Stella, a new 14-storey office building in Nagpur, India, designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, stands out with its façade created as a response to the extreme heat of one of the hottest cities in the country. A layered shield of terraces, plants and aluminium blinds transforms the compact building into a model example of architecture that provides real protection from temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius, while ensuring comfortable working conditions.
The new 14-storey Stella office building in Nagpur is an example of architecture that not only responds to market needs, but above all to the climatic realities of one of India’s hottest cities. Designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, it was built on a plot of 836 square metres and, despite its compact dimensions, offers 5,575 square metres of office space. Requirements for open space around the building necessitated a vertical composition, allowing each of the 14 floors to accommodate four independent offices, naturally lit and ventilated.
The façade as a shield against heat
The city of Nagpur regularly records temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius, making the local climate a key design factor. The architects therefore treated the façade not only as decoration, but also as a functional, multi-layered shield. Semicircular open terraces and planters, shielded by aluminium blinds, are arranged along the entire perimeter of the building. They form a rhythmic, alternating structure that limits the direct heating of the walls and at the same time introduces vegetation to each floor.
Green buffers create cooler microclimates around the building, which translates into a more stable temperature inside. As a result, the offices benefit from diffused daylight rather than harsh, heat-generating radiation. This solution is a conscious departure from fully glazed façades, which generate enormous energy loads in tropical conditions.
Functional layout
The communication and technical core is located on the eastern side to open up the northern, western and southern façades to the office spaces. The largest modules are located at the front and rear of the building, where access to daylight and natural ventilation is most favourable. This provides employees with comfortable working conditions and keeps the interiors bright without the need for intense lighting.
Architecture rooted in the location
Stella is a manifesto of design that stems from local conditions. Instead of copying global models, Sanjay Puri Architects created a building that responds to extreme temperatures, limited land area and the need to minimise energy consumption. The layered façade, the introduction of greenery and passive cooling strategies make the building more resistant to external conditions, while offering a modern, comfortable working environment.
The new office building is an example of architecture that thoughtfully responds to the challenges posed by the local climate and shows that sustainable design can be expressive, rational and deeply rooted in the realities of the place.
design: Sanjay PuriArchitects
photos: Vinay Panjwani
source: v2com
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