The greatest act of building sustainably means not building at all. In recent years, architects have forayed into the potential of an architecture of retrofit. Studio 1252 was Imarat’s response to this challenge, by attempting to convert an HIG government housing apartment into a mixed use studio cum residence. The studio is now the headquarters for Imarat Architects at Chandigarh. What was before a dark dingy space was converted into an open setting of various walls, some which allow views, others physical access. By inserting slabs at the 7 foot level circulation spaces were given greater definition, making hallway spaces seem higher. Lastly, the finishes of mud plasters with rice husk fibres, exposed bricks and wooden fitting demonstrate the timeless and resilient qualities of natural materials, creating a material vocabulary for clients of the firm.
