Building ‘mouldable’ houses

Building ‘mouldable’ houses

strong foundationA hostel in Kottayam district of Kerala built out of mud.

Nandhini Sundar  DECEMBER 31, 2016

Using mud blocks, rammed earth, filler slab roofs and low-cost techniques, you can build smart structures that also stand strong, architect Gopal Shankar tells Nandhini Sundar

Nearly 80 per cent of Indian buildings are made of mud and biomass, states Architect Gopal Shankar of Habitat Technology Group. A recipient of the Padma Shri award for his environment sensitive work, Shankar’s designs are totally tuned to earth, the structures using mud blocks, rammed earth, and filler slab roofs along with salvaged materials wherever possible. The social architect that he is, the language of his design and construction techniques is strongly low cost and environment responsive.

Shankar believes in getting his hands soiled, where he can physically feel the earth, discover the versatility of various materials by physically experiencing them. His designs exude simplicity yet a masterly handling of the spaces, the volumes and angles expertly done, revealing an intuitive as well as a master’s touch. While mud is certainly versatile, it has its own inherent drawbacks. Hence why the obsession with it as the predominant material in his structures?

“Mud certainly has its own challenges such as being attacked by termites and losing strength if drenched, yet these can be worked around. Mud has fascinating features, the vocabulary of the material being so sensuous as it is easily mouldable even with bare hands. You need to physically experience it to understand its innate strength. In terms of visual appeal the multiple colours and textures it offers can be irresistible”, he says. “Mud has its own inherent tensile strength but there is no proper documentation of the technique of using it”, he laments.

Having been inspired as a young architect by the unconventional structures and designs of Laurie Baker, Shankar moved on to reflect this source of inspiration in all his designs and manner of construction. His first project, executed three decades ago, was completed at an unbelievable cost of Rs. 11,000, using low cost construction techniques. A significant part of his work continues to be large scale social housing where low cost construction techniques have been employed. His social projects have brought him many awards that include the UNDP award for the best post-tsunami rehabilitation work in India besides the national award for the Best Eco City design in 2015.

No columns

When invited to execute a project in Dhaka, Shankar came up with an earth building which incidentally is the largest of its kind in the world. The six-storey load bearing mud structure spanning six lakh sq. ft displays a total absence of columns. “We used locally available mud in construction and the pale yellow clay that was used for mud plaster offers a beautiful, differential hue to the building”, says Shankar. “The region gets eight to nine months of heavy rains, yet the mud structure has been standing strong for the last 10 years”, he smiles.

His residence, built totally in mud, is yet another fine example of the versatility of mud and low cost construction techniques. Fluid in design and planning of spaces, the mud blocks and rammed earth structure standing at two levels flows magnificently, the smooth curves, mud vaulted roofs, strategic vents and punctures letting copious natural light and ventilation into the interiors. “The mud blocks have been used without a binding material, by opting for the inter-locking system”, explains Shankar.

It is common to assume that low cost techniques would offer a dowdy ambience. “This is nothing but a myth”, says Shankar. He points to a residential project where such techniques were opted for. Built on a cramped site that had an uneven gradient, the design was structured to lend an expansive feel by making it free flowing. The spaces are multi-levelled, where the functional spaces are deftly demarcated.

Aesthetics

A rock prevailing in the site is retained, the interiors designed craftily around it. The aesthetics of the structure and interiors reflects no connection with the low cost building techniques adopted.

Shankar’s office reflects similar techniques.

Built on a narrow strip of land with a sharp gradient that is 30 ft. higher on one end, the multi-level spaces reflect a mastery of strokes that handles the constraints of the site while adopting the use of mud blocks, rammed earth and mud plaster with its mud texture to erect a structure sans the conventional columns.

“This is the strength of mud,” smiles Shankar.

‘Mud has its own inherent tensile strength but there is no proper documentation of the technique of using it.’

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-propertyplus/Building-%E2%80%98mouldable%E2%80%99-houses/article16968079.ece

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