SPACES Nepal JAN-FEB 2012

Art - Architecture - INTERIORS - ACCESSORIES

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

www.spacesnepal.com

From interior

outdoor

greenery to

An Expression of Novelty;

CEDA story

Bajra - The Symbol of Strength

Price NRs. 100/-  IRs. 65/-

Traditional Homes

Swotha

BEST

Abience

Volume 8 Issue 2

16 PRODUCTS

From Interior to Outdoor Greenery

by Artex Pvt. Ltd. Our home is not just a building alone! …. Unlike brick, cement, wood and steel, the understanding of finishing materials is very less.

January - February 2012

30 INTERIOR Traditional Homes Swotha A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

by Ar. Dikshya Poudyal

16 INTERIOR

An Expression of Novelty - The CEDA Story

by Ar. Kalpana Bhandari Architecture is based on earth and yet opens up to the sky! A literal translation of this is the office/ residence of Architect Sher Bahadur KC, Kupondole.

16 HERITAGE

Bajra - The Symbol of Strength

by Ar. Swati Pujari The traditional architecture of Kathmandu valley is mud based…But for a brief period, another technology flourished, the decline of which is comparable to its whimsical introduction.

16 ARCHITECTURE

Building Green - Where is our Intelligence and Ingenuity to build a ‘Green City’…

by Ar. Sushmita Ranjit Shrestha December 2011, was a fruitful time for interaction.

“Towards Green Building”, was organized

by Department of Architecture, Institute of Engineering, in collaboration with VSBK/ CESEF program Nepal.

16 ARCHITECTURE

Cover Photo : Ashesh Rajbansh

www.spacesnepal.com

Can we build our own sustainable ‘Green’ Building?

16 ART

by Ar. Kalpana Bhandari “The term ‘GREEN’ is contextual. The concept of ‘Green Architecture’ means different in different places. For Nepal, Green Building is the building which is energy efficient, cost effective, structurally stable and sustainable.” -B.L. Shrestha

by Madan Chitrakar While pondering on an issue to write about Nepali Art, a recent event worked as a startling eye opener. I happened to come across an artist of a mid- generation…

Why Art Education Lags Behind in Nepal?

Volume 8 Issue 2

January - February 2011

Contributors Regd. No 30657/061-62 CDO No. 41

Madan Chitrakar, a regular contributor to SPACES, is an artist, art critic, writer, and holds a masters degree in History and Culture besides a degree in Applied Art from J. J. School of Arts in Mumbai, India and Iconographic Design from the Netherlands. His writings on art include the book on his late father Tej B. Chitrakar, ‘Icon of a Transition’, published in 2004. He is presently associated as visiting faculty in the KU Centre for Art & Design. (madanc@ntc.net.np)

Managing Editor / Editor Uday Sunder Shrestha, B.E, B.Sc.

Photography / Production Control Ashesh Rajbansh

Public Relations Prakash Bahadur Amatya Editorial at Large Siddhartha Lama

Marketing Kripa Shrestha

Marketing /Correspondence Kajal Pradhanang Subscription/Marketing Ass. Anish Shrestha

Contributing Art Editor Madan Chitrakar Kasthamandap Art Studio

Contributing Editors Ar. Sworup G. Koney (President - Society of Nepalese Architects)

Ar. Debesh Raj Bhattarai (General Secretary - Society of Nepalese Architects)

Contributors

Ar. Jinisha Jain (Delhi) Ar. Chetan Raj Shrestha (Sikkim) Barun Roy (Darjeeling Hills) Madan Chitrakar Ar. Bibhuti Raj Pradhan Ar. Swati Pujari Ar. Dikshya Poudyal Ar. Shivendra Patrabansh Ar. Sushmita Ranjit

Accounts / Admin Dipa Shrestha

Correspondents Ar. Bansri Pandey

Design / Colour Separation Digiscan Pre-Press Naxal, Kathmandu. Phone: 4436817

Printed at Format Printing Press Hadigaon, Kathmandu. Phone: 4010160

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Biratnagar Ph: 025-5-21164/025-525118, Cell: 9842054110 SPACES is published six times a year at the address above. All rights are reserved in respect of articles, illustrations, photographs, etc. published in S P A C E S . The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher and the publisher cannot accept responsiblility for any errors or omissions.

Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other materials to SPACES for consideration should not send originals unless specifically requested to do so by SPACES in writing. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted material must be accompanied by a self addressed return envelope, postage prepaid. However, SPACES is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. All editorial inquiries and submissions to SPACES must be addressed to editor@spacesnepal.com or sent to the address mentioned above.

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"Opening shortly at Koteswor, Kumaripati & Chitwan".

from the editor What is building green? It’s not just another overly used phrase but in recent times, green buildings, sustainable architecture and energy conservation have become social, or rather existential, responsibilities. Gone are the days of low fuel efficiency - it is neither affordable nor appropriate. And it is not just about mechanics either. In this issue of SPACES, we focus on the matter of green buildings. Our writer, Kalpana Bhandari, mentions how 40% of the total energy consumed in the world is consumed by buildings, thus highlighting the responsibility of the building sector towards sustainability, energy consumption - and about green architecture.

The term ‘Green’ and its multiple façades were discussed in a recent seminar ‘Towards Green Building’, organized by the Department of Architecture, Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus and VSBK/ CESEF program Nepal. Sushmita Ranjit Shrestha takes a look at this four day seminar, the key issues addressed, and what the key speakers had to say in her article ‘Building Green’.

So what is Building Green? Is it about the use of materials, technology or energy? Is it even affordable to build a green building, or is the price of saving the planet too high for the limited budgets of the general public?

The key points made at the seminar try to answer these questions, and their answer is that a green building can have different meanings in different places and different contexts. To quote Ar. B.L. Shrestha of Shelter and Local Technology Development Center, “The term ‘GREEN’ is contextual.

The concept of ‘Green Architecture’ means different things in different places. For Nepal, Green Building is a building which is energy efficient, cost effective, structurally stable and sustainable.” One must understand that bigger is not always better- the bigger your building, the more energy it uses in lighting, heating, cooling etc. Also, more expensive is not always better. If the materials you use are very expensive, they either consumed a lot of labour, time, and energy in their production, or they were transported from a distance, increasing their energy consumption during transportation.

Our writers bring to you issues, features and ramifications of building (and also not building), green.

In this issue we also focus on building technologies, both old and new. Our writer Swati Pujari writes about a once popular building trend using lime mortar/plaster called Bajra, while Artex Pvt. Ltd. shares with us information about their tiles and pavements - a new way of finishing indoor as well as outdoor spaces. And for all our readers who love flipping through SPACES to see the architectural beauty of our buildings, outdoor spaces, palaces and courtyards, we bring to you ‘Traditional Homes, Swotha’. This primarily photographic feature of a recently opened Bed and Breakfast at Swotha, Patan, shows us the conversion and renovation of an old residence into a modern, well equipped building - a place where the old blends with the new.

It is interesting to note how in architecture, like in many other fields, things come full circle. Our traditional buildings, which are already energy efficient, are renovated and reused by adding modern features. Meanwhile our modern builders borrow the ideas of traditional construction to make new buildings ‘Green’.

P R O D U C T

From interior

outdoor

greenery to

Text and Image: Artex Pvt. Ltd.

O

Our home is not just a building alone! It encompasses the integrated space from interior to outdoor greenery. This is an understanding and the desire for a perfect house has become a necessity but of course, wisely not neglecting our outdoors today. There are unlimited products that can be used for building or construction, and likewise the options for landscape and outdoor spaces too. Unlike the high compatibility of brick, cement, wood and steel, the understanding of finishing materials for indoor as well as outdoor is very less. It is therefore essential to have good product knowledge before one steps in for construction. Nevertheless, there is a steady growth that has encouraged many entrepreneurs to introduce wide range of building materials.

One such product is the concrete tiles and interlocks manufactured by Artex Pvt. Ltd. The technology used for the production of this

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homogenous product was developed in European countries and widely popular around the world. The use of this product is not new but the technology it has transferred differentiates its products from the rest and makes it a pioneer for such and has introduced a new breed of concrete products to the market of this country.

These tiles and interlocks are introduced as cement based finishing material and used for both outdoor and indoor by designers and individuals as well. Introduction of these sorts of product reflects the growing need of different options for outdoor attire immaculately blending with the greenery. These products can be an alternative for traditional brick laid drive ways or flagstone maintaining economic point of view.

P R O D U C T

“NEW”: Artex has conducted different researche on such products and has come up with a noble idea that can improve the ground water recharge of the city. It plans to introduce a water permeable interlocks or Permeable Pavers, the “Eco-Paver” it says. The difference is that the product has apermeable surface, where you could allow the water to filter through the ground until it is fully discharged to the deep water table. This is in contrary to what is happening where most of the water is drained through the sewage.

The population of the cities is soaring and so is the demand for water. But until the long dreamt “Melamchi” is at the doors we definitely need to find ways to take care of our scare water and even after that. If only it could be implemented in a wide range of area the water retention capacity of the implied area could be increased by 100%. This idea is widely used in developed nations but is equally practical here as well.

Imagine a sidewalk of the roads or your patio and driveway that are now actually green, it is not only the ground water we are talking about, it actually beautifies the surrounding and adds greenery to absolutely impossible areas like roads and sidewalks. Because these permeable pavers introduce water back into the soil it can help communities that rely on ground water for drinking purpose. It allows various advantage to designers, allowing them to

play with land level by minimizing mechanical retaining structures to create more green space. and also support easy maintenance.

Layout: Apart from these, Artex is a brand that comes with quality assurance. It specializes in concrete tiles and comes in different color, sizes and thickness. The combination of each tile forms a dozen of design laying options that can be laid with the combination of different patterns available.For non vehicular purpose,

it can simply have a compacted soil sub-gradeand the tiles can be laid on without any mortar joint Whereas for the vehicular uses, it needs a concrete base and it also requires a mortar joint. The case is again different for the interlock paver whose thickness ranges from 55mm to 80mm depending to design. Its uniformity in thickness, size and modular expansion makes the laying task quicker and easier compared to other surface materials.

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A rchitecture

Product & Application: The product on the first hand looks exceptional from the use of world best color pigments and hence is available in the most pleasing shades to apply on the surface. Interesting of all is also its pattern and shapes that keeps the product one step ahead in the market comparison. Where the life of the color is so impressive it never ever needs to be repainted.

This purposeful surface treatment are widely used in patio, driveways, landscape, outdoor as well as indoor steps and lobby, also in terrace and exceptional indoor flooring, and pools.

Technicality: The conclusive lab tests of this product also reveals it quality with, compressive strength

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of 35N/mm2, Flexural strength 0.5N/ mm2 and water absorption <3%, which makes it ideal for wide variety of application.

These tiles are available in different colors and shades which can maintain the landscape and outdoor no matter small or wide span with unprecedented design and style.

The applied surface remains clean with relatively no moss and hence slip resistant. However, regular maintenance like dusting and sweeping is must.

The product is not just for the sake of paving the outdoor space or plinth area for keeping it dry and clean, but for aesthetics and to add value to the outdoor and hence integrating it with the indoor space giving a new

January - February 2012

dimension for decorating your garden dream. The feature of the product has been crafted with compatible design and colors and is hence popular with many architects, engineers, developers, and home owners. The most valuable aspect of the company is its research and development which has worked through thousands of hours for developing new ideas to create better and unique products that both pleases the eye of user and are environment friendly. This differentiates the ARTEX brand from other conventional outdoor surface treatment available in the market.

On the Anvil: Similarly, Artex has conducted research over new breed of decorative concrete floors specially used for decorating indoor purpose as well as outdoors equally. This new breed of decorative concrete is both practiced worldwide and has similarly started in Nepal by few entrepreneurs.

It is widely popular as STAMP CONCRETE or CONCRETE IMPRINTS which can give unlimited designs and patterns to any application area, whether on existing dry floor or new application area. Being specialized in concrete products it takes effort to make this technology available to a greater mass by minimizing the application cost. This technology would help to reduce the overall cost of finishing and also the dead load for concrete structure. n

A rchitecture

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Traditional Homes

Swotha

A f u s i o n o f t ra d i t i o n a n d i n n o va t i o n Text: Ar. Dikshya Poudyal

Amidst tradition and temples dwells â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Traditional Homes - Swothaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a facility introduced as a Bed and Breakfast in Patan. The specialty of this project is the renovation that has been done with much interest and care respecting the historicity of the house. Its leading concept is to preserve the tradition, yet provide a contemporary hotel facility.

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The four and a half storey (originally) residence consists of a central circulation system and spacious rooms alongside. It is not only the wooden structure that give you the flavor of Newari tradition, but the elements too have been designed accordingly. The exquisite Nepalese linen fabric used, the terracotta pots and hay mats are the elements

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that have maintained the essence of Newari interior. Small details have been contrived and although the use of materials like iron rods and concrete set a contradiction to the native local materials, it does blend with the original ambience equally.

A total of seven units of rooms have been built with contemporary materials like concrete floor,

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Minimalist interior design reflecting the contemporary style.

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Suave interiors comprehending the purpose of Bed and Breakfast!

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The purposeful use of CGI roof to reduce weight to the old building, however contradicting the jhigati roof below.

The exquisite Nepalese linen fabric used the terracotta pots and hay mats are the elements that have maintained the essence of Newari interior.

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use of modern materials like concrete flooring, steel fixtures and modern lighting gives that caliber of five star hotel rooms. When you enter Swotha you find a traditional reception to die for, while a modern restaurant is inventing itself on the other side of the house opening to enclosed garden. steeltraditional The fixtures and Newari minimalist architecture lightinghas concept been maintained gives a cozyinatmosphere. the faรงade and To enhance the spatial a purposeful withbalconies a pleasing reception overall outlook.

The quality, slope roof, projectedentry wooden and traditional welcomes the guest towards a trendytorestaurant amidst house. the enclosed brick dressing makes it no different a typical Newari The terrace garden. terraceespecially has a provision outdoor seating that complements the has beenThe designed and itofaccommodates a outdoor seating. The traditional vista of Patan Durbar Square and the old Patan city. view from terrace is spectacular, particularly during the evenings when you can enjoy the vista of Patan Durbar Square and the old city itself.

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The classic elements such as hipped roof, wooden balcony, and the typical brick faรงade, display a nice art of traditional Newari architecture. Altogether, the renovation project is a wise decision to blend the past with the contextual property value, which is a logical interpretation into a adaptive reuse of the space. This Bread and Breakfast is the perfect canvas of opportunity for the owner and to the developing identity of Nepalese architecture. n

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H eritage

Bajra - The Symbol of Strength Text: : Ar. Swati Pujari

Ongoing Renovation at Pratappur, Swayambhu, using lime mortar and plaster - Bajra spacesnepal.com

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H erietage

Composition and Use: Although the use of lime gained popularity during the Rana reign, one cannot assume that lime was not used in Kathmandu prior to this era. The use of lime to plaster Stupas is a well recorded phenomenon -the dome of Swayambhu and Bouddha, as well as the pinnacle stupas at Ashokan Thurs in Patan, are finished with lime plaster. The lime at these stupas were however added periodically, thus making the plaster a multi layered entity in itself, the composition consistency and construction of which can easily be assumed as different from that of lime mortar and plaster used in buildings.

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Singha Durbar, the pinnacle of the use of Bajra, both as a mortar joint as well as plaster.

The traditional architecture of Kathmandu valley is often cited as a mud based construction technology, where sun dried or kiln burnt bricks, made of the abundantly available clay, are joined together using mud mortar and (especially the internal) surfaces are finished with a layer of mud plaster. The external walls however are usually made of Daachi Appa (wedge shaped telia bricks), or bricks that are specially treated during manufacture so that an extra layer of finishing is not required. The architecture of many traditional buildings portray a fine brick façade with delicately carved timber elements in the form of posts, beams, doors and windows on the outside. The insides however unfold in multiple surfaces of coloured mud, including the walls and floor, and the ceilings reveal timber beams (dalin) and planks that make up the surface for mud flooring on the floor above.

The use of timber brick and mud was, for the most part in Nepal’s architectural history, the prevalent construction technology for both kings and the people alike. From temples and palaces, to residences and rest houses, all were built this

way. But for a brief period, yet another technology flourished.

It can be said that the decline of this technology was as easy as its whimsical introduction. Even though the end result was much stronger than a brick wall in mud mortar, the materials were not abundantly available, and the cost of construction was not easily affordable for the common people.

This trend often thought of as an effect of Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana’s visit to England, resulted in a fascination with the Victorian style of architecture. This form is locally referred to as the ‘Rana Style Architecture’ and calls for the use of a lime based construction.

Surfaces of white lime plaster with arches, cornices and decorative motifs were highly sought after, but the availability and cost of lime and its additive materials made this technology unaffordable for most of the population. It is interesting to note that although many of the palaces of affluent Rana families are constructed with lime plaster, not every lime plastered palace can boast of the use of lime mortar and very few, if any, of the houses of non royal families were finished in lime.

Lime plaster, or Bajra, is currently being used in the conservation of Pratappur at Swayambhu.

The Bajra used in this renovation is composed of one part each of lime, Sand and Surkhi (brick powder), mixed in a base of water. According to Mr. Jagat Lal Awale, who is involved in the renovation of Pratappur, this mixture originally consisted of many other local additives such as black lentil, chaku, ghee etc. However, the use of these additives has only been mentioned in hearsay, their proportions, application methods or effects are not properly recorded.

Lime is the principal material in Bajra, and is derived from limestone. The use of unprocessed limestone for the purpose of making Bajra is more effective than using powdered or bag lime. Dr. Rohit Ranjitkar from Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) reveals that the strength of Bajra made using powdered lime is extremely low as compared to that made using limestone. If compared to cement mortar or plaster, Bajra is still the stronger material. But it takes a very long time to set (3-4 weeks), unlike cement whose initial setting time is as low as 30 minutes. Also, cement can be chemically processed for quick setting, but this phenomenon is not applicable to limestone.

After proper setting powdered lime mortar starts getting weaker whereas mortar or plaster of limestone gets stronger.

The use of Bajra plaster can be seen predominantly in buildings constructed during the Rana reign, and most notable amongst these buildings are the Singha Durbar, Bagh Durbar and Gaddhi Baithak. It is also noteworthy that Singha Durbar is not only constructed using lime plaster, but also uses lime mortar to join the bricks.

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H eritage

Mixing: Bajra takes a very long time to set; it also takes a long time in preparation.

For mixing Bajra, especially in conservation works, it is important to use limestone. When water is added to limestone a huge amount of heat is produced, making the added water boil, and the preferable way to prepare the mix is to dig a pit on site and allow this reaction to take place. After the mixture, which is now in a paste form, cools down, it should be stirred using a timber rod.

The mixture thus produced should be checked daily and appropriate amounts of water may be added and the mixture stirred, for at least a month prior to use.

Other additives such as lentils, chaku etc. can be added, but this process proves to be very expensive. In some cases milk products, egg white, animal blood etc. are also added, but this is not mentioned in the traditional methods used in Nepal. A common additive to be used in Bajra is finely threaded jute fibers which increase the tensile strength and reduce shrinkage. Jute fibers are mixed only prior to application, as weeks long soaking in a water based paste can weaken the fibers.

Use of lime plaster in conservation: The conservation of Pratappur, a shikhara style temple in the Swayambhu hillock, is being carried out using Bajra mortar as well as plaster. Similarly the Bhandarkhal tank in Patan Durbar Square was recently renovated with the use of lime mortar.

The Tusa Hiti at Sundari Chowk of Patan Durbar Square was also renovated using lime to set sculptures around the water spout.

The use of lime in conservation can be seen for two different purposes; firstly to maintain the original fabric of the monument in question, and secondly to protect the monument, or parts of the monument, from water damage. Pratappur, recently struck by lightning, was demolished from its pinnacle to about one meter over the plinth. For its restoration, the monument was lime plastered and even the bricks on the inside were joined using lime mortar. The authentic materials of the monument are kept intact as far as possible using reusable old bricks (with an introduction of new bricks to compensate for the destroyed old bricks) and the use of lime based mortar and plaster. The use of lime in Bhandarkhal tank and Tusa Hiti, however was to check water damage to the historic materials and sculptures. Hardened or well set lime mortar allows water absorption to a very limited extent, unlike mud mortar, and then harmlessly lets the water evaporate from the mortar or plaster itself, without causing seepage or any kind of water related damage to the adjoining material. A lime based construction also contracts and expands according to the changes in temperature unlike the rigid construction of cement concrete.

Despite all its stated benefits lime is not a popular building material. There

Immaculate mouldings using lime mortar, a fashionable way of decoration in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rana Style Architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. spacesnepal.com

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are many factors that contribute to this.

Firstly, lime is not an indigenous material to Nepal and though one might argue that neither is cement, the availability and the local production of cement far surpasses that of lime. A lime mine is located at Jogi Mara near Muglin, and lime was also supplied by the now closed Chobar Chun (Lime) Udhyog, but currently, limestone used for conservation is brought to Nepal all the way from Jaipur, India. This unavailability in itself makes lime a costly material, and on top of that, the additives used in lime are even more unaffordable.

Use of Lentils, Chaku etc. for construction is currently unimaginable due to the cost factor itself.

The other reason lime construction is not popular is due to the time required in preparation. The preparation and setting time of lime, as well as the spaces and labour required for its preparation, makes the technology unattractive. Especially in modern buildings where quick and dry construction are gaining popularity, the time consuming, costly construction on lime is definitely not turning heads.

The use of lime is mostly limited to conservation, but even this sector is facing difficulties due to the lack of material and manufacturing records, and the costly nature of the technology. The use of most traditional building materials and technology in Nepal are faced with this problem. Records of manufacture of such materials, and their proper use, are not properly maintained, thus making the materials and technologies used now inferior in comparison. In the context of lime, its proper mixing technique and the proportions of additives used are not recorded, causing conservationists to work with the most basic methods.

Lime is a strong, durable, flexible construction material, efficient also in the control of moisture content in construction. It is currently however neither popular, nor show any signs of gaining popularity as a construction material, due to its expensive time consuming nature, and the lack of records in the area governing its original composition and use. n

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An Expression of Novelty;

theCEDA

story Text: : Ar. Kalpana Bhandari

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Architecture is based on earth and yet opens up to the sky! A literal translation of this concept can be seen in the office combined with residence of Architect Sher Bahadur KC, Creative Design Architects Pvt Ltd (CEDA), in Kupondole. At a distance of approximately 150 meters west from Bagmati Bridge, the CEDA building has unique conical façade finished with glass panels. A planning in split levels, a well executed terrace garden and view of city from the 7 storey rooftop, the CEDA building has it all to signify the architects’ office inside as well as the comfort of a residence, in the same building.

The Architect believes in having a small office as a home office, which is why CEDA was materialized.

He also expresses his fondness in the form and elevation of CEDA, a cone. He vividly recalls people enjoying ice creams all over the world, irrespective of season or place, which is why CEDA building gives impression of an ice cream cone. Also, he had to express his responsibility as an architect, and come up with something unique, something people had not seen before in Nepal.

The Office Space Elevated at 3 feet from the road, as one approaches the office from east, a huge mezzanine space welcomes the visitor. From this level, 21 inches down is the semi basement where architects and engineers are at work. A straight stairway leads to basement that serves as kitchen for the office, and parking space, adjacent to this kitchen. An open riser glass staircase leads to the architects’ office, just above the semi basement area. The reception, just right of entrance of building, the mezzanine space, visually connects the main architects’ office with the semi basement area.

The Architects’ Den The architecture is a nice building block of work and home. Having its private entry from the north side, the two major function in the building

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is spread along different level s. It second floor opens to the chief architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; office and the third floor is the residence of the architect himself, a duplex apartment by nature. The split planning, continued to this level, carefully defines the usage of each space. To the right of the entrance is the dining and to the left, 2 steps down, is a well planned living room. Kitchen occupies the space to the east of building, and is equally close to both dining and living. A series of open riser staircase, like those in the office, runs from the dining area and opens to a semi private functional area in the upper floor.

From this space, the entrance and dining are visually connected and it exhibits a function of a family room. On either sides of this room are the bedrooms, master bedroom on the right and the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room on the left. The conical façade is kept continuing from living room to upper family room as well as the master bedroom.

This creates the ambience of traditional Newari homes where sanjhya facilitates the view of the street. The open rise staircase is discontinued at this level and the upper floors are approached through an open well staircase continuing from ground floor. The fifth floor is designed to have a multipurpose hall that serves as a gym, puja and other functions, and has a well equipped bathroom as well. The fifth floor also hosts a terrace garden emanating the view of the valley, an expression of architectural luxury as well as technologically sound thermal insulation.

The Building Technology and CEDA The CEDA building, suiting the function that it is meant for, is equally precise on material selection, the structural safety and the lavish interiors. The form of building is the cone injected to cube, and an expression comparable to Novelty Architecture (Novelty architecture is a type of architecture in which buildings and other structures are given unusual shapes as a novelty, such as advertising, notoriety as a landmark, or simple eccentricity of the owner or architect 1).

The conical volume is embedded by 12mm thick glass panels throughout, which are firmly clad to aluminum frame to ensure structural integrity.

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These panels hide the horizontal beams and vertical columns running through the floors, armoring the interior spaces at the same time.

Another interesting injection is the open rise staircase of glass treads, 12 mm thick, with steel bars railing. The niches on the wall of office space, especially southern walls, are variably shaped as simple recessed impressions that continue the split level on the walls too.

The Fill Ups and the Ambience Most of the furniture has been custom designed by the architect himself and built on site.

The colors painted on the walls and ceilings corresponds to the ethics of colors, suiting the mood of space and complimenting it. The walls are kept yellow while the ceiling is fading white and blue, which creates charm and brightens up the working space. The colors of office space are in compliment to its logo. On the other hand, the semi private and private spaces are treated with cool colors like green and blue to lighten up the mood and create refreshing ambience, just what one wishes while entering his home.

The Architect has wisely planned thermal comfort by installing low UV glasses, that control the amount of heat entering or leaving the building mass. The glass paneled finishing is used to maintain air-tight interior to avoid the foul smell of the river, and enhances natural lighting in the building. Also, the northern and eastern facades are glass finished such that extreme heat of the summer sun is controlled.

The false ceilings and the acoustic gypsum boards further enhance the energy efficiency in the building.

The Creative Design Architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (CEDA) is an architectural experimentation of Ar. Sher Bahadur KC, built 5 years back, in quest of fulfilling an architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chore as well as harmonize his personal life. n

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Why Art

Education lags behind in Nepal?

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Text: Madan Chitrakar

While pondering on an issue to write about Nepali Art, a recent event worked as a startling eye opener. I happened to come across an artist of a mid- generation - more relevant to add - an academically qualified graduate in Fine Art (B.F.A.) from T.U. a long back: he was busy painting in open an architectural content in a busy through-fare of inner Kathmandu. As the common wisdom dictated, as a qualified graduate I expected him to be fully in verse with all the basic fundamentals of painting at his stage. But as I watched him work, it unknowingly led me to compare and liked to epitomize his work with the Art-Education of the present day Nepal which it seemed much is desired to be done. In short, his landscape painting was a disaster. Not because it did not meet an international standard of a good landscape or I’ve a personal dislike for him or this genre. But for the fact that he had also appeared in many occasions with unconventional - read modern works as an artist.

So we’ve natural and valid reasons to expect a better work from him as an academically qualified artist.

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and the knowledge inherent in an Art-Education – he failed. And he failed miserably - exposing all the weaknesses unashamedly. He failed to display even the rudimentary tenets of a painting- like sense of perspective, workings of chiaroscuro - forget more complex issues of space management. His failings to me, I found, is an end result of the collective failure of the entire system.

The failings, although primarily lay on the competence of the concerned artist himself but it also did question the very validity of the institutions which awarded him the academic credentials. Moreover, the fact remains that all the ingredients mentioned above have remained the integral parts of the curricula in ArtEducation for a long time. So then what and where did we go wrong in imparting the academic duties?

But today when we seek to think of Art- Education in a broader spectrum, to provide efficient ways of teaching in par with international standard- i.e. an up-to-date curriculum, teaching methods and the modern teaching materials, have become only one out of many other issues that needs to be addressed sooner the better.

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But before going deeper in these issues, in addition to the poor academic quality as described above, one must also take note of some other lapses which characterize the general state of Art-Education: and have remained accumulated for some time. First of all, a fact that ‘Art Education’ has always remained a classic example of an absolute negligence and disrespect on the part of not only the concerned authorities but also the entire stake holders concerned. A simple example that today when any info are at one’s finger tips, only a very negligible fraction of aspiring youth group from Nepali society knows about the existence of institutions that offer academic Degree in Fine Arts. A huge segment of population is denied from the opportunities to pursue a career in Art, thanks to the perpetual lack of needed information in a national level. To an aspiring art student from a remote part of the country, it would be a near impossible task to discover, locate and get into the right place at the right time – except when one is dead committed to do it. The argument bears more significance today because we talk of an all equal utopia or an all inclusive society – regardless of for whom or where one resides.

Thus a need to take ‘Art-Education’ beyond the existing confines has never been more relevant than today, for in the long run we need to tap this broad pool of talents if one is to envision an artistically rich society tomorrow. But sadly enough, in the entire history of Art-Education, there have never been

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any promotional efforts to popularize this ‘Education’-its existence and its importance. This is precisely so when education in many of other social or technical fields have mushroomed and multiplied by leaps and bounds within a very short period of time, ‘Art- Education’ on the other hand, left languished in a most pathetic condition as if to let it die a natural death.

Secondly, an earlier notion of ArtEducation has seen phenomenal changes in the recent times. Many new facets of Art have appeared in full force elsewhere. Dramatic economic changes and the political upheavals have greatly contributed to widen the scope of art and its meaning. But the thoughts of Art-Education here are stuck and remain frozen in time since its inception: and the entire concerned stake-holders- not only the governing authorities- apparently, have never felt a need to adjust with the changing times.

Instead, always found stuck in long outdated sheets of earlier modules of ArtEducation. Obviously, it never occurred to them the time has come to revise and expand its scope and the contents as needed with the changing needs. So no wonder that the present mechanism and thoughts behind it would in no way be able to stay relevant for a longer time to come.

So all the arguments made above unquestionably lead and converge to a set of conclusions – the quality of Nepali Art Education is poor, efforts are never made to make it a popular subject in a national level and most importantly, timely revision and expansion of scope is never given due consideration. In other words, as a result today it is indeed in a very poor state of health and is thus, lagging far behind the others. But the question persists-why?

It has a longer history than many of the other younger educations which have continued to prosper, yet ArtEducation has to suffer in spite of its early appearance? What contributed to the present unhappy state or what is the real malaise behind it? In a seminar or a discussion programs,

the faculty or the leaders from the students’ community usually keep hands off from all the blames by citing all the counts like -lack of needed will - power, enough resources and insufficient man power or so on to the central authority. And the next day, they quietly forget and do not bother to give it a second thought –including self-soul searching. But honestly speaking, there exists many ‘buts’.

A careful observer would not fail to take note that the malaise goes much deeper than spoken in a speech. A simple truth is that in the recent past many factors are seen and have come to play strong in our context and has proven to be the real hurdles.

There is no denying that a central authority must be held responsible for the progress or decline of any educational institutions under it.

Art-Education in Nepal remains no exception. Here too, adequate budget provision or a provision of qualified man-power does remain the constraints and hence is the primary responsibility. But meanwhile, what has been mostly ignored is the important roles the other stake holders like the concerned faculty and the students’ community needed to play in the process. As for example, the funds do matter and undoubtedly remains the crux of all the needseither in terms of expansion of physical infrastructures or the manpower. But the allocation of funds is made only when the authorities are convinced that certain tasks are really important task hence more budget is needed. Sometimes a regular or ritual way of making requests may not suffice-especially when an education system has unique characteristics.

Art-Education remains one of them.

Very akin to other technical fields like medicine and engineering sciences, Art-Education asks for students with special aptitudes towards the studies.

Similarly, the teachers and teaching methods remain too complex and different for a general administrator to understand easily. Here lies the

primary role of the concerned faculty.

They are expected to function as the catalytic agents for every possible desired change by convincing the authorities with valid reasons. And thus, only they should be able to change the very ‘Attitude’ of the decision- makers to bring about a positive attitude. But before doing that the faculty members - they too must possess a right ‘Attitude’ first.

Unfortunately, if one is to go by the past experiences, a right ‘Attitude’ has remain a primary constraint since its inception. In Nepal, when it first begun as an institution of Higher Learning it was defined and limited to imparting ‘skills and knowledge’ to make artistic expressions either in Painting or in Sculptural forms.with the basic components like Still Life, Head Studies, Life Studies, and Pictorial Human Compositions. So teach these tasks, teachers from diverse educational institutions were hired- with varied mind-set in art.

Some remained intolerant with the contemporary forms. But those with newer thoughts never assimilated honestly with those whose knowledge remained limited to academic forms.

Thus a common attitude to Art always remained missing. But at the same time, both these groups remained collectively resistant to other forms of visual Arts- applied in human use like product development, design for print and many other facets of modern visual communication. To them it always remained an inferior art and albeit in a position to do so, never made a point to see that these modes of education are ever introduced in Nepal. An attitude of a salary man rather than a pro-active mind has remained a typical character of the faculty which have literally contributed today’s fate. Thanks to such lackasidical attitudes, in terms of wider scope and diversity of Art-Education elsewhere, Nepali has miles to go to be able to meet them in a level.

And the state of poor education exists also because a culture of meritocracy has been virtually missing in our

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an university regulatory body or even an Art institution may contemplate of creating a common platform and make a ‘Brainstorming’ session so that every stakeholder has a say and space. May be then it may result in a long run solution. Or there is also a possibility of creating a semi- permanent advisory entity possibly, within the line ministry or the central University- in the form of What all these not so pleasant episodes a ‘Commission’ to advise in the future course of action to proceed in Artshow that funds or the resources Education. The ‘Commission ‘should remain only a part of the complex comprise people with unquestionable problem. What is really needed is It may sound unpleasant but a truth abilities who can tangibly contribute the right ‘Attitude’ to think and act remains that ‘Politics’ has come to play in terms of vision the needs and positively- that is to contemplate an ugly game in the Education system. challenges of the future but also should seriously for future in terms of plan, Initially, it was not the politicians who be able to provide practical solutions program and the projection of all the wished to meddle in the system but to pursue. But a catch remains it should the students’ community volunteered to needs for some considerable time not remain yet another place to make to come. And with the help of all be the part of politics so that it may in quotas for incompetent sycophants and the pressure groups like the artists’ the long run, may help them go upper fraternity and the students’ community party-flag bearers. n rungs of the political ladders and the society in general. To reach these ends, collectively go forward to create and address all our short comings. A best the betterment of education remained September 11, 2011, madanc@ntc.net.np solution and to begin with, a central limited to slogans. It least mattered to (Courtesy ‘Sirjana- the Creation’ – Sirjana College them if the education goes to the dogs. It authority it may be a line ministry or of Fine Arts, Kathmandu.) staffing system. Nepotism plays rampant and as a result, people with questionable academic Degree rule the roost. And it is ultimately the Education system which suffers. Precisely so, we’ve seen earlier how a qualified artist fails to display an academic ability. And moreover today, the extent of nepotism and the evil influences of muscle-power have become so pervasive, hiring of incompetent staff has become a rule rather than exception.

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reminds of an incident when the unions forced the administration of Fine Art Campus to admit some four hundred students in Certificate level and some one hundred fifty students to enroll in the Master’s course. These remain the classic examples to what extent people become irrational and politics can play havoc in an education system.

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A R chitecture

Building

Green

Where is our intelligence and ingenuity to build a ‘green city’ …

Text: Ar. Sushmita Ranjit Shrestha

Think City Think Life

Think Architecture, Think Design:

The sooner the better it is said, but what should individuals do, how should the government act, and is that enough to make a green city? These questions shouldn’t be ambiguous topics anymore. Our country needs to act on serious matters like building design and construction, fossil fuel consumption and water management, trade, and food for a better future of our cities. However, dialogues are being made at the professional level which they need proper collaborations and partnerships to materialize into something more concrete. To think and discuss about the emerging issue on green building, December 2011 marked a fruitful time for the interaction of interdisciplinary professional. The seminar, “Towards Green Building”, was organized by the Architecture Department of the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, in collaboration with VSBK/ CESEF program Nepal. This four daylong seminar focused on sustainability and efficiency of building in terms of energy consumption. Such an effort to come together in a platform, and discuss where we are heading is indeed a better way to start. The following are some aspects of what emerged during the seminar.

Buildings alone are not architecture. Streets with many elements like dabalis, pattis, dhunge dharas and hitis, courtyards also form an integral part of architecture. This definition becomes even more meaningful when it is woven into the different activities of people that live and work there, along with their culture and traditions. The growing issue of green building should consider all these aspects in order to think locally, to react regionally and then act globally. Our attempts should think beyond our wants, and delve into needs, if we want to make our life easier through design and architecture. Proper planning will definitely incur some initial design fees and expenses for architects and engineers to work on these aspects, but will definitely have long term cost benefits. The point to emphasize here is to consider very local climatic contexts and locations for planning, orientation, materials selection, execution, maintenance and operation of

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1. Life of Architecture…

Playing instruments as a part of ritual in Bisket Jatra at Bhaktapur.

The importance of courtyards, its design, form, materials used as an integrated and environment friendly architecture.

2. Life of Architecture…

Locals gather in Taumadhi Tole, Bhaktapur to participate in Bisket Jatra. The importance of open space

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‘green building’ architecture, rather than merely fulfilling criterion created for green building councils in other parts of the world.

Proper planning will definitely incur

Illustrating this was one of the key speakers at the event, Mr. Sanjaya Prakash, (Managing Director of SHiFT Studio for Habitat Futures). For an example, he noted the development of sustainable neighborhood with an intensive case study of a local town in Ladhak in India.

Ladhak being a cold desert, the community has houses built close together. But lacking technical knowledge and assistance, the neighborhood is not so effective in the use of solar heating. They often use space heater and have no mechanical heating system which lead to indoor pollution.

They have no running water, no electricity, and used dry and inefficient toilet. Regardless the poor infrastructure, the typical character of the community architecture has open space along the street for interaction, which is to some extent a pleasant character to the built form.

Considering all this, a new solar township is being developed in Choglamsar. Since the Ladhak region has about 300 days of sunshine, maximum solar power could be used to reduce energy requirement for the town and for individual households. Development of infrastructure for electricity had first priority through solar lighting system or solar lanterns and a PV system in a common building distributed by girds. A secondary backup from diesel generators or through microhydroelectricity generation from the Indus River was planned. Whereas water provision were planned from snow melt storage, or pumped by solar pumps from the river. Waste management on the other hand would be collected after decomposition from the dry toilet and taken for manure use for farming. This entire system

these aspects, but will definitely have

some initial design fees and expenses for architects and engineers to work on long term cost benefits. evolved after brainstorming on design principles from the very scratch, will make the town a self sustainable and efficient neighborhood with comfortable living conditions.

Another key speaker Mr. Sushil Bahadur Bajracharya (PhD candidate and lecturer in Architecture Department, Institute of Engineering) made a presentation on indoor –outdoor temperature difference in all the four seasons for both traditional and contemporary framed structure house around the Kathmandu valley. He came up with the conclusion that the traditional house built of mud, sundried bricks, wood, bajra (instead of cement mortar construction) has a temperature difference of 5 degrees less and more during summer and winter season respectively, compared to outdoor temperature. A house of concrete frame structure made with brick, cement mortar, wooden or aluminum door/windows has around 2 degrees temperature difference less during winter and more during summer in contrary. This compels the dweller of such houses to use different heating and cooling appliances, making the house inefficient in terms of energy. This study indicates that the technology from our past (from the 12th to the 18th Century) can be considered for present and future construction, but with some improvisation made genuinely September - October 2011

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Think Energy, Think Conservation: The world was hit by an energy crisis in 1970 when there was more demand for fuel in America and the supply was being monopolized by the Middle East. Industries were closed down and people were unemployed, which resulted in a slackening of the US economy. This however, didn’t have much effect on Nepal as the country hardly had an industry sector and petroleum energy consumption was just over 3% in 1989. But the fact remains that fossil fuel is getting more expensive as well as depleting in supply and it makes sense now to start thinking about alternative options to fossil fuel to supply our energy requirements.

The following paragraphs raise issues and facts about defunct systems and some recent initiatives that can instigate efforts in alternative energy solution.

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• • Battery operated electric cars are already in the market as an alternative to petroleum vehicles.

But they work out expensive because of high taxation on its import, making them no cheaper than other vehicles. There should ideally have been subsidized to make it more accessible to the middle and low income group.

Conveniently, these vehicles can be charged up by the spilled electricity during night time so that there is a phenomenal change in the life style that can give some relief to the petroleum crisis at the moment.

• Another option for electric vehicle called was the ‘Trolley Bus’ which had been initiated through a grant aid from the Chinese Government in 1975 AD. This system helped spacesnepal.com

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•

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thousands of passengers daily to commute from Thapathali to Suryabinayak in Bhaktapur.

This genuine gift should have encouraged more of such vehicles as mainstream transportation in the country and this could have brought at least some relief to Nepal Oil Corporation by reducing some demand for fossil fuel. Unfortunately, through mismanagement and lack of maintenance this trolley bus service went defunct in 2008 AD. Apart from developing ways to move people without using fossil fuel, there should also be ways to heat and cool homes without using such energy sources. Adapting principles of passive solar heating and cooling system in a building has big advantages and some of these techniques can be listed as follows; Properly orienting the house within 30 degrees of due south.

Properly designing the size of south facing glazing to meet the heat loss of the house.

Designing thermal mass for effective solar heat gain.

Designing an appropriate overhang for all south facing windows.

Limiting west and north opening while providing good cross ventilation.

Designing appropriate shading strategies for east and west facing glass.

Calculating the backup heating and cooling required.

Using design software tools to optimize passive solar heating.

Learning from tradition is the first step towards innovation. Traditional building technology should be the inspiration to develop new ideas that make life easier and happier and healthier. Traditional design and principals are interrelated to nature, which has both advantages and disadvantages, but living in harmony with nature is always a better way to live. Some of the points Dr. Sudarsan Raj

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Tiwari (Professor, Department of Architecture, Institute of Engineering, Kathmandu) emphasized on his presentation were as follows; The term ‘Green’ is derived from the nature, green being the most common color in the form of leaves surrounding us. So the name Green Building should not only sound like a green leaf but also function like one.

Green Architecture is not just about the building, but the life style also.

How we choose to build, what we choose to wear and what we choose to eat and drink is encompassed by this term.

The building should have zero waste at the end of its life span, meaning that the waste of building materials should be used for construction again or reused in some other form.

This emphasizes that this form of architecture is all about proper planning, design, construction, maintenance, demolition, removal and finally reuse – in order to be called Green Building.

The materials used should be less dependent on energy, or it should be made from clean energy or even zero energy if possible. Building materials produced from advanced technology hold heat and generate heat from the environment resulting in urban desertification, hence making our city hot, dry and grey, while lacking freshness and coolness.

So, the effort to find such materials that do not hold heat can be a better solution. We explore and develop materials that last for over thousands of years, but the usefulness of the materials in the present context without being responsible for generating waste in future is more important, rather than boosting the material for its longevity. Strong materials are good materials, but more important is the life span and efficiency that really counts, in order to be Green.

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Think Trade, Think Carbon Emission REDUCTION

Think Water, Think Life: Water is analogous to life. ‘Save water, don’t even waste a drop’ should be a mantra for every household. According to KUKL (Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited), six thousand drinking water taps are added ever year.

But water supply is low as storage capacity is yet to be improved as per the demand. Piped water is distribution around the city once every three to four days, while the process of fetching this water by pumps and boosters is further obstructed by the schedule of power cuts. People have also opted for shallow and deep boring tube wells, but the lack of monitoring from the government has led to a haphazard trend of boring, resulting quick dry up of ground water table. Lack of proper and sustainable ideas and good monitoring from the government has forced all city dwellers to face water shortage today. The followings however are the self initiated plans and ideas developed by locals, some property developers and organizations to conserve water: • Ground water recharge by using interlocking pavers, porous pavers rather than black topped roads.

• Collecting monsoon water in a shallow tube well primarily for ground water recharge and for gardening, washing, flushing, etc • Being aware of designing separate pipe system for flushing water for cistern, so that drinkable water is conserved from washing and cleaning activities. For this purpose a separate water tank is required for collecting water from deep boring or shallow tube well.

• Introducing water treatment plant (WTP) to process grey water before letting it run off into rivers.

• Professor Tiwari in his presentation at the seminar Towards Green Building talked about rain waster harvesting systems. He stressed on the point that man should not be greedy to collect rain water during the monsoon season. Rather it should be allowed to drain off into the soil. He pointed out that ‘the earth has the first right for rain; so don’t harvest when it falls from sky - that is not being green rather it is being grey.’ To elaborate, he meant that only when the earth has enough of water, living beings will benefit from ample water in return for various activities naturally. Therefore, harvesting rain water is not to get something in return directly, but to live in harmony without interrupting the ecology.

Trade is an important activity that can develop a country’s economy.

The important thing is to choose ways to travel goods that are least harmful to environment. Either being conscious to environment or mainly for hauling goods conveniently and cost efficiently, the 42 km rope way built in 1980s with the support from American government, connecting Hetuda to Kalanki (National Trading Concern) was indeed a smart way of trading. Whatever the reason was, the initiation was good enough to cater many things like cutting off transportation cost, saving time and even to avail the facility during the monsoon time. But the dismay of corruption and mismanagement closed down the facility of cargo system completely after 1994.

If such mode of transportation were under operation, we wouldn’t have been a part of fuel crisis today. We wouldn’t be complaining about hiking price on everything; from consuming a bunch of spinach to a hair cut in a salon. Therefore, this alarming situation demands a solution like a rope way that not only makes life easier in our country but also comprehends the world green motto of less carbon emission to our environment at large.

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Think Food, Think Health: It might sound a bit bizarre when someone tells you to consume homemade curd rather than a readymade cup-curd in the market.

But the point is, cup curd and other can foods available in the market have high percentage of energy consumption.

Generally canned food are not locally produced, they get imported from our neighboring countries like China and India, so these imported food reach our hometown through extensive travelling by air, land or sea, which in all of the cases require energy.

Therefore all imported products have a lot of energy consumed for transport. By knowing this, and allowing oneself to change their eating habit and ultimately bringing a little change to our life style, consuming local food and products actually make some sense to reduce carbon emission.

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Conclusion: Little things we do matter a lot. From consumption of locally available food, to being aware of using solar power for heating-cooling and lighting of building, to planning a solar township like in Ladhak, all are a matter of initiation, robust collaboration and management that can bring a phenomenal change to our city for better living standards for all. Better city, better life is just a step away if we really want to feel the change! n

References: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Towards Green Buildingâ&#x20AC;? Seminar organized by Architecture Department of Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus in collaboration with VSBK/ CESEF program Nepal, a four day seminar starting 11th Nov 2011 to 2nd Dec 2011.

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A R chitecture

Can we build our own

sustainable ‘Green’ Building?

Text: Ar. Kalpana Bhandari

Introduction “The term ‘GREEN’ is contextual. The concept of ‘Green Architecture’ means different in different places. For Nepal, Green Building is the building which is energy efficient, cost effective, structurally stable and sustainable.” -B.L. Shrestha.

The dependence on non-renewable energy for survival has increased over time. Non-renewable energy is obtained from organic matters that take hundreds of years to form. These energy sources are limited; therefore, the need of alternative source of energy has become a priority, or rather an emergency. Because 40% of total energy consumed is actually used by households/buildings, incorporating Green Technology in architecture minimises this consumption. In addition to that, in case of Nepal, the use of local resources in construction can become a reference for Green Technology.

The contemporary building materials recognised in Nepal are brick, cement, concrete and timber.

These materials and their technology have been practiced for many decades and there have been negligible adaptation of innovations in these technologies. But one such technology that is simple and that fits the context of Green in Nepal is to use vernacular materials, in the form of stabilized earthen blocks, hollow concrete blocks and bamboo structures. The advantages of using these materials are that they are locally available, convenient, structurally incorporable and economic to use.

Stabilized Compressed Earthen Blocks (SCEB) Introduction The basic material is, as its name suggests, soil or earth! Soil is one of the most primitive materials, besides stone, used in buildings all over the world. Soil as its primary raw material with small quantities of cement, coarse sand or stone dust can be added depending upon the quality of soil. The SCEB is a masonry unit of cuboidal shape in solid, hollow or interlocking format.

The shape and size of a block is defined by the equipment used in its manufacture.

Physical Properties The cost of a block depends upon a variety of factors including quality and price of available soil, amount of stabilisation, labour productivity equipment and overhead costs.

However, the degree of stabilization has the maximum influence on the cost of the product. Using inserts in the press during manufacture can allow one to transform the rectangular volume of the block for specific purposes, i.e. holes for reinforcing, patterns for decoration, grooves for adhesion, a hollow interior to reduce material volume and weight, etc.

Even today, many houses in urban and especially in rural areas are made of mud. However, interjection of some technology in this indigenous material can make it more advanced than the contemporary construction practice in Nepal. SCEBs can be used for load bearing construction up to 3 storeys.

Application These blocks can be used in flooring, roof cover, wall partition etc. And can take compressive load of the structure well. SCEB can be used in different forms with: • Cement coating on the side of the block for walling • Coating at the top layer of the block for floor paving • Making the block slightly thinner (about 2-3 inches) for roof paving Advantages SCEBs are advantageous than the practice of burnt bricks in various ways. In comparison, SCEBs are cost effective, environment friendly, provide better thermal insulation, use local resources, and disseminate appealing aesthetics with elegant profile and uniform size.

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Solid/Hollow Concrete Blocks Introduction The Concrete Block Technology involves a mixture of lean concrete to obtain a uniform and regular shaped masonry. This flexible technology can be used in different forms by modifying the design parameters like proportion of mixtures, water/ cement ratio and type of production system. This technology can be fortuitous in terms of using waste material from stone quarrying and other stone operating mechanisms.

Hollow concrete blocks, on the other hand, use cement, fine and coarse

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aggregate and small amount of water as their basic ingredients.

These blocks are lighter in weight, easier in handling and facilitate for reinforcement through the hollows in comparison to solid concrete blocks. The reinforcements can be placed conveniently and the entire building can function as a structural member to resist vertical and lateral forces.

Physical Properties The size of a concrete block is about 4-5 times larger than burnt bricks and they thus require lesser quantity

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of mortar for joints. Also the strength of concrete blocks can be engineered as per requirement thus making them relatively stronger than brick masonry by approximately 15-20%. However, their strength and characteristic features are dependent on the machine operated for their manufacture.

These blocks are efficient exhibitors of thermal comfort in comparison to other masonry blocks. They also eliminate the requirement of internal and external plastering. They also provide acceptable degree of sound insulation. Besides, the concrete blocks also are incombustible and,

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thus, readily used in fire resistant construction. In addition, it has no problems of vermin attacks or infestation. The blocks are cured for a minimum period of 14 days, before they are ready to use. The embodied energy (the energy used in their manufacture) in concrete blocks masonry is 270 MJ/Sqm as compared to 640 MJ/Sqm for brick walls, thus making them more energy efficient.

Advantages and Application Concrete blocks are very popular as a long lasting, low maintenance masonry unit, with good compressive strength. They have a

general life span of about 60 years although it may extend up to 80yrs or more and they save 8-9% energy per sq m of masonry as compared to burnt bricks.

The application of concrete blocks can be broadly divided to be used in: • Load bearing structures for low rise residential and office buildings, warehouses, godowns, etc • Walkways, pathways, exhibition grounds, etc.

• In landscape as a material for tree guard blocks for roadside and garden tree plantations

Bamboo

Introduction Bamboo has been a very popular, indigenous construction material, associated with construction and cultural practice all over the world. A timely harvested bamboo, six years at minimum, claims to be around three times harder than Oak. Basic/Physical Properties Besides being an alternative of timber, bamboo can be used as a tensile member of the structure.

However, bamboo has durability issues as it is an organic material, prone to termites and decomposable.

Various treatments can be done at different levels to enhance its efficiency. The most common solution for this purpose is to use a mixture of borax and boric acid.

Another process involves boiling cut bamboo to remove the starches that attract insects. In Nepal, at local levels, bamboo is soaked in water for several days. This reduces termite attack as the starch/sugar in bamboo gets dissolved in water which is food for the termites, and thus reduces termite attack. Also, traditionally bamboo was exposed to smoke to make it more durable.

But the most efficient method is chemical treatment. The common chemicals used in bamboo treatment are Copper Sulphate (known as

Niltuti), Sodium Dichromate and Acetic Acid. Moreover, cement coating on bamboo can decelerate its natural cycle of decomposition.

This method has been used in Department of Education building at Thimi.

Application and Advantages Other than mundane use, bamboo has long been used as scaffolding, as decorative element in buildings such as fencing, fountains, gutters, and laminated to bamboo flooring by converting them into sheets and planks, etc. Bamboos are advantageous materials to use as they can be substitute for cyclones and earthquake resistant construction when incorporated with proper technology.

Bamboo structures have been scaled to extreme heights, one such demonstration was seen at the Indian Pavilion at Expo 2011, Shanghai. The pavilion is the world’s largest bamboo dome; about 34 m in diameter, with bamboo beams/ members overlaid with a ferrocement slab, water proofing, copper plate, solar PV panels, a small windmill and live plants. A total of 30 km of bamboo was used. The dome is supported on 18-m-long steel piles and a series of steel ring beams. The bamboo was treated with borax and boric acid as a fire retardant and insecticide and bent in the required shape. The bamboo sections are joined with reinforcement bars and concrete mortar to achieve necessary lengths.

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A R chitecture

A comparative table of embodied energy and its cost in hollow concrete blocks and brickwork is illustrated in Table I. Comparison between Embodied Energy and Cost per 100 sft Hollow Cement Block S.N

Materials Unit) Hollow C Block masonry

Cement

Sand

(Cft)

(cft)

(Nos.)

Blocks

Mason

Coolie

(Nos.)

(Nos.)

(Nos.)

5.46

112.50

Cost in Rupees

436.80

245.70

6,300.00

Energy in M.J.

212.94

13.65

1,687.50

1

0.91

Bricks

Total

2.00

4.00

1,200.00

1,600.00

9,782.50

1,914.09

Brick Work Brick masonry

4.50

27.00

1,200.00

2

Cost in Rupees

2,160.00

1,215.00

7,200.00

Energy in M.J.

810.00

67.50

5,100.00

3.00

6.00

1,800.00

2,400.00

13,425.00

5,977.50

Table I reference from: “Green Building Construction in Nepal”- Shelter and Local Technology Development Center.

Table II illustrates the comparative study of Load bearing Reinforced Hollow C. Block with partial pre-cast RCC slab with RCC frame with brick in-filled wall and Load bearing brick work with Partial Pre-cast RCC slab.

Table –II Embodied Energy & Cost Comparison among various types of Structures S.N.

Built-up Area in Sq.M.

Type of building

Embodied energy (in GJ )

Cost of the Building in Rupees

Costlier than the Hollow C Block masonry by:

1

RCC frame with brick in-filled wall

85.40

270.94

377,197.74

31.75 %

2

Load bearing brick work with Partial Pre-cast RCC slab

85.40

202.95

308,124.12

16.50 %

3

Load bearing Reinforced Hollow C. Block with partial pre-cast RCC slab

85.40

99.24

257,410.30

0

Note on Table – II 1. RCC Pillar system consumes 3 times more energy than that for Hollow C Block structure 2. Brick Masonry structural system consumes 2 time more energy than that for Hollow C Block structure 3. Hollow C Block structure is cheaper by 31.75 % than RCC Pillar structural system 4. Hollow C.Block structure is cheaper by 16.5 % than Brick masonry structural system

Table II reference and Note: “Green Building Construction in Nepal”- Shelter and Local Technology Development Center.

Conclusion In spite of the fact that Nepal is well availed by engineers and technology, there is a sense of hesitation in the use of these construction technologies and their awareness. It is simple to understand that buildings, typically 2-3 storied houses, constructed with compressed earthen blocks and hollow concrete blocks are either as structurally stable or more than RCC construction. In fact, bricks should be discouraged because it eventually decreases soil productivity and its manufacturing process pollutes the environment. B.L. Shrestha has been promoting and using these technology through ‘Shelter and Local Technology Development Center’ in Nepal. Some of their

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prestigious projects based on this technology are Pokhara Housing Project, Housing at Sitapaila, Residential Housing at Gurjudhara, Shopping Arcade at Pokhara and a recent project is the Orphanage and Old-Age home at Duwakot, presently under construction.

Nepal’s sustainable scenario requires more usage of local resources and lesser dependence on technologies that, sooner or later, leave adverse effect on the environment. n References “Green Building Construction in Nepal”, Shelter & Local Technology Development Center http://www.daenvis.org/daesat/compressed.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo

A R chitecture

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