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Where a bookshelf becomes a spatial divider and light filter
Designed within a compact footprint of 460 sq. ft., the office attempts to demonstrate how functionality, a subtle material palette, and minimal design intervention can transform a small space into an efficient yet elegant workplace.
The client’s brief required the accommodation of a Director’s Cabin, Workspace, Waiting Area, Pantry, and an enlarged Toilet, with the Director’s Cabin accessible from both the Waiting Area and the Workspace.
- Project name: The Veiled Shelf
- Architecture Firm: UA Lab (Urban Architectural Collaborative)
- Lead Architects: Krishnakant Parmar, Vipuja Parmar
- Design Team : Krishnakant Parmar, Zeel Jani
- Website: www.ualab.in
- Contact e-mail: studio@ualab.in
- Instagram: @ualab.in
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UALab.In
Additional credits
Media Provider
- Write-up: Zeel Jani
- Completion Year: 2025
- Gross Built Area: 460 SQFT (42.73 square mt.)
- Project location: Ahmedabad, India
- Carpentry work: Damodar Bhai Mistry
Media Provider
- Photo credits: Maulik Patel / Inclined Studio
- Photographer website: https://www.inclinedstudio.com/
- Photographer Instagram: @inclined_studio
As a legal practice, the office also needed to house an extensive collection of law books, files, and directories. With only a single north-facing window as the source of natural light, the design approach prioritizes visual permeability to draw daylight deep into the interior. Within a limited area and constrained daylight conditions, storage became a central design challenge and, consequently, a primary design driver rather than an afterthought. This challenge informed the design of the partition as a multifunctional element. It is conceived as a bookshelf with glass on one edge that allows light to travel across spaces while maintaining functional separation and privacy. It seamlessly integrates storage, spatial division, and light filtration- open and accessible from one side, glazed on the other, and grounded by concealed cabinets below. The upper portion discreetly houses AC piping and services within a dedicated cavity, which fully aligns with the clean lines of the partition.
Rather than behaving as a piece of furniture, the partition becomes an architectural device that structures the space while maintaining openness and reinforcing visual continuity and order.
A minimal yet warm material palette defines the interior: White Oak veneer, wooden battens, white powder-coated metal frameworks, and soft light-grey textured walls creates a professional ambience. The flooring features a subtle V-shaped pattern along the central circulation path, guiding movement and adding quiet dynamism
A minimal yet warm material palette defines the interior: White Oak veneer, wooden battens, white powder-coated metal frameworks, and soft light-grey textured walls creates a professional ambience. The flooring features a subtle V-shaped pattern along the central circulation path, guiding movement and adding quiet dynamism
Furniture remains compact and purpose-driven. The waiting area accommodates a three-seater sofa, side table, storage unit, and a sliding-door pantry entry. The workspace is equipped with overhead shelves, under-desk storage, and an integrated printer platform within the partition system. The Director’s Cabin has a work desk, storage units, a seating-cum-relaxation sofa, and a planter-integrated cabinet.
Defined by crisp lines, light structure, and simple detailing, the office attempts to reflect a design philosophy of “Less is More.” The project explores how minimal interventions, simple details, and a thoughtful material palette can generate a powerful spatial experience.
Defined by crisp lines, light structure, and simple detailing, the office attempts to reflect a design philosophy of “Less is More.” The project explores how minimal interventions, simple details, and a thoughtful material palette can generate a powerful spatial experience.
