ifj

HEXALACE
india
studio ardete, india
Hexalace, an open-plan commercial building, was constructed primarily for leasing purposes. Located in Mohali (Punjab) and spread over an area of 9,061 sq ft, the concept needed to manifest from the façade due to the nature of this tight, commercial plot with challenging building norms.

Thus, the façade emerged as a buffer of stratifying elements and now protects this west-facing building from demanding climatic conditions involving extreme heat. A three inch-thick concrete layer with hexagonal interstices has been used as a shading element.

The screen flows organically, creating an artistic, visual dilemma to preserve the sanctity of shade from both inside and outside. The other layer of the hexagonal silhouette is made of metal frames super-imposed horizontally across the semi-permeable concrete screen which has doubled up as a balcony fence.

The main curtain wall has been recessed to leave pockets of air between the screen and the main building, to increase time lag and subsequently reduce heat gain. Hence, the façade acts as a bronchiole for the structure by its inherent virtue of convergence.

Balconies also house small clusters of green, making the work environment even more rejuvenating for users within.