Chongye Bumthang House: March 1998
click here to go to the
Chongye Bumthang page (use your "back" button to return here)
1999 saw the completion of Bumthang House. Bumthang (or Chongye Bumthang) is a hundred-year-old former aristocratic mansion, serving as the state-owned home to eight tenant parties. Despite having previously been in a state of severe dilapidation, many important architectural details were still preserved. Bumthang was saved from demolition in 1998. A rehabilitation plan was developed by THF and Lhasa City Cultural Relics, and work was undertaken by the Lhasa Ancient Arts Construction Company. Extensive structural works had to be carried out. In addition, piped water was brought in, a second toilet system was installed, and both systems have been connected to sewers. Historic paintings on walls and wooden elements were preserved in a special workshop given by Portuguese artist and THF co-director, Pimpim de Azevedo. US$25,998 in funding was provided by Trace Foundation. THF co-funded work at Khimey House, another site saved at the last minute in 1998, completed with Trace Foundation funding of US$11,545.
