The Inside Track February 2016

THE

Volume 10. Issue 2. February 2016 Rs. 25/-

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

Artize Sweeps Global Design Awards Artize is a luxury bath brand from the Jaquar group. It has been introduced to cater to customers who aspire for luxury in their bathing spaces.

Artize creates delightful experiences for the everyday.

Drawing inspiration from the world around, and interpreting it in a design sensibility that is utterly unique, the brand explores and innovates to create memorable products.

The firm follows a singular approach that combines the highest quality standards with brilliant performance in a range of elegant, complete bathing solutions. From fine materials, inventive engineering, and an eye for detail, every single offering from Artize is nothing short of exceptional.

Their award-winning portfolio includes a range of highlycrafted faucets, as well as a selection of beautifully designed showers.

For the second year running, Artize proved itself as a leader in design and technology with wins at four major global design awards: the iF Design Awards, the Good Design Awards Chicago, the Plus X Awards and the Elle Deco International Design Awards.

A blend of design, technology, precision and quality Artize, a luxury bath brand from the Jaquar Group, aims to craft exquisite bathing spaces and bath fittings designed for luxury.

Linea: Recipient of the iF Design Award

multi-disciplinary design studio where he leads a creative team building cutting edge, holistic and intelligent design solutions in diverse categories ranging from lifestyle products, smart wearable technology, branding, and spatial experience.

Through its superb design team, Artize pays tribute to the fine traditions of exquisite craftsmanship and precision through a wide range of products that are designed to create trends in the bathing industry.

Artize’s victory at some of the most prominent awards ceremonies is a recognition of the brand being counted as one of the best in the world in the faucet, sanitary ware and wellness space.

Lisa Bosi

graduated in Venice. She practises interior and industrial design in Italy, and collaborates with leading global brands as well.

DanelonMeroni

is an innovative London-based product design studio led by founders Claudia Danelon and Federico Meroni. DanelonMeroni home and bathroom collections have been featured in major European trade fairs and widely published in the design press.

Parichay Mehra

spearheads the design team for the Jaquar Group, and has received some of the world’s most prestigious design awards for his unique blend of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, finish, and aesthetics.

Confluence, Linea, Tiara: Recipients of the Good Design Award

Design that e n a b l e s feather touch movement, Linea is a strikingly simple design that is shaped like a rectangular bar with operational motion also limited to a single direction.

Inspired by the idea of minimalism, the basin mixer is as stylish and spectacular as it is impressive in the advanced technology it embodies.

Confluence has been created for people who would like to engage with water in the most natural way.

The biomorphic design has been thoughtfully created with dual flow aerators that ensure that the flowing water never leaves the contours of the organic bambooinspired channel and that it arrives without creating a splash.

The iF Design Award provides participants with opportunities to achieve worldwide success in various categories including product, communication design and interior architecture. .

The Chicago Athenaeum presents the Good Design Awards Program for the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world.

Michael Foley

is the founder of a unique Tiara, Linea: Recipients of the Plus X Award

Artize pays tribute to the fine traditions of craftsmanship and precision through a wide range of products. The brand partners with leading international industrial designers to create worldclass solutions for the bath and wellness industry. web: www.artize.com Tiara: Recipient of EDIDA

High quality and design are the key factors for the Tiara Basin Mixer. The concept for Tiara brings a sense of mystique to the idea of a faucet.

Tiara’s concentric rings originate from the play of echoing ripples of water and give the faucet a unique sense of mystique. The inner ring swings to give access to running water and seamlessly stops without spilling a drop when swung back. The solid brass body ensures the durability of the faucet; the ceramic cartridge creates a smooth, regulated water flow.

The Plus X Award is one of the world’s largest innovation awards for technology, sports and lifestyle and honours manufacturers for their quality advantage.

The EDIDA is a unique international event where 25 editors-in-chief of the Elle Decoration international network gather to award global excellence in design in 13 categories.

The design for Linea is simplified to the largest extent, that eliminates every unnecessary layer between the user and the experience of the product.

Volume 10. Issue 2 . February 2016 Rs. 25/-

THE

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

Cover Story

O

ver the past few years, India has gradually begun to expand its horizons with respect to design and architecture.

Increasingly, Indian products and architectural projects have garnered attention on several international plat f o r m s d ue t o t h e i r hi g h design quality.

Here we have a look at some of the projects and products that have received accolades and awards over the past year.

Re s e r vo i r - Wi n n e r, Fu t u re P r o j e c t s : O f f i c e , Wo r l d Architecture Festival This project by Sanjay Puri Architects is an attempt to merge aesthetics with sustainable design.

This site is located in Rajasthan amidst desert land where water is a scarcity and temperatures are in excess of 40°C. Hence this project borrows heavily from the traditional Rajasthani step well structure to combat the extreme environment.

Office spaces are created on the two north facing sides gradually stepping down at each level along the existing contours, generating north facing landscaped terraces fronting each office.

The opposite south facing sides are shaped into open stepped platforms along the site’s contours

Outstanding

By Design

The previous year has been an exceptional one with many Indian products and projects being recognised on the national and global scale. BY ALYSSA LOBO Reservoir by Sanjay Puri Architects borrows heavily from the traditional Rajasthani step well structure to combat the extreme environment

further generating landscaped s p a c e s a n d c re a t i n g a l a r g e community space as the traditional stepwells had.

Abin Design Studio’s Temporary Temple was to shelter a religious idol, with a notion of continuous movement as its guiding principle

The design is responsive to the site contours, the climate of its location and to the need of its users, generating office spaces that require much lower energy consumption due to their orientation while imbibing the traditional architecture prevalent in the region since centuries and creating a large water catchment area in response to the water scarcity prevalent in the location.

The entire structure will be built in local Chittorgarh sandstone available in close proximity of the site.

The design is thus sustainable in numerous ways creating an energy efficient responsive architectural solution.

designed to shelter a religious idol, with a notion of continuous movement as its guiding principle.

The idea was to create a composition of light and colour, which would convey movement and playfulness.

Vibrantly hued LED lights are placed around a rising circular volume to emphasize the focal point while guiding visitors around the pavilion on a journey of everchanging views.

The project was one among 60 that were chosen from across the world, and were awarded the 2015 International Architecture Award by the Chicago Athenaeum, an international museum of architecture and design.

Temporary Temple - Winner International Architecture Awards Abin Design Studio’s project is a temporary structure that was

Acrysil’s SaniQ Kristall Washbasin - Red Dot Honourable Mention This peculiar basin with a multicontinued on page 4

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

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INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS

February 2016

COVER Outstanding By Design 3 STORY Acrysil’s SaniQ Kristall Washbasin was inspired by the multifaceted light reflection of a pure, natural crystal

continued from page 3 faceted bowl is from Acrysil Limited, India. The company is a pioneer in Composite Quartz Technology and is now amongst top largest producers of Quartz and Granit Sinks in the world. This washbasin, the result of a joint-venture between Acrysil and Sternhagen, was inspired by the multifaceted light reflection of a pure, natural crystal. The washbasin SaniQ Kristall was designed by Emamidesign, Germany.

For easy cleaning all edges of the basin are inconspicuously rounded.

The look of freshly hewn splinters is maintained. Just as no crystal is like another in nature, this object leaves different impressions depending on the perspective. The quartz surface has an antibacterial effect; it is harder and more heatresistant than ceramic.

In a statement accompanying their decision, the jury said, continued on page 5

What Is Making A Mark In India? 8 Young Blood 10 Alejandro Aravena Wins The Pritzker 12 Augmenting Architecture 14 Outliving The Trends 15 Building A Market 16 Revolutionising The Furniture Segment 18 Leading The Market Through Innovation 19 Matching Quality With Competition 20 Exhibitions and Fairs 22 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 23 Table With A Built-in Lamp 28

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This issue contains 28 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Senior Sub-Editor Alyssa Lobo Sub-Editors Tasneem S. Pocketwala, Rehana Hussain Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Darshan Palav, Priyanka A. Dhumal, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai Rakesh Kini (Head-Marketing), Ganesh Gurav, Vivek Jadhav. B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Email:response@marvelinfomedia.com Delhi Ms. Sumita Prakash, Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi Tel: 9899179540 Email: sumitabiswas63@ gmail.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman, Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel: (044) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder, 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel: (033) 2410 4296 Mob: 9831131395 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

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continued from page 4

Godrej Edge Digi: The exterior graphic shows an awareness for the Indian cultural sphere

“Looking like pure crystal, SaniQ Kristall conveys the impression of durability and purity. The highquality version in quartz clearly comes up to this requirement.”

Godrej Edge Digi, Direct Cool Refrigerator Range - Good Design Award, Japan: Household goods and daily necessities This Stylish Edge Digi direct cool refrigerator range by Godrej, has the convenience of fully automatic defrosting like a frost free refrigerator and the cooling retention of a direct cool refrigerator even under an electrical power outage situation, such as those prevailing in most parts of India.

This is the most energy efficient refrigerator in a country facing high power deficit. Thoughtful design provides for a large vegetable storage section, in keeping with the needs of most Indian consumers.

The product uses environment friendly substances demonstrating strong commitment to the Montreal protocol, a treaty that phases out substances that lead to ozone layer depletion. The designers were Suhas Kulkarni, Bhasker Panyam, Vijay Mahajan and Jashish Kambli.

The product was praised for its “acute awareness towards taking the environment” and how it had been localised to the Indian market.

Say the jury, “We felt that the

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Resonance by GoodEarth is an eco-village with emphasis on streets as friendly, social and interactive spaces

graphic on its exterior shows a strong awareness for the Indian cultural sphere.”

Resonance - Group Housing: Residential, NDTV Design and Architecture Awards 2015 GoodEarth, an architectural group known for constructing environment-friendly and sustainable neighbourhoods won for its project ‘Resonance’ in the Group Housing: Residential category. The project was designed and developed by Stanley

George (civil engineer) and Natasha Iype (architect).

GoodEarth Resonance is an eco-village spread over nine acres of land, located in Kengeri, Bangalore. The project is one of the communities of the Malhar Eco-village. With Resonance the emphasis has been on streets as friendly, social and interactive spaces. These streets, with chatty street corners and cluster parks, loop around the neighbourhood continued on page 6

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

continued from page 5 and converge at the plaza and lead to a large playground. The open spaces are planned at different levels, in response to the natural topography of the land, and are linked to each other, through densely wooded paths, which will be pedestrianized.

Eclectic Indian Penthouse A’ D e s i g n Aw a r d W i n n e r : Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category This penthouse in Kolhapur, designed by Nupur Magdum and Satyajit Bhosle of Sernya Spaces, uses wood and rustic finishes, with minimal glass to create a warm and lived in feel. The roots are very Indian, but still contemporary and chic. The interior is a juxtaposition of heirlooms, artefacts and furniture, collected over time.

Eclectic Indian Penthouse by Sernya Spaces uses wood and rustic finishes, with minimal glass to create a warm and lived in feel

The eye logo provocating one to surrender themselves while eating was taken as a conceptual springing point; being a physical manifestation of the sensorial experience that leads one onto a journey within a parallel universe - one of nostalgia away from

La Folie, Palladium by Rooshad Shroff Architecture and Design: The designer develops the act of teleportation through the ferris wheel

The cantilever staircase was pivotal to the design. The structural fabrication entailed experimentation and trial and error to reduce the vibration play, as the span of each tread is above 1.2 m. It resulted in a heavy 4ft. deep structural beam running along in the supporting walls. The terrace finishes are I.P.S (Indian patent stone), which is a long lost permanent finishing technique for which labour had to be trained in material application and finishing.

La Folie, Palladium - Interior Award: Hospitality, NDTV Design and Architecture Awards 2015 The firm, Rooshad Shroff Architecture and Design won for this whimsical design for the Palladium Mall branch of La Folie Patisserie in Lower Parel, Mumbai.

The interiors emphasise the key aspects of the brand: importance of the ingredients, a whimsical nature, the journey and sensorial experience of a good meal. These were the starting points for the design of the space.

reality to a playful, happy and whimsical place. Within the space at Palladium, the designer develops the act of teleportation through the ferris wheel being synonymous to a clock, unrolling through time onto a whimsical escapade, from reality to fantasy.

The design is approached on two fronts - the macro and the micro. Visually it makes a large impact as one approaches the store, but once inside, there is a micro level of detailing from the structure to the display, the visual merchandising, branding which is what makes the space more interesting. selfhelp.ao - Winner, Product or Furniture Design: National, IIID - Anchor Awards 2015 This bathroom accessory designed by the multidisciplinary firm, Archohm Consultants tackles three major issues in a typical toiletaccessories’ layout. Firstly, ease of access; nowadays all bathroom accessories are wall mounted, thereby limiting accessibility. Secondly, cleaning the toilet is tedious, as all

the clutter needs to be removed and put back in place. Lastly, the visual aesthetic of a clean bathroom by combining various functions in a single product liberates and lends a neat impression to the overall sanitary experience. The product speaks of an uninterrupted linear anatomy with a minimalistic monochromatic vocabulary; that defines its précised design nature. selfhelp.ao is designed keeping in mind the aforementioned issues.

It is an independent accessory stand for toilets, that brings together a self-supporting system comprising of a towel hanger, toilet paper holder, a tray for toiletries and a dustbin cum storage bin.

Redefining space planning in bathrooms, it frees the walls of busy shelving arrangements and fixtures. Being self-defined, it has the ability to de-clutter and add efficiency to even the most conventional bathroom setups.

This metal product can be easily coordinated with different colour stories as per the toilet.

GH-20 ‘The Palm’ Door Handle - Good Design Award, Chicago: Hardware 2015 ‘ T h e P a l m’ D o o r H a n d l e

selfhelp.ao by Archohm Consultants combines various functions in a single product

was designed by Kishor and Ketan Khambhayta of Dunex Architectural Pvt. Ltd. The product was made using anticorrosive high grade AISI 316 Stainless Steel and manufactured with the highest possible standards. The GH-20 ‘The Palm’ Door Handle design was inspired from The Palm Island, Dubai. The idea was to create a fancy design door handle using stainless steel material.

Stainless steel door handles have largely been simple style designs made using round, square, rectangle and mould casting materials. One needs to opt for brass/aluminium/ zinc based handles with stainless steel finish coating for fancy door handles. It is difficult for

Dunex’s ‘The Palm’ Door Handle is made from anticorrosive high grade AISI 316 Stainless Steel

a stainless steel door handle to compete in fanciness with those made of brass/aluminium/zinc material as stainless steel is tough to machine compared to them.

The handle is manufactured using conventional CNC/ Automated machiner y is not possible at some stages of handle production. The handle is made using conventional machines, water-jet cutting technology and is finished by polishing and sandblasting equipment. The handle design is of a palm tree, made using a solid round bar of stainless steel, machined into shape and given a slight bend.

No casting made components were used.

In addition to this, the manufacturer used an environment friendly process and technique.

That’s why Dunex’s company premises is known as a ‘Factory in a Garden’.

Contact web: www.sanjaypuriarchitects.com www.abindesignstudio.com www.acrysil.com www.godrejappliances.com www.goodearth.org.in www.rooshads.wix.com/rooshadshroff www.archohm.com www.dunex.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Design Spl.

E

veryone listens when the expert speaks. And when the trendsetters of design are asked to opine, we get myriad insights into design that nonetheless reveal something about where trends are headed.

For this month’s Design Speak theme, we at The Inside Track set out to ask reputed and influential architects and designers what they thought of design in India today, their most preferred materials, what they think of the online boom and what, according to them, constitutes good design.

Their answers, we discover, are as divergent as they are insightful in their particularity.

Minnie Bhatt , Interior Designer and Founder of Minnie Bhatt Design

What Is Making A Mark In India?

The Inside Track set out to ask reputed and influential architects and designers what they think of design in India today. BY ALYSSA LOBO & TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA How do you rate the online furniture/ furnishing shopping experience? Any particular sites you believe have an interesting collection of products?

Online retail of furnishings and furniture is great for products that have a mass appeal. But this does not hold true for custom products which we in India, with the availability of skilled labour and artisans, like to create.

Contact web: www.minniebhatt.com Rushda Hakim, Principal Interior Designer and Partner at Design Office

How do you rate the online furniture/furnishing shopping experience? Any particular sites you believe have an interesting collection of products.

I am very impressed with the surge in the online furniture market in India in such a short time span. I rate it 8/10 deducting 2 points for the lack of exclusivity when things are available online. Urban Ladder has some interesting pieces at a very competitive price point. Iqrup+Ritz have some noteworthy furniture too.

Contact email: designofficemumbai@gmail.com

are proud to work in this direction every time we take up an assignment.

We also make sure that it fits into some of the criteria defined by us, including the requirement that it should be ‘magical’, ‘metaphorical’, ‘ b e n e f i c i a l’ , ‘s u s t a i n a b l e’ and ‘practical’.

Hardik Gandhi, Founder and Creative Head at DesignGandhi Godrej Aer Twist

Are there any Indian companies that have impressed you with product development of furnishings or furniture?

A company that has impressed me with international standard products in terms of design and quality is a Delhi-based company called Klove. Their hand blown glass shades and design of the entire fixture has a contemporary Indian aesthetic and are beautifully crafted.

While most material choices are site specific, do you see any particular material being used a lot more today?

While most materials are site specific, we do see greater use of stone in a new avatar. Ribbed leather, finished natural stones, etc. are widely used in interiors these days.

Are there any Indian companies that have impressed you with product development of furnishings or furniture?

Bandit Queen has exquisite furnishings.

Recently, NoMad has some lovely graphic prints that are distinctive.

Viya Home does some intrinsic Indian accent pieces in furniture. Bombay Atelier is another upcoming brand we work with for their fresh appeal.

While most material choices are site specific, do you see any particular material being used a lot more today?

People are warming up to using stone as their finishing material vis-à-vis the traditional marble. This is noticeable especially in commercial spaces.

Is there a product categor y or a new, innovative material that you’d like to work with this year?

I would like to explore 3D printing technology as it has immense possibilities including customisation and the ability to deal with complex forms and shapes. It is also quick and environment friendly.

Which product for you epitomises good design? Any particular Indian product?

According to me, good design is defined as ‘art with purpose’ and we

I can proudly say that Godrej Aer Twist is one of my favourite designs for such attributes, wherein we look into each and every aspect of ‘good design as good business’.

This design comes with a clever gel technology that makes sure your car smells consistently good for two months. It is also spill-proof and fits nicely in the cup-holder. It is one of the leading home and car fragrance brands in India today and we are proud to be associated with it.

Contact web: www.designgandhi.com Rebecca Reubens, Product Designer and Founder of Rhizome

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Is there a product category or a new, innovative material that you’d like to work with this year?

I think the most innovative materials are the ones aligned to sustainability.

Sustainability is a huge mega-trend which is growing in importance - justifiably so, because issues like climate change are real and need to be addressed, especially in design.

So for me, renewable materials traditionally used in the craft world, and newer materials which use waste - be it wood waste or textile waste - are a huge area I would like to explore. In terms of a product category, I would like to work on products for small multi-tasking urban homes, as well as on good affordable design for the base of the pyramid.

Which product for you epitomises good design? Any particular Indian product?

For me, a lot of craft-based products epitomise good design and obviously a lot of designers have already picked up on this and are reinventing within the realm of craft techniques.

For me, the hallmark of good Indian design is still craft products - be it Chennapatna toys, or the bamboo baskets of the NorthEast - which continue to inspire contemporary designers and have evolved over the passage of time.

Contact web: www.rhizomedesign.co.in Archis Patel, Interior Designer and Joint Owner of a+t associates

Whereas D’décor has furnishing fabrics that are sophisticated and contemporary in style, crafted for the connoisseurs of the finer things.

We get choices from the subtly muted to the charmingly classical to the breathtakingly bold, to create an environment that speaks for itself.

According to me, demand for such products will be propelled in the coming years due to their impressive designs and patterns.

While most material choices are site specific do you see any particular material being used a lot more today?

I think it’s Corian. It was created to last a lifetime. It has a unique quality that can be shaped to meet any virtual design we desire. A versatile material with utter smooth surface that is easy to live with in both domestic and commercial environments, and which is remarkably durable.

The evolution and addition of new pattern options are so enticing for glamorous countertops for bath or kitchens or furniture products or even exterior facades.

How do you rate the online furniture/furnishing shopping experience? Any particular sites you believe have an interesting collection of products.

I don’t prefer online furniture often but after a steaming research, I have found that Urban Ladder has really good products with comfort and elegance. It has a unique selection of stylish, contemporary, and chic furniture. The service is also great - punctual, professional and efficient.

Contact email: atassociates.05@gmail.com Fenny Ganatra, Master Designer at Fenny G

Are there any Indian companies that have impressed you with product development of furnishings or furniture?

My personal favourite Indian companies for furnishings and furniture are FabIndia & D’decor.

Fabindia has handmade products by craftspeople who use natural dyes for block printing, hand-woven fabrics and so on. It also attracts the international buyers who are fond of Indian crafts, décor and clothing.

Is there a product category or a new material that you’d like to work with this year?

I have worked with various experimental materials like TPU, Silicone, Solyx, Polycarbonate, etc. and various

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Mukul Goyal, Principal Designer and Director at Designwise India Pvt. Ltd

MakerBot Replicator

manufacturing technologies like injection moulding, rotomoulding, to achieve challenging forms. This year we would like to work with pure materials like wood, metal, fabric and try fresh/ new techniques to treat it.

Which product for you epitomises good design? Any particular Indian product?

The MakerBot Replicator epitomises good design as it is compatible with most of the softwares, making it easier and more accessible for everyone. It provides direct access in the work area and allows the designer and engineers to unleash their creativity.

Contact web: www.fennyg.com

Is there a product category or a new, innovative material that you’d like to work with this year?

I would like to experiment with leather and furniture.

Which product for you epitomises good design? Any particular Indian product?

There are many good products out there and many from India too. One that comes to my mind is the paper lamps by Jenny Pinto. They are great!

Contact web: www.mukulgoyal.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Design Spl.

T

he field of design seems to be flourishing in India and a young bunch of designers and architects is helping it propel even further. Young and emergent designers bring in a fresh perspective to design.

They determine in what direction design and innovation should be headed by taking inspiration from around the world and melding it with traditional, local and original design ideas.

We at The Inside Track have picked out a few of the most original and accomplished young designers, with some studios established as early as the 2010s.

Arjun Rathi, Arjun Rathi Design Arjun Rathi is the principal designer of the self-styled multidisciplinary design practice, Arjun Rathi Design. Rathi and his firm seem to be at home with the more technical aspects of design. An architect, industrial designer and a photographer, Rathi seems to be juggling differing aspects of his field remarkably well.

Young Blood We scope out some trending design professionals who are making their mark in the fields of architecture and design. BY ALYSSA LOBO & TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA Arjun Rathi Design works with both extremes of the design spectrum, creating single pieces with craftsmen on the one end, and collaborating with manufacturers to develop mass-produced objects on the other. For Rathi, “Each project proposes a simple solution that often involves a narrative aspect.

The approach to design is hands on, practical and collaborative.”

But who inspires the studio?

The reply is revealing and specific: “Works explored by Archi-gram, Super-Studio, Verner Panton and AMO are of great inspiration to us as they always look to better; or engage human imagination towards what more architecture and design can do for the living environment.”

The firm has a string of impressive projects lined up, included air-conditioned clothing which they have been researching for a few years and are finally close to a final initial product.

In a country like India, such clothing is automatically infused with much potential.

In terms of dabbling in new materials, the firm always wants to explore and research about them. Currently, the firm has been extensively looking into ‘cast glass’, a material that has the quality of frozen ice when lit, for the purposes of lighting and furniture design.

Contact: web: www.arjunrathi.wordpress.com

Geodesic Lamp Collection, Arjun Rathi Design

Fa r a h A h m e d a n d Dh a va l Shellugar, FADD Studio Farah Ahmed and Dhaval Shellugar seem to have chosen the name of their studio in delightful irony.

FADD is an acronym for Farah and Dhaval Design, but it also plays on the word ‘fad’, which refers to a passing trend or fashion.

FADD Studio refuses to stagnate into a singular style that becomes its ultimate identity. Having a pet style defeats the purpose of design, according to the duo, who believe that its purpose is to push new boundaries to accomplish something unique in each project.

Founded in 2012 in Bengaluru by the duo who met while working under Sandeep Khosla and Amaresh Anand for the firm, Khosla Associates, FADD Studio strives to create its own fads but not get too comfortable in any one in particular.

What inspires them is not restricted to the field of design. It could be anything from an element of nature, a colour combination well-used, a painting, or a brilliant piece of design in any field. As the team explains, “you have to be in the moment and get fired up when you see a spark!” More specifically though, the duo are inspired by the works of Zaha Hadid, Frank Ghery, Tadao Ando, and Sandeep Khosla.

Contact: web: www.faddstudio.com

Nadhani Residence (Bangalore), FADD Studio

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

The Black Rabbit (Bangalore), Maia Design

Shruti Jaipuria, Maia Design Shruti Jaipuria founded Maia Design, an eclectic interior architecture and spatial design studio in early 2011. This young firm is clear about what it wants

Titan Incubation Lab (Bangalore), Maia Design

to do and what it is not. It does not have a particular style, for instance. Proclaiming that they “design experiences,” the firm has a new and innovative design solution for each individual project. For this firm, how a space feels is as significant as how it appears.

Jaipuria at her firm delves into the function of spaces and tries to understand its context.

The team “orchestrates” the environment in such a way as to retain its context, functional requirements, the client’s own vision and how the firm believes the space can be utilised and interacted with.

Observing spaces and the way in which people interact with spaces, its language, its emotive aspect all are a part of Jaipuria’s process, which is something that is central to Maia Design as well.

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Speaking for her firm, Jaipuria explains that they “draw inspiration from the world around us, constantly questioning what we see and how it can be applied to the world of contemporary design. Nature, spirituality, mathematics, geometry, materials, people behaviour, colour, all provide us with an endless source of inspiration.”

Maia Design is also keenly i n t e re s t e d i n t h e re v i va l o f traditional arts and crafts, so also in sustainable design.

Contact: web: www.maiadesign.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Spot Light

A

lejandro Aravena of Santiago, Chile was selected as the 2016 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate on 13th January.

Aravena, 48, will be the 41st recipient of this much acclaimed prize, dubbed ‘architecture’s Nobel’, which highlights the significance of the award.

Over the last four decades, the Pritzker Award has been awarded to honour a living architect or architects whose built work epitomises qualities such as talent, vision and commitment, and in

Alejandro Aravena Wins The Pritzker The Chilean architect’s receiving

‘architecture’s Nobel’ this year reflects the triumph of humanitarian architecture. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA humanitarian design and not statement architecture.

Aravena is most known for his association with Elemental, a ‘do tank’ organisation as against a think tank one, that focuses on projects of public interest and strives towards making an impact socially. Under its purview are included housing, public space, infrastructure and

leaving space for the incoming residents to complete the houses for themselves and in doing so, raise themselves to a higher standard of living over time. This has the benefit of allowing social housing to be built on expensive land on a small budget, and also of fostering a sense of personal investment in the resident.

Alejandro Aravena of Santiago, Chile was selected as the 2016 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate such a way that they are made useful to the human cause and the built environment. The prize is awarded on an annual basis internationally to a living architect or architects for astounding achievements.

The award was established in 1979 by the Pritzker family of Chicago, United States through the family’s Hyatt Foundation. The award is sometimes also referred to as ‘the profession’s highest honour’. The Pritzker Architecture Prize includes $100,000 (US) and also a bronze medallion. It is officially presented

to the recipient at a ceremony that is held at an architecturally significant site from around the world. The formal award ceremony this year will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 4th April, 2016.

Aravena is Chile’s first Pritzker winner, and he is the fourth from South America overall. What is significant in Aravena’s win is that this is twice in a period of three years that the Pritzker jury has given relevance to an architect whose projects centre around Siamese Towers, Santiago, Chile

Aravena and Elemental took upon the task of reconstructing the city of Constitución where they built the incremental housing, Villa Verde

transportation and its approach is participatory, where the architects work closely with the public. Aravena has been leading Elemental since the year 2001.

Designer of over 2500 units of low-cost social housing, Elemental is especially acclaimed for its designing of a kind of social housing that they refer to as ‘half of a good house’.

Here, the design is done halfway,

A major project that Aravena was involved in is the UC Innovation Centre - Anacleto Angelini located at a Chilean university. This is a monolithic structure classified by huge openings with one cantilevered protrusion on the top level. Another university related project was the Siamese Towers, which is a classroom conjoined with office buildings and was completed in 1999.

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

architecture as an artful endeavour, as well as meeting today’s social and economic challenges.

Aravena, from his native Chile, has achieved both, and in doing so has meaningfully expanded the role of the architect.” Few architects indeed can effectively bring together architecture as art and architecture for a cause, and

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Aravena seems to be one of this lot. It is more a triumph than a surprise, then, that Aravena’s win brings, and this seems to point towards a kind of architecture with humanitarianism lying at its core.

Contact web: www.pritzkerprize.com www.elementalchile.cl

Post-Tsunami Sustainable Reconstruction Plan, Constitución, Chile

UC Innovation Centre - Anacleto Angelini, Chile

Following the 2010 earthquake and tsunami in Chile, Aravena and Elemental took upon the task of reconstructing the city of Constitución where they built the incremental housing Villa Verde and the Constitución Cultural Centre. Aravena is also the Director of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2016, titled “Reporting from the Front.”

The jury for the Pritzker Prize included architecture patron Peter Palumbo, US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Chinese

architect Yung Ho Chang, Spanish architect Benedetta Tagliabue, writer and curator Kristin Feireiss from Germany, and our very own Ratan N. Tata. In selecting Avarena as the laureate, the Jury Citation for the award says, in parts, “Alejandro Aravena epitomizes the revival of a more socially engaged architect, especially in his long-term commitment to tackling the global housing crisis and fighting for a better urban environment for all.”

The jury also stated, “Few have risen to the demands of practicing

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Spot Light

T

he latest publication from new media company, Skyboard is a unique artefact. Part coffee table book, part reference book; 50 Amazing Homes In India (Vol. 1) is a must have for anyone who is even casually interested in architecture.

It works as a source of inspiration for aspiring architects, a compilation of contemporary architectural trends for design professionals and a handy reference guide for those seeking to build a new home.

The book is packed with detailed information on each project, including data of 50 leading architectural firms with 482 professional photographs and 100 plans.

It also includes sketches, information about the products used and the consultants who worked on the project. The book sets itself to be the go-to resource in house design.

Curated by renowned architect Christopher Charles Benninger, this 464 pages, hard bound book, showcases 50 standalone homes across 23 locations of India. The final 50 were selected from a total of 300+ entries received from 276 firms.

One project per firm is featured in the book.

The book’s focus on standalone homes is encapsulated by Benninger in this line from the foreword to the book: “We buy apartments to live in, but we build houses to dream in.”

Skyboard promotes 50 Amazing Homes In India as ‘India’s first interactive architectural book’ and the concept is an intriguing one. Through Augmented Reality technology, the book allows readers to view video interviews of architects as they talk about the featured project.

Augmenting Architecture A new interactive book seeks to bridge

the gap between architects and potential clients. BY ALYSSA LOBO

50 Amazing Homes In India (Vol. 1) includes sketches, technical drawings, plans and information about consultants who worked on the projects

The company uses Blippar, one of the top Augmented Reality platforms, to stream these full HD videos. The video is simply an extension of the architects’ photos that are printed in the book.

To see the video, one needs a Wi-Fi connected mobile device.

After downloading the Blippar

Through Augmented Reality technology, the book allows readers to view video interviews of architects as they talk about the featured project

app, scan the page that has the interactive icon. Once the app scans it you can view the architect’s explanation of the project.

According to Dhwaj Shah Founder and CEO of Skyboard, “The idea is to bridge the gap between the architect and a potential client, looking to build an amazing home. These videos will help the client to understand the architect much better.”

There is much to look forward to, even for those who are not comfortable with today’s latest technology. There are houses of varying sizes and shapes, ranging from 2,500 sq. feet to as large as 25,000 sq. feet.

While the photos are a visual treat for readers, the book goes much beyond a mere collection of picturesque houses. Each project is accompanied by sketches, technical drawings and plans.

The reader gets a clear idea of how the facilities are planned and laid out.

Each home also includes unique material applications (roofing, hardware, flooring, etc.) which gives a look into the

architect’s way of thinking and his/hers specifications on brands and products.

This allows potential home builders a chance to know what products were used and where they were sourced from, allowing them to buy accordingly.

It also has data about consultants who worked on the project such as structural engineers, civil engineers and landscape designers.

The book is well structured with houses being divided according to site characteristics: city, garden home and hill top. There is also a section dedicated to ‘India House’, Benninger’s own residence which he designed himself.

On the whole, this book is a valuable resource for architecture enthusiasts of every kind. Skyboard has yet to decide on a curator and theme for the next volume.

50 Amazing Homes In India (Vol. 1) is priced at Rs. 4000 and is available in leading bookshops, big retail chains and airports.

Contact Skyboard Media Pvt. Ltd web:info@skyboard.co.in tel: 91-22-66912928 / 30

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Interview

S

ince its inception in Mumbai in 1953, Nitco has come a long way. One of the largest manufacturers of floor tiles in the country with a pan-India presence through its 22 offices, the company boasts of a large portfolio that includes marble, mosaic and metal craft. Nitco also exports tiles, dealing with countries such as Belgium, Oman, the Netherlands and other European countries and countries in the African continent as well.

Mr. Ashok Goyal -CEO, Nitco Ltd.

In order to understand Nitco’s potential, we speak to Mr. Ashok Goyal, CEO, Nitco Ltd. who gives us a lot of insight into the tiles segment, Nitco’s future strategies to deal with competition and what makes it so different from all other brands.

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

Nitco makes it a virtue to focus on quality, durability and timelessness.

Our products are not only of good material and good craftsmanship, but they also embody beauty and a sense of history. Most importantly, they outlive fleeting trends. What sets us apart is the ver y fact that we have always invested in the best available technology and machinery.

As a brand we are known to be innovators and trendsetters. In the present day, tiles are perceived as a signature way to do up one’s interiors. But an average Indian consumer is not equipped with an adequate knowledge about the types of tiles, its quality, brands, various finishes, and so on. We shall be focusing on

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Nitco:Outliving Trends Mr. Ashok Goyal tells us about Nitco’s latest products and the challenges it foresees in the year ahead. educating the customer on these various aspects.

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

Our latest offering is the Nitco Magnified Collection in Glazed Vitrified Category in sizes 600x1200 m, 800x800 mm, 600x600 mm with designs inspired from earthy elements. This exquisite collection offers three new tile finishes.

Among them, the Barnio Finish offers an extreme smooth surface that has a comfortable soft touch with zero sheen to enhance the design aesthetics.

The Enamelia Finish has a premium glass-top-like layer. It fortifies the surface against stains and scars, thereby increasing its durability. Then there is the Sugar Finish, which has a fine granular coarse texture with a unique sheen on the surface.

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

Today value-added and high-end tiles are sought out to serve as substitutes for traditional tiles due to an increase in people’s disposable

incomes. Also, the replacement cycle has shortened to once in 8-10 years compared to once or twice in a lifetime.

But there are several places where there is an under-penetration of tiles, especially in rural areas.

All these factors shall help us to grow.

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

Imports have picked up in the last six months and are available at a lower price difference of 15 per cent. The imposition of antidumping duties in several European countries, in countries like Taiwan, Brazil, etc. on imports from China may have prompted Chinese tile manufacturing companies to look at the Indian market in a big way. These Chinese imports impact eight to nine per cent of industry volumes in coastal regions such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Kochi, among others.

Also we need to take serious measures to stop this unhealthy practice considering the gap in demand and supply. Today, the annual tile consumption in India is estimated at 650 million square metres a g a i n s t a p ro d u c t i o n w h i c h ranges between 750-780 million square metres.

In today’s day and age, tiles are perceived to be a signature way to do up one’s interiors

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

With tremendous scope in rural market, we shall be focusing on building an efficient distribution network to expand our reach. Reaching out to sub-dealers is vital for us too.

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

Today, all the major tile manufacturing companies, including us, have adopted an asset-light strategy for future growth that is a joint venture (JV) model. This has eased the competition between organised and unorganised players and facilitated growth. Also the burden of heavy capital investment has reduced, enabling us to focus on operating costs.

The e-commerce industry is flourishing in India. Does your company plan to have an online presence soon?

Yes, e-commerce is being embraced in almost all retail businesses today. We are also contemplating on this mode of distribution so that we can ensure timely customer service.

Contact web: www.nitcotiles.in

“Our products are not only of good material and good craftsmanship, but they also embody beauty and a sense of history,” says Mr. Goyal

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Interview

B

SH Home Appliance Group, manufacturers of leading brands, Siemens and Bosch have a new strategy in line for their

Gunjan Srivastava, M.D. & C.E.O., BSH Household Appliances Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.

Indian operations: they are going to create the dishwasher market!

This may seem like an uphill task for some, but Rudolf Walfort, Executive Vice President of BSH Group, Head of Product Division Dish Care and Gunjan Srivastava, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BSH Household Appliances Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. believe that India is uniquely suited to the purpose of the dishwasher. We speak to them about the dishwasher’s future in India.

Your company celebrates 50 years of experience in the dishwasher segment. How has the dishwasher transformed over the years in usability and features?

Walfort: The first product had roughly 60 litres water consumption.

It was the best one 50 years ago.

Today the average is 10 litres; that is 1/6th or around 80% less. In terms of power consumption, it depends on the program but the average is one kWh, per whole cycle. In former times it was six kWh. In terms of noise, in former times it was 60 dB; that’s the same as a street in Mumbai.

And now the one we have in kitchens is 39dB. Now we have open kitchens and if you are in the living room, you can hear what is going on in the kitchen. If you have an appliance which makes 60 dB noise; you can forget about watching television.

In terms of how much detergent and salt is used for the water softener, everything has improved. There is a big improvement in cost of performance, in terms of cleaning and drying. In former times it was impossible to dry plastics because there is no storage of heat in them.

Building A Market BSH Home Appliance Group seeks to unlock the potential of the dormant dishwasher market in India.

Today we have new technologies, like the Zeolith technology, with special programs that dry plastic as well.

In terms of cycle time, it is mostly the same. If you have very heavily soiled dishes, you don’t just put it into the dishwasher and start the button. It takes some time to bring water on it; the detergent has to go into the dirt on the tableware.

That’s the main reason why it takes so much time. It’s not that the rinse is too slow or the pressure of the water is not enough. It’s a question of chemicals and absorption of the dirt. Sixty minutes is the fastest and two hours is the longest.

What are some of the innovations that BSH is working on in the dishwasher category?

and adopted. We are at a very early stage of a new concept being introduced to the Indian market.

And our first evaluation is that the need is very much there because all of us are washing dishes every day.

So dishwashing is not a need we have to create.

Secondly, since it is a new concept, we have to make people aware of its benefits and deal with their concerns; for which we talk to consumers across the country.

People are clearly talking about space as a constraint: is my kitchen large enough, or is it equipped enough to get a dishwasher installed?

Since most of us have small apartments and kitchens, that is definitely one of the questions which we will have to address.

Apart from this, there are myths-

when a dish comes out, it is 99.9% germ free.

It’s all about making the consumer see the dishwasher in action. This is not about putting out a TV ad and saying ‘Buy this dishwasher because it does xyz.’ That will not work because people will not know why they should buy it.

The first people who adopt it will need to be convinced that they’re putting their money into a product that will help and therefore we are creating a lot of interest in high traffic stores, household societies, in our brand stores, where we are able to demonstrate a live dishwasher.

And to further take care of the inertia, we are going to offer easy finance schemes, money back schemes - try it, if you don’t like

Walfort: We are working on bringing additional functionality into the dishwasher. Not just washing dishes, but also having some additional sterilizing functionalities. And there are many other things to make the operation as easy as we can.

Today we have three components detergent, rinse aid and salt. We will improve the simplicity of using the dishwasher. In new markets, it takes some training with people. We know this and support this with some special detergent to make it as easy as we can.

What are the challenges that need to be overcome for adoption of dishwashers in India?

Srivastava: It’s a question of evolution. Every product or new concept that comes into the market takes time in getting understood

Rudolf Walfort, Exec. V.P. BSH Group, Head of Product Division Dish Care

BSH is offering easy finance and money back schemes along with a concerted localised marketing and experiential engagement

that it consumes more water, more electricity, etc.

If I buy a dishwasher, then I need detergents, etc. to use along with it. Is that readily available?

Then there’s inertia: ‘I already have a maid’ or ‘I have been washing dishes myself ’. When we are used to a certain way of doing things, then we need stimulation for us to change that habit.

The third important factor is hygiene and health. All of us use water purification, because we know that tap water is impure. But we use that same water to wash our dishes and obviously our food gets contaminated with germs. A dishwasher washes at 70 degrees;

it, return it within one month.

And whenever we have run these schemes on a small basis, we have found that 100% people retain it. These actions are a part of a concerted localised marketing, with experiential engagement.

We h a v e s m a l l k i t c h e n s ; traditionally Indian households have not invested in big kitchens.

If you are going in for a modular kitchen, then we always recommend they provide a space and plan for a dishwasher. But if you are already living in a house and cannot reconstruct, then we send an engineer/technician for a preinspection. Most likely we will be able to find a space.

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Are there any competitors in the organised channel that are currently selling dishwashers? How is BSH competing with them?

BSH is working on bringing additional functionality into the dishwasher, such as sterilizing functions

Often companies come in and address the top end of the segment, believing those are the early adopters. Do you think that is the strategy that you’d like to follow or do you believe that it’s the mass segment that you need to address?

Srivastava: At BSH our strategy, not only in dishwashers but across product categories, is to address both the top end and the mid end of the market. We have two brands - Siemens and Bosch. We have positioned Siemens at the premium, top end and we are positioning Bosch at the mass premium end.

With Bosch we are going to address the large upper-middle to middle class segment which is where most of the appliance consumption happens. With dishwashers we have a scenario where the market doesn’t exist. We are the only brand that is focused on creating a market here.

We have 50 years of heritage and are going to make our 100th million dishwasher this year. So we have huge experience and knowledge and have invested a lot of time in understanding the requirements of an Indian household.

In dishwashers our challenge is not to take market share or come out with something different from the competition. It is about converting a hand wash to a dish wash. So we are looking at the mass premium market. The pricing is keeping that in mind.

What is a satisfactory number, in terms of units sold, for 2016?

Srivastava: I would answer that in terms of growth. We’re looking at a minimum triple digit growth for the next few years, starting this year. There is no audited number for dishwashers. We know our numbers but we don’t know the numbers of other players in the market.

But our internal estimate is that this is less than 5% of the frontload washing machine market. The size of the dishwasher market today is very small. And our intention

is: how can we make it to 10% in 2016? And obviously since we will be the one who will be driving this expansion and market creating, we believe we should be the major beneficiary of this market expansion.

Long term we see a similar market size as the front load washing machine market.

You were looking to set up facilities in Chennai. Is that currently on stream?

Srivastava: It’s on stream since August 2014. And we’re making front load washing machines there.

Will dishwashers fit in there currently?

Or are they imported units?

Srivastava: There are a number of brands which are selling dishwashers although none of them are actively promoting it. Samsung, LG, IFB, all of them are selling. Those in the free standing segment are selling the free standing one, those in the built-in area, like Miele, are selling the built in dishwasher. We cater to all channels. Through our dealer network we cater to the free standing product, to a normal household.

We also have a network of kitchen dealers where we have our Siemens range of built in appliances. We also try to put together an entire solution.

Then we have a small but dedicated team for the project, builder and developer channel.

How do you promote an idea like dish care in a country like India where you have access to a lot of domestic help and restricted space in the kitchen?

Walfor t: There is a ver y big market volume globally; around 25 million units. We expect a

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Srivastava: Basically the need exists, we all wash our dishes because we cook two, three times a day and create a lot of dishes and when it’s party time, there are obviously more dishes. Now the question is: the people who are washing with hand, either themselves or with a maid, why should they go for a dishwasher? So we need to address what a dishwasher brings to the table, what benefits.

We’re not saying we are going to replace a maid; that’s not the intention of bringing a dishwasher to the Indian household.

We believe that a maid will exist in an Indian household even with a dishwasher because she will do a lot of other work. It’s like some years ago there were no automatic washing machines in Indian households and the maid used to do that job.

Today the washing machine is there, it makes the job easier and the maid exists. Similarly when a dishwasher comes to a home it will make the job easier, faster, more convenient more resource efficient, more hygienic and healthy and it will complement the maid or replace the maid; that completely depends upon the household.

This we know for sure: in the coming years finding good maids

Srivastava: Currently they are imported units. Obviously manufacturing will make sense once we reach a certain scale; as and when we reach that scale, we will have the strategy. Except front load washing machines, everything else we sell is imported.

For the Indian market, what is the price point that the dishwasher will come in at? Is there a very large range of models or just a few that are customised to the Indian context?

Srivastava: We have a range of products that are suitable for Indian requirements. Our starting price is around Rs. 35,000, so we believe that pricing is not a barrier. When we speak to consumers or dealers pricing is not the talking point at all, because along with the fact that we have a very affordable price, we also run attractive finance schemes. The Rs. 35,000 model will meet all the needs of the consumer.

How does it compare to other domestic appliances in terms of power consumption?

Srivastava: The energy consumption per wash cycle is approximately 1.02 kWh on standard Eco 50⁰ C programme. So you can calculate that if you wash your dishes, once or twice a day.

The company is positioning Siemens as a premium brand and Bosch at the mass premium end

growth of 80% within the next 10 years - a market of 35 million units. So there is a big market of dishwashing, but unfortunately not in India today. So the big question is: why don’t Indian households have a dishwasher?

We did come up with this question in other countries as well.

I’ve visited many households in India and I was surprised; seeing how Indian people prepare food, what the tableware looks like, how much tableware they use over the whole day and my summary is - there is no other country in the world which fits better to dishwashers than India because you use so much tableware.

Of course you have your specialties with food, spices, tableware. But we have that in every region. We have to regionalise the demands of the different countries.

will become more and more of a problem. In big cities like Mumbai, a competent maid is not easily available.

Machines like the dishwasher are going to be an alternative available to the household.

What we really promise is that in terms of results, this will give the best washing and drying and will be suitable for Indian requirements.

We have special programs for the dishwashers we are selling in India, like an intensive kadai program which takes care of the most difficult stains that can be removed through a special cycle that a dishwasher goes through.

While we continue to study Indian habits and requirements, we will continue to customise the products which we sell in India.

Contact web: www.siemens-home.com/in www.bosch-home.com/in

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Interview

E

ntering a market that is already swamped with many brands competing for attention is a hard task. But Defurn Furniture Studio + Sourcing has placed its foot firmly in the door, and is ready for more. Aiming to go beyond the boundaries of the available furniture design and its quality in India, Defurn keeps a keen eye on global trends in the interior design industry and handpicks the very best and most innovative products.

The Inside Track spoke to Naim Halai, Chairman, Defurn about

Revolutionising The Furniture Segment

Naim Halai talks about Defurn’s strategies of combating competition, securing customers and aiming to stand out from the crowd.

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

In 2016, we plan to launch a synergy range of modern and contemporary furniture to cater to the taste of the suave urban buyer. We will also be introducing a new range of artefacts, accessories and lights to compliment the furniture range.

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

Naim Halai, Chairman of Defurn

its newest products, the Indian market and its plans and strategies to combat competition.

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

To ensure any new launch is profitable and successful, one must have an effective marketing strategy to support it. The team at Defurn is planning to create an intensive marketing strategy to aid the launch of our new range. The strategy entails creating a responsive online portal with a focussed team working on it 24x7.

This will create a niche for us in the market and also bring in leads.

To keep the romance of Defurn alive in the minds of our current and future customers, we plan a new launch every six months. It could be in the area of furniture or accessories or even something entirely different.

Our team is working towards bringing in new innovations in the furniture segment.

We have also planned a marketing strategy to keep the market updated of our new product arrivals and plan to target corporates, as our products are niche market and highly in demand in the corporate world.

We have also launched an online portal for our current line of furniture and accessories.

We have prepared a road-map for the next three years to create a direction for Defurn’s growth. For the first year or the immediate future, we can safely say we are looking at increasing our sales beyond 200% of our existing turnover. We say this with conviction; looking at our sales books, orders in hand and orders under negotiation.

Our online campaigns and marketing strategies will also play a key role in ensuring we meet our targets effectively.

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

Novelty and innovation is what keeps any brand alive. Our customers, who are mainly architects and interior designers, are always looking out for something new and creative since their customers always want something different. Our biggest challenge will be to meet these expectations, time and again, and we plan on meeting these challenges hands-on with our new collections and services.

Also, the competition is increasing rapidly. With new technology, creative manpower and innovative marketing strategies our competitors are also vying for the top position in the business. We are aware that if we want to stay on the top rung of the ladder, we have to keep bringing in something new and different. Our R&D team is at work in this area and we can safely

say that you can look forward to interesting products from us.

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

Create loyal customers. The trust a company builds for itself from its customers is of critical importance for any business. It ups the loyalty factor.

It also helps word-of-mouth publicity for the brand, which is its best form. All these can happen only when we offer our customers the right product at the right price and of a high quality.

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

2016 is going to be a defining year for Defurn. We have initiated negotiations with a few well-known brands for launching our range Pan India. We have also tied up with foreign brands like ‘Entune, a Dutch brand and Bontempi, a brand from Italy to create a synergy in furniture which can be displayed and sold across locations in India.

Apart from the joint ventures and other developments, we are also developing a franchise model for our furniture brand. The framework is at the discussion level and will be soon floated.

“We plan to launch a synergy range of modern and contemporary furniture to cater to the taste of the suave urban buyer.” - Naim Halai

Defurn has plans to launch innovative product designs at a competitive price for our customers who are looking at a certain quality of material. We will not limit our focus to just the prices but the design and quality will also take precedence.

This will be our core mantra.

What we are trying to create here is trust, believability and loyalty for our products.

We will not compromise on the quality of our product and designs at any cost. We will not engage in any price wars, but work towards meeting the expectations of our clients by offering them the best at properly studied market rates. We will adhere to our core policies and we are confident that this will help us in building a long relationship with current and future customers.

We will soon have a distribution network in place. To aid better visibility and expansion, we are also planning to introduce a chain of our furniture stores at various locations in Mumbai.

The e-commerce industr y is flourishing in India. Does your company plan to have an online presence soon?

Yes, definitely. Our online portal is already active. We are in the process of creating a more viable pan-India marketing campaign which will not only create a buzz for our products but will also leverage our presence and sales figures.

Contact web: www.defurn.co.in

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Interview

W

ith various new products being released this year, Asian Granito is poised to expand its hold on the Indian tile market. However like many companies, Asian Granito also needs to tackle the changes in the real estate market.

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Leading The Market Through Innovation Asian Granito’s slew of products plays a major role in the Group’s vision to be one of the most preferred brands amongst customers.

Kamlesh Patel, Chairman, Asian Granito India Ltd. We speak to Kamlesh Patel, Chairman, Asian Granito India Ltd. (AGL) about his vision for the company and his plans for boosting AGL’s growth.

As CMD, what is your vision for Asian Granito in the near future?

An organisation can only be the best with people, and with better culture, policies, work environment, growth and safety, retain the best team. It is my vision to lead an organisation with the best culture, and build trust and confidence in my team, associated trade partners and stake holders. It is my vision to make AGL (Asian Granito India Ltd.) the most preferred brand among customers by providing them with modern products and services. We have the best infrastructure and manufacturing facilities, equipped with the latest technologies of the world. Accelerating demand for our product and increasing capacity production by utilising 100% of all plants will make AGL the most efficient organisation.

one of the strongest architectural structures and a unique design element. Hexabon can be used for all types of applications.

The second is Grestek Slimgres - the thinnest tile ever made in India. The replacement of existing floor and wall tiles is a very tedious and time consuming process during redecoration. Existing tiles are nine to ten millimetre in thickness and are very heavy. After a lot of research, we have successfully made a tile with the same strength and better designs with just 6.8 mm thickness.

It is lighter compared to regular 600 x 1200mm tile size.

This year will be a very innovative year for us as we are coming up with many new products, like one metre by one metre tile, which can help us to make spaces more beautiful.

in every corner of the country.

We have decided to grow more than the industry standard i.e. 15% and we will double our revenue by 2021.

Are there any targets with respect to sales/revenue that you have set for the company?

Presently, the Indian real estate sector is a bit slow but many new projects are in the pipe line. There are lots of challenges in executing them smoothly due to lack of availability of land with proper infrastructure, power, transport and water supplies in various cities. Out of these, more than 80-90 % are affordable housing projects in the retail real

AGL is one of the fastest growing ceramic tile companies in India.

We are set to increase our number of touch points and exclusivity in the industry where our product will easily reach our end user

Do you have any plans for Asian Granito’s identity or positioning in the market?

Presently, AGL is the fourth largest ceramic tile company in India. We have various baskets of products according to pricing and decor. AGL will create the best one stop solution for beautiful tile decoration from premium range to affordable range.

What are the immediate challenges for the company, going forward?

How do you plan on dealing with them?

What is your long term strategy for Asian Granito? How do you plan on competing in the surfaces market?

We believe in leading the change in industry through adoption of new technology, introducing innovative products and designs in the market.

Our design leadership and quality product keeps AGL unique among competitors. Tile is believed to be the best surface product due to various surface designs, durability and ease of maintenance, and cleaning. Product availability and display through our exclusive showrooms give our customers a better understanding of products and services.

The ceramic tile market has become increasingly competitive.

How does Asian Granito plan to ensure healthy operating margins going forward?

What are your immediate plans for 2016? Are there any new products being launched/new partnerships?

AGL has recently introduced two unique categories of product which is new in the Indian tile industry.

One is Hexabon - these tiles are made on a glazed vitrified body with digital printing technology and six side tile format. It is inspired from the honeycomb structure which is

estate business. These developers require low cost products and quality material to make it more economical. At the same time, the manufacturing cost is same so it reduces the profitability margin.

Hence we have kept a product basket for all types of customers.

Our recent development of the slimmest tile is made for those who want to renovate their wall and floor surfaces without destroying existing structures. These would create a new market for us along with new home makers. We are balancing the requirement of volume based and retail segment by exporting our products outside India and increasing retail counters.

Asian Granito’s immediate focus is to maintain novelty and keep offering new product lines to the customers

We have lined up lots of innovative products to increase our profitability and to occupy the space of our dealer’s counter. Our immediate focus is to maintain our novelty and keep offering new product lines to the customers.

Contact web: www.aglasiangranito.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Dealer Speak

T

ropical Bath Solutions is a Cochin based specialist in sanitary ware and C.P. fittings. It represents a wide variety of Indian and international brands and sells a host of building products ranging from tiles to bath fittings, including kitchen sinks.

Matching Quality With Competition Global brands need to maintain their high quality standards if they want to retain their edge in the market. laminated and wooden floorings, and Italian marble, granite and quartz.

There are many international sanitary ware companies that have entered the market. How are they performing?

How are they competing with Indian brands?

Zulfiquar Naina, Proprietor, Tropical Bath Solutions

The Inside Track speaks to Zulfiquar Naina, Proprietor of Tropical Bath Solutions about future developments in the bath segment and why complete bathroom solutions will still take some time to catch on in India.

Could you tell us a little about your business?

We are into building material products mainly tiles, sanitary fittings and C.P. fittings, both Indian and imported. My father started this business in 1993 and I joined it in 1998. We are mainly into the retail business with four outlets in Cochin.

Some of the imported brands we represent are Villeroy & Boch, Duravit, VitrA, Hansgrohe, Graf, Axor, Tremme and Oyster. We also have Indian sanitary brands like Jaquar, Artize, Kerovit and Glocera.

Besides these we carry accessories from Inda and Gredy.

We also deal in tiles and we carry tiles from Ratnagiri, Kajaria, Nitco, RAK, Qutone and imported t i l e s l i k e Vi l l e r oy & B o c h , Realonda, Porcelanosa.

Our most popular sanitary ware brand is Villeroy & Boch and for tiles it is Ratnagiri.

We also carry glass and porcelain mosaic from Bisazza, Picollo, Palladio and many other brands.

The other building products we deal in are kitchen sinks, shower channels and floor gratings, roof tiles,

There are lots of MNC brands prevailing in our market, some of them are keeping their international quality standards, but on the other hand, others are producing their products according to local standards like local brands. This is in order to compete with the local brands. In turn they are losing their brand image.

Today there is a concept of ‘complete bathroom solutions’ offered by brands. Are consumers opting for these concept bathrooms or are they still mixing and matching?

Still this concept is premature in our market, if the end user is having a passion or love for certain brands, then only the customer goes for complete bathroom solutions.

Which companies are providing high quality water saving bath fittings today? Is there a great demand for such products?

In the metro cities customers or end users are aware about the water

Some international brands are producing according to local standards in order to compete with local brands, and in turn losing their brand image

scarcity, but they think about it during the summer season only. The government has to bring awareness among the public. The brands which we are carrying have water saving technology. In C.P. fittings, Hansgrohe and Schell provide good water savings. In flushing systems, Geberit and Schell and the best and in sanitary wares it is Villeroy & Boch and Duravit.

enhanced in the industry. Most of the end users are looking for concealed version wall mounted toilets and wash bowls. In the top most quality level it’s Villeroy & Boch but volume wise it’s Kohler, with their Indian production.

There has been an increase in the premium segment in the sanitary ware industry. Which according to you is the leader in this segment and which are some of their bestselling products?

The MNCs are providing high end designer furniture units in combination with the sanitary wares design. Most of the bathroom furniture products are moisture resistant only. In our country, even though there is a concept of separate dry and wet area in the bathroom, the readymade furniture units are not practical. Majority of the customers prefer to have local made furniture by carpenters.

The premium segment sales has

Water saving technology in the form of water closets, faucets, showers, etc. will continue to be popular

How do you rate the demand for bathroom furniture? Are consumers opting for this?

What do you think could be the trends in this segment in the coming year? Do you see any new ideas product-wise?

Water saving technology in the form of water closets, faucets, showers, etc. will continue to be popular. Lead free fittings, waterless urinals and prismatic taps to reduce the water consumption (specifically in public areas) will also be big in the coming years.

Contact web: zulfi.naina@gmail.com tel: 09447030029

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Spot Light

D

u r a St y l e d e s i g n e d by Matteo Thun is the new standard in the bathroom.

The deliberate restraint of its styling opens up enormous design freedom. This makes it a perfect solution for various applications.

DuraStyle’s large furniture washbasin, thanks to its narrow rim makes a very lightweight impression. While DuraStyle’s above counter basin offers an appealing look when combined with materials like stone, wood or other surfaces, it also allows for a large counter space.

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Duravit’s DuraStyle For “All” Project Applications With its form, functionality and extensive variety, the award winning DuraStyle collection sets a new standard in the bathroom.

DuraStyle makes planning any project much easier by matching products with various projections.

The wall mounted toilet of DuraStyle has a conventional installation system that is quick, simple and cost effective. Additionally, the wall mounted toilet with a 62cm projection is available with the concealed Durafix mounting to meet high visual and hygienic demands.

DuraStyle bathtubs are available with five different projections, they come with acrylic or furniture panelling that can match the bathroom furniture or as a built-in tub, with or without a whirl system.

A total of nine urinal options are also available for different uses.

The DuraStyle range suits virtually every need of a project. It also has been judged as a winner of the Iconic Awards as well as the Red Dot Design Award.

Contact Duravit India Private Limited tel: 07966112300 respond@in.duravit.com www.duravit.in www.pro.duravit.in

Advertorial

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Fair News

Zaha Hadid Exhibition Date 18th Jan - 29th Feb Venue Dubai Contact www.leilahellergallery.com The oeuvre of the internationally acknowledged architect Zaha Hadid will be exhibited at the Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai. It is set to be a mid-career exhibition of Hadid’s oeuvre and spans the architect’s product designs in the 80s to the 2015 Liquid Glacial Collection furniture range.

Hadid’s work ranges impressively over 30 years and includes such magnanimous projects as the MAXXI Museum in Rome, the London 2012 Olympic Aquatics Centre, the Guangzhou Opera House and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi. For this exhibition, Hadid is to present design work from over 30 collections that exemplify her evolution from the tectonic to the fluid architectural language of her recent work. Hadid’s design work demonstrates the 21st century’s shift towards the organic. It is also in itself an exploration of scale, innovation and materiality.

International Furniture Fair Singapore Date 10th - 13th Mar Venue Singapore Contact www.iffs.com.sg

The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016 will be coming to the Singapore Expo from 10th to 13th March 2016 and bringing a new identity in tow. The International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd has formally released a new brand identity for the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016 / 33rd ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS).

The upcoming edition of IFFS will host brand new elements in line with its recent rebranding. Visitors will be treated to an array of product displays that include bedroom, living room, dining room, garden and outdoor furniture as well as decorative accessories. There will also be astounding structural and interactive displays to ignite conversations and let the creative juices flow.

There will be a ‘Garden and Outdoor’ pavilion, where international exhibitors with garden or outdoor offerings are set to showcase through a Garden Boulevard concept. A series of design dialogues and business seminars is also organised for the benefit of the participant.

IFFS will also hold its Design Stars, previously called Asian Star, which will feature a collection of products designed by emergent designers from around the world.

Fairs & Exhibitions Date 25th - 27th Feb, Acrex India 2016 Venue Mumbai Contact www.acrex.in

Furniture Indonesia Date 10th - 13th Mar Venue Jakarta, Indonesia Contact www.buildintec.codissia.com Furniture Indonesia returns this March and brings with it new team members and an enhanced trade experience. Since the year 2008, Indonesia International Furniture and Craft Fair (IFFINA) has been providing a crucial and unique sourcing furniture platform for buyers, both international and local. The products presented at the fair are evocative of the distinct culture of the country.

Participating exhibitors and visitors can make the most of the various opportunities that the event brings with it. There will be a chance for face-to-face talks with decision-makers of the highest level.

Exhibitors will be able to display their products cost-effectively and attract international buyers and promote their names in the global scene. There will be an ample amount opportunities to connect with people from the industry and to discover path-breaking innovation.

Furniture Indonesia 2016 will also see the inaugural edition of Mozaik Indonesia, an event that is to showcase the very latest and trendiest products from designers and producers from across the region.

Acrex India is South Asia’s largest exhibition on Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration and Building Services. To be held at Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, this event is going to take place from 25th to 27th February. Around 25 countries from the world over are expected to participate, among them Japan, Ukraine, Egypt, USA, Germany, Korea, Italy, Saudi Arabia and more.

Expected exhibitor’s profile includes the categories of water distribution, air handling and air distribution products, unitary products, refrigeration accessories, building management system, etc. The theme for this edition of Acrex is ‘Make in India – Infinite Opportunities for HVAC&R and the Building Services Industry’.

About 30,000 trade visitors and 500 companies exhibiting their products and services are to be expected this year.

Also organised as part of the event are several seminars and workshops conducted by experts on topics of most relevance today in the industry. There will also be a series of parallel roundtable programmes and interactive panel discussions organised for the participants. Acrex India is one of the most lucrative fairs for networking and building contacts with experts in the industry.

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

It Products Grandeur Launches Capalbio Kitchens Grandeur brings Del Tongo’s latest Capalbio kitchens to the Indian market. The Italian kitchen-design house’s new range is replete with multi-functional models that stand apart through their focus on innovation and quality. Built after the traditional artisanal style of highlighting the intrinsic beauty of materials, the modular kitchens use wood veneers with natural

veining, and surfaces that are pleasant to the touch. The range integrates modern appliances within its design, and can be adjusted for day-to-day as well as special occasions.

Traditional materials such as wood have been used to create doors with optional frames. The Capalbio range can be customized using a variety of soothing and subtle finishes across natural and open-pore lacquered treatments.

These include veneered oak, anthracite, laminates and twotone wood veneers among many others. Designed to respond to specific needs, with a focus on functionality and elegance, Capalbio kitchens offer a qualityto-price ratio that will appeal especially to those looking for great value as well as amazing aesthetics.

Contact www.grandeurinteriors.com

Modern Dining Collection

By Address Home Address Home, the luxury home décor brand has introduced its Modern Dining collection of metallic dinnerware for a luxurious dining experience.

This dinning collection is a modern rendition of age old ancestral brass and copper utensils that are now crafted in contemporary shapes and clean lines.

Simple, enigmatic and ornamental, the dining collection is best suited for festive occasions, traditional ceremonial

dinners or as a perfect addition to the wedding trousseau.

Modern Dining Collection of dinnerware comprises of thals, portion bowls in different sizes and glasses. Crafted with pure copper and brass, all the utensils have asymmetric fine hammering with black powder coating in a matt finish on the outer surface.

The lustrous glow of pure copper and brass is the outcome of the black matt surface.

Contact www.addresshome.com

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Le Creuset Launches Elysees Yellow And Chiffon Pink

Le Creuset has launched its new products, Elysees Yellow and Chiffon Pink. Le Creuset is well-known for premium quality ranges of enamelled cast iron cookware, multi-ply stainless steel, toughened non-stick, stoneware and ceramics, along with its outstanding range of wine accessories. Inspired by sweet spring bouquets, Elysees Yellow brings the warmth of summer sunshine to your kitchen, whereas Chiffon Pink brings the beauty of nature into your home.

True kitchen essentials, these cast iron products are not only perfect for making casseroles,

stews and one pot roasts, but are versatile enough for baking cakes and bread. Cast iron cookware also works efficiently at low to medium cooking temperatures and retains heat effectively, ensuring food stays warm for longer. The unique enamel finish is not only durable and easy to clean, but also looks beautiful when presented at the table. The cast iron casseroles are suitable for all hob types (including ceramic, halogen, induction, gas and oil or wood) and are protected by a lifetime guarantee for total peace of mind.

Contact www.lecreuset.com

Roca Presents Its In-Tank Meridian Roca, providing the bathroom products solutions for today and tomorrow presents InTank Meridian, an integrated WC concept. In-Tank Meridian integrates the cistern into the WC and comes with the latest Soft Air® technology, noise free flush system, soft close seat cover and it consists of an air pump that pushes the water from the tank to provide the dual 4.5/3 litre flush.

The single body In-Tank Meridian WCs eliminate the need of installation for cistern or flush plate as the WC itself incorporates an integrated tank and flush system.

Commenting on the new collection, Mr.Pau Abelló Pellicer, Managing Director, Roca Bathroom Products Pvt. Ltd. said, “For many years at Roca we have anticipated the future and provided the products way ahead before the need arises.

The compact and well-rounded shape of IN- TANK Meridians

makes them an apt choice for innovative bathrooms owing to its space-optimization quality. We believe that innovation reigns in our industry and with this Roca has once again redefined the bathroom space, through its latest technology in water conservation, practicality, design and concern for the environment.”

Contact www.roca.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

It Products Tesla™ Lavatory By Delta Faucet Company

Set apart from typical modern designs with its divergence from cool, straight lines, the TeslaTM lavatory faucet from Delta Faucet Company is an elegant, soft, contemporary solution for homeowners and designers looking for a warm, modern collection with clean lines.

Inspired by unique, gently curved, organic shapes found in

nature, this collection is created with urban high-rises in mind.

It goes beyond expectations by lending a spirited sense of the outdoors to any interior.

The collection defies standard definitions of modernity to fit naturally in any bathroom environment. Boasting Delta Faucet Company’s first joystick lavatory faucet, the collection also includes optional Touch2O. xt™ Technology, which activates the flow of water with a simple touch anywhere on the faucet

and/or via intuitive, hands-free proximity sensing when your hand moves close to the faucet.

When paired with TempSenseTM Technology, an LED light at the faucet base changes its colour from blue to magenta to red, visually indicating the water temperature to the user.

Contact www.deltafaucet.in

Swing Gates By Gandhi Automations

Swing Gates offered by Gandhi Automations are ideal for architecturally fine gates, historically significant buildings, and for any application where style, look, elegance should be kept unaltered.

The product allows the gate to open and close without interfering with its look and style. The automation consists of a stainless

steel or electrically galvanized steel foundation casing fitted below the ground, where the geared motor and all mechanical linkages which operate the gate leaves are housed.

Gandhi Motorised Swing Gates are fabricated to provide security, convenience and protection against unauthorized intrusion. Fabricated in a number of designs, these gates are made with square pipes encased in a pipe frame customised to suit the client’s requirements.

Powered with different kinds of automations that suit different applications, these swing gates are available in numerous sizes ranging from 3 m to 10 m. Each system comes with a range of standard and optional accessories.

Contact www.geapl.co.in

Hosu By Steelcase

Steelcase, a foremost Metal Office Furniture company, has recently launched its new product, the Hosu lounge and sofa. This new product is designed carefully in keeping with personal space and comfort.

The Hosu Lounge and Sofa creates a comfortable oasis in the midst of contemporary office environments.

It was built to accommodate the world of mobile work and

encourage spreading out in comfort. Hosu keeps personal space in mind and enables the user to relax, focus,and accomplish more at the workplace.

The lounge and sofa comes equipped with several features. It offers a single convertible or fixed lounge or double fixed lounge.

Hosu also features cable passthrough as well as storage pockets.

Contact www.steelcase.com

Archimede By Vector Projects Vector Projects introduces Altek Italia’s revolutionary Archimede Laptop Caddy to Indian workplaces. The strength of stainless steel, coupled with bent legs, central column and supporting plates guarantees that Archimede can carry out of many rotary movements without welding points and nylon castors.

Its various versions include wood or meth acrylic used for the top, and column in stainless steel mat chrome finish. To match contemporary interiors, meth acrylic material is preferred in different colours to give the product a colourful and youthful feel.

Archimede has unmatched adaptability that allows correct height and inclination adjustments depending on individual needs.

It can be used while being seated on a sofa, lounge chairs or even while standing.

The tops are independently adjustable in several inclinations and heights allowing simple manual operations.

Another feature that stands out is the option of folding it completely vertically which makes it easy to store in the narrowest of spaces. Designed as a multifunctional product by Leonardo Rossano, Archimede is ideal for offices and homes alike with its smooth, elegant look and high functionality.

Contact www.vectorprojectsindia.com

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

It Products ShopClues Launches Its Online Furniture Store ShopClues, India’s first and largest managed marketplace is expanding into the furniture category. Maintaining its market leadership position, it has launched a furniture store with a wide assortment of 40,000 products across 60 categories on its platform.

The products will be sourced from thousands of merchants across India to fulfil the requirements of its customers.

The products offered are of a high quality and are available at an affordable price.

ShopClues with its online furniture store has associated with popular brands that include @ Home by Nilkamal, Usha Furniture, Nesta Furniture by CenturyPly, HomeTown, The Attic, Orka Bean Bags, Bluebell Ergonomics, Invogue and Dolphin Bean Bags.

It has also brought on board niche collections from regional merchants. From wall shelves, book cases, puja mandirs, beds, shoe racks, almirahs to dining sets, office furniture laptop and study tables, ShopClues presents an array of products all under one roof.

Contact www.shopclues.com

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Asian Paints Launches Book Of Colours 2016 Asian Paints has recently launched ‘Book of Colours 2016’, a beautiful collection of new design ideas, colours, visuals and tips to suit one’s décor needs. It is a comprehensive guide to décor themes curated specially for Indian homes.

Featured in the book is the Contemporary collection which presents evocative décor styles for the true design connoisseur.

The Classic Modern collection encompasses the reliable and classic decor styles that consumers have tried and loved.

The Experimenter collection, on the other hand, is for the adventurous ones who want to experiment with

more bold and beautiful design styles. The book also deconstructs the styles into quick style tips and décor concepts.

To simplify the process of colour and décor selection, the book has been segregated into different spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and transition spaces. Specific décor styles are curated for each of these spaces. Customers can thus find expert décor tips as well as material information in the book to help them do a quick makeover of their homes.

Contact www.asianpaints.com/ bookofcolours

Roche Bobois Introduces Its Nouveaux Classiques Collection Wall Coverings By Marshalls

The renowned French luxury furniture brand, Roche Bobois has introduced elegant and sophisticated furniture from its Nouveaux Classiques collection.

This collection goes beyond constraints of time and trends.

Pieces of traditional furniture are reinterpreted and become true creations, resulting from the combination of natural materials, traditional know-how and the designer’s imagination.

Roche Bobois’ Nouveaux Classiques collection blends classicism with modernism, and offers exquisite furniture in sophisticated designs for all living spaces.

Its collection includes the Florian Armchair, the Black Swan Bergere chair, the Syllabe straight sofa designed by Philippe Bouix and more. One of the highlights of the Nouveaux Classiques collection is the Maestro Bed also designed by Philippe Bouix.

Customisation is available in any detail, including choice of dimensions, colours, leathers, woods and finishes. The choice of materials, the finishes and the attention to detail reflect the level of requirement needed to create a truly unique Nouveaux Classiques piece.

Contact www.roche-bobois.com

Marshalls has released wall coverings for the month of love – February. The heart of a house is its walls. A rich space incorporates character like texture, pattern, colour design, which may be difficult to incorporate all together.

However, wall coverings can help one achieve a classy and a bright place all throughout the year. It is the easiest and the least expensive way to transform a space without needing any other elements. You can add a touch of the colour of love with Marshalls

wall coverings for this Valentine’s day.

Marshalls wall coverings brings art and sensibility and revolutionises wall coverings.

It brings the blend of colours, patterns, shapes and designs created to fit within the exact dimensions of the wall. This special collection has a beautiful colour spectrum that includes rose and pink hues, colour play in blue, brown and white with gold and silver, etc.

Contact www.marshallswallcoverings.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

It Products Flexa Lighting

By P3 Architectural Solutions P3 Architectural Solutions has recently launched its Flexa Lighting, offering minimalistic diameter of its fixtures with high luminous efficiency and varied beam angles. Flexa lighting has developed a range of professional

lighting fixtures, offering high quality solutions in more than seven finishes for indoor and outdoor installations.

Flexa lighting provides the highest optical performance in devices with an incredibly small size. Revolutionary in the practical design for dissipation, they give the user the opportunity to combine colour temperatures and beam openings in the CRI85 and CRI93 versions. The Sky range offers IP44 0,75W constant micro recessed fixtures that come in two shapes, seven finishes and two beam apertures. The care of the mechanics and attention to the optical performance ensure excellent product quality and lighting effect.

Contact www.pcubesolutions.com

Eureka Forbes Introduces Dr. Aeroguard Air Purifiers Eureka Forbes has introduced a new range of Dr. Aeroguard Air Purifiers. Its range of air purifies comes with a nine-stage purification process that includes Anti-Dust Filter, Anti-Allergen Filter, Cold Catalyst Filter, etc.

Each product of this range comes equipped with distinct features.

The products in this range are powered by Activeshield x 2 filtration system, whose ultraprecision purification process has double the efficiency of purifiers in its class to eliminate sub-micron particles and infection-carrying microbes in the air.

Certified by the world renowned German ‘gui-Lab’, these products can not only sense, clean and purify, but they also revitalise the air using

a perfect blend of silver ions, diatoms and vitamins, making the air pure and healthy.

Contact www.eurekaforbes.com

Classic Marble Company Introduces Maxfine Classic Marble Company introduces Maxfine, one of the largest porcelain slabs available in the world today. CMC has recently associated with the

The 6mm thick porcelain stoneware tiles are available in 3m x 1.5m formats. Internationally, this product is already a huge success with its versatility which

international tile major Iris, whose product, Maxfine is one of the biggest ceramic tile ever made.

These big-sized tiles are redefining the compositional potential of surfaces, from floors to indoor wall coverings, kitchen and bathroom countertops and ventilated façades. Not only are the tiles available in the largest possible dimensions, but they also have been crafted to match the looks and finesse of natural marble.

allows it to be adopted for floor, walls and furnishings. Its technical characteristics of durability, hygiene and flexibility make it a useful product.

Available in glossy or prepolished and squared-off versions, Maxfine by Iris covers a wide range of varieties and forms, from rustic, traditional styles to the most urbane, minimalist contemporary hues.

Contact www.classicmarble.com

Anvi Luxury Door

By Artecraft Artecraft has crafted a luxury door, Anvi Luxury Door to flawlessly fit in and elevate any place in a tremendous way. The luxury door, specially created for the yacht industry, is a combination of wood and resin, where cross-sectional wood in the form of cubes is used like droplets and casted together with resin in between them.

The wood droplet beautifies the centre portion of the door.

All the sides of the wood droplet is covered with wood, routing the wood at the inner portions

on both the sides, adding to the liveliness of the door.

The door is ready to fit into the frame of the place where you want it to be placed, adding grace to the beauty of your place.

The centre portion of the door is one piece and has no bifurcations or gluing in between, to make the door more robust. The size and the thickness of the door are customised. They can be changed and made according to the user’s preference.

Contact www.anvilifestyle.com

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

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THE INSIDE TRACK February 2016

Spot Light

N

ow you won’t need to buy a whole new lamp to place at the bedside. This table comes with a funky built-in bedside lamp.

The Lux Table, as it is called, is designed by Jake Barker and is meant to give the user the distinct experience that only a combination of a table light with a bedside table can be expected to create.

Barker says on his website, “By developing an understanding of how humans interact with light I was able

Table With A Built-in Lamp Designed by a fresh graduate, this bedside table is equipped with an integrated lamp. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA to explore a variety of effects to create a fresh and immersive experience for my users.”

The lamp is a white LED and comes with three brightness settings, each of which is intended

The Lux Table comes with a funky built-in bedside lamp

plate. The white LED exudes warmth, creating a relaxed and fresh atmosphere.

The lamp is integrated with the table in a flexible way. The light can be positioned in a variety of ways and in different locations as well, depending on what the requirements of the user.

For instance, if the lamp is required to be used as an ambient light, it can be attached on the back of the table at its edge through the use of rare earth magnets provided.

If the lamp is required for a purpose that is more functional, such as reading, it can be positioned on

The lamp is a white LED and comes with three brightness settings, each of which is intended to differently affect the ambience

to differently affect the ambience.

This includes a functional beam and a soft and dim night light.

The settings can be controlled at the touch of a polished steel

the top of the table’s surface and its light directed towards the direction the user requires.

Contact web: www.jakebarkerdesign.com

The light can be positioned in a variety of ways and in different locations as well, depending on the requirements of the user