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Architecture

2020

The project is completed in December 2020. The firm, established eleven years ago, had earlier functioned in a large brick house, surrounded by greenery away from city. The decision to move to city premises made it easy for clients but the staff feared of losing the homely feeling of the earlier space- to bring back which to a much smaller new space was the challenge.

The new plot is in the middle of the town, rapidly growing street surrounded by eateries and commercial establishments. The office is located on the ground floor of a residence, in a plot of 6 cents. Footprint being small, a basement and mezzanine floor was added in the construction stage itself, to achieve the required area.

Major design Considerations:

• Space to be open to nature- to feel like working in outdoors

• Privacy from the busy street

• Traffic noise to be reduced indoors

• Naturally lit and Ventilated spaces

• Air-conditioning to be kept absolute minimum

• Flexible workspaces for flexible working patterns

Calicut,Kerala,India

Architects	:	Common Ground Architecture
Area	:	1277 sq. ft.
Year	:	2020
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/commonground_architecture/

Waiting area of Common Ground Studio by Common Ground Architecture

The four-shutter main door invites us to a small foyer space and a welcoming bio pond. The sound of water cuts down the outdoor noise and creates a Zen feeling. Touching all the senses this is a tranquil transition space between outdoors and indoors. Then we move towards a reception area with embedded brass signage, clean built-in seat and minimal furniture, altogether a place to greet, meet and converse.

Bio-Pond of Common Ground Studio by Common Ground Architecture

Ramp to workstation of Common Ground Studio by Common Ground Architecture

The ramp to the workspace is engaging and playful. A private bridge only to be crossed by the crew. A naturally lit and ventilated open plan workspace on the mezzanine floor makes everyone feel equally important and connected to the rest. Without walls and windows, the space blends to the greenery behind and a connected flexible space behind the studio, to chit chat, dine-in, work and relax in the outdoor landscape. The space seems like an extension of the neighbor’s lush backyard.

Workstation of Common Ground Studio by Common Ground Architecture

Dine-in area of Common Ground Studio by Common Ground Architecture

Lobby of Common Ground Studio by Common Ground Architecture

View from staircase of Common Ground Studio by Common Ground Architecture

The stairway from the reception area leads to the interactive spaces below; an informal gathering space to inspire thoughts and share stories. There is also a formal meeting room that’s separated by a large glass door that could completely slide behind the library shelf. It is a space for contemplation too, with the narrow clerestory windows letting in divine light to the otherwise dark room finished with polished concrete walls.