In today's fast-paced urbanization, the construction industry often overlooks waste generation and existing infrastructure. Yet, a significant shift is underway—reimagining the future of built environments through adaptive reuse.
CCBA Designs, led by master architect and planner Prof. Christopher Benninger, exemplifies this approach with their project: the Forbes Marshall New Corporate Office in Pune. This brownfield redevelopment challenges conventional practices and encourages us to think about spaces more intelligently and sustainably. A Journey through the Building’s History
The site is an old industrial complex of Forbes Marshall dating back to the late 1950s. Decades of gradual additions resulted in a structure that was a patchwork of materials, forms, and heights—some areas built with RCC columns and metal roofing, others with load-bearing walls and concrete slabs.
Tasked with converting the chaotic industrial structure into a modern corporate headquarters for 300 employees, the firm took on the challenge of unifying the disparate elements into a cohesive whole.
Design Approach: Harmonizing the Old and the New
The adopted design strategy honoured the original structure while giving it new life. Much of the existing structure's skeleton was retained and reinforced with advanced techniques. The original RCC columns, which had grown weak, were strengthened using carbon wrapping, and existing plinths were retained. Steel jacketing and bracket installations ensured the building's structural integrity and enhanced safety for its occupants. Additionally, innovative materials like Aerocon slabs were employed alongside sustainable cooling systems.
The design emphasizes simplicity, featuring a predominantly white colour palette. The layout is thoughtfully organized into four bays across two levels, centred around a spacious double-height atrium that invites abundant natural light into the interiors. Glass partitions further enhance this openness, allowing light to flow freely while fostering a sense of connection and transparency between spaces.
The building’s facade, a blend of glass and vertical aluminium fins, creates an elegant aesthetic while serving a practical purpose. These elliptical fins, angled to manage heat and glare, establish a lightweight yet dynamic outer shell, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding gardens.
Sustainability as a Guiding Principle
"Sustainability is not an add-on. It is a way of life."
-Prof. Christopher Benninger The project showcases this ethos by employing passive sustainable design features in both form and function. At its core is a passive cooling system, with radiant cooling integrated into the floors, significantly reducing the need for traditional air conditioning. Low-volume fans and evaporative cooling further minimize energy use.
The insulated metal roof, featuring a clip-on system, enhances thermal efficiency and supports solar panels that generate renewable energy. Efficient water management is achieved by harvesting rainwater from the roof, which is stored in an underground tank to meet landscaping and flushing needs for up to a month.
By breathing new life into an ageing structure, CCBA Designs has not only preserved a piece of history but also forged a path for the future. This project serves as a powerful reminder to architects that even the most neglected spaces can be transformed into enduring symbols of resilience and thoughtful design. Project Published on India Art and Design Fact File:
• Location: Kasarwadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Built Up Area: 6,000 Square Meters
• Completion date: 2021- 2024
• Client: Forbes Marshall
• Principal Architect: Prof. Christopher Benninger • Mentors: Mr. Rahul Sathe and Mr. Ramprasad Akkisetti
• Design Team: Ar. Daraius Choksi, Ar. Yogesh Jatkar, Ar. Tarun Kumar Varma and Ar. Siddha Regilla.
• Photo Credits: Mr. Ramprasad Akkisetti
• Text Credits: Ar. Venessa Thomas
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