Save

Share

Set within the dense urban fabric of Vadodara, Studio RobustNeev reimagines a four-storey residential structure as a hybrid environment combining corporate workspaces and housing. Occupying a compact 2410 sq ft plot, the project negotiates tight spatial and structural constraints through a strategy of precise reorganization rather than extensive reconstruction, retaining the integrity of the original framed system.

The program is distributed to maximize efficiency and clarity: the ground level accommodates parking and storage, the first and fourth floors house corporate offices, and the intermediate floors remain residential. Each level is rationalized into three interdependent systems : 1) services, 2) circulation and 3) occupied space – allowing for a disciplined spatial order.

Existing service ducts are repurposed for plumbing and HVAC, while electrical systems are consolidated into vertical shafts, seamlessly integrated into the design framework.
Originally configured as two separate apartments connected by a narrow passage, each floor presented a fragmented entry experience. This constraint is resolved through the introduction of a new deck slab, unifying the units into a continuous open plan. The resulting spatial flow is articulated by the existing column-beam grid, transforming circulation into a more legible and generous sequence.

Facade
Climatic responsiveness plays a defining role in shaping the building envelope. The south-facing facade, exposed to intense solar gain, is reinterpreted through a layered system that retains the original plane while introducing a lightweight secondary skin. Composed of a stainless-steel subframe, AAC panels, and stone veneer sheets, the assembly minimizes additional structural load while enhancing thermal performance. The material palette featuring red Agra stone and black slate, creates a restrained yet tactile identity, balancing durability with visual depth.

About the material
Stone veneer is an ultra-thin layer of actual natural stone, allowing the facade to retain the richness and texture of real stone without the weight and cost associated with conventional stone cladding. Its lightweight nature reduces structural load, making it both cost-effective and practical for the Indian market. Beyond its visual depth and tactile quality, the material also carries a comparatively very low carbon footprint, offering a more sustainable alternative while maintaining the timeless character of natural stone.

Interior
Internally, the design accommodates generational diversity within a unified organizational ethos. The first floor reflects a more traditional corporate environment, while the fourth adopts a contemporary workplace character; both are bound by a consistent language of neutral tones, oak wood, and carefully calibrated accents. Workspaces are aligned along the eastern façade to optimize daylight, while service zones are consolidated to the west. Controlled openings and deep overhangs on the south ensure visual comfort and thermal moderation.

Intervention
A targeted structural intervention addresses the challenge of insufficient daylight in the north-facing workspace. By selectively opening an existing masonry wall and inserting a custom metal frame, a 26-foot corner window is introduced, significantly enhancing spatial quality without compromising structural stability.

Conclusion
USC House ultimately demonstrates a pragmatic approach to adaptive reuse- balancing climatic sensitivity, structural restraint and evolving functional demands to produce a coherent and enduring built environment.

Design: Robust Neev
Design Team: Lead Designers : Ar. Mrugini Gandevikar & Ar. Mandar Gandevikar; Project Handler : Ar. Mahek Desai, ID. Radhesh Damor
Photography: Manan Surati