Tree House

Khulna University, Architecture Discipline, School of Science, Engineering & Technology, Khulna

Project idea

The planned site was among a dense big port city, Chittagong, Bangladesh, and sandwiched by two contrasting environments: one was the plentiful large hilly green forest of CRB (Central Railway Building) on the west side, and the other has the dense commercial and residential area of small low-rise houses built disorderly on the surroundings. This house is a simple squarish shape with 185 sqm house on 380 sqm site, oriented from south-east to north-west with road access from the same direction (connecting access with CRB to Batali road, Enayet Bazar). During the construction time of this site, extremely consider about existing trees. Moreover, new planned build form is to be smaller than previous design for untouched plants. To the point of view of remain trees, the house name's idea of “TREE HOUSE” comes from there.

This project is a simple example of our belief that architecture must continue to explore the realm of form. While 'emotion of trees', 'drama of natural light', 'simplicity of structure', 'exercise of materials' and 'simplicity of detailing' remain important to the architectural approach of the house, the concern with form predominates. While the design explores the relationship between the 'built form' of the architecture and the 'natural forms' of the landscape, it also examines the interaction between horizontal and vertical spaces. While the horizontal 'flow' of spaces ensures simplicity of use and function, the vertical 'accentuations' of spaces provide the drama. The sense of space, accent on the simple forms and emphasis on the play of light and shade are making all those harmonies between its and other buildings.

Project description

A drama of Light:
The openings on the facade of the house are well enough to maintain skylight with seeking privacy. The transparent circular glass is placed on the roof that connects to a floating circular staircase and sky. A skylight passed through into a circular opening made of glass-plate is positioned above -this floating circular staircase. A small water body placed below this stair where the effect of upper opening creates “moon peeping under the water”. The movement Of Sunlight which filters through across into these glass-plates from morning till afternoon, however, an exciting sunlight is painting on the smooth solid wall surface. That makes the “drama of skylight” which represents day time and even moonlight. Approaching to living space and service passage and different roof level, series of louvers generate integration between spaces, material, light, and shade. To enhance the natural atmosphere, the effect of climate, weather, and sunlight movement could be experienced inside and outside the house. The presences of plenty natural elements through the arrangement of open windows of skylight make the house.

Functional Approach:
Originally this house is to be made from “asymmetric nine grids” clustered around a central green court, which would provide a central focus as well as natural day-lighting and cross ventilation to an entire house. Functions as the back side of that house would serve as a guest bedroom, bathroom, two different types stores and kitchen and laundry area; while the front sides of them are to be green court between the living and dining rooms with a circular stairway that placed on a small water body. Upper floor serves as a private zone with family living area, master bed including study area with large terrace and rain verandah, two child bedrooms with all separate toilets and verandahs, those are not just elements but an integral part of the life of the occupants.

Design features:
1. Two indirect entry approaches one from the front lawn and other from parking side.
2. Front square information peeping into the brick wall.
3. In-ground level, from entry approach living area, is recessed and services areas are raised.
4. Create a central green court, which ensures buffering space between living and dining area.
5. Besides dining area, a tiny water body under the circular stair, where moon peeping under the water.
6. Three different types of circular opening on floor level covered by tempered glass-plates.
7. At upper family living space, dweller feels delightful for freeness of both side spaces.
8. An L-shaped open stair placed on the green court toward family living to roof level.
9. Rain verandah is placed on the green court to see the inner court and front green forest area.
10. Two large terraces, one with master bed and one with family living.

Technical information

Climate consideration:
As almost 45 degree orientation of this building respective from local sun-path, acquire total advantages of windflow. However, in a summer season, main air funnel passes through from west and south-west sides. On the other hand, building form plays an extra role. South-West side air flow strike upper L-shaped form and central green court accumulate those airs to ensure a continuous natural air movement through the house throughout the whole day. The emotions of the Tree House are that the house is created by nature. Uninterrupted greens couple with natural breeze and day-lighting become the compositions of a new adaptation of modern urban living forms in the warm humid climate. As an experiment in dealing with rain, the master bedroom's facade is built with its rain verandah and a bit partial on the green court towards the sky. Otherwise, all windows are intentionally designed with canopies. Trees have grown in middle green court and other sides of this build-form to reduce the impact of direct sun heat and filter the dust of air.

Materials, Structure and Construction:
The range of materials has to be cost-effective and experiments were concentrated on cement material utilization with. The structure of the house is reinforced concrete with all columns and beams sizes are equal. That’s creating the opportunity to emphasize the lightness of form and transparency. All main walls of asymmetric nine grids were covered with exposed machine made hollow red bricks that required minimal maintenance. The advantages of using those bricks are that they provide solid security and filter hot temperature from outside. The most important matter is that it creates a natural texture of skin, which will play different color of lighting under the sunshade and over the sun. Seen from outside, this nine grids wall became that are exposed red bricks and other walls which are adjacent to grid blocks, are exposed cement plaster without paint, provide grooved line and all walls are added with transparency waterproofing. In interior walls, plaster was largely used as the finishing material to resist rainwater. All inside and outside doors are made of the wooden panel door. to contrast interior environments and dominance of red bricks, tiles pattern and textures are provide very simply. Roof connecting L-shaped open stair’s surface is a natural rough texture to avoid any slippery during the rainy day.

Co-authors

Anjuman Ara Begum (Assistant Architect)