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Photo: Vipin Chandran

Eco-warriors Architects Latha and Jaigopal use eco-friendly materials in their projects

And vetiver is their solution for Perandoor canal.

“Perhaps someone can try to purify this source by using vetiver. Planting vetiver along the canal bank can not only treat waste water inflows into it but also protect the embankments from erosion. This wastewater can be treated through the use of vetiver plants. It has this amazing capacity to absorb nitrate and phosphate from the water bodies thereby preventing algal growth. And most importantly it is cost effective,” explains Latha.

Dedicated to designing distinctive architecture, they go beyond mere aesthetics in an attempt to create cheerful, green and productive environments. Architecture, for them, is something that is responsible for its directions, economy and its usage. No wonder then that this innovative duo, with high notions of environmental quality, has quickly jumped the ‘vetiver bandwagon.’

Latha, who is instrumental in coordinating and detailing concepts of total water management, decentralised solid and liquid waste management and relevant energy applications in their projects, has found vetiver grass an almost magical substitute to some of the materials they have been using now. “We have integrated decentralised waste water treatment systems in our projects. All the while we have been trying out the accepted systems. We have always relied on plants like Typha and Canna Indica. But once we realised the immense potential of vetiver we have been virtually ‘converted,’” says Latha.

Access to safe water and lack of adequate sanitation are problems that any growing city is bound to face. Kochi is no different. Everyday, tons of laundry detergent used in washing clothes in hotel and homes flows into the water bodies. Effluents from septic tanks, kitchens, industrial, or garbage landfill sources are drained into bodies of water. This results in a large volume of wastewater, which creates severe environmental problems.

“Usually the domestic effluents are simply drained into the rear of the house or apartment and into the soil. Sometimes it is to the kitchen garden. In numerous instances there are chances that it can seep into the water sources or even pollute the ground water. Planting vetiver grass, which is super absorbent, is best suited for the disposal of the effluents generated especially from such single households. This is just one of the straight applications of this plant,” informs Jaigopal.

The stiff, erect stems of the vetiver can stand up to high velocity flows, the thick growth with living porous barriers act as an effective filter to both fine and coarse sediment, it is tolerant to elevated levels of heavy metals and its deep, penetrating root system can prevent soil erosion effectively.

Inspiration, the group that Jaigopal and Latha head are using vetiver is many of their recent projects. “In Thiruvananthapuram we are planting vetiver grass along the boundary of the 7-8 acre plot. The plot has a natural gradient and vetiver will help consolidate the soil. In a 240-acre plot of undulating land in Goa, which has a golf course, villas and other amenities, we have used vetiver instead of concrete to hold the soil. At two of our hotel projects, Kalari Kovilakam (Palakkad) and Swa Swara (Gokarna) the management has already introduced vetiver for tertiary treatment,” says Jaigopal.

Both Jaigopal and Latha swear by responsible architecture. This is basically an approach to the present, where we are, the past, of what we inherit and the future, of what we foresee. “When we follow such an approach it is important that whatever we do, whatever we build, must protect the society at large, specifically the surroundings, the culture, and the people around. Vetiver has been a revelation. I’m sure it will be largely used not only by architects but also by all those who care for the environment,” rounds off Latha.

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