In the middle of Dhaka’s fast-moving urban life, there are a few homes that instantly create a sense of calm the moment you step inside. Located on the 14th floor of a residential building in Gulshan, the 3,200-square-foot apartment of barrister Anam Hossain is one of those spaces. The Hossain residence carries a subtle elegance without feeling overwhelming. Instead of excessive luxury, the home reflects warmth, personal memories, and a carefully built emotional connection with space.
Designed by architect Shahinur Rahman Dipu, the apartment went through a long journey of transformation. Although the project began with a specific design plan, the ideas evolved constantly throughout the process. Every idea was filtered through practicality, climate considerations, and the realities of everyday life in Bangladesh.
Anam Hossain says, “We didn’t want a space that only looks beautiful in pictures. We wanted a home that feels peaceful and comfortable every day.”
Throughout the process, architect Dipu played a significant role in shaping the outcome. He remained responsive even to ideas shared late at night, while also rejecting concepts that might have looked visually appealing online but were not suitable for the local context. That honest exchange between client and architect eventually gave the home its distinctive personality.
One of the strongest architectural aspects of the apartment is its spatial planning. This Hossain residence was carefully divided to separate the private and social zones. The drawing room, library, and dining area occupy one side of the apartment, while the bedrooms are positioned on the opposite side to maintain privacy. This thoughtful zoning allows guests to move freely through the social spaces without disturbing the quieter, more intimate areas of the home.
The dining area was designed for 12 seats to preserve openness and smooth circulation. This reflects the overall minimalist approach of the residence.
Material choices and finishes also changed repeatedly during the process. Certain areas were later upgraded with marble, lighting fixtures were replaced, and several overly luxurious elements were simplified to create a softer and more balanced atmosphere.
The balconies have become some of the most loved spaces in the home. Features such as a swing and a small fountain were added in the project. From the 14th floor, the apartment overlooks the city skyline, the lake, and Hatirjheel, creating a calm retreat above the city. Early mornings in this space have become part of the owner’s daily ritual.
Another favorite corner is the second balcony on the opposite side of the apartment overlooking the street. This area also includes a vertical garden and a seating space, which often turns into a quiet home office during weekends. Surrounded by greenery, the space feels private, refreshing, and detached from the busier parts of the home. Next to the drawing room is a cozy sitting area created from his wife’s idea, a space designed for tea, music, reading, and conversations with friends. Connected to this corner is another balcony transformed into a small reading nook.
A slightly raised seating platform with books, a gramophone, a chessboard, and small collected objects from different places together creates a deeply personal atmosphere.
It is one of the most emotional and comforting spaces within the apartment.
Architect Dipu used textured paint instead of plain finishes throughout much of the residence, giving the interiors a softer and more natural character. Even the water feature was constructed using real stone to evoke a subtle village-inspired ambiance within the urban apartment. Ultimately, this residence is far more than a luxurious apartment.
It is a home shaped through evolving ideas, conversations, and lived experiences.
Rather than chasing trends or excessive luxury, the apartment focuses on comfort, openness, and emotional connection. That quiet balance defines the spirit of this home.
