VVIP Circuit House in Pune, India by Sunil Patil & Associates

Article source: Sunil Patil & Associates

Circuit house is a government public building which not only accommodates the VIP authorities but also acts as a node for political meetings, government authorities’ discussions and conferences. Usually, circuit houses have large number of visitors and occupancy can vary extremely.

The project site is located in Pune – political hub for western Maharashtra. The project is mainly divided into two parts-

1. Accommodation – Guest suites
2. Public areas –Conference and meeting hall facilities, Dining, Reception, VIP and visitor’s waiting areas etc.

VVIP Circuit house is designed as green building where planning is derived from vernacular architecture – The shaded courtyard, transition spaces like passages and terraces, jalis in form of louvers carry vernacular ethos in highly contemporary architectural style. Our focus here is to design a climate responsive building with passive strategies for thermal and visual comfort along with innovative active strategies to achieve energy efficient green building, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

• Architects: Sunil Patil & Associates
• Project: VVIP Circuit House
• Location: Pune, India
• Photography: Mr. Hemant patil
  
• Client: Public Works Department, Maharashtra
• Lead Architects: Ar. Sunil patil, Ar. Anuja pandit, Er. Sanjay patil
• Green Building Consultants: Environmental Design Solutions
• Structural Consultants: Dr. A. B. Kulkarni associates, Sangali
• MEP Consultant: Siddhivinayak Mep Consultants, Pune
  
• Civil Contractors: Shubham Civil Pvt. Ltd, Pune

The material pallet for this project was chosen to achieve permanency and minimum maintenance. Main masses are constructed in exposed concrete and are balanced with white and glass. The combination of exposed concrete and steel also creates contemporary aesthetics for this government building, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

• Interior Contractors: Mahendra Realtors and Infra. Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
• Total area: 14444 sq.m
• Built up area: 10540 sq.m
• Commencement of construction: June 2012
• Period of Construction: 24 months
• Completion date: June 2014

North facade with Least direct solar radiation and direct sunlight -hence preferred for suites. Overhangs cater to summer sun, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Project technology

• Primarily being a RCC structure, the Circuit house also makes use of steel in its structure to achieve slender columns and to span longer distances.
• The exterior walls are exposed RCC walls for which self compacted concrete was used. Glenium B 276 was used as an admixture to achieve the same.
• Up-to 35% of fly ash was used in concrete and mortar.
• The use of AAC blocks as infill for non structural walls helped to reduce the dead load on the building.
• One of the key features of this building is the steel trussed bridge which helps to span longer, without the help of intermediate supports.
• Use of composite structures to avoid large numbers of intermediate tie beams.

The circular mass with vertical louvers is to protect west solar radiation in the conference room & glass bridges are connecting passages between north & south wings, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Public building like VVIP circuit house has fluctuating occupancy and designing public area for the peak occupancy is not viable. Hence the buffer spaces like courtyards can serve the purpose of accommodating excessive occupancy in peak time. The public area in the project like reception, waitings, dining & conference rooms are well connected to the central courtyard. The proportions of the courtyard is maintained in such a way that the waiting area is always in shade & pergolas above add to the shading, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Materials

Materials were chosen thoughtfully considering it is a green building and most of the materials were procured locally.

• Concrete and steel are the main materials used for structure. With the exterior walls being exposed RCC wall, 35% of fly ash was used while preparing the mixture.
• AAC blocks were used as an infill so as to reduce the dead load on the structure. This also reduced the use of mortar and water during construction.
• Double glazed glass as been used in appropriate places, hence reducing solar heat gain without compromising on the admittance of daylight . This helped to further reduce the load on air conditioning.

In hot dry climate of Pune, water bodies have been introduced for evaporative cooling. They act as micro-climate modifier and also help in coiling of naturally ventilated public areas. Finished with black polished granite, water bodies give continuous and deep feel adding to the ambience, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Water body is designed as part of the courtyard and placed in between reception and dinging area. It is a continuation of water body in the exterior landscape and adds to the ambiance both visually and physiologically. Waiting area created on various levels for visitors and other conference room is planned on the second floor, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

• The use of insulation in roofs ensures controlled heat gain.
• Flooring of common areas- rough or basic polished cera grey granite.
• Recycled ceramic tiles have been used in the suites.
• Materials like jute, MDF, glass etc have been used innovatively.

The building with the courtyard is a traditional and effective configuration for cooling in hot-dry climate , where there is a large diurnal temperature swing. Here, it forms the focal point in the entire building and also acts a waiting lobby for visitors. A semi open waiting area & a conference above connecting the passages at different levels is a part of the courtyard & the waterbody,Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

South facade Exposed to the harsh winter sun, resulting in heat gain and glare. Terraces are designed as a buffer between inner and outer skin. Louvers are used to allow light and achieve thermal environmental comfort, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Project services

The services had to be designed carefully to achieve Energy efficiency.

All areas in the building have been designed for appropriate natural light and ventilation. LEDs are used for artificial lighting.

Considering the hot and dry climate of Pune in summers, an energy efficient HVAC system has been designed. Highly efficient HVAC system (VRV) brings down the energy performance index (EPI) of the building by 52.81%.

Reception and waiting : designed as monolithic mass in continuation of the floor and background is created with black granite and tree designed in steel. All the artwork based on theme -”care for Earth and Nature”.This message is passed on to visitors through the art, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Water management is done through various strategies.

• Phytorid Technology STvP (NEERI) is designed for the project.
• There is reduction in irrigation water demand by 48%. Sewage treatment plant is installed on site and the treated water is used for irrigation.
• With use of efficient water fixtures 50% savings in building water against conventional fixtures.
• Again the waste water has been utilized for landscape irrigation.

22 kW solar photo-voltaic renewable energy plant is designed to cater more than 30% of artificial lighting.

Heat pump based hot water system for 90% of hot water demand is installed in this project.

Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Architectural Report (architectural concept (spatial translation of client’s brief)):-

Architecture is a great responsibility to strike the right balance between Human aspirations and our Ecosystem.

Today architecture has become threat to our planet. One has to be conscious while using natural resources for any development on the earth.

Hence green and sustainable architecture is not just a trend but a lifesaving measure for our earth and so the sustainable green architecture is no more a distinction as a design concept. In fact it shall be the basic ethos for all the development.

Dining area of 100 capacity is designed in such a way that it gets view of the neighboring golf course on one side and courtyard on the other. In the dining area,pattern of leafs start in the ceiling and continues in the chairs. Every piece of furniture is design with detailing so that at no point ,the theme of the project is lost, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Our focus here was to design a climate responsive building with passive strategies for thermal and visual comfort along with innovative active strategies to achieve energy efficient green building.

In this project, the planning is derived from vernacular architecture – The shaded courtyard, transition spaces like passages and terraces, jalis in form of louvers carry vernacular ethos in highly contemporary architectural style in this building.

Hence, the climate, the site and time are basic parameters of design for this project leading to the contemporary vernacular architectural style.

Public building like VVIP circuit house has fluctuating occupancy and designing public area for the peak occupancy is not viable. Hence the buffer spaces like courtyards can serve the purpose of accommodating excessive occupancy in peak time.

A spacious conference room of 16 capacity is designed in such a way that the oval form is enhanced through the false ceiling & its furniture. In all the areas, interior décor shows innovation, originality & seamlessly integrated with the architectural style, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Constraints and solutions achieved

• The appropriate zoning and circulation, considering all classes of people has been a key point, in the design avoiding the conventional chaotic look of circuit house.
• Campus level zoning -The site of 14444 Sq.m has an existing circuit house building. We believe that, “Architecture shall adhere to its time, the era, in which it is built.”
• The new building is placed with large a foreground, without disturbing the existing circuit house as well as saving most major trees. By providing a basement for parking, a large  portion of the site has been made available for landscape.

Conference of 40 capacity id designed in such a way that the circular form is enhanced through the false ceiling and its furniture. In all the areas. Interior decor shows innovation and originality and seamlessly integrated with architectural style, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

• Building level zoning – The main criterion for design was segregation of public and private areas and to allow easy circulation. For this purpose, the VIP and Main Visitors’ entry and Service entry has been separated.
• Orientation has been a key criterion while designing the main building. The building faces west and hence intermittent spaces are designed on this side to avoid harsh radiation. The residential zone lies on the north and the south. The solar radiations are blocked using shading devices still allowing good ventilation. The east side has dining area, VIP suites where view of the golf course is availed to these important spaces.
• Government buildings are normally perceived as menace to sustainability as they consume high energy because of basic lacuna in the planning and design. This project is an initiative to make Government buildings “Green and Energy Efficient” and to create awareness in the government sector. Control of heat gain through fenestrations, use of the landscape to create a microclimate etc. were conscious steps taken to make the building energy efficient.

Appropriate material selection is a vital part of interior decor as materials give characteristic to the space. The feel of the space is directly linked with materials – its colour and texture. In the project FSC certified wood and ply has been used owing to the green building. Materials like Jute, MDF, glass have been used innovatively, Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Special features

• This building has received GRIHA FIVE STAR RATING
• This project is designed following all passive strategies of planning, fenestration, zoning etc. Central shaded courtyard and spaces around it are well protected from sun yet allowing plenty of natural ventilation.
• The facade of the building responds to the orientation. Transition spaces play a key role in achieving thermal and visual comfort. The private areas and public areas are well segregated achieving good circulation as well as privacy and security.
• One of the key features of the design is it’s helipad .Since the building has to cater to VIP’s, the helipad saves a lot of time, manpower and expenses in terms of security. Helipad has a diameter of 24 meters.

Image Courtesy © Mr. Hemant patil

Details

• Supporting structure : The project also includes Staff quarters and Driver Dormitory.
• Parking: Parking facilities has been provided at the basement of the building such that most of the area on the plot apart from the built area will be available for landscaping. Total 100 Car parking slots have been designed in 2 basements.
• Access: There is a vehicle drop off at the entrance of the building. The plinth height is kept 1.5 m as there is a basement below. Barrier free Architecture has been achieved through ramps, lifts and proper planning of levels.

The large foreground is created & designed to accommodate number of people considering its a public building. Contemporary architectural language has been continued in landscape creating minimalistic landscape theme. Straight lines in architecture reflect in landscape creating various textures through soft scape & hard scape,

• Circulation: The main two zones of the building are based on the people expected to visit it ie, public and private zones. Accordingly the circulation has been determined such that the VIP and visitor’s main entry as well as movement remains separate from those to be accessed for service and maintenance.

The internal circulation of the building is such that the courtyard forms the central area and the passages and walkways are around it. We have planned 3 separate cores i.e. VIP, visitors and service, which helps in access control, security and proper movement within the building.

Image Courtesy © Sunil Patil & Associates

Details of landscape

• Landscape is integral part of the project. Architecture and landscape have to co-exist. With this ideology, landscape is been designed with same architectural language. The landscape in this project seamlessly merges with spaces and becomes inherent feature of the project. The courtyard in design with green area which allows the front landscape connects with golf course on rear side. The continuity is maintained though bamboo plantation in the court. The seating is designed with pebble courts creating formal – informal zones within the landscape. The water body adds to the ambience – both visually and physiologically.

Image Courtesy © Sunil Patil & Associates

• The landscape in front is continuation of courtyard following simple linear pattern. The granite platforms laid in landscape become seating as well as platforms for sculptures. In harmony with exiting trees, new native trees have been added which help in maintain the ecology of the site.
• The hard paving on site is reduced by 58.6% by introducing grass pavers that help in minimizing heat island effect. Durva lawn is proposed for less water consumption.
• 100 % outdoor lighting is catered by renewable energy system.
• Native trees (100 new trees) have been planted along with the existing trees to help maintain the ecology of the site.
• Effective erosion and sedimentation control. Top soil Preservation has been done to retain the soil nutrient quality.
• Irrigation water demand is reduced by 48% by the use of treated water from the STP installed on site.

Image Courtesy © Sunil Patil & Associates

Project ambit

• The Circuit House is situated in the cantonment area in Pune, the height was restricted to G+2 with its other dimensions determined by the structures on site.
• An old circuit house exists on site which is constructed in a post modernist style.
• On the east end of the site, there is a golf course which offers a view.

Image Courtesy © Sunil Patil & Associates

• Pune shows seasonal climatic variation with three distinct season, hot–dry summer, wet-humid monsoon& winter. The temperature of city ranges between 12°C to 37°C. The summers are crucial and needs to be dealt though climate responsive architectural strategies.

Considering the above factors, the design of the building is completely based upon 3 Factors- Climate, Context and Time.

Architecture is a great responsibility to strike the right balance between Human aspirations and our Ecosystem.

Image Courtesy © Sunil Patil & Associates

Tags: India, Pune

Categories: Conference Center, Meeting House, Mixed use, Public Housing, public spaces

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