Zero-waste homes are at the core of sustainable living, where every material, resource, and design choice is made with minimal environmental impact in mind. These homes are designed to reduce waste during construction, optimise energy efficiency, and incorporate systems that recycle or repurpose waste.

Here are four people whose homes prove that living consciously doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or aesthetics.

1. Balasunda Kaushikan

Balasunda Kaushikan, a Bengaluru-based architect from Hanumanthanpatti in Tamil Nadu, had always dreamed of building a sustainable home in his village. After working in cities like Dubai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, he left his job in 2019 to start his own architectural firm.

What did he do?

In 2020, Kaushikan constructed a sustainable 3,000 sq ft house on his ancestral land using locally sourced materials, focusing on reducing his carbon footprint. “I feel it is high time to work towards reducing the carbon footprint,” he says.

How did he do it?

• Zero waste and waste management: A key feature of the house is its zero-waste system. He installed a biodigester soil tank instead of a septic tank to convert human waste into water used for gardening. Additionally, a biogas tank processes kitchen waste, generating methane for cooking.

• Rainwater harvesting: The house features a rainwater harvesting system with a 10,000-litre capacity and a recharge well to support groundwater levels.

• Energy efficiency and natural lighting: Kaushikan incorporated passive solar designs and natural light strategies to reduce energy consumption. “We have cut down the monthly power consumption by around 70 percent with solar energy,” he says.

The house is called the ‘House of Gardens’ due to its abundant greenery and its........

© The Better India