Tucked away in the heart of Bengaluru is a home that doesn’t just shelter — it breathes, reuses, and gives back. Designed by Principal Architect Jaya Rayaprolu, this house isn’t a peek into the future of sustainable living — it is the future, wrapped in sun-dried bricks and powered by the sun.
Jaya and her family have spent the past two years living in complete harmony with nature, embracing eco-conscious choices in every corner of their lifestyle. From the moment you step inside, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a residence — it’s a masterclass in sustainable design.
Water: Captured, Cleaned, and Cherished
Water management is a standout feature of the home. Beneath the courtyard lies a massive 30,000-litre underground sump that harvests rainwater efficiently. Each year, this system collects up to 1.3 lakh litres, meeting the family’s drinking, cooking, and washing needs — significantly reducing dependence on external water sources.
Greywater recycling is another everyday triumph. Around 800 litres of wastewater from the kitchen and bathrooms is treated on-site. The process begins in a baffle tank that initiates primary purification. From there, the water travels to a reed bed filled with aquatic plants that naturally filter it. The final stage is a polishing tank, where exposure to sunlight eliminates remaining bacteria, making the water fit for use in gardening and toilet flushing.
A Zero-Sewage Home
The home goes even further by ensuring it produces zero sewage waste. A compact biodigester, developed by DRDO, converts household sewage into 95% pure water using bioenzymes. This recycled water is reused for garden irrigation or allowed to percolate into the ground to recharge the local water table.
Built by the Earth, Powered by the Sun
Sustainability is embedded not only in the house’s systems but in its very structure. Built using sun-dried bricks made from the very soil excavated during construction, the house maintains a naturally cool temperature, even in Bengaluru’s rising summer heat. Smart ventilation techniques eliminate the need for artificial cooling systems.
Electricity needs are completely met by a 3kW solar power setup, enabling the family to live comfortably without generating an electricity bill. It’s a home that truly runs on nature’s terms — light, air, water, and sun.
Living Light on the Earth
This home stands as a shining example of what thoughtful, responsible architecture can achieve. It proves that sustainable living isn’t about sacrificing comfort — it’s about redesigning it. With zero electricity bills, zero wastewater, and a structure rooted in natural materials, the house reflects a lifestyle that is not just eco-friendly, but empowering.
In a time when urban challenges grow heavier and natural resources grow scarcer, this house doesn’t just offer a solution — it offers inspiration. It redefines what it means to live well by living light on the earth.