Recently, Sonam Wangchuk, SECMOL received Global Award for Sustainable Architecture 2017 on May 15 at the Cité de l'architecture & du patrimoine, Paris in this regard, a press conference was held on May 24 at Press Club Building, Leh. 

Speaking at the Press Conference Sonam Wangchuk said, “The award is not just for me but a proud moment for the people of Ladakh as it has recognised and felicitated the ancient technique of building the houses which have been carried out by our ancestors.”

Talking about the harm of new techniques, methods and technology, he said that these adoptions have caused much of environmental and health damages. Construction of buildings and houses of modern material contributes a maximum number of environmental damages as compared to other things. The use of cement, steel and other materials has also caused health issues among the people specially the old age.  Therefore it becomes important to ensure a building or a house which is more safe and comfortable. The ancient traditional way of building a house is a very clean and safe way of lifestyle which needs to be revived, preserve and make it modernised.

He further added, “While we are giving up our root method and moving towards modern styles, many parts of the world is reviving and implementing this method. Thus, nothing will be better if we work towards the resurgence of our own traditional method and strive to add more into it for the sustainable and healthy environment.”

Responding to the queries of whether the house is affordable to the common people, he said, “It is not costly as we are using the material which is locally available and is less expensive.  

He also informed that in this year a factory will be set up in Phyang which will prepare the walls made of clay, mud and straw. The ‘Fiber reinforced clay’ walls will be easily handled and assembled wherever it is needed.  This will prove economical, ecological and also generate employment in our society. Ladakh being in the seismic zone is more vulnerable to earthquake and when we talk about safe houses, cemented house if made properly it is safe but in maximum cases, it is not built properly. 

In rammed earth building, one can also go for the earthquake resistant but this will definitely cost but on the other hand, the walls made in the factory are light weighted thus there is a very less chance of falling down.  

The factory is a part of school of architecture of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives which will educate the student practically as well as theoretically.  

Talking about successful of rammed earth house along with the change in climate in Ladakh Sonam Wangchuk said, “It is not an issue at all because the precipitation we get is very less as we are in the desert.  Even if the rainfall gets double it is a minor issue which can be solved easily.”

The Global Award is run by the Cité de l'architecture & du patrimoine Paris and is under the patronage of UNESCO.