Sonam Wangchuk's Ladakh home is built without concrete and has waterless sanitation system. It stays naturally warm even in winter

Sonam Wangchuk has been hogging the limelight lately. Over the past few weeks, the celebrated engineer and activist had been actively supporting the student protest in New Delhi. He was on a 26-day hunger strike demanding broader reforms to the examination system regarding the NEET controversy. Now, Wangchuk has finally been discharged from the Medanta Hospital. Amid this, attention has been diverted to Wangchuk’s simple and sustainable lifestyle as well. Do you know that Wangchuk’s Ladakh home reflects a remarkable approach to architecture and environmental consciousness that continues to fascinate travellers, architects and sustainability enthusiasts alike?

Mud walls meet modern sustainable living

About 3 years ago, Sonam Wangchuk opened the doors of his Ladakh home in a video with Tribal Girl on YouTube. Unlike common cement houses, Wangchuk’s home is not made of any concrete. Instead they are constructed entirely of mud walls, using centuries-old building techniques and eco-friendly materials. The roof is also made of wood so that it provides natural insulation while blending seamlessly with the region's traditional architecture.


Inside the house is a low-seating area as Sonam Wangchuk claimed that people in Ladakh prefer to sit like this. Coming to the mud walls, they act as natural insulators both in summers and winters. In the hot and dry season, these walls act as a protective thermal barrier keeping the home naturally cool. Meanwhile, in winter, passive solar technology keeps his home naturally warm, that too without having the need to use firewood for heating.

Traditional design powered by smart innovation

Sonam Wangchuk explained the concept stating that one of the walls, known as the “black wall”, has water bottles embedded inside it. During the day, the winter sun heats the water stored in these bottles, which then gradually releases warmth into the house after sunset. Despite relying on traditional practices, Wangchuk’s home included contemporary interiors as well, showing how age-old wisdom can coexist with modern design and sustainable innovation.


As per Sonam Wangchuk, the open kitchen centred around a dining table was built with a simple thought. He wanted to ensure the cook who prepares fresh meals in his home, does not feel isolated from everyone. But, one of the most stand-out features of the home is the waterless sanitation method. Yes, you read that right. Human waste is collected systematically and composted for use as fertiliser.