November 05, 2024

Eco-Friendly Elegance: A Stunning Mud Home with Minimal Cement and Natural Cooling

Tamil Nadu architect Rajiv Kumarvel has constructed an eco-friendly mud home that stays naturally cool during the summer and conserves thousands of liters of water.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and eco-friendly building practices, this stunning mud home stands as a remarkable example of innovation and environmental consciousness. With a unique design that prioritizes both aesthetics and practicality, this residence not only looks beautiful but also significantly reduces the ecological footprint typically associated with traditional construction methods.

When architect Rajiv Kumarvel constructed an environmentally-friendly residence in Denkanikottai for himself, it was originally intended as a weekend retreat. He would spend a few days there with his family during holidays before returning to his job in Hosur.

However, the allure of the amenities offered by this vacation home led him to make the decision to reside there full-time. Rajiv s desire to embrace a sustainable lifestyle and raise his daughter in close proximity to nature played a significant role in this choice. Since 2014, Rajiv has been running a firm called The Monarch Architects alongside his friend Vinod, primarily focusing on designing eco-friendly homes. He mentions that it was after his marriage that he recognized the value of having a peaceful sanctuary away from the busy city life.

Rajiv s journey reflects a deep commitment to both simplicity and compassion. After marrying, he and his wife decided to build a home that aligned with their values, ultimately moving to a village where they could lead a quieter life. His background in architecture from Hosur and experience in Bengaluru shaped his vision for their new home, which not only serves as a living space but also as a sanctuary for the injured dogs he cares for.

By relocating, Rajiv was able to create a nurturing environment for the 27 dogs that now call his house home. He believes that this lifestyle would not have been feasible in the city, highlighting how their move has positively impacted both their lives and the lives of the animals they have rescued. Rajiv s story is a beautiful testament to the power of pursuing one s ideals and making a difference in the world around them.

Rajiv and Vinod began constructing their home six years ago, prioritizing sustainability by minimizing cement use and avoiding plaster and paint altogether, reducing cement usage by 50 percent. They used mud bricks for the walls, ensuring cool interiors, and incorporated a criss-cross ventilation pattern for improved air circulation. The roofs are elevated, eliminating the need for fans and enhancing natural comfort.

Rajiv emphasizes the importance of considering wind and sun direction when constructing a house. Proper positioning allows for abundant light and air to enter, enhancing comfort in the interiors.

In Denkanikottai, where rainfall is plentiful, Rajiv has installed two tanks to harness this resource: a 10,000-liter tank for collecting rainwater, which is filtered and passed to a smaller 21-liter tank for drinking and cooking. Additionally, a greywater harvester recycles water for cleaning and farming purposes. Surrounding the house is a large kitchen garden, tended to by the family, providing them with all the vegetables and fruits they consume.

Despite the scorching summer heat in March, Rajiv and his family enjoy a comfortable, cool atmosphere in their home. They have been living there permanently since completing the construction a year ago.

Rajivs primary goal was to create a pollution-free environment for his four-year-old daughter. He expresses joy that she feels connected to nature and all living organisms around her.

 Written by

Gayathri

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