Ravi Kanade Courtesy The Architect

VOL 8. ISSUE 2.

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jignesh doshi volumetric bonanza

shabnam gupta’s off-beat charm

sameep padora’s designer pallate

hiren patel green speak

home review February 2009. vol. 8. issue 2. EDITOR & PUBLISHER CREATIVE DIRECTOR FEATURES EDITOR SUB EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Jignesh Doshi appears to have got this workspace just right! In perfect rhythm with his aesthetically inclined client, the architect revives a tired old shed into a space that speaks volumes about the people who work there. Experimenting with the innate properties of material, Jignesh is able to chisel a trendy corporate office that revels in its industrial past. Architect Sameep Padora enthrals with his cutting edge design sensibility. He conceives a sinuous metallic installation for the chic lifestyle store, Palatte, combining functionality with a distinctive aesthetic. Shabnam Gupta adds her inimitable touch to the Vistara jewellery studio, ingeniously contrasting the appeal of raw materials with the sparkle of gems. Having received the prestigious LEED Accredited Professional honour, Ahmedabad based Hiren Patel is delighted to put his skills to the test in his own 'green' home. Centred round the idea of having a home that evolves with time, Hiren creates an idyllic sanctuary for his family that affords a sense of calm and a continuous dialogue with nature. Using bold manipulation of forms, a home built by Sachin Patil and his partner at Manthan Architects is a refreshingly different weekend getaway. The team create a residence with a sense of drama and intrigue, one that glorifies the sheer quality of space and material. With their studio based in Kholapur, and their firm already commissioned for a string of projects across the country, the partners certainly believe in the power of technology and the ability of good design to seamlessly transcend boundaries.

ANISH BAJAJ NATALIE PEDDER BAJAJ MALA BAJAJ SHWETA SALVI SAVITHA HIRA DEEPALI NANDWANI DEEPANJOLIE SONYA FIGG SHIBANI AMIN RANGARAJ PAULOMI PATEL PRIYA TANDON K PARVATHY MENON AMRITA SHAH RAVI KANADE PALAK JHAVERI

Editorial & Marketing Mumbai B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel 022 23736133/1, 32958501 Fax 022 23743069 Email: [email protected] Delhi Ms Sumita Prakash Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi Tel 09899179540, Email: [email protected] Chennai Mr S. Venkataraaman Flat No. 2, 3 Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: [email protected] rd

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We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may be printed 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 REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE Recycling old magazines and newspapers is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. To increase the supply of recoverable wood fibre and to reduce the demand on the world’s landfills, HOME REVIEW urges its readers to actively participate in recycling efforts.

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contents february 2009

On The Cover

The Jignesh Doshi designed multi-use corporate office in downtown Mumbai. “Volumetric Bonanza” Page 48.

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features Volumetric Bonanza Jignesh Doshi designs a multi-functional corporate office in Mumbai for jewellery designer Ashit Shah that perfectly wraps in the owner’s persona. The Evolving Home LEED architect Hiren Patel’s residence in Ahmedabad is a simple mutable house that adapts to the site and the climatic conditions and not the other way round. Contextual Transforme Architect Sameep Padora redefines retail design with the distinctly different Pallate furniture store in Mumbai. Integrative Design Architects Shibanee and Kamal Sagar’s prototype duplex apartment of Windmills of Your Mind in Bangalore integrates the landscape and natural materials with the open plan layout. In Harmony Manthan Architects design a house in Panhala that displays spaces that are strong in character yet transparent in nature. Modern Tribute Work ac blends its design scheme with the ‘past’ to create a contemporary headquarter for DVF Studio in New York. Off-beat Charm Vistara, a sepia toned bijoux shop in South Mumbai designed by interior designer Shabnam Gupta is set in an eclectic and off-beat setting. Internal Modulations InForm architects create a lot of oxymorons in a residence in Bangalore where they private yet connected spaces. ideas In The Know The Green Pulse Unbuilt Works Kapil Gupta’s School in Mumbai Spot Light Installations Retail Therapy Armani Ginza Tower, Tokyo Cult Product GreenPix Media Wall, Beijing Go Green Milano Santa Monica, Milan Spot Light Pavilions & Exhibition Structures regulars Editor ’s Note Our Readers Write Letters to our Editor Bars, Spas & Restaurants New places with style

OUR READERS WRITE Send your views, suggestions and questions about this issue to our editor and we’ll be happy to print the best

1 Local Flavour Star Letter

Varsha and Deepak Guggari design a residence in Pune “The Local Flavour” Page 57.

Your article "Cabin Class" is worthy of credit. The architects' personal needs for restorative holidaying and professional inspiration for combining architectural aesthetics with environmental dialogue in a natural, contemporary yet minimal way is reflected appropriately in the cliff top cabin. I found the roof design particularly significant in terms of traditional and locally available materials being used to brilliant effect. The use of the local Laja stone has inspired me to use the locally available Malad stone as a flooring material for my deck. I hope the results are as breathtaking as Alvaro Ramirez and Clarisa Elton have been able to illustrate. SANJAY MITTAL MUMBAI

Heritage Revisited I fully endorse your views on Lost Architecture (January, 09). You have rightly pointed out that "the lesser known and commonly ignore feature of this treasure is the 'step well'. Here, I would like point out that the Sun Temple at Modhera or "the Queen's step well at Patan, both in Gujarat, are examples of architecture sculpted by the sun and waters. Not only patterned by its steps and platforms but also beautifully punctuated by fine sculpture, these are masterpieces of craft and devotion. To work on a heritage property is always fun and remains a unique experience but involving oneself into it makes one aware about the challenges it has. VINOD C. DIXIT AHMEDABAD Style Honcho I must admit that "Home Review" is a trend setter and ahead of its time. Fashion is a potent concoction of eclectic factors including creativity, commercial interests and circumstances. With the ongoing financial meltdown, 2009 will be the year where ‘less is more’ principle would work famously. Globally, the price tag will be the driving force of trends. The projects always produced in you magazine are wallet friendly and the no fuss minimalism promoted by you is a style which is very practical and unpretentious. KANAK PURI NEW DELHI

Eclectic Opulence The Dubai’s Atlantis resort is truly breathtaking. Besides the ariel view (pg. 92) which gives one an idea of the size of the place it is, the opulence of the grand lobby took my breath away. The stunning wall of windows and the sheer size and stone makes this place one of a kind which will propel the rapidly developing city faster towards a leading tourist destination. PRIYA GOVIND HYDERABAD

Editor’s Choice Urban Tranquillity Amidst the hustle bustle of Mumbai, is it possible to have a space that reflects opulence and grandeur and at the same time retains a sophisticated calm? "An Urban Monastery" (Vol 7 Issue 9) provided the perfect answer to this question. A lot of homes with the "designer" touch nowadays appear highly overdone and gauche. Those going in for a minimalist look appear too understated and impersonal. This house designed by Asheish Shah seems to have achieved the perfect balance, which is very well brought out through the pictures and the text. DHANISHTA SHAH MUMBAI

The star letter and our editor’s choice, receives a 1 year subscription from Home Review Send your letters to: B 62 Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 or Email us at [email protected] Home Review reserves the right to edit and reuse any submissions sent to the editor.

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The Green Pulse

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Sustainable living and blogs have one thing in common; it has all the connoisseurs glued to their updates. Here is one blog that gets you the comprehensive package on eco - design. iGreenSpot.com offers all-inclusive news and adaptations of green products and services. It delivers daily fresh updates, innovation in technology, transportation, design and concept which make our world a better place to live. Knowing and learning all the possibilities and options that are available for us to achieve a better future with least probable liabilities to the environment would always prove to be an asset. Though, sustainability has really got everyone enthused about saving nature from all hazards on the other hand you can't go without using the latest technology which damages the nature to some extent. Here is a reserve that guides you to make the changes and contribute in whatever small or big way. Architecture The weblog provides innovative aspects, construction techniques and materials the can be used in green structures. It takes you through the space planning options and supports it with brilliant adaptations. Cars and Transportation Transportation of any kind not only creates a major dent in our natural resources but also has proven to have adverse effects on the environment. The website informs you about fuel options that have been researched and implemented successfully in aircrafts, bikes and cars. The website promotes the use of Biodiesel and alternate energies for all transportations. Design and Concept Simple ideologies and design concept that allow you to look forward to an eco- friendly future are really faith-boosting. For example, the Zero- E-cell Concept Car by Mercedes Benz that is powered by Lithium ion batteries is an interesting concept. And there are many more advantageous concepts that just leave you awe-struck. Fashion one would think that 'Fashion' and 'Sustainability' are two domains that cannot be associated with each other. This would be because of the presumption that sustainable aspects can bring stricture in the creativity bent, but inversely it is these aspects that offer a challenge to the streak of innovation. That's exactly what you would stumble upon here. Food and Drink There are ways in which one could be eco friendly with the food and drinks that we choose or in a manner in which we choose to have them. The blog features different methods, appliances, and disposal techniques that make

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We at Home Review seek out the most exciting books or web sites each month, to keep you clued-in

you believe in the small things that can make a difference. Gadgets Gadgets that work on solar batteries or solar powered devices find a lot of encouragement on the blog. The awareness of solar powered devices has increased substantially and we see more and more devices and gadgets that adhere to the eco friendly principle. Interior Design House furniture and interior design is constantly subjected to creative change, and it seems like eco-friendly solutions and products are continuously surfacing. The webspace showcases some of the most innovative yet green ideas to decorate any given space. Science Some say that our progress in technology has caused our ultimate doom, the machines, devices, land development and so many more factors have compelled us to face our probable downfall. But everything has a flip side and we certainly can combine technology with green methods to bring about the necessary changes to save us from the self - initiated destruction.

HR I UNBUILT WORKS

In our endeavour to bring you outstanding designs, we proceed with yet another un-built project in this new section that we debuted with in our previous issue. As is the case with any professional practise, many a time a project remains on paper only; the time, energy, effort involved by the designer/ architect an investment in his learning curve, stashed away in his portfolio as yet another testament of his professional prowess.  Around 2005, soon after the FSI for institutional buildings was enhanced from 1.33 to 5.33 by the authorities, with a view to spur institutional development in Mumbai, Serie Architects - an THIS PAGE TOP The international practice detail of the facade based in London and wall.The perforated Mumbai that works cores were enclosed in within diverse fields of the façade, which was architecture, urbanism conceived as a structural and design was invited to element made up of a submit a school building diamond grid to counter proposal as part of a the stress along the private competition entry. large cantilevers. Going by the four-fold BOTTOM View of the increase in FSI, the Fort school. The school rectangular plot with a was worked around a horizontal spread of vertical bias and about 35000 sq. ft. was adapted the core enhanced to a vertical elements of a high-rise.

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 17

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THIS PAGE Classrooms were planned to be accessed by by ramps whereas four othe cores consisting of shared facilities like the sports floor, cafeteria and library were designed to be accesssed by lifts and staircase. The above renditions displays the cafeteria of the school. FILMSTRIP FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Vertical circulation diagram, drawing depicting the structural core of the building, 3D rendition of the structural skin, composite structure comprising the structural core and the skin. 18 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

spread close to 1.5 lac sq. ft. Contrary to the sprawling low-rise block typology of a school surrounded by green fields, the planning parameters for the district and the economic strategy of the school governing body now dictated a typology of a high-density, high-rise block. Thus the task was to both, redefine a school organisation on a vertical bias and adapt the core elements of a high-rise for school performance horizontal circulation replaced by vertical movement. Bearing in mind the student-count of the school 2500 students in the primary and secondary sections the plan was worked out on the basis of a staggered stack - a vertical distribution of the program of indoor and outdoor spaces in the ideal ratio of 1:3, integrated around five cores that would be distributed evenly across the floor plates, to accomplish large columnfree spans. These cores would act as structural elements as well as circulation. The perforated cores would be generated as a series of elliptical undulations that would thicken to form structural walls with openings for light and visibility, thus taking care of ample natural light and ventilation. These cores would then be enclosed in a façade, which was conceived as a structural element made up of a diamond grid to counter the stress along the large cantilevers. The material proposed was foam-finished concrete. Considering the vertical program, the incorporation of elevators was clearly ruled out; although they could assist in the vertical traffic at the beginning and end of each day, traversing between periods/classes would be a major encumbrance. Thus, the main core would house a continuous ramp instead that would graze off the undulating ellipses for support and form the main circulation for the school. The ramp would be used by

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the students for quick access to other floors during class/period changes. The ramping core would also be the social core of each floor, where students and staff could mix and interact. The other four cores would house the open staircases and lifts. The floors would thus be staggered in 2 heights: 4.2m floors would house classrooms and labs whilst the three alternate 6m floors would adapt shared facilities like a sports floor, cafeteria and library. Consequently, considering the absence of open spaces and play areas at ground level due the large building footprint (almost 65% -70%), vertical organisation would stack up indoor and outdoor zones resulting in alternating 'study floors' and 'slip floors'. Zoning of the classrooms juxtaposed with open areas and staff quarters was next on the agenda. The typical floor plan had the classrooms distributed along the periphery to optimise on natural light and ventilation; and the teachers' quarters were positioned in the core near the ramp where the staff could keep a watch on the students and simultaneously could also be easily accessible to them. Since the ramp would also act as the social core, multiple-use rooms, library, etc were positioned along this area. This typology also intended to break away from the monotonous corridors that a conventional school is generally anointed with. So the students could experience a more open interactive program instead of dreary long corridors. However, the exercise did not end here. With this new typology breaking ground, the curriculum of the different classrooms had to be closely looked into to carefully consider internal traffic and the physical and psychological comfort of the students. To begin with: the entrances to the primary and secondary sections

THIS PAGE The common facility cores are plannes in amanner that large column - free spaces a acheived.They were designed to act as structural elements as well as for circulation. These perforated cores would be generated as a series of elliptical undulations that thicken to form structural walls with openings for natural light and ventilation. Another view of the cafeteria shows the perforated stucture. FILMSTRIP FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Ground floor plan, Third floor plan, Ninth floor plan, Typical floor plan. FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 19

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were isolated. Further the pattern of regular curricula of each class was scrutinised and adapted to such that no student had to traverse more than four floors in his routine school movement - two floors up and two floors down despite the building being an integrated 14-floor high-rise. The project represents a rupture of scale and type within the existing historical fabric where most of the existing buildings are rarely more than 4-5 storeys tall. Unfortunately, the project did not see the light of day, although it was greatly appreciated at several presentations by Serie architects Kapil Gupta and Chris Lee. It also won them international acclaim. The practice works towards the exploration of issues that lie at the intersection between architecture and urbanism with particular focus in development of new relevant types for today's urban environments. Together, THIS PAGE TOP The they consistently attempt sports floor of the Fort to push the boundaries of school. their architectural and BOTTOM The central master planning projects core with the circulation ramp. worldwide.  20 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

tryst with installation art Installation art is like an open ground where the creator and viewer can let their imagination break free and just let the sensory perceptions rule. Creativity is boundless, and the ways of interpretating these creations are multifold. For an artist, art is beyond a piece of canvas, and for an architect, it is much more than site and building specifications. The medium that bring all the plaque bearers of creativity together is Installation art. Installations could be built almost anywhere outdoors, indoors, on façades of buildings or even suspended in air. Some installations are sitespecific, in that they are designed to only exist in the space for which they were created. However, what is common to nearly all installation art is a consideration of the experience in toto of the creator and the viewer. Installation art operates fully within the realm of sensory perception, in a sense "installing" the viewer into an artificial system with an appeal to his

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Audience by rAndom International ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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Green Void by LAVA 22 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

Green Void by LAVA

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Hylozoic Soil by Philip Beesley

subjective perception as its ultimate goal. It incorporates almost any media to create an experience in a particular environment. In contemporary installation art, technology has started playing an important role with media, video, sound, performance and immersive virtual reality installations. Typically, an interactive installation will often involve the audience acting on it or the piece responding to the user's activity. There are several kinds of interactive installations produced, these include web-based installations, gallery based installations, digital based, electronic installations, etc. With the advance in technology over the years, artists are now able to explore beyond boundaries that were never considered possible in the past. The media used by creators today are more experimental and bold; they are also usually cross media and may involve sensors, which play on the reaction to the audiences' movement when looking at the installations. By using virtual reality as a medium, immersive virtual reality art is probably the most

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Masterplan by Zaha Hadid FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 23

Opera House desk By Zaha Hadid

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deeply interactive form of art. At the turn of a new century, there is also a trend of interactive installations using video, film, sound and sculpture.

Audience by rAndom International Audience is an installation conceived by rAndom International and executed in collaboration with Chris O'Shea, and was commissioned by choreographer Wayne McGregor for the Deloitte Ignite Festival at the Royal Opera House London in September 2008. Audience, an interactive installation consists of a large crowd of head-size mirror objects. Each object moves its head in a particular way to give it different characteristics of human behaviour. When members of the audience enter the perimeter of the installation, the mirrors inquisitively follow someone that they find interesting. Having chosen their subject, they all synchronise and turn their heads towards them. Suddenly that person can see their reflection in all of the mirrors. They will watch this person until they become disinterested, then either seek out another subject or return to their private chatter. The suddenly synchronised collective behaviour of the objects is beyond the control of the viewer, as it is left entirely to their discretion to let go of their subject.. The intention was to start taking interaction with an installation further away from the screen or media wall and introduce it into a more physical, threedimensional space, and to begin to investigate if machines can evoke diverse emotional reactions with the simplest of means. Green Void by LAVA LAVA designed the 'Green Void' installation specifically for the Customs House central atrium which spans through all five levels. Suspended from 24 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

the top level Café Sydney restaurant, a vertical distance of almost 20m, the sculpture provides an intense visual contrast to the beautifully restored heritage interior of Customs House. Green Void is a digital design, derived from nature, realized in lightweight fabric, using the latest digital fabrication and engineering techniques, to create more with less. Comprised of 3,000 cubic metres of space it is enclosed within a minimal surface area of 300 square meters and uses only 40 kg of lightweight material. The installation is inspired by the relationship between man, nature and technology. The entire installation is immersed in a soundscape by sound artist David Chesworth, who created a "digital rainforest". Hylozoic Soil by Philip Beesley Hylozoic Soil is an installation exhibited at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts as a spectacular machinic piece of work which responds to every little movement of the observer. The installation made of ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Aura S By Zahid

Aura L By Zahid

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Masterplan By Zaha Hadid

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and build two installations within Villa Foscari La Malcontenta, to initiate a dialogue between Contemporary Architects and Palladio breaching five centuries of architectural discourse. Zaha Hadid focused their study on one room, conscious that exploring the logic and relational system of a single room they would have addressed and captured the essence of Palladio's architectural theory. The natural equilibrium achieved by Andrea Palladio in La Malcontenta is thus shaken by the dynamic component introduced by Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, who have long abandoned the Euclidian mathematics that generated Palladio's proportional theories. In such way, within one room of this architecture "Aura" is generated as a spatial morphology that reflects the structure of this void, the skeleton of this ethereal space. As a further demonstration of the generative potential of Palladio's proportional system, a second installation was designed for the symmetrical room. ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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more than 70,000 laser-cut components set alive by proximity sensors, microcontrollers, capacitance sensors, actuators and shape-memory alloys, makes the whole space appear like it is hunting you, like a big beast or a floating web. When passing through the installation small movements are triggered which again influence other impulses in the structure making you realize the impact of the complex system. Installation by Zaha Hadid Architect Zaha Hadid is known for her fluid abstract architectural work which looks more or less like installations. Here are a few installations by the stalwart herself. Zaha Hadid has created a series of installations for a two-venue show in New York, curated by Kenny Schachter. According to Schachter, each installation is derived from architectural projects Hadid has been working on. Masterplan was originally part of her citywide plan for the Asian side of Istanbul, while the Opera House desk uses a relief from a wall of the Opera House at the Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre. Zaha also has paid a tribute to Andrea Palladio's Villa Foscari through Installations for the celebrations of the legendary architect's 500th birth anniversary (1508-2008). La Malcontenta invited Zaha Hadid Architects to design

The Traveller by Arne Quinze, Munich FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 25

The Tenth Planet By Subodh Kerkar

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HR I SPOTLIGHT

Aura L and Aura S are thus presented as two "phenotypes" of the complex order generated by a contemporary translation of Palladio's harmonic system. The Traveller by Arne Quinze, Munich Belgian artist/designer Arne Quinze created a fantastic sculpture, a 20m high and 12m wide wooden architectural construction called The Traveller, displayed at the occasion of the opening of the new Louis Vuitton store in Munich, and was on display till the beginning of January 2009. Quinze creates a journey, an enigmatic travel through this masterpiece of which roads leads us to a world of emotion and inspiration. Installations by Subodh Kerkar Subodh Kerkar our very own Indian artist who effortlessly translates tradition in a contemporary idiom is known for his installations along with his canvases and sculptures. With sea as his muse, Subodh uses it as his canvas for installation work. His first installation was called 'The Tenth Planet'. The installation has two craters on the beach, covered with metal discs with electrical bulbs underneath, which created a semblance of a floating disc. For the installation titled 'Cones' Kerkar has dug out trenches around piled sand cones and has lit these trenches from within, creating a startling effect just after dusk.

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Cones By Subodh Kerkar 26 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

HR I RESTOS BARS & SPAS

The Castle Of Cool Shiro Goa  Shiro is one of Mumbai's most desired party locations. Located in the new hip mill district, it's said to be the ultimate luxury lounge in the country, with international standards in music, drinks and cuisine, and a focus on all things Japanese. It stirred up quite a storm - so much so that now there is a Shiro on Candolim beach in Goa. Shiro, meaning castle in Japanese, has been conceptualized to set off the mind in many ways - with its interiors, its food and drink. It has a sensuous feel and has been built to represent an Asian castle, complete with water flows, low seating, and niched spaces with mellow lighting. Located on the beach, the view is to die for, especially the sunset view from the deck which is the main focus of the venue. The elegant fine dining area and the spacious lounge too cannot be discounted. Shiro has a mysterious spa like aura which is apparent as soon as one makes an entrance. It's double heightened ceiling provides openness and a feeling of lofty magnificence. Dominating the central space of the restaurant, are three 16ft high figures of consorts, dropping water into a moat. The ambience in Shiro Goa is definitely eclectic. It has strong Asian overtones and clever reinterpretations of traditional Japanese, Chinese and Balinese elements which make it warm, engaging and tropical. It exudes sensuality and yet a serene energy prevails all around. As one walks through the different areas, each offering a unique experience of oriental mystique in a very contemporary style, one feels enveloped in a castle of cool ! Shiro, Candolim, Goa Tel: 6451718 28 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

HR I RESTOS BARS & SPAS

Heavy Metal Thor  The Hotel on Rivington rocks on as a premier destination in downtown, New York. The 21-storey glass tower hotel with 360ºunobstructed views, opened its doors in October 2004 with highlights, such as Thor, the Marcel Wanders designed, critically-acclaimed full-service Restaurant and Bar. With its cutting-edge design, Thor is a celebration of artistic energy and an ideal venue to experience the vibe of downtown Manhattan. At Thor, guests dine in an impressive space. The airy dining room features a 21-foot soaring glass ceiling that offers views of the Lower East Side's historic tenement buildings. Marcel Wanders is an industrial product designer based in Amsterdam, as the architect of Thor he has already caused a stir. He has won both the Rotterdam Prize and the George Nelson award. Personally, he demonstrates the same contradictory traits that make his designs fascinating, radical and revolutionary, childish and mischievous, practical and utilitarian. Thor, Hotel On Rivington 107 Rivington St New York, NY 10002 www.hotelonrivington.com

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HR I RESTOS BARS & SPAS

A Sliver of Tranquility One & Only Ocean Club Spa Bahamas  A discreet sanctuary of calm and wellness, the spa at One & Only Ocean Club provides the ultimate rejuvenating experience with an enriching selection of treatments blending ancient techniques with contemporary practice. Traditional spa therapies and the natural spices, fruits and minerals indigenous to The Bahamas are melded together to provide the pampering rituals and specific treatments. Guests enjoy the tranquility and privacy of one of eight Balinese-style treatment villas, all furnished with teak massage tables, a waterfall shower, a day bed and jetted tub in a private open air garden. Following each treatment, guests savour herbal teas and fresh fruit presented in a Japanese Tea Ceremony, a beautiful ritual practiced as a reminder of the spiritual world within. From rituals of touch and ceremonies of the face to celebrations of the Bahamian sun and unique treatments for mothers-to-be, the spa offers a therapy to suit every mood and lifestyle. One & Only Ocean Club is legendary in its reputation for entertaining the world's elite for more than 45 years. A warm and inviting accommodation awaits the guests, who have a choice of residential-style villas which are ideal for families. The elixir of Bahamian life, the spectacular blue waters of the Caribbean are explored with a rich roster of activities - diving, snorkelling, sailing, skiing, and windsurfing. For the less adventurous, just relaxing along the shoreline of a pristine beach is also quite moving. One & Only Ocean Club Paradise Island,Bahamas,Email: [email protected] Web www.oneandonlyresorts.com 32 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

HR I RETAIL THERAPY

The Armani Ginza Tower - Giorgio Armani's gorgeous vision in Tokyo's iconic high profile Ginza district is an arresting glass cube and soon becoming a must-visit for locals and tourists in the area.  Since the time it opened last November, the Armani Ginza Tower is grabbing eyeballs and footfalls, and for good reason. A culmination of all things that stand for the legendary designer and his brand, along with his relationship with Japan, the tower exudes Armani's aesthetics showcasing the designer's deep understanding of the Japanese and their culture. For the Armani Ginza Tower, it was considered essential that not just the designer's creativity but his special aura, recreating the atmosphere of the atelier of this Italian creative genius, as well as his aesthetic code and his personal image - all needed to be translated into the architecture of the store. There was a need to combine luxury with restrained elegance, the concept of modernity with a lasting style in the LEFT & RIGHT Interior classic Armani way. views of the store. Tokyo is a city alive BOTTOM The glass with continuous move- tower has adopted an ment. The brightly lit build- interesting lighting ings pulsate with vibrant concept which has traffic, creating through a backlit bamboo stems ceaseless flux of brilliant and create a light halo images - the typical ex- onto the façade glass.

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HR I RETAIL THERAPY

pression of a metropolitan spirit. Like most capital cities, its irresistible appeal lies in the rapidity and speed of its endless transformations. "In such a location, how to translate the concept of Armani's featherweight clothes, the delicacy and the craftsmanship of his embroidery, the sensuality of the interplay between body and fabric along with his vision and relentless research into materials, together with his use of delicate, translucent and radiant colours was the challenge," say Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas, the creative forces behind the store. "We explored a host of ideas, we experimented with new textures, modelled, sculpted, emptied, dematerialised spaces using light, the evanescence of an intimate sensation that is, however, born in from the exterior and finally sought to reveal the world of Armani through a range of screens." And that's what visitors get to see - screens as light as gossamer or silk that depict the sophistiTHIS PAGE TOP cated image of the Giorgio Interiors of the store. Armani brand. It's richness BOTTOM A cascade in translucence and inti- of brightly lit leaves macy is juxtaposed with delicately float down the the immediacy and mo- facades and, according dernity of the spaces to the time of day or the dedicated to Emporio, season, are modified in identified by more intensity and colour. FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 35

HR I RETAIL THERAPY

expansive areas in which shafts of white light cut through and are reflected within the setting. The exterior is made up of a glass tower, totally merging into the Ginza skyline, its glass surface mirroring and relaying reflections of the sky and the surrounding buildings, full of different lights and colours throughout both day and night. To avoid a large two dimensional lighting concept there are bamboo stems that appear to extend the full height of the building. Backlighting from within the bamboo create a light halo onto the façade glass and interior blind. The permeability of the surface is further toned down by a cascade of brightly lit leaves that delicately float down the facades and, according to the time of day or the season, are modified in intensity and colour. The façade concept of the lighted leaf was extended into the floor levels as a concealed light cove providing general light from a ceiling feature. Mesh glass subdivision panels are lit from above to bring them to life and increase the sense of floating fabric in the space. Lighting control is used to subtly effect and to intensify and dim light to the mesh panels allowing the walls to become less solid and therefore increasing views through the mesh panel. This theatrical effect allows individual areas of the store to solidify and open up in a subtle looped cycle. The polished black ceiling, wall and floor created multiple reflections in the store. Backlighting behind linear laser cut holes created luminous strips in the wall and ceiling which were mirrored and layered in the reflections. The intensity of light for the merchandise was carefully considered to create the correct relationship with the feature walls and THIS PAGE The ceiling. The light within polished black ceiling, the walls and ceilings is wall and floor created animated to create a multiple reflections in sense of light waves the store and the backlit moving across the store. linear laser cut holes Strong light contrast is create luminous strips used to dramatic effect on walls and ceiling.

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HR I RETAIL THERAPY

to bring the merchandise to life. Inside and outside the store, lighting plays an important part, an experience where light becomes an integral part of the visual concept. You wouldn't feel you are inside of the tower. It's because the building blends with the cityscape perfectly, as it is one of the elements that make the city itself. Contrary to most other projects where the client is rarely encountered, Giorgio Armani has been deeply involved, always ready to engage with every little adaptation of the concept. "Working with the designer has been an unusual assignment for us; usually it is the building, the external architecture that takes precedence over the content. For the Ginza project the opposite has been true," say the designers. "His indefatigable curiosity and collaboration throughout the creative process has been like working under a microscope, examining every tiny little detail, trying to find the ultimate solution, achieving the best." And best is what they did achieve. The task however was not easy. It is always difficult to crystallise the image of someone, particularly a person as well known as Giorgio Armani, in a way that can be represented through the store. In 1980's, Armani has been called as a maverick in the fashion world as he had suggested fashion for working women. Starting from that career, he has successfully spearheaded many of his design adventures globally. So naturally, Armani’s Japanese admirers were THIS PAGE Screens as not just looking forward to light as gossamer the Ginza tower, but were depict the sophisticated also concerned about how image of the Armani the Japanese integration brand and this transluwould take place. Here for cence is juxtaposed the first time ever in Tokyo, with modernity of the the entirety of Armani's outspaces which is identiput was to be displayed fied by expansive areas within the same building. in which shafts of white And ever since it’s openlight cut through and are ing the tower has been reflected within. drawing major crowds. 

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HR I CULT PRODUCT

Sustainability is more than facade deep for greenPIX, a media wall for a commercial building in Beijing. It acts as a self sufficient screen consisting of colour LEDs with integrated photovoltaic cells. The screen charges itself during the day and flashes at night. Media walls for building facades gets you closer to the horizon from where technology and science take over from architecture and design. But all this will only be possible if we tide through the damage that's already been done by us to the environment, and work towards means that will help sustain our ecosystem as it is meant to be. GreenPIX, 'the Zero Energy Media Wall,' uses architecture and technology to absorb, store, amplify, translate, and display data, both natural and manmade, in an organic system that responds dynamically to the local environment. Creative programming adds even more layers to the already rich stream of data being presented and allows passers-by to experience the site in terms of space and time through both their own eyes and the minds of the selected artists. The entire presentation comes with a zero net consuming energy footprint thanks to a glazing-integrated system of perforated photovoltaic cells and a battery storage system. The result is a public art installation that creates awareness of the local environment in both appearance and functionality. Featuring the largest colour LED display worldwide and the first photovoltaic system integrated into a glass curtain wall in China, the building performs as a selfsufficient organic system, harvesting solar energy by day and using it to illuminate the screen after dark, mirroring a day's climatic cycle. The greenPIX project is designed by Brooklyn based Simone Giostra & Partners Architects in collaboration with ARUP for the Xicui Entertainment Complex in Beijing. The building is located in western Beijing close to a number of 2008 Olympic venues. The singular design brief given to Giostra was to 'enliven the building's opaque, boxlike presence and connect it to its environs' all using only one facade. Xicui's commercial building gains the ability of communicating with its urban environs through a new kind of digital transparency. Its "intelligent skin" interacts with the building interiors and the outer public spaces using embedded, c u s t o m - d e s i g n e d THIS PAGE TOP The software, transforming GreenPix media wall the building façade into a appears different as the responsive environment day progresses. Here is for entertainment and the night effect of the media wall. BOTTOM public engagement. GreenPix is a large- The photovoltaic cells in scale display comprising the Media Wall store of 2,292 colour (RGB each solar energy during the of 900mm x 900mm) day. 38 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

HR I CULT PRODUCT

LED's light points comparable to a 24,000 sq. ft. (2,200 m2) monitor screen for dynamic content display. The very large scale and the characteristic low resolution of the screen enhances the abstract visual qualities of the medium, providing an art-specific communication form in contrast to commercial applications of high resolution screens in conventional media façades. With the support of leading German manufacturers Schueco and SunWays, the architect Simone Giostra with Arup developed a new technology for laminating photovoltaic cells in a glass curtain wall and oversaw the production of the first glass solar panels by Chinese manufacturer SunTech. The polycrystalline photovoltaic cells are laminated within the glass of the curtain wall and placed with changing density on the entire building's skin. The density pattern increases the building's performance, allowing natural light when required by interior program, while reducing heat gain and transforming excessive solar radiation into energy for the media wall. The photovoltaic solar cells store the solar energy that is not required to the activities in the building during the day, while acting as an affective shading device and protecting the building from excessive THIS PAGE TOP The heat gain. During the Media Wall projecting night, the media envelope media art content. releases the energy BOTTOM The Media accumulated during the Wall main entrance.

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HR I CULT PRODUCT

day, in form of bursting light, transforming the facade in a glowing beacon, and the building in an overwhelming visual experience within the nightscape of Beijing. Integrated photovoltaic cells mean that the panels both emit and absorb energy in the form of LED and sun light, thus reinforcing Giostra's vision of 'technological self sufficiency.' 'Seascape', the concept of dynamically changing scene based on both time and vantage point, also played a large role in the design of the facade. Media is the active dynamic element at night. During the daytime however, when sun obscures the LED light, Giostra had to make the passive elements of the facade appear dynamic. He accomplished this by varying opacity and mounting angle (5°) of the glass panels as well as by carefully arranging the integrated PV cells to form a dynamic pattern. The result is a facade that appears to undulate with the rhythm of the environment day and night. Interestingly, the entire system is a total of seven feet thick including glass panels, structure, power and data infrastructure, LED lighting fixtures and a maintenance access space. The Media Wall is the most radical example of sustainable technology applied to an entire building's envelope to date. The innovative use of technology and experimental approach to communication and social interaction defines new standards in the context of urban THIS PAGE GreenPix is interventions worldwide, a large-scale display raising global interest comprising of 2,292 in the integration of colour (RGB) digital technology with LED’s light points architecture and reinforc- monitor screen for ing the current surge dynamic content display. of innovation and urban BOTTOM The close-up of the entrance. renewal. 42 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

HR I GO GREEN

The proposed eco-city, Milano Santa Monica in Milan, works around the principles of bioarchitecture and has adopted a multitude of energy conservation methods.  Call it bio-architecture, organic architecture or even vegitecture; now all these terms are considered as buzzwords in the construction world. The awareness of sustainable living is spreading like fire and on a larger scale wherein many new proposals for cities are meticulously planned to absolve environmental issues. In the near future, planning for larger energy-efficient and eco-friendly communities would become a norm. The Santa Monica eco-city is one such proposal that promises to make an impact on our sustainable premonitions. Milan, the fashion capital of the world, has already established a name for itself in the design indus- THIS PAGE TOP The try, and could soon be high rise buildings with known as the green capi- the terrace planters. tal due to its various TOP The residential developments that adopt buildings overlook the cutting edge technologies open park area which is to achieve sustainable used for recreational construction. Milano acitivities and also Santa Monica is a chic provides the necessary green super city proposed visual relief.

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HR I GO GREEN

and envisioned by Polis Engineering, Studio Nicoletti, and the Marzorati Architecture Studio. Sited just seven kilometres from the centre of Milan in a town called Segrate, which currently is a home to about 33,000 inhabitants, the Santa Monica eco-city is scheduled to be completed by the year 2013. The eco-city will comprise of more than 2,000 apartments put together around a two million square metre park. The 'park', as it is known, will take up about 10 per cent of this small city's total area. The residential area will house schools, sporting facilities, and a shopping centre. The lush green high rises are efficiently designed and enshrouded in vegetation that helps to insulate the interiors while providing fresh air. Solar panels are used to produce warm water for the residents and photovoltaic panels cover sun-facing THIS PAGE The Santa windows to produce elec- Monica eco-city in Milan has sustainbility at the tric power. Milano Santa Monica core of its design. The works around the city is designed in order principles of bio-architec- to generate both electricture, a design typology ity and warm water that is greatly influenced using strategically by the location and placed solar panels. The climate of the building site complex is a selfand strives to unify, or har- contained zone that monise, the natural world offers schools, sporting with the human world. facilities, and a shopAnd that is exactly what ping centre. FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 45

HR I GO GREEN

the architects have tried to achieve. For the Santa Monica city they have planned the living spaces around an open park, allowing maximum interaction with natural elements in the green space. The residential structures are a series of stacked high-rises overflowing with flowering terraces that allow the residents to have calming views of nature and ample physical access to this green space as well. The over all ground plantation along with balcony planters contribute in providing insulation while only allowing clean and fresh air to enter indoors. Another hallmark of the project is the principle of energy conservation with plans to generate both electricity and warm water using strategically placed solar panels. The complex is a self-contained zone that offers schools, sporting and spa facilities, a luxurious hotel and a shopping centre, that reduces the distance that people will need to travel in the course of their daily activities. With the construction of this small city, the residents would not only enjoy the boons of eco-friendly materials used for the structure and other green features but also will now be aware of nature in both a responsible and recreational manner. With its energy-efficient apartments and shops, lush green parks and sustainable technologies, it certainly THIS PAGE TOP The promises to offer an proposed interiors vouch to be luxuriously lavish. exemplary lifestyle.  46 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

Having vegetation on building facades is a very novel idea, but often in such cases the problem lies in the maintenance of the facades. Watering and maintaining these numerous planters seems to be a very painstaking job. Tournesol Siteworks offers some solutions that could very well be the answer to your problem. CB AutoFill boxes CB AutoFill uses the AutoFill container irrigation system to deliver the convenience of automatic irrigation, but with the advantages of sub-irrigation. Each box is connected to a low-pressure water line and controlled by its own float valve, which adjusts the water level to provide the optimal moisture level to the flowers. The CB AutoFill windowbox has a removable internal liner, so that it may be mounted and easily cleaned without plants or flowers. Each box is made up of three main parts - the shell, the liner, and the AutoFill valve. The shell is a durable, watertight fiberglass and thermoplastic. The valve is mounted to the bottom of the shell, and regulates the water level in the reservoir inside. The valve maintains the correct water level in the reservoir to keep the plants at their best. The system is fed by a low-pressure (<20psi) irrigation line. One main line can feed up to 100 boxes. All CB AutoFill boxes are fitted with a copper overflow drain that will allow excess water to escape the reservoir in the case of severe rains. The drain may be allowed to free drain, or may be plumbed into a drainage system. The removable liner has both water inlet as well as air holes to provide both critical moisture and aeration to the roots of the plants. The system is highly waterefficient, keeping irrigation water in, controlling rain water, and minimizing evaporation from the topsoil. Contact: www.tournesolsiteworks.com

Wall Tile - SATIN - Rectified - 300 x 450 mm ~12” x 18”

VOLUMETRIC BONANZA Kenil Industries' office in the heart of Mumbai city stands testament to the union of two strong creatives: the designer's sound proficiency and the client's impeccable proclivity… TEXT BY SAVITHA HIRA • PHOTOGRAPHS SEBASTIAN ZACHARIAH; COURTESY THE ARCHITECTS.

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THIS SPREAD The essence of this unusual office is enigmatically captured in the lounge where plush materials vie for interest against old-world charm of exposed brick walls and wooden trusses.

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THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE PAGE An old car is parked regally upfront, urging you to confront the preliminary feel of an unconventional corporate set-up. A beautiful life-size diya completes the set-up. BOTTOM The unassuming entrance that opens to a host of surprises.

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ot everyday does an opportunity arise, that not only synchronises your passion with your vocation but grants you the added bonus of a multi-functional space that is a perfect foil to your persona. Jewellery designer Ashit Shah's sprawling 5000 sq ft. indoor-outdoor volumetric bonanza is nothing short of an oasis in the heart of a bustling metropolis. Located in the designer-district of Mathuradas Mills compound at Lower Parel in Mumbai, is this beautiful almost-completely-private space that houses Kenil Industries - the official abode of the flamboyant, spirited fashion-jewellery designer known to bedeck several young models with his striking creations. The multi-use corporate office is the perceptive blend of two strong sensibilities: architect and interior designer Jignesh Doshi's sound professional expertise and the jewellery designer's impeccable aesthetic sense. The former in his decade-old practise has set a precedent for himself in the vocabulary of juxtaposed volumes that are characterised by straight lines interpreting space with minimum fuss, accompanied by the sheer celebration of materiality. And the latter 50 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

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sought his ideal abode with all the trimmings of modern comforts whilst being in the lap of nature. Synchronising a system high on aesthetics in keeping with the image and lifestyle of the client, the architect known for his experimental and avant-garde material combinations has chiselled the erstwhile mill plot along the north-south axis, maximising on a landscaped exterior and revelling in the raw beauty of the industrial interior. Sleek finishes of frosted glass, brown Kota stone, leather, wood, aluminium and steel are juxtaposed with the raw appeal of exposed brick walls, cast-iron columns and wooden trusses in the thirteen-foot high ceiling. Largely bifurcated, two sections prevail: the factory area buzzing with its workers and sorters; accounts and storage departments; and the aesthetically-replete executive area that houses the perfunctory conference room; besides the proprietary cabin, designer section, library and lounge amidst two other distinctly designed work-spaces and an expansive mezzanine earmarked for future use. Strategically positioned at the junction of the two sections, is the reception counter that helps oversee the entire outfit without being noticeable. The entire executive area is like a luxurious shell 52 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

filled with surprise packages. As Doshi explains, "I work with volumes; juxtaposing one volume within or around another, I tend to create a connectivity that simultaneously amazes and appeals". In simple terms, the architect enunciates that his spaces are designed with a view to comfort the visitor in its environs; at the same time urge him to explore further. Consequently, one enters the office via a wide aluminium panelled swivel door that is minimally ribbed, as if silently proclaiming sobriety. However, once inside, the expectedness changes into approbation as one is gradually brought face-to-face with one seemingly amazing vista after another; only to finally realize that each one and the whole are holistically interspersed into a distinct genre of graceful lines - some firmly grounded; others fleetingly coercing, and some audaciously floating. An old car the client's sentimentally-prized possession, is parked regally upfront, urging you to confront the preliminary feel of an unconventional corporate set-up. While this vision captivates, one is drawn towards the luxurious lounge area, beyond which is the idiosyncratic frostedglass cabin positioned amidst gravel and tall-bamboo landscape lending it an ethereal feel. The eye shifts upwards to register a cube dressed in white plaster

THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE PAGE The idiosyncratic frostedglass cabin positioned amidst gravel and tallbamboo landscape lending it an ethereal feel. Note the eclectic combination of rustic with modern.

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THIS PAGE The lounge is flanked by a mix of finishes and spatial configurations. The rectangular mass dressed in solid wood encloses the proprietary cabin and designer area and displays a built-in lozenge aquarium, sustaining visitorinterest.

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THIS PAGE A little library is tucked away in the proprietary cabin. The apron of the table is delicately but stylishly embellished with antique-finished silver beads.

floating above the ground, inviting via its petite spinal staircase. A wee turnabout and one is drawn by a rectangular mass - this time dressed in solid wood, again enticingly displaying a built-in lozenge aquarium, sustaining visitor-interest. Engulfed in a characteristic ambience, each space is detailed to perfection despite the low-key material palette due to predictable budget constraints. With Doshi's deep-rooted commitment to detailing, several features stand out: the floating cube made of calcium silicate board; the sleek leather-finished drawer-fronts, the application of aluminium and paver-block partitions and the like. Scattered but regimented landscaping brings the place alive; especially the landscaping outside the library, where a bespoke sprinkler system evokes the pleasurable fragrance of wet earth. It is amidst this scenario, accompanied by pipe music that Ashit can relax with a book of his choice. In fact the overall ambience reflects different moods at different hours - a prime reason that this corporate set-up transforms into a party venue playing 56 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

host to diverse celebrations - from a Mehendi party to a Stag- do to New Year's Eve revelry… But, hidden behind this blatant efficacy, there lies more… an ingenious green design principle that regulates the energy efficiency of this huge workplace. Strategic fenestrations in the exterior compound wall and an energy-efficient turbine ventilation system effectively harness wind power; Added to this are the distinct pockets of greenery; together, these regulate the temperature inside. Consequently, the presence of air-conditioners is restricted to set volumes only. Working on the north-south orientation has also maximised cross ventilation with the north-light trusses bringing in ample natural light … resulting in a commendable overall reduction of electrical costs. Ambient lighting caters to mood-shifts and complemented by the play of the myriad material finishes that sculpt distinct auras, Kenil corresponds to the ultimate destination for whatever the client may opt for in terms of both - entertainment as well as enterprise.

THIS PAGE A front view of the portico overlooking the manicured garden and lush foliage draping different parts of the 2-tier house; the lily pond, bird sculpture and lighted diyas provide interesting accents.

THE EVOLVING HOME The science of designing homes that go beyond the basics, is what we uncover for you with a visit to LEED architect, Hiren Patel's Ahmedabad home in the heart of the city. TEXT BY DEEPANJOLIE SONYA FIGG • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT

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THIS PAGE TOP A couple of Scandinavian wood and fiber chairs take place of pride in close proximity to a large picture window that enables one to commune with nature while enjoying the comfort of being indoors. OPPOSITE PAGE A view of the living room: the cool elegance of white walls and ecru furnishings touched up with dull gold in places lend a serene touch to the exuberance of assorted wrought-iron, ceramic, mosaic, glass and eclectic wall-art in various sizes, including the bright-pink wall beyond.

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CEPT product from the 1990 batch who went to Switzerland for a year to study and train in advanced architectural forms, techniques and ways of bringing diverse materials together in harmonious blends for practical yet simplistically stylish designs, then was spurred to launch his own studio the following year and has never looked back since that's principal architect and designer, Hiren Patel for you! His practice now has over 30 like-minded and forward thinking creative minds all putting their energies together for conceptualizing and realizing the core design philosophy at the Hiren Patel Architects (HPA): the Ahmedabad-based firm's lead architect's drive for excellence in design - "designing in a more scientific way." (And now also LEED AP, an industry certification recently awarded to Hiren from the Green Building Certification Institute distinguishing him as a building professional with the knowledge and skills necessary to steward green building projects requiring principles learnt to be applied into practice through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design awareness) As Hiren puts it, "I am now a LEED AP and compelled to constantly check out how my own house is working in accordance with green design concepts…not only because I want to do what a LEED AP is meant to do: (certify projects), but also because FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 59

OPPOSITE PAGE Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s newest restaurant flanked by frosted blue mirrors and a wall encrusted with metal work flowers. THIS PAGE Three dimensional woven Abaca panels surrounding the dining area of Nobu are punctuated with a glowing composition of custom suspended pendants.

THIS PAGE A close-up of the approach to the second level of the Patel residence: areas on either side of the steps have been highlighted as nooks providing contrasting utility: BOTTOM The kids bedroom has gaily printed comforters, fairy lights strung across bedposts, a group of 4 brightly coloured pictures in single frame and plentiful stickers that all give testimony to the simple joys of childhood ever present for Anu & Karan.

essentially, I like to stay involved in progress at every level of every design…because at the back of my mind is always a stimulation for finding out any hidden qualities, understanding the design process better and better - so I can design better homes for others - much more meaningful than the basics!" Thus, he explains his need for an evolving house plan - "I wanted a home that was climatically compatible, so there are buffered areas throughout that keep the most used areas cool. But I also wanted a very personal space that would allow for design-dynamics and provide a kids-friendly environment, since I have 2 lovely kids - Anu in the 8th standard and Karan, who studies in the 4th currently - besides, dentist wife Dinu's needs to consider (she wanted an extremely functional but elegant retreat for all of us and a spacious kitchen with a view). So, along came the many sky-lights into my house plan for technically sound reasons instead of earlier ones like putting in a window for aesthetics or just for granting a view…foliage accents like creepers on the South and West walls of the house were incorporated to keep areas contained beyond it cool. That pretty much sums 60 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGE Wire-mesh screens on large windows in the dining area provide a hazy view of the simple wooden seating arrangement for 4 outside while a solitary palm holds sway over the pristine white of the narrow room.BOTTOM At home with nature - in the guestroom-cum-den: the neem tree in the center of the garden restores the link with the outside world from behind floor-to-ceiling windows.

up my basis for this expansive home design outlook." The mid-size neem tree situated in the Patel residence provided the focus for the evolving home plan and Hiren reveals, "we created a garden around it; thus the plan became "L" type." He was also very certain about "designing a home with a minimalist philosophy." As he explains his love for simplicity and designing with nature, with things that are timeless and have a personal connection besides of course, affording a sense of calmness about them. This reasoning encouraged the Patels to rope in their favourite artist, Sharad Patel and commission another original art work by him - since they had previously owned another of his designs in their earlier home: "We just had to have Sharad Patel's work in RCC somewhere in our home - his work is timeless and we love it!!" they enthuse! Since the artist is an elderly person, he agreed to give Hiren a sketch, for which his in-house team (carpenter, Suresh Chauhan) created a mould that was used for casting the mural. On a similar note, sculptures by Ratilal Kansodaria and Ishwar Sagra also adorn various niches in the FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 61

TOP The exposed cement wall behind the contemporary-looking western sofa sports the couple's favorite artist, Sharad Patel's sketch worked onto it, which was reproduced from a sketch given by the veteran and transferred onto the RCC background, thanks to the inhouse carpenter's mould created for it. BOTTOM A hand made sketch of the Patel residence. 62 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGE The 'Spa'tial concept in the Patel's most private room is created partially by the location of the mirrors and glass partitions (both opaque - on the windows and clear ones on the storage units made of wood) and in part by the near-Spartan touch of muted colors for marble, ceramic fittings, floor and wall tiles rendered soft by only a few marigolds for company in the incandescent glow of candles.

Patel home besides eclectic art by Sushantu Das, who has also done the extremely clean, frugal lines of artwork for the laminated white-wooden top of the family dining table, in addition to the painting framed on a hot-pink wall that perks up the otherwise pristine white ones of the formal living area, approached by wood-encased steps from the first level of the home and by the al-fresco sitting area under the porch facing the lily-pond in the garden. The entrance to the home from the garden area is marked by a faux patio on the lawns besides the marble flooring of the partially covered one where an informal seating arrangement for 4 takes centre-stage with a table-top of slatted wood, just like the chairs. Large ceiling-to-floor glass windows, table tops (like the one in Hiren's den/guest bedroom) cabinets and shelves in kitchen and master bedroom areas besides glass walls (such as the divider between dining area and living room done up in white) make the most of natural lighting and enhance the indoor space of a home that measures a modest, but expansive-looking 1826 square feet on the ground floor and just a little over a 1000 on the first level. FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 63

Comfort, mood-creation and happiness of all at home, including visiting friends, is ensured by integrating a sustainable, beautiful and healthy lighting option that makes optimum use of natural, renewable light in maximum spaces possible as Hiren Patel's home does, since it is conceived with well-placed windows, skylights and translucent wall panels throughout to allow for natural light to reflect deep inside through strategic design. And, where orientation of rooms falls back slightly on in terms of insulation, the natural foliage outside and light, reflective floor and wall colours of polished wood and marble ensure echoes of ambient light! Global influences are clearly indicative in Hiren's home for all seasons: from assorted travel souvenirs placed around the 4 bedrooms (2 on each floor; the kids currently share one with the promise of getting their individual sanctuary when they grow out of this communal one) and two distinct living rooms (one providing formal, modern and sleek single-arm rest seating and the other more casual, family space with floor-seating adorned with scatter cushions, a long, rather-Western style sofa opposite two Scandinavian wood and fibre chairs and a surprise entertainment offering (via the infrequently used hidden projector housed behind a wall-painting!) Alcoves hold memorabilia reminiscent of the room's occupants: the kids's spaces have toys, books and games while the parents' room and common areas have photographs, metal sculptures, art-installations and touches of whimsy, like faux flowers besides real palms, glass holders with floating flowers and tiny mosaic tiled coffee table in the recess to the stairway. Similarly, thick walls of the bungalow made it possible to make room for display units, niche areas like the study for daughter, Anu (right outside the parent's bedroom) and in-built storage cabinets that are deep enough to provide housing needs for various household essentials; thus, the cabinets, in certain places in the Patel house, also double up as walls. So, from a basic open-plot design that brought in the morning sun to a multi-terraced home as preferred in modern building styles reflective of Kerry Hill (who's style Hiren admires), there was ample scope for also accommodating his personal love for a variety of materials (ceramic, concrete, marble, wood, mosaic etc.) in controlled measures that ensured a "binding synergy…by exploration of areas differently." It is finally a harmonious blend of mostly cool and occasionally vivacious color, eclectic mix of texture and materials and minimal ornamentation in play of forms besides the disciplined trimming down of over-imposing ideas (like double-height dining room walls reduced to single height ones for freeing up space for guest room connected on another level to it) used in a functional and flexible format that articulates the essence of Hiren Patel's home.  64 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGE The use of a single material that moves along a formal line as floor plate, partition and ceiling plate; strong, yet not overpowering the range of products.

CONTEXTUAL TRANSFORME Mumbai's Sameep Padora articulates an out-of-the-box, stylishly-sublime spatial experience at the additional shop floors of lifestyle accessory store Pallate. TEXT BY SAVITHA HIRA • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT

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ifferent perspectives define and sustain a re tail experience. In the case of Pallate, South Mumbai's lifestyle furniture and accessory store, the premise revolves around dynamic design and décor in tandem with its fine range of products. Spread over a whopping 33000 sq. ft. on 4 levels, the contemporary interiors of the store have been conceptualised to cater to distinct styles and genre of products. Started as a platform for emerging and established product, textile & furniture designers from India, Europe and South East Asia, Pallate is touted as the 'one-stop destination' store celebrating innovation, style and design. Virtuously in keeping with this operating maxim, each of the levels is designed by three different architects and designers from Mumbai: the ground floor by Samira Rathod; first floor by Kapil Gupta and the top two levels - the latest inclusion by Sameep Padora. Designed to cater to an exclusive range of hi-end European furniture, the top two floors are distinctly 'different' in décor and ambience. While the general feel of a multi-brand store does to a large extent incorporate the shop-in-shop principle of merchandise positioning and display, the two floors in question here address the said typology by reinventing it as a 66 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGE The mesh, manufactured for use in industrial filters is appropriated as the fabric for the installation surface; due to its double layer detail, it responds as a moiré screen in light. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP White paintfinished walls, white epoxy finished flooring is juxtaposed with the white mesh skin that forms a ceiling plate. BOTTOM Based on the effect of light, the double-layered stainless steel mesh adopts translucent or opaque characteristics that play on the ambience.

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THIS PAGE The design addresses the notion of the shop-in-shop typology through visual and physical connections, through translucency and a distinctive materiality. OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM The programmatic installation piece - a sinuous surface simultaneously transforms itself from foreground to backdrop while performing as a display system.

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programmatic installation piece; a sinuous surface that simultaneously transforms itself from foreground to backdrop while it performs as a display system. Says designer Sameep Padora, "The balanced positioning of so many well-known brands did necessitate differentiation; yet it was not to better one from the other. Hence, the multi-brand notion is collated through visual and physical connections, through translucency and a distinctive materiality that plays on the client as part of the overall schematic, creating an apt setting for the product as well as the mode of display". Leaving the ceiling exposed but painted black in tune with its counterparts on the floors below, a wiremesh skin is appropriated as the installation surface. Generally manufactured for use in industrial filters, a double layer of wire-mesh forms a continual ceiling plate beginning close to the entrance and sinuously flowing on, randomly falling down at places to form a backdrop; a partition and a display platform at others. While the mesh remains double-layered exposed as the ceiling and wall envelope, it is enclosed by transparent solid acrylic frames wherever it serves as a display platform - for carpets, furniture and the like. Working on the principle of a veil, the wire-mesh simulates the feel especially at night, when the

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double-layer detail responds as a moiré screen in light. The resultant chiaroscuro effects act as befitting backdrops for the range of displayed furniture in the form of settings - formal and casual - suited to living, bedroom, outdoors, etc. In tune with the translucent, almost ephemeral character of the ambience, a glass capsule-el- THIS PAGE TOP The evator is incorporated be- entire look of the showtween the first and third room space is tactfully floors. The sojourn of tak- kept bland and monotoing the client through nous allowing just the this multi-dimensional colours of the displayed design vision of both the products to take precespace and the product dence. BOTTOM The range is thus reinstated corridor on the second with this mode of ferry- floor that is shared by ing the client on his ver- another office has a line of windows that are tical climb up. Additionally, little de- carved out of a seamtails that are almost sig- less bulge in the ply nature of Padora's design panels. This creates an style manifest to make element of intrigue with the project slick and chic. regard to what lies The construction and beyond. 70 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

pragmatic details are articulated through a kind of implied absence; door handles and openings manifest through topical modulations of surface where strategic bumps in the ply skin of a panelled partition act as windows to allow light to filter through; or a similar treatment on the main door, seamlessly acts as a door handle negating completely the use of any hardware, and thus intrusion into the straight-laced elegance of the design. While the lower floors are reserved for one-off furniture items and accessories, the upper floors in their black-n-white envelope depict restrained flamboyance. The architect's general preoccupation with non-linearity yet again manifests his proclivity for pushing his own design sensibilities from prevalent ac- THIS PAGE TOP The cepted norms. As Padora mesh is applied such explains, "The nature of that the detailing the pre-scribed geometry disappears in the overall is a tool of appropriating schematic and the skin spatial intent… to look stands out in tandem for beauty where one ex- with the displayed pects it the least, to trans- products. late the taken-for-granted BOTTOM The floor plans of the showroom. into the sublime !" FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 71

THIS PAGE A view from the wooden deck to the kitchen beyond. Lighting along the PVB laminated glass structural beams highlights the thisglass duplex flooring of the deck above.

INTEGRATIVE DESIGN A contemporary interior complements the open spacious plan of

prototype apartment in Bangalore. The design scheme seamlessly integrates landscape and natural materials with the layout. TEXT BY SHIBANI AMIN RANGARAJ • PHOTOGRAPHS TARUN NIRMAL, COURTESY THE ARCHITECTS

THIS PAGE A view from the wooden deck to the kitchen beyond. Lighting along the PVB laminated glass structural beams highlights the glass flooring of the deck above.

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s concrete high-rise masses dot the skyline of our rapidly growing urban cities, apartment ar chitecture most often ends up being run of the mill. But in Bangalore, architects Shibanee and THIS PAGE The Kamal Sagar have sought contemporary styled to change that perception open kitchen and the through their now trade- double height volume of mark apartment design the living as seen from that has won them several the dining. A stacked national awards over the glass partition is used years. The couple's design as a visual barrier from philosophy has been to the entrance lobby. design spaces that inte- BOTTOM The lighter grate with nature and wooden floor sets off the blend naturally with the walnut polished interior landscape, with a strong of the master bedemphasis on the use of room.The french natural construction ma- windows allows one to terials that are mainte- enjoy the landscaped nance free and age patio that runs along the timelessly. Wire cut entire length of the bricks and exposed form ground floor.

THIS PAGE The double height volume of the living space is separated from the open kitchen by a slate butchwork wall complementing the hues of the brown and white leather furniture and the beige Italian marble flooring. BOTTOM The polished kota stone floor sets off the hues of the rubberwood furniture of the children's bedroom.The aquarium inserted in the separating wall of the bedroom and bathroom creates an element of interest.

finished concrete coupled with terraced landscaped gardens are the trademark design statements of the projects of their real estate development firm Total Environment. In the prototype duplex apartment of Windmills of Your Mind project in Bangalore, the architects have blended a contemporary interior in the spacious four bedroom flat. Large fenestrations along one side of the longitudinal axis of the layout merge the boundary of the inside from the outside allowing one to visually enjoy the landscaped balcony and reflecting pool along the entire length of the apartment at the lower level. The double height volume of the living space is separated from the open kitchen by a slate butchwork wall complementing the hues of the brown and white leather furniture and the beige Italian marble flooring. The coffered slab ceiling adds a visual dimension to the volume, which the architects have used to eliminate the conventional beams and enlarge the spaces. The formal dining and the modular Italian open plan kitchen are contemporary in style. A wooden deck abuts the kitchen area which extends the dining area into the landscaped patio. A glass deck on the

THIS PAGE The contemporary styled open kitchen and the double height volume of the living as seen from the dining.A stacked glass partition is used as a visual barrier from the entrance lobby. BOTTOM The polished kota stone floor sets off the hues of the rubberwood furniture of the children's bedroom.The aquarium inserted in the separating wall of the bedroom and bathroom creates an element of interest.

THIS PAGE The large family room allows for the family to unwind in the entertainment and library hub.The glass deck adjoining the family room is cantilevered in the double height volume , from where one can enjoy the view of the landscaped patio and reflecting pool below. Also seen is the coffered ceiling slab. BOTTOM Cantilevered wooden treads and tempered glass panels as railings in the staircase create a sense of transparency at one end of the ground floor.

upper level from the family room forms a translucent cover to this wooden deck. Supported on extra strong PVB laminated glass structural beams, the deck appears visually light from below. Cantilevered wooden treads and tempered glass panels as railings in the staircase create a sense of transparency at ground floor level. At the upper level, the family room has been designed as an entertainment hub. Surrounded by the large fenestrations and a glass deck that over looks the landscaped area on two sides and the double height volume of the living space below, it's easy to forget you are in an apartment and imagine you are in a house! The bridge leading to the home office has been designed as an extensive library with ceiling to floor wooden bookshelves. The office with a separate access from the lobby at the upper level serves well as a public space yet well entrenched within the apartment. Finishes in the bedrooms are warm yet contemporary. At the lower level, both the master and guest bedroom have wooden flooring. The guest bedroom has been finished in a rich teak finish with a bathroom complemented in warm tones of jaisalmer stone. While the master bedroom is spacious with a walk in wardrobe area, the architects have chosen to do away with the separating wall between the bathroom and bedroom and have replaced it with a frosted and clear glass panel. Adding an element of interest this glass wall allows a glimpse of the Zen like white bathroom inside and makes the bedroom appear larger. The walnut dark hue and white fittings reveal the intended minimal design of the room where the architects wanted the room to be "spacious, uncluttered and wanted the modern lines of the furniture and fixtures

to reflect an understated sensibility." In the upper level bedrooms, the flooring is of mirror polished kota stone and the finishes are a lighter tone of rubber wood. The spa like design has been extended to the guest bedroom with a rubber wood finished floating bed and textured wardrobe shutter panels of wood and cane. Earth tone walls and beige tones of the Italian marble clad bathroom add to the visual appeal. The children's bedroom has been cheerfully designed with a bunk bed in rubber wood. An aquarium inserted in the separating wall of the bedroom and bathroom creates an animated window in the children's bathroom. As also seen in their other projects, Shibanee and Kamal Architects have created their own inimitable style of integrating landscape and natural materials in the apartment realm. In a space that is literally crowded and pastiche like with builders succumbing to architectural imagery and cramped interior spaces, their work has always stood out as unique-creating a built statement that responds to climatic needs with innate architectural detailing- be it in the structure or integrating elements such as brick bond detailing. It is indeed welcoming to see such a kind of evolving architectural intervention to a city's skyline!

THIS PAGE Stark white fitings in combination with walnut hued woodwork creates a minimal Zen look in the master bathroom. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP The earth tone hue of the walls set off the rubber wood finished floating bed and textured wardrobe shutter panels of wood and cane in the upper level guest bedroom BOTTOM Large fenestrations flood the upper level guest bathroom with light. A dark marble counter juxtaposes the light beige Italian marble cladding of the rest of the bathroom.

IN HARMONY The Manthan team shows how nature and space can work in tandem. The duo conceives a home with a unifying thread of simplicity, keeping the decor deliberatly minimal yet strong to infuse character. TEXT BY PAULOMI PATEL • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT

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THIS PAGE The house is like ‘a floating ship on a cliff’ with it’s titanic size balconies and decks. OPPOSITE PAGE The courtyard just next to the main entrance door separates the living room and the kitchen which are in the same axis. The pergola covering the courtyard at two different levels accentuates the effect with its shadows and connects the curvilinear roof forms of the kitchen and the living.

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he first clue that tells a visitor to the Medsinghe home that he is headed to some place really different is the unusual approach to the property. With the panoramic Deccan ranges and the remains of the Panhala Fort as the backdrop, a dusty, winding road takes you to the house, which is a second home for its affluent owners. The strategic location just adds to the charm of this place and as we get closer, it's difficult to not be seduced by it. Each step raises expectation and finally, as we reach the top of the cliff, there's a perceptible feeling of excitement to enter the fairy tale building, the façade of which is made up of a stone wall with pin hole openings. This detail becomes one of the most prominent features of the home and gives the entire house the look of a fortress from a distance. And rightly so, because this house is actually designed to be a symbolic representation and tribute to the original Panhala Fort, and so, like the fort the house too stands for the valor and bravery of the historic Maratha rulers of this area. On entering the site through a circular paved court, we are guided via a leisurely staircase that leads to the main entrance, made from an antique wooden door fixed into a small opening cut into the stone wall. A second open staircase between the stonewall and the servant's quarters takes us to the deck from where the distant horizon with trees and the valley beyond is visible. As one enters the main space through the stone wall - which is 80 feet long by 24 feet high and 2 feet thick, made from reused and new Deccan Trap FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 83

stone - there's a dramatic change in the treatment of space. The rest of the walls in the house are all cement plastered brick walls. The area beyond the wall is unexpected, and the layout is quite unpredictable. Contrasting the outside, the main areas are fully transparent and free flowing. The straight wall and the outstretched vaulted organic forms are connected to each other by a skylight that runs on the East-West axis. The pergola below the skylight forms a charismatic play of light and shadows on the inner side of the stone wall which is smooth plastered to match the feeling of space inside. "Spatial experience in changing light quality, where the space is formed inside and outside of the proportionate masses is our main focus in every design. We try to work on different forms and based on site conditions try to attain this quality," says architect Sachin Patil of Manthan Architects - the firm THIS PAGE TOP behind the construction Unobstructed views of the Medsinghe house. from the kitchen area of Patil firmly believes that the landscaped deck, this emphasis on space the valley and horizon and light gives their beyond. BOTTOM A designs a unique quality. play of light and shadow On the same lines, the weaves its magic on the living room and  decks and courtyards. 84 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGE The cantilevered decks adjoining all living areas are great places to hang out and to enjoy breathtaking valley views.

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kitchen are in the same axis and are separated by an open courtyard spanned by a pergola on two levels. The one above the water body is almost double the height and at the further end (towards the valley side) it is brought down to a height of a mere 7 feet. The extreme end is kept open and there's a breathtaking, view of the valley and the horizon beyond. Besides the deck, the valley is also visible from the living, bedroom and kitchen areas, giving a floating feel to the entire structure. Patil, who worked along with partner Sheetal on this project says, "The greatest luxury in the 21st century's consumerist maelstrom is the freedom from a home full of possessions. This freedom sees architecture not as a collage of materials and decoration but a distillation of all domestic functions into abstract forms." This is obvious from the way space has been highlighted as an important feature of the Medsinghe House. As we move further inside, we enter the bedroom placed at a slightly skewed angle with the space created in between occupied by a small toilet and a reflection pool with a double height circular skylight above. The bedroom is also placed at a lower level to make a play of volumetric changes and reduce the scale of the 86 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

exterior façade. As we stand looking, the swimming pool on the other end of the site is in view. This pool is accompanied by changing rooms and an open to sky shower - both housed in an independent structure, which is deliberately kept low profile and inconspicuous to compliment the main structure. This simplicity runs throughout the house, from the finishes, to the over all interiors - all kept deliberately minimal but yet strong to add character to the house. For example, stones from demolished old houses and nearby quarries are used for the South sidewall to give it a weathered and vernacular look. There are aluminum colour-coated roofing sheets on the fabricated structures over the vaulted spaces of main areas. These vaulted roofed decks, combined with the view they offer, make THIS PAGE The main for great places to spend space beyond the stone evenings. Clear glass wall is highly doors and windows unpredictable from the complement the outer side. The main structure adding to the areas are fully over all effect of space. The transparent, free flowing pergolas combine with & very mesien in their light to cast varied character. patterns on the courtyard

THIS PAGE TOP A night view of the house with the swimming pool in the foreground. BOTTOM The bedroom looks on to the swimming pool at the far end. The idea of simplicity is the mainstay of this house, right from the finishes, furniture to the overall interior.

floors. The rustic tiles, white colored walls and natural wood finished doors add to the simple yet modern character of the house. The external landscape is kept very natural, with mounds, boulders and trees left in their natural state to enhance the beauty of the surroundings. The house, which took Patil and his partner nine months to build, is about 1,300 sq. ft. in size, with the cost of construction totalling Rs. 22 lakhs. Patil and his partner Sheetal who have worked closely together for more than seven years, established their company Manthan in Kolhapur in 2004. "We think there is great scope for architecture in smaller towns like Kolhapur. Here you have time for yourself, FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 87

your work and family. But our base does not restrict us. In the age of computers we can sit anywhere and do work in any part of the world. We are doing projects that range from residences and office buildings to housing and institution projects all over India," says Patil who has a studio where he and his partner closely work with engineers, carpenters and fabricators. In the past, the Manthan duo, as we like to call them, have worked for architects like Balkrishna Doshi in Ahmedabad and Hiranti Welandawe of H.W. Internationals in Sri Lanka, and both are greatly inspired by architecture patriarchs like Glenn Murcutt and Ricardo Legorreta. "Murcutt works alone in his studio in Australia THIS PAGE TOP A without any draftsman, skylight connects the computers and modern stone wall & devices. Still his work is outstretched vaulted crafted like a machine organic form. The product with amazing pergola below the spatial qualities. And, skylight forms a Legorreta, with his charismatic play of light passion for adobe walls & shadows on the inner and meticulously formed wall which is like a live courtyards is a genius. backdrop for all living They are the masters spaces. BOTTOM A people we look up to and view of the deck that people who augment floats above the green our faith in architecture," landscape. says Patil. 88 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

A MODERN TRIBUTE A dialogue between the past and the future becomes the core of the project. Contemporary materials and renovated elements come to meet and blend elegantly in the DVF Studio designed by New York based firm Work ac. TEXT BY K PARVATHY MENON • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT

THIS PAGE TOP A view of the stairdelier from the top level to the shop floor below reveals all the spaces that it cuts through. One can’t help but notice how the heliostat mirrors blend into the skylight.

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s you walk past the new DVF Studio in New York, the first thing that strikes you is how the trendiest outfits sit so snugly between the age old cast iron columns. And then you look further up and glass canopies on huge metal girders glare at you. Looking higher you notice the large glass windows full of glitz and glamour are set within a 19th century brick facade. Your sight goes to the top of the building and you can’t miss the huge diamond structure protruding out of the old warehouse. And that is when you realise, what you are seeing is a synthesis of the past and the future! In the 70's, designer Diane von Furstenberg captured the fashion world with her 'wrap dress' and became an absolute fashion icon. This time it is her new headquarter building that is causing heads to turn. Diane von Furstenberg had been planning to bring together her business activities under one roof, which would have to include a flagship store, showroom, office and her own office and living quarters. The new headquarter building located in New York's trendiest locality, the Meatpacking District or the Gansevoort Market, has everything she ever dreamed of in an office. The six storied building is wedged between two historic landmark facades and fit her requirements to the 'T'. It houses a flagship store at street level, a 500 sq. ft. showroom and event space, design and administrative office for 120 people, an executive suite and a private penthouse apartment. The additional functions such as a silk screening workshop, storage, dressing rooms, etc. are all accommodated in the basement. Being located in the Gansevoort Market’s historic district, the renovation had to get past the Landmark Preservation Commission. The Commission felt 'invisible' best describes any physical change to the building exterior. To this group, Work ac, the New York based architectural firm, THIS PAGE TOP The argued that 'the second of the double renovation and diamond heighted spaces creatprotuberance would be an announcement of new ed by the stairdelier has life in the district. Work a distinct character with a deep pink coloured ac won over the wall as backdrop. Landmarks Preservation BOTTOM The ariel Commission and view of the the Headproceeded with a sensitive quarters brings into restoration of the most focus the penthouse visible facades of the old structure. Even so steel, office and the protruding glass diamond-like aluminium and glass eleskylight. OPPOSITE ments of the new construction insouciantly re- PAGE Clear glass walls and crystals make the veal themselves from the interiors transparent, rooftop and the rear. connecting the spaces On the exteriors, the visually in a single architects got the 19 th glance. century brick facade of FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 91

the warehouse re-pointed, painted the cast iron columns, and sealed the existing copper cornices. This seemed to satisfy the commission’s mandate. The metal street canopy girding the district buildings had to be retained. The firm wanted a translucent canopy rather than the corrugated ones common in the district. They luckily found corrugated wired glass from the Philadelphia Navy Yard, which they recycled to have canopies on the North and East sidewalks. When you enter the studio, you see drama. The space that greets you is the lobby, with a staircase defined by crystals to create a grand welcome. The virgin white walls and a reflecting pool guide you through the art collection of Ms. Von Furstenberg and you feel as if you have entered a fairytale. A whole new world of structural steel columns with metal and steel decking and resin floors have been installed within the old brick warehouse. The firm unified the assorted spaces through a single iconic gesture, a stairway, which collects and distributes light 92 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

to the deepest recesses of the building. This shaft of light has been conceived as an inhabitable and connective 'stairdelier', a cross between stair and chandelier, that cuts across diagonally up from the ground floor to the diamond glass penthouse above. THIS PAGE Clear To maximize the glass walls in the plush natural light entering the penthouse office allow studio, a series of heliostat ample sunlight and a mirrors have been fitted breath taking view. The within the diamond. Sun- office conveys a distinct light reflected by the mircharacter in its interior rors darts around the stuand at the same time dio spaces like a butterblends in with the rest fly. The primary south of the architecture. facing mirror, tracks the OPPOSITE PAGE The sun throughout the day, white walls and bright reflecting it to a fixed seclights become the right ondary mirror that beams backdrop for striking the sunlight down the designs and displays.

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THIS PAGE Glimpses of bold displays and prints that make a design statement are visible as the stairdelier cuts through different levels.OPPOSITE PAGE TOP The dressing rooms within the ‘wrap’ have been designed for flexible use. The curtains can be drawn to make spaces larger or smaller as one desires.MIDDLE The cobbled native American terrace makes an interesting contrast to the clear glass walls of the pent house office of Ms Von Furstenberg. BOTTOM This double height space that forms as the stair cuts through, allows for an unobstructed view of the office spaces from the show room at the lower level.

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staircase, always at the same angle. Tertiary mirrors along the stair's length further direct the light onto the railing, structurally braced with Swarovski glass crystals that disperse the sunlight to each floor. Translucence has been used not just in the external canopies but also in the plush pristine white interiors. The railings along the stairdelier and the floors are of clear glass. This aspect unifies all the floors as one entity when you look up to the top floor from the showroom level. The stairdelier not only acts as the circulation device and light shaft, but also reveals the various activities organized around the core-from the lobby to the second-floor showroom, to the offices and design workshops above, and also the client's own office and living quarters. The deformed, angular glassand-steel structure popping out of the roof helps induce daylight throughout the interior. As the stairdelier makes its way through the building, a series of three double-height spaces follow it. This provides flexibility and spatial multiplicity to the otherwise standard office floors, allowing the building to transform for special events and performances. As you climb to the showroom floor, the second of the double heighted space, you enter a small black box theatre which can accommodate around 100 people. The display racks strewn around are designed to roll back to create space for events. The shop floor is walled with clear tempered glass set behind the existing cast iron columns, making a statement of synthesis of the old and the new while also marking the difference. Inside, the store is designed as a ‘wrap’ wall enfolding all the display fixtures that winds its way diagonally across the ground floor, parallel to the stairdelier's diagonal vertical cut through the building. The ‘wrap’ encloses within it a luxury room, the cash-wrap area, and a series of three dressing rooms. White and crystal interiors act as a backdrop to the clothes, furniture and accessories in different tones and shades. Glass walls allow visual connectivity within the space at all levels. Sustainability was always a part of the design process. From salvaging wired glass from the Navy Yard to using the stairdelier, sustainable ideas peep in at every corner. The stairdelier and the various mirrors and crystals in the building all have a role to play by minimising the use of artificial lighting. Three wells, 1500-feet deep allow for geothermal heating and cooling. A terrace roof garden with native grass and colourful wildflowers reduce overhead heating of the studio to a great extent. The whole architecture of DVF Studio is conceived as a dialogue between contemporary materials and the renovated elements, making visible both the building's past and its future. The architects, instead of hiding the new elements behind historic facades, announced to the world the genesis of something new within and around something old. FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 95

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HR I PROMOTION

 Grandeur, launched over a decade ago, gives the discerning Indian consumer a designer treat in home interior solutions with its latest collection of globally renowned Italian modular kitchens from Gruppo Del Tongo. Over a span of 10 years, Grandeur has created a presence for itself in three cities, viz. Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. The most recently introduced collection of kitchens is a unique combination of art and function and offers high production values. It comes with a wide range of internal accessories and in varied sizes that can be customized to suit personal tastes. With this collection, Grandeur proves once again that when it comes to setting benchmarks in functional exclusivity, you can trust it implicitly. Furthermore, from the time it first introduced India to exquisite Italian kitchens, Grandeur, has associated itself with kitchen appliances from Ariston and Whirlpool (Italy) and Liebherr (Germany). Today, it also represents famous American brands, SubZero for Wine Chillers & Refrigerators, Wolf for cook tops & Weber for barbeque grills for outdoor cooking. In addition, the company also announced the launch of its hotel contract division in association with Gruppo Del Tongo; a company with over 50 years of experience in projecting, producing and installing furniture of various kinds for public (hotels, conference rooms) and private areas (offices, private rooms). A highly professional approach for the made-to-measure projects and turn-key services with specific skills in terms of ideas of production allows Grandeur to offer a complete range of products and services to the con-

tract market. Grandeur has also been responsible for bringing international brands in home solutions to India. With regard to wardrobes, beds, living & dinning compositions and sofas, there are select furniture brands like Pianca, Florida & Alberta. With plans to open more stores across India, shortly, the existing stores have been completely revamped to showcase the latest range of Italian kitchens and furniture. However what remains unchanged is the store's pioneering spirit and its emphasis on customer satisfaction. Contact Grandeur Interiors Plot no 27, Tulip, 1st floor, S. V. Road, Opp. Akbarallys, Santacruz (West), Mumbai - 400 054 Tel: 67029805/06, 65741078 Email: [email protected] Web: www.grandeurinteriors.com 

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 97

OFF-BEAT CHARM Shabnam Gupta crafts a precious little space for Vistara, a jewellery studio in Mumbai, infusing it with its own eclectic character and signature off-beat charm. TEXT BY PAULOMI PATEL • PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAVI KANADE

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THIS SPREAD The space is divided conveniently in a way that the 625 sq. ft. store appears much larger than it actually is. TOP The ornate wooden jaali that frames a large sized mirror is hand crafted and like the rest of the furniture is finished antique gold duco paint.

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istara - the recently opened haven for niche jewellery is like the products it stocks - a one of a kind store. One of the main reasons being that Vistara is not your typical mom and pop bijoux shop. Shabnam Gupta - the dynamic lady of the interior design brand The Orange Lane, is the creative force behind the store and has used her distinct imagination to combine a multitude of elements, eclectic and off-beat, that make this store. "My design, to a very large extent, is not bound by any defined norms and rules or by what people may conceive as the current style," says Gupta. "My designs are whimsical and non repetitive. I do what I believe in currently." And that is just what Vistara boasts of, hidden away in Mistry Court - a building in one of the leafy bylanes across the famed Marine Drive, opposite the well known Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and owned by jewellery designer Anju Sethi. Her creations exquisite diamond, jadau and polki jewellery - are housed in Vistara - a sepia toned store where the all the interiors along with the lighting play accomplices, along with the jewellery itself, to make visiting this store a one of a kind experience. Shabnam used river washed desert sand stone, FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 99

Burma teak wood in various duco antique finishes, matt finish on walls and brass and mild steel metal for different fabrications which form some of the main materials that have gone into the making of Vistara. The project that according to Shabnam was time bound and completed in a commendable time frame of about 45 days is about THIS PAGE TOP 625 sq. ft. in size. "The best feature of Everything in the store the store, according to from colourful cushions me, was the existing to furniture is designed beams and the advantage by Shabnam herself and of height that the space is custom-made on the provided," says Shabnam site. BOTTOM There is who has designed high a magnificent idol of profile restaurants like the Lord Ganesha that Koyla and Lemon Grass complements the Cafe in the past and has mystical aura of the also designed spaces for sepia toned space. legendary filmmakers OPPOSITE PAGE Tanuja Chandra and Beautiful arches add to Vidhu Vinod Chopra. the mystery of the entire "This gave me the store and create an aura freedom to create so of bygone times. many deep arches and They form a suitable that is what built up the setting for the niche mystery and grandeur of heritage jewellery that the store that is  Vistara sells. 100 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 101

befitting the jewellery that is sold in it." Despite its sepia tones and arches, there is a distinct 'cool' edge to Vistara's design. This comes from Shabnam's innate aesthetics that revolve around the keywords fun, happiness and nature - elements that have been present in most of her creations in the past, just as they are in Vistara. Indeed, if you visit her firm's website, the aesthetic runs through there as well. Ask her what's her take on this and she says, "Architecture, for me is the basic right everybody should have to live in beautifully designed homes, work in places which are in harmony with nature, breathe in a landscape which should be an integral part of every structure." There are fabricated metal trees that adorn the walls. These are reminiscent of the tree of life, confirms Shabnam, adding, "We wanted the store to have an ethereal, mystical aura. So the tree-of-life creations," she says. To continue with this theme, the bathroom in the store too has an ornate ceiling which is a replication of the under-section of a lotus pond. Another interesting feature comes in the form of a wooden lattice (jaali) creation on one of the walls in the store. The lattice surrounds a huge mirror and looks like a beautiful display installation, but Shabnam 102 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

tells us that it's more than just that. "It's a door actually for a safety vault behind. There is a finger print identification mechanism attached to it too." For the lights Gupta had to study the different lightings that are used to display jewellery. "Gold and diamond jewellery need different lights. After some substantial research we used halogen spotlights for the gold jewellery and LED lights for diamond items. Some places we've also combined the two. Especially in the antique jewellery section," she says. Shabnam Gupta, the grand daughter of legendary TV stalwart Ramanand Sagar of the Ramayana fame and daughter of cinematographer Prem Sagar, has THIS PAGE naturally got a whole lot Quirky wall fixtures of creativity that is inher- add to the charm of ited, and hence it was not the store that's further really surprising when she complemented by made her first foray into the vintage furniture interiors after she present. completed her commerce OPPOSITE PAGE degree. Shabnam believes Fabricated metal wall that like her grandfather decorations add a and father, she too sees the quirky-chic vibe to the complete picture in her interiors.

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head and then starts the job of actually putting it together. "They do it for a shot. I do it in a space," said Gupta who strayed into the world of interiors when she started interning after completing her diploma in interior design. Now, a passionate designer and the owner of her firm, The Orange Lane, she provides interior solutions of all varieties, from furnishings and furniture to full scale interior design. Shabnam has a strong bend towards nature which is visible in most of her work. Another strong belief of hers is not to outsource her pieces. In fact she has built a reputation for being extremely innovative and for always creating and producing her design pieces locally. "I think we need to reflect on our history and culture in terms of architecture and build towards creating what works in our country, our climate, our local materials and our tropical landscape instead of running towards just what is the latest trend internationally. India has great talent and we are still evolving and finding ourselves - what we see is still a mixed bag." A mixed bag of interesting and mind boggling creativity - just like the Gupta herself we say! 104 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGE Trapezoidal glass panels form the railing of the steps at the ground level.

INTERNAL MODULATIONS Innovative details and volumetric modulation in space exemplify the GRS residence designed by InForm Architects in Bangalore. TEXT BY SHIBANI AMIN RANGARAJ • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 105

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s one drives along the busy roads of Bangalore's traditional neighbourhood of Malleswaram where ubiquitous residential apartment buildings jostle with each other, the GRS residence comes as a pleasant contemporary intervention to the order. Principal Architect Kiran Venkatesh of InForm Architects Pvt. Ltd. explains that the client brief of adherence to the tenets of Vastu and the oblong dimensions of the site of 52' x 112' did not constrain them from "creating an exciting internalized space with an austere exterior." The plan evolved around a central linear spine running parallel to a strip garden. Kiran believes that a section is an all powerful way of organizing spaces and in this residence modulated the internal volumes to break the notion of confined living and bedroom spaces with interjections of courtyards, skylights and glass walls. "The project uses the section as a device to recast notions of domestic space - to reveal the existence of inner private spaces without compromising their functional workings.", he explains of the plan organization. Rooms at the upper level appear to float in the double height volume of the central spine connected by a long span glass bridge suspended from the ceiling. The daughter's bedroom above the living room 106 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGEThe changing path of sunlight creates an arresting shadow pattern of the grills of the skylight onto the grey wall of the double height entrance foyer. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP Louvers and pergolas create interesting shade patterns through out the house as seen here in the master bedroom strip garden wall. BOTTOM The orange wall frames the white "box" dining area where light streams in through the corner windows.

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 107

emerges as a glass box resting on a column, creating an element of interest yet allowing her a complete view of the house while lightening the volume within."These pulsating volumes are composed in 3D space and plug onto the central spine - creating an overall effect that is very fluid and indeterminate on the inside" Kiran elucidates. In the narrow width of the house, landscape has been integrated into the structure through the strip garden at the lower level and outside the master bedroom. The large expanses of glass alongside the strip gardens and courtyards at the lower level and the skylights above the glass bridge and central spine flood the house with light. "Client concern for security of the house especially due to its perceived openness, led to the conversion of typical safety grills into architectural devices like louvers and pergolas that envelope the house. The louvers, though present at structured intervals, dissolve the boundary between house and landscape as the sunlight reflects off their surfaces - they become features rather than intrusive barriers." Kiran explains. The changing path of sunlight creates an arresting shadow pattern of the grills of the skylight onto the wall of the double 108 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

THIS PAGE A dynamic view of the glass staircase and glass bridge, the highly polished black Italian marble of the central spine and the open strip garden abutting this area. OPPOSITE PAGE TOPThe glass bridge that connects the daughters bedroom to her parents room forms the translucent element of interest at this level. BOTTOM The glass and wooden staircase cantilevered off the orange textured wall contrasts the black polished floors.

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THIS PAGE Black leather furniture and a sculptural glass table complement the geometeric straightlined wall unit lending an overall minimal look in the living area. BOTTOM A view from the entrance foyer The daughter’s bedroom above the living room emerges as a glass box resting on a column, creating an element of interest yet allowing her a complete view of the house while lightening the volume within. The orchestrated hue palette of red, black, grey and white in this area decidedly sets the modern tone to the home and spaces to follow.

height entrance foyer. The interior finishes and furniture are minimal and contemporary in nature. "Internal free furniture elements are minimal and chosen for their sculptural content that contrasts with the rectilinear volumes." he adds. Built-in furniture has been designed as simple lines that provide backdrops for art objects as seen in the living room wall unit. Highly polished Italian black marble on the central spine demarcates that area from the other spaces which contrast in white marble. A dramatic effect is created by the glass bridge and staircase wooden treads with glass risers which are cantilevered off a wall painted in a bright orange hue. The external form of the house remains rather understated. "The external elevations emerge as a manifestation of these stitched programs in "vaastu-driven" locations around and along the central spine" he explains and is evident. "The overall intent of the project is to generate a domestic space consistent with the changing lifestyles of nuclear families - an adaptive space that is open yet secure and private yet connected." says Kiran. And this award winning project has done just that within its tight constraints manifesting InForm's penchant for experimental design with creative structural solutions. 110 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

HR I PROMOTION

 The electric water heater industry has come of age and is a mature industry maintaining excellent safety standards as prescribed in the BIS. Crompton Greaves, a name trusted nationally and internationally, for its engineering excellence in providing every day solutions to people in industry and homes, is an Indian multinational company committed to enhance its presence in every household. Talking about their water heaters, Crompton Greaves designs them keeping in mind the taste and requirement of a varied cross section of country and also makes them available, both, in instant, as well as storage type. The electric water heater features poly urethane insulation that contributes to the energy savings of 30 to 40%, while the external thermostat control knob enables the user to set the cut off temperature thus saving electricity. The external jacket/casing made of engineered thermo plastic-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene makes it remarkably resilient, tough, & non degradable in the presence of water and humidity. The five tier safety devices make the storage water heater an extremely safe device to operate. The current trend of high rise buildings and installation of pressure pumps demands facing high water pressure and providing a water heater that is compatible and can work under high pressure conditions has become a crucial consideration. To counteract this, Crompton Greaves has introduced pressure plus series of metal storage heater with special grade SS tank which can withstand pressure upto 90PSI, thus making it suitable for high rise buildings. Moreover, Crompton also introduced a range of hard water series of metal storage heaters with unique double car112 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

tridge type ceramic heating element. Energy conservation, the national priority, is a passion with the committed R& D team of Crompton Greaves. The double insulation in the sheet metal range of storage water heaters has been one very effective and innovative way of conserving precious energy, where as PUF has been used to minimize the heat loss in the Solarium range of water heaters. Solar Water Heaters are also slowly gaining popularity. This 100% electricity free option has two technologies - the conventional flat plate collector and the Vacuum Tube Model. Both of these cost the same but the vacuum tube model is preferred because its replacement cost is cheaper in case of damage to the solar tube and also because it can absorb infra red rays effectuating heating till late in the evening and on cloudy days as opposed to the other model which requires direct sunlight. Crompton Greaves also offers authentic gas instant water heaters which are economical, easy to install and offer higher energy conservation at lower cost. With the evident growth in the water heater industry in India, Crompton Greaves is further gearing itself to meet the aspiration of the large segment of middle class customers, that requires not only the best in terms of value for money but also expects the very best in terms of services, be it after sales or before sales. Contact Plot No. 1, Goa IDC Industrial Estate, Bethora, Ponda,Goa 403 409, Tel : +91 083 2233 1200 CO : C.G. House, 6th Floor, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Mumbai - 400 030. Tel : +91 022 2423 7777 web : www.cglonline.com 

pavilions and temporary structures Today, architects are being even more adventurous with their designs for pavilions and other temporary structures. Experimenting with technology and engineering, they are producing modern-day marvels that push the envelope of design. Entertainment and sports structures have always been landmark creations, and a perfect example of such a structure was the Greek Colloseum. With the passing of time there have been several changes in styles of architecture, and this category too has evolved, with the new stadiums and exhibition pavilions being recognised as engineering and architectural marvels of the modern-age. Modern architecture has been occasionally redefined, with the tradition carried forward by revolutionaries like Frank Gehry, Calatrava, Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid, who have embraced and included the miraculous advantages of technology and engineering in their works. Architect Mies Van

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HR I SPOTLIGHT

Audience by rAndom International

Barcelona Pavilion, by Mies Van Der Rohe

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Jay Pritzker Pavilion, by Frank Gehry 114 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

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Milwaukee Art Museum, by Santiago Calatrava

HR I SPOTLIGHT

Milwaukee Art Museum, by Santiago Calatrava

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Der Rohe has for ages been considered as a face of modern architecture. His 'less is more' philosophy took the architectural community by storm and scandalised critics. When we talk about pavilions and exhibition structures we just can't leave out Van Der Rohe's contributions to public and entertainment buildings. Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van Der Rohe When we think of pavilions of the modern times, the pavilion that undoubtedly comes to mind is Van Der Rohe's German pavilion in Barcelona. The Barcelona Pavilion was the Pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona. It was an important building in the history of modern architecture, known for its simple form and extravagant materials, such as marble and travertine. The building stood on a large podium alongside a pool. The structure itself consisted of eight steel posts supporting a flat roof, with curtain glass walling and a handful of partition walls. The overall impression is of perpendicular planes in three dimensions forming a cool, luxurious space. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, by Frank Gehry The Pritzker Music Pavilion is a band shell in the Loop community area of Chicago. The pavilion was designed by Frank Gehry, named after Pritzker family member Jay Pritzker, and was constructed between June 1999 and July 2004 in the Millennium Park. It is the park's outdoor performing arts venue and the new home of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. The performance venue is designed with a large fixed seating area, a great lawn, a trellis network to support the sound system and a signa-

Guggenheim Hermitage, by Zaha Hadid

The Mobile Art Pavilion, by Zaha Hadid

Masterplan by Zaha Hadidby Zaha Hadid Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion, FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 115

HR I SPOTLIGHT

The Serpentine Pavilion 2006 - Rem Koolhaas

ture Gehry stainless steel head dress. It features a sound system with an innovative acoustic design that replicates an indoor concert hall sound experience. The pavilion and the park in general are wellknown and respected for their accessibility. Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago Calatrava The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) commissioned Santiago Calatrava to design a 58,000 square foot addition to the Museum in 1994. The expansion provides a 30 percent increase in overall gallery space, from 90,000 to 117,000 square feet. The highlight of the project was the Burke Brise Soleil wings. The Burke Brise Soleil, the moveable, wing-like sunscreen comprised of 72 steel fins, that rests on top of the glass-enclosed reception hall. With fin size ranging in length from 26 to 105 feet, the Brise Soleil wingspan spreads 217 feet at its widest point, wider than a Boeing 747-400 airplane, and weighs 90 tons. Pavilions by Zaha Hadid Architect Zaha hadid's temporary structures have undoubtedly always claimed undivided attention. Here are some of her most acclaimed structures. Guggenheim Hermitage Zaha Hadid's silvery building resembling a subsurface ferry or a space ship is the winning entry in the competition for the design of the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum in the ancient city of Vilnius, capital and the largest city of the Republic of Lithuania. Although Vilnius is one of Europe's smallest capitals, it has a long, strong and culturally rich 116 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

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history, beautifully reflected in its well-preserved Old Town with cathedrals dating back to the 12th century. The Pritzker prize-winning architect Hadid's futuristic building will be an arts centre and a museum, housing selected collections of both the New York's Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the St. Petersburg based State Hermitage Museum. The jury selected Hadid's (Zaha Hadid Architects) design over those of equally famous architects Daniel Libeskind (Studio Daniel Libeskind) and Massimiliano Fuksas (Studio Fuksas). The Mobile Art Pavilion The Mobile Art Pavilion for Chanel by Zaha Hadid Architects has been inspired by one of Chanel's signature creations, the quilted bag. Hadid's innovative architecture is the lead to the creation the Mobile Art Pavilion. Zaha Hadid Architects' recent explorations of natural organizational systems have generated the fluidity evident in the pavilion for Chanel. The Mobile ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

The Serpentine Pavilion 2007, by Snøhetta

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Bruges Pavilion, by Toyo Ito

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Art Pavilion's organic form has evolved from the spiralling shapes found in nature. The Pavilion follows the parametric distortion of a Torus. In its purest geometric shape, the circular torus is the most fundamental diagram of an exhibition space. The distortion evident in the Pavilion creates a constant variety of exhibition spaces around its circumference, whilst at its centre, a large 65m2 courtyard with natural lighting provides an area for visitors to meet and reflect on the exhibition.

Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion The Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion in Spain is not just a bridge but also an engineering feat. The pavilion is organised around four main elements, or ‘pods’, that perform both as structural elements and as spatial enclosures, where each pod corresponds to a specific exhibition space. Expo Zaragoza originally envisaged the concept of an enclosed exhibition pavilion spanning the river. For this reason, the structure is largely visible and plays an important role in defining the Bridge Pavilion's external envelope.

Serpentine Gallery Pavilions Each summer, the Serpentine gallery commissions an internationally acclaimed architect to design a temporary Pavilion for its lawn. It is unique worldwide and presents the work of an international architect or design team who, at the time of the Serpentine Gallery's invitation, has not completed a building in the UK. The Pavilion architects to date are Rem Koolhaas and Cecil Balmond, with Arup, 2006; ÿlvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura with Cecil Balmond, Arup, 2005; MVRDV with Arup, 2004- (unrealised); Oscar Niemeyer, 2003; Toyo Ito with Arup, 2002; Daniel Libeskind with Arup, 2001; and Zaha Hadid, 2000.

HR I SPOTLIGHT

The Serpentine Pavilion 2006 Rem Koolhaas The Serpentine Pavilion 2006 was co-designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas and innovative structural designer Cecil Balmond. The centrepiece of the design was a spectacular ovoid-shaped inflatable canopy that floated above the Gallery's lawn. Made from translucent material, the canopy was raised into the air or lowered to cover the amphitheatre below, depending on the weather. A frieze designed by Thomas Demand marked the first collaboration between an artist and the designers of the Pavilion. The walled enclosure below the canopy functioned both as a café and forum for televised and recorded public programmes, including live talks and film screenings in the Time Out Park Nights at the Serpentine Gallery programme. The Serpentine Pavilion 2007 by Snøhetta The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2007 is designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson and the award-winning Norwegian architect Kjetil Thorsen, of the architectural practice Snøhetta. Based on the principle of a winding ramp, the 2007 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion explores the idea of vertical circulation within a single space. The aim is to reconsider the traditional, single-level pavilion structure by adding a third dimension: height. The vertical movement of visitors in the Pavilion will complement the horizontal circulation in the exhibi○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Bruges Pavilion, by Toyo Ito FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 117

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HR I SPOTLIGHT

auditorium, exhibition space, café, shop and reception spaces are sited. The architecture eschews the need for significant concrete foundations and aims to use simple construction techniques to touch lightly on the site. Above and peering into these spaces, the Pavilion flickers with patterns of light as it sends its messages, and those of its visitors, across the site. Each cilium terminates within the Pavilion - with another tiny light source. Inside, clustered together by the form of the structure, they create an enormous engulfing digital screen.

[c]space Pavilion by Alan Dempsey and Alvin Huang [c]space Pavilion, a temporary structure designed by architects Alan Dempsey and Alvin Huang, is constructed in front of the Architectural Association, the design last year won a competition to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the AA's Design Research The Shanghai Expo Pavilion, by Heatherwick Studio ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Laboratory. The jointing system in the pavilion exploits the tion spaces at the adjacent Serpentine Gallery. high tensile strength of Fibre-C, using a simple interlocking cross joint which is tightened by slightly Bruges Pavilion by Toyo Ito bending each element as it is locked into consecuBruges had commissioned one of Japan's most tive cross elements. The appearance of small micro innovative architects Toyo Ito to build a temporary cracks on the surface is mitigated by using lighter pavilion at the Brug. Erected in the centre of Bruges, material colours and a Ferro finish. The pavilion is surrounded by ancient buildings from the Middle fabricated from curved profiles that are nested on Ages and located at the place of a demolished standard 13mm flat sheets and water cut. Once cathedral it required a discreet approach. Therefore delivered to site the entire pavilion can be conhe came up with a very light structure making use structed by hand. of water, light and metal, evoking lightness and ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ transparency. The architect placed a 22-metre long bridge on a circular water surface with a radius of 11.5 metres. This u-shaped construction measures 15.4 metres long by 6.3 metres wide. The walls are perforated like a honeycomb and strengthened with oval areas. Toyo Ito had the Barcelona pavilion in mind when Shanghai Pavilion 2010 he designed it. They both have aExpo strong contemporary and innovative character and were used for a cultural manifestation. With his concept he tried to explore the borders of architecture and therefore [c]space Pavilion by Alan Dempsey and Alvin Huang stepped away from the character of traditional buildings by using new materials and construction, allowing natural elements to play a part in his architecture. Shanghai Expo Pavilion 2010 The Pavilion of Ideas is a unique display device an enclosure that throws out from all faces a mass of long, radiating cilia, each ending with a tiny light source. Their length means they gently sway in response to any wind movement. These cilia, or staves, provide the Pavilion with its only means of support. It rests on a soft forest in an urban field, flanked by two ramped, embracing arms of grass, formed as ramparts under which an 118 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

Cones By Subodh Kerkar

HR I PROMOTION

 Design at Grohe goes beyond good looks, touch and aesthetics messages. A pioneer in its industry, Grohe, the German based manufacturer of luxury bath fittings proudly presents its Grohtherm range of thermostats that regulate the temperature of the water flowing out of a tap to the T. With over seven decades of perfection and an international presence in water solutions since 1936, Grohe now comes to India to truly help you 'enjoy water' at an affordable pricing strategy. A special and unique application, the Grohtherm range of thermostat has been used widely internationally due to its sound technology and unmatched perfection in maintaining water temperature. By installing a Grohtherm thermostat, you can preset the exact temperature of the water along with the flow thus ensuring yourself of a safe and enjoyable showering experience every time. Hence, the presence of the thermostat maintains the preset temperature even when water is drawn elsewhere in the home, which eliminates the risk of scalding. In addition Grohtherm features Grohe TurboStat ® and Grohe

CoolTouch® technology. The Grohe TurboStat® technology ensures reaction to changes in incoming water temperature within 0.3 sec, while the Grohe CoolTouch® technology keeps the outer surface of the thermostat at a temperature lesser than that of the water heat. Apart form its technology, Grohe is known the world over for its inspiring aesthetics and performance. At Grohe design is a reflection of a system of values, which revolve around the brand with the single most important element - continuity. Its products have been designed to inspire, form a connection and create an intuitive understanding with the user. With its history of technological advancement, a renowned in- house design team, and a customer promise with regard to quality that has stood the test of time, Grohe is setting the pace for the bathroom and kitchen fittings future through constant innovation. Contact Grohe India Pvt. Ltd. # 218, 2nf Floor, Splendor Forum, Jasola Distt. Centre New Delhi - 110044, India Tel: (011) 40622000 Fax: (011) 40622018 Email: [email protected] Web: www.grohe.com  FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 121

RESOURCES

 Ultra Tile stands one among India's largest manufacture of designer tiles with the production capacity of 30 million sq. ft. per annum, over 1000 dealers, 25 branches and 15 manufacturing plants. A reputed and proven brand renowned for the best range and quality tiles, now launches its customer friendly interactive mulEmail timedia CD; a unique software that helps customers [email protected] to design their own patterns / colours of Ultra Designer [email protected] wall and floor tiles. CONTEXTUAL TRANSFORME This interactive multimedia CD offers the arrangeSAMEEP PADORA ASSOCIATES ment of the entire range of the Ultra designer floor and 603, Marble Arch, wall tiles and also the patterns popular with the archi94, Pali Hills, tects and customers. Moving a step forward, the softBandra, ware offers the customers to create their own designs Mumbai - 400050 with the vibrant colours and combinations of the Ultra Tel (022) 32458664 Designer Tiles. It will further help the user to create Sameep Mob 9820027973 thousands of patterns and colour combinations to suit INTEGRATIVE DESIGN their requirement, preferences and taste. TOTAL ENVIRONMENT BUILDING Additionally, this software gives the calculations of SYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED the total number of tiles in the respective colours used Imagine, No. 78, in each combination. Over and above this, it facilitates ITPL Main Road, EPIP Zone, the architects and builders to work out their own estiWhitefield, mation of total quantity of tiles, to progressively assist Bangalore - 560066 their projects. Ultra Tiles plans to launch this CD across Phone: (080) 4245 3000 India to all its customers. To get a hold of your own IN HARMONY copy or for any further information please write in to MANTHAN ARCHITECTS the company address given below. AR. SACHIN & SHEETAL PATIL Contact 21, Shivaji Housing Society, Ultra Tiles Pvt. Ltd. Rajarampuri 11th lane New No. 11 (Old No. 54), Kolhapur - 416008, First Avenue, First Floor, Maharashtra. Jawaharlal Nehru road, Ashok Nagar, Tel (0231) 2522273 Chennai - 600083 Mob 94239 4148 Tel: (044) 24895702/2474/ 1457/2371/0434 MODERN TRIBUTE Fax: (044) 24895114 WORK ARCHITECTURE COMPANY Email: [email protected] 156 Ludlow Street 3rd Floor Ny Website: www.ultratile.com  Ny 10002 www.work.ac Tel 212 228 1333 ext 221 Fax 212 228 1674 Email [email protected] OFF-BEAT CHARM SHABNAM GUPTA Orange Lane Unit no 42, Ground Floor, Kuber complex, opp Laxmi industrial estate, Andheri new link rd, Andheri (W), Mumbai - 53 Tel (022) 26731624 INTERNAL MODULATIONS INFORM ARCHITECTS PVT. LTD No 422, 2nd Floor, 9th main road, Banashshankari 11 stage, Bangalore - 560070 Tel (080) 26713360-2

ADDRESS BOOK FOR ALL GOODS AND SERVICES IN THIS ISSUE UNBUILT WORKS SERIE ARCHITECTS 317, A-Z Industrial Estate, GK Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013 Tel (022) 40046952 Email [email protected] RETAIL THERAPY MASSIMILIANO FUKSAS ARCHITECT Piazza del Monte di Pietà 30 00186 Roma Tel +39 06 68 80 78 71 Fax +39 06 68 80 78 72 Email [email protected] CULT PRODUCT SIMONE GIOSTRA & PARTNERS, INC. Simone Giostra & Partners, Inc. 55 Washington Street Suite 454 Dumbo, New York 11201 Tel +1 212 920 8180 Fax +1 212 920 8180 Email [email protected] GO GREEN MILANO SANTA MONICA Via G. Di Vittorio 20090 Segrate - Milan Tel 02 / 21 87 11 70 Fax 02 / 26 95 10 79 [email protected] FEATURES VOLUMETRIC BONANZA JD ARCHITECTS JIGNESH DOSHI A 108 Antop Hill, Warehousing Complex, Near Barkatli Naka, Wadala East, 37 Tel (022) 65555912 Email [email protected] THE EVOLVING HOME HIREN PATEL ARCHITECTS P-4, “Satkrut Tower’ Parth Sarthi Avenue, Nr. Shymal Row Houses-2, Ahmedabad - 380015 Tel (079) 2676 7264, 26752621

HR I PROMOTION

Their carpet tiles are ideal for companies seeking LEED certification of their facilities - they are manufactured using 100% renewable energy and the product is non toxic, easy to use, dismantle and recyclable. The company's commitment to sustainability has inspired new products like TacTiles, which lead to 90% reduction in environmental footprint. InterfaceFLOR carpets are also CRI certified and have a high percentage of recycled content. The company also offers climate neutral products to customers through its Cool Carpet® programme in partnership with Climate Care - whereby certified carbon offset projects, such as forestry plantation acting as a carbon sequestration store - offset gas emissions generated during the lifecycle of a carpet. InterfaceFLOR has won numerous design and innovation awards for its market-leading modular floor covering products. In addition, it has also become widely recognised as a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing and business practices, and has won many prestigious accolades for its environmental initiatives. Contact InterfaceFLOR India Pvt Ltd G1, 'Pride Elite', 10 Museum Road Bangalore 5600001, India Tel: (080) 30589350, Email: [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.interfaceflor.in   InterfaceFLOR is the modular flooring division of Interface Inc., based in Atlanta, USA. The company is a worldwide leader in the production of environmentallyresponsible modular floor coverings and other textiles. InterfaceFLOR India Pvt. Ltd. is the 100% subsidiary of InterfaceFLOR Europe, with its headquarters in Bangalore and offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. InterfaceFLOR addresses sustainability on several fronts. These involve eliminating waste and harmful emissions, maximising use of renewable energy, recycling waste materials and reusing products, developing resource efficient transportation methods, creating a culture that integrates the principles of sustainability into working lives and creating new models for businesses. InterfaceFLOR's Thailand plant was the first LEED certified facility in that country, while its Bangalore showroom recently became the first building in Bangalore and the third in India to receive LEED-gold honours for commercial interiors. InterfaceFLOR's modular flooring combines a high degree of functionality with a genuine sense of style. In all its ranges InterfaceFLOR offers specifiers, architects and interior designers an almost infinite variety of colour combinations, textures and patterns, suitable for every kind of commercial installation. InterfaceFLOR makes and sells one of the industry's largest and most diverse range of carpet tiles. FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 123

HR I PROMOTION

 Hästens, which was founded in 1852, is Sweden's oldest manufacturer of beds and started out by primarily making saddles and carriage furniture. The main filling material used for saddles was horsehair, and already back then it was common knowledge that horsehair also provided the best possible filling material for mattresses. To begin with the saddle makers at Hästens only manufactured beds on demand. This demand increased at such a rate that making beds with time became the main business for the company. The Hästens brand name ('Häst' is Swedish for horse) and logo are references to its origin as a saddle making company. Craftsmanship and quality are two keywords at Hästens where beds are still made by hand using only natural filling material. Hästens is exclusive among bed manufacturers by having all of their beds awarded the Swedish Svan environmental certification, as well as attaining the standards set by Öko-Tex and Möbelfakta for home and public environment. Hästens beds are appreciated by many from palace to cottage, since 1952 Hästens has had the honour of being the supplier of beds to His Majesty Kings of Sweden. Hästens is currently established in 28 markets and continues to expand organically in existing markets as

Hastens Continental 124 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

well as initiating sales in new markets. The part of the business which is represented by exports is steadily rising, from just 4 percent in 1994 to 82 percent in 2007. In April of 2006 Hästens was awarded the 'Grand Export Prize' by His Majesty the King of Sweden in recognition of its successes. Hästens has recently launched an exclusive Hästens store in Hyderabad - the first in India and 8th in Asia. This 3,000 sq ft store holds a range of 12 distinctive Hästens beds in the price range of Rs. 5 Lakhs to Rs. 18 Lakhs. Each of these beds can be customized and tailor-made as desired by customers in Hyderabad. This store is located at Jubilee hills and boasts of a world-class décor similar to any of the other 350 Hästens store worldwide. Contact Plot No: 1261, Road No. 36, Above Mercedes-Benz Showroom, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad- 33 Tel: (040) 23545940 Mobile: 09885357028 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Web: www.hastens.com