urban CONSERVATION STUDIO v 03

KWALKHU, PATAN

Kwalkhu is a small ancient settlement which is located 350m west of the Patan Durbar Square. The ‘Kwatha Chhen’ courtyard is located opposite of the entrance of the Golden Temple.

The study area is adjacent to the busy nodes leading to Patan Dhoka and Dhaugal. Documentation was done with measured drawings and local interactions, followed by analysis. After this, a proposal for the site, a minimal intervention to enhance the living of Kwalkhu.

Emphasis was given on the open space in the ancient settlement and its importance. The open space at Kwalkhu is a small stretch about 36 meters in lengh and is in a trapezoidal shape with the wider end about 11 meters which narrows down to 7 meters at the other end.

At the break of dawn, we could see vendors and old women selling vegetables and pooja essence at the nodes. The plinths, steps and the covered space of sattal are used for business.

Kwalkhu is treated as a stop on the way to other places rather than a destination.

The locals liked sitting in their own stools in the plinth area during 2-3pm as the space receives sun and is buffered from the road.

Since Kwalkhu is located in the core of Patan, the houses are very compact carrying minimum area at foot print. 44% of houses cover less than 1 anna.

Many of the newer RCC buildings have tried to maintain a traditional façade by using brick exposed façade coupled with addition of traditional looking wooden windows as well as elements such as struts and projections with jhingati tiles. They make 44% of the total.

The original inhabitants of Kwalkhu were the Amatya and Rajbhandari. They were responsible of royal stores and respectedly lived in the core area.

Kwalkhu is along the North-East and South-West axis. It allows the open space to receive sun from 11am to 3 pm in summers

There is a clear demarcation of paving materials.Brick paving can be observed alongside the stone axis, where a strip of sunken bricks also allows for drainage. 14% of the structure have CGI finish whereas another 14% of buildings show traditional gable roofs.

Every settlement has certain character which reflects our tradition which is needed to be conserved for the attainment of its original state in totality. The authentic elements of the settlement represent the character, so as such these elements need to be preserved. “Architecture conservation helps to preserve the emotional values, functional values and cultural values of an area while preserving the structure.”

Amarapuri Residence

Nawalparasi , Nepal

TEAM: STUDIO NEBA

DATE:2022

Located around 160 km west of the capital city Kathmandu, Amarapuri is the small village bounded by Mukundapur VDC in the east, Rajahar VDC in the west, and the Narayani River in the south. This village is beautifully located on a hilly area above the plain that adjoins the Narayani River. It is situated in the lap of Mahabharata hill range.

“An amalgamation of Nepali and Scandinavian homes.”

Paying homage to Nepali architecture with the earthiness of natural materials andW open courtyard, while combining practicality and coziness of “hygge” of a Scandinavian home.

A double-height courtyard with a skylight welcomes you as soon as you enter the area, interconnecting the living space and kitchen/dining, all based on an open floor plan.

Through the courtyard, access to the rooftop is provided that exhibits a panoramic view of the hilltops. Bedrooms are tucked away on the rear end and opens up to a beautiful wide balcony that overlooks the garden.

The villa correlates with the local heritage and craftsmanship found within the community.

Lumbini Villa

Lumbini, Nepal

TEAM: STUDIO NEBA

DATE:2022

SITE: 6535.01 SQM| 70,336 SQF| 12-13-2-0

BUILT UP AREA: 173 SQM | 1860 SQF | 1 Villas Unit

The site is located a few minutes away from one of the holiest places of one of the world’s great religions, amidst the rice field.

“Bringing back some Bali vibes to Lumbini.”

The task was set to achive transparency of the building, simpliciy of form connecting the indoor and the outdoor. With the simplicity of a one-wall layout, it maximizes efficiency without compromising on functionality. Opening the facade creates various connections, and interspaces are formed between the house, the porch, and the water.

The chromatic material palatte is based on earthy tones of different materials used, the wood, stone, stucco and the terrazo tiles. Touches of wood add a sense of warmth and accent features that creates a feeling of coziness in the space

The tropical pool turns an outdoor area into an oasis of green, and the wide variety of tropical plants that surround it is a vacation-like landscape.

The Lightweight slope roof humbles the villa allowing gradual height alteration throughout. High ceiling living space roofed by wooden texture compliments the furnishing.

Bathtubs, where one can soak and relax while gazing out at the lush green garden. Minimal fixtures and bright interiors for refresthing bathes.

The abstract Terrazo flooring for clean, vibrant and cool aesthetic. Pigmented stucco is used rather than paint to avoid humidity build-up in the walls.