Green Field Factory of Karupannya Rangpur Limited
by Nakshabid Architects
Client Karupannya Rangpur Ltd
Award RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2024
More than just a place of work, this rug making factory embraces all aspects of the natural environment for the benefit and wellbeing of the employees.
A functional building form, draped in beautiful planting, facilitating shade and filtered natural ventilation to the interior. Surrounding the factory and on the parkland roof are more gardens and courtyards creating places of calm relaxation, social interaction and recreation.
Internally, water pools cool the air as it filters through the green screen and is drawn upwards by stack effect through four atria. On the factory floors there are views out to the wider landscape. In addition to the factory, the client has chosen to include a medical centre, a grocery shop, a daycare facility, prayer room and a canteen.
This exceptional project has been conceived to inspire the workers to feel at home, to stimulate their senses in terms of sight, sound and comfort. The beauty of the wrapping green landscaping, the sound of falling and tinkling water and the pleasure of cool flowing air, of natural light, and places of shade to sit, pause, converse and relax make it so special.
It is a success, the workers choose to visit out of hours, seeing it as a desirable and welcoming place to be, to spend their own time with friends and family. 4000 (80%) of the employees are women. This building and its ethos has intentionally raised their freedoms, their status in society and the respect they get at home.
The Bonolota sculpture, representing ‘strength of women’s empowerment’, was commissioned specifically for this reason and stands as a symbolic statement in the landscaped entrance parkland.
Entry is at first floor level, approached through Nandini Park, a richly landscaped arrival area then up a dramatic flight of podium steps. Alternatively, for accessibility, a ramp entrance leads from the same arrival point.
Walkways through the building cross ponds and lead into the full height, naturally top-lit seven-story atria. The building is a rectangular block and construction comprises of a simple concrete frame with locally sourced delightfully textured masonry infill walls. PV’s and solar panel arrays are installed and the building meets the LEED Green Building rating and achieved Platinum Certification for operation and maintenance.
This building where crafted rugs are lovingly made is a positive, commendable model, an exemplar for the future.
Location: Rangpur, Bangladesh
Date of completion: 01/12/2018
Cost: Confidential
Gross internal area: 13450 m²
Landscape Design: Saidul Huq Juice
