Nadia: I saw this part of the house like a cosy library, a place where I could catch up on reading after busy weeks in the city. I'm an avid reader, so having books around, especially on this floor, was a must. I designed the space to feature floor-to-ceiling bookshelves adorned with titles spanning a multitude of subjects.

In the winter garden area, I carefully selected two exquisite chairs from Fredrikson Stallard. These chairs, with their deep red hue, exude an almost otherworldly quality yet remain oddly familiar and almost organic. They seamlessly align with the essence I aimed to cultivate within the house – a blend of deliberate design and a sense of natural belonging. Their presence feels both purposeful and harmonious with the surroundings. To enhance this space further, I placed a work by Lee Ufan from my personal collection. The interplay of light and shadows from the enveloping tree canopy casts a mesmerizing dance upon its surface, rendering it a perfect addition to this spot.

To define the upper space, I introduced malachite fins, a deliberate choice to incorporate precious and semi-precious materials like these throughout the house. Malachite's captivating colours and intricate textures add a layer of opulence and a distinct sense of homeliness. I've always had a soft spot for semi-precious stones when it comes to home design. Incorporating them into a living space adds a touch of natural beauty and a sense of connection to the earth. Each stone carries its own unique colours and patterns, almost like nature's artwork, and having them around creates an atmosphere that's both luxurious and down-to-earth. It's a little way of bringing the outdoors inside and making a space feel truly special.

Within this realm, an amalgamation of old and new elements reigns supreme. Treasures from Bangladesh intermingle with global finds. Antique and contemporary pieces co-exist seamlessly, encompassing design creations by notable figures such as Gio Ponti alongside artworks by the likes of Matti Braun and Claudia Wiesser.

Nadia: My heart resides in my home, and I welcome artists, friends, and creative souls to join me there. I delight in having conversations over delicious meals, so my home is a space for family, for socializing, and for creativity. I envision this house to be a haven for my loved ones and fellow creators to come and enjoy their time with me.

Nadia: I have always admired the monumental architecture of Tadao Ando. My aspiration was to create a staircase leading to the tree canopy level that exuded the same sense of drama and simplicity that I found in his work.

The initial concepts showcased the bold use of concrete and monochromatic marble, reflecting a certain architectural purity. Yet, as these ideas materialized, it became evident that this direction, while visually striking, was also creating an unintended aura of coldness and detachment – an ambience that starkly contrasted with the warm and welcoming atmosphere I envisioned for a true home.

After considerable thought and collaboration, we eventually arrived at a solution that felt right – a timber-lined environment infused with a sense of natural warmth. To complement this, we introduced the captivating Arabesque Rosso marble, a choice that resonated with the aesthetic I was striving for.

Nadia: We have been following Huma Bhabha’s work for a long time. We have also collected her work before. But her MET rooftop commission blew my mind away. This led me and my husband to commission this piece, ‘Cowboys and Angels’ 2018 for our home.

Nadia: Banyan trees are the most amazing trees found in nature! They can live beyond 500 years. They have this amazing complex root and trunk structure that can be made up of thousands of individual pieces. The grandest banyan trees boast canopies that extend over vast acres of land. For instance, the Great Banyan in Kolkata, India, blankets a staggering 4.67 acres with its canopy.

Living alongside such a venerable tree is a privilege intertwined with responsibility. It's akin to having a living piece of history, an ever-evolving entity within the home. The design of this section of the house was meticulously curated around this magnificent banyan tree. Drawing inspiration from the natural world's fluid forms, Joseph Walsh's studio in Cork crafts wooden furniture that dances with organic elegance. The erosion bench, a tribute to this ethos, finds its place here. I imagined a number of them curved into a circular shape to provide a multi-functional and versatile seating area encircling the base of the tree.

Around the entire space, there's a pool bordered by water lilies, creating a calm and natural atmosphere. Ayesha Sultan's "Pool Vi" complements this setup beautifully. The piece's tall, colourful glass structure adds a contemporary touch that stands out against the organic surroundings. It's a captivating modern sculpture that adds a burst of colour and visual interest, creating a unique focal point that grabs your attention in contrast to the rest of the space.

Inside, I picked a really special piece by Mattia Bonetti, the Elle & Lui chair. Positioned within the expansive double-height space, the outer wall is entirely made of glass. From this vantage point, a panoramic view unfolds, offering an unobstructed view encompassing the pool's tranquil expanse, the sprawling branches of the banyan tree, and the enchanting tapestry of the surrounding forest beyond.

Nadia: In this segment of the house, I've intentionally integrated a collection of traditional Bangladeshi pottery and artisanal works. Supporting these industries and the remarkable creations they produce is a cause very close to my heart. Around ten years ago, the brass craft industry in Dhamrai was a bustling trade involving approximately a thousand families. Today, that vibrant community has dwindled to around a hundred families. The pottery pieces I've incorporated hold a distinct allure as they are not merely objects; they are the tangible results of generations passing down their intricate skills from parent to child.

Supporting these master craftsmen brings me genuine joy, and having their artistry in my living space feels like a privilege. Each piece is a living testament to our cultural heritage, a reminder of the incredible craftsmanship that has been a part of our history for generations. It's heartening to know that these pieces carry the essence of our heritage, preserved in every curve and detail.

These traditional elements also form a captivating contrast with the contemporary and modern artworks that co-exist in the same space. For me, embracing our past while celebrating the future is vital. The house becomes a dynamic canvas, where art transcends time, where tradition and innovation converge. Ultimately, this isn't just a collection of objects; it's a conscious effort to curate an environment that echoes the spirit of our Bangladeshi identity. It's a homage to our roots, a platform for talented contemporary artists, and a reflection of the harmonious blend of tradition and progress that defines us.