“Suzlon Energy Limited, a world-leading wind energy company based in Pune, India, with CCBA Designs, have committed to creating India’s greenest office. Described by Prof. Christopher Benninger as comparable to patrons of architecture such as the Sarabhais, Guggenheims, and Rockefellers, the Tanti Family, embodying the company’s motto of ‘powering a greener tomorrow,’ exclusively employed non-toxic and recycled materials for their ambitious project.
Project Name: Suzlon One Earth Global Corporate Headquarters
Studio Name: CCBA Designs
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Built Up Area: 75,825 Square Meters
Site area: 10.4 Acres
Completion: 2009
Principal Architect: Prof. Christopher Benninger
Architecture Team: Jagdeesh Taluri, Daraius Choksi, Rahul Sathe, A Madhu, Visharad Sharma, Shubhankar Nag, Mansi Sahu and Sushilkumar Khairnar.
Photo Credits: Ramprasad Naidu, Harminder Singh, Owen Raggett, Ritesh Ramaiaha
The ground-plus two-level structure, situated in a 10.4-acre urban setting, achieved both LEED Platinum and TERI GRIHA 5 Star certifications. Notably, 8% of its annual energy is generated on-site through photovoltaic panels and windmills, with a remarkable total incremental cost efficiency of about 11%. This unique project stands out as the only LEED-certified building attaining such a high level of certification while incorporating on-site renewable energy at such cost efficiency. With 92% of the project’s energy consumption (amounting to 4 MW) derived from sustainable sources, the Suzlon Headquarters in Pune qualifies as a Net Zero Energy Project.
Inspired by historical Indian campuses like Fatehpur Sikri and the Meenakshi Temple complex in Madurai, Suzlon One Earth deviates from the conventional skyscraper design, adopting a land-scraper approach. The design prioritizes adaptability to the transformational nature of the business over the years, featuring served and server spaces, modular walls, and furniture systems.
The architectural concept revolves around creating a central gathering space, the Brahmasthan, with a view of large central gardens from every corner. Aluminium louvres act as a protective skin, permitting daylight and cross ventilation, while a Deep-Stambh in the Suzlon reflecting pool at the basement level adds a unique focal point. The project incorporates sustainable elements such as a cascading waterfall in the central courtyard, a large water body for improved air quality and evaporative cooling, and bringing external landscape areas indoors to enhance productivity. The cafeteria and the dining room open large vistas to this enchanting view. With 92% of the energy consumed being sustainable, this corporate campus is touted as a Net Zero Energy Project, challenging prevailing glass box architecture trends in India. This central garden plaza encourages communication, interaction and innovation among the 2300 colleagues and provides a stunning aesthetic presentation for visitors.
The Suzlon One Earth Corporate Headquarters project is not just an architectural marvel but a testament to energy efficiency and sustainability. With a built-up area of 6,171 sq. ft., it houses approximately 2300 inhabitants and stands as a Zero Energy Project. In terms of design, the project ensures that 75% of workstations receive daylight and external views, promoting sensitivity to seasons, weather conditions, and time of day. The interiors boast operable fenestration for cross ventilation, coupled with a lighting system utilizing dimmable ballasts, occupancy sensors, motion sensors, and daylight sensors. The use of LED outdoor light systems contributes to a 65% energy saving compared to conventional schemes.
Water management is a key focus, with rainwater harvesting, filtration, and treatment facilities in place. The project utilizes 100% rainwater and recycles sewage greywater for flushing, landscaping, and air cooling systems. Solar heating accounts for 100% of water heating needs, while electricity generation on-site involves 80% wind and 20% photovoltaic sources. Materials and construction follow a sustainable mandate, with a 3% wastage ceiling applied to reduce waste. Higher recycled content, sourced materials within a 500-mile catchment area, and the use of certified wood contribute to minimizing the building’s embodied energy.
In conclusion, the Suzlon One Earth project not only symbolizes a commitment to sustainability but also challenges architectural norms, offering a glimpse into the future of environmentally conscious corporate campuses.
Suzlon Energy Limited, a world-leading wind energy company based in Pune, India, with CCBA Designs, have committed to creating India’s greenest office. Described by Prof. Christopher Benninger as comparable to patrons of architecture such as the Sarabhais, Guggenheims, and Rockefellers, the Tanti Family, embodying the company’s motto of ‘powering a greener tomorrow,’ exclusively employed non-toxic and recycled materials for their ambitious project.
The ground-plus two-level structure, situated in a 10.4-acre urban setting, achieved both LEED Platinum and TERI GRIHA 5 Star certifications. Notably, 8% of its annual energy is generated on-site through photovoltaic panels and windmills, with a remarkable total incremental cost efficiency of about 11%. This unique project stands out as the only LEED-certified building attaining such a high level of certification while incorporating on-site renewable energy at such cost efficiency. With 92% of the project’s energy consumption (amounting to 4 MW) derived from sustainable sources, the Suzlon Headquarters in Pune qualifies as a Net Zero Energy Project.
Inspired by historical Indian campuses like Fatehpur Sikri and the Meenakshi Temple complex in Madurai, Suzlon One Earth deviates from the conventional skyscraper design, adopting a land-scraper approach. The design prioritizes adaptability to the transformational nature of the business over the years, featuring served and server spaces, modular walls, and furniture systems.
The architectural concept revolves around creating a central gathering space, the Brahmasthan, with a view of large central gardens from every corner. Aluminium louvres act as a protective skin, permitting daylight and cross ventilation, while a Deep-Stambh in the Suzlon reflecting pool at the basement level adds a unique focal point. The project incorporates sustainable elements such as a cascading waterfall in the central courtyard, a large water body for improved air quality and evaporative cooling, and bringing external landscape areas indoors to enhance productivity. The cafeteria and the dining room open large vistas to this enchanting view. With 92% of the energy consumed being sustainable, this corporate campus is touted as a Net Zero Energy Project, challenging prevailing glass box architecture trends in India. This central garden plaza encourages communication, interaction and innovation among the 2300 colleagues and provides a stunning aesthetic presentation for visitors.
The Suzlon One Earth Corporate Headquarters project is not just an architectural marvel but a testament to energy efficiency and sustainability. With a built-up area of 6,171 sq. ft., it houses approximately 2300 inhabitants and stands as a Zero Energy Project. In terms of design, the project ensures that 75% of workstations receive daylight and external views, promoting sensitivity to seasons, weather conditions, and time of day. The interiors boast operable fenestration for cross ventilation, coupled with a lighting system utilizing dimmable ballasts, occupancy sensors, motion sensors, and daylight sensors. The use of LED outdoor light systems contributes to a 65% energy saving compared to conventional schemes.
Water management is a key focus, with rainwater harvesting, filtration, and treatment facilities in place. The project utilizes 100% rainwater and recycles sewage greywater for flushing, landscaping, and air cooling systems. Solar heating accounts for 100% of water heating needs, while electricity generation on-site involves 80% wind and 20% photovoltaic sources. Materials and construction follow a sustainable mandate, with a 3% wastage ceiling applied to reduce waste. Higher recycled content, sourced materials within a 500-mile catchment area, and the use of certified wood contribute to minimizing the building’s embodied energy.
In conclusion, the Suzlon One Earth project not only symbolizes a commitment to sustainability but also challenges architectural norms, offering a glimpse into the future of environmentally conscious corporate campuses.”
