A climate-responsive workplace designed around existing trees, natural light, and recycled materials, this project uses passive cooling, a recycled brick jaali wall, and open landscape systems to minimise environmental impact. By seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, it creates a low-energy, nature-led environment rooted in sustainability and comfort.
Architect Name: Radhika Savani Dutt & Arpit Dutt
Project Name: Marketing Office
Location: Ahmedabad
Category: Commercial
About Project:
The design of this project is rooted in a deep respect for the natural landscape, with every decision guided by the intention to preserve, adapt, and minimise impact. Rather than imposing architecture onto the land, the building gently weaves itself around existing tree clusters, transforming them into living design features and safeguarding the site’s biodiversity.
Passive design plays a central role. The building and courtyard are oriented to optimise natural light throughout the day, dramatically reducing the need for artificial lighting. At the heart of the space lies an internal tree-shaded courtyard that acts as a natural microclimate regulator. In Ahmedabad’s harsh summer heat, this shaded pocket cools the surroundings, improves air quality, and elevates thermal comfort without mechanical intervention.
Material choices further strengthen the project’s commitment to sustainability. Red bricks used in construction are 90% recyclable, ensuring longevity and reduced waste. Corrugated metal sheets echo the temporary site barricades and are designed for future reuse. Raw stone elements are purposefully selected so they can be upcycled or seamlessly integrated into the next phase of development. The minimalist palette of raw, unprocessed materials keeps embodied energy low while creating a grounded, tactile experience.
A defining feature of the project is the 60-meter recycled brick jaali wall. Beyond offering security, it allows filtered daylight, natural ventilation, and responsive shading throughout the day, reducing heat gain and promoting comfort. The landscape strategy reinforces this ethos of openness: instead of heavy concrete boundary walls, ponds and stone bollards are used, reducing material consumption while enhancing visual and environmental permeability.
By integrating indoor and outdoor spaces through fluid transitions, the project minimises reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This openness promotes cross-ventilation, encourages interaction with nature, and creates a work environment that feels both calm and connected.
What emerges is a space that is not just built sustainably but lived sustainably—a thoughtful blend of nature, climate sensitivity, and material intelligence.
