Client:
Md. Monir Hossain
Project Type:
Residential Interior
Location:
Mohora, Chandgaon, Chittagong
Duration:
1 month 14 days
Area:
2540 sq.ft
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Md. Monir Hossain’s residential interior located at Mohara, Chandgaon, Chittagong, Bangladesh was designed over an area of 2,540 square feet and took approximately three months to complete. The focus of the project was designing a contemporary family house with open floor plan and also creating functional separation among all the rooms. The design was based on a desire of the clients who wanted to have a good balance of comfortable everyday life and social entertaining. The designer therefore created lounge, dining room and private spaces with well-defined functions and coherence. The distinguishing element of this project is the limited use of marble and lighting to produce a sophisticated yet accessible environment.
PROJECT STORY
The beginning of the project involved a very large open-plan residence with many entrance points, many windows and service components which were predetermined. The advantages of the generous space included the potential for great views and daylight; however these same factors also represented risks of fragmented vision and loss of intimate relationships in the space. In addition to this, the client needed a home that would allow for extended family gathering without sacrificing their own desire for individual comfort in their everyday lives.
In order to achieve this goal the design strategy was to layer instead of divide. In place of solid partition walls, furniture groupings, rugs, and partially closed wood screens were employed to separate the space into various functional sections. This layering method provided the benefit of maintaining a continuous visual relationship while providing subtle cues to move about the space and distinguish function. To maximize the social aspects of the living and dining areas they were placed side-by-side in alignment to create a central core or hub. Conversely, the bedroom areas were treated as quieter and more insulating spaces from the rest of the house.
Since material selection was the primary vehicle for establishing an identity for the home, marble surfaces were incorporated as focal points or anchors. However, these marble surfaces were not installed in excess but were specifically used as background or accent walls, TV backdrop, tables etc. These were balanced by warm wood elements and soft textiles. Similarly, lighting was carefully selected to avoid harsh effects due to the high reflectance properties of some materials. Overall, the final product was able to shift easily between being a comfortable living environment during daily life and transforming into a lively entertaining space for guests in the evenings without having to undergo major transformations.
PROJECT INSIGHTS:
- Functional zoning achieved through arrangement of furniture and rugs; no rigid partitions.
- Partitions made from geometric wooden screens that clearly demarcate spaces, facilitate air circulation and visibility.
- Marble strategically used only on select vertical focal points to preclude overwhelming visual impact.
- Multi-layered lighting system (recessed + decorative + cove) provides flexibility for changing moods.
- Central placement of dining area serves as social anchor linking zones.
- Built-in shelving combined with task lighting provides additional storage functionality.
- Use of neutral color palette allows accent colors to be easily changed over time.
- Visual weightlessness of ceiling maintained utilizing recessed fixture and low-profile fan options.
- Clear path of circulation maintained despite multiple entry/exit points.
DESIGN DETAILS SPACE PLANNING
The overall design solution emphasized continuity throughout the principal living spaces while maintaining distinct identities for each specific zone. All seating arrangements are angled toward encouraging conversation while facilitating free movement around them. Bedrooms were placed in locations where there can be maximum separation from public/social areas while transitional areas serve as buffer zones.
Materials & Finishes:
Marble is utilized as a defining material in floors, wall treatments and other vertical features thereby providing a lasting impression of quality and sophistication. Softening the impact of such “high-gloss” finishes are wood elements used in partitions and cabinets. Glass/metal accents introduce lightness and contrast to visual field.
Lighting & Atmosphere:
Maximizing natural daylight is achieved via numerous large opening points filtered by sheer drapery to minimize glare. Layered artificial lighting includes ambient cove lighting as base layer, while pendant/large chandelier(s) provide focal emphasis. Overall tone will be warm-neutral so that space appears welcoming rather than formal.
Color & Texture:
Soft white/beige/gray color palette creates canvas upon which marble veining remains visible while bright mustard yellow/deep blue accents provided through upholstery/decor adds vibrancy while controlling quantity. Contrast between glossy stone/textile/fabric surfaces creates tactile/visual experience.
Furniture & Joinery:
All custom furniture pieces are proportionally sized to fit scale and proportions of space so as not to clutter or overwhelm space. Built-in shelving provides task lighting to draw attention to decor while maximizing storage efficiency. Clean/rectangular joinery detail maintains contemporary aesthetic.
VISUALIZATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Still images rendered at high resolution illustrating important spaces with varying lighting conditions were produced to support this project. Such visualization allowed the client to review material combination selections, intensity levels of lighting, and how people would move through space prior to construction. Ultimately, quicker decision making processes resulted in less on-site revisions and less client uncertainty.
How can you make larger open areas look busy instead of "empty" or "unconnected"?
A: Layered elements—groupings of furniture, rugs and partial wall elements—are used to visually divide an area (without disrupting flow) and provide a sense of cohesiveness to the entire area; however, each zone has its own defined purpose.
Is it practical to have marble as a material choice for a family to use daily?
A: Yes if used appropriately. For example, we chose to place marble in areas that will endure well and to pair marble with softer materials for comfort.
Will your design strategies also work in a home that is smaller than the one you designed?
A: The concepts we applied are transferable and applicable to smaller homes especially through zoning by way of furniture and lighting. The scale and amount of elements would just differ due to size constraints.
Was there a method of coordinating lighting with other reflective elements such as marble?
A: Careful control was employed for the placement and intensity of light and for the avoidance of glare. Diffuse light sources and indirect lighting options were emphasized to assure visual comfort.
Did three-dimensional visualization play a significant part in your design process?
A: Three-dimensional visualization enabled the client to visualize how their materials, color schemes and lighting choices would interact within the environment prior to construction thereby reducing trial-and-error decisions during the building phase.
Do you have a strategy for balancing aesthetic components with functional components such as fans and air conditioning units?
A: We intend for all components including functional components to fit within our overall design language. We use thin profile light fixtures and position fan/AC unit locations according to ceiling composition to make these functional components appear intentional rather than intrusive.