The Quest Learning Observatory (QLO) is a resilient, future-sensing, net zero energy building imbued with the capacity to self-heal and self-organize, thus embodying circular principles. It has regenerative practices at the heart of its architecture. This innovative building operates on a net-zero philosophy, where all energy needs are met through renewable sources.
Editor’s Note: “Rooted in sustainability and renewable sources, this innovative Bangalore building rises as a beacon of recycling. Its climate-conscious design, harmoniously paired with thoughtfully chosen materials, pays homage to the pursuit of sustainability. Crafted from eco-friendly materials, the structure embodies the cradle-to-cradle philosophy, weaving together a vision of enduring harmony with the environment.” ~Simran Khare
The QLO is a Future-sensing Net Zero Energy Building | Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
The building is a shining example of “repair, redesign, and reuse,” where waste is recycled without piling up in landfills, water needs are met through on-site sources, and sunlight powers the system.
Additionally, a climate study of the site has allowed us to harness daylight to illuminate 50% of the regularly occupied spaces. Thus achieving lighting levels between 110 Lux and 2,200 Lux on a clear day.
Besides, the data gathered from the sustainability analysis has encouraged us to fix openable vents to improve indoor air circulation. It also controls humidity and mould formation.
The building, fashioned from sustainable materials, emulates the cradle-to-cradle philosophy. This is personified through the sun-baked bricks manufactured from the mud excavated from the construction site when the foundation of the building was laid in 2021.
Unlike traditionally produced bricks, these eco-friendly substitutes discharge fewer carbon pollutants during manufacturing.
Another instance of decarbonization is incorporating fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion) into the concrete mix, reducing cement usage by 35%. In addition, it also improves the endurance of the building.
The grey, customized tiles incised with Quest Alliance’s logo demonstrate energy efficiency by blending carbon waste with natural materials.
In addition to these innovative materials, the concept of revival plays a crucial role in the building’s furnishings. The stairway floorboards are crafted from wood sourced at the Alang Ship Breaking Yard. It is the world’s largest ship recycling facility, ensuring the use of sea-seasoned timber.
Moving further, the organisation has thoughtfully repurposed old furniture from its previous headquarters and antique collections. Thus seamlessly blending the old with the new.
On the other hand, as a future-sensing organisation that emphasises data-driven change in the climate-employment sector, we have installed a data sculptor called Connecting the Dots.
Moreover, the installation in the Artium has 44 vibrant Channapatana toys to visualise Bangalore’s weather data—wind, rain, and temperature—through graceful, wave-like movements, illustrating organisational growth and resilience.
Fact File
Designed by: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
Project Type: Office Architecture Design
Project Name: Quest Learning Observatory
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 3 Years
Plot Area: 12000 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 14569. 85 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Natasha Iype & Zameer Basrai
Photograph Courtesy: Shamanth Patil Photography and Jitendra M
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Good Earth / Wallcovering / Cladding – Sajhedaree / Construction Materials – Busride / Lighting – Pasolite / Doors and Partitions –Ambica Company Sanitaryware – Ikea, Amazon, Jaguar / Facade Systems – North Pole Engineering / Windows – Sur Armour Pvt Ltd / Furniture – Studio Woodpecker, Akway, Mumbai’s chor-bazaar, purple turtles (knobs) / Flooring – Carbon Craft (design, installation supported laying and polishing), Good Earth (major flooring Kadapa) Kitchen – KitchenWhiz / Paint – Sajhedaree (website na)(interior with lime plastering), exterior by Good Earth / Artefacts –Ecru Design (also blinds) / Hardware – IT set up by Turmeric Clou; Future Sensor by Digital Jalebi
Consultants for the Project: Civil – North Pole Engineering (scaffolding), Good Earth / Interior Designers – The Busride Design Studio / Landscape Architects – Ananas, civil work(Good Earth), Metalorganz / MEP & HVAC Consultants – MEP: Good Earth; HVAC: KitchenWhiz, Fenice Energy, Oorja Energy Engineering Structure Engineers – Good Earth / Lighting Designers – The Busride Design Studio / Acoustics Consultants – Svaram / Environmental & Sustainability Consultants – Smarter Dharma / Contractors – Good Earth / Project Managers – Gauri Sanghi / Quantity Surveyors – Gauri Sanghi, Mithali Konety Interior Styling –The Busride Design Studio, Branding fonts – Nia Thandapani
Firm’s Website Link: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
Organization’s Instagram Link: The Quest Learning Observatory and Quest Alliance
Firm’s Facebook Link: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
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