Authors – Swetha Ananthula & Vikhyanth Reddy
Constructing a house of our own is a dream for an Indian family. However, when we plan to build a home, many of us are disappointed by the lack of variety in design and construction. Almost all urban houses are concrete box apartments or individual villas with the same concrete material. Are there ways to make your dream house unique, comfortable, eco-friendly and affordable? For a change, you could consider building a mud house!
The moment we think of construction, the first thing that comes to our mind is cement concrete, which is the most used building material in the world. With such massive usage of concrete, its bad qualities are overshadowed by its good qualities. Considering this, many are moving towards energy-efficient, affordable and artistic way of building such as mud house construction mainly due to the rising heat from climate change and avoid the perilous environmental effects of cement concrete.
A mud house is a building constructed with the soil excavated from the same land where the house is built. This soil is enhanced by natural additives that are locally available like rice husk, paddy straw, etc. The soil is tempered by thoroughly breaking up, watering and kneading and moulded into compressed stabilized earth blocks, which are reusable and have high heat resisting capacity, thus slowing down the rate of temperature changes in the ambient air.
Material costs of earth-based construction is only a fraction of the cost of a concrete house along with other conventional materials. However, labour is a major cost for a mud house construction, but the bright side is labour intensiveness. Unlike fired bricks, the physical structure of sun-dried bricks does not change during the drying process. Without its white protective layer, a wet brick simply becomes mud. Therefore, there would not be the problem of landfill contamination after demolition of mud structures.
Mud House Construction Examples across India
We found a few inspiring mud houses in India coupled with other green ideas employed in their construction, which makes them energy efficient:
Chitra Vishwanath’s Sans Souci in Bengaluru
To call ‘Sans Souci’, Chitra Vishwanath’s aesthetically beautiful and well executed architectural adobe just a mud house wouldn’t suffice. With mud as a basic material in construction Chitra Vishwanath, a renowned architect and environmentalist has designed and built many structures. Located in Vidyaranyapura, Bengaluru, this is an open house to study various ecological ideas used in it. The design of this house contains a thermally balanced basement, which provides the entire earthwork required for compressed earth blocks to build the home. The inside of house has no plaster or paint. There is no need for fans or air conditioning, since earth-based houses are naturally insulated enough to be cool in summers and warm in winters.
Chitra Vishwanath’s house has made efficient usage of all natural resources available on site. The roof is designed to capture rainwater and solar energy for cooking and water heating. Rice, millets and vegetables are grown on rooftop with recycled wastewater from washing machine and nutrients are provided to these plants from an Ecosan toilet. Grey water, which comes from kitchen sinks is recycled and used for landscaping purposes.
Kodaikanal Mud House
Residing in the tiny town of Shenbaganur, 6km from Kodaikanal, Priyashri Mani and Nishita Vasanth were quite enthusiastic from an early age to use their efforts for something productive. So they built a beautiful little mud roundhouse with a thatched roof and wooden poles crisscrossed on the inside for support. They made this possible without consulting an engineer or a builder, but just local masonry and other community residents.
They believe that materials like mud and cow dung are a lot easier to handle, giving the owners the opportunity to be a part of the construction of their own homes. The materials used by them in the construction are mostly recyclable. To construct the walls, which withstand adverse weather conditions, and to enhance load-bearing capacity, they followed the Earth-bag procedure, which is eco-friendly and economical. This method involves collection of old cement sacks made of polypropylene, a non-biodegradable plastic and filling them with mud. Then, they are arranged one on top of the other and plastered with mud or clay to hold up the entire structure.
The little stairway in their roundhouse that divides the living area into two levels is aesthetically tiled with handmade ‘Athangudi’ tiles. To get some colored translucent light in bathrooms, they used beer bottles. The shower area has a large window with a picture postcard view. The window frames are unusual and round in shape since tyres were used. They have added steps made out of tyres on the outside, and a simple gazebo made from coconut mats and wooden poles. Priyashri Mani and Nishita Vasanth are still making additions to make their Kodaikanal mud house look more beautiful and comfortable.
DTD Studio
Chennai-based DTD Studio is working towards the revival of mud architecture and natural building construction, which in turn supports local artisans and preserves the cultural heritage of the region. DTD Studio is the result of the efforts of a small group of individuals led by Krithika V who are concerned about the fragmented nature of operations in the green building segment. They are evolving sustainable designs and improvising the quality of spaces by utilizing vernacular and eco-friendly architecture.
Sustainable architecture practiced by DTD Studio focuses on area of mud house construction involving the regional factors of natural building materials and craftsmanship. Construction of mud walls depends on the local climate, soil conditions, water availability, and the artisanal occupation of the local communities. Their buildings are built with rammed earth walls that are naturally cool and helps in reducing the noise, along with providing strength and durability.
Arulville Bungalow
Arulville is a prime example of resource-positive architecture that manages its own resources and does not rely on electricity and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). It bears witness to a perfect sync between man, nature and the built environment consisting of a cottage, a courtyard, a bungalow/villa, a kitchen/dining block, a three-storey water tank and a few man-made water bodies.
The building welcomes with an arched brick roof, with dismantlable precast concrete rafters rhythmically patterned and a cooler-roof technique (locally known as Madras Terrace). Another interesting system of roofing at Arulville is the combination of T-beams, with coir-fiber sandwiched between clay tiles and Kadappa stones. Thermal insulation within the structure is incredible, especially during the hot and humid climate of coastal Tamilnadu.
Mud, dug up from the site has been used extensively to build walls as well as foundations, applying the rammed-earth technique. Locally sourced clay bricks and quarter bricks used for walls are left unplastered. Clay bricks do not fade, erode or dent overtime and termites don’t eat them. Water bodies were created in areas where the soil was dug out for building rammed earth walls. Even the original curing tank became a lotus pond, after the construction.
The use of earthy red-oxide flooring in the Arulville bungalow keeps it cooler to the touch even in mid-summer and provides longevity and joint-free finish. The use of filler slabs, with small clay pans employed as fillers, effectively reduced the use of concrete. Natural filtration ponds were created using charcoal, pebbles and sand to filter impurities in the water being pumped up to the overhead tank, as well as to recycle the waste water.
i need builders of eco friendly
Hi we build mudhouses.
Hi Shivam,
Thanks for your interest in our website and providing information. but we do not allow companies to post details in comments. so please list your company in our green directory where we allow complete details to be posted freely
Hi I have requirements for mud houses in Goa kindly contact me
Want aid how in my farm in Jagtial district Telangana
Hello Vijay ,
Please contact us at info@ecoideaz.com for detailed discussion.
I need to build mud and eco friendly house. Anybody here please contact 7010054796
Pl. provide your contact detail
we need mud house in chandigarh
Need to build a 2 storey mud house in uttarakhand, need a guidance and feasible construction contractors.
Please Call or whatsapp me on 9654478368 Sakoya Foundation
We are looking for mud house contractor.
I am interested to construct a Mud House for my self residential purpose at my Village in orissa, anybody can support me on this construction is Highly welcome. My Cell – 9999031306
I am truly interested in the last design of mud house. I am particularly interested in doing something that is different from the conventional. Please how do I get this design and someone to construct this building for me. Thanks.
Hi Awesome,
thanks for your interest, but we can help if you are based in India. please mail us your location details at editor@ecoideaz.com
The mud house looks really cool and with the type of decoration it has, I can surely say it is better than any other house construction. Very impressive writing
Hi
I want to build mud huts.
Please mail us
corporetshimla@gmail.com
Hi I need a 12 by 12 feet eco cool room. Can you help with details?
Thanks Ajay
We need to build a mud house, so pls give the sqft cost..
Am interested in mud house building
Hello Mr.Neeran
We are Mud House Contractor of India. We buid mud houses via several mud techniques & within your budget. for more info or inquiry you can contact us at Urbunhut – https://www.ecoideaz.com/green-directory/urbunhut/
Thanks
Shivam Saraswat
Thanks Shivam, please log onto our Green Directory to list your company since we do not allow weblinks and contacts in our comments
We made to build mud house plz send any house mab looking comfortable and beautiful
I want to make mud house in my farm in Madhya Pradesh – can someone help ?
I am interested in building a mud house in Lonavala Maharashtra. Appreciate response at hemantbhiva@gmail.com
What about maintenance ?? Is it difficult ??
I need help to built mud house.
I want build mud house in first floor
I need to build a mud house like arulville. But im in Pakistan. Can anyone advise? How to fulfil this dream?
Hi Nadeem,
unfortunately we being in India, cannot help you with your needs! all i can say is please study how the traditional house buildings were built with mud earlier in Pakistan
Sir can you share some architectural designs regarding mud house
Hi we made mud house hotal
contact no and address pls
I need a mud house in Delhi
Hello, what can be the overall expense of building a 4-5 room eco-friendly ( with mud ) home ?
Hi
I want to build a mud house in Andhrapradesh. Can I get anyone who is able to build and how much does it cost ?
hello,
i am navi thakur from palampur himachal pradesh.
i have huge land and want to made mud homestay in low budget.
Could you plese help me in this.
Hi.. Could u find someone for mud House?
Yes possible, search on google PONDSIDE9
Can you please send the details of Chitra Vishwanath’s Sans Souci house I really like the concept of eco friendly houses. Please contact me as soon as possible.
i am interested to construct eco friendly house in andhrapradesh
I would like to construct mud house in my farm near Nagpur ( Maharashtra ) . Please advise who can design and construct.
Can we also build a green mud office on the roof in Delhi ? Pls advise.
Thanks
Pradeep Bagga
I’m very much interested to built one in Malaysia. Do advice on how to go about it This wl be something new in Malaysia.
My email add : sivshan2417@gmail.com
Do contact..
Hi,I want a mud house at siuri(dist- birbhum,state- west Bengal).can you please help me?
daliyachoudhury26@gmail.com– if can please contact
Hi Daliya, I am wondering if you have built your mud house, if so could you share some pointers about your journey? Thanks!
We want eco friendly house to built we want mud house construction builders in Tamil Nadu
I wish to make some low budget Mud Cottages in my village land in Kumaon (Uttarakhand) approx 60 kms from Ramnagar in hills.
HI, it was my dream to live in eco-friendly, mud house. I would like to construct mud house at our farm near Tumkur, Karnataka. We would like to construct around 1200 sq. ft.
I prefer to have eco- friendly, low cost,contemporary mud house cool mud house. If any architect or builder meet my requirement, kindly contact me.
Parimala BJ
Hi Parimala,
Thanks for your interest in the construction of Mud House. We shall get in touch with you through mail
Hello sir, I am from nagpur, Maharashtra, interested in building mud house… Can it possible to build three storey building??? Let me know….
Hi Jyoti, Yes, it is possible to build a three storey building by using wood or iron RCC beams
Hi all, anybody in and around Hyderabad planning to construct house with natural materials(Mud, bamboo and wood) please,please join me in your project.
Hi Ramarao,
Thanks for your interest in the construction of Mud House.
Hi I’m SOM, looking contractor to build mud house in Visakhaptnam. Please contact any leads. total site is 530 Sq.yards
Hi Somanadhan,
Thanks for your interest in the construction of Mud House. We shall get in touch with you through mail
I need to build the walls of my house with mud and lime in a village 6 km from Sathnur on the outskirts of Bangalore. All materials are on site. Foundation is done. Would you be able to help with providing reliable people to build these walls without any cement whatsoever?
Hi my name is suji I am in trichy Tamil Nadu. I want to built a mud house in my land. If any builders near me plz contact
Hi Sujina,
Thanks for your interest in construction of Mud House. We shall get in touch with you through mail
Will you take up building a mud house in Palamaner (neighbouring Kolar district) in Andhra Pradesh ?
If yes, please revert back
Thanks for information
Very nice article
Can you give me an idea of cost of building a mud house in Goa North Goa
Four bedroom kitchen dining drawing common very simple work no design or ornamentation no wood work
Just simple house for living
Thanks
Hey,
there are so many Nature Enthusiasts i find here who all want to build natural buildings. I would like to know how many of you have been able to make your dream come true. I too am a dreamer like you all. I request the concerned to contact me at divya.anand@yahoo.com.
Thanks
I want bulid one mud house plz help
Its really great to see your interest in building a mud house .We will reach you through mail .
Hi all,
I’m interested to know the techniques and want to study how the mud houses in India are built. Could you please guide me. I want to design my own house and take help from experts to build it.
Any info will be of great help.
Thank you Jithendra for your interest in Mud house construction . Please check your mail for further details .
Sir, I’m nithya from erode in tamil nadu .we are farmers.we are very much interested in mud block house in the farm.can you construct in low cost and the house should be big ?
Thanks for your interest in building the mud house. For more information , you can contact us on coordinator@ecoideaz.com
Hi I want to build a mudhouse west Bengal Andal burdwan district. Can anybody help.
Thank you for your interest in building the mudhouse. You can contact us at info@ecoideaz.com for more details.
Interest in mud house in uttarpradesh, please contact me.
Hello Pradeep, Thank you for your interest in building the mudhouse. You can contact us at info@ecoideaz.com for more details
Sir, I am from coimbatore.
I want to build a house with eco friendly materials used traditionally. What is the construction cost per square feet?
Hello Jeyalakshmi ,
Thank you for your interest in building a mud house. You can connect us at info@ecoideaz.com for more details.
Is it possible to build mud house using black cotton soil. What would be the cost per sft.
Hello Pradeep ,
Please connect with us at info@ecoideaz for more details.
We are located in JABALPUR MP. We are interested in building a mud house on our farm land. The proposed construction is of 1500-2000 sr ft. We want to make the place eco friendly. Can you suggest and help.
Thanks. Nawal
Hello Nawal ,
Thank you for your interest in building a mud house. We would be happy to help you , please connect us at info@ecoideaz.com for more details.
Greetings from mubina halim
Congrats to the soldiers of my earth
I need a mud house in ringing village, netrang ,Gujarat. On a farm field.
My problem is a have no idea where to start. One of the reason is that as soon as I say that I need a mud house people start nodding their head in disapproval.
Where do I start?
Hello Mubina,
Thank you for your interest in building a mud house. We can surely assist you with all the help you need. Please contact us at info@ecoideaz.com
Hi, we are looking for someone who could assist us in developing mud houses.
Hello Shitanshu ,
Thank you for your interest in building the mud house. We provide full assistance for the same. Please connect with us at info@ecoideaz.com for detailed discussion.
I Want to build house which is eco friendly and self sustained. I have 4kids and parents so at least looking for 3BHK. I have 20 cents land want use 3 cents built up area and leave rest for garden. In my area it’s more hot weather so looking for house with good natural lighting and ventilation. Can spend around 16L-18L end to end.
Hello Mahboob,
Thank you for your interest in building a eco-friendly and self sustained house. We can surely help you with more details, Please contact us at info@ecoideaz.com
Hi. I’m looking for constructors who can make eco friendly homes in our area.
I am so happy I found your blog and I absolutely love your information about consider mud house construction for your home and the tips you have shared are awesome. I liked and it is wonderful to know about so many things that are useful for all of us! Thanks a lot for this amazing blog!!
Wonderful story, ideas, and showpiece homes. I have plans to build a small mud-house in Mysore. Am looking for help – eco friendly design ideas, and construction help.
Regards
Hi,
I would like know the cost of mud house and is your services available for Indore, M.P.
We are looking for 10 piece of cottages.
Hi Rajendra, please let us know where you would like to build your cottages. Your location, budget, and labour availability are crucial for this project
Hi all,
I’m interested to know the techniques and want to study how the mud houses in India are built. Could you please guide me. I want to design my own house.
Any info will be of great help.
I am truly interested in the last design of mud house. I am particularly interested in doing something that is different from the conventional. Please how do I get this design and someone to construct this building for me. Thanks.
looking for construction of a mud house in bangalore.
Hi,
I am Hanj Kiran from Bengaluru. I am planning to build a mud house in a plot of 1200sq ft. Could you help me out?
I wanted build a mudhouse on my farmhouse. Please help me.
Hi I’m Sanju from Chennai. I would like to build a nice mudhouse with natural lighting and all eco friendly features in my farm in kothagiri. Kindly contact me if you can help me out
Hi , I’m Arvind and stay in Poontandalam near Kalpakkam.I’m looking for any kind of help to put up a mud house room with an attached bath on the first floor terrace of my place. Grateful if you could send me details on arvindgangs@hotmail.com
Hi,
I am Ramya Sree Anand from Hyderabad. I would like to build low budget eco friendly self-sustainable house. Can anyone help me with this?
I am prabhat
7398636825
I want to build a mud house fully furnished fully eco friendly
Anyone contact me
Hi this is Narayana from Hyderabad, want to build mudhouse in my farm land in hyderabad
I may be contacted on 9848436825
Hello my name is Sanjay Agarwal I m looking for a architect designer to set up an spritual ashram at low cost with mud work earth work based construction in Vrindavan my email id is sanjay@smcsystem.com , need a beautiful but spritual meditative landscaping in ashram
Can you help me to make eco friendly mud house on the terrace of my house
Sure Sumit, will send the details by mail
Thanks for sharing such information.
I am looking to build a mud house at my farm on the suburbs of Chennai . I really like the three specimens you have posted. You guys are doing a really great job building with eco friendly materials.
Can you please help?
I need to build a eco friendly mud house in Dharampur gurat valsad district simple four wall with roof budget around 1 lkh
Intrested to have a mud house in up at yamuna express way, need good experienced contractor,scope ofmore mud houses is there pl contact. Can you pl help me in making echo friendly mud house
or suggest any contractor in up greator noida
i want to build a mud house on top of my two storey concrete house.
i live in meera bagh, new delhi-110087
my phone no. is 9212135079 and my email id is amit@voltampengineers.com
please help me and guide me to accomplish my dream mud house.
thanks
can i have your contact number
Hari Om!
Based in Visakhapatnam, I am looking out for architects / consultants with whom I can take discussion forward for building a Mud House Bungalow for our up-coming Eco-Farm. Please get in touch with me
Dhanyawad
Rishi
Interested in constructing a mud house in my fields in kanpur Dehat district , can you please help me with architects who can design, build and deliver .
i am interested to construct eco friendly house near Dharapuram Tamilnadu.
i am interested to construct eco friendly house near Dharapuram Tamilnadu. Can anyone give some contact detail? I appreciate it!
Thanks
Porkodi
+33783220532 whatsapp
I m interested in building a small but reliable mud house in Maharashtra. The place is close to western ghats also having rainfall like Konkan..would be thankful if your company gets in touch for the possibility and approx costing.
Thanks for sharing the blog.
Hi any firm or contractors who can build old traditional mud house in kurnool. Contact
me at 9866111566
interested in building small mud house with affordable minimum cost in Sawantwadi maharashtra
advice for contractor
I leve I bilaspur chhattisgarh I want to make mud houe plese contact me
Need to build a 200sqft farm house cum storage house in farm..
i need to built an eco friendly house in karnataka manglore- please reach me on 9004808896
need to build an ecofriendly mud house – kindly guide
We want beautiful duplex mud house
It is so beautiful😍
Mud house construction is an age-old technique that not only connects us with our roots but also benefits the environment. The use of natural materials and minimal ecological footprint make it a sustainable choice. Let’s explore such traditional practices and revive eco-friendly building methods.