138 Nawab Salimullah Road, North Chashara, Narayanganj, Dhaka/ 2023

Location: 138 Nawab Salimullah Road, North Chashara, Narayanganj, Dhaka
Build Area: 3,370 sft
Year Designed: 2022-23
Principal Architect: Ar. Shafique Rahman (MIAB)
Team Members: Shanila Saifullah, Rakib Patwary
Photographer: Junaid Hasan Pranto

Concept:

Mirza Bari is an urban vicinity nestled in the semi-industrial mixed-use zone of Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Like many other vicinities of its age, it has faced the formidable challenges posed by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Amidst the chaos that came with the growth of numerous industries, trade centers, and haphazardly developed housing, the city's urban fabric and cultural heritage suffered immensely. Mirza Bari was not an exception to this change.

Dating back to 1894, this historic household has great significance in Narayanganj's history, once belonging to the renowned physician Dr. Mirza. Regrettably, over the years, the younger generations moved away to other cities, leaving it unoccupied. The project's focal point revolved around the meticulous restoration of this two-story family home and its subsequent expansion to accommodate the families of each of the three children of the late Dr. Mirza. With a vision of reuniting the entire family under one roof, the design thoughtfully ensured three separate dwellings with distinct entrances, promoting modern family living while preserving the spirit of a joint family. The family's unwavering commitment to maintaining the existing architectural style while introducing renovations and extensions brought their collective dream to life.

The structural expansion incorporated two steel-structure wings connected to the original brick masonry building. The result was a harmonious union of the extended and pre-existing parts, interweaving shared spaces like circulation corridors, stairs, a courtyard, a common terrace, and a mezzanine space enabling 3 families to live together. This clever structural plan allows the family members to have their private living spaces, yet they can share the open-to-sky courtyard space which binds all the sections together. The design was conceived to offer controlled separations among the three portions while facilitating reconnection when desired, fostering a sense of communal living.

The refurbished section showcases a rafter-purlin roof structure, embodying the essence of the past design while embracing contemporary elements. Fenestration played a crucial role in revitalizing the building; carefully designed perforations and enlarged window sizes allow ample airflow and natural light to permeate the spaces. The classical-style fenestrations were meticulously preserved, as a nod to the cherished historical details.

Maintaining the courtyard was a pivotal aspect of the extension, a task made challenging by the limited and congested site. However, with utmost care, an existing Mahogany tree was retained, becoming the heart of the rejuvenated courtyard. Interactive family spaces thoughtfully designed around this central space ensure the courtyard remains a cherished location, evoking nostalgic memories.

The architectural significance of Mirza Bari is evident in its fusion of colonial and Roman archways with keystones, showcasing the family's cultural preferences. Carefully selected textures and materials bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Delicate color palettes and wooden textures create a raw, inviting atmosphere that reflects the vernacular design and character.

Perforated screen facades, crafted from concrete brick blocks, separate distinct zones, providing privacy while maintaining essential ventilation, critical in the tropical climate. The rough texture of the concrete finish on the blocks and the rough con-mix cement exterior wall adds a rustic touch, further embracing the architectural heritage.

A double-height space at the staircase, adorned with linear panels of exposed brick and glass windows, exudes a grand aura, reminiscent of times past. The connected corridor, characterized by iron-cast railings and pivoted screen windows, evokes the nostalgia of cherished memories.

Mirza Bari stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of heritage and modernization, a model representation of how thoughtful architecture can resurrect cultural treasures while adapting to the evolving needs of a dynamic cityscape. The preservation of the courtyard and the sharing of open-to-sky spaces have breathed new life into the historical site, creating a haven that celebrates the past while embracing the future.