Office spaces are often defined by uninspired, industrial aesthetics—endless rows of cubicles, glaring fluorescent lights and austere décor. It’s easy to become desensitized to the potential for beauty in these environments where we spend so much of our time. And with the demands for extended work hours becoming an accepted norm, the line between work and well-being often blurs—prompting a growing interest in the outdoor office as a more inspiring alternative.
Editor’s Note: “Not every office confines itself to a cubicle. Breaking the conventional office setups, KEUS dares to dream differently. Cactus, water, steel, and shadow shape a workplace where silence sings and light sculpts intention. Transforming utility into beauty, the vision of this office reminds us that work can unfold wonders.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
The Outdoor Office is a Response to Uninspired Office Design | Kiasma Studio
Yet, some places are challenging these notions by putting well-being at the forefront. Kiasma Studio, alongside Aamir and Hameeda Sharma’s latest project, a 2,000 sq ft experiential outdoor space for KEUS is redefining the conventional office.
A prompt welcome by a prickly cactus thicket, its angular forms clashing with the supple, tactile warmth of the wooden portico that stretches beyond. The contrast strikes instantly—it blends the primal with the polished, the mechanical with the natural, creating a palpable tension.
Each plant and each material feels intentionally placed, yet effortlessly natural, as if the land itself has given rise to them rather than having them imposed upon it. The entryway entices one to unravel the duality of the space ahead, where contradictions will persist in shaping the journey.
Beyond this first threshold, the central courtyard, irresistibly draws the gaze, distilling placidness into an arid yet evocative landscape. The polished obsidian granite serves as a liquid mirror, reflecting the sky above and the elaborate waltz of the neem tree.
It conjures the sensation of water without actually being water. The surface, though static, pulses with life through its reflections, capturing the fleeting essence of the world around it. The courtyard lures one into stillness.
To the right of the central courtyard lies the first of the project’s many intimate enclaves. The corten steel walls, with their organic, serpentine curves, form a tactile boundary, offering both protection and space to breathe.
As light filters through the surrounding trees, the walls take on a life of their own, shifting and changing, casting shadows that feel almost cinematic. The interplay of light, steel and foliage creates an atmosphere that is meditative.
In the backyard, the careful orchestration of corten steel, lush vegetation and water almost blocks the noise of the outside world (both literally and metaphorically). The quiet murmur of the water gently masks the sounds of traffic and life beyond the property’s walls. The dense canopy of trees at the rear of the yard forms a near-impenetrable barrier, enveloping the space in a sense of seclusion.
At night the KEUS lighting, a hallmark of the owner’s expertise, brightens up the space. “We enjoyed designing the backyard, working through Vastu challenges. There is something ethereal about water, metal and cactus for us” says Ar. Sowmya Lakhamraju from Kiasma Studio.
The ask: “An experiential outdoor space that would act as a dynamic stage for demonstrating their automation and lighting solutions. The goal was to craft a contemporary outdoor setting with lush greenery, feature walls and water elements that would demonstrate the transformative power of lighting in exterior spaces,” says Sowmya.
80% of your day shouldn’t be spent in spaces that fail to inspire or engage. The environment we work in impacts more than just our productivity—it affects how we feel and think. This office shows how a well-designed outdoor space can change that. It proves that workspaces can be more than just places to get the job done.
Fact File
Designed by: Kiasma Studio
Project Type: Office Architecture Design
Project Name: KEUS
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Built-Up Area: 2000 Sq.ft
Founder of Kiasma Studio: Ar. Sowmya Lakhamraju
Photograph Courtesy: Vivek Eadara
Source: Architecture + Design
Firm’s Website Link: Kiasma Studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Kiasma Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: Kiasma Studio
For Similar Projects >> Work Ethics are Combined with Transparent Work Culture in this Dubai Office
Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]
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 […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
Living Room with Curtain is more of a functional requirement nowadays rather than a decorative element. Living Rooms are usually the center of the house. As much as they should feel welcoming, coziness and privacy are also required. One easy way to achieve this is by integrating the living room with curtain ideas. Curtains not […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
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 […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]