The existing outhouse structure is transformed into an exhibition space. It is a space where one can host exhibitions, design workshops, fashion pop-up shows, and Sunday brunches. At the same time, it also serves as an office.
Editor’s Note: “This repurposed old building in Kolkata with a rectangular facade, central entrance, lush gardens and alluring arches enchants one into the vintage colonial architectural era. The fusion of tradition and modernity reflects the rich architectural legacy of Kolkata. This structure acts as an exhibition space as well as a space for design workshops, pop-up fashion shows, and many more.” ~Simran Khare
The Existing Outhouse Structure Is Transformed Into An Exhibition Space | Square
The vision behind developing this experience centre was to capture the vibe of the target demographic, comprising a sophisticated, well-travelled, and urban generation. The design reflects international standards of design, tone, and fashion in the heart of the city.
The idea was to blend the rich heritage of the past with the contemporary lifestyle of millennials. Although there is often a perceived gap between generations and preferences, Indian societies are an extension of traditions that can adapt to the present world. In terms of architecture, the theme revolves around reinventing and reusing spaces.
It is the combination of a century-old colonial building, lush greenery, and a modern minimalist vibe—a unique fusion of tradition and modernity—that always appeals to us.
The old structure comes with its challenges. It was a dilapidated structure with major concerns regarding dampness and seepage.
We aimed to retain the existing character, which meant avoiding cladding and rework the plaster finishing, cornices, and moldings.
The building requires air-conditioning. We also had to provide glazing while ensuring it did not interfere with the overall facade.
We wanted to retain the exterior flavor of the building and keep the facade, stripped the plasters, and preserved the old doors and windows.
The existing rooms become galleries, waiting lobbies, and meeting rooms and utilized the veranda for informal seating and an open café.
As modern interventions, we introduced bright Italian red marble in the lobby and a metal mesh portico at the entrance.
We selected an old, dilapidated outhouse that was on the brink of demolition. The structure was preserved, its usage was altered, and a modern flavor was added, completely transforming the appearance and atmosphere of the building and its surroundings.
It is now not only as the sales office but also for other events and activities that highlight the rich cultural and architectural legacy of Kolkata.
The renovated outhouse provides a framework for revamping many such beautiful structures that adorn the city without incurring excessive cost and effort..
Fact File
Designed by: Square
Project Type: Commercial Architecture Design
Project Name: Niavara Experience Centre
Location: Kolkata
Year Built: 2023
Built-up Area: 3229 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ranit Maiti & Subhrajit Gmitra
Team Design Credits: Vasudha Chandel & Tanisha Sengupta
Project Lead: Bidisha Kar
Photograph Courtesy: studio suryan//dang
Products / Materials / Vendors: TOILET FIXTURE – KOHLER / FURNITURE – GULMOHAR LANE, THE HOUSE OF THINGS, OBJECTRY / RUGS/CARPETS – JAIPUR RUG
Firm’s Website link: Square
Firm’s Instagram link: Square
Firm’s Facebook Link: Square
For Similar Projects>>079 Stories Centre for Arts | Vastu Shilpa Consultants
Editor’s Note: Some places feel rooted because they belong to their surroundings rather than trying to stand apart from them. Coffee Sangam in Andhra Pradesh takes this approach through a raw, tactile palette of brick, stone, teak, and mild steel. The random rubble compound wall extends the landscape into the architecture, while the Corten steel […]
Envisioned as a contemporary home rooted in Indian sensibilities, this residence sits on a south-facing urban plot. The design accommodates the evolving lifestyle of a multi-generational family. The project integrates architecture and interiors to create functional, climate-responsive, and emotionally connected spaces. Each level balances privacy with interaction. The design also allows flexibility for changing family […]
Editorial Note: Some homes are shaped by the memories, objects, and stories their residents carry with them. Ungana in Chennai, meaning “merge” in Swahili, brings together a well-travelled family’s collection of antiques and everyday rituals within a narrow urban plot. A double-height living space becomes the heart of the home, connecting the kitchen and dining […]
House of the Framed Atrium explores how a contemporary home can revolve around light, connection, and shared experiences. The design follows the ideas of a Living Atrium, Living with Nature, Framed Volumes, Vertical Living, and Timeless Materiality. The residence connects a sequence of interconnected spaces around a dramatic triple-height atrium. The atrium forms the heart […]
A Mock-up That Became a Home – For an architecture practice, a mock-up often helps test an idea before the team translates it into a larger project. It allows architects to work at full scale, examine materials and construction techniques, and understand their limitations. The process also gives them room to test different brick bonds and […]
The house began not with a formal brief, but with a conversation about the kind of life the clients hoped to build within it. Set between the denser urban fabric of Kannur and the quieter residential landscapes of North Kerala, the project responds to a desire for openness and connection. At the same time, the […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
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 […]