In the rocky outskirts of Faridabad, where mining once scarred the Aravalli landscape, stands Van Bhoj, a remarkable experiment in sustainable architecture and ecological revival.
Conceived more than three decades ago, this retreat exemplifies how degraded land can be restored and reimagined as a self-sustaining ecosystem, all while offering modern comforts.
Healing the Land
When a former mining quarry came into the healing hands of architects Revathi and Vasanth Kamath, its destiny changed forever. The barren site, once ravaged by relentless digging for quartzite and Badarpur stone, was ideal for the design experiments the pioneering duo wanted to carry out.
Construction of what came to be known as the Kamath House began in 1996—long before sustainability became part of mainstream discourse. From the very beginning, their vision was rooted in ecological responsibility. Mud, stones, and wood—every building material—was sourced directly from the site, reducing ecological impact and staying true to vernacular wisdom.
Slowly, the arid land began responding to Revathi’s touch. Native trees like Peepal, Neem, and Lemon started to flourish. Birds returned to sing, peacocks began to dance, and wildlife slowly reclaimed its rightful place in the ecosystem. What emerged was not just a home but a living, breathing legacy.
Building with Vernacular Materials
The Kamaths’ foresight is evident in every element of Van Bhoj. The mud floors, for instance, were chosen for their accessibility, ease of use, cooling properties, and rustic beauty. Beyond aesthetics, they embody sustainability in practice—daily maintenance-free and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Stone walls and wooden beams add both character and structural integrity. Three decades on, the house stands strong, a testament to the durability of vernacular techniques when combined with thoughtful architectural design.
Harnessing Passive Design
Delhi’s climate is unforgiving, with extreme summers and equally harsh winters. Instead of relying on mechanical systems, Van Bhoj integrates natural solutions. For warmth, the home uses a central fireplace that burns fallen wood from the forest. The ashes are collected and placed in bedrooms, acting as natural heaters.
For cooling, the house deploys a system of centralized exhaust fans pulling air through khas mats sprinkled with water. Combined with mud walls and a green roof planted with live grass, the result is a home that remains 10–15 degrees cooler inside than the outside temperature, even during peak summer.
Closing the Resource Loop
Sustainability here extends beyond architecture into everyday living. Rainwater harvesting ensures self-sufficiency in water. Wastewater treatment and composting systems close the resource loop, recycling and replenishing rather than depleting. Solar cookers further reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Every system has been designed to be functional, low-maintenance, and deeply integrated with the natural cycles of the land.
Community Collaboration
Working with artisans was less of a challenge and more of a partnership. Since mud, stone, and wood have been used in local construction for centuries, the skills already existed. What was needed was guidance on applying them within sustainable frameworks, ensuring the artisans’ traditional expertise found new relevance.
A Living Legacy
The Kamaths may have passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their vision continues through Prerna Prasad’s Ecoplore, which now curates and manages Van Bhoj as its flagship eco-home. For Ecoplore, preserving Van Bhoj is not just about maintaining a building, it is about safeguarding a legacy. Visiting this retreat is like stepping back into a time when reverence for nature was central to Indian culture.
Van Bhoj is more than a house; it is a temple of sustainability. Every element—rainwater harvesting, composting, solar cooking, or wastewater treatment—flows in harmony with the forest around it. It remains a living lesson in how simple, locally rooted choices can restore ecological balance while offering modern comfort.
Lessons for the Future
Van Bhoj proves that sustainability need not be a compromise, it can be a path to beauty, comfort, and resilience. It shows that degraded landscapes can be healed, that heritage building practices can thrive in modern contexts, and that architecture can be both shelter and stewardship.
As climate change reshapes our world, Van Bhoj stands as both inspiration and challenge: if a barren quarry can be reborn as a flourishing forest and home, what might we reimagine in our own landscapes?
