Remarkable architectural marvel emerged in the bustling campus in Gurugram, redefining the concept of student living. The boy’s hostel at St. Andrew Institute of Technology and Management, meticulously crafted by ZED Lab, stands as a benchmark to thoughtful design, sustainable practices and unwavering commitment to fostering community and environmental consciences.
A Symphony of Bricks
The heartbeat of this architectural wonder lies in its innovative use of bricks, the fundamental building block that gives the hostel its character. ZED Lab’s design seamlessly integrates Indian vernacular architecture with contemporary ideas, creating a structure that not only accommodates 360 students but also provides them a dynamic, socially engaging environment.
Designing for Community
The hostel’s design philosophy revolves around enhancing student interactions and connecting indoor spaces with the vibrant landscapes. A central atrium, a bent masterpiece, not only illuminates the interior in natural light but also serves as a solar chimney, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air. The triple-height spacious dorms break away from convention, offering students an expensive view of the outdoors, blurring the lines between inside and outside. The south stairway, aesthetically incorporated into the south face, emerges as a distinctive space, serving as a fundamental social nucleus. From the large-scale celebrations to informal conversations, transitional zones and circulation spaces promote socialisation and group study.
Seasons in Harmony
The hostel’s unique architectural twist gives rise to a shaded entrance (summer court) and an open terrace (winter court), encouraging year-round activities. A landscaped ramp within the summer court provides a gentle transition from harsh outdoor conditions to the cooler indoors, creating a comfortable space for students to socialise. The terrace, overlooking the playing field, established a visual dialogue with the lush campus greenery.
The Art of Sustainable construction
ZED Lab’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the hostel’s construction. Computational studies using software technologies such as Ecotect, Grasshopper and Rhino guided the creation of brick jali, a façade that provides thermal insulation and diffused natural light. The jaali, supported by 21 feet high steel bars, reduces direct radiation by 70%, ensuring comfortable and habitable space. The ingenious approach not only curtails heat gain but also ensures that daylight levels in the living units remain above the accepted standards of 250 lux.
Symphony in Motion
The hostel’s design is not static, it’s living breathing entity that adapts to the needs of its inhabitants. Terraces and activities are layered at multiple levels to promote student intercommunication. The entrance ramp and the cafeteria, coupled with the winter court terrace, create comfortable spaces for students to engage in long conversations and interactions.
Crafting Light and Shadow
The brick jali doesn’t just serve a functional purpose, it creates a mesmerising play of light and shadow, offering unique imagery to each students’ room. The second skin of the building, including 4-foot-wide balconies, acts as a buffer zone, maintaining mean temperatures between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the year.
Vision to Reality
Founded in 2009, ZED lab is a design studio that transcends traditional boundaries. Led by architects Sachin Rastogi and Payal Seth Rastogi, the team’s diverse educational backgrounds and international experience have redefined Indian architecture, aligning it with the demands of the present and future.
The hostel is not just a place to reside, it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that celebrates student life. From the dynamic stub columns creating visual interest to the vibrant mess halls spending positivity, every detail is a testament to ZED Lab’s commitment to creating spaces that enrich the student experience.
The marriage of aesthetics and sustainability, The Boy’s Hostel at St. Andrews Institute of Technology and Management stands tall, not just as a building but as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful design. It is a space where students don’t stay, they thrive, interact and create lasting memories in an environment that mirrors the contemporary spirit of the university.
