Rebirth of a Landmark:
How Clayworks Turned a Shopping Complex into a Modern Workspace
The Challenge
Reviving a Defunct Retail Space: The original structure was a well-known but aging commercial building with dated aesthetics and infrastructure.
Architectural Constraints: The building had a post-tension (PT) slab system with limited column flexibility and uneven ceiling heights.
Mixed-Use Coexistence: The transformation had to retain existing ground-floor tenants while elevating the façade and overall identity.
Sustainability and Wellness Mandate: Design had to meet modern expectations of eco-conscious materials, touchless tech, and sensory comfort.
A behind-the-scenes look at how Clayworks Opus redefined commercial real estate through adaptive reuse, sustainable design, and human-centric workspaces in the heart of Bangalore.
Objectives
Create a flexible and high-performance office space without demolishing the existing structure.
Integrate sustainable materials and systems that reduce lifecycle costs.
Infuse the workspace with cultural and sensory elements to enhance employee well-being.
Allow clients to personalize their spaces within the Clayworks design ethos.
Overview
Located on the vibrant Richmond Road in Bangalore, Clayworks Opus is more than just a managed office space—it’s a striking example of sustainable transformation, architectural ingenuity, and cultural sensitivity. Designed by the acclaimed firm Stapati, this 60,000 sq. ft. workspace accommodates over 1,100 seats and redefines what it means to create a workspace that is environmentally conscious, aesthetically refined, and deeply rooted in place.
From Shopping Complex to Sustainable Marvel
One of the project’s most remarkable achievements was its adaptive reuse of a 20-year-old shopping complex—once a bustling commercial icon in Bangalore. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the Clayworks team made a bold choice to retain the existing structure, significantly reducing construction waste and the project’s carbon footprint.
The structure was enhanced with raised flooring for future-ready electrical and data needs, modular layouts for easy reconfiguration, and thoughtful facade modifications that respected existing ground-floor tenants while reflecting Clayworks’ identity. This transformation was no small feat—it required architectural sensitivity, engineering precision, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Design That Resonates with Culture and Community
The core idea behind Clayworks Opus was to marry sustainability with luxury, creating a flexible, high-performance environment where wellness, collaboration, and cultural identity flourish.
Natural materials like handmade bamboo ceilings, sisal carpets, lime plaster, and terracotta tiles were carefully chosen not just for their ecological benefits, but also for their tactile warmth and sensory richness. Unique handcrafted touches like Kasuti embroidery and a serene Buddha sculpture at the entrance add soulful, local character to the space.
The design also invites sensory engagement through warm, natural light (optimized to 4000K), prismatic diffusers that reduce eye strain, and a muted color palette that allows texture and materiality to take center stage. The result is a calming, grounded space that encourages productivity and well-being.
Smart Economics Meets Smart Design
Clayworks Opus exemplifies economic sustainability. The reuse of the existing structure dramatically cut down on first costs and construction time, while features like raised floors and modular furniture were chosen to minimize future retrofit costs.
Tile flooring in high-traffic areas offers durability and ease of maintenance. Sensor-based lighting and water fixtures, while a higher initial investment, lead to long-term savings in utility costs. Even finishes like calcium silicate boards were selected for their long life span and low upkeep.
This blend of thoughtful budgeting and forward-thinking design ensures that Opus continues to perform functionally, visually, and financially for years to come.
