HP Lakhani Associates invite you to their Hyderabad office, which stands as a testimonial of their design philosophy and approach...
Three ‘E’s sum up the design of this office – bounding much ahead of being a mere physical manifesto of what the firm stands for! By ingeniously showcasing their experimentation and exploration, the architect firm has created a bespoke experience for its clients.
Maximum usage of biodegradable and green building materials complemented by natural organic finishes anoint the interiors and the beatific terrace space. Starting at the entrance, one’s eyes muse over a plethora of specially-curated elements viz., a white lacquer finished Ganesha mural with a touch of silver; white Corian reception table with a veneered ledge and concealed lighting at the bottom; storage cabinets in different areas sporting different finishes like laminate, PU and lacquer; assorted flooring in natural tandoor stone, wood-finish tiles, pebbles and artificial turf and the like…
The design language sustains, adding intrigue as a thriftly-used ingredient – an example being the concrete baffle wall at the entry with the backlit company logo; or the conference room false ceiling, which is a printed fabric concealed in glass and backlit and gives one the feel of sitting below a tree in the open for discussions; or the false ceiling of rough veneer in the MD’s cabin…
In terms of space planning, material usage and provision of services, the firm consumes energy (except for running the air-conditioners) by harnessing solar and wind resources. The entire office is integrated with an automation system and can be controlled via an iPad. The open plan is designed in tandem with Vastu, where the main studio is centrally positioned with the services segregated towards one end. Additionally, the main reception area hosts the accountant’s desk and one also sees a small meeting room, a conference room and the principal architect’s room. The entire office depicts some unique treatment of spaces that are partitioned by film-covered glass walls to ensure adequate privacy.
As if the interior spaces weren’t enough to entice the clients or create a great working environment, the break-out space (which also acts as a welcoming foyer) is a large open terrace in front of the built form, complete with a pergola-sheltered dining area surrounded by potted plants overlooking a large artificially-turfed lawn!
The big three: • The one thing that you have done for yourself that you’d never do for a client? Experiment. It is very important to think as solution providers to client’s requirements rather than impose something out of context. • An important design lesson that you abide by? Every client has a different requirement that must be addressed in accordance without compromising on design and aesthetics.
• Is there a message that you’d like to convey to your clients through your own space? To achieve good design, you don't have to necessarily spend a lot; understanding requirements is a very crucial aspect of any good design
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