Edifice Consultants designed the new JSW Administrative Office in Vasind, transforming aging plant offices into a cohesive, contemporary workspace that reflects the brand’s youthful, sustainable, and progressive vision.
Designed by Sanjay Nayak, Principal Architect, Edifice Consultants, along with Nilam Gosavi, Ravi Sarangan, Sanchita Pawar, and Shriraj Pillai, the transformation of the JSW Administrative Office in Vasind, Maharashtra, reflects JSW’s commitment to crafting workspaces that embody its evolving identity. The older plant offices—scattered across the premises and built over 30–40 years ago—were not only outdated and prone to leakage but also failed to align with the brand’s emerging ethos of being young, dynamic, sustainable, and sensitive. The newly designed campus addresses these challenges, creating a cohesive and future-ready work environment guided by JSW’s principle of “Better Every Day.”
The new administrative complex, set in the open North-West parcel of the plant, consolidates these outdated offices into a state-of-theart administrative complex that not only provides better infrastructure but also fosters a conducive working environment. The client’s vision to enhance the overall plant environment through the demolition of old structures has translated these areas into landscaped green spaces that allow for a connection with the natural surroundings.
Located on a major hub for the processing and manufacturing of corrugated sheets, the JSW Vasind plant spans 110 acres along the Mumbai-Nashik highway. The strategic placement of the new administrative complex on the open North West parcel maximises visibility and brand impact. Development regulations required no construction within 125 meters of the highway’s centre, effectively dividing the plot into two linear parcels.
The existing administrative buildings, located in the North area, were demolished post-shifting, and the area was repurposed into landscaped spaces and additional parking. The development’s placement has been informed by these highway setbacks, which defined the primary zone of the project. The site was largely clear, except for some tree cover, which has been carefully preserved. The architectural design takes full advantage of the site’s natural elements, integrating the surrounding landscape into the overall plan to create a cohesive and visually engaging environment while ensuring minimal disruption to the topsoil and no damage to the existing trees.
The architectural design of the JSW Administrative Office is a testament to robust spatial planning and thoughtful engagement with the landscape. The complex is divided into three primary zones: the main office block, the café, and the utility block. These zones are connected by a series of experiences set in the landscape, including the arrival pavilion, pedestrian walk, and central administrative court.
The built form is carefully articulated in local stone and exposed concrete, with insulated glazed covers for the workspaces, providing ample diffused light while being well-shaded by deep overhangs and localised external screens made of Corten steel. The unifying base of the complex houses the workspaces and shared functions, above which distinctly crafted linear bars overlook green vistas and maximise natural light and views for the workspaces. The café block, positioned between the main and utility blocks, facilitates pedestrian connectivity from other areas of the plant, creating a central hub for interaction and collaboration.
Material innovation is at the core of the project’s sustainability strategy. The use of locally sourced materials such as Kota stone, granite, and basalt stone underscores JSW’s commitment to sustainability. These materials minimise transportation emissions, support the local economy, and contribute to the building’s unique identity while enhancing its environmental performance.
The project extensively utilises JSW’s own steel, cement, and paints, further integrating the company’s products into the built environment. To reduce energy and resource consumption, the building incorporates several sustainable strategies, including low-E double glazing, appropriate shading devices, thermally insulated roofs, and low-consumption LED light fixtures.
The design also features low water consumption fixtures, efficient water-cooled chillers, and wastewater treatment systems that reuse water for horticulture and cooling tower make-up. The landscape design consciously minimises hardscape around the building perimeter to avoid the heat island effect and maximise softscape and tree cover, with treated water from the central plant’s STP used to maintain the green cover.
The design of the JSW Administrative Office incorporates biophilic principles, creating a workspace deeply connected to nature. Natural light, fresh air, and engagement with the landscape are integral to the design, enhancing the overall user experience and fostering a strong connection with the environment. Recognising that employees spend over a third of their daily lives at work, the design focuses on creating environments that support well-being, engagement, and productivity. The workspaces emphasise glarefree natural light, thoughtful planning of personal and communal spaces with optimal density, and a strong connection to nature. The interiors also prioritise acoustics, ergonomics, and adaptability, ensuring that the work environment is both functional and inspiring.
As patrons of art, the client embraced the concept of internal branding that resonates with the spirit of the Vasind Works plant. Rather than conventional art, the design team proposed showcasing the overlap between self and work, creating narratives that would be meaningful to employees. These include “Heroes of Vasind” – larger-than-life photos of blue-collar workers, “Act of Work” – capturing employees in action, “Language of Love” – quotes in native languages, and other personalised elements that reflect the plant’s culture and history.
The development celebrates skilled craftsmanship by engaging local artisans in the execution of key design elements. Notable examples include the tight-joint local basalt-dressed wall leading to the central foyer, terrazzo work in the central foyer, and the intricately crafted staircase railing. Additionally, block-print Kalamkari fabrics for furnishings were sourced from NGOs supporting weaver communities, adding a layer of social responsibility to the project.
The JSW Administrative Office stands as a benchmark in sustainable and dynamic workspace design, setting a new standard for plant offices. Through the adoption of sustainable practices, the construction costs of the project were optimised, and the sensitive planning has resulted in reduced life cycle operational costs. This approach not only aligns with JSW’s sustainability goals but ensures longterm financial benefits. Despite challenges such as the pandemic, the project has been executed with precision, resulting in a thriving and well-maintained landscape that continues to shape the company culture. The JSW Administrative Office is not just a building; it is a legacy of innovation and sustainability that intends to positively impact the ethos of the company and its employees for years to come.
Photographers: Bharath Ramamrutham (Graf Media)
Project Details:
PRODUCTS / VENDORS
ACP / Glass / Concrete: DGU Glass (Saint Gobain), Dry cladding stone (Granite from Rajasthan), Concrete supply (JSW), Aluminium metal cladding (Hindalco), Random tight joint basalt stone cladding (Local)
Sanitary ware/Fittings: Jaquar
Flooring: Kota stone, Carpet tiles from Mohawk (Meeting and Training spaces)
Furnishing: Fabric panelling (Malkha fabrics)
Furniture: Featherlite (Office workplace), Godrej (Chairs), Customised furniture (Interior)
Air Conditioning: Chillers (Trane)
Lighting: Flos Paint: JSW Paints Ltd
Arts/Artifacts: JSW In-house Elevator: Schindler
