Monsoon Abode

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology

Project idea

Home, where it takes someone back to their memories. Memories that takes some one back to a wall or a balcony or a decorated wooden door. My idea was to create a memory of a court. which welcomes the sun and showers during rain. Takes someone out but contains them in a intimate zone. My idea was to create a humble abode which has widened its roof to shelter its spaces. To create an introverted world which one must experience to understand.

Project description

Bangladesh largest delta on earth. Posh green hue on alluvial soil. A country where rain is a celebration, an event. Monsoon comes here with a poetic gesture. This house reside in a village named fulgaji, which lies on a flood plain and fertile land. Muhuri, selonia and kahua, three rivers runs through fulgaji. The residence is designed for a retired government service holder and his wife. Alongside the plot of the client there is his brothers residence. River selonia runs very close to the site. Lush green paddy field and vegetation contains the plot. Urbanization certainly penetrating the village fabric. You will see building popping up from the paddy field these days. This project aims to connect the context.
Design approach was to accommodate all the functions around a small court like the village houses. 8'x8' semi private court is the heart of this house. The court also complement the larger court in-between. A ceramic made screening separates both the court. Sun plays with the court whole day long.
Dining hall opens to the private court with a 8' large opening. During summer dining hall converts into a semi outdoor space so that it can be used for large family gathering.

Enclosing a deep veranda, a curved wall facing east with an opening made the entrance. The curved wall is a resemblance of affinity towards his brother's home. Carefully weaved brick detailing done in the entrance made a humble gesture toward the exterior.

Extended parasol roof encompasses the whole structure. One would often see during monsoon village people moving with a big leaf to avoid rain. Just like that a parasol roof is set to fight rain. Whole roof slab collects the rain water and release it through the pipes above the court. Water falls into a small pool in front of the house.
Light is an important element of this design. During daytime you don't need any artificial light at the house. Large openings on the south and the north facade floods light into the house.

Technical information

The construction technique used basic column structure with a flat plate roof. Local made brick used for the construction. External peripheral bricks are laid naked with pointing . The curve wall facing west is a 10" wall with brick detailing at the end. The 2.5" pipes are collected from the ship breaking yard of Shitakunda, Chittagong. With this construction it was my aim to create a modest yet fully functional living space that resonates and respects its context.