SPACES feb issue 2017

Architecture
Building Materials
Only local materials, laborers, and
engineers have been utilized in the
creation of Lali Gurans. In doing so,
a local economic and constructionknowledge
boost is given to those in
need of revenue, jobs, and additional
skills. Concrete is used extensively
in the building. In order to minimize
the high energy cost of producing
Portland cement, up to 40% of the
limestone typically used has been
replaced with fly ash.
Hardwoods that are durable,
locally-available and plentiful in the
Kathmandu Valley, such as Sal, Agrath
or Chapa, shall be used to create
window frames and built-in furniture.
Children’s Ziggurat
Locally-adapted orphanage and library
Winner of the LafargeHolcim Awards
Silver 2014, “Children’s Ziggurat:
Locally-adapted orphanage and
library, Kathmandu, Nepal” is
designed by Hilary Sample and
Michael Meredith of MOS architects,
New York and the project client,
Christopher Gish, Director of Seeds for
Change in Colorado is looking after the
construction of the project in Nepal.
The Lali Gurans Orphanage and
Library addresses the needs of an
under-served rural population. In a
context lacking basic infrastructure,
the new 21 m high facility utilizes lowtech
renewable energy and material
resources, local craftsmanship, and
vertical gardens for insulation and
food, significantly reducing operating
costs.
The project also addresses the needs
of the nearby communities by offering
a library accessible to the public and a
seismically stable refuge area during
the devastating earthquakes and post
tremors. •
February 2017 SPACES / 45