The Inside Track July 2015

INSIDE TRACKTHE

CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY

Volume 9. Issue 07. July 2015 Rs. 25/-

Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

INSIDE TRACKTHE

CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY

Volume 9. Issue 07 . July 2015 Rs. 25/-

Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

continued on page 4

Cover Story The Legacy Of Charles CorreaIf the numerous tributes to the architect testify his towering reputation, they also clearly attest the love that many had for the man. BY AFTAB JALIA

Charles Correa was, in many ways, India’s architect for the world. The five eventful

months that I worked in Charles Correa’s office in 2005 as an undergraduate intern – a decade ago now – are not the only association I have had with the great man. His humming presence in my life has

Once, in the middle of a lively presentation in Pune, evidently tired, I recollect him saying: “I have no idea how Kanvinde did this for 2 hours without sitting down.”

At the same public forum, when asked which of his buildings would he like to redo, Correa wittingly replied, “Oh, all of them!” He maintained that he could redo all his past buildings better

modernist architectural styles but it was in Bombay that Correa set up his practice in 1958.

Over the next five decades, Correa’s practice would witness an unfortunate shift in values in our culture – ranging from idealistic post-independence fervour to the intensely commercial mindset; and in the midst of this insanity, he upheld his age-old conviction that architecture retains the power to shape society.

There were multiple dimensions to the man and outside the realm of his office, Charles exuded a magnanimous persona. Never short of admirers, his public presentations were effervescent – he was as self-effacing of his achievements as he was assertive of his ideas.

Like a seasoned thespian, Charles would break the fourth wall and often reach out to his audience with impromptu statements while presenting his works.

prevailed as ‘white noise’ ever since I learned about his works while still in architecture school.

Charles Correa started work in a newly independent India at a time of great promise and nation building. Ahmedabad, Delhi and Chandigarh were all witnessing the establishment of new institutions in

and what mattered was his next project – in the same spirit that Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn famously wielded.

I admired Charles most for his tenacity and integrity. You could count on him to rub his detractors (and often even collaborators) the wrong way. This transcended all

Sketches from Correa’s office during the design development of his environmentally sensitive Kanchanjunga apartments in Bombay

4 THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015

continued from page 3

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 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 9. Issue 07. July 2015. English - Monthly. This issue contains 28 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Senior Sub-Editor Alyssa Lobo Sub-Editors Tasneem S. Pocketwala, Rehana Hussain Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Darshan Palav, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai Rakesh Kini (Head-Marketing), Ganesh Gurav, Vivek Jadhav B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 32656823, 23736133, 32958501 Fax: (022) 23743069 Email:[email protected] Delhi Ms. Sumita Prakash, Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd,Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi Tel: 9899179540 Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder, 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel: (033) 2410 4296 Mob: 9831131395 Email: [email protected] Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

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hierarchies and mostly stemmed from the fact that others chose to be, foolishly, presumptuous.

He decided to donate all his drawings and models to the RIBA in 2013 when several Indian archives admittedly could not preserve his collection but his disdain was plain:“They don’t have the infrastructure, which is not that much, if you think about it – just some air conditioning and the will to preserve.

But in London (RIBA) it will be kept well. Yet, I was hurt by the thought that it would not be accessible to Indians. My work is located here. It belongs here.”

As scathing as he was of the general state of affairs in the country, his lens was set on the two issues he understood best: city planning and architecture.

And it was in his office, Charles Correa Associates (CCA), that he was at his best. A tasteful braced and battened door welcomed you into his brilliant workspace. Inside, CCA always had an aromatic mix of coffee and air-conditioning.

In the background of the gently-lit reception was a full-sized reproduction of Corbusier’s Modulor in red that made way to the brightly-lit white workspaces behind. Dotted with models and drawings all over, this was an office with character – and tension.

Not a place for the faint-hearted, it was in this charged environment that many a boys became men. Bursting with energy that Charles himself induced in us all, you were expected to have learnt the ropes yesterday.

Ineptitude and mediocrity was dealt with impatience. While on one hand, Charles held the reins of a complex building project, on the other he would obsess over the smallest details in a printed report: from the font chosen to the colour of the back cover.

But it was this very rhythmic thread that was evident also in his architectural spaces and perhaps his greatest shortcoming was that he made architecture look too easy.

Whi l e Char l e s’s s ense o f aesthetics was sound, he could also

INSIDE TRACKTHE

Complete Solutions Versus Customisation 6

Awareness Brings Change 8

Change Is Constant 9

Shining A Light On Electricals 10

Endless Possibilities 11

A New Phase In Corporate Flooring 12

Indian Brands Score On Service 14

The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 15

Four Exceptionally Designed Libraries 18

A Three Dimensional ApproachTo Walls 20

WAF Recognises Indian Architecture 22

Exhibitions and Fairs 24

Red Dot Awards: Celebrating The Best In Design 26

Making Décor Mobile 27

A New 21st Century Skyscraper 28

CONTENTS JULy 2015

The Legacy Of Charles Correa 3COVERSTORyCOVERSTORy

continued on page 5


Aftab JaliaAftab studied architecture at Pune University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He loves graphic novels and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from Cambridge University.

continued from page 4

calculate at astounding speed. The daily Sudoku was a religion for him. While discussing convoluted quantifiable data on a project, you were allowed to lag behind until he realized how little you had

Charles Correa and his wife Monika at home in Sonmarg featured by National Geographic in 1981

actually followed before thunderous clouds subsumed your naïve radiance. Maintaining exceptionally high standards was the core credo of the office and I have always looked back at my time there as an unparalleled privilege.

Over the years, his works have introduced generations of architects to a plethora of ideas – perhaps most notably of which reinstated the importance of open-to-sky spaces. Equally eloquent in evoking images of eastern and western traditions, Correa’s built legacy bridges the two – still distinct – worlds.

The Mandala and Maharaja Jai Singh’s Jantar Mantar were as important to him as were Fatehpur Sikri and Mughal Gardens. He could dabble about ‘how globalisation was just a joke’ to why people who didn’t understand music could still appreciate Bhimsen Joshi.

Likening the idea of composing music to creating architecture, he quoted the twentieth century composer Paul Hindemith: “It is like looking out of a window into the black night of a thunderstorm.

Suddenly there is a flash of lightning, illuminating the entire

landscape. In that one split second, one has seen everything – and nothing. What is called composition is the patient re-creation of that landscape, stone by stone, tree by tree.”

Charles Mark Correa, India’s distinguished son, passed away on 16 June 2015 in his beloved city of Bombay, in the 85th year of his grand life.

He will live on through the works of the countless that he so deeply inspired. And many will wish to live a life as outstanding as his. Nobody that big is spared envy or the wrath of critics bent on derailing. But isn’t that true for any great artist?

With over 120 remarkable projects to his name, King Correa’s name is set in history as India’s best-known architect ever.

96 96 THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015

Sanitary Ware Complete Solutions Versus Customisation Akarsh Mallappa of P.C. Mallappa & Co. tells us about the latest trends in the sanitary ware segment. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Customers prefer complete bathroom solutions when they are renovating their house

P.C. Mallappa & Co. has established itself as a leader in tiles, faucets, sanitary ware

and wellness products since 1989. In 1998 it was the first company to bring Japanese giants TOTO into the Indian market.

The Inside Track spoke to Akarsh Mallappa, co-proprietor of P.C. Mallappa & Co. about where he sees the sanitary ware segment is headed.

Akarsh Mallappa, Co-Proprietor of P.C. Mallappa & Co.Could you share some details about

your firm?

P. C. Mallappa & Co. is into sanitary ware and fixtures, both Indian and imported. We also have both Indian and imported tiles (from Spain and Italy).

The company was started by my dad, P.C. Mallappa about 26 years back. We have two showrooms – the first one is in Bangalore and another one in Mangalore.

In sanitary ware we deal in Hindware, Jaquar, Villeroy & Boch, TOTO, Duravit and Hansgrohe. TOTO and Jaquar are the most popular in the Indian market among these. We don’t specialise in any particular segment , we of fer complete bathroom solutions.

Which brands in India are today making some the best products in sanitary ware? What is the consumer’s preference and demand? TOTO is the best for sanitary ware, and Hansgrohe for fixtures. The main thing for consumers is cleanliness and less maintenance. So that way TOTO is very consumer friendly. How are international sanitary ware companies performing in the market? How are they competing with Indian brands?

Since the past two-three years, the

Indian brands have got equally good both in designs and performance. The imported items are for the elite crowd and the Indian products are for the middle range.

Imported brands have a smaller number of customers but they are premium customers. It’s really hard to compare the Indian and international brands. And a lot of the brands, both Indian and imported have been in the market for close to 20 years. So it’s difficult to compare them to newer brands.

To d a y m a n y b r a n d s o f f e r ‘complete bathroom solutions’. Are consumers opting for these concept bathrooms or are they still mixing and matching?

As long as they are building a new house, they have an architect and he/she will finalise everything.

When people are renovating the

house, then they go for complete bathroom solutions, because they don’t want to put effort into it.

They do a b i t o f mix ing and matching, taking budget into account.

Sometimes we have customers who mix and match for their master bedroom (and en suite bathroom) and they leave the guest bedroom up to us.

Is there a great demand for water saving and eco-friendly products products? What are some popular products in this segment?

There is no demand for them, but once we say that they are eco-friendly products, that they save water, then people are interested in it.

There is some awareness but we get very few customers who come specifically for eco-friendly products. Most of them don’t know about it. TOTO is the only completely eco-friendly, but zero people come and ask for it.

Who according to you is the leader in the premium sanitary ware segment and which are some their best-selling products?

TOTO can give you a bathroom starting from 20,000 rupees. You can make a complete bathroom with TOTO fixtures and sanitary ware for that amount. And you can also make a TOTO complete bathroom for 26 lakh rupees. So that is the range within which you can make a complete bathroom.

We have customers from the apartment buildings and rented houses. They go for Hindware and Jaquar. And the elite group go for Villeroy & Boch, TOTO and Hansgrohe.

TOTO has ‘Neorest LE’ which is a fully automated WC and EWC, so it runs on electric power. ‘ShowerHeaven’ is a one metre by one metre shower by Hansgrohe that’s also popular.

How do you rate the demand for bathroom furniture? Are consumers opting for this?

I would say that in my store, it’s drastically come down by 50% because every bathroom is customised. They want their own colour, their own size; so people don’t usually buy bathroom furniture now. Even the high end consumers aren’t asking for them. I would say that in a month, I would have two customers (for bathroom furniture).

What do you think could be the trends in this segment in the coming years? Do you see any new ideas product-wise?

I think eco-friendly products will become big. And there is a new matte-finish material which is used for EWC and WC. And surprisingly, in my store vintage gold fittings are back.

There is also a lot of black sanitary ware that is getting popular. People want a lot of black EWCs and WCs. The trend is going to be coloured wash basins and WCs. Some people come asking for some weird colours, which aren’t there. Contactwww.pcmallappa.comemail: [email protected]: +91 81232 22242

SPECIAL FOCUS:BUILDING TRADE NETWORK

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& Boch, Hansgrohe, Kaldewei, TOTO, etc.

There are many international sanitary ware companies that have entered the market. How are they performing? How are they competing with Indian brands?

International brands like Duravit, Villeroy & Boch, Roca, Kohler are available in the market and cater to all segments of customers, whereas brands like Jaquar, Hindustan, Parry, Cera are also in demand.

I would say international brands are not able to compete with Indian brands because of price, availability, lack of spare parts, after sales services, etc.

Today there is a concept of ‘complete bathroom solutions’ offered by brands. Are consumers opting for these concept bathrooms or are they still mixing and matching?

Jaquar was the first Indian brand to come up with the concept of complete bathroom solutions (except tiles) which created a revolution in the Indian market. This is not just giving a solution to the customer; the company has to give a product which should be value for money, it should have a good display in the showroom, well trained staff to suggest the right product to the customer, availability of materials, spare parts, after sale service, etc. This is the reason that Jaquar has become the most trusted brand in the customers’ minds.

Is there a great demand for water saving and eco-friendly products? What are some popular products in this segment?

Yes, there is lot of awareness regarding water saving products in residential and also in commercial projects.

We sell W.Cs with 3-6 litre of flushing. We have pressmatic taps from Jaquar which discharge 800ml of water in one go. This is a very good product for commercial places where water is used in large quantites and people don’t care about the wastage of water. There are many


I have been selling bathroom products for the last 30 years and in this journey I have seen a huge change in the bathroom business, not only in terms of colour, shape, design, etc. but also in terms of usage. For example – a separate wet area and dry area; having two basins especially for a couple who are both working; instead of having a tub in each toilet now people prefer a spa on a terrace – basically optimum utilization of space.

Change will keep on taking place depending on the awareness through media, travelling, internet and other more practical considerations like the size of toilets, convenience in usage; whether it is a basic bathroom or a luxury bathroom.Contact web: www.mlsandco.inemail: [email protected]: +91 9811108549

other products which are suitable for water saving and also for green building projects.

There has been an increase in the premium segment in the sanitary ware industry. Which according to you is the leader in this segment and which are some of their best-selling products?

Yes, there is a premium segment market but that market is very small. But it will increase in the near future. If you consider the brand names, they are – Axor, Dornbracht, Roca, Villeroy & Boch, Kaldewei, etc.

How do you rate the demand of bathroom furniture? What are customers looking for and cannot find?

Bathroom furniture has a great demand in today’s market, but I don’t think any Indian brand is making this. Most of the vanity dressing tables you see in the market are all Chinese products, but

Now well into its third decade of operation, MLS & Co. is one of the major distributors

in India (especially in NCR) through its three stores in Gurgaon, GK-II Delhi and Noida.

T h e M L S s h o w r o o m a t Gurgaon sec-29 is the biggest and is spread lavishly over 10,000

Awareness Brings ChangeMukesh Sharma tells us why Jaquar’s complete bathroom solutions are popular in the Indian market. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Sanitary Ware

THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015

Mukesh Sharma, Proprietor of MLS & Co.

sq. ft. The company distributes a w ide r ange o f the ma jor brands and is an exclusive dealer of Jaquar.

Mukesh Sharma, Proprietor at MLS & Co. speaks to The Inside Track about the latest water conserving products, the challenges facing the bathroom furniture segment in India and the changing face of the Indian bathroom.

Could you tell us about your business? What are some of the most popular brands that you distribute? Are there any particular products that you specialise in?

I started this business myself 30 years back under the name MLS & Co. keeping in mind that whatever I do, it should be different. So when I ventured into this, we displayed toilets so that the customer can see and feel how his toilet would look like before buying the materials.

This was a big success because 30 years back sanitary fittings were either sold by hardware sellers or by small shops.

At that time we used to get customers from all over north India and sometimes from central India also.

But now, we cater to Delhi and NCR customers because in these 30 years, similar model showrooms have opened all over India. We sell national and international brands.

Among national brands, Jaquar is our main brand and among international we sell Duravit, Villeroy

some other international brands also sell vanities which are from Duravit, Villeroy & Boch, Roca, etc. But with these brands the problem is lead time and price.

Basically the customer is looking for products which have quality and good after-sale service, which means value for money. And the customer is not getting this, either from Chinese or European brands.

The main problem with the available bathroom furniture brands is lead time and price

Jaquar was the first Indian brand to come up

with complete bathroom solutions



Hardware

Union Hardware in Mumbai deals in a wide range of hardware products across

all segments. This sector has seen tremendous innovation and changes over the past few years which bring with them new challenges.

Yusufi Dhinojwala, partner at Union Hardware speaks to

Change Is ConstantYusufi Dhinojwala of Union Hardware speaks about the growth and challenges in the hardware and fittings market. BY ALYSSA LOBO a general hardware manufacturer which has handles, latches for main doors, bolts. Then there is Q7, Euro, which specialises in handle locks which we use for our bedroom doors and main doors.

International companies have been a part of this sector for some time, are they more technologically advanced? How are Indian companies competing with them? International brands are coming up and quality wise they are very good, but at the same time they are very expensive. They are just trying to capture the cream crowd. It’s not for the masses. So there is a very small market for it. For the masses, the local brands that are there are very good quality wise and they cover the major chunk of the market.

Do you think there is a market for intelligent fittings and automation in India? Has there been any demand for these fittings? Which are some of the leading products in this segment?

It has grown but not that much. People are less aware of it. Another reason is the cost factor. The companies which are bringing in these technologies, are quite expensive. So only the cream crowd, like architects are the only people preferring it. Today the normal person who is redoing his house or workplace may not go for such things. Within this segment Ozone, Godrej and Yale are the best. I would place Yale at the top, since this is the company that has been bringing all the new stuff in.

The international brands haven’t made much of an impact as yet in this sector. There are two reasons. First is the ignorance of the public, they are not aware of this. And second is the rate factor – the price.

Are there enough skilled installers and carpenters to meet the requirement of the fittings segment? How is the trade tackling the challenge?

No, I don’t believe there are enough skilled people. The quality of the carpenters and technicians has really gone down. They are just getting

trained under some people and they start on their own. So in technical terms they have very little knowledge. There are a few companies who do train their own technicians; otherwise the regular carpenters are not too good.

When we deal with them, we need to understand what they are fitting and where they are fitting. We need to go into the background (of the project) and then suggest to the customer what we’re going to work on. Sometimes customers come back with the product

needs to be customised. There are very few things where it is like – this is ready and it will fit and go in. Because in our system there is nothing that is specialised or standardised sizes of kitchens or rooms; whatever place people will get, they make it in that.

In modular kitchens we use materials with PU coating so that

The Inside Track about the challenges in finding skilled labour and the possibilities of intelligent fittings in the Indian market.

Could you tell us about your business? Are there any particular products that you specialise in?

We started in 1982 and are situated in Lohar Chawl in Bombay. Our range of business is hardware, which consists of all kinds of hinges, locks, screws, any related items to furniture; plus any brassware, sanitary fittings, plumbing, etc. We deal in many brands; some are Godrej, Dorma, Ozone, Europa. We handle the complete range of hardware.

Which brands in India are today making some the best products in hardware and fittings in India? What brands do consumers prefer?

It depends, for example in the locks section Godrej tops the list; then comes Europa. If we talk about furniture hardware, then you can say Häfele, Hettich, Hwa. Among Indian brands there are D-secure, that is

and say that it is not fitting and then you just have to replace it. We can only handle them based on our own knowledge.

Modular kitchens account for a large part (40%) of the furniture and fittings industry. Are there are particular specifications that Indian clients want? What are the challenges of building modular kitchens for the Indian market? Sleek is good and another which is coming up is Moda, another is BTL. The main thing about modular kitchens is the design and the feasibility of it – what is convenient for them. They are many different designs. So according to the space available and the convenience of the clients we have to choose the designs, accordingly these companies design it. Space is a very big concern for clients and because of this there is a difficulty. So everything

keeps it from staining easily. If you have staining, you just wipe it and it gets clean. Whereas what you use in normal households like formica, etc., they get bad because of these things and you have to keep changing them.

What do you feel are going to be the future trends in this segment in the coming years?

Customers are inclined more towards imported stuff rather than going for Indian names. But on the whole, I’m not very sure (of the future trends) because in every segment, there are always developments. So it’s very difficult to say what is going to come up. One thing is for sure: constant change. Contact email: [email protected]: [email protected]: +91 9819113052

Yusufi Dhinojwala, Partner at Union Hardware, Mumbai

Yale is at the forefront of bringing new intelligent fittings into the Indian market



Electricals Shining A Light On Electricals A pioneer in the electrical trade speaks about the current scenario in the electricals segment. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Me e n a k s h i E l e c t r i c Corporation is a pioneer in the electricals market

in India. The company was founded by Mr. Champalal Chajjer who relocated from Bishangarh village in Rajasthan to Bangalore.

The company was established in 1973 and started from a small

electrical shop in the Chickpet area in Bangalore. It is now a well-established distributor all over Karnataka.

The Inside Track speaks to Mr. Mahendra Kumar, partner at Meenakshi Electric Corporation on the scope for home automation and the preferred products in this segment.


Our family started our business under the name of the Meenakshi Electric Corporation in Chickpet, Bangalore in the electrical (domestic) field.

Some time after that we came in touch with Anchor’s electrical products and we found them to be very good.

We carry with us over 40 years of experience in the electrical field along with Anchor. Our business region is in the south zone and covers Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Our business covers all the four states in the south zone. We specialise in Anchor by Panasonic and we are their exclusive dealer for the south zone.

Our main business associates are builders, government sector industries like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), etc. and the corporate segment,

as well as the end consumers.

Which brands in India are today making some the best products in electricals? What is the consumer’s preference and demand?

There are so many products for the domestic uses segment available in the market but no other product in the electrical field can be compared to the quality that Anchor has.

The end user of electrical products – that is the consumers, prefer to buy Anchor products for their own use in both the commercial as well as in the residential segment.

Which are the leading companies in this sector? How are the established Indian companies performing against foreign competition? What do you think about Indian products?

There are many foreign brands which are there in the market like Legrand, Schneider, etc.

But you can’t compare them to the Indian ones like Havells, etc. You can’t compare them to Anchor by Panasonic. It is the top brand in the market of consumer choice.

What is the scope of home automation in the Indian market? What could be the possible challenges to home automation in India?

Home automation in the Indian market is still not reachable for

come in an affordable range, then the market wi l l grow in the a u t o m a t i o n s e g m e n t . B u t automation is used mostly to save power both for domestic and in commercial uses like offices, malls, etc.

Energy conservation is very important in this sector. Which products or brands have managed to be successful with this?

Many companies have started offering energy conserving products. Anchor by Panasonic has several products in the energy conservation segment such as CFL and LED bulbs, LED panels,

etc. These have been quite successful.

What are the areas in which home automation are concentrated? What kind of smart electrical solutions are popular?

Since there isn’t much of a market here in India for home automation, there isn’t much information about it.

But Anchor’s Motion Sensor (concealed and surface mount) and the lighting control system have been relatively popular.

What do you feel are going to be the future trends in this segment in the coming years? What are customers looking for in this segment?

In our experience, the consumers l ike to save power by us ing LED products and some home automation systems for their uses.

Anchor by Panasonic has a basket of various products and is still aggressively producing more power saving products in various designs.Contactweb: www.meenakshielectriccorpn.comemail: [email protected]: +91 9980108100

the end user due to the cost factor. In this field the consumers are ready to use these electrical fixtures but the prices have to

Anchor’s light control devices like the Roma Modular Switch Board have been popular

Mr. Mahendra Kumar, partner at Meenakshi Electric Corporation

Meenakshi Electric Corporation covers all the four states in the south zone



Surfaces Endless Possibilities Dupont’s patented surface material Corian, is often referred to as ‘the magic material’. Its top distributors in the country tell us why.

Ducor DesignAf te r s e l l ing Corian for over a decade now, Ducor Design is a firm believer in the potential of Corian. The Inside Track spoke to Amitabh Bhardwaj of Ducor Design to gain insights about this marvellous material.

What innovations has Corian introduced in its products over the years?

The earliest USP Corian offered designers was back lit applications with translucent colour offerings, along with the leverage to play with shape and form with the thermo formability feature. There have been some beautiful new colour launches we have witnessed over the years. The Private Collection colours replicate natural colours vividly. The most recent innovation has been the Deep Colour Technology, that enhances the depth of tone and colour.Contact email: [email protected]: +91 9829069598

Oystra ConceptsD e a l i n g i n Corian for five years , Oystra C o n c e p t s knows that the acceptance of Corian in the Indian market is growing each day. We talk to Sambhav Jain about its superiority compared to other products:

Has Corian effectively replaced another material for use in specific areas?

In bathrooms and similar wet areas, Corian is being specified without any wood substrate for its water resistant properties. For example, bathroom wardrobes and entire vanities are being made only with Corian. This is a huge leap in the future success of the product as this can be a game changer and a win–win situation due to the termite and moisture problems in India.

Also instead of metal, nowadays people are using Corian in staircase railings to give a stone look. People are attributing metals, especially stainless steel to have an industrial look and don’t want to use it much in the visible areas. In fact if Corian railing requires some stainless steel support members, usually in our cases it gets clad by Corian sheets to cover it up. This is a good sign for our material.

What are the most common applications for Corian? How does Corian compare with other materials?

The most common applications of Corian are kitchens, bathrooms, counters and designer panels.

Corian is genuinely better as compared to other materials because of its superior properties like seamlessness, thermoforming and backlighting. It can be easily installed in almost any area and condition by fairly simple and dry techniques.Contact email: [email protected]: +91 9899016665

Spur Designs Spur Designs is a relatively new firm - only four years old - but has exce l lent p r o d u c t k n o w l e d g e about Corian. We asked Deepak Jobanputra about the advantages of Corian’s Quality Network (QN) Program.

How do you see the QN program changing the way customers trust DuPont Corian?

The recently launched QN Program will give confidence to customers about Corian’s fabrications as QN Partners are trained by DuPont and strictly follow the DuPont standard for Corian fabrication. Contact email: [email protected] mobile: +91 9820081726

Moss DesignsTechnically the newest of the lot with 17 months of experience in deal ing in Corian, Moss Designs boasts o f a t e a m associated with t h e m a t e r i a l for a total eight years. The Inside Track talks to Sivesh Mishra a n d R o b i n Rai about the products applications.

Has Corian effectively replaced another material for use in specific products?

Corian has become a reasonable substitute for stone in horizontal surfaces like countertops and vertical applications like jaali partitions and cladding. It is also a great replacement for MDF+ PU finish in interior applications.

What are the most common applications for Corian? How does Corian compare with other materials?

The most common use of Corian is for countertops of all natures; exterior and interior; horizontal and vertical applications incorporating features like seamlessness, backlighting, 2D and 3D texture and various material inlays.

Even after more than four decades of its existence; architects and designers are still exploring the possibilities of using Corian in newer applications. From kitchen countertops to great artwork, Corian has created a niche for itself. It is the only material which provides seamless, translucent, thermo formable and easy to maintain characteristics and that is why creative people around the globe refer to it as ‘the magic material’.Contact email: [email protected]: Sivesh Mishra +91 9871872933email: [email protected]: Robin Rai +91 9910176340

Sivesh Mishra

Robin Rai


Corp. Flooring A New Phase In Corporate Flooring Koteshwar Rao of Addtech Solutions tells us why carpet tiles are the future of corporate flooring. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Addtech Solut ions , i s a V i s a k h a p a t n a m b a s e d distributor in various building

product segments; including modular furniture, security products and engineered flooring. They are a major distributor of Interface, a leading manufacturer of carpet tiles and they cater primarily to the commercial or enterprises segment. Koteshwar Rao, proprietor of Addtech Solutions tells us about the latest developments in the sector.

Koteshwar Rao, Proprietor of Addtech Solutions in Visakhapatnam

Could you tell us about your business? What is your region of operation? Are there any particular products that you specialise in?

Addtech Solutions was established in 2010. We are based in Visakhapatnam, and we have a branch in Vijayawada. We cover the total A.P. (Andra Pradesh) market and Orissa. We have a strong hold in the enterprise business mainly. We have a big presence in places like Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada, Thirupati, Bengaluru, Sambalpur and Bhubhaneshwar. We also do some product distribution like Interface Floors, PSL Modular furniture, Honeywell security products, etc. So we have different product lines. We are into construction, chemicals, security products, and office furniture-flooring solutions. We have been the distributors for Interface for five years for A.P. and Orissa.

Which brands in India are today making some the best products in this sector? What is the consumer’s preference and demand?

As far as commercial offices are concerned, they need floorings for acoustic purposes. Due to this, they ask for carpet tiles. Small SMEs go for wooden floorings. As far as

carpet tiles go, Interface has invented carpet tiles; they are a pioneer in this segment particularly. They have a collection which no other brand has. And they are spread across the world, so no matter which corner of the world the client is from, they can provide the material as they want. For example with HSBC in Vizag, they had used one kind of carpet and now they have the same pattern as before. That is the main strength of Interface floors. If they have taken that pattern 10 years back, you can still get that same collection now.

As far as Interface goes, no other company in India maintains its stocks and gives the same collection. Most brands have 10 to 15 collections which they discontinue after 5 years or so. There are some customers who have gone to other brands because of pricing but they have come back to us for this reason.

Apar t f rom th i s there i s Armstrong, which is mainly into wooden engineered flooring. They also give the best products in the wooden flooring. They also have a good collection and are spread in the market very well.

We do flooring solutions like wooden flooring and vinyl with Armstrong. But with carpet flooring we only work with Interface.

Does Interface add new patterns or models to their collections?

Every time they do R&D, so every year they introduce a new collection. Most architects know about Interface and the collections that they give, and how good they are technically.

The commercial/industrial flooring segment is a huge growth driver. Could you tell us a little bit about flooring options in this segment? It depends on the industry segment (of the client). If it is banking sector, they go for tiles. Only IT, manufacturing head offices and corporate head offices – these places go for acoustic. And in such cases any company would go for carpet tiles.

What is happening here is that most people are habituated to tile and

marble. But now every office comes with an A/C, so they need to go with acoustic floorings. But mostly customers aren’t aware. They are also worried about maintenance. Only now people are getting habituated to these floorings and are now realising the benefits of acoustic floorings. And as distributors we tell them about the benefits of acoustic floorings.

What is the mindset of the average Indian consumer? Are they open to experimenting or still cautious ?

The average customers are habituated to a particular environment. Now the system is changing, after globalisation new companies are coming in

Interface maintains its stocks over long periods of time, while also developing new collections

What do you feel are going to be the future trends in this segment in the coming years? What are customers looking for in this segment?

In carpets people are getting trendy. With walls and ceilings there are many designs and everything is available in the market. But as far as flooring is concerned; if it is wooden flooring, the same pattern is used, although the design changes. Or there may be 10 colours, but the design would be the same.

But it is in the carpet tiles only that

India. They are going according to the architectural specifications. Customers are doing what architects are telling them, and architects are keen on acoustic floorings. Earlier the customers themselves used to decide upon the floorings, the interiors, etc. Now most of the work is given to architectural companies.

The market is growing and companies from outside India are going as per the international standards. So we have seen about 100% growth. Internat ional companies use acoustic floorings abroad and they are bringing it here. And a lot of Indian companies are also following the standards.

Among individual homes mostly villas or duplex kind of houses make use of acoustic surfaces, and only for the home entertainment room or home theatre. But that is a very small segment for carpet flooring.

we can make any kind of design with the carpet itself. That is why people are now using carpet tiles. If you take the example of Interface floors, there are so many companies who use it and to which we provide the designs.

So they can make any kind of designs with different patterns and different collections. So we may see a lot more designs. And other companies may catch up on this.

But we can’t say anything about floorings. Colours or designs may change, but wood is only one. But with carpet tiles, we can make changes in the flooring with different patterns. We can change it easily in case any damage occurs. It is easily removed and easily laid within a day. This is one of the major advantages of tile carpets.Contactweb: [email protected]: [email protected]: +91 9908458404


14

Today there is a concept of ‘complete bathroom solutions’ offered by brands. Are consumers opting for these concept bathrooms or are they still mixing and matching?

Brands like Jaquar and their premium brand, Artize are offering complete bathroom solutions. They are quite successful in it and a very few percentage (of customers) are mixing and matching with other brands.

Water saving and eco-friendly products for bathrooms are today available. Is there a great demand for such products? What are some popular products in this segment?

Yes, there are water saving products available in the market by the Jaquar brand. They are in demand but right now only in commercial and public places. Items like sensors for urinals and basins, prismatic flush valves and basin mixers, eco-flush wall-hung WCs and cisterns, etc.

There has been an increase in the premium segment in the sanitary ware industry. Which according to you is the leader in this segment and which are some of their best-selling products?

Villeroy & Boch (V&B) is the leader in the premium segment for sanitary ware, Artize for faucets. In V&B Purestone WC and basins in U9 finish is popular and in the Artize brand Rainjoy showers

Which brands in India are today making some of the best products in sanitary ware? What is the consumer’s preference and demand?

Duravit and TOTO are making sanitary ware in India. The consumers prefer brands like Jaquar, Artize, Villeroy & Boch, Duravit and TOTO and they want value for money and good quality products.

There are many international sanitary ware companies that have entered the market. How are they performing? How are they competing with Indian brands?

They are performing to a satisfactory level and they are competing with Indian brands by making their products available at entry level pricing and giving good quality.

THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015

Sanitary Ware

ML. Sharma & Co. is one of the leading distributors in the sanitary segment

in the count r y. Loca t ed in Ne w D e l h i , t h e c o m p a n y distributes some of the major brands in the fittings and bathroom ceramics segment to the North India region.

The Inside Track speaks to Rakesh Sharma, Director at M.L.

Indian Brands Score On Service Rakesh Sharma of M.L. Sharma & Co. tells us how Indian brands are performing against international competition in the sanitary ware market. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Smaller tile sizes require more grouting and are difficult to clean

Sharma & Co. about the brands and players in this segment and the importance of a good after sales service.


M.L. Sharma & Co. is the leading complete bathroom solut ion showroom since 1985.

We provide our services all over India and represent the best of the brands in the world like Jaquar, Artize, Duravit, Villeroy & Boch, TOTO, Keuco, Viega, Geberit and Hansgrohe.

We distribute Jaquar, Artize and Villeroy & Boch products. We are known for distributing Jaquar products in Delhi and NCR.

and the Confluence range of faucets are popular.

How do you rate the demand for bathroom furniture? What are customers looking for?

The demand for bathroom furniture is increasing and consumers are opting for ready-made solutions. They are looking for good quality, value for money and easy to install furniture. But the consumers are not able to get good service after using the products as there are no spares and good technicians to service the products are not available in the market, so the customer has to wait for months if something goes wrong.


The coming trend would be all companies giving complete bathing solutions, so it will become easy for a customer to deal with one company. Some percentage (of clients) is looking for innovative and technically advanced products, which obviously should come with reliability and good service.Contactweb: www.mlsharma.comemail: [email protected] Mob: +919811052262

Rakesh Sharma, Director at M.L. Sharma & Co.

More companies will start giving complete bathing solutions as customers find it easier to deal with one company

Jaquar and their premium brand, Artize offer complete bathroom solutions that are very popular


THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015 15

It Products Roca Launches Its Gap And Nexo Rimless CollectionsRoca has recently launched its Gap and Nexo rimless collections in India. Both the collections are designed by Antonio Bullo and encapsulate in their design both aesthetics and functionality. The products combine luxury and sustainability, thus making them especially ideal for Indian customers.

The Nexo collection is made in such a way so that they can be accommodated in bathrooms of varying sizes. Offering under this range are wall-hung china basins, sophisticated base units, floor standing cabinets and wall-hung cabinets. Moreover, the collection also consists of a closed-coupled WC with dual outlet or horizontal outlet that maintains high standards of hygiene.

The Gap collection consists of a wide range of bathroom solutions and presents choices in basins, coupled closets and furniture. Its range enables an optimum use of bathroom space. The products comprise

wall-hung vitreous china basins, semi-recessed basins and semi-pedestals. Other offerings include a compact back to wall vitreous china rim close-coupled WC with dual outlet and the dual flush 4/2L WC cistern with bottom inlet. Contact www.roca.in

Nitco Unveils Its Spring- Summer Collection 2015One of India’s premier dealers in tiles and interior aesthetics, Nitco has recently launched its Spring Summer Collection 2015. The central focus of this launch is Nitco Casa – Future Homes. The collection also comprises a wide range of products including Wall tiles, Digital Parking Tiles, Magnified and GVT.

The Nitco Casa – Future Homes range is touted to be a trendy solution that is unique, taking its cue from art forms and cultures from around the world. Each Nitco Casa tile is fashioned with state-of-the-art precision

and seeks to transform the home space into an artwork.

Mr Ashok Goyal, CEO, Nitco explains, “Nitco’s Design Ethos lies in making the tile look natural and creating a style and fashion statement. Its superior technology presents the best of products which Nitco is known for. Nitco Casa – Future Homes is the collection of tiles that one has been waiting for. The collection comes with the Nitco edge. These wall tiles are joint free and have stain resistant properties. They are highly durable, dirt resistant tiles and will outperform and outlive any other wall covering product.” Contact www.nitcotiles.in

Simpolo, India’s largest DC vitrified tile makers have recently opened a showroom in Cochin, Kerala called ‘Simpolo Gallery’. Their wide range of tiles include double loading tiles in large formats such as 800x800 mm and 1200x800 mm. The range also includes 16 mm thick tiles for usage outdoors. With products such as these, the company seeks to showcase the revolution the tile industry has undergone over the last five years.

Launch Of Simpolo’s Showroom In Kerala

The company produces full-bodies glazed vitrified tiles in marble, granite and wood. The products are sold in very affordable prices. The company’s tiles are also durable, strong and clean.

Within the first few days of the showroom’s opening, the store has attracted several architects, interior decorators and builders already. Contact www.simpolo.net

Delta Faucet Launches Temp2O™ Technology For Showerheads

The American faucet company, Delta Faucet, has recently introduced its latest bathroom innovation with Temp2O™ Technology, which is a digital temperature display featuring LED colour indicators to show different water temperature ranges for visual indication. This new feature is available on showerheads.

Delta showerheads installed with Temp2O™ Technology have a flow rate of 7.5 litres per minute. The products are WaterSense labelled, thus saving water without compromising the comfort and convenience of

the user or the durability of the products. There is an LED feature installed in the products which allow you to visually know the different temperature labels. The handshower and showerheads work with hydro-power and also need no batteries.

It has six different spray settings and its push button spray control enables switching between spray settings. The touch clean spray holes lets the user easily wipe away calcium and lime debris with a mere touch of a finger.Contact www.deltafaucet.co.in


It Products International Furniture Brands Introduces The Laura Kirar Collection By Baker International Furniture Brands has launched the Laura Kirar Collection of luxurious furniture from Baker. The items in the collection, designed by famous designer Laura Kirar, are works of art with strong geometry, a pleasing form and high functionality.

The pieces in Kirar’s collection are fitted with custom brass hardware, finished in polished

solid brass hardware, the latter of which has been designed by Kirar herself.

Kirar has also added a series of upholstery, handcrafted by Baker, to her collection. Seven new fabrics are used to dress the upholstery pieces such as textured solid, ombre wide stripe, thick texture, strie velvet, aged tapestry, distressed chenille and

bronze, blackened steel or aged brass. The materials used for the crafting of the pieces include bronze, glass shelves with accentuating finishes in white gold, burnished gold and black lacquer. Other decorative elements include stone, jade insets and hand-cast premium

creamy white faux fur. These fabrics come in 24 colours. Combined with Kirrar’s range of fabrics and leathers for Baker, the upholstered pieces epitomise the espousal of natural elements with a modern day sensibility. Contact www.ifbrands.in

Parryware, India’s leading manufacturer of bathroom products has introduced its Verve collection, comprising water closets available in the colour white that combine aesthetics and functionality.

The WCs are modern and stylish in form, with their rounded contours and soft shape bringing elegance and sophistication to the contemporary bathroom. The product is equipped with a close seat cover, dual flush and a coupled closet dual outlet.

One of India’s oldest and most well-known of bathroom products manufacturers, Parryware is a producer of a wide array of products including vitreous china, faucets and fittings, bathtubs, whirlpools, bathroom furniture, electronic flushing systems,

The Verve Collection ByParryware

plastic cisterns and kitchen sinks. Its latest addition to its gamut of products, the Verve collection is made available in two sorts: wall hung and floor mounted coupled closet. Contact: www.parryware.in

Launch Of Italian Style Furniture From The Great Eastern Home

The Great Eastern Home has recently launched its collection of Italian style furniture. The collection consists of classic furniture styles that have been reworked by contemporary designers and exudes a taste that is sophisticated. The collection boasts of representing functionality and Italian aesthetics rolled into one.

This furniture range is durable and is made from different kinds of solid wood. Its classic design ensures that it will never go out of style. The collection consists of a wide array of products such as spacious beds, wardrobes, artistically made mirror frames, side tables and more.

While talking about Italian style furniture, Suman Shah, Store Manager says, “The bold, Italian look of this Italian furniture range will add palatial vintage elegance and finesse to your house.

Each furniture piece crafted by The Great Eastern Home boasts of its supreme craftsmanship created from international quality material that spells grandeur and exudes a sense of grace and style. This limited edition furniture at The Great Eastern Home is innovative and intriguing and will certainly represent every bit of your classy lifestyle.”Contact www.thegreateasternhome.com

The Timber Glory Collection By Indian AugustIndian August has launched a new collection of furniture that combines in its design tradition and modernity. The Timber Glory collection comprises products such as chairs, centre tables and settee.

Deriving its name out of the occurrence of several Indian festivities in the month of August, Indian August provides furniture solutions for the taste and liking of the modern, young client. The brand has pledged to provide a platform for the free expression of designers, artists and revivalists who incorporate Indian handcraft traditions to reflect a more contemporary taste.

Specifically fashioned for modern urban living, the range is well-suited for small and medium houses. The furniture bears an iconic appeal due to its coloured wood with patterns in black marking. Wrought using sturdy wood, the furniture is made durable, low maintenance and easy to handle. The collection is evocative of a modern, urbane lifestyle. The items are also easy to clean and maintain.Contact www.eindianaugust.com

It Products

THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015 17

kitchen look spacious. The kitchen is coated with white paint which not only keeps it away from being affected by rusting but also makes it look elegant.

The collection is both stylish and functional. Created using advanced and updated technology, the collection is of a high quality and expected to last long. Manish Jain, Director, Bleu Concepts, explains, “We

Smart Kitchen By Bleu Concepts

Known for its array of kitchens, furniture, wardrobes and storage solutions, Bleu Concepts has recently introduced Smart Kitchen. Its durability and quality is ensured by the materials used to produce the range, which include veneer and laminate.

The kitchen is designed so as to allow sufficient storage space below the counters. It also has a low height counter and a sitting area which makes the

want to render premium quality accompanied with advanced technology to the customers.”

He goes on to say that the company tries to come up with unique and advanced features for their products, SmartKitchen being an example. The collection is expected to provide ease of use and comfort to the customers. Contact www.bleuconcepts.com

Ozone has incorporated Roller Shutter Systems in its kitchen product range, in response to the increase in demand for a functional, compact and uncluttered kitchen.

The Kitchen Roller Shutter Systems are offered in aluminium and glass. The systems ensure ease of use with respect to kitchen cabinets and also make sure of the optimum use of space.

The cabinets are mounted near the cooking area so that accessing things needed while cooking

becomes easy and comfortable. The opening and shutting of the cabinets are fashioned in the roll-up and roll-down style as against shutters, so they take up less space.

The kitchen roller shutters are both durable and user-friendly. They come with a three-step opening option with automatic or manual operation function, which can be installed in both new and existing kitchens. Contact www.ozone-india.com

Ozone Presents Its Kitchen Roller Shutter Systems

One of the oldest and well-known brands that manufacture kitchen appliances including sinks, Franke has launched its collection of Mythos Fusion Sinks.

The Mythos Fusion Sinks are distinct in that they combine steel and Fragranite for the first time.

Fragranite is expected to solve the trouble with cleaning that is associated with composite sinks.

The integrated sanitised hygiene function in Fragranite sinks helps keep the area clean which otherwise would be home to rapidly multiplying bacteria. While Fragranite sinks do not replace normal cleaning, they do help to keep surfaces free from bacteria.

The granite particles in the product are small, and create a smoother, flatter surface. This reduces the chances for limescale to build up. Moreover, the surfaces of the product

Launch Of Mythos Fusion Sinks By Franke

make it difficult for residue, food particles and bacteria to accumulate in between the granules. This feature again improves hygiene in and around the sink. Contact www.franke.com

Häcker produces kitchens that fulfil the highest standards in terms of quality, functionality and durability, using the most moder,n fully automated computer controlled state-of-the-art production machines to produce perfect modular kitchen systems.

Perfect Kitchen Solutions By Häcker

of material surfaces, colours and styles to choose from. The variety of finishes – laminates, high gloss laminates, veneer, solid wood ad lacquer paint in matt and high gloss surfaces, give the clients a plenty of options to design their kitchen.

Häcker offers customize modular kitchens for every segment, ranging from low-end to mid-segment and top-end. Their strength is in their continued research and development to keep pace with the latest technologies. From Häcker, every single kitchen is customised to fit any space within their standard cabinetry system.

Häcker offers a range of 163 different options in a wide variety

The materials used in producing the kitchen modules are very carefully chosen to be of the highest quality standards available in Germany.

The base materials used in the cabinetry production are a combination of very high density, chip/particle boards and HDF materials duly treated to be termite resistant.Contact www.haecker-kuechen.de


Spot Light

Housing heaps and piles of books and information, libraries hardly need to

be made more attractive to those who find acquiring knowledge alluring enough. Moreover, with today’s rapid dig i t i sat ion of the world libraries, archiving primarily printed works, seem almost redundant.

But they thrive in all glory. Not only because libraries are essential communal spaces, but also because they are major markers of culture. They are carved in ca re fu l beauty. Monument s s tor ing knowledge, they are stunning feats of architecture. We present to you four exceptional libraries from around the world.

Four Exceptionally Designed LibrariesThese powerhouses of knowledge also happen to be awe-inspiring, extraordinary feats of architecture. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA

The Kanazawa Umimirai Library’s large external ‘punching wall’ in the reading room has 6,000 small openings and allows a soft light to enter the building

Kanazawa Umimirai Library, Kanazawa City, JapanArchitects: Coelacanth K&H Architects / Kazumi KUDO + Hiroshi HORIBA

The driving force behind the design of this library was to exude an ambience that encourages readers to linger and to create spaces that facilitate social interaction. For this purpose the library has several halls and meeting rooms that encourage social exchange between the visitors. There is also a simple, quiet reading room which provides a comfortable space to read. The library’s large external ‘punching wall’ in the reading room has 6,000 small openings and allows a soft light to enter the building.

Vennesla Library and Culture House, Vennesla, NorwayArchitects: Helen & Hard

One of the most striking features of this library is its transparent façade. In the interior of the library are attached 27 prefabricated glue-laminated timber ribs that differ throughout the interior and play with spatial experiences. Their quirky construction lets the interior curves created to act as socia l inter faces . The structure is also enabled with inset lighting for a subdued glow and acoustic absorbents containing air conditioning ducts.

The Roya l Danish Librar y, Copenhagen, DenmarkArchitects: Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen

Also called the Black Diamond, the

In the interior of the Vennesla Library and Culture House are attached 27 prefabricated glue-laminated timber ribs that differ throughout the interior and play with spatial experiences

19THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015

Royal Danish Library lies poised at the waterfront of Copenhagen. It is designed by architects Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen in a prism-like structure containing sharp edges. Blanketed with marble plates dark as the night, it is called ‘Black Diamond’ precisely because of the

very unusual colour of this library. The interior space of the structure is severed into two parts due to the glazing on both the main and back facades through which natural daylight pours into the building. Its seven storeys also make it one of the largest libraries in Europe.

Library of Birmingham, London Architect: Mecanoo

The building is made of four rectangular blocks stacked on top of one another in such a way so as to create terraces and sheltered spaces outside. The delicate, quaint

exterior of the structure is created along the lines of a filigree pattern, consisting of metal rings over golden, silver and glass facades. Sunlight flooding through the glass and the filigree pattern throws beautiful shadows of different patterns onto the floors of the rooms inside.

Also called the Black Diamond, the Royal Danish Library lies poised at the waterfront of Copenhagen

The Library of Birmingham is made of four rectangular blocks stacked on top of one another


Spot Light

Indian inter ior decorators and consumers now have an innovative, eco-friendly way

to express their creativity. WallArt, a company headquartered in the Netherlands (Europe), has recently introduced their 3D eco-friendly wall panels in the Indian market.

The panels can be ordered online in India from Pepperfry.com. WallArt is also expanding their network and are looking for new partners, distributors, sales agents, wholesalers and retailers within Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, North and South America.

A Three Dimensional Approach To Walls WallArt brings its eco-friendly, creative wall panels to India.

The company currently has a branch office in Hong Kong and a professional production facility in China.

WallArt’s 3D eco-friendly wall panels are made from the fibrous remains of sugarcane, also called bagasse. This material, as a residue of sugarcane, is one of the world’s most renewable sources because sugarcane can be harvested up to three times a year. The total harvest

worldwide is more than 1.2 billion metric tonnes yearly. This raw material, which is a plant fibre, is used for 3D wall panels and is 100% recycled, compostable and therefore 100% biodegradable.

3D wall panels are constructed primarily from plant fibre, utilizing environmentally friendly technology for a cleaner and greener product. At a time when environmental impact is at the forefront of everyone’s minds

this product provides high quality, interior decoration possibilities that will enhance, not harm, the environment.

But there is more to these wall panels than the environmentally friendly aspect. With just as little as a few tiles as an accent you can give any room or interior an entirely different look.

The design applications of 3D wall panels are limited only by your imagination and can be utilized to create eye-catching feature walls or a more subtle and subdued atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

Craters by WallArt: 3D wall panels is 100% recycled, compostable and therefore 100% biodegradable

Gaps by WallArt: When placed together, the panels create a repeating pattern that gives your flat wall new dimensions that play with light and shadow

Squares by WallArt: WallArt’s 3D eco-friendly wall panels are made from bagasse, the fibrous remains of sugarcane

There a re more than 20 different models of the WallArt 3D wall panels available to create an atmospheric interior that looks great and gives a personal touch as well.

WallArt has found a way to use this material to make stylish wall panels that are 50 cm x 50 cm. When placed together, the panels create a repeating pattern that gives your flat wall new dimensions that play with light and shadow. 3D wall panels are a new, high quality, artistic, durable and environmentally friendly

product. With a design concept originating in the United States, 3D wall panels could begin a new trend in wall furnishings. Feature walls no longer need to be restricted to a mere splash of colour.

3D wall panels provides a cost effective way to create just the right atmosphere in any room, whether in a home or a business environment. It is possible to create a personal touch and atmosphere very easily because of the various beautiful designs that are available and the fact that the tiles can be painted.

WallArt introduced their 3D wall panels in Europe in 2010. They’ve been the first to enter the market with this eco-friendly home décor and interior product.

The wall panels have already been very popular in the U.S. and Europe and have been used as decorative backgrounds in many television programs abroad, such as the Big Brother reality shows, Project Runway, The Voice, Glee and many others. Contactweb: www.mywallart.com email: [email protected]


Advertorial

ME is mainly and simply about us, about me and about you. How can you

create a modern but yet timeless bathroom series that adapts to the upmost differential styles? By reducing its design entirely and focusing on the users’ personality and individuality.

Elegant, modest, earthy or adventurous. Discover inspiring ideas and products for your very own

ME By Starck

bathing experience. ME by Starck: A new bathroom series by Duravit and Philippe Starck appeals to every style – pure, elegant, natural or raw.

With ME by Starck, Duravit invites you to be your own designer. Various sizes of bathtubs, shower trays, toilets, bidets, washbasins, furniture basins, washbowls and vanity basins,

with optionally matching accessories are perfectly tuned with one another. And underline every character. Especially yours.Contact Duravit India Private Limitedtel: 079 66112300email: [email protected]: www.duravit.in

As unique as you are. Every ME is different. Find yours! A new bathroom series by Duravit and Philippe Starck, ME appeals to every style – pure, elegant, natural or raw.


Spot Light WAF Recognises IndianArchitecture A look at the Indian firms shortlisted for the WAF Award 2015. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Four India-based projects were shortlisted for the WAF award 2015. The World Architecture

Festival and the Inside Festival announced the shortlists for their respective awards for architecture and interior design. Both events will take place concurrently from 4th to 6th November 2015 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Major world architects shortlisted include

water collection pit from the surrounding land. To capitalise on the water collection that the site naturally has, stepped wells located in Rajasthan since centuries were studied and the design of the built form is directly inspired by the form of the ancient stepped wells.

Office spaces are created on the two north facing sides gradually stepping down at each level along the existing contours generating north facing landscaped terraces fronting each office.

The opposite south facing sides are shaped into open stepped platforms along the site’s contours, further generating landscaped space s and c rea t ing a l a rge community space, similar to the ones that the traditional stepped wells had.

Externally the southern side is protected by earth berms that rise to create sheltered parking spaces with lower berms on the northern sides.

The design is responsive to the site contours, the climate of its location and to the need of its users.

It generates o f f i ce spaces that require much lower energy c o n s u m p t i o n d u e t o t h e i r orientation, while imbibing the traditional architecture prevalent in the region since centuries

be built in local Chittorgarh sandstone available in close proximity to the site.The design is thus sustainable in numerous ways , c rea t ing an energy efficient responsive architectural solution. Contactemail: [email protected]

Nazrul TirthaCategory Title: Culture - Completed BuildingsLead Architect Company: Abin Design StudioProject City: Kolkata

Abin Design Studio was inspired by the great poet of Bengal, Kazi Nazrul Islam. They wanted to incorporate his ideas and philosophy into their design for the Museum and Research Centre.

The site is located on an arterial road of a planned township of the

and c re a t ing a l a r g e wa t e r catchment area in response to the water scarcity prevalent in the location.

The entire structure wil l

Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, Herzog & de Meuron, OMA, Buro Ole Scheeren, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Rafael Viñoly Architects, BIG, Grimshaw Architects, Heatherwick Studio and Carlos Ott.

Here’s a look at the Indian projects shortlisted –

ReservoirCategory Title: Office - Future ProjectsLead Architect Company: Sanjay Puri Architects Project City: Rajasthan

Sanjay Puri Architects have already won 63 international architecture awards including the overall winner of MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects 2014 at Cannes.

The Mumbai-based firm has architectural projects in Spain, Montenegro, Maurit ius, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Montreal and Dallas in addition to projects in 40 Indian cities.

The proposed site of this project is located in Rajasthan, amidst this desert land where water is a scarcity and temperatures are in excess of 40°C through eight months of the year.

The site is steeply contoured and the land forms a natural

Reservoir by Sanjay Puri Architects- The site is steeply contoured and the land forms a natural water collection pit from the surrounding land

Reservoir generates office spaces that require much lower energy consumption due to their orientation,


Arkind Architects specialises in the Healthcare, Education, Retail and Tourism Sectors

142, Rashbehari, by Edifice Consultants, Category Title: Office - Future Projects

city. Being surrounded by generic built forms with no active public spaces nearby, the architects were prompted to create a breathing space amidst the dense city fabric of this area.

The architectural language has been developed to express the personality of Kazi Nazrul. It is simplistic and introverted, creating an urban contrast with its existing

setting. The sculptural design approach articulates the context of the life of the poet. Starting from the massing right up to lighting design, every aspect of the building reflects the individuality of the poet.

An inviting entrance plaza is fashioned by strategically raising certain masses. The fragmented massing around a courtyard forms a central green relief space.

Taller massing towards the south west ensures that this public zone stays shaded through the day. Additionally the courtyard is designed to act as a source of diffused natural light to the

interior spaces. The use of thin exterior RC walls saved energy, cost and time while providing essential protection from the harsh sun.

An indigenous scu lptura l feature wall has been devised with inscribed famous words of the poet. CNC cut foam has been used as formwork on a dyed exposed concrete wall to achieve the desired effect – a first in the country.

Contactemail: [email protected]: www.abindesignstudio.com

A. E. SCHOOLCat e go r y Ti t l e : Educa t i on - Future ProjectsL e a d A r c h i t e c t C o m p a n y : Arkind Architects Project City: Kerala

Arkind Architects, based in Kochi specialises in the Healthcare, Education, Retail and Tourism Sectors. The firm’s core competencies are Architecture, Engineering and Infrastructure along with Consultancy Services and

Project Management. Contactemail: [email protected]: www.arkind.org

142, RashbehariCategory Title: Office - Future ProjectsLead Architect Company: Edifice ConsultantsProject City: KolkataEdifice Consultants is a team of more

than 200 design professionals in seven cities across India. Starting with Corporate and Residential interiors 23 years ago, they have expanded into different verticals over the years. They have recently also done projects in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Manila and London.Contactemail: [email protected] web: www.edifice.co.in

Abin Design Studio was inspired by the poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and incorporated his ideas and philosophy into their design


Fair News

Formland 2015Date 13th-16th Aug 2015 Venue Herning, Denmark Contact www.formland.com

Formland identifies itself as a design community for the entire industry. It is a trade fair where the entire community gathers to exhibit and visit. Formland allows exhibition of products under categories such as interior, which includes decor, atelier, modern, upfront and gallery, light, bloom and table top.

Formland takes design beyond being all about form, function and aesthetics. Instead, it makes it about sharing – the sharing of ideas, of beauty, craftsmanship, passion and trends with colleagues, visitors, exhibitors and others. The trade show attracts around 10,000 potential customers who make purchases and sample the latest trends in the field of design.100% Design South Africa

Date 6th-10th Aug 2015Venue Johannesburg Contact www.100percentdesign.co.za

A design show with a unique African perspective, 100% Design South Africa, presented by DauphinHuman Design Group, has roped in some of the best innovators, leaders and designers to be a part of their show. The event boasts of gathering top brands from the residential, hospitality and office interior design and design industries.

100% Design South Africa will be taking place along the biggest décor, design and lifestyle exhibition in the African continent, Decorex Joburg. It is touted to be an international showcase for modern, contemporary design with an African perspective to it. The introductory exhibit includes local design giants such as Vogel Designs, Willowlamp, Ronel Jordaan and more along with fabric firms such as Home Fabrics and Design Team. The international brands arriving for the event include Ligne Roset, Vitra, Magis and Artemide.

This year the event intends to expand itself by including advanced features and new platforms for designers to display their work. This will be achieved through three main areas of Interior Design: Residential and Hospitality, Office Interior, and Product and Artisanal Design. Other new categories turning up this year include 100% Materials and 100% Lighting.

Archidex 2015Date 12th-15th Aug 2015Venue Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Contact www.archidex.com.my

The International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition, or Archidex is hailed as Asia’s, specifically South East Asia’s, foremost international exhibition and networking event for the architecture and design industries. Being an international show, several designers from countries such as France, Germany, China, Austria, Japan and Switzerland will also be exhibiting their products, lending the event a truly global flavour. There are stipulated to be over 550 international and local exhibitors occupying 1,300 booths in nine halls of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The four-day long event will provide for plenty of opportunities for networking and interaction with fellow designers and architects. To facilitate the same, there will be conferences, forums, trade talks, daily presentations, discussions, meetings, awards, product launches and cocktails and dinner parties.

Domaine de BoisbuchetDate 26th June-20th Sept, 2015Venue Lessac, FranceContact www.boisbuchet.org

Annually, the Domaine de Boisbuchet holds exhibitions on design, art or architecture. The exhibits vary from historical to contemporary creations or even from popular to unconventional creations, but they mimic Boisbuchet’s dedication to and confidence in cultural diversity and creative freedom. This year, the theme largely revolves around the community.

The table, an everyday mundane object of utility, imbibes this theme. The Domaine de Boisbuchet’s cultural activities for the year 2015 will revolve around the idea of the community, and as the point of departure for a new exhibition, you are invited to explore À Table! The exhibition will feature an excellent selection of over 30 examples of tables from the private design collection of the founding director of Vitra Design Museum, Alexander von Vegesack.

The chief focus of À Table! is to demonstrate the many cultural meanings of the coffee tables and dining tables and school and office desks that have heretofore, served as mere backdrop to all that took place on and around them.

Fairs & ExhibitionsDate 17th-19th July 2015 , India International Build Expo 2015Venue Chennai Contact www.prompttradefairs.com

The India International Build Expo 2015 is a three day event catering to the Building and Construction sector to facilitate trade and investment. An international event, the Expo intends to target over 25,000 attendees from all around the world with the expectation of displaying products of around 280 exhibitors.

The Building and Construction industry formulates the second largest economic activity in India. As space gradually lessens and the human population grows ever more, there emerges the need to innovatively create space. This is essentially tackled by the Building and Construction sector. The Expo provides an excellent opportunity for this industry to display their complete product range.

Exhibitors will include companies associated with Bath Fittings; Roofing, Cladding and Facades; Modular Kitchen and Accessories industries, etc.


Spot Light

All the inhabitants of the world of design congregated in Essen at the breath-taking

Alto-Theatre on the 29th of June to witness the celebration of design by one of the most regarded and renowned design awards, the Red Dot Awards. Celebrating 60 years of success, the competition saw 4,928 entries from 56 countries this year. Only a mere 81 however won the highly coveted award, ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best’.

Red Dot Awards: Celebrating The Best In DesignThe recently concluded Red Dot Awards 2015 ceremony honoured stunning works of innovation and design. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA

Jars, manufactured by Royal Philips, is an affordable range of lights with interchangeable glass shades

The ‘Best of the Best’ award was presented to some of the most incredible innovations of the year. These included SGG Master-Soft patterned glass, manufactured by Saint-Gobain Innovative Materials. This patterned glass is of a very high quality and features a 1 mm deep textured engraving. A new sort of material, its distinctive properties expand the way glass can be used.

LG Double Door in Door Refrigerator by LG Electronics Inc. redefines the daily use of a refrigerator. To combat the haphazard manner in

which foodstuff of everyday use, such as groceries, is organised, this door in door refrigerator has been redesigned so as to allow the storage of objects of daily use in the most easily accessible space.

The left and right-hand doors are suited for different functions, with the left-hand door space intended as a ‘secret space’ for the homemaker to store ingredients used on a regular basis, while the right-hand space is the designated ‘family space’, to be used by all family members.

Other winners of the Red Dot Award included Royal Philips manufactured Jars, which is an affordable range of lights with interchangeable glass shades.

Available in three varying s izes and shapes, the shades a l low for d i f f e rent c rea t ive combinations and several possibilities for customisation.

Another Philips manufactured lamp worth mentioning here is the Conbrio LED Pendant Luminaire, also a Red Dot winner. Conbrio provides an elegant, LED-based lighting experience for interior decoration of the domestic space.

to Robert Sachon and Bosch Home Appliances Design Team by Oskar Juhlin, winner of the ‘Radius’ challenge cup of the preceding year.

S ince th i s yea r Red Dot celebrates its 60th anniversary, there was also an exhibition titled, ‘Enduring, not ultimate form’ that looked at historical products from the first winners’ exhibition in 1955 and the success story of the Red Dot Design Award, and these were presented using fascinating exhibits. Contactwww.en.red-dot.org

Its silicone make enables a semi-translucent, natural glow that emphasises the lamp’s honeycomb structure and its texture.

V i t r A , a b r a n d t h a t i s asserting an increasing presence in India, also won a Red Dot for its porcelain floor tiles entitled Terra Nova. Available in different colours and sizes, these t i les have anti-slip properties as well as a good light refraction and bending strength.

T h e c e r e m o n y a l s o s a w the awarding of the Red Dot: Design Team of the Year. For the year 2015, the title was presented

LG Double Door in Door Refrigerator by LG Electronics Inc. redefines the daily use of a refrigerator

The distinctive properties of SGG Master-Soft patterned glass, manufactured by Saint-Gobain Innovative Materials, expand the way glass can be used

Conbrio by Philips provides LED-based lighting for interior decoration

27THE INSIDE TRACK July 2015

Spot Light

Godrej Locking Systems and Solut ions(Godre j L O C K S S ) l a u n c h e d

its advanced Mobile Experience Centre (MEC-3) to highlight how its design-led innovation has been shaping the future of the locking solutions market. This latest development is in line with the Godrej philosophy of shaping the future through incessant innovations.

Since 7th May 1897, Godrej has been instrumental in making lives brighter through a series of inventions that have combined pioneering science and engineering with a larger social purpose. Today 600 million Indians use Godrej products. What started with just locks is today one of India’s most trusted and loved brands spanning Animal feeds to Aerospace.

MEC-3, which is the third in the series of mobile experience centres launched by Godrej LOCKSS, has taken the style quotient of the locking solutions a notch higher by collaborating with one of the finest design maestros in the country, Mr. Dilip Chabria. Through the MEC-3, DC Design offers an unmatched experience of touch and feel to this exciting array of chic looking solutions that is designed for an enthralling experience for the key influencers of the market such as architects, interior designers and contractors.

The MEC-3 was flagged-off by Shyam Motwani, Executive VP & Business Head at Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. and Prasad Prakash Gupte, General Manager, IMC & Trade Marketing, Godrej Locking Solutions and Systems at

Making Décor Mobile Godrej LOCKSS transforms home décor space through design-led innovation.Godrej Group’s Vikroli Campus. The MEC-3 will make a multicity tour across India including metro cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Raipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and Vizag.

Commenting on the initiative, Shyam Motwani, Executive VP & Business Head at Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. said, “Throughout

match the modern day aesthetic demands of the consumer. This exciting range of products from the house of Godrej, showcased through MEC-3 exemplifies our design-led innovation and strong market acumen that is driving the next phase of growth.”

DC Design, which is known for its eye for detail and acute design sense, infusing life into

spirit of innovation and have an uncompromising attitude towards excellence” said Mr. Dilip Chabria of DC Design, while commenting on the collaboration. “DC Design’s reputation has been built over the zeal to infuse design and functionality to every project we undertake.

I find great inspiration in designs that are crafted to enhance the experience of the user and add a new level of consumer engagement. I find the same ethos imprinted in the Godrej culture and it reflects in their product range which augments the user experience. The overall experience was very exhilarating.”

The experience centre houses samples of both residential and commercial products, including the latest line of electronic ‘smart locks’, upcoming products, as well as a slew of customised locks manufactured for industry specific applications.

This initiative is part of Godrej LOCKSS’ continued endeavour to infuse the concept of design-led innovation to transform locking solutions, which have till now been regarded as a functional product. Consumers today make their purchase decision not only by taking into account the functional supremacy of the product but also keenly evaluating how the product can be an integrated part of their home décor.

Des ign- l ed innova t ion i s the concept of blending design excellence and functionality into the manufacturing process to offer world-class products both in terms o f de s i gn and pe r fo rmance excellence. With customer centricity being one of the core pillars of its business, Godrej LOCKSS has been on the forefront of design- led innovation.

The Indian locking solutions market is estimated to be worth Rs. 4,200 crore. Today, almost 80% of the purchase decisions are made by the key influencers rather than the end-customer. MEC-3 is thus an innovative step to reach out to the key influencers of the market and give them an experiential tour of how Godrej locks complement the overall appeal of the home. Contactwww.godrejlocks.com

our 118 years journey, we have always been considered the epitome of driving innovative excellence in the locking solutions segment. The MEC-3 serves as a proof point of our commitment to amalgamate technology, quality and efficiency in our products that

automobiles, has collaborated with an esteemed corporate group to design a well-equipped experience centre encompassing state-of-the-art pedigree and stylish innovations in the locking systems category.

“ B o t h G o d r e j L O C K S S and DC Design epitomise the

Through the MEC-3, DC Design offers an unmatched experience of touch and feel to key influencers of the market for Godrej LOCKSS

Mr. Shyam Motwani, Head of Business and EVP, Godrej & Boyce in the MEC-3


Postal RegistRation no. MCE/129/2014-16 Rni no. MAHENG/2007/19853. WPP liCense no. MR/TECH/WPP-266/EAsT/2015. 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

Spot Light

Joining the army of skyscrapers standing r ig id ly upr ight , dotting the sky of downtown

Vancouver, will soon be acclaimed German architect Ole Scheeren’s o f fbea t h igh- r i s e s t ruc ture . Intended to be built in a structure that is reminiscent of Jenga, the skyscraper will consist of 48 storeys with big blocks horizontally jutting out of the building, reaching out to the city in different directions.

These protrusions are meant to

A New 21st Century Skyscraper Star architect Ole Scheeren’s blueprint for a Vancouver skyscraper may herald a new age in high-rise structures. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA

The skyscraper is intended to be built in a structure that is reminiscent of Jenga

engage with the city space in a new way. The resultant terraces created out of these horizontal protrusions will encourage people living there to connect to the city outside.

Significantly, Scheeren’s design invokes a recent but peculiar trend of buildings created along the ‘stacked blocks’ line of design. This sort of design is most markedly apparent in Danish firm BIG’s stacked design for the World Trade Centre Tower project.

The tower will comprise 48 storeys of residential space above two storeys of space for mixed use at ground level. The project is commissioned by Bosa Properties and K ing swood Prope r t i e s . The s e two compan i e s have bought the 1500 block of West Georgia on which the tower is to

be constructed.W h e r e o n c e s k y s c r a p e r s

appeared to be reaching higher and higher for the skies, Scheeren’s design beautifully evokes a sense of reaching closer to ground level – reaching out to the city itself.Contactwww.buro-os.com

Ole Scheeren’s design beautifully evokes a sense of reaching out to the city itself

The terraces, created out of horizontal protrusions, encourage people living there to connect to the city outside

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