While most architectural marvels begin with a scrupulously crafted masterplan, Sarah Resort took a different path, one of organic evolution. Instead of a rigid blueprint, it grew gracefully, expanding phase by phase through strategic land acquisitions. Nestled in the historic Bhawal Rajabari, Gazipur, just one and half hour drive from Dhaka, the resort is a masterpiece shaped by the creative vision of architect Naim Ahmed Kibria and architect Asia Karim Deepa from the renowned firm Indigenous.
The inception of Sarah Resort wasn’t born out of commercial ambitions but rather from a personal desire – to create a retreat for friends and family. Md. Shahadat Hossan, the founder of Sarah Resort, originally owned 1.65 acres of wilderness in Gazipur (where the resort is located now). At the time, the land held nothing but an incomplete structure – mere pillars standing in solitude amidst nature.
In late 2015, Md. Shahadat Hossan envisioned transforming this barren space into a gathering haven and set an ambitious goal: to host an event on 16 December, inviting loved ones to celebrate in a newly built retreat. To bring this vision to life, he turned to architect Naim Ahmed Kibria. To meet holiday desires, this initiative from Fortis Group is indeed in a class of its own.
“Time was our biggest challenge,” recalls Mr Naim. “We had an incredibly tight deadline, and constructing a structure from scratch was nearly impossible. Instead, we decided to make use of the existing columns and beams.”
What followed was a remarkable feat of architecture and determination. Within just one month, the team transformed the skeletal remains into a charming cottage, integrating brick gratings in the roof. The event was a success and everyone loved the cottage which merged effortlessly with the picturesque ambience. The appreciation evoked the desire in Mr Shahadat, to build a resort in the premise so that mass people can enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
Md. Shahadat Hossan soon started acquiring neighbouring land, ensuring that every addition felt like a natural extension of the original landscape. The final phase of construction was completed in 2019, expanding the resort from 1.65 acres to an impressive 70 acres, with a built area of 3.21 acres.
“It was an extensive project,” says Mr Naim. “We visited the site over 100 times to understand its natural flow, ensuring each expansion felt connected, organic, and immersive.”
This fluid, intuitive approach resulted in a resort experience that feels more dynamic than a rigid masterplan could have allowed. We asked the architect what his favourite part from the resort was and he did not take a second to answer: it is the red cottages, arranged along a spiral pathway, forming a shape reminiscent of flower petals when viewed from above.
Interestingly, the particular piece of land (where the cottages are located now) once housed an administrative estate of the Bhawal kings, surrounded by a protective moat which was dried up then. Instead of erasing history, the architects revived the moat and built the cottages around it, preserving its essence.
Beyond the secluded cottages, Sarah Resort also has a 10-story tower for accommodation, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding greenery. “Guests often tell us that waking up in the upper-floor rooms feels like floating in the clouds,” Mr Naim says.
One of the most captivating aspects of Sarah Resort is its expansiveness – with nearly 95 per cent of its total area preserved as open space. Rather than altering the landscape drastically, the architects embraced the natural terrain, ensuring that every structure harmonises with its surroundings. Prioritising sustainability and authenticity, they relied predominantly on local materials, reinforcing the resort’s deep-rooted connection to its environment.
The architectural philosophy of Sarah Resort bears a striking resemblance to the “Never demolish, always add, from inside out” approach pioneered by Lacaton & Vassal, the renowned French architectural duo. Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal won the 2021 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious award in the field of architecture.
Other than the aforementioned historic moat, another evidence to this approach is the restoration of the original clay houses found on the property. Instead of replacing them, architect Naim preserved and upgraded these traditional dwellings, equipping them with modern facilities while maintaining their rustic charm.
At its core, Sarah Resort embodies an effortless fusion of nature and modern luxury. With an eco-conscious design that meets state-of-the-art facilities, it stands as a family-friendly haven, catering to visitors of all ages. From quaint cottages and restored clay houses to contemporary tower rooms and lodge accommodations, the resort offers a diverse range of stays, welcoming guests from all walks of life to experience its unique blend of heritage, innovation, and tranquility.
For those in search of adventure, the resort houses an array of exhilarating activities, including zip-lining over scenic landscapes, boating across natural and artificial lakes, and exploring lush outdoor spaces. Guests looking to unwind can lounge by the swimming pool or take in the serene surroundings from various tranquil garden retreats.
“The founder is a passionate sports enthusiast,” adds Mr Naim. “That’s why a significant portion of the resort’s land has been dedicated to outdoor recreation, ensuring guests can engage in a variety of activities while staying connected to nature.”
Kaniz F Supriya
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