Glulam
Spaces Architects @ka
Type
Spatial Design
Location:
New Delhi, India
Year:
2018
Spatial Design
Description:
The Glulam showroom in New Delhi embodies a sophisticated narrative of wood, showcasing the innovative applications of **Glulam Technology**—a cutting-edge method that bonds kiln-dried, high-strength timber. This technology, featuring imported Canadian wood, is largely unfamiliar to the Indian market, and the primary objective was to not only display the products but to educate the audience on their superior quality and durability. The space, once a warehouse, has been transformed into a 2,500 sq. ft. showroom adjacent to the client’s workshop, allowing for a seamless, interactive experience that bridges craftsmanship with design.
The interior is characterized by a dark, monochromatic theme, designed to act as a canvas that accentuates the warmth and richness of the wooden products. An open floor plan promotes fluidity while maintaining visual connection to the adjacent workshop through a glass-enclosed conference room, enhancing visitor engagement and offering real-time insight into the manufacturing process.
Conceptually, the space serves as a living narrative of wood, with design elements derived from the natural grains and textures of timber. The ceiling treatments in particular reflect this thematic exploration. In the waiting area, a backlit ceiling illuminates age rings, evoking the passage of time and growth in wood. As one progresses through the showroom, a suspended ceiling composed of wooden panels in three distinct color stains reveals intricate grain patterns, each telling its own story. In the display bedroom, a ceiling artwork reinterprets wood grains through an artist’s perspective, lending an abstract, almost poetic quality to the space.
This experiential design extends beyond mere surfaces. The showroom includes bespoke wooden furniture crafted using Glulam technology, further demonstrating the versatility and strength of the material. Additionally, a small outdoor green area showcases the wood's durability under external conditions, reinforcing its resilience and adaptability to diverse environments.
Ultimately, the *Glulam* showroom transcends its commercial function, becoming an immersive experience that educates visitors on the unmatched quality of Glulam technology. The project redefines the relationship between form and function, turning the space into a curated exhibition of material innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable design principles.