Inside an Innovative Farmhouse that Gets Zero Power Bills & Recycles All Greywater

Few years ago, bird-lover Jayesh Patel visited a location on the outskirts of Ahmedabad for a farmhouse project. And he was welcomed by a flock of chirping birds. Located near Thol lake, he decided to name his farmhouse ‘Kalrav’, which means chirping of birds.

Kalrav is an eco-friendly farmhouse which employed the Miyawaki technique, a Japanese method to grow plants 10 times faster. The stairs are made out of recycled wood, the floor is made of Kota stone and its roof, out of steel.

Other than using these sustainable materials, the farmhouse also has solar panels which translate to zero rupees in electricity bills. Moreover, a greywater recycler is also placed which converts wastewater from the kitchen and bathroom into fresh water which is used in gardening and replenishing the garden pond.

The construction of this 3000-square feet farmhouse was completed in 2020 by Vipul Patel Architects. The entrance is done using a traditionally carved door and theme wall with mud plaster. A bird aviary is placed as a backdrop for the existing neem tree, which stands as a sculpture in the centre of the courtyard.

The structure has very few walls and open areas to attract more birds. Over 250 trees provide a lush green atmosphere in the place. There is a spacious lounge on the upper floor and an activity area on the ground floor.

Altogether the farmhouse, which has made use of most modern amenities without forgetting traditional architecture, is a paradise not just for the visitors but for birds and insects too.

Here is a quick view of the beautiful structure:

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Source:

“Kalrav Farm By Vipul Patel Architects”, published by Rethinking the Future.

(Edited by Yoshita Rao)