The idea of living in a mud house was not well received by Shukoor Manapat’s family and relatives when he decided to construct one in 2013.
“It will not be durable.” “Heavy rains will destroy it.” “It won’t be modern like other homes.” — these were some of the comments he heard about his idea.
But today, the family lives happily in the fully recyclable, termite-proof, one-storey mud house known by the name ‘Abode’. The best part is — it can last over 100 years!
Even after being called a ‘mad man’, Shukoor, an architect, persisted to work on his dream project.
He used the Stabilised Compressed Interlocking Earth Block (SCEB) technology that gives the final compressed blocks high structural strength and water resistance.
Shukoor also used lime powder and adhesive from the Ailanthus Triphysa tree to make the structure durable and stable.
Additionally, he used Terminalia Chebula (locally known as Kadukka) and fenugreek seeds in the mud mix to make the house termite resistant.
As for the rooftop, he used recycled Mangalorean tiles from old demolished houses, and steel rafters are repurposed too.
The house is not only eco-friendly, but also helps cut the cost of construction by 30 percent, as most of the materials were locally sourced.
“We will install biogas, which will reuse kitchen waste to produce cooking gas. My wife has already started planting organic vegetables on our premises,” he says, adding that the family wants to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.