The building is located in a modest residential neighbourhood in the Natore district of Rajshahi Division in northern Bangladesh. The 2.7 katha property has a frontage that offers beautiful views of nature and looks out over the Kanaikhali field toward the west. Its northern boundary is shared with Ansar Camp. This Kanaikhali field was a deep jungle many years ago, where people were afraid to live due to the danger posed by wild animals. An old woman named Ayna built her own shelter and lighted her lamp, allowing her to dwell there without fear. This served as the inspiration for the building’s name, “আয়না বুড়ির আদার” (Ayna Burir Adar), which translates as “Jungle of the Old Woman Ayna”.

The family consists of a couple, their children, and their elderly mother. The client clearly wanted unrestricted access to the grounds as they were rebuilding their home to resemble the previous one that had been here before. It has 6 bedrooms with attached washrooms, balconies, living space, family living, dining space, kitchen, storeroom, study room, and terraces. There is a cluster of existing bamboo trees situated next to the stairs that follow the three-story building, providing a chance to bring nature inside the structure.

The architects were inspired by the lush surroundings of the site to select the colour and texture palette that would draw attention to the building without overpowering the serene environment. Building components like concrete, exposed brick, wood, glass, and metal bar are used in the construction of the building. An element that both the built environment and nature share, “Brick,” was chosen to portray this interacting link. “Concrete,” in its raw state, was then used to consolidate it. A natural sense of being immersed in the comforting earth is created by the colour and texture of the building.

To create two linear living spaces that are east-west aligned and to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate throughout the interior spaces, the building’s basic mass is reduced. This leaves an open space in the centre which acts as a central courtyard. Balconies and circulation pathways within the open space provide direct access to the courtyard, which itself offers a connection to the exterior. The visual connectivity of the entire building is enhanced by this courtyard.

A significant stairway has been added near the existing clustered bamboo tree to connect the building at different levels. Additionally, stairs and all other features are placed around the courtyard to allow for natural light and ventilation to enter all interior spaces. The interior layout of the spaces was designed to represent an approach to combining habitat and nature. By eliminating mass from the second level, terrace gardens are formed, along with greater visual linkages and sunlight accessibility. The temperature inside the bedroom is controlled by 12-inch-thick walls and small windows on the west side. Large windows also provide cross ventilation for each compartment on the opposing sides. The incorporation of design elements such as brick-jali, brick pointing, spiral stairs, and a pergola shed adds a new dimension to the structure.

Project credits:

Architecture Firm: Sharal Architects

Firm Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Social Media Page: www.facebook.com/sharal.architects

Lead Architects: Ar. Md. Mainul Islam, Ar. Anindita Laz Banti

Associate Architects: Ar. Md. Mainul Islam, Ar. Anindita Laz Banti

Structural Consultants: Eng. Sanjoy Mohan Sarker

Engineer in Charge: Eng. Sagar Ahmed

Photo Credits: Prantography / Junaid Hasan Pranto