodaassociation.com The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is India’s largest multicultural festival and draws visitors in large numbers every year; not only from all over the country, but also the world. Held over nine days, the festival is a community celebration of arts of all kinds and includes music, theatre, literature, visual arts, urban design and architecture, workshops and more.

The attendance at the festival is free. An event much awaited, the festival draws more than 150,000 people. Last year, it hosted about 590 events over nine days. For urban design and architecture, the programme intends to provide a broad, humanistic perspective on Mumbai as a city. It also gives exposure to future architects, city planners, public administrators and even writers who work on urban problems and solutions. The festival’s visual arts segment promises to play with one’s senses and sensibilities with its interactive installations by diverse artists and photography.

THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Spot Light

L

ondon is famous for its many historical sights, among them the Tower Bridge and the London bridge. But the city has been facing a severe transport problem: the lack of cross river connections.

London is situated on the famed Thames River which cuts through the city, separating residential from shopping and commercial areas.

A proposed bridge designed by reForm Architects would allow both pedestrians and cyclists to travel across the River Thames between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe.

The Rotherhithe bridge will connect south-east London to the docklands peninsular and make sustainable transport an option for thousands of commuters.

Proposed with engineering firm Elliott Wood, the 184-metre bascule bridge is designed to open in the middle to allow boats to pass through - similar to the landmark Tower Bridge further upstream.

The bridge is based on an initial design concept by reForm’s Chairman, Nik Randall, and if it goes into construction, could be the longest bascule opening bridge in the world.

Rotherhithe bridge could also be a much welcome alternative to two other highly opposed plans: a garden bridge and a crossing between Pimlico and Nine Elms. The Foster + Partners-designed Millennium Bridge from St Paul’s Cathedral to Bankside currently provides the city’s sole pedestrian-only crossing, but no bikes are allowed.

ReForm’s design features a fivemetre-wide track on either side for users travelling on bicycles or on foot, and waiting areas at both ends for when the bridge opens up. The central, openable portion of the deck would be held up by suspension cables connected to angled upright elements.

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A New London Bridge London may get a new bridge - for

pedestrians and bicycles - if a new design becomes a reality. BY ALYSSA LOBO The bridge, if it goes into construction, could be the longest bascule opening bridge in the world

The central span supported by cables from raked masts forms a double wishbone-like structure which, with the help of hydraulic rams, pivots to allow tall ships to pass.

The Rotherhithe Bridge design has a central span of 184m in the closed position, opening to create a completely unobstructed opening of unlimited height for the largest vessels.

Ramps rise from each bank and cross the water’s edge to form an approach to the opening section of the bridge with the decks continuing on either side of the main cantilevered ‘arms’, providing continuous separate routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Rotherhithe bridge will connect south-east London to the docklands peninsular and make sustainable transport an option for thousands of commuters

Toby Allen, Project Lead at Elliott Wood says, “We have worked hard to overcome a number of technical challenges to meet the requirements and constraints of the site. Our solution is ground breaking in terms of scale but relies on a very simple tried and tested bascule concept to produce a highly efficient structure.”

The bridge was designed as a feasibility study, prepared for consultation with Transport for London, London Underground, the Port of London Authority and the Canal & River Trust.

The feasibility study has been produced in response to significant demand in south-east London for a pedestrian and cycling link to

the north of the city, which would serve to cut commuting times and congestion on other parts of the transport network and reduce pollution.

The Rotherhithe Bridge has a unique design; its elegant and sleek form provides both a cost efficient solution to congestion and adds another landmark to one of the world’s major cities.

Construction is estimated to cost £88 million and take four to five years for completion. Financial and political backing is required before the project can be developed further.

Contact web: www.rotherhithebridge.london www.reform-architects.london www.elliottwood.co.uk

The central span supported by cables from raked masts forms a double wishbone-like structure which pivots to allow tall ships to pass

Postal Registration No. MCE/129/2014-16 RNI NO. MAHENG/2007/19853. WPP LICENSE NO. MR/TECH/WPP-266/East/2016. POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE, MUMBAI G.P.O. 400001. DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15th OF EVERY MONTH, dATE OF POSTING: 15th & 16th OF EVERY MONTH

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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2016

Spot Light

N

ow you can gauge the weather at home with the help of quaint, sculptural atmospheric sensors. Designed along the lines of traditional tools and scientific instruments, these atmospheric sensors measure several atmospheric activities such as humidity, wind and even seismic activity.

The sculptures have been aptly termed Weathered by its creators Jørgen Platou Willumsen and Stian

New-Age Atmospheric Sensors This series of atmospheric sensors are

sculptures that measure and report changes in the weather. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA Korntved Ruud of the Norwegian design studio, Kneip. They are made blending wood and metal and function in response to the surrounding conditions, giving feedback pertaining to it through movement of some kind.

The four functional sculptures include Swell, which is a sculpture that

seismic activity the pendant moves against the panel, making marks on the copper as a record.

The Hygrometer is meant to be used to measure moisture in the air.

The instrument is made of a large oak cylinder, turned brass components, carbon rod and horsehair. Securely fastened between the carbon fibres,

Swell is a sculpture that reports on the movements of swells, or waves, in air or water

This series of atmospheric sensors are sculptures that measure and report changes in the weather

reports on the movements of swells, or waves, in air or water. In order to do this, it uses a pair of wooden cylinders with copper rings on the top that hold a rod with an attached stone at one end. Cued by nearby movement, they rock back and forth.

The Seismoscope indicates seismic movements in its surrounding. It consists of a wooden frame with a round copper panel and a brass stylus that is hung before it. With

The Seismoscope indicates seismic movements in its surrounding

the horsehair expands or contracts depending upon the humidity.

The last of these sculptures is Breeze, a series that helps measure the direction of the wind. It consists of three wooden stands that hold flat oxidised copper circles and rings. The rings are held together by rods and they move to indicate the direction of the wind.

Contact web: www.kneip.no

Breeze is a series that helps measure the direction of the wind