The world of contemporary architecture is exploring new ways to design resilient and sustainable homes to meet the challenges of modern times. One remarkable example is a unique house in Bengaluru, constructed using traditional interlocking techniques with grey granite and sandstone–without cement or concrete. The house has been going viral over the past few days. Blogger Priyam Saraswat recently took viewers on a virtual tour of the home, which its owner claims is the world’s first zero-cement stone house. Built with longevity in mind, the structure is designed to last over 1,000 years, drawing inspiration from ancient architectural methods.
The video has sparked widespread interest, with many praising the owner and the architect, and others wondering how they executed this. One wrote, “Mind blowing! And just like the ancient Indian temples, this house will stand for a thousand years and beyond,” while another said, “Must be cool in hot summer. Again, as normal unique finds.”
Some viewers, however, were curious about the technical aspects of the build. “Beautiful, but how has he layered the tiles and granite flooring without cement?” asked one user, while another wondered, “How does the roof stay up without any cement?”
Intrigued by these questions, we reached out to an expert in sustainable architecture to understand how houses can be constructed without cement and concrete—and what this means for the future of eco-friendly building.
From age-old interlocking techniques that eliminate cement to futuristic 3D-printed houses, contemporary architecture is witnessing a revolution. Ar. Gagandeep Kapila, founder and principal architect, Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture, told indianexpress.com that before steel and concrete dominated construction, civilisations built structures using natural, locally available materials. “In ancient India, bricks were interlocked to create structures without cement. Historically used in various cultures, this technique involves precisely shaped bricks that fit together and are held in place by gravity. This method is revived in contemporary design, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional construction,” said Kapila.
According to the expert, it lowers construction expenses by eliminating mortar, reducing labour-intensive processes, and providing better thermal regulation.
Here are some other aspects of modern architecture that can be sustainable and eco-friendly, too.
Rammed earth designs
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Rammed earth construction is making a strong comeback in contemporary homebuilding. “This process involves compacting layers of soil within a temporary frame to create sturdy, efficient walls. Modern advancements have refined this technique, introducing stabilisers to improve durability while keeping structures sustainable,” said Kapila.
Rammed earth homes provide natural insulation, blending with landscapes. “This method also serves as a cost-efficient technique, making it reliable in today’s landscape,” he said.
Modular construction for precision and efficiency
Modular construction involves fabricating home components in factories before assembling them on-site. This process “minimises waste and ensures higher precision,” as materials are prepared under controlled conditions. “Prefabrication optimises resource use, reducing environmental impact. Modern architects prefer this method to offer flexibility and reconfigurations in designs,” said Kapila.
Kapila noted that future homes will not be defined by a single material or construction method. “Instead, they will embody a synergy of time-tested craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, tailored to the needs of modern living,” he said.
