In many Indian cities, the intense summer heat makes modern concrete homes uncomfortable. Despite the use of fans and air conditioners, interiors often remain warm because concrete absorbs and radiates heat. Contemporary residential designs frequently prioritize construction speed and aesthetics over climate responsiveness, compromising both comfort and sustainability. Architect Krithika Venkatesh from Chennai noticed this disconnect early in her career during a visit to a mining site, where she observed the environmental costs of conventional building materials. The experience highlighted how polished granite floors and aluminium panels often come at the expense of environmental degradation and affected local communities, prompting her to explore more sustainable alternatives that serve both people and the planet.
Studio for Earthen Architecture: A Sustainable Vision
Krithika founded the Studio for Earthen Architecture with the goal of redefining residential construction. The studio emphasizes the use of locally sourced, earth-based materials and traditional building techniques to create homes that are naturally cooler, healthier, and visually appealing. Mud, lime, reclaimed wood, and natural sealants form the core of her projects. Her approach draws inspiration from Laurie Baker, a pioneer of low-cost, sustainable architecture in India. During her studies at Mohammed Sarthak AG Academy in Chennai, Krithika visited Baker’s institute in Kerala and closely examined his work. She was particularly influenced by his use of local materials, cost-effective construction methods, and focus on human-centered design, which showed her how materials and artisans could be meaningfully integrated into contemporary architecture.
The Environmental Cost of Concrete
Concrete, widely used in residential construction, has significant environmental and health impacts. Cement production consumes large quantities of water, and constructing a standard room can release substantial carbon dioxide. Concrete also absorbs heat during the day and radiates it at night, making homes warmer.
In addition, concrete-based interiors often include chemical-intensive finishes like synthetic paints and plasters, which release volatile organic compounds and reduce indoor air quality. A 2020 study conducted with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, found that Chennai apartments had high levels of indoor pollutants contributing to health risks consistent with “sick building syndrome.”
Building with Earth
Krithika’s alternative approach relies on natural materials and traditional techniques. The studio emphasizes mud, adobe, lime plaster, handmade tiles, and reclaimed wood. These materials regulate indoor temperature, improve air quality, and reduce exposure to toxins.
- Walls: Mud, cob, adobe, and locally fired bricks replace concrete, providing natural thermal regulation and improved indoor air quality.
- Structural Frame: Reclaimed wood treated with natural oils substitutes for steel or reinforced concrete.
- Roofing: Handmade pan tiles, Madras terrace systems, or Kadapa stone slabs are used instead of concrete or metal sheets.
- Interiors: Recycled timber is employed for floors and mezzanines, reducing reliance on synthetic materials.
- Wall Finishes: Lime plaster, mud plaster, or cow dung plaster replace cement plaster and synthetic paints.
- Waterproofing: Vajram, a traditional collagen-based sealant derived from animal bones, ensures eco-friendly waterproofing.
- Flooring: Handmade Atamudi tiles or local natural stones offer durable, low-impact alternatives to polished concrete or commercial tiles.
This method enhances indoor comfort while also supporting artisans. Approximately seventy percent of construction costs are allocated directly to skilled craftspersons, ensuring fair wages and acknowledgment of traditional expertise. Experienced masons with decades in the field find working on lime-based buildings rewarding, as traditional construction techniques provide both creative challenges and professional recognition.
Client Engagement and Ethical Construction
Krithika prioritizes understanding local conditions before construction. The team studies soil, water tables, and vegetation, conducts geotechnical tests, and documents traditional local knowledge. Hand-dug wells and eco-friendly water systems are preferred to protect ecosystems.
Clients are actively involved in multiple design iterations before finalizing plans. Krishna Subramanian, a client in Andhra Pradesh, emphasizes the collaborative process and how it supported skill transfer to local artisans. While costs can be higher than conventional buildings, the investment ensures environmentally responsible construction and fair compensation for artisans.
Lifestyle adaptations are also emphasized. Clients are educated on natural wastewater management, reducing chemical use, and coexisting with small wildlife. Open courtyards and low windows may invite occasional snakes or insects, but Krithika encourages embracing this as part of living in harmony with nature.
Towards a Sustainable Architecture Movement
Krithika sees her work as part of a broader shift toward sustainable architecture. She encourages partial implementation in conventional homes, such as rammed earth walls or lime plaster, and collaborates with government and community projects to promote environmentally responsible construction. Through Studio for Earthen Architecture, Krithika demonstrates that homes can be comfortable, healthy, and eco-friendly while supporting local communities and artisans. In a world dominated by concrete, her earth-based designs offer a tangible alternative, architecture that respects the earth, celebrates craftsmanship, and fosters sustainable living.
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