Launch of the Rainbow School auditorium construction in partnership with APECIH and TCEF

Rainbow School News - July 2025

On June 4, 2025 , HIAL Ladakh Architecture Team made its second official visit to Rainbow School to finalize the site layout, orientation and tracing of the foundations of the multi-purpose hall.

During this visit, the architectural team had in-depth discussions with various local craftspeople—including masonry experts, carpenters, and welders . The objective of this meeting was to present and explain the principles and structural concepts of bioclimatic design (Passive Solar Building Design) , a central element of the project.

It is important to emphasise that this session was not just a technical presentation . The HIAL team actively listened to the feedback from the craftspeople , incorporating their local knowledge, traditional techniques and practical ideas into the design and construction of the auditorium.

This collaborative and inclusive approach ensures that the structure is both anchored in local culture and adapted to environmental issues .

This represents a further important step in this joint project, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable and community-centered infrastructure development .

In accordance with the spiritual and cultural tradition rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, the foundation stone laying ceremony ( Bhumi Puja ) for the multi-purpose hall was performed on June 2, 2025, with deep respect and care. The monks performed the sacred rituals to bless the site and seek permission from the elemental forces and earth spirits ( Nagas )—an essential step before any construction activity according to our tradition.

According to Tibetan belief, the earth is not inert, but very much alive, often inhabited by spirits or Nagas. It is therefore customary and respectful to offer prayers and make offerings to seek their consent and blessings before the erection of any new structure. To ensure balance and harmony, ten Sachu Pungpa (Tibetan geomancy) were also installed on the site.

Tibetan geomancy is a traditional science of analyzing Earth energies, involving the alignment and interaction of natural elements such as water, air, space, and light. Its goal is to establish harmony, health, prosperity, and well-being—both in the environment and in the individuals who live there.

It is worth noting that this year corresponds to the Year of the Wood Snake in the Tibetan calendar, which is traditionally not considered auspicious for the launch of new construction. However, to counteract negative influences, special rituals and compensatory prayers were performed, so that the energy of the project would be aligned with positive and beneficial forces.

This sacred and symbolic beginning thus lays the foundation not only for the physical structure, but also for the spiritual integrity of this common project. This ceremony was also suggested by Karma Tensum, Executive Director of TCEF.

Foundation excavation work began on June 6, 2025, marking a significant step forward in the concrete implementation of the multipurpose hall project. Immediately after the excavation, construction of the stone masonry foundation wall began.

Key technical specifications of the foundation: depth 90 cm below ground level, width 110 cm, height of the waterproof layer (DPC – Damp Proof Course) 75 cm above ground level.

Given that the Zanskar region is subject to heavy snowfall, it was decided to raise the DPC level to 75 centimeters to protect the structure from snow accumulation and moisture-related problems. This measure aims to ensure the durability and thermal efficiency of the building in extreme winter conditions.

This phase reflects the collective effort of the community to ensure that the foundations are both structurally sound and adapted to the local environment .

The first reinforced steel pillar for the multipurpose hall project was successfully installed on June 13, 2025. This is a significant milestone in our construction work. A dedicated team of 16 people was mobilized this season to complete the project. Their commitment and hard work have resulted in progress exceeding our expectations . We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing the teamwork for the next phases of construction.

Following the completion of ground levelling and the installation of the Damp Proof Course (DPC), we successfully compacted and laid earth and cement bricks for the future construction of the wall.

Wall composition: 70% of the walls above the DPC level will be constructed of mud bricks, in keeping with our traditional architecture. The southern façade will feature a Trombe wall system, constructed with cement bricks combined with plastic mineral water bottles filled with water and 250 grams of salt. This passive solar heating technique—proven at HIAL Ladakh—uses water bottles as thermal batteries. During the day, the bottles absorb the sun's heat; at night, they slowly release the stored heat, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

Community Engagement and Environmental Action: To collect the required number of water bottles, students were encouraged to bring empty plastic water bottles from home. Every 15 days, the school rewards them with ₹2 per bottle, which is tracked and recorded. We also collect bottles from local hotels, promoting reuse and reducing plastic waste in the community.

This initiative not only supports sustainable construction but also raises environmental awareness among students , creating a hands-on learning experience in climate-resilient architecture.

The bricks are manufactured on site and exposed to the sun for complete drying before being used for wall construction, to ensure better adhesion and increased structural strength.

We will keep you informed of the progress of the work in our next posts.