studio saar completes secure sanand factory in gujarat, india

secure sanand is a purpose-built factory promoting staff wellbeing and collaboration

emerging architecture practice studio saar has completed a purpose-built industrial facility for indian multi-national electronics manufacturer secure meters in sanand, gujarat. the ‘secure sanand’ factory design reveals an uplifting work environment that promotes staff wellbeing while reducing energy consumption. it includes state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, a canteen and recreational hub, as well as a seasonal lake that fluctuates between one to three acres in size to allow for rainwater harvesting.

all images © ankit jain

an expandable, utilitarian design with four distinct buildings

secure sanand sits on a 25-acre (101,171 sqm ) site, a former lakebed, that secure meters (see more here) has repurposed and designated for industrial development. at the company’s request, studio saar (see more here) has outlined an expandable masterplan with three distinct zones for manufacturing lines, employee recreation, and visitors.

more importantly, drawing on the client’s ethos that places employee wellbeing at the forefront of its operations, the ambitious development provides an inclusive environment for workers. essentially, it seeks to promote communication and collaboration, breaking down silos and challenging the strong hierarchy often found in manufacturing work environments.

aerial view of secure sanand

the scheme comprises of four buildings: the main manufacturing facility, utility bay, canteen and recreation center, and reception building. linking them are sheltered walkways covered with white and undulating, kite-like fabric canopies that protect from the weather while doubling up as a wayfinding tool to guide users through the site.

the main manufacturing wings feature large, open plan spaces, enabling additional work lines and a high degree of flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of the workforce. the entrance building, meanwhile, sits adjacent to the manufacturing facility. covered by a tilted open canopy that welcomes visitors inside, the reception hub houses meeting rooms, the APJ abdul kalum training room, changing and locker rooms, and a medical center. studio saar designed that section to be open and welcoming to all while ensuring that only screened staff can access the premises.

seasonal lake and pathway

the canteen and recreation hub rests at the heart of the development. it counters the white, functional appearance of the manufacturing and utility buildings — offering a playful addition to the site. housing a gym, recreational area, canteen, and kitchen, with 300-degree views, the building provides a relaxing atmosphere for staff. structurally, exposed concrete is juxtaposed with a characteristic corten steel entrance canopy, distinguishing the leisure area from neighboring work zones. additionally, wide cantilevers protect the building from the sun while a water source cooling system reduces air temperature throughout the interiors.

further demonstrating secure sanand’s flexibility, the company repurposed the canteen to provide workers with temporary accommodation during the covid-19 pandemic. this initiative enabled them to continue working and providing for their households. ‘the building’s design as a multifunctional hall allowed secure meters to create single accommodation units containing a bed, small storage unit, and power for charging electronic devices. through a bespoke ventilation system, the air was treated with both passive and active ventilation systems, meeting the highest air quality standards required for employee health during the pandemic,’ explains studio saar.

a white color palette was chosen for the structure and surface finishes

overall, the utilitarian facility reveals a clear design language. a white color palette was chosen for the structure and surface finishes, providing a lighter ambiance, while grey stone cladding roots the scheme in its surroundings. moreover, the buildings feature distinctive sawtooth facades that reference early industrial architecture, allowing natural light to infiltrate the working areas below and provide a space for solar panels, which generate up to 50% of the overall energy demand.

canteen area

incorporating greenery and water harvesting into the scheme

due to the site’s potential flood risk, the development incorporates a seasonal lake that expands from one acre to three acres during the monsoon period, allowing 100 percent of rainwater to collect on-site and be stored in the lake for longer periods. the water body is surrounded by recharge wells that slowly filter water back to designated underground reserves.

finally, the architects lined the routes coming in and out of the site with 600 newly planted trees to curate a smooth and enjoyable journey for workers traveling between work and home. existing trees, which were home to a flock of weaver birds, were retained and given a wide berth to protect the habitat. an additional 2,000 trees will soon be planted in the surrounding areas, further contributing to employees’ wellbeing and the client’s ongoing commitment to reforestation.