Sharing The Design Approach,
Architect Ziaul Rafsun Says,
“In many ways, interior design is like painting a portrait. If I’m the artist, then the space is my canvas, and the client’s lifestyle and emotions are the subject.”
A Portrait in Space
HATCH LIMITED, co-led by architect Ziaul Rafsun, recently completed a sophisticated and highly customized 3,600-square-foot residential interior in Gulshan, Dhaka. The residence was envisioned as a calming, composed retreat — one that balances global elegance with deeply personal comfort.
“In many ways, interior design is like painting a portrait,” shares architect Rafsun. “If I’m the artist, then the space is my canvas, and the client’s lifestyle and emotions are the subject.”
Zoning Without Walls
The initial condition of the flat posed a challenge. It lacked any architectural rhythm or logic, just a series of rooms and doors without coherence. The client, having moved from a 6,000-square-foot home, required a layout that clearly separated public and private zones without relying on clutter or rigid partitions.. A primary objective was to establish psychological privacy, creating a sense of seclusion and intimacy without relying on traditional physical barriers or walls.
To address this, the design introduced a new flow zoning spaces psychologically instead of physically. Public areas like the living and dining rooms were aligned together, while private spaces were reorganized into a quieter, protected wing. The intention was to make the layout feel intuitive, not imposed.
Global Taste, Local Craft
One of the more nuanced challenges came from the client’s refined exposure to international interiors. “They’ve experienced homes abroad, hotels with precision detailing, and expect the same from us,” Rafsun says. “Bringing that level of finesse into our local context with available materials and labor is always a balancing act.”
It meant achieving subtle luxury without overwhelming minimalism — a middle ground that felt both elevated and grounded.
A Calm Color Story
The material and color palette were designed with a specific philosophy in mind. The base tones consist of earthy and timeless shades, including soft beige, greys, and whites, which create a sense of airiness. To add richness, carefully selected accent colors of velvety blue, deep maroon, and bottle green were incorporated.
Metallic finishes were used with restraint, brushed bronze and muted gold feature only in key elements such as mirror frames, handles, and light fixtures, adding depth without overwhelming shine.
Detailing Through Membrane
Rafsun’s signature use of vacuum membrane-pressed panels played a central role in the design. “I prefer to keep the base clean and minimal,” he explains, “but I bring interest through texture — ribbed patterns, grooves, or subtle shadows, instead of color.”
This technique was used in cabinetry, shutters, and wall panels to create continuity and detail, offering a unique richness while maintaining a composed look.
Storage in Disguise
Since the clients were downsizing, storage needed to be hidden in plain sight. Rafsun’s team integrated custom cabinetry and built-in panels that blend into the walls and ceiling lines. Everything is flush, intentional, visually quiet, and yet deeply practical.
Lighting That Reveals, Not Just Illuminates
Lighting was handled as a layered exercise. Natural light was maximized wherever possible, but artificial light was used to highlight texture and materiality, not just to brighten rooms.
“We lit for mood, but also to reveal how materials behave,” Rafsun shares. “Light plays off the membrane grooves, reflects gently off bronze, and creates depth in stone.”
“This project was about translating emotion into space,” Rafsun reflects. “Not just making something beautiful, but something that feels right for the people living in it. I’m truly grateful for the trust the clients placed in us — and proud of what we built together.”
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