Mumbai's Cob House blends tradition and sustainability | Fusion - WeRIndia

Passion for guitar and a desire to break free from corporate constraints led Kiran Amati, a former automobile engineer turned stay-at-home dad, on a unique journey.

Embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle, Amati, along with his father, ventured into sustainable farming on a half-acre plot in Badlapur, Mumbai.

Their exploration expanded into building a remarkable Cob House. It is a circular two-story structure constructed with sustainable materials. These include straw, clay, local soil, stone, cow dung, and lime.

The interiors of the Cob House, a testament to intuitive spatial planning, feature a mud sofa, a circular mud bed, and a study table ingrained in the wall.

Amati’s collaboration with Geeli Mitti, an organization promoting natural building techniques.

The artistic touch of Lakhichand Jain resulted in the incorporation of the Rajasthani folk tradition, Mandana, into the house’s design.

The circular wall paintings, inspired by discussions with volunteers during the building process, depict themes such as the destruction of nature. Jain’s careful use of natural colours and Mandana motifs, made from a mixture of local clay, cow dung, neem leaves etc., adds a spiritual dimension to the house.

The artwork symbolizes a return to tradition, acting as a protective shield and manifesting positivity within the living space.

In the upper-floor meditation room, Jain’s low bas-relief clay work showcases the Tantra of inner awakening, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and energy.

Contemporary stylizations, like the depiction of abandoned honeycombs, convey a real-world message about environmental responsibility.

The Cob House is a fusion of tradition and sustainability. It stands as a testament to Amati’s commitment to self-sufficiency and eco-conscious living.

It not only provides a unique living space but also tells a visual story of harmony with nature and the power of sustainable design. The structure crafts harmony blending tradition with sustainability.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1005464