Excerpt: Arunaloy by Vastushilpa is a three-story residence centered around a vertical open-to-sky courtyard designed to foster family interaction and spatial connectivity. Emphasizing climatic responsiveness, the design encourages cross-ventilation and seasonal comfort. Featuring southern terraces, a central Ficus tree, and louvered screens, it creates a calm, reflective environment rooted in nature and shared experience.
Project Description
[Text a submitted by architect] Located in the rural setting of Koigram, Jiri, under Patia Upazila, approximately 25 kilometers from Chittagong, Bangladesh. This three-story residence embraces the essence of family living through spatial connectivity and climatic responsiveness. Each floor spans 3,500 square feet, organized to foster a deep sense of togetherness and interaction across generations.
At the heart of the house lies a central courtyard, acting as both a visual and social anchor. This open-to-sky volume connects all three floors vertically, allowing residents to see and engage with one another throughout the day. More than just a design element, the courtyard becomes an active gathering space—children play, elders converse, and plants grow, turning everyday moments into memories. Through these shared experiences, the house transforms into a home.
Designed with climate sensitivity in mind, the courtyard enhances cross-ventilation, keeping the interiors cool and tranquil, even during the hot summer months. The southern-facing terraces open up to the prevailing breezes, allowing fresh air to circulate through the courtyard and flow across the home.
A Ficus tree, placed at the center of the main terrace, creates an elevated natural oasis—offering shade, calm, and introspection. Beneath its branches, one can sit, sing, meditate, or simply experience the changing moods of nature. The design invites users to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with self, family, and environment.
To the west, the building extends in length, shielded by a carefully designed louvered screen. This screen not only filters harsh sunlight and reduces thermal gain but also creates visual depth while maintaining privacy—especially at the terrace level.
On the northern edge, a private backyard offers an intimate retreat. It serves as a quiet zone where residents can unwind, garden, or simply enjoy solitude in contrast to the more vibrant courtyard.
This project is not merely about constructing a building; it is an attempt to craft an environment that embraces all six seasons, encourages interaction, and creates lasting emotional ties. Through thoughtful spatial planning and contextual sensitivity, the home becomes a “sanctuary of memories, movement, and moments”—a true embodiment of life in Bangladesh.
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