Can a home be built without waste and still be energy-efficient? Zero-waste homes are proving it’s possible. By repurposing construction debris, harnessing solar power, and using smart designs, these homes minimize environmental impact while maximizing sustainability. Discover how these innovative homes are redefining green living for the future.
Zero-waste homes are at the core of sustainable living, where every material, resource, and design choice is made with minimal environmental impact in mind. These homes are designed to reduce waste during construction, optimize energy efficiency, and incorporate systems that recycle or repurpose waste. Here are four people whose homes prove that living consciously doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or aesthetics.
1. Balasunda Kaushikan: The House of Gardens
Balasunda Kaushikan, a Bengaluru-based architect from Hanumanthanpatti, Tamil Nadu, always dreamed of building a sustainable home in his village. After working in cities like Dubai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, he left his job in 2019 to start his own architectural firm. His home, known as the ‘House of Gardens,’ is a testament to his dedication to eco-friendly living.
- Zero-waste and waste management: Instead of a traditional septic tank, he installed a biodigester soil tank that converts human waste into water for gardening. A biogas tank processes kitchen waste, generating methane for cooking.
- Rainwater harvesting: A 10,000-litre capacity rainwater harvesting system, along with a recharge well, helps replenish groundwater.
- Energy efficiency and natural lighting: Passive solar designs and natural light strategies reduce energy consumption, cutting down monthly power usage by 70% through solar energy.
- Sustainable materials: The house features Chettinad-style flooring with locally sourced red oxide and Athangudi tiles, maintaining earthy tones and reducing carbon footprint.
2. Shefali Dudhbade: A Zero-Waste Lifestyle Advocate
Shefali Dudhbade, a 46-year-old freelance architect and environmentalist from Nagpur, has embraced waste management as a way of life. She segregates household waste into five categories, ensuring proper disposal and recycling.
- Refusing plastic use: She carries a ‘Jaadu ka Pitara’ (magic box) with a steel bottle, cloth bags, and paper straws, promoting minimal plastic use.
- Composting and medical waste disposal: She composts kitchen waste in a backyard pit for her terrace garden. Sanitary waste is wrapped and marked with a red dot to protect waste collectors.
- E-waste recycling: She collects e-waste in a carton and sends it for recycling annually.
- Hair waste management: She even collects fallen hair, washes it, and sends it for recycling, demonstrating her commitment to waste reduction.
3. Abhimanyu Singh and Shilpi Dua: Sustainable Homes with Hexpressions
Architect duo Abhimanyu Singh and Shilpi Dua from Jaipur founded Hexpressions in 2018, a company that builds eco-friendly, ready-to-assemble homes using recycled paper.
- Quick installation: Their homes are installed in just two weeks, drastically reducing construction time.
- Sustainable materials: They use composite honeycomb sandwich panels made from recycled paper, arranged in hexagonal shapes for strength and durability.
- Fireproof and waterproof technology: Panels are treated with plant-based water-resistant resin and filled with fly ash residues.
- Local production and affordability: By sourcing materials locally and using efficient installation methods, they offer homes priced between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.
4. Rajesh Kumar Jain: Rebuilding with Construction Waste
Mysuru-based architect Rajesh Kumar Jain has been championing sustainable construction since 2005 through his venture, Regional Low Energy Environment-Friendly (RLEEF).
- Recycling construction debris: He repurposes cement and other materials from construction sites into walls, foundations, and tiles.
- Sustainable design: His homes incorporate rainwater harvesting systems, solar power, and wastewater treatment solutions.
- Resource efficiency: He uses soil from construction sites to produce bricks and employs interlocking stabilized earth blocks, reducing reliance on quarry-sourced materials.
- Cost reduction through alternative materials: By opting for local materials like clay blocks, cudappah stones, and micro-concrete slabs, he reduces construction costs while enhancing sustainability.
The Future of Zero-Waste Homes
These pioneers prove that sustainable living is not only possible but also practical and affordable. By rethinking construction materials, energy use, and waste management, they are setting a new standard for eco-friendly housing. As awareness grows, more people may embrace zero-waste homes, making sustainability a way of life rather than just an aspiration.