Architectural Digest

ABOVE: POPPY’S ROOM IS SWATHED IN KRAVET’S MYTHICAL LAND WALLCOVERING, AND FEATURES APPARATUS CLOUD PENDANTS, A LOUIS XVI–STYLE BED AND NIGHTSTAND, A VINTAGE FOLDING SCREEN IN A ROSE TARLOW MELROSE HOUSE LINEN, AND A CARPET BY ATHENA CALDERONE FOR BENI RUGS. LEFT: THE ENTRY HALL IS FLOORED WITH RECLAIMED BLACK-AND-WHITE TILES FROM PARIS CERAMICS. FACING PAGE: PIERRE FREY’S SUR LE NIL WALLPAPER DEFINES OSKAR’S ROOM. THE RH BED IN A COTTON CANVAS BY MOOD FABRICS IS ACCOMPANIED BY A MICHAEL HAINEY BIRD PAINTING, A 19TH-CENTURY ENGLISH PAINTED CHEST OF DRAWERS, A 1950s SWEDISH FLOOR LAMP AND A CARPET FROM STARK. Conversations about having children, conversations about planning a wedding—[this home] is where all the dreaming began for us.” —Jeremiah Brent NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 101

TRIANGLE ARTWORK BY RICKY SWALLOW: COURTESY OF DAVID KORDANSKY GALLERY. THE LIVING ROOM IS FURNISHED IN A CONGENIAL MIX OF VINTAGE PIECES. 102 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

here’s the old saying, So it was a bit of kismet when two Nevertheless, when it was over, retur- taken from the 1940 years after they had relocated back to the ning to a home they’d already loved was Thomas Wolfe novel of East Coast, they were the ones on the a different emotional experience from any the same title, that “you receiving end of a call that now seems like of their prior moves. “It was like a wave of can’t go home again”. destiny: Their buyers were ready to sell; relief,” says Brent. They’ve embraced the But diving into the would they perhaps still be interested? opportunity to create a new space that latest chapter of Nate Says Brent, “I was like, ‘Pack your bags.’ ” represents how they’ve evolved as a family. Berkus and Jeremiah Berkus says they’ve “found our own style Brent’s search for where What was it about this place that together. It’s a blend of his modernity and to put down roots, spoke to them so deeply? Obviously, its rule breaking, with my sort of traditional- one is inspired to learn aesthetic beauty is hard to miss. “It’s like ism and crazy auction-house encyclopedic that while returning a wedding cake,” says Berkus. “I mean, it furniture history that lives in my brain.” home may be incredibly looks like an old Parisian apartment, with difficult to pull off, all the plaster and the French doors.” One new treasure is a Carlo Bugatti it’s not impossible. And for the family, And with the sun-drenched kitchen’s chair Berkus gifted Brent for his birthday their reunion with their Fifth Avenue arced windows, the marble fireplaces, last year. In the kitchen, the walls’ subway apartment has been made sweeter by the and the incredible location, it’s an apart- tiles were removed, the black cabinetry is realization that this particular address, ment anyone would covet. now white, and the butcher block on the more than any of the others, is an essential countertops and the brass wrapping the and ongoing part of their love story. But there is a house and there is a home, island have been replaced with Calacatta For those who have been follow- and the qualities that make a residence Paonazzo marble. And while the public ing this couple through the years, their feel so profoundly like the latter run rooms are bathed in creamy neutrals that Greenwich Village home may look much deeper than a list of comely details. allow the architectural details and fur- familiar. This is because the “new home” Brent describes the house as being filled niture to star, the bedrooms feature bold is in fact their old home; they lived here with “echoes” of all the conversations that wallpapers that cocoon their inhabitants. from 2013 to 2016, and its first iteration birthed the intertwining of their lives: graced the cover of AD US in October “Conversations about having children, Beyond combining their voices as de- 2015. Since then they travelled to LA, conversations about planning a wedding. signers, they’ve seized the opportunity to where a sprawling Spanish Colonial villa It’s where all the dreaming began for us.” make other changes they hadn’t been able in Hancock Park received a Brent-Berkus to a decade ago, like the entry’s flooring, makeover. Then, after three years of West Berkus agrees. “It represented a build- a tan limestone that leaned a bit “fancy Coast living, they realized New York ing block for us, a very important one in granny”, for Berkus’s taste. This time, City was where their family (which in- all the ways of being seen and being heard Brent found beautiful reclaimed black- cludes son Oskar, now four, and big sister and being known.” As the first project and-white Spanish tiles. For Berkus, the Poppy, now seven) belonged, and they they designed together, this home “really home felt truly theirs when those new decamped to the West Village, renovat- was like a crash course in understanding tiles went in. For Brent, it was when ing an 1899 town house. Although the the vision of the person that you love”. Poppy’s and Oskar’s rooms were ready. two declared then that they would never again call a place their “forever home” in Still, there was an issue. Now that they When asked how the kids responded to a publication, one couldn’t be blamed for were a family of four, they would have to their new home, the couple beams. Brent thinking that…perhaps this was it? expand the space—but how? Brent was recounts that Oskar declared it “the best So how did they end up back here? undeterred: “Great love. You have to fight house in the world” and that Poppy said, When plotting their return to NYC, for it. And I was willing.” “I love the light in here.” A sophisticated the AD100 talents (on the US list) tried observation for a seven-year-old, sure, contacting the original Fifth Avenue And fight he did. When they couldn’t but it is a familiar line in her dads’ love for buyers to see if they might possibly be in- find an adjacent apartment to connect, this place. For Brent, who is the first one terested in selling. Unfortunately, no dice. Berkus was admittedly ready to give up, up in the family, it’s the first 20 minutes Berkus, who describes himself as someone but Brent figured if they couldn’t grow of the day in that glow that grounds him: who philosophically “doesn’t hold on to laterally, they could expand downward. “Every morning when I come upstairs real estate”, was at peace. “I could live in He slipped a note under the door of their into the kitchen, with the light coming a studio apartment, and as long as I was downstairs neighbour, who was willing through, I’m just so grateful.” For Berkus, surrounded by things that matter to me, to sell only if the couple find them an his favourite moment is waking up and I would feel like I was at home.” But for apartment in the building to buy—which pushing the button that raises the shades, Brent, this apartment “was always the one Brent promptly did, searching floor by hearing the sounds of little feet and giggles that got away”. And even though Berkus floor until all the pieces fell into place. as he watches the sunshine hit the peace- was content with where they landed, ul- ful forest-scape wallpaper that lines the timately, there was something undeniable The one last hurdle—for Berkus, bedroom. Like Brent, he feels thankful about the pull of their first home together. at least—was that the majority of the for what they have been able to build to- family’s furniture, some of which had gether: “I just take a beat every morning.… travelled with him for decades, ended up I just am filled with like, This is our family being part of the sale of the town house. and this is where we live.” He can’t help but confess that for him, the process of saying goodbye to pieces he’d owned for years was painful. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 103

THE A COLLABORATION BETWEEN AD100 FIRMS ARCHITECTURE BRIO HOUSE AND KUNAL MANIAR ASSOCIATES, THIS WEEKEND HOME IN ALIBAG ON EXEMPLIFIES HOW ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN CAN COME THE TOGETHER IN A MEETING OF MINDS, HEARTS, AND SWEET ECCENTRICITY. HILL

THE VERANDA OF TY BHOJWANI’S ALIBAG HOME, EDGED BY THE INFINITY POOL, OFFERS A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE BAY. COVERED WITH AN ALUMINIUM STANDING-SEAM ROOF, IT IS SUFFUSED WITH OUTDOORSY VIBES. BHOJWANI ENTRUSTED THE HOME’S CREATION TO AD100 ARCHITECTS SHEFALI BALWANI AND ROBERT VERRIJT OF ARCHITECTURE BRIO, AND ITS GARDEN TO AD100 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT KUNAL MANIAR OF KUNAL MANIAR & ASSOCIATES. WRITER RAJASHREE BALARAM PHOTOGRAPHER ASHISH SAHI INTERIOR STYLIST SAMIR WADEKAR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 105

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PHOTO: GAJENDRA D. MANDREKAR. THE HOUSE COMPLEX, DISTRIBUTED INTO TWO PAVILIONS ON THE SLOPE OF A HILL, HAS NO INVIOLABLE LINES THAT ALIENATE LANDSCAPE FROM STRUCTURE. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 107

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Every part of the house is designed to meet the landscape halfway. ABOVE: THE LUSH, SLOPING LAWNS CONTINUE FROM THE AREA ADJACENT TO THE POOL AND THE STEPS DESCENDING FROM THE MAIN BEDROOM, A COUNTERPOINT TO THE STARK SCULPTURAL LINES OF THE SILK COTTON TREE. LEFT: THE FREE-FALL WATER SLIDE— ENVELOPED BY FRAGRANT MILLINGTONIA, BAMBOO GRASSES, AND FLAT BLADES OF HELICONIA—IS DELIBERATELY OBSCURED TO HAVE A SECRETIVE PRESENCE. BELOW: BOULDERS EXCAVATED DURING CONSTRUCTION AND SPECIALLY MADE GRAVEL MINIMIZE WATER CONSUMPTION, AS OPPOSED TO LAWNS, AND ACCENTUATE THE FRANGIPANI TREE AND BOUGAINVILLEA ON THE LEFT. FACING PAGE: THE NATURAL ELEVATION OF THE LAND UNDER THE POOL, CLAD WITH LIMESTONE AND A PROFUSION OF IVY, DESCENDS INTO ONE OF THE FEW LAWN SPACES IN THE PROPERTY. ABUTTING THE IVY ARE SHRUBS OF MURRAYA EXOTICA FOR A FRAGRANT WHIFF BY THE POOLSIDE. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 109

CADILLAC CONVERTIBLE (1947, SERIES 62): COURTESY OF AMAL TANNA. ABOVE LEFT: THE AMPHITHEATRE-STYLE “I like the way Robert STEPS AT THE ENTRANCE ARE COMPOSED FROM RAMMED EARTH, CONCRETE BLOCKS, [Verrijt] and Shefali AND GRAVEL SPECIALLY MADE FROM THE WASTAGE OF THE LIMESTONE BLOCKS. [Balwani] have been ABOVE RIGHT: DHRANGADHRA LIMESTONE WALLS SET IN A COLONNADE DEFINE THE extremely sensitive towards GAMES ROOM THAT SURROUNDS THE POOL COURTYARD. RIGHT: THE STEEL-BARRED the natural contours of the WINDOW IN THE ARRIVAL FORECOURT, SET IN A RANDOM-RUBBLE BASALT WALL, OFFERS A land.” —Kunal Maniar VIEW OF THE LUSH TROPICAL LANDSCAPE AND A SLIVER OF THE MUMBAI SKYLINE. FACING PAGE: THE NATURAL SLOPE OF THE LAND HAS BEEN RETAINED TO FORM AN UNUSUAL COURTYARD OUTSIDE THE GUEST BATHROOM. 110 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

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RUGS: COURTESY OF JAIPUR RUGS. 112 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

FERNS AND ALOCASIA CULTIVATED IN THE TIMBER LOUVRED WALLS OF THE FOYER SPILL ONTO THE SIDES OF THE FAÇADE OF THE LIVING ROOM BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE. AD100 ARCHITECTS SHEFALI BALWANI, KUNAL MANIAR, AND ROBERT VERRIJT ON THE SPIRAL STEPS MADE FROM CAST CONCRETE WITH A STUNNING FACETED SOFFIT THAT DESCEND FROM THE FOYER. FACING PAGE: THE SUNKEN LIVING ROOM FEATURES A NEST SECTIONAL SOFA IN WHITE LINEN, SET AGAINST A FOUR-METRE-LONG RECLAIMED COFFEE TABLE, BOTH CONFIGURED BELOW 28 HANDMADE PENDANTS OF IRIDESCENT GLASS— ALL BY TIMOTHY OULTON. THE CORTEN-STEEL PLANTER—WHICH HOLDS A 15-FOOT-TALL BRASSIA TREE—WAS MADE BY KUNAL MANIAR & ASSOCIATES. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 113

114 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 FACING PAGE, BOTTOM: “BATTA PETITE” AND “BATTA MAGNA” SNACK BOWLS, COURTESY OF IKAI ASAI.

ABOVE: THE WALLS AND FURNISHINGS IN EVERY ROOM REPRESENT A MUTED COLOUR PALETTE, AS IF TO FURTHER EMPHASISE THE LUSH, GREEN VIEW OUTSIDE. LEFT: THE PEBBLED FLOORS OF THE GUEST BATHROOM MAKE FOR AN INTERESTING PLAY OF TEXTURES, IN SYNC WITH THE LIMESTONE WALLS OF THE SHOWER CUBICLE. BELOW: A LIGHTLY FRAGRANT KAMINI OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN WINDOW. FACING PAGE: THE CUSTOM- DESIGNED DINING TABLE FROM TIMOTHY OULTON WAS MADE USING 100-YEAR-OLD RECLAIMED TIMBER AND HAS A CALCITE CRYSTAL INSERT IN THE CENTRE. HANDMADE RATTAN CHAIRS AND ALABASTER LIGHTS HEIGHTEN THE TEXTURAL PLAY OF NATURAL MATERIALS. The view from every part of the house is overwhelmingly beautiful. We wanted to ensure that we do not overplay nature. We chose foliage that does not compete with the structure.” —Kunal Maniar NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 115

RIGHT: THE TUB IN THE MAIN BATH UNDERLINES THE SIMPLICITY THAT PERVADES THE REST OF THE HOUSE. BELOW LEFT: ROCKS EXCAVATED DURING CONSTRUCTION HAVE BEEN SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATED INTO THE ARCHITECTURE. BELOW RIGHT: THE EXPOSED BAR AREA IN THE CONNECTING CORRIDOR BETWEEN THE TWO PAVILIONS FACES AN OLD FRANGIPANI TREE, FOREGROUNDING THE INFINITY POOL. THE SLIDING DOORS ALONGSIDE OFFER A SENSE OF PRIVACY AS WELL AS OPENNESS. FACING PAGE: THE LAWN FACING THE MAIN BEDROOM IS BORDERED WITH WILD TROPICAL PLANTS THAT BLEND INTO THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE EXTENDING TOWARDS THE HORIZON. What I deeply admire about [Kunal Maniar] is how he responds with interesting landscaping ideas that can be seamlessly integrated into the architecture.” —Robert Verrijt 116 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

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hen we first visit Ty and Esha Bhojwani’s weekend home in Alibag, they are away on a trip. Later in the day, when the team catches up with Ty over a phone call, he admits to acutely missing his pet Labrador, and requests for a candid picture of his fur baby. The pampered canine, though, seems too distracted to face the camera; her attention is divided between the iridescent garden skink slithering on the branches of the towering brassia in the corner of the living room, the posse of showy butterflies that have fluttered in to hover over the swimming pool, and the conspicuous clique of ladybirds ambling around the fantastic glass façade of the house. It’s in moments like these that one cannot help but observe how mother nature asserts her largesse in a profusion of delightful moments throughout Bhojwani’s 4.5-acre undulating home- stead. Every part of the house is designed to meet the landscape halfway—a resolute metaphor, as if, to the spectacular collab- oration between Shefali Balwani and Robert Verrijt of Architecture Brio and landscape architect Kunal Maniar from Kunal Maniar & Associates. “Robert and Shefali are extremely confident architects,” says Maniar. “This is the first time that we collaborated on a project, and it feels good that all three of us always worked towards the project and not once towards each other’s ego.” Such frictionless rapport is not easy to come by—not when landscape design and architecture are so inextricably tied in a project that has taken nearly five years to complete. Bhojwani’s brief was simple enough: to execute a modern take on a traditional, all-white plantation home. The remote site of the house—atop a hill, facing the bay—not only served as a privileged vantage point but also announced its prominence from a distance. “An all- white house on a hill could also end up looking like an enormous mansion spoiling the scenery,” says Balwani. “So it was important to understand how it will be perceived from a distance.” To summon 118 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

a clear reference point, she and Verrijt Verrijt. Much like in a castle, a maze of not overplay nature. We chose foliage worked on several models and decided to pathways connects the spaces spread over that does not compete with the struc­ use the subtle white of the Dhrangadhra different levels. The panoramic view of the ture. That’s why the scale of leaves is tiny.” limestone for the overall cladding. “We bay and the hills in the distance is not Secondly, water scarcity being a major imagined a building that would be humble revealed when you enter the gates, or the problem in the area, Maniar opted for a lot yet not shy away from its own presence,” intimate foyer, or even spiral your way of gulmohar as their smaller leaves trans­ says Verrijt. down into the living room, but only fully late into lesser transpiration. “Mostly, we confronts you in an “aha” moment when have indigenous, xerophytic trees, such The land, characterized by slopes and you step into the sit­out near the edge of as the natural variety of frangipani—not inclines (the entrance to the house sits the infinity pool. the hybrid ones—besides a lot of fruit­ more than three metres lower than the bearing trees in the lower reaches, and road outside the gate) presented the first “We even had a dialogue with Kunal fragrant kamini.” of many challenges. As Bhojwani wanted about creating a lot of dense planting flat terrace spaces for parties and play before we went into the parking space. The greatest challenge for Balwani, areas, the team started by creating a What I deeply admire about him is how Verrijt, and Maniar arrived in the form of retaining wall to encompass the raised he responds with interesting landscaping the massive boulders that were excavated terraces and depressions. “I like the way ideas that can be seamlessly integrated into at the site. “We instinctively knew that Robert and Shefali have been extremely the architecture—as if it always belonged these had to be an integral part of the sensitive towards the natural contours of there. This is not easy because the material architecture, as such sculptural boulders the land,” says Maniar. “Typically, the he works with is organic matter that has a are not easily found in all sites in Alibag,” easier way to address such unevenness is mind of its own. It takes amazing expertise says Verrijt. “In particular, what we to level it up with soil. But depleting soil to orchestrate its presence and growth.” hoped for came true. We, for example, by digging one part of the earth to fill up The shroud of foliage that envelops the found this obelisk­shaped rock that is another is a rather thoughtless way to water slide, which lands in the children’s now placed next to the pool like a treat mother nature.” Fortunately, having pool, is one such mindful landscaping bench.” As these were not accounted for worked on similar topographies earlier, intervention that prevents the slide from in the original design, Bhojwani was ini­ Verrijt and Balwani were adept at being seen as a jarring addition against the tially unsure of retaining them. Much tweaking odd contours into interesting façade of the house. persuasion later, today he considers them architectural interventions. For example, among the most interesting features of the slopes facing the guest bathroom and Similarly, the amphitheatre steps co­ his property. kitchen have been designed to resemble designed by Maniar and Brio, which lead inclined courtyards that flow into these the preliminary introduction to the house, Bhojwani, who is passionate about spaces. Upping the enchantment a notch before you reach the foyer, blends intel­ details, worked in close collaboration with higher, Maniar turned the elevation ligent sustainable design with a playful Timothy Oulton for the home’s interiors. outside the kitchen into an aromatic vibe. “We made those steps without using Built on the principles of the brand’s garden filled with brahmi (waterhyssop), any cement,” says Maniar. “Instead, we Noble Souls collection, which champ­ curry leaves, aloe vera, basil, turmeric, opted for rammed earth. Concrete blocks ions natural vegetable­dyed fabrics and and ajwain (carom). were placed on compact soil, and then the reclaimed timber, the house celebrates whole arrangement was interspersed with simple, raw, and authentic materials Team Brio started by building two gravel to ensure that when it rains water rooted in natural beauty. pavilions that would be placed delicately percolates efficiently.” The plants that edge at two strategic points: a plateau to hold these steps are strategically planted to For Bhojwani, sunrise is his magic hour. the main bedroom, game room, and guest soften the bold lines of the hardscape, and The coolness of dawn, the warmth of the bedrooms, and a lower level for the court­ the gravel was made by crushing the first rays of the sun, and the rustling of the yard, the infinity pool, and the sunken remains of the cladding. tall pampas grass edging the property as living room. The latter, with its ethereal, the sea breeze whispers through it—all airy feel of a chapel, has high ceilings “When you have a strong line of bold distil into a moment of unblemished tran­ trussed with steel cables, louvred shutters, architecture, you need to think harder quillity. It’s the same breeze that brushes and slender metal columns. The drama is about how you are going to approach the against the snakeskin shed by a nocturnal further heightened by the way the house landscape around it,” says Maniar. “The visitor under one of the shrubs on the reveals itself to a visitor. “There was eno­ view from every part of the house is over­ property. For Bhojwani, it’s a moment ugh scope to build a sense of anticipation whelmingly beautiful. So, my team defined by the joys of co­existence when it and not disclose everything at once,” says [Pandurang Patil, Pranjali Dharaskar, and is easier to believe that all is well with Tejas Kathe] had to ensure that we do the world. 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style book DESIGN NEWS, TRENDS AND MUST HAVES FROM THE MARKET CONVERSATION PIECE One of the most cherished pieces of furniture at Valaya Home, the Asisa loveseat (pictured) was sculpted out of a piece of antique carved wood, discovered by J.J. Valaya during one of his visits to south India. Meaning “blessings” in Punjabi, Asisa features an intricate carving of Guru Nanak, which becomes the focal point of the conversation piece. Warm and inviting, the Asisa loveseat encapsulates the old-world charm and romantic glamour that are synonymous with the world of Valaya Home. (valaya.com) HOMECOMING In this sprawling 4,500-square-foot apartment in Hyderabad, designer Keerthi Tummala— founder and creative director of Sage Living— crafts a meeting of two worlds. A considered blend of the past and future, and tradition and modernity is felt across the space, in its juxtaposition of vintage urns with handcrafted wallpapers, brass-accented furniture, and prized family heirlooms, like an old veena that takes pride of place in the family room and pulls the space together. (sageliving.in) 120 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

C OLOUR PL AY Marble never goes out of style. An evergreen, versatile stone that can be used for both flooring and surface solutions, marble effortlessly adds a dash of luxury to any space. R K Marble—a pioneer in the natural stone landscape—offers a selection of marble in a diverse palette of colours: from cool and warm white to a range of greys. For the experimental, there is also a collection of vibrant, exotic granites and backlit quartzite slabs (pictured) to add a pop of colour to any space. (rkmarble.com) EASY LUXURY Founded in 1999 by Farhan Furniturewalla, this furniture, lighting, and home decor brand—simply named Furniturewalla— carries on its founder’s family legacy in product design. It’s hand-picked range of products is infused with a richness felt in the details—from the wood, metal, and glass work, to the handcrafted upholstery and finishes. (furniturewalla.com) RIVER SONG Drawing on both the gentle fluidity of calm rivers and gushing beauty of cascading waterfalls, Zoya—the diamond boutique from the House of Tata—recently launched a new collection of jewels titled “Beyond—A Boundless Journey”. Dotted with a bouquet of emeralds, morganites, tourmalines, and pear- shaped and round diamonds set in rose gold, the gem-crusted beauties reflect a myriad shades—soft hues of champagne, rich greens, sparkling whites, and blush pinks. (zoya.in) NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 121

EAGLE-EYED Chopard recently added two new 41-mm models to its celebrated Alpine Eagle range of watches, both with dials in an original “Pine Green” colour (pictured). Available in either “Lucent Steel A223” or 18-carat rose gold, the watch upholds Chopard’s commitment to the preservation of the Alpine environment and its biodiversity. Part of the proceeds from sales of these models will be donated to the Alpine Eagle Foundation, who have already enabled the reintroduction of the white-tailed eagle in the Lake Geneva region. (chopard.com) TIME FOR A DIP Seamlessly crafted from high-quality PMMA, minerals, and resin, Artize’s new range of free-standing bathtubs flaunts the brand’s superior “solid surface” material technology, which gives them a luxurious smooth texture and ups their heat-retention ability. Case in point: the asymmetric Tiaara bathtub (pictured) that makes every dip a comfortable experience with its high back support and natural, stone- like texture. (artize.com) 122 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

WOODWORK Now more than ever, the practice of sustainability is at the crux of the design process. It’s also an idea that lies at the heart of Canadian Wood, a company specializing in furniture made of wood that is seasoned, graded, and certified, and sourced ethically from sustainably managed forests in British Columbia, Canada. Working with western hemlock, yellow cedar, and western red cedar, Canadian Wood handcrafts furniture that’s not just produced mindfully, but is also built for the ages. (canadianwood.in) ESSENTIAL LUXURIES TABLE TALK Square Foot—one of India’s most trusted flooring The Boulevard dining table was recently crafted companies, founded in 1995—recently unveiled their by Archirivolto Design for Cattelan Italia. Here, latest experience centre in Kavuri Hills, Hyderabad, the beauty hides in the details: The legs have which gives customers a close look at their exhaustive a vertical cavity that is enhanced by a range of range of wooden flooring solutions. Here, you’re varnished finishes. The top is customizable too, sure to be spoilt for choice—choose from laminated, available in glass, spatulated clay, or ceramic engineered, or solid-wood flooring. Square Foot’s (pictured). There’s something for everyone at wide range of offerings—which lend themselves Cattelan Italia. (cattelanitalia.com) equally to indoor and outdoor settings—ensure that in your home, the floors do the talking. (squarefoot.co.in) NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 123

ZEN GARDEN THINGS OF BEAUTY Zencha, a new collection of bathroom Every object designed at Queo embodies fittings (pictured) designed by Sebastian the idea of thoughtful, handcrafted luxury. Herkner for Duravit, flaunts a range of Led by ergonomics and an unmatched above-the-counter basins, bathtubs, sense of minimalism, Queo creates and minimalist furniture, redolent of the fittings and objects that turn baths, quiet beauty of traditional Japanese lounges, and washrooms into the talk of rituals and craftsmanship. Its rounded the town. It’s all about the little details— contours and tactile materiality are tempered water pressure for the perfect gentle to the touch and make for objects massage, colours to fit your mood, and that are at once functional, easy to use, intuitive technologies crafted to create a and beautiful to behold. (duravit.in) world of comfort, elegance, and ultimate relaxation. (queobathrooms.com) 124 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

stockists 1ST DIBS: (1STDIBS.COM) HÄFELE: MUMBAI 1800-266-6667 PIERRE AUGUSTIN ROSE: AMARA: (AMARA.COM) (HAFELEINDIA.COM) PARIS 0033-1-40264954 ASA SELECTION: HERMÈS: MUMBAI 022-22717400; (PIERREAUGUSTINROSE.COM) (ASA-SELECTION.COM); AT FCML: NEW DELHI 011-14647111; LONDON (FCMLINDIA.COM) 0044-20-74998856 (HERMES.COM) PLUSCH: BALINEUM: (BALINEUM.CO.UK) IKAI ASAI: MUMBAI 08693862041 MUMBAI 022-24467750; BAREEKI: (BAREEKI.COM) (IKAIASAI.COM) NEW DELHI 011-41553333; BOHINC STUDIO: ISKOS: DENMARK 0045-28796672 BENGALURU 08025504444; LONDON 0044-020-72842611 (ISKOS.DK) HYDERABAD 040-23550346 (BOHINCSTUDIO.COM) (PLUSCHLIVING.COM) JONATHAN ADLER: SELETTI: (SELETTI.IT) BOTTOS DESIGN ITALIA: NEW YORK 001-800-9630891 SIEMENS: ( B OT TO S D E S I G N I TA L I A .C O M ) ( J O N AT H A N A D L E R . C O M ) MUMBAI 1800-209-1850 KIKI GOTI: (KIKIGOTI.COM) ( S I E M E N S - H O M E . B S H - G R O U P. I N ) CABANA: KOHLER: (KOHLER.CO.IN) SIR/MADAM: (SIRMADAM.COM) (CABANAMAGAZINE.COM) LAKKADHAARA: 09079116040 SMEG: ITALY 0039-05228211 CARAWAY: (CARAWAYHOME.COM) (LAKKADHAARA.COM) (SMEG.COM) CASA BUGATTI: 0039-030-89280 LE CREUSET: (LE-CREUSET.IN) ( C A S A B U G AT T I .C O M ) LIEBHERR: MUMBAI 07038100400 SOMANY CERAMICS: CECCOTTI: ITALY 0039-050-8067550 (HOME.LIEBHERR.COM) NOIDA 0120-4627900 (CECCOTTICOLLEZIONI.IT) LOUIS VUITTON: INDIA 1800-103-9988 (SOMANYCERAMICS.COM) (LOUISVUITTON.COM) DECORFUR: STROMBOLI DESIGN: 09650098689 (DECOR-FUR.COM) MARIMEKKO: (STROMBOLI-DESIGN.COM) ( F I N N I S H D E S I G N S H O P. C O M ) EK DESIGN: SUITE NO. 8: 09545425593 (EKDESIGN.IN) MARIO LUCA GIUSTI: NEW DELHI 09871218341 EMILE HENRY: (EMILEHENRY.COM) ITALY 0039-055-7322641 ( S U I T E N U M B E R E I G H T.C O M ) KASSL EDITIONS: (MARIOLUCAGIUSTI.IT) THE DECOR CIRCLE: 09810024343 (KASSLEDITIONS.COM) (THEDECORCIRCLE.COM) FORNASETTI: (FORNASETTI.COM) MATERIAL KITCHEN: GADO LIVING: (GADOLIVING.COM) ( M AT E R I A L K I TC H E N .C O M ) THE INVISIBLE COLLECTION: GENTNER DESIGN: NILAYA: (ASIANPAINTS.COM) (THEINVISIBLECOLLECTION.COM) (GENTNERDESIGN.COM) THE PLATED PROJECT: 09653171608 GORENJE: (GORENJE.COM) OFFICINE GULLO: ( T H E P L AT E D P R O J E C T.C O M ) GRANDEUR: ITALY 0039-055-6560324 (GRANDEURINTERIORS.COM) (OFFICINEGULLO.COM) THIERRY LEMAIRE: OUR PLACE: (FROMOURPLACE.COM) ( T H I E R R Y- L E M A I R E . F R ) GREAT JONES: TIIPOI: (TIIPOI.COM) ( G R E ATJ O N E S G O O D S .C O M ) PACIFIC COMPAGNIE: VISTA ALEGRE: GROHE: GURUGRAM 0124-4933000 PARIS 0033-1-44098555 NEW DELHI 011-41014755 (GROHE.CO.IN) ( PAC I F I C - C O M PAG N I E .C O M ) ( V I S TA A L E G R E .C O M ) GUCCI: (GUCCI.COM) PACO CAMÚS: SPAIN 0034-606173388 HÄCKER KITCHENS: ( PAC O C A M U S .C O M ) WILLIAMS SONOMA: NEW DELHI 011-46102000 PHAIDON: (PHAIDON.COM) (WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM) (HAECKER-INDIA.COM) PHILIPPE STARCK: PARIS 0033-1- 48075442 (STARCK.COM) XAKA CUTLERY: NEW DELHI 09818869296 ( X A K AC U T L E R Y.C O M ) THE MERCHANDISE FEATURED IN THE MAGAZINE HAS BEEN SOURCED FROM THE STORES LISTED IN THIS SECTION. SOME SHOPS MAY CARRY A SELECTION ONLY. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY WERE CHECKED AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS, BUT WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT PRICES WILL NOT CHANGE OR THAT SPECIFIC ITEMS WILL BE IN STOCK WHEN THE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST 125

The Curator AMIN JAFFER In the last issue of this year, the curator reminds us of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad and its iconic jali—its history, its exquisite craftsmanship, and how it has inspired many iterations through time and place. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES. This pierced stone screen—or jali—is their type, reflecting a naturalism and example of the success of Siddi merc- one of ten that decorate the freedom of line in the carving of stone that enaries may be seen in the case of Piram semicircular windows of the mosque of is rarely surpassed. Khan, an admiral in the service of the Sidi Saiyyed in Ahmedabad, constructed in ruler of Ahmednagar who captured 1572-73 (AH 980-81) during the final years It is not known to what extent the Janjira, eventually establishing Siddi rule of the Sultanate of Gujarat. It represents a superlative design of the mosque was over the state. centrally positioned tree—a theme familiar determined by its patron, Sidi Saiyyed, across civilizations and faiths whether a mercenary of African descent who Eventually falling into disrepair, the representing creation, life, or knowledge, served in the army of the Sultan of British period saw the mosque of Sidi or whether associated with paradise and Gujarat Mahmud III before joining that Saiyyed used as an office, the interior the promised blessings of the afterlife. of General Bilal Jhajhar Khan. His whitewashed. It was during a tour of Pierced screens executed in marble, stone, excellence in warfare eventually won Ahmedabad that Lord Curzon, viceroy or wood are traditional elements of the him noble status, a jagir—or grant of of India from 1899 to 1905 and a promoter architecture of South Asia, where they land—and a sizeable fortune. Sidi Saiyyed of the Archaeological Survey of India, were used to divide space, ensuring privacy assembled a significant library, travelled ordered its restoration. The quality of the and blocking direct light while admitting to Mecca to perform hajj, and embarked composition of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque the free flow of air. With patterns that are on philanthropic projects, among them jalis also caught the attention of American geometric, drawn from nature or some- funding a public kitchen and erecting a designer Lockwood de Forest, who times even calligraphic, they are seen mosque in his name. His status and ach- reproduced them in his woodwork throughout the subcontinent, in various ievements represent the extent to which creations manufactured for the American degrees of sophistication. The jalis in the descendants of Africans with outstanding market, among them screens, sideboards, Sidi Saiyyed Mosque—and this one in talents were integrated into the culture of and sofa backs. Today the motif is used particular—are outstanding examples of Muslim states in India, sometimes rising as the logo for the Indian Institute of to positions of high authority. A further Management, Ahmedabad. 126 AD ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES IN THE WORLD PHOTO: JIGNESH JHAVERI/AD INDIA

PHOTO: BIKRAMJIT BOSE/AD INDIA THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES IN THE WORLD