AD Studio 9 redefines the urban workspace Akshara Vinyasa, a biophilic studio in Bengaluru that stays naturally cool without air conditioning. Merging sustainability with thoughtful design, it offers a serene, nature-infused setting where creativity and collaboration flourish.
In an age when work and wellness are becoming increasingly intertwined, Akshara Vinyasa stands as a model of biophilic brilliance and environmental responsiveness. Designed by AD Studio 9, their 2,500 sq. ft. office in Bengaluru redefines workspace design through a climate-conscious lens, crafting a naturally cooler environment that eliminates the need for air conditioning—even during peak summer months.
Tucked within a lush urban canopy in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, the studio is set on the first floor of a bareshell structure. Here, the designers harnessed the site’s innate advantages—abundant daylight, cross ventilation, and verdant views—to create a workplace that breathes, inspires, and restores. This project marks a departure from the sterile, enclosed studio archetype, opting instead for a sanctuary where natural elements dictate form and function.
From the beginning, the design vision was clear: move beyond conventional workspaces and build a space that’s both climateresponsive and emotionally resonant. Through a deeply considered application of biophilic principles, the space promotes comfort, creativity, and collaboration—all while staying cool without artificial air conditioning.
“A thoughtful dialogue between the indoors and outdoors defines the spatial narrative. Large operable windows and top-hung openings invite in dappled light and breeze while maintaining privacy from neighboring buildings. The façade—cloaked in exposed brick and crawling with greenery—serves not only as a visual delight but also as a functional barrier against heat and glare, reducing the dependence on mechanical cooling systems.” explains Apoorva Lekha N.
The south-facing wall incorporates a living system of drip-irrigated terracotta tiles, nurturing vegetation while passively cooling the building envelope. This green shell also encourages local biodiversity, welcoming birds, butterflies, and squirrels into the ecosystem of the workplace. The result? A façade that breathes, cools, and heals—creating a sensory refuge from the city’s bustle.
“At the heart of Akshara Vinyasa lies an open-plan studio, where transparency and interaction guide spatial organisation. The materials speak a language of earthiness and authenticity—muted walls, reclaimed wood details, natural stone, and an exposed brick palette evoke a tactile warmth. The aesthetic is grounded yet elevated, modern yet timeless.”says Sandesh Dhanaraj.
A feature wall proudly exhibits the firm’s creative evolution—an artwork filled with intricate sketches, elevations, and visual memories. Adjacent workstations are streamlined and clutter-free, aided by concealed sockets and smart storage solutions. A subtle angular ceiling cleverly navigates low beams, visually lifting the space and lending a sense of expansiveness.
Each area within the studio has been thoughtfully curated to evoke a distinct experience, yet all remain seamlessly interconnected to maintain a cohesive design narrative. The reception sets the tone with a custom-designed foyer table and a sculptural sofa, both drawing inspiration from organic forms to establish an inviting and grounded entry. Adjacent to this, the meeting room is bathed in natural light and surrounded by vibrant greenery, with its centerpiece being a Paludarium-inspired Verdurium—a modular horticulture system equipped with built-in irrigation and misting, offering not only a cooler microclimate but also a lush visual anchor. The pantry, far more than a utilitarian space, exudes biophilic warmth with its raised ledge overlooking a verdant landscape, green marble countertops, and oil-finished oak shutters. It offers a calm, sunlit retreat— perfect for casual conversations, a pause from work, or moments of quiet reflection.
Each partner cabin within the studio has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique sensibilities of its occupant, resulting in workspaces that feel both personal and purposeful. The Architect’s Cabin exudes a calm, contemplative atmosphere, brought to life through curved wooden detailing, organic silhouettes, and a seamless connection to the adjacent balcony—paved with traditional Kota stone and lush with greenery. This tranquil extension of the workspace blurs the line between indoors and out, enhancing both focus and well-being. In contrast, the Partner’s Cabin adopts a more dynamic expression, defined by a monochromatic palette punctuated with bold red accents. Clean beige walls, a printed rug, a curved ceiling, and a bespoke leather sofa come together to form an elegant yet energizing environment— one that balances creative intensity with minimalist sophistication.
As Frank Lloyd Wright famously said, “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” At Akshara Vinyasa, this philosophy echoes through every detail. From the green façade to the sun-drenched interiors, the space exemplifies how nature-driven design can transform workplaces into living ecosystems—nurturing the mind, body, and planet.
By blurring boundaries between built form and greenery, AD Studio 9 has not only redefined what an office can look and feel like, but also demonstrated how architecture, when aligned with nature, becomes a tool for healing, inspiration, and lasting change.
