An office building in Pune, India, demonstrates how passive design, orientation, and natural ventilation can significantly reduce energy demand in challenging climates.
The MCON Headquarters project in Pune proposes an office building of approximately 2,000 m² conceived through a logic of climatic adaptation and environmental comfort. In a semi-arid climate, the design moves away from conventional models based on glazed envelopes and instead adopts a spatial organisation that maximises natural ventilation and daylight.
The functional layout responds to the climate and operational needs, placing workspaces on the northeast orientation to optimise natural lighting. At the same time, the more exposed southern areas incorporate intermediate spaces and gardens that act as protection against solar radiation. The variable massing and the inclusion of double- and triple-height spaces enhance air circulation, supported by skylights and ventilation elements that allow hot air to escape and cooler air to be drawn from lower levels.
The project reinforces this strategy through the use of local materials, such as exposed brick and granite, reducing transport-related impacts and providing thermal mass. The declared primary energy consumption is 23 kWhpe/m²·year, placing the building within a high-efficiency range.
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