Page 8 - Apr-Jun 2018

Welcome
Harmonious Ladakhi Homes to my home

Location: Jammu and Kashmir; Rural
Physical Factors: Continental (cold) Desert climate; Flash fl ood prone
on
The residential layout in Ladakh is really interesting. All buildings are vertically positioned on
f the
the slope ensuring that all houses get enough sunlight and do not get blocked in the shade of the
neighbouring house. They are all organised in a North-South orientation to get as much sunlight
ight
as possible.
SHAPE
ROOF WALL & FLOOR
The shape of the houses
The roof is made of mud on wooden The walls are thick for vary according to the
boards, supported by wooden beams of a insulation. needs and requirements of
local tree trunk. Often, the top of the roof The fl oor is also mostly the residents.
is used to store dry straw and grass for wooden for thermal comfort.
extra warmth inside the house.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

The windows are big to be able
to let the warm sunlight in.
However, the windows which
are not facing the sun are
smaller.
LAYOUT

The houses mostly have two storeys.
Large houses have a courtyard, while
smaller ones do not. The ground fl oor
is used for keeping livestock, storage
and to collect waste. The fi rst fl oor is
where people stay. The lavatories are DECORATION
on an upper fl oor, with a chamber The houses here are known for
underneath where the excreta is
beautiful wood carvings which are
collected for composting.
used to beautify the entrance.

Photo Credits: Mr. T. S. Randhawa, Advisor (INTACH
Knowledge Centre & Information Technology)
ACTIVITY: SUSTAINABLE HOMES

DID YOU KNOW? Green construction supports nature and improves

The Druk Padma a building’s performance. It creates a healthy,
Karpo School located ecologically responsible environment and
in Shey, Ladakh is an contributes to thermal performance, storm water
eco friendly school management, biodiversity conservation, and local
designed to withstand food production.
earthquakes. This List the factors that make Ladakhi homes
school featured in the sustainable.
fi lm Three Idiots. It has been given many awards for its Aksa Mary Benjamin, IX, Good Earth School, Chennai; Molisha. S.
green design too! Sanchhtra, VI, Bhavan’s Shri A.K Doshi Vidyalaya, Jamnagar

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