Namobuddha, 2019

The Alaya, built entirely in rammed earth accommodates a Yoga retreat and residential facilities for the practitioners and their trainers.

A double story residential building and a three story community building are the two main buildings on the site. The layout of the buildings has been deliberately kept compact to fit into to the existing hilly terrain and maximize on farm land. The compact layout is also intended to reduce plumbing and infrastructure lines within the almost 2 acre property.

The eight residential units are in twin bed layout, each with en suite bathrooms and individual terraces oriented towards the Himalayas. Natural ventilation, natural lighting and thick rammed earth walls offer acoustically private and airy rooms. Additional Thermal Insulation has been provided under the roof and in the flooring of the residence.

The three storey community building is set into the existing terrain. It has a 120 m2 yoga hall on the lower level, this has insulated glazing and floor heating to keep the hall temperate. The kitchen, dining and common area is located on the middle level that open up to a large terrace to the east. Trainer accommodation are on the attic level of this building.

The location of the yoga center near Namo Baudha Temple is a dry area and experiences water shortage almost all year round. Thus rain water harvesting, collection ponds and waste water management systems have been installed to assure a sufficient water supply year round. A dual plumbing solution separates potable and reclaimed water which is used to fill toilets and irrigate plants.