MY SPACE : BANDUKSMITH STUDIO
vol 15 issue 06
JUNE 2016
PRODUCT DESIGNER : MORITZ PUTZIER
total pages 140
UNCOVERED : AKDA
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS BY RAJIV SAINI LOVE IS IN THE AIR! STUDIO WOOD OFFICE
TIME PLEASE S+PS ARCHITECTS’ MONTAGE OF MUMBAI
KITCHENS REINVENTED FUNCTIONAL IDEAS & CUSTOMISED DESIGN TO ENLIVEN YOUR KITCHEN
Photo: Cyrus Dalal
d
esigned by S+PS Architects, the Collage House reflects a typology rarely seen in homes built today. The design trumps you on many levels - from the bold concrete frame of the exterior enveloping a facade of repurposed shutters, to parts of the interior which imbue slick and modern flourishes. The scheme effortlessly borrows elements from the recycled and salvaged to the traditional and avant-garde, uniting the seemingly disparate bunch with ease. The Collage House is layered with a variety of design details, stitched together by the genius of the architect. It’s no less than a masterpiece. Rajiv Saini is no stranger to fine art. This time his pairing with a residence that aims to be a canvas for a collection of Indian contemporary artwork highlights his brilliance. Saini bathes the apartment in soft shades of pale grey and white, as well as manipulates walls and windows to create the perfect setting. Where he takes his design scheme a step further is by curating a series of iconic furniture pieces, ranging from Hans Wegner classics to contemporary masterpieces made by the likes of Piero Lissoni. Infusing the home with style, the pieces also delicately complement the artistic treasure trove on the walls. India is besieged with the ‘start-up’ syndrome and partnering this entrepreneurship revolution is the young team at Studio Wood Office. Start-ups almost always qualify their design brief by highlighting, “we don’t have much money to spend.” The team, faced with this commercial reality delivers the most ‘bang for the buck’ at this dating app workspace. Their crafty thinking leads them to paint the floors instead of using tile, setting up work tables for computers without building drawers for storage and even thinking of a few hacks to reduce energy costs. However, the outcome of this shoe-string project is a far cry from the rudimentary, instead it’s a vibrant space which the forty young employees are in love with. What a great way to start! Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com
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emails + feedback What A Design Spectacle! MY SPACE : BANDUKSMITH STUDIO
vol 15 issue 06
JUNE 2016
PRODUCT DESIGNER : MORITZ PUTZIER
total pages 140
UNCOVERED : AKDA
RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM
Changing Times For Art Initiatives such as the Design Museum Dharavi truly showcase that talent exists deep within the country. Who would have thought Dharavi has such talented artisans? It was an amazing read along with fantastic pictures.
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS BY RAJIV SAINI LOVE IS IN THE AIR! STUDIO WOOD OFFICE
TIME PLEASE S+PS ARCHITECTS’ MONTAGE OF MUMBAI
KITCHENS REINVENTED FUNCTIONAL IDEAS & CUSTOMISED DESIGN TO ENLIVEN YOUR KITCHEN
Let us know what you love and hate about this issue. Mail us at letters@marvelinfomedia.com
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Isha Gupta By Email
Crafty Cut-outs Tarasha Designworks does some really aweinspiring work. The minute details and layers that it proffers along with being so ethnic, cultured and multi-faceted gives a fresh perspective to mundane things in life. Dhara Purohit By Email
Great going by Reshma Chhabria. Her products are aesthetically-designed and well-thought out; which can lend a calm personality to a home. It’s a treat when Home Review brings forth such talent. Rina Sheth Mumbai
Brewing Happiness Ayaz Basrai and his team surely know how to elevate a simple pub into an enriching atmosphere. I admired the robotic, mechanical character lent to the space, without going overboard. Jay Desai By Email
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Immerse in the prominent architectural works of Singapore from Moshe Safdie’s Marina Bay Sands to OMA-designed The Interlace
When we make something, it must meet the criteria of economy, ecology, commodity & its pricelessness
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Cover Story At the Collage House in Navi Mumbai, S+PS Architects have designed a home referencing a sophisticated postcard, full of visuals of the city, both old and new
38 40 An A-list art collection holds centre stage, ably supported by iconic furniture in this design for an apartment in South Mumbai by Rajiv Saini
JUNE
46 85 52 In this residence, designed by Dhaka-based firm, Shatotto Architecture, Mother Nature is invited into the abode and allowed to reign supreme
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By Aakriti Kumar
KITCHENS REINVENTED
80 Our feature brings in innovative ideas and products that are making kitchens smart and aesthetic
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The young team at Studio Wood Office has let their creativity flow and enjoyed the experience of designing an office for a dating app
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Eclectic styles, varied themes, upcoming trends come together in our newly launched segment!
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Located in a prior monastery dating back to the 14th century, The Mandarin Oriental in Prague sits regally in the Malá Strana district
At Alila Villas Soori in Bali, exclusivity takes on a whole different meaning, as serenity and understated elegance is blended with exceptional service
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product
designer
Moritz Putzier is a new name on the German design scene who is already inviting substantial attention for his ‘designs with a twist’
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JUNE
GREEN PROJECT At Good Earth Malhar Patterns, an ecovillage in Bengaluru, open plan homes are cleverly designed spaces with minimal walls or no walls
116 THE MARKETPLACE Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market
Amit Khanna Design Associates (AKDA) is based in New Delhi and is a great believer of efficient, environmentally-conscious architecture and design
Landscapes
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The 2,000 sq ft retail space of Xanadu in Bengaluru offers numerous pleasures for those wanting to do up their homes
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SAINT PETERSBURG A DESIGN DESTINATION
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Terragram, a landscape architecture firm by Vladimir Sitta, designed a beautiful space in Eastern Sydney, using unusual construction techniques to merge the old and the new
Kunal Bhatia Architect and Photographer Kunal Bhatia is an architect, photographer and travel writer based in Mumbai. He finds inspiration in cities around the world, the people that he meets and fleeting encounters. To experience more of his work visit kunalbhatia.net.
Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Senior Sub Editor Rehana Hussain Contributing Writers Chryselle D’Silva Dias Christabelle Athaide Devyani Jayakar Dhanishta Shah Himali Kothari K Parvathy Menon Shruti Nambiar Designers Asif Shayannawar Darshan Palav Pooja Modak Snigdha Hodarkar
Aakriti Kumar Product Designer With her love for creating and a hands on approach to woodworking, Aakriti founded Differniture Studio, where she pushes the boundaries of design.
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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Mr. Rakesh Kini (Head - Marketing) 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
S+PS Architects Time Please, Page 26. Shilpa Gore-Shah and Pinkish Shah of S+PS Architects are engaged in the study, reflection and practice of Design, Architecture and Urbanity. Their work is influenced by their interest in history, pedagogy, travel and common sense. The various national & international awards, publications, lectures and exhibitions are a by-product of their work and testify to their evolving design sensibilities.
Delhi Ms. Sumita Prakash Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075 Tel 09899179540, Email: sumitabiswas63@gmail.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 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.
Rajiv Saini Home Is Where The Art Is, Page 40. Rajiv Saini is a Mumbai-based, self-taught architect and designer. In 2003, Rajiv Saini was awarded by the magazine Wallpaper as one of Five Young Talented Inventionists. His current portfolio encompasses an array of architectural and interior design projects such as hotels, resorts, high-end homes, office buildings and a school.
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.
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Good Earth Code Green, Page 107. Good Earth has been a pioneer in the field of alternative architecture and environment-friendly development for the last twenty eight years. The firm is managed by a core group of ten professionals, spread across three centers - Bangalore, Cochin and Calicut and has completed several projects in the residential, institutional and group housing sector.
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 13 MAY
Hafele Reintroduces Store With Latest Innovations, New Delhi
Hafele, a brand that provides home interior solutions has introduced its latest product offerings at its flagship store in Okhla, South Delhi. The range includes Nagold built-in home appliances, Blanco kitchen sinks and Aqua Trendz bathroom fittings. These innovations were showcased via inspiring interior displays using the trademark Hafele functionality. ‘Nagold by Hafele’ is the first of its kind built-in home appliances brand that is international by design and functionality, yet Indian by features and functions. The Tropicalized compressor in the Nagold refrigerator works perfectly for the Indian climate providing optimum cooling and humidity. The ORO built-in hobs from Nagold are equipped with supernova brass burners which have been engineered to provide the most favourable flame for Indian cooking styles. Blanco’s SteelArt collection of kitchen sinks are ergonomically designed sturdy sinks made of high grade stainless steel. The Aqua Trendz bathroom fittings range is an innovative and trendy series from Hafele’s bathroom range that provides pure experience, design and quality. www.hafeleindia.com/en
25 MAY
Launch Of BoConcept’s Flagship Store, New Delhi
BoConcept, a premium furniture and accessories brand from Denmark makes its entry in India with the launch of their flagship store in Delhi. Founded by two Danish craftsmen, Jens Ærthøj and Tage Mølholm in 1952, the name literally means living concept, whereby Bo is Danish for living.
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BoConcept is a one-stop shop for contemporary and modish furniture. It offers a wide variety of home furniture including dining tables, beds, sofas, chairs etc. and accessories ranging from small accessories such as lamps, cushions, rugs and more to complete furniture solutions. The Delhi outlet has 14 in-house studios and skilled design consultants to assist customers in designing their homes. BoConcept’s in-house designers create stylish designs with an international aesthetic to cater to BoConcept’s ideals. Navin Khanna, Director, BoConcept India says, “There is a void in the interior space for high quality finished product designed by worldclass designers. We believe that BoConcept will successfully fill that void in the market.”
Thus, the re-launch of the store seeks to introduce new brands to the Plüsch store. Plüsch’s portfolio includes Poggenpohl, Eggersmann & Goldreif for kitchens, Interlubke & Schmalenbach for wardrobes, Cor & Draenert for upholstered furniture, tables, dining desks and chairs, and Gaggenau & Guttmann for appliances. www.pluschliving.com
26Asian MAY Paints Workshop, Mumbai
www.boconcept.com/hi-in
25 MAY
Re-launch Of Multi-Brand Plüsch Store, Mumbai Plüsch is the pioneer in bringing the best German luxury brands to India; beginning with Poggenpohl for kitchens, Gaggenau for appliances and Interluebke for wardrobes. Representing the world’s leading brands in exclusive pan India tie-ups, Plusch has carved out a reputation for bringing innovation to the Indian shores. Expanding from Poggenpohl with various brands like Goldreif, Eggersmann, Schmalenbach, Ritzenhoff and Interlubke, Plüsch now extends itself to a broader variety of lifestyle and décor products. Over time, it diversified and expanded its product portfolio to represent many other prestigious and luxurious lifestyle brands. The driving factor behind the intentional associations with all German companies has been the shared sensibility and a professional work ethic that rests on an unrelenting quest for perfection.
Asian Paints’ signature store, Colour Store organised a unique movies-inspired workshop on the occasion of World Interiors Day, with production designer, Shruti Gupte who provided insights into set designs of movies and how they can be incorporated into modern-day homes. The theme for the workshop was ‘Intelligent & Inspirational Interiors, from Silver Screens to Your Home’. The store in Bandra was set up by Asian Paints with the aim of educating consumers and interior décor enthusiasts on colours and designs and how it can change their space. This initiative offered consumers the unique opportunity to bring to their homes, the look and feel that they love, admire and aspire for, from their favourite films. Through examples of her films, she covered various aspects from designing homes of characters in movies, to tips on how consumers can use designs seen in movies as an inspiration while decorating their homes. www.asianpaints.com
PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S
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PAST & FUTURE
E V E N T S 27 MAY 27 NOV TO
It is the UK’s most important event for emerging design and continues to be a highly respected and successful platform for bringing new design talent and commerce together. Part 1 includes the following fields: textiles & fashion, costume design, jewellery & precious metalwork, ceramics and glass, contemporary design crafts while Part 2 focuses on Furniture, product & industrial design, spatial design, graphic design, illustration, animation, gaming, motion & digital arts.
Exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s Works, Venice, Italy
Dwell on Design is a 3 day event being held from 24th June to the 26th June 2016 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, United States Of America. Dwell on Design, America’s largest design event, bringing together 30 leading European design brands and smaller cutting-edge enterprises. An abridged retrospective exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s work is going to open its doors to the world for six months at the 16th century Palazzo Franchetti on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy. The exhibition is hosted by Fondazione Berengo as a celebration of Zaha Hadid’s four-decade long career in architecture and design. The exhibition showcases a range of seminal paintings, drawings and models of Hadid’s repertoire, expressing the ingenuity and dynamism of her architectural projects in a variety of media including photography and film. It aims to convey the research that is undertaken for each of Zaha Hadid Architects’ project by way of her built, under-construction, in development and unrealised designs. Her early works displayed include Malevich’s Tektonic (1976-77), Hadid’s fourth-year project at the Architectural Association School in London that bridged the River Thames. Also showcased are the competition winning Peak Club, Hong Kong (1982-83, unrealised); Hafenstrasse, Hamburg (1989, unrealised); Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Square, London (1985, unrealised); Victoria City master-plan for Berlin (1988, unrealised) and the Cardiff Bay Opera House (1994-95, unrealised). The exhibition coincided with this year’s Venice Architectural Biennale. www.zaha-hadid.com www.fondazioneberengo.org
24 TO 26 JUNE
Dwell on Design, Los Angeles
This year Dwell on Design is partnering up with imm cologne – an international interiors show that takes place annually in Cologne, Germany. The design event features world-class speakers, product demonstrations, continuing education classes for design professionals, and seminars for design-seeking consumers. Each year, Dwell editors carefully craft a program that invites you to “step into the pages of Dwell” and experience modern design.
A daily programme of talks and tours runs during both Parts of New Designers. Sessions address current issues and topics pertinent to the design sector, offering invaluable support and insight to anyone in the design industry. www.newdesigners.com
TO 6Design 8 JULYTokyo, Tokyo
This event showcases products like kitchen & bath design, furniture & lighting, renovation, preservation, prefab, fabrics, the future of design, dwell outdoor, new design ideas etc. in the Architecture & Designing industry. www.dwellondesign.com
29 JUNE TO 2 JULY AND 6 TO 9 JULY New Designers, London
The 31st edition of New Designers will take place in two parts in June and July in 2016. New Designers presents an opportunity to buy new products for your store or home, get inspired by fresh ideas and discover new design talent to commission or recruit. It is being held at the Business Design Centre in London.
Design Tokyo is Japan’s leading trade fair for ‘marketable’ design products. Design Tokyo is a 3 day event held at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. The Judging and Screening Committee conducts screening and qualifies applicants as exhibitors at Design Tokyo while respecting the concept and the quality of the fair and its screening policies. Kazuo Kawasaki, Fumio Takashima, Michelle Millar Fisher and Tomomi Nagayama are the judges for this year’s Design Tokyo. Design stores, specialty stores, interior shops, department stores, lifestyle shops, gift shops, museum shops are the visitors that can be expected at the trade exhibition. Products from various sectors are showcased such as interiors, decoration, fashion, textile, dining, decoration, living and lifestyle, etc. The Design Tokyo Products Award is given to the most ‘marketable’ design products among the exhibits at Design Tokyo that passed the screening. www.designtokyo.jp/en
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What is the impact of our architectural expression on the social and climatic context? What purpose do the materials used serve? How will the building age and does it have to age? Questions that need to be asked but are often neglected in our quest for creating iconic architecture. But Banduk Smith Studio is not only asking these questions but providing solutions too. This young architectural firm based out of Ahmedabad was started by Sachin Bandukwala and Melissa Smith in 2011, with a goal of ‘designing for better lives’. Their practice caters to product design, interior design, architectural work, and urban design. The scale or complexity remains immaterial to the studio; their approach is firmly rooted in the context, and strives to forge a connection with the socio-cultural conditions of the location and the user. When materials usually are typecast as per their use i.e. structural or aesthetic, Banduk Smith Studio believes in exploring the full potential of materials, all while doing justice to the techniques used. So, the design is synthesised from the micro and not the macro entities, which provides their projects a unique identity. Their new venture, Various at Dhobi Talao in Mumbai, is a new-age design lab that celebrates the processes of designing and questions our love for a fast-paced life, by slowing time down to notice and appreciate finer things.
Interview By Shweta Salvi
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Competitions are a good platform to tap into new talent. How has participating in competitions helped your practice?
Could you share with us details of the inception of Banduk Smith Studio and its core fundamentals? Sachin (S): While I was working here in India, in 2008 I met Melissa, who was in India at the time researching informal adaptations of architecture in Chandigarh. We began a discussion about the built environment here and the world at large - what we take from nature, how we transform things and what we give back the idea of designing better lives, for now and for generations to come. When Melissa finished her Master in Architecture and Master in City & Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley in 2011, we decided to start a practice that could address these concerns at different scales and different places.
There is great scope for making better design accessible to the people of India simply through opening design competitions that are unbiased, and removing tender processes that stifle design.
At Banduk Smith Studio we constantly try to remind ourselves that we serve people, but even before that we are served by nature and therefore the materials that we break away from nature should connect back in due course of time - after living a life which has been moulded by craftsman’s hands or machines.
Our participation in competitions has led us to improve our office efficiency and camaraderie. We use competition opportunities to think about larger ideas of the architecture community, and to connect ourselves with those trajectories through lines of work found typically outside our practice.
Typically, an architect’s inspirations and inclinations define his/her signature style. What are your inspirations?
Unfortunately, there are not enough competitions in India that can feed young talents. There is great scope for making better design accessible to the people of India simply through opening design competitions that are unbiased, and removing tender processes that stifle design and give work to the lowest bidder.
S: People to people interactions find their form. This also happens in nature within its different elements. How to make people to people interactions as smoothly negotiated as nature, where the spirit of celebration finds the form which is dynamic of this state of being, happy or sad, partly human-made and indigenous. Melissa: I am inspired by the elegance and simplicity of unconsidered solutions - clever approaches that solve problems beautifully.
In the few competitions that we have been a part of, we have been finalists in the Sabarmati Biodiversity Park Competition and in the Indo-Swiss Building Energy Partnership Dynamic Shades Competition, where we were runners-up and received funding to develop a prototype.
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At Various at Dhobi Talao, we are trying to bring together furniture and products that pause time and help us celebrate beauty and crafting spirit of creations, with sensible use of materials.
Stemming from your theoretical interests and research, how significant is the life of a structure and how should it eventually age? All structures age. The necessary thing to know as a designer serving a specific client or a group of people is how to design this structure for the user, so that the pace of aging of the structure accommodates the ageing of that user. When we make something for a specific purpose, however small or big, it must meet the criteria of economy & ecology, commodity & its pricelessness – with this in mind, we should continuously try to know our materials better, to use them innovatively in such a way that their varied pace of ageing is in harmony with the originally envisaged decay of the building.
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Architecture is one of the significant drivers of climate change. According to you, which are the three sustainable features/processes that should be made a requisite in the Indian architectural scenario? All permitted buildings should be allowed only with an assessment of their impact, which includes the distance a material has travelled to reach the site, and the method by which it was extracted from the earth and processed. Since water is scarce and valuable, every project should have rain water storage tank to collect rainwater from roof & percolating wells for the ground surface water. The architecture of interior spaces should achieve a temperature difference of 8-10 degree Celsius from the external areas in all climatic conditions, to reduce the load on artificial air conditioning.
India has a wonderful architectural heritage - some of it is in a dilapidated condition; any personal favourite structure? S: The overgrown Shiva temple in Polo forest, North Gujarat & Chaurasi temples at Bharmour, Uttarakhand M: Kailash Temple at Ellora, Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri Any traditional technique which you haven’t explored as yet and would like to work with in the near future? There are many things that we are yet to explore - some obvious traditional techniques that we have not yet explored are oxide flooring, and all-lime construction.
Could you tell us something about your new store, Various at Dhobi Talao in Mumbai? It is for Various Works, foods & happenings! Somehow the course of evolution has been about growing faster and going faster - we all want to go to places faster, do lots of things in short time including cook faster and make furniture faster - evolve faster and dissolve slower! At Various at Dhobi Talao, we are trying to bring together furniture & products that pause time and help us celebrate beauty & crafting spirit of creations, with sensible use of materials. Our ambition is to make this a place where we can talk of everything that affects our lives represented in the realm of art & architecture through projects focused on modes of making. We currently have a collection of furniture and objects that are handcrafted or semi-machined. To make these we take traditional processes and use them for contemporary designs. Presently we are also preparing to sell carefully prepared forgotten recipes & food experiments or just products that help us experience finer things in life!
Melissa, women are gradually making their presence felt in the design industry. However, the progress in the field of architecture is sluggish. Why?
What is the firm currently working on? We are working on several projects that range from the interior design of a penthouse, an adaptive reuse of a row house into office, a 5 story separate-buttogether joint family house, the design of bio-industrial plants and to urban interventions in small town public spaces.
M: There are issues with expectations. People, whether it is a client, agency, or contractor, expect men to handle the construction of a building. This is the biggest battle that women have to face in the industry, and it is one that they face outside India as well. In fact, it is easier to gain the respect of the agencies on site than it is to gain a client’s trust, because on site if one demonstrates their skill, respect is earned. With less direct contact about construction knowledge, stereotypes held by clients that women do not deal with things like structure, construction, electrical and plumbing work, for example, are harder to break. design@banduksmithstudio.in
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TIME PLEASE 26 Home Review June 2016
The Collage House in Navi Mumbai stands true to its name; here S+PS Architects have designed a home referencing a sophisticated postcard, full of visuals of the city, both old and new.
In its eventful history, the city of Mumbai has earned many epithets. It is popularly known as the city of dreams, in which Bollywood lives and breathes and just cannot seem to tire of eulogising. It is a city of enormous resilience, capable of rising out of smouldering ashes multiple times over. It is a city of mind-numbing bustle, and also of joyous colours and talents. It is also a metropolis of deep contradictions, which sustains them beside each other and lets them foster within themselves parallel worlds.
Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs By Sebastian Zachariah, Ira Gosalia, Photographix Home Review June 2016
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Even though the ‘Collage House’ moves away from the centre of the city into its periphery, finding its feet on Parsik Hill, Navi Mumbai, it carries in its heart the best visuals of Mumbai. From the bold façade, which dares to be bare and vulnerable in an increasingly well-pruned, concrete landscape, to the spacious, multi-faceted spaces inside, the home is both a homage and a montage dedicated to Mumbai. The team from the city-based firm S+PS Architects had a project area of 5,600 sq ft to work with, and it has transformed every inch of it into a glorious totem of modern living in a city of complex histories. The Collage House wears its inspirations on its sleeve. Its tall, broad face is a veritable journal board, full of motivations for the world to see. “A visual language emerges that is of the found object, ad-hoc, eclectic, patched and collaged. An attempt has been made here to apply some of these lessons without romanticising or fetishising them,” states the team.
The façade is a collage realised in concrete and ‘found objects’ that scream ‘Mumbai’. The idea was to include aspects of how a quintessential ‘Mumbaiker’ would live, ingeniously combining limited resources with a fertile imagination, and a legendary propensity towards recycling – in short with an ever-reliable spirit of ‘jugaad’.
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“The front façade sets the tone for what lies within, with a ‘corner of windows’ that recycles old windows and doors of demolished houses in the city.” These beautiful vestiges of the past, with their delicate arcs and simple carvings are carefully lined up on the outside, evoking aching memories of narrow lanes, twostorey homes, ragged clothes lines, and paint-can plant-holders. The more one takes in the effect of this display, the more one realises what a remarkably powerful visual piece the façade really is. This effect is enhanced in the evenings, when the lights come on and start peeping out through the glass, making it look like a cluster of homes instead of just one. As it happens, this corner of windows is also a hint into what lies inside. It “becomes a major backdrop for the living room with an exposed concrete faceted ceiling above countered by the polished white marble with intricate brass inlay on the floor,” the team explains. The central courtyard continues with this theme of ‘something old, something new’, by placing a riveted rusty scrap metal plate array wall in the same pattern as a surprisingly multi-coloured chequered tile wall. Here too is a stone wall made out of forgotten remnants of stone cutting yards, and of waste carefully collected on this home’s site during construction. The hilly terrain informed the form of this section.
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“The court is actually raised a floor above the ground level and hidden below is a large rainwater harvesting tank wrapped with rocks that were removed from the hillside during excavation,” adds the team. Cutting through the greyness are plants both potted and freely hanging, sheets of glass windows, and water features. But the stalwart here is the metal ‘pipe wall’, made up of leftovers, but with ambitions of aping a bamboo curtain. A part of it ends in a gaggle of spouts that will bring forth rainwater from the down-take pipes. The interiors are a mixed bag - so minimalist, yet so full of beautifully crafted features. Indeed, figuring out this home’s type and inspirations may well take days. The spaces shift tenors pleasantly, but yet, never really overwhelming the senses. Not always obvious is the firm element of privacy here, an essential facet of a house squeezed within breathing distance of neighbours.
These are slick, modern rooms of
seamlessly tiled and
floors, beautiful bathrooms and yuppie touches.
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“Present too are traditional elements and materials like carved wooden mouldings, bevelled mirrors, heritage cement tiles, etc.,” the team states. The Collage House is quite literally topped off in brilliant style. Sitting pretty on the terrace in the midst of an even gravel pit, and looking out to the beauteous hilly views beyond, is a pavilion propped up by ornate columns that are a century-old and come from a demolished home. The lightweight structure is formed of steel and glass, and has a solid roof that is affixed with solar panels, that look like they are ready to fly off into the sky any minute.
But once the home is open, its walls and floors glistening with copious sunshine, is when it comes alive with delightful contradictions. “The interiors play up this contrast between the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary, the rough and the finished. One finds ample use of recycled materials like old textile blocks, old Burma teak rafters and purlins, that are used in the floors, colonial furniture and fabric waste (chindi).”
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Needless to say, the Collage House is a veritable museum of beauty. It is aware of all that is around and inside it, and makes plenty of accommodations for the people who inhabit it to sit by, relax, and ruminate. What better blessing than this in a setting like Mumbai? spsarch@gmail.com
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With land at a premium, downtown Singapore is defined by high rise office blocks, residential towers and hotels.
Contemporary Singapore TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net For a micro-nation that is just twice the size of Mumbai and gained complete independence only in 1965, Singapore boasts of a number of prominent architectural works. Significantly, these not only encompass institutional buildings, cultural centres and private endeavours, but also more utilitarian architecture such as mass housing. A novel example of this is The Pinnacle @Duxton, a complex of seven 50storeyed residential towers that were constructed by the city’s Housing Development Board.
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They form the world’s tallest public residential towers and are topped with a sky-garden on the 50th floor. Amongst the notable privately constructed residential complexes are Reflections at Keppel Bay by Daniel Libeskind and The Interlace designed by OMA. Singapore’s development is also shaped by its aim of creating a “City in a Garden”. Focused efforts on renewing urban greenery have seen the opening of the world class Gardens by the Bay. Spread over 250 acres of reclaimed land, highlights of the Gardens include the Supertree Grove and the twin, cutting-edge conservatories - Flower Dome and Cloud Forest - created with sustainable building technologies.
Adjoining the Gardens by the Bay is Marina Bay Sands, an integrated resort designed by Moshe Safdie, with the towering Marina Bay Sands Hotel as its centrepiece. In the midst of these contemporary architectural masterpieces, it is easy to forget that Singapore has a rich historical past, evidences of which are also found in its built forms. Keep an eye out for the next issue of Home Review to explore these hidden treasures.
Conceptualized and executed by Grant Associates and Wilkinson Eyre Architects, The Gardens by the Bay include a number of themed-gardens, conservatories and ‘supertrees’.
The undulating steel ribs of Henderson Waves designed by RSP Architects form alcoves along its length that also double up as seating.
Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the residential towers of ‘Reflections at Keppel Bay’ shimmer by Singapore’s waterfront. Home Review June 2016
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Over 1800 apartments are housed in The Pinnacle@Dixton, the tallest public housing development in the world.
One of the tallest Giant Observation Wheels in the world, the Singapore Flyer offers dramatic views of the city and its bay.
Moshe Safdie’s design for the Marina Bay Sands Hotel incorporates three towers that rise in a gentle curve.
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Photo Credit: Francesco Galli
The ‘Unfinished’ exhibition presented by Spain, won the The Golden Lion for Best National Participation.
AN ALTERNATE Perspective The 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice seeks to offer a new point of view by sharing the knowledge of those who have overcome the challenges and complexity faced by architecture.
Text By Rehana Hussain Photo Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia
This theme selected by Aravena, a Chilean architect and 2016 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, seeks to widen the range of issues to which architecture is expected to respond to - currently focused on the cultural and artistic aspects - and move on to the social, political, economic, and environmental end of the spectrum.
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It also seeks to highlight the fact that architecture responds to several dimensions, integrating a variety of fields instead of choosing one. In the words of Alejandro Aravena, “Reporting from the Front will be about sharing with a broader audience the work of people who are scrutinizing the horizon looking for new fields of action. These are the frontlines from which we would like different practitioners to report, sharing success stories and exemplary cases where architecture made, is making, and will continue to make a difference.”
Photo Credit: Andrea Avezzù
One of the most anticipated events in architecture, the 15th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia rolled out in Venice, Italy from May 28 through November 27, 2016. The exhibition is curated by Architecture Biennale Director Alejandro Aravena with Paolo Baratta as the President. The primary theme of this exhibition is ‘Reporting From The Front’ which aims to look at architecture from a different perspective.
The special project entitled ‘A World of Fragile Parts’.
Amongst the celebrated architects, the Indian names to make the cut were Anupama Kundoo Architects, Auroville; Matharoo Associates, Ahmedabad; Anuj Saini, who has been invited to display a replica of the famous Rock Garden in Chandigarh created by his late father Nek Chand; and Bijoy Jain’s Studio Mumbai Architects.
Architecture Biennale Director Alejandro Aravena with Paolo Baratta, President, La Biennale di Venezia.
Photo Credit: Bruce Chatwin
Photo Credit: Giorgio Zucchiatti
The 88 members from 37 nations participating in the exhibition ‘Reporting from the Front’ showcase their pavilions in a unitary exhibition sequence from the Central Pavilion (Giardini) to the Arsenale.
“Maria Reiche, The Nazca Lines Archaeologist,” serves as the Venice Biennale’s poster this year.
The issues addressed at the exhibition are inequalities, sustainability, insecurity, segregation, traffic, pollution, waste, migration, natural disasters, informality, peripheries and housing shortage. This edition’s poster which is a photograph - “Maria Reiche, The Nazca Lines Archaeologist,” - captured by late travel journalist and photographer Bruce Chatwin, depicts Reiche standing on a ladder overlooking the Nazca lines in Peru. This image serves as the base for the architectural community to look beyond their current scenario to find solutions for current issues.
Photo Credit: Andrea Avezzù
The exhibition includes 62 national participations in the historic pavilions at Giardini, Arsenale and in the city’s historic centre.
The Singapore Pavilion, titled Space to Imagine, Room for Everyone is the country’s 5th presentation at the biennnale.
Photo Credit: Italo Rondinella
The awards ceremony took place on May 28, where The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to the Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, while Spain’s ‘Unfinished’ exhibition received The Golden Lion for Best National Participation.
The installation by Bijoy Jain’s Studio Mumbai Architects.
The ‘Unfinished’ exhibition by Spain, presented instances of architecture constructed in the past few years, born out of abandonment and economy, designed to adapt to future necessities. The Singapore Pavilion, titled Space to Imagine, Room for Everyone emphasises how the built environment is intertwined with people by outlining the limits that need to expand to improve the quality of life.
At the venue will be important programmes and discussions held related to the themes in the exhibition. The Meetings on Architecture will have leading architects and participants presenting their views on the projects displayed by them once every month during the exhibition. The biennale will also play host to Collateral Events, a set of 19 presentations displayed by international bodies on various themes of architecture. The 15th International Architecture Exhibition gives a fresh outlook to the challenges faced by architecture today, enabling architects and designers to create a more liveable world. www.labiennale.org info@labiennale.org Home Review June 2016
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In the living room, iconic furniture takes a discreet back seat, as the star attractions look down from the wall.
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Home Is Where The Art Is
An A-list art collection holds centre stage, ably supported by iconic furniture in this design for an apartment in South Mumbai by Rajiv Saini.
When a client owns a serious art collection, displaying it adequately becomes a prime concern in any design of the space, which is commanded by a unity of thought or perception. Calling this collection an A-list one, would not be an exaggeration. Reading like a litany of the greats in Indian art, the artists include Ram Kumar, Jogen Chowdhary, Akbar Padamsee, FN Souza, MF Husain, Sudhir Patwardhan and Anju Dodiya, amongst others. “When these clients contacted me through common friends, they were already familiar with my style of work. They gave me carte blanche to redesign this home, which had last been renovated in the late 80s,” says Rajiv. “They had been buying art for many years…that their collection would have to be curated, was evident. It just wasn’t possible to display it all, unless we started using the ceiling for this purpose as well,” he laughs. Even the powder room has watercolours by Prabhakar Kolte. So a sizeable amount of the art would have to be put into storage and rotated with the pieces in use, grouped according to mood and feel.
Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs By Sebastian Zachariah Home Review June 2016
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The black end tables in the study have been designed by Rajiv Saini. A carefully curated selection of art hangs on the wall.
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Since this was a home and not an art gallery, Rajiv used a neutral palette of pale grey, and white, with wood and veneer accents contributing to the warmth required in the backdrop for the priceless art. The flooring is a light grey customised terrazzo. Luckily, the apartment was surrounded by greenery rather than a concrete jungle, as is normally the case in Mumbai. “Since the building was undergoing a major renovation, we could increase window sizes and lower sills to give the space a bigger feel. And as the greenery itself provided a great deal of privacy, we didn’t need curtains in the living space,” says Rajiv. At the entrance, Rajiv has removed a wall which gave a hemmed-in feel and replaced it with suspended coppershuttered cabinets sitting atop vertical wooden “fins.” Light percolates at the floor level from the dining room on the other side, creating an illusion of a larger space in this foyer. A Prabhakar Barwe enamel on canvas and three watercolours hint at the splendours within.
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In a pairing of the old and the new, some of the furniture was customised, while other pieces are classics which go back five or six decades. “Even where we’ve used contemporary pieces such as the Hans Wegner chairs and the CH 28 chairs by Wegner were designed many decades back and the ‘Track’ daybed by Piero Lissoni, I can see them becoming classics in a few years,” says Rajiv. The living room has a custom-designed banquette sofa designed by Rajiv. “I felt its exaggerated scale anchors the room,” he says. A block of white Corian is placed at right angles to this seating, graced by a bronze bull by Tyeb Mehta. There is a day bed at the far end, a Charlotte Perriand coffee table and the aforementioned Hans Wegner CH28 chairs. A white Corian plinth runs the length of the room opposite the banquette, serving both as a ledge and as light source, its illumination grazing the wall behind. Some of the light fittings are from Viabizzuno.
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The master bedroom has a white Carlo Mollino lounge chair called Gilda. A suite of drawings by Hebbar has been hung in an unconventional way, with voids in the sequence of a grid. The study has Domus chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, while the custom desk overlooks the verdant greenery outside the window. In the son’s bedroom, the back of the wardrobe forms the headboard of the bed which can be approached from two sides. An 18 ft ledge at the window defines the room, above which the television is suspended. Concealing it when not in view is a sliding screen on which an artwork is mounted. The third bedroom has been converted into a den for watching TV and has a sofa bed. One of the bathrooms has a monolithic block of white Carrara marble with an in-built basin. Screens slide back and forth in various places in the apartment, doubling up as a backdrop for the ever-present art, in addition to their primary function. Whether to hide a television in the son’s room or a shower unit in the guest powder room, or to ensure privacy in the guest bedroom with a den, screens have been used as a device to enhance convenience. Replete with internationally recognisable furniture, the iconic pieces in this apartment nevertheless decline firmly to compete with all the high voltage art looking down from the walls. If art collections necessarily bristle with a complex psychology, this is a quiet home which unfolds its treasures in layers meant for the discerning eye of connoisseurs. A far cry from the screeching “Have money will spend” syndrome, it speaks a language in hushed tones, to be deciphered by the initiated. www.rajivsaini.com
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We come across art quite often in our lives, without actually realising it. From something as common as the graffiti on roadside walls to elaborate installations at shopping malls, art is omnipresent; we just need a filtered lens to pick out the best from the rest. Here is one such artist who lends an altogether new meaning to art. He creates art that has a visual, eloquent connection with its surroundings. It is generally assumed that art inspires the surroundings where it dwells. But, in case of Hetal Shukla, it is the other way round as “the environment starts influencing art deeply for that particular space where the installation or the piece is to be created.�
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ART WITH A TWIST TEXT BY REHANA HUSSAIN
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As the Founder of Artlab, Hetal Shukla is an innovative artist who creates one-off, spectacular site-specific art installations and designs environmental graphics. He established Artlab in 1997 as a design initiative, to form a link between interior designing and fine arts and to make way for art to be used differently rather than just as wallpapers and paintings.
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Hetal says, “The inclination towards fine arts and the knowledge of interior designing gave me an understanding that there is a certain bridge between art and interiors and I saw a lot of scope there which lead to an urge of addressing this gap and coming up with the stimulating idea of starting Artlab.” His opus comprises approximately 5000 projects of which corporate offices hold a major chunk, while he has also lent his creative skills to clubs, residences and restaurants. He is also into installations, showcasing at various art festivals including the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF). His ‘Global Warming With Love’ car installation at this year’s festival surely grabbed some eyeballs. So far, so good. But an upswing and appreciation of his art form might not have been possible in the incubatory stages of Artlab, when fine arts in essence didn’t hold much ground in the country. So what led him to venture into this profession? He explains, “The kind of niche I address to is site-specific which is very rare and different from the traditional form of art which is about being self-expressive but according to me art always exists inside of a space; that space is what influences art to a great extent and this is something I found very interesting to position myself uniquely. When this kind of art didn’t exist, it was very challenging to create an awareness amongst people but it paid off really well as I came a long way in this field and also contributed significantly to this concept.” His interior projects are definitely not those that you encounter on a daily basis. For Google’s office, he interspersed the colours of their logo with the various monuments of India on their walls; made a world map using recycled computer circuit boards; stuck a 3D camera on a wall and a larger-than-life, traditional sewing machine sculpture. The white, faux fur covered Ambassador car at KGAF 2016 portrayed the idea of global warming, so as to save the endangered polar bear.
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Hetal makes sure that that his art remains as coherent and audience friendly as possible – as opposed to abstract - by weaving a story around the piece. The foresight is to intertwine two or more ideas at one time to create and evolve their work. “The concept I work on and the power of the story to depict something new each time makes the art different and unique. The concept is addressed in such a visual way that it brings gratification to the viewers while simultaneously engaging them with the narration of the art,� he shares. His material compass is wide-ranging and unusual such as paint, fur, mirrors, glitter and the selection of each depends on the aesthetic value of the piece. A 20-member strong workforce ensures that a smooth process, right from presenting the idea to the client to procuring the material is implemented. A single project undertaken by the team can take anywhere between one month to six months to complete, depending on its size and scale and the concept being used. The visual imagery that Artlab brings to life has an intrinsic connection to the space it resides in, making the walls come alive with meaning, symbolism and fluidity.
ARTLAB +91 9821354319 hetal.artist@gmail.com
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Contemporary style shows the wisdom of vernacular architecture in its spaces that welcome the surrounding nature and counter the climatic challenges aptly. Also note the porosity of the surfaces, in the built spaces and boundary wall that ensures a constant visual connection with the vicinity.
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WHERE NATURE REIGNS SUPREME
In this residence, designed by the Dhaka based firm, Shatotto Architecture, Mother Nature is invited into the abode and allowed to reign supreme; floor no bar.
Set amidst large expanses of verdant green, the Ashraf Kaiser residence, designed by Dhaka based Shatotto Architecture, is an open invitation to Mother Nature. The 3-storied family retreat is located in Savar, Bangladesh and is etched out in simple, essential strokes that marry contemporary design with traditional spaces. The setting of the house, with adjoining forest lands and green turfs as surrounding, has been a dominant factor in the design and aesthetics of the built mass. From afar, the bare cement façade of the house stands out in the green expanse, but as we approach it, it is easy to see how the open architecture of the house allows it to blend gracefully into the surroundings. Principal architect Rafiq Azam has considered the vast expanses of greens skirting the boundaries as “both a challenge and opportunity at the same time.”
Text By K Parvathy Menon Photographs By Daniele Domenicali Home Review June 2016
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Designer Rafiq Azam is known for his contemporary aesthetics that derive inspiration from the lush, riverine landscapes of Bangladesh and its ancient architectural heritage. And this interlacing of the traditional and the modern is observed right at the entrance, in the form of ‘dawa’ or an initial plinth, an integral element of traditional village houses. Also paying tribute to Bangladesh’s deep connection with water is a small aqua node along an open tunnel walkway that takes us towards the main part of the house.
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The brilliance of Rafiq Azam’s works lies in how the architecture respects the natural setting, with spatial solutions responding to the local conditions. In this residence, the Shatotto team chose to downplay the facade using bare concrete and brick surfaces for the entire home, exteriors and the interiors alike; the abundant glazing lets the lush green vicinity become the visual focus. Palpable as we saunter through the rooms, is the direct and distinct connection with nature that architect Azam has provided in every space. It is not just the ground floor, but the upper floors too, that have their own green spaces, lush with foliage. If the wooden deck overlooking a sea of green, extending from the ground floor living room manages to awe us, the upper floors holding all the bedrooms and family areas, terraces, green courts and water bodies leave us mesmerised. Along with the strong connect with the green outside spaces, another design element lending a sustainable factor to the house is the strategic spatial zoning. “South westerly wind flows into the cross ventilated dining space and is joined by the south easterly wind flowing in from the open staircase court,” the design team points out as they describe the intelligent, passive ventilation scheme.
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Connection to nature has not been restrained to views on the upper floors; instead the Shatotto team has provided green terraces and courts all over which evoke a response from the adjoining verdant surroundings as well.
Architect Rafiq Azam further expounds, “The south facing opening is relatively small, keeping in mind the sun path. Also, we have tried to retain the breathing quality of the concrete, by keeping the building surfaces bare. Thus, a soothing effect is evolved to match the regional climate and keep the indoor environmental quality comfortable.” Large picture windows, glazed surfaces, verandahs and decks ensure filtered light, constant air circulation and shaded spaces that are a requisite in the local sub-tropical climate. A green courtyard on the first floor straddled between the master bedroom and library becomes a common relaxation point for the family. Water elements are a familiar feature in architect Azam’s designs; a beautiful pond with steps around it leads us to the guest bedroom. But by far, the best of this deep connect with nature is seen in the second floor terrace that opens onto a green lawn on one side and a music hall on the other, and has verdant forest zone lands spread on its either side.
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The Shatotto team goes beyond the built mass to outline the inside-outside relation; as architect Azam points out, “the surrounding spaces are military farmland and forest areas, and hence to maintain a visual connection, the western perimeter has been flanked by a metal net boundary wall.” There is nothing in this residence that would term it traditional, yet the spaces pack within its design the ancient wisdom of vernacular architecture in a vocabulary that matches the current contemporary style and green demands. Architect Azam, as always, has taken full advantage of the beautiful location intertwining nature and the built mass with utmost ease aided by a natural aesthetic.
shatotto@gmail.com
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KITCHENS REINVENTED The way people work in their kitchens today has evolved. The kitchen is today an integral part of a family. Kitchens are no longer just spaces that provide, but have transformed into one that binds people and spaces as well as accommodates various other activities.
MODULAR KITCHENS Page 60
Text By Meghna Kothari
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APPLIANCES
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People today see their kitchens as a part of their entertainment area as well as one that enables maximum efficiency. Right from integrated equipment to state-of-the-art technology with a modern design sensibility, the kitchen has become a space that wears its own individual personality.
FLOOR AND WALL SURFACES Page 64
WORKTOPS
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STORAGE AND ACCESSORIES Page 68
SINKS AND FAUCETS Page 70
FITTINGS AND HARDWARE Page 72
SMALL IN SPACE, HUES IN BIG IN EFFICIENCY THE KITCHEN Page 74
Kitchens have always been a central place of an Indian home, but now they have turned into efficient work places that can support hectic schedules of urbane life. They are top priority zones within the home and have paved the way for cutting-edge innovations to be created in terms of appliances, materials, surfaces and design. Beginning from simple layouts in the past, nowadays kitchen layouts are multifunctional with varied options in the form of kitchen islands and storage facilities. The choices within the kitchen segment are not only advanced, but also sensitive to the needs of different homes and people.
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This segment is aimed at featuring customised ideas and innovations that are reinventing kitchens with modern gizmos and careful detailing. Working options through efficient and hygienic worktops, sleek fittings and hardware, modern and smart appliances to modular kitchens - our kitchen special segment lays down the finest and futuristic trends within this sector.
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MODULAR KITCHENS
Modular kitchens - coined as smart - are now even sensitive to individual needs in terms of design, technology, ergonomics and personality of owners, making them a must have in every home.
GRANDEUR GIBILTERRA KITCHEN COLLECTION BY DEL TONGO
Grandeur Interiors as a brand is synonymous with functionality and design detailing and Del Tongo’s Gibilterra modular kitchens collection delivers the same. The collection is available in a variety of colours and finishes and taking it up a notch further is the groove handle that is fitted at the top of the kitchen door. Combined with the curved design of the door, the kitchen looks innovative and modern. www.grandeurinteriors.com
ARTTD’INOX STAINLESS STEEL MODULAR KITCHEN Apart from offering tableware and home décor products in stainless steel, Arttd’inox, the premium brand from Jindal Stainless Limited, also offers modular kitchens in 100% recyclable stainless steel in varied colours and designs. The elements of their stainless steel kitchen do not fluctuate to temperature variations and are corrosion resistant and pest proof. Its easy to clean quality makes these kitchens extremely hygienic.
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www.arttdinox.com
H&R JOHNSON (INDIA) NOBILIA H & R Johnson (India) offers highend kitchens in India through its partnership with Germany’s No. 1 brand - Nobilia. Nobilia has kitchens catering to different needs ranging from L-shaped, straight, parallel to island kitchen. The added feature is the innovative drawer and pull-out system Profi+ standard equipment; while their new product range LASER, a zero-joint technology, provides a seamless appearance. www.hrjohnsonindia.com
METRIKA Metrika has revolutionised cooking in India with a perfect blend of technology and luxury making it a lifestyle experience. It specializes in providing factoryfitted modular kitchens with the perfect finish, excellent quality and innovative storage solutions to maximise kitchen space. Right from measurements to design and installation, Metrika turns your dream kitchen into a reality. www.metrika.in
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APPLIANCES Making their presence felt in terms of high-end technology and style, appliances have now become compact in size and are concealed visually, thus not disrupting the overall appeal of the kitchen rather enhancing it.
HAFELE NAGOLD J-SERIES COMBI-STEAM OVEN The Nagold J-Series Combi-Steam Oven renders freshness and moisture to the food enabling you to serve tender meats, colourful vegetables and restaurant-style breads. You can cook two or more types of foods at once without the flavours of one food transferring to another. It releases steam 8 times faster than a regular steam oven. It has feather touch control technology, auto menu, auto-defrost, child lock and refillable water tank functions. www.hafeleindia.com
BOSCH HOME APPLIANCES SERIE 4 REFRIGERATORS Bosch Appliances unveiled its Serie 4 Refrigerators, a series touted to solve the freshness and storage woes of food and also keeping its nutritive value, taste, colour and fragrance intact. It solves storage problems with its unique design and thin side-walls. The Serie4 refrigerators will remain cool even during power cuts and frequent door opening will also no longer be an issue. www.bosch-home.com/in
KORYO KHF 3315 HEALTHY AIR FRYER BLACK 2600ML The Koryo healthy fryer uses high speed air circulation to cook a variety of food in a healthy way making the food crispy outside and tender inside. It is made from plastic and is light weight and compact in design. The high speed air-circulation, enables even and thorough cooking of food with very little use of oil. www.fabfurnish.com
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HINDWARE BUILT-IN HOBS FROM HINDWARE KITCHEN ENSEMBLE The Hindware built-in hobs are customised in such a way that they enable to enhance the Indian cooking experience. The range is equipped with 3, 4 & 5 burner hobs that not only helps you do more in less time but also gives your kitchen a smart and elegant look. The detail in design and clean finish adds to the overall feel of the space. www.hindwarehomes.com
SIEMENS IQ700 COMBI-STEAM OVEN A combi-steam oven with full steam function and sensors for optimum results, this oven from Siemens (available at Grandeur) provides over 13 heating methods. The TFT touchdisplay provides user-friendly menu navigation with good display features and also has a roasting Sensor Plus creating reliable roasting. This oven is also effortless in cleaning and holds an energy efficiency class A+ making it more efficient for roasting and baking.
FRANKE FABER INDIA LIMITED DISHWASHER
www.siemens.co.in
Franke dishwasher guarantees the very best performance. Class A++ for low consumption, excellent washing and drying results in a short space of time. It has features like adjustable top rack, flexible programming, accessorised bottom rack and third rack to load cutlery and small crockery. It also saves time and water in any kitchen. www.franke.com
FRANKE FABER INDIA LIMITED INDUCTION GLASS BLACK COOKING HOB Franke launches its induction glass black cooking hob that comes with four burners ensuring effortless cleaning while maintaining a consistent high performance. Franke comes with features like hob control knobs that always remain cool, exclusive spacing, automatic pan sensor, residual heating indicators and touch type of controls making it an ultimate home cooking experience. www.franke.com
HINDWARE COOKER HOODS The Cooker Hood range from Hindware is a blend of futuristic designs and superiorly advanced technology. The range with choices in stainless steel and tempered glass is equipped with wind tunnel that helps in maintaining a clean smoke-free and fresh environment all around. An aesthetic fusion of innovative design and extreme finesse, Hindware Designer Hoods inject the perfect atmosphere to enjoy everyday cooking. www.hindwarehomes.com
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FLOOR AND WALL SURFACES The walls and floors within kitchens now range from being minimalist to edgy; they have become a canvas to turn your dream kitchen into a reality.
NITCO LISTELO GRIS, PINE NATURALE & VENATO Nitco’s Listelo Gris (300x450), Pine Naturale (600x600) and Venato (1200x600) are all carved with a seamless blend of dazzling designs, a fusion of captivating textures, patterns and experiences. Listelo Gris is part of the glossy finish HD digital printed tile from the geometry collection, Venato is a satin white finish marble from the magnified collection whereas Pine Naturale is a rustic finish from trulife series. www.nitcotiles.in
PERGO INDIA PVT. LTD SENSATION Pergo, the world’s best laminate flooring reinvents the laminate floor with Pergo Sensation which is water repellent through its new AquaSafe technology. With silk matt finish and true-to-nature cracks and knots, thanks to Genuine™ rustic the new Pergo Sensation floors are not only designed to look great, they are also innovative when it comes to performance. www.pergo.co.in
MARSHALLS FACTORY 2 COLLECTION445404 Marshalls Wallcoverings sources from globally renowned manufacturers and offers the latest international fashions in wallcoverings. The mural features astonishingly realistic bricks, which are randomly covered in plaster. This extraordinary digital print, available in black, grey and brown, through its unique design and style brings a playful vitality to the walls and can instantly enliven any kitchen. www.marshallswallcoverings.com
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SOMANY CERAMICS GLOSSTRA Created using Ultra Gloss technology, the Glosstra brand by Somany Ceramics adds colour to the interiors. Kitchen-specific motifs, created with digital printing, can be used to create backdrops to liven up the walls. The high gloss finish reflects natural light and gives a bright, airy and spacious feel to the kitchen space. www.somanyceramics.com
CLASSIC MARBLE COMPANY MAXFINE - CALCATTA A Classic Marble Company has an exclusive partnership with IRIS from Italy for marketing the world’s finest large size porcelain tiles Maxfine. The 6mm thick porcelain stoneware tiles are available in 3000 x 1500 mm formats and can be adopted for walls. Maxfine tiles have been crafted to match the looks and finesse of natural marble. www.classicmarble.com
NOTION KITCHEN FLOORING COLLECTION Through applied art, Notion designs the best flooring finishes and laminates. The kitchen collection contains laminate flooring made of wood pulp and chips and is composed of three layers, cross stacked, glued and compressed under high pressure and heat to create flooring that is environment friendly and impervious to humidity. www.notion.net.in
KAJARIA
Kajaria’s 25 x 75cm digital ceramic wall tile collection is designed to make kitchens look more spacious with their unique elongated size. Bigger tiles appear to give a space an open and breathable ambience. However with the limitation and shortage of space in residences today, big tiles are seen as a less economical alternative, which is where Kajaria’s range of 25 x 75cm digital ceramic tiles come in. www.kajariaceramics.com
H&R JOHNSON CARE SERIES The Johnson Care series collection fuses latest style trends with hygiene that provides varied interior themes coupled with germ-free tiling solutions. It prevents mould and stain causing bacteria and highlights the slip and scratch resistant qualities. The Care series tiles are inspired by nature based elements and are available in 5 collections and 5 touch and feel themes. www.hrjohnsonindia.com
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WORKTOPS It’s not just about function, but worktops also define the look of the kitchen. Aesthetics, durability, ergonomics and ease of use are the perfect attributes for any worktop to make a statement.
HAFELE CAESARSTONE Hafele’s latest innovation Caesarstone, allows you to improve the visual aesthetics of your space and is made from 93% pure quartz stone and can be created in any imaginable colour by adding colour pigments and additives into the mix. It is extremely scratch resistant, heat resistant, anti-bacterial and absorption free and is four times stronger than granite surfaces. www.hafeleindia.com
QUTONE COLLECTION IMARBLE The sturdy and smooth range of “imarble” is interesting through their size of 8 ft. (height) X 4 ft. (width) and has water absorption of less than 0.03%, making the surface 100% moisture free, bacteria & fungus free making it easy on maintenance and use. The slabs are extremely lightweight available in matt, glossy and wooden finishes, making them an ideal choice for kitchens. www.qutoneceramic.com
ASAHI INDIA GLASS LTD. (AIS) AIS DÉCOR Use of glass for kitchen countertops has become very popular and it can be customised in terms of colour, size, and shape. AIS décor - a coloured lacquered glass available in 10 vibrant shades, is specially designed to bring your kitchen to life. Its unique coloured opaque appearance is created by applying high-quality paint to one side of the glass, and oven-cured through a superior process. www.aisglass.com
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TEAM7 BY P3 ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS THE K7 KITCHEN ISLAND K7 has a height-adjustable worktop that can be infinitely adjusted in height from 74 to 114 cm at the push of a button. Team7 has its own sustainable forests wherein the wood procured from the same forests is about 80 to 100 years old. Hence it is the most treated and seasoned wood that one could get into a home as furniture or a kitchen. www.pcubesolutions.com
POGGENPOHL P´7350 The innovative material selection of solid wood worktops with the reflective surface of the glass tops is what makes P´7350 unique. Poggenpohl and Studio F. A. Porsche - both companies have been synonymous with unique design, functional perfection and innovative materials and now they are taking this philosophy further with the P´7350, a kitchen that emphasises both the horizontal and vertical in a new interpretation of classic kitchen lines.
GLOBUS PROCON LAPITEC
www.poggenpohl.com
Lapitec launched in India by Global ProCon is a super hydrophilic, selfcleaning, anti-bacterial, anti-mold, anti-fungus and anti-polluting material, making it a suitable option for the kitchen space. The surface is insensitive to weather and atmospheric conditions and thus does not detriorate with time. It can be easily cut and transformed to suit required specifications. www.globusprocon.com
DUPONT™ CORIAN DuPont™ Corian® solid surface is nonporous, durable, non-toxic, easy-to-clean and NSF/ANSI Standard 51 Certified for food contact making it ideal for use where food is prepared and served. It innovative DeepColor® Technology delivers greater depth of colour with improved durability, reduced scratch visibility and increased resistance to impact whitening. www.dupont.co.in
KALINGASTONE QUARTZ COLLECTION MOCCA CREMA Meant for kitchen applications, KalingaStone quartz includes a bespoke collection of colour, design and patterns that require minimal maintenance, post installation. With its crystalline appearance and sparkling surface finish, quartz as an engineered stone is the strongest of all other stones and is considered the best for high traffic or roughly used applications, such as in kitchens. www.classicmarble.com
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STORAGE AND ACCESSORIES Smart yet functional, stylish and efficient are the few keywords that drive the storage within kitchens. It is very essential for kitchens to accommodate everything without having an overbearing look.
ALSORG Contemporary Alsorg is one of the premium brands in modular kitchens and their varied product range has maintained its leadership in the field of creative design and customising products. Alsorg products are not just designed products but they’re design-led engineered products. The core strength of Alsorg’s manufacturing unit are their stateof-the-art German CNC Machines, used to achieve the desired quality. www.alsorg.com
HAFELE CHEF PANTRY PULL-OUT SYSTEM Häfele’s Chef Pantry pull out unit is used to organise your kitchen space. It has adjustable height facility and soft close mechanism which ensure noiseless closing experience. It is made from steel and has a bright chrome plated, chrome silver finish. It is equipped with 28 large baskets which can swing out completely along with 14 small baskets on the door in the sides. www.hafeleindia.com
NOLTE HOME STUDIO NOLTE LEGNO NOVA LACK The stylish Nolte Legno Nova Lack kitchen comes with an Oak truffle wood front and a range of high-gloss Quartz grey and deep blue fronts. The Oak truffle wood surfaces and high carcass make for an extremely elegant and comfortable kitchen. Nolte introduced the carcass in unexpected heights with Matrix 900 - the carcase system for added ergonomics, and more storage space. www.noltehomestudio.in
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EDIY.IN SOLID WOOD COLLECTION Ediy.in has turned the Italian kitchen into an Indian one, making a European style workable in the Indian cooking environment. Ediy.in offers customised kitchens in various materials and finishes; the cabinets are made from water proof laminated plywood and engineered wood. The shutters are in solid wood, veneer, lacquered, laminated, thermofoils, high gloss acrylic and painted glass. www.ediy.in
EBCO LINEABOX FROM SALICE One of the revolutionary metal drawer systems Salice LineaBox, is a perfect combination of elegant finish, clean and simple lines and style. Lineabox is extremely thin with thickness of 9mm which makes it one of the thinnest drawer systems that can be 3 or also 2 sided in metal. It ensures silent and fluid movement with the help of Salice Futura Slides. www.ebco.in
GRANDEUR BALLERINA KÜCHEN Ballerina kitchens, exclusively available at Grandeur, stand for quality and are made in the way people need them and thus are personalised, uncomplicated and aid in daily use. The Bus opening double chef pantry by Kesseböhmer is part of the Ballerina Küchen range of kitchens by Grandeur. www.grandeurinteriors.com
ARTTD’INOX POETIC GARDEN RANGE The Poetic Garden range includes kettle, mug sets, mug and a tray, nut bowls, snack plates, napkins, sugar pot and milk pot set. Chintz, the inspiration behind the collection, was commonly referred to a style of elaborately block-printed cloth made in India, has Mughal and Islamic patterns depicting a decorative garden with loose flowing lines, elaborate flora and fauna. www.arttdinox.com
ZYNNA KITCHEN BLINDS Zynna deals in elegant window treatment with exclusive and luxurious window draperies, sheers, blinds, fabrics, stitching solutions, wallpapers, furnishing coordinates and specially ordered European design products. All products come with their hallmark finish, great textures; detailed design to match the latest trends and fine quality that can work as a style statement within any kitchen. www.zynna.in
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SINKS AND FAUCETS Durability defines the utility of sinks and faucets. Its convenience and low maintenance dominates one’s choices while selecting them for a kitchen.
GROHE EUROCUBE FAUCET The Grohe Eurocube kitchen faucet, in either dazzling chrome or sophisticated matte SuperSteel, with professional spray offers the very best in terms of both form and function. The 360 degree rotating spring neck maximises the range of the spray and the two spray modes can be selected - a conventional flow of water from the mousseur and a powerful spray for efficient cleaning. www.grohe.com/in/
FRANKE TECTONITE SINKS The state-of-the-art Centenary design is formed from patented materials. Tectonite comes with three tiered accessories and fits perfectly in functionality and design with 3rd generation material. Tectonite sinks are durable as they can resist temperatures of up to 300°C. Due to the exclusive tectonite texture, the sink can be easily cleaned and automatically repels liquids and dirt from the surface. www.franke.com
VITRA WATER JEWELS COLLECTION The collection’s seemingly simple form and function are enhanced to incredible effect with PVD coatings, a state-of-the-art process of vaporising and depositing metal powder onto a surface, which remains corrosion- free and scratch-resistant. The Water Jewels Collection is available in gold, copper, platinum and traditional white gloss and suitable for bench mount, semi-inset and undercounter installation. www.in.vitra.com.tr
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DELTA SOLNA® ARTICULATING KITCHEN FAUCET BY BRIZO Delta’s Solna® Articulating Kitchen Faucet by Brizo is influenced by modern Scandinavian aesthetics. When the 2-function spray wand is undocked, a user can freely move the wand to aim water in any direction. Available in polished chrome and matte black finishes, the faucet is equipped with MagneDock® magnetic docking technology and Diamond™ Seal Technology. www.deltafaucet.in
HINDWARE CORNICE SINGLE LEVER SINK MIXER Elegance is one such word that describes the Cornice Single Lever Sink mixer design marvel from the Hindware Italian collection as it is a perfect blend of form and function. Crafted specially to suit the requirements of your kitchen, the faucet is sure to make your space more beautiful and classy and yet effective and efficient. www.hindwarehomes.com
GROHE EUROSMART NEW Eurosmart New is no less impressive when it comes to resource efficiency. A new feature, which is particularly valuable for kitchen faucets, is the separate waterway in the variants with low spout. The faucet is available with the sustainable GROHE SilkMove® ES technology which supplies only cold water when the lever is opened in the central position. www.grohe.com/in/
KOHLER ARTIST EDITIONS Patterns in Artist Editions include floral, geometrics, special interest themes and architectural detailing embossed in precious metals. Kohler offers several different Artist Editions designs to inspire creativity in the kitchen. This collection is crafted using metal, glass and stone that maintain the material’s intrinsic properties while enhancing the product. www.in.kohler.com
JAQUAR FLORENTINE Jaquar is known for their high quality and performance and is driven to pursue excellence. The range Florentine is a superb blend of flourishes and straight lines culminating into several stunning pieces of perfection making it apt in terms of style and function. It’s available in varied colours and finishes like silk appeal, antique copper, matt chrome and so on. www.jaquar.com
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FITTINGS AND HARDWARE A perfect amalgamation of technology and design is what creates new scope and possibilities within kitchen innovations. Supporting these advancements are fittings and hardware that work as the pillars on which new techniques are created.
GODREJ KITCHEN FITTINGS Swing Tray Godrej Kitchen fittings bring to every Indian kitchen the ease and durability of compartmentalized kitchens for a smooth and happy cooking life. The Swing tray is another addition to the over 100 multi-faceted categories. It’s the soft motion while opening and closing the swing tray that allows smart space allocation making it functional and has two spacious chambers and is also anti-skid base. www.godrejlocks.com
IDEAS KITCHENS PULL DOWN UNITS Ideas Kitchens are specially designed for upper kitchen cabinets which lower items down within easy reach. It is crafted with mild steel material available in two size variants for and can carry weight upto 2kg to 8kg. Available in two colours - grey and white it comes with weight adjusting feature dampeners on closing, is easy to pull down, can be quickly installed and offers value for money. www.ideaskitchens.in
H&R JOHNSON (INDIA) NOBILIA LINE N Nobilia’s ergonomically shaped recessed handles made of anodized stainless steel allow comfortable access to doors, drawers and pullouts. The handle-less Nobilia LINE N kitchen has a laser-welded edge, resulting in zero-joint between the edge and the front MDF board, leading to a seamless appearance. LINE N kitchens are available in 3 ranges and 13 front designs. www.hrjohnsonindia.com
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HETTICH INDIA PVT. LTD. CARGOFLEXI WIRE-BASKETS CargoFlexi which has recently been awarded as the most innovative product for kitchen by Indian Kitchen Congress 2016 is a unique system that takes concept of modularity to the next level. The chrome plated finish system provides flexibility to adjust to different widths thereby facilitating the optimum utilisation of available space. www.hettich.com
EBCO’S REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCTS COMBINE INNOVATION & DESIGN Ebco presents LineaBox from Salice, which is one of the revolutionary drawer systems. Salice LineaBox is a perfect combination of elegance, flexibility and personalisation. LineaBox is an innovative metal drawer system of the future, characterised by clean and simple lines and streamlined aesthetics. Its elegant finish and style helps LineaBox to embellish furniture. Ebco’s LineaBox has a variety of features to boot. It is extremely thin with a thickness of 9mm which makes it one of the thinnest drawer systems. It comes with an easy and hassle free assembly without any special working on the front or bottom panel. It has a unique and unparalleled drawer which can be three-sided in metal or also two-sided. It ensures silent and fluid movement with the help of Salice Futura Slides and is available in two different heights.
Do you think that segregating waste is time consuming and a tedious task? Then we have an ideal solution for you. Oeko Complet from PEKA a perfect fit for every kitchen for striking a balance between waste and hygiene. Moreover, the back dimensions can be personalised according to the width of the cabinet. LineaBox is suitable for all types of applications including kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and office furniture. LineaBox, Salice is a perfect blend of innovation and smart design. Another contemporary product by Ebco is Oeko Complet from Peka, Switzerland acknowledged by IF Design Award, 2016. Kitchens are always considered to be the shining stars of every household. Mostly it is confined to the design of the kitchen, colour and exterior aspect but one of the most important aspects is hygiene and waste management. Normally, instead of segregating waste we often tend to manage it by dumping all together in a common bin.
Oeko Complet is designed with fully integrated soft opening and closing system. It includes a robust sliding system which is dirt resistant and noise free. It can be retrofitted easily and for maximum stability it has tall front bracket with 3D adjustment. There are separate compartments for both wet and dry waste segregation. This solves the problems associated with sinks and space management. The Stable Divider Panel not only holds the bin in position but an additional bin can also be clipped onto it. It has been acknowledged by IF Design Award, 2016. Oeko Complet – a perfect fit to make your kitchen shine. www.ebco.in
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SMALL IN SPACE, BIG IN EFFICIENCY
Photo Courtesy: Kumpal Vaid
Space crunch is a matter of the past within kitchens, as we have moved on by finding innovative and functional ways to make spaces look bigger, stylish and efficient with design and technological innovations.
Precious space can be utilised by
“As per the changing needs of home owners, the modern kitchen has been developing and the most important change is to fit in everything in the small space that is available. Modular kitchens and the compact solutions for foldable kitchens is the solution to the trend; to make it efficient, spacious and also complement the look of the house,” shares Mr. Roopesh Gupta, CEO-P3 Architectural Solutions. Today, kitchens are smart, technologically upgraded and reflect the personality of the home and the owner.
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perfect way to store and display kitchen utilities.
Photo Courtesy: Team7
The detail starts from kitchen layouts and the type of islands and goes to details like creative ways of concealing storages and finding new display mediums. Mr. Roopesh further recommends, “Try to keep compact modular furniture; buy only required amount of resources for the kitchen and combine two items and create one (unit) by putting them vertically to save space, like ovens and refrigerator.”
Kitchen islands serve as a
Making every inch count and work, kitchens today are multifunctional, organised and compact. But to make this happen you need features that can conceal and contain, can use ignored areas, go vertical, fold down and pull out and make small appliances work out a big output.
Photo Courtesy: Team7
adding shelves up to the ceiling.
A drawer with slots saves space and time while searching for the desired cutlery.
“Foldable storage and hidden storage in chairs and tables also work effectively. We have many technological solutions which compensate the availability of the space, like a height adjustable kitchen table top which can be transformed from a kitchen top to dining and also into a bar table top.”
“Open high tech kitchen plans with integrated coffee machines, steam ovens and invisible smart device charging hotspots, utilising the space in the kitchen for varied activities has become easy with built-in appliances. Even metallic hints of rose gold, brass and copper in your kitchen through lights, knobs and profile shutters add style and personality. From drawers opening at a touch, to hidden cupboards, multi-use appliances and more, fitting everything eloquently is the present,” shares Kumpal Vaid heading Purple Backyard. “Corian now offers the possibility of charging your phone or tablet wirelessly through a transmitter hidden beneath the surface of the countertop taking technology to new levels,” she continues. For Kumpal, kitchens should be clean and clutter free with a touch of boldness through texture and pattern that add warmth and depth to the space. Thorough planning and efficient design can bring a touch of spaciousness to the quintessential kitchen.
A thoughtful addition such as this one, can
add extra work space in a compact kitchen.
Photo Courtesy: Innerspace
“The concept of a kitchen at Inner Space is that it’s modular, flexible and all about discovering the fourth dimension in your room - length, breadth, height and thought. The ideas should make room for thought and focus on function. The design should be a mix of materials and texture but a cohesive one; it should be seen not just as a cosmetic change, but as a necessity,” says Khuzem Sakarwala, Owner, Inner Space.
Photo Courtesy: Innerspace
Simple planning like small but efficient appliances, using wall mounted racks and hooks in corners in ignored areas, magnetic panels are also a new entrant. Let the island be a storage space and yet display utilities; install a pull-out pantry and take shelving all the way up and down. These are some ways of making the kitchen work smart, yet work hard.
Maximum storage can be possible via
inventive solutions even in kitchen corners.
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HUES IN THE KITCHEN A central place buzzing with food, conversation and fun, kitchens today are even more inviting with bold finishes and unique and trending colour combinations that enliven them even further.
SHADES OF GREY The elegance of grey, as the base in its varied tones, can be balanced out beautifully with warm and bold hues like yellow, red, pink or geometric patterns that work as highlights, creating a contemporary look within the kitchen. Photo Courtesy: Grandeur
PERFECT OFF-WHITE Choosing a tinted or off white gives a lot of colour possibilities and makes the kitchen look radiant. Pairing it up with tones of blue, red or green through accents can turn the kitchen into a design statement. Photo Courtesy: Grandeur
Photographs For Representation Purposes Only
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DRAMA IN BLACK A heavy black in cabinets set off with stainless steel accessories and a pop-up blue or any other vibrant colour for the appliances or backsplash makes the kitchen look solid and extravagant. Photo courtesy: Grandeur
COOLNESS OF BLUE Take a subtle blue and try to add colours like red or green as accents in order to set the balance right. A mix of the three primary colours red, green and blue can instantly add a lot of spunk to the kitchen.
BURNT ORANGE The colour not only increases the appetite but also adds a bold and warm feel to the space and brightens up the cooking experience. A combination of a slight dull orange with wooden furniture works perfectly well.
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PRECIOUS ROSE QUARTZ Rose quartz is a softer tone than rose pink and it’s the calming effect of both rose quartz and serenity blue that can suit a vintage and contemporary kitchen too. Photo courtesy: Google
COPPER ACCESSORIES The glow of copper is perfect for the kitchen and can be used as accessories, backsplashes or even countertops. Combining copper with dark shades can instantly turn a kitchen around.
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PURPLE HUES A little bold but rich hue, purple can create a great impression in the kitchen and can be eloquently paired with light wood or accents in yellow to lighten up the depth of purple.
Philippe Starck is the creator of Duravit’s Cape Cod bathroom range. He was inspired by Cape Cod, located in New England on USA’s East coast; having designed the collection from his house on the beach. The French creator has brought in nature into the bathroom, a place meant for rejuvenation and relaxation. The basins are made from the special ceramic mass DuraCeram that allows for distinctively thin edges.
THE CAPE COD RANGE: NATURE-INSPIRED BATHROOMS BY DURAVIT The monolith bathtub is produced from DuraSolid A.
The floor-standing consoles are available in four exclusive wood finishes.
The Cape Cod range includes ceramic wash bowls with distinctively thin edges, a perfectly coordinated range of bathtubs, and bathroom furniture that can be combined on an individual basis and positioned as required in the bathroom. The riveting collection boasts of a unique design, and also turns out to be attractive due to its authentic materials, solid real wood and an innovative ceramic formula that allows for especially thin and delicate wash bowls. The basins are produced from a specially developed high-strength ceramic mass with an elegant finish - DuraCeram. This material makes it possible to create countertop basins with a rim thickness of only five millimetres that are very easy to maintain, amazingly robust and impact-resistant. The wash bowls are available in three different shapes: round, square and tri-oval for an opportunity to design different bathroom layouts. The floor-standing consoles with shelves are available in four exclusive wood finishes: Vintage Oak, American Walnut, European Oak and White Beech. This creates a lovely contrast with the smooth, chrome toned frame of the shelves. If one prefers a classy shade, then one can pick the elegant High-gloss White version, that also comes with doors and shelves on the side. The minimalist rectangular mirror (1106 x 766 mm) can be combined with LED illumination to create a harmoniously coordinated washing area. Also on offer in the Cape Cod range are the simple, yet sophisticated bathtubs with an ergonomic headrest. The bathtub has been designed as a monolith and produced from the new material DuraSolid A. It is available as a free-standing model and as a back-to-wall and corner version for left or right. The bathtub can be equipped with a tactfully integrated air whirl system and/or an integrated sound system that is operated using any Bluetoothcompatible device. The Cape Cod program can also be combined with selected toilets and bidets from the Starck 1, Starck 2 and ME by Starck from Duravit ranges to provide a cohesive look. tel: 079 66112300 respond@in.duravit.com www.duravit.in For Professionals: www.pro.duravit.in Home Review June 2016
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An office for a dating app is bound to have few precedents in terms of design. With little to fall back on in terms of visual references, the young team at Studio Wood Office has let their creativity flow and enjoyed the experience of being able to venture into hitherto uncharted waters, in their design for this office in Delhi.
Who would have imagined just a few decades ago, that it would be possible to create a dating app? Technology has changed the world. Trite though it might seem, businesses that no one imagined would ever exist, have actually flowered. Taking advantage of the fact that there are few preconceived notions of what such an office should look like, Vrinda Mathur, Navya Agarwal and Sahej Bhatia of Studio Wood Office have designed this space measuring 464.5 sq mts in Delhi, for Sachin Bhatia of Truly Madly Offi-Café. In the 1977 Hollywood film ‘Oh God!’ George Burns, who essayed the title role, is known to have said that he could take liberties with his interpretation of what God should be like, because no one has ever seen God. Carrying forward the analogy, what should the office of a dating app look like? The lack of rules may sound like design heaven to some. But of course there was a brief. A young, whimsical, fun one, which the threesome at Studio Wood gleefully interpreted. Aiding and abetting the Disneyworld fairy-tale sensibility of the design, was the fact that there was no hierarchy in the organisation. An informal, fluid space was desired without the need for secluded meeting rooms or designated areas beyond which the staff may not venture.
Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs By Arvind Hoon
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR!
The use of colours is unabashed, with reds and blues sitting happily cheek by jowl. ‘Polaroid’ frames on the wall recall the cameras of yesteryears.
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Floor plan of Truly, Madly.
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The office consists of a basement and a ground level which is spread over two separate buildings which are interconnected. Says Vrinda: “Sachin was completely open to cheesy imagery, to carry forward his avowed theme of ‘love’. In fact, his brief included the idea that you can find love almost anywhere and he gave us complete freedom to experiment with this notion.” So unleashing their imaginations, the threesome created a “Romeo and Juliet” wall complete with a ladder, a red heart elsewhere and yes…even pink furniture! “That was certainly a first for us,” says Navya.
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The staircase connecting the basement to the ground floor has a sunny yellow railing, with an oversized arrow on the wall pointing to the cafeteria with a signage saying ‘Eat’. Recreating the atmosphere of how everyday couples spend time together, the café has a green patch denoting a lawn, on which there are floor cushions. Other seating is a combination of a running ledge, a standard dining table-like arrangement and high bar stools. The lights are in metal with the three different designs belonging to the same collection. Two columns are clad in silicon, displaying yellow utensils. Three conference rooms double as breakout areas, for when the staff is tired of the work desk. A sliding door is designed such that one room is always open. Tongue in cheek graffiti on the walls carries on to the rest rooms, with an inscription proclaiming ‘Take a seat’ for the ladies and ‘Take a stand’ for the men. Adhering to colour norms, the ceilings are pink and blue in the respective rest rooms. “A ‘street’ runs through the spaces, which include work areas, the conference rooms and the breakout area, which is the café,” says Navya. “There are lamp posts, cycles, hearts and letter boxes, all recalling romance or love letters. Frames which resemble the Polaroid prints from yesteryears adorn the walls. We also used chipboard, a strong element which defines the aesthetics in a new manner. There is some concrete too and the table bases are made of metal.” Grids for partitions have been enhanced with planters, recreating an outdoorsy feel in the basement level, which is usually bereft of natural light or a view.
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Adds Sahej: “The chipboard which Navya mentioned is made out of packaging material, hence it is sustainable. We’ve also experimented with various other materials, so there’s brick bonding for the bar, where the bricks are set at an angle, to create a pattern which casts interesting shadows. We try to do something different with commonplace materials.”
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In the work space, the MDF ceiling ‘grows’ from one column and branches out. Simulating a tree, the abstract representation recalls the outdoors. A mezzanine has been created, putting the 13 ft height of the space to good use. “We dug two steps down from the admin area to achieve this. The library thus created on the mezzanine is accessed by a ladder,” says Sahej. It helped that the demographic of the employees was quite young. “We’re a startup and didn’t have too much money, so I’m happy that Studio Wood has really cut down on our costs, to the extent that there is paint on the floor instead of tiles and two long work benches without drawers. They’ve even reduced our energy costs and minimised the use of glass,” says Sachin. “Our young team of 40 people – their average age is about 27 years – wasn’t allowed to see the site when the work was in progress…it was to be a surprise.” When they finally did see it, their reaction simply was, “This is awesome!” hello@studiowood.co.in hello.swc@gmail.com www.studiowood.co.in
Letterboxes on the wall are reminders of the postman delivering love letters…the only way of communication at one time. One box is painted a deep cobalt blue, providing a pop of colour.
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Pushing Boundaries
By Aakriti Kumar
DESIGNQUEST
Art was something I grew up with. I moved past it hanging on the walls of my home and flipped through it when my mom jotted down memories on vacation with her paintbrush. I saw it in the sculptural figurines picked up on our adventures and the antique furniture elements contrasting against the ‘gober-lep’ (cow dung) walls of our study.
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Taking my love for creating and hands on approach to woodworking I translated my passion into my career. A few years after graduating from Parsons New School of Design, New York I came back to India to give rise to Differniture - an alternative furniture and lighting design studio that focused on merging the sculptural aspect of art with the functional sensibilities of design into a sustainably conceived product.
I liked the idea of creating things with my hands and thus after being given access to work with a number of different mediums and machines, I was able to translate my ideas into tangible products during college. The importance of sustainability came into focus at that time and started taking shape in the way I approached my design process.
Sustainability plays an important role in every phase of the designing of a product at Differniture. The acquirement of the raw material is important; sourcing reclaimed and salvaged wood, creating zero waste designs and using non-toxic oils and waxes are a few ways in which we can create a reduced impact on our environment at the production phase.
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Twister Tables The top of the tables is an intricate end grain herringbone teak pattern that is hand cut, resulting in a pixelated and staggered overflow.
Chandeliers The Chandeliers have been created using teak, pine plywood, along with reclaimed pine and teak details.
My mother being an artist and my father supporting and appreciating her creativity got me interested in art and design at a young age. The atmosphere at home was far from the traditional pressures of Indian parents for perusing a ‘safe’ option as a career for their children. When the time came to pick my career path, I was encouraged to follow my creative sensibilities and that led me to major in product design.
As a designer, I believe it is our duty to create environmentally conscious products and that can only be done with a sustainable design process. I am inspired primarily by nature. I like the fluidity in nature and try and translate that into my designs. Curves and layers are a major part of most of the products in this collection.
Wooden Upholstery Chaise This is an engineered chair with a triangular teak malleable surface which has been upholstered for added comfort.
Topographic Coffee Table Topographic Coffee table is a zero waste design inspired by the natural topography land and step farming in the mountains.
The zero waste design of the table mimics the step farms seen in Northern India. The ripple table has been inspired by the ripples made in water and that fluidity has been transferred into a rigid material like wood quite mesmerizingly.
The outdoor furniture collection accentuates the live edge of trees; the wood for this collection was specially sourced from trees that had fallen in storms. The integrity of the tree has been showcased along with giving it a function in the Y bench. The premise behind Differniture is to constantly push the boundaries of design through the intricate art of woodworking and focusing on a sustainable outlook. www.differniture.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/differniture www.instagram.com/differniture www.twitter.com/differniture
Y Bench The Y Bench has been created by a Keekar tree that had fallen during a storm. The strategically placed seat scoops provide a playful yet comfortable arrangement to sit.
Candlestick Lamps This is a candle stick inspired handcrafted table lamp in plywood topped off by teak and pine sculpted bulb holders.
A lot of pieces have been translated from topography that I find fascinating. The undulations on the Earth’s surface are an inspiring area for Differniture’s recent collection.The Topography collection focuses on using the layers in nature and translating them into furniture pieces. The topographic coffee table was one of the first pieces I created.
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Located in a prior monastery dating back to the 14th century, The Mandarin Oriental in Prague which opened in 2006 sits regally in the Malá Strana district, a picturesque quarter in the heart of the “Golden City”.
Adjacent to the Czech Museum of Music and only a five minute walk to the famous Charles Bridge, Mandarin Oriental seamlessly marries legendary Asian hospitality with historical European charm. The quiet earthy interiors with grand vaulted ceilings and arched doorways are skilfully dotted with modern artworks and designer furnishings creating a fine balance of traditional reverence and contemporary elegance. Contending with this fairy-tale city’s magnificent architecture, the hotel was bestowed the celebrated “Building of the Year” award in 2007, presented annually by the Czech government. It was selected for its particularly thoughtful and innovative approach to transforming and resuscitating its historical past into a new avatar as a luxury hotel.
Text By Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Photographs Courtesy Mandarin Oriental
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A Tale of Two ContInents
The Mandarin Oriental in Prague encompasses a set of buildings part-Renaissance, part-Baroque and part-Modern, embodying over six centuries of architecture.
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The Mandarin Oriental carefully preserves and highlights its distinguished heritage with flair, subtly introducing trademark Oriental touches.
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Nestled in an ancient section of the left bank, the 99 room Mandarin Oriental encompasses a set of buildings steeped in history. Part-Renaissance, part-Baroque and part-Modern, the distinctive structures embody over six centuries of architecture. Formerly a Dominican monastery, the hotel has effortlessly integrated a significant portion of the outer wall of St. Mary Magdalene (one of the oldest churches built around 1330) into its layout. With the savoir-faire of prominent Dům a Město Architects and architectural consultant Otakar Dvořák, AIA, the Mandarin Oriental carefully preserves and highlights its distinguished heritage with flair, subtly introducing trademark Oriental touches that result in a grandeur as distinctive as the city itself. All guestrooms though individually furnished retain their original architecture and are strewn with natural woven rugs, polished stone and time-worn parquet floors that echo the history of the place. Contemporary Asian touches, sumptuous drapes, silken throw pillows and rich upholstery bathe the rooms in understated lavishness, while the sprawling bathrooms, designed as private spas are clad in smooth limestone, featuring heated floors and pampering bath products.
Vaulted arches, muted colours and purposeful lighting pay homage to the hotel’s 17th century past, like this underground wine cellar that also hosts private dinner guests.
Thirteen Deluxe Terrace rooms offer ultimate luxe with private patios leading onto fragrant flower gardens, though the hotel’s gems are its five unique signature suites. Two Moser Crystal Suites located in the Baroque wing feature stunning accoutrements by Moser, the Czech Republic’s premier crystal manufacturer. The Oriental Suite located on the top of the former Renaissance chapel that now houses the spa has conspicuous curved walls, while the elegant Lazar Suite, exquisitely bedecked in the inimitable Mandarin Oriental style is perfect for high profile families who need privacy. Meanwhile, the Presidential Penthouse Suite commands panoramas of the entire city, including a large private terrace with a jaw-dropping view of Prague Castle.
Each Mandarin Oriental in the world has its own fan, a symbol of its legacy. In Prague, the creation of the fan was entrusted to Mrs Jarmila Mucha Plocková, the granddaughter of celebrated artist Alfons Mucha.
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Spices Restaurant and Bar, and the hotel lobby with its beautiful vaulted ceilings, muted colours and purposeful lighting have been refurbished by British design studio Black Sheep who treated the spaces as an opportunity to pay homage to its 17th century past. Signature Oriental touches have been tastefully amalgamated with wood, metal, leather and marble creating a glorious timeless feel. All relics uncovered during the renovation and rebuilding of the property are displayed throughout the hotel, the most striking being the remains of a Gothic church showcased in the spa area. The award winning holistic spa is situated in what was once a Renaissance chapel, connected by an underground passageway, allowing guests to retreat to their rooms in complete privacy. All guestrooms though individually furnished retain their original architecture and are strewn with natural woven rugs, polished stone and time-worn parquet floors that echo the history of the place.
Entering through a dramatically lit lobby that was the former nave, (treading on glass flooring that displays the ruins of the church below) the entire atmosphere is palpable with a sense of deep veneration. Spread over two floors, the spa proffers seven treatment rooms, each with unique architectural characteristics crowned with either old vaulted or arched ceilings that give guests a truly one-of-akind experience. Each Mandarin Oriental hotel in the world has its own fan, a profoundly meaningful symbol of the group’s Oriental culture that also links each property to its individual legacy. In Prague, the creation of the fan was entrusted to Mrs Jarmila Mucha Plockovå, the granddaughter of celebrated artist Alfons Mucha. Hand painted on special rice paper, it has a peacock design taken from one of Mucha’s works - a symbol of beauty, loyalty and empathy, as well as a reminder to take pleasure in the finer things in life, a fitting image for the Mandarin Oriental.
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The Presidential Penthouse Suite commands panoramas of the entire city, including a large private terrace with a jaw-dropping view of Prague Castle.
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Guests enter the spa through a dramatically lit lobby that was the former nave, treading on glass flooring that displays the ruins of a church below.
The Mandarin Oriental’s repute for refined quietude is if anything magnified here in Prague by the historical aura of the gothic, baroque and renaissance buildings. Blending discreet luxury with impeccable service, this fascinating property is enchantingly unforgettable.
www.mandarinoriental.com
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Design Cocoon Fine Rugs, Kolkata As their third store launch in Kolkata, Cocoon Fine Rugs had a reputation to maintain in terms of the design and look of their retail outlet on Pretoria Street. Mumbai-based Inscape Designers spearheaded by Chaitali Parikh-Mehta was selected for the task. Keeping in mind the beautiful heritage building from the British era where the store was located, the designers highlighted the interior features of this historic 900 square feet space and provided a perfect display area for the handmade carpets. The high ceiling was left exposed and the beams were painted black intentionally as a contrast to the whitewashed walls and ceilings. Along one entire length of the gallery, the plaster was removed to expose the brick wall texture and niches carved in to display artefacts to complement the main carpet on display, which is hung in the centre as the focal point. The flooring is simple in-situ concrete flooring. A 115 sq ft loft at the far end of the gallery was created for the staff to work from while overseeing the entire display area from a height. www.facebook.com/www.inscapedesigners.in
Text Compiled By Rehana Hussain
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Intelligent design need not be restricted to mammoth-sized spaces. Sometimes even a small idea can lead to stunning, brilliant themes in the designing of interiors.
Mixology Every month, Design Mixology - our latest entrĂŠe in the design arena will spotlight innovative design in various domains such as showrooms, bars, clinics, spas and salons and much more.
Dr. Vora’s Dental Care Centre, Mumbai JDAP, a design, architecture and planning firm, envisaged a bright and fresh space for a dental clinic that occupies the lower level of a row house complex within suburban Mumbai. The first set of alterations reinforced the existing structural system, and then removed the dividing masonry walls, opening up the larger floor plate. A primary objective was to maximise the penetration of natural light into the operatory and consulting areas. The main access corridor that flanks the operatory rooms has a set of openings that allow diffused natural light into the space and into the glass-fronted cabins. The bright graphics on the glass provide privacy along with a lively engagement on the outside. The corridor responds to a jagged edge by a winding light overhead that starts off from the entrance of the clinic and runs to its rear. A tree passing through the space - an oddity seen in several such row houses in the city - was retained, while separated from the interior, providing an unexpected encounter with nature within what is expected to be a sterile environment. www.jdap.in
Photographs By Studio Kunal Bhatia
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The three bedroom residence offers a spacious accommodation just perfect for those travelling with friends or family.
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EMBRACE SERENITY At this Design HotelsTM member, Alila Villas Soori in Bali, exclusivity takes on a whole different meaning, as serenity and understated elegance is blended with exceptional service, to create a one-of-a-kind oasis of tranquility. Encompassed by UNESCO’s world heritage protected paddy fields and situated on the southwest coast of the island of Bali, just a few kilometers away from the island’s renowned Tanah Lot Temple, this cherished blend of place and space is positioned on a gentle slope above a soft, black volcanic sand beach along the tantalisingly azure Indian Ocean. A range of mountains on one side serves to make the views even more breathtaking. Each of the 44 quietly luxurious villas, ranging in capacity from one to ten bedrooms, offers an epitome of relaxing luxury and unadulterated privacy. Guests are invited to experience the equilibrium between tranquility and vitality by exploring Bali’s rich heritage with a trek or a cycling trip, a round of golf on the Greg Normandesigned course, or an afternoon of indulgence at the Spa Alila.
Text By Mala Bajaj Photographs Courtesy Design HotelsTM Home Review June 2016
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Designed by Singapore-based SCDA Architects, Alila Villas Soori heralds a new era of elegance as it juxtaposes elements of its surrounding environment with contemporary Asian design. Animated by sunlight and glorious views each room opens onto a private pool and vast courtyard. Barriers between the indoors and outdoors are erased and nature takes over the job of embellishing the architecture of the interiors. With an unabashed respect for the environment Alila Villas Soori is constructed and managed in accordance with EarthCheck international environmental standards. Sensitive site planning, use of local building materials and native landscaping were given paramount importance when constructing this distinctive Bali hotel. Other green measures adopted by the resort, were the right orientation of the buildings to facilitate ingress of sunlight and passive ventilation and the construction of roof screen systems and roof eaves. Come evening the calls of several savanna nightjars, stands testament to the dedication towards the efforts of preserving the surrounding biodiversity. If food plays an important part in your escape then the dining options at the resort will definitely raise your experience here a few notches higher. Cotta the semi-covered, open-air Bali beach restaurant features ‘tasting-style’ daily rotating breakfast menus, highlighting local fare and fun twists on classic breakfast favourites. Breakfast at Cotta also allows you to try out a wide selection of specialty coffees and teas, including the worldrenowned Kopi Luwak.
The open and airy reception sets the tone of the design prevalent at the resort. Nature is celebrated and paid homage to at every corner.
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Lunch features Asia’s favourites while dinner highlights authentic Indonesian cuisine from across the archipelago with a strong Balinese focus. Ombak presents the signature Alila dining experience - playful and provocative.
The executive chef and culinary team open up a blank canvas with Ombak’s ‘Kosong’ fine dining dinner menu, enjoyed al fresco on the lawn. ‘Kosong’ is the starting point for a highly personalised journey of the senses crafted from pure, fresh ingredients picked from the waters and the soil surrounding the resort. Diners can select from any of the main ingredients available on the day and be joined at their table by the chef, who fine-tunes the complete customisation of the meal.
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the guests into a space of } usher deep relaxation. Trained in anatomical
At Spa Alila, expert therapists artfully physiology, massage, meditation and service, local therapists combine the latest organic nutrition and health knowledge with warm, genuine care. Little ones too can share and bond with Mom & Dad, where signature treatments are tailor-made to help heal, nourish and relax active spirits.
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The well appointed Reading Room provides a welcome respite from the sun. It serves as a good base to start off one’s day’s island itinerary. A fine selection of fresh beverages helps recharge batteries. A professional workout may well be your thing even on a holiday; the 24-hour fully equipped gym will provide you with your daily fix at any hour of the day. A novel activity on offer at the Alila Villas Soori is called the Journey Of Segway. This ride takes you along narrow roadways around the Kelating village on a Segway and is a fun way to bring out your inner child and experience rural Bali. One gets to glimpse into village life, where culture and tradition entwine, along the small paths between rice fields, past traditional family housing compounds, home industries and the friendly smiling faces which make Bali so unique, magical and heartwarming. Wedding and events at Alila Villas Soori are handled with true aplomb. A wide range of beachfront venues is on offer, like the Sunset Lawn, the Soori Estate, Soori Residence, all restaurants, the pool side and even the helipad. “Our goal is to send guests home with spiritual and emotional memories, and not just souvenirs,” says Mark Edleson, founder of Alila Hotels and Resorts. So come embrace this profound serenity and create memories that are destined to last not just the rest of the year, but a lifetime. www.designhotels.com/hotels/indonesia/ bali/tabanan/alila-villas-soori
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MORITZ PUTZIER
Moritz Putzier is a new name on the German design scene who is already inviting substantial attention for his ‘designs with a twist’.
Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer
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Plywood Companion
At 30, product designer Moritz Putzier already has a few awards to his name. Born in Munich in 1986, Putzier studied at the University of the Arts, Bremen following which he opened his own studio in 2014 in Bremen. In the few years since, his work has been focused on creating designs for lighting, furniture and product design. He has won the Design Plus Award, the Pure Talents Contest Award and was a finalist for the 2016 German Design Award. Putzier’s design philosophy is slanted towards connecting “reduced shapes with natural materials often showing a small technical sophistication.” There’s a little twist, a “hidden aesthetic” that showcases an attention to detail. Putzier’s product designs have this in spades. One of his earliest designs is ‘Plywood Companion’ (2011), a walking aid that looks unlike any cane you have seen before. The idea behind the curving strip of moulded wood was to give it a unique shape and “take away the usual medical character” and make it more attractive.
HangUp shelf
The design “achieves high stability with low thickness” which also gives some way under pressure, making it comfortable and not rigid. Depending on the user’s weight and requirements, the thickness of the wood can be customised. The HangUp shelf (2013) is similarly flexible, changing itself to adapt to its surroundings. It is a flexible storage solution with four different types of shelves (including a tray shelf) with a large hook at the top, which in itself is an integral part of the design. There’s also a metal spiral to attach a light bulb. The Cooking Table
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Vessels
Two of Putzier’s graduation projects attracted attention from the international design world. The Cooking Table (2014) is a trestle table with a solid oak top and looks like any regular table but here’s that elusive twist. The table top is actually two separate halves joined together at the centre by a hidden track that houses movable gas burners made of brass. When the centre track is closed, the table can be used like any other surface, making it a wonderful space saver for a modern apartment.
Levo bench and table
Using the specially designed Vessels (2014), one can cook right at the table, reducing the need to cook and eat separately. The porcelain Vessels, on the other hand, also have a dual function. Their solid-oak lids double up as cutting or serving boards. The vessels can be used to both cook in or for storage. They are elegant enough to be serveware. Putzier won the Pure Talents Contest at IMM Cologne 2015. The Cooking Table is accompanied by the Stoolbench, a playful merger of an elevated stool with a bench. The high, slim seat makes it ideal for any kind of activity at the table including chopping vegetables. In 2015, Putzier designed the Levo bench and table. The powder coated steel furniture has a solid Pollmeir beech top (laminated veneer). What distinguishes this set besides its unusual leg design is its “discontinuity”.
Cluster Dots
According to Putzier’s website, the name Levo, comes from the Latin for “I elevate”. The bottom half of the legs of both the table and the bench are made of opaque beech veneer while the top parts are fine metal. As a result, the table and bench tops appear to float, giving the piece of furniture its name.
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Putzier’s designs for lighting have also been well received. Noctus (2015) has peculiar proportions with a large round base and a tiny ‘head’ where the bulb rests in a sphere. Interestingly, the sphere is held by six magnets lined up in a plastic ring. “This unique magnetic joint allows the luminaire head to move freely and rotate the light easily into the desired position without any complex connection.” The Inti lamp (2016) is inspired by how the moon orbits the earth and how its silhouette changes depending on its phase. The lamp has two parted glass spheres – one transparent, one coloured. “The sphere is positioned on a funnel-shaped object that emits light. By turning the sphere manually the light is reflected through the coloured half in different angles. This way, it’s very easy to create various light situations with one simple mechanism — from a very brightly lit room to a cosy dimly lit one,” explains Putzier.
Noctus
Inti lamp
Putzier has also invented the Cluster Dots (2015), a super-simple storage installation consisting of merely powder coated ‘dots’ and a wire that holds things in place. The uses of the Cluster Dots can be as varied as per the user’s imagination. Apart from furniture and lighting, Putzier has also designed the interiors for the lobby at Theatre Bremen. ‘Noon’, as it is called, is a multi-functional space which is used as a coffee shop during the day, a space for theatre guests in the evening and as a disco in the night.
Cluster Dots
Three uses for one space - now that’s design with a twist! post@moritzputzier.com www.moritzputzier.com
Noon
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GREEN PROJECT
A glimpse of the network of paths winding around green patches and mud houses, offering a convenient way of communing with nature.
Code Green
The language used to express sustainable design is rapidly developing with an evolving grammar and vocabulary. Architects are not only rendering artistic implications to sustainability but are also building it up as a viable and practical line of design. Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Courtesy Good Earth
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Good Earth unequivocally takes the effort within the design to create complacent and convenient spaces that tread ever so lightly on Earth.
Architects today are most adeptly eliminating the practice of waste through the concept of good design. Good Earth, a firm managed by a core group of professionals has been a pioneer in the field of alternative architecture and environment friendly development. Its expertise in creating sustainable neighbourhoods has been recognised by Asia’s largest Green Design competition in Singapore: The Future Arc Green Leadership Award 2015.
A therapeutic calm may be experienced all through the day.
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Good Earth Malhar, an eco-village spread over 50 acres of land and located in Kengeri, Bangalore is one of this firm’s recent projects. The masterminds behind Good Earth Malhar – Stanley George, Parthsarthy S, Jeeth and Natasha Iype have been experimenting with alternatives in architecture and exploring concepts of holistic development through various ventures in their long journey of twentyeight years.
Good Earth Malhar - a slice of nature in its rustic glory reinstating that nature never goes out of style.
Natasha Iype, Director on behalf of Good Earth states that, “Design has the power to change the way we live. It enhances and can reinforce the intention of any community.� Sustainability lies in creating spaces for the soul by integrating the individual home into a community. The sharing of spaces, amenities, renewable resources and most essentially values becomes the nucleus of the community. It engages every participant in a process of continual involvement. Good Earth Malhar Patterns based in Bangalore is the fifth community of the Malhar eco-village and is set amidst 13 acres of land. The community is divided into two sections – Patterns A and Patterns B, each having its unique salient character. The open plan homes are cleverly designed spaces with minimal walls or no walls.
The interior space seems to flow seamlessly from the entrance verandah, through the living and dining areas, to the rear verandah and into the retral garden. This facilitates a sense of spaciousness into a compact plan making it easy to appreciate the beauty of nature from within the home. The architecture advocates comfort without opulence, not abandoning the fact that the space be a celebration of nature and earth. The space responds to basic requirements through a multi-use solution. Large windows, wide verandahs, air channels for circulation and thermally conducive materials respond perfectly to reduce the necessity of artificial light and ventilation. Provision for connecting solar power heaters and photo-voltaic panels for power are fixed on the roof.
All houses have wiring that is linked to an inverter which has a conduit laid on the roof. Solar geysers are installed on the roofs to ensure hot water. In addition to all the green measures, rainwater from the roofs is collected through a network of pipes and then filtered into the main water tank. Sewage treatment plants recycle all the waste water via a series of bio-filters. This water is then reused to flush toilets and irrigate gardens. Materials used all over are sourced locally and are used in their natural form. All Malhar homes are built using compressed stabilised mud blocks that are scientifically developed to be strong and durable. It is the only project in which almost about 4 lakh square feet of space has been constructed using mud blocks.
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A rock lit by warm sunbeams poses as a perfect spot to relax in; tree branches hanging above give it the right balmy effect on a sunlit afternoon.
These mud blocks help in reducing indoor temperatures by a marked 2-3 degree centigrade. A network of streets and landscaped courtyards encircle the homes. Water bodies present in between the homes double up as rainwater collection and recharge zones. Underground service ducts take care of electricity and communications and also provide for broadband connectivity. Quiet groves which can evolve over the years as untouched natural habitats have been created to help experience the environment and composting biodegradable solid waste within the community is one of the many thoroughly thought over steps that have been adopted in order to reduce the carbon footprint.
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The masterminds behind Good Earth Malhar – Stanley George, Parthsarthy S, Jeeth and Natasha Iype have been experimenting with alternatives in architecture.
In the words of Natasha Iype, “Tree planting needs a careful study of the species and the composition of soil. Timber species, grown within the property is used as an aesthetic sustainable source for adding elegance and panache to the homes. This also aids in negating the use of high energy consuming steel and aluminum for the doors and windows. Good Earth most consciously took to planting ten trees for every tree cut in the construction of Malhar.
The space responds to basic requirements through a multi-use solution. Large windows, wide verandahs, air channels for circulation and thermally conducive materials respond perfectly to reduce the necessity of artificial light and ventilation.
As Jeeth Iype, Director defines himself, “I am passionate about innovation and translating ideas into architecture,” and as Stanley George, Director, puts it, “My goal in life is to work towards a sensitive and equitable world.” Malhar is a reflection of beliefs and ideals of the brains behind it. Good Earth’s architectural departures are totally environment driven. It reinstates that green technology comes after green design one does not look for green solutions to problems cropped up by insensitive design. Good Earth unequivocally takes the effort within the design to create complacent and convenient spaces that tread ever so lightly on Earth.
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Sweccha
Formerly called Green the Gap, Swechha is a Delhi-based social organisation which aims to inspire, create and support - a just, equitable and sustainable society, for everyone and forever. Swechha Store is the fair trade arm of Swechha and its journey began in the year 2009; it has been extracting the best out of waste since. Vimlendu Jha, is the face behind the enterprise and has even shot a documentary called ‘Disposable’ based on the unacknowledged but extremely pressing issue of urban waste and its blind disposal in the already overflowing landfills of Delhi. There is a section of our very own society that is doing the job of sorting the waste created by us. Despite being the real environmentalists, the presence and efforts of rag pickers and waste collectors are neither recognised nor awarded.
Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj
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So, the numerous tetrapaks, potato chip packets, milk packets and cans, and the like, that we dispose off every day without a second thought actually end up polluting not just the air, water and land but also the lives of these people and their communities. So the question - “Could there be more to waste than just the landfill?” - led to the beginning of ‘Green the Gap’ and then subsequently Swechha.
Swechha does not directly extract the waste out of landfills. But instead this organisation works in close connection with waste collectors and scrap dealers across the city to assimilate waste and then goes on to upcycle it in an as creative way as possible.
Creating employment for people from marginalised sections of society, by engaging them in production, sales and other operational aspects is also what Swechha gives full importance to. “We use tyre tubes, juice cartons, milk packets, beer cans, potato chip packets and almost everything that has been thrown away to give it a new life in the form of accessories, stationary and items of home décor. Practically every single found thing is capitalised upon and used,” they say. Swechha wants to offer solutions to the problems of urban waste, urban poverty and citizen apathy towards the environment by upcycling, i.e. turning a discarded item into a new product that is both innovative in design and utility.
Positively influencing the consumer mindset by propagating environment-friendly consumption has always been the key aim of Swechha. After being procured from the streets of places like Govindpuri, Seelampur and Sadar Bazaar in Old Delhi, the waste travels through the hands of the magical ‘karigars’ of Swechha to get reincarnated as bags, wallets, jewellery, clothing, articles of home décor and accessories, and countless other useful items.
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The Swechha Store is committed to trading fairly. The idea is to reuse waste to create aesthetically appealing, highutility and good quality products while being determined to ensure the creation of employment opportunities for the down and out, and provide good working conditions to bring out the best in them. Swechha provides full-time jobs for tailors and other craftsmen from disadvantaged backgrounds in their workshop in Delhi. This organisation increases the number of craftspeople they employ commensurate with the increase in their sales. Swechha also provides vocational training and employment to women from underprivileged backgrounds.
Swechha provides clear and transparent information about what it does on its website. It welcomes visitors to their premises with their questions and feedback.
One of Swechha’s workshop functions from the ground floor of their office in Khirkee, Pune. Oh, and by the way, Swechha even has an ‘upcycled office’. Watch the very interesting video on their website given below. www.swechhastore.com This organisation that has the good of planet Earth uppermost at heart produces annual reports that are available to all stakeholders and the general public (online). It also ensures that all employees are able to make suggestions and voice their opinions, both on working practices and decision-making.
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Amit Khanna Design Associates (AKDA) is based in New Delhi and is a great believer of efficient, environmentally-conscious architecture and design. The team’s projects are tall testaments to this belief. New Delhi based Amit Khanna Design Associates (AKDA) relishes challenge and plenty of evidence of that can be found in its work portfolio. The team is involved in retail, residential, as well as commercial/ industrial design and is also working wonders in urban planning, school design, and product design. The project facades are monolithic and beholden to minimalism, but they are often the primary green feature as well. The team ropes in everything from local materials to heat-efficient glazed surfaces to rain-water harvesting to make sure that its creations result in minimal environmental damage, and in fact have an eco-positive legacy. How interesting can a warehouse get? That too when it has to withstand the oppressive dust and heat of the stark outskirts of Delhi? “Very�, would be the answer from AKDA, was it asked these questions. The warehouse in Faridabad had an expansive 7 acre swathe, but the terrain was rocky, the weather testy, and the human presence inside would be limited in a highly automated facility. Keeping the utility functions in mind, energy-saving and creation of a comfortable micro-climate of sorts became the priority.
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The 1,40,000 sq ft structure came together in three phases, with verticality a constant, which will aid future expansion as well. The mostly square dimensions of the sub-structures, the high ceilings, the roofs with reflective tiling, and the carefully punctuated and glazed, exposed brick encasing are friendly to the resident machines as well as humans. The brick work is indeed remarkable for being a hyper efficient energy regulator as well as a stand-out aesthetic feature. A perforated brickwork screen hugs the loading bay and the warehouse, and is one of the most solidly beautiful features of this industrial complex.
It faces a glazed dust barrier on the inside; effectively creating a 1,200 mm glare and temperature controlled buffer zone in between. The office faces the north side, and basks in the generous daylight streaming in from the glazed curtain wall. The canteen, parking, and the mechanical space are located at the base of the building, which is cooler as it sinks 4 m into the ground. The sloping, uneven ground has pockets where rainwater can collect naturally, which is then redirected to a local well. “Post occupancy evaluation of the building shows a temperature differential of over 10 degrees between the exterior and interior spaces. As if that wasn’t good enough, the light quality within the building is even, cool and bright, but without the glare. Which, in a climate like Delhi, is nothing short of a miracle!” states the team.
Text by Shruti Nambiar Photographs By AKDA Team, Amit Khanna, Shirin Qazi, Vibhuti Goel
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This is AKDA’s ‘Bookshelf with an attitude’. The team likes to re-mould expectations, so instead of trotting out an installation for DxD 2013, it decided to re-purpose an old office furniture piece into a shape-shifting bookshelf. The modular nature of the bookshelf was an important sell for the team. But above all, the bookshelf is a compact representation of all that AKDA stands for. It is emblazoned with photos of its cherished projects. It reinforces the team’s commitment to sustainability. It is frill-free, elegant, multi-purpose and also quietly full of surprises.
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AKDA has an extensive product portfolio, and much of the team’s irreverence with reference to the linear flow of light seems to have come together here in hyper creative glory. AKDA’s products are born of simple materials put to use to realise smart ideas. Light is a big factor here, as evidenced in ‘The Plane’, ‘The Barcode Light’, ‘The Tunnel’, and ‘The Traverse’. All of them contain light within them and give it a deliberate, confined, and diffused playground to illuminate. The Plane does this by alternately placing square chunks of glass and wood not in a neat boring stack, but in a sort of swirl where all their ends jut out, thereby appearing to float. The light flows down and across, but not too wildly off the perimeter, and sets up interesting visual effects. Something similar happens with The Barcode Light, a solid, elongated fixture which lights up in the ‘voids’ between red bars. Thus, obviously looking like a large barcode. The light sources sit at the bottom and top of The Tunnel, meeting and flowing out in sublime sweeps from the scooped-out rectangular middle. The Traverse breaks the straightness and crudeness of light by placing a sidecross of light wood surfaces in front of horizontal glass. The light breaks up, smoothens out, and comes out looking almost crepuscular. These lamps will be stand-outs in any room, as part of any setting. mail@akda.in www.akda.in
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Curation of the products is something that is very evident in the collection. Balancing personal aesthetics and what works isn’t too hard as there are both Susan and Susanna collectively make every decision.
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Retail Therapy
Pleasure Assured In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem ‘Kubla Khan’, Xanadu is explained as a dream place of great magnificence and luxury. Xanadu the store emanates the same feel. Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs By Rajiv Kuruvilla
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Xanadu caters to a discerning section of society that wants to steer clear of kitschy, mass-produced products and run-of-the-mill designs.
The 2,000 sq ft retail space at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru offers numerous pleasures for those wanting to do up their homes. It is owned by theatre actor Susan George and Susanna Chandy Mathews, a freelance content curator. Spread over one floor, the store is so arranged that it reflects the interiors of a home and thus the space is consciously kept open and unobtrusive with all displays and partitions being movable. On entering, one starts with the living room section and then moves into the bar, the dining room, the private den and study, followed by the bedroom, nursery and boudoir.
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Each section is complete with appropriate furniture, art, décor and linen. This kind of arrangement proves to be visually meaningful (and homely!) for the visitor. The displays are changed within the individual sections as per the availability of new stock and the sale of existing ones. The cement flooring gives a seamless look to the entire space and the ceiling is open with the natural columns painted black. The store is lit up with the help of industrial lights coupled with modern chandeliers, providing an interesting contrast. The walls are white with two textured walls in red brick.
While they make items from scratch, they also source antique pieces and redo them.
The setting creates an all pervasive warm and homely vibe. “Our favourite part of the store’s décor is definitely the full length glass that makes up one entire side of the store from floor to ceiling and end to end. Since we are on the top floor, we essentially look into the tree line of Bengaluru and that is just stunning. It almost feels like you are in someone’s private loft,” remarks Mathews. While they make items from scratch, they also source antique pieces and redo them, rendering them timeless yet contemporary. Xanadu stands out due to these little forays into experimenting with vintage, as well as the very thoughtful and tasteful curation of products sourced from an array of niche designers. In terms of aesthetics, there is a confluence of classic and modern.
The full length glass that takes up one entire side of the store from top to bottom provides a refreshing view.
The products are varied and one finds statement pieces of furniture here along with artistic yet functional items like crockery, porcelain, ceramic, vintage rugs, lighting, leather accessories, an extensive range in linen, glassware, jewellery, and plenty more. “We see ourselves as filling a gap in the home and lifestyle market polarised between premium, ethnic-inspired boutiques and generic departmental stores. Classic re-imagined for the contemporary home is how we like to define ourselves as we are strong advocates of the timeless charm of oldschool aesthetics,” says Mathews.
The store stands out for thoughtful and tasteful curation of products that are a confluence of classic and contemporary.
Curation of the products is something that is very evident in the collection. Balancing personal aesthetics and what works isn’t too hard as there are two minds making every decision. Susan is more of a creative soul and her taste is more vintage and classical. Susanna is very keen on classics but for her a touch of modern utility also plays a key role.
It is interesting to note that the origins of the brand started off as a stall in the flea markets of Australia selling supple Jaipur linens. After establishing ground in Bengaluru, it has grown organically into this oasis that continues to attract items and people who find pleasure in a well furnished home!
Between them they cover quite a wide taste. What is of paramount importance here, though, is staying true to the brand’s aesthetic. After all, they do cater to a discerning section of society that wants to steer clear of kitschy, mass-produced products and run-of-the-mill designs. Hence, being unique and boutique is one of the main USPs of Xanadu.
www.facebook.com/xanadubangalore
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DESIGN DESTINATION
SAINT PE WHERE Saint Petersburg was built along the marshlands of Neva Bay, and is interlaced with hundreds of canals within Russia. Indeed, there are over 300 bridges in Saint Petersburg, and, lined by neoclassical and baroque palaces, they make for quite a sight - whether you’re cruising the waterways or ambling through the twilit streets.
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TERSBURG WHEN
WHY
The temperature of Saint Petersburg is moderated by the Baltic Cyclones, so it is distinctly humid through the year. That being said, the summers are an exceptional time to visit, not only because of the warmer weather but because of the White Nights phenomenon, when the sun doesn’t set from spring to mid-summer, and the city erupts with festivities.
From imperial capital to cultural metropolis, Saint Petersburg has seen tumultuous transformations throughout its history. It was once the heart of the revolutions that brought down the Russian oligarchy, and even today radiates with the energy of artistic experimentation, cultural revival and political progressiveness. Rich with heritage and bursting with life, Saint Petersburg is the focal point of modern Russia.
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AROUND THE WORLD ON KRYUKOV KANAL Appropriated out of an old building on the banks of the Kryukov Kanal, Alexander House is a unique little boutique hotel in the heart of Saint Petersburg. The owners of the hotel were careful when they first began to renovate the structure, to keep the parts that felt distinctly European - the wooden shutters, for example, and the simple neoclassical façade that doesn’t look remotely out of place in Saint Petersburg’s city centre. Upon entry as well, one is met with comfortable, soft lighting, fireplace lounges, and leather sofas – an air of rich, European heritage.
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What makes the Alexander House so special, however, is that each one of the 19 rooms has been designed to represent a major international city. The rooms feature small design details - the pattern of the bedspread, for example, the lining of the lamp shades, or the artwork on the walls - that signify the country of their inspiration. In ‘Nairobi’, for example, one will see earthy monochromes alternated with pop-colour tribal prints, while ‘Bali’ offers more floral prints, softer tones and a more open, tropical air. Alexander House has, in its own unique way, found a niche within the historic opulence and heritage of Saint Petersburg, and carved out a corner for the world to reside.
A GLINT ON THE HORIZON Considered one of the city skyline’s most iconic details, St Isaac’s cathedral boasts a massive domed structure that only hints at the richness of the artwork within. The gold dome - which was painted grey during WWII to avoid attracting the attention of enemy aircraft - sits aloft a façade of pink and grey stone, held up by 112 red granite columns with Corinthian capitals. This elegant, yet formidable structure stands as a steady testament to its many transformations over the years - from being stripped of its religious significance, being turned from a place of worship into a museum that promoted atheism, and having the central dove sculpture be replaced by the more symbolically secular pendulum. Even today, it stands despite the trials of time, and continues to be a place of awe-inspiring workmanship, for visitors of any faith.
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THE HEART OF RUSSIAN BALLET The Mariinsky Theatre is one of the most eminent public spaces in Saint Petersburg. Built in the late 18th century as a space for equestrian and circus performances, the décor of the theatre itself - with its rich sculptures, frescoes and ornamentations – would have given its performing artists a run for their money. It wouldn’t surprise a visitor who was gazing up at the vaulted, frescoed ceiling, to learn that this was the space that inspired the choreography of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. In 2013, a new Mariinsky Theatre, covering over 79 thousand square meters, was opened across the Kryukov Kanal. Although its façade does not compare to the rich neoclassical décor of its predecessor, it is a design marvel in its own right: the acoustic quality of the space is unparalleled, and what it may lack in outward embellishment, it makes up for in significantly heightened audience experience.
A FEAST FIT FOR A KING Housed within the Taleon Imperial Hotel, which is again housed in a former tsaristera palace, the Taleon Club keeps up with the qualities that Saint Petersburg is best known for – opulence, extravagance and an unparalleled attention to detail. The restaurant is as much a treat for the eyes as the palate – inspired by the reign of Louis XVI, the space is very much what one would picture the banquet hall of the erstwhile Tsars to look like in the heydays of the Empire. The ornate walls are adorned with renaissance paintings, and coupled with the regal upholstery and rich, opulent lighting it wouldn’t seem surprising to hear that Catherine the Great herself might have once dined within these very walls.
Text By Avantika Shankar
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The contrast of the green leaves with the grey stone is extremely visually appealing.
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Landscapes
Expect the Unexpected Terragram, a landscape architecture firm set up by awardwinning landscape architect, Vladimir Sitta, designed a beautiful space in Eastern Sydney, using unusual construction techniques to merge the old and the new. Landscape architect Vladimir Sitta aptly titled this particular project ‘Between the Predictable and the Unexpected’, as at first glance it’s easy to see that the space floats somewhere in between expected realism and unexpected whimsy. “Winning a competition to design a memorial for the Battle of Vinegar Hill in the mid-eighties gave me the motivation to start my own design firm,” reminisces Vladimir. Hailing from erstwhile Czechoslovakia, he has been based in Australia since 1981.
Text By Alisha Fernandes Photographs Courtesy Terragram Home Review June 2016 2015
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The mounds consisted of layering rigid and soft materials like the growing medium to maintain the shape and also retain moisture. Long strips of shredded newspaper were mixed with the growing medium to provide extra stabilisation.
Terragram, his company, founded in 1986, has built its international reputation on a solid foundation of successfully merging urbanism and nature. The unique expertise Sitta and his team bring to their projects at Terragram and the co-founded Room 4.1.3 (with Richard Weller in 1998, who is now a professor at the University of Pennsylvania) is a design sensibility that is always on the lookout for unusual, offbeat solutions, for the most complex of design problems. This out-of-the-box kind of approach sets them apart from their competitors and has created a unique personality for the company as a whole.
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Explaining the project, Vladimir says, “The title refers to a process. The site contained fixed elements like the existing house to which a new section has been attached. The transition from the old to new is provided by two small atriums on the second floor. Visitors using the staircase are treated to mysterious green mounds shrouded in a veil of mist.” This space is constantly changing, responding to light conditions and even tiny air movements. The atriums also help separate the different functions of the house; the office and study from the more private bathrooms and bedrooms. “Another unexpected experience is the toilet that acquired an almost ritualistic atmosphere.”
There is a tiny garden to look outside through a transparent window. It almost feels like being outside whilst attending to the needs of daily grooming. The toilet is separated from the library by the sliding door, whilst the library continues inside. There is also another very narrow space at the ground floor establishing the reference to the Australian landscape that is often charred by devastating fires, and is yet able to sprout out shortly afterwards,” summarises Vladimir.
This area is very dramatic; almost theatrical owing to the carefully chosen charred and sliced dead tree trunks that were transported to the site and installed in a tiny space that faces the living room. This was a traditional house in a rich suburb. And the brief was simple. “We were just told to rework the existing swimming pool and reconstruct outdoor spaces. Other than that the client had no more specific wishes. But we knew that as avid art collectors a run-of-the-mill landscape wouldn’t do,” adds Vladimir.
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The window planter offers a serene view of greenery as you glance out of the window.
Being an artist, the client was happy with their approach of looking for sculptural design opportunities in his landscape property. This is where that special brand of whimsy comes in and lends itself to the design process; techniques like landscape papier mâché to construct green mounds were resorted to, in order to make the courtyard look like it was overlooking green hills and mist was added for more dramatic effect.
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Explaining the technique used for the green mounds he says, “The mounds consisted of layering rigid (drain cells and polystyrene) and soft materials (growing medium) to maintain the shape and also retain moisture. Long strips of shredded newspaper were mixed with growing medium to provide extra stabilisation. Over the mixture a layer of the hessian was applied and this was then planted with baby tears.”
Moving toward the outdoor garden, Sitta and his team kept the surroundings lush and all the existing trees surrounding the enlarged pool were left undisturbed. Sandstone outcrops were also added to bring in a sense of strength in the space and to help tie up all the outdoor elements together. Sitta’s firms are known for their innovative - even iconoclastic - designs, often introducing extensive planting into urban projects - a form of landscape urbanism. Their landscaping schemes have won many design competitions and prizes worldwide.
Natural stone juxtaposed with plants is the backbone of this project’s design theme. Home Review June 2016 2015
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Even while you step into the bathroom, you have that distinct feeling of being close to nature.
Terragram won the state of Berlin’s Peter Joseph Lenné Prize in 1981 and 1986, and the President’s Award of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects in 2002. Sitta is a big believer in being present on the site at all times when tackling a landscape project.
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He says, “I wouldn’t say important, it is actually essential to be there on site! The design of the garden can’t rely on a hopelessly two dimensional medium like paper. It only leads to pattern making that characterises so much of the contemporary landscape architecture. I was present on the site for all the critical moments like the arrangement of the mounds (here the relative lightness of the individual mounds has definitely been beneficial) and I have personally manufactured the burned and charred trunks. Those too I have selected personally in the bush.” And looking around at the result, it dawns on you, the benefits of being as committed to your craft as him.
sittavl1@fa.cvut.cz www.terragram.com.au
THE MARKETPLACE Frazer And Haws Introduces A Range in Slate
Embellish your interior spaces with this latest splendid range in slate by Frazer and Haws. The collection magnificently combines black stone called slate in varied designs and forms to juxtapose the exclusivity of the pieces embellished with the royalty of silver. These stately décor pieces make an interesting contrast with a mélange of matte finish black stone adorned with astonishing topping of glossy silver. Inspired by innovative conceptualisation, this exclusive assortment comprises of versatile and functional accessories ranging from clocks, platters and coasters to table lamps. Each product has an alluring and contemporary style further giving a perfect décor statement. The colour black with a charcoal effect has a magical charm in itself; which enhances the collection brilliantly once amalgamated with sheen of sterling silver.
Kajaria Launches New Avatar Of Eternity Tiles Kajaria, the largest manufacturer of glazed vitrified tiles in India, hosted a lavish evening to launch the new avatar of their brand of premium tiles, Eternity. The event was held on April 7, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Gurgaon. In attendance were a host of channel partners, business associates and members of the core team of Kajaria. In tune with the promise and positioning of the Eternity brand, the evening was an amalgamation of design, luxury and entertainment. The program began with the group’s Chairman & Managing Director, Mr. Ashok Kajaria welcoming the guests and giving a brief insight on how the Kajaria Group has grown over the years and the milestones it has set. This was followed by the initiation of the launch sequence by the Joint Managing Director, Mr. Rishi Kajaria. Once the renewed brand was launched, Mr. Pankaj Sethi, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Brand Eternity, highlighted the brand values of Eternity and the vision for the brand.
The management then announced the revelation of the specially created display area covering over 6000 sq. ft. This zone showcased a massive variety of the latest range of tiles from Eternity along with a live bedroom suite. www.kajariaceramics.com
Nirali Introduces Anti-Scratch Finish In Its Silent Sink Range
Frazer and Haws is a design led British brand with an Indian soul and every product is handcrafted and hallmarked with 92.5% purity. www.frazerandhaws.com The Orus kitchen sink has two deep bowls, one in 16” x16” for large vessels, and another deep bowl in 11” x 11” ideally suited for fragile items like cups, saucers and glasses. Nirali, one of India’s No.1 stainless steel kitchen sink company has innovated yet again with the Orus kitchen sink. Using advanced state-of-the-art manufacturing expertise, this evergreen anti-scratch feature is especially suited for today’s rough and tough cleaning of Indian cookware.
Besides this unique feature, Orus also incorporates a special silent sound reducing coating that reduces vibrations from dishes and running water. The Orus range is also available in futuristically designed glossy and satin finishes. www.niralisinks.com Home Review June 2016
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THE MARKETPLACE Parryware Launches A Sustainable Range Of Urinals
Parryware, India’s contemporary bathroom solutions brand recently launched its sustainable range of waterless urinals, Astute Waterless Urinal. The touchfree urinal collection is designed to perfection in its category which gives an eco-friendly twist to your bathrooms by using negligible amount of water. Astute waterless urinal comes in a complete set including the blue seal and a unique eco-trap. Use of the special blue seal liquid in the outlet trap (which is lighter than water) prevents any bad odours being released from the waste-line, thus qualifying it into a hygienic product. A urinal being a functional product, the Astute Waterless Urinal comes with a concealed outlet retaining the aesthetics. This urinal in the industry with integrated bottle trap and at mid-economic range makes it a great fit for the modern-day sustainable and eco-friendly necessities. Commenting on the eco-friendly collection, Mr.Pau Abelló Pellicer, Managing Director, Roca Bathroom Products Pvt. Ltd. said, “Hygiene is the foremost concern in case of urinals and we understand this requirement thoroughly. This touch-free and waterless urinal has been found appealing to the institutional segments and being a leader in the global bathroom space, we have been technologically and aesthetically progressive to fulfil the widespread demand for sustainable products.” www.parryware.in
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Ecofriendly Furniture By InLiving People today are getting more inclined towards making environmentally savvy preferences in furnishing their homes or offices, that can impact our planet. InLiving, one of India’s premium retailers of finest solid wood furniture, has launched its new collection of ecofriendly furniture and accessories on the occasion of Environment Day on 5th June. Their cutting-edge infrastructure, backed with advanced machinery and leading technology, facilitates them to create highly accurate and skillfully environment friendly and engineered products. The new range of eco-friendly products includes trendy and fun range of products like Innova Sofa, Romeo Sofa, Storage Poufs, hanging lamps. Seating includes sofas made from denim labels and rubber flip flops. Innova Sofa is made from original denim labels plucked from old denims and crafted into a masterpiece. Another interesting seat is the Romeo Sofa; this is made of recycled flip flops that is collected as sheets and transformed into an effervescent Sofa.
Products like Ella storage Pouf and Stanley pouf, are crafted from wood cut offs of bigger furniture pieces and upholstered with widest of innovations like recycled cotton, wool, denim, denim labels, rubber flip flops. www.inliving.com
Pepperfry Introduces Printed Furniture Collection Pepperfry is geared up in bringing floral furniture back in trend. Invite a touch of this classic style to your space with subtle and elegant prints on your furniture. By just adding one simple piece that coordinates well with your room, you can bring drama or a romantic flare to you home. From sofas to pouffes they will lend an inimitable charm to your favourite spaces. Printed furniture makes for beautiful accent pieces. Make a floral sofa a focal point by using a solid colour on the wall behind it and repeating the print colours in framed artwork hung over the sofa. Put an eclectic print chair up against a brightly coloured wall, or place it next to the study or in front of your dresser for a luscious looking powder room. Match your tasteful design flair with wondrous whimsy, and the gorgeous deep coloured backgrounds to offset the vibrant patterns beautifully. www.pepperfry.com