Reimagining Urban Living through Passive House Design in Dhaka
Innovative passive design meets family comfort in Dhaka's dense urban fabric through a modular nano-living solution.
In the heart of Dhaka, where spatial limitations dictate the way of life, this shortlisted entry of the Nano Nest 2020 competition brings a refreshing perspective on urban housing. Designed by Ishmam Faiyaz Chowdhury xyz and Dishan xyz for UNI, the project "Nano Nest" investigates how passive house design principles can transform tiny spaces into breathable, livable, and joyful homes for multi-generational families.
Tackling the Urban Space Crunch
Urban centers like Dhaka often suffer from severe space constraints. Addressing this core issue, the architects envisioned a housing module that goes beyond mere space efficiency. Their goal was to introduce a structure that allows for thermal comfort, daylighting, and family connectivity without compromising on spatial quality.
The selected site, a narrow plot amidst the congested lanes of Puran Dhaka, demanded innovative solutions. Dhaka's hot and humid climate further necessitated strategies that would encourage cross-ventilation and natural lighting, forming the cornerstone of the passive design approach.
Modular Living Inspired by Tetris
The conceptual framework derives its strength from simplicity. Drawing inspiration from the game Tetris, the form is created using modular blocks around a central courtyard. These blocks are separated strategically to allow for ventilation corridors and light shafts, ensuring natural airflow and temperature regulation throughout the home.
The resulting form is not just a response to climate, but a celebration of it. Operable skylights and perforated brick facades enhance airflow, while shaded balconies and terraces soften the interior microclimate. Remote-controlled windows on the roof can be closed during monsoon rains, showcasing adaptive architecture that adjusts to seasonal changes.
Passive Design as a Unifying Thread
This passive house design isn't just about airflow and thermal regulation. It's about nurturing relationships across generations. The ground floor is reserved for the grandparents, offering the quickest access to the open courtyard. The middle floor encourages interaction with semi-private and shared spaces, while the upper floor accommodates children and the master bedroom, both designed with private balconies and moments of solitude.
Despite its compact footprint, the home achieves spatial hierarchy, visual connectivity, and acoustic comfort. These qualities together create a soothing atmosphere, ideal for Dhaka's bustling urban environment.
Rooted in Context, Evolving in Design
Located in Puran Dhaka, the project draws from the rich tradition of subcontinental courtyard homes. Historically, these central courtyards served as communal gathering spots for large families. The reinterpretation of this element into a vertical module not only addresses land scarcity but also maintains a deep cultural resonance.
The use of local materials like brick and concrete grounds the building within its urban texture. The perforated brick screen filters light and air, echoing the climatic wisdom of traditional Bengali architecture.
A Playful Symphony of Spaces
What sets this home apart is its playfulness. Natural light dances across multiple levels, thanks to the open courtyard and carefully positioned fenestrations. The tree at the heart of the plan is more than just a biophilic feature—it is a living anchor connecting the stories above and below.
Interior views across levels enhance a sense of belonging and shared presence. Children playing, grandparents relaxing, and parents working or dining—all coexist in a delicate harmony of privacy and openness.
Living Large in Small Spaces
This proposal is more than just a model for nano-living; it's a prototype for dignified, climate-responsive housing in dense cities across the Global South. Through a seamless blend of passive house design, modular spatial planning, and cultural grounding, the project redefines how we think about living well in limited space.
By optimizing natural resources and promoting social interaction, this design doesn't just shelter life—it enhances it.
Project by: Ishmam Faiyaz Chowdhury xyz, Dishan xyz
Organized by: UNI
Shortlisted Entry: Nano Nest 2020
