House Kimori by River and Rain in Bangladesh

Project: House Kimori
Architects: River and Rain
Location: Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Area: 839.7 sqm
Photos: Provided by River and Rain

House Kimori by River and Rain in Bangladesh

River and Rain designed the House Kimori in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This stunning modern house blends into its natural environment and creates a unique view. With an area of over 839 square meters, connected to its surroundings, it makes a bold statement.

The natural configuration of surrounding hills and sea, with their majestic power and beauty, served as the sole inspiration for the project concept. Achieving an endless view from hill to sea, the house is presented more as a frame for capturing the landscape than an obstacle. Desired spaces and their formal expression thrive in accordance with celebrating a harmonious horizontal and elegant vertical perception of two natural stimuli. At the same time, the main task was to minimize damage on site and maximize preservation of existing natural ecosystem.

The house is located with a sea view, having magnificent green hills as a backdrop. The asymmetrical entry to the house leads viewers to admire the project with an inviting porch floating above shallow water surface. The internal charm of the villa remains a small surprise.

Upon entering the house, the gaze immediately shifts to bright green vegetation and backyard hills. The living area represents a two-story space, enhancing the sense of openness and facilitating connection within and outside the room. The airy staircase acts as a central axis for this house, connecting several levels. Climbing the stairs from the entrance level to the roof is a journey into a world of spatial secrets. Composite construction was applied to achieve the best formal expression of the concept. The central part is made from steel among concrete construction.

The floors of the house are built using flat slab technology, with various finishes: marble, wood and ceramic. Black polished marble is used on the first floor to create a reflection of surrounding trees, while antique-polished marble is placed outside to make the floor slightly slippery. The central terrace is made from wood and steel, while all bedrooms and service blocks have ceramic finishing. Steel cable railings are featured in the wooden-steel staircase, as well as on balconies and terraces.

The private bedroom zone is located inside the concrete structure on both sides, with two of them at different levels and two at standard. However, each of the four bedrooms, unlike other parts of the house, provides a magnificent view of nature. A sunken kitchen and adjacent dining room become the center of a cozy food celebration, while the rooftop bar with a spacious terrace is perfect for parties. Soft decoration of the smooth concrete surface adorning the facade allowed single glazing to emphasize a vivid image of surrounding trees, changing images of sky and sea with their colors, light and shadow, sometimes even reflecting the distant ocean as a semi-transparent image of these mighty forces.

The front part of the villa features a carefully designed landscape with grass. Ancient repurposed ship planks and concrete slabs laid and treated with grass and soil form a gentle path to the house. The natural essence conveyed in the house creates a sense of constant connection with the user. This harmonious bond with surroundings makes the villa seem grown rather than imposed.

– River and Rain