The built mass of this factory & office building opens to the expansive landscape on the east and northern side, and is punctured with large longitudinal courtyards along east-west axis that are shaded through the day by the tall structures on three sides. The mutual shading reduces the heat gain and the tunnel effect along the shaded courtyards brings in cool air into the interiors, thus reducing the dependency on mechanical ventilation. The user-centric spaces are concentrated around the courtyard in the naturally lit and ventilated pockets. The less frequented spaces - storage are placed in the warmer pockets. The focus was to reduce the embodied energy by choosing the appropriate materials and construction techniques. CSEB (Compressed stabilised earth blocks) are used for the exposed brick walls. This un-burnt brick has less intensive manufacturing process and also provided better thermal and sound insulation. To reduce the carbon footprint further, we decided to reduce the concrete and steel in the roofs by opting for alternate construction techniques like filler slabs and stone roofs. The roofs have been spanned by various hollow terracotta filler blocks replacing chunks of concrete. These hollow blocks are also excellent for thermal insulation. It was indeed a notable effort to scale these techniques to be used in larger spans and volumes, and meet industrial standards. Kadappa stone roof was also incorporated. This was inspired by the stone roof techniques used in ancient temples. The alternate construction techniques are inspired by the age old building technology that are modified to suit our contemporary requirements. All the architectural elements and building surfaces are left exposed in their true texture, colour and materiality. The interiors is a combination where Japanese minimalism meets the traditional charm of Tamil Nadu. The bold exposed terracotta and kadappa stone ceilings are complemented with grey kota, sira granite and black granite floors. Yellow oxide is used as an accent in the reception and cafeteria spaces. Artwork inspired by the traditional kolam patterns and the ancient temples dot the walls. Less energy intensive materials such as exposed mdf, particle boards and OSB panels are extensively used in the interiors while restricting plywood and veneer finishes to places absolutely necessary. The furniture are designed in rubberwood and metal. The campus boasts of a network of bio-swales and rain water catchment areas that lead to various recharge pits. Treated water from STP is re-used for landscaping purposes. The terraces are lined with solar panels that helps contribute to the electric power grid, thus taking the sustainability goals further. VIDEO AND PHOTOS - Shamanth Patil Photography ©2024 Rays & Greys/ Shamanth Patil - www.shamanthpatil.photography