Studio D'Lab

03/04/2026

Remembering the 'Einstein of Structural Engineering' on his birthday.

01/04/2026

Gorakhpur Farmhouse
Location: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 518,8 m2
Architect and Interior Designer: W5 Architects
Main Contractor: Triloki Prajapati
Interior Contractor: KHC construction
Structural Consultant: Structural Design Cell
Photography: Atik Bheda, courtesy of W5 Architects

On the outskirts of Gorakhpur, India, this residence designed by W5 Architects nestles amid mango orchards and teak trees. The volumes of the home have been shaped around the existing trees, creating shaded courtyards, open walkways, and seamless transitions between interior and exterior. This is architecture that is rooted in the soil, in the light, and in the craft of the people who built it. Rather than imposing itself on its context, it becomes part of it.
Local materials were sourced and crafted by local artisans, who were actively involved in the construction process. Load-bearing masonry, built with bricks from local kilns, reduced the use of concrete and steel, resulting in lower environmental and financial impacts. Reclaimed timber was transformed into custom furnishings, cabinetry, and sculptural details, while local artisans created decorative panels from reclaimed materials.
Designed to promote openness and continuity, the spatial layout features double-height volumes that connect the floors, allowing natural light to pe*****te deep into the home and air to circulate freely, creating a fluid, interconnected environment. The house also includes a small retail space at street level, providing an opportunity for opening a neighborhood store. This prevents the residence from becoming detached from its surroundings, allowing it to establish a dialogue with the urban context while maintaining its character as a private retreat.

Also at street level, the living area features large openings that interconnect the various zones, creating a single, expansive living environment. The interiors are defined by a palette of warm, earthy tones, with brick and timber providing a counterpoint to concrete ceilings. The double-height living room is furnished with sofas and upholstered seating, with mid-blue cushions punctuating the red tones. Pendant lights provide soft illumination, while plants bring nature inside, merging the house with its surroundings. Outside, a large garden with a freeform pool offers a further place for relaxation, extending the experience of well-being from the house into nature.
A minimalist metal staircase against a full-height glazed wall leads to the upper floor, where the sleeping area comprises three bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. The colors of the bedrooms echo those used throughout the home but here are paired with a light-colored flooring. The meticulously detailed bathrooms feature vibrant shades of pink, light blue, and aqua green, conveying a sense of freshness and comfort.

Gorakhpur FarmhouseLocation: Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India Completion: 2024 Gross Floor Area: 518,8 m2 Architect and Interior Designer: W5 Architects Main ...

31/03/2026

Grace Farms
Architects: SANAA
Area: 83000 ft²
Year: 2015
Photographs:Dean Kaufman, Jonah Rosenberg, Kelly McGarvey
Manufacturers: Assa Abloy, dormakaba, Roschmann Group, Sherwin-Williams, Thos. Moser, 1212 Studio, 9Wood, American Floor Covering, Ann Sacks, Armani Restoration, Automated Building Systems, Bisazza, Cherry Hill Glass, Chicago Metal Rolled Products, Connecticut Wells, Crenshaw Lighting, Cricursa, Curries Company, DJ Rossetti, De Vorm, +24
Geotechnical Engineer: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
Project Manager: Paratus Group
Structural Engineer: Robert Silman Associates
Geothermal Designer: Alderson Engineering
Acoustics: Harvey Marshall Berling Associates
Civil Engineer: McChord Engineering
Glazing: Roschmann Steel & Glass
MEP Engineer: Buro Happold
Sustainability Consultant: Transsolar
Lighting: Buro Happold

Project Description
Creation of a multipurpose building and landscape design for Grace Farms, an 80-acre natural environment in New Canaan, Connecticut that the non-profit Grace Farms Foundation is preserving as a gift of open space for people to experience nature, encounter the arts, pursue justice, foster community and explore faith. The facilities of the building will be made available by the Foundation to Grace Community Church and other select nonprofit and community groups, and will be the site for pub- lic amenities and programs ranging from coffee and tea service, discussions, intimate concerts and family-friendly art classes and athletics to a curated, multi-disciplinary series of cultural projects and events.

Landscape
Approximately 77 of the 80 acres of Grace Farms are being retained in perpetuity as open meadows, woods, wetlands and ponds. OLIN’s design preserves and enhances the existing habitat for native flora and fauna while integrating a community garden, athletic fields and a SANAA-designed playground and trails. Trees that were cleared for construction are being milled on site to construct the furniture for Grace Farms, including 18- foot-long community tables. Fifty-five 500-foot-deep geothermal wells have been drilled on the property for heating and cooling. Seventy percent of mowed areas will be returned to natural meadows by Larry Weaner Landscape Associates.

Architectural Directive
In its architectural brief, the Foundation asked for a venue of “cultural interest and curiosity via open space, architecture, art and design in order to provide people with an opportunity to:
Experience Nature: Our aim is to draw people into this beautiful landscape, to enhance one’s experience of nature through all five senses, and to allow nature itself to inspire in us an experience of awe.
Foster Community: We hope to provide a warm, welcoming environment that fosters personal relationships through passive and active, social and artistic activities.
Pursue Justice: We will offer resources and feature opportunities to improve lives by helping others, showing mercy and advancing justice together. Explore Faith: We aspire to create an environment for reflection, study, discussion and worship.”

Architectural Concept
SANAA’s goal was to make the architecture of the River become part of the landscape without drawing attention to itself, or even feeling like a building, with the hope that those who are on the property will have a greater enjoyment of the beautiful environment and changing seasons through the spaces and experience created by the River.

Design Highlights
Nestled into the rolling landscape of Grace Farms, the River begins on a knoll and then flows down the long, gentle slope (a change in grade of 43 ft – 9 in) in a series of bends, forming pondlike spaces on its journey. Structurally, the building of glass, concrete, steel and wood is in essence a single long roof, which seems to float above the surface of the ground as it twists and turns across the landscape. The walkways, courtyards and glasswrapped volumes that form beneath the roof are remarkably transparent and invite people to engage with the expansive natural surroundings.

Grace Farms Architects: SANAAArea: 83000 ft²Year: 2015Photographs:Dean Kaufman, Jonah Rosenberg, Kelly McGarveyManufacturers: Assa Abloy, dormakaba, Roschma...

30/03/2026

Ananda House

Architects: Thought Parallels
Area: 3000 ft²
Year: 2026
Photographs:Syam Sreesylam
Manufacturers: Gessi, Mercan , OED gallery
Lead Architects: Ar. Nikhil Mohan
Category: Houses
Design Team: Ar. Nikhil Mohan, Shabna Nikhil
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: Simon Peter engineering consultants
Engineering & Consulting > Mep: Techton consultants
Engineering & Consulting > Electrical: Spoon lighting
City: Kerala
Country: India
Text description provided by the architects.
Madhu and Mandy, a couple based in Dallas, USA, approached thought parallels to design a residence adjacent to their ancestral home in India. They sought a contemporary architectural interpretation of the region's vernacular style. Both of them, being aesthetically astute and well-traveled, ideated a refined vision of what a home should embody. They broke a stereotype of usually cliched project requirements.
Madhu named the house 'Ananda', a word derived from Sanskrit which means eternal bliss or a state of ultimate happiness and fulfilment. The architecture tried to resonate ananda in its own terms with a space which can invoke a sense of physical and emotional well-being. A place of rest, tranquility, and togetherness with family.
Situated in a dense urban fabric and accessed via a narrow thoroughfare, the site offered limited opportunities for a conventional elevation. To address the lack of a clear vantage point, we shifted the visual focus upward, driving the eye towards the roof. Consequently, the expansive overhanging roof serves as the primary design anchor, creating a riveting presence that is functional as well as aesthetic.
Integration of the existing topography made it possible to structure the different spaces on each level due to the sloping nature of the plot. Vehicular entry is restricted to the lowest level. The pedestrian entry is on the higher side of the plot.
All three floors are connected by a concrete spiral stair, which delineates the plan in a particular way. The north east-facing living and dining areas with double-height space on expansive glazed openings overlook dense landscape beyond. Devoid of a false ceiling, the main roof spans the whole house with large protruding overhangs acting as a protective element for the tropical climate of the region. The composite roof structure takes care of thermal and waterproofing issues, apart from achieving a very lightweight structural solution.
The coconut wood used for roofing becomes a sustainable choice of material due to its abundance locally and to the fact that only senile palms are cut for procuring wood. Its a biologically viable replacement for the more impervious hardwood choices. The coconut palm is a woody permanent monocotyledon and doesn't fall in the ambit of forest trees, but is an agricultural species, which excludes it from the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). Lime plaster walls, country bricks, random rubble masonry, exposed concrete, natural stones, and local flora all constitute a diverse material palette. The local craftsmanship in carpentry and construction was used well.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Qixikm-rNc4?feature=share

29/03/2026

Laal Kothi Residence
Architects: MSS Design
Year: 2019
Photographs:Harshan Thomson
Lead Architect: Ameet Sukhthankar
Category: Houses
City: Dona Paula
Country: India

Text description provided by the architects.
The sharp slopes on site extend all the way down to the river Zuari in the south, and are flanked by lush tropical greens on its east and west with the approach road on its north. The plot itself though was largely barren other than a large, frail looking mango tree that occupied the centre. The result was a breathtakingly satisfying composition: off a merrily flowing river at the far end, enjoyed through an ideal arrangement of palm grooves, under which wooden canoes regularly get pulled up by hardworking fishermen while your eyes wander over the age-old fishing village among the periodic tintinnabulations of the village temple.
The very first ideas emerged when the visibly unhealthy-looking mango tree located right in the middle of the plot had miraculously revived itself, as though finding a new purpose in life. This was certainly a good omen, which immediately brought the tree among central ideas for the house.
The house is organized in two levels. The upper level has the living, dining and kitchen and is accessible from the road level, while private quarters are on the lower level. Exposed laterite retaining wall is used to raise the side setback to the living room level to create accessible landscaped gardens on upper levels, this gives an illusion of structure being single. The living and dining hall is proportioned on the lines of the traditional Goan ‘Sal’ with high wooden ceiling, exposed steel trusses and tall windows connecting with the view. The two shorter sides with glass partition connect the hall to the open greens on either side making it seamless with the exteriors.
A wide verandah on the south side acts as a protective transition to the riverside view lined with wooden columns and serves as vantage point to view the gardens and the river beyond. The three en-suite bedrooms and a study on the Lower Floor are more private and have their own verandahs, courtyards and gardens. The material used was largely local. laterite and the black igneous rock excavated from the site was used in construction of walls and pavements respectively. The house itself was kept pretty monochrome with the use of red colour that was the colour of the soil itself.

29/03/2026

https://youtube.com/shorts/7xtd48KP5H4

Laal Kothi ResidenceArchitects: MSS DesignYear: 2019Photographs:Harshan ThomsonLead Architect: Ameet SukhthankarCategory: HousesCity: Dona PaulaCountry: Indi...

25/03/2026

https://youtu.be/FBiv7m0v_Kc

Void HouseArchitects: i2a Architects StudioArea: 5110 ft²Year: 2022Photographs:Running StudiosManufacturers: Asian Paints, Bosch, Europa Locks, Greenlam, Gr...

24/03/2026

Fakir Bari House

Architects: Design Works Studio
Area: 156 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Abid Mia, Rokonuzzaman Fakir
Manufacturers: Akij Ceramics, Berger Paints, KSRM, Shah Cement, Swish, Tradexcel Ceramics
Lead Architect: Rokonuzzaman
Category: Houses
Design Team: Shawon Biswas, Farhatul Jannat, Tusher Ahmed Noor
Technical Team: Soyeb Mohammad Shourav, Abid Hasan
Country: Bangladesh

Fakir Bari: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Nature - Situated In the Bhaluka district of Mymensingh, in Kachina village, Fakir Bari honors family heritage, culture, and dynasty. The name reflects deep respect for these values. From the design's inception, the client's desire for simplicity, minimal greenery, and a pleasant living environment guided every decision. In keeping with this vision, no trees were cut to accommodate the building; additional trees were planted, enhancing the landscape's beauty and integrating the structure seamlessly with its surroundings.
The area boasts a diverse range of trees, including ata, Lychee, Guava, golden apple, Mango, and Wood Nuts. These fruit-bearing trees add aesthetic value and provide fresh fruits and oxygen, enriching the tenants' experience. The building features a metal roof, which allows residents to enjoy the soothing sound of raindrops and provides shade throughout the structure. This design creates an inviting recreational space on the roof, adding to the building's appeal.

Fakir Bari is designed with sustainability in mind. It incorporates solar energy, reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly living. Local materials, particularly brick, were used extensively, reflecting regional architectural traditions and minimizing environmental impact.
This thoughtful design results in a home that is functional, sustainable, and deeply connected to its natural and cultural context. Fakir Bari is a testament to the harmony between tradition and modern living, offering a serene and sustainable environment that feels like a natural extension of its lush surroundings.

23/03/2026

https://youtu.be/cERWFoDZZVs

Kandalama Hotel, Sri LankaThe Kandalama Hotel, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Dambulla, Sri Lanka, seamlessly blends with its natural surround...

23/03/2026

Transposed Courtyard House

17/03/2026

Happy Birthday, Ar. Jalal Ahmed Sir

Wishing you a day filled with joy, appreciation, and meaningful moments with everyone who values and respects you. Your work and presence continue to inspire people from all walks of life, bringing ideas, creativity, and communities together.

May the year ahead bring you good health, happiness, and continued success in all that you do. May you keep creating spaces and opportunities that are welcoming, thoughtful, and inclusive for everyone.

Have a truly wonderful birthday and a year full of growth, connection, and new possibilities!

Architect Jalal Ahmed FIAB FKIA
After completing his architectural education in 1983 from BUET, Jalal Ahmed started his professional career in partnership with two other architects. Later in 1997, he established the practice of J A Architects Ltd. as its Principal Architect and Managing Director. During the last 39 years, he has designed various projects ranging from large urban academic campuses to low income community housing for the rural poor and small residential projects made of rammed earth to large technologically advanced building projects. He often draws inspirations from traditional art, architecture, culture and the landscape.

He won the prestigious AAA 2018 Gold Medal in Tokyo, Japan and was awarded the Lafarge-Holcim Asia Pacific Sustainable Design Awards jointly with Ar. Wong Mun Summ & Ar. Richard Hassell of WOHA, Singapore in 2017. Ar. Jalal also won INTBAU Awards from UK in 2015, IAB Design Awards 2017 and Berger Awards for Excellence in Architecture in 2015.

He also won prizes in a number of architectural competitions, including Mujib Nagar Memorial Open Design Competition (1984), North South University Campus Int. Competition (2002) and Franco-German Embassy at Dhaka Int. Competition (2009) with ECDM, France.

Projects and articles by Jalal Ahmed have been featured in leading international and national architectural publications. Professional works of Jalal Ahmed have been broadcast in international broadcasting houses like NKH TV Channel of Japan. His projects have also been exhibited by the Swiss Architecture Museum (S AM) at Basel, Switzerland 2017, Bordeaux, France 2018 andFrankfurt, Germany in 2019 as well as at Dhaka Art Summit 2015.

Jalal Ahmed served as the President of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) during 2019-20 and as the Vice-President, Asia of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) during 2019-22. In 2019, Jalal Ahmed has been inducted as an Honorary Fellow of the Korean Institute of Architects (FKIA). He also served as the Honorary Secretary of the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) during 2009-

He has served as an Executive Board Member of Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscape and Settlements during 2015-2018. He is a founder member of the architectural study group CHETANA and Founding Governing Body Member of Muzharul Islam Foundation.
He has presented numerous papers and studies on architectural issues at the invitation from international and national professional forums like Architecture League of New York, Royal Institute of Australian Architects (RAIA), Indian Institute of Architect (IIA), Sri Lankan Institute of Architect (SLIA), Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA), Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP), TEDx Dhaka.

He has served as a part-time faculty in the design studios of the Dept. of Arch. Of BUET, BRAC University, Khulna University, AIUB and UAP. He has also been involved in humanitarian and socially responsible architecture. Currently he is serving as the founding Chairperson of SONGJOG, Connecting People Foundation and also served as a founding EC Member of BUET Graduates Club.

17/03/2026

CHAABI House
• Architects: EKNC, SYSTEM Architects
• Area: 1035 m²
• Year: 2023
• Photographs: Maruf Raihan
• Manufacturers: Holcim, Duravit, BSRM, PMG, Triconville KL, Wong Lighting (M) Sdn. Bhd
• Lead Architects: Enamul Karim Nirjhar
• Structural Consultant: Texture Consultant
• Electrical Consultant: Utility Consultant
• Category: Houses
• Project Architect: Mayeesha Tasneem
• Design Team: Nishat Tasnim Auroni
• Drawing And Construction Coordination: Ahsan Ullah
• Project Management And Site Engineering: Shoaib Mahmud
• Texture Consultant: Asaduzzaman Prince
• Design Corner: Shahjahan
• Utility Consultant: Ajmeer Sharif
• Program / Use / Building Function: Residential
• Plumbing Consultant: Design Corner
• City: Rupganj Upazila
• Country: Bangladesh
Text description provided by the architects.
In a serene environment, situated just on the outskirts of Dhaka city with proximity to the river Sh*talakha, the design was intended for the residence of a family. With its transitional layers of indoor-outdoor spaces, the residence offers generous spreads of filtered daylight glazing through the interiors. It intended for people to look for the unknown and ask from the unknown. Hence, the residence was named CHAABI, meaning wanting something in Bengali.
The flow of the house's function expresses openness and nature. While the main entrance acts towards welcoming guests, other entrances are crafting the openness and blending with the surrounding nature. On the ground floor are bedrooms, a home theatre, a dining room, a swimming pool, a gym, a guest room, a kitchen and a staff room. The water body beside the living room is open to the sky, and the south opening gives the view of nature with the calmness of the south wind. The water body beside the house has a straight connection to the house. The narrow walkway on the edge of the water body takes to a large open space, giving the feeling of going from a small space to a large space.
A series of light-filled stairways provide a visual connection with the landscape and emulate walking through the green grass as one passes between spaces.
On the first floor, there's an intimate family area where rain can be relished and a door that opens to the outdoor area where one can sit and cherish the rain. Besides that, a guest room, kitchenette, and a long corridor lead to various spaces, such as the family living room