Rooted in soil and soul

Iki Builds blends South Indian vernacular stories with eco-conscious techniques in a Hyderabad home

06 Jun 2025

This home tells a green story. It is a bridge between the wisdom of the past to today’s eco-conscious ethos. Here sustainability isn’t just an afterthought, it’s the foundation. Designed by Vamshidhar Reddy, Principal Architect and Mounica Reddy, Partner of Iki Builds in Hyderabad, Soil and Soul Studio is one and the same with nature. “We aimed for a tranquil and efficient space, perfectly suited for a work-from-home lifestyle, where every element has a purpose” says Vamshidhar, accounting for the homeowners’ lifestyle. The structure is a true ode to eco-conscious living, and is a standing testament for everything that it believes in. The project acted as a learning curve for all those involved, but ultimately a fulfilling one.

“The core theme is an earth-conscious lifestyle, where traditional wisdom meets modern innovation. This is reflected in the minimalist, functional design that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, fostering a deep connection with nature” — Vamshidhar Reddy

The dining room stands out with its refurbished storage, adding character to the warm space; Styling by Mounica Reddy; Photography by Vivek Eadara

Old soul, green heart

Traditional ideas find home in the use of recycled materials, salvaged into a second life and with the amount of natural light and ventilation that is allowed to enter the space. The home embraces traditional South Indian vernacular construction methods that are of low-impact — the Madras roof and lime flooring, as well using rainwater harvesting practices. “The core theme is an earth-conscious lifestyle, where traditional wisdom meets modern innovation. This is reflected in the minimalist, functional design that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, fostering a deep connection with nature” says Vamshidhar.

These ideas subsequently reduce the use of cement and steel. The rooted farmhouse community surrounding the home also served as an inspiration to building something that blends into the lush landscape. Spaces like the outdoor courtyard and large corridors of the home connect the rooms and the outside to the inside. Conscious construction practises also account for natural thermal performances, keeping the home cool without any artificial systems.

The living room shows the villa’s warm, earthy palette and double-heighted volume with its debris wall texture and lime surkhi flooring; Photography by Vivek Eadara

The kitchen has an open layout and uses kadapa stone for the counter and dado; Photography by Vivek Eadara

Debris becomes design

A reflection of its theme, the colours and materials used are earthy and natural. The walls carry a second life, for materials. By using a ‘debris wall’ technique, the demolition debris, site-excavated soil was changed into thick rustic-textured walls that present themselves right from the entrance, keeping the home in a cool embrace.

The eco-conscious crown of the house is the traditional Madras roof that comprises wooden battens, small bricks and lime mortar, drawing from modern sustainable practices. Even the scaffolding across the courtyard roof is implemented with repurposed material, as well as the repurposed casuarina poles for the roofing structure. In lieu of salvaging materials, the home also makes use of MMT shells comprising a mud binder base which blends perfectly with the wall.

The floors make use of surki, pulverised brick, a warm tone that complements the rest of the materials used. The bathrooms continue the home’s organic ethos with tadelakt, a smooth Moroccan plaster that creates a waterproof surface, accompanied by stone flooring in the shower space. Natural materials allow the colour palette to take an eco-conscious lead — earthy browns, bricks and surkhi with terracotta red, completed with opulent wooden and stone textures, grounding the home literally and figuratively.