This Bengaluru office by Studio Dashline redefines industrial design for a new era

In the 1960s and 1970s, former factories and warehouses in the US and England started being repurposed into homes. Exposed brick, metal accents and reclaimed materials became the building blocks of a style that embraced the rawness of its materials. The focus was always on honesty in design—bare bricks, steel and wood that told the story of their past life. Furniture, tough and durable, became a key feature. What began as a subtle shift in design has now reached its peak, having taken some time to find its place in the East, where it has finally earned its well-deserved recognition. This 6,600 sq ft office in Bengaluru by Studio Dashline picks up on the sensibilities of industrial design, tweaks them for the new era, and caters them to this prominent metal manufacturer.

At the core of the design are the communal workstations, arranged around four central structural columns. Each station accommodates eight people, with four seated on each side. Crafted with industrial authenticity in mind, these workstations feature a metal I-beam as their structural spine. The marble work surfaces extend outward like the wings of an aircraft.

Sticking to an open layout that encourages collaboration, ground floor cabins and meeting rooms surround the central workstation area. Positioned along the edges, each cabin offers expansive city views while showcasing custom-designed furniture and storage solutions. Frosted film with a patina finish, mirroring the metal accents, adds privacy while enhancing the space’s layered visual depth. Bespoke metal hanging lights bring a raw, industrial edge to the cabins. Storage is approached in a unique, functional way, inspired by kitchen counter layouts, with upper and lower units framing a central countertop. A two-foot dado acts as a versatile surface for personal items or everyday necessities like coffee machines and printers.

The focus on industrial materials extends beyond the furniture to the very bones of the space. Structural columns and ceiling capitals are showcased as design features rather than concealed, reinforcing the industrial character of the environment. Corten steel accents, selected for their rich, weathered patina, complement the cement-finished walls, grounding the space with their raw, textured presence.

The flooring plays a pivotal role in adding texture and depth to the space. Rather than competing with the more dominant design elements, the floor is laid with four shades of grey tiles, arranged in bold, angular lines. This creates a sense of movement and subtle gradation.

The sculptural, angular metal staircase bathes in light from a triangular skylight above, it glows, casting dynamic shadows along its sharp, industrial lines. The light, almost ethereal, forms a halo on the floor below, where only its presence is felt, not its source. The cuts of the staircase fold into a built-in bench. This metal centerpiece binds the two floors, creating a dramatic flow within the space.

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The upper level offers a shift in tone, balancing the industrial rawness with spaces designed for rest and rejuvenation. Leadership cabins offer privacy while maintaining a link to the energy of the office below. The terrace café, perched atop Ironside offers with panoramic views of the skyline. Its linear layout features bench seating along the perimeter, framed by a metal pergola with cutouts that create a sense of openness and vertical depth. Sandstone tiles enhance the outdoor atmosphere, while lush greenery introduces a natural element. The minimalist black furnishings complement the industrial aesthetic, creating a relaxed space for employees to unwind. The contrast between the lush outdoor space and the rugged interior fosters a dynamic balance, ensuring that even in an industrial-inspired environment, there’s room for relaxation and human connection.

FACT FILE:

Project Name: Ironside

Firm Name: Studio Dashline

Design Team: Founder & Lead Architect- Dheeraj Bajaj; Co-Founder & Lead Designer- Pranav Dakoria; Co-Founder & Lead Architects- Shriya Sohi

Location: Bengaluru

Area: 6,600 sq ft

Photo courtesy: Yash R Jain