Designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, Vibrant Group’s Paper Tube Office on the 27th floor of a skyscraper in Mumbai showcases innovative design and sustainable architecture.
Perched majestically on the 27th floor of a newly erected office tower in the bustling heart of Mumbai, India, lies a remarkable workspace – a 4000 square foot office that stands as a beacon of innovative design and sustainable architecture. Commissioned by the building developers themselves, the space was meticulously designed to meet an extensive brief: accommodating six private cabins, conference rooms, discussion areas, and providing seating for up to 36 employees.
What immediately distinguishes this office is its deliberate integration of sustainable materials, each carefully chosen and artfully juxtaposed to create a space that not only meets functional needs but also resonates with aesthetic and environmental consciousness. The design philosophy centers around a central open volume, a rare feature in high-rise office buildings, which takes full advantage of the towering 6-meter-high ceilings – a striking rarity in Mumbai’s vertical landscape.
Above this central volume floats a breathtaking sculptural ceiling, an intricate composition of fire-retardant paper tubes of varying diameters. These tubes, treated with specialized coatings, serve not only as a structural element but also as an artistic statement, diffusing light from custom-designed tubular fixtures that punctuate the space with an ethereal glow. This interplay of light and form creates a dynamic visual experience, enhancing the office’s ambiance and fostering a sense of openness and creativity among its occupants.
Surrounding the central volume are towering partitions crafted with meticulous attention to detail. These partitions, reaching up to the lofty heights of the ceiling, are an abstract blend of natural materials – wood, glass, cane, jute, and fabric – woven together in patterns that evoke both tranquility and dynamism. Beyond these partitions, the private cabins unfold like sculptural installations, their walls clad in recycled plywood strips meticulously collected from various construction sites. This unconventional use of materials not only adds texture and depth to the space but also reflects a commitment to sustainability, minimizing waste while creating bespoke environments that inspire productivity and innovation.
Inside each cabin, the commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship continues unabated. Furniture pieces – tables, credenzas, and storage units – are all crafted from the same recycled plywood, carefully sculpted to mirror the undulating forms of the cabin walls. This holistic approach to design ensures a seamless integration of form and function, creating harmonious spaces where every element contributes to a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
The larger conference room serves as a focal point within the office, featuring an awe-inspiring light installation that showcases the versatility of paper tubes. Suspended at varying heights, these tubes cast playful shadows and patterns across the room, transforming mundane meetings into dynamic exchanges of ideas and creativity. The conference room itself is designed to accommodate both formal presentations and collaborative discussions, with furniture arrangements and acoustic treatments that enhance comfort and functionality.
Moving towards the office’s periphery, a breakout area offers a serene retreat with panoramic views of Mumbai’s iconic skyline. Here, a minimalist bar counter and casual seating arrangements invite moments of relaxation and informal networking, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among colleagues. The design of this space reflects a commitment to creating multifunctional environments that cater to diverse needs, whether for focused work, social interaction, or simply enjoying the breathtaking vistas outside.
Throughout the office, materials are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their environmental impact. Walls finished in lime plaster – a sustainable alternative to traditional cement-based finishes – promote healthier indoor air quality while reducing the building’s carbon footprint. Meanwhile, terrazzo flooring, known for its durability and timeless elegance, adds a touch of sophistication to the office’s aesthetic palette, grounding the space in a sense of permanence and solidity.
Every aspect of this office, from its architectural design to its interior furnishings, has been meticulously planned and executed on-site by a skilled team of craftsmen and artisans. This hands-on approach not only ensures high-quality craftsmanship but also allows for a level of customization and attention to detail that is rare in contemporary office spaces. Each piece of furniture, each light fixture, and each wall finish tells a story of dedication to sustainability and a commitment to creating a workspace that not only meets the highest standards of design and functionality but also nurtures creativity and collaboration among its users.
In conclusion, the paper tube office designed for the Vibrant Group stands as a testament to the power of innovative design and sustainable architecture to transform urban landscapes. By integrating cutting-edge design principles with a thoughtful selection of materials, Circular has created a workspace that not only meets the diverse needs of its occupants but also sets a new standard for environmentally conscious design in Mumbai’s competitive real estate market. As the city continues to grow and evolve, spaces like these will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and livable future for all.
Photo Courtesy: Vinesh Gandhi
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