Revolutionizing Workspace: The Farmers Den by The Grid Architects

Award-Winning Office Design Fosters Collaboration and Conversation

The Farmers Den, an office space designed by The Grid Architects, is a unique blend of traditional and contemporary design. The conceptual approach was to maintain the ethos of traditional design while incorporating modern elements. The design reflects the philosophy of honesty, embodied through earthy materials, textures, and colors. Inspired by tradition and socialism, the workspace resonates with energy and is designed to foster collaboration and conversation.

What sets the Farmers Den apart is its innovative use of local materials and its integration with the surrounding environment. Local yellow sandstone, chosen for its color and texture, changes with the sunlight, creating a dynamic and engaging workspace. The office also features a variety of local plant species, including insect repellent plants, creating its own ecosystem. The design also incorporates innovative solutions to protect the office from harsh sunlight and heat, such as raised mounds and tall trees on the southwest side of the office.

The design process was marked by a commitment to transparency and openness. The spatial planning emerged as a direct result of an intent to have an open plan office format, personifying transparency. The entrance arrival space is an open area flanked by landscape and waterbodies, creating a warm vibe right at the outset. The private consultation room is fully glazed to incorporate the greenness outside into the internal environment.

The Grid Architects faced several challenges in realizing this design. One of the main challenges was the use of natural materials and sunlight with stone. After the first rain, the fishes in the office's waterbody died due to the chemical used to stick the shingles on the roof. However, the architects quickly identified and rectified the problem. Another challenge was the harsh sunlight and heat. To overcome this, the architects designed the private office cabins to be adjoined by a waterbody and a breakout space wall, creating beautiful shadows and daylight shimmering, adding vibrancy to the space.

The Farmers Den is a testament to the power of architecture in shaping work culture and productivity. By seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary design elements, The Grid Architects have created a workspace that not only fosters collaboration and conversation but also resonates with energy and inspiration. The design's success is evident in its recognition by the A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2020, where it was awarded Silver.