The architectural components are craved into a wood known as “sal” (Shorea robusta). This is a wood in the Dipterocarpacae family, the same family as teak. Like teak, it is very dense, very strong and extremely resistant to the elements.  It neither rots or is attacked by insects. It is extremely strong with a modulus of rupture of 21,500 psi and a modulus of elasticity of 2,789,000 psi. These are more than double the values of conventional construction timbers used in the United States, such as Douglas Fir.  Columns made from this wood are used structurally throughout Nepal.  In fact, sal is commonly used throughout Nepal and Northern India as a standard construction timber.  The only common wood that exceeds sal in strangth is black iron wood (Rhomnidium ferrum). The hard, even texture of sal makes it ideal for hand planing and carving and gives it superior dimensional stability.

Furniture pieces are from “sissoo” (Dalbergia sisso) and “champ” (Michelia champaca). Sissoo is a Nepali rosewood that is very conducive to carved manufacture and to beautiful finishes.  Champ is similar to elm and results in beautiful carved pieces. Another species, Adina cordifolia, is similar in appearance to maple. It, too, is conducive to carving and results in pieces of a lighter appearance.

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