Bengaluru Architect Builds 50+ Modern Mud Homes Across India

Forget everything you think you know about mud houses being dark, cramped, or fragile. Bengaluru architect Sharanya Iyer is building sleek, modern homes from earth that are as durable as conventional buildings while keeping the planet happy.

Through her firm Studio Verge, the 41-year-old has completed over 50 sustainable projects across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana since 2013. And the demand is surging: five out of every seven inquiries she receives now are specifically for earth homes.

"There are anxieties and misconceptions," Sharanya admits. People worry about walls washing away in rain or homes looking too traditional. But her minimalist designs prove earth buildings can be contemporary, comfortable, and built to last.

Sharanya's journey started in 2003 as a student when a family friend asked her to design a meeting space in Telangana. She used locally available laterite stone and realized sustainable solutions work best when they tap into local materials and skills.

After studying mud construction techniques at the Earth Institute in Auroville and earning green building certifications in both the US and India, she launched Studio Verge as a single mother seeking more meaningful work. She never imagined lasting a decade, let alone landing clients like Infosys Foundation and Karnataka's Department of Tourism.

Her preferred technique is called rammed earth, where mud is compressed between plywood planks to create nine-inch-thick walls. The planks move upward as the wall grows taller, and the mud sets in about a day. It's faster than traditional methods and surprisingly easy to implement.

The earth used typically comes from the building site itself or nearby. It's stabilized with cement and lime for extra strength. The result? Walls that regulate temperature naturally, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter without excessive air conditioning.

The Ripple Effect

Sharanya's work does more than create beautiful homes. By championing local craftsmanship and materials, she's keeping traditional building knowledge alive while adapting it for modern life.

Her holistic approach extends beyond walls to include energy and water conservation through passive design like strategic windows and skylights. She also prioritizes Mangalore tile roofs, stone floors, and local wood, creating jobs for regional artisans.

The shift in mindset is real. While office buildings still chase glass facades, individual homeowners are increasingly choosing sustainability over status symbols. That's a win for both people and the planet.

Sharanya Iyer isn't just building houses; she's building a movement that proves sustainable living doesn't mean sacrificing style or comfort.