In the past decade, the most notable evolution in the interior design realm has been the evolution of luxury. The term no longer alludes to the straightforward application of the most expensive materials. Its implication is far more cognizant. Now, luxury is more about curating experiences (and, by extension, spaces) that are unique – one-of-a-kind and exclusive- and evoke emotions of wonder.
This changed perception has rapidly altered approaches. From designers to material dealers, each player in the construction supply chain is now prioritising sustainable and cost-effective design solutions. The aftermath has specifically revolutionised the metropolis of Dubai (a beacon of luxury lifestyle). Here, BSH Walls and Floors are one of the few local manufacturers who deliver industry-grade, quality products.
NovoCore from CFL
BSH Walls and Floors’ latest launch, NovoCore from Creative Flooring Limited (CFL), is a range of Rigid Core LVTs whose finish is identical to natural wood. The secret is a special limestone layer that aids in achieving a more believable finish, as compared to the plastic-like feel of regular LVTs. Beyond this, NovoCore is slip, stain, and scratch-resistant, even beating standard LVTs’ on the durability scale.
“We change our formulation according to regional and climatic conditions”, Ugur Suner, MEA Business Development Manager at CFL informed the audience gathered at Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers for NovoCore’s launch. “This is to accommodate for the phenomenon of expansion-contraction of the material. At CFL, we are very proud of our innovation, which we have patented, and our recurring clientele is a testament to the quality.”
Due to high demand, NovoCore is also beginning to provide Rigid Core walls. The challenge here is to make the material water-proof, and the team at their central facility is inching closer every day to making that ambition a reality.
CFL distributes their products worldwide and has found a manufacturing partner in BSH Walls and Floors. In his presentation, Ugur also delved into NovoCore Q (NCQ), the brand’s quiet SPC technology. Unlike standard SPC with just a simple backing, NCQ has multiple acoustic layers that dampen even 22 dB of sound.
Towards the end of his presentation, Ugur urged his listeners to test the acoustic quality of the flooring by dribbling a ball on different samples laid out in the hallways outside the banquet during the short break to follow. Designers were then seen examining the NovoCare range and speaking with the BSH team to enquire more about the floorings.
PANEL DISCUSSION: LUXURY, SUSTAINABILITY & FLOORING
The short networking session came to a halt when Oliver Baxter of Maven took to the stage and began a panel discussion on a quirky note. A game of rock, paper and scissors between the panellists, Vijay Nambiar, Studio Director at Designsmith; Jennifer Saratan, Senior Concept Designer at KOJ Interiors; Yose Suprayogi, Design Director; Kristina Zanic Consultants and Preveena Bhagianath, Head of Design, INC Solutions.
Here are the takeaways from the engaging discussion that ensued:
1. Made in the Middle East
A Trend Everyone Will Get Behind
‘’BSH had hosted a Lunch & Learn at INC Solutions just a few weeks ago”, Preveena shared. “What touched me the most was the story behind the company. It is a bought-over business, but they retained the local employees. It is the humanity behind the business that is admirable.”
Following Preveena, Vijay emphasised how the Middle East often has to rely on its Western counterparts and South-East Asia to import goods. A dearth of local resources meant a crippling dependence. “Manufacturing locally is the beginning of a new trend in the Middle East, one that is exciting”, he said.
From the audience, Deepa Sasidharan raised a tethering concern. To manufacture high-quality products in the UAE, is the way forward to hiring skilled labour forces from other countries? After all, Moroccan cement tiles can only be made by artisans local to that region.
Here, Jennifer chimes in, “If the demand for a certain product is high, then manufacturers in the region will start looking for ways to supply that particular product ultimately. Migrating labour is a big decision and should be done only if it is a viable step.”
In light of products that might not have a heavy demand but are crucial to a design concept, Vijay divulges, “In my opinion, the solution is to balance it out. If a designer specifies an imported product, the other products must make up for the footprint. The biggest mistakes designers commit are either going all in and making a project as sustainable or just not bothering about its sustainability.”
To the Studio Director, designers must be advocates of sustainability and specify products responsibly, even if it is not a part of the client’s priorities.
2. Clients & Frugality
Awareness about Sustainability
Yose, who has mammoth experience in dealing with hospitality clients, said, “Clients are not spending money for a temporary solution. Longevity and easy maintenance are important for them, too. It is about convincing clients that even though the investment for sustainable materials is higher, they are more energy-efficient and cost-efficient in the long run. Also, replacing carpets and flooring can take time, which affects the quality of service and business hours.’’
Materials like bamboo and cork might have been prejudiced in the past, but today, their application isn’t as taboo. Over time, their versatility has earned them a place in many material libraries. “Clients are aware [about sustainability]. Sustainable materials even become an easy sell in projects where a client is conscious”, Preveena testified.
3. Lunch & Learns
An Opportunity for Cross-Department Presentation
Jennifer opines Lunch & Learns are a great concept because they have a great hook, and professionals can learn about products and collections in a much more relaxed ambience. “These benefit the designer”, Preveena said. “It loops in the commercial team and justifies the choices the designers might make on their behalf.”
Agreeing with her, Jennifer contributed, “The operations team also learns about lead times and it provides the opportunity to build a relationship with the dealer early on.”
4. Waste Management
Sustainability after a Project
“At KOJ Interiors, we collaborate with companies taking scraps and disposing of them responsibly. Products with Cradle-to-Cradle certifications are also a good way, but often that means sending the products back to the country of origin.”
Here, Preveena shares an ongoing activity that INC Solutions held in their office. “We were clearing our material library and found materials that we wanted to discard. But we didn’t want to dispose of it, so we announced an upcycling contest and coaxed our designers to be creative and make furniture or some decor out of those pieces.”
Looks like sustainability does start at home.
EVENT GALLERY
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Date added:
5 March, 2024
