House of Solid Stone | Malik Architecture

In Rajasthan, sandstone is synonymous with architectural heritage, yet, in recent decades, its role in construction has been reduced mostly to decorative cladding. This limited use overlooks sandstone's enduring potential as a sustainable, structurally robust material. A unique home project in Jaipur provided the perfect opportunity to reimagine sandstone as a foundational element, echoing the centuries-old tradition of stone buildings while introducing innovative methods to optimize its use.

The project's guiding principle was a singular, compelling brief: to construct the home entirely from stone, eschewing all other structural materials. This approach honoured the legacy of traditional Rajasthani architecture. By refining the traditional load-bearing construction technique, the team at Malik Architects devised a hollow interlocking wall system. This innovation created an effective thermal break, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 5-7°C during Jaipur's scorching summers. The cavity within the walls also accommodated essential services, reducing overall material usage by nearly 30 per cent.

The structure's floor system alternated between vaulted sections and expansive, single-span stone slabs, pushing the boundaries of sandstone's capabilities. Every architectural component, from the foundation and retaining walls to door jambs, lintels, and intricately carved screens, was crafted from local stone. The substructure utilized site-sourced stone, while Jodhpur stone, renowned for its strength and durability, was sourced from a nearby quarry.

To maintain the raw, authentic character of the stone, the team requested that the quarry foreman abandon modern gangsaw extraction in favour of traditional “splitting” techniques. This method, which involves using stone-masonry tools, preserves the natural grain of the stone and retains the subtle marks of its earthy origins.

The project’s success hinged on the skills of local stonemasons, whose knowledge of working with stone spans generations. Their deep-rooted expertise was essential in making engineering adjustments and resolving design challenges. The head stonemason’s wisdom guided decisions about the optimal size and weight of each stone block, ensuring that each could be maneuvered by just two craftsmen with minimal mechanical assistance. This collaboration between engineering principles and traditional craft created a fusion of knowledge that honoured both worlds.

The home's layout centred around a narrow courtyard that tapered into slim passageways, channeling airflow and maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. These passages paid homage to traditional Rajasthani homes, offering respite from the intense summer sun. Large, operable stone screens shaded front and rear glass walls, while deep overhangs created shaded pockets, allowing natural light to filter in without compromising privacy or comfort.

This project redefined the role of craft in architecture, elevating it from decorative detail to a fundamental building approach. Rather than relying on surface ornamentation, the design emphasized raw material expression, grounding the space in a timeless blend of the ancient and the contemporary. The primal quality of the stone, marked by the Earth's imprint, resonated throughout the home, creating a space that was both resilient and serene.

Extensive comparisons of building methods, including "All Stone," "Reinforced Stone," and conventional RCC frameworks, revealed that stone construction was not only cost-effective but also environmentally advantageous. The proximity of the quarry, availability of skilled local stonemasons, and the reduced need for secondary materials and site contractors contributed to significant cost savings. Minimal steel reinforcements were used to enhance seismic resilience, while lime mortar sealed external joints, further limiting the use of high-impact materials.

By utilizing a single, minimally processed building material with low embodied energy, the project minimized environmental impact and highlighted the intrinsic qualities of stone. This home stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and functionality of stone, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and modern engineering to create a sustainable and elegant space.

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan

Site Area: 4,700 sq.ft (430 sq.m)

Built-up Area: 8,000 sq.ft (740 sq.m)

Date of Completion: 2019

Design Team: Kamal Malik, Arjun Malik, Ketan Chaudhary, Payal Hundiwala, Soumya   Shukla, Neha Kotian

Photography Credits: Fabian Charuau, Bharath Ramamrutham

Highlights:

- No material other than locally sourced stone has been used for construction
- Perfect coming together of traditional approach and modern engineering techniques for design solutions
- A hollow interlocking structural wall system was developed for a more effective thermal break and to reduce material consumption
- Time and cost was reduced due to the method of quarrying, which also gave the project a balance between natural (Earth imprint) and smooth handmade finishes