In the heart of metropolitan Bengaluru, where glass and concrete dominate the skyline, Kumar BS and Deepika V chose a different path for their home. Rejecting contemporary architecture, they built an eco-friendly house with mud, stone, and sustainable materials, blending tradition with modern eco-consciousness to create a living space that stays naturally cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Built with mud, stone, and lime for natural climate control
- Features cross ventilation, French windows, and natural Korai grass rollers
- Includes solar water heater and rainwater harvesting system
What happened
Kumar BS and Deepika V, residing in Bengaluru, decided to build a home that reflected their respect for traditional architecture and their desire for sustainability. Instead of adopting modern high-rise designs common in their city, they chose to build with environmentally friendly materials like mud blocks for walls, stones for roofing and foundation, and lime for plastering. They also incorporated natural stone flooring such as chapadi stones alongside tiles like Kadapa and Kota, known for their durability and suitability to the local climate.
Enlisting the expertise of Sathya Prakash Varanashi, an architect with nearly three decades of experience in sustainable construction, the couple carefully planned the home’s design. Despite having no prior experience in construction, they actively participated in the building process with laborers. The home’s structure uses a load-bearing method rather than modern pillars, enhancing simplicity and solidity. Features such as French windows and strategically placed courtyards promote ventilation and natural cooling.
Why it feels good
The home’s design prioritizes natural climate regulation, ensuring it remains cool during Bengaluru’s hot summers and warm during cooler months, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling or heating. Materials like mud and lime have excellent thermal properties, and the use of cross ventilation supports airflow that keeps the interior comfortable throughout the day. Additionally, natural elements such as Korai grass rollers for window coverings help to block heat without absorbing it, adding to the comfort inside.
Using recycled pine wood for doors and furniture not only cut interior costs by half but also added a warm, rustic charm that aligns with the ecological ethos of the project. The choice of thick granite for stairs and slate stone for restrooms continues the theme of durability combined with sustainability, providing a strong, aesthetically pleasing environment with lower environmental impact compared to conventional building materials.
What to enjoy or watch next
This home stands as an inspiring example for urban dwellers interested in sustainable living, showing how traditional building methods can be adapted for modern life. Homeowners and builders looking to reduce their environmental footprint may draw ideas from this approach to integrate natural materials and solar solutions into their own projects. Observers can appreciate not only the architectural aesthetic but also the practical benefits such homes offer in energy savings and environmental care.
Future enthusiasts can look out for similar sustainable architecture efforts promoted by experienced architects like Sathya Prakash Varanashi, who combine cost-effective methods with ecological stewardship. Innovations such as rainwater harvesting systems that meet substantial household needs, along with solar water heating, contribute to long-term self-sufficiency and environmental mindfulness in urban settings.