The degree College and Hill Council Complex is located in Leh, at an altitude of over 3500 metres above the sea level.
The main problem is the cold and long winter, although there are pleasant summers, there are few precipitation but we found that the climate can be compared to the one of Punta Arenas, although the thermal delta is much higher and there are fewer precipitations.
The structure of the building is made by timber frames and robust steel cross-bracing in order to protect it from earthquakes and mud slides.
The whole building is made in order to minimize the heat loss during winter and promote the heat gain; the following strategies have been used:
These objectives has been reached by:
In the complex each structure has been treated specifically depending on its orientation, all the building in the northern side have thicker walls to minimize the heat losses, while in the south side have been designed in order to maximize heating by radiation and daylight distribution.
Also the glazing system is organized in order to minimize the losses: the disposition goes to prefer the south surfaces and every window is double glazed and designed in order to prevent condensation. The ventilation problem has been solved connecting all the spaces and exploiting the thermal buoyancy in order to have a zero energy system during normal hours of operation (using the heat produced by users) also  the water is obtained from a near snow sites for drinking and irrigation purposes.
 The building is a former college so it includes every type of space like courtyards, dining hall and kitchen, computer and science lab, art studios, a medical clinic and resident blocks.
Case Study: California Academy of Science