In the bustling heart of Lucknow, where the past gracefully intersects with the present and where the urban landscape constantly evolves, the IT Headquarters for the Lucknow government is a green-certified building. A striking architectural landmark, it stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability. In envisaging this government building that challenges conventional design methods, Sthapati defies standards and redefines the very essence of contemporary office buildings by setting the precedent for a greener cityscape.
Leading the way: A green-certified public building that’s shaping Lucknow’s cityscape | Sthapati
Situated on an irregular plot, the structure has been developed as a complete, pre-engineered steel marvel that stands as one of the pioneering designs of its kind in India. This architectural marvel boldly showcases unwavering lines on its facade, creating a visually striking presence in the cityscape. True sustainability lies in the response to the local context and responds to the surroundings in two significant ways.
Firstly, it meticulously follows the contours of its irregular site, reducing the negative impact on the environment. Secondly, it boasts of a distinctive facade that doesn’t vie for attention with the existing urban fabric; rather, it complements the climate and the surroundings and aspires to bring homogeneity to the existing landscape.
The project stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity pioneering a centrally air-conditioned building concept with two basements, all supported by a pre-engineered steel structure. The columns and beams, manufactured entirely off-site, were carefully erected in a phased and precise manner.
The basements, constructed with reinforced concrete, form a robust foundation for the hybrid and composite structure that rises from the ground level, facilitating the steel structures above. This innovation translates to massive time savings during construction.
With sustainability at its core, the Income Tax Headquarters has the prestigious GRIHA 4-star certification, making it a frontrunner in environmental design. During the construction phase, measures were taken to protect existing trees on-site and ensure dust mitigation, cementing the commitment to energy efficiency with a design that reduces pollution in multiple ways.
Off-site steel manufacturing, enabled by pre-engineered technology, minimizes human intervention, bolsters precision, and expedites construction while reducing environmental impact. Post-construction, the building embraces passive design elements on its facade. Extended slab protections mitigate direct solar heat gain, diminishing the need for air conditioning and consequently reducing carbon emissions, and energy-efficient double-glazed units enhance the building’s overall energy efficiency.
With durability and ease of maintenance being paramount in a public government, building material choices play a crucial role in ensuring longevity and resilience. Stone finish high-pressure laminates grace the exterior facade, reducing the need for stone quarrying and preserving nature.
These laminates, known for their endurance, facilitate wet cleaning of the facade, ensuring it remains pristine at all times. Within the building, internal walls constructed with dry walls in gypsum and glass wool insulation replace conventional block and brick construction. This innovative addition has not only guaranteed high precision and faster delivery but also improved the quality of the end product.
The interior spaces are meticulously crafted to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing workspace, fostering productivity and comfort for occupants. The building’s services, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, are engineered with precision to ensure occupant comfort and environmental sustainability. These systems work cohesively to provide an ideal indoor environment, optimizing energy efficiency. The project’s landscape design contributes to its charm by offering an inviting outdoor space within the heart of the city. This green oasis complements the architectural beauty, intertwining nature along the building.
The culmination of these architectural and engineering efforts is a symbol of progress in architecture, a beacon of sustainability, and a blueprint for future public/ government. projects. This urban oasis, where function meets aesthetics and tradition meets innovation, not only redefines office spaces but also sets a new standard for contemporary urban architecture in India. Notably, this structure represents one of India’s pioneering forays into pre-engineered steel technology for office buildings, marking a milestone in the nation’s architectural landscape. As the structure rises, it defies convention with sweeping bold lines on its facade, making a profound statement amidst the dense urban fabric.
Fact FileDesigned by: Sthapati
Project Type: Commercial / Institutional Design
Project Name: Income Tax HQ (Office building for Income Tax)
Location: Lucknow
Year Built: June 2020
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Built-up Area: 2,58,000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Harsh Varshneya
Team Design Credits: Harsh Varshneya, Khushboo Bansal & Anuj Varshneya
Photograph Courtesy: Andre Fanthome
Products / Materials / Vendors: Lighting – Philips / ACP / Glass / Concrete- saint Gobain for glazing / merino for external HPL cladding / Sanitaryware / Fittings- Kohler / Flooring- Armstrong / Air Conditioning- daikin / Paint- Asian paints / Elevator- Mitsubishi
Firm’s Website Link: Sthapati
Firm’s Instagram Link: Sthapati
Firm’s Facebook Link: Sthapati
For Similar Projects >> The Connection Between Internal And External In Nahid Office And Commercial Building
Paati-veedu in the Tamil language means grandmother’s home. The client wanted a traditional courtyard house after having lived in a multilevel home with limited light, ventilation, and disjointed spaces. The site is on a 40×60 ft (2400 sq. ft.) property with the north side facing the street. Editor’s Note: “Rooted in nostalgia yet modern in […]
Coloured glass is incorporated into the east facing elevation of the house with a plan designed to interact beautifully with morning sunlight. As the sun rises, light filters through the coloured glass, casting vibrant, colourful rays throughout the interior and creating a dynamic, uplifting atmosphere. Each piece transforms into a radiant, gem-like feature when struck […]
Tiles for walls are more than just practical elements of your home interiors—they are design statements that bring both beauty and functionality to your spaces. Have you ever wondered how a simple change in wall tiles can transform an entire room? With endless options in materials, textures, and designs, tiles can enhance any room, from […]
The vision for this Kerala traditional house project was to provide the client with luxurious space and finishes. The client wanted a fusion of traditional elements with all the functionalities of a modern house that can accommodate their extended family members too. Elements of traditional Kerala architecture like the shaded veranda and the multi-levelled sloping […]
The Punjab home design is an oasis of solitude, where the structure itself turns inward, embracing the idea of seclusion. Strategic use of barriers like landscaping, walls, and enclosed courtyards ensures privacy without sacrificing the connection to the natural environment. Large windows and skylights are utilized selectively, allowing for natural light to flood into the […]
Ar. Sahiba Madan, founder of Insitu and KalakaariHaath, shares her journey that goes beyond trends, to timeless design. Her inspiration from Indian culture, art, and artists is reflected throughout her journey. After pursuing architecture as a core, Sahiba established her home decor and furnishing and an interior design studio in 2014 and 2018 respectively. She […]
Given a marble’s beauty and timelessness, the variety and types of marble are extensive and boundless in the modern world. Different types exhibit different colors, patterns, and textures based on their origin. That being said, selecting the right type and variety that suits your space is crucial to justify the beauty of marble. Regardless of […]
Marble bathroom designs transform your bathroom interiors to a great extent, considering marble’s purity, shine, and grace. With bold veining, rich texture, and different colorations, marble can transform an ordinary bathroom into a different level of refined relaxation. From sleek, minimalistic designs to strong statement pieces, marble suits your styles, rendered to be equally complimentary […]
The east facing house is part of a dense residential neighbourhood in Udaipur. The client brief required us to design a multiple-generation home with multiple purposes. The architecture intent was to carve out volumes and intersperse the client’s requirements with spatial voids, gardens, and terraces. This House Facing East is in a Dense Residential Neighborhood […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]