The Inside Track February 2018

Volume 12. Issue 02. Feburary 2018 Rs. 25/-

THE

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

Cover Story

F

enesta specializes in design, manufacture, installation and service of precisionengineered, 100% customised U P VC w i n d ow s a n d d o o r s .

The Inside Track in conversation with Mr. Saket Jain, Business Head, Fenesta enlightened us with his valuable insight into the brand’s innovative strategies and its future plans.

What was the genesis of Fenesta?

Fenesta: Pioneering Excellence Fenesta has firmly established itself as India’s

no. 1 windows and doors brand, with presence in more than 200 cities across the country.

The project commenced in 2003, while studying the international market for PVC compounds. It was found that internationally particularly in the UK, the US and Europe - PVC windows were the largest segment, holding close to 50 per cent market share.

Back then, there was just one player based in south India. The overall PVC windows market, therefore, was almost negligible - at best, perhaps, in single digits. Thus Fenesta came into being. It started from scratch - we had to literally develop the non-existent market in India.

Mr. Saket Jain, Business Head

Fenesta uses a new-age materialUPVC for its profiles which offers several advantages over wooden and regular aluminium profiles.

The Designer & Premium Doors, Lift and Slide, Slide and Fold, Villa Series, Retrofitted bug screen, Georgian bars, and Internal Doors are some of the latest products introduced in the market.

Fenesta has also introduced two new innovations to face the difficult challenges a severe monsoon can throw: Hurricane

Bar that withstands winds up to 245 kilometres per hour and a Rain Track that prevents the ingress of rainwater.

What according to you is the best material for windows? How does Fenesta build on this?

Wood and regular Aluminium have been the predominant material for constructing windows are now giving way to UPVC or Uncontinued on page 2

2

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2018

COVER STORY Fenesta: Pioneering Excellence1 Kala Ghoda Arts Festival ’18 6 City As An Edifice 7 continued from page 1 plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride frames - a new age material. Earlier, buildings were not constructed keeping in mind expansion in the size of doors and windows in summers, erosion during the monsoons, and exposure to UV radiation and aesthetics. UPVC windows have changed all that and minimised such complications.

Moreover, materials like UPVC are low-maintenance, aesthetically attractive, energy efficient, come in

a wide range of colours and do away with the need to paint window and door frames.

Fenesta pioneered the introduction of UPVC profiles in the country and is today India’s largest UPVC windows solutions provider specializing in the design, manufacture, installation and service of precision-engineered made-to-order UPVC window and door systems. continued on page 4

The Art Of Lighting Up 8 A Bespoke Collection 10 The Bangalore Workshop 11 Creating Flamboyance 12 The Gandhi Of Architecture 14 A Room of One’s Own 16 Double Duty 18 Fragmented Fusion 19 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 20 Settle On Shore 24

Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033.

Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 12. Issue 02. Feburary 2018. English - Monthly.

This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi. Sub-Editor Anindita Ganguly LayoutDesign Asif Shayannawar, Darshan Palav, Pooja Modak, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai, Saurabh Shah, B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Email: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) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com.

Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE Recycling old magazines and newspapers is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. To increase the supply of recoverable wood fibre and to reduce the demand on the world’s landfills, THE INSIDE TRACK urges its readers to actively participate in recycling efforts.

marvel infomedia pvt ltd

4

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

continued from page 2 With the world moving towards environmental consciousness what steps have you taken towards sustainability?

Fenesta is committed to providing energ y e ffic ie nt, su sta ina ble u P VC p r o d u c t s t o s u p p o r t the drive towards carbon zero construction.

Fenesta is working towards two key aims: 1. Improving quality of life and adding value to society through uPVC products and innovations.

2. Introducing new practices that protect the integrity and diversity of the environment.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a versatile and safe material for the modern world.

What ki nd of w i n d ows an d doors are consumers opting for in India?

As more young home owners are buying property they tend to prefer colours and trends which are different from the

traditional. Therefore usage of more colours and different colours like champagne gold, silver brush are gaining popularity. The design trends of windows and doors are also shifting from simple casement style to Tilt and Turn designs which have multipurpose use.

How is Fenesta planning to add value to the market of the future?

Fenesta has embarked on a new

journey with aggressive plan for an accelerated growth in the coming years. We would be investing in expanding our reach further to Tier2 & Tier3 cities in addition to presence in more than 200 cities with 120 partner showroom and 9 signature showrooms.

Having established ourselves in retail and project business, we are now setting our footprints in the government sector as well. Fenesta is also working on new business

opportunities to strengthen its overall business portfolio and drive the growth planned in coming years.

Fenesta is a brand deeply committed to quality & service, which makes us different from other players in the market. We provide an end to end solution to all the customers. The company’s professional approach can be seen right from the time a client selects the design through the various stages - site survey, fabrication, delivery, installation and, if need arises, service.

For Fenesta, every customer is important, be it a home owner, institution or an office project.

By constantly investing in new products and providing the best ser vice to our customers, we aim to maintain our competitive advantage.

Contact Fenesta Building Systems Plot No. 52, Institutional Area Sec -32,Gurgaon -122003,Haryana email: response@fenesta.com web: www.fenesta.com tel.: 1800 1029 880

Subscribe to The Inside Track and stay connected India’s leading trade publication that connects manfacturers, dealers and designers across the country & & & No. of Issues

You Pay

You Save

36 + 8 Free

Rs. 900

20%

24 + 4 Free

Rs. 600

16%

12

Rs. 300

Please fill up this coupon and send it along with your cheque/DD to: Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033.

Tel (022) 23736133/1, 32958501Fax (022) 23743069 Email response@marvelinfomedia.com www.theinsidetrack.in

I am enclosing a cheque/DD No _________________ Dated __________________ drawn on ( name of bank ) ______________________________________________favouring “Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd.” for Rs.__________________________________( Add Rs 40/- for non Mumbai cheque/DD ) YOUR DETAILS Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms_________First Name ___________________________________surname _____________________________Adress_______________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________State______________________________________________________Pin Code_____________________________________ Phone_______________________Email____________________________________________________________Occupation_______________________________________________

the inside track reserves the right to extend, cancel or discontinue the offer without giving any reason or prior notice

6

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

S

ince its inception in 1998, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has been the source of encouragement for innumerable other arts and culture oriented festivals across the country. The festival is back to leave the city

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival ’18 Asia’s biggest multi-cultural art festival is back to wow. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN

The stalls cover a huge spectrum of products ranging from fine china to handcrafted Indian artefacts

in awe with a sumptuous spread of artistic brilliance. With Hara Ghoda as the theme this year, it is a nod to environmental issues prevailing in today’s times by embracing all things sustainable, re-usable and recyclable.

The festival commenced on 3rd February and is set to go on till 11th February. the nineday event is a celebration for art lovers where an amalgamation of performances, events and art that represent the wonders of nature. A total of 55 installations were set up extending from Rampart Row to

Cross Maidan. It was divided into the usual 12 sections. The festival sections being visual arts, dance, music, theatre, cinema, literature including children’s literature as a sub section, workshops, heritage walks, urban design and architecture (2014), food, a dedicated section for children, and a vibrant street section including stalls selling eco friendly, hand made arts and crafts wares. All in all, the fest had something for everyone Organized by the Kala Ghoda Association, it is aimed to make the Kala Ghoda precinct the Art

A total of 55 installations will be set up extending from Rampart Row to Cross Maidan

The installations are beautifully conceptualized and deliver a thoughtful message

district of Mumbai. Since its inception the organization has consistently worked towards the conservation and refurbishment of this heritage art district with the co-operation of local authorities.

Drawing the attention of art lovers from all over the country and the world, the fest gets better year after year in terms of audience, management, coverage and above all - creativity.

With a kaleidoscope of events bringing the rich culture of art live, Mumbai’s most eclectic art festival is here to engage you senses

with creativity bursting through every corner. The installations are beautifully conceptualized and deliver a thoughtful message. The stalls cover a huge spectrum of products ranging from fine china to handcrafted Indian artefacts.

The fest has live performances scheduled throughout the day in most cultural fields and heritage walks around the city.

In conclusion, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival brings together a cluster of events especially to those that have little or no exposure to such cultural and art initiatives.

With Hara Ghoda as the theme this year, it is a nod to environmental issues prevailing in today’s times

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

I

n the newest neighbourhood of Copenhagen, a brand new town has been erected in a bare field. The current context of the area being a puzzle of apartments, a man-made slope of villa gardens, the scope of creativity to develop a new architectural species was vast.

The BIG studio was given the opportunity to create two new residential settlements, a gigantic block, and a small tower. In the middle of an enormous green area in Copenhagen and the metro lines of Orestad, lies the site which was envisioned to be a modern version of Frederiksstaden. The brief of the project was to accommodate 500 dwellings and 400 workspaces, in addition to a small tower, next to an existing office complex.

By creating an urban cell split between the new structure and the office complex, they have converted the office building into a square and given it a courtyard, and isolated

City As An Edifice An iconic building, at an ideal location.

BY AVANI PATWARDHAN

In the newest neighbourhood of Copenhagen, a brand new city has been erected in a bare field

Their aim of creating diversity along with simplicity within a city has been perfectly achieved

the tower to make it a free standing monolith instead of stretching it over the residential block. The tower with a footprint of only 160 square meters, was designed with an approach to keep it tall and slender unlike the traditional towers of Copenhagen, and the top provides a perfect view overlooking the roofscape of the block.

The bottom of the tower has been twisted so as to face southward, to give the lower floors a better view too. The result is a facetted triangular gable motif, in the otherwise modern tower.

Keeping in mind that a city becomes alive when it is rich with experiences and surprises, also to keep the design simple and appealing, the challenge for the 57,000 sq. m. residential block, was to create simplicity and variety, diversity with coherence, and thus to create a city within the building. The structure has

7

been divided horizontally into layers according to the different functions in the any residential complex, with the commercial offices on the ground floor, the row houses above them, the apartments on the upper floors and the pent houses on top.

As the master plan demanded an east-west connection, the structure was given a knot in the centre to create niches, giving rise to two new plazas.

As a result, the apartments benefit from the view, sunlight, and fresh air, while the offices merge with life on the street.

A continuous public path stretches from the street level to the penthouses and allows people to bike from the ground floor to the top, winding through the urban perimeter block, thus, perfectly achieving its aim of creating diversity along with simplicity within a city.

8

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Lighting Special

“A

rchitecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.”

- Le Corbusier Lighting is one of the most crucial aspects of architecture. Good lighting can create an ambience for a unique space and help spruce up aura effortlessly! When it comes to the latest trends in lighting, clean lines, less clutter and sleek modernism is the new luxury!

Let’s explore some of the latest trends in lighting segment that are creating a rage in the world of design!

The Art Of Lighting Up

Modern lighting is all about sleek, clean and slim lines that come with the promise of an enhanced style statement. BY ANINDITA GANGULY

Touch Of Technology Technological driven lighting concepts are the latest trends in lighting. With LED, smart lighting, mood lighting and energy-saving lighting, there is definitely a lot to choose from.

Aesthetics Of Lighting Lighting can be used to revamp a space like never before. Rustic lighting, chandeliers, deck lighting, industrial lighting, concrete and metallic lamps are all meant to enhance the style quotient of your space.

Vintage Comeback Vintage is the design flavour of the season and it has extended itself to lighting as well. Antique lights can revamp the décor of a foyer or even the living room in no time.

Lights That Floor You Away Floor lamps are one of the most convenient ways to illuminate any home. They have the added advantage of being placed anywhere and moved anywhere according to convenience. They can serve as wonderful task lights as well.

Decorative XING spotlights from Hafele can be used in both furniture and false ceiling for decorative lighting /focus lighting

Metal Splendour Metal brings a warm glow with it and when used for lighting it creates just that perfect ambience.

Copper and brass rose gold lights can add oodles of style to your space and can transform the look of it quite effortlessly. The Aura Etched Table Lamp from The Brighter Side is made out of copper gives soft ambient light. It can be used as a single unit over a table or multiple units to give dramatic effect.

Concrete It Concrete is ruling the entire home décor scenario lately and it has not excluded the purview of lighting as well. The subtlety of concrete is just the thing you need to get the perfect play of light and shadow.

Concrete lamps are also ideal for garden décor. Concrete pendant lamps and concrete fabric lamps from Gomaads give your space an unparalleled elegance.

Walling It Up Wall-mounted LED lights and indoor wall-mounted lamps can fit

Wall-mounted lights can fit into any kind of decor

Hanging ammonite lamp from purple trurtle is made of banana leaf fibre The Crayon Table Lamp from Desi Jugaad is an instance of colourful lighting

Colour Pop Colours always have a pleasing impact and when pop of colours are added to lamps through bright lampshades and shields it intensifies the resplendence. The Crayon Table Lamp from Desi Jugaad has a base made out of Faber Castlell crayons and has the perfect colour riot.

The subtlety of concrete is just the thing you need to get the perfect play of light and shadow

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

into any kind of décor. These lamps can accentuate the wall that they are placed on and enhance the charm of the room.

The Eclipse Bed is integrated with leather, lights and TV

Eco-friendly Options Eco-friendly options are increasingly been sought after for lighting especially the ones that are energy efficient at the same time. Lamps made of paper, bamboo, banana leaf fibre and terracotta are eco-friendly and great if you wish to create a sublime aura for your home. The lamps from Purple Turtle are made of banana fibre paper, dyed and woven on a handloom.

Setting The Style Lighting plays a very significant role in setting the décor for your home.

You can use lighting to portray rustic, contemporary, mid-century modern, industrial or ultra-modern décor.

Lighting up each room beginning

Smart Lighting Smart LED lights allow customers to control the dimming and colour temperature as per their requirement. Prima and Elite Series

Chandeliers from Tisva have a royal touch

for those who are into style, but includes some high-tech entertainment features that will cater to the technology enthusiast in you. There are provisions to mount a TV, housing a fully functional music system that takes care of a wonderful experience of watching TV and listening to music. The bed completely looks something right out of a sci-fi movie, enough to make you desperate to get one for your bedroom”.

K-Lite fixtures are designed to provide value technology

launched by Smart LED venture iBahn Illumination, for instance is compatible with Android and iOS and the spotlights provide exceptional indoor lighting and can be applied in spaces such as the living room, bedrooms, in

to achieve the dual purpose of practical living where functionality is the key.

Lights Integrated Furniture Lights can also be integrated into furniture items like beds, dressers

Elite Angle from iBahn provides exceptional indoor lighting

with the living room, the kitchen, the bedrooms, the bathroom and the outdoor involves utmost care.

Häfele’s new range of deep recessed adjustable focused downlights and spotlights fits seamlessly within ceilings, giving you an energyefficient lighting without any glare.

Its sinuous design will enhance the interior décor while the soothing light will make the experience pleasurable.

9

COSMO & COSMO ‘T - Anti-glare lights from Hafele are deep recessed tilt-able LED downlights

POP ceilings for home, corridors, showrooms, cafeteria, restaurant, hotel lobbies, reception areas and in recessed gypsum ceilings.

A c c o r d i n g t o M r. V i k a s Ga n d h i , Bu s i n e s s He a d a n d VP- Lighting, Tisva, “The smart lighting is technology enabled lighting system that allows users to govern the lighting of any space without being surrounded by many switches. A part of upcoming IoT technology, facilitating mobile and sensor based control on the luminosity of lights in a particular space, these smart lights include automated control and highly efficient fixtures that can make adjustments depending on various conditions. Furthermore, smart lighting systems ensure lower energy usage and high cost savings for the consumers”.

Functionality Is The Key Whether a cluster of suspended lamps interplaying with air, light and structure or a linear strip rendering task illumination, lighting today is used primarily

and study tables. The Eclipse Bed integrated with leather, lights and TV is an instance.

A c c o r d i n g t o M r. Na m i t Ajmani, Managing Director, IOTA, “Sleep technology is on the rise especially when you have companies that incorporate all the comforts you’ll need along with a few gizmos and gadgets to help with entertainment. The Eclipse Bed, not only looks fashionable

Your home space may have a smaller surface area or you may be the kind of person who prefers to live in a small manageable home.

Nevertheless, however small a space may be, it can be illumined with proper lighting to achieve an assumption of a larger space that can in no way look cluttered.

Let your inner personality shine with the accessories you choose for your redecoration.

From contemporary to downright conventional, you have a complete range of options to experiment with and light up lives a finer way.

It is worth spending time and effort in getting the right light

Floor lamps are one of the most convenient ways to illuminate any home

“Light is everything; natural and artificial. It is always worth spending time on to get just right.” - Stuart Wilson

10

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

S

tanley Global Living has now launched an exquisite furniture collection store a t R o a d 3 6 , Ju b i l e e H i l l s , Hyderabad. Stanley Global Living is Hyderabad’s first complete decor destination store.

The store has on offer living, dining and bedrooms complemented with decorative lighting, rugs and accessories - offering customers a total touch and feel experience like never before.

Stanley Global Living offer designers and homemakers the very best decor solution from across the world. Their unique and selective furniture collection is designed elegantly by keeping in mind the modern lifestyle.

It is a complete home decor destination store conceptualized and curated by Mrs Shubha Sunil and Mr Sunil Suresh - the founders of Stanley Lifestyles Ltd. The opening was on the 20th of January 2018 and the occasion was graced by none other than the founder and CEO of Stanley, Mr Sunil Suresh.

Stanley was founded in 1996

by Mr. Sunil Suresh who is also

A Bespoke Collection

Stanley Global Living announces the opening of their exquisite furniture collection store at Hyderabad.

Automotive Seating as a garage start-up with three craftsmen a n d a m e re c a p i t a l o f t h re e lakh rupees.

Today, Stanley has a net worth of $ 100 million and employs more than 600 of the best artisan from across India. Mr Sunil Suresh and colleagues share a world of knowledge on sourcing

the current group CEO. Mr Sunil Suresh started his journey as a young rebel at heart questioning the ways of life and discrimination in the society, which created a base for his ‘Why Not’ attitude.

As a teen, he ran away to Mumbai from his hometown Bangalore and started selling small leather products near Gateway of India to rich folks who stayed and visited the famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Later on, he joined a leather garment company as a production manager which gave him

tremendous exposure to the world of leather, fashion and luxury. He travelled intensely and had the opportunity to work with some most iconic European brands where he learnt and understood the contribution of traditional Indian skills and craftsmanship in making some of the global luxury brands and some best articles sold in the luxury markets across the world.

That is where his passion for leather and his desire to create a world-class Indian company took shape and he started Stanley

and usage of genuine leather.

This has greatly helped build a company and a team which has the ability to produce some of the best leather articles in the world.

Contact 229/A, Rd Number 36, Jawahar Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033.

Tel: 040 2353 9595

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

T

he Bangalore workshop organized by the Vimal Jain Foundation and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, will be conducted this year from April 1st to 8th, 2018. With its second edition this year, this workshop is modeled on the Glenn Murcutt Masterclass held annually in Sydney.

The 2018 workshop will focus on the study of edges of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. The participants will be invited to suggest ways to negotiate the chaotic urban environment on the street with the serene quality of the campus. With a context of such contrasting conditions, the aim will be to attempt a bridge between these both metaphorically and physically (through architectural and programmatic ideas).

Though known internationally as a premier academic institution, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore is isolated from its

11

The Bangalore Workshop A workshop to negotiate the contrasting

condition of a chaotic urban environment that surrounds IIM Bangalore. BY AVANI PATWARDHAN

immediate context and offers no opportunity for a dialogue.

Through this exercise, the participants will have a better understanding of the importance of history and precedent, the site selection process and formal strategies as a process of discovery and invention and the methods of observation and documentation.

Conducted over 7 days, the participants get the opportunity to stay and work on the IIM Bangalore Campus, and attend daily events like lectures, music performances and discussions, in addition to the workshop.

The workshop will be conducted

by Richard Leplastrier and Peter Stutchbury. In addition to being accomplished teachers, practitioners a n d Au s t r a l i a n I n s t i t u t e o f Architects Gold Medal recipients, they have also been involved with the Glenn Murcutt Masterclass since its inception in 2000. British architect, Niall McLaughlin, will join the Workshop on the last two days for the final reviews and lectures.

The 2018 workshop will focus on the study of edges of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. The participants will be invited to suggest ways to negotiate the chaotic urban environment on the street with the serene quality of the campus. With a context of such contrasting conditions, the aim will be to attempt a bridge between these both metaphorically and

physically (through architectural and programmatic ideas). Though known internationally as a premier academic institution, IIMB is isolated from its immediate context and offers no opportunity for a dialogue.

Through this exercise, the participants will have a better understanding of the importance of history and precedent, the site selection process and formal strategies as a process of discovery and invention and the methods of observation and documentation.

Conducted over 7 days, the participants get the opportunity to stay and work on the IIM Bangalore Campus, and attend daily events like lectures, music performances and discussions, in addition to the workshop.

Contact The workshop and public lectures are being conducted at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore Karnataka 560 076 email: vimaljainfoundation @gmail.com

12

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Interview

H

ive Home is a light design studio based in Mumbai that combines the authenticity of glass craft with innovative technologies and creative craftsmanship. We, at The Inside Track spoke to Shivangi Shah who gave us an insight into unconventional lighting.

Creating Flamboyance

Hive Home offers a stunning range of bespoke light installations. in your space. Stardust is inspired from a starry sky.Waitomo is a cascade of fiber optics and hand blown glass.

When and how was Hive Home visualised?

We Introduced Hive Home in 2010 and we have ever since aspired to offer our clients and art lovers with bespoke masterpieces that make a true style statement. Having acquired a degree from product design from the prestigious London College of Communications, London, I believe that design must be versatile and expressive.

We started with accessories, then furniture. Finally, we launched lighting in 2016. We specialise in bespoke lighting in handblown glass.

The designs have been developed to create sculptural focal points

With several lighting brands already in the market, how d o yo u p l a n t o s t a y a h e a d of competition?

Home combines the authenticity of the glass craft with innovative technologies and creative craftsmanship.

What are the advantages of using glass as a material for lighting?

Shivangi Shah, Creative Head

for specific areas within both large and small interior spaces.

Hive Home in order to embody their unconventional artistic vision, endow it with precision and mastery of glassmakers and produce creative oeuvre. In a few years, Hive Home has established itself as the authority delivering bespoke lighting sculptures and art installations made form hand blown glass.

How does the brand put forth its unconventional artistic vision into the lights?

The manifesto of Hive Home’s uncompromising mission: to transform glass into breathtaking light and design experience. Hive

Glass is versatile and full of life.

It offers endless possibilities of shapes, colours, optical effects or combinations with other materials.

It is pure and fiery, delicate and flamboyant, organic as well as geometric. You only need to give it direction through your taste and the mood and courage to experiment.

As part of the Diversity collection, Hive Home shows the multiple forms of glass in

compositions of light fixtures, which are but a mere fragment of the actual possibilities.

The exhibition combines various shapes and sizes of components with the ambition to inspire creativity. The giant and massive pieces exploit the optical strength of glass, while the delicate and subtle ones its fragile beauty. They are arranged in smooth as well as disordered compositions and adapted to reflect the possibilities of the interior and imagination.

What are the most popular lighting concepts from Hive Home?

Fa l l i n g l e a ve s i s a d r a m a t i c installation creating autumn season

Our products are an amlagmation of handicraft and use of cutting edge advance technology. Attention to detail and high quality craftsmenship are our key points.

Contact Hive Home - A Light Design Studio.

702, Nestor Court, Bajiprabhu Marg, Off S. V. Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai - 400 056 email: info@hivehome.in tel: + 91 9930878811

14

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

“I

think I am subconsciously often strongly influenced by nature, and much of nature’s `structural work’ is not straight or square. A tall reed of grass in a windy, wild terrain is a long cylinder or a hollow tube; tree trunks and stems of plants that carry fruit and leaves are usually cylindrical and not square.

Curves are there to take stresses and strains and to stand up to all sorts of external forces. On top if it all, they look good and beautiful and are infinitely more elegant than straight lines of steel and concrete”.

- Laurie Baker A poor man’s architect; fondly known to his peers and clients, alike, as ‘daddy’. Lawrence Wilfred Baker was born in Birmingham in the year 1917. He is an alumni of Birmingham school of Architecture.

He met Gandhi ji through his Quaker friends and was instantly inspired by his life and ways.

Baker also improvised and innovated various bonding techniques for brickss

On seeing the city slums, Laurie baker decided to do something about it. Baker was initially discouraged by the nationwide animosity to the Raj and to all Westerners. But the Mahatma reassured him that though the Raj must quit, concerned individuals would always find a welcome place to work with Indians. Baker was convinced by Gandhi to stay back and work for the provision of lowcost housing for the poor.

Gandhi’s idea was that it should be possible to build a home with materials found within a five-mile radius of a site. This was to have a great influence in his later life.

Baker was a man on a mission.

The Gandhi Of Architecture Laurie Baker’s designs are the truest

representation of sustainable architecture.

BY VANDANA KRISHNAN

Baker’s work was much beyond its time and an exemplary specimen of sustainable architectural design

One can easily notice how seamlessly his buildings blend in with nature

He proved, time and again, that low cost housing need not be only categorized for the poor

He proved, time and again, that low cost housing need not be only categorized for the poor. His work was a complete deviation from everything that defined architecture and he defied the profession in every way. In the late 50’s when the word sustainability did not even exist, Baker’s work was much beyond its time and an exemplary specimen of sustainable architectural design.

He strived to make optimum use of locally available materials, waste minimization, avoiding energy intensive materials and absolute cost effectiveness.

Often his projects would have a steeped or a curved form

One can easily notice how seamlessly his buildings blend in with nature. Baker also improvised and innovated various bonding techniques for bricks which allowed him to make half-of brick thickness.

Often his designs would have a steeped or a curved form incorporated in them, in order to add rigidity to its form.

Laurie Baker died on 1st April 2007 in his house in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where he lived and worked since 1970. He left behind a legacy of beautiful ingenious designs that inspires the mind with endless architectural possibilities.

Contact web: www.lauriebaker.net

16

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

W

hen it comes to designing a child’s room, a lot of factors come into play. Are the designs safe and child-friendly? Does the room emanate positivity and encourage development?

To help parents make the right choices, Flyfrog Kids offers a variety of products and spaces. All equally fun and cheerful. From study tables to name plates, from beds to quilt sets, there’s something for every child, irrespective of gender or age.

A Room of One’s Own Flyfrog Kids encourage children to think out of the box and design their own rooms.

BY DEBARATI CHAKRABORTY

Leapfrog Storage

Transport Quilt

Flyfrog Kids is a design studio that specialises in creating harmonious spaces for children to grow and develop in. The idea is to build a dream world for the little ones. The brand’s endeavour is to make the journey a delightful experience for both parents and children.

The USP if this brand is that it lets a child design his or her own room. Now how amazing is that!

The personalisation feature allows the child to decide the theme and decor. “You dream. We make it happen!” Flyfrog assures.

The brand caters to the needs of parents even before the child is born up to his/her early teens.

The in-house designers try to think both from a child’s as well as a parent’s perspective. While the products are fun and come in various shapes and colours, safety is of utmost importance.

No wonder that every product has a soft edge.

Headquartered in Delhi, Flyfrog delivers everywhere in India. All the products are ‘Made in India’ either at the brand’s workshop or by partners and NGOs. Items from some of the leading domestic manufacturers of the country are also available after they undergo a thorough inspection.

Contact web: www.flyfrogkids.com

Wall Art: Baby Transport

Cinderalla Chair

18

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

L

iving in a small apartment can throw a number of challenges whilst figuring out where to put all your stuff.

What adds to this problem is the unnecessary accumulation of unwanted belongings that probably haven’t come in use for years.

We always like to believe that some day and someway they will find purpose again. Since living

Double Duty

The need for multi-functional furniture keeps growing in sync with the way we live.

BY VANDANA KRISHNAN

For a majority of apartment dwellers there is no luxury of separate rooms and each piece of furniture needs to serve multiple purposes

Plumbing Pipe Book Storage Lamp

spaces are getting smaller, clutter is the last things we need. If we look close into our own homes, we realize that we actually use only a small portion of our homes for our daily chores, while the most space is used up for ‘storage’ purposes.

Paring down belongings is the first step towards comfortable, convenient and easier living.

In the midst of all this, one can’t help but notice the growing need of multi-functional furniture. Just like cities build vertically to accommodate the rising population, furnishing brands are applying the same concept to their products. Instead of spreading out, they now create

storage and utility spaces that rise up, fold away and take the role of two or more products.

For a majority of apartment dwellers there is no luxury of separate rooms and each piece of furniture needs to serve multiple purposes. With some incredible innovations mixed with versatility and style, multi-functional furniture is clearly the future.

Changing from day to night and adapting to meet your needs; such kind of advancements in furniture is an introduction into an efficient and streamlined world where one cannot use more space than one needs and thereby gives back to the community and its environment by thoughtful usage of space.

Fu r n i t u r e c o m p a n i e s a r e upping their game in terms of functionality. Gone are the days when beds with storage were the epitome of functionality.

Instead of spreading out, furniture now rise up and unfold to take the shape of two or more products

In todays times, brands are focusing on foldable furniture that provides comfort as well as space when needed with the majority of

attention focused on millennial and micro-apartments that cater to their needs without being too heavy on the pocket. From tables that fold open to take the shape of a bed or conversely fold away to slide into slim spaces, or for that matter coffee tables that extend to serve as a writing desk or to chairs that expand as ladders - the possibilities are infinite.

Multi-purpose furniture has a transformational effect, one that is of utmost importance in an era where the economy, population and lack of space are at a constant premium. However unconventional they may seem, it is essential to change the way we live in accordance with what is available and what is necessary.

Shop amazing multifunctional furniture from www.designowl.com!

Photo Courtesy: Dot & Bo

With some incredible innovations mixed with versatility and style, multi-functional furniture is clearly the future

Multi-purpose furniture has a transformational effect, one that is of utmost importance in today’s times

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

M

euble is the brainchild of five young design enthusiasts who, with a view to exporting Indian Handcrafted Wooden Furniture from India, launched a trendy design studio in 2016.

Renowned for being a progressive manufacturer of furniture products

Fragmented Fusion Making a space in the furniture industry in

India, Meuble has a chic and regal approach to design. BY AVANI PATWARDHAN

Meuble India is a luxurious interior store that believes in “Furnishing Excellence”

made of natural materials and woods like Sheesham, Acacia, Mango, Teak and reclaimed wood it also specializes in knock down furniture. Their product range also includes antique reproduction, wooden dining sets, gift items and many other appealing items for home décor as well.

The studio, at Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel is a perfect blend of commercial, home and restaurant decor offering chic and edgy artefacts. Situated inside a loft, Meuble India is a 3,000 sq.ft. studio housing artefacts and furniture that have been manufactured by

19

The studio, at Raghuvanshi Mills, Lower Parel is a perfect blend of commercial, home and restaurant decor offering chic and edgy artefacts

The furniture is a fun mix of classic and contemporary designs giving it an edgy and unique look

the founders themselves with designs inspired by current styles and trends.

The furniture is a fun mix of classic and contemporary designs giving it an edgy and unique look. Ranging from quirky décor for your living space to chic and vintage furniture for your office, this store promises to meet your art cravings.

In addition, Meuble also offers to let you customize your own furniture to meet your demands.

Meuble India is a luxurious interior store that believes in “Furnishing Excellence”. The brand has flexible EMI schemes on their furniture and artefacts making buying furniture so simple!

The experience at Meuble India does not end here; the studio has

an in-store café for you to sip on your cappuccino while reading your favorite novel. With co-working spaces booming up these days, the multifaceted studio also comprises of an area which has its doors open to people looking out for an inspiring working environment.

At just Rs. 1000/- per day Meuble India offers a private desk section inside the store, a couch corner for meetings, free Wi-Fi connection and access to Meuble Café at discounted rates. Meuble is truly a studio which brings art and leisure under one roof.

Contact web: www.meubleindia.com

Their product range also includes Antique Reproduction, Wooden Dining Sets, Gift Items and many other appealing items for Home Décor as well

20

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

It Products Maison Introduces Soho Collection

The chic and sophisticated, luxury furniture brand Maison by International Furniture Brands, has launched its Soho Collection.

The Collection offers a full range of accent designs, bedroom pieces, dining room furniture and occasional pieces for the complete luxury experience.

The Soho collection from Maison is constructed with the use of luxurious materials such as brass, marble and the finest woods that include walnut, maple, and rosewood available in 27 finishes. The highlight of the Soho Collection includes the chic and classy Soho Armchairs that are superbly crafted in Solid Beech Wood with an Olive finish or High sheen White maple finish.

The Soho Collection from Maison exemplifies excellence, style, and forward innovation while maintaining tradition. The collection features subtle interplay of linear geometric shapes, manufacturing skills and more contemporary materials and finishes.

Contact www.ifbrands.in

Roca Presents Alba Bathroom Collection

VitrA Unfolds Metropole Series

Metropole, the new line of VitrA, is designed to add value to architecture. NOA, an award winning design group brings the prestigious Metropole series along with a new range of bathroom furniture.

Metropole series, a high-tech and trendy, stands out for smart functionality in tastefully restrained forms.

Metropole series offers a wide range of infinite washbasins which are made with various dimensions for maximum ease of use. Metropole washbasin units are compatible with two options, mineral cast and ceramic washbasins, the series promises

nearly endless possibilities for restful and inspiring bathroom décor. The elegant & pure white color theme option of Metropole furniture contributes to its beauty of natural bathroom décor.

Metropole is the epitome of architectural aspirations, futuristic materials and visionary strategies.

It is, in essence, a matrix that encompasses the codes and the present of the future. The concealed mounting allows for visual continuity and easier cleaning. The WC’s feature water-saving flushing made with a rimless WC pan.

Contact www.vitra-india.com

Walk-in Custom Closet By Schmalenbach From Plusch

Roca introduces Alba Bathroom Collection, a premium solution for your bathroom. Inspired by the highest sense of tranquility, the collection consists of a smart toilet, bathtub, basin and furniture.

Alba In-Wash integrated toilet offers an intelligent system that can be controlled through an App on your iphone/ipad and also through an easy-to-use remote that comes along with the product. Alba Furniture offers optimum storage capacity despite compact that can easily fit in any bathroom space.

The most premium offering in the series is Alba Air & Water Whirlpool that combines water and air massage functions to create a calming experience in your very own bath space.

Commenting on the launch of Alba series, KE Ranganathan, Managing Director, Roca Bathrooms Pvt Ltd. said, “At Roca, we continuously work towards offering smart, innovative and elegant bathroom solutions to our consumers. Alba is range that possess products that go beyond functionality and offer the finest designs combined with the most advanced technology available in the segment. With launch of this collection, we aim to reach out to the urban customers that aspire for a premium bathroom space to complement the modern day interiors of their homes.”

Contact www.roca.in

Plüsch brings you the German Schmalenbach designs, offering pioneer display and storage solutions for homes and offices.

Schmalenbach wardrobes are the epitome of purist craftsmanship when it comes to a well-designed, custommade wardrobe.

Handmade in Oberberg, Schmalenbach offers the best of wardrobes, built in cabinets and shelving systems. The distinctive variety of exquisite features like built in cabinets with stainless steel sliding door

profiles, bed in grey fine line veneer and sideboard with TV lift mechanism, makes them the best suited for various applications. Their range of wardrobes is variegated in nature with a classic approach that defines their products.

With wood tones ranging from darker walnut to lighter birch, selections should be based on personal preference as well as the existing style of the room where the closet will be located.

Contact www.pluschliving.com

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

It Products Faber Launches Hob-Cooktop

Faber’s hob-cooktop hybrid is designed with new level of performance. Gas flame is fully controlled with a wide heating range and high output.

This allows you to cook faster and more economically for the best possible cooking experience. The elegant

iron trivets can be removed individually for easy cleaning.

Faber’s burners utilize more energy and distribute the heat more evenly over the entire surface of the pan. Faber has made the cooktop spacious which has made available and maximized the gap between the burners. This in turn helps to use large pots and pans on all burners simultaneously.

Integrated into the knobs, electronic ignition provides an easy and simple ignition for gas burners. Moreover, Faber hobs are easy to clean as the burner cap and bases are covered with heat and scratch resistant high quality enamel. They also have the additional advantage of cast iron support.

Additional Features include a width of 78cm, black glass finish, front control, four brass burners 1 dual burner 5Kw, 1 rapid burner 3.0kW, 1 semi Rapid burner 1.7kW and 1 Auxiliary burner 1.0kW. Contact www.faberindia.com

Modular Wine Rack From Musemart MuseMART’s Say Cheese is a bespoke Wine Rack that is inspired by two of the most aristocratic mouth savouries Wine and Cheese. The product has a set of 8 CNC milled 25mm Birchply layers that are laminated together to form one module.

Sealed with a matte water based Pu coat, the front and the back surfaces have half domes of various sizes scooped out to mimic the texture of cheese.

Each module holds 4 bottles of wine, while a fifth (used) bottle can be placed on the reclining half circle on the top.

This free-standing module can be rotated on 4 sides when placed on the table. Designed purely as an interlocking brick, it fits snugly with similar modules.

One can apply methods of rotation, stacking and mirroring to the brick in creating varying combinations to add a stylistic touch to a home, a restaurant or a wine cellar.

Say Cheese, with its contemporary design detail and its jauntily peculiar render, is bound to give your guests a tinge of curiosity into the luxuriant life of their hosts.

Contact www.natty.in/stores/musemart

21

Ply Mahal Presents Designer Door Panels Ply Mahal has launched an exquisite Collection of “Designer Door Panels” to give your interiors a new stately dimension by adding perfect elegant finish and an extra charm.

This exquisite collection of Designer Door Panels are deeply textured pliable panels which are used along the wooden frame of the door be it be sliding doors, push and pull doors of the main entrance gate, doors of bedrooms, kitchens, or even the bathrooms too.

Available with the choice option of beautiful patterns and punch-line embellishments like Buttons, Rose, Moorish, Odyssey, Versace etc. these high-pressure decorative laminate Panels can wonderfully create an arresting focal point within all the doors of your living spaces.

According to Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Director Ply Mahal, “We

are happy to launch the array of these Designer Door Panels to adorn the doors of your abode infusing wonderful look and a superb luxe welcoming touch.

These Designer Door Panels would surely add high end beauty and elegance serving you sturdy and hard doors that give the apt safety”.

Contact: www.plymahal.com

Elanpro Presents Garbage Coolers

Elanpro, a commercial refrigeration company, recently launched Garbage Coolers.

An energy-efficient range of refrigerated bins for the storage of food waste, the new product by Elanpro freezes the garbage and stores it until its final collection.

Elanpro Garbage refrigerator is characterized by compact design and advantageous operational features. A pest proof product, it can hold one

or two standard 240L garbage bins. Anti-bacterial removable door comes with top and front option maneuvering waste disposal. The doors are fitted with exchangeable magnetic gaskets.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Jain, Director, Elanpro, said, “We aim at bringing the most innovative and comprehensive solutions for kitchens of all kinds. Our new range of refrigerated waste bins only reinstates our commitment as they help create a hygienic environment preventing unwanted odour, food contamination or vermin.”

Elanpro Garbage Coolers are environment friendly as they have a composition free of CFC’s. The 40 mm thick rigid polyurethane foam core provides highly effective insulation. The seamless, foamed in place insulation prevents thermal bridges and the precision-fit crowning prevents the build-up of fluid and mould.

Contact www.elanpro.net

22

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

It Products Bonphul Unveils Oxygen Optimiser Bonphul Air Products the developer of OxyMax- the world’s second and India’s first oxygen optimizer has launched ‘OxyMax 20’.

Co-founded by Prodyut Bora and Narendra Bisht in July 2017, OxyMax operates in a ‘split’ mode, with an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit harvests oxygen from the outside air and pumps it indoor, where it is dispensed by the indoor unit. This increases the oxygen level in the indoor air from its current level to 21%, creating an environment of freshness and vigour.

Intelligent sensors in the OxyMax 20 maintain ambient oxygen levels between 20.5 %

to 21.5 % by shutting off and starting on the optimizer whenever necessary. The OxyMax 20 consumes only as much power as an air-cooler, therefore it is extremely light on the pocket.

Narendra Bisht, COO, Bonphul Air Products said, “Running OxyMax for a couple of hours leaves you feeling totally invigorated, fully charged, just the way you felt when you took-in pure air during your last vacation in the mountains.”

Contact www.bonphulapl.com

The WhiteTeak Company Launches Floor Lamps sparkles even when it is switched off etc with a modern feel that are pleasing to the eyes.

According to Anu Mehta and Mamta Mehta, Founder and co-founder of The WhiteTeak Company, “we are happy to launch an Impressive Collection of ‘Floor Lamps’ that are absolutely affordable lighting fixtures with the functionality of displaying the décor items and can excellently brighten up your room with a touch of charm.”

Contact www.whiteteak.com

The WhiteTeak Company has recently launched Floor Lamp Collection to add mesmerizing shine and sparkle to your indoor living spaces.

From classic looks to bold, trendy designs this array of Floor Lamps would be a pure delight to upgrade the look of your room from ordinary to extraordinary as each piece of this collection has their own exclusivity. The collection comprises of different lamps such as lamps with shelves, tripod style lamps, asymmetrical design lamp that

Go Organic Collection From Wicker World

Wicker World latest “Go Organic Collection” is crafted by designer Amit Sawhney for the outdoor and indoor spaces.

The collection is inspired by life and nature at its best.

It is a creative combination of sustainable elements like Woven Wicker, Reclaimed wood, Regional art like Bastar and Warli with hand woven fabrics like Cotton, Ikat and Linen. Special efforts are put in to conducting Green Practices during production, most important being the use of organic UV resistant paints.

According to Mr. Amit

Sawhney-Designer & Promoter of Wicker World, “It has always been my endeavour to use organic & sustainable materials.

I love to combine various metals, wood, natural wicker, weaves and textures into a unique furniture piece designed to contemporary urban taste”.

The latest collection offers tables, chairs, lounge sets and sunbeds, coffee tables and hammocks that can be fully integrated into indoor-outdoor spaces as well pool side interiors.

Contact www.wickerworld.in

Meraas Introduces Chain-Stitch Collection Meraas introduces its exotic collection of “chain-stitch rugs” ideal to glam up your floors and walls in an artistic way.

The latest collection by Merass bestows a long history of sewing craftsmanship and of designing the most exquisite quality chain-stitch needlework in the world by Kashmiri artisans.

According to Mr. Abdul Quayoom Trumboo-MD-Meraas, “Chain stitching is an ancient sewing craft, in which a series of looped stitches are sewn into a chain-like pattern. Our new collection use established craft

skills in producing rugs with contemporary designs and color palettes”.

Rugs range from large and small traditional florals to intricate geometric, tribal, and vintage designs. All rugs are handmade with 100% wool ranging in sizes from 2 x 3 ft. to 6x9 ft.

Crafted in the sheer splendor of Kashmiri Chain Stitch, the elegant collection of the finest craft by Meraas will speak for itself as it sits proudly in your living space.

Contact www.meraascrafts.com

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

ArgentOr Silver Presents Exquisite Flower Vases

It Products

of vases in traditional and contemporary designs curated in sterling silver. Known for superior quality hallmarked silverware, the brand presents this stunning collection of flower vases, perfect for accessorizing your home.

The collection incorporates floral and quirky motifs inspired by style, craft and works of excellence. The assortment boasts of different patterns and striking colours that give a creative look to your home.

Contact www.argentorsilver.com

Babylon Living Room

By Visionnaire Visionnaire has introduced the Babylon living room designed by the renowned Italian designer Alessandro La Spada. In this new collection, the designer has experimented with chromatic and geometric combinations of the matter, prior to the conception of the form itself.

It showcases Visionnaire’s ability to create a contemporary design language, which is “less maximalist” but full of its own original aesthetics and clearly distinctive.

The Babylon Living Room is part of Visionnaire’s latest Collection which reflects a greater use of natural materials wood, stone, marble and new materials with a low

environmental impact. The Babylon Sofa designed by Alessandro La Spada is a modular sofa structured in solid wood and plywood.

It is beautifully complimented with the Babylon Chaise Longue that comes with similar design aesthetics and is upholstered in rich luxurious fabrics or the finest Italian leathers. Neatly placed between the seating is the Minstrel Low table crafted with eucalyptus wood and leather with its base in satinized steel with champagne finish.

Contact: www.visionnaire-home.com

DuraStyle Rimless From Duravit

With the DuraStyle bathroom programme, Duravit is presenting a rimless, wallmounted toilet with innovative and effective flushing technology. This rimless, wall-mounted toilet offers an efficient solution wherever optimum hygiene and short cleaning times are required: the dynamic water flow ensures outstanding flushing results.

The water enters the bowl evenly and powerfully so that

23

the entire interior surface is fully rinsed during the flushing process. As a modern wallmounted toilet of the 4.5-litre generation, the DuraStyle rimless delivers optimum flushing results, even with small water volumes, and it also saves water.

Thanks to the open and accessible rim area, it is also much easier to keep clean.

The DuraStyle rimless, wallmounted toilet is also optionally available with WonderGliss coating. This prevents dirt from gaining a hold and any residue is simply flushed away with the water. This makes it even easier to keep the entire inside bowl spotlessly clean.

DuraStyle also has an impressively modern yet timeless design. The wallmounted toilet with a 54 cm projection is made entirely of sanitary ceramic and has a particularly flat seat that is optionally available with SoftClose technology.

Contact www.duravit.in

An emblem from the ancient city of Greece, Vases are believed to have an anatomy of its own. ArgentOr Silver, the finest quality objet d’art brand, unveils a beautiful series of flower vases to add a touch of elegance to your home. The brand having its own realm of knowledge and ideas, designed this new collection with the master ingredients to depict sheer beauty and elegance.

ArgentOr Silver caters the audience with a fine taste and presents and attractive range

Idus Presents Contemporary Dining Table Collection

Idus has launched Contemporary Dining Table Collection that will not just add the extra style to the overall décor but also best for promoting productive conversations.

The designer range of Contemporary Dining Table collection by Idus supports stainless steel, glass and marble top, a copper metal base that will surely give any space a fresh new feel with their innovative blend of elegant and extraordinary designs. With its modern contour and style, these dining tables are

made available with variety in fabric designs, patterns and textures to lend a fantastic look to the overall décor.

According to Sameer Hora, MD Idus, “We all know that dining tables are the centerpieces of your living area that represents your taste and your personal style.

Our latest collection is made to emit a bold and classy flair to the décor while catering to provide utmost comfort”.

Contact www.idus.in

Postal Registration No. MCE/129/2017-19 RNI NO. MAHENG/2007/19853. WPP LICENSE NO. MR/TECH/WPP-266/East/2018. POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE, MUMBAI G.P.O. 400001. DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15th OF EVERY MONTH, dATE OF POSTING: 15th & 16th OF EVERY MONTH

24

THE INSIDE TRACK February 2018

Spot Light

R

emember those childhood days when painting a picture would mean doodling lush green mountains with the sun rising from them, a tranquil blue lake at the bottom and a small yet perfect wooden house overlooking the lake. What better than to get a realistic modern version of your childhood painting!

Architect Shabbir Unwala when endowed with the honor of building a house for a fellow practicing architect, turned the doodle of a perfect house into a reality. With his vast experience of constructing structures on steep slopes, in rural contexts, without retaining walls, cutting of trees, and land leveling, the context of this project was familiar to him.

The site is located on the banks of Khadakwasla, a lake on the outskirts of Pune which supplies water to the city. On a subtle cliff along the lake, the boundary of the house starts with a naive wooden pathway which leads to the verandah of the house,

Settle On Shore Truly a dream home in a rustic context!

BY Avani Patwardhan

Architect Shabbir Unwala when endowed with the honor of building a house for a fellow practicing architect, turned the doodle of a perfect house into a reality

The structure with wooden slats on both the facades, and Mangalore tiles on the sloping roof, blends with the pastoral character of the space

covered by the shallow end of the lean-to sloping roof of the elongated rectangular structure. The entire 600ft structure is suspended over folded steel frames, supported by just two RCC columns anchored in the sloping land below.

Pertaining to the gradual slope of the roof, the interiors of the house expands holistically as you move inwards giving the space a little dimension.

Right next to the entrance, is the services cubicle combining of the pantry, the toilet, and a little ladder like staircase leading to the mezzanine floor above the pantry.

With just bare and essential furnishings, like the centrally placed bed, cabinets and understated curtains, the drama in the compact interiors is created with shadow play as the sunlight enters through the faรงade. The structure built with a minimalist approach relies entirely on nuts and bolts at joints.

The structure with wooden slats on both the east and west facades, and Mangalore tiles on the sloping roof, blends with the pastoral character of the space yet is aesthetically eminent due to its pleasing dynamics.

Contact web: www.overwater.in

On a subtle cliff along the lake, the boundary of the house starts with a naive wooden pathway which leads to the verandah of the house, covered by the sloping roof of the elongated rectangular structure