Pragrup Studio in Bengaluru, Karnataka has been crafted as a multi-functional space that blends commercial and cultural purposes while embodying the core values of sustainability and creativity. The project repurposes two pre-independence residences, previously disconnected, into a new five storey structure. By retaining the original buildings, the design minimises waste, and environmental impact, and preserves the historical context of the site.
The studio creatively reuses materials and integrates local cultural and regional elements, responding to the area’s climate and landscape. With multiple terraces and an open layout, trees grow over the structure and provide a natural shade. This design fosters a harmonious connection between the built environment and nature, creating a fluid indoor-outdoor experience.
Ravindra Kumar, Director & Design Head, Venkataramanan Associates and Principal Architect, Pragrup: Architecture and Urbanism, delves into the intricate aspects of the project blends office functions with cultural activities like music events, art exhibitions, lectures, and workshops, serving as both an office and a cultural hub that modernises the concept of community spaces where work and art intersect.
Sustainable Synergy
The studio repurposes two pre-independence residences, retaining the original structures as the foundation for a new five storey building. This approach minimises waste, honours historical context, and uses recycled materials, such as re-engineered timber and steel from previous recycling cycles.
The design embodies Pragrup’s philosophy of reducing waste, reusing materials, and creating a sustainable environment. Instead of demolishing the existing buildings, the design retains the original structures, using them as the foundation for the new building. This approach minimised debris and environmental impact and honoured the site’s historical context. The new structure was constructed using a combination of recycled materials, such as re-engineered timber and steel at its third recycling stage.
The architecture integrates local cultural and environmental elements, responding to the region’s climate and landscape. The design blends the built structure with nature, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The steel used in this project underwent three recycling stages to minimise the environmental impact. It served as a tension member in a composite wall structure, combined with timber as a compression member. This unique combination reduced material use and allowed windows to be integrated into the walls, creating a lighter, more open design. The ISMB-450 sections were reinforced with additional steel plates for added strength.
Recycled steel was key in adapting the existing load-bearing structure of two pre-independence residences, replacing traditional concrete to enhance functionality while integrating seamlessly with repurposed timber elements.
Light gauge steel sections were employed for the upper floors, supporting large open spaces and flexible work environments. The pantry’s timber roof reduced dead load, further enhancing the design’s adaptability. This approach maintained a sleek, modern aesthetic while ensuring cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Windows were integrated into the walls to reduce steel consumption to just 4.5 kg per sq ft, adding a unique design element.
The building’s flexible workspaces promote collaboration and equality, with each desk offering a 10 ft stretch of workspace. Meeting rooms and conference halls are strategically placed, while the stepped floor plans ensure visual connectivity and interaction across floors. The design maintains a modern aesthetic, ensuring cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Green Leap
The project faced challenges in sourcing and preparing recycled materials, with steel requiring careful inspection and re-engineering, and timber needing to be salvaged and adapted. Despite these hurdles, the steel was sourced through multiple recycling cycles, and timber was salvaged from a dilapidated warehouse. A methodical approach to material selection and customisation ensured both sustainability and structural integrity while addressing material shortages.
The pre-independence houses posed structural and layout challenges. Aligning the new design with the existing framework while ensuring stability requires careful planning. The integration of composite steel-timber walls and re-engineered windows into the original foundation allowed for a seamless connection between old and new elements, preserving structural integrity.
The project’s complexity, with office spaces, creative studios, and cultural areas, required precise management. Coordinating two contracting companies and various subcontractors for systems like rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and custom designs ensured seamless integration. Effective communication and clear responsibilities helped keep the project on track and mitigate delays.
Sustainability features, such as natural ventilation, light wells, and rainwater harvesting, minimised energy use and operational costs. The design’s flexibility allowed for adaptable workspaces, accommodating various activities without major structural changes, ensuring the project stayed on schedule despite challenges.
The architecture maximises natural light from the north and east, creating a transparent connection between indoors and outdoors. Rainwater from multiple terraces is harvested and stored in two large tanks for irrigation and wastewater management. There are 36 solar panels on the rooftop amphitheatre which generate 10 kVA of power, supplying the building and feeding excess energy back into the grid, bringing energy consumption close to net zero. The only external power supply from KEB is to the old elevator, which has been rejuvenated and is still functioning after 36 years. Additionally, the water pumps, powered by a three-phase system, are supplied by the main grid.
The design integrates distinct planes and playful volumes, creating a dynamic, visually engaging space that harmonises with the surrounding landscape. The building’s form reflects its creative, multi-functional nature, accommodating offices, creative studios, and cultural event areas under one roof. The varied planes provide visual interest and diverse spatial experiences, enhancing the building’s aesthetic fluidity.
The design incorporates traditional methods like louvred windows and light wells to optimise natural ventilation and lighting, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The open, flexible layout ensures efficient light and airflow distribution, enhancing energy efficiency and supporting the building’s sustainability goals by maintaining a comfortable indoor environment without heavy reliance on cooling or heating systems.
All furniture from Vitra is at a second stage of reuse, having been previously used for over seven years in another office. It was refurbished and re-laminated for use at Pragrup. Large planks of timber from fallen trees were repurposed as discussion and dining tables, while recycled cupboard partitions were reused to create storage solutions throughout the office.
The rooftop amphitheatre, with a capacity of 150 people, serves as a flexible, multifunctional space and cultural hub. Positioned atop the structure, it offers expansive views and an open-air design, ideal for hosting events such as music performances, jazz concerts, lectures, and panel discussions. By fostering creativity and community engagement, the amphitheatre integrates work and artistic expression, reinforcing the building’s dual role as an office and cultural venue. This emphasises the importance of communal, creative spaces in the region’s cultural fabric.
Fact File
Project Name: Pragrup Studio, Bengaluru
Client: Pragrup
Architect: Pragrup: Architecture and Urbanism
Structural Consultant: Harish & Suresh Chandra, Swift Engineers
Project Management: Raeshma Kousar
Steel Fabricator: Muthaiah and Co.
Steel Supplier: BLR Steel Refurbished
Tonnage: 98 tonne
Status: Completed
Completion Year: 2024
Quote
“Established as a renovation of a pre-1940s house at a junction, Pragrup studio features four floors, a charming courtyard, and terraces amidst lush greenery. The architectural studio entails a continuously evolving practice informed by cumulative knowledge built over decades. Its distinctive material choice includes reclaimed wood paneling that connects with the surrounding trees, alongside a lightweight steel structure. The design reflects Pragrup’s innovative projects, with organised planes and playful volumes. Louvred windows enhance natural ventilation, complemented by light wells and skylights for an efficient workspace. The terrace also serves as an amphitheatre for art and entertainment events.”
– Ravindra Kumar, Director & Design Head, Venkataramanan Associates & Principal Architect, Pragrup: Architecture and Urbanism
