Natural building Research and Development are essential for exploring more traditional knowledge and applying it to present-day construction. Most of the indigenous methods are not in use for decades now. However, old artisans around the country know about such traditional methods. Thannal meets such artisans and documents the method through interviews and prototype works on our campus or in their native. The documentation preserves the method for future generations.

Thannal brings the methods back to life by making real-scale applications on the campus, working with the artisans. A crucial part of the research is carrying out scientific analysis of various properties like strength, durability, water-resistance and much more. The aim is to develop the methods further for present-day use by observation, analysis, progressive trials and learning through errors.

Thannal dedicates years to understanding and reviving each method before teaching through workshops or publishing about the method. Many plant and animal derivatives are used as admixtures with Natural materials in traditional Indian natural buildings. However, very few scientists like Dr Thirumalini Selvaraj actively research and publish papers on this topic. Thannal intends to support more research on subjects related to natural building materials and admixtures for the cause of spreading sustainable practices in shelter making.

Below are Natural Building Research and Development activities by Thannal Natural Homes.