Our Journey in Earthen Architecture
We invite you to step into the world of Praangana. From mud walls that breathe to oxide floors that reflect the light, this collection captures our journey of connecting modern living with traditional, earth-friendly architecture.
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.
Watch as the skeleton of a building comes to life with timeless architectural forms. This footage shows the construction of exposed brick walls, graceful arches, and a sturdy jack arch vault ceiling, all assembled by hand with precision and care.
Our 'Kai Kale' workshops are a mix of theory and joyful, hands-on practice. This video gives you a glimpse into a session, from classroom learning about natural plasters to participants creating their own colorful oxide tiles and meditative Dorodango mud spheres.
The texture of a wall tells a story. This is a close-up of our Lohi plaster, a natural lime finish that creates a smooth, subtly marbled surface. The earthy tones and soft sheen bring a sense of calm and connection to any room.
From the carpenter's workshop to the final tile, building a traditional Mangalore tiled roof is a multi-stage craft. This video shows the behind the scenes process, including the detailed woodwork for the frame and the final structure taking shape on site, viewed from above.
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.
Applying an oxide finish is a skill that requires a steady hand and an eye for detail. Here, an artisan carefully trowels a vibrant yellow oxide skirting, seamlessly connecting the floor to the wall in a smooth, durable, and beautiful curve.
We invite you to learn the ancient Rajasthani lime plaster techniques with us. This is an announcement for our advanced course on Thappi, Araish, and Lohi finishes, a hands-on workshop led by master artisan Rafik Muwal at our Srirangapatna site.
About Featured
Our work is not meant to be just looked at; it is meant to be lived in and learned from. If you are intrigued by the feel of a cool lime-plastered wall or the process of laying a jack arch roof, we invite you to join our open house tours or sign up for a hands-on workshop. This is where you get to move beyond the photos, meet our team, and understand the real, messy, and rewarding process of building with nature.
At Praangana, we believe a home should evolve out of its surroundings. Our architectural philosophy focuses on vernacular methods, prioritizing materials that age gracefully and support a healthy lifestyle. Whether we are constructing a residence in Udupi or teaching a workshop in Mysuru, our goal remains the same: to create spaces that are open to the sky and deeply rooted in the land.
The Science of Natural Building
We replace steel and cement with stone, timber, lime, and mud. These materials offer thermal comfort, naturally regulating temperature during coastal summers or dry inland seasons. Our projects often feature:
- Breathable Finishes: We use traditional techniques like Lohi, Araish, and Thappi lime plasters, which give walls a smooth, marbled texture that promotes air circulation.
- Structural Craftsmanship: You will find jack arch roofs, corbelled arches, and exposed brickwork in our projects, all built using local artisanal knowledge.
- Oxide Flooring: A classic, durable, and vibrant finish that remains cool underfoot, perfect for the Indian climate.
Learn With Us
We view our projects as educational spaces. We actively encourage owner-builder involvement because we believe you should understand how your home works. Our hands-on workshops cover the full spectrum of sustainable construction, from the meditative art of Japanese Dorodango to the technical application of lime washes. By participating, you gain more than just theoretical knowledge; you acquire the skills to contribute to your own building process, ensuring that the 'saralatheya sobagu' or beauty of simplicity is woven into every corner of your living space.
Praangana
We are Praangana, a collective that finds magic in old lime kilns and the simple joy of working with soil. We do not just design buildings; we collaborate with you to create homes that function like a second skin for the earth. Come build with us.
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