home review november 2015

RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COMvol 14 issue 11 NOVEMBER 2015 total pages 144

SUBLIMINALMESSAGING

THE OPEN HOUSE BY STUDIO NISHITA KAMDAR

ART FORM : SALLEY MAVOR MY SPACE : VALERIE BARKOWSKI DESIGN DESTINATION : MOSCOW

MODERN OFFICE SPECIAL TRAILBLAZING PRODUCTS AND CONCePTS FOR YOUR OFFICe

ATELIER DND’S DESIGN FOR ALL REASONS

LEARNING CURVES BYHeatherwick Studio

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oing away with unnecessary doors and partitions, Nishita Kamdar enables the seamless transition through a home opening up its volumes and areas. She cleverly invents a furniture-sharing typology and leans on an uncluttered program using in-situ concrete as the aesthetic mediator to navigate the space. This ‘open house’ is testimony to the charms of a sensible design scheme that stays clear of superfluous glitz and gloss. Instead it relies on the solid character of hardwood and a selective material palette weaving together inter-connected spaces flushed with sweeps of natural light and ventilation.

Thomas Heatherwick, principal and founder of London based multi-disciplinary design firm Heatherwick Studio, is now a very well recognized figure in Singapore too. The Learning Hub building, which opened in this city a few months ago, is a shining example of the studio’s philosophy of finding innovative design solutions with the utmost dedication to artistic thinking. This institute is an amalgamation of twelve eight storied towers that are inter-connected and designed around a central atrium. Fostering a classroom design that is interactive where learning goes beyond confined spaces, the entire building design creatively promotes communication and collaboration.

This curved, undulating and textured concrete structure manages to instill a progressive and contemporary way of learning that is non-hierarchical and democratic. It rethinks traditional ways of teaching on many levels and also manages to stand out as an architectural landmark that Singapore is very proud of.

Anish Bajaj, [email protected]

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RS 100 HOME-REVIEW.COMvol 14 issue 11 NOVEMBER 2015 total pages 144

SUBLIMINALMESSAGING

THE OPEN HOUSE BY STUDIO NISHITA KAMDAR

ART FORM : SALLEY MAVOR MY SPACE : VALERIE BARKOWSKI DESIGN DESTINATION : MOSCOW

MODERN OFFICE SPECIAL TRAILBLAZING PRODUCTS AND CONCEPTS FOR YOUR OFFICE

ATELIER DND’S DESIGN FOR ALL REASONS

LEARNING CURVES BYHeatherwick Studio

Cover StoryThe Open House is a beautiful penthouse in Mumbai; it is a family’s uncluttered, free-wheeling ensconce of peace, designed by Studio Nishita Kamdar

26

NOVEMBER

A dash of colours greet you in Burano - one of the most colourful cities of the world

34

Salley Mavor’s knowledge about sewing, design and storytelling helps her create exquisite tableaux using fabric and found objects

art form

46

I like to explore and I don’t mind to work with contemporary techniques as they offer different possibilities

22BarkowskiValerie

Fine-tuning the circulation of spaces, while combining two apartments in Mumbai, Atelier Design N Domain embarked on a stylish decorating journey which was not afraid of colour

38

The sustainable design of a Learning Hub for the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore by Heatherwick Studio redefines spatial perceptions of learning environments

52

59By Vanessa Horig Aman Resort’s two properties in Sri Lanka:

Amangalla and Amanwella are both diametrically opposite but equally as alluring

66Cersaie in Bologna saw the best of the ceramic tiles and bathroom furnishings industries

62


NOVEMBER


NOVEMBER

91

product

designer79

Amsterdam-based designer, Robert Bronwasser likes to make you smile - and this is the philosophy behind his successful design studio, SMOOL

74A DESIGN DESTINATION

MOSCOW

141Get your hands on the latest products to hit the market

THE MARKETPLACE

Designed by VH Designs Studio, the Centre of Excellence, Ahmedabad embraces openness, monumentality and interconnection of spaces

84

132The Mumbai store of Atmosphere Furnishings, is designed for the discerning to awaken the senses, both visual and tactile

136

The C/Z House in Portugal designed by SAMI-architects included the pre-existing natural structure and topography in the design

123GREEN PROJECT

128

stARTT, won the first international edition of the Young Architects Program with its relaxing, recyclable pavilion installed at the MAXXI museum in Rome

Landscapes

114

Embark on an official tour on how modern offices have become a

significant and immersive trend in the commercial world

89


Kanupriya Pachisia Interior Design ConsultantKanupriya Pachisia is a practicing interior design consultant in Kolkata since the last seven years. Her philosophy resonates that a room should start a conversation before people start conversing.

Editor & Publisher Anish Bajaj

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj

Features EditorMala Bajaj

Assistant EditorShweta Salvi

Sub EditorRehana Hussain

Contributing WritersChryselle D’Silva DiasChristabelle AthaideDhanishta ShahHimali KothariK Parvathy MenonShruti Nambiar

DesignersAsif ShayannawarDarshan PalavSnigdha Hodarkar

Vanessa Horig Furniture Designer Vanessa is an NID graduate who loves to dabble in all kinds of arts. Her passion led her to design products with bamboo and wood, materials she adored for their versatility.

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Sami-architects Awash With Sunlight, Page 123.SAMI-architects studio was founded in 2005 by Ines Vieira da Silva and Miguel Vieira, in Setubal (Portugal). A recipient of several awards it was also included in the list of the 20 most promising young architects internationally by Wallpaper magazine in 2011.

Studio Nishita KamdarSubliminal Messaging, Page 26.Studio Nishita Kamdar is a multidisciplinary design practice, started by Nishita Kamdar in November 2014. They believe in the simplicity of design to create beautiful, complex and multi-functional spaces which appeal to its social and physical context. They are currently engaged in residential and commercial projects of varied scales.

Atelier Dnd Design For All Reasons, Page 38. Atelier Dnd co-founded by Anand Menon and Shobhan Kothari is an architecture + interior firm doing boutique work in the genre of residential, corporate, hospitality and retail. They treat design as a process; something arrived with due consideration of pragmatics but not limited by them.

Editorial & Marketing

MumbaiMr. Rakesh Kini (Head - Marketing)Mr. Ganesh Gurav, Mr. Vivek Jadhav,B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033T 022 23736133 / 23736131 / 23743069E [email protected]

DelhiMs. Sumita PrakashFlat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd,Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075Tel 09899179540, Email: [email protected]

ChennaiMr. S. VenkataraamanFlat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam MainRd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: [email protected]

KolkataMr. Subrata Mazumder2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605Email: [email protected]

Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj

We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may beprinted in whole or part without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. All objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.

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

CorrigendumIn The Marketplace section of the October 2015 issue, the image of Cera Style Studio was incorrectly placed alongside the write-up of Somany’s Optimatte wall tile collection and vice versa. The error is highly regretted.

E V E N T SPAST & FUTURE




The Chairman and Managing Director of Cera Sanitaryware Limited, Mr. Vikram Somany was recently awarded Business Knights at a function held by one of India’s leading business dailies.

The Business Knights Awards honours business leaders in India who are known to have contributed to the growth and development of the country. Mr. Somany has been bestowed the award for his efforts in establishing Cera and making it a leading manufacturer of bathroom solutions.

The brand Cera has a legacy of 35 years. Set up in 1980 in Gujarat, Cera manages the production of 3 million pieces per annum today, making it the largest single location plant in India.

It has also diversified into digital wall and floor tiles and offers a complete range of wellness products such as massage bath tubs and steam shower rooms as well.

www.cera-india.com

One of India’s leading online furniture and home store, pepperfry.com has launched Studio Pepperfry, a one of a kind concept store. The store showcases a curated range of furniture from Pepperfry’s online portfolio and provides design inspiration.

Cera CMD Conferred Business Knights Award, Gurgaon

30 SEPT

Launch Of Studio Pepperfry, Gurgaon

1 OCT

Launch Of The D’Decor Store, Ahmedabad

13 OCT

Launch Of Ficus At The Great Eastern Home, Mumbai

14 OCT

The Great Eastern Home, famous for its collection of luxury furniture, has recently launched a section of Ficus - Fine Living. Ficus offers a wide range of furniture, furnishings, home décors, artefacts, lighting, mirrors, beds, dining, tableware, linens, accessories, etc. that are inspired by nature. The brand will be spread across 2,400 sq. ft.

The offerings by Ficus blurs the boundaries between the exterior and interior and combines materials, textures, colours and forms to produce a contemporary yet timeless range. The brand also provides services that help the customers in all their interior décor needs. Its consultancy team advises the clients and architects on interiors as well. Moreover, one can also customise a piece of furniture.

www.ficusliving.com

D’Decor has recently launched a new store in Ahmedabad. The store is spread across two floors and spans over 4800 sq. ft and showcases a wide range of curtains, luxe upholsteries, cushions, bedding sets, rugs, blinds, decorative wallpapers, home décor accessories and more. The products have been designed by the best in-house and Italian designers.

The store will be displaying a beautiful collection composed of ornamental patterns on butterfly soft fabrics. There is a wide range of patterns such as geometrics, stripes, florals, etc. available in various colours to choose from.

The store also houses the 2015 festive collection, consisting of velvet and satin fabrics in elegant embroidery to lend a luxurious look to your homes. Besides the fabrics, on display are also D’Decor Blinds offering an assorted range of window coverings and blinds of various types including Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, roller blinds and shutters.

www.ddecor.com At Pepperfry Studio, various kinds of furniture will be available in front of you and give you an experience of the services and products provided by the brand.

There will also be interior design consultants armed with iPads to help you browse through the furniture range online. Moreover, the experts present will offer in-store design consultancy free of cost.

This is an exceptional, unique concept from Pepperfry. It radically changes the furniture buying process and turns it into an utterly delightful experience.

www.pepperfry.com

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The home décor store AnanTaya officially announced its storeroom launch on 26 October at The Kanota, Narain Niwas Palace in Jaipur. The showroom is pre-engineered and assembled, keeping in mind the essence of traditional Indian crafts.

The store launch was enjoined by Andraab, the house of fine pashmina in the celebration of the move, along with a live band performance by Kabir Café from Mumbai on 25th October. AnanTaya also launched a children’s range titled Ke Ki Ka, comprising of sets of two finger puppets created in crochet by under-privileged women.

The puppets are intended to bring to the fore tales from the Panchatantra. In the festive month of October, AnanTaya launched several enticing products including Fruits of Syria chandeliers, Nafees lassi glasses, Nafees elixir Karafe range for an exquisite dining experience, the Skin lamp range and much more.

www.anantayadecor.com

Art Miami, Miami, USA

1 TO 6 DEC

Architect At Work Paris, Paris

19 AND 20 NOV

The Paris edition of Architect at Work is set to take place on the 19th and 20th of November this year. An event for architects, interior designers, property developers and more, it focuses on ensuring optimal contact between exhibitors and visitors through its unique layout.

Art Miami is a leading international contemporary art fair that takes place every December. It is also one of the most significant art events in the US with more than 82,000 collectors, curators and art enthusiasts participating from around the world.

Art Miami, in its 26th edition this year, is dedicated to presenting defining artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries in conjunction with a selection of the most esteemed galleries in the world.

The event will commence with a VIP Private Preview on the first day, presented by Merrill Lynch, with the fair opening to the public from 2nd December. Art Miami’s line up for 2015 features 120 galleries from 19 countries, showcasing modern and contemporary artists as well as highly sought after international artists.

www.artmiamifair.com

One of India’s leading furniture solutions brands, Godrej Interio recently launched its new flagship retail outlet in Kirti Nagar, New Delhi, thus strengthening its presence in North India. The store spans 15,000 sq. ft. and houses products of the latest trends and designs.

Presenting innovative products, materials and applications, emphasising the exchange of ideas and knowledge and enabling the meeting of relevant specifiers over the short period of just two days are the main features of this event.Architect at Work Paris will be featuring an exclusive line up of artists besides offering a number of stimulating seminars.

Belgian artist William Sweetlove’s sculptures will be on display as well as the work of photographer Pierre-Olivier Deschamps, comprising twenty shots of industrial sites that highlight atmospheres so specific to architecture. Seminars include Le BIM et l’Architecture on the first day and Matières à histoires held by architect Hervé Beaudoin on the second.

paris.architectatwork.fr

Launch Of AnanTaya Store, Jaipur

26 OCT

Launch Of Godrej Interio Retail Store, New Delhi

29 OCT

Keeping in mind consumer insights and the latest market trends, Godrej Interio has on offer products that are modular, flexible and ones that help consumers manage space. All products are stylish and blend well with modern Indian homes.

There will also be a team of stylists and designers at the store to help and guide customers with home furnishing solutions that are functional and look good and are also in sync with the latest trends.

www.godrejinterio.com


Valerie Barkowski, Belgian textile designer and creative director of lifestyle brand No-Mad, quit her studies because she found the courses too structured and boring, and went on to fulfil her childhood dream of travelling the world. She has jumped continents, drawn inspirations from cultures spanning the globe, and over the years has worked across several disciplines that include textile design, product design, styling and branding.

Valerie’s gypsy heart translates her travel encounters into unique creations that venerate local handicrafts and are perfectly synced with our modern sensibilities. She is the happiest when working in a workshop, learning new techniques from the local artisans.

Over the course of time, Valerie has successfully spearheaded several lifestyle brands that have garnered worldwide recognition and in recent years has made her mark in India with her work for brands like Bandit Queen and No-Mad. Her intuitive and immersive designs have a cross-cultural flair that are timeless and transcend borders, much like Valerie herself. She is a drifter who weaves multi-cultural designs with a dash of originality.

Here, she talks about why she can’t be tied down to a place or a vocation, blending cultures in design, venerating crafts and its artisans.

Interview by Shweta Salvi

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You discovered design through travel. Walk us through this journey of self-exploration.

Through travel, I discovered and started my education in the world of crafts. It started probably in Morocco, when I visited the country for the first time and saw all the artisans at work everywhere. I quickly understood that this would be the beginning of endless possibilities for me. The first thing I made was a metal business card in the souks of Marrakech, then I worked for two weeks in a pottery workshop in Safi where I painted one of a kind large ceramic plates. From thereon I never stopped. Even when I was on a holiday in Lamu (Kenya) a few years back I designed a backgammon board and had it made by a local artisan during my stay.

You work across several disciplines - textile design, branding, styling, conceptualising and product design - do you find it difficult to champion all these domains or are they just an extension of your personality?

I have learned all these aspects because I had my own brands for several years and when you are the entrepreneur you need to go through all the departments. Also, I like to work on different disciplines because I need my head to be in a creative state of mind. Working always on the same programs is boring for me and not inspiring.

I like to explore and I don’t mind to work with contemporary

techniques as they offer different possibilities.

Your work reflects the local cultures and ethnicities (of different places), yet they are globally relevant and timeless. How do you manage to blend and harmonise the local techniques?

By spending time in the countries and in the workshops. I think it is the only way to learn and move forward.

Tell us something about your work for brands in India – Bandit Queen and No-Mad. What are their individual philosophies and goals?

Both are not my brands, these are two brands I have conceptualised for clients. I have discontinued Bandit Queen three years ago; the brand later was taken forward by my client. No-Mad started with entrepreneur Anuj Kothari, it was launched two years ago and I am still the creative director. We are finalising our new collection currently.


People who are concerned and sit

behind their desks are not always aware of

how it is “on site”, how artisans work, what their mentality is.

All the brands that bear your signature are handcrafted. Keeping in mind the times where even buildings are now 3-D printed, it would be interesting to know more about your special attachment with handcrafted products.

I love ancestral traditions and to dive into them, to learn and make new developments is very exciting. But, I am also interested by our contemporary world; in some designs of mine for Bandit Queen we used digital printing. I had the idea to make x-rays of flowers and also worked on other digital prints. That is not handcrafted. I like to explore and I don’t mind to work with contemporary techniques as they offer different possibilities. But yes, I prefer craft and the human aspect related to it.

Knowing about a craft’s modalities and knowing about it through the artisans must be a very different experience. How does that factor influence your designs?

When I make products that are handmade by artisans I first look at what kind of skills the artisans have and how they work. From there I take it further. What is the point to come up with designs that are not possible to make? Also, when you work with artisans and study their techniques these artisans are happy for the attention you give them and they are happy to share their knowledge and try to find solutions and new ways to produce our ideas. The bond between the artisan and the designer is strong … it is teamwork.

One craft or technique from India that you haven’t yet worked with and would like to explore...

There are many that I have not explored until now. Ikat is definitely a craft I would like to explore and work with. I am fascinated by these weaves.


Owing to lack of appreciation, the legacy of crafts and arts is gradually declining. As a result the artisans’ community of India is dramatically shrinking. You are doing a commendable job of supporting this legacy; however, what collective efforts should be made to make sure this treasure is not completely lost to us?

People are concerned about artisans but I think they often take the wrong route when they get involved with handcraft. It is always better to start very small and to have a community growing. But this takes time and efforts and people who are concerned and sit behind their desks are not always aware of how it is “on site”, how artisans work, what their mentality is.

India is losing a lot of skills, that is a fact, but there is a consciousness about that and an increasing number of young designers are working with artisans. Also, it is time to understand that handwork has a value and that something that was made by hand has a higher value than a manufactured industrial product. Each consumer is a part of the chain and instead of buying Chinese fabrics I think it is necessary to buy local products. That definitely helps and encourages the local products and craft.

Could you name any of your contemporaries whose work you admire?

Muccia Prada.

Tell us about your boutique property Dar Kawa in Marrakech, which you have designed in collaboration with architect Quentin Wilbaux.

The house was bought in 1996 and fully restored with architect Quentin Wilbaux, whose area of expertise is Arabic architecture and more particularly the medina of Marrakech. The house was built in the beginning of the 17th century, Insaadian style. The house was in very poor condition and it took us more than two years to restore it.

On a lighter note...

One of your pillow covers says, ‘Where do you want to spend eternity?’ ... considering your wanderlust, where would you like to spend eternity?

On earth.

[email protected]


SUBLIMINAL MESSAGING


The Open House is a beautiful penthouse in Ghatkopar, Mumbai; it is a family’s uncluttered, free-wheeling ensconce of peace and has been designed by Studio Nishita Kamdar.

Judging by how well it does the job, one is forced to wonder sometimes if concrete was in fact invented for the sole purpose of making all non-grey colours look extra charming! At The Open House in Mumbai, concrete is an aesthetic enabler as well as a cooling agent. But in its own simple way, it also helps break the ersatz design sensibilities of its surroundings.

“The typology of homes around here is blingy; stones and “imported” Italian marble finishes compete with veneer polished to its glossy best while expensive chandeliers scream out to their Swarovski brothers,” states Nishita Kamdar of Studio Nishita Kamdar, which designed the penthouse’s interiors.

SUBLIMINAL MESSAGING

Text By Shruti NambiarPhotographs Kunal Bhatia


In the context of Mumbai, ‘space’ is almost a philosophical entity. There is so little of it, and it is all so unevenly distributed, that architects and designers face no dearth of creative challenges. The Open House, located in Ghatkopar East, and privileged with more floor space than an average city home, is still understandably biased towards low clutter.

The brief asked for a simple, functional home, and the team from Studio Nishita Kamdar inscribed the answer to that request in every corner. The space manoeuvring, furniture-sharing, and door-less connectivity of this home are simply delightful.

The design team has realised a layout that is ideal for a family that is looking for a living space that is personal and private, but still has solid character. Two design interventions helped achieve this effect here. The first one was to do away with a strict door-enclosed-rooms policy. The living and common areas of the home have been planned to be fluid and inter-connected, and flushed with substantial sweeps of natural light and ventilation.

The double level living room melds effortlessly into the dining area as well as the kitchen that stands adjacent.


The dining area and kitchen coupling has an interesting element in the form of retractable metal and glass doors that can be pulled out when the need to segregate arises. It is a minimal and smart addition that speaks of the team’s highly nuanced approach to space-division.

“For privacy, these doors can be shut and form 2 distinct zones while still allowing light to filter in. This also allows the family to constantly engage with each other even when one member is in the kitchen and the others are eating at the table. There is a constant visual connect to all the spaces from here,” says Kamdar.

The other design manouvre was the allocation of discreet storage spaces around the home. Wherever there are walls here, there could be hiding places that hold the family’s belongings and private relaxation spaces.

The most brilliant example of it is the upper level media room which is concealed behind a beautiful blue wall that has a built-in partition that can be pulled across like a curtain and then drawn back. Its effect seems almost straight out of a fantasy fiction novel.


The chosen colour palette is a mix of the sublime that has been of-set

with polished wood,

white walls,

natural concrete.


In the rooms, the whimsy is established by brightly-coloured upholstery and cushions, while in the bathroom spaces, the job is fulfilled by busy-patterned tile fixtures. The interiors are sparsely populated with tall chic vases that in some places hold sturdy stalks of plants or flowers.

The flooring in the bedrooms is of deep chestnut, and here the spaces are made more interesting with the introduction of statement accessories like a beautiful swing, an angular red reading table and a tall mirror. “Hardwood in its natural form is treated in various ways; we have tried to reuse the smallest scrap of wood produced on site. Door handles, frames of art work, diwan backrests, were all made from leftover plywood and hardwood on site,” adds Kamdar.


The lamp fixtures, like almost everything here, are elegant and restrained, with a hanging cluster at the edge of the metal; the wooden staircase connecting the two levels of the living room is especially beautiful in its graceful form.

This temple of beauty opens out to an 800 sq ft terrace, where the brownness of the wood cladding gets happily punctured by colourful DIY pots and the natural delights of an open sky. Another evidence of the design team’s nuance here - the planting of fragrant herbs and plants like oregano, mint, basil and champa; these fill the space with soothing fragrances.

The Open House is a 4,200 sq. ft. testament to smart designing. The team from Studio Nishita Kamdar has built a home that is neither cluttered nor too sparse, neither too traditional nor too cold and minimal. And it managed to do all of this while keeping the family’s needs firmly at top priority. Now, that’s a great balancing trick if there is any.

[email protected]


Burano - an archipelago of four islands linked by bridges - is a city in northern Italy famous for its flamboyantly coloured homes. It is situated 7 kilometres from Venice, a 40-minute trip by motorboats. Burano has the distinction of being amongst the top most colourful cities in the world.

These colours follow a specific system originating from the golden age of its development.

If someone wishes to paint their home, one must send a request to the government, who will respond by making notice of the certain colours permitted for that lot.

Burano’s brightly painted homes represent every colour of the rainbow. Legend has it that the inhabitants began painting their homes in luminous colours so that the fishermen could see them even in the thick fog and avoid crashing into the shore after a voyage at sea.

The windows are decorated with multicoloured flower pots and drying laundry. And almost every house has a children’s bicycle parked outside adding to its persona.

Burano An everlasting Rainbow!TEXT AND PHOTOS BY VIDYAVATI CHANDAN

[email protected]

Apart from vividly coloured homes, lacemaking is the main craftsmanship attraction here. Known as “Burano Lace” these are embroidery done by local old ladies with the help of a special small pillow. You can also find lume glass work here.

Though it’s a canal city like Venice, Burano retains its own distinctive character. The Green water of the canals looks like an abstract painting due to the refection of the high-contrast coloured homes.

If you want to witness an everlasting rainbow a walk into the lanes of Burano is must!


“We’ve had to place the larger sofas with their backs up against the window, so that smaller single seaters could be placed opposite them. Having to view the backs of large sofas would have created a corridor-like effect in the living room, which was not desirable,” says Shobhan.

Text By Devyani Jayakar Photographs Sebastian Zachariah

Design for all Reasons

In the process of fine-tuning the circulation of spaces while combining two apartments in a Mumbai high-rise, Shobhan Kothari of Atelier Design N Domain also embarked on a stylish decorating journey which was not afraid of colour.


Part of the ceiling is vaulted, echoing the curved outline of the beveled mirror which stands on the floor. The flooring here is in wood, laid in interconnecting ‘tiles’ which take inspiration from the curves of the mirror.



“Give us a shell which can accommodate different changes in mood,” was the brief of the erudite, well-travelled clients. To which Shobhan Kothari’s response was to create apt spaces, with prime attention to flow and circulation.

“The problem with most skyscrapers in Mumbai is that there are many shear walls in concrete, offering no flexibility in the layout,” says Shobhan. “So although there was a considerable amount of space because the client had bought the entire floor, we ended up with an ‘East bank’ and ‘West bank’ scenario, after removing the wall between the two apartments. It was exciting to have a huge space, but the master suite was on one side of the living room, with all the other rooms on the opposite side. The sequence of spaces which is normally followed wasn’t possible and we ended up with the entrance in the centre of the apartment.”

So a conscious decision was taken to make the living room the protagonist, which would hold the two ends of the house together. However, the problem was still that, that part of the living room would have to become a circulation space, instead of one of utility.

“There was also a large window which looks out onto the world, which the sofas would normally face. But we’ve had to place the larger sofas with their backs up against the window, so that smaller single seaters could be placed opposite them. Having to view the backs of large sofas would have created a corridor-like effect in the living room, which was not desirable,” says Shobhan.

The entire ceiling in the living and dining space is a wooden expanse with two long slots which hold multiple pendant lights. Above the bar, there are spot lights in the slot instead of pendants. The arrangement ensures that the ceiling is clutter free, since the lights are restricted to a limited linear space. In the day, there is a wash of natural light from the windows.

There are two sets of seating arrangements, with the formal grouping near the entrance of the apartment and the more relaxed one near the bar.

The wall alongside the dining table has a 22 ft long floor-to-ceiling canvas depicting the Manhattan Bridge, generating interest within the room rather than relying only on the windows for a ‘view.’ While six of the dining chairs are upholstered in a pale neutral fabric, the ones at the head and foot of the table are distinguished by a floral pattern.

The master bedroom offers an unexpected vista at the entrance. Part of the ceiling is vaulted, echoing the curved outline of the bevelled mirror which stands on the floor. The flooring here is in wood, laid in interconnecting ‘tiles’ which take inspiration from the curves of the mirror.

A chair upholstered in a quilted canary yellow completes this tableau with its studied placements. The master suite has a lounge as well as ‘his n hers’ walk-in wardrobes. In the ‘her’ walk-in wardrobe, the wallpaper on the ceiling is in a pale lilac design, adding to the feminine vibe.

The children’s space has been designed like a suite, with an attached games room and two baths. The bedroom for two boys incorporates a bunk bed with a tree house feel to it; multi-coloured ‘steps’ and a hanging rope complete the picture.

Bright candy colours on some of the furniture have been created with Duco paint, announcing the likely age group of the inhabitants. In the games room there is a rainbow bar of colours on the settee under the window, which also provides storage. “But the family will not be looking at a huge revamp as the children grow. Just repainting the furniture and replacing the bright colours with more subdued tones will make the room age appropriate at a reasonable cost,” says Shobhan.

The attached bath recalls childhood games with the ‘lego’ wall behind the mirror, while the basin counter itself appears to be suspended by ropes, like a swing. In the bath attached to the games room, colour is more controlled, with just one accent in the bright yellow stool.

The study is a masculine space in leather and mustard coloured cabinetry. The kitchen has a simple dado and shutters, with the flooring in a patterned vitrified tile getting all the attention.


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Says Shobhan: “If all the furniture and accessories are removed, the shell should have the correct delineation of spaces. When there are no site forces to engage with, as in a bungalow, this is what it all boils down to. At the end of it all, a bed is a bed and a wardrobe is a wardrobe. The garnishes are just aesthetic choices. But an architect is supposed to look at spaces differently. There is a reason why a table can never be square or round in a given space. And once there are strong reasons, everything falls into place.”

[email protected] www.adnd.in



The artist’s themes are universal, playful narratives having to do with human connections and the natural world.


art form

Text By Christabelle AthaidePhotographs Rob Goldsborough

Fibre artist Salley Mavor brings together decades of knowledge about sewing, colour, design, storytelling and children to create exquisite tableaux using just fabric and found objects.

Sew Enchanting

If you belong to the category of people who tend to bracket needlework as another one of those pastimes of the retired set, you need only look at Salley Mavor’s intricate tableaux to see how misguided you are in your opinions. Salley Mavor’s unique needlework stems from decades of knowledge about sewing, colour, design, storytelling and children and shows us how this elementary form of surface embellishment can stand transformed in the hands of a true artist.

With great modesty Salley explains, “A needle is my tool, thread is my medium and stitches are my mark. I create 3-dimensional works of art that tell stories with needlework and found objects. I embroider, wrap, embellish and paint different materials and then hand-stitch them together.”

Salley’s exquisite book - Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes took three years in the making, eventually winning the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award and the Golden Kite Award.


Salley’s pieces are presented as tableaux in bas-relief, with scenery, props and characters assembled on fabric backgrounds in shadow-box frames. This is not needlework as we know it in the conventional sense. As an alternative art form, Salley’s tableaux impress us with their high degree of skill, richness of detail and symphony of textures.

If you feel encouraged to follow in Salley’s footsteps, be warned that needlework of this type requires patience of the extreme kind. The fibre artist who appears to be blessed with ample reserves of this quality says, “I find a calm thoughtfulness in the time-consuming, repetitive handwork. Slowing down like this helps me figure out what to do next. Each new piece has its own unique challenges to work out during the process, and for this, I let my hands take the lead.”

Salley’s fascination with needle and thread started off in childhood when she and her sister would spend hours stitching outfits and creating scenes for their dolls. She reminisces, “I was especially interested in all things miniature and of coming up with ways to decorate and furnish the dolls’ environment.”

Relating her enviable childhood, the artist reveals that it was her mother who had a big influence on her development as an artist. She adds, “There was always time for art and I never heard her say no to an imaginative scheme. She would help us gather supplies and teach us whatever we needed to make an idea come to life.”

As an illustration major at the Rhode Island School of Design, Salley was fortunate to meet a teacher who recognised her talent and set her free to work with needle and thread as an alternative to the conventional pen and paper. Salley says, “I stopped trying to translate the pictures in my mind’s eye through a brush or pen and found that I was happier and energised while manipulating materials in my hands. I was no longer struggling to keep in step. With a needle and thread, I could dance.”

This tableau addresses the passage of time, evolution and growth, and connections between human beings.


Salley spent her time in design school sewing obsessively to figure out different stitches and embroidery.


Salley’s artwork is widely photographed and reproduced in books, cards and posters. Her book - Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes (published in 2010) is an exquisite collection of popular nursery rhymes beautifully illustrated with needle and thread. Salley reveals the book took three years in the making but was well worth the effort when it won the prestigious Boston Globe/Horn Book Award and the Golden Kite Award.

Although Salley draws her themes from Nature and fairy folk she succeeds in creating engrossing tableaux rather than just pretty embroidery. She quips, “I want my artwork to be a kind of narrative that viewers can connect to, but isn’t too cutesy or superficial at the same time. Total abstraction leaves me hungry for more. I have to fall in love with my characters in order to devote so much time to the process of creating them.”

Although her work has won awards Salley admits that the mainstream art world has yet to acknowledge her craft seriously. “The narrative and decorative style of my pieces doesn’t really fit into the abstract, conceptual contemporary art scene. And I suppose that writing instructional books opened me up to being characterised as only a teacher of doll-making techniques,” she says wistfully.

But she also adds, “Showing how to make these ‘cute’ dolls and illustrating story books may have compromised my status in the art world, but knowing my work has touched many lives is of more value to me personally.”

The fibre artist is now keen to exhibit her original pieces, so that more people can view the detailing and texture of her work up close. Brimming with fresh ideas for the future, Salley reveals, “I am working on larger pieces (24”, 30”), which take 4 to 6 months to complete, so it will take a few years to accumulate enough new pieces.” That’s certainly something all of us can look forward to now.

[email protected] www.weefolkstudio.com

Salley embroiders, wraps, embellishes and paints different materials and then hand-stitches them together.


Text By Shibani Amin RangarajPhotographs Hufton and Crow;Courtesy Heatherwick Studio

The trendsetting sustainable design of a Learning Hub for the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore by London based Heatherwick Studio redefines spatial perceptions of university learning environments.

LEARNING CURVES

Thomas Heatherwick, principal and founder of London based multidisciplinary design firm Heatherwick Studio, is a well-known figure in today’s design realm with global award winning projects. An Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Thomas is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and has been awarded Honorary Doctorates from the Royal College of Art, University of Dundee, University of Brighton, Sheffield Hallam University and University of Manchester.

In 2013 he was elected a Royal Academician by the Royal Academy of Arts, London. The studio’s body of work is diverse, one that includes the Olympic Cauldron, the New Bus for London and the award winning UK Pavilion for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. Upcoming exciting projects dot different parts of the world and include a museum of contemporary African art in Cape Town and several large public space developments in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, London and New York.


The Learning Hub as seen within the campus; its starkly different form and finish makes an architectural statement.


The lift lobbies and bridge connections as seen externally. Fluted glass surfaces with rain protective materials cover bronze staircases. Combinations of semi covered walkways provide the indoor outdoor connection in various parts of the building.

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One of their notable projects in Asia, is the Learning Hub building in the Nanyang Technological University campus, Singapore. Heatherwick Studios won a competition for the design and the project, completed in March 2015, is an example of the studio’s design philosophy of “profound commitment, at every scale, to finding innovative design solutions with an absolute dedication to artistic thinking and the latent potential of materials and craftsmanship.”

Rethinking the diktat of traditionally designed classroom spaces that foster hierarchical functions of a teacher at the head of a lecture room, the NTU wanted spaces that would encourage contemporary ways of learning.

This came from the fact that today’s students use several modes of digital devices to learn. The design of the Hub needed to foster classrooms that were non-hierarchical and spaces where learning went beyond the classrooms and encouraged interaction between professors and students across various disciplines. Interpreting this opportunity of a new age learning system, the designers created an architectural landmark that creatively promotes interaction through its unique design.

The design outcome is a series of twelve eight storied towers that are inter connected and designed around a central atrium. Each of the towers houses circular classrooms or pods that visually open through large glass openings towards the central atrium.

The classrooms house circular tables that encourage group discussions between students and teachers. Each of the towers has open balconies that are connected and face the atrium in which interaction is facilitated creating a dynamic environment for learning and exchanging ideas. The towers are designed as a stack of these classrooms and narrow down towards the base. The centre facing balconies provide shade for each lower floor by reducing the solar glare.


Controlled amount of natural light enters through the main skylight above the central atrium. Openings between the circular towers allow for natural ventilation in the central atrium, corridors, staircases and lobby reducing the dependence on mechanical air conditioning. Also adding to the green tag that the building conforms to, was the introduction of natural foliage within the building on some floors and on the terrace rooftop gardens. This provides a cool indoor micro climate and respite from Singapore’s humid tropical climate.

View of the balconies that face the atrium within the building from a higher floor. The conical shape of the tower allows for shade to the lower floors as the shape of the balconies change at every level.


It’s no wonder then that the Learning Hub was awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award for sustainability by the Singaporean government in 2013. The environment friendly design saw the design team using form finished concrete as a finishing material for the buildings.

The design challenge of softening the concrete look within the building was ingenuously achieved by cladding the surfaces with bespoke casted concrete panels in the concrete stair and elevator cores. Drawings related to science, art and literature by illustrator Sara Fanelli, who was commissioned for 700 special drawings, were cast onto these concrete panels.

These provide a point of interest and discussion within the building while adding a new visual relief to the starkness of the concrete. The complex, curved, undulating and textured concrete form of the external facade was achieved by casting curved concrete panels with unique horizontal patterns using adjustable silicone moulds.

Additionally the sixty one angled concrete columns were also developed specifically with an undulating texture to conform to the texture play of the towers.

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Full glass fenestrations in the classrooms that face the atrium allow for a visual porosity to the classroom.


The Learning Hub has brilliantly interpreted the brief of the NTU to establish not only an interesting building in a tropical environment but an educational landmark that adeptly acknowledges the changing learning methods of the 21st century and one that has embraced modernity and sustainability with equal spirit.

[email protected] www.heatherwick.com


DESIGNQUEST

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Eames, Nakashima or Juhl? Who inspires you the most? If you recognise those names, then the world of furniture design is not a mystery to you. I have now heard these names, and many more for the last 5 years, ever since I started my design education. Even now, as a professional, examples of their ingenuity and simplicity of design never seem to leave my mind.

I graduated from the National Institute of Design (NID) last year and have since been working for a startup in Bangalore called Furlenco, a home furniture rental company.

My foray into design was a very intentional and somewhat inescapable journey. I had a flair for all kinds of art as a kid. My earliest memory of this was when I was sitting at the dining table and colouring while my grandmother prepared lunch. My parents were always proud of the fact that I coloured within the lines. I guess my love for neatness and accuracy began there.


Over the years I dabbled in a variety of arts including painting shoes, T-shirts, even my bedroom wall. I also enjoyed doing embroidery and paper crafts. After undergoing an aptitude test in the 10th grade, I was advised that design might be the right career choice for me. I spoke to a lot of people and did my own bit of research before I decided that it was indeed something that I could spend the rest of my life doing.

In June 2011, I started my design journey at NID. Over the course of the foundation year, I was exposed to many different ideas and skills, and I soon fell in love with wood. The most obvious choice for me at the end of the foundation year was to pursue furniture design. Over the next few years however I realised how delightfully diverse that stream actually is. It does not limit itself only to wood or chairs.

That is only the beginning. I designed lamps, installations, clothes hangers and my dream home among other things. I discovered bamboo, a material I adored for its sustainability and versatility. I designed and crafted a bamboo coat hanger which went ahead to win an award at the Pune Design Festival. Another interesting project I worked on was a stretcher for dogs, as part of the design for special needs course.

Here too, I was able to delve into a very different field of veterinary sciences and animal care. I tried to understand the behaviour and needs of pet owners while trying to keep the dog’s welfare in mind. Unfortunately the project did not advance to a prototype stage and is still just a concept.

I went on a four-month exchange to Germany, which provided me with a very different view on how design works in the west. The facilities and machines that students have access to, opens a number of doors to experimentation and innovation. I attended courses on wood carving, product design and exhibition design there.

One of the larger milestones of my design journey till date is winning the Briccole Design Award in 2014. I designed an end table that was selected from over 100 entries from India, and was given the chance to travel to Milan for the award ceremony, where also I had the opportunity of attending the Salone del Mobile fair, one of the largest furniture fairs in the world. I was left spellbound by the opportunity that furniture design had to offer. It is an experience that I will never forget.

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For my final design project in college, I worked with a small enterprise in Bangalore called Esthete. The brief was to design a sofa for modern technology and lifestyles, and Technopod was created over a five-month period. The asymmetrical sofa has plug points to charge gadgets, a lamp to facilitate reading and storage drawers to keep books, magazines and newspapers.

It even has an ottoman that can be pulled out to create a lounger. It turned out to be the perfect living room solution for the new-age generation which also created a lot of buzz, and shaped up into a well-rounded project from which I learnt a lot.

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During my current one year stint with Furlenco, I have designed Mili, a range for newly married couples. It is a compact and lively furniture set to create the perfect nest. I have used a combination of materials like rubberwood, metal and upholstery in Mili. Besides furniture design, I have also learnt a lot about marketing and understanding the customer’s requirements.

Over the years, in the process of making prototypes and models, I realised I enjoyed working with my hands and creating things myself. I never shied away from using machines in the workshop and made sure that the product was perfect to the last detail. It will possibly be this passion that will propel my future.

[email protected]


Cersaie attracted more than 101,000 visitors including industry professionals, journalists and consumers from all over the world.

The six product sectors showcased at Cersaie were represented by a total of 872 exhibitors at the show, including 319 foreign companies from 39 different countries such as Argentina, Japan, the UAE, the United States and several others.

The best represented sector was that of ceramic tiles with 491 companies (including 236 non-Italian), followed by bathroom furnishings with 226 participants. As usual, the commercial side of the show was complemented by events catering for the world of architecture, interior design, installation and end consumers. Cersaie began with the Keynote Lecture given by 2014 Pritzker Prize winner Glenn Murcutt and renowned architects Markus Bader and Arturo Franco discussed the theme of ‘Reinventing the City.’

The fair continued with conferences and talks on a range of subjects, along with its cultural programme titled ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking’ which included learning opportunities such as interactions with creative professionals and the second edition of the ADI Ceramics Design Award for innovative design in Italian ceramics.

The 33rd ediTion of Cersaie - The inTernaTional exhibiTion of CeramiC Tile and baThroom furnishings, was held in bologna, iTaly from 28Th sepTember To 2nd oCTober This year.

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Text By Alyssa Lobo

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1. Cotto’s Pætchwork/ Collection by Piero Lissoni. 2. The Day Off exhibit: a project for a weekend retreat, based on the principles of beauty and simplicity. 3. The ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking’ talk with architects Matthias Sauerbruch and Francisco Mangado. 4. Canvas Arabesque from the Canvas Collection by Ariana. 5. Exhibit at Cer-stile: an event that explores new concepts of liveability and regeneration of some typically Italian sites. 6. Glenn Murcutt delivers the Keynote Lecture on ‘Reinventing the City.’ 7. From Villeroy&Boch Tiles’ Metallic Illusion collection.8. Sicis exhibit: Sicis’ Gold line was used for the Flamant artistic mosaic panel with gold-leaf slabs.

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The exhibition Cer-Stile was an important event which explored new concepts of liveability and regeneration of some typically Italian sites. The exhibition used imaginary, surreal and ironic scenarios to showcase products and solutions from leading companies in their fields - from fashion and ceramics to furnishings and surface coverings, from bathroom furnishings through to cosmetics and textiles.

Day Off was an installation designed by Diego Grandi and promoted by EdiCer and Bologna Fiere, which was on display at Cersaie 2015. The project was for a weekend retreat, based on the principles of beauty and simplicity, which explores the relationship between man and nature.

Another new development is the Bologna Design Week, an event that brings together the cultural, productive and creative excellence of the local region in an integrated communication system. This initiative will transform the city of Bologna into a centre of attraction for Italian design, hosting a wide range of events including exhibitions, workshops and talks as part of eight thematic routes.

But as always, the main draw for Cersaie was the stalls which were showcasing their latest collections and innovations.

Cersaie showcased a wide variety of tile designs ranging from the minimalist and sedate to quirky. Among the most interesting was Design Job’s glass mosaic in the Neogothic style for Bisazza. Named ‘Perished’, the design consists of skeletons of various animals and birds in black and white, as well as with Bisazza’s new rose gold mosaic tiles.

An interesting development is the introduction of Tonino Lamborghini high range ceramic tiles, in partnership with GS Luxury Group and Formitalia. The tile range is a part of the larger Tonino Lamborghini Home, a luxury living concept from the company that gave us the Lamborghini car.

www.cersaie.it/en

1. Studio Job’s ‘Perished’ in glass mosaic for Bisazza. 2. Winners of the ADI Ceramics Design Award. 3. ABK’s Do Up Collection: innovative use of graffiti for a children’s bedroom wall.4. Silverstone - from Tonino Lamborghini Tiles & Style / Collection ‘15.

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Cersaie made its mark by bringing together the world’s design and trade community for developing global business and fostering international trade


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Amangalla is situated within the 400 year old Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), occupying a cluster of colonial buildings formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel.


THE JEWELS OF CEYLON

Text By Natalie Pedder BajajPhotographs Courtesy Aman Resorts

Aman’s two properties in Sri Lanka Amangalla (Sanskrit for peace and the Singhalese name for Galle) and Amanwella (a combination of peace and beach) are both diametrically opposite but equally as alluring. A picturesque two-hour drive from each other, Amangalla is situated within the 400 year old Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), occupying a cluster of colonial buildings formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel; while Amanwella is close to the village of Tangalle, nestled languidly within a coconut grove on the beach.

Amangalla was re-opened in February 2005 after extensive renovation and restoration. The architecture, interiors and landscape of the property was helmed by Kerry Hill Architects Singapore, while the lighting was done by David Skelley of DJCoalition. Conceived as a grand residence (the restaurant as the Dining Room and the lobby as the Living Room), the design encapsulates the essence of a Sri Lankan home.

Influenced by the work of famous local architect Geoffrey Bawa and keeping in mind the antiquity of the property, tradition permeates Amangalla from the roof tiles (that were collected over a period of time and even bought from the houses of surrounding villagers) to the furniture (made from an aged coconut wood called Kithulat, from a traditional workshop in Bentota).


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Proffering 28 bedrooms, chambers and suites, and a two storied Garden House, the master plan is a modern composition of separate pavilions connected by a series of colonnades, courtyards and reflection ponds - like a beach house exposing itself to the elements, weathered and slightly rusticated.

Extending the length of the hotel in the front is a lofty ceilinged verandah that houses the entrance. Nudged into a bygone era, guests can watch the comings and goings of the Fort while eating breakfast, enjoying afternoon tea or even sipping on an evening cocktail. Opening onto the verandah on one side, is the Great Hall or Zaal as it was known in Dutch colonial times.

Featuring soaring ceilings, period lighting and stately overhead fans, The Great Hall is a versatile space providing an intimate setting with a colonial accent. Situated at one end of the Great Hall is the Dining Room, furnished with period tables and chairs, stiff white linens and antique silverware - an amalgamation of old-style Sri Lanka and Europe.

The guest rooms at Amangalla speak the same colonial language as the public areas, enunciating similar tones, textures and forms. Polished teak floorboards (dating back to the building’s origins) and countless antiques decorate not only the halls, but the bedrooms and suites as well. Large picture windows in every room outline charming views of the Fort or the hotel’s lush gardens outside, while Chincherinchee in glass vases (the hotel’s signature bloom) speckle the enchanting interiors.

Airy and spacious, every bedroom is wrapped in crisp white linens and classic prints, peppered with solid silver and rattan touches. Complementing the polished teak or jack wood floors is the writing desk, an antique four-poster bed, chaise lounge, planter’s chair, dining table and pettagama chest, while bathrooms feature twin vanities, freestanding bathtubs, hardwood towel stands, framed full-length mirrors and an armoire.

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Bathrooms feature twin vanities, freestanding bathtubs, hardwood towel stands, framed full-length mirrors and an armoire.

The two-storied Garden House, dripping with old-world romanticism (including its own private butler) is located on the resort’s grounds. Enveloped by lush foliage, it feels removed from the hotel itself, yet it is just steps away from the pool. The delightful sitting room on the ground floor opens onto a bedroom, and a staircase leads to the lounge, dining area and a quaint balcony above.

Kerry Hill Architects have taken great lengths to retain as many existing trees as possible during the landscaping of this property, also planting trade mark saplings such as Frangipani in the key courtyards and public areas. Amangalla’s spa, known as ‘The Baths’ can be found hidden amongst the verdure. An arched hallway leads guests to classic treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion, salon and even a traditional barber shop.

Set within the resort’s gardens, the pool was designed to be part of the public areas. This sprawling water body embraces and reflects the elements surrounding it - its ribbed walls even mimicking wind swept ripples. Shaded ambalamas and a number of sun loungers dot the pool area where guests can loll and enjoy the day.

The stately Grande Dame of Galle Fort, Amangalla is a genteel symbol of a bygone era, where colonial charm and Sri Lanka’s rich culture combine to offer a unique experience.

Complementing the polished teak floors in the suite’s lounge is a writing desk, chaise lounge, planter’s chair, dining table and pettagama chest.


The Lounge Bar stretches alongside the restaurant with a shared terrace and similar panoramic views.

The red pebbled Arrival Pavilion has been inspired by Sri Lanka’s most notable modern architect, Geoffrey Bawa.

Amanwella, Aman’s other property is a contemporary beach resort on the south coast of Sri Lanka - offering 30 suites, each with a private terrace and plunge pool planned within a beach fronted coconut grove.

The resort is accessed via a gravel road that winds through thick vegetation before reaching a distinctly red pebbled courtyard that leads to the Amangalla’s main facilities. This Arrival Pavilion has been inspired by Sri Lanka’s most notable modern architect, Geoffrey Bawa - it is a breezy, colonnaded, open-air structure overlooking a verdant courtyard and reflection pool, ensconcing the library at its heart.


The Restaurant located adjacent to the Arrival Pavilion is perched eight metres above sea level, suspended above the pool, the palm trees and the ocean beyond.

On either side of the library is the restaurant and the lounge bar - both open on all sides, offering spectacular views of the bay. The restaurant located adjacent to the Arrival Pavilion is perched eight metres above sea level, suspended above the pool, the palm trees and the ocean beyond. Large doors create an open-plan where indoor and outdoor seating is on two elevated levels - both overlooking the fragrant Frangipani courtyard on one side and the ocean on the other.

The lounge bar stretches alongside the restaurant with a shared terrace and similar panoramic views. A staircase leads down from the restaurant and ounge bar to the pool terrace and swimming area.


The 47-metre pool, dotted with sun loungers, features a unique internal-wall design - offering guests in the pool an exclusive viewing gallery of the unfolding scenery. An alternative venue for dining, the Beach Club is located on the shore at the southern end of the property and is set amidst swaying coconut fronds.

Winding pathways lead guests to the suites which are all set along the hillside facing the beach, although some are perched nearer to the shore line. All rooms are identical in layout and design, mostly free-standing while some share a connecting terrace door, ideal for families travelling together.

Though contemporary, the design incorporates local materials such as terracotta roofing tiles and hand-hewn stone walls. Terrazzo floors finished in muted, sandy tones reflect the surrounding beachscape, while suites open on both sides encouraging seamless indoor/outdoor living.

Floor-to-ceiling glass and latticed panels reveal a private walled-in courtyard and pool on the entrance side of the dwelling, while on the other side they open onto a spacious terrace with a double sun lounger, an alfresco dining area and expansive jaw-dropping views.

Large timber sliding panels separate the interior space (a combined sleeping and living room) from the open-plan bathroom. The central area features a king-size bed, writing desk, armchair, daybed and credenza, while the spacious bathroom beyond includes a free-standing bathtub, twin vanities, a dressing area and rain shower.

Amanwella is a destination where wellness and nature go hand in hand. Spa treatments are offered in beautiful gardens by the locals, while yoga is conducted in a coconut grove on the sand. Writer Leonard Woolf seems to aptly sum-up this immeasurable Aman experience in just a few lines, “The evening air is warm and gentle. An enormous sky meets an enormous sea. The stars blaze in the sky and blaze in the sea… there is no sound in this melodrama of a tropical night except a faint lapping of the sea, and now and then a shivery stir of palm leaves.”

[email protected] [email protected] www.amanresorts.com

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WHERELocated in the western part of Russia, Moscow is the capital of the country and the largest city in the European subcontinent. With over 40 percent of its area covered in greenery, Moscow is one of the greenest large cities of the world. This fact combined with much architectural splendour, that dots the city makes for a charming cityscape.

MOS COWDESIGNDESTINATION


WHENBeing the northernmost and cold-est metropolis in the world, the city experiences a severe winter. For those who can brave the weather, the snow-covered landscapes make for a breathtaking vista. By April sunshine creeps in to thaw the city and by summer Moscow is in full bloom, the most popular time for visitors.

WHY From medieval times to the rule of the Tzars in Russia to the formation of USSR and finally the Russian Federation in 1992, Moscow has been at the centre of many world-changing historical events. World Heritage sites like the Kremlin and the Red Square and other symbols of its past abound alongside the contemporary structures that allude to its position as a leading global city.

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Wooden double boxes take up floors two and three while the black and white single boxes occupy the fourth floor. The ceiling and the floor is uniform across all the floors to ensure continuity and harmony between all the spaces. An area on each floor has been set aside for shower and toilet cabins lined up in a row.

Joints between each cabin illuminated with LED give the space an ultramodern look. With an excellent location and privacy at cheap prices the Sleepbox Hotel looks to fill the gap between hotels and hostels.

IN THE BOX SEAT

The snow-white reception desk peeks out at the pedestrians walking past the glass doors of the Sleepbox Hotel in downtown Moscow. The futuristic design of the ground floor is in sync with the concept of the hotel. Maps, railway schedules and wall-mounted iPads make up the information zone next to the reception desk.

The three floors above are fitted with Arch Group’s sleep-boxes, originally designed to meet the need for a spot of quiet in the middle of chaotic spaces like airports, malls, etc. By fitting an unused building with sleep-boxes, Arch Group has created an inexpensive hotel in a premium location.


ON A PRAYER

A riot of colours grabs the attention of all visitors to the Red Square. This motley arrangement of onion-shaped domes and towers is the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the most recognised image of Russia. Each dome is decorated in different colours and different patterns, lending it an appearance that is not usually associated with a place of worship.

Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine cathedrals. A maze of stairways and arches within the cathedral connect all the chapels. Geometric and floral patterns in a myriad of colours stretch across the interior walls and ceiling. St. Basil’s Cathedral’s oriental vibe is evocative of Russia’s connect with both Europe and Asia.


SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Departmental store may be the category it may fall under but that is not a term that can define GUM by the widest stretch of one’s imagination. Built over a century ago as Upper Trading Rows, the present GUM is a trading and entertainment complex.The 242 metres long façade of the building stretches across the eastern length of the Red Square. The three levels inside are linked to each other by walkways.

The most dramatic element of GUM is the semi-circular arched glass roof that tops the mammoth building. The use of glass lends lightness to its appearance and allows natural light to filter in. A recent addition is an illumination project that uses light to highlight the architectural elements in the building’s façade. GUM is a classic example of bridging legacy and development.

EAT LIKE THE GODS

If first appearances are anything to go by, the ornate entrance to the restaurant Godunov sets the tone for the unique experience that lies ahead. Housed in an erstwhile monastery founded in the 17th century, the restaurant recreates the charm of dining in an old Russian mansion.

Divided into three halls – red, yellow and green – the restaurant manages to exude warmth despite the elaborate interiors. Intricate patterns extend from the walls to the gold-plated ceiling.

Wooden tables and carved chairs and antique light fixtures add to the lavish ambience. The menu which is made up of recipes curated from ancient culinary books completes the vintage experience.

Text By Himali Kothari


Robert Bronwasser likes to make you smile - and this is precisely the philosophy and driving force behind his successful design studio.

Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias Photographs Courtesy The Designer

Home Review November 2015 79

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Colourful, shapely and useful are three words that spring to mind when one looks at the prolific portfolio of Amsterdam-based designer Robert Bronwasser and his design studio SMOOL.

His motto is simple: to put a daily smile upon your face. That, in fact, is the philosophy behind his designs, all of which aim to be smart, modest, iconic, logical and enjoyable.

Do the designs pass the test? Let’s see.Bronwasser has been designing industrial and interior products for over twenty years now. It comes as no surprise then, that right from the beginning, his designs have been consistently innovative and honest. His lines are straight-forward and the products are clearly seen for what they are intended. There are no surplus flourishes or unnecessary design statements.

Take his collection for interior brand Cascando, for example. Who knew there could be so many fun designs for coat hangers? Flower is a coat stand that enlivens your space and also holds umbrellas, Tree is another free standing coat-stand that can hold up to 20 coats and jackets. Snow is inspired by a snow crystal, while the Pole is true to its name.

The variety of designs apart, the simplicity and usefulness of the design is important here. The Kangaroo wall hook is decorative on its own, but is also terrific for hanging a coat or shirt by the shoulders, like a traditional hanger, keeping the creases out.

Apart from coat hangers and wall hooks, Bronwasser’s Cascando range also includes the Leaf magazine rack, Round20 brochure holders and conference tables Blog Table.

Pole

Flower

Tree

Snow

Kangaroo


Also for Cascando is the innovative Pillow Space series of room dividers. The foam-based Pillow Space has sound-absorbing properties. It can be fitted with a clothes rail, shelves, or lockers inside and coat-hooks or magazine racks on the outside, making it a truly functional item.

The Casual range of chairs is something we could all do with in our homes. Why? Because it has several storage options embedded within the elegant design. A detachable side pocket and a storage compartment at the back puts things literally at arm’s length.

Bronwasser has an extensive portfolio of interior products ranging from honeycomb shaped foam wine racks called Grape’ for Goods, colourful watering cans that minimise spillage - Spring for Goods, lightweight foam trays that double up as laptop trays - James and the SMOOL Bucket.

Got a nose for money? You might like this irreverent take on the traditional piggybank. The Moneypig is part of an earthenware series for Royal Goedewaagen. Traditional blue and white design meets contemporary fun in the form of a detachable gold nose on the pig. The series also has the Tulip Tile which is a tulip vase made from two tiles, Tableware, and Ceramic People - Holly, Bolly and Dolly.

The Ceramic Kitchen range of toasters, citrus presses and kettles brings modern pottery concepts to everyday objects. In beautiful neutral colours with grey lids, the range is instantly identifiable and gives appliances an integrated, cohesive appearance. The Kitchentools range of kitchen utensils has one innovative feature - a magnet in the handle allows you to hang the utensils without any hooks.

Pillow Space

Round20

Grape

Leaf

Casual

James


The Hommedia TV is another unusual concept which gives your television a centre-space while hiding its ugly or bulky design. A dress for the TV, if you will.

The award-winning Crave collection for PMI Aladdin is a series of leak-proof containers with built-in bowls and cups. No more spilled food or plastic bags.

The One cup is actually several cups that are part of a set for Simon Levelt. The porcelain cups are of different sizes yet all fit into a uniform saucer. The iconic handle is an integral part of the design.

Apart from industrial spaces and interiors, Bronwasser has also designed vehicles like the Qwic range of electric scooters and bicycle accessories like the chain guard for Multi by Axa.

The designer’s philosophy and sunny approach to life is also reflected in his stunning and brightly-lit studio. Decorated entirely with SMOOL products, the studio is a happy, cheerful place spotted with colourful furniture, wide-open rooms and a necessity for a proud Amsterdam resident - a space for bicycles. That’s more than enough to make anyone smile.

[email protected] www.robertbronwasser.com

Spring

Hommedia TV

Crave

One cup series

Qwic-Q


“The liberal composition of the façade, generated from free forms and shapes, symbolises the philosophy of the design,” says Pankaj Gandhi.


The Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad is a two storeyed building, designed by architect Pankaj Gandhi of VH Designs Studio. It is a venue for various industries to conduct their in-house training, conferences, exhibitions and meetings.

Text By Anita Natu Photographs Suraj Vyas

Situated in the midst of the Vatva industrial zone, on the Ahmedabad-Vadodara highway, this cube-like structure is set on a 10,000 sq. m. site. A monumental sandstone sculpture leads the eye to the glass-walled entrance. Balance is achieved by offsetting the severe concrete façade with curved walls and a landscaped garden.

Three of Le Corbusier’s iconic buildings are part of the narrative of Ahmedabad. It is therefore, not surprising that Pankaj Gandhi draws inspiration from him. “The building tends to celebrate the very existence of human beings and their colourful life through spaces which allow freedom of thoughts. The liberal composition of the façade, generated from free forms and shapes, symbolises the philosophy of design,” states Gandhi.

Gandhi further adds, “The purpose of the building was the driving force of the design. Intangible qualities like openness, monumentality and interconnection of spaces were considered in its design.” The interior of the Centre gives the impression of large, well-lit spaces punctured with curved openings and walls, interspersed with splashes of colour.

The glass-walled entrance is the perfect foil for the rounded walls of the ATM outside, which is reflected by an additional curved wall inside the reception area.

APTLY INSPIRED


“Institutes are used by people. As architects, while designing an institute, we keep people well in our minds and consider their activities, movement and needs. These facts are at the core of the concept and the entire design revolves around them. The attempt is to always design communicative spaces wherein each space has a dialogue with many other spaces. Moreover, an institute like this addresses a particular group of people connected through a common ideology and purpose,” explains Gandhi.

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The reception is a large double height space which connects the public areas on the ground floor. These include a multifunction hall which has a capacity of 550. This not only serves as an auditorium and conference space, but can also house exhibitions, as the seats in this space are not fixed. The hall has a span of 90 feet and is well designed for acoustics, with a Noise Reduction Coefficient of 1.

For the convenience of users, there is an independently accessed ATM and cafeteria with an attached kitchen. In addition there is a training room and some offices with starkly designed interior spaces. Strategically placed punctures and skylights, light up the spaces on the first floor, especially in the interconnecting spaces between the auditorium and guest rooms.

These areas are wide enough to double up as informal meeting places when conferences and training sessions are in progress. The 280 seat auditorium, along with the adjoining conference room, is ideal for corporate board meetings. The C-shaped table in the conference room echoes its curved wall, which is visible from the outside. This leads into a balcony from which the landscaped garden below can be easily viewed.

To ensure peace and quiet, the library is isolated from these areas, on the opposite side of the Centre. Functional spaces like toilets are also in a private corner of the building.

In this age of global warming, the design of this building strives to reduce consumption of energy resources. The longer side, along which the public areas are located, is oriented north-east. This lowers heat absorption and at the same time provides natural light and ventilation.

Section of the Centre of Excellence.

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Sky-lit toilets on the first floor reduce consumption of electricity. The dry and hot climate of Ahmedabad is countered by providing deep set windows with horizontal louvers. In addition vents have been provided at higher levels to allow hot air to escape from the building. By maximising usage of natural light and ventilation, maintenance costs have been reduced considerably.

Since this Centre is located in a predominantly industrial area, air pollution was a matter of concern. Narrow openings on the south west façade lessen deposition of fly ash from the surrounding area.The landscaped site, with lush greenery and a water body helps to control the micro climate and keeps it cooler than the neighbourhood. The international firm, Jevaro Décor has designed and crafted the 24’ long sandstone sculpture that symbolises the evolution of mankind.

The form finished concrete, the punctures in the wall, the play of light and the landscaped garden with its sandstone sculpture are all reminiscent of Corbusier’s buildings. Gandhi’s building fulfills the purpose of a Centre of Excellence, while also being a modern bioclimatic structure in keeping with the times.

[email protected] www.vhdesignsstudio.com

Ground Floor Plan of the Centre of Excellence.


diwali special

A Harmonious Juxtaposition Of Creativity

Lighting & Accessories

Storage Systems

Chairs & Workdesks

THE MODERN OFFICE

91

Art In Situ

104

A Building Of The Future

94

108Modular Workspaces

106

Delineating The Design Mindset

96

110

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We spend almost 10 years of our lives at work. It becomes befitting then to have a well-organised and functioning workplce to accomplish these tasks. Home Review’s special segment brings you the latest concepts and products that can be incorporated in your office.


Today employers have become increasingly aware that they need to use the work environment conducively to set their business apart. The modern office has become a

perk for staff, clients and owners to enjoy. This special issue previews how a physical space integrates and stimulates people, projects and technology.

In the modern office special, Home Review reveals how offices have evolved from ‘closed doors’ to ‘work anytime, anywhere’ places. Our product sections highlight some

of the latest modular workspaces that have become the hub of office planning along with chairs and workdesks that are ergonomically tuned and key in space planning.

We have featured the latest storage systems, lighting elements and accessories which spruce up the modern office and make it more user efficient.

Also, do not miss our international project review on architect Zaha Hadid’s latest venture, the Dominion Building in Moscow which takes architecture and interiors

to a higher level. Designers now use contemporary and collaborative works as a trend to maximise productivity. We cover how designers from across the country are

exemplifying this idea through their innovative office ideas. The SanDisk Office is yet another delightful slice of the modern office model.

This special issue promises to take you on an official tour on how modern offices have become a significant and immersive trend in the commercial world.

THE MODERN OFFICEIf you’ve stepped into a space that caters to collaboration, focus and innovation, you’ve stepped into a modern office. Home Review brings to you an array of products, solutions and ideas pertaining to the workspace that will transform your office into a modern one.

Text By Kanupriya Pachisia

A storage system by Bleu Concepts.

Office

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American Walnut coffee tables and American Cherry Hard Wood chairs by Essentia Environments.

PB Home Review November 2015 Home Review November 2015 91 91 Home Review October 2015

Made in Earth created this cheerful foster home for HIV-positive children in Tamil Nadu, using sustainable techniques and community involvement.

Text By Chryselle D’Silva Dias

Entirely made of recycled products, it is planned in an open office format where interactions are encouraged and ideations are greatly emphasized upon. With every step into the space one sees philosophies being manifested.

Bathed in soothing ivories, pines and yellows, the office defies the feeling of a formal workspace. Its youthful energy charges across as simply contagious. Sliding doors that double up as partitions, pose as an idiom pertaining to the open floor plan concept. The doors in chunks of pine bolted to metal frames with gaps in between, restate a feeling of openness.

White bookshelves against bright yellows and greens are sure to hold your gaze as a glass partition next to them mirrors the wooden doors. The table top in yellow and white not only holds your attention but also makes sure that even after a long day, the most tired of employees wouldn’t mind taking a seat to catch up on some research.

Shipping crates identify themselves as open libraries and the back wall translates into a pin board. Bookshelves are stacked inside a unit to a side wall that lies adjacent to another statement wall. White bricks and POP art merge well into each other, redefining the charm of white texture over texture. Paintings fixed on shipping crates respell the quirky element along with the lights that are conversions of old grampophone speakers.

The sunflower stencil cut wall in the reception does its bit beautifully in introducing you to M:OFA and definitely uplifts the mood through its bright colour. Punctuated by spurts of vibrant hues, this trendy office forces you to sit around a while longer.

A HARMONIOUS JUXTAPOSITION OF CREATIVITY‘Manifestation of Fluid Architecture’, condensed to M:OFA gives this Delhi design studio the most talked about identity. It depicts designing as an attitude. The main theme running across its varied projects is ‘sustainable responsible collaboration. The following open, free flowing office spaces are those of high energy where passionate individuals get together and collaborate responsibly to create a product of their own expertise. The subtle yet stark use of recycled materials creates a sub-context of environmental sensitivity.

Photographs Courtesy M:OFA Studio

M:OFA Studio’s Office





The design of this Indian Premier Cricket League team’s office design infuses the same energy and dynamism witnessed on the pitch. Keeping teamwork and individuality in mind, the office is made along a semi-formal open plan with multiple overlaps between working and meeting areas. Your conception of this space would have you pendulating between the nuances of the informal and the crispness of the formal in a playful yet distinctive manner.

Apart from a formal conference room, an informal discussion room called ‘the think tank lounge’ has been designed as a swirl of energy. The NURBS (Non Uniform Rational B – Splines) Model was further constructed economically using a slender steel cage that was covered by modules of 4 inches by 3 feet wooden planks derived from recycled shipping pallets, a size that is approximately synonymous to that of a cricket bat. It has become the back-bone of the design with individuals and the team strategizing together across hierarchy.

The red acrylic divider panels between workstations are a good blend of whimsy and play. The same desks with clear glass partitions find place in the executive cabins. The entire look and feel of the office has been kept sporty with the controlled use of corporate reds, ambers and greys. It is a perfect union of work and play by M:OFA in which the interiors only motivate and uplift leaving no room for the dull.

Delhi Daredevils’ Office





It is not a simple task to design an office for a media house that is usually buzzing with creative ideas and stories. Hence, M:OFA Studio took up the task to explore the unusual concept of ‘un-designing’ in order to design the office. The term ‘un-designing’ translates into creating a space that leaves incomplete clues for the inhabitants of the office to interpret.

The great height available at site made M:OFA opt for an open plan. The height also helped them create an installation of hanging lights above the workspace and a mezzanine floor for the accounting team, that posed as a reminisce of the media houses belonging to the bygone era. The editorial and ideation rooms were located below to give the agency a strong foundation for the millions of ideas that germinate and get published every month.

The design language is kept simple with industrial overtones through the use of exposed steel structures, service ducts and conduits. The overall neutral scheme is broken at the workstations by way of synchronised colour over the upholstery. The large green light reflectors have been used as metaphors depicting idea bulbs hanging over one’s head. The palette is monochromatic with the corporate colours being the highlight. The space leaves a blank canvas for creativity versus bold tones that probe the user’s mind, constantly stimulating it.

[email protected] www.mofastudio.com

Maxposure Media Group (I) Pvt. Ltd’s Office


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Anchored in Moscow’s Sharikopodshipnikovskaya Street, on Lyublinskaya Line of Moscow Metro, The Dominion is amongst the first new superstructures constructed for the burgeoning IT sector in the capital’s south east. The building explores futuristic design as it comes under the spotlight of international recognition. Zaha Hadid’s Dominion is another of her signature works that stands at the edge of architectural uniqueness.

Hadid’s design philosophy draws inspiration from the avant-garde style of the 1920s. The Dominion Tower is a critique of mass architecture, where each floor is the same. Hadid has tried to break the conventional trend by putting more diversity into the building’s exterior. The selected shape tends to hold a dialogue with the environment.

It doesn’t have a smooth façade, transforming the building into a box. Instead it is a set of vertically stacked plates, linked through curved elements along with a central atrium that captures natural light and disperses it through the building.”It is not a single object, but several objects,” says Hadid.

The black and white interior is dramatically different to the building’s exterior. The simple yet bold staircase makes a statement. “The aim was to create a feeling of flight, with spatial integration stemming from criss-crossed flights of stairs, lit by the atrium above. As human beings we need to reach a level of simplicity; simplicity is actually a product of complexity and not the other way around,” explains Hadid.

The aim was to create a feeling of flight, with spatial integration stemming from

criss-crossed flights of stairs, lit by the atrium above.

A BUILDING OF THE FUTUREWith mostly all her structures emerging into design icons, celebrated architect Zaha Hadid has been redefining the global architectural map. The Dominion Building epitomises this once again.

Photographs Hufton + Crow Photographers


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Office units are arranged as rectilinear bays offering mixed possibilities to businesses of varying sizes. On the peripherals of the atrium, housing the lifts, fire escapes, washrooms and service shafts, the service cores extended intervals of privacy to separate offices. The service core ring encompassing the atrium and a bay of columns approaching the boundaries of the building, form the structure.

The off-set-floor-plates are balanced between opposite sides of the building. Transfer beams replace columns in some zones to facilitate uninterrupted floor space. An art installation by Bruno Periera has been commissioned to work for the upper floor.

An underlying logic within each design is pushed to highest standards till the programme becomes iconic but that is not her aim. “It is something which evolves through the design process,” clarifies Hadid.

“Architecture can also assist in the reorganisation of living patterns in a more meaningful way,” explains Hadid.

With projects across 55 nations, The Dominion marked her debut in yet another country. The last three decades have witnessed immense and noteworthy contributions from her. She deconstructs her constant driving force as a commitment towards society, to constantly raise standards to make people feel good in their spaces.

Delayed by the 2008 economic crisis, yet completed in three years, The Dominion stands like an exclusive lyrical piece coining Hadid as a revered architectural composer.

[email protected] www.zaha-hadid.com


Section





DELINEATING THE DESIGN MINDSETThe design industry today is budding with young talent who believe in mysticism with an interior goal, where you are your own temple and your own priest. It represents a forum that enforces credence in a psychic connection with a vision that it holds right till the end, making a bold statement. We visit some modern office spaces that speak the intrinsic language of design philosophies harboured by young and upcoming design firms like Jagya Designs, Neogenesis + Studi0261, Patch Design Studio and Planet 3 Studios.


‘Jagya’, or space in Gujarati is the key raw material in the design process of architect Sanjay Ramani, reflecting in this workplace as a natural, rough and vernacular effect. The constituents that compose this space depict a distinctive design with a definite identity and purpose. The design process attempts to redefine, working against the law of existence and forcing the object in question to leave its originality and transform into something new.

Experimentation leads to drainage pipes and tyres becoming light holders, cardboard rolls and oil containers supporting table tops and pieces of paper turning into wall cladding material. The logo made of bricks and cement equates itself with the substance of any built form. Text embedded in terrazzo floors guide you through, while ceiling shades shift between black and white. Nature peeps in from every possible opening and a dark passage leads to the main cabin changing the experience once again.

[email protected] www.facebook.com/jagyadesign/timeline?ref=page_internal


Jagya Designs Jagya Designs’ Office

Photographs Courtesy Jagya Designs

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Patch Design StudioPocket Aces Private LimitedPhotographs Kunal BhatiaPhotographs Courtesy Patch Design Studio


The non-conventional brief provided by the digital media startup was of an informal space reminiscent of a café with storage facilities. A two feet thick wall providing sound insulation to the screening room was built around quiet zones, segregating them from open workspaces.

Niches in the wall were provided as spaces to rest and ideate and also hold large volumes of storage. Its length was animated by parrot green upholstered seating, while grey packaged surfaces held the television and idea wall. A platform above the editing room provided a space to rest for long overnight hauls. A raised stage doubled up as a discussion and audition area and the couch seating facilitated sit down discussions.

A combination of wood and wired glass acted as a playful interface between cabins and seating areas. Nails were used on wooden planks to create the signage. Fun elements and a freedom to explore unconventional materials drove the design team here.

[email protected]






Planet3StudiosClariant Chemicals (India) Limited’s OfficePhotographs Courtesy Planet3Studios


Four levels of corporate headquarters and laboratories was challenging to unify through a common thread. The design team had to come up with a strategy for visitor management that resulted in an elongated reception area straddling two cores allowed interconnection. Cabins were then inserted at strategic points along with enclosed areas that helped break the open plan at points of exchange between unrelated departments.

A central path animated by casual spaces also posed as a social platform. The only deliberate separation was with the BPO arm that required segregated access for operational reasons. The corporate and lower floors were connected by a designated and equipped space for conferences and meetings.

A faceted, wooden partition twisting into alcoves served as a visual linking device. The sculpted reception table was a focal point of design. Interior spaces interacted on a personal level through technology which enabled people to connect with a tap on their smart phones.

[email protected] www.planet3studios.com






Neogenesis + Studi0261Surat Art Silk Cloth Manufacturer’s AssociationPhotographs Courtesy Neogenesis + Studi0261


Surat Art Silk Cloth Manufacturer’s Association’s office, designed by Neogenesis + Studi0261, uses the identity of the product to weave its design story. The architects have deconstructed the makeup of silk fiber in order to knit their design philosophy.

The structure of silk fiber is a triangular prism which allows the cloth to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different, shimmering colours. This property inspired the design firm to create a language for the space which acts as a skin in the working areas of the office.

The entrance screen is made of currently outdated plastic bobbins but its presence personifies its past significance. The spaces are enhanced by the use of a legible and contemporary signage which entwines different elements into one. Dashes of earthy yellows and browns mix with the otherwise achromatic palette, making the interiors stand out.

[email protected] www.facebook.com/NeogenesisStudi0261-40207309370814/ timeline/



Tania Singh Khosla’s, tsk Design has over the years peddled upon a fine balance between an internationalist and modern Indian design aesthetic - having always been inspired and informed by the modern and traditional, global and local. According to Khosla, “A rapidly evolving urban Indian landscape and a culture that is undeniably rooted in its unique sense of self creates an exciting set of possibilities for communication and design.”

tsk Design aims to create design solutions that are smart, innovative and culturally relevant. Walking into the Bengaluru headquarters of innovation lead technology company Sandisk, we get a glimpse of how a space has been enhanced by way of environmental graphics that are underlined by an Indian essence. We reveal this beautiful merger of art, science and culture.

Thriving on the tag line, ‘your imagination, our storage’, it would be difficult for one to contain their creative instincts while thinking of a design makeover for such a company. It’s probably hard to let go of the fact that there’s always room for a little bit more.

Photographs Courtesy tsk Design

ART IN SITUSometimes design practices focus on the root of art over science, using various perceptual mediums to break even. tsk Design responds to this challenge in the Sandisk office in Bengaluru.


tsk Design decided to work with the brand colours of Sandisk, creating an integrated mix of conventional Indian flavours and environmental visuals, that fell seamlessly into a contemporary space appealing to both global and local audiences. Adopting hints from South Indian culture, Khosla has deftly combined the folk art of Kolam with fragments of her professional mind in order to create a space that tells its own story.

Kolam is a native art that is hand drawn at the entrance of most homes in South India to usher in good fortune. It is composed of rice flour lines and curved loops drawn around an underlying grid of dots. Bringing together contrasting aesthetics - rational (the grid) and decorative (fluid looping lines), the Kolam forms the basis of design in the office.

This versatile grid allows for significant variety in form and scale while maintaining a consistent identity throughout the building. The Kolam grids have been used to create a varied palette of patterns, signage and way finding graphics.

The use of art in designing the office is purely sanctorium. It draws a line nowhere and yet defines each part of the storage house’s headquarters by presenting an adequate outward symbol of some fact in the interior life of the space.

The primary colours mingle well with the grayscale and stability defining browns to form a dominating yet free flowing colour palette. Laser cut vinyl stickers and wallpapers are juxtaposed with 3D pvc discs and motifs embossed into resin to create a textured material design. The office transmits an energetic fervor through its arty vibe making it a hypnogagic watch to the eyes.

[email protected] www.tsk-design.com


HAWORTHINTUITYIntuity by Haworth uses integrated components to create unique workspaces that span the entire floorplate. Designed with a long-term outlook, Intuity allows you to make the most of any space through a comprehensive kit of parts that can be incorporated into various possibilities. As a future focused platform, this modular system commissions you to recycle and re-use elements to shape workspaces efficiently and make them compatible to different generations and workstyles.

ap.haworth.com

HERMAN MILLERCANVAS SERIESCanvas Office Landscape designed by Douglas Ball, Joey Ruiter, Jeffery Bernett and Nicholas Dodziuk is an adaptive solution for building human-centric workspaces. This workspace is essentially wall based that combines into multiple ways so that Canvas can address various possible needs of a modern office. Herman Miller’s, Canvas components are constructed from steel, wood, fiberglass, plastic, concrete, aluminium and other materials.

www.hermanmiller.com

GODREJ INTERIODFINEGodrej’s Dfine is typically an adaptive workspace that has solutions available for every leading business. It can be planned in vertical as well as horizontal organisational structures and range from being formal as well as personalised to give that home-office feel. It can deliver to a fixed as well as a mobile workforce acclimatizing to focused and collaborative styles of working.


GODREJ INTERIOWISHCompanies today need hardworking and aesthetically appealing furniture which is contemporary in style. Wish from Godrej is a unique combination of tile and panel based systems with openable tiles that provide flexibility. A gapless honeycomb block partition with linear panels caters to prevalent trending looks. Wish uses space optimally and fits into various layouts effortlessly, licensing itself as architect friendly. Its open design makes it the perfect choice for modern offices.


MODULAR WORKSPACESGoing the modular way has become key for most businesses today. Versatility and flexibility in design makes workspaces easily reconfigurable to suit any office’s changing requirements.


HAWORTHINTUITY HAT 1Another offshoot of Haworth’s Intuity series caters to both free standing and work cluster applications. Its technical height and user height adjustability makes it employee friendly. It also features a centralised cable channel and an under desk tray for proper cable management. Today it stands as a popular choice as it reciprocates to the needs of wellness focused employers and employees in the global workspace.

ap.haworth.com

STEELCASETHE FLIP TOP TWINThe Flip Top Twin tables from Steelcase are a clever and flexible option for grouping workstations for meeting and training rooms in modern offices. The top can be flipped from both sides to both sides making it more compact to store. They are flexible and can set up different configurations to handle speedy changeovers. It is by far the best option for teaming in small groups.

www.steelcase.com

HERMAN MILLERMETAFORM PORTFOLIO Herman Miller’s, Metaform Portfolio Workspace strives to solve everyday problems. Its light weight blocks are easy to move so you can adjust them as work progresses. Combining curved and straight Metaform blocks, procreates a multitude of settings from semi enclosed spaces to enclosed ones. Within these settings, work surfaces can be placed at various heights on staggered furrows allowing you to choose the posture that best supports your style of work.


SPACEWOODC SHAPED WORKSTATIONS - SLIDEThis C shaped curvilinear workstation from Spacewood takes both form and function hand in hand without disturbing the aesthetics. It allows optimum interaction and individual privacy at the same time. This MDF product also offers storage facilities in its chest of drawers affixed to one side. It is a screen based system that aids in demarcating areas in an office space, rendering privacy even in an open plan.

www.spacewood.in


THE GREAT EASTERN HOMETHE LOBBY CHAIRThe Great Eastern Home’s latest assortment of office furniture is sure to extend a stylish and ingenuous finish to your office space. Made of fine quality hardwood and furnished with a rich appeal, the Lobby Chair is an enduring standard of comfort and elegance. It speaks of tradition and timelessness, thus making a statement in an office lobby. Its conventional design echoes how tradition is still welcome in modern day offices.

www.thegreateasternhome.com

FEATHERLITEEDGE SERIESEdge series is perfect for furnishing small-scaled businesses and start-up companies. Designed so that they can be adapted to fit into any office environment, this range of furniture allows for portability and can be relocated and reassembled anywhere with ease. The series is composed of square and rectangular tables rather than circular ones which make them easy to fit in any office space.

www.featherlitefurniture.com

DURIAN PIONEER Durian’s latest offering, the Pioneer armchair, speaks of a majestic grandeur. A plush, comfortable and grand design and wonderfully crafted arm rests add traditional elegance to even the most minimal of offices. Finished in mahogany and pure leather, this revolving chair comes with a lever to adjust the height, thus making it ergonomically compatible.

www.durian.in

IDUSGOSSPI Idus’ new collection of café chairs include the Gosspi collection that is inviting, cozy, uncomplicated and stylish. Apt for a modern office it has the charm to convert the space into a harmonious and functioinal whole. Made of transparent or full colour polycarbonate it is available in different colours in standard sizes. Its rounded and soft shapes bestow great comfort and clean design.

www.idus.in

CHAIRS & WORKDESKSChairs and desks are integral to any workspace and in present day offices their existence banks on how well they cope to reduce the stress factor.


FEATHERLITENEO SERIES Neo Series caters to promote privacy and productivity in the workplace. Ideal for tasks that are high pressure and involve a lot of paperwork, this series comprises workstations that have a tile base and a modular furniture system. The series come with free standing tables that are seamlessly integrated with a partition system which can be adjustable as per the task at hand.


GODREJ ORIONThe Orion cabin furniture range includes an executive desk that is apt for today’s corporate offices that struggle for space. It is made for an office cabin that requires to work in, discuss and collaborate and meet in the same space. It is versatile in style and has a side credenza to take care of passive storage. It is inspired by the Orion constellation, which is evident in its trapezoidal lines.

www.godrej.com

DURIANMJF/61101 This elegant table from Durian comes with a feature that combines wood with an upholstered leatherette desk pad to enhance its grandeur. The table top is 75 mm thick with a veneer finish, rounded edges and a movable pedestal. The side runner is also interchangeable and can be positioned to the right or left as per the user’s convenience.

www.durian.in

ESSENTIA ENVIRONMENTSRAW Essentia Environments’ exquisite desk piece is crafted out of beautiful American walnut. Its stately presence not only highlights the interiors of a space but also speaks of its design demeanor. Flanked by sets of drawers on either side that provide smart storage solutions, its centre top conceals a chunk that can be opened which also cleverly covers a stationery tray. Wire managers on each side make it a functionally friendly product.

www.essentiaenvironments.com


ARTEMIDEKAOThis is a series of suspended lighting structures with indirect lighting using 24W and 54W, T16 fluorescent lamps, intended for the illumination of spaces such as entrance lobbies, reception areas, meeting rooms and corridors. Made of aluminum with white paint finish, each structure is composed of pre-assembled and pre-wired sub units. It has a polycarbonate dust protection cover and also comes with an electronic control gear.

www.artemide.com

FLOSMINI BEAMThe Mini Beam designed by Antonio Citterio is essentially a family of devices for both direct and indirect lighting. It is a ready option for linear fluorescent light sources and is available in dimmable or non-dimmable options. Its design emerges from the search for an equilibrium between the light source and the surrounding architectural space. It pertains to an industrial look that only makes it more chic.

www.flos.com

YUNG ENERGY EFFECIENCY AND CONTROLSKNX PUSH BUTTON SENSORS F 50The new F 50 push button modules leave a convincing impression through its homogeneous surface appearance and pleasant features. The imprinting of the extensive labeling area provides a simple and clear allocation of functions. In addition the buttons can be marked as well. New and unique are the covers that match the colour of the buttons. The push module has an operating LED and a status LED for each button.

www.yung-india.com

ZYNNAOFFICE BLINDSOne of the latest trends in window treatments for offices are blinds as they are space saving and easy to use. Today, blinds are available in innovative styles and fabrics, making them a popular choice for design professionals and users alike. These blinds from Zynna combine design with technology, thriving on the fifty-fifty concept of open and shut, accentuating the interior space as well as the windows.

www.zynna.in

LIGHTING & ACCESSORIESThe office has seamlessly adopted innovation in technology. Power saving lights, automation techniques, security systems, functional hardware and helpful worktools have now become a norm.


HAWORTHTHE FILE DRAWER INSERT Work styles are changing and the contents of desk storage have shifted from paper files to personal items. From tablets to headphones, the insert fits inside lateral file cabinets and creates two levels of storage. The top level slides back and forth making it easy to grab any item from the drawer.

ap.haworth.com

EBCOTHE SIDE MOUNTED CPU STAND The side mounted CPU stand saves valuable working space. It is based on the principle of direct mounting and no assembly. It has a soft anti-vibration pad and no tools are needed to adjust the width. It can take a safe load of up to 20 kgs.

www.ebco.in

STEELCASEVICTOR 2Victor 2 is the perfect accessory for the modern office in the functional category of elements that compose a workspace. This metal waste basket speaks of Steelcase’s history of innovation and sustainability. It encourages recycling with upscale and streamlined aesthetics. Multiple surface material options allow it to blend across and ensue a culture of recycling in conference rooms, collaborative spaces and office cafes.

www.steelcase.com

ARTEMIDEGRADIANA system of direct emission panels in individual or multiple configurations is what the Gradian light from Artemide is all about. It can be fixed to the ceiling or the wall and its extruded aluminum frame is available in 5 colours - white, grey, charcoal, red and blue. Its outer wings collect and emit light ensuring maximum visual comfort with minimal contrast between the appliance and the background.

www.artemide.com


BLEU CONCEPTSSCALEATON WALK IN INTERIORSThis office system from Bleu Concepts is an interplay of colours and modern day techniques. Classically chaste in design, it not only accentuates the workspace but also makes it easily functional. It is also user friendly as wooden planks, imbibed in its design open out to double up as cantilevered tables or shelf space. Open storage areas serve as useful book shelves as it renders the room complete in terms of form and function.

www.bleuconcepts.com

THE GREAT EASTERN HOME OFFICE SHELFFurniture from The Great Eastern Home is certainly capable of creating an aura in the office with its stupendous design and elegant finish. This chest of drawers in solid wood not only displays exquisite craftsmanship in its details, but also provides concealed storage in the form of drawers. Best suited for the Managing Director’s cabin or even the conference room, it adds charm to the space also making it clutter free.

www.thegreateasternhome.com

HERMAN MILLERMERIDIANMeridian offers a suite of storage solutions that can be used to create a workspace where people have a more natural experience of work and interaction as its modular elements open and stack up on either side. It can be easily interchanged to create spaces for personal and work items as it creates boundaries and provides spaces for people to gather.


GEEKENFILING CABINETThis filing cabinet from Geeken comes in an approximate size of 3 feet in width, 6 feet 6 inches in height and 18 inches in depth. A fourth of its body is concealed storage behind locked shutters, and three-fourths constitutes of shelves against a black laminate backdrop enclosed within glazed shutters. In today’s open office layouts, this product is extremely useful and tops the list for an organised work space.

www.geeken.in

STORAGE SYSTEMS Keeping workspaces clutter free and organised can be a challenge but today’s storage systems help in visually defining and minimising interruptions with their unique design capabilities.


Featherlite endeavours to create much improved, more functional and healthier furniture for the modern office.

Back in 1965, the company that was later to be named Featherlite stepped into the furniture business on a small scale, intending to explore the furniture industry. Today, as this company celebrates 50 years in the office furniture segment as one of its towering figures, Featherlite knows better than most how important it is to ensure a workplace that is healthy, productive and practical.

With the awareness of the radical change that the modern office is undergoing, Featherlite keeps reinventing itself, producing ergonomic workstations that are designed to see to the client’s needs. Fifty years of experience has taught the company to take ergonomics seriously. The company does not have a one-size-fits-all approach: its products are unique and simple customisation options offered cater towards the users’ specific needs.

Manufacturing furniture for the modern office, the driving force behind the products is the idea of a communal and collegial office that is defined by creativity, conversation and connection. The products are made keeping in mind the way people work, how they interact with space, with technology and furniture.

The company began its foray into the office furniture segment in 1975 with the release of a collection of furniture for executives and directors, including the product D2000 Executive Table.

FURNITURE FOR THE MODERN OFFICE

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Since then, Featherlite has expanded extensively in its product offerings, providing for affordable designs to serve people from all walks of life. Its office furniture catalogue includes a list of customisable Project Chairs that bend to requirements of all shapes, sizes and purposes.

The latest offering, Liberate Chair is enabled with DynaFlex System that provides flexibility and freedom to the user by its special lumbar support that synchronises well with the user’s back.

Featherlite’s range of modular workstations, including its Connect, Neo, Collaborate, Perform series have been installed in some of the largest corporate offices in the country. These include LinkedIn, Mercedes, MindTree, etc.

The modern office has transformed into a space where creativity and productivity work hand in hand, with each employee requiring a space that balances privacy and collaboration, efficiency and versatility.

Heeding this need, Featherlite has developed its Connect Workstations, a range that seeks to fulfil the needs of a modern office and helps generate a positive and creative work environment. It redefines modern design in the workplace: its smooth anodised aluminium blends seamlessly into steel, wood and high strength carbonate to produce a structure where form and function perfectly combine.

Featherlite has significantly transformed itself in the last decade in order to meet the market demands. The design of its products has taken into account safety parameters and quality checks. Its products – chairs in particular – are available with better ergonomic features. Keeping in mind contemporary office design, the company has emphasised desk-based systems as opposed to the partition system. Emphasis is also put on a collaborative office atmosphere.

Featherlite takes an industrialised approach to construction techniques in order to ensure consistency, customer comfort and performance over time. It uses the best materials, while the products are processed with skilled workmanship and are finished with a close attention to detail. In its lead up to the fifty years, Featherlite has ensured a stronghold for itself in the interior office furniture segment and has served hundreds of corporate clients.

The company has since also expanded to provide interior furniture for government organisations, schools, colleges, hospital and airports. A host of customisable models with a focus on collaboration, comfort and ergonomics complete with superior design make Featherlite one of the top players in the office furniture industry, earning the half a century old company an enviable repute.



The design features a series of mini hills around the MAXXI plaza with pools of water in between. The hills double up as a public garden with a dash of colour provided by the clusters of funnel shaped canopies representing flowers. Besides being pretty, the flowers provide light, shadow, water and sound.



The Young Architects Program is a prestigious international competition organised by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and MoMA PS1. stARTT, an Italian firm, won the first international edition with its relaxing, recyclable pavilion installed at the MAXXI museum in Rome.

Landscapes

Text By Chryselle D’Silva DiasPhotographs Courtesy stARTT and Cesar Querci

An ArtificAlly nAturAl GArden


The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) New York and MoMa PS1, an art institution dedicated to contemporary art, have led the Young Architects Program (YAP) since 1998 to “offer emerging architectural talent the opportunity to design and present innovative projects.” Each year’s winners are challenged to develop innovative designs for temporary outdoor installations at MoMA and other affiliated institutions, including museums in Istanbul, Korea and Santiago de Chile.

In 2011, for the first international edition of YAP, MoMa and MoMA PS1 partnered with the National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome, popularly known as MAXXI.


Italian firm stARTT won the first international edition of YAP in 2011. stARTT is an acronym of studio di architettura e trasformazioniterritoriali - an office for architecture and territory transformations.

Their name reveals their professional approach - creating relationships between architecture and territory, conceiving the project as part of a larger transformation, which affects social and economic fabrics, urban textures and the image of landscape. The stARTT design team included Simone Capra, Claudio Castaldo with Francesco Colangeli, Andrea Valentini and Massimo Briziarelli (green technologies consultant).

This elegant Zaha Hadid designed museum is the first Italian national institution devoted to “cultural creativity” and has two museums, one each for art and architecture.

The jury for YAP consists of deans of architecture schools and editors of architectural publications. They nominate around thirty firms of students, recent architectural graduates and established architects doing experimental projects who showcase their portfolio to the panel after which five finalists are invited to make detailed proposals, based on which a winner is announced.

“We were inspired by the green fields at the base of the Roman walls, which in summer are covered by red poppies. We decided to propose an out of scale green field with big flowers giving light in the night and shadows during the day,” explains Dario Scaravelli of stARTT.


Their Pavilion was designed around the MAXXI museum and was installed in the courtyard outside. The installation was called Whatami and the design featured a series of mini hills around the MAXXI plaza with pools of water in between. The hills double up as a public garden with a dash of colour provided by clusters of funnel shaped canopies representing flowers. The flowers have other purposes besides being pretty - “they provide light, shadow, water and sound.”


I was curious about how the inspiration for the design came about. “We were looking for a dreamlike space to underline the passage from the back access of the museum to the great Mancini square. We were inspired by the green fields at the base of the Roman walls, which in summer are covered by red poppies. We decided to propose an out of scale green field with big flowers giving light in the night and shadows during the day,” explains Dario Scaravelli of stARTT.

Whatami was conceived as a temporary public space, an “artificially natural garden in a naturally artificial context”. The philosophy behind the design hinted at the relationship between society, city and nature. The design team pondered over the “recovery of landscape, especially of the secondarily-used soils of the European metropolises.”

One of the stipulations of the competition was that the design had to be sustainable and recycled. The materials proposed for the installation involved a two-fold recycling process - the supplying of the materials for the construction (straw, geo-textile, plastic) and the dismantling of the “hill” (turf, lighting).

Small and large islands of grass break up the contours of the MAXXI courtyard allowing for movement.



He continues, “The lamps are part of the Museum collection; some of them are now in Shenzhen. The iron elements have been dismantled and recycled.”

The stARTT installation is a lovely example of how public art can be showcased and celebrated with minimal damage to the surrounding environment. It is a challenge, and one that the Young Architects Program is promoting to great success, as is evident by their long list of innovative designs.

[email protected] www.startt.it

The large island was made of pressed hay and soil which was then covered with natural grass. The smaller islands were made of expanded polystyrene, “a material that is both recycled and further recyclable”. The large red flowers provided visitors with shadow by day and light at night, allowing the installation to be used as a venue for summer concerts and other outdoor events.

And here’s the interesting part. At the end of the season, all the bits and bobs would be recycled and returned to their place of origin wherever possible. “All the land, the grass and the straw became compost for urban gardens for an ambientalist association in Rome,” adds Dario.

At dusk, the flowers turn into lights, making the space user-friendly long after the sun goes down.



Whatami was conceived as a temporary public space, an “artificially natural garden in a naturally artificial context”. The philosophy behind the design hinted at the relationship between society, city and nature.


All you need to do is downloadthe free ‘Magzter app.

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Try it out today.

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Devices


CREATE YOUR HOME SPA WITH DURAVIT

Wellness for the body, soul and the eye. With Duravit bathtubs you can create your very own home spa.

Like all Duravit collections, the bathtubs and wellness products comprise high quality materials, workmanship and functional finesse while exemplifying Duravit’s inherent and intuitive feel for good design.

Duravit has bathtubs for every ambience, application and architectural circumstance. The reason behind the trapezoidal form of the Paiova 5 bathtub is comfort, this unique shape invites you to a relaxing bathing experience for one or two bathers side by side.

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Duravit’s Sundeck and Blue Moon bathtubs can be transformed into a comfortable relaxation deck in no time at all with their ingenious covers. While the Darling New bathtubs offer attractive and effective wellness: a soft, white, atmospheric LED light shimmers below the rim optionally.

Cape Cod bathtubs have been designed with relaxation in mind: a gently shaped headrest provides a bathing experience that is serene and produces a feeling of lightness.

The P3 Comforts bathtub allows two users to enjoy a relaxing bath together. With its seamless acrylic panelling, it is the embodiment of seamless material harmony and spaciousness. DuraStyle also offers an innovative raised edge that creates a practical storage space for accessories in its bathtub.

Duravit bathtubs are also optionally available with various whirl systems, integrated LED lights that create a tranquil, soothing atmosphere as well as a new sound module that makes for a melodious option.

tel: 079 66112300 [email protected] www.duravit.in

P3 Comforts Sundeck DuraStyle

Cape CodPaiova 5

Darling New

Blue Moon


We take a look at Häcker’s exquisite products and offerings in a bid to understand its superior position in the kitchen segment today.

Driven by the commitment to deliver the very best and backed by the undeniable guarantee of German quality, Häcker is easily one of the foremost of brands in the market when it comes to kitchens and modular kitchen solutions.

Interestingly, in the brand’s showroom at Worli, Mumbai is installed a special modular kitchen for the customers. This kitchen serves to give the customers a taste of the Häcker modular kitchen system. Here, customers can come and actually cook using the provided kitchen system to get an exclusive Häcker kitchen experience.

Häcker manufactures kitchens that are of a superior quality and functionality, and are very durable to boot. They are produced using fully automated, computer-controlled production machines, thus churning out perfect modular kitchens systems.

With a global presence in about 60 countries besides the EU, Häcker’s modular kitchens lend themselves to customisation and are made available for every segment, varying from low-end to mid-segment right up to the top-end. Häcker’s kitchens are, moreover, customised to fit any space.

A range of 163 varied options are made available in material surfaces, colours and styles. The finishes include laminates, high gloss laminates, veneer, solid wood, ad lacquer and more. This thus provides the customers room to mix and match with the available options.

Some of Häcker’s innovative kitchens include the Lava Grey kitchen solution, which is a part of its Systemat range and exudes elegance and sophistication in its make.

PERFECT KITCHEN SOLUTIONS BY HÄCKER

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Promising quality and functionality, Lava Grey offers a kitchen solution that is compact and organised and is perfect if you want to go for a modern, contemporary look. It is made of high gloss lava grey lacquer, with the veneer from real oak wood.

The product, Lava Grey, is a self-contained solution that is combined with a contoured high cupboard line called Wave. Its features include curved cabinets on the kitchen island, open shelves and built-in appliances that are all built with the cutting-edge technology that defines Häcker.

Apart from that, its Silver oak veneered product is another unique kitchen solution. The graceful, delicate frame of the product along with a slim line worktop gives the real wood veneer enough space to create a beatific impact. The accompanying wall-hung units enhance the kitchen’s design element and results in producing more space for movement in the kitchen.

Made from materials of the highest quality overall, the base materials used in making the cabinetry of all of Häcker’s products are a combination of very high density, chip or particle boards and HDF materials that are treated to be termite resistant.

The company also gives a complete warranty on their products against manufacturing defects as well as after-sales service for maintenance, repair or replacement of parts that are subject to wear and tear.

Häcker’s offerings are thus flexible, environmentally friendly, stylish and available in attractive designs, durable, cost-effective and, above all, backed by the promise of German quality.

www.haecker-india.comwww.haecker-kuechen.com


GREEN PROJECT

Awash With Sunlight

Portugal-based SAMI-arquitectos has designed a home by re-imagining the natural settings of Pico Island through a modern structure that embraces the topography and the ruins of the spot wholeheartedly.

Text By Shruti NambiarPhotographs Fernando Guerra FG+SGarchitectural photography/ Paulo Catrica

The C/Z House is located at São Roque do Pico on Pico Island in Azores, Portugal.


The Portuguese architectural firm SAMI-arquitectos has made it a habit of conjuring up modern structures at unconventional spots. The firm’s Inês Vieira da Silva and Miguel Vieira have in the past few years led design efforts that have aimed at the modern re-imagination of the sometimes scraggy, volcanic soil-drenched grounds of the Pico Island, part of the Azores archipelago.

The exterior of the home has been done up with darkened wood.

The home was designed as a perfectly unassuming green structure whose views of the outside are separated only by glass divisions and little else.

The rehabilitation projects naturally work with the topography instead of against it, never overpowering the textures and hues present around. Local timber is used to deck up exterior and interior features, and big windows are employed all around to let in natural light and stay endlessly in touch with the surroundings. The projects are also designed to be highly energy-efficient.

The C/Z House on the island came to be through the smart inclusion of the pre-existing natural structure and topography in the design, no matter how unwieldy it may have seemed in isolation.


Glazed walls and windows have been employed here to bring in as much natural light as possible.

There is something oddly romantic about a stark modern building standing at peace with itself in the midst of a verdant natural setting. Unusual as it may seem, such a structure sometimes even manages to make the gravel and the slopes, the trees and the grass-and-dirt patches, look more special. Such is the case with the C/Z House, located on a lovely, quiet strip at São Roque do Pico on Pico Island in Azores, Portugal.

The home is a vision realised in darkened wood sourced from locally-grown Cryptomeria (Japanese cedar), opening up like linked cardboard boxes to embrace an undulating terrain. It is more length than height, and more simple elegance than splashes of colour.

The home was designed as a perfectly unassuming green structure whose views of the outside are separated only by glass divisions and little else. “This house was conceived in order to achieve an A+ rating in terms of energy efficiency,” states the team.


The home was designed to achieve A+ rating in terms of energy efficiency.

A pre-fabrication system, helped along by LSF structuring, was used to create the exterior walls, including 15 cm of rock wool insulation. The shipping and transport costs were significantly truncated by the fact that the owners chose to use building materials from their own woods on the island. The rectangular blocks of blackened timber extend out to form platforms and at the centre of the whole spread stands the living room in all glazed glory.

The other segments hold the kitchen and the dining sections, and the bedrooms and the bathrooms, as well as the garage. The spare, minimalist interiors of the home are warmed by an under-floor heating system, while solar panels help heat the water supply here.


The colour scheme inside continues the affinity with the deep dark, here contrasted by pristine white, wisps of grey from the rugs, and by wood from the furniture pieces. The sweeps of the rooms’ flooring are only minimally cut off by walls and divisions, the white walls are bare, and the lamps are simple and filled with genteel warm yellow light.

Japanese cedar wood was sourced from the owners’ own woods on the island to save transport costs.

Viewed in parts, the C/Z House’s segments look like set-pieces from a classic black-and-white movie, brought into almost shimmering focus by the generous sheets of sunlight seeping through the glass windows. The rectangular windows, like the one looking out of the kitchen segment, offer brilliant peeps of the surroundings while also maintaining a good private distance. This balance is a sheer stroke of brilliance by the design team here.

[email protected] www.sami-arquitectos.com

128 Home Review November 2015

The revival of traditional crafts and craftwork can be a tricky business. There is always a replacement, however synthetic, that can be manufactured quickly and also costs less. Besides, the original purpose for the craftwork may very well have vanished now.

The lac-turnery craft is one such case. The craft is traditionally used to make toys, but requires a tremendous amount of skill and precision. An eco-friendly craft one hundred percent, lac-turnery involves using wood that is locally grown. The colours that are used are also natural and non-toxic. The waste wood is reused in the craft, and the saw dust is used in the incense industry.

Varnam

Of late, however, this craft is slowly becoming scarce. The main reasons behind its slow death have been, firstly, the absence of innovation in design, and secondly, the surge in the market of their Chinese replacements which are mass-manufactured and also cheaper.


Although there have been design interventions in the past, not many could ensure sustainable work for the artisans who make the products. That the lac-turnery craft was primarily used to make toys further worsened its state.

This is the backdrop that informs the beginning of Varnam’s work two years ago by Karthik Vaidyanathan. Varnam is an award winning social enterprise that has been collaborating with artisans in Channapatna for more than two years now.

It has sought to repurpose the lac-turnery craft, infusing the work with a utilitarian value as well as an aesthetic merit. And resultant is a series of home and lifestyle products whose original usage as a toy has been bent and adapted to make it widely appealing.

Each of these products from the series called ‘Stories from Channapatna’ has been handcrafted with precision by an artisan from Channapatna, Karnataka. A small town located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Channapatna is famous for its wooden toys and lac-ware.

The town’s traditional craft also enjoys protection as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organisation, administered by the Government of Karnataka.

130 Home Review November 2015

Varnam stands for ‘colours’ and is an ode to the vibrancy and colourfulness of India. Driven by the goal to repurpose the craft to suit the modern context, the artisans are also imbibed in a constant dialogue on the current market trends in terms of finish, utilitarian value, attention to detail and so on.

The product line of Varnam includes home décor, lighting, kitchen, dining and home décor accessories. A part of Varnam’s creations have also been handcrafted by women artisans, ensuring them a sustainable livelihood.

All of Varnam’s products are Craftmark certified. The Craftmark is the highest seal of approval for a handcrafted product that is authentic and genuine and made in the ethical way. The colours have also been tested for US and UK markets and are deemed as non-toxic, lead-free and free of many heavy metals.

Where most other crafts are lost in the mire of brands and cheap, mass-produced products, Varnam thrives on a smart amalgamation of traditional crafts suited to the modern context. It helps these traditional-crafted products to be displayed on par with contemporary products in lifestyle stores and thus, not be relegated to craft fairs alone.

www.varnam.co.in


The space is designed to flow seamlessly in an open and elegant manner.


The Right Atmosphere

Retail Therapy

The design of every retail store is driven by the products it sells. In addition, if it happens to be a part of a chain of stores, it has to be a design that can be replicated across different locations, and yet be able to hold its own. Atmosphere Furnishings in Mumbai, clearly acknowledges both these aspects.

Text By Dhanishta ShahPhotographs Kunal Bhatia


The Bandra, Mumbai branch of Atmosphere Furnishings covers a carpet area of 1900 square feet including the back office. Ravi Vazirani Design Studio (RVDS) conceptualised the design, which is to be implemented across all Atmosphere stores both national and international. In fact, they have just completed the Singapore store.

The fact that the fabrics need to stand out is the driving factor behind the entire plan. This is clearly evident in the layout where the arrangement of the displays is quite specific to a furnishings store. The fabrics are hung vertically in two neat rows.

Furniture has been kept very sparse within the store. Considering that it is a furnishings store, there is obviously no need for furniture. It is only installed where necessary, that is, the waiting area or the discussion areas. This makes the area look open.

The pieces of furniture that are there have been chosen with great care. They are elegant and beautiful, but not overpowering. Coupled with good lighting they serve as interaction points with the client. A bed too, has been strategically placed in one of the corners, to showcase the bed linen.

This not only aids convenience of access, but lends a pleasing and neat look to the entire space. “It works well, because it provides a good backdrop for the fabrics to both stand out and blend in as required,” says Ravi.

Talking about the space, he continues, “The design is industrial and minimal. We’ve used a combination of materials, mainly wood, cement and metal and revolved everything around this. The idea was to create a design that could be implemented easily across stores and spaces. It is current and relevant and allows the product, that is, fabric, to be the star!”

The fact that the fabrics need to stand out is the driving factor behind the entire plan. This is clearly evident in the layout where the fabrics are hung vertically in two neat rows.

The pieces of furniture have been chosen with great care. They are elegant and beautiful, but not overpowering.


It is difficult to pick out one aspect that one would like over all others, since everything in the store has a quiet beauty about it. But, for Ravi, the 3 mm thick micro concrete floor and the metal door stand out. “I love elements that are absolutely natural,” he explains. Subtle elegance pervades the entire area, as you enter the store, you can feel it in the air! After all, it’s all about ‘Atmosphere’.

www.atmospheredirect.com

A global luxury home textile brand, Atmosphere is designed for the discerning. Through the range of over 3,000 fabrics, a unique originality prevails. Each fabric lends itself to an array of styles, helping the client create an atmosphere that is truly his.

Design is the cornerstone of Atmosphere, woven into exceptional textiles by the best technology. The store offers a versatile portfolio of fabrics from baroque velvets to contemporary sheers and soft cottons to rich silks. They are designed to awaken the senses, both visual and tactile.

The colour scheme in the store is primarily composed of grey and white and has proven to be a real winner as it works to offset the myriad hues of the fabrics.

Lighting is an important element in the store. Here, save for the pendant lights near the seating and bed area, they are embedded into the ceiling. The space has a huge stream of natural light pouring in from large windows. The store design makes full use of this element. Racks to display cushions and other smaller products are thus placed in front of the windows.

A bed too, has been strategically placed in one of the corners, to showcase the bed linen.Racks displaying cushions and other small items are placed in front of the large windows.


Nestled in Alwarpet in Chennai, is the standalone store of Eartheque that caters to the many applications of natural stone as an interior design element. Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Shilpa Darshan Kumar turned her penchant for the arts to a career by establishing the store in 2011.

A banking professional by education, her love for interior conceptualisation and freelance assignments for creative designing of homes and staged performances led her to seriously consider a career in interior products. Realising that natural stone products for interior applications were always jostling for aisle space in tile stores, she decided to start her store that was exclusively for natural stone products.


AN EARTHY APPEAL

TEXT BY SHIBANI AMIN RANGARAJ


She hopes that her philosophy of “aspire to inspire” through her well laid out store product display of natural stone options in tiles for both floor and wall cladding, borders, handcrafted wash basins and mural options helps the customer understand the myriad possibilities of its applications. The store offers a custom solution for almost every natural stone product which she believes will encourage even a small home owner to consider the product.

Working with designers and landscape architects, Eartheque is able to offer customised solutions in all budgets of wall panels and murals in slatestone, limestone, sandstone, marble, granite, agates and quartzite. “Most of the raw material we deal with is sourced in India - sandstone and marble from Rajasthan, and slates and granites from Andhra Pradesh. Only quartzite and agate are imported. The entire processing and designs based on customer requirements is done in our factories in Bangalore and Jaipur,” explains Shilpa.

Both CNC machine cut and handcrafted options are available at Eartheque, that include delicate inlay work of semi-precious stones in traditional Indian stone carving methods in murals and borders, many of which have adorned celebrity homes in Chennai. Onyx, agate which have 12 colours, blue and rose quartz, amethyst, green aventurine and mother of pearl are the semi-precious stones that Shilpa has worked with on wall panels, table tops, cladding and washbasins that can add that extra panache to an interior.

The gradation of colour that natural and semi-precious stones offer is unique, a design element Shilpa wants the customer to understand and explore. Natural stone basins are also a trend in contemporary homes and several options are available through their store in granite, marble and semi-precious stones.


They have executed several projects in homes and landscape gardens, and one of their notable works are the wall panels for Buhari group of restaurants in Chennai. Working with the architects, Eartheque developed a fine lattice slate tile panel, a theme which runs across the interior in other materials. This screen which they are patenting is now being used across all the refurnished restaurants of the chain in the city. Eartheque’s current ongoing projects include the Mercure hotel in Hyderabad.

The store also retails the Sereno brand of illuminated outdoor planters, WP deck flooring and outdoor wicker furniture that also can be customised for large orders.

“Indians are fast developing a taste for the good life and this is being reflected in the rapid growth in the business of interior decoration market. Rapid urbanisation and growing consumption have changed the way Indian people do up their homes; this has fuelled the interior decor industry, which provides everything - from design services to customising interiors according to personal choices - all in an effort to create stylish and trendy homes.” Shilpa states, as she plans to expand her business by opening stores in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Sri Lanka shortly.

Eartheque#12, 3rd Cross St, Seethammal Extension,Alwarpet, Chennai 600018+91 44 4502 4000 +91 9962 40 [email protected] www.eartheque.com


THE MARKETPLACE


Smart Office Furniture By Ebco

At the office, work can be quite stressful and the constant pressure to perform, especially for long hours at the desk, can subject the individual to several health risks.

Since most of the work is now done on the computer, this health risk applies to most of us if not all. One of the top priorities today for choosing office furniture and accessories, therefore, is physical comfort and ease of use.

Ebco Office Furniture Fittings and Accessories have been especially designed keeping in mind ergonomics and have been aimed to reduce stress and fatigue while working long hours at a stretch and keep the workplace organised and clutter-free.

Its style enhances the visual appeal on the one hand, while on the other you have the ergonomically designed furniture and accessories accomplished for the benefit of the worker and to reduce his or her stress levels.

Ebco was established in 1963 and started as a Tool Room and was then diversified into mass production of critical components like cartridge links for ordnance factories. Ebco further diversified in 1987 into furniture hardware and has since become one of India’s premium manufacturers in this industry.

Ebco is well-known for its competency in manufacturing, a product range that is ever widening, stringent quality standards, affordable prices and having a distributor network that reaches out to all the major cities in India. Among Ebco’s wide range of furniture and accessories two products stand out: the Articulated Keyboard Station and Flat Screen Holder.

Ergonomic keyboard systems are attached underneath the desk. This allows the worker to adjust the height and position of the keyboard to a more comfortable position. The Articulated Keyboard Station is specifically designed so that the height and angle of the keyboard are adjustable to provide a more comfortable posture to the worker.

Ebco’s furniture for the workplace is ergonomically designed and ensures that fatigue is reduced and productivity increased.

As opposed to tilting the keyboard by way of design to a positive angle which is in fact detrimental, this keyboard is tilted to a negative angle. A negative angle allows the wrists to stay in their natural position.

The Articulated Keyboard Station comes with a built-in slide and keyboard holder. Its design guarantees stability and durability, and can be adjustable. It can be both tilted and rotated, and its 360° swivel allows the user to move the keyboard easily from side to side.

The keyboard station comes with a soft palm rest and a stowaway mouse pad. It is also easy to assemble and to transport.The Flat Screen Holder is equipped with ergonomic monitor arms.

These are flexible and designed so as to allow easy adjustment of the height and viewing angle of the monitor. The screen holder is easy to fit, and allows for a height adjustment of 100 mm.

It is cast in die, which makes the product aesthetically appealing. The Flat Screen Holder by Ebco can be rotated left and right, as well as tilted up and down with a single knob.

In today’s stressful work environment, it is imperative that office furniture be ergonomically designed so as to ensure high productivity and less stress in the workers, and office furniture and accessories by Ebco is just the right sort to ensure this.

www.ebco.in

THE MARKETPLACE


Parryware has recently introduced its new concept of Colour Story by introducing 12 vibrant colours to its product range. As against the basic colours conventionally used in bathrooms, this range consists of a wide variety of colours including blues, reds, pinks and greens.

The colours selected are inspired by nature and classified such that they suit the tastes of all kinds of consumers.

With the introduction of Colour Story the customers are presented with a range

Parryware Introduces Its Colour Story Range

The Slim Range Of Tiles By Kajaria

Kajaria has recently launched its brand new slim tiles, a range of tiles as slim as 8mm. The tiles are light in weight without compromising strength and durability.

The Slim tile is perfect for renovation and exteriors due to its light weight. The Slim collection of tiles is scratch and abrasion resistant, stain proof and has nearly zero per cent of water absorption.

The tiles are also easy to handle, cut and drill. They have high flexural strength. The collection is sure to set off a new trend in tiles.

www.kajariaceramics.com

of choice for the intimate space of the bathroom.

More than serving a functional purpose, bathrooms are now an integral part of the house to be kept stylish and sophisticated as any other space.

By introducing this new range, Parryware seeks to redefine the space of the bathroom and turn it into a place where one can relax, freshen up and rejuvenate oneself.

www.parryware.in

In partnership with the reputed German brand Nobilia, H&R Johnson has released a range of kitchens with unique features, available in India through the company’s Nobilia stores across India. On offer is the range of handle-less kitchens called Nobilia Line N.

These kitchens have ergonomically shaped handles made of anodised stainless steel that allow easy access to doors, drawers and pull-outs. Their handle-less fronts give off the effect of a linear and uniform appearance. Another range on offer is the Nobilia Sensys.

Kitchens By H&R Johnson

Its unique hinge with integrated cushioning from Hettich represents the very latest generation of hinge technology in the marketplace. With only a light touch, the door shuts smoothly and silently.

The pull-in function closes the door automatically as soon as the open angle is less than 35°. Sensys is made of high quality materials and its soft closing action enables one to do away with bulky adaptors.

www.hrjohnsonindia.com

home review november 2015

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