Karim Residence

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

KARIM RESIDENCE

Archfield

ARCHITECTS
Archfield

PHOTOGRAPHS
Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

AREA
1834 m²

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Dhaka, Bangladesh

CATEGORY
Apartments

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

Text description provided by architect.

Located at a corner plot in Gulshan, the Karim residence was designed with the idea of merging traditional and contemporary building techniques.

The variety of materials used in the building is harmoniously synergized to create a calm but playful symphony of the textures.

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

‘New’ was expressed by means of the concrete plate and the ‘past’ symbolized by old hand-made bricks, thus creating a sense of “unfolding time”. This project, in many ways, reflects transition of the building style in our country. 

The site measures 416.7 metric squares, with a beautiful view of the Dhaka cantonment on the west. Incorporating the advantage of the views and dealing with the climatic issue - these played a major decisive role in designing the form of the building.

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by wide seasonal variations in rainfall, high temperatures, and high humidity.

Sun in this region is tilted towards the west for most of the daytime. The issue was addressed by a deep overhanging concrete plate, which wrapped around the entire west elevation, providing a deep shadow against the strong glare of the tropical sun.

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

Planter beds are incorporated on the concrete plates, adding a natural softness to the structure, along with the added insulation against heat .

The hanging creeper plants from these planter beds create a natural screen that changes with each season, further shading the interior spaces. 

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

Provided the shading device on the western side, there is abundant glare-free light in the interior spaces during the daytime. 

Wind generally flows from the south-eastern direction in this subcontinent, and natural ventilation in this project is ensured by large uninterrupted open spaces, with balconies and large openings on the north and south facades.

The openings for all the major rooms are designed to provide optimum cross ventilation. 

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

While planning, the lifestyle of the client and her children were internalized by the design team, and their specific requirements were taken into account when designing interior spaces.

Since the building is designed for a family, the balconies on the northern side were designed in a manner as to allow communication from one to the other.

Most of the buildings in Bangladesh are enclosed within a solid boundary wall outlining the plots.

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

This approach was discarded by the architects when designing the landscape of the building, and instead, an attempt was made to enhance the sense of shared community space when designing the landscape.

Clear glass boundary walls allow the passer bys to enjoy the serene view of the front yard of the building.

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

Roof-top garden had been carefully designed, so that one can enjoy the feeling of walking on grass and thus feel close to nature.

The landscaping on every floor along with the roof garden reduces heat absorption by the concrete slabs, thus insulating the space below and ensuring less dependence on electricity for cooling in the hot summer season.

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana

This project stays true to the architectural style native to this country and yet integrates the contemporary global style harmoniously, representing the emergence of a new building style from traditional roots.

An example of successful experimentation and expression of concept, this project has a fresh approach towards apartment building design and use of materials.

Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana


Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana
Karim Residence
© Mahfuzul Hasan Rana


Karim Residence
Ground Floor Plan
Karim Residence
Floor Plan
Karim Residence
Floor Plan


Karim Residence
West Elevation
Karim Residence
North Elevation


Karim Residence
Diagram


Karim Residence
Site Plan