Atelier Krikos

Marked by a presence of strong sculptural elements, Atelier Krikos, was visualized by Studio Ardete as an office space that would break stereotypes and defy conventionality. Layers of monochromatic components and parametric modeling introduce dynamism to the spaces, bringing fluidity in the visual dimension


Fact File
Client: Ravijeet Singh, R.S Builders
Location: Mohali, Punjab
Total Area: 3054 sqft
Architecture firm: Studio Ardete
Project Management: R.S Builders
Lighting Design: The Luminars
General Contractor: Ravijeet Singh, RS Builders

Material Palette
Furniture: Harmony
Flooring: Indian Granite
Lighting: Osram

Since the office was to primarily host meetings, the design was based around the circular conference room of 17 feet diameter and designed using completely transparent glass. The idea was to utilize the site conditions to showcase the progress and possibilities of the construction industry while reinterpreting contemporary office interiors. With a clear width of 38 feet, the site was a column-free space—a feature that was not to be overlooked

The entrance to the office is defined by a 9 x 6 feet wide pivoted metal door, designed as a composition of tapering metal pipes. An installation designed parametrically using 1500 circular rods hanging in an organic wave structure from the ceiling marks the waiting and reception area. The installation is visualized in white to contrast it against the grey of the walls and the floor.

The conference room is flanked by 3-D curvilinear structures designed using special construction techniques and methods of reinforcement and formwork. The structures use M-30 concrete with OPC and graded aggregate with MS bars for reinforcement in 50mm complete thickness. Curvilinear framework and pouring of joint-less concrete caste in situ offered challenges that were carefully overcome. Bare of all external, decorative treatment, these structures contrast against the smooth interiors and lend the space a rustic feel.

The interiors are completely dominated by the glass conference room. The concentricity of the conference room is enhanced by backlight stretch ceiling, 9 ft in diameter and use of motorized curtains. The furniture is custom made with micro concrete to generate a raw table top.

Use of digital software and careful planning along with meticulous attention to detail overcomes the challenges the project affords, both in design and ideology. With the aim to bring about a perspective shift in the way office spaces are perceived, Atelier Krikos flirts with the boundary separating art and architecture Ar. Badrinath Kaleru & Ar. Prerna Kaleru
Studio Ardete

The main cabin, staff, work spaces and the cafeteria are placed at the end of the layout so as to bring the circular glass room in focus. The display zones are integrated with the walls, leaving the center clear. The trapezoidal planer surfaces on the wall framing the display allow an easy visual flow and connectivity.

The various elements of the office space are brought together in a cohesive whole by the black mirror granite flooring. Light pippy oak veneers introduce colour to the neutral palette; cracked pippy oak is used in parquet style paneling for the reception backdrop while knotty pippy oak in parquet form is used for the rest of the spaces.


Lighting fixtures and the overall lighting design is carefully done to bring out the contrast between different areas; specific elements are highlighted to enhance their fluid, organic forms. Stretch ceiling forms the main light source in the conference room whereas, LED filament bulbs hanging from the ceilings are used to bring out the texture of the wall finishes. In a step towards sustainability, all the lighting fixtures and sources use solar power.