Escape Den Shipping Container Home, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
On the outskirts of Dhaka, architects Kazi Fida Islam, Md. Abdul Awyal, Sumaiya Shameem, Mousumi Kabir, Irtefa Iradat, and Abid Khan orchestrated a sustainable masterpiece – Escape Den Shipping Container Home. Nestled on a spacious 1338 sq m site, this 134 m² haven stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of contemporary design and eco-conscious living.
Escape Den was conceived with a unique vision: to craft a hymn of solitary living through a contemporary yet quirky design approach. The architects envisioned a space where neither form nor space dominated, but instead, a perfect mingling and cohesion generated sophistication. Embracing emptiness with grace, the project aimed to provide a subtle experience of one’s being and non-being simultaneously. The architects envisioned space as a fluid entity, allowed to flow with its highest ardencies, where form merely echoed the resonance of space.
[See image gallery at ecocontainerhome.com]
Situated in a tranquil locale secluded from present settlements, Escape Den offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The location, enveloped in a cocoon of tranquility, sets the stage for a unique dwelling where one can escape the noise and immerse themselves in solitude.
The steel frame skeleton, adorned with four shipping containers, narrates a tale of rustic romanticism. The longest container, seamlessly joined with two others, forms the bedrooms. Architectural finesse transforms these metal boxes into a surreal abode that feels impeccably out of this world.
A triple-height atrium welcomes inhabitants with the solemn beauty of an almond tree’s green foliage. Soft vines, soon to be a veil of green velvet, screen the top, acting as natural buffers to reduce heat penetration.
Embracing the containers with extruded steel structures, the architects erected the frame part by part as an independent system. This meticulous process, with necessary cuts, holes, and facade treatments, ensured the fragile containers were transformed into livable spaces without compromising structural integrity.
The hefty appearance of the containers takes on an airy demeanor through a skillful ensemble of architectural details. Floating platforms, intertwining stairs, and varied container placements captivate observers, making the project a visual masterpiece.
Escape Den doesn’t just showcase architectural brilliance; it champions sustainability through material choices. The architects made a bold move by utilizing shipping containers, initiating a reuse revolution. The significance lies in considering the container itself as a building material, promoting a sustainable design approach. The majority of materials used in this eco-friendly abode boast a reused pedigree.
Beyond structural execution, the architects faced the challenge of transforming hard-core shipping containers into cozy living spaces. The interior underwent a complex spatial transformation with sentient slits and cut-throughs to add volume. The scale of each container was meticulously adjusted to engage in a harmonious dialogue with both internal and external spaces. Exposed steel structures framed invisible walls, creating a visual symphony of visible containers.
Escape Den’s landscaping strategy speaks volumes about its enchanting design philosophy. Minimalist landscaping, focused on keeping the surroundings bare, enhances the allure of the house. The vast open front yard clings to the structure, creating the perfect soliloquy for this outskirt den.
Escape Den Shipping Container Home stands as a beacon of eco-chic living in Dhaka. A melody of recycled materials, innovative design, and sustainability, it invites inhabitants to explore, embrace, and escape into a haven where simplicity meets sophisticated green living.
Welcome to a world where the contemporary meets the ecological, and where every architectural detail tells a story of mindful living.