Transformation

V Dart Technologies

The office for the Indian operations of V Dart Technologies used to be an old factory workshop that was converted into a modern workplace. The project is an example of recycling existing buildings for different purposes without demolition.

VDart Inc is a US-based company offering resource support and IT solutions for several Fortune 1000 companies. Their Indian operation, VDart Technologies Pvt. Ltd., had to expand on short notice owing to the increasing overseas demand. The decision to acquire and refurbish an existing building saved cost and the time that would be spent waiting for the approval for a new building. By recycling an existing building, the older building received a second lease of life and use. The office is situated along the highway as one enters the city of Trichy.

The existing building offered many advantages. It was built in steel and had long column-free spaces. These were ideal to accommodate the desired open workplaces. The industrial aesthetics was maintained by choosing to expose the services and by using the same construction technique, namely steel and concrete. Furthermore, defining features of the old building like the passageway and the red industrial lift were integrated into the design to maintain traces of the building’s previous use.

“Defining features of the old building like the passageway and the red industrial lift were integrated into the design to maintain traces of the building's previous use.”

The workplaces are arranged on 2 floors and on a mezzanine floor which was added to the existing building. The mezzanine floor is made of corrugated steel and poured concrete which is attached to the existing ‘I’ section columns. The metal sheet roof was replaced with PUF panels for better thermal & acoustic insulation. Services such as air-conditioning, lighting, and wiring that are left exposed not only save on false ceiling costs but also maintain the industrial character of the building.

An annexe building was constructed at the rear of the site. In this building, common facilities such as a canteen, a gym, a multipurpose hall and residential facilities for visiting executives are added. A terrace garden adds to the community space in the project.