indian vernacular guides field architects' earth-clad gulzar's house

field architects learns from ladakh tradition

Field Architects has completed Gulzar’s Residence, a home that thoughtfully integrates the vernacular practices of northern India‘s remote and mountainous region of Ladakh. Shaped by the region’s harsh climate, culture, and traditions, the project draws on centuries of evolution in local architecture. The studio’s design for the residence embraces local materials and techniques while focusing on human habitation in harmony with the environment. This approach acknowledges Ladakh’s unique high-altitude desert setting and honors the adaptations made by generations of inhabitants in response to the area’s natural and social conditions.

Gulzar’s Residence is located in Chuchot, a small village discovered along the banks of the Indus River in the Ladakh region. The house enjoys stunning views of the Thiksey Monastery and the Stok mountain range, making the location both picturesque and steeped in history. The client, a local naturalist and conservationist, wanted a home that would reflect his deep connection to the land while embracing a modern aesthetic. Field Architects designed the house to stand in dialogue with the valley, taking full advantage of the site’s natural beauty and sunlight.

Field Architects designs Gulzar’s Residence in Ladakh, using vernacular influences | image © Field Architects

A Double-Height Space for Stargazing

At the core of Gulzar’s Residence, the team at Field Architects reinterpreted traditional Ladakhi architecture with a minimalist and contemporary design language. The house centers around a spacious living area and includes two master bedrooms, a study, and a combined kitchen and dining space. Field Architects deconstructed the region’s vernacular elements and refined them into modern forms, creating a space that feels timeless while rooted in Ladakhi tradition. The structure is primarily built with locally sourced materials, including adobe and timber, ensuring that the house complements its natural surroundings.

The design features an expansive, south-facing, double-height living room with timber-framed glazing. This dramatic space invites ample sunlight during the day and offers opportunities for stargazing at night. The southeast corner of the house includes a traditional ‘shelkhang,’ or solarium, designed with an expansive timber structure and glazing that maximizes views of the surrounding valley. These spaces highlight the design’s ability to blend traditional architectural elements with modern living.

the house is situated in a scenic valley with views of a monastery and mountains beyond | image © Field Architects

Sustainable Materials and local Craftsmanship

Field Architects ensures that Gulzar’s Residence reflects the craft and materiality of the region. The exterior of the house is finished with a pinstriped earthen plaster, a texture carefully crafted by local artisans, giving the structure an artisanal touch. Inside, lime and earthen plasters further enhance the minimalist design, allowing the home to feel both contemporary and deeply connected to traditional Ladakhi craftsmanship. The residence’s use of locally sourced and sustainable materials further ties into the architect’s philosophy of harmonizing with the environment.

The home is designed with energy efficiency in mind, using a double-wall adobe construction with repurposed army mattresses for insulation. It is is oriented to the solar south, maximizing winter sunlight while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate year-round. The structure sits on a sturdy dry stone masonry foundation with earth berms surrounding it to prevent heat loss. This passive solar heating design is essential for keeping the house warm in the extreme winters and cool during the summer, providing a comfortable living environment despite the region’s sub-zero temperatures.

traditional Ladakhi architecture is reinterpreted with minimalist details | image © Pia Sodhi Photography