Indian Potash Limited
INI Design Studio
December - 2022
Ahmedabad
In 2017-18, INI Design Studio’s acclaimed architects undertook the Shivalik Shilp project. This outstanding structure serves as an illustration of their skill at both architecture and design, with its foremost attribute being its façade, a piece of art shaped by our proficiency at HIFAB.
The project is situated at a prestigious urban nexus in the metropolis. Its design concept intricately entwines two divergent masses at a precise 90-degree intersection, subtly demarcated by terraced levels and sculpted bulk on the higher storeys. Advanced double-glazed windows, in conjunction with ceramic fritted glass and vertically oriented solar shades, are employed to construct an energy-efficient facade system customized to the demands of the sweltering and arid climate of Ahmedabad.
The L-shaped building’s footprint occupies a corner plot at one of the metropolis’s most bustling intersections, leaving no potential untapped in capitalizing on its prime location. The initial three floors showcase premium retail outlets, bedecked with expansive glass facades, serving as an immediate allure to passersby along adjacent thoroughfares. Moving upward, the subsequent floors progressively incline outwards, fashioning an outward-sloping glass facade that emulates the contour of a ship’s profile. The uppermost floors, on the other hand, maintain a uniform, straight glass facade that extends to the lower floors at one extremity of the edifice. These dynamic transitions in the building’s structural design at various levels facilitate the creation of terraces artfully integrated into the massing, bestowing upon the entire edifice a striking sculptural aesthetic.
This building is a true work of art in the way it brings together various architectural elements, demonstrating our skill in blending them into a beautiful and cohesive whole.However, in the creating process, each facade posed a unique challenge. The South side necessitated a 10-degree slope; the East faced a 7-degree inclination; the West side boasted a 30-degree lean, and the North wall was artfully vertical. To shape these multifaceted facade angles neatly, we had to work with utmost precision and a keen eye for detail. Establishing seamless connections amidst this diversity of angles posed a significant challenge, leading to numerous cycles of revisions and adjustments. As the deadline for Building Use Permission (BUP) drew nearer, our resolve to meet it remained steadfast. In order to keep the project’s momentum, we opted for the temporary installation of glass facades, underscoring our unyielding commitment to our work, despite the associated costs.
Upon its culmination, Shivalik Shilp arose as an indomitable architectural gem within the urban landscape. The trials surmounted during this project pale in comparison to the enduring renown and prosperity it now enjoys. The façade, embodying precision and ingenuity, has etched an indelible imprint on the architectural realm for the city.
At HIFAB, we find profound satisfaction in contributing to remarkable makings such as Shivalik Shilp. Our allegiance to exactness, innovation, and devotion to our craft remains the cornerstone of our pursuits. Shivalik Shilp’s façade stands as a dynamic representation to our ceaseless quest for distinction.
Semi-Unitized Glazing
Frameless Glazing
PSP Projects Ltd.
