Building Better with Nature: NASA India’s COB Wall Workshop

NASA India, in collaboration with Kalam Architects and Studio ARKH’ives Architects and Designers, successfully concluded the COB Wall Construction Workshop at Payir, Trichy, held from December 26th to 30th, 2024.

This immersive five-day program blended theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, enabling participants to engage directly with natural building methods while contributing to the development of the AARVAM Reception Center—a vital learning hub for rural education in Tamil Nadu.

Program Highlights

Techniques Explored

Participants gained exposure to a range of sustainable construction techniques, including:

 Cob wall building

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB)

Debris wall construction

 Arch construction

Oxide flooring

 Mud plasters

Additionally, a guided visit to a nearby village offered students valuable insights into vernacular architecture and community-driven development practices.

Hands-On Construction

From soil testing to the creation of cob walls using clay, sand, and straw, participants actively contributed to the building process. The workshop also involved constructing arch openings and other structural features, providing students with an applied understanding of natural and traditional construction techniques.

Community Empowerment

The workshop emphasized the use of locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, underlining the potential of architecture to be cost-effective, energy-efficient, and sustainable. By working closely with the local community, students experienced firsthand the social and ecological benefits of natural building practices.

Beyond Construction

More than just a technical exercise, the COB Wall Workshop invited participants to reflect on the purpose of architecture—encouraging design approaches rooted in empathy, sustainability, and societal responsibility. The program highlighted how architectural practice can serve as a tool for empowerment, shaping environments that are both functional and meaningful for communities.