Perched at 12,000 feet, The Doksa emerges as a climate-conscious sanctuary, embracing Spiti’s formidable landscape while nurturing warmth, resilience, and a deep bond with the earth. Nestled in the remote, high-altitude desert of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, the vernacular construction of this retreat stands amid terrain shaped by fierce temperatures, brilliant sunlight, and the wisdom of generations.
The Vernacular Construction Of This Retreat Has A Deep Bond With Earth | Studio Windows to Vernacular
The brief was to design a 12-room boutique farm-stay that combines modern functionality with vernacular construction wisdom, adapted to meet contemporary standards for safety, comfort, durability, and adaptability, as well as policy requirements.
Sustainability was a key focus, emphasising locally sourced materials, vernacular construction, renewable energy systems, and passive design strategies to reduce environmental impact and operational costs. The structure, technical services, and spaces are designed to operate efficiently during harsh winters, when temperatures can fall to -22 degrees Celsius.
Surrounded by farmland and marked by striking landforms, the site began as a vast, open canvas. The raw climate and local nuances guided the design, which responds directly to the land’s character. Construction methods honour both policy and tradition, while the spaces are crafted to leave a lasting impression, offering comfort and familiarity akin to home.
Notable features include 18-inch-thick Rammed Earth Walls and the inverted butterfly roof. Deep balconies, wide corridors, and sandwiched glass contribute to passive design strategies. Six-foot-wide balconies let low winter sunlight in while shading indoor spaces in summer.
Spacious corridors serve as buffers, facilitating cross-ventilation during temperature fluctuations. The roof captures snowmelt, with the potential to harness 200,000 litres of water for irrigation. The roof also maximises solar gain in winter.
Construction materials directly reflect local construction wisdom. Thick rammed earth, adobe, and stone walls provide nearly 7,000 cubic feet of thermal mass, naturally stabilising temperatures. RCC moment-resistant frames for seismic activity serve as the structure’s skeleton and comply with government policies. These factors keep the building comfortable year-round with minimal reliance on mechanical systems.
Sunlight pours into tranquil interiors, each room opening to sweeping mountain vistas. With four distinct facades, the building frames ever-changing views of Spiti’s vastness. Here, time slows, inviting guests to savour shifting light, the dance of seasonal winds, and the profound hush of the valley.
Before construction began, the fertile topsoil from the building footprint was removed and used to create about 35,000 sq ft of new farmland on the site, ensuring no loss of agricultural productivity and reflecting the client’s and project’s values of stewardship and care.
In its completed form, The Doksa exemplifies climate-sensitive architecture for extreme environments. It minimises energy use, values local knowledge, and offers a meaningful experience of place.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Windows to Vernacular
Project Type: Hospitality Architecture Design
Project Name: The Doksa
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Year Built: 2025
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Built-up Area: 14000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Akshay Kumar Varma
Team Design Credits: Niharika Shah, Hardik Garg & Ishita Bhatt
Photograph Courtesy: Saurabh Madan & Adhira Agrawal
Products / Materials / Vendors: Construction Materials – Stone, Earth, Wood, Steel, Cement / Lighting – Fig Living, Claymango, Oorjaa Design / Doors and Partitions – Wood and Glass / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Windows – Wood and Glass Furniture – Mohh / Flooring – Slate stone, Kota Stone, simpolo Tiles / Paint Asian Paints / Artefacts – locally Procured from different cities / Hardware – Doorset
Firm’s Website Link: Studio Windows to Vernacular
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Windows to Vernacular
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