Building with earth - Gernot MINKE (1)

Kindergarten and Nursery of
Druk White Lotus School, Ladakh,
India
The Druk White Lotus School at the village
of Shey in Ladakh is a large complex for
750 mixed pupils from nursery age to
18 years and includes also accommodation
for some pupils and staff. Phase 1, Kindergarten
& Nursery, was completed in 2001,
Junior School and Administration buildings
in 2004, Senior School is planned for 2008.
The complex is located at an altitude of
about 3700 m in an extremely cold but
sunny climate.
Ventilated Trombe walls, wool as thermal
insulation layer and double-glazing were
used to create an acceptable indoor comfort.
Key design feature were also water
cycle and waste management, maximised
solar potential through both passive and
active means, solar-assisted ventilated pit
latrines and use of local building materials.
The kindergarten buildings have air cavity
walls on three sides with granite blocks
laid in mud mortar. The roof is built in the
Ladakhi tradition: a heavy mud roof supported
by a timber structure independent of
the walls to provide earthquake stability.
Architects and engineers: Arup Associates,
London, Great Britain
Completion: 2001
Area: 596 m 2
184
Built examples