The Rabsel is a timber structure constructed with a series of vertical and horizontal timber members with Shamig (ekra) infill panels and windows (refer to Appendix-1). The Rabsel projects out of the main superstructure and rests on the ground floor joists known as Tsechukhanyim/Langna. The Tsechukhanyim (cantilevered joist) is supplemented with Pedma and Dhung or Choetseg, Pedma and Dhung. The Rabsel will always have cornices (Phagna, Bogh, Choetseg, Pedma and Dhung). The Rabsel can be continuous - covering the whole facade of the building or broken into smaller units known as Lobur Rabsel (Appendix-1). It is not mandatory to have shamig beside the Lobur Rabsel as long as the unit is rigidly fixed to the main superstructure. The different types of Rabsel will be discussed in subsequent sections.
Traditionally the windows used with the Rabsel were Horgo or Gyesargo or Beodgo (refer to sub-heading 2.1.4).
The Rabsel can be single or double tiered. It can also be supplemented by Drey-zhu components to raise the architecture richness.
A single tier Rabsel, whether suppiemented by Drey-zhu or not, must project out from the wall sitting on the Tsechukhanyim and must have minimum cornices at the top. (refer chapter 6)
In a double tier Rabsel, the second tier will start from the Bogh of the lower Rabsel and must have minimum cornices at the top.
If Drey-zhu is used it has to be on the first tier Rabsel.
The basic principals described above apply to all types of Rabsel except on Gomang Rabsel.
Photo 2a
Building with Rabsel Go-chham Thog-nyim on Drey-zhu from Gantey Goempa.
Photo 2d
A farm building with Boedgo Rabsel and Parop Rabsel side by side.
The different types of Rabsel are as follows:
Parop Rabsel
Rabsel Go-chham Thognyim
Lobur Rabsel
Boedgo Rabsel
Gyesargo Rabsel
Drey Zhu Rabsel
Gomang Rabsel
Nimchong Rabsel
Illus 2b
Illustration of double tier Rabsel Go-chham Thognyim supplemented by Drey-zhu.
Illus 2c
Double tier Rabsel Go-chham Thognyim without Drey-zhu.
Illus 2e
Double storey building with Nimchong Rabsel and Lobur Rabsel.
Photo 2f
Gyesargo Rabsel on Drey Zhu (Kawangjangsa Heritage building).
These Rabsels will be discussed individually under their headings.