MUNICIPAL WASH FACILITY AT MRF

In 2019, Leh generated about 40 Tons of waste each day during the tourist season and about 9 Tons per day during the winter. The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) located at Skampari is used by the Municipal Committee Leh (MCL) to segregate and process the solid waste collected from Leh. The facility consists of staff/drivers from the MCL. The Municipal staff segregates the dry and wet waste and processes them in the solid waste treatment plant- working all seven days,a week. 

The staff faced various challenges due to lack of access to water supply, clean toilets, and bathing facility, especially, during winters when the temperature dips as low as -30°C. 

Thus the project aims to provide for an all-weather, high quality and aspirational WASH facility for the MCL staff/driver working at MRF. This shall help them to reduce their exposure to diseases and maintain a hygienic life through the round-year functional facility.

Site selection: 

It is situated outside of the work shed area of MRF, so as to create  an experience of 'break time' during the lunch hour and otherwise. North  side of the selected Site is closer to the approach road for ease of service  access.  

The site is moderately contoured, that can help create stepped  building mass, burring certain functions underground or exposing the  necessary functions to the South sun, as required.  

Design strategy:

To create a year round functional WASH facility in this high  altitude, cold and arid environment, various passive solar heating  techniques are incorporated within the planning and the design proposal.  For keeping the interior spaces warm during the winters, the lower ground  floor level will have Trombe wall (passive solar heating) system and the  upper ground floor level uses direct heating through solar energy gain. Ladakhi architectural elements and space quality to make a  familiar experience for the hard working waste management staff.  

Construction technique: 

Load bearing earthen insulated walls with earthquake resistant  ties, resting on traditional stone foundation. R.C.C. structural wall ties and  beams are used in combination with load bearing wall system to  accommodate larger roof spans. Either Poplar beams (Dungma) or timber  rafters can be used for roof structure. The roof floor layers would be made  with combination of these two, earthen insulation and modern  waterproofing.  

The interior wall and floor finishes will give an outlook of  minimalist and earthen feel, however will be designed in a way to keep it  maintenance free. The glazing system shall be made with UPVC for  durable and maintenance free operations