Located in a built-out residential area, the shape of the house plays an important role in optimizing light, ventilation, privacy and views. Majority of programs are organized in two south facing blocks connected with a perpendicular block forming an H-shaped in plan view. While most of the private rooms are in the northern block, the southern block includes guest areas with middle block serving as transition area with spaces common to guests and the family. The northern block is one story taller than the southern block so that all rooms get equal winter sun, summer breeze and immediate views of the courtyards and gardens. The roof of the southern block becomes a large spillout terrace for the rooms on the upper floor while reducing the scale of the structure to look smaller when seen from the entry way.

The H-shape also creates a series of open spaces of various scales and functions, the lawn located on the south being the largest, a smaller arrival court on the east side and an intimate family courtyard on west side. The boundary walls are designed as part of the house façade, thus becoming an important privacy feature that allows the house to be transparent. Given the moderate climatic conditions, various indoor and outdoor spaces function as a singular space simply by sliding the glass doors- blurring the distinction between inside and outside. Large overhangs serve as verandahs for upper floors and shading devices for lower floors – blocking both the summer sun and monsoon rain.

Design Director: Kiran mathema

Project Team: Ajaya Mathema, Dipesh Shrestha, Parmila Maharjan, Shristi Tamrakar, Angela Subedi, Guddu Karna, Umesh Agrawal, Ram Shah, Bipin Niraula, Bibek Shrestha