Thane is likely the only place in the state today where such a huge group of elite developers has gathered. In the previous decade or two, this Mumbai uptown suburb has seen a rapid land improvement. With commercial and residential buildings springing up all over the place, the region is experiencing an influx of architects. KNS Architects is one such firm that has aided in the enhancement of Thane's skyline. In Thane, the firm has created approximately a million and a half square feet of space, including well-known buildings like Orion, Oriana, Greens, and Centrum. KNS Architects first worked in Thane 10-12 years ago on a retail project for a well-known developer in the area. Shresht Kashyap, a partner at KNS Architects who has witnessed the development of the neighbourhood, has a wealth of information to contribute regarding Thane's real estate boom. Orion marked the beginning of our trip with Thane, he explained. The whole project area was over 3-4 lakh sq ft, making it one of the largest in the area. There was virtually little construction going on in there at the time. Back in the day, the entire Ghodbunder Rd, where the structure now sits, was naked. Thane has only gotten bigger and better since then. It's interesting to note that, despite the congested skyline, Orion sticks out on the horizon. While every city undergoes a metamorphosis as a result of unrestricted migration, Thane's scenario is unique in that the strategic growth is led by housing and commercial development, which is well matched by the rapid development of infrastructure in terms of connection and transportation. The construction of the business hub Apart from the residential sector, the commercial sector has experienced significant growth, particularly in the previous 5-7 years. Shresht discusses the projects completed by KNS Architects in recent years and reiterates his belief in Wagle Estate's enormous potential. “We look forward to projects at Wagle Estate, which is pitted as the IT hub of Thane. Oriana, one of the projects executed by KNS here, is inspired by the skyscrapers of Manhattan. Besides, it’s a self sustaining and green project - a prerequisite for any IT office.” Further elaborating on Wagle Estate’s transformation, Shresht states, “Wagle Estate, in the 70’s and 80’s, bore a mundane look with its run-of-the-mill, old school facades. We have experimented with different materials for cladding like extruded aluminium panels to create a three-dimensional effect on the façade. Moreover, we’ve also incorporated greens on the façade with metal claddings, perforated sheets, different textured stones, faceted treatments and various other materials breaking away from the conventional ACP which is seen on most of the buildings there.” Oriana’s strong grid with vertical elements highlighted by metal bullnoses, give it a sense of infinite verticality, lending a feel of the structure soaring high and blending with the sky. Shresht goes on to mention the recent surge in green construction in the area. His business also designed Centrum, a high-end commercial and retail area that adheres to ecological rules and incorporates energy-saving measures. “The facade is climate responsive and strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality with two distinct glass types - lighter tint towards the north and east for better day lighting and darker tint towards the south and west to cut off the glare.” From low-cost to high-end, there's something for everyone. The continual growth of the commercial sector has resulted in the emergence of new residential areas. Then there are those in Thane who are reinventing themselves in order to improve. “Thane has swiftly evolved from the affordable housing segment to a premium one. The increasing number of integrated townships and high-rises has lured not just home buyers of Mumbai in the search of spacious homes, but leading information technology organizations too have chosen to shift base to the location,” Shresht explains. Leading real estate developers including as Lodha Group, Godrej Properties, Tata Housing, and Hiranandani Constructions, to mention a few, have residential projects here. The chain reaction The continual growth of the commercial sector has resulted in the emergence of new residential areas. As a result, a slew of well-known convenience stores and retail businesses popped up. Furthermore, Thane's rapid expansion can be attributed to the city's infrastructure development. Its grandeur is enhanced by its extensive network of well-connected highways, the enhancement of the lake, and the preservation of its numerous green nooks. “We are currently working on four to five very interesting projects and are quite excited to witness our design statements in this ever changing and evolving region of Thane,” Shresht says. Also Read https://www.constructionworld.in/latest-construction-news/real-estate-news/interiors/these-exquisite-items-will-ramp-up-your-home-decor/32831 https://www.constructionworld.in/latest-construction-news/real-estate-news/interiors/give-a-design-uplift-to-your-bathrooms/33012 https://www.constructionworld.in/latest-construction-news/real-estate-news/interiors/lavish-yet-comfortable-decor-items-to-induce-panache-in-your-space/32770 https://www.constructionworld.in/latest-construction-news/real-estate-news/interiors/multifunctional-furniture-for-compact-urban-homes/32551