Radio Station In Himalayas

At a site north of the main Himalayan massif, the Korean architecture office Archium has layered stones into an unusual work environment characterised by links to both tradition and the locality. Offering closed-off facades that provide shelter from the wind, the Himalesque radio broadcasting station blends in perfectly with its surroundings to the extent that it is practically imperceptible.

The building has been erected in the former kingdom of Mustang, which is located 3,000 metres above sea level. The remote site on a high slope in the Kali Gandaki River valley did not offer easy conditions for carrying out a construction project. The arid landscape with its harsh climate typical of very high altitudes is neither rich in raw materials nor does it have a well-developed infrastructure. The architects therefore fell back on proven vernacular methods and materials. Accordingly, the simple structure with its concrete foundations and coursed stone walls was built by local craftsman, whereby use was made of local gneiss stone characterised by striking parallel structures.

Like the façade, the interior walls consist of solid coursed stone. Offices, recording studios and meeting rooms are organised around a colonnaded court open to the sky to let in daylight to the adjacent rooms. The cement columns supporting the stone ceiling lend the central gathering place the feel of an ancient agora.

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