Dezeen Magazine

Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects in India

The Grid Architects completes sculptural ferrocement workplace in Ahmedabad

Indian studio The Grid Architects has created a curvilinear office in Ahmedabad that is constructed from white ferrocement.

Informed by the Sanskrit word for "flow", the 200-square-metre workplace is located at a prominent road intersection in a densely populated area surrounded by ongoing construction work.

It is defined by white undulating walls, which are formed from ferrocement – a low-tech form of reinforced concrete – and help it to stand out in this busy urban environment.

Ferrocement workplace in India
The Grid Architects has completed a sculptural workplace in Ahmedabad

"Our goal was to create a space that stands out from its surroundings," The Grid Architects told Dezeen.

"The white fluid structure was chosen to introduce an element of softness, offering a distinct contrast to the prevalent context."

The Grid Architects sought to reinforce the building's sense of flow internally with four conical rooms, which it describes as "cabins".

Tapered room and skylight within the Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
The internal rooms are lit by skylights

These ferrocement-lined rooms are positioned along a passageway that extends the length of the building and taper vertically towards skylights to encourage natural light and airflow.

Deep-set windows are carved out to face an external water feature and private courtyard, which is landscaped with drought-resistant plants.

Interior room within the Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
The rooms also feature deep-set windows

"The design effectively alleviates the sense of confinement," the studio explained.

"Internal spaces, characterised by the gentle curves of the structure, allow for the infusion of soft sunlight, contributing to a pleasing and uplifting atmosphere."

According to the studio, ferrocement had a notably lower carbon footprint compared to using standard concrete masonry and also helped shape the building's organic form.

"The fundamental design principle revolves around the minimal use of a single material," explained The Grid Architects.

External waterbody and courtyard in the Ferrocement workplace
A water feature and courtyard feature outside

"The emphasis is on simplicity and functionality, channelling the benefits of abundant light and ventilation to create a harmonious interior environment," the studio added.

The Grid Architects view the project as a continuation of its wider efforts to design with the natural environment and wellbeing of occupants in mind.

Integrated plants and waterbody at the Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
The water feature wraps around the building

"Central to our approach is a dedication to biophilia and human-centric design," it said. "We aim to create not just structures, but living environments that blend effortlessly with their surroundings and contribute positively to the human experience."

The studio has previously created a vaulted multipurpose arts space and a "neo-brutalist" concrete house in Ahmedabad.

The photography is by Photographix India.

More images

Floor plan Ferrocement workplace by the Grid Architects
Floor Plan
Section AA Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Section AA
Section BB Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Section BB
Section CC Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Section CC
Section DD Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Section DD
Section EE Ferrocement workplace by the Grid Architects
Section drawing
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Private courtyard and water feature through portal opening
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Interior "cabins" along an extended passageway
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects in India
Vaulted entryway
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects
Ferrocement workplace by The Grid Architects in India
Undulating walls mark the boundary of the structure