Above Conventional
Conventional is boring. One needs to go out of the line to explore more, or even to tell people that there is something else on the other side. Sustainability is one such topic where going above the present conventional practices to the very original ones is required, to achieve the most minimal way of living life. In India, keeping residences or commercial buildings cool is a big challenge with the changing climate temperature.
Tatvan Vas, a residence in Achrol, Rajasthan designed by Jaipur-based architect Raghav Pratap Singh is a perfect example of modern-day sustainable building. The total area of the house is around 6500 square feet and it has used different or unique techniques while building. The house remains cool by 8°C in the hot climate of Rajasthan when the outer temperature is around 50°C. Raghu’s cousin approached him for some suggestions for the property that she wanted to sell originally. But when Raghu came up with such a wonderful proposal, the whole family agreed to take up the project as a long-term investment. He was just 26 years old and a brave architect to go against the so-called conventional style.
Key Factors
Firstly, Raghu has created an eco-friendly concept for the house. The house planning was done according to the sun and wind path to avoid unnecessary heat that can increase the inside temperature. All the living quarters were planned in the north direction gaining all the daylight instead of sunlight. This also keeps the spaces bright till dusk, therefore there is no need for light in the daytime. Saving on electricity is the foremost aspect of conserving natural resources.
Secondly, the house contains 2 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, swimming pool and two bathrooms. Now the construction required 500 kgs of cement, but Raghu used only 300 kgs. How? He used egg yolks and marble powder for the binding purpose. Additionally, terracotta bricks were also used to ensure a climate-responsive construction and material.
Thirdly, Raghu points out Bernoulli’s principle where an increase in speed of air leads to a decrease in pressure. So when hot air is blown through narrow passages it becomes cooler. Hence, the use of jali is well-known in Rajasthan. This theory was applied between the bedroom and the living room. Another way used was some same sized windows in the opposite directions to assure efficient ventilation. A buffer space was strategically planned around the house for air circulation.
The fourth factor is the usage of natural materials available in the close vicinity. For example, Kota stone was used in the bathrooms and the exterior area. Heavy use of iron was done in the stairway and upper deck. Also, the expansion joints of brass were laid as a filler between flooring blocks. For the pool, instead of blue tiles, the science of indigo dyes was used to naturally color the pool.
The fifth factor is adding furniture that is majorly made up of sesam, acacia, and babool wood, etc. All these trees are very well found in Rajasthan and suit the environment. All doors were made from upcycled wood retrieved from old gates of heritage buildings in Rajasthan. The property also has a rainwater harvesting system that contains 6000 liters of water used for gardening and domestic purposes. The same water is used to fill water in the swimming pool and then with the help of advanced filtration technology, the pool water is recycled for up to four to six years.
When it is a question of residence, services are the crucial factors to focus on. For solid waste, a cesspit is installed underground that converts the waste into compost and for liquid waste, a septic tank is used.
Raghu was mentored by architect Ganesh Gulve while doing this project and he says that the approach Raghu has taken to handle the project is very sensible, eco-friendly, and empathetic towards the environment as well as the residents. Raghu completed his degree in Interior and Architecture Design in 2018 from Pearl Academy, Jaipur. He is very passionate about making life simple and comfortable without using any artificial amenities at the cost of the environment. Sustainable methods and techniques always inspire him. To take people back in time using traditional techniques with modern aspects.
Architects, designers, and thinkers who are problem solvers should be brave enough to make their users understand that short-term expenditure is a long-term investment. In construction, cost-cutting done on materials, craftsmanship, techniques, services, etc. will cost extremely heavily on our future generations. None of our species can visualize that there is nothing more important than our survival. The environment will only support humans until they are not crossing their limits. Money will be left here and only guilt of not doing anything right will go with mankind to heaven. Observe, realize, and act accordingly or else doomsday is not far. One day humans will be extinct from Earth for everyone’s welfare.
Online sources:
Citations for websites:
Himanshu Nitnaware (2021). Sustainable home ancient India Rajasthan. [online]. Available at: https://thebetterindia.com/256740/sustainable-home-ancient-india-rajasthan-ecofriendly-kota-stone-jaali-construction-tatvam-jaipur-him16/ [Accessed 17 Nov 2024].
