At the intersection of two national highways – NH47 and NH49 – is a centre of attraction that’s getting eyeballs, thanks to its second skin. When Sebastian Jose, principal of Silpi Architects, first saw the location for the seven-storey KNA Plaza that stands proudly there, he observed that it was a flat site devoid of any features or trees. No doubt one of the highways connects Kochi to Madurai and the other connects Salem to Kanyakumari, but the street itself was new and the neighbourhood plots were empty. “The client wanted a commercial building that utilised the maximum possible FSI. He also wanted it to be a building he could be proud of, being located at a prominent junction,” recalls the architect.
Apart from the obvious functional benefits that the proposed retail plus office space offered, it had to be aspirational – indeed, a head turner in every sense of the word. In addition, the light and air had to be harnessed while avoiding the harshness of direct sunlight. From experience, the architect knew this challenge could only be resolved with a second skin to the building, and he evaluated materials like aluminium, glass, etc.
The first three floors were for retail – so glass was ideal to facilitate display and window shopping. The floors above were for offices and, hence, privacy was important. FunderMax panels met the form-and-function needs, as they permit air and light in optimal measure. The combination of rich colours, cutting flexibility and all-weather robustness of the panels ensured that the architect could deliver the vision he had for the façade.
“The commercial floors needed maximum visibility – which was given – and to respond to the harsh southern sunlight, we used double glazing,” discloses Jose. “Beyond the commercial floors , the office spaces needed flexibility of use – some don’t even use air-conditioning and even leave windows open. So, we worked out a system of screening using FunderMax louvers – which not only addressed the issue of natural ventilation and sun control, but also gave the building its distinctive identity. A good example of form follows function.”
The architect wanted to use maximum FSI of 4 and the maximum allowed coverage of 50% at ground level. Parking requirements were fitted into two basements and one rooftop parking. The ground floor commercial space was maximised by creating upper and lower ground floors, with the upper one accessible from NH47 and the lower one from NH49. Beyond two floors of commercial spaces, they provided six floors of office space with a separate lobby and atrium. “Tight space planning, which ensures maximum commercial value, is important for a commercial building,” points out Jose. “We believe we have achieved it.”
Of course, there were challenges. Apart from space planning, which was the reason for the commercial success of the project, the tough part was working out the louver system for which different materials and systems were considered after a lot of analysis and studies – but as Jose puts it, “All buildings have challenges and, when one takes them up in a positive spirit, trying to come out with innovative and sensible solutions, the result is gratifying. We are happy with the way the project has turned out and the attention it is generating, but no creative effort is ever complete. It is an ongoing search and a process of learning.”
The final result, which he insists is a team effort between the client and architect, is a visual and architectural treat – a kaleidoscopic landmark. Being at the highway intersection and drawing attention from all sides, KNA Plaza emerges as a visually dynamic building, swathed in unique colours from every angle, at different times of the day. “We’re committed to innovative ideas, methods and technologies with the objective of coming up with the most functional solutions, while being complementary to the authentic environmental and natural facets of each project,” insists Jose.
That is certainly evident in this innovative solution.
The design concept
The architect’s basic design idea for the project originated from the traditional Indian concept of the jali (screen) to optimise light and air, while avoiding direct glare. The location was such that the semi-circular building would be exposed to tropical sunlight all through the day. The creative leap was finding a solution that exploits the advantages of the location for light and air, minus the harshness of direct sunlight. The colour palette chosen achieves a fine balance – bold, to catch the attention of moving traffic and, yet, not impeding it.
Materials & Suppliers
- Façade material: Max Exterior, Unicolor Decors
- Flooring: Simpolo and RAK, Kaitharan Buildware, Ernakulam
- Ceiling: Gypsum Board laminates, Arin Safety, Ernakulam
- Lighting: Havells, Gem Lights, Kalamassery
- Texture: Asian Paints, Karickal Hardwares, Vytila
- Paints: Nippon Paints, Jay Hardwares, Ernakulam
- Sanitary fittings: Kohler, Manumax, Edappally
- Stone paving: Planet Green pavers, Ernakulam