May 12, 2025
At Nimai Valley, sustainability is more than a principle—it’s a way of life. It’s a place where natural beauty meets research, and where the future of health is being built, quite literally, from the ground up.
Just 40 minutes from Bangalore airport, tucked into the foothills of the tranquil Nandi Hills of India, lies Nimai Valley, the future headquarters of the One Health Trust.
On a recent day trip, our team from the OHT Bangalore office explored this incredible space. What we found was more than just a construction site. Nimai Valley is a prime example of the One Health approach in action.
Bangalore OHT Team at Nimai Valley
What is One Health?
One Health is a concept rooted in the understanding that the health of people, animals, and the environment are deeply interconnected. Whether it’s ensuring food and water safety, tackling zoonotic diseases, combating antimicrobial resistance, or addressing nutrition and pollution, this integrated approach has never been more needed.
For this reason, we are laying the foundation both in principle and in practice for a center for One Health research, education, action, and events. Nimai Valley, our future headquarters, embodies this vision in every brick and pathway.
After a smooth and scenic drive to the campus, our team was welcomed warmly by the local team on-site. We then had the chance to explore the campus under construction.
A sunlit space between the on-campus offices under construction
Sustainability at every step
From residential quarters and classrooms to conference rooms and leisure spaces, every part of the campus reflects thoughtful design rooted in Indian aesthetics, including carved doorways, Mangalore tiled roofs, and natural ventilation systems that keep the interiors surprisingly cool even in peak afternoon heat.
A photo of the office building under construction, with a Mangalore-tiled roof and traditional Indian architecture design features
At Nimai Valley, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. The bricks used for construction are made from soil excavated from the land itself, filtered and mixed with lime, and pressed using a Mardini block press. This method uses little to no water and avoids the energy-intensive process of firing, reducing the normally extensive environmental impact of construction.
Soil excavated from the land being carefully filtered to remove stones and debris
A machine that blends filtered soil with limestone
Mardini block-pressed bricks set out to dry
One of the most heartening moments from our visit was learning how the once-barren land is being thoughtfully transformed, with deep respect for nature. Not a single tree was cut down during construction. In fact, a Neem tree by the lake has been carefully preserved, with a protective wall built around it to protect its roots. Plans are already underway to plant more trees and turn the campus into a vibrant, green sanctuary.
Neem tree in the middle of a future man-made lake, surrounded by a protective fort
One Health in Daily Life
We saw the One Health philosophy come alive in everyday practices—from rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly waste management to plans for growing organic vegetables right on campus.
Fresh spinach, fenugreek, tomatoes, and herbs grown on the campus
Lawrence Thomas, the project engineer at the site and our guide for the day, led us on a detailed tour of the site. As he described the vision for each space, we could feel a quiet excitement ripple through the group.
Lawrence guiding us through the site
We pictured classrooms filled with students, labs buzzing with researchers, and a campus alive with energy, collaboration, and purpose.
The OHT-India team exploring the campus buildings
After a long walk, fresh coconut water from trees on the site gave us the perfect break. We spotted some resident monkeys and walked through a nearby mango orchard, bursting with fruit.
Strolling through the mango orchard
The team enjoying fresh coconut water
Looking Ahead
Nimai Valley is still under construction, but the vision is clear, and the space is buzzing with energy. The site, even more beautiful during the rainy season as clouds wrap around the hills, is an ideal place for quiet treks and nature walks.
We look forward to sharing more as construction progresses.
Future dining Area at Nimai Valley
Want to be part of this journey?
Stay tuned. Learn more. Contribute. Join us in building a healthier, sustainable tomorrow.
