Kalidas Jethabhai House: Blending Traditional Craftsmanship and Sustainable Practices of Restoring Structural Integrity

Kalidas Jethabhai House is a designated conservation site currently undergoing repair and restoration. During the initial phase of the project, all materials from the structure and site were carefully dismantled and stored on-site. A material shed was constructed within the premises to facilitate the reuse of these materials in the conservation process. The stored materials include doors, windows and their frames, stone grinders, carefully preserved half-full bricks removed from the structure, and small wooden traditional elements such as hanging hooks, wooden staircases, and shutters (including cupboard and staircase shutters).

The premises consist of two main structures: the front wing, which faces the roadside, and the rear wing, positioned at the back. The front wing features wooden lashing members integrated with brick masonry, while the rear wing is built using brick masonry with lime and mud mortar, forming a load-bearing structure. Due to the dilapidated condition of the walls and safety concerns, the walls of the rear wing were carefully dismantled down to the ground floor level. In some sections, the walls were brought down entirely to the floor level, as they lacked sufficient structural strength.

For the restoration of the walls, the available half and full bricks were reused in line with sustainable principles. The mortar used for the repair work was derived from material characterization analysis to match the properties of the original mortar, ensuring that the new brick masonry would integrate seamlessly with the existing structure. The newly constructed brick masonry was left exposed, while the original masonry was covered with lime plaster. This approach allows a clear distinction between the new and old masonry, providing an opportunity to experience the architectural differences and techniques. The decision to leave the new brickwork exposed was made to preserve the historical integrity of the structure and to highlight the construction methods used nearly ninety to a hundred years ago.

It is important to note that the existing walls were not interconnected or interlocked with one another. To strengthen the structure, wooden members were added to every fifth course of the wall to interlock (brace) the new masonry with the existing walls.

The restoration of Kalidas Jethabhai House blends traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices, ensuring both structural integrity and historical preservation. This careful approach honours the building’s legacy while adapting it for future generations.