In the bustling heart of Lucknow, where the past gracefully intersects with the present and where the urban landscape constantly evolves, the IT Headquarters for the Lucknow government is a green-certified building. A striking architectural landmark, it stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability. In envisaging this government building that challenges conventional design methods, Sthapati defies standards and redefines the very essence of contemporary office buildings by setting the precedent for a greener cityscape.
Leading the way: A green-certified public building that’s shaping Lucknow’s cityscape | Sthapati
Situated on an irregular plot, the structure has been developed as a complete, pre-engineered steel marvel that stands as one of the pioneering designs of its kind in India. This architectural marvel boldly showcases unwavering lines on its facade, creating a visually striking presence in the cityscape. True sustainability lies in the response to the local context and responds to the surroundings in two significant ways.
Firstly, it meticulously follows the contours of its irregular site, reducing the negative impact on the environment. Secondly, it boasts of a distinctive facade that doesn’t vie for attention with the existing urban fabric; rather, it complements the climate and the surroundings and aspires to bring homogeneity to the existing landscape.
The project stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity pioneering a centrally air-conditioned building concept with two basements, all supported by a pre-engineered steel structure. The columns and beams, manufactured entirely off-site, were carefully erected in a phased and precise manner.
The basements, constructed with reinforced concrete, form a robust foundation for the hybrid and composite structure that rises from the ground level, facilitating the steel structures above. This innovation translates to massive time savings during construction.
With sustainability at its core, the Income Tax Headquarters has the prestigious GRIHA 4-star certification, making it a frontrunner in environmental design. During the construction phase, measures were taken to protect existing trees on-site and ensure dust mitigation, cementing the commitment to energy efficiency with a design that reduces pollution in multiple ways.
Off-site steel manufacturing, enabled by pre-engineered technology, minimizes human intervention, bolsters precision, and expedites construction while reducing environmental impact. Post-construction, the building embraces passive design elements on its facade. Extended slab protections mitigate direct solar heat gain, diminishing the need for air conditioning and consequently reducing carbon emissions, and energy-efficient double-glazed units enhance the building’s overall energy efficiency.
With durability and ease of maintenance being paramount in a public government, building material choices play a crucial role in ensuring longevity and resilience. Stone finish high-pressure laminates grace the exterior facade, reducing the need for stone quarrying and preserving nature.
These laminates, known for their endurance, facilitate wet cleaning of the facade, ensuring it remains pristine at all times. Within the building, internal walls constructed with dry walls in gypsum and glass wool insulation replace conventional block and brick construction. This innovative addition has not only guaranteed high precision and faster delivery but also improved the quality of the end product.
The interior spaces are meticulously crafted to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing workspace, fostering productivity and comfort for occupants. The building’s services, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, are engineered with precision to ensure occupant comfort and environmental sustainability. These systems work cohesively to provide an ideal indoor environment, optimizing energy efficiency. The project’s landscape design contributes to its charm by offering an inviting outdoor space within the heart of the city. This green oasis complements the architectural beauty, intertwining nature along the building.
The culmination of these architectural and engineering efforts is a symbol of progress in architecture, a beacon of sustainability, and a blueprint for future public/ government. projects. This urban oasis, where function meets aesthetics and tradition meets innovation, not only redefines office spaces but also sets a new standard for contemporary urban architecture in India. Notably, this structure represents one of India’s pioneering forays into pre-engineered steel technology for office buildings, marking a milestone in the nation’s architectural landscape. As the structure rises, it defies convention with sweeping bold lines on its facade, making a profound statement amidst the dense urban fabric.
Fact FileDesigned by: Sthapati
Project Type: Commercial / Institutional Design
Project Name: Income Tax HQ (Office building for Income Tax)
Location: Lucknow
Year Built: June 2020
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Built-up Area: 2,58,000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Harsh Varshneya
Team Design Credits: Harsh Varshneya, Khushboo Bansal & Anuj Varshneya
Photograph Courtesy: Andre Fanthome
Products / Materials / Vendors: Lighting – Philips / ACP / Glass / Concrete- saint Gobain for glazing / merino for external HPL cladding / Sanitaryware / Fittings- Kohler / Flooring- Armstrong / Air Conditioning- daikin / Paint- Asian paints / Elevator- Mitsubishi
Firm’s Website Link: Sthapati
Firm’s Instagram Link: Sthapati
Firm’s Facebook Link: Sthapati
For Similar Projects >> The Connection Between Internal And External In Nahid Office And Commercial Building
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. This 4000 sq ft House Design Unfolds Calm Lifestyle | Avani Mudra Design Reimagining […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]