The Terrace Office Design | Niraj Doshi Design Consultancy (N.D.D.C.)

Ar. Niraj Doshi founded Niraj Doshi Design Consultancy (N.D.D.C.) in the year 2011, with a vision to build a design organization and involve dynamic international partners; this Office space is located in the Narayan Peth Area, in Pune City.

The Office design was conceptualized to be place which while being the best of both worlds is also conductive for people to work in a creative environment, a workplace to enjoy. Keeping this in mind there are mainly two zones; with an Indoor Studio complete with all modern amenities like Automation, Air Conditioning, etc. if and when one wishes to work with complete concentration; whilst the Outdoor Studio is a semi-open, north-facing, landscaped space to be used as an informal workstation.

The Outdoor Studio, which was originally just a covered terrace acting as an extension to an office interiors. This space has been designed keeping in mind the Sustainability principle, wherein most of the materials have been reused & recycled, lots of green areas, the use of Solar Electricity, etc. thus effectively reducing the Carbon Footprint.

As one enters into this space, they are greeted with ample amount of natural light; both from above through the skylight on top as well as the north light. Potted plants just enhance the space, in terms of experience as well as adding some colour to the otherwise subtle colour theme used. The ambiance is kept cool via the combined us of double screening system clubbed with use of Mist system which effectively reduces the ambient temperature by 7°C.

Entering inside, one clearly sees subdivision of spaces into Workstation on the left, the informal seating comprising of a sofa in the centre and a round table at the extreme right for impromptu meetings or a cup of coffee. The roof is divided into 2 parts the inward sloping roof and the skylight on the wall side to lit up the main passage space below. The Ceiling is mostly done in Jute strings to add to the more informal look of this space. The open side on the north-side has been protected from external elements by a shade-net & bamboo curtains also keeping in line with the natural look. All these elements are made from materials that are locally available thus keeping in check the sustainability factor.

Reuse & Recycling of old material has been stressed on here, where many things used both as structural members or even feature elements as well have been used sensibly. Like the interesting wall units on the front wall were initially used to mount exhaust fans, but now are used as an installation on the wall. Jute rope false ceiling acts as a buffer from the harsh heat. Multiple floor levels have been created to allow the flow of storm water below these levels guided via channels. These levels make the space a workplace more enjoyable, which in turn is conductive for boosting the creative output.

The Indoor Studio is the complete opposite to the Outdoor Studio in terms of ambiance as well as the Design Concept. It is mainly used by the Principal Architect and is laced by all the modern amenities.

As one approaches this space, they are greeted by a wall of some of the well noted architects of our time or ‘gurus’ as some of the most famous lines quoted by them forming an interesting backdrop. One of the most interesting things is that there is actually a hidden bibliotheca behind this facade which houses all the books containing their wisdoms.

The first thing one notices when he actually enters the Indoor Studio, it the fabulous cantilevered & contoured wooden table which obviously is the main centerpiece of the space. It gives as impression as if the table is a part of the flooring which is rising up from it creating a mushroom like structure. It is from the ‘Mr. Philip’ Table Series and has been designed & manufactured in-house as a part of the product design expertise of N.D.D.C.

This space is also divided into two zones – the formal one being the one with table and the informal one being the one with this sofa. The hidden bibliotheca with the images of Architectural ‘Gurus’ forms a wonderful backdrop. The false ceiling consists of wooden ‘patti’ detail forming strong lines and giving a sense of direction. The flooring also does follow these straight lines as well and has been completely done in recycled plywood which is usually the leftover from most of the Interior Sites. This does add to the warmth of the place. The walls are predominantly white in colour forming a stark contrast with the flooring & ceiling.

One important feature is the ‘Transformation of Space’. This is incorporated as presentation panels for meetings, which when not required can be hidden by closing the panels. Also, there is a private working space inserted in a window which offers a fantastic view of the Parvati Hill which can be enclosed completely without any trace of it ever being there.

FACT FILE  :

Design Firm:  Niraj Doshi Design Consultancy (N.D.D.C.)

Project Name : N.D.D.C. Office

Project Category : Interior Design

Project Location : Pune, India.

Project Status : Built

Project Area : 2000 sq.ft.

Architect : Ar. Niraj Doshi

Photographer : Mr. Hemant Patil

About Niraj Doshi :

Niraj got his international experience with one of the top firms of the world “FOSTER + PARTNERS‟ London. He worked on projects in US, Denmark, China, Riyadh, UK, Ireland and India. His experience is very diverse from High-rise tower, airport projects to elephant enclosure in a zoo. Currently, working in Pune with a vision to build a design organization and involve dynamic international partners. His designs are backed by strong research and a commitment to sustainable design practices, providing solutions with a global insight within a local context.