Kaya Kalp

On the North bank of the River Narmada, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is the town of Maheshwar, old capital of the Holkar kingdom. Mentioned in both, the Ramayana and Mahabharatha, it rose to prominence during the … Continue reading

Architecture

This has always been my favourite area of work – even more than interior design – because it gives me the best opportunity to follow my ecological design principles. The ultimate aim is to show that construction can be economical … Continue reading

Designs

Architectural Design Architecture gives me the best opportunity to practice my ecological design principles. The aim is to show that construction can be economical and nature-friendly at the same time.

Design Principles

That Designer Label To my mind, a space should look aesthetically pleasing to people who inhabit it. At the same time, it should not be screaming itself hoarse. Too many people fall into the trap of designing with one eye … Continue reading

Trees, Landscaping and Microclimate

A bunch of new pages have been added to the sustainability section of this site and deal mainly with landscaping, appropriate plantation and how to create a garden to attract birds and butterflies. Many people seem to want to disconnect … Continue reading

Rating System for Water Efficient Fixtures in India

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has prepared a background paper for the ministry of Urban Development on a rating system for water efficient fittings and fixtures in India. This is much-needed and will (like with the BEE ratings … Continue reading

Energy Calculator for Air-Conditioners in India

More and more people are installing air-conditioners in their homes these days thanks in large part to the concrete hot-boxes being constructed in our cities and the heat-island effect. Added to that is the fact that many commercial buildings have … Continue reading

Is Rowan Atkinson’s House Really That Bad?

This subject has been blogged and tweeted all over the place but few seem to have seen any photographs of the proposed house or, if they have, they’re keeping it well under wraps. The architect’s website doesn’t seem to list … Continue reading

LEED and Indoor Air Quality

This is an interesting and a whole new angle on the LEED debate. Essentially what is being said is that tightly sealing a building (to make the air-conditioning system more energy efficient) also locks in hazardous chemicals with complete disregard … Continue reading

Another Comparison of Environmental Rating Systems

It took a question by a friend on BREEAM that made me do a search on the subject. Was surprised to find there was another system that I hadn’t heard of called Estidama Pearls which has grown out of Abu … Continue reading