the inside track december 2012

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Cover Story D o you consider your neighbourhood mall to be a public space? What about your favourite coffee shop? How about the sea shore? Are these spaces private to you? Do you feel safe here? Are they places you turn to when you want some solitude? These are just some of the answers requested in a questionnaire for a ‘privacy survey’ at the BMW INSIDE TRACK THE CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Volume 6. Issue 12. December 2012 Rs. 25/- Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in A Lab For Life In Mumbai The BMW Guggenheim Lab travels around the world to inspire and share ideas related to urban living with the aim of creating a forward-thinking vision for city life. continued on page 2 Guggenheim Lab that aims at exploring the relationship between ‘privacy and public spaces’ in Mumbai. The study initiated by Pukar is just one of the many projects currently underway at the BMW Guggenheim Lab headquartered at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum near the Mumbai zoo in Byculla. Open in Mumbai till the 20th of January, 2013, the BMW Guggenheim Lab aims to explore ideas about public spaces and city life. It seeks to address local and global issues on a range of topics that include urbanism, architecture, art, design, science, technology, education and sustainability. This globetrotting lab (it was launched in New York and has since been to Berlin) is led by an international multi-disciplinary team who have planned a string of daily events that aim at examining contemporary urban life peculiar to Mumbai and its social fabric. While the Lab in Byculla is where a lot of the events are planned, satellite locations like Horniman Circle, Priyadarshini Park, Sambaji Park in Mulund, the Batliboy Compound near Cotton Green and the Mahim Beach is where some activities are also being staged to ensure that this effort engages with communities that reside in other parts of the city. An interesting activity that takes place every Thursday at the Museum is a Mapping Survey that aims to discover where people find or create their own personal space (outside their home) in a dense city like Mumbai. This unique study entails The BMW Guggenheim Lab located at the Museum in the Byculla Zoo complex is a place to explore new ideas, discuss and debate urban initiatives, with the ultimate goal of helping create a forward-thinking vision for city life

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Cover Story

Do you cons ide r your neighbourhood mall to be a public space? What about

your favourite coffee shop? How about the sea shore? Are these spaces private to you? Do you feel safe here? Are they places you turn to when you want some solitude?

These are just some of the answers requested in a questionnaire for a ‘privacy survey’ at the BMW

INSIDE TRACKTHE

CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY

Volume 6. Issue 12. December 2012 Rs. 25/-

Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

A Lab For Life In Mumbai The BMW Guggenheim Lab travels around the world to inspire and share ideas related to urban living with the aim of creating a forward-thinking vision for city life.

continued on page 2

Guggenheim Lab that aims at exploring the relationship between ‘privacy and public spaces’ in Mumbai.

The study initiated by Pukar is just one of the many projects currently underway at the BMW Guggenheim Lab headquartered at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum near the Mumbai zoo in Byculla. Open in Mumbai till the 20th of January, 2013, the BMW Guggenheim Lab aims to explore ideas about public spaces and city life. It seeks to address local and global issues on a range of topics that include urbanism, architecture, art, design, science, technology, education and sustainability.

This globetrotting lab (it was launched in New York and has since been to Berlin) is led by an international multi-disciplinary team who have planned a string of daily events that aim at examining contemporary urban life peculiar to Mumbai and its social fabric.

While the Lab in Byculla is where a lot of the events are planned, satellite locations like Horniman Circle, Priyadarshini Park, Sambaji Park in Mulund, the Batliboy Compound near Cotton Green and the Mahim Beach is where some activities are also being staged to ensure that this effort engages with communities that reside in other parts of the city.

An interesting activity that takes place every Thursday at the Museum is a Mapping Survey that aims to discover where people find or create their own personal space (outside their home) in a dense city like Mumbai. This unique study entails

The BMW Guggenheim Lab located at the Museum in the Byculla Zoo complex is a place to explore new ideas, discuss and debate urban initiatives, with the ultimate goal of helping create a forward-thinking vision for city life

2

Get Floored Looking At The Ceiling 4

The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 6

Q-Railing Scores Big 10

Hanita Coatings Comes To India 11

Knoll Gears Up For India 14

The Merck Effect 16

Innovative By Design 17

Keuco: A Timeless Heritage 18

Exhibitions and Fairs 20

Reign Supreme With DuraboardHD100 22

Green Vision 2025 23

Poltrona Frau Goes Down South 24

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

INSIDE TRACKTHE

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2012

A Lab For Life In Mumbai 1

marvel infomediaPVT LTD

Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed

at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green

Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange

Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1 Editor Mr. Anish

R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 6. Issue 12. December 2012. English - Monthly.

This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Sub-Editor

Vikas Bhadra, Ulka Manjrekar Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Snigdha Hodarkar

Marketing: Mumbai B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033

Tel: (022) 32656823, 23736133, 32958501 Fax: (022) 23743069 Email:response@

marvelinfomedia.com Delhi Ms Sumita Prakash, Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd,Plot

No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi Tel: 9899179540 Email: s_biswas1203@ yahoo.

com Chennai Mr S. Venkataraaman, Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E Block, Hansa Garden, 30

Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel: (044) 22281128 Mob:

9444021128 Email: [email protected] Kolkata Mr Subrata Mazumder, 2,

Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel: (033) 2410 4296 Mob: 9831131395 Email:

[email protected] Europe Pavilion Francaise 1282, Rue du Noyer, bt 161030

Bruxelles, Belgium.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

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

photographing different locations with the aim of unearthing spaces that people in Mumbai consider personal and private.

During the week there is also a city tour called Testing, Testing! This tour visits different part of the city and gathers evidence about the psychological effects public spaces have on your brain and physiology. Having done a similar exercise in New York and Berlin, this exploration aims to measure those results in comparison with that

of Mumbai.For the next few weeks you can

participate in events like helping create a pop-up garden, hear some known and unknown stories about spices and do a tour of Mumbai’s spice markets, help create a Rangoli masterpiece, as well as sit-in on the numerous talks, film screenings and discussions that will help you appreciate and understand life in Mumbai city!Contact web: www.bmwguggenheimlab.org

COVERSTORY

4 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Spot Light

Armstrong World Industries commenced operat ions in India through a 100%

subsidiary Armstrong India in 2000. In a decade’s time the company has become a leading name in floors and ceilings solutions staying true to the legacy of its US parent headquartered in Lancaster that operates in 32 plants in 8 countries and employs 11,700 employees.

Armstrong India has an impressive portfolio of flooring which includes

Get Floored Looking At The CeilingArmstrong India woos the residential and commercial segment of the market with its innovative products. BY VIKAS BHADRA

vinyl sheets, tiles and planks, laminates and engineered wood.

In the ceilings segment Armstrong pioneered the modular ceiling concept in India and in a short span of time came to be recognized as a generic name for modular ceilings across the country.

Armstrong India primarily operates in the commercial regime, but considering its wide product portfolio it has also started making in-roads into the residential segment. Mr. Arjun Shahani, MD Armstrong India shares, “Builders today are keen to use new and differentiated

by innovation, and its new product offering is a strong testimony to the same. The Soundscapes Shapes Acoustical Clouds is one such product for ceilings that has recently been launched by the company. Soundscapes ceilings are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colours. These ceiling systems can be hung individually or in innovative configurations from the ceiling (and even be used on walls) to help take care of acoustics in a defined area.

It is most viable for commercial installations, offices and workspaces, but considering the rising sound levels of the city which reverberates in our personal lives, it could soon be considered ideal for new high-end residences.

Talking about the product, Mr. Arjun Shahani says, “The

Mr. Arjun Shahani, MD Armstrong India

The Soundscapes Acoustical Clouds ceilings define an area with its pleasing aesthetics and better sound absorbing properties that can be hung in innovative configurations

products in their projects. The new residences being developed have at least one bedroom with laminate flooring or engineered wood flooring; this has helped us enormously in playing a bigger role in the residential segment too.”

Armstrong is a company driven

5 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Soundscapes Shapes Acoustical Cloud not only has a better sound absorbing property but aesthetically gives a lot of flexibility to the designer or architect who can use it individually or as a group suspension system. Soundscapes also has an added advantage of a client imprinting his logo or graphic design on the canopy, hence the options of personalising the product within the given shapes and sizes are an added bonus.”

The WoodWorks Linear Ceiling and Wall system is another much

Armstrong has been a keen supporter of green buildings globally and the company seeks to maintain homogeneity in its product offerings and organizational ethos across the various continents it operates in.

Armstrong products offered in India are identical in performance and other criteria to those available in the modern markets across the world, making them a perfect option for more reasons than one.Contact: tel: (022) 30480800email: [email protected] web: www.armstrong.co.in

loved product from Armstrong which provides the creative freedom to achieve the linear wood look on your wall or ceiling. This versatile system offers the classic beauty of rich, natural wood in three different design options which includes wood veneer planks, solid wood panels with a traditional plank, and visual wood veneer panels with a traditional or new tapered look, adding great aesthetic and insulation properties to your walls and ceilings.

Being the founding member of the IGBC, Armstrong has always

been an eco conscious concern. “We are systematically reducing our environmental footprint and providing products and services that enable our customers to reduce the environmental impact of the buildings they create,” informs Mr. Arjun Shahani.

Armstrong India strives hard to ensure that its products are eco friendly; a major part of their offerings is free of formaldehyde, Armstrong is also the only company to be recognised by GRIHA for its ceiling products.

Armstrong India has an impressive product portfolio of flooring which includes vinyl sheets, vinyl tiles, vinyl planks, laminates and engineered wood

6 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

these tiles can be used in two different ways-with staggered or aligned joints. Due to their various colours, designs and shapes these deck tiles can easily fit almost every surface of the house. These decking tiles are provided with non-toxic chemical coatings that ensure resistance against termite & moisture.

They are safer to walk as they offer more toeholds to prevent slipping and everyone feels comfortable to walk on these flooring tiles. The price for these tiles start from Rs. 485/- per sq ft plus taxes.Contact web: www.notion.net.in

It Products

Notion Introduces Wooden Deck Tiles Uberparko Unveils

Innovative Faucets

Cera Sanitaryware Ltd, synonymous with stylish ranges and innovative designs, recently opened its Cera Style Studio at Bengaluru. The display centre was inaugurated by Mr. Vikram Somany, Chairman & Managing Director. A pioneer in the sanitaryware segment for 30 years, Cera is renowned for its elegant products with advanced features.

The Cera Style Studio displays a range of the latest designs that have been transforming homes for sometime now. The Style Studio is also being leveraged as a display tool by the trade, as they bring in their customers and show the vast range displayed.

Located on 10 feet road in the posh area of Indiranagar in Bengaluru, customers across Karnataka can now experience the entire range of stunning Cera products at a new customer friendly destination. Visitors can interact with our Studio team and explore our exceptional line up of products.

Moreover, Bengaluru sales team can now engage with the trade and influencers, who can browse, discover and experience the incredible features of the luxuriously stylish portfolio of products. Contact web: www.cera-india.com

Notion has recently launched a new range of wooden deck tiles for the exteriors. This new range can be used for decorating the exterior, patio, pool, shower areas and terrace area, works great in any climate and is very long lasting.

The new wooden deck tiles are one of the best technological woods for external use which can be used to revamp your exteriors at a nominal cost. The installation of these tiles is very simple and it takes less time for setting making your space more beautiful.

Made with fine tropical wood and assembled on a high density engineered plastic base

Cera Style Studio Opens In Bengaluru

Uberparko has recently launched two new distinctive taps; the futuristic I-Tap Aero and the unique the I-Tap Cascade. Their superior technology and contemporary design not only provide complete relaxation of the body and mind but also enhance the decor of any modern bathroom.

The I-Tap Aero collection is the winner of the internationally renowned ‘Red Dot Design Award’. It is one of the top level design awards in global industrial design. This collection operates on simple touch. It’s simple yet elegant design along with hi- technology makes the I-Tap Aero favourite for any type of bathroom.

The unique cascading design of the I-Tap Cascade gives a natural effect of water fall. Its smart built in technology shows the temperature of water by changing the cascade colour from blue to red.

The wall mounted electronic

panel stands out as it is separated from the faucet body ensuring that the body looks more sleek and high on glam.

The price range for these faucets starts from Rs.10,000/- onwards.Contact web: www.parkoonline.com

surely make them happy. The frog shaped basin

with built-in pedestal, eye design bowl space to keep soap dishes & chrome plated insert for overflow hole adds a completely new and attractive look to the wash rooms. Furthermore, the low height, creative seat cover, shape and convenience augments its suitability for children between the age group of 2 - 7 years.

Priced at Rs. 35,790/-, the suit constitutes EWC Poncho worth Rs. 17,470/-, Poncho seat cover worth Rs. 3,090/- and a wash basin with pedestal worth Rs. 15,230/-.Contactwww.hindwarehomes.com

The Hindware Poncho Series For The Young One!Every child is fussy about taking bath. That said, hygiene is not an option too, so Hindware, from the house of HSIL Limited crafted a uniquely designed kid bath series - the Poncho. The series is known for its design, aesthetics, appropriateness of form and function and the creative use of type, texture and colour.

Available in 3 attractive colours of sunshine yellow, electric blue and spring green, the frog shaped series is a perfect way to reward and thrill the little one. Be it a birthday present, a festive makeover or any occasion that warrants accolade, the Poncho series will

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012 7

It Products

HomeHero is a new entrant to the online furniture category offering customized, handcrafted, premium quality furniture, mainly from wood and iron.

It aims to deliver the best of everything - handcrafted charm, easy, online shopping and doorstep delivery.

HomeHero, your personal craftsman can do it all for you, be it making a customized piece from the existing HomeHero collection or handcrafting completely new design.

Wherever possible, HomeHero

Revamp Your Home With HomeHero

uses reclaimed materials. It’s a practice that helps the environment and produces wonderful designs with unexpected colour and organic textures. All products are made from scratch, thus size and dimensions of all furniture are made to suit specific requirements.

So add some funk to your home and get your own customized furniture with a single click at HomeHero.in.Contact web: www.homehero.in

New Range Of Cattelan Italia At Idus

Sainik Ply

The all new range of beautiful furniture designs by the famous Italian brand Cattelan Italia is now available at Idus.

The new collection is characterized by minimalist forms with strong visual impact. Each piece has an instance of remarkable elegance. The designs enable you to make your own unique style statement, be it with

A year ago, SainikPly was re-launched with the vision to make it a leading plywood brand, especially in the MR segment. Designed to stand longer and stronger in the face of all adversity, SainikPly is termite and borer resistant, all-weather resistant and boiling water resistant, which is chemically treated and bonded with melamine. It has the ability to withstand heavy loads and is built to last.

SainikPly has set a benchmark in the industry with a competitive price tag. The product range includes MR, BWR and BWP - available in all the regular sizes. The range also includes flush doors and block-boards, hence

a single item or with a selection of several pieces.

Cattelan Italia’s products embellish any space and enhance the lifestyles by offering a collection of well designed furniture with a smooth balance of colour, shape and fabrics to make your home pleasant. Contact web: www.idus.in

comprehensively establishing themselves as a full service provider of the category.

During the course of the year, SainikPly have exceeded its own projections and market expectations. The consumer’s trust garnered proudly emulates the legacy of Centuryply. Sainik Ply has also bagged the Powerbrands Rising Stars Award for the year 2012.Contact web: www.centuryply.com

8 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

It Products Miele Warming Drawer

Trane Home Automation

Ingersoll Rand has recently ventured into the Indian market with Trane Interactive Solutions which offers a range of interactive split air conditioners and interactive electronic locks targeted towards the premium segment. The products can interact with each other through a new generation wireless technology called Zig Bee, allowing two-way communications between multiple devices and

a single controller. The Trane interactive controller therefore allows the consumer to control the Trane interactive AC and the interactive lock together, without having to be in their direct line of sight.

Powered with Zig Bee technology, the products bring in simpler yet technologically evolved levels of interactivity, control, customization and operation for modern living. They create home environments which promise new levels of comfort, efficiency and security. The wireless protocols and technologies used in these products essentially use low power and are reliable. They are also safe and simple to use.

The Trane 3 star 1.0 ton AC is priced at Rs. 37,000, 1.5 ton at Rs. 42,000 and the 5 star 1.0 ton would cost Rs. 42,300 and 1.5 ton Rs. 52,500. The main door electronic mortise lock is priced at Rs. 24,500. Contact www.indiatrane.com

Fisher & Paykel Introduces The DishDrawer In India

Fisher & Paykel, the New Zealand based innovators in the international appliance segment, introduces the DishDrawer, the first dishwasher in a drawer form. The dishwasher is one of the most revolutionary and innovative kitchen appliances available since its launch in 1997. The unique dishwasher in a drawer concept has yet to be matched by other manufacturers.

The Phase 7 DishDrawer continues to deliver superior ergonomics, requiring less movement to open, load and close and requires no bending. The under-bench drawer concept allows complete design freedom and the ability to position dishwashing functions at waist height in different areas of the

A warming drawer gives you the freedom to serve food when you want and not as soon as it is ready. The Miele warming drawer removes the need to reheat food so that precious nutrients and colours are preserved.

Just put the freshly cooked food into the warming drawer to keep it warm for several hours and enjoy uninterrupted conversations with your guests without a worry. The warming drawer is also used to preheat your crockery to just the right temperature for serving.

Available in two heights, the warming drawer has discreet sensor controls along the front of the drawer with pre-set programmes for crockery and food, as well as a timer to automatically switch the appliance off after a set time.

The drawer has a soft-close mechanism, so your crockery is

kitchen. One of the most popular configurations is to have two single DishDrawers at bench height either side of the kitchen sink. The DishDrawer is also suitable for larger plates and platters, up to 330mm in size.

The dishwasher’s internal microprocessor controls how the wash mechanisms operate based on the load and wash cycle. The spray arm rotates at different speeds depending on the wash cycle selected to deliver better dish care. The combination of the unique SmartDrive motor technology with intelligent electronics and simple mechanics means more space for dishes, greater reliability and better performance.Contact www.fisherpaykel.in

Ozone Hub Comes Up In Jaipur

of glass fittings, shower enclosures, stainless steel railings, automatic doors, along with hardware for wooden doors and furniture, and even electronic safes. The inauguration in Jaipur also marks the launch of the Ozone Plus Hydraulic Patch - a product seen as the next generation glass fitting solution. This is a first for a patch fitting used for frameless glass doors to come with an in-built hydraulic system.

Ozone is known to bring technologically superior and innovative products to serve the need of its discerning customers. The Ozone hubs being created by the company on a Pan India basis are not just product display dentres but will also impart technical know-how, functionality and usage of each product to its customers.Contact web: www.ozone-india.com

Ozone recently inaugurated its Display-Cum-Training Centre, in New Aatish Market, Jaipur. Conveniently located in the heart of upcoming construction and building materials and activities hub of the city, this Display-cum-Training Centre becomes an important stop for architects, builders and anyone doing construction or renovation activity in Jaipur.

The centre comprises live displays and working models

handled gently and food won’t spill when the drawer is closed. An anti-slip mat provides a secure base and is easily removed for cleaning. A sliding rack in the larger model provides additional space so there is plenty of capacity. The ESW 5080-14 model is priced at Rs. 99,990 whereas the ESW 5080-2 model is priced at Rs. 1,14,990.Contact www.miele.in

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012 9

It Products Arttd’inox Presents The Pink Panther

A Refreshing Collection From Onset

Stacked up in a unique shoe like casing, the coasters form an interactive element of attention. When placed on the table, it gives the resemblance of the character walking on the table, leaving his footprint behind.

The Moody mugs are priced at Rs. 1150/-, the Carry on Me tray at Rs. 1250/- and the Catwalk Coasters are priced at Rs. 900/-.Contact web: www.arttdinox.com

choose from embroidered polyester bedcovers and printed to patchwork silk bedcovers.

These unique and authentic creations of perfectly coordinated bed sets, fabrics, curtains and cushion covers give a plush look to the space. The price range for the cushion varies from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 1500/- whereas the bed covers range from Rs. 8500/- to Rs. 9900/-.Contact tel: 033 24196860web: www.onset.co.in

Happy Sleeping By Bedbathmore.ComJust as couples and families spend hours selecting the right not-too-hard-not-too-soft mattress, it’s equally important to choose the right pillow for yourself. Bedbathmore.com is one of India’s new online stores for bed, bath and related home products, offering the widest range of products and the finest brands.

The right pillow is essential for a good sleep. Too hard, and it’ll keep you up at night; too soft, and you might be tossing and turning too. For those who work long hours at a desk, a memory foam pillow is advisable to soothe

those stiff nerves in the neck and back.

The Green Tea or Bamboo Extract memory foam pillow is available on Bedbathmore.com, where the foam is infused with green tea or bamboo extracts to provide relaxing sleep, or the White Gel and Therapeia ranges for those suffering from chronic neck and back aches.

The Cozy Q Pillow features the classic 4-inch diamond quilting pattern and fits snugly under your head and neck. The soft and plush White Micro Fibre Pillow ensures complete comfort and provides a luxurious feel to improve your sleeping experience. Contact web: www.bedbathmore.com

Get home the panther story narrated by Arttd’inox in their latest Pink Panther range. Pink Panther, the character has left its foot prints amongst many generations.

Moody mugs are a part of this range that capture different moods of the character stylized with animated handles that create an unsaid bond with the panther. The mugs come along with a stainless steel stirrer, an interactive stick that conveys its motion in every action. The standing shapes of the panther hold the stick and portray the welcoming posture with warming gestures.

The Carry on Me tray comes with a supporter to carry it around with ease. The tray stands on four legs to provide ease in handling and placing yummy food catered on the bed.

The Catwalk coaster captures the footprint of the Pink Panther.

The accessories at Onset are a refreshing blend of hip yet enduring, baroque yet contemporary. Sourced from around the globe, the products have been carefully selected from various lifestyle fairs and top designers around the world.

The brand uses polyester and silk in terms of fabric and the designs vary from ornate, mother of pearl, hand embroidered cushions to fabric texturing and kantha work. One can also

10 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Spot Light

Q- r a i l i n g i s k n o w n worldwide for its unique, high-spec railing systems

which have a significant design impact on private, public and commercial developments. Since its inception, the company has remained loyal to its design mantra, ‘safety, simplicity and the ability to

Q- Railing Scores Big Q-railing has been commissioned to do a landmark installation at the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Brazil.

The legendary stadium will use Q-railing’s glass handrail systems, in preparation for major upcoming sporting events

The legendary Maracanã Estádio stadium is second most visited tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro

be easily installed’.The company in India is headed

by Ms. Renu Kathuria, Managing Director who is gearing up to launch a slew of new products in the 1st quarter of 2013.

Testimony to Q-railing’s prowess in railing systems is a 16,000 metre system it has recently installed at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Using Q-railing’s glass handrail systems the legendary stadium will fulfil its visual and safety aims during renovations that are gearing up for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 the World Cup 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016.

“We’re honoured and excited to be involved with the Maracanã’s renovations. As well as the obvious visual benefits of transparency in

the stands, our glass systems will promote a clean, modern design, without losing the key safety aspect of railings,” commented Martin Mittelstaedt, Business Development Manager at Q-railing.

Thousands of excited fans will be protected by its Easy Glass 3kN system, which can cope with up to 3 Kilo newtons of loads and meets the highest safety standards.

The Maracanã stadium opened its doors in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup. Holding 200,000 spectators, it was once the largest stadium in the world. Although this number has now been reduced to 80,000, the stadium is still legendary and the second most visited tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro. Contact: +91 9867002356 [email protected] www.q-railing.in

11 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Co. Profile

Israel based Hanita Coatings, a leading firm in films and laminates recently announced

its entry in the Indian markets with an exclusive partnership with Auto Sonics India Private Ltd. to offer its complete range of products focussing mainly on safety and energy eff iciency in the building domain.

Hanita Coatings offers a wide

Hanita Coatings Comes To IndiaA specialist in film solutions for solar, safety and decorative purposes, Hanita Coatings is gearing up to connect with green projects across India. BY VIKAS BHADRA

variety of solar, safety and decorative window film solutions to meet precise project requirements. It aims to reduce energy consumption, provide safety and enhance aesthetics. Hanita is also working with architects and builders to incorporate films for green/sustainable projects as they help increase efficiencies and also bag necessary green certifications and LEED points. With their solutions corporate buildings, hotels and large facilities stand to save significantly on energy costs, helping operations become more profitable.

Hanita Coatings have worked closely with several prestigious projects worldwide such as the Greek Parliament, the Paris Metro

and the Russian Parliament to name a few. A member of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), it aspires to play an active role in the advocacy of green and eco-friendly construction in India. Through its energy efficient laminates, Hanita Coatings promises as much as a 20% to 30% drop in energy consumption for residential and commercial spaces.

For 30 years, Hanita Coatings has invested in research, technology, and manufacturing to achieve its reputation as an industry leader in the field of film conversion. The physicists, chemists and engineers work in conjunction with leading OEM companies to ensure they

remain on the cutting edge of the contemporary industrial processes.

The major suppliers of film and chemicals to the company are also strategic partners in Hanita’s product development. Hanita Coatings has state-of-the-art coating, laminating, and metalizing lines with all products backed by its global distribution network, dedicated customer service, and outstanding technical support. Contact:tel: +91 9449813549email: [email protected] web: www.hanitacoatings.com

Hanita Coatings specializes in the development and conversion of coated, laminated and metallized films for a range of

industrial and commercial applications

Jyoti Devjani, Director Hanita Coatings

14 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Spot Light

With an increasing number of international brands vying for a share of the

Indian furniture market, Knoll, a US based global manufacturer of home and office furniture has set foot in the Indian market and partnered with Godrej Interio to make its presence felt.

Knoll Gears Up For IndiaKnoll is sinking its teeth deeper into the Indian market with its partnership with Godrej Interio. BY VIKAS BHADRA

Knoll is well known across the world for modern timeless design in furniture

Knol l has ente red into a dealership and brand-licensing agreement with Godrej Interio. Knoll is recognized for its home and office product line-up and in India, this will include office systems, office seating, wood desks, metal desks and files, office accessories, fabrics and leathers.

The idea is to combine solid workplace research with innovative thinking to create distinctive, high-performance workplaces that address the unique and ever-changing needs of businesses.

Speaking about the association, Ani l Mathur, COO, Godre j Interio, commented, “Our alliance with Knoll heralds the beginning of a new era in the evolution of interior décor in India. By bringing Knoll’s world class designs to India, we will provide high quality and design products, to satisfy the imagination and aspiration

The Joseph Paul D’Urso Contract Lounge Seating series consists of a lounge chair, small sofa, ottoman and side cushion

15 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

of selective consumers. We are tremendously excited about this venture and our decision to partner with Knoll in India.”

For the very first time in India, Knoll will showcase and sell pieces by Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove, Italian designer Cini Boeri and New York-based designer Joseph Paul D’Urso. Knoll products will be exclusively available in Mumbai at Design HQ by Godrej - a unique experience centre for designers, architects as well as consumers to have the luxury of choosing

the home and workplace available to discerning customers, architects and designers in India. In Godrej Interio, we found a reliable and enthusiastic partner who shared the same ideal of promoting high quality design in spaces.

How will this collaboration be beneficial for Knoll?

Our company was founded on the belief that design mattered in terms of contributing to the beauty, quality and productivity of our clients work and home lives. By opening in India with Godrej Interio we are furthering the global recognition of our brand and will now able to better serve both the discerning customers in India and the global design community who we work with around the world.

What is the USP of the Knoll products that will appeal to the Indian design sensibilities?

Post liberalization Modern Design has played an important role in

amongst modern designs.In an exclusive interview to

The Inside Track Andrew Cogan, CEO Knoll tells us more about the partnership.

W h a t k i n d o f i n n o v a t i v e thought process was at work during the collaboration with Godrej Interio?

Knoll is well known across the world for modern timeless design in furniture and we wanted to make Knoll’s modern designs for

the development of India. Today when you look at the skyline of major Indian cities you see the kind of buildings that are in design a perfect fit for our modern looking furniture. At the same time the international style and appeal of modern design is also fast catching up with existing traditional Indian homes and buildings.

Ca n y o u t e l l u s h ow t h e Knoll range will be priced in the Indian market?

Knoll is not a player in the volume segment and will continue to be in the premium end of the market just like other leading brands like Audi or BMW.

Apart from Mumbai, what are your expansion plans?

We are starting in Mumbai and will expand from there to other markets like Delhi and Bangalore in a phased manner.Contact: web: www.gidesignhq.com

Ross Lovegrove adds to Knoll Studio’s legacy with his collection of tables and storage. Here seen along with Platner stools

Seated from L-R Anil Mathur, COO, Godrej Interio and Andrew Cogan, CEO Knoll

The Cini Boeri Ottoman is available with four swivel casters

16 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Spot Light

The recently concluded Acetech 2012 event in Mumbai showcased an array of colours,

texture, shimmer and glitter unleashed by effect pigments from Merck at the Design Wall. This visual delight had been specially created by Merck in association with Fali Unwalla, a well known architect based in Mumbai.

The 345 year old Merck is a leading company in the specialty chemicals space. During Acetech, Merck created its own exclusive ‘show wall’ which was aptly christened as the ‘Merck Design Wall’.

The Merck EffectMerck’s range of pigments can be used to spice up your interiors with its array of customised colours and textures. BY ULKA MANJREKAR

Siddhartha Sengupta, Head of Performance Materials Division, Merck Limited (India)

our pigment, you can have a wall that may look very simple, then you can apply flashy colours, it can be metallic and absolutely shimmery and it can also be a matte finish. We can be as creative as we want.”

Head of Performance Materials Division, Merck Limited (India) said, “Through this wall, we aim to educate the design community about the trends and unique possibilities in this space and thereby help the end consumer live a better life. I think as Indians we deserve much better products. By giving just a thin coat of

Merck is one of the world’s leading suppliers of effect pigments for the coatings, plastics, printing, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries.

These pigments provide brilliant colour effects and can turn ordinary products such as wall paints, decoratives, make up, automotive colours, etc. into something special.

The wall helped to create an experience of Merck products and their applications on different materials and showcased the multiple possibilities that could be explored with the use of its pigments.

They enable distinct product differentiation and are an important design element when creating surfaces with special impressions or qualities.

Speaking about the Merck Design Wall, Siddhartha Sengupta,

Merck believes that it’s all about customization. Based on the needs of an architect or a client himself as to what effect they desire. They produce as per customization be it, 5kgs or 500 kgs.

Merck pigments are all water based and hence very safe. They are so safe that they are edible and can also

be used in foods. Merck has received the certification to provide these pigments in Europe where they are popularly used in ice creams.

Siddhartha Sengupta further adds, “We share our formulations with our customers, we want to graduate them to a different level and we work together as partners so that we can give much better products. 50 to 60% of our products are unique, no one can copy them, most of them want their houses to be unique and so we offer customization in that aspect.”

Targeting the mass market, Merck India looks forward to feature the latest trends in home décor and spaces through an interesting display of innovative design concepts. They plan to bring forward to people the exclusive design possibilities of using the Merck products on varied surfaces like leather, wood, fabric, glass, ceramics, plastic, acrylic, metal and polyester, amongst others.

Very artistic in nature, Merck’s wide range of effect pigments is built for technologically sophisticated applications to drive innovations. A product, enhanced with effects, creates an undeniable visual impact referred to by the company as the ‘Merck’ effect! Contact: tel: (022) [email protected]: www.merck.co.in

The Merck Design Wall helped to create an experience of Merck products and their applications on different materials and showcased the multiple possibilities

that could be explored with the use of its pigments

17 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Co. Profile

Established in 1923, Herman Miller is perhaps one of the most design conscious

companies which has been making ‘sitting’ a positive health experience for almost a century.

With des igner s l ike Don

Innovative By DesignThe Herman Miller range is ready to occupy your workspace and home.

Chadwick, Bill Stumpf and Yves Béhar the company has not left any stone unturned to encourage authentic design, quality, relationships and social responsibility.

Wi t h i n v e n t i v e d e s i g n s , technologies and related services that improve the human experience wherever people work, Herman Miller has emerged as the “Most Admired” company in the contract furniture industry.

The company has an efficient network of dealers and retailers around the world through which all the award winning furniture and related services are made available.

The company has recently introduced a new range of products in the Indian market which includes Sayl, Aeron, Embody and Mirra. Sayl designed by Yves Bahar is beautiful in its composition; the ergonomic chair features a 5-star base and upholstered seat with either a suspension or upholstered back. The product comes with an astonishing 12 years warranty; in short Sayl is everything a Herman Miller chair should be at a very attainable price and architecture.

If you are looking forward to

The Aeron Chair has found a place in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection

Sayl is everything a Herman Miller chair should be at a very attainable price

Embody is the first work chair that is designed specifically for people who work for long hours on the computer

The Mirra design is fashion-forward which optimizes the relationship between materials and technology

Embody is the first work chair that benefits both the mind and body.

In the work chair category the Aeron Chair designed by Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf is yet another product that looks so enticing that its landed up in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.

The high, wide, contoured back of the Aeron chairs takes the pressure off your lower spine. It also provides healthy comfort and balanced body support with its innovative suspension and easy-to-use adjustment controls.

Last but not the least the Mirra Chair designed by Studio 7.5 optimizes the relationship between materials and technology to achieve maximum performance with minimal materials. It features common materials applied in o r i g in a l way s , s u ch a s t h e elastomeric seat suspension and molded polymer back that replace the traditional foam and fabric. The Mirra design is fashion-forward; with a sleek and high-tech aesthetic it shows off its features and functions and looks to the future in another way. Contact: tel: (080) [email protected] www.hermanmiller.com

encourage a positive seating experience in your workforce then Embody may be a good choice, designed by Jeff Weber and Bill Stumpf, Embody is

an agile chair that keeps the body and brain limber all day.

Designed specifically for people who work for hours at computers,

18 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Spot Light

Unlike political legacies which evoke both ecstasy and agony during their

tenure, there are some brands which offer pure joy; they stand out from the rest particularly due to their quality and innovation. Keuco is one such brand.

Founded in 1953 by Paul Keune, Hermann Bönner, Eduard Baron de Becker-Remy and Josef Himrich, Keuco is a premium lifestyle German bathroom brand.

Keuco: A Timeless HeritageThis premium lifestyle German bathroom brand has rolled out a number of innovative products for the Indian market.

With a strong legacy of innovation in product development, know-how of bathroom space, products which have long-lasting quality, design and great appeal, Keuco has become one of the fastest growing contemporary bathroom brands around the globe, offering concepts which embody great value and user experience.

“We have three manufacturing hubs; in Hemer we produce faucets, fittings and accessories. Gutersloh is for manufacturing light mirrors; mirrors cabinets and crystal mirrors and Bunde is for bathroom furniture and colorboards. Everything is manufactured in Germany with a comprehensive warranty for 5 years.

We have been one of the brands who are serious about the made in Germany manufacturing policy as all our products are manufactured in Germany. Hemer being the head office also has the largest technical centre, display centre and state of

the art logistics centre of Keuco,” says Rahul Kher, Country Manager - Indian Sub Continent of Keuco.

Keuco ha s been d i re c t l y operating in India for the last 3 years (however has been selling in India indirectly since 2006). The firm has a nationwide presence through its own sales team and is well supported by its 12 channel partners across India. Keuco also has a significant retail presence in India spread over 80,000 square feet of retail/display space. The company has been swift in setting up an experience centre in Delhi, 3 Keuco Studios in Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad respectively, a unique Keuco Lifestyle showroom in Bangalore and 7 very unique retail spaces within a multi-brand showroom format.

The products on display are aimed at the high-end customer, a rch i tec t , inter ior des igner, residential developer and/or hotelier

seeking a true lifestyle experience.The latest offering by Keuco

includes its Edition 11 and Royal Reflex range, both of which are path breaking bathroom solutions. “Both these concepts have been the recipient of the coveted Plus x design award. While Edition 11 is the only faucet in the world which has been awarded all three coveted awards of Red Dot, Plus x award and IF award,” says Rahul Kher.

The Edition 11 range of faucets, fittings and accessories is widely appreciated and a standard in itself. Keuco has also launched its concept ‘Plan Blue’ which is aimed at substantial water saving capabilities in its faucets and fittings.

The company recently launched two new wall mounted faucets for the wash basin area and a whole new concept of modular mirror cabinets up to a size of 2100 mm. The footfalls for Colorboards, a 10mm thick toughened glass (with a lacquered back) has been very positive and it has evolved as being one of the most sought after

Rahul Kher, Country Manager - Indian Sub Continent of Keuco

Edition 11 is the only faucet in the world which has been awarded all three coveted awards of Red Dot, Plus x award and IF award

19 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

bathroom concepts the company has to offer along with its LED mirror cabinet that are being lapped up by the market.

For Keuco, it has always been about designing a product which people can enjoy using in the bath space besides trying to figure out, how consumers like to spend time in the bathroom. The concepts right from a light mirror, faucet, wash basin, bathroom furniture to its accessories all have a certain design harmony which makes Keuco products that much more alluring.

In an exclusive interview to The Inside Track Rahul Kher talks more about brand Keuco.

Considering there are already a number of international bath fitting brands present in the Indian market, how does Keuco plan to differentiate itself?

Keuco has always looked at product development and design very seriously and for us it’s a question of WHY rather than WHAT. Well, competition from global brands will push the market towards offering more quality to the market. However, you will have to start by asking who in the industry today is investing in developing the product which is truly great in functionality, design, ergonomics, ecology, innovation and ease of use. Believe me you will not get too many names as there is so much mediocre stuff being rolled out in the market.

Keuco is a very unique brand with a very unique product portfolio; three key things which differentiate us from competitors is our conceptual

The Edition 11 Shower Basket is easy to clean and offers generous space for soaps,shampoos etc

orientation, design orientation and the third is our material orientation. There is no one in the market who develops bathroom concepts the way we do, everything within a concept

talks the same design language and with of lot of attention to detail.

What are the plans to spread awareness about Keuco in the

Indian marketplace?

We believe that the best way forward in building a brand is through our retail strategy that is long term and we will stay on course with that. Currently we have a very strong team of 12 channel partners across India who has very religiously followed our retail strategy to open up world class showrooms.

The idea behind this retail format is that our customers should love the experience of walking into this showroom and taken to a different place. We believe in our retail strategy and the way we want to build up our showrooms here where one can experience the brand in more personal way. One can see, touch and feel our entire product portfolio and will have the freedom to plan their bathrooms in a more educated manner and can have the freedom to make much more individual choices based on their idea of a great bathroom.

What kind of after-sales back up is in place for the Keuco products that are sold?

We currently have around 4 Technical Managers equipped to offer great pre-sales as well as post sales /technical support to our esteemed customers, support our channel partners in any of their technical queries, carry our installations at developer sites, end customer sites and ensure that our products are installed in the right manner. Contact: tel: (020) 30544705email: [email protected]: www.keuco.com

20 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Fair News

Seattle, Washington Remodeling ExpoDate 4 - 6 January 2013 Venue Seattle, United States Of AmericaContact web: www.homeshowcenter.com

Seattle Remodeling Expo will showcase an array of products and services for the interior and exterior of the home. It will be a perfect place for the people who love the latest accessories and want to modify their interiors and exteriors.

The Seattle Remodeling Expo will represent the most recognized and most qualified names in the remodeling industry ranging from residential and commercial design, architecture, interior design, landscape design, furnishings, accessories, home entertainment, tech smart homes, security systems, baths, kitchens, video surveillance, and new constructions both commercial and residential.

Pittsburgh Remodeling ExpoDate 4 - 6 January 2013Venue Pittsburgh, United States Of AmericaContact web: www.homeshowcenter.com

Pittsburgh Remodeling Expo is one of the leading building and home remodeling trade shows in the United States. The show is hosted at the David Lawrence Convention Center and serves as a perfect business platform for eminent industry professionals to exchange the latest news, views and perspectives from this sector. Participants are offered the chance of attending the series of topical seminars that are held during the event. The Designer Matchmaker services that would be available here is also worth a special mention.

The show takes a holistic view of all facets of home improvement and furnishing and an impressive array of sunrooms, flooring solutions, countertops, cabinets, basement finishing solutions and waterproofing equipments, along with other high-quality home remodeling items. Several special events are also scheduled during the show, like Color Basics and Stained Glass 101, enhancing the overall worth of the show.

Trendset Munchen 2013Date 3 - 5 January 2013Venue New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich, GermanyContact web: www.messe-trendset.de

Trendset Munchen is an international trade fair where living, dining and lifestyle products take centre stage. It is one of the most successful and biggest exhibitions of its kind in Southern Germany. Approximately 1,100 exhibitors present themselves and their 2,300 collections regularly at TrendSet. There are mainly European manufacturers, importers and sales agents of international companies.

Organized by Messe Munchen GmbH, TrendSet is a pure trade fair. It offers wide opportunities to new artists to exhibit products like antique jewellery, furniture, clocks and other lifestyle products. It is attended by 35,000 trade visitors from the retail, mail order and other forms of trade including the big retailing corporations who are all amongst the regular visitors at TrendSet.

Heimtextil FrankfurtDate 9 - 12 January 2013Venue Frankfurt, GermanyContact web: www.heimetextil.messerfrankfurt.com

Heimtextil Frankfurt is the most prestigious show for the textile industry as professionals get to experience new and trendy designs and creative work. The expo is the perfect place for new product launches and attendees get to know about the recent developments made in this sector. The exhibitors also get to meet plenty of potential buyers and get into business contracts.

The popularity of this show has brought in the participation of leading companies from the domestic as well as from the international market. The textiles or fabrics displayed in this show are designed to fit perfectly to the requirements of the home decoration sector as well as apparel segments. The attractive designs, blend of colours and texture attract a huge number of buyers from all around the world.

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012 21

Fairs & ExhibitionsDate 27 - 30 December 2012, Inside Outside MegashowVenue Gujarat University Exhibition Hall, Ahmedabad, GujaratContact web: www.iomegashow.com

The Inside Outside Megashow in Ahmedabad features among the premier architecture and building sector trade shows in India. The show provides all participants with a valuable podium to voice their views and opinions about the latest industry developments. Exhibiting firms are present at the event, which also brings together a large number of builders, architects and other senior industry personnel.

Panel discussions and conference sessions are held on a regular basis during this four day business event as well. Bath fixtures, flooring equipments, furniture products and laminates feature prominently among the items that are put on exhibit here. New products are also launched by companies at the show. Corporate participants can also expand their networks by interacting with several industry specialists. The Interactive panel discussions and Celebration of Architecture awards are also scheduled at the event.

IMM Cologne

Date 14 - 20 January 2013 Venue Cologne International Expocentre, Cologne, GermanyContact web: www.imm-cologne.info

Imm Cologne, the major worldwide event for the interior design sector along with the international kitchen show LivingKitchen is back again. From the 14th to 20th January 2013, more than 1,100 companies from around 50 countries will be presenting over 1,00,000 pieces of furniture at Imm Cologne. About one third of the exhibits will be new launches. As the leading international fair, Imm Cologne showcases the enormous breadth and depth of products available for the furnishing sector and thanks to concurrent LivingKitchen, everything to do with kitchens as well.

Imm cologne presents trends which dominate the interior design market and answers questions on the emphasis of the holistic home. The diverse mix of visitors makes the trade fair very interesting for exhibitors.

BAU Munich

Date 14 - 19 January 2013 Venue New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich, GermanyContact web: www.bau-muenchen.com

Bau presents architecture, materials and systems for industrial, commercial and residential construction as well as interior design. It brings together all the industry’s market leaders in a unique exhibition and is thus one of the most important events of the European building industry.

Renovation and modernisation of buildings is one of the most important tasks of the building industry. The upcoming edition of Bau will feature themes which include energy-efficient buildings, intelligent building covers, renovations and modernisation, architectural surfaces, barrier- free building and building security. At Bau the exhibiting companies will be offering their individual solutions, and comprehensive information will be supplied in a range of forums, special exhibitions and congresses at the trade fair.

22 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Spot Light

The construction industry across the world is witnessing a tremendous boom. The

role of organizations like Supreme Industries in supporting the construction industry has become prominent and critical.

Exposure to world-class expertise and the advent of global players has led to an infusion of new materials, equipment and technologies in construction practices in India. Duraboard HD-100 from the Supreme family nevertheless is a testimony to the same.

Reign Supreme With DuraboardHD100Duraboard HD-100 from Supreme Industries is all weather compressible filler board specially designed to be used as expansion joint filler. BY VIKAS BHADRA

DURAboardHD100 is an exclusive compressible filler board from Supreme Industries, specially designed to be used in concrete brick, block work and isolation joints

Mr. Ajay Mohta, General Manager, Construction Accessories Division,

Supreme Industries Ltd.

Throughout the year, building faces, concrete slabs and pipelines expand and contract due to the warming and cooling through seasonal variation, or due to other heat sources. If expansion joints were not implemented in bridges, building, highways etc. the intense heat in the summer would expand the metal, brick, or concrete materials in a structure resulting in developing cracks and may at the end could give way.

Duraboard HD-100 (formerly SILflex/Capell HD100) is an exclusive compressible filler board specially designed to be used as an expansion joint filler in concrete brick, block work and isolation

joints. It is readily compressible and is a low load transfer joint filler with excellent recovery properties.

Duraboard HD-100 is an

offering from the construction accessories division of Supreme. The construction accessories division of Supreme has developed customized solutions specifically for the construction requirements of various segments.

Mr. Ajay Mohta, General Manager, Construction Accessories Division, Supreme Industries Ltd. adds, “This division offers new generation, better alternative products to conventional materials like rubber, metals, and wood, thus being cost effective. The ‘Dura’ range of products are manufactured from virgin raw material and we do not use any CFC / HCFC gases. At every stage of the manufacturing process a stringent quality check methodology assures the reliability of the products, a case in point is the creation of a low compression set filler board

‘Duraboard HD-100’ especially for expansion joints application, to replace less effective bitumen board based solutions.”

Duraboard HD-100 has a number of satisfied customers in government, semi-government and private installations. It is used extensively in various structures for the NHAI, AAI, the real estate sector and adheres to stringent codes. Duraboard HD-100 is bitumen free and can be cut in any size with a normal knife. Since its polymer based it is rot proof and bacteria resistant.The product is sustainable and does not deteriorate over a long period of time nor does it distort under normal load from wet concrete, being very light weight it is very easy to handle and install.Contact: tel: +91 9831020808 email: [email protected]: www.supreme.co.in

23 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Event Review Green Vision 2025Major recommendations for a sustainable future emerged at the recently concluded Green Building Congress 2012.

How does one find ideas that are not just innovative but also green? The answer

lies in the Green Building Congress 2012. The 10th edition was held between the 30th of October and 1st November in Hyderabad.

The theme this year was ‘Green Communities for all by 2025’.

The Green Building Congress’ conferences, exhibit ions and workshops were attended by 2,300 delegates and the event saw a whopping 8,200 visitors. It also witnessed a huge International participation from Sweden, US, Swi tze r l and, UK, Aust ra l i a , Bangladesh, Srilanka, Singapore, Finland, Abu Dhabi and Israel.

The international exhibition received an overwhelming response in the form of 100 exhibitors who showcased the latest and emerging green building products and technologies. Some of the interesting products on display were a ‘Permeable Concrete’ which prevents water clogging and a ‘Light Tube’ which allows daylight even up to a depth of 10 metres among a few.

Another ingenious product that reduces air–conditioning load in the building and cools the building envelope was worth noting. The exhibition also saw recycled entry way mats made from salvaged tyres and a vertical gardening system promoting greenery on walls.

Mr. V Suresh, Chairman, IGBC Policy & Advocacy Committee, who chaired the panel discussion on “Sustainable Habitat for all Communities by 2025” stressed that the need of the hour is for the government, architects and

industry bodies to work together to make the green building movement a success. Key findings concerning both rural as well as urban areas emerged from these discussions. The experts also talked about facilitating green buildings/cities

as a consumer driven market.Apart from these proceeding, it

also hosted parallel events such as a session on ‘Green Hospitals’ and ‘Young Minds Going Green’.

The Green Building Congress also awarded a winning trophy

to the students of Vasant Valley School, the winners of I-Green contest and also acknowledged g reen champions who have adopted IGBC Green Rating programs for their building design and construction.

So far, 300 IGBC rated green buildings are certified and fully functional in India.

However, it doesn’t stop here. The IGBC has cer ta in goals f o r ‘ V i s i on 2025 ’ , su ch a s 1,00,000 registered green buildings a l ong w i th 1 ,00 ,000 g re en building professionals.Contact: www.greenbuildingcongress.com

Free flowing of ideas at the panel discussion at Green Building Congress 2012, Hyderabad

The Green Building Congress awarded a winning trophy to the students of Vasant Valley School, the winners of I-Green contest

24 THE INSIDE TRACK December 2012

Spot Light

Postal RegistRation no. MH/MR//east/129/2011-13 Rni no. MaHeng/2007/19853. PosteD at MUMBai PatRiKa CHannel soRting oFFiCe, MUMBai g.P.o. 400001. Date oF PUBliCation: 15tH oF eVeRY MontH, Date oF Posting: 15tH & 16tH oF eVeRY MontH

Poltrona Frau Goes Down SouthThe Poltrona Frau Group continues to expand in India with first store in South India.

Bespoke Italian luxury furniture giant, Poltrona Frau, is known for their made-to-order and

hand crafted top class luxury and trend setting furniture. Collaborating with the Tatas, Poltrona Frau has created Casa Décor in India to bring the best of Italian design to India and cater to the growing and discerning market here.

Poltrona Frau furniture has adorned many private residences and work spaces the world over, including magnificent hotels, lounges and dining establishments, along with even crafting the leather interiors for several luxury car manufacturers like Ferrari, BMW, Audi and Jaguar.

After the launch of their first store in Mumbai, Poltrona Frau has set shop in South India with their first store launch in Bangalore.

The Poltrona Frau Group in collaboration with a strong local partner, Symbiosis Home Décor Pvt. Ltd., is opening the Poltrona Frau Group Design Center in Bangalore.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Nicola Obert, MD and CEO of Casa Décor said, “We feel the time is just right to take this decision and start with our first store in Bangalore as the audience is mature to understand bespoke design and pay the price to acquire a piece of art in the form of furniture. We have been in Mumbai since 2010 and have been pleased with the market response. But as far as the South was concerned, we feel it

The two floored, 320 square meter store, situated in Jayanagar, will display the iconic furniture pieces of the main group’s brands i.e. Poltrona Frau, Cappellini, Cassina and Nemo, the lighting division of Cassina.

The categories will include sofas, armchairs, chairs, tables, beds, wardrobes, bookcases, shelves and much more. The store has been designed to allow customers a first hand opportunity to experience the design and comfort that each piece offers.

is still an untapped market with huge potential and hence the decision to start with Bangalore.”

Poltrona Frau is just what a city like Bangalore needs, furniture that tells a story, pieces that are world class and an inspiration to all around. The store is poised to become the new ‘must-visit’ destination for the local high society, designers and architectural community. Contact: tel: (080) 65652202 web: www.poltronafrau.com

Brooklyn (L) & Vanity Fair (R) from Poltrona Frau

Cloud Bianco - A modular double-faced bookcase produced in white polyethylene