Design

Studio Wood styles this New Delhi based office with a native flavour and a dash of tradition

JUL 24, 2020 | By Sakshi Rai
Glass entrance doors lead to a quaint waiting area; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
Grid windows offer clear vistas and lend a sense of openness; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
The eight-seater conference table features a customised terracotta brick structure for its base; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
The perky cafeteria is a favourite for its design; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
View of a minimalist design scheme in the all-black office; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
The long, brick walled central corridor gives way to various glass cloaked departments at frequent intervals; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
A homely niche is seen in one of the cabins; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
Black rimmed cabinets match with the furniture; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography
Sombre hues blend with the black desktops in the working zones; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography

A brand’s workplace is an honest reflection of its journey, ethos and philosophy. And while most endeavour to revamp offices to resemble a fast-turning-cliched ‘new age’ space, fashion label The Loom decided to stay true to its roots. Crafted by Navya Aggarwal and Asawari Bora of New Delhi based interior and furniture practice Studio Wood, The Loom’s headquarters is inspired by the brand’s tagline—‘handpicked, unique and Indian’. 

Aggarwal and Bora have interspersed local emotions with global design concepts. Another essential mention in the brief was the inclusion of areas that facilitate healthy work lifestyles and adequate interaction. Setting an example, the founders requested for their own cabins to be designed such that their young daughter would feel comfortable studying or playing while they work.

In its design, the 4,500 sq ft office opens onto a black cloaked reception and waiting area. A view of speckled brown and beige edifices is enjoyed from the glass window here. This space also features a wall mounted Sarah Kaushik art print and the distinct Jaisalmer yellow flooring. 

View of the all-black facade showcases grid windows; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography

A streamlined layout with a long central corridor leads to numerous departments and culminates at the photo studio. In order to camouflage the black desktops in the office, the creative duo have draped all the furniture (including the tabletops) in dark tones. 

White brick walls flank either side of the corridor; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography

Only an eight-seater conference table stands out for its customised terracotta brick base, bringing in a hue that’s unmistakably Indian and complementing the surrounding leather bucket chairs. Also lending a dramatic flair to the muted interiors are large grid light installations by DBel Studio. 

Jaisalmer flooring offsets the otherwise black cloaked reception; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography

We love how craft seeps into every inch of this property, including the use of Bharat Tiles and Floorings’ Dash-Dash-Dot series in the main corridor. Embedded floor lamps by DBel Studio illuminate these bespoke patterns. Towards the end of this path lies the piece de resistance—a custom curated, backlit display featuring miniature terracotta pots by Studio Wood.

Numerous terracotta pots line a display custom curated by Studio Wood at the end of the corridor; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography

Saving the best for the end, the cafeteria—a much sought after spot—steps away from the overall monochromatic theme and revels instead in a perky canvas all of its own. Three radiant ikat installations mark the way for this lively setting, which is spruced with sprightly amber and canary yellow walls, woven bamboo lights and a digital artwork by Shagun Puri.

Scroll below to see more images of The Loom’s headquarters

DBel Studio’s floor lamps illuminate the patterned floors; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography

 

Overhead woven bamboo lights add to the cheery ambience in the cafeteria; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography

 

Close up of the terracotta pots that make up this bespoke installation; Photographs by Rohan Dayal Photography