Taak, the deep-set wall niches and recessed windows, often lined with wood or stone, are not just ornamental. They are light-bearers and the gentle curators of space.
The Taak system is one of the most understated yet powerful elements of traditional Kashmiri design. While the rest of the world moved to sleek walls and plain glass windows, Kashmir preserved a design that reflected its seasons, its social values, and its soul. Every Taak has a purpose — to frame the light, to store the sacred, to shield from the cold, or to give the eye a moment of stillness.
In older homes, Taaks were built as arched niches — carved into thick brick walls. The recessed depth offered insulation against the harsh winters. But more than that, it brought dimension to the wall — giving every room a sense of intimacy.
Window Taaks are another marvel. Unlike modern protruding window systems, Taak windows are set deep into the structure. This design allows low-angled winter light to pour in, warming rooms naturally, while minimising harsh summer glare. It’s a passive solar design.
At Design Ethos, we are reintroducing the Taak system in modern homes. In an age where homes are increasingly becoming smart boxes, a Taak brings pause. It creates corners that are both personal and aesthetic — perfect for placing a cup of tea, a potted plant, or a memory. We are even giving a personal touch to the Taaq system using carved walnut frames and concealed LED backlighting. This creates spaces where tradition meets ambience. The Taaks don’t just add texture to the walls. These give the home its heart.
Beyond aesthetics, the Taak system also speaks of the Kashmiri way of life — of multifunctionality, modesty, and an inherent respect for space. In Kashmir where winters are long, every niche becomes a companion. Taaqs are places to keep warmth, meaning, or prayer.
At Design Ethos, we encourage our clients to view Taaks not as antiquated details, but as mindful design — slower, softer, more meaningful. In bedrooms, they become shelves for stories. In kitchens, they cradle copper samovars. In corridors, they glow like lanterns with just the right light.
Architecture is not about having more, but about making more of what you have. And in that philosophy, the Taak system continues to thrive.