Suspended Office | DIG Architects
This 1,200-sq-ft office site, located in a low-lying precinct of suburban Mumbai, was one of those yearly victims of the rains; being usually submerged at least twice a year in up to two feet of water. These field conditions shaped the architects’ response to a call for refurbishment for a functional workspace for around 30/35 staff and a training room facility which could be accessed independently by in-house staff as well as guests.
Visit: DIG Architects
Attempting a present solution that was contextual and meaningful rather than being merely functional and aesthetic, the new flood-resilient design disregarded the floor for any sort of permanent placement of elements and centered its strategy on the suspension to ensure minimum damage to the property and data.
This central idea is impactfully articulated as an arm that tethers each legless workstations to the ceiling, giving the project its name — Suspended Office. Colour — a bright yellow — is used on the suspension members to draw attention to them, making them ever-present and assertive markers of their own raison d’être, as well as injecting brightness into dreary, rainy days. While the walls and floor of the workspace were seamlessly waterproofed and then cladded with vitrified tiles till the height 1 mt, the tiles of the training centre were replaced by water resilient carpet which also bettered acoustic quality of the space.
Elements of design, woven into the central ‘suspension’ strategy, make the visual narrative of the Suspended Office more interesting and complex. The action, so to speak, is concentrated off the floor, on the upper portion of the volume where the legless, levitating workstations occupy center stage. The suspension members that connect them to the ceiling ‘bloom’ mid-way into three-armed LED lights, catering to the functional requirement of lighting in an effortless, aesthetic manner.
Services and materiality contribute to the visual interest in an uncontrived way as well — the geometry of the electrical conduits and the blue AC vents, together with the brown of the marine ply, the grey flooring and the yellow of the suspension members and the floating staircase that leads to the upper level, lends a pleasant graphic flavour to the interior environment.
FACT FILE:
Design firm: DIG Architects
Project: Suspended office
Location: Santacruz (E), Mumbai
Area: 1,200 sq ft
Principal architects/founders: Advait Potnis and Amit Khanolkar
Photo Credits: Photographix
Website: http://www.digarch.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digarchitecture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.dig/
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 […]