The Cheerville Project: A 100% Cement-Free Farmhouse
See how we built a completely off-the-grid farmhouse from scratch, using nothing but earth, upcycled waste, and the determination of our all-women team.
From a clay model to a rising earthbag dome, this is the beginning of our Cheerville story. This project is our commitment to building a cement-free, sustainable farmhouse with an all-women team, using natural materials to create a model of circular, eco-friendly architecture.
Our vision for Cheerville, illustrated. These architectural drawings show the harmony between the structure and its natural surroundings, outlining the use of earth domes and natural materials to create a home that is truly part of the landscape.
Here is a look at the anatomy of our Cheerville project. This illustration details the layers of our sustainable design, from the stone masonry foundation to the flattened bamboo and the final bottle wall, showcasing how each natural element plays a crucial role.
Looking up from inside the earthbag dome during its construction at Cheerville. This structure, built with upcycled onion sacks filled with earth, is a testament to the speed and strength of this technique, and a source of immense pride for the women who built it.
A closer look at the earthbag dome's texture. We used upcycled onion sacks filled with soil from the site and layered them with barbed wire acting as mortar. This ancient, low-cost method creates incredibly strong and beautiful structures.
This textured wall is finished with Thappi, a traditional Rajasthani lime plaster technique. Our all-women mason team was trained by a master artisan, bridging knowledge from the north to the south of India and keeping ancestral skills alive.
A woman mason applies daub to a wattle frame. This ancient wattle-and-daub technique uses a woven bamboo lattice filled with a mix of local clay and natural fibers. For this project, we even used upcycled dog hair for added strength and insulation.
The exterior of the wattle-and-daub structure at Cheerville, showcasing the beautiful texture of the woven bamboo. This sustainable approach, created in collaboration with artisans from Assam and Meghalaya, uses bamboo instead of metal for the framework.
The process of applying the daub mixture to the bamboo wattle. This method creates a breathable, insulated wall that connects the home to its natural environment, using materials sourced directly from the land.
This is our bottle wall at Cheerville, a perfect example of turning waste into beauty. Using recycled glass bottles as masonry units, we created a functional wall that allows colorful, patterned light to filter through, adding a playful and sustainable touch.
About The Cheerville Project: A Symphony of Earth & Empowerment
Building Cheerville taught us that true innovation often lies in the overlooked. We used dog hair sourced from local pet groomers to insulate our wattle-and-daub walls, effectively replacing synthetic materials with something organic that actually works. It is this specific mix of ancient wisdom and modern waste-reduction that makes a home truly breathe, and it is a method we are ready to replicate for your space.
Architecture Without the Ego
At Masons Ink, we believe that walls should be more than just barriers. With the Cheerville project, we set out to prove that 100% cement-free, off-the-grid living is not just a dream, but a practical reality. Every element here serves a purpose, from the thermal efficiency of our rammed earth and earthbag domes to the structural integrity provided by local bamboo.
The Anatomy of Our Build
We relied on techniques that work with nature, not against it:
- Earthbag Domes: We used upcycled onion sacks filled with on-site soil. Once tamped, these become incredibly strong, cost-effective structures that naturally regulate indoor temperatures.
- Bottle & Gabion Walls: Instead of sending site debris to a landfill, we used broken bricks and quarry stones to build gabion retaining walls. Our bottle wall isn't just decoration; it captures the sunlight to create vibrant, living patterns of light inside the room.
- Thappi Plaster: We trained our all-women mason team in this traditional Rajasthani lime technique. It requires no chemical paints, provides a beautiful, breathable finish, and is incredibly durable in our climate.
Why We Build This Way
Our construction method is about more than just materials. By training women masons, we are challenging the industry standard and empowering a new generation of builders. This project, while ambitious, is a roadmap for anyone looking to build a sustainable home in Bengaluru or beyond. If you are tired of conventional concrete and want a house that ages gracefully with the seasons, we should talk about how to apply these circular principles to your site.
Masons Ink
We are Masons Ink, a team of architects and masons who believe your home should breathe. We do not just design; we get our hands muddy on-site, empowering women in construction and reviving traditional techniques that modern concrete has forgotten.
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