Polikabu Europe is situated in Halol, the industrial hub of Gujarat near Vadodara. This project serves three primary functions for one of India’s largest cable TV manufacturers: company offices, experience centers, and auditoriums. The building’s geometric form is designed to protect existing trees on the site.
The auditorium is elevated above the atrium, creating a floating effect and acting as a connector between the office area and experience center. Meanwhile, the atrium itself links to the factory located behind the building. At the core lies a landscaped courtyard with a self-shading dual-block configuration, while the conference room serves as a bridge connecting two blocks across the courtyard. The office building comprises a basement plus three floors, designed to provide comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities for employees.
The experience center houses company exhibitions, conference facilities, and a museum. Both the office and experience center offer direct access to the auditorium.
A striking 15-meter-long cantilevered door marks the entrance from the main road. The shaded atrium serves as a welcoming foothold where visitors can enter either the office or the experience center. The atrium ceiling features curved, staggered beams that add architectural interest.
The office includes a three-story naturally lit entrance hall. Its walls display murals inspired by the banyan tree, reflecting local cultural heritage. Additionally, copper elements symbolize energy transmission through cables that produce light. Complementing these murals is a chandelier made from hanging glass leaves suspended from the roof. Each office floor overlooks the central atrium, enhancing connectivity within the building.
On the top floor, the restaurant benefits from abundant natural light and offers views of the surrounding natural landscape. Above the conference bridge, there is an accessible activity platform that overlooks the landscape, which incorporates locally recycled cable packaging trays as part of the design.
The project aims to be a net-zero energy building. A horizontally cantilevered balcony shades the south-facing facade. The exterior features Low-E glass, while aluminum fins on the east side are angled precisely to optimize sunlight management.
These aluminum fins enhance the view of nearby hills and maximize natural light within the office spaces, while effectively blocking harsh direct sunlight. Compared to conventional glass without shading, this combination reduces the building’s energy demand by approximately 20%.
The rooftop solar system is designed with a capacity of 195 KW, covering 40% of the building’s total energy needs. Additional solar panels installed at neighboring factories within the same project offset the remaining 60%, achieving true net-zero energy consumption.
Moreover, 70% of the building materials were sourced within a 100-kilometer radius to minimize energy consumption during transportation. An efficient water supply system and rainwater wells reduce the building’s water demand by 30%.
This project has been recognized internationally and featured as a case study at various forums, including the sustainable design showcase at the 2022 IDAC Mumbai Green Pavilion and the innovative facade design presentation at Zak World of Facades 2022 in Hyderabad.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Underground Floor Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Sectional Perspective
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: FHD India
Area: 100,000 ft²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Shamanth Patil
Suppliers: Alustruct Glazing, Asian Paints, Kajaria, Polycab, Saint-Gobain, VAIK Group
Chief Architect, Concept, Design, and Construction Drawings: Mathan Ramaiah
Lead Architect, Designer, Interior of Public Areas, Construction Drawings: Sriram Ramakrishnan
Coordination and On-site Supervision: Shageer
Office Interior Design: Sundar
Design & Analysis: Dhurgai Kumaran
Function: Commercial Office, Experience Center
Mechanical, Electrical, and Piping: Eco First Services Limited
Contractor: Vikram Builders
Landscape Design: Kiasma
Facade Design: Alustruct Glazing
Location: Halol, India
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