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The art of bringing nature indoors
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With the development boom hanging heavy on our shoulders, isn’t it time people thought of accurate building methodologies? A look at what contemporary architecture demands are all about by RANJANI GOVIND
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OLD IS GOLD: Breathtaking mud houses in Kerala designed by architect Eugene Pandala (left and centre).
Isn’t architecture something that links spaces? And through spaces, people, queried Australian builder Tom Haynes, who was in the city recently to deliver a lecture on eco-friendly architecture. “How does one explain the science of building? Do the styles convey a culture and heritage of the place or do they reflect the lifestyle of the user? Although it is an expression of all these factors in varied degrees, true architecture is about understanding people and
the moorings of the place with specific details of living that contributes to green living, he said. “Relevant architecture can rise to the occasion of using ideas, design and material that are local and climate specific.”
Living amidst brick and mortar expressions that scream of a daunting development boom, it is time for city dwellers to sit up and take notice of Haynes’ warning of the World Health Organisation projections which highlighted death due to negligence of environmental factors in building dynamics.
Haynes exposed the WHO forecast that spelt chronic illness that would double by 2030, the seriousness of the issue being man’s interference with nature and de-focussed methodologies that do not let in green lifestyles.
Reading out from media reports of mushrooming unplanned structures with materials that are more or less perilous to the environment, Haynes highlighted that construction materials need to be health and climate friendly, as they would minimise global warming.
“Trade, invasion, cross-cultural influences and knowledge transfer have always influenced architectural solutions,” opines senior architect K. Jaisim. “Thereby, regional architecture has not only lost its identity and importance, but is also not considered when working out solutions. The confusion starts when hybrid solutions are produced under the pretext of creativity,” he says.
Village homes predominantly used mud. The muddy floors soon turned red with oxides that lent a sheen that enabled easy maintenance. But when the old styles are being tried for a come-back, it is termed ‘ethnic’ ‘traditional’ or ‘earthy’ – just a labelling that underlines the low cost factor or a phase that demands attention because there is nothing novel in the material!
Mud houses that have come up recently defy such anachronism and sit pretty in design, comfort and respect towards society and environmental needs.
“Being eco-friendly and caring for the environment are two crucial factors that builders and designers have to care for,” says Jaisim. “Why do you cover your work spaces with glass and bring in the air-cons?” he argues. “A bit of thinking and a love for nature will help Bangalore get the wonderful climate indoors,” he insists.
Blocks, tiles and jaalis in mud or the terra cotta is what one could start with.
Non-cement based mud plaster on walls can keep the mosquitoes away apart from leaf and aloe vera extracts that shoo away insects of every kind. Get in more skylights, bring in all the features of rainwater harvesting and use cost-effective locally available materials. “This is how eco-friendly product alternatives can get cheaper,” says Jaisim.
A natural stone-and-red oxide makeover for outdoors enhances the greenery.
Tom Haynes, however, stressed the fact that only the public sector and the growing MNCs in India can build the way for such awareness to creep in and initiate measures for taking up nature- friendly architecture.
As for governmental contributions, Karnataka’s recent initiative — Police Bhavan in Gulbarga — is a “green” gesture.
Tips for going green
* Practise RWH to the maximum extent.
* Recycle and reuse should be your daily mantra.
* Use mud blocks, they are natural and cost-effective.
* Use plant-based wall finishes, rather than chemical additives.
* Lime-washed walls are better than lead-based hues.
* Avoid vitrified tiles and bring in terracotta or ceramic alternatives.
* Bring in skylights for natural ventilation.
* Solar heating encourages energy production.
* Segregate garbage and compost the biodegradable matter.
* Use locally available material that needs minimum energy for production.
* Use non-cement based plasters.
* Silver oak trees and small water bodies will ensure the arrival of birds.
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Property Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
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