Ruthna Residence: Blending architecture into nature

Designing a structure that effortlessly blends with its surroundings while conveying a meaningful narrative is always a challenging endeavour. This challenge becomes even more daunting when the surroundings consist of breathtaking natural landscapes and majestic vistas.

Located in the Kulaura union of Sylhet's Moulvibazar district, Ruthna Residence is one such project that rises to meet this challenge. Perched atop a serene tilla (hillock), the residence is surrounded by sprawling tea gardens and bordered by a small river, creating a picturesque setting that feels almost otherworldly.

Ruthna Residence is the brainchild of architect Md Shahanawaz Bappy from Ground One. KM Rezaul Hasanat David, founder of Viyellatex Group, is the owner of the property. The family owns a tea garden spanning approximately 1,700 acres, named "Ruthna" after a queen who once received the estate as a royal gift from a king (whose name remains unknown).

"When we first visited the site for a recce, we were absolutely mesmerised by the breathtaking views it offered. The challenge of conceptualising a design felt immense, as we were concerned that any structure we created might compromise the pristine beauty of the natural surroundings," said Shahanawaz.

While a low-height structure and grey roof tiles give the house a traditional look, it incorporates a modern touch with contemporary brickwork and an infinity pool.

The project commenced in 2007 on a 10,000 sq ft area and was completed three years later. Since its completion, Ruthna Residence has received widespread acclaim and numerous accolades for its architectural brilliance; in 2011, it earned Shahanawaz the prestigious Berger Excellence Award for Best Young Architect, presented by the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB). 

The following year, the project was featured in Backstage Architecture Through Biannual Survey in Vienna, where Shahanawaz was recognised as one of the 57 selected young architects of the world for backstage architecture.

"I designed this project during the early days of my career, just a few years after graduating. The appreciation and recognition I got from this project ignited a deeper passion within me to pursue more meaningful and impactful architectural endeavours," Bappy said.

How the project was envisioned as part of the surroundings

The plot stands over a hill facing the Juri River, which originates in Tripura. Initially, the client envisioned a glass-based structure inspired by European architecture. However, Shahanawaz felt that such a design would stand out too sharply against the serene natural landscape, disrupting its harmony.

Hence, they went with a traditional approach. They designed a residence that has old-school tea garden bungalow vibes, with large communal space and elaborate balconies.

Ruthna Residence is a one-storey building with a big infinity pool. Considering the site and the land pattern, the architect made the house facing the river, which stretches along the north-south axis. They created an infinity pool where the edgeless portion faces the river and the other end is attached to the terrace.

"The pool is north-facing, aligned perfectly with the river. When you're in the pool, it creates the illusion of merging with the river," Shahanawaz added. 

The residence has old-school tea garden bungalow vibes, with large communal space and elaborate balconies.

The residence features six spacious bedrooms and a generous communal space situated in the northeast corner, designed for living and dining. A central hallway divides the structure into two distinct zones: private bedrooms facing south and the living area oriented toward the north.

The living area seamlessly extends to a terrace, which leads to the infinity pool. To further enhance the sense of openness, all the doors in the living space are foldable. When fully opened, they create a vast, uninterrupted space that connects the interior to the terrace, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.

The entire structure is built with local and earthy materials, with a dominance of wood, brick and roof tiles.

The terrace, infinity pool, and the river achieve a continuity of space with the rhythm of steps which merge the house with nature. 

A low-height structure and grey roof tiles were introduced also to make the house closer to the landscape.  The pattern of the roof reminds us of a traditional bungalow.

"The clients for this project lead incredibly busy lives with demanding schedules. Our goal was to design a space that serves as a retreat. A space where they can disconnect from their hectic routines and reconnect with nature and their loved ones," he added.

All the doors in the living space are foldable. When fully opened, they create a vast, uninterrupted space that connects the interior to the terrace, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.

Emphasis on local materials

The entire structure is built with local and earthy materials, with a dominance of wood, brick and roof tiles. Use of steel is noticed in the columns. 

"The roof tiles available in the market are mostly found in red. We felt red would be too dominating for the surroundings. Hence, we sourced grey roof tiles from Jessore for the rooftop," he said.

The design features wooden louvered openings and a long terrace, inspired by the traditional tea bungalows of Sylhet. However, instead of a purely traditional look, it incorporates a modern touch with contemporary brickwork.

When we first visited the site for a recce, we were absolutely mesmerised by the breathtaking views it offered. The challenge of conceptualising a design felt immense, as we were concerned that any structure we created might compromise the pristine beauty of the natural surroundings.

Md Shahanawaz Bappy, architect, Ground One

To enhance the seating area, a special detail was added — brick wall cutouts that create interesting visual breaks in the space. These cutouts also help frame the view, making the experience of sitting there more enjoyable and visually appealing.

The beauty of the residence multiplies during the night time. Its wooden outdoors and the thoughtful placement of sodium lights create a majestic allure.

The design features wooden louvered openings and elaborate balconies, inspired by the traditional tea bungalows of Sylhet.

"In the old days, hurricane lamps would hang from wooden columns in small village cottages. We aimed to recreate that nostalgic ambiance," shared Shahanawaz.