Read BMR, Stay Ahead! - Building Material Reporter magazine.pdf

building
material
reporter
building
reporter
Vol.:1, Issue-4, October-December 2022, �250
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Bhavana Bindra, MD, Rehau SOA
Dr. P R Swarup, Director General, CIDC
Mahesh Karnani, Chairman, Isha Group
INTERVIEW
SPECIAL FEATURE
SHOWROOM
WAI - Changing Fate Of Waterproofers
Merino Opens Up Luxurious Experience Centre
The Chromatic House: Ar. Shruti Dimri
ID Origins: Ar. Amit & Britta Knobel Gupta
Twin House: Ar. RK Malik & Bharat Malik
The Cowshed: Ar. Sumit Saxena
Floating Roof House: Ar. Rahul Bamba
The Interior Makeover Experts: Palvi & Ashish Bhatia
SMART BATHROOMS
COVER STORY
A N I N E V ITA B L E F U T U R E

P r e s e n t s
Are you ready to experience the future?
Announcing India’s premier conference on ‘Smart Design &
Technology’ blending innovation, design & technology in the
realm of architecture and interior design.
The convergence of smart minds & smart products shall place
at SMARTEX in New Delhi in 2023, and bring forth the new
technologies & design for a smart future!
TM
Powered by

Ar. Britta Knobel Gupta
Founding Partner, Studio Symbiosis
Ar. Shruti Dimri
Principal, Anagram Architects
Ar. Priyanka P Mehra
Principal, PS Design, Mumbai
Ar. Amit Gupta
Founding Partner, Studio Symbiosis
Ar. Sumit Dhawan
Principal, CITYSPACE’ 82
Ar. Sushant Verma
Founding Partner & Design Head-rat[LAB]
Ar. Arun Sharma
Principal, Atrey Associate, New Delhi
C U R A T O R S
FEBRUARY
F R I - S A T
th th
2 0 2 3
9:30AM
PRIDE PLAZA HOTEL
Hospitality District
Asset 5A, Aerocity,
New Delhi -110037
8 8 1 0 4 8 2 5 4 4
9 8 6 8 2 0 6 0 2 8
smartex@buildingmaterialreporter.com
10-11
Organised by

BUILDING MATERIAL REPORTER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2022
4
The opinions and views contained in this publication are not
necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to
seek specialist advice before acting on information contained
in this publication, which is provided for general use any may
not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances.
The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. Not part of this
publication or any part of the contents there of may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the
permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby
granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.
Printed, published, edited and owned by Sukesh Kumar Singh,
Printed at Pearl Printers, C-105, Okhla Industrial, Phase-1,
New Delhi-110020 and published at Office No.204, 2nd Floor, R.S.
Tower, Plot No. B358A, New Ashok Nagar, East Delhi, Delhi- 110096.
building
material
reporter
building
reporter
BUSINESS MANTRA REPORTER PVT. LTD.
Office No. 204, Second Floor, R. S. Tower, Plot No.-B-1267,
Old No. B358A, New Ashok Nagar, East Delhi, Delhi-110096
Tel.: 011-49091754
PUBLISHER
Sukesh Kumar Singh
EDITORIAL & RESEARCH
Sandeep Lathwal
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Syed Md. Ehteshamul Hasan
ART & STYLING
Shailesh Kumar Bhakta
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ashish Soloman
STILLS & CLICKS
Vinit Kumar Singh
ADVERTISING & SALES
Mob.: +91 9868206028
Email: sales@buildingmaterialreporter.com
PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION
Tulsi Singh
Volume:1 Issue-4 October-December 2022 `250
CONTENTS
12
ID ORIGINS
08 THE CHROMATIC HOUSE
16 TWIN HOUSE
24 THE COWSHED
26 FLOATING ROOF HOUSE
44 TIME DESIGN STUDIO
SMART
BATHROOMS
32
COVER STORY
An Inevitable Future

BUILDING MATERIAL REPORTER OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2022 5
INTERVIEWS
SHOWROOMS
FEATURE
GUEST ARTICLE NEW PRODUCTS
20 30 68 70
Bhavna Bindra
MD, Rehau SAO
Mohit Singal
MD, Zap Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. P R Swaroop
Director General, CIDC
Mahesh Karnani
Chairman, Isha Group
48 MERINO OPENS UP LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE CENTRE
72 SANDHYA LITES
42 IT’S A WAKE-UP CALL FOR PLYWOOD BUYERS
52 WAI - CHANGING FATE OF WATERPROOFERS
78 ALSTONE INDIA & VM ZINC FRANCE JOIN HANDS
66 WHAT'S THE RIGHT TIME TO
WATERPROOFING YOUR DREAM HOME
Thoughtfully Curated And
Durable Wood Products
For Indoors And Outdoors
76

8
The Chrom
Built on a typically rectangular plot, this house
establishes a conversation between whimsy and
simplicity meeting all the requirements of the clients.

matic House
INTRODUCTION
Rectangular urban plots usually
generate rectilinear plans, resulting
in stratified & compartmentalised
domestic lives. Even without
pandemic-induced isolations, urban
families often desire deeper, almost
rural, linkages and balance between
the home and a private garden.
Anagram Architects had been asked
to create a whimsical yet simple
structure, enclosed within a typically
rectangular plot of 6800 sq. ft.
surrounded by neighbours along its
three sides.
THE DESIGN
Keen on a light-hearted and vibrant
city home, client--a youthful family
of five--wanted an active lifestyle
invested in spending time together.
The home blocks extraneous views
while expansively opening into a large
lawn, carved diagonally out of the
plot. From tinted concrete to shafts
of light from pitched skylights, the
design infuses whimsical playfulness
into an admired material palette and
stark volumes.
MEETING CLIENT’S
REQUIREMENTS
Chromatic House’s child-like
playfulness derives directly from the
client’s mandate. A young nuclear
family of five, desired a city home
for the children to grow up playing
together under actively participative
care of their parents. So, the design
arranges the home and a lawn in an
oblique, but equal, figure-ground and
departs from the urban box-form by
referencing a more rural pitched roof
form with a long verandah.

10
The bedrooms on the first floor
spill onto a large tapered A-frame
volume which accommodates a
mezzanine lounge and the living,
dining and kitchen in an open plan.
This volume opens in to the lawn
and vegetable garden, through a long
verandah shaded by a pergola, while
the study in the attic whimsically
connects with it, through a slide
tucked under the stairs.
The design is a conversation
between whimsy and simplicity:
between material vibrancy, play
of light and reticent fenestrations,
on one hand, and a stark, tapered,
singular volume on the other. All the
building materials used are sourced
from within a 300-mile radius from
the site. North Indian marbles vis-à-
vis the imported stones have been
extensively preferred.

CHROMATIC HOUSE
Location:Gurugram,Haryana,India
Architect:AnagramArchitects
DesignTeam: VaibhavDimri,MadhavRaman,Shruti
Dimri,JainyGandhi,PiyushParimal,KalaiarasanC
ProjectArea:6800sqft
PhotoCredit:AndréJeanpierreFanthome
SPECIFICATIONS
Tint, patterns and texture of bare
concrete and terracotta is meant to
infuse youthfulness into an admired
and frugal material palette. The
red tinted, concrete in expressed
formwork used externally transitions
to smooth grey concrete internally.
Similarly, diagonally patterned yellow
brick contrasts with thin-section birch
joinery to add delicate warmth to the
light filled interior.
In the backdrop of the climate
change issue, the parents
were equally conscious of the
environmental footprints of the
construction of Chromatic House.
The tapering linear form and glare
protected windows--aligned to the
open lawn and punctured by a fabric
shaded open atrium--helped orient
the house to maximise daylighting
and minimise extraneous views and
solar thermal heat gain passively.
The substantial heating and
cooling required in the north Indian
semi-arid, semi-humid subtropical
climate is actively addressed by
an under-floor radiant heating and
cooling HVAC system. This low
energy system, the first installation
of its kind for a residence in the
region, helps manage temperature
extremes while allowing the house
to be naturally lit and ventilated.
Photovoltaics installed on the sloping
roof generate energy to be fed back
to the grid.
Almost half of the site is a lawn
meant to soak up runoff from
extreme rain incidents that are now
quite common in the region. As it
transpired, the home’s emphasis
on private greens, exclusion of the
outside noise and views has made
pandemic-induced boredom and
isolations things of the past. BMR
The design is a conversation between
whimsy and simplicity: between material
vibrancy, play of light and reticent
fenestrations, on one hand, and a stark,
tapered, singular volume on the other.
Ar. Shruti Dimri
PRINCIPAL, ANAGRAM ARCHITECTS

12
Mumbai’s
For such a prestigious
project, the challenge was to
do justice to the city as well
as location and also to get the
building integrated into the
urban fabric of the country’s
financial capital.
I D O R I G I N S
New Landmark
Ar. Amit & Britta Knobel Gupta
Founding Partners, Studio Symbiosis
New Landmark

INTRODUCTION
ID Origins--a project that marks the
dawn of a new era in the Dudhwala
legacy. Located in the heart of
South Mumbai, this mixed use
tower, comprising six office and
twelve residential floors on top,
has established its identity in the
nation’s financial capital. The client
wanted to retain the old--a low
rise building, which wasn’t fit for
any further vertical extension. So,
to bear the load of the additional
floors, peripheral columns have been
erected from bottom to top and a
transfer floor has also been casted.
The requirement of the client
was to create an architectural
expression with external designing
that included façade, landscaping
and interiors for this retrofitting
building. This is because when
the project was handed over to
Studio Symbiosis, 40% work of the
construction--including the basic
structural designing--had already
been completed.
The result is a façade grid that has
two distinct horizontal striations with
two different mismatched vertical
grids. The design intent was to
integrate the existing and proposed
building grid into one coherent design
language. Duality of design looks to
minimising the heat gain on the office
floors and maximising the views on
the residential floors. This design
language of calligraphic curves is
further extended into the interiors as
well as landscape of the site.
The beautiful art form of
‘Calligraphy’ has been adopted in
this design project, to create vertical,
undulating strokes seamlessly
amalgamating the entire built form
into one. These calligraphic lines
create unobstructed city view from
the residential floors on the top, while
becoming a perforated screen for the
office floors. The strokes are aligned
to screen the external columns and
integrate the multiple entrances on
the ground floor.
This comprehensive design
language looks at giving a unified
experience to the residents as well
as the visitors. The breath-taking
design of the innovative facade has
been created by the New Delhi-based
award-winning architecture firm
Studio Symbiosis, with the founders
Ar. Amit & Britta Knobel Gupta having
been close disciples of the late Zaha
Hadid—the Iraqi-British architect,
artist and designer, renowned as a
major figure in architecture of the late
20th and early 21st centuries.
THE SIGNIFICANCE
ID Origins is a mixed used
revitalisation project which has been
designed using undulating calligraphic
strokes which seamlessly integrate
the old and the new. The significance
of the project arises both from its
location in the city of Mumbai and
also the sentimental value the building
holds for the owners. The idea was to
create a structure that must respond
to the site, to design brief, and to the
people occupying it.
The original structure was built in
the 1980’s and is the pivotal focus
of where the owners started their
business, hence the name ID origins.
Twelve additional residential floors
have been erected above the existing
six commercial floors, with a transfer
girder between these two stratas as well
as additional columns that have been
designed starting from the ground up.

14
SPECIFICATIONS
Given the dichotomy of the
requirements of these distinct
activities in the building, the design
looks at creating perforated screens
on the commercial floors to reduce
solar glare and provide optimum
lux level. These calligraphic strokes
gradually wane as they reach the
residential floors, thereby maximising
the panoramic views for the
residential apartments.
FAÇADE – THE LOCUS OF THE SITE
The façade of the project creates a
locus for the site, and acts as a visual
marker for the entrance to the overall
site, which spreads over 12 acres
of land. In the dense urban fabric
of Mumbai, the project is visible
from pedestrian as well as vehicular
routes, making the site experience
more coherent.
This urban rehabilitation of the site
extends into the urban fabric by the
means of, rerouting the entrances and
exits to decongest the entrance road,
uplifting the pedestrian walkways in
the vicinity of the site, dissolving the
ID ORIGINS, MUMBAI
SiteArea|Built-UpArea:1.5Acre|18,750Sq.m
Client:I.DUDHWALAGROUP
Program:Office,Residential,Lobby
Scope: Facade|Landscape
Design: Ar.Amit&BrittaKnobelGupta
ConceptDesign:KartikMisra,ChinmayChowdhary,
AnjanMondal,MandeepChaudhary,AdityaSharma
BUILDING MATERIALS USED
Given the loading requirements on the old existing structure, this execution
flexibility, inbuilt in the design, was helpful. Mock-ups were done on site
for GRC, FRP, ACP, and finally CNC-routed ACP panels were selected due
to their light weight and fire rated properties. The time of execution was
reduced by six months as no moulds were required. Thus, overall, the cost of
construction was also cut down.
Completed in shorter than the given time frame, the mixed use property
has been executed in its entirety and handed over to the 3rd generation of the
Dudhwala dynasty. This brainchild of the new-gen has already bagged several
credible accolades, including the ‘Best Design’ award at the renowned World
Architecture 36th Cycle Awards event. BMR
site boundary and creating an urban
lobby which becomes a part of the
Mumbai streetscape.
Considering the undulating nature
of the façade, it was important to
rationalise it into panels that are easy
to construct for construction. The
geometry of the calligraphic moves
is planar in nature, with a V profile in
plan. This was done to ensure that we
have multiple options of materials and
techniques to execute the design.

16
Twin House
The architecture shows the beautiful bond of a family of three
generations living together for decades that decided to live
‘independently’ without actually ‘separating’.
Tied with Umbilical Cord

INTRODUCTION
The two sons bought two plots,
adjacent to each other; decided to
get a house built in such a fashion
that allowed them to live separately
without actually separating--that
too within the same premises. They
contacted R K Malik & Associates,
owned by Ar. Rakesh Kumar Malik,
popularly known as Ar. R K Malik.
Established in 1987, Ar. R K
Malik & Associates is a well-known
architecture firm in Moradabad
(UP). Specialists in senior living
and healthcare, the firm focuses on
creative approaches to multi-family
and multi-generational housing,
delivering the highest level of service
and sensitivity to its clients. Famed
for fusing creativity with innovation
and creating stunning architectural
masterpieces, RK Malik designs
buildings that fit the landscape, the
program, and the budget.
DESIGN QUOTIENT
To create such an abode, the
architect took around a year,
which also included his rounds
of discussions with the client. It
took him a great deal to study and
understand the specific requirements
of each family members and
then listing out the needs of every
individual.
It was quite a challenge to
incorporate and combine the varied
needs of the septuagenarians,
the quinquagenarians and the
vicenarians in one structure. It was
a matter of filing up the generational
gap with an architectural design
to meet the needs of all and
satisfy each of the inhabitants.
The challenge was successfully
overcome.
The east-facing plot measures
40m x 60m in area. The plan so
prepared was to develop spaces for
the two families living together with
visible separation. Each of the twin
houses comprise covered area, semi

18
covered area, and an open area (the
green courtyard) which is common
for both the families.
The architecture so prepared
has a main entrance, a puja room,
six bedrooms, two drawing rooms,
two living rooms + kitchens, a green
courtyard, one swimming pool, a fire
place, a waterfall, a home theatre,
a discotheque, and an expanded
parking for not less than four cars.
This listing clearly shows that the
requirements of each of the three age
groups have been fulfilled.
Entering through the common
entrance for the building, the twin
house gets their separate ways right
after stepping in the seating area
on the ground floor. As the name
depicts, twin house is the mirror
of one-another. Subsequently, the
ground floor of every house has
two bedrooms, one living area
encompassing kitchen, and a
drawing room.
At the entrance, there is a double
height ceiling, an expanded seating
area, a temple, and two separate
entries for the twin houses. This
main entry goes across the last point
of the building crossing the open
veranda, green courtyard, swimming
pool, and waterfall. The green
courtyard comes right in the middle

TWIN HOUSE
Location:Moradabad,UttarPradesh
Architect:RKMalik&Associates
DesignTeam:RKMalik,BharatMalik,AshnaAggarwal
ProjectArea:2400sqm
PhotoCredit:VinitKumarSingh(BMR)
SPECIFICATIONS
Ar. RK Malik & Bharat Malik, RK MALIK & ASSOCIATES
of the twin house and never allows
the inhabitants to feel separated.
The first floor is reserved for
the new generation with three
bedrooms--one in front and two in
the back. These apart, there is an
expanded seating area, a living area,
a discotheque, and a home theatre
getting connected through a terrace
overlooking to the common areas
on the ground floor. On the terrace,
there is one more bedroom making
each of the twin houses a six-
bedroom abode.
VASTU ANGLE
The twin house is so designed that
it makes the environment healthier
for its inhabitants. Front lawn, terrace
and the green courtyard – all are
in the same line, bifurcating the
twin house. Each room gets ample
sunlight throughout the day and
is completely ventilated having an
opening towards the green courtyard.
All this shows that it has been
designed and built keeping in mind
the Vastu principles.
The USP of the building is its
openness. The architectural design
has been created in such a fashion
that not even a single corner of
the house needs artificial lighting
during the day. All enclosures--be
it bedrooms, living rooms, drawing
rooms, or kitchens--are so placed
around the green courtyard that the
inhabitants can see the movement of
the sun all through the day, right from
dawn to dusk. BMR

20
REHAU, a global leader in
polymer-based solutions, was
founded in Germany in the
year 1948. The brand started its
Indian operations in 1997 and is
celebrating its Silver Jubilee this
year in India. During this period,
REHAU has made a significant
mark in the country’s furniture,
construction, and industrial
markets. For furniture industry,
the company has a wide range
of edge bands, solid surfaces,
laminates and floorings. Of late,
it has also ventured into furniture
hardware solution and exterior
wall cladding. REHAU’s industrial
solution includes third rail for the
urban transportation industry,
while gaskets and profiles for
the residential and commercial
appliance industries. In terms of
building solution, the company
provides plumbing and drainage
solutions.
On the occasion of Silver Jubilee
Celebration, BMR Editorial Team
got hold with Bhavana Bindra,
MD, REHAU SOA. She talks at
length about the company’s latest
developments and its future
growth strategy. Edited excerpts
are here as under:
INTERVIEW
CONSOLIDATING
PRESENCE IN
R E H A U
INDIA

How has been REHAU’s 25 years
in India? What is your further
expansion plan?
We feel proud that the company is
celebrating 25 years in India and it
has been a remarkable journey so
far. As the most popular choice for
Edgebands in India, we have had
an amazing customer acceptance
over the period. This inspired us to
broaden our focus and move beyond.
The journey has been of being
an Edgebands supplier to a wide-
ranging furniture solutions company
today. Since starting in 1997, REHAU
has grown up to own three plants
and multiple warehouses. To reach
here, not only the REHAU team, but
also our trade partners have played
a vital role. With a strong network
comprising more than 1000 direct
customers, over 500 dealers and
around 2500 retailers, it is a mission
for us to make REHAU a household
name with the support of our
partners.
In addition, as part of the
company's drive into the retail
market, REHAU is having a
comprehensive range of furniture
solutions under one roof including
Edgebands, adhesives, roller shutters,
and plinths, under brand REHAU
Retail-one name multiple solution for
the market.
In addition, we are rapidly
expanding in the industrial solution
category through our fully dedicated
production facility in Pune. REHAU
is one the biggest suppliers of Third
Rail that caters to rapidly expanding
metro rail projects across the
country. We are in the process of
localising our production by bringing
German technology to India in order
to support the ‘Make in India’ initiative
and contribute to India's economic
growth story.
REHAU is committed to expand
its presence in the India. We strive
to offer new product lines under our
umbrella, and even at this moment
we are working on several initiatives
that will further consolidate our
presence in the Indian market in time
to come.
What is the latest addition to the
product portfolio of REHAU?
We have recently launched furniture
hardware solutions in collaboration with
TITUS Group in India. Alongside, we
have also come up with exterior wall
cladding with a variety of options meant
especially for our Indian customers.
How is the association with TITUS
Group going to add value to REHAU
India’s product portfolio?
In order to offer comprehensive
solutions to our B2B partners
and to tap into the B2C market,
we consciously ventured into the
hardware sector. The partnership
between REHAU and TITUS is a stride
towards offering premium hardware
solutions to our Indian customers.
We believe that India has a sizable
market for high-quality hardware,
and our alliance is a strategic move
toward seizing that opportunity.
The partnership brings together two
companies that value having a close
relationship with their partners and
offering cutting-edge products.
In furniture assembly work,
hardware plays the role of the
backbone for the entire system as
it significantly adds to the product's
functionality, quality, and durability.
In order to provide our clients with
high-quality products, REHAU's
motto is to ‘Bring the Best of Both
Worlds’, and our partnership with
TITUS showcases this as an
excellent example. I'm delighted
and looking forward to a mutually
beneficial partnership where we can
complement each other's strengths.
Which all products are being offered
under the hardware range?
REHAU and TITUS will engage
to deliver an exclusive range of
hardware products to customers and
furniture manufacturers in India. The
range includes hinges, push latch,
drawer systems, connecting fittings,
and damping solutions. The third
generation of slide-on hinges with
integrated damping seamlessly deliver
a consistent and reliable opening and
closing performance. Tested for more
than 80,000 cycles, it increases the
shelf-life of the end-product.
Bhavana Bindra, MD, REHAU SOA

22
Our T-type hinges save time at the
assembly-level, as the 3-Way Snap-On
intuitive hinge-to-plate mounting (top,
front and back) makes installation
a swift process, especially for tall
doors and kitchen cabinets. The
Tekform Slimline drawer ensures
easy interchangeability and flexibility,
considering its sleek structure and is
used majorly in premium kitchens that
demands smart space utilisation.
The CAM 5000 from the latest
hardware range ensures a smooth
tightening action and great dowel
pull-up for seamless furniture
assembly and improved quality of
finished products. To overcome
inaccurate drilling, we have come up
with the Quickfit TL2 and TL5 Dowel
that has built-in self-adjustment
feature. This is a consumer friendly
fitting - with just a simple push-in by
hand the fitting inserts in the dowel
hole and the operation completes in
less than 1 second.
Last but not the least, we also offer
soft close solutions for cabinets and
drawers which doesn’t require any
pre-drilling, thus giving a chance to
the consumers to enjoy a tool-free
assembly. The push-latch hardware
is designed to be used with standard
hinges and drawers. It enables
effortless opening and closing of the
furniture without handles and can be
easily mounted without the requirement
of drilling. In addition, Titusoft is
another value addition for India from our
premium hardware offering, adaptable
in both wooden and metal drawers.
How would you define smartness
through your bouquet of products?
REHAU has been able to bring about
revolutionary changes across the
broad variety of products it delivers to
the market. Any product from REHAU
is synonymous with smartness.
We characterize smartness for the
product lines with engineering and
technology behind the products. Be
it manufacturing, design, advancing
the finishes used, safety and hygiene,
these products facilitate easy and
quick installation, user-friendliness,
durability, sustainability, and last but
not the least- value for money.
As the most popular choice for
Edgebands in India, REHAU is the
Our REHAU Kitchen, a premium
modular kitchen, offers both superior
German quality and a fantastic
customer experience. Made with
German engineering, the smart
concept here allows plenty of room
and options for development even
when space is limited – without the
need to compromise with support
from uniquely customised designs. To
offer our customers only the very best,
we have collaborated with exclusive
brands for hardware and kitchen
equipment to create luxury kitchens.
We provide customers with personal
kitchen stylist who accompany them
in their planning and visualisation for a
smart kitchen. BMR
undisputed leader. Moreover, to strike
the right tone, we are also adding
about 200 new Edgebands annually
that matches the most popular
laminates in the market. As part of
our continued efforts to add value
and provide smart solutions, we offer
zero-joint Edgebands, enhancing the
overall aesthetic of surfaces by giving
a seamless finish to the furniture. We
have also developed Edgebands having
antiviral properties, with a protective
coating against specific viruses.
We entered the exterior solution
segment with recently launched
exterior wall cladding, under the
brand name R Bravura. The special
protective polymeric layer on its top
makes the surface easy-to-clean. The
product has outstanding anti-graffiti
capabilities and is environmentally
responsible. While most other facade
cladding products practice closed
system for installation, REHAU Clads
saves up to 30% energy using the rear
ventilation façade (VHF), and allowing
buildings to breathe.
RAUVISIO Laminate
B-type i3 Damper +Titus
Zero-Joint Edgeband
RAUKANTEX
INTERVIEW
Syed Md Ehteshamul Hasan

Tables
Seatings
Workstations
Storages
Kitchens
Wardrobes
All
product
offerings
CLASSICALLY
YET MODERN
IN DESIGN
99586 95305
Influenced
l
Info@encoreprimefurniture.com

24
A simple and
minimalistic
getaway home,
reflecting the
divine panorama
of the lofty
Himalayas and
the surrounding
magnificence,
with a built-up
area of 3200-sq. ft.
The Cowshed
The Design Brief
It was quite simple: the client wanted
a vacation home, away from the
busy urban life. A simple 3-bedroom
cottage with a large comfortable
living area to chill out with family and
friends. As architects, we wanted
to create a unique, significant and
contextual design revolving around
the principles of space and material
optimisation.
The Challenge
It was to insert the building into a
2500-sq. yards site and surrounding
context unobtrusively, blending it with
the existing setting. Our expeditions
around the Kumaon Hills had already
sensitised us to the various facets of
the vernacular architecture.
We were informed about the
treatment of the hilly gradient,
positioning of living areas to catch
the winter sun, and the inherent
Nature
THE
A SPECTATOR OF
Ar. Sumit Saxena
PRINCIPAL, ATRIUM
DESIGN STUDIO

simplicity of built form. The natural
lay of the land led to creation of
multilevel spaces as part of the
design with minimum cutting and
filling of land.
The Site & Its Context
The site with a natural steep gradient,
along with some amazing views of
the Himalayas on the northern side,
features natural vegetation and a
smattering of typically Kumaoni
homes made for a very rural quiet
setting.
The Design Approach
Inspired from the attributes of
vernacular Kumaoni houses, we
treated the site gradients in true
form wherein upper levels with better
exposure to sun kept for living, while
lower areas for services, storage,
cattle, etc.
Highpoint of the building: a large-
volumed central space around a
fireplace, which is the essential living
area with activities happening all
around it. With minimum division
of spaces, the occupants can enjoy
scenic natural surroundings.
Having peace with its
surroundings, the language of the
structure is contemporary; but
material palette is completely local.
As a spectator of the nature, the
building is designed to capture south
sun and remain comfortably warm.
Ground Floor
The plan is laid out in a very simple
manner--the central staircase and
entrance lobby bay splits the ground
floor into the living and sleeping
areas spaces. The main living
space with its double height sloping
roof is the heart of the house. This
space spills out into a generously
proportioned sit out with east side
orientation allowing it to catch both
the morning sun and the majestic
views of the Himalayas.
The open kitchen and dining is
separated by a level and is visually
continuous with the living space.
The kitchen has a semi-open space
on the south side for spill over
cooking activities. This barrier-less
treatment of spaces makes for an
open interactive space where each
activity is shared, continuous and
all-inclusive. The bedroom has a bay
window in the north located in a way
that one lying on the bed has a full
view of the mountain and a private
sit-out on the south side to soak in
the winter sun.
First Floor
The staircase leads upto the upper
level. Large windows on the north
and south side of the stairwell keeps
it both, well lit and warm. Each
bedroom has bay windows and
views of the mountains. The landing
extends into a small reading area
overlooking the living space below,
and the mountains outside. The
double height living space ensures
vertical connectivity throughout the
house.
Building Language And Character
The building seems to organically
grow as an extension of the natural
contours of the land. Rough local
stone masonry for retaining walls,
and steps look completely a part of
the hill itself. Large rocks have bee
left undisturbed where possible. The
exposed stone masonry is used for
external as well as interior walls.
White painted exposed brickwork
and concrete add to the simple rustic
character of the building.
The neutral tone of tiles extends
seamlessly into all the spaces. Local
woods--like pine and Tun--have
been used for flooring, roofing, and
furniture. Extensive use of white
provides a perfect counterfoil to
all the textures of stone and wood,
creating interior spaces that are
bright, beautifully lit and completely
connected to the outside at all levels.
The overall elevational character is
simple and unassuming.
In A Nutshell
The Cowshed is a contemporary
building designed with simple
local materials rooted to its
context--a building at peace with
its surroundings and essentially
designed to be a spectator of the
nature. BMR
THE COWSHED
Architects:AtriumDesign
ChiefArchitect:Ar.SumitSaxena
Built-upArea:3200sft
ProjectType: IndividualHouse
Location:SarlaRautela,Uttarakhand
SPECIFICATIONS

26
Introduction
Chandigarh--one of the well-designed
cities of India--is known for its eye-
catching architecture, sparklingly
clean roads, and lush greenery.
Passionate and proto-typical Ar.
Rahul Bamba hails from the same
accentuating architectural land,
where he created this spectacular
8500-sq. ft. floating roof house.
Situated in Zirakpur (Mohali), Silver
City Greens is located at the foothills
of Shivalik. It reflects the fusion of
latest architectural technology and
modern lifestyle.
Clients’ Requirements
With a plot measuring 50ft x 90ft,
the Goels had a long awaited plan of
getting designed a residence-cum-
office, which eventually got a planner
in the face of Ar. Rahul Bamba. Their
requirement was pretty simple: to
have a spacious house-cum-office
with the feel of openness and
greeneries around.
Design Quotients
Considering the same, the office
has been designed in a manner that
despite being an inevitable part of
the residential property, its operation
doesn’t disturb the decorum of the
residence. It got connected directly
with the outer periphery to avoid any
Floating
Roof
House
Having elements of nature imbibed into
it, this office-cum-house is connected yet
separated giving the homeowners a sense
of relaxation with ample open spaces
inside the four walls.
Duplex with Internal Courtyard
Ar. Rahul Bamba, PRINCIPAL, ARB

movement of office staff or clients
from within the residential area.
The lift is mounted in the duplex
to give the homeowners and other
occupants a sense of relaxation.
The ground floor of the residential
part has two bedrooms--one each
in the front and the back. Drawing
room, living area, kitchen and dining
space are all on this floor and
conjunct in the central area or the
internal courtyard. The double height
puja room gives a gracious feel to
the space. All these are placed in
manner that whole view of the house
can be enjoyed standing in any part
of the central area, which also has a
wooden staircase giving access to
the duplex.
Standing at the main entrance,
one can see the last wall of this
office-cum-residence bringing a feel
of openness to the inhabitants. So,
no claustrophobic feeling despite
staying inside the four walls.
Presence of water bodies in the
back and right at the main entrance
underneath floating steps bring a
different feel altogether.
In all, this house has four
bedrooms. Besides a master
bedroom, there are three more
bedrooms--one each for parents,
children, and guests. The terrace
is entirely open although there is a
garden area that houses a gazeebo
and a bar for a family get together or
to occasionally treat the guests.
The Greeneries
The house is surrounded with the
green areas in the form of gardens
in the front, rear, and sides. There
is a huge walking closet connected
to the toilet, which is separated by
glass door partitions. Inside the toilet,
there also is a green area that allows
natural light to keep the washroom
illuminated during the daytime.
Apart from the glass railing
towards the central area, the first
floor also sports a glass bridge
enhancing the double height area
of the internal courtyard. There is
a home theatre and an open family
lounge on this floor for entertaining
sessions and family bonding. These
would allow them to enjoy music,
movies and tea together.
Key Features
These include the double floating
MS roofs adding hue to the entre
architecture, the double-height
entrance--all covered with louvers,
the triple-height glass windows at
the front that connect it with the
outer world and make it look far
more spacious from inside. The
side passage that appears to be
a part of the residence is entirely
segregated and leads to the servant
quarter, giving the servants access
to kitchen and all the floors through
the corridor--and not from inside the
main residence. BMR
SPECIFICATIONS
FLOATING ROOF HOUSE
Location:Zeerakpur,SilverCity,Chandigarh
Architect:Ar.RahulBamba
DesignTeam:Ar.RahulBamba&Team
ProjectArea:8500sqft
PhotoCredit:VinitKumarSingh(BMR)

30
ONE POINT SOLUTION FOR
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR NEEDS
How many brands do you have and
which all products do you offer
under each brand?
We have three brands and under
each brand we have different kind
of products and services. Under
our brand, D'Spaze, we are offering
WPC panels, PVC panels, 3D Foam
stickers, 3D PVC panels, and artificial
grass. We launched our brand, Luxe
Touch, to cater to the luxury segment
of interiors, wherein we offer soft
leather panelling and leather boards,
while Le Casa Deluxe is our retail
brand under which we offer all the
products related to floors, walls and
ceilings. This includes solutions for
exteriors, terrace and decking.
We offer WPC decking, cladding,
pergolas, terrace developments, and
many ranges of flooring solutions,
which include carpet tiles, wooden
flooring, PVC flooring, and SPC
flooring. All the paneling solutions
that we have are also fit for ceiling.
In windows, we offer insect bash,
interior & exterior blinds, curtain
rods, etc.
Of the numerous products, which
one is your star product?
Presently, outdoor products are doing
very well owing to the rapidly picking
concept of terrace development.
People are investing in their terraces,
and, in turn, pushing the demand up
for pergolas and gazeebos. Apart
from that we do offer solution for
paneling, which is our strength. Along
with that a market for louvers is really
hot which we are concentrating on.
How did you get this idea?
Nowadays, markets are very dynamic
which forces to think forward to be in
sync with it. We observed that client-
based requirements are changing
as they also want service. Most
of the clients that we have come
across and the way we understand
them, lack the understanding of both
products as well as solutions that
suit them best. They also lack the
understating as to how to get the job
done. Considering all this, we came
up with the concept of complete
service offering to the clients with
an expansive range of solutions
alongside the guidance in selection
of the most appropriate products.
Thus, we have become a one-point
solution for their interior and exterior
needs.
How do you market your products?
Do you also have a distribution
network?
Under Zap Exports, we have 150
dealers spread across the country for
selling our D'Spaze and Luxe Touch
brands. For Le Casa Deluxe, we are
concentrating more on NCR. But the
concept developed through Le Casa
Deluxe has immense potential, and
hence, we have decided to expand
our presence. Accordingly, we are
targeting around 20 franchisees
across the country. BMR
LE CASA DELUXE
INTERVIEW
It’s the story of an ambitious man, Mohit Singal, who, after completing his
PG in Business Economics, worked in various organisations in different
capacities. His dream of being an entrepreneur never let him settled. And
in 2004, he flagged off his own venture, Zap Exports Pvt. Ltd. and started
catering to the needs of Scandinavian countries. In 2006, he launched a
couple of brands–D'Spaze and Luxe Touch–serving the requirements of
interiors and exteriors through imports. Moving forward, in 2011, he went
on to launch a retail brand, Le Casa Deluxe, under a sister company Intext
Concepts through which he introduced various other items of the Gen Next
choice. The BMR Editorial Team caught him at his office to explore his
journey. Excerpts:
How Le Casa Deluxe is different
from the rest of your brands?
Under Le Casa Deluxe, we don’t only
offer the products but also guidance
and end-to-end services-right from
measurement of the space to guidance
in selection of the most appropriate
products and then to installation,
followed by aftersales service.
Mohit Singal, MD, Zap Exports Pvt. Ltd.

32
Introduction
The way technological innovations and inventions are
breaking the boundaries, and appliances are being turned into
gadgets while sensibly responding to human voice, it’s no
wonder home automation, as a ‘must have feature’, is rapidly
making inroad in the Indian mind-set. By the way, it’s already
a global trend. In a way, home automation solution converts
a home into a smart home, simply by combining electrical,
multimedia, and telecommunications technologies into a
single user-friendly smart or automatic home solution.
COVER STORY
Smart Homes
Therefore, these include smart products and personal
assistant devices that allow users to connect to a central
hub, via a phone, tablet, or computer from anywhere,
making life easier. From voice-controlled virtual
assistants to app-controlled thermostats, the automation
technology has steered the future into our homes. As
technology continues to improvise, even spaces as
personal as our home bathrooms, will likely only grow
more and more.
Bathrooms
A N I N E V I T A B L E F U T U R E
Smart

The Boom
Last couple of years have witnessed
an unprecedented boom in smart
home devices to an extent that those
devices have become must-haves
for tech-savvy homeowners looking
to monitor their homes, protect
their kids or have smarter kitchens,
among other things. And, smart
bathroom technology is one of the
additions in a variety of business
sectors, including spas and salons,
malls, and sports & leisure centres.
In this issue of Building Material
Reporter (BMR), we are focussing
more on what, why and how of smart
bathrooms in near future.
What’s Smart Bathroom?
In one line, it’s the integration
of Internet of Things (IoT) into
bathrooms. Just like many other
household appliances, bathrooms
are also getting automated with
the use of smart technologies at
various levels; and smart bathroom
is a collection of feature-rich
components/devices, such as smart
lights, smart mirrors, smart showers,
smart WCs, smart taps, and smart
bathtubs. All of these can connect
with each other and integrate with
the existing smart home network-
-giving users more control and
elevating their overall shower
experiences.
latest inclusions in it. Smart bathroom
gadgets can offer convenience, safety,
reduced waste, and improved health.
However, these smart
technologies aren’t limited only
to affluent residences. While the
hospitality industry is rapidly
implementing smart technology to
improve their customer experiences,
these are also becoming popular

34
A
smart bathroom gets connected with smart home
devices, including smartphones and voice control
systems, to provide users with complete control
and customisation of bathroom experience, enabling
them to use features, like personalised temperature
control and bath fill control options. A recent report
on smart bathroom emphasises that areas for device
charging, smart lighting, and smart toilets are leading the
pack, in terms of popular smart bathroom additions.
In fact, smart bathrooms--a combination of bathroom
products with smart features, such as sensor, automatic, and
touchless systems--are the need of the hour. Different types
of smart bathroom products include smart showers, geysers,
baths, water closets, lighting, and the like. Smart showers
come with remote sensing, and help to control temperature,
duration, and flow by using a phone or voice activation by
paring it with home systems. Similarly, a smart toilet has
sensors that provide night light, automatic flushing, automatic
opening & closing of the lid, etc. All these products or fittings
help save water and minimise carbon footprints.
Functionality Matters
But what factors are pushing the trend? Is it only the
technologies that are influencing the GenZ who love to
spend on these luxuries? Experts believe that it’s not only
the inclination towards tech-savvy feature-rich products,
but also the increasing awareness towards environment
that is leading to the adoption of those sustainable or
energy-saving bathroom products which are smart and
high on functionality. It really feels awesome to be able
to turn the geyser on remotely, and get the warm water
ready to freshen up when needed.
At a time when there’s seemingly no product that hasn’t
been tech-enabled to make users life a bit easier, functionality
considerations are paramount in the smallest room of the
house. From glass that shifts between transparent and
opaque to voice-activated lighting, appliances and fixtures
have been made all the more accessible with the rise in
popularity of Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa. And, the
story doesn’t end here. Market has more wonders. For
example, there’s a lighting system that reproduces the effects
of natural sunlight for internal bathrooms with no windows.
Driving Factors
Apart from the increasing inclination
of GenZ towards technology and
automation, the real push has been
given by the pandemic. This is why
post COVID-19, the bathroom product
manufacturing industry has seen
a rapid growth globally. Although
companies in the smart bathroom
market have kept their eyes on high-
growth institutions, such as hotels
COVER STORY
Ar. Sumit Dhawan, CitySpace’82 Architects
Bathrooms nowadays have become an important personal
space for every individual. The use of bathrooms is not just
limited for cleaning and bathing purposes but people love
spending a decent amount of time there. Considering the trend,
we have introduced things like private green in bathrooms
in most of our projects. This led us to bring in automation to
cater to the maintenance requirements, which ultimately
turns bathroom smart where almost every function including
lighting, WCs, spouts, geysers, etc. gets automated.

and restaurants, to keep their businesses growing,
they are also creating cheaper and more efficient
alternatives. And, they are focusing more on research
and development, to accelerate the production to feed
the need of end users of smart bathroom products in the
post pandemic era.
The rise in demand for smart and luxurious bathroom
products is also aided by urbanisation drive and rising
disposable income of the people forced by the pandemic
to spend on their bathrooms and enhance their standard of
living. Moreover, the demand for smart bathrooms is also
growing due to increase in construction activities in both
residential and commercial areas--malls, offices, hotels,
etc. Moreover, luxury hotels are installing smart bathroom
products to attract more customers and provide them with
better experiences.
Furthermore, government’s mission to build
smart cities--which include the construction of
diverse infrastructures such as new smart public
and commercial spaces, like smart offices, airports,
transportation stations, etc.--are likely to further fuel
the demand for smart bathrooms.
Benefits
Going forward, what benefits these smart bathrooms
bring along? Experts believe that convenience, security,
and savings are the main advantages. Due to their
unprecedented IoT enabled AI-integrated features, which
enhance automation and allow users a much better
experience, these bathrooms bring both, convenience as
well as security. Moreover, these feature-rich bathrooms
also help lowering utility bills which is a plus, besides
saving water through checking the plumbing leaks.
Additionally, these can benefit our mental health and
overall well-being and have additional customisation
choices.
Ar. Abhigyan Neogi, Chromed Design
The definition of ‘smart’ in my understating
is simplicity. Smartest thing is that when
you don’t have to use your brain while doing
whatever you want to do. Frugality as in
lesser requirements of objects or things to
take decision is also smart. Having said
that, smartness to me in the bathroom or
any space for that matter, is more like fun-
filled. We try and invent fun-oriented simple
thing in unanticipated spaces which create
the moments of joy in one’s mundane life.
Going forward, we have done bathrooms
with plants below the WCs/urinals.
Ar. Abhishek Bij, Design Plus Architects
Whenever a new product is introduced, like faucet with sensor, it
allows flow of water for specified period of time, which is simply
awesome especially for the concern, like saving water. On the
contrary, when these products become part of our lifestyle, the
functions attached to it become gimmicks which the tech-savvy
new generation love to play with. In 90% of the cases, these
features are shrouded as noble which isn’t true. After all, it’s
business with secured future! I am sure that the generations to
come would love to opt such feature-rich bathroom products.

36
COVER STORY
Smartness in bathrooms with fittings are very
important. There are many such bath fittings
which come along with app-based control so
much so that even the flow of water can be
customised and set as per one’s comfort level.
It is the best used form of automation. In some
of my latest projects, I have recommended
faucets and mixers where functions like flow
and temperature can be controlled using
smartphones. Having said that, it would be
vital to have sustainable solutions with luxury
feel than simply going after smart ones.
With the changing times, people’s tastes and
preferences are changing, especially, when
it comes to creating a space as personal as
bathroom. In one of our recent projects, the
client wanted a modern, contemporary, hi-
tech feel for his dream residential project. He
insisted us to bring in such systems which
they had never experienced before, where
automation tops the list. In this house, all
rooms have attached, but open bathrooms,
segregated from bedroom space either with
glass or a curtain. Many new technologies have
been incorporated to create a modern, stunning
and functional bathroom design where all the
components used are smart and can either be
operated through sensors or smart phones.
ID Archana Baid, And Design Co
Experts’ Opinion
Team BMR asked the specifiers what their clients usually ask for, especially,
when it comes to bathrooms. Majority, of them opined that more than
anything else it’s the awareness about the environment that led their clients
to opt for bathrooms sporting water-saving fixtures and technology. While
hinting about future, they indicated that there would be a gamut from
biophilic sanctuary to sleek, tech-enabled retreat in the bathrooms. The
latest gadgets and products feature high on clients’ wish lists-- it’s that
one room in the house where they can go a little crazy. They unanimously
believe that bathrooms of the future would be smarter, cleaner, and sleeker.
ID Viral Patel, Sparsh Design Studio

Ar. Eishan Jain, ADP Architecture
Smart for me means more of IoT-based or AI-enabled products.
After the pandemic, there is an inclination towards such feature-
rich products especially in the bathrooms to restrict the spread
of germs, maintain hygiene and remain healthy. No doubt that
these high-tech smart products are also gaining attention of the
new-age buyers because they make life easier. However, unless
they become affordable, these products wouldn’t find a place in
majority of the houses.
Bathrooms nowadays are transforming. Gone are the days
when bathrooms were fitted with simple diverters. Today,
customers have become far more aware than what they were
two decades back. They ask for newest products like rain
showers, fittings with inbuilt lights/speakers, thermostatic
bathware, sensor-based faucets, etc. The fascination for
bathroom is so much so that it can soon become a separate
project for specifiers.
Ar. Amit Agrawal, Agrawal Architects
Ar. Kaushal Karkhanis, Karkhanis And Associates
Automation and smart houses have become
need of the time. This is why we highly
recommend smart houses, and in turn, smart
bathroom solutions – be it in the forms of
look & feel, aesthetics, functionality or level of
comfort in one’s personal space.
There’s a certain procedure, we used to use our bathrooms, but
things are evolving with the passage of time. Although, people
are somehow accepting the change their personal space,
it is limited to the extent of feature-rich bath fittings like
sensor-based faucets and thermostatic showers. Smart WCs
and urinals would take some more time to creep in homes
depending upon the client’s choice and inclination. For now,
smart is not simply turning the space automated, but also the
sustainability that should be taken into account.
Ar. Vineel Mathey, MAP Design Consultants

38
HIGH-TECH SMART SHOWERS
The high-tech smart jets in the latest rain-shower collections emits
thousands of micro-fine droplets which help reduce water consumption
without impacting the joy of shower. Besides saving water, these smart
showers allow users to set the water temperature, flow rate, shower
duration and more… not only through electronic LCD panel but also
through a smartphone or voice-activated device. The main benefits of
smart showers include consistent water temperature, more safety, remote
control, and water & energy savings. Using a thermostat, these showers
keep a steady water temperature to prevent users from getting burned
with hot water. Such showers can save about 3% of monthly water usage.
It also helps save on the energy used to heat the water.
Ar. Shailesh Devi, Within n Without
It’s very interesting to question the smartness. It’s not
always the products that should be smart, but also
people who are going to use those smart products.
Else, it might affect their efficiency. In a way, use
of excessive technologies may force people to
dumbness. So, smartness or use of technology can’t
be the same for everyone. For me, smart can be that
one product, which is efficient and also helps save
water in the bathrooms.
SHOWERHEADS WITH
BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS
Did you know they also make blue
tooth showerheads? The new
showerhead with Bluetooth enabled
wireless speaker system allows
users to listen to their favourite
music, news/industry updates or
podcasts while showering. Instead
of cranking the radio up to hear it
over the water, one can now listen
through the H2O.
COVER STORY
Here are some of the top tech options that we

CHROMATHERAPY LIGHTS
These are high-intensity LED lights that can be controlled digitally, usually
with a simple remote control, and one can change the setting as per the
need, for instance, romantic or relaxing. Most devices come with multiple
colour, intensity and brightness options. It’s said that colour plays a vital
role impacting our thought and feeling. Each colour addresses a physical
need, so they can help get one in the right mood for bath. For example,
orange can make one feel happier and more energetic, while blue can
make you feel calmer and more relaxed.
SMART TOILETS
Many smart toilets have features, like seat warmers, touch-free automatic
lids, night lights and even speakers for listening to music while doing the
business there. Smart toilets are more compact and better designed than
traditional toilets, so they take up less space. They're also more hygienic since
they’re touch-free and many toilets are self-cleaning. These are just a few of
the perks of the new age bathrooms and they seem like a lot of fun. It will
be just a matter of time before one uses smartphone to open the toilet seat.
Meanwhile, the days of using toilet paper and wasting a considerable amount
of water might soon come to an end. Smart toilets can reduce the risk of
overflowing and detect water levels to only use the amount of water needed,
saving on water bill as well.
Ar. Harish Sharma, Anubhuti Architects
Different types of smartness can
there be in a bathroom – technical,
aesthetical, or functional. It depends
upon the requirement of clients.
Although customers are well aware
of the developments taking place in
technology, it’s also our responsibility
to keep our clients updated about the
latest inclusion in that league so that
their requirements can be fulfilled.
Market is flooded with a gamut of
smart solutions. In today’s context,
many smart products come with water
saving properties so that joy of luxury
bathroom must not be compromised
while use of water should also be
optimised. Various techniques are
in trend like aeration, powder flow,
bubble flow, etc. Bathroom today has
emerged as the most personal space
and are designed emphatically.
Ar. RK Malik, RK Malik & Associates
Enhanced awareness with each
passing day has dramatically changed
consumers’ behaviour. They have started
giving more importance to bathrooms. In
the last few years, bathroom has become
extra special space where people love
to spend time. This is why, it now needs
more attention than ever before – be
it in the name of aesthetics, hygiene,
or comfort. All this when summed up
together turn the bathrooms smart both,
aesthetically and functionally.
e can expect to see in bathrooms of future

40
COVER STORY
SMART FAUCET/TAP
When it comes to going green and
preserving water, one of the latest
and newest techs is digital faucets.
These touchless technology-enabled
faucets with digital temperature-
control settings reduce tap flow and
conserve water. Smart faucets use
temperature gauges and efficiency
sensors that allow users to control
water usage in bathroom and
preheat or cool water based on the
specifications before the faucet
turns on. This reduces the amount
of wasted water and improves
efficiency and savings. Thanks to
the hands-free feature, it also lower
allows the number of germs being
spread while washing hands. Some
faucets also come with infrared
technology that feels user and turns
off when it senses that hands aren’t
under the faucet. Moreover, these
faucets also sport programmable
features, such as a timed shower
setting or a teeth-brushing option
that runs for an allotted time frame.
SMART LED MIRRORS
The new age smart sensor mirror uses a light system to
stimulate natural sunlight so that users can see their full colour
variation. The mirror automatically lights up when users’ face
approaches it, and because this cordless mirror packs a long-
lasting LED that can reportedly last up to 100 years, battery
life shouldn’t be a problem. The added advantage: bathroom
wouldn’t remain be a dark place to walk in. Moreover, there are
smart LED mirrors which are interactive, and come with built-in
display for certain things, like time, traffic reports, weather
forecasts, news updates, reminders and appointments. An
interactive LED mirror makes the bathroom enjoyable besides
giving it a futuristic look.
ADJUSTABLE PRIVACY GLASS
These smart glasses allow users to change between
transparency and opacity in bathroom windows. The glass has a
natural opaque look and blocks vision for total privacy, but it lets
natural light pass through. It can change the glass feature from
clear to frosted or set automatic controls using the smartphone
or voice assistant. Adjustable privacy glass can give your smart
bathroom a sleek and modern feeling, plus add privacy, versatility,
energy efficiency and more hygiene, vis-à-vis traditional privacy
options like curtains because it’s easier to clean.

Ar. Sagar Kabre, Kabre Consultants
It will take some time for people to
understand how to use smart products
or new-age futuristic technologies.
Hopefully, the next generation would
push the boundaries further by asking
smarter products from the manufacturers/
suppliers and then getting them installed
in their bathrooms. But for me, those
products which are sustainable, energy-
efficient and save water, are definitely
smart ones and must be picked up for use.
WATER RECYCLER
Bathroom solution providers have come up with water recycler
that recycles up to 95% of the water from shower, bath, washing
machines and air-conditioning; and reuses it for toilets, garden
irrigation and swimming pools. Not only does it provide enormous
environmental benefits, but this smart device is also a profitable
investment and will surely pay off the upfront cost in time. Most
manufacturers claim that these water recyclers can save up to
45% on tap water and 45% on wastewater, and contribute to
keeping water supplies stable.
Final Thought
Considering that the biggest trend would be integration of smart bathroom
products with AI and IoT devices, there is no surprise that technology
would be one of the most desired qualities in the bathrooms of future.
Majority of innovations shall revolve around gadgets that automate and
enhance overall bathroom experience for the users, besides adding
bringing convenience, adding safety and ensuring security. BMR

42
Plywoodis undoubtedly an integral part of our lives irrespective
of it being our homes, offices, or other community
buildings. Plywood is meant to play a major role in the woodwork of any
interior. And hence, one wrong decision in the selection of plywood can lead
to a major loss of money, time and, of course, peace of mind.
With more than 80% of the plywood coming from unorganised sector,
it is understandable that identifying counterfeit plywood and blockboard
can be a daunting task. Sometimes the customer does not even know that
there is a concept of branded and unbranded plywood and why it is must to
differentiate between the two.
For a layman, every piece of plywood carrying ISI mark and the
manufacturer name along with some important stamps seems fine as it
resembles wood. We don’t even think what could possibly be wrong in those
wood-lookalike pieces and hence never doubt about the quality of the same.
IT’S WAKE-UP
CALL FOR
PLYWOOD
BUYERS
For a layman, every piece of
plywood carrying ISI mark
and the manufacturer's name
along with some important
stamps seems fine as it
resembles wood.
FEATURE
Regrettably, we often opt
incorrectly, and the reason is
ambiguity arising out of so much to
choose from and little to go on. All
that stops with the ‘Smart Plywood
Buying Guide’ as this Book will guide
you as your personal Plywood Expert
and would help you choose the best.
Let me tell you very confidently that
it’s a misconception that you can save
huge by using such inferior quality
wood-based products. Did you know,
for a 3-BHK, overall difference between
a genuinely branded and so called
OF CLAIMS WITHOUT BACKUP

Take advantage
of the book, Smart
Plywood Buying Guide
by India’s Leading
Plywood Expert
Akhilesh Chitlangia
and keep your interior
long lasting.
instances, it is once-in-a-lifetime
investment and you invest a great
deal of time and thoughts, not only
your hard-earned money.
Written by India’s leading plywood
expert, this Book guarantees you
saving not only tons of money and
loads of precious time, but also a
massive amount of hassle and rework
and thus would keep you and your
family smiling for generations to come.
The Book with insightful details
and in-depth knowledge is the eye-
opener as not only it educates, but
also guides readers/consumers to buy the right Plywood. Each one of needs
this book because we all buy plywood at some point or the other, and this
book lets us into all the secrets that only insiders and experts know.
Akhilesh has worked innovatively and relentlessly to successfully increase
his company’s footprint in the market while simultaneously promoting
Plywood in general. He has made this his mission to educate people on
choosing the right Plywood thereby ensuring that every home in India has
quality woodwork.
Akhilesh is a 3rd generation promoter at Duroply Industries Ltd., joined the
60+ year old family legacy business in 2010 and has ever since been busy
propagating the wonders of Plywood. He is based out of New Delhi. When
not working, he loves to travel, especially hiking and trekking. Music which
helps him unwind is again his great love but comes after Plywood. An active
member of the Rotary Club, he is involved in many community projects. BMR
branded plywood and blockboard is
about Rs. 65k to Rs. 1 lakh? This is
merely 1% of the total cost of your
flat. This is a myth that the branded
plywood or blockboard is expensive.
So, is it worth using such products
especially when the branded option
gives you much better quality,
durability, reliability, and above all,
assurance & support? At times, going
for unbranded wood products may
seem like a logical decision for you are
paying less and certainly the problem
wouldn’t be there in near future.
Then the question arises, if all the
unbranded plywood and blockboard
are bad. Certainly not. There may
be many ethical and hardworking
manufacturers present in the
unorganized sector due to various
unavoidable reasons. But it’s like
taking a chance and compromising
with your own interiors.
So, better you keep this in mind
that you do not get your interiors
done quite often or for that matter
on regular basis. In most of the
Akhilesh Chitlangia, Leading Plywood Expert

44
THE
INTERIOR
MAKEOVER
We
have been running this business for the past five
years. The story ‘How We Began’ is incredibly
interesting. We were working separately,
with different firms, for the past eight years. While
collaborating for a project, we met. From there, the
beautiful journey of ‘Time Design Studio’ begins.
Naming the Firm
The name ‘Time’ stands for ‘The Interior Makeover
Experts’. In fact, the designer fraternity often doesn’t
collaborate and likes to work independently and
individually. So, we wanted to create a team of people
who can sit together and do collaborative work. This is
how the firm was born.
Starting the Journey
We started with mini projects that included the renovation
of a small bar. The client’s requirement was to create
the complete interiors with materials that he already had
due to his father’s business of shuttering. It was our first
project. The wage offered was only Rs. 2,500. We took
it as a challenge and the work started with Rs. 1,000
as advance. There, we used tasla to create lights, bar
counter’s front with raw pipes, and even created the door
with materials provided by the client. This was really a
sustainable project for us.
TIME
DESIGN
STUDIO
Experts
T H E B E G I N N I N G

Later, we did a bar named Juggler.
For its mascot, we imagined an old
guy with big moustache, curly hair,
who keeps on juggling the bottles in
the bar. When we created this and it
was put into the bar, our work was
appreciated by many. This inspired
us to design mascots for few more
bars & restaurants. We did a London-
based theme in Delhi. This also was
highly praised.
First Complete Architecture
Slowly but gradually, we started
moving from renovation to interiors,
moving further on to architecture.
Going forward, we received some
excellent projects, including that of
a friend’s residence. It was our first
complete project and we named it
‘The Heaven’. It was for a family of
six--parents, couples, and their two
sons, to be built on a plot measuring
around 5400 sq. ft. We still vividly
remember that one evening after
receiving a call from our friend to
design a residence for them, we had
a good long meeting that lasted for
about 4 hours so that we didn’t miss
anything important.
Till the time we handed the house
over to them, they kept telling us to
do what we liked with the project.
Ironically, this made things
somewhat more challenging for
us. When the project flagged
off and we completed the first
lintel, the passers-by started
visiting the site to see what
we were making. From there,
we started our journey of
creating ‘architectural homes’. This
was the one project that improved
our fortunes even as we received 3-4
good projects. One of them was a
project in premium locality for one
of the most premium residences of
Ludhiana.
This is Palvi and
Ashish Bhatia
from Time Design
Studio, Ludhiana!
Your Design Philosophy
We are fanatically passionate about what we do--be it making the
base layout, calling client for some selection, or something as
simple as noting down the smallest details that the clients discuss.
We have a set of 15-20 questions that we request our clients to
respond before we kick-start the process, even of initial sketch. One
of our key questions is what they don’t like. From here, we actually
get to know about our client. Before discussing the financials, we
insist our clients to allow us to first develop the design and to do a
presentation of the same. If they like it, then only we move ahead.
We believe this is our USP.
Material Selection
It’s critical that the material is long lasting and appropriate to the
extent that the client doesn’t need to get it replaced in the next
three-four decades. Whenever, we choose products--be it for
furnishing, or as basic as brick--we ensure that it’s sturdy and

46
cost-effective, and turns out to
be beautiful. In a nutshell, while
choosing the materials, we consider
all the factors that may affect our
selection of the products at any point
in time. It may be the time itself.
Latest Trends
To use more and more colours. India
has a large number of Tier-2 and -3
cities. Every city has its own unique
taste--be it Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Goa, Ludhiana, Noida, Chandigarh.
So, we try and mix all those to
develop that one trend which our
clients like. These days, people are
well-travelled. Whatever they may
have seen or explored, they want that
in their houses/spaces.
Projects & Sustainability
For us, sustainability is using local
materials, preferably with no carbon
footprints. We try and explore new
materials, new ways to express our
design statement. In the next three to
four years, we would love to explore
futuristic buildings, like parametric
architecture, and bringing in all the
expertise from all around the world.
With this thought in mind, we keep
travelling--to explore and experiment
new things.
Design Means?
It’s a passion--be it for cloth or
architecture. But if our design is
getting live, it gives us a kick. We
love travelling, meeting new people,
getting to know about their side of
stories, putting that story on to a
piece of paper, and delivering that in
the form a house or the place that
they are imagining. So, when you
combine all this, we see, the interior
designing as the profession where
we can do all this freely--and with full
vigour.
Your Inspiration
Nothing specific. We get inspired
from things as simple as yellow
colour scooter, even a chair kept in a
room, a carpet laying on the ground,
and things like that. This means, we
get inspired from anything, or for
that matter, same thing same time-
-maybe in a slightly different way.
Coming from the same profession,
we do have differences of opinion
many a time but we usually end up
delivering things that satisfy our
clients.
Message to Budding Designers
It doesn’t only work on theoretical
basis, you need to get practical
knowledge as well. Anyone who
is aspiring to become an interior
designer, have as much knowledge
as you can before you make your
move. You have to be people-
oriented--or in other words--people’s
person. This profession needs strong
communication skills. Unless you
can communicate well, you may not
be able to know what your clients
exactly want. And hence, you may
fail to incorporate or transform their
needs into designs. BMR
This profession
needs strong
communication
skills. Unless you
can communicate
well, you may not
be able to know
what your clients
exactly want.

WOVEN VINYL FLOORS
WOVEN VINYL FLOORS
WOVEN VINYL WALLCOVERING
WOVEN VINYL WALLCOVERING
LUXURY VINYL TILE (LVT)
LUXURY VINYL TILE (LVT)
LVT CLICK N' LOCK
LVT CLICK N' LOCK
VINYL WALLCOVERING
VINYL WALLCOVERING
SPORTS VINYL FLOORS
SPORTS VINYL FLOORS

48
SHOWROOM
While the world
has confined the
boundaries of
laminates, Merino
truly believes in its
mantra of endless
possibilities
offering striking
concepts and awe-
inspiring designs.
Opens Up Luxurious
Experience Centre In
New Delhi
Merino

The entire floor of the first of
its kind, ultra-luxurious gallery
showcases the amazing range of
fully finished products featuring
Merino surface solutions.
Interestingly, with around 20 main
dealers and 800 sub-dealers, Merino
has a formidable presence in Delhi
NCR and hopes to further strengthen
its already strong position.
The experience centre is aimed
at benefitting both, influencers and
end-customers alike. It encourages to
experience the products before making
an investment on furniture solutions.BMR
Merino Experience Centre
at Kirti Nagar in New Delhi
has been designed to
offer complete experience
to the costumers where
they can touch different
surfaces, feel the exquisite
textures, and explore the
mesmerising offerings. The 1700 sqft gallery has products ranging from MerinoLam, Luvih, Gloss
Meister, External Wall Claddings, Internal Wall Claddings, Merino Restroom
Solutions, Lockers, Flush doors, Plywood Prelam, and Hanex, to name a few.

50
Subscription
Subscription
(Please use BOLD/CAPITAL letters only)
Mr./Ms..................................................................................................................................................................
Designation..........................................................................................................................................................
Company..............................................................................................................................................................
Address 1.............................................................................................................................................................
Address 2.............................................................................................................................................................
city....................................................... Pin Code................................... State...................................................
Tel. ...................................................... Fax:............................................. Mobile................................................
Email.....................................................................................................................................................................
Cheque/DD No......................................................................... Dated...............................................................
Building Material
Reporter Magazine
Subscribe to Building Material Reporter by completin the form and sending it to: Subscrption Department
Business Mantra Reporter Pvt. Ltd., Office No. 204, Second Floor R.S. Tower, Plot No. B358A, New Ashok Nagar, East Delhi-110096
for Futher Querise writ to: subscription@buildingmaterialreporter.com Tel: 011-49091754
4 issues of
Bank Details
Account No.: 1645460952
IFSC Code: KKBK0005304
Drawn on Business Mantra Reporter Pvt. Ltd.
Duration Pay
1 Year
2 Years
3 Years
5 Years
999/-
1899/-
2499/-
3499/-

AM 11501 SM
Cream
www.praveedh.com
sales@praveedh.com
+91 74000 61494

52
SPECIAL FEATURE
CHANGING
FATE OF
WATERPROOFERS
CHANGING
FATE OF
WATERPROOFERS
WAI
Waterproofers Association Of India (WAI)–the torch-bearer for
the country’s waterproofing fraternity has been determined
to educate field professionals on the new-age waterproofing
technologies, and help them sharpen their skills.
W
hen it comes to waterproofing, the mind dives deep into a world with
zero-seepage buildings. But dream is a dream and entirely cut-off
from reality. However, the stakeholders of the country’s waterproofing
industry, these days, are taking a serious note of it and seem determined to
challenge this truth in whatever ways possible--be it through technological
advancements, or through the use of the most advanced products.
The testimony is the establishment of Waterproofers Association of India
(WAI), where select members from the industry are trying hard to disseminate
the information and educate the fraternity slowly but steadily and help people
learn the tricks of the trade.
The path which some time back looked difficult has started showing a ray
of hope as people getting associated with WAI are finding their association

fruitful. The goal is to meet and
exchange ideas to find out solutions
on what can be done in this typically
tropical geographic region.
Since its establishment, WAI has
organised quite a few workshops/
sessions including--one each
in Shimla (Himachal Pradesh),
Gurugram (Haryana), and Mumbai
(Maharashtra). It has received
overwhelming response to its call for
amalgamation and contribution to
the cause.
The stakeholders participating
in the event include architects,
designers, consultant, contractors,
structural engineers, and building
material manufacturers/suppliers
who are responsible for developing,
manufacturing and supplying the
latest advanced products.
In all the sessions, WAI’s main
concerns remain the same: first to
identify the topography and then
choose the appropriate solution.
Having extreme conditions, the
requirements of waterproofing
solutions differ with so many agro-
climatic and geo zones, including
deserts and forests, arid and humid
atmosphere, rivers and mighty
mountains, etc.
With such a varied topography,
the need is to assess the impact of
the surroundings on the structures
that are being made and accordingly
choose materials that are smart,
coupled with the right kind of
technology followed by their proper
implementations.
Take for instance, hilly regions!
Despite the fact that the architecture
on hills are beautiful, attractive and
soothing to eyes, challenges for
architects and structural engineers
for planning, design and construction
of those buildings remain intact-
-especially with respect to
waterproofing.
The reasons are many, including
difficult terrain, steep gradient,
adverse climatic conditions, rich flora
and proneness to natural hazards,
which together make the task
tedious and demanding. Similarly,
when it comes to coastal region,
the requirements for waterproofing
solutions differ for its humid
atmosphere.
To uplift the waterproofing
fraternity, WAI has decided to
enhance the capabilities of the
waterproofers who are involved in
providing complete waterproofing
solutions, irrespective of the nature
of structures. The members at WAI
strongly believe that the present
specifications have come of age
and seek immediate attention of the
government/stakeholders. These
need to be revised on an urgent
basis considering the incorporation
of smarter building materials
being used to develop futuristic
infrastructure.
Recently published reports
highlight that rapid urbanisation has
resulted in the occurrence of urban
heat islands (UHI) which are the
result of the making a larger number
of buildings and roads. These
infrastructures absorb and re-emit
more heat than natural landscapes.
These together have catapulted
the contours of the urban land where
the communities are shifting towards
the concept of green roofs to limit
the heat island effect caused due to
lack of vegetation in cities. This trend
would ultimately boost the demand
for waterproofing solutions in the
future.
E X C E R P T S
Look at the government organisation, the
specifications that they have, are age-old.
To achieve desired result, they need to
switch over to the high-tech products and
solutions. The most important thing is that
the dynamic products that are available
in the market need to be introduced in the
entire construction industry. The developers,
contractors, and applicators need to be
trained on the usage and application of such
products and technologies.
It is the mindset of stakeholders which is
a big concern. Waterproofers are already
imbibing new advancements available
in the market and prefer using latest
products. The problem lies at the specifiers'
end. The architects, consultants and civil
contractors generally do not consider
using new products which are much-much
better. So, there is an urgent need for the
change in the mindset.
Dixit Bajaj, Director, Radco Buildtech Pvt. Ltd.
Sandeep Chaudhry, President, WAI
Waterproofing needs a revamp especially
that of the specifications which have
become obsolete. Those were made for
60s and are not suitable for modern day or
futuristic buildings. New products, materials
and technologies are available in the market
which specifiers don’t consider because
they are not updated, which is why WAI has
been formed.
Kunjjaan Popat, Secretary General - WAI
Proprietor, Trifix Technologies LLP
E X C E R P T S

BUILDING MATERIAL REPORTER
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN | PRODUCTS & MATERIALS | LIFESTYLE | REAL ESTATE
Building Material Reporter is the one-stop-guide and knowledge
platform for architecture, design, and building industry. Our
painstakinglysourcedprojects,productfeatures,articles,interviewsand
opinionsarepresentedtoshowcasetherealessenceoftheindustry.
Building Material Reporter is the
one-stop-guide and knowledge
platform for architecture, design,
and building industry. Our
painstakingly sourced projects,
product features, articles,
interviews and opinions are
presented to showcase the real
essence of the industry.
Building Material Reporter is the one-stop-
guide and knowledge platform for
architecture, design, and building industry.
Our painstakingly sourced projects, product
features, articles, interviews and opinions
are presented to showcase the real
essenceoftheindustry.
E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G “ABCD”
Architecture | Building | Construction | Design
Follow us:
www.buildingmaterialreporter.com
Phone: +91 11 4909 1754 | Mob.: 08800620720 | Email: press@buildingmaterialreporter.com

Let Your
Home Stay
Safe &
Sound WE INSPECT
WE DIAGNOSE
WE ANALYSE
WE SELECT RIGHT PRODUCT
WE DO RIGHT APPLICATION
Why DryShield?
That’s why
Architects have
faith in us
SNP Technologies Pvt Ltd, C 414-415, 4th. Floor, Nirvana Courtyard, Nirvana Country, Sector 50, Gurgaon 122018
OUR TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
www.dryshield.in info@groupsnp.com, +91 124 4234567, +91 9810096552

56
The Market Potentials
Industry experts believe that Indian
waterproofing market is in its infancy,
vis-à-vis other developed or emerging
economies. Nonetheless, an
evolving consciousness for tackling
waterproofing has been observed
amidst specifiers, including structural
engineers, designers and real estate
developers--especially that of
metros. But the mindset of both, end
customers as well as waterproofing
professionals, in Tier-2 & -3 cities
needs to evolve as the unwillingness,
for shifting over advanced solutions,
is pretty visible.
Growth Avenues
The growth of the waterproofing
industry is driven by its increasing
applications owing to the rising
construction activities. Waterproofing
is a rising concern across the
segments and not limited only to
the wet areas of any building. Apart
from waterproofing of roofs, walls,
tunnels and landfills, the avenues
for waterproofing practices are
going to be a must in the water
conversation & wastewater treatment
infrastructure and repair & renovation
of existing infrastructure as well.
No doubt, the Indian waterproofing
market holds a stupendous
potential and the need is to identify
E X C E R P T S
Waterproofing is not an issue to be
stopped at that end. It increases the
durability and strength of the building.
We should use newer kind of materials
that should have the sustainability.
It should not give a load to resources
available.
Prof.(Dr.) S.T. Mhaske, HoD, Polymer & Surface Engg. ICT
Srinivas Prasad Jayanti, Founder, LaGreens India Pvt. Ltd.
Waterproofing has been largely neglected
because it is not something which is
immediately seen in a structure with the
weathering conditions that are there,
especially in Mumbai which is close to the
coastal areas. We, as waterproofing industry,
need to take care and ensure that structures
are waterproofed properly.
Sumanta Pandit, Director, SBS Technologies
FEATURE
There’s an urgent need to develop the skills
of field professionals regarding new products
and latest technologies coming frequently
into the market. Our professionals really lack
proper understanding of products and their
applications. India is a huge country with
diverse region, and to disseminate proper
information to such a huge population, we
need to develop a robust communication
platform so as to educate them right in time.

the avenues. But to tap those
opportunities, the drive to educate
and enhance the awareness level of
the workforce, real estate developers
and waterproofing contractors is a
must. This is because, to apply the
modern waterproofing solutions,
the knowledge of advanced
waterproofing technologies is
inevitable.
Shifting Requirements
Waterproofing is--as always-
-a challenging task that the
construction industry faces. Owing
to changing skyline, specifiers are
more concerned to reduce the
weight of the structure. They deeply
recommend the use of innovative
materials. The drywall concept is
the outcome of such initiative which
led the construction industry to use
smarter materials for constructing
wet areas. No wonder, more reliable
waterproofing systems are needed
as against the present waterproofing
practices which were designed for
conventional brick/block masonry
works.
Creating Future-Ready Workforce
WAI offers a platform, where its
members get a ‘connect’ with
the nationwide network of peers,
professionals and experts who
not only support the members but
also provide necessary updates &
information along the way. While
specifiers like architects and interior
designers present their research
works addressing issues, building
material suppliers showcase latest
products as well as technologies
which have especially been
developed keeping in view the
requirements of the future.
We, at BMR, contacted select
stakeholders of the waterproofing
industry to know their opinion about
the contemporary waterproofing
solutions and how WAI is helping
them grab the domain knowledge
and sharpen their waterproofing
skills. BMR
We are specialised into providing customised
products. We develop the products based on
the specific taste and requirements of our
valued clientele. As far as WAI is concerned,
it has provided us the base needed to expand
our network of applicators who used to source
materials and products from us.
Waterproofing is playing a very vital role
nowadays. Such meets and workshops help us
identify the trends and educate our workforce that
is lacking the knowledge on how to use the latest
technology. At the same time, waterproofing, as
a profession, is not very effective till date. This
will encourage young entrepreneurs to take up
waterproofing as a profession which is yet to get
the needed attention.
Hiral Joshi, DirectorTuff Rock Industries
Ravi Rangaswami, President, WAI, Southern Region
I am associated with WAI since last two years
and have attended 3-4 such seminars. It helps
our fraternity of waterproofing contractors to
enhance the knowledge of waterproofing and
its processes. This can lead us to grab more
business and better quality waterproofing with
the use of latest technology.
Manoj Sharma, Sukama Infra
What The
Experts
Have To Say?

58
E X C E R P T S
WAI has provided the needed platform
to introduce new products directly to the
industry stakeholders, the waterproofing
fraternity. Concrete is so pervious in
nature. So, what we have developed is the
waterproofed concrete. We, in fact, tried
and found out that if the concrete itself is
waterproofed, no other chemical coating
would be required.”
We see immense potential in the Indian
market and the objective of our organisation
is to strengthen small applicators who qualify
for MSMEs. The reason for joining WAI is
to take the leverage of such a platform and
graduate the market by educating applicators-
the forefront people enabling them to do value
selling.
Attending such sessions would certainly add
up to our kitty of information. It was actually
very enlightening for us and we got to learn
many new things. I also learned the new
techniques of structure rehabilitation.
We are from QuackWrap, a US-based
company, represented in India by Rohhri
Enterprises LLP. We deal in retrofitting of
infrastructure by carbon fibre. At WAI, we
got overwhelming response and received
numerous inquiries from the attendees
and stakeholders. We hope to materialise
the same.
Kartik Pahwa, SP Concare Pvt. Ltd.
Salil Gadgil, Krishna Conchem Products Pvt. Ltd.
Jaswinder Singh, Tiki Tar Danosa India Pvt. Ltd.
Jaya Sharma, Director, A N Waterproofing Co. Ahmed Kunda, Rohhri Enterprises LLP
It was great being associated with WAI. It was meant to bring the
likeminded people under one roof to share the knowledge in the
purview of repairs, rehabilitation and waterproofing and impart
training to all the stakeholders in the industry regarding selection
of materials, application procedure, specifications, drafting, and
safety precautions. We participated in the event to showcase our
range of products, specifically in the corrosion range in repairs and
rehabilitation.
I am associated with WAI since one year and
have learned many new technologies from
both India & abroad. It would certainly help
us grow our techniques and would lead us to
expand network.
Nilesh Keswani, Director, A N Waterproofing Co.
FEATURE
E X C E R P T S

60
We need to go into detailing about how the product selection
is made, in what kind of application it is to be used, what
are the environmental factors, what will be the usage of the
structure now and in future. So, looking into all such aspects,
we should select the waterproofing membrane. Through this
platform, we are trying to disseminate these information to
our fellow stakeholders. Indian market needs to focus on skill
enhancements, not only of civil engineers but also of workers.
People generally don’t anticipate the damages
out of it and opt for the cheaper materials.
Moreover, the duplicity in the materials that
are available in the market is also a cause of
concern. Meanwhile, people aren’t updated on
the application methodology of waterproofing.
We always want to have water tight condition
at every places to make them liveable.
Moisture deteriorates the conditions of the
house. Waterproofing is vital to enhance the
project durability which in turn extend the
lifespan up to 100-150 years. Take examples of
nuclear power projects, road & railway tunnel,
underpasses, and the like. We don’t plan it
every year, but once in 100 years.
This is the case with most of the specialised services in the
construction field. This is ironical but true also. More is to do with
the kind of practices that we adopt in India wherein we usually
neglect these kind of practices. This is despite the fact that it
accrues only 1 or 2% of the total cost of the project. We need to
change our attitude towards waterproofing. Thanks to WAI for
such initiative!
Waterproofing is a vital part in the building
but often it does not function properly.
This is where WAI is playing a good role
in letting the waterproofers learn how to
identify the problem and then accordingly
devise the solution. It trains applicators
and contractors on new technologies and
the application of different materials for
the purpose.
Anupam Shil, Head Technical & Marketing Services, STP Ltd.
Davender Singh Adhikari, Former Asstt. Engineer (Civil), CPWD
Mangesh Dhamele, Business Manager, Rely On It
Ar. Anish Kumar, Director, DNOVA
Sunny Surlaker, HeadTechnical Services, Assess Build Chem Pvt. Ltd.
It is important that WAI chapters should
organise such workshops very often
and exchange the notes, ideas and work
experiences based on which we should prepare
the documents which will be useful for budding
architects, engineers and contractors.
Dr. Abhay Bambole, HoD, Structural Engineering, VJTI
There is a great deal of standardisation
needs to be done on the materials used for
waterproofing. Also the need to identify the
suitability of the waterproofing systems for a
particular environment is under process. This
will help avoid the wastage of the materials
and increase the performance-cost ratio. So, a
lot is to be done in the waterproofing systems.
Dr. Priya S Nair, Indian Concrete Institute
WAI educates the contractors through these
workshops and explain to the contractors how
the latest products and technologies should be
used. So, WAI is working for and helping the
society.
Ubed Chowhan, Chowhan & Sons Waterproofing LLP
E X C E R P T S
FEATURE
E X C E R P T S

Waterproofing is a
100% affair... do not
settle for less
POOR WATERPROOFING
CAN LEAD TO DAMAGE OF PROPERTY
AND RISK FOR HUMAN HEALTH.
CALL US FOR RIGHT SOLUTION!
+91-98910-60708, 88600-60708 www.radcogroup.in radcogroup@gmail.com

62
E X C E R P T S
Waterproofing is an issue in almost all SJVN’s
projects. I am thankful to WAI for such a
wonderful amalgamation of the likeminded
people. What I feel is that there is a dire need
to incorporate waterproofing as a subject in
the curriculum, right at the college level to
help producing professionals with the ability
to mitigate the problem at the right time.
Waterproofing is a very broad subject which
doesn’t get the needed attention here in our
country. Waterproofing of every building is a
must to not only save the exterior structure
but also the interiors wherein people
invest crores of rupees. Waterproofing
requirements differ from structure to
structure and geography to geography, and
accordingly we provide the solutions.
Workshop like this is useful to gain some
knowledge and updates on new products
and technologies in waterproofing industry.
I would suggest that the building material
manufacturers and suppliers should keep
meeting and discussing things with us. This
will help us understanding new products
and technologies, and then to make the
implementation process smooth.
WAI provides a platform that keeps us updated
on any new development. The materials that
have been introduced here, if applied properly,
can help us find the waterproofing solution in
hilly areas.
Ar. Ajay Sharma, Manager (Architecture), SJVN (CPSU Arman Malik, Associate Director, SNP Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Ar. Rajiv Sharma, Sr. Architect, HPPWD
Ar. Sarojini Sharma, Joint Sec. IIA, HP Chapter
Getting associated with WAI is a win-win for
us as it has helped us meet new stakeholders,
exchange ideas and expand the network for
Bronco's specialty products, i.e.; waterproofing
and powder-coated materials. We have
a gamut of products and solutions with
pan-India supply. Many of our products are
approved and used in government projects.
The platform which WAI has created is
extremely good for beginners and all the
applicators and contractors who are unable
to get the knowledge. They can enhance their
understanding of waterproofing concepts,
new products and technologies. This is
because, process is important but using right
products and right technology is also very
critical in doing the waterproofing job.
Praveen Singh, Bronco Buildsmart LLP
Pramod Sahu, Director, Arda Polymers Pvt. Ltd.
We are working towards getting the best
out of this industry for the waterproofers.
Through this platform, we are trying to
bring the solutions to the industry for all
kind of products that are required. We are
collaborating with lot of people, irrespective
of their profile. We want more stakeholders to
join hands with us and experience the growth
together with the industry.
Pankaj Aggarwal, Victoria Infratech Projects Pvt. Ltd.
FEATURE

64
E X C E R P T S
The major issue in waterproofing is that it is
still not a much organised industry. So, even
though a lot of new materials are there new
technologies that are coming in are far away
from reaching the right people. The awareness
level needs to be enhanced, especially of
the applicators. This is what WAI is working
towards. The aim is to make the industry more
organised and systematic.
There is a huge potential for waterproofers
in India. But to identify them we need
some sort of guidelines and specifications
towards which WAI is working seriously in
collaboration with Indian Concrete Institute.
We hope a brighter future ahead for the
waterproofing fraternity under the able
guidance of WAI.
If we follow the waterproofing systems
properly, i.e.; if we identify the issue, select
the right product, and do the right application,
there can be a permanent solution of the
problem.
Amit Dixit, Consultant, New Technologies
Anurag Sinha, Group GM, Engineers India Ltd.
D P Sengupta, Industry Expert
WAI provided us the needed platform to
showcase our products to not only the
waterproofing professionals but also to
specifiers, including architects and engineers.
They appreciated our products. We received
very good response.
Our objective was to disseminate
information about our products and
technology to architects and engineers. WAI
has provided that opportunity to interact
and create a connect with them. It has made
our work easy.
Maruthu Pandi, Pronil India
Sumendra Maan, MKM Products
FEATURE

Read BMR, Stay Ahead! - Building Material Reporter magazine.pdf

Read BMR, Stay Ahead! - Building Material Reporter magazine.pdf

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Read BMR, Stay Ahead! - Building Material Reporter magazine.pdf

Similar to Read BMR, Stay Ahead! - Building Material Reporter magazine.pdf (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Read BMR, Stay Ahead! - Building Material Reporter magazine.pdf