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the Cloud Catcher
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

The Cloud Catcher

The ‘Meet and Greet” building of Kavya Resort and Spa is sculpted to witness the drama of passing clouds. Placed in the highest resort in Nagarkot, Nepal, the site experiences a dynamic phenomenon – a moment of clear visibility suddenly changing into total obscurity. 

photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

While the two rock-shaped volumes are oriented to capture views of Himalaya and the valley below, their separation creates the passage for the clouds – sometimes bringing the fog and moisture deep inside the building. Here you can experience the magical moments.

photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

Learning from the local village houses built on steep terrains, the footprint of this building is kept to a minimal. The interior spaces are stacked and organized vertically in two ‘rock’ like volumes. They are interconnected by a central circulation spine that is in axis with the mountain range. This gesture allows nature to punctuate and scale the volumes while opening the interior spaces to views and ventilation. The main level hosts welcoming areas with attached attic like spaces for cloud café and library. The lower levels incorporate dining rooms right above the main kitchen. From here, cascading steps connect the alfresco area and then the pool terrace. 

photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

Inspired by local geology, the architecture offers diverse experiences from the crevasse like circulation hallways, and the cave like gathering rooms to promontory like verandas overlooking the mountain range.

photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

Shaped to respond to the local climate, seismic forces and the views, every side of the building looks different. The side facades are dominated by reinforced concrete shear walls that have punctures in the form of dormers to allow the southern sunlight. The entry facade that hides ‘back of house’ functions constitute of a cluster of village houses with smaller fenestrations. In contrast, the back façade facing the view, the building transforms its appearance into a telescopic form, jutting out towards the valley. Here, the facades are totally open and transparent. 

photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

Lead Architects: MAP Washington DC

Design Partner/Creative Director: Kiran Mathema 

photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

Architect of Record: Mathema + Partners

AOR Team: Ajaya Mathema, Dipesh Shrestha, Prashanta Bahadur Singh, Parmila Maharjan, Sagar Chitrakar, Sarmilan Maharjan, Kamal Maharjan, Anish Dangol, Ashok Shrestha, Prana Shrestha, Siddhartha Gautam, Niranjan Bharati, Santosh Pradhan, Chandra Prajapati

photo_credit Samir Jung Thapa, Clikman Production
Samir Jung Thapa, Clikman Production
photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

Structure: Orphius Dangol, Kathmandu, Nepal

Electrical: Ram Shah (G.Tect), Kathmandu, Nepal 

Plumbing + Sanitary: Umesh Agrawal (Stupa Design Pvt.Ltd.), Kathmandu, Nepal

Kitchen Consultant: Vinod Sagtani (The Sagtani Exim Pvt Ltd), Kathmandu, Nepal

HVAC Consultant: Airtect Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal 

photo_credit Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP
Siddhartha Maharjan + MAP

General Contractor: CONTECT PVT. LTD., Kathmandu, Nepal

Glazing Contractor: GLAZETECT PVT. LTD., Kathmandu, Nepal

Kitchen Supplier: THE SAGTANI EXIM PVT. LTD., Kathmandu, Nepal

Furniture Supplier: I-Field Limited Guangzhou, P.R. China , Purna wood carving industries, Lalitpur Kathmandu

photo_credit MAP
MAP
photo_credit MAP
MAP

Project credits

Design Architect
Architect of Record

Product spec sheet

Bathroom Fixture
Elevator Dumb Waiter
Glazing

Project data

Project Year
2023
Primary Building Material
Concrete
Building Area
1171 m2
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