Ace of Edges
Design Firm: Palindrome Spaces
Principal Architect: Nayan Shah
Location: Pandhurna, India
Project Typology: Workspace
Photographer: Photographix
An unconventional office space that makes a statement with its sheer presence and purpose in the unassuming lands of Pandhurna, Madhya Pradesh. Stated color palettes, 3-Dimensional linearity & an awe-inspiring spin on structural configuration. Architect Nayan Shah of Palindrome Spaces creates a yin-yang composition of a modernistic space with sprawling views of surrounding green.
An appreciable design isn’t independently symbolic of a built space that ‘fits right in’, but is also the curation of spaces that harbor a sense of identity that sets them a class apart. Thus, making them unconventionally appealing. Set in the surroundings of the agricultural landscape of the small town of Pandhurna, is a segment of industrial setup which houses the Commercial Office space. Unique in terms of its contextual presence with a site dotted with greenery, the design process may be described as captivating, to say the least.
A series of engaging meetings with the client, Mr. Yogesh Shah allowed for the design firm to draw an outline of the basic requirements. A clear-minded client in combination with the plethora of innovative design possibilities was the driving force behind the architect’s creative journey. An optimal Employee Workspace, Private Cabins and an imposing Reception space were the key components of the built space. The aspiration was to create spaces that would leave interacting users awestruck and transported. An exclusive space that would embellish the client’s company’s reputation, whilst being a celebration of remarkable design.
On the Outside
With a total plot area of over 17,500 sq. ft of the 12 Acre industry, the site harbors abundance of lush greenery surrounding the office space for as far as the eyes go. A 10 ft high Gabion Wall infused with landscape, runs 285 ft in length defining the expansive site’s boundaries. Cumulative zones of the landscaped area on the site provide the vital link between the built form and nature. Driven by the influence that greenery can have on a space Nayan quotes, “The amount of greenery incorporated into a built form and its surroundings, seems to directly impact the measure of productivity amidst its users.”
Primarily constructed with RCC material, the exterior makes a staunch presence and derives inspiration from geometric configurations, using triangles as surface parameters. Inspiration from the triangular form used in the façade is derived due to the shape’s known high index of ‘Stability’; a reflection of the company’s stand in terms of guiding principles. A stark building finished in Black Slate Veneer Stone & Spider Glass Glazing sits lightly in its surroundings that are panoramic views of landscape bestrewn with industrial units.
A trapezoidal form passageway facilitates entry into the building and makes for an intriguing introduction to the built space. Majorly RCC was chosen as the preferred building material as it aided the simplicity in workflow and brought in a significant curtailment on cost margins.
Design Speak
The vision was primarily empowered by creating vistas composed of changing perspectives, created by the strong grid lines, forms & volumes of spaces. What came in tow was the conceptualization of a G+1 structure to incorporate all needs of the client from the Architect’s end. “For us here at Palindrome Spaces, it’s all about creating spaces that matter. We work hard to deliver solutions that exceed our client’s expectations and implement necessary metaphysical factors through our designs”, shares the architect.
As one enters the north-oriented front porch and arrives in the Reception, they are welcomed by a grand transition of space. A colossal double height Reception area is the perfect spot to commence experiencing the space. A fresh draft of wind is brought in through the porch section with its ‘funnel-like’ configuration. In terms of circulation, one could proceed to the floor above from this area, or choose to utilize the ground floor premises depending on their need. A skylight embellishes the area below with an influx of light from above, thus providing for a brightly lit ambience all day round.
The built space indoors witnesses an innovative ceiling treatment in the form of the usage of triangular tessellations, in altering permutations of sizes and proportions. The skeletal composite structure that reaches into the volume of the lobby has been innovated utilizing the principle of Voronoi Diagrams, that are configured into this existing 3-D collage of unique triangular units. The entire composite structure is synthesized using advanced parametric design tools in combination with an innovative and experimental form. “Apart from being necessary to the Reception’s aesthetic sense, this structure embodies the spirit of growth of the company. The company’s journey from its very beginning to what they have established up until today.”, says Nayan.
A linear axis of the design was employed to arrange the cabins of the management staff in the appropriate order of hierarchy, with a spectrum of cabin sizes ranging from 300 to 800 sq. ft. An abundant usage of glass to create these cabin spaces, added to the element of transparency, amplifying the company’s policy of unhindered communication & transparency in their style of work. The utilization of glass in large proportions, enables the formation of undeviating sight lines, directing one’s vision uninterruptedly across the spaces. “Pandhurna has an exceptionally hot climate and hence mechanical cooling options were utilized. While we replaced the traditional windows with glazed portions, I wanted to ensure we took due advantage of these glazed sections to the fullest by providing vast views of the surroundings”, says the architect.
A binding color theme stitches the varied segments of spaces together, accented by layers of greys, whites, greens, and color brought in via the means of exclusive furniture and décor assortments. Materiality is infused seamlessly using elements of stone, copper, and brass for that edgy panache.
A Zen Garden, nestled amidst the cabins makes for a serene ambience within the walls of the very building. A space to stimulate the mind and provide a sense of solace for the occupants of the office.
The movement between the ground and the first floor is through the means of a cantilevered set of staircases, located strategically on the exterior of the building, enclosed within Spider Glass Glazing. The motive behind the placement of the vertical circulation means on the outside, is to offer the users generous views of the surroundings while they navigate from the ground to the first level of the building. Upon reaching the first floor, one is greeted with the view of lushly landscaped chajjas. The Architect has ensured the absolute utilization of every nook and cranny to maximize the green quotient through the entirety of the building.
The top floor primarily houses the employee workspace, cabins of varied management staff and a conference room connected via the means of a linear corridor. To break the trend of stated tones in the majority of interiors, a canvas of varied colors is brought into the informal Pantry & Canteen sections. A burst of color just to enliven the atmosphere where the end-users tend to unwind and interact. A cantilevered mezzanine landing space on the first floor overlooks the magnificent Reception area below, hence tying the spaces together seamlessly.
In the wake of this design process judicious and sustainable use of materials was adopted. Waste material from site work was put to use in parts of the interiors of washroom spaces in varied forms.
A view of the premises at night is tastefully suave with the structure’s edges gleaming and stretching out three-dimensionally, in combination with partial views of the exquisitely luminous interiors.
The Bigger Picture
With the index of the project’s exclusivity came a barrage of complexities in terms of execution. “The difficulty in the sourcing of non-locally available material and to bring in skilled workmanship to this small town of Pandhurna, was what posed as the greatest challenge while working on this project”, quotes Nayan. The exclusivity of the project and the intricacy of the details made it crucial for Nayan’s team and him to personally tend to every aspect of the design’s requirement. From material procuration to the custom design of high-end interior elements, every facet of curation was scrutinized and looked after with a great deal of attention.
A Final Take
The coming together of the Commercial Office space is a thriving reminder of the fact that a work environment and timeless aesthetic are a duo to watch out for. The built space has surpassed the perception of design and has helped strengthen the sense of identity that the company upholds and cherishes. “With this being my first Foundation to Finish project, it will always remain close to my heart despite all the difficulties we have overcome!”, shares the architect. An employee’s dream workspace and an employer’s absolute haven is what Architect Nayan Shah of Palindrome Spaces has conjured into reality!
