Practicum Report

Practicum

Practicum Final Report

Pokhara University

Nepal Engineering College

Department Of Architecture

Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd.

Naxal, Kathmandu

Supervisor Ar. Saroj Man Amatya

Abstract

This internship report offers a comprehensive account of the enriching experience gained during an internship with Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. The report underscores the commitment of Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. to eco conscious architecture and the transformation impact of this exposure on the intern’s perspective towards sustainable design practices. Furthermore, the report reflects upon personal and professional growth during the internship period, shedding light on its influence on academic pursuits and future career aspirations within the realm of architecture.

In conclusion, the internship has not only deepened the understanding of architecture rural practice but has also instilled a resolute passion for innovative , sustainable and community oriented design,

Acknowledgement

I wish to convey my deep appreciation to Chief Architect Ar. Saroj Man Amatya, my supervisor, for his steadfast support and guidance during my internship. His mentorship and extensive expertise have been instrumental in broadening my horizons within the realm of architecture.

I am also profoundly thankful to the professionals, my colleagues, and the contractor's team who generously shared their knowledge and dedicated their precious time to instruct and assist me during my tenure at Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Your willingness to impart wisdom and insights has significantly enriched my understanding of the industry. Your camaraderie, encouragement, and support have not only made this experience educational but also enjoyable. The cherished memories and moments of camaraderie we shared will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Furthermore, I extend my gratitude to the practicum coordinators, Assoc. Prof. Nhasala Sayami and Assoc. Prof. Yojana Tuladhar, for their support in this professional journey. They provided guidance, motivation, and encouragement during moments of uncertainty, and I am truly thankful for their unwavering support.

I am genuinely thankful for the privilege of being part of Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd.

Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being an integral part of my internship journey.

With sincere appreciation,

Chandra Subba Gurung

018-212

Table of Contents

• Introduction

Practicum Introduction

Company Overview

• Sabitri Residence

• Shusil Residence

• Sudarshan Residence

• Birgunj Residence

• Fruit Market

• Window Detailing

• Site Visits

Practicum Introduction

A practicum (professional training or internship) is an undergraduate or graduate-level course, often in a specialized field of study, that is designed to give students supervised practical application of a previously or concurrently studied field or theory. In the field of architecture, the aim of the practicum is to emphasize the application of principles, techniques and methods of designing, drafting, constructing, etc. in practice, from the lessons learnt in previous semesters and consolidate their knowledge. The purpose is to facilitate the involvement of students in professional attachments to architectural practices in order to develop an understanding of the general nature, principles and procedure of law and legislation as applied to architectural drawings, especially the building by-laws. Students will also be exposed to the process of authority submission for various drawings from an architectural practice and the range of contract documentation produced to support these drawings. Practicum benefits students to achieve practical knowledge through experiences on a professional level and become acquainted with the real field of architecture. It also enables students to deal with various professionals and clients which eventually help a great deal in the real world. The practicum work covers the architectural design, site experience, working drawing, structural drawing, 3D modelling and other scope concerned with architecture.

Company Overview

Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd, located in Naxal, Nepal, is a dynamic multidisciplinary firm with a diverse range of services encompassing architecture, engineering, interior design planning, estimation, and valuation. It is under the leadership of Ar. Saroj Man Amatya, who serves as the principal architect and my supervisor. Additionally, the company collaborates with IND Window Fabrications Pty. Ltd., an Australian-based entity, as a subcontractor.

The roles undertaken by the firm in various projects exhibit significant variation. They may function solely as consultants for specific project aspects, such as interior or structural design. Alternatively, they frequently oversee projects from inception to completion, including client consultations, program development, design, the creation of municipal and working drawings (including service drawings), on-site supervision, and project delivery.

The core objective of the company revolves around establishing a fully integrated control system. This system is designed to maintain project development within predetermined parameters, ensuring adherence to budget constraints and delivering optimal value for investment. Idea Consulting Engineers has amassed a substantial portfolio of projects in the fields of architecture, engineering, and planning over the years. Their client base is diverse and includes individuals seeking residential solutions, as well as businesses, government entities, and corporate organizations.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Project Profile:

Project Type: Residential

Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Client: Sabitri Pradhanaga

Architect: Ar. Saroj Man Amatya

Site Area: 3012.80 square feet

Site Details and Bye-laws:

Site Area: 3012.97 sq. ft. (0-8-3-0.85)

Orientation: West-facing plot

Access: 3-m wide road at north and west

Max. permissible ground coverage: 70 percent

Max. Permissible floor area ratio (FAR): 3.5

Setback: 1.5 m from openings and balconies and 2 m from shutter

Post Design Details:

Total Floor Area: 8193.68 Sq. ft.

Plinth Area: 1484.59 sq. ft.

Max. permissible ground coverage: 49 percent

Max. Permissible floor area ratio (FAR): 2.72

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Project Brief:

This project was initiated to accommodate two related families, in accordance with Vastu principles. It takes the form of a five and a half-story building, with each floor being tailored for a single family, except for the ground floor, which serves commercial and parking purposes. On each floor, there are three bedrooms, with one being a master bedroom equipped with an attached toilet. The remaining two bedrooms include balconies, along with a shared living room and a common toilet. The original site previously featured an old structure, which was entirely removed, from the walls to the footing. The building's facade faces west. Access to the site is available from both the north and west roads. The ground floor provides parking space for two four-wheel vehicles, with access facilitated by a ramp connected to the north road. Vertical movement within the building is facilitated by a central staircase, granting access to every floor and providing a route to the terrace for all tenants and owners.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Client requirements:

The client's requirements included the need for distinct living spaces for two separate families, with each family occupying a dedicated floor, while the remaining floors were to be designated as rental spaces. The design also had to adhere to Vastu Shastra principles, influencing both the placement of rooms and the structural design. It was essential to incorporate balconies and en-suite bathrooms in the bedrooms whenever possible, while ensuring that each floor provided all necessary living areas for each family. Furthermore, accessibility to the terrace was a key design consideration, allowing every occupant of the building to access it. Parking needs encompassed two car spaces and accommodation for five two-wheelers.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Involvement:

I was involved in almost every aspect of the design including:

• Design of façade and parapet

• Planning revision

• Architectural drawings

• Municipal drawings

• Structural drawings

• Electrical drawings

• Sanitary drawings

• Architectural visualization (Sketchup and Lumion)

• Site supervision

• Material study and selection

My responsibilities included performing on-site duties in the morning and conducting desk work during standard office hours. Initially, I was given the assignment to revise architectural drawings due to modifications made in accordance with municipal regulations. Initially, my focus was on the facade design, followed by the railing design. Additionally, I created comprehensive working drawings, covering architectural, sanitary, electrical, and structural aspects of the project. Each of these drawings underwent a thorough review by the chief architect, and I made necessary corrections based on their feedback.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Façade and Parapet Design:

I was tasked with designing the façade, and I created two options. Given the site conditions, I aimed to depict the flow of wind by incorporating vertical binders in a manner that would facilitate a sense of movement. Simultaneously, these binders served as a protective barrier against road noise, dust, and also offered some degree of privacy.

The second option focused on providing shade during the summer and acting as a shield against rainwater. However, my primary objective was to lend depth to the flat elevation through the introduction of projection frames, considering principles of unity and balance.

For the parapet design, I aimed to create a physical barrier without obstructing the view. This was achieved by adding railings in a balanced manner within the voids. Furthermore, I adorned these railings with hanging plants to infuse vitality into the structure.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Municipal drawings and learnings:

One of the major outcomes from the project was the introduction to municipal (“nagarpalika”) drawing to be submitted to the respective municipality office of the project to be approved. The architecture drawing for municipality is to be prepared in A1 size and should include:

• Location map: not to scale but should be readable, should have name of access roads and north direction should always point towards the upper (header) side of the drawing sheet.

• Site plan

• All floor plans

• Building elevations

• At least one section through the building

• Opening schedule

The layout for municipal drawings has some intriguing takeaways:

The area of the plot in the layout is divided into actual area in site and the area as per “lal purja” (land ownership certificate). The area as per these two parameters should have minimum discrepancy.

Each land parcel in Kathmandu is allocated plot numbers or survey numbers and such plot number is also mentioned in the layout including KMC (Kathmandu) Registration Number.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Sanitary drawings and learnings:

The basis for preparation of sanitary drawings was the working drawings done during the fifth semester. Additions to the drawings included detailed dimensioning of toilet including distance from centre of basin and water closet to the adjacent wall (a minimum of 1’6”). Major achievements from the sanitary drawings include:

• Cold water pipe and hot water pipes of varying diameter (decrease in diameter in successive upper floors, common diameters being 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm) lead from ground floor to top floor and branches from which are connected to appurtenances in each floor.

• All domestic supply taps should have residual head of 1.5 meters minimum but a residual head of 6 to 7.5 meters should be aimed at to ensure amply supply under good pressure.

• Waste pipe of diameter 3” and uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) soil pipe of diameter 4” run from ground floor to top floor and connect to their respective sanitary fixtures in each floor. Both the soil and the waste pipes are provided with vent pipes.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Electrical drawings and learnings:

Some of the key learnings from the preparation of electrical drawings include:

• It is usual to arrange lighting points on 5 or 6 amps circuit. Where large lamps are installed it may be necessary to wire for 10 amps circuits or 15 amps circuits.

• If any point has a current rating of over 16 amps, it must be wired on a separate circuit.

• The points in a circuit are grouped for a common room or for a common service. This eases repair and maintenance of the circuits.

The number of wires connected from the light socket to the first light source was determined by the sum of the number of luminaries wired to the socket and a neutral wire. For radial connection, each of the light source was connected to the central light source by two wires.

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Site Supervision and Structural Drawings:

I was tasked with: Supervision of the residence during placement of reinforcement and before laying of concrete, Supervision of site during laying of concrete. This would prove quite beneficial to me since I already had knowledge of structural drawings (as I prepared the same) and as such could verify whether placement of reinforcement was in accordance to structural drawings and could better understand the work procedure during actual construction process.

The key achievements/ learning during the placement of reinforcement are:

• Identification of size and strength of a reinforcement bar was done through the readings in the bar itself (for example, Fe500 and 40 mm indicated strength and diameter of bar respectively).

• Lapping for column is done between the column to ensure continuity and strength in the reinforcement of the structure and lapping for beam is done near the ends or at joints to avoid the cracking and minimize the bending moment. Shuttering for the column is installed at a level below the development length of the beam, which is equal to 60 times the diameter (60D).

• Stirrups were useful for withstanding shear and diagonal tension stresses in a concrete structural member and as such, were placed 4” c/c and bent at 45 degrees. Binding wires were used for tying the rebars at the joints so as to keep the structure intact.

The second stage of the site supervision was done during the laying of concrete. The key achievements are:

• The shuttering for a column is removed typically within 24 to 48 hours after the concrete has been poured. The general practice in Nepal is to remove the formwork for slabs and beams after a period of 14 to 21 days. In Nepal, the duration of curing after the placement of the beam and slab formwork typically lasts for a period of 14 to 28 days. However, in the ongoing site, 21 days is considered for curing and removal of shuttering.

• During the curing process, the concrete is kept moist and protected from drying out too quickly. This can be achieved by various methods, such as applying water or using curing compounds, plastic sheets, or wet burlap.

A temporary structure for storage of equipment, materials, shelter for worker.

2 karai of cement equals to 1 bag of cement (50 kg)

Different manpower working together.

The CSA ratio for beam and slab is 1:2:4.

Presene ofArchitect, Client and Contractor

The mixture is first poured in the beam portion and then continues to tops, jaller, slab

Lining of mortar for ponding method of slab curing.

Levelling, Distributing, Vibrating the mixtures.

Formwork removed after 21 days of setting

Shuttering for the column was installed at a level below the development length of the beam (60D)

Centering to support horizontal members like slab and beam

Rebar placed in Staircase and movil applied on the plyword.

Chandra

Sabitri Residence

Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Inferences:

Some of the key takeaways from the project include: Contracting work: Contractor of the project dealt with the company as per sq. ft. charges. Typically, a contractor’s fee for services ranges from Rs 350 to Rs 450 per square foot. Also, the company also provides tender for the specific project and contractor bids charges as per unit square as per project’s architectural and structural drawings. Then, the company analyses the contractors history, bid, workflow, equipment etc. and accepts the best suitable contractor/company.

Practicum

Chandra S Gurung

Shusil Residence

Chandol, Kathmandu

Project Profile:

Project Type: Residential

Location: Chandol, Kathmandu

Client: Shusil Bijhukchhe

Architect: Ar. Saroj Man Amatya

Site Details and Bye-laws:

Site area: 1954.32 sq. ft. (0-5-2-3.36)

Orientation: West-facing plot

Access: 3-m wide road at south west

Max. permissible ground coverage: 70 percent

Max. Permissible floor area ratio (FAR): 3.5

Setback: 1.5 m from openings and balconies and 2 m from shutter

Post Design Details:

Plinth area: 1050.96 sq. ft.

GCR: 53.37%

Max. Permissible floor area ratio (FAR):1.7

Setback: 1.5 m upto openings, 2.9m least from south

Shusil Residence

Chandol, Kathmandu

Project Brief

The project was specifically planned for a family who will occupy the upper floors themselves, with the ground floor designated for a single-family tenant. The design adheres to a three-story structure. The site is solely accessible from the southwest via a road with limited width, with no access available from other sides.

Client Requirements:

The client stipulated that the planning must adhere to the principles of Vastu Shastra in terms of the arrangement of different functional areas. The ground floor was intended to serve as rentable space with distinct entrances for both tenants and the client. For the client's specific needs, the design included a living room with a mezzanine, a generously sized kitchen and dining area, four bedrooms, including a master bedroom, and a dedicated puja room.

Shusil Residence

Chandol, Kathmandu

My Involvement:

My involvement in the project included re-planning from the conceptual stage taking into consideration each of the client requirements. Additionally, I was responsible for creating all the architectural drawings for an alternative planning option, a task that had originally been undertaken by my supervisor.

Planning Process:

I received the existing AutoCAD plot plan for the project and was provided with the specific requirements of the client for their residence. Following a thorough analysis of the client's needs and a meticulous review of the planning regulations in the Chandol area, I proceeded to designate the spaces on the ground floor. This allocation encompassed areas for a living room, a kitchen-dining space, and two bedroom. Strategically, the primary entrance to the ground floor was placed to open directly into the living room and dining area, ensuring a smooth and continuous flow. To optimize the use of the irregularly-shaped plot, I innovatively incorporated small recreational areas, effectively utilizing the available spaces adjacent to the dining area, bathroom, and bedroom zones. Additionally, there is a separate entrance on the ground floor that leads to the upper floors for the client's use. The first floor is exclusively dedicated to a living room with a mezzanine and bedrooms, while the second floor comprises spaces for a kitchen and dining area, a puja room, and an extra bedroom. Notably, the dining area offers a view overlooking the living space below.

Shusil Residence

Chandol,

Kathmandu

Challenges and Discussions:

The planning process presented several significant challenges, including:

• The planning was required to adhere to Vastu Shastra principles.

• The unconventional shape of the plot created challenges in assigning rooms and led to the creation of unused spaces.

• Access to the plot was limited to a single entry point, a narrow 4-meter-wide road, with adjacent plots on all sides, posing accessibility difficulties.

• Deciding where to place vertical circulation due to distinct access requirements for the ground floor and other levels.

To address these challenges while adhering to Vastu Shastra, several strategic decisions were made. The kitchen was positioned in the southeast. The cooking stove faces east, and the water basin is located in the south. The living room was situated on the east side, while toilets were placed in the west portion of the building. Unused spaces from the irregular plot shape were creatively transformed into recreational zones. For parking, the building's orientation allowed for a 20-foot setback from the south and a 15-foot setback from the southwest, ensuring an adequate turning radius for four-wheelers.

Sudarshan Residence

Sudarshan Height, Tokha

Project Profile:

Project Type: Residential

Location: Sudarshan Height, Tokha

Client: Anonymous

Designer: Chandra S Gurung

Site Area: 152.56 sq. m. (0-4-3-1)

Site Details and Bye-laws:

Site area: 152.56 sq. m. (0-4-3-1)

Orientation: East facing plot

Access: 8 m wide road at east

Max. permissible ground coverage: 70 percent

Max. Permissible floor area ratio (FAR): 3 (8 m road)

Setback: 1.5 m from openings and balconies and 2 m from shutter

Right of way (ROW): 4 m

Sudarshan Residence

Sudarshan Height, Tokha

Project Brief:

The project was designed for residential purpose, as well as commercial. It was designed as rental family space on each floor where ground floor was allocated for the two shutters on the roadside and small family space behind it. It was five and half storey building. The plot is accessible from the road on east side , where all the remaing sides are attached with other plot with no access.

Client Requirements:

The client requested a design in accordance with Vastu Shastra principles. They also desired the maximum utilization of available space and a five-story building. The ground floor was designated for two shutter rooms and a small family room, while the subsequent floors were to follow a standard layout including a living room, three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a common toilet. Vertical circulation via a staircase was essential to access all floors and the terrace, which should be accessible to all tenants and owners. If possible, balconies were to be incorporated on the building facades. Lastly, it was crucial for all these requirements to ensure functionality.

Sudarshan Residence

Sudarshan Height, Tokha

Design Process:

Initially, I conducted a thorough site analysis to identify challenges and gather necessary data. Additionally, I familiarized myself with the local bye-laws and regulations. Subsequently, taking into account the client's requirements, the site analysis, and the bye-laws, I embarked on the task of delineating the functions and establishing connections between them. Regarding the entrance, the only access point was from the eastern road, prompting the placement of the shutter area at the forefront of the ground floor. To address vertical circulation, I positioned the staircase at the center of the plot, both to facilitate air circulation across the expansive site and to serve as a courtyard element, aiding in maintaining indoor temperatures since all three sides were attached to neighboring plots. The living room was strategically located to function as a central chowk, providing a hub from which all functions branched out. Setbacks were incorporated on the eastern and western sides to encourage cross ventilation and allow natural light to permeate the space. Ducts were also introduced to enhance air and light movement and minimize undesirable odors. Throughout this planning process, I adhered to the principles of Vastu Shastra. I created preliminary plan drawings that included two alternatives, both adhering to the strategies mentioned above.

Sudarshan Residence

Sudarshan Height, Tokha Challenges and Discussions:

The planning process posed a range of significant challenges, which included:

• Ensuring adherence to the principles of Vastu Shastra.

• Navigating client interactions, especially since it was my first experience in this role.

• Addressing various local bye-laws, with a focus on the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) regulations.

• Striking a balance in the floor area ratio while striving to maximize space utilization.

To overcome these challenges while staying aligned with Vastu Shastra, a series of strategic decisions were undertaken. Collaboration with the client involved a mutual exchange of knowledge and ideas. Additionally, I conducted a visit to the Tokha Nagarpalika office to access detailed bye-laws data. Conversations with the head engineer were held to discuss road expansion matters and the required setbacks in accordance with the expansion plans. To meet the client's floor area ratio requirements, setbacks were implemented on both the east and west sides of the project.

Birgunj Residence

Project Profile:

Project Type: Residential

Location: Birgunj

Client: Anonymous

Designer: Chandra S Gurung

Site Area: 754 sq. ft.

Project Brief:

The project was formulated with the intention of residential use, allocating the first and second floors for the client's family, while the ground floor was designated for office spaces. Access to the site was solely available from the south, as the plot was surrounded on all sides. Due to the site's elongated shape and the hot climate, I divided the building into two sections, incorporating a courtyard between them. This courtyard served to improve air circulation, allow natural sunlight, and help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. The client's requirements included four bedrooms, with two of them featuring attached bathrooms, and a common toilet on each floor. Additionally, they requested a living room, a kitchen, office space, and parking facilities on the ground floor.

Birgunj Residence

Involvement:

I developed a conceptual plan that was guided by the client's needs, site analysis, and regulatory guidelines. Additionally, I created 3D architectural visualizations using tools like SketchUp and Lumion, and I also crafted interior designs for the various spaces.

Challenges and Discussions:

The planning process posed a range of significant challenges, which included:

• The site was situated in an entirely unfamiliar location, posing a fresh set of challenges for me.

• The site's dimensions were quite slender and elongated, spanning from north to south, and it was enclosed on three sides. Ensuring an adequate balance of sunlight and regulating the indoor temperature proved to be a substantial challenge due to the intricate nature of the site.

To address these challenges, I implemented a courtyard system. This system not only served as a vertical circulation staircase, with an outlet from the uppermost floor, but also featured adorned brick inlets to allow both light and air into the ground floor, where natural light was limited.

Toilet 3D/Render:

Central Courtyard allowing linkage to all four building sections.

Varying clay is compacted creating a texturized wall.

Slanted beams to weigh dead load of roof slab.

Rammed earth used for creating of walls.

Steel structural staircase to connect the living and kitchen room to the upper floor.

Use of double height for the sunlight inlet and air circulation indoor.

Chandra

Site Visit (Budhanilkantha):

Roof structural portray showing rafter, plank.

Rammed earth building which used sustainable materials and techniques.

Conclusions:

Throughout this internship, I acquired extensive knowledge in project development, encompassing architectural, structural, service, and municipal drawings. I also gained proficiency in detailed estimating, architectural visualization, landscape and interior design, as well as design revisions. Additionally, I improved my ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and oversee on-site activities. This internship provided a valuable opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts from my undergraduate studies and their practical implementation in a professional setting. It was during this period that I honed my social and professional skills, enabling me to not only apply the knowledge accumulated over three years of study but also offer innovative solutions to any challenges that arose.

One key takeaway from this experience was the realization of the importance of proactive engagement. I recognized the need to ask questions and actively seek involvement in projects, a lesson that has significantly contributed to my growth. Overall, I consider my internship a resounding success. I not only expanded my knowledge but also made meaningful contributions to Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. The trust and responsibility bestowed upon me by the employers at Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. exceeded my expectations as an intern. Lastly, I hope that my time spent at Idea Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. was equally valuable to them, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.