4. Kachhen and Zhu
A Kachhen is the timber column that is tapered and has a distinct Kachhen head and Rap (photo 4.1a) separated by a line of Cheyim.(rosary bead). Traditionally the Kachhen was found in Dzongs, Monasteries and Royal buildings. They are very rarely found in ordinary residential buildings. However, in recent times, the use of Kachhen in commercial buiidings and ordinary houses has become very common.
There are three common shapes of Kachhen found in Bhutan.
a) Square Kachhen (photo 4.1b)
b) Octagonal Kachhen (photo 4.1c)
c) Twelve sided Kachhen (photo 4.1d)
Kachhen (a) and (b) are most commonly used all over the country.
Kachhen (c) is usually found in old monasteries and Dzongs.
The use of Kachhen is now permitted irrespective of residential, commercial or institutional buildings.
In commercial buildings where an arcade is built, it is mandatory to provide Kachhen and Zhu except on buildings designed as hotels.
Photo 4.1a
Kachhen head and Rap
Photo 4.1b
Square Kacchen
Photo 4.1c
Octagonal Kachhen
Photo 4.1d
Twelve sided Kachhen