No cement, no chemical. Kerala’s 300-year-old way of making floors can keep homes cool without AC, even in hot summers

In Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, summers are a dreaded season. The scorching heat calls for refreshing beverages, light meals and slurpy ice creams. And at home? A majority of us find comfort in turning on the air conditioner and simply relaxing in bed. But keeping the AC on for long hours can call for hefty electricity bills and excessive power usage. Plus, it's not good for your health. However, do you know that almost 300 years ago, before ACs or air coolers were invented, Indians had a traditional way of keeping their homes naturally cool.

All you need to know about Kaavi flooring

Kaavi flooring, a 300-year-old technique of making floors in houses, was designed for one purpose: to beat the scorching summer heat in India, as per a report by The Better India. It was introduced at a time when there was no dependence on marbles or tiles.




Kaavi flooring does not rely on electricity, chemicals, or expensive imports and neither cement nor chemicals are used to bind the surface. The only ingredients used are water, iron oxide and lime. Artisans mix them with their bare hands, allowing them to cool naturally.

Once the blend is set, the surface is polished for several hours with coconut oil to give it a mirror-like shine. The coconut oil helps in creating a dye-free glow while enhancing the cooling effect, a factor that cannot be achieved by synthetic polishes.

A disappearing Indian hack to beat summer heat

Kaavi flooring feels almost ice-cold underfoot, even during the peak of afternoon temperature in the summer season. What makes it stand out is its remarkable durability. Over time, the surface only gets shinier and footsteps polish it further rather than wearing it down, allowing it to last for up to 10 decades without a scratch.

Unlike Italian marble, Kaavi flooring is less expensive but works wonders. Its earthy reddish-brown tone and natural sheen lend a timeless charm that harmonises with both traditional and contemporary spaces. Despite its many advantages, Kaavi flooring is rapidly disappearing as only a handful of artisans still possess the knowledge and skill required to create this ancient art form authentically.