Utopia Township is an experience centre designed as a temporary project, intending to complete it in minimal time while ensuring it remains a sustainable structure. The initial idea coined by the client was to design a temporary structure that reflected the luxury and comfort similar to that of a township. It’s a one-of-a-kind structure which has a distinct material palette and where one can experience the openness of the surroundings as well. One of the most important criteria was the total timeline and cost of this project. The structure was intended to function as the back office of the client while also being the display area which would showcase the township to potential clients.
The material palette used for this structure includes steel, bamboo, glass, and ACP panels. Each material was utilised in numerous creative ways to bring this intriguing township to life. The core design elements feature parabolic arches forming the passages, and bamboos were incorporated as screens to create a captivating pattern of light and shadow.
Swapnil Jaggi, Principal Architect, Swapnil Jaggi Architects, mentions that this temporary structure was designed in a way that made it both innovative and sustainable. Every aspect, from material selection to construction, played a crucial role in creating an exceptional overall experience for the project.
The reason behind opting for steel in this structure was to create a temporary structure intended to endure for 5-7 years, with the potential for recycling afterwards. Since steel was the main structural component, it provided the entire structure with much-needed strength while also preserving the building’s visual balance. Starting from the plinth, the MS columns have been integrated into RCC footing, and MS Corrugated sheets have been used to cover the structure. Casting and curing of RCC structure usually takes 21 days. On the other hand, it takes only two days to finish the process with a steel structure. This factor helped expedite the time of construction.
Steel has been used in numerous elements of this project, including the foundation, columns, and roofing members as well. Basic techniques and designing elements were extensively employed throughout the whole process, aiding the team in achieving the desired results.
Structured Strategy
The entire structure is built using steel, in contrast to the conventional RCC structures. The components have been fabricated and assembled on-site by the local fabricator. A major challenge that came around during the construction of the project was ensuring that the local fabricator worked with precise detail while maintaining the structure’s strength. In order to ensure the structure’s robustness and visual appeal, numerous on-site experiments were conducted.
To overcome the challenges certain strategies were employed, such as detailed drawings and practical demonstrations. Precise drawings were made to help the fabricator understand the structure. Extensive experiments were conducted on-site by the architect, working closely with the workers and fabricators before execution.
Sustainability has been thoroughly addressed in this project, from the inception to the completion of the project. The layout is designed in two zones; public space and office space, which have been segregated into internal courtyards and atriums to ensure natural light reaches every area.
This project is an exceptional example of innovation, sustainability, and luxury. Through the creative use of materials, it sets a new standard for efficiency and eco-conscious construction. The numerous challenges encountered during the construction process were addressed by thorough planning, on-site experimentation, and collaboration between architects and fabricators, resulting in a structure that is resilient and visually captivating.
Fact File
Project Name: Utopia, An experience centre, Chattisgarh
Client: Utopia (Township)
Architect: Swapnil Jaggi Architects
Structural Consultant: Suraj Talreja
Project Management: Attul Agrawal
Fabricator & Supplier: Arshad Fabrications
Tonnage: 8 tonne
Current Status: Completed
Quote
“The overall experience was something new and great. From understanding the client’s brief to the use of materials and the finished structure, ample demonstrations have been done. The sustainable features have been considered in terms of planning and use of materials. The planning is done in such a way that incorporates natural light with a play of light and shadow through the bamboo screening. The parabolic arches were made at the site as a sample which came out amazingly beautiful.”
– Swapnil Jaggi, Principal Architect, Swapnil Jaggi Architects
