This project came to our studio in 2018 as a refurbishment, extension & interior modification project. A single storey old house on a plot size of 50’ x 80’ that was being used as an office building. The entrance patio was the reception, bedrooms were meeting/discussion/conference rooms and the store room worked as server room. The brief was to rework the interior & add one floor to function as extra workspace and a cafeteria. However when we did a structural assessment of the building, it was discovered that the slabs rested on columns, there were no beams! The decision to bring down the old building and construct a new one was taken.
An office building charting its way to a sound working ambience | ma+rs
The design process led us to some pivotal questions. Why are office buildings in India/tropical context a certain type mimicking the glazed facades of the west? Why are the designs/facades of these buildings so ubiquitous? Why are office buildings never climate/context responsive? Why are the choices for materials always driven by what’s swankier?
The 50’ x 80’ plot is landlocked on two sides by residences and a commercial building on the third. The front faces a service road attached to the outer ring road with a green buffer in between. The approach for the architecture of this building is a response to its surroundings. It is the reinterpretation of the forms of living, of the domestic in its built form and blend in to create a cohesive environment.
The biggest challenge in institutional spaces like this one is the demanding equation of the diverse flows that cohabit within it on a daily basis. To manage within a spatial order the building has been divided into three volumes – public, private & collective.
It was necessary to completely redefine the spatiality inside the building to meet the new program and all the functional aspects of the company. The basement and ground house public programs like parking, reception & visitor waiting area.
The first and second floor were allocated to staff areas, workspaces, discussion rooms. The third floor houses the collective functions like cafeteria & a multipurpose room. The terrace acts as a decompression area with an amphitheater nestled within an urban garden.
The building structure, a slab-beam-pillar system with stiffening cores, which allows for great flexibility in use and characterizes the appearance of the new building. The facades are designed differently according to their orientation.
The sides & the rear facades, the most sensible thing was to separate them from their adjoining neighbors and have only strategic openings for light & ventilation. The front however is punctured completely with a grid of windows.
The windows are setback by 600mm into the floor plate. The displacement in plan thus giving us space to build planters all along the front of each floor. It’s rational to recognize the context that it sits in and responds to by creating a second skin to the building which reduces the heat hitting the glazed façade.
Fact File
Designed by: ma+rs
Project Type: Office Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: Grid
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 3 Years
Plot Area: 4000 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 15000 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 5 Crore
Principal Architects: Ar. Anisha Menon & Ar. Sabyasachi Routray
Design Credits: Ar. Indulekha Paul
Photograph Courtesy: studio suryan//dang
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Exposed concrete ceiling and Structure / Doors and Partitions – Merino (toilet doors), Kubix (Internal glass partitions) / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Windows – ALUK Furniture – IKEA, BOSQ & Featherlite / Paint – Asian Paints / Hardware – Hafele, Hettich, OzoneConsultants for the Project: Landscape Architects – Sreedevi Mohan / MEP & HVAC Consultants – Yash Consultants / Structure Engineers – Radins Engineers / Contractors – Solid Ground Constructions Pvt. Ltd
Firm’s Website Link: ma+rs
Firm’s Instagram Link: ma+rs
Firm’s Facebook Link: ma+rs
For Similar Project >>> The Connection Between Internal And External In Nahid Office And Commercial Building
Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that […]
What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]
Located in the heart of Raipur, yet away from the chaos of the central market, is a refined 6200 sq. ft. residence built on a 4000 sq. ft. plot. Rightfully named the ‘House of Grace’, this Raipur home embodies simplicity, sophistication, and tailored luxury. Designed by Piyush and Sonal Agarwal, co-founders and principal architects of […]
When Design meets Excellence. A Luxurious Modern Sustainable Villa in SPA ECOCITY, house designed by Sbaspectra-Formations- a world-class vibrant community with refreshing greenery in Tamilnadu, India. A Sustainable Villa With Contemporary Minimalist Architecture | Sbaspectra-Formations Design Concept This villa is not just about looks; it invites people to relax and to enjoy its exceptional comfort […]
Nestled in the remote village of Chapar, Uttarakhand, a stunning mountain house design seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Designed by Ātman Studio, this residence is a testament to thoughtful, context-driven architecture, where every element responds to the land, climate, and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. With […]
Imagine a cozy house design nestled in a serene and blissful environment. The site is uniquely positioned, with roads on two sides and a lush park filled with greenery at the rear. This thoughtful location offers a rare blend of convenience and tranquility, making the residence a perfect marriage of natural living and urban sophistication. […]
Designing a weekend house for a discerning client in Ahmedabad was an exciting challenge. The client, with a strong artistic inclination, sought a blend of a residential block, dining/gym area, entertainment block, and temple, while incorporating three existing structures. Through detailed discussions and site visits, we refined the entry layout, spatial arrangement, materials, lighting, and […]
The house is named “ADVAIT,” which means “UNIQUE” and a strong sense of spirituality. The brief was to design a contemporary design home for a family of six people and their support staff. The concept was based on mandala architecture, which represents the symbol of the universe, a cosmic diagram that functions as a powerful […]
Rasa’s landscape home design is rooted in the interplay of space and memory, fostering a profound connection with outdoor environments. Our approach embraces grandeur, enriched with meticulously designed focal points that evoke emotion and create lasting impressions. Through thoughtful craftsmanship, we shape outdoor spaces that are not only visually compelling but also deeply experiential. Editor’s […]
Duplex home design encompasses a world range of functional sophistication, luxurious aesthetics, and spatial innovations, laying out modern necessities amid a variety of styles and settings. Whether the intention is to plan a dream dwelling or just for inspiration for the next project, this list of stunning duplex homes shall awaken exciting ideas. Each showcased […]