Building in Mud
Eco-centric, natural, sustainable homes
About us
We design and help build structures in natural materials, using traditional building materials, techniques and local skills
We, architects Munaf, Priyanka and Dhruvang are alumni of Academy of Architecture, Mumbai. Having passed out in 2014, we worked with and learnt building with natural materials and techniques from our mentor and Guru, Architect Malaksingh Gill in Mumbai for three years. We started our own practice based in Pune in 2016-17.
Architects Gandhar Warwatkar and Tanaya Sorte are currently part of our team.
Our philosophy
1. Vernacular
'Vernacular' stands for "the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people of a region or a country". The traditional architecture that develops in a particular region responds directly to the context of its climate and culture. We observe that modern architecture has a tendency to dismiss this valuable traditional wisdom; thereby replacing it with "modern technology".
We believe that it is necessary to realise that these traditional methods of construction are the best "technology" that has stood the test of time and climate - and therefore can used as effective design tools, indicators and inspiration.
2. Natural
We are living in a world with a growing awareness about the harmful impacts of toxic chemicals in our life. Though highlighted rarely, the same rule holds true in the field of construction. A majority of what are considered to be "modern building materials" are harmful for the health of either the users, or the manufacturers - and definitely the environment.
Therefore, we stress on the use of natural, energy intensive materials in construction - such as mud, lime, stone, mud bricks, timber and so on. Not that, but we strive to have all treatments to these materials done naturally, free of toxic chemicals.
3. Local
Majority of material and labour used for the construction of our houses is local.
Use of local materials ensures that the construction process is as eco-sensitive as possible. Local material use keeps a tab on the embodied energy of all materials used for construction.
Use of local labour, skills and techniques not only provides employment to the people of the neighbouring villages, but also helps in safeguarding their traditional skills that are slowly disappearing due to modern methods of construction.
Announcement
Our project list for the year 2024 - 25 is currently full - since we believe in undertaking only a handful of projects every year to maintain our standard of quality of work. If you think you are not in a hurry to start your home and wish to approach us for design + on site execution assistance, do mail us by visiting our 'Contact Us' page and we shall try to accommodate you in our waiting list for the next year.
Please note that we are currently only accepting FIRST HOME projects only for design + execution - in our endeavour to push ourselves towards being a more sustainable architectural practice.
Alternatively, you may also explore engaging us for design only / consultancy. You will find details about the same on our FAQs page