A striking white hued heavily ornamented elevation, and a modern art deco interiors are just two of the many impressive design details created by P&D Associates for the headquarters of Hi-tech Electrification Engineers Pvt Ltd in Ankleshwar.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Photographix India, courtesy P&D Associates
The site
P&D Associates was approached by Ravinath Vishwanth Shetty, one of the directors at Hi-tech Electrification Engineers Pvt Ltd, to design their headquarters in Ankleshwar. The site rests in a factory neighbourhood and was an old warehouse which was purchased by the client. Hence, the designers got a clean slate to work on, and the structure was built accordingly.
The brief
Devang Patel and Pratik Siddhpura, principal designers of Bharuch-based P&D Associates received a crystal clear brief from the client. “He wanted the building to be distinct from the ones seen in the industrial area. He was also insistent on a no-glaze facade,” inform the designers.
The design intent
The design philosophy which runs through the office is of peace in chaos — as the office is set in the midst of an industrial area. In the interiors, the overall look from flooring to the wooden column design… all are modern art deco inspired. The thoughtfully selected neutral colours with few pops of vibrant hues gives this busy space an airy and sophisticated look.
The elevation design
The exterior elevation is quite unusual with a heavily ornamented bracket wooden frame design. Simple elevation with wooden balustrade details on the first floor window and a white colour story enhances the richness and simplicity of this elevation. The decorative verandah with ceramic floor tile is kept traditional. “Originally the idea for the exterior was to give an appeal of old pol housing to break the monotony of the factory neighbourhood to provide the employees a homely environment,” says Devang. “Working on the initial idea we decided to tone down the aesthetics and make it look chic and modern, hence the monochromatic facade was created,” adds Pratik.
The interior design and material details
The office layout is kept simple with the central alley leading one to the owner’s cabin. The office space includes a cabin for the director, an open working space with desks, a meeting room, and an informal reception area. While the open working tables are arranged along the alley; to maintain privacy of space, the file storage units are aligned to the passage axis to act as semi-partitions. The staircase is strategically placed and is crafted from mild steel to render lightness to the space, while the black hue balances and complements the overall natural nude colour story. Concrete finishes are used in flooring, and the central passage is highlighted by ceramic tiles in white and blue. Another highlight of the office is the ornamental black full height door with brass handles which opens up to the director cabin. The cabin consists of a desk space, lounge area and a small informal discussion table. A bold red book shelf attached to the cabin desk inhibits a flush door to a washroom space. The cabin has a beautiful white terrazzo flooring.
FACT FILE
Project: Hi-tech electrification
Client: Ravinath Vishwanth Shetty
Location: Ankleshwar, Gujarat
Area: 4,150 sq ft
Principal designers: Devang Patel and Pratik Siddhpura
Design team: Krina Modi, Nishi Mamlatdarna, Shilpa Ravat and Himani Chaddarwala
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