Keep Your Home Naturally Cool : Choose Earth Blocks for Comfort
A recent report from the Karnataka state legislature sparked a debate in the construction industry. It suggested that manufactured sand (M-sand) and stone dust might be responsible for rising indoor temperatures in newly built homes.
According to the report, widespread use of M-sand — especially for wall plastering — is making houses warmer, particularly in summer. The recommendation was to make river sand more available for construction.
But experts strongly disagree. Let’s dig deeper.
Why You Can’t Avoid M-Sand
Civil engineers point out that M-sand is here to stay. With river sand in short supply and environmentally damaging to extract, M-sand has become the backbone of modern construction.
It is standardized and reliable.
It offers better binding strength due to uniform particle size.
It’s already validated by IISc, IIT Madras, and BIS standards.
So, for structural components like slabs, beams, and roofs, M-sand remains the most practical option.
The Real Issue: Wall Plastering
Where M-sand creates problems is when it’s used for plastering walls. Plastered walls made from cement–M-sand mixes often trap and radiate heat, pushing up indoor temperatures.
This means even if your structure is strong, your interiors might feel hotter than they should.
The Smarter Choice: Earth Blocks for Walls
Instead of plastering with M-sand, you can build with Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) — a sustainable, thermally efficient alternative.
Here’s why Earth Blocks are better for your walls:
🌿 No Plaster Needed – Earth Blocks come with a natural finish, eliminating the need for sand-based plaster.
🌡 Thermal Comfort – Their high thermal mass keeps interiors cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
♻ Eco-Friendly – They reduce reliance on river sand and cut down the carbon footprint of your building.
💰 Cost-Effective – No plastering means big savings on both materials and labor.
🌡 Save on cooling bills — fewer fans running all day
✨Reduce AC usage by keeping indoor temps balanced
Building Smart, Sustainable Homes
The best approach is to balance modern materials with natural solutions:
✅ Use M-sand where it’s essential — in roofs and structural components.
✅ Use Earth Blocks for your walls — to maintain cooler interiors and reduce energy use.
This way, you get the best of both worlds: the strength of M-sand in your structure and the natural cooling benefits of Earth Blocks in your living spaces.
Final Word
M-sand is not the villain it’s made out to be. The problem lies in over-reliance on plastered walls. By switching to Earth Blocks for your walls, you can create homes that are cooler, greener, and more cost-effective, while still using M-sand responsibly where it matters most.
Build smart. Stay cool. Choose Earth Blocks.