অরণ্যতা (Canopy in Concrete)

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology

Project idea

The concept behind the project "অরণ্যতা" (Canopy in Concrete) is based on the principles of biophilic design, which emphasizes the living elements of nature within the built world and seeks to capture the poetic harmony between the urban and the forest. The dwelling, with its "vertical forest" concept, directly incorporates natural elements in the structural concrete framework, making it seem like the dwellings are mimicking the natural world with the expression “Concrete cradles the canopy” and “Life whispers through walls”. Sharing of the home and the nature, thus, are in harmony: the design not only satisfies the practical requirements of privacy, comfort and silence, but also contributes to the refinement of the soul.

Project description

The physical execution of the home is well thought out and for the long-term, useful and welcoming to future generations and both young and old having safe and unobstructed areas to explore.

Living Spaces: The formal living room is a pocket park in the form of a green screen that block out the light without blocking access to the foyer. The informal living room/lounge becomes a place of respite and connection as plantings, the sun and storage spaces meet in a unit that encourages interaction and connection.

Dining & Kitchen: The space for eating becomes a space for connection through the use of living greens and sculpted arches. It opens up to the kitchen, thus offering connectivity of the kitchen area and the residents to the functional spaces.

Private Quarters: The bedroom is a working, living, breathing space, a sanctuary for nature and intention through gentle lighting and natural lines. The bathroom turns into a “Mediterranean fantasy” with warm and sunny hues and ceramic tiles glistening from contemporary contours.

Shoe rack, seating and a slow, arched run of patterned tile at the entry create a seamless design ritual in the foyer, where utilitarian necessity becomes ritual.

Technical information

The project is built on very specific technical layers including plant and material schedules, structural planter details and more.

Naturalistic Planting:
The use of a carefully selected list of 12 plants, selected for different light/humidity needs and different architectural functions:
Strong Biophilic Statement: Fiddle Leaf Fig and Monstera Deliciosa are employed in lounge areas.
Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, and Money Plants (Pothos) are popular plants used in bedrooms and partitions because they are easy to care for and purify the air.
Movement & Texture: Boston Ferns, Anthuriums, and Calatheas (Pinstripe) enhance and add softness, color and refined texture to shared areas.
Structural Greens: The Wall Carpet Tree (Ficus pumila) is applied on walls and pillars to reinforce the Biophilic Story.

Architectural & Planter Construction:
The planters have an inbuilt intricate sub-surface system to keep plant life alive in an indoor environment. The cross section shows the layers being: Brick Wall, Plaster, Light Grout, Tiles, Concrete, Waterproofing (PVC), Soil, Cotton/Jute Wick System, and Gravel/Water in a dedicated Water Reservoir.