Shel, A Homestay in Ladakh

The context of the site stretches, vast and stark. The sheer daunting scale of the mountains in the distance far away, yet somehow intimate. The Indus River gushes through the arid plains bringing life to this land, spreading flora and fauna. You feel minuscule, you feel peaceful and you are invisible. The solitude envelopes you and the sparse air alters your rhythm. You are new, you have left behind all traces of urbanism within you and around you, to embrace this and surrender to nature, ever changing marvel that is Shel, Ladakh. This emotion, this memory and this otherworldly context becomes the hero of our architectural quest.

The aim is clearly defined: for the building to disappear and allow the inhabitant to feel this pure uncontaminated singular connection with her surroundings. The built environment, in this case, is simply a vehicle, an enclosure that encourages you to experience nature and your altered state, without any distraction.

Materiality & Cultural cues:
The parameters for Shel were defined as restraint from overdesign, meditative, lack of distraction, indigenous construction and materiality, 360 views, insulated to retain heat, cultural and construction techniques borrowed only from Ladakhi lifestyle. The principles of the structure were borrowed from locally constructed structures which have stood the test of time in the harsh weather conditions in Ladakh. A double layered, insulated mud brick skin forms the wall of the structure, while Willow and Poplar trees form the column, beam and slab for this ground plus one structure. While this posed constraints in the small structural grid, it gave rise to the unique DNA of the spatial rhythm and interiors of the space. The decorative wooden carving around the doors and on the beam is called Shinshak and we did a contemporary take on this detail.

Above the Shinsak is Pensak, which form the band of wooden spokes. This aesthetic treatment can be found in the monasteries of the area.

Hardwood lines the floors as you comfortably float through a series of rectangular, south facing, sun filled spaces, barefoot, enjoying the play of light and shadow throughout the day. The flooring is called Shen flooring, which is a typical interlocking system which is also used for ease of repair and maintenance.

Simple linear fenestrations form a rhythmic functional exterior. One room features a skylight atop the bed, bringing you endless views of the Milky Way. The occasional cultural cue shows up in the form of the Ladakhi kitchen and the bookshelf in the form of the infinity knot of Buddhist symbolism.

In essence, we restructured the material agency of the site, to create this humble abode that sits lightly on the land amidst its magnificent surroundings.

You feel light, you feel aware, present and in union with nature. You are healing. You are a spectator and a silent participant all at once, in nature’s marvellous spectacle. This is Shel, Ladakh.