In the heart of Hisar, architect Gokul Goyal has come up with a clever solution to beat the summer heat while staying connected to his cultural roots. His two-storey home is a stunning blend of traditional Indian materials and modern design. What’s making waves is his innovative use of 7,000 kulhads (earthen cups) on the terrace floor, inspired by Indian cities and materials that reflect our rich culture.
Instead of relying on expensive insulation paints or foam, Gokul used kulhads to form a natural filler in the terrace slab. The kulhads are carefully lined up across the terrace, over which cement is poured. Once the surface is packed with mosaic tiles, gaps are sealed using a mix of white cement and waterproofing materials, ensuring no water leakage. After proper curing, the terrace helps keep the house cool even during the hottest months.
What makes this design brilliant is its combination of heat-reflective materials and the cooling power of air trapped within the kulhads. The glazed mosaic tiles reflect up to 70% of the sun’s heat, while the remaining 30% is absorbed by the air pockets in the kulhads. This layered design ensures the rooms below stay cooler, providing an affordable yet highly effective alternative to traditional insulation methods.
The design is not only cost-efficient but also adds charm to the terrace. The mosaic flooring is visually appealing, offers slip resistance for enhanced safety, and is eco-friendly. Its low-maintenance nature ensures durability, making it a sustainable and long-lasting choice.
Edited by Khushi Arora
