Located at the crossroads of high Asia, Ladakh’s vernacular architecture has evolved over centuries with knowledge of local materials and in response to the harsh climate of a trans Himalayan desert within its agro-pastoral culture. In the wake of rampant urbanisation and industrialisation in this fragile ecosystem, Ladakh’s vernacular heritage is at threat.
The old village of Phey, on the banks of the river Indus and located 15 km from the main town of Leh, is a cluster of peasant houses that were built incrementally over the generations. These earthen homes have seen steady abandonment leading to their fast deterioration.
Achi Association India has conserved Drikung art and architecture in the region and due to its interest in the vernacular, created their new base in Palay House of Old Phey. Further, it sees potential beyond the conservation of one odd house, to set an example and generate awareness to conserve humble vernacular knowledge.
Palay House is built with round stone masonry at ground level and sun-dried mud bricks on the first and second floors, bonded with mud mortar. Poplar trunks and willow sticks form the floor system, topped with compacted earthen filling for achieving levelled spaces. Restoration works were carried out using traditional methods and materials available in its proximity. The design and execution not only employed carbon-neutral methods but also ensured the carbon-neutral future of the house.
The earth recovered while restoring the floor system was reused for the wall plaster and waterproofing. The new timber added to the building was acquired from the plantation of the owner from within the same village. The local dry composting toilet was refurbished to contemporary standards. A greywater drainage system was installed which is filtered before being used in the farms or left in traditional soak pits.
Field Architect’s practice balances a deep understanding of local materials with refined contemporary imaginations.
