German sanitary ware firm Dornbracht tests Indian waters

German luxury bath and kitchen maker Aloys F.Dornbracht GmbH is piggybacking its growth on the booming real estate segment in India. The company with its newly formed subsidiary has said that both residential and institutional sales will form core of its business strategy for the domestic market. “the real estate segments is booming and we see an opportunity for growth here. A slew of international hotel chains are looking to make a foray into Indian and through our association with them, we will make our presence in the domestic market as well.” Mr. Kubber (Director – Global sales) , Aloys F. Dornbracht GmbH , said. He said the highest growth for the brand is coming from Asia Pacific. As a resilt the company has set up four offices in the region including in Mumbai, Shanghai , Hong Kong and Singapore. Dornbracht has presence in14 countries and the group recorded a net turnover of €164.8 million in2011. Speaking on its Indian market, he said there is a growing appetite for luxury brands. “we have taken the dealer route to expand . We have 12 stores and hope to increase the number to 20 soon.” Also, the company will be expanding through the shop – in shop model. The overall sanitary ware market in India is estimated to be Rs. 850 crore and is growing at a rate 30-40 per cent annually. In India , the premium range is catered by players such as Hansgrohe , Villeroy & Boch and Rocha among others. In the mid-bracket, players such as Hindware and Somany operate . The rest of the market is catered by the unorganized segment. Dornbracht will operate in two segments – retail business and the institutional sales. “ bulk buyers and institutional sales are extremely important to us and we are betting big on three aspects of the brand – glamour , service and experience .” Mr. Kubber added. The company will be importing its bath and kitchen range from Germany.”We are not looking at setting up a manufacturing range. Our brand still niche.” He added. Dornbracht ‘s products are prices between Rs.1lakh and Rs. 50 lakh.

The Blue Planet, Kastrup

The Blue Planet 

Location : Kastrup

Client : The Blue Planet Building foundation

( Realdonia , Knud HΦjgaards Fond , Tarnby Kommune )

Architect : 3XN

Project Date : 2008

Status : Ongoing 

Completion Date : 2013 

Project Floor space : 9000 Sq.M.

Cost : 85,000,000 Euros.

Function : Aquirium.

The blue planet, the new aquarium designed by 3XN, will be a key attraction in Φresund . Its shape is inspired by a 3D-whirlpool. Walls and roof form a continuum creating a wave-like profile. Its sinuous convexity follows the undulating landscape, tailing off to disappear underground. The design deliberately intends to build visitors expectations about whats inside. They will have the sensation of being swept up bya vortex and transported to an underwater world. The feeling of being in a different universe starts right from the entrance hall for the glazed roof is also the bottom of an enormous fish tank.

The sky and sunrays filter through the water and onto the foyer walls and floor. This is the Round Room, pivotal point of the aquarium and the start of an adventure of discovery.

Externally , the low =level volume rising only a few meters above the ground blends effortless less into the low-laying landscape near the sea. The blue planet has been designed to accommodate possible future extensions without jeopardizing its original sculptural structure.