Minimalism can be layered and this real-estate office by Workshop Inc in Ahmedabad proves it

This is the type of office people often dream about—a space where beguiling materials sculpt the interiors and outdoor design echoes the tranquillity of nature, allowing for work in peace and quiet. Envisioned by Varun Shah and Keta Shah, Principal Designers of Workshop Inc. the Maruti 360 office in Ahmedabad is an ode to understated […]

04 Sep 2024

Aditi Singla

This is the type of office people often dream about—a space where beguiling materials sculpt the interiors and outdoor design echoes the tranquillity of nature, allowing for work in peace and quiet. Envisioned by Varun Shah and Keta Shah, Principal Designers of Workshop Inc. the Maruti 360 office in Ahmedabad is an ode to understated luxury and practicality, blended with high-end furniture, all in alignment with Maruti Buildcon’s brief.

One of the director’s cabins features a stark black granite wall. The wall is crowned with an Artwork by Rohan from TonalityOne; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The reception table in the public zone is designed out of metal and wood, with a custom-made sculptural element. The passage leading to the cabins features photographs of the developers’ older projects; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

This 3,500 sq ft space designed for the real-estate developer is all about art and measured minimalism — and we’re not just talking about the eloquent artworks. Here in this beautiful tincture of materials and textures, you will find layers of bespoke furniture and avant-garde furnishings that not only captivate with their distinct style but also encase you in comfort and a sense of well-being.

The structured, formal sofa gives a corporate look to the waiting area. A vibrant serigraph by Ahmedabad-based artist, Nabibakhsh Mansoori adds colours to the space. All lighting is done by Futura Lights; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

This is the public zone which is designed as a more structured business environment. The custom-made furniture as well as the material application go perfectly well with the demands of this modern workspace; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Dialogue between inside and outside

“I wanted to create a workspace that reveals itself slowly and sparks moments of surprise as one moves around,” Varun reflects on the office. “Its foundational structure was conceptualised by Apurva Amin Architects who segmented the area into two spatial edifices overlooking a verdant courtyard.”

Talking about the interiors, Varun says “We took advantage of all the brightness coming from the beautiful courtyard outside and opted for a restrained material palette of black granite, walnut wood, beguiling metal and a soothing grey Limocoat wall texture throughout the office.”

This lounge is purposefully designed for informal conversations with the visitors, featuring custom-made casual, relaxed seating. The Curvilinear couch prioritises comfort and approachability. The Artwork is by Morii and the outdoor sculpture by SteelConcepts; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The office is designed to seamlessly blend the interiors with the exteriors. Artwork ‘Barley Field’ by Paul Bailey sourced from Calcuttan complements the heavily fluted wooden wall; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Ultra-modern work zones

There is an almost illicit pleasure in wandering through the two distinctly functional zones. The public zone, a paragon of sleek minimalism, boldly proclaims the company’s identity. The reception with a waiting area, has an audacious abstract sculpture and artwork that instantly piques interest. To this the designer muses, “The entire colour palette was restrained so it only felt right that we add a bit of colour too.”

The fluted wooden panels at the back complements the unrivalled glamour of the reception table. Walking through the passage that leads to the cabins of the sales cadre, you start to inspect a line of magnificently framed pictures that tell tales of past projects completed by the real-estate developer.

The waiting area has been set up with custom-made furniture that offers unique aesthetics. It serves as a link between the two edifices; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The director’s lounge is visually connected to the boardroom with a slender slit window. The artwork and sculpture add a touch of personalised luxury to the space; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The temple zone is dramatically flanked with bright red lights serving as a bold terminus to the passage. The office is illuminated by Futura Lights; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The private zone, designed for more intimate deliberations is a sanctuary of comfort and style with exclusive cabins for the directors, a cosy lounge area and a capacious boardroom. Here again you peer at the aforementioned expanse of a grey palette balanced out with metal and wood. Every cabin is designed to offer smart storage solutions, ergonomic tables and chairs, keeping everything organised and within reach.

The boardroom features a slender slit window for visual connectivity while the director’s lounge imparts a more relaxed ambience ideal for casual conversations. At the rear end of this block is an accounts office.

The boardroom features a glamorous custom-designed table and an intriguing artwork designed from acoustic panels in varying shades of blue. It is illuminated by Futura Lights; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The entrance of the boardroom is finished with warm natural wood. Incorporated into it is a slender horizontal panel made of blue-tinted glass with a ribbed texture; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Speaking of minimalism…

Visiting this office feels, enticingly, like being let loose in a second home. Every detail is finely honed and each design choice is a calculated masterpiece. Through this project, Workshop Inc deftly illustrates that minimalism can be masterfully executed even within a dark palette enriched by luxurious furniture.