Studio Shunya took on the challenge of creating a sustainable office space on a small plot. The aim was straightforward: design a zero-energy building that breaks the stereotype that mud buildings must be temporary and dull. The 1600-square-foot building uses natural materials and local techniques, emphasizing the architect's commitment to sustainability.

Community involvement was a crucial part of the process. A lime-making workshop engaged locals, and artists from the area contributed murals and textured art using lime.

Image © Abhay Khatri, courtesy of Studio Shunya

The foundation of the building was composed of stone, lime, brick dust, and sand to ensure stability. Metal sheets and Kota Stone were used for waterproofing and anti-termite treatments. When local authorities insisted on using reinforced cement concrete in the roof slab,  the firm chose a "permanent slab" made of inverted earthen pots, aiming for insulation and reduced cement usage. Stone scraps were used to build ventilators. The terrace features a reflective China mosaic pattern crafted from carefully selected scrap materials.

The layout of the building includes pathways to the living area and the architect's office, a kitchen, a bedroom, a worship area, and amenities. The interiors incorporate limecrete flooring and lime-plaster walls infused with jaggery and fenugreek. Mud and lime were used to create in-situ furniture.

Landscaping strategies integrated rammed earth techniques into the boundary wall and implemented rainwater harvesting to meet 70% of the project's water needs. Native grass and plants were chosen to enhance ecological health and minimize maintenance costs. The tangible result was a discernible temperature difference of 8-10 degrees in post-occupancy evaluations.

Image © Abhay Khatri, courtesy of Studio Shunya

Image © Siddharth Behl, courtesy of Studio Shunya

Image © Siddharth Behl, courtesy of Studio Shunya

Image © Siddharth Behl, courtesy of Studio Shunya

Project facts

Project Name: Studio Shunya Office

Completion Year: 2023

Firm Name: Studio Shunya

Lead Architect: Shreya Srivastava

Team: Atharv Vilas Maluste, Yamini Rajput, Meera Sivan, Dhruv Sood

Murals: Rahul, Vishv, Prityanshi Aggarwal, Kapil Malhotra, Rama

Top Image © Abhay Khatri, courtesy of Studio Shunya.

> via Studio Shunya

community building mud buildings Sustainabilty traditional indian houses zero-energy