Project Description

The newly designed office of In Quest Design Studio delivers all the benefits of a modern office. Addressing the expectations and preferences of workplaces today, the interior design is carried out quite efficiently to boost productivity in an inviting atmosphere. Starting from aesthetically pleasing and flexible spaces, inviting sunlight in workspaces, integrating natural elements, personalized décor, and comfortable furniture – all these have been incorporated into the design.

By making the most use of the site and building conditions in a residential area, we intended to create a welcoming environment by forming a relationship with the external environment as well. The design outcomes that we were aiming at were –

• Thermal Heat Reduction and Use of Daylight

The design of the office was laid out to achieve optimum daylight in the internal atmosphere while reducing solar heat gain. Two semi-outdoor corners in the western and eastern parts of the space are integrated with greenery and landscape elements. Both the spaces are used for several purposes during different times throughout the day. (Diagram 5), so that the internal workspace does not receive direct heat, the southern edge of the office has been accommodated with a closed virtual conference room, two toilets, and a secondary lobby – all of it acts like a thermal barrier to the internal workspace. (as seen in the Diagram 1). We have successfully managed to reduce air conditioner energy consumption to more than 50% of demand through these strategies. Instead of 20 tons, 9.5 tons of air conditioning covers 1644 sft of enclosed workspace office area.

• Improved Work Efficiency

The well-placed pocket spaces as shown in the spot sections are a minimal approach that ensures reduced solar heat gain, air filtration, and noise reduction as well as softens the barriers between the interior workspace and external environment, resulting in major climatic advantages. Positive experiences with a direct impact on interpersonal relationships are possible by incorporating Biophilic principles in workspaces based on the use of natural components. Using potted plants in a decorative manner in the spaces brings out beneficial outcomes, and increases employee engagement, productivity, and well-being.

• Nature Integration

Integration of nature into the office spaces is an impressive feature of the design. The eastern edge of the office is designed with a garden lounge decorated with numerous plants. Sunlight bathes the young leaves of a deciduous tree every morning, in the eastern moonrise lounge.  The lounge has unique functional spaces including a coffee corner, a nap zone, a swing, a bamboo garden, and a water feature with a small fountain, which is also home to goldfish and angelfish.

From this favorite corner, the moon can be spotted vividly from the moment dusk sets in, which has named the space the “Moonrise” Lounge. We have created a cozy space in this corner that invites guests to contemplate as well as employees to relax. An abundance of potted plants, the sound of falling water, and an outdoor garden illuminate the space with natural light. With terracotta and orange hues, the outcome is a warm and joyful atmosphere.  

• Temporal and Adaptable Spaces

The “Sunset Lounge” on the western edge of the office offers another social space. The entire area includes the dining area with proper kitchen space, serving counter and wash zone. The employees have lunch here together every other day with a homely feeling. It almost feels like a well-designed rooftop café but better with added features of prayer space, a material library for the architectural office, personally designed window frames, various potted plants, and another small cozy coffee corner, where the sun can be seen to set every evening. The play of natural light in the whole space is mesmerizing in the golden hours. 

• Minimalistic Approach and Suitable Furniture

  The functional zoning of the office is laid out in such a way that the central workplace divides the office with two lounge spaces on both corners. In the workplace, there are no closed walls or cubicles. The employees can access every zone easily as an open office layout inspires teamwork. The aim was to create a transparency and collaborative work atmosphere in the office with a desired open-plan layout together with privacy and acoustic separation for meeting rooms and between different operational spaces. The office was changed from a cellular design to a collaborative workstation by the architects. For closed meetings and virtual conferences, there are two rooms have visual barriers eliminating external noise. These zones are meant to accommodate various working styles and feature informal and comfortable working locations with a comfortable ambiance. With the thought that a positive environment generates a positive mindset as well as a source of inspiration for designers, the functional spaces are segregated by designed partitions by integrating indoor plants in them, with a composition of solid and void in the shelves and frames. In case of furniture, starting from the chairs to the light frames and switchboards, most features are personally designed by the team, or ordered from local designers.

With a good amount of breathing spaces, a cozy atmosphere, and collaborative design, the overall office has a welcoming impression that invites guests and clients as well as boosts the productivity and inspiration of the employees.

Project Data