Tribhuwan University Institute Of Engineering Department Of Architecture Pulchowk Campus

DIRECTED STUDIES

Topic:

Hybrid Architecture
In context of Kathmandu Valley

Submitted By: Roby Rai 063 B. Arch 229

Submitted To: Prof. Dan H. Kansakar Ar. Sanjay Upreti

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the course instructor, Prof. Dan Heera Kansakar and Ar. Sanjay Upreti, who let me explore the dimensions in Hybrid Architecture in context of Kathmandu Valley. Lastly, I would like to express my thanks to Ms. Rumi Singh Maharjan and Mr. Prana Shrestha for immense help and support during all the period of preparing this report. Thank You!!!

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 A typical newari house ..................................................................................... 4 Figure 2 A typical floor plan ........................................................................................... 6 Figure 3 Patan - Saugal Tol ............................................................................................ 7 Figure 4 Typical Development of Fenestration ............................................................. 7 Figure 5 Standard Accommodation............................................................................... 8 Figure 6 Development of Building Height .................................................................. 11 Figure 7 Development in Different Phase ................................................................... 12 Figure 8The Cathedral of Vilnius (1783), by Laurynas Guceviius ......................... 12 Figure 9 Columns and Details ..................................................................................... 12 Figure 10 Charlotte City Hall and the Mecklenburg County Courthouse .............. 12 Figure 11 Basantapur Durbar Square ......................................................................... 12 Figure 12A house at Kwalkhu ...................................................................................... 12 Figure 14 South Elevation ............................................................................................. 12 Figure 13 Front Elevation .............................................................................................. 12 Figure 15 Ground Floor Plan ....................................................................................... 12 Figure 16First Floor Plan ............................................................................................... 12 Figure 18 Top Floor Plan .............................................................................................. 12 Figure 17 Second Floor Plan ........................................................................................ 12 Figure 19 Section ........................................................................................................... 12 Figure 23 Entry porch .................................................................................................... 12 Figure 20 Niches ............................................................................................................ 12 Figure 21 Windows ........................................................................................................ 12 Figure 22 Ridge .............................................................................................................. 12 Figure 24 Ground Floor Kitchen .................................................................................. 12 Figure 25 Stair ................................................................................................................ 12 Figure 26 Facade ........................................................................................................... 12 Figure 27 Top L-R > A typical window, The courtyard with Toilet, The Classical Order, The Attic Space with Skylight, The Wooden Struts, The Roof ....................... 12 Figure 28 Roof ................................................................................................................ 12 Figure 29 Division of House ......................................................................................... 12 Figure 30 Top L-R clockwise > Staircase, Kitchen at Baiga, Niche, Backyard Courtyard, Ta-Khaa, Door Lock ................................................................................... 12 Figure 31 L-R>RCC Dog Legged Stair, Front Elevation, Light Well ........................ 12 Figure 33 Chuka ............................................................................................................ 12 Figure 32 Takhaa with Chuka ...................................................................................... 12

CONTENTS
Chapter-1 Introdcution 1.1.0 Introduction 1.2.0 Need of Study... 1.3.0 Objective... 1.4.0 Scope and Limitation... 1.5.0 Method of Study 1.6.0 Expected Output Chapter-2 The Hybrid. 2.1.0 Introduction... 2.2.0 Retro... 2.3.0 Out there... Chapter-3 The Case 3.1.0 The Case 3.2.0 Namuna Ghar.. 3.3.0 Pranas Residence 3.4.0 Tandukars Residence. 3.5.0 Maharjans Residence.... 3.6.0 Raj Bhandaris Residence... Chapter-4 The Outcomes..... 4.1.0 The Ease... 4.2.0 The Findings. Bibliography. Appendix.. 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 6 16 18 19 21 27 29 31 32 33 34 35 37 38

Abstract:
Marsupial architecture has a long history of existence. It is so because people have an eagerness for change in taste. They desire certain experiments to be carried out with whatever is around; be its food, living style, fashion, music, art or architecture. The fusion of styles or ingredients would certainly bring newness. The newness are sometime appreciated and at times rebuked. This is also one of the reasons behind the creation of a new trend. So I would not step back to restate it hybrid practice is the father of invention. This study that I would be carrying out will cover the current marsupial architectural trend in Kathmandu valley. This would concentrate on the hybrid styles in architectural practice.

1.1

Introduction:

Hybrid architecture is an eclectic architecture. It is more valid to say that it is the blend of a local/indigenous architecture with a foreign style. Foreign style wont just be a style from another county. It may be so, but it is rather a foreign as in not from the locality. The use of certain design elements and planning practice that originally belong to some other trend of architecture rather than the particular traditional architecture is obvious in present situation. It might be soothing and pleasing. It might be irrelevant and absurd at other time. To understand the proper use and its justification would be the main target of this study. Hybrid things may be interesting but it spoils the traditional beauty. We must however reconcile the hybrid element and make the proper use of the outcome of hybrid. It is not just a matter of refute. If practicing different styles at required time help elevate the aesthetics and function too it is logical. Hybrid things devalue the original treasure. This can be possible that eventually the original architecture may get lost in the due course of time. This must be checked that the original things do remain.

1.2

Objectives:

Whole objective of this study will be to interpret the practice of hybrid architecture. It will embody the different fusions of elements and functions in these traditional cities of Kathmandu valley.

1.3

Methodology:

The study was carried out with the literature review from different sources. The direct observations done at different residences of Patan and Bhaktapur was carried out. With few photographs and interview with the residents of the respective house this report was prepared.

1.4

Expected output:

Understand the practice of marsupial architecture. If it is a need or is just another experiment. And the areas of application shall be understood, if its just in the case of use of design elements or it traces to the planning level too.

CHAPTER

THE HYBRID

1.1.0 INTRODUCTION The written history of Kathmandu Valley might not be as old as the real history of this valley. It was introduced to the political map of South Asia in the mid 5 th Century AD under the Lichchhavi rulers. The history before the Lichchhavi rule is not as vivid as that of Lichchhavis or later the period. However chronicles and legends speak of many dynasties that ruled the valley way back before the Lichchhavis. Kirats, Gopals and Mahispals also ruled the valley before them. So it has a history of more than 2000 years back. Architecture flourished in every era. However the Lichchhavi era is till date is spoken as the golden period of all periods. So the architectural heritage of the Valley can be understood as of development and rectification by each successive ruling group or dynasty. The concept of introducing a specific style to any other architectural style is referred to as the Hybrid Architecture. It may vary from the fusion of design elements to that of planning system in a design. The history witnesses the change in an architectural style. It may be in the form of introduction of design element or that of planning system. It is also one of the main reasons for the creation of a new style. In post-modern style, the elements from the past were borrowed from the past and put into the modern buildings. This later became as an architectural style. So hybrid is an intermediate style that relates two styles. The hybrid concept at times may be useful but at times may also be useless or act as neutral. The usefulness of the hybrid concept continues to bring more useful changes to establish a new style while the useless endeavors will sooner or later be out of use. The usefulness depends on either aesthetic value or the value of usefulness. The main disadvantage of hybrid concept may be overshadowing of the original/aboriginal style. It is often seen in certain part of land/country that the introduction of foreign elements/style shall usually dominate the aboriginal style. But this is however a good changer for some context. Because the change that are more efficient and more contextual to the changing lifestyle and environment are automatically adopted by the users therein. The changes that are unavoidable and are more pragmatic are certain to alter as per the requirement. The change is only possible while there are alternatives. The alternatives that are suitable are obviously preferred. The preference is guided by the change in living standard and at times by culture as per the availability of resources. This will be justified at the later part of this study.

1.2.0 THE RETRO: 1.2.1 HERE: The architectural style that has lasted till now at Kathmandu valley is Newari architecture. The successful and famous architectural style at the date of Malla reign is what we all know now as Newari architecture. The architecture that is famous and still cherished by the local inhabitants of Kathmandu valley till date. The 13th to 18th century BS was the period of Mallas. During that period the architecture of Kathmandu Valley flourished. The introduction of various Durbar Squares was also materialized back then which are very popular and famous till now. The architecture of that period was rich with respect to the architectural aesthetic, lifestyle of that period, the culture then and that to that of the architectural planning. Introduction Despite the ever changing lifestyle of Newar people upon the trial of time the culture still subsists. Along with the live culture intravenously existing among the Newar there is this indigenous architecture that till date lingers. The architecture is rich and reflects the living standards, class, and living philosophy of the inhabitants. The average house is rectangular in basic design, generally 6 meters in depth, while the length depends on the size and availability of materials. The range of length varies from 1.5m to 15 meters. The normal length is 4-8m. The characteristic feature of Newari Architecture in residence is the vertical arrangement of rooms independent of the house size. The main reason for such arrangement being security concerns and need to use least irrigable land for building a house. Two storeyed house belonged to poorer inhabitants on the towns fringes. Three storeyed was a general occurring building. The four storeyed were in the center of the town. The uniform depth facilitates the building of additional houses on the existing ones, to form blocks of houses. The extensions were of equal height, the
Figure 1 A typical newari house

depth being determined by that of the main house, and either the full depth of 6 meters or only half that depth was used.1 Each family and every clan wanted to build one single house around a central courtyard or Chauk that provided certain scale of security and privacy. Different units made the four sides of a Chauk in most of the cases with the access to the street through a gateway on the ground by at least one of the houses. If the Chauk is surrounded by one large unit, only vertical utilization of space still applies, as in smaller units to separate room clusters, which, due to the symmetry, size, location and heating facilities of the rooms impose vital component of the house itself.2 it served as a playground for the young ones, a washing area, a grain grinding area and acted as sitting area, in the tepid area, useful for most of the daily activities of the residing people. A single door or a low and narrow gateway, which can be closed, acted as the access to the courtyard of Newari houses Vihara(Buddhist Monastery). The similarity among the lifestyles of residents along with the common building method and materials acted to bring uniformity in architectural style with some superficial variations. A house-depth of 6m could be inferred as a presence of spine wall, parallel to the house frontage, dividing each floor into two rooms. The top-floor on the other hand was divided by columns. Irrespective of the size of house the principle of a central spine wall can be applied. Easy prediction of possible functions of houses and activities of the residents cannot be made with the basic similarity and uniformity of design. Even city and rural village houses are too much extent similar-3 storeyed and pitched roof with similar and common building materials like burnt brick and timber. There is not as a distinct development of rural building style. The occasional goat or water buffalo get sheltered on the ground floor while grain is stored in the upper floor and hay anywhere convenient. Ground floors use as an open shopfront or workshop with a row of twin columns is the most obvious. The adoption of grouping houses into blocks around a central courtyard in rural areas from that of the urban areas led to a population density similar to that of the cities. This elevated the similarity between urban and rural architectural style to more extent giving credence to reports that Newars were more inclined towards trade and commerce and regarded agriculture as a necessary but secondary
1 2

The Traditional Architecture of Kathmandu Valley Wolfgang Korn The Traditional Architecture of Kathmandu Valley Wolfgang Korn

occupation. The real difference occurred in the quality of materials and the workmanship but the size together with the finish of the faade helped distinguish buildings among themselves. E.g. Bricks may be sundried rough and simply baked while some may be meticulously burnt for special purpose and others may have smooth surfaces and were polished before firing. One of the distinguishing features may be the ornately carved doors and windows. The crowning achievement was the large living room window or San Jhya that supplied with the street view on the second or third floor. History The historical information on private dwelling is almost non-existent, in contrary the only well documented descriptions found are that of religious buildings. 200 years ago Father Giuseppe visited Nepal and written a description about the dwellings of Nepal: The houses are constructed of brick, and are three or four storeys high; their apartments are not lofty; they have doors and windows of wood, well worked and arranged with great regularity.3 It can be surmised the dwellings have not changed much as it appears the outer appearance and usage of space of temples, palaces and monasteries has not changed from at least early Malla times up to the end of 19th century. The early pattern books that dealt with architecture outlining not only the rituals to be carried out before and during the construction but also the basic plan of building is the principle reason for the maintenance of traditional ideas. Jayasthiti Malla (1380-1395 AD) established guidelines about the quality of houses and their ranking for taxation purpose: Kasais, Podhyas, and Kullus were not allowed to have houses roofed with tilesHouses he divided into three classes: Galli, situated in a lane, Galli bhitar, situated in a street; and shahar, in the centre of the city.
Figure 2 A typical floor plan

Guseppe, op. cit., p308

To estimate the value of houses it was determined how many Kha they covered. For first class house a Kha was 85 haths (cubits) in circumference; for the second class of 95 haths; and for the third of 101 haths. To the four principal castes, viz, Brahman, Kshatri, Vaisya, and Sudra were given the rules of Bastu-prakaran and Asta-Barga for building houses. The ceremonies before laying the foundations were to be performed by Brahmans if the owners of the building were Brahmans or Kshatris and by Daivagyas, if they were of the Vaisya or Sudra castes.4

Figure 3 Patan - Saugal Tol

Building style followed the traditional pattern as long as there was not contact with western influence environment. The dramatic change to the white plastered palaces, which had a neo-classical style of the West built 100 years ago, brought the first major change in dwelling style for at least the richer section of the public. With the rising influx of Western ideas at the beginning of second half of the 20 th century there was a change on the design of dwellings. With the limitations of space within a block of house the urban settlements were just able to make minor alteration. On the other hand, outside the dense settlement were able to use new materials along with the Western Design and construction ideas. The break with tradition was so abrupt and harsh that over the last few years a positive trend has emerged to find a modern Nepali Style and at least building materials, such as brick, tile, stone and wood is again being used in many places as originally intended.5 Faade Symmetry is attained where possible in the design of faade. The central axis of a main

Figure 4 Typical Development of Fenestration

4 5

Wright, op. cit., p 183-184 Traditional Architecture of Kathmandu Valley- Wolfgang Korn

door or window, pairing of windows is done around the central axis on each succeeding floor with the central window on each floor being emphasized with intricate carvings and its size. If the ground floor is not used for shop, the faade is maintained with simple low narrow door and perhaps with one or two small windows on either side. If there is any irregularity in symmetry in the ground floor the other floor levels are independently maintained symmetrical. Two massive wooden planks bar the entrance door. The windows are generally closed by a fine work of lattice wood works. Only few of the windows can be closed completely with the heavy shutters. San-Jhya is the most prioritized window in a Newari House. The use of this window type at living room can be accentuated even in those of the poorer class. The fact being this window types the most important means of communication to the street other than the door. It is provided with window bench and latticed window shutters that can be closed or opened. Three storeyed houses have an attic directly under the roof at the third floor. It is mainly use as the kitchen and dining room. In case of four storeyed house, the living room takes place on the third and second floor with the kitchen and dining on the attic above. Skirt roof separates the second and third floor from the exterior under which the San-Jhya is situated. This infers the fixed position of San-Jhya in the center of the second storey on the faade. The eaves of the skirt roof of a four storeyed house runs at the same level as the roof of the adjacent three-storeyed houses. The lines of a simple pitched roof are seldom broken by garrets or the like. Balconies and roofterraces on houses are of a more recent origin.6 Typical window style was horizontal at earlier times but with a squared lattice opening at later time (c.a. 200 yrs) there came a gradual change in the

Figure 5 Standard Accommodation

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The Traditional Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley-Wolfgang Korn

design of windows to become a more vertical in form with the retaining of the lattice work. The symmetry created by the prominence of the central window got reduced to simple rows of windows during the process of the change. The less ornate todays San-Jhya has however retained its original position/location. The introduction of the trend of lighter and larger windows was done at the turn of the century. The 60 cm wide and almost a storey high latticing of windows were omitted. The San-Jhya was simultaneously replaced by the now current window style; metal rail and shutter close off the vertical window openings. The uneven number of windows at each storey was maintained whenever the houses length permitted it. The faade took on a more vertical appearance of wall sections that was fractioned by storey height high windows. Function and allocation of space A deciding factor for the utilization of different rooms in the house is its vertical location. The size of the house is virtually irrelevant, as is the size of the familiar the caste consideration. Despite variations in size and external decorations, common principles of space utilization developed between all social groups.7 Du Anga, a central wall, usually divides the ground floor (Chhyadi) into two narrow rooms. There is a shop or workshop on the front part. The front wall is replaced by a twin system of columns which opens the ground floor to the street. Storage room, workshop that opens to the courtyard is the back room of the divided rooms of spine wall. The central wall is never replaced by columns for structural reasons. Small windows admit light and air to the ground floor which is generally used as a stable or store-room. External walls are provided with doors that helps direct access between the courtyard and the street. Shops and workshops occupy the ground floor that can be accessed by a separate corridor which leads to the courtyard. Upper storeys can be accessed by a narrow staircase. Takha, a trap door, is a two planks shutter that closes the stairwell. This system is generally given at every floor level which is the result of earlier defense requirements. Due to unavailability of protection against dampness, the ground floor was never used as a living area. This floor is usually either tiled with bricks or covered with a layer of clay. Shops had a well-ventilated wooden floor. The actual living space and sleeping space began with the first floor (Matan=Middle Section). The two rooms created by the central wall have either solid or light timber partitions
7

The Traditional Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley - Wolfgang Korn

depending on the size of the house. They formed sleeping quarters for family members or for the married sons who remain in the parental home with their own family. The second-floor (Chota = upper layer) is the main living and family area in a three-storeyed house. The central wall is here replaced by a twin row of columns to make it a low hall. The front window, San-Jhya, and the other side window helps to attain enough light and air on this floor. With relatively good lighting this floor is preferred by many as favorite spot for different types of work. Near the San-Jhya weaving loom is installed that is the common household at Newari Culture. Villagers use this floor for cooking over open fire-places alongside a side wall. The smoke however is not channeled away due to absence of chimney. Phyata, the third storey is an unusual addition to the basic Newari House, which generally comprises the ground floor, the first floor (middle layer) and the second floor (upper layer). This fourth floor like the upper floor can be used as a large family living room. It also may be subdivided in to other rooms as per need. The family shrine and kitchen are placed in the attic space. The Baiga, half or small space, is not accessible to the strangers and lower castes due to their deep belier on their religious significance and classification of levels of caste back then. However this still remains the problem at this period too at places and families. This floor is not divided except for a rudimentary separation of the shrine. Djhingati tiles are used at the roof. Dormer window gives lighting and ventilation on this floor. Extensions occur only for living and sleeping rooms. Eating and cooking remain communal affairs involving the whole family. In contrast to the extravagant facades, the interior furnishings and decorations are very simple. Sukul, a straw mat, serves as a carpet durung day and for sleeping at night. Carpets and blankets may decorate the floor which are reserved only for seating on special occasions. The bedding of blankets and cotton rugs are rolled up and stored in the morning. Wall recesses and wooden chests help store the clothings and valuables. Makas, portable clay bowls, of various sizes are filled with burning charcoal for heating the rooms. A stove for this purpose is unknown. The kitchen is never used as a place for meeting. Gwakhan Pwas, a wall recess, are available for placing varying sizes of clay or metal oil lamps that give light during the dark hours. Wooden chests or clay pots are used for storing stocks of rice and other grain. Bamboo baskets hanging below the overhanging roof are used to store potatoes 10

and vegetables. Clay and brass pitchers are used as water utensils. The primary source of fuel for heating was the wood carried into the town from the hills by porters. Poorer people burned the dried cow dung. Private and public wells, fountains situated in each sector of the town served for supplying water for drinking and washing purpose. The courtyard or the roof terrace or the street or even the place around the wells and fountains served as the bathroom. Toilets were not located in the house which was considered an unclean place. Instead small children used the street or any open place. The men and women sought segregated public latrines. Narrow alleys hidden away behind walls served this purpose of latrine for the elders. Every town district or the fringes of the bigger settlement used to have this sort of place. River banks also served as the ablution area for all people.

Early Malla Modern 14-16th Cent

Late Malla 16-18th Cent

18-20th Cent

One room deep Floor plan

Two room floor plan

Urban Mid of Density Vertical increase in

Horizontal increase in Urban Density

Modern const.

Techniques
Figure 6 Development of Building Height 16th cent

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Figure 7 Development in Different Phase

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1.2.2 OUT THERE: Neoclassical architecture was an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing features of Late Baroque. In its purest form it is a style principally derived from the architecture of Classical Greece and the architecture of Italian Andrea Palladio. In form, neoclassical architecture emphasizes the wall rather than chiaroscuro and maintains separate identities to each of its parts. Intellectually Neoclassicism was symptomatic of a desire to return to the perceived "purity" of the arts of Rome, to the more vague perception ("ideal") of Ancient Greek arts and, to a lesser extent, sixteenth-century Renaissance Classicism, which was also a source for academic Late Baroque architecture. High neoclassicism was an international movement. Though neoclassical architecture employs the same classical vocabulary as Late Baroque architecture, it tends to emphasize its planar qualities, rather than sculptural volumes. Projections and recessions and their effects of light and shade are flatter; sculptural bas-reliefs are flatter and tend to be enframed in friezes, tablets or panels. Its clearly articulated individual features are isolated rather than interpenetrating, autonomous and complete in themselves.8 The buildings that are inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome are described as Neoclassical architecture. The buildings that fall under this category are likely to have some or all of these features: Symmetrical shape Tall columns Triangular pediment Domed roof

Figure 8The Cathedral of Vilnius (1783), by Laurynas Guceviius

http://architectworlds.blogspot.com/2010/08/neoclassical-architecture.html

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Its most distinctive feature would be the lavish use of columns, usually Corinthian. Often features a classical pediment entry with an entablature above the cornice line. Many Neoclassical buildings have windows grouped in twos or threes, with the main floor having semicircular arched windows.

Figure 10 Charlotte City Hall and the Mecklenburg County Courthouse Figure 9 Columns and Details

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CHAPTER

THE CASE

15

2.1.0 THE CASE The changing architecture of the Kathmandu Valley is not a sudden one. The change is slow and everlasting one. It may be due to several reasons. The main influence for the change can be understood as the western influence in the early 1860s. When Jung Bahadur Rana left to visit Britain in April 1850 and returned in February 1851 he was much inspired with the architectural style at UK. After he attended the opera and the races at Epsom he brought back a taste for neoclassical architecture that still persists in many areas of Kathmandu Valley today. Basantapur Durbar Square has neoclassical buildings within its boundary. Garden of Dreams, Ananda Niketan, Singha Durbar and Durbar High school are other distinct examples that belong to the neoclassical style. This bondage of architectural style was then seen in the residential scale too. Now we see that many Newari house has elements that belongs to the Neoclassical style. The use of white plaster with pilaster or even order that belongs to the neoclassical style can still be seen that came into practice after the return of Jung Bahadur Rana from UK. Modernization began to dawn on Kathmandu with the opening of the Bir hospital, Nepals first, in 1889, the first piped water system, limited electricity and the construction of the Singh Durbar. 9

Figure 11 Basantapur Durbar Square

Figure 12A house at Kwalkhu

Nepal by Joe Bindloss, Trent Holden, Bradley Mayhew

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In the past the first floor, second floor were place for family room and bedrooms. Now it can be seen that the first floor and second floor may also be used as kitchen or any other purpose like rental space, shop etc. Back then there used to be a superstition of caste and creed, which still persists, and has not been abolished and forbidden and closed planning was preferred. Now as the time swung and philosophy of life changed, people started opting open planning system. Kitchen may be in the first floor or even ground floor so that it will be easy to greet the guest at home. They wont have to struggle to get to the top floor to prepared dishes and serve at the other floor. The roof is another distinct style in Newari Architecture. The symmetrically pitched roof with Jhingati Tiles is a beauty. Now the use of these tiles is limited to very few places. The more famous RCC roof is getting more common to the owners. Other replacement for the tiles is the use of CGI sheets, which is cheaper than RCC structure. However the use of Jhingati tiles is still prominent at some places and to limited families. Eventually the living standard of the people also came to change with respect to time. The people who were busy in agriculture and animal husbandry started business and other earning ways. Urbanization was much higher. Centralization was in peak. People were exposed to more than normal and usual day to day earning methods. This is the main reason for the change in the planning pattern of the house at ground floor. The chhyadi that was used as store house and refuge for the animals were now converted into shops after alternatives and new possibilities for earning their living. The problem of dampness could later be resolved as the introduction of modern and advanced building materials. Thus at places the ground floor is not just used for shops and store but also for bedrooms or rooms for rent.

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2.2.0 Namuna Ghar Location Style Storey Age Renovated Architect : Bhaktapur : Traditional Newari Architecture : 3 storey building : 150 years : 1999-2001 : Rabindra Puri

The Namuna Ghar is 150 years old traditional building that epitomizes the Figure 13 South Elevation traditional architectural features and technologies of the ancient town of Bhaktapur. This three storey building constructed from bricks, wood, stone and various tiles is in fact a renovated form of a traditional Newari farmhouse using traditional passive technologies along with modern passive features. Characterized with beautifully carved pillars, wooden windows and a pitched tiled roof along with an open space on the top floor, the house is indeed a model hose depicting most of defining characteristics of Newari architecture, as per suggested by its name. Namuna Ghar had been neglected for a long time, until Mr Rabindra Puri decided to buy and renovate it. Having a great passion for Newari architecture, Mr Puri believed that he needed to set an example in order to convince other home owners to restore their houses, rather than to demolish and rebuild. For his effort, the Namuna Ghar bagged a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. The house was totally neglected and it was in a very bad state. Nobody lived in the house for ten years and there were rumors that the house was haunted. It was used as a chicken farm for the last five years before it was restored. The house has been restored in its original shape, reusing most of the materials. The weakest part of the house had to be demolished and rebuilt in traditional style. It was a major challenge to save all the wooden frames, windows and bricks and the workers had to be repeatedly told to be very cautious. Only very few materials and materials for modern facilities, like the bathroom, are new. For the interior decoration traditional and local materials have been used. The
Figure 14 Front Elevation

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restoration methodology was totally traditional. Some modern earthquake resistant measures have been also adopted. The area is 259.21 square meters but the house is built in an area of 84.8 square meters and there is a garden and a lawn in front of the house. 2.2.1 Indoor Space Planning With the location, orientation and shape of the building is the consideration of the interior space distribution. Habitable space is occupied and the greatest heating and lighting requirement is arrayed along the south faced of the building. The walls of the most usable space like bedroom, kitchen, dining occupy both the south wall and the north wall which is useful for both winter heating and summer cooling. The room arrangement has

Figure 15 Ground Floor Plan

Figure 16First Floor Plan

helped in maintaining natural air circulation from the outer atmosphere. Rooms are arranged vertically, in four storey and rooms arranged as Ground Floor Verandah, Chidi and Bathroom First Floor Living (With Fireplace), Guest Bedroom cum Study Room Second Floor Main Living Room, Master Bedroom, Toilet/Bath Third Floor Family Room, Kitchen/Dining, Terrace 2.2.2 Floor Height Floor height of the rooms is maintained minimum so as to avoid any extra air volume than required. The span of the timber is also the limiting factor in the determination of the floor. It has a floor height of 6-6 at ground floor and 6-2 at first floor, 7-6 at second floor. On the average the floor height can be considered as 6-6.

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2.2.3 Construction Technology Materials Used Materials used in the Nanuma Ghar are not different from those found in any ordinary traditional Newari houses. Bricks, surkhi (air breath), cement, mud, stone and wood are the main materials used in the house. Basically wood and clay products are used as building materials. Tiles are widely used for roofing. Almost all structures are built with bricks in mud mortar and wood has been used for openins and flooring. These materials have high heat absorption property or have low thermal conductivity. Timbers used prevents the heat exchange between two

Figure 18 Second Floor Plan

Figure 17 Top Floor Plan

floors and mud plaster and brick helps to retain heat given by solar radiation and re-emit same to inside at night time. The combination of materials helps to maintain indoor temperature in comfortable range. 2.2.4 External Wall Texture & Colour The external wall surface of the building is exposed brickwork. So it has rough texture and dull color which helps in maximum absorption of the sunlight. Lime Surkhi is used as binding material. In some part, cement mortar can be also seen used to some extent. The lime surkhi is also used in some portion of the wall. This requires no additional treatment and the color of the wall seems to get brighter and brighter as the years pass. 2.2.5 Roofing Roofing is done by Jhingati tiles with nailing or clipping above the wooden rafters. Other materials used are mud tiles, mud and wooden rafter. These all materials have high insulating properties. So they help in reducing heat gain 20
Figure 19 Section

/heat loss. However, during the renovation period, plastic sheets were laid on top of wood to prevent moisture seepage. It was recommended but is not an original part of traditional architecture. 2.1.7 Openings Timber is extensively used for all doors and window, which are decoratively carved. This is the most common feature and most recognizable feature of traditional Newari Architecture. All the window size is almost same in the building. The windows are slightly kept at angle to allow the maximum light inside the building. The windows on the south face will allow the maximum sunrays inside the building. 2.2.6 Finishes The ground floor is finished with stone paving. Burnt (telia) brick, which is comfortable both in summer and winter season, are used on upper floors as flooring materials. The telia bricks are polished with oil for more shininess. The bricks are made in the nearby surroundings and are easily available.

The lattice windows, Tiki jhya, Chappa Jhya, Ku Jhya, San-Jhya, Ga Jhya, Biman Jhya etc were some of the famous windows used in a residential building. According to the status of the owner and the affordability of a particular style of window, the house used to have the pure form of wooden intricately carved windows in a traditional house. However now the use of modern materials such as iron grills, bars etc. are used. The use of French, Jalousie windows and various other forms of windows can be seen in different house that has a traditional styles base. Usually there used to be two thick layers of load bearing walls in traditional architecture. The use of this system is not so popular today. The frame structure system is in use today or a composite system is adopted.

Figure 21 Niches

Figure 22 Windows

Figure 23 Ridge

Figure 20 Entry porch

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Another interesting feature worth a mention is the innovative fusion of modern and traditional construction methods. The house built with dual structural system; a structural frame with concrete column and beams, wrapped with thick load bearing walls, made with mud mortar like in olden times, is designed to test the time. As the concrete loses its strength, the lime-mortar construction will gain and replace it, keeping the house standing for a longer period. Climatically too, the mud mortar construction naturally keeps the house cool in summer and retains the heat in winter. It seems, no effort was spared for the construction of the house, as the best hands were hired to do the detailing. The construction was meticulously done by local craftsmen from Bhaktapur who were given specific instructions not to spare in quality. The woodwork alone shows the results.10

10

ECS Nepal-A Newari House Reborn, article by Srijan Joshi

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2.3.0 Pranas Residence Located near the Tapa Hiti, this aged old Newari House belongs to a Shrestha family. With the successive generation and increasing family size the house has still been sheltering a big family size of 12. The residing person, Prana Shrestha, states that the house has been serving three generation family. The Grand Mother, Uncle, Father and himself. Elevation: This house has a Neo-Classical touch. With the Corinthian Columns semblance on the corners of the house, along with white colored external finish reminds of a Neo-classical House like Ananda Niketan. The windows used are also as that of the later part of the Rana Dynasty. Planning: The use of ground floor as kitchen and dining is a deviating uses that from of a typical Newari house. This floor is generally used for storage. But this has been practiced as this provides ease to the grandmother of the family. She is old and wont like to stay at the upper floor against the difficulty of climbing up and down time and again. A bed room is also provided on the ground floor for grandmother. The store is also provided on the other half of the floor. The courtyard has a Toilet on the southern corner. The building being on the northern and western part. The plinth is of layer of brick. The rooms are again coated with a fine finish of cement punning over the concrete bed that covers the bricks. This helps damp proofing and makes life more livable on the ground floor too. The staircase is a triple flight open well staircase.

Figure 26 Facade

Figure 25 Stair

Figure 24 Ground

Floor Kitchen The landing area has a niche on the wall that supports it. That has a functional role of storing things temporarily. Or at older time it used to be a place to keep the lamp.

The first floor has a Baithakh room that is normally closed and is opened at times of festival and ceremony. The second floor has bed rooms and more circulatory 23

space. The third floor has also a bed room and a Living Room. The top floor used to be kitchen area but now has been turned into a Bed room with a pantry where Prana Shrestha lives. The attic space is a store at present. A third of the house has a RCC flat roof, while the two third has a traditional pitched roof with Jhingati tiles. The attic space is dark so a skylight is also provided with a translucent fiber sheet on the mid part. The doors and windows are wooden and resemble the traditional windows and doors. But the struts are not of the traditional style. The windows resemble the later period of Rana Style.

Figure 27 Top L-R > A typical window, The courtyard with Toilet, The Classical Order, The Attic Space with Skylight, The Wooden Struts, The Roof

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2.4.0 Tandukars Residence Elevation: Exposed brick with Tiki Jhya has retained the traditional look of the Tandukar Residence at Mangal Bazar. The long survived traditional home has been divided among the three brothers. The division took place vertically. The elevation gets separated with the different door colors, while the upper part is same brick exposed walls with intricately carved lattice windows. The building looks like the Malla Period Traditional House. The rise to an apartment system but in a vertical division is a common practice among the Newar Community. But at a point this cant be divided. Then takes place the floor wise division of the vertically divided house too. Planning: Mr. Baikuntha Tuladhar has a shop at the ground floor. A store and a toilet also has been placed on the ground floor. They have a kitchen along with a bed room at the second floor. This is because of his eldest son (married) who has a different kitchen than his family. His house has a kitchen at the top floor too. The first floor is used as living room. The third floor has bed rooms. The top floor is a kitchen once more. The roof is flat and is a CGI made with timber rafters and purlins. The other divided part has however a pitched roof of CGI.

Figure 29 Division of House

Figure 28 Roof

They have a single flight wooden staircase of 8 riser and tread each. The floor height is 6-4 in average. Wooden shuttered door and lattice windows beautify the house. They have special lock at their house. Niches are provided at places around the staircase and the circulation area. Mr. Tuladhar has a traditional type of door. It has also the kind of lock system that was used in the past. They call it Khawa which is a lock and Kway (literal

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meaning-bone) which is a key. The mechanical manipulation of the key and lock is fascinating. They have a courtyard at the backyard. It is small in size. It is about 8 x 8 with a washing area. The plinth of the ground floor is that of mud mortar. The modern technologies and building materials has not been used there. It maintains the traditional architecture to some extent.

Figure 30 Top L-R clockwise > Staircase, Kitchen at Baiga, Niche, Backyard Courtyard, Ta-Khaa, Door Lock

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2.5.0 Maharjans Residence Elevation: It is located in the street of Patko. The front view is supported with the Rana Period windows, not that of Lichchhavi or Malla period. However the Newari Architecture can be seen in the elevation too. With the exposed brick and the shop at the ground floor, it provides the Newari Architecture look. The Baiga has a Kashin (Pali) in front of it to support more about its Newari Architecture. The windows are of wood but not those like the San-Jhya and others. Planning: First floor has a shop, store and a toilet. The damp proof concrete floor is used on this floor. The staircase at this ground floor is a dog legged concrete type. The stairs on the rest floors are a single flight wooden stair. The undressed and visible service pipe runs through the inter storey landing from the top floor to the ground floor and then to the drainage. Each floor is a hall like room with partition of ply boards among the different rooms on same floor. The second floor is used as living room. The third floor is used for two bedrooms. The top floor is a kitchen with a verandah in front. Usually there used to be a courtyard in a cluster of house. This might have been a mandatory system of building a house back then. This is not in practice at this moment. In the same building of Mr. Maharjan they instead have a light well that serves for the penetration of light into the rooms. The courtyard used to serve the same back then. But the efficiency of the light-well that is constructed at this house is not as that of the courtyard for sure.

Figure 31 L-R>RCC Dog Legged Stair, Front Elevation, Light Well

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2.6.0 Raj Bhandaris Residence Design Elements: Mr. Nigendra Rajbhandari has the horizontal door at the stairs that serves as the securing device between floors. It is known as Ta-Khaa. The horizontal door has a locking system that is known as Chuka of traditional type. But an extra modern locking system is also provided in the same place along with Chuka.

Figure 33 Takhaa with Chuka

Figure 32 Chuka

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CHAPTER

THE OUTCOME

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3.1.0 THE EASE The reason may vary from a case to case for the alteration of design. For various reasons the change are at times reasonable. Similarly the changes of materials are reasonable. With the advent of new materials, more reliable and economic materials replace the older one. The use of traditional locks for example is replaced by the modern modular locks. These are more easy to use and easily found in the market now. It is not only in the case of locks. Modular doors are replacing the traditional doors. The availability of suitable wood and that of wood carvers are less now. The easily available modular door of plywood, metal locks is the main reason behind the use of these things. The ease of frame structure has led to the practice of frame structure rather than load bearing. At the early time, the thick brick masonry was the only choice. Moreover the walls helped in thermal insulation and sound insulation. With the advent of materials and technologies that help insulation of sound and heat the choices are thought over. The damp-proofing has helped a lot to make the ground floor more livable. Else used for store and animal rearing room now can be used as shops or even a room to live in. The damp-proofing has helped a lot to make spaces more livable. Then the lifestyle of people was different, living standard was different, materials available were limited and different but now the scenario is different with the industrialization in period between then and now. Thanks to the advent of materials for making life more livable now. A traditional house has a niche provide at different places in order to fit in and place a lamp. These niches are still provided in different places. A space is provided at the side of the stair that may be used to place stuffs that are mobile. These spaces are still intact. The usefulness of these niches and voids are unavoidable. So these parts are still in practice The planning system was more closed type. Now the adoption of open living style can be seen. Kitchen may be on the lower floors. In order to serve the guests that arrive at home it is more feasible if it is in the lower part of the house. With living room next to the kitchen, it would be easier for the resident to see that the bedrooms are more private. Most of the house has a Toilet on the ground floor. With some house having it on the other floors too. People have developed sense of personal hygiene and they believe and know that open defecation may lead to epidemics. This is the main reason that they started incorporation toilet in their house. Toilet provided in the 30

same residential blocks has for sure helped keep the area healthy. Without which would bring various air-borne diseases. 3.2.0 THE FINDINGS: Foreign influences, however, have recently introduced Western-Style furnishings. Electricity and kerosene have simplified the tasks of cooking and lighting. In the cities particularly in Kathmandu, private latrines on the ground floor of buildings are becoming popular now, because of the improved water supply. Outside influences inevitably change the lifestyle of the people. These and the availability of modern building materials alter the previous ideas of house design and are reflected in a preference for rectilinear structures unadorned by the traditional wood carvings and special bricks, which together with the use of bright colors instead of the natural brick and wood, change the appearance and function of the house. As a result the traditional architecture, not only confined to residential buildings, but also to temples, palaces and monasteries, is losing its special character. Unhappily under these modern pressures the typical Newari dwelling is now rapidly becoming a building style of the past, especially in the Westernized city areas. The time changed and so did the taste of person in respect of the aesthetic value, lifestyle, culture and planning forms. So adoption of various styles took place.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY: Traditional Architecture of Kathmandu Valley- Wolfgang Korn ECS Nepal-Keshab PoudelKathmandus Architectural Heritage ECS Nepal- Shrijan JoshiA Newari house Reborn Nepal by Joe Bindloss, Trent Holden, Bradley Mayhew Wikipedia.org

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APPENDIX