SOUTH WATER GARDEN | Shatotto

Urban Respite

Bangladesh’s capital is a megacity with a population of over 21 million packed into approximately 2,161.17 km2 (834.432 sq mi). Having less than 5% green space, along with inconsistent and unreliable infrastructure, and other persistent difficulties, Dhaka generates daily mayhem for its inhabitants. Although located in the Baridhara Diplomatic zone on United Nations Road, the South Water Garden apartment building is not much of an exception in terms of greenery. Fortunately, this particular site boasts a lake and narrow strip of vegetation at the rear (west) of the plot.

The landowner and developer for this building decided to divide the plot of 7,500 square feet into two halves, so as to construct twin six-storied buildings, each with a floor area of 2,800 square feet to share equally. The clients wished to utilize 75% of the plot area, as per the regulation, and this posed a further challenge for creating open, green spaces. The response involved taking 40 square feet from both halves of the plot, and placing this space alongside an eight-foot gap between the two proposed buildings, with a five-foot road setback, resulting in a total of 200 square feet of greenery in front of the building on the east road. This open space, with its non-boundary wall and benches for public use, also pays homage to the passers by and the surrounding community.

The interiors of the two buildings a similar scheme, with five apartments and the ground floor for parking. In the design plan, the simple interiors meet the functional requirements while visually connecting with the beautiful lake and the large trees on the western side, allowing the southeast summer breeze to pass through the entire building and ample light throughout the day. The use of exposed concrete for the cast structural beams and columns, with terracotta brick infill, is a simple approach that takes account of the subtropical climate of Dhaka. The two rooftops address the shortage of green spaces in the city and act as the “community green”, with lawns and bushes set around a small pavilion, thus providing respite for the occupants and their guests.