Essentia Environments’ office in Gurugram epitomizes their design ethos, blending innovation, functionality, and timeless elegance to create a space that inspires creativity and collaboration.
Headed by the multi-talented duo Hardesh and Monica Chawla, Essentia Environments is a renowned design firm celebrated for crafting luxurious and timeless spaces. With a philosophy rooted in creating bespoke environments that blend elegance, functionality, and comfort, the firm has consistently delivered transformative designs that resonate with individuality and sophistication. From opulent residences to exquisite commercial spaces, Essentia Environments stands as a testament to innovation and refined craftsmanship.
Essentia Environments’ corporate office in Gurugram reflects the organization’s ethos and commitment to innovative design. This office serves as both a functional environment and a statement piece, it reflects their approach to innovation, materiality, and spatial storytelling. Every element—be it the layout, lighting, or choice of materials—speaks volumes about the architect’s understanding of form, functionality, and aesthetics. In designing their own office, architects often push the boundaries of conventional ideas, creating spaces that inspire collaboration, stimulate creativity, and embody their unique design ethos.
In this office, clean lines and clutter-free spaces form the backbone of the design and space planning. Functionality takes precedence, especially in shared corporate environments. The aesthetic direction for this office reflects the mantra of “less is more,” employing a carefully curated selection of materials. These materials are consistently utilised across all levels of the space, creating a cohesive and harmonious environment.
“If one were to encapsulate the design style of the Essentia office in a single word, it would be “calming.” The space exudes a tranquil yet energizing atmosphere, fostering productivity while keeping stress at bay.” Explains Monica Chawla. “We were conscious that the office would not be a resemblance of a mere portfolio or an incoherent collection of spaces. Transparency and equal opportunities—values integral to the organization’s operations—are physically embodied within the office. This vision ensures a seamless flow from one area to another, fostering unity and openness.” says Hardesh Chawla.
Spanning an impressive 30,000 sq ft, the office accommodates 270 employees. High ceilings amplify the sense of space, while mezzanine areas overlook the general floor, adding depth and dimension. The layout includes 14 sitting meeting rooms, numerous standing meeting spaces, breakout lounges, material libraries, cafes, and restrooms. This thoughtful configuration supports the simultaneous hosting of up to 90 visitors, facilitating meetings, training sessions, and collaborative discussions with remarkable ease.
The office design prioritizes ergonomics, ensuring a dynamic work environment that encourages movement. Clear walking paths and team connectivity offers employees the chance to stretch and stay active. Each piece of furniture undergoes rigorous testing for shape, dimensions, and material quality to suit active, shared spaces. Ergonomics extend to aspects like temperature control and the use of non-allergenic, cleanable materials, ensuring comfort and health.
Visitors are greeted by a double-height, garden-facing foyer on the ground floor, offering a teaser of the design brilliance within. The workspaces on the second floor unveil an array of features: 14 meeting rooms, a large waiting area, multiple senior management cabins, glass-enclosed shared cabins, founders’ cabins with outdoor decks, open-plan workstations for 250+ staff, and more. Additional amenities include staff cafés, archive rooms, material libraries, and breakout areas, each designed to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
Every element—from furniture to decor objects, wall claddings to metal accents—is designed and manufactured in-house. The building itself spans six levels, housing a 150,000 square-foot production space. The result is a workspace that is not only functional but also a true reflection of Essentia’s design ethos: minimalistic, contemporary, earthy, yet vibrant.
Lighting design is a critical aspect, with a mix of imported magnetic tracks and decorative fixtures strategically placed to enhance the ambience. Lux levels are varied, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that elevates the overall aesthetic.
The Essentia office is more than just a workplace; it’s a collaborative and holistic space that fosters learning, sharing, and synergy. By housing all stakeholders of the design and build process under one roof, the office becomes a hub of creativity and innovation. This setup nurtures a spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement, embodying Essentia’s vision of a connected and empathetic work culture.
Designed to accommodate a growing team, the office can easily double its capacity if needed. It caters to diverse needs, from collaborative teams to individuals requiring quiet and focus. This adaptability ensures that the space functions cohesively while meeting the unique requirements of various teams.
The Essentia office is a testament to the organization’s ability to balance diverse demands. It seamlessly transitions between resembling a luxury resort lobby, a museum of priceless art, and a cozy college café. This creative challenge has been masterfully executed, making the office a true haven for its team.
The Essentia Environments office stands as a remarkable example of thoughtful design and innovation, offering a space that inspires, nurtures, and energizes its occupants while reflecting the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
