Delhi couple’s home maintains AQI 10-15 amid pollution crisis

While Delhi's air quality remains "very poor" to "severe," a unique home in South Delhi's Sainik Farms stands out as an oasis of fresh air. Owned by Peter Singh and Nino Kaur, the residence maintains an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 10-15, achieved through innovative design and self-sustaining practices.

Peter Singh shared, “Our home shows that sustainable living is possible and practical, even in Delhi.”

The couple’s house is a lesson in eco-conscious architecture. Eschewing conventional materials like cement and paint, they built the house using lime mortar and bricks, bound without plastering. The roof is a departure from usual concrete slabs, using layered stone tiles instead.

“These choices were deliberate,” Singh explained. “Lime is breathable, sustainable, and helps regulate temperature, keeping our home cool even in Delhi’s brutal summers.”

The home is surrounded by over 15,000 plants, from native shrubs to indoor greens and rooftop gardens. This greenery is central to maintaining pristine indoor air quality.

“Nino Kaur said each plant was chosen to purify air, create a microclimate, and support biodiversity.”

The home is off-grid, powered by solar panels meeting all energy needs. A 15,000-liter rainwater harvesting system waters the vegetation and supports household water needs through recycling.

The couple has addressed Delhi’s stubble-burning problem uniquely. “We mix stubble with organic compost to create fertilizer for growing mushrooms,” Singh said. “This allows us to grow organic vegetables year-round and reduce dependency on external food sources.”

Their green practices extend to daily living, with waste segregation and composting forming the backbone of their household waste management.

The decision to build this self-sustaining home stemmed from a personal health crisis. Nino was diagnosed with blood cancer years ago, and chemotherapy left her lungs unable to cope with Delhi’s toxic air.

“One doctor told us to leave the city, but an Ayurvedic specialist encouraged us to embrace a natural, organic lifestyle,” Nino recalled. The couple briefly relocated to Goa but returned to Delhi, determined to transform their home into a sanctuary.

The couple’s efforts have drawn attention for their ingenuity and resilience. In a city where the AQI often exceeds 300, their home is an extraordinary example of how sustainable choices can lead to healthier living.

“People often ask if this is replicable, and my answer is always yes,” Peter said. “Sustainability begins with mindset. Even small steps can make a big difference.”

The home is more than a residence; it’s a model for the future. By combining ancient techniques with modern innovations, Peter and Nino have created a blueprint for green living in urban spaces.

As Delhi grapples with its pollution crisis, their story reminds that individual efforts can drive change. “We’ve shown you can fight pollution from your doorstep,” Nino concluded.

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