Simplicity in minimalism

Kalpana Ramesh talks about how she built a sustainable home with almost all local resources:

While making the home, our plan was simple. The exteriors were supposed to be simple, unassuming and yet had to have a lot of contemporary appeal. On the other hand, the interiors were to have a sense of space across all three dimensions... spaces that flowed from one side to the other across levels with greenery inside and outside. We needed natural light in all the rooms and an extremely connected communicative space that brought the family together at all times.

Inspired by the greenery, in keeping with the concept of “communion with nature”, the house is steeped in several sustainable elements in its design. Locally sourced clay bricks, fly ash bricks, rock sand instead of river sand and metal structures that reduce the use of concrete and other elements that optimise materials usage were used.

Natural elements of light, air and water blend all throughout the house. Natural light is central to the house and we made that possible with the use of large windows, skylights and courtyards. But, it was also important that this arrangement would cut out the West and South heat. So we made sure there was plenty of cross ventilation in all directions and free flowing air and light all around the house.

Currently, a green wall is in the making as creepers creep up the South-West side of the house. Next up is a vegetable garden on the terrace to cut out the heat-island effect (a phenomenon that causes an area to be warmer than its surrounding areas, due to human activities).