Kirloskar Brothers

The project
They're a world leader in water pump technology whose passion has taken the life-giving resource throughout India and the globe. So when they set out to establish a head office in Pune, it was only natural to reflect their credo, 'water is life; we give life to water'. The brief To design and install a façade that would not only provide cooling shade, but also symbolise wealth, professionalism, respect and innovative thinking. It should be a unique creation that promotes the company and also captures the essence and spirit of life-giving water and its ability to  enrich lives.

The concept
Kumar Ravindra, from the award-winning architects Venkataramanan Associates, visualised sensuous curves of huge waves of water sweeping effortlessly across the building. With a semi-transparent glow that added fluidity and depth, the wave curls from the ground up over the roof. The simple shapes totally embody the power and beauty of water both inside and out, while creatively reflecting the company philosophy.

The materials
With transparency being critical to the watery theme, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) fabric Hiraoka SD-4180 and its slight aqua tint was the perfect choice. This would flood light into the building yet provide occupants with a cool connection to the outdoors. PVC fabric also provides benefits of high tensile strength and durability. Together with the unique 3D steel frame manufactured in Mumbai, this delicate-looking creation remains deceptively tough.

The result
Kirloskar Brothers Textile Façade won an Award of excellence in Tensile Structures from Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) 2009. Prominently situated on the Bombay-Pune Highway, it continues to impress and attract hundreds of passers-by every day. Not only has it  captured many imaginations, it also earned the pleasure of Kirloskar Brothers.