The Crescent is a small single level office, located in Surat city, Gujarat. The client wanted a small office with a reception, cabins, pantry, dining area for the staff and a small conference room.

The temperature at Surat remains above 35°C for 8 months of the year and the sun is always on the southern side. The plot is located at a T junction of a road and a building to the south. The road junction abuts the site on the northern and western sides. The zoning constraint is a minimum of 3m setback from all sides of the plot which is mandatory for the built area. However, the site proved to be advantageous for the owner who is a local property dealer. The building is conveniently positioned for the developer’s client and serves as a promotional landmark in the area.

Exterior design of the crescent building
Corten steel is used for the external face of the building and galvanized metal is used for the roof

All sides of the plot which is mandatory for the built area. However, the site proved to be advantageous for the owner who is a local property dealer. The building is conveniently positioned for the developer’s client and serves as a promotional landmark in the area.

DESIGN DESCRIPTION

Th The crescent e design of the project (The Crescent)focuses on creating an”energy-efficient building in response to the climate, site and its orientation. The spaces are arranged sequentially in a curvilinear volume with a central north facing open courtyard in response to the sun direction, which is always in the southern hemisphere in this location.

Retaining the architect’s signature sculptural presence in his design and form, the office is built completely in a steel frame structure. Corten steel is used for the external face of the building and galvanized metal for the roof considering its sturdiness and longevity it provides to the structure. The architect chose the material consciously as it enable the façade to withstand the ravages of time and other external elements. Besides, the material ages with grace and beauty in a natural process. The striking orange colour of the material brings attention to the structure easily. In fact, it carves a distinct personality of the structure.

The circulation spine within the office skirts the perimeter of the open courtyard with a shallow pool of water reflecting the surrounding buildings. The courtyard allows its users to experience the outdoor space while moving within the office.

Build Mass Evolution
Build Mass Evolution

Near the site is a large nine-storeyed building under construction, close to the southern side of the office. A small garden space is created between the two larger office cabins that acts as a buffer. In addition, each of the internal spaces is lit by north facing openings created by splitting the curvilinear form into a series of sequential spaces based upon the needs of the office.

The orientation of the office ensures that each part of the office derives indirect north light, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the spaces within due to the reduced heat gain from the south. Simultaneously,the design ensures that no part of the office looks towards the large dominating built structure on the southern side. The building height varies from 9m on the north facing side to 4m on the southern side with the roof gradually stepping down. Ventilators within the roofs varying heights allow natural light to additionally penetrate the internal spaces. The water pool within the courtyard helps reduce the temperatures further due to evaporative cooling. The internal spaces of this small building are expressed externally as well as volumetrically.

The most challenging aspect of this project (The Crescent) was to complete the building within a specific time frame. The architect completed the building in three months before the strict deadline.

QUICK FACTS

Project: The Crescent
Location: Surat, Gujarat
Client: Happy Home Group, Surat
Architect: Sanjay Puri
Consultants: Technocrat Consultants (Structural), Milan Enterprise (Electrical), Narvat Enterprise (Plumbing), Sanjay Puri Architects (Landscape)
Materials used for façade: Corten Steel Panels, Clear Glass
Commencement Date: August 2015
Completion Date: October 2015
Area: 4,905 Sq ft

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