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Transforming Industrial Sheds into Modern Design Spaces

bySJK ArchitectsBased in Colaba, Mumbai; Projects across IndiaStarts from₹4,800 ₹ per sq. ft.View full gallery

We do not just build factories. We breathe life into industrial structures, turning aging sheds into light-filled, climate-responsive workspaces that feel as human as they are functional.

We believe in the power of adaptive reuse. For this Automobile Design Studio, we transformed five old industrial sheds into a modern workspace using a minimal palette of metal, concrete, and light, honoring the site's industrial heritage while creating a space for innovation.

The main hall of the Automobile Design Studio is a vast, open space designed for showcasing and working on full-scale vehicle models. We retained the industrial feel with exposed ductwork and a high, skylit ceiling, while a sculptural concrete spiral staircase adds a touch of crafted elegance.

At the Synergy Textiles Factory in Karur, we used vaulted terracotta block ceilings to create a highly insulating roof. This passive cooling strategy, combined with ample natural light, provides a comfortable working environment for employees, which led to a 100% increase in productivity.

The collaborative spaces in the Automobile Design Studio are designed to inspire. A long gallery wall with warm wood paneling displays automotive sketches and renders, creating a space for informal reviews and discussions that is steeped in the language of design.

The exterior of the Automobile Design Studio features a massive glass facade, allowing natural light to flood the interior workspaces. This transparency puts the creative process on display and connects the studio to the surrounding campus, including the original vehicle turntable.

The Synergy Textiles Factory was designed as a protective shell against the harsh Tamil Nadu climate. The facade features a long verandah with deep overhangs and operable wooden shutters, allowing for natural ventilation while shielding the interiors from the sun.

This video explains our design process for the first phase of the Automobile Design Studio. It shows how we converted the "strange rhythm" of existing industrial sheds into sunlit corridors and functional viewing spaces, using metal roofs and skylights to bathe the facility in daylight.

We challenge conventional notions of craftsmanship by using modern technology. This striking metal screen at the Automobile Design Studio was crafted from MS sheets using waterjet CNC cutting, creating a rhythmic, sculptural element inspired by the industrial landscape.

The entrance to the Automobile Design Studio makes a bold statement with raw concrete, corrugated metal, and a massive, riveted steel door. The custom-cut "Design Studio" signage adds a refined detail to the rugged, industrial material palette.

At night, the Automobile Design Studio glows from within, revealing the multi-level interior spaces. The design connects a new glass-and-concrete structure with the existing industrial sheds, creating a dialogue between old and new.

About Industrial & Automotive Design

For our industrial conversions, we prioritize what we call 'shell interventions'—carefully cutting into existing roofs or walls to introduce skylights and clerestory windows. This is not merely an aesthetic choice; it fundamentally alters the thermodynamics of the building. By introducing these light-wells, we often eliminate the need for artificial lighting during the day and enhance natural cross-ventilation, significantly reducing energy dependency while transforming the mood of the work floor.

Three decades of designing conscious spaces. — Approved by the tribe
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SJK Architects

Based in Colaba, Mumbai; Projects across IndiaStarts from ₹4,800 ₹ per sq. ft.

We see every industrial shell as an opportunity to rethink how we work. Our team works hands-on, from the factory floor to the architect's desk, ensuring the final space reflects your brand’s specific ambition while prioritizing the well-being of the people who work inside.

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