Sustainable Single Family Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Creating Tranquility in the Midst of Chaos

This single-family residence, designed by Nahian Bin Mahbub, is a conceptual project based on a site in Dhaka, Bangladesh, one of the most populated, polluted, and busiest cities on Earth. The goal was to design a self-sustainable living space that bridges architecture and nature, providing the clients with the opportunity to experience nature and calmness in their home, which is hard to find in Dhaka city.

The unique feature of this design lies in its integration of natural elements and sustainable practices. The building facades are made of concrete, while every terrace features concrete boxes for plants. The structure itself is a post-lintel structure made of concrete slabs, columns, and beams, with wooden door and window frames. The plinth is elevated by 2 feet, and there is a 5-foot-deep pond on the ground floor.

The design utilizes software such as Autocad, Sketchup, Lumion, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Premiere Pro to bring the concept to life. The total site dimension is 30.48 meters by 27.432 meters, with a building height of 9.8 meters. The roads on two sides are 7.62 meters wide.

This single-family residence consists of family living space, formal living space, dining space, bedrooms, and a kitchen. Each function has a terrace attached, increasing the interaction between family members and nature. The terraces act as a barrier against pollution and create an interactive green space. Additionally, the ponds on the ground floor bring a rural experience to urban life.

Designing a self-sustainable residence in Dhaka presented several challenges. The city's common problems include water pollution, traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and solid waste disposal. By incorporating elements such as courtyards, semi-outdoor spaces, ponds, and decks, this design aims to create an ecosystem within the site itself, protecting the residents from pollution and promoting physical activity.

This single-family residence design is a testament to the possibilities of sustainable living in a densely populated and polluted city. By integrating nature and traditional rural elements into the design, Nahian Bin Mahbub has created a space that offers tranquility and respite from the chaos of urban life.

Image Credits: Nahian Bin Mahbub, Dwelling For Inspiration, 2021

Video Credits: Nahian Bin Mahbub, Dwelling For Inspiration, 2021

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2021, recognizing its well-designed, practical, and innovative characteristics that meet professional and industrial requirements. It is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical features, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, and contributing to a better world.