Green Valley Oldage Home and Orphanage

Green Valley Oldage
Home and Orphanage

An Intergenerational Sanctuary Connected through Nature, Culture, and Care

CLIENT

Md. Alomgir Kabir

REGION

Natore, Bangladesh

YEAR

Completed in 2025

GFA

–

DISCIPLINES

Architecture

Nestled amidst greenery in Natore, Bangladesh, this old age home is not just a residence but a sanctuary where generations intertwine. This architectural project embodies the philosophy of intergenerational living, where the elderly and children find solace, care, and companionship under one roof. More than just a shelter; this old age home is a haven of shared stories, learning, and unconditional love, ensuring that no one—neither the elderly nor the children—ever feels alone.

ARCHITECTURE

This project is based on the courtyard concept, inspired by traditional village homes in Bangladesh, where the structure is designed around a central courtyard, considering various factors such as social integration, climate, and daily life activities. These courtyards serve as multifunctional spaces for residents to carry out daily tasks, host events, and foster community interaction. This traditional courtyard concept turns modern with two vertical courtyards at the core in this old age home, emphasizing social interaction and climate responsiveness. And so, all the programs and functions of the project have been developed around the central courtyards.

The natural forces of water and air flowing from the Himalayas through Bangladesh play a significant role in architectural design, particularly in maximizing ventilation and creating a healthy environment. The design of the old age home building has been oriented along the north-south axis to ensure maximum cross-ventilation. Perforated mesh bricks additionally help facilitate natural airflow throughout the structure. The design, characterized by curved perforated brick walls, symbolizes openness, warmth, and a seamless connection between past and future generations. The permeable walls allow natural light and airflow, creating a tranquil and breathable living environment.

To maintain a rural aesthetic, we have avoided urban materials like steel, stainless steel, glass, and modern interior finishes. Instead, handmade bricks have been used as the primary material for construction, including the exterior facade, partition walls, and flooring. Wood has been chosen for window frames, replacing steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, to better align with the natural surroundings. A warm, reddish-brown color palette inspired by earth tones has been applied throughout, creating a calm and visually cohesive environment. The design prioritizes simplicity, ensuring the materials and colors blend seamlessly with the rural context while enhancing the overall comfort of the residents.

This facility aims to provide integrated and comprehensive care for children under 15 and elderly individuals. The children will receive food, housing, healthcare and education until age 15, followed by three years of technical training. On the other hand, the elderly will be provided with accommodation, healthcare and support tailored to their needs.

With an extensive list of activities, the programmes required are also diverse. This includes, but not limited to, waiting room, dining hall, gender-segregated housing, library, entertainment spaces, medical room and admin offices — each configured to support the residents’ wellbeing and social needs.