The 3rd edition, that took place in the Greams hall of Radisson Blu, rendered yet another success story where delegates from the architect, developer, window contractor fraternity attended and witnessed the enlightening presentations and thrilling panel discussion.
Windows are in integral part of timeless architecture, crucial in enhancing the functionality of the buildings. A typical fenestration component suffices the basic requirements of light and ventilation, but along the way faces the challenges of heat/sound and air/water ingress.
The 3rd edition of ZAK world of Windows focused on key elements that define a window and establish its existence as an engineering element crucial to the viability of a building. It debated on whether the performance and good design go hand in hand or one has to suffer in order to give way to the other. Various parameters that define the performance of windows were explained for different types of buildings vis-à-vis mass housing, villas, condominiums, hospitality segment, etc.
The intriguing session of presentations and discussion started at 7 in the evening. About 227 representatives from architect, developer, specifier and contractorcommunity and other fenestration enthusiasts were present throughout the evening of information and networking which ended well after midnight.
The session commenced with a technical case study of high performance uPVC windows by Nitin Jadhav, Product Market Manager, Profine India followed by a quite functional presentation on functionality of windows by Philip Coulin, Head Representative, Roto-Frank, Asia-Pacific. Next was an interesting outlay of the positioning of window elements in a building at design stage by Ar. ShripalMunshi, Principal, SVA Architects.Mahesh Arumugam, Director, Meinhardt enthralled the audience with his expertise when he explained the selection of right window for the right opening to be followed by Amit Malhotra, Leader, McCoy Soudalwhodeliberated on the importance of PU foams for perfectly insulated windows.
The end of evening witnessed an engaging group discussion on the functional and practical challenges faced by the fenestration industry. The panelists, Mallika Ravi, CEO, Lancor Holdings; Ravi G, VP Operations, House of Hiranandanis,Farid Khan, Director, CEO, Profine Indiaand Indranil Debnath, Managing Partner, Neel Enterprisesalong with the speakersAr. ShripalMunshi and Mahesh Arumugam discussed and debated on various issues plaguing the fenestration industry and solutions thereof. The moderator Amit Malhotra efficiently steered and directed the course of panel discussion and helped in arriving at a much sought after conclusion.
The panel discussion highlighted various modalities through which the humble window goes from the design stage till the handover. One common observation was that the role of windows in a building goes much beyond just being an aesthetic element and is now widely accepted to be an important component determining the performance and comfort level of the building. Various key issues viz. structural stability of windows considering the high wind loads at the eastern coast of Indiaand solutions thereof were brought on to the table and discussed with an open mind. The points about quality over price and striving for what is required and not for what comes cheap were emphasized by the most powerful voices in the panel and audience.
The exhibition display showcased some exclusive engineering components for fenestration, which included uPVC Profile systems from Koemmerling, high precision range of fittings and hardware from ROTO&Kin Long, EPDM gaskets from Osaka Rubber and a range of sealants and PU Foams from McCoy Soudal were also displayed.
This edition of ZAK World of Windows continues to be remarkable as one of the firsts to bring to forefront the never before discussions and debates bringing the quality and technology in window innovations. The discussion will now move to other parts of India, where more such issues on the window technology and innovations shall be discussed and debated and representatives from the architecture, developer and other key stakeholders shall be invited.
