In his 30 years as a Mason, it is only through the Homes not Houses Project that Thangavel is able to achieve his dream of building with appropriate technology and thereby saving the forests and rivers of his beloved motherland. As part of the EU Project, Thangavel received international standard training in appropriate technology construction. He was trained in building homes using Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB), and currently serves as the Master Trainer for all CSEB homes constructions. No river sand or brick kilns are used in the production of CSEBs, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly construction technologies available. Thangavel intends to promote this method of construction long after the project is over, as he feels it is the most environmentally friendly, cost effective and comfortable home that suits the warm climatic conditions of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The aesthetic look of the blocks needs no finishing on the walls and the welcome coolness inside homes reduces the use of the fans. “It’s almost like an air-conditioned home”, says Thangavel with great pride as he stands next to the recently opened CSEB Home in Puthukudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu District.