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Face to Face
Slim, minimal hardware designs that enable smooth functioning of the window system
high-usage public spaces, the design of these hardware elements must be thoroughly checked. For example, an ergonomic design facilitates the opening and closing movement of the shutter efficiently. • Material, finishes and aesthetics:
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Lastly, the hardware’s material, finish, and aesthetics should complement the overall design theme of the space. Selecting hardware that matches the architectural language of the area enhances the ambiance of the entire room. In addition, detailing details helps tie the whole theme together.
Standardisation and Certification of Architectural Hardware There is certainly a disparity between the demand and availability in the hardware industry. A major cause of this is the lack of standardisation and certification. However, the solution here is to introduce certification after thorough quality checks. This will not only accelerate the innovation in the fenestration industry but will also help catapult the development of the hardware products themselves.
Another route to explore is to encourage discourse between experts within the industry. This will help form a better understanding of the current market trends. It will also help discern the shortcomings within the industry while ensuring better future policies and alternatives.
Key Safety Parameters to Look for while Selecting Hardware The materiality and strength of the fenestration system are vital for security. Good quality locking mechanisms and sturdy hardware can contribute significantly to the system’s security. Alongside, the user should choose appropriate hardware to facilitate emergency egress. An ideal locking mechanism is simple to operate while providing security measures Cost Vs. Quality The current market offers hardware products at several price points that broadly vary depending on the quality, materials used, manufacturing process and other factors. However, getting quality products at a feasible price is challenging. One can solve this by making changes at the process level to ensure standardisation. Sourcing native and local materials can guarantee sustainable production and reduce manufacturing costs can help control prices. These measures can be beneficial in optimising the price as per the quality of the products to make them more accessible to every user.
KARAN SHAH
Founder & Director,
PEGO Hardware
Baseless Mortice handle from PEGO Hardware Baseless handle from PEGO Hardware
What are the next innovations expected in the door & window hardware? Automation and smart windows are the future. Like any other industry, it would take time to incorporate technology into the hardware and make foolproof solutions, but a lot of initiatives have been taken all over the world towards this.
The biggest challenge in this would be aftersale service as it is a new subject and that will have to be dealt with care. The price of these products would slowly normalise with scale and more trained human resources to tackle the after-sale service.
One family hardware - same design across different windows & doors is going to be the new norm and way of selecting hardware. This adds to the aesthetics and uniformity of design.
How important is the correct hardware in façade & fenestration? Windows & doors are made of a lot of components and none can be compromised. Hardware is one of the key elements which a layman observes for the first time and attracts someone. Hence, aesthetics become very important. Further, strong functional hardware can make a massive difference in the overall experience of the final consumer. The ease of operation is critical.
On the other hand, a wrong choice can be dangerous and can result in a lifethreatening situation as well.
Please tell us about the future potential for the architectural hardware products and industry considering technology, materials and market growth? With more focus on infrastructure, the fenestration industry is bound to grow. The next big growth vehicles would be tier 2 & tier 3 cities. Rising base metal costs would make it necessary to innovate on the hardware composition to counter that, and this is where technology upgradation in manufacturing and client servicing will play a big role. A strong understanding of hardware fitment and application are key elements for innovation in design and product generation.
Do you see consolidation happening in the Indian fenestration industry? The Indian fenestration industry is poised to continue on the growth trajectory. This is bound to attract attention from a lot of potential international brands already present in this industry. It is also further expected to gain the attention of domestic co-related companies who are catering to the same customer base. Hence consolidation and mergers and acquisitions are bound to happen. We have already witnessed some activity in this regard but I think with time more will happen across various components within the industry.
A lot of organisations will find this means in accelerating their growth. It is exciting time going ahead for the industry.
V.S.RAJAN
Managing Director,
GEZE India Pvt. Ltd.
Please tell us about the growth of the architectural hardware industry in India. There has been a consistent growth in the Architectural hardware industry in India. We now have a wide variety of hardware solutions from indigenous and overseas companies. There is an increased awareness of performance parameters and the trend is now for performance and systembased applications. There is also a growing awareness of automation systems.
Do you think that the organised architectural hardware market is growing on the back of customer demand? Yes, with system solutions gaining wider acceptance and also on account of performance aspects of these systems. There is a growing market for organised architectural hardware solutions.
Tell us about the challenges and roadblocks in the Architectural Hardware industry. The regulatory aspects are still being updated, there needs to be a consistent
Hardware that can camouflage with the fenestration system for a seamless look
industry-wide focus on the upgradation of standards. The lack of organised and trained manpower and workmanship issues needed to be focussed upon.
A GEZE project Lack of standardization of window and door systems considering the design approach is one of the major challenges faced by the hardware industry. Do you agree with it? Yes, but till the time the few basic benchmarks are defined and adhered to, this will remain a challenge. This has to have an industry-wide approach; all the stakeholders have to come together to address this issue. Stakeholders need to come together and set some basic system, design and performance parameters as a first step towards finding the solutions.
What are the tests and test methods for deciding the quality of hardware used in windows and doors, and façades? Though some parameters may be common such as MTC, cycle testing, corrosion resistance and based on which they have been graded. Then again it depends on the application. Doors and windows will have different performance requirement based on accessibility, functionality and safety and accordingly their test methods. In some hardware, fire behaviour parameters will also have to be factored in.
AR. SANDEEP SHIKRE LEED AP
President & CEO
Sandeep Shikre & Associates (SSA Architects)
Ar. Sandeep Shikre spearheads SSA Architects with a team of 300+ young dedicated, committed professionals that renders architectural, interior design and construction management consultancy services. Ar. Sandeep is a USGBC LEED Accredited Professional and has a deep commitment towards sustainable development. He is the founding member of IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) and also Chairman of IGBC Mumbai Chapter. He is a patron of CTBUH (The Council for Tall Building in Urban Habitat) whose head office is in Chicago, USA and is on advisory committees for several forums. He is recently been honoured with the ‘Senior Fellowship Award’ by IGBC and is recognised as ‘India’s top 30 Architects’ by Forbes India. SSA Architects provides engineering, design, planning, architectural and consulting services for all aspects of the built environment from its three offices located in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru with their Headquartered in Mumbai. SSA Architects is a one-stop solution for architecture, urban design, master planning and interior design, and its diverse portfolio covers a spectrum of sectors such as healthcare, residential, educational, mixeduse, hospitality, commercial, retail, etc.
In an interview with WFM Media, Ar. Sandeep Shikre talks about his career as an architect, the turning points in his life, services offered by his firm, some of his favourite projects, the design process for façades and fenestrations in his projects, latest trends in façade and fenestration designs and technologies, some of his challenging projects and on architecture in post-covid times.
“Architecture is a comprehensive approach, which combines the hard skills of design and the soft skills of human connection and experience”. In a nutshell, it’s all about ‘Space, People and Happiness”.
Could you tell us about your educational background, career and architectural experience? After graduating in 1986 from the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, I and my wife Ar. Alpa Shikre, who partners with me in both work and life, set up a design consultancy firm in 1989, under the name of Sandeep Shikre and Associates, popularly known as SSA Architects. SSA Architects has offices in Mumbai and Pune.
I believe architecture should seamlessly connect with the context and meet the end user’s needs. Architecture cannot be limited to any style and encompassed. It has to be contextual and completely anchored in its programme and style. The design has to create a meaning on-site, which is both deep and broad, where lives are influenced and behaviours shaped. Architecture always has to be versatile, organic & attuned to the nature around it. It’s a human-centric built form, designed by people, for people.
Piramal Agastya Corporate Park, Mumbai, Associate Architect
What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture? While growing up, I wasn’t exposed to architecture, and like every other Indian child, I wanted to be a cricketer. It was only during my teens that I started paying attention to the creative streak in me; combined with the inherent strength of a strong analytical mind and an understanding of mechanics, architecture became the natural choice. Architecture lured and fascinated me with its obvious potential for being a performance-based profession, where innovation would be a continuous dynamic process, where one can establish his own brand, which I find truly rewarding today.
The dynamic duo, Ar. Alpa & Ar. Sandeep Shikre
Tell us about some turning points in your design career? The first turning point was in 1996, our esteemed client, Kohinoor Group, offered us a 4 Star hospitality project, Kohinoor Continental. They gave us complete freedom to design, which is every architect’s delight and were open to experimenting with innovative materials.
The curtain wall system and metal sheet cladding were first used in India for Kohinoor Continental Project. The stones used for this project were one of their kind in those days. Apart from being the first project to have that kind of façade, it was the first time international lighting and landscape consultants were involved. Our expedition for innovation and use of technology thus began, and since then, we have been leading.
The second turning point was Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at Andheri, Mumbai. Dr. Nitu Mandke and Mrs Tina Ambani, Reliance ADA, showed great confidence in us. We got an opportunity to render our services for the state-ofthe-art multi-specialty hospital.
The third turning point was the iconic flagship project, Kohinoor Square - A 2.7 million Sq ft of high-rise mixeduse development. A powerhouse of innovation and technology, the structure has excelled in architecture and engineering, be it architectural design, structure, envelope, MEP, or sustainability. The client Kohinoor Group once again gave us a huge responsibility to render our services as lead design consultants, whereby we had to have an international consultant and an array of sub-consultants under our umbrella. Today, Kohinoor Square speaks for itself.
What type of projects does SSA specialises in? What type of services do you offer to your clients? The integration of architecture, interior design and construction management consultancy services under one roof
Glass façade of American School of
Bombay, Vidyavihar (LEED Gold Project) makes SSA stand tall and apart, making them unique. With a diverse portfolio, SSA has to its credit numerous national and international awards and is one of the leading Architectural full-service firms in the country.
At SSA, we believe that architecture is not a niche specialty, and the focus is to be comprehensive, multifaceted and have a diverse portfolio. We provide comprehensive services encompassing all specialised fields across the spectrum of sectors from healthcare to hospitality, from residential to commercial, from education to mixed-use development, and from master planning to high-rises. I am humbled to state that they have won awards in each discipline.
What is your take on sustainable practice in architecture today? Sustainability is in our DNA; we believe that it’s an integral part of the design. It’s not a static system but a dynamic one. The definition of sustainability may be redefined from time to time. It’s a continuous journey that’s all about adaptation. It’s currently going back to the basics of our ancient approach in a contemporary manner. It’s all about being Net Zero in water, energy, and carbon footprint.
I play an active role in promoting the awareness and the need for sustainable built forms. I am a USGBC LEED AP. Besides being an adviser to various forums, I am the Founding Member of CII-IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), Chairman of CII-IGBC Mumbai Chapter and Net Zero Carbon Rating System, and patron of
Commercial Complex, Mumbai CTBUH, The Council for Tall Building in Urban Habitat – USA (India Chapter).
All our projects reflect the basic principles of sustainability. SSA has designed over 8 million Sq ft of green-certified projects, which includes Kohinoor Hospital. Kohinoor Hospital was Asia’s first USGBC (United States Green Building Council) platinum-certified healthcare building while being second globally.
How would you define your design process for façades and fenestrations in your projects? Our process is driven by the context and aspirations of the client. We believe art and engineering are inseparable to create a people-centric built environment that is responsible, functional and contextual.
We begin by conducting a detailed study of context from a micro-climate perspective and the user requirement of the built environment to be designed. The type of façade application to be implemented is further analysed to suit various parameters such as acoustic, daylighting, natural ventilation, etc., and of course, the elephant in the room – to be cost-effective and meet the client’s budget. We prefer involving our associate consultants like structure, MEP, façade, etc., right from the initial design stage of the project to have an integrated design solution and a successful construction journey. Needless to say, practicality, longevity, maintenance, durability, comfort, and safety is by default and uncompromisable.
Please talk about some most preferred façade materials.? Every project is required to be catered to in its own unique and contextual way, be it in terms of design or selection of materials. Any material selected must be environment-friendly with longevity and durability. These days the palette of materials is extremely vast and sophisticated, which lets the architect go for various possibilities in designing and creating the built form that is aesthetically pleasing while becoming an engineering marvel. I prefer local stone for its sheer strength, durability and looks, along with glass which is completely recyclable.
Kohinoor Hospital - the first LEED Platinum Hospital in Asia Could you please brief us on the latest trends in façade and fenestration designs and technologies? Today, façade design and engineering are set to accomplish beyond one’s imagination. With rapidly progressing technology and the urge to go sustainable, today’s façade is becoming more advanced and sophisticated. With the ongoing challenges of urbanisation and pandemic situations, the scope for innovation has increased tenfold. The various trends can be considered regarding digital skills and technological wonders. Through digital skills, today, with tools like Building Integrated Management System, energy and daylighting simulation application and wind tunnel analysis, the building façade systems are now robust and dynamic.
Energy simulation with the help of energy modelling software encourages architects to analyse building designs and their systems at different stages in the design process. Building performance simulation software like E-Quest DOE evaluates energy requirements, consumption, glazing percentage/type, daylighting and HVAC design through various graphic interfaces. It encourages architects to be environment-sensitive by expressing the output achieved by passive and active solar design. The Corporate headquarters of Mudra Communication building in Mumbai function on 90 per cent natural daylight. The building design and window-to-wall ratio were governed by the parameters achieved through daylight simulation.
With the ever-changing climatic conditions and rise in tall buildings, Wind Tunnel Tests help predict wind loads and responses to structures, structural components, and cladding to various wind conditions. This technology has had a major effect on the construction cost of many tall buildings as it provides efficient statistical analysis and data of design load requirements for the buildings. The glass façade of India’s one of the tallest mixed-used projects, Kohinoor Square in Mumbai, was diligently designed with the help of wind tunnel analysis. As the project is located on the coastal edge of Mumbai, studying cyclonic winds was a critical aspect of the building design and selection of glass based on wind pressure and speed.
The Corporate headquarters of Mudra Communication | LEED Gold Regarding the application of design and innovation, architects and façade designers are inclining toward creating façades that holistically look into sustainable and wellness parameters. One of these is breathable façades through bio walls, perforated cladding and glass integrated with photovoltaic cells. The other is using recyclable materials for various façade elements.
Please throw some light on a few of your most favourite projects? Like your children, all projects are special, and it’s as difficult as picking your favourite child. But if I have to name one, it would be Kohinoor Square. India’s 1st tallest mixed-use complex has been designed as an
ABIL Boulevard enigmatic & vibrant structure that combines office, residential, hospitality, retail, recreational facilities and public parking. The concept of diamond and the literal meaning of Kohinoor, “mountain of light”, formed the design concept for the iconic structure. The conceptualisation of the main tower during the design phase was the concept of a diamond, with each of its angular faceted surfaces catching and reflecting light at different angles depending on the sun’s movement. Owing to this concept, the floor plans at each level have been designed with its corners chamfered to create facetted façades similar to a diamond. Many first for the Indian subcontinent were introduced during the execution of the Kohinoor Square, including the Jump Form Shuttering., compass-based vertical transportation, Double Glazed curtain wall, etc.
The award from AIT - Germany is memorable as it was the first international award. This was received for the Mudra House. The design of this project has the unique characteristics of Indian ethnicity while celebrating the ancient Indian art form in a contemporary manner.
Tell us about some of your most challenging projects.? Every project has its own challenges because marrying the architect’s vision, client’s aspiration and contractor’s expertise is like an inter-cultural marriage. From the beginning, each stakeholder must understand and adapt to the strength and capabilities of the other. Although challenges may be small or big, sitting in the designer’s shoes, there is no discrimination between the projects. Architecture evolves out of addressing the challenges sensibly and appropriately.
One of my favourite projects, Kohinoor Square mentioned above, is also the most challenging and rewarding. The project was developed on 5 acres of mill land with 2.7 million square feet of built
Corporate HQ for L&T | Associate Architect construction. This project has tested us on all fronts; our ability as a good designer, leadership qualities to convince the community while having more than 30 consultants under our umbrella, and our project management skills to manage the project on-site with 400 odd vendors to work with and take the batten into our hands to design and deliver the project playing the role of an LDC (Lead Design Consultant).
What is the future of architecture post COVID? Has the Pandemic affected the design industry? The future architect has exciting times ahead. He /She has to be agile with an ability to adapt. The lifestyle is constantly changing. The design approach must be based on detailed research analysis to stay ahead of the curve. The design will have to be both adaptable and scalable to newer technologies.
It will be about understanding sociology, people, and technology and integrating them into a human-centric design.
Tell us about your views that make your projects very unique? SSA believes architecture is a creative science and a comprehensive approach that develops a human-centric built environment. This built environment must be contextual, functional, sustainable, and iconic. An architect cannot design in isolation; he has to have the ability to connect and engage with the end-user - be an extrovert and have a holistic approach. It combines hard skills of design & soft skills of human connection and experience. At SSA, it’s a hands-on, inside-out approach. We develop a design for a space to uplift the spirit of the people who occupy it. Our signature on the project is where the occupant is happy. In a nutshell, Architecture is all about “Space, People & Happiness”.
To conclude, architecture deals with lifestyle, and it is our endeavour to have continuous learning and explorations to understand the human psychic as a prime focus. Furthermore, the SSA team is committed to designing for environmental sustainability where our practice philosophy is to be nimble, facile, fluid, flexible and continuously move forward, where the role of Architecture and Architects is to involve with the rest of the society altogether.
Case Study - 1
Island City Centre, Mumbai
Façades with Double-Glazed UV-Resistant Glass
An oasis of luxury looms tall in the heart of Mumbai, spread over sprawling acres of bespoke serenity. Island City Centre (ICC) is borne of a desire to create an iconic building unique to Mumbai. With advanced technologies and building materials, ICC is an innovative and timeless design that adds to the history and roster of Mumba’s landmark buildings. The architecture is finely crafted, precise, elegant and striking.
The biophilic entrance with its green wall, water wall, and green islands are inspirational, therapeutic, healthy, and integrative spaces with the functionality of the place.
ICC makes a dominating impression on the skyline, while the true colour of the glass panels easily blends with the sky on a clear day. The building takes a minimalist approach to form, drawing attention to its considered “materiality, lightness, transparency and order”. The façade’s sleek glass curtain wall presents a solid figure
Being one of the first fully glazed residential towers in Mumbai, ICC has raised the bar regarding technology and meticulous detailing of each space and element. The façade of these two buildings is a humongous 61,000 Sq m surface area that was installed in the span of 3 years, being the fastest façade installation of residential towers in India. The double-glazed UVresistant glass façade bears a contemporary appearance designed to reduce noise pollution by nearly 40 decibels and energy consumption by approximately 24%. Leakproof and fire resistant, this high-grade, easy-to-maintain glass façade consists of 43% vision glass that provides optimal natural light.
Island City Centre, Wadala, IGBC Gold
