Golden Haveli: Restoring a Historic Landmark
Rescuing a 1906 landmark in Chandni Chowk from decay required a blend of architectural detective work and traditional craft. Discover how we breathed new life into its Mughal-era courtyards and stone jaalis.
Our work on the Golden Haveli received the Creative Excellence Award from Kudos Gallery. We revived this 1906 structure, preserving its intricate stone jaalis, cusped arches, and stained glass for a new generation.
A guest suite in the Golden Haveli, which was long-listed by The Merit List for its critical relevance in contemporary Indian architecture. The design balances heritage aesthetics with modern comfort.
A high-angle view of the central courtyard during the inauguration of the Golden Haveli, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The geometric marble inlay is a centerpiece of the design.
I had the privilege of explaining the restoration process of the Golden Haveli to Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, showing him the architectural drawings and before-and-after photographs of the project.
A moment of appreciation during the inauguration ceremony of the Golden Haveli. It is gratifying to see our efforts in heritage conservation recognized at such a distinguished level.
Posing with Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Shri Vijay Goel at the Golden Haveli. This project is a result of a shared vision to preserve the architectural soul of Old Delhi.
Discussing the finer details of the restoration with guests during the inauguration. The project involved reviving everything from the facade to the interior finishes with historical accuracy.
About this collection
Restoring a 1906 landmark like the Golden Haveli requires a rigorous forensic approach to architecture. Since most century-old buildings in Old Delhi lack original blueprints, we start with precise distress mapping to identify structural weaknesses before any aesthetic work begins. This ensures that when we integrate modern amenities, we do so by reinforcing, not replacing, the historic masonry.
The restoration of the Golden Haveli was an exercise in balancing historical reverence with modern utility. When we began, the structure was a shell of its former self, showing significant deterioration that threatened its structural integrity. Our team undertook a multi-phase conservation strategy to stabilise the building:
Structural Revival
We prioritised the safety of the original fabric by utilising a combination of traditional and modern engineering. Weakened foundations were reinforced, and collapsed floors were replaced using authentic, period-correct materials rather than modern substitutes. This was critical to maintaining the building's original load-bearing characteristics.
Adaptive Reuse Strategy
Turning a residential haveli into a boutique hotel necessitated careful spatial planning. We focused on 'invisible' utility integration, ensuring that modern HVAC ducts and electrical conduits were concealed behind cornices or integrated into non-structural elements. The central courtyard, once a private family space, was reimagined as a social hub for guests while preserving the geometric marble inlay and traditional water features.
Material Integrity
Our team sourced lime plaster and Dholpur stone from artisans who understand the historical techniques of Shahjahanabad. Every cusped arch and stone jaali was restored not just for visual appeal, but to recreate the specific play of light and shadow that defines Mughal-era architecture. By working closely with local craftspeople, we ensured that the intervention felt like a continuation of the building's history, rather than a disruption.
Kapil Krishan Aggarwal
I see old buildings as the storytellers of our city. To me, restoration is not just about repairs, it is about saving memories embedded in lakhori bricks and sandstone. My team and I spend our days tracing history in the ruins of Shahjahanabad, ensuring every restored arch or jaali respects the soul of the original 1906 structure.
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