Mud Showcase House

Mud Showcase House
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Studio Shunya
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Published on 5th Februrary 2024

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Mud Showcase House Video

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www.buildofy.com Mud Showcase House |Studio Shunya
Contents
Project Details......................................................................................................................... 9
Key Contributors..................................................................................................................... 9
Introduction........................................................................................................................... 10
Site Context........................................................................................................................... 12
Design Concept..................................................................................................................... 16
Entryway.................................................................................................................................20
Structural Nuances*............................................................................................................24
Ground Floor Plan*..............................................................................................................28
Office....................................................................................................................................... 34
Foyer......................................................................................................................................... 38
Living Area..............................................................................................................................42
Garden ....................................................................................................................................46
Kitchen and Breakfast Nook ��50
Bedroom................................................................................................................................. 54
Twisted Column....................................................................................................................60
Elevation and Section.........................................................................................................60
Section @ B-B’.......................................................................................................................64
Sustainability........................................................................................................................66
Conclusion..............................................................................................................................68
Material Palette.................................................................................................................... 70
Unique Material Applications �� 72
Product Specifications.........................................................................................................73
Documentation Credits.......................................................................................................73
* Drawings for reference on this page.

4 5
Foreword
In the heart of Greater Noida,
where the urban landscape pulses
with flamboyant design, the Mud
Showcase House emerges as a
daring experiment. Far from the
usual clamor, it stands as a testament
to a profound commitment to
sustainability with every very nuance
of its structure sourced from the
earth’s embrace—one that transcends
the mere checkbox mentality, delving
into the very essence of the word. In
a city where conventional design
norms reign supreme, this home rises
as a rebel, challenging the status quo
with audacious elegance. It becomes
a symbol of resilience, pushing the
boundaries of what is considered
possible in urban tapestry. It is a
living, breathing testament to the
amalgamation of innovation and
sustainability, carving its niche in the
vibrant chaos of urban existence.
Kanishk Sharma
Project Details
Location Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Firm Studio Shunya
Principal Architect Shreya Srivastava
Project Team Atharv Vilas Maluste

Yamini Rajput
Meera Sivan
Dhruv Sood
Plot Area 2,000 sq. ft.
Built-Up Area 1,600 sq. ft.
Project Budget INR 2,500-3,000 per sq. ft.
Project Start Date May 2022
Project End Date May 2023
Number of Floors G
Number of Car Parks 1
Number of Bedrooms 1
Vastu Compliant Yes
Key Contributors
Structural and Civil Consultant Mohit Chung
Facade and Landscape Consultant Shreya Srivastava
8 9
Introduction
Mud Showcase House, as the name suggests is an eco-conscious residence, that gives back to the
earth as much as it takes from it or rather even more. Keeping up with today’s trends, this minimalistic
house focuses on being relatable, rather than a larger-than-life, imposing structure. Designed by
Shreya Srivastava of Studio Shunya, this modest structure becomes her little private oasis.
10 11
Mud
Showcase
House
Site Context
On a family-owned plot of 2,000 sq. ft. in Greater Noida, stands a down-to-earth 1,600 sq. ft. home.
Surrounded by an assortment of G+4 residences and skyscrapers, this northeast-facing dwelling
optimizes on the surroundings to seamlessly meld with them quite literally. The plot’s size allows for
the strategic placement of open-to-sky green pockets that create a harmonious relationship between
the outdoors and the indoors. The home is carefully positioned on a petite plot, with openings that
make it the epitome of sustainability.
12 13
14 15
Design Concept
A constant tug between sustainability and unparalleled aesthetics led to the creation of this earthy
abode. Crafted from natural settings using earthy materials, this home sings melodies of eco-
consciousness from its very core. An ingenious use of earthy materials and a love for communal
spaces dictates the layout of the home. Shreya’s practice, Studio Shunya, is housed in this structure,
following the principle of Shunya- starting everything from scratch and zero energy consumption.
16 17
18 19
Entryway
A black metal door, flanked by a rammed earth compound wall of stone, lime, cow dung, mud, straw,
and Surkhi (brick dust), ushers one into this earthy structure. A stepping stone pathway on a lush
lawn winds through the greenery, setting the tone for the conceptual essence of this home. These
stepping stones instill a sense of playful nostalgia, reminiscent of the game of hopscotch. The abode
features dual entries, with one leading to the architect’s office and the other to the main house.
20 21
22 23
24 25
Structural Nuances
The home adheres to the mantra of eco-consciousness, minimizing the use of concrete. The load-
bearing walls are constructed, being mindful of their function and the aspect of sustainability. A
fusion of stone and lime forms the foundation, securing the base of the wall. Mud walls, sitting above
the foundation, bear the load of a filler slab. A complex challenge came in headstrong, obstructing
the architect’s way toward sustainability, and giving rise to the innovative practice of filler slabs.
26 27
28 29
Ground Floor Plan

This northeast facing home is designed with two separate entrances for added functionality and
to maintain Shreya’s privacy. The office, facing northeast, is visible from the entry. Adjacent to the
office, a living room opens up to the southwest, to reveal an expansive open-to-sky garden that
serves as the heart of the home. The L-shaped layout tucks the bedroom with an attached bathroom
at the rear end. Between the office and the bedroom, there is a kitchen, a bathroom, and a Mandir,
all facing the garden seamlessly participating in its blend with nature.
30 31
Office
The office is strategically positioned right at the entrance for ease of access and security. Directly
facing the entry, this placement eliminates the possibility of a blind spot and gives visual access
to the inhabitants at all times. The office features two wooden work desks, with one desk to open
up, creating a huge conference table. The wooden and wicker chairs, along with mud flooring,
perpetuate the earthy theme of the home. Niches in the wall serve as a fusion of aesthetics and
functionality, paying an ode to the concept of sustainability.
32 33
34 35
36 37
Foyer
Upon entering from the arched door, the entrance foyer introduces a subtle touch of whimsy to the
rather earthy and rugged home. A wooden-framed mirror, paired with a carved wooden console,
captures the visitors’ first glance. Reflecting the exterior hues creates an illusion of spaciousness
while adding to the overall aesthetics. Candle stands and an antique bowl on the wooden console
exude a regal vibe. The wooden shoe rack, adjacent to this ensemble is almost concealed behind
the door and serves a functional purpose. Addressing the challenge of ventilation posed by load-
bearing mud walls, a set of openings on the upper part of the wall has been incorporated. The marble
flooring, highlighted by a checkered pattern, contributes to the whimsy ambiance of the space.
38 39
40 41
Living Area
The living area perpetuates the earthy and rugged theme of the home, interspersed with pops of
vibrant colours. Opening up through the two arched doors towards the green spaces, it creates an
airy ambiance and drenches the space in ample natural light. An in-situ sofa crafted with mud and
lime serves as an earthy seat for casual hangout-cum-napping. Adjacent to this couch, a jhoola adds
a subtle touch of traditionality to the space. A painting by a local artist is a vibrant burst of colour,
paying homage to Shreya’s father’s roots by depicting a scene from his village. To maintain airiness,
a series of wind-catchers are installed on the lintel level of the wall.
42 43
44 45
46 47
Garden
A garden extends from the rear end, occupying a significant portion of the home. Flanked by
a verandah and overlooked by the kitchen, living spaces, and bedroom this area becomes the
heart of the home. The compound wall is adorned with niches for lamps and lined with planters,
maintaining the verdancy of the garden. Due to security concerns, the garden had to be covered,
posing a challenge for the architect. She tackled it by covering the space with a series of bamboo
splines, introducing a playful element to the entire space. These bamboo splines orchestrate an
interplay of shadows that change according to the sun’s direction. This tranquil space serves as a
bonding space for the architect or a place of solace on the days when creativity flows.
48 49
50 51
52 53
54 55
Kitchen and Breakfast Nook

Adjacent to the garden stands a petite kitchen, accompanied by a table and a pair of wooden bar
chairs. The kitchen serves as a petite pantry for the architect to whip up a quick snack or cook simple,
heartful meals. Verdant printed tiles reflect the hues of the exteriors, adding a pop of colour to the
space. The cozy dining ensemble overlooks the lush garden, creating an ethereal space that Shreya
utilizes for shared moments of joy.
56 57
58 59
Bedroom
Moving further from the verandah, a bedroom unveils to reveal the architect’s private sanctuary. It
features a built-in bed crafted with mud and lime, complemented by wood and a wicker headboard,
promoting the rugged vibe of the space. The highlight wall behind the bed showcases a textured
artwork carefully crafted with lime and pigment, lending an artsy aura to the space. The in-situ
wardrobe features a wood and wicker front, seamlessly merging with the lime and mud walls. A seat
behind the door, seemingly jutting out of the wall, becomes a perfect spot to sit and ponder upon
the day before hitting the bed. The attached bathroom boasts an inbuilt mud and lime counter with
a textured tile finish and a marble countertop, imbuing a sense of earthiness to the space. A printed
basin, wooden framed mirror, and wall niches add a playful touch to the space.
60 61
62 63
64 65
Twisted Column
An eccentric element that momentarily steals the garden’s spotlight is a twisted column, standing
as the epitome of the architect’s ingenuity without compromising on the aesthetics. Crafted with
bricks and lime mortar, it captivates one’s attention with its unique presence. The column doesn’t
bear the load of the slab; instead, it is designed as a whimsical and frisky feature overlooking the
garden.
66 67
68 69
70 71
72 73
Sustainability
A rainwater harvesting pit in the garden efficiently collects water from the roof and other areas during
monsoons. In cases of overflow, the extra water is collected into the percolation pit, replenishing
the water table of the entire sector. The predominant material shaping every aspect of this home
is mud, chosen for its qualities of being a net zero substance. The thermal insulation provided by
mud serves to eliminate the usage of artificial ventilation equipment, effectively cooling the home
in summer and vice-versa.
74 75
Conclusion
As Studio Shunya finds refuge in this earthy shelter, the home mirrors the studio’s principles of
towards thoughtfulness of every element or material, considering its effects on nature. In a way, the
architect revives the traditional practice of mud construction, dispelling the myths associated with
the material. Despite its contemporary appearance, this residence stands out as it is constructed using
natural materials and employs a bare minimum amount of concrete, aligning with a commitment to
sustainability and eco-consciousness.
76 77
Material Palette
Rammed Earth Wall Filler Slab Painting Lime Plaster
Reclaimed Wood Marble Wicker Granite
Bamboo Splines In Built Seating Printed Ceramic Tiles Mud Flooring
78 79
Unique Material Applications Product Specifications

Internal Walls Sun Dried Mud Bricks Roofing and Brick Studio Shunya
Lime Plaster
Red Burnt Bricks Windows and Glass AIS Glass
Tiles Tiles SS Creations
Flooring Indian Marble Lighting Jaquar

Printed Ceramic Tiles
Granite Lime Plaster Studio Shunya
Mud Flooring
Sanitaryware and Bath Fittings Jaquar
Furniture Mud And Lime With Stone Slabs
Mosaic SS Creations
Recycled Wood
WallArt Rahul, Prityanshi And Team
Kitchen Hardware Hettich
Designer Fans Atomberg
Switches Legrand
Documentation Credits
Photography Siddhart Bhel and Abhay Khatri
Architectural Journalist Kanishk Sharma
Drawings and Graphics Studio Shunya
eBook Design and Editing Simran Almeida
80 81
©Skyboard, 2023. No part of this eBook

may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying,
recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without
written permission from the company.
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Mud Showcase House

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Published on 5th Februrary 2024

Buildofy is a content platform that broadcasts interesting

Copyright ©Skyboard, 2023.

Mud Showcase House Video

* Drawings for reference on this page.

Firm Studio Shunya

Principal Architect Shreya Srivastava

Project Team Atharv Vilas Maluste

Plot Area 2,000 sq. ft.

Built-Up Area 1,600 sq. ft.

Project Budget INR 2,500-3,000 per sq. ft.

Project Start Date May 2022

Project End Date May 2023

Number of Car Parks 1

Vastu Compliant Yes

Facade and Landscape Consultant Shreya Srivastava

Ground Floor Plan

Kitchen and Breakfast Nook

Rammed Earth Wall Filler Slab Painting Lime Plaster

Reclaimed Wood Marble Wicker Granite

Bamboo Splines In Built Seating Printed Ceramic Tiles Mud Flooring

Unique Material Applications Product Specifications

Tiles Tiles SS Creations

Flooring Indian Marble Lighting Jaquar

Kitchen Hardware Hettich

Designer Fans Atomberg

Architectural Journalist Kanishk Sharma

Drawings and Graphics Studio Shunya

eBook Design and Editing Simran Almeida

©Skyboard, 2023. No part of this eBook

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