Architecture

We are a group of building experts from Wienerberger, the world leaders in Building Material solutions, present across 30 countries and 215 manufacturing units across the globe. In the course of our interaction with various clients, especially recent or prospective house owners, we have come across a plethora of queries, quite often not directly related to building materials, which have been a source of confusion for many. We at Wienerberger strive to give complete solutions to our clients by not just delivering smart building materials but also providing smart solutions to house owners. In order to have a better reach, we have come up with GoSmartBricks blog to benefit customers and new or prospective house owners alike.

Feel free to browse through various articles that may be of interest to you and if you have any particular query regarding house construction, building materials, bricks, green homes, sustainable living practices and more, drop in your queries to [email protected] and we will publish related articles on our blog.

We hope our tips and suggestions come in handy while you go house hunting or house building…

Cheers!

Team Wienerberger India

www.wienerberger.in

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Wall Solutions

Hollow clay blocks – Porotherm Smart Bricks designed to provide better efficiency, durability, ease of use and a host of other benefits that aid in cost-effective wall construction.

Roof Solutions

Wienerberger, the No.1.Clay Roof Tile Manufacturer in Europe brings to you Natural and Long Lasting Roof solutions. With an exclusive range of imported roof tiles, with different colors, finishes and fittings.

For more information visit www.wienerberger.in or click here for Project References

Based on the astronomical explanation, winter starts at the winter solstice, i.e. somewhere in mid-December and ends at March equinox. And, based on the meteorological definition, the first day of winter is December 1 and the last day is February 29. Yes, with winters coming to an end soon, the great Indian summer nightmare is all set to begin!

And just like the food and clothing, it becomes essential for us to ensure the shelter that we take to escape all the heat is cool and comforting. But again, that shouldn’t be the matter of cranking up the AC. The rapidly rising temperatures and the radical change in climate are posing a serious threat to our environment. And the so-called ‘modern machines’ which we use to cool our homes have contributed significantly to global warming. Sadly, if drastic measures aren’t taken to curb it – Global warming will continue unabated.

Bringing Down Indoor Temperatures – One Herculean Task

Unquestionably, bringing down indoor temperatures without an air conditioner can be one hard-hitting task. But, think of our older generations; they used simple methods to stay cool during the summers which worked wonders. And yes, we need to acknowledge the fact that most of those methods were non-polluting and cost-effective. Building on this, today we take you through a few of the most common eco-friendly ways of keeping yourself cool during the summers – Note without wasting electricity or harming the environment.

1. Green Shade

A hint of greenery always brightens our living spaces; sadly, most of us are living in concrete jungles where natural shade is totally absent. We have allowed a lot of direct sunlight to beat our windows and roofs during the hottest times of the day – resulting in exceptionally high indoor temperatures.

Trees if planted on the southern and western sides of your house provide a great deal of natural green shade. Also, these are great for the environment as it can offset some of the carbon emissions produced from your AC’s. Irrespective of the fact that most of us cannot afford to have a spacious landscaped garden around our homes; we can still have a few pots in our balconies and kitchen gardens.

2. Use The Window Advantage

Like we say – Let the air in….

We must use our Windows to the fullest as these are key in keeping your homes cool. Open your Windows to create cross ventilation through the house. Try opening your windows more during the morning time as the air is fresher.

Another important thing, add curtains as these play a role in regulating the temperature. Insulating curtains can help your home in both summer and winter; this is because these blocks hot air out in the summer and cool air out in the winters.

3. Whitewash Your Roof

This might sound strange, but whitewashing the roof with some light colors actually works in bringing down the indoor temperature by 5-10 degrees. Also, not just the indoors of the homes, if all the surfaces in a city are painted white, they can considerably bring the temperature down for the entire surrounding. This interesting technique is an ancient one, which is still used in parched regions like Rajasthan.

All you would need to do is apply a single coat of good quality exterior paint which is water-proof on your building roof every two-three years depending upon the amount of rain received in the region you stay.

4. Rooftop Garden

Did you know? Rooftop gardens can be installed on large and small commercial/residential buildings and even on vehicles having a roof. These interesting gardens help in creating a refreshing pollution-free environment and act as a mobile indoor air purifier – especially in congested cities where we stay. The thick layer of soil helps in cooling down the air below the roof automatically.

These interesting garden set-ups can bring back the lost bees, birds, butterflies, etc. which are no longer seen in the polluted cities we live in.

5. Khus Khus Carpet

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In small and medium-sized towns, Khus Khus carpets are one ultimate equipment that is used to beat the summer heat. These carpets made of khus khus are soaked in water and hanged from the ceiling, spreading across the terraces. The most interesting thing about them is that they do not allow the heat in the air to pass through, instead, it evaporates providing cool breeze for people living behind the layer.

6. Proper Insulation

This is more relevant for those who live in old buildings/apartments; Proper insulation can do wonders in keeping the cool air inside. And the most important aspect of proper insulation is ensuring your home is airtight i.e. air isn’t managing to escape through the doors or windows.

If you are planning to build a new home, identifying basic insulating materials are important. Here is a list of basic insulating materials; wool insulation materials, slag slabs, natural fibre insulation materials, porotherm bricks, gypsum board, vermiculite and perlite insulation materials, cementitious foam insulation materials, gasket cork sheet, insulation facings etc.

Read: How Is Thermal Insulation Beneficial For Your Home

Stay Cool + Environmentally Friendly

With these tips in place, you can stay cool and harm the environment in the least possible way. Once you start implementing these tricks at your home, you will stay cool, save loads on your electricity bill and be gratified on the fact that – You are helping the environment.

Curated by editor at  Wienerberger India

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected] or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Roofing roofs with the help of roof tiles is one of the most common and integral parts of the building design. Along with aesthetics, roof tiles protect the building interior from the outside elements. There are different types of roofing materials available, including clay, slate, concrete, metal, plastic, etc. which all have inimitable visual properties. Tiled roofs are beautiful and durable. They are also expensive and heavy, but that is perhaps to be expected from a roofing material that can last 100 years.

Roof tiles are connected to the roof structure of the building with the use of bolts or nails. The interlinking nature of the roof tiles augments the element-resistant qualities of the structure. Coming to the topic i.e., roof tiles sizes – Why do we need to know?

Unit dimensions of roof tiles help with numerous aspects of roofing, especially in the area of ​​planning. One of the main factors that can vastly impact or change the price of a new roof, or improvements to an existing one is – the number of tiles required/used. Hence before beginning any roofing or re-roofing project, it is important to know the dimensions of the roof tiles that you are planning to use. Accuracy is key, as the cost can quickly add up if this is planned incorrectly.

Building on this, we planned this blog to give you a brief idea on different roof tiles sizes. So, keep reading!

Briefly Discussing Different Roof Tiles Sizes

Let’s look at the different roof tiles sizes now:

1. Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles are one of the original types of roofing materials manufactured centuries ago. Clay offers excellent moldability, color options, and color retention. While traditional clay tile roofs were natural orange or red in color. Today’s clay roof tiles come in virtually any color and in dozens of shapes. Wienerberger India offers clay roof tiles which are available in different roof tiles sizes of 470 X 300 mm, 463 X 297 mm, 470 X 300 mm, 371 X 261 mm, 474 X 285 mm, 320-370 mm, 470 X 300 mm. Find out more here.

Interesting Read: Lean To Roof – What It Is And Why Is It Gaining Popularity

2. Plain Tile

Plain roof tiles are known for their traditional look, these attempts to emulate tiles on older, more traditional buildings. Plain tiles are normally flat and have a battered look which is mostly created by staining. The standard dimensions of the roof tile are 270 mm in length, 170 mm in width and 12 mm in depth; but again, depending on the manufacturer, the actual dimensions can vary.

3. Roman Tile

The Roman roof tiles are most known for their single/double “roll”. These tiles are tapered; hence it imparts that typical Mediterranean style look. Roman tiles are not very common in India. The standard dimensions of the single roll roof tile are 342 mm X 255 mm X 43 mm. Again, the exact roof tiles sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer.

4. Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete tiles have become another very dominant choice of material in the modern roof tile market. Sometimes called cement roofing tiles, concrete tiles are a mixture of portland cement, sand, water, and sometimes various dyes are used for colour. The standard dimensions of the concrete roof tile are 420 x 330mm and 267 x 168mm, however, this may vary depending on the manufacturer.

5. Traditional Slate

Traditional, natural slate roofs are manufactured from rock and are formed so that each tile has a unique appearance. Slate tile roofs are popular due to their natural appearance, durability, and longevity. The standard dimensions of the single roll roof tile are 510 mm in length, 255 mm in width and 6 mm in depth, though this may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Small Roof Tiles Vs Large Roof Tiles

Irrespective of the size of the roof tiles, it has its set of advantages and disadvantages.

The overall efforts in laying large roof tiles are less than many small roof tiles. Fewer bricks need to be put on the roof and laying is also easier. With large roof tiles, one can save money, fewer tiles are needed, also it doesn’t take a lot of time to cover the roof. On the other hand, small roof tiles have real and visual advantages. One of the practical advantages is that the smaller area is somewhat more stable and more protected against hard impacts. Also, if there is an occasion of rupture or breakage, the small bricks can be easily replaced. Considering the visual appeal, small roof tiles are somewhat more restrained and bring more detail than the larger bricks. This effect enhances the houses overall aesthetic appeal.

Read: 5 Tips For Choosing The Right Roofing Designs For Houses

Summary

Roof tiles sizes vary dependent on the type of roofing material used. The advantages and disadvantages of the different dimensions are the quantity required, speed of laying, and aesthetics mostly.

Curated By A Wienerberger Building Expert

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Moving into a new house is one epic occasion, but again this can be overwhelming for several reasons. Knowing how to decorate a new home – and maybe on a budget – can be tough. Decorating your new home gives you a sense of elegance and relaxation every time you step in and spend your time inside it. Also, it is an aspect that attracts the visitors the moment they step into your house. In this guide, we lay out some interesting ideas for decorating a new home so that you achieve the best attractive look and feel.

Wait! Don’t Rush To Buy Stuff

Of course, you have to be patient. While this feels counterintuitive, it’s key for the long-game. Rushing in to fill all the open spaces with new and new-to-you pieces will only result in whim purchases. Believe us, you will regret later. First thing, go ahead and set up what you already have and love; then, slowly assess what you need and what may need replacing, and slowly fill in.

Interesting Tips For Decorating Your New Home

The process of decorating your new home is not a one-day task. You must start somewhere and continue improving from there.

1. Concentrate On One Room At A Time

If you think that you can decorate your entire new home all at once, you are probably missing the point. You will wear yourself out by so doing. You should start with your favorite room, which may be the living room and deal with it first. Working on one room at a time will help you do it to perfection and achieve the most desirable results at the end.

2. Choose Neutral Colors For A Start

When it comes to neutral colors for the walls, black and white does it better. The reason behind this is that most of the other items in the house like the furniture will tend to match perfectly with these two colors. You can then improve once you have settled on quality furniture and other items as well. A lot of bright colors for a start will result in a mix and match situation.

Read: Guide To Pick The Right Wall Paint Colors !

3. Painting The Walls

Painting the walls is one of the most significant tasks that one needs to incorporate absolutely correctly while decorating a new home. Different rooms match different colors perfectly, and the choice depends on you as well. When painting, ensure that it is in sync with the interior decor to provide the best and intended beautiful look. The most incredible thing about paint is that it brings the room to life in a very affordable way even without the use of other features on the wall.

If you need to paint your new home, be sure to choose a paint that is low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or zero VOC – the best option, however, is non-toxic.

Read: Alert!!! Paints And VOCs Can Knock Down Your Indoor Air Quality

4. Light It Up

Ambiance, Ambiance, Ambiance – keep saying this as its one mantra that can completely light up your home. Face it, nothing can change the atmosphere of a room quicker than the lighting. No, we aren’t indicating towards mood lighting only, instead try different levels of lighting – including ‘Natural Lighting’. Don’t go wrong with this otherwise you might feel like you’re under a spotlight in some interrogation room.

5. Add Some Frames

Nothing is as exciting as beautiful framed images on the wall. These can make the room look bright and attracts a lot of attention as one wants to see what they entail and analyze it. Nowadays it is very easy to have your pictures on the frame. Some websites do all the work for you, you only have to send them your pictures, without bothering with the extra work of printing the images and then putting them into frames.  

6. Have A Mix And Match

Having the same theme can be annoying and can be the wrong choice for the whole house decoration. If you’re shopping for hardware for cabinets, doors, lights, etc., don’t be afraid to buy different finishes. A variety of metals will help achieve a gathered-over-time look, even if you really did pick it all out at once. Apply this approach to furniture styles and color palettes as well.

7. DIY Upgrades

When decorating a new home, it doesn’t mean you buy all new things. Instead, try upgrading the items you already own with stylish new hardware or paint. Dull kitchen cabinets can be transformed by decorative knobs, and shabby walls can come to life after a fresh coat of paint. Accent the inside of dresser drawers with wallpaper, or paint a unique design on the arms of a basic wooden side table – small upgrades like these will make a difference.

IMP – Find Sustainable Ways to Decorate Your Home

You can add so much life to a bland, dull room, and bring in so much comfort just by adding a few decorative items. These days, there are so many cool decorations and accessories you can buy to adorn your home. But, before you get too carried away, there are few things that you may want to think about especially if being green and natural are priorities to you. In your home decorating journey try to keep things green and to save some money too.  From paints to flooring, furniture to linens and lightings, today eco-friendly décor options are reality. Just a little bit of study will get you there.

In Conclusion

Our home is where we tend to spend most of our time, hence it feels good to fill it with wonderful people, good vibes and of course the decor we love. We hope the above tips tell you where and how to begin…. The rest is over to you!

Curated by a building expert from Wienerberger India

Irrespective of wherever you choose to install them, a skylight can help hugely in improving energy efficiency, illuminating low-light areas, and also provide the much-needed dimension to a living space. In addition to that, all that extra lighting dropping in from the skylight can help in cutting down the lighting costs, and the amount of heat it allows in can have a substantial impact on your energy bills. This guide is a walk through the different types of skylight and ensuring you choose the right skylight for your home.

Why Skylights? 

According to a study by VELUX America, building structures that utilize skylights, in combination with vertical windows, tend to be more energy efficient. Skylights help in making a major contribution to energy efficiency and comfort, it can admit more than three times as much light as a vertical window of the same size and distributes the same evenly resulting in savings in energy and improving the overall visual comfort levels of the occupants. The scarcity of land has made the space for proper ventilation and lighting restricted. Apart from that, sometimes, homeowners consider safety reasons and choose to have fewer window openings in the walls. In such conditions fixing skylight in the roofs is the best solution as Skylights bring natural light and air into areas that normally wouldn’t have windows.

Skylights also increase the convenience of internal spaces which otherwise are dependent on supplementary artificial ventilation or lighting. They permit added flexibility in the architectural design. Also, even under grey conditions, the use of skylights ensures that the spaces are mostly lit by natural light, with very little or no extra artificial lighting

Read: Skylight – A Greener Way To Reduce Darkness In Homes

Types of Skylight – Check Out The Top 9

Skylights can be of many different types depending upon the materials used, its type of use, and the types of roof/room. The most commonly used ones are discussed below.

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1. Fixed Skylight

One of the most popular types of skylight is the Fixed skylights. Just like their name indicates, these are fixed and do not open for air ventilation, basically, they are totally sealed to the roof. This type of skylight is used at low lit areas like the attics and the stairwell. Around 90 percent of the materials used in the fixed skylight is glass and the frame are made of steel, or aluminium, or timber.

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2. Ventilated Skylight

In the pool of different types of skylight, this one serves multi-purposes. Ventilated skylight works as a source of ventilation of air and light. These are perfect for kitchen and bathrooms, as they also aid in removing excess moisture and keep a constant flow of fresh air in the living area. In addition to that, it also illuminates the place. Basically, a ventilated skylight is an addition of a new window onto the roof of your house.

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3. Tubular Skylight

Tubular skylights are an effective product to provide natural light to both residential and commercial indoor spaces. This type of skylight consists of 3 main components:

• A roof-mounted light collector – mounted on the roof and typically consists of a parabolic lens which allows for light collection throughout the day. These lenses are set into a frame.
• A highly-reflective tube – The light collected is reflected through the tube to the interior fixture with diffuser lens.
• An interior fixture – Occasionally this interior fixture can also be supplied with a combined electrical light as a backup for cloudy days or night-time.

These are perfect option when the roof space required for fixed or ventilated skylight is not available or scarce.

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4. Custom Skylight

Custom skylights open up to the sun, air and stars. These aren’t just boxes or tubes which allow natural air and light into a room but are the ones which are uniquely designed. They are beautiful, elegant windows to the sky which let in natural light, and at the same time are airtight and dry. Custom skylights are preferred when the roof condition does not allow the installation of the common type of skylight. Majorly when the visual appearance of the building needs to be improved, this skylight serves a perfect medium. These can be of any geometric shape and size and can be tailor-made as per the specific requirements.

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5. Pyramid Skylight

Typically mounted on curbs on flat roofs, the pyramid skylights are available with several slopes or pitch options. These typically take a pyramid shape over a square opening and generally have 4 sides. While this type of skylight is commonly identified as a pyramid over a square opening, when the same is built over a rectangular opening it is known as hip ridge skylight. The pitch of the skylight is customarily determined by the architect’s artistic intent, structural engineering necessities, or both. The other type in this category is the Multi-sided pyramids skylights, also known as polygon skylights, these can be constructed over 6 or 8 sided openings, as well as over uneven multi-sided openings.

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6. Dome Shaped Skylight

These dome-shaped skylights are made up of robust and flexible plastics. As the name suggests, the shape of this skylight is in the form of a dome which allows sunlight to evenly spread across the room. The main plus pointer for this skylight is that it illuminates the entire room even with small streams of lights. These come in two layers for protection and insulation, a thick outside layer is tainted and the inside thin layer is clear material. Dome skylights are suitable for both residential and commercial applications. These may also be used to advantage in building entrances to enhance lobbies or spotlight attractive features like murals, sculptures, planters, paintings, reflecting pools and much more.

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7. Barrel Vault Skylight

This type of skylight provides a practical and economical means of bestowing daylight and spaciousness to an atrium, lobby, or the interior of a building. They are also used as entrance canopies, walkway canopies and as a cover between adjacent buildings. Here complete or more than 80% of the roof area is covered by the skylight. This type of skylight is most frequently used in non-residential buildings, mostly preferred in passageways, canopies, parking shelters, mall arcades, medical and educational institutions, and industrial complexes. These aren’t considered for residential structures as the area of the skylight is more and privacy characteristics are very less.

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8. Curb-Mounted Skylights

These skylights have proven to be one of the most popular styles of skylights available in the market. They are relatively affordable and go really well in any type of room setting. Curbs are either built on-site or can be provided by the skylight manufacturer. In both cases, a curb needs to be double-walled and insulated to help retain heat in the home. These are a greater choice to avoid leaks. In addition to that these allow for more flexibility in size. Curb mounted skylights are the simplest of all skylight designs, these provide a refreshing environment without adding much stress to a building’s structure.

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9. Ridge Skylight

This type of skylights is applicable to conditions where the skylight continues in the same plane as the roof pitch and the ridge of the skylight follows the line of the ridge of the roof. These can also be mounted on the curbs on flat roofs with a variety of skylight pitch options and glazed vertical ends. It can also be attached to head-to-head vertical walls at either or both ends. Ridge Skylights are an outstanding way to let a significant amount of light into the structure, much more so than a comparably sized window.

How To – Choose A Skylight

Today the skylight models are markedly more reliable than the ones available previously. Familiar designs have been joined by fresh, new and exciting options. But, design isn’t the one and only factor that you need to consider when choosing the right skylight. Here are few of the most important things to look out for when considering adding a skylight to a property:

1. Aesthetic Value Vs Natural Light

Well, first thing first. Before making a pick you, need to identify your need, what is it that you expect the skylight to do for you? Basically, its function, i.e. bring in aesthetic value or bring in more natural light?

2. Positioning

We already discussed the function part, undoubtedly it is one of the most important aspects. Positioning is what comes next, clearly, natural light is a huge benefit to any home, but overexposure isn’t good. You may have to look out for overexposure to UV in the home. The positioning of your skylight will affect a few factors, size of the skylight and numbers of skylight are few examples.

3. Size + Shape Of The Room

Sometimes, the size and shape of the room can affect your choice of a skylight. An obscurely shared room and roof, for example, might demand multiple bends in the tubing to achieve optimal performance of the skylight. But, in general, for skylight one general rule applies – The larger the better.

4. Operability

Factually, all types of skylight fall into two main categories – fixed and vented. True to its name, fixed skylights are non-operable and planned only for the purpose of providing extra light. On the other hand, a vented skylight can be opened, either manually or via remote, reliant on the type of skylight unit.

In addition to the basics, remote-operable vented skylights can cost you few extra bucks as compared to its manual cousins. Also, by virtue these involve a greater number of more classy parts, making it more vulnerable to problems. Your choice will need to consider the function, positioning and cost factor.

5. Glazing

Earlier, skylights were nothing but just a single pane of glass detained within a metal frame. Currently, glazing runs the range from single- or multi-paned glass to innovative plastics, with or without insulation and coatings to control such variables as heat and UV radiation. Your choice of glazing will influence the function of the skylight, hence weigh out the options well.

6. Planning Permission

Planning permission is normally not an issue with skylights as it is normally a part of an already agreed extension or replacing an existing skylight. Also, if it’s a new addition to an existing roof then again it is not likely to need planning. But it’s always worth checking beforehand, but it is rarely a problem.

7. Cost & Installation

At first glance skylight might look expensive, a good-quality 2X4 foot skylight and flashing kit can cost nearly $150 to $500. But, installation can add another $500 to $3,000 to the overall cost. In addition to this, roof slope is another determining factor for skylight installations. Roofs which are too flat or too steep demand special installation techniques which can be added cost. Always consider the total cost of adding a skylight, its added features and accessories, warranties and guarantees and things alike which are important.

With such a great range of skylight options, we know that picking the right skylight can be problematic. Knowing what style, type, or even where to put a skylight in your home can be puzzling. With these tips choosing a skylight will surely be much easier!

Final Thoughts

Humans, like plants, thrive under natural daylight. Our body is designed to operate in line with the sun’s natural daylight schedule. Having said all that, skylights can make a noteworthy contribution to energy efficiency and comfort in any building by providing natural light.

Curated by editor at  Wienerberger India

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected] or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

A sacred water source, meeting place, and of course, an amazing architectural wonder – Step wells in India have time and again captured our imagination and attention for centuries now.

It is estimated that India was home to over 3,000 step wells built in the two northern states. And the earliest stepwell most likely dates to about 550 AD. Today majority of them have fallen into disrepair, largely forgotten, and some languish in a state of decay. The local term used for a stepwell varies with each region. In Hindi, it is called a ‘vav, or ‘baori’ or ‘baoli.’

The architecturally rich, mysterious India, stores the best step wells of the country. Building on this today we explore 15 of the best step wells in India.

The 15 Incredible Step Wells In India

1. Chand Baori, Rajasthan

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Built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan, Chand Baori is one of the deepest and largest step wells in India. This stepwell consists of 3,500 narrow steps with over 13 stories and extends approximately 30 m (100 ft) into the ground.

2. Rani ki Vav, Patan

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Ranki vav or Rani ki Vav means lit. Queen’s stepwell. This stepwell is located in the small town of Patan in the state of Gujarat. Set right on the banks of river Saraswati, this stepwell is one of the finest step wells in India. It is a masterpiece of architecture, construction, and adornment.

3. Nagar Sagar Kund, Bundi

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Located in the city of Bundi, Rajasthan the Nagar Sagar Kund are twin step-wells crafted in pristine masonry. Originally these twin step-wells were called Janana Sagar and Ganga Sagar, but now these are jointly names as Nagar Sagar. This stepwell is located right in the center of the market and is architecturally very impressive; but sadly, it isn’t kept clean.

4. Hampi Pushkarini, Karnataka

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Known for its Chalukya architecture this stepwell is one magnificent example of India’s rich architecture. The Pushkaranis in Hampi is the sacred water tanks that are attached to the temples. These tanks are totally different from other structures of Hampi as they are constructed using finely finished blocks of black schist stones. The stepwell is faultlessly geometrical, and do not have elaborate carvings.

Read: 10 Most Popular Styles In Indian Architecture

5. Toor Ji Ka Jhalra, Rajasthan

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Toorji ka Jhalra is one of the most fabulous architectures of ancient times. This stepwell was built by Rani tawar ji, consort of King abhya singh of jodhpur in 1740; this historic structure was only recently excavated and restored.

6. Madha Vav, Wadhwan

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Wadhvan is one of the best examples of living fortified towns of Gujarat. This little town is home for two ancient step wells in Wadhvan i.e. Madha Vav and Ganga Vav. With pyramidal roofs and a high-water level, this stepwell presents a magnificent sight.

7. Surya Kund, Modhera

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The ancient Sun Temple of Modhera features three axially aligned components; the shrine proper (garbhagriha) in a hall (gudhamandapa), the outer or assembly hall (sabhamandapa or rangamandapa) and a sacred reservoir (kunda). According to literature, the steps of Surya Kund are a stylized mirror image of the Shikhara which brought together the fire and the water.

8. Rajon ki Baoli, New Delhi

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Of course, this stepwell is one of the most popular ones in the country. Located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Rajon ki Baoli was supposedly built in 1516 by Daulat Khan and restored in the early 2000s. This grand structure is rich in terms of both scale and architecture.

Read: 6 Prominent Styles In Hindu Temple Architecture

9. Lakkundi Step-wells, Karnataka

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The tiny village of Lakkundi is noted for its step wells, artistically built with small canopied niches inside the walls of the wells enshrining lingas. There are many ancient step wells in Lakkundi, of which the Chateer Bavi, Kanne Bavi, and Musukina Bavi are most popular for their carving’s architectural beauty.

10. Agrasen ki Baoli, New Delhi

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Located in the capital city of India, this is a 60-meter X 15-meter stepwell, with 103 steps. Agrasen ki Baoli gathered more fame after it was featured in Aamir Khan’s starrer ‘PK’. The stepwell is also supposed to be haunted with many people telling stories of feeling a presence in the area.

11. Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad

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Adalaj ni vav is a beautiful structure located at about 18 kilometers from Gujarat state capital, Ahmedabad. Adalaj Vav is a 5-storey step-well on the outskirts of the city. It is perhaps the finest stepwell in Gujarat, with a series of platforms and galleries built on the sides.

Read: Karnataka Architecture and 7 Astounding Buildings Examples

12. Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jaipur

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This structure is an excellent example of fine architecture and water conservation techniques. This stepwell is over 200 feet deep with 1800 symmetrical steps on three sides of the rectangular structure. Once a source of water for the nearby locals, this kund is filled with water throughout the year even today.

13. Mahila Bag Jhalra, Jodhpur

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Located just 5 minutes’ walk away from Toorji Ka Jhalra, Mahila Bagh Ka Jhalra is another amazing stepwell in the beautiful city of Jodhpur.

Read: 7 Classic Examples Of Buddhist Architecture In India

14. Shahi Baoli, Lucknow

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Shahi Baoli is one of the most extensively popular step wells in India known for its exceptional architectural design. It was built by Nawab Asif-ud-daula one of the most skillful architects of those times during the years 1784-1794. The superb Indo-Islamic architectural design of this structure makes it an immaculately unique edifice.

15. Dada Hari Ni Vav, Ahmedabad

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Completed in the city of Ahmedabad in 1500 by Dada Hari (Muḥammad Begda’s harem supervisor of Sultan Bai Harir) this stepwell still offers a site to behold. Dada Hari stepwell has spiral stairways which leads down 7 levels; it has ornate pillars and arches with inscriptions engraved in both Sanskrit and Arabic.

In The End…

The grand scale of these ancient step wells in India is awe-inspiring which points to the fact that they were much more than just a place to access water. While the construction may be utilitarian, in many cases they include significant architectural features and embellishments. Thousands of steps and a dozen stores, these step wells are in all ways truly enchanting. Another truth that doesn’t change – most of them are in desperate need of care or they will soon be lost.

Curated by editor at  Wienerberger India

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Wienerberger, the global leaders in sustainable, green building materials introduces Porotherm DryFix.System, a revolutionary system that can drastically minimize the huge amount of water consumed during building construction.

Chronic water shortage is no news for a city like Bangalore. The past 5 years has seen Bangalore’s precious water sources depleting at an alarming rate.

An exponential growth in population, followed by the obvious rise in building construction to accommodate the growing population, has put an enormous stress on the city’s available ground water. The changing climatic conditions and effects of global warming, has resulted in a drastic seasonal difference in rainfall in the city; which means, ground water is depleting faster than it can be replenished naturally. It is estimated that an average of 27,000 liters of embodied water gets consumed for every square meter of built up area of a building. An average of 350 liters of water is consumed for every one meter of wall construction.

Generally, during construction, the maximum water usage occurs during:

• Preparation of sand, cement mortar
• Curing of walls before and after plastering

Taking this disturbing fact in to consideration, Wienerberger has come up with a simple solution that can help radically reduce water consumption during the construction phase of a building.

An average of 350 liters of water is consumed for every one meter of wall construction; Porotherm Dryfix.System removes the need of wet mortar and drastically reduces the requirement of water for any type of wall construction (infill masonry or partition walls as well as external walls).

The system also eliminates the need for curing, thus further leading to water savings. Considering the volume of construction in urban areas, saving water in pre-construction stage can give a huge relief to the city’s water crunch.

The other advantages of Porotherm Dryfix.System are:

Porotherm Dryfix.System comes along with Porotherm Grinded clay hollow bricks or Smart Bricks as a total solution. The bricks are a hallmark in precision technology resulting in exceptional dimensional uniformity that can reduce plaster thickness leading to huge savings for the builder.

• Dryfix.System is ready-to-use, mason-friendly, easy to transport and the fastest masonry system compared to any other
• Clean dry construction, with zero debris and absolutely zero wastage with very strong reliable bond
• No curing and no chasing, next construction activity on the wall can begin after 24 hours
• Porotherm Brick, which is a combined offering with Dryfix.System, is a natural, clay product, with inherent thermal insulation properties that promotes healthy and comfortable in-door living environment all year round

“Porotherm Dryfix.System, a dry mortar system, that can entirely replace the conventional mortar and help you build walls without the need for curing, thus saving precious natural resources like water and sand. The product is mason-friendly, saves time and enhances thermal protection. It is a revolutionary world-class system to build the perfect wall for your house,” Mr. Appaiah Monnanda, Managing Director, Wienerberger India.

About Wienerberger Group:

Wienerberger group is the world’s largest producer of clay (terracotta) building bricks and number one in the clay roof market in Europe. The group also holds leading positions in pavers in Europe. With over 204 factories across 30 countries, Wienerberger has become the foremost authority when it comes to natural, sustainable, green building material solution provider.

The thought of constructing a house itself is so exciting. Isn’t it? It is the time when you can turn those magazine house pictures mustered for years into reality. The beautiful house you’ve painted in your thoughts is the inspiration to make it happen. With all the inputs from family, friends, home décor magazines, online architectural information, etc., it is the time when you turn your dream house into reality.

You would have short-listed the architects and contractors for constructing houses. You would have also planned your budget according to the quotes from various architects and feedback from the experienced kith and kin. And you are ready to put your master plan into action. Are you?

You know what you want and what will work for you but do you have any idea of what you might not require and won’t work in your interest? Did you consider your plans of expanding family or kids leaving the nest? Have you thought about your lifestyle or the parties you throw often or guests staying back overnight, frequently?

Poor planning or cutting the corners decisions can be uncomfortable or even disastrous. However, with strategic planning and being informed about issues that might surface, you can save money, time and headache. Here are the 8  mistakes to avoid when constructing house so that in real you turn your dream into the home –

1. Having a budget but not a buffer

You have got the quotes from contractors, builders and architects on how much it would cost you to build a house with all your requirements. That’s great but are you prepared for the bounce in your budget in unforeseen situations? Your budget should include an extra cushion of funds for overage due to time-lapse, rise in wages, or other unexpected costs incurred. Start from stage-1 so that you don’t plan something that you can’t afford to build. Once your plan is ready either prepare for 10% extra (a general rule of thumb) funds or refrains from exhausting your entire budget by revamping your specifications and requirements so that you’ll still have some buffer.

2. Short term planning and not considering selling value

Do you want to age in this home or bring in your parents or aged folks? Are you a young couple planning to extend your family? Your house should grow with you accommodating your changing lifestyle and the needs of every person residing in the house.

Considering that you might want to sell your house eventually no matter how long you stay in the place, the house must bring a good return on investment. The longevity and interiors of the house, convenience of the location and its neighborhood along with the styling, all must be taken into account. Also, the materials used must be timeless in order to account for good selling value.

3. Buying ready-made plans and not customizing

Whether you are opting to buy your house plan, online,  based on the area of your plot or you are getting it done by an architect, it’s important for you to prioritize your requirements. Going for the design that is trending may seem to be a good idea but not compromising on your requirements and the budget is even better.

You might not be lucky enough to get an architect’s plan online with your preferences for the first time. But ask for revisions (which an ideal architect should be able to do as part of a package with no extra charge) and get it done to perfection till you are satisfied.

4. Poor space management, underused or overused

Having a big house doesn’t necessarily mean a functional one or having a small house doesn’t mean a congested one either. It all boils down to how well you utilize the existing space without compromising the actual living area.

Your storage space, be it wardrobes in bedrooms, a display unit in a living room, or a crockery cabinet in your dining room, everything needs to be well placed. You need to resolve any petty issues like that, in the design phase itself. You plan the positions of doors and windows accordingly without hindering either of them.

Though adding an extra room for office or recreational activities looks fancy. It can be used as a guest room or kids’ playroom or something else if required. It doesn’t become a dumping ground in the long run.

5. Neglecting the real issue of permits

Getting the green signal for constructing a house is time-consuming. If at all you have the option of assigning this job of pulling permits to your contractor then you’ll be rescued sooner than it’s otherwise done. This process may also include a series of inspections before getting approved. Another issue is dealing with government officials, which can also cost you time and money.

Keep your documents ready for moving things quickly. No-due-tax certificates for the land, attested approved layout papers, building plan approval, applications for electricity supply on-site for construction purposes, etc. must be kept ready in hand. You may also have to pay a stipulated fee for every aspect related to the approval of construction. But, whatever be the situation never jump-start your project in haste without right permits as it can lead to pausing of the constructing house or even fine you,  causing leakage in your budget.

6. Working with wrong builders or cheap contractors

You’ll be dealing with your builder for the next few months or even a year or so. You’ve to hand over your dream project into the hands of a stranger whom you trust to take care of it like a baby of his own! Your hard-earned money and your future livelihood are at stake. With so much to care about, you must make sure that the builder and the contractors are capable and reliable.

Ask your builder for photos of their work, talk to their previous clients, look for online reviews or better ask for a visit to the location. A real building stands like a testimony for their credibility before constructing the house.

7. Lack of involvement in deciding materials

Don’t stand passive and let your builder decide for you. Get yourself involved in the process of constructing a house. Decide on what goes into construction that is from the brand of concrete to bricks being used, tiles on the roof to the marble on the floor, and the wood for the furniture to the paints on walls. You should be involved in deciding everything in the construction of the house.

Take your decisions based on style, cost, the green concept house, the durability factor, and their maintenance over a period of time.

8. Little or no attention to landscaping and exteriors

Don’t just care for the inside of your house as there is a lot to do outside as well. Good exteriors can bring your house to life. Beautiful landscapes and colorful flowers can instantly brighten up the look of your house and leave a lasting first impression. Unique window shapes that are highlighted with contrasting colors and a hint of flowers grown in the baskets hung under the window can beautify the exterior without much effort.

Careful selection of colors for your exterior walls and a thoughtful front elevation can make your house light up with prosperity when constructing house. Plan ahead and visualize the beauty of your house by adding subtle but important features to finish off your exterior designing.

Who else can be a better judge when it comes to accessing your family needs and routines? Consider the advice from others and gather information provided by professionals. However, the ultimate choices and decisions should be yours. Constructing house can be once in a lifetime affair and you don’t want to ruin it by making mistakes. It can otherwise be easily, taken care of with little thinking and planning.