The 3dor office, with an exposed concrete shell, symbolises the harmonious integration of a mixed-use building in a semi-urban locality. Surrounded by lush greenery on one side, the project aims to achieve a complete public character for the office and to provide maximum privacy for the residential spaces. The idea was to create a connection between the functions, which would symbolise the work-life balance of a person.

Exposed Concrete Forms The Outer Shell For This Mixed-Use Commercial Building | 3dor Concepts

Design Philosophy

The building is strategically integrated as a linear mass block along the natural slope without disturbing the natural topography of the site. The proposed linear site had residential neighbourhoods on all three sides. A void was thus added to the linear mass to avoid clustering in the linear block. 

Central Void

This void space also acts as a visual connection between the two floors, fostering connectivity between the two floors. Furthermore, the residential space does not feel left behind below the office space, nor are there darker spaces inside the rooms.

Functional Layout

At personal space, i.e., on the basement floor, the spatial organisation comprises initial zoning based on privacy requirements. The design orients the public space, including the living area, towards the north-west of the site. Here, the living area acts as a buffer to the evening sun rays, which are warmer.

The Residence

A waterbody separates the public core from the private and semi-private spaces. Positioned between the living and dining areas, it naturally cools the interiors, enhances ventilation, and infuses the rooms with lightness and tranquillity. Furthermore, the waterbody acts as a semi-permeable element that segregates the public and semi-public space.

The Office Space

At the office space level, i.e, at the ground floor, the entrance has a transitional space, the veranda that is thoughtfully crafted so as to have an intermediate space that segregates the exterior and interior of the office. As we approach further inside the office, the transparency and openness of the working space are visible, rather than being them to mere cubicles. 

The architects zoned a dedicated meeting space above the living area. They separated the open office and the meeting zone with a transitional open space that overlooks the waterbody, creating both visual connection and spatial pause. The meeting space has a balcony attached to it that enhances openness and emphasises the natural view.

Multipurpose Space

At the first-floor level, the architects defined the space with a dynamic character. They designed it to remain flexible and adaptive, allowing it to evolve and accommodate a variety of functions as needed. It can seamlessly transform into a collaborative zone for internal staff meetings, informal discussions, or in-house presentations.

Its open design, in connection with the adjacent balcony, allows the area to expand outward, making it ideal for hosting model-making workshops and other creative sessions.

Terrace

Additionally, the terrace space adjacent to the first-floor area serves as both a viewing deck and an extended workshop zone. This outdoor space supports a range of activities—from casual office gatherings and team-building events —reinforcing the office’s emphasis on flexibility, community, and engagement.

Material Palette

Moving on to the materiality, 3dor office surely stands out among its surrounding residential spaces in the context, highlighted by its raw and exposed concrete design. The elements, from the walls to the openings and the floors, as well as the exterior and interiors, follow a harmonious theme that emphasises materials in their true form. The design uses exposed concrete entirely, creating a seamless play of textures across both the exterior and interiors.

Ventilation

The large openings, accentuated with wooden detailing, were incorporated using repurposed timber, sourced and integrated into the project to reflect both environmental responsibility and craftsmanship. 

Textures

The walls feature an exposed concrete finish, creating a dynamic interplay of textures that highlight the raw beauty of the material. Ceilings bear the imprint of the shuttering used during the casting process, adding to the tactile quality of the space.

Flooring

The flooring combines rough-textured Kota stone with areas of exposed concrete-finished surfaces, contributing to a grounded and honest material palette. Exposed metal elements are used for railings and stair treads, acting as transitional components between different office spaces and levels, while reinforcing the industrial aesthetic. 

Together, these raw and exposed materials reveal the architectural character of the space—raw, resilient, and authentic. Instead of a corporate or monumental scale, the 3dor Office adopts a human-centric scale, aligning with the urban grain of small towns in Kerala, particularly its neighbourhood. 

This reimagines professional workspaces not as imposing structures but as thoughtful insertions into daily life — a step forward in redefining how cities and towns grow.

Smaller Details

The office is rooted in its local context, from having large overhangs that go beyond not only as a design element, but it provides necessary protection from the harsh sun as well as the rain. The large pivoted doors, in addition to having transparency, also provide natural daylight to the interiors. Overall, the design and the elements that are crafted avoid imitation of traditional forms. Instead, it reinterprets regional principles through modern materials and design language, showcasing contextual modernism. 

Fact File

Designed by: 3dor Concepts

Project Type: Office Architecture Design

Project Name: 3dor Office

Location: Kannur, Kerala

Year Built: 2024

Built-up Area: 3450 Sq.ft

Principal Architects:  Ahmad Thaneem Abdul Majeed, Muhammed Jiyad & Muhammed Naseem

Team Design Credits: Roshan M, Ajmal & Sneha Philip

Photograph Courtesy: Studio IKSHA

Technical Team: Sneha Sreejith

Engineering & Consulting > Structural: DE FRAMEZ

Engineering & Consulting > Civil: DEEM

Interior Design: 3KITCHH

Source: Archdaily

Firm’s Website Link: 3dor Concepts

Firm’s Instagram Link: 3dor Concepts

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