Lime Workshop at Sacred Grove

A New Beginning of Shared Learning

The lime workshop at Sacred Grove marked the beginning of something deeply meaningful for us — the decision to open our journey and share our learnings with a larger community.

We have been working on our land since 2023 — observing the soil, the climate, the indigenous trees, understanding what crops can grow, where to grow them, and how to cultivate the land through permaculture principles. It has been an enriching and humbling process of listening before acting.

All this while, we operated from containers and a few bamboo sheds. Gradually, we realized that we were not just experimenting — we were truly embracing this way of life, along with its struggles and quiet joys. That is when we decided to create a more permanent base for Sacred Grove.

Phase 1 – Building with Intention

In our first phase of development, we chose to reuse the existing containers, relocating them near our arrival gate after much thought. Around them, we began constructing two labour rooms, a dormitory, and toilets — the basic infrastructure needed for a learning space to function.

We also saw this as an opportunity: if we are building, why not test natural materials as far as possible?

That is where the real challenge began.

We realised that many local contractors are no longer confident with traditional building techniques. Lime construction, once common knowledge, is now rarely practiced.

So we decided to learn properly.

We collaborated with Ar. Aditya Sharma and Harshika Varma from Srot Foundation, who have been actively training people in natural building techniques. We wanted to use lime instead of cement wherever possible — not just because it is non-toxic, but because it is a time-tested material that grows stronger with age by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It breathes, keeps interiors fresh, offers thermal comfort, and provides protection from moisture.

Due to time pressure — as we needed immediate shelter for our labour — we used cement in foundations and structural walls. However, we decided to experiment with lime in flooring, plastering, and small rubble walls.

Belonging to the Land

We are blessed with abundant stone on our site. Though weathered and extremely hard, we chose to use it. The contractor initially felt it would not give a refined finish. But buying stone from outside when we had plenty on our land did not feel right.

We trusted our instinct.

Today, the built structure feels like it belongs to the land — and that decision feels deeply satisfying.

Convincing the contractor to explore lime was not easy. After much persuasion, we requested him to attend training first and then decide. We openly discussed labour rates as he was unsure whether lime work would be more labour-intensive.

coordinating schedules between contractor and trainers took effort — but when intention is strong, things align.

Why Not Make It a Workshop?

A thought emerged: if we are investing so much in learning, why not open it up to others who might be curious?

Within a week, we designed a poster and circulated it among our networks. The response was encouraging. Though many could not attend due to short notice, it created momentum.

Our first workshop was held on 14th February — Valentine’s Day — a fitting day to celebrate our love for natural building.

The participants were a thoughtful mix:

A restoration and conservation architect wanting to refine his understanding of lime

His second-year architecture student

Urban designers and planners interested in natural materials

The discussions were deep and layered. The learning was not theoretical. Participants could observe, question, and physically engage in the work under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

That hands-on exposure made all the difference.

The relaxed environment of Sacred Grove — surrounded by hills and fresh air — added to the experience. Local food and simple farm refreshments brought everyone together in a shared rhythm.

In the evening, conversations became even more reflective. Why is there such apathy towards lime in today’s construction industry?

Architecture students visit heritage buildings. They admire the beauty, map layouts, and document details. But rarely are they trained in understanding how those buildings were constructed — what materials were used, and why they still stand strong after hundreds of years.

There is appreciation — but not enough technical continuity.

Perhaps students need exposure from the first year itself. Perhaps teachers also need retraining, as even educators carry hesitation towards natural materials.

Ironically, while awareness is growing, natural products are being marketed as premium and exclusive. Ready-mix lime plasters and traditional finishes are often expensive.

But lime is abundant in India. It is not exotic. It is accessible.

If more contractors are trained and more confidence is built around traditional techniques, natural construction can become affordable and mainstream again.

The Way Forward

This workshop is only the beginning.

We plan to conduct such hands-on workshops regularly — sharing our learnings as we build, experiment, make mistakes, and refine our understanding. Sacred Grove is not a finished project; it is a living laboratory.

In Phase 2, we will begin building the main facility for our learning space. Here, we intend to experiment further with natural materials — stone and lime mortar, compressed stabilised mud blocks (CSMB), bamboo, wood, mud-lime plasters, and other earth-based techniques.

We are also keen to explore traditional roofing systems such as the Rohtak dome, Madras roof, filler slabs, and other arch-based construction methods. Each structure will become an opportunity to study climate response, material behaviour, and long-term sustainability.

Beyond buildings, we are working towards a more holistic system. For waste management, we plan to develop a reed bed (constructed wetland) system to recycle grey and black water on site. Water, soil, shelter — all must work together.

Once Phase 1 infrastructure is fully completed, we will also be able to host small residential workshops, allowing participants to stay, observe, and immerse themselves in the Sacred Grove way of life.

There is much to build.

There is much to unlearn.

And there is much to share.

And at Sacred Grove, this feels like just the beginning.

🌿