Mcube Office by UNi Architects

Located in the picturesque and historical city of Udaipur, The Office stands as a testament to the fusion of traditional and contemporary architectural practices. The land, once called ‘Vātika’ (garden), served as a playground for children and this essence has been maintained by limiting the building's footprint to one-sixth portion of the land. The office located in a residential area is oriented in a north-south direction, with its primary façade facing south to maximize natural light and optimize the views. The open space that has been left undeveloped and untouched remains a social gathering spot fostering a sense of community, also allowing for a breath-taking view of the two-storeyed office building. The architects have designed the structure with this view in mind, and leaving the land open has allowed the intended view to be fully realized.

The building's design is also rooted in sustainability. Using locally sourced materials and integrating traditional architectural practices ensures that the building minimizes any potential adverse environmental impact. The structure boasts a combination of a striking concrete and perforated brick façade, paying homage to the traditional jali work found in the city's old buildings, along with a glass and steel elevation that adds a touch of modernity to the design that seamlessly blends vernacular and modern elements to create a balance between tradition and innovation.

The steel girders in the façade not only provide structural support by adding volume to the building but also act as an installation that highlights the ever-changing beauty of the sky. The framed canvas of the sky acts as a reminder of the endless possibilities that one can achieve. The random rubble masonry walls on the other three sides of the building add a rustic touch to the design. The walls are made of locally sourced limestone blocks and have been meticulously crafted to give them a raw and natural look. The use of rubble masonry walls, which gives the structure its necessary stability, also makes the building blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

The ground floor comprises a double-height entrance lounge with a folded plate steel staircase leading upstairs, the studio with employee stations, a pantry, and a patio. The steel and glass elevation provides the office space with the necessary illumination and visibility to the front yard. Visitors are greeted with a sense of hospitality and warmth as they step into the building. The pantry and the patio are separated by a brick lattice wall providing privacy to the necessary areas. The first floor consists of the Managing Director’s cabin with an open terrace and a conference room. The perforated brickwork, while serving as an aesthetic syllogism to the historical use of jail/screen walls in Rajasthan, also regulates the amount of light and ventilation entering the building. The first floor has been designed to cast shade over the glass and steel facade located on the ground floor to prevent it from becoming overheated or excessively bright, thereby creating a more comfortable and visually modest environment for occupants or visitors.

The interior design of the building is inspired by the historically rich contextuality. The architects have skillfully incorporated locally obtained materials and traditional motifs to craft a space that exudes a modern aesthetic while remaining deeply intertwined with the city's cultural fabric. The floors finish on the Ground floor for the entrance lounge and the office had to not only complement the tonality of the lawn but also needed to mirror the sense of vibrance accentuated by the overall ambience of the place. In contrast, the pantry, bathroom, and first floor areas would stand to show a more utilitarian modesty and tough resilience. These qualities are translated into their respective materiality by employing the yellow Jaisalmer sandstone on the ground floor and Kota stone (limestone) on the level above. The decor elements, including the furniture and light fixtures, have been carefully chosen to complement the overall design and create a cohesive look. The reflection of contextual elements adds a touch of warmth and familiarity to the otherwise modern space.