Chetan Sorenji has turned his Mumbai residence into a vibrant microforest, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius. His living ecosystem combines over 20 native trees, passionfruit vines, and a large rainwater harvesting system, proving that sustainable urban living can be both beautiful and climate-smart.
- Natural cooling reduces AC use by 5°C
- Over 20 native trees and passionfruit vines create a mini forest
- Rainwater harvesting supports local groundwater and biodiversity
What happened
Chetan Sorenji transformed his Mumbai home into a flourishing microforest filled with native trees and passionfruit vines. This green space blocks intense sunlight, helping cool the home naturally by around 5°C. The design reduces reliance on air conditioning, making the house more energy efficient and eco-friendly.
In addition to planting a rich variety of trees, Sorenji has installed a rainwater harvesting system capable of collecting between 400,000 and 500,000 liters annually during the monsoon. This water is used to recharge groundwater aquifers and supports the local environment beyond his property boundaries.
Why it feels good
The home is more than just a place to live; it is a thriving micro-ecosystem that invites birds, bees, and beneficial insects. This connection with nature brings a sense of peace and wellbeing to residents while supporting biodiversity within an urban setting. The cooler environment naturally created by the microforest also enhances comfort during hot months without the environmental cost of mechanical cooling.
Additionally, the approach demonstrates a practical climate action that ordinary city dwellers can adopt. It offers inspiration for sustainable urban living that benefits individual households and the broader community, showing how thoughtful design can improve quality of life while reducing carbon footprints.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by this sustainable urban oasis, explore how to create microforests in your own homes by planting native species that thrive locally and installing rainwater harvesting systems. Many urban gardening and eco-friendly home design resources offer guidance on how to start small and expand greenery in compact city spaces.
You can also follow more stories like this from changemakers across India who are pioneering urban farming, green architecture, and smart homes designed to reduce heat and conserve natural resources. These examples highlight how the future of cities might truly be greener, cooler, and more connected to nature.