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
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]