The Inside Track November 2012

Volume 6. Issue 11. November 2012 Rs. 25/-

THE

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

Cover Story

H

SIL recently launched its luxury sanitaryware brand Queo in India. HSIL has been at the forefront of providing high quality products with good design to the Indian market for over 50 years. The company has been constantly innovating and offering a slew of new products giving its customers a variety of choices and delightful solutions.

The parent company HSIL, recently acquired Queo from Barwood, UK to specifically cater to the luxury bath product segment.

Queo Aims At Designer Bathrooms The Queo brand is symbolic with design and contemporary styling. Post its acquisition, HSIL has aggressive plans for growing this marque in India. BY ULKA MANJREKAR

V.K. Murthy, Vice President, HSIL Ltd.

The Queo brand is symbolic with design and has a bouquet of products in the sanitary ware and bath fitting arena which are distinctive in their styling and aesthetics.

Mr. V.K. Murthy, Vice President, HSIL Ltd, said, “Bringing Queo to India from the house of leading British pur veyor of bespoke bathrooms was a way to reach out to the discerning Indian audiences who have a taste for fine living. We believe Queo’s rich product design and matching contemporary style will appeal to the growing luxury bath space trend in India.”

The Queo products are rooted in the fundamental element of ‘intuition’ and signify this notion in ever y aspect of its design and features.

The range consists of 8 products series that include the F-Morwen, F-50 and F-Concept designed by three international designers

The Queo products exude the fundamental element of ‘intuition’ and signify this element in every aspect of its design and features

Federico Tombolini, C Valeri and Romano Andolini.

The F-Morwen series has been designed in a way that the angularity of its products is evident, symbolising a modern design. While the F-50 series highlights alluring edges in the products with minimalistic curves.

The F-Concept series displays the shapely, curved projections of the products to bring alive the interplay of light and dark. Other Queo products ranges include Felisa, Zinnia, Orca, AllaModa and the Al Bano series.

The F Mirage Oro Gold

continued on page 2

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2012

COVER Queo Aims At Designer STORY Bathrooms 1 Delta Faucet’s India Foray 4 The Zinnia Collection

The F Concept Collection

The combination of technology and design gives Queo products an edge over its competitors. With the extensive backing of its parent company, Queo will be marketed in two formats on-ground. One is the shop-in-shop route and the other will be through an exclusive experiential retail format.

Minimalism, tranquility and sophistication will define the Queo store concepts. The two exclusive Queo stores currently operational in Delhi and Gurgaon balance these keywords utilising space to create an easy shopping experience within a contemporary design envelope.

The Queo Emporio showroom allows its patrons to experience the brand and inspires them to bring it home. Queo plans to also aggressively target the top 10 cities

and tier II cities such as Lucknow, Agra to spread its footprint across the nation.

The Queo brand currently offers the entire gamut of sanitaryware and bath fitting products. Very soon it will also look at the wellness product portfolio, demand for which is on the upswing in the country.

The entire Queo range is manufactured and imported from the UK by HSIL Limited and is on its way to make a mark for itself on Indian shores.

Contact HSIL Limited Unit no - 301-302, 3rd Floor, Park Centra, Sector 30, NH - 8, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122001 tel: 0124 4779200 email: marketing@queo.co.in web: www.queobathrooms.co.uk.

The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 6 European Rugs, Indian Prices 10 Copper’s Got Style 14 Stay On The Rails With Q-Railing 15 Hands Beneath Your Feet 16 Sink Into Opulence 17 Antoniolupi Has Its Designs On India 18 Bravat Brings Affordable Luxury To India 19 Exhibitions and Fairs 20 From Darkness To LightO 22 Wellness By Design 23 Lodha Brings The ‘God Of Design’ To Mumbai 24

The F50 Collection

Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 6. Issue 11. November 2012. English - Monthly.

This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Sub-Editor Vikas Bhadra, Ulka Manjrekar Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 32656823, 23736133, 32958501 Fax: (022) 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: s_biswas1203@ yahoo. 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 Pavilion Francaise 1282, Rue du Noyer, bt 161030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE Recycling old magazines and newspapers is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. To increase the supply of recoverable wood fibre and to reduce the demand on the world’s landfills, THE INSIDE TRACK urges its readers to actively participate in recycling efforts.

The exclusive Queo stores utilise space to create an easy shopping experience within a contemporary design envelope

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Co. Profile

O

ne of America’s leading faucet innovator, Delta Faucet, recently announced its entry into the fast growing Indian bathroom and kitchen fittings sector by launching its exclusive line of residential and commercial products.

When Alex Manoogian introduced the first single-handle faucet in 1954, he named it “Delta”, the Greek word

Delta Faucet’s India Foray With its India head office set up in Gurgaon, the company plans to have its product on the shelves of top retailers across Tier 1 cities by the first quarter of 2013. BY ULKA M.

Delta goes beyond excellent design and incorporates smart thinking and thoughtful innovations that respond to, and anticipate, people’s needs

for “change.” And appropriately so, because its design revolutionized the way people thought about water delivery. Since then, Delta Faucets is committed towards bringing new style and innovation into the faucets category.

Delta Faucets targets premium consumers acquiring new homes, those who are renovating, as well premium hospitality and residential projects. The versatile product portfolio of bath and kitchen collections goes beyond great design and incorporates smart thinking and

thoughtful innovations that respond to and anticipate, people’s needs.

The collections in the premium category include the likes of Talon, Addison, Grail, Arzo and Vero. While the luxury Brizo collection, with its distinctive design, innovations and performance, enables consumers to create a unique fashion statement in the home.

The company also is focussed on tachnology, and has innovations like Touch2O and Touch2O.xt that turn the faucet on and off with just a touch anywhere on the handle or

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

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Ravi Nindwani, Managing Director India, Delta Faucet

spout. The Diamond Seal valve used

by Delta also makes the faucet last for up to 5 million uses.

Delta is also very committed to environmental sustainability and places a high priority on products that address today’s environmental concerns such as water conservation and water quality with a broad range of products that comply with international WaterSense standards.

Its H2Okinetic technology controls the size and velocity of water to create a warmer, more luxurious

shower experience that blankets the body while using less water.

The 5.68 litres of actual water per minute used feels like much more.

Their unique technology results in a nearly 40 percent decrease in

water use compared to other high-flow systems.

Announcing its India entry, Mr. Richard O’Reagan, President, Delta Faucet Company said, “We consider India as a high potential market. The demand for premium products here is growing and we aim to provide a high-end, broad offering to the Indian audience. Along with achieving customer satisfaction, our objective is also to provide products that use water more efficiently.”

Delta has already established its fully owned subsidiary in India with its head office in Gurgaon and their initial strategy is to distribute Delta products through select retail outlets in Tier 1 cities. In the second stage, they aim to cover the top 30 cities of the country.

The elegant range of Delta Faucet Company’s products will be available in the major Tier 1 cities in the first quarter of 2013. A typical bathroom package will start at approx. Rs. 13,500 and go up to Rs. 50,000. For the exclusive Brizo lines, it can go up to Rs. 1,50,000.

Mr. Ravi Nindwani, Managing Director India, Delta Faucet says, “Delta Faucet is committed to providing a smarter way for people to experience water and is starting in India too with a strong bouquet of innovative products which are styled and priced correctly for the premium market and a strong backend which will deliver best in class service to customers and trade partners.”

Contact: web: www.deltafaucet.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Cera’s Stunning Digital Tiles

It Products Loom Clad Your Exteriors Loom Crafts is all set to give a new dimension to your residential and commercial exterior surfaces with Loom Clad, a first of its kind exterior aluminum cladding solution.

Loom Clad upgrades your exteriors with stylish finishes protecting them against the rigors of weather whilst acting as an active insulator. Manufactured from extruded aluminum with a 100 year guarantee, Loom Clad exhibits environment friendly features as well as exceptional strength and durability owing to its technologically advanced manufacturing process. Also since it is lightweight, Loom Clad is easy to install and can be conceptualised according to the available architecture.

Available in an array of textures, Loom Clad offers pure polyester powder coats and finishes, with 15 years warranty in a range of 20 solid hues and a natural wood finish palate in 8 exclusive options. Ergonomically designed, the product can also be customised and installed as per the individual demands of its clients.

Contact web: www.loomclad.com

Action Tesa Launches The Woodz Range Of Floors

Cera Sanitaryware Ltd., one of India’s fastest growing bathroom solutions providers, has launched a charming array of digital wall and vitrified tiles.

Speaking to media persons at Kochi after the launch of the new tiles, Cera’s Chairman & Managing Director, Mr. Vikram Somany emphasised on the fast track growth plans for the years ahead. The launch collection consisted of HD digital wall tiles with matching floor tiles and digital polished glazed vitrified tiles. In addition to this, the normal vitrified tiles made with nano technology are also offered by Cera.

Cera has also successfully ventured into other bathroom

products like faucets, shower enclosures, whirlpools, etc. The launch of tiles was held at Cera Style Studio in the presence of a large number of invitees from the trade and influencers. Mr. S. C. Kothari, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Atul Sanghvi, Chief Operating Officer (MSS) and Mr. Abbey Rodrigues, Vice President (Sales) were also present at the launch.

Cera has been at the forefront of innovation in the sanitaryware area since its inception and recently it was also awarded Product of the Year for the second year in a row by a reputed organisation.

Contact web: www.cera-india.com

Grescasa Introduces Pietra de Savoia’s Stone Collection

Floors play an important role in adding to the look of living spaces. HDF based laminate wooden floors are one of the favourites today and keeping this in view, Action Tesa has launched a contemporary range of floors called Woodz, which defines elegance and is aesthetically different in terms of look and feel of the floor.

The uniquely designed flooring solution not only adds to the décor, highlighting the V groove design concept, but is also ideal for healthy and hygienic living. The groove at the locking profiles are not just sharp edges, but are moulded round forms with the laminate top not

breaking on the groove, resulting in a smooth continuous surface.

This effectively eliminates the problem of the conventional V groove, where dust and mites accumulate freely. The ambient moisture too can create an environment fostering fungal growth in such grooves; this problem is not experienced in the new Tesa groove design.

The range is available in two different sizes in terms of thickness and the price range of these decorative panels is Rs. 100 per sft for the Essenza Woodz flooring and Rs. 125 per sft for the Endura Woodz flooring.

Contact web: www.actiontesa.com

The French region of Savoia, located at the border with ltaly and disputed by the two countries through time, is famous for good wines and the beauty of natural stone. This became the inspiration for the firm of Pietra de Savoia, which reproduces the quartz and slate stone in myriad colours such as blanco, argento and rosso with all the richness of details that digital printing

technology allows.

Available at Grescasa, the mosaic in the 24”x24” format perfectly reproduces the long line cuts, typical of natural stone. This size is perfect for use in leisure areas, small facades and details of inner environments. It is also available in the 60x60cm suited for wall and floor applications.

Contact web: www.grescasa.com

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Ebony Gautier Presents Alisa

It Products Steelcase Presents Soto II Worktools Steelcase, a company focused on design and innovative concepts for the future of work, presents Soto II Worktools, a collection of organisational and productivity tools for today’s mobile workers.

According to Steelcase research, it takes a mobile worker 8 minutes from the time he sits down to set up and to become engaged in his work again.

Soto II products encourage and ease this process by providing the right tools to welcome the user to his workspace. The work tools are designed to help mobile workers get set up, organised and productive quickly and efficiently.

The collection includes tools that are designed to be multifunctional, optimising space, boundaries and storage, like the Mobile Caddy which anticipates

the user’s needs for a place to stow personal items and a work bag. The Launch Pad, available in both powered and non-powered versions, gives the users a desktop area to conveniently hold power and mobile devices and other personal items.

The Launch Pad Divider Screen allows the Launch Pad to be easily divided, giving the users individual space and privacy between workstations.

The Functional Screen combines organisation and privacy and offers an integrated envelope to keep frequently used documents, books and other materials. The Personal Pocket provides a place to store papers, files and other often used items and can be used freestanding or grouped in multiples to create an effective desktop organiser.

Contact web: www.steelcase.asia

The Leather Sofa Range From Furniture Republic

Leather has been a preferred material for sofas for the past hundreds of years, adorning the thrones of the kings of Europe owing to its exquisite and luxurious quality that expresses natural nobility. The Furniture Republic store, Noida, has launched a new range of stylish, luxurious and comfortable fine leather sofas.

This range is a complete package of design and functionality. It is a fine example of design redefining the modernity and style of your living

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space. The sofas are smart, contemporary, vibrant and in tune with the latest trends in decor.

Available in colours like black, red, tan, beige and brown, these sofas provide spacious seating. Cool in summer and warm in winter, the leather sofa upholstery is easy to care for.

The range is offered in three , two and one seater variants.

The price of the new range starts from Rs.14,990.

Contact www.furniture-republic.com

Ebony Gautier introduces an all white stylish and chic range of contemporary bedroom furniture which speaks of refinement in its purest form. The new collection, Alisa combines practical, cleverly proportioned and multi-purpose products which speak the language of style and elegance.

The product features a jewel-like prism pattern that combines style with great design to create a highly soothing environment.

The Alisa bedroom furniture range has a white lacquered melamine finish and is composed

of compressed material with lacquered edges, routed sections and fiberboard. Resolutely timeless, this all-in-white bedroom collection offers an extensive variety of products in terms of not only form and height but class as well.

The new bedroom collection represents a fully modular range that can be used to create sleek, minimalist, highly compact layouts to suit individual tastes and spaces.

Contact web: www.ebonygautier.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Cora uPVC Performance Windows From SCL

It Products Ebco Presents Extendo Ebco presents the Libell Extendo collection made by Peka Switzerland, which blends in perfectly with most styles of furniture thanks to its understated elegance. Libell Extendo received the renowned Red Dot design award in 2012 and was also awarded the Kitchen Innovation of the year.

Extendo is a discreet pull-out shelf that blends in perfectly in kitchens, living rooms and dressing rooms. It combines direct access through the front of the shelf with an excellent overview of shelf contents, making it truly unique. The shelf’s closed base and rim prevent objects or clothes from falling out or getting stuck. The material’s rigidity makes it especially suitable for use in widths of 600 to 1,200 mm. Libell Extendo’s smart

adapter system means that it can be fitted to full extension and partial-extension runners produced by different manufacturers and can even be used with side walls of various thicknesses.

Libell Extendo’s clip-on elements are formed from a single piece of sheet steel. The rounded shape of these elements ensures that every last inch of storage space is put to good use. Besides, the corners being curved make them easy to clean.

Discreetly coloured non-slip mats with a magnetic antibacterial coating stick to the bottom of the shelves; these can also be removed for cleaning.

Contact web: www.ebco.in

Schneider Introduces Its Latest Home Automation

Schneider Electric has introduced its latest innovation in home automation, EZInstall ULTI. With its haute couture switch range, Schneider Electric brings enjoyment of fine lighting to everyone.

EZInstall is an excellent solution for home automation; it works on a peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless mesh networking virtually without any range limitation. It lets you set the perfect lighting, bringing comfort, luxury and convenience in the life of users. Expandable, easy to upgrade and to programme, the system redefines the art of fine lighting.

EZInstall switches incorporate patented radio frequency (RF)-

enabled wireless receivers, and it can seamlessly integrate the operation of all automated lights within 4,000 sft via just one remote control, thus eliminating rewiring hassles.

It provides intelligent dimming with its Auto Load Detection feature which has the capability to dim or switch on/off different load types (incandescent, halogen, CFL & LED- 230V). These dimmers and switches are available in a wide range of finishes and styles and feature European design elegance.

The installation of EZinstall for a typical 3 BHK residence costs Rs. 60,000 to 80,000.

Contact www.schneider-electric.com

Shani Corporation Limited has introduced the Cora uPVC Performance Windows in India, which are both sound proof and eco-friendly. These windows are built using eco-stabilisers and offer optimum insulation and hence save energy.

The windows provide excellent weather resistance and are built tough to give your family enhanced protection. They are easy to install, require minimum maintenance, are highly durable, termite proof and resistant to sound and dust. They are versatile in design and function and can be uniquely configured

into large combinations for maximising views and enhancing lifestyles.

The highest quality uPVC products have been used in the fabrication of the windows making them perfect for the Indian climate and building styles. Its welded corners ensure symmetry, structural strength and smooth opening of windows.

Each window is custom-made to suit your requirements - in size, colour and design. The price range for these windows starts from Rs 300/- per square feet.

Contact www.corawindows.com

Hafele Launches Blum’s Tandembox Intivo Hafele launches Blum’s Tandembox Intivo in the Indian market to meet the latest developments in the field of kitchen design and to complement its existing range of pull-outs.

Tandembox intivo has a harmonious appearance, consisting of a drawer side without a gallery rail. The box system is available in a vast array of materials and colours, thus providing a multitude of new possibilities for differentiation. The drawer side can be combined with a Boxcap, an attachment of the same material, or with design elements of any material such as glass (which can now also be printed with colourful designs, logos and writing), wood, stone, nylon or leather. The transition between the drawer side and design element is smooth with no visible gap. The new high fronted pull-out drawer side has a 3-dimensional front adjustment, directly under the drawer side cover cap.

All of Blum’s box systems close

softly with integrated Blumotion and all of them have a featherlight glide. Full extensions give users clear visibility and direct access to the contents. The user convenience of Blum’s pull-outs can be further enhanced with Servo-Drive. The electric opening system can be used for all three models. A single touch suffices and pull-outs seem to open by themselves. As an alternative, pullouts can also be equipped with the Tip-on mechanical system to increase opening ease.

Contact web: www.hafeleindia.com

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

It Products Ozone Spider Fittings

Ozone offers unique spider fittings that give a modern look to an architectural structure.

Facades and canopies of clear toughened glass created with these fittings also enhance the visibility of the interiors of the buildings from outside providing a spacious look.

Ozone offers these spider fittings in a series of designs

which come with and/or without fins. These include the Designer series, the Vertical series, the Standard series and the Slotted series - all available with unique and attractive specifications that have been designed for different uses.

The Designer fitting is available with a fin in a unique curved design in stainless steel grade 316. It firmly holds four glass sections together and is installed with routels. Another very popular spider fitting is a Vertical-type with fin used for big facades to again hold four glass sections together.

Designer & Vertical spider fittings are installed with routels and teflon washers to prevent any glass damage. The Slotted spider fittings are available with an arm length of 200mm crafted in stainless steel grade 316. This fitting comes without a fin and is used to hold four glass sections together. It is installed without routels and attached to a fixed structure to give an elegant and stylish look to the fitting and to the glass facade.

Contact web: www.ozone-india.com

Purple Turtles Presents Festival Lights designed and finished based on specific needs and festivals.

The enchanting thali lights, the gorgeous flower cutwork votive lamps, the ravishing swan candle stand, the very pretty floral fairy lights and the dazzling toran lights will light up and adorn many homes this festival. These lights have different ratios of earthly elements, tradition and design brought together to make perfect lights for the festival season.

So light up your homes this season with Purple Turtles.

Contact tel: 080 41528039 The Purple Turtles is a great destination for some of the best designer lights in India. It has managed to broaden the offering for lighting by introducing new, very unique and tasteful indoor and outdoor lighting solutions by various young designers from across India. It also hosts a range of industrial and quirky furniture and some unique accessories.

The store also has accomplished in-house designers who create limited edition lights that are regularly added to the collection.

The Purple Turtles brings out specially created lights,

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Momentz Introduces The Margherita Lamp Collection Momentz brings you an exquisite collection of lamps with exceptional design and value across a wide range of styles.

Whether you are looking for an antique piece or you want something a bit more modern, Momentz can help you find the right lamp to fit your personal style.

Momentz houses lamps that are available in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes and can truly make your interior spaces more fun, edgy, elegant and dramatic.

These raisin base lamps ooze brilliance and are also a perfect gift for your loved ones to cherish. Its sterling silver foiling adds panache to the existing lighting. It’s pure white lamp shade sheathe adds to the beauty of the silver base of the lamp and the graceful and chic sunflower design gives the lamp an ethereal yet natural beauty. The price for the 39cm lamp is Rs. 19,500

whereas the 52cm lamp is priced at Rs. 35,000.

Contact tel: 011 45059444 emai: sales@momentz.in web: www.momentz.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Spot Light

T

he ultra chic rugs that are currently in vogue on the high streets of Europe, have found their way to India through the renowned Murugappa group, in collaboration with McThree Carpets, Belgium.

Their new venture in home dĂŠcor, Ambadi, is a range of European rugs

European Rugs, Indian Prices Murugappa Group collaborates with

McThree Carpets to bring internationally styled rugs to the Indian market. BY ULKA M. Ambadi rugs have the design capabilities and inputs from the western markets to keep offering fashion forward designs in the Indian market

Stefaan Duchi, Managing Director, McThree Group

up and new retailers entering the market, they believe that they can leverage the relationship that McThree has with them globally.

Ambadi believes that this is the right time for them to enter the market.

With the prevalent dusty conditions in India, the Indian consumer looks for a low maintenance product. The unique features of these rugs are that they are easy to clean, water repellent, anti-static and anti-bacterial. All this is extremely important to the that come at Indian prices.

Established in 1978, Ambadi Enterprises, a part of theMurugappa group have been premier providers of hand-made floor coverings for major retail giants across the world.

By merging traditional skills with modern designs, their product lines blend Indian aesthetics with the tastes of today’s world.

McThree is one of the leading

manufacturers of machine made carpets in the world. Now this association with McThree will give Ambadi the advantage of the design capabilities and inputs from western markets, which will help them keep offering fashion forward designs in the Indian market that are in sync with the rest of the world.

Ambadi had been looking at the domestic market for a long time now. And with FDI opening

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

reach out to consumers across the country through the e-commerce route, with the added facility of free delivery at the consumer’s door-step. The Ambadi rugs come with a 1 year warranty and will start from Rs 2,500 for a 120cm x 170cm rug.

Contact: Ambadi Enterprises Limited 554, Udyog Vihar Phase 5 Gurgaon, Haryana. tel: 0124 239 8037 web: www.ambadi.in

Vishy Shenoy, V. P. & Business Head, Ambadi Enterprises Ltd.

Indian market.

On the launch of their new venture, Mr. Vishy Shenoy, Vice President and Business Head, Ambadi Enterprises Ltd. said, “It is fascinating to see how every home can change the way it looks and feels with just a small makeover - with art that adorns its floors…rugs! In fact, this is one of the smallest ever investments to make in one’s home to give it a welcoming and attractive feel. This is what drives Ambadi’s mission of upgrading Indian homes and making every one of them beautiful. With young aspiring Indians buying into Spanish type

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villas and Italian furniture, the gap in the accent market of rugs is what we are looking to fulfill.”

The company will start with Delhi, NCR and is also looking at prominent existing home furnishing

retailers (over 30 outlets) through whom they would be selling these rugs. They plan to roll out into the other markets to reach a complete pan India footprint in about 12-18 months. Also, Ambadi will soon

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Co. Profile

C

opper is one the most versatile and durable of metals and has long been called ‘man’s eternal metal’. It is luxurious and synonymous with grandeur, also having several beneficial medicinal and hygienic applications. The great value of copper in today’s world extends

Copper’s Got Style Copper Front re-imagines the use of copper in interior spaces through its various innovative products. BY ULKA MANJREKAR

Copper Front revives the immense value and the aesthetic appeal of copper by using it to manufacture products beyond its usual form

to its use in doorknobs, switches, lighting fixtures, garden torchlights, railings, frying pans, knives, forks, spoons, bathtubs, sinks and copper counters.

The company Copper Front is a pioneer in reviving the use of this traditional material beyond its usual form.

Copper Front is now in the business of sharing its love for copper globally. They manufacture copper products and export them

fascinating product designing mingled with the high quality of metal used and skilled craftsmanship aims to give its patrons many years of enjoying thier specially customised copper creation.

Contact: web: www.copperfront.com

to different parts of the world, with a vision to give customers, a material which has high aesthetic value, sheer elegance and is 100% recyclability.

This environment friendly material is of immense value and has always been a preferred choice of our ancestors. Apart from the traditional kitchenware and religious products, Copper Front manufactures lifestyle products like bathtubs, sinks, mirrors,

chandeliers and garden furniture.

Copper Front has the finest Italian craftsmen and artisans on board, to design their products and give them special shapes. They customise a copper product to fit to individual tastes and criteria, not only for an unrivaled aesthetic result but also for functionality.

Moreover, the copper sourced is also certified by ISI or an independent lab for its content and purity.

Copper Fronts’ intelligent and

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Co. Profile

C

arl F is recognized for its quality hand railings, hardware and bath room accessories it has been producing for years. The world renowned company, Q-railing, that manufactures and supplies high-quality railing systems recently acquired Carl F to ready itself for its India launch under the newly constituted entity Q-railing India.

The idea on which the company is based is to produce an independent and professional range of railing systems featuring

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Stay On The Rails With Q-Railing Q-railing India, formerly known as

Carl F International, readies up for the India launch of its international handrail systems. BY ULKA MANJREKAR certificates. Their passion for the highest quality and complete modular approach to railing systems makes their designs very unique.

Q-railing’s ‘d line’ brand of handrail system designed by Prof.

Knud Holscher is very popular with the market. He has designed this system that works elegantly both in big open spaces and in small complicated stair geometries.

His innovative design idea for this stainless steel railing system has captured consumers all over the world. The parts of the d line system are designed so effectively that they fit together with no visible screws, welds or obstructions to its clean design. The elements of the system are pre-engineered so that parts can be directly installed out of the box.

The d line hand rail system has been a best seller in the Indian markets and is very popular among the architects in India. Post acquisition, Q-railing has bought the rights for

Director, Q-railing India said, “We are very strong in the market right now and provide solutions right from the initial planning, to design and all the way to installation. Now we have a much bigger range to offer to the market, we also have a strong establishment and assets in Germany. The quality standards we

its d line hand rails worldwide and is planning to launch it across the world in the first quarter of 2013.

Talking about the acquisition, Ms. Renu Kathuria, Managing

want to maintain are very high and are all set to launch our products in the 1st quarter of 2013.”

Contact: web: www.q-railing.in

Renu Kathuria, Managing Director, Q-railing India

Q-railing produces an independent and professional product range of railing systems featuring excellence in quality, functionality and design

excellence in quality, functionality and design. Being primarily into handrail systems and with this recent acquisition enabling it world-class manufacturing facilities in India, Q-railing is now completely focused on manufacturing hand railings locally (apart from certain product categories it continues to import from Germany).

Q-railing is known for their unique Q-designs which are extremely modular, have great

quality and is surprising affordable.

Driven by their customers’ needs and market demand, the Q-railing designers and research team track the latest trends and develop them into product lines and systems.

Safety and quality provide the fundamentals for their work whilst functionality and appearance are their focus.

The USP of their products are the clean, minimalistic designs with quality assurances and structural

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Spot Light

H

ands Carpets & Rugs came into existence in 1881 and since then the brand has dedicated itself to crafting the most beautiful carpets and floor coverings.

The name “Hands” is based on the fact that everything they produce is handmade. Today the company is proud to announce that it has mastered the art of handcrafted intricate design with great quality.

Hands carpets and rugs are crafted by skilled artisans who produce every kind of imaginable carpet, whether it be a Persian masterpiece with a breathtaking 4,900 knots per square

Hands Beneath Your Feet Hands is a renowned, premium brand known for its handmade carpets and rugs. BY ULKA M. Those on the list range from the White House in Washington D.C, to the MGM Grand Casino in Macau, Mandarin Oriental-New York, Grand Hyatt-London, The Hilton-Athens, Ritz Carlton-Dubai, Ajman Palace-Dubai and Louis Vuitton stores in different parts o f t h e w o r l d - w h o a re a l l

Hands consists of unique, artistic, contemporary hand knotted rugs that beautifully double as works of art

delighted customers.

Hands offers a wide variety in terms of type and style. Carpet weaves include fine hand knotted, hand tufted, sculpted, embossed, cut pile, loop pile, shaggy, kilim and so on. Styles range from traditional, contemporary to art deco, organic, and Persian.

inch, which takes almost 13 years to make, or an out of the world contemporary rug with dazzling Swarovski crystals.

The brand’s reputation for original designs and handmade craftsmanship has led the company to create bespoke carpets which grace the world’s most exclusive palaces, hotels and residences.

Their Art Collection is a new range developed through extensive research on materials, artistic technique and craftsmanship. The collection consists of contemporary hand knotted rugs that double as works of art.

Finely hand knotted, each statement-making rug of the Art Collection is as fitting for a wall as it is for a fine living room floor.

Each piece is crafted with unique materials and yarns originating from different places across globe, blending more than 15 colours. This type of blend is difficult to achieve with hand knotted rugs, and one doesn’t see a brush-work type look on such rugs.

The Art Collection adds to its extensive range by including the Contemporary collection, Nepali collection, Arabian Nights collection and 3D sculpted rugs, to name a few.

At Hands Carpets & Rugs, one can also create his or her own custom size or style of carpet from a database of hundreds of designs, or have the exclusive design studio craft an original personalised rug from scratch.

As a growing brand, Hands has exclusive showrooms and shopin-shop outlets in New Delhi, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. They are soon expected to be in Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad as well.

“At Hands Carpets & Rugs we measure the greatness of carpets not just by their ability to transform the ambience, but by their ability to stir your soul,” claims Mr. Deepankar Choudhary, Director, Hands Carpets & Rugs. The Hands carpet price range starts from Rs. 5,000 and extends to Rs. 5,00,000.

Contact: web: www.hands-carpets.com

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Spot Light

D

rop, Red Dot, Squair, Pink Sink… don’t be confused, this is the recently launched collection of chairs by Lekha Washington.

An actress and product designer, Lekha Washington recently launched a unique range of seating called the Sink Collection at the Pallate Design

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Sink Into Opulence Actress and Product Designer Lekha

Washington debuts her latest collection of chairs called the Sink Collection. BY ULKA MANJREKAR

The Pink Sink is playful in its minimalistic design and bounce which offers maximum comfort

Studio, that proudly hosted this debut range.

Lekha’s design company Ajji, has just the right odd products to stir-up conventional Indian design sensibilities. Her collection includes a variety of products which are uniquely different but still complement each other.

This new collection is bold and is sure to take you by surprise and make you think before you actually use the chairs. The collection includes the Pink Sink, which is a chair made out of stainless steel and three different materials used for cushioning.

Designed and prototyped over six years, this patented chair is as original as it gets. The Squair complements the Pink Sink and like its name, is in the shape of a square.

The Drop, on the other hand, hangs down from the ceiling and swings along as you sink into it. While the Red Dot unlike the other three chairs is fixed to the wall; as you sit in it, the body of the chair flexes to give

you a very comfortable and relaxed sitting experience. The product come with an inherent advantage of being foldable when not in use and thus prove to be a great space saver.

In a quick chat with The Inside Track, Lekha was happy to play guide and share some insights about her new range.

What has your design journey been like so far?

My idea was to do something radically different. I started with this idea about 8 years ago. I completed my Masters from NID and I did a course called the Bad Design, which included creating stuff, which looked like it was really ‘bad’.

After that I started off with this very unusual looking range of furniture. I created the company Ajji, named after my grandmother which helps take her presence forward. Every 6 months I come up with a bunch of things that are unusual or completely off the

The Squair chair is a larger, softer, less bouncy version of the Pink Sink

The Drop uses patented Sink mechanics to create a chair that looks like there is no way you can sit on it, until you do

board and as far away from normal as possible.

What’s the Red Dot seat about?

It’s a big red dot. That’s exactly what it is.

What are you currently working on and what do you have planned next?

First, I want to get this collection out in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore. As far as the new collection is concerned, I have already started

working on it.

I am restless by nature, and in an ideal situation, I will keep coming up with new designs regularly every 6 months. The next collection that I am working on is something that is totally in metal.

Are you looking at mass production in the future?

Yes. In a couple of years, I will definitely look at mass production of my products.

Contact: www.pallate.com, www.ajji.in

The Red Dot is a wall attached seating, which adjusts itself to gives you comfort as you sink into it

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Spot Light

I

f you ask a connoisseur of decor about designer bathrooms and furniture, Antoniolupi is sure to come up. Established in 1950

by Antonio Lupi as a glass working laboratory in Stabbia, a small town in the province of Florence, Italy, the company today stands transformed with more than 200 artisans and suppliers based in Tuscany and operates in more than 59 countries including India.

Although Antoniolupi began by producing exclusive bathroom accessories and mirrors, its

Antoniolupi Has Its Designs On India Antoniolupi, the exclusive Italian

manufacturer, is all set to entice the Indian customer with its bestselling products for the bathroom and living space. BY VIKAS BHADRA First introduced in 2003, Barrel is one of Antoniolupi’s bestselling product

The Solidea range by Carl Colombo is an ideal choice for lovers of precision combined with pure and classical design

collaboration with established designers like Nevio Tellatin, Riccardo Fattori, Mauro Carlesi, Domenico de Palo and Paolo Armenise led to an evolution of new products that embraces the entire living space.

The distinctive feature of this ever-developing company is its ability to innovate by continuously searching for new materials and designs, while investing heavily in manufacturing technology. The new range of products introduced

by Antoniolupi is a testament to this fact.

A winning product from their line-up is the Solidea washbasin and bathtub, which has been designed

by Carlo Colombo. The coordinated washbasin and bathtub is an ideal solution for lovers of precision combined with pure

and classic design in the style of a totally coordinated bathroom.

The shape and material used make these two objects both exclusive and innovative.

Barrel is another product being introduced in the Indian market.

First presented way back in 2003 in ‘Sinai’ stone, the washbasin immediately became one of the company’s bestsellers. It is a gentle, sensual line, with a clearly defined and pure design. Antoniolupi is offering this washbasin in Cristalplant, a material that mainly consists of mineral extenders bound to a small percentage of resins.

The latest addition in the Antoniolupi product range has been designed by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti to supplement and complete the Exelen project, which is an important and prestigious project

that covers various furnishing typologies present in the bathroom.

A harmonious and balanced project, the tailored architecture of Exelen is expressed through the contrast between rigorous and essential lines (typical of the Buratti brothers’ designs). Soft shapes, curved connected volumes and sunken or supported elements are used to define this collection.

Contact: www.antoniolupi.it

The latest addition to the Exelen project, designed by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Co. Profile

I

DD Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of bath fittings, recently launched its bathroom solutions under the Bravat brand in India.

Bravat is well-known for its modern and professional creations that ensure a representation of aesthetics, ergonomics and fluid mechanics in their products.

The range consists of five major categories of bathware consisting of faucets, ceramics, bathtubs, shower cubicles and bathroom furniture.

Bravat believes in the India growth story and is here for the long run. Today, home building is very aspirational and the Indian consumer is becoming more aware of attributes regarding quality, technology and design.

Bravat in India aims to be the trendsetter in affordable design and luxury and a game changer to reckon with.

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Bravat Brings Affordable Luxury To India As the sub-brand of Dietsche, a hundredyear-old German brand, Bravat carrys its DNA of precision to Indian shores with a range of luxury bath fittings that don’t pinch the wallet. BY ULKA MANJREKAR

Harsh Bhutani, Executive Director, Bravat India Pvt Ltd.

Bravat combines state-ofart German engineering and manufacturing technologies with cutting edge international design.

It is committed to giving its customers a brand new experience in bathrooms as it has dedicated itself to meeting both customers’ demands for personalised spaces and those of fashionistas looking for high-end bathroom solutions.

Their products are used at some of the most prestigious residential and hotel projects across the world such as J W Marriott, Hyatt, Raffles, Hilton, Kempinski, Palazzo Versace, Sofitel etc.

Design is the core strength of Bravat bathroom solutions.

Currently, the designer ranges in bath fittings tend to be expensive and unaffordable to many customers who want good quality and good design at an affordable price.

Bravat is looking at filling that market gap and offering an

Bravat combines state-of-art German engineering and manufacturing technologies with cutting edge international design

affordable luxury solution. They are also looking at starting their concept showrooms in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata in the year 2013.

In the first phase, the company plans to launch 18 series of bath fittings. Each series is complete with all the coordinated variants like single lever basin mixer, tall basin mixer, wall basin mixer,

bath mixer, spout, overhead shower etc. Moreover, the ranges have been specifically selected keeping Indian conditions, tastes and cultural practices in mind.

Harsh Bhutani, Executive Director, Bravat India Pvt Ltd. says, “Bravat has developed the Indian range keeping in mind demands and requirements of the most discerning Indian customers and designers. Bravat has raised the benchmark in the bath fittings industry by introducing several new innovative technologies in the India range. Water Saver, Self Cleaning Aerator, High Flow Cartridge, 3 Exit Diverter Bath Mixer, PVDF finishing are some of the new standards that all Bravat India range taps offer.”

Contact: web: www.bravatindia.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Fair News

Zow Russia MIPIM Asia Date 7 - 9 November 2012 Venue Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center Contact web: www.mipim.com MIPIM Asia is an exciting conference and exhibition event focused on real estate in the Asia Pacific region. It has been designed to encourage foreign investment and facilitate deals across Asia Pacific between local investors. MIPIM Asia provides professionals from the industry with a unique insight into the Asia Pacific market with world-class conferences and an exceptional showcase of real estate projects in this fast growing region.

Cocoon Smart Living Design Date 17 - 25 November 2012 Venue Brussels, Belgium Contact web: www.cocoon.be Cocoon is one of the leading interior design trade show events which serves as a perfect vehicle for top professionals from this field to interact with each other, and exchange information on the latest fashions and trends in home and interior decoration.

The show is comprehensive in its coverage of different elements of home decor, ranging from furnishing items and carpets, to fixtures and fittings for kitchens and bathrooms. The show is further sub-divided into separate zones, with each area showcasing different styles of interior design. The Ladies’ Day special offers and the Cocoon Night rank as two of the major highlights of this trade show.

Date 19 - 23 November 2012 Venue Moscow, Expocentre Pavilion 7 Contact web: www.zowmoscow.ru Zow Moscow is the annual show for components and accessories for furniture and interior design. It is an industry gathering point and trend show, platform for ideas and innovations, business and best practice. Global market leaders and local providers alike have made the show their home. Every year in November, Zow Moscow is the communication and business platform for the top decision-makers from the furniture, design and interior design industries.

Zow Moscow started with a vision: a new kind of a meeting place with functions of a market place. It was designed to become an interface between supply and demand a face to face forum for discussion between business partners. It is far different from other marketing platforms with extensive representations. In a transparent workshop atmosphere, with manageable, single exhibition areas, concentrated at a glance, Zow is the ideal place to maintain contacts, to do business and develop new ideas.

Mebel Russia Date 19 - 23 November 2012 Venue Expocentre Fairgrounds, Moscow, Russia Contact web: www.meb-expo.ru Mebel Russia occupies an important position as one of the largest furniture trade exhibitions in Russia. The show is attended by prominent leading personalities from the furniture industry from all across the globe and presents the perfect opportunity for participating exhibitors to showcase their products at the show.

Mebel Russia boasts of several prestigious industry certifications including the World Association of Exhibition Industry and the Emblem of the Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs. An overwhelming majority of the visitors to the fair have direct purchasing authority, and kitchen fixtures and appliances, and soft furnishing solutions are put on exhibit at the show as well. The currently prevailing trends in the global furniture market are also closely looked into during the fair.

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

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Fairs & Exhibitions

Construction infrastructure is the second biggest industry in India and it is developing rapidly in modern times. For the traders involved in the construction business, this three day fair will be an awesome opportunity to explore the market and understand future trends.

This year’s trade fair is the 13th edition of this high profile event and it is much awaited within the trading circles. Constru India 2012 is designed with the intention of the promotion of new technologies and products in the market. Over 130 exhibitors and 4,000 visitors are expected to participate in the event.

Date 6 - 9 December, 2012, ET Acetech Delhi Venue Pragati Maidan, New Delhi,India Contact web: www.etacetech.com

Date 6 - 8 November, 2012, Intersolar India Venue Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai Contact web: www.intersolar.in Intersolar India is one of the top solar thermal sector trade shows in India. The event brings together distinguished industry professionals, who are provided with ample opportunities to look into the latest product developments and updates. Over 350 leading exhibitors take part in the event, including a significant number of foreign exhibitors.

The practical application techniques of solar energy for business purposes are brought to the fore during the event and a series of special exhibitions are also held here.

Attendees can find an impressive range of photovoltaic cells, cables, batteries, storage equipments, mounting systems and several other associated products. Participants also have the option of attending the topical business conference sessions that are organized at the show. The event brings in more than 10,000 well targeted business visitors and grand networking opportunities are presented to all participants. The Bombay Exhibition Centre is the designated venue of the show and it takes up a total area of 20,000 square meters.

ET Acetech - Delhi is one of the most noteworthy construction industry related events in India. Organized at Pragati Maidan over a period of four days, the show welcomes an impressive number of qualified business professionals and high profile corporate attendees.

Participants have the opportunity to share their views and opinions about the latest technological innovations and updates at the show and learn about viable brand building strategies.

Attendees can also directly interact with distinguished speakers and business policymakers here. Exhibiting companies find this event to be an ideal platform for displaying different varieties of electrical appliances, home fittings, hardware solutions and other associated items. Representatives from leading building associations and governmental organizations also participate in this event, together with well targeted researchers. The show is extensively publicised through press and media channels.

Date 6 - 8 November, 2012, Constru India Venue Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai Contact web: www.construindia.com Constru India 2012 is a phenomenal event for the building and construction industry in India. It has been organized by Winmark Services at Mumbai Exhibition Center in Goregaon, Mumbai.

Scope Miami Art Show Miami Date 4 - 9 December, 2012 Venue Midtown Blvd. Miami, Florida Contact web: www.scope-art.com The Scope Art Show returns to Miami in 2012. Scope Miami’s monumental 100,000 sq. ft. pavilion will house its most ambitious fair to date, featuring a selection of 20 innovative breeder program galleries presented alongside 85 established international exhibitors.

Introducing artists, curators, and cutting-edge galleries to new audiences on international level has been the trend of Scope Miami.

Scope Miami 2012 will be bustling with over 30,000 international collectors, press and art professionals, all of whom drive the contemporary art market and are vital contributors to global culture.

With over a decade of critically acclaimed art shows and non-profit initiatives that extend beyond the ordinary in Contemporary art, design, music and fashion, Scope Art Shows have garnered critical acclaim with sales exceeding $300 million and attendance of over 500,000 visitors.

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THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Event Review

T

he term “City of Lights” usually refers to Paris, but considering the trend of new entrants in the lighting market, it’s perhaps not quite far away that many other cities will be known by this moniker too.

The latest entrant in this market is LightO. LightO Technologies is

From Darkness To LightO Lighto is all set to brighten up your Diwali celebrations with an exhaustive range of products. BY VIKAS BHADRA

L-R Mr.Navin Saxena, CEO,LightO Technologies Pvt.Ltd., Mr.Rajiv Goel, Chief Financial Officer, Indian Seamless Group, Ms. Mugdha Godse, Bollywood actress and Mr.Ingolf Schwarz,Sales Director, Globo Lighting, Austria at the launch of LightO products in Mumbai

the lighting vertical of the Indian Seamless Group. This group is an Indian multinational with operations in Asia, Europe and America spanning over 20 countries and having a turnover that exceeds USD 400 million and an asset base of USD 550 Million.

Pitted against established brands, LightO has entered the market with a product line-up which includes more than 100 products under the LED, decorative lighting and CFL product category. The company also announced its association with Globo

Lighting, Austria. The company’s association with Globo will bring in more than 250 decorative lighting products.Under this partnership, LightO will bring in the international range by early 2013. The portfolio has an exhaustive range of dynamic LED lighting products priced from Rs. 500 to Rs. 50,000, delivering on LightO’s brand promise - ‘smart products at smart prices’.

The LightO launch party held at Hotel ITC Grand Central in Parel Mumbai saw the presence of Mr. Rajiv Goel, Chief Financial Officer,

Indian Seamless Group, Mr. Naveen Saxena, Chief Executive Officer, LightO Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Ingolf Schwarz, Sales Director, Globo Lighting, Austria. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajiv Goel, said, “Innovation backed by deep consumer insights led to the creation of LightO Technologies. The range

of products is a reflection of our commitment to deliver aesthetically appealing products with cutting edge technology and contemporary design to address the ever-evolving needs of the Indian consumer.

Post the formal presentation the LightO product range was officially launched by Bollywood actress Mugdha Godse who graced the occasion much to the delight of the shutterbugs who had amassed in large numbers.

“I am very excited to be associated with the LightO Technologies. This association is special for me as this brand believes in providing value to customers. A cutting edge lighting solution which is affordable is something that I am looking forward to. Their product range makes it an apt choice for the Indian consumers who are vibrant and very receptive to change,” added Mugdha.

The parting shot was delivered by an excited Ingolf who pointed out, “Today the Indian consumer is well exposed and takes up lighting as a lifestyle accessory. We expect to target these consumers who are part of the very interesting market.

With LightO as our partner, we are confident that we would be able to give value to the Indian consumer.”

Contact: tel: 020 6684 5000 email: navin@lightotech.com web: www.lightotech.com

THE INSIDE TRACK November 2012

Green Speak

G

odrej Interio, one of the key strategic business units of Godrej & Boyce, has committed resources and time towards furniture solutions, products and services that facilitate healthier, brighter and happier living.

Each product range revolves around comfort and aesthetics while delivering

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Wellness By Design Godrej Interio shows the way by achieving

the BIFMA level Certification, setting a benchmark for the furniture industry. BY ULKA M.

Anil Mathur, COO, Godrej Interio

Godrej Interio adds a milestone to its success with its BIFMA Level certification for Wish, a modular tile based system

well-designed, fun and functional furniture solutions.

Godrej Interio recently added another milestone to its list of achievements by being awarded with the BIFMA Level certification for Wish, a modular tile based system. The BIFMA level, unlike other certifications in the furniture industry, does not merely certify the product line or range. It assesses the environmental and social impact of a furniture product in the built environment while simultaneously taking into account a company’s processes, social actions, energy usage, material selection and human and ecosystem health impacts.

The certification and recognition is an important milestone in the furniture industry considering the unorganized and traditional nature of the sector. This certification stands testimony to how the industry is moving towards a better organized and socially-responsible sector, with Godrej Interio leading the charge.

Given the amount of contact time consumers spend with their furniture at offices and homes, Godrej Interio focuses on health and well-being issues through ergonomic design of products and careful use of raw materials which aid in creating comfortable, safe, and healthy work environments for consumers.

Godrej Interio has Ergonomists, who overlook the deployment of ergonomic design principles in product development. The team has also designed a product selection tool, the Ergometer, which helps the customer choose the chair that is most suitable to their body dimensions and the task being performed which are currently used at all Godrej Interio knowledge centers and at 37 company showrooms.

Godrej Interio has also implemented Greenguard Indoor Air Quality standard and certification for 9 of its platforms (4 ranges of system furniture, 1 storage system and 4 families of chairs). The company has also initiated this certification process for 20 home furniture products.

Godrej Interio carries forward this “Environment First” principle

into the design and manufacturing processes, products and services and supply chain.

Understanding the growing need for “greening” of Godrej Interio products, processes, and supply chain, a Green Initiative Cell has been established to drive the developmental work for green products, processes and services at Godrej Interio.

In the past Godrej Interio also employed a tool called the Green Assurance Card (GAC) to convey the “Green” quotient of products, which was designed to evaluate the environment performance of a product on aspects related to recycled content, recyclability, use of low

emitting material, ease of assembly and green certifications for its existing key product lines.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Anil Mathur, COO, Godrej Interio said, “Going green and efficient actually makes business sense, and a lot of sense to the society. We have been working towards the BIFMA certification since a few years now. It has committed us to manufacturing products with decreasing environment footprint, achieved through pioneering efforts in design and selection of materials, manufacturing, packaging, transportation and disposal of products. Sustainability is a long term initiative by Godrej Interio and we aim a 360° approach in the areas of design for environment, material selection, manufacturing processes, packaging and transportation, product in use and end of life.”

Contact: web: www.godrejinterio.com

Postal Registration No. MH/MR//EAST/129/2011-13 RNI NO. MAHENG/2007/19853. 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 November 2012

Spot Light

Y

oo inspired by Starck’, has finally entered the Mumbai interior scene with their exclusive collaboration with the Lodha group.

Known to be one of the most innovative design companies, Yoo will design Mumbai’s signature residences and common spaces of Lodha Evoq which will bear the mark of the world’s most iconic designer, Phillipe Starck.

The 63 storey luxury tower at New Cuffe Parade will boast exclusive designer residences with private pools and gardens and select penthouses featuring personal elevators and private pools, all with interiors by ‘yoo inspired by Starck’.

The tower has the metro, monorail and eastern freeway at its doorsteps with uninterrupted panoramic views of the sea and the city’s skyline, including the Bandra Worli Sea-link.

Phillipe Starck is better known as the God of Design being very versatile

Lodha Brings The ‘God Of Design’ To Mumbai The world renowned designer, Phillipe Starck joins hands with the Lodha group for designing the interiors of the all new Lodha Evoq. BY ULKA MANJREKAR in his design. From lamps and kitchen equipment to museums and hotels, his creations exude imagination and originality. His designs reflect a bold, almost rebellious style that is at once startling and individualistic - tinged with poetry and humour. Speaking at the launch of Lodha Evoq, Phillipe Starck said, “Mumbai is the centre of style. Juxtaposition of colours, textures and patterns based on Designer Phillipe Starck, John Hitchcox, Chairman of yoo and Abhisheck Lodha, Managing Director of the Lodha Group at the launch of Lodha Evoq

Mumbai’s long tradition of textiles has been the inspiration for your new building, your new life, your new home.”

Speaking about the development in Mumbai and their plans, John Hitchcox, chairman, Yoo added, “Mumbai has always been on our radar, the thriving metropolis and business capital of one of the world’s fastest growing economies. It is just that we took time to search for

estate space.”

Abhisheck Lodha, Managing Director of the Lodha Group, said, “It is a privilege for us to partner with ‘yoo inspired by Starck’, famous for unique developments across the globe, for designing the interiors of Lodha Evoq. We are committed to providing our customers with excellence in luxury living and we intend to ensure that every single element respects the best standards

the perfect partner for translating our vision in to a reality of global standards as we thought that there definitely was a need gap we could fulfill. And then a couple of years back, the Lodha Group happened and we could not have struck a better partnership. And with the involvement of my close friend Philippe, I am sure this will create ripples in the Mumbai luxury real

of quality and aesthetics. Lodha Evoq is designed for the lifestyles of those who know exactly what they want in life and are open to boldly expressing their choices. The vivid colours, multiple décor themes and the passion of yoo inspired by Starck, make Lodha Evoq the perfect place to live bold!”

Contact: web: www.lodhagroup.com