YOGA PAVILLION

Yoga pavilion is a handcrafted crown jewel of an addition to a resort Ladakh Sarai situated in a scenic  village near the main town of Leh, Ladakh. Modular and easily assembled portal frame structure of the pavilion gets partial inspiration in the  tent of the local nomadic culture and spatial experience of Buddhist monasteries. The design and  experience of the space attract travellers with sensibility, initiating a story and awareness toward  the local culture around.  

The pavilion provides a panoramic view of surrounding while practising Yoga or any other activity.  The double glazed openable windows along with insulated floor and roof keep the space  comfortable during any time of the day. The project brief is a direct reflection of the resort owner's passion for fitness and guest experience. 

STATEMENTS ON SUSTAINABILITY  

Minimal design for minimal impact   

At the core, Yoga pavilion is a modular hand‐crafted portal frame structure. Each square module formed  by these portals is 5 x 5 m. The portal frame is made of timber, which is simply placed on the stone base  on an existing building terrace. The simply supported structural design is physically non-intrusive to the  ground.  The three main components of a module are floor tie, column, and roof edge tie, defining the form. All  the joineries of these components are designed to support without the use of glue and nails.  The lightweight folded surface geometry forms the roof structure and supports itself. The formal rigidity  of the roof geometry also helps to hold the portal frames together. The geometry of the structural  component of the roof reduces a considerable amount of material weight.  

Use of hand craft giving enhanced spatial experience and empowered artisans   

The design of Yoga Pavilion not only has controlled usage of material but also has an enhanced  experience of space as well as the drama of light.  Slender portal frames of timber and lightweight roof above, forming a columnless span of 5 m width  and a series of skylights measuring 2 x 2 m, are unprecedented examples in the local circumstances.  The use of handcrafted elements, starting from beautiful timber joints to roof board and ceiling  patterns achieved with required artisan training gave well-appreciated empowerment to the team of  carpenters.  

CO2 LIFECYCLE ASSESSMENT  

Utilising materials that have gone through a minimal process that uses fire or have multiple  lifecycles, help to reduce overall CO2 emission.  In Ladakh, except for summers interior spaces require additional heating systems. In Yoga Pavilion  the 'direct solar gain' is used to generate the desired warmth for cold phases. Insulative floor and  ceiling help to maintain the comfort level.  Reclaimed timber floor and glazing mullions along with insulation that is natural or upcycled for floor  and ceiling both, help to reduce a major portion of the burden on the economy and carbon footprint  of the building.  

Total roof area: 120 sqm, 

Skylight area: 14 sqm  

Total facade area: 119 sqm (entirely double glazed)  

Utilization area: 87.5 sqm (reclaimed timber floor, with natural insulation fill below)  

Materials - 

Portal: timber frames, 20 x 20 cm   

Roof structure: m.s. light weight box pipe  

Roof: cement board  

Ceiling: upcycled insulation, light wood panels  

Glazing: reclaimed wood, glass  

Floor: reclaimed wood