Hexalace is an open-plan commercial building made primarily for leasing purposes. In a tight commercial plot with challenging building norms, it became perceptible from the beginning that the concept would have to be manifested from the façade.
Considering the arduous climatic conditions involving extreme heat, and the building front facing west, the façade emerged as a buffer of stratifying elements. 3 inches thick concrete layer with hexagonal interstices has been used as a shading element. To better preserve the sanctity of shade, the screen flows organically creating an artistic visual dilemma from both inside as well as outside.
Another layer of hexagonal silhouette made of metal frames is superimposed horizontally across the semi-permeable concrete screen which doubles up as balcony fence. Furthermore, the main curtain wall has been recessed to leave pockets of air between the screen and the main building to increase the time lag and subsequently reduce the heat gain.
Therefore, the façade by its inherent virtue of convergence acts as bronchioles for the structure.
The balconies also house small clusters of green making the working environment even more rejuvenating for the users within. By the end, what became of an immense effort was an imperative respiratory experience complimented by its bold use of geometry.
Project Details
Name: Hexalace
Location: Punjab
About Prerna Kaleru
Principal Architect, Studio Ardete, Panchkula
Prerna Kaleru, an Alumni of IIT Roorkee, founded Studio Ardete in 2010 with the belief that every problem has the capacity to inspire unique and creative solutions that motivate growth. Her vision is to design spaces that would evolve into art, enriching the lives of people inhabiting them. She won the Runner Up Award in the Excellence–Commercial– Architecture category in WADE ASIA 2019.
*Winning Project-Excellence–Commercial–Architecture