- P Anand, Chief – Services and Solutions, Tata SteelTired of typical wall opening solutions, homeowners are increasingly looking for more choices in functionality of doors and windows. “They are choosing different types of windows throughout their home,” says P Anand, Chief – Services and Solutions, Tata Steel. “There could be a renaissance of arch-shaped windows, tilt-and-turn windows, lift-and-slide doors, slide-and-fold windows and doors, and more.” In conversation with CW, he shares more about changing customer preferences, recent demand trends and new offerings.How do you view the current market for doors and windows?Demand for doors and windows is buoyant with home construction and building activities on the rise. The total size of the market for wall opening solutions is expected to be around `400 billion. However, while the entire world prefers beautiful and strong metal doors, 80 per cent of doors in India are still made of alternate materials like wood, PVC, MDF, etc. Therefore, to establish a new category of steel doors and windows, the problems with alternate materials need to be brought to the fore. It is imperative to offer a one-stop solution against these drawbacks that eliminates all the hassles associated with alternate offerings in the market.In your experience, what are material preferences? Some commonly used materials for doors are wood, MDF, HDPE and PVC. In commercial projects, steel doors of various types are being used, such as vision panel, louver, egress, full glass, fire-rated and shaft or duct access doors. Window frames have evolved from being made of wood to being fabricated with heavy uPVC or aluminium, and from being shuttered to being openable by sliding. Tata Pravesh offers a full range of residential and commercial doors to cater to the needs of individual house builders and the commercial segment. Please introduce us to your recent launches.Delighting consumers with meaningful innovations has always been our endeavour. We have launched a premium range of unique wood finish doors, the Reflections Natura Series, which brings home the rich beauty of the finest wood finishes in classic and contemporary styles. They are complemented by premium and artistic accessories that make each door stand out as a masterpiece. We have also introduced the Lumiere range of French doors that brings together the beauty of a window with the functionality of a door. They are easy to maintain, aesthetically appealing and fully foldable with 97 per cent opening. They bring the beauty of the outdoors inside without noise, wind or rain. Available in wood finish and RAL shades, they can be used as lawn, patio or balcony openings, garage doors and room partitions. Another upcoming offering is the Z+ Security Solution. These are fortified doors that ensure a high level of security to protect your home and ensure the safety of your loved ones. They come with the convenience of auto-locking and auto-latching, an Ultra XL Vertical Locking Technology and a unique slider that prevents unlocking even when the key is turned in the lock. The superior strength of our doors and enhanced technology of locks with unique security features make Z+ the most secure option for customers. Very recently, we have also launched a brand of aesthetic internal doors called Fusion. This affordable range provides tasteful options to customers looking to match internal doors to their interiors. Fusion doors combine an outer frame of steel with state-of-the-art alternate material with solidity. Currently, we are offering seven combinations of shades and designs. Fusion doors give customers the freedom to choose a door that perfectly complements their interior decor and is also within budget. Do you customise your offerings as per customer requirement?We do. All our offerings find inception from deep consumer insights on their problems and needs from wall opening solutions. The Reflections Natura Series attempts to alter the perception that steel doors may be strong but are low on aesthetics. This range of doors brings home the rich beauty of the finest wood finishes complemented by premium and artistic accessories. Lumiere addresses the customer need for more light and ventilation without wind, rain and noise. The market for French windows in India is unorganised. The material is substandard and there is no guarantee on durability. Installation is the customer’s responsibility. There is no standard product offering in steel and the entire process from selection to installation is time-consuming. Lumiere takes care of these customer pain points. Z+ is designed keeping the needs of customers in mind who live in remote or independent houses, who have to leave home for vacation or office tours, and in situations where the house key has to be shared with non-members of the family. Fusion doors are also a case in point. Customers find internal doors expensive. Moreover, they have never had the option of customising their door to match their interiors. Fusion addresses the need for affordability and aesthetics.What are the various design trends in doors and windows segment?Doors are making a statement. Interior doors will become art pieces and decorative staples. Homeowners are asking for colour-coordinated doors and windows. They are placing greater emphasis on space and style. Frames and colours that will give interiors a bigger and brighter feel are in demand. In fact, more and more people are opting for door and window solutions to make the room spacious and better ventilated.The focus on sustainable living will continue to dominate. Rising temperatures have shot up average energy expense across cities. This has forced households to use energy-efficient measures while constructing or renovating their home. As windows and doors are a significant contributor to overall energy consumption inside the house, people have started using energy-efficient material for windows and doors. Customisation in design, functionality, appearance and sustainability will be the key. An increasing number of people are getting conscious of what material is used in the construction or renovation of their property.To share your views, write in at feedback@ConstructionWorld.in