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Adaptive reuse: striking the balance between traditional and contemporary design

Mumbai, India

Refurbishing an old building for a new purpose is a sustainable way for architects and designers to create one-of-a-kind, inspiring spaces. The challenge is using your imagination. How can you look at an old building and visualize how it will function both aesthetically and functionally for its new tenants? 

bake bar with seating area

Bake bar cafe area in the Cacao mill.

STaND Design, an architecture design studio based in Mumbai, was tasked with reimagining an old fabric mill into an educational and visitor-focused cacao processing facility. To imagine the transformation, STaND used a combination of 3D modeling and immersive visualization tools in SketchUp, including VR and AR, to showcase their vision to their client, Subko Cacao. STaND Design's visuals showcased their plan for incorporating the beautiful framework of the old mill's structure into a contemporary facility.

Reimagining a unique space for a unique client

STaND Design's client, Subko Cacao, is a purpose-driven and quality-focused brand deeply invested in transforming the cacao industry in India. They believe in stewarding the entire cacao journey, from nurturing pods to crafting exquisite chocolate bars. These values and the 'Pod-to-Bar' experience needed to be showcased in their new Cacao mill. 

On the wish list for the client was a viewing gallery, taking visitors through the journey of the cacao bean, from the meticulous selection of the finest cacao beans to taking the first bite of a chocolate bar. The mill also needed to be a quality cacao processing facility, using cutting-edge techniques to preserve the intrinsic flavors of the cacao. On top of that, the old fabric mill is located in the vibrant Colaba Causeway, one of the most exciting and eclectic shopping centers in Mumbai. So, the facility's design had to be a top-notch, beautiful aesthetic statement. 

To start visualizing and refining the mill's spatial layout, STaND took their ideas into SketchUp. Their process for modeling the existing space was thorough and multifaceted. First, they took manual measurements, conducted an extensive on-site survey, and took detailed documentation of all accessible areas, including floor plans, wall thicknesses, window and door placements, and any unique architectural features.

Then, they modeled in SketchUp. They input the measurements into SketchUp to create a basic 3D model of the space, allowing them to visualize the overall structure and identify any areas that needed further investigation.

Lastly, they used photographic documentation. Due to the mill's 40-foot height, certain areas were difficult to measure directly. High-resolution photography was used to capture these hard-to-reach areas. Photogrammetry techniques were then used to estimate dimensions and details from these images, which they incorporated into the SketchUp model.

image showing the exposed ceiling
image showing the exposed brick arch windows

Images of the work in progress show the ceiling and the arched windows. 

When incorporating elements of the old fabric mill into the new design, STaND Design's philosophy was centered on preserving and showcasing the mill's industrial heritage. They implemented structural preservation — maintaining all existing structural elements, including the original roof truss system, which was cleaned and restored to highlight its craftsmanship, and the buttresses, which were reinforced where necessary while maintaining their original appearance.

They practiced material exposure, carefully removing layers of plaster and paint to reveal the original limestone walls and clay bricks, which they cleaned and repointed using traditional methods, showcasing different periods of construction and repair. They left these materials exposed where possible, applying clear sealants to protect them while maintaining their raw aesthetic. 

Work in progress image showing the brick wall under plaster and paint

Image showing exposed brick wall underneath plaster and paint.

Lastly, they applied adaptive reuse — repurposing original elements in a new way by restoring the large industrial windows to maximize natural light.

They strategically choose SketchUp as their office's go-to design tool because it empowers design creativity. They also leverage SketchUp's precision tools to add to existing conditions accurately. 

"We can swiftly translate visionary ideas into captivating 3D models. This agility in design exploration and iteration empowers us to consistently achieve superior outcomes across diverse projects."
-Siddhant Tikkoo, Principal Architect 

They used 3D models to ensure that every aspect of the design, from the placement of machinery to the arrangement of customer seating, was functional and aesthetically pleasing from all angles. 

Iterating in SketchUp, the team designed a central atrium flooded with natural light. The ground floor of this space serves as a gallery of the factory, which includes the educational "bean-to-bar" chocolate-making process, a cafe on the mezzanine level, and essential kitchen and service areas tucked away discreetly from the public view. 

"SketchUp played a pivotal role in the design and planning of the Subko Cacao Mill. Its versatile capabilities and user-friendly interface significantly expedited the entire design process."
-Siddhant Tikkoo, Principal Architect 

cafe area showing exposed brick walls in the seating area

Image showing the coffee and bake bar area.

A central coffee and bake bar with white marble countertops and a concrete front adorned with brass inlay take center stage. Metal seating with green cushions and wooden tables complement the raw beauty of the space. The mezzanine features dramatic elements like arched windows and skylights that infuse natural light and add to its allure.

STaND added thoughtful details to their model, such as an electric meter showcasing power consumption and graphics explaining the chocolate-making process. To add additional details, they also leveraged models from SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse

Communicating and collaborating

STaND Design communicated their vision of the reimagined facility as they developed the plan with their client and project team. While the teams and stakeholders were spread across different geographical regions, they could access the files easily through the cloud-based platform Trimble Connect. This helped move the project forward and ensured the design process remained agile. 

“SketchUp's collaboration features allowed our team to work seamlessly together, even when members were geographically dispersed. This real-time collaboration facilitated effective communication and swift decision-making, crucial in a project with multiple stakeholders.”
Nikita D'Silva, Principal Architect & Co-founder

STaND Design credits SketchUp’s VR and AR integrations as game-changers during the design phase. The design team created immersive visualizations of the mill's layout for client presentations and internal reviews at key project milestones. These visuals helped fine-tune the design by offering a realistic preview of how the space would appear and function and allowed stakeholders to make informed design changes.

SketchUp played a crucial role throughout the entire project lifecycle:

  • Concept development — SketchUp was used to quickly iterate through design concepts, allowing the exploration of multiple options efficiently.
  • Client presentations — The 3D models helped clients visualize the space, leading to more informed decisions and faster approvals.
  • Stakeholder communication — SketchUp helped them create detailed visualizations for various stakeholders so contractors could better understand complex design elements and engineers could identify potential structural challenges.
  • Problem-solving — When issues arose during construction, they quickly modeled solutions in SketchUp, saving time and reducing miscommunication.
  • Detailed design — SketchUp was used to design custom elements like built-in furniture that complemented the industrial aesthetic, lighting fixtures that highlighted architectural features, and signage and wayfinding elements that integrated seamlessly with the space.

Interoperability

The software's ability to seamlessly integrate with other design tools and software used by STaND is a critical factor in enhancing workflow efficiency. This integration streamlines processes, enabling smooth import and export of models and effortless sharing of project data, ultimately enhancing productivity. SketchUp's adaptability is another benefit for STaND Design. Through extensions, they can tailor the software to their precise needs, enhancing both efficiency and versatility. This ensures that SketchUp harmoniously aligns with STaND Design’s unique approach and specific project requirements.

While SketchUp was the primary tool, STaND Design integrated other software:

  • Adobe Photoshop was used for texture creation and image editing, Adobe Illustrator was used for creating 2D graphics and diagrams, and Adobe InDesign was used for compiling presentation materials and reports.
  • CAD software was used to create detailed 2D technical drawings required for permitting and construction.
  • Enscape was used for creating photorealistic renderings and animations of the final design.
SketchUp model of café area
SketchUp model of bake area
SketchUp model of building interior
Snapshot of SketchUp model.

“SketchUp provides educational resources, making it an invaluable tool for training and skill development within STaND. This ensures the team remains at the forefront of design trends and technologies.”
-Siddhant Tikkoo, Principal Architect 

image of rendering of café area
image of rendering of café area
image of rendering of café area
Rendering snapshot of the project.
photo of café area
photo of completed project interior
photo of completed project interior
photo of completed project interior
Photos of the completed project.

“The vibrant SketchUp user community adds another layer of support and inspiration. Access to a wealth of resources, support forums, tutorials, and a marketplace for assets and extensions enables STaND to leverage collective expertise, troubleshoot challenges effectively, and maximize the potential of SketchUp.”
-Siddhant Tikkoo, Principal Architect 

By embracing SketchUp as its primary design software, STaND has adopted a holistic solution that amplifies creativity, precision, collaboration, efficiency, and adaptability. With SketchUp, they are well-equipped to bring their design visions to life, elevate client experiences, and continually set new standards of excellence in the design industry. SketchUp has become an indispensable tool in STaND's mission of transforming creative ideas into remarkable realities.

Tips from STaND Design for SketchUp users:

We asked STaND Design what helped them efficiently bring their designs to life in SketchUp, and here were their top tips:

  • Organize with groups and components: 
    Use groups to logically divide your model (e.g., by floor, room, or system), and create components for repeated elements to ensure consistency and easy updates.
  • Utilize layers:
    Set up a clear layer structure at the project's start and use layers to manage the visibility of different design options or construction phases.
  • Leverage extensions:
    Bevel: Great for creating realistic edge details on architectural elements.
    BoolTools: Invaluable for complex modeling operations like merging or subtracting shapes.
    CleanUp³: Helps maintain a tidy and efficient model by removing unused elements.
    Skimp: Useful for optimizing large models to improve performance.
  • Develop a consistent naming convention:
    For files, groups, components, and layers, this becomes crucial when working with large teams or complex projects.
  • Regular model audits:
    Periodically review and clean up your model to ensure efficiency.
    Check for and purge unused components, materials, and styles.

About Subko Cacao

Subko Cacao represents a purpose-driven, design-centric, experiential, and quality-focused brand deeply invested in transforming the cacao industry within the Indian subcontinent. They proudly identify as a 'Pod-to-Bar' experience brand, underscoring their comprehensive approach to cacao sourcing, processing, and production. This visionary brand has made it its mission to reshape the cacao landscape in the Indian subcontinent. Its unwavering commitment to purpose, design, quality, and the customer experience underpins its mission. The brand believes in stewarding the entire cacao journey, from nurturing cacao pods to crafting exquisite chocolate bars.

About STaND Design

Co-founded by young architects Siddhant Tikkoo and Nikita D’Silva in 2016, STaND is a studio where minimalism and exploration come together to create pure, warm spaces. Keen to help clients experience their spaces in unexpected ways, their designs are born from a desire to explore new techniques and materials. Always blending a multitude of design philosophies, they are constantly building their knowledge base to evoke emotion by bringing modern but sustainable spaces to life.

About the Author

When not writing content, Mahenoor can be found at the gym or exploring new places with friends and family. A love for hiking and traveling and experiencing new cultures and people leads her to weird and wonderful places. When not on holiday she enjoys learning and self-development.

Profile Photo of Mahenoor Khadeghat