By Marina Correa
Photography: Kamal Bengali; courtesy the firm
Read Time: 2 mins
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Sharan Architecture + Design culls out a simple and contextual textile office in Surat, India’s hub for textile trade…
As you enter the office, the company name ‘Ozone’ is emblazoned in brass over a veneer-clad panel. But, look closer and you will find delicate threads gently tugging at the logo - a metaphor to their textile roots.
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A few steps ahead, in the waiting area, hangs a large mural made of CNC-cut Berge ply finished in white duco paint that is analogous to the undulating soft curves and stiff pleats of fabrics: instantly catching the visitor’s eye and allowing the client many moments of pride.
One of the biggest advantages cited by the designers is the client’s clarity of thought in what he wanted, immensely helping in designing a large waiting area-cum reception, sales area, workstation, owner’s cabin, amongst other perfunctory zones despite working with a compact 1,400 sq. ft. of space!
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Situated in a city with hot and humid climate year-round and coupled with the site being located on the 6th floor of a commercial building with glass cladding on four sides — copious amounts of sunlight proved to be a challenge. This is combated by creating a smaller window in front of the main window, cladding the latter with black-out material on blinds to screen out sunny afternoons.
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Furthermore, the gap between the two windows acts as a buffer against excessive heat gain. Another important requirement was a focused sales area – the fulcrum of the business. And this is accomplished by using a white acrylic background for the fabric display unit, backlit with white light to correctly display the colours of fabrics – an important consideration in the textile business.
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A subdued colour palette of greys and taupe intentionally soothes, ensuring zero-distraction from the core business as the products, a few choice paintings, the odd mannequin, and a pop of lime green in the soft furnishings complete the picture. Teak veneer is ubiquitously used to signify durability and becomes a unifying thread throughout the office. Coupled with wooden flooring, the office overall represents a cocoon of elegance and warmth.
Fact file:
Client: Kirit Bhalani, Ozone Textile Pvt. Ltd.
Design firm: Sharan Architecture + Design
Carpet area: 1,400 sq. ft.
Principal designers: Vipul and Kruti Sukhadia
Location: Surat, Gujarat
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