Client:
Anik Kumar Dey
Project Type:
Residential Interior
Location:
Protik Kamini Apartment, Kajir Goli, Garden Road, Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon,Dhaka.
Duration:
27 days
Area:
1,229 sq.ft
A. Project Overview:
This 1229 square foot apartment, located in the Protik Kamini Apartment in Karwan Bazaar, Dhaka for Anik Kumar Dey, was completed in just 27 days. The project aimed at finding ways to translate modern aesthetic values into an urban environment with a high density of people. To achieve this objective, a compact design was created for a young working professional or a couple/small family. The main objective was to create a house that felt comfortable, layered and aesthetically pleasing. One of its most significant strengths is the way in which limited space has been well-detailed to have layers and be functional and not cramped.
Project Story
As opposed to larger houses, this project started off with more restricted space and much greater expectations for efficiency. Each wall, corner and route of passage had to play many different roles- such as storing items, moving around, and creating a cohesive view-throughout the space. The clients requirements were very specific; they wanted a modern home that could feel calm and polished, but also able to functionally support their day-to-day activities.
The designers response to these challenges was based upon precision. Built-in components formed the foundation of the project by minimizing the need for free-standing furniture, and maximizing available walking space.
Bedrooms were viewed as mini-retreat spaces, providing depth by using layered material combinations, and soft lighting to create a perception of more space than exists physically. On the other hand, the dining space was intended to be somewhat more expressive, and therefore acted as a social hub within the confines of the dwelling unit.
Transitions in materials and lighting were utilized in order to minimize visual clutter. Rather than utilizing sharp contrasts, the color palette transitioned slowly-wood to fabric, matte to glass- creating a flowing appearance. The end result is a dwelling unit that appears ordered and functional- each component is doing precisely what it should, no more.
Project Insights:
- Utilizing built-in clothing storage units, and desk areas reduces reliance on mobile furniture thereby allowing for maximum usage of floor space.
- Using statement lighting above the dining area creates a focus/centerpiece in the open layout.
- The layered ceiling design provides visual interest but does not lower the perceived height.
- Choosing neutral colors allows for visual cohesion among all of the smaller rooms within the dwelling.
- Installing sheer drapery maximizes natural daylight entering the dwelling while maintaining private access in an extremely densely populated city.
- Introducing simple geometric details to the doors of the dwelling creates unique characteristics without creating excessive decorative elements.
- Combining vanity and study areas helps create flexibility for supporting multiple daily routine activities.
- Applying glossy finishes selectively enhances perceived volume and reflects light.
- Carefully controlling the scale of furniture eliminates congestion in routes of travel.
Design Details:
Space Planning:
Layout planning focused on achieving optimal efficiency. With each room having its own unique identity while being visually related. Bedrooms are designed to be compact however contain integrated storage and workspace. Dining area is placed in center position in order to service both daily living uses, as well as visiting guests, without impeding traffic.
Materials & Finishes:
Flooring that is polished and walls that are smooth contribute to brightness throughout the apartment. Warmth is added via wood veneers and laminates in wardrobe and door applications. A luxurious element is introduced through marble-like surfaces for dining table tops without overwhelming the remaining palette.
Lighting & Atmosphere:
Lighting is used to make-up for lack of space and improve ambiance. Cove lighting softens corners of ceiling while recessed lighting provides evenly distributed lighting. Overhead lighting fixtures over dining areas provide visual hierarchy and attract visitor’s eyes towards social activity zones.
Color & Texture:
Colors in the palette were selected to be muted-beige, cream and warm wood tones form the base pallette. Limited amounts of muted pink and blue accents are incorporated in order to provide subtle variations. Contrast in textures-between glossy cabinet finishes and soft textiles-prevents the space from appearing flat.
Furniture & Joinery:
Joinery forms an integral part of custom design of built-in storage, study/desk areas and display cases. Minimalist furniture that scales to fit the dimensions of the apartment maintains consistency with clean lines and geometric detail.
Visualization & Experience:
The project was developed using detailed 3-D static image renderings focusing on achieving balance between spatial efficiency and balanced lighting. These images allowed the client to visualize how compact areas would appear when furnished particularly how built-in components interact with pathways of circulation. Clarity provided in visualizations enabled approval processes to run smoothly, minimizing changes made during construction phases
how can you create the illusion of a larger apartment in an already small apartment?
A:You can use built-in furniture and reflectivity in addition to a uniform color palette. Both of these approaches minimize the number of visual interruptions and create a greater sense of openness to the viewer while still allowing the room to be functional, i.e., without having to alter its physical structure.
Is it possible to have decorative lighting that is unique and creates focus points within smaller living spaces?
A: If you use them sparingly, yes. The dining area light serves as the “focus” point in this project (in terms of creating identity) while providing no additional visual distraction to the rest of the space.
How do you provide sufficient storage within a home, without overwhelming the space?
A:Storage should be integrated into the wall. All other finishes in the space should also match the uniform color palette so that storage blends in and does not dominate the room.
Will multi-function furniture replace all of my individual workspace areas?
A: Yes, if the primary function(s) are minor and occur frequently, such as daily tasks. As evidenced by this project, desk/vanity units that are part of the walls of a home are very efficient in their usage of floor space.
Was there one major design issue/challenge that you had during this project?
A: The greatest design challenge was managing density i.e., finding enough space for all of the necessary functions without crowding or cluttering the existing space.
How did visualizing your design influence your decisions regarding both form and function during this project?
A:Visualizing your design allows the owner to understand what furniture will actually look like in proportion to each other and/or the surrounding space prior to finalizing those elements. Visualizing your design prevents excessive designing; ultimately leads to the creation of useful designs.