Ganga Valley School
Site: Singuni, Uttarkashi, India
Client: Ganga Valley Education Trust, Dunda Range, Uttarakhand
Status: Ongoing
Gross Floor Area: 610 sqm
Building costs: 290‘000 Euro
Architecture: Arch Aid Association, Isha und Daniel Haselsberger, Switzerland
Collaborators: Center for Indian Bamboo Resource and Technology, Community of Garhwal region
Funding: H.E.M. Stiftung, Guido Feger Stiftung, Hand in Hand Anstalt, Karl Zünd Stiftung, Verein Solidarität für Eine Welt, private donors of Arch Aid Association
Background
Arch Aid has partnered with the Ganga Valley Education Trust (GVET) to develop a new school campus in the village of Singuni, located in Uttarkashi District in the Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.
GVET has been operating a primary school in a nearby village for many years and has played a vital role in providing access to education in this remote mountain region. Due to steadily increasing enrolment numbers and inadequate existing facilities, GVET acquired land in Singuni with the vision of creating a larger and more suitable school campus. Arch Aid joined the initiative to provide architectural design, technical expertise, fundraising and project implementation support.
Through the generous contributions of supporters in Liechtenstein and Switzerland, the full financing for the first construction phase was secured.
Design Approach
The design process was guided by a thorough study of the local context, including climate conditions, cultural practices, traditional construction techniques and the availability of local materials and skills.
The architecture draws heavily from the vernacular building traditions of Uttarakhand, particularly the use of rubble stone masonry, which has shaped the region's built environment for centuries. At the same time, the project sought to reinterpret traditional methods to address contemporary challenges. While timber has historically played an important role in Himalayan architecture, its procurement is today highly regulated due to forest protection policies. Consequently, treated bamboo was selected as an alternative structural material for the upper levels and roof structures.
The project also responds to the significant seismic risks of the region. Uttarkashi lies within one of India's highest earthquake hazard zones, making earthquake-resistant design an essential component of the architecture. The buildings therefore incorporate a range of seismic strengthening measures, including reinforced concrete ring beams, through stones, proper corner bonding and improved structural continuity between walls and roof systems.
Capacity Building and Local Participation
A key objective of the project was not only to construct buildings but also to strengthen local knowledge and skills.
Throughout the construction process, local craftspeople and laborers were employed and trained in earthquake-resistant stone masonry techniques. This hands-on training enabled participants to gain practical experience in safer construction methods that can be applied in future projects throughout the region.
The bamboo structures were realized in collaboration with skilled artisans from CIBART Gujarat, who led the fabrication and assembly of the bamboo components while working closely with local workers.
This collaborative approach created opportunities for knowledge exchange, local employment and capacity building while ensuring that the construction remained closely connected to regional traditions and resources.
Between January and June 2026, construction of three buildings was completed which included 6 classrooms, a semi open multi-purpose hall and sanitary facilities. The construction process will resume after the monsoons which will include another two buildings.
