People are now really interested in creating buildings that don't harm the environment called sustainable residential commercial design. Developed countries have made rules to help balance people's needs with what's good for nature. This is even more important in places like Nepal, which is still developing and has a growing city called Kathmandu.
They looked at the problems in Kathmandu like how to use water and energy, manage waste, and take care of the land. They especially focused on homes. They looked at facts and difficult things people face in Kathmandu and also studied the weather there.
In Nepal's urban areas, there's a fast-growing variety of residential buildings such as apartments, modern bungalows, and condos. The concept of housing colonies where houses are grouped together is also popular. This changing trend in design reflects people's desire for distinctive homes. Today, we'll explore the diverse residential building design in Nepal.
There are 5 different types of residential building designs in Nepal revealing a rich blend of traditional and modern styles, including traditional Newari homes, contemporary urban apartments, earthquake-resistant buildings, eco-friendly green homes, and luxury villas.
In Nepal, many people still really like traditional residential houses. These houses are made from stones for the walls and have roofs made from things like thatched grass, zinc, or tin. The walls are sometimes painted with a mix of manure and clay. These houses also have wooden pillars like log cabins. People who like traditional ways of living prefer these homes.
These traditional residences are mostly found in faraway places where farming is the main job. Most have a special place to keep crops based on the seasons. They often have wooden balconies and courtyards.
The houses are strong and warm, built with stones and wood, like cabins. But they are not very safe during earthquakes. Sadly, many of these traditional houses were damaged in the big earthquake in 2015. Modern designs with concrete pillars and designs that can survive earthquakes are becoming popular in Nepal. This means that traditional residential are slowly disappearing.
In the Himalayan parts of Nepal, people really like using stone for building residential houses. Stone houses are chosen in places where it's very cold and snows a lot in winter. You'll see a lot of these stone houses when you go trekking. Since many Himalayan areas are far from roads, people collect stones from river banks to build their homes.
These stone houses are not only beautiful but also safe. They keep you warm during the harsh winters in the mountains. These houses are for people who live in the Himalayan region.
A small house made with the help of someone who knows how to build it well can be strong and safe, but not as strong as buildings made of concrete. However, they feel really cozy and warm.Most of these residential houses have roofs made from materials like thatched grass, tin, zinc, and wood. Some modern stone houses are built using cement and pillars, which makes them safer while still keeping the traditional look.
In cities across Nepal, the popularity of apartments is on the rise, and this trend is increasing each day. Apartments offer a contemporary and convenient way of living, particularly in urban areas. They come with a range of amenities and security features that enhance the overall quality of life.
Living in an apartment can evoke the sense of a modern lifestyle often associated with Western countries, offering a touch of luxury and comfort. Many apartments provide additional perks such as access to a swimming pool and various recreational activities, which can contribute to a well-rounded living experience.
In Nepal, the term "apartment" is more commonly used than "condominium." The distinction between the two lies in ownership arrangements. When individuals have the option to purchase individual units within a larger complex, it's termed a condominium.
However, in this case, ownership is restricted to the apartment itself, not the land on which the complex is built. On the other hand, the term "apartment" is typically employed when the individual units are available for rent rather than purchase.
In Nepal's context, the term "apartment" has gained greater favor among companies and residents alike. Consequently, this term has become more prevalent and is widely used to describe this type of residential arrangement.
Bungalows are often associated with large, modern, and expensive houses. However, it's important to clarify that the term "bungalow" can also refer to a house that has one or two stories, a roof that slopes down, windows that pop out from the roof, and spacious porches where you can relax and park cars. In Nepal, bungalows are commonly seen as homes for wealthier individuals.
Interestingly, bungalows are highly favoured in Western countries, especially among famous individuals and content creators on platforms like YouTube. In Nepal, there's a common misconception that bungalows are exclusively meant for the rich. This belief could mislead potential investors. In reality, the cost of a regular house might actually exceed that of a bungalow.
Despite these notions, bungalows offer a sense of contemporary design and a comfortable lifestyle. The term "bungalow" traces its origins back to traditional huts found in Bengal. This architectural style gained popularity during the time when the British had an influence in India.
Contrary to the misconception that bungalows are tall buildings, they are, in fact, single-family houses designed with either one or two floors. This emphasis on spaciousness, style, and comfort characterizes the essence of bungalow living.
A colony is like a big area with lots of houses that look the same, including many apartments. It's kind of like a neighbourhood of similar homes. This idea has been around in Western countries for a long time, and Nepal started using it about ten years ago. In a colony, the houses are usually built similarly.
In the future, living in a colony could become a popular choice for homes in Nepal. The main goal of these colony houses is to make you feel like you're part of a nice and friendly community. It's a more modern way of living. In a colony, you might have cool things like swimming pools, restaurants, and stores in the same area. This can be helpful, especially during times like the pandemic. Colonies also have their security to keep the people inside safe.
Residential building designs in Nepal are changing quickly, blending old traditions with modern styles.
Traditional Nepali houses and stone homes in the mountains offer charm and warmth, while apartments, condos, and bungalows provide urban comfort and luxury. Housing colonies create a sense of community with shared amenities and security.
These diverse designs demonstrate Nepal's rich cultural heritage and its transition to eco-friendly and safe living as the nation expands. The emphasis on green and earthquake-resistant construction emphasizes how crucial sustainability and safety are to Nepal's housing future.
