Breaking Out of the Box—This Bengaluru office by AD Studio 9 breathes with nature

Are you a corporate employee spending 10+ hours in an ordinary cubicle that’s fused in artificial light? Or perhaps you’re working from a makeshift corner of your home, surrounded by distractions and devoid of any inspiration? Let us introduce you to Akshara Vinayasa (ಅಕ್ಷರ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ), a project designed by AD Studio 9, helmed by Apoorva Lekha and Sandesh Dhanraj, that is transforming the way we experience workspaces. Designed by architects for architects, Akshara Vinayasa is a great example of biophilic design. Every element, from materiality to spatial planning, is in harmony with nature. More than an office, it’s a dynamic ecosystem that breathes, evolves, and inspires.

Reimagining the Urban Workspace

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you,” Frank Lloyd Wright once said. This philosophy serves as the cornerstone of Akshara Vinyasa, where every element, from the thoughtfully crafted exposed brick facade to the innovative Verdurium, works in harmony to create a space that remains naturally cooler than its surroundings, even during Bengaluru’s most punishing summers—all without the need for air conditioning.

A Sensory Journey Through Biophilic Design

The journey begins at the welcoming reception area, where visitors are greeted by a custom foyer table crafted from locally sourced materials. The uniquely shaped organic sofa nearby echoes the flowing forms found in nature, creating an immediate sense of harmony that puts visitors at ease. As you move deeper into the space, the open-plan studio reveals itself.

Here, the designers have masterfully transformed the challenge of low beams into an opportunity, crafting a curved, angular ceiling that enhances the sense of height and creates an airy, expansive atmosphere. Natural light pours in through thoughtfully positioned top-hung windows, casting ever-changing patterns across the exposed brick walls while maintaining privacy from neighboring buildings.

The Verdurium

At the heart of the meeting room stands the Verdurium—a revolutionary adaptation of the traditional Paludarium. This cutting-edge hybrid horticulture system serves as both a stunning focal point and a functional climate control solution. With its inbuilt irrigation network and optional centralised misting system, the Verdurium cultivates a cooler microclimate that harnesses summer breezes to enhance comfort throughout the space.

This innovative feature exemplifies the studio’s commitment to biophilic design principles, integrating diverse plant species and water elements to purify the air. The result is a workspace that not only looks beautiful but actively contributes to the well-being and creativity of its occupants.

A Symphony of Natural Materials and Textures

Throughout Akshara Vinyasa, a carefully curated palette of natural materials creates a sense of groundedness and authenticity. Subtle flooring provides a neutral canvas, while muted walls allow the textural richness of exposed brick to take center stage. Reclaimed wood accents add warmth and character, complementing the lush greenery that weaves throughout the space.

The workstation area, designed to maximise collaboration and creativity, features concealed sockets that maintain a clean, uncluttered flow. A vibrant wall showcasing the studio’s creative journey—filled with intricate sketches and elevations—serves as both inspiration and testament to the firm’s design heritage.

Private Retreats Within the Collective Space

At opposite ends of the studio lie two private cabins, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique personalities of the firm’s partners. The creative architect’s cabin embodies a union between nature and built environment, with warm, natural materials like wood and marble bringing depth and texture to the space. Curved lines and organic shapes attempt to resemble the natural world, while an adjacent balcony featuring lush greenery and locally sourced Kota flooring extends the workspace into the outdoors.

In contrast, the partner’s cabin reflects a preference for a cosy, confined workspace. A monochromatic theme, punctuated by bold red accents, echoes the occupant’s dynamic character. The bespoke boss table, carefully selected to showcase the firm’s passion for considered design, serves as the focal point of the space. Soft beige walls, subtle curved ceiling details, and a sophisticated tile floor create an atmosphere of refined elegance.

The Living Façade: Architecture as Ecosystem

Another striking feature of Akshara Vinyasa is its south-facing facade—a living system that integrates greenery and natural materials. The exposed brick wall not only reduces heat intensity and blocks direct sunlight but also serves as a foundation for a thriving ecosystem. An optimised water distribution system through drip irrigation efficiently cools the terracotta tiles while nourishing lush vegetation along the facade.

This innovative approach to facade design has transformed the building into a habitat for local wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and butterflies regularly visit the space, creating a dynamic, ever-changing tapestry of life that enriches the work environment. The living facade provides numerous benefits beyond its aesthetic appeal, including evaporative cooling, air purification, noise dampening, and visual screening.

Nourishing Body and Mind

The thoughtful design extends to the pantry space, where a high-raised ledge overlooks lush greenery, inviting sunlight to filter through exposed brick and casting a warm, welcoming glow. Natural oil-enhanced oak shutters and locally sourced green marble worktops create an informal workspace that blends functionality with biophilic charm.

Akshara Vinyasa demonstrates that by embracing biophilic principles and climate-responsive design strategies, it is possible to create workspaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and restorative. As urban environments become increasingly dense and disconnected from nature, projects like Akshara Vinyasa point the way forward. They remind us that architecture doesn’t just shelter us from the elements—it connects us to the natural world in profound and meaningful ways.

FACT  FILE

Project Name: Akshara Vinyasa (ಅಕ್ಷರ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸ)

Project type: Office Architectural interior design

Project Location: Rajarajesware nagar, Bengaluru, India

Design & Executed by – AD Studio 9

Designer – Apoorva Lekha N , Sandesh Dhanaraj

Area: 2500 sq ft

Completion Year: 2024

Photography – Arjun Krishna