User:VANBHOJ

VAN BHOJ - A Mud House in Delhi NCR. Formally known as Kamath House. When a former mining quarry came into the healing hands of Revathi & Vasanth Kamath, its destiny changed forever. The barren site, ravaged by deep digging for Quartzite and Badarpur, was perfect for the design experiments the pair was to carry out. Hence began the construction of The Kamath House.

In 1996, the concept of sustainable living was unheard of. In times to come, the house was to stand testimony to how far ahead of their times #REDIRECT Revathi Kamath & Vasanth Kamath were. The implementation of their beliefs in sustainability began right from the start. Mud, Stones, Wood, and everything that was used in construction came from the campus itself.

In no time, the arid land started responding to Revathi’shealing touch and started to sprout life. Soon the entire area was teeming with Peepal, Neem, Lemon and many other native trees. The birds returned to build their homes and sing songs of joy. Many other living creatures big & small came back to reclaim their space & play their part in the ecosystem. The peacocks can still be found rejoicing with happiness by breaking into a dance now & then.



Little did the couple know that they were not just creating a home but a legacy to be cherished by future generations. Every element is an outcome of a process that has gone through immense consideration. For example, the mud floor across the house is the result of deep foresight. Mud is a material that is readily available, easy to use, cooling, daily maintenance-free, gives a very rustic vibe and looks beautiful.



The entire house is designed to harness the energy of the Sun, from the first rays to the last. Large glass windows let in ample sunlight and offer a generous view of the lush green canopies spread throughout the estate.

The house tries to follow the maximum principles of sustainable living. Right from the vernacular construction to wastewater treatment and reuse. The house is a living & breathing lesson in how to live in perfect harmony with Nature.

As you stroll around the house, you might notice the blue figurine in exultation kept near a window and wonder at the sudden appearance of colour in an otherwise earthy-toned space. At first glance, it might look like just another artefact. But as the sun rises and sends in its rays to light up the little corner, you realize that the figurine is exulting in celebration of the warm rays bathing its cold body. Each of the carefully kept artefacts has a reason for being where they are. One cannot help but be in awe of the depth of thought process that has gone into crafting the space out of nothing.

Van Bhoj is a Temple of Sustainability as it possesses special powers to be the center point of all sustainable leaders across the world. Despite being located in Delhi NCR, it is a paradise with several peacocks, hundreds of monkeys, squirrels, woodpeckers, parrots, eagles, and porcupines living on its premises. It's an example of animal-human co-existence and most importantly it’s a symbol of resilience that despite climate change and all other climate-related issues, things can be corrected if we decide to return to our age-old practices.