Himalayan Light

Address : Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal
one story building, education building (school)
GF :  office, classroom, multipurpose room, dining, kitchen, meeting room, water reservoir, amphi-theatre, toilet, storage

Photos : 3D image idea
2d Drawing & Full 3D : Fani Atmanti  & Pegah Roshan
Rendering  : Aulivio H. & Dini Aiko

The Himalayan Light school draws its inspiration from Nepal’s profound cultural heritage, vernacular architecture, and the poetic harmony of its natural landscape. The name “Himalayan Light” signifies a vision of hope—an aspiration for the school to illuminate young minds and contribute to a brighter future for Nepal. The architectural concept centers around a single-storey, rectangular structure composed of modular bays measuring 5x7 meters for classrooms, offices, and 5.7x8 meters for the multipurpose hall. This modular approach ensures ease of future expansion, cost efficiency, and adaptability in construction. Newari design principles and indigenous Nepali architecture inform the building’s language. A defining feature is the reinterpretation of the traditional strut element (Sanjhya)—typically crafted from timber and used to support overhanging roofs. In this design, the strut evolves into a functional and expressive structural element, supporting the generous roof eaves that shade the school’s verandas, offering both cultural continuity and climatic responsiveness. Each classroom is equipped with a flexible sliding partition system that allows the space to be divided into two smaller learning zones or combined into a single larger hall. This transformable layout not only supports diverse educational activities but also enables the expanded space to serve as an emergency shelter in the aftermath of natural disasters—offering safety, adaptability, and resilience embedded into everyday school life. Passive design strategies are integral to the project. Larger openings on the south elevation allow for optimal solar gain during the winter months, while minimized openings on the north reduce heat loss. The southern orientation also harnesses prevailing summer winds to enable cross ventilation, enhancing thermal comfort through passive cooling. Locally made Jhingati clay tiles are used for the roofing, prized for their thermal insulation, recyclability, and cultural value. Their production also empowers the local community—particularly women—fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the school’s construction. Sustainability and resilience guide the material palette. Rammed earth walls are chosen for their thermal mass, low environmental impact, and contextual relevance, paired with bamboo framing—a rapidly renewable, earthquake-resistant, and locally abundant material. The structure is designed with a raised plinth to mitigate flood risk, and incorporates a rainwater harvesting system that channels water from the roof into a pond and landscaped amphitheater, blending infrastructure with learning and play.

Together, these elements compose a school that is not only a center for education, but a symbol of cultural, environmental harmony, and
community-led progress.

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ST-AR
Studio Atmanti Roshan | Tokyo - Los Angeles
Instagram : @studio.atmanti.roshan
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