Inflation that simply doesn’t quit, poverty that rises every day, and the other uncountable clichés consequential of a troubled government have a lot of people whining and complaining today.

Times are difficult, an understatement surely, and neither is it surprising that these unfavorable conditions have crept into the world of construction and property as well.

To have ones own residence without the “on rent” tag has become quite a novelty. Though house financing and leasing companies have made this task comfortably achievable, not many people want to take the risk of being indebted to an organization for a time unlimited.

Where aesthetics are available in abundance, financial scarcity hinders the achievable. Yet, intelligence in planning and design surpasses such setbacks. In an instance when such brilliancy is fueled by the power of patience and motivation, the results are out of the ordinary.

The residence of Mr. Wali Jan, an electric engineer from NED University is a perfect example of a project that grows and matures gradually. But when defining “gradually” here, it wouldn’t occur to most that the said house was completed in a span of nearly 18 years. Mr. Jan decided not to bring in financial help from external sources and relied on his personal funds, that, despite being delayed were consistently spread over all this time.

As for the characteristic creativity that makes this project worth a mention, Mr. Jan acclaims his 30 year work experience in close collaboration with architects who taught him to work with profound thought and detail. This same relationship enabled him to develop a good sense of planning small spaces. And this he incorporated in his own house, which is small (80 square yards) yet, very intelligently planned.

The plot with a frontage of 30 feet and a depth of 24 feet is located in a low-income settlement of Liaquatabad, Karachi. The ground floor accommodates a living room, dining room, study and an open to sky courtyard. Each of the two upper floors has two bedrooms, one bathroom, one kitchen and a lounge around the courtyard. Finally, a roof top garden not only adds natural beauty and freshness to the house but also provides space for outdoor activity.

It is commendable to note that initially only two rooms were built on the plot, purchased by his father. It was the time when Mr. Jan took admission at the NED University and his father hoped that his son could rent out the rooms and earn some money to support his education. In 1973, Mr. Jan prepared a conceptual layout of a house he had started dreaming of, and 18 years later saw its fulfillment.

Though the construction is complete, Mr. Jan adds details as and when he wants. Lately he dedicated a small pool at the entrance for his children to enjoy their leisure time. It also contributes as a greeting for anyone entering the house. He has maintained a sense of openness inside the house by an internal courtyard. And the fact that his plot is surrounded by streets on all three sides keeps the entire house well ventilated as well.

On entering the house one is immediately lead to a very linear drawing room. The shorter wall has an edge to edge perspective image of a jungle, exaggerating the proportions of the narrow room. The family entrance is kept separate which goes directly to the first floor without passing through the drawing room. The staircase is planned in an open courtyard and the projection at mid-landing houses a bird cage which enlivens the whole atmosphere. The courtyard space appears livelier with open plan lounges on each floor looking into it. All floors are nicely finished with colorful heritage tiles.

The roof terrace has been designed by adjusting structural beams for plantation. A water drainage channel has been provided underneath so that the building structure is not harmed. The plantation trenches all around the roof not only replace the conventional parapet wall that is constructed in all the houses of the locality, but it also gives an aesthetic value to the elevation.

The elevation of the house is an inspiration of the Balochistan House in Islamabad designed by a renowned architect. Mr. Jan explained that it symbolizes mountains’ peaks which he personally liked and incorporated in his house.

Mr. Jan has also maintained professional ethics in an area where no consideration is made for the neighbors’ rights, and bye-laws are violated quite casually. His house can be a model for others to follow in order to have a comfortable living without encroaching others space. In this regard, ulta Ashok trees have been planted in front of his house that help ensure his own privacy and also provide an undisturbed environment for his neighbors.

The KESC personnel were convinced to lay electric cables underground for his house which is an unusual practice in the locality. Though it did cost him a bit more but in return he enjoys good aesthetics, and a hassle free life without any danger of pulling down hanging wires.