Ar. R.K. Malik, Founder, RK Malik & Associates
Eco-responsive housing refers to residential structures designed to minimise environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for the occupants. It is about planting trees on balconies or installing solar panels that integrate climatic context, local materials, passive cooling, water conservation, and energy efficiency. This also includes site-sensitive design, efficient water management, natural ventilation and waste recycling. Implementation of these elements will make urban housing more sustainable.
Orientation is key in tropical climates. Urban homes can be designed to maximise cross ventilation and minimise heat gain. Deep verandas, jalis (latticed screens), and courtyards are being reinterpreted in modern housing to reduce dependency on mechanical cooling. Green roofs help regulate indoor temperature, reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide biodiversity in concrete environments, while vertical gardens offer visual relief and act as natural air purifiers and insulation barriers.
The transition from grey to green in urban Indian housing calls for innovation and courage to break free from convention and nuture a future rooted in sustainability.
Ar. R.K. Malik
Builders are increasingly opting for materials with low embodied energy. Stabilised mud blocks, fly ash bricks, recycled wood, and lime plasters are gaining popularity over resource-intensive options. Rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, motion-sensor lighting, and smart meters are becoming standard inclusions. Net-zero homes that generate as much energy as they consume are steadily entering the mainstream.
Advances in green technologies like solar PV systems and greywater recycling, to intelligent home automation, have made eco-friendly solutions more accessible and cost-effective. Prefabricated construction methods and 3D-printed homes are also contributing to efficiency and waste reduction.
