Architecture project // Sustainable Clay and Riverstone Structures Shaping Community Life in the Himalayas

Sustainable Clay and Riverstone Structures Shaping Community Life in the Himalayas

Authors:

Calin Segal, Attali Tiffany, Gerolamo Gnecchi, Hicham Filali

Utilizing locally sourced riverstone and clay, the design integrates tiered structures that promote community interaction while supporting sustainable agricultural practices in the Himalayan environment.

5 key facts about this project

Utilizes tiered structures inspired by traditional pagodas to blend with the Himalayan landscape.

Incorporates locally sourced riverstone and clay for sustainable building practices.

Features hydroponic systems that reduce water usage and promote local food production.

Includes renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, to support self-sufficiency.

Designed as a communal hub to enhance interaction between residents and visitors.

General keywords

himalayas community sustainability living agriculture communal tourism local self-sufficient hydroponics

Project specific keywords

pagoda clay steel hydroponics wind sustainable community hub alpine tiered local materials

## Overview

The architectural design entity known as "Pagodic Proliferation" is situated in the Himalayan region, aiming to establish a self-sufficient environment that caters to both local residents and visitors. The project is founded on the principle of fostering interaction and cultural exchange through communal spaces, while prioritizing sustainability. The design draws on traditional local architectural forms and integrates contemporary materials and technologies to create functional structures that meet the diverse needs of the community.

## Spatial Organization

The project is structured around a central communal unit that serves as a multifunctional hub, from which various functional zones radiate. Key elements include:

- **Communal Unit**: Centralized space for living, dining, and communal gatherings.
- **Living Units**: Private quarters equipped with sustainable amenities, including hydroponic gardens for food production.
- **Agricultural Units**: Designated areas for cultivating crops, utilizing innovative water-conserving techniques appropriate for the regional climate.

This layout facilitates social interaction while maintaining necessary privacy, addressing the dual objectives of fostering community centeredness and providing individual living space.

## Materiality and Systems

The design emphasizes the use of locally sourced materials alongside modern prefabricated components:

- **Natural Stone**: Collected from local riverbeds, providing structural integrity.
- **Prefabricated Steel**: Enhances construction efficiency and site assembly.
- **Clay Walls**: Contribute to thermal comfort and aesthetic integration with the natural surroundings.
- **Hydroponic Systems**: Support water-efficient agricultural practices.
- **Renewable Energy Solutions**: Incorporation of wind turbines underscores a commitment to sustainability.

Local building knowledge informs construction practices, ensuring that traditional techniques are respected while modern methodologies are employed. The project also integrates systems for waste recycling and composting, promoting an eco-centric approach and the cultivation of an engaging cultural landscape.