Volume 6. Issue 10. October 2012 Rs. 25/-
THE
INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in
Cover Story
I
n today’s hectic world where people yearn for serenity and simplicity, Axor and Philippe Starck are revolutionising the use of the vital element water. They have focused on the basics, elementary forms, a clear function and a simple effect. The result is a timeless bathroom collection that will never go out of fashion. The essence of this new bathroom
Designer Philippe Starck
collection is contained in its organic minimalist design and a highly sensual water experience. The name Axor Starck Organic stands not only for the collection’s design and responsible use of water and energy but also points to its sustainable aspects.
Hansgrohe’s ‘Organic’ Winner
The Axor Starck Organic collection by Hansgrohe combines the harmony of head and heart with a unique way of handling water responsibly. The Axor Starck Organic collection, launched by German major Hansgrohe is extremely versatile and blends in harmoniously in different bathroom environments. The combination of organically shaped and geometric elements goes really well in a sensual bathroom; it matches excerpts from the natural world and combines intelligent functions and ecological value. The collection consists of more than 40 products, covering all areas of the bathroom. The range is also complemented with a wide range of accessories. Philippe Starck has concentrated solely on the essential when it comes to the design. Thus, the mixers are stripped of anything unnecessary; the handles visually blend in with the mixer bodies and are ergonomically shaped. continued on page 2
Dr. Nicholas Matten, Sales Director Western Asia, Japan & Oceania, Hansgrohe
Dr. Nicholas Matten, Sales Director of Hansgrohe India, shares his views on the Axor Starck collection in an exclusive interview with The Inside Track. It has been almost 20 years since Hansgrohe first collaborated with Phillipe Starck, can you tell us more about this unique partnership?
The organic-minimal design gives the collection an exciting, powerful and sculptural immediacy
When Axor introduced the first products designed by Starck in 1994, the initial market
responses were mixed. Nobody imagined that the collections would have such a positive response for over more than two decades. I believe it is Starck’s ability to continue to think the unthinkable and challenge our engineers when creating new products. The approach is not to design around what is available but to create what is needed as a result of the design. This requires vision, a special spirit on all sides, a great understanding of and for each other - and courage and willingness to take risks. Companies without the necessar y engineering and manufacturing skills and companies only focussed on short-term results could never had built the same relationship as the one between Philippe Starck and Hansgrohe. The Axor Starck Organic collection was an outcome of three years of development, what makes this collection so special? First of all, the design is something very special, the power of nature captured in a sculptured product with absolute precision that impresses. And, if you take a close look at the history of the Axor Starck designs, you can find the heritage of the first mixer series in the latest collection, continued on page 24
2
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
THE
INSIDE TRACK
CONTENTS
OCTOBER 2012
COVER Hansgrohe’s ‘Organic’ STORY Winner 1 Everything About Duravit Is Green 4 Look At Pella For A Better View 6
The revolutionary mixer shower jet of the Axor Starck Organic wash basin mixers drops pearls of water onto the skin - an extremely titillating and sensuous sensation. The highly efficient shower spray, which resembles a luxury shower for the hands, is made up of 90 jets and is decidedly functional, bathing your entire skin. The wash basin mixers in the new collection allow us to use water and energy intuitively, ergonomically and economically. It sets a new standard with consumption of only 3.5 liters
of water per minute, without any compromises in functionality and water experience. Water flow and temperature are controlled separately. The two handles blend in visually with the body of the mixers. No matter what position the handles may be in, they will reflect a perfect image. With Axor Starck Organic, the water is turned on and off at the end of the spout. This is ergonomic, because the hands are right where the water emerges. And not a single drop falls where it is not needed, not even onto the mixer itself. The temperature is regulated at the top of the mixer. There, it may remain at the energy-saving cold position or at any other preferred setting. Axor Starck Organic is manufactured exclusively at the Axor plant, which is considered one of the most advanced of its type. “This collection is yet another revolution, a new cocktail of highest technology and good philosophy. Axor Starck Organic shifts our focus on the essence of things, highlighting their sensuality and beauty and touching both our heads and hearts,” commments Philippe Starck about his latest winner! Contact web: www.hansgrohe.in
The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 8 Supreme’s Smart Insulation Solutions 12 Active Learning With Steelcase 14 Auroville’s Unique Energy 15 Indi Studio’s Fall Furniture Collection 16 Architecturally Yours 18 Exhibitions and Fairs 20 Cersaie 2012 22 Interview with Dr. Nicholas Matten, Hansgrohe 24 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 10. October 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 mixers blend harmoniously with most various ambiences: Nature is right at home everywhere!
marvel infomedia pvt ltd
4
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Spot Light
I
n recent years, there has been a great change in the way people use water and energy. For decades the responsible use of resources has shaped the Duravit company history and it has become an essential part of every new development. Duravit’s innovative technology has given rise to new product ideas that contribute to a responsible future. Numerous product innovations from the company show that
Everything About Duravit Is Green Duravit offers innovative technology and
sustainable solutions for better bathrooms of tomorrow. BY ULKA MANJREKAR
Duravit offers intelligent range of bathtubs with maximum bathing comfort, minimum water consumption with ergonomic and sophisticated designs
sustainability in the bathroom goes far beyond simply saving water. For years, wherever it makes ecological sense, Duravit has been using LED lighting that generates power savings of up to 80% compared with halogen lights. Only state-of-theart LEDs and energy-saving lights are used to illuminate Duravit’s bathroom furniture. In the 1980s, Duravit introduced water-efficient toilets by reducing the amount of water consumed by its toilets to six litres as opposed to
the nine or more litres that were standard at the time. Further to the development, Duravit is today able to offer toilets that flush hygienically using just 4.5 litres or even less water. With the Dual-Flush technology, a household of four can save about 17,000 litres of water per year. Pressing the economy button flushes with just half the water volume, whereas pressing the large button uses the full water volume.
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
and sophisticated trapezoidal shape. The Duravit whirl systems for whirltubs and pools now feature a new fan that generates power savings up to 40%, along with noise reduction of almost 50%. Materials and surfaces with new, sustainable properties have been developed for reducing the amount of water and cleaning agent used
Duravit’s innovative urinal technology includes its McDry and Architec Dry urinals. The McDry urinal operates without any water whatsoever. A purely plantbased and thus biodegradable sealing liquid effectively prevents unpleasant odours. The siphon, like the urinal itself, is made from robust, durable sanitary ceramic. The intelligent, electronically controlled Architec and Utronic urinals guarantee high hygiene and a controlled, low water
consumption of just one litre per flush. A hose diaphragm integrated into the outlet opens automatically when urine flows through and then closes again, effectively preventing any odours. Duravit also offers intelligent solutions for taking a guilt-free bath with its Starck and D-Code range of bathtubs with low filling volume. The Paiova bathtub offers maximum bathing comfort with minimum water consumption thanks to its innovative, ergonomic
5
which includes DuraCeram special ceramic for kitchen sinks along with the WonderGliss ceramic coating based on nanotechnology. Duravit not only offers its customers environmentallyfriendly solutions but it also uses as few resources as possible in its own work processes. Contact: www.duravit.in
DuraCeram, a special ceramic for kitchen sinks, incorporates sustainable properties which reduces the amount of water and cleaning agent used
6
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Co. Profile
P
ella Corporation is an innovative leader in creating better outdoor views for homes and businesses by designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for ne w constructions, remodeling and replacement applications. An extremely popular brand in USA, Pella is a part of many
Look At Pella For A Better View A manufacturer of premium windows and
doors, Pella Corporation is targeting the Rs. 6000 crores wooden & UPVC window and door market. BY ULKA MANJREKAR
The price point of Pella products will range from Rs. 1.5 crores to Rs. 2.5 crores and for an average 3,000 sq. ft. house the budget will range from Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 42 lakhs
looking at all the major metros across the country for the first phase of its expansion. Currently, the windows and doors industry in India is pegged at Rs. 6000 crores (wooden & UPVC) and is growing at the rate of 30% year-on-year. The company feels that in the coming years, this market will grow at a phenomenal rate and with the increase in consumer aspirations, the premium segment will grow at twice the rate of the market. Pella builds doors and windows from wood or alternative materials like engineered fiberglass, vinyl or aluminium. These are 83% more energy efficient and contain a percentage of recycled material. It will bring into India, high quality window and door products historic and famous buildings, including homes of many Hollywood celebrities. With the burgeoning demand of luxury homes in India coupled with the rising exposure and aspirations of Indian consumers, US based
Pella Corporation, manufacturers of premium windows and doors announced its foray into the Indian market. The company has collaborated with Abir Trademart Pvt. Ltd. to build upon its footprint in India and is currently
Pella Corporation has collaborated with Abir Trademart Pvt. Ltd. to build premium doors and windows for luxury homes of India
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
7
through design differentiators. Mr. Amit Sabharwall, COO, Pella India (Abir Trademart Pvt. Ltd) said, “We’re very happy that Pella, a company with a great reputation and decades of success in this industry, has chosen us to build upon its network in India. We have started our operation from New Delhi in India and soon plan to foray into other parts of the country, including Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.” Contact: web: www.pella.com which are environment friendly a n d a re re s i s t a n t t o d u s t and damage. Commenting on the development, Mr. John M. Sullivan, Head of International Business, Pella Corporation, said, “With premier design standards, quality and highend features, Pella promotes exclusivity in terms of quality of its product, appeal and international design standards, promising an unmatched way of life, within the four walls. People in India are now globally exposed and are increasingly looking for enhanced lifestyle and living standards with modern design and concepts, which offer a great potential for our products and brand.”
The company has chartered out a strategic roadmap to expand its operation in India by deciding to target the premium segment and the top end of the mass segment. For an average farmhouse, the price point of Pella products will range from Rs. 1.5 crores to Rs. 2.5 crores and for an average 3,000 sq. ft. house the budget will range from Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 42 lakhs. The company wants to differentiate in the premium s e g m e n t u s i n g i n n ova t i ve technology and materials and in the mid-premium segment
8
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Grohe Introduces The Power&Soul Shower Collection
It Products Cera Launches An Elegant Range Of Faucets Cera Sanitaryware Ltd., one of India’s premium sanitaryware providers has launched an array of elegant faucets. The new range of faucets includes the Ruby, Opal and Topaz collections. CERA’s recently set up state of the art manufacturing plant for faucets has rolled out an array of new designs consisting of single lever basin mixers, concealed and exposed hot and cold mixers, diverters and matching accessories. CERA has a team of
designers, who conceptualise and implement the new products with the help of the latest CNC machines. CERA has an impressive product portfolio which includes sanitaryware, faucets and wellness products (steam cubicles, whirlpools, etc.). It has been awarded the title of Product of the Year, for the second year in a row. The brand has also introduced a concept of designing your own bathroom where customers can themselves design their personal space using the special software and view it on 3D as well as 2D. Contact www.cera-india.com
The Starck 2 Range By Duravit
Duravit has recently launched the new range of Starck 2 washbasins in collaboration with the world renowned designer, Philippe Starck. The Starck 2 washbasins are finer and more contoured. However, Duravit has largely retained the design DNA of the successful range: the basins are still comfortably large and deep. At first glance, the washing bowl appears circular, however, on closer inspection, it is revealed to be slightly oval; a minimal nuance that gives the form an organic, flowing character. The conical
widening towards the wall has been retained as a typical feature of a washbasin with a wall connection. In the new model, the base of the bowl is flat and sweeps vertically upwards through gently softened corners. The Duravit range of furniture by Philippe Starck is the perfect complement to this new design. Whether rich in contrast in highgloss black varnish, in high-gloss white or a warm oak finish, the Starck vanity units are as elegant as they are spacious. Contact web : www.duravit.in
Grohe has recently expanded its wide range of innovative premium bath fittings with the introduction of its Power&Soul shower collection in India. The showers come in two different designs, namely in an urbane and purist Cosmopolitan design and in a timeless Contemporary design. This newly launched shower provides the perfect customised shower experience at one click. Four buttons on the shower head give direct access to four single spray patterns and another unique seven mix patterns. From total vitalization to maximum relaxation, the innovative showers put it all at your fingertips. The range offers the right Grohe Power&Soul for all personal preferences and bathroom layouts - from hand showers to wall and rail mounted showers, from large head showers to complete shower systems with diverse specifications. These showers exemplify quality, design, technology and
sustainability. Made from highquality materials, these showers not only offer a long service life but also retain their brilliant appearance thanks to the Grohe StarLight technology. And to ensure that this luxurious shower experience can be indulged in without guilt, Grohe EcoJoy technology has been employed to enable responsible use of the precious natural resource, that is water. Contact web: www.grohe.com
Uberparko - Designed With A Perfect Cut Uberparko, one of the leading bath manufacturing companies in India since 1960, announced the launch of its new line of premium faucets. The new collection combines world-class design with the full gamut of modern technologies which lends your bathroom and kitchen a unique identity and an exclusive aura. The brand has commissioned Italian designers and German industry specialists to design all the Uberparko products. The designs are very unique and
fresh and create a harmonious link between all products of the collection. Featuring geometrical, modern and minimalistic designs, the internal mechanism of the faucet uses cutting edge and innovative technologies. The new product line includes L-Cube, Bridge, Diamond and the Roll collection which have unexpected angles and unusual space arrangements to create a unique and exciting look in any space. The price range for these faucets starts from Rs. 10000/-. Contact tel: 011 26171070
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
9
IDUS Brings Cadi Design To India
It Products Elegant Console Tables At Ash and Teak Ash and Teak, is a contemporary furniture house set up with a vision to design glamorous residential furniture to meet individual, customised needs. Each product is elegantly designed to provide luxurious comfort to your home. The store offers an exquisite variety of console tables manufactured with great craftsmanship and style. The marble top console, one pillar console, fabric console and the lamination console are all artistically created with a perfect finishing touch.
Ash and Teak specialises in teak wood furniture which is low in maintenance, great in quality and adds a minimalistic and aesthetic appeal to each furniture piece. The products are gorgeous and stylishly designed to meet modern home requirements. Priced from Rs.25,000 to Rs. 80,000; these console tables will blend seamlessly with your home decor! Contact tel: 022 66311617/ 66311718 web: www.ashandteak.com
Baaya Design’s New Rajasic Art Furniture Collection than usual sizes. This new collection is a perfect blend of contemporary forms and striking colours. The specialty of this range is that the furniture is hand painted with vibrant colours. The range includes unique stand alone pieces, side cabinets, corner pieces, center tables and informal seating with the prices starting from Rs. 18000/-. Contact tel: 022 65210165 web: www.baayadesign.com
Baaya Design has now introduced its latest range called the Rajasic art furniture collection in the outlet’s constant endeavour to bring some of the most exciting arts and aesthetics into interiors. The new collection will revamp the home with rich and royal furniture consisting of miniature art. The miniature art is a genre that focuses on art (especially painting, engraving and sculpture) in much smaller
IDUS, the premium luxury store of high quality imported, designer furniture has recently launched the Arm & Lounge chairs by Cadi Design, a luxury brand from Turkey. The beautiful designer range of chairs is a perfect epitome of innovation and timeless designs which every home owner would desire. These modern classic chairs will always be in style as they are a perfect amalgam of luxury
and comfort and are best suited for contemporary homes and work places. The range is stylish, colourful and unique. It has polyurethane foam, is flame proof and has antibacterial properties. Wood or chrome plated metal acts as a base along with artificial leather, microfiber or wool, which makes it comfortable and stylish. The price range for these chairs starts from Rs. 15,000. Contact tel: 011 45888000
10
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Cooldrawer - A Unique Multi-Temperature Fridge Drawer
It Products Philips Saeco Enters The Home Coffee Category Philips, one of India’s leading lifestyle brands has added a new flavour to the Indian coffee market through the launch of Philips Saeco coffee machines in India. Designed to bring an Italian expert brew master into your home, the three new coffee machines give coffee lovers the authentic taste of an Italian café, with the simple-to-use technology that consumers expect from Philips. The three Philips Saeco models - Manual Poemia, Intelia Focus, and Intelia One Touch Cappuccino spearhead the company’s plan to enhance the country’s Italian coffee machines category and
help serve a comprehensive range of coffees from cappuccinos and espressos to lattes and macchiatos. Philips aims to deliver home coffee indulgences from the delicious aromas that waft through the room to that perfect first sip one savors on the palate, by offering machines that deliver an authentic coffee experience which can be tailored to individual taste. Philips Saeco presents these top-quality coffee machines at prices ranging from Rs. 13,995/for Manual Espresso Poemia, Rs. 54,995/- for Intelia Focus and Rs. 74,995/- for Intelia Cappuccino. Contact web: www.india.philips.com
Fisher & Paykel Appliances has introduced the world’s first multitemperature fridge drawer known as CoolDrawer which enables you to cool, store, freeze, preserve and freshen foods with the help of five specifically designed temperature controls. The 900mm wide easypull-out drawer system with premium quality runners provides smooth and easy entry to food. Ergonomically, CoolDrawer exceeds expectations as there is no need to bend to access the freezer or stretch up to reach the top shelf of a fridge. Storing food in several drawers means now you can program the individual drawers to
the optimal temperature required for each food type. Fruits and vegetables can be stored in one, meats and dairy in a second, with drinks and appetizers in yet another, which can be located closer to the living or eating area. A simple electronic control interface makes it easy to choose between different functions. Changing from a fridge to a freezer or to an air-tight pantry is now as simple as pressing a button. The piece de resistance is that the CoolDrawer offers an entirely new design freedom and flexibility to modular kitchens. Contact web: www.fisherpaykel.in
Neelkanth Introduces A New Range Of Sinks The Siemens Ovens
Neelkanth designs a range of complete washing units providing total worry free solutions against leakage, dripping and termites for kitchens. The brand has recently introduced their new models of sinks in the market. The sinks are made of AISI 304 stainless steel and available in 6 different designs - In-sets, Under-mount, State-line, D-line (unconventional), sink systems and premium sink series. The range comes in many combination of bowls and drain boards such as double press drain board, drip tray, broad
and sleek ribs. Drip tray drainer comes with an in-built strainer through which the water from the utensils gets drained and is further connected to the sink’s bowl strainer. Broad ribs are for the stable stacking of utensils and sleek ribs are for the rapid flow of water towards the bowl. Each sink is designed to enhance the overall graceful look and to keep in league with the interesting and functional designs of modern kitchens. Contact tel: 011 41833600 web: www.neelkanthsinks.com
It is well known that most people will succumb to the temptation of eating yummy delicacies like – cakes, cookies and other desserts. With Siemens ovens and the will to experiment, one can now make baking at home, a fun and interesting activity. Siemens ovens are designed beautifully with dial controls conveniently located, simple to
use and user friendly. They are designed to complement the imagination of the cook, with their advanced cooking functions, opening up new possibilities in the kitchen. A complete breakthrough of design and technology, the builtin oven range possesses a unique style and is made of high quality stainless steel, black glass, and a blue light control panel with a wide range of features. The oven comes with a multi function option of 9 cooking settings. It also includes features like the electronic clock timer, integral cooling fan, automatic rapid heating, automatic safety switch off and a child safety button. All Siemens ovens consume 30% less energy as compared to the average standard consumption. Contact web: www.siemens.com
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
World Kitchen Initiates The Corelle Dinnerware Range
It Products Tick Tock With Mukul Goyal’s Timeless Pieces Mukul Goyal, one of the leading product designers of India has turned fun into functionality with his new timeless pieces. The new designs for a timeless pieces generate a wow factor and add a dash of fun to the walls. The Clockwise clock is made of hand forged brass, this evolving envelope of time forms a spiral. Adding this piece of functional art is an unexpected and fascinating way to add character to any wall. The Papadum Clock is suggestive of the fragility of the Indian papadum and is also
11
made of hand forged brass. Both the clocks are available in two finishes – gold and chrome. The price for the Clockwise gold clock is Rs. 3440 whereas the Clockwise chrome is priced at Rs. 3470. The Papadum small gold and the Papadum large gold clock costs Rs. 2050 and Rs. 6080 respectively. Also, the Papadum small chrome is priced at Rs. 2200 while, the Papadum large chrome comes at a price of Rs. 6970. Contact web: www.mukulgoyal.com
World Kitchen introduces Corelle to bring sparkle onto your dinner table with an attractive range of specially launched dinnerware which is perfect for everyday use as well as special occasions. Long synonymous with durability and style, Corelle dinnerware is an elegant choice to serve delicious specialties to your guests and create a feast for the eyes. This crowd pleaser dinnerware is available in four styles – Hula Hoop, Pink Lotus, Blossom Blue and Royal. The bold and vibrant Hula Hoop uses bright, contrasting colours to create a high-impact table setting. This lively collection from Corelle comes in decorative patterns on dishes and bowls. The Pink Lotus collection is tasteful and beautifully complements any décor, giving the table setting a totally fresh and timeless look.
Blossom Blue is a charming, nature-inspired design in sweet and soft hues which gives the collection a wonderfully romantic appeal whereas the Royal collection is an appealing, and evergreen design in blue with the classic floral motif portrayed with an understated elegance. The price range for Pink Lotus, Hula Hoop & Blue Blossom collection starts from Rs. 6495/for a 21 piece set while the Royal collection starts from Rs. 5915/-. Contact web: www.worldkitchenasia.com
12
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Spot Light
T
hermal insulation is required for comfort conditions and for energy to be optimally utilised. Hot insulation is used to prevent heat loss where as cold insulation prevents heat gain in a process. However in recent times radiant heating or cooling has gained a lot of popularity whose classification is on the basis of application, such as ‘hot’ or ‘cold’. This classification could then be
Atul Khanna, General Manager – Insulation Division (Thermal and Acoustic), Supreme Industries Ltd.
further sub-divided into the products that determine such applications. Supreme Industries Ltd. offers products which form a part of cold insulation applications. Among all energy efficiency technologies, advanced thermal insulation stands out as the one that could reduce energy consumption most effectively. For a good insulation with 95% of air and low solid content, the processing cost becomes the dominant factor in the performances/cost equation. Installation of thermal insulation is indeed a sound investment because of the immediate payback from energy savings, especially
Supreme’s Smart Insulation Solutions Supreme Industries offers thermal insulation that are appropriate and cost-effective encouraging energy efficiency. if the costs are kept low. Lower insulation costs, combined with rising energy expenses, would automatically expand the efforts in energy efficiency. With electricity consumption in the commercial sector accounting for nearly 8% of the total electricity consumption, the old adage “energy saved is energy generated” holds good. In this direction, the Government has initiated the green building movement for sustainable habitats. The 12th Plan envisages certain m a n d a t o r y m e a s u re s by t h e Government to make the “green culture” implemented for new government buildings coming up all over the country and thus consumption of products which conserve energy demands are expected to rise. Supreme Industries offers customers, thermal insulation solutions that are appropriate and cost-effective. The company follows the philosophy of SAVE – Supreme Always Value Efficient. The drivers of this conviction are applied intelligence and innovation to enable cost-effectiveness and precision in delivery. Every requirement is studied in great detail, various solutions are taken into consideration
Supreme Industries Ltd. advanced thermal insulation solutions stand out as the one that could reduce energy consumption very effectively
and the most suitable one is implemented. Ranging from superior protection, energy-saving insulation and longlasting solutions in the civil industry, Supreme is capable of providing apt solutions to its customers. Supreme’s thermal insulation division offers solutions for ducting insulations in hospitals, shopping malls, airports, PEBs, IT/ BPO etc. It provides pipe insulation for split AC tubings, chiller piping, drain pipes, chilled water lines etc. along with floor insulation in server rooms, data centres, medical and diagnostic centres, and control rooms for petrochemicals.
Supreme also provides underdeck insulation in PEBs, textile units, malls, airports etc. and overdeck and wall insulation in commercial buildings, residential buildings, cold storages etc. A methodical, systematic and stringent approach to quality ensures durability to all their products. The company adheres to international quality standards while manufacturing the products. ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 certifications and NABL accreditation for various plants is a testimony to their serious approach to quality. Contact: email: insulation@supreme.co.in
14
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Spot Light
E
ducation itself needs innovation, and there has never been a better time to reinvent learning and teaching than right now. With lecturers coming up with new concepts in instruction and creating student involvement in the process, active learning is becoming the future of education. Active learning is formed by three factors - pedagogy, technology and space. It means real engagement between students and instructors and students and peers. Today, students bring new tools, new attitudes, and new expectations into the classroom. They are also very demanding of their education, being fully aware of the global economy and the
Active Learning With Steelcase Steelcase introduces various innovative education solutions suited for today’s active learning. BY ULKA MANJREKAR was focused on creating a chair for the active learning in today’s classroom. Most collaborative learning spaces today support instructor-led presentations where information is controlled and shared by one person at a time. The Media:Scape removes these barriers and helps people access and share information by allowing all students to contribute
their ideas quickly and seamlessly. Through the integration of furniture and technology, Media:Scape is reshaping the way students collaborate in a networked world. Space is another factor that impacts the learning. From one class to the next, the classroom needs change where every seat is the best seat in the room and open to interaction creating an active and engaging learning. Steelcase created the FlipTop Twin keeping flexibility and space efficiency in mind. A simple folding mechanism enables the worktop to be flipped down into place in moments, to create a meeting space. Smooth rolling casters enable the flexible configuring of meeting spaces to accommodate different uses, including training sessions, team work, group meetings or conferences, in just moments. Students today are digital natives, comfortable using technology to display, share and present
Steelcase Education Solutions includes products like the Node chair, Media:Scape, Flip Top Twin and Mobile Elements to make collaboration a dynamic experience for a smarter workspace
competition it represents. Steelcase believes, it is only natural for feeders of tomorrow’s office workers to create like-minded learning spaces or classrooms as we know it. In the age of iPods and incessant text messaging, there’s a new demand for students to be critical thinkers, and collaborate effectively. Steelcase Education Solutions was created to support these new approaches with products such as the Node chair, Media:Scape, Flip Top Twin and Mobile Elements. Steelcase created Node, a chair designed to support active and teambased modes of learning, allowing for quick and easy transitions between room configurations. Every aspect of Node’s design
Steelcase believes it is only natural for feeders of tomorrow’s office workers to create like-minded learning spaces or classrooms as we know it
information. Vertical surfaces to display content, multiple projection surfaces and whiteboards in various configurations are all important classroom considerations. Steelcase Mobile Elements was designed to make collaboration a dynamic experience, the Mobile Elements family of mobile multipurpose tools enables the creation of diverse settings to support active learning in different collaboration needs, from small team meetings, to presentations, to training sessions. Mobile Elements thus help make space work smarter and harder by turning in-between, cafe and meeting spaces into collaboration and conferencing settings in moments. Contact: www.steelcase.asia
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Green Speak
A
uroville, popularly known as the ‘city of dawn’, or a ‘universal city in the making’ in South India, was established over 40 years ago in collaboration with 124 countries, supported by the Government of India and endorsed by the UNESCO. It believes that the future realisations in all fields of work here will allow a building of ‘a bridge between the past and the future’, transforming into a beautiful and harmonious urban environment. A city designed on the concept of a galaxy, Auroville’s unique concept lies in its experiments in sustainable and ecological living, good urban design and architecture, afforestation and environmental concerns amongst various other planet friendly measures. To be more environmentfriendly, the city is experimenting with solar pumps and solar energy and is a home to one of the largest concentration of renewable energy
Auroville’s Unique Energy Auroville highlights the various aspects of sustainable and ecological living with its innovative architecture and environmentfriendly building technology. BY ULKA MANJREKAR
Ms. Suhasini Ayer, Founder & Chief Architect, Auroville Design Consultants
Auroville’s unique concept lies in sustainable and ecological living, good urban design and architecture, afforestation and environmental concerns
technologies in India. One of the most remarkable contributions from Auroville is a solar bowl - one of the biggest in the world. Auroville’s renewable energy systems have even won the ASHDEN Award for its enterprise. In early 1970’s, JRD Tata came to Pondicherry to start the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) and its solar energy research was initiated, with its first projects in Auroville. Now the research is focused on electrical mobility, green cities and buildings, solar energy, water and waste management with an aim to build a simple, rich and beautiful life style. At Auroville, a roof top solar system has been developed which is connected to the state electricity grid. Allowing roof spaces to convert to energy spaces, facilitates the creation of ‘prosumers’; these are people who produce power in comparison to consumers who only use energy. Each house and commercial
15
roof could easily convert into a veritable generator of electricity using solar energy. Auroville attempts to harmonise the five elements of nature (Space, Air, Water, Fire, and Earth) to achieve its growth, for example regeneration of land with plantations, optimal use of wind energy, harvesting of water with the building of lakes and harnessing energy using water. Added to all this, is present a space to connect
to the highest creative force at the centre of Auroville. The city also uses half-baked bricks for buildings called compressed earth blocks, made with soil mixed with a small amount of cement. These are cured and baked in the sun reducing the use of large amounts of fired wood and thereby saving forests. Auroville is also a pioneer in the field of dealing with waste material and has named their garbage related campaign, Garbology 101, which involves innovative ways of dealing
with waste rather than dumping it unmindfully in landfills. Ms. Suhasini Ayer, Founder & Chief Architect, Auroville Design Consultants mentions, “Auroville is envisioned as a living experiment in urban development, where not only the hardware of a city with its urban planning systems, architecture and infrastructure will be open for experimentation but also the software of socio-economic and environment changes will drive experiments.” Contact: www.auroville.org
16
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Spot Light
T
he latest fall furniture collection available at Indi Studio is truly innovative and features an ergonomic line suited for living, dining rooms and bed rooms along with accent furniture and lighting. Each of the pieces resonate the perfect unison between art and utility, The six editions of Indi Studio’s Fall (2012) Furniture Collection has been made in India using the finest of raw
Indi Studio’s Fall Furniture Collection Indi Studio presents its latest collection which is a perfect combination of art and utility. BY ULKA MANJREKAR
The Eli Bucket Dining
collection a supreme edge. The ‘Living’ line comprises of sofas, arm chairs, divans, daybeds, poufs, centre tables, side tables, consoles, bars, TV /AC units, shelving systems, room dividers, screens and wall pieces whereas the ‘Dining’ line includes dining tables, chairs, benches, side boards, bars, showcases and trolleys. The ‘Night’ repertoire consists of beds and bed side units, TV units, wardrobe systems, storage units, drawers and study furniture. T h e ‘Ac c e n t s’ s e g m e n t o f the collection presents outdoor furniture, bathroom accent furniture, bars and more whereas The EB sliding bar
the ‘Lighting’ section offers chandeliers, dining room pendants and floor and table lamps. Indi Studio’s bespoke service, for turn key interior furnishing jobs are eponymous. A vast array of elegant home accessories is also available off the shelf and offers an extended variety of in-house art creations for enhancing the living space. Contact: web: www.alexdavisstudio.com materials, seasoned solid European woods, finest Italian and Indian leathers with cladding options in exquisite leather. Exotic veneers include Macassar ebony, walnut burls, Sucupira and others with high gloss Italian and metallic lacquer finishes achieved using the highest quality of Italian PU, in multi layered high gloss as well as natural open pore wood grain treatments. A variety of the best European hardware with feather touch and soft closing options, satin and hand beaten stainless steel, brass and copper along with inlay works in mother-of-pearl, bone, semi precious stones, customised gold and silver foiling works and elaborate metal finishes, give the
The Chester Bed
SUBSCRIBE!
&
&
No. of Issues
Cover Price
You Pay
Benefits
36 + 9 Free
Rs. 4500
Rs. 3600
Pay for 36 and get 45 issues you save Rs. 900
24 + 5 Free
Rs. 2900
Rs. 2400
Pay for 24 and get 29 issues you save Rs. 500
12 + 2 Free
Rs. 1400
Rs. 1200
Pay for 12 and get 14 issues you save Rs. 200
& Please fill up this coupon and send it along with your cheque/DD to: Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Tel (022) 23736133/1, 32958501 Fax (022) 23743069 Email response@marvelinfomedia.com
YES! I wish to subscribe to Home Review ¨36+9 Free =Rs.3600 ¨24+5 Free =Rs.2400 ¨12 + 2 Free =Rs.1200 I am enclosing a cheque/DD No _____________ Dated _____________drawn on ( name of bank)__________________________________________________________ ______favouring “Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd.” for Rs._____________________________________________________ Add Rs 40/- for non Mumbai cheque/DD ) YOUR DETAILS Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms_________First Name ____________________________________________Surname ______________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City____________________________________________________State_________________________________________________Pin Code_________________________________________ Phone____________________________________Email______________________________________________________________________Occupation_______________________________ Terms & Conditions: Home Review reserves the right to extend, cancel or discontinue the offer without giving any reason or prior notice. Your subscription will commence from the next available issue on a monthly basis. No cancellation will be entertained after the commencement of subscription.
To subscribe online log on to www.home-review.com
18
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Event Review
S
ingapore played host to the prestigious World Architecture Festival this year. This 3 day festival officially saw the presence of more than 1,800 attendees from more than 60 countries. The fifth edition of the World Architecture Festival was held at Moshe Safdie’s award-winning Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. At the core of the world’s largest,
Architecturally Yours The fifth edition of the World Architecture Festival redefined creative convergence with an assortment of some of the best architectural projects. BY VIKAS BHADRA
Cooled Conservatories at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore designed by Wilkinson Eyre, Grant Associates, Atelier One and Atelier Ten
World’s Best Civic and Community Building World’s Best Culture Building World’s Best Hotel & Leisure Building World’s Best House World’s Best Housing Building World’s Best New and Old Building World’s Best Office Building World’s Best Production Building World’s Best Shop World’s Best Sport Building World’s Best Future Projects Experimental Award World’s Best Future Project Master planning Building World’s Best Future Projects Commercial – Mixed-Use Building’ Award World’s Best Future Commercial Leisure-led Development Project’ Award
Salorge / Town Community Pornic France designed by Arcau Liyuan Library Bejing China designed by Li Xiadong Atelier Victoria Tower,Sweden designed byWingårdh Arkitektkontor Stacking Green, Vietnam, designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects Martin No. 38, Singapore by Kerry Hill Architects Plaza Espana in Adeje, Spain designed by Menis Arquitectos SLP Darling Quarter, Sydney, Australia, designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp Sony Corporation in Japan designed by Nikken Sekkei Xtra - Herman Miller shop in Singapore, designed by P.A.C Fazenda Boa Vista Golf Clubhouse, Brazil, designed by Isay Weinfeld Man-Built Islands Dongqian Lake Concept, China, designed by HASSELL Msheireb – Heart of Doha designed by AECOM JST Product Complex, Tsuyama, Japan, designed by Osamu Morishita Architect & Associates Gunoot Eco Resort, Oman, designed by SSH
live, inclusive and interactive global architecture event was the World Architecture Festival Awards, where 300 projects were shortlisted in the world’s biggest architectural awards programme. Projects shortlisted
Terasa 153 designed by Sanjay Puri Architects
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
World’s Best Future Projects Competition Entries Award World’s Best Future Projects Cultural Award World’s Best Future Projects Education Award World’s Best Future Projects Health Building’ Award World’s Best Future Projects House’ Award World’s Best World’s Best Future Infrastructure Project’ Award World’s Best Future Projects Office Building’ World’s Best Future Projects Residential Building’ Award World’s Best Health Building’ Award World’s Best High Education and Research Building’ Award World’s Best School’ Award World’s Best Shopping Centres’ Award World’s Best Transport Building’ Award World’s Best Villa’ Award Landscape of the Year’ Award World Building of the Year
Perry Park, Australia, designed by HASSELL Beijing Artist Gallery Project, China, designed by Aedas Agu City Campus, Turkey, designed by EAA-EmreArolat Architects Rigshospitalet - The North Wing, Denmark, designed by 3XN C3 House, New Zealand, designed by RTA Studio Tianjin Binhai New District, China, designed by HASSELL 120 Fenchurch Street, London, United Kingdom, designed by Eric Parry Terasa 153, Montenegro, Serbia and Montenegro, designed by Sanjay Puri Architects The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia designed by BillardLeece Partnership and Bates Smart University of Arts London Campus for Central Saint Martins at King’s Cross, London, United Kingdom, designed by Stanton Williams Binh Duong School, Vietnam, designed by Vo TrongNghia Architects T-Site, Japan, designed by Klein Dytham Architects Bodrum International Airport, Turkey, designed by Tabanlioglu Architects Shearer’s Quarter on North Bruny Island, Australia, designed by John Wardle Architects Kallang River Bishan Park, Singapore, designed by Atelier Dreiseitl Cooled Conservatories at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore
Shearer’s Quarter on North Bruny Island, Australia, designed by John Wardle Architects
this year, against a challenging economic climate, reflected the festival’s theme of ‘Rethink and Renew’. It highlighted the need for innovative and creative approaches to existing buildings and areas, and questioned whether it is time for architecture to rethink its role and if it is delivering for those it serves. A varied range of conference sessions, seminars, workshops
19
and exhibitions were held at the World Architecture Festival apart from which keynote speeches were delivered by Moshe Safdie, Olympic cauldron designer Thomas Heatherwick, Austrian architect Wolf D. Prix and Malawi born architect and writer Peter Buchanan. Coming back to the WAF Awards, the short listing took place in London. Though the process
Darling Quarter, Sydney, Australia, designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp
Stacking Green, Vietnam, designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects
of short listing was tedious the judges were incredibly impressed with the standard and diverse range of entries. Ken Yeang one of the jury members noted, “The entries provide a great window on the world of architecture. The entries really reflect where the work is, with an encouraging amount of entries from South East Asia and South America.” The WAF award categories are not only extensive but it also encompasses the very best the world of architecture has to offer from a global perspective. Contact: www.worldarchitecturefestival.com
20
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Fair News
Build Eco Xpo Date 10 - 12 October 2012 Venue Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Contact web: www.yoursingapore.com Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia is a priority business event for Southeast Asia’s building market. The exhibition is focused on building green, featuring eco-friendly, energy efficient building materials, design and architecture for the future of sustainable environments. It incorporates critical content that enhances your competitive advantage and knowledge of the sector. The event brings together industry practitioners, professionals and key buyers across the regions to learn, network and do business with Southeast Asia’s developing economies.
Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show Date 11 - 14 October 2012 Venue BC Place Stadium Vancouver, Canada Contact www.vancouverhomeanddesignshow.com Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show occupies the pride of place of being the original show of its kind in Vancouver. The event offers participants the chance of generating useful sales and information leads, and to get a better exposure for the products and services that they may be showcasing at the show. The latest styles and patterns that are currently in vogue in the interior design industry are brought under the spotlight at this event, and lifestyle options are discussed as well. Those attending the Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show also have the scope of previewing the newest styles in kitchen designing, green decorations and furniture patterns as well.
Expo Elettronica - Faenza 2012 Date 20 - 21 October 2012 Venue Faenza Fiere, Italy Contact web: www.expoelettronica.blunautilus.it Expo Elettronica 2012 is Italy’s most famous and popular trade fair for the electronics and electrical industry. Showcasing home appliances and electrical equipments, the show will be a one of its kind for the industry. At the event, exhibitors will be able to meet major buyers in the region and conduct crucial business meetings.
The Dutch Design Week Date 20 - 28 October 2012 Venue Eindhoven, Netherlands Contact web: www.ddw.nl The eleventh edition of Dutch Design Week (DDW) takes place in Eindhoven. DDW presents unparalleled ideas, individualistic works and insightful solutions devised by innovative designers. More than 1,500 designers display their work ranging from industrial design, spatial design, and graphic design to textiles, sustainable design and design management & trends. The event offers unique insights into the nearby future of design, hosting a dazzling amount of creativity from hundreds of renowned designers and young talents. There are 80 different locations housing more than 300 events. Besides exhibitions, there are numerous lectures, workshops, fashion shows and seminars. Unless stated otherwise, admission to the exhibitions is free of charge.
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
21
Fairs & Exhibitions Date 18 - 21 October 2012, Index Trade Fair Mumbai Venue MMRDA Exhibition Centre Contact web: www.ubmindexfairs.com
Date 18 - 21 October 2012, Acetech 2012 Venue Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India Contact web: www.etacetech.com
India’s key trade event for the furniture and interior architectural products industry, Index Trade Fairs, Mumbai is an industry specific fair held concurrent with 6 trade fairs on furniture, office, contract, lighting, international furniture and architecture. It is the best platform to check out the latest products from the top manufactures of India as well as from Italy, Germany and Brazil. Index Fairs are known to bring together the trade and industry segments from all over the country as well as overseas, in very significant numbers. In keeping with the stringent business standards, the entry to the trade fairs is restricted purely to business visitors, ensuring that participants have time to meet and dedicate quality time to their top business prospects. Special business meetings are lined up between the overseas participants and the visiting architects, interior designers, trade promoters, etc.
Acetech 2012, presented by The Economic Times is solely dedicated to the fast growing and the very popular construction industry. The Indian construction industry has a major influence on our nation’s economy. The construction industry is amongst one of the fastest growing sectors in India and comes with a promising future. As the national economy grows a social and financial demand for infrastructural update increases a strategic study of this growth shows us the evident signs of multiplying opportunities due to increase in demand. Acetech 2012 is the perfect platform to showcase your products, services, equipments and new technologies. The event caters to a worldwide mass audience who demand new technologies and updates in the field of construction.
100% Design Shanghai Date 8 - 10 November, 2012 Venue Shanghai Exhibition Centre (SEC), Shanghai Contact web: www.100percentdesign.com.cn 100% Design Shanghai is an exclusive furniture and interiors trade show in China focusing on the high-end, contemporary design market. One of the leading business networking platforms for contemporary and innovative interior design products in China, the event will showcase some of the world’s top international brands. Additionally, it will also feature some of the most innovative and emerging designers from China and Asia. Organized by Reed Exhibitions, 100% Design Shanghai will showcase original furniture designs, lighting, bathroom and kitchen coverings and floor and wall coverings, seeking to create a dynamic atmosphere for innovative and trendsetting ideas. Attracting discerning buyers from department stores, hotels, restaurants, developers, distributors, architects, boutiques, clubs, importers, interior designers, specifiers, wholesalers and several others, this place is all set to become the premiere venue for exhibitors to interact and meet the buying needs of key specific and buyers.
Ceramics Date 31 October - 03 November, 2012 Venue Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center, Moscow Contact web: www.eng.crocus-expo.ru Ceramics will be a major show which deals with the ceramics industry. The fair will be held over a period of four days. The event is organized by Crocus Expo. The exhibition will be held in its first edition and the exhibitors of the show will inform the consumers of ceramics products, the modern and innovative processes in the industry. The ceramics products used in the building sector will also be displayed in the show. Ceramics will is where exhibitors will also display the wide variety of equipment and machines for the mining and processing of the ceramics raw materials and transportation of raw materials and finished ceramics goods. The exhibitors of the show will be able to market and promote their products and services efficiently among the visitors.
22
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Event Review
C
eramics, a versatile and malleable material used by humans since antiquity, has created forms, accommodated lights, colours and communicated ideas. The variety of installations and displays of ceramic products set up in Italy, during the Cersaie fair offers visitors an overview of this material’s expressive capabilities through the interpretations of various manufacturers. Cersaie celebrated 30 years this year of an extraordinary history in which the Italian ceramic industry has consolidated its position as the world leader in terms of quality. Held in Bologna, Italy, from the 25th to the 29th September, 2012, Cersaie confirmed its status as one of the key international events for the ceramic tiles and bathroom furnishings sectors with more than
Cersaie 2012 Cersaie, held every September in Bologna,
Italy, is an international extravaganza of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings. BY ULKA
Cersaie has confirmed its status as one of the key international events for the ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings sectors
seminars with speakers from a range of backgrounds (including architecture), discussing chosen themes from various standpoints. The Design Goes Sci-Fi lecture was truly riveting with Italian veteran designer Cini Boeri (she designed the iconic ‘Ghost’ chair) and American sci-fi author, science geek and futuristic material pioneer Bruce Sterling go head-to-head.
100,000 visitors, of which 32% were international visitors. Cersaie’s success is due to its international appeal and the fact that it is a showcase for several extremely successful sectors like ceramic tiles, bathroom furnishings and sanitary ware. This year the theme ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking’ (which was stirred-up by the recession), encouraged future imagination by reflecting the present and studying the past. The ‘Young Architects Scrape the Sky’ competition mirrored that sentiment beautifully and we saw eight winning young designers display visually striking models of ingenuity. The keynote lecture given by Pritzker prize winner, Eduardo Souto de Moura this year was attended by an audience of more than 1,300 people. Cersaie also hosted a series of conferences and
Japanese Architect Shigeru Ban who talked about his ‘magical’ paper tube structures and his work done in areas afflicted by natural disasters, also saw a house-full audience sitting in rapt attention. Likewise, new initiatives were specially launched for Cersaie 2012; Tiling City, an event that hosted the world tiling champions and several Italian building schools and ‘Cersaie Designs Your Home’, an initiative organised with the aim of offering private consumers free consultation on renovating their homes and choosing materials was a big success.
This year’s after show programme featured numerous initiatives, including the official opening of an exhibition of works of Souto de Moura in the National Art Gallery (Pinacoteca) of Bologna and the initiative ‘Bologna Water Design’, succeeded in attracting visitors to the cultural events held on each day of the show, including installations by designers such as Michele de Lucchi and Diego Grandi. There was also a presentation ceremony for the Ceramics of Italy Journalism Award 2012, the award for the best article on Cersaie and the Italian ceramic tile industry
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
published in magazines worldwide. From the 150 articles submitted in 2011 - published in 71 different journals in 24 different countries - the chosen winner was “Ceramic
23
meets Design at Cersaie” by Anish Bajaj, Managing Editor, Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. The article had appeared in our October issue of The Inside Track.
Stalls saw everything from coffeecup shaped toilet bowls to Bisazza’s ingeniously designed sinks with builtin lamps. The Bisazza area also had on display Marcel Wanders’ curvaceously sexy bathtub with blood-red fittings. Hansgrohe unveiled Philippe Starck’s beautiful organic bath collection, but a big win for India was the Somany Tiles stall, which marked the debut for an Indian company at Cersaie. Way to go! Contact: web: www.cersaie.it
Anish Bajaj, the Editor & Publisher of ‘The Inside Track’ received the Ceramics of Italy Journalism Award 2012 for the article “Ceramic meets Design at Cersaie”
The First And Only Indian Company To Participate In Cersaie Exhibition, Italy Somany has achieved a new feat on the global platform by participating at the Cersaie exhibition, the most renowned and the largest ceramic exhibition in the world. Somany as a global company has a strong foothold in the markets like Middle East, Africa, South Africa, Russia, UK and USA. This was our endeavor to further strengthen our presence in European countries as we
are now competing with the world’s best brands in Italy and Spain. It was an honor for us to be chosen as the only company from India to exhibit itself at such a renowned coliseum. Somany was represented by its senior management including Mr.Abhishek Somany - Jt.M.D, Ms.Minal Somany, Mr. G.G. Trivedi - CEO, Mr.Sanjeev Ranjan - D.G.M - Marketing, Mr.Rahul Sharma - D.G.M,
Mr.Abhishek Somany, Joint Managing Director, Somany Ceramics Ltd. with guest at the Somany stall
Mr. Amit Bhatnagar - Head, Intenational Business and Mr. Vivek Gupta - A.G.M. We showcased our best in class products there and got a wonderful response from the visitors. Besides this, the newly launched products like 800x800mm sized tile, the King Sized tile of 600x1200mm, the digital tiles and not to forget our Star product - the Patented VC Shield grab the eyeballs and won the accolades from eminent business houses to the visitors. Advt.
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
24
THE INSIDE TRACK October 2012
Interview continued from page 1 although with the organic shapes the design is something completely novel. Secondly, the products are full of innovative ideas. For example, the separation of temperature and volume control without using a thermostat is something new in a basin mixer. The benefits are that after washing your hands you can turn off the water without water drops drying and staining the chrome surface, making cleaning much less of a hazard. The volume control has a “locking position” at 3,5 l/min, helping to save water, but, if required, full flow can be easily provided by turning the spout beyond the interim locking point. The nozzle has 90 individual jets at the end of the spout, creating a wonderfully soft and sensual experience even at ver y low flow rates. And, finally, the unique internal water flow through pressure hoses
Axor Starck Organic stands not only for the collection’s design and responsible use of water and energy, but also points to its sustainable aspects
and inlays avoids any contact with the mixer body, keeping the surface cool and accommodating the latest and future standards as far as chrome and nickel are concerned. So design and innovation go hand in hand.
The Axor Starck Organic collection offers more than 40 products. When will the entire range be introduced in the Indian market? The European launch is just commencing, shortly after the first presentation in a special event in Berlin this September. We will be launching the full collection in India at the beginning of 2013. Can you share details on the pricing of the Axor Starck Organic range? How does it compare with other Axor collections? I am sure people will be surprised to see the price points of the collection.
Of course as an Axor product it caters to premium and luxury market segments, but the new collection is actually positioned at the same level as the existing Starck classic collections. Hansgrohe is continuously moving towards sustainability through their designs, what else is in store? Since 2011 all of our basin mixers
are equipped with an aerator, limiting the maximum flow to 5,2 l/min, independent of the pressure. This is a simple but very effective contribution towards saving water. All of Hansgrohe’s showers are available as EcoSmart options, mostly using our proven Air technology used in millions of products all over the World, saving up to 30% water. We are just introducing the next generation of our extremely successful Raindance showers, Raindance Select. These showers all contain the latest technology for water saving and the unique, single select button to choose the desired spray type, including our featured water-saving RainAir spray. The first showers are now being launched in India with the rest of the programme to follow shortly. We take water saving very seriously, since where this is no water, people do not require our products. Unlike some other companies, Hansgrohe believes in real sustainability: in our products, in our manufacturing processes and in our business models. Sustainabilty goes beyond just headlines and slogans and has to encompass all aspects of the business. What other unique products can the Indian market hope to look forward to from Hansgrohe in the near future? We all know ISH is just around the corner, the World’s largest exhibition for sanitary products, to be held in Frankfurt in March 2013. As always, at Hansgrohe we
will positively surprise our customers with complete series of new products offering our definition of innovation: new features that really provide user benefits and not just gimmicks. We always try to make these available for our Indian customers as soon as possible after the first launch. So 2013 will be a good year for us with many new and exciting messages to deliver. Contact www.hansgrohe.in