At nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, building in Spiti Valley is less an architectural statement and more an act of careful negotiation. Set within the silent farmscapes of Maneygogma village, The Doksa is a new 12-key boutique farmstay that responds to extreme climate, limited access, and fragile terrain with restraint rather than spectacle.
Designed by Windows to Vernacular, the project emphasizes thermal efficiency, longevity, and harmony with its surroundings. Locally sourced stone, mud blocks, and rammed earth walls anchor the structure to its context, naturally moderating Spiti’s sharp temperature shifts. Construction unfolded around seasonal rhythms, with materials travelling over 500 kilometres from the nearest supply hub.
Land and water stewardship were central to the design. Fertile topsoil was carefully relocated to create additional farmland, while a steel butterfly roof captures melting snow for reuse during drier months. Intended to operate year-round, The Doksa offers a refined yet grounded interpretation of luxury, measured by comfort, performance, and how gently it occupies the landscape.
