House Havladar / Maruf Raihan.Works / Bangladesh

Located in the picturesque rural area of Shibchara, Bangladesh, House Havladar by Maruf Raihan.Works reinterprets the archetype of a modern Bengali home. Designed for guests, family gatherings, prayer, and moments of solitude, the dwelling is situated near a large pond, connecting memory, culture, and climate-responsive design.

Photo © Maruf Raihan

The house serves as a central gathering place for an extended and closely knit family — a space that respects familial traditions while meeting modern living needs. Balancing privacy and openness, it connects the emotional and functional requirements of multiple generations under one roof.

Modern Housing that Connects Traditions and Family Life

Approaching the house, visitors are greeted by a sequence of shaded layers. The building opens into a semi-open veranda — Kachari Ghara — a shared space that also functions as a prayer room. This leads naturally to the kabila, integrating faith into domestic life, with open edges connecting daily activities to the surrounding landscape.

Photo © Maruf Raihan

Spatial Planning and Family Geometry

The layout reflects the essence of family geometry — gentle connections between public and private zones. From the veranda, entry leads to a common living room and dining area, opening to the pond, while a private block on the upper floor includes three bedrooms and a multi-purpose family space for celebrations, activities, and relaxation.

Photo © Maruf Raihan

The pond becomes the center of architecture, creating a visual and climatic dialogue. The stepped gate at the water's edge invites informal meetings and contemplation, strengthening the connection between built and natural spaces.

Photo © Maruf Raihan

Lighting, Privacy and Ventilation

Considering the density of rural settlements, privacy and climate control were critically important. The project uses parallel vertical slits in the walls, rather than large windows — creating narrow openings that allow light and air while maintaining seclusion. These 10-inch × 10-inch apertures create rhythmic lighting on the facades throughout the day.

Photo © Maruf Raihan

Semi-private verandas extending from each bedroom expand the living space outdoors, equipped with built-in areas for reflection. Movement paths are designed to channel cool air from the pond through interior spaces, enhancing passive ventilation and comfort year-round.

Photo © Maruf Raihan

Materials and Cultural Resonance

The material language of the project is locally authoritative, blending regional availability with craftsmanship. The construction uses the following materials:

• Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, locally sourced, forming textured walls
• Assembled timber from trees on-site
• Cement and metal components from local workshops
• Minimal surface finishes, to preserve tactile and visual honesty

The garden becomes an extension of the architecture, with local vegetation, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens, surrounding the building. This continuity of landscape reinforces the vernacular spirit of harmony between life, cultivation, and water.

Photo © Maruf RaihanPhoto © Maruf Raihan

Living Heritage in Rural Bangladesh

House Havladar / Maruf Raihan.Works / Bangladesh represents a living heritage — a house that unites traditions, family and sustainability. It demonstrates how modern architecture can honor cultural heritage, while maintaining climate intelligence and material honesty. Beyond its walls, it shapes the daily rhythm of connection between people, landscape, and faith — a poetic dialogue between past and present.

Photo © Maruf RaihanPhoto © Maruf RaihanPhoto © Maruf RaihanPhoto © Maruf RaihanPhoto © Maruf RaihanPhoto © Maruf RaihanPhoto © Maruf Raihan