Constructing The I.C.E. Homes Way
What are the various product/service offerings of Interior Craft?
In terms of Services we offer customised Interior & Exterior designs in Staircases, Ceiling, Panelling, Railings, Gates and Canopies. We manufacture and install all the related products.
Our product portfolio includes Gates, Staircases, Railings, Panelling, Canopies, Ceilings & Flooring, in stainless steel, glass, wood and combinations thereof. We also offer Customised solutions in Stainless steel, Brass and other metals as per client requirements. These customised solutions are primarily machine products used for fastenings, anchorages, joints, connectors and the like.
From Architectural and Interior design solutions to engineered homes - what is the growth story of your company?
The company was established in 1980 as a specialist executing agency of interiors & furniture. Over the years we have grown to an organisation, offering total solutions for interior and exterior finishes and designs, with in house manufacturing facilities. We continue to provide the total services for Interiors including wood work, panelling, flooring and painting etc.
What is the concept of Interior Craft Engineered Homes (I.C.E. Homes)? Is this suitable for individual or small group customers? What is the target market these products are addressing?
The I.C.E. homes are a precision engineered structural system, designed to Indian Standards. The structural elements are fabricated in the factory and assembled on site. In short, these are pre fabricated houses that do not require conventional wet work at site. The walls and the ceiling are also created out of steel tubes and board; thus eliminating the need for brick work, concrete and plaster.
In its present configuration, it is suitable for individual simplex or duplex house. We have started off with designs for individual houses for upper middle income group. Designs are under development for row housing and multiple units for middle income group.
What are the design possibilities with your I.C.E. Homes product? What are the major structural elements that will be provided? What are the materials involved?
I.C.E. Homes can be designed to suit the client's requirements. The structural elements are columns, beams and purloins in hollow steel sections. The cladding to walls is with cement bonded fiber / particle boards. All materials conform to relevant IS/BIS specifications. The work in foundation up to the plinth level is to be provided by the client. The base Plates and anchors for fixing the columns are provided by us. All materials above the foundation level for the finished house are in our scope both for supply, erection and application.
"Affordable homes” are the hot topic of discussion across the housing construction sector in our country. How far do you see a concept like I.C.E. Homes gaining popularity in this market segment?
Not in present design and configuration. With modification to design and tweaking of specification, the concept can be extended to affordable houses. Since the product is standardised and construction period is short, it offers a good option provided the volumes are large and funding is arranged. However it needs detailed analysis and design to arrive at workable solutions.
What unique features of your products would attract someone focusing on eco-friendly or Green construction?
The I.C.E. Homes product falls well within the Eco Friendly Green Construction Concept. It does not use cement, bricks and sand in cladding, plaster and concrete in roof. There is no wet work at site, there by reducing the water consumption. The structural members are fabricated out of hollow section, reducing the material consumption. It is assembled at site using Industrial fasteners and no welding is carried out. It is energy efficient with low thermal transmission.
What are some other innovations or product lines you would like to introduce to our readers?
We specialise in high-end Gates, Railings, Canopies & Claddings in combinations of S.S, glass, aluminum and wood. We offer customised solutions for fabricated/machined products in different metals as desired by clients.
MGS Architecture September - October 2012
