FOR THE COMMUNITY, BY THE COMMUNITY

A net-zero production facility in the Himalayan Foothills, this project utilises an integrated design approach for a community-built building that contextually blends in with the site

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the Lodsi community project for Forest Essentials is picturesquely located along the banks of the river Ganges in Rishikesh. The design brief stipulated by the client outlined the construction of a manufacturing facility for a modern skincare company that focuses on reviving the ancient science of Ayurveda. The brand’s philosophy of infusing ancient wisdom with contemporary aesthetics presented the design team with an opportunity to adapt vernacular construction techniques to create a contemporary production facility.

The design approach and development of the facility was highly specific to the site’s topography, climate and immediate context. It has been designed in a manner that does not exceed the footprint of the previously existing structure. Furthermore, the location of the site and the limited availability of resources determined the budgetary and building constraints for the project. Therefore, the firm set out to achieve a net-zero and energy-efficient building through an integrated design approach resulting in a free-running and off-grid production unit.