Fact File
Location: Pimpri-Chinchwad
Size: 1250 sq m
Principal Architects: Varsha, and Deepak Guggari
Photography by: Hemant Patil 

The Cardboard Office by Studio VDGA features the unique concept of doing away with the quintessential solid partitions and replacing them with honeycombed cardboard, thereby adding texture and form to the space. This 1200-square-metre office space, split into four levels, was approached with the unique concept of doing away with the quintessential solid partitions and replacing them with honeycomb cardboard, adding texture and form to the space. The honeycomb boards were laid in layers with different profiles to form free-flowing curves. Honeycomb board is a 100% recyclable carton product that is low in cost. Its hexagonal inner cellular structure and superior raw material provide exceptional compression strength and rigidity, which can withstand impact and high loads. Owing to the thickness of the board, it provides excellent sound absorption as well. Be it the reception backdrop, partition walls, or doors, the honeycomb board offers an aesthetic and practical solution.

This workspace for an electronic components manufacturing unit wanted a unique identity for their office to exhibit their policy of constant innovations. They wanted a space very different from the conventional, without compromising functionality. Hence was born the idea of introducing honeycomb walls as the main interior element. We enveloped the workstations, conference zones and lounges with free-flowing cardboard walls, creating textured partitions. While playing with the compelling texture, the remaining interior elements were kept subtle. The raw ceiling with exposed electrical and AC ducts was conceived as a part of the interiors since we did not want to reduce the height of the floor space. Exposed brick walls and raw concrete finishes for slabs and columns add rustic charm. The staircase railing is made of black metal bars with gunmetal and brass rings, like an abacus.

While the lower three floors comprised workspaces, the terrace floor was converted into an enclosed dining and a semi-open canteen. However, the canteen had a restaurant vibe, courtesy of the exposed brick walls, natural stone and micro cement concrete flooring and the quintessential frangipani trees. Since the workspace had huge programmatic requirements and accommodated a staff of almost 100 people, it was essential to focus on the functionality of the space. The privacy, acoustic properties and stability of the material were of utmost concern while picking the mood board for the office. The idea was to highlight one element and keep the remaining items subdued.
While the reception area has a mix of Cudappah, Basalt, and Tandoor in varied patterns, mirror and river-finish Tandoor enhance the remaining areas on the ground floor. The upper floors have seamless IPS floors. IPS adorn walls in the reception and ground-floor lobby areas.

The primary interior element—the honeycomb boards—is eco-friendly. Technically, it is as strong as any wooden partition since it has high compression strength owing to its structure. Regarding the cost implications, the honeycomb board is kept raw since it does not require polishing. Since it is an electronic parts manufacturing unit, the requirement was to provide a climate-controlled environment. The semi-open terrace canteen becomes a breathing space as minimal as possible. The remaining material palette supports the primary material in creating an expression and an identity. By doing away with the internal glass partitions, we could efficiently control the overheating and overcooling of the zones. Natural stones like Cudappah, Basalt, Dholpur, and Tandoor are used in the interiors. Veneer panelling in MD cabins, lounges, and conference rooms brilliantly complements our primary palette of honeycomb cardboard.