Vernacular Homestays in Madhya Pradesh: Sustainable Design

A local woman sits proudly outside her family's homestay. The project is not just about building structures, but about empowering the community, especially women, who bring the walls to life with their artistic skills.

Every project begins with the community. Here, villagers and our team collaborate on marking the foundation for a new homestay, a crucial first step in our participatory design process where every voice contributes to the final outcome.

Local artisans and masons work on the brick and timber structure of a homestay. We prioritize using traditional building techniques and local expertise, ensuring the knowledge of generations is passed on and valued.

Community members work together to prepare the foundation, moving earth and stone by hand. This collective effort fosters a deep sense of ownership and pride in the project, creating spaces that truly belong to the people.

A close-up of a wall niche adorned with a peacock mural, a common motif in local folk art. These details, painted by the women of the family, transform a simple wall into a canvas for storytelling.

A relief carving of a tiger on a mud wall, showcasing the rich textures and artistic traditions of the region. This kind of earth art is an integral part of the homestay experience, connecting guests to the local culture and wildlife.

This charming mud relief depicts a woman carrying a pot, a scene from daily village life. By incorporating such art, the buildings themselves become a narrative of the community's identity and traditions.

An interior view of a homestay bedroom, showing the clean lines of the bed against walls decorated with tribal patterns. The design balances rustic charm with comfort, creating a serene space for guests.

A completed homestay nestled amongst the trees, with its tiled roof and earthen walls blending seamlessly into the rural Madhya Pradesh landscape. The design respects the scale and character of the village.