Project Details
Location: Rangpur, Bangladesh
Completion Date: December 1, 2018
Gross Internal Area: 13,450 m²
Architect: Bayejid M. Khondker and Nakshabid Architects
Client: Karupannya Rangpur Ltd
Awards: RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2024

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The Green Field Factory of Karupannya Rangpur Limited, designed by Nakshabid Architects under the leadership of Architect Bayejid M. Khondker, is a beacon of sustainable industrial architecture. Located in Rangpur, Bangladesh, this innovative factory was awarded the RIBA International Awards for Excellence in 2024, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly and employee-focused industrial design.

Sustainable Design and Features
This factory integrates natural elements to create a healthier working environment. Enveloped in lush greenery, it provides natural shade and ventilation. The design includes serene gardens, courtyards, and a parkland rooftop that offers spaces for relaxation and social interaction. Inside, water pools cool the air, which is drawn upwards through four atria, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere.

Employee-Centric Facilities
The Green Field Factory goes beyond typical industrial spaces by including a medical center, grocery shop, daycare facility, prayer room, and canteen. These amenities demonstrate a strong commitment to the well-being of the workforce, making the factory a place where employees feel at home and stimulated by natural light, cool air, and green spaces.

Empowering Women
With 80% of its 4,000 employees being women, the factory has significantly improved their social status and respect within their communities. The Bonolota sculpture at the entrance symbolizes the strength of women's empowerment, reflecting the factory's core values.

Environmental Excellence
The factory is a model of environmental sustainability, achieving LEED Platinum Certification. It features photovoltaic and solar panel arrays, large water reservoirs for fire security and rainwater harvesting, and natural cooling systems. The construction utilizes a simple concrete frame with locally sourced, textured masonry infill walls.

Cultural and Economic Impact
Karupannya Rangpur Limited, established in 1991, has grown from 15 craftsmen to a workforce of 5,000, producing rugs and textiles primarily for export. The factory continues the Satranji craftsmanship tradition, using waste materials from the garment and textile sectors. Its design reflects the essence of Bengali village homes, with large water reservoirs that enhance the indoor climate naturally.

Architectural photography by Asif Salman.