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Architectural Research and Sustainable Design Guides

byAshok B LallConsult online, across India, or visit office at Civil Lines, New DelhiStarts from₹120 per sq. ft. of built-up areaView full gallery

I believe green architecture should not be a mystery. My team and I develop design handbooks and open-source tools that make energy-efficient, climate-responsive building achievable for everyone.

The cover of the "Handbook of Replicable Designs for Energy Efficient Residential Buildings," a project commissioned by GIZ. This guide provides a catalogue of designs for various climates and orientations.

A diagram from the handbook illustrating different housing typologies, from single-family plotted homes to multi-family group developments. The goal is to provide scalable templates for sustainable construction.

A sample page showing a detailed floor plan and site plan for a low-rise 2BHK row house. Each design in the catalogue comes with performance simulations and energy conservation measures.

More examples of floor plans from the catalogue, showing different configurations for 2BHK and 3BHK apartments. This work is available to the public through the web tool econiwas.com.

The cover of the "BUILDING GREEN" guide to sustainable affordable housing, a handbook I authored for IIFL Home Loans. This guide aims to make green building practices understandable and achievable for the affordable housing sector.

About Research & Replicable Design Guides

These are not just theory books. We develop practical design templates and tools, such as the open-source econiwas.com, that translate complex passive cooling strategies into floor plans and structural specifications that anyone can use to build climate-responsive homes.

Over 40 years of architectural research. — Approved by the tribe
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Ashok B Lall

Consult online, across India, or visit office at Civil Lines, New DelhiStarts from ₹120 per sq. ft. of built-up area

I have dedicated my career to demystifying green architecture. My team and I believe that sustainable building should be accessible to everyone, which is why we spend so much time converting our field experience into open-source guides for the public.

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To create comfortable interiors in warm climates, we often recommend lighter fabrics like cotton. They reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, which helps keep rooms cooler and can make smaller spaces feel more open and airy.10
Color psychology plays a key role in creating a calming atmosphere. We use cool tones like blues, greens, and greys in our interior palettes, complemented by natural fibers like linen for furniture, to enhance comfort, especially during humid weather.
Biophilic design is a core principle for us. Introducing indoor plants not only adds a touch of nature but also helps regulate humidity and improve air quality, contributing to a fresher and more pleasant indoor environment.
We focus on creating timeless interiors that transcend fleeting trends. Our approach emphasizes quality materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and personalized design to create homes that feel authentic and resonant for years to come.

Designing for People & Planet

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Team3Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Lado Sarai, New Delhi
This aerial view of a factory extension shows my commitment to energy efficiency, with integrated solar panels and a green roof. The central courtyard is a landscaped breakout space, improving the indoor environment for workers.9
At Symbiosis International University, I used a combination of stone retaining walls, green spaces, and shaded walkways. This approach demonstrates a commitment to water preservation, healthy living, and creating a high-quality indoor-outdoor environment.
The campus at Symbiosis International University in Pune is a showcase of sustainable design. Features like green roofs, eco-friendly construction materials, and efficient water management systems are integral to the project.
This image highlights the use of indigenous materials in my projects. The image shows a detail of a brick jali, or screen, which allows for natural ventilation while creating a beautiful play of light and shadow.

Sustainable Architecture and Materiality for Modern Spaces

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IMK ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit office in Worli, Mumbai
This graphic explains Climate-Responsive Architecture, a key principle in our work. We design buildings that adapt to the local climate by using passive cooling, natural ventilation, and sun control to create comfortable and energy efficient spaces.7
An introduction to Biophilic Design, which integrates natural elements like plants, water, and light into our buildings. This approach is perfect for homes and offices as it boosts wellbeing, enhances productivity, and creates a calming indoor oasis.
This image describes Adaptive Reuse and Upcycling, a sustainable practice we champion. We convert old buildings like factories or warehouses into modern, functional spaces, preserving history while giving them a new purpose and style.
This infographic details how new urban development policies are shaping modern architecture. We incorporate principles like green buildings, prefab housing, and walkable zones into our projects to create healthier and more sustainable communities.

Sustainable Architectural Design for Modern Homes

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Green Ladder ArchitectsTakes projects across Delhi NCR & Bengaluru; Visit office in Greater Noida
Our ethos is to shape a sustainable future by designing in harmony with the environment. This image from a hillside project shows how architecture can be gently placed within the landscape, respecting local ecology and communities.23
Our design process is guided by seven key sustainability goals. These pillars, from site context to materials and energy, form a comprehensive framework that ensures every project is environmentally responsible and future-ready.
Efficiency begins with smart design. We prioritize passive strategies like building orientation, natural ventilation through shaded corridors, and green facades to reduce energy consumption before implementing active systems.
These diagrams illustrate our process for optimizing a building's form and orientation. Through strategic massing and passive design, we reduce reliance on energy-intensive systems, a core principle of climate-responsive architecture.

Our Sustainable Design Philosophy: Creating Future-Ready Architecture

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Edifice ConsultantsTakes projects across India; Offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru & Delhi
This 3D model shows a conceptual layout for an apartment in a tall timber tower. My research explores how to use engineered timber to build sustainable, multi-story housing, bringing the warmth and ecological benefits of wood to urban living.5
An axonometric view of my timber tower concept, showing how individual apartments connect to common circulation spaces. This research focuses on creating not just sustainable buildings, but also a sense of community.
A detailed cross-section of a timber apartment concept. This visualization helps me study the structural system and interior space planning, ensuring every design is both technically sound and highly livable.
This feature wall is made from pine tree skin, a waste product from the timber industry that I have upcycled into a beautiful interior element. I've planted ivy at its base, which will eventually create a living, breathing green wall.

Research and Material Innovation in Sustainable Architecture

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SAFE Design StudioTakes projects in Shillong, Guwahati & Delhi NCR; Studios in Shillong & New Delhi
A sectional drawing of the Sans Souci Residence, illustrating its core ecological strategies. It shows how the basement provides soil for the walls, how mezzanines create seasonal comfort zones, and how the rooftop harvests rainwater and supports a garden.36
A sectional drawing of the Sans Souci Residence, illustrating its core ecological strategies. It shows how the basement provides soil for the walls, how mezzanines create seasonal comfort zones, and how the rooftop harvests rainwater and supports a garden.
An axonometric floor plan of the Sans Souci Residence, showing how people use the multi-level spaces. This drawing visualizes the flow between the living areas and the split-level bedrooms with their mezzanines.
An axonometric floor plan of the Sans Souci Residence, showing how people use the multi-level spaces. This drawing visualizes the flow between the living areas and the split-level bedrooms with their mezzanines.

Architectural Design and Technical Blueprints

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Biome Environmental SolutionsBased in Vidyaranyapura; serves Bengaluru & India

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