In the words of Rosie Paul, co-founder of Bangalore-based architecture firm Masons Ink, not many architects consider climate change as a relevant factor in their work. However, Paul and her co-founder Sridevi Changali are striving to change this mindset. They believe that climate change has a direct impact on the structures we live in and it is crucial to start building resilient buildings to combat this issue.
The focus of Masons Ink is on preserving India’s traditional mud construction techniques, which have sustainable properties that make them ideal for countering the modern problem of high-carbon construction. The use of mud in construction has several benefits, such as its breathable nature which improves indoor air quality and prevents the buildup of damp and mold. Mud walls also have a high thermal mass, which helps regulate temperature and reduces the need for energy-consuming air conditioning units.
Mud is also a readily available material, eliminating the need for transportation and reducing the carbon footprint. Sridevi points out that the manufacturing and processing of mud is done by local communities, providing support to their livelihoods instead of large companies.
Rosie and Sridevi believe that mud construction could be the solution to building sustainable structures that can withstand extreme weather events. They are also working towards promoting gender equality in the field of architecture by encouraging more women to complete their studies and training them in on-site skills.
Their client Thomas Payyapilli, who had his mud home designed by Masons Ink, was an early supporter of their cause. He wanted a home that had a minimal impact on the environment and was cost-effective. Today, his farm is fully certified organic and grows aromatic and medicinal plants.
Another client, Sindhoor Pangal, saw her mud home as a way to break away from her unfulfilling urban lifestyle. She worked closely with Masons Ink and an all-woman team of masons to create her home, which she considers a dedication to her late husband.
For Rosie and Sridevi, everyone has a role to play in addressing the climate crisis. They believe that women, regardless of their profession or background, can make a difference by taking small steps towards a more sustainable future. They hope to see more women in the field of architecture and working on construction sites, as they believe that the future is female.