09/08/2025
Alo’r Bari
Site: Faridonj, chandpur, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Site area: 180 sqm
Client: Anayet ullah
Architects : Plane Architect's
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Lead Architect: Jamal Hossain Shaon
Design Team :
Rayhanul islam, Mussabbirul Muhit, Limon Kumar Das
Photography credit : Mud Canvas মাটির ক্যানভাস
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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 pe*******on, 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.
