At work amid a lush courtyard

Ground Zero’s Surat studio breathes life into every corner

17 Oct 2025

An office akin to being out in the open? It exists right in the heart of Surat, a workspace by Ground Zero. Think of the many tales in folk literature around the world that emerged from narrations passed down in open settings like community courtyards and atriums. Ground Zero ensured that their 2,000 sq ft workspace kindled a similar story reflecting their own tale of design — a raw, rustic, nature-bound inspiration interspersed. The story started with redeveloping a dilapidated bungalow. “The name Vrukshaangan meaning a courtyard of trees perfectly captures the essence of our studio space,” say principal designers, Sagar Rathod, Mansi Rathod and Ritika Uttamchandani.

Infused with depth of character and intrinsic connection to outdoors and greens, a dilapidated bungalow transforms into a space that fosters creativity and function. “It’s a space that breathes and lives, and a space that embodies the very essence of our design philosophy.” say the principal designers.

The conference area appears to be out of a quaint cafe, with chairs from Stag furniture; Photography by Murtaza Gandhi

Between work and worship

The workspace’s entrance emerges in your periphery in such a manner, that it’s bound to take the centre stage. Walking in through bold pops of yellow, both at the main entrance leading to the courtyard spaces and the entry to indoor sections, one is bound to be transfixed; by the bold, the playful and mostly by the calm. With earthy pink walls forming the enclosure for the space, bedecked with art, even the walls are a sight for the eyes.

What does the main cabin of an interior design firm look like? Don’t know about the general rule, but this more than surpasses expectations. Sometimes, it appears like a disparately shaped center table, a back shelf of collectibles and most definitely a red ceiling.

The line between indoors and outdoors is blurred, with every space accompanied by its own view; Photography by Murtaza Gandhi

A birdhouse in an office space? A rare, but extremely pleasing sight; Photography by Murtaza Gandhi

Rattan and mosaics

The greens are not limited to the outdoors, they also fill up space within the office. Between the main cabin and work space, is the conference room. Dark wood, rattan chairs and furniture and mosaic tile flooring exude astuteness, while also absorbing the chaos of brain-storming fresh ideas and the passageway giving red and yellow their own moments.

“Every space here connects to the surrounding landscape, creating an organic flow between indoors and outdoors,” conclude the principal designers. Natural materials, concrete, wood, and stone connect with the bounty of verdance outside.