The Vrindavan Project is a design practice, which is involved with exploring ecologically sensitive and contextually appropriate construction techniques. The Project's research and methodology therefore, draws a direct relationship between architectural theory and functional design practice. An alumnus of The Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, Ranjeet Mukherjee's architectural sensibility is anchored in sustainability and initiating environmental discourse. His professional partner and wife, Shreenu, is a graduate from L.S. Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai and an established interior designer who lends her expertise to the firm. Together, the duo aims to create timeless, experiential spaces that offer a sense of intimacy to its clients that are in symbiosis with natural habitats.

The Vrindavan Project's first assignment was to build a countryside residence. The farmhouse so sculpted exudes a raw, natural beauty. It boasts of green energies that intelligently complement the standing structure, which rests solely on load bearing rammed earth walls. This unique technology, where earth is prepared and compressed by hand on site has been used in this region, in this format, for the first time. In addition, 'a water channel moat is integrated with the foundation to provide cooling
and insulate the home from infestations,' explains the duo. For the roof, Ranjeet and Shreenu decided to use inverted terracotta pots as hollow fillers for concrete slabs. 'The pots create hollow fillers in a normal slab thickness, minimising concrete content. This method creates a waffle effect in the slab which is aesthetically unique, and drastically reduces the dead load of the structure.' Recycled wood for doors, windows and columns was also sourced from demolished mansions in Tamil Nadu.

In essence, The Vrindavan Project is a vehicle for the duo's artistic expression where it tries to create beautiful buildings. Based out of Gurgaon, the Project has a couple of impressive endeavours underway, which includes constructing a rammed earth structure in the Nanital district.

Text Radhika Iyengar