IRRAD Gurgaon by Ashok B Lall Architects

The Institute of Rural Research And Development (IRRAD) houses the headquarters for the Non-profit Government Organization, S.M. Sehgal Foundation (SMSF)  which works on development projects in rural Haryana. The building is aimed to be a model of sustainable development, thus obtaining a  Platinum rating under the LEED rating system post construction. The building accomplishes a number of environmental goals. The excavated soil is used for making bricks in situ and the runoff water is collected for ground water recharge ensuring zero runoff from the site.

Architect: Ashok b lall
Location: Gurgaon
The rainwater from the roof is collected to fulfill the water requirement for an efficient water cooling based air conditioning system. Internal courtyards provide daylight and ventilation thereby reducing the load on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation systems. There is provision for using recycled water for irrigation and flushing toilets where water efficient appliances are used. A 35 kilowatt of electricity is generated by photovoltaic panels on the roof that suffices the basic electrical load of computers, lighting, fans and mechanical ventilation.

Although the building is designed for specific use in this case, many of the intervention and techniques are replicable at other sites of similar environmental context. This is the first office building in Gurgaon that is designed to minimize the ecological foot print and carbon dioxide emissions due to the type of material used. For instance wood is used instead of aluminum for doors and windows and the use of burnt brick is minimized by using the excavated soil. This results in 30 percent reduction of CO2 emissions.
CITATION :
IRRAD IN CW INTERIORS
PROJECTS FACTS
Site Area – 5112 sqm ( Phase 1 )
Ground Coverage – 1100 sqm ( Phase 1 )
Block- 1 Area – 2700sqm ( Phase 1 )
Block-2 Area – 510 sqm ( Phase 1 )
Project cost – 17 cr ( Phase 1 )
Commencement – Mar’ 2006 ( Phase 1 )
Completion – Nov’ 2008 ( Phase 1 )
Ground Coverage – 420 sqm ( Phase 2 )
Building Area – 1816 sqm ( Phase 2 )
Basement Area – 1146 sqm ( Phase 2 )
Commencement – May 2010 ( Phase 2 )
Completion – Jan’ 2012 ( Phase

The aesthetic quality of the building is derived from the principles of sustainable design – the use of natural materials, minimal use of glass, interesting shading device and integration of sheltered courtyard spaces makes for its unique beauty and comfort as well as the graceful feel.  In fact a special feature of the building is deriving beauty from waste. The entrance lobby, boardroom and the central atrium use waste plywood crating planks, broken tiles and glass to demonstrate how waste can be converted into a beautiful resource.