Martin’s Factory Renovation
Architect’s description: The project, located on an industrial site in Panchkula, India, presents a unique problem for the architects, necessitating them to come up with an unusual solution. A Furniture factory exhibition hall and an adjacent building, both owned by the client needed to be visually connected so as to give them a common facia. The client wanted to present the viewer/guest with a unified front as far as the buildings were concerned. But as per the local by-laws, only metal fabrications could be used to achieve the same. Since, both the buildings had their own individual characteristics and different internal planning, no drastic measures could be employed. A solution needed to be devised wherein the desired could be achieved without altering the existing design.
Courtesy of Studio Ardete – Photography by © Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
An external screen of expanded metal mesh was unanimously decided as the best solution. Further, to make the design site sensitive an additional layer of FRP panels was added, which also helped in reducing south heat gain. The FRP panels were created in the industrial workshop of the Furniture factory itself as the designers wanted the exterior to be synchronized with the core of the factory. A mould was custom made for the panels based on the inputs given by the client and design specified by the architects.
Courtesy of Studio Ardete – Photography by © Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
The dazzling yellow of the panels was deliberately decided upon to provide a contrast to the dull grey of the metal mesh. The unconventional design of the façade provides a relief from the monochromatic, regular surroundings.
Courtesy of Studio Ardete – Photography by © Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Project info:
Location : industrial area Panchkula Haryana (INDIA)
Program : Industry
Area : 5150sqft
Completion : 2015
Architectural firm : Studio Ardete
Principal designer : Badrinath Kaleru
Design Team : Prerna Kaleru, Sanchit Dhiman, Anusha Sharma.
Photo credits : Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.