In the smog-choked streets of Delhi, where the air quality index (AQI) routinely exceeds 300, one residence stands out as a model of environmental sustainability. Located in the Sainik Farms neighborhood of South Delhi, Peter Singh and Nino Kaur’s home has managed to maintain an impressively low AQI of just 10-15, thanks to an odd yet smart design that integrates over 15,000 plants and advanced self-sustaining processes.
This home is a rare find in a city plagued by pollution. Unlike ordinary residences, the property does not use paint or plaster. Traditional construction methods have been adopted, with bricks linked together with lime mortar rather than cement, and lime is used instead of modern paints.
Stone tiles cover the entire roof instead of a concrete slab. This environmentally friendly strategy helps to adjust the temperature within the house, keeping it substantially cooler throughout the hot summer months in Delhi. The presence of so many plants, each of which contributes to cleaner air, ensures that indoor air quality remains pristine, with an AQI consistently below 15.
The couple’s drive to self-sufficiency extends beyond pure air. Their home is off-grid, powered by solar energy, which reduces their dependency on external power sources.
Water conservation is another important aspect, with the house collecting rainwater in a 15,000-liter tank for plant irrigation. Water is meticulously recycled, so no drop goes to waste.
What is truly impressive is the home’s ability to grow its food. Peter and Nino do not need to buy veggies from the market. They grow their own organically and sustainably year-round, which is a method they value. Even in a metropolis plagued by stubble burning from neighboring states such as Punjab and Haryana, which adds significantly to Delhi’s air pollution, the couple has discovered a method to use this stubble.
They make fertilizer for growing mushrooms in the house by mixing it with organic manure. This one-of-a-kind home’s journey began with a personal struggle. Peter tells how his wife, Nino, was diagnosed with blood cancer, and after receiving chemotherapy, her damaged lungs were struggling to deal with the city’s