REINVENT NATURE
India is a synonym to diversity. Diversity exists and lives in India be it in terms of culture and religion to the prevalent climatic conditions. From snow-clad Himalayas in the north, to dry deserts in the west, from Cherrapunji in the east with an average annual precipitation of about 450 inches to the God’s own country in the South, we have it all!
Ladakh in the North is one place where the locals have their own set of issues and solutions. It’s a cold desert where summers are hot and winters are harsh. Winter renders an unliveable condition for humans and thus major population migrates (Human Hibernation) to the bearable and liveable environs of Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar and Dehradun. However, for the population who can afford the costs of such migration its’ an annual outing, but, on the other hand, the major population that lives on the margin have to bear with the harsh conditions in Ladakh. Yet again every problem does have a solution. People have devised solutions to make their Habitat liveable and warm even in these harsh conditions. From burning solid/liquid fuels to designing their habitats they have done it all!
PASSIVE SOLAR HOUSE (PSH)
PSH’s are Habitats that have been designed to counter the harsh winter conditions and make the habitats liveable and comfortable for human dwelling. PSH, the solution is indigenous and has existed since 1000 of years. We believe in the technique as, it also aligns with the tag line of Kaath Kuni i.e. Simple, Sustainable and Responsible. PSH’s are simply created using indigenous materials such as earth, sand, clay, straw and timber. Sun, which is abundantly available in this region and is free to use is the major saviour and contributor to this technique.
Real-time experiences have clearly shown that when it’s -15 deg outside (Ambient Temperature) its comfortable +15 Deg Centigrade inside the PSH.
A PSH (Passive Solar House) greatly aid at reducing the carbon footprint as all the material is locally available and requires minimum efforts. Moreover, the amount of fuel required to keep the ambient temperatures warm is greatly reduced.
This technology uses the power of the Sun which is available in plenty even in the winters. The south-facing houses trap the solar rays within the house and make it warm. The roof is stuffed with locally available insulating materials like earth, sand, clay, straw and timber. With advancements in science and numerous research, even upcycling of waste plastics are being considered and implemented. This goes a long way in improving upon the existing technology and also providing a Simple, Responsible and Sustainable solution to the huge amount of plastic waste problem.
The photographs attached are work in progress in PSH at HIAL (Our Alma-mater). HIAL is an initiative under the leadership of the great thinker Mr Sonam Wangchuk (Ice Stupa and SECMOL founder) in Ladakh. HIAL aims to develop Ladakh into a benchmark for a sustainable economic living for the mountain world, where all children receive a meaningful education that prepares them for a life of dignity in harmony with nature. At HIAL all the buildings will be Simple, Sustainable and Responsible.
We at Kaathkuni wish to apply our learnings at HIAL to spread its mission throughout the Himalayan region, with a special focus in Uttarakhand.
