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
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]
Winterfell is a work of camouflaged design, an organic house that melds seamlessly with the terrain, rolling into the vibrant green landscape and naturally positioned boulders. Set in the scenic village of Shoolagiri within the Sanctity Ferme community in Tamil Nadu, Winterfell offers an idyllic retreat from urban life—a place to live close to nature. […]
The design concept of Tipu Villa embodies a harmonious balance of boldness and sophistication, crafting spaces that exude refinement and elegance, resulting in a true heritage home. Key design elements include exclusive use of Indian-sourced materials, including Indian teak wood, veneer, natural Kota lime stone, and yellow lime stone, promoting cultural charm and heritage. Tipu […]
Office spaces are often defined by uninspired, industrial aesthetics—endless rows of cubicles, glaring fluorescent lights and austere décor. It’s easy to become desensitized to the potential for beauty in these environments where we spend so much of our time. And with the demands for extended work hours becoming an accepted norm, the line between work […]
Nestled amidst the serene outskirts of Bangalore, this 1.25-acre modern farm house embodies a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. Every detail of the property reflects an unwavering commitment to creating a space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while honoring heritage. This Modern Farm House Reflects Harmony with Nature and Heritage […]
The client envisioned a home that embodies openness and fluidity through interior contemporary design. He is drawn to expansive volumes and dramatic spatial experiences, including double-height ceilings and multiple floors. Each family member should have a distinct, personal space, yet all areas must remain visually and spatially connected to foster a strong sense of togetherness. […]
The Brahmaputra riverfront rejuvenates a natural water lily pond, creates a new river edge, and seamlessly connects the site to the adjacent heritage museum, fostering public interaction. Editor’s Note: “A combination of contours and current, the design of the Brahmaputra riverfront unfolds like a living memory. Quietly celebrating time and terrain, every curve echoes the […]
Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]
Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]