In the bustling city of Kolkata where past embraces future, Greenpanel Industries, the leading manufacturer of MDF panels in India, embarked on an ethereal voyage. Their yearning was to design a workspace that not only reflected their brand identity but also intertwined with the architectural tapestry of yore. Romi Khosla Design Studios (RKDS), helmed by the luminary Martand Khosla, revered for inventive design wonders, was entrusted with the quest of sculpting the office for Greenpanel Industries in Kolkata.Â
Within the realm of 12,000 sq ft, gracefully partitioned around a hallowed courtyard, a stage was set for a metamorphosis that now defines the very essence of office design.
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Where heritage meets modernity
“The design opportunity was to find innovative solution for low ceilings while asserting the brand identity of the company in the city where it had originated,” says Martand.Â
The design challenge for RKDS was twofold. Firstly, they needed to address the low ceilings in the office space creatively. Secondly, they aimed to assert Greenpanel’s brand identity in the city where the company originated under the Greenply Industries group. With a deep appreciation for Kolkata’s architectural heritage, RKDS incorporated elements that paid homage to the city’s traditional buildings, weaving a narrative that connected the office space to its surroundings. The design team envisioned a workspace that not only functioned effectively but also evoked a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of Kolkata.
An artist’s choice
In the pursuit of their vision, RKDS turned to the intrinsic beauty of wood and MDF. Drawing inspiration from Greenpanel Industries’ manufacturing expertise, the design team repurposed salvaged wood from the company’s own plant. This sustainable approach not only reduced waste but also allowed for the creation of intricate vaults and ceilings throughout the office. These architectural features, adorned with the salvaged wood, became the focal points, lending an aura of grandeur and elegance to the workspace.
Unleashing transparency and light
To create a harmonious atmosphere, RKDS conceptualised the office as a space that epitomised transparency and light.The strategic use of vaulted ceilings added a sense of airiness and openness to the working areas. Simultaneously, the higher ceilings accommodated the necessary services, such as electrical and HVAC systems, cleverly integrating them into the overall design. The resulting effect was a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics, elevating the work environment to new heights.
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Continuing the design legacy
This project marked the second collaboration between Greenpanel Industries and RKDS. Their previous endeavour involved the design of an 18,000 sq ft office in Gurgaon, Haryana, showcasing the successful partnership between the two entities. The Kolkata office, with its meticulous attention to detail, affirmed RKDS’ ability to bring a company’s vision to life while harmonising with its surroundings.
The Greenpanel Industries Kolkata office stands as a testament to the convergence of heritage and innovation. Through an adroit intervention of RKDS, the workspace became a symphony of wood and MDF, where vaulted ceilings and artistic touches transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. As Greenpanel Industries continues to make its mark in the industry, their Kolkata office serves as a gentle reminder of their roots.
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