Rabindra Puri’s “Namuna Ghar”
Designed as a typical Newari farmhouse,
Namuna Ghar is estimated to be around 150 years old.
The house reflects the
typical Newari architectural ethos and charm. Before restoration works
began, the house was in a highly
dilapidated state.
No one had lived in the
house for ten years and there were even rumors it was haunted!
The main purpose of the
restoration project was to raise awareness within the community of the
value of heritage buildings and to encourage their protection. The
project also intended to demonstrate to the public that historical
buildings can be adapted for modern use without compromising their
heritage value. In addition, the project wanted to demonstrate that
conservation and restoration of endangered cultural heritage could be done
by the people, for the people.
 Restoration
work began in 1999 and was carried out over a period of 18 months. The
project was completed in March 2001.
The restoration methodology
used was completely traditional. In addition, traditional and local
materials were used for interior decorating.
Modern amenities were
added in the bathroom and the kitchen. The architect did this to
exemplify that living in an old house did not mean either having to give
up modern comforts, or compromising the essence of the house. The
amenities were introduced in a manner that was congruous with the
architecture of the house. For example, the washbasin in the bathroom was
made of brass, a material commonly used in traditional Nepali artifacts.
Demonstrating the feasibility and affordability of conserving and adapting
vernacular houses for continued residential use, this project has paved
the way for the conservation of similar traditional buildings throughout
Nepal.
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