At Elev8 Bangalore 2025, a vibrant architecture and design festival curated by The Architects Diary, ideas, materials, and innovation came together to celebrate the future of design. Conceived as a summit of forward-thinking architects, designers, and material pioneers, the festival created a platform where conversations extended beyond theory into tangible experiences. Through thoughtfully curated stalls, several leading brands showcased products, materials, and systems that respond to evolving architectural needs. Visitors explored installations that highlighted craftsmanship, sustainability, and technological advancement, showing how material choices influence the way people imagine and build spaces.Aligned with the theme “The Green Print: Towards a Sustainable Future,” these stalls reflected a shared commitment to responsible design and ecological awareness. Each brand brought its own perspective, presenting innovations that merge aesthetics, performance, and environmental sensitivity, while collectively contributing to a dialogue on how design can shape a more resilient and conscious built environment.
Some brands build themselves around trends. Others build themselves around time. Chester’s firmly belongs to the latter. The story of Chester’s begins in 1986 with the vision of M. V. Ramaswamy, who started a business exporting high-quality leather goods from India to Europe. His deep connection with leather craftsmanship soon evolved into something larger. Inspired by the refined elegance of nineteenth-century European furniture, Ramaswamy envisioned bringing that tradition to India while interpreting it through the skill and sensibility of Indian artisans.
In 1994, four skilled Chester craftsmen travelled to the Netherlands to learn deep-buttoned leather craftsmanship. This exchange of knowledge shaped Chester’s identity and future direction. It established a strong foundation rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural learning.
At its heart, Chester’s believes that true sustainability lies in longevity. The brand rejects fleeting trends and designs furniture as enduring heirlooms. It creates pieces meant to last decades and evolve with their users. Each object gains character and richness through time and everyday use. Gentle wear on an armchair tells a story, not a decline. Developing leather patina reflects lived experiences rather than ageing. The brand celebrates time as a collaborator in design, not an adversary.
Craftsmanship remains central to everything the brand does. Chester produces each piece in its dedicated workshops in Peenya, Bangalore, where traditional European techniques meet the expertise of Indian artisans. Premium hardwoods, carefully selected leather from Europe, and meticulous upholstery methods come together in a process refined over decades.
Deep buttoning, precise stitching, hand-dyed leather, and detailed finishing are not simply decorative choices; they are structural techniques that ensure durability and comfort for generations.
As a family-run company, Chester’s approaches furniture not just as objects, but as long-term companions in people’s homes and lives. The workshop begins the story of each piece, and the spaces where people live with, use, and cherish it continue that story over time.
In a world struggling under the weight of its own waste, innovation often begins with a simple but powerful question: What if waste could become a resource? This is the philosophy that drives the work of Carbon Craft Design.
Today, the planet produces billions of tonnes of industrial waste every year. Materials from mining, manufacturing, power generation, and construction often end up in landfills, open dumps, or polluted landscapes. At the same time, industries responsible for these materials are among the largest contributors to air pollution and carbon emissions. The challenge is immense, but it also presents an opportunity to rethink how we build our cities and design our spaces.
Carbon Craft Design approaches this challenge through the lens of a circular economy. The company transforms industrial waste into beautiful, functional building materials. It converts carbon emissions, slag, and debris into innovative architectural tiles. The team ethically repurposes industrial by-products into sustainable design solutions. They reuse nearly 1.9 kilograms of waste per square foot in production. The process turns harmful pollutants into carbon-negative materials. Their tiles support sustainable architecture and interior design.
What makes this approach especially meaningful is that it goes beyond material innovation. The process blends modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, creating dignified livelihoods for artisans while helping formalize waste-worker economies. In doing so, Carbon Craft demonstrates that sustainability is not only about reducing environmental impact but also about creating social value.
At its heart, the vision embraces both practicality and hope: it imagines a regenerative world where people build cities from waste rather than at its cost. Cleaner air, responsible materials, and thoughtful design can coexist with economic opportunity and cultural heritage.
Carbon Craft shows that design’s future lies in reimagining existing resources, not consuming more. Carbon Craft transforms pollution into possibility, redefining how materials can be created and reused. It demonstrates how architecture and industry can collaborate to build a healthier, more resilient planet.
In a time when furniture is often mass-produced and quickly replaced, Tusker Katha invites us to see furniture differently. Here, furniture is not just an object placed in a room. It becomes a storyteller- one that reflects personal memories, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship meant to last for generations.
Based in Bengaluru, Tusker Katha is a furniture design and craft studio that focuses on creating personalised pieces rooted in Indian aesthetics. Every design emerges from a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship while responding to the needs of contemporary living. The studio works closely with clients to craft furniture that is meaningful, functional, and deeply personal.
The name itself carries a story. “Katha” means story, and the studio ensures every furniture piece carries a meaningful narrative. The studio crafts furniture that reflects stories of people, places, and traditions. Tusker Katha rejects global trends and prioritizes India’s rich craft heritage for inspiration.
The studio describes its approach as Modern Indian design, a design language where traditional artistry meets contemporary sensibility. Clean forms, thoughtful proportions, and handcrafted detailing come together to create furniture that feels both timeless and relevant.
Sustainability is also central to the studio’s philosophy. By valuing craftsmanship and durable materials, Tusker Katha encourages a slower and more conscious approach to design. Each piece is created with care and intention, ensuring it remains meaningful long after it is made.
Ultimately, Tusker Katha reminds us that furniture can be more than functional objects. It can be heirlooms that hold stories, connect generations, and celebrate the beauty of Indian craft in a modern world. In doing so, the studio quietly redefines what it means to live with design where every piece carries a soul, a story, and a sense of belonging.
Eyedea Living challenges mass-produced furniture by creating thoughtful, personal designs with purpose. The brand believes living spaces shape how people feel, think, and connect with others. It prioritizes meaningful interiors over quick, generic design solutions. Eyedea Living creates furniture that enhances both beauty and functionality in everyday life. The brand designs spaces where people can express themselves authentically. It views interiors as experiences, not just aesthetic compositions.
Eyedea Living specializes in designing and crafting custom furniture using a thoughtful combination of metal and wood. From the earliest design idea to the final installation, the team manages every stage of the journey. For those who already have a clear vision, the brand also fabricates pieces directly from detailed drawings or plans. This collaborative approach allows each creation to reflect the personality, lifestyle, and needs of the people who will use it.
What sets Eyedea Living apart is its commitment to minimal yet powerful design. Their furniture balances the elegance of minimalism with a sense of dynamism and strong presence. By blending modern design language with subtle classical influences, the brand creates pieces that feel refined, timeless, and contemporary at once. The result is furniture that does more than fill a space, it defines it.
Customization lies at the heart of the brand. Rather than asking customers to choose from pre-made pieces, Eyedea Living encourages them to shape furniture around their own homes, budgets, and lifestyles. Every piece is treated as a work of art, crafted with high-quality materials, premium fabrics, and meticulous attention to detail.
Ultimately, Eyedea Living is driven by a simple but powerful idea: that design should add value to everyday life. Through creativity, craftsmanship, and care, the brand continues to transform furniture into meaningful experiences within the home.
Thoughtful design restores personality to spaces where interiors often start to feel repetitive. Designmint approaches décor as a medium to spark conversation, not just as surface ornamentation. The studio actively shapes environments that reflect character, individuality, and meaningful spatial experiences.
Designmint brings together connoisseurs, designers, and craftsmen who deeply value art, material, and detail. The team blends global influences with contemporary Indian creativity to shape an eclectic design sensibility. They create visually striking yet functional pieces for everyday living. Their designs transform ordinary spaces into vibrant focal points within homes and workspaces.
What sets Designmint apart is its material philosophy. Metal, a material often associated with industrial processes, is reimagined here as a medium for artistic expression. Many of the studio’s creations are crafted using recyclable metals or repurposed scrap material that might otherwise have been discarded. Through thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship, these raw materials are transformed into refined décor pieces that celebrate both form and sustainability.
The result is a collection of products that are bold, modern, and refreshingly distinctive. From wall art and sculptural accents to functional décor, every piece carries a sense of personality designed to add energy and individuality to the spaces they inhabit. These are not just decorative objects, but elements that invite curiosity, interaction, and storytelling.
Equally important is the studio’s commitment to quality and responsible production. All manufacturing takes place at their factory in Bommasandra, ensuring close attention to craftsmanship and process. This hands-on approach allows the brand to maintain international standards while supporting local manufacturing.
In essence, Designmint represents a thoughtful balance between creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. It reminds us that good design can do more than beautify a space it can give discarded materials a second life, celebrate skilled making, and turn everyday interiors into living galleries of art and expression.
In today’s world of fast production and mass-market furniture, brands that value originality and craftsmanship stand out. CURA HOME is one such name that is quietly redefining how designer furniture is imagined and made.
Founded in 2022 by Joe Thampi, the brand was born from a simple yet powerful realization: truly good furniture must begin with thoughtful design and uncompromising quality. After exploring the furniture retail market, Joe recognized that many products lacked consistency in craftsmanship and durability. Instead of accepting the status quo, he chose to build something better.
At CURA HOME, furniture is not treated as a product alone, it is seen as a carefully crafted design object that becomes part of everyday living. Every piece is designed in-house, ensuring originality and a distinct identity that belongs only to the brand. By combining advanced CNC technology with the skill of experienced craftsmen, CURA HOME creates furniture that balances precision with human touch.
The philosophy of the brand is simple: furniture should be authentic, well designed, and built to last. This belief is reflected in every detail, from the materials chosen to the finishing techniques that bring each piece to life. The result is furniture that feels refined, functional, and timeless.
Sustainability is another important part of the CURA HOME story. The brand works with responsibly sourced materials, reduces waste through precision manufacturing, and focuses on creating durable furniture that does not need frequent replacement. By doing so, CURA HOME encourages thoughtful consumption and responsible design.
Today, CURA HOME continues to grow as a brand that values innovation, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Its collections are created not just for homes, but for people who appreciate furniture that carries character and meaning.
In an industry often driven by trends, CURA HOME reminds us that true design lies in creating pieces that remain relevant, beautiful, and purposeful for years to come.
At MudwithLove, clay becomes more than a material. It becomes a language of expression, patience, and craft. Nestled in the creative city of Bangalore, this ceramic studio celebrates the beauty of handmade work and the quiet stories that emerge from it.
MudwithLove is a space where creativity meets craftsmanship. The studio focuses on handcrafted ceramic wall art and bespoke commissioned pieces, each thoughtfully created to reflect the vision of the client. No two works are the same. Every piece is shaped slowly by hand, allowing the natural textures, curves, and imperfections of clay to become part of the final artwork. These pieces are not just decorative objects; they carry a sense of individuality and warmth that only handmade art can offer.
Beyond creating art, the studio also opens its doors to those who wish to experience the joy of working with clay. Through its pottery classes, MudwithLove invites people to slow down and reconnect with the tactile nature of making. Under the guidance of a passionate mentor, participants learn to shape, mold, and transform raw earth into something meaningful. The process is as rewarding as the final piece, encouraging patience, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for craft.
At the heart of MudwithLove is Swati, who has been practicing ceramics from her cozy studio since 2018. With a background in architecture from School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Her understanding of form, space, and design allows her to bridge the worlds of architecture and ceramics.
Through MudwithLove, Swati aims to bring ceramics into the fold of mainstream art and design, proving that clay, in its simplicity, can hold extraordinary possibilities. Each creation stands as a quiet reminder that the most meaningful art is often shaped slowly, patiently, and lovingly by hand.
In an age where speed and automation often dominate the construction industry, Kaipanee offers a refreshing return to the values of craftsmanship, patience, and material understanding. The name Kaipanee itself translates to “hand made” in South Indian languages, and this philosophy lies at the heart of everything the brand creates.
Founded in 2020 by MEKR Projects, Kaipanee was born from a simple yet powerful idea, to revive the beauty of handcrafted flooring while strengthening it with modern technology. Historically, Indian artisans produced remarkable surfaces using skill and intuition. Over time, however, while the craftsmanship remained, the technological tools supporting it did not evolve at the same pace. Kaipanee seeks to bridge that gap.
The brand specialises in decorative cementitious surfaces such as micro concrete and terrazzo floors, all of which are entirely handmade. Yet behind this artisanal process lies a strong technological backbone. High-performance mixers imported from Germany ensure consistency in material preparation, while extensive research into raw materials allows the team to develop custom mixes suited to Indian environmental conditions. The result is flooring that is not only aesthetically refined but also highly durable.
A significant strength behind Kaipanee’s work is the expertise of its sister company, NKE Floors, which brings over two decades of experience in floor finishing. With advanced grinding equipment, ride-on power trowels, and one of the largest terrazzo polishing infrastructures in South India, this collaboration ensures exceptional quality in every finished surface.
Equally important is Kaipanee’s commitment to people. The company invests heavily in training and upskilling local labour, transforming masons into skilled artisans through dedicated training programs and apprenticeships. By combining craftsmanship, technology, and continuous learning, Kaipanee demonstrates that the future of construction does not lie in replacing human skill, but in empowering it.
Through this thoughtful approach, Kaipanee is quietly redefining handmade surfaces for contemporary architecture across India.
In a design world often dominated by polished finishes and predictable materials, Crio quietly celebrates the beauty of the raw and the real. The studio reimagines concrete not merely as a structural material, but as a medium for thoughtful, timeless design. Through their work, concrete transforms into objects that are tactile, expressive, and deeply connected to the spaces they inhabit.
Founded by siblings Vishwa Patel and Yayati Patel, Crio emerges from a shared background in architecture and engineering, paired with a strong passion for design. Their journey reflects a curiosity to explore materials beyond conventional expectations and to create décor that is both functional and aesthetically striking.
At the heart of Crio lies a belief that objects should have character. Each piece is handcrafted, hand-cast, and carefully finished by skilled concrete artisans. This process ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike. Subtle variations in texture, tone, and form become part of the story each object carries, making every creation unique and impossible to replicate.
The studio’s collection spans bathware, furniture, and planters, with plans to expand the role of concrete across many aspects of everyday living. Guided by minimalism and contemporary aesthetics, Crio’s designs balance durability with refined simplicity. The founders’ love for travel also plays an important role, bringing global inspiration into designs that feel modern yet grounded.
Sustainability remains central to the brand’s philosophy. From eco-friendly manufacturing methods to locally sourced raw materials and local production, Crio ensures that every piece is made responsibly. Attention to detail, respect for craftsmanship, and a commitment to thoughtful design define everything that leaves their workshop.
Through their work, Crio invites us to see concrete differently, not as something rigid and industrial, but as a material capable of warmth, beauty, and lasting relevance in the spaces we cherish.
Kalaspoorthi celebrates the timeless beauty of handmade craftsmanship in the interiors of luxury resorts and modern hotels. With a deep respect for traditional skills, the brand works closely with artisans to create pieces that carry stories of culture, heritage, and human touch. Each creation is more than décor, it is an expression of craftsmanship and identity. By bringing handcrafted elements into contemporary hospitality spaces, Kalaspoorthi adds warmth, authenticity, and meaning to interiors. Their work reminds us that true luxury lies not only in design, but in the spirit, tradition, and artistry that shape every handmade detail.
In today’s fast-paced world, technology is no longer a luxury; it is becoming an essential part of comfortable living. Smart homes are transforming the way we interact with our spaces, making everyday life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Futurehook is part of this transformation, offering intelligent home automation solutions designed to simplify modern lifestyles.
Imagine waking up to gentle sunlight as your curtains open automatically, while the room temperature adjusts to your preferred comfort level. Smart lighting adapts throughout the day, creating the perfect ambience for work, relaxation, or entertaining guests. With Futurehook’s home automation systems, these experiences become part of daily life.
Futurehook integrates advanced automation technologies that allow homeowners to control various aspects of their homes with ease. Through a smartphone or a centralized control system, users can manage lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment systems effortlessly. The goal is simple: to give homeowners greater control, convenience, and peace of mind.
Entertainment is another area where Futurehook excels. Their premium home theater and cinema solutions bring the magic of the big screen directly into the comfort of your home. Whether watching movies, enjoying sports, or playing video games, their carefully designed sound and visual systems create an immersive viewing experience.
Security also plays a vital role in modern living. Futurehook offers integrated surveillance systems, motion sensors, and real-time monitoring features that help homeowners stay connected to their homes even when they are away. Instant alerts and remote access provide an added layer of safety and reassurance.
For music lovers, the brand’s multi-room audio systems allow users to enjoy their favorite playlists throughout the house, all controlled from a single device. Combined with smart lighting and automation features, these technologies transform everyday spaces into personalized living environments.
With a focus on innovation, convenience, and user-friendly technology, Futurehook continues to redefine what it means to live in a truly smart home.
In a time when the construction industry is searching for more sustainable solutions, Earth Blocks are quietly redefining the way we think about building materials. Also known as Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB), Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB), or Compressed Soil Mud Blocks (CSMB), these blocks are created by compressing the right mix of soil with about 6–9% cement. The result is a strong, durable, and environmentally responsible building material that connects modern construction with one of humanity’s oldest traditions, building with earth.
What makes Earth Blocks truly remarkable is their balance between strength and sustainability. These blocks meet and often exceed the strength requirements set by Indian standards, making them a reliable alternative to conventional materials such as fired clay bricks or concrete blocks. At the same time, they require significantly less energy to produce. Unlike clay bricks that must be fired in high-temperature kilns, Earth Blocks are made through a simple compression process, reducing both embodied energy and carbon emissions.
Buildings constructed with Earth Blocks also create healthier and more comfortable living environments. Their natural composition means they do not release harmful chemicals, unlike many modern building materials. The walls regulate humidity naturally and help maintain better indoor air quality. Their high thermal mass keeps interiors cooler in hot weather and warmer during colder periods, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Beyond performance, Earth Blocks represent a deeper environmental responsibility. Soil is abundant and renewable, and the production process generates minimal waste. Even at the end of a building’s life cycle, the materials can return safely to the earth, making it a truly cradle-to-cradle construction system.
For architects, designers, and homeowners seeking a balance of sustainability, durability, and aesthetics, Earth Blocks offer a compelling solution. They remind us that sometimes the most innovative ideas come from rediscovering the wisdom of traditional building practices and refining them for the future.
Earth blocks remind us that some of the most meaningful materials in architecture come directly from the ground beneath our feet. Made from natural soil and compacted into strong blocks, they represent a building method that is both ancient and surprisingly relevant today. At a time when construction often relies on energy-intensive materials, earth blocks offer a quieter and more responsible alternative.
Their beauty lies in their honesty. The color, texture, and warmth of the earth remain visible in every block, giving spaces a sense of calm and authenticity. Beyond aesthetics, they provide excellent thermal comfort, helping interiors stay cooler in hot climates and warmer when temperatures drop.
Using earth blocks is not only about sustainability but also about reconnecting with traditional wisdom and local resources. They encourage architects and designers to build thoughtfully, respecting both nature and the people who inhabit these spaces. Sometimes, the future of building begins with the simplest material, earth itself.
The stalls at Elev8 Bangalore 2025 transformed the festival into more than a series of discussions, they turned it into an immersive exploration of the future of building. By presenting innovative materials, products, and design systems, participating brands demonstrated how sustainability can be translated from an idea into real, workable solutions. Visitors were able to interact directly with materials, understand manufacturing processes, and engage with experts who are shaping the next chapter of the design industry. In doing so, the exhibition spaces became active learning grounds where creativity met responsibility. As The Architects Diary continues to build platforms that amplify meaningful dialogue, the presence of these brands reinforced the festival’s central message: that sustainable design is not a distant aspiration but a collective commitment already in motion. Together, these contributions illustrated how thoughtful innovation can help redefine the way we design, build, and inhabit our world.
Layers don’t just sit here; they breathe, shift, and whisper through light. The Screen, set in the sun-drenched fabric of Solapur, Maharashtra, isn’t trying to scream luxury. It doesn’t need to. It moves quieter than that, more composed, more intentional, like a pause button carved into the chaos of the city. Spread across 4,125 sq. […]
This project is located in Ben Tre, Vietnam, and was completed in 2021. With a total area of 430m2, the project set within concrete vaults includes 3 bedrooms and one living room, each with a view of the nearby river. Concrete Vaults Form The Main Identity Of This Vietnamese Home | VTN Architects The ground […]
We conceive EMA not as a conventional architectural object, but as a living continuum of memory, ecology, and craft. Located in Malappuram, Kerala, the 1,700 sq. ft. residence, designed with thermal comfort draws from vernacular wisdom and the philosophy of the Kaavu—the sacred grove—where humans, nature, and other living beings coexist without hierarchy. Within this […]
Set within the lush landscapes of Bharanikavu in Kollam, Arcade – a single storey residence that blends tropical modern architecture with colonial and traditional elements. Designed for a businessman, his wife (a teacher) and their two daughters, this house showcases a shared interest for elegance rooted in familiarity. This Single Storey Home Sits Amidst Lush […]
Noah’s Ark is a contemporary residence designed as a calm and welcoming home with a clear planning. The client’s brief was to create a home that felt simple, warm, and timeless without becoming overly minimal or impersonal. Noah’s Ark responds by blending clear planning, honest materials, and personal elements, resulting in a house that is […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]