someplace, manali
photos:
amalgamate
area:
6000 sft
status:
built
location:
manali
someplace, manali
Most of the structures are aligned to the north-south, with larger openings towards the south, allowing the sunrays to enter and hence creating warmer and cozier spaces.
The site is situated in a valley surrounded by snow peaks in a one-acre plot of an apple orchard. The idea was to build small buildings dispersed in the small clearings that were found on the site. This gave the spaces a greater sense of privacy without having to disturb the existing landscape. The larger boulders became the anchors for the structures, using them as a base to establish the physical and visual connection.
Local artisans helped transform some of the other boulders into construction materials. These building blocks were used to create 18 inch thick, load bearing walls with cement mortar between them. Vertical reinforcements were provided at every few feet along with horizontal connections to maintain the structural integrity, making it earthquake resistant. The intention was to create quirky spaces using local techniques and materials available on site.
Most of the structures are aligned to the north-south, with larger openings towards the south, allowing the sunrays to enter and hence creating warmer and cozier spaces.
