Kathmandu, the modern name of the main city of the valley is said to be derived from an ancient building, which stands in the heart of the city near the durbar, Kastamandap (building of wood). Hence Kathmandu means ‘city of wood’.
Traditional Architecture typically consists of a combination of structural wooden frames and brick walls. The wooden structural frames are in most cases carved that they look more decorative then structural.
Type of wood used in construction
Sal tree from the Terai region is most popularly used for structural works as well as to craft windows and doors for it is very strong and durable wood. Apart from Sal, other species of wood used are Gwasasi, Salla, Utis, Chaap, Haldup and Sisau.
Use of wood
One of the most interesting features of this wood construction technique is the assembly of different components using special joints for each element, nearly always avoiding the use of fixing devices made from materials other than wood. This means that subsequent repair operations are relatively easy, as only the deteriorated components need to be replaced.
Roofing
Wood technology is particularly evident in roofing systems and gives the architecture its distinct Newar style of a steep roof pitch and large
overhanging eaves. The Nepali roof has an essential role to protect the building from severe monsoon rains and from often extreme exposure to sun, particularly strong at high altitudes. In general climatic conditions have influenced the overall Nepali architectural forms.
Temple roofs
Temple roofs have symmetrical pitches springing from the central point of the cell. The number of tiers varies from a minimum of two to a maximum of five. The pitches are made up of small rafters that spring from the corners in a radial arrangement. At the different levels they are supported on the walls. On the outer side there is a large overhang supported by an eaves beam which in turn is supported by carved wooden struts. All elements are joined using wooden wedges.
Domestic roofs
Domestic roofs generally have two steep pitches of about 40-50 degrees in order to make full use of the
available space. A ridge beam rests on a central pillar and on the lateral gable walls to form the structure. Two principal rafters are tied up to the central pillar, leaning against the lateral walls on a wooden wall plate which transfers the thrust to the walls. Purlins rest on the principal rafters
and then secondary rafters rest on these purlins following the slope of the roof. These extend beyond to wall to form the overhanging eaves. The wooden elements are held together using wooden wedges
Traditional Architecture typically consists of a combination of structural wooden frames and brick walls. The wooden structural frames are in most cases carved that they look more decorative then structural.
Type of wood used in construction
Sal tree from the Terai region is most popularly used for structural works as well as to craft windows and doors for it is very strong and durable wood. Apart from Sal, other species of wood used are Gwasasi, Salla, Utis, Chaap, Haldup and Sisau.
Use of wood
One of the most interesting features of this wood construction technique is the assembly of different components using special joints for each element, nearly always avoiding the use of fixing devices made from materials other than wood. This means that subsequent repair operations are relatively easy, as only the deteriorated components need to be replaced.
Roofing
Wood technology is particularly evident in roofing systems and gives the architecture its distinct Newar style of a steep roof pitch and large
overhanging eaves. The Nepali roof has an essential role to protect the building from severe monsoon rains and from often extreme exposure to sun, particularly strong at high altitudes. In general climatic conditions have influenced the overall Nepali architectural forms.
Temple roofs
Temple roofs have symmetrical pitches springing from the central point of the cell. The number of tiers varies from a minimum of two to a maximum of five. The pitches are made up of small rafters that spring from the corners in a radial arrangement. At the different levels they are supported on the walls. On the outer side there is a large overhang supported by an eaves beam which in turn is supported by carved wooden struts. All elements are joined using wooden wedges.
Domestic roofs
Domestic roofs generally have two steep pitches of about 40-50 degrees in order to make full use of the
available space. A ridge beam rests on a central pillar and on the lateral gable walls to form the structure. Two principal rafters are tied up to the central pillar, leaning against the lateral walls on a wooden wall plate which transfers the thrust to the walls. Purlins rest on the principal rafters
and then secondary rafters rest on these purlins following the slope of the roof. These extend beyond to wall to form the overhanging eaves. The wooden elements are held together using wooden wedges
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