This project came to our studio in 2018 as a refurbishment, extension & interior modification project. A single storey old house on a plot size of 50’ x 80’ that was being used as an office building. The entrance patio was the reception, bedrooms were meeting/discussion/conference rooms and the store room worked as server room. The brief was to rework the interior & add one floor to function as extra workspace and a cafeteria. However when we did a structural assessment of the building, it was discovered that the slabs rested on columns, there were no beams! The decision to bring down the old building and construct a new one was taken.
An office building charting its way to a sound working ambience | ma+rs
The design process led us to some pivotal questions. Why are office buildings in India/tropical context a certain type mimicking the glazed facades of the west? Why are the designs/facades of these buildings so ubiquitous? Why are office buildings never climate/context responsive? Why are the choices for materials always driven by what’s swankier?
The 50’ x 80’ plot is landlocked on two sides by residences and a commercial building on the third. The front faces a service road attached to the outer ring road with a green buffer in between. The approach for the architecture of this building is a response to its surroundings. It is the reinterpretation of the forms of living, of the domestic in its built form and blend in to create a cohesive environment.
The biggest challenge in institutional spaces like this one is the demanding equation of the diverse flows that cohabit within it on a daily basis. To manage within a spatial order the building has been divided into three volumes – public, private & collective.
It was necessary to completely redefine the spatiality inside the building to meet the new program and all the functional aspects of the company. The basement and ground house public programs like parking, reception & visitor waiting area.
The first and second floor were allocated to staff areas, workspaces, discussion rooms. The third floor houses the collective functions like cafeteria & a multipurpose room. The terrace acts as a decompression area with an amphitheater nestled within an urban garden.
The building structure, a slab-beam-pillar system with stiffening cores, which allows for great flexibility in use and characterizes the appearance of the new building. The facades are designed differently according to their orientation.
The sides & the rear facades, the most sensible thing was to separate them from their adjoining neighbors and have only strategic openings for light & ventilation. The front however is punctured completely with a grid of windows.
The windows are setback by 600mm into the floor plate. The displacement in plan thus giving us space to build planters all along the front of each floor. It’s rational to recognize the context that it sits in and responds to by creating a second skin to the building which reduces the heat hitting the glazed façade.
Fact File
Designed by: ma+rs
Project Type: Office Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: Grid
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 3 Years
Plot Area: 4000 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 15000 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 5 Crore
Principal Architects: Ar. Anisha Menon & Ar. Sabyasachi Routray
Design Credits: Ar. Indulekha Paul
Photograph Courtesy: studio suryan//dang
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Exposed concrete ceiling and Structure / Doors and Partitions – Merino (toilet doors), Kubix (Internal glass partitions) / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Windows – ALUK Furniture – IKEA, BOSQ & Featherlite / Paint – Asian Paints / Hardware – Hafele, Hettich, OzoneConsultants for the Project: Landscape Architects – Sreedevi Mohan / MEP & HVAC Consultants – Yash Consultants / Structure Engineers – Radins Engineers / Contractors – Solid Ground Constructions Pvt. Ltd
Firm’s Website Link: ma+rs
Firm’s Instagram Link: ma+rs
Firm’s Facebook Link: ma+rs
For Similar Project >>> The Connection Between Internal And External In Nahid Office And Commercial Building
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 […]