mud house

Fondly christened ‘Kancha-Paka’ (Raw and Ripe), the Swedish-Bengali couple’s beautiful abode comprises a balanced amalgamation.

Stanzin is from Ladakh's Nubra valley and Samyuktha is from Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore. Despite being from opposite ends of the country (literally!), what they share is vision for architecture that is eco-friendly, community-driven and hands-on.

Sreenivasan’s technique helps to reduce the use of 50% of sand required while plastering as well as helps avoid painting the walls with chemical paints in his eco-friendly homes. #SustainableHomes

What we love? The fact that mud houses stay 13-14 degrees Celcius cooler than the weather outside, even in the peak of summer! #SustainableHomes #LiveGreen

"Not just is it cost-effective and sustainable, it's like going back to our roots. For instance, using mud or clay as primary building material keeps the house cool, eliminating the need for ACs!"

As the architect describes herself, the project aimed to understand and explore the potential of raw and unstabilised earth as a viable material for a contemporary house with more than one storey.

Two young women abandoned their cement homes to design and build their own sustainable mud house in Kodaikanal. They are now promoting this form of construction.

They live in a house that needs no fans, even when it is a blistering 40 degrees outside. They let their land bloom and bear like a forest, without any interference. They created a life for themselves that is close to nature. Meet Hari and Asha!