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Oberoi Commerz takes the concept of combining business spaces with a hotel property to new heights -- literally. Niranjan Mudholkar finds out why this mixed-used five-star development could be a symbolic landmark as well. Photographs: Mexy Xavier
The northern region of Mumbai – particularly the western suburban area – has hardly seen any hotel property development in recent times. This is quite surprising despite the considerable office space growth here in the last decade or so and the proximity of this area to the airports.
Little wonder that Oberoi Constructions saw an opportunity here and decided to build a commercial high-rise integrating it with a five-star hotel bang opposite the Western Express Highway. The approach, although relatively novel, offers a common sense business solution. An outstation business visitor to a world class office premise would need a five star hotel to stay in. So why not have the hotel in the same building? And here it is.
In the very early stages, this 32-storied tower named Oberoi Commerz was actually conceptualised entirely as a business property in the International Business Park (IBP) that Oberoi Constructions is building.
However, the developers recognised the potential for a five-star hotel within the same building and modified the plans to accommodate this vision. “This iconic development is the need of the hour owing to the high value attached to the land making it the paramount responsibility of the urban designer to consider its multiple use. The idea was to create an innovative yet simple no-fuss building that integrates businesses into one single tower,” says Vikas Oberoi, MD, Oberoi Constructions.
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A bigger master plan of the Oberoi Garden City spread over 80 acres encompasses the Oberoi Commerz within the IBP. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the tower overlooks 1600 acres of green pastures of the Aarey Milk colony to the south and offers panoramic views from the higher floors.
“The design is governed by two simple factors – the climate of Mumbai and the views from the site. The massing concept responds well to the spectacular site, inspired to capture the breathtaking views available around,” says Oberoi. No wonder, the company has employed some of the best names in the business for this awesome project.
Office spaces occupy the lower 17 floors of the tower and floors from 18 through 32 are taken up by the hotel. Two levels of basement provide ample parking facilities as well as space for hotel utilities. A separate lobby each for the office area and the hotel makes entry convenient for the visitors.
The beautiful design does not neglect practical matters. The main façade of the building faces north-south and has sun protection on the south façade to reduce the load on the air conditioning. At the same time, the breath-taking views to the west and east do not compromise on the comfort of the occupants.
The tower is enveloped by structural glazing on all sides to maximise the views. The glass used for glazing has excellent technical properties – a combination of solar control with low reflection and thermal insulation making it perfect for all seasons. The tower’s shadow cools the podium inside in which bigger offices are accommodated. The public areas of the hotel – the entrance lobby, the banquet hall, an al-fresco restaurant, the business centre, the executive lounge, the health club and the spa – are well planned within the podium structure.
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