---
title: "Cheerville: 100% Cement-Free Sustainable Farmhouse | Masons Ink"
description: "Explore Cheerville, a cement-free, off-the-grid farmhouse built by Masons Ink. We use natural materials like earth and lime to create eco-friendly homes that breathe. Discover sustainable construction for your space."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture/sustainable-architecture-construction/the-cheerville-project-a-symphony-of-earth-empowerment
last_updated: 2025-09-04
---

# The Cheerville Project: A 100% Cement-Free Farmhouse

Tribe Verified · 100% cement-free farmhouse in Bengaluru

By [Masons Ink](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture) · Projects across Bengaluru & Kochi; Visit Studio in Ashok Nagar · ₹350 ₹ per sq. ft. of built-up area (estimate)

Part of [Sustainable Architecture & Construction](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture/sustainable-architecture-construction). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture/sustainable-architecture-construction/gallery)

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.

## Photos and videos

- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f037322b-942b-4893-a2f6-89a7f251ec99)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/23688b88-c68a-4145-a51c-6bfd0068efff)
- [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8e180208-a22d-4b5e-9cc1-d4032dcf20d4)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da1587d7-b430-452d-aeab-533472c8e2df)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91e5304c-0ea7-4cbb-88d3-a34c94ebec89)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b0d42914-72da-40f1-a25f-e8cab1762d70)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/465a6732-18fd-4305-9c55-ebdd20fd2722)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f354556-6781-415f-be51-aab02a7e95a9)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6bbd9944-eee7-4bc6-94f5-787b314aee11)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f00a3853-259e-40c0-990e-e87ed6c26a12)
- [Video: An illustration showing the construction of a Gabion Wall. These cages are filled with rocks and debris from the construction site, turning waste material into a sturdy and beautiful structural element.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b1648e74-bbb0-4a7e-8dd6-71cb57401c22)
- ![A close-up of the Gabion wall at Cheerville. We filled the wire mesh cage with waste stones from a local quarry and broken bricks from the site. This method is cost-effective, reduces carbon emissions, and allows for water percolation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3589ded9-4a2a-470b-a9f9-ba1844046571)
- ![The finished Gabion compound wall at Cheerville, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The layers of stone and brick create a rustic, durable barrier that is both functional and visually striking.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4bb2e93c-3273-43cf-8566-5fc39abb3e7d)
- ![The Cheerville farmhouse taking shape. Here you can see the bamboo framework being erected by our team of women masons, a critical step in creating this off-the-grid, 100% cement-free structure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a360561-6498-4a70-93c7-6d69ed02acc0)
- ![A glimpse of the mud-plastered dome at Cheerville. The rich, earthy tones of the structure are a direct result of using natural, biodegradable building materials and traditional methods.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0438fb25-9c76-4988-b5a8-9eefd7a14698)
- ![The earthbag dome at Cheerville during construction. This image shows the raw beauty of the structure, built with natural materials and surrounded by the very landscape it honors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6fc7ce2c-d239-453e-85e5-b7005c146eda)
- ![Presenting Rupa, one of our most enthusiastic women masons at Project Cheerville. Her energy and dream of building a mud house of her own inspires our entire team.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/588d029c-93d5-4ae3-9379-df283065c9a3)
- ![A woman mason applies the finishing touches to a mud wall at Cheerville. Her grace and strength are woven into the very fabric of the building.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad0191ab-0791-4adb-bdd0-d36eb5a7ae1d)
- ![Presenting Saroja, a woman mason at Project Cheerville. Her quiet focus and steady hands shape the earth with a skill that speaks volumes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/29f632df-5395-414d-8922-92e94de34921)
- ![Featuring Yentalakshmi, a mason at Project Cheerville. Fierce and bold, her unwavering dedication ensures that no task is left unturned.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7638e6b6-f1a0-4ba8-bbeb-e6862ec04c8f)
- ![Introducing Nagina, a woman mason at Project Cheerville. With careful hands and watchful eyes, she builds with a patience and wisdom that is truly inspiring.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/55caab03-9f78-4f9a-93eb-cffdb87256f5)
- ![A woman mason carries earth at the Cheerville site. We believe in the women who make our drawings a reality, and their hard work makes us incredibly proud.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2dd235fb-8fb2-4401-8688-e5e043147c33)
- ![The smile of a maker. One of our confident masons at Cheerville, whose skill and determination are building a more sustainable future.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/06c3bbb1-12e3-4dfa-a1f1-8c8f5d1136bf)
- ![Women masons applying mud plaster at Cheerville. The play of light and shadow highlights their focused work as they transform earth into architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74b46a64-ba64-42b7-a1d6-4ff334b379fe)
- ![The joy of creation. Our team of women masons at Cheerville, smiling as they work together, sharing skills and building with their hands.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66c79a83-91c3-4403-ad8b-97d465d83c81)
- ![Teamwork in action. Women masons work together to build an earthbag wall at Cheerville, demonstrating their strength and newfound skills in sustainable construction.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f164c49-889a-453b-957a-fa1629ff0506)
- ![Inside the workshop at Cheerville. This is where our team of women masons prepares materials, mixes mud, and brings our sustainable designs to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/47c4f4d7-f3ca-42f6-8cea-f4e4b56f3522)
- ![Two women masons applying the wattle and daub technique. Through training and guidance, these women become confident, skilled builders, transforming their own lives and their communities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd661e97-4983-4570-8978-75bda80f6292)
- ![Our work is about empowering women and transforming communities. Here, our masons are seen constructing the earthbag dome, a project supported by an INTBAU Grassroots Grant for its impact on traditional architecture and women's empowerment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ea1fba71-9bbd-413b-a703-4369ecd17a1a)
- ![A moment of fluid motion on site. A woman mason expertly catches a brick, showcasing the rhythm and skill involved in the daily work of construction.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/10fe9421-3732-47b4-a829-870cc9552e35)
- ![Our all-women team applying the final touches to a mud wall. This project is about more than just building; it's about empowering these women in every aspect of their lives.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/38fe4e78-8c2e-4fcc-9b74-096139d7364c)
- ![A well-deserved break. The team, including a furry site supervisor, enjoys a moment of rest and community against the backdrop of the gabion wall they built together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2e3fd63c-89ca-4a74-93ed-a575d1e9e1b1)
- ![A mason carefully applies mud to a bamboo wattle frame. This work combines traditional materials with a mission to empower women in the construction industry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6c7a6cd7-6238-4ce3-ac77-58888ba0a729)
- ![Preparing bamboo for the wattle and daub structure. We equip women with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in an industry where their potential is often overlooked.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cbba6420-6cd4-4ce5-a5cd-c9331bc4c799)
- ![Women masons constructing a wall using earthbags and incorporating bottle-ends for decoration. This project transforms perceptions of traditional architecture while empowering the women who build it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/48c1c899-2e43-4f5d-86ff-01821f845205)
- ![Our team working on a brick structure, mixing mud and straw. This hands-on process is part of our mission to equip women with skills in sustainable building practices.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/48bd49e9-2f84-4982-9c7e-01eef8f4a24d)

## 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.

## About 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.

[See all of Masons Ink's services](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture)

## More from Sustainable Architecture & Construction by Masons Ink

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- [Building a Better Future: Empowering Women in Construction](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture/sustainable-architecture-construction/building-a-better-future-empowering-women-in-construction)
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- [Additional Work & Inspirations](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture/sustainable-architecture-construction/additional-work-inspirations)

## More services by Masons Ink

- [Interior Design & Renovation](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture/interior-design-renovation)
- [Sustainable Construction Workshops & Training](https://mytribe.in/masonsinkarchitecture/sustainable-construction-workshops-training)

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## Book

To book Masons Ink, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskara!%20I%20saw%20the%20Cheerville%20project%20on%20Masons%20Ink%20and%20would%20love%20to%20chat%20about%20using%20sustainable%20methods%20for%20my%20own%20home.)