form.3 architects converts green cafe lounge + boutique showroom in bangladesh

bangladesh-based form.3 architects has converted a historic building into a small café lounge and a boutique showroom. located in banani, the site is surrounded by an urban residential neighborhood and previously served as a medical center. the renovation offers a sense of relief and rejuvenation in midst of a hardcore context, while respecting the ancient structure. the showroom is presented within a double height concrete volume and encased by a window display with a wall of perforated wood shutters. the green courtyard creates a visual link to the street edge – and positioned in the center of the compound, it is contained within a double height wire-mesh structure that is framed by climbing plants and creepers.

the mezzanine seating area with a view of garden yard
all images courtesy of form.3 architects

remnants of the past remain visible with the conservation of brick walls that evoke a sense of mysticism of the ancient city. the sustainably built cafe provides enough room for 100 people, including indoor and outdoor dining, while the compound is designed to offer a series of relaxing environments for different moods. a tropical water garden is adorned with water lettuce, lilies and other local floating plants, with colored fishes, which help to mitigate heat through passive cooling.

mezzanine

the occult red double height juice bar with firefly lights

nighttime view of the bar

brick walls refer to the mysticism of the ancient city

the outdoor garden seating is connected to the interior

plan of the cafe lounge and boutique showroom compound

idea sketches, sections and street elevation

project info:

project: a café lounge & a designer’s boutique showroom
design credit: form.3 architects
team members: ar. md. didarul islam bhuiyan, ar. dilrubaferdousshuvra, ar. sabiha sultana sara
client: mr. nazrul islam & ms. maria islam
project address: road 27, banani, dhaka, bangladesh

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