Nupur Jain

Name of the Project: Patwa Haweli Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Architectural Group: Ravi & Nupur Architects Architects/Designers Name: Ravi Jain, Nupur Jain Total Area (Enter sq. meter or sq. feet): 1024Sqft Project Type : Refurbishment of 100 yr old traditional house in rajasthan The Blue City and the capital of Marwar Jodhpur, former seat of the princely state of Marwar has always been known for its tradition, rich culture and delectable cuisine. As all the historic cities of Rajasthan have their own distinct shade attached to them for the color and kind of stones that were used while building the city landscape, Jodhpur is no different. Its shade is blue, given the tinge of indigo used to whitewash the houses inside the walled city.The blue houses were originally for signified Brahmin settlements,but gradually the non-Brahmins followed the practiced as well, as the color was said to deflect the heat and keep mosquitoes away. It is also known as the Sun City for the abundant sunlight it enjoys throughout the year. The Walled City The walled city, often referred to as the old city, opens to outside through six gates, traditionally called pol, -Nagauri Gate, Merati Gate, Sojati Gate, Jalori Gate, Siwanchi Gate and Chand Pol. While exploring the old city one will find magnificent old blue houses with intricately carved balconies, which also provide sufficient shades on the narrow alleys and streets. These houses were designed to provide ample light, air and usable and habitable spaces, while reducing the indoor heat gain. Within a cluster of houses, chabutara, or a rectangular raised platform is a common phenomenon, used to hold community gathering, socializing and council of elders in the evening time. The Patwa Haweli Patwa Haweli is such a privately owned centuries old builiding, traditionally used as a residence for generationswhich has been tastefully restored to operate as a bed and breakfast establishment for the tourists flocking in the blue city wanting to get a taste of the citys rich tradition. It is located in the heart of the walled city with the charming views of Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. A narrow passage from the main city road, reminiscent of the streets of Benaras, takes on to this exquisite home. It is very close to the two famous old localities - Pungalpada & Sarafon ki pole. The facade has an beautiful and atsteful resemblance to the Patwon ki Haweli in Jaisalmer, also famous for its unique architecture. The Haweli features ten rooms preserving the essence of the local architectural traditions, e.g carved hanging balconies, courtyards, wooden ceilings, traditional arches, doors and windows with two roof-top terraces for Al-Fresco dining. The basic idea was to preserve the old house & to keep it more traditional resembling the citys culture & traditions thus keeping the cultural heritage alive & sharing its experiences with the further generations. The basic idea for renovation was to reutilize the space as the owner moved out of the old city.The requirement was to create a unique cost effective homestay which links the guests to the old culture,heritage & at the same time gives a homely feeling.Thus the idea of reconnecting the heritage,culture & leisure evolved. The concept for restoration evolved by linking these three things-Heritage-culture-leisure. Art & Architecture The building with a traditional countenance having exquisitely carved stonework with arched openings, pillars, wood-carved doors andwindows & different geometric patterned jaali for semi-transparent openings/fenestrations. The central courtyard serves as a microclimate modifier & also adds intangible effects to the spaces. Exteriors The exterior of the haweli was planned with a common entrance for the security point .which opend up to a welcome open court space called as noarah acted as the common space for two consecutive residence units.Then comes the chabotra or platform which defines the entrance for each residence unit.The facade for every units are designed wih jharokhas & openings on each floor to keep the spaces private yet interconnected. The exteriors modifications The exterior facade was kept intact, only it was properly cleaned and painted tastefully, to enhance the beauty already in there and highlighting the jharokhas,minute carvings,entrances,chajja etc . The terraces of the haweli have been coated with thermal insulating materialwhich reduce the interior temperature & helped in keeping the interiors cool & pleasant. The Interiors The narrow entrance leads to a courtyard which is the basic source of light & ventilation for the overall space.The courtyard is surrounded with arched openings from all sides which leads to narrow & steep steps to the first floor lvl.The first floor has different sized rooms with small heighted doors openings & above that a geometric pattern ventilator.The second floor has a common terrace with four rooms.The first floor has open dining space with four rooms facing the open central dining space. All the rooms had the prerequisite like- Coloured glass ventilators forming dynamic colour patterns, Box wooden ceilings for storage & various hidden storage spaces enriches the haweli from inside.. All the rainwater flows off from the tradional stone spout passing through all floor levels.the water can be seen flowing on each level open areas. This was later overcomed by connecting proper drainage systems so that movement of water doesnt disturbs the whole house. The basic idea for renovation was to reutilize the space as the owner moved out of the main city.The requirement was to create a unique cost effective homestay which links the guests to the old culture,heritage & at the same time gives a homely feeling. The basic idea for renovation was to reutilize the space as the owner moved out of the main city.The requirement was to create a unique cost effective The Interiors Modification The entrance to the haweli is very narrow like a long tunnel which was made interesting by light play/illumination design.The narrow lane leads to broad welcoming courtyard which was beautified with transperent voile fabric curtains enhancing the beauty of arches & making the space overall open from all ends.The metal janglaabove the courtyard was enhanced by hanging bamboo lights along with random size sectional bamboos.The small area in front of the courtyard was created as the reception .The floor for the reception was covered with handmade durrie with a splash of all colors added to it..The rooms have carved hanging balconies,jharokhas,hidden storages with a small bathroom added to it.The rooms are themed on famous rajasthani colors themes basically the red ,orange,yellow & blue. Each room has been given a traditional touch by decorating with hand dyed colored fabrics,curtains created from traditional turbans,all decoratives from the old house has been reused in the suite rooms,antique brass metals artefacts have been kept on display in the main courtyard thus preserving the physical artefacts & intangible attributes that are inherited from the past generations maintained in the present & bestowed for the benefit of future generation.The place has been beautified with rajasthani paintings embeliished on the walls along with brass & metal decoratives. The major problem faced while preserving was the water seepage as the ground water table is high & the water rises up in the walls.Thus to control this waterproof coating was applied before the paint procedure.