White Balance-Film Studio | Studio Bipolar
In the Okhla Industrial Area of New Delhi, Studio Bipolar has reimagined a former 60’s era pharmaceutical warehouse into a new 6000 square feet office and film studio for a creative agency, named ‘WhiteBalance’.
FACT FILE:
The existing structure was one of dormant beauty. Be it the angular trusses supporting the asbestos roof, or the 14 inch thick exposed brick walls. These were to be the crux for the whole design to follow. A large mezzanine covered almost two thirds of the area and which was demolished entirely to showcase the towering trusses overhead. Another smaller one was built intelligently to provide for maximum viewing angles while not acting as an obstruction.
An existing 2’ thick wall divided the space even further, and was removed to connect the space horizontally as well as vertically. The concept was a simple one; ‘No Visual obstructions’; ‘One space’.
Adjacent Halls were interconnected through arched entries to create a workspace for the editing team. A sleeping nook was created above the private editing suite for this team that likes to work late hours into the night.
The conference room follows the same ‘One space’ principle. Tucked away under one half of the mezzanine, its doors were made of mild steel angles and glass which could slide out thus making the space larger while providing acoustic privacy if need be. Emphasis was given on providing as much natural light as possible and tall 15-foot-high brick arched windows were made on one side of the workspace to allow for the same.
The mezzanine continued from one hall to the other via another arched opening thus overlooking the large multifunctional studio space, which would be used for screenings, product shoots or even as a secondary workspace. The mezzanine itself was used by the executives and thus were treated to the clerestory windows of the saw tooth roof, a part of which were made from scratch but followed the same design language as the existing ones.
Bespoke pallet wood tables were fabricated to the highest detail to go with the industrial aesthetic and aluminum-back arm chairs were made to stand out in the executive mezzanine.
It was essential to create a space that was modern and yet had an industrial language which would appeal to the employees of ‘WhiteBalance’ while also serving as a landmark for the rest of the industrial area of New Delhi that true hidden gems reside under the tin sheds of numerous abandoned warehouses, waiting to be adapted into something fresh and off beat.
This was a project where the architect and clients collaborated throughout, navigating the long bureaucratic process together as well as the design and construction phases. As an architecture practice Studio Bipolar believes strongly in a collaborative approach and are always heartened when the results are as fruitful as this one has been. Robert Godinho, founder and director of ‘WhiteBalance’ had this to say regarding his experience and the final product-
‘This is where I feel most at home, enjoying intellectual, creative points of view and having a pulse on all the ongoing projects. The energy and vibe of a creative hub is what defines the soul of the organization. Being in this space, helps me to live in the NOW, yet giving me the vision of what next.’
Some client relationships evolve into lasting partnerships, and this residence reflects that journey. Nearly a decade after designing their first home in 2017, the family entrusted us once again to create a new chapter for their evolving lives. The new home reflects how their lives have gracefully evolved over the years. Located in the heart […]
There is a moment, standing beneath the triple-height volume of this Bengaluru home, when the retractable sunroof slides open and the sky simply becomes part of the room — and everything this space set out to achieve suddenly makes complete, irreducible sense. Crafted by Deena Rodrigues & Nicole David for a multigenerational family, and executed […]
Editor’s Note: Some homes reveal their character slowly, through details that invite you to look a little closer. This Mumbai apartment brings together marble, veneer, textured plaster, mother of pearl, stone, and fabric to create a home that feels luxurious yet deeply personal. An artificial skylight transforms the entrance, while layered living spaces balance graphic […]
Some homes are designed to impress. Others are designed to be lived in. Legacy Home belongs firmly to the latter. It celebrates everyday rituals, evolving lifestyles, and the quiet beauty of spaces that feel deeply personal. Spread across 2,000 sq. ft. in Andheri West, Mumbai, this eight-month renovation transformed a jodi apartment from the ground […]
Every home has a story, and Project Prarabdh is one that unfolds gently through curves, textures, soft tones, and thoughtful details. Designed for a family that values calmness, warmth, and functional simplicity, the project brings together minimal aesthetics and expressive craftsmanship. From the entrance to the kids’ room, each space follows a quiet rhythm. Curves […]
In the pulsating heart of Gujarat, India, where the shimmer of the ‘Diamond City’ meets the rich tapestry of the ‘Silk City’, Surat has preserved its legacy of craftsmanship across generations. Amidst the precision of diamond cutters and the rhythmic hum of textile looms, the homeowners’ story began. They were not merely entrepreneurs but inheritors […]
This home is a thoughtful expression of the modern interior design style, infused with creative and personalised touches that make it both distinctive and inviting. Every material, colour, and finish has been carefully curated to achieve a sense of timelessness, with a clear emphasis on balance and harmony. The muted colour palette seamlessly extended across […]
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 […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]