The body is never just a body. And the mind is never limited to the body. The boundaries of the body are porous. We incorporate external devices- from our cell phones, tablets to our shelter into our body schema. In this way, these devices become prostheses, extensions of our minds. Instead of memorizing phone numbers, we keep them on our cell phones. Our social contacts are stored there. Our whole lives are contained there. They have become part of who we are. And so too- along with our cellphone, clothes, shoes and fashion accessories- our own resting place become highly personal statement about our identity.

Could we not push this analogy further? Why limit ourselves to our devices and outfits? Our external environment can also be part of who we are. It can influence us through feedback. What about our architectural environment? Could we not also claim that our houses, offices are part of who we are, and help to maintain our psychic equilibrium? They can calm us down, they can stimulate us.

It was a great opportunity to deal with Mr. Anwar Hossain to create a ‘Homeostasis’ for him on his large prairie site. Complete with 10 bedrooms and multiple living spaces and terraces, the residence itself is a three-storied 18,000 sft home located in Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj on a 2.7 acres site. Everyone dreams of a home to retire to, far from the hustle and bustle of city life but not too far away so that friends and family can visit. Mr. Anwar Hossain christened his whole site ‘Shekor’[ root], where he came from and where he wants to go back. This is one of those projects that fill all the properties of a grand residence. Approaching from Shekhor Nagar, the residence can be easily distinguished through a straight ceremonial axis from the entry gate.   The axis created two parts on the site-children play area with the soft landscape in one part and a grand playfield and a pond on the other side.

Our environment is also part of our extended mind. Whether we are talking about architecture or music, the feedback from our environment maintains our psychic equilibrium and gives us a sense of homeostasis. Indeed our environment can also help to forge our identities, and condition our behavior.

Adjacent to the home many small and big gathering spaces have been shaped with different trees with their different colors for diverse family performances. Connected to this performing space is the swimming pool. Fruit garden, vegetable garden, swimming pool and the deck, a pond for fishing, front and back courtyard have been created to serve the family members of this home. Rokto Kanchan, Jarul, Kath badam, Shimul, Palash, Coconut, Neem, Shonalu, Krishnochura, Nageshor, Chatim, Gogon Sirish, Oshothho, Kodom, Mohua, Swarna chapa, Cherry, Magnolia, Kath golap, Beli, Bokul, Parul, Mehogani, Ashaka, Debdaru, Muchkundo trees and many more flower plants and mango and jackfruit trees have been planted over the total site-one can walk through the landscape can have the experience of a living exhibition of diverse trees, flowers and their texture, color and fragrant. We have placed more than 30 types of local trees. These trees would create a unique place for the inhabitants and for the natural world alike.

Entering the home from the main entry, there is a central foyer that connects the home vertically and horizontally. Services like the main dining hall and formal living are placed on the west with a pool view. The kitchen connects service staff to the home. There are two inner courts on two sides of the stairs.

On the first floor, the Master bed is close to the stairs with an outdoor sitting area and a family living area. Moving on to the east wing, there are three bedrooms with their own space qualities and the centre is another small family living room that doubles as the music corner. There is a library and kitchenette adjacent to it.

This is where the stair’s shape and location change. Connecting the third floor from the music corner is an L-shaped stair. There is a small family living area, surrounded by three bedrooms. Next to it is the open terrace and on the west wing is another open terrace with indoor play space facilities, right next to it is the child bedroom.

Architects

Ashik Vaskor Mannan, Md. Sabbir Arefin Talukdar, Salman Rahman, and Md. Mamun Paike

Presentation

Md. Rubaiyat Islam,  Md. Kamrul Hasan, Md. Tanvir Hasan, and Himel Nur

Web: www. studioxiarchitects.com