Redevelopment of Udagirinalappanahalli village of Chikballapur district promises to be one of Nivasa’s proud projects undertaken in the state of Karnataka over the years. Udagiri is a small village comprising of a little more than 60 families of whom about 20-25 fall under the homeless category. The village's major occupation is farming along with a few involved in the construction and the transport sector.
Posed with varying challenges from housing improvement to livelihood enhancement, Nivasa stepped in to find that this project demanded new interdependent design solutions. After careful examination of the existing closely built fabric, it was most appropriate to use Stabilised Adobe Blocks, chosen as a reflection of the region's climatic conditions. Locally available Sadharalli stone was used for foundation, lintels and roof in order to increase the cost efficiency and context sensitivity. A hands-on method was used, wherein the home owners do their share by getting involved in block making and construction. Improvement in the village infrastructure is an added responsibility that Nivasa chose to undertake and implement. Four out of the ten planned houses are currently under construction in addition to nodal designs and visually enhancing the village perception with the help of students and volunteers.
Nivasa worked alongside Gramantara, the community NGO involved in the project that played a major part in community awareness and training. WeRise, the funders of the project, a part of RMZ Foundation also offered their extended support in the betterment and wellbeing of the community.