Header: Andre J Fanthome, Suryan and Dang
Situated in Belagavi, India, a HOVER SPACE, the home of the KLE Society Head Office and an adjacent university campus, has been extended to create an additional 12,916 sq. ft of space. The designers, Thirdspace Architecture Studio, had to expand the current building without hindering its functionality while paying respect to the building’s historical significance.
Floating office design
The historic space features a century-old educational campus as well as a 50-year-old corporate office. The original building has previously been retrofitted and is in constant use. The expansion, therefore, had to answer three challenges: the location on a major city road, its position (as a frontage to the historic campus), and its position along the sports ground. The designers found the solution in creating a separate structure that floats above the old building. The new structure is supported by eight cylindrical RCC (Reinforced Concrete Columns). The new seemingly levitating structures are framed by two full floor height red trusses to create a light, but efficient new office.
Verandah – A climate buffer and a social space
The new office space is connected to the ground through a vertical circulation core. By creating a L-shaped profile, the core forms a striking triple-height entry portal aligned with a central avenue. The construction marked an entrance into the campus while framing the heritage structures within. The idea of wrapping the space in the glass verandah is inspired by colonial architecture. Apart from serving as a social space, the verandah is also a climate buffer, mitigating its influence by protecting the interiors from the sun and rain.
Light-filled workspaces
The light and glances are filtered through operable aluminium fins and expanded mesh. The inside of the sliding glass doors allows for an easy exit to the outdoors. An inside office is coloured in neutral shades with vibrant accents, with indoor plants for a tranquil atmosphere. The three sections of the plan include an entrance lobby occupied by the chair’s chambers, private offices and meeting rooms in the central block, and finally a back section with open workstations featuring a view of the city and sports field.
The central circulation spine is defined with exposed roof trusses and a clerestory skylight. A glass elevator connects the old and new parts of the building while simultaneously providing a mesmerising view of the sports fields. The old office terrace has been reimagined as a partly opened and partially sheltered new structure, reachable with a new sculptural staircase.
Thirdspace Architecture Studio
Founded in 2002, the Thirdspace Architecture Studio reflects an intricate engagement with the diverse typologies and geographies of India. Located in Belagavi, the practice has reached global recognition, receiving numerous awards and coverage in reputable magazines and websites. Co-founders Namrata Betigiri and Praveen Bavadekar, along with the surrounding team, use a conceptual and experimental approach to adapt global architectural trends to the local cityscape in India.
Project info
Name of Project: HOVER SPACE – Extension to the KLE Society Head OfficeName of Design Firm: Thirdspace Architecture StudioLocation: Belagavi, Karnataka, India
Area: 12,916 sq. ft
Date of Completion: Phase I: 2020, Phase II: 15 April 2024Principal Architect/Designer: Praveen Bavadekar & Namrata BetigiriPhotography credits: Andre J Fanthome, Suryan and Dang
