Project Name: The Earth House
Architect: Dharam Patel
Architecture Firm: Art & Architecture Associates
Project Type: Residential (Farmhouse / Sustainable Residence)
Project Area: 3000 sq. ft.
Location: Halol, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Project Year: 2021

The Earth House by Art & Architecture Associates was awarded Winner at the GEEVEES: Godrej Design Awards 2019, held in Goa, India. The award recognized the project for its innovative approach to sustainable architecture and environmentally responsible residential design.

Organized by Godrej & Boyce, the GEEVEES Design Awards celebrate projects that demonstrate forward-thinking design, sustainability, and the responsible use of materials and technology in architecture and the built environment. The Earth House stood out for its integration of natural construction methods, passive environmental strategies, and minimal ecological footprint.

Located within agricultural farmland near Halol, Gujarat, the Earth House explores the potential of rammed earth construction and locally sourced natural materials as a contemporary response to climate-responsive living. The house is designed as a near net-zero rural residence, combining passive cooling techniques, renewable energy generation, and sustainable landscape planning.

Thick rammed earth walls, constructed using soil excavated directly from the site, provide high thermal mass that significantly reduces solar heat gain and maintains indoor temperatures 7–10°C cooler than the outside environment. The design also incorporates an inclined roof optimized for solar energy generation, supporting the home’s energy requirements.

The project integrates sustainable landscape strategies including native plantations, Miyawaki forest, organic farming, and mango orchards, which contribute to biodiversity while reducing irrigation and maintenance needs. Rainwater harvesting and natural shading from dense vegetation further enhance the environmental performance of the residence.

By combining traditional building knowledge with contemporary sustainable design practices, the Earth House demonstrates how architecture can respond to climate challenges while maintaining comfort, simplicity, and a strong connection to nature.

Winning the GEEVEES: Godrej Design Award 2019 recognized the project as an exemplary model of sustainable rural housing in India, highlighting the role of architecture in addressing environmental challenges through thoughtful design and material choices.