Architectural design is like a jigsaw puzzle, with each piece working together to create a beautiful and functional building. This design consists of several interrelated elements that work together to create the desired look and atmosphere of a place. While each element has a unique function, the importance of doors and windows cannot be overstated when it comes to designing a building’s façade. In addition to serving as a way in and out of a building, doors also offer insulation, security, and privacy. Doors can have a big impact on the overall appearance of a building, whether it’s a large wooden door, a modern glass entrance, or an industrial steel gateway. [caption id="attachment_52330" align="alignleft" width="181"] A premium slider door (View from the drawing room)[/caption] Likewise, windows are not just an opening in the wall but provide a visual connection to the outside world. Whether it’s a modern floor-to-ceiling window or...

Doors and windows are the kind of product that needs multiple types of materials to complete assembly; hence, hardware is an important component in manufacturing the finished product. In terms of the total cost of material to manufacture the product, it is the third major cost component after aluminium, uPVC, and glass. There are different categories of hardware depending upon the product to product and material to material. For instance, various types of doors and windows will have different categories of hardware. Some hardware is visible, and some are not. Some are metal-based, and some are non-metal-based. One needs to understand all these different variations in hardware before selecting them or deciding upon them. Secondly, the selection of hardware depends on the product segment and the technical grounds. There are certain kinds of benchmarks from which the suitability of the hardware can be justified. For instance: life cycle, grade of...

C.H.I.C. Concealed Hinges Aluminium casements embody modernity and innovation, which have always been the signature characteristics of the Giesse ethos. The properties of aluminium made it a natural medium for developing casements with minimalist profiles and a higher glazing ratio for a more essential and brighter look. The first C.H.I.C. products for tilt-and-turn windows were launched by Giesse in 2016. The expertise acquired with the development of C.H.I.C. 100 kg enabled Giesse to develop an ever-expanding range with C.H.I.C. 130 kg. [caption id="attachment_52276" align="alignleft" width="500"] Giesse C.H.I.C. bottom-hung[/caption] Mirko Scheda, Product Manager for window hardware: “The C.H.I.C. project was a challenging one on several levels. The technical solutions that we adopted needed to be innovative and therefore patented. They also had to make use of new materials not commonly used in the aluminium casement sector. Finally, the most difficult challenge was to miniaturise the components and conceal them inside the...

What are the selection criteria for architectural hardware for façades & fenestrations? The selection of ironmongery is not only limited to façades and windows but to all types of doors depending on certain criteria: Specification: If the project follows ANSI or EN specs (Mostly these 2 specifications are considered in the Middle East) Door Operation: Depending on the location of the door in the building as well as the required operation of the door. For example, if the door is in the fire escape route, then it should be equipped with egress hardware. International Compliances: For example, there are several projects specifically in UAE which require sustainability and green building compliance so the selection of door hardware should be accordingly. Local Life Fire and Safety Codes: In every country, they have its own life and fire safety codes. UAE is very strict about the codes defined in the UAE Fire...

When designing a home, it is important to consider the role that colour can play in creating a specific atmosphere and mood, making a statement, and breathing life into spaces. Choosing the right colour for your new windows can significantly enhance the overall aesthetics of your home. The frame color you select can make a remarkable impact on the design which helps improve both the appearance, value of your space and significantly impact the curb appeal. Colour schemes that harmonize with the overall design will help create a cohesive look by carefully considering your home's architectural style, existing color palette, and personal preferences. Bring Timeless Elegance and Versatility with “Pristine White” Pristine White is a classic and versatile colour choice for your new windows. This clean and crisp hue adds a touch of sophistication to any architectural style while creating a timeless and elegant look. The bright and fresh appearance...

Architectural hardware is an essential component of any building, providing practical functionality and aesthetic appeal. Hinges, locks, catches, knobs, and handles are all vital elements that aid in the opening, closing, and locking of doors and windows. But beyond these basic functions, architectural hardware also one of the most vulnerable aspects of building design is the façade. Because the majority of the populace is unaware plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of the building’s occupants. When it comes to safety, locks are perhaps the most important component of architectural hardware. They provide a secure barrier against unwanted intrusion, ensuring the safety of those inside. High-quality locks are particularly important in areas with high crime rates, or in buildings where valuable assets are stored. In addition, architectural hardware such as hinges and catches can also contribute to the overall safety of the building. Properly installed and maintained...

Glass is an essential part of the construction industry and is extensively used in facades, windows, doors and hand railings apart from its use in special furniture, interior partitions and skylights. As a matter of safety, all the glass used in construction must be further processed, depending on its application, to increase its energy efficiency, structural strength, impact strength and breaking patterns. The need to ensure consistent performance of the different kinds of processes has been highlighted under Section 8 of the National Building Code 2016 under Glass and Glazing. Float glass in India is manufactured by large well-established companies that have set up sophisticated facilities to produce products of international quality. However, all the glass produced by these float glass producers is not processed in-house by these manufacturers themselves and a large part of that processing is done by glass multiple glass processors located across India, most of whom...

Profine India, the German company known for supplying advanced and sustainable window and door systems to the Indian market, has recently opened an Experience Centre in Mumbai. The centre will showcase the company’s brands, Koemmerling and AluPure, which are recognised for being the most trusted uPVC and aluminium window and door system brands, respectively. The opening of the luxurious experience centre was attended by the Director and CEO of Profine India, Farid Khan, and Business Head- AluPure, Kamal Bajaj, along with reputed architects, builders and developers from Mumbai. The move was made in response to market expectations, as the company has witnessed a multi-fold growth in recent years for its uPVC and aluminium door and window systems. Profine India has expanded its supply chain network to pan India and currently has over 190 channel partners across India. The experience centre will allow customers to understand the difference between traditional doors...

Fenesta is completing 20 years in the industry. Please tell us about the major milestones in the growth of this brand in India. As Fenesta celebrates 20 years of window excellence, it is overwhelming to see how the windows & doors landscape has changed since its inception. Over the years, the brand has achieved many significant milestones that have helped shape the industry. Fenesta is the pioneer of uPVC windows and doors in India and has expanded its product portfolio to include aluminium windows and doors, as well as solid panel doors. With a focus on delivering exceptional customer experience and personalisation, Fenesta has set up a network of 300+ dealers across 350+ cities in India and internationally. The brand has seven manufacturing facilities in India and is the only brand in the windows & doors category to receive the Superbrand status. In 2022, Fenesta achieved the milestone of 4...

Why Louvers doors and windows are best for homes? You’ve heard of panel doors, sliding doors, glass doors and several other types of interior doors, but have you ever heard of louver doors? We are certain you’ve seen them before, but may just not know the name. So, what exactly are they? Louver doors are formulated with an arrangement of horizontal blades, called louvers that either partially cover the door or cover its entirety. When considering interior door designs, louver door styles should not be slept on. They are both functional and stylish, exhibiting a modern flair to any space. Don’t throw out these “old-fashioned” doors, because they’re back in style! It is increasingly becoming popular over the years, especially in Indian homes. Louvered windows are an arrangement of parallel or horizontal blades specially designed to regulate airflow or light ventilation. These blades could also mobilize depending on the need....

aluplast is one of the leading uPVC window and door profile manufacturing companies in the world. The brand is known for its revolutionary innovations and customised product design across the globe. Last year aluplast group achieved an enormous milestone by turning 40. Ravi Balakrishnan took over the role of Managing Director, aluplast India in October 2022. We had an opportunity to interact with Ravi Balakrishnan recently. He spoke to us about his company, his new role as the Managing Director of the company, as well as their products, manufacturing facilities, future plans of the company, the future of the industry and much more. Could you please tell us about your new role as the managing director of aluplast? [caption id="attachment_51297" align="alignleft" width="500"] Lamination lines[/caption] I joined aluplast in October 2022. I am quite new to the company, just about 4 months into the new job. aluplast is a German manufacturer,...

Eternia is a leading fenestration company from Hindalco, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Group. Since its inception, Eternia has been committed to providing quality products and exceptional service to its customers. The company has quickly established itself as a prominent player in the fenestration industry. One of Eternia's happy customers is Mr. Boman Irani, the Chairman of Rustomjee Group, who has used Eternia's products. In a video testimonial, Mr. Irani speaks highly of Eternia and its services, highlighting the company's commitment to quality. Click here to watch the video testimonial. Fenestration is the art of designing and manufacturing windows, and doors in a building. It is an essential component of any building as it provides light, ventilation, and insulation. Eternia has revolutionized the fenestration industry with its cutting-edge products and services. One of the key factors that set Eternia apart from its competitors is its commitment to quality. The company...

AIS Windows, a strategic business unit of AIS, unveiled its latest tech experience centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 17th February. The experience centre was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Mahesh Khaitan, Director at Salarpuria Sattva Group and Mr. Vikram Khanna, COO - Consumer Glass at Asahi India Glass Ltd. AIS is one of India’s leading integrated glass solutions companies and a dominant player, both in the automotive and value-added architectural glass segments. This is AIS Windows’ 2nd Experience Centre, with the other being in Defence Colony, New Delhi. Spread across 3700 sq ft, the experience centre will allow homeowners, commercial real estate developers, designers and architects to get themselves acquainted with the full range of AIS Windows’ customized solutions, including glass and fenestration products. The experience centre not just offers touch and feel for the product, but also a phygital experience of products and applications through the various tech-enabled...

We had the pleasure of interacting with Ar. Vishal Kakkar and Ar. Meena Murthy Kakkar. Both spoke about a range of subjects including their architectural practice - Envisage, their take on sustainability, recent projects, the latest trends in façade and fenestration designs and technologies, and the way building façade and cladding will take shape during the 21st century. [caption id="attachment_50731" align="alignright" width="113"] Ar. Vishal Kakkar Business Head & Partner, Envisage[/caption] Could you tell us about your educational background and career? Vishal: Both of us are architecture graduates from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. We co-founded Envisage in 2007, an interior and architecture firm specializing in design and build projects that offer turnkey solutions from conceptual design to execution at the site. Meena is also an associate professor, and I am a guest lecturer at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. What inspired you to pursue a career...

Façade claddings are evolving as time passes with their functional features being upgraded and their aesthetic getting more contemporary and smarter. Façades are the key elements to beautify our structures. There are various façade systems and materials available to select from: [caption id="attachment_50388" align="alignright" width="300"] Perforated parametric & fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP) façade[/caption] 1. Perforated parametric designs are the trends in façade panelling taking into account sun paths, wind direction, shading coefficients, etc. Façades are screens, which can be shaped with multiple algorithms to make them more sustainable and efficient. Vibrant colours and parametric designs are the new norms of expressive façades Parametric-based designs for kinetic façades not only optimise daylight performance but also reduce the heat gain in the structure. 2. Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials exhibit high thermal insulation and corrosion resistance, making them cutting-edge over traditional materials. They are cheap and quick to produce, strong, lightweight and resistant to heat....

The fenestration industry is constantly evolving, and the aluminium profile market will continue to rise over the projected horizon. The ever-growing consumer needs and the changing regulations call for innovation and futuristic technologies in the fenestration industry. [caption id="attachment_50331" align="alignleft" width="181"] Lift & Slide Aluminium door from Encraft[/caption] Consumer Preferences Drive Residential Fenestration Trends  Understanding fenestration trends start by observing the market insights and studying the mindsets of consumers. Today, more people are simplifying their lives and homes while forging a deeper connection with nature and the environment. Everyone is interested in more daylight. The emerging trend toward contemporary design dovetails with the desire for larger and more view providing windows and doors with a minimalist perspective on obtrusive framing. Manufacturers are seeing an uptick in requests for expansive, large door products, such as folding door products that work to erase the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Increased Demand...