This piece of land was acquired by three sisters who shared the desire to raise their families together. The design aimed to create a space where the families could gather while preserving their privacy.
Courtyards are an integral element of Nepali architecture, hosting the social activities of large extended families. With this design, we sought to capture the same sense of familial togetherness.
Our approach to vernacular architecture integrates sustainability by utilizing the rammed earth technology, offering thermal comfort and adaptability for diverse structural needs.
Construction
We wanted to emphasize the honesty of the material through the construction process. As such, the concrete beams and lines in the rammed earth are left exposed to showcase the raw beauty of the materials.
01 Before ramming, we tested approximately six mixes for strength: the composition contained just over 4% cement and 40% clay. The maximum recorded strength is 8.14 MPa.
02 Mixing and ramming by hand is safer to ensure a more consistent earth mix and compaction ratio. This version of reusable plastic formwork includes twistable locks. This lightweight and workable formwork drastically improves the pace of the work.
03 The positions of the electrical points are planned, and conduits are placed accordingly before the ramming process begins. Metal sections to support the floor joists are welded to the metal plates in the beam, which are placed during the casting of the beam.
The roof tiles utilized were salvaged from traditional houses devastated by the 2015 earthquake. The incorporation of natural wood complements the earthy finish. Ultimately, the completed earth building offers its occupants unparalleled thermal comfort.
Photos By: Saurav Shrestha