S NINE Multifunctional Co-working Space by PMA madhushala

Located in Pune, India, the S NINE Multifunctional Co-working Space by PMA madhushala challenges the standard commercial building typology by embracing a sustainable, climate-responsive, and culturally rooted design language. Spanning 1,596 m², the project reimagines the modern workplace as a living, evolving entity that nurtures human interaction, nature, and architectural innovation.

Context and Intent

In a cityscape increasingly dominated by airtight glass boxes, S NINE emerges as a thoughtful alternative. The architects aimed to design a building that connects users to their environment and recalls regional traditions. Drawing inspiration from Pune’s older buildings—which once celebrated transitional spaces like balconies adorned with planters—S NINE incorporates these nostalgic elements to foster a deeper sense of belonging and well-being.

Design Philosophy and Form

The building is conceived as a breathing organism—capable of transformation through seasons and responsive to user needs. The architectural vocabulary is rooted in a regional ethos, expressed through a modular façade made from 25mm thick natural red sandstone slabs. These modules create a living skin punctuated with planters, offering both shading and tactile interaction.

The asymmetric placement of planters and stone fins creates a kinetic façade that evolves with time, light, and vegetation. This interplay not only enhances the building's visual dynamism but also forms a climate-responsive buffer against Pune's semi-arid heat.

Materiality and Construction Innovation

Natural red sandstone, chosen for its durability and low maintenance, becomes the defining material. Its dimensions were optimized to minimize waste, with leftover materials repurposed for compound walls and parking floors. The hand-crafted stone fins, mounted on metal frames that also carry integrated water supply and drainage, allow modular customization of the façade.

Internally, a peripheral column grid and service corridors allow flexible, multifunctional usage. A strong emphasis is placed on combining structural innovation with efficient MEP integration. Each floor is designed to facilitate service maintenance while preserving clean interior lines.

Sustainability and Circular Design

Sustainability drives every design decision: from the passive cooling strategy enabled by ventilated facades and shaded interiors, to water-saving drip irrigation systems for the planters. Rainwater harvesting is integrated into the building's envelope, and planter boxes are easily accessible for maintenance.

Stone partitions in restrooms and railings further highlight the zero-waste ethos. Crafted on-site by local artisans, these elements support a circular economy and embed cultural identity into the architectural expression. The sculptural “Deepstambh” at the entrance exemplifies this philosophy—a modern reinterpretation of a traditional craft form using modular stone units.

All the photographs are works of Hemant Patil