Home Review November 2017

ARTForM: EMnXW

vol 16 issue 11

November 2017

SPECIALIST: Coppersmith Creations

total pages 140

MY SPACE: NOTE-D

RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM

Urban Sanctuary reD Architects Who’s Afraid of Colour? Or Pattern?

MuseLAB Design Engine

NURTURED

BY NATURE

A Villa by Architecture brio resides in nature

Modern Office Special Explore the latest workplace dynamics

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Photo: Cyrus Dalal

B

uilding in nature can be daunting! It often means taking a swipe at what has been organically created over eons and replacing it with brick, mortar and concrete. While this is sadly a path chosen by a few owing to a lack of any options, the team at Architecture Brio show us that there exists a better way.

Robert Verrijt, Shefali Balwani and Khushboo Asrani design a home nestled deep within nature by not erasing the foliage, but instead building with it. Their recently created ‘Tree Villa’ is true to its namesake and built within trees and not just surrounded by them. The structure is a loose collection of enclosures that are semi-private and inter-connected. The home engages nature with its physicality as well as its character and belongs to a typology rarely seen in India. It is a dwelling that rests lightly on this earth, promising to protect and live with nature close to its heart.

Designing with your clients’ preferences in mind should not be restricted to just incorporating colours, materials and accessories, it needs to be a far deeper connect where the program of the space is in sync with its inhabitants. For a large duplex apartment in Mumbai, the team at Red Architects provided all the expected avant-garde finishes and accoutrements, however, what they also cleverly did was to introduce a design intervention that made all the difference.

Responding to the fact that the owner loved to cook for her family, the design team placed a large open kitchen and dining area smack dab in the centre of the penthouse apartment. This repositioning of a convivial space allowed the home to relate on a more fundamental level with the occupants. What seemed like a small functional alteration was in reality what made all the difference. This open kitchen-dining area became the nucleus of the home and a proponent of great food, conversations, moments and memories.

Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com

#ideas#thoughts#wheretouse what#landscapelighting#dyna miclighting#innovativemateria ls#mythsandchallenges#bestp ractice#automatedprocesses# digitizedsolutions#daylighting #learning#applying Coming soon to a city near you

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emails + feedback Aviation Décor

Living the Smart Way

The Woodfeather featured in October issue of Home Review is one of the most unique home décor brands I have ever come across.

Congratulations to Home Review for the information-packed article on ‘Smart appliances and home automation’.

By Email Mandar Joshi

By Email Sudha Chellam

Simply Amazed

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

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Framed Narrative

The impeccable design of the Delhi office of the Nando’s food chain is simply amazing.

Studio Lotus has executed an excellent design.

The subtle narrative of ‘frames’ is indeed fascinating.

By Email R. Subramanyam

By Email Prasen Sarmalkar

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24 32

NOTE-D Helmed by architects Hemant Purohit and Smita Khanna, NOTE-D offers contextual and concept-driven design

20

Part I of a series of photo-essays from Melbourne begins with the city’s historic architecture across housing, learning and leisurely structures

Cover Story

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The Tree Villa, designed by Architecture BRIO, thrives in the midst of a thick forest, much like a refined child of the wild

Built by the design firm reD, this beautiful duplex in Goregaon, Mumbai is picture postcard perfect, well-planned and also has a pluralistic appeal

NOvember

44 Fearlessly bringing together colours and bold patterns enhanced by exquisite detailing, MuseLAB Design Engine instils a home in Mumbai with an uber chic contemporary aesthetic

52 art

form

EMnXW’s creative series ‘Heads’ is a collection of portrait sculptures made from objects, memories, imagination, and an interest in medical imagery

57

By Seema Sharma

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SALZBURG A DESIGN DESTINATION

Objectry, is a design studio which creates one-of-a-kind household objects

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98 76 103

70 Modern Office

With the evolving work culture and the modern office becoming a second home, the design approach has become more personal and this has made it more interesting

product

designer

Designer duo Margeza are renowned for creating works of wonder. It’s no surprise that they’ve renovated a rundown flat in Budapest into just that wonder

Italian designer Antonio Arico’s craftsmanship and vision guide him to create pieces that not only fit into your home, but also go beyond time and challenge traditional artistic norms

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107 GREEN PROJECT

November

Belgium based Studio Farris Architects converted a small barn into an office space replete with a meeting room, library, work spaces, and a resting nook

THE MARKETPLACE

115 A residence in Juhu, Mumbai, designed by Rakeshh Jeswaani is a brilliant example of how an understated design can still be eloquent

Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market

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

Mumbai-based Flamingo Interiors has a rare talent - the ability to juggle multiple templates of inspirations from different eras to create well-rounded modern spaces

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Landscapes

130 Situated in the bustling region of the city’s Bandra Kurla Complex, the terrace garden designed by Architect Kalpak Bhave on the first floor of Naman Centre is a welcome relief zone.

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Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Features Editor Mala Bajaj

Priyanka Menon Writer Priyanka Menon is a copywriter, lecturer in advertising and English literature, poet, and author for HarperCollins and Juggernaut. When she isn’t busy with any of these roles, she can be seen at Starbucks, sipping on white-chocolate mocha, scribbling in her diary. She lives in Pune.

Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi Sr. Sub-Editor Anindita Ganguly Contributing Writers Chryselle D’Silva Dias Devyani Jayakar Dhanishta Shah Himali Kothari K Parvathy Menon Kanupriya Pachisia Ramya Srinivasan Shruti Nambiar Virupa Kantamneni Designers Asif Shayannawar Darshan Palav Pooja Modak Snigdha Hodarkar

Shruti Nambiar Writer Freelance Writer and Photographer In 2010, Shruti quit three years of corporate drudgery in Bengaluru to start on a career in writing. A little over two years ago, she joined The Indian Express, Pune, as a Feature Writer. Currently based in Pune, she is pursuing freelance writing and photography.

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Editorial & Marketing Mumbai Mr. Saurabh Shah B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 T 022 23736133 / 23736131 / 23743069 E response@marvelinfomedia.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com

Architecture Brio Nurtured By Nature, Page 24.

Architecture BRIO is actively engaged in the creation of contextually appropriate solutions within an increasingly changing world. Set up in Mumbai in April 2006, it is a design-based practice focusing primarily on the fields of architecture and interior design. Its principals are Robert Verrijt (TUDelft, The Netherlands) and Shefali Balwani (C.E.P.T, India).

Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

This issue has a total of 132 pages comprising of a 4 page cover and 128 inside pages.

We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved.

Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information.

All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.

Muselab Who’s Afraid of Colour? Or Pattern?, Page 44.

MuseLAB is an end-to-end design studio founded

by Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani in 2012. The studio lays a unique focus on highly customised environments, interiors and furniture. Each space and product embodies integrity - with the same care, skill and attention to detail.

Editor Mr. Anish Bajaj. Published and Printed by Mr. Anish Bajaj on behalf of the owner Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033.

Corrigendum The copy on the last page of the feature +91 designed by Minnie Bhatt in October 2017 issue was wrongly printed. The error is deeply regretted.

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Studio Farris Architects Out-Of-The-Barn, Page 107.

Studio Farris Architects, an architectural practice based in Antwerp, Belgium was founded by Italian architect Giuseppe Farris in 2008. The studio’s goal is to discover the intrinsic potential in every project, questioning the obvious, exploring the surroundings and cultural heritage. The projects always respond to the programmatic needs of the clients whilst keeping sustainability well in focus.

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PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 02 04 NOV

themed “This is Africa” and featuring renowned African curators and artists. The exhibition will explore the artistic history of the continent and chart the future of African design.

TO

KIKK Festival 2017, Belgium the Communities & Affordable Homes Summit, Waterbuild - the water summit at Greenbuild, and the popular International Summit.

KIKK is an international festival that caters to digital and creative cultures. Its interest lies in the artistic and economic implications of new technologies.

The event gathers people of all backgrounds from all around the world. They are designers, scientists, makers, entrepreneurs, artists, architects, developers or musicians. They come to KIKK to narrate their personal anecdotes, to share professional experiences and innovative ideas, to present an artwork, a project or a product. This amazing festival that took place in Belgium between 2nd and 4th November, 2017 guaranteed that visitors return home full of inspiration with plenty of contacts and new passions.

Through a program of conferences, exhibitions and workshops, KIKK Festival analysed how art and science collide in contemporary culture with new waves of artists exploring the physical phenomenon of light, radio, acoustic, magnetic, water or matter wave interferences. www.kikk.be

08 10 NOV TO

Greenbuild 2017, Boston Taking place this year in Boston, Mass. at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Greenbuild is the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. An attendance of 25,000 is anticipated from across the green building sector, spanning commercial and residential professionals, architects, building owners and operators, students, advocates and educators. Greenbuild will also hold three separate summits including

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Greenbuild will feature sessions on LEED, GRESB, Parksmart, PEER, SITES, WELL, Zero Waste and Investor Confidence Project.

Greenbuild is the go-to place for the green building industry where inspiration happens, where business deals are made, where innovation is recognized and celebrated and where people from around the globe reconnect and remind each other strive towards betterment of the built environment.

www.ifiworld.org

TO 10SarasotaMOD 12 NOV Weekend , Sarasota

www.greenbuild.usgbc.org

09IFITOCongress 10 NOV , Lagos

The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) is the global voice and authority for professional Interior Architects/ Designers. It is the singular international federating body for Interior Architecture/ Design organizations.

Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) is a notfor-profit organization that celebrates the Sarasota School of Architecture movement and advocates to preserve the midcentury modern structures that exemplify its forward-looking principles.

The 2017 IFI CONGRESS and African Culture & Design Festival will bring together professionals from around the globe to discuss innovative design solutions at this critical time in our global history.

Since its inception, SAF has provided a highly visible stage for professionals and the general public to come together and celebrate the ground-breaking movement known as the Sarasota School of Architecture. Through its ongoing series of lectures, tours, conferences and film presentations, SAF continues to inform and inspire a loyal and diverse following.

Organized under the theme World-Class Design in Regional Markets: Interior Architecture/ Design into the Future, this global event will explore creativity as a transformative vehicle for economic and social development. Keynote speeches delivered by experts from across design disciplines will debate the global social responsibility of the industry and plot the future of design excellence.

SarasotaMOD Weekend is presented by SAF. This year, it will take place from 10th to 12th November. The fourth annual midcentury modern architecture festival celebrates the legacy of acclaimed Sarasota School architect Edward J. “Tim” Seibert, FAIA. Featuring Cocktail Parties, Presentations, Film Screening, Art Exhibition, House, Walking & Trolley Tours, this is a must-visit event.

The event will also feature an art exhibition

www.sarasotamod.com

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PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 12 13 NOV

architecture event where keynote talks from the industry’s most influential figures sit alongside live crit presentations and judging of over 400 award finalists, global networking, a 500 project strong gallery and an international product exhibition.

TO

Boutique Design Trade Fair, New York

World Architecture Festival 2017 will take place from 15th to 17th November at the Arena Berlin, Germany. This year, in its WAF Architect Tours, WAF has included the best art spaces and most intriguing building projects, exciting protagonists and iconic urban locations.

Boutique Design New York (BDNY) is the leading trade fair and conference for the hospitality design industry, serving the eastern United States, Canada and Europe. Presented annually

by Boutique Design at NYC’s Javits Center, BDNY brings interior designers, architects, purchasing agents and hospitality owners/developers together with manufacturers and marketers of high-caliber design elements for hospitality interiors.

Celebrating its eighth year this November, it’s the creative nexus of hospitality design-a trade fair and conference with boutique DNA and a focus on innovation, culminating with our industry’s most prestigious awards presentation, the Gold Key Awards Gala.

More than 600 customized displays are expected to offer a gallery of inventive furnishings, lighting, fabrics, wall coverings, flooring, carpeting, bath and spa, accessories, artwork and more-exceptional products that create the wow in hotels, restaurants, spas, clubs and cruise ships around the world.

edited roster of established and emerging brands across a range of product categories; including furniture, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens, textiles and accessories.

Fostering greater interaction, connectivity and commercial opportunity, Downtown Design is dedicated to providing a dynamic environment for buyers and brands to do business easily and efficiently. Downtown Design will run from November 14 - 17 2017 as a key element of Dubai Design Week.

Dubai

Downtown Design is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Downtown Design is the only platform in the Middle East for the region’s trade professionals to discover original, high quality design from all over the world.

In its fifth edition, the Fair will take place at the Dubai Design District and present a carefully

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23IIIDTO Design 26 NOV Excellence Awards, India

www.downtowndesign.com

15 TO 17 NOV

World Architecture Festival, Arena Berlin

www.bdny.com

TO 14Downtown 17 NOV Design,

www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

The World Architecture Festival is a threeday event for architects and interior design professionals. WAF is where the world architecture community meets to celebrate learn, exchange and be inspired. It is an amazing platform that combines awards, live judging, conferences, networking, parties, Berlin city tours, exhibition, gala dinner and more.

This is where the world architecture community meets to celebrate learn, exchange and be inspired. It is the only

Gear up to celebrate the rewarding journey of supreme designers across the architectural industry. Send in your entries for the 20th cycle of IIID Design Excellence Awards presented by Anchor by Panasonic.

Eminent architects, interior designers, design consultants, academia, artists and editors as jury holistically review and critique the designs. Hurry up! Submit your entries by 30th of November 2017.

It aims to spread awareness about good design to the community, promote excellence in education and ethical conduct in practice, liaison between members and authorities, act for the common benefit of the fraternity and above all to encourage interaction between designers, affiliated professions, other artists and traders - for the benefit of the profession. www.iiidanchorawards.co.in

NOTE-D - an acronym of ‘Nature of the Experiment’ is emblematic of Mumbaibased architectural firm, NOTE Design’s core philosophy. Helmed by architects Hemant Purohit and Smita Khanna, this 8-yr old practice offers contextual and concept-driven design. Each project brief provides them inspiration, offering an exciting challenge to experiment with new systems and techniques.

Synergising their individual strengths, Hemant and Smita constantly explore spatial behaviour. The firm stresses on detailing, site specific solutions, while judiciously probing and reinterpreting conventions.

A blend of local practices with global developments is manifested in their work. Their noteworthy repertoire ranges from residential, educational, to hospitality projects.

Here, they discuss their love for research and experimentation, and future goals.

Interview By Shweta Salvi

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What are the cornerstones of your practice?

HP/SK: Our design process and the teams involved in it are most important for the work that we do. The process includes setting up the relevant conceptual framework, a rigourous exploration of client brief and a constantly evolving research of systems and styles.

Typically, an architect’s inspirations and inclinations define his/her signature style. What are your inspirations?

What’s your take on designing structures that are relevant yet timeless?

HP/SK: Structural relevance comes from its use - how our clients occupy the spaces we design for them. The other kind of relevance important for us is the application of techniques and mechanisation available today to the array of natural materials judiciously. We respect material as limited resource and try to bring out its best form through procedures on it. Any such process can remain relevant forever as it demonstrates a specific language of that era.

NOTE-D has been doing extensive work on material development; with a marked evolution of technology and material globally, what potential innovations do you foresee in the near future?

HP/SK: We work on designs of objects of day-to-day life as experiences that bring joy. Newer materials, the precision in technology and functionality of hardware allow us to redefine these objects. We believe arts and experiences will become bigger reasons behind the design of these day-to-day objects.

HP/SK: Newer paradigms in spatial usage, materials and techniques attract us a lot.

In that sense, SANAA, Valerio Olgiati and Nieto Sobejano’s works are inspiring. So are the design and techniques of Raw Edges, Nendo and vernacular artisans of India for their work on wood, stone and metal.

We respect material as limited resource and try to bring out its best form through procedures on it.

People will invent individual ways of life through them. Tables will find newer meanings for interaction and gettogethers (as in some of our furniture), doors and windows will connect people differently with the world outside, walls will cease to be inanimate and new materials will make domestic infrastructure more fun.

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Design thinking and projects are rapidly changing in India, which is very exciting for us. We are looking at designing architecture for public realm and developing small scale objects.

Any traditional technique which you haven’t explored and would like to work with?

HP/SK: We are excited about creating new colours and textures - especially through natural combinations and casting.

Any current global architectural practice that inspires you?

HP/SK: Apart from the ones mentioned above, we like the work of Sou Fujimoto.

What is the firm currently working on?

HP/SK: We are in the process of completing two second homes that engage with terrain & landscape and principles of Vaastu in an interesting manner. We are excited about developing new methods of learning through our design of a school in Bangalore, and working environments in Mumbai.

We are also addressing some very interesting briefs of young families for their interior design of first homes and apartments in Mumbai.

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If not an architect what profession would you have chosen?

One thing about your profession that really irks you‌

What kind of work do you envisage the studio doing in the coming years?

HP/SK: Design thinking and design projects are rapidly changing in India, which is very exciting for us. We are looking at designing architecture for public realm and developing small scale objects customised for individuals at the same time.

HP/SK: It is unfortunate that the profession has not been able to develop sophisticated tools as fast as some of the other fields. Over simplification of the nature of work that we do has led to degradation of the ‘discipline’ called design process. However, we continue to believe in it and propose newer roles and interventions in which we can contribute.

HP/SK: It is hard to put it as a matter of choice alone as so many factors go into inspiring and influencing your decision of profession.

HP: I could have been an engineer but working on written material.

SK: I could have been an artist. email@note-d.in www.note-d.in

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NURTURED BY NATURE

The Tree Villa, designed by Mumbai-based Architecture BRIO, thrives in the midst of a thick forest, much like a refined child of the wild.

There is a difference between being ‘among the trees’ and settling into nature’s calming embrace, with tree branches quite literally inter-locked at some spots. This clearly describes the feel of Tree Villa, because just standing aloof is not its style. The home is a collection of sunny spaces inside with pristine white curtains that sway in the cross breezes.

Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy Photographix / Sebastian + Ira

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The setting is the vicinity of the famed Buddhist Kuda caves in the city of Tala, Maharashtra. It is to the credit of the team from Architecture BRIO, comprised of Robert Verrijt, Shefali Balwani and Khushboo Asrani, that the home isn’t crowded with cumbersome props. The overall look is clean, fresh and sturdy.

Polished wood co-exists with the natural variety and the inside-outside flow means tree branches slither into private spaces like old friends. And then there is all the glass, both reflecting and revealing, which accords the residence an inescapable air of elegance.

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This is a 225 sq m property with a river landscape in its neighbourhood.

The Tree Villa stands on a cliff, built to house 6 people in a free-flowing scheme with three enclosures that only loosely subscribe to the term. “Rather than compartmentalising activities into distinct rooms, the main space is broken up into three smaller enclosures that are positioned within it, ensuring a visual connection to the forest in multiple directions from all rooms. A pantry-cumloft unit, a semi-outdoor bathroom and a curtained bed enclosure act as anchors and define interstitial zones such as the breakfast room and the lounge.�

Among these sections, the most visually satisfying is the bathroom nook, with a free-standing bath tub sitting beside a Garuga fruit tree that has been allowed to puncture through, its branches rising skywards like arms engaged in prayer.

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White Plexiglas panels sandwiched between vertical timber slats close this courtyard off, but not completely, perfectly representing the unique mix of private and public that defines the layout here. One of the branches wiggles into the main room and finally escapes through the thatched roof.

The home is accessed by first trudging across the forest floor and then across a timber bridge; then one moves on to a stilts-elevated, generous deck that wraps around the house’s girth like a sarong.

The deck completes its purpose as an expansive viewing platform, an element a house like this just cannot do without.

The Tree Villa, true to its name, doesn’t just live surrounded by wild greenery but also apes the verticality and branching subsections of a tree. Some of the furniture pieces are reclaimed specimens while others are custom-made, but they all are confidently simple pieces with some sinewy chair legs throwing the slightest of caution to the wind.

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Everything from the sofa upholstery to the bed and table linen to the tall tie-up curtains channel a sublime range of white to grey hues, while some cushions and rugs summon spots of darker greys and browns.

The large glass swathes here are more walls than windows, their views highlighting the fact why nothing inside the house need bother too hard to look beautiful.“A large luxurious king-size bed within a soft linen fabric enclosure can be opened or closed off, depending on the demands of privacy,” states the team.

In this space is a small dining area that looks out to a deck and all the lushness beyond. The pantry-cum-loft section here houses a kitchenette and follows the outdoor bathroom look template with white Plexiglas. “The top of the unit is accessed by a wooden ladder and provides an additional bed. Looking down on the surrounding forest, it is almost like a ‘pirates den’, a great cosy hideout for young kids,” adds the team.

Everything about the home is inspired by nature,

and the way it has been designed, flonly enhances the unspoilt character of its

Tree Villa at Forest Hills Exploded Section

surroundings.

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A little away from the dining zone is a small coffee table spot, privy to the beautiful views from the other side as well as to a lovely dark spiral staircase that seems to wink and descend into a secret lair. The lower level secret zone reveals itself to be the guest suite with thick forest views. “You can take a shower here with merely a curved glazed sheet separating you from the surrounding forest life. A timber floored outdoor deck and attached staircase invites you to take a hike in the forest,� the team states.

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In this understated universe, it is almost too easy to miss the touches of brassy metal in the form of wash basins, faucets, and lamp shades.

The table lamps and floor lamps are discreet, peeping out from designated corners as if afraid of disrupting the silence.

To sum it up, if one has to describe Tree Villa...simply gorgeous! info@architecturebrio.com www.architecturebrio.com

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‘Melbourne style’ terraced-houses from the late Victorian era feature decorative Italianate elements including pediments, friezes, balustrades and busts.

Melbourne's Historic Architecture I TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KUNAL BHATIA AND SHUVAJIT PAYNE kunal@kunalbhatia.net www.kunalbhatia.net Part I of a series of photo-essays from Melbourne begins with the city’s historic architecture across housing, learning and leisurely structures. Keep an eye out for the December 2017 issue of Home Review for Part II of Melbourne’s Historic Architecture.

Since its founding as a city less than two hundred years ago, Melbourne has witnessed a series of upturns and downfalls that have given it a characteristic urban fabric, dozens of notable structures and even the tag of the ‘world’s most liveable city’ over the last decade.

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It was during the Gold Rush of the 1850s and the economic boom of the 1880s, that a large number of grand buildings started being constructed in the city. An influx of wealth resulted in speculative housing development in the city centre, which was characterized by ornate facades and elaborate details for standalone houses as well as for those sharing side walls with their neighbours.

The State Library of Victoria’s grandest feature is the octagonal La Trobe Reading Room that is six storeys high and can accommodate over 300 readers at its desks. When opened in 1913, its concrete dome was one of the largest of its kind in the world. Another monumental structure is the Royal Exhibition Building designed by Joseph Reed.

While it was built to host the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880-81, it was also the venue for the opening of Australia’s parliament in 1901 and for the 1956 Summer Olympics.

Australia’s oldest continuous entertainment venue is the Princess’ Theatre, in an architectural style called the ‘Second Empire’ that incorporates diverse elements, from the Renaissance to the Baroque styles. Melbourne’s central districts are also home to numerous arcades that run in between streets and form important retail and social spaces. Prominent amongst these are the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade, both from the late 19th century.

Top and Bottom: The terraced-houses also made extensive use of decorative cast iron for balconies, railings and gateways.

The grand volume of the State Library of Victoria’s La Trobe Reading Room, which is flooded with natural light from skylights in its concrete dome.

Over 30,000 books line the shelves of the domed reading room.

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The Great Hall of the Royal Exhibition Building, a World Heritage Site, is spread across a staggering 12,000 square metres and hosts exhibitions and shows even today.

Mansard roofs with iron crowns form the most distinctive features of the Princess’ Theatre in Melbourne.

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Richly decorated with mosaic floors, glass canopies, chandeliers and wrought iron works, the Block Arcade is Melbourne’s most richly decorated shopping street.

The Royal Arcade is Australia’s oldest surviving arcade and has characteristic black and white chequered floors.

Art Deco interiors and the historic escalator inside the 1932 Manchester Unity Building in central Melbourne.

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Built by the design firm reD, as a private sanctuary away from the bustle of the city in Goregaon, Mumbai, this beautiful duplex which is picture postcard perfect is not only well planned but also has a pluralistic appeal.

Text By Virupa Kantamneni Photographs Courtesy reD Architects

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URBAN SANCTUARY

Cosy corners with a view to die for.

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Envisioning your home and watching it come alive is like having your dream turn into reality. Located on the 49th floor of a building in the Mumbai suburb of Goregaon, this lavish apartment was designed to provide a sanctum for a family with a supermom who also divulged the spatial planning needs for the home.

“This 3,000 sq ft duplex situated on a soaring height was originally inherited as two 3-bedroom apartments, the plan was significantly modified to meet the client’s brief of a duplex with 4 bedrooms in total,” highlighted the design team at reD. Presented with two floors to spread the interior spaces over, the design team segregated the entertaining areas from the private living areas.

The entry was planned into a double height space and this presented an opportunity for design and some three-dimensional spatial drama.

Governed by the client’s personality and requirements the designers gave reason to their spatial planning.

}

“The client is a super mom who loves to cook for her family in spite of a flourishing corporate career, so we decided to place the kitchen where she would cook and the dining area in the main double height space of this penthouse apartment. This interpretation of the programme allowed us to create amazingly unique spaces that changed the way the client entertains as well as the way she lives and relates to her family.”

Natural light in abundance and with no spatial constraints, the duplex presented itself as any designer’s dream canvas.

The single height living area now flows seamlessly into the double height open kitchen and the dining area can be overlooked upon from the living quarters above. Clean cut spaces with large windows overlooking the vantage view dominate the lower level’s design USP.

Muted tones create a sublime mood.

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Neutral colour schemes with natural tones compliment the spaces rather than draw attention away from them. The quirky use of varied tones of grey granite, create a unique pattern for the flooring giving the design parallels a fourth dimension. With the furnishings all restricted to muted beiges, the suspended umbrella lights in the double height area above the dining area draw all the attention. A mirror wall extends the entire length of the double height wall giving the space an even larger spatial feel.

}

A fairly straightforward industrial looking staircase with a glass railing links the lower level with the private living spaces above. Following the scheme from the level below, the upper level seamlessly transitions into a private sanctuary for the family. Setting the tone for the spaces, out-of-the-box wallpaper designs are fully in sync with the vision in mind conveying the eclectic elegance of the entire space.

The master bedroom boasts a grand walk-in closet that is an enviable luxury in today’s times and wood panelling softens the tone of the sleeping areas which maintain the plush mood of the muted interiors. Quirky and contemporary highlights; be they in the form of light fixtures or the wallpaper play all the high notes in this design orchestra.

Proud as they should be of this medley, the team at reD say, “The extensive use of amazingly graphic wall papers with sculptures of beetles and bugs made out of recycled paper and suspended aqua fabric lights infuse the double height space with an almost ‘Alice in wonderland’ character. The uniqueness of the planning of space and its graphic quality could easily be the defining USP of this space for us.”

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The use of materials that can be maintained easily, along with tones that work with most highlights are all characteristics of a well-planned and thought-out design detailing. Maintaining an air of classy contemporary in a functional home is what makes this luxury home stand out.

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Muted tones create a sublime mood.

My favourite power woman Coco Chanel always said “Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.” And by keeping it minimalistic yet homely, the creators at reD have more than done justice to the term “luxury”. www.redarchitects.in

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Cera has launched an exclusive range of designer tiles for floor and wall.

ENHANCED AESTHETICS WITH CERA

Cera Sanitary ware Ltd., one of India’s fastest growing home solutions provider, launched a new collection of exclusive designer tiles for floor and wall at an event held in Kadi, where its main manufacturing plants for sanitary ware and faucets is situated. Cera invited around 500 distributors of tiles from across the country to see the new collection, which was displayed over an area of 9,000 sq. ft.

The new collection included 500 designs in floor tiles and over 150 design concepts in wall tiles. The categories included digital glazed vitrified tiles, digital wall tiles, third-fired tiles, digital porcelain tiles, etc. in sizes varying from 600x600mm to 800x1200mm. “The response from trade was overwhelming,” said Mr Atul Sanghvi, Executive Director, Cera.

All the designs are unique and break the current clutter of tile design in the industry. Lucido, the glazed vitrified range, which includes the new book match series is in vogue in both the residential and commercial constructions. The Marble series and Rustic Stone series have been designed keeping in mind the consumers’ changing tastes. The new Highlighter series in the glazed vitrified tiles is truly unique designs that can be used both for floor as well as for wall. Passion, the third fired wall tiles range are designed in such a way so as to enhance the aesthetics.

Apart from the 23 third fired designs, one can also select from a range of 104 regular wall tiles. These look equally amazing in both contemporary and traditional settings. Designed by a team of well-known tile designers, the new range gives a refreshingly different look from the present designs available in the market currently.

Cera’s tile plant at Gudur in Andhra Pradesh also commenced the production of Glazed Vitrified Tiles. Apart from sanitary ware, faucets and tiles, Cera’s product range also includes bathroom cabinets, storage water tanks, kitchen sinks, mirrors, sensor and wellness like whirlpools and steam cubicles. Its distribution network consists of over 2,000 dealers and 10,000 retailers. The company also showcases its products through company-managed Cera Style Studios and dealer-managed Cera Style Galleries. www.cera-india.com Home Review November 2017

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Placed in the centre of the living room, the sofa is an informal space organiser - defining the dining area, a TV lounge area and a living area for entertaining.

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WHO’S AFRAID OF COLOUR? OR PATTERN? Fearlessly bringing together colours and bold patterns enhanced by exquisite detailing, MuseLAB Design Engine instils a home in Mumbai with an uber chic contemporary aesthetic.

A five-bedroom home for a couple with four grown up children came to Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani of MuseLAB Design Engine with a one-word brief, “Functionality.” It also entailed creating a five-bedroom apartment from a four bedroom one with a carpet area of 2750 square feet. A den area and a powder bathroom that were a part of the dining-living area were converted into the fifth bedroom.

That the home belonged to Jasem’s parents, meant freedom as well as responsibility. Without having to run every small detail by the client, the outcome of the decisions would have to be confronted on a daily basis. “This was our opportunity to experiment and showcase design process,” says Huzefa.

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A den cum bedroom leads off the foyer, while a low day bed hugs one corner.

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The earlier home was a white one, so Huzefa and Jasem decided to move towards colour this time. In the foyer near the entrance, a cabinet with nine drawers for storing footwear displays all the colours used in the house, butterfly handles contributing to the playful note; a cantilevered bench to seat one person is an extension of the cabinet.

“The space is characterised by a layered environment full of textures, prints, patterns and colours,” says Jasem. A happy amalgamation of opposites is seen: ethnic and modern; neutrals and punchy vibrant colours; and textured and smooth; making it plush as well as playful.

“The flooring and the baths were provided by the builder, which we didn’t want to rip open, so we concentrated our energies on vertical surfaces and the ceiling,” says Jasem. A den cum bedroom leads off the foyer, a low day bed against one corner. A boxy wardrobe in dark green doesn’t shy away from displaying its colour, drawing attention to its dramatic presence across the bed. The veneer on its PU coated surface has a hand milled pattern, adding detail to the monolith.

Further inside, the living-dining room is a 900 sq ft expanse, in which a sofa functions as a linear island to organise the space; the dining table folds into a 10-seater to face the television. “Meals are important in our home,” says Jasem.

“The frequent entertaining celebrates togetherness as well as food.”

The chairs at the table invite attention with the heavily textured fabric (simulating sailing rope) on their backrests, the black chandelier above successfully straddling an intricate as well as contemporary aesthetic. The long bench on one side of the table has an I-section for support. The adjacent kitchen has shutters in teal, with black mosaic tiles for a back splash.

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“The focus in the living-dining room is provided by an object-like Corian clad unit. Connected with the sofa, it creates one 20-foot-long unit. Placed in the centre of the living room, it is an informal space organiser - defining the dining area, a TV lounge area and a living area for entertaining. This has resulted in creating pockets, providing opportunities for smaller groups to have conversations.

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The coffee table in front of the sofa has two pull-out poufs which double as footrests, if needed, while the bench at the dining table can also be used for seating while facing the television. Every piece of fixed and loose furniture has been customised with conscious detailing and various construction techniques being employed,” says Huzefa.

The chest of drawers has ‘waves’ on its front, created by CAD and then through CNC milling. The screen alongside is an abstracted version of the veins on a leaf. Demanding craftsmanship, it adds one more layer of pattern and drama to the space.

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The walls are in one of three finishes; veneer, Spanish tiles or a concrete finish.

Only the ceilings have paint, the halo lights on them being customised, with dimmable LEDs. A dumbbell shaped wooden bench against the stained veneer wall has free flowing organic lines and has been created by laminating logs of reclaimed Burma teak together. “It weighs about 450 kilograms,” says Jasem. “A credenza unit has been formed by routing the front fascia of the drawers. Wardrobe shutters with veneer on veneer inlay have been handcrafted on site. We converted our own house into a design laboratory.”

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The bedrooms have a corridor lined with wardrobes at the entrance. The son’s bedroom has sprinkles of orange as an accent; the armchair is upholstered in a Shibori fabric. One daughter’s room is in fuchsia and black, the pattern on the wardrobes an abstraction of a plant leaf.

“All the patterns have been inspired by nature,” says Jasem. On the wall behind the headboard, a rectilinear installation runs horizontally on the wall, echoing the geometry on the wardrobe. But this is no mere drawing board exercise forced into production to create an eyesore.

Functioning as a sculpture during the day, it is a light by night – taking the place of art on the wall that one may expect to see.

Cognisant of the fact that there was no art collection to display, Huzefa and Jasem have provided the art through their detailing. “You can’t just buy art off the shelf. It takes many years to build a collection,” says Jasem. But this deficiency is more than made up for by the “come hither” aesthetic in the detailing, inviting a closer look as well as tactile exploration.

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One daughter’s room is in fuchsia and black, the pattern on the wardrobes an abstraction of a plant leaf.

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The kitchen has shutters in teal, with a black mosaic tiled backsplash.

“We wanted to take craftsmanship to the next level,” says Huzefa.

“This is what provides the ‘pause moments’. There is a combination of digital designs and handcrafting. The aesthetic is tied with craftsmanship, but explored with colour.” Clearly, juggling apparently incompatible colours and patterns insouciantly and very successfully - is child’s play to Huzefa and Jasem. curious@muselab.in. www.muselab.in

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Home Review Now on Apple and Android Devices

All you need to do is download the free ‘Magzter app.

Apple users can download Magzter from the App Store.’ Android users can download Magzter from Android Market.

Try it out today.

As the series advances, you can see how the elements keep changing.

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art form

Making Heads Turn EMnXW’s creative series, ‘Heads’, a collection of portrait sculptures made from objects, memories, imagination, and an interest in medical imagery, is quite literally making heads turn.

When was the last time you counted the number of thoughts that ran simultaneously through your head? How many times have you created scenes and scenarios in your head only to have them pan out differently in reality? EMnXW, an artist duo comprising of Edwige Massart and Xavier Wynn, has created a series of surrealist portraits of the inner workings of the human head.

Aptly named ‘Heads’, the cerebral sculpture series can be interpreted as an attempt to lay open the clutter that exists in the average human head. Made up of found objects, memories, imagination, and an abject fascination with medical imagery, “the artwork is a marriage of interests and an exploration into identity,” say the Chicago based duo.

One of the recent additions to the series; the red sequins that form the mouth add a delightful pop to this sculpture’s overall look.

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Edwige is an art facilitator for the developmentally disabled, while Xavier works in marketing. “In our spare time, we make art,” they say.

Each artwork is essentially a story told through the elements it is made up of.

Sourced from Edwige’s personal collection of found objects, every item is a part of the vocabulary and grammatical structure of the plotline. She found her first piece (of the collection) of a roman mosaic in the desert of Israel when she was just about four years old.

“Edwige’s insatiable curiosity about the world around her drives the plot, conflict and theme for each Head’s story. The actual collection is made up of coral vowels, leaf consonants, and bottle cap punctuation.

Each letter selected has a very personal and specific relevance and sound.” Every element inside the sculpture is symbolic of a story and a time in the life of the artists.

If Edwige’s collection forms the elemental narrative of the artwork, it is Xavier’s keen interest in medical imagery that satisfies and brings to life its structural form, by “creating character and setting for the story.” At just nine years, Xavier had visited the ‘sliced bodies’ exhibit at the Field Museum of Natural History.

It is from here that his tryst with human anatomy and medical imagery began.

In fact, it can be said, that the exhibit is the literal inspiration for the series Heads.

Xavier’s fascination with discovering what lies beneath our skin is what ultimately gives the stories a cover, binding, inner pages, and even a spine.

What is breathtaking about these sculptures is the inherent pattern each one has. Even the colour palette and materials used conform to a kind of format and scheme.

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While surrealism began in the early 1920s, its many explorations and changes over the years, have allowed visual artists to bring forth their own form of drama and expression into the movement. Which is why, perhaps, the stories told by EMnXW’s Heads are significant, as they live up to the principles of surrealism, and showcase the duo’s inimitable style.

Our favourite element here is the sequins that form the eyebrow. The colour palette in this sculpture is very artistic.

The colourful brain could very well belong to someone with a penchant for creativity.

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Typically, preparing a cross section of a human head requires sawing and dyeing to further the look and feel of each organ and section inside the head, parts we may have long forgotten about after having read them in our school textbooks. Even preservation via plastination is a tedious process. However, EMnXW’s head sculptures do not leave you squirming in your seats. But they do manage to make your eyeballs pop out, for sure!

What is breathtaking about these sculptures is the inherent pattern each one has. Even the colour palette and materials used conform to a kind of format and scheme. Some of the objects are a delight for curious minds. The myriad of found objects that nestle in the crosssections are not just symbols of Edwige’s childhood and Xavier’s creative imagination - like parts of children’s toys, resin, cork pieces, etc - but are also stories which when compiled together, breathe a larger narrative.

Our favourite element in the entire series is the brain. Each sculpture uses different materials to depict the organ, and it is done with such astounding finesse. It is from here really that the stories and interpretations begin to come to life.

Each sculpture is numbered and is open to subjective interpretations. As viewers observe and examine the various compartments, sections, and materials that make up a piece, they make their own deductions and conclusions.

A closer look shows you how the figurine of the singer adds to the storyline.

“You never know what they might want to say to you - whispering their woes, screaming about their trials or even expressing pride at their achievements,” Edwige and Xavier add. They believe that each Head has its own story. And they’ve heard them all. So now, they’ve left it to the viewers to decide for themselves, which story they want to hear first, that is! www.emnxw.com

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DESIGNQUEST

By Seema Sharma

Sparkling Impressions A brand committed to brightening up lives with unique lighting solutions, The Brighter Side aims to be the goto brand for your indoor and outdoor lighting needs.

The Delhi-based brand started by Seema Sharma offers a range of home decorative lights like wall lamps, floor lamps, table lamps, pendant lights, nautical lamps and industrial style pendant lights and chandeliers.

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Candela Etched Metal Pendant Light

Eros Wooden Table Lamp

The lamps are made in India with a variety of material like iron, aluminium, wood and brass. Recycled lamps on a small scale are also made by the firm.

Iris Multicolor Mosaic Table Lamp

While some products are designed inhouse, one of Seema’s good friends, Aaditya Koshe, an industrial designer also helps with enhancing the product offering. The firm also outsources some of its products from select vendors. However, these need to be distinctively impressive and gel well with the concept of The Brighter Side.

The team at The Brighter Side works around designs that create old age charm with modern functionality. The brand is inspired by everything that is rustic, antique and vintage, with additional inspirations being travel and artistic exploration.

In the words of Seema, “I was working with a German MNC and had the desire of starting something of my own. I always loved collecting antique products and decorating my home, however, creative and rustic items often came at a higher price. I saw lot of potential in the vintage lamps segment as local retailers mostly sell imported Chinese lamps that are low in quality. Along with my brother, Neeraj we started with a retail store of decorative lamps.”

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The nautical tripod floor lamps and industrial style wall lamps from The Brighter Side sell the most. Etched metal lamps are also popular as intricate work on lamps creates pattern on the ceiling when light passes through it. What makes them special is the unique design and exclusivity with high quality ‘Made in India’ tag. The team also plans to open a flagship retail store in Delhi soon.

When asked about how she plans to deal with competition, Seema replies, “ ‘Forget about your competitors, just focus on your customers’ - Jack Ma. I truly believe in it! We ensure that our customers are satisfied in terms of quality and value for money. We keep exploring international designs, collaborate with creative people who develop edgy products and differentiate ourselves from the run of the mill. You carve your space just by being different from other sellers in the market”. seema.sharma@thebrighterside.co.in forthebrighterside@gmail.com www.thebrighterside.co.in

Portia Copper Side Table Lamp

The Brighter Side has gained immense popularity over the last three years and created a niche as an established brand in the decorative lamps’ segment. It is also in the process of developing a brand with a ‘creative Indian lamps’ image.

Juan Golden Table Lamp

Triangle Wood Table Lamp

She further adds that they could not survive with just a brick and mortar model for long, so they entered the e-commerce space and tied up with architects and interior designers who could associate with the brand concept and appreciate the designs.

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DESIGN DESTINATION

SALZ WHERE Salzburg, a veritable artist’s paradise, located in central Austria along the Salzach River, is set against a backdrop of snow-capped Alps and is the fourth largest city close to the German border.

Ringed by the cities of Munich, Slovenia and Vienna its southern mountains stand in contrast to its northern rolling plains.

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BURG WHEN

WHY

Salzburg’s mild rain dotted climate offers flexibility to visitors. Lying in the temperate zone, it witnesses crowded summers like its other European neighbours. From September to October one can enjoy beautifully pruned gardens in comfortable temperatures. Although the hills bloom and sing in spring, March and April are a bit chilly.

‘If it’s Baroque, don’t fix it’, is a perfect maxim for Salzburg. The Sound of Music turned it into a Hollywood legend. Besides being the birthplace of Mozart, the city has a burgeoning arts scene, wonderful food, quiet streets, a perfect skyline and history that send your spirits soaring high.

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A SPECIAL KIND OF DESIGNER Situated in a 700 year old building, the newly refurbished 16 room Hotel Goldgasse is the only Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Salzburg. Once a 16th century coppersmith’s workshop, the premises is now a boutique hideaway that has been honoured and restored, with many historical features left intact.

A piece of the natural, rough walls standing beside smooth glass walls and sensational, original ceiling frescos with old stucco pronounce a special kind of designer hotel.Traditional materials such as Salzburg Oak and porcelain tiles have been complimented with vibrant colours and chic modern furnishings to create a comfortable and timeless place to relax in.

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Its rooms exude individuality, luxury and attention to detail. Named after a different opera, each of the 16 guestrooms and suites have oversized wardrobes and walls used as a canvas to depict some of the most representative operas of the Salzburg Festival, each offering a contemporary interpretation of a tenor’s home.

Marble bathrooms stand complete with rain and massage showers.

The ground floor restaurants take you back to the 1500s with its rustic wooden beams and copper detailing. Original stone floors ascend the stairs as a private concierge replaces the normal reception.

A stylishly reserved hotel from the outside, once inside, it’s ambience has an authentic flair.

A BAROQUE RENDITION An imposing example of monumental and sacred architecture that leaves a distinctive mark on the city skyline, the Salzburg Cathedral is renowned for its harmonious Baroque architecture. The body of the church is made of ornamented dark grey stone and a façade of bright Untersberg marble.

Framed by two towers and topped by a curved gable, the richly decorated façade is divided into three sections horizontally. The lower section has three high round portals that provide access to the bronze doors which represent the three divine virtues of faith, love and hope. The pediments over the three windows depict a lion and an ibex.

The simple sepia-white interiors contrast with the Baroque excesses and date to a later renovation.

Elaborate and grand ceiling murals and a bling altar highlight the dome and satisfy Baroque seekers. But it’s the crispness of the black lines along every detail that make the dome memorable. The Cathedral’s plaza is a complete aesthetic concept and one of Salzburg’s most beautiful urban set pieces.

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THE URBAN COSMOPOLITAN Located in the heart of Panzerhalle in Salzburg, the Stratmann restaurant resembles a metropolis with a timeless, urban, industrial lifestyle. The centrepiece is the chef with his kitchen. This is surrounded by a Corten steel structure which can hold up to 5,000 bottles of wine.

Rustic brick walls stand raw and honest in appearance as a blocked staircase cantilevers out to hold candles. Metal chairs in lattice framework, across large tables complete the look in bold black lines. Merano high stools in solid wood gleam under filament bulbs that suspend above tables.

The entirely grey carpeted floor adds a sense of sophistication to the rustic space as it matches up with the steel partition wall. Huge reclaimed industrial wooden doors stand as a sharp contrast to the sleek glass doors as they welcome you in.

A LEGENDARY ADDRESS Mozart’s birthplace in the heart of the old city is a highlight of any holiday in Salzburg and not just for music lovers. Now a museum, the famous composer’s birthplace continues to be a magnet for his fans and history buffs from around the world.

Located at 5 Domgasse, his apartment on the first floor was positively grand with four large rooms, two small ones and a kitchen.

A visit to this floor allows for insights into his daily life.

Occupying 1000 square metres on six levels, the house has visitors immersed in the vibrant world of Mozart. The second floor is dedicated to Mozart’s operas while the third floor features a collection on life in Baroque Vienna. The museum puts forth an experience of his bounteous genius and creativity through regular exhibits. The house underwent extensive renovation but much of the Baroque architecture and interiors have been preserved and restored.

Text By Kanupriya Pachisia

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SAINT-GOBAIN : DESIGNING ELOQUENCE Saint-Gobain’s state-of-the-art Electrically Operable and thermal insulation Glass adorns the Glass-roofed Vistadome coach on Mumbai-Goa route.

Saint-Gobain’s Glass business in India started operations in the year 2000 in Chennai. It has cumulatively invested over Rs 3500 crores with manufacturing plants in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Saint-Gobain pioneered several Product, Marketing, Manufacturing, Application, Sustainability and Human Resources Innovations that helped in the emergence of product differentiation, segmentation and knowledge / skill development in what was seen as a commodity industry.

Enjoy the picturesque landscape of Western Ghats with the glass roofed Vistadome air-conditioned coach on the Jan Shatabdi Express running between Dadar and Madgaon on the Mumbai- Goa route.

The Vistadome coach has wide windowpanes and roofs of switchable glass that become either transparent

or translucent with just the click of a switch LED lights. It also has rotatable seats and pushback chairs. GPS based info system is also integrated in the coach. Additionally, there are multiple television screens. The coach is also facilitated with electrically operated automatic sliding compartment doors.

These specially designed panels provide for stellar views to commuters, while giving them the comfort of solar and thermal control on exceptionally sunny days. The coach features a dome design with large windows and an observation lounge for panoramic views on the Mumbai- Goa route.

Saint-Gobain specifically designed and supplied glass panels for the roof that comprises of two different kinds of glass variants. The rooftop panel is made of SGG Priva-Lite, a glass that becomes transparent/ translucent at a click of a switch.

Commenting on this launch, Mr. Santhanam, President & MD - Flat Glass (South Asia, Malaysia & Egypt), SaintGobain, said, “Saint Gobain has been successfully making innovative, highperformance and energy-efficient glass solutions. We are delighted to partner with Indian Railways to transform train travel in India and make it luxurious with a beautiful view of the landscape.”

This glass is paired with SGG Planitherm Ultra a thermal insulation glass that helps maintain optimum daylighting without glare and helps maintain the indoor air-conditioning at a desired temperature irrespective of the climate outside. The composite unit that measures to 33mm thickness also provides acoustic insulation.

This specially-designed Vistadome coach was manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF)-Perambur, Chennai. in.saint-gobain-glass.com Home Review November 2017

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Objectry creates one-of-akind household objects.

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Retail Therapy

Objets D’affection Objectry, is a design studio which creates one-of-a-kind household objects. The approach adopted, paired with quality Indian artisanship, organically results in work that is utilitarian yet distinctive.

Text By Dhanishta Shah Photograph Courtesy Hansraj Dochaniya

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The in-store furniture displays the products in a fuss free manner against a relatively neutral backdrop so that the focus remains where it should.

Objectry, nestled in the bustling neighbourhood of Ghitorni in Delhi, is a design studio driven by the unique sensibility of allowing a material to lend itself to the design. Sugandh Kumar and Aanchal Goel, the design duo behind the brand are known for their interest in woodworking techniques, and pottery respectively and this aspect even seeps into the brand’s ethos.

“Our design principle originates from something very simple - making day to day things exciting.

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Our goal is that through every piece, the consumer experiences a brand new perspective and objectifies that experience through that piece. Keeping this in mind, Objectry was born. It invites consumers to be a part of the art of making objects,” says Aanchal Goel, Design Head and Co-founder.

Currently, the store stands at a quaint 600 square feet, but to put it in Goel’s words, “the experience is much larger”.

Despite the modest size, on entering the store, there is a feeling of openness and spaciousness. The eyes are immediately drawn towards the creatively shaped windows.

When one walks into the store, one experiences the monochromatic look of the store.

“We’ve considered the store as a large product that we needed to design. When we got this space, it had very little natural light. This made us want to create large windows. We found a design opportunity here and decided to create each one in a unique manner. One is an angular rectangle window, another one is circular and overlaps with our facade, and a third one, is a sleek triangle in the corner,” says Goel.

Since the shape of the store wasn’t a simple square, it was a bit of a struggle to get the flooring right. They thus decided to cut the tiles angularly to compliment the off-centeredness of the store. The earthy shade of the tiles and the off-white colour on the walls is a nod to the love for the simple and the natural. These provide a timeless and elegant backdrop for displaying the products.

Paper Plane Clock.

The products, mostly lifestyle accessories, are at the core of the Objectry philosophy. The owners clearly love creating modern products using natural elements. Wood, which is versatile and also one of the most dynamic elements works well when combined with some other innovative elements.

There are quite a few wooden products here, despite the challenges associated with the design process. Their love for natural elements has also led them to work with other materials such as black pottery, stoneware, terracotta, metal and stone.

Beehive Tissue Holder.

Hence, they have not restricted themselves to a particular type of material but instead use their design acumen and functional sensibility to choose varied materials. The product range includes both furniture and lifestyle home accessories. Every Objectry product is completely designed in-house. The entire process from inspiration to design, to production is spearheaded internally.

The furniture created in-store is also used for the purpose of displaying the different products. Most of it is straight lined, and frill free. “We love that there’s a small circular dining table under a large circular window. There’s something special about watching the shadow of the circular window falling on the circular dining table that we enjoy seeing every day,” says Goel.

When one walks into the store, one only sees the monochromatic look of the store with only the wooden, black and white products coming in to view. But as you move to the left, a space with colourful furniture and products can be seen.

Objectry is a brand that promotes not just its products but also its design philosophy. In that sense, the store is not just a retail space but a physical manifestation of the inherent vibe of the brand - that of being free yet structured in a beautifully cosmic way! www.objectry.com

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White benches floating on glass legs offer perfect spots to enjoy the view of the city.

The dash of colour adds life to the room.

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The Margeza Touch Designer duo Margeza are renowned for creating works of wonder. It’s no surprise that they’ve renovated a rundown flat in Budapest into just that - WONDER.

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The story of the Hungarian-Belgian designer duo, Margit and Geza, the couple behind Margeza Design Studio is quite unlike others. “Together we are 117 years old or have been young for that long,� they say. As part of their endeavour to experience new living, not only do they renovate and refurbish old spaces, but they live in these homes for a while before putting them up on the market.

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Now how does it feel to give away something so precious and personal every time? “Because we know someone else will find happiness in it,” says the duo.

Inspired by modern and contemporary art, they have pooled in their talents and eye for detail to breathe new life into apartments and spaces that may be used for domestic and temporary purposes.

Such is the story of an old apartment in the heart of Budapest, which overlooks the river Danube.

The original structure was built in 1890 on Halász utca street, and has over the course of years, undergone restructuring and changes and is roughly 1,184 sq ft.

In the mid 1900s, it was divided into four apartments. The attic was restored to add two more apartments and the building also boasts of a small and intimate garden.

One of the primary considerations while renovating this apartment was to maintain the same view of the Budapest city. While the apartment overlooks the river Danube, one also has an unparalleled view of one of the city’s most iconic buildings – the Hungarian Parliament. “It is visible even from the bath,” they remark. Personally, we think the view is most spectacular from the spacious brick balcony.

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One of the most striking features of the apartment is its blank white walls.

This is perhaps Margeza’s way of giving the future residents of the apartment a blank canvas to paint on and thus infuse the ethos of the apartment with their personalities. Peppered with coloured vases, the apartment’s colour palette is a striking mix of minimalism and contemporary art.

The latter is brought to further prominence with the lighting schemes that add to the natural aesthetic and light that pours in from large custom window frames that also open to panoramic views of the historically vibrant city.

“We found our own style,” Margit and Geza say. “We like a minimal style, but softer versions are pleasing to us.” Their apartments are reflective of their spirit and style. This can be seen in the customdesigned pieces of furniture strewn across the apartment space, in colours one would never associate with chairs, sofas, tables, artifacts, etc. This is where the designer duo is at their creative best.

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A glimpse into the lower bedroom from the kitchen. This view depicts how colour and shape play important roles in Margeza’s designs.

Margit’s green addition to the interiors! Supported by its own irrigation system, this is one of the cosiest ways to make way for nature.

The living room stands out by virtue of two striking features: the living green wall and the glass wall. Made from triple layered safety glass, the former is a pathway for nature to come alive inside the four walls of the apartment and is fed by an automatic irrigation system, while the latter offers tantalising views of the cityscape.

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Francesco Binfare’s Girotonda twin armchairs in yellow, along with a white wool carpet designed by Margit herself take the visual aesthetics of the living to another level entirely. “The carpet shows a map of Budapest, with different districts rendered with different woollengths,” they explain. In the middle of the Budapest shaped carpet is the river Danube dissecting the city, in blue. The red dot in the carpet represents the location of the flat itself, kind of like a personalised map.

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The dining rooms finds itself host to a Lelouz table, with Kartell chairs that look like flower petals. The previous design had arched windows which didn’t support an uninterrupted view, and so special window panes were made supported by anchors from the top and bottom. “There are no dividing lines to draw the eye away from the beautiful park,” the duo adds.

The kitchen envelops the chimney, almost forming a peninsula. Its counters and the stairs leading to the upper floor are made of Corian.

The minimalist style seeps into the bedroom interiors as well with a ‘floating’ bed and curved cabinet in the bedroom on the lower floor. The room gets its spunk with a red radiator and a giantsized mirror. The bedroom on the upper floor, however, is the place for quiet and tranquility. “We put both a bath and a shower here, along with a toilet,” Margeza tell us. There is also a small space marked for guests. Behind the sliding doors and wardrobes are abundant storage spaces, owing to the original design and layout of the house.

Our favourite part of the house, however, is the Harry Potter-esque cupboard under the stairs that holds a range of kitchen appliances as well as storage space. The stark minimalism is subtly overthrown by the use of bright colours that pop in every nook and corner of the house.

We love how the loud and bold colours balance the starkness of the room.

This makes Margeza’s approach truly unique, and in more ways than one pays tribute to their individual backgrounds.

Margit was a biologist before she went on to acquire a second diploma from the University of Crafts in Budapest. Geza worked as a librarian in the EU, and is a curator of contemporary art exhibits in Luxembourg. What a legacy! www.margeza.com

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MODERN OFFICE SPECIAL

INNOVATION IN THE BASICS

MAKING STORING INTERESTING

A SECURE AND COMFORTABLE ZONE

REDEFINING STANDARDS

OFFICE ESSENTIALS

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ADDING SOME OOMPH

MALIK ARCHITECTURE

WORKSHOP INC.

THE ANJ EXPERIENCE CENTRE

THE EZEST OFFICE SPACE

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NEW WORk PLACE DYNAMICS

The global work culture is changing and that is creating a ripple effect on office design. With the office becoming a second home, the design approach has become more personal and this has made things more interesting.

With continuous changes in technology and expected shifts in working culture, ‘diversity’ has become more than a workplace buzzword and ‘activity based design’ an emerging trend. This month, Home Review takes you on a virtual tour of a modern office and what goes into building it.

With planning sessions, time at your desk and those pull-up-achair collaborations, furniture is becoming more versatile and comfortable. Storage systems are no longer just functional boxes but have evolved into a feature element of design and pose as dynamic magnets. While each aspect of office design calls for special attention in order to create a positive ambience, the pantry has also gained limelight.

Technology and entertainment are becoming more of a hand in glove situation and lighting is becoming more smart and functional. Offices are becoming more vigilant with smart security systems and more comfortable with smart temperature control systems. In short, the virtual office spaces you always dreamt of are now turning into reality.

As you flip through the following pages, do not miss meeting the brains behind Workshop Inc and Malik Architecture - stalwarts who have changed the way you perceive design and architecture and remarkable office design executed by Team One Architects and ANJ Turnkey Architects - those that give office design a new dimension.

Text By Kanupriya Pachisia

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INNOVATION IN THE BASICS

Office culture and layouts have evolved tremendously. This evolution has revolutionized its basic core components - the office chair and workstation.

Let’s turn the spotlight on these torch bearers.

HUMANSCALE TREA

HAWORTH THE WINDOWSEAT

Humanscale’s, Red Dot Award winning Trea, designed in collaboration with Todd Bracher teams a timeless, clean aesthetic with high performance function. The chair offers intuitive comfort by mimicking the instinctive recline of the human body and embracing the sitter in a supportive shell. Available in white and grey, its four leg bases are interchangeable to suit different purposes.

Mike and Maaike’s Windowseat by Haworth is a perfect lounge chair for your office. Shadowed by a canopy it offers visual and acoustical privacy for phone calls or one-on-one interactions in busy environments. A gap between the back and the canopy prevents a closed-in feeling. Available in red, yellow, black and white it also comes without a canopy for lobbies and meeting areas.

www.humanscale.com

www.haworth.com/ap

HERMAN MILLER AERON

GIANI’S EN VOGUE SITRIGHT

Designed by Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick, HermanMiller’s Aeron has been re-mastered ergonomically, functionally, anthropometrically and environmentally for today’s work and workers. Across its seat and back, eight latitudinal zones of varying tension deliver increased comfort. It comes in three sizes to fit all body types and in three colours - Mineral, Carbon and Graphite. Its aeration quality helps maintain body temperature. www.hermanmiller.com

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The “Sitright” office chair collection by Giani’s En Vogue emphasizes individual comfort and design esthetics, built for offices that are familiar with success. Few of the feature includes Fingertip Control, Seat Sliding Structure, Back Automatic Supporting System, lumbar Support, Syncro tilts Mechanism, Multi-Position Tilt Lock, Adjustable Armrest, Adjustable Back Height and much more. www.gianisatwork.com

BENE PIXEL WORKSTATIONS The Pixel by Bene is borne out of sheer innovation. Flexible and unfussy, it is a clever box made from unprocessed pine plywood.

Piling up multiple boxes together helps it to react to changing spatial requirements. It is easy to set up and take down and perfect for the fun casual startup office. It can also convert itself into a bench and storage unit.

FEATHERLITE ZEN SERIES Conceptualized on the notion, ‘The Less the Better’, Featherlite’s Zen Series is a new executive design that harmonizes space, form and function. Its compact yet sophisticated design offers apt and organized workspace. Its relaxed colours combined with natural wood patterns, delivers a pleasing aesthetic. It offers adequate storage and even comes with a standalone sleek back credenza which completes it.

www.bene.com www.featherlitefurniture.com

KNOLL ANTENNA WORKSTATIONS

HOME HQ CALIFORNIA ACCENT CHAIR

With a planning scheme for both individual and common areas, Knoll’s Antenna Workspaces support freedom and mobility. The table being its basic unit, focus areas and group environments are created by linking desks, adding partition elements and integrating storage. Thus the Antenna table can suit your private or open-plan space. Backed by environmental certification, it is sustainable in design.

The trendiness of American blue jeans mixed with comfort of a great contemporary chair. The California Accent chair marries classic design with a funky youthfulness. This is the one piece of furniture that that can perfectly set in the tone of contemporariness in your office. www.designowl.com

www.knoll.com

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MAKING STORING INTERESTING

Today the word storage has adopted a different connotation in the modern office arena. From personal storage to team storage to meeting point solutions; storage systems are meeting current demands in the most practical ways.

BRISTOL CASK

HAWORTH MSERIES

The ‘Cask’ by Bristol, is a storage unit that attains unmatched levels of fit, finish and workability. Finished entirely in solid American Walnut or Beech Wood and veneer complimented by its unique mitre joint cabinetry construction, it is ideal for the Director’s cabin. Available in more than ten different types of configurations, it can even double up as a TV console.

The MSeries range of storage systems by Haworth is all about keeping it simple. Its careful design creates long and elegant lines for a clean aesthetic. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes it compliments any palette or mood. With simple combinations of pedestal, lateral file, swing door and tambour door units, it is a comprehensive and flexible storage solution.

www.bristol.com

www.haworth.com/ap

HERMAN MILLER MERIDIAN SERIES

CANADIAN WOOD CEDAR CUPBOARDS

The ‘Meridian’ storage systems by HermanMiller are storage that adapts to organizational change. Its modular elements stack up, open from either side and can be easily interchanged to create spaces for individuals and groups alike. They not only define pathways between settings but also create boundaries between workspaces wherever required. Available in bright and subtle shades, they stand to enliven your commercial space. www.hermanmiller.com

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For huge storage spaces in office areas that almost run to the ceiling, Canadian Wood’s Western Red Cedar (WRC) cupboards are an excellent option. The tops of the storage cabinets here are made of dry and solid, edge glued STK (Select Tight Knot) WRC. For the doors though, laminated edge-glued WRC panels are used. www.canadianwood.in

STEELCASE THE EXPONENTS SERIES The Exponents Series by Steelcase provides an elegantly designed and endlessly functional solution for collaborations in conference rooms and open spaces alike. Functionality and clean aesthetics create a personalized mobile storage unit that rolls across on 2 locking and 2 non-locking castors. It comes with an adjustable shelf and portable tray. The Exponents Series is available as Exponents Cart and Exponents Moby.

ACTIU CUBIC STORAGE SYSTEMS The Cubic range of storage systems from Actiu is a line of office archiving furniture whose symmetry offers optimum storage solutions and great ease of access. Boasting a simple and timeless design it flaunts simple aesthetics. The range offers an option of sliding doors in MCF or glass, edged by an aluminum frame. It is perfect for managerial and recreational needs. www.actiu.com

www.steelcase.com

NOLTE ALEGRO

KNOLL CALIBRE

Alegro from Nolte is a striking statement in contemporary lines. Built to embrace the room or define the area it is placed in, it comes fitted with chrome handles. Available in sleek glass facades in smart browns and greys and subtle wood finishes, they add charm to the modern office. Essentially, a system of drawers it comes in varying sizes to suit your preferences.

With storage towers, bookcases, lateral files, pedestals, hybrid cabinets and wardrobe units, Calibre is the solution for any storage need. It maximizes your organizational options without compromising on valuable workspace. 1.5� drawer-height increments mean less wasted vertical space and greater utility per case. From documents and binders to coats and office supplies, there is a place for everything.

www.nolteindia.com www.knoll.com Home Review November 2017

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A SECURE AND COMFORTABLE ZONE

As contracts go digital and emails replace traditional hand written correspondence; offices are looking to safeguard their environments. Here’s the latest in security and temperature control systems that make the office secure and comfortable.

YALE YDM4109

SCHLAGE CONNECT TOUCHSCREEN DEADBOLT

The Yale YDM4109 is a digital door lock with strong security features. Apart from its one touch fingerprint verification, it has a voice guide feature, a smart touchpad and scramble code. In times of emergencies, it can be unlocked by mechanical keys. It sports a missing key validation feature and key registration is easy. It is also equipped with a break-in and low battery alarm.

The Schlage, Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock comes with a durable resistive touchscreen with matte finish to protect against fingerprints and smudges. Its strong motorized bolt automatically locks and unlocks when a user code is entered.

Fit for small to medium offices, it can register up to 30 codes.

Its built-in alarm technology senses movement of the door and sends alerts.

www.yale.co.in

www.schlage.com

DORSET KABA SECURITY SYSTEMS KERBEROS TRIPOD TURNSTILES

OZONE RFID ELECTRONIC LOCK

Dorset Kaba Kerberos Tripod Turnstiles are access control systems that make life easier for your reception staff. They are quick, reliable and easy to use and help to regulate flow of people even at the busiest times of the day. Compatible with all types of ID readers, they are available in seven different versions. Their automatically collapsible doors come into action at times of emergencies. www.dorsetindia.com

This digital electronic door lock is designed for single and double doors with 8 to 12 mm thickness. It does not require glass-out, making the installation easy and suitable for existing door configurations as well. Its contemporary design along with its ability to register RFID cards for multiple users’ access and the facility to operate using a remote control makes it a product to watch out for. www.ozone-india.com

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ECOBEE ECOBEE 4

HONEYWELL LYRIC ROUND TM WI-FI THERMOSTAT

More than a smart thermostat, the new Ecobee 4 not only reads the temperature in one place but also comes equipped with a sensor to help manage the hot and cold spots throughout the office. It detects occupancy and comes with built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Service and speakers. You can even command it to make to do lists, read the news and play your favourite playlist!

The Lyric Round Wi-Fi Thermostat by Honeywell can be controlled easily using the Lyric app. It connects to your smartphone and uses the geofencing technology to detect your location, bidding farewell to wasted energy when you’re out at night. Other team members can also use the app and establish their own geofences that will prevent the HVAC system from shutting off when you leave and they stay.

www.ecobee.com

www.yourhome.honeywell.com

NEST THE 3RD GENERATION LEARNING THERMOSTAT

USHA INTERNATIONAL COMPACTO

Nest’s Learning Thermostat comes with new rings in four colours and a big sharp display. Setting it up is easy and it adapts to your lifestyle.

It learns your preferred temperatures at various times of the day and builds a schedule to follow. It also makes a note of energy used and helps you to save energy. It lights up when you enter the room.

This range of stylish tower fans are perfect for office cubicles as they operate silently bridging the gap between air conditioners and fans. Cerebro, part of the Compacto range, comes with a smart eco sense mode that automatically adjusts fan speed levels to enhance comfort basis ambient temperature. It also has a removable dust proof filter that allows easy cleaning.

www.nest.com www.usha.com

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REDEFINING STANDARDS

Today offices have transformed into digital enterprises that turn to technologies powered by the latest trends like mobility and cloud. We take a look at some of the latest innovations which redefine office automation.

LOGITECH HARMONY HUB

CRESTRON DIGITALMEDIA

Harmony Hub turns your smartphone or tablet into a universal remote giving you control over your office entertainment and smart office devices. While it allows you to change channels and volume, control lights, it also enables you to build multi-device experiences called Activities. For instance, an Activity like ‘Good Morning’ can raise the blinds and switch on your AC, making your room ready for you.

Crestron’s DigitalMedia is a fully engineered, field proven, endto-end solution for managing and distributing digital AV and control signals. DigitalMedia creates spaces for informal and formal meetings that support simple wired or wireless display connections.

Features like one-touch meeting start, auto-source select and rich audio and video enable a simple and intuitive experience. It breaks geographical limitations and brings your corporate world together.

www.logitech.com

www.crestron.com

SONY PCS-XG100

CANADIAN WOOD ENTERTAINMENT UNIT

The Sony PCS-XG100 is a powerful and user friendly, full HD videoconferencing system that offers superb picture and sound quality. Its versatile collaboration tools are ideal for mission critical business communications as well as broadcast and healthcare applications. You can view ‘Near’ and ‘Far’ camera images plus PC presentations on one or multiple video monitors. Quick booting and easy operation makes you ready for business faster. www.sony.co.in

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This entertainment and bar unit uses a mix of two British Columbia wood species from Canada - Clear Western Hemlock and Knotty Western Red Cedar - to create a stunning space. With its sophisticated yet warm finish, this is an ideal space for executives to relax, network and share ideas with each other. www.canadianwood.in

LUTRON LIGHTING CONTROL - QUANTUM

LEGRAND LIGHTING MANAGEMENT SENSORS

Quantum is a lighting and energy management control system that provides total light management by tying a line of lighting controls, motorized shades, digital ballasts and LED drivers and sensors under one software umbrella, from anywhere in the building. It allows you to tune individual lights from a graphical floor plan and monitor lighting based on space utilization.

Legrand’s lighting management sensors are used to monitor the detection area for occupancy and to control lighting and HVAC circuits. Lighting is automatically switched on when a person is sensed. The sensors are equipped with a built in light-level sensor that keeps the light off when sufficient daylight is available. When the area is vacated, the light is automatically switched off after a pre-set time delay.

www.lutron.com

www.legrand.co.in

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC DLT WALLPLATES

HAFELE POLLUX CEILING DOWNLIGHTS

Schneider Electric’s DLT Wall Switches feature ‘Dynamic Labeling Technology’, providing labels that show what each switch does.

They even change automatically to show the status of what they are controlling such as different light levels, HVAC circuits or your alarms. With its ultra-sleek lines, chic geometric look and premium fascia, its sure to adorn your wall.

Pollux comes as part of Hafele’s series of ceiling downlights that cater to various needs and spaces. Its slim edge allows increased light output but the in-built dimmable feature provides the convenience of setting the right illumination for your interiors.

Other impressive benefits of these LED lights include durability, energy conservation and no emissions of harmful UV radiation.

www.schneider-electric.co.in

www.hafeleindia.com

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OFFICE ESSENTIALS

With employers and employees spending most of their day at work, the office pantry has increasingly become an indispensible office essential. Today the office pantry is equipped to cater to changing needs and space requirements.

PLUSCH +STAGE

MINIKI SLIMLINE

Plusch brings Poggenpohl’s +Stage design to the Indian market. +Stage’s functions can be individually defined or grouped together by means of specially developed equipment features.

Standing out as a standalone cabinet it doesn’t require a separate room to itself in your office premises. Hidden behind slide in doors dubbed ‘pocket doors’, it offers complete themes to choose from like ‘office’, ‘breakfast’, ‘kitchen’, ‘bar’ and ‘tea’.

Winner of The European Product Design Award, 2017, Miniki’s ‘Slimline’ is the invisible kitchen designed as an elegant sideboard.

Its timeless beauty combines maximum functionality with sleek elegance. Available in different modules it comes equipped with a sink, tap, cabinet, oven with drawer, cooking zones and fridge. Its design is derived purely from its functions and it is flexible, durable and long lasting.

www.pluschliving.com

www.miniki.eu

CIRCLE KITCHEN COMPACT KITCHEN CONCEPT

AXOR STARCK V MIXER

The aim of Compact Kitchen Concept launched by Circle Kitchen is to provide a 180 degree revolving kitchen in order to provide an innovative and holistic approach by optimum space utilization and use. It offers a minimalist kitchen that has a small footprint of 1.6 sq.metres. It is fully equipped and offers adequate storage.

Its design and technology make it the perfect solution for small offices. www.circle-kitchen.de

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The Axor Starck V is a new achievement in water design. The revolutionary design by Phillipe Starck comes with vortex formation inside, easy click in detachable transparent body and an open ended spout. On turning, the mixer generates a powerful vortex spinning in the spout and a freefall of water into the basin.

The crystal glass is scratch resistant and available in diamond and bevel cuts. www.axor-design.com

HAFELE PULL OUT WASTE BINS

COFFEE DAY BEVERAGES CELESTA

Taking into account that every aspect of the modern office pantry should give you optimum functionality, Hafele brings forth one of the best options in managing waste disposal with effortless convenience. With dry and wet waste segregation, Hafele’s pull out waste bins settle snuggly under drawers as they remain hidden from direct view. Available in different sizes and colours, they are quite easy to handle.

Coffee Day Beverages brings its stylish, fresh milk and beans automatic coffee vending machine nicknamed ‘Celesta’ to Indian offices. Its simple, user friendly controls allow you to enjoy specialty coffees like cappuccino, latte and espresso at the push of a button. Easy to clean, it has six pre-programmed beverage options. It also has a height adjusting dispenser to suit your crockery.

www.hafeleindia.com

www.coffeedaybeverages.com

LIEBHERR THE UNDERCOUNTER FRIDGE - UIK 1620

FABER BUILT-IN OVEN

Liebherr’s UIK 1620 is a built-in under counter fridge backed by the Bio Fresh technology. Hidden inside cabinets it keeps the office pantry looking less cluttered. Its SoftSystem closing mechanism cushions door closure and increases convenience. Its SuperCool technology aids in rapid cooling of freshly stored food. Its reversible door hinges make it adapt to your pantry layout making it more versatile.

The smart range of built–in Ovens from Faber has sensor touch control, TFT electronic Display with large capacity and a softopening system.Cool touch glass door, removable inner glass, large viewing window, side rack support and enameled interiors for easy cleaning amplifies whole of the look and ease of our built-in ovens, furthermore.

www.liebherr.com

www.faberindia.com

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ADDING SOME OOMPH

Today offices are no longer boring spaces, boxed up to hold chairs and desks.

A wide range of dĂŠcor items and accessories are adding oomph to office spaces making them more pleasing and attractive.

ARTEMIDE Ilio

HUNTERDOUGLAS PIROUETTE WINDOW SHADES

The Ilio by Artemide, not only lights up the office but also acts as a decorative feature accentuating its surroundings. With simple geometry, stripped of all formal digressions and reduced to its basics, Ilio draws attention through its saturated colour, available in seven variants. Its mono material aluminium cylinder supports a 39W LED engine at the top. It comes equipped with a dimmer.

The Pirouette blinds from HunterDouglas offer ultimate versatility in a fabric shading. The shades feature soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing, allowing for enhanced views to the outside while maintaining privacy. The full beauty of the fabric appears on the inside. Available in various shades it diffuses the harsh exterior light by evenly spreading it across the room.

www.artemide.com

www.hunterdouglas.com

HANDS THE URBANE COLLECTION

YUCCABE ITALIA SQUARE PLANTER

Rugs from Hands add warmth to the modern wood, stone and glass offices of today. The Urbane Collection is an understanding of materials, spaces and restrictions and above all a mystery of design and skill. Hand knotted and hand dyed, the collection is available in subtle shades and patterns that add alluring charm too your contemporary office cabins. www.hands-carpets.com

The Bar Planter is an accessory to further define and decorate your space. It is rooted in contemporary sensibilities and adds a classy touch to upgrade the decor. Built of quality composites, the Bar planter is built to last, and does not chip or fade. It is versatile in its applications around the office and can be used indoors or outdoors. The Bar planter is ideal to complement the simplicity of a minimalist look. www.designowl.com

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ACTIU LINK SCREENS

KNOLL MOBILE HORSEPOWER

Linking endless possibilities by way of its design, Actiu’s Link Screens eliminate the need of solid workstation and area partitions and adds an aesthetic charm to the functionality of a space. It works to act as a transition between individual areas to more collective spaces. A steel structure, clad in fabric, the screen absorbs sound and adapts to a flexible and versatile office space.

Knoll’s dynamic ‘Mobile Horsepower’ is an important accessory to today’s workplace. It enables users to connect access and display technology to support the task at hand. Integrated with power strips, monitor support, storage and work surfaces it can be fitted beneath desks to offer discreet power access. Topped by a casual seat it encourages casual exchanges and access to power and USB outlets.

www.actiu.com

www.knoll.com

STEELCASE SOTO ACCESSORIES

THE WHITETEAK COMPANY STYLE SWAG FLOOR LAMP

Steelcase’s attractive Soto desk accessories and office organization tools bring order to the workplace increasing productivity in modern offices. The Soto line of work tools cater to the increase of personal technologies used for work. It offers a personal console to secure personal belongings, a cableway to clip away multiple wires, organization boxes, a linear shelf and rail, computer support and a radial desktop.

This stylish, modern, unique, and commanding lamp has a sleek ruffled shade, and the beautiful pebbles captured in the confines of the wooden pillar make for an arresting sight. A floor lamp, it stands tall and proud above the crowd. This lamp’s sure got some swag going for it. The shade is made out of high quality fabric in multiple shades of black and white tone, that lends the luxury-feel to it.

www.steelcase.com

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MALIK ARCHITECTURE

Led by the creative brains of Kamal and Arjun Malik, Malik Architecture is a powerhouse providing comprehensive design solutions. Harnessing new technologies has resulted in innovative and dynamic solutions in the field of architecture and interiors for Malik Architecture.

They are perhaps one of the few in India, who enjoy an integrated capability of architectural, structural, HVAC, mechanical, electrical and interior designing. This is in conjunction with their strong belief that robust design solutions cannot be arrived at without the timely amalgamation of all critical services at the concept stage itself.

The firm has won numerous design competitions as well as national and international awards since its inception, four decades ago. Excelling in the design of institutional buildings, healthcare, research and educational facilities, corporate office buildings, residential complexes, hotels and hospitals, they have delivered projects across India and overseas.

Ar. Kamal Malik, a graduate of the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi has worked with prestigious names like Don Ashton (UK) and Willi Kaufhold (Germany).

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He set up the studio in 1975 and has since then steered the firm in the right direction with his knowledge and experience. Ar. Arjun Malik graduated from the Rachna Sansad Academy of Architecture in Mumbai and obtained a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from the Columbia University, New York.

In the year 2016, the firm bagged three eminent awards - Archi Design Awards 2016, Best Private Residence for a private residence in Delhi, National Business and Service Excellence Award 2016 for the Best Architectural Firm and Construction World Architect and Builder Award 2016 for ‘Noteworthy Project (Hospitality), for ITC Welcome Hotel, Jodhpur. Their ongoing projects include Mankind Pharma’s R&D Centre and Head Office in Delhi, Gurunanak Hospital and Bandra One in Mumbai and some private residences across the country to name a few.

The practice has from its inception attempted to develop a relevant contemporary syntax of architecture for the sub-continent eulogized by architecture as a synthesis of ‘Ecology’ and ‘Spirit’. While ‘Ecology’ implies an integrated, seamless and cohesive approach to design, ‘Spirit’ implies balance.

They say, “The building art is always the spatial execution of spiritual decisions”.

“Architecture and site should have an experiential connection, a metaphysical link and if we consider the order (idea) to be the outer perception and phenomena (experience) to be the inner perception, then in a physical construction, the outer perception and inner perception are intertwined”.

Through an ongoing process of ‘Manthan’ or churning, the practice has gleaned from the rich, historic, cultural and philosophical past, incorporating the process of continuous change and generating a contemporary design idiom.

While they define their vision to be a complex matrix with sustainability as the ultimate objective, they say that their inner journey will always influence what they do. “We have tried in every way to bring a sense of silence, serenity and even joy into the realm of the people whose habitat we are designing”. www.malikarchitecture.com

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WORKSHOP INC.

A triad formed by Varun Shah, Keta Shah and Harsha Mistry leads the dynamic diligence of Workshop Inc. - an interdisciplinary collective incepted in 2014 focusing on projects of multifarious scales across experiential design, product design, graphic design, installations to space design.

The group shares, “We seek out narratives in each project and focus less on formmaking. Our project springs from a core idea that governs the design, using simple solutions to achieve the end-product. The resultant of our cross-disciplinary work allows us to fuse art, graphics and space as a part of a single canvas”.

The trio shares, “The three of us became friends while studying at the CEPT University, Ahmedabad and formally established the firm after collaborating on a couple of projects”. Spirited and young, the team practices with a standing belief to “look at each project as a chance to experiment and learn”.

Their work has been covered by a host of magazines. They also unleash their wacky sides through their other passion called, “The Photo Booth”(www.photobooth.in), where they design and set up customized photobooths and were amongst the pioneers of the trend when they started way back in 2011.

Describing themselves as an enthusiastic bunch of people working towards constantly pushing the envelope, the practice takes a consistent, holistic approach to spatial design and interior architecture and offers a profound understanding and interpretation of the full range of creative possibilities. What sets them apart is that, irrespective of the size of the project, they are constantly challenging themselves to do something innovative in each project, trying not to define them within a set aesthetic language.

Making office design fun, they have been rendering commercial design a new dimension. Offices like Navdeep Tradex, Exclusif Travels and Accutax LLP, tread along the subtle lines of sophistication and glamour. Their design for the office of Event Tadka wedding planners incorporates the vibrancy and flamboyance of Indian weddings without making the workspace look too kitsch.

Their approach towards design has also made them come up with an interesting mix of spaces where they have fused art, retail and dining into one.

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Eclectic and contemporary their spaces resonate the taste of the young and the mind of the untamed.

Creating spaces totally out of the box, giving design a new name with a vocabulary they’ve converted into their very own vernacular; Workshop Inc. has been delivering spaces to their clients in which they can explore, indulge and relax. www.workshopinc.in

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THE ANJ EXPERIENCE CENTRE Perhaps after a certain point, architects with radical practices that involve experiments related to self-construction continue the on-going search to find more unusual techniques and materials that give rise to a signature innovation.

A finding of new alphabets through this search has enabled ANJ Turnkey Architects to bestow a new dignity to the modest ship container in order to form a new architectural syntax.

Your one-of-a-kind design experience starts even before you enter the ANJ premises.

An open feel café, illuminated by natural and tungsten lights offer a unique character to the place.

While meeting rooms possess a strong container accent, they are technology driven. Open workplaces that offer solitude as well as an opportunity to connect are the hallmarks of space planning and work zone planning in this office. However, the managing director’s cabin is the pinnacle of innovative design and various design concepts stitched into the design fabric of this room are a showstopper.

An open exteriors design that constitutes of container architecture takes you in complete awe. The character is distinct and modern minimalistic. As you are ushered into the reception, you are mesmerized by the entire ambience and its unrestricted design. From concealed storage systems integrated within the design to smooth, undulating Corian table tops, a plethora of different wall finishes and stretch and baffle ceiling concepts - each area is a showcase of ANJ’s bold and powerful design vocabulary.

Every area has its own unique theme.

Each theme has been well planned and re-iterated into the design dialogue that flows through the office. Each aspect and component of design has been given due attention.

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Muted shades of red and green add a colourful perspective to the room as they flaunt a bit of contrast to the otherwise neutral palette. Art hangs on the wall forming the only embellishment in a stately room, while a tripod floor lamp turns the focus on a globe that occupies center stage on a meeting table.

Located in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, the entire design is pre-fabricated, pre-painted and pre-finished in ANJ’s factory and later assembled at site. info@anj.co.in www.anj.co.in

THE EZEST OFFICE space

Built around a neutral palette, characterized by pops of colour, the rustic, semi-formal open floor plan office space, designed by Team One Architects is eZest Solutions’ new address in Hinjewadi, Pune. The rustic interiors, accentuated by modern furniture underlined by vintage charm envelopes a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

The design team created an array of quiet spaces in the form of meeting rooms, nap rooms and some very interesting phone booths. As one moves ahead, they encounter more formal meeting rooms with wooden flooring and rustic wallpapers, a 30 seater stately board room with a huge veneered table, plush leather chairs, wood paneled walls and wooden Roman blinds that complete the look.

On first glance, your conception of the place would oscillate between nuances of the informal and the crispiness of the formal in a playful yet discrete manner.

The feature point in the simple chic reception that greets you is the wall that supports four large clocks that depict four different time zones in which eZest has marked its presence.

Hitting a perfect right angle to this wall is the bold corporate logo. The open floor plan that gives rise to free seating arrangements has been cleverly meandered along open ‘breakout areas’ and meeting rooms.

Coined as ‘hot desks’, the open meeting areas have been conceived to facilitate discussions and presentations.

With the ‘green’ dimension in design gaining momentum, the architectural team has weaved a ‘Green Avenue’ into the rustic plot that renders a park-like setting replete with bucolic wooden benches for informal discussions and chats. Adjacent to this, stands a huge podium fixed with huge glass windows that fetch a panoramic view of the golfcourse. This elevated breakout zone, revived by quirky chairs, pine wood, unrefined tin flooring and suspended LED lamps is fit for celebrations and announcements. A bright yellow mock staircase is the highlight of this zone.

A 25 seater indoor cafeteria, adorned by hanging filament bulbs and chain fencing on the peripheries is divided by ropes to make room for pool tables and other indoor games. The modern pantry is brightened by purple hi-rise chairs that serve as spots for quick snacking. The open café is equipped to accommodate 50 people and its rural design theme echoes in the yellow and black chairs made of reclaimed wood along with height adjustable industrial cork stools. info@team1architects.com www.team1architects.com Home Review November 2017

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The brand is renowned for taking the concept of home accessories to the next level with its beautiful and original designs created by professional designers and artisans. Coppersmith Creations has a wide range of unconventional handcrafted products ranging from copper bathtubs, copper sinks for the kitchen, copper and bronze wash basins for bathrooms and copper handicrafts.

The Decagonal Sink from Coppersmith Creations combines aesthetics and functionality.

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CREATIVE CONCERNS TEXT BY ANINDITA GANGULY

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Round Concentric Sink

The brand specializes in the manufacture of any kind of luxury copper bathtub or copper sinks. It also manufactures customized copper bathroom and kitchen products as per the guidelines and design specifications received from architects and designers.

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Copper and brass bathtubs, sinks and basins are today gaining immense popularity. Coppersmith Creations aims to make these products with the traditional glowing metal that is ubiquitous in every Indian household.

It also wants to spread the trend amongst other discerning markets.

Manufactured in-house, its products are also exported to US and European markets where there is a huge demand for such products.

Coppersmith Creations started with an idea of making the traditional metal copper available in every home, hotel or spa in the form of the finest copper bathtubs, copper sinks and handicrafts with the build of 100% pure durable 16-gauge copper metal.

Copper has numerous health benefits and soaking yourself in a copper bathtub tends to heal your body and mind with the dissolved minerals. Just like drinking water from a copper glass, jug or mug is recommended similarly it is highly beneficial for your body if it gets a soak in a copper bathtub.

Slanting Pedestal Brass Bathtub

The great thing about copper sinks is that they are virtually maintenance free, if it needs to be cleaned, water and soap will do the trick. Another positive aspect of copper sinks is that unlike many other types of sinks, these tend to grow in beauty over time.

The firm is also able to do lacquer coating on the surface of a sink to protect the finish. The finishes of the lacquered sinks remain intact for years. Moreover, copper is a natural element that boasts of antibacterial benefits. Hence, common diseases causing bacteria will not survive on copper sinks.

Rice Hammered Copper Sink

Copper Sink Double Wall Embossed Outside

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The brand also sells its products via its sister website known as Vani Crafts (prior to Coppersmith Creations, it had been operating as Vani Crafts from 2001, Coppersmith Creation is a new rebranded company which started operating in 2010).

According to the owner, Mr. Vijay Anand Sharma, “Five years from now we hope to build Coppersmith Creations as the most loved brand in the luxurious bathroom and kitchen accessory product segment. We want to make the brand name Coppersmith Creations synonymous with high quality luxury copper bathtubs, sinks & home décor products”.

Soaking in a copper bathtub is highly beneficial for health.

Coppersmith Creations aspires to delight its customer by giving them best quality products in its niche as well as offering them the best customer experience throughout their journey. Right from ordering the product, until the product is delivered at their door step, eliminating any scope of competition from other brands.

Coppersmith Creations

info@coppersmithcreations.in www.coppersmithcreations.in

Copper Beverage Tub

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ANTonio ARICO

Italian designer Antonio Arico’s craftsmanship and vision guide him to create pieces that not only fit into your home, but also go beyond time and challenge traditional artistic norms.

Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Courtesy The Designer Home HomeReview ReviewNovember November2017 2017

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What happens when you mix work and play? Or when you deign to experiment with elegance and ostentation? Italian designer Antonio Arico’s collected works is the answer we’ve been looking for all along.

While taking you through a fascinating selection of his works, Home Review also gives you a glimpse into the designer’s latest collection - a ceremonial table-set, suitably called ‘Le Perle’, exclusively crafted for Bitossi Home.

Cathedral Glass Cabinets

In 2015, Arico met glass artisan Sohelia Dilfanian, an expert in vitrales art for churches in Turin. Together, they embarked on an exploration of stainedglass employing techniques and using materials that are rather traditional. Their collaboration gave birth to the Cathedral Glass Cabinets.

Handmade by Dilfanian, the collection is made of geometric forms, and Arico brings a new dimension of the contemporary into play. In Arico’s words, the main objective behind the series was ‘to melt the indoor world with the one outside.’ Every time one opens a cabinet door, it will be like opening a bright window in one’s home.

Arico’s Australian Shells is a baroque-like moody exploration of organic shapes and lustrous finishes that ultimately resulted in a surreal, and almost dreamy, handmade tableware collection. Inspired by the Ionic Sea, the collection is Arico’s attempt to blend ceramic and shells to portray hidden Australian beauties that are often associated with the seas, lightness, and exoticism.

After the preliminary sketches, moulds were made, followed by slip casting. The final step was the glazing. Australian Shells is a result of a three-month workshop at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

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Australian Shells

Designed for Stefano Seletti, Arico’s collection titled Still Alive deals with the artistic and timelessness of life. Arico used ‘graceful detournement’ and gave objects new meanings and contexts by simply transforming commonplace objects and weaving stories around them.

Still Alive

The set includes a tall terracotta pitcher, a wooden vase, a brass cup, a wooden pencil box, a porcelain bottle, and magnifying glass sphere. By juxtaposing their various shapes and shadows, one finds new ways to explore their utility and functionality.

Arico’s most fantasy-like creation is the Swing Chair. It serves to recreate outdoor romance while remaining indoors. Arico’s research on characters and personalities that are generally hidden within products is what led to the creation of this unique chair.

Hanging with the help of ropes, the chair presents an invitation to dream and play, with its arms coming around almost in embrace.

Tasty Chair is another example of Arico’s experimental and explorative expression.

The design plays with the archetypes of kitchen furniture and essentials. The traditionally designed olive-wood kitchen stool has a detachable backrest that doubles as a chopping board. The slight accent on the side, apart from working as a hook to hang items on, also makes the backrest appear like a mug if you look closely.

Swing Chair

In 2016, as part of a residency in the Italian Ambassador’s house in Copenhagen, Arico was assigned the task of designing a ceremonial tableware collection that would be produced exclusively by Bitossi Home.

Arico found inspiration in the remarkable pieces of art and design he was surrounded by. The design he came up with for the project was both graceful and unassumingly delicate, which came to life using a particular kind of finish that can be applied to ceramic - pearlescent lustre.

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Preliminary sketches showed the tea-set studded with hundreds of round pearls.

The final collection, however, is a far more sophisticated, yet simplified version of the initial sketches.

Le Perle became a reality - a tea-set in which the iconic symbol of a pearl is the main feature of the design and is prominent in every element of the set creating a fluidic and poetic balance in the entire collection.

The tea pot without a handle is a pure, organic and slightly imperfect sphere designed to serve tea. The milk jug on the side, along with the sugar bowl, tray, plates and spoons are all further extensions of the simple perfection of the solid volume of a sphere. By melting the exquisite shape of a pearl together with a pearlescent finish applied to the ceramic forms, Arico creates an elegant, yet simple and fun masterpiece, which is reflective of his design aesthetic.

Tasty Chair

For Arico, Le Perle is ‘a perfect synthesis between art-crafts and design.’ The finish that has been brought in by the pearlescent lustre adds freshness and an ethereal beauty to the final product, he believes. “Le Perle,” he adds, “is an elegant and simple concept that wants to communicate the idea of absolute beauty in a contemporary and easy way.”

Arico’s style lies in his attention to detail when creating everyday objects along with his insistence to incorporate traditional techniques and local craftsmanship into his designs. Even the quality of materials used in his work is a tribute to the artist’s singularity and simplicity of execution. As simple and rigorous as his design approach is, it is his spontaneity and enthusiasm that pushes him to propose instinctive solutions when it comes to creating pieces that are inspired by everyday living. info@antonioarico.com

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Le Perle

GREEN PROJECT

External faรงade of the stable. As you can see, there are plenty of tiny perforations that let in natural light and allow for magnificent view from the inside.

OUT-OFTHE-BARN

Belgium based Studio Farris Architects converted a small barn into an office space replete with a meeting room, library, work spaces, and a resting nook. The result is a beautiful cornucopia of green and open spaces.

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The staircase that leads up to the mezzanine where there is a smaller office set up. This easily reflects the principle behind the renovation and refurbishment of the barn by Studio Farris.

Studio Farris Architects, an Antwerp based practice, recalibrated (quite literally) a century old West Flanders stable, in Belgium, into an office space. The result is nothing like what you imagine when you think of a refurbished barn, which is actually a part of a larger farm complex. Speaking exclusively to Home Review, Architect Giuseppe Farris says, “The space is meant to put you in a different dimension when you’re working.”And we couldn’t agree more!

The owner of the space wanted an office independent and detached from his house.

Since the stable was not being put to great use, he decided to convert it to a homeoffice of sorts.

Notice the drawers and cabinets nestled in the beams? It was all about keeping the space as uncluttered as possible, which also cleverly upped the green architectural quotient of the space.

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The sliding door right next to the meeting area that offers an immediate view of the surrounding landscape, and also diminishes the usual rigidity that comes with a normal meeting room setup.

“We didn’t want to design a typical office.

We wanted to create an environment where people have the necessary infrastructure to work comfortably, and not because the configuration and classical layout says: “Look at this place. This is an office and you have to work here.”

Before commencing with the revamping of the stable, Studio Farris decided to restore the building’s original façade.

Since the stable dates back to the early 1900s, it housed many small rooms in its two-storey structure. Not razing the old structure fully to the ground and then start building was the first step towards lowering the carbon footprint of this project. First, Studio Farris took apart several of these rooms and then demolished the first floor alone.

This was the first step towards giving this slightly fragmented space the perception of volume and more open spaces. With the abundant volume and space left behind without the first floor, there was now enough room for natural light, air, and beautiful views. “It was like being inside a chapel,” Farris says. This allows for maximum energy efficiency without any chemical reaction with the sulphates that may be present in the ground and in the walls.

The result, of course, is a sprawling gallery-like space, into which the architects introduced a layered installation made from thick oak beams that are conjoined with steel profiles. This is our favourite structure and is an addition to the renovated office space. A few of the beams in this versatile installation work as cabinets and shelves to accommodate knick-knacks, artifacts, electronic devices, books, etc. Some of these even double up as reading and resting spaces.

The remaining beams are solid and sturdy enough to bear load and come together to form a stairwell with a mezzanine that leads to the upper office. This ‘autonomous’ piece of furniture is “in response to the client’s functional requirements, and is positioned in such a way that it adds to the volume and dimension of the space without obstruction.

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The look is organic and the intention of keeping it as frill free as possible renders the space sustainable.

Makeshift work desk and a reading nook.

It also serves to provide the space with a variety of textures. With this installation, two additional work desks have been accommodated. The meeting area is nestled beneath the platform and comes replete with magnificent views of the external rural landscape.

About this installation, Farris goes onto say, “We wanted to have enough space under the mezzanine to comfortably fit a table with chairs. Along with this, we also wanted to have enough space inside the room. For this purpose, we installed a sliding door at the other end of the room that opens out to the garden.”

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The comfort and ease with which one can navigate around this space is intrinsic with the original purpose of making the stable appear less like a workplace. With the adjacent garden, the office becomes more of a visual cornucopia of greens, thereby giving the owner a space that is breathable and sustainable on the whole.

New openings were created from the mezzanine in order to allow sunlight to filter into the stable. The ‘pragmatic’ placement of these openings presents panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Beams of timber stacked this way created multiple multipurpose nooks and shelves.

Along with these, several north-facing skylights have been installed overhead “in order to avoid overheating.” This is important considering the space is primarily a barn, and therefore the need for the temperature to be just right is paramount.

This once again kept the use of energy for artificial cooling at bay.

The most interesting feature of the stable, however, is the ‘box-in-box’ feature. In order to make the unit more sustainable and environmentally viable, Studio Farris, while maintaining the outer brick façade, created one made of concrete on the inside.

This box-in-box system is a simple, yet unique way to make sure none of the natural elements present in and around the stable are affected or damaged in due course. “By creating a new shell inside the existing façade we could improve the insulation and ventilation of the space,” Farris says about this interesting and quite out-of-the-box concept.

“The challenge for us,” Farris says, “was to keep this feeling of the space while at the same time make sure we respond to all its functional needs.”

What Studio Farris has done with this barn is create a space that makes good use of the abundant natural light and the surrounding lush landscapes without changing the external façade of the structure. The fact that this is primarily meant to be an office space may not even register immediately.

And that, we believe, for Studio Farris means - mission accomplished!

susanne.lambert@image-web.org

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CHOPVALUE

Activists feel that the disposable chopstick habit should gradually be phased out on an individual basis. Chopstick sets complete with a simple or decorative case are commonly available and are easy to carry around. One must strive to only use these and eschew the use of the disposable ones as much as possible.

Each year, the equivalent of 3.8 million trees go into the manufacture of about 57 billion disposable pairs of chopsticks in China, according to statistics from that nation’s national forest bureau. About 45 percent of disposable chopsticks are made from trees like cotton wood, birch, and spruce, while the remainder is made from bamboo.

Chopsticks add to a plague of regional deforestation. According to a United Nations report, 10,800 square miles of Asian forest are disappearing each year, a trend that must be arrested to fight climate change, given the vital role trees play in absorbing carbon dioxide.

In the meantime, however, a company based in Vancouver, Canada, has come up with an innovative solution of reusing the stupendous amounts of chopsticks that are discarded everyday all around the globe, by metamorphosing them into functional and elegant household objects.

Chopvalue a concern started by like-minded individuals has this to say about itself, “We are a team of builders, young designers, product developers and carpenters at heart with the motivation and passion to add value to under-utilised urban waste resources. We take pride in every step of product development and truly believe that every process of manufacturing and design tells a unique story that creates value for our customers.”

Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj

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Starting out with their own city, ChopValue observed that Vancouverites love Asian Cuisine. Currently, there are more than 2000 restaurants using chopsticks, however, most of these restaurants use disposable chopsticks with a lifetime of less than 1 hour.

Vancouver alone sends over 100,000 disposable chopsticks to the landfill every day. By recycling chopsticks with ChopValue, restaurants can save money in garbage collection costs while improving on their environmental image. Currently, the chopsticks’ lifecycle ends in the garbage and these are mostly non-recycled.

ChopValue invites consumers of chopsticks to be a part of an innovative zero waste society, help reverse the logistics of where current chopsticks end up and help ChopValue generate a new second life cycle for chopsticks.

Bamboo chopsticks can be processed into newly developed materials providing opportunities for small and medium-sized manufacturers to get involved. These new materials benefit from bamboo’s attractive appearance and physical properties.

Presently the range created from recycled chopsticks by ChopValue includes side tables, exercise yoga blocks, tiles, shelves, tabletops and even starter kits. They are open to ideas and believe in carrying on innovating and creating newer and newer products as time goes on.

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ChopValue urges all in the field of hospitality generating one time use chopsticks to recycle these with them. Recycling with ChopValue has several benefits, for example it improves your business’s environmental footprint, enhances your brand with greener actions and also lightens your garbage load.

Additionally, when any business gives ChopValue their discarded chopsticks they even become eligible for discounts when buying ChopValue products. The biggest attraction to recycling with ChopValue is that they provide free pick up and do not even charge a recycling fee.

ChopValue’s products even though created from waste material totally belie the fact.

The entire range is carefully designed and produced with a full focus on quality. “We design so that you can be proud of every piece you bring into your home,” so says the team at ChopValue.

ChopValue has managed to create a huge impact in Vancouver’s Zero Waste Strategy.

“We are now working on innovative supply strategies of under-utilised materials while feeling responsible for teaching others how to transform waste streams into resources.

Connecting with the community and with concurring individuals inspires us to continue designing and creating,” they share.

ChopValue believes in creating bespoke items too. Aside from their product collection, ChopValue creates customised designs that provide endless opportunities.

Whether the project is in a hotel, restaurant or home, ChopValue designs with the end user in mind.

ChopValue’s philosophy is beyond customer satisfaction, individual projects, and highquality products. It’s about sharing a vision that they are proud to communicate. www.chopvalue.ca

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ECLECTIC LIVING IN VERDANT SURROUNDS This residence in Juhu, Mumbai, designed by Rakeshh Jeswaani is a brilliant example of how an understated design can still be eloquent; its inherent simple elegance is artfully balanced with bursts of bright colours and unconventional fun elements.

Text By Ramya Srinivasan Photographs Courtesy Sebastian Zachariah

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In Juhu, Mumbai, this 3000 sq ft contemporary apartment conceals a paradise within. Spacious rooms and expansive open spaces, both a rarity in urban areas, make this a unique place to design.

Describing the client brief, architect Rakeshh Jeswaani says, “The residents of this house are a young couple with two little children. So they wanted a practical and unfussy home that wasn’t flashy. A simple, tasteful home with clean lines and requiring low maintenance.”

Designing a residence with an air of unpretentiousness may sound straightforward, but can often turn out to be challenging. To imbue the place with an elegant and unassuming quality and also seeing that it does not look too plain was a challenge. But with a clever execution of nuanced design strategies, Jeswaani has achieved this goal.

The colour scheme in the apartment is a modern mix of light and dark grey most walls are in light grey with some highlight walls embracing a darker shade.

In the L-shaped wall behind the living room sofa, the dark grey comes alive with contrasting black-and-white photographs of Ladakh. In the master bedroom and the adjoining TV room, too, it’s used as a background to feature colourful art works.

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Cream marble flooring, extensive use of beige and brown in the décor and wooden panels add to the earthiness of the place.

“Additionally, for the curtains in the living room we used jute to provide a natural feel,” says Jeswaani. “We didn’t want anything to be too dressy; just the right amount of casual!”

Another requirement from the client was to create beautiful vistas off the terraces, and welcome the greenery inside. Unlike a typical urban residence, this apartment has an enviable 1500-sq ft open area wrapping around its terraces and balconies. “Located on the third floor, it has an inherent advantage of tree lines falling in. With a terrace next to the living room, another next to the master bedroom and two verandas, the house is enveloped by open spaces,” explains Jeswaani.

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Pops of colours and quirky elements intersperse the earthy feel of the house, rendering a young vibe. At the entrance, a beautifully woven red leather ottoman dazzles against the backdrop of dark smoked oak veneer. A purple wall with a Tanjore painting of Ganesha greets one into the living space. Bright, abstract art pieces all around provide a welcome reprieve from neutral shades.

One of the eye-catching elements in the residence is a large art piece designed

by Neeraj Patel that acts as a sliding door covering the TV and the bar unit.

“As it’s a formal living room, we wanted to keep the TV unit covered when not in use. When the family wants to watch TV, they merely slide the door open,” says Jeswaani. While this is an unusual spot for an artwork, it effortlessly becomes the centrepiece of the house.

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Jeswaani talks about one of his favourite accessories, the light installation from Vibia, positioned adjacent to the dining table. “I wanted the lights to act as pieces of art on the wall on their own. So, I decided not to crowd the wall with any other dramatic piece,” he says. And, these lights certainly bring panache to this space!

Another idiosyncratic element in the house is an angular travertine wall in the master bathroom. “The idea was to introduce some unexpected elements in the house, to keep it fun and interesting. This wall, the TV art piece and the lights are examples of that,” explains Jeswaani.

The simplicity of the residence is contrasted beautifully with several curated designer furniture pieces. The main sofa in the living room is a plush statement from the Italian brand Roche Bobois. Other furniture items - the round centre table with a textured brass disc and glass surface, the sideboard in the dining room with a beautiful geometric motif and the luxurious beds - are custom designed by Curiosity Furniture. These signature statements of grandeur also blend harmoniously with the theme of the house.

The light installation from Vibia, a refreshing alternative to decorating walls with paintings, adds a classy look to the dining space.

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A passage from the living space leads to the three bedrooms in the house; the child bedroom has many cutesy knick-knacks with occasional pops of colours.

While all these aesthetic elements coming together, the soul of the house is in its cosy corners and green spaces. Our pick is the master bedroom with an adjoining lounge and open terrace. Separated from the master bedroom by a sliding door partition, the lounge has a television, comfy couch and a mini-bar counter, a perfect spot to socialise with friends. Good design is often considered to be a language.

In this charmingresidence, design is not a fad, not a style; it is instead an unadulterated expression of the people to whom it belongs. info.rjia@gmail.com

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42 Home Review January 2016

Design Neemrana, Rajasthan Deriving inspiration from Ikebana, Japanese art and style of flower arrangement, this iconic building is the sales and marketing office with an attached sample flat for Novell Ikebana, Neemrana. It has been designed by Anand Sharma, Partner and Principal Architect, Design Forum International.

The approach was primarily to bring order and geometry that reflects the connection between the sky, man and the earth. Here diversity comes into play, manifesting itself in a mĂŠlange.

The outcome was a monumental building, with free-flowing curves. The Ikebana Experience Centre is developed as a curvilinear form: wrapped around, merged with and in resonance with the landscape. A form in which the outdoors gradually melt into the indoors, softened and aided by a languid pool and entry puddle.

The building has a leaf shaped canopy and glass façade with a clean steel structure supporting it. The building sits on a raised earth mound - 5 ft. elevated from the ground. A walkway ramps up to a welcoming reception and display area. The entrance is placed on the longer axis of this elliptical structure. The seating and sales area are on the sides, with the reception leading to the display area which showcases a model of the Novell Ikebana housing scheme. info@dfiarch.com

Text Compiled By Anindita Ganguly

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

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

Ceramic Gallery, Anand Located in the city of milk revolution, Anand, ‘Ceramic Gallery’ designed by Intrinsic Designs+StudioRK06, is a boutique to showcase a unique collection of premium sanitary wares, tiles and bathroom fittings. The entire floor plan, an amalgamation of eight shops, has three lounge spaces with inclined display screens, four mock ups of different bathrooms, a library, bar table, as well as a reception and the proprietor’s cabin.

The entrance is a captivating alley that draws one’s attention right from the door, opening up into the circulation passage which merges seamlessly with the other smaller created spaces.

The major design concern was to enhance focus on the displayed products as much as possible. Ceilings, exposed services and lighting fixtures have been intentionally kept dark in colour to restrict the visual connection.

The colours and textures play a major role in effectively breaking the visual monotony. Artificial as well as natural green plantation are introduced at certain places lending a soothing feel and providing a break from the many striking display items.

The fully furnished boutique is a plethora of spaces made of colours, textures and illusionary pauses, all compelling enough to draw attention of visitors and encourage them to stay for a while.

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BONBONS Set amidst a dense residential neighbourhood with predominantly high rise buildings, Bonbons is a petite patisserie designed by architects Vindhya Guduru and Baba Sashank. With an area of only 650 square feet, the linear space needed to be efficiently planned to provide for a kitchen space, display units and a comfortable seating layout.

With the kitchen limited to the rear edge of the space, the front remains comfortable to accommodate the display and dining areas of the cafĂŠ.

At the heart of the patisserie is the serving counter with a glass display case, showing off the treats of the day.

The linear space is further exaggerated with a material palette limited to only a trio of concrete, wood and white walls. The starkness of the white walls is broken with pops of aqua blue and chrome yellow, setting a palette that is followed throughout the fun-sized space.

The loose furniture - benches, tables, stools and counters - are custom-made to match the minimal nature of the space using only metal and packing wood. Hexagons are a key motif throughout the extent of the space, from the honeycomb pattern on the walls, false ceiling and geometric lighting fixtures to the wooden hexagonal wall dĂŠcor.

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Mumbai-based Flamingo Interiors has a rare talent - the ability to juggle multiple templates of inspirations from different eras to create well-rounded modern spaces.

Partners Aashni Pandya and Esha Pandya Choksi were inspired by the one-legged elegance and balanced beauty of the flamingo while naming their firm. The duo has a penchant for bold patterns and leads a team that works in the fields of interior design, architecture, and customised furniture design.

The creative insights informing the firm’s designs are never limited to one geography or even one timeline, and their projects often boast a talent for bringing together eclectic props and materials and making them work as a glorious whole. The following three are no exceptions.

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This is a soft-shell pink paradise. The resident of the home is a globe-trotting fashion designer who comes back to this Mumbai pad to sort of unwind, away from the rigours of work. So, naturally, the rooms had to promise an appropriately calming ambience that still kept the embers of creativity alive.

“Keeping in step with the client’s requirement to stay connected to the western world, our design, pivoted around strong influences from vintage Europe, endeavours to transport the end user across space and time,” states the team. The visual vibe of the house is indeed charmingly old world, with minimalist modernity informing its layout scheme, the latter necessitated by the need to balance style and limited space availability at Cuffe Parade.

The design team smartly applies a freeflowing arrangement here with patterns that keep repeating and a colour scheme that is tone-on-tone and features a preponderance of pink tints. The floral patterns on much of the upholstery, the wide button-tufted headboard in the bedroom, the mirror-and-wood cabinetry, and the chandelier pieces establish a calm, confident sense of elegance.

The overall look showcases a strong affinity to hotel suite design - the rooms stick together, allow easy access, and establish thematic harmony. “It creates an oasis for our client in the middle of the gridlocked city of Mumbai,” adds the team.

Text by Shruti Nambiar Photographs Courtesy the Architect

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This apartment exists in a universe far removed from the one mentioned above.

The style statement here is unmistakably modern and clean cut, it’s thinking more geometric than flowery. The design team relies on impeccable shelving to make a statement at this home. From wide, open, uneven assemblage to a tight grid of even squares, the shelves add a surprising amount of style to the interiors. Furniture legs are the other eyecatching elements.

The tables have plain tops but their legs are allowed to be happily eccentric. The living room glass table, for example, is wide and is held up by an array of small legs shaped like inverted pyramids.

Another side table, primed to hold show pieces, has slender crosses complicating its look. There is virtually no drama on the walls; the excitement is brought on by the patterned cushions, cabinet doors, rugs and the Statuario marble flooring, the latter giving way to teak wooden flooring in some sections.

“The diverse furniture and accessory pieces have been curated from across India, as well as from Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Florence and Hong Kong,� informs the team. This selection method ensures an eclectic spread, including side-tables shaped like faceted cuboids, formed of stacked trunks, and made to look like a smooth disk standing on thin metal chopstick legs.

These inspirations travelled back and forth in time, scooping up some classical French bits and some mid-century modern looks, and mixed them up. No wonder it all looks so enticing and that too under one roof.

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Chez Moi is French for ‘home’. No surprise then that the designers tried to establish something homely and shorn of pretence here. This Oshiwara branch of the bar and bistro brand attempts to set up an intimate corner of French wistfulness in the midst of Mumbai’s patented chaos.

Within this French context, the visual template of choice is rustic/country, so the lighting is subdued and the colour scheme pastel. Everything about this space is two decibels lower than normal; this is a place for afternoon confidences and easy laughter.

The sparkling cutlery, the flowers, the elegant curvature of the floral design on the door and on the mirror frame and chair backs, are all part of the design scheme.

The small tables, the mesh enclosure with greenery peeping in from its gaps, the wide diamond patterned tiles, and the wrought iron detailing, would check all the boxes on a European vacation design mood board. aashni@flamingointeriors.in www.flamingointeriors.in

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By using hard surface materials for flooring, a central water element and apt planting material, the architectural team has managed to imbibe a sculptural effect in the landscape.

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Landscapes

THE LUNCH HOUR GARDEN Architecture cannot force people to connect, but it can definitely plan the crossing points, remove barriers and create common meeting places that are both functional and attractive. Pockets of green landscapes within a building are nothing else but pleasing organic spaces that help people connect, relax and generally revive their energy.

While concrete depicts the innate raw beauty of architecture, greenery is its embellishment. In today’s concrete jungle, a very small chunk of the city’s skyline is devoted to green spaces. Mumbai being the financial hub of the country, its commercial architectural landscape has grown much beyond its peripheries.

The city has a furious energy that keeps its inhabitants on its toes all day. Through the course of a hardworking day, if employees were provided zones that not only refresh the body but also the mind, it would only result in enhanced productivity. Landscaped areas have become an important element in this context as they offer places where recharging one’s batteries, so to say, becomes possible.

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The tight and linear space has been very cleverly designed by the architectural team with the aid of semi geometrical shapes that double the transverse dimension upon reflection against the façade of the building.

Situated in the bustling region of the city’s Bandra Kurla Complex, the terrace garden designed by Architect Kalpak Bhave on the first floor of Naman Centre is a welcome relief zone. Landscapes should ideally escalate the building’s architecture and not dominate it; Bhave’s terrace is the perfect complement to the modern glass façade of this building. It is a soothing patch created in 900 square feet of space with simple building material and vegetation alone. The terrace has a narrow width of 12 feet and a length of 75 feet that runs parallel to the glazed façade of the building.

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Bhave tells us, “For smaller areas, every square foot counts. You need to be very specific about detailing.” The tight and linear space has been very cleverly designed by the architectural team with the aid of semi geometrical shapes that double the transverse dimension upon reflection against the façade of the building. This gives the space an almost unbounded realm.

“Covering most of the available area with fresh greenery that would be visible from the offices enclosed within the building,” was the main requirement that stemmed the concept of the landscape, shares Bhave.

The garden is an outstanding example of its volume divided into two by various shapes that further underline the spaces demarcated by architectural elements.

A fountain sits at the centre of the garden acting as a focal point. Defined by beds of greenery on either side, the entire wavy belt is interspersed with lights that create a fractured look and add a sublime effect to the garden at night.

The splitting up of the volume has created discrete areas for different functions. By using hard surface materials for flooring, a central water element and planting materials, the architectural team has managed to imbibe a sculptural effect in the landscape.

Regarding the waves and bands of natural stone, Bhave tells us, “I use natural stone over tiles in most of my projects. It brings a natural feel to the landscape.” With the natural palette used, a subtle colour gradient is achieved. Bhave’s garden stands complete with beautifully intertwining shallow levels and layers of landscaped areas. Curved stone steps rise gently to fringe manicured grass plains.

A fountain sits at the centre of the plot acting as a focal point. Defined by beds of greenery on either side, the entire wavy belt is interspersed with lights that create a fractured look and add a sublime effect to the garden at night.

The team shares, “The detailing of the landscaped areas has been done in such a way that there is no scope for leakages for the next ten years at least. The main cause for leakage is water and soil coming in contact with the building structure. With planting done solely in pots, this possibility is eliminated. A special arrangement makes sure that the fountain water does not touch the walls.

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Permanent sitting areas have been designed and concealed within the landscape reducing the dependence on movable furniture pieces.

This ensures there is no leakage from the fountain as well.” The team has met the constraints of a small space with solutions that lend optimum creativity. By using potted plants, they can work on a completely new look every couple of years by merely changing the plant varieties.

“Even the fountain can be converted into a flower bed whenever desired,” shares Bhave.

The terrace is ideal for small gatherings and encourages informal meetings. It is also apt for entertaining important clients.

Permanent sitting areas have been designed and concealed within the landscape so as to reduce dependence on movable furniture pieces.

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A bright umbrella that stands tucked in the corner poses as a visual delight creating the perfect ambience for conversations over coffee. The team tells us, “Plants like Areca Palms, Vinca Rosea, Schefflera, Dracaena, Euphorbia, Manihots and Plumerias have been used.” These provide a seasonal interest and the natural beauty of the different plants comes together to create a textural contrast with the hardscape. The garden echoes Bhave’s design philosophy of creating landscapes that offer a breath of fresh air in today’s busy urban life.

The materials used, plants and several diverse perspectives are so cleverly employed in this small area, that the resultant space is perceived as a magically comprehensive zone for both relaxation and rejuvenation.

www.kalpakybhave.com

The landscape detailing has been done in such a way that there is no scope for any leakages for the next ten years at the least. With planting done solely in pots, this possibility is totally eliminated.

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THE MARKETPLACE Havwoods’ Bespoke Herringbone Relik Collection

Faber Launches RO Water Purifier FFIL is India’s leading kitchen appliances manufacturer with Swiss and Italian parentage for “Franke” and “Faber” brands respectively. Faber has recently launched a RO water purifier, designed by Faber, Italy and made in India. Faber uses “Filmtec” membranes across the range.

These membranes are 100% made in USA and are untouched by human hands during the manufacturing process.

water making it potable. User can avail water whenever they need with 9Ltrs Storage capacity. www.faberindia.com

This helps the water purifier to perform in the TDS limit of 3000 ppm. Our range of RO water purifiers offers assurance of 100% RO water & 100% UV water. We do not use TDS controller in our range of RO water purifiers. All the water purifier offer “Germblock” technology which protects the purified stored water from microbial contamination.

With “Copper Guard” & “MAT” Mineral Addition Technology filter which adds back essential minerals to purified RO water, with copper acting as an antifouling agent and enhances the taste of

Grey Series of Vitrified Tiles From Antica Ceramica The Herringbone Relik line is a stellar range created from reclaimed planks for floors, walls, ceilings and doors. These planks also make for the sturdiest and most gorgeous ceilings, cladding and doors.

Introducing the range, Mr. Aashish Poojari, Director, Havwoods India said, “The Herringbone Relik is one of our most prestigious collections. The world over, it has been a best-seller, finding its way into vintage European homes, contemporary city homes and modern restaurants and bars with equal ease”. He further adds that most people refrain from using wood in India for fear that it won’t withstand our monsoons, summers, winters and all-year dew.

This collection is excellent for all these conditions as the reclaimed wood is weathered to take it all. We are sure the range will garner immense interest both from the residential as well as commercial segments. It’s the easiest and best way to enhance the appeal of any property! www.havwoods.in

The Grey series of Vitrified tiles from Antica Ceramica are natural in calming effect that harmony well with the room interiors. Both the matte and gloss finish with large tiles infuses utmost perfection to the living room, guest room, bedroom or lobby area.

The Grey coloured tile collection comes both for floor and walls in more than 50 different patterns, styles & variety of grey shades and in the size of 600 x 1200 format. These tiles are surely one of its kinds that come with an excellent finishing touch and safety glazed coating which

restricts it to be non-slippery and scratch resistance. The best part of these tiles is that they can be mixed and matched to decorative effect with a wide variety of grey tile models.

According to Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director of Antica Ceramica, “Our grey colour tile collection can easily blend in with the décor of any room. There is a huge demand of this collection, especially for the people who are looking for the contemporary, modern and sleek finish.” www.anticaceramica.in Home Review November 2017

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THE MARKETPLACE Milton Presents Microwow Tiffin

Milton, the pioneer of innovative houseware in India brings nostalgia in a box with its latest offering, Microwow Tiffin - the world’s first microwaveable insulated tiffin with steel inner. With this new launch, Milton adds a new touch of innovation allowing you to retain your love for steel dabbas.

Its unique feature of being microwave safe helps one reheat food in no time and relish their warm meal just like how it is supposed to be enjoyed when cooked and served at home. The tiffin is available in two and three detachable containers with leak proof lids. So, you can choose either of them depending on how much food you wish to pack at any given time.

Not just this, Microwow Tiffin is also the first ever dishwasher safe insulated tiffin with steel inner. It comes with a smart shoulder strap which is extremely convenient to carry. Milton’s Microwow Tiffin is an innovation designed to add maximum convenience on a daily basis. www.milton.in

Sun Shade Louvers From Notion

The Sun Shade Louvers by Notion is a customized product during the design phase and can be fixed on different inclination i.e.

22.5º, 45º or 67.5º and choose your own profile design. They are perfect to be used as a sun shade, Louvers, fence, façade balcony fence etc. The USP of this product is when used up against a house , it reduces the heat from the sun, thus reducing your cooling costs. It makes your outdoor living area, more inviting to your guests.

www.notion.net.in

Backwoods Collection From U Like Fabrics Backwoods collection strikes perfect chords with luxuriousness and urbanness, vouching to add depth to any kind of living space. Launched at Heimtextil, Germany, it redefines its category with non-regular designs and colors that make the fabric perfect for a wide range of needs, including upholstery, cushion covers, curtains, and runners.

Made with cotton and polyester blend, the dobby and jacquard fabrics use intermingled yarn in the weave. With an overall versatile finishing, the collection has a universal appeal, assuring to fit all your needs with dot precision.

Completely matte finished, it smartly uses variations of dark and light brown tones to enhance the surroundings. Its overall brown theme offers countless interpretation, including a touch of dignity and a homely feel that brings warmth, comfort and peaceful flavours to home. Incorporating

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According to Mr. Akash Saini – Director Sales “NOTION”, “We have introduced Sun Shade Louvers, which are one of the best and pioneer for exterior use. This is the most durable and stable products available to revamp your exteriors at valuable cost. All of above its installation method is simple and it takes no more than just several hours for setting.

various light and dark tones, it also brings seamless opportunity to give interiors a fresh take all the time. This all-weather collection ensures longevity and optimum value for your money. www.ulikefabrics.com

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Home Review March 2017

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