The Twin Habitat, a mixed use Commercial cum Warehouse Complex in Noida redefines urban architecture through the lens of Nature-Integrated Design philosophy.
Every building tells a story, not just of structure, but of its soul. With The Twin Habitat, designed for Fybros in Sector 63, Noida, Vinod Singhi & Ranju Singhi, Principal Architects at Basics Architects set out to redefine what an industrial space can be. Spread across a 4,440 sq. m site with a total built-up of 1,80,000 sq. ft of warehouse including 36,000 sq. ft of commercial office space, crafted not just for efficiency, but also for well-being. “What began as a brief to build a functional industrial facility evolved into something more meaningful: a nature-embracing, future-ready, user-first habitat that blends the rugged spirit of industry with the calm, restorative rhythm of nature”, shares Vinod.
This project is beyond stacking goods or housing operations. It began with the idea of rethinking how industry and human experience can co-exist, with nature at the centre. This new mixed-use complex combines a modern warehouse and a unique office space. Sharing the client brief Ranju, says, “The client, Fybros known for their high-quality electrical products came to us with a vision: a space that reflects their core values of durability, efficiency, and sustainability. This perfectly aligned with our philosophy of Nature-Integrated Design (NID), a two-pronged strategy focusing on Habitability and Sustainability. Together, they guided our approach at every level, from the ground beneath to the sky above.
This project serves two primary user groups: office employees and warehouse workers. The design focused on providing comfort, convenience, and a strong connection to nature for both groups, despite the differences in their work environments. BASICS also drew upon the idea of Hedonistic Sustainability, a design approach that encourages sustainable choices through pleasurable experiences and community-focused spaces. “To make the building futureproof, BASICS planned for likely changes in zoning and land use, a common trend in industrial areas where industries are gradually moved out and replaced by residential or commercial developments as cities grow”, informs Vinod.
The client required a facility where loaded trucks could move easily, without affecting safe pedestrian access for office staff. This led to a two-block configuration. The warehouses open into a shared loading area between the two blocks. The workspace is situated on the second and third floors of one block. The building’s facade plays a key role in meeting the goals set by the design brief. The front facade faces West, which created the biggest design challenge. The building needed protection from the harsh summer sun but also required natural light for the office spaces. Ranju further adds, “On the West side, a double-skin facade features terracotta-coloured GRC lattices, mixed with vertical greens. This is supported by a grey metallic frame. A part of the facade has a curtain wall that lets natural light into the office areas. On the South side, deep projections frame large louvered windows. These let sunlight in while cutting down glare.” The facade helps create a healthy indoor environment and a strong public image. The greens-and-lattice grid blocks the harsh sun but allows fresh air to pass through. This filtered air improves natural ventilation.
The design also connects the indoors with the outdoors. Occupants can enjoy pleasant views and soft breezes without facing the intense heat and dust common in the area. The design of the warehouse focuses fully on the comfort, convenience, and well-being of warehouse workers. Efficient circulation routes connect all work areas. Facilities like drinking water stations, toilets, and parking are planned for easy access. Loading bays are shaded with a metallic canopy. Balconies and refuge areas are also shaded to give workers places to rest away from the heat and hard work. Natural ventilation is promoted through louvered and screened facades, supported by large ventilators. The corporate workspace covers 36,000 sq ft across the top two floors of the South Block. It has a separate entrance and lift lobby, accessed through a pre-reception area on the stilt floor. This makes the office functionally independent from the warehouse. A defining feature of the workspace is the two courtyard-style lounges created under large skylights. These lounges have an outdoor feel, with wide views of the sky, abundant natural light, lush plants, and floors paved with wood, tiles, and decorative pebbles. The office design balances space efficiency with user comfort. It avoids typical high-density layouts by creating smaller clusters of desks. These clusters improve privacy, reduce noise, and boost productivity. Meeting rooms, breakout zones, discussion pods, and call booths are placed between the clusters, creating a lively mix of private and shared spaces. Recreational spaces are spread across both floors. From any desk, a lounge, café, or dining space is visible and easy to reach. This layout reinforces the idea of a workspace that values employee satisfaction as much as productivity.
Supporting both, the warehouse and workspace, sustainability was embedded as a fundamental design driver across the project. By combining habitability and sustainability as a twin strategy, the building directly addresses the growing issue of urban air pollution. Habitability is achieved through ample natural light, cross ventilation, breathable facades, and air filtration systems specifically ensuring a healthy, comfortable indoor environment for the building users. This strategy makes the building immune towards the city’s harsh air pollution. Simultaneously, sustainability measures like energy efficiency, reduced resource use, green facades, and climate-responsive planning strategies have been implemented that help improve the external environment, reducing the building’s ecological footprint thereby contributing to making the city better. Together, these two approaches not only enhance user health & well-being but also contribute to a cleaner, more resilient city. Photographer: Nakul Jain
