Labyrinthine resort in Bangladesh lets nature take over

Nestled among the green hills of a tea plantation in northern <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/bangladesh/" target="_blank">Bangladesh</a>, Dusai Resort &amp; Spa was modeled after the area's traditional villages. <a href="http://vitti.com.bd/" target="_blank">VITTI Sthapati Brindo</a> used a hybrid construction system of traditional tea estate bungalows and standardized concrete structures, as well as local technology and materials, to create the labyrinthine development, dominated by an explosion of vegetation.

The resort comprises a residential complex, dining, a swimming pool, a spa, a conference room and indoor and outdoor gaming facility.

The individual cottages of the residential complex are arranged in an array around a semi-private courtyard, while the deluxe cottages for couples are arranged in flocks in more private areas.

The layout of the entire site resembles a labyrinth, with a curving path, internal roads and walkways leading visitors from the reception area to their cottages.

The linear routes connect the public, semi-private and private zones consecutively.

The design lets nature dominate built space. From the very beginning, the architects made a conscious effort to preserve the existing natural open spaces, trees and natural topography of the site.

They used local craftsmanship and traditional construction techniques for a more sustainable approach that allows building on a slope.

Bungalows were built on stilts, which allowed drainage to remain uninterrupted and dense vegetation untouched.

Dusai Resort &amp; Spa by VITTI Sthapati Brindo

Dusai Resort &amp; Spa by VITTI Sthapati Brindo

Dusai Resort &amp; Spa by VITTI Sthapati Brindo

Dusai Resort &amp; Spa by VITTI Sthapati Brindo