Project Name: Small Office, Vadodara
Architect: Dharam Patel
Architecture & Interior Firm: Art & Architecture Associates
Project Type: Commercial Interior (Office)
Project Area: 2000 sq. ft.
Location: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Project Year: 2023

The Small Office in Vadodara, designed by Architect Dharam Patel of Art & Architecture Associates, received the Winner recognition at the HELIX Design Awards 2023 for its innovative approach to adaptive reuse and sustainable office design.

The project involved the transformation of a 40-year-old residential building into a contemporary office space for a cement dealer located along the highway leading to Vadodara airport. Instead of demolishing the existing structure, the design approach focused on adaptive reuse, revitalizing the old building while minimizing construction waste and environmental impact.

With a long and narrow footprint of 45 feet by 12 feet, the three-storey structure posed spatial challenges that were addressed through a clear and efficient planning strategy. The design opens up the interiors into clean, rectangular workspaces connected through the existing staircase core retained from the original structure.

The material palette reflects the core identity of the client’s business in cement distribution. Cement has been used extensively across the office—from in-situ white cement terrazzo flooring and cement board furniture to custom light fixtures made from cement sheets. This deliberate use of material creates a strong visual narrative that connects the architecture with the client’s profession.

The office is organized across three levels. The ground floor houses the reception, sales area, and manager’s cabin, while the first floor contains the owner’s office and staff workstations. The second floor functions as a community and meeting space, featuring a pool table that doubles as a conference table.

Sustainability is further enhanced through solar panels installed on the roof generating approximately 6 kW of energy, reducing dependence on external power sources. Recycled boards, exposed conduits, and simple construction techniques reinforce the project’s cost-effective and environmentally responsible design approach.

Winning the HELIX Design Awards 2023 highlights the project as a strong example of adaptive reuse and context-driven office design, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can transform an existing structure into a functional and meaningful contemporary workplace.