The Stellar Building was designed as an office and commercial area based on the needs of the client and the user by Sanjay Puri Architects. The project owner wanted some of the office space to be noticeable from outside. It has a linear structure that extends along the 18,580 square meters and 110 meters long street.
Style
The Stellar office building is one of the successful examples of modern architecture designed by Sanjay Puri Architects. It has been designed with sustainability in mind. For this reason, we can evaluate this structure in the field of sustainable architecture as well. It produces some of its energy and recycles rainwater.
The Concept
We see the commercial areas on the first three floors of the building. It creates an uninterrupted and linear trade area along the street. On the fourth floor, we see the office areas and the terrace points where these offices are connected. 30% of the office areas are open to the terrace. These terraces return most of the open space lost on the ground back to the user. Terraces at different elevations and with a stepped structure create a yard area for the building users.
A 500 square meter part of the office part is in an amorphous structure. This part, which can also be noticed from the outside, does not create a different space in use. This differs only in shape. This section has added a difference and visibility to the design. This was just as the client wanted.
Sanjay Puri Architects used the following statements regarding the design of this building:
“This office space was designed to contrast with the rest of the building as a contraction, and interesting color, volume, and geometry were juxtaposed, as well as creating an individual identity as requested in the specification.”
Generally, dark and plain colors are used in the structure. On the facade, dark brown is used for the front and black colors are used at the level behind it. Dark tinted windows are inside the facade recesses. Thus, even the shadows falling on the windows create a darker and more silent color tone.
Also, this is a good detail designed to protect from hot weather. Only the amorphous part of the office floor has a rust-red color. Thus, its striking has increased more. This section is positioned in the direction visible from the intersection point. The desired striking effect is thus achieved easily. Thanks to this amorphous shape, this structure is more curious in humans.
Space Organization
The Stellar Building, which is one of the successful works of Sanjay Puri Architecture, consists of two floors of underground parking, three floors above ground commercial spaces and shops, and the top four floors are offices of various sizes and related auxiliary areas.
Circulation elements are positioned on the ridge of the building. Also, the need and comfort of a busy city is the car parking area. Two floors of this building are parking spaces. This is an indication of how much Sanjay Puri Architects takes context into account.
Technology
Aluminum plates are used on the office floor. Aluminum is an accessible and flexible material. It is a more suitable material to achieve the desired shape. Tiny holes in aluminum plates make the light inside visible from the outside at night, supporting the aesthetic appearance. In the daytime, it helps to get some sunlight. Thus, while the interior has enough light, it will not be exposed to too much sunlight. In this way, the interior does not get too hot, but it becomes bright.
Terraces collect rainwater with a rainwater harvesting system. The water accumulated in the recycling system is a return to the users of the building. Rainwater harvesting is indeed an important element for the economy of the building. Sustainability elements, which are seen as an extra cost item during the construction phase, actually provide an economic return to the user in a very short time. Of course, I am not even talking about the sensitive action made against environmental pollution and waste.
Also, thanks to the solar collector panels in the building, it generates some of its electric energy.
Climate
Ahmedabad city has a very hot climate like many parts of India. The annual average temperature is 27.3 degrees Celsius. Sanjay Puri Architects also used the high temperature as a design material. It both contributed to sustainability and paid attention to user comfort. The south-facing windows of the building are smaller and are recessed.
Windows facing north are wider openings than the other direction. This method is an important factor in many buildings today. On the other hand, it does not seem like a necessity to determine the window openings according to the directions, as every detail in this structure is carefully thought out. On the contrary, this is a sign of responsibility and detailed work.
