The Junction - Enhancing the Definition of Green Architecture & Living

Today, eating out is often an opportunity to immerse yourself in not only good food and conversation, but in a vibe that makes the humdrum everyday world feel far, far away. It's no wonder that restaurants have become outlets for some of the most creative interiors in the world. Designers have incorporated technology, art, and nature among other themes to create a world for diners to escape to. 

Creating an amazing interior design is anything but simple. There are thousands of factors to juggle – What will your restaurant, bar or cafe’s style be like? How can you make the interior as beautiful and decorative as possible without disrupting the staff’s workflow? Will safety regulations even allow your grandiose designs to take form?

When you think about just how much goes into the design of the perfect restaurant interior, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for these wondrously designed interior spaces.

The Junction, as the name suggests, is an ornate space with heightened dining expectations where people converge for an appetizing menu, gourmet quality food and friendly service. And if ambiance is what you are looking for, The Junction will not disappoint as it does not follow the stereotypical idea of a garage themed restaurant: there are no flying wheels, huge motors or car parts to be seen. In fact, the set up is kept elegant and minimalist.

The client was already running a successful classy relaxed lounge and was keen to set up a restaurant with a garage theme, a total contrasting decor. The new site was located on the fifth floor of a building, with no connection to the outdoors, and had to share the entrance with a few other restaurants.

Recreating a garage theme on the fifth floor of a building isn’t an easy task. But the theme does catch your attention. It manifests in almost everything. From the jeep that becomes a photo-op station to the quirky tables and chairs; from the auto-rickshaw seating to the cycle seating spaces; the waiters in mechanic suits to the grey IPS flooring and exposed ceiling, all the efforts to live up to the theme are evident, giving the restaurant a look of "rustic luxury."

Interesting to note is that the restaurant is not demarcated from the passage by any glass or partition, the positioning of the layout itself lends it a distinct character and offers a visual identity from the passage and the surrounding restaurants. The first attraction is the “Willys” jeep (weighing 1.1 tons & built in USA for use in World War II) located to catch your eye against a backdrop of exhaust pipes and brake discs over oil barrels. As to how the jeep was driven to the top floor - that’s a top secret!

At the far end, a red wall reminiscent of the European pavement cafes with rustic wooden furniture and a parked motorbike- German 'TRIUMP' later named as TWN (1956 model) create a colorful distinctive character for the restaurant exterior. The entrance is not distinguished by any element, but lack of it. Two large family sit-outs created using automobile components straddle the entry to the restaurant. Wheel rims for used for seats, front grills for backrest, while tables are fabricated from brake discs, truck wheel rim and suspension leaf springs.

Once inside, this literally takes you to the junction, a convergence of roads in epoxy marked with zebra crossings with a central directional pole created using crank shafts. In fact it required 6 engines to be put apart for creating this pole. Auto-rickshaws are the lifeline of Indian transportation system. But who would have thought of incorporating them in a restaurant? This place has done it and how! Two old discarded auto-rickshaws have been transformed to embrace the aesthetic while creating the most-sought-after seating spaces. Keeping with the theme, the column behind is dressed with exhaust pipes (dating back to 1950s) recreating a tree-form that moves along the ceiling forming branches.

On one end is a cycle seating, meant exclusively for those fitness freaks. Locking the cycles in place as if they are parked, adding bigger and comfortable seats, aligning the pedals in one direction for use as foot-rests- these subtle alterations transform ordinary cycles into comfortable dining. An old chain on sprocket suspended from the ceiling upto the table lends authentic flavor. Check out the lampshades over the table- they’re actually repurposed air filters!

And what’s that! An installation of a stretched 'Vijaya Super’ scooter (1976 model) by a long membrane of curved metal that connects the two ends is a treat for the eyes. Light plays a significant part in creating the tranquil mood. These unique sculptures are illuminated throughout the space by small cleverly concealed fixtures. Graffiti on the wall beyond and exposed ceiling with a conglomerate of pipes interspersed with lights created out of oil filters accentuate the garage theme. So does a car that juts out from the wall in the far corner. All these are an added attraction to the area- references to the old, while catering to the new.

How cool would it be if these vehicles could talk?! Fantastic recycled furniture products like these could tell a tale or two of romance, hard work, laughter and maybe even the odd drop of illegal antics given half the chance. But they do all have one thing in common: they carry a huge emotional value for the clients who have been car dealers since 3 generations. And this love and stubbornness sometime give birth to real pieces of art.

The ‘garage’ theme looks so authentic; you can almost catch the whiff of motor-oil in the air. Apart from its cool ambiance, the kids can have the time of their day by playing with these motors. People just like the feeling they get in this atmosphere, the decor alone make a visit worthwhile before you even look at the menu. Interior design in this realm is no longer about meeting financial or customer demands, but is rather about creating a one-of-a-kind experience. With distinct blueprints, the food industry has arguably expanded the public’s perception of dining. Consumer demands are shifting and indeed, the act of eating out has taken on a whole new meaning. If restaurant design is any indication of satisfaction however, The Junction will not disappoint.

By reusing car parts and upcycling into usable furniture, we managed to push the boundaries of sustainability and environmental awareness even further whilst spreading the word in a very graphic and unique manner. Green living includes after all every action that minimizes pollution, saves resources or improves personal health. As a result, even the smallest piece in a car or absolutely any other item for that matter, are worth recycling, bringing along a positive impact, creating a greener environment. The Junction is our little way of enhancing the definition of Green Architecture & Living.

COLOURS IN DESIGN

Interior designing is a sum total of all the arts covering varied aspects of how a space can be defined. It covers distinctive aspects including materials, textures, shapes, dimensions, colours and other features that define a space. It is rightfully an amalgamation of all these elements and these form the strands with which the fabric of interiors is woven.

In the following article, we shall focus on the wonderful world of COLOURS. Without colour, this world would look drab. Haven't you ever felt lonely and sad on a colourless, grey, rainy day? As a matter of fact, colour can do wonders; it essentially remains the most trusted tool to work with.

Besides being an important aspect of designed space, colour is also a powerful design medium. A good colour scheme contributes largely to the success of an outstanding design. Unpleasant colours, besides other factors, are usually the reason why an interior scheme is unappealing. Colours are also used in many ways to add excitement and pleasure to our lives.

Colours speak an emotional language to us. Some colours evoke feelings of warmth; others arouse feelings of coolness and thus could be distinguished “mood-setters”. A colour is only a sensation, not an object. And to sense its effects, proper juxtaposition is necessary. They affect our psychology. Having said that, it is important to realize which colours reflect what qualities.

RED is the most visible colour. It tends to excite, activate and enthuse.

BLUE on the other hand is a quiet colour, the colour of refined nature and culture. It cools, soothes, relaxes, contracts.

YELLOW cheers and enlivens. It helps to bring out the creative best in you. It lends its warmth to spaces.

GREEN is the most common colour in nature after blue. It often helps in relaxing the mind, soothing, making a person calm and inducing mood of meditation.

WHITE denotes eternal peace. It symbolizes infinity.

BLACK is for fear, depression, melancholy, secrecy.

Colours lend a third dimension to space. Lighter colours appear to recede giving the feeling of spaciousness while darker colours appear to advance. This property can be used effectively while designing spaces. In a smaller space, lighter shades of colour enhance the apparent size of the room.

We must also remember that no colour or thing can be seen without light, and the quality of light definitely affects colour. Sunlight is accepted as ideal balanced light to see colours in, but artificial light sources themselves tainted and unbalanced in their composition, add their own tinge to the colours of the objects illuminated by them.

While choosing colours, a detailed study of the aspects of space need to be visualized and proper combinations achieved. A few tips would help in identifying right colour schemes.

·        Large rooms require rich, bold and dark colours with strong patterns. Small rooms can be made to look bigger by using receding, cool and light shades.

·        One colour should always dominate a colour scheme. Two strong colours need to be avoided being placed together.

·        Lighting effects need to be considered in the desired space. The spaces need to look beautiful in daylight as well as in artificial light.

·        The furniture and other elements also lend their colour to the overall scheme. Hence while choosing colours these elements need to be well considered. Like, lighter colours in the background will highlight the elements before it.

·        In cold rooms that receive little sunshine, use of warm and advancing colours make the rooms cosy. Rooms usually washed with sunshine require the use of cool light colours.

·        Strong colour contrast will emphasize a colour scheme and make the space more exciting.

·        Generate a soothing, relaxing ambience through a monochromatic colour scheme or by blending light colours. Contrasting, bright colours can be used to stimulate spaces.

·        You can modify the spatial characteristics of a room. High ceilings if painted in a darker tone can make the ceiling appear lower. To make the ceiling appear higher, continue the tone of the walls onto the ceiling.

·        Beams can be visually mitigated if painted the same colours as the walls. In contrast, in order to highlight certain beams or girders, contrasting bright colours could be used.

Colour is, in all likelihood, the most evocative and the least expensive design medium at a professional's disposal. A successful interior scheme relies not just on colour but also on the overall planning, with all the elements seen in relationship to one another. However, this one aspect of interior design influences the creation of atmosphere, modulates spaces, adds emotions and contributes to the comfort of a space if used logically and sensitively. Therefore do not be afraid to experiment with colour and the Architect will guide you on how to effect positive changes with colours.

- Architect Siddha Sardessai

Architect's Own Office

Architect's Own Office

When an architect designs his own office, it has to be based on a distinct concept- a concept that not just stamps his authority on design, but also manages to evoke a new idea, a new thought process that becomes a showcase of the potential that he holds. The concept here was simple and clear- not to have a plush office that characterizes any business office but to evolve one that looks distinctively as Architect’s office.

A construction site office look was conceptualized. A working office, minimalistic, simple and large hearted to allow creative juices to pour in at work. Remodeling an old ground floor apartment to accommodate a separate entry rather than through the staircase was one important factor. Here, the toilets paved way for an entrance verandah.

Since we felt that a formal reception is not necessary due to our prior-appointment system, we freed up this formal space into casual seating space for the guests. A vertical garden wall as a backdrop to three red swivel chairs springs up a surprise element as you enter the office. Alongside this, is the concrete finish wall that gives it the local architectural language. One side of the office is the working area with staff tables. At the far end, a discussion table using drawing board as the table top vies for attention. This cosy corner in the office with its printed fabric chairs is a value add. The backdrop of this is a wall unit that carries project files and product catalogues. And to enthuse character, a few of the age old elements like radio, clock, telephone unit stand along the shelves creating an interesting play of fusion.

The conference room cum personal working space of the Architect is inimitable in all ways. The four walls have been lined with custom-made concrete-finish wallpaper giving it that site look. The table itself is uniquely shaped and can be double up as a conference table or a personal work space. This table is also finished with concrete-looking laminate. At the back a bookshelf accords the space a library look. The one side of the unit can slide and carries a TV screen that’s connected to the laptop via HDMI for presentation during conference. A designer wooden hanging pot lends finesse to the space.

This office sure portrays an Architect’s office flawlessly and showcases the creative talent of the designer in evolving space.

Architect Siddha D Sardessai

Panaji Goa

Terminal Lounge

Terminal Lounge

A new concept of lounge has taken shape. An ambience rich in character, a unique “own your bottle” concept and a perfect playing host. What else do you want!

Terminal Lounge is designed to make our guests comfortable to the core. Seating arrangements that can be adjusted to the size of the group, comfortable and high class seating arrangements, and simple sophisticated décor- all lend to a unique space that redefines lounging appeal.

OYB- “Own Your Bottle” scheme is the USP of the lounge. Guests buy bottle at market rate and the lounge holds the bottle with a special lock in a “Connoisseur’s Vault” for 120 days and is available to the patron as and when he visits.

Antiques line up beautifully all across the lounge- be it in the form of an old-ship wheel, a fireplace from yesteryears, cast iron bar stools, map of “Hindustan”, or the wrought iron lightning arresters. All these are not just displayed in the lounge but effectively integrated within the design. The bar counter has pockets to display Client’s collection of innumerable bottle corks, match boxes, spoons, buttons and so on.

Architect Siddha D Sardessai

Panaji Goa

Adaptive re-use in Interiors

Adaptive re-use in Interiors

The project that I am writing- the renovation of the house of Mr. Suraj Caculo at Miramar has won us the commendation award in the Residential Interiors category at the 13^th annual IIID-MK awards from among the South Region entries. Here, we’ll have a look at the design process and adaptive re-use in interiors.

With the elder brother moving out into his newly built villa, this house with built up area of 800 sq mts had grown along with the family. Rooms had been added and sometimes carved out of other spaces. But now with the inmates re-sized, the house had to shed its weight to provide cozy dwelling to the younger brother and his family.

With just a few alterations in the basic structure and a handful budget, we began remodeling the house. Just as in most of our projects, we were daunted with the task of re-using the old furniture. More often than not, we discard the old furniture to allow us “creative freedom”. But here we were not allowed to do just that.

So we shifted most of the furniture to furnish his second apartment, the place where our clients had to put up during the course of the work. We also shifted the furniture in the old master bedroom into the newly created kid’s room after re-polishing and a little re-doing. Not only the bed, but also the entire wardrobe and the study table were shifted or rather gifted to the kid’s.

The long verandah was used as a dumpyard and was eating into garden space. This verandah was among the first to be knocked down. With this demolition, and the subsequent opening of the enclosed terrace on the first floor, that once housed the master bedroom, the house opened its doors to the outdoors. It began to breathe. The treatment of the exteriors walls with random exposed laterite work gave a perfect backdrop to the garden and coupled with the pergola above lend a unique character to the greens.

The façade had crown shaped chajjas over the windows, and the windows themselves were neither in any rhythm nor in geometry. We decided to do away with the crowns leaving only the projecting piece, introduced a MS fabricated continuous chajja on the flattened portion, finished this with hilux board with textured paint finish and capped with mangalore tiles on the top. This not only gave a linear look to the structure, but also cut off the visual linkage between the windows on the ground and first floor.

At the entrance to the house we placed 2 antique earthenware pots to create an interest as you enter. And at the far end, the round shaped mirror held by embossed leaf patterns creates a focal axis coming into the house. Next to this mirror is a statue of Buddha standing against the background of wallpaper with pipal leaves. The Buddha finished in gold paint and bead work compliments perfectly to the background setting.

The living room holds an invaluable Laxman Pai painting on the far end. The unit around the painting is left untouched except that a bar counter that was tugged on one side of the unit has been dismantled. The living room with black leather sofa sets blends well into the scheme of other existing elements like the custom made wrought iron chandelier and the Italian marble flooring.

Earlier, the living room had bay windows which were used as seating spaces. Neither were they comfortable because of its depth nor could one place a decent sofa set in front of it. We thought of using this to our benefit rather than disbanding it completely. What evolved was amazing. We cut into the masonry and created seating over it. The balance masonry provided a rigid base to our sofa. This custom made on-site sofa was fitted into a shape that blended well with the shape of the bay window.

These bay windows not only were inconvenient from inside, but also lent a cluttered look to the front facade of the house with AC window units jutting out from the fortress like grills. We proposed an inclined reflective glass face to create a simple and clutter-free, yet contemporary look to the façade.

The dining room is very contemporary in design and couples up as an informal living room. An elegantly designed 10-seater dining table, a sly couch set, crockery unit & console units adorn the dining space. Lighting here is achieved by hanging up-lighters that lend an elevated feel to the décor. The dining set itself is a piece art done with Mother of Pearl inlays. The light fixtures, center table and crockery unit all compliment the table design.

The master bedroom is a fairly large area on the first floor. This room is exclusively designed with a small lounge space besides the bed. The wooden blade fans fixed onto a wooden beam projecting from the false ceiling lends subtle character to the space. The bed itself has a curvaceous shape that easily blends with the portal behind. This portal has niches for artifacts and bedside lamps and bed side tables neatly merge into the scheme of things.

In front of the bed, is a sleek TV unit and is designed to carry the same laminated burl veneer into the design. The pergola terrace is a perfect place for morning breakfast and evening sit out. The garden below along with its lawn and coconut trees allows the landscape to filter into this semi outdoor space. And it pains to imagine that this was enclosed once upon a time.

The master toilet has been modeled on spa theme and done in browns and copper colours. The niches created allow placement of artifacts and thereby break the monotony of the tiled walls. Bare wall above the tiled surface has been painted to compliment the fine self print of the tiles.

Being in the business of car dealerships, the clients had a wealth of spare parts of cars stored as junk for over 50 years, and they wished to craft furniture with it for this room. And all these had to be placed on the existing Italian marble floor. Suraj sent me images of the junk but they were all greek to us. We went to the store and handpicked the ones that we felt could be modeled into furniture.

As the junk began to take shape adorning metallic colours, they began to compliment very well with the Italian marble and ceased to look out of place, and eventually this turned out to the best room in the whole of the house with a complete different theme and a different setting. This room is the most frequented part - What with it housing the bar, the music and karaoke, and the pool table. Now called by friends as auto pub, this in-house pub has made many a private pubs loose their business.

The only portion of the floor without the Italian marble was the area which previously housed the dresser. This ceramic tiled floor was covered with aluminium chequered plate and a pool table placed on top of it. The floor demarcated the game zone from the entertainment zone. An aquarium and an antique 1950s model Triumph-TWN motorcycle provided the desired enclosure.

The room was too large to be cozy, and we had to darken the space by painting walls and ceiling in dark shades and using just adequate light to tone down the enormity of this large space. The silver strokes added the much required dash of adrenaline and created a very vibrant and dashing space.

A loader arm for front bucket of JCB 3D was used to prepare the bar counter. 2 of such loader arms were placed sideways adjoining a free standing column in the room. The bottom arm was covered with wheel rims cut to shape and to provide for foot rest. With a glass top, the resultant effect was that of a cantilevered bar counter. Now these loader arms were not lifting buckets, but uplifting the spirits of whoever close to it.

We had a lot of exhaust pipes of different shapes and sizes. We bundled them together and created a screen on the wall. This screen was placed behind the bar counter as the backdrop interspersed with glass shelves to hold liquor bottles. We hit upon a metallic colour scheme to blend with the Italian marble floor. Shelves were fixed to the wall with the help of brackets and pistons. The free-standing column was also covered with exhaust pipes recreating a tree-form that moved along the ceiling forming branches and hovering upon the whole room.

Axle housing and spoke wheel rims were used to fabricate bar stools. A spoke wheel rim was used as a base on which an axle housing was fitted to attain height. The seat was derived from two wheel rims, cut after welding to achieve the shape of backrest. The seat was fixed with a bearing for rotational movement.

Additional seating was created out of wheel rims of varying sizes fitted one above the other and topped with plywood carrying the round cushion seats. This seating was placed in the corner adjoining the aquarium and it provided for a diwan type seating interspersed with cushions of different sizes and colours.

Chairs were crafted with 3 wheel rims welded one atop the other and fixed with suspension lower arm to act as backrest. A coil spring insert cup was used for housing the cushion. A fly wheel ring was welded to a cut wheel rim for housing a coil spring which held an inverted shock absorber within to lend a spring effect to a bouncy stool that we created.

A six cylinder crank shaft has a very interesting design. This zig zag, very asymmetrical shaft was used into creating a stand-alone center table. This shaft was welded to a wheel rim base and a wheel fixed to the shaft top with a bearing for the rotating glass top. Even ashtrays were crafted from pistons sliced into half in line with the piston slot.

Leaf springs have very nice curved shapes and we decided to use them to fabricate our furniture. We created one center table with inverted leaf springs in cross pattern for the base and holding the glass. Some of these leaf springs easily blended into the shape of an easy chair. These were fitted with suitable seat cover  and located on the deck outside the recreation room.

Another of the loader arm was submerged into the ground to create a low bench for casual seating on the deck. We inverted air filter casings and provided it with a light bulb inside to form light fixtures, just like the bollards in the garden. We didn’t stop at that. We even introduced car headlights as lighting elements into the garden.

In conclusion, I would like to say that this project gave us an opportunity to experiment with materials we had never imagined to use, and re-use furniture and structural elements like never used before on this scale of works. What would have otherwise been constituted as nuisance and a potential health hazard was re-used to create furniture of the highest degree. Such practices will definitely go a long way in helping the environment and sow the seeds for a green initiative in interiors.

This is our way of lending a hand to this green initiative. A new definition to Green has been rendered and a new path created in this direction. Re-using junk has equal importance as solar and wind energies and with the depletion of natural resources, junk will have to be looked upon as a huge resource in times to come. 

We would like to thank our clients Suraj & Shefali Caculo for believing in us. And especially to Suraj whose knowledge on spare parts and ideas on fabrication helped us recreate the magic in the recreation room. My associate architect Rupesh Shetye who worked on this project needs special mention.

Architect Siddha D Sardessai

Panaji Goa

A Jewel in the Crown

A Jewel in the Crown

Ulhas Jewels needed a new retail concept for its exclusive diamond jewellery line and create an image that breaks away from standard neutral tones of the existing jewellery stores. A jewellery showroom can be a place of fantasy. It leads one into a world of glamour and style, sometimes in a way that is so extravagant and dramatic, it can feel surreal. Situated on a bustling street in Margao Market, this 1,600-square-foot showroom split into four levels was designed as a refuge from the heavy traffic and noise outside.

Changes are immediately apparent from the exterior. The building abutting three roads with its three-sided facade is enveloped by formations that resemble a diamond studded box. The towering shell of the facade in dual colour ACP alters its colours when seen from different angles and features an array of colour-changing LEDs that envelope this molecular structure creating scenes at sunset through the night. The striking exterior was consciously crafted to draw attention on several levels, while shaping the character of the building from a distance and luring in passersby from the street.

Once inside, a further shift in palette offers an increasing sense of intimacy as guests move deeper into the spaces. The leather finished granite on the floor, for instance, contrasts with ACP bedecked facade. A thoughtful selection of furniture and custom light fixtures add to the soothing atmosphere in these spaces. The ground level has the cash desks. The etched mirror with decorative vases and the cushioned wall panels exude a sense of warmth to the guests as they enter the store.

The three sales floors themselves were designed to exude different personalities. Upon entering the store on the first floor, guests are greeted by the “sparkle” theme. Mirror-hued metallic tiles punctuate the distant wall as if to suggest that the space oozes diamonds. The material adds a shimmer in a second way: It reflects the light from an installation of dangling, bulbous fixtures overhead.

The interior is simple, clean and with an attitude. The sales desks and the chairs hint at traditional elements that might be encountered in Victorian homes. Lamps that shoot up from the floor and rise above the sales desk lend a curvilinear look to otherwise straight lined wall panels. The result is a rich yet clean backdrop that lures and engages without detracting from the jewellery themselves.

On the second floor, though the concept remains the same, the vocabulary of elements in design changes to lend a differential look to the floor. Because wallpaper was the primary component in defining the space, the type of wallpaper became a key decision in the design process. Color, grain, and texture all had to complement the spirit of Ulhas Jewels exclusivity. Ultimately, a cooler brown plus silverish tone, with an unfinished weathered texture reflecting the silver sands and warm Goan climate was chosen.

At just 400 square feet including the elevator and the stairs, each floor plate posed the challenge of making use of every bit of space while ensuring that design didn’t overpower and detract from the high-end jewellery the store showcases. Simplicity guided the design of other store fixtures as well. In an innovative gesture, the walls were kept bereft of display showcases. Very minimal and creative niches adorn the walls and these are the only displays in the store. The ornaments are shown to the guests over the sales desk and are kept in sleek trolleys that are placed handy to the sales consultants.

To make everything so neat and handy—and more importantly, to make it alive—credit goes to the Architects. “I always believe interiors should be injected with life and emotions. The interior should be able to make an in-depth communication with the audience,” Architect Siddha Sardessai explains. “Interior should be felt and not just seen.”

A new concept has developed here in jewellery retail. You don’t see the glittering ornaments displayed just like in a supermarket. A high-end luxurious commodity has to be portrayed in a better way and hence this concept of sales desks evokes a sense of luxury and sophistication. In yesteryears, jewellery was personalised and never sold off the shelf. It was specifically made to the whims and fancies of the buyer. This concept model surrounds itself around this theory.

Ulhas Jewels redefines and restores the ethos of enriched lifestyles yet holding onto the past practices and bringing the ideals to the fore through its own distinct identity. Luxury is letting what you truly crave fill the world around you. Let no important moment happen in a space that doesn’t reflect who you are and how you feel - a sentiment that is evident throughout the brand’s offerings and its newest flagship store. 

Architect Siddha D Sardessai

Panaji Goa