Conceptual Development

Given our country's acute vulnerability to climate change, there is an urgent need for livable spaces made from building materials that are easy to install, adaptable, readily available and quickly dissolve in the earth. Therefore, rather than aesthetic beauty, more emphasis is placed on climate resilient function. Sourcing materials from the surrounding environment significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to using industrial materials also very budget friendly. It is also essential to consider the purpose and beneficiaries of these structures. This institution has the potential to connect with not just the local community, but also those who are extremely vulnerable to climate change and those dedicated to climate-resilient sustainable construction.

Building a climate-resilient structure is an ideal project that actively involves the local population. The funds allocated for this installation benefited nearby residents, thereby integrating the local economy with the construction efforts. Additionally, this community hub serves as an educational platform where visitors and students share climate theories with the local community. Consequently, this climate-sustainable construction extends its influence throughout society, fostering broader connections and enhancing communal resilience. Strongly believe that, if people involved in this type of structure, then they took it granted and take care of it.

Description

Rupgaon is one such place where communities of different societies are involved. Now it has become a community learning hub. A community learning hub is a dynamic space where people of all ages come together to share knowledge and inspire action.

The project initially faced significant challenges related to the site. The site was situated average 9 feet below road level and had a relatively long north-south orientation while being narrow in the east-west direction. Filling a 192-foot-long, 95-foot-wide, and 9-foot-deep space with soil was both cost-intensive and environmentally detrimental. The process significantly increased the carbon footprint and was unsustainable due to the need to excavate and relocate a substantial amount of soil. As a more cost-effective and eco-friendlier alternative, proposed constructing a single floor using a bamboo structure, which eliminated the need for extensive earth filling. Aim was to primarily preserve the existing site and surrounding area as much as possible without any alterations.

To address the existing site conditions more sustainably, the design proposed adding another floor below ground level, reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. The initial schematic included a ground level at +2 feet, an upper level ceiling at +10.5 feet, a main roof at +15feet and lower floor at -7 feet, lower ground level at -9 feet. This allowed for the accommodation of two floors within the existing site at a lower cost.

To minimize material usage for this type of building, a study of the local lifestyle and construction methods was conducted. The study revealed traditional techniques used in local homes, incorporating bamboo and earth-mixed mud houses. The surrounding houses, passed down through generations, showcased the timeless beauty and wisdom of using clay, bamboo, and palm wood.

Various types of local bamboo and durable mud mixture samples were collected for the design development. The structure was elevated by 2 to 3 feet from the lower level without disturbing the earth, resulting in a two-story building that adapted to the existing site depth. The structure was elevated for three main reasons: first, dry bamboo decomposes with earth contact; second, to accommodate water level rise; and third, to manage the flow of water from relatively high roads. The design incorporated functional spaces based on local climate analysis and basic needs, with materials sourced from within a 2-kilometer radius to ensure ease of repair and maintenance. Alluvial soil from a nearby river and mature bamboo were used for the floor layer.

Although the process incurred substantial expenses, the project faced another significant challenge related to the architectural design. The structure measured 180 feet in length and 20 feet in width, with the most demanding aspect being the roof design. Crafting a single long roof spanning the entire structure was a difficult task, requiring close collaboration with skilled craftsmen. Numerous iterations and refinements were undertaken until the desired design was achieved.  

Rupgaon’s upper level includes an office room for administrative tasks, seven versatile classrooms (four of which also serve as accommodations), and a library room doubling as a meditation area and lower floor includes a display center, a multipurpose space/seminar hall, a cafeteria with a kitchen, and a room for service/caretaker. Here we consider the front ramp as providing universal access for all disabilities.

To maintain the authenticity and traditional craftsmanship of the structure, the team decided to avoid using iron nails, pins, or strings in the construction of the reinforced bamboo mud mixture, traditional yet innovative structure, up to the second-floor level. Instead, the entire framework was meticulously assembled and bound by skilled craftsmen using locally sourced ropes made from reusable plastic, thereby minimizing plastic waste and its impact on the ecosystem. The reinforced bamboo mud mixture floor is not only eco-friendly but also offers excellent insulation, creating a comfortable interior environment.

“Rupgaon, is an edifice constructed from locally sourced materials, embodying a process of creation shaped over time by the local community”