Chemical Bonds is the headquarters of Molkem, a pharmaceuticals, dyes and chemicals company with a staff of 50 people (plus a pet golden retriever and a tortoise!) It sits on the top floor of a high rise building with a north-facing facade overlooking a prime bustling road.

Given the long, linear space and low ceiling height, we had two goals for this project: first, to not use conventional overhead storage, and second, to create the perception of a greater height. In order to eliminate overhead cupboards, we converted the partition walls into storage units. Elements like fluted panels and slender bookshelves were added to accentuate the verticality of the space.

All the functions of the office are plugged into a central spine, which becomes the main axis of movement. Chemical Bonds also has a fine balance between the formal workspaces and the not-so-formal social spaces. With small nooks, lounges and outdoor decks scattered throughout the office, there is plenty of space to catch up with a colleague or just take a break from work.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette with white PU-finished walls contrasted by the dark oak veneers of the storage cupboards and complemented by a rough concrete finish ceiling. Fluted glass partitions allow daylight to flood the internal workspaces whilst maintaining privacy in the cabins. Each workstation is specially designed and custom made to incorporate planters that act as natural partitions between staff members but also make the indoor air quality better.

Two very distinct marbles, one white and the other brown, have also been used in tables around the office to elevate its elegance. The neutral wall finishes also become backdrops to some of the most exquisite artworks by prominent Indian artists such as S. H. Raza, Thota Vaikuntham and Amit Ambalal.  

Team:

Design: Vaissnavi Shukl

Design Team: Khyati Andrapiya, Ayushi Thakur

Project management: Bhumir Shah PMC

Photographer: Photographix | Ira Gosalia

Materials used:

Flooring:
Tiles: Grey floor tiles, Keracer 

Doors and windows: Glass partitions and doors, Black aluminum frame with fluted glass, Glassly 

Interior lighting:

Decorative Lights Hanging lights, Futura Lights   
Ceiling Lights Recessed LED lights, Hybec
Legrand Switches and Plates Switches and Switchplates, Legrand

Interior furniture:

Soft furnishing Curtains, blinds D'Décor
Office Chairs: Chairs,  Steelcase
Office furniture: Workstations D'Furn
Balcony Planters: Cement planters, Concrete Shop