--- title: "Sustainable Brick Vaults, Domes & Wooden Ceilings" description: "Explore breathable, eco-friendly ceiling designs. We specialize in brick vaults, traditional Mucchige wooden slabs, and natural domes that keep your home cool and sustainable." canonical: https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/the-fifth-wall-ceilings-vaults-domes last_updated: 2025-09-12 --- # Breathable Ceilings: Brick Vaults, Domes, and Mucchige Tribe Verified · Sustainable architecture projects across Karnataka By [Praangana](https://mytribe.in/praangana) · Builds homes in Mysuru, Bengaluru & across Karnataka · ₹2,300 per sq. ft. (estimate) Part of [Natural Building Design & Construction](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/gallery) We believe your ceiling should do more than just cover a room. From structural brick vaults to traditional wooden Mucchige, we build roofs that regulate temperature, encourage airflow, and turn your ceiling into the centerpiece of your home. ## Photos and videos - ![Light streams through the oculus of this intricate brick dome, creating a dramatic play of light and shadow on the corbelled geometry below. This is architecture as an experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/edad0184-b344-4651-a4bf-92517423eac3) - ![Another angle of the brick dome at the Samyak Yoga Retreat, showing the depth and complexity of the structure. The vault creates a powerful, enclosing space perfect for meditation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2c9dcdf9-5e23-4a29-b15e-f67eb29e10f5) - ![A close-up detail of the corbelled brickwork where the dome meets the arches. This shows the incredible precision and artistry of the masons who built this structure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/35e61424-1be9-4602-9cfb-2b0e0b290f0c) - ![A view from the stairwell of the Vinaya residence, showing the layers of the ceiling. You can see the reclaimed wood paneling and the tiled roof structure, an honest expression of how the house is built.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/335d414e-950f-4b40-af51-ecbc5e9bda26) - ![A finished Mexican dome with a central light fixture. The geometric pattern of the bricks creates a captivating visual focus on the ceiling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/464511e7-3336-4359-84f5-140e697556c5) - [Video: A walkthrough of a space under construction, featuring a series of brick arches and jack arch vaults for the ceiling. This technique is strong, beautiful, and uses minimal steel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4aaf2b0-af8a-4b97-8323-543a3c4aee53) - [Video: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of a Mangalore tiled sloping roof. It starts with a detailed wooden model and ends with the final tiles being laid on site, a testament to the skill of our carpenters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b6df212f-c74e-4859-a8e9-de6fe975e2a1) - ![The view up into the attic (*atta*) of the Doddaballapura mud house. The entire roof structure is made from reclaimed wood, a sustainable choice that also adds immense character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/54200212-4644-4241-9492-649c4f07273e) - ![A cloister dome at the Harlur Jagali house, seen from directly below. The spiraling pattern of the bricks draws the eye inward, creating a sense of calm and order.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f104052e-ccf5-4370-9c11-5613c3152e7c) - ![The wooden truss work for a bedroom ceiling in the Basavanagudi house. Exposing the structural system not only looks beautiful but is an honest way of showing how the house is held up.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/499a5bc2-2da6-4029-99bb-9a2f1b8c3bf5) - ![A comparison of two slab systems. On the left, a vault made with mud mortar, and on the right, a traditional wooden slab known as *Mucchige*. Both are sustainable alternatives to a concrete slab.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/97976bc1-c6cd-461d-bd78-f62863f40b68) - ![A segmental brick vault with concealed lighting. The gentle curve of the vault makes the room feel spacious and the warm glow highlights the texture of the bricks.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/59651aef-6bd2-481f-a3b9-257d16bf5900) - ![A wider view of the room with the segmental brick vault. Paired with traditional patterned tiles and oxide finishes, the ceiling becomes the centerpiece of this beautiful space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0ac61052-eb67-4302-b499-5b334ff4e0bb) - ![The intricate patterns of Rohtak domes and brickwork under construction at a yoga classroom. These domes are known for their thermal benefits, keeping the space cool for meditation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/445971c4-41c8-4a66-994f-73a781223329) - ![Another view of the brick art in the yoga hall, showing different patterns and textures. The entire surface, from walls to ceiling, is a canvas for our artisans.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cd7f315a-be20-4d0f-aad0-ed4a5daeb26e) - ![The combination of vaulted ceilings and decorative brick panels creates a space that is both structurally sound and spiritually uplifting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a8e1ba6-ec59-41e3-9466-ef4e48c7ee37) - ![A long barrel vault made of brick, supported by stone pillars. This kind of ceiling is perfect for verandahs and passages, creating a beautiful rhythm of arches.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b4df15fe-b607-4756-9294-a880835b704f) - ![A detailed look at the wooden truss system for the sloping roof at the Basavanagudi house. Using reclaimed wood, we create strong and visually interesting roof structures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7f667c9e-3663-473b-935d-f1a5692729d5) ## About The Fifth Wall: Ceilings, Vaults & Domes Every ceiling we design is a functional choice. Whether we are using a brick vault to naturally cool a room or installing a traditional Mucchige wooden slab to add warmth, our focus is on structural honesty. We avoid the heavy reliance on concrete and steel, opting instead for materials that let your home breathe and naturally regulate its own climate, regardless of the season. When we talk about the 'fifth wall', we are talking about the soul of a room. Most modern homes treat the ceiling as an afterthought—a flat slab to hide wires and pipes. We see it differently. By using techniques like segmental vaults, jack arches, and domes, we create spaces that feel expansive and grounded. ### The Science of Comfort These structural systems are not just for show. A dome, for instance, has incredible thermal properties. By trapping air and using the natural heat-retention properties of brick, these structures stay significantly cooler than a standard RCC slab. This reduces your dependency on air conditioning and keeps your living space comfortable throughout the day. ### Traditional Techniques, Modern Living We draw heavily on heritage techniques like Mucchige (a traditional wooden flat slab) to bring the texture of reclaimed wood directly into your bedroom or living area. We also specialize in intricate brickwork, from Mexican domes to Rohtak domes, which require precision and a deep understanding of load-bearing geometry. When you walk into a room with a vaulted ceiling, you feel the difference—the sound softens, the light plays differently, and the air feels fresher. ### Your Role in the Process We are not just builders who hand over a key. We work with an owner-builder model. If you are curious about the geometry of a vault or want to understand how we calculate the load for a clay-tiled roof, we invite you to be part of the process. You will see how we lay the bricks, how we treat the reclaimed timber, and how we ensure the structure is built to last for generations. ## About Praangana At Praangana, we believe a house should be born from the land itself. We are a collective of builders and architects who get excited by old lime kilns and the honest texture of brick. We do not just design; we get our hands dirty alongside you to ensure your home feels truly alive. [See all of Praangana's services](https://mytribe.in/praangana) ## More from Natural Building Design & Construction by Praangana - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/featured) - [Our Design Philosophy: Blueprints & Visions](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/our-design-philosophy-blueprints-visions) - [Mastering Materials: Earth, Brick & Lime](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/mastering-materials-earth-brick-lime) - [The Soul of the Structure: Courtyards & Sit-outs](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/the-soul-of-the-structure-courtyards-sit-outs) - [Project Showcase: The Basavanagudi 'Thotti Mane'](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/project-showcase-the-basavanagudi-thotti-mane) - [Project Showcase: The Doddaballapura Mud House](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/project-showcase-the-doddaballapura-mud-house) - [Project Showcase: The Udupi Residence](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/project-showcase-the-udupi-residence) - [Additional Work & Announcements](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-design-construction/additional-work-announcements) ## More services by Praangana - [Natural Building Workshops](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-workshops) - [Natural Building Consulting](https://mytribe.in/praangana/natural-building-consulting) ## Similar work from other experts - [The True Ceiling: Sustainable Filler Slab Roofing in Bengaluru](https://mytribe.in/studio.bhoomi/sustainable-architectural-design/the-true-ceiling-innovative-sustainable-roofs) by Studio Bhoomi · Sustainable Architectural Design · Takes projects across Bengaluru; Visit Design Studio in Narayana Nagar - [Designing Homes with Natural Light and Airflow](https://mytribe.in/kham_design/residential-interior-design/signature-elements-the-play-of-light-air) by Kham Design · Residential Interior Design · Projects across India; Visit Studio in Chamrajpet - [The craft of sustainable brick and dome construction](https://mytribe.in/designkacheri/interior-architecture-design/behind-the-build-our-process-materials) by Design Kacheri · Interior Architecture & Design · Visit Design Studio in Vasanth Nagar; Projects across Bengaluru & Karnataka - [The Art of Materiality: Exposed Brick & Clay Architecture](https://mytribe.in/senscapearchitects/sustainable-architecture-interior-design/the-art-of-materiality) by Senscape · Sustainable Architecture & Interior Design · Office in Basavanagudi; Projects in Bengaluru, Coimbatore & Kotagiri - [Signature Architectural Details for Bespoke Homes](https://mytribe.in/process.architects/architectural-design/signature-architectural-details) by Process Architects · Architectural Design · Takes projects across Karnataka; Visit Architecture Studio in Jayanagar - [Courtyards and Crafted Details in Bengaluru Homes](https://mytribe.in/unskrithi/architectural-design/courtyards-crafted-details) by Unskrithi Design Studio · Architectural Design · Projects across Bengaluru; Visit Studio in Ramamurthy Nagar ## Book To book Praangana, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Natural%20Building%20Design%20%26%20Construction%20by%20Praangana.) 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