#COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
Workspace in India showcases a material palette of wood, concrete, and kota stones
STUDIO AR13’S NEW WORKSPACE EMBODIES THE FIRM’S VISION
Studio AR13 designs its own workspace, a newly constructed building in Vadodara, India, that marks the initial phase of the firm and embodies the architects’ vision and experimentation. The project’s key focus is creating an open studio that accommodates the team’s various needs and activities. Informed by the site’s orientation and context, the building block aligns with the north side, creating a garden space to the south and a water body in the northeast corner. The layout utilizes the margin area as a functional garage, optimizing the available space.
Spatially divided into distinct zones, the studio features a waiting area, a meeting space, and a working zone. The layout effortlessly flows into the pantry, material library, and washroom, embracing the peripheral spaces. A stepped entrance welcomes visitors with precast concrete slates that appear floating on water body.
The interior material palette comprises wood, concrete, steel, and kota stones, exuding a raw aesthetic that complements the lush green views. The backdrop of hand-chiseled Agra red stone and a concrete-finished compound wall adds to the composition.
RAW MATERIALITY ENHANCES THE VOLUMETRIC COMPOSITION
Thoughtfully designed furniture combines practicality with aesthetics through a unique blend of materials. Wooden pieces, enhanced with modern hardware coexist with the interior’s natural textures. The design team at Studio AR13 experiments with various material explorations, applying unique slab structures, and distinct finishes throughout the interior. The garage slab showcases an inverted beam design, left unfinished for a raw semi-open feel. The slab featured in the studio space is made out of handpicked fine pine wood planks that create intricate wooden figures imprinted on the ceiling. Another highlight of the project is the small pantry area, boasting a neatly finished slab cast in plywood shuttering with triangular grooves. The design showcases an interplay of light and shadows, while the thoughtfully placed artificial lighting enhances the composition.
Project info:
Name: Studio AR13
Architect: Studio AR13 | @studio_ar13
Design team: Himalay Goraniya, Hiren Patel, Shivani Chauhan
Location: Vadodara, India
Photography: Vinay Panjwani | @panjwani.vinay