Design Jatra

Design Jatra Design Jatra is an architecture and research studio,with the sustainable and environment sensitive practice experimenting with local techniques and skills.

Design Jatra is young, rural research and development architectural firm, now working in the participatory appraisal of various villages in the district of Palghar, Maharashtra. Our organization focuses on self sustained and self -reliant communities working homogeneously towards healthy economics, efficient resource management, fostering dying cultural wisdom and finally, relevant architecture. P

art of what we do is designing houses for people of all economic background, using naturally available local materials; where the focus is on utilizing local skills and building a community through the activity of construction. A vital part of the organization is active research and implementation of developmental theories through participatory actions. Be it organic farming, forestry, Self Help groups or resource management; all are become a part of our work. Developing collaborations and drawing links between various elements of design and planning, the firm now hopes to achieve healthy, happy and lasting tribal civilization.

A window is an interface between the inside and the outside. But, a Bay Window goes one step ahead to take you closer to...
23/08/2025

A window is an interface between the inside and the outside. But, a Bay Window goes one step ahead to take you closer to the outside while keeping you indoors.
Most rural BPL households in Maharashtra have a room with a rope tied wall to wall for hanging all clothes as a cheaper alternative to the cupboard.
The bay window in the project is visualised not only as a sit out but also a storage nook.
With a little expertise and not much addional cost, a bay window in these households can improve the spatial quality, neatness and aesthetics of the house.

Client: Mr. Ashok Kalbaug, Alumni 1974 IIT-B
Location: IIT-B campus
Total Built up: 580 sq.ft.
Design Team: Ar. Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia
Civil contractor:
Roof contractor: .in
Photos: .expression_
Graphics: .expression_
Special thanks: IIT-B faculty and IIT-BAA
Cover Image: Stock Image
P.S. The prototype was aimed to, but is not climatically designed due to time constraints and various procedural delays.

[Prototype, Rural housing, Natural building, IIT, Ecological, Window]

A hygienic toilet is a basic need, but in many rural areas, water for flushing is scarce.DrySan is a waterless, zero-dis...
19/08/2025

A hygienic toilet is a basic need, but in many rural areas, water for flushing is scarce.
DrySan is a waterless, zero-discharge squat toilet with separate ports for solids, urine, and washing water, plus pits below for collection and decomposition.
Segregation reduces odour and pathogens, while minimal water use speeds up drying and aerobic decomposition. Urine can be percolated or collected, and both wastes can be used as fertiliser after dilution.
A stainless-steel pan ensures easy cleaning, and a flap at the solid waste exit blocks insects and smells.
The main challenge? Working around the habit of pouring water to clean toilets.

Client: Mr. Ashok Kalbaug, Alumni 1974 IIT-B
Location: IIT-B campus
Total Built up: 580 sq.ft.
Design Team: Ar. Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia
Civil contractor:
Roof contractor: .in
Photos: .expression_
Graphics: .expression_
Special thanks: IIT-B faculty and IIT-BAA
Special mention: Prof. Munshi, IIT-B
Cover Image: Clean Cooking Alliance
P.S. The prototype was aimed to, but is not climatically designed due to time constraints and various procedural delays.

[Prototype, Rural housing, Natural building, IIT, Ecological, Toilet]

The prototype is planned with the nahani connected to the kitchen for washing vessels and taking bath. Hence, a Ferrocem...
16/08/2025

The prototype is planned with the nahani connected to the kitchen for washing vessels and taking bath. Hence, a Ferrocement Water Tank is planned at this location.
The nahani has an inbuilt provision for water heating pot at waist height. This pot is manually accessible from inside the nahani. This is helpful while taking bath and also for cleaning vessels in harsh winters.
The water heater can be fired from outside the house so that it is well ventilated and doesn't create smoke.
The water tank is placed above the water heating pot such that water from the tank can be let into the water heating pot by a tap.
We had similar ingenious systems in many villages earlier that are being lost.

Client: Mr. Ashok Kalbaug, Alumni 1974 IIT-B
Location: IIT-B campus
Total Built up: 580 sq.ft.
Design Team: Ar. Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia
Civil contractor:
Roof contractor: .in
Photos: .expression_
Graphics: .expression_
Special thanks: IIT-B faculty and IIT-BAA
Cover Image: Stock Image
P.S. The prototype was aimed to, but is not climatically designed due to time constraints and various procedural delays.

[Prototype, Rural housing, Natural building, IIT, Ecological, Kitchen, Toilet]

Many destitute families still rely on the Chulha (चूल) for cooking. Limited access to quality firewood, worsened by defo...
09/08/2025

Many destitute families still rely on the Chulha (चूल) for cooking. Limited access to quality firewood, worsened by deforestation, forces the use of smoky timber that harms the cook’s eyes and lungs.
A Mud-and-Brick Chulha with a smoke outlet offers a healthier solution, protecting both the meal preparer and the family.
This isn’t a new design—it has been successfully implemented in many places. Spreading awareness can help more people in need benefit from it.

Client: Mr. Ashok Kalbaug, Alumni 1974 IIT-B
Location: IIT-B campus
Total Built up: 580 sq.ft.
Design Team: Ar. Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia
Civil contractor:
Roof contractor: .in
Photos: .expression_
Graphics: .expression_
Special thanks: IIT-B faculty and IIT-BAA
Cover Image: Clean Cooking Alliance
P.S. The prototype was aimed to, but is not climatically designed due to time constraints and various procedural delays.

[Prototype, Rural housing, Natural building, IIT, Ecological, Kitchen]

INCREMENTAL HOUSING = DIGNITY IN PHASES In rural areas of Palghar, Thane, and Raigad, homes are often built bit by bit —...
02/08/2025

INCREMENTAL HOUSING = DIGNITY IN PHASES

In rural areas of Palghar, Thane, and Raigad, homes are often built bit by bit — expanding as families grow and funds allow.

Our latest rural housing prototype follows this principle with a thoughtful 3-Phase Design:
🏠 Phase 1: A common room, kitchen, attached bath & toilet — the essential core.
🌿 Phase 2: Adds a veranda and a private room.
🌼 Phase 3: Another room for growing needs.

This ensures even the most vulnerable can begin with dignity, comfort, and future-ready space — without waiting for all funds up front.

We’ll share more on the sustainable & health-focused aspects in upcoming posts.
Follow for updates on design with heart and purpose.
💛💛💛

Client: Mr. Ashok Kalbaug, Alumni 1974 IIT-B
Location: IIT-B campus
Total Built up: 580 sq.ft.
Design Team: Ar. Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia
Civil contractor:
Roof contractor: .in
Photos: .expression_ and Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia.
Graphics: .expression_
Special thanks: IIT-B faculty and IIT-BAA
P.S. The prototype was aimed to, but is not climatically designed due to time constraints and various procedural delays.

[Prototype, Rural housing, Natural building, IIT, Ecological, Incrementality]

A prototype is designed at the IIT-B campus towards HEARTS 74' project headed by the IIT-B 1974 alumni batch towards pro...
29/07/2025

A prototype is designed at the IIT-B campus towards HEARTS 74' project headed by the IIT-B 1974 alumni batch towards providing 1 lakh houses in the rural sector.
The aim of the prototype is to showcase various rural technologies while accomodating basic necessities of safety, health and hygiene.
Key aspects of incrementality and natural material usage are showcased along with sustainable features like smokeless chulha, dry toilet and energy efficiency and architectural elements like bay windows and split doors.
This is just the beginning, stay tuned for more updates :)

Client: Mr. Ashok Kalbaug, Alumni 1974 IIT-B
Location: IIT-B campus
Total Built up: 580 sq.ft.
Design Team: Ar. Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia
Civil contractor:
Roof contractor: .in
Photos: .expression_ and Vinita Kaur M. Chiragia.
Graphics: .expression_
Special thanks: IIT-B faculty and IIT-BAA
P.S. The prototype was aimed to, but is not climatically designed due to time constraints and various procedural delays.

[Prototype, Rural housing, Natural building, IIT, Ecological, Incrementality]

Till date, PMAY, the largest flagship housing project of the GoI provides a couple of options of prototypical house for ...
22/07/2025

Till date, PMAY, the largest flagship housing project of the GoI provides a couple of options of prototypical house for every state that are replicated as-is across the country with a few exceptions.
In a country like ours with enormous variations in biodiversity, climatic conditions, context, isn't it high time we ask if there is an alternative to the failure of mass housing scheme? Is there a way to ensure that mass housing shows relevance to the residents, their livelihoods, climate and the context?
Can there be a prototypical "process" that generates individual houses as an outcome of the sustainable choices based on the livelihood, climate and context?
Layouts from Laurie Baker's "Rural House Plans"


Graphics in collaboration with .expression_

[Rural housing, Mass housing, PMAY, Local materials]

This journey has been incredibly pleasant. 12 years ago, the three of us never imagined that this journey would take so ...
26/02/2025

This journey has been incredibly pleasant. 12 years ago, the three of us never imagined that this journey would take so many turns and reach this point. And most importantly, all those people, inspired by whose work you have reached this milestone, will be there with you on the same stage accepting this honor. Thank you so much and I am grateful for this great honor. We have reached here only because of the love and trust you all have in us.

हा प्रवास खूप आनंददायी होता. १२ वर्षांपूर्वी आम्ही तिघांनी विचारही केला नव्हता की हा प्रवास इतका मोठा होईल आणि अनेक वळणे घेत घेत इथे पोहोचेल. सर्वात महत्त्वाचं म्हणजे, ज्यांच्या कामातून प्रेरणा घेऊन आम्ही इथपर्यंत पोहोचलो आहोत, ते सर्वजण आज आमच्यासोबत एकाच मंचावर हा पुरस्कार स्वीकारत आहेत. या मोठ्या सन्मानाबद्दल खूप खूप धन्यवाद आणि आभार. तुमच्या सगळ्यांच्या प्रेमामुळे आणि विश्वासामुळेच आम्ही इथपर्यंत पोहोचलो आहोत.







This journey has been incredibly pleasant. 12 years ago, the three of us never imagined that this journey would take so ...
26/02/2025

This journey has been incredibly pleasant. 12 years ago, the three of us never imagined that this journey would take so many turns and reach this point. And most importantly, all those people, inspired by whose work you have reached this milestone, will be there with you on the same stage accepting this honor. Thank you so much and we are grateful for this great honor. We have reached here only because of the love and trust you all have in us.

हा प्रवास खूप आनंददायी आहे. १२ वर्षांपूर्वी आम्ही तिघांनी विचारही केला नव्हता की हा प्रवास इतका मोठा होईल आणि अनेक वळणे घेत घेत इथे पोहोचेल. सर्वात महत्त्वाचं म्हणजे, ज्यांच्या कामातून प्रेरणा घेऊन आम्ही इथपर्यंत पोहोचलो आहोत, ते सर्वजण आज आमच्यासोबत एकाच मंचावर हा पुरस्कार स्वीकारत आहेत. या मोठ्या सन्मानाबद्दल खूप खूप धन्यवाद आणि आभार. तुमच्या सगळ्यांच्या प्रेमामुळे आणि विश्वासामुळेच आम्ही इथपर्यंत पोहोचलो आहोत.






🛑 Timber roof workshop, in Ajmer🛑Hello everyoneWe as a team are extremely passionate about artisanal timber roofs. It is...
13/02/2025

🛑 Timber roof workshop, in Ajmer🛑

Hello everyone

We as a team are extremely passionate about artisanal timber roofs. It is one of the most elegant, sustainable and native roofing techniques found in our country. It is a dying art of our nation and we are doing our best to revive it.

Towards this aim, we take timber roof contracts all over the country. And in an effort to spread our experiences while taking such projects, we are inviting participants in the *"Practical Timber Roof Design"* workshop.

It is a one day interaction with us and our timber artisans on our site in Ajmer. The site was one of the most challenging timber roofs we have done. This is why we want maximum people to learn from it!

All details are there in the posters, but just incase you need any further clarifications, contact on 9920171479.

We invite you to join us for a forest food exploration event, where you can enjoy traditional tribal recipes made with f...
18/08/2024

We invite you to join us for a forest food exploration event, where you can enjoy traditional tribal recipes made with fresh, local ingredients. This event promises a day of delightful cuisine and the beauty of nature.

Taste a variety of dishes and experience a relaxing day in nature. Whether you love food or just want to spend time outdoors, this event is a perfect mix of flavor and scenery.

Event Details:

Date : 1st September 2024

Venue : Murbad, Dahanu

For more information or to book your spot, please contact at 9324022887.

Don't miss this chance to enjoy a unique and tasty adventure!

When did we move away from the warmth of earth colours and earthy tones? A huge part of us is this earth, from which we ...
27/01/2024

When did we move away from the warmth of earth colours and earthy tones? A huge part of us is this earth, from which we are born and in which we disperse.
Clay paint making and clay painting is not just beautiful, it's meditative and connects us back to where we belong.

Address

HOUSE NO 9, GETI PADA, MUKKAM MURBAD, POST VETI, TALUKA DAHANU
District Palghar
401607

Telephone

+919892694605

Website

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