Where Courage Meets Comfort: R+D Studio’s Sustainable Outposts
Gurugram-based architectural firm R+D Studio has developed a groundbreaking solution: the world’s first carbon-neutral modular permanent defense system for the Indian Army.
The project is located in the harsh climate of Jammu & Kashmir, India. Picture credit: R+D Studio
Imagine the stark beauty of the Himalayan peak, its snow-capped summit piercing the azure sky. Now, picture a lone outpost, a sentinel guarding this unforgiving frontier. Within its walls, soldiers stand resolute, their dedication a shield against the elements and potential threats. But these men, these bastions of courage, often face another enemy – the harsh reality of inadequate shelter. “Home,” wrote Emily Dickinson, “is the definition of us,” and for soldiers stationed in remote locations, a secure and comfortable outpost becomes a vital piece of that definition.
For soldiers stationed at remote outposts along India’s borders, harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain pose significant challenges. Traditional construction methods often rely on materials with high carbon footprints and require transportation through inaccessible areas, adding logistical hurdles. To address these issues, Gurugram-based architectural firm R+D Studio has developed a groundbreaking solution: the world’s first carbon-neutral modular permanent defense system for the Indian Army.
Picture Credit: R+D Studio
This innovative project built on a site area of 14,000 sq ft, and completed in 2023, is spearheaded by the two Engineer Regiment of the Chinar Corps, involved in constructing a pilot outpost at a staggering 14,000 feet near Razdan Pass in Jammu & Kashmir. Inspired by the ubiquitous sandbags used for temporary fortifications, R+D Studio developed a revolutionary building block: the Silica Composite Hollow Block (SCHB). The design team comprises of Shikha Doogar, Shridhar Rao, Rana Sarkar, Sethulakshmi S.
The Power of Recycled Materials
Construction in process. Picture credit: R+D Studio
The SCHB stands out for its eco-friendly construction. Made from 100% recycled materials – foundry dust and single-use/multi-use plastic waste – these 13″ x 9″ x 6″ blocks eliminate the need for virgin materials, significantly reducing the project’s carbon footprint. This focus on sustainability aligns with R+D Studio’s commitment to material science research and their co-founder Shridhar Rao’s belief that “innovation in building materials is not just an idea but an obligation” in today’s world.
Foundation construction with SCHB blocks. Picture credit: R+D Studio
Beyond environmental benefits, SCHBs offer significant logistical advantages. Their lightweight nature (around 7.5 kg per block) makes them ideal for transportation to remote locations, especially those accessible only by mules or porters. This addresses the “Last Mile” problem faced by the armed forces in such areas.
The structures are comparatively faster to build than conventional construction methods. Picture credit: R+D Studio
The innovative interlocking design allows for rapid construction with minimal tools – just a hammer. The walls are built-in layers, starting with three layers at the base that gradually taper to one layer at the top. This tiered structure provides exceptional strength, exceeding the load-bearing capacity of clay bricks, ACC blocks, or CMU blocks by a factor of three. This ensures the outpost’s resilience against harsh weather conditions, including the ability to withstand a snow load of 25 feet.
The structures offer ambient thermal comfort inside. Picture credit: R+D Studio
The SCHBs’ strength extends beyond structural integrity. The compacted soil filling within the walls provides superior insulation, moderating the temperature difference between the interior and exterior, ensuring a comfortable environment for soldiers even in extreme weather. Additionally, a specialised Infra-Red Heating System (IRHS) provides warmth during the harsh winter nights when temperatures can plummet to -20 degrees Celsius.
The construction method is convenient, as the blocks can dismantled and reused. Picture credit: R+D Studio
The compacted soil filling offers another critical advantage: it strengthens the walls against enemy fire, adding an essential layer of security for the soldiers stationed within the outpost. Furthermore, the SCHBs’ inherent durability ensures the structure’s long-term usability. At the end of its service life, the blocks can be conveniently recycled for further use, minimizing waste and upholding the project’s commitment to sustainability.
A Model for Sustainable Military Infrastructure
The soldiers use the structure for seating. Picture credit: R+D Studio
The success of the pilot outpost at Razdan Pass paves the way for a paradigm shift in military infrastructure development. R+D Studio’s innovative SCHB system offers a compelling solution for building permanent defenses in remote locations while minimizing environmental impact. With its focus on recycled materials, efficient construction, and long-term sustainability, this project sets a new standard for responsible design practices within the defense sector.
The structure camouflages itself. Picture credit: R+D Studio
Broader Applications for Sustainable Building
The potential applications of SCHBs extend beyond military outposts. Their lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly nature makes them suitable for various applications in disaster relief shelters, temporary housing solutions, and even permanent low-cost housing projects. R+D Studio’s commitment to material science research, evident in the creation of SCHBs, positions them at the forefront of sustainable building innovation, with the potential to make a significant impact across diverse sectors.
All Images Courtesy R+D Studio
