This 3-storey factory, measuring 80mx50m, was designed keeping in view cost-efficiency both in capex and opex. As a practice we were also keen to see the possibility of reducing embodied energy by thinking architectural evolution through the discipline of structure. The structural design played an immeasurable role in making this come through. From pouring mass concrete in swampy soil (avoiding expensive dewatering/deep piles) to replacing the outer layer of columns (reducing concrete/steel) by exposed thick load bearing walls (which allowed to avoid extra ducting for the evaporative cooling) to giving 10 m spans with flat seamless slabs (reducing concrete through light weight hollow blocks embedded within the slab), reduced resource usage directly impacting the capital expense. This made for a thick building (thick walls and slabs) contributing to a robust and thermally efficient structure with well shaded continuous deep recessed openings, allowing copious natural light into the interior. The sectional development integrated evaporative downdraft cooling into the masonry wall forms and the large footprint was punctured in the centre with skylights to allow for natural light and ventilation. Social equity through design thinking gave agency to the existing skills of masonry through the use of 15 lakh fly ash bricks mixed with 1 lakh red bricks that made for the character of the building. The hollow blocks (embedded in the slabs) made of flyash and thermocol with cement as binder were also produced on site by a simple manual press machine. The project achieved a construction cost of just Rs. 550 per square foot (in 2009) and realized a substantial 300-ton reduction in steel usage, showcasing the effectiveness of its design and material choices. The focus on conserving resources, coupled with earthquake resistance and natural cooling by thinking through design in a holistic manner allowed us to create a resilient and salubrious working environment for nearly 500 people.
MIL factory
This 3-storey factory, measuring 80mx50m, was designed keeping in view cost-efficiency both in capex and opex. As a practice we were also keen to see the possibility of reducing embodied energy by thinking architectural evolution through the discipline of structure. The structural design played an immeasurable role in making this come through. From pouring mass concrete in swampy soil (avoiding expensive dewatering/deep piles) to replacing the outer layer of columns (reducing concrete/steel) by exposed thick load bearing walls (which allowed to avoid extra ducting for the evaporative cooling) to giving 10 m spans with flat seamless slabs (reducing concrete through light weight hollow blocks embedded within the slab), reduced resource usage directly impacting the capital expense. This made for a thick building (thick walls and slabs) contributing to a robust and thermally efficient structure with well shaded continuous deep recessed openings, allowing copious natural light into the interior. The sectional development integrated evaporative downdraft cooling into the masonry wall forms and the large footprint was punctured in the centre with skylights to allow for natural light and ventilation. Social equity through design thinking gave agency to the existing skills of masonry through the use of 15 lakh fly ash bricks mixed with 1 lakh red bricks that made for the character of the building. The hollow blocks (embedded in the slabs) made of flyash and thermocol with cement as binder were also produced on site by a simple manual press machine. The project achieved a construction cost of just Rs. 550 per square foot (in 2009) and realized a substantial 300-ton reduction in steel usage, showcasing the effectiveness of its design and material choices. The focus on conserving resources, coupled with earthquake resistance and natural cooling by thinking through design in a holistic manner allowed us to create a resilient and salubrious working environment for nearly 500 people.
MIL factory