Sangiin Dalai 2004-2006
In 2004, during the first year of the restoration and training project, THF made architectural and social surveys, and prepared a detailed implementation plan. Based on community work, we assembled 11 local trainees. They successfully made thousands of sun-dried mud bricks, and under supervision of Chinese experts prepared for the building of a kiln to establish local manufacturing of bricks and roof tiles.
During the THF building survey, the extent of damage was assessed and documented. Detailed planning was made regarding the numbers and specifications in size and design of roof tiles and bricks that were necessary for rehabilitation of the site. Surviving historic tiles and bricks were collected, numbered and kept for later study and use. Moulds for new tiles and bricks were made using original samples collected on site. Sources of local materials for the restoration were identified and the quality tested.
In 2005, in the first phase of year, the kiln was completed. The Chinese expert taught how to find the different soils and clays to make the different kinds of products, how to mix it and how to get the best results from each. After the first bricks, tiles and decorative roof tiles were made, the kiln was fired for the first time. Bricks and tiles were successfully baked during eight days and seven nights.
In total 94 dragon and phoenix tiles, 56 handmade flower tiles, 76 flower tiles cast by mould, 15332 roof tiles of 4 different kinds and 11500 bricks were made.
In 2004, wood was purchased for carpentry work and left to dry. In the first phase of the carpentry-training program in 2005, rafters for two buildings were prepared. More wood was bought, especially for beams and boards for the floors and ceilings.
The carpentry work at the Taptsang building has been completed: a new roof structure was made and the wooden floor was restored. In the porch, the old Tibetan-style pillars were repaired, straightend and used again.
In Duinkhoriin dugan, the damaged timber elements (eg. rafters and boards) were replaced. Pillars and beams were straightened, and in some cases replaced. Timber elements with stylized dragons and flowers for the porch were carved on site. 100 rafters were planed, and the Gyapi (canopy-style) missing roof-structure was reconstructed.
An artist from the county seat, Dalanzagad, documented the old paintings in Sangiin Dalai.
28 local people participated in finishing the kiln and collecting necessary local materials.
17 people participated in the manufacturing of bricks and tiles and decorative dragons, 10 have picked up basic skills for running the brick manufacture in the future.
Seven local people participated in the carpentry project, three were successfully trained.
The project is implemented in cooperation with the Ulaanbaatar-based local NGO Consensus, and their president Mr. Oyunbaatar (who is from the region).
THF team:
the project is jointly managed by
Pimpim de Azevedo, THF (who also does the planning);
Nyima Tsering, THF;
Mrs. Byampasuren Pemba Tsering, Nomgun-sum;
Danilo Thiedemann, THF (carpenter and Mongolian speaker).
Volunteers: Richard Dollamore and Andreas Catanese (building documentation)
Local team and participants:
Painter: Mr. Ankhbayar
Translators: Ms Oyunerdene, Mr. Bilguun, Mrs. But Tsengel, Mr. Bayan Jargal and Ms Padma.
Bricks and tile manufacture training: Mr. Bayarsaikhan, Mr. Munkhbuyan, Mr. Nergui, Mr. Otgonjargal, Ms Oyunsaikhan, Ms Sarantsetseg, Mr. Sukhbaatar, Ms Tsoglogmma, Mr. Tumennast, Mr. Dagvasamba, Mr. Myagmarsuren, Mr. Myagar, Ms Tuul, Mr. Bat Tsengel, Mr. Munkhbatar, Mr. Khookhdoi , Mr. Tsagaan Chuluunin, Mr. Bat Ulzi, Mr. Byampasuren, Ms Mainbayar, Mr. Baasankhuu and Ms Tsetsegmaa.
General vocation training participants: Ms Ariunaa, Mr. Batsaruul, Mr. Otgonulzii, Ms Enkjargal, Ms Batmunkh, Ms Saranggerel, Ms Munkhtsetseg, Mr. Batsaikhan, Mr. Delgertogtokh, Mr. Otongbayaar, Ms Undrakchimeg and Ms Jargal.
Masonry training advanced students: Mr. Otgonulzii, Ms Enkjargal and Ms Munkhtsetseg.
Carpentry program: Mr. Jargal, Mr. Zandelger, Mr. Bayaraa, Mr. Ulanbataar, Mr. Nergui, Mr. Genden, Mr. Erden Bayan and Mr. Shine Khuu.
Transportation: Mr. Batse (transportation)
Thanks to Mr. Bayar Saikhan (present governor) for support.