Description:

Landscape Development of Captive Power Plant (CPP) at ACC Wadi, Karnataka.

Challenges:

ACC Wadi, located in the Gulbarga district is situated in the northern part of Karnataka State and is famous for the ACC cement factory, which is one of the largest in the country & possibly the largest in Asia. CPP- the Captive Power Plant is the power generation units of ACC Wadi.

A viable planting concept is developed for an industrial unit that is environmentally sensitive along with creating a landscape conforming with the Environmental Policy of Wadi Cement Works. The aim was to create an environment that reflects the Principles of sustainability and eco-friendly landscapes and also responsive to a realistic budget and schedule. Here, the landscape intervention not only provides a healthy & an aesthetically pleasing environment but it also drastically improves the quality of space by restraining the noise pollution generated within the plant as well as provides screening of the engineering blocks. The ambiance is enhanced by the Landscape by reducing the built mass.

CPP being a vital element of ACC Wadi, the Gateway to the CPP is redesigned in order to define the entry in a contemporary style. A suspended canopy, segregated vehicular & pedestrian entries and a bold form with a single motorized entry/ exit are the salient features of the CPP gate. Organized parking is provided in order to statistically cater to the parking requirements of Plant.

Solutions:

The major noise generating sources in the unit are turbines, conveyer belts, compressors & fans. Hence, dense plantations were planed surrounding these are to act as sound barriers. The cooling towers are camouflaged in order to eliminate noise pollution. The Fly ash stack was screened off in order to provide visual barrier as well as to curtail the Fly ash dust. All open spaces are covered by either grass or plantation to minimize dust.A good energy conscious lighting plan is designed for highlighting planting as well as to provide safety for circulation at night since the plant is active all day and all night.

Road geometrics are modified into to an efficient circulation pattern clearly segregating the vehicular & major pedestrian movement. Central Island converted into water fountain using granitic blocks so that the fountain looks visually pleasing even when not operational. Greens are revitalized to add an element of functional as well as visual interest within the plant.

An element of design is created in ancillary paved areas & green spaces are provided where ever possible. Open spaces wherever possible are converted into usable interactive spaces. Signage are standardized and incorporated as an active part of the landscape.

Peripheral planting along the compound wall and throughout the plant provides a colorful ever-changing planting scheme using mass plantation of flowering & foliage trees and shrubs, so as to have some species blooming at any point of time. A natural lush landscape is created using free form to create dramatic views from upper floors as well as ground levels. Vertical gardens are created over Non- mechanical elements of the building using creepers.

Landscape concept aims to stimulate the three senses of sight, sound & smell by using various flowering & shade giving plants as well as by bringing in a variety of colourful & seasonal variations. Many native species plants are used to establish an adaptable and low maintenance landscape.