Studio Ardete: Redefining Compact Architecture

Project Overview

Architects: Studio Ardete
Location: Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, India
Site Area: 4,502 ft²
Built Area: 18,000 ft²
Year of Completion: 2024
Photography: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj, Jeevan Jyot

A New Standard in Sustainable Workspaces

Studio Ardete’s headquarters in Mohali, Punjab, redefines compact commercial architecture through innovative passive design, vertical zoning, and cutting-edge sustainable systems. The 18,000 sq ft office, Punjab’s first LEED Platinum-certified commercial building, exemplifies how thoughtful planning and material precision can merge sustainability with aesthetic boldness.

Design Philosophy: Introspection & Environmental Sensitivity

Rather than conforming to conventional office expectations, principals Badrinath and Prerna Kaleru treated the project as a self-reflective exercise. The design emerged from fundamental questions:

How should the workspace reflect the studio’s evolving identity?
What design strategies enhance team well-being?
How can sustainability be seamlessly integrated?

The result is a vertically stratified structure:

Lower floors host client-facing zones (reception, meeting rooms, material library).
Upper floors feature an open-plan duplex workspace with collaborative hubs.
A spiral staircase connects all levels, serving as a sculptural centerpiece.
Glass partitions (Dormakaba) maintain transparency and daylight flow.
Rooftop terrace for informal gatherings, blending work and recreation.

Facade: Kinetic Aluminum Inspired by Nature

A preserved tree on-site inspired the dynamic aluminum facade, crafted from Metaguise’s Meta Sequin panels. The angled, perforated screen:

Filters sunlight, reducing heat gain.
Creates a kinetic, ever-changing texture.
Embodies the studio’s biophilic design approach.

Sustainability & Passive Design Strategies

The building integrates energy-efficient systems and low-impact materials:

Solar panels (Inter Solar) meet 50% of energy demand.
Rainwater harvesting for full water recycling.
AAC blocks (Green Pro-certified), low-VOC paints, and Saint-Gobain ST 167 glazing for thermal efficiency.
Daikin HVAC and 75F Building Management System for climate control.
Water-saving fixtures by TOTO, Sloan, and Hansgrohe.

Material & Technical Precision

Exterior: Aluminum cladding (Metaguise), ACP panels, textured paint (Asian Paints).
Interiors: Micro-concrete floors, glass partitions, curated artworks (Chitwan Studio, Studio Hash).
Furniture & Kitchens: Spacewood and Alea Kitchen.
Lighting & Acoustics: iGuzzini lighting, Himalayan Acoustics ceiling treatments.

A Model for Future Offices

By prioritizing passive design, renewable energy, and employee-centric spaces, Studio Ardete’s HQ sets a new benchmark for sustainable workspaces in India. Its success lies in balancing environmental rigor with aesthetic innovation a blueprint for future-forward architecture.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Studio Ardete’s headquarters exemplifies how sustainability and identity-driven design can coalesce into a singular architectural statement. The project’s vertical zoning and kinetic facade demonstrate a thoughtful response to climate and function, while its LEED Platinum certification underscores technical rigor. However, the heavy reliance on high-performance imported materials (Schuco windows, Saint-Gobain glass) raises questions about local material adaptability in broader applications. Despite this, the project’s greatest success lies in its introspective approach proving that the most meaningful designs emerge from asking the right questions before seeking answers.

Explore the Latest Architecture Exhibitions & Conferences

ArchUp offers daily updates on top global architectural exhibitions, design conferences, and professional art and design forums.
Follow key architecture competitions, check official results, and stay informed through the latest architectural newsworldwide.
ArchUp is your encyclopedic hub for discovering events and design-driven