Aim towards elegance without being frugal; says Ahmedabad-based architect Chirashree Thakkar – in the introduction to the theme of this issue: Green All Over. Conservation – and the three R’s – reduce, re-use, recycle – have been integral to the Indian value system. In our country, there was never a culture of throwing away anything – be it a bottle, a can, a saree, pajamas or paper. There is always a culture of reuse of material and resources. The practice of serving food in a community function was aimed towards conserving the food and using it for the needy. There is a practice of cleaning utensils using ash in the areas, where water was in short supply. A new saree is bought for a festival, the new saree is worn at the time of the festival and then kept away to be worn in better functions like marriage; it is shared with the close members of the family, later the saree is used for daily wear, when it is finally worn out, it is braided to form a door mat, and the threads of the border are used to embroider children’s nappies. That was the level of consciousness towards a fabric, which would have taken about 10 days to weave… Can we call this sustainability? Is waste a byproduct of plenty? Is the insensitive approach towards ‘Indian values’ leading the country towards large waste management issues? Is it that abundance has made us forget the importance of the resource? Same is the case with newspaper. The newspaper bags generated income for a number of slum women and there was no problem of its management as a waste. The country suddenly switches to polythene bags and the results are obvious – ranging from clogging of drains and causing floods to cows having digestion problems, to the higher cost of digging foundations as the substrata is layered with these bags.

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As designers it should be our mandate to use our skills and intervene towards bringing back the strong sustainable culture of our country. It is the sensitive use of resources by designers, which can make us a part of this movement. We could show our concern by optimizing our use of resources. By using more of natural light and smart placement of fenestrations, we could use less power… By using two track plumbing system and the appropriate plumbing fixtures, and by reducing use of bath tubs, we could conserve water... By planning the interior of the building along with the construction, by insisting on the correct workmanship, thus avoiding misuse of materials, we can save repeated use of components /elements of construction and thereby save resources…. By using eco-friendly building materials, such as fly ash blocks with hydraulic press, we can avoid plaster and reduce the consumption of mortar. We can have larger awnings to save on the air-conditioning costs of the building. Re-use old doors and windows; and use packing crate doors wherever possible. Paving tiles with recycled dabba as reinforcement can be used; and paver-blocks in fly-ash are also great options. In interiors, we can make blinds with recycled paper and cloth; old silk saris can be used as window blinds; plastic bags can be used in between layers of glass instead of frosting. Plastic bags can be woven to create shower mats, and a variety of objects - if we use our imagination. Basically, one needs to be conscious of the extended use of materials after their primary purpose is served. In the issue, we have featured micro and macro level examples of green architecture and design. Starting from Burt Hill’s office in Ahmedabad (a LEED Platinum-rated interior project) and moving to Trivandrum-based architect N. Mahesh’s extrapolation of his green beliefs in his projects for the hospitality sector, we conclude the Indian overview with the pioneering figures in sustainable design, architects Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri with their projects of the Gujarat Vidyapith. Inputs by Mr. Sudhakaran Nair, President of the Indian Plumbing Association & Executive Board Member of the World Plumbing Council - Bengaluru explain the role of green design in water management and plumbing – and highlight how the same is converted into points for the LEED ratings. In our special feature on corporate offices, we have, among others, the L & T Technology Block at Hazira, Surat – the latest building to get the LEED Platinum Rating

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And of course, we are proud to have as Insite Icon of the month, none other than the Chairman of the Indian Green Building Council, Dr. Prem C. Jain!!

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The office featured here is the India headquarters of Burt Hill, an international leader in architecture, green design and engineering. Thus, the interiors had to represent the firm’s philosophy with regards to sustainability and design – to be exemplary in the areas of energy optimization, materials, and innovative design and to provide a workplace that enhances productivity and the well-being of its employees. Mr. Jayesh Hariyani, Burt Hill India discusses the design with Interior Designer Vaishali Shah, and explains what it took to achieve the LEED Platinum Rating!! The other architects involved in the project were Ekaggrat Singh Kalsi, Naeem Rushnaiwala, Jeremy Sphar, Joseph Beerens, Darshan Soni, Nitin Narang.

Green Practice Burt,Hill : They practice, what they preach

Many leading Indian corporations are going green and Burt Hill is one of them, who set the standards. Burt Hill’s Ahmedabad office, with more than 14,000 square feet, is where employees experience increased motivation and productivity, while working in an environmentally sensitive design practice. The office has a capacity for 120+professionals — architects, designers, engineers, planners, and administrative personnel — and half the density of most Indian offices. The design enables each employee to create his/her own work environment with the understanding that more personal space increases productivity and efficiency and leads to a higher level of identification with the company. The intent of an open office was to make people “feel at home,” allow them the space to express their creativity and in turn, create a more expressive environment that promotes ideation (idea creation) and fosters interaction. Basically, it can be said that there were two primary driving elements in the design: 1) Green as part of the national conversation and 2) Burt Hill’s culture – a desire to leverage the workplace to harness the full potential of employees by creating a high level of engagement of employees. One of the main features of the space is the glass walls and surfaces that are used as blank canvases. These clear canvases serve three functions: 1) They offer a place, where spontaneous ideation can happen; 2) They provide areas, where clients and staff can collaborate; and 3) They create a sense of openness and transparency for users and visitors alike. An abundance of general surface area and open meeting space was incorporated throughout the design to promote the open exchange of ideas and knowledge. This idea was borrowed from our experience with the design of advanced higher education facilities that employ such design devices in their campus centers to create “hubs”, where learning can take place outside the classroom. In addition, Burt Hill adopted this less-formal approach to space planning, which utilizes creative integration techniques, to attract and retain happy and productive employees.

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The office was designed to be designated a LEED™ Platinum interior, which proved to be a challenge because of the existing conditions of the office building. To achieve this rating, Burt Hill used local and sustainable materials as much as possible and invested heavily in smart green-technology systems that help limit energy consumption. This juxtaposition allows for both a healthy work environment within a truly modern facility that meets the needs of the modern office paradigm to balance worker health with technology requirements. The effort was completed by an in-house team with prior Global LEED™ experience in collaboration with other notable Burt Hill experts in the areas of energy modeling and optimization. The office is pursuing a LEED™ Platinum certification for corporate interiors, which will be one of the first of its kind in India.

WHAT IT TOOK TO ACHIEVE LEED™ PLATINUM The Site More than 50% of parking spaces are underground or covered by structured parking, which reduces the heat island effect on a non-roof. 100% of the building is finished with China mosaic (recycled), which has a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) greater than or equal to a minimum of 75% of the roof surface. The site is located within an existing minimum development density of 60,000 square feet per acre with appropriate community connectivity to all basic amenities. The project is located within half mile of two or more bus lines, thus promoting alternative transportation and public transportation access. Preferred parking spaces are available for carpools. Preferred parking spaces for bicycle storage and changing facilities are available within 200 yards of the building. Water Low flow fixtures were used to save water. Energy A high performance Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system was used instead of a conventional packaged system. A special low u-value film was used to reduce the heat gain from the existing windows on the east, west, and south sides of the

building. Internal rolling blinds with reflective exterior facing fabric were used to limit unwanted heat gain. Every space has occupancy sensor controlled lighting and HVAC systems ensuring that systems and lights are not left on, when a space is not in use. Overall less light power densities were used against reference standards. Daylight controls were used to modulate the electric lighting intensities to a depth of 15 feet from the parameter. The building management system monitors and logs energy and systems usage allowing tweaking and fine tuning of the system per actual usage to maximize efficiency in the way the office operates. Carbon Dioxide sensors monitor the occupancy of conditioned spaces and increase the amount of fresh air supplied to the system, when occupancy is high, maximizing user comfort and minimizing stale air and fatigue. When zones are occupied by fewer inhabitants, the amount of fresh air is reduced to maintain comfort, while increasing conditioning efficiency. High efficiency and non-CFC/HCFC chillers were used for air conditioning. Energy star rated equipment and appliances were used to optimize energy performance. Materials Recycled contents were used in the building materials. Materials used included steel, glass, tiles, gypsum, and MDF which have high amounts of recycled content. About 95% of construction waste was diverted from landfills and was reused / recycled. Around 30% of the total furniture and fixtures were salvaged and refurbished or used furniture was used throughout the space. Air Quality Smoking is prohibited inside the building. CO2 sensors are provided to ensure the required amount of fresh air is fed to the conditioned spaces. All of the paints, adhesives, and sealants used in the building are low emitting VOC. 50% out of the total wood based material of FSC certified wood was used. More than 20% of the material used is locally sourced to reduce the environmental impact due to transportation from long distances. Separate storage was provided for collecting recyclables like paper, cardboard, plastic and organic wastes. Eco friendly GS-37 certified cleaning agents used in the building. Innovation Handouts to building visitors and signage indicating the green features educate the occupants about green design.

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This holistic approach to design encourages interaction, extends transparency, and provides a healthy environment for all. Ultimately this space represents Burt Hill’s commitment to practice what it preaches by providing innovative, functional and sustainable architectural services to our clients on a local and personal level.

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The Green Adventures The pioneers in green architecture, Parul Zaveri and Nimish Patel of Panika, continue their exploration of the green path, with this passive-cooled Sabha Khand (Lecture Auditorium) at the Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad. Here, the architects explain the project in their own words…

Parul Zaveri and Nimish Patel

Gandhiji established Gujarat Vidyapith, a pioneering Institution in Gandhian thought, in 1920. His intent was to liberate the Indian youth from the shackles of British Empire, and prepare them for the task of national reconstruction and usher in ‘Hind Swaraj’, the India of his dream. Simplicity, transparency, clarity of thoughts, and above all, the importance of truth and nonviolence in life, were hallmarks on which this institution was founded, and has conducted itself for the past nine decades. Over the years it has became a university and has extended its areas of influence through a vide range of activities. Gujarat Vidyapith campus, as a result, has also grown adding several new buildings to facilitate these activities.

Panika, Ahmedabad The one facility that they wished to add in 2005 was a 700-seat lecture auditorium, or a ‘Sabha Khand’. A few of the Trustees also felt this auditorium should conduct activities of prayer meetings, lectures, seminars as well as discussions for larger groups for longer periods, but without being dependent on the use of air conditioning system. Their reasoning was that use of air conditioning system was not in tandem with the Gandhian approach to life. They began the search for architects who were equipped to address their concerns. During their one year search, the Trustees heard about the Torrent Research Centre at Ahmedabad, and its significant achievements in energy conservation, through Ms. Charul Bharwada, an architect and an urban planner. Charul put them in touch with us at Panika. A visit to the Torrent Research Centre and discussions with our team, increased their confidence, but there was still some apprehension. They wanted to come and visit our newly built residence, primarily to check if our advocacy for resource conservation and the conduct of our own lives were based on the same values. Their visit convinced them that their concerns could be addressed with our involvement. Thus began the relationship between Gujarat Vidyapith and Panika. It led to the completion of the ‘Sabha Khand’ in December 2008, despite several ups and downs, difficulties and hurdles, and apprehensions on part of the campus community who were watching its progress. We had clarified to them in the very beginning that our processes of design would make use of common knowledge, common sense, innovations and a trial & error approach, but will avoid any calculations by experts to achieve their targeted concerns. We had our own reasons & confidence, which was rooted in the ‘Bottom Up’ approach practiced in India for centuries. It focused

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We then began to familiarise ourselves with the various buildings of the campus through its decades of growth, and to search for forms of the buildings which would reflect the Gandhian approach to designing buildings. We found it in one of the earlier buildings, used then as a dining hall. It was simple, and also conducive for the purpose of a lecture auditorium at a larger scale. Thus emerged the design of the auditorium with the verandahs on three sides, serving the purpose of insulating the inner hall from the heat ingress, while providing the required overflow space for larger audiences. One of the earliest decisions in design was to maximise use of lime in construction as a binding as well as plastering material. The next one was to minimise the use of reinforced concrete in the building elements. The third was to identify methods of bringing pre-cooled air into the building from its floor, for the required air circulation, while in use. The building was conceived as a load bearing wall construction, with pitched roof in M.S.frame truss with M.S. roofing sheets. The brick masonry wall has been built using lime mortar and lime plaster, with the finishing coat of lime wash. The mortar and plaster in lime were prepared using traditional methods with ingredients like Gud, Gugal & Methi. The trusses have been supported on a peripheral RCC beam resting on the 350 mm thick load bearing wall. The sectional profile is evolved to facilitate the air movement. The plan organization has three tunnels; two under the sitting area and one under the stage. These tunnels are connected at both the ends to 450 mm dia. cement concrete spun pipes, located at the depth of between 4.5 to 6.0 mts. below the existing ground level. The pipes, at the other end, are also connected to the 6.5 mts. deep well like structures, located at a distance from the building. These covered structures, 6 Project Data Project Built up Area Client Architects Client’s Supervising Team Principal Contractor Structural Consultants Acoustics Consultants Electrical Consultants Year of Completion

: : : : :

Passive cooled Lecture Auditorium 1340 Sq.mtrs. Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad Panika, Ahmedabad Shri Kamlesh Patel & Shri Manoj Joshi, Gujarat Vidyapith : M/s. Jitendra I. Patel & Team

: M/s Ducon Consultants : B.M.Parekh & M.C.Kapadia, Jayshree Enterprises : M/s Harshad Zaveri : 2009

mts. in diameter, are sealed from the top, and have eight fans on each of them, to push the air from the atmosphere downwards. Four inverted shower roses, with pumped recirculating water supply, are located at 2 mt. depth, throw water shower in upward direction. The forced air passes through the moisture created by showers, and gets saturated as well as cooled. It then moves through the underground pipes into the tunnels of the hall. The intent was to force pre-cooled air into the auditorium from the lower level, and allow it to escape back into the atmosphere through the exhaust ducts and the clear storey opening at the upper level. The system ensures that every user breathes 100 per cent fresh air, not re-circulated air. The generated air movement and the pre-cooled air help in creating comfort conditions in the hall for its occupants. The design concept was based on the understanding that, at any depth more than 4.5 mts. below the ground level, the temperature of the earth mass is a constant through out the year and is the average ambient temperature of the year. In case of Ahmedabad it is known to be 24 º - 26º C. As this was a lecture auditorium, the lighting fixtures were also minimised to the level of adequacy only, so as to curtail additional heat generation. Twelve wall-hung fans further facilitate the air circulation. The solution for achieving the comfort levels within the hall has been realised through minimal use of electrical energy, consumed only for the fans and for the pumps to re-circulate the water within the wells. Since January 2009, the auditorium has been in operation for prayer meetings, lectures and other similar activities. Feedback of the occupants, broadly satisfactory in nature, has also helped us identify the areas of inadequate air movements, air flows and discomfort. Both aspects are currently being attended to with additional measures. These are expected to be implemented in the near future. The overall experience till date appears to be in the same directions as the expectations. The observations will continue through 2-3 seasonal cycles to arrive at the final operational procedures for optimum level of comfort in all seasons. The capital cost comparisons have not been done in any precise manner. However, the capital cost for air conditioning this auditorium would have been approximately one third of the additional capital cost for the present system of cooling. The operative cost also has not been precisely calculated, but thumb rule application puts it at only a fraction of the likely consumption of an Air-conditioned auditorium. Members of ISHRAE (Gujarat chapter) and IIID (Ahmedabad chapter) were invited to experience the operative system in April 2009. Many of them were supportive and felt convinced about the use of this approach by more numbers of professionals. A few of them also contributed with valuable insights. This innovative experiment would not have been possible without the support of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar, the efforts of the technical personnel of Gujarat Vidyapith, as well as of the principal contractor. We are hopeful that in times to come, this ‘Sabha Khand’ will convince more organizations and individuals to accept and adopt this time tested ‘Bottom Up’ approach to sustainability.

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on minimising the consumption of resources, as against the current ‘Top Down’ approach of ‘Green’ buildings, which focuses on maximizing savings, through use of experts’ involvement and ‘Green’ products. We wanted to demonstrate that it is also possible to achieve it with minimum inputs from the experts and without using the defined ‘Green’ products. It was also because our experience of evolving energy efficient designs using passive means for human comfort had made us realise that these simple tools were capable of achieving the desired results. We also felt that this approach was in tune with the Gandhian thoughts of simplicity and innovative experiment, minimizing the use of resources.

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Ar. N. Mahesh Commenitng on the green concepts in tourism industry in the country, Ar. N Mahesh says “traditional lodges are relaxation focused where as ecolodges today focus more on the activities and educational aspects”. Further, activities are also facility based - like Golf, Tennis, Swimming pools, snorkeling etc. in traditional hotels where as nature-recreated activities - like bird watching, hiking, diving, horse trekking - are the attractions in ecohotels, these days, he said. Development integrated with local environment needs to be the underlying principle of green hotels, according to him.

Green Goal The architecture and interior design firm of Iyer & Mahesh has positioned itself as one of the most sought after and successful designers of Resorts and Hotels in India. I&M is associated as Consultant in India and abroad for 16 Hotels and 18 Spa Resorts; most of which are of four and five star categories - estimated in today’s value at not less than Rs.3000 crores. PROMAG – an extension of Iyer & Mahesh launched in 2008 will support and render PMC service to all I&M projects. PROMAG has already bagged few of prestigious clients including INFOSYS, TECHNOPARK & TAMARA (for 5 Star Resort Kumarakom) I&M has strategic arrangements with several International Consultants for projects, where the technology and skill is not available in India. Iyer & Mahesh specializes in “Green Hotels” concept, wherein the resort and hotel projects designed by them will meet international standards and expectations in terms of environmental friendly design and energy efficiency. Already 14 resort hotels are conceptualized to achieve the ‘green’ goal. The tourism infrastructure projects featured here meet eco-friendly standards as laid out in LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) parameters as stipulated by USGBS & IGBS Norms. Text: Roopa Sabnis Pinge, Architect & Design Critic, Mumbai Photos : Courtesy the architect

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Ar Mahesh is now busy establishing the Trivandum Chapter of the Indian Green Building Council, in conultation with fellow architects in the locality. Formal launch of the Chapter may take a couple of months or so, starting September 09; but his intention is to bring it up as classy as one of the finest chapters in the country that really stands to its causes”.

In the world of architecture and design, one finds a few devoted to the cause; and others, who have used it to make up for their lack of design sensibilities and natural talent. Many people have scaled the heights of success using ‘the green belief’ as a prop. However, it is in institutional buildings and private residences that the green concepts are commonly seen in practice. Very rarely, one gets to see green design in the hospitality sector

– particularly in the higher star segment hotels. This typical notion of a five-star hotel breaking all rules and laws of design and nature is disrupted, when a designer vouches otherwise. Architect N. Mahesh of the Trivandrum-based firm Iyer & Mahesh has done just that. “The building sector in the country is gearing up to go green, in sync with the global trend towards sustainable development,” says Ar. Mahesh. “The Green Building concept, until now confined to technology demonstration projects, is slowly assuming the contours of a lucrative market, albeit a niche one, catering to high-end clients, according to industry observers. By definition, a Green Building is not an aesthetically pleasing structure in harmony with the natural environment and features in the neighbourhood, nor the one incorporating a random collection of environment-friendly technologies”. Green design is more of a lifestyle

shift; more of an ideological shift… With the world reeling under the threats of carbon dioxide emission due to burning of fossil fuels and reckless deforestation, ‘green design’ is the need of the hour. The hospitality sector, being a large one exerts a significant amount of influence on the path ahead. A green project, by definition, has to be registered under the IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Green Home program. “Our firm is employing “cradle-tocradle” Adoptive Technology – which means that 85 to 90% of materials used for furniture and fixtures in Hotel and Resort projects are either reusable or bio-degradable,” informs Ar. Mahesh. This is one of the first such initiatives on “conservation” methodology for large scale buildings by any architectural firm in India. “The benefits of green design are more intangible, but quite apparent. These include better air quality and day-lighting that contribute to the

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It’s very hip to be ‘green’… Ecofriendly is a word that has pervaded the collective consciousness of the human race in the 21 st century! However, many or most of us do not know the implications of “going green”. Wannabes - self-proclaimed celebrities, fashionistas, social butterflies, party-hoppers, and styleswappers – are usually heard flaunting their support to the green cause; they use it as their latest style statement.

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health and well-being of the occupants, and enhanced safety and conservation of natural resources. The rating system developed by the IGBC addresses issues such as handling of consumer waste, water efficiency, reduction in fossil fuel used in commuting, energy efficiency and conservation of forest resources such as wood.” The norms encourage the use of water in a self-sustaining manner through reducing, recycling and reusing strategies. The waste management system proposes segregation, storage and effective disposal. “The use of energy-efficient equipment and appliances such as lights, air- conditioning system, motors, pumps and elevators is recommended. The rating system also encourages projects to use recycled and reused material and discourage the use of virgin wood and indoor air pollutants. It uses prescriptive and performance based

assessment to evaluate credit points. Site, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal are factors taken into consideration,” says Mahesh. Some of the other features specified for a green building include landscaping in open areas, minimum disturbance to building site by retaining the natural topography, reflective coating over 50 per cent of the roof area, adequate parking space, designated battery charging points for new generation hybrid cars, designated parking for the physically challenged, rain-water harvesting system for reuse in apartments and gardening, waterefficient fixtures such as dual flush and faucets, reuse of salvaged building materials, sewage treatment plant, dual water piping system for flushing and gardening, barrier-free design for the physically challenged, timber-free structure and maximum emphasis on natural lighting and ventilation.

I&M is also one of country’s very few design firms practicing ‘soft architecture’ concepts. Soft architecture encompasses use of locally available materials, appropriate technology and avoidance of heavy concrete structures. As a part of providing comprehensive solution, Iyer & Mahesh delivers total solutions - from “Concept to Key”; which involves Location Selection, Strategizing the Re s o r t H o t e l p r o d u c t , Preinvestment Feasibility & D.P.R., Architectural Design, Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Consultancy, Project Management Consultancy (PMC), Landscape Design, Interior Design, Facility Planning and even Lighting Design. “It is time every builder is encouraged to take up green architecture, either by law or by offering them incentives such as tax concession,” firmly believes the architect.