Completed Sustainable Homes and Traditional Earthen Bungalows
Step inside our finished projects where traditional wisdom meets modern comfort. These homes are built with breathable mud walls and natural lime plaster to stay cool and connected to the landscape.
This is the Doddaballapura Mud House, a space that truly embodies the 'saralatheya sobagu' or the beauty of simplicity. The entrance features warm mud-plastered walls, a reclaimed wooden door with colorful glass panes, and a floor that combines traditional red oxide with patterned tiles, creating a welcoming and soulful atmosphere.
This is the heart of our Udupi residence project, a space that flows under a corbelled arch. The glossy red oxide floor reflects the light, contrasting beautifully with the cool white lime-plastered walls and the warm tones of the wooden ceiling beams.
Looking down from the upper level of our Udupi project, you can see how arches create elegant transitions between spaces. The high, angled ceiling with exposed wooden beams adds volume, while the intricate railing adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship.
The rich, warm tones of polished wood and red oxide flooring define this hallway in our Udupi residence. A traditional wooden staircase with a detailed banister leads upstairs, while an arched doorway offers a glimpse into an adjoining room.
The verandah of our Udupi home, with its traditional carved wooden pillars and a classic swing. This space, with its sloping Mangalore tile roof, is designed to be a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the view of the sky.
The exterior of our Udupi project showcases a blend of natural materials. A rugged laterite stone compound wall provides a textural contrast to the smooth, white lime-plastered walls of the house, all sitting under a traditional tiled roof.
An exterior view of our traditional eco-friendly bungalow in Udupi. The design features a multi-level sloping roof with Mangalore tiles, a prominent balcony, and a lush green lawn, creating a home that is in harmony with its coastal surroundings.
A short tour of a balcony space in one of our projects. Opening the door reveals a view over the lawn and a classic Mangalore tiled roof, with a comfortable cane swing waiting in the corner, perfect for enjoying a quiet moment.
About Completed Sanctuaries: Our Finished Homes
Our finished homes are not just structures; they are living spaces that regulate their own temperature. In our Udupi and Doddaballapura projects, we swapped conventional cement and steel for load-bearing laterite walls and traditional lime mortar. This approach keeps interiors naturally cool during peak summer. You will notice the signature red oxide flooring and open courtyard designs that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, significantly reducing your reliance on artificial cooling.
When we finish a home, it is not just a construction site closing down; it is a space finally beginning to breathe. Our approach centres on the 'Totti mane' or courtyard house, a design that acts as the lung of the building. By introducing a central void, we encourage natural cross-ventilation and allow soft, indirect light to fill the rooms.
We prioritize materials that age gracefully. Our use of lime plaster is not just an aesthetic choice; it acts as a natural carbon sponge, absorbing humidity and regulating moisture levels inside the house. You won't find cement-based paints here. Instead, we use traditional lime washes and pigments that allow the walls to 'breathe', preventing the trapped heat common in modern concrete apartments.
Take our Udupi residential project, for instance. We used local laterite stone for the foundation and walls, coupled with classic Mangalore tile roofing. Every element, from the hand-carved wooden pillars to the polished red oxide floors, is chosen to ensure the house feels grounded and connected to its coastal environment. We believe in designing for the climate, not against it. Whether it is the mud-plastered walls of our Doddaballapura mud house or the intricate arched windows, every detail serves a purpose: to make the home a sanctuary that feels as welcoming in the height of summer as it does during the monsoon.
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