A ‘green face’ for Technopark
Eight blocks of gleaming glass and steel standing tall amid lush green surroundings. This will be the defining feature of the third phase development of the Technopark campus here. Slated to take off early next year, the project promises to be a harmonious blend of aesthetic architecture and ‘green’ aspects.
Hafeez Contractor and Iyer and Mahesh, architects, have conceptualised a unique and iconic design for the project encompassing ‘Green’ features with a dynamic profile.
The project involves the development of 26 acres of land in three phases to provide office space for an additional 18,000 employees. The energy-efficient buildings will employ a host of green technologies to save on power and water use.
The V-shaped buildings are designed with a reverse cantilever concept for the upper floors to reduce solar heat penetration.
“The design gives equal emphasis to architecture and the environment,” explains Mr. Contractor. “We have tried to retain the water table and the natural drainage system. Landfill and excavation work will be kept to the minimum.”
Mr. Contractor said the project would redefine the image of the IT sector. “We have succeeded in placing some elements of Kerala architecture in a modern context to provide a good working environment for the occupants. At least 65 per cent of the premises will be landscaped to retain the green cover. We are trying to achieve a LEEDS Gold rating for energy efficiency.”
The eight high-rise blocks will use special glass cladding that reflects up to 80 per cent of the heat and provides noise insulation for the office space. The double-glazed, hermetically sealed glass helps to save on the power used for air-conditioning the interiors. The design of the buildings has been subjected to simulation modelling to achieve optimum level of energy and lighting.
The premises will be provided with segregated areas for movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
The first phase of the project involves the construction of two blocks that will add 6.25 lakh sq.ft of office space to the campus. Each block will have 10 levels of office space. The car park covering two levels has been designed to accommodate 1,170 vehicles, out of which 840 will have covered parking.
As many as 30 bus bays have also been provided along with segregated corridors for vehicles and pedestrians.
The project is designed to ensure that there is one car park for every 500 sq.ft of office space.
Landscaping
The premises will have air-conditioned food courts with seating for 2,000 and four acres of landscaped grounds with water bodies, cascades, an amphitheatre and pedestrian promenades.
“The buildings are designed to meet the expectations of global IT and BPO companies,” says N. Mahesh. “Adoption of the Green technologies will entail an additional expense of 12 per cent but in the long term, these features offer better return on investment.” The proposed power-saving features for the buildings include electronic ballasts, computerised light dimmer controls connected to PIR (passive infrared) fixtures for automatic switch on and off depending on human presence, power managers to monitor energy consumption, dehumidifiers, a fresh air intake system and ultra micronic filters to achieve LEEDS-stipulated level of air- conditioning.
T. NANDAKUMAR
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