For Gauri Satam and Tejesh Patil, two Mumbai-based architects, sustainable architecture is not just a practice but a way of life.
The duo runs unTAG, an architectural and interior design firm that believes in building sustainable homes.
After graduating from the Sir J J College of Architecture, Gauri and Tejesh worked in different firms before starting unTAG in 2015.
They believe that eco-friendly design and low-cost architecture go hand in hand. They work towards making climate-responsive affordable homes.
“The use of salvaged or locally-sourced materials reduces raw material cost. Meanwhile, our material palette is more climatically appropriate and cheaper as compared to the high-end products sourced from abroad; like Italian marble,” says Tejesh.
He adds that the overall construction with basic interior cost comes to around Rs 1,400-1,500 per sq ft as against the usual market rate of Rs 2,000.
For example, they built a luxurious house for a farmer in Dakivali village, Maharashtra, in 2019 for Rs 22 lakh on a 1,400 sq ft area.
They played with traditional aspects like jaalis, verandahs and aangans to create a microclimate that ensures natural cooling.
The central courtyard has a sculptural champa (Plumeria) tree which gives it a natural shade for most part of the day and lowers the temperature by 3-5 degrees.
The duo used passive solar designs like large overhangs and appropriate openings. To further reduce the heat, they painted the terrace in white and did the flooring with Indian Kota stone.
They made ways to recycle water and harvest rainwater using phytoremediation and groundwater recharge.
Similarly, Chira (laterite), an indigenous stone, was used as the main structural element to control the extreme temperatures.
They have won several awards for their efforts to marry local materials with sustainable architecture while keeping the cost low.
“We work around parameters that are specific to the site, climate and cultural context. This makes every project unique and reduces overall construction cost by 30 percent. Our vision is to make affordable luxury homes while giving utmost importance to the environment,” says Gauri.