The Muslim architecture also found expression in beautiful residential buildings and houses. Percy Brown, a renowned authority, identified in Lahore and other areas of Pakistan, type of wooden architecture certain features of which bear resemblance to the buildings of the Saljuqs of twelfth century as well as houses in other areas of Muslim Asia. In addition to the beams embedded horizontally within the brickwork, there are other substantial elements, notably door-ways with windows above, and also overhanging balconies.
Of the spacious gardens solely created as pleasure resorts, the most well-known is the Shalimar Gardens of Lahore. This famous garden was designed by Ali Mardan, the Chief Designer of Emperor Shah Jehan, in 17th century.
Laid out in Persian style, it is a triple terraced garden with marble pavilions, three large pools, a marble cascade and more than 400 fountains. To ensure privacy, the garden was enclosed with a high oblong wall, 488 meters by 214 meters. The water supply required to maintain this garden in a state of uninterrupted efficiency, was ensured through the construction of a canal which was no mean feat of engineering. Spacious gardens of similar type were laid out in other cities, many of which are traceable in remnant forms like Shalimar Gardens of Peshawar, the two remnants of which Shahi Bagh and the Jinnah Park, are still in existence.
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