Growing up in Shimla, Rahul Bhushan was averse to the rapid growth of modern architecture. This inspired him to “do something to highlight the vernacular architecture” of Himachal Pradesh.

Today, Rahul is the founder of NORTH, a Himachal-based collective and homestay.

The collective hosts artists’ residencies and acts as a regional centre that documents the region’s architecture, culture, crafts, and way of life.

The campus also doubles up as a homestay which offers a peek into the beauty of the place and the slow life of the area.

Nestled in the heart of Naggar, amid Deodar trees, the homestay overlooks the Beas River and the majestic Dhauladhar range.

“The initial idea was to set up a centre in Himachal. This would be a centre for innovation and research, documentation, and community activities,” says Rahul. “The focus would be on local systems, the way of living in the mountains, specifically the Kath Kuni architecture,” he adds.

However, it was during the formation of these ideas that Rahul realised that the right way to reach people would be through tourism.

While traditional tourism involves telling people about a place, North Collective focuses on an immersive experience.

“Our campus allows visitors to connect with our team members, who share the wisdom passed down through generations. This cultural exchange fosters a sense of community for our guests,” Rahul explains.

He adds, “We curate experiences that connect visitors to the local community, such as heritage walks, honey-tasting workshops, and traditional craft demonstrations.”

“We also source local ingredients for our meals, adding a contemporary touch to traditional dishes. Ultimately, North Collective is driven by a desire to preserve and promote our culture.”

Meanwhile, the studio is open to guests who can explore the extensive archives and documentation of local villages, crafts, antiques, and architecture.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rahul and his team constructed a traditional wooden cabin on the property. The cabin is built using reclaimed wood from an old Kath Kuni house. It is filled with stone and plastered with mud.

Additionally, the entire campus runs on the idea of no or low waste.

Guests can join in one of the many workshops — wood carving, metal beating, handloom techniques, pottery, and clay modelling.