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
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
In Tiruppur’s industrial heartland, where the rhythm of textile mills sets the tone, the layered architecture in this Villa offers a quiet counterpoint. Shaped by stillness, proportion, and cultural memory, the home reflects the clients’ vision for a contemplative retreat. Set on a square plot within a gridded residential layout, the residence embraces architectural restraint […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]
What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]
In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]
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 […]