NERALU

Framing Earth : Capturing the Soul of a Mud House There’s something profoundly humbling about photographing a home that feels like it has emerged from the earth itself. As an architectural photographer, I am always drawn to the dialogue between structure and light, but this project was different. Designed by Ar. Lavannya Goradia of Studio Alaya and built by the in-house team, this residence, named Neralu, built for the elderly couple Sudha and Narasimhachar, constructed entirely from mud and sustainable materials—was more than just an architectural achievement; it was a living, breathing extension of the landscape. The moment I stepped onto the site, I felt an undeniable connection between the built form and nature. The raw mud walls carried the warmth of the earth, their textures shifting subtly as the sunlight danced across their surfaces. Unlike conventional materials, these walls absorbed and reflected light in ways that felt organic, almost ephemeral. Every crack, every undulation in the surface told a story—of craftsmanship, patience, and a return to time-honored building traditions. Through my lens, I sought to capture more than just structure; I wanted to reveal the spirit of the space. The play of light filtering through earthen courtyards, the gentle curves that softened the rigid lines of traditional architecture, and the way the home seemed to breathe with its surroundings—all of it spoke of harmony. My compositions were guided not just by aesthetics, but by the emotions the space evoked: warmth, tranquility, and an innate sense of belonging. This wasn’t merely a house—it was an ethos made tangible, a testament to the beauty of sustainable living. And as I framed each shot, I realized that photography, much like architecture, isn’t just about what we see. It’s about what we feel.