Thannal, Thiruvannamalai Thannal is a natural building awareness group founded by Biju Bhaskar and his wife Sindhu Bhaskar in 2011. The group has since worked with artisans and revived the traditional way of building construction. They use earthbag technique which is commonly used by armed forces. Jute bags are filled with mud and used as building blocks. They also practice the wattle and cob weaving method to construct walls. Other commonly used materials are Terracotta, Lime, Stone, Plant and Animal Derivatives. These materials have breathing quality and form natural insulation thereby adapting to the temperature outside.
months and will cost as less as Rs.1000 per sq.ft. When asked if these rustic structures are popular among the urban mass, they say that 60%of their members are from cities. Thannal also conducts regular workshops, internships and seminars which spread awareness and bring more people into the fold. One can learn about natural building techniques, laying the foundation, wall systems, finishes and wall plastering. They only do two projects a year which are done purely on a gift basis or through a barter system. They accept books, tools, food grains in exchange for their consultation. One can also sponsor an artisan's salary.
They say that a 500-600 sqft home can be built in under five
For more information on upcoming workshops visit: thannal.com/natural-buildings-workshops/