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RNI No. 31940/77 Reg. No. MCS/124/2015-17 Date of Publication: 1st of every month. Posted at Patrika Channel Sorting office, Mumbai-400001 on 15th and 16th of every month.

THE INDIAN DESIGN MAGAZINE

www.insideoutside.in

ISSUE 385

SEpTEMbEr

2017

A serene home in bustling Ambala by Nashik-based architect Manoj bhandari

`100

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Well priced alternatives for high value solid wood furniture Manufacturer: Ekbote Furniture, Pune Manufacturer profile Ekbote Furniture has been in business for over 50 years and has a well-earned reputation for fine quality wooden furniture. They use a variety of sustainable hardwoods and softwoods mainly sourced from Europe.The company has a state-of-art manufacturing plant, pan-India retail presence and online e-commerce. They come with an immense understanding of the Indian furniture market and are currently using steamed Beech, German spruce and European pine. Challenge From the consumer’s standpoint, beauty of design, functionality, appearance and strength are paramount. Manufacturers of furniture for the Indian market have a long tradition of working with wood to create highly crafted pieces that are passed down through generations.Today’s modern customers want to have the same high quality wood furniture in sleek and contemporary designs with quick installations.

Ekbote procures imported logs which are sawn into flitches and then are air dried or dried in the seasoning chamber. This is a cumbersome and time consuming process.Ekbote was looking to circumvent this process. Opportunity Providing a suitable alternative, FII India* sent test samples of two species most suitable for the intended application. *Market development agency for Canadian Wood from British Columbia. The species selected for trials were yellow cedar and western hemlock from British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. To reduce the long drawn process of producing suitable raw material, sawn lumber from B.C. is the answer.It is seasoned to the correct moisture content and graded to suit the needs of the manufacturer. The lumber delivered to Ekbote was seasoned to 10% moisture content and graded to a quality suited to their end use requirements. Another critical aspect is that whenever there is logging/harvest activity, there is disturbance to the environment. However, B.C., Canada manages this by having forest management laws and voluntary certification that consider all aspects of the envi-

Project: Solid wooden furniture ronment which strives for the least disturbance possible.Given such advantages plus attractive pricing, trials were initiated to test the suitability of yellow cedar and western hemlock. Product Trials As Canadian sawn lumber is sized, seasoned, and machine ready, they were able to very quickly incorporate the wood into their system and within a week had produced A foyer table and 2 chairs – Western hemlock Insert Foyer Table1 4 kitchen chairs and 1 table – Yellow cedar Insert Chair Dining table and 6 chairs – Western hemlock Insert image IT7A5951 Sofa set – Western hemlock Insert image IT7A5930 The production team was delighted with the working properties of the wood and the ease with which it took stains and coatings.

Most of the wood species from B.C., Canada are light in colour when compared to traditionally used species. Therefore, they have high versatility as they can be given clear or light lacquers to maintain their lustrous sheen, or stained darker to mimic hardwoods. Mr. GovindEkbote, Ekbote Furniture, owner said, “Both species were easy to work and finished very well. Hemlock took stains a little more easily than yellow cedar. Either species could easily be used to manufacture my high-end line of products.” Key Takeouts Improved manufacturing efficiency Bringing in seasoned, sawn lumber graded to your needs entirely circumvents the cumbersome process of using logs and dealing with handling,waste and the enormous amount of time needed to season the product and bring it into a ‘user-friendly’ form. Canadian Wood can be used to replace European Beech and other European softwoods B.C. coastal species like western hemlock and yellow cedar are a good fit for use in India for solid wood furniture manufacturing. The manufacturer only needs to be flexible enough to adapt to the specific needs of each species in the application for a given end use.

For technical or procurement assistance free of cost, meet the team of wood experts at Mumbai Wood 2017 or write to FII India at info@canadianwood.in / call on +91 22 49221600.

publisher’s letter 2017

Publisher:

Ashok H Advani

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This issue consists of total 124 pages including cover Printed and published by Ashok H Advani on behalf of Business India. Printed at Glaxy Asbestos & Fittings Pvt Ltd., D-125, TTC Area, Behind L.P., Navi Mumbai 400 706 and published from 14th Floor, Nirmal, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400 021. Distributed by India Book House Ltd. Phototypeset by Business India Graphics, 14th Floor, Nirmal, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400 021. We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may be printed in whole or in 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. To order reprints contact: Business India Group Production Cell, 14th Floor, Nirmal, Nariman Point Mumbai-400 021. Tel: 22883942/3/8.

his issue we cover a range of properties across India. Moving from a penthouse in Nashik to a cafe in Bangalore and a spa salon in Surat. Most within a Vastu-compliant framework. Our cover story this time talks about a lavish residence integrating modern elements and design into the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra. Here, the design team of Bangalore-based design studio Sathish’s Swanlines kept to a rectangular structure for the residence and designed an interesting structure with an expansive toughened glass panel on the eastern façade, projecting balconies, large glass panels set in frames and a projecting pergola. The penthouse in Nashik by Studio Frozen Music uses a minimal material and colour palette, to maintain continuity between the spaces. The Vastu-compliant home addresses functionality in its design, with simplicity as its hallmark. This home is simultaneously warm because of the wood tones, and serene due to the extensive use of white. Greenery brings in nature in small doses, softening the ambience. Architects Faisal Vohra and Shamila Meeran, founders of F+S Designs, Hyderabad, transform a dim, non-descript garage into the bright and buzzing D’Hide Café at Koramangala, Bangalore. The project won them the IIID Young Practice of the Year for 2015 for South India. In the ethos of European patisseries the architects designed a curved glass pastry display unit and a pendant unit of open shelves. For serving and styling: elements such as cookie jars, tea pots, old milk measuring containers, wall plates with images of the English countryside, prints of European towns and countryside, and European-style wall and pendant ceiling lamps. Employing a flamboyant Moroccan aesthetic, a spa-cum-salon in Surat by Studio Perceptus moves away from the expected vanilla flavour, to create a luxurious ambience for clients to immerse themselves in. An intense exercise in bringing together pattern, colour and texture within a fully Vastu-compliant framework. Read on for all this and much more.

ConneCt with us @

www.InsideOutside.in 13 • inside outside september 2017

Iocontents

2017

13 Publisher’s Letter 18 Art: Rita Jhunjhunwala 22 Bathroom Fittings

26 Rugs 30 Furniture 118 Snippets 121 Access Point

Residence A Luxurious rendition of VAstu shAstrA The design team at Sathish’s Swanlines designed Shubha Residence, a lavish residence integrating modern elements and design into the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra. Photographer: Anand Jaju

122 Advertisers’ Directory

september 2017 no 385 RNI No. 31940/77 Reg. No. MCS/124/2015-17 Date of Publication: 1st of every month. Posted at Patrika Channel Sorting office, Mumbai-400001 on 15th and 16th of every month.

Residence simpLified sophisticAtion Nashik-based architect Manoj Bhandari creates an oasis of calm in the heart of densely populated, bustling Ambala where, internally, elegance and simplicity blend charmingly. Text: Amita Sarwal Photographs: courtesy Manoj Bhandari Architects, Nashik

THE INDIAN DESIGN MAGAZINE

www.insideoutside.in

ISSUE 385

SEPTEMBER

2017

`100

inteRioR A home of our own Poonam and Pravin Lomate, principal architects, e-design architects, Nashik, Maharashtra, design their home to encapsulate their professional and personal journeys. Photographs: Kunal Rathod

82 A serene home in bustling Ambala by Nashik-based architect Manoj Bhandari

Cover PhotograPh: Manoj Bhandari arChiteCts

penthouse function And simpLicity A duplex penthouse in Nashik by Studio Frozen Music uses a minimal material and colour palette to maintain continuity between the spaces. The vastu-compliant home addresses functionality in its design, with simplicity as its hallmark. Text: Devyani Jayakar

14 • inside outside september 2017

Photographs: Sameer Bondarde

contents

2017

ResoRts heritAge steeped hoLidAys Geetanjali Engineer, a freelance architect and interior designer, and Probir Arora, Studio Director, DNA, New Delhi, restore Suryauday Haveli, Varanasi and Poovath Heritage, Kochi, into experiential boutique hotels for clients Amritara Hotels & Resorts. Text: Amita Sarwal

cafe from cAr gArAge to cheery cAfé Architects Faisal Vohra and Shamila Meeran, founders of F+S Designs, Hyderabad, share their journey of transforming a dim nondescript garage into the bright and buzzing D’Hide Café at Koramangala, Bangalore. The project was part of their submission that won the IIID Young Practice of the Year for 2015 for South India. Photographs: Nayan Soni

106 98

salon A moroccAn fAntAsy Employing a flamboyant Moroccan aesthetic, a spacum-salon in Surat by Studio Perceptus moves away from the expected vanilla flavour, to create a luxurious ambience for the clients to immerse themselves in. Devyani Jayakar takes note of the lavish detailing, worthy of hedonistic beauty rituals. Photographs: Tejas Shah

16 • inside outside september 2017

Immortals

art

Rita Jhunjhunwala’s show titled Immortals pays tribute to Indian legends through evocative portraits

t is never too late or enough to remember with gratitude the great legends that India has produced over the years. These role models, with their sheer hard work and a deep commitment to society, have been instrumental in steering the nation towards a greater common good. Delhi-based artist Rita Jhunjhunwala pays tribute to these extraordinary men and women – belonging to a varied spectrum of society including arts and science, politics and business, religion and spirituality – through her upcoming exhibition titled Immortals. This exhibition of portraits includes 35 large works in acrylic and charcoal on paper, acrylic and mixed media on canvas and sculptural installations in wood. Among the giants featured are Gandhi, Mother Teresa, MF Husain, Kishori Amonkar, Swami Vivekananda, Dr C V Raman, Ramkrishna Paramhans, Amrita Shergil, A P J Abdul Kalam, among others. 18 • inside outside september 2017

art

The exhibition will be held at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi from October 1 to October 5, 2017. 20 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

bathroom fittings

Better Bathrooms

It’s the first place you go to in the morning and the last place you visit at night. Inside Outside brings you better bathroom basics to enhance your ablutions experience. There are accessories and fittings to match both your style and your budget. Here’s a look at our selection.

Antica Ceramica

Jaquar Group

GRAFF

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bathroom fittings Maison Valentina

THE-(Tantalizing Home Effects)

VitrA

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rugs

Ravishing Rugs

Looking to add colour to your home? Our line-up of ravishing rugs is just what you need. Inside Outside brings you a collection to suit any colour combo, without straining your budget. Cocoon Fine Rugs

Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Decor

Freedom Tree Design

Hands

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rugs Maspar

Obeetee

Peek-a-boo Patterns

The Rug Republic

28 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

When you buy a Fabindia product, you encourage and support a way of life for the rural artisan while helping preserve Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich heritage and traditions.

furniture

The Big Piano

hese rather exquisite pieces of furniture and lighting follow a philosophy of design that is committed to the idea of beautyâ&#x20AC;Śand a belief that in the beautiful is sustainability. To the creators of The Big Piano, the beautiful is not merely perceived, but felt. In their reckoning, beautiful objects

Photographs: Nrupen Madhavani and Pankaj Anand

are nothing but a symbol of peace and solace. Some are useful, some less useful, but each a symbol of slowness: a joy forever. The Big Piano composes paraphernalia. And furniture. It may be likened to a piano which is big, but with the most intricate arrangements of strings to wooden bits in a

30 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

furniture

Bean. Black ducomatt table with an ashtray and a cookie box.

Louvred Lamp. Wooden parchment lamp, with acrylic louvres at the bottom.

Zebra. Wooden lounge chair with an acrylic backrest

complex geometry that performs to precision, allowing a single sensual perfect sound to emerge; its only aim to serve music. A fascination with locomotion is demonstrated in the open-shut, fold-unfold, collapse, glide, slide, tilt and shift, rock,

revolve and rotate of the furniture, creating a choreography of simple motion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; forming a random but repetitive rhythm. The furniture is designed as machines that produce function or pleasure. Or both. At the workshop of The Big Piano,

32 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

furniture

Ring. Tall floor lamp with metal rings framing the Japanese paper lampshade.

Hug Bar. Bar cabinet with a concave, wheeled door and a frosted glass back.

craftsmen labour with a passion. Like negotiating housewives, they fret and fume around the small and the inconspicuous, cantankerously obsessing over the gentler nuances of beauty. Material and function meld together here. Old recycled woods are chiselled to make forms, fitted with little bits of metal to allow locomotion; then massaged with oils to an endearing perfection. Simply put, the craftsmen at The Big Piano enjoy the act of making.

Grace. Wooden bar unit with curved doors, and mirror overlay.

34 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

Rack. Wooden floor lamp with shelves. Blue with paper parchment lampshade.

furniture

Quirky, Fun! ‘Meuble India’ the new design studio at Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai

Coffee Cart Table

Globe bar Aviator Metal Chair

euble India manufactures high quality wooden furniture in India. The product range includes handcrafted furniture, painted wooden furniture, colonial furniture, gift items, antique reproduction, wooden dining sets and many other items for home decor. The natural materials used are sheesham wood, acacia wood, mango wood, teakwood and reclaimed wood. Their in-house finishing unit provides various

finishes such as lacquer, antique, weathered and distressed finish as well. Natural wax and shellac are used to bring out the grain of the very fine Indian sheesham wood. Meuble India is the brainchild of five young design enthusiasts – Bhushan Kapase, Hardik Naik, Parikshit Deshmukh, Harshad Jadhav and Chirag Chopra. Situated inside a loft, the 6,000 sq ft studio is a perfect blend of commercial, home and restaurant dècor offering chic and edgy 36 • inside outside september 2017

artefacts. Manufactured by the founders themselves, the designs are inspired by current style trends. The furniture is a fun mix of classic and contemporary designs. Ranging from quirky décor to chic and vintage furniture, this store promises to meet your needs.There are flexible EMI schemes on the furniture and artefacts. The studio has an in-store café too. Décor up your life with Meuble India – a store that brings art and leisure under one roof!

furniture

Figments by STUDIO WOOD

Gingham/Bench – Finished in a rough slate-like top, the finish mimics that of a stone without making the piece heavy with poetic curves giving support as a side table on one end and leg structure on the other. This bench is an ideal seater for two.

redited with India’s Best Young Design Studio Award in 2016, this furniture is deconstructed by both form and function. The bespoke range has been designed for the young (at heart) and the restless by a mixed bag in the team such as architects, interior-architects and product designers. It reinterprets the fusion of the past and the present into a series of furniture. There is a strong revival of Indian craftsmanship through the use of contrasting materials such as mild steel, walnut wood and cane. The six pieces include a chair, bench, console, side table, coffee table and a set of wall scones. Each piece has a form and materiality of its own, a purpose of its own and a story too.

Ludwig/Chair Breaking from the curve and soft edges of the rest of the furniture pieces, this chair is inspired by the namesake architect, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. Blocked walnut wood sections, a strategically tapered back and cane woven rest are put to use in order to create this piece.

Moon/Coffee table – Imagined as a cuboidal wireframe, this table cuts through with a balanced semicircular curve at two levels showing the waxing moon in cane with shadows in black metal.

38 • inside outside september 2017

furniture

Mayfair/Console – After exploring curved surfaces with mild steel and cane, this console was designed using a flexible ply that helped mould the structure into a fine curve, using walnut veneer. Contrasted with woven cane and metal on the other end, this console makes for a beautiful accent for an entrance.

Husdon/side table – This accent table is designed as 3-part cane and 1-part flexible ply, giving it a soft curve on one end and a perfect right angle on the other.

40 • inside outside september 2017

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A Luxurious Rendition of Vastu Shastra

The design team at Sathishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swanlines designed Shubha Residence, a lavish residence integrating modern elements and design into the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra. 42 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

residence

PhotograPher : anand JaJu

lean lines, plain surfaces without carvings, tones of white and pastel shades, and a contemporary design idiom form our underlying design mantra. Our team typically brings this approach to projects whilst keeping in mind the requirements and preferences of a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, says Pramod C, principal architect, of the Bangalore-based design studio Sathishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swanlines. Approached to work on a residence for a client who has an abiding belief in Vastu Shastra, the team integrated their design ethos in the ancient Indian system of architecture and planned to create a posh residence rooted in the centuries-old principles.

The main door leads to a voluminous double-height lobby (above and top right). A partition offers privacy to the living room set behind it.

43 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

STilT flooR

GRound flooR

Pramod C Fact FiLe Project name

Shubha Residence

Project Location

RMV 2nd stage, Bangalore

architects

Sathish’s Swanlines

comPLetion Year

Lead architects

Gross BuiLt area

Ar Pramod C, Ar Abdul R Ansari

team:

March 2017

About 11000 sq ft (Stilt+ G+3)

other ParticiPants

Gayathri Chelldurai, Tantrima Basistha, Manoj, Shwetha, Arun GV landscape architect: Design Space Nature lighting consultants:

Defa solutions

fiRST flooR

1. office, 2. living, 3. Kitchen, 4. dining, 5. Bedroom, 6. Toilet, 7. Wash, 8. Powder room, 9. Parking, 10. lift, 11. lobby, 12. electrical room, 13. Security kiosk, 14. Pooja, 15. deck, 16. utility, 17. entrance court, 18. foyer, 19. dress, 20. library/study, 21. Safe room, 22. family lounge, 23. home theatre, 24. health club, 25. Gym, 26. Barbeque area, 27. lumber room SeCond flooR

44 • inside outside september 2017

ThiRd flooR

The design team was shown a site of around 4,300 sq ft, skirted by a road along its eastern edge, in the upscale neighbourhood of RMV Layout in Bangalore. The client wished to build a home that would be deeply rooted in Vastu Shastra, be luxurious, and offer ample common and personal space for three generations (his parents, himself and his wife, and their two sons) as well as relaxation areas. He also wished to have the public and private spaces segregated. Discussing the requirements of the client, the team planned an 11,000 sq ft residence spanning five levels keeping the public, family, common and personal areas well spaced out. They

planned the lower most stilt floor (with parking with office, quarters for domestic help and services), ground floor (with formal living room, dining room, kitchen, grandparents room and one guest bedroom); the first floor (with informal family area, master bedroom, study-cum-library, and second guest bedroom); the second floor (with an informal family area and two bedrooms for the sons); and the third floor (with home theatre, open terrace, spa and gym). With this broad plan, the team commenced honing it keeping the parameters of the site and the client’s requirements in mind. ‘From the outset, we listed the Vastu Shastra guidelines regarding 45 • inside outside september 2017

The living room has a marble floor, long diaphanous drapes, a selection of light fixtures and minimal furniture in white, beige and grey.

A double-height ceiling and an extensive glass panel make the dining area a voluminous and well-lit space.

placement of rooms. Interestingly, as we worked on the plan in tune with the tenets of Vastu Shastra, instead of feeling constrained by it, we found the plan evolving very well and getting more refinedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Following Vastu principles, the architects kept to a rectangular structure for the residence and designed an interesting structure with an expansive toughened glass panel on the eastern faĂ§ade,

46 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

projecting balconies, large glass panels set in frames and a projecting pergola. Within the home, in keeping with Vastu principles, they kept the centre of the floors clear of walls, ensured the

The ground floor enjoys a sense of space as the lobby flows into the dining area.

luxurious materials, neat work counters, ample cabinets and a breakfast table make the kitchen as functional as it is luxurious.

entrance door faced east to bring in the rays of the rising sun and placed the pooja room in the east, the kitchen in the southeast corner, the master bedroom in the southwest, the toilets towards the

All the bathrooms are spacious, well-lit and plush.

47 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

The master bedroom, done up in tones of beige and with a private sit-out, is infused with peace.

Views of greenery, a sit-out, ample space and furnishings in soft colours give the guest bedroom a welcoming ambience.

48 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

informal family areas and large cut-outs in the different floors make for a well-integrated residence.

south and avoided balconies in the southwest corners. The location of the rooms and spaces decided, the team worked on the plan to create a home with a sense of space rendered through voluminous double-height spaces; a sense of flowing spaces by minimizing walls; and a sense of a cohesive, integrated unit through cutouts for interaction between levels within the home. To this scheme they added elements to bring in natural light

in the form of large doors and glass panels, and balconies for each bedroom separated only by a glass panel for an indoor-outdoor connect. And in their characteristic style they rendered the plan in clean, sharp lines; minimal decorative elements; a play of white and soft colours; and used premium onyx, granite, amazonite, travertine, and Italian marbles (Statuario, Thassos and Mercino), light fixtures and furniture. The charm of the residence

marks itself from the spacious main entrance foyer with a bed of foliage. The main door leads to a voluminous double-height lobby that flows into the dining area and open kitchen on one side, the living room set behind a partition and the grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; room casting a spell of luxury with pristine marble floors, long diaphanous drapes, light fixtures cascading from the floor above or arching on a slim stem, minimal furniture in white, beige and grey, 49 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

one sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom and bathroom are designed in white, grey and black.

The informal family area on the second floor from where one can also communicate with others on the floors below.

The neat washbasin counter at the spa on the topmost floor.

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stately doors raised from floor to base of beam, and large glass panels infusing the interiors with natural light. The statement of understated luxury continues on the floors above in the bedrooms, each distinctly yet elegantly designed with light tones of furnishings, roomy walk-in closets (indiscernible to the eye being set within panelling)

and plush bathrooms. Done up in soft tones of beige and with its sit-out enjoying privacy courtesy a high screen with a pattern of circular cutouts, the master bedroom is infused with peace. The guest bedrooms are welcoming with their functional design elements and warm colours. Designed white, grey and black including black marble

flooring, one son’s bedroom exudes an easy style, while the other son’s room is one of an informal elegance with tones of white, light blue, wood, and a modern four-poster bed. Select touches such a black marble inlay on white marble in one son’s bathroom and a minimalist clothes stand in the other son’s walk-in wardrobe add to the ambience of unas-

suming flair. The rooftop terrace with expansive views of city and sky, partially shaded by a pergola (of wooden frame with glass inset panels) and with lawn, landscaping, loungers, dining table, and an adjoining spa, gym and home theatre is another pocket of indulgence. While each space is a cocoon of luxury, the large

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A lawn, landscaping, loungers and dining table make the rooftop terrace an ideal spot to relax.

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residence The rooftop terrace has expansive views of city and sky.

An expansive toughened glass panel on the eastern faรงade, projecting balconies, large glass panels set in frames and a projecting pergola give the residence an architectural style.

cut-outs in the ground, first and second floors connect the levels making for a well-integrated residence. The huge fenestration on the eastern faรงade along with the glass panels (on other faรงades and between the bedrooms and balconies) ensure ample ventilation and that artificial light is rarely needed during the day. And in the evenings, as the lamps and recessed lights come on, lighting spaces and highlighting art, the residence takes on a quiet elegance making it as luxurious by night as it is by day. IO 54 โ ข inside outside september 2017

Simplified Sophistication Nashik-based architect Manoj Bhandari creates an oasis of calm in the heart of densely populated, bustling Ambala where, internally, elegance and simplicity blend charmingly.

TexT: AmiTA SArwAl PhoTogrAPhS courTeSy mAnoj BhAndAri ArchiTecTS, nAShik

he 5000 sq ft plot is situated in Ambala City’s dense urban area, reminiscent, to the architect, of the fictional Gotham City-like setting. The site is flanked by houses on all three sides and is exposed to traffic, noise, pollution and rampant construction. ‘We had to contend with these factors, as well as a lack of privacy. These became the main challenges. One needed to reject all these aspects while bringing in a lot of light, positivity and transparency on the inside. From the main road outside, all one can see

is blank textured walls, wood panels shuttering the garage, and a free standing stainless steel jali. This serves as a screen to the large glass windows beyond, on the first floor. Besides there are no external windows on the ground floor to reflect the liveliness indoors – or compromise on privacy. I wanted to give an “awe” factor when one entered through a series of blank, stark walls and cut-out metal screens,’ says Manoj Bhandari, Head of Manoj Bhandari Architects, a Nasik-based firm established in 2001. 56 • inside outside september 2017

residence

In the forecourt, the wall behind the swimming pool has an artistic Om. The stainless steel cut-out jali at left gives further privacy.

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Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan 13 24

14 11 25 17 29

Manoj K Bhandari FACT FILE

30 16

9 10

TypoLogy

Residence

projECT

Bungalow

LoCATIon

Ambala, Haryana

pLoT sIzE

5000 sq ft BuILT up ArEA

4500 sq ft

ArChITECTurAL FIrm

Manoj Bhandari Architects, Nashik

3 5

Passage

Main Gate

Dinning

Daughter bedroo

Forecourt

Kitchen

Daughter's toilet

Garage

Utility

Servant room

Family sitting

Balcony

Servant's toilet

Swimming pool

Son's toilet

Guest bedroom

Son's bedroom

Library

Private court

Entrance

Guest's toilet

Glass bridge

Puja room

Master bedroom

Sport's room

Lobby

Master's toilet

Covered terrace

Terrace

Living room

ArChITECTurAL TEAm

Manoj Bhandari & Namrata Lodha supErvIsIon

Mohit Gupta

1. Main gate, 2. Forecourt, 3. Garage, 4. Servant room, toilet, 18. Master bedroom, 19. Master’s toilet. GROUND FLOOR 5. Servant’s toilet, 6. Private court, 7. Entrace, 20. Passage, 21 Daughter’s bedroom, 22. Daughter’s 8. Puja room, 9. Lobby, 10. Living room, 11. Dining, toilet, 23. Son’s bedroom, 24. Balcony, 25. Son’s toilet, 12. Kitchen, 13. Utility, FOR 14. Family sitting, 26. Library, 27. Glass bridge, 28. Sport’s room, PROPOSED BUNGALOW ANU AGRAWAL N 15. Swimming pool, 16. Guest bedroom, 17. Guest’s PROPOSED 29. Covered terrace, 30. BUNGALOW FORTerrace ANU AGRAWAL Note:All dimensions are in meter unless and until specified

Drwan by

no.

The clients wanted an oasis of calm to counteract the world outside. In addition, the architect’s aspirations have to be fused with the owners’ desires of a contemporary, savvy and trendy house. The simplicity and intelligence of design and space planning developed a system by which all secondary spaces like garages and servant quarters are put right in front to further provide a ‘barrier’ and seclude the home from its surrounding. Bhandari ‘walks’ through the house. ‘The main entrance leads to a forecourt with a green wall, patterned and landscaped lawn and

black flooring. This serves as a transit area between private and public spaces. An overhanging glass canopy over a modern interpretation of a “Darwaza” suggests an entry into the private inner space.’ Suddenly there is a sense of silence within the exterior boundary walls. So quiet, it is hard to believe that the bustling city is a few feet away. By incorporating water bodies and greenery the tranquility is further enhanced by an artistic Om on the wall. Shadows created by metal screens impart a mysterious, soothing ambience. On the right is the T-shaped swimming pool

Drwan by

Check by MKB

The double height verandah between the house and the pool.

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FIRST FL

Note:All dimensions are in meter unless and until specified.

Check by MKB

Three views of the jali depict different moods of light and shadow during the day.

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A floating and openable partition at the far end creates expansiveness and privacy. White leather and warm wood dominate the elegant living room.

which leads up to and bisects the verandah. It is surrounded by more landscaping which offers further privacy. ‘For the indoors, on the ground floor I wanted a completely seamless, flowing and

transparent quality. The lobby which faces the puja room, interconnects easily through the living, dining, kitchen, library, family areas and the en suite master and guest bedrooms. A cream coloured,

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patterned marble floor further joins these spaces right up to the swimming pool’s deck on the verandah. Similarly, the woodwork is a constant ungrooved black forest veneer. Strategically placed

low height perforated cabinets and dynamic partitions segregate the areas,’ says Bhandari who graduated in 1997 from NDMVP College of Architecture in Nasik. Minimalism rules across

the home, starting from the formal living room with its double height window (which gets filtered daylight), and is a neatly laid out, airy space, with the library seemingly ‘hanging’ over it from the first

floor above. A customised three-seater seemingly floats above and is anchored to a partition which can be operated for creating ventilation – and opening areas for communication as needed. The

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A dynamic and perforated partition acts as a room divider between the lobby and dining area.

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partition hemmed in glass gently demarcates boundaries between living and family areas without compromising on privacy. The family room, dining and open kitchen are given a spacious area and the double height ceiling allows plenty of daylight. A sculptural staircase in the same marble pieces, connects to the upper floors. A modern discreet swing hangs from a glass bridge above and becomes the USP of this space. An unusual, ‘floating’, boat-shaped seater retains the theme of perforations. The blue glass backdrop to the kitchen attracts attention. ‘The bedrooms and en suite toilets are planned as spacious private havens, each having the characteristic décor of the occupant’s

The waterbody at left hugs the living room while patterned daylight filters through the jali outside.

The first floor library has bright red sofas giving it a splash of colour.

‘This stylish house is a journey of flowing seamless spaces with undertones of subtle elegance and a sense of tranquility, exactly what the clients wanted.’ 64 • inside outside september 2017

The focal point of this house is a contemporary jhoola which hangs from the glass bridge above.

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choice. The all-white master bedroom opens into a cosy verandah. The toilets are given a uniqueness with different layouts. The master grand toilet, measuring 20 ft x 12 ft has a lit-up landscape bed of greenery while the Italian marble on two freestanding pillars is patterned to define shower panels and vanity,’ describes Bhandari. The daughter’s almost white bedroom on the first floor is highlighted by a deep

Areas performing different functions seamlessly flow into one another.

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An unusual boat-shaped seater adds a further novel touch to this room.

The family lobby upstairs offers a view of the dining space and kitchen downstairs.

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magenta headboard. A customised 10-ft-long hanging light adds interest. The toilet has two freestanding black clad walls with the shower cubicle, wash basin and toilet arranged around it. A 20-ftlong skylight on the left ties both walls together and adds some mystery to the area. The sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toilet is masculine and handsome. Its freestanding features, start with the balcony which projects into the metal screens on

The master bedroom with its private courtyard, is peaceful with its shades of cream and beige.

The same Italian marble clads the floors and walls of the 20 ft x 12 ft master toilet.

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‘The bedrooms and ensuite toilets are spacious private havens, each characteristic décor is of the occupant’s choice.

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The son’s bathroom is handsome and stylish while using the same marble as in the rest of the house.

residence The daughter’s room is enlivened by bright feminine colours.

one side, while there is a small water body on the other. A bold marble wall is flanked by a basin and shower. The bathtub, illuminated by the skylight above adds to the sculptural value to the bathroom. Other spaces besides the children’s rooms on the first floor, are the library, sports room with attached terraces. This seems to be an extension of the entire home due to the large glass windows and sliding doors and the view of the stainless steel jali and swimming pool below. ‘This stylish house is a journey of flowing seamless spaces with undertones of subtle elegance and a sense of tranquility, exactly what the clients wanted,’ sums up the architect. IO

The daughter’s toilet is marked by a unique layout.

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A Home of Our Own Poonam and Pravin Lomate, principal architects, e-design architects, Nashik, Maharashtra, design their home to encapsulate their professional and personal journeys.

PhotograPhs: Kunal r athod

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e were very keen to create a spacious home full of light and warmth. We wanted it to be as comfortable as it would be functional, and designed with a modern decorâ&#x20AC;?, say Nashikbased architects Poonam and Pravin Lomate. After completing their B. Arch from College of Architecture, Nashik, in 2006, the architect couple worked with design studios in Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune, and then founded e-design

interior

The living room is designed in a soothing colour palette with different materials to mark the evolution of the design sensibilities of the architects over the years.

architects, a consultancy firm specializing in architectural, interior and landscape design in Nashik in 2011. Over the past years Poonam and Pravin had designed several projects in different cities, and looked forward to the day when they could design their own home in sync with their own aesthetics, requirements and professional and personal journeys. In the past couple of years they had

kept a look out for an apartment that would offer ample space for their family of five â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pravinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents, themselves and Reyansh, their four-year old son. Happily they came across an ongoing project, Diamond Villa; it was a seven-storeyed residential apartment block and they opted for two two-bedroom units on the top floor that would give them a spacious 2050 sq ft penthouse.

The entrance foyer has a neat unit for storage and sitting space to put on footwear.

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FACT FILE

ProjECT NAmE

Diamond Villa 702 (Penthouse Interior) CLIENT

Ar Poonam & Ar Pravin Lomate (Own Residence) ArEA

2050 sq ft LoCATIoN

Nashik

ComPLETIoN

Jan 2017

DEsIgN TEAm

Ar Pravin Lomate, Ar Poonam Lomate, Sonali Gawale, Disha Jagtap, Zoheb Baig, Akshay Tajanpure Poonam and Pravin Lomate

The living room flows into an adjoining passage, dining area and kitchen. The pooja area is set in a niche towards the dining area end of the passage.

As the building was under construction Poonam and Pravin could make civil and structural changes to the plan to open up spaces, join rooms, and increase the ceiling height from 9 ft 6 inches to eleven feet. Merging the two units into a three-bedroom

apartment, they designed a spacious entrance; a living room flowing into a long balcony to one side and to the dining area, pooja area and kitchen on an adjoining side; three bedrooms (for Pravin’s parents, for Pravin and Poonam, and Reyansh);

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a courtyard and an open-tosky terrace. ‘The central concept around which we designed our home was “us”. We wanted a home that embodies us in its design, aesthetics, functionality, material use and more. As we look back

A wash basin is set in a niche near the dining table.

over the past decades, we see how our design sensibilities have evolved in tune with our personal growth and in response to trends. We wanted to incorporate our evolution in our homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, says Pravin. These heartfelt sentiments

are manifest as soon as one steps out of the lift on the seventh floor and into the warm and welcoming entrance foyer created by a neat unit (that incorporates storage and sitting space to put on footwear) with wall art and a solid wooden entrance door

The passage stretches through the length of the home. It has pinewood flooring and the ceiling above it has a band of cement with rafters.

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edged with brown veneer. ‘The colour and material palette used here is repeated throughout the house so in a way the entrance sets the tone for the design sensibilities inside while it also invites visitors – and us – to pause and appreciate the warmth of the carefully selected materials’. The large entrance door swings open inviting one into a compact lobby that leads to a spacious living room filled with natural light streaming in from, large sliding glass panels edging the balcony. Designed with a soothing colour palette of different materials to mark their evolution, Poonam and Pravin regard the room as the heart of their design. While a long sofa facing the balcony and a simple wall unit below the wall-mounted television screen makes the room a comfortable space for the family to relax, niches in the walls display artefacts bought during their travels,

bringing back happy memories of holidays and journeys. Interestingly, the niches are designed using cement sheet and wood – Poonam and Pravin opted for this unusual combination of materials to convey their design philosophy of continually exploring new design ideas. To enhance the feeling of space and provide circulation area, the living room flows into an adjoining passage, a dining area with a slim dining table and neatly designed kitchen. Set in a niche (towards the dining area end of the passage) is the pooja area, created as a simple ledge for images of deities and ritual objects, with three metal leaves crafted by a local artist on the wall above, discrete lighting and transparent curtains screening the area when required. Marking the different spaces is a change in flooring – while the entrance lobby and living room has dark 76 • inside outside september 2017

Reyansh’s room is cheerful, simple and functional. The bed folds to open up space. The four-year-old can climb the ladders on either side of the shelf to access his toys kept there. The colourful trunk is an old family trunk that has been restored as it has precious memories for the family. The sliding door doubles up as a chalkboard from inside.

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The master bedroom, though slightly tight on space, has a sense of openness that has been achieved by designing a high headboard for the bed, a low bed, a hanging wardrobe and minimizing shelves.

brown marble (that also contrasts with the light colour of the furnishings, artefacts and walls), the passage between the living-dining areas (that continues through the length of the home) has pine wood flooring and the kitchen once again has the dark brown marble flooring. Echoing the wooden flooring of the passage is a band of cement on the ceiling with rafters thus defining the passage, giving it a distinct identity, bringing in an element of perspective and visually guiding movement within the home. The combination of cement and wood also repeats the combination of these materials used in the living room to visually connect the two spaces.

Each of the three bedrooms is designed in a distinct style. The grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; room has subtle colours, minimal furniture and objects to make it easy for them to move around. The master bedroom, though slightly tight on space, has a sense of openness that has been achieved by designing a high headboard for the bed, a low bed, a hanging wardrobe and minimizing shelves. Soft colours add to the sense of space, while a play of lines in the headboard and wardrobe door add interest. Reynashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room exudes a sense of fun with a burst of colour in its window blind, toys and a restored family trunk. A bed that folds vertically onto the wall creates space when

The bathrooms are bright and neatly designed.

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The grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; room has subtle colours, minimal furniture and objects to make it easy for them to move around.

The central passage connecting the three bedrooms and terrace has a utility cabinet with wooden louvred shutters that conceal the utilities such as washing machine, ironing table and inverter placed here.

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interior A courtyard, near the far end of the passage, and a terrace above it have been specially designed for Pravin’s father who loves plants and gardening. They offer quiet spaces to relax and enjoy the sunset.

required and the sliding door between the room and passage nicely doubles up as a chalkboard thus maximizing space with a touch of fun. Other family areas are the courtyard and terrace specially designed for Pravin’s father who loves plants and

gardening. A small courtyard with a glass roof and terracotta-coloured floor tiles was created, near the far end of the passage, as a quiet spot to relax amidst plants. Inspired by the setting sun seen from this nook, Poonam and Pravin designed a flight

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of steps, in tones of different colours, that leads to a larger terrace that is another lovely family area! As the family relaxes here – amidst plants whilst watching the sun set – they are truly happy that their dream home is a beautiful reality. IO

The living area is a focal point from where a teakwood paneled fabricated staircase leads to the upper level. Only the first few treads of the staircase are visible from the living room, the rest being concealed by a duco panel where it turns the corner. The panel has been used to install a TV, with the space under the staircase becoming a storeroom of sorts and housing the electricals as well.

Function and Simplicity A duplex penthouse in Nashik by Studio Frozen Music uses a minimal material and colour palette, to maintain continuity between the spaces. The vastu-compliant home addresses functionality in its design, with simplicity as its hallmark. TexT: Devyani Jayakar PhoTograPhs: sameer BonDarDe, courTesy The archiTecT

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hen a builder is also the owner of a property, the conversations with the architect can bypass the preliminary discussions and explanations common to other architect-client conversations. ‘This client was obviously aware of several technicalities in construction, so we didn’t have to waste time explaining why certain options were not available to us,’ says Mahesh Shirke, Principal Architect of Studio Frozen Music.

penthouse

The client wanted the penthouse to have the luxury and privacy of a bungalow, but with the coziness and security of an apartment. Located on the fourth floor of a building in Nashik, this 2,000 sq ft penthouse is strictly vastu-compliant. ‘The zoning and room sizes were fixed, the living room being a little cramped because of its inadequate depth. The linear plot led to a linear plan, due to which we were forced to align the furniture along the length of the

room,’ says Mahesh. ‘To alleviate this problem somewhat, we removed the wall between the living room and kitchen, resulting in the illusion of a larger space. The lower floor, spreading over 1,500 sq ft, accommodates the living and dining rooms with the kitchen and three bedrooms. In the daughter’s bedroom, the small bed is against the wall due to space constraints. Flooring on this level is a glossy vitrified tile, the same tile being

used on the walls in common passage areas, to enhance the continuity of the space. 20 per cent of the finishes on the furniture are in white duco, the rest being in three shades of natural veneer. The monochromatic palette maintains a visual connection between the spaces, without any fragmented materials. Clean, straight lines predominate, without any embellishments. Dining and kitchen activities are accommodated in a continuous space behind the

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The treads of the staircase at ground level double as seating when required, the glass railing on the upper part being almost invisible.

LOwer LeVeL pLAN

Mahesh Shirke fact file Client

ContraCtors

Building arChiteCt

loCation

interior design and landsCaping

Year of Completion

Santosh Nifade

Various

Nandakumar Nifade

Mahesh Deepak Shirke (Studio Frozen Music)

Nashik 2016

Built up area

appx 2,000 sq ft

living area. ‘A glass screen with a rolling curtain attached to the sofa ledge can be both transparent and opaque as per privacy needs. This screen not only separates the living and kitchen areas but also provides the required privacy and comfort for working in a kitchen, essentially desired in a typical Indian cooking culture,’ says Mahesh. The sunny yellow rectangular box above the glass screen conceals a rolling curtain which can be lowered when required, to conceal the kitchen from view. ‘The furniture and doors are mainly finished in veneers. Some portions of white duco paint surfaces have been introduced to break the visual monotony of wooden surfaces. We also made a specific attempt to introduce some green quotient in every area, in the form of an indoor plantation. It is hoped that

upper LeVeL pLAN

1. Living 2. Kitchen-dining 3. puja 4. Children’s bedroom 5. enclosed balcony 6. Toilet 7. Guest bedroom 8. Master bedroom 1 9. Master bedroom 2 10. utility 11. private terrace lounge

In the daughter’s bedroom, the small bed is against the wall due to space constraints.

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these green “lungs” help in elevating the microclimatic quality of the interior environment,’ says Mahesh. ‘Our main concern was an efficient layout, with a connectivity between the two floors,’ says Mahesh. ‘We wanted to create a continuous flow of spaces from public to private zones, both on the lower as well as upper level. The living area is a focal point from where a teakwood paneled fabricated staircase leads to the upper level. The clients were originally in favour of a spiral staircase, but we realised that the cut-out in the slab would not accommodate it. An L-shaped staircase was the obvious solution.’ Only the first few treads of the staircase are visible from the living room, the rest being

In the master bedroom too, a white palette dominates.

On the upper floor, a bedroom opens out onto the terrace to create one expansive space, transforming the apartment by imparting the feel of a spacious bungalow.

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penthouse

concealed by a duco panel where it turns the corner. The panel has been used to install a TV, with the space under the staircase becoming a storeroom of sorts and housing the electricals as well. ‘The treads of the staircase at ground level double as seating when required, the glass railing on the upper part being almost invisible,’ says Mahesh. On the upper floor, a bedroom opens out onto the terrace to create one expansive space. ‘This private terrace lounge was introduced after the preliminary discussions, in order to transform the apartment and enable it to impart the feel of a spacious bungalow,’ says Mahesh. Used mostly as a leisure or hangout space, this floor

has wooden flooring. ‘The tactile and visual differences between the flooring of the two levels helps in defining the language for the formal public space at the lower level, while ensuring the private and cozy environment of the upper level terrace lounge. On the lower level, the shining and smooth materiality of the floor tile creates a textural contrast with the bold and warm finish of wooden furniture. The same “textural contrast” of floor tile and furniture gets reversed at the upper floor, where the white duco painted bed is highlighted against the dark and warm wooden flooring,’ says Mahesh. The terrace has a pergola, with bamboo plants and

a temple tree. ‘The plants enhance the visual and emotional serenity of the space, while the pergola casts slowmoving light and shadow patterns through the day, silently animating the terrace,’ says Mahesh. A long horizontal slit was created in the wall at the far end, to provide a view of the city and a mountain range at the far horizon. This home is simultaneously warm because of the wood tones, and serene due to the extensive use of white. Greenery brings in nature in small doses, softening the ambience. Studio Frozen Music has followed the basics of good design in the detailing and visual language of the house, sans gimmicks of any kind. IO

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The terrace has a pergola which casts slow-moving light and shadow patterns through the day, silently animating the terrace. The long horizontal slit in the wall at the far end provides a view of the city and a mountain range at the far horizon.

Heritage Steeped Holidays Gitanjali Engineer a freelance architect and interior designer, and Probir Arora, Studio Director, DNA, New Delhi, restore Suryauday Haveli, Varanasi and Poovath Heritage, Kochi, and turn them into experiential boutique hotels for clients Amritara Hotels & Resorts.

TexT by AmiTA SArwAl PhoTogrAPhS courTeSy AmriTArA hoTelS & reSorTS

wo diametrically dissimilar boutique hotels – Suryauday Haveli in Varanasi, and Poovath Heritage in Kochi – offer distinctly opposite holiday experiences. Yet they are linked by both being age-old heritage properties having undergone restoration and renovations appropriate to the milieu they are set in. These are among a chain of experience-driven properties in the Amritara Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Incorporated in 2005, the company’s vision is to become the leading Boutique Hotel Management

Gitanjali Engineer

Probir Arora

& Development company in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Southeast Asia. ‘We are a part of the Shanti Hospitality Group which has diversified interests in hospitality & tourism projects in India, Mauritius and Europe. Amritara presently has 14 operating resorts and boutique hotels, with plans to open 16 more by 2020,’ says Gurmeet Uberai, Director, Amritara Hotels & Resorts. Speaking of the two properties featured, Uberai adds, ‘While Varanasi is worth visiting at any time of the year, the

forthcoming festive season is of great significance. All these celebrations can be a stupendous experience based in Suryauday Haveli. One special night justifying attention is Dev Diwali, which falls on 3rd November this year. It is believed Lord Shiva comes down to earth on this full moon night. The ghat steps and the facades of the buildings are illuminated, while special aartis at each ghat compete with neighbouring ones for grandeur. Poorvath would be an ideal starting point to discover Kochi, and the rest of Kerala.

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Resorts

caption The central courtyard is the ‘heart’ of the Suryauday Haveli. It is overlooked by all the rooms above and is ideal for dining under the stars or soaking in the winter sun.

Suryauday Haveli Suryauday Haveli located on Shivala Ghats with an ancient Shiva temple by its side, has the morning sun greet visitors as they stand on the haveli’s terrace with the Ganga flowing below. Built by a family of a Nepali Raja as a retreat for the aged in the early 19th century, it has since been painstakingly restored and renovated to provide an oasis of tranquility along the bustling holy city. Most Varanasi ghats were built as early as the 18th century when the city was part of the Maratha Empire. While the majority are bathing or praying ghats, a few like the Man-

ikarnika Ghat, dedicated to cremations, epitomise a coexistence of life and death. The ghats are lined by fortresses, palaces, havelis and temples, most built by erstwhile royalty, with each having their own characteristic architecture and identity. Added more recently to the skyline is a horde of ungainly box-like homes. Upon Amritara leasing this property, the management contacted Gitanjali Engineer. ‘The client brief was simple: “Please do not even contemplate any structural changes. No major civil alterations,” so luckily it was more

A thali laid out with the famed Benarasi cuisine, suitable for a gourmet.

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FACT FILE TypoLogy

Resort pRojECT

Suryauday Haveli CLIEnT

Amritara Hotels & Resorts, New Delhi LoCATIon

Varanasi Site AREA 4700 sq ft CompLETIon

2011 ARChITECT & InTERIoR DEsIgnER

Gitanjali Engineer LIghTs & LAnDsCApIng

Gitanjali Engineer

about the Dont’s than the Dos. This meant I was free to bring alive a “Style of Life” to this 250-year-old building. It probably had undergone many cycles of repair and restoration in the interim years. However, there remains no known record of its journey,’ says the 2009 graduate in Interior Architecture from Raffles Design International in Mumbai. Upon taking charge, Gitanjali found the haveli extremely shabby – neglected and unkempt with the bathrooms practically unusable, even though it was being run as a low value guest house. ‘I wanted to provide an experience that would represent the fluidity which symbolises Varanasi....the enigma of both life and death; and of its humble, simple people – yet a city which always remains spiritually alive and vibrant,’ she explains. And continues, ‘Towards this, traditional motifs, colours and materials in relief and stone work are boldly incor-

The suite has partially segregated bedroom and living/dining areas.

The lotus motif dictates the shape of the bed’s headboard, mirrors, lights and much else.

A lotus-shaped mirror dominates the bathroom.

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A decorative cup light on a wall.

On a full moon night, reflected on the Ganga below, the silhouette of the riverside Suryauday Haveli looks enchanting.

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A double-arched entrance bordered by lotus designs in relief leads into the Suryauday Haveli.

porated in all the rooms. My design concept being purely about spatial circulation compelled me to keep the central courtyard alive as the heart of the haveli.’ ‘Every space at Suryauday becomes a unique, living entity by virtue of its windows. Each creating a unique picture frame allowing a different dimension to enter within its rooms by bringing in varied panoramas, and spectres of light from the everchanging world outside,’ says the 57-year old designer. ‘To continue the historical flow of the haveli, the rooms are designed to weave in and out of the central courtyard and the constant movement of its global guests keeps

it vibrant and alive,’ continues the 57-year old, who further imbibed her skills while being privately tutored in Landscape Architecture by Canadian landscape architect, Clive Justice, in New Delhi. Prior to that she trained in floral design in Holland. Gitanjali incorporated special lighting to ‘awaken’ the building at dusk which then had to be addressed challengingly along with the entire electrical system. ‘Design for me has been less about the placement of objects and more about providing a unique and memorable experience – by creating a mood and breathing in energy in any given space,’ she ends.

A double bed with an ornately carved headboard in one of the guest rooms.

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Beach facing frontal facade overlooks the pool deck.

Poovath Heritage The client, Amritara Hotels & Resorts brief about the conversion of the over 150-yearold Poovath property, located in the famed Fort Kochi, was to turn it into a contemporary boutique resort without compromising the age-old ethos and ambience. ‘When I first saw the property, time had taken its toll and it was a run-down, poorly managed guest house. But it had a positive, wonderful vibe. It was to be transformed into a 10-room private hideaway, yet retaining the original colonial cottage ambience. DNA also had to lay emphasis on aesthetics

and design along with retaining social, environmental and heritage responsibilities,’ says Probir Arora, Studio Director, of New Delhi-based DNA (Design Plus Architecture Pvt Ltd). Coincidentally, the first project under DNA’s canopy was the Four Points by Sheraton on NH 8 in New Delhi, developed by Amritara’s associate company, Shanti Hospitality. ‘I feel it was the client’s confidence in the 2010-established DNA. Upon completion of Four Points, Director Gurmeet Uberai, who had initiated the Amritara chain, gave DNA an opportunity to

The original, antique chandelier was reclaimed and restored and now welcomes guests at the main entrance.

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The Reception Lobby designed in wood, further showcases the reclaimed timber ceiling.

A standard guest room has a beautiful four-poster bed.

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A deluxe room overlooks the swimming pool and the beach and sea beyond.

associate with their future projects,’ reveals the 37-yearold architect. Fortunately, the property built during the British colonial era, did not require any structural changes. Its original Burma teak wooden ceiling, and doors and window frames, and an antique chandelier which hung inside the entrance were reclaimed, refurbished and reused within the property. The plumbing and electrical works were redone to be in sync with the modified room layouts. To ensure high hygiene standards, water and sewage treatment plants were installed. Since there was no new construction done on the site, all the old trees were retained, and the lawns were redevel-

Warm colours on the walls and wooden twin beds with small furniture pieces make for a comfortable standard room.

oped with granite stone pathways for easy connectivity within the property especially during the monsoons. Probir was fortunate to be

guided by Amritara’s Head of Projects, Hemant Raizada. ‘He has had over 30 years of experience working in Kerala, and was instrumental in

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Resorts An overview of The Poovath Heritage shows an eclectic mix of Colonial and Portuguese architecture and influences.

A landscaped path flanked by tropical greens goes along the pool deck.

guiding me to retain the milieu of the resort and achieve the concept of its colonial heritage. Being familiar with local craftsmen, he comfortably

introduced me to Kochi’s old markets, working closely with us to select each art piece, furniture and accessories to retain the age-old spirit of the property, and at the same time meet with the requirements of guests by providing all contemporary facilities and comforts. ‘DNA, being a reasonably young firm, aspires to work on varied projects which aesthetically and socially contribute to the urban fabric,’ concludes Probir attributing his interest in architecture during his growing years, to watching his father, architect Kirit Arora, working passionately on his drawings. IO

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FACT FILE TypoLogy

Resort

pRojECT

Poovath Heritage CLIEnT

Amritara Hotels & Resorts LoCATIon

Kochi, Kerala sITE AREA

16,200 sq ft BuILT up AREA

7600 sq ft

CompLETIon

2013

ARChITECTuRAL FIRm

DNA, New Delhi ARChITECT

Probir Arora DEsIgn guIDAnCE

Hemant Raizada

From Car Garage to Cheery Café Architects Faisal Vohra and Shamila Meeran, founders of F+S Designs, Hyderabad, share their journey of transforming a dim nondescript garage into the bright and buzzing D’Hide Café at Koramangala, Bangalore. The project was part of their submission that won the IIID Young Practice of the Year for 2015 for South India. TexT: Brinda Gill

PhoToGraPhs: nayan soni

e like to design bright, uncluttered, linear spaces that interact well with users. Whether residence, office, hotel, institution, retail store or restaurant we feel it is important that the users of a space find it as logical to negotiate as it is aesthetic and functional. An engaging and enjoyable human experience of a space is paramount to us, and towards this objective we like to create spaces with a soothing, natural and friendly ambience’ says architect Faisal Vohra of the design philosophy he and architect Shamila Meeran, founders of F+S Designs, Hyderabad, believe in.

Crafting a Concept Shamila and Faisal brought their design ethos to conceptualize and create D’Hide Café, at Koramangala, Bangalore, transforming a site that was earlier a dark nondescript garage into a cheery and inviting café of thirty-two covers. Shown a narrow 908 sq ft closed-in garage with a low ceiling, they were asked to create a concept and design for a café that could be replicated in different cities in the country. The garage was adjoining a villa that had been converted into the Pan-Asian restaurant Tim Tai. As Tim Tai became popular within months of its inception, the owners thought

A burst of refreshing colours, natural light and a green wall make D’Hide Café, an all-day dining restaurant, an energizing space through the day.

of putting the vacant garage to good use either as a dessert speciality restaurant or a café. The owners met with Shamila and Faisal to discuss the potential of the space, and the architects suggested a European-style all-day din-

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Cafe

ing restaurant with vibrant vibes where people could enjoy a beverage, finger food or light meal any time of the day. Observing that the neighbourhood was frequented by young people, who enjoyed eating out at stylish yet infor-

mal spaces, they thought a colourful, well-lit, cheerful space – with a choice of seating areas and open kitchens for an interaction between diners and chefs – would be ideal. And after the clients agreed to their idea, and a

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few subsequent ideations, they finalized a plan that transformed the indistinctive cave-like garage into a sparkling European-style café. Opening Up Space As a first the ceiling height

The eyecatching turquoisegreen wall in the form of a grid of open shelves displays about a hundred plants and artefacts neatly placed in the slots.

was raised from seven to thirteen feet to add volume to the long narrow area, and this changed the dynamics of the space as it instantly created a sense of openness. Working around the existing load bearing columns and beams, the architects used them to define spaces such as placing tables, the kitchen and a

green wall between them as well as treating the ceiling differently in different areas. Thus the columns and beams, which could have been an obstruction, were discreetly brought into the design. The long and narrow area was effectively utilized by placing a mix of tables in the fore and along the right side of

100 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

the middle section of cafĂŠ; an island kitchen (comprising a counter and an open kitchen for rustling up beverages and milk shakes) to the left side of the middle section of the cafĂŠ; and the main open plan kitchen, for preparing food, at the rear. Broad and long glass panels were incorporated near the ceiling of the

Shamila Meeran and Faisal Vohra FACT FILE NAmE oF ProjECT

D’Hide Café TyPoLogy

Hospitality ProjECT

Cafe D’Hide LoCATIoN

Koramangala, Bangalore ArEA

925 sq ft CosT

C 35 lakhs ArChITECTurAL FIrm

F+S Designs

The glass entrance door, modelled on the style of glass doors of telephone booths in England, offers a glimpse of the activity inside.

ArChITECTs

Faisal Vohra & Shamila Meeran CoNTrACTor

Khairul

3 1 6

LEGEND: 1. Main entrance, 2. Camouflaged generator space, 3. D’hide cafe ‘plant wall’, 4. Dining area, 5. Open dry kitchen, 6. Wet kitchen

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In in the ethos of European patisseries and bakeries the architects designed a curved glass pastry display unit and a pendant unit of open shelves for the island kitchen in the heart of the cafe.

An old wall telephone adds to the charm of the café.

wall along the façade and on one side of the length of the café to fill the space with light as well as create a sense of openness and an indoor-outdoor sync which is particularly lovely when it is raining. Fleshing Out the Concept ‘We visualized a fresh European country-style café where one would instantly feel at home. We thought of a space that looks well-loved and well lived-in, with each element, material and accessory, carefully picked’, says Shamila. To flesh out this concept and plan the architects selected warm elements such as wood and bright colours that would look good by day (that is by natural light) and night (that is by artificial light) as the café would be an all-day dining restaurant

102 • inside outside september 2017

that is open through the day. Further, they selected a choice of material and elements for the décor that would find resonance with local diners if the café were replicated in any city in India. And at every addition, the architects stepped back to consider the element and design as a whole to ensure the elements blended harmoniously. Apart from wood panelling on the walls and ceiling, they worked bands of painted wood in textured brush strokes – for an upcycled look – on the walls, a long stretch of wooden flooring to guide movement, and cement tiles below the tables and in the kitchen area to combine the aesthetic with the practical. Exposed brick walls, open shelves for displaying arte-

The long and narrow area was effectively utilized by placing a mix of tables in the fore and along the right side of the middle section of the café; an island kitchen for serving beverages and pastry to the left side of the middle section of the café; and the main kitchen, of open plan, for preparing food, at the rear.

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Cafe

facts and crockery, colonial period shutters for cabinets, a glass entrance door (as seen at telephone booths in England) and tables with decorative wrought iron pedestals were integrated to add to the ambience. In the ethos of European patisseries the architects designed a curved glass pastry display unit and a pendant unit of open shelves (akin to similar shelves in European bakeries where fresh bread is placed for patrons to pick up loaves of their choice). To add to the décor they brought in serving and styling elements such as cookie jars, tea pots, old milk measuring containers, wall plates with images of the English countryside, prints of European towns and countryside (with a perspective to add depth to the space), and European-style wall and pen-

dant ceiling lamps.And for a subtle sync with Tim Tai (as the two restaurants are sister concerns) they added blue horizontal bands across the inner wall to echo a similar element in the adjoining restaurant. All Day Cheer An interest in D’Hide Café is piqued from the main road, edging the path to the café, as the glass entrance door offers a glimpse of the activity inside. Walking the short path one passes a high artificial green wall to the left that in fact conceals the restaurant’s generator that local regulations state has to be placed outside an eatery. Opening the entrance door, the eye is drawn inwards to the seating, the island kitchen counter and a turquoise-green wall in the form of a grid of open shelves with about a hundred plants

and artefacts neatly placed in the slots. “In every project we design we think of what kind of green cover we can integrate into the space. At D’Hide Café we created a green hedge to conceal the generator outside and a green wall for plants and succulents inside”, says Faisal. The initial plan was to keep plants for sale so diners could purchase a plant if they wished and thus take a small experience of the café away with them. However, as this came to involve effort, the flora made way for artificial plants for display only, yet its burst of freshness has made it a popular wall for selfies! And as D’Hide Café became popular for its buzz, cheer and food, a second café was designed in Hyderabad on the same lines that has also become a popular hangout! IO

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A high artificial green wall, to the left of the path that leads to the café, conceals its generator that local regulation states has to be placed outside an eatery.

The entire glass facade of the salon has been treated with a jaali to cut down the glare, while permitting sufficient natural light to filter through, creating a dramatic ambience for the hair-grooming area.

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salon

A Moroccan Fantasy

Employing a flamboyant Moroccan aesthetic, a spa-cumsalon in Surat by Studio Perceptus moves away from the expected vanilla flavour, to create a luxurious ambience for the clients to immerse themselves in. Devyani Jayakar takes note of the lavish detailing, worthy of hedonistic beauty rituals. PhotograPhs: tejas shah, courtesy the designer

ll within strict vastu rules,’ was one of the first things the client said to Uday Amin of Studio Perceptus, making evident his primary concern in the design of this space. Frequently the bane of good design, vastu was not such a big stumbling block in this instance. ‘It was a blessing in disguise and actually speeded up the process, since we didn’t have to consider several options for the

layout. Vastu dictated the location where water could be – so all the services are on one wall while the glazing on other sides of the site dictated some of the zoning in the 930 sq ft space of E:nine salon and spa,’ says Uday. Additionally, the client did not want to use graphics, typical of many such spaces. ‘A bold design concept…not basic… not contemporary, were some of the thoughts which came 107 • inside outside september 2017

to mind,’ says Uday. Finally, a detailed Moroccan theme with ornate finishes and customised furniture was decided upon, together with appropriate tapestry. ‘The Moroccan colour palette can often be blue and white, but we chose to employ the warmer one, with more earth tones. The pointed arch, a mainstay of middle eastern architecture, has been used extensively here,’ says Uday. Arches –

MORROCAN DERS

The symmetry and in

TYPICAL MORROCAN DIVIDERS

DIVIDERS CONVERTED INTO PERFORATED PARTITIONS

Conceptual top view of the dividers

DIVIDER/SCREENS CONCEPTUAL CONCEPTUAL TOP VIEW OF THE DIVIDERS

Uday Amin

 With only one

divided longitu compromising DIVIDER/SCREENS CONCEPTUAL sandwiched m  With only one wall left for planning wellness areas after considering Vastu, the entire space was harmony of arc divided longitudinally in two halves to create a passage with stations on either side without compromising on the fluidity of the space. The typical Moroccan divider/screen, having  Meeting the Va sandwiched multi-coloured glasses and perforations in metal frames, was designed to create entire glass faca harmony of arches, providing visual connectivity, privacy and quietness. the glare, as we  Meeting the Vastu criteria, Hair-grooming area was designed East facing, because of which the entire glass facade had to be treated with lattice pattern work-Jali in such a way that it cuts down hair-grooming the glare, as well as allows ample natural light to bathe in, creating a dramatic ambience for the  The Jali and th hair-grooming area.  The Jali and the mirrors were fixed in metal frames, in the shape of a simplified pointed arch. The symmetry

FACT FILE FIrm’s NAmE

Studio Perceptus PrINCIPAL DEsIgNEr

Uday Amin

DEsIgN TEAm

Nivedita Thaker, Jhanvi LuharCONCEPTUAL DIVIDER/SCREENS and Minal Rana

The symmetry and intricacy of Jali breathes life into the room when combined with colours.  With only one wall left for planning wellness areas after considering Vastu, the entire space was

divided longitudinally in two halves to create a passage with stations on either side without compromising on the fluidity of the space. The typical Moroccan divider/screen, having sandwiched multi-coloured glasses and perforations in metal frames, was designed to create harmony of arches, providing visual connectivity, privacy and quietness. LoCATIoN  Meeting the Vastu criteria, Hair-grooming area was designed East facing, because of which the entire glass facade had to be treated with lattice pattern work-Jali in such a way that it cuts down Surat, Gujarat the glare, as well as allows ampleDIVIDERS natural light toCONVERTED bathe in, creatingINTO a dramatic ambience for the TYPICAL MORROCAN hair-grooming area. DIVIDERS PERFORATED PARTITIONS CArPET ArEA  The Jali and the Moroccan mirrors were fixed individers metal frames, in the shape of a simplified pointed arch. Typical Dividers The symmetry and intricacy of Jali breathes life into the room when combined with colours. 930 sq ft

ProjECT NAmE

E Nine Salon and Spa

TYPICAL MORROCAN DIVIDERS

ProjECT CosT

converted into perforated partitions

DIVIDERS CONVERTED INTO EXTERIOR ELEVATION PERFORATED PARTITIONS

C2700 per sq ft ProjECT DurATIoN DIVIDERS CONVERTED INTO 3½ months PERFORATED PARTITIONS ProjECT ComPLETIoN

October 2016

INTERIOR ELEVATION

EXTERIOR ELEVATION

Exterior elevation

Interior elevation

Furniture Layout 1. Waiting/reception (9’-11”x8’-9”), 2. Pedicure/manicure area (6’-6”x6’-0”) 3. Shampoo stations (10’-0”x6’-2”) 4. Pantry (7’-3”x6’-0”) 5. Washroom (5’-9”x4’-0”) 6. Facial rooms (5’-0”x8’-4”) 7. Spa rooms (7’-11”x10’-2”) 8. Shower areas (4’-3”x3’-6”) 9. Make-up room (7’-11”x5’-11”) 10. Hair treatment area (9’-2”x7’-8”) 11. Nail section 12. Storage (5’-4”x1’-9”) 13. Passage 14. Hair cutting area (12’-8”x7’-8”) 15. Consulting area (5’-3”x5’-11”) 16. Common passage/foyer

8 VIEWINTERIOR CONCEPTUAL TOP OF THEELEVATION DIVIDERS 8 6 7

5 6

FACADE TREATEMENT

CEPTUAL TOP VIEW OF THE DIVIDERS

7 9

FACADE TREATEMENT

CONCEPTUAL11TOP VIEW OF THE DIVIDERS MAIN ENTRY

16 15

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1 2

One of the spa rooms has a cooler colour palette in shades of green, a large pendant lamp recalling the middle eastern aesthetic.

large and small â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are used liberally as framing devices as well as on panelling for walls and doors, appearing like a leitmotif wherever you cast your gaze. Ceilings are opulent, with gilded cornices and mouldings contrasted with a brick red colour which continues onto walls. The lobby itself announces the design intent, with floor, walls and ceiling reflecting the Moroccan theme. A patterned dhurrie on the floor, an arched niche on the wall with cove lighting on its periphery and a latticed ceiling create a visually complex palette based on terracotta tones. An arched door with fabric and wooden blocks adds to the textures. Pivoting from its centre, it is

The central partition is an important device which delineates different areas. Folding in and out like an accordion, this complex structure zigzags through the length of the salon.

109 â&#x20AC;˘ inside outside september 2017

The pointed arch, a mainstay of middle eastern architecture, has been used extensively. Repeated geometric patterns and the jewel tones of ruby, cobalt, emerald, yellow and magenta glass in the screens recall Moorish design.

set in a latticed wall which offers glimpses of the interior. Within, the foyer holds a small reception desk and a three-seater couch for clients awaiting their turn. The panel behind the couch has mirrored niches with the ubiquitous arches, holding glass bottles with food colours which can be changed according to the festival or season. ‘This creates flexibility, since offering this option with lighting would have cost much more,’ says Uday. Now each niche glows with a hue which reflects that of the glass-stoppered bottle it holds, creating an illusion of coloured lighting. The entire glass façade of the salon has been treated with a jaali to cut down the glare, while permitting sufficient natural light to filter 110 • inside outside september 2017

through, creating a dramatic ambience for the hairgrooming area. ‘Since the glass façade faced the south, there was an intense influx of light from that direction,’ says Uday. This would have interfered with the carefully premeditated ambience in the interior, further controlled by the use of dimmers. The jaali and the mirrors have been fixed in metal frames, in the shape of a simplified pointed arch. Within the walls, full height windows were provided to give controlled glimpses of other wellness services, creating curiosity in the clients. However, the line of vision was partially obscured to provide privacy by treating the windows with a jaali sandwiched between clear acrylic sheets.’

Since the glass façade faced the south, there was an intense influx of light from that direction, controlled by the use of jaalis.

Repeated geometric patterns and the jewel tones of ruby, cobalt, emerald, yellow and magenta glass in the screens recall Moorish design. The flooring pattern creates an ivory base for the rest of the design to play itself out. Recessed spotlights have been customised from small brass bowls to create an antique effect. The mystique of lacy patterns cast from filigreed pendant lamps crowned with elaborate domes recessed in the ceiling, all conspire to create an ambience worthy of hedonistic beauty rituals…maybe for Scheherazade herself. While it was a unisex salon, the female clients outnumbered the male ones. Consequently, privacy was an important consideration.

‘Most salons have an open plan, to impart a lavish feel. However, here the visitor’s line of vision is partially cut off because of the segregation of the facilities,’ says Uday. The central partition is an important device which delineates different areas. Folding in and out like an accordion, this complex structure zigzags through the length of the salon. ‘The entire space was divided longitudinally in two halves to create a passage with stations on either side, without compromising on the fluidity of the space. The typical Moroccan screen, with sandwiched multicoloured glasses and perforations in metal frames, was designed to create arches while providing visual connectivity, privacy and quietness,’ says Uday.

Arches - large and small - are used liberally as framing devices as well as on panelling for walls and doors, appearing like a leitmotif wherever you cast your gaze. Ceilings are opulent, with gilded cornices and mouldings contrasted with a brick red colour which continues onto the walls.

111 • inside outside september 2017

salon

Even the spa tables reflect a middle eastern sensibility, the arches on their bases distinguishing them from standard tables. The two rooms have their own identities, one with a heavily coffered ceiling from which two filigreed lamps are suspended, casting delicate lacy patterns on the terracotta walls. The other has a cooler colour palette in shades of green, a large pendant lamp recalling the middle eastern aesthetic. The detailing continues in the facial room, makeup room and even the nail spa, its octagonal mirrored table displaying an intricate design on its surface. ‘Since we didn’t have much time, we added pigment to the plaster of Paris instead of

painting the walls,’ says Uday. ‘The 41/2” thick walls were then finished with a coat of silicon spray. Not just making the plaster water-repellent, it even replicated traditional Moroccan plaster – “tadelakt”- a water-proof lime plaster.’ An intense exercise in bringing together pattern, colour and texture within a defined and recognisable aesthetic, Studio Perceptus has created a luxurious ambience with shots of saturated hues – all within a fully vastu-compliant framework. The detailing in the design is everywhere… mysterious, exotic, it provides a transient escape into a fantasy world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. IO 112 • inside outside september 2017

Even the spa tables reflect a middle eastern sensibility, the arches on their bases distinguishing them from standard tables. This room has a heavily coffered ceiling from which two filigreed lamps are suspended, casting delicate lacy patterns on the terracotta walls.

Hindware Kitchen Ensemble Aims To Be Among Top Three Players By 2020

ADVERTORIAL

n 2012, HSIL Limited, the parent company of Hindware, India’s most iconic sanitaryware brand, forayed into the kitchen appliances category and launched Hindware Kitchen Ensemble. Over the last five years, they have built an impressive product portfolio and currently offer products in the category of Chimneys, Cooktops, Built-in Hobs, Built-in Ovens, Built-inmicrowaves, Cooking ranges, Dishwashers, Food waste disposers, Induction cooktops and Kitchen sinks. Within a very short span of time, Hindware Kitchen Ensemble has become one of the key players particularly in the chimney segment after capturing approximately 10% market share In this category. Mr. Rakesh Kaul, President, Consumer Business, HSIL Limited, commented about the swift growth of the brand. “Hindware kitchen appliances targets to be amongst the top three brands in this category within the next two years tenure. Within a very short span of time, brand Hindware has become a very strong player in the chimney category by capturing a 10% market share and this part of HSIL business has grown by more than 100% consecutively for the past two years visa-à-vis an industry growth of around 12%.” With a significant focus on the auto clean chimney segment, Hindware Kitchen Ensemble launched several new models under the category to meet the rising demand of consumers. The current auto clean product range, namely Revio, Cleo and Zavio, are equipped with both water and heating functions and are posi-

tively received in the market. In fact, the Zavio 90 Auto Clean Chimney with thermal auto clean technology, was recently voted as the ‘Product of the Year’ in a consumer survey of product innovation 2017 by Nielson. Combining an alluring design with ultra-modern technology, the star product Zavio 90 has been crafted keeping in mind the contemporary styling of modern kitchens. The star product is equipped with key features such as dual heating, auto clean technology for better and faster cleaning, aesthetically designed cooker hood made of superior titanium which offers the product higher durability. In addition, the product also comes with a soft touch panel and energy efficient LED lighting making the product incredibly consumer friendly and it also featuring an oil collector cup to avoid spillage. Pushing the envelope to offer revolutionary and innovative products both in terms of style and functionality for the discerning Indian customers, Hindware Kitchen Ensemble will soon launch India’s first chimney with motion sensor technology called Theo auto clean chimney. The company has also successfully forayed into the segment of specially designed brass burner hobs suitable for Indian wok-based cooking. Moreover, Hindware kitchen appliances have a wide variety of glass cooktops with over 50 products in this category. Hindware Kitchen Ensemble’s dedicated after-sales service across India further boosts their market presence as the brand offers great customer experience through their contact centers, email and website.

For further information, please contact: Website: hindwareappliances.com Email address: Shankar@hindware.co.in Toll-free number: 1800-3010-2273

snippets Contrabanned

Intriguing Illusion

The art show ‘Contrabanned - Provocations of Our Times’ has been presented by Siddhartha Tagore, conceptualized by Engendered, Transnational Arts & Human Rights and curated by Myna Mukherjee. It explores the power of visual provocations in the public environment. A group of 20 artists showcase new and specially created works for this survey exhibition, spanning multiple mediums – from painting, photography and sculpture to new media, sound and video installations. The show featured the following artists: Anindita Bhattachrya, Ahmer Khan, Aditi Angiras and Murari Jha, Balbir Krishan, Baran Ijlal, Chintan Upadhyay, Gargi Chandola, Gopa Trivedi, Jimmy Chishi, Mujtaba Syed, Puneet Kaushik, Raghava K K, Sharmila Samant, Samit Das, Shashwat Sound Collective, Sumontro Sengupto, Valay Gada and Veer Munshi.

The Chawla Art Gallery in New Delhi presents an art exhibition, Intriguing Illusion, with artists Abhinav Chowbey, Kalar Alam, Nandan Purkayastha, Ranjeeta Kant and Vinita Karim. The exhibition will be on till the end of this month.

Tongji Philip Qian Tongji Philip Qian is a multidisciplinary artist who was born in Shanghai, China. His prints are influenced by the concept of the element of chance and he is devoted to finding chance ‘now’ and ‘here’. Tongji Philip Qian is the recipient of several grants and fellowships including the Annual Artist Fellowship from Schloss Plüschow in Germany and the Dr Judith Temple Grant from Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in the United States. He has exhibited his works in China, Italy and the United States with two solo shows in India at the Kriti Gallery and The Jaipur Summit 2016. He also spent six months of last year as a resident artist at Kriti Gallery in Varanasi. His new solo show is entitled ‘Signals From the Universe: Homage to the Element of Change’ and will be on at the Cosmic Heart Galery, Mumbai from September 18.

The brand of fashion designer Siddartha Tytler is synonymous with elegance and luxury. Keeping this in mind the layout of the new retail store in Delhi lays great emphasis on creating something beautiful and extraordinary, which is a class apart. The store, with the area of 1000 sq ft is a perfect balance between sophistication and opulence through complementing details ranging from furnishing to the soothing grey and

Siddartha Tytler in Delhi 116 • inside outside september 2017

gold palette, which highlights the brand ethos. The store also offers customers the element of ‘the arch’; from this the idea of the singular experience of ‘walking through an endless colonnade’ in a dreamlike journey emerged. At any point within the store one will feel like being embraced in a larger volume than the physical boundary of the space. The store is located just behind the Qutub Minar.

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launches new collection of designer tiles

ERA Sanitaryware Ltd., India’s fastest growing home solutions provider, launched a new collection of exclusive designer tiles for floors and walls at an event held in Kadi, where its main manufacturing plants for sanitaryware and faucets are situated. CERA invited around 500 distributors of tiles from across the country to see the new collection, which was displayed over 9,000 sq ft area. The collection included 500 designs in floor tiles and over 150 design concepts in wall tiles. The categories included digital glazed vitrified tiles, digital wall tiles, third-fired tiles, digital porcelain tiles, etc. in sizes varying from 600x600mm to 800x1200mm. “The response from trade was overwhelming”, says Mr Atul Sanghvi, Executive Director, CERA.

All the designs are unique and break the current clutter of tile designs in the industry. Lucido, the glazed vitrified range, which includes the new book match series is in vogue in both residential and commercial constructions. The marble series and rustic stone series have been designed keeping in mind the consumers’ changing tastes. The new highlighter series in glazed vitrified tiles are truly unique designs that can be used both for floors as well as for walls. Passion, the third-fired wall tiles range are designed in such a way so as to enhance the aesthetics. Apart from the 23 third fired designs, one can also select from a range of 104 regular wall tiles. These look equally amazing in both contemporary and traditional settings. Designed by a team of wellknown tile designers, the new range gives a refreshingly different look from the designs available in the market currently. CERA’s tile plant at Gudur in Andhra Pradesh also commenced the production of Glazed Vitrified Tiles. Apart from sanitaryware, faucets and tiles, CERA’s product range also include bathroom cabinet, storage water tanks, kitchen sink, mirror, sensor and wellness (whirlpools and steam cubicles). Its distribution network consists of over 2,000 dealers and 10,000 retailers. The company also showcases its products through company-managed CERA Style Studios and dealer-managed CERA Style Galleries.

For further information, please contact: Mr. P.K. Shashidharan, Senior Vice President Marketing, CERA Sanitaryware Limited, Ahmedabad on 9327674111 or pks@cera-india.com

ADVERTORIAL

The newly launched designs include: 1 Lucido range – digital glazed vitrified tiles in 800x1200mm, 800x800mm, 600x1200mm and 600x600mm; 2 Eterno range – digital porcelain tiles in 600x600mm 3 Digitale range – digital wall tiles in 300x600mm 4 Passion Range – third-fired tiles in 300x600mm 5 Hardrock series – for high traffic areas like showrooms

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2017

ART Rita Jhunjhunwala The Visual Art Gallery Habitat Centre, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110003. TeL: 011 - 24682001 – 05. emAiL: info@indiahabitat.org WebsiTe: www.indiahabitat.org BETTER BATHROOMS Antica Ceramica 40 Raja Garden, New Delhi - 110015. TeL: 09891075770. Jaquar Group WebsiTe: www.jaquar.com/products GRAFF India WebsiTe: www.graff-faucets.com Maison Valentina WebsiTe: www.maisonvalentina.net THE (Tantalizing Home Effects) 10/59 D, second Floor, Kirti Nagar, industrial Area, New Delhi - 110015. TeL: 08920656501. WebsiTe: www.thehomeeffects.com VitrA WebsiTe: www.vitra-india.com

SIMPLIFIED SOPHISTICATION Manoj Bhandari manoj bhandari & Associates, 1, Little Flower society, Rachana High school Road, sharanpur Road, Nashik – 422002. TeL: 0253 – 6602183 / 9823070291. emAiL: mk_bhandari@yahoo.com

RAVISHING RUGS Cocoon Fine Rugs A block basement, shiv sagar estate, Dr A b Road, mumbai – 400018. TeL: 022 – 24928647 / 48. emAiL: mail@cocooncarpets.com WebsiTe: www.cocooncarpets.com D’decor solitaire Corporate Park, s – 14, 167 Guru Hargovindji marg, Andheri – Ghatkopar Link Road, Chakala, Andheri east, mumbai – 400093. TeL: 022 – 66782000 / 2020. emAiL: enquiry@ddecor.com WebsiTe: www.ddecor.com Freedom Tree Design block 31, Laxmi Woolen mill Compound, shakti mill Lane, Off e moses Road, mahalakshmi (W), mumbai – 400011. TeL: 022 – 24914433. emAiL: shop@freedomtreedesign.com WebsiTe: www.freedomtree.in Hands Carpets & Rugs Gala No. 30/C, Laxmi industrial estate, New Link Road, Andheri (W), mumbai – 400053. TeL: 022 – 26320609. emAiL: mumbai@hands-carpets.com WebsiTe: www.hands-carpets.com Maspar maspar House, b-1 / F8, mohan Co-Op industrial estate, mathura Road, New Delhi – 110044. TeL: 011 – 40605000 / 5060 / 40605022. emAiL: mail@maspar.in WebsiTe: www.maspar.com Obeetee Pvt Ltd A-45, sector – 64, Noida – 201301. TeL: 0120 – 4690200. emAiL: obeetee.info@obeetee.com WebsiTe: www.obeetee.com Peek-a-boo Patterns 16/47, Kasturi Rangan Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018. TeL: 044 – 24992365 / 09884040812. emAiL: info@peekaboopatterns.com The Rug Republic A-228, sector 83, Near Nse Jad, Noida (UP) – 201301. TeL: 0120 – 4320111 / 4222544. emAiL: support@trrhome.com WebsiTe: www.therugrepublic.in FURNITURE Samira Rathod Design Associates Unique industrial estate, Gala No. 4, Ground Floor / Gala No. 421, 4th Floor, Veer savarkar marg, Prabhadevi, mumbai - 400 025. Meuble India senapati bapat marg, Raghuvanshi mill Compound, Lower Parel (W), mumbai, maharashtra – 400013 Studio Wood Design Workshop 138/2/9 Kishangarh, Near Paradise banquet, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070. emAiL: hello@studiowood.co.in

A LUXURIOUS RENDITION OF VASTU SHASTRA Sa|Sw Sathish’s Swanlines #2307 ”swanlines”, Near Adigas, 12th main, 3rd block east, Jayanagar, bengaluru – 560011. TeL: 080 – 26643636. emAiL: info@swanlines.in WebsiTe: www.swanlines.in

A HOME OF OUR OWN Pravin Lomate e-design Architects, Flat no. 03, Gr. Floor, moon Housing society, Opposite Nashik Fire brigade, Old Gurudwara Road, shingada Talaw, Nashik – 422001. TeL: 0253 – 2509511 / 9975201552. emAiL: pravinlomate@gmail.com WebsiTe: www.e-design.in FUNCTION AND SIMPLICITY Mahesh Deepak Shirke studio Frozen music, Ground Floor, shivdeep Apartment, behind H.P.T. College, shirke Farm, Nashik – 422005. TeL: 0253 – 2312781 / 9860982889. emAiL: mahesh_shirke3@yahoo.com HERITAGE STEEPED HOLIDAYS! Suryauday Haveli 142 Ashoka Apartment, Nepean sea Road, mumbai – 400006. TeL: +91 9820502439. emAiL: anju2104@gmail.com Poovath Heritage DNA, b-14 Kalkaji, New Delhi – 110019. Office: e-161, First Floor, Kalkaji, New Delhi – 110019. TeL: 011 – 26464892 / 09810569197. emAiL: probirarora@gmail.com FROM CAR GARAGE TO CHEERY CAFÉ Faisal Vohra & Shamila Meeran F+s Design, Flat # 2, GF, 8-2-596/7, Road # 10, banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500034. TeL: 040 – 42618550. emAiL: design@fpluss.in WebsiTe: www.fpluss.in A MOROCCAN FANTASY Uday Amin studio Perceptus, 703, Tower A, manubhai Tower, sayajigunj, Vadodara – 390005. TeL: 09898995336. emAiL: uddezine@gmail.com SNIPPETS Contrabanned - Provocations of Our Times Art Konsult, 3 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi – 110016. TeL: 011 – 65683083 / 26523382 / 26531819. emAiL: info@art-konsult.com WebsiTe: www.art-konsult.com Tongji Philip Qian Cosmic Heart Gallery, G-2A, Court Chambers, 35 - New marine Lines, mumbai – 400020. TeL: 022 – 22085926. Intriguing Illusions The Chawla Art Gallery, Gr. Floor, C-2, square One mall, saket, New Delhi – 110017. TeL: 011 – 26532077. WebsiTe: www.chawla-artgallery.com Siddartha Tytler Store siddartha’s Design Aesthetics, 6/4, 1st Floor, Qutab boulevard, Kalka Das marg, behind Qutab minar, mehauli, New Delhi – 110030. TeL: 09582214660.

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