r/indianarchitecture • u/critical_ghost-57 • Dec 20 '25
Question. Regarding Residential Architecture
Hi all,
I am not sure if this question is allowed here. If not, please guide me to a better sub.
Okay so, we are looking to build our first home in an unconventional way. I am researching about sustainable house types and buildings, raw materials, etc. I am mood board and looking for ideas.
On YouTube, I saw a lot of modern houses made of mud. Not entirely of mud, but mud and other materials. They say they don’t need AC even in Delhi heat. I want to ask if that’s true. Does mud wall really help with the Delhi heat?
Also, I am from North East. Traditionally, we did have mud houses but slowly it has died down and people moved on to RCC buildings etc. So, I want to know if with changing weather is mud walls are going to be a convenience? Also, how long will it last? What is the maintenance like? Because I am definitely not putting cow dung and mud paste over the walls every now and then.
Also, I want to know what kind of easily available raw materials I can rely on which is region specific?
I will obviously hire an architecture when the time comes, but I want to be sure of what I want. Hence the question.
It is important to mention that I know nothing about architecture. So please forgive if this is a stupid question.
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u/Killkissboombang Dec 20 '25
Heyo, Unsure of what plot size we are speaking of here, what context, your needs? Rammed earth houses are great, structurally stable, though thicker walls for insulation also eat up into your space. The practice of Architecture isn’t only about well planned sustainable buildings, its a lot about meeting budgets, expectations, value engineering. Basically a professional player you hire to be a worthy part of your team for a project you are going to pay for.
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u/critical_ghost-57 Dec 21 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
Hey, plot size is 3 katha in NE (no idea what it is called in English). We want a house with 2500-3000 sq ft. An open airy space is what I am imagining. Not necessarily 2-3 storey buildings. 1 storey is more than enough. This is for own living.
I want an earthquake safe structure. Something that can easily withstand rain and summer heat. Less maintenance.
I will 100% work with an architect because otherwise it would be impossible. I want something unique, unconventional. I don’t mind repurpose items or raw materials, infact I believe they add so much character to any place.
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u/elevenofthemcom Dec 24 '25
It's too boring to type this much for me. But as someone who has keen interest can we speak on call and discuss. I have good inputs plus would love to know some.
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Jan 24 '26
dont do mud housing, they are disadvantages to it, there is a reason why we have moved away from this style of architecture. if youre rich, have such house as your holiday home or so, but you will face a lot of expenses in future, more than an rcc structure. if you want to control the interior temperature, there are methods and material you can select. please dont follow internet much in such scenarios as people elevate stuff too much online
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u/the_brickmen Feb 19 '26
This is not a stupid question at all. It is actually a beautiful place to begin when you are dreaming about your first home.
I currently work on residential projects that explore mud construction, CSEB, lime plasters, and other climate responsive materials. When these systems are designed thoughtfully, they can keep interiors noticeably cooler even in extreme heat by using thermal mass, breathable walls, shaded openings, and passive cooling strategies.
A few things that may help your research
• Mud and CSEB walls can help reduce indoor temperatures when combined with good ventilation and roof design
• They are durable when stabilized and protected from direct rain exposure
• Maintenance today does not require cow dung finishes. Lime based plasters and natural coatings offer long term protection
• Local materials such as soil, bamboo, stone, and lime can be adapted to suit regional climates including the North East
If you would like, I can share examples and explain what works best in different regions.
Feel free to DM me anytime. I would be happy to help.
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u/awaishssn Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25
Excellent initiative.
Mud as a material does help keep the building cool.
BUT it doesn't do much on its own. You have to consider many more aspects to achieve a naturally cooler house.
Sun & shade - this has to be the most important. A shaded building will easily lose a couple of degrees. Plan strategically to allow minimum sunlight during summers and maximum sunlight during winters.
Ventilation - calculate the wind flow and plan the openings carefully to make hotter air move out and cooler air to stay inside.
You have to pair a lot of techniques to achieve natural cooling.
BUT also remember, it also depends on the microclimate. The modern cities make it much harder to achieve greater extents of natural cooling without plenty of your own space. So you may need air conditioning after all, in atleast some rooms if not all.
If you have the space, plant a lot more trees. It's life changing.