Gulzar Houz
History
Gulzar Houz has a rich historical background dating back several centuries. It is closely associated with the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which ruled the region of Golconda (now part of Hyderabad) from the late 16th century to the late 17th century.
It's located at the heart of Hyderabad’s historic core, and has evolved over centuries, changing its form, size, and function while surviving the test of time. Once a striking landmark with a central fountain, it gradually lost its structural strength and aesthetic appeal. The last concrete reconstruction deteriorated severely, leaving a sludge pit in the center, visible cracks across the structure due to constant traffic movements, and damage caused by earth settlement. Despite its decline, Gulzar Houz remained an important urban marker, carrying the legacy of Hyderabad’s architectural and cultural history.
It's located at the heart of Hyderabad’s historic core, and has evolved over centuries, changing its form, size, and function while surviving the test of time. Once a striking landmark with a central fountain, it gradually lost its structural strength and aesthetic appeal. The last concrete reconstruction deteriorated severely, leaving a sludge pit in the center, visible cracks across the structure due to constant traffic movements, and damage caused by earth settlement. Despite its decline, Gulzar Houz remained an important urban marker, carrying the legacy of Hyderabad’s architectural and cultural history.
Restoration
To revive its lost glory, the Deccan Terrain Team undertook a meticulous restoration, referring to archival images from its inception to modern times. The goal was to create a structure that was both architecturally elegant and structurally sturdy.
The restored Gulzar Houz was inaugurated on 6th October 2023. The project was honored with four awards recognizing excellence in Research & Design, Architecture, Structural Work, and Overall Project Management.
Team Deccan Terrain expresses heartfelt gratitude to all supporters who stood by this journey, motivating them to pursue more projects of heritage revival.
Key features of the restoration include:
- Stone parapet: Built in harmony with the surrounding Pathergatti.
- Cast iron fountain and railing: Designed for elegance while ensuring pedestrian safety and durability.
- Cast iron lampposts with magnifier glass: Replicating the illumination style of the 1800s.
- 1.5 lakh pieces of Moroccan/Levant 20mm glass tiles: Used on walls and floors, adding both durability and aesthetics.
The restored Gulzar Houz was inaugurated on 6th October 2023. The project was honored with four awards recognizing excellence in Research & Design, Architecture, Structural Work, and Overall Project Management.
Team Deccan Terrain expresses heartfelt gratitude to all supporters who stood by this journey, motivating them to pursue more projects of heritage revival.
- Lime brick wall repairs: Extensive lime brick wall to be repaired, with grouting and stitching also carried out.
- Roof water tightening: Water tightening to be done on the entire roof of the Kamaan, including the roofs of adjacent shops.
- Front grills: Grills and members to be restored or replaced depending on their condition.
- Arcade facade pillars: Cement plaster to be raked, abrasive cleaning done, and stone pillars repointed.
- Façade and wall replastering: Removal and replastering of surfaces in lime on the façade and backside external wall.
- Ceiling repairs: Ceilings to be repaired and restored.
- Terrace repair: Deteriorated lime bed removed from the roof and first-floor arch area, replaced in three layers of lime concrete with water tightening.
- Plastering: Arches and façade wall plaster to be redone in plumb line.
- Brick masonry: Removal of damaged brick masonry and replacement with new brick masonry in lime and brick.
- Decorative cornices: Masonry decorative cornices to be carefully restored.
- Masonry consolidation: Brick and stone masonry to be consolidated, with gaps filled and grouted using traditional lime mortar.
General Info of Main Kamaan:
- Length: 17 meters
- Height: 9 meters
- Width: 6 meters
Right Wing:
- Length: 67.7 meters
- Height: 7.7 meters
- Width: 10 meters