m9 studio completes multi-purpose building in india with a translucent polycarbonate facade

M9 design studio has completed ‘the courtyard’, a two-story recreation building with a cafe and multi-purpose event space in india, set in the garden of the clients’ grandparents house. intended to minimize its impact on the existing structure, both during and after its construction, and create a connection with it, the project maintains as much of the existing garden area as possible, and positions the new building’s entrance so as to open onto this space. the structure comprises a flat roof, corrugated metal walls, and a mild steel frame, while a thin, translucent material replaces the regular exterior walls, maximizing natural light in its interior spaces.

front facade – facing the busy arterial road

the indian studio aimed at creating a unique building using mass-produced components, balancing between high quality, low cost, and a short execution timeline. rectangular in plan, the two-story building features a cafe on the ground floor, while the first floor, encased by a corrugated polycarbonate sheet facade, houses the multi-purpose event space. the facade is lined by rich textured drapes on its inside, which controls the amount of natural light during specific shows and events. made from the same material as the walls, windows can be opened to let fresh air into the building. at night, lights glowing from within transform the building into a huge light-box placed along the streetscape. the building’s interior comprises a black, steel structure made of I-beams, exposed deck sheet ceilings, and a mixture of concrete and timber on its floors.

cafe seating overlooking the courtyard and the old house

the cafe seating

the entrance door with the glimpse of the old house beyond the courtyard

stairs are tucked between the skin layers

the performance space

the morning facade

the evening facade

the evening facade with the tree

view from the road

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom