Himchori residence

The two storied residence in Himchori marine drive is a tranquil retreat residing within the serene coast of Cox’s Bazar. The site is endowed with two natural elements that serve as the primary driving forces of the design: Hillside and the Beach. The building's permeability strives to disperse into nature without interfering with the environment. Through the composite framework, the natural sanctuary is emphasized, prompting uninterrupted bay view across the wide apertures connecting the two vistas across the central axis of the design.

Entrance to the premise is greeted by a floating platform led through a paved pathway and concrete steps atop a shallow waterbody, simulating the entire villa to be levitated off the ground, beyond which an assortment of a rusted metal door and full-height windows overlooking a swamp like waterbody and swimming pool beneath the tropical backdrop along the stretched-out hillside panorama is visible from across the double height living space. The steel staircase ascending straight up from the basement to the roof connects all the floors, two alternatively placed at a semi standard floor level exposing a sequence of experiential views encompassing the surrounding landscape.

All three bedrooms situated on the alternate split levels obtain expansive views permeating the openings on both sides to simultaneously face the coastline and a hilly landscape. An interplay of materials on the flooring is incorporated, combining dark polished marble, wooden decking and tile finish. The ornate furniture handpicked by the client subdues the overwhelming height of the interior rooms granting a homely appeal to its contemporary aesthetic. All surrounding elements and natural features are cautiously assembled to suit the environment which flourish with time, providing a shaded relief without compromising the site’s integrity.

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principal architect

Kazi Fida Islam

Team

River & Rain

location

Himchori, Cox’s Bazar

status

completed

2017

photographer

Sandro di Carlo Darsa

Maruf Raihan

Asif Salman