Ecological Community Hubs & Sustainable Workspace Design
We design offices and community centers that actively engage with their environment. Our spaces are built to nurture interaction, maximize natural light, and reduce the overall ecological footprint.
This animation shows our design for the Jhamtse Gatsal community centre in Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the mountains. The design features an amphitheater on the roof to maximize usable space and integrates traditional architectural patterns.
The ground floor of the ASA Office in Bhopal was designed as a wetland to manage seasonal waterlogging. A raised brick walkway meanders through the plants and water bodies, creating a tranquil entrance that speaks to the organization's focus on natural resource management.
A quote from the founder of Oorjaa, a paper-making studio we designed, reflecting on two decades in one of Bangalore's first green buildings. The space, with its sun-soaked interiors and exposed brick, was designed to foster creativity and sustainable practice.
An overhead view of the stepped well at the ASA Office, designed as a community gathering space. This feature is a modern interpretation of a traditional Indian 'baori' and serves as a social heart for the building.
Construction progress at the Jhamtse Gatsal community centre, showing the concrete amphitheater taking shape against the stunning backdrop of the Arunachal Pradesh mountains.
A close-up of the facade at Jhamtse Gatsal, showing the exposed brickwork and precast concrete elements featuring the traditional "Pema Choetse" pattern, crafted by local artisans.
A collage showing the intricate craftsmanship at Jhamtse Gatsal. It features traditional stone and plaster work, carved wooden beams, and an artisan painting colorful patterns, highlighting the integration of local craft.
About this collection
Choosing the right site strategy for a workspace is about more than just square footage. Whether it is integrating a natural wetland for water management like in our ASA office project or optimizing for passive cooling, we map your land’s specific topography before we ever draw a line. This ensures your building does not just sit on the ground, but actively works with it to minimize energy costs and create a healthier environment for your team.
When we approach a community hub or a commercial workspace, we look at the building as part of a larger ecosystem. Our design process starts by listening to the land. If a site is prone to waterlogging, we do not fight it; we design wetlands or stepped wells to welcome that water, turning a potential construction headache into a tranquil gathering space or a recharge zone. This approach helps lower the building's operating costs significantly while providing a unique, biophilic backdrop for the people working inside.
We prioritize passive climate engineering to ensure your office stays comfortable without over-relying on air conditioning. This involves orienting structures to harness natural ventilation, using deep overhangs to cut glare, and employing materials with high thermal mass like earth blocks or exposed brick. These choices are not just about sustainability; they create honest, tactile spaces that foster collaboration and well-being. From incorporating edible landscapes to finding innovative ways to reuse materials from our 'kabadi ki dukaan' visits, our goal is to build spaces that feel alive, adaptable, and deeply rooted in their location.
Biome Environmental Solutions
We are a collective of architects who believe buildings should be conversations with the land. We do not just build offices; we create frameworks for communities to thrive and work sustainably.
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