Kirloskar Brothers Façade
Project Details
Location: Pune, India
Completion Date: April 2009
Size: 1,600sqm
Fabric: PVC - Hiraoka SD-4180
Client: Kirloskar Brothers
The Kirloskar Brothers Façade helps to create an architecturally unique exciting showcase for the global HQ of the world-leading company in water pump technology. MakMax Australia helped bring the vision to reality through design, engineering and fabrication.
The Brief
The brief for the Kirloskar Brothers Façade was to design and install a tensile membrane façade that would not only provide cooling shade, but also symbolise wealth, professionalism, respect, and innovative thinking. It needed to be a unique creation that promotes the company and captures the essence and spirit of life-giving water and its ability to enrich lives.
The Concept
Kumar Ravindra, from the award-winning architects Venkataramanan Associates, visualised sensuous curves of huge waves of water sweeping effortlessly across the building.
With a semi-transparent glow that added fluidity and depth, the wave curls from the ground up over the roof. The simple shapes totally embody the power and beauty of water both inside and out, while creatively reflecting the company philosophy.
The Materials
With transparency being critical to the watery theme, PVC fabric Hiraoka SD-4810 and its slight aqua tint was the perfect choice. This would flood light into the building yet provide occupants with a cool connection to the outdoors. PVC fabric also provides benefits of high tensile strength and durability. Together with the unique 3D steel frame manufactured in Mumbai, this delicate-looking creation remains deceptively tough.
The Result
Prominently situated on the Bombay-Pune Highway, the Kirloskar Brothers headquarters continues to impress and attract hundreds of passers-by every day. Not only has it captured the imaginations of many an onlooker, but the structure has also earned the pleasure of Kirloskar Brothers.
Kirloskar Brothers Façade won an Award of Excellence in Tensile Structures from Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) 2009.
