1 Roof
1.2 Roof Features
The Jabzhi roof is a square lantern type structure with pitch roof, which is usually placed on main roof or on another larger Jabzhi known as Jabzhi Wogma (lower Jabzhi). Traditionally the Jabzhi roof is painted yellow, has carvings of mythical birds or animals like the Jachhung (Garuda) or Chhusing (alligator) and is framed with a special eave board known as Chhuzar-chhulbg. According to Zowu (traditional carpenter) Thuji from Talo, Jabzhis normally do not have windows and cornices, the addition of which appears to be a recent development.
A Jabzhi roof has to have a Sertog. The Jabzhi roof must be decorated with a Jachhung(Garuda) or Chhusing (alligator) and Chhuzar-chhulog, and such decorations are permissible only on Dzongs, Monasteries, Temples and on Royal buildings as this roof form is the highest in roof heirarchy.
A Jabzhi roof is therefore not permissible on residential and commercial buildings. With special permission from the Competent Authority it may be allowed on certain institutional buildings with a Gyaltshen. In such cases minimum required cornices shall be incorporated above the Jabzhi windows.
A Jabzhi roof with a Gungdhar may be permitted on Ministerial residences without the carvings of mythical birds or Chuzhar-chhulog and without the yellow painting.
Note: A pitch roof other than a square shaped one is not a Jabzhi.
Photo 1.2.1 Trashichhodzong Utse with top Jabzhi placed on Norbu Bagam. Also refer Photo 1.3.1a showing Jabzhi roof with windows and cornices.