At an altitude of 3,750 metres, the remote Himalayan village of Tanpo lies in the Zanskar River valley in Ladakh. The new classroom for 25-30 children allows school to be held during the harsh winter months and is located on an upper embankment of the river, safe from flooding. Only the south-facing double glazing is non-local; the double-walls are built from sun-dried adobe blocks, and the internal cavity contains straw for insulation. Solar radiation is the only source of heating; for additional insulation, a service corridor is located on the north side of the classroom. Construction by the local community and international volunteers took place over two summer months in 2017.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
