Project Description

Chai-Katha: A Modular Tea Stall of Stories

Site: Khulna, Bangladesh

Concept Overview

Chai-Katha ("Chai" for tea and "Katha" for stories) is a modular, sustainable tea stall designed as a community hub where people gather, converse, and share experiences over a cup of tea. Inspired by vernacular materials and traditional storytelling culture, this stall is more than just a refreshment stop; it is a space for social interaction and collective memory.

Why Khulna?

Khulna, a region known for its rich tea culture and community-driven spaces, provides an ideal backdrop for Chai-Katha. Positioned in a bustling area, it attracts workers, students, and travelers, fostering local engagement. The hot and humid climate of Khulna is addressed through passive cooling techniques, making the stall comfortable year-round.

Design & Modularity

Chai-Katha is constructed using bamboo, wood, and a golpata roof, ensuring eco-friendliness and durability. The stall features pre-fabricated panels, making it expandable, portable, and easy to assemble/disassemble. The seating arrangement accommodates 15 visitors, including built-in benches and stackable stools.

Sustainability Features

• Cross ventilation & perforated panels for airflow

• Extended golpata roof for shading & insulation

• Locally sourced materials reducing environmental impact

Chai-Katha embodies the warmth of shared stories and the comfort of tea, creating a timeless and adaptable social space for the people of Khulna.