Architects Embark on an Innovative Approach to Construction Using Traditional Indian Methods

Dhruvang Hingmire and Priyanka Gunjikar, a couple of architects based in Pune, have embarked on an innovative approach to construction by using India's traditional methods. Their firm, 'Building in Mud,' focuses on creating cement-free, eco-friendly homes that remain cool even in hot weather due to the use of natural materials and lime plaster. Unlike conventional architects, Hingmire and Gunjikar personally build homes and employ local labor and construction techniques. Their approach involves utilizing all-natural materials available at the construction site, completely forgoing the use of cement. Instead, they rely on lime plaster as a binding agent, allowing the houses to maintain their sturdiness and coolness.  The decision to use lime plaster instead of cement is driven by environmental concerns and the desire for a rustic aesthetic. Cement obstructs the natural breathability of the walls, causing them to heat up significantly. Lime, on the other hand, possesses better thermal insulation properties and is recyclable. Hingmire's inspiration for this unconventional path in architecture came during a college trip to Satara, where he encountered an elderly woman living in a dilapidated house. Determined to make a difference and build homes, he and Priyanka conduct thorough assessments of project locations, studying the available materials, technology, and surrounding area. With a core structure completion time of around four months and an additional four to five months for finishing the interiors, Hingmire and Gunjikar are successfully creating sustainable homes that blend traditional methods and environmental consciousness. Their unique approach to construction showcases the possibilities of eco-friendly architecture and highlights the potential for a more sustainable future in the housing industry.