The Quest Learning Observatory (QLO) is a resilient, future-sensing, net zero energy building imbued with the capacity to self-heal and self-organize, thus embodying circular principles. It has regenerative practices at the heart of its architecture. This innovative building operates on a net-zero philosophy, where all energy needs are met through renewable sources.
Editor’s Note: “Rooted in sustainability and renewable sources, this innovative Bangalore building rises as a beacon of recycling. Its climate-conscious design, harmoniously paired with thoughtfully chosen materials, pays homage to the pursuit of sustainability. Crafted from eco-friendly materials, the structure embodies the cradle-to-cradle philosophy, weaving together a vision of enduring harmony with the environment.” ~Simran Khare
The QLO is a Future-sensing Net Zero Energy Building | Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
The building is a shining example of “repair, redesign, and reuse,” where waste is recycled without piling up in landfills, water needs are met through on-site sources, and sunlight powers the system.
Additionally, a climate study of the site has allowed us to harness daylight to illuminate 50% of the regularly occupied spaces. Thus achieving lighting levels between 110 Lux and 2,200 Lux on a clear day.
Besides, the data gathered from the sustainability analysis has encouraged us to fix openable vents to improve indoor air circulation. It also controls humidity and mould formation.
The building, fashioned from sustainable materials, emulates the cradle-to-cradle philosophy. This is personified through the sun-baked bricks manufactured from the mud excavated from the construction site when the foundation of the building was laid in 2021.
Unlike traditionally produced bricks, these eco-friendly substitutes discharge fewer carbon pollutants during manufacturing.
Another instance of decarbonization is incorporating fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion) into the concrete mix, reducing cement usage by 35%. In addition, it also improves the endurance of the building.
The grey, customized tiles incised with Quest Alliance’s logo demonstrate energy efficiency by blending carbon waste with natural materials.
In addition to these innovative materials, the concept of revival plays a crucial role in the building’s furnishings. The stairway floorboards are crafted from wood sourced at the Alang Ship Breaking Yard. It is the world’s largest ship recycling facility, ensuring the use of sea-seasoned timber.
Moving further, the organisation has thoughtfully repurposed old furniture from its previous headquarters and antique collections. Thus seamlessly blending the old with the new.
On the other hand, as a future-sensing organisation that emphasises data-driven change in the climate-employment sector, we have installed a data sculptor called Connecting the Dots.
Moreover, the installation in the Artium has 44 vibrant Channapatana toys to visualise Bangalore’s weather data—wind, rain, and temperature—through graceful, wave-like movements, illustrating organisational growth and resilience.
Fact File
Designed by: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
Project Type: Office Architecture Design
Project Name: Quest Learning Observatory
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 3 Years
Plot Area: 12000 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 14569. 85 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Natasha Iype & Zameer Basrai
Photograph Courtesy: Shamanth Patil Photography and Jitendra M
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Good Earth / Wallcovering / Cladding – Sajhedaree / Construction Materials – Busride / Lighting – Pasolite / Doors and Partitions –Ambica Company Sanitaryware – Ikea, Amazon, Jaguar / Facade Systems – North Pole Engineering / Windows – Sur Armour Pvt Ltd / Furniture – Studio Woodpecker, Akway, Mumbai’s chor-bazaar, purple turtles (knobs) / Flooring – Carbon Craft (design, installation supported laying and polishing), Good Earth (major flooring Kadapa) Kitchen – KitchenWhiz / Paint – Sajhedaree (website na)(interior with lime plastering), exterior by Good Earth / Artefacts –Ecru Design (also blinds) / Hardware – IT set up by Turmeric Clou; Future Sensor by Digital Jalebi
Consultants for the Project: Civil – North Pole Engineering (scaffolding), Good Earth / Interior Designers – The Busride Design Studio / Landscape Architects – Ananas, civil work(Good Earth), Metalorganz / MEP & HVAC Consultants – MEP: Good Earth; HVAC: KitchenWhiz, Fenice Energy, Oorja Energy Engineering Structure Engineers – Good Earth / Lighting Designers – The Busride Design Studio / Acoustics Consultants – Svaram / Environmental & Sustainability Consultants – Smarter Dharma / Contractors – Good Earth / Project Managers – Gauri Sanghi / Quantity Surveyors – Gauri Sanghi, Mithali Konety Interior Styling –The Busride Design Studio, Branding fonts – Nia Thandapani
Firm’s Website Link: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
Organization’s Instagram Link: The Quest Learning Observatory and Quest Alliance
Firm’s Facebook Link: Good Earth Eco Ventures Private Limited & The Busride Design Studio
For Similar Projects >> The Aim Was To Break The Stereotype Of Office Architecture And Spaces
This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]
Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]
As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]
Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]
The design started from an old house where a family of seven stood, one yet to be born. Hari & Sreelakshmi, Usha-Hari’s mother, Malathi, teacher, Hari’s grandmother, kids, Sankari, Paru, and yet to be born Sreebala. Four generations living in a 60-year-old house that had begun to show its age with dimly lit rooms, leaking […]
The clients’ requirement was to create a wellbeing centre at Oleander Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra, that would be a tranquil sanctuary for their visitors. Walking through a dense canopy of trees, hearing the soft chirping of birds, we slowly embarked on an expanse of a 2-acre of land that was both open yet heavily tree-laden. This […]
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]