uPVC and aluminium have kept gaining traction from large sections of the customer base.

- Susmita Nag

CMO, Fenesta

What are the latest trends in doors and windows?

Rising urbanisation and environmental consciousness among individuals are fostering demand for sustainable fenestration solutions that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, recyclable, durable, low on maintenance and, high on aesthetics. Today, doors and windows are indispensable energy-saving elements in a home. A fully structured building with Fenesta uPVC and aluminium windows and doors because of advanced insulation solutions can help save up to 37% of the total electricity bill. Moreover, these materials are sustainable in nature. As India's real estate market bounces back, uPVC and aluminium have kept gaining traction from large sections of the customer base and are highly preferred materials in the commercial and residential space owing to numerous advantages.

Today, with increased awareness, consumers are looking for holistic end-to-end solutions. There is a general shift in the market to opt for organised players who can service and provide all options under one roof. Keeping this in mind, Fenesta has invested heavily in the creation of a wide spread infrastructure of sales and service to serve the customers end-to-end, from consultation, manufacturing, installation to after sales service.

How is design evolving in doors and windows with respect to buildings and structures?

The post-pandemic lifestyle change has created a flutter in the design and fenestration industry. Several fenestration upgrades have emerged to become a guiding paradigm in the evolution of the work-from-home setup. With people spending more time at home and with an increase in health awareness, there is a sharp rise in the demand for larger windows for more natural light and ventilation. People are replacing old smaller wooden and steel windows with high-performance double glazing windows with advanced insulation solutions and higher security. Modern homes are continuously experimenting with fenestration solutions to ensure better ventilation and increase the aesthetic appeal of the overall space. Nowadays, people prefer uPVC, aluminium and hybrid polymer doors and windows, which block outside noise and disturbances and, in turn, create a noise-free environment to work peacefully at home.

With IOT also gaining popularity, consumers are looking for innovative and smarter windows and doors which are sensor-operated and smarter than conventional ones. Switch glass is another product where at the click of a remote and window can become opaque from being transparent and vice versa.

What are the trends in using materials like wooden, steel, aluminium, uPVC, etc.?

Wood and steel are declining categories for manufacturing of windows and doors. They play an auxiliary role today. The shift is towards energy-efficient and well-insulated aluminium and uPVC windows and doors. High demand for uPVC and aluminium frames can be attributed to multiple factors such as durability, quality, efficiency, performance, aesthetics and sustainability, among others. Due to the increasing demand for weather-proof, energy-efficient fenestration products, the sector is now turning towards innovative materials such as uPVC and aluminium, which have insulation and resistance properties, along with energy-saving qualities. Besides providing significant insulation, aluminium and uPVC are resistant to salt water, impact and UV rays. Another new-age material for internal doors is a hybrid polymer. With the aesthetics of wood and the durability of polymer, Polymer Internal Doors enhance the appearance of any space. These doors are increasingly gaining popularity as they require minimal maintenance while being resistant to termites, water, and warping due to weather changes.

What kind of innovative solutions do you provide in doors and windows? What are the advantages and benefits offered?

At Fenesta, we provide end-to-end solutions such as design consultation, survey, manufacture, delivery, installation, and after-sales service to customers. We focus on enhancing the experience of customers by customising doors and windows as per their personal preferences. All our actions and services are geared towards providing a holistic solution for all fenestration needs.

Innovation is at the heart of our operations at Fenesta and we have continuously focused on new product innovations and launch of new product lines. Fenesta System aluminium windows and doors was launched in the year 2019, just before the pandemic, and recently we have launched a new project series 'Premium Pro Series' in our uPVC windows and doors category. Apart from this, Fenesta has a patent for the innovative rain track system in our slider doors which helps avoid water seepage in the severest of monsoons in India. Also, our uPVC Villa series was perhaps the first in the world to have a double sash operation with a grill option provided. This was made keeping in mind the special requirements of Indian tropical systems and for extra security.

With digitalization driving large-scale transformation across multiple aspects of business, including the fenestration industry, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionising customer experiences. At Fenesta, we have deployed AR-VR technology to provide a world-class virtual showroom experience to customers to enhance their overall shopping experience.

To carve a niche in the glazing industry, quality of service plays a crucial role in building customer trust. WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app, was effectively integrated with the CRM to enable efficient and effective communication. This convenient and time-saving communication mode has redefined our post-sales service while buying doors and windows. Considering 80% of our organic website traffic can be traced back to mobile devices, we have revamped our website on mobile first concept to assist in the ease of navigation and data availability to the prospects.

How do you look at the future demand trend for doors and windows?

The Indian fenestration industry is constantly evolving as an integrated upshot of technological advancement, experimental customer base, and energy-efficiency trends in the market. Going forward, the fenestration industry is expected to grow in double digits. The upsurge in demand is a result of rising urbanisation and increased momentum in retail activities. Also, consumers will carefully choose brands based on their service record and ability to fulfill commitments and project deadlines.

In India, the demand for sustainable fenestration solutions is expected to increase due to factors such as urbanisation, a shortage of homes and programmes such as Affordable Housing for All. The demand for homes with durable fenestration solutions is expected to keep growing and the market therefore looks promising.

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