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Anyone remotely interested in the world of architecture and design would surely recognize the famed Architect Kaveh, hailed as Sumeru's Master Architect, the Light of Kshahrewar, Interdarshan Champion and the current sage of the Kshahrewar Darshan. His notable works, spread across Sumeru and other nations, has been a great inspiration for many young architects. On the celebration of the Architect's 50th birthday, Sumeru Digest had the privilege of touring their private residence and interviewing them in their home.
The now 5-year old residence is still as beautiful as ever and has often been an inspiration and object of study for Kshahrewar scholars and other younger architects in the nation. It was completed in 3 years under the Architect's close supervision and for the first time since its completion, the Architect has opened his doors for a tour of his residence.
In the style popularized by the Architect, distinctly Sumerian and a touch modern, every corner of the house is a detail well thought out and a careful consideration of its inhabitants and their lifestyle. The property itself sits right at the outskirts of Sumeru City and is a short 20-25 minutes walk away from the Akademiya, a consideration that was of great importance to the Architect and the former Grand Scribe who shares the residence.
“It was important for both of us to be close by, as I teach a few classes and for Haitham to be near the library’s extensive collection of reading materials. Our old home was a shorter walk to the Akademiya, but there was also high foot traffic around, we have found we prefer a bit more quiet these days.”
Nestled in verdant greens the home is exactly what the Architect and the Scribe needed. A picturesque reprieve not too far from the conveniences of the city.
The perimeter wall made of rust red concresoil bricks arranged in a diagonal stack pattern with occasional air pockets undercut the greenery with a bold statement. The pedestrian gate was made of recycled wood from the Architects other projects was made anew by local artisans and opens to a small front lawn dotted with plants.
The Architect shared that the plants surrounding the property were selected under the advice of their good friend and known Forest Ranger, Tighnari.
“I often consult with him for landscaping advice, selection of the right plants can also really add to the architecture. I also wanted to make sure the ones we have would be easy to maintain and are the right plants for the area.”
A small porch featuring Sumerian order wood columns and an outdoor rug welcomes the team to the entry. The entry is mostly made of wood and then transitions to stone on the sides. The structure is sprawling and symmetrical from the outside, featuring a dome on the center and small wind towers on either side.
With an interior footprint of approximately 350sqm, the home is relatively smaller in scale compared to the Architect's more notable works and his other larger residential projects but no less impressive.
The main door is a stained hardwood latticework with stained glass panels commissioned by the Architect from local woodworkers in the area. The wrought iron handles feature undulating vines and leaves wrapped on the long handle and a brass eagle knocker hangs on the right side of the main door. All proud works of Sumeru finest craftsmen.
“I have been championing local talents in my works, it is fitting to have something similar in our home. It has always been an advocacy of mine to feature and support our own craftsmen, aside from things we have collected in our travels and some imported materials, most of our home is a showcase of Sumeru craftsmanship” the Architect explains.
The entrance foyer is a modest space filled with light, filtering through the stained glass windows flanking the entrance and the foyer walls. It’s further accentuated by a dome ceiling in the center where several lamps hang adding more diffused light to the space. The low ceiling hallway of the entrance opening up to the dome creates a sense of height in the otherwise small space, quite a grand welcome for such a humble home. Benches flank the entrance hallway where some pairs of shoes are tucked neatly underneath.
“I did a bit of cleaning recently, otherwise Haitham's boots would be placed akimbo on the entrance,” the Architect remarks.
A recessed space is decorated with a small console table featuring several knick knacks, and curiously a unique sculpture stands on the side drawing the attention and fascination of some of Sumeru Digest. Among the seemingly well curated decor was what the architect described with great amusement is a Prototype Aranara Sculpture.
"Quiet an ugly thing right?" He said, touching the top of its lopsided head.
"My roommate begs to differ though, he finds them quite cute, it’s one of the many things we kept from the old house. A difference in aesthetic opinions, I suppose" There's fondness in his tone as he remarks offering no further explanation.
The Architect leads the team down the hallway as he explains the layout of the house.
“The home was divided in 3 zones, the public areas, the courtyard and the private zones. We often host our friends and some of my students comes for consultation thus the ‘public’ zones which are situated at near the front, our private zone, which is basically just our bedroom and the en suite, are situated on the rear end of the house” he explains.
“When it comes to planning the house this arrangement felt most logical to us both. Sometimes it gets taxing to go to the Akademiya for consultations, I can offer my time here at home and limit their movement to mostly the study/office in the front and Haitham can still enjoy his privacy in the courtyard or in our bedroom and the private space inside”
The Architect further explains the considerations he made while designing their shared space. There was an emphasis on having as many visual cues available to the former Scribe without sacrificing privacy.
“It’s sometimes hard for Haitham to hear if we have guests inside but since I’ve provided windows and generous openings at key areas, aside from it aiding in ventilation and providing natural lighting, it helps him to somewhat see shadows moving from behind which will then let him know we have people over.”
It was also important for the Architect to have wider hallways, not just to invoke a sense of largeness in the space but also as a consideration for the former Scribe for them to be able to sign comfortably.
“Our old residence had smaller hallways therefore I would sometimes walk backwards ahead of him so I could see what he was saying. I'd like to be able to walk beside him and give him comfortable space to speak to me and I can also comfortably sign back beside him.”
The living area situated at west wing of the house where the Architect would often host their guests is a large cozy space, afforded with generous seating and accented by a large display shelves showing different decors, books a pair of dutar, gifts from friends and various souvenirs the Architect and Scribe have collected from their travels.
The Architect explains that the divans are custom made furniture made specifically to suit their aging.
“Traditional divans you find in the market are usually lower seat height, when Haitham and I were younger it was no problem for either of us. However, as we age our knees and hips need a little bit more help so I specified these to be a bit higher so it would be easier to sit and get up from here.”
The large rug in the center is one of the more common designs sold in the market, which the Architect has revealed, to the team's great surprise, was originally designed by the Scribe.
“Funny how the same man who thinks the Prototype Aranara, the pinnacle of cuteness, is also the man who has designed something so beautiful and well loved in the market.”
The Architect continues to lead our team down the arched hallway offering a view of the sunlight dappled central courtyard.
The central courtyard is accessible to both sections of the house via a series of arched doors that opens up to a generous space lined with outdoor built in benches fitted with cushioned seats. The ground is covered with limestone pavers with grass growing in between, and in the middle, sparkling in the sunlight, is a shallow pool with intricate tile work.
It is not uncommon to find water features in the Architect's works and his home was definitely not an exception to this. His home's shallow pool is a more modest version of his usual grand fountains but no less beautiful with the tile work featured in it.
Despite being out in the open, the space is relatively cool, partly due to the rock formation by the east wing blocking out most of the sun, and the five door way entrance on either side helps circulate the air around the space and also offers a view of nearly all the key areas, supporting the architects earlier statement about visual cues.
"I wanted the central courtyard, but Haitham was initially opposed to it. He sees no real value in it and finds it a hassle to clean, as if he cleans.” the Architect scoffs. “But these days you'd find him lounging outside the divan with a book in his hand" he chuckles gesturing towards his housemate, who was indeed doing so.
"It wasn't purely an aesthetic choice as Haitham had surmised. It’s true that initially it was supposedly a reflective pool in the middle, less hassle but I couldn’t resist adding intricate tile work and the cooling effect a shallower pool would bring is not that significant for a space this large. I argued with him for long over this and him being him of course tried to counter me at every turn. I won in the end though, mentioning several studies on courtyard houses' passive cooling effect, citing my own works, and his preference to read and lounge in areas like the Razan garden. Afforded with much natural lighting, but cool enough to linger for long even with the heat of our nation. We spent much time there in the gardens back when we were both studying in the Akademiya, I guess you could say this is kind of like our own Razan Garden” the Architect reminisces fondly.
The Architect leads the team back into the spacious dining cum kitchen area where you could still easily see the courtyard. For a home with an occupant number of two, the massive adighama table is provided with generous seating that can accommodate up to eight people.
The U shaped kitchen is strategically plannea. The peninsula, which serves as prep area, is perfect for entertaining guests. A pair of barstools is tucked underneath the counter overhang, where the Architect and the Scribe seem to eat most of their meals. Another point of interest in the kitchen is the generous floor to ceiling pantry storage with a coffee station in the middle. The rich green stone, the ivory zellige backsplash, the dark wood cabinets accented by the brass sink and hardware makes the Architect's kitchen probably one of the most beautiful in Sumeru City.
“Selecting finishes for the kitchen was one of my favorite parts of doing this project. I was lucky to get this green stone slab for our counter and I wanted to use brass for the handles and the sink. It’s a material that grows with you and changes over time. Other people would sometimes see the patina as an imperfection but to me it is a mark of time passing in a well loved home.”
Sumeru Digest asks the Architect what was his thought process in designing their own kitchen cum dining space.
“When I was planning for the kitchen I was originally thinking of having it as a completely separate area from the dining area, however I opened it up later on to allow for more natural lighting to come in and again so Haitham can easily see if there are people around. I thought about how we would move in this space, thought about our habits and preferences and incorporated it into the planning”
“On most days we just eat by the counter. We would cook together and eat together. Sometimes I do prep work and Haitham would sit by the counter and read or sometimes he’d be the one cooking and I’d be bent over the main dining table poring over plans. We share a love for coffee, thus the dedicated coffee station. I do have some mugs some students gave me on display as well” gesturing to some mugs, one with half a cog wheel as handle, one with the Palace of Alcazarzaray printed on it, and one that reads 'Best teacher in the Akademiya'.
The Architect also explains the decision behind the spacious dining table set up.
“We, well actually it’s mostly me,” the architect chuckles, “love to host our friends. We fill up the seats on TCG nights and the large table is good for gameplay as well. Sometimes, I also do some work here, I can easily spread out several plans and material swatches on here. Also easier access to natural lighting when I wanna see material swatches in a different light.”
Beside the kitchen, at the end of the hallway on the west wing, is a small powder room for guests.
“I went for drama on this one” the Architect laughs as he opens the door to the tiny but truly dramatic powder room.
“I had a project way back with a leftover red marble and thought why not use it for my own home in the future. It is such a gorgeous stone I couldn’t bear the thought of it going to waste so I asked the client if they intend to keep it still they said no and so I brought home this small piece. Haitham called me ridiculous for lugging home what he called a ‘bloody rock’ but I got the last laugh because I was able to use this stone after all” he remarks smugly.
The red countertop, with its distinct white veins, is truly striking paired with the overmount enameled ceramic washbasin and Fontinian pendant light on the side. The floor is a check pattern using a cream colored tile with brown veining and a reddish brown tile echoing the countertop. A painting of a mourning flower hangs on the wall which was painted by the architect himself.
“I’ve had that painting for some time now, it just feels fitting with all the red in this space”
After a quick look at the powder room, the Architect led us to the west wing of the residence. Cutting through the courtyard in the middle, the team was able to briefly experience the beauty and the magic of the courtyard. The feeling of being outside with nature while nestled in the comfort of your own home.
The Architect first led us into their shared study that features a massive bookshelf with their personal collection of books, a shared table and a lounge.
The long study table has been recently organized but it’s evident that the Architect and Scribe share this table often with the adjustable drafting board taking nearly two-thirds of the space and the Scribes writing tools are scattered on the remaining space.
“Sometimes we work together here, sometimes one of us will work and the other will keep company lounging by the divan. When I was younger and would still sometimes work well into the night, I’d get so tired and just crash here,” the Architect pats the divan.
“Then I’d wake up in the morning tucked in bed. It’s good the bedroom is just nearby”
The bookshelf that takes up the whole wall on the left has sections on either side with glass doors. The Architect shares that they house the more sensitive books and scrolls collected by the Scribe in his time in the Akademiya.
“I keep telling him he’s the Archon's favorite, because how was he allowed to have these?” The Architect gestures to some books and scrolls locked behind the glass doors.
“The rest of these are actually from his grandma’s collections, the newer books we keep out in the open, these ones since they are older and more sensitive we had to secure.”
Some of the lower parts of the shelves are actually cabinets where the Architects keep other personal items and clutter away.
“The thing I have found with most residential projects is that you always think you have enough storage planned but turns out with how we accumulate stuff over the years it’s never enough”
The windows provided enough natural light in day and the space is afforded lighting at different levels as well making the study a well lit space.
“It would’ve been nice to have your desk pushed against the wall where the window is for natural light but I prefer this layout where you’re in control position. I have also learned some Liyuean design practice and this layout is also one they recommend. Something to do with the flow of leylines. It’s also best for consultations and so that no one sneaks up on you from behind and Haitham isn’t surprised by my coming and going.”
“Good lighting is important, that's why I didn’t skimp out on providing enough for this space. You have the general lighting in the center, wall lamps along the walls, some lights focused on shelving to highlight not just the books but as well the excellent craftsmanship of the shelf and of course focused lighting on the table,” the Architect continues.
“It was also important for us, well mostly me, to have a comfortable seat. My years of being hunched over blueprints has affected me, thus I consulted with Fanmu Carpenters of Liyue, who supplies furniture for the Jade Chamber, for an ergonomic chair for me and Haitham. Their workshop is located at a village where there’s mostly elderly thus they have developed designs suited for aging.”
On a low storage the Architects famous briefcase is on a charging port.
“Mehrak has also been such a great help lately with my work. But it’s rest time for her today,” the Architect touches the top of the device and it’s little face flashes green in what appears to be a smile.
At this point of the tour, Sumeru Digest team has been shaking with excitement at the thought of being able to peek into their private quarters. The Architect, despite being such a well known figure not just in the world of architecture, has led a mostly private life along with the Scribe. It has only been since their move that their relationship was revealed to the public, though some would argue it has always been apparent.
The Architect opens the door to their expansive bedroom and the team is greeted by a tête-à-tête set up in an anteroom space. The master bedroom is divided by a double sided bookshelf creating the anteroom, and a screen divider with intricate detailing hides the closet and a full length mirror.
The wall facing the anteroom features curated paintings and photographs accumulated over the years. On the console and storage aside from decor, various photos are also displayed showing friends of the Architect and Scribe many of which are equally known personas in Sumeru. Glass stained windows are covered in soft Remurian shades further filtering the light coming in.
The king size bed features a tan colored upholstered headboard and is placed on an ogee shaped niche space carved out of the wall. Dark wood stained vertical shiplap runs along the lower part of the walls and continues on an ornately carved trim around the ogee arch. The inside of the arch is wallpapered with a tone on tone dark green linen wallpaper featuring birds of paradise and hawk resting on a leafy landscape.
Long wooden night tables flank each side, littered with personal items revealing whose side belongs to whom. An adjustable reading lamp is provided on both sides, really hammering in that this house belongs to two people with a great love for reading. A plush carpet is tucked underneath and a small bench rests at the end of the bed.
“I wanted our bedroom to be a place of rest and relaxation. I think I've succeeded in creating that atmosphere” the Architect says.
Our team enthusiastically agrees. The combination of dark stained wood and the dark green wallpaper with accents of gold trims, tan, and oxblood creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Throughout the house, most of the windows have been left bare, allowing the light in and the beauty of the stained glass windows to shine. However, for the master bedroom, heavy drapes hang from the ceiling and are held back by custom bronze tie backs in the shape of leaves.
“Haitham cannot sleep unless it's completely dark, hence the drapes, it’s been working wonders for my sleep as well. I cannot be in bed and thinking about work or doing work since he demands darkness,” the Architect chuckles.
Finally, the team is given a glimpse of the en suite bath which is a luxurious space with a long bench lining the arched wall, a double vanity with enamelled brass over mount sinks and a sunken tub in the middle.
The tub features intricate tile work, complimenting the green stone tile and stone countertop. Natural light pours in from the window flanking the vanity and the windows along the arched walls.
“It’s kind of nice after the end of a long day to soak in here and relax with Haitham. We would sometimes stand beside each other over at the vanity either prepping to go to bed or to greet the day. It’s a nice little routine.”
The Architect leads the team back to the study for a short interview about his home.
How does designing for your own home differ from designing for a client? What difficulties did you encounter and what did you enjoy about it the most?
"Residential projects are a different beast each time. It requires an intimate knowledge of the routines and preferences of the client which varies wildly from one project to another. With having a client, especially for marital homes, there’s two stakeholders you have to appease. Sometimes they agree on things, sometimes they clash on small matters and make you side with one. On that front, I guess you can say I’ve had a lot of practice. We enjoy a healthy debate every now and then and I know how to win some debates and I know when to concede. Also, it’s easier since I’m designing for us. The clients I have to cater to are us. I’ve learned a lot in our many years of cohabitation and have applied that knowledge in designing our home.”
“I enjoyed working on this project a lot since I’ve been basically given creative freedom. You feel almost like a child again, I get hit by a giddy feeling at times during construction. This is real, this is mine—no it’s ours. I think any architect, designer or builder out there would agree but the dream has always started with building something of your own. And here I have built a home for myself and Haitham, it’s a culmination of dreams, a testament of success.”
“With any construction project it’s almost inevitable to have a problem here or there but with experience there’s really nothing you can’t fix. So I guess maybe getting Haitham to agree with the courtyard might be the greatest difficulty" the Architect jokes.
What sort of special consideration did you do for this project?
“My roommate is hard of hearing, as I’ve explained earlier on the tour I have tried to accommodate for that. From increased visual cues, ample space to sign comfortably, I’ve tried to incorporate all that. There’s still little studies on universal or accessible design not just in Sumeru but in Teyvat in general. I have been involved with studies to further understand what differently abled people need. I have been working on developing codes which could improve our building and design practices and accommodate a wider array of people. I tried applying my earlier findings in our home and I have gotten positive feedback on them”
“Us architects we shape the way people experience spaces, since this is our home I wanted Haitham to be as comfortable as possible, those things I have incorporated in our home he used to not think about it too much but then after living here for sometime now he has come to appreciate design that accommodates him”
Settle the debate for us, what would you consider your greatest work to date? Is it still the Palace?
“Wow I didn’t know there’s a debate on this,” the Architect laughs nervously as he scratches the back of his neck.
“With creatives like myself we are always seeking to do greater and better things. When I was younger I surely had that mindset let’s do things bigger and better. It was always about being more, surpassing things, trying to prove myself. A kind of fiery passion burning in your younger years”
“When I completed the Palace I had once thought that’s it, that's the best I could ever do. I had poured nearly all of myself into that project. It was, at that time, the culmination of my years at the Akademiya, my dreams and my hope for the arts and the profession, especially at that time with how my darshan and our work was valued at the Akademiya or in Sumeru in general. However, I have grown since that time and have been involved in many great projects. I consider my work in the desert important for nation building, I have been working towards accessibility and building an Akademiya branch over there is work I am proud of. I have also worked with our archon on non-architectural projects which have been key in preserving our nation. I have built several homes for people and have helped them realize dreams of their own.”
“I think objectively speaking those projects are of greater import in the grand scheme of things. However, to me, I consider what I’ve done here subjectively, my greatest work.”
“I guess I’ll leave the ‘objective’ answer for scholars to discuss” the Architect smiles at the team.
What about this project makes it so special in your eyes?
“It’s embarrassing to say, really. With the Palace being my hopes and dreams for the art and architecture, you could say it’s a love letter to the profession made by a young hopeful architect. The desert project, a letter to the desert and kids and dreamers there. Our home here is a long love letter to us both.”
“I have been actually subconsciously planning for this one long before I really started on the first draft, it started as small sketches tucked in my old notebooks, small mental notes I would come up with while working on other projects. I’d catch myself thinking Haitham would prefer this layout or this finish instead. Oh, if I were to have a home I’d do it this way… and before I knew it I actually had a wellspring of ideas for how I wanted this home to look or feel like.”
“It felt like a wish fulfillment too, for that little kid in me, who longed for a home filled with warmth, that speaks of love and care in every corner. When I had first presented this to Haitham I felt like all the words I had wanted to say long before my mouth had learnt to say it, had been said in every stroke reflected on that draft. I think he understood it too that time. He might have been fluent in Kshahrewar too with all my ramblings to him.”
The Architect concludes the interview with a final statement.
“Architecture is a language I am very much fluent in. This house, I believe is a testament to that. I mean, what better way to say I love you to a Haravatat scholar than writing in a language you are most proficient with” the Architect laughs at his own metaphor.
In the halls of Akademiya, Kshahrewar scholars will continue to debate on which of the works of the Light of Kshahrewar might be the greatest. But here in the light-filled shared study, where the Architects drafting tools and Scribes writing tools mingle with each other, the debate is settled.
To the famed Architect, his greatest work is a love letter, not just to his life long partner but to himself as well. A work of art, no less than his other more famous work, where every corner of the space is a careful consideration of its inhabitants and a memoir of a life shared together.