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KUPPA TOWNSHIP

  • Client :

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JSW
Kuppa, Himachal Pradesh
2023 - Completed
47,500 sqft.
Housing

Located in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur district, the township project is situated near Kupa village in Himachal Pradesh. The site, positioned at an average altitude of 1,800 meters, lies along the serene banks of the Baspa River and enjoys views of the surrounding Greater Himalayan terrain. The location offers a dramatic landscape and pristine natural setting, making it ideal for a self-sustained, tranquil mountain community. The climate here is cold and temperate, with long winters, mild summers, and annual rainfall of around 1300 mm. Average temperatures range from –17°C in peak winter to 17°C in summer, with limited daylight during winter months.

To respond to these climatic conditions, the design incorporates passive solar strategies and green technologies. Shadow studies showed minimal direct sunlight throughout the year, with early sunset hours; thus, wide south-facing roof lights were introduced to maximize solar gain. The township includes Trombe walls on southern facades to naturally heat interiors, maintaining temperatures around 15°C even when external conditions drop to –11°C. Additional insulation is provided using polyurethane foam and AAC blocks, which offer excellent thermal and structural performance. Solar air heating further supports sustainable heating.

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Site planning focuses on integrating architecture with nature. Blocks are placed parallel to the Baspa River, ensuring uninterrupted views and natural ventilation. This linear riverfront arrangement takes advantage of prevailing valley winds and minimizes overheating during warmer seasons. Staggered placements preserve existing vegetation and enhance thermal buffering through natural shade and wind protection. Walking trails, a jogging track, fruit orchards, and gazebos are interwoven into the landscape, fostering community engagement and wellness.

The residential blocks are aligned along an east-west axis, optimizing solar orientation. South-facing walls are elongated to maximize solar exposure, while east and west walls are minimized to reduce heat loss. A compact, multi-storey layout enhances thermal efficiency by limiting the surface-area-to-volume ratio. Rooms requiring warmth are positioned along the sun-exposed southern sides, while low-use spaces are placed on the cooler north face, following bioclimatic design principles. These strategies collectively work to capture, store, and retain solar heat effectively throughout the building.

The interiors of the Baspa Bhawan Guest House are designed to reflect Nordic-inspired elegance blended with local Himachali influences. The warm, minimal aesthetic incorporates traditional materials and handcrafted details, offering a luxurious yet grounded living experience. Natural textures and tones, along with modern interpretations of regional crafts, help create a space that both celebrates the local culture and provides protection against the extreme mountain climate, ensuring comfort, authenticity, and contextual beauty.

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