Architecture is not just about making a project look attractive but is more about how one feels in the space created. And this is possible only when designed with passion and purpose.
One such firm that believes in “Design that makes you feel”, through thoughtful, free-flowing spaces, built with natural materials and in tune with nature is Total Environment. Founded in 1996, the firm’s aim is to improve the quality of life in the built environment. As the name suggests, the firm has a holistic approach to create unique spaces, be it residential or commercial. The firm comprises a group of architects, engineers, interior and furniture designers, craftsmen and landscape professionals.
Every home, no matter the floor it is on, has a garden, and an abundance of natural light and air.
The Founders, Shibanee and Kamal Sagar, do not believe in mediocrity. Their projects are unique and reflect the personality of the owner. Focusing on the minute details, the projects by Total Environment are strikingly different and breathtakingly beautiful.
With a humble beginning and an investment of merely Rs 10,000 more than two decades ago, the firm today boasts of more than 1,200 delighted customers in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. Total Environment’s success mantra is being passionate about design and giving people their dream home. They are firm believers of originality and are not influenced by conventional designs or trends. Also, they encourage leaders to think out of the box and not settle for mediocrity. The founders affirm that they started in 1996 with a vision – Design without Compromise and this is what they have been following till date.
Woven around Nature
Total Environment has always been incorporating green spaces in their communities.
“Nature resonates throughout our properties – from the green rooftops of the villas and community centre to the terrace gardens of individual apartments, and the many trees interspersed within the property,” shared the passionate architects. The total area of landscaping exceeds the area of land on which the project is built, because of the earth-sheltered villas and large terrace gardens. In fact, full grown trees, in specially designed tree tubs, can be housed in private gardens along the exterior of the high-rise structures!
Unique Living Experiences
Total Environment believes that Experiences are the New Luxury! “Our focus is on understanding how people use different spaces and how architecture can enhance the experience within those spaces. Our homes are customer-centric, and we give our customers what they need. Every home can be individually customised, down to the smallest detail, using eDesign, our unique software tool for interior design, which allows one to make design selection, create and compare options and understand budget implications”.
Latest Technologies
The firm also believes in the use of technology to enhance living experience. Owners can opt for a Home Automation System that makes interaction with the homes seamless and convenient. The Home Automation system, if opted for, provides access control, manages the central air conditioning, controls irrigation in the private gardens, has curtain control features, smoke and heat detection, communication and security. The firm also offers central vacuum system and heat pump as upgrade options.
Outstanding Leadership
Shibanee and Kamal – have been spearheading the firm with conviction to deliver only the best and leading from the front, they set an example for their team to follow.
Kamal graduated from IIT Kharagpur in 1992 with a degree in Architecture. After working for a short while in the US, he returned to India and designed the Poonawalla Stud Farms
in Pune. He designed and also built seven new buildings and various other structures on the two farms of over 240 acres in a span of just eight months from June 1994 to January 1995.
In early 1996, Kamal moved to Bengaluru and, along with wife and partner, Shibanee, started an architectural practice in the name of Shibanee & Kamal Architects. Later that same year, in his search for a one-bedroom apartment, he realized just how bad the state of large- scale housing projects was and saw tremendous scope to make a difference in this area.
After several failed attempts in trying to get developers to accept his design ideas, he decided to take on the task of developing and constructing his projects himself, and not just designing them.
In July 1996, he founded Total Environment, a construction and real estate development company, which would build out his designs without compromise.
Expansion
With an innate drive to design and create better experiences for people, Total Environment started building homes that people actually wanted to live in. From the layout to the furniture to the garden, everything was considered.
“While this made everything more difficult and complex, it put us on the map, and we became a brand people wanted to be a part of. Twenty-five years later, our passion has taken us places we could not have imagined. From designing and building homes to making furniture, from music to hospitality to beer making, we apply our design-driven philosophy to all aspects of life, to inspire you to live a richer, fuller and more joyous life,” they shared.
