Hands on Natural Building Workshop at SECMOL,Ladakh

DAY 2

I woke up early morning before everybody. And it was dark outside when I looked outside my window. My roommates were fast asleep.

Then I decided to take a little stroll in the campus. And I headed out. It was cold. I realized I had to cover myself up properly. As I looked at the sky and the mountains, I thought to myself -" I did not want to go back to the city". I wondered how lucky these people are. They get to look at this scenic landscape every day. Then I headed to the gate towards the reception and then the playground looking for some network on my phone. The signal reception was almost nil. After some time, I managed to speak to my mother to let her know everything is okay. By this time, it was dawn and I got to witness the beautiful sunrise too.

Then there was a task of exploring the Dry compost toilets. This was going to be a real adventure for the first time. I was quite hesitant but decided to just try it. 

There were clear instructions on our tour the previous day on how to keep the toilets dry and clean.So the dry compost  toilet was a room with  two holes - one covered ,the other one with a seated pot (WC) and there was a chamber pit underneath where all the human manure was collected. There was also a wooden crate box just next to it with cover material- (sawdust/wood shavings/sand) along with a shovel present so Every time you use the toilet, you make sure you put the cover material. It was a task at first. Very different from what I had ever seen or experienced. I felt relieved once I used the toilet though. And I realized it was not that hard. Only there was composting taking place right there and  I could see it through the hole.That was an issue. But I did it. I used the toilet. And I was proud of myself.

Everybody took their own time to wake up. So I headed for some tea and breakfast. I met Vishal and we had a small chat. Also utilized this time to get to know Kim, my roommate. She was from Australia. And she had been to other short courses and done previous workshops on Natural buildings.

So we had some breakfast – Barley roti and Beans vegetable (subji). Food was just like home. The roti was dry though. But tasty. And tea was the best! I had an extra cup of tea.

We had a small briefing of what we would do that day. Also, as we were all new to each other - we played a little game organised by Dipika and Yash. To lighten up the mood and get to know everyone well. We were divided into teams asked to introduce ourselves again. Then it was memory time! This was a lot of fun. Great way to start the day. 

At breakfast we also interacted with some students. They were so curious to know what we do ,where we are from. We spoke to them about which village they come from. And how they find it at SECMOL. 

We were a group of enthusiastic people and wanted to start off right away.As everyone assembled outdoors we were ready to get started with HANDS ON Construction.

Construction Technique:  WATTLE AND DAUB

What is Wattle and Daub?

It is an ancient natural construction technique in which ‘Wattle’ is a framed structure comprising of woven wooden strips or branches like a lace/lattice. ‘Daub’ refers to the material wattle is covered with comprising of – earthen mix, clay, soil or straw. Daub is used to fill the spaces between the wattle and plaster the wall.

 HOW TO BUILD A  'Wattle and Daub' WALL 

Step 1:  We decided to make a screen or partition wall for newly built compost toilets using this technique.

Day 2: Briefing about the technique.

Step 2:  We started off with foundation. The foundation pit was already dug. We filled in soling. We had to ram the rubble soling first so that there are no air gaps in the material.

              

       

         Day 2: Fill the Soling in the
 Foundation

Day 2: Fill the Soling in the Foundation

Day 2: Ramming the Rubble Soling.

         

Step 3: We headed to gather material. We had to collect Willow tree branches or twigs for weaving it into a screen wall or partition. (Cut the branches with a saw, Carry them to the site.)

Day 2 : Choose the right branches And Cut them.

Day 2: Collect and carry it to the Site.

Step 4: We posted the vertical branches for the structure. These were thicker sticks used as the supports. They were and not very flexible as they would be the structural support for the wall.  

Day 2: Vertical posts for the support

Day 2: Happy -faces in a frame

We then broke off for lunch. And returned with the same enthusiasm. I must say the sun was harsh.And we needed the water bottle and  the caps. And we continued....

Day 2: Adding more support
to the frame

                                

                                  Day 2: Cut the branches
                                     to the required length.  

             

Step 5: Then weaving – the horizontal members - We used thinner branches to weave into the vertical posts. These need to be more flexible not completely dry otherwise they break.

     

Day 2 : Almost Complete !

This took quite some time.

Step 6: In the end – It looked beautiful. Like weaving a cloth/mat. Partition was ready.

Day 2 : Complete & Beautiful.

Step 7: Clean the site. Clean all the tools equipment and put it back to place for the next day.

We were all really happy for having completed Part 1. And we went to have some tea again.

We met later on to discuss responsibilities. 

What is Responsibility? 

Its a part of SECMOL Philosophy which is they learn by practically doing things. They learn  applying the concepts not by mere reading and theory.

For volunteers it is any task to be done along with the students. Usually 30-45 mins. In the Afternoon. 

Why ? 

1. To encourage them and interact with them. 
2. To build their confidence.
3. To establish that all chores and duties are equal and respected as much.
4. It could be any of these things listed below :

• Gardening 
• Toilet & bathroom
• Dairy
• Forestry
• Girls hostel 
• Boys hostel
• Dining hall
• Kitchen

And after this we had free time to freshen up.

We then headed to the common bathrooms. The bathroom was right in center of the campus.It was divided into 4 cubicles for Girls to the left and 4 shower cubicles for the Boys.

Day 2 : Common Bathrooms.

• We had to fetch a bucket. Moreover find an empty bucket. 
• Fill up hot water from the solar heater placed outside. 
• Take one bucket with water filled.
• Then place another empty bucket.
• Then pour water from the mug into a funnel that goes into the solar heater and viola! 
• Hot water pours down from the other pipe where an empty bucket is placed. 
• If you were okay with ice-cold water. You were more than welcome to try it. 
• Carry this bucket to your shower cubicle. 
• There was also common area for washing clothes inside the bathrooms.
• And sinks outside for filling up water bottles/washing etc.

I had never taken so much effort before to get a hot bucket of water. It made me realize how in cities we just have a geyser. All you do it switch on a button.But then we consume so much electricity.  Positive learning here : It does take effort but also saves so much electricity! And use something which is available abundantly , free of cost -Solar energy.

After we got all ready we took a small walk around the campus and spoke to students and other members of our group. We had people from all parts of India and Outside - Bangalore,Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune ,Australia and Bangladesh. It was a good mix.

Then we went to have dinner.At dinner, there was a presentation by students on some topic. Followed by question & answer .There was news discussions and introspection. In introspection the students actually have to assess how their day went and plan for the next day which i think was wonderful as a practice.

Surprisingly, we were handed out some leaflets with lyrics of a traditional Ladakhi song. And asked to sing along too. It was amazing that always these students and SECMOL Family wants to involve you in as many things as possible. The song praised the warriors of the land and spoke about a prince who will rule the world. It was also about wishing the kings and lords gathered to be victorious. And talking about an auspicious time.

I found the pronunciations very difficult to follow at first. But the tune was very nice.It sounded like a folk-ish ballad. We tried our best to sing along. I had never heard a song like this before. So it was new and interesting at the same time.

After all the activities were done.  I hit the sack.

Hands on Natural Building Workshop at SECMOL,Ladakh

How did I get to know about the workshop?

I got to know about the ‘Hands On Construction Workshop’ workshop organized by ‘Travel in Time’, a travel company that offers ‘experiences beyond travelling’ through Instagram and through a friend on our college group in June 2019. And I enquired to get more details on Instagram so I could decide whether to go or not. I was really excited and enthusiastic about this workshop which would be conducted by the ‘Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh’ (SECMOL) – one of the many workshops SECMOL conducts for participants across the world. I felt it would give me more practical knowledge about natural construction techniques and I would also meet new people – more so Mr. Sonam Wangchuk, the famous engineer, innovator and perhaps the most famous personality in Ladakh.

But there was a small selection procedure – there are a few questions they ask about why we want to do the workshop and go beyond our comfort zones etc – interesting stuff, which I finished first. Then payment (in two installments – 20k first and 22k) and registration formalities were completed.

What got me interested?

1. This school SECMOL founded by Sonam Wangchuck. It was a golden opportunity to meet and talk to such a great personality. 
2. The whole idea and philosophy of the school really interested me. 
3. The location for the workshop was Leh (Ladakh) .
4. And I would be learning about: 

•    Rammed Earth wall construction
•    Sun-dried Adobe blocks construction
•    Straw clay block and Straw clay roofing
•    Mud plastering over sun-dried Adobe block wall
•    Visit to HIAL (Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh)
•    Community living
•   It was a win-win situation. I had not done something like this before.

Preparation

Packing which included:

• Carrying a few sets of Work Clothes (t-shirt preferably full sleeved, trouser/pants, hat, work-gloves).
• Essentials included:  Sunglasses, Water Bottle & Sunscreen (As we would be working out in the harsh sun)
• Warm Clothes-  a Fleece and Headgear (In case it gets too windy/cold)
•  Chappals or Sandals – easily take off for during workshop. (Play in mud)
• Shoes or Sneakers- For field trips. (walking shoes)
• A Notebook and a few Pens/ Pencils.
• A torch or headlamp.
•  Note:  To have a great time away from technology and media.

DAY 1 

You just feel the thrill of excitement running through you when you get a bird's eye view of the mighty  majestic mountains from the window of the plane approaching the destination. The snow-capped mountains huge which you would have only seen pictures of in text books and websites. But now you can see it for real. Automatically everyone want to get the best picture from above. And all the cameras are out to get the best possible angle to capture this beautiful sight. And i was awe-struck completely.

First glimpse of snow-capped  Mountains from Above.

We were going to be picked up by the organizers Vishal and Dipika at the airport Kushok  Bakula rimponchee. I reached last. My flight Delhi-Leh arrived at 11.30 am.  Others arrived much earlier. It was July and it was quite hot. We were all expecting the weather to be much cooler. Then we drove to the Secmol campus to meet the other group members. On the way we passed the ‘Hall of Fame’ pertaining to the Kargill war and quite a few Military camps. The mountains far away looked right as if they were out of a painting. The landscape was pretty dry and arid like a desert. Mostly barren lands very less populated . As we approached the campus we spoke about Leh Ladakh in general and everyone feeling a little tired due to travel. Mostly about the weather how it changes from scorching heat in the day to cold in the night.  The campus was located in a village called Phey about 11 km from Leh airport.

Entrance gate of SECMOL Campus. Welcome.

Day1: View from SECMOL Campus

View from TIMKEN Hall of Campus

The SECMOL campus was isolated from all the other houses of the village. It was  along the banks of Indus river. SECMOL campus is primarily a residential school founded and conceived by Sonam Wangchuk in 1988 and run by students from Ladakh – 10^th and 11^th class students, boys and girls (there were 70 students on campus). The students learn life skills like confidence building, organising, communication, culture of Ladakh, etc in a very practical manner like running the school themselves.

The campus Building- Girls Hostel (TERRA Building)

  

View of Mountains.

The campus is in a very picturesque location surrounded by the mountains and under clear skies.It was unbelievably beautiful. I was very happy to be there and eager to meet everybody else.

We were then taken to a very nice cozy accommodation (our room) which was on sharing basis in Girls hostel. I chose the bed right next to the window as there was a small courtyard right outside with some plants. And it looked nice.. I was put up at the Girls hostel with my roommates Dipika, Gwen and Kim. And we could freshen up and meet everyone for lunch. At 1pm sharp.

Day1 : TIMKEN HALL - Dining Hall

We all met at the TIMKIN dining hall. Beautifully built structure made of rammed earth with tapering columns and interiors having  wooden floors and ceilings. The hall had a stage right in front. And a door that led to a back-entry to the kitchen. As we entered to our right were all plates cups bowls spoons neatly arranged in a shelf and washing area. So we take our plates and head to the the table right next to door where food is placed on a table in huge utensils. You serve yourself and sit on the floor to eat along with everyone. There is a carpet laid right in front of you which is called charthuk. We had rice dal and vegetable for lunch. It was good to taste.

Day 1: Briefing by K. Norgay about workshop in TIMKEN Hall

We received a warm welcome to the campus by K. Norgay (Director of SECMOL)  had a small introduction session to get to know each other as we were going to be a team for the next ten days. Here we met people from campus who we would be working with for this workshop.  

Day 1: All the Participants introducing themselves.

Konchok Norgay - Director, SECMOL.associated with SECMOL for over 19 years.

Trained in Natural building and Green house design at Vermont, USA. He has been training locals and youth on passive solar houses. He was very sweet,funny and jolly all the time.

 Phuntsog Namgail - Techincal Advisor & Manager, SECMOL.Has 10 years of experience in designing & constructing solar passive buildings. our Mentor for rammed earth walls, straw clay brick & roofing, earthen flooring. Has built numerous passive solar houses in Leh-Ladakh. A person with a lot of practical knowledge. 

Asma- Academic co-ordinator at SECMOL. she explained to us some rules and rgualtions. about our interaction  time with students. Responsibility as volunteers.

 Our Tour Organizers

Vishal Sonigra- Architect & founder of TravelinTime: Experiences beyond travelling. With 8 years of experience in Art, Culture and Architectural travel across India and 5 years of experience in Sustainable architecture and hands-on construction workshops across the country Has professional experiences in architecture, wildlife production & filming and photography.

Dipika - Has done her masters in  psychotherapy. Counsels people dealing with mental health issues. Believes in mindful living and spreading awareness about mental health and its importance in today’s scenario. 

Yash – Has studied geology and is an outdoor adventure expert. Has worked as an adventure expert with Pugmarks. 

After lunch, we went on a small tour with a student from SEMCOL campus. The first thing we learnt was about SECMOL timings which are one hour earlier than IST. So that means we rise early and sleep early as well. So, we use maximum solar energy that is available to us in the day.

Day 1: Short Campus tour

We visited all buildings from - New Boy’s Hostel, Kitchen, Dining hall (TIMKEN)

Girls hostel (TERRA Building), Library, Reception, Compost Toilets, Granary, Vegetable storage room, Cow shed, Garden, Forest etc.

Campus Tour

We were made aware of the idea of how SECMOL came into being and the philosophy behind it too. Their motto – Kind Heart, Skillful hand and Bright Head.

During the short tour  of Campus some of us could feel the lack of oxygen and acclimatization part hitting us. We felt tired exhausted. Needed rest. We faced the blasting sun that day. And were advised to wear a cap/ hat compulsory. Remain hydrated. Not do some strenuous exercise. Just relax. Some were on medication too. (Diamoxine) We all needed some time to acclimatize and then we had light discussions over how the whole program will proceed.

Practice session - Cultural rehearsal by students

In the evening we found some students practicing for their cultural rehearsals at the ground and we watched them for a while. There was some music and dance practice. We then had our dinner which was simple. Rice,dal and vegetable with salad. There were some activities like news reading, important announcements, meditation etc that took place and all the volunteers who arrived that day introduced themselves to the students and campus. Along with which place they are from. Their whole system of doing things was different and interesting.

As tired and exhausted we were. I headed off to sleep in my cozy bed with a warm blanket watching the moon shining through the bed-side window. The skies were clear and the stars twinkling. It was incredible. A starry night. Looking forward to the next day…..I slept off. 

How does a typical SECMOL day look like? (For Volunteers)

5.30-6.30 am      Early morning exercise. Introspection/Meditation.

6.30-8.00 am      Morning session – (Conversation classes/Lecture session)

8.00-9.00 am      Breakfast: Along with important announcements.

9.00-11.00 am     Hand on Construction.

11.00-11.30am     Tea break

11.30-1.00pm       Hand on Construction.

1.00-2.00 pm       Lunch (with discussion)

2.00-3.30 pm       Hand on Construction

3.00-3.30 pm       Conclusion.

3.30-4.00 pm       Responsibility

4.00-4.30 pm       Tea break

5.00-7.00 pm       Free time

7.00-7.30 pm       Introduction to Next day’s topic

7.30-8.30 pm       Dinner

9.00-10.00 pm     Activities