Nestled on the outskirts of bustling Dhaka, where the gentle embrace of the river Shitalakha meets the serenity of nature, lies an architectural masterpiece named CHAABI. Designed by the visionary mind Enamul Karim Nirjhar, this residence is more than just a home; it’s a symphony of spaces where every corner whispers tales of tranquility and connection.
Spanning across 1035 square meters, CHAABI beckons visitors with its seamless blend of indoor and outdoor realms. Lead Architect of SYSTEM Architects- EKNC Enamul Karim Nirjhar envisioned a dwelling where the boundaries between inside and outside blur, inviting the inhabitants to explore the unknown and embrace the truth with a play of space.
As you step through the main entrance, a sense of warmth and hospitality envelops you, while other entrances seamlessly merge with nature, inviting the outdoors in. Bedrooms, a home theatre, dining room, swimming pool, gym, and more adorn the ground floor, each space bathed in the gentle glow of filtered daylight. The water body beside the living room mirrors the sky above, offering a serene backdrop for moments of contemplation.
But it’s not just the physical elements that define CHAABI; it’s the thoughtful details woven into its fabric. An invisible wall, an illusion to be felt rather than seen with a big door. Beneath the glass floor lie relics of the client’s father, holds within it the cherished memories of generations past preserving the essence of family heritage.
Two staircases, aptly named ‘tana,’ and ‘mana’ guide occupants through the residence, each step a journey through time and space. Light-filled stairways connect the interior to the landscape outside, evoking the sensation of walking through lush green fields. Ascending to the first floor, one discovers an intimate family area where rain is not just weather but a cherished companion.
A door opens to an outdoor oasis, inviting residents to revel in the soothing rhythm of the rain.
Here, amidst guest rooms and cozy nooks, lies the heart of CHAABI—the family living room, adorned with an address-desk, a wooden stage where voices are raised and memories are made.
The design ethos of CHAABI is a statement of architect; with a believe – Form follows fiction.
It’s a homage to nature and a celebration of materiality. Concrete walls stand as stoic sentinels, while mahogany wood infuses warmth and character into every door and window. Unobstructed glass panels invite the sun’s gentle caress, while matte tiles underfoot offer a subtle elegance.
Emotion-laden elements, such as memory traps, dot the landscape, casting shadows of remembrance and reflection. Here, amidst ambient light and whispered echoes, the past intertwines with the present, reminding inhabitants of the stories that shape their lives. At its core,
CHAABI is more than just a residence; it’s a sanctuary for the soul.
Every space, every material, every detail is imbued with a sense of peace and calmness, inviting residents to harmonize with their surroundings.
CHAABI is not just a structure; it’s architect’s statement after exploring the client’s expectations and emotion.
And like any masterpiece, its beauty lies not just in its form, but in the emotions it evokes and the stories it tells.
Photography by Maruf Raihan
