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KALIMAN KOLAMBI

Inspired by traditional percussion instruments such as the Idakka and Maddalam from Kerala, Sivaprakash, Founder of Clay Hands Pottery Studio and a third-generation terracotta artist from Nilambur, developed his first clay amplifier in 2019. He went on to experiment with the Kaliman Kolambi – zero-electricity, eco-friendly acoustic smartphone amplifiers made from baked clay. The technology behind the amplifiers harnesses the principles of natural acoustic physics to produce deep, warm audio directly from a smartphone, without the need for wires, Bluetooth devices, or batteries.

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SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE

Ahmedabad-based Ek Kalakaar Designs follows the philosophy of ‘Recycled + Reusable and Flawed + Fabulous’, producing chairs, tables, benches, lamps, and other home décor products from discarded materials. The studio sustainably sources raw materials including metal, glass, wood, MS pipes, plastic, concrete, rubber, and fabric. Its design philosophy is rooted in recognising the potential of materials that are often discarded and transforming them into highly valued objects.

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CLT BENCH

Designed by London-based architects Theo Games Petrohilos, Kaowen Ho, and Ben Hayes of Unknown Works, the CLT Bench is crafted from four interlocked Cross-Laminated Timber panels. The design eliminates the need for metal fixings, relying instead on traditional wood joinery. Designed as a freestanding piece, the bench features shallow seating scallops machined into its top surface on two sides.

Fabricated from spruce or pine, the bench celebrates the natural character of wood, with its grain visible across the flat surfaces and through the exposed layered edges of the cut Cross-Laminated Timber panels.

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New Insights on India’s Stone Industry

India’s natural stone industry is at an important inflection point. As one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of marble, granite, sandstone and quartzite, the country has traditionally built its strength on scale and resource availability. But the next chapter demands a shift from volume to value, innovation and global competitiveness. Drawing on his industry experience, Dr. Deepak Ajmera, CEO of Ajmera Marbles and Vice Chairman of the Centre for Development of Stones, offers insights into how innovation, institutional support and a more forward-looking industry mindset can shape the future of India’s stone sector.

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Building Better Surfaces with Innovation

Decorative surfaces are moving beyond aesthetics to become smarter, more durable and more responsive to the demands of contemporary Indian homes and commercial environments. Utsav Garg, Managing Director of Skydecor Laminates, explores how the category is evolving through advanced materials, innovative finishes and more sustainable manufacturing practices.

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India’s Natural Stone Industry in Transition

In conversation with Manoj Kumar Singh, General Secretary of the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI), India’s position in the global natural stone sector comes into focus as both promising and complex. Rising global competition, evolving sustainability expectations, and increasing emphasis on ESG compliance are reshaping the industry.

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Redefining Surfaces and Spaces

Speaking on the evolving landscape of design materials, Abhishek Somany, Managing Director and CEO of Somany Ceramics, highlights how the surfaces and bathware industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from utility to experience. No longer limited to function alone, the sector is increasingly design-led, with a strong focus on aesthetics, wellness, and innovation.

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Inside Häfele’s India Strategy

From localization and manufacturing to innovation and service, Frank Schloeder, Managing Director of Häfele India, outlines why India has become one of Häfele’s most strategic global markets — and why patience, agility and commitment are the keys to winning here.

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