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Mohit

Dr.

Mahesh Karnani

Built on a typically rectangular plot, this house establishes a conversation between whimsy and simplicity meeting all the requirements of the clients.

The Chromatic

INTRODUCTION

Rectangular urban plots usually generate rectilinear plans, resulting in stratified & compartmentalised domestic lives. Even without pandemic-induced isolations, urban families often desire deeper, almost rural, linkages and balance between the home and a private garden. Anagram Architects had been asked to create a whimsical yet simple structure, enclosed within a typically rectangular plot of 6800 sq. ft. surrounded by neighbours along its three sides.

THE DESIGN

Keen on a light-hearted and vibrant city home, client--a youthful family of five--wanted an active lifestyle invested in spending time together. The home blocks extraneous views while expansively opening into a large lawn, carved diagonally out of the plot. From tinted concrete to shafts of light from pitched skylights, the design infuses whimsical playfulness into an admired material palette and stark volumes.

MEETING CLIENT’S REQUIREMENTS

Chromatic House’s child-like playfulness derives directly from the client’s mandate. A young nuclear family of five, desired a city home for the children to grow up playing together under actively participative care of their parents. So, the design arranges the home and a lawn in an oblique, but equal, figure-ground and departs from the urban box-form by referencing a more rural pitched roof form with a long verandah.

Chromatic House

The bedrooms on the first floor spill onto a large tapered A-frame volume which accommodates a mezzanine lounge and the living, dining and kitchen in an open plan. This volume opens in to the lawn and vegetable garden, through a long verandah shaded by a pergola, while the study in the attic whimsically connects with it, through a slide tucked under the stairs.

The design is a conversation between whimsy and simplicity: between material vibrancy, play of light and reticent fenestrations, on one hand, and a stark, tapered, singular volume on the other. All the building materials used are sourced from within a 300-mile radius from the site. North Indian marbles vis-àvis the imported stones have been extensively preferred.

Tint, patterns and texture of bare concrete and terracotta is meant to infuse youthfulness into an admired and frugal material palette. The red tinted, concrete in expressed formwork used externally transitions to smooth grey concrete internally. Similarly, diagonally patterned yellow brick contrasts with thin-section birch joinery to add delicate warmth to the light filled interior.

In the backdrop of the climate change issue, the parents were equally conscious of the environmental footprints of the construction of Chromatic House. The tapering linear form and glare protected windows--aligned to the open lawn and punctured by a fabric shaded open atrium--helped orient the house to maximise daylighting and minimise extraneous views and solar thermal heat gain passively.

The substantial heating and cooling required in the north Indian semi-arid, semi-humid subtropical climate is actively addressed by an under-floor radiant heating and cooling HVAC system. This low energy system, the first installation of its kind for a residence in the region, helps manage temperature extremes while allowing the house to be naturally lit and ventilated. Photovoltaics installed on the sloping roof generate energy to be fed back to the grid.

Almost half of the site is a lawn meant to soak up runoff from extreme rain incidents that are now quite common in the region. As it transpired, the home’s emphasis on private greens, exclusion of the outside noise and views has made pandemic-induced boredom and isolations things of the past. BMR

SPECIFICATIONS

CHROMATIC HOUSE

Location: Gurugram, Haryana, India

Architect: Anagram Architects

Design Team: Vaibhav Dimri, Madhav Raman, Shruti Dimri, Jainy Gandhi, Piyush Parimal, Kalaiarasan C

Project Area: 6800 sqft

Photo Credit: André Jeanpierre Fanthome

The design is a conversation between whimsy and simplicity: between material vibrancy, play of light and reticent fenestrations, on one hand, and a stark, tapered, singular volume on the other.

Ar. Shruti Dimri

PRINCIPAL, ANAGRAM ARCHITECTS

ID ORIGINS

Mumbai’s

New Landmark

For such a prestigious project, the challenge was to do justice to the city as well as location and also to get the building integrated into the urban fabric of the country’s financial capital.

Ar. Amit & Britta Knobel Gupta Founding Partners, Studio Symbiosis

INTRODUCTION

ID Origins--a project that marks the dawn of a new era in the Dudhwala legacy. Located in the heart of South Mumbai, this mixed use tower, comprising six office and twelve residential floors on top, has established its identity in the nation’s financial capital. The client wanted to retain the old--a low rise building, which wasn’t fit for any further vertical extension. So, to bear the load of the additional floors, peripheral columns have been erected from bottom to top and a transfer floor has also been casted.

The requirement of the client was to create an architectural expression with external designing that included façade, landscaping and interiors for this retrofitting building. This is because when the project was handed over to Studio Symbiosis, 40% work of the construction--including the basic structural designing--had already been completed.

The result is a façade grid that has two distinct horizontal striations with two different mismatched vertical

grids. The design intent was to integrate the existing and proposed building grid into one coherent design language. Duality of design looks to minimising the heat gain on the office floors and maximising the views on the residential floors. This design language of calligraphic curves is further extended into the interiors as well as landscape of the site.

The beautiful art form of ‘Calligraphy’ has been adopted in this design project, to create vertical, undulating strokes seamlessly amalgamating the entire built form into one. These calligraphic lines create unobstructed city view from the residential floors on the top, while becoming a perforated screen for the office floors. The strokes are aligned to screen the external columns and integrate the multiple entrances on the ground floor.

This comprehensive design language looks at giving a unified experience to the residents as well as the visitors. The breath-taking design of the innovative facade has been created by the New Delhi-based award-winning architecture firm

designer, renowned as a major figure in architecture of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

THE SIGNIFICANCE ID Origins is a mixed used revitalisation project which has been designed using undulating calligraphic strokes which seamlessly integrate the old and the new. The significance of the project arises both from its location in the city of Mumbai and also the sentimental value the building holds for the owners. The idea was to create a structure that must respond to the site, to design brief, and to the people occupying it.

The original structure was built in the 1980’s and is the pivotal focus of where the owners started their business, hence the name ID origins. Twelve additional residential floors have been erected above the existing six commercial floors, with a transfer girder between these two stratas as well as additional columns that have been designed starting from the ground up.

Studio Symbiosis, with the founders Ar. Amit & Britta Knobel Gupta having been close disciples of the late Zaha Hadid—the Iraqi-British architect, artist and

Given the dichotomy of the requirements of these distinct activities in the building, the design looks at creating perforated screens on the commercial floors to reduce solar glare and provide optimum lux level. These calligraphic strokes gradually wane as they reach the residential floors, thereby maximising the panoramic views for the residential apartments.

FAÇADE – THE LOCUS OF THE SITE

The façade of the project creates a locus for the site, and acts as a visual marker for the entrance to the overall site, which spreads over 12 acres of land. In the dense urban fabric of Mumbai, the project is visible from pedestrian as well as vehicular routes, making the site experience more coherent.

This urban rehabilitation of the site extends into the urban fabric by the means of, rerouting the entrances and exits to decongest the entrance road, uplifting the pedestrian walkways in the vicinity of the site, dissolving the

site boundary and creating an urban lobby which becomes a part of the Mumbai streetscape.

Considering the undulating nature of the façade, it was important to rationalise it into panels that are easy to construct for construction. The geometry of the calligraphic moves is planar in nature, with a V profile in plan. This was done to ensure that we have multiple options of materials and techniques to execute the design.

BUILDING MATERIALS USED

SPECIFICATIONS

ID ORIGINS, MUMBAI

Given the loading requirements on the old existing structure, this execution flexibility, inbuilt in the design, was helpful. Mock-ups were done on site for GRC, FRP, ACP, and finally CNC-routed ACP panels were selected due to their light weight and fire rated properties. The time of execution was reduced by six months as no moulds were required. Thus, overall, the cost of construction was also cut down.

Completed in shorter than the given time frame, the mixed use property has been executed in its entirety and handed over to the 3rd generation of the Dudhwala dynasty. This brainchild of the new-gen has already bagged several credible accolades, including the ‘Best Design’ award at the renowned World Architecture 36th Cycle Awards event. BMR

Twin House

Tied with Umbilical Cord

The architecture shows the beautiful bond of a family of three generations living together for decades that decided to live ‘independently’ without actually ‘separating’.

INTRODUCTION

The two sons bought two plots, adjacent to each other; decided to get a house built in such a fashion that allowed them to live separately without actually separating--that too within the same premises. They contacted R K Malik & Associates, owned by Ar. Rakesh Kumar Malik, popularly known as Ar. R K Malik

Established in 1987, Ar. R K Malik & Associates is a well-known architecture firm in Moradabad (UP). Specialists in senior living and healthcare, the firm focuses on creative approaches to multi-family and multi-generational housing,

delivering the highest level of service and sensitivity to its clients. Famed for fusing creativity with innovation and creating stunning architectural masterpieces, RK Malik designs buildings that fit the landscape, the program, and the budget.

DESIGN QUOTIENT

To create such an abode, the architect took around a year, which also included his rounds of discussions with the client. It took him a great deal to study and understand the specific requirements of each family members and then listing out the needs of every individual.

It was quite a challenge to incorporate and combine the varied needs of the septuagenarians, the quinquagenarians and the vicenarians in one structure. It was a matter of filing up the generational gap with an architectural design to meet the needs of all and satisfy each of the inhabitants. The challenge was successfully overcome.

The east-facing plot measures 40m x 60m in area. The plan so prepared was to develop spaces for the two families living together with visible separation. Each of the twin houses comprise covered area, semi

covered area, and an open area (the green courtyard) which is common for both the families.

The architecture so prepared has a main entrance, a puja room, six bedrooms, two drawing rooms, two living rooms + kitchens, a green courtyard, one swimming pool, a fire place, a waterfall, a home theatre, a discotheque, and an expanded parking for not less than four cars. This listing clearly shows that the requirements of each of the three age groups have been fulfilled.

Entering through the common entrance for the building, the twin house gets their separate ways right after stepping in the seating area on the ground floor. As the name depicts, twin house is the mirror of one-another. Subsequently, the ground floor of every house has two bedrooms, one living area encompassing kitchen, and a drawing room.

At the entrance, there is a double height ceiling, an expanded seating area, a temple, and two separate entries for the twin houses. This main entry goes across the last point of the building crossing the open veranda, green courtyard, swimming pool, and waterfall. The green courtyard comes right in the middle

of the twin house and never allows the inhabitants to feel separated.

The first floor is reserved for the new generation with three bedrooms--one in front and two in the back. These apart, there is an expanded seating area, a living area, a discotheque, and a home theatre getting connected through a terrace overlooking to the common areas on the ground floor. On the terrace, there is one more bedroom making

each of the twin houses a sixbedroom abode.

VASTU ANGLE

The twin house is so designed that it makes the environment healthier for its inhabitants. Front lawn, terrace and the green courtyard – all are in the same line, bifurcating the twin house. Each room gets ample sunlight throughout the day and is completely ventilated having an opening towards the green courtyard. All this shows that it has been designed and built keeping in mind the Vastu principles.

The USP of the building is its openness. The architectural design has been created in such a fashion that not even a single corner of the house needs artificial lighting during the day. All enclosures--be it bedrooms, living rooms, drawing rooms, or kitchens--are so placed around the green courtyard that the inhabitants can see the movement of the sun all through the day, right from dawn to dusk. BMR

SPECIFICATIONS

TWIN HOUSE

Location: Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh

Architect: RK Malik & Associates

Design Team: RK Malik, Bharat Malik, Ashna Aggarwal

Project Area: 2400 sqm

Photo Credit: Vinit Kumar Singh (BMR)

Ar. RK Malik & Bharat Malik, RK MALIK & ASSOCIATES

REHAU, a global leader in polymer-based solutions, was founded in Germany in the year 1948. The brand started its Indian operations in 1997 and is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year in India. During this period, REHAU has made a significant mark in the country’s furniture, construction, and industrial markets. For furniture industry, the company has a wide range of edge bands, solid surfaces, laminates and floorings. Of late, it has also ventured into furniture hardware solution and exterior wall cladding. REHAU’s industrial solution includes third rail for the urban transportation industry, while gaskets and profiles for the residential and commercial appliance industries. In terms of building solution, the company provides plumbing and drainage solutions.

On the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebration, BMR Editorial Team got hold with Bhavana Bindra, MD, REHAU SOA. She talks at length about the company’s latest developments and its future growth strategy. Edited excerpts are here as under:

CONSOLIDATING PRESENCE IN REHAU INDIA

How has been REHAU’s 25 years in India? What is your further expansion plan?

We feel proud that the company is celebrating 25 years in India and it has been a remarkable journey so far. As the most popular choice for Edgebands in India, we have had an amazing customer acceptance over the period. This inspired us to broaden our focus and move beyond.

The journey has been of being an Edgebands supplier to a wideranging furniture solutions company today. Since starting in 1997, REHAU has grown up to own three plants and multiple warehouses. To reach here, not only the REHAU team, but also our trade partners have played a vital role. With a strong network comprising more than 1000 direct customers, over 500 dealers and around 2500 retailers, it is a mission for us to make REHAU a household name with the support of our partners.

In addition, as part of the company's drive into the retail market, REHAU is having a comprehensive range of furniture solutions under one roof including Edgebands, adhesives, roller shutters, and plinths, under brand REHAU Retail-one name multiple solution for the market.

In addition, we are rapidly expanding in the industrial solution category through our fully dedicated production facility in Pune. REHAU is one the biggest suppliers of Third Rail that caters to rapidly expanding metro rail projects across the country. We are in the process of localising our production by bringing German technology to India in order to support the ‘Make in India’ initiative and contribute to India's economic growth story.

REHAU is committed to expand its presence in the India. We strive to offer new product lines under our umbrella, and even at this moment we are working on several initiatives that will further consolidate our presence in the Indian market in time to come.

What is the latest addition to the product portfolio of REHAU?

We have recently launched furniture hardware solutions in collaboration with TITUS Group in India. Alongside, we have also come up with exterior wall cladding with a variety of options meant especially for our Indian customers.

How is the association with TITUS Group going to add value to REHAU India’s product portfolio?

In order to offer comprehensive solutions to our B2B partners and to tap into the B2C market, we consciously ventured into the hardware sector. The partnership between REHAU and TITUS is a stride towards offering premium hardware solutions to our Indian customers. We believe that India has a sizable market for high-quality hardware, and our alliance is a strategic move toward seizing that opportunity. The partnership brings together two companies that value having a close relationship with their partners and offering cutting-edge products.

In furniture assembly work, hardware plays the role of the backbone for the entire system as it significantly adds to the product's functionality, quality, and durability. In order to provide our clients with high-quality products, REHAU's motto is to ‘Bring the Best of Both Worlds’, and our partnership with TITUS showcases this as an excellent example. I'm delighted and looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership where we can complement each other's strengths.

Which all products are being offered under the hardware range?

REHAU and TITUS will engage to deliver an exclusive range of hardware products to customers and furniture manufacturers in India. The range includes hinges, push latch, drawer systems, connecting fittings, and damping solutions. The third generation of slide-on hinges with integrated damping seamlessly deliver a consistent and reliable opening and closing performance. Tested for more than 80,000 cycles, it increases the shelf-life of the end-product.

Bhavana Bindra, MD, REHAU SOA

Our T-type hinges save time at the assembly-level, as the 3-Way Snap-On intuitive hinge-to-plate mounting (top, front and back) makes installation a swift process, especially for tall doors and kitchen cabinets. The Tekform Slimline drawer ensures easy interchangeability and flexibility, considering its sleek structure and is used majorly in premium kitchens that demands smart space utilisation.

The CAM 5000 from the latest hardware range ensures a smooth tightening action and great dowel pull-up for seamless furniture assembly and improved quality of finished products. To overcome inaccurate drilling, we have come up with the Quickfit TL2 and TL5 Dowel that has built-in self-adjustment feature. This is a consumer friendly fitting - with just a simple push-in by hand the fitting inserts in the dowel hole and the operation completes in less than 1 second.

Last but not the least, we also offer soft close solutions for cabinets and drawers which doesn’t require any pre-drilling, thus giving a chance to the consumers to enjoy a tool-free assembly. The push-latch hardware is designed to be used with standard hinges and drawers. It enables effortless opening and closing of the furniture without handles and can be easily mounted without the requirement of drilling. In addition, Titusoft is another value addition for India from our premium hardware offering, adaptable in both wooden and metal drawers.

How would you define smartness through your bouquet of products? REHAU has been able to bring about revolutionary changes across the broad variety of products it delivers to the market. Any product from REHAU is synonymous with smartness. We characterize smartness for the product lines with engineering and technology behind the products. Be it manufacturing, design, advancing the finishes used, safety and hygiene, these products facilitate easy and quick installation, user-friendliness, durability, sustainability, and last but not the least- value for money.

As the most popular choice for Edgebands in India, REHAU is the

undisputed leader. Moreover, to strike the right tone, we are also adding about 200 new Edgebands annually that matches the most popular laminates in the market. As part of our continued efforts to add value and provide smart solutions, we offer zero-joint Edgebands, enhancing the overall aesthetic of surfaces by giving a seamless finish to the furniture. We have also developed Edgebands having antiviral properties, with a protective coating against specific viruses.

We entered the exterior solution segment with recently launched exterior wall cladding, under the brand name R Bravura. The special protective polymeric layer on its top makes the surface easy-to-clean. The product has outstanding anti-graffiti capabilities and is environmentally responsible. While most other facade cladding products practice closed system for installation, REHAU Clads saves up to 30% energy using the rear ventilation façade (VHF), and allowing buildings to breathe.

Our REHAU Kitchen, a premium modular kitchen, offers both superior German quality and a fantastic customer experience. Made with German engineering, the smart concept here allows plenty of room and options for development even when space is limited – without the need to compromise with support from uniquely customised designs. To offer our customers only the very best, we have collaborated with exclusive brands for hardware and kitchen equipment to create luxury kitchens. We provide customers with personal kitchen stylist who accompany them in their planning and visualisation for a smart kitchen. BMR

RAUVISIO Laminate

B-type i3 Damper +Titus

Zero-Joint Edgeband

RAUKANTEX

Syed Md Ehteshamul Hasan

The Cowshed

THE A SPECTATOR OF

Nature

A simple and minimalistic getaway home, reflecting the divine panorama of the lofty Himalayas and the surrounding magnificence, with a built-up area of 3200-sq. ft.

The Design Brief

It was quite simple: the client wanted a vacation home, away from the busy urban life. A simple 3-bedroom cottage with a large comfortable living area to chill out with family and friends. As architects, we wanted to create a unique, significant and contextual design revolving around the principles of space and material optimisation.

The Challenge

It was to insert the building into a 2500-sq. yards site and surrounding context unobtrusively, blending it with the existing setting. Our expeditions around the Kumaon Hills had already

sensitised us to the various facets of the vernacular architecture.

We were informed about the treatment of the hilly gradient, positioning of living areas to catch the winter sun, and the inherent

PRINCIPAL, ATRIUM DESIGN STUDIO

Ar. Sumit Saxena

simplicity of built form. The natural lay of the land led to creation of multilevel spaces as part of the design with minimum cutting and filling of land.

The Site & Its Context

The site with a natural steep gradient, along with some amazing views of the Himalayas on the northern side, features natural vegetation and a smattering of typically Kumaoni homes made for a very rural quiet setting.

The Design Approach

Inspired from the attributes of vernacular Kumaoni houses, we treated the site gradients in true form wherein upper levels with better exposure to sun kept for living, while lower areas for services, storage, cattle, etc.

Highpoint of the building: a largevolumed central space around a fireplace, which is the essential living area with activities happening all around it. With minimum division of spaces, the occupants can enjoy scenic natural surroundings.

Having peace with its surroundings, the language of the structure is contemporary; but material palette is completely local. As a spectator of the nature, the building is designed to capture south sun and remain comfortably warm.

Ground Floor

The plan is laid out in a very simple manner--the central staircase and entrance lobby bay splits the ground floor into the living and sleeping areas spaces. The main living space with its double height sloping roof is the heart of the house. This space spills out into a generously proportioned sit out with east side orientation allowing it to catch both the morning sun and the majestic views of the Himalayas.

The open kitchen and dining is separated by a level and is visually continuous with the living space. The kitchen has a semi-open space on the south side for spill over cooking activities. This barrier-less treatment of spaces makes for an open interactive space where each activity is shared, continuous and all-inclusive. The bedroom has a bay

window in the north located in a way that one lying on the bed has a full view of the mountain and a private sit-out on the south side to soak in the winter sun.

First Floor

The staircase leads upto the upper level. Large windows on the north and south side of the stairwell keeps it both, well lit and warm. Each bedroom has bay windows and views of the mountains. The landing extends into a small reading area overlooking the living space below, and the mountains outside. The double height living space ensures vertical connectivity throughout the house.

Building Language And Character

The building seems to organically grow as an extension of the natural contours of the land. Rough local stone masonry for retaining walls, and steps look completely a part of the hill itself. Large rocks have bee left undisturbed where possible. The exposed stone masonry is used for external as well as interior walls. White painted exposed brickwork and concrete add to the simple rustic character of the building.

The neutral tone of tiles extends seamlessly into all the spaces. Local woods--like pine and Tun--have been used for flooring, roofing, and furniture. Extensive use of white provides a perfect counterfoil to all the textures of stone and wood, creating interior spaces that are bright, beautifully lit and completely connected to the outside at all levels. The overall elevational character is simple and unassuming.

In A Nutshell

The Cowshed is a contemporary building designed with simple local materials rooted to its context--a building at peace with its surroundings and essentially designed to be a spectator of the nature. BMR

SPECIFICATIONS

THE COWSHED Architects: Atrium Design

Chief Architect: Ar. Sumit Saxena

Built-up Area: 3200 sft

Project Type: Individual House

Location: Sarla Rautela, Uttarakhand

Floating Roof House

Duplex with Internal Courtyard

Having elements of nature imbibed into it, this office-cum-house is connected yet separated giving the homeowners a sense of relaxation with ample open spaces inside the four walls.

Introduction

Chandigarh--one of the well-designed cities of India--is known for its eyecatching architecture, sparklingly clean roads, and lush greenery.

Passionate and proto-typical Ar. Rahul Bamba hails from the same accentuating architectural land, where he created this spectacular 8500-sq. ft. floating roof house. Situated in Zirakpur (Mohali), Silver City Greens is located at the foothills of Shivalik. It reflects the fusion of latest architectural technology and modern lifestyle.

Clients’ Requirements

With a plot measuring 50ft x 90ft, the Goels had a long awaited plan of getting designed a residence-cumoffice, which eventually got a planner in the face of Ar. Rahul Bamba. Their requirement was pretty simple: to have a spacious house-cum-office with the feel of openness and greeneries around.

Design Quotients

Considering the same, the office has been designed in a manner that despite being an inevitable part of the residential property, its operation doesn’t disturb the decorum of the residence. It got connected directly with the outer periphery to avoid any

Ar. Rahul Bamba, PRINCIPAL, ARB

movement of office staff or clients from within the residential area. The lift is mounted in the duplex to give the homeowners and other occupants a sense of relaxation.

The ground floor of the residential part has two bedrooms--one each in the front and the back. Drawing room, living area, kitchen and dining space are all on this floor and conjunct in the central area or the internal courtyard. The double height puja room gives a gracious feel to the space. All these are placed in manner that whole view of the house can be enjoyed standing in any part of the central area, which also has a wooden staircase giving access to the duplex.

Standing at the main entrance, one can see the last wall of this office-cum-residence bringing a feel of openness to the inhabitants. So, no claustrophobic feeling despite staying inside the four walls. Presence of water bodies in the back and right at the main entrance underneath floating steps bring a different feel altogether.

In all, this house has four bedrooms. Besides a master bedroom, there are three more bedrooms--one each for parents, children, and guests. The terrace is entirely open although there is a garden area that houses a gazeebo and a bar for a family get together or to occasionally treat the guests.

The Greeneries

The house is surrounded with the green areas in the form of gardens in the front, rear, and sides. There is a huge walking closet connected to the toilet, which is separated by glass door partitions. Inside the toilet, there also is a green area that allows natural light to keep the washroom illuminated during the daytime.

Apart from the glass railing towards the central area, the first floor also sports a glass bridge enhancing the double height area of the internal courtyard. There is a home theatre and an open family lounge on this floor for entertaining sessions and family bonding. These would allow them to enjoy music, movies and tea together.

Key Features

These include the double floating MS roofs adding hue to the entre architecture, the double-height entrance--all covered with louvers, the triple-height glass windows at the front that connect it with the outer world and make it look far more spacious from inside. The side passage that appears to be a part of the residence is entirely segregated and leads to the servant quarter, giving the servants access to kitchen and all the floors through the corridor--and not from inside the main residence. BMR

SPECIFICATIONS

FLOATING ROOF HOUSE

Location: Zeerakpur, Silver City, Chandigarh

Architect: Ar. Rahul Bamba

Design Team: Ar. Rahul Bamba & Team

Project Area: 8500 sqft

Photo Credit: Vinit Kumar Singh (BMR)

LE CASA DELUXE

ONE POINT SOLUTION FOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR NEEDS

It’s the story of an ambitious man, Mohit Singal, who, after completing his PG in Business Economics, worked in various organisations in different capacities. His dream of being an entrepreneur never let him settled. And in 2004, he flagged off his own venture, Zap Exports Pvt. Ltd. and started catering to the needs of Scandinavian countries. In 2006, he launched a couple of brands–D'Spaze and Luxe Touch–serving the requirements of interiors and exteriors through imports. Moving forward, in 2011, he went on to launch a retail brand, Le Casa Deluxe, under a sister company Intext Concepts through which he introduced various other items of the Gen Next choice. The BMR Editorial Team caught him at his office to explore his journey. Excerpts:

How many brands do you have and which all products do you offer under each brand?

We have three brands and under each brand we have different kind of products and services. Under our brand, D'Spaze, we are offering WPC panels, PVC panels, 3D Foam stickers, 3D PVC panels, and artificial grass. We launched our brand, Luxe Touch, to cater to the luxury segment of interiors, wherein we offer soft leather panelling and leather boards, while Le Casa Deluxe is our retail brand under which we offer all the products related to floors, walls and ceilings. This includes solutions for exteriors, terrace and decking.

We offer WPC decking, cladding, pergolas, terrace developments, and many ranges of flooring solutions, which include carpet tiles, wooden flooring, PVC flooring, and SPC flooring. All the paneling solutions that we have are also fit for ceiling. In windows, we offer insect bash, interior & exterior blinds, curtain rods, etc.

Of the numerous products, which one is your star product?

Presently, outdoor products are doing very well owing to the rapidly picking concept of terrace development. People are investing in their terraces, and, in turn, pushing the demand up for pergolas and gazeebos. Apart from that we do offer solution for paneling, which is our strength. Along with that a market for louvers is really hot which we are concentrating on.

How Le Casa Deluxe is different from the rest of your brands?

Under Le Casa Deluxe, we don’t only offer the products but also guidance and end-to-end services-right from measurement of the space to guidance in selection of the most appropriate products and then to installation, followed by aftersales service.

How did you get this idea?

Nowadays, markets are very dynamic which forces to think forward to be in sync with it. We observed that clientbased requirements are changing as they also want service. Most of the clients that we have come across and the way we understand them, lack the understanding of both products as well as solutions that suit them best. They also lack the understating as to how to get the job done. Considering all this, we came up with the concept of complete service offering to the clients with an expansive range of solutions alongside the guidance in selection of the most appropriate products. Thus, we have become a one-point solution for their interior and exterior needs.

How do you market your products?

Do you also have a distribution network?

Under Zap Exports, we have 150 dealers spread across the country for selling our D'Spaze and Luxe Touch brands. For Le Casa Deluxe, we are concentrating more on NCR. But the concept developed through Le Casa Deluxe has immense potential, and hence, we have decided to expand our presence. Accordingly, we are targeting around 20 franchisees across the country. BMR

Mohit Singal, MD, Zap Exports Pvt. Ltd.

Smart

Bathrooms

AN INEVITABLE FUTURE

Introduction

The way technological innovations and inventions are breaking the boundaries, and appliances are being turned into gadgets while sensibly responding to human voice, it’s no wonder home automation, as a ‘must have feature’, is rapidly making inroad in the Indian mind-set. By the way, it’s already a global trend. In a way, home automation solution converts a home into a smart home, simply by combining electrical, multimedia, and telecommunications technologies into a single user-friendly smart or automatic home solution.

Smart Homes

Therefore, these include smart products and personal assistant devices that allow users to connect to a central hub, via a phone, tablet, or computer from anywhere, making life easier. From voice-controlled virtual assistants to app-controlled thermostats, the automation technology has steered the future into our homes. As technology continues to improvise, even spaces as personal as our home bathrooms, will likely only grow more and more.

The Boom

Last couple of years have witnessed an unprecedented boom in smart home devices to an extent that those devices have become must-haves for tech-savvy homeowners looking to monitor their homes, protect their kids or have smarter kitchens, among other things. And, smart bathroom technology is one of the

latest inclusions in it. Smart bathroom gadgets can offer convenience, safety, reduced waste, and improved health.

However, these smart technologies aren’t limited only to affluent residences. While the hospitality industry is rapidly implementing smart technology to improve their customer experiences, these are also becoming popular

additions in a variety of business sectors, including spas and salons, malls, and sports & leisure centres. In this issue of Building Material Reporter (BMR), we are focussing more on what, why and how of smart bathrooms in near future.

What’s Smart Bathroom?

In one line, it’s the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) into bathrooms. Just like many other household appliances, bathrooms are also getting automated with the use of smart technologies at various levels; and smart bathroom is a collection of feature-rich components/devices, such as smart lights, smart mirrors, smart showers, smart WCs, smart taps, and smart bathtubs. All of these can connect with each other and integrate with the existing smart home network-giving users more control and elevating their overall shower experiences.

Asmart bathroom gets connected with smart home devices, including smartphones and voice control systems, to provide users with complete control and customisation of bathroom experience, enabling them to use features, like personalised temperature control and bath fill control options. A recent report on smart bathroom emphasises that areas for device charging, smart lighting, and smart toilets are leading the pack, in terms of popular smart bathroom additions.

In fact, smart bathrooms--a combination of bathroom products with smart features, such as sensor, automatic, and touchless systems--are the need of the hour. Different types of smart bathroom products include smart showers, geysers, baths, water closets, lighting, and the like. Smart showers come with remote sensing, and help to control temperature, duration, and flow by using a phone or voice activation by paring it with home systems. Similarly, a smart toilet has sensors that provide night light, automatic flushing, automatic opening & closing of the lid, etc. All these products or fittings help save water and minimise carbon footprints.

Functionality Matters

But what factors are pushing the trend? Is it only the technologies that are influencing the GenZ who love to spend on these luxuries? Experts believe that it’s not only the inclination towards tech-savvy feature-rich products, but also the increasing awareness towards environment that is leading to the adoption of those sustainable or energy-saving bathroom products which are smart and high on functionality. It really feels awesome to be able to turn the geyser on remotely, and get the warm water ready to freshen up when needed.

At a time when there’s seemingly no product that hasn’t been tech-enabled to make users life a bit easier, functionality considerations are paramount in the smallest room of the house. From glass that shifts between transparent and opaque to voice-activated lighting, appliances and fixtures have been made all the more accessible with the rise in popularity of Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa. And, the story doesn’t end here. Market has more wonders. For example, there’s a lighting system that reproduces the effects of natural sunlight for internal bathrooms with no windows.

Driving Factors

Apart from the increasing inclination of GenZ towards technology and automation, the real push has been given by the pandemic. This is why post COVID-19, the bathroom product manufacturing industry has seen a rapid growth globally. Although companies in the smart bathroom market have kept their eyes on highgrowth institutions, such as hotels

Bathrooms nowadays have become an important personal space for every individual. The use of bathrooms is not just limited for cleaning and bathing purposes but people love spending a decent amount of time there. Considering the trend, we have introduced things like private green in bathrooms in most of our projects. This led us to bring in automation to cater to the maintenance requirements, which ultimately turns bathroom smart where almost every function including lighting, WCs, spouts, geysers, etc. gets automated.

Ar. Sumit Dhawan, CitySpace’82 Architects

and restaurants, to keep their businesses growing, they are also creating cheaper and more efficient alternatives. And, they are focusing more on research and development, to accelerate the production to feed the need of end users of smart bathroom products in the post pandemic era.

The rise in demand for smart and luxurious bathroom products is also aided by urbanisation drive and rising disposable income of the people forced by the pandemic to spend on their bathrooms and enhance their standard of living. Moreover, the demand for smart bathrooms is also growing due to increase in construction activities in both residential and commercial areas--malls, offices, hotels, etc. Moreover, luxury hotels are installing smart bathroom products to attract more customers and provide them with better experiences.

Furthermore, government’s mission to build smart cities--which include the construction of diverse infrastructures such as new smart public and commercial spaces, like smart offices, airports, transportation stations, etc.--are likely to further fuel the demand for smart bathrooms.

Benefits

Going forward, what benefits these smart bathrooms bring along? Experts believe that convenience, security, and savings are the main advantages. Due to their unprecedented IoT enabled AI-integrated features, which enhance automation and allow users a much better experience, these bathrooms bring both, convenience as well as security. Moreover, these feature-rich bathrooms also help lowering utility bills which is a plus, besides saving water through checking the plumbing leaks. Additionally, these can benefit our mental health and overall well-being and have additional customisation choices.

Whenever a new product is introduced, like faucet with sensor, it allows flow of water for specified period of time, which is simply awesome especially for the concern, like saving water. On the contrary, when these products become part of our lifestyle, the functions attached to it become gimmicks which the tech-savvy new generation love to play with. In 90% of the cases, these features are shrouded as noble which isn’t true. After all, it’s business with secured future! I am sure that the generations to come would love to opt such feature-rich bathroom products.

The definition of ‘smart’ in my understating is simplicity. Smartest thing is that when you don’t have to use your brain while doing whatever you want to do. Frugality as in lesser requirements of objects or things to take decision is also smart. Having said that, smartness to me in the bathroom or any space for that matter, is more like funfilled. We try and invent fun-oriented simple thing in unanticipated spaces which create the moments of joy in one’s mundane life. Going forward, we have done bathrooms with plants below the WCs/urinals.

Ar. Abhigyan Neogi, Chromed Design

Ar. Abhishek Bij, Design Plus Architects

Smartness in bathrooms with fittings are very important. There are many such bath fittings which come along with app-based control so much so that even the flow of water can be customised and set as per one’s comfort level. It is the best used form of automation. In some of my latest projects, I have recommended faucets and mixers where functions like flow and temperature can be controlled using smartphones. Having said that, it would be vital to have sustainable solutions with luxury feel than simply going after smart ones.

With the changing times, people’s tastes and preferences are changing, especially, when it comes to creating a space as personal as bathroom. In one of our recent projects, the client wanted a modern, contemporary, hitech feel for his dream residential project. He insisted us to bring in such systems which they had never experienced before, where automation tops the list. In this house, all rooms have attached, but open bathrooms, segregated from bedroom space either with glass or a curtain. Many new technologies have been incorporated to create a modern, stunning and functional bathroom design where all the components used are smart and can either be operated through sensors or smart phones.

Experts’ Opinion

Team BMR asked the specifiers what their clients usually ask for, especially, when it comes to bathrooms. Majority, of them opined that more than anything else it’s the awareness about the environment that led their clients to opt for bathrooms sporting water-saving fixtures and technology. While hinting about future, they indicated that there would be a gamut from biophilic sanctuary to sleek, tech-enabled retreat in the bathrooms. The latest gadgets and products feature high on clients’ wish lists-- it’s that one room in the house where they can go a little crazy. They unanimously believe that bathrooms of the future would be smarter, cleaner, and sleeker.

ID Archana Baid, And Design Co

ID Viral Patel, Sparsh Design Studio

Smart for me means more of IoT-based or AI-enabled products. After the pandemic, there is an inclination towards such featurerich products especially in the bathrooms to restrict the spread of germs, maintain hygiene and remain healthy. No doubt that these high-tech smart products are also gaining attention of the new-age buyers because they make life easier. However, unless they become affordable, these products wouldn’t find a place in majority of the houses.

Eishan Jain, ADP Architecture

There’s a certain procedure, we used to use our bathrooms, but things are evolving with the passage of time. Although, people are somehow accepting the change their personal space, it is limited to the extent of feature-rich bath fittings like sensor-based faucets and thermostatic showers. Smart WCs and urinals would take some more time to creep in homes depending upon the client’s choice and inclination. For now, smart is not simply turning the space automated, but also the sustainability that should be taken into account.

Ar. Vineel Mathey, MAP Design Consultants

Bathrooms nowadays are transforming. Gone are the days when bathrooms were fitted with simple diverters. Today, customers have become far more aware than what they were two decades back. They ask for newest products like rain showers, fittings with inbuilt lights/speakers, thermostatic bathware, sensor-based faucets, etc. The fascination for bathroom is so much so that it can soon become a separate project for specifiers.

Ar. Amit Agrawal, Agrawal Architects

Automation and smart houses have become need of the time. This is why we highly recommend smart houses, and in turn, smart bathroom solutions – be it in the forms of look & feel, aesthetics, functionality or level of comfort in one’s personal space.

Ar. Kaushal Karkhanis, Karkhanis And Associates

Ar.

Here are some of the top tech options that we

HIGH-TECH SMART SHOWERS

The high-tech smart jets in the latest rain-shower collections emits thousands of micro-fine droplets which help reduce water consumption without impacting the joy of shower. Besides saving water, these smart showers allow users to set the water temperature, flow rate, shower duration and more… not only through electronic LCD panel but also through a smartphone or voice-activated device. The main benefits of smart showers include consistent water temperature, more safety, remote control, and water & energy savings. Using a thermostat, these showers keep a steady water temperature to prevent users from getting burned with hot water. Such showers can save about 3% of monthly water usage. It also helps save on the energy used to heat the water.

It’s very interesting to question the smartness. It’s not always the products that should be smart, but also people who are going to use those smart products. Else, it might affect their efficiency. In a way, use of excessive technologies may force people to dumbness. So, smartness or use of technology can’t be the same for everyone. For me, smart can be that one product, which is efficient and also helps save water in the bathrooms.

SHOWERHEADS WITH BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS

Did you know they also make blue tooth showerheads? The new showerhead with Bluetooth enabled wireless speaker system allows users to listen to their favourite music, news/industry updates or podcasts while showering. Instead of cranking the radio up to hear it over the water, one can now listen through the H2O.

Ar. Shailesh Devi, Within n Without

we can expect to see in bathrooms of future

SMART TOILETS

Many smart toilets have features, like seat warmers, touch-free automatic lids, night lights and even speakers for listening to music while doing the business there. Smart toilets are more compact and better designed than traditional toilets, so they take up less space. They're also more hygienic since they’re touch-free and many toilets are self-cleaning. These are just a few of the perks of the new age bathrooms and they seem like a lot of fun. It will be just a matter of time before one uses smartphone to open the toilet seat. Meanwhile, the days of using toilet paper and wasting a considerable amount of water might soon come to an end. Smart toilets can reduce the risk of overflowing and detect water levels to only use the amount of water needed, saving on water bill as well.

Enhanced awareness with each passing day has dramatically changed consumers’ behaviour. They have started giving more importance to bathrooms. In the last few years, bathroom has become extra special space where people love to spend time. This is why, it now needs more attention than ever before – be it in the name of aesthetics, hygiene, or comfort. All this when summed up together turn the bathrooms smart both, aesthetically and functionally.

Ar. RK Malik, RK Malik & Associates

CHROMATHERAPY LIGHTS

These are high-intensity LED lights that can be controlled digitally, usually with a simple remote control, and one can change the setting as per the need, for instance, romantic or relaxing. Most devices come with multiple colour, intensity and brightness options. It’s said that colour plays a vital role impacting our thought and feeling. Each colour addresses a physical need, so they can help get one in the right mood for bath. For example, orange can make one feel happier and more energetic, while blue can make you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Different types of smartness can there be in a bathroom – technical, aesthetical, or functional. It depends upon the requirement of clients. Although customers are well aware of the developments taking place in technology, it’s also our responsibility to keep our clients updated about the latest inclusion in that league so that their requirements can be fulfilled. Market is flooded with a gamut of smart solutions. In today’s context, many smart products come with water saving properties so that joy of luxury bathroom must not be compromised while use of water should also be optimised. Various techniques are in trend like aeration, powder flow, bubble flow, etc. Bathroom today has emerged as the most personal space and are designed emphatically.

Ar. Harish Sharma, Anubhuti Architects

SMART FAUCET/TAP

When it comes to going green and preserving water, one of the latest and newest techs is digital faucets. These touchless technology-enabled faucets with digital temperaturecontrol settings reduce tap flow and conserve water. Smart faucets use temperature gauges and efficiency sensors that allow users to control water usage in bathroom and preheat or cool water based on the specifications before the faucet turns on. This reduces the amount of wasted water and improves efficiency and savings. Thanks to the hands-free feature, it also lower allows the number of germs being spread while washing hands. Some faucets also come with infrared technology that feels user and turns off when it senses that hands aren’t under the faucet. Moreover, these faucets also sport programmable features, such as a timed shower setting or a teeth-brushing option that runs for an allotted time frame.

ADJUSTABLE PRIVACY GLASS

These smart glasses allow users to change between transparency and opacity in bathroom windows. The glass has a natural opaque look and blocks vision for total privacy, but it lets natural light pass through. It can change the glass feature from clear to frosted or set automatic controls using the smartphone or voice assistant. Adjustable privacy glass can give your smart bathroom a sleek and modern feeling, plus add privacy, versatility, energy efficiency and more hygiene, vis-à-vis traditional privacy options like curtains because it’s easier to clean.

SMART LED MIRRORS

The new age smart sensor mirror uses a light system to stimulate natural sunlight so that users can see their full colour variation. The mirror automatically lights up when users’ face approaches it, and because this cordless mirror packs a longlasting LED that can reportedly last up to 100 years, battery life shouldn’t be a problem. The added advantage: bathroom wouldn’t remain be a dark place to walk in. Moreover, there are smart LED mirrors which are interactive, and come with built-in display for certain things, like time, traffic reports, weather forecasts, news updates, reminders and appointments. An interactive LED mirror makes the bathroom enjoyable besides giving it a futuristic look.

WATER RECYCLER

Bathroom solution providers have come up with water recycler that recycles up to 95% of the water from shower, bath, washing machines and air-conditioning; and reuses it for toilets, garden irrigation and swimming pools. Not only does it provide enormous environmental benefits, but this smart device is also a profitable investment and will surely pay off the upfront cost in time. Most manufacturers claim that these water recyclers can save up to 45% on tap water and 45% on wastewater, and contribute to keeping water supplies stable.

It will take some time for people to understand how to use smart products or new-age futuristic technologies. Hopefully, the next generation would push the boundaries further by asking smarter products from the manufacturers/ suppliers and then getting them installed in their bathrooms. But for me, those products which are sustainable, energyefficient and save water, are definitely smart ones and must be picked up for use.

Final Thought

Considering that the biggest trend would be integration of smart bathroom products with AI and IoT devices, there is no surprise that technology would be one of the most desired qualities in the bathrooms of future. Majority of innovations shall revolve around gadgets that automate and enhance overall bathroom experience for the users, besides adding bringing convenience, adding safety and ensuring security. BMR

Ar. Sagar Kabre, Kabre Consultants

IT’S WAKE-UP CALL FOR PLYWOOD BUYERS

OF CLAIMS WITHOUT BACKUP

Plywood

is undoubtedly an integral part of our lives irrespective of it being our homes, offices, or other community buildings. Plywood is meant to play a major role in the woodwork of any interior. And hence, one wrong decision in the selection of plywood can lead to a major loss of money, time and, of course, peace of mind.

With more than 80% of the plywood coming from unorganised sector, it is understandable that identifying counterfeit plywood and blockboard can be a daunting task. Sometimes the customer does not even know that there is a concept of branded and unbranded plywood and why it is must to differentiate between the two.

For a layman, every piece of plywood carrying ISI mark and the manufacturer name along with some important stamps seems fine as it resembles wood. We don’t even think what could possibly be wrong in those wood-lookalike pieces and hence never doubt about the quality of the same.

it’s a misconception that you can save huge by using such inferior quality wood-based products. Did you know, for a 3-BHK, overall difference between a genuinely branded and so called

For a layman, every piece of plywood carrying ISI mark and the manufacturer's name along with some important stamps seems fine as it resembles wood.

branded plywood and blockboard is about Rs. 65k to Rs. 1 lakh? This is merely 1% of the total cost of your flat. This is a myth that the branded plywood or blockboard is expensive.

So, is it worth using such products especially when the branded option gives you much better quality, durability, reliability, and above all, assurance & support? At times, going for unbranded wood products may seem like a logical decision for you are paying less and certainly the problem wouldn’t be there in near future.

Then the question arises, if all the unbranded plywood and blockboard are bad. Certainly not. There may be many ethical and hardworking manufacturers present in the unorganized sector due to various unavoidable reasons. But it’s like taking a chance and compromising with your own interiors.

So, better you keep this in mind that you do not get your interiors done quite often or for that matter on regular basis. In most of the

Take advantage of the book, Smart Plywood Buying Guide by India’s Leading Plywood Expert Akhilesh Chitlangia and keep your interior long lasting.

instances, it is once-in-a-lifetime investment and you invest a great deal of time and thoughts, not only your hard-earned money.

Written by India’s leading plywood expert, this Book guarantees you saving not only tons of money and loads of precious time, but also a massive amount of hassle and rework and thus would keep you and your family smiling for generations to come.

The Book with insightful details and in-depth knowledge is the eyeopener as not only it educates, but

also guides readers/consumers to buy the right Plywood. Each one of needs this book because we all buy plywood at some point or the other, and this book lets us into all the secrets that only insiders and experts know.

Akhilesh has worked innovatively and relentlessly to successfully increase his company’s footprint in the market while simultaneously promoting Plywood in general. He has made this his mission to educate people on choosing the right Plywood thereby ensuring that every home in India has quality woodwork.

Akhilesh is a 3rd generation promoter at Duroply Industries Ltd., joined the 60+ year old family legacy business in 2010 and has ever since been busy propagating the wonders of Plywood. He is based out of New Delhi. When not working, he loves to travel, especially hiking and trekking. Music which helps him unwind is again his great love but comes after Plywood. An active member of the Rotary Club, he is involved in many community projects.

Akhilesh Chitlangia, Leading Plywood Expert

THE INTERIOR MAKEOVER

TIME DESIGN STUDIO Experts

Wehave been running this business for the past five years. The story ‘How We Began’ is incredibly interesting. We were working separately, with different firms, for the past eight years. While collaborating for a project, we met. From there, the beautiful journey of ‘Time Design Studio’ begins.

Naming the Firm

The name ‘Time’ stands for ‘The Interior Makeover Experts’. In fact, the designer fraternity often doesn’t collaborate and likes to work independently and individually. So, we wanted to create a team of people who can sit together and do collaborative work. This is how the firm was born.

Starting the Journey

We started with mini projects that included the renovation of a small bar. The client’s requirement was to create the complete interiors with materials that he already had due to his father’s business of shuttering. It was our first project. The wage offered was only Rs. 2,500. We took it as a challenge and the work started with Rs. 1,000 as advance. There, we used tasla to create lights, bar counter’s front with raw pipes, and even created the door with materials provided by the client. This was really a sustainable project for us.

Later, we did a bar named Juggler. For its mascot, we imagined an old guy with big moustache, curly hair, who keeps on juggling the bottles in the bar. When we created this and it was put into the bar, our work was appreciated by many. This inspired us to design mascots for few more bars & restaurants. We did a Londonbased theme in Delhi. This also was highly praised.

First Complete Architecture

Slowly but gradually, we started moving from renovation to interiors, moving further on to architecture. Going forward, we received some excellent projects, including that of a friend’s residence. It was our first complete project and we named it ‘The Heaven’. It was for a family of six--parents, couples, and their two sons, to be built on a plot measuring around 5400 sq. ft. We still vividly remember that one evening after receiving a call from our friend to design a residence for them, we had a good long meeting that lasted for about 4 hours so that we didn’t miss anything important.

Till the time we handed the house over to them, they kept telling us to do what we liked with the project. Ironically, this made things somewhat more challenging for us. When the project flagged off and we completed the first lintel, the passers-by started visiting the site to see what we were making. From there, we started our journey of

creating ‘architectural homes’. This was the one project that improved our fortunes even as we received 3-4 good projects. One of them was a project in premium locality for one of the most premium residences of Ludhiana.

Your Design Philosophy

We are fanatically passionate about what we do--be it making the base layout, calling client for some selection, or something as simple as noting down the smallest details that the clients discuss. We have a set of 15-20 questions that we request our clients to respond before we kick-start the process, even of initial sketch. One of our key questions is what they don’t like. From here, we actually get to know about our client. Before discussing the financials, we insist our clients to allow us to first develop the design and to do a presentation of the same. If they like it, then only we move ahead. We believe this is our USP.

Material Selection

It’s critical that the material is long lasting and appropriate to the extent that the client doesn’t need to get it replaced in the next three-four decades. Whenever, we choose products--be it for furnishing, or as basic as brick--we ensure that it’s sturdy and

This is Palvi and Ashish Bhatia from Time Design Studio, Ludhiana!

cost-effective, and turns out to be beautiful. In a nutshell, while choosing the materials, we consider all the factors that may affect our selection of the products at any point in time. It may be the time itself.

Latest Trends

To use more and more colours. India has a large number of Tier-2 and -3 cities. Every city has its own unique taste--be it Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Ludhiana, Noida, Chandigarh. So, we try and mix all those to develop that one trend which our clients like. These days, people are well-travelled. Whatever they may have seen or explored, they want that in their houses/spaces.

Projects & Sustainability

For us, sustainability is using local materials, preferably with no carbon footprints. We try and explore new materials, new ways to express our design statement. In the next three to four years, we would love to explore futuristic buildings, like parametric architecture, and bringing in all the expertise from all around the world. With this thought in mind, we keep travelling--to explore and experiment new things.

Design Means?

It’s a passion--be it for cloth or architecture. But if our design is getting live, it gives us a kick. We love travelling, meeting new people, getting to know about their side of stories, putting that story on to a piece of paper, and delivering that in the form a house or the place that they are imagining. So, when you combine all this, we see, the interior designing as the profession where we can do all this freely--and with full vigour.

Your Inspiration

Nothing specific. We get inspired from things as simple as yellow colour scooter, even a chair kept in a room, a carpet laying on the ground, and things like that. This means, we get inspired from anything, or for that matter, same thing same time-maybe in a slightly different way. Coming from the same profession, we do have differences of opinion many a time but we usually end up delivering things that satisfy our clients.

Message to Budding Designers

It doesn’t only work on theoretical basis, you need to get practical knowledge as well. Anyone who is aspiring to become an interior designer, have as much knowledge as you can before you make your move. You have to be peopleoriented--or in other words--people’s person. This profession needs strong communication skills. Unless you can communicate well, you may not be able to know what your clients exactly want. And hence, you may fail to incorporate or transform their needs into designs.

This profession needs strong communication skills. Unless you can communicate well, you may not be able to know what your clients exactly want.

Merino

While the world has confined the boundaries of laminates, Merino truly believes in its mantra of endless possibilities offering striking concepts and aweinspiring designs.

Opens

Up Luxurious Experience Centre In New Delhi

Merino Experience Centre at Kirti Nagar in New Delhi has been designed to offer complete experience to the costumers where they can touch different surfaces, feel the exquisite textures, and explore the mesmerising offerings.

The 1700 sqft gallery has products ranging from MerinoLam, Luvih, Gloss Meister, External Wall Claddings, Internal Wall Claddings, Merino Restroom Solutions, Lockers, Flush doors, Plywood Prelam, and Hanex, to name a few.

The entire floor of the first of its kind, ultra-luxurious gallery showcases the amazing range of fully finished products featuring Merino surface solutions.

Interestingly, with around 20 main dealers and 800 sub-dealers, Merino has a formidable presence in Delhi NCR and hopes to further strengthen its already strong position.

The experience centre is aimed at benefitting both, influencers and end-customers alike. It encourages to experience the products before making an investment on furniture solutions.

WAI

CHANGING FATE OF WATERPROOFERS CHANGING FATE OF WATERPROOFERS

Waterproofers Association Of India (WAI)–the torch-bearer for the country’s waterproofing fraternity has been determined to educate field professionals on the new-age waterproofing technologies, and help them sharpen their skills.

When it comes to waterproofing, the mind dives deep into a world with zero-seepage buildings. But dream is a dream and entirely cut-off from reality. However, the stakeholders of the country’s waterproofing industry, these days, are taking a serious note of it and seem determined to challenge this truth in whatever ways possible--be it through technological advancements, or through the use of the most advanced products.

The testimony is the establishment of Waterproofers Association of India (WAI), where select members from the industry are trying hard to disseminate the information and educate the fraternity slowly but steadily and help people learn the tricks of the trade.

The path which some time back looked difficult has started showing a ray of hope as people getting associated with WAI are finding their association

fruitful. The goal is to meet and exchange ideas to find out solutions on what can be done in this typically tropical geographic region.

Since its establishment, WAI has organised quite a few workshops/ sessions including--one each in Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Gurugram (Haryana), and Mumbai (Maharashtra). It has received overwhelming response to its call for amalgamation and contribution to the cause.

The stakeholders participating in the event include architects, designers, consultant, contractors, structural engineers, and building material manufacturers/suppliers who are responsible for developing, manufacturing and supplying the latest advanced products.

In all the sessions, WAI’s main concerns remain the same: first to identify the topography and then choose the appropriate solution. Having extreme conditions, the requirements of waterproofing solutions differ with so many agroclimatic and geo zones, including deserts and forests, arid and humid atmosphere, rivers and mighty mountains, etc.

With such a varied topography, the need is to assess the impact of the surroundings on the structures that are being made and accordingly choose materials that are smart, coupled with the right kind of technology followed by their proper implementations.

Take for instance, hilly regions! Despite the fact that the architecture on hills are beautiful, attractive and soothing to eyes, challenges for architects and structural engineers for planning, design and construction

of those buildings remain intact-especially with respect to waterproofing.

The reasons are many, including difficult terrain, steep gradient, adverse climatic conditions, rich flora and proneness to natural hazards, which together make the task tedious and demanding. Similarly, when it comes to coastal region, the requirements for waterproofing solutions differ for its humid atmosphere.

To uplift the waterproofing fraternity, WAI has decided to enhance the capabilities of the waterproofers who are involved in providing complete waterproofing solutions, irrespective of the nature of structures. The members at WAI strongly believe that the present specifications have come of age and seek immediate attention of the government/stakeholders. These need to be revised on an urgent basis considering the incorporation of smarter building materials being used to develop futuristic infrastructure.

Recently published reports highlight that rapid urbanisation has resulted in the occurrence of urban heat islands (UHI) which are the result of the making a larger number of buildings and roads. These infrastructures absorb and re-emit more heat than natural landscapes.

These together have catapulted the contours of the urban land where the communities are shifting towards the concept of green roofs to limit the heat island effect caused due to lack of vegetation in cities. This trend would ultimately boost the demand for waterproofing solutions in the future.

It is the mindset of stakeholders which is a big concern. Waterproofers are already imbibing new advancements available in the market and prefer using latest products. The problem lies at the specifiers' end. The architects, consultants and civil contractors generally do not consider using new products which are much-much better. So, there is an urgent need for the change in the mindset.

Waterproofing needs a revamp especially that of the specifications which have become obsolete. Those were made for 60s and are not suitable for modern day or futuristic buildings. New products, materials and technologies are available in the market which specifiers don’t consider because they are not updated, which is why WAI has been formed.

Kunjjaan Popat, Secretary General - WAI Proprietor, Trifix Technologies LLP

Look at the government organisation, the specifications that they have, are age-old. To achieve desired result, they need to switch over to the high-tech products and solutions. The most important thing is that the dynamic products that are available in the market need to be introduced in the entire construction industry. The developers, contractors, and applicators need to be trained on the usage and application of such products and technologies.

Dixit Bajaj, Director, Radco Buildtech Pvt. Ltd.

Sandeep Chaudhry, President, WAI

The Market Potentials

Industry experts believe that Indian waterproofing market is in its infancy, vis-à-vis other developed or emerging economies. Nonetheless, an evolving consciousness for tackling waterproofing has been observed amidst specifiers, including structural engineers, designers and real estate developers--especially that of metros. But the mindset of both, end customers as well as waterproofing professionals, in Tier-2 & -3 cities needs to evolve as the unwillingness, for shifting over advanced solutions, is pretty visible.

Growth Avenues

The growth of the waterproofing industry is driven by its increasing applications owing to the rising construction activities. Waterproofing is a rising concern across the segments and not limited only to the wet areas of any building. Apart from waterproofing of roofs, walls, tunnels and landfills, the avenues for waterproofing practices are going to be a must in the water conversation & wastewater treatment infrastructure and repair & renovation of existing infrastructure as well.

No doubt, the Indian waterproofing market holds a stupendous potential and the need is to identify EXCERPTS

There’s an urgent need to develop the skills of field professionals regarding new products and latest technologies coming frequently into the market. Our professionals really lack proper understanding of products and their applications. India is a huge country with diverse region, and to disseminate proper information to such a huge population, we need to develop a robust communication platform so as to educate them right in time.

Waterproofing has been largely neglected because it is not something which is immediately seen in a structure with the weathering conditions that are there, especially in Mumbai which is close to the coastal areas. We, as waterproofing industry, need to take care and ensure that structures are waterproofed properly.

Waterproofing is not an issue to be stopped at that end. It increases the durability and strength of the building. We should use newer kind of materials that should have the sustainability. It should not give a load to resources available.

Sumanta

Pandit, Director, SBS Technologies

Prof.(Dr.) S. T. Mhaske, HoD, Polymer & Surface Engg. ICT Srinivas Prasad Jayanti, Founder, LaGreens India Pvt. Ltd.

Waterproofing is playing a very vital role nowadays. Such meets and workshops help us identify the trends and educate our workforce that is lacking the knowledge on how to use the latest technology. At the same time, waterproofing, as a profession, is not very effective till date. This will encourage young entrepreneurs to take up waterproofing as a profession which is yet to get the needed attention.

Ravi Rangaswami, President, WAI, Southern Region

the avenues. But to tap those opportunities, the drive to educate and enhance the awareness level of the workforce, real estate developers and waterproofing contractors is a must. This is because, to apply the modern waterproofing solutions, the knowledge of advanced waterproofing technologies is inevitable.

Shifting Requirements

Waterproofing is--as always-a challenging task that the construction industry faces. Owing to changing skyline, specifiers are more concerned to reduce the weight of the structure. They deeply recommend the use of innovative materials. The drywall concept is the outcome of such initiative which led the construction industry to use smarter materials for constructing wet areas. No wonder, more reliable waterproofing systems are needed as against the present waterproofing practices which were designed for conventional brick/block masonry works.

Creating Future-Ready Workforce

WAI offers a platform, where its members get a ‘connect’ with the nationwide network of peers, professionals and experts who not only support the members but

also provide necessary updates & information along the way. While specifiers like architects and interior designers present their research works addressing issues, building material suppliers showcase latest products as well as technologies which have especially been developed keeping in view the requirements of the future.

We, at BMR, contacted select stakeholders of the waterproofing industry to know their opinion about the contemporary waterproofing solutions and how WAI is helping them grab the domain knowledge and sharpen their waterproofing skills. BMR

Syed Md Ehteshamul Hasan

What The Experts Have To Say?

I am associated with WAI since last two years and have attended 3-4 such seminars. It helps our fraternity of waterproofing contractors to enhance the knowledge of waterproofing and its processes. This can lead us to grab more business and better quality waterproofing with the use of latest technology.

Manoj Sharma, Sukama Infra

We are specialised into providing customised products. We develop the products based on the specific taste and requirements of our valued clientele. As far as WAI is concerned, it has provided us the base needed to expand our network of applicators who used to source materials and products from us.

Hiral Joshi, Director Tuff Rock Industries

EXCERPTS

It was great being associated with WAI. It was meant to bring the likeminded people under one roof to share the knowledge in the purview of repairs, rehabilitation and waterproofing and impart training to all the stakeholders in the industry regarding selection of materials, application procedure, specifications, drafting, and safety precautions. We participated in the event to showcase our range of products, specifically in the corrosion range in repairs and rehabilitation.

WAI has provided the needed platform to introduce new products directly to the industry stakeholders, the waterproofing fraternity. Concrete is so pervious in nature. So, what we have developed is the waterproofed concrete. We, in fact, tried and found out that if the concrete itself is waterproofed, no other chemical coating would be required.”

We see immense potential in the Indian market and the objective of our organisation is to strengthen small applicators who qualify for MSMEs. The reason for joining WAI is to take the leverage of such a platform and graduate the market by educating applicatorsthe forefront people enabling them to do value selling.

Attending such sessions would certainly add up to our kitty of information. It was actually very enlightening for us and we got to learn many new things. I also learned the new techniques of structure rehabilitation.

I am associated with WAI since one year and have learned many new technologies from both India & abroad. It would certainly help us grow our techniques and would lead us to expand network.

Co.

We are from QuackWrap, a US-based company, represented in India by Rohhri Enterprises LLP. We deal in retrofitting of infrastructure by carbon fibre. At WAI, we got overwhelming response and received numerous inquiries from the attendees and stakeholders. We hope to materialise the same.

Kartik Pahwa, SP Concare Pvt. Ltd.

Salil Gadgil, Krishna Conchem Products Pvt. Ltd.

Jaswinder Singh, Tiki Tar Danosa India Pvt. Ltd.

Jaya Sharma, Director, A N Waterproofing Co.

Ahmed Kunda, Rohhri Enterprises LLP

Nilesh Keswani, Director, A N Waterproofing

EXCERPTS

We need to go into detailing about how the product selection is made, in what kind of application it is to be used, what are the environmental factors, what will be the usage of the structure now and in future. So, looking into all such aspects, we should select the waterproofing membrane. Through this platform, we are trying to disseminate these information to our fellow stakeholders. Indian market needs to focus on skill enhancements, not only of civil engineers but also of workers.

Waterproofing is a vital part in the building but often it does not function properly. This is where WAI is playing a good role in letting the waterproofers learn how to identify the problem and then accordingly devise the solution. It trains applicators and contractors on new technologies and the application of different materials for the purpose.

There is a great deal of standardisation needs to be done on the materials used for waterproofing. Also the need to identify the suitability of the waterproofing systems for a particular environment is under process. This will help avoid the wastage of the materials and increase the performance-cost ratio. So, a lot is to be done in the waterproofing systems.

Dr. Priya S Nair, Indian Concrete Institute

People generally don’t anticipate the damages out of it and opt for the cheaper materials. Moreover, the duplicity in the materials that are available in the market is also a cause of concern. Meanwhile, people aren’t updated on the application methodology of waterproofing.

We always want to have water tight condition at every places to make them liveable. Moisture deteriorates the conditions of the house. Waterproofing is vital to enhance the project durability which in turn extend the lifespan up to 100-150 years. Take examples of nuclear power projects, road & railway tunnel, underpasses, and the like. We don’t plan it every year, but once in 100 years.

It is important that WAI chapters should organise such workshops very often and exchange the notes, ideas and work experiences based on which we should prepare the documents which will be useful for budding architects, engineers and contractors.

Dr. Abhay Bambole, HoD, Structural Engineering, VJTI

WAI educates the contractors through these workshops and explain to the contractors how the latest products and technologies should be used. So, WAI is working for and helping the society.

Ubed Chowhan, Chowhan & Sons Waterproofing LLP

This is the case with most of the specialised services in the construction field. This is ironical but true also. More is to do with the kind of practices that we adopt in India wherein we usually neglect these kind of practices. This is despite the fact that it accrues only 1 or 2% of the total cost of the project. We need to change our attitude towards waterproofing.

to WAI for such initiative!

Thanks

Anupam Shil, Head Technical & Marketing Services, STP Ltd.

Davender Singh Adhikari, Former Asstt. Engineer (Civil), CPWD

Mangesh Dhamele, Business Manager, Rely On It

Ar. Anish Kumar, Director, DNOVA

Sunny Surlaker, Head Technical Services, Assess Build Chem Pvt. Ltd.

EXCERPTS

The platform which WAI has created is extremely good for beginners and all the applicators and contractors who are unable to get the knowledge. They can enhance their understanding of waterproofing concepts, new products and technologies. This is because, process is important but using right products and right technology is also very critical in doing the waterproofing job.

Getting associated with WAI is a win-win for us as it has helped us meet new stakeholders, exchange ideas and expand the network for Bronco's specialty products, i.e.; waterproofing and powder-coated materials. We have a gamut of products and solutions with pan-India supply. Many of our products are approved and used in government projects.

Praveen Singh, Bronco Buildsmart LLP

Workshop like this is useful to gain some knowledge and updates on new products and technologies in waterproofing industry. I would suggest that the building material manufacturers and suppliers should keep meeting and discussing things with us. This will help us understanding new products and technologies, and then to make the implementation process smooth.

Ar. Rajiv Sharma, Sr. Architect, HPPWD

Waterproofing is an issue in almost all SJVN’s projects. I am thankful to WAI for such a wonderful amalgamation of the likeminded people. What I feel is that there is a dire need to incorporate waterproofing as a subject in the curriculum, right at the college level to help producing professionals with the ability to mitigate the problem at the right time.

Ar. Ajay Sharma, Manager (Architecture), SJVN (CPSU

Waterproofing is a very broad subject which doesn’t get the needed attention here in our country. Waterproofing of every building is a must to not only save the exterior structure but also the interiors wherein people invest crores of rupees. Waterproofing requirements differ from structure to structure and geography to geography, and accordingly we provide the solutions.

Arman Malik, Associate Director, SNP Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

WAI provides a platform that keeps us updated on any new development. The materials that have been introduced here, if applied properly, can help us find the waterproofing solution in hilly areas.

Ar. Sarojini Sharma, Joint Sec. IIA, HP Chapter

We are working towards getting the best out of this industry for the waterproofers. Through this platform, we are trying to bring the solutions to the industry for all kind of products that are required. We are collaborating with lot of people, irrespective of their profile. We want more stakeholders to join hands with us and experience the growth together with the industry.

Pankaj Aggarwal, Victoria Infratech Projects Pvt. Ltd.

Pramod Sahu, Director, Arda Polymers Pvt. Ltd.

EXCERPTS

Our objective was to disseminate information about our products and technology to architects and engineers. WAI has provided that opportunity to interact and create a connect with them. It has made our work easy.

WAI provided us the needed platform to showcase our products to not only the waterproofing professionals but also to specifiers, including architects and engineers. They appreciated our products. We received very good response.

The major issue in waterproofing is that it is still not a much organised industry. So, even though a lot of new materials are there new technologies that are coming in are far away from reaching the right people. The awareness level needs to be enhanced, especially of the applicators. This is what WAI is working towards. The aim is to make the industry more organised and systematic.

There is a huge potential for waterproofers in India. But to identify them we need some sort of guidelines and specifications towards which WAI is working seriously in collaboration with Indian Concrete Institute. We hope a brighter future ahead for the waterproofing fraternity under the able guidance of WAI.

If we follow the waterproofing systems properly, i.e.; if we identify the issue, select the right product, and do the right application, there can be a permanent solution of the problem.

D P Sengupta, Industry Expert

Amit Dixit, Consultant, New Technologies

Anurag Sinha, Group GM, Engineers India Ltd.

Maruthu Pandi, Pronil India

Sumendra Maan, MKM Products

Syed Md Ehteshamul Hasan

WHAT’S THE RIGHT

A few weeks back, I was called by a house owner through an architect to inspect his newly constructed house in an upmarket residential area of Gurugram. I found the house to be all wet from the roof to the basement. All the expansive false ceiling on the 2nd floor was almost dripping as water had got accumulated in the filling on the terrace and was dripping on the false ceiling. Chunks of ceiling had fallen and rest of it was all wet. Almost all the eight toilets had seepages in the wall and ceiling. The basement had water leaking through the wall and had foul smell.

Waterproof

DREAM HOME

On enquiring, I was advised that no water proofer was hired to do the job and it was kept in the scope of the eminent civil contractor. The civil contractor advised that he had used a well-known brand which is advertised on the TV channels to do the waterproofing as advised by the architect. The work was done by the petty labour who was on the site. He showed me the bill for the material purchased. The whole 500 sq. yards house was waterproofed with just 200 kg. material and all same type and brand.

NOW, WHAT WENT WRONG?

• First, waterproofing was not taken seriously and the approach to select the right product was not there from the client, architect and the contractor

• The specifications written were wrong and was a cut-paste job from 100s of earlier BOQs prepared.

Waterproof

• The specifications did mention the famous brand but not the specific product and quantity to be used. The company manufactures more then 100 amazing products but advertises only two.

• Instead of hiring a professional and experienced waterproofing contractor, the civil contractor was asked to take up waterproofing.

• No trained applicator was hired by the civil contractor. He used untrained labour.

So, the architect did not know what he was suggesting, the client did not bother to understand what is being done, the contractor did not know how it must be done and the worker did not know how the material must be applied. This is very common in construction industry. The main stakeholders, the client and most of the architects do not take waterproofing seriously.

They are more concerned about the aesthetics, architectural & interior design of the building. As they say ‘Jo Dikhta Hai Who Bikta Hai’. Whatever is seen is admired and appreciated. It was forgotten that if waterproofing is not right the whole experience of living in the house becomes hell.

Waterproofing is the among the five most important elements in a house which can either be not changed or are 3 to 4 X expensive in changing at a later stage. Cement, steel, electrical wires & cables, plumbing material and waterproofing - all these five are the most crucial. So, selecting right product and getting it done right in the beginning is most important.

It’s important to consider waterproofing at the design stage itself. The architects should involve either a waterproofing consultants or a reputed credible waterproofer to write the specifications based on building design. The focus must be on selecting the right product instead of a brand. At the end of the day, it is the product and its application that will perform and not the brand. Many products from unknown brands have better performance and manufacturers support. A building may require different type of products and application to give it complete waterproofing. After all that’s the reason manufacturers produce different type of products.

A waterproofing consultant or a waterproofing contractor with experience would help in selecting the right product depending upon the architectural drawings. Many a times, after the structure has been built, it requires change of product selected depending on surface requirement. So right inspection, analysis and diagnosis must be done to select the right product.

Now the question is what is the right time to do waterproofing in a building? Waterproofing planning should be done at the design stage and waterproofing should be done during the construction period only. This not only costs less the repairs but also gives a longer protection to the structure and interiors. The key to waterproofing is to ‘Do it Right the First Time’.

SANDEEP CHAUDHRY IS A WELL-KNOWN WATERPROOFING CONSULTANT, TRAINER AND WATERPROOFING PRACTIONER. HE IS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF WATERPROOFERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA.

It’s important to consider waterproofing at the design stage itself. The focus must be on selecting the right product instead of a brand. At the end of the day, it is the product and its application that will perform and not the brand.

SKILLING CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE

CIDC is a change agent to accelerate a process of self-reform that should enable the industry to answer the challenges of the future. How?

With the inception of the council in 1996 by the planning commission having support of the core sector ministries which are directly responsible for the construction and infrastructure of our nation, scores of public sector undertaking especially the oil and energy sector, and, of course, almost all the industry captains who run the industry today, CIDC is incessantly working as the change agent thereby making the country’s construction and infrastructure industry ready to face the challenges ahead.

As the change agent, CIDC is a unique organisation in the sense that this is where government and industry work together, supported by R&D institutions, educational institutions, and policy makers, along with quite a few experts. Infrastructure and construction industry happens to be the backbone of our economy and looks after the wellbeing of many of our citizens who otherwise cannot get the right kind of employment and engagement.

During last three decades, we have seen this industry growing from a very placid kind of economic activity to a very vibrant one. As a matter of fact, close to about 18% of the able bodied citizens of the country find direct employment here. Additionally, there are downstream and upstream activities as the outcome of this

industry. We have been looking forward to further improve the processes and technological changes which are vital for this industry to start performing well to be at par with the international level and provide the kind of support as anticipated.

What major milestones has CIDC achieved in the last 25 years of its existence specifically for the building infrastructure industry? There are many milestones that have been achieved in the last three decades. First, the construction industry would be driven and run by the people who generally do not have the benefits of the formal education. No wonder, more than 90% of the people engaged in the industry belong to that category. CIDC was entrusted with the responsibility of creating a national flagship program where the skilling becomes mandatory. This is done in various ways apart from being skilled in numerous training centres that have evolved over the years.

We also impart on-site training to the workers. Over a period of time, more than 52 trades have been taught and over a million of the construction workers have been trained. We also have an arrangement with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE which more than 3500 engineering colleges have made it mandatory for their students to earn their engineering degrees in various disciplines, they have to undergo an internship for six months.

The Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) has been set up jointly by the Planning Commission, Government of India and the Indian construction industry. The council is an umbrella organization for the construction industry in India and has a national presence with branches across the country. To benefit the industry, the Council undertakes a wide range of activities, including conducting training at various levels, organising workshops and conferences, publishing journals and newsletters, welfare programmes for construction workers, grading, placements, and so on.

To explore more on CIDC’s journey, its contribution to country's growth and future plans, Team BMR got hold with Dr. P R Swarup, who joined CIDC in the year 1996 as the first Director and rose to the position of Director General. He has been instrumental for conceptualising and implementing several good practices in the country’s construction industry.

Construction Equipment Bank, Grading of Construction Entities, HRD in Construction Industry are some of his major contributions. While speaking to us, he talked at length about the milestones achieved and the way forward.

Dr. P R Swarup, Director General, CIDC

Another area wherein CIDC is working strategically with the Niti Aayog along with other related ministries to revamp their procurement conditions. As a result, many of the major project procurement organisations from both government as well as private sectors have made it mandatory for their subcontractors or the service suppliers to have a certain percentage of the workers who should be holding proper valid skill certificates.

Furthermore, we have eased out the lending by banks thereby facilitating the ingress of institutional financing into the industry. We have developed insurance products. We have also created construction equipment banks for easy availability of the equipment. We have created a rating system to assess the worthiness of the construction industry. And above all we have created the most reliable construction industry data base. Please highlight major policy changes pertaining to Skill Development.

We have been working for quarter of a century making it sure that both the consumer as well as applicator are fully aware that unless otherwise they have the skilled workforce, they will not get the right kind of products available to the nation. In this direction, the first major policy change that we have got in place is to make sure that certain minimum construction workforce have to be skilled and must be holding proper valid skill certificates.

Second policy change is about dispute in construction contract, which is a big minus that we must get rid of. CIDC has incorporated the Construction Industry Arbitration Council ( CIAC ) about 14 years ago jointly with Singapore International Arbitration Centre with intent that the institutional arbitration must be inducted into our functioning. Ministry of Law & Justice has recognised CIAC as one of the approved institutions that is engaged in creating standard of arbitrators,

negotiators, mediators, and are dispensing quick justice which is the need of the hour.

Many of the project organisations have also made it mandatory that the engineers employed by them should be professional. CIDC has been responsible for creating Engineering Council of India (ECI), which is the apex organisation in granting professional certifications based on the experience and the kind of practices an individual possesses the record of.

Apart from engaging skilled workforce many of the organisations like CPWD have made it mandatory that certain percentage of the engineers too have to be professional ones. Further, we keep identifying the need of the business and what exactly be the kind of future requirements, based on which, we design our activities.

In the past 30 years, the quantum of the total infrastructure construction is close to almost Rs. 200 lakh crore, which is about 40 times larger than the annual virgin construction work that we do in all the sectors put together. This shows the extent of investment that have been made in the construction and infrastructure industry.

Therefore, we are encouraging people from construction chemical industry and water proofers, so that they can get their people skilled. And with that we are also talking about the diagnostics technique that have to be given to the engineers. So, simultaneously the stage is now set for the people who can do right kind of diagnostics and provide the needed retrofitting.

How has been the result so far? What next is in the pipeline with special reference to material selection?

The result is very satisfying. We can say that we are in a position to predict the future also. We know what exactly is going to be following now.

As the time is passing by, we have to understand that the number of people who used to be the conventional worker utilising the conventional

technologies, will be going to go down. We have to start moving towards new kind of material. We have been talking to the steel industry. In fact, with them, we are on a mission wherein we aim to enhance the consumption of metals in construction and infrastructure industry.

Metals being recyclable would ultimately bring down the industry’s net carbon footprint. For this, we are also trying to work with ministry of forest. In the regard, we have recently published a report mentioning the way forward in that direction. So, there will be more mechanised working and enhanced metal utilisation in the construction industry in time to come.

What specific steps is it taking to inculcate a technology-driven mechanism in the building infrastructure segment of the Indian construction industry?

The first major step is that we have to shift our focus from in-situ construction to pre-engineered pre-fabricated system. The kind of quality parameters that we can create within the facility cannot be compared with the work at site. The construction of Metro Rail and other new age infrastructure facilities are the examples of the same. So, the entire components can be created in the factory and will be assembled at site. But to do that we require people with special skills, which are to be imparted on a bigger level.

We also have to look at the kind of façade that the new age building is getting structured along. We are the lucky ones to have been blessed with so many agro-climatic and geo zones. We have deserts and forests. We have arid and humid atmosphere. We have rivers and mighty mountains. With such a varied topography, we have to see the impact of the surroundings on the structure, we have been making. We need to choose smart materials, right kind of technology followed by their proper implementations. With all that, the customers in the end have to be treated fairly. BMR

Syed Md Ehteshamul Hasan

How Isha Group came into being?

My great grandfather Rai Bahadur Seth Sukhlal Karnani came to Kolkata in the early 1900s. During his lifetime, he had acquired and purchased lot of landed properties in and around Kolkata and in other parts of the country too. His son Rai Sahab Chandanmal Karnanai predeceased him. As a result, the business came to my father Shiv Kumar Karnani. My great grandfather Rai Bahadur Sukhlal Karnani constructed two landmark buildings - Karnani Estate and Karnani Mansions in Kolkata. Thereafter, my father made several developments in Kolkata.

I pioneered and established Isha Group in early 1980s. I started

GROUP ISHA Changing Contours of Kolkata

building and developing in and around the city. About 14 years back, my elder son Nikhil Karnani, after having studied and worked in England, joined me in expanding the business. Currently, we are one of the prominent builders in Kolkata.

What major milestones have you achieved?

Initially, I started making small standalone buildings. I always believed in quality and on-time delivery. As a result, I was able to generate a lot of goodwill for our brand which is now being taken forward by my sons Nikhil and Ishan. My first project Duke Apartment on Kalighat Road was a standalone 5-storied building followed by several projects such as Isha Menor, Isha Enclave, Ashoka Heights, 23.

We do a mix of hospitality, residential and commercial projects. Presently, we have about 2.5 million square feet in various phases of acquisition, construction and development.

What changes have you seen in the residential projects?

When I started my career, to acquire land was a big challenge. Real estate market was a bit immature, under

developed and disorganised. But over the years, the markets have been getting matured, organised, professional and corporate. We believe that the next 5 years should be good. There is a definite undercurrent of revival and prices should increase gradually.

What changes have you noticed in the buyers’ behaviour?

We have observed sea change in the buyers’ behaviour. Three decades back, buyers were only concerned with flat – a space to live in. They didn’t care much about the building and the complex. But gradually, buyers have become far more concerned. They have been asking for more amenities like a club house, swimming pool, gymnasium, health club and other facilities within the development.

What is your message to the budding developers?

My message to my sons and the younger generations is that they should keep quality and timely delivery foremost in their mind. They should keep their buyers happy. They should keep innovating and improvising using technology to upgrade quality and reduce the time taken for development.

Mahesh Karnani, Chairman, Isha Group

A family-run business spanning four decades of being one of the finest real estate developers in Kolkata, Isha Group claims to be the synonymous with trust, innovation and quality-living. It’s commercial and premium residential developments are a testament to thoughtful design - exuding character and embodying a soul that encapsulates the motto ‘It’s a wonderful life’ for their customers. Isha Group's upcoming projects are registered under RERA and are being built using modern green building processes in order to create sustainable and eco-friendly spaces.

GROUPIn order to know the Group’s success story, the BMR Editorial Team got hold with Mahesh Karnani, the Group’s Chairman and his son Nikhil Karnani, Director. Here’re the edited excerpts of what they shared with us:

And because of the constant focus towards our customers, we have grown from strength to strength. Our heart remains in the city and we and don’t do many projects in the outskirts.

What is the core area of operations at Isha Group?

development itself is a huge learning curve for any developer. We are trying do better, larger and greener projects by using the right materials and this has also become a motivation and a USP for us.

Where does Kolkata stand on affordability quotient?

How has Isha Group evolved after you joined?

I joined the company in 2009. The whole idea was to build on what my father has already built in the last three decades. Since I have joined, we have developed more than eight projects including 23, Isha Villa, Isha Greens, Ashoka Heights and Nanda Enclave. We are also developing a 120-room hospitality project in Rajarhat which should start operations in March 2023. We are evolving and adapting with time and we are doing bigger and better developments. We have 3-4 launches coming up this year and more planned for the next year. This is the core business in which we operate.

Where do you place Isha Group in the city’s real estate industry?

We like to identify ourselves as a boutique developer. We do smaller size of projects but we do them to the best of our abilities. We use the best technologies and materials. Quality is the main focus for us. We have always delivered on time.

We largely operate in higher MIG and luxury segment. This is because we understand this segment very well and it is a segment which is rapidly growing. What it takes to create luxury is changing every year. So luxury ten years ago doesn’t mean what luxury today is. This lets us constantly evolve our offerings with the changing needs of the market. It is very exciting to do a luxury development. Creatively, we get much larger palate to play with.

Where do sustainability and energy efficiency stand in your projects? Isha Group has tried to keep up with the times. Today, most of our projects are certified green buildings which is the need of the hour. It’s not only Isha Group or Kolkata, but the landscape of the real estate is changing. The laws are changing. But most importantly, the realisation that we need to do this now for a better future has become obvious.

This kind of development gives us a lot of freedom to do different kinds of engineering which we wouldn’t have generally done. This is because green building

Kolkata is still one of the more affordable cities in the country. And for a long time the prices in Kolkata hadn’t really moved much. Going forward, we see this changing rapidly. All parts of the city are being developed through many brilliant projects.

Why Kolkata? And why one should buy from Isha Group?

It’s a great place to buy a home. The city is relaxed and has an old soul. And since it’s affordable, you tend to get larger and nicer spaces for the money you put in. One of the reasons why you should buy from Isha Group is that we put a lot of focus on what we are doing. We don’t do many projects together. We do boutique developments and that allows us to spend a lot of time on design table for our projects. We work with the best professionals which include architects, consultants, interior designers, landscape consultants and product manufacturers which shows in our projects. If you go see our projects, you will feel the difference, and hopefully you will come and buy your next home from us.

Nikhil Karnani, Director, Isha Group

SANDHYA LITES

This

Specifically created wall washers improve the beauty of space, provided it’s given the freedom to express itself. It doesn’t only attract potential customers but also retain them for a lifetime.

In a specific operation of artistic lighting design, many details are involved, such as the direction of illumination, colour temperature and even the shape of lamps. The colour and texture of objects in the space can keep the atmosphere changing with the lighting environment.

The collection reflects many different chandeliers, which is a great thing when it comes to making a decision giving customers an open floor to choose the one that aesthetically sets the tone of the space. These chandeliers perfectly pair courant style and retro inspiration.

Sandhya Lites let your imagination run wild! The various sizes and shapes of LED lights allow the artistic mind an abundance of opportunities to creating stunning oneof-a-kind pieces that are certain to fascinate and awe.

An expanded lighting showroom, specifying separate spaces for each kind of lighting, offers an open floor to not only specifiers-architects, interior designers & consultants, but also to end customers to step in and select the best that fits in their space.

Simple lighting doesn’t fulfill the need of modern urban life. Rather it asks for something unique, customised solutions to gel with the exiting space design. These carefully curated selections reflect that even the simplest geometrical shape can be used in so many creative ways, especially when it comes to design lighting expressions.

Thoughtfully Curated And Durable WOOD PRODUCTS For Indoors And Outdoors

The increasing popularity to use wood from across the globe in India indicates its growing appetite for durability, beauty, and ease of use in construction.

Contemporary homes in India follow their penchant for wood in their interior and exterior designs. The availability of a wide variety of thoughtfully curated and durable wooden products from across the globe has made it easy for designers in the country to choose from.

When it comes to interiors, the wooden applications include mouldings and trim, and architectural or decorative features and for these, the wood species to be selected needs to be available in long lengths with minimal knots and needs to allow for good coating adherence. There are a few species of Canadian Wood such as Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock that allow for these as compared to the locally-

available wood from tropical forests. Douglas Fir is valued globally for its extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio, making it the ultimate choice for heavy structural purposes like post and beam construction. As a nation that prefers rich and plush interiors, Canadian Wood’s Western Hemlock remains an ideal choice for furniture, panelling, and other interior products.

For outdoors, natural solid wood is increasingly preferred for pergolas,

gazebos, decking, cladding, and garden furniture. The requirement for wood that can resist termites, rot, and decay makes Western Red Cedar and Yellow Cedar the ideal choices. Both varieties allow for wide outdoor applications without subjecting them to chemical treatment. The structural grades available in Yellow Cedar make it a choice for exterior applications such as bridges, decking, stairs, and landscaping.

ALSTONE INDIA VMZINC FRANCE

AND JOIN HANDS

By combining their core expertise, the duo aim to redefine the cladding industry.

Alstone,one of India’s leading manufacturers of high-pressure laminate (HPL) & fire-rated aluminium composite panel (ACP), has tied up with French giant VMZINC, the world's largest zinc titanium rolled products and finished goods manufacturer. The joint venture was announced in an event held recently in Delhi. The highlight of the evening was the launch of Alstone Zinc Honeycomb and Zinc Composite Panels.

The event comprised a crosssection of the country’s premier and most reputed architects–who were avid participants in an animated

panel discussion on fire-retardant materials and zinc, sustainability in the building & construction sector, and the role of zinc.

The two conglomerates Alstone and VMZINC announced a ‘sustainable growth partnership’ to manufacture zinc composite and zinc honeycomb panels, which eventually evolve into one of the most prominent initiatives towards green metal being used in the Indian cladding industry. Zinc as a metal is eco-friendly due to its recyclability, longer life, and self-healing properties yet providing a beautiful aesthetician effect due to its naturally everchanging appearance.

This alliance provides a wide range of products for exterior cladding with FR-grade safety standards for commercial, institutional, and residential requirements while taking care of the aesthetician effect.

The objective is to fulfil the rapidly escalating demand from governments, corporations, and investors, thereby ensuring adequate and long-term aesthetics and functionality in the metal composite sector–for all times ahead.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sumit Gupta, Managing Director, Alstone said, “We are proud to have collaborated with VMZINC–one of

the world’s leading zinc titanium players. This alliance will not only offer revolutionary cladding products to Indian consumers, but also will take care of the environment & sustainable future.”

He further added, “We understand that participants at various climate conferences globally–including India have declared their intention to decrease the carbon footprint globally. It gives us a great responsibility to further an initiative. We have been early backers of the renewables building material market, and it is clear to us that zinc is going to take a similar trajectory.”

He assured that this collaborative partnership is exactly in line with how Alstone has operated so far. “We are confident that the partnership will be able to play a leading role in accelerating the building and cladding scale-up needed to decarbonize our economies. And most importantly - lending a hand to renewable and recyclable building materials and going the extra mile in the process of nation building.”

According to Judith Juando Ribe, VMZINC, France, Alstone is a trusted brand in the market for the last two decades. “We are building upon the equity that our customers have come to expect from us–building upon the legacy of zinc from VMZINC and

Alstone’s metal composite expertise and quality–will do wonders in the Indian, regional and global market, in time to come. We are truly invested in this partnership and confident of doing well and good.”

Sumit Sahay, General Manager, VMZINC, opined that with strong industrial expertise at its core, the joint venture will have a unique capacity to scale up the manufacture of zinc honeycomb and zinc composite panels. “Together with Alstone, and the ambitious backing of VMZINC's zinc sheet metal excellence, global reach, and networks, we are wellplaced to do this, combining a unique skill set and track record.”

The alliance would bring together Alstone’s metal composite panel manufacturing expertise with VMZINC's extensive access to the zinc value chain. The combination will create the largest and most credible partner for building material sector and an ecosystem that embraces architects, urban planners, and city planners that are seeking a role in accelerating the longer-lasting building and cladding infrastructure sector. BMR