Specialized Workspace: Karigar Centre, Hosur

Our design strategy for the Karigar Centre centered on the specific needs of the artisans. We aimed to move away from rigid, climate-controlled environments in favor of a structure that interacts with the local climate of Hosur.

Materiality and Climate

The decision to use exposed red sandstone and brick serves two purposes. First, these materials provide significant thermal mass, which slows heat transfer and stabilizes indoor temperatures throughout the day. Second, they reinforce the connection to the landscape. We integrated shaded pergolas and open courtyards to facilitate cross-ventilation, reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling.

Spatial Organization

The workspace is organized to encourage movement and interaction. By carving out outdoor rooms, we created areas where artisans can take breaks in natural light. The juxtaposition of the raw, earthy tones of the stone against glass surfaces was a deliberate choice to distinguish between the structural mass and the light-admitting facade.

Architectural Logic

We view industrial architecture as a framework for human activity. Whether for jewellery production or manufacturing, our priority is to define the flow of space, lighting, and air. This project serves as a reference for how commercial sites can be functional without sacrificing architectural quality or connection to the outdoors.