the inside track july 2016

INSIDE TRACKTHE

CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY

Volume 10. Issue 7 . July 2016 Rs. 25/-

Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

Cover Story Material Matters We weigh in on the different materials of a building’s exterior components, whether it’s windows, roofing or facades. BY ALYSSA LOBO

When it comes to building e x t e r i o r s , a l o t o f attention is naturally

given to the design. But one detail that slips by the casual observer is the material components of a building’s exterior. The materials used in the manufacture of the windows, roofing and facades play an important role in meeting the structural or energy objectives of the builder.

Most commercial applications still specify aluminium windows. Aluminium is not recommended in beach homes or houses close to the sea, for while the material is water resistant, it can suffer corrosion from salt water and salt air. The corrosion affects hardware operation and frame performance.

PVC FramesPVC windows are relatively new compared to wood and metal frames. These windows are extruded from high impact resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC windows have excellent weathering characteristics, are almost maintenance-free and have excellent resistance to heat loss. Originally used primarily in renovation because PVC lends i t s e l f to non- s t andard s i ze production, PVC windows are rapidly increasing in the new construction market as well. PVC is available in several extruded colours. Special painted coatings have been developed to expand the range of colours available.

Fibreglass FramesFibreglass windows are the latest window products to be developed. The shapes are formed by a special technique called pultrusion, whereby continued on page 2

Because it is a good insulator, wood does not become cold like metal and glass. But it also expands and contracts in response to weather conditions. Wood windows can be painted on the exterior or clad with

aluminium or PVC profiles for better weathering and reduced maintenance.

Aluminium FramesAluminium windows are more durable than wood, and are thinner, lighter, and easier to handle. Aluminium frames are easy to maintain and are sometimes less expensive than other frame options. But aluminium is a poor insulator and in cold weather loses more heat to the exterior than wood. Most recent aluminium windows are manufactured with a thermal break, a vinyl or rubber strip that separates the exterior and interior aluminium parts of the window. The thermal break reduces the movement of cold air from the outside to the inside of the building.

The most common materials used in window frames are aluminium, PVC, fiberglass, or some combination of these materials.

Here we explore the pros and cons of various materials used in the production of these exterior components and the ideal conditions for their use.

Wood FramesWood windows are warm, traditional and aesthetically pleasing. For years, wood has been a readily available window substrate, and the most common choice for homes. It could be painted a solid colour or stained and sealed to show off the wood grain. Wood is also strong and easy to work with, and complements many forms of architecture.

the glass fibres are pulled through dyes rather than pushed through an extruder (as PVC is extruded). Fiberglass and PVC lineals look similar; however fiberglass is much more rigid than PVC.

Fiberglass has steadily grown in popularity over the years as a low-maintenance alternative to tradit ional wood frames.

Composite FramesComposites made from wood fibres, wood scraps, and ground up knots, are bonded together in a resin and shaped to replace window parts traditionally made of solid wood.

Aluminium frames are not recommended in houses close to the sea as it can suffer corrosion from salt water and air

Wood frames: Wood is a good insulator as it does not become cold like metal and glass

Veka PVC windows: PVC windows have

excellent weathering characteristics

Structurally, composite materials are equal to or superior to solid wood. They have two distinct advantages: a lower initial cost and they are less prone to warping and shrinking. Composite materials cannot be stained and usually are pre-painted during the manufacturing process.

Due to their recycled nature composite frames are the ideal ‘green’ option as they make the most of the available resources, thus saving trees.

An example of a good composite is Fibrex, a composite made from wood fibres and epoxy resin. The material is made to resemble wood, but it contains no material that will rot or deteriorate. Furthermore, you can paint over it, giving you the ability to choose whatever colour you like.

There is a wide range of materials available for roofing today, ranging from traditional and sustainable thatching to the cutting edge in membrane roofing.

ThatchProbably the oldest form of roofing, thatch is also eye catching, sustainable and quite durable.

Energising Exteriors 4Sounds Of Silence 6 Window Shopping 8Green And Gorgeous 10Cool Roofs 11Historic Chanderi Makes It To PLEA 2016 12The Perfect House Warmer 13Tread Carefully 14A Hi-Tech Haven 15Walk In Art 16The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 18Exhibitions and Fairs 22Breaking The Mould 24

THE INSIDE TRACK July 2016

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Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 10. Issue 7. July 2016. English - Monthly. This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Senior Sub-Editor Alyssa Lobo Sub-Editors Tasneem S. Pocketwala, Rehana Hussain Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Darshan Palav, Priyanka A. Dhumal, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai Rakesh Kini (Head-Marketing), Ganesh Gurav, Vivek Jadhav. B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Email:[email protected] Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman, Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel: (044) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: [email protected] Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

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If installed correctly thatch can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years in good condition. The type of thatch material varies according to geographical location so the material used will generally suit the climate of the area. Being a naturally insulating material, thatch is able to insulate your home without the need for additional insulating mater ia l s such as natural or synthetic wools.

However the main problems with thatch are the high cost of installation and the constant need for maintenance. It is also more prone to rot and infestation.

Metal roofingMetal roofs are resistant to extreme weather conditions. Available in two types, panels and shingles, metal roofs can come in aluminium, copper, stainless steel and zinc. Metal roofing is durable, lasts longer than asphalt or wood, and offers high solar reflectance.

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly viable, as metal shingles are low maintenance, lightweight and more environmentally friendly.

INSIDE TRACKTHE

CONTENTS JULY 2016

Material Matters 1COVERSTORY

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Concrete Flat Roof or Tiles The mos t common type o f roof found in Indian cities; flat concrete roofs require a great deal of maintenance. They need to kept water tight and cleaned regularly to prevent leaves and debris from clogging the drain.

The sun will gradually cause the roof to degrade, as flat roofs located in environments with hot and cold extremes are more vulnerable to damage. Flat roofs are typically less expensive to install than sloped roofs. Concrete tiles are very versatile and come in many

Clay Tile/ShinglesWhile brittle and heavy, clay tiles can last a long time and are very fire resistant. Clay tiles are very heavy, requiring additional roof framing, but they are non-combustible and extremely durable. Clay roofing tiles can come in lighter colours, which adhere to the cool roof standards and can reflect well over 50% of the sun’s solar energy.

Ge n u i n e f l a t , r i b b e d o r scalloped clay tiles are extremely durable but also very heavy, a n d m u s t b e i n s t a l l e d b y a professional.

different hues, shapes, textures and styles.

Wood Shingles and ShakeWood has been the most preferred material for roofs for hundreds of years. Wood shakes are handmade and rougher-looking than wood shingles, which are usually cut by machine. Wood shingles offer a rustic look and are a natural product. However they can be a concern in wet climates, and can mould, split or rot. Wood shingles and shakes made from rot resistant woods have low fire resistance unless treated.

Metal shingles typically simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles, slate and tile. Aside from its longevity, metal shingles are much lighter than most materials and very resistance to adverse weather.

However, installation can be tricky and requires a contractor with experience installing a metal roof. As a metal roof starts to lose its shine, repainting is an option as long as the roof ’s structural integrity is in good shape.

Metal roofing is durable, lasts longer than asphalt or wood, and offers high solar reflectance

Wood shingles and shakes made from rot resistant woods have low fire resistance unless treated

4 THE INSIDE TRACK July 2016

Facades

In many countries, buildings consume more energy than transport and industry. The

International Energy Agency (IEA) statistics estimate that globally, the building sector is responsible for more electricity consumption than any other sector - 42 %. Building designs and materials have a significant effect on the energy consumed for a select set of end uses.

There are various ways by which we measure if a façade is energy efficient. At the most basic level it must be environmentally- and user-friendly. It should also incorporate light, thermal, material usage, acoustic, and other requirements w h i l e m a k i n g o p t i m a l u s e of materials.

However, most buildings tend to make use of conventional materials and designs. Glass-fronted office buildings are some of the biggest energy consumers. HVAC is expensive and offices with huge glass façades are one of the worst offenders in terms of energy wastage.

Here we take a look at some buildings that make use of unusual façade designs and materials to achieve energy efficiency

SolarLeaf -Bioreactor FaçadeTouted as the world’s first bio-reactive façade, the SolarLeaf generates renewable energy from algal biomass and solar thermal heat. Structural glass photobioreactors are used as external cladding elements and dynamic shading devices.

The integrated system, which is suitable for both new and existing buildings, was developed collaboratively by Strategic Science Consult of Germany (SSC), Colt International and Arup.

Based on humidity and temperature inside the building, these rods pivot automatically to facilitate (or block) the flow of air through the facade.

The outer skin of the Hub incorporates automated sun shading that includes photovoltaic cells, evaporative cooling and fresh air intakes that improve the internal air quality and reduce running costs.

The cells have been designed so that they can be easily replaced as research into solar energy results in improved technology and part of the northern façade is actually dedicated to on-going research into solar cells to be conducted jointly by industry and RMIT. The entire building façade, in other words, has the capacity to be upgraded as solar technology evolves and may one day generate enough electricity to run the whole building.

Petat Glass Office, Cuernavaca -Traditional Building MaterialsPalapas are traditionally thatched roofs made from palm fronds, but in this Mexican office building in Cuernavaca, the palapa becomes part of a sustainability strategy and is used as part of the facade. Designed by REC Arquitectura, the Petat Glass Office uses this common roofing material in a new way that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful as part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Natural ventilation, day lighting and the palapa walls all help

With 200 sq. metres of integrated photo-bioreactors, this passive-energy house generates biomass and heat as renewable energy resources. At the same time, the system integrates additional functionality such as dynamic shading, thermal insulation and noise abatement, highlighting the full potential of this technology.

The microalgae used in the façades are cultivated in flat panel glass bioreactors measuring 2.5m x 0.7m. In total, 129 bioreactors have been installed on the south west and south east faces of the four-storey residential building. The heart of the system is the fully automated energy

management centre where solar thermal heat and algae are harvested in a closed loop to be stored and used to generate hot water.

Design Hub, RMIT - Low-Tech, Operable SkinThe Design Hub, RMIT in Australia has several ESD (environmentally sustainable design) features and incorporates strategies of water, waste and recycling management.

But the most ingenious aspect of the building is its unique, low tech outer skin. Sean Godsell Architects sheathed RMIT’s design school in thousands of small, sandblasted glass circles - each affixed to a central rod.

Energising Exteriors Cutting edge façade designs are taking energy efficiency to the next level. BY ALYSSA LOBO

The outer skin of the Design Hub incorporates automated sun

shading through photovoltaic cells

SolarLeaf generates renewable energy from algal biomass and solar thermal heat

Petat Glass office uses Palapas roofing material to minimize energy use and keep the space cool

Flat panel glass photo-bioreactors with microalgae

5THE INSIDE TRACK July 2016

to minimize energy use and keep the space cool.

The f acade o f f e r s a new form of seeing the palapa, since commonly it is used for the roof in horizontal elements. But in this case the architect used it for vertical elements, offering improvements to the interior comfort.

Sustainable design was the guideline for the office. The façade design achieved this by avoiding the use of conditioning air commonly used in areas where volumes are fitted with glass The design saved money for the client with cross ventilation, structure consistency and allowing sun and air currents.

Torre de Especialidades - Titanium Dioxide TileTorre de Especialidades, a building of the Hospital Manuel Gea Gonzalez in Mexico uses a new type of tile that converts the chemicals in pollution into less toxic substances. The hospital is cloaked in a 300-foot-long skin of Prosolve370e tiles, developed by a German firm called Elegant Embellishments.

Prosolve370e is a substance made of superfine titanium dioxide (TiO2), a pollution-fighting technology that is activated by ambient daylight.

As air filters around the sponge-shaped structures, UV-light-activated free radicals destroy any existing pollutants, leaving the air cleaner for the patients inside.

When installed near heavy traffic or on building facades, the tiles help

to neutralize emissions and other toxins. A network of the tiles not only helps to clean the air entering their host buildings, but also the air in the urban setting.

Aside from acting as an incredible urban air filter, the Prosolve370e skin acts as a natural light filtration system and solar gain blocker for the interior of the Hospital Manuel Gea Gonzalez, effectively saving

the hospital’s energy bill for climate control and light

The lacey façade was inspired by quasicrystal patterns, resulting in a white geometric shade that covers the front of the building. Contactweb: www.arup.comwww.seangodsell.comwww.recarquitectura.comwww.elegantembellishments.net

Torre de Especialidades is cloaked in a 300-foot-long skin of Prosolve370e tiles, a pollution-

fighting technology that is activated by ambient daylight


Windows

For many people their homes are a haven away from the stresses of urban life. However

today’s environment has become extremely noisy and chaotic, making it almost impossible to relax and unwind after a hard day at work. For this reason soundproofing has become an important aspect of home building today.

For those who want to add sound proofing to their existing house, the best bet is using soundproof windows or making changes to existing windows.

Sound enters through gaps in the house exterior. One way to stop it is through blocking these gaps with a material like caulk. Caulk will not only reduce noise, but also prevent drafts. Acoustical caulk has properties that deaden sound and works just like regular caulk.

Another way is by adding clear acoustical sound dampening plastic film to the window panes to achieve adequate soundproofing. This can improve the windows’ sound blocking capability by reducing the ability of the glass to respond to sound vibrations.

Sounds Of Silence The right kind of windows could go a long way in ensuring a relaxed, quiet home environment. BY ALYSSA LOBO

an insulating medium for both noise and thermal transmission.

A quick-fix solution is soundproof or acoustical curtains. They look essentially like ordinary curtains, but contain materials either inside the curtain or as a lining that have soundproofing qualities, such as mass-loaded vinyl (MLV). Replacing your regular curtains with soundproofing curtains is a qu i ck and ea sy so lu t ion ; however, these curtains are very heavy and will require special mounting hardware. Contactweb: www.veka.in

under highest class ‘A’ as per DIN EN12608 norm. The AD70 system is also suitable for tropical weather conditions and is classified under highest class ‘S’ as per DIN EN12608 norm.

It can achieve insulation values of up to Uw = 0.76 W/(m²K) when using highly insulating triple glazing with Ug 0.4 W/(m²K). It comes with double seal gasket on frame and sash which enhances the insulation properties.

The uPVC profile systems comprise of multi chamber profiles with Euro groves and twin seal gaskets. Multi point locking systems can be used with euro groove profiles which impart adequate sealing between the sash and frame

Soundproof windows, made with double- or triple-pane structures, are designed to have inherently good soundproofing qualities. The downside is the life expectancy of dual paned windows is less than 15 years. Many times seals fail as the cooling and heating of the IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) expands and contracts the seals. When it fails, moisture will migrate into the middle of the IGU and cloud up the window, and the only corrective action is replacing the glass or the window. Freeze-thaw cycles and other severe temperature changes determine how fast the IGU window seals break. Using soundproof windows with dual pane windows will double the life expectancy of the window seals.

While sound reduction can be achieved with an appropriate combination of profiles systems and glass coupled with the correct installation, uPVC profiles have the inherent quality of sound and heat insulation. Installation also plays a major role in insulation. It needs to be done in accordance to the guidelines, where the gaps between the walls and window frames must be sealed with either PU foam or weather sealants in an appropriate way to avoid any leakages through these joint areas.

VEKA’s AD70 series has the highest level of heat and sound insulation (combined with suitable glass) in the Indian market. It’s a five-chamber profile with 70 mm basic installation depth classified

of any window with the help of twin sealing EPDM Gaskets thus making them completely leak proof. This helps in achieving the higher degree of sound insulation with proper combination of acoustic glass and proper installation. “Plus, the adequate strength of welded corners of our uPVC profile system windows also helps in crack-free corners throughout the life of windows that adds to the overall insulation of sound,” says Rajesh Chawla, Director VEKA India.

There is a simpler alternative to new windows. Some companies produce an insert which fits in the window frame from the inside. The insert helps block sound, but does not require you to replace your window and does not interfere with the ability to see through the window. Getting an exact fit is essential with this option, as gaps allow sound to travel in.

A secondary glazing system is the most cost effective method of soundproofing windows. It is an add-on glazing system installed on the inside of existing windows, creating a double glazed window unit to reduce noise transmission. The advantages are that existing windows do not have to be replaced and window style is individually matched. The air pocket created between the original window and the secondary glazing system provides

The air pocket between the original window and the secondary glazing system provides an insulating medium for noise

Using soundproof windows with dual pane windows will double the life expectancy of the window seals

VEKA uPVC profile systems comprise of multi chamber profiles

with Euro groves and twin seal gaskets


Windows

Awindow can make or break the ambience of a room depending on how it is being

used. It requires careful thought to choose a window that will allow or bar air and light from entering the house.

Choosing a window depends on many factors, such as the direction, climate and size of the opening. For example, windows on the east and the west are usually smaller in size as they allow more direct hot air and sunlight. But windows to the north can be large and during summers can bring down the temperature of the house by allowing in air, but not heat.

There are many types of windows you can choose from:

Awning WindowsThese are hinged at the top and when closed the sash presses against the frame. This make the window tight and allows very little air leakages.

Casement WindowsThese windows are hinged at the sides and are the most common types of windows. Even casement windows allow minimal air leakages and so are quite energy efficient.

Hopper WindowsThese windows are hinged at the bottom and open inward. Air leakage even in these kinds of windows is minimal.

Hopper windows are best suited for underground spaces like basements, especially as there is very little space for windows. A very tiny part of the

basement wall is actually above the ground, leaving little space for a window to open outward. For this reason, hopper windows are perfect as they tilt and open inwards.

Hopper windows have several unique features.

The sash of the hopper windows presses against the frame making these windows leak-proof. That means no air or water will leak into the basement where things are stored for long periods of time.

Hopper windows are perfectly usable even in ordinary rooms. But unlike in the basement, hopper windows are larger in size in other parts of the house. When used creatively, these windows look charming with the right kind of accessories.

Hopper windows haven’t been explored much in our country. But like any other hinge-windows even these are just as energy efficient and are usually placed

higher up on walls. So if you are bored of windows hanging low, hoppers might just punch some variety to the interiors of your house.

Sliding WindowsThese windows slide vertically or horizontally. They can slide either one or both the ways. In such types of windows the air leakages are high as air escapes from gaps between the sliding panes.

French Windows French windows f i r s t c ame into being in the 17th century during the Renaissance period. These windows were originally doors that led into small balconies. Slowly these openings started making appearances in England. And then instead of doors, began being used as windows.

Currently, these are the most common types of windows in Italy, known as portafinestra or a door-window.

French windows are large, wall to wall windows that practically invite the surroundings into your house. No doubt they look pretty with (or without) exquisite drapes framing them on both sides.

Window Shopping All windows are not equal. Their efficiency and aesthetic appeal largely depends on how and where you place them. BY LATIKA PAYAK

Casement windows allow minimal air leakages and so are quite energy efficient

Awning windows are hinged at the top, this makes the window tight and allows very little air leakages

Hopper windows are best suited for underground spaces like basements, where there is very little space for windows


But before going in for this option, there are certain practical factors one needs to take in to account.

Having a large French window on the wall facing east or west is not always a good idea because these directions allow more than required sunlight and warmth into the house.

During summers it can raise the temperature of the house, putting pressure on the external cooling devices such as air conditioners.

In cold climates, having sliding French windows means allowing air leakages. Air escapes in from the gaps between the sliding surfaces. In such cases choose French windows with casements.

Having said that, French windows are ideal in places with moderate temperatures and on walls, preferably facing south and north. Here, they allow for a full view and cool the room by making it breezy. But as sunlight doesn’t enter from this direction, the room doesn’t heat up.

Air leakages are high for sliding windows as air escapes from gaps between the sliding panes

Cold air keeps escaping in through French windows. hence ne must use casements with them

So having a French window is great, especially if there is a beautiful view to peep into. But while doing so, take care to keep unwarranted heat and light out by using the right kind of design and accessories to go along with these French windows.

Of all the types of windows, ones that are hinged are the most energy efficient as they allow minimum air

leakage. So in summer they keep the heat out and in winters they keep the cold winds out.

There are add-ons available to optimise the energy efficiency if you are stuck with the wrong kind of windows. You can use draperies, interior or exterior blinds, high-reflective films, shades or shutters to tweak the amount of light and air that enters the room.


Facades

A facade is an extra layer to the walls. Good ones can protect or replace the brick

and mortar, look great and follow the ‘green rules’. But what are the facades that are crawling up Indian walls?

Glass“Glass is available in a variety of design, texture and styles. It makes the interior look lighter and larger by reflecting light, illuminating surfaces and connecting inside to the outside,” says Vikram Khanna, COO, Consumer Glass, Asahi Glass India Ltd in an interview.

Moreover, glass is considered eco-friendly because it is made by non-polluting raw materials that require less energy, water and are responsible for minimum wastage. A good example would be the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies in Lonavala that has been designed by Christopher Charles Benninger Architects.

WoodWarm wood is also covering the exteriors of buildings, making them look dated but stylish. Wooden facades are strong and can be used vertically, horizontally or in checks. The look can be made dynamic with rotating shutters and panels.

Wo o d , a s a m a t e r i a l o f construction was robustly used in the earlier era. But it was overtaken by cement and metal. Now wood is back in fashion, even if as a façade. While wood isn’t as popular as glass, it is slowly catching up and is now being spotted frequently.

The reason why architects choose wood is because of the warmth it exudes, apart from a quirky touch. Wooden facades have been used to build vertical and horizontal stripes around the house. When used vertically, the façade gives

Green And Gorgeous Architects and designers are turning to façade materials that offer ecological benefits while being high on aesthetics. BY LATIKA PAYAK

parametric façade technology that deals with angling the façade to maximise lighting and aesthetics

Apart from these, rain-screen facades and dual wall facades are climbing up the list because of seasonal reasons.

So, currently Indian markets are replete with various materials to suit different types of needs.

is designed by architect Sanjay Puri. The angular façade of this building is made of weathered steel, which is a pre-rusted metal usually sold under the brand name of Corten.

The angular façade is placed in such a way that it minimises the amount of heat absorbed by the office. This one steers towards

an impression of a tree or forest, thereby merging the house with natural elements. Horizontally, wooden facades add tradition to its architecture.

What wooden facades also give is the freedom to experiment. Take the case of facades made by Purple Ink Studio, Mumbai that look like paper clips holding the house together.

But it’s not only the look that drives the design. At the base is practicality. Using facades allows you to alter the exact amount of light that enters. Armed with this precision, architects devise angles that keep the house bright but cool. A perfect example of this is a house built by M:OFA Studio in New Delhi.

What’s more, usually houses that flaunt wooden facades continue the look to their interiors. Inside these houses you will find wooden panels and movable wooden screens in place of windows.

So, it is clear that in the age of swanky glass and metal, rustic wood too is making its presence felt through facades. Designers and builders gravitate towards solid wood whenever demand for a traditional and rustic structure arises. And in a matter of years wooden facades will stylishly sprout up to support the green movement of architecture.

Weathered SteelThis is the new entry on a list with a vibrant crescent shaped office that cropped up in Surat that

The angular façade of Sanjay Puri’s crescent shaped office building is made of weathered steel, which is a pre-rusted metal

Samundra Institute by Christopher Charles Benninger Architects: Glass is considered eco-friendly as it is made by non-polluting raw materials

Building by Purple Ink Studio: The wood facade looks like paper clips holding the house together


Roofing

India is without a doubt, one of the hottest countries in the world. Roofs all around the

country are being toasted by hot and direct sunlight.

What’s more, the situation gets pricklier for people staying in urban areas because of the lack of trees to cool down the neighbourhood. And so air conditioners are running full-blast, leaving gigantic carbon footprints and further worsening the growing crisis of global warming.

But can we really help it? Yes, by finding alternative, green ways of cooling our houses and buildings -by cooling our roofs. A smart way to do it would be to use reflective covers on the roofs. This way, instead of getting absorbed, the heat would get reflected out. It can be done with the help of special tiles that coat the roof and prevent heat from getting absorbed.

In the long run, such tiles bring down the indoor temperature by at least 10 degrees Celsius. This reduces the dependence on external coolers like air conditioners.

Studies have revealed that buildings with roofs covered with reflective surface bring down the temperature of the neighbouring area too, minimising the urban heating island effect.

Such benefits have nudged developed and developing countries to consider reflective roofing materials seriously. The U.S. Green Building Council has declared the Solar Reflective Index (SRI) to be a minimum of 78 for a surface to qualify for LEED certification, which proves that the surface is cooling.

Cool Roofs Methods to handle roof overheating vary from pragmatic material choices to wildly creative designs, but each come with their own drawbacks. BY LATIKA PAYAK

getting washed away in heavy rains and muddying the surroundings.

Also, these tiny spots of green in a city make feeble air purifiers when propped against the smoke an urban development produces. And these little areas require a lot of maintenance in terms of readying and looking after the roof to keep the roots in check so they do not bore into the wall.

But even with these pros and cons firmly in place, architects are not shying away from the possibility of turning the roofs green. So th ink about i t ; i f presented with an open space on your roof, would you turn it green?

And they keep the roof cool by acting as an insulator of heat.

Such green places also double up as recreation centres, especially for children who otherwise have very l imited options to play around in the cities.

But while the benefits of green roofs are clear, there are certain low points that aren’t visible at face value. These low points can make one think twice before going in and carpeting the roof with foliage.

The soil cover on a green roof is comparatively thin. Because of this, roots do not hold on to the soil as tightly as they are supposed to. So there is always a risk of soil

While such norms are firmly lodged in countries like the US, in India they are still trying to find a foothold. But even here architects and builders are waking up to the option of having cool, reflective and green roofs.

In the concrete jungle of urban cities, finding a green breathing space is a task. And so, in places where space i s a constra int , buildings are turning their roofs or terraces into a garden.

The idea beh ind th i s i s simple - to go green. Apart from punctuating the stark grey of concrete with pleasing greens, green roofs a l so help puri fy the air around the building.

The soil cover on a green roof is comparatively thin so there is always a risk of soil getting washed away in heavy rains

Buildings with roofs covered with reflective surfaces bring down the temperature of the neighbouring area too

Reflective roofing can be done with special tiles that coat the roof and prevent heat from getting absorbed

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Spot light Historic Chanderi Makes It To PLEA 2016 Three architects will present a plan for the architectural development of a rustic Indian town in Los Angeles. BY LATIKA PAYAK

A rchi t e c t Br i shbhan l a l i Raghuwanshi once said in an interview, “Everybody talks

about development but has forgotten the vernaculars.” That’s what set off the research on Chanderi’s developmental project.

To begin with, 70 students from the School of Architecture and Planning, Bhopal were given the task of studying the village of Chanderi.

They were divided into three groups with the task of collecting information on the history, heritage and lifestyle of people in the town. The students visited three different parts of the town to gather information.

The reports submitted by these 70 students formed the basis of the architectural plan for Chanderi. And based on this information three architects - Shikha Patidar, Poonam Khan and Brishbhanlali Raghuwanshi prepared a paper propos ing the a rch i t ec tura l development needed in this town situated in Ashok Nagar district. The plan includes several designs that focus on how infrastructure at Chanderi can be developed while keeping the roots and heritage intact.

This paper will be presented at the 32nd international conference of Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA) being held in California, Los Angeles from 11th to 13th July. PLEA 2016 is being organised by the University of Southern California, Pomona and the San Luis Obispo branches of California Polytechnic State University.

It is a thoughtful project to which these 70 students contributed. And there was a reason behind getting students of architecture involved with the development of Chanderi.

Students from the School of Architecture and Planning, Bhopal submitted reports that formed the basis of the architectural plan for Chanderi

“ The s tudent s a re fu ture architects and can bring about change. Therefore, we involved them in the s tudy,” Raghuwanshi said in an interview with the Hindustan Times.

PLEA is a platform where architects from all over the world will present their ideas. And showcasing the study and plan on such a platform will open the floor for discussions around the topic of including vernaculars in the development of a town.

Food for architectural thought, indeed.Contactweb: www.plea2016.org

This paper will be presented at the 32nd international conference of Passive and Low Energy Architecture being held in California

13THE INSIDE TRACK July 2016

Spot Light

There is a lot of talk regarding the use of eco-friendly gadgets. But few get down to

doing something about it. Designer Egloo Marco Zagaria is one of them. He reasoned that full-fledged heaters aren’t really required to heat small spaces. Such spaces need simple, eco-friendly systems. And that’s when Zagaria came up with the idea of Egloo.

Egloo is a small, dome shaped heater made of terracotta which is an eco-friendly material that is non-metallic, highly ductile and known for its heat resistant properties. An Egloo is made up of four parts - a base, a metal rack and two domes.

The Perfect House Warmer Designer Egloo Marco Zagaria devised an innovative solution to warm tiny spaces without using electricity. BY LATIKA PAYAK

Egloo is a small, dome shaped heater made of terracotta, an eco-friendly material known for its heat resistant properties

In half an hour Egloo manages to raise the room temperature by three degrees

This is the basic principle propelling Egloo - generating heat and slowly conveying it to the surroundings without the use of electricity.

In half an hour Egloo manages to raise the room temperature by three degrees and then maintains it at that. Using Egloo is a good

To begin, you light three Ikea candles inside the Egloo. These candles are supported by the metal rack over which the domes are placed in a way that allows enough air to pass to keep the candles burning. This apparatus starts generating heat within five minutes of being lit.

The inner dome of Egloo traps maximum heat (170-200 degree Fahrenheit) that is slowly released in the surrounding atmosphere through the outer dome (approximately 50 degree Fahrenheit).

option for warming cubicles, study desks, bathrooms or even small rooms. Once refilled, the candles can warm a room for close to five hours.

While Egloo hasn’t been launched in India yet, you can go through the product catalogue on its website. This eco-friendly solution comes in a wide range of colours that you can choose from to suit your décor.

A warm, eco-friendly solution, don’t you think?Contactweb: http://eglooinfo.it/

14

deck, and giant swings. Why, talks of turning this glamorous bridge into a fashion show ramp have also been doing the rounds.

It is a spectacular finishing point for a project which even the famous Israeli ‘starchitect’ Haim Dotan didn’t want to touch. In an interview he mentioned that he relented only when his personal aim of making the bridge “disappear” was accepted.

The ultimate result has been such a powerhouse that even the engineers of the project describe the glass bridge as being “thin as a wing, and as light as a swallow.” Further proof that a brilliant piece of architecture can make a poet out of any one!

THE INSIDE TRACK July 2016

Spot Light

China loves architectural spectacles. Its major cities’ skylines are dotted with

genre-churning buildings. If old Chinese architecture was propped up by timber, then the new era believes in bending into unconventional forms everything from glass to fibre to steel. And inspite of this year’s government rein-in on the construction of “odd-shaped” and “bizarre” buildings in the country, the trend of expectation-bending design is likely to continue.

Evidence of that sentiment is in the yet-to-be-officially-named ‘Zhang j i a j i e Gl a s s Br idge’ . This spectacular glass-bottom bridge connects two towering cliffs in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area, about 60 kilometers southwest of Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province.

The bridge is 430 meters long and is made of 99 pieces of glass that are three meters by 4.5 meters in dimensions, are 15 millimetres thick, and are triple layered.

The bridge also stands 300 meters above the canyon, making it the longest and the highest glass-bottom bridge in the world.

Tread CarefullyA spectacular transparent bridge will now span the Zhangjiajie’s Grand Canyon in south China. BY LATIKA PAYAK

The bridge is made of 99 pieces of glass that are three meters by 4.5 meters in dimensions, 15 millimetres thick, and are triple layered

The bridge stands 300 meters above the canyon, making it the longest and the highest glass-bottom bridge in the world

It is also likely to become the bridge whose brave visitors send out the most passionate prayers to the heavens!

The project had long been stuck in the planning stage, and when it was finally realised, there were reservations. To allay all the obvious fears, the designers, Haim Dotan Architects, invited a group of 20 daring volunteers to test the glass bridge’s strength. So on June 27, 2016, 11 volunteers aimed a sledgehammer at parts of the cable-stayed structure.

Then, they drove an all-terrain vehicle over it. The glass bridge was further tested by 10 more volunteers armed with hammers.

The Xinhua News Agency reported the development of some cracks after these tests, but the layered make of the glass panelling means that it is expected to never give away completely.

The aim of this glass bridge was never to have a plane pass through, of course. This spot will soon become an adventure hub, equipped with a bungee jumping

To allay fears, Haim Dotan Architects, invited a group of 20 volunteers to test the glass bridge’s strength


Dealer Speak

The Bath Magic Wor ld showroom in Surat has been in business since the last

three years. The showroom stocks European brands like Hansgrohe, Vitra, Bonjour and Kohler. Kohler is the only brand that is manufactured in India, while the rest of their merchandise is imported.

A Hi-Tech HavenConsumers are gradually embracingtechnology everywhere - including their bathrooms.

How do you rate the demand of bathroom furniture?

There are many companies that have bathroom furniture in India, like Vitra. And they have it at a very good price too, compared to other companies like Villeroy&Boch. But generally interior designers t h e m s e l v e s d e v e l o p t h e entire concept.

Bathroom furniture is slowly gaining some attention here but there is not much awareness. We try to sell it, but there is some limitation. People don’t have enough awareness to ask us to give them bathroom furniture with bathroom fittings.

And Indian culture is such that people don’t use it much. Since we aren’t used to it, maybe that is why this is not moving fast in the market.

Suppose one brand has a good diverter, then we take the shower from another company. Clients can get the product at a lesser rate from a normal company, sometimes there’s a 25-30% difference.

Is there a huge demand for high quality, smart bath fittings?

This concept of water saving and green products is very common with many European brands, it is already incorporated in their products. But here, in Gujarat there is not much awareness in the market.

There are some architects who are using only green products, they are the only ones who believe in it. And we provide these products - like Hansgrohe with the 1:3 ratio, which uses one part water and three parts air in their showers.

more limitations. When you take a European brand, there are a lot more choices. They make products with better design and quality. Their thinking is not for the ‘mass’, but for the ‘class’; for the premium segment. There is a big difference in pricing.

Their customer service is also good but I have my own three or four technicians at my showroom. We provide that, so that afterwards if there is an emergency, we can go there and clear it within four or five hours. Because the client has spent so much money on the brand, we give this additional service. Otherwise someone will come from the company within 48 hours to attend to the complaint.

Also we give the installation guidelines from our showroom. After visiting the site they can install the product. And before the tiling work can start we go there and do an inspection. When we give an OK then the tile work can start.

Are consumers opting for ‘complete bathroom solutions’ or are they still mixing and matching?

Many companies have bathroom concepts but there is one limitation. Every company has different USPs. For example if you take showers from Hansgrohe; their showers are very unique. We give mix and match concepts to our clients. This way we can take care of the client’s budget. Otherwise if you take from only one brand there are limitations in the kind of shower concepts. The pricing also gets very high. So we mix and match from the good brands.

Mixing and matching brands is better for the client’s budget and overcomes the limitations of a single brand

Bath Magic World deals in a wide range of sanitary ware, faucets and bathtubs.

We spoke to Sheetal Patel, proprietor of Bath Magic World about the move towards hi-tech bathrooms and why consumers still mix and match brands.

How are international sanitary ware companies competing with Indian brands? How is their customer service?

The biggest difference is the look. The look of Indian brands isn’t as great. Now there is a craze in the market for a more ‘hatke’ look. German brands have better technology; Italian brands have both style and technology.

There are a lot of new things - colour finish, chrome finish. With Indian brands there are

We convince the client, explain it to them. About 50% of clients understand and 50% don’t as there’s not much awareness. They say, ‘What is there in this?’ There is demand and little by little awareness is growing.

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

According to me Hansgrohe’s products are very, very good. Firstly there is very little maintenance required with their products. Also those who install Hansgrohe products, use Hansgrohe for all their other needs because there are many advantages from it. They have just launched a new range that is called the Click series. There’s also the Select series which has a push button diverter. It’s also very easy to use. We promote that range a lot.

What do you think could be the trends in this segment in the coming years?

Everyone likes electronics and gadgets so you will see more of this, like those automatic toilet seats, which you can use by installing an app. I think in the upcoming years you will see more people becoming more confident about technology in the bathroom.

There are many showers which have programming but I think there will be more technological improvement in showering systems. Because those hi-tech showers that are available are very costly. So there will be showers systems that start and stop automatically, that will handle water saving, everything. Contact email: [email protected]: +91 261-2248100, +91 98259 99600

Sheetal Patel, Proprietor - Bath Magic World

European brands offer more choices with better design and quality


Spot light

You recall those days when artists were perceived to be inscrutable hermits? We

reckoned that they worked away from prying eyes in some ensconce, surrounded by a mad array of art supplies and paraphernalia, f rom which they mag i ca l l y extracted method. Well, no more.

These are the times of ambitious artist collaborations and huge group exhibitions. Artists are, thank heavens for that, increasingly inviting viewers to peep into their worlds and become a part of the process. Imagine not just being a gawker of art, but of being a spectator of artistry; of being a part of the environment in which art comes to life.

Curator Giulia Ambrogi of St+Art India Foundation was in on this trend, and was inspired to create ‘Work In Progress (WIP): The Street Art Show’. She gathered an international team of artists for the show and assigned them a unique site for a facelift - the grey-brown residents of Tughlakabad’s Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Okhla, Delhi.

As sturdy and dreary as a port can get, the depot is home to 2,000 containers that lounge across a 55 acre swathe of land. Close to 10,000 employees work on the site every day. It tickles the imagination to think that all these graffiti mavens decided to sneak into this poker-faced zone with their paint-brushes and spray-cans, ready to unleash colourful mayhem.

Ignoring all threats of its infamous winter, these artists from Mexico, Spain, India, France, Italy and more, gathered in Delhi in December, 2015, and started on the make-

Walk In Art ‘Work In Progress (WIP): The Street Art Show’ gathered an international crew of graffiti artists and let them loose in Tughlakabad’s Inland Container Depot, Delhi. BY LATIKA PAYAK

buildings with their facades, and for hosting things and people,” Ambrogi said in an interview.

Once the exhibition wrapped up, it was decided that this space be used for song and dance workshops. When not in use, it becomes a vibrant playground, apt for gully cricket between teams of truck drivers and children from the neighbouring areas.

‘WIP’ has made sure that all future visitors to this desolate section of Delhi will find many colourful surprises.

here is where ‘work in progress’ begins to make sense. With the artists still working on their creations, visitors could walk by, peer in, and may be even respectfully throw some questions at the artists. In short, they could freely watch the giant containers grow new, colourful skins.

St+Art’s vision behind colouring up ICD was to sp read a r t consciousness and to trigger curated walks. “The first thing about the containers is that they can be used in different ways. They can be used as

With the artists still working on their creations, visitors could walk by, peer in, and throw some questions at them

over. Amsterdam-based Niels Shoe Meulman; Christian Rebecchi and Pablo Togni of the Swiss collective, Nevercrew; Nafir, the “vandal” street artist from Iran; and Indian artist, Harshvardhan Kadam of inkbrushnme; joined hands with the organisers, Arjun Bahl, Akshat Navriyal, Hanif Kureshi, Thanish Thomas, Pierre Guyot and Ambrogi to bring this idea to fruition.

The team worked through January 2016, and when February came by, the art show opened its makeshift gates to the public. Now

St+Art’s vision behind colouring up ICD was to spread art consciousness and to trigger curated walks


Advertorial

Partnering Water ConservationWith new innovative technologies, Duravit is making an important contribution to saving water intelligently and plays a pioneering role in the industry by participation in recognized testing, certification systems and membership of relevant associations.

The European Water LabelThe European Water Label (EWL) is a voluntary system by European bathroom manufacturers supported by Duravit. The EWL’s online database and product labels ensure transparency by clearly marking the water consumption of bathroom products.

Water SenseDuravit is a member of WaterSense, a partnership program by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is aimed primarily at consumers wishing to reduce their water consumption. Products and services with the WaterSense label save at least 20 % without compromising on performance or reliability.

Innovative Urinal TechnologyArchitec DryArchitec Dry the dry urinal by Duravit flushes without any water. The Architec Dry is fitted with an

Sustainable Ideas For The BathroomDuravit takes active responsibility for the conscious use of water and the development of sustainable products.

Spot Light

attractive cover with a ring of gel on the underside, this gel is based on purely organic substances that are gradually flushed away during use and wet the membrane. The ring contains essential oils that release a fresh fragrance to create a pleasant interior environment.

DuraStyle DryThe mesmerizing and sleek dry urinal from the DuraStyle range of

Duravit will impart a contemporary look to your bathroom. The secret is a hose diaphragm integrated into the outlet that only opens when urine flows through and then closes again - it operates automatically, i s odor-proof and concealed behind an attractive cover with scented ring.

Water-Efficient ToiletsDuravit is today able to offer

toilets that flush hygienically using just 4.5 liters or even less water. With Dual-Flush technology, a household of four can save about 17,000 liters of water per year.

DuraStyle DuraStyle with its new technology ensures perfect and hygienic flushing results. Perfect flushing results are guaranteed with small quantities of water, thanks to its modern 4.5-litre technology. And with the open design and easily accessible rim area makes it significantly easier to keep the toilet clean.

ME by StarckWith the open design of the flushing rim, the ME by Starck toilets enable an innovative water flow. Thanks to its modern 4.5-l technology perfect flushing results are guaranteed even with only a small amount of water. Due to its open and easily accessible rim area, it is also considerably easier to keep the bowl clean.Contact Duravit India Private Limitedtel: [email protected] Professionals: www.pro.duravit.inArchitec Dry DuraStyle

In recent years, there has been a great change in the way people have started conserving water

and as a responsible citizen of India we too should make ourselves aware about problems of water scarcity and join hands together for water conservation.

Innovative Urinal Technology


It Products Outdoor Furniture From The Furniture RepublicWhether you have a spacious lawn, a compact patio or a balcony, The Furniture Republic has a range of outdoor furniture designed to get the most out of your space. They have outdoor tables and chairs in advanced plastics and metal construction. When it comes to purchasing outdoor furniture you’re not limited to the white or beige of wicker, the natural shades of wood, or the metal pieces

Cube26; an India based technology innovation focused company which has recently come up with REOS Lite Smart Bulb to complement your home with its smart interior lighting options.

It can do everything from making a party more cheerful to adding more intimacy to a romantic dinner. REOS Lite smart bulb gives an entirely new visual dimension to play with home décor as it can create multiple customised lighting scenes/patterns for every room in the house. And for those who struggle with trying to make interiors feel larger, the right lighting options can actually fool the eyes.

The Preset Mode allows users to adjust light according to one’s mood. Through its preset configurations users can customize different modes - reading mode, relaxation mode, party mode and more. Users can

define their party mode and have a light Lite cycle through different colours at random or use the blue, green and purple colours to define their relaxation mode.

Users can adjust the brightness of Lite using their smart phone. The REOS Lite Smart Bulb uses LED technology which consumes one tenth the energy of a traditional bulb. The long lasting LED lights will last up to 15000 hours. Users can program the Lite to match their routine. Contactwww.cube26.com

REOS Lite Smart Bulb From Cube26

SL90 From VEKA

Regular sliding door systems are suitable up to 2200 mm. So there is a need of heavier system such as SL90 for sizes bigger than 2200 mm. SL90 sliding door provides an alternative to conventional casement systems. The system’s compliance to various performance specific criteria makes it an ideal choice in the current construction market.

SL90’s main profile wall thickness of more than 2.8 mm is fully compliant to technical specifications as set forth in European standards, EN 12608 Class ‘A’. Its multiple chamber

‘Bounce’ is not just a bed or a lounger; it is everything a fun loving, fashion-conscious consumer can imagine. This multi-functional product comes with lots of fun soft furnishing like large cushions, a lamp that doubles up as a coat/bag hanger and fun sheets.

It even has an inbuilt wire-management system, which makes it a party station for a group of friends at night as well as a cosy corner to spend a lazy and rejuvenating Sunday afternoons with loved ones, kids love to bounce on it all day long without fear of hurting themselves.

The entire furniture package is made of anti-skidding material at the bottom that makes it absolutely durable.

The in-house team at Furlenco executed the concept from ideation and design to produce the final product within a mere 20 days, a remarkable feat that is unheard of.

Ajith Mohan Karimpana, Founder and CEO of Furlenco said, “Many people in the metros want furniture that truly fits their lifestyle also they do not have large living spaces. For them, the need for furniture is that of a fun multi utility kind. This clever space-saving and versatile furniture by Furlenco has been designed by our in-house team with deep participation from end users using an interactive design philosophy and features a gorgeous contemporary design.” Contactwww.furlenco.com

Bounce From Furlenco

it’s made from. Instead, colour finishes thrive in a world of outdoor furniture with bright blues, summery yellows or bold reds. It is also becoming more popular than before to contrast neutral colours with brighter colours.

Priced from Rs 4000 onwards, they are available at TFR’s exclusive megastores in Delhi-NCR at MG Roadand Noida. Contactwww.www.tfrhome.com

design enhances heat and sound insulation properties. Galvanised steel reinforcement of thickness greater than 2 mm imparts optimum stability to the system.

The system is capable of accommodating a wide variety of glazing thickness by choosing different sized glazing bead

from VEKA’s range. Colour foil lamination and vacuum spray coating processes can be applied to the profile systems to satisfy the aesthetical needs for colour co-ordinated windows in a development. The maximum size per shutter can be 1200 x 2600mm (W x H).

SL90 system has a unique feature of zero water penetration in the interior part even in heaviest rainfall situation. Thanks to an add-on track provision water can be effectively drained out in no time.Contact www.veka.in


It Products Alsorg Launches Kitchen Concepts Alsorg launches their new collection of kitchen concepts to revolutionize the décor of your house. Kitchen Concepts from Alsorg are not only chic and luxurious but also add a dose of glamour to spice up the interiors of any home.

Intricate lacquer finishing and superlative use of materials is just a few of the outclassing attributes which make Alsorg Kitchen Concepts stand apart. It consists of several modules and units which not only ease the usage but also add to the ultra-modern designs.

Benches have been important items of décor in all gardens, mansions, bungalows and other living spaces. Whether you are looking for a place to rest or to simply relax; benches not only provide you with comfort but also add to the beauty and elegance of your surroundings.

The Great Eastern Home showcases its new style and array of limited edition benches including the antique Chinese bench, Shield bench, Gaudi bench, French Vietnamese, wooden bench to cane and pebble bench, each of which is guaranteed to give your environment a natural and graceful look.

Pebble Bench is specially designed for outdoors. Made from

wood, this piece of furniture is made to last a lifetime to give your outdoor space an exclusive look.

Shield Bench is designed exclusively by a special design team of The Great Eastern Home. It is hand carved in solid Burma teak wood making it look elegant yet extremely durable.

Gaudi Bench is a high on performance bench with perfect comfort level. The design of this bench is inspired from Gaudi’s drawings.

French Vietnamese Bench is an antique limited edition piece made from solid aged Burma Teak wood with mother-of-pearl inlay, that lasts forever and that can be recycled.Contactwww.thegreateasternhome.com

Bench Collection From The Great Eastern Home

Vector Projects Introduces The Baba Collection Vector Projects, a leading turnkey solutions provider, has introduced Italy’s finest - Baba Collection in India. Comprising of a dining chair and barstool, this collection is not only an elegant and durable choice for commercial spaces but also a perfect fit for trendy homes. With a blend of cutting-edge technology and style, Baba breaks the monotony of traditional barstools and dining chairs. It provides a contemporary seating option that’s both beautiful and functional, making the space look stylish.

A combination of elegance and comfort, this collection is crafted with finest steel tube

Grandeur has launched the XL2016 collection by the high-end German kitchens brand Ballerina Küchen for the Indian market. Ballerina products are manufactured in a fully automated production facility, drastically reducing errors and defects in their collections. The German kitchen manufacturer has gained a reputation around the world for providing products that rank high in design and quality.

Available in a variety of colours, the XL2016 kitchens are ideal for an open lifestyle where living spaces seamlessly integrate with each other. The design of the collection promotes minimalistic living while intelligently concealing minute high-tech details that have been engineered to make working in the kitchen a creative, efficient and smooth experience. With

Grandeur Launches XL2016 Kitchens By Ballerina Küchen

structure and satin chrome-plated conic legs. One can further customise the Baba collection by opting for either beech plywood, Canaletto walnut veneered, bleached oak veneered or methacrylate for the seat and back. With available options that suits different height preferences, the barstool from Baba Collection is available in two different models i.e. 65 cm or 75 cm.

Highly stylish and edgy, the Baba collection is easy to store and is designed with an intimate understanding of the human body.Contact www.vectorprojectsindia.com

more than 500 finishes and colours Ballerina Küchen offers innovative space saving and unique storage solutions with remarkable quality of German internals as a standard offering.

The surfaces are available with wood, melamine, glass, lacquer and laminate finishes that can be personalized to suit individual styles. The range is 100% customizable, to suit the Indian homes, providing flexibility of movement in day-today kitchen chores. Rohin Ramchandani, Director, Grandeur adds, “In a market where we don’t have standard room and product sizes, the customisation and space utilisation offered by Ballerina is a great boon.”Contactwww.grandeurinteriors.com

The colours and materials used are symbols of purity for any house. The entire kitchen is encased in very special warm Corian and white, cappuccino and grey colours. The floating cabinets bring the effect of lightness - almost giving a meditating feeling giving the user ease to place all pots and pans, aprons, tools and everything else that comes handy while cooking. There is also the facility of an inbuilt wine chiller along with the oven and fridge to save space in the [email protected]


It Products Chests And Trunks Collection From Ficus Fine Living

Chests and trunks have always held a place of importance to those with an interest for high end durable vintage furniture and a sense of art and aesthetics. Over centuries the wooden chest has been the most common and fundamental piece of furniture.

Ficus Fine Living has launched its chest and trunk collection to create a style that seamlessly blurs the boundaries between the outdoors and indoors, and merge materials, textures, colours, forms and finishing in ways that are contemporary yet timeless.

Every chest and trunk piece available at Ficus Fine Living is created using special hardwood making it suitable for any weather

conditions. These pieces are made from the hardwood of grand old Scandinavian ships bought from Gujarat’s ports that has weathered a thousand storms at sea and have toughened by nature to emerge stronger. Crafted with an impeccable finish these wooden chests and trunks are incredibly elegant and functional.

The wooden furniture gains expressions from a great lineage of master carpenters like Kevar Anwar Bhai, whose painstaking attention to the details exudes a sense of grace, style and best durability.Contact www.ficusliving.com

Dr. Aquaguard Range Of Customised Water Purifiers

Kone Kettle From Le Creuset

Kanchi Designs is India’s leading architectural and interior designing company which deals in after home furnishings and designing needs. Established in 1999, Kanchi collections have culminated to retain the creative partnership of the directors with over 60 years of experience in the textile, furnishings and furniture industry.

As part of a larger manufacturing base, Kanchi was founded by mother and son duo - Shobhna and Kunal Mehta, as an experiment to create a destination for extreme design. A relentless effort to achieve luxury in fabrics for home furnishings - converting the average textile product into an experience.

Kanchi caters to the Home Fashion industry, mastering an impeccable flair for bespoke design in furnishings, furniture, art & artefacts and accessories. Kanchi has been behind projects like the first Starbucks in Mumbai, Taj Bekal SPA, Wasabi by Taj.

Furnishings From Kanchi DesignsLe Creuset, the world’s leading

cookware brand has launched its Kone Kettles. This stylish stovetop kettle lets you enjoy the aromas of freshly brewed tea or coffee. Each kettle is crafted from high quality steel with a vibrant, durable, vitreous enamel finish that will complement any Le Creuset cookware perfectly.

These beautiful kettles from Le Creuset feature a wide base for efficient heating, and a whistle to let you know when the water has come to the boil. The handle locks in an upright position for steady pouring.

Available in a wide range of colours, the Kone Kettle from Le Creuset is suitable for all hob types including induction and cast iron stoves and is priced at Rs.7500.

Le Creuset is recognised the world over for market-leading, premium quality ranges of enamelled cast iron cookware, multi-ply stainless steel, toughened non-stick, stoneware and ceramics, along with its outstanding range of wine accessories.Contact [email protected]

Eureka Forbes introduced a new range of customized water purifiers with breakthrough technology under Dr. Aquaguard brand. This technology will not only provide customized water solutions, but also provide added benefits of essential natural minerals and nutrients.

The Mineral Cartridge enhances the taste of water by removing residual dissolved harmful gases like VOCs. It also increases the level of calcium and magnesium minerals in the water and balances pH of the water, making it healthy.

The Biotron Cartridge breaks complex water molecules into fine micro clusters making water more bio-permeable so that your body can easily absorb the goodness of water along with its much needed nutrients.

HCCB (Hybrid Carbon Chemi Block) Cartridge removes excess chlorine, bad odour, colour and organic impurities. It also removes new age contaminants like heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium and pesticides, making water safe from harmful chemical contaminants

The HD Filter Cartridge removes turbidity and other fine suspended particles such as dust, dirt, mud and sand, giving you crystal clear water

Dr. Aquaguard range of water purifiers are available exclusively through Certified Water Specialists of Eureka Forbes’ Direct Sales Network.Contact www.draquaguard.co.in

With a presence across select showrooms in India, Europe, USA and the Middle East, Kanchi conceives fashion fabrics with the highest standards and quality that are edited to suit architects and interior designers for project of all scales.Contactwww.grandeurinteriors.com

It Products


Hansgrohe Unveils Talis Select

When we turn on the water to wash up, we leave unsightly marks on the handle and the mixer itself. This is now a thing of the past with the new Hansgrohe Talis Select. The secret lies in a simple button on the upper side of the washbasin mixer. It can easily and intuitively be operated using your hand, wrist, elbow or arm.

And to make things even better, Talis Select mixers are available in a range of different of heights.

We constantly press buttons in our homes: to switch on lights, turn on the TV or to make coffee.

Easily turn water on and off at the touch of a button and regulate the temperature by turning it. Hansgrohe Talis Select washbasin mixers come in various heights. This is practical, as it provides the right amount of clearance for individual, everyday use; it also ensures that the washbasin and mixer harmonize visually. A wide range of models allows users to find the perfect mixer for their own personal comfort zone. The mixer should also coordinate well with different washbasin types, for example, to prevent annoying splashing.Contact www.hansgrohe.in

MayuraCollection By Frazer And Haws

Fennel Launches Its New Collection Of Bathroom Sets

Action Tesa introduces a HDF based wall, ceiling and furniture embellishment panel with a thickness of 2.5 mm, having an embossed design on the surface that can be polished with stain and lacquer. The panels are manufactured in an intricate process where HDF is pressed under very high pressure with precisely etched design plates to render exotic designs. Embossed HDF can easily be pasted and nailed on to any substrate.

Action Tesa is embossed on HDF sheet at its semi cure

Action Tesa’s Embossed HDF Panels

Fennel stocks a bubbling array of bathroom accessories to transform your bathroom into a cozy and colour-coordinated haven.

Your bath ensembles come with all the basics you need to bathe your bathroom in style. Sets generally contain a toothbrush holder, soap disk, soap dispenser, two multi - functional trays, dustbin, tissue holder and a tumbler.

One of the beauties of the bath accessory sets in addition to their appearance are the

items coordinate perfectly yet are all sold separately. This ensures you’re not stuck with a bathroom accessory you do not need or lets you purchase more than one bathroom accessory if you use it heavily.

The giant selection of bath accessory styles, colours and themes makes it easy for you to pick the bath accessories that suit your existing decor and taste.Contact www.fennel.in

Embellish your home temple and interior spaces with this latest stunning Mayura

Collection on Janmashtami by Frazer and Haws. Bring home Ladoo Gopal this Janmashtami with an eclectic mélange of striking idols of Lord Krishna ranging from Bal Krishna who craves for butter to the Murli Manohar who woos his lady love with his harmonious flute. These idols incorporate blue stone amalgamated with sterling silver and 24K gold gilt to give a rich and appealing look.

The entire range depicting early life of Krishna from mischievous charm to his charismatic appeal of engaging people by playing a magical tune is sure to spread an aura of eternal love and bliss. Indulge in the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna by getting the best and captivating idols by Frazer and Haws.

Frazer and Haws is a design led British brand with an Indian soul and every product is handcrafted and hallmarked with 92.5% purity.Contact www.kraftindia.in

stage while other manufactured embossed designs are available on MDF sheet. Thus there is more depth in the embossed HDF sheets and the depth is normally higher than 0.6mm, whereas other HDF panels are just 0.2 or 0.3 mm. This results in a much more beautiful panel on Action Tesa HDF.

Action Tesa uses DOME technology so the moisture content is distributed equally in the panels. It comes in a wide range of more than 36 designs.Contactwww.actiontesa.com


Fair News Decorex JoburgDate 5th - 9th AugustVenue Johannesburg, South Africa Contact www.thebereed.co.za/decorex

In keeping with its new theme, ‘Take it Home, Make it Home’, the Joburg exhibition promises visitors infinite takeaway ideas and inspiration for their interior and exterior spaces. Covering every aspect of your home and offering the ultimate shopping experience, this year’s theme taps into the very latest global design and décor trends, among these, a fresh focus on the quality, detail, layering and timelessness of the “Considered Home”.

More than 700 decorators and designers, furniture suppliers, kitchen manufacturers, and paint and décor specialists who will be exhibiting have been months in preparation in order to showcase the very best of local and international home and interior trends, products and services.

Providing everything the homeowner and industry guests may need to renovate, restore, build or decorate, Decorex is a one stop shop for every room in the house and every space around the home.

100 % Design South AfricaDate 5th - 9th AugustVenue Johannesburg, South AfricaContact www.100percentdesign.co.za

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

The introductory exhibition included local design heavyweights such as Vogel Designs, Willowlamp, Ronel Jordaan, Tonic and Guideline; fabric houses included Home Fabrics, Design Team, Black Fabrics and Romo; along with international design giants Ligne Roset, Vitra, Magis, Artemide and Thomas Heatherwick; plus design-led names such as Head Interiors, Inova Contracts, and Dauphin HumanDesign Group.

This year 100% Design South Africa will expand its offering, adding new features and platforms for designers to showcase their work.

Fairs & ExhibitionsDate 30th - 31st July, DICE Exhibition MysoreVenue JGG Exhibition Centre, MysoreContact www.diceexhibition.com

DICE (Design, Interiors, Construction & Engineering) is a boutique style Architectural, Building Materials, Interiors and Design Exhibition primarily for Architects, Interior Designers, Builders & Developers, MEP Consultants, PMCs, anyone who is interested in design and enthusiastic individual end consumers. DICE is themed around some of the never- before -seen building materials, exquisite designs and futuristic smart home solutions. The exhibitors selected on the basis of innovation, design and sustainability would create capacious experience zones and product displays. This would include innovative products from over 250 brands and 10000 products spread across an exhibited 100,000 sq. feet area.

The exhibition will feature several interesting events. A dedicated area for energy saving, ‘The Earth Bazaar Pavilion’ will showcase multiple individuals/companies from across the country who would display their products and services to offer visitors with creative and sustainable ideas for their homes and lifestyles.

Manchester Furniture ShowDate 17th - 19th July 2016Venue Manchester, UK Contact www.manchesterfurnitureshow.com

Manchester Furniture Show is the UK’s second-largest furniture show. This is a three day event being held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester, United Kingdom. This event showcases products from Home Furnishings & Home Textiles, Business Services, Architecture & Designing, Education & Training, Furniture industries, etc.

If you are a retail or contract buyer, an interior designer, a specifier or procurement officer, then Manchester is the place to be this summer. This event is a chance to see the newest trends in upholstery, cabinet and dining, beds and bedroom furniture, occasional, mirrors, art and decorative accessories. It will all on be on show at Manchester Central; a unique, up-to-the minute exhibition space, right in the heart of Manchester city.

Design Weekend Sao PauloDate 10th - 14th AugustVenue Sao Paulo, Brazil Contact www.designweekend.com.br

The Design Weekend is an urban festival which aims to promote the culture of design and its connections with architecture, decoration, urban development, social inclusion, business and technological innovation.

DW! is a creation of Lauro Andrade - CEO of Summit Promo - and takes place annually, at Sao Paulo´s city, with more than 120 independent and simultaneous events, organized by companies, professionals, educational institutions and NGOs.

Public and private activities at DW! are promoted in strategic points of the city such as museums, galleries, studios, stores, shopping centres, parks, public squares, universities, colleges and others.

DW! will be held in different formats such as: seminars, courses, lectures, trade shows, exhibitions, installations, urban interventions, receptions and cocktail parties, product launches, themed tours, parties, shows, competitions, prizes, among others.


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Spot Light

The first word that comes to our minds when one says ‘cement’ is buildings, right?

But GOMAADS, a company founded by three colleagues, is working hard to change this perception. This company set brick in January 2013 and is now toiling to create quirky items out of cement.

Breaking The Mould Three colleagues - Gopendra Pratap Singh, Malvika Singh Gupta and Aditi Sharma - get wild with cement, and how. BY LATIKA PAYAK

The three sprightly professionals discovered a perfect formula that allowed them to mould cement in various shapes. But even with this basic formula in place, it takes them close to 15 days to create a good product from scratch, the team reveals.

The process of creation begins with brainstorming for ideas to see what fits the quirky bracket. Then GOMAADS gets down to experimenting with it.

accessories, tableware, planter and wall-art. They believe now is the time to focus on marketing these products to a wider audience.

So while GOMAADS functions out of Noida, it makes its presence felt through a website and by listing its products on e-stores like Snapdeal.

Must say, adding cement to the décor never seemed so much fun!Contactweb: www.gomaads.com

It takes GOMAADS close to 15 days to create each product from scratch

While doing so GOMAADS even received its first EDIDA in February 2014.

‘ W h y s h o u l d c e m e n t b e sentenced only to construction?’ was the thought that made GOMAADS experiment with this versatile material for nine months. They tried different proportions and consistencies to see what fitted into the moulds of quirky clocks, holders for stationary, clothes and even plants. After nine tedious months the team finally struck a concrete deal.

One of their proud innovations has been a clock moulded out of CD covers. “Finalising the angle at which the clock stands took us the longest time,” the team confesses.

While experimenting they also take care to steer clear of products that are difficult to manufacture, as producing them on a large scale then poses a challenge. So the formula that GOMAADS follows is straight - make it simple and quirky.

Now GOMAADS has created close to 20 products that are listed under four broad categories -

GOMAADS’ clock made with CD cover moulds

GOMAADS has created close to 20 products under four broad categories - accessories, tableware, planter and wall-art

the inside track july 2016

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