The Learning Garden Building

Project Detail

1. Project Overview:

Blending Education and Nature in Dhaka

The “Learning Garden” project, situated in a prestigious school within Dhaka’s diplomatic zone, stands as a testament to modern educational infrastructure. The core mandate was to move beyond traditional classrooms and create a dynamic environment where learning flows naturally between the built space and the open air. This focus on a blend of indoor and outdoor learning spaces was the guiding principle for every design and construction decision.

The project required Sunlit to act as more than just a contractor; we were partners in realizing an architectural vision. The goal was to deliver a facility that is not only structurally sound but also aesthetically inspiring, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and modern educational infrastructure for the next generation of Bangladeshi students.

Client Detail

Client

Nomaden Studio

Services

Design-Build Services

Project Timeline

3 months of work

Our Services

2. The Design Philosophy:

Biophilia Meets Durability

The design is fundamentally rooted in biophilia—the human tendency to seek connections with nature. This is most evident in the expansive outdoor learning area, which is the heart of the “Learning Garden.” By integrating natural elements into the learning environment, the design encourages curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

The Outdoor Classroom: Precision Decking and Tiered Seating

The most striking feature is the multi-tiered outdoor space, designed to function as an amphitheater or an open-air classroom. This required specialized construction techniques that demonstrate Sunlit’s expertise in complex architectural projects:

Structural Integration: The outdoor decking is not an afterthought; it is structurally integrated with the main building, ensuring a seamless transition and long-term stability.
Material Selection for Climate: Given the high humidity and heavy monsoon seasons in Dhaka, the choice of flooring was critical. We opted for high-grade, treated composite wood decking that offers superior resistance to moisture, pests, and wear. This choice ensures the longevity of the structure, a key component of the project’s sustainability goal.
Precision Carpentry: The clean lines, precise joins, and interlocking nature of the decking system demonstrate Sunlit’s commitment to meticulous finishing. This level of detail is what separates a standard build from a premium, architecturally significant project.

3. Construction Challenges and Sunlit's Expert Solutions

The primary technical challenge was ensuring the longevity and safety of the outdoor structure in Dhaka’s challenging climate. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key challenges and how Sunlit addressed each one:

Waterproofing & Drainage: Implementing a sophisticated sub-structure with advanced drainage solutions beneath the decking to prevent water pooling and protect the building’s foundation from moisture ingress. This is critical in Dhaka’s monsoon climate.
Structural Safety: Custom-fabricated railings and supports were installed with precision to meet international safety standards, ensuring the multi-level space is secure for students of all ages.
Seamless Transition: Executing a zero-threshold transition between the indoor and outdoor flooring to physically and visually blend the spaces, reinforcing the “blended learning” concept while maintaining structural integrity.
Material Durability: Selecting materials that can withstand the tropical climate, including UV-resistant finishes and pest-resistant wood treatments, ensuring the facility remains beautiful and functional for decades.

4. Indoor Spaces: Clarity, Light, and Connection

The indoor areas complement the outdoor design with a focus on clarity, light, and connection. Every element was carefully chosen to support the learning experience and maintain the visual and physical continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Optimal Lighting and Ambiance

The ceilings feature integrated, recessed lighting that provides bright, non-glare illumination, essential for a focused learning environment. The lighting design was carefully calculated to reduce eye strain and create an inviting atmosphere that encourages concentration and creativity.

Durable and Functional Flooring

Visual Continuity and Natural Light

Large, open doorways and expansive windows serve as visual and physical conduits, ensuring that the indoor space always feels connected to the “Garden” outside. This design choice maximizes natural light penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day—another nod to the project’s sustainability. The transparent boundaries between inside and outside create a sense of openness and freedom, which is essential for a modern learning environment.

The seamless integration of these indoor elements with the outdoor spaces creates a unified learning environment that is both functional and inspiring. Students and teachers move freely between spaces, with the architecture itself becoming a teaching tool about sustainability, design, and the relationship between humans and nature.

5. Conclusion: A Model for Modern Education

The “Learning Garden” project is a powerful example of how Sunlit translates complex architectural concepts into functional, beautiful, and enduring realities. By expertly managing the intricacies of specialized outdoor construction, material selection for the local climate, and the meticulous finishing of both indoor and outdoor elements, we delivered a facility that truly embodies modern, sustainable educational infrastructure.

This project not only meets the client’s vision but sets a new benchmark for educational construction in Dhaka, proving that high-quality, innovative design can be achieved with local expertise. The Learning Garden stands as a testament to Sunlit’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the transformative power of thoughtful design.

For more information about Sunlit’s construction and design services, please contact our team.