Bold Steps on a Small Scale

The client’s primary concern with their previous house was the lack of natural sunlight, despite being
surrounded by abundant greenery. They deeply desired a home that embraced natural light and air. This
need gave rise to the idea of incorporating a courtyard into their new house even though the site was
quite small, approximately 180 sqm.

The site is bounded by roads on the south and west sides, with the main road lying at the south corner
and an 8-foot-wide alley running along the western edge. To the north, there’s an adjacent house, while
to the east, an open garden ensures no future constructions a positive aspect that allows for better
natural ventilation.
In our rural context, the courtyard or uthaan holds cultural and functional significance. It serves as a
gathering place for people of all ages a space for socializing, performing daily chores, or simply relaxing.
Understanding this, the architect took a bold step by transforming the typical roof into a modern uthaan.
This roof courtyard features a garden, a shaded sitting area, and dedicated space for drying crops, fulfilling
the client’s vision.

Despite the site’s compact size, the architect cleverly accommodated all the client’s requirements,
including a guest room and three bedrooms on the upper floor. Designing such a multifunctional space
around a central courtyard was a significant challenge, but the solution turned into a defining feature of
the home.
To enhance airflow and daylight penetration, a verandah is introduced on the southern side of the house.
However, privacy is a crucial concern in rural settings. Addressing this, the architect designed a brick
screen wall that delicately balances privacy with the flow of air and light.
At the southeast corner of the first floor, there’s an angina a cozy terrace space where the women of
the house can relax with a cup of tea in the afternoon. From this double-height space, natural airflow
circulates through all the rooms, ensuring a well-ventilated interior.
The ground and first floors are visually connected through a staircase that opens into the double-height
courtyard space, enhancing spatial continuity and openness.
Originally, the site had many trees. Rather than removing this greenery, the architect chose to preserve
and reintroduce it throughout the design in the entryway, verandahs, and terraces weaving nature
into every corner of the home. The roof courtyard required special structural treatment for soil load,
shading, and drainage, with waterproofing layers to prevent seepage. Locally available bricks and natural
ventilation strategies were integrated to reduce energy demand, blending traditional wisdom with
modern construction techniques.

MATERIAL
Locally available brick is the primary material, expressed through exposed masonry and perforated screen
walls that ensure both privacy and ventilation. Reinforced concrete frames structure the building, while
wood and metal are used selectively for doors, windows, and railings. The roof courtyard incorporates
lightweight soil layers, paving tiles, and shading elements. Natural greenery is integrated throughout
verandahs, terraces, and entry spaces, weaving landscape with built form.

PROJECT ABSTRACT:
Name of the Project : Alo’r Bari
Location: Faridgonj, Chandpur, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Name of the Client: Anayet ullah
Site Area: 180 sqm
Total built up area of the Project : 260 sq.m
Year of Commencement: 2021
Year of Completion : 2024
Photographer: Mud Canvas (MD Abid Mia)

PROJECT TEAM
Principal Architect: Jamal Hossain Shaon
Architects: Rayhanul islam, Mussabbirul Muhit, Limon Kumar Das

Consultant[s]
Structure: Md Mahmudul Hasan Mamun
Electrical: Md. Zahangir Alam

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