Polycab EC is located in Halol – the industrial hub of Gujarat, close to Vadodara. The project aims to bring 3 primary programs– a corporate office, Experience centre, and auditorium under one sustainable roof for the client who is one of India’s largest cable manufacturers. The geometry of the building intends to protect the existing trees on site. The auditorium floats above an atrium, connecting the office zone and experience center, while the atrium connects to the factory behind. The double block configuration self-shades the central landscape court, while the conference room as a bridge connects the two blocks across the court. The Basement G+ 3 storey office block houses the employees and amenities. The experience center houses a museum of the company’s exhibits and conference facilities. The auditorium is accessible from both spaces.
A 15m cantilever gate marks the arrival from the main road. The drop-off is at the shaded atrium, from where the user can enter either the office or the experience center. The atrium expresses curvilinear intersecting beams at the ceiling. The office has a triple height naturally lit entry lobby. The wall mural depicts the “Banyan tree”, characteristic of the local culture, as well as copper that carries energy inside a cable to create light. The mural is complemented by suspended glass leaves forming the chandelier on the roof. Each office floor overlooks the central atrium. The cafeteria on the top floor is naturally lit while overlooking the natural views. It has an accessible activity terrace above the conference bridge, overlooking the landscape. The landscape uses repurposed – cable packing trays that are locally available.
The project is designed to become a Net-Zero energy building. The balcony overhangs horizontally shade the southern façade. The façade is designed with Low-E glass and aluminum fins on the East that are designed as per solar angles. The fins are designed to maximize views of the nearby hills and maximize daylight to the office areas while shading the direct sun. The combined setup reduces the energy requirement of the building by 20% from the base case of unshaded regular glass.
The solar system on the roof designed for 195KW capacity offsets 40% of all energy needs of the building. The additional solar panels laid on a neighboring factory of the same project, aspires to offset the other 60% of the energy needs, thereby making it a true Net-Zero building. The designers procured 70% of all construction materials involved within a 100km radius to limit embodied energy. Efficient water fixtures and rainwater well reduce the water need of the building by 30%. They presented the project as a case study in several international forums such as IDAC Mumbai- 2022 – Green Pavilion for its Sustainable design and Zak-World of Facades 2022, Hyderabad for its innovative Façade design.
Fact File
Designed by: FHD India
Project Type: Office Architecture Design
Project Name: Polycab Experience Centre
Location: Halol, Gujarat
Year Built: 2021
Built-up Area: 100000 sqft
Principal Architects: Mathan Ramaiah
Photograph Courtesy: Shamanth Patil
Manufacturers: Saint-Gobain, Alustruct Glazing, Asian Paints, Kajaria, Polycab, VAIK Group
Contractor: Vikram Builders
Landscape design: Kiasma
Common Area Interiors, Construction Drawings: Sriram Ramakrishnan
Coordination, Site Supervision: Shageer
Office Interior: Sundar
Design & Analysis: Dhurgai Kumaran
Program / Use / Building Function: Commercial Office, Experience Centre
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing: Eco First Services Limited
Façade: Alustruct Glazing
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: FHD India
Firm’s Instagram Link: FHD India
For Similar Project >>> The Wellbeing Of The Workforce Is The Priority In The WoCo Office
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]