May 2015

Lighting plays a major role in creating the atmosphere of the home. Proper lighting scheme can bring a great difference to the interior. Just like colours, lighting also reflects your personality. While presence of proper lighting helps you to shine and stay active throughout your stay in your home; lack of same may lead to non-existence of other details like furniture, colours, flooring, wall designs etc. Lighting imparts life to these elements to stand out perfectly and to give your home an overall majestic outlook. Lighting is for better visualising, better performing tasks, creating ambiance and adding aesthetics.

Though budget is a main factor to check before deciding on your lighting schemes. But your lighting plan must not restrict to that only and must qualify on other criterias

 1. Clearly define the goals of lighting:

The purpose of lighting must be defined before taking any decision i.e. whether you need it for ambience, for tasks or for enhancing some part of the house.

• Ambient or general lighting typically provides overall illumination and a comfortable level of brightness.
• Task lighting, also known as direct lighting, helps you to perform specific tasks and activities focussing on the space you are trying to work.
• Accent or concentrated lighting is used to uplift the architectural features, paintings, collectables etc and to enhance the space of the room.
• Choose the purpose and the lighting options as per your and the room’s need.

 2. Explore the fixtures for each lighting goals:

• For general lighting few options available are ceiling and wall mounted fixtures, track lights, chandeliers and lamps. For outdoor general lighting, apart from these you can go with lamp posts also.
• To best attain task lighting, options could be recessed lighting, chain hung lighting and movable lamps. Considerations while installing task lighting are they should be glare and shadow free with enough brightness.
• Accent lighting is usually created by using track, recessed, or wall-mounted fixtures but requires at least three times as much light on the focal point as the general lighting around it.

3. Lighting plan for every room:

•  Living Room- Living room acts as the centre of attraction of your home. It is used for multiple purposes like watching television, entertaining guests, relaxing, etc. Thus a perfect blend of different kinds of lighting is necessary. Table lamps can be used to generate space. To attract attention towards ceiling, a good decorative hanging light can be used. Also a central overhead light is essential to boost the illumination of the room, without creating useless shadows. Behind the sofa or main sitting a lamp can act as an uplighter. If you have fireplace or a beautiful corner, use mount wall lights. This renders coziness. Real fire or candlelight can also be used to provide rusticity.
• Dining Room- Since table is the brightest spot here, use lights to focus the same. A chandelier or pendant light can fulfil the purpose. Dim light to create ambience can be a good option. Pick flattering light and small buffet lamps instead of direct to reduce the overall harshness of direct light.
• Bedrooms- Bedrooms offer you full freedom to play around with lights. Though choosing proper lighting technique is necessary for it, including one for children. Both dim and strong lights are needed for bedrooms. Simple table lamps can be used beside beds. A general light along with a light for closet is mandatory. Make sure they are not very harsh and also emit enough light needed for reading purposes. Thus a dimmer switch is essential to control the amount of lighting it emits. Wall mounted fixtures can add to the design of the bedroom. Tungsten or fluorescent strips can also be fixed in wardrobes. Whereas children’s room need a different lighting scheme. For them, safety is the main element.  A night lamp or wall mounted lights and dimmers are very crucial for them.  Lights directed from ceiling should definitely be there so that they can read books and play games without giving any stress on their eyes.
•  Kitchen-Kitchen, being heart of the house requires more than one type of lighting to suit various needs at a time. Cooktop and sink should be properly illuminated via flush mounts. Downlights and spotlights act perfect for ceiling.  Fluorescent strips can also be used as alternatives. Adjustable heads and dimmers form an essential component and pendant lights also induce perfect lighting.
• Bathrooms- Bathrooms require bright light with immense flexibility. Spot lighters or downlighters assist here also. A dimmer switch should definitely be attached.  Wall lights can be put on each side of the walls to avoid shadow formation. Wall sconces can be attached to enhance the artistic factor of the bathrooms.

4. Lighting for exteriors:

 Exterior lighting elevates beauty of the house. In addition to style and personality, exterior light adds to the safety and security. One must choose this light in synchronization to the architect of the house. Keep a well-lit entrance light so as to create an ambience of welcoming guests. Ensure well illumination of paths and steps for easy and safe movement of the family and guests.

 5. Other Tips:

•  Apart from all these, playing with layers of lighting especially for the living room is brilliant. Add lights for ambience, for tasks, and for enhancing a part of room which can be used as per the needs.
• Choosing dimmer for bulbs which will not only help you to save on electricity but will also ensure that you get the proper amount of light.
• Always go for high quality fixtures, as they look fantastic and last longer.
• Always pick energy saving bulbs like light-emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs.

Catering for the right lighting is very crucial while you build or renovate your house.  Rightly working with the fixtures and deciding a theme must be the first thing to strike your mind. Every room has different constraints and requirements. Keeping this in mind, a proper plan should be sketched and then the fixtures and fittings are to be brought. Thus lighting being one of the major quintessential of home building and interior designing, encompasses a lot of little factors.

Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]

Constructing a home that is strong enough to withstand any calamity and to protect its dwellers is the best thing that can ever happen in a person’s life. But, whether or not your building is earthquake proof, chances are you may never be able to find out, hence knowing what to do during an earthquake becomes very important lifesaving knowledge.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Do not panic…easy said than done, but still, chances are the earthquake you are experiencing may not last for very long and it is an aftershock from a very distant epicenter. This means, you have time to save yourself and your family or colleagues. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If you are indoors:

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported doorway.
• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If you are outdoors:

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If you are in a moving vehicle:

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If you are trapped under debris:

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust.
• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.
• Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

And last, but not the least…remain calm!

Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]

The last few weeks, we had the misfortune of witnessing one of the worst natural disasters of this century…the Nepal Earthquake. The horrors suffered post the near apocalyptic destruction not only instill fear but also, makes you realize the significant co-relation between earthquakes and building construction.

The first thing that needs to be clear is that an Earthquake does not directly lead to loss of life…the shaking of the ground results in destruction of buildings & infrastructure which may lead to injury or loss of life…People generally die due to building collapse, many times without warning or giving enough time for people to evacuate. Hence we may conclude that inappropriate construction practices for buildings have led to its inability to withstand the force of an Earthquake…

Now, before we get into how buildings can be built more earthquake proof, let us first understand the basic science behind the occurrence of an earthquake…

The most common cause of earthquakes is explained by the Theory of Plate Tectonics.

According to the theory, the earth was a single land about two hundred million years ago. This land split progressively over a long period of time and it gave birth to tectonic plates. Theses tectonic plates are still moving and earthquakes are the result of these movements. Therefore, the continents of the earth are like several pieces of a crust – the tectonic plates, which are floating on a viscous mass – the magma, a thick liquid composed of rocks in fusion.

Under various circumstances, these tectonic plates are still moving, very slowly, towards each other or away from each other. These movements generate a lot of friction, which generate tensions and compressions in the earth’s crust. This friction is like energy, which gets stored in the deepest strata of the ground. Earthquakes happen when the ground cannot accumulate anymore this energy, which is then released with violence on the surface of the globe. The original focus of the earthquake is called the hypocenter. It lies deep into the ground. The geographical point on the surface, which is vertical to the focus, is called the epicenter.

The hypocenter of an earthquake generates various types of waves. When they reach the surface, the ground shakes everywhere horizontally and vertically especially near the epicenter. The motions are always reversible and this implies that buildings vibrate in all directions and in a very irregular manner due to the inertia of their masses.

Building movement with Earthquake

India has been mapped in 5 Seismic zones, according to the risk of earthquakes: zone 5 has the greatest risk for earthquakes (See IS 1893: 1984). These zones are mainly based on the Mercalli scale. They are related to:

– Intensity and magnitude of past earthquakes

– Probability of earthquakes

– Nature of the ground and soil-foundation system

– Risk occurred because of the density of population and/or buildings

Seismic Zones of India

Unfortunately, unlike predicting tornadoes, cyclones and even tsunamis, science has not yet come up with a full proof method of predicting earthquakes. But even if it is not possible to predict earthquake with accuracy, it is always possible to minimize loss of material and life by constructing buildings which can safeguard its inhabitants as well as people outside, from an earthquake, simply by following scientific design principles and use of intelligent building materials. All advanced countries and most developing nations, including India, have predefined building codes which, if strictly followed, can help prevent large scale disasters. Unfortunately in developing nations, very minute percentages of such buildings are ever made, making people more susceptible to calamities.

Structural elements, such as walls, columns and beams, are only bearing the weight of the building and the live load under normal conditions: mostly compression forces for the walls and columns, and vertical bending for the beams. Under dynamic load, they also have to withstand horizontal bending and shear forces, and extra vertical compression forces.

 Failed wall mechanism

Typical damages in a Masonry Building…

Walls built with heavy walling materials tends to render the building more rigid and less flexible to seismic forces…when an earthquake occurs, the building can sway horizontally or vertically and if the building is too rigid, the propensity to develop cracks will be higher, ultimately leading to collapse. On the other hand, light weight walling materials like Porotherm Smart Bricks, by virtue of its perforations/hollows, are typically 60 % less weight than conventional materials, can make the building more flexible to ground movements… It will swing and sway and it might be damaged. But the possibility of collapse is comparatively minimized. An earthquake resistant building, which has been damaged, could, most of the time be repaired.

The addition of steel reinforcements can add ductility to brittle materials. Reinforced concrete, for example, can be made ductile by proper use of reinforcing steel and closely spaced steel ties.

According to REIDsteel (a worldwide structural engineering company who specialize in designing and creating stadiums and multi-storey car parks as well as earthquake proof buildings) to effectively dampen impact energy, the building must be created with materials of high ductility. This means that the materials must have the ability to undergo large processes of plastic malformations. Solid brick and concrete for example, are not good materials to use when trying to make a building earthquake proof due to their low ductility.

The impressive Burj Khalifa building of Dubai, for example, has a unique structure which consists of an intelligent tubular system embedded with structural steel. This incredible building features an immense “mass dampener” within its peak which serves to dampen the motion created by earthquakes. This reduces impact which could damage the structure of the building or disturb its inhabitants.

A video on World’s largest earthquake test:

The roof of an earthquake proof building must be as light as possible too. This can be done with profiled steel cladding together with a layer of added insulation. It’s also important that the floors and walls of the building are made as light weight as possible. This means that its light, flexible structure is able to absorb and, if necessary, even bend with the impact, preventing the building from being damaged. To ensure that a building is made earthquake proof it must be built on the correct foundations. Earthquakes often knock buildings from their foundations which caused architects to come up with the idea of placing the building above its base on a series of flexible springs and cushioned cylinders.

A variety of different types of cylinders are used but most common is the rigid lead core wrapped in alternating layers of rubber and hardened steel. The core center provides vertical strength whilst the alternating layers of rubber and steel material provide horizontal resistance. These flexible but sturdy poles can be attached to the building with steel plates elevating it away from the damaging force of the earthquake’s impact whilst they absorb and move with the vibrations.

When the earthquake comes, the springs and cylinders will move with it rather than the whole structure of the building, minimizing the damage caused.

In Nepal it is commonly believed that thick, strong bricks perform better during earthquakes.  Heavy bricks are also used to save money on reinforced pillars. However, the opposite is true: the stronger the pillar and the lighter the brick, the better a building performs during an earthquake.

Ground shaking generates internal forces within the building called inertial forces, which in turn causes maximum seismic damage. The greater the mass (the weight of the building) the greater the internal inertial force. Light weigh construction material with less mass is an advantage in seismic design. Greater mass also generates greater lateral forces, thereby increasing the possibility of columns being displaced, out of plumb and or bucking under vertical load.

The essence of successful seismic design is of three-fold…

• The design team should adopt a multi hazard approach towards design taking into consideration the potential impact of seismic forces as well as other major environmental calamities to which the particular area is vulnerable to, such as strong winds during monsoons and cyclones.
• Follow strictly the current building codes and performance based requirements
• Designing as per specific zones on the seismological distribution of our country
• Since earthquake forces are dynamic and each building responds according to its unique design complexity, it is important that the design teams work in collaboration and have a common understanding of the methods being employed in the seismic design process.

Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]

Façade, which literally means frontage, can also imply any side of the exterior part of the building. Typically, for any building, big or small, commercial or residential, the exterior elevation speaks volumes when it comes to forming a perception of that building’s aesthetic value.

No wonder, Architects and builders lay very high emphasis on the design of the façade as this forms the first basis of evaluating a building’s potential “attraction quotient”.

But a building’s façade functionality is not just limited to uplifting external beauty but has a much more varied role to play. It multi-tasks in keeping out harsh outside weather and pollution while admitting natural light. It promotes comfortable indoor temperatures and well processed air, while making a statement to the outside world.

The three most fundamental principles for any good building are:

• Design & Engineering
• Performance and Functionality
• Durability or long lasting

However, there is 4^th addition to this list…Sustainability or minimal impact on environment.

Architects have a plethora of choices when it comes to designing the exterior walls of a building…painting directly over the plastering, installation of glass, aluminum cladding facades over exterior walls, and more. Though glass and aluminum based facades have been recent additions to Indian cityscapes, borrowed largely from the west, but clay based facades like facing bricks or clay facade tiles have been in use for many years.

In an age where global warming is no longer a myth, and ever expanding city limits result in depleting natural resources to life threatening consequences, it becomes a necessity to explore environmentally friendly options for any building material whether it’s a façade, or walling or roof.

Clay facades like have numerous benefits over others and also bring timeless elegance to your building. But before we get into that, let’s see some of the disadvantages of more conventionally used façade materials like glass or aluminum.

Glass facades, for example were developed in the west where climates are predominantly cold, or even freezing during winter. The idea was to trap heat and throw it back to its immediate environment. Unfortunately, in a tropical country like India, where temperatures during summers can soar up to 40 to 42 degrees Celsius, and pollution levels are at all-time high, one of the highest in the world, having glass facades could become extremely uncomfortable for the building’s inhabitants and contribute to rising costs for air conditioning.

In the year 2012, National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI) said that the temperature around a glass-facade building can go up by 17 degrees Celsius.

A common feature of glass façade is the double glazed glass designed to be stronger. Once the outer pane gets hot, it heats the air between them and transfers the same heat inside the building thereby raising the indoor temperatures. It also locks the heat preventing it from getting out again. The increased energy consumption due to continuous use of air conditioning and other related environmental consequences have led many futuristic architects to reconsider the contemporary infatuation with glass buildings.

But glass facades are not responsible for raising indoor temperatures alone but also bounce back the heat back into the atmosphere, which results in a rise in temperature in the area around the buildings. In cities like Bangalore, glass facades, are attributed to some extent, for this sudden rise in temperature.

As per Chandrashekhar Hariharan, CEO, Biodiversity Conservation India Limited, “if Bangalore is home to more buildings with glass facades, the temperature of the city could increase by 2°C to 3°C when compared with outskirts”. This phenomenon is called urban heat island effect.

Another very interesting aspect about glass building is its propensity of rapidly spreading fire, in case of an unfortunate fire in the building. Moreover, the eruption of fire in buildings with glass facades can cause more harm than in the conventional type of buildings due to lack of adequate ventilation. According to Mr. Amarjit Singh Jhandwal, former chief fire officer (CFO) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), buildings with toughened glass facades lack adequate ventilation and when fire breaks out, hot gases are not able to emit out leading to explosion and a bigger threat.

In the range of building facade cladding systems, metal is one of the most popular options because it lasts long and requires little or no maintenance. Its smooth surface gives year-round new and shiny look to the building. It is also easy to clean. Generally, aluminum or steel is used for this purpose. However, builders in India rarely invest in continuous maintenance of aluminum facades, and within a short period of time, dust, pollution and weather, tend to make the façade lose its sheen and appear lackluster…a far cry from the look of the building it was originally designed for.

The other issues noticed include:

• Limited geometric features for the architect
• Abrasive to tooling, aluminum oxide is very abrasive
• Difficult to weld
• Prone to severe spring back
• Low composite strength, easy to break when the surface bends
• Vulnerable to high-voltage lightning attack;

Advantages of using Clay / terracotta façade over exterior paints and glass-

 1. Durability- These terracotta tiles used for exterior walls are tested for high strength and safety and hence are the apt material that can be used for exterior walls of homes, offices and even public buildings. Their weather resistance power make them highly durable which last for decades. On the other hand glass can be fragile and may not sustain high impacts.

2. Long lasting appeal- These facades are the outcome of sophisticated technology and advanced firing processes and hence are highly resistive to exterior environment. When compared to paint, which can look smudgy with dust and dirt, clay facades, retain the colour for longer period of time. Since they are made of terracotta, these panels neither have any calcium leakages nor efflorescence effect.

3. Sustainable- As the green concept building is fast catching up and rightly so, clay façade panels can be the best fit to build sustainable buildings. They are made of natural resources such as clay, and are highly energy efficient due to the property of thermal insulation. Where as paints might contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which releases harmful chemicals in the atmosphere. These compounds are harmful to breath and one of the causes for ozone depletion.

4. Provide insulation- Clay is readily a natural thermal insulator and along with that a combined benefit of ventilated façade increases the insulation further. This helps to keep the heat away from entering inside the building and helps maintain comfortable indoor climate naturally. Where as, glass is just the opposite and actually increases the interior temperature by allowing the sunlight directly inside the building.

 5. Maintenance free- These façade panels once installed with care then they are totally easy on maintenance unlike painting which needs a coat of paint every now and then. Modern facades are the results of innovation in building materials and hence can easily prevent rattling of the panels. The indigenous system provided for rainwater drainage helps prevent soiling which further results in low maintenance.

6. Easy fixing- Clay facades are easy to fix since there is no usage of rout or sealants. This also helps in overcoming uneven surfaces and appearance of cracks on the walls.

7. Fireproof- One of the major benefits of clay facades is that, they are fired at an exceptionally high temperature making them fire resistant.

8. Aesthetic appeal- Facades provides contemporary look to the building. They very well compliment steel, glass, wood and other painted parts as they come in a variety of colours to suit the overall design concept of the building.

Clay facades are manufactured with advanced technology bearing ecology in mind and hence are environmental friendly. They’re also manufactured to meet international standards and hence go well with your vision and design of the building.

Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]

The Indian Construction Industry has been experiencing evolutionary changes since last few decades. Moreover, the recent emphasis on developing smart cities and industrial corridors has naturally made way for the inception of ‘smart homes’ and ‘smart living’. With this boom, it is essential to keep ourselves up to date with the latest innovations in the construction sector, especially with regard to building materials.

One very important component of building construction, which often gets overlooked, is the wall. People generally have a tendency to focus on the architecture & interiors but, rarely do they give a second thought on the wall. If you are planning to include environmentally conscious, energy saving practices and concepts while designing a building, you’ll be surprised to know how the right walling material can contribute to your efforts…ultimately helping you achieve an energy efficient “Smart Home”

Intelligent walling materials can help you in a lot of ways…from saving valuable man hours during construction the phase, to saving cost on sand, cement & water, to providing toxic free, healthy living environment & more…

• Improve in door temperature
• Natural, anti-allergy walling material, devoid of toxic, chemical components can lead to creating healthy living spaces
• Improve sound insulation
• Improve speed of construction
• Easy to handle at site
• Lessens buildings’ overall dead weight
• Higher compressive strength ensures uncompromised durability

Wienerberger, an Austrian company which is a leading producer of clay building materials for wall systems, came up with Porotherm Smart Bricks, which are technologically advanced hollow clay bricks designed for RCC framed structures.

Here are 5 things that make Porotherm superior to other walling solutions

1. Light weight and faster construction:

Porotherm bricks are 60% lighter than conventional walling material. They are easy to handle so helps improve productivity in masonry. They majorly contribute in reducing dead loads i.e.(the non-movable loads on the building like the weight of the walls, doors, windows, floor tiles etc.). Hence leads to substantial saving on structural cost. Being light weight also helps in transporting the bricks to different floors, and this is a great advantage especially for high rise buildings. In most construction sites in India, use of cranes is negligible, at the sites depend on labourers who manually off load construction materials from tricks and carry them to the different floors. An average labourer can pick only one concrete block at a time owing to its heavy weight and this ultimately affects the construction timelines. In case of Porotherm, one can easily carry two to three bricks at a time, there by completing the wall much faster. Owing to uniformity on the sides of the bricks, lack of sharp edges, also makes it easier to handle the bricks.

Post wall construction, curing time required for Porotherm wall is less compared to conventional walling materials thereby allowing builders and owners relatively faster construction.

2. High compressive strength and life span:

Well…being light weight definitely doesn’t mean a weak product. Porotherm bricks possess high compressive strength of ≥3.5 N/mm², which adheres to the IS 3952 standard. Porotherm comes with a life expectancy of more than 150 years thus making your building and construction an investment for generations. They are immune to fire as they already are fired at 1000o C with a fire rating of F240 or 240 minutes.

Also, the possibility of crack formation post wall construction is minimal, because of its low water absorption property which is less than 15%.

3. Thermal and sound Insulation:

Clay is inherently a good insulating material and bricks made of clay have thus been traditionally considered a sustainable building material. Porotherm bricks are highly advanced version of these clay bricks providing 45% better thermal insulation than conventional building material. They are India’s first Brick with lowest U value i.e 0.6 W/m²k (Porotherm Thermobrick) as compared to 1.8 W/m²k  for solid clay brick and 2.0 W/m²k for solid concrete block. This excellent thermal insulation improves the efficiency of the building making the indoors cooler in summers & warmer in winters. They also provide more sound insulation with an average STC rating of 50Db.

 4. Natural and Green :

 The clay used in production of Porotherm is sourced from de-settling of dead water tanks and natural additive like coal ash, rice husk, saw dust and granite slurry. Porotherm encourages green and healthy living as no toxic or any chemical additives are used that can cause allergies and other health problems. It is 100% natural, with complete absenteeism of pollutants, Porotherm allows you to lead a comfortable and healthy life.

• The bricks are listed by Indian Green Building Council in green product category under- energy efficient product, material with recycled content and use of regional material.
• Porotherm is also rated by Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA)

5. Energy saving:

 The insulating property of Porotherm reduces the use of artificial temperature variation devices like AC and heaters giving the interiors a comfortable living environment, naturally…. This helps in reducing energy consumption.

Exploring all the available options is a good idea but choosing the one that provides you a long-lasting durability, cost and energy savings is best thing that can happen for your building.

Considering all the dimensions of Porotherm, it is indeed a smarter choice over other conventional walling solutions available in India.

‘Vastu shastra’ the ancient art and science of architecture founded in India literally takes the meaning of ‘dwelling (vastu) doctrine (shastra)’ when translated to English. But in Sanskrit the term ‘vastu’ means ‘nature’ and ‘shastra’ implies ‘system or rules’. This means ‘vastu shastra’ is a system that is built in a way which is close to nature. It is about using natural materials for construction like stones for foundation, clay bricks for construction, wood for interiors, etc. and utilizing natural energy sources like cosmic energy, lunar energy, solar energy, magnetic energy and wind energy.

When your house architecture is designed to harness the power of all these natural resources you’ll create a space that reflects positivity.  A house built according to vastu science will enhance peace, prosperity, good luck, success, health and wealth. In modern times the term ‘vastu’ might seem lame but when analyzed carefully you’ll realize that our ancestors have scientific base for every aspect of this system; be it the structural specifications or minor aspects related to interiors.

For example- According to vastu shastra it helps to withstand S-type seismic waves when you build a building with 2/3^rd portion of west and south without any opening (no windows or ventilators). What this means is when you follow the principles given by vastu scholars you’ll not only make your house resistant to natural calamities but also can enjoy maximum positive energy.

Human beings are made up of 5 natural elements namely earth, fire, air, water and space. Vastu shastra is a science of building and architecture that balances these 5 elements and sets harmony with nature as well as the body of human beings. The material and the structure with which we surround ourselves play a vital role in our physical and psychological well-being.

Here are few tips to exude energy in your home with vastu-

Architecture- Plan your construction in such a way that the overall shape of the building is regular i.e. either square or rectangle. Avoid unnecessary extensions and projections leading to irregular shapes especially L-shape or T-shape.

Materials- When choosing the materials for your house construction let them be the extension of nature as per the vastu. Make use of earthen material for walls and roofs such as clay hollow bricks and clay roof tiles since they not only have natural cooling effect but also ooze out positivity. Use natural stones like marble, granite, limestone, slate, etc. for flooring instead of man-made tiles. You can also go for natural wooden or bamboo floors if you like to give western hint to the look of your house.

Doors and windows- The direction of doors and windows has a lot of significance in vastu shastra. Accordingly, the most auspicious direction for the entrance door is east facing as this brings in solar energy with the rise of sun. While other directions can be considered for rest of them, you shouldn’t have any doors or windows in north-west corner of the house. Also don’t position doors in the center of the wall. You must go for symmetrical shapes for windows. Cross-ventilation has utmost importance so that the air and light can pass through-and-away bringing in positive energy and letting out negativity.  It is also advisable to have even number of doors and windows for continuous energy flow.

Rooms- Position rooms in specified places since they can have impact on the residents of the house. You should take care at least not to build a room in its ‘extreme no position’ although you may go for second or third best place. The ideal position for pooja room is north-east followed by second best i.e. east. But if you cannot construct it in that place then take precautions not to clutter north-east part of your house or keep heavy things in that place. For master bed-room south-west is the best place however this is a complete no to unmarried members of the house. South works well for boys bedroom while north-west is suitable for girls. Ideally west or north-west is best for bathrooms and north-west should definitely be avoided. Position living room in east and study room in north. Place kitchen in south-east of your home and let the energy of fire bring good health to your family.

Interiors- When it comes to interiors of the house, vastu has specifications for everything from colours to mirrors and from plants to keeping furniture. Hang mirrors on the north or eastern walls. Avoid them in places facing straight to the entrance of the room or facing directly to the bed.Take care of small things like keeping natural indoor plants and not artificial ones to create a pleasant atmosphere. Also note that cactus plants are believed to draw in negative energy so you may want to keep them outside your house. Planting tulsi and neem plants in and around the house can bring health and prosperity. South-east is the place for electrical and heating appliances which represent energy source. Place cots towards south-west but not in the corner of the rooms. Also sleep with your head towards south and feet to north so that you get benefits from earth’s magnetic energy.

Colours- Colours may help create psychological illusions. Purple signifies wealth and so having something in purple in the north-east corner of the house can bring in prosperity.Painting your dining room with pink or orange helps increase appetite. Light blue colour is believed to have soothing effect and gets you sound sleep. Red, black and grey are not the preferred colours for any of the rooms as per vastu.

Exteriors- The exterior of your house should be taken care and done as meticulously as your house interiors. Make room for garden in the north or west part of your plot area whereas south-east and south-west must be totally avoided. Plant fruit bearing trees and avoid deep rooting ones unless you have enough space. South-west or west of your building is the place you can keep your syntax (it’s plastic and hence avoid it if possible) or build overhead tank. Your compound wall must be higher on south-west side compared to other sides and must be built before the house.

Others- Make sure there is a lot of vacant space in the house and avoid unnecessary furniture or clutter. Bright lighting that is pleasant to the eyes is recommended. Avoid scary, unattractive things and sounds in your house like unpleasant doorbell sounds or filthy paintings, etc.

With vastu you can scientifically enhance the positive vibes in your home and make your home a comfortable place to live with your loved ones.

Authored by Building Experts from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]

Image sources: VastuPurusha,  getting-positive-karma-now.com, pixabay.com

Today a good looking building is a major requisite for people. A home should not only be comfortable, spacious and safe, but also should catch everyone’s attention. Clay tiles are a complete solution towards this. From ancient times to contemporary age of today, clay tiles have been a major constituent of home construction materials as it not only imparts durability but also provides an artistic look to the building. Its holistic approach tends to impose a strong appeal towards home owners, builders and architects.

There was a time when clay tiles became very monotonous. But today, a lot of innovation has incorporated in its usage, patterns and designs. Certainly they ensure permanency and low maintenance cost but people are approaching more towards designer clay tiles to create a long term artistic impression amongst the viewer of the house.

Exotic Artistic Roofs Using Clay Tiles

Clay tiles have a wide variety which can be used for different purposes according to your desires. Let’s check out few ideas on using these kind of tiles in roofs to expand the aesthetic appeal of your home:-

• Colors- Variation of colors can be used in case of clay tiles offering your home with porch and detail. Be it red, (terra cotta) or glazy or matte finish, there are few basic standard or custom colors of clay tiles which bestow elegance in case of roofs. There are fantastic array of color blends available. The authentic red or brick color can be used in roofs to bestow a touch of traditionalism in the look of your house. For a smart looks, the greyish smoked color can be used inflicting a distinctive appearance. For example, a home painted white can have a dark roof to bring into contrast and a balance of symmetry.

 Different colour materials constitute these roofing tiles made of clay, thus providing us with a modish look. Polychromatic glazes on natural terra cotta bodies of Italian era can be revived back using these kind of tiles. Thus colorful clay tiles exhibits inherent beauty of your home, rendering expressive charm. Wienerberger’s Koramic clay tiles provide you with range of surfaces like natural, engobed, glazed and sanded. Demanding on the type of colour you want, these surface treatments are given matt or satin sheen finish. In this way Koramic clay tiles has 50 variations of colors.

Image Source-Wienerberger

• Shape & Pattern- Clay tiles proffer innumerable shapes and textures. These on the other hand expand the inventive aspect of roof. The ‘S’ shaped tiles are trending today in the market. Even home owners and architects are going for these tiles for its impressive appearance it holds. Also turret roof designs and fan shaped clay tiles are new comers today. Varying roof molds like conical roof mold, gothic roof mold made of clay tiles submit a distinctive look to your home. Koramic clay tiles offer a vast range of shapes and patterns like Beaver tile, Flat interlocking tile, Flemish Tile, Monk, nun , Roman tile etc. They vouchsafe a fine aspect of majestic manifestation of homes. Varying shapes and textures of clay tiles are majorly used today to make a building stand out from the rest in its style and originality.

Image Source-Wienerberger

• Mix & Match- A building can be a ‘mix and match’ of ancient and contemporary. Also, a dovetail of urban and rural style can be presented with the help of the usage of clay tiles in roofs. A building can be made elegant with the mix of modernism and traditionalism, which can be extended with the help of clay tiles. Clay tiles, being a major part of ancient days, can elevate the conventional look of the building. This kind of ‘mix and match’ is a great way towards being a pioneer in home architect and design and can be used in resorts and stay homes to grab attention of the people.

Image Source-Wienerberger

• Positioning- A building can be made eye catching and appealing with the help of the proper and innovative positioning of the clay tiles. Instead of using them only for the main roof, they can be used over balcony, as a shade of the windows or over doors. Different levels of roofing are in fashion today. The entry and balcony can be balanced with the help of clay tile roofing over the chimney, communicating singularity and idiosyncrasy. This not only furnishes the look of your house in a better way but also increases the overall impact of house architecture. Positioning of roofs can be done very subtly and gracefully with the aid of clay tiles of various patterns and shapes.

Image Source-Wienerberger

Home building today encompasses a lot of strands. There was a time when building or owning a home mainly dealt with comfort and security. But today, one main ingredient of home building and architecture is its look and design. With the emergence of better and innovative products in the market, people are majorly brooding over the ornamental and creative aspects of how their homes appear. Clay tiles are one of those ways which not only ensure a better way of architecture but also promise a strong demeanor of design and appearance.

Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]

Making a decision to build your house from the ground up is the best thing to do in life. Building a new house as per your requirements has a lot of advantages over buying a pre-built house. Constructing your house means getting it customized from the scratch to fit your size.

But it is a decision which requires both financial and time investments. With such a complex process it takes a lot of planning and attention to details. It might be one of a kind of experience for you but it’s just another project for your contractor. Hence your involvement at every stage is essential.

Though building a house is an exciting experience at times it can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect from start till the end of the project will help you get prepared. Here are 7 things you must take into consideration when building a new house-

1. Budget- You might have worked well on your financial aspects for building your house, but if you haven’t yet then allocate funds for your project in broader terms.

Houses are built in all sizes and so you might be tempted towards building something that goes out of your budget. However, with some thought on what you actually want in your house and how big or small it must be, you can make it work. Let your space be adequate to meet your needs while keep it just big enough to fit your wallet.

Building a house is an expensive affair and usually tends to run out of budget. This is due to factors like increase in costs of materials, rise in labor, your upgrading decisions or sometimes weather delay. Always add 10% extra to your budget or start by allocating only two-thirds of what you can actually afford.

2. Design– It’s just not enough to have an architect’s plan ready. Design is a personal affair and so make it that way. Do your homework and talk to your architect about your requirements. Plan every minor details and resolve any technical issues at this phase itself to avoid them popping up in future. This will also refrain you from presenting ideas to your contractor in the construction phase which’ll add to costs and time-lapse.

3. Material- A variety of materials and a lot of them goes into construction of your house. Deciding on the best construction supplies which suits your design and pocket can be challenging. The key here is to think of long-lasting material that are also beneficial in saving resources over a period of time. Go green and include natural building materials like bamboo or natural stones for flooring, clay hollow bricks or insulated bricks for non-weight bearing walls, paints with low or no-VOC, etc. They make your house environmentally friendly and contributes to well-being of the residents.

4. Electrical peripherals – Building house is such a complicated project that you can fail to look at minor details and positioning electrical peripherals is one of them. Take note of your small and big, regular and occasional activities involving electrical appliances. Consider peripherals on terrace and exteriors required for those party nights, for hair dryer that you may want to kept plugged in permanently inside the bathroom cabinets, in your kids rooms for all those gadgets they might use in future, etc.

5. Exterior- Home entrance is the one that sets the aesthetic tone and so you may want it to make alluring by choosing a well designed front door. Windows comes next as they play a big role in the appearance of your house. They also contribute in energy conservation depending upon their position and the type of material used. The type of compound wall you want for enclosed premises like concrete blocks, fencing, etc. also adds to the look and security of the house. Pick the ones that go well with your lifestyle and overall outer design.

6. Roofing- Roofing material of your house can make or break your architectural look. Wood shingles, metal roofing, cement tiles, clay tiles, etc. are the available options to choose from. However, it’s better to go for natural roofing material like clay tiles since they help you save energy resources and also stand the test of time.

7. Landscaping- Landscaping can actually turn your house into a home. Keep your working plan ready for landscaping. Though it makes sense especially if you are tight with budget to take it later, some of the things like fixtures for sprinklers or irrigation system if laid before hand works best. A well thought through garden can even help you decide your exterior colours to compliment the pattern of your garden.

Your involvement at every stage of building the house is essential from choosing the material to deciding on the placements of rooms and designing. Constructing a house can be quiet a task but its all worth it if you can keep the workflow constant and finish smoothly without shocks and surprises.

Authored by Building Experts from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]

“Save the Planet” is the need of hour and everyone should learn the ways of doing so. High global climatic changes, genetically modified foods and pesticides are depleting our sustainable lifestyle.

Green living is an attempt to live in an eco-friendly and a environmental responsible way. It helps us reduce our carbon foot print and create a healthier way of living. It is our duty to improve our lifestyle by following simpler ways on cutting down unnecessary requirements. We can save resources by reducing unnecessary requirements in our life, and find ways to entertain ourselves with much meaningful and sustainable ways.

Are you concerned about the well being of our planet, and ready to do what you can to save it? If you are geared up to take steps towards greening your lifestyle, here are few tips to learn how altering your personal habits and humanizing others can make an impact.

Image Courtesy: http://www.epa.gov

Imagine a day without water in your fast paced life.Scary, no?? Water is the most valuable element, without which, it is hard to survive and can take a toll on your health. It is our duty to create awareness among ourselves and people to prevent wastage of water. We can try making a change in our living habitat by following few simple steps of preventing water wastage.

People mostly tend to leave the tap running freely while they brush their teeth or even wash utensils. This causes unnecessary wastage of water.

 In most five star hotels or in malls you will find sensors attached to the taps in the toilets. Only a required quantity of water flows from the tap, when a person wants to wash his/her hand. It is the best way to prevent water wastage.

• It is always good to have a garden in your house, but it is equally important to maintain the amount of water you use to water your lawn.
• Fix leaking faucets and running toilets. A leaky faucet, can lead to water wastage.
• Only run your washing machine and dishwasher, when it is full.
• Plan up a rainwater harvesting storage, to collect rain and help water plants.

Image courtesy: pixabay.com

In today’s competitive society, people find it difficult to compete with others in each and everything, be it luxurious lifestyle or other ways of living. With the increase in shopping malls and various brands, people tend to shop more, thereby stuffing their wardrobe unnecessarily. Always buy items, which last long and serve multiple purposes.

The best way to go green is by recycling the things which do not serve a purpose anymore. Discover creative ways of using waste materials such as old tins, plastics and clothes.

• Buy clothes and accessories from thrift shops instead of purchasing new merchandise.
• Instead of buying garbage bags, use old plastic shopping bags for the dustbin.
• You can recycle food scraps and paper through composting which in turn is useful for plants.

Recycling and reusing materials reduces the amount of waste and saves a lot of energy.

     3. Clean, renewable power:

Power is another important element of our lives. We rely on electricity to power our lights, electrical appliances etc in our homes, but at same time, it depletes the earth by polluting the air, in the form of gases emitted from carbon plants. Using efficient products and energy saving strategies; can help you save money and energy, leading to a sustainable way of living. Nowadays, there is a lot of power consumed in offices and other buildings. Electricity is used in each and every electronic device, such as computers, televisions, etc.Try using solar devices to help reduce demand for energy from polluting sources.

• Use minimum wattage incandescent bulbs, instead of the regular bulbs, with high wattage.
• Always switch off the lights and fans, when not in use. Instead you can enjoy the natural sunlight and breeze.
• Unplug chargers and other electronic devices, when not in use.
• Use dim lights with low wattage in bathrooms and other rooms during the night.

Wienerberger has come up with Porotherm Clay Bricks for construction of houses which keep the interiors cool during summer, and warm during winters.They provides excellent thermal insulation, which leads to direct savings on energy consumption.

    4. Get Around Green:

The automobile industry has nowadays become less feasible in the conservation of sustainable living.Contemporary transport systems have to be adapted for a healthier living. Today, people cannot even imagine commuting without their own transportation.

Various other ways of going green have been introduced, and it is highly recommended to bring in a change, thereby saving our planet.

• Bio-diesel and battery vehicles are recommended for sustainable living.
• Reduce the use of your car or two-wheeler and adapt on public transportation.
• Use the windows to help your car cool, instead of the AC. Parking your car in a shade, will also keep your car cooler.
• Using a bicycle or walking, will reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide in the surrounding thereby slowing down global warming.

      5. Green Your Closet :

Do not throw away your old clothing, instead find ways to reuse or donate it to people who are in need. That is how you begin, living green.

 You can try creative ideas with your old clothes.

• An old pant of yours can become a traveling bag and your old sarees into wonderful curtains for your room.
• Use old jeans to make an awesome quilt.
• You can turn an old shirt, into a pillowcase
• Turn an old sweater into a cute hat for your loved ones.

There are many more easy and affordable ways to protect your local environment and the planet as a whole. In a long run, a greener lifestyle isn’t just good for the environment but more comfortable and energy efficient, which add up to major cost saving and reduce potential health risks for people living in it.

Authored by Building Experts from Wienerberger India

For an expert advice , drop a word at our email id [email protected]