Gurugram Firm R+D Studio Designs World's First Carbon Neutral Modular System for Indian Army

For years, the Indian Army has valiantly guarded the nation's frontiers, enduring some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet. In the remote and isolated regions of Jammu & Kashmir, soldiers face brutal winters, with temperatures plummeting to dangerously low levels, leading to serious injuries and sometimes even death. Addressing this critical issue, the 2 Engineer Regiment of the Chinar Corps partnered with R+D Studio, a Gurugram-based firm, to develop an innovative solution aimed at improving the living conditions of these brave soldiers.

The mission was clear: design and implement a pilot outpost at a staggering altitude of 14,000 feet near the Razdan Pass. During their site visits, the team noticed the prevalent use of sandbags for construction, insulation, and security at outposts. Drawing inspiration from this, they developed the 13" x 9" x 6" Silica Composite Hollow Blocks (SCHB). These blocks are a marvel of modern engineering, made entirely from recycled materials like foundry dust and single-use or multi-use plastic waste, avoiding the use of any natural materials.

The SCHB is not just an environmental win but also a practical solution to the "Last Mile" problem faced by the armed forces. In remote, inaccessible areas, transporting building materials can be a logistical nightmare, often relying on mules or porters. The SCHB blocks, weighing only 7.5 kg each, are designed for easy transport and assembly. Despite their light weight, these blocks can withstand three times the load of traditional clay bricks or concrete blocks.

Constructing the outpost with these blocks is akin to assembling a giant Lego set. The entire building, from foundation to roof, is built using 1800 interlocking SCHBs that simply click into place with a hammer. The walls are formed in three layers, providing a robust structure that narrows as it rises, culminating in a single layer at the top. The roof is engineered to endure the immense weight of 25 feet of snowfall, a testament to its durability.

One of the standout features of this design is its thermal efficiency. Each layer of the structure is compacted and filled with earth, which helps maintain a comfortable temperature differential between the interior and exterior. To combat the bitter cold of winter nights, when temperatures can drop to -20 degrees Celsius, a specialized Infra-Red Heating System (IRHS) is installed inside the outpost, ensuring a warm and habitable environment for the soldiers.

Moreover, these SCHB blocks provide significant defense benefits. The compacted soil filling makes the walls impenetrable, offering robust protection against enemy fire. And once the outpost is no longer needed, the blocks can be recycled for other purposes, exemplifying a sustainable approach to military infrastructure.

This groundbreaking initiative underscores a crucial point: in today's world, innovation in building materials is not just an idea but an obligation. The partnership between the Indian Army and R+D Studio has not only created a carbon-neutral modular defense system but has also set a new standard for sustainable, practical, and efficient military infrastructure. This pioneering effort stands as a testament to what can be achieved when ingenuity meets necessity, providing a safer, more sustainable future for those who defend our borders.