“Darul-Mubeen”- The “House of Light” is an exquisite three-storied single-family residence born from a desire to create a sustainable home that harmoniously blends the phenomenal context with functionality. The concept was to create a contemporary private realm amidst a luscious green landscape that would sustain Bangladesh’s unique tropical climate. A serene sanctuary that embodies privacy, family togetherness, healthy living and an eco-friendly indoor environment—a home where sustainability becomes a lifestyle.

The architecture is a fair-faced, reinforced concrete structure sculpted with meticulous attention to detail. The house is merged with the context at the ground and upper-level green cantilever terraces, which aim to insightfully distribute the compensated ground coverage vertically into various buffer zones. The challenge was constructing these enormous cantilever terraces to create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces while providing an oasis of tranquillity. These soft paved, rainwater-soakable terraces throughout the building allow natural green to soften the sun rays of the hot-humid climate and create a living space rejoicing.

The building’s frontal approach preserves a time-honoured village culture of seating in a lofty entry lobby, allowing one to appreciate the garden in front. The grand entry foyer of the house gives a marvellous enveloping experience. The choreography of the plinth level’s step-ups and downs creates a pause before proceeding into the dining hall toward the main staircase. Adorning the central loft wall of the main staircase is a traditional terracotta art installation that exudes warmth and delightful daylight. As we ascend to the first floor, the grand half-landing is illuminated by natural light streaming from the skylight, bidding a fond farewell to the ground floor. The skylight atrium substantiates social and functional character, visually connecting all the levels and expanding living spaces beyond its compact floor plans. This marvellous space shares plenty of light and ventilation, fostering various activities from morning chores to evening relaxation. It truly embodies the notion of family connectivity, unifying individuals under its magnetic influence.

Ascend to the rooftop and behold a verdant paradise, a triumphant culmination of volumetric detail that interweaves with the architecture. Each terrace is landscaped with bamboo and vibrant monsoon blooms, imbuing a tropical aura that uplifts the soul. All these intricate activities around the house embrace the ecosystem and enhance the biophilic living experience.

Architectural Team & Collaborators

Lead Architect(s): Quazi Fahima Naz (N-024) & Subrata Sikder (S-112)

Design team: Mahbubur Rahman

Consultants (structural, landscape, lighting, etc.)

Structural Consultant:

SANJOY ROY CHOWDHURY

M.Engg. in Civil Engineering (BUET)

B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (BUET)

MIEB M-27325

Artistic Consultants & Construction Ltd.

Project Data Sheet (if available)