PP Prabhakaran is the Business Head – OBEN uPVC Hardware, NCL VEKA Private Limited

Please tell our readers about your design practice. Architectural design is one the most essential design practices that has a vital interaction with our daily life. We live in homes that are designed by architects and go to offices, schools, hospitals, malls, hotels, etc. which are all designed by architects. Hence, architecture is playing a vital role in our lives. Even though we are hired by our clients we always need to remember that we are designing for humans after all. Could you please tell us about your journey in the field? [caption id="attachment_52971" align="alignleft" width="500"] 4 Bedroom Apartment, Bourdillon 39 Luxury Residence, Lagos, Nigeria[/caption] Even before knowing the meaning of architecture, it has been always my passion to be an architect. Since my early ages, my parents had noticed that I was more oriented to construction and imaginary games, enjoying drawing and sketching. Once graduated from the School of...

A great testimony to our Indian fenestration industry is that the organised market segment is rapidly growing. Every year, new uPVC system providers are set up and the existing players are adding additional capabilities. As of this date, we have 30+ uPVC extrusion companies, and overall, at least 150 extrusion lines are in place. Also, the organised aluminium market has seen significant growth over the last couple of years, with big potential for future growth. As a positive consequence, the hardware market and the fenestration industry keep growing at the same speed, and both have a very positive situation with a great future forecast. We need to accept that the hardware market across the globe is very conservative with almost zero willingness for innovation. The same sad situation is seen in India. Most of the hardware items sold were available in the same design 20 years ago, and I’m afraid...

Akhilesh Patidar is a highly accomplished civil engineer and building façade enthusiast, whose career in the façade and fenestration industry spans over 6 years. He is a graduate in civil engineering and holds a postgraduate degree in operations and project planning management. Akhilesh began his career as a design engineer for Schüeco fabricator at Indore, and later worked for Alumil India as a technical support engineer. Akhilesh has good working knowledge and experience in various aspects of the façade and fenestration industry, including façade & bespoke system design, estimation, material/quantity take-off, aluminium section & glass analysis, plastic caps/components design, fabrication support, system proposal, and hardware fitting selection. He also has adverse knowledge about aluminium doors, windows, and different types of curtain wall glazing, as well as other cladding materials and techniques like HPL, ACP, stone cladding, and perforated sheet metal. Akhilesh is a highly result-oriented & dedicated professional, who is...

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...

Ozone Overseas, a renowned brand in the home and office improvement solutions market, recently announced that it has successfully secured INR 250 crore growth funding from PAG-backed Nuvama Private Equity. With this investment, Ozone Overseas aims to bolster its existing growth chart by expanding its manufacturing capacity, reinforcing brand presence, and exploring potential synergistic acquisitions. Established in 1999, Ozone Overseas has emerged as a trusted market leader, providing a diverse range of 5000+ products, including glass fittings, shower enclosures, kitchen and furniture fittings, door fittings, railing solutions, fingerprint locks and digital safes. The company’s adherence to international quality standards, a robust distribution network of 7000+ retailers, and outstanding after-sales service have solidified its position as an industry frontrunner. [caption id="attachment_52698" align="alignright" width="150"] Alok Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ozone Overseas[/caption] Alok Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ozone Overseas, highlighting the growth prospects enabled by the capital...

Pradeep S M is Manager Design at Kinlong Hardware (I) Pvt. Ltd.

Established in 1986 as Nangloi Glass & Plywood, Art N Glass Inc. became focused solely on glass and gained recognition for decorative glass manufacturing. The group set up the first glass showroom, revolutionizing the industry, and also imported cutting edge machinery from Italy, Germany, Finland, and other countries. Later consolidated factories in Mundka, Delhi, and established a technologically advanced unit in Kalaamb, Himachal PradeshExported glass furniture and mirrors to 21 countries. Art N Glass Inc supplied bulletproof glass to the Indian Army and served prestigious projects globally. Over the years, the company expanded its glass processing capacity with the establishment of Unit-2 in 2011. The group also ventured into uPVC doors and windows with Green Fenestration Technologies (GFT). With the increasing industry demands, we established Axsys Solutions for aluminum-based architectural hardware and systems. Here are a few of our memorable projects: Vendome Mall, Qatar: Art n Glass developed and supplied...

Vidhyadhar Sharma, AM-Purchase at Shubhashish Homes, plays a vital role in the company’s success. He selects quality hardware solutions within budget for doors, windows, and façades. Mr. Sharma assesses suppliers, negotiates contracts, and collaborates with internal teams for optimal performance. Beyond procurement, Sharma envisions Shubhashish Homes as an industry trailblazer, integrating innovative and sustainable hardware solutions that incorporate energy efficiency and smart technology. By staying abreast of emerging trends, he aims to provide residents with seamless, functional, and stylish homes. Sharma’s expertise and forward-thinking approach drive the company’s success, setting new industry standards. His commitment to quality hardware within budget propels Shubhashish Homes towards enhanced efficiency and excellence.

ABIS RIZVI ,Sales and Technical Manager at Doormax Building Material Trading LLC (One Stop Solution For Door Hardware)

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...

In a conversation with Ar. Pramod Jain Founder, Creative Architects and Interiors (CAI), Chennai, he talks about his architectural practice CAI, their approach to the design process, sustainable façade and fenestration design trends, his favourite and most challenging projects and much more. Here are the excerpts Could you tell us about your educational background, career, and architectural experience? [caption id="attachment_51919" align="alignleft" width="500"] Prince Ratnapuri, -left side view[/caption] I have always been interested in details and design. Every aspect of planning, curating, and designing fascinated me - particularly the intricacy of seeing a project from concept to execution. However, I’m more drawn to behind the-scenes organisation and planning - the efficiency, the organisation, and the economics of architecture and design. The drive for technical skills led me to pursue a degree in PGPCM from NICMAR in Pune. I lived in Mumbai before moving to Chennai and setting up CAI (Creative Architects...

Why Casement Windows for Homes? 1. Most robust of all windows 2. 200% more ventilation compared to slide windows Minimum Features of a Home Window 1. Enable Maximum cross ventilation inside homes 2. Admit maximum daylight into homes 3. Protect interiors from bad weather, rains, dust or snow as long as such threats last 4. Prevent house breaks, strays, Insect entry into homes at all times, whether window is opened or closed 5. Effortless and rapid deployment or withdrawal of windows at will 6. Avoid air conditioner use, by 24x7 natural cooling with just ceiling fans 7. Promotes better health and energy to the inmate 8. No window should ever remain closed long enough to allow accumulation of heat inside homes. Only a casement window with its sashes in 90º degree open position is capable of admitting the maximum atmospheric air into the interiors by catching both the straight winds...

In the creation of climatic responsive designs across the MENA region, the delivery of façade and fenestration solutions that build on the local architectural vernacular is key to producing contemporary designs that embed improved building performances that incorporate a distinctive architectural form developed from the local context, heritage, identity, and culture. This can be achieved using double-skin façades that offer improved thermal and acoustic properties allowing for passive solar shading that provides a buffer zone between the interior and exterior environments, to improve interior comfort levels and subsequently reduce the energy loading for comfort cooling requirements. Traditionally, the use of locally sourced timber “mashrabiya” screens would have been crafted to undertake this purpose, consisting of a series of interlocking wooden elements arranged in a geometric pattern from simple shapes to intricate, decorative designs. Such screens were often installed in openings on the upper floors, where they would provide privacy whilst...

A double shutter fire access window is a type of window that provides emergency access to and from a building in case of a fire. It consists of two shutters that can be opened from both inside and outside of the building, allowing firefighters and other emergency personnel to enter or exit the building quickly and safely. Why Choose a Double Shutter Fire Access Window? There are several reasons why you might choose a double shutter fire access window for your building. First and foremost, it provides a safe and reliable means of emergency access in the event of a fire. This can be crucial for ensuring the safety of building occupants and minimizing property damage. Additionally, a double shutter fire access window can help your building meet local fire safety codes and regulations. Many building codes require the installation of emergency access points like fire access windows, and a...