CRPF Campus Kathgodam Uttarakhand

The majestic CRPF campus designed by GRID plc architects Rajiv Khanna and Meenakshi Khanna, is regimental in spirit and comfortable in its living

The magnificent CRPF campus is nestled on a scenic, hilly, sprawling site of 160 acres of contoured land in Kathgodam. The brief called for a campus that would reflect the ideology of the institution vis a vis creating a spatial, functional facility with the true energy and spirit of the CRPF personnel. The group centre for Central Reserve Police force with a complete administrative set-up including residential and recreation facilities, was to be designed, merging with the local ethos and environment of the land.

Group Center CRPF Kathgodam

Within the contours of the building, multilevel zones have been created for optimum utilization of site levels and for segregating different work zones, with clear movement patterns, and the most efficient and ergonomically designed articulated spaces. The highly secured campus comprises of the Administrative block located in the heart of the complex - also the power and nerve centre of the complex. The Recreation and Guest blocks are planned in relative proximity to the main building. The staff housing units have been segregated from the work and operation zones, and given softer contours to reflect the comfortable living and relaxing purpose of the building. The units too afford a panoramic view of the blue sky, hills and valley.

High security blocks are discreetly located away from the civil zones, but all the locations of the various blocks leverage the desired level of required minimum time mobilization and reach. The shooting ranges, the exercise zones, and the stadium /parade grounds are located near the barracks and the hostel blocks. The seating arena in the parade ground is tucked into the sloping terrain with a backdrop of hills in the distance.

CRPF Kathgodam GRID Plc Architects

Project at a Glance:
Plot Area: 6,47,553 sqm (approx150 acres)
Covered Area: 50,000 sqm
Year of completion: 2013
Project Cost: approx Rs.125 crore

The challenge of constructing near a hilly terrain and hills surface runoff has been technologically managed with a network of sieves and drains, and connecting them with natural reservoirs. Use of new, innovative building materials and technologies has made it possible to complete construction in a shorter span of time. The new materials have further reduced cost of regular maintenance.

CRPF Campus Kathgodam

Ar. Meenakshi Khanna & Ar. Rajiv Khanna
Ar. Meenakshi Khanna & Ar. Rajiv Khanna
According to the architects, the site was extremely difficult to work on due to the contoured land and uneven surfaces. The level difference was almost 80 meters between the highest and the lowest points. The extreme cutting and filling, especially in the parade ground/stadium, was a humongous task to be negotiated across the various buildings. Due to the hilly site, the natural surface water overflow in monsoons needed to be channelized in order to save the structures from being damaged or destroyed. However, the architects used the natural slopes to the greatest advantage for water supply, drains and landscapes. The challenge was also to preserve the natural flora and fauna.

The campus has been designed keeping eco-friendliness and sustainability in mind with a commitment to preserving the environment of this very scenic terrain. With average heights ranging between G + 2 to G + 3, the view of remains unblocked from any part of the complex.

The construction has made use of locally available stones for walls, landscapes, roads, edge stones, drainage, wing walls, etc. Rocks and stones have been cut intelligently for filling and for construction. The floors were designed to avoid sinking of the earth, and there is extensive use of solar lights and solar panels.

The outcome was a picture perfect blending of the buildings with the natural surroundings, and a view of the hills and sky in the background. The project was completed as per schedule in a phased manner, and took around three years for final completion. Working with Government projects means one learns to achieve the desired result within the stipulated budget and time frame.

CRPF Campus Uttarakhand