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Dhaka, Bangladesh
Initially the house had a garden on the south and a mango orchard on the north. The plot had trees that bore fruits like mangoes, jackfruits and java plums, a lawn and a playing field at the back where young boys from the neighborhood would come and play. After the property division, the building of a tall apartment building in the north replaced the mango orchard and the space there.
The lush green lawn was larger in size and was landscaped with different types of fruits and flower trees. After the property division, the front part of this lawn was inherited by another sibling of Mr. Irteza Chowdhury who built a multistoried apartment building there. Currently, the lawn can be enjoyed from the east and west side. The surrounding greenery still envelopes the house and creates a unique relation between nature and the built spaces. This lawn works as a breathing space for the occupants in many ways. In fact, one of the current occupants of the house, the mother-in-law of Mr. Irteza Chowdhury who has been living here for some time now, walks around the lawn and sometimes sits in the open space on the quiet west side to say her prayers.
Built in a way that was unique at that time, the entrance of the house is underneath a suspended room, which consists of a library. This cantilevered room is placed on the landing level of the staircase and it has been serving as a quiet and peaceful zone facing the northern orchard, which is now occupied by a multi storied building.
Mr. Irteza Chowdhury inherited the house after the property was divided among all his siblings in 1976 through a lottery in which everyone got their individual plots. He has been living in this house with his wife, three sons, and his mother-in-law. As his children stay abroad for studies, the house is currently occupied by the three people and other staff members only.
The large verandah was one of the requirements from the original owner, as he required shaded open space for political gatherings. Hence, the architect designed this semi-open verandah with a long span of roof to fulfill that requirement. Initially, the verandah had a front lawn and garden view, which has been lost after property division. This verandah has been the playspace for children, sitting space for elders and occasionally, a venue for hosting weddings or birthday parties.