Overview

The Twin Habitat, designed for Fybros in Sector 63, Noida, redefines what an industrial space can be. Spread across a 4,440 sq.m site with a total built-up area of 1,80,000 sq.ft of warehouse, including 36,000 sq.ft of commercial office space, it is crafted not just for efficiency, but for well-being. It is a nature-embracing, future-ready, user-first habitat that blends the rugged spirit of industry with the calm, restorative rhythm of nature. The project showcases how industry and human experience can co-exist, with nature at the centre.

The project embeds the philosophy of Nature-Integrated Design (NID), a two-pronged strategy focusing on Habitability and Sustainability.

Habitability is achieved through ample natural light, cross ventilation, breathable facades, and air filtration systems, specifically ensuring a healthy, comfortable indoor environment for the building users. This strategy makes the building immune to the city’s harsh air pollution. Simultaneously, sustainability measures like energy efficiency, reduced resource use, green facades, and climate-responsive planning strategies have been implemented that help improve the external environment, reducing the building’s ecological footprint thereby contributing to making the city better. 

Project Details & Challenges

Fybros is a leading manufacturer of electrical goods. Their products are known for their durability and energy efficiency, two qualities closely linked to sustainability. This commitment to sustainability is shared by BASICS, expressed through their core philosophy of Nature-Integrated Design (NID).

The project serves two primary user groups: office employees and warehouse workers. The design focused on providing comfort, convenience, and a strong connection to nature for both groups, despite the differences in their work environments. BASICS also drew upon the idea of Hedonistic Sustainability, a design approach that encourages sustainable choices through pleasurable experiences and community-focused spaces.

To make the building future-proof, BASICS planned for likely changes in zoning and land use, a common trend in industrial areas where industries are gradually moving out and being replaced by residential or commercial developments as cities grow. Flexibility and modularity were built into the design to ensure long-term usability. The design also respects the client’s wishes by incorporating Vastu principles. With a clear design direction in place, the physical realities of the site played a critical role in shaping the project.

The site is located in Noida. It is aligned along the North-South axis, with the front façade facing West, which has become one of the biggest design challenges. Opposite the site is a small park. Nearby, there is a patch of protected urban greens that acts as a buffer from the busy highways. These green zones formed an important part of the project’s context, which is otherwise surrounded by industrial buildings and commercial setups.

The client required a facility where loaded trucks could move easily, without affecting safe pedestrian access for office staff. This led to a two-block configuration. The warehouses open into a shared loading area between the two blocks. The workspace is situated on the second and third floors of one block.

The building’s facade plays a key role in meeting the goals set by the design brief. The front facade faces West, which created the biggest design challenge. The building needed protection from the harsh summer sun but also required natural light for the office spaces.

On the West side, a double-skin facade features terracotta-coloured GRC lattices, mixed with vertical greens. This is supported by a grey metallic frame. A part of the facade has a curtain wall that lets natural light into the office areas. On the South side, deep projections frame large louvered windows. These let sunlight in while cutting down glare.

The facade helps create a healthy indoor environment and a strong public image. The greens-and-lattice grid blocks the harsh sun but allows fresh air to pass through. This filtered air improves natural ventilation. The design also connects the indoors with the outdoors. Occupants can enjoy pleasant views and soft breezes without facing the intense heat and dust common in the area.

Key Products 

GRC: Pooja Concrete Fabricators

Façade Metal works: Trak Enterprises

Vertical Greens: ELT India

Glazing: Aluk 

Horticulture – Green meadows landscape

Railings: Rinox Kaufmann Ltd

Lifts: Thyssen Krupp 

Fire Doors: TATA Vikrant group

PEB: Epack Prefab

HVAC: Reagan Refrigeration / Daikin 

Waterproofing: Auro Engineering 

Overall Project Results

To honour the client’s deep respect for traditional values, BASICS Architects brought the five elements that are building blocks of the universe into the design through a range of modern interventions. The five elements are reflected in the design as follows:

Earth: The building facade is painted in a vivid terracotta color, offering an earthy version of the Fybros brand’s signature red. Green walls add to this “living” facade, celebrating the earth’s life-giving nature. Inside, desks are lined with lush plants, and natural materials like wood and stone bring warmth and a strong connection to nature.

Water: The design conserves water through rainwater harvesting and porous hardscaping, helping to recharge groundwater. A bio-digester system recycles sewage into greywater for toilet flushing and irrigation. Water-efficient fixtures reduce usage, while alkaline drinking water systems promote better health.

Fire: Fire is expressed as energy and heat management. The design minimizes energy use and heat gain through passive strategies and material choices. Energy-efficient LED lighting lowers power consumption. Double-insulated glass, polystyrene roof insulation, and heat-reflective paint help keep interiors cooler, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.

Air: Fresh air systems with advanced filtration ensure healthy indoor environments. Indoor plants further improve air quality and optimise humidity. Low-VOC finishes throughout the building, along with natural ventilation in the warehouses, keep the indoor air quality within healthy limits, even during city-wide pollution spikes.

Sky: Large curtain walls and high windows bring in natural light and offer wide views of the outdoors. Skylights flood the interiors with daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Access to bright natural light and views of the sky boost mood, comfort, and productivity.

The feedback has been deeply rewarding. Employees speak of light, openness, and calm. The client speaks of identity, pride, and savings.

The building consumes 30–40% less energy. Water usage is down by 60%. Air quality is healthier than the surrounding city. Yet, beyond numbers, what stands out is the feeling: of working in a place that inspires, protects, and belongs. The Holistic Habitat isn’t just a warehouse or an office. It’s a statement that industrial spaces can be human, green, adaptive, and delightful. It reflects Fybros’ ethos and our own belief that good design should connect people with nature, work with context, and build for a better future.

Main Contributors:

Civil Contractor: Pragya Associates 

Plumbing Contractor: Metroid Engineers

Structural: Srishti Project Consultants 

Electrical: ECMS Technology Pvt Ltd India

Landscape: Studio Land

Plumbing & Fire Fighting: Behera Associates

Lighting Design: Enertia 

PMC: Punit Garg

Meet the Design Team

Vinod Singhi, Ranju Singhi, Sudeshna Ganguly, Nishant Kumar, Akshay Chachra, Nikita Saini, Harapriya Behera 

Photography

Nakul Jain

The post Twin Habitat by BASICS Architects: A Sustainable, Nature-Integrated Industrial Campus for Fybros appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

A leading manufacturer and exporter of readymade garments, Diksha Knitwears Pvt. Ltd., sought to renovate their office space to reposition themselves as not just an industry leader but also an employee friendly organization. The brief was to develop a corporate ambiance for functional efficacy while ensuring a comfortable work environment for the employees. Additionally, they wished to establish dedicated display areas within the office to showcase their extensive product range to potential buyers.

Basics Architects envisioned a contemporary office layout that would not only fulfill the client’s spatial needs but also prioritize comfort and functionality. The design incorporated dedicated areas for a reception, pooja room, a central work hall, director cabins, display/meeting rooms, along with collaborative spaces. The aim was to create an environment conducive to both focused work and collaborative endeavors, reflecting the ethos and aspirations of Diksha Knitwears as a global brand.

Project Details

Following a blend of contemporary and minimalist themes, a neutral color scheme becomes the backdrop for the products, with an emphasis on simple forms. Industrial-inspired open ceilings and baffles contribute to the contemporary vibe, adding texture and depth to the space. Additionally, the strategic use of indoor greens introduces elements of nature into the design, enhancing the overall ambiance with a touch of tranquility. Furniture pieces selected for the reception and collaborative areas incorporate subtle plays of color, adding visual interest and warmth to the space. These design elements come together to create a cohesive and inviting environment that fosters creativity, collaboration and productivity.

The design scheme was planned to align with the client’s requirements and functional needs of the space. The design team first thoroughly understood the client’s vision, the workflow within the office and the desired aesthetic before coming up with the solution. The client’s involvement ensured that the project closely aligned with their vision, driving the incorporation of innovative solutions while maintaining a minimalistic yet functional approach.

Products 

HVAC: Astberg Ventilation Pvt. Ltd. 

Furniture: Spacewood Office Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Chairs: Herman Miller 

Paint: Oikos

Laminate: Merino Luvih

Flooring: RAK Ceramics (India) and Mikasa

Carpet Flooring: Belgotex

Aluminium Partitions: ALKOM INDIA

Ceiling: Orange Stretch Ceiling

Accoustic Panel: Brilliante

Soft Furniture: Multiseats

AV & Music: Bose

Video Wall: Samsung India

Wifi Access: Aruba

Low Voltage: CommScope and Cisco

Rugs: Kaati Carpets

Interior Contractor: DnovaInfracon

Principal Architect/Designer: Vinod Singhi and Ranju Singhi

Design Team: Nishant Kumar

Photography: Nakul Jain

The post Designing for Employees at Diksha Knitwears appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

BASICS Architects was commissioned by Pernod Ricard Gulf, a French beverage company, to design their office in Dubai. The project site is located on the 14th floor of Jafza One Convention Centre and overlooks the JAFZA port, the largest commercial harbor in Dubai. The site is irregularly shaped with two arc-shaped facades faced with curtain walls and glass. The other two sides are opaque without any scope for natural light from these faces. The site has a carpet area of 7500 sq ft connected by an internal corridor around the service core of the building. 

Pernod Ricard has a global working culture with its employees being an amalgamation of nationalities of various countries. The work ethics combined with the transparent work culture of the company needed a direct reflection in the design. The company with an extremely strong portfolio of beverage brands, with many of the global leaders in their category, needed them to be subtly incorporated & reflected into the Workspace design. The office also needed to be dynamic and collaborative as per the brief.

To bring the various brands under Pernod together, the basic color palette was largely kept monotone. This served as a blank canvas and highlighted brand themes that came in the form of soft furnishings, accent color pops and graphics. Each of the enclosed rooms were assigned a specific brand and general aesthetic worked around that brand. The transparency of the reception with its copper planter screen frames and wood paneled walls welcomes the users into the workspace. Natural plants add an additional natural wellness factor to the city’s panoramic view in the background. Accent colors like Absolut blue have been used as a theme for the phone booth while the Chivas and Ricard brand colors highlight the cabin’s pods. 

The boardroom has embossed walls with Pernod’s vision and an accent carpet which forms a signature design. The meeting rooms have been designed keeping in mind a subtle color palette. The formal meeting room is designed very elegantly in the monochromatic color palette of the Seagram’s brand. The black and white theme with gold accents works well with a formal setting. The informal meeting room reflects the Chivas color palette. It is set against a deep burgundy with copper pipes creating a charismatic backdrop. The most playful area is the staff hub that looks extremely lively with the incorporation of Jameson and Jacobs Creek branding which is reflected in the dedicated walls. Use of tinted glass, vibrant color paints, wood, copper and gold finishes creates a dynamic, fun and lively environment.

The most important aspect of functionality and comfort has been provided by using perfect ergonomic furniture. The selected Haworth desking system includes height adjustable tables which gives the users a great deal of versatility to use them as per their personal preferences. After a lot of deliberations, Fern chairs were selected to provide the best possible ergonomics.

The design of the office was an outcome of understanding the needs and requirements of the end users. As employees spend most of their day at work, other than comfort the offices need to meet the psychological demands. The very factor of transparency, usability and creativity in Pernod Ricard’s nature of work is reflected, the moment one walks inside the office space. What has emerged is a fusion of colors, materials and patterns that is a perfectly expressed notion of a bright, collaborative and dynamic workspace.

Project Planning

The awkward shape of the site provided the first challenges in terms of space planning. The arc shape combined with the trapezoidal shape of the site was offset towards the center to create an island. With two facades offering full glass, natural light was drawn into the entire work area. The third side with an opaqueness was used to create a strong backdrop for the open work area. The work area with the island extends into the reception ensuring that every part of the office not only receives natural light but also offers a majestic view of the JAFZA port. The boardroom, meeting rooms and staff hub were strategically placed to ensure privacy and easy access.

Exposed RCC ceilings and services were planned for the open office area. This gives an industrial look to the workspace but also makes the space look spacious as well. The open office concept also reflects the transparent culture of the company. The central island is highlighted by a wooden baffle ceiling which also acts as an acoustic barrier. The island became a central feature of the hall and to highlight it further, a new carpet was introduced to sync with the baffles. Great care was taken in selecting the general carpet of the office. A strong multi-directional geometrical pattern carpet was selected to blend the floor with the organic shape of the site. The enclosed offices in the open hall were treated as standalone volumes, disconnected from the main exposed RCC roof. Suspended ceilings were provided to these rooms. This helped in making the open office a large grand and singular space.

Project Details

The overall design of the project revolved around the concept of delivering a biophilic interior environment. Humans have an instinctive affinity and love for nature from our early days of evolution. To re-establish this bonding, natural materials like wood, copper, rustic materials, etc. have been extensively used. The use of concrete in the floors or even the exposed RCC roof further enhances nature within the space. The next important concept of biophilia is the use of natural light and the space planning has helped maximize this aspect. This also helps provide excellent views of the exterior as well as maintain a connection to the outside while at work. Natural vegetation, namely plants, have been used extensively in various spaces of the office. Even the use of organic shapes like the central island and general planning of the space add to the biophilic nature of the interiors.

Biophilic design within the workplace is a sound economic investment for the employers as well. It enables to harness a plethora of natural benefits for enhanced employee health and well-being thereby leading to overall workplace productivity.

Products 

Lighting: Tecnolight

Glass/Glass Partitions: Saint Gobain / Kaprel 

Flooring: Milliken Carpets

Air Conditioning: Mekar/Carrier

Paint: Jotun

Arts/ Branding: Sweetwater Mea

Furniture: Haworth 

CONSULTANTS

Mechanical: Spacewell

Electrical:  Spacewell

HVAC: Spacewell

Furniture: BASICS Architects

Lighting: Spacewell

CONTRACTORS

Civil: Spacewell

Interior Contractor: Spacewell Interiors

General Contractor: Spacewell Interiors

Design

• Vinod Singhi
• Nishant Kumar
• Taru Rawat

Photography

Courtesy of BASICS Architects

The post Infusing a Brand into their Workplace – Pernod Ricard’s Dubai Office by BASICS Architects appeared first on Work Design Magazine.