In the Himalayas, Architects Are Building Structures That Stay Warm Naturally and Withstand Harsh Conditions

In Uttarakhand’s Khirsu village lies an earthquake-resilient structure. The choice of materials makes it seem almost as if the BASA tourism centre is listening to the land, the climate, and the community. Stone and wood sit in dialogue with each other, their conversation revolving around how tradition and innovation can coexist. 

A bird’s eye view of India’s construction landscape reveals a similar story unfolding across villages and towns as sustainable architecture makes its inroads. Buildings are being redefined as extensions of local knowledge, climate wisdom, and collective resilience. We take a look at three such projects that are shouldering a comeback of ancient architectural principles. 

1. BASA 

Developed by the architecture firm Compartment S4, the site blends local knowledge with sustainable construction throughout the four-bedroom cottage, community kitchen, and space where local produce and handicrafts are sold. 

Basa (translating to ‘inviting guests into your house for a night halt’ in the Garhwali language) doesn’t just reflect sustainability in design, but also in mindset, encouraging women of the self-help group Unnati to sell their home-made products and enhance their livelihood. The space’s rainwater harvesting tank with a capacity of 27,000 litres meets the needs of the locals. 

Sharing about the architecture, architect Monik Shah points to the stone-filled gabion retaining walls (imagine a cage-like structure filled with stones) that add flexibility, complemented by a light wooden structure on top. 

About the material:Using undressed stone in the gabion walls proved resourceful, Monik reasons. The rest of the space was constructed using wood, mud (from the site), and a minimal amount of steel for the joinery. The space is thermally insulated by the wattle and daub walls, whose woven lattice of wooden strips (wattle) is covered in a mixture of clay, mud, straw, and lime (daub). 

As Monik explains, “The main challenge of designing a building in the Himalayan mountains with cold temperate climates is to ensure that it is not only earthquake and landslide resilient but also takes into account the increasing remoteness and difficulty in transport as altitude rises.”

Architects, take notes: The secret of the architecture’s resilience lies in its framework. “A robust stone-filled gabion base anchors the structure, countering the forces of earthquakes and landslides, while a lightweight wooden superstructure above allows flexibility and minimises risk during seismic events,” Monik adds. 

However, he cautions that architects must account for patina (a film that forms on the surface of wood), weathering of the wood, and the softening of the stone with time. 

2. Rung Community Museum 

In the 19th century, Jasuli Buri Shaukyani, a resident of Dantu village in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh, built dharamshalas(lodging for pilgrims) for traders. One such structure in the Bhowali market has been restored and transformed into the Rung Community Museum, which gives a glimpse into the community’s lifestyle through their clothing and artefacts. 

Inside, a rustic takeover unfolds through wooden decor that features likhaicarving. The craft is native to the artisans of Kumaon in Uttarakhand and involves etching a story on the wood in the form of carvings and patterns. At the Rung Community Museum, you’ll come across the narrative on columns, doors, railings, brackets, and window frames. The architectural language restores identity, continuity, and cultural memory. 

About the material:Wood as a material is a sustainable bet, but combine it with likhaiand architect Monik Shah of Compartment S4 says it becomes a reflection and support of culture. 

“Properly detailed wood ages gracefully in Himalayan climates, gaining character rather than deteriorating,” he shares. Since wood is known to insulate, breathe, and adapt to seasonal changes far better than rigid modern materials, Monik reasons that this gives architects the leeway to restore using methods that understand the region, structurally, climatically, and experientially. 

Architects, take notes: “Different woods age differently in Himalayan conditions. Designing responsibly means choosing the right species for the right function, detailing for protection, and allowing artisans to guide the process. When respected this way, wood can carry structure, services, craft, and storytelling seamlessly,” Monik shares, adding that for this particular project, teak and pine were used. He explains, “Teak was used for the columns and railings since these were vulnerable to direct rain and fluctuating Himalayan weather conditions. Teak’s natural oil content and dense grain structure make it highly resistant to moisture ingress, decay, and insect attack.”

He adds that, while working with pine wood was a great experience, it is time-consuming. “Drying pine takes time, but the undried version does not work well for the structure. Additionally, pine is susceptible to moisture movement and insect attack, so it requires thorough seasoning and anti-termite treatment.”

Beyond aesthetics, Monik urges architects to view likhaias craftsmanship. “Architects must treat likhaias a collaborative process, not a finished product. This means designing with artisans from the beginning, allowing time for handwork, and respecting the logic of the craft rather than forcing modern detailing onto it,” he shares.

3. Amaara  

Rachana Varma, a self-taught natural builder, decided to use Adobe sun-dried bricks for her cafe Amaara in Bir, Himachal Pradesh. It complemented the region’s rugged profile and fluctuating climate.

About the material: Made from local soil and sun-dried without firing, Adobe is said to have a lower embodied energy (energy consumed during the production process) than traditional bricks. Rachana shares that the thick earthen walls offer excellent thermal stability. “The material also allows walls to breathe, resulting in healthier indoor spaces without reliance on mechanical heating or cooling systems,” she shares. This is supported by research that points to Adobe sun-dried bricks’ low thermal conductivity as a boon. 

Explaining her material of choice, she says, “Adobe was not chosen as a ‘better’ technique but as the most contextually appropriate one. It allows the structure to remain deeply rooted to the land, both visually and ecologically, while encouraging a slower, more mindful construction process aligned with natural rhythms.”

The bricks allow moisture to move naturally through walls, helping to regulate humidity levels indoors. Rachana adds, “Adobe structures can be repaired using the same earth they are built from. Instead of demolition and waste generation, maintenance becomes cyclical, regenerative, and low-impact.” 

Architects, take notes: Reasoning that the soil composition needs to be carefully tested and balanced, while foundations and plinths must be raised adequately to protect walls from ground moisture, Rachana says that rainfall patterns, drainage, and orientation play a crucial role in determining wall thickness, finishes, and overall performance. 

She adds, “Adobe also requires an understanding that maintenance is part of its life cycle;  small, timely repairs are essential. When these considerations are respected, Adobe structures can be remarkably resilient, comfortable, and long-lasting, even in challenging climatic conditions.”

Sources 

‘Adobe as a Sustainable Material: A Thermal Performance’, Published in Journal of Applied Sciences in December 2010.

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