Raghav and I first spoke in 2020. Stuck at home during the pandemic, he was planting a small vegetable garden in his parents’ backyard in New Delhi and was dreaming about moving to the countryside to start a rural community. I’ve heard many people say that and never do anything about it (myself included). But what Raghav and his brother Ansh have created since then is pretty amazing. I’m delighted to share their story with you.
A House Made of Mud
Ever thought about giving up life in the city and moving to the mountains? Meet Raghav and Ansh, who are building a mud house and experimenting with biomaterials in Rishikesh.
Today's story transports us to the breathtaking mountains of Uttarakhand, where two visionary brothers, Raghav and Ansh, are on an inspiring journey. Through their venture, Tiny Farm Lab, they're crafting a self-sustainable community by reviving natural harmony and facilitating resource sharing among the villagers. Stay tuned as we delve into their innovative methods and uncover the transformative approach they're using to pave the way towards a sustainable future.
Tiny Farm Lab has initiated an open call to all nature lovers for a retreat in Dhunar Village, Rishikesh. They have organized a hands-on workshop where you will be introduced to different techniques of natural building. One of the workshops’ main focuses is to inspire you to build a sustainable mud house while finding healing and community in the wilderness.
Moving from a comfortable city life, with all the infrastructure and facilities, to a village, to actually live their long term and help towards development and sustainability, is a huge step. And one who can actually take that step is definitely a force to recon with.
Again, I think it all comes down to the play. I like to work towards a self-practice that is constantly driven through play, reminding myself the importance of being free and true to yourself because I believe we all have a voice that is true to ourselves, unique for the world when presented and in turn one of the most satisfying feeling to have.
he House of Biomaterials is a learning lab, a museum, and an exhibition in the form of a community-built hand-sculpted cob house. The goal is to set a precedent, addressing the large-scale migration from the inaccessible hilly landscape by putting the remote village on the map and providing a platform for knowledge exchange to generate livelihood opportunities. The aim is also to spark curiosity about the possibilities of natural materials.