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

Summary

Dhruvan 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.