Biophilic Commercial and Office Spaces
We design workspaces and cafes that breathe, where nature-integrated layouts and biophilic elements foster productivity, creativity, and a genuine sense of calm.
From concept sketch to reality, this video shows the design evolution of the IRIS Cafe in JP Nagar. The space is designed as a green oasis for the youth, with open seating areas nestled among existing trees.
A glimpse into the vibrant atmosphere of IRIS Cafe, showing how the space encourages social interaction. The design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor zones.
The lush, tropical foliage is a key feature of the IRIS Cafe's courtyard design. The dense greenery creates a refreshing escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
A view through the plants at IRIS Cafe, showing the multi-level seating areas. The design uses verticality to create different zones and experiences within the same space.
The main walkway at IRIS Cafe, where shadows from the trees dapple the path. The use of blue steel columns adds a contemporary touch to the otherwise natural and earthy palette.
This is the 'Second Skin' office building, designed for a compact corner site. A facade of clay jali screens protects the glass walls from heat and provides privacy, while integrating with the surrounding trees.
The conference room for VEE CEE EXPORTS, a textile factory in Tirupur. The design incorporates textured walls and sophisticated lighting to create a professional and modern meeting space.
About this collection
When we design a commercial space, we do not just plot desk layouts. We evaluate the site orientation to maximize natural light and passive cooling, often employing clay jali screens to provide privacy and airflow without compromising the visual connection to the outdoors. It is about creating an environment where your team feels connected to their surroundings rather than isolated within four walls.
Architecture in a commercial context often leans towards efficiency, but we believe it should prioritize the human experience. In our work, such as the Second Skin office project, we addressed a compact corner site by using a clay jali facade. This acts as a protective barrier against heat and neighborhood noise, while allowing soft, dappled light to enter the workspace, effectively creating a calm oasis in a dense urban environment.
For industrial and retail projects like the VEE CEE EXPORTS factory or the IRIS Cafe, our strategy shifts toward the specific needs of the business. We look at the interplay of material and volume to define these zones. In the factory interiors, we used textured walls and layered lighting to create a professional, clean aesthetic that remains grounded, avoiding the sterile feeling often found in office setups. In cafes, our focus is on creating pockets of space that encourage interaction while providing a sense of comfort.
We focus on these key aspects in our commercial commissions:
- Passive Climate Control: Using double-height volumes, cross-ventilation, and skylights to reduce dependency on artificial cooling.
- Material Authenticity: Incorporating exposed brick, local stone, and wood to bring tactile richness to high-traffic areas.
- Biophilic Integration: Weaving greenery into courtyards or indoor zones to break the monotony of the workday and maintain a connection to nature.
Ultimately, whether we are master-planning a corporate office or designing a boutique cafe, we ensure the built form respects the landscape and the people using it.
Senscape
We believe a workspace should not just be functional but should actively contribute to the well-being of those within it. Whether it is a cafe tucked away in a busy neighborhood or a factory office floor, we strip away the unnecessary to reveal spaces that feel honest, airy, and deeply human.
Explore other design possibilities
Discover how we approach different project types and locations.
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