Editor’s Note: Have you ever come across an industrial outlet that intrigues you as much? A lot is achieved through the minimal and thoughtful penchants of Barefoot Architects for this outlet. Channeling the philosophy of unmatched industrial experience, the campus boasts its context through experiential mediums. ~ Nishal Sevak(Co-Editor)
In the picturesque coastal town of Alleppey, Backwaters of Kerala famous for its coir products, NATURAL FLOORS has created an extraordinary coir mat production and exporting factory. This architectural marvel, nurtured by visionary owners, goes beyond conventional manufacturing, leaving an enduring mark on the factory’s landscape.
This Architectural Marvel, Nurtured by Visionary Owners, goes Beyond Conventional Manufacturing | Barefoot Architects
Visit: Barefoot Architects
The factory’s layout is a testament to strategic brilliance, cleverly optimizing space allocation for various functions. The central rectangular area is dedicated to production and warehousing, emphasizing the importance of storage space while ensuring efficient material flow.
Meticulous architectural planning ensures seamless navigation within the factory. Two distinct entrances serve specific purposes: one for materials and product handling, the other for administrative tasks. The administrative block is a remarkable architectural feat, featuring separate entrances for clients and staff.
Inside the administrative block, quality control takes centre stage, with dedicated examination and assessment rooms upholding stringent standards for coir mat quality. The client’s specific requirement for surveillance is met through a strategic office location that provides an unobstructed view of production, packing, and loading processes. A long corridor with a clear view of the factory floor adds a unique touch to the office block.
NATURAL FLOORS’ commitment to excellence extends to aesthetics, with an opulent showroom in the administrative block that enhances the customer experience and encourages clients to explore their coir mat offerings.
Beyond functionality, the administrative block serves as the hub for daily operations, while a terrace party area creates a memorable space for client interactions.
Worker well-being is a top priority in NATURAL FLOORS’ architectural vision. Thoughtful integration of glass panels in the side wall cladding allows natural light to flood the interior, providing breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.
Low-level vents bring in fresh air, enhancing air quality and creating a harmonious workspace. The external facade is covered with coreten steel, lending an industrial feel while concealing services. Perforated coreten steel sheets promote ventilation, improving the work environment.
The factory’s interior design celebrates innovation, embracing an exposed steel PEB (Pre-Engineered Building) structure for sustainability and industrial aesthetics. Polished concrete flooring adds urban sophistication, and exposed service lines emphasize transparency and reliability.
Visible fire pipes integrated into the design symbolize the company’s commitment to safety and transparency, ensuring critical systems remains accessible and reliable.
In summary, NATURAL FLOORS’ factory transcends traditional architecture, merging form and function. This architectural masterpiece, with its well-thought-out layout, quality control facilities, captivating showroom, worker-friendly features, sustainability focus, and commitment to safety, reflects the company’s dedication to coir mat excellence while preserving its heritage.
It’s more than just a workplace; it’s an architectural symphony of innovation, heritage, and an unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional coir mats.
Fact File
Designed by: Barefoot Architects
Project Type: Office Architecture Design
Project Name: The Natural Floors
Building Function: Coir Mat Factory & Warehouse
Location: Alappuzha, Kerala
Project Size: 40000 Sq.ft
Year Built: 2023
Principal Architects: Basil Kalladi & Nithin Raj
Photograph Courtesy: Running Studios
Photographer’s Website: Running Studios
Firm’s Instagram Link: Barefoot Architects
For Similar Projects >> Computational and Parametric Design Methodologies Creates this Creative Office Space
KD Associate Mishti’s House by KD ASSOCIATE is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture that blends modern aesthetics with mindful design. The facade features a harmonious mix of exposed red brick, smooth white plaster, and wooden-toned vertical fins, creating depth and visual balance. A unique geometric lattice screen with a Buddha motif serves as […]
Our urban landscapes are undergoing a rapid transformation, pressured by burgeoning populations and increasing demands on city infrastructure. To address these escalating challenges, urban planners continually revise zoning regulations. In Delhi, for instance, a significant regulatory change introduced mandatory stilt parking on small urban lots with four habitable floors above. Gurugram, a satellite city, subsequently adopted […]
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 […]
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 […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
Wall Moulding Design is a great way to amp up your space and elevate the overall look of your home. There are a wide range of moulding designs that can add a distinct character to your space. Wall moulding design comes from different kinds of materials, such as PVC, plaster, wood, etc. The right choice […]