The Eagle Has Landed

Among the run-down warehouses of India’s largest industrial zone, a new kind of building and an innovative wellness brand are showing the rest of the World what its country can really do.

Atop 12 acres of luscious green landscape, in the middle of India’s largest industrial zone, Manesar, an eagle is set to soar. With its wings spread wide ready for flight, this eagle is demonstrating its strength and showcasing its pride. Designed by Gayathri and Namith Architects (GNA), the headquarters of complete bathroom solutions manufacturers, Jaquar Group, is the first of its kind in India, and its construction, design, sustainable and technical functionalities are making it the World’s newest architectural destination.

Global leaders in complete bathroom solutions, Jaquar have been producing the highest quality faucets, ceramics and multi-diversified bathroom solutions for both residential and commercial properties since 1960. While the brands products are focused around wellness and water, its philosophy is similar to that of the eagle; a strategic and continuous strive to be the best, not just in quality but also in delivery, cost effectiveness, product innovation, sustainability and aesthetics. With these concepts in mind, GNA began constructing a building in 2011, delivering a building that embodies the essence of Jaquar in 2016.

With its offices previously in the CBD, it was a big decision to move Jaquar’s entire corporate operations approximately 35 kilometres outside of the city. However, the setting of the building was one of the most important factors in creating the sense of awe that one experiences when first catching a glimpse of this architectural monument. On approach to the buildings entrance, a winding waterfall stretches the length of the landscape, offering guests a refreshing welcome and a small taste of the luxury that lies ahead.

Constructed using a hierarchical planning method, the ground floor is positioned in the middle of the building with a factory occupying the basement levels. Having a factory at the heart of the design was chosen to demonstrate Jaquar’s roots in manufacturing and quality control; giving the customers a transparent look into every aspect of Jaquar’s operations. At the main entrance, a four-storey atrium greets guests, filling the space with light and a sense of grandeur. As the heart of the waterfall cascades below your feet, the central atrium appears to divide the building in halve – the left side reserved for office spaces while the right side is where the magic happens.

Referred to as the ‘World of Jaquar’, the right wings’ ground floor is occupied by a visual and auditory experience that introduces you to the brand, designed by Michael Foley of Foley Designs. A state-of-the-art showroom also allows employees and visitors to feel and experience the products and their quality. Part of Jaquar’s brief for this building was also to create a cultural environment for the ‘Jaquar family’, therefore various recreational spaces were crafted including an indoor sports room, gym, library and fully-catered cafeteria. Above this, what Jaquar refers to as the “play area” is reserved for product planning, testing and collaborative workshops, and is considered one of the most important elements of Jaquar’s creative process.

While the interior spacial planning and technological features is in itself remarkable, the structural beauty and composition is where this building has received much attention. As the first corporate building in India to receive LEED Platinum Certification, Jaquar Group’s HQ uses 100% recycled water, an energy-to-waste plant in its factory, non-conventional HVAC cooling/heating systems, energy-efficient LED light fixtures, centralised Building Management System, and much more. An impressive 975kW solar PV system also makes Jaquar Groups’ HQ a net-positive building, meaning it produces more energy than it uses.

An architecturally magnificent structure that not only provides a cultural and enjoyable space for its occupants but also gives back to its environment is quite a feat, but Gayathri and Namith Architects have managed to pull it off. And now with a building that symbolises the soul of its business, Jaquar Group is soaring.

Jaquar Corporate Office
Location: IMT, Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana
Architecture: Gayathri & Namith Architects

For more information, visit JAQUAR.