An existing mundane roof-top has been transformed where expanse is revived into a vibrating space and retailored into the “Heart of the House.”
It is an attempt to create a mesmeric river-side setting portraying the celebration of rain and the six seasons. Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon-type climate, with a hot and rainy summer and a dry winter. Rain, fertile soil and ample trees are ingrained attributes of this land. These attributes are explored in this open to sky roof-top arena.
Water and green is expressed through an interesting geometry in space. Poetry has been composed with planks that intend to create the feel of village-dwellers drifting on bamboo or wooden rafts in rivers as a mode of low-cost transport as seen in this region.
A reflection of the deltaic identity of Bangladesh is found among the floating decks and floating green. The steel-edged planter-box brimming with green appears to be buoyant amidst the water all around. An impression of a hydroponic garden is achieved as it were floating Water-Hyacinth (Kochuripana). Movement of water can be experienced by its ripples reverberating while walking over the glass walkway on some parts.
Frosted glass has been installed for privacy on one façade that on looks a building. LED light has been used for night lighting. Plants used in this small-scale landscape project are Frangipani, Indian Almond, small yellow flowers called Odelia, Bird’s Nest and Boston Fern.
An essence of riverine Bangladesh can be found at the foot-step of this renovated rooftop.
Ishita M Rahman