A British-style Pub in Dhaka

Located in the Gulshan area of the capital, the newly renovated bar of The British Aid Guest House Association (BAGHA) Club is a renovation project designed by Zero Inch Interiors Ltd.

The interior design of the BAGHA Club's bar is conceptualized to transform the space into a comfortable and cozy space.?The guiding vision for the interior design of the bar aimed to offer club members a sanctuary—a place where they could briefly detach from their demanding routines, relax, and recharge in a welcoming atmosphere following a day of work.

The British Aid Guest House Association (BAGHA) Club was established in 1979. It is a part of the British High Commission estate and proudly serves a wonderfully diverse mix of EU nationals.?

Among the various amenities that the club offers, including a tennis court, children's play area, all-day restaurants, swimming pools, and a library, the bar stands out as a focal point of social interaction and relaxation. Recently undergoing a remarkable renovation, the interior now exudes a timeless charm that merges the traditional British pub environment with modern aesthetics.

The interior embodies a distinctive British-Pub aesthetic, interpreting traditional British elements in a contemporary style.

The Concept Behind the Renovation Project?

Sharing the concept of the BAGHA club, Architect Ariful Islam says, “The idea was to renovate the bar in resemblance to British pubs, while, at the same time, doing it with minimal intervention to make the space inviting, cozy, and long-lasting.”

A wall was dismantled, which, in fact, made the most visible change and expanded the space. This step in design resulted in lightening up the atmosphere of the club. After rethinking the space, the modified open-plan layout ensured that the bar counter was transformed into a rectangular shape, making it interactive and interesting. The renovation overall, therefore, achieves a delicate balance between reflecting the charm of British pubs and infusing a modern, vibrant dynamism into the space.?

Challenges in the Interior Design

Designed by architect Muhammad Ariful Islam and his team in a remarkably brief two-month timeframe, this 2800-square-foot contemporary renovation stands as a one-of-a-kind endeavor in Bangladesh.?

“We were confined to some challenges as the site was a rental space, which dictated that major demolitions were not permissible here,” shared the architect.?

The primary challenges faced by the design team during the construction phase of the bar interior design were centered around the principles of minimal design intervention, budget constraints, and the necessity to execute the design within a notably short time frame. Balancing all these constraints required careful consideration and strategic decision-making to ensure the success and execution of the envisioned space.

Color Palette and Materiality

In this interior project, wood has been selected as the primary construction material, complemented by glass and metal details. The utilization of wooden panels, intricate carvings, and carefully curated lighting collectively contribute to creating a cozy, warm, and inviting ambiance. Furthermore, the extensive collection of bar accessories enhances the overall visual appeal, adding a layer of sophistication to the space.?A new bar counter along with bar stools have been incorporated into the bar interior design, and this rendition perfectly completes the bar.

The stunning stools with red-wine upholstery add a dash of color to the interior as well as complement the wooden tone.

Lastly, the sophisticated chandeliers add a dramatic charm to the entire British Pub ambiance. Architect Ariful Islam explains, "We preferred to choose wood as the primary material because when warm light falls on wood, it creates a golden effect. The red hues further enhance the vibrancy and liveliness of the space."

The ceiling is kept simple and devoid of (intricate) details, maintaining a blackout effect. The flooring features darker tones with rustic tiles adorned with wooden patterns. This careful selection of materials and design elements contributes to the overall coherence and elegance of the bar's interior.