INDO-CHINA !

A joke which causes some laughter among locals, is that China lights up India at Diwali !   All fireworks and coloured electric lights, used to illuminate streets and buildings at this festive time of year, are imported from China!   But it was interesting to see this trend continue in a very stylish new private home in an upmarket area on the outskirts of town.

The man was an Industrialist and he and his wife and artist daughter, had found time to acquire a wonderful collection of paintings, prints and sculptures.  Their local architect was commissioned to create not only a family home, but a space which would act as a foil for their art collection.

What he created was a magnificent house in his new minimalist style, of large areas of external exposed brick, with very high ceilings internally, to create a sense of space.  Courtyards and the brise soleil had also been integrated into the design to provide a cool environment.  Furthermore, the house faced into the prevailing breeze, which blew over the lily pond, bringing cool air into the main living areas.   To further enhance this tranquil and harmonious effect, the architect had been to China on a shopping trip to choose the right furniture for the house.   But the piece de resistance, was the Chinese mobile - a shoal of fish, which sways in the slightest movement of air, creating a focal point for the entire house !