Lali Gurans Orphanage and public library is an example of how personal drama can release positive energy – and how clever architecture can be combined with sustainable systems to form an optimal whole.

The orphanage is designed to function almost in complete self-sufficiency: Enough energy for day-to-day operation, in the form of electricity and methane gas, will be produced on the small site – as well as sufficient fruit and vegetables for 50 children and 12 adult staff. Natural filter systems will be used to recycle greywater; mainly passive systems will be used to cool and heat the spaces. The structure is designed to withstand major seismic activity – up to an 8.0 magnitude earthquake – which explains why the concrete skeleton makes such a massive impression.

Christopher Gish set up the “Seeds of Change Foundation” (SOCF) and, together with a friend in Nepal, founded the NGO “Prakriti Ko Ghar” (PKG), the local organization which will later be in charge of the home. Christopher Gish explains: “We must inspire children and equip them well through education.”

Read feature interview in 4th Holcim Awards 2014/2015 (flip-book)