Home Like Sanctuaries- Delhi Couple designs traditional Kath-Kuni style Homestay in Himachal’s Sainj Valley
Turning their gaze backward when humble houses in the valley used to fill the hearts of visitors with enchantment, Suchita and Vikas Tyagi left Delhi behind to create a new architectural language by using traditional Kath Kuni architecture style of Himachal.
An eco-friendly homestay in the vicinity of Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal’s Sainj Valley is as inviting with its sheer beauty as the vision of paradise on earth.
With no architecture degree or prior experience in design or construction, the city bred techie duo invested their time and saving into their own research for months and collaborated with local masons to execute their dreams into reality. As per Suchita, she cannot be happier having left the hustle-bustle of her city life behind her.
Kath kuni architexture is indigenous to the himalyan region which involves alternately stacking wooden beams and stones that can go even up to seven floors. The vernacular archtecture is belived to have passed on from generation to generation asm any old temples in the region are built using this technique.
As the primary materials are wood, stone and mud, it is also earthquake resistant given the occurrence of frequent earthquakes in hilly area. The materials used in this technique also help insulate the property during extreme weather conditions. Whether it is hot or cold outside, it is always cozy inside the fourwalls.
They have ingeniously integrated traditional architecture with modern amenities to appeal to a larger audience, they have made small modifications like attached toilets and recycled pallets to make beds and baskets, which double as dustbins.
As for the cost of building this homestay, as per Suchita says, “Managing and maintaining the homestay is more costly than constructing it. They have to keep polishing the mud to ensure that the property is free of insects. One can enjoy the stay under himalayan skies and unquestionable hospitality for 3500 Rs per night including breakfast.
The comfortable and spacious cottages at the resort offer a perfect blend of authentic design using local materials. The food served is often local and authentic to the region, and they themselves take great care in curating meals for the guests.
As the area comes under the UNESCO World Heritage site, so visitors need to practice some restraint while staying there for instance loud music is not allowed and damage to flora and fauna of the region is strictly prohibited.
