Nayantara Residence: A Modern Tribute to Traditional Courtyard Living

The Nayantara Residence, located in Subidbazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh, represents a fusion of modern architectural principles with traditional family living, emphasizing connection, culture, and sustainability. Designed by Ar. Jishnu Kumar Das and his team at Nirmanik Architects for clients Dr. Shyamjoy Das and Mrs. Suprobha Sarker, the 1300 sq. ft. (121 sqm) project revives the essence of traditional courtyard-based homes within an urban setting, offering a sanctuary of family unity, culture, and privacy.

Background and Concept In Bangladesh’s rapidly urbanizing areas, the pressure to compromise cultural values for modern functionality is immense, particularly for middle-class families. Traditional living arrangements, such as joint family systems and courtyard-centric homes, are being replaced by compact, functional layouts that prioritize productivity over cultural and social continuity. The Nayantara Residence seeks to challenge this trend by reinstating the concept of a central courtyard, inspired by the clients’ ancestral village home, where familial and religious activities take center stage.

Dr. Shyamjoy Das and Mrs. Suprobha Sarker’s vision was to create a home that would offer their family the privacy needed for individual pursuits, while preserving a strong sense of community and tradition, all within the confines of a limited urban space. The architectural response to this brief involved creatively reintroducing the courtyard, a central element in traditional Hindu homes, and integrating it into a modern three-storied structure.

Architectural Design and Spatial Layout The design draws its primary inspiration from traditional Bangladeshi homes where a central courtyard serves as the heart of the residence. This space not only connects different living areas but also functions as a hub for social, cultural, and religious activities. The courtyard is designed to promote communication across generations, allowing the family to bond through everyday interactions, religious practices, and cultural events.

The ground floor is organized around the central courtyard. On the north side lies the prayer space or temple, a nod to the clients’ religious values, while a small gardening space with tulsi plants occupies the east. The south is home to the dining area, and the west is framed by the main entrance and staircase. On the first floor, the void created by the courtyard is surrounded by the family living space and circulation areas, which connect the entire duplex unit. This arrangement ensures that natural light and ventilation flow freely through the residence, reducing energy dependence and promoting a comfortable living environment.

The courtyard can also be adapted for various family events, from intimate gatherings to religious ceremonies, such as kirtons and wedding rituals. The first-floor family living area offers a perfect vantage point, acting as an audience zone during such occasions. This flexible design helps to accommodate both private family moments and larger social functions.

Materials and Construction To keep the construction costs manageable, Nayantara Residence was built primarily using brick masonry and reinforced concrete. Brick, a readily available and durable material, lends the building its structural integrity, while concrete provides the necessary reinforcement for a multi-story residence. The use of brick also connects the home to the local architectural vernacular, which traditionally utilizes brickwork for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

The material palette is deliberately minimal, focusing on simplicity and harmony with nature. The dominant color throughout the interior is white, which not only enhances the sense of space but also reflects light, making the interiors feel bright and airy. This nature-inspired color scheme complements the central courtyard and the small garden areas, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency The design of Nayantara Residence emphasizes sustainability, not only through the selection of materials but also through energy-efficient practices. Large windows and open spaces ensure that the house is naturally lit and ventilated, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning during the day. The strategic placement of windows and doors encourages cross-ventilation, allowing the home to stay cool even in the heat of Sylhet’s tropical climate.

Additionally, a low-cost roof garden was implemented, offering an eco-friendly space for the family to grow plants and herbs, while also providing insulation to the building. The roof garden can be easily maintained, making it a sustainable feature that connects the family further to nature.

Production and Construction Process The construction of the Nayantara Residence adhered to a streamlined and cost-effective process. Local craftsmen familiar with brick masonry were employed to ensure high-quality workmanship and maintain the project’s connection to traditional building methods. Reinforced concrete was used for the structural framework, providing the necessary stability for a three-storied building in an urban context.

The building’s form is simple yet functional, with careful attention to detailing, particularly in the brickwork and plastering. The use of white and nature-blending tones throughout the house ensures that the residence feels serene and timeless, while also emphasizing the architectural features of the central courtyard and the open-plan living areas.

Cultural and Social Impact At its core, Nayantara Residence is an attempt to bridge the gap between modern urban living and traditional cultural values. By reintroducing the courtyard, the design reclaims the cultural practices associated with such spaces—social gatherings, religious rituals, and the daily rhythms of family life. The temple and tulsi plant, placed prominently in the courtyard, serve as symbols of spiritual grounding, inviting moments of pause and reflection within the home’s daily flow.

This design not only provides the family with privacy and personal space but also facilitates interactions and learning across generations. Children can learn from the elderly, and the family can come together during important life events and celebrations, all within the same shared space.

Conclusion Nayantara Residence is a modern architectural expression of traditional values, bringing together the essence of family, culture, and community in a compact, urban environment. Through the careful use of materials like brick and concrete, and a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, the house stands as a testament to how architecture can shape social interactions and promote cultural continuity. This project offers a model for how contemporary design can be both functional and deeply connected to the roots of tradition.