New Costford building in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram sets an example in eco-friendly, sustainable architecture
The Costford architecture firm has unveiled a new five-storey building in Thiruvananthapuram that emphasizes sustainable, eco-friendly construction. The structure utilizes bamboo, wattle-and-daub walls, and recycled materials to create a carbon-negative design inspired by the 'Baker model'.
Why it matters
This project serves as a practical, scalable alternative to the concrete-heavy urban development currently dominating Indian cities, promoting climate-conscious architecture.
Bamboo used for construction of ceiling of the multi-storey building of Costford architecture firm at Mannanthala, in Thiruvananthapuram. | Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN
At first glance, the building doesn’t appear to be particularly tall. A closer look, however, reveals that it rises up from a drop in elevation; it’s the third floor that is on a level with the road outside. Bamboo grills and a sloping Kerala-style roof are among the first things that catch the eye. Inside, the building offers a master-class in sustainable architecture.
In Thiruvananthapuram city where concrete buildings are fast crowding out green spaces, the Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development (Costford) – the institution which traces its origins to former Chief Minister C. Achutha Menon, the master architect Laurie Baker and the economist K.N. Raj – is presenting an alternative with its soon-to-be-inaugurated five-storey T.R. Chandradutt Centre for Alternative Technology.
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