Low cost house for Reeta didi

Contributing to the community by assisting in designing homes using cost-effective building techniques is a key focus of our architecture studio.
Reeta didi’s house was an unforgettable and a very fulfilling experience for us.

The design intent for the project –

The column-beam structure and RCC slab were already in place when we were brought in to design a home for a couple, their elderly mother, and their two children. One of the primary constraints was the availability of only 6,000 bricks to complete the entire house, along with a limited budget for doors and windows.
To optimize space and functionality, we introduced the concept of a central living area that connects all the rooms, along with an attached toilet. Given the brick shortage and budget constraints, we turned to Laurie Baker’s principles of low-cost construction, studying his works extensively. We implemented the rat-trap brick bond for 9” walls, a technique that reduces brick usage by 25% while also saving 30% on cement mortar.
The construction process was an enriching experience for everyone involved—masons, clients, and our team alike. For doors and windows, Reeta Didi found a vendor selling second-hand materials, where we were fortunate to source high-quality, old deodar wood windows. We purchased two dozen windows and six doors for just Rs. 8,000/-, with the frames fabricated in MS by the local welder.

To add a touch of character to the otherwise simple and functional home, we incorporated corbelling on two exterior walls using the same rat-trap brick bond. This small design intervention brought a sense of warmth and joy to the structure.