Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Filmmakers Build Sustainable Mud Retreat in Himachal
A couple from London, Raman and Manju, moved back to India and built a special kind of homestay in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
They wanted to create a place that is friendly to nature, using only natural materials like mud, bamboo, and slate.
They worked with a famous eco-architect named Didi Contractor to make sure their buildings were strong and safe without harming the environment.
The homestay, called Kosen Rufu, is a quiet place where people can relax and learn about living in harmony with nature.
It doesn't have modern things like TVs or air conditioning, but it has beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
The couple also wants to help the local community by teaching them about sustainable building and employing local people.
They believe in taking care of the land and preserving the traditional way of life.
Filmmakers Raman Siddhartha and Manju Narayan built a sustainable homestay, Kosen Rufu Village Recluse, in Thathri village, Dharamshala, using mud, bamboo, and slate.
The retreat was designed by eco-architect Delia Kinzinger, focusing on natural materials and traditional building techniques.
Construction took nearly four years, with materials transported by mules due to lack of road access, and no industrial materials were used.
The homestay offers a peaceful, nature-focused experience with no TVs, air conditioning, or mobile signals, and employs local women and youth.
The couple aims to expand the retreat slowly, focusing on community engagement and sustainable living, and has seen minimal maintenance costs due to the natural building techniques.
- Who
- Filmmakers Raman Siddhartha and Manju Narayan, along with architect Delia Kinzinger and chief architect Naresh Sharma
- What
- Construction of a sustainable mud and bamboo homestay, Kosen Rufu Village Recluse
- When
- Construction began in 2019 and was completed in 2023
- Where
- Thathri village, off Khanyara Road in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
- Why
- To create a sustainable retreat that respects and preserves the local environment and culture, and to reconnect with their roots
- Location
- Thathri village, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
- Architect
- Delia Kinzinger (Didi Contractor)
- Materials Used
- Mud bricks, bamboo, slate, pine needles, dust
- Construction Duration
- Nearly four years (2019-2023)
- Room Tariff
- Starting at ₹3,000 per night
- Unique Feature
- Non-motorable path to the retreat
- Community Involvement
- Local artisans, women, and youth employed
- Sustainability Focus
- No industrial materials, minimal maintenance, preservation of terrain