Amid LPG shortages, meet the Bengaluru couple who own a home that can survive without gas, electricity or water supply

Amid rising fuel costs and reports of LPG shortages across parts of India, there are stories that offer lessons from people who chose alternative, self-sufficient lifestyles long before such concerns became widespread. One such example comes from Bengaluru, where a couple has built a unique eco-friendly home that operates with minimal dependence on conventional utilities such as LPG, electricity, or even a municipal water connection.

Reva and Ranjan Malik’s sustainable mud house demonstrates how thoughtful design, natural materials and simple lifestyle choices can create a comfortable home while reducing environmental impact.

Bengaluru Sustainable Home: A Mud House Built With Natural Materials

As per a TOI report, the Maliks’ 770-square-foot home is built largely using stabilised mud, terracotta and recycled materials. The structure prioritises sustainability at every stage of construction while blending with the surrounding environment.


The roof uses rammed earth and traditional Mangalorean tiles and is designed at a 30-degree slope. This not only allows efficient rainwater collection but also helps keep the home cool during the summer months.

Instead of relying heavily on cement, the foundation incorporates mud-concrete, making the structure more environmentally friendly while maintaining strength and stability.

No Municipal Water Yet No Water Crisis

As per The Better India report, one of the most striking features of the house is that it has no municipal water connection. Despite this, the family has never experienced a water shortage.

The home is equipped with an underground rainwater harvesting system capable of storing up to 10,000 litres of water. This system ensures that rainwater collected during the monsoon is available for daily use throughout the year.

The couple also reuses greywater to maintain their organic garden, creating a closed-loop water system that minimises waste.

Living Without Electric Lights or Fans

The Maliks’ house is designed to rely primarily on natural light and ventilation rather than electricity.

Large windows and open spaces allow sunlight to flood the interiors during the day, eliminating the need for electric lighting. The home’s layout also promotes cross ventilation, ensuring that fresh air circulates freely and keeps indoor temperatures comfortable.

At night, the family uses oil lamps and follows a natural circadian rhythm, waking up with the sunrise and resting after sunset. Electricity is used only for charging their electric vehicle, making their lifestyle largely off-grid.

Traditional Techniques for Food Storage

Instead of modern refrigerators, the couple stores food in a traditional terracotta cooling chamber. This natural fridge maintains temperatures between 8 and 10°C without electricity, helping preserve food in an energy-efficient way.

Their garden also provides fresh produce, with around 40 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, spinach, papayas and bottle gourds.

Sustainable Earth Homes Gain Popularity in India

Interest in earth homes and mud houses is slowly growing across India as more people explore eco-friendly living options.

The approach echoes the philosophy of renowned architect Laurie Baker, who championed the use of local, low-cost materials such as mud bricks and natural clay.

After decades dominated by cement and steel construction, many architects and homeowners are rediscovering these traditional materials for their sustainability and low carbon footprint.

Mud Homes Emerging as Eco-Friendly Holiday Stays

The popularity of earth homes is also increasing in the tourism sector. Many travellers now seek rustic stays that combine comfort with environmentally responsible design.

Online platforms list hundreds of mud homes across India, including properties in states such as Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh. Some of these homes operate as eco-friendly homestays and attract visitors interested in nature-based experiences.

For example, in Mandu, a couple built a sustainable mud house using bamboo, lime plaster and locally sourced materials. Designed to stay cool naturally, the property is expected to welcome tourists as a homestay in the future.

Sustainable Homes Require Time, Skill and Maintenance

Architects note that despite popular belief, mud houses are not always cheaper to build. While natural materials may reduce some costs, construction is highly labour-intensive and requires specialised craftsmanship.

Another challenge is that traditional building techniques have faded over time, making it difficult to find skilled artisans familiar with mud construction.

Maintenance is also essential. Owners often need to renew mud plaster every few years and regularly care for the structure to prevent natural growth such as vines or anthills from affecting the walls.

Inputs from agencies