Project: Maayer Anchol(মায়ের আঁচল)
Studio: INDESOLarchitects & Neoformation Architects
Year: 2021
Architect: Afsana Luqman and Khalid Ahmed Khan
Location: Manikganj, Bangladesh

Description: Discover the Essence of Bangladeshi Architecture with Maayer Anchol(মায়ের আঁচল - A Neoformation Architects Masterpiece by IndeSolar Architects. Dive into the heart of Bangladesh's architectural heritage with Maayer Anchol, a project that seamlessly blends traditional values with contemporary Bangladeshi architecture. This residential marvel, located in the serene rural settings of Bangladesh, showcases the innovative spirit of Dhaka architecture, standing as a testament to the evolving landscape of residential architecture in Bangladesh. Maayer Anchol, designed by the visionary Neoformation Architects in collaboration with IndeSolar Architects, represents a post-COVID architecture era in Bangladesh, where open, ventilated spaces and nature integration are prioritized. Explore architectural photography of Bangladesh through the lens of Maayer Anchol, capturing the intricate play of light, space, and natural elements. Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of Bangladeshi architecture, where every corner tells a story of culture, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of the Bangladeshi people.
 
The project “Maayer Anchol” was an endeavor to design a village home for a family of six brothers which is an extension of their old home built by their mother 35 years back. It was developed in the context of rural setting with a cluster of humble individual tin-roofed cottages. The core challenge of the design was to create a new space which must blend with the surroundings, bringing a sense of completeness complementing the existing built form, upholding its pride and true culture of this home.
The new built form started evolving by organizing spaces around a courtyard. Layering of formal, semi-formal and private spaces around the court ensures a free-flowing connectivity through the verandahs and corridors having the provision to blend with nature but still maintaining the due control and privacy of each space.
The journey of your vision will always find the a smooth transition from one space to the next, from the outdoor to indoor, indoor to semi-outdoor and semi-outdoor to open terraces before it blends into the lush green gardens stepping into the old courtyard creating a strong dialogue among the spaces stitching them together ensuring optimum visual alliance.

Optimum priority is given to ensure natural light and having exposure to nature with natural ventilation. Projected roofs, deep pitch roof extensions, corridors around the court helps to protect the interior from heat of direct sunlight and shields from the heavy rain. Optimal apertures and its maximum exposure control give enough options of internal environment depending on the climatic conditions. 

The building is designed with RCC frame structure with columns resting on isolated footing. The pitch roofs made with MS hollow box truss and purlin holds the clay roof tile on top of it. Most concrete surfaces are kept in as-cast look without any application of finish material. Almost all the vertical walls are made of exposed brick masonry without any plaster. Most of the floor finish is locally resourced matt-finished ceramic tiles except ceramic paver block used in the driveway. Sliding, folding and casement windows are made of aluminum profile with tempered glass infill of various thicknesses depending on sizes. All doors having exposure to outside environments are made of teak wood and the rest are plain flush doors. 

The old house had been the witness of loads of memories from the social events and festivals, where social gatherings and mingling among the family members used to spill over to the courtyard, verandahs, and informal sittings under the shades of the trees. The very same spirit has played the key role to organize semi-open outdoor sitting, descending broad steps into landscapes, open to sky terraces and semi open pavilions apart from the formal spaces, to host the same family unions in broader perspective. All these spaces are fitted out with custom designed furniture and a lot of which are inspired by the old ones used by the family in different stages of their life.

Architectural Photography by Asif Salman