Riverhill Forest, Nepal (2011-Ongoing)

For the first time in Nepal, a residential community is being created with more than 30% land dedicated for lush green parks and shaded streets. Located on the banks of the Great Narayani River and close proximity to Chitwan National Park, Riverhill Forest is the only development in the Country that brings nature and modern amenities together.

Riverhill Forest is open to families from all walks of life. To support the needs of over 2000 residents, the development has integrated the housing blocks with recreational spaces, clubhouse and community center, retail district and nursery school. Every house (or a plot) is only a street away from a park whether it be a large or a small. Each neighborhood is designed to be intimate and secure. They are organized around a smaller open spaces conducive for children to play and families to interact.

Once outside a neighborhood, a central park system hosts range of amenities for strolling, respite and even for big gatherings. Within 5 minutes, residents could get to the retail hub from any corner of the community to access convenient store, farmers market, post office, club house, eateries and tee shops to transit network connecting to the downtown and airport areas.

Here the open spaces are interwoven with the River and streets to create series of intimate neighborhoods. Also, they serve multiple functions - social, recreational, mobility and ecological. The summer breeze (day or night) are funneled through north-south corridors while stormwater is managed using bio-swales . The preservation of existing trees and structures become an important tapestry of a desirable place to live, play and raise families.

At a smaller scale, each housing prototype cater to various market-driven, price-points while all types share a common structural grid, repetitive fenestrations and spatial organization to reduce the construction costs. The design of units maximizes the light, ventilation and shade while minimizing heat gain from exposed surfaces. Depending on the location, particular housing type(s) are assigned to each plot that reinforces the market criteria and helps evolve distinct parts of the community ranging from quieter neighborhoods to bustling retail hubs.