Promotion of the local building materials while respecting the surrounding greenery, flora and fauna, is a key ingredient in the design of Camp Forktail Creek by Design Consortium. The camp, located in the dense jungle of Jim Corbet National Park in Uttarakhand, consists of 3 mud huts and 6 informal structures (tents)

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The boldly dramatic Shyam Farm Forest Resort, housing 16 cottages, is located at the very edge of Gir National Park and wildlife sanctuary; the sole home of the Asiatic lion, surrounded by 1400 sq.km forest in Gujarat, is built on the new vernacular style by d6thd Design Studio

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Neolith® patterns are pushing the boundaries of what colours and textures are possible from compact surfaces


Renowned Catalan chef Albert Adrià’s vision to create an out of the world restaurant with an enigmatic, immersive ambiance, took shape when 2017 Pritzker Prize winner RCR Arquitectes drew their design idea in watercolors and brought it to life with the expertise and technical know-how of Neolith® TheSize, manufacturer and designer of Sintered Stone.

From paper to slab

RCR, in collaboration with architect Pau Llimona, drew a watercolor painting in the size of two A3 papers, which was to be applied to the floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchen worktops, cabinetry and air extraction systems. However, a watercolor design had not been done on Sintered Stone before, thus posing an unprecedented challenge. Carlos Garcia, Product Designer at TheSize explains: “We had to expand the original design, all the while trying not to lose the quality of definition offered by the original drawing. Each pixel was equal to two meters of final floor.”

Through R&D, Neolith developed the technology to re-create the design onto slabs, producing a perfect replica of the drawing. Once this was achieved, an exact color match had to be sourced, as the required green and blue tones are unusual hues for sintered surfaces. The intensity of the colors had to fit in with the other materials and decorations throughout the restaurant to achieve a unified environment. Using Neolith’s proprietary digital printing decoration technology NDD (Neolith Digital Design), the architect’s design brief was fully met.


The architects wanted every slab to be of irregular texture like Neolith’s Riverwashed, but with a subtle shine to provide a surface that is multisensory - interesting to the eye and inviting to touch. “Neolith is a contemporary material with many properties. We have been so surprised by its possibilities that we are now using it for other projects,” say the architects.

Installation

The floor presented the biggest challenge because of its sheer size. Each slab was unique and had to be perfectly put together in order to deliver a continuous design. Neolith initially installed the entire floor off-site and used a drone to take images from above, thus ensuring that there were no inconsistencies.

RCR Arquitectes and Llimona designed an organic space full of curves and narrow aisles and required the slabs to be cut down into six smaller pieces, the smallest being only 3 cm wide. Absolute precision was key to guarantee the uniformity of the watercolor design. Taking inspiration from a map, a coordinate system was put into place, labelling every single slab to know its exact position in the project. This way, the installers on location were able to piece the interior together like a puzzle.


The end result is spectacular in terms of design and material quality. As the architects say: “Enigma is an enveloping space that melts, disappears, almost a labyrinth. Between materiality and conformation, a whole series of organic movements are created. Shadows, transparencies, and a watery presence, nebular.”

Neolith® surface material from TheSize

Castellón, Spain-based TheSize launched the Neolith® brand in 2011 as a high-end compact surface with revolutionary physical and technical features. A term meaning “new stone,” Neolith® combines the best natural raw materials with state-of-the-art technology to create a high-tech slab for use in exterior and interior construction: kitchen and bath countertops, furnishings, flooring and facades.

The product is 100% natural, composed of raw material - clays, feldspar, silica and natural mineral oxides, and is recyclable. It has near-zero porosity, making the product hygienic, stain resistant, easy to clean, and impervious to chemicals. It is also wear, scratch, heat resistant and its colors, being natural base, do not vary when exposed to UV rays. Being lightweight, it is easy to install, making it suitable for almost every indoor and outdoor surface application.


The product is created through the company’s proprietary sinterization technology, exposing minerals and other raw materials to extremely high pressure and temperature (over 1200 degrees Celsius/2200 degrees Fahrenheit), resembling the way natural stone forms over thousands of years, in just hours. The process gives the product outstanding physical and mechanical properties in terms of compaction, resistance and durability.

The various styles are a result of Neolith’s® innovative Digital Design (NDD) decoration technique. This system has revolutionized Neolith® patterns and is pushing the boundaries of what colours and textures are possible from compact surfaces.

The Svatantra office designed by ANJ has the lineage of a reputed Indian conglomerate and caters to the micro finance business space. The design intent is traditional in keeping with the history; conventional as per the business, yet pragmatic and contemporary


The office is situated in a high-rise in Central Mumbai with views of Mumbai’s skyscapes and unhindered natural light that gives the space a very positive vibe. The overall form of the workplace is curved and organic. Meeting rooms, cabins and the boardroom have been given a circular form, with glass partitions. The ceiling panels as well as workstations have been used to establish the non-linear design intent in the space. Although it is more difficult to execute the curved panels for different areas, ANJ’s factory-enabled delivery of this complicated design on the floor.


The reception has been finished in warm hues of veneer complemented by vibrant loose furniture to lend a balance to this critical area (for first impression). The overall tonality of the workplace is very high-end and rich in feel with ample use of veneers and materials such as blue sand stone marble for the MD’s cabin.


Innovative ceiling concepts in keeping with the curved/circular form, and use of new-age light fixtures complement the design. Vibrant hues of green and orange are offset by green elements across the floor to create the right balance. Advanced technology solutions integrated with the design give the feel of a positive, functional and practical workplace.

Interplay of Materials

Located on the 10th floor in phase-3 of IT hub, Hinjewadi, Pune, Volkswagen’s RCC designed and outfitted by Ar. Deoyani Bhope & Ar. Aditya Shetye at Godrej Interio, caters to the global operations of the company.

Project name: Volkswagen Regional Competency Centre (RCC)
Location: Hinjewadi, Pune
Area: 35,000 sqft - single floor plate
Year of completion: Oct 2015


The logo of Volkswagen is an interesting use of the letters V & W. The diagonal lines of the letters V & W in the logo are the inspiration for the fit-out of the space. Diagonal lines typically connote a sense of dynamic movement, transformation, freedom, and add volume to a space. Keeping the overall planning of the space very simple for utility, the architects have tried to implement the diagonal line in elevation and other design elements. The fixed glass partitions have a slant in elevation, as also the false ceiling of certain areas has the slant element in it.


The dramatic ceiling in diagonal lines, contrasting wooden flooring and writable walls in the innovation room gives it a warm and cosy appeal and act as a perfect backdrop for generating new ideas. Diagonal lines typically connote a sense of dynamic movement, transformation, freedom, and add volume to a space. Keeping the overall planning of the space very simple for utility, the architects tried to implement the diagonal line in elevation and other design elements. The fixed glass partitions have a slant in elevation, and the false ceiling of certain areas has the slant element in it too.


Colours play an important part in the design of an interior space. The Volkswagen Blue (as seen in the logo) in combination with red, grey/black and yellow (colours of the German flag) is a balanced mix of bold and neutral colours for highlighting the meeting room partitions, island cabin block, and cafeteria block walls.


Italian marble flooring in the Reception, wooden flooring in the Innovation Room, Vitrified flooring in the cafeteria for ease of maintenance, four different shades of carpets make up most of the office. The passages have been demarcated with a grey patterned carpet, while plain grey carpet in the workstation areas. Red and yellow carpets with similar colour-painted partitions as highlights. The red, dark grey and yellow shades give the space a German appeal.


Lighting for the cafeteria has been done using fabric lamps with red fabric to give it the cosy look of a restaurant in combination with normal 18W down-lighters commonly used in a corporate scenario. The ceiling is a combination of perforated gypsum as a highlight dropped down from the gypsum ceiling. The diagonal lines have been used in the cafeteria ceiling as well to make it more interesting. To break the monotony of the space colours in the form of the fabric lamps and the alternate seating has been added.


The graphics make the space vibrant and bold. Pictures of Volkswagen cars portrayed all over act as a showcase of the brand’s products to visiting customers and builds pride in employees. The Audi car graphic in cabins depicts power and performance.

Architect: Sabeena Khanna
Firm: KIA Studio


Fact File:
Project Name: Emaar MGF – Palm Drive Sky Terraces
Site Area: Part of the 44.84 Acres land lot
Built up Area: 44084 sq.m for 5 Towers
Design Team: Rashin Nafisi, Rajiv Khanna, Ranjit Singh and Sabeena Khanna
Location: Sector 66, Gurgaon

Sky Terraces, designed by KIA Studio, is the first residential project to be delivered on the Golf Course Extension road. It is a major milestone in the design of luxury apartments in the country that ambitiously defines a beautiful getaway from the hectic urban life.

Strategically located in the emerging Suburban Business District on the Golf Course Extension Road in Gurgaon, Sky Terraces makes way for a modern and luxury living. Inspired by the dawn of a new age in contemporary living, the Sky Terraces are conceptualized to attain a new and unique form.


It is part of the promising Palm Drive community, designed for contemporary living in a green sanctuary setting – a modern lifestyle in a haven of peace and tranquility. It is a neighborhood that is defined by wonderful greenery, wide-open spaces, and an uplifting sense of safety, security and community. The emphasis was on building a modern and sleek design with exquisite finishing, and architectural styles ranging from contemporary to avant-garde.

The design approach was to unify a contemporary architecture with a botanical environment that includes beautifully designed 3BHK & 4BHK apartments to match the world’s best. With the ideology to create an elegant tower with an all round planar form of the joint block, the Sky Terraces is truly awe-inspiring. The defining feature of the Sky Terraces is an amazing 180 degree view of the surroundings. Each of these iconic towers has apartments that are well planned and layouts that are functional. Each of the apartments have an exclusive elevator that opens to a balcony view. Apartments open up into spacious living areas, including a family room, a grand dining room and landscaped balconies. Large windows offer incredible views of the surroundings.


The iconic towers boast of a Health Club including a fully equipped unisex Gym with Jacuzzi, Dance & an Aerobics Studio. Sports facilities include tennis courts, swimming pools with baby splash, shower and changing areas. There is an indoor club with a lounge, billiards/pool room, multi-purpose hall/function lounge, a multi-cuisine restaurant, créche for kids, power back-up, treated water supply, perimeter security, burglar alarm system, smart card access for residents, and CCTVs.

Thick vegetation serves as a green fenestration in the building facade with envelope-insulating and shading properties, helping to keep heat or cool air from migrating through the building envelope into the atmosphere, and limiting solar gain to the exterior surface of a wall or from transmitting through glass. Humming to the tune of nature, the green fenestrations break away the monotony of the façade as well.


Studio KIA has encouraged use of renewable energy and promoted sustainability. Scarcity of water is also a real world issue; hence rain water harvesting has been resorted to, to recharge ground water along with roof and surface water management, and uss of energy efficient lighting throughout the project.

Fact File
Project: Café/bar redesign
Designer: Morag Myerscough with contributions by Luke Morgan and Yemi Awosile
Photos: Gareth Gardener

Adding new layers of reclaimed materials, texture, pattern, plants and colour, Morag Myerscough has created a vibrant, welcoming and joyful ‘destination’ café and bar at the heart of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. The first phase of a long-term, artist-led refurbishment programme of this landmark arts centre in the heart of the Tottenham Green Conservation Area in Haringey, is now complete.


With contributions from artists Yemi Awosile and Luke Morgan, the transformed spaces embody the venue’s commitment to promoting and supporting artists and connecting them in a direct conversation with local residents, audiences, and visitors. Luke Morgan has designed and made the dining tables with painted tops by Morag, while Yemi has been working on the seating in the gallery area.

The Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham, London, first opened to the public in Autumn 2007 and bears the name of Tottenham’s late legendary black MP Bernie Grant (1944 - 2000), whose vision for a fairer Britain and a fairer world inspired him to embark on creating the complex. Bernie was a huge supporter of the arts, recognising the critical role that they could play in tackling structural inequality and promoting positive social change. With its 20 creative workspaces and extensive rehearsal rooms, the centre today supports diverse artists and creative industries living and working in Tottenham.

Building on the concrete and hard wood materiality of the Bernie Grants Arts Centre designed by renowned Ghanaian British architect Sir David Adjaye 10 years ago, Morag has introduced new layers of texture and colour to invigorate the space by using reclaimed materials, bespoke textiles, ceramic tiles, new furniture, houseplants and adding colour to the walls. Morag has also created additional spaces for artists to add their own layers and textures as part of a planned commissioning programme over the next few years.

All the original built-in furniture, for example, the café bar is constructed from cast concrete. The bar is now re-clad in a rich warm Iroko wood that complements and enhances the original internal Purpleheart wood cladding. The re-purposed furniture brings the domestic and familiar to this grand space and the large tables encourage conversation between visitors.

Pete Courtie, CEO, Bernie Grant Arts Centre, said, “Morag, Yemi, and Luke have created an incredibly warm and welcoming café and bar space that audiences and visitors will want to return to and discover something new…a place to connect with each other, to experience a performance or exhibition or simply to relax and enjoy some of the finest home cooked Caribbean food and craft beer, in London.”

The Roastery coffee shop follows a contemporary design with an artistic stimulation designed by AA Studio Consulting with furniture customized by Cane Boutique

Location: Bangalore
Area: 1300 sqft
Design: AA Studio Consulting, Singapore
Interiors: Cane Boutique


Architect Seung Hun Ham AA Studio Consulting

When designing a restaurant there are a few key points to be kept in mind:

• Create an interior concept that matches the food: If you can tell at a glance what food the restaurant is selling then you can say the interior design is good. A Chinese restaurant is characterized by its red color, and it stands out from a distance. Natural wood, bamboo, etc. symbolize a Japanese house. The front design of the restaurant is the first impression that customers get. Carefully select an interior designer and contractor as interior design of a restaurant can be done properly only with professional expertise.
• Optimum economy of investment: You do not have to spend a lot of money on appearance. If the cost of interior construction is classified as high, middle, and low, do not exceed the middle level. It is much better to save money on the interior and invest in a variety of kitchen appliances and good dishes.
• Identify the walking line and space division: The disadvantage of the interior that thinks first about design is that it does not work with a good line of work and space, which is easy to work with. Problems occur when employees and customers move inconveniently. The restaurant design must simulate the movement of employees and customers and identify the main lines and divide the space. This is the first and the most important thing.

• Check the floor plan: Once you have identified the circulation of the restaurant and determined the space division, you should first check the floor plan. Modifications must be repeated until you reach final design stage. There is an advantage to reduce the trial and error by starting construction after completing the customized design drawing, such as plan, elevation, section, facility drawing and 3d views etc.
• Pay attention to the invisible area construction such as the utility facility: Ventilation (supply and exhaust) facilities, water and sewage, waterproofing, gas piping, electricity and communication wiring, air conditioning and fire safety facilities play an important role as arteries supplying blood to our bodies. It is common to not know the importance only because it is not visible.

Khushi Todi, Founder & Designer, Cane Boutique

There are many factors that influence the right restaurant atmosphere, lighting being one of the main elements. The right intensity of light can bring out the best in both the interiors of the space as well as the food. Lamps in different materials and shapes not only add to the design value of the restaurant but also create the right ambience. It is very important for the designer to study the flow of the restaurant and place the lights accordingly. Passages and service areas need to be well lit, while dining spaces can have a combination of task and mood lighting. I always recommend use of dimmers for controlling light depending on the flow of natural light in the space.

Exterior lighting for a restaurant needs to complement the theme which has been followed in the décor of the space, for example, bronze finish light fixtures look great with earth tones and have become a trend. Exterior lighting fixtures not only add charm, elegance and character to the external design but also make it more functional and welcoming. Exterior fixtures such as frosted or colored glass are easy to maintain and also prevent glare which often obstructs the mood of an exterior setting.

Contemporary décor elements along with classical influences define the architecture and design of the Gazal Restobar designed by architect Harish Tripathi and interior designer Jyoti D. Tripathi

The double height restobar has a seating capacity of 80, spread over a lower and a mezzanine level. The lower level also houses the kitchen, service counter, and bar. On the mezzanine level, the seating in leatherite is in light beige colour, offset by red and orange to bring vibrancy to the space.

Subdued and natural colours like wood, beige, off white, and gold, paneling in fabric, glass films and floral patterns, custom-made tables with laminated tops and SS base, upholstered teak wood chairs, flooring of vitrified tiles and laminated wood, define the interior look and feel.


Adding a touch of nostalgia are mirrors and niches decorated with original artwork; painted images of the streets of old Delhi highlighted to establish a direct visual link to old Delhi and its Mughlai food, the signature cuisine of the Gazal Group.

A mix of lighting lamps add to the ambiance of the place. Cove lighting has been used throughout the restaurant, while warm lights highlight the artwork on the walls and other décor elements, to create focus points. Spotlights in the ceiling enhance the perception of depth in the interiors, while a classic chandelier brings a touch of tradition to the otherwise contemporary interiors.

Dhruva Kalra of Ravish Mehra Deepak Kalra (RMDK) led a team of designers to design Barsana, a boutique hotel in Kolkata

This 20,130 sqft. boutique hotel is located midway between Science Park and Park Street in Kolkata. The 7-story building includes 45 guestrooms, a restaurant, and an event and conference space. The hotel chain, coming from a small town in Bengal (Siliguri), had to create a niche in the hustle-bustle of Kolkata. Located in a city rich in culture and tradition, Barsana had to be unique, reminiscent of its location, and yet fit into the budget.


The building despite its confined surroundings, size and height limitations, manages to create a strong presence in the area with its elegant and bold façade dressed with the organic and imperfect texture of the locally procured stone.

Each space is a sculpted volume with forms, colours, textures, materials, and lighting being brought together in a cohesive way to create its individual experience.

 

Upon entering the main lobby, fluid with a lounge and restaurant, the guest experiences rhythmic line work compositions, forming a visual connection between the exterior and interior. In a setting of horizontal lines, the reception makes an impact with a contrasting set of line work spread across the floor and ceiling. Burnt, natural stain wooden finish, a scheme of warm colours, along with the beautiful peacock in brass add glamour and a sense of warmth.

Art within a hotel has typically been secondary, however, in this case, the spaces have been threaded together through pictures of local elements of Kolkata, which, following an earthy and natural palette, are silent with just a splash of colour, bringing liveliness to the otherwise formal atmosphere.


The interiors find advantage in every space in a clearly functional manner, while creating the illusion of being in a much larger series of spaces internally. The five upper floors housing the rooms, have a repetitive distribution in order to optimise the space. Specific, bright accent colours in each room, are reflective of the Indian culture, which is full of colour and festivity. Corridors on each level have a unique identity owing to a changing colour scheme, breaking from the silent setting of the public spaces.


The topmost floor houses the banquet hall, that can function as two separate units with a foldable partition wall, or as one large hall. This space has minimal ornamentation, but the quirky colours, pattern, and mirrored ceiling are all representative of the conviviality of the inherent culture.

Napoleon D’souza, CEO, Vector Design LLC, discusses the design concept of Kawasaki Cafe and challenges of converting an office premise into a retail outlet-cum-café

The idea of Kawasaki café came about after the owners of Liberty motors (who have the agency for Kawasaki bikes) saw the bikers’ café at Jumeirah as a successful business venture. Having the agency for the Kawasaki bike in the UAE, they set out on establishing the Kawasaki café. Initially there was a designer (consultant) who came up with basic conceptual plans, after many rounds of discussions, we came up with 3D rendered plans getting the concept to reality


The initial design and concept was provided by the client and we modified and fine-tuned the design from our end. The complete execution was done by Vector Design LLC, only kitchen equipment was supplied and installed by another company.

Materials used in the interiors

The materials used are mainly Gypsum (pop) glass partitions, Fenomastic paint, Mdf wood, chrome frames for furniture, cement screed with micro topping and tiles in the kitchen and washroom. The biggest challenge in the whole project was the screeding as it is on the first floor with big showroom on the lower level which was operational while executing this project. The screed had to be pumped with special trucks from the back side of the building as the front is the main road with an operational auto showroom. Besides this the existing slab is post tension slab so the screed had to be of a particular weight and thickness.

Shop fit outs

The shop fit outs are mainly display cabinets for the Kawasaki helmets, jackets and accessories. The center display units have a floating effect using a raised platform and LED strip lights. For the café area, we have made display and kitchen counters. All furniture in the café area is custom-built to fit in with the theme of Bikers café using a lot of chrome and wood. The wall and window graphics add the finishing touch to the whole café.

For the flooring we used lightweight cement screed with a micro topping epoxy. This is a special type of epoxy which gives the floor an industrial look but with a sheen on top to give it an expensive look

All fixtures were done in our own joinery keeping the Kawasaki colour and theme in mind and per the final rendered design. This involved helmet displays / clothing display units / centre display stands/ custom café seating / café counters etc.

Importance of Lighting

The lighting we have used is a European make LED track lights to highlight certain facets of the interiors like the merchandised displays etc. These track and spot lights have been used over all in the café area as well to keep with the consistency and theme of the place.

For creating the desired ambiance we mainly used pendant and track lighting. The color of light is a combination of daylight and warm lights. The exterior, often, is a neglected area of an establishment. More often than not clients just use huge halogen lamps which do not do any justice to the exteriors. Nowadays, lights are used to do a white wash of the building which really make the building stand out.

Not only for restaurants but in any place lighting plays a stellar role in bringing out the best in the interiors. Different color of lights (warm, white or day light etc.) tend to highlight areas that one would like to focus on. In fact, I would confidently state that lighting can also downplay and destroy a very well done interior setting if not properly addressed.

Challenges

The challenges we had on this project were mainly the location of the building, as well as the permissions. As the building is originally an office premise and to convert that into a café with a retail store was a challenge, this permission was the sole responsibility of the owners and being Interior Designers/ fit out contractors that does not fall in our scope of work.

Once the approvals were obtained by the owners which took a good 4-5 months, we then had to go through other formalities of getting the Civil defence and other necessary regulatory approvals. The authorities had to come and do a building inspection as the building was an old one and the slab was a post tension slab which needs more attention due to weight bearing restrictions

The biggest challenge we had at the site was to do the screeding, as the location of the café is on the first floor and the building is within 50 mts of the metro line, which means that no heavy duty construction vehicles are allowed to park on the front side (RTA restrictions). We now had to get the cement mixers and pour the cement from the back side of the building, and this was another issue, as the back side is not open and is connected to some other building’s parking lot. After several rounds of requests with the other landlord, we finally got approval to use his parking but only after 9.00 PM. A huge opening was made on the window side and we managed to get the cement screed poured. Once screeding was done, the job took more or less 90 days to complete as this involved the retail side of the showroom (Kawasaki accessories) and also the café side of the business

During the execution we had to modify and make several changes to the original plans based on requests from the clients and also regulatory authorities.

Architecture by Foundations and Interiors by Ozone Designs, Noor Mahal luxury hotel located on Delhi NH-1, Karnal, is inspired by India’s royal heritage

Fact File
Architect: Himet Singh, Foundations
Interior Design: Ozone Designs
Area covered: 8 acres
Total project cost: Rs. 200 crore

Credits
Interior paint: SSK Paints
Exterior paint: Asian Paints
Sanitaryware: Roca
Flooring: Pergo
Wall panelling: Uniply
Furnishing: Masper


Intricate design details capture the grandeur of traditional Mughal and Rajputana styles of architecture. Traditional techniques have been used to create palatial innovations throughout the property. These include white Agaria marble flooring, Mughal arches of concrete & Dholpur stone, Red Agra stone, gold leaf frescoes, high domed ceilings, decorative gilt mouldings, sculpted marble columns, and fine fretwork screens.


The hotel’s heritage concept incorporates beautifully appointed rich textures, opulent furnishings, and exquisite objects d’art. The entrance, an imposing lobby, impresses with its beautiful lotus fountain and overhead crystal chandeliers, and semi-precious stone inlay work on the flooring. Two courtyards, laid out along the east-west axis, are surrounded by rooms and balconies with low jaalis and chajjas.
Originality of design, technical precision, and the grand interaction of interiors set this property apart. The design of the Indian restaurant Frontier Mail, inspired by the first AC dining chair car train in the British era 1934, recreates the train compartments. Materials used are wood, metal framing, GI sheets, brass frames, teak wood mouldings and carvings, mirrors, original rail track and wooden sleepers. The 24-hour diner Brown Sugar is a fusion of modern and contemporary theme. The Polo Bar is in colonial style - glamorous with clubby wood-panelling, brass accents, and a profusion of equestrian-themed art. The seven banquet halls with pre-function areas that exceed 18,000 sqft. area, are of regal elegance and have air conditioned carpeted Axminister machine tufted from Egypt.


Noor Mahal boasts of 122 rooms, including a Presidential Suite, Khwabgah, 11 Suites, 78 Club Rooms and 31 Club Royal Rooms. The rooms are spacious, modern yet richly palatial, and furnished with wood and designer fabric upholstery. Bay window seating offers a spectacular view of the inner courtyard and of the fountains and lush green lawns. Bathrooms in Italian marble (imported stone block), are fitted with a glass enclosed shower, dual vanity counters, a large free-standing bathtub, walk-in wardrobe, and wooden flooring.

Khwabgah, with its two bedrooms, a living and dining area, has magnificent hand-printed false ceilings, wall jallis, white metal artifacts, thikri mirror work on walls, and tailor-made furnishings. The bar counter is made of an antique wooden balcony piece, wooden Kashmir walnut veneer, and pearl coloured Asian paint deco finish. Wooden mouldings, a designer office chamber with private terrace in multi coloured Rajasthan local stone work, an antique wooden jhoola with brass inlay, and a Dholpur stone water body, are the other design features in this hotel.

Innovatively designed by Ozone Designs, Marina boutique hotel in Shimla, has a distinctly urban style and modernity, combining architectural heritage with contemporary interiors

Composed of 42 rooms that masterfully combine design, comfort and technology, this boutique hotel, built under the most contemporary concepts of architecture and design, has a fluid form and features large spaces that offer beautiful views of the lush natural environment.
Marina harmoniously and subtly blends modern and classy forms. The original facade inspired ornamental and traditional symbolic slates and wooden rafters, keeping in mind its historic reference and the old Himachal guidelines. Timber frame structures as the entire framework of the structure and glazing; stone towers, shingles roofing that caps a lower portion of the hotel, the best-in-its-kind of building elevation with local slate and wooden sleepers.
At the restaurant entrance, three thousand pieces of wood make up a unique, psychedelic pattern in the ceiling with different forms and shapes with double level and dual tone polish.

The Sixteen69 lounge has rich dark interiors, smoked lappato walls, and clay tile cladding on the columns with small cut coconut shell cladding on the bar counter wall, and specially designed stainless-steel bar stools that lend a contemporary touch. Viceroy, the banquet hall, has been designed without obstructing pillars and acoustically treated sliding folding partitions.
Customized retractable transparent pergola for the terrace area has been designed and built using the highest quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. The roofing system is handmade with precision engineering, giving it absolute sustainability for all events and gatherings to enjoy an open to sky view. Marina’s drive-in with parking for 100 cars is surrounded by cedar and pine trees with a panoramic view of the mountain ranges.
Hotel Marina is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its life-cycle. Its objectives expand and complement the classical building design concerns of economy, utility. durability and comfort. To reduce operating energy use, high-efficiency windows and insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors increase the efficiency of this building. In addition, effective window placement (day lighting) provide for more natural light and lessen the need for electric lighting during the day. Environmental-friendly elements include LED lights that are used throughout the property, water conserving fixtures such as ultra-low flush toilets and low-flow shower heads with efficient plumbing, smart lighting and ventilation systems, high-efficiency firefighting, indoor environmental quality enhancement to reduce air impurities, and adequate HVAC systems.
Ar. Amey Kamat, Interior Designer and Founder, Ozone Designs

“We managed to create all corners with decorative features for atrium and lobbies, also retaining the ancient fireplace, which used to be the charm of the old building, and even heavily themed fantasy suites. We have also blended different forms with ornate statuary to enhance a more traditional architectural building style and blending luxury interiors.”
Ar. Tushar Joshi, Associate Director, Ozone Designs

“Marina Hotel incorporates sustainable materials in its construction that create healthy indoor environments with minimal pollutants and landscaping that reduce electricity consumption and water wastage, high-efficiency windows and insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors that increase the efficiency of the building.”

Architect: MVRDV
Images: Ossip van Duivenbode Project: Center for Jewish Life
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Floor area: 13,900 sqft
Building type: Educational
Completion: November 2016

Design Team
Stanley Saitowitz | Natoma Architects Inc. | Neil Kaye, Michael Luke, Steven Sanchez | Feifei Feng
Photo credit: Stanley Saitowitz & Richard Barnes
Source: v2com

Drexel University’s Hillel House is sheathed in local red brick as textured fabric draped in an abstract menorah that terraces down to the street. Arranged on four interconnected levels, the square building has thickened side walls which contain services, and four central columns which structure the middle, front, and rear.

The building is organized on four interconnected levels:

• Support (services): The basement contains the kitchens, storage, and mechanical areas.
• Action (community): The street level is dedicated to everyday life, to meeting and talking, gathering and eating at the rear which opens to a garden. At the center, and connecting the second floor, is a staircase, amphitheater, auditorium, with a balcony overlooking it from above. This multilevel courtyard is a multipurpose space at the heart of the building.
• Formation (learning): The second floor is for focused activities, offices for planning and arranging, rooms for quiet study and discussion, places for groups and gathering, and for learning.
• Worship (divinity): The top floor is the place of worship, the Shabbat floor, the level of sanctity. The three prayer gatherings, conservative, orthodox and reform, are connected with a central court that opens with a circular cut, an absent dome to the sky above. This is the only view in the city free of the works of man. This absent sanctuary is what is common and connects the three branches of worship in shared faith. The largest room doubles as the library, or Beit Midrash, the House of Learning.

By day, light reflects on the woven brick notches, by night, light shines from within. This is a space to create a continuing community of traditional values through meeting, learning, and ceremony. This is a place to gather and emanate light.

Architect: MVRDV
Images: Ossip van Duivenbode

MVRDV completes Baltyk, a 25,000m2 mixed-used development in Poznan and its first realised project in Poland; a building that is very different from all four sides and responds to the historicity of the site located on what used to be the old Baltyk cinema, from which the project takes its name.

One of Poznan’s most talked about new buildings, Baltyk, is a linear building with a concrete, entirely glass-fronted façade and clearly exposed aggregate grain, that sets it apart from its surroundings and is an example of a balanced combination of “old” and “new” architecture in the context of the neighbouring historic building of Concordia Design and the Haven.

Poznan is a city with a long history, and Baltyk draws inspiration from its modern heritage, particularly the iconic Okraglak (Rotunda) designed by Marek Leykam. Occupying 16 storeys with an irregular arrangement, and towering over the city centre of Poznan, the building changes its shape depending on the viewing angle.

This 25,000m² building is divided into 12,000m² office space, 750m² panorama restaurant with a one room hotel, 1350m² retail in the plinth of the building and three levels of underground parking. The flexible office space is limited to a depth of seven metres allowing daylight to generously penetrate the workspaces.

Baltyk is also a multifunctional building with innovative interior solutions, and scenic terraces offering panoramic views of the city. In addition to business-oriented functions, the building will house catering establishments, a fitness club, and an intimate jazz club on the 16th floor. Its close proximity to the reopened Concordia Taste restaurant and Haven square creates social functions that encourage meeting and integrating different communities.


“The goal was clear: we were to realise a representative office building with public functions on the first two layers and at the top. But also offering the best possibilities for users and everybody else around. We realised that if we could control the footprint of the building, we were able to create a new square between Baltic and Concordia. We responded by turning diagonal shapes into terraces, usable by the office workers. A thin building that is very different from all four sides i.e. it is slim towards the top to create a more tower-like feeling but still respective of the neighbourhood height restrictions,” says Nathalie de Vries, MVRDV co-founder.

This results in a form which appears completely different depending on the angle it is approached from. Towards the south, a slope of cascading patios offers outdoor spaces to the users of the building. The façade is floor-to-ceiling glass with vertical louvres of glass fibre concrete softening the impact of the sun without losing the vistas over the city and zoo.


MVRDV and co-architects Natkaniec/Olechnicki Architekci designs responded to the client’s request for more fluent connections between lower and upper levels, connect the building to the neighbourhood and at the same time, is bold and significant with its depth in the volume. Diagonal shapes are turned into terraces for users, and this thins out as it ascends allowing for less square meters of offices in return for more public space below.

Architecture firm Eray Carbajo has announced Urban Rural, a new dwelling typology for a sustainable transformation strategy that will become an exemple for Istanbul’s future redevelopment, with construction completion in 2019.

Facts
Program: Residential Architecture
Client: Esta Construction
Architect: Eray/Carbajo
Design: Inanc Eray, Gonzalo Carbajo

Consultants
Structural: Kinaci Muhendislik
Electrical: Sanayi Muhendislik
MEP: ABC Muhendislik
Source: v2com
Photo credit: Eray Carbajo


Eray Carbajo, an international architecture and design studio based in Brooklyn and Istanbul, has won over 20 international awards in architecture, interior design, planning and product design. For Urban Rural, the firm proposes a hybrid unit of habitation where one can be close to the city center and simultaneously enjoy the lifestyle of rural living, with a strong interaction with the community and neighborhood.

The design challenges the status quo of typical residential typology. Urban Rural seeks sustainable development through architectural innovation. The unique form of the residential modules utilizes an efficient hexagonal grid that covers the maximum building volume with minimum number of building elements.


One hexagon unit consists of a polygonal area to inhabit and a triangular cavity to be used as an irrigable garden. When all modules are combined, the triangle cavities act as a truss structure transferring the building’s loads to lower members. As a whole, Urban Rural creates interdependencies between building systems, structure, landscape and architecture. Integration of such complex systems are achieved through modular design that persevere flexibility.

Urban Rural aims to minimize the building’s ecological footprint and to maximize the positive impact on the environment, while considering the economic viability of the project. In order to achieve this, a component based modular design and locally sourced building materials are the key.

Urban Rural is designed to become a city landmark. Building a vertical urban village in the heart of the city center, immediately reduces dependency on cars and even on public transit, and promotes walking or cycling. This generates more opportunities for human interaction and moments of communication that will eventually result in a stronger community. Urban Rural features social and recreational spaces on the lower floors to build a self-sufficient neighborhood where people can live, work and recreate locally.

Architect: Goonmeet Singh Chauhan,
Firm: Design Forum International (DFI)

The architect aspires for architecture that scales new heights of glory. And when it is about high performance glass, the result is a spectacular expression of class, contemporary style and classic architecture. Cyberwalk – the first Leed Gold certified building in Manesar, Haryana, was conceptualized as a self-sufficient green building. Its campus is enveloped by an oasis of green, and designed to utilize the natural resources of sunlight, air, water and power in the most efficient manner.

Cyberwalk has a dedicated 25000 to 38000 sqft commercial office space. Since the building aimed at a LEED rating, the architect wanted a glass that would ensure energy-efficiency. High performance glass Envision was chosen to meet the parameters of this green building. SGG Envision is a high performance glass with excellent thermal insulation properties and high spectral selectivity. It delivers a superior performance, ensures abundant light transmission and is relatively more transparent than other solar control glasses. With the extensive use of high performance glass Cyberwalk has become an exceptional model for green architecture. Cyberwalk shows the commitment towards creating an environment friendly, efficient and lower operating cost facility in line with the space requirements of a corporate office occupier.

The project demonstrates a deep commitment towards creating an environment-friendly, efficient facility that operates at lower costs, designed to be in line with the requirements of the contemporary Indian corporate office. The central spill-out zone with interactive plaza with walkways, water bodies, sitting areas and greenery, full of trees, plants and lush greenery, far away from the methodical office space made of bricks and mortar only.

Architect: Dhruva Kalra
Firm: RMDK Design Studio

Located in Siliguri, West Bengal, Beekay Plaza is a 35,000 sqm commercial complex. The nine storied multi-purpose complex includes retail shopping mall, offices, hotel rooms, and banquet spaces. The site, in the middle of the hustle-bustle of the town, is easily accessible by public transport. The east-west orientation makes the building least susceptible to heat gain during the daytime.

Conscious design choices were made from conceptualization to detailing of structure. Excavation of topsoil is minimized by utilizing the natural slope of site in designing basements. The linearity of the built form allowed air to flow through the enclosed spaces. Openings on the north and south facing facades provide multiple entry points for natural air with lobby cut-outs allowing proper ventilation between floors. The natural environment permeates through the skin of this shopping mall in Siliguri. It creates an engaging envelope that allows light to filter through the louvered design.

The facade which is the building’s most prominent feature creates an inviting glow from within at night. The double skin facade on the east and west sides is a parametric rendition of horizontal louvers used for shading from the angular sun. The southern facade is lined with bay windows to achieve maximum natural light inside.

Proposed for Beekay Auto, the design was conceptualized with an aim of achieving a green building with high performance and efficiency in a B town.

Architects: V.T. Anand & Neelaksh Mahajan
Firm: VBT Consortium

Bagmane Aquamarine is a part of one of Bengaluru’s premier IT parks, Bagmane World Technology Centre that defines the skyline of Outer Ring Road in the city. The architectural grammar of Bagmane Aquamarine draws inspiration from the pyramids and is designed as a G+9 structure with a total built-up area of approximately one million sft.(inclusive of car park) on a site area of 5.24 acres. The architectural form relates to a stepped profile defined by vertical and horizontal projections. The vertical elements also act as fins for the façade glazing and the horizontal planes add design stability while functioning as shading devices. Further, the north-south longitudinal orientation of the building ensures minimal openings toward the west.

VBT’s design efforts towards energy conservation and continued commitment to environment ensured Aquamarine was awarded a Gold Leed certification. Since the building was to function as an IT space, occupant comfort was paramount.

The facade of the building is an interesting composition of DGU Vision panels, SGU spandrel panels, and ACP coping. The design process included advanced studies of the building envelope aided by solar charts and sun path diagrams, relevant to location. This helped recommend an environment friendly and high-performance glazing solution. The glazing proposal was aimed at minimizing heat gain and reducing power consumption. The glass specification is of description SGG Planitherm Series of mint shade with VLT of 62% and 9 percent reflectance. The SHGC is 0.36 and SC is 0.41. The U value is 0.31 Btu/hr0f ft2.

Architect: Reza Kabul
Firm: ARK

Located in Bhutan, Le Méridien Thimphu hosts 78 culturally inspired guest rooms and suites. The country has made striking efforts to be an environmental benchmark. It is one of the few in the world to have negative carbon rating.

The façade of Le Meridien Thimpu is designed keeping in mind the local context. It is covered in plaster. Plaster is used while bricking to strengthen the structure. In comparison to dry walls, plastered walls are stronger and more durable. It also aligns the brick in the process. While plaster has a great decorative appeal along with the use of POP, it also offers an elegant simple clean look. Apart from being conducive to a sustainable environment, it is non-toxic and unparalleled in quality.

The interiors of the hotel provide guests with the perfect delight to their artistic sensibilities with the regional art of Bhutan that adorns its walls. A perfect destination for a leisurely holiday, the hotel’s swimming pool offers a view of the city’s attractive landscape. Other amenities include a restaurant, a lounge bar, outdoor cafe, and spa facilities. The fully equipped business centre and banquet facilities, make Le Méridien Thimphu a compelling choice for hosting business meetings as well.

Architect: Reza Kabul
Firm: ARK

Located in the suburban commercial hub of Andheri, Kanakia Wall Street offers 10,00,000 sq.ft of office space. The architecture reflects the heavy stone work buildings that lace the kilometre long Wall Street of New York. However, the classical gothic style fades away with the introduction of double glazed glass and aluminium fins on the facade.

Creating its own identity, using colour and depth variations of the fins, the facade appears as silhouettes of human figures. The office spaces range from 800 sq.ft to 50,000 sq.ft, featuring amenities that include an executive lounge, valet and concierge services, and a news room. One of the key design considerations is the emphasis on personal health and well-being of the modern age entrepreneurs and employees. The landscaped terrace gardens and cafes, indoor gaming zone, and library make for ideal breakout spaces. Sleeping pods have been designed owing to those who pull the late nights and all-nighters in the competitive environment.

Architect: Prof. Charanjit S. Shah
Firm: Creative Group

The building keeps the tradition of Jaali work alive, reminding the students to embrace the new and the advanced, while staying true to their self and tradition. The screens act as a vertical extension of the building’s open courtyards. Standing tall, these screens cut out the sun’s glare and protect the building. The screens are not just an aesthetic treat that cast interesting shadows and play with light, but are of functional importance as well. In the process, they create those ever-changing patterns over the blank elevation walls. The lattice screens remind the users every day that nature paints the most exquisite landscape as long as we can provide a suitable medium to do so. Syncopating the emotive experience, the child experiences a continuum of youth advancing from the primary, secondary to high school around the tranquility of natural surroundings scripted by the architect.

The hollowed-out space scooped out from the building’s central mass allows the hot air to escape creating convection currents of natural winds cooled by the surrounding green barrier and the river. Efficient building materials are used with minimum heat gain to have a comfortable indoor and outdoor environment in the school. With basic unit of AAC blocks, the Pre Cast structure has been opted for to achieve better quality and speedy construction. Environment Responsive Building Facade, with minimal heat gain and Reflective

Index create a suitable environment for students. Use of Double Glass and Brick Tile Cladding for the facade reduces the effect of the harsh sun.

Architect: Prof. Charanjit S. Shah
Firm: Creative Group

Times Square imparts a totally new definition to architecture by using natural air and avoiding the use of artificial cooling systems. Breaking away from the age-old philosophy and concept of a mall as a conventional glass building with no play of forms, the architect accommodates an abstract use of jaali work as an elevation feature with a dynamic built form where the building facade changes at every viewing angle.

Hoardings solve the purpose by acting as a second sun screen apart from being a decorative element in the building; imbibed in the niches of metal jaalis. The team intended to add a very distinct element from history; the jaalis that envelope the building have been redefined to make a simple yet artistically bold statement.

The façade is interwoven with all the characteristics of an iconic marvel which are responsive to its environment. The jaali that acts as a double skin not only elevates the hoardings but also protects the building from the heat of the sun by cooling the air that passes through.

Architect: Prof. Charanjit S. Shah
Firm: Creative Group

Club houses have become a fad in the 21st century. The Club House in Avinash Capital Homes, conceptualized by Creative Group Architects forms an iconic landmark structure on its own, thanks to its fluid form design. The design builds on the concept of fluidity of water. The layout of the club house moves away from rigid straight lines and instead explores a unique dimension of architecture. The façade of the club house remains the most iconic feature of the building. It has interesting circular cut-outs which allow the penetration of natural sunlight thus reducing the use of artificial lighting systems in the daytime. The exterior façade seamlessly carves through the interior spaces maintaining its whimsical form, and generating cave like interiors.

Considering the fluidity of design in mind materials like glass-reinforced concrete and glass-reinforced gypsum have been selected to sculpt the club house. Use of white color on the exterior bolsters the immaculateness of the built form. The surreal design of the club house catches the fancy of every passer-by.