The Nature Home

My name is Rudra, and I’m a Class 11 science student deeply passionate about electronics, sustainable systems, and engineering innovation. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed building things—breaking apart toys, fixing small gadgets, and turning everyday ideas into working projects. One of my early creations was a pencil that could grow into a plant after use—a small idea with a big message.

This year, I’ve been bringing more of my ideas to life using Tinkercad. It’s simple yet powerful, and it has helped me design and visualize eco-friendly technologies without needing complicated tools. As a student, access to Tinkercad through Autodesk’s free education plan has been a game changer. It allowed me to go from rough sketches to actual models, even as a beginner.

My goal is to create designs that are not only sustainable but also affordable and easy to replicate—especially for rural areas like my hometown. This contest is the perfect opportunity for me to combine creativity, electronics, and design to build something meaningful for the future. I’m excited to share my vision—one eco-friendly brick at a time.

Here’s everything I used to make this sustainable housing idea a reality.

Software & Tools-

1 - Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a free, beginner-friendly online 3D design and modeling tool by Autodesk. It runs in the browser and is perfect for quick prototyping, architectural layouts, and visualizing simple structures. I used it to create the 3D model of my sustainable home without needing advanced CAD knowledge.

How Students Can Use It Free

1. Visit: https://www.tinkercad.com/F
2. Sign up with a free Autodesk account.
3. Start designing right in the browser—no downloads required!

2 - Research Sources

While working on this project, I referred to research papers, case studies, and sustainability-focused articles. These helped me choose the right eco-friendly materials and passive cooling techniques suitable for my local climate.

3 - Internet Access

A stable internet connection was essential to use Tinkercad online, read research materials, explore climate data, and watch YouTube tutorials during the design process.

4 - Laptop

I used my personal laptop to handle all research and design tasks. It could smoothly run Tinkercad in a browser without lag and supported multitasking across tabs for modeling, note-taking, and referencing.

I live in a place that gets extremely hot(Temprature peaks at 115°F ) and humid, especially in the summer. The weather is so uncomfortable that sweating and feeling tired have become part of daily life. Each year, we look forward to summer's end, not just because of the discomfort but also due to the high costs of staying even a little comfortable.

To deal with the heat, people run air conditioners and fans all the time. This drives up electricity use, which increases our reliance on fossil fuels and raises monthly bills—something many families struggle to manage. I started wondering: What if we didn't have to depend so much on electricity to feel comfortable in our homes?

That's how the idea started—to create a house that stays naturally cool without needing air conditioning or excessive power use. I want to build something affordable, sustainable, and designed for low income class living in difficult climates.

in the above image you can see the weather map of normal day during summers in our city

It’s not just the heat. In our state, owning a home has become more challenging. Land prices are rising sharply, and even building a basic house requires a lot of money, time, and skilled workers. The cost of turning raw land into a livable space is what holds people back, not always the materials.

To make matters worse, our state's population density was already 829 people per square kilometre in the 2011 Census, and it has only grown since then. This means more families competing for limited land, fewer affordable plots, and higher rent prices.

Most families can’t afford to build. They end up renting small, temporary homes that often lack proper insulation or ventilation. So I began to wonder: can we design a home that is quick to build, environmentally friendly, and affordable even in high-density towns s

Once I recognized the environmental and housing issues in my city, I began to consider how to build a home that could address both heat and affordability. our city is known for its extreme heat and humidity. During the summer, the air feels like an oven, and almost every household depends on air conditioning or coolers.

I started to wonder: What if we could build a home that stays naturally cool without using too much electricity?

This led me to look at traditional village homes, especially those made from mud and cow dung. These houses use natural materials that are breathable and porous, which helps keep the interiors cool while trapping cold air inside. The roofs, made from chhapar (thatch), also reduce direct heat from the sun.

Next, I considered modern alternatives. Conventional bricks, particularly in our city, contribute significantly to the problem. our city is known as the “City of Bricks” and has hundreds of brick kilns. These kilns use topsoil from farmlands and produce a tremendous amount of pollution each day. Continuing to use traditional bricks adds to environmental damage

This made me look at CSEB (Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks), which are more sustainable but still require soil. So I kept thinking.

Later, I researched fly ash bricks (RCT), which seemed promising for their sustainability. I cover these in detail in the material section

I envisioned a home design featuring vertical poles with slabs stacked in between. The spaces between the slabs could be filled with insulation materials such as bamboo, husk, or ventilated air chambers to limit heat absorption. This approach would make the home simple to assemble, customizable, and scalable in times of crisis or disaster.

For natural cooling, I came up with the idea of creating an a brick made wet mesh where air will enter the house. Air entering the home would pass through this , cooling it before circulating through the rooms. the air will exit through exaust holes in every room, which would ensure continuous airflow through the house and create a natural air circulation system.

To reflect sunlight and keep the roof cool, I thought about using a layer made from glue and lime. This low-cost, reflective coating takes inspiration from traditional whitewashing. I also considered adding solar panels since the government offers up to 70% subsidies for rooftop solar energy. A 3-kW system could cover most household energy needs and even allow for excess electricity to be sold back to the grid.

I looked into placing snake plants throughout the house. These low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants effectively purify the air. They would serve as natural air filters while adding a green touch to the design.

Finally, I considered the space. By reducing the ceiling height to 9 to 10 feet, I could build multi-story homes on smaller lots. A centralized open space with rooms arranged around it would create a community-like structure, offering privacy, airflow, and shared areas in a compact and modular format.

After carefully looking at traditional methods and modern innovations during my brainstorming phase, I focused on the materials and techniques that would be best for building an affordable, sustainable, and heat-resistant home in our city Each material I selected had to meet certain goals: reduce temperature naturally, lower electricity use, cut construction costs, and provide long-lasting durability with minimal impact on the environment.

1. Fly Ash Bricks (RCT - Reinforced Cement Technology)

our city is already dealing with the environmental issues caused by traditional brick kilns. Instead of using regular clay bricks, I chose fly ash bricks made with Reinforced Cement Technology (RCT). These bricks are:

Made from waste: They use fly ash, a byproduct from coal power plants, which helps reduce landfill waste.

Environmentally friendly: No topsoil is taken from farms, and emissions from brick kilns are lower.

Durable and modular: They are stronger and can be formed into larger slabs, speeding up construction and using fewer joints, which helps with insulation.

However, fly ash bricks by themselves are not great insulators. To address this, I designed multi-layer wall slabs with the following features.

2. Air Chambers Inside Walls

I plan to add hollow air chambers between the inner and outer walls. Air is a poor heat conductor, so this gap acts as an insulator and lowers heat transfer. It’s a simple, passive cooling solution that doesn't need any electricity.

3. Bamboo Mesh Layers

In the slab layers, I can place sheets or lattices of bamboo to:

Add structural support without adding much weight.

Improve insulation since bamboo naturally limits heat conduction.

Allow for better stress distribution within the slab.

Bamboo is also locally available and grows quickly, making it a sustainable and cost-effective option.

4. Rice Husk for Insulation

Rice husk is often thrown away in rural areas, but it is a highly effective natural insulator. I will fill the air chambers or cavity layers with dried rice husk, which:

Blocks heat entry.

Is biodegradable and easy to find.

Costs nothing (in many villages, it's available for free).

5. Lime-Fevicol Mix Plaster

Plastering plays an important role in a home’s temperature control. Instead of using cement-based plaster, I will use a lime-based mix combined with a small amount of Fevicol (white adhesive) for added durability. This mix:

Makes walls slightly breathable, allowing humidity to escape.

Reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it.

Is antibacterial and protects the structure from fungus and pests.

6. Green Roof with Moss Layers

On the roof, I plan to use moss or grass mats laid over a waterproof membrane. Moss keeps moisture and stays naturally cool, which reduces heat absorption on the roof.

This also creates a cooling layer above the rooms.

It could be combined with rainwater harvesting to keep the moss moist.

7. Snake Plants and Indoor Greens

To improve indoor air quality and slightly lower the room temperature, I will put snake plants (Sansevieria) in different areas of the home. Snake plants are known for:

Producing oxygen even at night.

Requiring little care.

Thriving in hot climates.

Absorbing some indoor heat and pollutants.

8. Solar Panels for Energy Independence

Since affordability is a major goal, installing a small set of solar panels will help lower long-term electricity costs. Especially during peak summer, these panels will:

Power fans, lights, and charge appliances.

Work best when the sun is hottest, which is when cooling is most needed.

Make the home almost self-sufficient in energy.

To build a house that stays naturally cool in our city's extreme summers, I designed the layout using passive cooling methods inspired by traditional homes and modern sustainable ideas.

1. Orientation and Layout

The house is oriented along the east-west axis to reduce direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Large windows on the north and south walls allow for cross-ventilation. This lowers heat buildup inside and creates steady air circulation throughout the day.

2. Ventilation and Air Flow

I included clerestory vents, which are small high-level windows, and mesh walls, which are perforated brick or stone screens. These help hot air escape from the top while cooler air enters from the shaded lower windows. This stack ventilation method keeps the interiors cool without needing mechanical fans.

3. Shading Elements

To reduce solar heat gain, I added wide roof overhangs, verandas, and shaded courtyards. These features protect the walls and windows from harsh sun and create buffer zones where air can cool before entering the main rooms. Courtyards with plants also help lower the surrounding temperature through evaporative cooling.

4. Roof Design

The roof has a layered design that includes an insulating material like rice husk or coconut coir between slabs. On top, I used reflective lime plaster or white clay tiles to deflect solar radiation. This significantly lowers the surface temperature of the roof.

5. Earth-Contact Cooling

Some parts of the house, like the water storage and storage rooms, are placed partially underground. Earth-contact helps cool these spaces naturally. When air from these areas flows into the main house, it helps lower the overall internal temperature.

6. Minimal Energy Use

By placing windows to make the most of daylight, using cool roofs, and promoting passive airflow, the house needs very little electricity for cooling during the day. LED lights and solar-powered fans can be used at night, making it almost energy-neutral.

Final Design Explanation

This single-story modular home is designed for a 25 × 30 meter plot It focuses on being affordable, sustainable, and responsive to the climate by using simple construction methods and local materials.

Plot and Building Footprint

Plot size: 25 m × 30 m (750 m²)

Built-up area: Approximately 125 m², leaving plenty of room for landscaping and service areas

Room Layout and Dimensions

Living Room: 4.6 m × 3.7 m (15 ft × 12 ft), located at the center front, featuring large east-facing windows for morning light and ventilation

Master Bedroom: 3.7 m × 3.0 m (12 ft × 10 ft), positioned in the southwest corner with an attached bathroom

Second Bedroom: 3.7 m × 3.0 m (12 ft × 10 ft), located in the northwest, ideal for guests or children

Third Bedroom / Study: 3.0 m × 3.0 m (10 ft × 10 ft), located in the southeast, suitable for a home office

Kitchen: 3.0 m × 2.4 m (10 ft × 8 ft), in the northeast, providing direct access to a rear utility area

Common Bathroom: 1.8 m × 1.2 m (6 ft × 4 ft), features natural ventilation through a roof-level vent

Attached Bathroom (Master): 1.8 m × 1.2 m (6 ft × 4 ft), ventilated with a dedicated exhaust outlet

Corridor Width: 1.2 m (4 ft), running east-west to support airflow

Passive Cooling and Ventilation

Roof vents: Two circular outlets (radius 0.15 m) located above the kitchen and bathrooms to release hot air

Clerestory windows: High-glazed openings that let in daylight without direct heat gain

Perforated “jali” panels: Incorporated into side walls to enhance cross-ventilation while preserving privacy

Veranda overhangs: Chhajjas, 0.5 m deep, placed above windows to shade the interiors from direct sunlight

Central courtyard buffer: A small open area next to living spaces that helps stabilize indoor temperatures through evaporative cooling

Materials and Finishes

Walls: Reinforced Cement Technology (RCT) fly-ash bricks, providing strength, low embodied energy, and thermal mass

Plaster: A mix of lime, rice husk, and adhesive for a breathable, reflective finish

Roof insulation: Bamboo mesh covered by insulating mud and finished with white limewash for solar reflectivity

Flooring: Locally stabilized earth with a lime-burnished finish to help keep interiors cool

Windows and Doors: Powder-coated aluminum frames with double-glazed panels in key areas

Renewable Energy and Water Conservation

Solar panels: A south-facing array designed to meet the needs for lighting, fans, and pumps

Rainwater harvesting: The sloped roof directs rainwater into an underground tank (sized based on annual rainfall), which includes a first-flush filter for garden irrigation and toilet flushing

External Features

Front garden: A 4 m deep landscaped buffer with native shrubs and trees for shade and air purification

Parking area: A 3 m wide drive next to the main entrance, accommodating a standard passenger vehicle

Service zone: A rear utility courtyard with space for a washing station and composting area

Design Principles and Local Adaptation

Climate responsiveness: The orientation, overhangs, and materials reduce cooling needs in summer and retain warmth in winter

Affordability and replicability: Modular parts allow for quick assembly by local workers, needing minimal heavy machinery

Vernacular inspiration: Blends traditional passive techniques—thatch-inspired shading and earth plastering—with modern eco-friendly materials

Tinkercad Model Notes

All dimensions and proportions have been accurately scaled for presentation in Tinkercad

Structural elements are illustrated with simple geometric shapes to show assembly

Vent locations, window openings, and plant symbols are included to indicate airflow paths and green integration

This single-story modular home is designed for a 25 × 30 m plot in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. It offers affordability, sustainability, and climate responsiveness through simple construction methods and locally sourced materials.

Plot and Building Footprint

Plot size: 25 m × 30 m (750 m²)

Built-up area: About 125 m², leaving plenty of space for landscaping, parking, and service areas.

Room Layout and Dimensions

Living Room: 4.6 m × 3.7 m (15 ft × 12 ft), located at the front center with east-facing windows for morning light and airflow.

Master Bedroom: 3.7 m × 3.0 m (12 ft × 10 ft), in the southwest corner, with a bathroom attached.

Second Bedroom: 3.7 m × 3.0 m (12 ft × 10 ft), in the northwest corner, suitable for children or guests.

Third Bedroom/Study: 3.0 m × 3.0 m (10 ft × 10 ft), in the southeast corner, flexible as a home office or guest room.

Kitchen: 3.0 m × 2.4 m (10 ft × 8 ft), in the northeast, with direct access to the utility courtyard in the back.

Common Bathroom: 1.8 m × 1.2 m (6 ft × 4 ft), near the kitchen, ventilated naturally with a roof-level outlet.

Master Bathroom: 1.8 m × 1.2 m (6 ft × 4 ft), attached to the master bedroom and equipped with an exhaust vent for ventilation.

Corridor: 1.2 m (4 ft) wide, running east-west to aid airflow between rooms.

Passive Cooling and Ventilation

Roof Vents: Two circular vents with a 0.15 m radius, located above the kitchen and bathrooms to let out hot air.

Clerestory Windows: High openings that bring in daylight without allowing direct sunlight.

Perforated “Jali” Panels: Incorporated into the side walls to improve cross-ventilation while keeping privacy.

Overhangs (Chhajjas): 0.5 m deep shades above windows to block direct sunlight.

Central Courtyard Buffer: A small open space next to the living room that helps stabilize indoor temperatures through evaporative cooling.

Materials and Finishes

Walls: Reinforced Cement Technology (RCT) fly-ash bricks for strength, thermal mass, and low energy use.

Plaster: A breathable mix of lime, rice husk, and adhesive for reflective, moisture-regulating walls.

Roof Insulation: Bamboo mesh over an insulating mud layer, finished with white limewash to reflect solar heat.

Flooring: Locally stabilized earth with a lime-burnished finish to keep indoor temperatures low.

Windows and Doors: Powder-coated aluminum frames with double-glazed panels in key areas for insulation.

Renewable Energy and Water Conservation

Solar Panels: A south-facing rooftop array designed to supply power for lighting, fans, and pumps.

Rainwater Harvesting: Sloped roof gutters direct rainwater into an underground tank with a first-flush filter, used for irrigation and toilet flushing.

External Features

Front Garden: A 4 m deep landscaped buffer with native shrubs and trees for shade and air cleaning.

Parking Area: A 3 m wide driveway next to the entrance, suitable for a standard passenger vehicle.

Service Zone: Rear courtyard for washing, composting, and outdoor cooking.

Design Principles and Local Adaptation

Climate Responsiveness: The east-west orientation, overhangs, and choice of materials lower summer cooling needs and keep warmth during winter.

Affordability and Replicability: Modular panels and locally sourced materials allow quick assembly by unskilled workers with minimal heavy tools.

Vernacular Inspiration: Traditional passive techniques, like thatch-inspired shading and earth plaster, are combined with modern eco-materials to fit local building methods.

Tinkercad Model Notes

All dimensions and proportions are accurately scaled for online presentation.

Structural elements are shown as simple geometric shapes to illustrate how they fit together.

Vent locations, window openings, and plant symbols show airflow paths and green integration.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-C8QSXWbdKei4VjJlW6OKch4ks8Wxrrb?usp=drive_link