The architectural hardware market in India has experienced significant growth, particularly in the post-Covid era. As people have spent more time at home, they have turned their attention to home improvement and interior designing, which has led to increased demand for architectural hardware products. This trend has been evident across all segments of the market, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The demand for modern and stylish architectural hardware has also been on the rise, as consumers are more interested in enhancing the aesthetics of their living spaces. This has driven the introduction of innovative products in the market, such as smart locks, digital access control systems, eco-friendly uPVC & aluminium profiles, etc. The Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Hardware Industry [caption id="attachment_52731" align="alignright" width="500"] Perfection slide door[/caption] The architectural hardware industry is experiencing growth due to a multitude of factors. These key drivers include the increasing demand...

The Growth of Hardware Market in India Before the pandemic, the architectural construction hardware and glass product market in India experienced steady growth due to several factors, including rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and an increasing focus on modernisation and aesthetics in buildings. The market saw a rise in demand for products such as door and window fittings, hinges, locks, glass façades, curtain walls, and other related hardware. The Covid-19 pandemic had a temporary setback on the construction industry as a whole, including the architectural hardware and glass product segment. Post the initial impact of Covid-19, the architectural construction hardware and glass product market in India began witnessing a resurgence. The following are the driving factors for this revival: [caption id="attachment_52681" align="alignright" width="500"] Jiangnan Joy City with NE series LED screen[/caption] • Increased demand for residential construction due to rapid urbanisation • Commercial development with a desire for modern and visually...

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...

Amongst the many challenges that face the building fenestration industry, one of the most commonly faced challenges is the safety of building occupants. Whilst there is a broad awareness of the current situation, deployment of a completely safe and secure building is still an ongoing process in India. [caption id="attachment_52204" align="alignright" width="500"] Automatic sliding door with modern safety sensors[/caption] To quote an illustration, modern urban buildings these days are provided with electrically operated automatic doors at their main entrance which primarily cater to the aesthetics and entry comfort for the building users. That said, some critical factors of safety are still being compromised on economic grounds. In the current scenario of the building industry, even some of the most modern and iconic buildings make use of conventional single-point sensing safety sensors that do not detect people or objects at various levels. Thanks to the latest technologies that deploy multi-point detection...

The main challenge being faced today by the building material industry is the appropriate selection of products for building façades – Glass being one of the main products. With the available options here are a few pointers that will definitely help in the specifications of getting the desired inputs: [caption id="attachment_52075" align="alignleft" width="300"] Glass - Colours[/caption] 1. Orientation: Building orientation plays a tremendous role in energy performance & occupant productivity. Solar heat gain and daylighting can vary greatly depending on the path of the sun in the summer versus the winter. South-facing façades must allow for solar heat gain control, while north-facing façades require less solar protection. Overlooking these can result in excessive heat gain or glare issues that could compromise energy performance and occupant comfort. 2. Colour and Transparency: The colour and transparency of glass can significantly impact the aesthetic appeal of a building’s façade. Clear, coloured, or frosted...

What are the advantages of glass façades in high-rise buildings? Aesthetics: Glass façades are visually appealing and can create a clean and sleek look for high-rise buildings. They can also be used to create unique shapes and structures that would not be possible with traditional building materials. The transparent nature of glass allows a building’s interior to be visible from the outside, which can add to the aesthetic appeal of the building. Natural light: Glass façades allow daylight to enter the building, making it more airy and bright, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This can result in energy savings and a more pleasant indoor environment for building occupants, which is the need of the hour. This can help to reduce energy costs, improving the overall mood of people working or living in the building. [caption id="attachment_51891" align="alignleft" width="500"] Prestige Minsk Square[/caption]  Views: High-rise buildings with glass...

I always felt that the mechanical hardware industry has been very slow to adopt digitisation. Historically, hardware has always been about products. On the contrary, In the modern world, data is the product. We need to change from “hardware” (door hardware / Iron Mongery) to “digiware”. Hardware should be just an accessory. Let it sink into our brains, that over the years due to a lack of innovations, end users find it difficult to distinguish between locks of different brands. So, we need to expect the inevitable – that hardware will become a commodity. Digital platforms (Amazon, Uber, Facebook) do not apply to our legacy industries of ours like mechanical hardware as they are (currently) two different industries. One is platforms, and the other is products. We need to find ways and means for Data flow, allowing an interface between the digital world and analog world, between products and the...

The choice of glass for a particular project will depend on several factors, including the desired performance characteristics, design aesthetics, and budget. Here are some common types of glass and their ideal applications: • Annealed glass: This is the most basic type of glass often used in low-rise buildings or interior partitions. • Tempered glass: Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that is more durable and resistant to breakage than annealed glass. It is often used in applications where safety is a concern, such as doors, windows, and other building openings. • Laminated glass: Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made up of two or more layers of glass, with a plastic interlayer in between. It is often used in applications where safety is a concern, such as skylights, balconies, and exterior walls. [caption id="attachment_51615" align="alignright" width="362"] DLH Park, Mumbai[/caption] • Low-E glass: Low-E...

Whether building a new home or renovating an old home, windows and doors play a significant role in enhancing the visual appeal and adding a touch of glamour to the home. And when there is an opportunity to custom-design windows and doors with coloured ones, your home is sure to be your neighbour’s envy. It goes without saying that attractive and stylish windows and doors not only add to the aesthetics of the home but are also a reflection of one’s personality, taste and style statement. It is here aluminium windows and doors have come to be the preferred option for a variety of reasons beyond style and colour. Beyond just colour, one must consider a host of benefits that Aluminium offers while making the purchase decision. Aluminium products have been the most sought-after product in the fenestration segment for over two decades now. With a current market size for...

As the 21st century is marked by rapid urbanisation, it is pertinent that the cities are growing vertically upwards with high-rises and skyscrapers marking the skyline of the city. The modern architecture for building envelope has evolved over the years, thus moving from minimalistic glass usage for building aesthetics to an enhanced aesthetic using a glass façade system keeping the performance of the overall building intact, thus giving a unique identity to the building. When the façade stands tall resisting its assets and occupants of the building against natural forces like heat, wind, seismic forces, drift, etc., the challenge lies in the right selection of the system which delivers enhanced building performance without compromising safety. In doing so, a major challenge awaits when the perimeter joint poses a threat to the rapid spread of fire and smoke in case of a fire incident. Typically, a non-fire barriered perimeter joint between...

Spread over 18.5 acres, Jio World Centre (JWC) is a multifaceted development where people will get together, to appreciate art, to exchange ideas, to celebrate culture, and to soak in the heritage and vibrancy of our great city. The JWC is a stunning new landmark for India, as well as a prime location for business, leisure, entertainment, and retail in the prestigious precinct of Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai. JWC fulfills the vision of the promoters, providing global platforms and opportunities to everyone, in anticipation of India’s next decade of growth. This project is ahead of its curve and has been developed with an international design vocabulary while honoring the culture and spirit of India. A project by Reliance Industries, JWC showcases pioneer technology, safety, and digital innovation, and offers exceptional experiences such as India’s first 5G-enabled digital infrastructure with uninterrupted data, virtual and hybrid events, and unparalleled online cultural experiences....

The façade of a building is one of the most crucial and challenging parts to design because it sets the standard for iconic structures. The modern façade design is continually changing as technology advances at a rapid rate. Future façades will perform more than just basic needs like weather and environmental protection. A longterm, sustainable perspective and an adaptation to the attainment of climate goals are necessary for the façade of the future. The façade will continue to shield the structure from the effects of the environment and influence the home’s aesthetic appeal in the future. Future façades won’t be used for simply technical purposes. A façade of the future should instead actively improve society. The façade will continue to shield the structure from the effects of the environment and influence the home’s aesthetic appeal in the future. We interviewed a few industry experts and here are the responses presented...

Glass is primarily or fundamentally used for seeing through the glass as well as for capturing natural light. Glass is chosen by designers because of its better aesthetics as well as to see through. The goal of fully Highrise buildings became a glittering reality during the era of contemporary architecture and the international style, producing stunning facades, permitting interior and exterior connection, and honouring fantastic vistas. Apart from adding beauty, it offers several other benefits. The structural load is reduced as a result of the glass’ lightweight. Due to its transparency, it lets in the most natural light possible, which reduces the need for power. Glass that meets the right specifications for reflection and thermal insulation will undoubtedly increase efficiency. Last but not least, glass roofs and facades offer unhindered vistas and contribute to the building envelope being interactive. However, in the modern era, due to stricter construction codes and...

The rising urbanisation and the growing environmental consciousness of the consumers will keep driving higher demand for fenestration solutions that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, recyclable, durable, low on maintenance and aesthetically pleasing as well. These challenging demands from the consumers will give some good opportunities for players in the fenestration industry to introduce innovative products from time to time. [caption id="attachment_50342" align="alignnone" width="774"] Alumil Smartia S440 Sliding Door[/caption] Demand is shifting towards brands that provide products suitable for large window walls that allow them to capture more natural lighting and convertible spaces. Fenestration players with global and technological expertise offer products with modern designs and satisfactory performance to address various needs. [caption id="attachment_50343" align="alignleft" width="300"] Alumil Supreme S77 Casement Window[/caption] In today’s time, making sustainable buildings is the topmost trend in the construction segment, which is increasing the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly façade & fenestration solutions and technologies. Keeping...

SE Controls is a leading global specialist in manufacture, design & delivery of intelligent smoke & environmental ventilation systems & smoke control using façade automation as an integral part of the building envelope. They began their operations in India and SAARC Region in early 2012 as a joint venture partner with SE Controls UK under the joint leadership of Will Perkins, Group Managing Director, SE Controls UK alongside ParasuRaman R, Founding Chairman, CII - Indian Green Building Council, Ex Chairman & Managing Director, Honeywell ED&S Ltd & Past Vice Chairman, World Green Building Council. The company can offer complete turn key solutions, via installation partner/s & bespoke design solutions from the specification stages of projects, design, installation, commissioning & ongoing maintenance, throughout the lifetime of a building. Keeping in mind compliance with local legislation & project specifications, SE Controls can provide tailor-made solutions for smoke ventilation & smoke control, for...

Every structure has a story to tell, and it often begins with the façade of the building. To narrate this story effectively, it is very important to enhance the façade with an appropriate lighting design. A well-lit façade not only serves the purpose of being a landmark, or providing security, but also accentuates significant architectural details - imparting a character to the building as well as its surrounding. Today, effective façade lighting can be a means of conveying context-specific information or promulgating a message by narrating the story of the structure, the surroundings and the overall city, leaving a memorable impression on the viewer. Since façade lighting plays a pivotal role in architectural expression, it is significant to devise a holistic façade lighting design scheme, bespoke for varied typologies. In order to design an ideal façade lighting scheme for any building, it is first and foremost very important to understand...