ASHRAY REC Foundation Old Age Home

The brief was designed keeping in mind the vulnerability of the place as well the comfort of the people, especially during winters, and to provide them with emotional and physical well-being, facilities like cattle rearing, kitchen gardening, etc. have been integrated within the site. The site consists of the double unit and dormitory rooms with facilities of a Common Room, Dining area, Recreational Room, Prayer Room, administration block, open-air theatre, etc. in the first phase, and in the second phase, additional blocks of dormitory and double unit plans are proposed. The intent was to set up a community village for destitute elderly with Shelter Services – Modular, comprehensive & elder-friendly, The project was also envisaged as Wellness, Geriatric health care centre, and day-care centre for the elderly. with allied services. The project is envisaged in two phases, the first phase of the project is complete and it can accommodate up to 60 residents, and the second phase will have 30 more residents. Site Planning is a tool seeking to create an environment that fights off the bitterness of the cold with soft, soothing, and vibrant foliage which is easy on the eyes, winter or summer. Keeping in mind the universal accessibility, the buildings are so placed to make it look like the traditional settlement is designed. Raw, rustic, and resilient, the landscape of Leh exudes all of this and more. To manifest the master plan's ideals, Eye on the inhabitants, and no negative areas inside the complex, the complex is also designed as the last resort for the old people, so to make sure that they can indulge in all the different kinds of activities within the compound. The Design Minimum use of steps at the site for universal accessibility for the elderly, further as much possible locally available yamang is used for pavement for easy mobility within the site. The orientation is for the Buildings such as to be placed to face towards the south to gain maximum sunlight. The unique design of ‘rammed earth’ mixed with concrete balancing strength with insulation keeping in mind the low temperature & harsh winters. All the buildings in the complex are made using this very material. Insulated walls covering the water tank, layered inside with local dry grass for heat-trapping to prevent ice formation, the span of the buildings was designed taking into consideration the talu dumma way of making the roof. Use of yamang (traditional stone material) for paving, Local traditional “Shing Tsang” – carved & ornate overhanging eaves / “Chajja” depicting rich local artistry & culture, Solarised walls, especially for bathrooms (“Tombe” walls), which have specially insulated & south facing walls for sunshine which prevents the freezing of water from the tank to the pipe outlet.