The head office building for Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority features a dynamic modular facade system that steps inwards to create depth, infill variation and a self-shading form. The modules add flexibility to the building’s envelope and enrich its internal usability by incorporating storage and furniture solutions. Materially, the facade combines glass and cooling terracotta grillwork to insulate the building. Further, the foliage screens and rooftop gardens alter the micro-climatic conditions.

The proposal comprises working and breakout areas and space for exhibition and public awareness distributed over three levels planned around a central courtyard. The courtyard is instrumental in keeping the interiors cool while providing a centralised venue for formal and informal workshops, and educational programs as part of the SEA agenda.

Drawings and Details

Project Name : Sustainable Energy Authority HQ Battaramulla, Sri Lanka Building Area: 3005 Sqm Building Area
Site Area: 1896 Sqm
Project Type: 2015 Competition entry

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Rupali Gupte

Rupali Gupte is an architect and urbanist based in Mumbai, Professor at the School of Environment and Architecture (SEA) and a partner at BARDStudio. Her work often crosses disciplinary boundaries and takes different forms – writings, drawings, mixed-media works, story telling, teaching, curation, walks and spatial interventions.

Her works include extensive research on contemporary Indian urbanism with a focus on architecture and built environment; tactical practices; housing; and urban form. In 2013, she co-founded the School of Environment and Architecture (sea.edu.in). SEA is envisaged as an experimental academic space for research and education in architecture and urbanism. She has a wide range of publications, has delivered lectures and been on juries across the world. Her works in collaboration with her partner Prasad Shetty, have been shown in several exhibitions including the 56th Venice Biennale, X Sao Paolo Architecture Biennale, Seoul Biennale of Art and Architecture, at Manifesta 7 in Bolzano, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona and at galleries such as Project 88, Devi Art Foundation and the Mumbai Art Room. She has recently curated an exhibition involving artists and architects titled ‘When is Space? Conversations in Contemporary Architecture’ at the Jawahar Kala Kendra.

Rupali Gupte