​Set inside the prestigious Seawoods Towers in Nerul, the site is situated on the 4th floor. The design process faced the challenge of limited natural light due to the north-facing windows and the L-shaped floor plan. Additionally, the existing structure featured two substantial columns, presenting a unique challenge for interior layout and movement. The design had to gracefully navigate around these prominent structural elements while maximizing the available space.

 

Design Approach:

The design approach began with the goal of maintaining an open-plan common floor space to enhance visual volume and create an inviting atmosphere. Private cabins, including the MD’s office, were strategically positioned to form a backdrop to this expansive central area. Arched and curved forms were ingeniously incorporated to manoeuvre through tighter spaces, softening transitions and seamlessly conceal the structural columns. The Arches sections were used to visually define different sections of the space, without breaking the rhythm on movement. These gentle curves not only optimized the narrow space but also added a touch of sophistication. At the entrance, an arched way is created panelling in Birch Wood Veneer that elegantly masks a large structural column, establishing a focal point. The first impression upon entering the office is the reception area, where softly curving partitions transition gracefully into the reception desk, embodying the company’s formal yet welcoming essence. The design effortlessly merges functionality with aesthetic appeal, where openness, flexibility, and fluidity are central themes. Openable screens in the common conference area allow for seamless integration into the reception when required. The adjoining conference room and cabins are sheathed in a muted grey, forming a monolithic backdrop to the open space. Moving beyond the reception partition screen reveals cubicles with translucent screens for senior staff desks providing privacy yet airiness to the space. Symmetrically placed workstations, adorned with gently curved panelling and pin-up boards, form the heart of the office, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. The entrance to the MD’s cabin and informal seating area is marked by graceful birch veneer arches, a recurring element that conceals storage, technical requirements, and structural columns. The MD cabin itself is a sanctuary of refined simplicity, bathed in natural light. Beige marble tiles infuse subtle warmth and luxury, harmonizing with the overall colour palette. An informal seating nook across the MD desk is accented by the soft texture of a rug, creating an inviting and warm space for conversation.

An archway creates a warm invitation into the informal meeting space, highlighted by an earthy rust-coloured rug and a captivating Raza artwork, adding character and warmth to the area. Recurring elements like Arches, Translucent screens, patterned veneers, terracotta rugs and hanging meshes create a harmonious language through the entire office space. 

 

Flexibility in utility is further emphasized through the use of another recurring element, a black wooden pedestal, a versatile design element that transforms into coffee tables, seats, and display pedestals as required. Senior staff desks are thoughtfully aligned along the windows, with translucent screens providing privacy while maintaining an open feel. The existing window ledges are cleverly used to create planter shelves. 

 

Material Palette:

Reflecting the client’s industry of concrete chemicals manufacturing, the material palette draws inspiration from concrete, resulting in a raw yet refined aesthetic. Concrete’s quality of free-flowing liquid stone is reflected in the soft curved forms in the design. With the cool and industrial concrete as the inspiration, warmer hue and texture of birch veneer was chosen as a pairing with it, to add warmth and sophistication. The timeless combination of birch wood and concrete-inspired greys forms the basis of the design. This minimalistic palette is enlivened by textured concrete-like patterned veneers and rust-coloured accents, adding depth and interest.  Strategically placed patterned grey veneers create the illusion of layered poured concrete elements, while ceiling-mounted fabrication pieces and terracotta-hued rugs introduce warmth and focal points to gathering and informal interaction areas. Lush greenery is interspersed throughout the space, bringing life and vibrancy to the workplace.

 

The design creates an overall narrative of the workplace of understated elegance, where clean, flowing forms and an egalitarian layout foster an inviting, efficient, and sophisticated environment.