Studio page
Who We Are
“A shared exploration of bamboo, ecology, and engineering gradually shaped the foundation of Ekarth Studio.”
Ekarth Studio began through a shared interest in bamboo as a material capable of addressing both ecological and structural concerns within contemporary architecture.
This exploration independently led co-founder and Creative Head Neha Jain and co-founder and Structural Engineer Piyush Sharma to the Auroville Bamboo Centre — a space centered around material experimentation, sustainable construction, and traditional building knowledge.
Over time, these parallel explorations developed into a shared approach to building — one that combined spatial sensitivity, engineering logic, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness.
This led to the studio’s first built project: The Firefly — a two-storey bamboo residence in Assam that explored the architectural and structural potential of bamboo within a contemporary context.
Initially conceived as a design experiment, the project gradually revealed the absence of a reliable ecosystem for natural material construction in India. It became evident that building meaningfully with bamboo required far more than design intent
alone. The entire process — from sourcing and harvesting to treatment, transportation, construction, detailing, and finishing — needed to be approached with the same level of sensitivity and precision as the architecture itself. In response, Ekarth slowly evolved into a fully integrated design-build practice.
The intention was never simply to build with bamboo, but to create a more conscious way of building altogether — one that considered not only the final structure, but also the land it stood on, the resources it consumed, the craftsmanship involved, and the larger ecological impact of construction.
The Firefly went on to receive significant recognition, opening conversations around bamboo as a viable material for contemporary construction in India. More importantly, it laid the foundation for Ekarth Studio’s larger direction — integrating
ecological sensitivity, engineering innovation, craftsmanship, and emotionally grounded design into contemporary architecture.
Since then, the studio has continued to evolve through an ongoingexploration of how architecture can become more conscious, immersive, and deeply connected to both people and place.
Our Philosophy
Our design philosophy rests on three interconnected pillars:
Nature & Environment
Every project begins with deep respect for the land, climate, and ecosystem. Design decisions emerge from the site rather than being imposed upon it.
Tradition, Art & Culture
We draw from vernacular knowledge, regional craftsmanship, and indigenous building wisdom—ensuring that local identity remains alive within contemporary spaces.
Modern Engineering & Innovation
Traditional methods are strengthened through modern engineering, research, and precision—allowing organic architecture to meet today’s performance and safety standards.
We believe architecture should not only shelter the body, but also stir the soul.
Our Vision
To build a future where architecture is regenerative rather than extractive, deeply rooted in culture and craft, and capable of transforming both people and landscapes.
We envision EKARTH not just as a practice, but as a movement—redefining how spaces are imagined, built, lived in, and passed on to future generations.
What We Do
Architecture & Construction
Context-sensitive, climate-responsive design integrated with the natural environment.
Workshops & Seminars
Hands-on learning experiences at our Amsing Design Studio focused on alternative construction.
Community Engagement & Craft Preservation
Collaborations with local artisans to sustain traditional skills and livelihoods.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Materials & Construction Methods
- Earth-based systems such as rammed earth, adobe, bamboo, & lime plasters
- 90% locally sourced materials reducing embodied carbon
- Zero chemical coatings with natural breathable finishes
Energy & Environmental Performance
- Passive design achieving up to 65% reduction in energy consumption
- Rainwater harvesting in over 70% of projects
- Solar integration across all off-grid prototypes
Education & Knowledge Sharing
- Quarterly workshops engaging 100+ students and professionals
- Hands-on training in low-impact, cost-effective construction
- Artisan-led collaborations to revive endangered building traditions
What Sets EKARTH Apart
Contextual Design
Each project grows organically from its surroundings.
Craft-Led Approach
Celebrating material honesty and skilled handwork.
Experiential Architecture
Spaces that evoke emotion, memory, and harmony.