| Project/Product Description | Leading the way: A green-certified public building that’s shaping Lucknow’s cityscape
In the bustling heart of Lucknow, where the past gracefully intersects with the present and the urban landscape constantly evolves, the IT Headquarters for the Lucknow government, stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability. Envisaged as a striking architectural landmark, this government building challenges conventional design methods, by redefining the very essence of contemporary office buildings by setting a precedent for a greener cityscape.
Situated on an irregular plot, the pioneering structure has been developed as a complete, pre-engineered steel marvel that stands as one of its kind in India. This architectural marvel boldly showcases unwavering lines on its facade by creating a visually striking presence in the cityscape. Secondly, it boasts of a distinctive facade that doesn't vie for attention with the existing urban fabric; rather, it complements the climate and the surroundings and aspires to bring homogeneity to the existing landscape.
The project stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity pioneering a centrally air-conditioned building concept with two basements, all supported by a pre-engineered steel structure. In responding to the irregularity of the site to avoid any residual patches, interventions that could accommodate sustainable processes were implemented right from the initial stage of conceptualisation. To work with the robust foundation system made of reinforced concrete columns, a lighter skeleton of prefabricated steel beams and columns was introduced. The most sustainable building is the one that exists. Hence, a conscious decision to build over a structurally sound foundation was taken, adhering to the same principles for ecologically conscious development. The columns and beams, manufactured entirely off-site, were carefully erected in a phased and precise manner. The basements, constructed with reinforced concrete, form a robust foundation for the hybrid and composite structure that rises from the ground level, facilitating the steel structures above. This innovation translates to massive time savings during construction.
True sustainability lies in the response to the local context and responds to the surroundings in two significant ways. Firstly, it meticulously follows the contours of its irregular site, reducing the negative impact on the environment. The interior spaces are meticulously crafted to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing workspace, fostering productivity and comfort for occupants. The building's services, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, are engineered with precision to ensure occupant comfort and environmental sustainability. These systems work cohesively to provide an ideal indoor environment, optimising energy efficiency. The project's landscape design contributes to its charm by offering an inviting outdoor space within the heart of the city. This green oasis complements the architectural beauty, intertwining nature along the building.
With durability and ease of maintenance being paramount in a public government, building material choices play a crucial role in ensuring longevity and resilience. Stone finish high-pressure laminates grace the exterior facade, reducing the need for stone quarrying and preserving nature. These laminates, known for their endurance, facilitate wet cleaning of the facade, ensuring it remains pristine at all times. Within the building, internal walls constructed with dry walls in gypsum and glass wool insulation replace conventional block and brick construction. This innovative addition has not only guaranteed high precision and faster delivery but also improved the quality of the end product.
With sustainability at its core, the Income Tax Headquarters holds the prestigious GRIHA 4-star certification, making it a frontrunner in environmental design. During the construction phase, measures were taken to protect existing trees on-site and ensure dust mitigation, cementing the commitment to energy efficiency with a design that reduces pollution in multiple ways. Off-site steel manufacturing, enabled by pre-engineered technology, minimises human intervention, bolsters precision, and expedites construction while reducing environmental impact. Post-construction, the building embraces passive design elements on its facade. Extended slab protections mitigate direct solar heat gain, diminishing the need for air-conditioning and consequently reducing carbon emissions, and energy-efficient double-glazed units enhance the building's overall energy efficiency.
The culmination of these architectural and engineering efforts is a symbol of progress in architecture, a beacon of sustainability, and a blueprint for future public/ government. projects. This urban oasis, where function meets aesthetics and tradition meets innovation, not only redefines office spaces but also sets a new standard for contemporary urban architecture in India. Notably, this structure represents one of India's pioneering forays into pre-engineered steel technology for office buildings, marking a milestone in the nation's architectural landscape. As the structure rises, it defies convention with sweeping bold lines on its facade, making a profound statement amidst the dense urban fabric.
Total site area: 8,000 sqm
Total Built-up area: 24,000 sqm or 2,58,000 sqft
Total cost of the project: ~190 crores or INR800 million
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| Materials Used | In the design of this government building, material choices were made with a focus on durability, sustainability, and efficiency. The exterior facade of the building features stone finish high-pressure laminates, a deliberate choice to reduce the environmental impact of traditional stone quarrying. These laminates not only mimic the appearance of natural stone but also offer exceptional endurance. They are easy to maintain and can be wet cleaned, ensuring the facade always looks pristine - making it a sustainable choice aligning with modern environmental concerns.
Inside the building, using gypsum and glass wool insulation for internal walls was a departure from conventional block and brick walls, enhancing the overall quality of the building. It demonstrates a commitment to modern construction techniques and a desire to improve efficiency without compromising on quality.
One of the most impressive aspects of this project is the engineering ingenuity behind the centrally air-conditioned building concept with two basements. Using a pre-engineered steel structure for columns and beams manufactured off-site allowed for a phased and precise construction process. The basements, constructed with reinforced concrete, provide a solid foundation for the hybrid and composite structure above ground. This approach ensures structural integrity and significantly reduces construction time, a remarkable achievement in large-scale construction projects.
This project's thoughtfully selected materials and innovative construction methods contribute to its sustainability and showcase engineering excellence. These choices make it a strong contender for the Surface Design Award, recognising its outstanding contributions to the field of surface design and construction.
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| Sustainability | During construction, the project team implemented measures to protect the existing trees on-site and effectively mitigate dust, underscoring the commitment to sustainability by preserving the local ecosystem. The decision to employ off-site steel manufacturing through pre-engineered technology is a testament to the project's commitment to sustainability. This method reduces human intervention, enhances precision, and accelerates construction while minimising its environmental footprint.
Post-construction, the building continues to embrace sustainable practices through passive design elements on its facade. Extended slab protections have been integrated to mitigate direct solar heat gain. This innovative feature significantly reduces the building's reliance on air conditioning, substantially reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, using energy-efficient double-glazed units further enhances the building's overall energy efficiency, ensuring that sustainability remains a fundamental aspect of its operation.
The Income Tax Headquarters project is a shining example of sustainability in construction. Its adherence to green building principles, GRIHA certification, and innovative design elements all contribute to a reduced environmental impact and a lower carbon footprint. The project showcases a commitment to responsible construction practices and energy-efficient design, making it a deserving candidate for recognition in sustainability and environmental conservation.
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