Kathmandu is a thriving city with urbanization engulfing the city so rapidly it is hard to contemplate where we are heading next. High rise booming almost explosively and scarcity of land loom large. However, despite the fact that the traditional houses are fast losing its ground and are quickly being replaced by the concrete counterparts, there still exist fraction of people who simply refuse to play by the rule of the game and stick to the values and essence that can transcend time and stand as a witness to rest of the mass. Behold the house at Kulimha.
It so happened that I was strolling casually in the gullies of Patan when I saw a traditional newari building, still fresh, recently completed with fresh daub of paint oozing out a pungent smell of varnish smeared on the lattice window. Standing elegantly flanked by the adjacent building, the house is no ordinary building done in newari style. An absolute blend of traditional and modernity, it redefines the very notion of how the newari building is perceived in general. The chhyadi, matan, chota, phyata or baiga cease to retain traditional functions, instead the successive levels are transformed as a single bedroom apartments, reinstating the modern function to the building.
Skilled masons from as far as Kirtipur and Bhaktapur were deployed for the construction of the building and recycled bricks and wooden beams (dhalin) were used as far as possible. The brick together with yellow mud mortar lend particular character to façade, sober yet elegant. From brick exposed façade to the roof tile, the ornately carved window (san jhya) and lattice window provide authenticity to the building.
Upon reaching the entrance door, you will come along the main door, simple yet strong, heavy yet buoyant to operate. Installation of electric lock at the door is a clue as to what beholds inside, modernity wrapped in traditional framework. The ground floor is essentially used as a gallery space with soft light emanating from the niche. Wooden joists and beams further enhance the mood of the interior space with fresh smell of varnish coating. The interior walls are done with the combination of brick and plaster of paris. The designer, Mr. Jiten Shrestha, has devised a simple solution to purge the lack of lighting system that is so apparent in most of the traditional newari building by introducing a small courtyard to the back of the house which is in turn surrounded by the varanda cum circulation lobby. A touch of genuine design is yet again apparent in the execution of staircase. Instead of standard railing and baluster winding through the steps, a long thick rope runs vertically straight up hanging all the way from the top floor. The climbing experience of stair is totally redefined!
The subsequent floors that follow are completely revamped with modern function and it is something that is in total contrary to traditional function of the newari building. The ground floor which would otherwise function as a cold unfriendly utility space or the matan level for guest only or the chota as a private bedrooms has been transformed as single bedroom apartment suites comprising of an open living, kitchen and dining areas followed by a cozy bedroom and a modern bathroom. A kitchen countertop hardly eight feet in length nonetheless serves as a space saving and efficient kitchen with oven and sink inbuilt. The designer has found an interesting use of teak wood functioning as kitchen counter top for its durability, strength and water resisting abilities while dark slate tiles are clad against the adjacent walls. A tinge of Japanese architectural influence is seen in the glass clad wooden partition wall with sliding door leading to the bedroom. The flooring is done with parquet finish. The size of bedroom is just enough to occupy a low bed and a closet. What’s more interesting is the duplex suite connecting third floor with the attic space linked by a single flight staircase . The designer has managed to create a bedroom for two in the otherwise cramp attic space with gable window separating the two suites with private terrace.
Seeing the traditional houses that are sprouting in a few numbers is definitely a positive sign that despite the haphazard growth there still exit a countable few who believe that the authentic newari architecture has its unfailing charm and if designed properly can perfectly suit the modern lifestyle. The house is a living testimony that modern lifestyle and need can definitely be instilled in the traditional setting. For someone who has the deep routed passion for newari architecture as well as general mass, the house definitely is an exemplary entity. Every time as I pass through the gully and seeing the charming house that is so flawlessly executed never fail to put a broad smile on my face.n
No comments:
Post a Comment