Fabric like waves in the Concrete Roof | Ahmedabad | Shaili Banker Architects

Ar. Shaili Banker, founding principal of the firm Arkytos-Shaili Banker Architects, has designed this corporate office, which is located in the industrial area on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, by considering the poor air quality of this area. Dubbed ‘Krossmark Corporate Headquarters’, the project is the administrative building of the manufacturers of textile printing machinery. Hence, the folds and waves of a fabric surface became the source of inspiration for the architecture of the building. The project features multiple concrete roofs that mimic the waves of textile fabric. The building is envisioned and designed to offer a better work environment and natural light and good ventilation. Ar. Shaili has shared more vital information about the project with SURFACES REPORTER (SR). Take a look:

Also Read: Shaili Banker Architects Uses RCC and Glass To Create Jagged Facade of This Home in Ahmadabad | Gujarat

Situated in the industrial area on the outskirts of Ahmedabad (India) this corporate office adjoins one of its manufacturing sheds. Considering the poor air quality of this area, the architecture of this building had an important role in providing its occupant a better work environment.

The indoor air quality has to be improved to provide an efficient work environment and natural light and good ventilation.

Concrete Fabric Roofs

Since these corporate headquarters is the administrative building of the manufacturers of textile printing machinery, the folds and waves of a fabric surface became the main inspiration. The properties of a fabric fluttering in clean air became the center of the study and subsequently, the roof of this building is designed to imitate it. A system of concrete shells was used to achieve this idea.

These concrete shells were placed strategically to allow for height differences, creating an interesting volume play in the interior. Moreover, it also created nooks in the roof to permit natural light inside.

Perforations Allow Abundance of Natural Light and Air 

The connection of the roof to the interior is a very interesting one. The concrete shells make up the frontside of the roof, whereas the backside is flat.

Taking inspiration from fabric, another property of a fabric which is its perforations was also incorporated into the roof. These perforations are made into courtyards in plan and they allow natural light and ventilation to the inside.

The perforations in the plan make up the big and small courtyards and skylights. These courtyards serve as a source of daylight, creating a vibrant work environment. Since this office functions mostly during the daytime, these courtyards provide abundant light making sure that no additional artificial light is required during working hours.

Outdoor Meets Indoor 

Moreover, these courtyards are landscaped with several indoor variety plants like the money plant, snake plant and areca palms. All of these species play an important role in improving indoor air quality.

Bearing in mind the poor air quality of this area, these indoor plants create a conducive work environment by enriching the air with more oxygen. 

Also Read: CarbiCrete Creates Negative Emission Concrete by Using Steel Slag Instead of Cement

Bright, Green and Colourful Interiors

The interior design consists of a brightly colored palette paired with a variety of plants, resulting in a very vibrant work environment. The double-height reception area has a colorful welcoming backdrop with lights in it. The cabin areas of the principals have a more subtle palette and have a framed view of the manufacturing area behind.

The partition separating each of these cabins has sleek shelves with live plants that purify the air inside the cabins. The corridors are lined with motivational quotes and lit with the natural light from the courtyards.

The general staff areas on the upper floor have a playful volume since it is located right under the curves of the concrete roof. The voids between these curves allow natural light to flow in. Hence the overall interior combines abundant natural light, fresh green plants, and a bright colorful palette. 

Project Details 

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