Green Oasis: Handmade in mud with labour of love By Studio Shunya

• Project name: Studio Shunya office + mud showcase house
• Site area: 200 sqm 
• Built area: 160 sqm 
• Location: Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR 
• Completion year: 2023 
• Architect: Studio Shunya 
• Lead Architect: Ar. Shreya Srivastava 
• Team: Atharv Vilas Maluste, Yamini Rajput, Meera Sivan, Dhruv Sood 
• Photographer: Abhay Khatri, Siddharth Behl 

In an ambitious endeavour to create a sustainable office space for Studio Shunya on a small plot in a bustling metropolis, we embarked on a mission to design a zero-energy building that defies existing perceptions of mud buildings as temporary and dull. Our aim was to combine luxury with an earthy aesthetic, challenging the conventional design norms of cement buildings. The 1600 sq. ft. building was meticulously constructed using natural materials and indigenous techniques and thus the true essence of this project lies more in the journey, showcasing the unwavering dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency by the Architect at every possible step. We began by producing mud bricks through collaboration with local kilns, labour training, and experimentation with proportions and mixing techniques. The foundation consists of stone, lime, brick dust, and sand - ensuring stability. 

Construction was paused during the monsoon season for the foundation and plinth to settle, and to allow it to further benefit from lime stabilization as lime gains strength over time, unlike cement-like materials. Innovative practices like metal sheets and Kota Stone are used for waterproofing and anti-termite treatments. A major challenge arose when local authorities insisted on incorporating reinforced cement concrete (RCC) into the roof slab. To overcome this, a "permanent slab" is incorporated using inverted earthen pots, not just as a design feature but also to optimize insulation and reduce cement usage. Ventilators made from repurposed stone scraps enhance thermal comfort and add to the aesthetic appeal of both the interior and exterior. The terrace boasts a reflective and water-resistant China mosaic pattern made from carefully selected scrap materials.

The layout features two pathways leading to the living area and the architect's office, accompanied by a kitchen/pantry, bedroom, worship area, and amenities that provide a holistic experience. The interior of the building continues to display the architect’s commitment to sustainability, making conscious decisions based on the life-cycle assessment of materials. Eco-friendly limecrete flooring replaces conventional cement concrete, while lime plaster on the walls offers a unique texture that is created by infusing jaggery and Methi (Fenugreek seeds) into the mix. Mud and lime are creatively used to generate in-situ furniture, adding an earthy charm. Each area has its own, well-defined character described by the eclectic flooring choice such as Indian marble, granite, and terracotta tiles. All the doors installed in this project are second-hand, sourced from a used-furniture market The community actively participated throughout the construction process. We facilitated a lime-making workshop that brought together locals who eagerly learned and made valuable contributions. Furthermore, talented artists from the area joined forces to produce captivating wall murals and textured art, incorporating lime as a medium to enhance the space’s aesthetic appeal. 

Landscaping played a vital role in enhancing sustainability. The boundary wall seamlessly integrates rammed earth techniques, working in harmony with the stone foundation and plinth. Rainwater harvesting systems are in place to meet 70% of the project's water needs and access water of the terrace is taken into a percolation pit to increase the water table level. Native grass and plants are chosen to maintain the site’s ecological health and minimize maintenance costs.

Through our dedication and innovative approaches, we transformed a modest plot into a sustainable oasis, providing relief from the scorching heat of Delhi, as a temperature difference of 8-10 degrees was observed in the post-occupancy evaluation. Green Oasis stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that eco-friendly design can seamlessly blend luxury, functionality, and the natural construction world while leaving a minimal ecological footprint and adding a new skill set to the locals for future greener construction. 

Studio Shunya hopes to truly create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable world, one building at a time.