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Architectural Craft: Details, Materials, and Innovation

byIMK ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit offices in Mumbai & BengaluruStarts from₹220 ₹ per sq. ft. of Built-up AreaView full gallery

Precision in material and geometry defines our practice. We explore how indigenous materials and technical innovation, from acoustic engineering to climate-responsive masonry, shape the human experience within a built environment.

This video provides a closer look at the acoustic treatment inside our auditorium designs. It highlights the geometry, layering, and materiality of the modular faceted panels, which work in sync to diffuse sound and create an immersive auditory experience.

A detail shot of the acoustic wall panels, showing the contrast between the perforated white PET board and the warm laminated plywood below. This combination is not just aesthetic; it is engineered for optimal sound absorption and diffusion.

The geometric plan for the interlocking 3D acoustic panels. This drawing illustrates the modular design, which allows for both visual rhythm and precise control over the sound characteristics of the auditorium space.

At Sona University, we used jali work in various modules and sizes to create a cohesive design language. This video shows how the perforated screens create playful patterns of light and shadow while providing natural ventilation.

A close-up of a perforated brick wall, demonstrating our use of indigenous materials to enhance facade design. This technique, seen here at the Symbiosis University Hospital, allows for ventilation while creating a textured, rhythmic surface.

The compressed earth block (CEB) facade at the Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Center in Pune. This sustainable material choice not only reduces environmental impact but also gives the building a warm, earthy aesthetic that connects it to its site.

A view through the MS Jaali screens at the Sona University Centre in Salem. These screens provide shade and privacy while framing views of the surrounding landscape, demonstrating a modern interpretation of a traditional architectural element.

Stone takes center stage in many of our projects. This detail from the Otters Club (c. 1973) shows the intricate, textured stonework that defines the building's character and has stood the test of time.

A detail of stone cladding from Ceat Mahal (c. 1974), showcasing decorative motifs carved into the stone. This highlights our long history of integrating artistic and cultural elements directly into the architectural fabric.

The circular window and textured stone wall at Tata Chemicals, Babrala (c. 1996). This composition shows our focus on creating visual interest through the interplay of simple geometric forms and natural material textures.

About Architectural Craft: Details, Materials & Innovation

The structural integrity of a space relies on the specificity of its material choices. We design facade shading, acoustic treatments, and internal circulation elements not merely for aesthetic appeal, but to actively regulate temperature, sound, and movement within a facility.

65 years of architectural practice in India — Approved by the tribe
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IMK Architects

Takes projects across India; Visit offices in Mumbai & BengaluruStarts from ₹220 ₹ per sq. ft. of Built-up Area

We are IMK Architects, a practice built on six decades of experimentation and dialogue. We believe architecture is a collaboration between us, our clients, and the context of the site itself, resulting in spaces where people truly thrive.

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The brass door handles at Dua Villa were designed to reflect the arched form of the doorway. This creates a uniform design language and ties into the use of brass for other hardware elements like hinges.
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A play of materials at the House of Galleries. This fluted marble wall adds depth, texture, and character, with a built-in niche that catches the light.

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The dual-tone facade of the U-L-I Residence combines a subtle French Beige marble on the lower level with a distinctive rust-painted finish above. This contrast in material and color emphasizes the building's different volumes.10
A close-up of the French Beige marble cladding on Stone Boulevard. The image highlights the natural veining of the stone and the precise joinery between panels, showcasing our commitment to material quality and craftsmanship.
A detail shot of the Franklin Residence, showing the junction of three different materials: red brick, a black metal screen, and smooth white plaster. The clean lines and careful composition create a visually interesting architectural detail.
The curved corner of The Afyon Pavillion, clad in Afyon Grey marble. This detail demonstrates the technical skill required to apply a rigid material to a fluid form, resulting in a sophisticated and elegant facade.

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This image captures the process of creating our signature leaf-imprinted concrete. We carefully press large palm leaves into wet concrete, leaving behind a beautiful, natural texture that is truly one of a kind.9
The final result is a stunning home theater where the walls are adorned with custom leaf-shaped light fixtures and the bar features our unique leaf-imprinted concrete. It's a space where art and architecture become one.
A view through a circular opening in a brick wall during construction. This shot highlights the beautiful play of light and shadow created by a latticed roof, turning a simple material into a dynamic architectural element.
During the construction of a new project, we explore patterns and textures with exposed brickwork. This attention to material detail, even in the early stages, is fundamental to our design process.

Handcrafted Materials and Architectural Detail

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For Stone Print Villa, we revived the use of Jaisalmer yellow sandstone by developing a blending process with lentil paste and jaggery sap. This strengthened the porous stone, allowing for the fine chiselling and precision cuts seen in these on-site application photos.28
This diagram illustrates our stone blending process. By treating the stone dust with natural binders and a resin coat, we created a workable material that retained its original character but was durable enough for intricate facade work.
The corner of Stone Print Villa is wrapped in modular panels cast from a stone-resin composite and cut by CNC. The same unit scales across the facade, flipping at junctions to create a continuous, rhythmic pattern that articulates the building's form.
The entrance of Stone Print Villa showcases the result of our material experimentation. The facade is clad in two types of Indian stone and our custom stone-resin prototype, creating a rich tapestry of textures, patterns, and ornamentation.

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The play of light through this custom-designed brick jali screen creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The intricate pattern is a testament to the skill of the masons and the versatility of brick as a material.11
A simple circular window, perfectly framed with brick, offers a curated view of the wildflowers outside. This detail demonstrates how even the smallest opening can be designed to create a powerful connection with the landscape.
A brick vault under construction. This image captures the raw beauty of the building process, showing the structural logic and inherent texture of arched masonry before the final finishes are applied.

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The facade of the Campus Biovet office block, where an entire wall is clad in exposed brick. The glass roof of the protruding entryway reflects the sky, creating a beautiful contrast between the earthy brick and the open air.6
A narrow courtyard at Campus Biovet, where a brick jaali wall allows for light and ventilation while maintaining privacy. The lush tropical plants create a serene green corridor against the textured, earthy backdrop of the brickwork.
The courtyard wall of the VIP dining area at Campus Biovet is clad with custom cement tiles in shades of yellow and grey. This detail adds a unique, artistic pattern to the space and complements the lush tropical landscape.

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