Vistas: The heart of the design
The client had their heart set on the office because of the encapsulating surroundings. They wanted to make the most of it with curved glass facade running throughout the office, offering views framed with stunning floor-to-ceiling glass. The primary cabin enjoys the best views around the site, elevating the experience. The employees enjoy the most spectacular sunset views during twilight thanks to the main cabin’s strategic positioning along the west facing clear glass facade. Sunset meetings and conversations have become a popular office pastime.
Designating spatial zones
Space planning for the CA Office had to be segregated into two functions – the client’s main cabin along with workspace for his employees and a second cabin along with its staff workspace for rental purposes. A waiting area along the entrance passage leads to the two cabins designed along the curved glass facade while the staff workspaces are divided into two zones visually separated by the blue and yellow accents. The office layout is also designed keeping in mind the visual accessibility by future pedestrian and street traffic from the upcoming metro station abutting the site, for promotional purposes.
Colour as demarcation
A smart use of colour recurs through the spaces, crafting visual identity for the zones and distinguishing them. For the broader colour scheme, a neutral palettes of white, grey, brown and black dominates. Brighter colours were set aside for employee workspaces. The blue zone is designed for the client’s employees whereas the yellow zone marks the rental co-working space. The workspace is designed to give enough of storage, which is a must in any chartered accountant’s office. A partition between the two workspaces serves as an office temple.
Featuring neutrals
The main cabin features a muted and monochromatic colour and material palette with hints of wood tones to serve as a backdrop to the metropolitan skyline’s unique, dramatic, and colourful sunset views. The two cabins are separated by a solid panel while glass partitions are used for both cabins entrances to allow light penetration and visual connectivity throughout the office space. To provide privacy, motorised drapes run along the clear glass barriers here. Custom artwork features in both spaces.
An axis following the curve
The design prioritised two tasks – improving the circulation and de-cluttering workspaces. As seen in the spatial planning and the ceiling design, the designers took advantage of the curvilinear floor plan. A mirror panel on the wall in the entrance path creates the illusion of a larger entrance area. Another key ask was to ensure that the office is accessible for wheelchair users, especially as the esteemed client, Chirag Chauhanji, is a brave 2006 Mumbai local train blast survivor.
The design for this office was a uniquely collaborative experience, and anchored by the trust of the client in the designers, the project was completed in only 60 days. The result is a space that albeit compact, sings of a thoughtful design tale.
Project Name: The Solitaire Office
Total Area: 550 sq ft
Location: Mumbai
Architecture Firm: Studio Raah, Mumbai
Design Team: Ar Saloni Bahora, Ar Harshit Jain, Ar Raj Gandhi
Photography by: Anish Padalkar
About the firm:
Studio Raah is a Mumbai based young design collective led by Ar. Harshit Jain, Ar. Raj Gandhi and Ar. Saloni Bahora. With the studio’s appreciation for craft, they explore new avenues of design combining innovation and technology, delivering a distinctive perspective that is site-specific and sustainable.
