The Crescent

Project Description

Program | To provide a small single level office for a client with requirements of a reception, cabins, pantry, a dining area for the staff and a small conference room.

Site characteristics & constraints: The site is located in the Surat City of Gujarat in India where temperatures are in excess of 35°C for 8 months of the year and the sun is always on the southern side. The plot is at a T-Junction of a road and is constrained by the buildings area to the south and east. The road junction abuts the site on the northern and western sides.

Zoning constraints | A minimum of 3.0 M setback from all sides of the plot is mandatory for the built area. There is no other constraint.

Design description | The north facing courtyard infuses the inner spaces with indirect light with vertical north facing incisions for the internal spaces thus reducing the heat gain substantially.
Overlapped curvilinear volumes orient each of the internal spaces towards the north in response to the location of the site while creating a semi enclosed north facing courtyard between the office spaces.
A curvilinear path along the courtyard links the office spaces while seamlessly integrating the internal circulation with a shallow pool of water within the courtyard.
Built entirely in a steel frame structure with a metal roof and corten steel sheets forming the external walls, the entire office structure was completed within 3 months.
The building height varies from 6 meters to 9 meters not only creating a volumetric expanse but also it helps to cool the office spaces internally.
Enveloped within the corten sheets, the roof is stepped thereby forming clerestories at varied angles along the length of the structure thus enabling reflected light with the office spaces and the corridor.
The building with a C-shape configuration surrounding a waterbody reduces the temperature of the building and thus helps in minimizing the cooling loads on the air-conditioning system.
Also, a courtyard carved out from the building on the southern side helps to reduce the heat gain inside the building and also acts as a recreational space for the users.
The design thus creates an energy efficient building in response to the climate of the location and a distinct identity.

Construction system | Structure framed in Mild-steel sections cladded with panels of corten steel sheets and glazing oriented towards north. The roofing is done in corrugated galvalium sheets. The internal partitions are done in dry wall system using gypsum panels over steel framework and blockwork for toilet walls.