Home Review April 2017 by Home Review

Art Form: Ian Berry

vol 16 issue 04

aPRIL 2017

Product Designer: Alain Gilles

Specialist: The Décor Kart

total pages 140

RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM

PENCHANT FOR SIMPLICITY P&D ASSOCIATES OUT-OF-THE-BOX BY SHROFfLEoN

WINNING COLLABORATION Samira Rathod’s Bespoke Touch

Shabnam Gupta is our Guest Editor DEFINING DESIGN

INSPIRATIONS AND INTERESTS

WORKS OF INFLUENTIAL DESIGNERS DESIGN IN the DIGITAL AGE

COLLECTIVE EXPRESSION

GLOBAL IMPRINTS SUPERIMPOSING CULTURAL FOOTPRINTS Shabnam Gupta’s Favourites

Photo: Cyrus Dalal

amira Rathod loves a challenge and this duplex apartment offers her plenty. Having to work with the existing shell of the residence she manipulates internal divisions to create a new open plan. Her modulations allow for a scheme that delivers a larger combined space, where she cleverly includes ‘pockets of interaction’ that allow for more personal conversations when required. While this home includes some Italian furniture pieces (otherwise a rarity in her projects), what it does not miss out on is her own bespoke touch. Samira imagines a set of wooden ‘fingers’ that are attached to a skylight and encase the stairwell shaft in an abstract modulated response. What also makes its presence felt is a bright ‘caterpillar’; which really is a colourful railing contrasted against the dark tones of the stairs, that spirals its way upwards. Samira’s homes are unique compositions that are layered and minutely detailed, they respond to the environment, context and needs of the client, but more importantly always strike a cord with the heart. Maria Leon and Kayzad Shroff insert a multifunctional cube in a large residence in Mumbai. This clever intervention anchors the home and activates multiple functions like a bar, puja room, water body, storage, etc. which are accessed from its different ends. What also makes its mark in this home is a clever lighting plan which includes a yellow Medusa-like hand-blown glass chandelier, Alvar Alto lamps as well as an orchestrated LED maze on the ceiling. The home created by the designer duo doesn’t have a loud design scheme that shouts to get noticed instead it makes its presence felt in a calm, sensible way allowing you to enjoy the generous living proportion with a backdrop of tasteful accoutrements. Shabnam Gupta’s work is anchored in creativity. Her firm Orange Lane has been at the forefront for many years decorating some of the country’s finest home. Today, her creative exploits also include Peacock Life, a design label and store that revels in the tailor-made and unusual. We are delighted to have Shabnam as our Guest Editor for this Anniversary issue. Please turn to page 58, to read about what this maverick designer has to say. Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com

4 Home Review April 2017

Home Review April 2017

107

emails + feedback A Design that Speaks

Beautiful Brisbane

The best way to enliven a restaurant is to weave the element of eloquence in its design which is amply illustrated by Minnie Bhattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful design of Myx.

The spotlight on modern architecture and design aspects of Brisbane was a very impressive read as I could recall my memories of a recent visit to the iconic city.

By Email Vikram Kapoor

By Email Nishi Francis

Enhanced Perceptions

An Inspiration

I congratulate Home Review for featuring Tejal Mathurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s astounding melange of colours, texture and materials to transform a medium sized home in Mumbai into a breathtakingly beautiful space.

The Konkan Farmhouse featured in March issue of Home Review is a true delight for a frequent traveller like me on the constant lookout for the most unique places to put up!

By Email Manish Kaur

Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com

6 Home Review April 2017

By Email Amit Ray

28 36 art

form

Denimu’s Ian Berry’s entire artwork is made from scratch and contains only scraps of denim in varying shades of blue

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum is a fine specimen of public architecture of the late 19th century

Cover Story A family home in Ahmedabad has been designed by Samira Rathod of SRDA to be the playground of natural light, plush patterns, and inter-connected spaces

An apartment at Powai, Mumbai has been designed in a contemporary aesthetic by SHROFFLEoN. The unusual installation of a large black box at the entrance organises functions, even as it makes an impactful statement

49 By Daisy Tanwani

April

Anniversary Special

For Home Review’s 15th Anniversary we have the renowned interior designer Shabnam Gupta as the Guest Editor for our special section

Shivani Sanghani, the principal designer of Kyrra Studio has designed her own home in Vadodara through the realm of an uninhibited imagination

8 Home Review April 2017

Eclectic styles, varied themes, upcoming trends come together in our newly launched segment!

Bharuch based design firm, P&D Associates was commissioned with the task of reinventing the space of a flat in Mumbai

104

product

designer

Designer Alain Gilles has both the curiosity and creativity to conjure up a magical bouquet of intriguing yet practical ideas

With gathering spaces that transform into galleries and walls that metamorphose into blank canvases, The Wheat Youth Arts Hotel in China infuses vibrant and fresh sensibilities

BASEL A DESIGN DESTINATION

110

April

Perched on a slope within the idyllic Mexican wilderness, TepoztlĂĄn Lounge, a holiday retreat built recently by architects Cadaval & SolĂ -Morales, finds its home

120

115 GREEN PROJECT Tucked into the saw-cutting peaks of the Toubkal National Park, the Kasbah du Toubkal is a magnificent mountain retreat that has completely transformed the village of Imlil

THE MARKETPLACE

124

Landscapes

128 Bangalore-based Little River Architects is a multidisciplinary design firm with focus on architecture and interiors

10 Home Review April 2017

The coming together of the hand and mind is a simple equation but the coming together of the hand and the mind in precise proportions is an enviable equation. Sivana Farms is the result of one such equation

Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market

138

134 Tulips is a leading home furnishings brand known for crafting beautiful curtains and linen

Himali Kothari Freelance Writer It took a few years of meandering aimlessly before Himali Kothari found her calling in writing. She is a freelancer and has written on travel, design, architecture, business and finance and food.

Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Contributing Writers Chryselle Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Silva Dias Devyani Jayakar Dhanishta Shah Himali Kothari K Parvathy Menon Kanupriya Pachisia Ramya Srinivasan Shruti Nambiar Designers Asif Shayannawar Darshan Palav Pooja Modak Snigdha Hodarkar

Dhanishta Shah Freelance Writer She believes that writing gives sense to experience and her areas of interest span a diverse range including interior design, fashion, watches, luxury, parenting, art, business, health and travel.

12 Home Review April 2017

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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Mr. Ganesh Gurav, Mr. Vivek Jadhav, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133 / 23736131 / 23743069 E response@marvelinfomedia.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. This issue has a total of 140 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 136 inside pages. We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction. Editor Mr. Anish Bajaj. Published and Printed by Mr. Anish Bajaj on behalf of the owner Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033.

14 Home Review April 2017

Samira Rathod Winning Collaboration, Page 20. Samira Rathod, principal SRDA established the practice, in 2000. Having begun with a small farm house, and an avant garde portfolio of furniture, SRDA is today commissioned with architectural and interior design projects, across the country. Winner of several national awards and with a presence in both international and national publications, SRDA enjoys a reputation of being a firm that investigates design with a passion. The firm has till date, designed over 300 pieces of furniture and completed 87 projects in architecture and interior design, SRDA is now launching their own furniture line called “The Big Piano”.

Shroffleon Out-Of-The-Box, Page 42. SHROFFLEóN is a full service design firm led by Kayzad R.Shroff and Maria I Jimenez-Leon offering comprehensive architectural, planning and consultancy services to civic, municipal, institutional and private clients. SHROFFLEóN continually strives to invent and innovative, environmentally responsible design solutions whilst creating spaces that establish healthy connections; fluid exchanges between inhabitants and their environments.

P&D Associates Penchant For Simplicity, Page 98. P&D Associates, Bharuch, was founded in 2009 by Pratik Siddhpura and Devang Patel, who along with Shruti Siddhpura, are its principal designers. Since its establishment, P&D Associates has grown to be one of the premiere Interior design as well as Civil and Architectural planning firms in the city of Bharuch.

PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 9 12 MAR

The 12th EAD Conference is hosted by Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, and it fostered discussion among designers, academics and experts about the articulated scenario of contemporary design and its perspectives, with intent to nurture diversity and inter-disciplinarity.

IFFS, Singapore

numerous design-themed events await visitors annually. Politics, technology and the environment are the drivers for a lot of this year’s trends, which are seeing.

The International Furniture Fair Singapore, held in conjunction with the ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS) and the newly rebranded Nook Asia, is regarded by industry experts as Asia’s premier sourcing platform and design-led exhibition. With over three decades of experience since its inaugural event in 1981, the IFFS/AFS remains the most distinctive channel for regional and international companies to penetrate the global market. The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2017 had an exceptional show experience set to impress, presented by a total of 428 first-rate exhibiting companies from 35 countries. The fair attracted almost 20,000 trade professionals from the furniture, interior design, and furnishing industries all over the world, including over 500 hosted buyers. The White House designed by acclaimed designer Nathan Yong brought together a group of exhibitors who presented their best ideas using ‘Whiteness’ as the collective theme. In addition, the Italian Hospitality space curated by Giulio Cappellin represented a juxtaposition of current and technological furniture with some pieces of tradition and rich history. www.IFFS.com.sg

4 9 APRIL TO

Milan Design Week, Milan Milan Design Week takes place in April every year. With over 370,000 attendees and 2,500 exhibitors, Milan Design Week, sponsored by Salon del Mobile is the world’s largest furniture showcase. Breath taking installations, exhibits and

16 Home Review April 2017

This year, designers are working with recycled materials, ancient crafts and new processes as politics, technology and the environment are the recurrent themes for this year. It will also showcase modular furniture focussing on durability and flexibility. Salone del Mobile is experimenting with a new format of dividing the displays into different clusters, namely Classico: Tradizione nel Futuro and Before Design: Classico. In the first cluster, classical furniture will be displayed in a linear fashion along a central walkway. In the second, a room and a theatre together with a short movie by Matteo Garrone will don the roles of the display pieces.

This provocative forum spotlights new research on design’s role in shaping business, technology, philosophy and culture. ‘Design for Next ...’ is the title and topic of the Conference: ‘Next’ implies the concept of proximity as well as of destination, related to time and to physical space. The conference seeks to discover future fields of investigation in design, as well to discover and to connect the space and the people who share common interests in design research. www.designfornext.org

23FITC,TO 25 APRIL Toronto

Other highlights include the Salone Internazionale del Mobile (International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition) which boasts of more than 1300 exhibitors, as well as the Salone Satellite, which dedicates itself to being a launching pad for young designer talent under the age of 35. www.salonemilano.it

TO 12Design 14 APRIL for Next, Rome, Italy

FITC Toronto is a professional celebration of the best the world has to offer in design, digital development, media and innovation in creative technologies. The event offers three days and nights of presentations, parties, installations and performances that unite and transform the industry. The 2017 FITC Toronto will feature over 75 presenters across three action-packed days and nights. Since 2002, FITC has brought together likeminded professionals and students in Toronto, Amsterdam, Tokyo, San Francisco, Chicago, Seoul, New York, Los Angeles and many other cities. Staying fresh by covering relevant topics in interactive, technical, design and business related content, FITC Events provides the professional development and networking opportunities needed to keep attendees up to date on the rapidly changing industry they work in. www.fitc.ca

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PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 26 APRIL 7 MAY TO

The 2017 HOW Design Live will be held May 2-6 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, IL. For more than 25 years it has been the premier event and one of the largest gatherings of creative professionals in the world. Attendees of this year’s show will experience five days of learning and engagement, where they will hear from and interact with the brightest minds in design and business.

Copenhagen Architecture Festival, Denmark

Denmark’s largest architecture festival Copenhagen Architecture Festival opens its fourth edition Wednesday, April 26th with a wide program spread over three cities – Copenhagen, Aarhus and Aalborg. The festival takes place over 11 days. The more than 150 events provide a variety of approaches to architecture and through film screenings, exhibitions, lectures, debates, walks, concerts and conferences there are enough to choose from again this year - both for ’feinschmecker’ and the general public. Again this year you can meet experts from home and abroad who will contribute to the audience to get a glimpse of the world of architecture. The audience can, among other things, look forward to an exciting theme of Danish colonial architectural trail - both in Denmark in Copenhagen and in the former colonies around the world under the title ‘colonial traces, a dissection of the city’s various layers in a series of events, which is about how we use the city and who uses it - under the theme titled ‘The city in use’, or the ratio of ‘plan and life’ in the cities and their architecture. The purpose of CAFx 2017 include exploring how architecture is to shape and reflect values in our lives or cities, and especially how we as individuals, groups or nations are reading us into the surroundings. www.cafx.dk

27AIATO 29Conference APRIL on Architecture 2017, Orlando, Florida

The 2017 AIA Conference on Architecture will be held in Orlando, Florida, April 27-29. The conference is about designing a better world. It’s about tapping into the architects and design professionals who are shaping the industry. The conference offers three days of fast-paced, hard-hitting ideas, inspiration, education, networking, and innovation from some of the industry-leading architects, firms, and building product manufacturers.

The jam-packed schedule boasts more than 80 educational sessions, 100 speakers, 13 keynote speakers, nearly 100 vendors and brand new Workshops and Master Classes designed to create an inspirational and hands-on learning environment. Attendees will also hear from and engage with leadership at global brands. www.howdesignlive.com

10 TO 14 MAY

Pictoplasma Conference, Berlin, Germany

AIA Orlando is committed to serving the community and heightening the recognition of our profession to the community, and we consistently encourage all of our members to become active leaders in the community and the profession through participation in one of the many committees and initiatives that exist within our organization. www.aiaorlando.com/2017

2 TO 6 MAY

HOW Design Live 2017, Chicago From May 10 to 14 Pictoplasma transforms Berlin into the world’s most vibrant meeting point for a diverse scene of artists and creative enthusiasts trailblazing the face of tomorrow’s visual culture. The festival showcases latest trends in character design and art, cutting edge screenings bring the latest animation eye-candy to the big screen. It presents 18+ key lectures by the world’s most influential artists, cutting-edge graphic, toy and game designers and leading animation filmmakers. It is the meeting point for 800+ international attendees, offering the chance to learn from and be inspired by some of today’s most innovative and avant-garde artists. www.conference.pictoplasma.com

18 Home Review April 2017

Home Review April 2017

20 Home Review April 2017

WINNING COLLABORATION

This family home in Ahmedabad has been designed by Samira Rathod of SRDA to be the playground of natural light, plush patterns, and inter-connected spaces. The said project was created by focusing on what is and can be improved upon, instead of what could have been. It may not be immediately apparent, but this home inspired a great degree of introspection on the nature of spaces and our modern expectations of them. Designer Samira Rathod of Mumbaibased Samira Rathod Design Associates had always been biased towards generous influx of natural light and the preponderance of statement prints in her layouts, but while working on the Penthouse project in Ahmedabad, lots of ideas on the character of urban spaces stirred inside her mind. “We didn’t want to create anything that was merely second-best. In so many projects, the image of the space, the decoration makes for the primary element of design. Our idea was to unburden and accentuate what was already there,” states Rathod.

Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy Shilpa Gawane Home Review April 2017

The SRDA design team found itself locked in a happy collaboration with the client. “He is very design-conscious and thought deeply about the final plan. He was inspired by stimuli almost 24/7, and he chalked out activities across every week and every month with family and friends so as to help decide the look of the spaces and their material palette.” This effort blended perfectly with what the designers were already thinking. “We were given a shell. Our approach was to deal with its limitations and not turn it around completely. We wanted to take what we had and convert it into a comfortable, cosy space that was great for coming home to,” reveals Rathod. The core sentiment was to be happy with what existed, instead of mulling over what wasn’t and bending over backwards to create an illusion of it. So, what did exist before this? The answer: A 5,000 sq ft swathe that included 4 space crunched rooms, a staircase, and terraces crisscrossing the air. The apartment building stands in the heart of the Gujarati city, and the project covers both the 11th and the 12th floors.

“We took over and knocked down almost all the walls. The rooms were all fairly huddled together,” recalls Rathod. “We decided to restructure the terrace for a seamless look. The low beams were a challenge, so the design used windows and skylights to make the rooms feel more open and far less cramped.”

22 Home Review April 2017

This response-based design approach continued throughout. A 2-bedroom home for the family was crafted by opening up the spaces and laying them about in a more open-flow scheme. The highly-involved client loves a home filled to the brim with natural light and Rathod obliged, a bit reluctantly. “I apprehensively said yes to the plan,” she laughs. “I love natural light too but I prefer a more modulated plan. But this is the way he wanted it and no other way! But really, it has been a learning experience, as I came to like it too!” The response to this palpable sunlight inclusion was the setting up of a multilayered interior scheme. The harshness of the rays is tempered by thick curtains that unveil the brilliant city-views in degrees. The wooden flooring calms the vibe further. But the biggest salvo here is the upholstered furniture, all carefully placed to create pockets of cushy and comfortable coves. The expansive lounge area is composed of multiple such minispaces that work the range from individual to small groups to large get-togetherworthy sections.

Home Review April 2017

The languid space unfolds in a breezy, bright shell that is highlighted by dominant grey cushions and rugs, all stylishly interrupted by wooden accents. This is more mountain cabin space than a city-flat. The wall-length curtains and blinds add a sense of geometric theatricality to the room, and they move around to unveil manicured greenery and the promise of exhilarating views of Ahmedabad. Rathod, always biased towards graphically-charged interiors, has dotted the home with furniture pieces that can stand on their own in statement, but blend equally well into the larger picture. In the selection of stone, cushion covers, rugs, lampshades, table-tops, and wallart, whimsical lines dominate. The colour palette remains firmly tilted towards black and grey, but smidgens of yellow, blue, white, and brown have leaked into it and do much to create a balance. The team employed a â&#x20AC;&#x153;huge assortmentâ&#x20AC;? of furniture pieces for the home, a lot of them from a mix of small Italian companies. But some tables, side-tables, study-tables and lamps and all doorhandles were created and customised specifically for the project by SRDA.

Curving along the forbidding wooden stairwell is a surprisingly

colourful,

delightfully dainty railing,

in the brooding shaft like a darting snake in a

swamp. 24 Home Review April 2017

“It was inspired by the look of fingers moving on a piano, or in a choreographed dance,” Rathod says. The feature is composed of wooden slats held together by joints along which they jut out and seem to flay in a feverish dance. “It helps create a contrast, a more feminine element that is not hard,” Rathod adds. The staircase itself is a breakaway beauty, connecting the floors in an upward trajectory that moves from light to dimness and then on to bright light again. “Like a caterpillar,” Rathod offers. Following the staircase’s curvature are also shelves that the family can use to keep books in.

The living room manoeuvres around the height deficiency by embracing a low-rise seating and table set-up and a long rug that sits on beautifully patterned stone flooring. The wide-armed verticality of the windows remains consistent here, assigning the high-rise-dotted skyline of the city a season-responsive wallpaper role. The “pièce de résistance” is ‘Fingers’. Attached to the staircase skylight, this feature is made of wood and is a spot depicting poetry in motion, quite unlike the rest of the home’s sturdy exterior.

Home Review April 2017

Evenings in the house are lit up by floor-lighting, a concept Rathod was happy to indulge in, especially because it is a trend she still finds to be a slow starter owing to the traditional reliance on ceiling lamps. “This concept has not sunk in yet, and it requires a bit of R&D on our part,” she says. So, she also brought in bracket lights and enough cluster lamps that hang from the ceiling. “The idea was to create a softer environment, to have pools of light and darkness, the former where people can gather,” she says of the evening scheme. This home is plush in its selfawareness as much as in its space and design. SRDA can take a bow. srda@srda.co www.srda.co

26 Home Review April 2017

CERA OPENS NEW CERA STYLE STUDIO IN KOCHI Cera opens its new CERA Style Studio at Kochi’s landmark - the Marine Drive area. CERA, India’s most preferred premium home solutions provider, has opened its new CERA Style Studio at Kochi’s landmark - the Marine Drive area. CERA Style Studios are company display centres, meant for providing architects, designers, developers, consultants, traders and customers a holistic touch and feel experience of the entire CERA range of products.

CERA and Mr S C Kothari, Chief Executive Officer, CERA, Speaking to media on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Somay, Chairman & Managaing Director said, “This CERA Style Studio is the largest in India and provides one-stop solution to all the needs of our customers. This will help them make an informed decision regarding their home solution requirements.”

Spread over an area of 12,500 square feet, the new CERA Style Studio in Kochi showcases the entire range of CERA’s sanitaryware, faucets, tiles, wellness products, kitchen sinks, mirrors, sensors, cabinets and also its newly launched Italian luxury designer sanitaryware, ISVEA. CERA Style Studio was formally inaugurated today by Mr. Vikram Somany, Chairman and Managing Director, Cera Sanitaryware Limited in the presence of a large crowd of invited guests of architects, developers, trade associates and customers. CERA had also invited around top 100 of its dealers from all over India to witness this inaugural ceremony. Designed by Ar Manoj Kumar, the displays were segregated for different product segments of CERA and inauguration of each area was done by a prominent personality. The sanitaryware display area was inaugurated by Dr Najeeb Zackeria, Managing Director of Abad Builders, tile display area by Ar Jose K Mathew, Wellness display by Ar S Gopakumar, kitchen sinks & mirror display area by Ar B Sudhir, faucet display by Ar N M Salim, Isvea display by Ar Jabeen L Zacharia and office area by Mr K Lava, Managing Director, SFS Homes. On this occasion, the lighting of the lamp was done jointly by Mr Cyriac Davies, Managing Director, Kitco, Mr T A Joseph, Managing Director, Confident Group, Mr John Thomas, Managing Director, Noel Villas & Apartments, Ar Jeff Antony, Ar V N Ramachandran, Ar Manoj Kumar M, Mr G Ramachandran, GR Tech Consultants, Mr Arun Das, Bhavani Consultants, Mrs. Deepshikha Khaitan, Vice Chairman,

This is the third expansion of CERA Style Studio in Kochi, looking to the need to accommodate the display of new designs and product categories added over the years by CERA. With rapid addition of new products, “CERA is poised for scaling new heights in the years to come”, says Mr Atul Sanghvi, Executive Director. Apart from Kochi, CERA has another company display centre in Thiruvananthapuram. CERA Style Studios are also operating in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Mumbai. In addition to this CERA also operates an innovative CERA Style Studio on wheels, to take the products to the offices of the architects and developers.

CERA Sanitaryware Ltd., India’s fastest growing sanitaryware company, has been at the forefront of innovation right since its inception in 1980. CERA’s innovations in the past have become benchmark for the industry like the water-saving twinflush coupled WCs, 4-litre flush WCs, one piece WCs. Its latest products include green faucets, Curtis EWC, thin rim wash basins, clean rim EWCs, etc. CERA got Trusted Brand Awards from Reader’s Digest for both CERA Sanitaryware/ fittings and CERA Tiles last week. Apart from its Sanitaryware and Faucet manufacturing plants in Gujarat, CERA has set up a tile manufacturing plant in Gudur in Andhra Pradesh. www.cera-india.com Home Review April 2017

Restored exteriors of the museum building after its renovation from 2003 to 2008.

Dr. BHAU DAJI LAD Mumbai City Museum TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net Situated in Byculla, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum is not only the city’s oldest museum and a treasure trove of information about the city’s socio-cultural evolution, but also a fine specimen of public architecture of the late 19th century. It owes its origins to the enterprising citizens of mercantile Mumbai who came together and raised funds for its establishment back in 1872. The Museum building employs a Palladian style of architecture for its exteriors, giving its two level structure a rather regal appearance.

28 Home Review April 2017

On the other hand, the interiors are furnished in a High Victorian style, and after an award-winning restoration project undertaken in the last decade, continue to bedazzle visitors even today. The Museum’s main hall is a linear double-height volume that is flanked by galleries on either side. Corinthian columns with richly decorated capitals, arches with filigree work, wrought iron railings and cornices with floral ornamentation are the chief decorative features here. Look closely and you’d also notice the gold-leafing works that highlight many of these details. A statue of Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria overlooks this central hall, and is flanked by statues of the Greek goddesses for Science and the Arts - both of which were considered crucial for progress during the era of industrial revolution.

Also present is a bust of David Sassoon, one of the key philanthropists who contributed to the museum. The Museum’s Industrial Arts Gallery showcases a collection of decorative Indian arts and crafts that were popular in Europe during the time that the Museum was set up. These are in a variety of materials and forms, that include silverware, sandalwood carvings, brass figurines, ivory works and more. On the upper level, the Kamalnayan Bajaj Mumbai Gallery has a fascinating collection of dioramas and models that represent the many communities, trades and occupations that were found in Mumbai.

Top and Bottom: The tall volume of the grand central hall of the museum is surrounded by galleries on either side. Objects of arts and crafts are elegantly displayed in vintage wooden cabinets in the Industrial Arts Gallery.

Home Review April 2017

Richly decorated architectural elements complement the Celadon Green colour interior walls of the museum. A delicately crafted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Royal Boat Processionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; made from ivory, in the Industrial Arts Gallery.

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Colonial-era statues from across the city were moved into the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s East Gardens in the 1960s. Statues of Prince Albert, the Greek Goddesses of Sciences & Arts, and of David Sassoon in the central hall of the museum. A richly decorated ceiling with painted motifs and gilded ornamentation crowns the central hall of the museum.

Home Review April 2017

JAQUAR GROUP HONOURED FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN BY INDIA DESIGN MARK Artize, the luxury bath brand of the Jaquar Group made a clean sweep at the India Design Mark Awards in February. The brand secured wins for its Linea and Confluence series of bath fittings, making it the only firm to win this award for excellence in design from this category.

India Design Mark is a design standard, a symbol which recognizes good design. Initiated by the India Design Council in 2012 with co-operation from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP) and the Good Design Award system directives, the India Design Mark badge is a trustworthy indicator of excellence. It signifies distinction in form, function, quality, safety, sustainability and innovation, conveying that the product is usable, durable, aesthetically appealing and socially responsible.

Dubbed as the “most trusted” bath brand by Nielsen, the Jaquar Group is committed to offering the best bathing solutions through development and persistent innovation. The Jaquar Group launched its luxury brand Atrize a few years ago with the intent of paying tribute to the fine traditions of exquisite craftsmanship and precision. Under the Artize brand the Jaquar Group embarked on a journey to craft a wide range of products designed to create trends in the bathing industry. Their efforts in this space are only growing which has ensured that other than being available at every respectable bath and sanitary ware shop across the length and breadth of the country, the brand has also been able to create widespread influence in the global markets of the bath fittings industry. The brand has been a part of many public, residential and commercial projects across the world. They are also a preferred choice globally for five and seven-star hotels, with recent commissions being in some uber luxury hotels in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Maldives and Kenya. The recent win of the India Design Mark label reinforces Artize’s excellent design prowess and its commitment of creating truly exceptional products. Artize’s consistent focus on uniting superior design with international quality standards has resulted in many innovative products in the past and is likely to continue with even more in the future.

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LINEA

Artize’s multiple award winning product Linea has once again garnered recognition at the India Design Mark.

The product has received several acknowledgments in the past and was India’s first and only faucet to win an iF Award from Germany. It also made its presence felt at the Plus X Award where it was awarded four seals of approval under the categories of Innovation, High Quality, Design and Functionality. Linea has also won the Good Design (Chicago) award, making the Indian Design Mark the forth award in its winning streak. “Linea is the epitome of minimalism,” says Parichay Mehra, Head of Design at the Jaquar Group. “It eliminates every inessential layer between the user and the experience of the product.” Inspired by the idea of minimalism, the basin mixer is as stylish and spectacular as it is impressive in the advanced technology it embodies. The most striking feature of the award-winning Linea basin mixer is its spout, which swings elegantly and also functions as the faucet’s on-off mechanism. The faucet’s spout moves in a graceful arc, controlling the temperature and flow of the water as it moves along its curve. The sleek, stylish, sophisticated Linea is designed so that the water always falls near the centre of the wash basin, safely away from its brim. The product’s intelligent design prevents hot water from coming into contact with its chrome body, allowing the Linea basin mixer to remain cool at all times.

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CONFLUENCE

The Confluence faucet by Artize, a finely crafted basin mixer, was recognised as a GOOD DESIGNâ&#x201E;˘ award winner for its finesse in design and its innovative technology. This award for Confluence recognised the basin mixer for having overcome several intriguing engineering challenges. Now Confluence has added another feather in its cap by winning the prestigious India Design Mark award. In the Confluence basin mixer the calming effect of naturally falling water has been replicated by crafting a gentle flow that descends from a half-cut bamboo shaped masterpiece into your palms. The Confluence faucet ensures that the flowing water never leaves the confines of the channel while the dual-fall dispensing system guarantees that the water does not create a splash. The biomorphic design is the culmination of bringing one of mankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most natural experiences of engaging with water.

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Commenting on the occasion Mr. Sandeep Shukla, Head of Marketing and Communications, Jaquar Group said, “It is a great honour for Jaquar to receive not only one but two awards by the prestigious India Design Mark. We have always strived to create products that are a synthesis of true craftsmanship - a combination of expert detailing, form and technology that an evolved customer understands and appreciates connoisseurs of fine living style.”

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. It’s victory at the prominent India Design Mark Awards is a recognition of the brand being counted as one of the best in the world in the faucet, sanitary ware and wellness space. Artize, a luxury bath brand, has been introduced to cater to customers who aspire for luxury in their bathing space. The brand aims at excellence at all levels and seeks to surpass global standards of quality and design. www.artize.in

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Every item in this piece bears a striking resemblance to the original; from the chandelier and drapes, to the hearth and to the reflection of the window on the opposite mirror. The woman in the centre is reflective of the mood of the piece - pensive, perhaps.

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art form

Denim - Don't Just Wear It! Is it a painting? Is it a photograph? No. This is art. Denim art. And Ian Berry tells us how.

If we tell you wearing denim is not the only way to use denim, what would you say? Intrigued? Well, we certainly were when we first got to know of Denimu’s Ian Berry who believes “denim is a reflection of the world in which we live.” When you look at Ian’s work, your first impression is that of an indigo coloured oil painting, or a photograph in blue. And for most, even when they’re at touching distance of his installations, it is hard to believe that the entire artwork is made from scratch and contains only scraps of denim in varying shades of blue.

Ferns in close-up. From ‘simple work’ to creating beautifully complex portraits of renowned personalities, Ian Berry’s art has been appreciated and lauded across the world.

Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Courtesy Ian Berry Home Review April 2017

Ian hails from Yorkshire, but has exhibitions and installations at various sites across the world. He is deeply inspired by textile artists like Mark Evans, Shezaad Dawood, Luke Haynes, to name a few. “In most countries if you walk down any street, most of the people will be wearing denim. It’s the default item of clothing and the material of our time. So what better way to portray contemporary life than with the material we all wear?” Speaking exclusively to Home Review, Ian goes on to say, “Denim is full of many dualities. A symbol of democracy, with a bad past with poor conditions, and still it is also a material that unites us all and tells us that we are all alike.” As we see it, denim being everywhere ceases to be a symbol of individuality. But Ian points out, “Once someone wears a pair of jeans it becomes unique only to that person.” Denimu literally began to take shape when Ian was cleaning out his old bedroom and saw a pile of denim. “The different shades of denim were contrasting against each other and that intrigued me,” Ian says. From there, began his tryst with denim. “I started out with rather simple works, and I would complete one in a day’s time. They were also quite flat. I used ‘block’ pieces, where all the denim is in the same shade. This would be followed by another set in a different shade. However, both the blocks would have near similar shades.”

From his own admission, this series remains very close to Ian’s heart due to the overwhelming response he received.

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The evolution of Ian’s art can be traced in the timeline of his work. From ‘simple work’ to creating beautifully complex portraits of renowned personalities, his art has been appreciated and lauded across the world. He goes on to say, “Today, my works are layered, sometimes a dozen or more layers in places, thereby making the final piece three dimensional. Each piece, no matter how small, has a piece of denim in it, either washed or faded, in order to help it merge with the other bits of denim so when you step back, it is indiscernible that it is just denim.”

A typical scene in the laundry room of a building exquisitely recreated, detailing every single aspect. The most interesting feature is perhaps the flooring, made up of different swatches of denim, but with the final result made to look like floor tiles.

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Photorealism is a movement or genre that brings together various kinds of art form where the artist recreates an image or photograph (after close observation) as realistically as his skills enable him to. The movement became increasingly popular in the last century, and over the last couple of decades has seen tremendous change with digital machinery making it a near-precise art.

Also part of ‘Behind Closed Doors’, this scene is left to the viewer’s imagination as one can draw so many stories from it.

When asked where denim fits in with this movement, Ian says, “Many people think of my work as blue-toned photographs or paintings when they first come across them. And that’s great, but sometimes you want them to come closer and have that ‘Aha!’ moment when they realise that what is in front of them is nothing but denim.” Ian maintains that because of the depth and numerous textures found in his works, likening it to photorealism wouldn’t be right. “My works are more like sculptures,” he says. In 2014, Ian unveiled his tribute to Brazilian racing driver and one of Formula One’s greatest – Ayrton Senna de Silva. The portrait was made from scraps of denim donated by Senna’s family. This was done to mark the 20th death anniversary of the Formula One legend. The money from the sale of the final portrait is said to have been donated to the Instituto Ayrton Senna in the hope to help improve the standards of education. For Ian, there isn’t really a favourite piece “as by the time it gets printed, there may be a new one in the offing.” However, the exhibition ‘Behind Closed Doors’ melancholic urban scenes - remains close to his heart. “The emotional response I got meant a lot and that is what it is all about connecting with people.”

The rug in the front right hand corner is a wonderful reflection of Ian’s commitment to the art.

What separates Ian from other artists is his ability to recreate metallic finishes in his works and his vociferous admission that he does not use Photoshop or any other software to enhance his art - “just my eye!” he signs off. www.denimu.com

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SAINT-GOBAIN’S INFINITY RANGE TRANSFORMS HIGH-RISES With Solar and Thermal Control, the range provides luxury and comfort to living spaces. In bustling cities, ground space has become a constraint. The growth of cities has exploded laterally through all directions, leaving the only scope of development to be in the vertical direction. In the days to come, this vertical growth will be the one that is able to sustain an ever-growing need for living spaces. A high-rise building does not put as much stress on nature, considering the smaller ground space that it would occupy. Having more such buildings could lead to utilizing the already-scarce land for green landscape and to creating breathing spaces for the neighbourhood. While designing high-rise buildings, it is essential that the materials used in them are lighter in weight. Glass, weighing lesser than concrete walls, achieves this purpose and also provides the desirable advantage of enjoying majestic views from living spaces. Saint-Gobain’s Infinity offers a range of products and solutions to the architect and builder community. Infinity’s products include a range of HighPerformance Glass Products and Glazing Solutions that are sustainable even while delivering aesthetic value. Under Infinity, Saint-Gobain also offers a bundle of allied solutions and advisory that complement and go beyond the product offerings - Product Management for quality assurance, Design Ace solutions that advise on a near perfect glazing design and building simulation and Research Solutions, which are

custom solutions for specific glazing requirements that deal with building science and physics. The Infinity bouquet of glass products from Saint-Gobain offers a wide range of solar control and thermal insulation solutions for architectural applications. The line of products is manufactured using state-of-the-art Nanotechnology in a plasma environment and combining energy efficiency with various other features such as minimum visual glare, advanced thermal insulation to provide multi-comfort living spaces.

Based on the “Comfort Meter” devised by Saint-Gobain, the range offers multiple tints and different levels of Light Transmission, Solar Factor, U-Value (Insulation), UV Protection and Daytime Privacy. Infinity products are engineered to provide maximum /optimum daylight inside but at the same time, keeping the interiors cool by cutting out undesirable heat. Transparency, sustainability and protection from heat make Saint-Gobain Infinity an attractive option for high-rise buildings. In the near future, climate-responsive façades would be the befitting drape for a glazing landscape waiting to be transformed. Infinity range also comes with a coating that protects against the penetration of UV rays into the interiors. As the world leader in glass manufacturing for the construction market, Saint-Gobain worldwide has set its sights on providing innovative solutions to two key challenges of the future - Environmental protection and Energy savings. Saint-Gobain’s range of products and solutions strive to bring wellbeing to each of us and the future of all by providing comfort, performance and safety. And this way is well defined by the Infinity range now made in India and for India. in.saint-gobain-glass.com Home Review April 2017

The artwork on the wall picks up the orange hue of the upholstery, while crinkled lead foil clad on one wall offers a rich textured metallic surface illuminated by the recessed spotlights in the ceiling.

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OUT-OFTHE-BOX

What do most architects do when they have to design the interiors of a large apartment in Mumbai? Top of the list is usually breaking walls to create larger spaces. So it would be safe to conclude that the introduction of a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; measuring 20x8x7.5 ft would not even be considered. But that is exactly what Maria Leon and Kayzad Shroff have done in this 3,500 sq ft apartment in Powai, Mumbai.

Text By Devyani Jayakar Photo Credits Photographix

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“The apartment has a private elevator opening directly into the home. So we were able to install this black granite-clad ‘box’ which hugs one wall but protrudes partially into the lobby of the lift area. It has a cut-out measuring 5x5 ft, with a water body under it,” says Kayzad.

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Visible through the cut-out are the arresting Medusa-like swirls of a handblown yellow glass chandelier - together with a glimpse of the den beyond, the main focus being on its criss-cross ceiling. This carefully orchestrated sight entices and beckons, setting the stage for what is to come. “The ‘box’ also houses the puja room, the bar and the server, accessed from different sides,” adds Maria, lest one imagine that it is all form and no function. The clients simply wanted a contemporary space, so the brief wasn’t very detailed. “However, we did need to convince them to reduce a bedroom so that there could be a luxurious master suite with a walk-in closet and a large en suite bath,” says Kayzad. “What we spent the most time and effort on was concealing the doors and shutters, so that they blend almost seamlessly into the wall finish.”

The bold move houses necessities and also creates drama, framing views within the apartment.

The living room has a grey and tangerine palette, with a large customised Daliesque carpet measuring 12x18 ft which ties the space together. The artwork on the wall picks up the orange hue of the upholstery, while crinkled lead foil clad on one wall offers a rich textured metallic surface illuminated by the recessed spotlights in the ceiling. Spaces were reorganised, with the terrace being converted into a den. Connected to the dining room with glass doors, the two areas can be merged when required. The dining table has a mirror polished marble top above which 11 Alvar Aalto lamps are suspended from the ceiling, their fluid white fabric-like folds creating a sculpturesque presence.

}

In the den, the ceiling draws one’s gaze upwards with its criss-cross pattern of LEDs outlining the coffers of the wooden ceiling. Each coffer is studded with a globular glass luminaire fitted with a filament bulb, its yellow light contrasting with the cooler temperature of the LEDs, the entire assemblage creating a three dimensional effect.

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At eye level, the yellow swirls of the glass chandelier are visible in the cut-out of the ‘box’. Wooden flooring unites the den with the dining area, to create a seamless space when needed.

}

In the master suite, the bedroom alone is all of 400 sq ft with an ivory coloured cushioned leather headboard for the bed, mounted on a dark wooden veneer clad wall; the contrast in colours is eyecatching. White Statuario marble flows over the floor, its rich veins add to the character of the space. The room also accommodates a long study table and two sofa chairs with a coffee table. The generous proportions of the en suite bath give away the fact that it was a bedroom in the original plan. “It also had too many windows for a bathroom,” says Maria. “So we’ve mounted the mirror above the washbasins in front of a window, leaving a strip around it through which the natural light comes in to create a backlit effect.” The window near the tub has also received special attention. “A screen in glossy stainless steel offers privacy, even as reflections bounce off its slats,” says Kayzad.

}

The guest bedroom has customised marble tiles with a textured finish on the wall behind the bed, while a chevron patterned wallpaper by Maya Romanoff mimics wood to form a panel behind the television. The bedroom for the two young girls is a feminine space in soft pink and pale coloured veneer. The upper level of the bunk bed is used more for play rather than sleeping. A customised wallpaper has a map of the world on it and covers a door as well as switches without a break in the graphic. A rectangular cove above the play area provides ambient lighting. The lighting strategy includes one inch wide rimless recessed spotlights and coves for the ambient lighting in the apartment. It is the standing lamps which have a decorative function. Contrasting colours in veneers have been used in a uniform manner, to achieve the intended effect. “Throughout the apartment, a light maple veneer has been used for backdrops in larger spaces, with a dark chestnut to highlight smaller areas,” says Maria.

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The bedroom for the two young girls is a feminine space in soft pink and a pale veneer. A customised wallpaper has a map of the world on it and covers a door as well as switches without a break in the graphic.

And what about the ‘box’ which takes centre stage? “The granite on its surface has been shot-blasted and textured. The living, dining room and den together sprawl over 1,800 sq ft, so we wanted an ‘object’ in the centre,” says Kayzad. The bold move houses necessities and also creates drama, framing views within the apartment. The box is an outcome of a clear and focussed out-of-thebox thinking. k.shroff@shroffleon.com www.phxindia.in

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Magical Narratives

By Daisy Tanwani

DESIGNQUEST

A home dĂŠcor and furnishing brand, Pinklay, manifests creativity with an amazing amalgamation of colours, patterns and prints! It crafts designs to convey narratives - often inspired from natural elements and diverse crafts and cultures from around the world. The idea behind the brand was simply to create a more accessible, aspirational, lifestyle brand that caters to the house-proud in all of us. Colour is at the heart of their art.

Text By Anindita Ganguly Home Review April 2017

The brand currently offers an entire range of home décor with over 400 unique products spread across categories such as quilts, dohars, cushions, bedsheets, bedcovers, rugs, bath linen, table linen, infant and kids bedding, plush toys, and centrepieces to name a few.

A Wishful Marigold Hand Block Print Cotton Quilt Comforter.

Daisy Tanwani, the founder and driving force behind Pinklay, calls it, “a welcome pause, away from the humdrum”. It has a small team of designers. However, Daisy still closely guards the design process - right from idea inception to product sampling on the factory floor.

She ensures that every Pinklay product stands by the brand ethos and philosophy. As someone who doesn’t have a formal design degree, she affirms feeling less restricted with and more willing to push the design boundaries, bringing forth more refreshing designs and perspectives.

The Legendary Hip Flask Clock.

Neon Light Patchwork Pinwheel Cushion.

Pinklay is one-word for ‘Pink Clay’. The name of the brand ‘Pinklay’ materialized with ‘Pink’ from its powerful visual appeal and ‘clay’ owing to its extraordinary ability to mould into anything effortlessly. It’s a creative hands’ delight.

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Dream Catcher Patchwork Reversible Premium Thick Quilt.

Elusive Sea Reversible Cotton Cushion Cover.

The brand emphasizes on retaining authentic art and design sensibilities of various regions and is dedicated to upskilling and employing underprivileged women in India. Their designs, inspired from crafts and cultures from around the globe, and their bold use of colour, that is tasteful and authentic, is what separates them from other brands. It has been growing in double digits and they see themselves continuing to do so the next few years.

The near future entails the brand significantly increasing its presence through store affiliations and the opening of exclusive Pinklay retail stores across the country. They are also looking at expanding their portfolio, with the most immediate being a foray into kids, bedding and décor line. Pinklay hopes to infuse a lot of colour and cheer in people’s lives in the near future. www.pinklay.com

The designs are inspired from crafts and cultures from around the globe.

Pinklay is extremely popular in the gifting and wedding circuit, providing décor solutions to corporates and wedding planners. They never compromise on quality - all their products are produced using the best quality materials available and are rigorously tested to ensure they meet and exceed the customers’ standards.

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Crafting with an intrinsic sense of aesthetics, the DĂŠcor Kart is a classic epitome of elegance, quality and style. Started by the husband and wife duo, Brij and Natasha Kalra, the brand strives to express the synthesis of creativity, innovation and sophistication. The Decor Kart creates products that amalgamate an astounding aesthetic appeal with functionality.

Striking gold and black stag figurine

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SYNTHESIZING CREATIVITY TEXT BY ANINDITA GANGULY

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Rooster basket

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Dealing in 4 verticals - home decor and accessories, kitchen and dining, wall decor and furniture, the collections of The Decor Kart range from classic English ceramics, lodge style animal figurines, blue pottery, Vietnamese handicrafts, Italian prints, a wide range of Tuscany lamps, decorative storage solutions and accent pieces to name a few. Majority of the products of the brand are designed in house. Extensive care is taken so that the products have a timeless and universal appeal. Their collections are a mix of style and period. Stepping into their online store almost feels like a visit to a picturesque fantasy land. Since its inception in 2015, the brand sells products designed and procured in house only. The brand is inspired by the urge to create homes that can become true retreat. The transformation of a home is noticeable even when you place something as small as a flower arrangement which magnifies energy throughout the home. The brand aspires to curate such products that can affect a similar transformation while also reflecting the aesthetic sense and sensibility of the customers. The tableware collection from the brand assumed immense popularity owing to their classy appeal. The Blue and White transfer ware crockery promises to add instant elegance and sophistication to your decor space. Besides, the hand painted Tuscany lamps are museum worthy pieces of art. What makes their products so special in addition to their immense utility is that they bask in an incredibly rejuvenating aura!

Decorative jar and urn

'Waves' gold 3-arm candelabra

Charming storage containers

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Talking about how the brand hopes to deal with competition from other brands, the Founder and Creative Director of the brand, Natasha says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We don't see anyone as competition other than ourselves. Our only motive is to level up every time we launch a new collection. We want to better our backend processes while making sure our customers are getting a better experience every time they shop with us. " In the years to come, Natasha visualizes The Decor Kart becoming India's leading brand in the verticals that they cater to through their website and a chain of retail stores.

THE DECOR KART

Phone: +91 9811331181 info@thedecorkart.com

Antique book shaped wall shelf with drawer

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TOWARDS A FUTURISTIC KITCHEN WITH METRIKA Metrika - Futuristic Modular Solutions is one of the fastest growing and most preferred brands of Modern Modular Kitchens Modular Kitchen Solutions with their showrooms located in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. A conversation with Mr. Vasant Vasudev, Managing Director, Metrika, gave us a wonderful insight into the modular kitchen industry in India and the evolving trends.

Mr. Vasant Vasudev, Managing Director

How would you describe Modular Kitchen Industry in India? With an ever increasing urban population and higher disposable income, people these days are looking to invest in better homes that come with well-fitted kitchens they can be proud of. Although this market is still in its infancy, it certainly has a massive growth potential. Currently this industry is fuelled by unorganized players that include both local and established brands. People from all backgrounds are aspiring to live a more contemporary lifestyle, which is compelling them to consider a modular kitchen as well in their home. With rising demand, a new sector is slowly disrupting the existing modular furniture industry - Kitchenware and kitchen appliances. Furthermore, the concept of a nuclear family is growing and people are looking for apartment style homes. This demand is driving the rise of housing projects which now incorporate the latest kitchen fittings including modular kitchens.

How can one create a functional yet personalized kitchen?

What is your current market reach? How do you plan to extend it further?

Each Kitchen is unique and can be fully customized to individual requirements without compromising on functionality and design.

Having the capacity to install 7000 + kitchens in a year, we have fully operational stores in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. We are also in the process of opening 10 stores across PAN India. Pune and Ahmedabad store have high end different types of kitchens which itself is the start of futuristic modular lifestyle. The store also has high end bedroom sets with designer headboard and wardrobes with finest designs to provide unique selling experience to our customers.

Our experienced and well trained design team is consulting and supporting the customer to combine individual requirements with comfort, maximum storage space and an outstanding design. What is your opinion about market Competitiveness? The market is highly competitive, and as a player in the modular kitchen segment, we have never focused on competition as we view ourselves as different in the chosen league of players in the market. This in turn is helping us to project our business to the pinnacle as one of the strongest.

metrika@metrika.in

What are the evolving trends in Kitchen? Kitchen design trends are continuously evolving. Consumers are now more opting handle-less kitchens that are designed to suit minimal, straight - line design sensibilities. Home Review April 2017

SHABNAM GUPTA: guest editor For Home Review’s 15th Anniversary we have the renowned interior designer Shabnam Gupta as the Guest Editor for our special section.

Shabnam Gupta’s work reflects a design language that has its basis in creativity. Today, this talented designer has emerged as a leading name in the field of interior and architectural design in India. Her firm, ‘The Orange Lane’ not only acts as a design consultant, but it also provides complete turnkey design solutions. Over little more than a decade, the company has executed an impressive range of prestigious projects. These span an entire spectrum - from the homes of celebrities like Parineeti Chopra, Aditya Chopra, Rani Mukherjee and Irrfan Khan to name a few to The Bar Stock Exchange, Intercontinental Hotel’s restaurants, Sassy Spoon and Smaaash on the hospitality front, to the offices of CNBC TV 18, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and the Pepperfry Studio. Shabnam is also one of the most awarded interior designers in the country and is known to conjure up visual wonders. She is recognised for her personally tailored, client specific interiors that use bursts of colour, textures and other unique elements within a contemporary design palette. Shabnam’s designs exude energy and spirit in a delicate yet subtle fashion. Her signature style has won her much global recognition and a long list of accolades at the national level as well. These include being listed as one of the top 10 designers to watch out for by Forbes India 2010 and Elle Club 2012 and being felicitated as one of the Architects and Interiors i-Gen - India’s top 50 interior designers. Her most recent victory was winning the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2016-2017 for Parineeti Chopra’s residence. Home Review takes the opportunity to mark its anniversary issue by welcoming Shabnam Gupta onboard. www.shabnamgupta.in

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The Design Definition

Inspirations And Interests

The Collective Expression

Works Of Influential Designers

A New Traditional Narrative

Digital Design

Shabnam Guptaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favourites

Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Home Review April 2017

THE DESIGN DEFINITION Usually when we mention design, we talk about its aesthetic aspects, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. The design definition is an interlocked chain that holds together every link in the design process.

Design mediates between people and decisions. Whether subtle or overt, design promotes a point of view. Thus defining design would be more subjective rather than objective. Over the years design has been overshadowed by influences and stood at the crossroads of intersections between itself and art, architecture, history, culture and nature.

Incorporating culture and a bit of history into your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interiors injects character into your space. It pronounces the personality of your abode. While the historical and natural heritage of the country or space is a crucial influence in shaping

Talking of influences on design, one is forced to take a more personal stand on the subject. Emotions are a daily experience. When designers can control emotions with their designs they can succeed in communicating with users. For each individual, design has a separate and definite definition. There are a lot of different layers of working with a client. It is important to be able to design a space that truly represents them. Taking cues from their outside world is also key to understanding what moulds their choices and how they get influenced by different styles around them.

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Incorporating culture and a bit of history into your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interiors injects character into your space.

Sustainability is driven by the emotive value that the space or product radiates through its design.

Time in design is the ‘psychological lifespan’ of one’s physical surroundings. Though not at the forefront, it is important to understand in order to study the sustainability or the lifespan of the materials used. Sustainability is driven by the emotive value that the space or product radiates through its design. It should be able to encourage long term engagement in order to help clients build long and lasting relationships with their spaces. If these relationships have a durable character, so will the products and spaces. There is always a conflict between ‘design identity’ and ‘its application’.

Dynamic design should cater to being a product that is a design and user friendly object.

a unique design language, influences from other cultures also add quite an edge to domestic décor. While Japanese design carries a significant influence in our technology obsessed era, Zen styles have formed a significant design prelude. When one carries their holidays back home, the space exuberates a creative energy that frictions under the shadow of various vibes. In a culture that is so frequently obsessed with the new, one must be able to design spaces and objects that lend themselves to longevity in both the physical and psychological realm.

Spaces and objects should project longevity in both the physical and psychological realm.

This often leads to certain aspects of design suffering some negligence. While balance, rhythm, scale, proportion and colour make a place, these very elements are also responsible in breaking its aesthetic charm if not given due importance and attention. A product or a space may look great but if it is not user friendly it would qualify as a bad example of design as it has neglected its most important trait - its psychological element. Dynamic design should cater to being a product that is a design and user friendly object. Design has thus evolved into a concept that is a mental integration of two or more units, isolated by a process of abstraction and united by a specific definition.

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INSPIRATIONS AND INTERESTS Let’s take a closer look at what inspires designer Shabnam Gupta and what interests her.

Designer Shabnam Gupta’s spaces are nothing short of narratives that tell a different story each time you step into one of her spaces and Home Review recently got the chance to peek into this story-tellers world and find out what drives her and what is the reason behind her bespoke designs.

Continuing the conversation, she says, “Let’s face it! Nature can never get it wrong!” Drawing inspiration from the simple Mumbai sunset she explains how one can never witness a single colour combination in the organic world that seemed a little off. Signing off she tells us, “The beauty of our natural world

is constantly changing and endlessly inspiring”. With such a vast data-base of simple inspirations and interests, her soul definitely reflects in her work in the most beautiful and awe-inspiring ways - a reflection that every designer aspires to achieve.

Shabnam tells us that she loves to travel, paint and swim. “While my work has given me enough opportunity to travel, I try and take out time for my other two interests. I have resolved to take out more me-time where I can focus on reading, furniture designing and studying design”. Work-wise, Shabnam is always trying to push boundaries to find a way within the box which is not thought of. Her interest in different materials makes her try to use them innovatively. She also explains, “I am inspired everyday even by the simple things in life, be it people, emotions or nature.” By far one of her biggest inspirations is travel. She tells us how experiencing other cities and cultures is an overwhelming eye opener.

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One of Shabnam’s biggest inspirations is travel, as experiencing other cities and cultures is an overwhelming eye-opener.

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THE COLLECTIVE EXPRESSION Juxtaposition is needed so that the eye can appreciate the difference. A strong element needs to be surrounded by softer elements so it stands out. A collective expression is indispensable for the space to reflect its true radiance.

We have all fought the frustrations of interior design - whether it is having to decide upon a new direction and work on a clean slate or sprucing up the existing interiors. In the end, we’ve all come to realize that design is always inside out.

Texture not only enhances a room’s features but can also highlight an added dimension. For instance soft sheers hanging on a brick wall immediately play up different complimenting textures against each other.

It is a collective expression that reflects one’s personality, likes and dislikes. It is very important to know when to add and when to subtract in order to write a grammatically correct story across your space. This of course does not depend on singular elements as much as it does on the plurality of elements that constitute the space. To create visually appealing spaces various elements of design are applied on it. Texture is one such element that draws your focus and instantly makes a visual energy flow across the surface. Every surface has a texture and its perception depends upon adjacent textures, viewing distance and the lighting applied on it. Everything from fabrics and furniture to different accessories introduce texture into a space.

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Concept is created through art and a bold yelllow.

Soft furnishings make the space appear warmer.

Without a light source, colour does not exist. Light sets the mood in a room. While subdued lighting makes the space more cosy, natural light makes it more cheerful and airy. However it also plays a functional role when it is used to illuminate pieces of art and accessories. Communicating a concept is akin to storytelling and that is where a collective expression takes its cue from. Even if the goal of a design is modernity and simplicity, incorporating a little bit of the quirky through a piece of furniture, art or accessories can make a room more interesting.

While light goes hand in hand with texture it is also closely associated with colour.

Soft furnishings make the space appear warmer. The colours and patterns used go a long way in setting the tone of a place. Not only do they help by absorbing sound, they also add a dash of colour to subdued spaces and an element of interest through various patterns and prints. Digitally printed and hand painted fabrics are definitely seeking the spotlight. Fabrics like wool, silk and linen favour furniture with solid wood construction or well-made antiques.

The overall balance is equally important. Instead of deliberately creating focal points, one must start adding balance with the architectural features of the room and keep introducing pieces till equilibrium is obtained. The sweeping strokes of an interior design concept are nothing without the supporting details - whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the scale of a lampshade or the stile width on a cabinet door. The particulars in a room should be chosen to support the overall vision in order to narrate a collective presence.

They soften the lines of perfectly chiselled wood and add to the softness in a room. The element of light in a room can refer to natural and artificial sources. While light goes hand in hand with texture it is also closely associated with colour. Light plays a functional role to illuminate pieces of art and accessories.

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Works of influential designers As Shabnam walks under the influence of three of the biggest stalwarts of architecture, we take a moment to pause and reflect on why their work creates a reference point of undying inspiration for her.

Geoffrey Manning Bawa Geoffrey Bawa has been one of my greatest inspirations. Despite his late entry into architecture, Bawa explored modernism and its cultural implications creating a unique, recognizable style of design which had a lasting impact on architects across the world. His Kandalama Hotel was one of his earlier moves towards minimalism in building detailing. It came at a time when admirers were shocked by a design that was a distinct departure from the vernacular influence his projects reeled under.

The irregular shaped building completely enthrals with its tree fringed driveway, lobby that skilfully frames spectacular views and its complex multi-storey building that clings to the steep rock forming its eastern edge.

The Hotel was commissioned to be constructed in the city of Sigiriya around and atop the massive Sigiriya Rock. The famed ruins at Sigiriya related harmoniously to their surroundings as architecture, earthworks and frescos strikingly framed and engaged with the picturesque topography. Bawa had the foresight to insist that the hotel be constructed 11 kms away from the commissioned site so that the additional distance would aid in protecting the immediate surroundings of the cultural site and also allow for picturesque views across the Kanadalama Lake.

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The irregular shaped building completely enthrals with its tree fringed driveway, lobby.

The house competes with the drama of the falls and the sound of crashing water.

He built on the traditional Neo-Gothic base his entire life, backed by his religious faith and love for nature that laid down the final designs. He had the vision to realise that the construction of the church would not be complete in his lifetime. Thus he left behind drawings for his successors. The church is a remarkable piece and a gem in the history of world architecture today with twisted columns that impart more strength, stained glass windows that filter in colour-shifting light and intricate detailing that carve out awe in every inch one sets eyes on.

Antoni Gaudiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs re-interpret the use of materials and create shapes which are unthinkable.

Antoni Gaudi Master Architect, Antoni Gaudi grew up fascinated by geometry and the natural wonders of nature. For him form and function were inseparable. He always proved that one found aesthetic beauty only after seeking structural efficiency. In his words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing is art if it does not come from natureâ&#x20AC;?. The fact that his designs re-interpret the use of materials and create shapes which are unthinkable is an inspiration in itself. The Sagrada Familia is an example of his splendid architecture that is close to my heart. Gaudi inherited the Sagrada Familia from another architect. The church is a remarkable piece and a gem in the history of world architecture today.

Frank Lloyd Wright Frank designed and built hundreds of houses that had a major influence on the 20th century residential architecture of America. Widely admired for the outstanding harmony between human habitation and the environment, his Fallingwater house has not failed to hold my admiration as well. Built on a small waterfall to serve as a summer retreat, it had actually been envisioned by the Kaufmann family as a structure built across the waterfall, but Frank decided to build it on the waterfall making it a direction changing work in architecture. His admiration for Japanese architecture lead him to create a harmony between man and nature. The house complements the site while still competing with the drama of the falls and the sound of crashing water. The perfection of details perfected the house itself.

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A NEW TRADITIONAL NARRATIVE No longer confined to the sub-continent, Indian aesthetics, designers, architects and products have left a global imprint. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a closer look at what inspired this paradigm shift.

The richness of Indian craft and artistic skills have long been an open secret. There is an emerging interest in the impact of cultural dimensions on the experience and interaction between people and products. Global trends in the art and design industry have cast their shadows on Indian narratives. The Indian design scene is no longer a nascent one.

As a result, contemporary Indian design is emerging as an industry with great potential. While cultural differences are exciting and interesting, India has been known for its unity in diversity.

If one observes closely the trend in Indian art and design over the years, one will realise that it has explored its own past, delved deeply into symbols and expressions written across its own culture and walked hand-inhand with contemporary influences in order to take forward its journey to impress and impact an art world where global imprints have given way to a new line of local cultural footprints. Global trends have been superimposing local trends. As an immediate effect, we notice vernacular tradition meeting up-to-date design. The effect of modernization and that of the western world has taught our designers back home to focus on tradition as an important medium of innovation.

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Contemporary Indian design is emerging as an industry with great potential.

Asana Table by The Bombay Atelier

Translating traditional methods to deliver contemporary lifestyles, working to revive the livelihood of artisans or seeking to create economic independence for women are just some means to re-impose cultural roots. Today there are a whole breed of designers that are converting to a modern Indian aesthetic while using conventional techniques. For instance, Farzin Adenwalla from The Bombay Atelier has designed the Asana (Warrior Pose) Table that seeds itself through its design in ancient Indian history but branches out to the modern world by use of contemporary materials like glass and steel used in its construction.

Global imprints have given way to a new line of local cultural footprints.

Each product seeks to give either a new meaning to traditional Indian craft or give a traditional object a new identity. Under the shadow of global influences, India’s design landscape is fast-changing. The evolution and revolution in tastes and preferences has upped the ante not only for design professionals but also for buyers. Building on local artisan skills has become vital for India to differentiate itself from the mass producers of the Far East especially in a scenario where new ideas spread instantly. India thus has an opportunity here to create products that stand out from the rest.

Indian local art and design is now pulling chords at the international level.

Designed by the artists’ duo, Thukral and Tagra, Spiro the terracotta speaker dock is a playful reflection of the times we live in, artistically curated by local hand potters. Anantaya Décor’s, Kalam Tables is yet another example of functional art that clubs together Rajasthani miniature art with contemporary form and construction. Perhaps the way honest materiality has adopted and adapted to global norms and traditions with uncompromising integrity and innovation through passionate practices has shown the way how global influences have superimposed cultural footprints and vice versa. Transitioning over periods of historical and cultural significance, Indian local art and design is now pulling chords at the international level in a way like never before.

Evident from the proliferation of design studios and new design brands in recent years we can turn the spotlight on new initiatives being taken to contemporize Indian craft. Home Review April 2017

DIGITAL DESIGN It is apparent that our needs are changing, emerging technologies now have a direct impact on how we design spaces and how clients perceive them.

The interior design world has significantly evolved under the realm of the digital age that has engulfed us. In the near future we’re going to see radical changes in how we design interior spaces thanks to the advancement in technology. Rather it’s a question of the increasing amount of personalization that we’ve come to expect in the digital world bleeding into our physical worlds.

Combisteam ovens are offering flexible cooking by operating on the principles of ‘steam and heat’ and ‘steam or heat’. Refrigerators are becoming more interactive as they come equipped with a touch screen that displays your most used items. Hoods have reached another level in design as they hang to mimic sleek light pendants.

It might not be a distant dream when your room would know what level of colour and brightness it should have. It might sound crazy but the general trend towards personalization and tech savvy interiors is as steady as ever. When we stop to think about how digitalization has affected our lives its direct impact can be seen and felt in almost every sphere of everyday life. From learning and consuming information, to creating modern offices, design has gone completely digital. The kitchen has perhaps undergone the greatest change. From built in devices to digital interfaces, technology is transforming the kitchen and making us all chefs.

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Aesthetically and technologically rich elements are being combined in order to create design masterpieces.

Showers inbuilt with full spectrum LED offer RGB colour therapy.

Thermostats can now contribute in keeping your homes energy efficient by adapting to settings that are based on your lifestyle. They also sense occupancy in a room and adjust accordingly. Deadbolts for your door now come backed by Bluetooth, digital codes and key fobs that function on a simple touch provided you have the key fob on your person. The fingerprint recognition system increases safety and double authentication strengthens security. Robotic furniture, electronics and sanitary ware are also leading the race. Robotic vaccum cleaners can now automatically start cleaning at regular time intervals whether you are near the device or not.

New age bathrooms are also not lagging far behind as they take to technology.

New age bathrooms are also not lagging far behind as they take to technology. Imagine walking into your bathroom at 7 AM and the shower starts itself at optimum heat and pressure and also takes the liberty to play your favourite music! Showers inbuilt with full spectrum LED offer RGB colour therapy. Intelligent thermostats control water flow into the shower and ensure a carefree shower experience. The aesthetically and technologically rich elements are being combined in order to create design masterpieces.

Home automation has completely changed the lighting requirement of your home. While wall mounted keypads give you complete control of your lighting environment, you can even control them from your smartphones when not in the house. The industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advancements in technology has interconnected the design world with the digital world as we continue to walk towards a space we can call more our own.

When digital technology starts playing a crucial role in your life, infusing networked devises into your space is a smart way to manage your life. Smart thermostats and keyless systems are not alien to us anymore. Deadbolts for your door now come backed by Bluetooth, digital codes and key fobs.

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shabnam gupta’s Favourites Let’s turn a spotlight on some of Shabnam Gupta’s favourite design elements and inspirations.

1 Photo Credit: Peacock Life

1. RECLAIMED WOOD

Reclaimed Wood is increasingly being specified and used in various ways, whether in flooring, doors, mantels, panelling, menu covers or other fixtures or accessories. Aesthetically it adds story to a place. It cannot be beaten by any other material when one wants to offer an aged appearance. This cost friendly product is available for use without logging more trees, thus qualifying as a green product that is creating charming interiors and splendid architecture.

2. EXPOSED BRICKS

Exposed bricks add flair to any room. Their rustic charm is not only low maintenance but also a source of beauty inside out. They lend a sense of originality to the space. Caring for these bricks is fairly simple. After cleaning them of debris the walls need to be sealed. In case you want the look and not the colour, you can even paint over them so the texture remains.

3. RAW METAL

Raw metal is playing a vital role in both structural and aesthetical aspects of architecture and interiors. While Zinc is gaining popularity as a roofing, façade cladding and rain screen material, Iron is being retained in architectural elements to define the new trending industrial style of interiors. Laser cutting and 3d printing techniques are producing a design method for critical structural steel elements. Brass and Copper are also being used to embellish interiors.

4. IPS - INDIAN PATENT STONE

IPS or Indian Patent Stone is a basic type of flooring which provides good wearing properties. Mixed with concrete its thickness varies from 25mm to 150mm and is dependent on the nature of use the floor will be subject to. It is a friendly flooring option and is available in grey or colour. A wax coat or a sealer helps preserve its colour and it is therefore easy to maintain.

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5. FORM FINISHED CONCRETE

Form Finished Concrete is a smoothened finish achieved on concrete by using a smooth form-face material such as steel or plywood with a phenolic film on the surface. This cast formed concrete is definitely changing the look of modern interiors and architecture. Simple in appearance, its subtle features radiate an element of strength and longevity. Sandblasted to perfection, minor irregularities on the surface front do not mar the final look the product completes.

6. RAW CONCRETE

Raw concrete is an equally beautiful product used to create an industrial rustic charm that has gained a contemporary reputation. From cladding the walls to covering the floors and ceilings, raw concrete can be used anywhere. Its unfinished grey look mixes well with modern furniture creating a concrete dichotomy in the space. It quite often renders incredible artistic finishes when used with accentuating accessories that adorn it.

7. SANDSTONE

Stone is always a preferred option when it comes to creating texture in a room. I like sandstone as it defies the common assumption that stone can create an unwanted hard and dark tone in the room. Even floors take the stone very well because of its durable and easy to maintain nature. It is one stone that does not hurt your feet while walking ironically putting comfort and stone together.

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8. TURKISH LAMPS

The mosaic has always intrigued probably anyone who has come across it and right since childhood. Intricately put together in a colour story that speaks, the mosaic is something I find equally mesmerizing and to be able to introduce and involve them into an interior design story that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m writing is an exciting proposition. The timeless feel and tactile beauty of Turkish mosaic lamps have always set the scene for me.

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9. LINEN

Hand woven Indian materials are becoming a preferred choice for soft furnishings across the globe. Linen is the only material that improves with washing. Crease-resistant treatments are making it even better. Part of linenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enduring appeal lies in its varied textures. It is one of the choices I would consider ultimate for a room. It is not only beautiful but durble and easy to maintain. Despite its ancient roots, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a popular design choice.

10. CEMENT TILES

There are so many reasons to love cement tiles. Highly patterned with geometric and floral designs they are a huge help when I want to achieve a Mediterranean or Latin style look. Technically concrete tiles, they include aggregates like marble dust and a layer of sand for reinforcement. Perfect for a kitchen backsplash, a bathroom feature wall or a peppy restaurant floor, these tiles lay down some interesting and fun patterns and palettes.

11. MUSLIN

Muslin is another fibre to fashion material that has now entered the interior world stirring a fast moving trend. The plain woven cotton fabric is made in various weights. While the thicker ones help to form room dividers, the lighter ones offer an airy feel to a space that uses its sheers or curtains. Bleached, unbleached or dyed, they have definitely garnered my appreciation and admiration.

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12 12. WOODEN CARVING

If you ask me to conjure up a traditional Indian look, probably the first element that comes to mind would be the wooden carving. A gift sent down from history, its rustic charm and exquisite finish creates a focal point wherever used. It’s become a favourite not only because of its beauty but also because of the spark of culture it ignites.

13. CLOUD GATE - ANISH KAPOOR

The Cloud Gate by Indian - British artist, Anish Kapoor is a piece of sculpture that is one of my favourites. The centrepiece of the Millennium Park in Chicago it has been nicknamed ‘The Bean’ because of its shape. Comprising of 168 steel plates welded together, its highly polished exterior has no visible seams. Visitors are able to walk around and under its 12 foot high arch.

14. THE MUJI STORE - SUPER POTATO DESIGNS

Designed by Super Potato Designs, the Muji store in Shanghai reflect the design firm’s Japanese ethos and tradition. Their creative originality comes from the materials they use - a most simple method of expressing oneself. Simple is key when you walk into any Muji store and therein lies its aesthetic charm. With muted tones, straight lines and juxtaposing textures it is all in all a space to be admired.

15. THE GREEN SCHOOL PT BAMBU, JOHN & CYNTHIA HARDY

The Green School by PT Bambu, John and Cynthia Hardy in Bali demonstrates the incredible versatility of bamboo as a material. Constructed from sustainably harvested bamboo, traditional mud walls and powered by renewable energy systems it is a green building. The nonprofit, private school has been designed around the principles of an organic permaculture system. Its simple design achieved by the monotone of a single material is sure to grab attention.

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The space is replete with stylish modern elements such as a cove-lit wooden ceiling, a vast expanse of seamless white marble flooring, and classic white upholstery.

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OWNER CUM DESIGNER Who should design an architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residence? The architect, himself? Or a trusted designer friend? Or maybe another coveted architect? By deciding to design her own home in Avalons Greenwoods, Vadodara, interior designer Shivani Sanghani puts a rest to this debate.

According to one school of thought, the concept of a designer decorating his or her own house is troubling due to the lack of constraints. The major tenet of this group is that constraints, boundaries and briefs offer a framework to the designer, a set of guidelines which helps refine a concept.

Text By Ar. Priti Kalra Photographs Phxindia - Sebastian Zachariah + Ira Gosalia Home Review April 2017

Immediately, the eyes are drawn towards a drum set that sits like a meticulously carved sculpture against a warm grey wall.

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A challenging site, a demanding client, a restricting budget and a complicated brief are vital ingredients for an ingenious design outcome. To every opinion, however, there is always a contradicting view, and this scenario is no different. The opposition school of thought is of the belief that sifting through the realm of an uninhibited imagination is overwhelmingly inspiring and altogether what genius solutions are made of. Sanghani, the principal designer of Kyrra Studio, belongs to this school. A luxurious living cum dining room greets visitors upon entering her duplex apartment. The space is replete with stylish modern elements such as a cove-lit wooden ceiling, a vast expanse of seamless white marble flooring, and classic white upholstery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To describe it simply, the interiors are neither too much, nor too little,â&#x20AC;? says Sanghani. The mood board is dominated by whites, greys and browns. A bright abstract painting sitting on a warm grey wall brings a pop of colour into the scheme. A folded plate staircase suspended from a deep brown wooden wall becomes a focal point. A slender brass handrail poises itself elegantly on this backdrop. Tall standing lamps, one black and the other white, add a magical twinkle to the lighting.

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A wooden log dining table resting on brass legs defines the dining room. The proportions of this classic design - a considerable length as compared to the breadth - give the dining area a comfortably spacious feel. Chairs crafted in leather and brass complement the table and match the console unit. In addition to the formal dining area, the kitchen comes equipped with a built-in dining space. As opposed to the modular kitchens that most people opt for today, Shivani preferred to customise her kitchen in-house. The result was a smart and effective kitchen space with ample space for movement and state-of-theart finishes.

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Upon venturing outside, a double-height deck and a swimming pool come into view. “Amidst the lush green lawns, it is pure luxury to sip on a nice cup of coffee,” says Sanghani. The sleek wooden stools sit beautifully on the planks of the deck.

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The cool blue of the pool, the stone wall it reflects and the diffused lighting that surrounds it create the perfect mood for relaxing. Being music lovers, Shivani and her husband installed speakers in every room of the house. Needless to say, the outdoor area wasn’t left out. The last room on the lower floor is occupied by the parents. A similar mood board of minimal whites and greys creeps into this space. Rose pink soft furnishings appear in the form of curtains and a bed runner. Sliding wardrobe shutters, lacquered white, subtly reflect the hues of the room. “The room is soothing and sophisticated, and caters to the demands of its inhabitants,” says Sanghani. Moving up the staircase, one enters the lounge which is provided with a sofa set, a television unit and a library of books. The master bedroom on the upper floor symbolises youth and a passion for music. Immediately, the eyes are drawn towards a drum set that sits like a meticulously carved sculpture against a warm grey wall. Splashes of colour mimic the beats of the drums in an abstract painting that hangs above. A guitar suspended from the wall adds to the ensemble of instruments. The ceiling over the bed is marked by detailed, 3-dimensional wooden panelling. Three warm grey walls subdue themselves so that a feature exposed brick wall can stand out. A long wooden study table with overhead storage, a modern attached bathroom and ample wardrobe space complete the room. The guest room is defined by its stark white poster bed. A painting above the headboard adds a youthful zest to the otherwise minimal interiors. A pair of trunks, one grey and the other bright red, acts as a side table.

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A guitar suspended from the wall adds to the ensemble of instruments. The ceiling over the bed is marked by detailed, 3-dimensional wooden panelling.

While each of the rooms of the house has its unique elements, a consistent material palette is seen throughout. A perfect balance of light, space and colour creates a timeless effect. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clean lines, simple yet well-crafted furnishings, and an acute attention to texture and quality materials are my essentials,â&#x20AC;? says Sanghani. After receiving her degree in interior design from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, she established Kyrra Studio in 2015. And since then, there has been no looking back. kyrrastudio@gmail.com www.kyrrastudio.com

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Design Travellers Restaurant, Pune The concept of the Travellers Restaurant was devised by the design team Prashant Kulshreshtha, Etisha Jain and Priyansh Sharma of Ogling Inches Design Architects, to inspire people to visit the road less travelled. The initial stage of the project consisted of executing out a series of ideas, ranging from ordering for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;emptyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; terrace, zoning the usable areas and addressing the most detailed parts of the design. The entrance lobby is nestled behind a yellow eclectically designed coffee table cum book shelf. The world map etched in white on a raw unclad brick wall on which hang a series of clocks makes for a stunning display. Two wooden block shelves with internal lights divide the bar and the lobby. One wall is clad with natural plants and creepers, country flags and framed images of sights from around the world. The central buffet counter has jaali work which is back-lit. Service counters are placed at the four corners in Scandinavian style. Side seating is planned with sofas on one side and chairs on the other. Overall, the restaurant has come out to be the most featured commercial design, inspired by myriad cultures, architecture and materials. No surprise, if it serves to provide a glimpse of the upcoming trend of restaurant designs in India! www.oglinginches.com

Text Compiled By Anindita Ganguly

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Intelligent design need not be restricted to mammoth-sized spaces. Sometimes, even a small idea can lead to stunningly brilliant interior themes.

Mixology Design Mixology spotlights innovative design in various domains such as showrooms, bars, clinics, spas and much more.

Soro, GOA â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Soroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meaning alcoholic beverage in Konkani is a tavern conceptualised within the ruins of an old corner store. Located in Assagao in Goa, the restaurant is designed by Raya Shankhwalker Architects. The corner store itself became the protagonist in the story of the bar; the design is centred along the concept of a 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warehouse owned by a local dealer who traded in different merchandise. Thus retaining as much of the original structure as possible became pivotal. The three walls that stand at the junction of the roads abutting the site have been left largely untouched. Their dilapidated charm became the perfect opportunity to create an understated entrance into the young, hip, industrial chic bar that unfolds within. The interior walls have been brought to life with vintage graffiti by Patanga Arts which is a Mumbai based set design company. Bold elements of graphic design were introduced into the flooring by using an eclectic array of cement tiles in a customised pattern. All the ducting and electrical piping was left exposed carrying forward the theme of the industrial warehouse. www.rsagoa.in

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Kabeer, VADODARA The Usine Studio led by the young duo Yatin and Jiten, have designed the Kabir house. They have gently merged the house with the landscape, creating a much valued feeling of serenity, and a tranquil amalgamation with nature. The spaces are arranged along the periphery walls that define and support the structures of the house. Concrete slabs, stone walls and wood are used to construct the buildings, while the walls and the floor nearing the garden are given a matte finish, to mimic the dry grasses of the summer, setting the buildings into the landscape.Simple proportions and feeling of abundance of space was created by a vivid juxtaposition of masses. A water body and abstraction of Zen gardens with a concrete bench at the entrance establishes the mood of the visitor on entering the house. By enveloping the pooja space, the water body directs and binds one with the divine. In the foyer a geometrical metamorphosis of a rectangular shape is designed as a screen to get an indirect vision. A minimalistic and sleek - open wooden staircase with a metal base leads from the ground floor to the first landing. Overall the entire space is designed to engulf nature into it and is a celebration for living in it as well. info@usinestudio.in

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ELOQUENT IMPRESSIONS INSIDE ART - the designers of Club Chrome speak about design language which is both contemporary and visionary! Keeping up with their mission of building landmarks where people can build their life’s milestones, the Sumer Group launched Club Chrome. The 30,000 sqft club house is located at Prabhadevi in Mumbai and spread across three storeys.

hours of endless fun. Also on the same level, is an 1,825 sq ft gymnasium lined by motivational quotes to inspire you to keep going and never give up on your fitness goals and professional style full length mirrors running across the walls.

As India’s finest club-house, Club Chrome was designed keeping in mind their discerning clients who have impeccable tastes and a flair for the finer things in life. The Sumer Group also aimed at bringing first class amenities to a Mumbaikar’s doorstep and giving them an all-in-one lifestyle solution.

On the first floor, you are welcomed by an exquisite foyer complete with moon grey marble and illuminated with clusters of metallic pendant lights set in grids of wooden rafters. As you make your way through the guest rooms present on the floor, one can’t help but be mesmerized by the lush rose gold frames on pure leather furniture and veneer finished headboards on the beds.

Before the dream could turn reality, the Sumer Group had to keep in mind the challenges that lay ahead of them. In the already space starved city, constructing a project of such magnitude involved logistic hell - designing, co-ordinating and execution. The project also had to find middle ground between being a public, residential and hospitality venture, all in one. The project also saw several challenges to strike a fine balance between the building’s design and its technical challenges. Rising to the challenge, Inside Art Interiors worked on the project which has been hailed as a work of art by many. Right from the lobby at the entrance of Club Chrome to the third storey, the design is both contemporary and timeless

which speaks volumes of its thought and execution. Elements of the lobby have been designed keeping in mind the sensibilities of the residential complex it is a part of and features a triad drop pointing at the reception. The interplay of the triangular shapes with sunlight reflects on the ceiling and floor and adds a new dimension to the lobby. Besides giving the city one of the biggest club-houses, sports enthusiasts will love playing on India’s first intelligent game court. Inspired by the German ASB Glass Floors, the entire court has been integrated with an aluminium frame structure with strips of led lights across the surface and covered with blue tinted polycarbonate sheets and finished with toughened anti-skid glass. This revolutionary court operates and can switch games at the click of a button for

On the walls are grey oikos for a decorative finish and a touch of class. Designed to meet your every lifestyle need, Club Chrome also has a swish spa fully done in a monochromatic grey floor with rustic metal tiles in sync with the club-houses theme of luxe. The floor also a sprawling verandah and terrace with contemporary outdoor furniture. Completing Mumbai’s latest lifestyle brand is the third level with deluxe guest rooms detailed with the finest marble. With illustrious interiors and top notch facilities, Club Chrome is finesse redefined and your go-to place to relax and rejuvinate. sumertrinity@sumergroup.co.in

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With gathering spaces that transform into galleries and walls that metamorphose into blank canvases, The Wheat Youth Arts Hotel in China infuses vibrant and fresh sensibilities into modern day hospitality.

Designed by Shanghai-based studio X+Living, the 80-room hotel is located on the seventh floor of a shopping mall in the Binjiang district of Hangzhou. A total builtup area of 4500 sq m ensures ample room for large communal areas, spacious corridors and generous suites. Not only does the hotel target customers who are physically young, but also the young at heart. Design Director Li Xiang says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The goal was to design a hotel that itself flirts with tourists and also becomes a place that welcomes tourists to flirt with each other.â&#x20AC;?

Text By Ar. Priti Kalra Photographs Courtesy Shao Feng

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SAYING IT WITH STYLE

Seven wooden figures falling from the sky with parachutes bedeck the ceiling of the dimly lit and cosy coffee shop.

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Another stretch features a collage of colourful upturned Checkers pieces hanging from the ceiling.

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Upon entering the hotel lobby, guests are greeted by a pristine white wall that reads two simple words ‘Mai Jian’, (meaning Wheat). Unlike the lobbies of other lodging facilities that are usually decorated with traditional works of art, a rather peculiar piece of artwork embellishes this lobby. An assortment of necessary guest room supplies such as cushions, slippers, a bedside lamp, a jug of water, drinking glasses, a tray of coffee mugs, cutlery and wardrobe hangers are painted in white and displayed inside a grey niche. An expansive glass panel with the word ‘hallo’ painted on it in an orange-yellow shade encases the exhibit. “This makes people feel like all the items in the guest room are gathering here to welcome them,” says the design team. Adjacent to the signage, a sleek black doorway leads guests into the main hall. The main hall in its appearance is the marriage of a living room and a study. While the spotless white flooring creates a feeling of vastness, the industrial black ceiling immediately scales down the seeming endlessness of the space. A comfortable feeling of intimacy is achieved. Floor to ceiling bookshelves filled to the brim with a motley mix of volumes line all the walls of the space, except one. Here, like the pixels of a highly magnified image, countless rows and columns of black and beige from a Chinese Checkers board generate a picture of the world map.

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Other areas in the hotel include a coffee shop, a games room, two private study spaces with traditionally ornate bookshelves, and a small room with bicycles for spinning classes.

“This carries a message that the hotel welcomes friends from all over the world,” says the design team. Polygonal glass partitions create seating nooks and help differentiate the reading areas from the circulation zone. The partitions resemble folded pieces of paper made to stand on their edges. Amidst this maze of notionally apportioned spaces, an austere white partition wall staggers up behind the reception desk. A glossy black dog figuratively runs towards newcomers wagging its tail, even while his fastening chain holds him back. The sculpture segregates customers into two queues. Benches upholstered in ochre fabric together with the spines of books bring a dollop of colour into the otherwise monochrome palette.

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The assembly of corridors is a sequence of stark concise pathways that powerfully wind forward and compel guests to do the same. A slender black line traces the junction between the white walls of the corridors and the ceiling. A continuous strip of cove lighting highlights the junction between the walls and the flooring. It is almost as though the walls are suspended from the roof and float above the floor. The sterility of the space is broken by light timber doors that mark the entries to the guest rooms.

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A pink bicycle mounted upside-down on one of the walls commemorates the meeting point of two perpendicular corridors. Here, if not for the room numbers near every door, one is likely to feel like one is standing upside-down. Another stretch features a collage of colourful upturned Checkers pieces hanging from the ceiling. The hallways on every floor are provided with a grand piano. “This allows guests to share the charm of music and revel in the bliss of a musical communication between strangers.” The guest rooms are a composition of grey and white walls, a backdrop against which sit a desk, bed and clothes hanger fabricated in light timber. An art easel near the window rests silently in the hope that guests will leave cherished moments behind. In keeping with the gallery theme, the TV is hidden by a huge sliding painting that reads different greetings in every room.

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The design of the furniture, both functionally and aesthetically, is smart and minimalist. The soft furnishings in the bedrooms are in a variety of colours such as light pink, beige, dark grey and navy. A cushioned black headboard, similar in shape to the glass partitions in the main hall, wraps around each bed. The en-suite bathroom is separated by glass walls. Other areas in the hotel include a coffee shop, a games room, two private study spaces with traditionally ornate bookshelves, and a small room with bicycles for spinning classes. Seven wooden figures falling from the sky with parachutes bedeck the ceiling of the dimly lit and cosy coffee shop. “Flying is the most graceful posture to embrace the world,” says Li Xiang. A web of black lines hovers over the pool table in the games room, in harmony with the theme of unusual artwork.

A web of black lines hovers over the pool table in the games room, in harmony with the theme of unusual artwork.

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“This makes people feel like all the items in the guest room are gathering here to welcome them,” says the design team.

The en-suite bathroom is separated by glass walls.

Brightly hued posters that read ‘Hallo’, ‘How is it going’ ‘What’s up’ etc. spruce up the interiors. A feeling of caring communication is created as the personified words interact with the guests. The entire atmosphere of the hotel is embellished with music, painting and reading - activities that are revered by the people of China. “This is a hotel that says reaches out to the guests at every corner; a hotel that looks like a gallery; a hotel that is willing to accompany you; and a hotel that makes you want to sing a song or draw a painting for others,” explains Li Xiang. www.xl-muse.com

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ALAIN 6ILLEs

Tables with striking legs, a phone booth for the mobile generation, a mirror that gives you a new perspective - designer Alain Gilles has both the curiosity and creativity to conjure up a magical bouquet of intriguing yet practical ideas.

Text By Chryselle Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer

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Brussels-based designer Alain Gilles has had an interesting life. After studying political science and marketing management, Gilles spent some time working in the financial sector with JP Morgan. Things took a different turn soon, because as his bio says, “one has to live his own life”. Gilles followed his passion and went back, at age 32, to studying.

The Big Table (2009)

This time though, his focus was on Industrial Design at the Institut Supérieur de Design (ISD) in Valenciennes. (The only other branch of ISD, incidentally, is in Pune.) He then worked with several designers including Xavier Lust and Arne Quinze before opening his own studio in 2007. What makes a Gilles design stand out from the rest? To my eye, it is the pure shape of each of his objects or the poetic colours he uses. From furniture, product design, lighting and art, Gilles has successfully put his own personalised stamp on his designs.

Metamorphosis (2009)

One of Gilles’ first striking projects was The Big Table (2009), a steel and wood table with differently-sized and coloured steel legs. The wood of the table-top gives it a more traditional feel while the legs take it to another plane altogether. Similarly with Metamorphosis (2009), a set of bar stools and tables that appear to look different from different angles.

My First Translation (2009)

My First Translation (2009) is a series of chairs for children based on the grown-up, fully recyclable polyethylene Translation (2008) chairs. Scratch and water-resistant, these chairs come in delightful colours making it a great investment for a familyfriendly home. The Tectonic Table Series (2008) have a dual image. Their intriguing wire-framed structures are graphic and striking on their own but they are also straight-forward when used with a plain top. From a certain angle, the design of the flat surface recalls that of a rose.

Tectonic Table

The W8 side tables (pronounced ‘weight’) (2016) are “a discussion between visual weight and effective weight”. The table by itself would not have been stable but for the addition of a large Italian grey sandstone that acts as the weight.

W8 side tables

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Similarly, the Basket (2016) collection of tables emphasises the role of the raw rattan basket as much as the wooden top which doubles up as a removable tray.

Box (2015)

The X-Ray (2015) series of sofas and daybeds is just pure architecture. The sofa reveals the interior structure of such a piece, normally hidden under upholstery. The ‘revelation’ is unexpected and lends a graphic element to a standard furniture item. Similarly, the Vessel Desk (2013) is a child’s desk with a twist. The oak desk and bench is reminiscent of traditional school furniture while the ‘vessels’ mounted on the desk remind one of wooden toys, adding a playful element. Each ‘vessel’ can be used for different things – from storing papers, pencils, paper-clips and other utility items. The Box (2015) sofa messes with the general idea of what a sofa should look like; how high its arms should be and the relationship between its various pieces. Here, the arms defy standardisation and seem to hang independently.

Basket (2016)

Gilles has a range of out-of-the-ordinary furniture and accessories for the modern office. The BuzzHub (2011) Single, for instance, is a little private getaway for when you need to escape from your surroundings or need some privacy to discuss things with a co-worker. Put two or more Buzzhubs together and you have an informal (yet private) meeting room that can accommodate more people the more Buzzhubs you add. The range of colours and the recycled fabric used make it ideal for a friendly corporate environment.

X-Ray (2015)

Taking the concept of privacy in an office setting further, Gilles designed the Buzzibooth (2010), an “acoustical cocoon made of recycled fabric in order to absorb the surrounding noise as much as possible.” The Buzzibooth reminds me of the rapidlyvanishing public telephone booths that allowed you a moment of respite from the world outside.

Vessel Desk (2013)

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This series also has the BuzziHood (2010), a quick wall-mounted privacy booth also dubbed “phone booth for the mobile generation”. The beautiful Buzimilk Stool (2014) brings to mind milking stools but with a contemporary edge. The idea was to introduce elements not typically found in a modern working environment thus creating “a warm and homely” atmosphere in an office setting. Gilles has an eclectic range for kitchenware tools called Evolution (2017). The tools have evocative names like Madame is Served - for a tart server and display stand; Undercover Carafe for a carafe whose funnel-shaped neck becomes the handle; Hot Stuff, the cooking thermometer and All on Board, a ‘smart’ cutting board which has a built-in scoop that collects vegetable peelings for easy disposal. The board has grooves on the other side, to be used to collect meat juices thus instantly turning it into a dualfunction board.

BuzziHood (2010)

Besides furniture and kitchenware, Gilles has also designed lighting, like the Nomad Solar Lamp, and garden-ware like the Rock Garden (2008/09) range of planters in various shapes and heights that can be used together or individually. Gilles has also designed several mirrors; the Trompe L’Oeil will fool you with its clever shapes and play with depth; the New Perspective mirror gives the illusion of extra perspective in the room; the Faux mirrors refer to the faux wood grain or design juxtaposed in the mirror along with a playful little shelf that defies the traditional meaning of mirrors and their attachments. In an interview with the magazine Design Father, Gilles once said that he wanted to create things that would continue to exist long after he was gone and that he wanted his designs to be useful and to be products that don’t lose their functionality because they are different or beautiful. If this extensive list of useful, beautiful and certainly different products is anything to go by, Alain Gilles is firmly on the road to creating a long-lasting and sustainable legacy of his creativity.

Evolution (2017) - Hot Stuff

Nomad Solar Lamp

info@alaingilles.com www.alaingilles.com

Rock Garden (2008/09)

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PERK: STRIVING TO INNOVATE AND EXCEL Perk remains committed to strength and reliability; Technology and Elegance; Innovation and Durability.

The history of Perk traces its passion for bathing and sanitation from more than 25 years. Perk offers an imaginative Bath Accessories collection you had ever set up eyes on, a collection that has something for everybody and just about young, modern and emerging designs. As a leading player in the Bathroom accessories Industry segment in India, R. S. Sanitation has always strived to enrich lives by creating quality products that exceed expectations. We have not only made a mark in the domestic market, but overseas as well. We have been exporting the finest of engineering goods to more than 10 countries in the regions of Europe, UK, and Indian Sub-continent and have satisfied customers all over the globe. We are proud to successfully deliver world class quality products that are awarded with Asia Most Promising Brand to our customers. We at Perk remain committed to strength and reliability; Technology and Elegance; Innovation and Durability. Brass Material Our products are characterized by the use of finest quality of raw materials. The brass metal used for casting, forging and mechanical operations contains a very low percentage of lead in compliance.

Chrome Plating The quality of the coating surfaces is very important to guarantee the working life of the product. In order to obtain a perfect result all galvanic processes are completely carried out inside the manufacturing unit, using modern technologies being continuously updated. Painting The painting treatments are carried out using good quality materials giving the products an excellent endurance against scratches, humidity, aggressive environmental conditions and UV rays. Packaging The packaging is carefully prepared to protect the product and guarantee the integrity and the aesthetic quality up to the installation. Moreover, adequate care is taken to prevent damages during transportation.

Quality and Customer Satisfaction Behind our success lies the backing and strength of our highly qualified and extremely competent team who have rich experience in their respective fields, be it marketing or manufacturing. Perk constantly strive to introduce the most innovative and latest designs that suit Indian conditions and yet carry an international appeal. Quality exclusive and stylish range of Bath Accessories seeks to re-engineer the way Bath Accessories are designed. The superb finish and styling leaves nothing more to be desired. Perk has a very flexible and ever increasing range of bath accessories that are made to suit customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirement and match the current market demands. All our efforts and years of experience to develop original product lines aimed at satisfying the needs of urban and demanding clients. Our urge is to reach our every customer before and after-sale service with the best products and with the competitive prices, and give our customer the best. Perk make sure that every product leaving our factory arrives in excellent condition precisely when and where it is. We look forward to join hands with you to cater all your needs of Bathroom Accessories either individual or in bulk. www.perkindia.com Home Review April 2017

Eclectic light installations augment the modern overtones of the layout without coming in the way of natural light.

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PENCHANT FOR SIMPLICITY Bharuch based design firm, P&D Associates was commissioned with the task of reinventing the space of a flat in Mumbai. The main aim of the intervention was to showcase their client’s personality without concealing their proclivity towards simple living.

The coming together of art and philosophy is one of the most calming influences; the former aesthetically enhances the surrounding spaces, while the latter brings about a balance between the exteriors and interiors that are fundamental to a living space. This is exactly what P&D Associates have managed to bring about in their latest residential project. Founded in 2009, by NIFD, Baroda, graduates Pratik Siddhpura and Devang Patel believe reworking and creating modern spaces that serve as an extension of their client’s personality. Along with Shruti Siddhpura, they form the core of P&D Associates and are the principal designers of the firm. The client’s brief was fairly simple they say. The existing architectural layout already had room for “elite living”. This along with the client’s insistence that their home should be reflective of their lifestyle made P&D keep their comfort and convenience paramount, and “only then make room for aesthetical preferences.”

Text By Priyanka Menon Photos courtesy P&D Associates Home Review April 2017

This was achieved through a pattern of aesthetics that flowed seamlessly from one space into another without obstructing the purpose and functionality of each individual space. This principle is illustrated in the placement of the kitchen, which is one of the first spaces coming into view upon entering the flat. The kitchen then seamlessly connects to the living room. However, both spaces remain â&#x20AC;&#x153;visually detached.â&#x20AC;?

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If one takes a closer look at the layout of the flat, one is reminded of the classical Japanese homes in Kyoto. Every living space in these homes is treated as a breathing entity, with full open spaces for fresh sunlight and air to filter through. Even the washrooms - which also served as a place for meditation given that they faced the exterior and had thus more natural light - were a part of this more naturally viable arrangement. Therefore, “the colour scheme and material palette is much inspired by the Zen philosophy”, with minute variations in texture and natural sunlight as part of the visual aesthetic. So, what was the central idea behind redesigning the flat? One of the most distinctive features of the flat is the unprecedented view of Mumbai’s skyline on both sides. “All inter and intra circulation has been directed towards the central axis of the flat. With such a layout, the manner in which various spaces open out to the axis decides its nature of privacy.” Natural light and ventilation are critical to the flat’s structural design, which is linear and seamless. The windows in the living room and bedrooms are designed to filter in maximum sunlight. During the day, even the bathrooms are flooded with plenty of natural light. At night, the city lights takeover! When it comes to the furnishings, P&D were clear - “design constants that alter the design equation with every new light condition.” And this is evident in the colour palettes, textural variations in terms of flooring, artifacts, and furniture pieces that reside within the walls. The living and dining areas are contemporary and warm with light pastel tones and a minimal shock of pastel blue, leaving the imbalance more appealing aesthetically. In these rooms, eclectic light installations augment the modern overtones of the layout without coming in the way of natural light.

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The bedrooms are singularly unique and each reflects a different kind of style varied colour palettes, knick knacks, art installations and furnishings. Our favourites are the white chairs in the master bedroom. They serve as throwbacks to a childhood spent in swings made of cane, and suspended from the balcony ceiling. The bathrooms are replete with state of the art fittings contrasted with textured flooring.

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The kitchen seamlessly connects to the living room. However, both spaces remain â&#x20AC;&#x153;visually detached.â&#x20AC;?

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What P&D Associates has done with this simple flat in Mumbai is convert it into a haven. Keeping their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comfort and convenience as a priority, â&#x20AC;&#x153;simplicity and eleganceâ&#x20AC;? have always been paramount to any project they undertake. This one is no different!

pdassociates26@gmail.com

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DESIGN DESTINATION

BA WHERE Basel: a little Swiss city that successfully blends old world charm with the most contemporary of architecture. It is here that Switzerland merges with Germany and France, thus making Basel an ideal point to explore all three countries.

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SEL WHEN

WHY

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, it is the warmest place in Switzerland. It is pleasant during winter, but at times uncomfortably hot in summers. However, from mid-May till the end of June, and from mid-August to the end of October are good periods to visit. April and May are often wet. A white Christmas is rare and winter is generally short - from January to the beginning of March.

There is a lot to do and a lot to see in Basel with great tourist infrastructure. In terms of buildings, you will see modern architecture standing peacefully among centuries old construction. There is a lot to do when it comes to art and culture and the city is an absolute gourmetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight.

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LIVING WITH ART Der Teufelhof Basel is a unique guest and cultural centre. In the heart of the old town, the hotel is spread over two historic 18th-century buildings. The Art Hotel is an exceptional concept lodged within Der Teufelhof. It has eight rooms and one suite, all of which are living works of art.

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The experience this offers is very different when compared to merely viewing art. The rooms are redesigned by artists at regular intervals and are as diverse as the artists themselves. Each one is a dip into a curated arty environment! The expansive installations in the room provide a sure shot way to experience art, albeit in a new context. â&#x20AC;¨

A DIVE INTO HISTORY The Basel Minster or Basler MĂźnster is witness to the passing of centuries. Undoubtedly, it is the most visited site of the city. The church was built between the years 1019 and 1500 in Romanesque and Gothic styles. It stands magnificently in red sandstone. The coloured roof tiles, its two slim towers and the cross-shaped intersection of the main roof define the monument as the onlooker gazes at it from the piazza, where it stands. The piazza itself is a popular meeting place and transforms into a public site for cultural concerts and events. A tour of the historic landmark takes one through many architectural gems hosted here - the crypt, the chancel, the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Gallus gate and the two cloisters to name a few. It was originally built as a catholic cathedral, and is now a reformed Protestant Church. It is listed as a heritage site of national significance in Switzerland.

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A VERITABLE TRIO

A neglected patio has now become a cosy sitting area. It continues into the smoking lounge which has a winter-garden roof that can be opened when the weather is good. The venue has very high acoustical standards and is a preferred location for concerts. There were design elements that had to be considered such as the careful insertion of absorption values in the curtains, vertical elements and the projected cellulose in the ceiling, for the enhancement of the acoustics. The cellulose in the ceiling actually creates a new shape that plays with the gallery! The use of metal, concrete and wood and their interactions with different geometrical shapes makes the entire design mélange very unique and interesting!

WHERE THE CITY CONVERGES The city square plays a vital role in the lives of the residents. It also hosts the city market and one of the most conspicuous buildings of the city - the town hall. This 500-year-old structure is made from red sandstone and has frescoes and artwork on its walls. No less colourful is the market outside which offers an abundance of delicacies and specialties. Together, they present a vibrant image of Basel. A visit to Basel will allow you to experience a variety of architectural gems. Dive into the merry confluence of the old and the new in this charming locale!

Text By Dhanishta Shah

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Photographs credit: Adria Goula

Parterre One, a ‘trio’ of a bar, restaurant and concert venue is now architecturally unified thanks to a modern edgy building designed by Focketyn Del Rio Studio. The building is in a heritage ensemble within Kaserne Basel. The gates are a nod to the old avatar of the area as a military barrack, as much as the design is a pointer to its current status as a cultural hub.

NEW DESIGN LANGUAGE FROM VIEGA Viega, a family owned international manufacturer of Plumbing and HVAC solutions made a striking presence in ISH, Frankfurt. Flowing lines featuring soft-geometric contours are currently among the top interior design trends - and so also at the leading edge of sanitary ware design. Viega has re-interpreted these emotionally accentuated soft lines for WC flush plates in its new product series Visign for More 105. It combines rounded corners, high-grade materials and a distinctive decor design element to create an integrated look. Visign for More 105 is available with manual flush actuation as well as in a touchless variant named Visign for More 105 sensitive.

They create a flat look and their delicate satin finish underscores the design without dominating the new soft-geometric styling. The electronically actuated Visign for More 105 sensitive additionally offers the facility to activate the Hygiene + flush function developed by Viega and so counteract drinking water stagnation. At the world-leading ISH trade fair held from March 14 to 18, 2017 in Frankfurt am Main, Viega highlighted its technical and aesthetic expertise as one of the leading system suppliers in the building technology

field with lots of new products and upgrades. Among the classic installation systems the focus was on the Megapress piping system for thick-walled steel pipe. The new XL sizes (2½, 3 and 4 inches) are ideal for use in large-scale installations. Viega demonstrated its high design standards this year with new flush plates which have already been awarded the title “Design Plus powered by ISH 2017”. With the Megapress piping system, Viega has for the first time enabled the pressing of thick-walled steel pipes in sizes from 3/8 of an inch to 2 inches. Thanks to the new XL sizes (2½, 3 and 4 inches), the press connection system can now also be deployed in large-scale cooling, heating, sprinkler or compressed air installations. The economic benefits of cold press connecting technology are considerable in such applications. Depending on size, time savings are as much as 80 percent compared to welding. The method is also safer, as work no longer has to be carried out with an open flame. Megapress XL is processed using a socalled press booster, tailored to the specific system, which can be driven by any Viega press machine from Type 2 up to and including Pressgun 5. Thanks to this specially developed press force booster, even the new XL sizes can be pressed in a matter of seconds. www.viega.in

With its new Visign for More 105 WC flush plate line, Viega has embodied the latest trends in modern bathroom design. Viega has retained the tried and proven Bowden cable technology for both the manual and touchless flush actuation variants. In the Visign for More 105 sensitive it is combined with the familiar electronic touchless flush actuation, which can optionally be powered from the mains or by battery. Visign for More 105 is available in white/traffic white or parsol/black glass, and in chrome-plated or chrome matt aluminium variants incorporating the practical anti-fingerprint feature. Characteristic features of the touchless Visign for More 105 sensitive are two horizontally milled grooves. Home Review April 2017

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The form of the building, in essence, is a skewed polygonal glass box encased in a bold concrete shell. The front faรงade is transparent and interacts with the sloping landscape.

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PAUSE A WHILE Perched on a slope within the idyllic Mexican wilderness, the paradise that is Tepoztlán is situated 50 km from Mexico City in the state of Morelos. It is here that Tepoztlán Lounge, a holiday retreat built recently by architects Cadaval & Solà-Morales, finds its home.

Tepoztlán is a small picturesque burg blessed with fantastic weather conditions that vary from temperate to subtropical, and a rich historical legacy that began over 1200 years ago with the birth of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god widely worshipped in ancient Mexico. Built on the foundation of its pre-Hispanic origins, the town boasts of a unique character which brings swarms of visitors to its doorstep. Intellectual thinkers and imaginative dreamers alike come to soak in the exquisite charm and pleasant climate that Tepoztlán has to offer.

Text By Ar. Priti Kalra Photographs Courtesy Diego Berruecos Sandra Pereznieto Home Review April 2017

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The site sits amidst timber and shrubbery, and opens out to breathtaking views of the adjoining valley. The jungle bungalow is built on a predominantly flat patch of land and is the first of a series of cabins to be constructed at the location. Designed by the same studio, an area for common use which includes a large garden, a lounge and a pool neighbours the bungalow.

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The form of the building, in essence, is a skewed polygonal glass box encased in a bold concrete shell. The front façade is transparent and interacts with the sloping landscape. The rear façade is opaque, pierced only by three indisputably vital openings. The sides of the framed box are completely shut off from the surroundings, ensuring privacy from succeeding cabins. The planning requirements of the area outline a structure that ‘minimises its visual impact on the landscape’. In adherence to this norm, the exterior of the bungalow is painted a discreet black. Conceived as a refuge for ephemeral sojourns, the bungalow is designed as a ‘temporary shelter’ for a small family or a couple. As such, it prioritises the living/ dining room and master bedroom which occupy the front of the bungalow and survey the steep slope of the terrain below. “The project aims to reinforce the belvedere feel in each of its main spaces,” says the team. The kitchen, bathroom and guest bedroom are positioned towards the rear. A gash slices the front of the property into two volumes, creating a clear distinction between the living and sleeping areas. At the same time, this unusual shape enables a sliver of nature to seep into the gap.

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The floor-to-ceiling glass front of the building is set back slightly from the edge of its enveloping shell. This design gesture allows for an ample terrace area that opens out to panoramas of the gorge without compromising on protecting its residents from the sun. Here, a hammock casually dangles from the roof. The spacious unhindered terrace strengthens the relationship with nature by extending itself, both literally and notionally, towards the edge of the natural platform on which the bungalow stands.

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The interior design of the bungalow is dictated by the architecture itself. The building is honest and true, and upholds the integrity of the materials employed for its construction. The pale grey concrete of the structure forms the textural stage on which myriad minimalist furniture pieces become the main characters. Uniformly spaced circular dents are present on the walls, which is where the studs of the concrete formwork once stood, awaiting the curing and drying of the mixture. Nondescript beige roller blinds line the glazed walls, while muted light fittings are embedded in the ceiling. Stark black metal sections border the sliding glass panels and brazenly contrast the surfaces they are mounted on. An abundance of natural light floods the interiors. Founded in New York City in 2003, Cadaval & Solà-Morales moved to both Barcelona and Mexico City in 2005. Tepoztlán Lounge with its compact 80 sq m built-up area was commissioned in 2009 and completed in 2016 in collaboration with Manuel Tojal, Tomas Clara, local architect Eugenio Eraña Lagos and structural engineer Ricardo Camacho de la Fuente. “Views, light, nature and quietness are the reasons of the project,” says the team. The studio dedicates its efforts towards creating intelligent design solutions at varying scales, be it large projects or small buildings, objects or city fractions. The cabin is a concrete pavilion in the woods, a small plinth among the trees at the service of wandering nomads who choose to transit through its shelter. It is the physical manifestation of a moment of pause, a recess from the tumult of urban life, sculpted solely to experience the surreal weather and immerse oneself in the pristine nature of the place. studio@ca-so.com

The rear façade is opaque, pierced only by three indisputably vital openings. The sides of the framed box are completely shut off from the surroundings, ensuring privacy from succeeding cabins.

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GREEN PROJECT

“As there is no road access, everything had to be carried up by mule or man. It meant that re-building took longer but also resulted in a more authentic outcome.”

HIGH IN MOROCCO

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give!” These words by Winston Churchill are sure to ring a bell as you experience a heady combination of sustainability and luxury at Kasbah du Toubkal in Morocco.

Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Courtesy Alan Keohane

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Utilising its own water filtration system and sourcing much of its food from its own gardens, the hotel also generates its own solar power for electricity.

Forty miles south of cosmopolitan Marrakech, the tarmac shrinks to a stony footpath at Imlil, Morocco. From here begins the walk to an inebriating contact with luxuries that co-exist with a respect for the environment. Tucked into the sawcutting peaks of the Toubkal National Park, in view of the highest mountain, the Kasbah du Toubkal is a magnificent mountain retreat that has completely transformed the village of Imlil. With views framed by rugged peaks and villages that pass through walnut groves and terraced barley fields, you might clearly not pay much attention to your immediate surroundings, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but the plate you eat off, the stool you sit on, the beautiful rug beneath your feet and the straw hat on your head, nothing got there by chance!â&#x20AC;? Crafted out of vernacular materials, the balconies expose you to soothing shades of blue, green and grey which are emblematic of the High Atlas range.

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You can also loll around 300 square metres of roof terraces amidst comfortable cushions and carpets where hints of rustic orange culminate in the intimate seating area, balancing out moments of excitement and calm.

Mike McHugo, owner of the Kasbah tells us, “As there is no road access, everything had to be carried up by mule or man. It meant that re-building took longer but also resulted in a more authentic outcome.” A British-Berber partnership transformed this crumbling home of a former ruler, perched over a hilltop into a comfortable fourteen room boutique hotel. While it took a village to build it, Mike tells us that, “When building the Kasbah, right from the beginning, before any plan was drawn or any stone was laid, we said that we would only work with the environment and in the best interest of the people of the Imlil Valley. It made it much harder and more expensive but we refused to compromise.

We used local materials and the local people of the valley to build the Kasbah, not only to curtail travel miles but also due to their knowledge of how to build in inaccessible places, keeping in line with local building traditions.” The Kasbah has a range of rooms from luxury villas to basic dormitories. While the bathroom floors rest on locally sourced marble, the rooms and balconies sport recyclable clay tiles that help prevent penetration of heat. Mike tells us, “We wanted to preserve or recreate many of the old skills that were beginning to die out - so we tried to resurrect wood carving and use local materials such as walnut wood.”

Carved walnut and cedar furniture along with heavy wooden beams and doors adds to the rustic ambience. In the suites, the local granite stone used seems to recreate the strength of the walls while a fireplace takes the chill out of the evening air. Held together by cane and structural wood, the ceilings are so tightly packed that they pose no interest to birds or rodents and are highly resistant to bad weather. The contrasts in the restaurant are unexpected and they create a unique kind of energy as all sorts of juxtapositions of rough and smooth, dark and light, rustic and refined are played up against each other. The architecture and interiors have echoes of Moorish style and discipline.

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The contrasts in the restaurant are unexpected and they create a unique kind of energy.

While the bathroom floors rest on locally sourced marble, the rooms and balconies sport recyclable clay tiles that help prevent penetration of heat.

Traditional Moroccan carpets in geometric patterns warm floors as they add a bit of history to the place.Crafted out of vernacular materials, the balconies expose you to soothing shades of blue, green and grey that are emblematic of the High Atlas range.You can also loll around 300 square metres of roof terraces amidst comfortable cushions and carpets where hints of rustic orange culminate in the intimate seating area, balancing out moments of excitement and calm.At the end of the day a relaxation ritual of the typical Moroccan hammam awaits you.

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The Kasbah demonstrates sustainable tourism across its accommodation and the variety of services offered, integrating it in its unique hospitality concept. Mike shares, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We mainly used local materials and incorporated them into the design in an effort to give guests an experience that they will never forget.â&#x20AC;? In addition to employing local people and involving them in its management, the lodge uses a percentage of guest proceeds to fund a non-profit organisation that supports education, health-care and ecological waste disposal. Utilising its own water filtration system and sourcing much of its food from its own gardens, the hotel also generates its own solar power for electricity.

In the suites, the local granite stone used seems to recreate the strength of the walls while a fireplace takes the chill out of the evening air.

It has thermal heaters located on the roof to heat water. Guests are encouraged to drink spring water so as to minimise plastic disposal. Eco-products like trash bins made out of tyre rubber can be found scattered all over the place. The Kasbah also participates in mountain waste collection and other clean-up activities. Recipient of myriad awards, Kasbah du Toubkal is a pacesetter in the Moroccan tourism industry. It is one of the most authentic and treasured destinations of Morocco and a tribute to Berber culture and hospitality.

www.johnbothamley.co.uk

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ESKAYEL WALLPAPERS

Can we have wallpaper that is really greenâ&#x20AC;Ś meaning eco friendly? Does it even exist? Wallpaper has been used as a wall decoration since the thirteenth century and has been an excellent way to add texture, warmth and colour to a room. Wallpaper consists of a backing, ground coat, applied ink, and paste to help it adhere to the wall. Non woven backings can be of ground wood, wood pulp, or wood pulp with synthetic material. The ground coat is the background colour laid on the surface, which receives the printed pattern. The final coatings or laminates are made of latex or vinyl (polyvinyl chloride) and render the paper durable and strippable.

Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj

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The traditional manufacture and printing of wallpaper is not particularly environment friendly as it uses wood products to make the paper slurry, adds bleaches and chlorines to clean the slurry and uses synthetic fibres to add texture and design to the wallpaper. While these wallpapers and coverings do a great job design wise, they do not make good eco-sense. They are full of VOCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and their manufacture has no post consumer content.

Now with the movement towards green interior design, manufacturers and designers have begun working with environmentally sustainable wallpapers and coverings and adhesives. This movement toward green wallpaper is producing very elegant and ecological wall design applications for kitchens, living areas, commercial spaces and even bathrooms. Wallpaper is not considered essential to the decoration of a structure; however, it has become a quick and convenient method by which to impart style, atmosphere and colour into a room.

Founded in 2008 by Central St. Martins’ graduate Shanan Campanaro, Eskayel is a New York based surface design firm. Eskayel designs a large range of imaginative hand-painted wallpaper patterns. These papers are made from natural and recycled materials, clay coated for durability and are vinyl free. Eskayel’s mission is to create energetically positive, eco-friendly, wall-coverings, fabric, carpets, accessories and furnishings that are meant to last and bring value through innovation and beauty into homes and public spaces. Talking about the driving principle of her firm, Shanan avers, “We have a strong commitment to the environment and we aim to spread that message through our marketing, product description and manufacturing to effect education and loyalty to this cause.”

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Nature and travel are what inspire Eskayel the most. The colours of the sunset and Ocean are a huge influence. Eskayel wallpapersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; design process usually starts with painting patterns based on pictures taken during traveling and deriving colour schemes from nature. Water plays a big role in the creative process as painting is done with aqueous inks, often soaking the paper completely and letting the colours bleed and blend into one another. Shanan, the CEO of Eskayel, travels to every corner of the world and uses the different sights and unique experiences as inspirations for her designs. Apart from that, her brainwaves could even be stimulated by her favourite pastimes and practically anything else that happens around her. www.eskayel.com

All of the water-based inks used by Eskayel are produced locally in the northeastern United States. Making all products, only to order, Eskayel eliminates overproduction and thus reduces waste. There is no vinyl in any of their inks or wallcovering substrates and this is extremely important to Eskayel as VOCs are still a huge problem in the wallpaper industry. Their wallpapers are made using only natural linens and organic cottons for the fabric bases and for their commercial grade fabric and wallpapers they use recycled materials whenever possible. All the inks used in the wallpapers are water-based.

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This very eco conscious business also gives one percent of its total sales to environmental organisations through its partnership with One Percent for the Planet.

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Based in Bangalore, Little River Architects is a multidisciplinary design firm with focus on architecture and interiors. The firm was founded by Ceejo Cyriac in 2002 and over the years has expanded to bring together an experienced and passionate team of architects and consultants. The overarching philosophy that guides the team in all their projects is to connect their design sensibilities to the abstract but anchor the concept to the distinctive natural and cultural context of the project. From residential spaces to office to art exhibits and public spaces, the firm has cast its net across a variety of projects through India.

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Playing peek-a-boo from behind the trees that line its periphery, this home by Little River Architects, is meant for three generations. Bare brick walls make up the street view of the ground level and dolomite plaster exteriors of the two upper levels mushroom out creating a distinct difference between the ground and the upper floors. Chief architect Ceejo explains, “It was a very small site. We were required to leave setbacks on three sides, but the upper floors could project out.”

The design driven by this constraint lends the house a light, floaty appearance, which is accentuated by the natural hue of the dolomite plaster that makes up the exterior of the upper levels. While planning the layout and design of the home, the team at Little River had to keep in mind the requirements of the three different generations that live in this home. The ground level houses the common spaces and the grandparents’ bedroom. The public functions of the spaces justify a more open plan in this part of the house. The use of exposed brick walls inside the house and sunlight filtering through the abundant window spaces further augment the feeling of oneness with the outside. A floating wooden staircase leads to the upper block. Besides the bedrooms for the couple and their two daughters, the upper block also contains a studio for the art student daughter and a library and office for the couple. While the use of a different set of materials and finishes creates an aesthetic that is unique from the lower block, the concept of being a part of a larger whole is maintained with seamless flow between the spaces. “Spaces were configured to bring in a sense of a larger continuum,” says Ceejo.

Text by Himali Kothari Photographs Courtesy Manoj Sudhakaran (Vadodara House & Kochi-Muziris Biennale) Little River Architects (Vibha Galhotra Art Exhibition)

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Come winter and the port city of Kochi and the surrounding islets are abuzz with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. An internation exhibition of contemporary art, the Biennale showcases film, painting, sculpture, installations, new media, etc across public spaces, heritage buildings and empty structures. In its third edition in 2016, Little River Architects was roped in to set up support facilities around the Aspinwall House, a sea-facing heritage campus in Fort Kochi. Ceejo elaborates on the challenges involved in a project of this nature, “It had to be set up in a very short time and at a low cost.” Since the Aspinwall House was on lease for the exhibition, the team narrowed down on the existing sheds for the merchandise shop, the info counter, utilities and toilets; only the Cafe was made as a knock down structure. The Biennale seeks to provide visitors a glimpse of cutting-edge contemporary art from across the world and thus the design team at Little River decided upon a minimalist approach that would not intrude into the Exhibition’s creative space.

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Designed along the lines of a beach shack, the café faces the expanse of the Arabian Sea. A graphite backdrop with the day’s specials handwritten in chalk and the white tables and chairs strewn along the backwaters blend in beautifully with the relaxed ambience. The layout of the other facilities has been planned to ensure easy accessibility without compromising on the aesthetics. Branding and graphics by the KMB Foundation combined with the design sensibilities of the architect come together to create the perfect setting for Kochi’s top cultural event.

New Delhi based conceptual artist Vibha Galhotra uses her large-scale sculptures to make a statement on urban development and the shifting topography. The artist engaged Little River Architects to create an experiential space for visitors. The brief given to the design team was to create a layout design that would take visitors through a pathway amongst the rubble and would include appropriate pause points for them to view the art works. “Time,” says Ceejo, “was a major factor as the team had just 3 days to execute their plan.” The team had to take into account the fact that the Gallery was made up of multiple pockets of spaces and there were level differences. Thus, the pathway besides highlighting the pause points also needed to unify these different areas to ensure the visitors had a view of the artists’s narrative. The artist had filled the gallery with rubble to drive home the point that concrete has become the top layer of the earth, and so the layout team kept this in mind and made rubble an integral part of the exhibition. The team adopted an unobtrusive approach to ensure that the layout did not intrude the works of the artists and instead, contributed to weaving together all the sections and elements into one cohesive sequence. Little River also ensured that the pause points were strategically placed to draw the visitor’s attention to the arresting works on display. littleriverarchitects@yahoo.co.in www.littleriverarchitects.com

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Each plot has its own character and ornamental planting style; this ensures that no two villas look alike.

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Landscapes

PRECISE PROPORTIONS The coming together of the hand and mind is a simple equation but the coming together of the hand and the mind in precise proportions is an enviable equation. Sivana Farms is the result of one such equation!

Landscapes are best described as a vocabulary of form and surface, touched with contrast. If the proportions are right they radiate a collective appeal. It would be no exaggeration to state a space designed by landscape architect Kalpak Bhave radiates this very universal appeal. Bhave embarked upon his professional career as an architect after graduating from the Academy of Architecture, Mumbai in 1989. Soon after, he entered the green world of landscaping and has since then been bringing out grand creations involving nature. Located 2 kilometres off Nagpur and about 50 kilometres from the Amravati 4 lane highway, Sivana Farms cover an impressive 75 acres of land, fringed by forests on three sides and the Kondhali-Katol road on the fourth. The architecture and landscape was conceived in a way to achieve simplicity and flexibility of use. The project comprises three types of farmhouse villas placed on three different sized plots.

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Built over the artificial lake the club has a party lawn, stage for activities, pool deck, gazebo, open restaurant and open shower.

Each plot is equipped with a 90% landscaped area that consists of a fruit orchard, kitchen garden, and party lawn. It also has a serving counter, internal road and parking. Each plot has its own character and ornamental planting style; this ensures that no two villas look alike. As Bhave tells us, “We have practically worked out different planting plans for each of the 123 plots. This has been done intentionally to maintain the identity of each villa.”

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Gardens speak of collaboration between art and nature. We often imagine a palette of blues and greens when we paint a landscape on canvas. The entry to Sivana Farms is a spin-off of this notion. Kalpak explains, “The project entrance has been flagged by kites that represent the freedom that one feels at Sivana. These MS structures are painted in shades ranging from green to blue as they denote the depth of nature. This is because things close to us look green but turn blue as one goes further away.”

An elongated site installs an axial driveway shaded by trees.

One cannot imagine a green stretch of land without a water body. A garden without its fountain is like a sentence without its verb. A central fountain surrounded by chiselled foliage that represents a twenty-four petal lotus greets visitors as they cross the circular traffic island at the entry. Speaking of water bodies, Bhaveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team has also designed a 60,000 square feet artificial lake in order to solve the problem of water in the area and to enrich the underground water table. The lake holds around 60 million litres of water and is the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s key attraction. The placement of multiple storm water drains ensures percolation of ground water resulting in a zero run-off. A large swimming pool dug out against the backdrop of a teak forest overlooks the lake.

An area of around 9 acres has been demarcated for use by the club. Built over the artificial lake the club also has a party lawn, stage for activities, pool deck, gazebo, open restaurant and open shower. Urban landscapes have the ability to spread us out and to also bring us together. Small nooks and corners with tables and chairs in the garden allow the landscape an opportunity to have its own intimate areas. With winters dipping down to 3 to 4 degrees and summers burning just under 45 to 46 degrees celcius, plants had to be chosen such that would adapt to the drastic temperature variations. With a super compact form, stunning foliage and remarkable versatility Bhave managed to tackle this as well. Home Review April 2017

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A children’s play area offers various zones for all age kids with lots of shaded and play areas.

Flowering shrubs of Tecoma, Thevetia, Nerium, Mussaenda, Lantana and Calliandra to name a few have been used to articulate the space. Thus the effect of bright foliage has been used to retain the beauty of the landscape through changing seasons. While texture and foliage keep a garden interesting, flowers offer moments of gratification. Each road in the avenue has a specific variety of flowering tree that offers indulgence to its viewers. Varieties such as Acacia, Kadamba, Peltophorum and Terminalia dot the avenues and adapt well to Nagpur’s dry weather.

A children’s play area offers various zones for kids of all ages with lots of shaded and play areas. Solar power has been contrived for use as back-up and also for street lighting that emits passive lighting in the evenings along the driveways. A restrained palette of materials has been employed: stone in the form of dressed masonry and pavers, corrugated roofs in blue and white atop white villas and just the different textures and colours of plants. An elongated site installs an axial driveway shaded by trees. All in all, Sivana Farms do not offer an escape from the city but an escape in the city!

kalpakbhave@hotmail.com www.kalpakybhave.com

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While texture and foliage keep a garden interesting, flowers offer moments of gratification.

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Walls become a canvas for expression. The frames and images on these are connected by a common thread - Delhi.

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Retail Therapy

Fabricated Stories For a brand that began in a small garage with one machine and two tailors, a third store marks a veritable milestone.

Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs Courtesy Deepak Aggarwal

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The attention to detail in the exquisite display of product stories, messaging and visual merchandising help reassure a visitor of the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

Tulips is a leading home furnishings brand known for crafting beautiful curtains and linen. After venturing into Pune and Bengaluru, the third store at Defence Colony, New Delhi promises to enhance customer experiences further.

When brands open multiple stores, they look to unify them architecturally. However, the interior design of this brand’s Delhi store is distinctly different from the clean, opulent and western look of the Bengaluru and Pune ones.

Just like its namesake flowers, Tulips conjures up images of vibrancy and colour. This is what strikes a visitor on entering the 5000 square feet studio. The store is built in an architecturally modified standalone space and is spread over two levels.

“Based on learnings from our previous stores, I think we have now progressed to a model which we would like to roll out across the country. The layout is planned to facilitate a consultative engagement, distinctly differentiated from a transactional one offered by other players,” explains Raajkumarri Mutha, Founder and Managing Director of Tulips.

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Tulips conjures up images of vibrancy and colour.

Perhaps this statement is best illustrated by the discussion table located right in the centre of the store. It creates an atelier-like atmosphere where architects, clients and designers come together to bounce ideas off of each other, hash out details, and co-create. It is from this lens, that one should look at the store décor. The very concept of the studio is anchored in experiential service. “There are two sensory leitmotifs that you would come across in our store - visual and tactile. Right from the time the clients walks through the front door to the time they exit, they carry with them a firm understanding of our products and services and a certainty that what they ‘felt’ and ‘saw’ in our store is exactly what they will receive.

Each nook, corner, alcove, and crevice of the store has a story to tell.

With bolts of fabrics, surface ornamentation, technique swatches, and retail products all around, our clients can imagine the kind of ‘look’ and ‘feel’ our soft furnishings will conjure when they bring them home,” says Mutha. The vibrant hub of colours, crafts and possibilities, expresses much through the use of textiles and is an assault on the senses. Each nook, corner, alcove, and crevice of the store has a story to tell, as if it is talking about the glorious partnership of needle and thread!

There are several ‘statement making’ areas in the store. Take for instance, the handloom that takes inspiration from ancient Egyptian looms. It forms a striking tableau of table-top looms, frame looms, trunks revealing flamboyant colours, and weaver’s paraphernalia - taking us back in time to pharaonic Egypt when the weavers worked on the looms to create freshly woven linen. Three walls become a canvas for expression. The frames and images on these are connected by a common thread - Delhi. The first showcases two diverse fabric ornamentation techniques - digital printing and embroidery with Purani Dilli as a theme. The second is a painstakingly hand-embroidered scene that pays homage to Delhi’s celebrated architecture. It took 900 hours, 2000 meters of threads, and unyielding focus to create this intricate artwork on cotton duck, with the use of techniques like hand embroidery, machine embroidery, appliqué, cutwork, and zardosi.

The third wall celebrates the spirit of the impeccable planning of Central Delhi by Sir Edward Lutyens using the textile art of appliqué or fabric patchwork. Another wall has a creative display of scissors - one of the most important tools for designers. The attention to detail in the exquisite display of product stories, messaging and visual merchandising in the store helps reassure a visitor of the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality in this very differentiated and aspirational environment. When one comes out of the store, it is with a feeling of having experienced something bespoke…something that words fail to convey, but maybe threads do! www.tulipsindia.com

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THE MARKETPLACE GROHE Introduces AquaSymphony

Grohe’s AquaSymphony embodies ultimate relaxation. It blends the most exclusive natural and man-made SPA environments into one holistic shower experience for all the senses.

Parryware’s Agate Pro Faucets Parryware, India’s leading manufacturer of bathroom products has launched ‘Agate Pro’, adding to its existing range of Agate faucets. The launch of the new faucet range marks the addition of another smart solution to the company’s best-selling faucet line. Inspired by international design standards and equipped with company’s technological innovations, the latest range of Agate Pro boasts of longevity and performance. The new product comes with chrome-lasting finish, showcasing a perfect blend of style and quality and is pocket friendly as well. The range offers improved functionality with an unmatched warranty of 10-years and customer care support.

An AquaCurtain of water droplets falls on you, drawing you into a dreamlike state of being. The Light Curtain of rainbow coloured lights provides soothing chromotherapy with a personalised light show, whilst a variety of different sprays allows water to cascade onto your skin creating wonderful sensations. The Waterfall XL Sprays, an extra-wide water outlet, creates the sensation of a waterfall. The Bokoma Sprays, eight dynamically pulsating spray nozzles, that deliver the sensation of a stimulating fingertip massage. The highly-advanced sound system is another smart optional feature that mixes your personal favourite music with the sound of splashing water. The F-digital Deluxe base unit box can be connected with an Apple or Android mobile device, allowing you to use the GROHE SPA App for perfect control of light, sound and steam. These amazing technological features can help you enjoy your shower in new dimensions. www.grohe.com/in

www.roca.in

Architectural Lighting From K-LITE K-LITE INDUSTRIES has launched a new series of LED Architectural Lighting. The application includes Facade Lighting, Pathway Lighting, In-ground Luminaire, Uplighter, Up-down Lighting, Billboard Lighting, Vertical Light Bars, Wall Washers, Area Lighting poles and above all popular sleek polar lighting solutions. The solutions offered are backed by extensive understanding of illumination in urban spaces and the expertise gained over a period of three decades. The fixtures are designed to provide value technology, ideally suited to Indian Conditions. The luminaire efficacy (lumens/ per watt) is much above 100 for all luminaires. Varied optical options for lighting distribution and correlated colour temperature (CCT) for cool white, neutral white or warm white are available to suit specific requirements. The outstanding item of the series is the Sleek Polar Lighting Solutions is a contemporary design that is both timeless

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Commenting on the new range, Mr. KE Ranganathan, Managing Director, Roca Bathroom Products Pvt. Ltd. said, “Being a leader in the global bathroom space and completing a decade in faucets, we are delighted to strengthen our range with the launch of Agate Pro. A winning combination of design, quality, performance and price, Agate Pro has been conceived keeping in mind modern day bathroom needs”. Roca is engaged in the design, production and commercialization of products for the bathroom space, as well as ceramic floor and wall tiles for architecture, building and interior design.

and unique in its impression. Compact without visible mounting equipment and optimised integration, Polar Lighting is in perfect continuity with the geometric lines of the square column. These assemblies are ideal for surroundings of contemporary architectural constructions. www.klite.in

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