ARCHITECTURE INDEPENDENT STUDIES

SUBMITTED BY

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
MADAN BHANDARI COLLEGE OF ENGINEEERING

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is my great pleasure to express a sincere gratitude and a warm appreciation to the
Department of Architecture, Madan Bhandari college of engineering for initiating,
facilitating me for the overall study of “Component of Newari houses”.
I am delighted for having enhanced my knowledge about different Newari House. I am
indebting all the teachers of architecture department, who accompanied me and give me
their invaluable advice and help. I would like to thank Asst. prof. Ar. Bhumika Shrestha
for all advice concerning any problems on educational field.

Contents
COMPONENT OF NEWARI HOUSES...........................................................................................4
 1.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................4
1.2 BACKGROUND.................................................................................................................5
1.3 NEEDS AND IMPORTANCES OF DHUNGEDHARA.............................................................5
1.4STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS.............................................................................................6
1.5 OBJECTIVE.......................................................................................................................6
1.6 METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................................6
1.7 SCOPES AND LIMITATIONS..............................................................................................6
1.7.1 Scope.......................................................................................................................6
1.7.2 Limitation.................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.............................................................................................7
2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF NEWARI HOUSES.........................................................................7
2.2MATERIALS USED IN NEWARI ARCHITECTURE.................................................................8
2.3The NEWAR LANGAUGE OF ARCHITECTURE....................................................................9
3.0CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................13
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1 bhaktapur Durbar Square...........................................................................................5
Figure 2 Newari settlement......................................................................................................6
Figure 3section of Newari houses.............................................................................................8
Figure 4 Wooden craved door and windows............................................................................8
Figure 5 Newari courtyard........................................................................................................9
Figure 6 Use of brick in Newari house......................................................................................9
Figure 7san jhyaa....................................................................................................................10
Figure 8 jhingati tiles...............................................................................................................10
Figure 9ORIENTATION............................................................................................................11
Figure 10plan of Newari house...............................................................................................11
Figure 11 wall sections............................................................................................................12
Figure 12 roof.........................................................................................................................12
Figure 13 Openings.................................................................................................................13
COMPONENT OF NEWARI HOUSES
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Nepal is a country with an old
culture steeped in deeply
ingrained tradition. Political,
trade and dynastic relations
with both neighbours – India
and Tibet, have been intense
for hundreds of years. The
most important of the smaller
states existing in the current
territorial borders of Nepal is
that of the Kathmandu Valley.
This valley has been one of the
most important points on the
main trade route between India
and Tibet. Until the late 18th
century, the wealth of the
Kathmandu Valley reflected in Figure 1 bhaktapur Durbar Square
the golden roofs of numerous temples and the monastic structures adorned by artistic bronze
and stone sculptures, woodcarving and paintings was mainly gained from commerce. Being
the point of intersection of significant trans-Himalaya trade routes, the Kathmandu Valley
was a centre for cultural exchange and a place often frequented by Hindu and Buddhist
teachers, scientists, poets, architects and sculptors.
The Kathmandu Valley with its main cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur is situated in
the northeast of Nepal at an average height of 1350 metres above sea level. Today it is still the
administrative, cultural and historical centre of Nepal. South of the valley lies a mountain
range of moderate height whereas the lofty peaks of the Himalayas are visible in the North.
The main group of inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars, an ancient and high
organized ethnic group very conscious of its identity. The Newars are well known for their
artistic skills. Almost everything that is commonly called Nepalese art – architecture,
sculpture, painting, arts and crafts, and music – is in fact Newar art.
Newari architecture or Newa architecture is an indigenous style of architecture used by
the Newari people in the Kathmandu valley in Nepal. Newar architecture consists of
the pagoda, stupa, shikhara, chaitya and other styles. The valley's trademark is the multiple-
roofed pagoda which may have originated in this area and spread
to India, China, Indochina and Japan. Residential houses, monastic courtyards known as baha
and bahi, rest houses, temples, stupas, priest houses and palaces are the various architectural
structures found in the Kathmandu valley. Most of the chief monuments are located in
the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, the old royal palace complexes
built between the 12th and 18th centuries. The style is marked by striking brick work and a
unique style of wood carving rarely seen outside Nepal. The style has been propagated by
Nepalese architects including Arniko.
1.2 BACKGROUND
The Kathmandu Valley is the part of Nepal where the variety of architectonic styles is
remarkable. Only a few monuments have survived from the earliest times. They consist of
stupas and chortens erected mainly during the Licchiavi period (300 – 879 CE). However the
most spectacular monuments of the valley are those that date back to the 17th century, erected
during the Malla period (1200 – 1768 CE). The Malla period witnessed the culmination of the
greatest achievements of art, architecture and culture in the Kathmandu Valley. As a result, it
is considered the golden period of Nepalese art. The early monarchs of the Malla Dynasty
were known as great patrons of art

Figure 2 Newari settlement

Pratap Malla of Kathmandu, Siddhi Narsimha Malla of Patan and Bhupatindra Malla of
Bhaktapur competed with each other for the beautification of their kingdoms by adorning
them up with new magnificent temples. This competition existed not only between the
monarchs but also amongst the Newar craftsmen living in the three cities. The traditional
Newar buildings – common houses, palaces, temples, monasteries, public shelters and other
types of community structures are composed in a unified architectural Newar style. The
common features of all traditional Newar buildings are their construction and details as well
as proportions of individual elements of a building such as windows, doors, walls, pillars and
beams, of which all of them are richly carved. Newar woodcarving is known to be one of the
most elaborate of its kind in the world. Building materials – the special kinds of brick, roof
tiles, wood and clay are used in the same way in every kind of Newar monument. Metal
(usually cooper) can be found in the more elaborate buildings, as a final roof covering, or as
repoussé cladding for wooden reliefs. The use of silver is rather more exceptional. Due to the
fact that the monuments of the Kathmandu Valleys were created mainly by Newars, most of
the terms being used to describe Nepalese architecture are taken from the Newari language

1.3 NEEDS AND IMPORTANCES OF DHUNGEDHARA

 To improve community bonding
 To beautify an important community land mark.
 To Learn About Newari houses.
 1.4STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
Dipendra Gautam has found that Newari buildings are not strong when it comes to
earthquakes. “These buildings are not structurally sound when it comes to earthquakes and
are very vulnerable,” he says. “These buildings don’t act as a single entity, which is why we
saw them fall during the earthquake.”
Another reason for such weaknesses, he argues, is the use of mud mortars in these buildings.
“These mud mortars in a few years separate from the bricks, which then act like two different
entities and because of that the walls become weak. It makes the houses quite vulnerable
during big earthquakes,” he continues.

1.5 OBJECTIVE
 To study architectural characteristics of Newari houses.

1.6 METHODOLOGY

Topic Selection Component of Newari houses.

Primary Data Collection >>

Case study>> photographs

Data Collection Secondary data collection >>

Literature review >> articles >>
internets

Report Analysis >>

preparation Findings

1.7 SCOPES AND LIMITATIONS

1.7.1 Scope
 We will study about component of Newari houses.
 We will study architectural characteristics of Newari houses.
1.7.2 Limitation
 This research is based on only Bhaktapur durbar Square.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF NEWARI HOUSES
Three-Story: Most Newari houses are three stories tall, with each floor having its own
specific purpose. The ground floor often Serves as storage area or a workspace, first floor as
bedroom, second floor as living room and topmost part is attetic space or kitchen.

Figure 3section of Newari houses

Brick and Timber Construction: Newari houses are typically constructed using brick walls
and timber frame works. The brickwork is intricate and often features carved windows,doors
and decorative motifs.

Figure 4 Wooden craved door and windows

Courtyard: A central courtyard is a prominent feature of Newari houses. It provides open

space for social gathering, religious ceremonies, and other community activities. The
courtyard is usually surrounded by rooms on all sides.

Figure 5 Newari courtyard

 2.2MATERIALS USED IN NEWARI ARCHITECTURE
THE TRIO OF NEWAR BUILDING MATERIALS
Bricks: Fired bricks are the primary load-bearing material for the walls. They are locally

produced and known for their durability. The special bricks or daci apa, used for important
buildings, are unique. They are not rectilinear - like other bricks around the globe - but are
instead "tapering polyhedrons" also called "conical".
The biggest surface of the polyhedron is set to the façade with a perfect surface while all other
surfaces taper back. This unusual shape allows bricks to be laid with tightest "hairline" mortar
joints on the façade. These look as if they might be laid "dry", i.e. without mortar, but are held
by the mortar which thickens as it recedes from the façade.
Less important buildings use bricks which are of the more conventional shape, but generally
deeper proportionally than other architectures.
 Types: There are two main types of bricks used – fired bricks ("aappa") for the main
structure and sun-dried mudbricks ("aata") for interior walls or non-load-bearing
sections.
 Benefits: Both fired and sun-dried bricks offer good thermal insulation, keeping the
houses cool in summer and warm in winter. Sun-dried bricks also contribute to a
healthy indoor environment due to their natural breathability.

Figure 6 Use of brick in Newari house.

Timber: Wood is extensively used for beams, columns, doors, windows, floors, and roof
frames. Sal wood is a popular choice due to its strength and resistance to rot and termites.
Mainly local hard wood, now provided by the forest of the foothills, and pine - was used
historically in an unremarkable way to make columns, structural beams, ceiling joists and roof
frames.
The timber engineering of the Newars made little headway over age-old village practice,
limited to simple beam spans of rarely more than eight feet.

 Carved Decorations: Newari architecture is famous for its intricate woodwork.

Carpenters use various techniques to create beautiful window frames ("san jhyas")
with intricate latticework, doorways, and roof struts.
Figure 7san jhyaa

Clay tiles: Roofs are traditionally covered with terracotta tiles. These tiles are laid on a bed of
mud over a wooden framework. They provide good insulation and are resistant to rain and

fire. The roof tiles of the Newars are completely unique in world architecture.
These tiles traditionally are stacked in an interlocking pattern atop a thick layer of mud to
provide the traditional roof cover in two layers.
What is curious is how this tile pattern laid in rows parallel to the ridge line, is composed of
individual tiles which all sit cocked at an odd 15 degree angle. Triple overlaid, their
interlocking pattern gives the roofscape its charming complexity, with a visual pattern almost
like an odd geometric printed fabric.

 shapes and Styles: These tiles come in various shapes and sizes, with flat and curved
options. Some tiles may even be decorated with geometric patterns.
 Double Layering: Traditionally, the roof may have two layers of tiles – a flat inner
layer for waterproofing and an outer layer with curved tiles for aesthetics and
drainage.

Figure 8 jhingati tiles

2.3The NEWAR LANGAUGE OF ARCHITECTURE

The Newar kit of building parts - carved timber struts, columns, window, and door
elements. These styles and forms have come to Nepal from India but developed as a style of
world importance in the hands of local builders, artists, craftsmen, priests and patrons.
The Newars have used a distinct "vocabulary" of a set of identifiable architectural elements
and materials. A "grammar" of sorts is evident in their design of buildings, courtyards, streets
and squares

2.3ARCHITECTURAL ASPECT OF NEWARI HOUSE

 ORIENTATION
Newari houses form a dense settlement
pattern consisting of rows of several houses
situated around courtyards. One of the
houses along the street usually has a small
doorway called a 'galli ' that enters into the
courtyard. These courtyards allow for
greater solar penetration into the homes as
well as providing a warm, central, private
space for family activities such as clothes
washing and bathing. The long (front)
facade is generally South facing, towards
the sun. Figure 9ORIENTATION

PLAN&LAYOUT
Newari houses are rectangular in plan and typically 3-4 storeys high. Up until the 16th
century, Newari houses were not permitted to exceed the height of nearby temples, thus they
have quite a low ceiling height of 1.6-1.9 metres. This low ceiling height allows the rooms to
be heated more easily during winter.
The ground floor was traditionally reserved as the entry and storage space, providing a buffer
between the cold and humid ground and the first floor.
In Bhaktapur, many houses now use their ground floor as a shop front.
The first floor consists of bedrooms while the second floor houses the main living area. These
areas both receive enough solar radiation to heat the rooms during the day.
The third-floor attic (known as 'Buigya’) has a kitchen with open fireplace. By placing the
kitchen at the top of the house, the bedroom and living areas are prevented from overheating
in the Summer. The Buigya also has a trap door at the end of the stairs that leads to the roof.

The semi-enclosed courtyard provides an important space to carry out daily tasks and family
activities. It is designed so that it keeps shaded in the summer, while providing a warm space
in the winter.

Figure 10plan of Newari house

Walls
The walls of Newari houses are constructed from sun dried or burnt clay bricks and between
30-70cm thickness. This thickness provides high thermal mass.

Figure 11 wall sections

ROOFS
The roofs are pitched, with a large overhang to shade the house from solar radiation in
summer and protect from heavy rains during the monsoon season. Clay roof tiles are
supported by a timber structure.

Figure 12 roof

FOUNDATION, FLOORS, CEILING

Most houses sit atop a 60-80cm stone plinth to protect against monsoonal flooding.
The floors and ceilings consist of a timber framework covered by lathe work supporting a
rough cast layer of mud. The use of clay and earth provides thermal mass to the floor and
assists in balancing diurnal temperature changes.

OPENINGS
The majority of windows are located in the long facade of the house, oriented South. The
main living area has a large window called a 'Sajhyas' with decorative wood carvings. The
position of this window allows lower angle sun to heat the room in winter. Most of the
windows have grilles to protect from summer sun and shutters which can be opened/ closed
depending on the conditions. The large roof overhang shades the southern facade and
windows, in addition to protecting from monsoon conditions.

Figure 13 Openings

3.0CONCLUSION
The old houses are part of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage. It is something that tourists from all
over the world come to see, which is why there is a need to protect them. It’s really important
to save them as it keeps the city vibrant. Kathmandu Valley is like a living heritage and for
that to continue, we have to preserve these buildings and make them culturally significant too.
The need to have these buildings especially around heritage zones is important because these
houses, built using Newa architecture, complement the palaces and temples around the area.
The old Newa town of Bungamati, south of Patan. Once full of Newa architecture, the town
hardly has any such houses now. One of the reasons that happened was the earthquake; but
for most, it’s about showing the society that they are well off too.
REFERENCES
https://english.onlinekhabar.com/newa-architecture-in-kathmandu.html

https://backtovernacular.weebly.com/blog/housing-profile-newari-house

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/newari-architecturepdf/258767907#13

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/newari-architecturepdf/258767907

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
281278887_Traditional_Architecture_of_Kathmandu_valley_Newar_House