A group of young Architects and designers in Naggar, India, is dedicated to reviving and preserving traditional artisan skills used in constructing durable houses. For centuries, builders in the mountainous Himalayan region have relied on locally sourced materials like wood, stone, mud, and slate, creating homes that still stand today.
However, rapid urbanization has led to the rise of modern multi-story buildings made of concrete and steel. Many of these structures have collapsed under the pressures of earthquakes, landslides, and severe flooding, while traditional homes have remained resilient. This group focuses on designing new buildings that honor the traditional building style, which incorporates horizontal support beams that allow structures to sway during earthquakes without sustaining damage. They advocate for responsible development by reclaiming beams, stones, and roof tiles from abandoned local houses and training artisans in ancient techniques to preserve their Himalayan building heritage.
