This Couple Builds Cement-free, Eco-friendly Homes That Need No Air Conditioning | The Better India

The Better India

22 Aug 202202:11

Summary

TLDRDhruvan Hingmiri and Priyanka Gunjikar, a Pune-based architect couple, are revolutionizing home construction with their eco-friendly, semen-free designs. Utilizing ancient Indian construction methods and local materials, their homes stay cool without ACs or fans, even in 38-degree heat. Graduates of Rajna Sunset Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, they've completed six projects, emphasizing clay and lime plaster for natural air exchange. Influenced by architect Malak Singh Gil, their goal is for buildings to blend seamlessly with the landscape, promoting traditional oiling over chemical polishing.

Takeaways

🏡 The architect couple from Pune specializes in building eco-friendly, breathable homes that remain cool without the need for air conditioning or fans, even in high temperatures.
🌱 They focus on using locally sourced natural materials and employing local labor, emphasizing sustainability and supporting the local economy.
🏚️ Dhruvan Hingmiri and Priyanka Gunjikar use ancient Indian construction methods, incorporating modern techniques where appropriate, to create their unique designs.
🎓 Both architects are graduates from the Rajna Sunset Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, indicating a formal education that informs their innovative approach to building.
🏠 They have completed six projects and have three more underway, showcasing their commitment and success in this field.
🔍 The couple begins each project by assessing the area to understand the availability of materials and the technologies that can be integrated into the construction process.
🚫 They avoid using cement and instead opt for clay and lime plaster, which allows for better air exchange and contributes to the cooling effect within the homes.
🛠️ The construction process takes approximately four months to complete the structure and an additional four to five months to finish the interiors.
💡 Their inspiration comes from architect Malak Singh Gil, known for designing houses using traditional and sustainable materials, highlighting the influence of mentorship in their work.
🌳 Dhruva and Priyanka believe in designs that blend with the landscape, rather than imposing a signature style that detracts from the natural environment.
🎵 The script includes musical interludes, suggesting a multimedia presentation that may accompany the architectural narrative.

Q & A

What unique feature do the homes built by the architect couple from Pune have?
-The homes built by the architect couple from Pune are semen-free, eco-friendly, and breathable, staying cool even at 38 degrees outside without the need for air conditioning or fans.
Who are Dhruvan Hingmiri and Priyanka Gunjikar?
-Dhruvan Hingmiri and Priyanka Gunjikar are architects from Pune who focus on India's ancient construction methods, using locally sourced natural materials and local labor.
What educational background do Dhruvan and Priyanka have in architecture?
-Both Dhruvan and Priyanka are graduates from the Rajna Sunset Academy of Architecture in Mumbai.
How many projects have Dhruvan and Priyanka completed so far?
-Dhruvan and Priyanka have completed six projects, with three more underway.
What materials do they primarily use in their construction process?
-They primarily use mud, clay, and lime plaster, steering clear of cement to maintain the eco-friendliness of their constructions.
How do they approach the design and construction of a new project?
-They first assess the area to understand the available materials and their procurement, then identify technology that can be incorporated into the building process.
What technique do they use to facilitate air exchange through the walls and roof?
-They use clay and lime plaster, which allows for air exchange, helping to cool the rooms.
Why do they avoid polishing the walls of their constructions?
-Polishing is a chemical-heavy and irreversible process; instead, they opt for traditional oiling.
How long does it take them to complete the structural phase and the interiors of a project?
-It takes about four months to complete the structural phase and another four to five months to finish the interiors.
Who influenced their architectural philosophy during their college years?
-Architect Malak Singh Gil heavily influenced them, who is known for designing houses using traditional and sustainable materials.
What is their design philosophy regarding the visibility of the architect's name on the buildings?
-Dhruvan and Priyanka believe that a design should not scream the name of the architect but should merge with the surrounding landscape.

Outlines

00:00

🏡 Eco-Friendly Architecture in India

This paragraph introduces an innovative architect couple from Pune, India, who specialize in building sustainable and eco-friendly homes that remain cool even in extreme heat. Dhruvan Hingmiri and Priyanka Gunjikar utilize ancient construction methods and locally sourced materials, avoiding the use of air conditioning or fans. They have completed six projects and have three more in progress. Their approach involves assessing the area for available materials and suitable technologies, favoring clay and lime plaster over cement for better air exchange. The couple's design philosophy is influenced by their mentor, Malak Singh Gil, and they aim for their buildings to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Architect

An architect is a professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction. In the context of the video, Dhruvan Hingmiri and Priyanka Gunjikar are architects who focus on eco-friendly and sustainable building methods. They use ancient Indian construction techniques and locally sourced materials, which is a departure from the norm in modern architecture.

💡Semen-free homes

This term, likely a misinterpretation in the transcript, seems to refer to 'sustainable' homes. The video discusses how the architects build homes that are environmentally friendly and do not rely on conventional cooling systems like air conditioning. The homes are designed to stay cool naturally, even in high temperatures.

💡Eco-friendly

Eco-friendly refers to products, practices, or policies that have a minimal impact on the environment. In the video, the architects emphasize the use of locally sourced natural materials and construction methods that are in harmony with the environment, which is a key aspect of their eco-friendly approach.

💡Breathable

Breathable in this context means that the houses are designed to allow air to circulate freely, which is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside. The architects use materials and techniques that facilitate air exchange, contributing to the homes' ability to stay cool without artificial cooling systems.

💡Locally sourced materials

Locally sourced materials are those that are obtained from the surrounding area of the construction site. The architects prioritize using such materials to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and to support the local economy. Examples from the script include using clay and lime plaster, which are natural and readily available.

💡Ancient methods

Ancient methods refer to traditional construction techniques that have been used for centuries. The architects in the video choose to build upon these methods, which often involve using natural materials and designs that are well-suited to local climates and conditions.

💡Mud

In the context of the video, mud is used as a primary building material. The architects have adopted unconventional techniques to construct homes using mud, which is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to modern construction materials like cement.

💡Clay and lime plaster

Clay and lime plaster are natural materials used in the construction of the eco-friendly homes. These materials are breathable and facilitate the exchange of air through the walls and roof, helping to cool the interior spaces. The script mentions that the architects avoid cement and instead use these traditional materials.

💡Air conditioning (ACs)

Air conditioning, or ACs, are systems used to cool and dehumidify indoor air. The video highlights that the architects' homes do not require ACs or fans due to their design and use of natural cooling methods, which is a significant aspect of their sustainable building philosophy.

💡Traditional oiling

Traditional oiling is a method of finishing surfaces using natural oils instead of chemical polishes. The architects choose this method to avoid the heavy chemical processes associated with modern polishing, aligning with their commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

💡Inspiration

Inspiration in this context refers to the influence or guidance that the architects received during their education. The script mentions that they were heavily influenced by Architect Malak Singh Gil, known for designing houses using traditional and sustainable materials, which has shaped their approach to building.

Highlights

Architect couple from Pune specializes in building eco-friendly, semen-free homes that remain cool without ACs or fans even at 38 degrees Celsius.

Dhruvan Hingmiri and Priyanka Gunjikar utilize India's ancient construction methods and locally sourced natural materials.

The architects prioritize the employment of local labor in their projects.

They started building with mud three years ago, employing unconventional techniques for home construction.

Both are graduates from Rajna Sunset Academy of Architecture in Mumbai.

Completed six projects with three more underway, showcasing their commitment to sustainable architecture.

Their process begins with a survey of the area to understand available materials and procurement locations.

They identify and incorporate technology suitable for the building process.

Cement is avoided in favor of clay and lime plaster for better air exchange and cooling.

Traditional oiling is preferred over chemical-heavy polishing processes.

It takes approximately four months to complete the structural phase of their buildings.

An additional four to five months are spent on interior finishing.

Their inspiration comes from architect Malak Singh Gil, known for designing with traditional and sustainable materials.

Dhruvan and Priyanka believe in designs that blend with the surrounding landscape rather than standing out.

Their approach to architecture emphasizes sustainability, local materials, and community involvement.

The couple's work challenges conventional building methods by embracing ancient Indian construction techniques.

Their buildings are designed to be in harmony with nature, reflecting a deep respect for the environment.