YMCA International Camp, Nilshi, India

The YMCA International Camp is located at Village Nilshi, in the Western Ghats (mountains), between Mumbai and Pune, India. This wilderness retreat is used by social workers for informal education of under-privileged children, for environmental education and adventure sports, and for corporate executive training. This organic complex was completed in 2003 and has won national awards, including the 2006 Indian Institute of Architect's award for the best Public Building of the year, because of its sustainable environment and unique relationship to the landscape. Most of the habitable areas are underground, tucked into the hillside, reducing the need for energy driven air conditioning, while maintaining the original green ground coverage. Wind scopes provide natural ventilation and lighting deep within the habitable areas. Earth insulation reduces energy consumption and stabilizes cyclical temperature variations. The complex is one of India's best examples of energy efficient and sustainable architecture. It is also known for the use of a light weight tensile structure over the multi-purpose hall provding soft, energy free light.References

Indian Architect and Builder, October, 2006.

The Indian Express, Pune, December,27th, 2006

Mid Day, January, 2007

Journal of the Indian Institute of Architects, January, 2007.