50-Year-Old Bangalore Home Goes Green Without Rebuilding

Most people think going sustainable means starting from scratch, but one Bangalore homeowner just proved that wrong.

Sudha Setty took a 50-year-old home on a compact 30x60 foot plot and turned it into a model of sustainable living. Instead of demolishing the aging structure, she kept the original walls and reimagined how the space could work for her family.

The transformation merged two units into a single home that now houses three generations, along with their pets and garden. Setty focused on smart solutions rather than expensive overhauls.

Solar panels now power the home, cutting electricity costs and carbon emissions. She installed cooling systems designed to work with Bangalore's climate instead of fighting against it. Water-saving fixtures throughout the house reduce waste without sacrificing comfort.

Perhaps most impressively, Setty reused materials wherever possible during the renovation. Old elements found new purposes, keeping construction waste out of landfills and money in the family budget.

The home manages energy efficiently while providing comfortable spaces for everyone from grandparents to grandchildren. The design even accounts for the family's pets and makes room for thriving plants.

The Ripple Effect

Setty's project shows that sustainable living doesn't require wealth or starting over. Her approach makes green living accessible to anyone with an existing home, not just those building from the ground up.

In a country where millions live in older homes, this model could inspire widespread change. Retrofitting existing structures is often more environmentally friendly than new construction, which requires significant resources and generates substantial waste.

The three-generation setup also tackles another modern challenge: housing multiple family members together sustainably. As urban spaces shrink and families look for ways to stay connected, her solution offers a blueprint for multigenerational living that's both eco-friendly and practical.

By sharing her story, Setty demonstrates that sustainability is about creativity and commitment, not just cash. Her home proves that the greenest building might be the one already standing in your neighborhood.

One family's renovation in Bangalore could spark a movement toward reimagining rather than rebuilding.