Home Review October 2016

Specialist : PoppadumArt

vol 15 issue 10

October 2016

Design Destination : GuangZhou

total pages 134

Uncovered : r+d Studio

RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COM

Stories in Detail

by Komal Vasa loc Design Takes the law into their hands

MINDFUL MISTAKES Busride Studio’s Folly House

Tech Indulgent Technological innovations that are redefining your living

Š Architects: IMS Ingenieurgesellschaft / bof architekten / m+p consulting; Photographer: Rakesh Rao/NCAOR

A PROJECT END OF TH And a piping system that supplies all of the With something as fundamental to the construction of an Antarctica research station as the vital supply of warmth and clean drinking water, you don’t experiment, but trust uncompromising quality and reliability.

Viega met these high demands using Sanpress Inox stainless steel piping system for drinking water and Prestabo galvanized iron piping system for heating installation, and also delivered the know-how to go with them. Viega. Connected in quality.

Bharati Research Station, Antarctica

viega.in/About-us

AT THE E WORLD. essentials right from the get-go.

Photo: Cyrus Dalal

E

nvisioned by The Busride Design Studio, the Folly House is symbolic of how progressive design and architecture is making its mark in India. Breaking convention, the design of this home engages the user rather than being just a backdrop to the lives of its inhabitants. The clever scheme embodies a bespoke collection of thoughtfully conceived multi-functional furniture that make their presence felt as singular pieces as well as establishes a relationship with one another.

These follies (referring to structures with no ‘apparent’ practical purpose), is where architect Zameer Basrai draws inspiration to christen his project. However, make no mistake, these creative flourishes of furniture are designed with an exacting science and ensure a continuous purpose and engagement in the lives of its owners.

Also side stepping convention is designer Manmeet Arora of LOC (Left of Centre) who has a go at turning around the interiors of a legal firm in South Mumbai. With a tight budget and an even tighter timeline her design response for the legal eagles is an emphasis on transparency and efficiency.

The young designer stays clear of heavy teakwood furniture and stuffy cabins with dark veneered walls. Instead, a palette of white grips the interiors with a grid of clear glass and metal demarcating the rooms. Manmeet builds a rock-solid case for connectivity and transparency, moving to an open plan scheme with a contemporary and sharp disposition.

Anish Bajaj, Editor anish@marvelinfomedia.com

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emails + feedback Inducing nature into architecture

Czech Majesty!

The jaw-dropping interior certainly makes me wish to spoil myself amidst the opulence of this hotel. The splendour of deliverance and intricacy in every minute thing makes it a place to visit once in a lifetime. This glass box over the Vltava River looks astonishing from the outside as well! It’s a place worth living in while discovering the traditional avenues of Pobrezni.

By Email Brijmohan Mehta

Redefining local specimen

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

That craving for luxury residing in simplicity and earthliness ends here. This is the kind of home that would gratify the denizen of a citadel after all the hustle and bustle tires one out. It is the architectural loyalty of this house to vernacular design that makes it an exemplar of unique leisure stays. Awestruck at the design and the thought behind it!

By Email Darshana Angre

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This one is a brainchild of sheer genius!

Emphasizing on green spaces and employing a natural approach towards the architecture of Cyberwalk is something that more designers need to adapt to. After all, this façade enhances the utility of natural resources as they come!

Would certainly like to work at such a green and relaxed workplace if ever possible.

By Email Pramila Khairwal

Transforming unusual into exemplary It is just remarkable to see how a challenging shape and size of a plot was used to make something that is hard to imagine. The pinnacle of this design is the way in which spaces are carved out without compromising on the necessary amenities. The Gallery House is in a league of its own owing to the interiors as well. For me, it represents transformationfrom a challenge to a paragon!

By Email Pratap Shingare

34

26

20

Headed by Shilpa Gore-Shah and Pinkish Shah, the firm has carried out projects in myriad fields including interior design, architecture, urban design, conservation and planning

S+PS Architects

22

Gurgaon-based r+d studio works on the principle that collaborative design is a better approach than one right solution

Cover Story

38

The ‘Folly House’ created by Busride is an identity cusp between gallery and home

LOC’s design for the P&C legal office in Mumbai steers away from the stern imagery normally associated with this profession’s genre

46

OCTOber

Hotel Adriatic transformed by Studio 3LHD now serves as one of the main attractions of old town Rovinj, in Coastal Istria

54 art

form

Abigail Brown plays God as she dreams up fantabulous creatures and breathes a breath just short of life into them

60 Sandesh Prabhu has put in all the efforts to transfrom this 40-year old house in Hyderabad into an open and spacious space

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66

71

By Surkhi Matharu & Malika Budhiraj

82 98

Tech Special

74

The Tech Indulgent special talks about the latest technological innovations, trends, products and appliances

Komal Vasa’s simple Gujurati setting evokes different kinds of emotions with a unique blend of natural and textural elements

Completely stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu is a result of a magical blend of textures and angles and a symbiosis between the built and its surroundings

104

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

108

113

GUANGZHOU A DESIGN DESTINATION

OCTOber

product

designer

Using historical and contemporary contexts, Podracký adds a new symbolism to everyday objects

122

117

GREEN PROJECT

In the Sydney-fringe suburb of Glebe, a late 19th century cowshed is reworked upon by Carterwilliamson Architects in a poetic marriage of old and new

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126

Various at Dhobi Talao takes on the task of introducing and amalgamating the ‘Various’ aspects of design and creativity

THE MARKETPLACE Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market

131

Devyani Jayakar Freelance Writer An abiding fascination with language, culminated in a Master’s degree in English Literature and a post graduate diploma in Communications Media. Convinced that there is nothing more addictive than luxury, leads her to contribute regularly to several publications on lifestyle topics including interiors, design, architecture and art.

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

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.

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

Kolkata 700084 Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj Distributed in India by India Book House Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsiani Chambers, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

Zameer Basrai (Busride Studio) Mindful Mistakes, Page 26.

TheBusride is an independent design studio specializing in the design and creation of built environments, both temporary and permanent. Zameer Basrai is co-founder of TheBusride Design studio. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree from CEPT, Ahmedabad, India and graduated with a SMArchS degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.

Manmeet Arora Taking the Law into their Hands, Page 38. left of centre is a unique design house and brainchild of interior designer and entrepreneur Manmeet Arora. Her firm loc design house, aspires to create unique spaces, which are functional yet aesthetically inspiring. Their aim is not just to design a space, but to enhance the experience of it for the client.

This issue has a total of 134 pages comprising of a 6 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.

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

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Shikha Doogar R+D Studio, Page 34.

A practising architect for 15 years, Shikha Doogar co-founded r+d studio, a Delhi NCR and Dubai based Design collaboration dedicated to innovation in architectural practice through exploration of process and production. She also holds a visiting faculty position at Sushant School of Art & Architecture, Gurgaon, India.

PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 13 SEPT

With the inauguration of this next generation Experience Centre, we aim to further strengthen our foothold in the region and capitalize on the growing demand for internationally acclaimed designs. This launch further reiterates our commitment of providing the best quality products to all our consumers.”

Gulmoharlane.com Launches Factory Showroom, Jaipur

He further added, “We are extremely excited to connect with our elite customers in Mumbai through this centre, offering them a wide range of technology enabled designs and applications in tiles at their door step.”

Online luxury and furniture store Gulmoharelane. com launched its first ever factory showroom in Jaipur. Known for its eclectic range of handcrafted furniture, the factory showroom located at Sitapura Industrial area showcases an entire collection which comprises of sofas, beds, lighting, cushions and armchairs. The store also offer customisation and design solutions for clients with the aid of an interior designer who is present at the store to help customers select their furniture as per their décor style and taste.

The online brand launched the showroom realising the need to have a physical store for the customers to touch and feel the product before placing orders. Talking about the store launch, Saurabh Ailawadi, Co-Founder, Gulmoharlane. com said, “Omni channel presence has become inevitable for an online platform. With our first showroom, we intend to showcase our hero products in a real home setting that would reflect the personality and aesthetics of a modern day consumer.” The showroom is open for the visitors and customers, from Monday to Saturday. Customers can book their appointment for showroom visit prior on call. www.gulmoharlane.com

14 SEPT

HSIL Launches Two Hindware Galleria Stores, Hyderabad HSIL Limited, a leading building products company has further strengthened its network in India with the launch of two state-of-the-art concept retail outlets “Gallerias” in the city of Hyderabad.

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Well-known for producing premium bathroom products, these newly-launched Hindware Galleria stores offer an ideal environment for consumers, architects, interior designers and buyers to envision, recommend and design bathrooms of their choice. The two spacious stores showcase Hindware’s complete product range including their latest innovations and bathroom concepts.

www.somanyceramics.com

18 TO 21 SEPT

Decorex International 2016

The brand further plans to aunch 100 more Galleria stores in India across key markets including Tier II cities. www.hindwarehomes.com

14 SEPT

Somany Ceramincs State-Of-TheArt Experience Centre, Mumbai

Somany Ceramics Ltd. which is one of the leading players in the tiles and sanitary ware industry launched their one of the most advanced experience centre in Mumbai last month.

Spread over 2500 sq.ft the space offers top notch revolutionary experience, enabling consumers, architects, dealers, builders and developers to have access to high-end, international quality tiles and products. Talking about the centre, Mr. Abhishek Somany, MD, Somany Ceramics Ltd., said, “Mumbai is an important market for us as the city has witnessed a substantial rise of premium, luxury projects.

One of the world’s most important annual design festivals, Decorex 2016 was held in Syon Park, London this year. A longstanding design and interior exhibition, Decorex celebrates exceptional quality, beautiful materials and outstanding craftsmanship. This high-end international event for interior designers, architects, retailers and property developers, unravelled products by over 400 exhibitors.

The exhibition featured a collection of contemporary, traditional and bespoke furniture including lighting, floor coverings, fabrics and wall coverings. The 39th edition exhibited a series of interacting feature areas and seminars by leading names in the world of design. Exploring the roots of design as the theme of this year’s exhibition, renowned British Furniture Designer, Tim Gosling curated the main entrance of show with a spectacular exhibition titled ‘The Heritage of Chair Making’.

Indian designer duo-Shobhna and Kunal Mehta represented the country at this international platform by exhibiting their exquisite range of products. Primarily being a trade event, the exhibition was open to general public too.

Next year, Decorex will be held in the New York. www.decorex.com

PAST & FUTURE

E V E N T S 24Luxury SEPT Wall Coverings By

Nilaya And Good Earth, Delhi

The two day exhibition will showcase some of the top interior brands and designers like Casa Pop by Raseel Gujral Ansal, Bird Fireplaces, Elementto Wallpaper, ThreeSixtyDegree, Sahil&Sarthak, Arushi Arts by PayalKapoor, Rameshwaram Silver Furniture from Udaipur, Murano Glass, Woodidea Flooring, Ansa Interior Designers, Windemere and many other leading brands.

Nilaya, the luxury wall coverings line from Asian Paints in collaboration with luxury retail brand and design house Good Earth launched a special collection of luxury wall coverings titled ‘Silk Route’. The exclusive ‘Silk Route’ collection is inspired by ancient trade routes, fabled places and cultures.

Curated by Anita Lal, Pavitra Rajaram and Asha Madan of Good Earth, the collection features three evocative themes-Charbagh, Palmyra and Xanadu and 17 designs which take you through a visual adventure of Mughal gardens, balmy Mandalay groves , floral paradise of the islands of the Indian Ocean and magical Chinoiserie scenes. http://nilaya.asianpaints.com

15 TO 16 OCT

Luxury Home Décor Exhibition Housefull, New Delhi A luxury home decor show Housefull, conceptualised by Ramola Bachchan, provides a platform to all home-décor and furniture brands to interact at a consumer level. It showcases the latest trends in furniture, home accessories, artworks, soft furnishing, lighting, rugs, outdoor furniture, gift items and much more. HouseFull which will take place at The Ashoka Hotel sees visitors from various fields including architects, interior designers, bulk buyers and real estate companies.

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Dubai’s design community will showcase the best of the city’s creativity through an extensive programme of design-dedicated events.

Throughout the week, various activities will be hosted by local retailers, design brands, restaurants, universities and institutions, creative studios and galleries. The festival is open to all and will give an opportunity to the visitors to attend workshops, launches, exhibitions and film screenings. Dubai Design Week is owned and managed by the Art Dubai Group, a joint venture company between the Dubai International Financial Centre and Middle East Fairs Ltd. www.dubaidesignweek.ae

TO 22Dutch 30Design OCT Week 2016

The USP of this exhibition lies in how beautifully the show absorbs both, luxury and consumerfriendly brands, making it a show not-to-bemissed. This year’s edition is scheduled for pre-Diwali, when most of the home shopping takes place in India and more than half of the participants are young designers, giving people an array of fresh designs and concepts. www.facebook.com/HouseFullPage

24 TO 29 OCT

Dubai Design Week 2016 One of the newest and most ambitious international design events, Dubai Design Week showcases UAE’s thriving design scene at an international platform. Established in the year 2015, Dubai Design Week is a 6-day long design programme which is both regional and international in scope. Through speeches, panel discussions, public performances and educational workshops, the event gives an opportunity to visitors to discover and engage with an array of designs.

Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, Netherlands which is one of the biggest design events in Europe is back with its annual edition. The theme for the 15th Dutch Design Week is ‘The making of’ which is an ode to the making process and the makers.

With this theme, the making process takes the centre stage and honours the makers by presenting how products and services that are used on an everyday basis are made or where they are made. Martijn Paulen, Director of DDW says,“With ‘The making of’ we stimulate and appreciate both the investigative process and the end result. In doing this, DDW offers a look behind the scenes, but most especially a preview.”

This nine-day long event will host 2500 national and international designer showcasing their latest works and the best of what design has to offer. One of the highlights of DDW is the Dutch Design Award and along with it the several events, lectures, workshops and conferences are held to set a dynamic design climate. www.ddw.nl

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True measure of an architectural practiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is when you find it difficult to label or categorise it. Mumbai-based S+PS is a firm that has earned its stripes through its subtle yet powerful architectural language, and has made an emphatic mark in the contemporary Indian architecture scene.

The firm headed by Shilpa Gore-Shah and Pinkish Shah, has carried out projects in myriad fields including interior design, architecture, urban design, conservation and planning. Each project by the studio is approached by its context; where the constraints and complexities of the project optimise its aesthetics, and their solution addresses the program and not personal signatures.

Their work circumvents irrelevant, provocative treatment, instead advocates interactive design - the Collage House in Navi Mumbai was a result of celebrating recyclable resources through tangible and intangible expression, whereas the playfulness of THE PLAYBOX emerged from a request to create a transmuting playroom for a 10-year-old.

The duo has enjoyed a strong presence in academics over the past 15 years, and they believe both, their practice and teaching, have mutually informed each other.

Here, they provide insights into their allembracing passion for all things creative, their design ideologies, and inspirations.

Interview by Shweta Salvi

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An articulate design language defines S+PS Architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; portfolio. What are your basic design fundamentals when you design a project?

S+PS - We believe that every project is unique, and that the design should evolve through the particular characteristics of each project. We believe that it is the responsibility of the architect to create diverse, innovative and exciting environments.

Through negotiating the conflicting requirements of site, climate, technologies, client, authorities, end users and consultants, an IDEA is evolved that incorporates all these forces. This concept is then used to develop the design at all levels and scales, creating a unique architectural language for the project.

Architectural styles are avoided, as they limit the options available and stifle exploration and creativity.

Each project should add a humane and desirable environment to the world, resulting in a continuous improvement of the constructed environment.

Both of you are actively involved in academia and teaching. How has that helped your practice?

Each project should add a humane and desirable environment to the world, resulting in a continuous improvement of the constructed environment.

However, precedents from all times and cultures are studied to gain experience and knowledge from the past. The firm believes that good design is produced from this careful study and research, combined with technical knowledge and artistic judgment.

Random and unforeseen events are examined for the possibility of adding richness and new possibilities to the design.

Attention to detail, proportions and scale, together with common sense ensure that the end result fully develops the potential within the concept.

S+PS - Pedagogy and Practice are two poles that over time have come to occupy our time almost equally. It is almost 14 years since we have been in academics.

In due course of time both teaching and practice have almost become seamless, each informing the other. Most importantly it constantly creates an environment of questioning which hopefully brings criticality to the work and helps retain the emphasis on the important things.

One is constantly learning from students and faculty, and questioning things we tend to take for granted. Discussions with like minded faculty helps the mind from not getting stagnant and one gets to address a cross section of projects and issues that one may not necessarily come across in practice.

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Marina Tabassum in Bangladesh is creating magic with the humble brick and one of the strongest ingredients of architecture - light!

Internationally too there is everyone from Denise Scott-Brown (unfortunately denied a Pritzker, which was given to her partner and husband Robert Venturi), Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA (already a Pritzker Prize winner) to Billie Tsien, Toshiko Mori, etc., the list can go on and all have already made their mark in some way.

If there is no joy and delight in the spaces we create it doesn’t matter if they are sustainable.

What are the parameters of a holistic sustainable project? What common mistakes do designers make while conceptualising?

S+PS - Sustainability is a very trendy and much used and abused word today. We believe in starting from first principals and using common sense based on the demands of the project and the client.

Cameron Sinclair the Founder of Habitat for Humanity once said - “the most sustainable building in the world is the one we love!” If there is no joy and delight in the spaces we create it doesn’t matter if they are sustainable. We only have to look at vernacular architecture or our heritage buildings to see how they managed to layer several concerns simultaneously.

Is there a person or a medium (not related to design) that has inspired you in some way?

S+PS - We are immensely inspired by travel.

Right since our younger days - travelling during our student days or during our internships in Ahmedabad and Delhi, or whilst doing our Masters in the USA or backpacking in Europe on our way back to India or discovering the messy vitality of Asian cities much later - travel is the only constant. Pinkish’s induction in the Dr. Charles Moore Travel Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin, gave a unique insight in looking at places and people.

We use every opportunity available to travel to different places. It has opened our eyes very early, to respect other ways of thinking and doing and broadening our minds.

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Shilpa, Zaha Hadid had once established that women can make a strong mark in the field of architecture, and her success has ever since been considered a benchmark. Do you think we would soon need another Zaha to reinstate the position of women in architecture?

SGS - Zaha Hadid has definitely left a mark in the field of architecture but there are and have been plenty of other women who are doing their bit in adding thought provoking architecture to the world. We need to redefine what “strong mark” means today - it need not only mean iconic and mainstream and the role of women doesn’t need “reinstating” - it’s already firmly grounded!

I think the scale of architecture is not as important as the relevance of it in today’s times. There are women architects like Anna Herringer, who is building in simple, affordable materials and making sensitive architectural spaces that have touched a lot of lives.

Closer to home in India, we have had pioneers like Pravina Mehta, Hema Sankalia (who was our teacher at Sir J.J. College of Architecture), Namita Singh and Revati Kamath or my contemporaries like Shilpa Ranade, Abha Narain Lamba or Samira Rathod who have their own unique voices within the context of India. Though fewer in number, they are producing architecture of quality and relevance.

If anything is a sign of the times, it is that since the last decade or so, 60-70% of my student’s in each batch are women.

It is but a matter of time before more women architects surface doing jobs the world over.

Our country has a wonderful architectural heritage, any personal favourite structure? Do you take cues from our architectural history?

S+PS - Not so much a structure than a cluster of buildings especially older settlements in almost every part of India.

Each offers a glimpse into a way of life and how well they deal with all the architectural elements - steps, plinths, walls, openings, scale modulation, courts, light, darkness and much more. Mandu, Maheshwar, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Udaipur all occupy a special place like many others.

A project that is very close to your heart… Why? S+PS - Our smallest project till date, THE PLAYBOX, is very special to us. At just 120 sq.ft. and being an interior project, it embodies everything our practice stands for.

Much like a haiku - it doesn’t need much to say a lot!

Any current global architectural practice that inspires you… and why?

S+PS - We think there is incredible talent all around the world today. Thanks to the media and the internet one is able to see and access this talent far more easily.

Of course we can’t generalise, but we are amazed with the tectonic and spatial clarity of Spanish architects, the questioning of the fundamentals of architecture by the Japanese, the fantastic experiments with housing by the Dutch or the serene integration of architecture and nature in Sri Lanka.

We are already seeing individuals, groups and collaboratives engaging with citizens, local community bodies, NGO’s, etc. to set the agenda, demonstrate possibility and drive the process from the ground up to make public projects happen either through private or PPP initiatives. We are transitioning from one model to another and to create effective change we will have to understand and embrace this new reality.

Henceforth we will see few “masters” emerge but a multitude of local voices that collectively are very strong. All have something to teach and inspire.

Any other creative activity you indulge in?

There is paucity of public space design culture in India - a sector which holds the key in defining the architectural identity of a country. How, according to you, this space could be made more creatively open to the design community?

S+PS - This was not the case earlier in India.

The involvement of the state as patron for architecture post-independence gave way to the market post-liberalisation. This has led to a complete loss of faith in public projects by the government and the state sees its role only in providing policy and infrastructure. This changed scenario will need the profession to engage not top down but bottom up.

S+PS - We are both big fans of Charles and Ray Eames. They once said “Take your pleasure seriously”, so we do! Creatives can’t help themselves from exploring every opportunity they get. So, the range is wide from making cards, to craft, to arranging dinner tables, to cooking, to painting, to photography, to designing clothes and objects… so, just about everything!

“Eventually everything connects - people, ideas, objects.” Charles Eames spsarch@gmail.com

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One-of-a-kind spaces created by The Busride for the ‘Folly House’ are on the identity cusp between gallery and home. Clean geometric patterns and highly multi-faceted furniture pieces dominate this residence’s design scheme which is totally uncaring of convention.

In so many ways, the Folly House is a metaphor for the kind of reality we all have come to inhabit. We seem to thrive in a melting pot of contradictions - of spaces, ideas and what-have-you, held together by an old, comforting need for the stable and the staid. Too much of either is disorienting.

So at home, at the office, we have come to expect a free flow, an easily-changeable scenery that is composed of all the necessary functional parts.

Text By Shruti Nambiar Photographs Kunal Bhatia

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MINDFUL MISTAKES Home Review October 2016

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It builds the perfect environment for growing children who still look at the world with unsullied eyes, as well as for adults too weary of being forced into boxes of perception.

This 4,500 sq. ft. home’s high philosophy translates to brilliantly-designed multifunctional furniture pieces that are entities within themselves, when alone. When considered in the company of other pieces, they recreate a more recognisable relationship found in every regular home.

The living room is composed of two large components, and that’s it! “We used to jokingly say to the clients that this is what you get when you hire designers from Bombay to design a house in Pune. Everything will be unnecessarily compacted and we won’t know what to do with the extra space,” the team recalls.

The obvious visual inspiration came from a gallery space where the floor swathe is generous and uncluttered, and the attention is solely to be directed towards the displayed artefacts.

The artefacts here are the ‘living folly’ and the ‘study folly’. The former is a herringbone-patterned, metal-framed shiny behemoth of seeming abstraction that actually smartly brings together six different functionalities. Clearly for the children of the house are the horse-mount and the play slide segments, while the open terrace-facing horse-shoe seating and diwan seating parts offer ergonomic options for a more conventional drawing room experience.

Folly House Basic - Model

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“The folly surface is constructed as a mesh of bent mild steel flats resting on stainless steel branch-like supports. The metal framework is then clad with flexi ply on the top and bottom and finally topped with 1/2”-3/4” thick teak wood planks set in a herringbone pattern,” explains the team.

A peep below this folly will reveal a secret universe of personal messages - a beautiful sprawling illustrated map depicting the family’s past, prospective, and aspirational travel destinations.

The lower space thus becomes a dreamy grotto where all the members can lay about and stare up at a map like no other, reminiscing and dreaming in turns.

But the function that connects the living folly with the study folly is that one ubiquitous totem of modern homemaking - the television. The long sofa segment of the living folly stands perfectly poised to face the TV unit of the study folly, when its facing door is pulled open.

When standing undisturbed, the study folly is a vision of dense quietude. It looks simple, elegant, and full of the kind of exciting little treasures that makes every attic irresistible.

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“The study folly consists of a slender steel armature around which the mobile elements of the slide and fold-out library, the slide-out study tables and the pivoting television unit are anchored. The entire volume of the cube is filled with cabinetry in its closed position and it can only be occupied once opened,” the team states. These spot-lit cabinets further illuminated by a circular rig fitted into the geometry-loving false ceiling hold curios, stationery items, and more, altogether looking like a magical little nook located off a dour market lane, waiting for a visitor to accidentally stumble in.

Even though two main ‘follies’ of the home commandeer most of the attention, the other rooms and spaces too are quite remarkable. The kitchen-cum-dining zone is dominated by a long island fitted with mirror-faced cabinetry. The storage stays discreet in character, with a beautiful segment whose pull-out walls betray no clutter. The dining table here can swing about a pivot to cater to any kind of family or social occasion. A separate breakfast nook - sunken, well-lit and dotted with plants - is a stunning addition here.

The Folly House is a product of an environment of

self-aware ambiguity,

a home capable of

adapting,

retreating and regrouping.

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The master bedroom features a concrete low-rise bed at the centre, with a copper backdrop coded with triangular-shaped storage pivots. The bathroom here is spacious and focused around a large sculptural square bathtub, ideal for lengthy, fun splash-abouts with the children. The bright red bars of a Jungle Jim stand about the children’s room, imbuing the space with playground-level animation possibilities.

The clients asked for a familiar 4-poster bed for the parents’ room, which the team again went on to subvert by creating a ‘floating’ bed - the structure is held up by a transparent cube on the floor - whose wooden posters stand with arms that open wide but stylishly refuse to touch.

Then there is the guest room, again a lovely multi-purpose zone that can be pulled out and then put back up as part of the wall and display structure.

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When commissioned, Mumbai-based firm, The Busride,was explicitly asked to â&#x20AC;&#x153;make mistakesâ&#x20AC;?. The design team, understandably, gleefully ran with this renegade idea to successfully create an outwardly austere marvel of a home with ace multitasking credentials. The home is distinguished by its efficient reliance on right angles and basic geometric shapes and patterns, even while it plays with whimsy at every turn. zameerbasrai@gmail.com www.jointhebusride.com

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AXO View of the Multipurpose Block For DPH

Gurgaon-based r+d studio works on the principle that collaborative design is a better approach than one right solution.

Their endeavour with every project is to respect the client’s aspirations, without compromising on the creativity aspect.

And, partners Shikha Doogar & Shridhar Rao believe that the best way to achieve this is through “a strong dialogue with the client which results in architectural solutions of greater eminence, precision and performance”.

In a bid to redefine established norms and explore new possibilities, the studio goes beyond traditional architectural tools and engages cutting-edge technology.

The firm’s attitude is reflected in their motto - to blur boundaries by feeding into art, media, sociology, sustainability, technology, fashion, and graphic design.

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One look at the Delhi Public School building on Noida Expressway and you wonder if it is the creation of a giant baby stacking blocks.

The structure which resembles a tower of blocks, caught mid-tumble helps create a friendly, fun ambience for the young students. The prominent constraint in this project was the constricting area and the task at hand for r+d studio was to maximise efficient use of space.

The result is a structure which houses a swimming pool, a 400-seater auditorium, multipurpose halls, squash courts, a cafeteria and a library within the academic school block. The monochromatic exterior is in stark contrast with the use of vibrant reds and oranges in the interiors. The use of colour in the furniture, floor and the structure is the binding element that ties the building together in a central theme.

The plaza surrounding the multi-purpose block pulls the children out to experience the amphitheatre, play areas and the grounds. The swimming pool, auditorium and cafeteria are each accessible through separate entrances, which ensures that the circulation indoors is restricted.

For Shikha Doogar, the auditorium is one of her favourite spaces in the building.

She says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is rawness, a playful quality to it which is very appealing. We were able to generate the wow factor despite working on a stringent budget.â&#x20AC;?

Another interesting element to the building is the peek-a-boo like effect that has been created by cutting out atriums from the building from which one can peep out and look at the courtyard, etc.

Text by Himali Kothari Photographs : Edmund Sumner (Multipurpose block for DPH and Victory Heights, Dubai), Nivedita Gupta (Primera House)

Floor plans of The Multipurpose Block For DPH Home Review October 2016

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While designing the Primera House for designers Shivan and Narresh, r+d studio had two key considerations to keep in mind - one, the lifestyle of the clients meant that the house had to perform the multifunctional roles of live, work and play.

And two, their brand’s fashion philosophy, that is colour blocking, needed to be reflected in the interiors.

The plan accommodates for segregating the house to serve multiple purposes from a cosy family den, to a design studio to spaces to exhibit their love for art and a space for hosting soirees. The universal monochromatic colour scheme ensures that the flow between the various spaces is seamless.

The interiors are minimalist, thus providing an ideal backdrop for the owners’ expansive art collection. A play of volumes, materials and interplay between light and shadow has been incorporated in the architecture of the house. The use of contrasting materials further accentuate volume blocking - for instance the use of corten steel against stark whites as well as the aluminum grooves to break the monotony of white blocks. Colour-blocked carpets and brass highlights bring a subtle touch of glamour which resonates with the brand’s image.

The Primera House is a true collaborative effort between the studio and the client.

While the interior design and planning has been the handiwork of the team at r+d Studio, the interior décor was largely conceptualised by the designer duo, Shivan and Narresh. The knowledge and understanding of design adds a unique touch to the interiors.

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Victory Heights, a primary school in the Sports City of Dubai, came with a minimal brief - a space that is conducive to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolutionary development where he/she is driven to act, explore, discover, invent and be inquisitive. The team at r+d Studio had the freedom to interpret the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision and conceptualise the project accordingly.

Ground floor plan

The result is a cluster of squat buildings, which give the school the appearance of being a little childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village. The complex is divided into two broad wings - primary school and kindergarten. A courtyard between the two becomes the space for the two age groups to converge and interact. The common spaces that act as an extension of the classrooms and string together the various clusters represent the ideology that learning should be seamless.

The purpose of each space and interdependence between the spaces was analysed to ensure efficient planning.

Clusters have been strung together around different pods of interaction depending on their functionality. Colour played an important role to bring about playfulness and a childlike exuberance to the school complex. Bold primary colours have been incorporated in the glass walls, the canopies in the playground and carry on into the interiors as well.

The layout ensures that maximum natural light floods into the interiors to help create an environment that is conducive to learning. An interesting feature is the traditional mashrabiya that is carved with the familiar Islamic geometric pattern.

Flanking the bridge and the staircase, this design element anchors the school to its geographical and cultural setting. mail@rdstudio.net www.rdstudio.net

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Looking unlike any law office you’ve seen before, LOC’s design for the P&C legal office in Mumbai has a fresh appeal. It steers away from the stern imagery normally associated with this profession’s genre.

Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Kunal Bhatia

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TAKING THE LAW INTO THEIR HANDS

Fulfilling the desirable qualities of transparency and connectivity, the glass partitions separate even as they extend the line of vision, their grid-like appearance acting as a design element.

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Think law office. Think stern. Sombre. Dark wood panelling. But none of this applies to the P&C legal office in Mumbai, designed

by Manmeet Arora of LOC (Left of Centre).

A white colour palette, the geometry of squares and rectangles in the lines, all relieved by vibrant splashes of colour make this a departure from the gravitas of legal offices one has been accustomed to seeing since the beginning of the profession. The décor of law offices was meant to convey a sense of the powers available to be exercised on the client’s behalf by the attorney.

This office occupies a rented space. When people rent a space, as opposed to owning it, it’s obvious that they won’t want to spend too much on areas of the décor that they can’t take with them, if and when they have to vacate the premises. “Clients don’t like to feel that they’re leaving a lot behind,” explains Manmeet. With the same thought in mind, she was asked to revamp the décor of this office in Mumbai’s upmarket Nariman Point, for law firm P&C. “They were in a hurry, as their earlier lease was coming to an end, so they needed to move into this office as soon as possible,” she says.

A closed bar and a corner desk with the chair facing the wall spells out the preferences of one of the partners in the firm.

Initially comprising four partners, the firm added a fifth one after the design of the office was underway. “So we suddenly had to add another cabin, increasing our 45 day deadline by a week,” says Manmeet.

“However, this cabin had to manage without a sea view, since the work was already in progress and we couldn’t change the layout without adding to the cost.” An informal meeting area and a conference room were also needed, in addition to work spaces for the rest of the staff.

The décor which the premises came with was in wood, with black dominating the colour palette. “The clients’ design sensibilities called for a fresh, contemporary feel. There was also a budget. But what was quite unusual in my experience as a designer, was that these clients understood exactly how much was possible within their budget. Some clients can have a wish list a mile long and ask for the moon, regardless of strict budgetary constraints,” says Manmeet.

The linear geometry of the glass partitions is evident everywhere, filtering views.

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The cost and time saving decisions included leaving the conference room in its earlier location, painting the legs of some tables to spruce them up, and using lime plaster on the walls. “We chose to work with some of the existing décor, rather than breaking things down and starting from scratch.”

Consequently, the washrooms and pantry were left undisturbed. The ceiling was also left as it was, to fit in with the budget.

Distressed wood on the floor, wall paper, glass and wood partitions as well as wooden louvered ones have been used.

Moulding behind the reception and the existing veneer has been darkened. L-shaped work stations seat eight associates, while provision has been made to accommodate large printers. Desks are in black with storage in black and white. The soft board panels have a chevron fabric in black and white.

Some of the furniture is from Freedom Tree, and the lights are from Polestar.

}

The cabins for the partners have been designed to accommodate their individual requirements, with two of them containing bars. Even the desks reflect the preferences of the occupants. “We’ve provided a long desk, a corner one, another facing the window, while a fourth faces inwards,” says Manmeet. Much of the art displayed in the office is abstract, playing with geometrical shapes.

}

Tying the spaces together, bookshelves are clusters of chequered cubes, while the glass partitions are in rectangular sections. Since the shelves are “backless,” the books can be conveniently accessed from the front or the back, by people working in different areas. Fulfilling the desirable qualities of transparency and connectivity, the glass partitions separate even as they extend the line of vision, their grid-like appearance acting as a design element.

“Breaking the walls, allowing for a more open plan as well as bringing in materials and finishes that are new to and untried in the legal atmosphere to give the entire office a completely new look, was the way we visualised the design,” says Manmeet.

The bookshelves create a cuboid geometry which becomes a part of the design scheme.

Colour is added by the books themselves.

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One of those moments that allows you to get lost into a fascinating world based at the cross-section of architecture and nature.

A soothing blue on the walls relieves the largely white palette.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What used to be a maze of old school maple veneered walled cabins, is now converted into an open-plan office with new materials for a contemporary atmosphere.

The 1600 square-feet space is designed with a play of sharp edged geometry on various surfaces, accented by splashes of colour.â&#x20AC;?

Lawyers and staff work long hours - and this office is as cheerful and comfortable as it can get. Traditionally made up of a beehive of closed spaces, this law firm just lays it all open, with Manmeet taking the open-minded client brief to its unorthodox, progressive conclusion. manmeet@loc.design www.loc.design

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Croatian architectural firm, Studio 3LHD was entrusted with the transformation of Hotel Adriatic into a modern day luxurious masterpiece. It now serves as one of the main attractions of old town Rovinj, in Coastal Istria.

Text By Priyanka Menon Photographs Domagoj Blazevic, Dusko Vlaovic, Jure Zivkovic, Sinisa Gulic, and Sofija Silvia

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ARTISTIC VIRILITY

Jasmina Cibicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flying birds find prominence in this view of the Brasserie and Caffe Bar.

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Founded in 1994, in Zagreb, Croatia, Studio 3LHD was commissioned to transform the interiors of Hotel Adriatic, a 103 year old edifice, nestled in the heart of Rovinj, Istria’s beautiful and quaint fishing port into a modern and eclectic blend of art and architecture with fantastical elements.

Artists hailing from Slovenia, Germany, France, Croatia, Italy, and Austria came together to work on the concepts Studio 3LHD devised. Designed by Lana Cavar, Ana Tomic, and Marino Krstačić-Furić, the logo of Hotel Adriatic is a classic example of the old and new. It consists of two typographies - classical and modern - drawing inspiration from fonts that were used over a century ago, when the building was constructed.

Right out of a fairytale again this one - artistic light installations break the gloom of black corridors.

While maintaining the authentic and historical façade of the building, in due deference to the conservationists, the interiors give way to a modern, yet classical ambience that has a unique coming-together of reality and fantasy.

Think fairytale.

One of the main challenges faced by the team was the constant ‘fine-tuning’ of the exhibited artworks. This is where the collaborative genius of all the artists is visible - in every piece of site-specific art. Art installations tailor-made to suit the interior site and smaller works of art dotting the spaces around work as the main features of this transformation.

The artworks displayed are by internationally renowned artists, each hand-chosen by art curator, Vanja Žanko. With over 100 artworks installed, guests are likely to have an otherworldly experience, which is what the architects were after. Croatian artist and photographer, Goran Petercol’s works that have been regarded as a reflection on the quiet stillness of Rovinj in the earlier era are displayed in the hotel.

Ground Floor Plan

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In order to make the hotel ‘more accessible to anybody traveling to Rovinj, and not just hotel guests’, the team made the interiors more representative, by keeping the existing staircase intact. A new unconventional stairwell from the ground floor to the rooms above was designed to have the amenities accessible to public by opening towards the town square.

Austrian artist, Valentin Ruhry’s works are displayed along the entire length of the old staircase, representing the spirit of the original structure.

Even tones here are mildly disturbed by Zlatan VehaboviÄ&#x2021;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil painting in the rear. But perhaps the most defiant feature in the room is the minimalist furnishings, particularly the chair in the bottom left corner.

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From 15 metre high installations fluorescent lights lend a brilliant pop of colours to the spiraling stairwell - a wonderful paradigm of modern transdisciplinary expression of art, with the notion of minimalist space juxtaposed against centuries old architecture.

The brasserie, with serene hues of the Mediterranean, is where the fairytale you imagined earlier begins to take shape.

Sofija Silvia from Croatia, and Jasmina Cibic from Slovenia are credited with designing the seating area of the Brasserie and Caffe Bar. A pictographic retelling of various historical eras by Sofija Silvia blends with Jasmina Cibic’s installation of flying birds fitted against highly polished pedestals. The inspiration for this particular setup comes from the Haludovo Palace on the Island of Krk, built in 1972, but now in ruins.

A fine example of modern installations and interiors, along with black paneled doorways that lead to the bathroom.

Renowned Italian artist and architect, Massimo Uberti’s style is described as ‘a luminescent pencil in space’. According to him, an individual’s life needs ‘space for dreams’ and quiet reflection. This is evident in the way he has designed the hallways and verandahs; black with magnificent artistic lighting that makes the transition from dark to light.

French artist Abdelkader Benchamma and Croatian artist Igor Eškinja worked their artistic genius into the bright and spacious rooms of Hotel Adriatic.

Benchamma made ‘on-the-spot creations and fitted them directly onto the walls’ rendering the room with a wistful melancholy, and a fantastical representation of the universe and its natural glory.

Dual colour tones, from a single palette, with minimalistic fittings set in a bathroom of modern times, is reflective of the original concept of renovation that was drawn by Studio 3LHD.

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Eškinja produced inspiring art in his inimitable style of exploration and experimentation, making use of the long - lost photography technique Cyanotype.

The result is a modern representation of 19th century references. The bathrooms have been given an ‘anti-classic’ appearance with dark mirror doors to overcome space constraints.

Croatian artist, Zlatan Vehabović’s style is a blend of modern and classical elements that stand in defiance of the technological advancements of modern times. His oil paintings line the walls of the Adriatic’s most luxurious rooms with a magnificent view of Rovinj from two balconies.

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However, beyond these architectural and artsy interventions, the uniforms of the hotel staff and employees stand as true embodiments of the original concept formulated by Studio 3LHD. Designed

by I-Gle Studio, from anthracite grey to white, the uniforms are of exquisite natural cotton, and reflective of modern times as well as the old heritage that the Adriatic has preserved so fiercely.

Through its concept of preserving the old, while paving the way for modern and experimental innovations, Studio 3LHD has converted Hotel Adriatic into a brilliant illustration of architectural showmanship.

Alice is scouting the vicinity, Looking Glass at the ready! info@3lhd.com www.3lhd.com/en

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Her fascination began as a child as she watched her seamstress grandmother work with thread and fabric. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My fabric bird sculptures are a celebration of textures, patterns, colours and forms that delight me in nature.â&#x20AC;?

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art form

Let There Be Birds Capturing the essence of nature and encasing it in metal and fabric, artist Abigail Brown plays God as she dreams up fantabulous creatures and breathes a breath just short of life into them.

Abigail Brown is an artist and illustrator based in London, England. Following a BA in Surface Decoration and Printed Textiles, she has since developed her own techniques and individual style for textile and paper sculptures.

Abigailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enchanted world is a result of her innate love for nature. Inspired by it she blends whimsy and a blessing of a crafting talent to create birds and animals that look as if they will come alive any moment now.

Text By Priti Kalra Photographs Courtesy Abigail Brown

All of her sculptures are filled with a polyester filling commonly used for stuffing toys. In a world where extinctions of bird and animal species are but a day to day affair, thank God for people like Abigail Brown.

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In the 9 years that Abigail has been sculpting and crafting, she has managed to freeze time to depict a moment in the life of a bird through her sculptures. Besides her fascination with the anatomy of existing bird species, Abigail has even dreamt up and created birds of her own fancy; with these she provides a probable glimpse into the evolution of birds. What fascinates Abigail the most is the vast array of colours that birds have to offer; bright colours that don’t necessarily exist as abundantly in others from the animal kingdom.

“From a very young age, I was drawn to fabrics,” says Abigail. Her fascination began as a child as she watched her seamstress grandmother work with thread and fabric.

Now, fabrics of every colour, shade, texture and weight form a rainbow on the wall of her studio. She hunts out new pieces wherever she travels and even picks them up from secondhand shops.

Many are just passed on to her by family and friends who also work with them and have a surplus of it. She finds equal beauty in the bold, strong colours of newly dyed fabrics and in the fading colours and texture of old cloth; signs of a past life long forgotten fills her with intrigue.

“As far as durability is concerned, the sculptures are all fabric with a wire skeleton within them to keep them standing,” she says. These are very solid forms and the sturdy wire legs make them stable and hardy. Having said this, as the fabric edges are left free, they can fray if handled excessively.

In the 9 years that Abigail has been sculpting, she has managed to freeze time to depict a moment in the life of a bird through her sculptures.

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Abigail states that the decision to stick to small birds for the time being has been intentional. The peacock and pheasant are the largest birds she has ever sculpted. This is largely due to the time and cost involved in creating the feathers the way that she does. All of her sculptures are filled up with a polyester filling commonly used to stuff toys. The time taken to create each bird depends on the size, the colours and the different patterns of the feathers. Since everything is made from scratch, for Abigail the devil is in the detail.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The animal kingdom is the inspiration behind all my work. I am fascinated by its rituals and language, a world of mystery and secrets on which we can but speculate.â&#x20AC;?

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She generally works with natural fabrics like cotton, silk and wool, as she prefers their texture in comparison to that of synthetic fabrics – which actually fray more easily.

Though Abigail takes pleasure in selling the birds and then creating more of the same, she feels that, “It’s always a delight to create a new bird, one that I have never worked with or even heard of before.”

So far Abigail’s art has been showcased in multiple locations across the globe and featured in magazines such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle Decoration and the beautiful textile magazine Selvedge. She is also proud to name Liberty and Paul Smith among the stockists of her work.

For Abigail Brown, her art is her reason to be. She encapsulates moments in time, through her unique collection; like a cache of what was, in a world threatened by apocalypse. Pablo Picasso once said, “Sculpture is the art of the intelligence.”

Each sculpture that Abigail makes is an absolute; why it is and to what purpose is unknown; yet it is there, perfect and unique. They speak to her in her dreams like a child to his parent and tell her how they need to be sculpted.

Abigail’s craft is laced with perseverance, tolerance and patience, as all these are fundamental to the process towards perfection. Abigail works more with her heart than her mind; she shares, “I am excited by the opportunity to create life from flat pieces of cloth, working with their weave to mould shapes, fraying their edges to form feathered breasts, creating stiffened tail feathers from something that was limp; that final placing of the eye and seeing a new life being born!”

Abigail generally works with natural fabrics like cotton, silk and wool, as she prefers their texture in comparison to that of synthetic fabrics – which also fray more easily.

In a world where extinctions of bird and animal species are but a day to day affair, thank God for people like Abigail Brown. www.abigailbrown.bigcartel.com

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HACKER KITCHEN, HULSTA AND ROLF BENZ ARE BACK IN INDIA Kanu Kitchen re-launched the three iconic German brands Häcker Kitchen, Hülsta and Rolf Benz at their exclusive store at Mahipalpur.

At a time when people in India have become so conscious about the products and appliances that they use in their everyday life, Kanu Kitchen has re-launched three iconic German brands Häcker Kitchen, Hülsta and Rolf Benz by presenting people with an elusive range of International furnishing products and accessories to choose from.

Dr. Corinna Fricke, Head of the Economic Section of the German Embassy and Mr. Oliver Bialowons, Managing Director, Hülsta inaugurated the store.

Capt. Mukesh Kumar, Founder Chairman & Managing Director, Kanu Group of Companies said, “We have been associated with Hacker Kitchen since 2004 and Hülsta since 2010. Back then it was a challenge to bring an International brand to India as the market was fragmented. In 2004 we could foresee the potential India has when it comes to owning a long-lasting and high quality product. Today, in various cities of India, Kanu Kitchen has opened 12 outlets of Hacker in 12 years and 4 of Hülsta in 6 years and promises to grow further, each year.”

(LtoR) Mr. Oliver Bialowons, Managing Director, Huls Group, Capt. Mukesh Kumar, CMD, Kanu Kitchen Kulture Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Rupert Hainzl, Rolf Benz Ag&Co. KG

Mr. Oliver Bialowons, Managing Director, Hülsta-WerkeHüls GmbH & Co. KG said, “India is a very important market for us. As Euromonitor International forecasts India will achieve the fastest real growth in luxury goods sales and a lot seems to be changing at a very fast pace and will continue to do so in the next 5 to 10 years. This has prompted us to be very optimistic of our success in India. Further, Kanu Kitchen has helped us to connect with an audience which has an eye and taste for luxury”.

Hülsta-WerkeHüls GmbH & Co. KG founded

by Karl Huls in 1938 is the largest and most famous German furniture manufacturer with 55% market share in Germany.

Hülsta, a third generation family business with a highly cosmopolitan outlook, total commitment to its location and outstanding creativity is currently setting a benchmark in the global market for providing highest quality furniture.

Part of the Hüls Group, Rolf Benz and Co. KG is one of Europe‘s most renowned manufacturers of premium upholstered furniture. For over 50 years, it has been producing design-oriented functional sofas with a legendary sitting comfort that has only been perfected over time. It was taken over by the Hüls Group in 1989.

Advertorial

Gerrman Company Häcker Küchen GmbH & Co. KG has been producing modular kitchens since 1965 at their central manufacturing facility covering an area of 2,02,000 sq. mts. located at Rodinghausen, in Germany.

Häcker produces kitchens that fulfill the highest standards in terms of quality, functionality durability and using the most modern fully automated computer controlled state-of-the-art production machines to produce perfect modular kitchen systems. www.haecker-india.com Home Review October 2016

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All efforts have been directed towards making the house feel more open and spacious.

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Grounded Versatility

When Sravanthi and Sharath Koduru walked into the Turiya Villa & Spa in South Goa, they knew they had found their designer for the renovation of their residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Without an iota of doubt in their minds, they approached Sandesh Prabhu for the project. The opportunity to refurbish a 40-year old construction on a massive site is a unique one that the Mumbai-based firm seized right away. The 15000 sq.ft. site boasts of a vast lawn with ample vegetation, offering the double-storied villa pleasing panoramas.

With a built-up area of 9000 sq.ft. the residence occupies one quadrant of the site, leaving the remaining three open to the sky. The zoning is layered such that the built portion of the house sits on one corner of the site, flanked by an L-shaped semi-built space (on both floors) which overlooks the garden.

Text By Priti Kalra Photographs Amit Bhandare

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All efforts have been directed towards making the house feel more open and spacious.

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Inspired by the restoration of the 100-year-old house in Canacona, the Kodurus gave Sandesh this reference as a brief. Though, visually, the design was to have its roots in traditional elements - colourful and ornate - the clients wished for modern amenities. “I need a beautiful, very modern, stylish kitchen.

But, it should have an old-world charm,” said Sravanthi.

After analysing the existing 6 BHK layout, several interventions were made. All efforts were directed towards making the house feel more open and spacious. “Orientation according to natural lighting and ventilation is extremely important,” says Sandesh. Walls between the living/dining and the verandas have been broken and replaced with expansive French windows. The existing windows have been widened and heights increased such that the sills are now only 12” off the ground.

Bathrooms have been enlarged to a luxurious size; the tiny, old vents have been expanded to allow for better entry of sunlight and air circulation. Additionally, each bathroom has been provided with an outdoor space - much like the restrooms you might find at a posh spa retreat.

Accessories such as soft furnishings, art, light fixtures, etc. have been outsourced.

“In terms of how kitchens work, Hyderabad is culturally very different from, say, Mumbai,” explains Sandesh. The existing plan had two small kitchens. One was to be used by the hired help for heavy-duty cooking/cleaning.

The other was to be used by the owners especially while hosting guests - almost like a secondary dining area. In a sense, this is reflective of the highly social lifestyles of the Hyderabad elite. The designer decided to enhance this experience by merging the two small units into one large space that would work like an open, display kitchen. A separate small kitchen was accommodated for the staff to use.

The first floor initially had five bedrooms. Two of these have been clubbed together to create a palatial master bedroom experience with a sizeable walk-in closet. The L-shaped terrace that occupies 20% of the first floor has been partitioned with subtle gestures. This division allows each bedroom to have its own, private balcony area. Here, too, walls between the bedrooms and decks have been replaced with French windows.

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When asked to comment on the aesthetic quality of the house, Sandesh says, “It was very easy for me to understand their requirement because they were clear about wanting something similar to the house in Goa.” The clients were immediately drawn towards the natural and rustic material palette of the resort. The design studio is inclined towards using earthy materials, for example, natural stone rather than artificial tile.

“We take the stone and treat it in different ways for different areas - so that a little bit of variation is achieved. Take, say, the Jaisalmer or Kota. You could possibly sandblast it or riverwash it.” He goes on to add that 90% of the furniture pieces in his projects are designed by the studio inhouse. At the Kodurus’ residence, everything from the sofas, centre tables and beds to the dining table and its chairs have been customised to fit the client’s specific tastes.

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For instance, a table has been created by fixing a glass piece over a couple of old art pieces. Accessories such as soft furnishings, show pieces, light fixtures, etc. have been outsourced. “Every project is different because every brief is different. We enjoy versatility in our work.”

Sandesh acquired his degree in interior design from Bangalore University. In 2000, he started his career under renowned architect Hafeez Contractor. He was engaged with the practice for two years and worked on purely architectural projects. On discovering his passion for interior detailing and furniture design, he moved to the role of an in-house designer.

After three years, he was ready to make his own, unique mark in the field of design.

Thus, Sandesh Prabhu Design Studio (SPDS) was born in the year 2005. For the past 11 years, he has worked on exclusive and high-end projects for a clientele that includes actors, cricketers, builders, industrialists, artists and designers from India and overseas.

Visually, the design was to have its roots in traditional elements – colourful and ornate.

sandeshprm@gmail.com

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At a time when people in India are so obsessed with the concept of ‘Jugaad’, here comes PoppadumArt - an indie-décor brand which stays true to the meaning of being an innovative fix for all your décor needs.

Modern and contemporary décor today involves the ‘quirk’ factor which generally sets your space apart from the rest. Today it’s all about getting products which add an unconventional look to your living space.

Streetlight Shakers

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WHERE DESIGN MEETS QUIRK TEXT BY SNEHA LUKKA

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Omnomnom Chopping Platter

People who like trendy home dĂŠcor no longer enjoy the mundane. Every corner of a house today means and screams the sense of style of the homeowner.

People are becoming more selective in designing and styling their homes.

This was true as well when Saanwari Gorwaney, a former account director at an advertising firm got married.

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She and her husband couldn’t find fun, young and quirky décor products and accessories which could reflect their personalities in their new space. That’s when the brand PoppadumArt was born.

“In a country with such a high population of young people, home décor options were the same for every generation – there was just no differentiation. Having always been interested in interiors, I realised that this was a huge gap in the market waiting to be filled. So I took that opportunity to start a line of happy home decor and lifestyle accessories that would hopefully change the perception of what home decor should be.” says Saanwari.

Started in 2011, PoppadumArt designs products and accessories which add a generous dose of pop colours and a whimsical feel to your living space. The brand specialises in designing happy things, providing you with an eclectic mix of colourful funky décor products.

Platter Up! Cheese Board

Being influenced by the whole ‘jugaad’ phenomena in India, design inspirations for their products and accessories reflect all things that one comes across in everyday life. The brand looks at the alternate purpose a product can serve, which eventually leads to the growing collection of unique décor products and accessories.

Each creation is designed with an underlying idea. Their products are unique and a sure-shot conversation starter. Here denim turns into placemats, kettles morph into colourful planters and salt and pepper shakers are created with light bulbs.

Chai Glasses

The exhaustive product list includes décor products and accessories for kitchen, living room, garden and outdoor space. The Batman mirror, chopping platter, scribble coasters, kadhai planters, chalkboard-T-shirts, jam lamps all give that inimitable touch to your living space.

Paperboat Napkin and Toothpick Holder

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PoppadumArt is part of the growing list of other quirky and cool home décor brands in India. Saanwari tells us what sets PoppadumArt apart from the rest, “There are just too many players joining the ‘quirky’, cool home décor bandwagon and that’s great. But to stay ahead and to stay different, we stay true to our design sense and keep innovating and making new products. We also try to learn from our customers and put that learning into developing better products that meet customer’s affinity for all things quirky and colourful.”

Jam Lamp - Technicolor

Producing innovative products and satisfying customer needs being their agenda, PoppadumArt also customises products and accessories for individuals and companies. In the following years, the brand plans to expand on the global front by making happy things for more people across the world.

PoppadumArt saanwari@poppadumart.com www.poppadumart.com +91 9821977009

Itsy-Bitsy Vases

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Traditional With A Twist There is a sense of nostalgia which seeps in when you look at products which are envisaged with an indie touch. Specially, when we visit restaurants and look at drinks being served in traditional punched bowls or food served in golden plate, all these desi things are eye-catchy and have become an integral part of modern dining scenario.

By Surkhi Matharu & Malika Budhiraj

DESIGNQUEST

So while on our trip to Ladakh, devouring Kashmiri food out of traditional Indian utensils was unlike any other dining experience. But being frenzied graphic designers that we are, we were perturbed by the unattractiveness of these traditional Indian utensils. And hence, to appease the designers in us, we started Baarique, a tableware brand in 2013 with an aim to bring life to the art of food presentation in the country.

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Illustrating the fascinating and extravagant history of the country, our highly traditional inspired range of tableware consists of hand painted tumblers, bowls, plates, glass and spoons designed in copper, brass and kansa material.

Every detail is illustrated by us and carefully hand-painted by our team of artists in Rajasthan. Our traditional metal products are skilfully melted, molded and beaten by craftsmen to create inimitable utensils to give a story to every product.

The design philosophy of Baarique is quite simple.

Brining back â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as a colour of tableware, these utensils are made of copper, brass and kansa metal, having its own health benefits. A kansa pot (healing metal) is known to improve development of the red blood cells; brass vessels shield us from water-borne diseases, and of course, copper which balances acidity.

We believe in designing sustainable, elegant and functional products which bring smile on our customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face.

Watching our illustrations transform into beautiful metal ware pieces and receiving appreciation from our clients pushes us to work harder and create unique products which give provide a traditional indie touch to their dining experience.

These utensils are specifically chosen from the traditional metal smiths of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and are adorned with intricate artwork replicated by painters from our original hand-drawn designs.

Brass plate with Butterfly artwork

For instance, the artwork is inspired by the gorgeous house boats of Kerala, palaces of Rajasthan, folk tales, music in the form of table and chirping birds & animals such as butterfly, swan and hen, flowers such as lotus and marigold.

Kansa Bowl

Brass nutbowl with lemon artwork

Being the brainchild of Surkhi Matharu and Malika Budhiraj, both Graphic Designing Graduates from MIT Pune, our mutual affinity for good food and traditional Indian designs led us to incept hand painted traditional utensils depicting Indian culture, art and music in a much colourful form.

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Copper lota with glass set

Kansa glass

Kansa set with traditional handpainted artwork

Our big breakthrough came in when Mumbai’s favourite pastry chef, Pooja Dhingra used our hand-painted kansa plates to serve her special dish at the Mag Street Kitchen. We have also supplied tableware products to various restaurants in Mumbai including The Bombay Canteen, Made In Punjab and Indian Street Food Co. Currently, Baarique retails through various online websites-jaypore.com, tijori.com and we are also in the process of launching our own e-commerce website. Next, when you visit the ‘Villa 17’ in Chennai, you will come across our products laded on their dining table as that is our next destination to showcase our ecletic indie-decor collection.

Kansa plate with music artwork

info@baarique.com

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Soft and personalised accessories compliment the living room, along with antique and traditional features that blend in subtly.

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STORIES IN THE DETAILS Komal Vasa’s latest residential design venture is a 1280 sq. ft. space filled with a unique blend of natural and textural elements that in turn evoke different kinds of emotions, in a simple Gujarati setting.

On the fourth floor of a newly redeveloped building in Mumbai’s western suburbs is a 1280 sq. ft. home that has been brought to life by Komal Vasa’s Gesamt Design, a boutique-style design studio founded by her nearly five years ago.

Vishal and Jashvi, a Gujarati couple, wanted a layout that was different from the original, and for this the team opted for a gutted renovation. The couple was firm on not wanting “hotel-like interiors”.

Komal provided them numerous samples of artworks and designs. Based on their feedback, she deduced that they were really “looking for a more textural and natural” design option, leaning towards their simple Gujarati heritage. At the same time, they were also taken in by powerful, monolithic figurines - something that Gesamt Design specialises in.

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An elegant fusion of contemporary and traditional details can be seen in this overview of the living room, with a peek into the bedrooms.

With two daughters, aged 10 and 5, Vishal and Jashvi are nature lovers, and self-proclaimed travelers and explorers. As a family, Komal observed them to be quite close-knit and bereft of any desire to spend time away from each other. This was a feature Komal wished to capitalise upon, and so the final design was along the lines of an open-studio.

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Inspired by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, multi-purpose panels, rather than doors, were used to separate rooms, which doubled as movable bookshelves for musical instruments and books. An elegant armoire and daybed with projector flow openly into the living room, which in turn blends into the dining area. This is an open space, with simple white mosaic floors, whitewashed walls and ample natural light.

Despite its spaciousness, the living room is warm and inviting because of the old Indian seating known as bakda, complimented with a 3-seater sofa, elegant chairs, and ottomans. At the centre is a large light fixture tailored to the couple’s taste that highlights the room’s elements.

The dining room is an interesting coming together of Jashvi and Vishal’s preferences with banquet style seating, and a customised light fixture with a lovely lampshade completing the overall rustic simplicity of the room.

The kitchen is perhaps the most unique feature of the house. Being an amalgamation of both traditional Indian and contemporary elements, it boasts of contrasting details like patterned mosaic floors with coloured panel-work, and modern stainless steel details with textured kota stone counters. This, in more ways than one, brings out exactly what the couple wanted from the very beginning - a beautiful jugalbandi of the old and new.

The couple was keen on integrating a number of Vastu Shastra (traditional Hindu system of architecture) elements. Each layout that was shown to them was designed keeping in mind the couple’s stipulations.

The north-east is considered to be the most positive and vibrant, and so this space was taken up by the children’s bedroom that had a large white board wall, as per the girls’ request, for them to write and doodle mind maps, along with another large soft board wall to display their works.

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A long and functional study table connected the two walls; the floor was essentially soft vinyl, perfect for bare feet; a low platform bed and ample natural light made the bedroom quite a cosy haven, with functional storage space subtly blended into it.

The master bedroom with its sliding wardrobes with soft fabrics, rich hardwood floors and maximised natural light has a large bed as its central element. The bathroom panels, tinted in brown, augment the size of the room, and the simple organic lighting from the chandelier and floor lights provide a romantic setting.

With only the master bedroom retaining its privacy, the rest of the house took on a more free and open-space for ballet sessions, as well as for special moments between father and daughter as they indulged their musical passions.

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The bathrooms are just as unique and characteristic of Jashvi and Vishal as the rest of their home. Since the original bathrooms were small and dank, glass enclosures were used for the children’s and master bathrooms, giving it a spacious feel, with the external ducts freed to extend the space.

Vertical green gardens were installed in the adjoining alcove. The third bathroom is a basic textural space with beige features on the walls, and a mini courtyardlike garden attached. All this was done, “without interfering with the square footage of the bathrooms”.

Indian natural stones and mosaic have been used predominantly as a contrast to the details of modern interiors. Several interior elements have been brought from Gujarat and have been placed within a modern setting to provide an eclectic reflection of Jashvi and Vishal’s roots. Even the tales of their travels have been transferred onto fabrics, which were then used for lampshades, runners, and cushions.

With natural light playing an intrinsic role in the design process, Jashvi and Vishal’s home is a masterpiece in terms of warmth, individuality, and a blend of both the modern and traditional. komal@gesamtdesign.com

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The SensoWash shower toilet.

An audio sound system is incorporated invisibly in the bathtub.

DURAVIT'S RANGE OF STRIKING TECHNOLOGICAL BATHROOM SOLUTIONS

a new method that is truly innovative; it involves connecting the ceramic furniture washbasin to the surface of the vanity unit to create a perfect whole. This new look, thus produces an exceptionally sleek washing area.

In the new “C-bonded” version, the furniture washbasin is connected almost seamlessly to the vanity.

tel: 079 66112300 respond@in.duravit.com www.duravit.in For Professionals: www.pro.duravit.in

In a bid to add more comfort and convenience to your personal space, Duravit presents a range of innovative technological products designed to support your well-being.

It’s no surprise that technology is one of the most desired qualities in a home. High tech solutions are now finding their way in the bathroom, where smart technology is able to add to the sensual experience.

Eventually, our virtual and physical worlds are colliding.

of the technical highlights of Duravit.

It is incorporated invisibly in bathtubs, providing first class sound quality by streaming music wirelessly from all Bluetooth compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Infusing technology in your bathrooms, Duravit’s striking range of innovative products ensures your complete well-being.

The SensoWash shower toilet designed by Philippe Starck also features pioneering technology. A stainless steel spray armed with three shower types performs the function of a bidet. Water temperature, water volume and nozzle position can all be individually adjusted. Controlled by a remote, SensoWash thus complements the modern bathroom with the addition of an innovative and very comfortable feature.

Bringing the element of music in your bathroom, an audio sound system is one

To meet exceptional design requirements in the bathroom, Duravit has developed

Modern technology is used in everyday objects like cars, fridges and even mirrors, enhanced with devices and apps which have now made their way in.

In the new “c-bonded” version, the furniture washbasin and vanity merge to form a single unit.

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Subscribe to The Inside Track and stay connected Volume 10. Issue 10 . October 2016 Rs. 25/-

THE

INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

Cover Story

F

rom once being dominated by big-box retailers the home décor scene in India is undergoing a serious change with few creative minds leading the charge. As The Inside Track Celebrates its 10th Anniversary, we present you with a list of best creative entrepreneurs and their brands which have created a buzz in the décor industry.

Desi Jugaad The idea of ‘jugaad’ highly ingenious re-use or re-purposing of ordinary, everyday items into useful products has long threatened to become a trait ubiquitous to India. Candid street photography by travellers exposes this truth with regular frequency.

Guess then, it is the spirit of jugaad itself which makes entrepreneurs in the country take up this impluse and transform it into an art form!

Owning the old crude upcycling trend and giving it expert finishes of colour, texture and multiplicity of use, taking it from the low-end of aesthetic scale to the chic point.

Desi Jugaad, born in 2015, is a resident of this realm. The team is perennially inspired by the local spirit of jugaad, blending it with a globally-relevant capability at transforming the idea into visually stunning, professionally-polished products. The firm’s collections of

Creative Entrepreneurs Shine In India Creative, quirky and classy 2016 is all about innovative minds. lamps, furniture pieces, pouffes, ottomans, framed mirrors, storage chests, stools, clocks, magnetic boards, and photo frames, all belong to the earthy, distinctly-Indianmotifs design trend that took over popular consciousness in the country a decade ago.

It has, in fact, become a market that is difficult to stand out in. Desi Jugaad does so by sticking religiously to its core idea, and joining it in happy matrimony with delectable patterns - think floral, fish, birds, tartan, paisley, chevron, and more.

It is a deft game of balance they play, thankfully really well!

A great example here is the ‘Roped with a Twist Ottoman’, created out of old tyres and wrapped in a tight jute sari, now a piece so fashionable it is easy to forget where it came from. The ‘Wok The Talk Stool’ and the ‘Balti Stool’ highlight the team’s talent with visualising basic-shaped regular home items as

Desi Jugaad: House of orange chest upcycled from set of old drawers

Roped with a Twist Ottoman by Desi Jugaad

having more purpose than intended.

Throw in high-sheen bold colours, slickly-polished base materials, and a great ergonomic manoeuvre, and voila!

Beyond the environmentfriendliness of the upcycling, Desi Jugaad products’ colour scheme is a stand-out. The schemes celebrate vibrancy and hue-specific psychological benefits at home settings. So the ‘House Of Orange Chest Upcycled’ is a mellow drippy orange, pink and cream, a perfect bedside companion to de-stress with. Or the old paint-brush lamp, the bristles still soaked in different oily paints, shooting out wisps of whimsical rays that can perk up any corner of a home or store.

While its colourful, patterned upholstery-fitted pieces are the epitome of quiet elegance, its upcycled metal creations stand strong without falling over on that precarious edge - products created out of greasy old metal parts.

Take, ‘Motor Away - Floor Lamp’

- “with the headlight aesthetically amalgamated with the body of a bicycle, adjustable height, a speedometer and a bell that goes ‘Tring Tring’”. It is a fantastic piece that showcases the team’s vision with restorative design as well as its keen eye for aesthetics.

Desi Jugaad creates original products sure, but it also offers to restore old furniture items, or even make-over segments of a home.

Its motto, after all, is ‘Restore.

Reuse. Re-love.’

Desi Jugaad is a perfect playing ground for fashion merchandiser, Kritika Gattani, and former IT research analyst and permanent jugaadu-expert, Ishita Gupta. Together they channel a mutual love for fabrics and colours in a handcrafted universe, along with a fond belief in ‘yesterday’ - “What we see is what we can relate to hence we can proudly say, Desi Jugaad has been conceptualised from yesterday.” continued on page 2

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SMART HOMES, SMARTER YOU! “It’s not that we use technology, we live technology” - so rightly stated by Sir Godfrey Reggio. Home Review takes the opportunity this month to deliver a technologically packed special issue to its readers that not only ponders on the above thought but also explores and exploits it.

Infact, the following pages would read and reread the fact that technology like art is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.

STATE-OF-THEART KITCHENS! Page 84

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NEW AGE BATHROOMS Page 86

When we stop to think about how technology has impacted our lives, the obvious ones like the workplace, entertainment and how we learn and consume information comes to mind. But what we don’t realize is just how much it has effected our personal space. Of all the spaces, the kitchen has undergone the greatest change.

TECHNICALITY MATTERS Page 88

ACCESSORIES OF THE FUTURE Page 90

REDEFINING THE ART OF LIVING Page 92

TECH SAVVY DECOR Page 94

A typical Indian kitchen that was home to cookbooks and unwieldy stoves has now become sleeker and better designed. From built-in devices to digital interfaces, technology is transforming the kitchen and making us all chefs!

Imagine walking through the bathroom door at 7 am and the shower starts itself at optimum water heat and pressure and even takes the liberty to play your favourite music. Technology has even played mentor to your bathrooms and has taken them to a whole new level.

THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN LIFE Page 96

Whether you look at security and temperate control systems or entertainment and lighting control systems, technology has laid its midas touch on them all! Even your lifestyle accessories have today become infused with technology to speak in a new language redefining convenience only to make our lives better.

While the churn is on within the technology corporations, the consumer has evolved in the barrage of new technology. The possibilities that lie before us today were unimaginable even at the turn of the millennium. Read on to see how technology is decorating our homes and making routine lives easier - just at the click of a button.

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STATE-OF-THE-ART KITCHENS! Globally well-known brands have understood the need for latest technology and design and now are wooing Indian consumers with an innovative range of kitchen gear.

BSH HOME APPLIANCES GROUP SIEMENS TEPPENYAKI The Siemens Teppenyaki is a stainless steel cooking zone with a touch slider called easy control.

With the aid of technology it offers two cooking zones - half or full. Equipped with a restart function, it starts from where it had paused. Its 17 power levels render precise control over cooking and switches off automatically when not in use.

It also comes with a childproof lock function.

ELECTROLUX COMBISTEAM DELUXE OVEN Electrolux has introduced the steam oven technology to professional kitchens. Functioning on the principles of ‘steam or heat’ and ‘steam and heat’, the CombiSteam Deluxe offers flexible cooking. While PureSteam uses 100% steam to cook food, it’s just heat option allows for slow cooking. It gives you the best of both steam and heat with its CrispSteam function while its SoftSteam offers a half-steam cooking facility. www.electrolux.in

www.bsh-group.com

SAMSUNG THE FOOD SHOWCASE REFRIGERATOR

BOSCH BUILT IN HOB, PPS816B1TI Bosch’s black hard glass gas hob with integrated controls is a built in hob made of tempered glass that offers you a sophisticated design which is easy to clean. This five burner gas hob has a flame failure safety device and a single handed ignition via control knobs. Its wok burner induces powerful cooking and promotes even flame distribution. www.boschindia.com

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The Samsung Food Showcase is an innovative exterior door with a touch screen that displays your most-used items and lets you access them in no time. It’s like a fridge within a fridge for added convenience. Its innovative design featuring stainless steel panelling helps maintain consistent cooling throughout and makes sure dairy is stored at an optimal temperature.

It also comes with extra-large storage facilities. www.samsung.com

ELICA SEASHELL EXTRACTOR HOOD Seashell is a hanging extractor hood characterized by large dimensions which make it perfect for use in spacious island kitchens. It combines the dual function of an extractor hood and a light perfectly. It offers high performance perimeter extraction, while its exquisuite round shape and ample light surface makes it resemble a hanging light. It is available in white, black and mirrored stainless steel.

SMEG DOLCHE STIL NOVO COOKTOP The realms of nature and appliances were muddled to unveil Smeg’s new gas hob technology which uses burolic symbols in the trivets of this new cooktop technology. Unlike traditional hobs, it uses a solid ring of fuel injection which provides even heat distribution. Its titanium components prevent its wear and tear. Designed in collaboration with Guido Canali, Smeg’s cooktop is a complete eye catcher. www.smegindia.com

www.elicaindia.com

GAGGENAU CX 480 INDUCTION COOKTOP The entire surface of the CX 480 induction cooktop can be used as one large cooking zone. The cookware is automatically identified and heated exactly where it stands.

The cooktop itself is operated intuitively using an extra-large touch display which shows the positions, sizes and shapes of the cookware. It comes with a residual heat indicator and a child lock function that guarantees safety. www.gaggenau.com

MIELE G 6000 BUILT-IN DISHWASHER Miele’s new G 6000 dishwashers are equipped with remarkable technology. Boasting of a 3.5 star energy and a 5.5 star water efficiency rating, it is equipped with a new Knock2Open technology. Ideal to complement kitchen furniture without handles, these models open automatically using the AutoOpen feature. Its 3D cutlery tray is adjustable and can adapt to any load. www.miele.in

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NEW AGE BATHROOMS Bathrooms of the future are anything but boring. Technology has taken them to a whole new level. Let’s take you through some top of the line, functional and stylish bathroom products that will enhance the look of your private space.

GRAFF AMETIS RING SHOWER Graff’s Ametis Ring is a simple but refined object manufactured in steel. It is a perfect ode to technology and design. It uses a full spectrum LED RGB colour therapy lighting system with 6 colours. The showerhead main body is hollow and internally designed to let the rainfall flow at a particular angle. The user can easily switch from the rain effect to the waterfall jet.

VITRA MINERCAST WASHBASINS Infinit by Vitra brings cast mineral technology into the bathrooms that introduces slim rims and sharp lines. Composed of 80% natural materials, it gains colour as the last layer of resin is spread on it and helps the washbasins retain their brand new look by making them undergo a special process. These basins without overflow holes are perfect for those looking to enhance the style of their bathroom. www.vitra-india.com

www.graff-faucets.com

HANSGROHE SHOWERTABLET SELECT 700

GROHE VERIS F-DIGITAL FAUCETS Equipped with wireless technology and push button operation the Veris F-Digital from Grohe is all set to give you a ‘smart’ bathroom. Buttons on the digital controller let you start or stop the water and adjust the temperature while a dial around the outside helps control the water pressure.

An illuminated ring gives you an instant visual feedback of water temperature. www.grohe.com/in

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Hansgrohe’s ShowerTablet Select is an intelligent thermostat which doesn’t allow hot water to enter the thermostat casing and doubles up as an ample storage space in your shower. It works on an innovative ‘Select’ shut off valve which controls water flow into the shower. With electricity free ‘Select’ technology and no hot water supply in the thermostat’s casing, it offers a carefree shower experience. www.hansgrohe.in

AXOR Starck V Mixer 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.

KOHLER MOXIE SHOWERHEAD The Moxie Showerhead from Kohler plus wireless speaker delivers up to seven hours of music, news and more by pairing wirelessly with your device, enabled with Bluetooth technology. The sprayface features sixty angled nozzles that delivers a full enveloping spray. Moxie is equipped to help you save water without sacrificing performance. Its silicone sprayface is easy to clean. www.in.kohler.com

www.axor-design.com

DELTA DELTA TOUCH20.XT TECHNOLOGY FAUCETS

TOTO LUMINIST COLLECTION

Delta Touch20.xt Technology Faucets keep your bathroom clean by giving you three ways to operate your faucet - manually with the handle, with a simple tap anywhere on the spout or faucet handle or by placing your hands near the faucet. The high-tech capacitance allows the flow of water to be activated by breaking the capacitance field anywhere around the device, unlike the traditional handsfree infrared sensors.

Totoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarkable custom material luminist combines the translucence of glass with exceptional impact and heat resistance. This technology has given birth to bathtubs and sinks that are not only supremely durable but which can be lit from beneath using LED lights.

Luminist can withstand an industry high 360o celsius.

The collection lends a magnificent and calming glow to your bathroom.

www.deltafaucet.co.in

www.asia.toto.com

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TECHNICALITY MATTERS Infusing networked devices in your home is a smart way to manage your life. In this digital age, smart thermostats and keyless systems are not alien to us. Let’s focus the light on some latest innovations.

NEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP. NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT (3RD GENERATION)

EMERSON SENSI WI-FI THERMOSTAT

The Third Generation of the Nest Learning Thermostat offers a sharper and larger touchscreen display. Its best feature is that you can make changes to your home’s energy efficiency with settings which are automatically based on your lifestyle. It can also sense occupancy and adjust accordingly.

Its smartphone app is easy to use.

It is also capable of shutting your HVAC incase it detects smoke.

www.sensicomfort.com www.emerson.com

The Sensi thermostat by Emerson is built around a smartphone app. A typical thermostat tells you the temperature whether its hot or cold, but Sensi tells you the current temperature and humidity level of you local weather and also takes you through upcoming heating and cooling schedules through its app. It also lets you set and change the schedule for each day of the week.

www.nesttech.com

HONEYWELL WI-FI SMART THERMOSTAT WITH VOICE CONTROL

KWIKSET KEVO Made by Kwikset, Kevo is a smart deadbolt with a radio 4.0 Bluetooth built-in that enables you to communicate with your smartphone. However it doesn’t restrict you to using a smartphone, you can even use the conventional key or use its key fob to open the door by simply touching the lock, provided you have the key fob on your person. www.kwikset.com

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As the name suggests, Honeywell’s smart thermostat allows hands-free control. You talk. It listens. If you choose to use the touchscreen, the screen is sharp and responsive to commands. It also comes with a remote control with the Total Connect Comfort App. You can be anywhere and manage your home’s comfort and energy use. www.honeywell.com

SAMSUNG DIGITAL DOOR LOCK The Samsung Digital Door Lock is a push-pull innovation. It uses a convenient authentication method aimed to reduce your worry over key loss or passwords hacking. Its fingerprint recognition system increases safety and double authentication strengthens security. The equipped IR sensor automatically activates the welcome feature once it detects any motions within the range of 70 cms.

It also comes with a locking notification feature.

SONY QRIO SMART LOCK Claiming to be the smallest smart lock available, Qrio from Sony is retrofittable and lets you open your front door with your smart gadget. It slips over your existing hardware with the help of adhesive making it a good choice for rental houses or even exclusive rooftop parties. Anyone who has the encrypted key can unlock the door. www.sony.co.in

www.samsung.com/in

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC WISER AIR WI-FI SMART THERMOSTAT

YALE KEYLESS CONNECTED

The Schneider Electric, Wiser Air Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat can be operated through the unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touchscreen or your smartphone, tablet or laptop. It has a strong app for use which communicates with the utility company and guides you on how you can save money by changing the energy usage patterns. Its comfort boost feature provides quick bursts of heating or cooling.

The Yale Keyless Connected gives you the freedom to secure your home without a key and (if you want) a smartphone. You can choose to open the lock with a card, pincode or fob. Its best feature is perhaps the fact that you can change your code and give out different codes for temporary access too.

www.wiserair.com www.schneider-electric.co.in

www.yale.co.in

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ACCESSORIES OF THE FUTURE It’s no surprise that technology is one of the most desired qualities in a new home. Majority of the innovations today revolve around technologically evolved gadgets and designs. Let’s look at some of them.

IROBOT ROOMBA VACUUM CLEANER 980 The Roomba is a dream come true! This semi-autonomous robot vacuum can now be scheduled to automatically start cleaning at specific times regardless of whether you’re near it or not. Its full suite of sensors help it map and adapt to real world clutter. It works for a full two hours after which it recharges itself and resumes its unfinished business!

BSH HOME APPLIANCES GROUP SIEMENS WARMING DRAWERS Siemens warming drawers aren’t just impressively functional, they are an elegant and practical addition to your space. They keep food, drinks and dishes evenly warm at temperature between 30o to 80ocelcius. They are easy to operate and some come with an elegant stainless steel handle, while others have a convenient push and pull function. www.bsh-group.com

www.irobot.in

FITBIT ARIA WI-FI SMART SCALE

HAWORTH OPENEST PLUME COLLECTION Brought to life by Patricia Urquiola and Haworth, Openest Plume Screens are made of polyester fabric adhered to a polyester core, compliant to flammability requirements.

These free-standing dividers are perfect acoustic symbols and help diffuse sound. They soften spatial boundaries and carve out informal niches. They are a good choice to add a new dimension to your workspace. www.ap.haworth.com

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Aria by Fitbit not only tracks your weight but also helps you track your body mass index, lean mass and body fat percentage. It displays weight stats and progress trends in an easy to read charts and graphs.

It syncs and starts automatically, using your home Wi-Fi network.

It recognizes up to eight users and keeps individual results private. www.fitbit.com/in

INTERFACE WORLD WOVEN COLLECTION Interface introduces World Woven – a global collection of skinny planks and squares that are deeply influenced by local textiles found around the world.

The collection was prepared using 100% recycled nylon content in factories that are increasingly powered by clean energy. The three accent patterns can be included in any floor composition to define spaces or create area rugs.

TOTO WASHLET S 300 E TOILET SEAT Toto has been a dominant player in the heated toilet seat niche. Its stylish and low maintenance white theme is a major draw. Its elongated, well-contoured and comfortable, while the warm water that it uses and the gently aerated system that individuals get optimize user comfort in cold environments. A well-made control panel eases use. www.asia.toto.com

www.interface.com

CARNEGIE ACOUSTIC SHEERS

BELKIN WEMO SWITCH

Carnegie’s acoustically absorbent sheers provide design solutions using a breakthrough yarn and weaving technology that significantly contributes to sound reduction in a space. These unique window textiles are woven with specially engineered Trevira CS polyester that boast a soft hand and beautiful drape.

These sheers have achieved 40% sound reduction when hung flat and up to 60% when draped.

The Belkin Wi-Fi enabled Wemo Switch lets you control electronic devices from anywhere. It uses your existing Wi-Fi network to provide wireless controls of TV, stereos, lamps and more. All one needs to do is download the Wemo App and plug the switch into one of your outlets and plug any device into the switch.

You’ll be able to operate the device using a smartphone or tablet.

www.carnegiefabrics.com

www.belkin.com/in

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REDEFINING THE ART OF LIVING Technology has encompassed our lives with functions that are captured in form of gestures.

Let’s take a look at some gadgets and home automation control systems that show us how.

PHILIPS CONTROLLER KEYPAD The Philips Controller Keypad is a wall mounted keypad that gives you complete control over your lighting environment at the push of a button. It features eight buttons for selecting shows, onboard LEDs to indicate the current show, dimmer controls and a master OFF switch. It is designed to use with colour kinetics iPlayer3. Its compact design uses space efficiently.

SAMSUNG CURVED UHD TV The Samsung UHD Curved TV displays every colour in its natural state through PurColour. It uses the HDR technology that gives you brighter pictures and highlights of all hidden details. It’s a smart TV with a smart interface that lets you play songs on the TV from your smartphone and even converts it into a router with 3G/4G dongle. www.samsung.com/in

www.colorkinetics.com

LEGRAND ARTEOR SCENARIO SWITCH

SONY HMZ-T2 With the Sony HMZ-T2 you can wear your own personal TV just like your glasses. This is a personal 3d viewer that offers the equivalent of a 750-inch virtual screen just 20m away. The glass have OLED panels that adjust pixel light emissions to zero for stunningly beautiful high contrast images. Its HDMI-U cable can be attached to any HDMI device. www.sony.co.in

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Legrand’s Scenario Switch offers a new way of setting the scene for your everyday life. With a simple press you can activate and customize different functions in the room (lighting, heating, shutters etc.), programme a cozy ambience or adjust the tempertaure. The functionalities of the switch are made more precise by an integrated 1.2” touch screen which provides easy navigation through its icons. www.legrand.co.in

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC DLT WALLPLATES Schneider Electric’s DLT Wall Switches feature ‘Dynamic Labelling Technology’, displaying labels that show what each switch does. They even change automatically to show the status of products like radio stations, light levels or an alarm that is under their control. With its ultra sleek lines and chic square look, its sure to enhance the look and feel of your house.

BOSE SOUNDLINK COLOUR BLUETOOTH SPEAKER The Soundlink Colour Bluetooth Speaker from Bose plays your favourite tunes from your favourite bluetooth device anytime and anywhere. Its small, durable, simple to use and comes in a spectrum of colours. All it needs is a wireless connection to your smartphone or tablet and voice prompts make pairing with devices easier. It will run for an uninterrupted eight hours. www.boseindia.com

www.schneider-electric.co.in

YAMAHA PDX-11 DOCK SPEAKER

PANASONIC MOTION SENSOR

The Yamaha PDX-11 is a well-designed dock speaker full of fashionable and modern design. The portable speaker is about 9” in dia and wighs around 3 lbs. It features an octagon shaped body while the unique two way speaker system that consists of a 4” woofer system delivers accurate bass and crystal clear highs from your iPod or iPhone.

Walk your way into your home and let your lights follow you!

Panasonic’s Motion Sensors work on infrared technology with room temperature detection. Mounted on standard ceiling height it possesses a 360odetection. The delay time can be set from 10 secs to 30 mins. It is user friendly and its automatic control of lighting enables energy saving.

www.in.yamaha.com

www.panasonic.com/in

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TECH SAVVY DECOR With the advent of technology and innovation, a whole new range of products have flooded the markets to spoil you with choices. Let’s take a look at some technological decorations for your space.

Silent Field by Artemide.

Today technology has taken the leap to leave its footprint behind, even when it comes to decorating your abode.

Philips and Desso partnered to deliver solutions that combine LED lighting with light transmissive carpets. This resulted in LED integration into surfaces and added an exciting dimension to interior design and space planning. These carpets will not just set the mood, they will perhaps have your visitors’ just stay a little longer!

Another innovative and technological advancement is the breakthrough AIS Swytchglas from Asahi India Glass Limited.

Providing unlimited design possibilities, this intelligent glass made of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film is operated via a remote or a switch that allows it to transform from clear to frost.

How about adding colour to your home with digital lights. The Philips Hue lets you control your lights and the ambience you desire, adding that extra bling and edge to your space at the same time.

The Philips Hue.

The Glare and Heat Collection by Creation Baumann not only adorns your windows it also directs the flow of light. These functional textiles are a comprehensive problem solver for optimal sun, glare and privacy protection.

Decorating your home was never a simple task. Let’s say it just got harder!

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Silent Field by Artemide, a sound absorbing surface supports 12 adjustable LED units ensuring maximum light via small spotlights. Resembling a moon crater, its geometry ensures sound absorption of the reverberating frequencies of human voice.

AIS Swytchglas from Asahi India Glass Limited.

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Try it out today.

THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN LIFE Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

With a magical wave flowing over us, life is definitely all song and dance as we tap to ‘A lil’ bit of technology in my life..’

While this may sound like some futuristic mash-up of daily life straight out of ‘Iron Man’ or even ‘The Jetsons’, it’s really not so far off as several companies are investing time and energy into developing technologies that seamlessly integrate in our digital and physical worlds.

The industry’s advancements in wearable technologies like the Moto 360 Watch from Motorola, powered by Android is breaking down the screen that contains our daily lives and making it simpler. It not only brings Google services like Gmail and Maps to your wrist, it also connects to Wi-Fi and sends updates and notifications. While everyone is running for time, it definitely makes time for you!

Cubii by Fitness Cubed

Today’s mundane and deadline chasing life definitely doesn’t let you take out time to care for yourself, but the Cubii from Fitness Cubed lets you pedal under your desk to stay fit while you sit. Amazed? And rightly so!

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Moto 360 Watch by Motorola

This elliptical trainer fits under your desk and helps you burn calories. In order to address the “sitting disease” it wirelessly integrates with smartphones while an open application programming interface lets users sync their app to other fitness tracers. It also compliments other trackers by acting as an accessory.

Samsung’s Family Hub Refrigerator has a large touchscreen that lets you view family members’ schedules, leave notes for them, order groceries, play music and even watch TV! Additionally it has three cameras inside which takes a picture of its contents everytime you shut the door and sends you an e-mail of your stock making shopping simpler.

The addition of a steam cycle to Whirpool washers and dryers makes it possible for you to get rid of allergens like dust mites and pet dander. This gives the product an edge as steam helps sanitize fabrics better than conventional washing. LG has introduced a built-in messaging service to its new range of connected smart home appliances allowing users to control them remotely from a mobile device. The new HomeChat feature will use the in-built messaging app. Running late for work and have a pile of laundry to do? Well, here’s your solution!

Eno by Steelcase

The next generation interactive whiteboard, Eno from Steelcase blends the simplicity of a traditional whiteboard with the interactivity of a large flat panel display by combining both analog markers and digital multimedia into one surface. It even turns into a projector! When it comes to setting up your workspace in the most hassle-free manner possible, Steelcase’s Thread is another handy product. A modular portable power distributor, it simplifies power distribution providing power to the devices we use and the spaces where we work and learn.

Power is supplied by tying its track into existing electrical services. Airea Pods by Haworth help people collaborate, network and connect. They reduce the need for expensive, inflexible static walls while allowing various levels of visual and acoustic privacy. Its panels are interchangeable and reconfigurable and allow you to build larger rooms in squares, rectangles and rounds by simple additions.

Airea Pods by Haworth

Well it definitely won’t be an exaggeration to say that with technology by your side, life is a whole lot easier!

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Offering an unrivalled level of luxury and catering to a life as slow paced as desired, Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali is a relaxing retreat to say the least.

Text By Mala Bajaj Photographs Courtesy Designhotels (Tm)

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TRANQUILITY REIMAGINED

Of the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many standout structural elements, perhaps the most notable is the cantilevered lounge bar that protrudes from the cliff-top. Here laid-back lounge seating in hues of neutral is flushed with natural light that gets filtered into the cabana, completely constructed out of strips of weathered timber.

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Alila Villas Uluwatu, a member of Design Hotels (TM), is located in the very south of Bali on a large limestone peninsula, called the Bukit Peninsula. Were it not for a sliver of land, just south of the airport, Bukit would have been a separate island. It is rugged and dry, and pre-tourist development was a real backwater of Bali; in fact a prison once stood here.

It is all about carefully nurtured privacy that is offered at Alila Villas Uluwatu.

Breezes, birds, stupendous ocean views and spaces designed with restraint yet oozing with elegance are on offer here.

Heart-felt hospitality is palpable and omnipresent, thanks to the hand-picked and well trained staff.

Designed by the award winning architectural firm WOHA of Singapore, the main theme involves a seamless integration of the built mass with the one-of-a-kind topography. The property consists of buildings, terraces, pools, and gardens spread over a generous 14-hectare plot of savanna situated atop a high energy wildly rugged beach. The 65 individually styled luxurious villas finished in several shades of white to achieve a timeless kind of elegance, are all about space and drop dead gorgeous views from practically every corner.

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Villas range from 291 to 3,000 square meters and feature a private pool and cabana, bathtub, outdoor shower and dining table, and a gourmet bar. Comprising one, two, or three bedrooms, the villas also boast king-size beds and ocean views.

The villas boast tantalising ocean views even from the bathrooms; toiletries which are home grown and are constituted out of the best ingredients come in ‘his’ and ‘hers’ versions.

Toiletries are home grown; constituted out of the best ingredients these come in ‘his’ and ‘hers’ versions. Totally in touch with the brand’s philosophy luxury amenities combine with the modern decor and natural beauty to push the exclusivity envelope. The private quarters are tranquil and openplan; custom-built Javanese furniture flanks the villa pools surrounded by understated and minimal landscaping.

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Of the hotel’s many standout structural elements, perhaps the most notable is the cantilevered lounge bar that protrudes from the cliff-top. Here laid-back lounge seating in hues of neutral is flushed with natural light that gets filtered into the cabana completely constructed out of strips of weathered timber.

This design aspect becomes a leitmotif of the property and is seen repeated subtly throughout the design scheme albeit in several other materials.

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Respect towards the ecology is paramount at all Alila hotels generally and each of the 84 villas here feature traditional Balinese accents like cabinets and other custom woodwork crafted from reclaimed ironwood and sustainably harvested plantation teak.

The use of locally found prehistoric lava rock imbues an earthy touch.

Completely stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu, is a result of a magical blend of textures and angles and a symbiosis between the built and its surroundings. Following environmentally sustainable design principles, Woha Designs has integrated measures like water conservation with soaks and rain gardens, grey water recycling systems, and the use of local plants from the Bali savanna.

An innovative green measure is the placement of lava rocks on the roofs, which absorb heat and transfer it to the pipes running below, resulting in a substantial reduction in energy required to heat up water. Another dramatic and sustainable design touch is the use of old copper Batik stamps in the private banquet hall or Wine Room.

Indonesian vernacular architecture is underlined with limestone terraces built by local farmers in a modernist design.

Driftwood and curated, authentic Indonesian art pepper the property strategically reinforcing the tasteful design aesthetic.

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A delightful culinary experience awaits the guests of Alila Villas Uluwatu; Cire is proficient at merging East Asian flavours and ingredients with global cooking techniques and presentations. Tantalising seasonal menus are on offer here.

Warung on the other hand presents traditional Indonesian and Balinese fare.

The atmosphere is warm and the space is sophisticated and one may choose to engage with the other guests or merely enjoy blissful private conversations.

Spa Alila ups the luxe value a few notches higher; treatments are authentic and meted out by trained therapists and using only the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own exclusive line of beauty products. A contemporary spin on ancient techniques leaves one rejuvenated and squeaky-clean.

Completely stunning Alila Villas Uluwatu, is a result of a magical blend of textures and angles and a symbiosis between the built and its surroundings.

Alila Uluwatu believes in being unpretentious about its merits and that is why when you finally show up here, whether on a tech-detox mission or on the annual antidote to urban life, you are bound to be bowled over. Leaving both empowered and sorted, all ready to face lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trials and tribulations again is but a guarantee - go back home with a newly polished halo! www.designhotels.com

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Design 303 CrossFit Drive, Mumbai 303 Crossfit Drive is a 1,700 square feet fitness and wellness space located in Mumbai.

Amalgamated on the lines of being a pioneering project in the world of crossfit, the space has been designed

by Priya Lakotia Parik of Chicago Studios.

Breaking the monotony of being an austere training studio, the box is blended with a mix of raw concrete, American loft and an urban jungle design concept which makes it a rejuvenating space in the crossfit world.

The workspace in the studio features a ‘no false ceiling’ look with lights hanging directly and a dramatic hexagon iron rod which acts as a design rack to display décor products and books.

Inside, raw finish paints in orange and black motivate people with an array of inspirational quotes and words sealed on the grainy walls.

The fitness space also features a small waiting room with an open pantry, a workout room and a bookshelf for booklovers to cling into.

Getting its design inspiration from cafes in Europe with planters hanging from ceilings, the space sets an inviting environment for its visitors with its nonchalant lighting and a cosy café vibe, which blends well with setting. www.chicagostudio.in

Text Compiled By Sneha Lukka

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Intelligent design need not be restricted to mammoth-sized spaces. Sometimes even a small idea can lead to stunning, brilliant themes in the designing of interiors.

Mixology Every month, Design Mixology - our latest entrée in the design arena will spotlight innovative design in various domains such as showrooms, bars, clinics, spas and salons and much more.

Nando’s, Bangalore As you walk by the lanes of Whitefield Road in Bangalore, a restaurant named Nando greets you with its vibrant pop of colours.

Evoking a lasting emotion with its eclectic menu, the place intends to enhance the spirit of Nandos by complementing the food with décor that reflects the personality of the brand. With an intention to impress visitors, the team at Design Collective created a strong, comfortable and neutral backdrop for the interior keeping each and every function and design element in mind.

Creating a play of light, shadows and high-lighting design elements, the place features contemporary African inspired geometric patterns in yellow and bold turquoise with light oak wall cladding, which gives it a warm and inviting vibe.

The solid timber floors, an intricately designed timber ceiling, custom designed pendants and carefully crafted tables and chairs add a characteristic touch to Nando’s décor language.

With Nando being a proud supporter of South African art and design, pieces from Southern Africa and other local South African pieces are incorporated in the décor to establish a sense of originality in the space. The restaurant has been designed by Design Collective in association with Yellow Woods. www.designcollective.co.za

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Bera Residence, Mumbai Designed on the lines of being a modern and fuss free residence, this trendy two bedroom in Mumbai has been designed

by Bhumika Patel and Chintan Shah of Limited Edition Studio. Being a small place, the designers wanted the space to look bigger and well-lit, while also maintaining the texture of the space. For this purpose, an antique rusted mirror wall covering has been used behind blue colour sofas and crimson pillows are used to add a pop of colour in the space.

Satvario Marble has been used for the entertainment wall and a customised screen panel( jalli ) has been created between the kitchen and living room to ensure kitchen privacy. The kitchen has been designed elegantly using a beautiful Oxide Green granite for the platform and dado rail.

Motifs are etched in the head rest of the bedroom to give an ethnic look to the room, whereas the parallel wall area is adorned with oak veneer. The second bedroom for teenagers has been designed in a very modern way with a low height platform bed which can have multiple uses.

Overall, every nook and corner of the house has been put to maximum use and resonates with a classic look, reflecting the personality of the residents. limitededitionstudio7@gmail.com

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DESIGN DESTINATION

GUANG WHERE Guangzhou, historically Romanised as Canton, is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in south-eastern China. Seated on the Pearl River, 120 kms north-west of Hongkong and 145 kms north of Macau, this third largest Chinese city was a major terminus of the maritime Silk Road and continues to serve as a major port and transportation hub.

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ZHOU WHEN

WHY

Located in a humid, sub-tropical climate zone with plenty of sunshine and rainfall, the best time to visit is during the autumn and winter seasons that last from October to March. During this period temperatures are mild and rainfall is low. The hottest months are those between June and September with several typhoons every year from April to September.

A giant metropolis, Guangzhou is home to both gleaming towers and leafy alleys. Its history as a strategic trade port to the South China Sea has afforded it a colonial background and a culturally diverse population that lends it its cosmopolitan flair. Nicknamed the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flower Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the weather acts as the perfect catalyst to its beautiful blooms.

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REDEFINING AVANT-GARDE “ Challenging definitions of hotel design, the global firm HBA sets new peripheries for avant-garde with the Four Seasons Hotel in Guangzhou. Remarkable for both its climbing height and contemporary design, the hotel rises 103 stories above the Pearl River looking down on its architecturally significant neighbours like Zaha Hadid’s Opera House, Japanese firm Nikken Sekkei’s New Library and Hong Kong based Rocco Design Architects’ cubic Guangdong Museum.

The project is architecturally dramatic for its triangular tower, diagonal lattice and soaring thirty floor high atrium.

A dedicated express elevator takes you to the 70th floor lobby where a sensational three meter red steel structure by Australian artist, Matthew Harding doesn’t fail to impress. The incredible naturally lit atrium is enveloped by restaurants and rooms.

The intricately textured screen fabricated out of woven metal, wraps around the interior of the sky-high lobby. In a subtle reference to the hotel brand, the screen is themed around the four seasons from spring in the basement to fall in the upper reaches.

Its 344 guest rooms feature modern Italian furniture and contemporary Chinese art. On the 99th floor, discs of rare, multi-coloured agate cover an illuminated counter at Tian Bar, one of the hotel’s six spots for food and drink.

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A FLUID ARCHITECTURAL PRELUDE Like pebbles in a stream smoothened by erosion, the Guangzhou Opera House by architect, Zaha Hadid has settled in perfect harmony with its riverside location.

This iconic piece of architecture sits at the heart of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural development with its unique twinboulder design enhancing the city by opening it up to the Pearl River.

A design particularly influenced by river valleys, engages with the principles of erosion, geology and topography.

The statement design inspired by natural landscape depicts fold lines that define territories and zones within the Opera House, cutting dramatic interior and exterior canyons for circulation, lobbies and cafes also allowing natural light to filter in. Custom moulded glass-fibre reinforced gypsum units have been used for the interiors of the auditorium to continue the architectural language of fluidity and seamlessness.

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AFLOAT AND ALIGHT Functioning on the idea that ‘countless fibres of light envelop guests’, the FEI restobar at W Hotel is a suspended three storey glowing glass loft that pulses nightly with an in-house band and innovative cocktails.

The stunning execution of the idea by A.N.D. helped it bag the Best Restaurant & Bar Design Award, 2014.

A large cubic lounge seems to float in the middle of the hotels façade. It covers the enormous 18 meters in cold, lifeless glass walls which come alive with the help of a film of warm tender light. The first concept undertaken was to cover the massive structural glass opening with a new soft organic lighting skin so guests are enveloped in a constantly changing circle of sparkling light.

The second was to install multiple layers of both the horizontal floor and the perpendicular walls in the space surrounded by light. When viewed from the outside, the film creates a glittering façade that draws people into the property.

‘CROSS-REFERENCE’ The Zhongshuge-Hangzhou book store marks its presence with a glass wall that runs along a concourse covered with texts.

Taking its cue from unbounded nature, the design draws you into a forest of books where display columns are dispersed randomly to evoke a replica of trees. White strip lights lining the book shelves complement the entering daylight.

The wall mirror doubles the transverse dimension of the space. An opening in the mirrored wall leads to the ‘Reading Corridor’ which offers a more intimate location for browsing the displayed titles. The shelf lined surfaces continue along the oval walls of the ‘Reading Theatre’ accessible from the corridor.

Both feature dark wood and ambient lighting. The final room is dedicated to children containing displays shaped like trains and rollercoasters. Once again the mirrored surfaces double the perceived volume of the store including the merry-goround shelving.

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Text By Kanupriya Pachisia

TA0EAS Po0RACKY

Czech designer Tadeáš Podracký is called the ‘Glass Whisperer’ for his skill and intuitive handling of the material.

Using historical and contemporary contexts, Podracký adds a new symbolism to everyday objects.

Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer

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Czech designer Tadeáš Podracký is only 27, but he already has a slew of award-winning projects to his name. Born in 1989, Podracký completed his studies in Prague and New York. With his academic training in the fine and applied arts (with a special interest in glass), his work is a reflection of this education and an interest in the historical and contemporary context of a project. His search for meaning in design has led to sculptural designs in glass and furniture.

Personal Bamboo sofa

Take his work in bamboo, for example.

Inspired by traditional Chinese furniture and artefacts, Podracký has designed bamboo sofas and vases. The Personal Bamboo Sofa merges traditional Chinese bamboo furniture with contemporary design. “The shape of the Personal Bamboo Sofa is freely inspired by the Ming chair, but my main aim in this project was to create a bamboo chair that was as comfortable as possible, and at the same time inexpensive.” Podracký developed a new system of upholstery for the sofa that needed only two long strips of foam.

Bamboo Vase

The interest in bamboo came from when he was researching Chinese handicrafts and materials in Yuhang, China. “I collaborated with local artisans and tried to understand the manufacturing process of making traditional furniture from bamboo.”

Similarly, the inspiration for the Bamboo Vase came from traditional Chinese bamboo flutes. The collection consists of several different vase shapes made out of one bamboo tree.

China also inspired the elegant bronze ‘Umbrella table & stool project’. “Yuhang, China is very famous for its tradition in bamboo and bronze products. I originally did research about oil-paper umbrella crafts and tried to use it in a new way.” Podracký merged the two crafts by duplicating the umbrellas and stools made out of oil-paper but only used Chinese bronze this time.

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Umbrella Table and Stool Project

Dioscuri

“All parts of the table are inspired by the umbrella shape which I deconstructed and then assembled in a different order.

The Umbrella shape and the bronze material are very important for this project, because in Chinese culture it has a very complex symbolism. The umbrella means inter alia protection from evil spirits and the circular appearance symbolises “fullness” of a beautiful life,” explains Podracký.

Finland Objects

Podracký is also inspired by the Greek and their legends. The Dioscuri objects are a tribute to the Ancient Greek heroes – the brothers Dioscuri. Podracký used shapes predominant in Greek pottery and added rough ebony handles to create a trophy cup that is unusual in its dimensions, colour and shape. “I tried to artificially create a misinterpretation of the cultural associations of trophy cups, pushing them a little towards bizarre and naive positions and nuances.”

Finland is another country that has inspired his collections. For his “Finland objects” series, Podracký created a collection of vessels inspired by the natural materials found in Finland, particularly in the town of Nuutajarvi. These glass and leather vessels are sensuous in their shape and design.

Some of the glass is etched while others are plain.

JAARS

Closer home, Podracký worked with traditional Czech crystal to create glass objects displayed in an unusual way. The JAARS project was in collaboration with conceptual visual work artist, Joseph Beuys.

The glass vases are bound to a sled and a chair by pale leather straps. The sleigh design is clearly a homage to Beuys’ iconic 1969 installation “The Pack”.

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Podracký plays with history and food in his “Pineapples” collection of four decorative glass jars. The Pineapples are produced in traditional glass workshops in northern Bohemia where the art of handmade glass is still thriving. The objects are also unique in their use of more than five colours of glass in each piece. “Pineapple and pumpkin shapes are reminiscent of the first vessels that man created and they are also reflected in the shapes of vases or bowls across world cultures,” says Podracký.

Podracký is not just inspired by ancient history. The Skywalker lighting series “represents parts of cosmic vehicles and modules that are used for the exploration of the Universe.” It is also very reminiscent of the lightsaber from Star Wars.

Pineapples

The lamps are made from reflecting golden steel and transparent cut glass and according to Podracký, they “create the light effect based on the idea of survival outside our home planet Earth.” The Skywalker series was created in collaboration with his partner, jewellery designer Markéta Kratochvílová, for Czech glass brand Preciosa Lighting.

Podracký’s designs provide a new point of view and we can’t wait to see what the Glass Whisperer does next.

Tadeáš.Podracký@gmail.com www.Tadeáš Podracký.com Skywalker

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GREEN PROJECT

Sliding and pivoting door systems helped introduce a better connect between the interior and the exterior spaces.

Green And Chic

Preserving old structures and merely adding on to them may well be cost conscious and site conservative, but is somehow always considered boring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; here an award winning project admirably demonstrates it need not be so at all!

Text By Kanupriya Pachisia Photographs Courtesy Carterwilliamson Architects

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“Build it once and only once,” says Shaun, meaning the structural envelope should ideally not be clad or dressed in any way.

In the Sydney-fringe suburb of Glebe, a late 19th century cowshed is reworked upon by Carterwilliamson Architects in a poetic marriage of old and new. Located on a small parcel of land, skirted on three sides by roads, this brick-based building is a perfect celebration of restrained and rustically simple architecture that speaks volumes for itself. Principal architect, Shaun Carter shares, “The opportunity to remake a house on a corner site is rare in older urban areas. It seemed like the perfect site and along with that came clients with a wonderful spirit and desire to push conventional boundaries.”

Ground floor plan

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Fabricated from sustainable timber, the windows not only open out on a clear conscious as they are sourced from a ‘sustainable forest’, but also return to nature by preventing ecological damage.

Although the building came with council approved plans for substantial renovation, the owners were in love with the property’s existing modest footprint. They felt it was more or less ‘spot-on’ in terms of site usage and orientation and wanted to preserve the integrity of the unusual dwelling while making it more habitable and better suited to their growing family. The clients loved the sense of protection and privacy that was supplied by the walled boundary and the charm of suntraps in certain rooms.

The client’s brief although based on tight budgets, was well adhered to. “The spaces are truly open plan, each room is connected to the other and to the sunny, green courtyard that acts as a natural extension of the living spaces,” shares Shaun.

The concrete slabs on the floor, polished and left unclad not only rendered a perfect synergy of beauty, sustainability and economy but also resulted in a durable and low maintenance floor.

A larger entry was introduced at street level, featuring a pivoting red painted timber door that opened into the main courtyard.

The southern wing was widened by three to four metres to better accommodate the living, dining and kitchen at the ground level with the bedroom mezzanine capping the kitchen above.

The more private eastern wing, housed two bedrooms, study and the bathrooms.

The bathroom continued on a red and white scheme while LED lights helped curb energy use. The kids’ bedroom replete with requisite hammocks was tucked into the return of the ‘L’ shaped plan, with a vivid red bathroom at the fulcrum which gave a due nod to the clients’ proud Venezuelan heritage.

“It is the honesty of the materials used throughout that provides much of the inherent decoration,” explains Shaun.

“Build it once and only once,” he says, meaning the structural envelope should ideally not be clad or dressed in any way.

Wherever possible the existing building fabric of the original shed was preserved making it take its first steps in the right direction towards green architecture.

Whatever was rebuilt carries the spirit of the cowshed composed from a palette of simple and robust materials. The concrete slabs on the floor, polished and left unclad not only rendered a perfect synergy of beauty, sustainability and economy but also resulted in a durable and low maintenance floor. Made of sustainable materials itself, the concrete floor acted as a thermal sink, regulating temperatures indoors. Retaining the long brick wall, helped provide acoustic and thermal comfort.

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Made of sustainable materials itself, the concrete floor acted as a thermal sink, regulating temperatures indoors.

Using recycled bricks wherever required provided a finish to the interiors and also helped maintain the quality of air inside as it eliminated the use of paints and other toxic finishes while also preventing a food source for moulds.

Generously scaled Windoor Western red cedar-framed awning windows, sliding and pivoting door systems helped introduce a better connect between the interior and the exterior spaces. They also provided for yet another simple yet sustainable fix to the green context of the architecture worked upon. Fabricated from sustainable timber, the windows not only open out on a clear conscious as they are sourced from a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sustainable forestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but also nurture nature by preventing ecological damage.

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Retaining the long brick wall helped provide acoustic and thermal comfort.

The cowshed sat under a huge jacaranda tree whose leaves and blooms blocked gutters and flooded the house inside during rains. In response, an undulating metallic roofline was laid over the brick perimeter of walls in a serpentine-like gesture that took care of the problem and also encapsulated the adventurous vision of the project.

A ribbon of high clerestory windows capture light and breeze as they wrap up the building and rise with the roofline allowing the home to feel bright but private, despite its dense urban context.

A larger entry was introduced at street level, featuring a pivoting red painted timber door that opened into the main courtyard.

The shed complete with a worn patina of stories is well situated and hugs the southern boundaries with provision for a private, north facing courtyard. Matilda grass used as turf for courtyards, proved to be another green initiative adopted by the architectural team. Its softness, wear tolerant and disease resistant qualities made it a perfect child friendly option for the family to use. Hints of the Australian vernacular are kept alive as the old and the new comingle to define a new architectural language.

mail@carterwilliamson.com www.carterwilliamson.com

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GOLDEN BISCOTTI

Nicole Lehner, who is the brain behind the brand, Golden Biscotti, based in Switzerland, believes in eco-conscious product design aided by a keen sense of minimalist and contemporary style.

The firm makes high quality every day products based on sustainable design principles. Nicoleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs are clean, practical, uncomplicated, interesting, compelling and for her the design process itself is not simply a means to an end but something that she particularly relishes.

Identifying materials for their sustainability and longevity, working out how best to minimise material wastage, and collaborating closely with local creatives who then translate her vision into reality using traditional production techniques is what she occupies herself with fully.

Text Compiled By Mala Bajaj

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This organic and honest approach to design is captured in the Golden Biscotti range.

Nicole Lehner is not one to follow trends.

Looking through her range, it is in fact refreshing to see uncomplicated and pared down design. Her literal interpretations on some of her designs are both, amusing and inspiring - drinking straws made from â&#x20AC;Ś well, straw of course.

But delve a little deeper and it is not as simple as first thought. Straw is harvested by hand with a sickle just before it ripens, then dried and packaged. It offers food for thought too when you think of the ecological strain plastic straws create on our environment.

Nicole is not one to seek world domination through design. All her products are made in small production runs to meet customer demand, minimise unnecessary resource use and to maintain quality in each piece produced. She shares, “If the products are seen as something special and are used for as long as possible, then the goal of Golden Biscotti has been achieved.”

When asked as to what influenced her to pursue design as a career, she responds, “I studied product design more by chance.

It could have also been photography, interior design or even graphics. I was very interested in shapes and materials so I guess it was a good choice. During my study I developed a strong interest in traditional manufacturing techniques.”

“Everything I create considers sustainability.

I try to choose materials that are durable, which can be recycled at the end of their use, and preferably be produced in Switzerland, where I am based. When designing products I choose simple forms which are timeless and hopefully can be used for a long period of time,” she says.

For Nicole conscious design and the use of natural, biodegradable materials is paramount. She therefore spends a lot of time thinking about consumer behaviour and how it affects the environment.

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Of the challenges she encounters in her business, Nicole has always had a tough time controlling costs. “Salaries are high in Switzerland but at the same time we also have a very high demand for quality. This is very good for my products. It is important for me and my business to find the right consumer who appreciates well made products and is ready to pay well for them,” she shares.

Nicole always opts for working with local artisans. The enormous storehouse of knowledge of materials and workmanship possessed by local artisans helps her to identify the best possible end shape. “I aim to design products in such a way that maximises the use of materials, minimises waste and maintains good quality.

Following the design process from the initial concept to the completion and directly communicating with local creators is very important for me,” she says.

Nicole is particularly proud of her range of wooden boxes. She loves the pure and simple shape of the wooden box which shows the beauty of the timber and the expertise of the wood turner. It consists only of wood and only thanks to the precise craftsmanship of the wood turner it can be opened and closed easily.

There’s something quite delectable about this Swiss based product design business called Golden Biscotti and we only hope that many more people are inspired by their products which are more an outcome of a sheer respect towards the environment than anything else. www.goldenbiscotti.bigcartel.com

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PREMIUM TILES BRAND KAJARIA CERAMICS LAUNCHES THE ETERNITY TILE COLLECTION Taking the Kajaria legacy forward, Eternity Tiles are here to enlighten your spaces with its sheer grace and glory.

Founded 27 years ago, Kajaria Ceramics has become the largest manufacturer of ceramic/ vitrified tiles in India. Known for creating lasting beauty in homes, offices and public spaces with its magnificent tiles, Kajaria group launched their all new eternity tiles collection. Eternity is a premium tiles brand from Kajaria Group, specially designed to be your tile forever.

The collection is specially crafted for the sophisticated buyer who seeks elegance and excellence in every possible way.

The designs are contemporary, evoking a feeling of timelessness. Eternity Tiles come in a splendid array of 750+ designs and SKUs across 12 different sizes in multiple finishes. Almost 100% non-porous, the tiles do not allow water to seep through.

They are easy to handle, cut and drill giving you the perfect solution for your floor and walls and hence, ensuring longevity in the long run. The unique nano polish along with special glazes ensures that the tiles remain stain-proof, scratchproof and abrasion- resistant.

The tiles are made with natural raw materials of the highest quality, using the most advanced technology available. The extraordinary aesthetic appeal of the tiles is the outcome of the skill and passion of the European master-designers.

The vast variety of the collection allows you to create any look you desire for corner of your house or workplace.

Exploring new finishes, textures, materials and dimensions, the eternity tiles collection meets global standard innovation and quality. www.kajariaceramics.com

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In a unique construction, the legs of this table have glides that screw in and out and help adjust the height, making it stable on any floor.

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Retail Therapy

Hub Of Creativity A tiny little store located on the ground floor of a 1940s art deco building takes on the task of introducing and amalgamating the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Variousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aspects of design and creativity.

Text By Dhanishta Shah Photographs Sachin Bandukwala & Saurabh Shah

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The furniture here is especially known for the finger-joint technique and the special oil and water polish.

‘Various at Dhobi Talao’ works as a platform for creative association. Through the production and exhibition of furniture, objects, art, and a bit of food, it brings together collaborators in craft-carpenters, weavers, fabricators, metal smiths, designers, architects and cooks. This is a big brief for the tiny 400 square feet store.

But, the store executes its purpose well, making the space work for it.

“Because we aim to share the platform, we wanted a neutral name. Various at Dhobi Talao - it is one that leaves the door open for others, and that celebrates diversity, yet is still rooted in its place, at Dhobi Talao,” explains Melissa Smith, who is one of the key designers involved in the project. Sachin Bandukwala is also a curator for the store, that is owned by Chirag Shah and Monica Sampat.

Every true design store has an interesting story captured in its décor. At this store, all one needs to do is face the door and look at the huge wooden fins that surround it.

A closer inspection reveals that these ‘fins’ which work as shelves for display, seen in their totality, actually form the logo of the brand! “The logo came from the wooden fins installed in the store, and not the other way round,” says Smith.

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The heavy burma teak design of the Screw Chair comes with hollow cast brass legs that provide stability and comfort.

These fins create a transition between the street and the interior space, negotiating the changing geometry. The curved profile both slims the wood for material economy, and also recalls the arches of the Mumbai arcades, in a simplified, elegant and contemporary form that keeps the wood close to its natural state.

They chose this transitional façade for the logo because they felt that it conveyed the spirit of the store, an open approach with one foot grounded in the wealth of knowledge that history has taught and the other as a base for innovation as one responds to contemporary needs! Looking at a store where the design is linked with the philosophy of the brand makes the experience more meaningful!

Looking at a store where the design is linked with the philosophy of the brand makes the experience more meaningful.

Simple and elegant wooden furniture is on display and evokes the painstaking craftsmanship and finesse that lends each object a special aura. The furniture here is especially known for the finger-joint technique and the special oil and water polish. The joints used in the wooden products are designed to improve the strength of the material and reduce the amount of wearing on the material.

When wood is joined with other materials, like brass or mild steel, they assemble the joints, to delicately treat the different materials with different thermal expansion rates, different strengths, and different hardness levels. A tel paani (oil and water) polish is used on most wooden products - this involves an alternate application of linseed oil and water to treat the wood.

This is a traditional method of polishing, and rather than coat the surface of the wood, it penetrates deep into the woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veins, which allows the material to breathe, while still protecting it from weathering.

The unique partnership has led to several collections and products that inhabit the shop. The brass track lights were developed to illuminate the space, and the frame series sits together in living formation, with the screw table and chairs rounding out the room.

The system chest of drawers and study table also occupy their own corners, and the chameleon table makes a great stop for a coffee! But best of all, the teakwood fins hold objects on display over the busy street, inviting onlookers to experience the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;variousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forms of creativity! www.variousatdhobitalao.in

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THE MARKETPLACE

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THE MARKETPLACE Steelcase Introduces Lightweight Chair LessThanFive

Steelcase, one of the global leaders in office furniture and innovative workplace solutions has redefined the artisanal vision of craft by launching its flagship product “LessThanFive” chair. The chair is a perfect blend of three crucial elements that is of prime focus to Steelcase – design, functionality and materiality which translates into visual appeal, flexibility and comfort that allows users to easily reconfigure their workplace.

The LessThanFive chair designed by Steelcase and Michael Young, British professional designer encourages collaborative spaces and is adaptable for varied work environments. The chair’s light weight technology integrated with sleek design provides comfort and fosters social connection amidst employees. It is fabricated entirely from carbon fibre – one of the strongest and lightest materials available. The chair is tailored for an experience that supports a variety of users while weighting less than 2.3 kgs and can support 136 kgs.

It can also stack up to four chairs which offers convenient storage. It is assembled and finished by hand from moulded and heated layers of carbon fibre. The chair is customizable and is available in six different standard finishes including matte blue, red fade, light fade, dark fade, copper gloss, and carbon weave. www.steelcase.com/asia-en

Franke Launches Fragranite Sinks Franke has been one of the oldest and most renowned brands in manufacturing sinks along with other kitchen appliances.

Bringing lasting colour to your kitchen through advanced modern technology, the brand has now launched an alluring range of Fragranite sinks. Following extensive testing and development, new Fragranite tackles the humble cleaning problem associated with composite sinks.

Made from the 4th strongest material in the world, Fragranite + sinks don’t scuff or scratch.

They don’t even lose their colour. They have an ultra-smooth surface that’s guaranteed to stay smooth for a longer period of time. With a wide collection of undermount, inset and flushmount sinks, Franke’s Fragranite sinks along with its flowing shapes, clean lines and natural colours blend perfectly well to complement the look and style of any kitchen.

Available in oatmeal, graphite & dark brown finish, fragranite sinks add an interesting mix of colour to your kitchen surroundings The revolutionary new Fragranite+ technology is now available on all Franke Fragranite and SilkSheen Fragranite sinks, which now enjoy ultrasmooth surfaces that are exceptionally easy to keep clean. www.franke.com

Inspired By Brilliance - Roca Presents Inspira Roca presents Inspira, an ultimate sleek and contemporary range of basins and wall hung WCs in three shapes - square, soft and round. Definitely the three most relevant shapes in bathroom design: round, soft and square have an ability to appeal to different styles and personality types.

These shapes are an ideal fit for any kind of bathroom space. All the Inspira products are manufactured with Fineceramic - a new, superior quality material used exclusively by Roca. The wash basins under the range incorporates sleek and fine defined walls, are 40% lighter and 30% harder than conventional basins.

The products have been built in a way that they are easy to clean and are scratchfree. The Inspira WCs comprise of latest technologically advanced features bringing revolution to the bathroom space. Rimless - Wall hung version of Inspira WCs are easy to clean, hygienic and come with dual flush system of 4.5/3 litres.

Inspira also includes an exclusive range of seats and covers of the WCs that are manufactured with Supralit - an exclusive resin manufactured by Roca. The fine quality material makes the entire range more durable and noise-free.

Mr.Pau Abelló Pellicer, Managing Director, Roca Bathroom Products Pvt. Ltd. said, “The compact and well-defined shapes of Inspira makes it an apt choice for innovative bathrooms owing to its spaceoptimization quality.” www.roca.in Home Review October 2016

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THE MARKETPLACE Ozone Introduces Biometric Door Locks

Vitra Introduces Mineralcast Washbasins Vitra, the leading bathroom solutions brand of Eczacıbaşı Building Products Division recently launched Mineralcast Washbasins with the unlimited form technology. Incorporating advanced technology, the brand presents you with an innovative washbasin which is simply something that’s unheard of in this sector.

The Infinit collection will have this new technology, and that comes in progression from where the brand started out- with ceramic, then introduced acrylic to bathrooms and porcelain to tiles, and now has delivered this while in pursuit to purge its own excellence!

This collection has the ability to change the face of your bathroom in an unbelievable manner. These washbasins have sleek, swanky and smooth looks, changing the way your bathroom appears. The crux of this technology is signified through a reinvented bathroom, courtesy of slim rims and sharp lines.

Enhancing security solutions and for better safety and convenience, Ozone recently launched Biometric Door Locks for keyless convenience to lock & unlock the main door of your residence.

This biometric door lock comes with 02 access options, user code & fingerprint for ease of operation and is powered with easy finger print scan technology, enabling one touch verification process.

The password keypad comes with smart touch feature and activates the keypad with random numbers input for enhanced password security.

These locks come with an anti-prank, force break-in and fire alarm feature, equipped with auto-lock function for user convenience and security.

These locks are suitable for residential as well as commercial main doors and can have multi-users with each user having unique user code/password or finger print registered. With their incomparable classy looks, these biometric locks offer unmatched security, safety & convenience. www.ozone-india.com

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K-Lite Launches Led Bollards Founded in 1977 in India, K-Lite has grown to be the leading manufacturer of outdoor luminaires and decorative poles. Recently, the brand launched efficient and costeffective LED bollards with rotationally symmetrical illumination for ground surfaces. These LED bollards are designed to illuminate footpaths, entrance areas, private and public areas and driveway.

The photometric design of these luminaires is based on LED integrated with K-Lite’s precision reflector module. Consistent implementations of new technological developments combined with highest technical and structural quality have resulted in these state of art luminaires.

These luminaires are characterised by their high luminous efficiency, extremely long service life and uniformity of the degree of illuminance. These luminaires are available in Ø100 and Ø166 and 3 different heights to suit the installation site. Their sturdy construction makes them especially suitable for areas in where considerable robustness is required to ensure vandal proof service. www.klite.in

The aesthetic beauty of these washbasins is second to none; the smooth surfaces approve that feature of the Infinit collection.

More than anything, the hygiene levels that these washbasins cater to are set to change the way one perceives a bathroom. Vitra’s Mineralcast is a game-changer and trendsetter, both at once. www.vitra-india.com

THE MARKETPLACE

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THE MARKETPLACE

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