KeralaArchitect.com

Design of a Kerala Nalukettu

2009-12-07T12:03:00.024+04:00

Nalukettu is typically a rectangular structure where four halls are joined together with a central court yard open to the sky. The four halls on the sides are named Vadakkini (northern block), Padinjattini (western block), Kizhakkini (eastern block) and Thekkini (southern block).

The outer verandahs along the four sides of the Nalukettu are enclosed differently. While both the western and eastern verandahs are left open, the northern and southern verandahs are enclosed or semi-enclosed.

Designated Functions

The designated functions of the four halls are as follows- Kizhakkini is for prayer and pooja, Thekkini for keeping wealth and for human dwelling, Padinjattini for storage (crops and grains in the olden days) and Vadakkini for Kitchen.

Nadumuttom

The courtyard created at the centre by these four halls is auspicious and is called Nadumuttom or Ankanam. As the Ankanam is usually sunk it is also called Kuzhi(pit)-Ankanam. The protruding roofs of the four halls formed shady verandas and protected the rooms from direct sunlight, keeping them cool even on the hottest of days. The inner verandah around the Ankanam is open.

Advantages of the Nalukettu Design

In the Nalukettu design, all the rooms are open to a common court yard which helps the family to interact more often. The open courtyard provides natural ventilation as well as adequate lighting for the household, offering a healthier environment. Abundant sunlight falling inside the house through the open central courtyard acts as a natural disinfectant and limits the presence of bacteria and fungus inside the house. The inside open verandah with open court yard provides ample space for children for their activities.

Ettukettu and Pathinarukettu

For larger homes and wealthier families, there are more elaborate forms of the Nalukettu, called the Ettukettu (eight halled with two central courtyards) or Pathinarukettu (sixteen halled with four central courtyards).

Thachushasthram, or the Techniques of Carpentry and Traditional Vaastu, is the governing science in the architectural form of Nalukettu. This branch of knowledge was well developed in the traditional architecture of Kerala and has its own branch of literature under the titles- Tantrasamuchaya, Vastuvidya, Manushyalaya-Chandrika, and Silparatna.

Protect your Home

2009-11-30T05:19:00.012+04:00

Although Kerala has one of the lowest crime-rates among the States in India, our wealthy NRI homes sometimes fall prey to thieves and burglary, especially when the family is away. An important step in preventing burglary and increasing your home protection is making sure that your home is as secure as possible. Many homes are easy targets for burglaries without you even realizing it, especially new homes.

Simple everyday measures can be taken to increase your home security without even purchasing a security system. The following is a home protection checklist that hits on important security issues:

Burglars prefer to target empty residences

Piled up newspapers is a sign that you are not at home, so make sure you stop your newspapers when you go on vacation and have a neighbor pick up your mail. Although it is a bit difficult, it's a good idea to leave your drapes/curtains slightly open and set your television, radio, and lights on timers so it looks like someone is home. If you can, leave a car in your driveway, even if it's your relative's.

90% of all intruders choose not to enter a residence that is well lit

Be sure that you have lights installed around your home, particularly around your front door, driveway and rear porch or patio. Most intruders don't get the idea to break into your home until you give it to them.

Most burglars look for something worth stealing

Making valuables visible from outside the home, such as having bikes, tools and appliances visible from outside and your shades and curtains open to view home electronics and other valuable items. Be sure to put your home to bed at night by making sure all shades and curtains are closed and all points of entry are locked. It's also a good idea to get in the habit of locking first floor windows.

Burglars observe your daily behaviors

Regular routines give burglars an estimated amount of time to complete their job, which allows them to be more careful without getting caught. Try not to be too predictable with your daily schedule, come home earlier or leave late for work on some days. Everyone likes to have a spare key hidden, but choose your spot carefully. Avoid common spots like under the doormat, above doorways or anywhere close to the door.

Over 40% of home burglaries are termed by police as "no force" entries

Leaving your home with windows or doors unlocked or even open is an invitation for burglars to come in. You and your family have to practice and remind each other to always close and lock all doors and windows when leaving the house unattended for several hours.

Don't let them know who you are

It may go without saying, but it is worth repeating: a lost key with no address is worthless to a thief but it's like a treasure map if your address or name is on key.

If you have installed a Home security device like a burglar alarm, remember to lock the door and arm your security system. Locks and security alarms cannot provide home protection unless they are used properly.

As in many developed countries, you can also enlist the help of neighbors and start a neighborhood night watch in your place in Kerala. A neighborhood watch is a support group in which all neighbors in your community help each other by watching each other's homes. Neighborhood night watches are especially great for communities where there is a high crime rate or many elderly people who live around the area. A burglar will not be able to get away as quickly if he has more than one person keeping an eye out. In fact, having a neighborhood watch may be enough to deter an intruder all together.

Remember that your home is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. Most people only think about making their home secure after a burglary has occurred.

To determine how secure your home is, think like a robber. Below are a few points to consider in order preventing break-in.

How do thieves enter your house?

By picking the padlock/ grille using a screwdriver or any sharp object
By opening the window grill using a jack
By sawing/ cutting the padlock using a cutter
By entering through the roof (altering the roof tiles)
By entering through the ceiling after breaking it
By entering through open windows, doors or gates
By using duplicate/ master keys
By posing as bogus officers
By entering through an unoccupied neighbouring house or shop

How can you prevent house Break-Ins?

Install a door viewer at your main door and observe other safety precautions such as having your door chained with a padlock
Your exterior doors should be constructed of solid wood or metal for the most protection against break-ins
Leave your lights on when you are out so as to give the impression that there is someone at home
Have adequate lightings outside your house. Keep your front and back porch lights on (advise to be from 7:00pm to 7:00am)
Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your house while you are out
Ensure that all gates, doors and windows are locked before you go out or go to bed
Do not hide keys outside your premises. House breakers know all these hiding places
Equip your house with a security system
Ensure that your garden is clean – cut grass and trim bushes to eliminate hiding places

Creating a Home Theater

2009-11-28T15:42:00.019+04:00

In Kerala or elsewhere, most of us don't remember the last time we watched a movie in a theater. 24 hour channels and almost simultaneous DVD releases of movies have made it more comfortable for us to watch our favorite movies at home instead of having to queue up at a theater. Work pressure and other time constraints contribute to the decision of staying at home to watch a movie. This is why many modern home builders in Kerala opt for a theater experience at home- the Home Theater!

Home theater is difficult to define because in actuality it's really just a vague term for how you approach home entertainment. Generally speaking, a home theater system is a combination of electronic components designed to recreate the experience of watching a movie in a theater. The image and the sound, together with the right equipment, can create the ultimate home theater experience.

If you're looking to design a home theater system, you have a lot of decisions to make. First youʼll need to decide what room you want to install your home theater and how far you want to go. Turning a family room or flexible space into a media/TV room is a lot different than creating a fully functional home theater.

Once youʼve decided the level of home entertainment you want from your new home, then you can begin to select the necessary components to create your own personal home theater. What you choose for your home theater system will depend on how much money you are willing to allot to this space and how important certain areas of performance are to you. So whether you are planning on spending Rs.25000 or Rs.25,00,000 you should spend time understanding what each component does, so you can choose the right equipment to satisfy your audio and visual needs.

Basic Home Theater Components

The basic necessities to create your home theater are a 27-inch or larger television, movie playing device (DVD is recommended), speakers, a surround sound capable stereo receiver, all the cables and connectors and a high-quality surge protector. If you are building anew home, it is a good idea to spend a little extra money for better quality equipment. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Think of your home theater system as if it is a jigsaw puzzle. Many pieces fit together to complete the presentation. The pieces must be in the right places. With a home theater system, the pieces can be placed in many different positions to work together producing theater-like picture and realistic sound. If you know a little about each of the components, you will have an easier time deciding what you want.

The primary parts of a home theater system:

Television

With the television, the first thing that you are going to choose is the size and shape. For all the new movies in wide screen format, you will need a rectangular TV with a 16:9 ratio to view them in the original format. A traditional TV is square with a 4:3 ratio and will show the wide screen smaller with black screen above and below the movie. The best advice on the size you choose is the largest you can afford. 27 inches is probably the smallest you should accept.

The distance between the screen and where you sit to view it should be equal to about three times the screen size for optimal viewing. So for instance, you have a 40-inch TV, it should be ten feet (120 inches) from you for best viewing. With this in mind, it may be to your advantage to layout your floor plan in the room with the TV ahead of time.

Decide where the TV will be and where people will be sitting. Measure the distance and choose a TV size accordingly.

Projection TV - Front or Rear

Projection TVs work differently than conventional TVs. They form a small image on a device inside the projector, either a CRT or LCD, and then shine that image onto a large screen located elsewhere.

There are two types of projecting TVs - rear or reflective projection and front or transmissive projection. With a rear projection, the screen is located within the TV box itself. Light reflects off the projection display panel and is then projected onto the screen. On a front projection TV there is a separate screen which, allows for greater size that sends the picture across the room to a screen, much like a traditional movie projector.

Both systems have four basic parts -a projector, screen (separate or built-in), control panel (separate or built-in) and a sound system (separate or built-in).

Most rear projection TVs for home theater systems tend to look like very large- screen (up to 80-inches) conventional televisions. Each one is basically a large box that contains all of the above parts, while front projection TVs are spread out across your room in four components. Cost for either system starts around Rs.75,000 and escalate to well over Rs.25,00,000 (for a front projection TV).

Plasma/LCD

Plasma and LCD TVs are the newest television technologies. They have excellent picture quality. Plasma TVs have larger screens, better viewing angles, superior image refresh rates, and lower costs. They are a perfect choice for home theaters.

LCD TVs are rapidly improving, but still have problems such as ghosting trails on fast moving images, small screens, and higher costs. However, they do have longer life spans, lower weight, lower power consumption, and no burn-in risk.

HDTV (High Definition Television)

High-definition televisions carry a more detailed image with a digital signal, which is encoded with surround sound information. All of the televisions mentioned before are available in HDTV. Some of them might require a separate HDTV decoding tuner though. These televisions can be viewed much closer than ones that do not have high definition because they have such a high resolution. These TVs will become necessary in the future because the FCC now requires television programming to be broadcast in digital format.

Screen

The screen is what you are actually viewing your home theater on. There are different materials used to make these screens by the manufacturers. Most are matte-finished screens or acetate sheets with complex technologies to improve brightness and clarity. Knowing which type of screen you want will clear up a lot of issues before you make the purchase and bring it home.

Receivers

The receiver is basically the brain in most home theater systems. All of the audio comes together here. The receiver decodes signals from the inputs (DVD player, satellite dish, cable television) and routes them to the proper outputs (television and speakers). A good receiver has inputs and outputs, a built-in timer, surround sound capabilities, built-in amplifiers and equalizers. Prices range from Rs.50,000 to Rs.2,50,000. Be sure that the receiver you choose has at least 100 continuous watts per channel and enough outputs for all of your speakers.

Amplifiers

Pre-amp and power amps can be bought separately, but most receivers come with them. The pre-amp equalizes the audio signal while the power amp boosts it. Purchasing them separately allows you the ability to fine-tune and upgrade individual speakers. You are more able to get superior sound at high volumes this way, but the extra cost can range Rs.50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 per unit.

Controller

A controller replaces the receiver in a state-of-the-art home theater. What the controller will do that a receiver will not is control both the audio and the video. You will need a separate tuner for radio stations if you use a controller.

CD Player

To listen to your favorite music, you will need a good quality CD player. They can be purchased in a one player or a two-piece players, where the unit that houses and spins the discs is separate from the DAP (Digital Audio Processor) where the disc information is processed. Since the DAP can be used with other components, you will get more usage if you use separate components. The DAP has several input and output jacks.

DVD Player

One of the most popular parts of the home theater system is the DVD Player. DVD's (Digital Versatile Discs) are a versatile multimedia platform for music, movies, and computers. They have better picture quality and most have Dolby Digital or DTS sound that you like at the theater. Most DVD movies have an on-screen menu to watch certain parts, learn about the movie, and more very quickly. High-end players are usually compatible with audio CDs and equipped with viewing options in letterbox for wide screen TVs and standard.

VCR

VCRs still remain very popular because of the ability to record. They do not have the wide screen or surround sound capabilities though. The tapes will also eventually wear out.

DSS RECEIVER

The DSS (Digital Satellite System) is not like the satellite dish of yesterday. It is much smaller and more technically advanced. The signals they receive are much better giving superior imaging like laser disc players with CD quality sound. It is easy to set them up and tune them in. They can handle six-channel surround sound and high definition television. The monthly cost is about the same as cable.

Speakers

Sound is half of the experience of the home theater system. You should try to get the best speakers possible. They should be capable of reproducing a wide range of frequencies without distortion. Listen to the speakers before you purchase them. Follow the rule that no two speakers sound alike, so choose by personal preference.

Your home theater should have six speakers or more to create the best sound. These should include left, right, and center speakers across the front. There should be a couple of surrounds and a subwoofer or bass for the low, loud vibration feel.

Cables and Interconnects

As unimportant as it may seem, cables and interconnects can be the difference between a good and a great system. This is true no matter what type of system you choose. Unrestricted flow of the output through the cables is important. If the cables are not the right quality or type, they will not allow this. Select heavy gauge cables and gold plated connectors.

If you are concerned about the appearance of these cables, go with a flat speaker wire. They are as thin as a credit card yet flexible enough to make corners. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings. You can wallpaper or paint right over them.

Remote Control

Try to buy a universal remote control to avoid clutter and confusion. Pretty much every piece of electronic equipment comes with a remote now, and after a while there are so many you can't keep track. Universal remotes are pre-programmed to control many devices by many different manufacturers. They come with easy to follow instructions so setup is quick and easy. A remote with an illuminated keypad or backlight is the best option. If you have equipment that is in a closed cabinet, choose a remote that is radio frequency-capable.

All-in-one systems

If it is easier for you to choose a package system than trying to sort out and purchase all the components you need separately, there are all-in-one home-theater-in-a-box packages available. These can cost anywhere from Rs.15,000 to Rs.1,50,000. You should get pretty much everything you need for a basic setup. Most are relatively easy to setup and install, but know that most will not allow upgrades or integration in the future

Tips for setting up the system

The important thing to remember when you start with your home theater is that you want it to feel as close to a real movie cinema experience as possible. Put the system front and center at eye level, rather than off to the side. Sound travels better from the speakers if they are mounted on a wall or set on stands, not on top of bookshelves or cabinets. The three front speakers should be aligned with the television screen and the two in the rear should be one on each side of the listener just a little above ear level.

If you must stack the equipment, leave a minimum of 8 inches between them and the wall to allow for ventilation and easy installation. The receivers will create the most heat so put them on top of the stack or better yet, on their own shelf.

Power cords can cause interference and decreased signal quality for cables and wires. Don't bundle your wires and cables or place them close to the power cords. A notable tip, test your speakers before you trim the speaker wire to avoid cutting them to short and finding that you don't like the sound and have to move them.

Hiding speakers in the ceiling and walls is a great idea in most rooms, but in a home theater, you may want to keep the speakers away from those surfaces. In a home theater freestanding speakers that stand on the floor and are housed in their own cabinets or box enclosures are the best option, because this type of speaker is specifically tuned to its enclosure and produces a better sound quality than other types of speakers. The only drawback to freestanding speakers is that they take up additional space. In new construction, you can have your contractor/designer build the speakers into the design of the room.

For example, they can be contained inside architectural details such as columns and prosceniums, or they can be placed behind walls that have been covered with acoustical fabric.

Modifying existing rooms into a Home Theater

Tips for odd-shaped rooms

Since not everyone's entertainment room has the ideal layout for a home theater system, we've come up with a few tips to help you deal with odd-shaped rooms.

If your room accommodates it, try to make sure your listening position is somewhere in the middle of the room (i.e. away from the back wall) to improve the front soundstage and help the surround speakers work better.
Position the main speakers so that they fire into the length of the room, rather than the width.
If you want the best surround effects, place the surround speakers on floor-stands. You'll want them to be at roughly equal distances from your listening position.
If stands aren't an option, you can also wall-mount your surround speakers. You can even mount them to a joist in the ceiling, if you've got a ceiling-mount bracket, though your speakers might not sound their best when placed that high. Again, you'll want your surrounds to be roughly equal distances from your listening position.
For a really clean look, try in-wall or in-ceiling surrounds. Check out our placement guidelines for these types of speakers, or watch our short in-wall speaker installation video to get an idea of what's involved.
If you have to place the rear speakers at different distances from your listening position, then you can use the speaker levels in your receiver to help compensate for that difference, or rely on your receiver's auto-calibration to handle that for you. It'll work best if the difference in distance is 5 feet or less.
You can also adjust speaker levels to compensate for differences in distance between your front left and right speakers. However, we recommend you try and place them equidistant from your listening position, or within a few inches of that, whenever possible. You'll notice more subtle differences in volume and timing in the front soundstage than you will in the back.

Below we've come up with a few simple diagrams so that you can see our tips in action.

Window in a bad place

Here we moved the speaker to the back to avoid a window. You'd probably need to increase the left surround speaker's levels on your receiver to compensate. Alternatively, you could mount the speaker higher up, above the window.

Door in a bad place

Here we moved the speaker to the back to avoid a door. Again, you'd probably need to increase the right surround speaker's levels on your receiver to compensate. You could also mount the left speaker further back, so that the two speakers are equal distances from your listening position.

Diamond layout

Here we placed the listening position in the middle of the room, so the front speakers fire lengthwise into the room. We also mounted the surround speakers in the corners of the room, at equal distances from the listening area.

Open floor plan

Again, we placed the listening position in the middle of the room with the front speakers firing lengthwise into the room, and the surround speakers mounted on the side walls at equal distances from the listening area.

L-shaped room

In this L-shaped plan, we chose a space clear of doors and windows, and placed the listening position in the middle. The front speakers are firing lengthwise into the space, with the surround speakers mounted on the side walls at equal distance from the listening area.

Painting your home

2009-11-14T05:19:00.009+04:00

When it comes to designing the interior of your home, a key element is choosing the right colour scheme for each room in your home. When you plan on painting the walls and ceilings in your new home, it would be very helpful to brush up on some basic information about colours.

We all know that colours are made up of three primary colours or hues, in various combinations — red, blue and green. We also know that secondary colours are made up from mixing these primary colours. What makes our world so colourful are the tints, tones, values and shades of the basic key hues.

Given below are some terms used regarding colours in Home Painting:

• Hue is another word for colour.

• Tint means the pure colour mixed with white. For example, red mixed with white produces different kinds of reds and pinks.

• Tone of a colour means that the pure colour is mixed with grey.

• Value of a colour means the lightness and darkness of a shade achieved by the sheer or deeper application of the colour.

• Shade of a colour means that the pure colour is mixed with black.

When it comes time to painting your walls and ceilings or deciding on a colour scheme for your home décor, it is always helpful to collect chips and swatches of your favorite colours and mix and match until you decide what colours look good together. Home furnishings are a great way to add colour and texture to your home and can be moved easily too.

Choosing the right colour scheme?

Colour scheme helps you create harmony between colours in your home décor. A colour wheel can be quite useful in deciding a colour scheme for your home because it allows you to compare complimentary colours. There are also plenty of interactive colour wheel tools and software available online for you to use. The use of a colour wheel makes choosing the combination of colours for painting your walls, accents, furnishings, furniture and accessories much easier.

Here are some tips that you can use to help you decide the right colour scheme for your home:

• Monochromatic colour scheme uses only one colour throughout. Variety is introduced by using various tints, tones, values and shades of that key colour and different textures.

• Complimentary colour scheme uses two colours placed opposite to each other on the colour wheel, their tints, tones, shades and values such as yellow and violet. This scheme is quite bold and lend a dramatic touch to the home décor.

• Analogous colour schemes use three hues placed adjacent to each other on the colour wheel but use either combination of warm colours only or combination of cool colours only.

• Triadic colour schemes use three hues placed consecutively or at equal distances from each other such as red, yellow and blue, their tints, tones, shades and values.

• Keep in mind when choosing your colour scheme that white and pale colours reflect light to make a room appear larger and dark colours make a room appear cozier and smaller.

Bathroom Layouts

2009-11-05T03:55:00.028+04:00

There are three basic layouts for bathrooms-

a. One-wall Layout

b. Two-wall Layout

c. Three-wall Layout

The layout depends on how the three elements of a bathroom are placed within- the wash basin, the toilet/water closet and the shower/bath-tub.

One-wall layout.

One-wall baths have the toilet, basin, and combination shower/tub plumbing aligned along one wall, making for a relatively long, narrow bathroom. One-wall layouts are often used where the simplest solution is to cut off the "end" of a long room and dedicate it to bath fixtures. You may find extra fixtures, such as a bidet, a separate tub, and a separate shower in a one-wall bath, but it's not common.

Two-wall layout.

Two-wall baths usually have the toilet and basin on one wall and the shower/tub combo (or separate shower and tub) on the other. You might also find the toilet on one wall and the shower/tub and the sink on the other, depending on the length of each wall. A two-wall layout offers a desirable sense of enclosure, but care must be taken to ensure that fixtures are placed far enough from each other and from the door for safety and comfortable use.

Three-wall layout.

A three-wall layout, with the toilet on one wall, basin on another, and combination shower/tub on the third, is a space-conserving solution that can put every fixture within a step of the others. It is also the layout usually used in a master bath with numerous extra fixtures such as a bidet, more than one basin, and a separate tub and shower. If you have to remodel your bath in the future and want to install a number of new upgrades, a room that is already plumbed in the three-wall layout may be the easiest to work with.

How to Save Money on Bathroom Materials

Bathroom fixtures and materials have a wide range of price-range. In many cases, you can use your creativity to mimic the expensive features at a lesser cost. Given below are a few examples:

High-end fixtures and fittings.

You can't turn a standard tub into a jacuzzi for four or make a gravity-assist toilet work like a pressure-assist model, but you can find fixtures that mimic the look of costlier designs. Traditionally styled fixtures and fittings are widely available at all price points, so look carefully at the high-priced models, and then seek out the more affordable looks in the same general style. Contemporary innovations, such as one-piece elongated-bowl toilets, are harder to replicate at modest prices, but you can skimp elsewhere if you can't do without them.

Marble/Granite vanity countertops.

Marble/Granite slabs are the top-of-the-line choice, but as with diamonds, it's finding one large, intact piece that's so costly. You can get the same look for less if you opt for large marble tiles set flush to each other. For even less, you can choose "cultured" marble, which is marble dust bonded into a solid slab, or, for still less, select a laminate countertop with a faux- marble pattern.

Handmade, custom-colored, imported ceramic wall tiles.

If they're too costly to use throughout the wall, use them in tile borders and accents. Choose a compatible plain tile for most of the installation, and save the custom pieces for eye- level areas such as the backsplash or a border around a window.

Luxury flooring.

Marble flooring may be out of reach, but ceramic tiles with a faux-marble look or handsome vinyl flooring are good-looking, affordable alternatives.

Custom cabinetry.

Many vanity and storage cabinets come in such a wide array of stock sizes and shapes that they assure a virtually custom fit, so use stock/modular cabinets wherever you can. If your budget says irul or anjili but your heart says teak or mahogany, you may prefer to paint rather than stain your cabinets to disguise the more prominent grains of the lower-cost woods.

Bottom line: Whatever the look you like, you can probably find similar looks within your budget.

Everything about Kitchen Cabinets

2009-10-31T05:43:00.020+04:00

Cabinets are the key ingredient in any kitchen layout. They will influence the look and feel of the kitchen, which is the heart of your home, more than anything else because it is the most visible part of the kitchen. Picking the right style of kitchen cabinets is essential in creating your kitchen's personality. This article helps you in choosing the right type of cabinet design.

What are Stock, Semi-Custom and Custom Cabinets?

'Stock', 'Semi-Custom' and 'Custom Cabinets' are terms that denote the type of production method used to make the cabinet.

Simply put, stock cabinets are mass-produced, semi-custom are stock cabinets that can be slightly altered and custom cabinets are built to order to meet individual needs and specifications. All three varieties are available in framed (a box with a frame surrounding the front edge) and frameless (a box with no face frame) construction. With the amount of styles, materials, brand names, accessories and hardware in the market, the price can greatly vary.

Stock Cabinets

These are the economical cabinets, because they are produced in large quantities on a mass production scale. Cabinet manufacturers, dealers and home improvement centers stock pile large quantities of cabinet parts so cabinets can be assembled quickly. Stock cabinet manufacturers have greatly improved and expanded its product line to include a large variety of sizes, shapes, styles, wood species and finishes.

The drawback to using stock cabinets is that you cannot make any modifications, so what you see is what you get. You may also have to use filler materials to fill up any changes in size during fitting. Stock cabinets still remain the most popular choice because they're affordable and readily available.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets are a stock line of cabinets where simple modifications will be made at the time of production. Semi-custom also offers you more choices when it comes to style, construction materials and colors. You can be a little more creative when going semi-custom by choosing some unique built-ins like pullout bins, matching interiors and inverted frames. Be sure to ask the manufacturer about the options available. Be thorough with semi-custom designs because changes can be very expensive and increase delivery time (which is usually a month or more) and they may not be returnable if they don't fit.

Custom Cabinets

The word custom in the case of Kitchen cabinets does not mean that you will be able to draw a design and have it made to your specifications, because that is hard to find and very costly. In the world of Kitchen cabinets, custom can mean anything from slight modifications to elaborate add-ons. Most manufacturers start out with a basic product line offering cabinets in standard sizes and customize from there. The big difference between a semi-custom and a custom manufacturer is the number of changes they are willing to make to their product lines. Most manufacturers offer a large selection of finish options, trims and storage configurations and accessories. You will have to be patient if you order for custom cabinets because it can take 3 months or longer before your cabinets are delivered; and in many cases payment in full is required when the order is placed.

Cabinet Doors

Be sure that your countertops, flooring, and other design elements complement the cabinets you choose. The first thing you need to decide is the material you want to use and how you want to finish it off. Their style, color, and decoration will contribute most to your cabinets' overall look.

Wood

Wood doors remain the most popular choice, not just because they're so plentiful but because they're durable, beautiful and versatile. The top woods in Kerala are teak and mahogany. You can decide on what natural wood to choose by the kind of wood grain and color you like.

Shaping The Door - Slab, Raised and Recessed Panels

When it comes to deciding the shape of your cabinet doors you can choose flat, raised or recessed in a pattern that can be plain and simple or intricately carved.

Slab is a flat door style that gives the appearance of a solid piece of wood with no raised or recessed profile. They're usually made out of several pieces of sawn timber and joined with an adhesive. If you opt for laminate slab you'll get a door made of plywood or MDF panels and then covered with laminate.

The best way to understand the look of a recessed panel is to think of a picture frame with a flat panel. The frame can be attached to the panel by using a cope and pattern joint. These panels are easy to decorate and popular when made with a groove.

A raised panel is constructed in the same manner as a recessed panel except it is given an edge by cutting it dimensionally and then routing or shaping the desired edge profile, like square or arched.

Finishes

Due to modern hi-tech finishing techniques used by cabinet manufacturers, cleaning your cabinets is no longer a major household task.

By using polyurethane finishes, your cabinets should only require a good dusting or wiping. Think about durability, when you choose your finish, because a clear finish will show the natural changes in wood over time, while staining the wood in its natural color will lock that shade in forever.

The interior of cabinets

Always keep in mind that the primary purpose of Kitchen cabinets is storage. After deciding on the Kitchen cabinet appearance and material, it is time to get practical and decide about what is inside the cabinet. After all, a cabinet is a storage box...and the quality of the cabinet lies in the construction of the box and not the door. The majority of cabinet manufacturers offer several different levels of prices based on quality.

Your storage area is usually combined of a series of individual cabinets, joined together side-by-side. Cabinets that are on the floor (base cabinets) are covered with a countertop, and may have all drawers, doors, shelves, pull-outs or a combination of these.

Kitchen sinks usually have doors, but no shelves or drawers, leaving the interior space open for the sink and plumbing.

Wall cabinets offer storage above countertops and appliances using shelves. The panels (sides) that make up the cabinet need to have enough strength and structural integrity to keep it stable. In the base cabinet, the side panels support the full weight of the cabinet on the floor in framed cabinets.

Solid wood is rarely used for cabinet panels. This is because solid wood tends to warp over time when exposed to moisture. Engineered wood, particle board, furniture-grade flakeboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood are more stable than solid wood, and are used in majority of cabinets.

To help make the panels more water-resistant and durable they are usually treated with special chemicals. All of these material have an excellent reputation for durability and screw-holding power, especially plywood. So before you make you're final decision, be sure to look at the quality of its panels.

It may not sound like a big deal now, but when you start washing dishes or preparing a meal you'll want to know that your toekick board was installed properly. The toekick is a recessed area at the front of the cabinet near the floor that allows you to stand close to the counter. It also adds support to the cabinet floor and keeps unwanted insects from getting inside of the cabinets.

Drawers

The cabinet drawers are usually made of solid wood or MDF, have framed or flat slab fronts and be held together by dovetail, mortise-and tenon or butt joints. Always go for bigger drawers, because that is usually the first place where storage space is never enough. A top drawer should be able to support at least 30 kilograms.

Charupadi- Functional & Aesthetic Seating Area

2009-10-22T11:50:00.010+04:00

Traditionally, houses in Kerala had the charupadi, a built-in wooden seat running around an extended porch or balcony called the Poomukhom facing the entrance.

Meeting Place

In olden days, the elders of the family used the charupadi as an informal meeting place to interact with the household and outsiders. The design of the seating offered both privacy and the facility for public interaction.

Typically, the charupadi is a wooden structure with a flat base and a contoured backrest with horizontal wooden slats to let in air and light. The structure is mounted on the base of the building and often juts out to save space. The flat base also acts as a bench to put up one's feet or take a mid-noon nap.

There were two types of charupadi, one with a full-length backrest extending up to the ceiling and the other with a halfback. The curved supporting columns often bore elaborate carvings, loudly proclaiming the family's stature in society. The popular designs bore the shape of a horse or a peacock.

Functional Purpose

The more decorative designs were found in palaces and Amma Veedus dating back to the Travancore era. While the halfback charupadis were usually constructed with the men in mind, the ones with full-length backrest were used on the upper floors to offer the women of the household an exterior view without being seen from the outside.

Both in terms of architectural style and functionality, the charupadi served a purpose. It was located in a major activity centre in the house where people would gather, exchange ideas or settle the day's accounts with caretakers. It offered a facility for the family members to read, listen to music or just indulge in thought. Because of the proximity to the garden, it offered an environment in harmony with nature.

The Revival

The revival of traditional architecture has seen the charupadi make a comeback in recent times. Quite a number of new houses in the city today sport the wooden built-in seats on the verandah or balcony. Designers have made good use of their skills to blend the traditional component with modern style.

Quite a number of house owners prefer the charupadi for the simple reason that it removes the need to purchase furniture for the verandah. This also makes it a practical idea for public buildings and offices where people turn up in large numbers. Designing the seats in ferrocement can drive down the cost by up to 30 per cent while enhancing durability.

Proportionality is key to the design of a charupadi. A disproportionate charupadi could spoil the looks of the building. The profile of the structure has to be designed so that the backrest offers the right amount of support. The contoured shape has to fit the shape of the body for maximum seating comfort.

Inside a house, the charupadi is usually constructed all around the inner courtyard to offer full seating in the living room.

Typically, it is designed as an overhang jutting out into the courtyard so that the occupants can enjoy natural light and air. Because of its durability, teak is the most preferred material for a charupadi but other species of country wood are also used. The seating base forming the frame is first mounted on the concrete basement and reapers are nailed to the columns to make the backrest.

Designing and carving a charupadi requires the services of skilled craftsmen.

Types of Windows

2009-10-14T13:48:00.025+04:00

The decision of what kind of windows to use on your new house will be one of the most important decisions you will make. Windows add warmth, beauty and light to your home. Since windows are one of the most visible features of your home from both the inside and out, you'll want to make a wise and practical choice. Most people spend 10 to 15 percent of their home building budget on windows and doors.

Window Configurations

Windows make a big impression on how your home is looked at - from the inside and out. Your windows should fit in with the overall style of your house and they should make you house look inviting. How you create that look depends on personal taste. Some people like lots of large windows, while other people are more conservative and opt for smaller windows. No matter what size, style or quantity of windows you choose it's important to remember that the view you see from your home is a powerful one - one that controls the ambiance of the room you are in.

Besides size, color and shape, when selecting windows you will also need to decide the window's configuration - in simple terms, how, or if, it opens and closes. There's no one "right" choice, and each has certain advantages and disadvantages but certain areas do lend themselves for easier opening and closing options.

Fixed Windows

A fixed window, also called a picture window, doesn't swing, tilt or glide. Its sash is permanently fixed to a frame, so if you're looking to let some fresh air in - fixed aren't the way to go. Fixed are often flanked by double-hung windows or casements or set above or below an awning or hopper.

From an architectural standpoint - you can get fixed windows in a variety of shapes, including, round, half-round, diamond, trapezoid and custom to enhance the face of your home. These windows won't throw your budget off too much because they're the least expensive style and very energy efficient.

Casement Windows

A casement window, often used in traditional homes, opens like a door with hinges on one side and the lock and handle on the other. Casement windows open outward by using a crank handle and allow the entire window surface to be opened.

On the down side, they are typically one of the more expensive types of windows, and the outward opening pane can present a potential hazard on lower-floor windows. Casement windows are most popular above a kitchen sink, where you don't want to lean forward and lift a window to open it.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged on the top and open out from the bottom - like a door that's been turned on its side - with the latch on the side opposite the hinges. These windows are often seen in contemporary-style homes. They provide minimal ventilation (and a nice look) under large, fixed-pane picture windows.

Awning windows open out to an angle of about 30 degrees, which allows you to keep it open on rainy (not rainy and windy) days.

Sliding Windows

Perhaps the most common of the operable window configurations is the sliding window, which consists of one fixed pane of glass that is half the width of the window and a second, movable pane of glass of equal size that slides horizontally across to the inside of the fixed pane. In larger sliding windows - typically those over about 8 feet in width - there will be a fixed pane in the middle combined with one sliding pane on either side that move horizontally toward the window's center. Sliding windows are typically the most economical configuration. They have a handle and lock in the center or along one edge, along with a secondary security ventilation lock that allows you to open the window about 2 inches and then lock it in that position.

Sliding windows are designated by which side opens, as viewed from the outside. "X" is used to designate the sliding portion of the window, and "O" for the fixed portion. Therefore an "X-O" window - the most common - will have the left side operable and the right side fixed. A large window with a fixed center pane and two side sliders would be an "X-O-X."

Double-Hung and Single-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows open vertically, and both panes are operable - the lower pane moves up and rests inside the upper pane, and the upper pane moves down to the outside of the lower one.

Double hung windows offer more ventilation options because you can let air in from both the top or bottom of the window, and are also one of the more traditional styles of window in European houses although they are not common in Kerala.

Single-hung windows, which duplicate the look of the double-hung at a lower cost, have an operable bottom pane that moves up and rests inside the fixed upper pane. Both styles have a center handle and lock, and some also have a security ventilation lock.

And added feature to consider is a tilt-wash version of a double-hung window, so you'll never have to go outside to wash your windows. Instead, the windows come to you.

Bay and Bow Windows

Bay windows are a combination of three or more windows that angle out from the house. The center unit is parallel to the house, while the side units sit at an angle (if the angles are squared it's called a box bay).

There's also small box bay windows with a glass top that are called garden bay windows and usually are used in the kitchen.

Bow windows are multiple windows that curve gradually rather than forming angles.

Hopper Windows

These windows are like awning windows in reverse - they're hinged on the bottom and swing in.

Hoppers are typically used in basements or high up on a wall over a large, fixed-pane window.

Indoor & Outdoor Lighting Design in Kerala

2009-10-06T04:07:00.044+04:00

One of the most important elements in home interior decorating is home lighting. Being a tropical climate, Kerala homes can make efficient use of the abundant sunlight available, and have a home-lighting scheme that can complement it. Lighting is instrumental in setting the mood of any room.

When deciding what lighting to use in your new home think about how each room will be used. This will allow you to choose fixtures that fit your style, budget, enhance your architectural features and are energy efficient and functional. To ensure you create the right effect in every room, you should understand the four basic types of home lighting.

The Four Basic Types of Home Lighting

Ambient lighting or general lighting illuminates the whole room. It is a good idea to install a dimmer with your track and recessed lights so that you have the flexibility to adjust the brightness. Examples of ambient lighting are recessed downlights, cove lighting, soffit lighting, valance lighting, wall light, sconces, surface-mounted lights, pendant lights, track lights, chandeliers, under-cabinet lights and portable fixtures.

Task lighting provides sufficient light to help you perform the task at hand, for example cooking, office/school work, reading, grooming, etc. Task lighting should be glare free and it should make things easy to see without tiring or straining your eyes. Examples of task lighting are valance lighting, recessed lighting, pendant lights, under-cabinet lights and portable fixtures.

Accent lighting is focused lighting that is used to illuminate an object in your home like a sculpture, piece of art, or architectural element. Accent lighting is about three times as bright as ambient lighting. Examples of accent lighting are wall washers, sconces, track lights and under-cabinet lights.

Natural lighting comes through windows, doors, and skylights and depending on the time of day, season, or weather, it can vary in brightness and intensity.

Some general design trends to keep in mind to help you choose the right type of lighting for every room in your home.

Since the average home has increased in size, particularly with design elements like high ceilings, open floor plans and expanded kitchen and bath areas be sure the fixtures you choose are large enough to handle the task at hand.
You may need more lighting and larger fixtures, but you don't need to add to your electric bill — use compact-fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LEDs (light-emitting diodes), dimmer switches and whole-house control systems.
To accommodate the trend in high ceilings, manufactures are now designing floor lamps that are nine or ten feet high — the standard size is eight feet.
Consumers are moving away from the plastic and resin look and opting for Old World-styling look with brass and copper fixtures.
A big trend to brighten up task areas is using recessed lighting, under-cabinet lights, mini pendants and island lighting.
As more and more homeowners look to enhance their outdoor living space, lighting is becoming a key element in enjoying their decks, patios, balconies, outdoor kitchens and pools. The selection for outdoor lighting is as stylish and functional as indoor lighting.

Lighting an Energy-efficient Kerala home

When you construct a new, energy-efficient house in Kerala, you'll need to consider lighting as part of your whole-house design — inside and out. Since you're most likely purchasing all new lighting fixtures, it is a good idea to install compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). These fixtures are a great choice for accent and ambient lighting, because they achieve the same light quality of traditional filament light bulbs (incandescent lamps) but at a much greater savings.

When it comes to designing your indoor lighting for energy efficiency, you will want to consider some basic design principles and methods.

Remember that more light is not necessarily better and that quality really matters, especially with task and ambient lighting.
Match the amount and quality of light to the performed function.
Install task lights where needed and reduce ambient light elsewhere.Use energy-efficient lighting components, controls, and systems.
Maximize the use of natural light.

A proper balance of task and ambient lighting has to be maintained.

Here are some easy ways to achieve energy-efficient indoor lighting:

Install fluorescent light fixtures for all ceiling and wall-mounted fixtures that will be on for more than two hours each day. These often include high-usage areas like the kitchen and living room, bathrooms, halls, bedrooms, and other higher-demand locations.
Install compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in incandescent fixtures, so that the fluorescent bulbs can be used for the life of your home.
Use occupancy sensors for automatically turning on and off your lights as needed and dimmers to control the amount of light you need.
Consider light wall colors to minimize the need for artificial lighting.

Outdoor Lighting

When it comes time to designing your outdoor lighting, you'll need to consider the purpose of the lighting along with the basic methods for achieving energy efficiency. Generally speaking, outdoor lighting serves one or more purposes, which include aesthetics to illuminate your home's exterior and landscape, security near your home's entranceway and driveway and utility to illuminate your car porch, veranda, garden, deck and/or driveway.

Here are some easy ways to achieve energy-efficient outdoor lighting:

Security and utility lighting does not need to be bright to be effective.
Consider incandescent floodlights with combined photo sensors and motion sensors in the place of other security lighting options.
Make sure your outdoor light fixtures have reflectors, deflectors, or covers to make more efficient use of the light source and keep them from getting weathered.
Use timers and other controls to turn decorative lighting on and off.
To line a driveway or pathway or outline a pool or patio, use outdoor solar lighting.

Employing a Lighting designer in Kerala

In Kerala cities like Kochi, Trivandrum & Calicut, and also in many towns, companies that sell Electrical and Lighting fixtures, also provide professional Lighting designers to create the best Lighting scheme for your residence. Lighting design is one of the most important aspect of your home's interior and exterior spaces.

It is especially important to work with a competent lighting designer when building a new home, because every aspect of lighting design, from installing electrical wiring to hanging fixtures is a lot easier and cost effective during the early stages of home construction. A good lighting professional will be able to offer valuable and innovative ideas that can be incorporated into the structural design of your home. Together you can create a custom lighting plan that meets your tastes, décor, personal habits, budget and compliments your home's living spaces.

Most importantly, make sure your lighting plan is functional, because a good lighting design isn't worth the expense if it's more difficult to operate than it is to enjoy and utilize. By working with a lighting professional you'll end up with a sound lighting plan that will pay off in satisfaction and convenience for years to come.

Modern Roof Design in Kerala

2009-06-02T11:41:00.010+04:00

In recent years we have seen a preference of Sloping Roof laid with Clay Tiles in Kerala. This has been the style of roofing we had throughout our Architectural History. But, during the late 1970s, with the advent of concrete roofing, many houses were constructed with Flat roofs, which, as years passed, was found to be ill-suited for Kerala Climatic condition due to the following reasons-

Being Perpendicular to the Mid-Noon Sun Rays, heat easily penetrated into the house making the interiors very hot.
Flat roofs made it difficult for Rain water to easily drain away from the roof, causing stagnant water that caused the concrete to weather and corrode.

So, in late 1990s, we saw the return of the Sloping Roof adapted to the new Construction Method- Tiled Roof Over Concrete Slabs.

The most essential feature of any roof is dependability, since it must keep the weather out and keep the inside of your home comfortable through every season. A good roof should also provide a barrier against fire, protect the inside of your home from excess heat and provide aesthetic appeal.

Designing and selecting the right sustainable roof depends largely on the climate where you'll be building your new home, since not every roof will suit every climate. If your cooling needs are greater than your heating needs, like in the hilly regions of Wayanad or Idukki, you'll want to make sure your roof is a light color to reflect the sun's heat and reduce the energy costs of heating equipments. Correctly installed roof vents will ensure good air circulation, critical to reducing heat build-up and eliminating interior moisture problems. This used to be a prominent feature in Traditional Kerala homes.
New Roofing Materials:

Nowadays, we see materials other than Cocrete & Terracotta tiles used for constructing the Roof. One of the innovative entrants is the Aluminium Composite roof which has many advanced properties like superior Heat Insulation, Durability and comes in various Glossy finishes. It is advantageous in terms of sustainability, particularly because it contains a large portion of recycled material and can be recycled indefinitely.

Steel, copper, and aluminum roofing are durable materials, fireproof, and lightweight, making them an especially good choice in fire prone areas and in earthquake zones where heavy roofs are a liability.

Here are some "green" considerations for commonly used roofing materials:

Durability: The longer it lasts, the less waste.
Weight: Heavier materials require a stronger underlying structure, which usually means increased use of resources.
Rainwater collection: Is the rainwater safe to use?
Manufacturing: Does the roofing manufacturer use green practices and materials to produce the roofing products?
Recycling: Can the material be reused or recycled after its lifespan is over?

When considering a new roof, the two key dimensions you should think about are the material and the color. A high performance roofing material will help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Your roofing material is the final layer of protection from the outdoor elements and from indoor heat loss. When deciding what's green and what's not, you should consider several aspects of a given material. These include the raw material source and composition, durability / life cycle, maintenance, and disposal.

The color of the roof:

It should be no surprise that a light colored roof reflects heat and a dark roof absorbs it. Light colored roofs are roofing materials that have a high solar reflectance rate and thus help to reduce outdoor temperatures and reduce heat transferred into a house. If you live in a heating-dominated climate outside of the city, dark roofs may be the way to go since they will capture more of the sun's energy during cold weather. So, it is advisable to use light colored roofs in Kerala's hot coastal plains and dark colored roofs in the cold hilly regions.

Designing an Eco-friendly Kitchen in Kerala

2009-05-21T20:15:00.009+04:00

So, you have finally decided to construct your house in Kerala. With all the news about Global Warming and Green House Gases, you decide to conserve resources without causing much harm to the environment.

One way to do this is to have an eco-friendly kitchen, because that is the part in the house where fuel is consumed in various forms- as LPG for cooking, Electricity for heating, lighting, grinding etc. To have an eco-friendly kitchen, you'll want to start with choosing the main ingredients -

Appliances,
Cabinets,
Countertops,
Flooring and
Lighting.

Although Modern Kerala Kitchens primarily serve the purpose of cooking for the household, it has many additional functions- family living area, café, informal office, breakfast table, laundry corner and more. All these new functions have expanded the role of the kitchen and made it a bigger, better, and now greener place for the Malayali family. Now you can create a beautiful kitchen that's healthier for you, lighter on your budget and better for the environment.

It is important to understand that a green kitchen is not very expensive and that products are not difficult to find. Most home products, particularly kitchen appliances are quite plentyand affordable. You may need to spend a bit more time researching your floors, cabinets and countertops - but the selection and quality is varied.

Let us start with the essentials - your appliances. They are responsible for using the most energy and releasing the most air pollution in your home. Make sure that big or small, all your appliances are all energy-efficient. As mentioned, the kitchen is responsible for most of your energy cost in your home and that by using Energy-efficient appliances you can reduce your energy and water usage by 10 to 50 percent depending on the models you purchase.

Another important element to make sure your kitchen is eco-friendly is choosing countertops, cabinets and flooring that are made from recycled or reusable resources. Choosing green products for these major elements in your kitchen will greatly reduce the air pollution generated by your home's busiest room.

When it comes to choosing your cabinets, there are many green alternatives, including formaldehyde-free woods, as well sustainable woods like bamboo. Bamboo is actually a tough, fast-growing grass that's stronger than teak. Another popular choice for cabinetry is wheatboard, which is a sustainable material made of recycled wheat stalk and straw.

When it comes to your countertops you can still enjoy the look of wood with an eco-friendly bamboo countertop. If you prefer a solid surface or quartz surface you'll want to check out companies like DuPont, Silestone, Cambria, Formica or Wilsonart.

There are some new materials to consider when it comes to your countertops, like those made from recycled paper, recycled glass or sustainable wood.

A great alternative to wood or tile flooring is cork or bamboo. Cork is sound absorbent, hypoallergenic, mold resistant and quite stylish. This renewable source is made from bark that is peeled off a tree and then allowed to grow back. If you prefer the look of hardwood floors, be sure to use wood that has been harvested from sustainable .

Linoleum is making a nice comeback because of it green properties. It is made of natural materials like linseed oil, wood flour and rosin and it comes in a wide range of colors and designs. It is very durable and easy to clean.

Other flooring options are recycled tile, natural stone and marble - however these natural resources are more expensive.

Choosing Light fixtures for your Kerala Kitchen
Before you choose your light fixtures, take advantage of natural light by designing your kitchen with lots of Glass windows. A good way to cut down on energy costs is to place workstations like your prep and cleaning areas and cooking islands underneath or near windows. When you choose your lighting, choose fixtures that are energy-efficient, use dimmers, motion sensors and timers.
Always use fluorescent light bulbs, because they use about 70% less electricity and last about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

Going Green in your Kerala Kitchen

There are many things that go into making a kitchen green, beyond the appliances, countertops, lighting and floors. They are the paints and stains, boxes and drawers and corks and sealants that are used to build your new kitchen.

Here are some things you might want to think about or at least know about before you start to pick out the products to build your new kitchen.

When it comes to paints, stains and finishes, request that your builder and/or designer uses only water-based products that have no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds that contain carbon) or formaldehyde. If you're using wallpapers, look for eco-friendly products that have low or no VOC used in their compositions and glues.

Look beyond your cabinet doors and drawer fronts to the actual box and drawers, because they are generally constructed from particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF). These both contain urea formaldehyde glue, which can release toxins into the home. Look for cabinets made from certified plywood, wheatboard, bamboo or formaldehyde-free MDF.

Your countertops need to be installed on top of a substrate, so make sure that the substrate is made from certified plywood, wheatboard, or formaldehyde-free MDF rather than particleboard or MDF containing formaldehyde.

Other things to look for when choosing your materials for cabinets, counters and flooring:

Use products that have recycled content, whether post-consumer, post-industrial or agricultural waste.
Use products that can be recycled, reused or reconditioned when you're through with them.
Use durable products that have a long lifecycle, so you don't have to replace them as often.
Use products that are rapidly renewable and made from plants that grow to maturity quickly, like cork, bamboo, cotton, etc.
Use natural products like stone, wood and marble that require little processing, which can create harmful toxins and chemicals.

Kerala Building Rules: Floor Area and Luxury Tax

2008-11-14T22:26:00.011+04:00

According to Kerala Building Rules, the Area of Residences shall be calculated as follows (excerpts from KMBR 1999) -

Definitions:

'Carpet Area' means the usable floor area excluding the area of staircases, lift wells, escalators, ducts, toilets, air condition plant room and electrical room.
[Note:- For calculating carpet area, twenty percent of the floor area shall be deducted from the total floor area in each floor;]

'Plinth' means the portion of a structure between the surface of the surrounding ground and surface of the floor, first above the ground;

'Plinth Area' means area of the building at the plinth level, does not include the area of open porch [(not enclosed by wall)] uncovered staircase and the like;

'Floor Area' means the built up area of a building at any floor level;

'Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.)' means the quotient obtained by dividing the total floor area on all floors by the area of the plot;

Parts to be included for calculating Floor Area:

In the calculation of floor area of buildings the following shall be taken into account, namely:-

(a) General:

(i) the total floor area of building shall be the sum total of floor areas at every floor including basement, if any;

(ii) the internal sanitary shafts, air conditioning ducts and lifts shall be included in all the floor levels;

(iii) the area of 'Barsati' or penthouse at terrace floor level shall be included in the floor area; and

(iv) towers, turrets, domes, etc., projecting above the terrace shall not be included in the floor area at the terrace level.

(b) Floor Area of Ground Floor:

(i) the floor area of ground floor shall be calculated at the plinth level excluding the plinth offsets ( if the offset does not exceed 5cm);

(ii) in cases where the building consists of columns projecting beyond cladding, the floor area shall be taken up to the external face of the cladding and shall not include the projections of columns;

(iii) in the case of verandahs and balconies with at least one of its sides open (other than parapets) to exterior or interior open spaces, only 50% of the area shall be taken into account for calculation of floor area, and,

(iv) open platforms and terraces at ground floor, and porches shall not be included in the floor area.

(c) Floor Area of Upper Floor:

(i) The floor area of upper floors shall be calculated at the relevant floor levels, architectural bands, cornices, etc., shall not be included in the floor area, vertical sunbreakers or box louvers also shall not be included; and

(ii) in the case of verandahs and balconies with at least one of its sides open (other than parapets) to exterior or interior open spaces, only 50% of the area shall be taken into account for calculation of floor area.

(d) Floor Area of Galleries, Mezzanine Floor and Lofts:

(i) area of galleries i.e., upper floor of seats in an assemby hall, auditorium etc., shall be fully included in the floor area;

(ii) area of mezzanine floors shall be included in the floor area; and

(iii) the area of loft shall not be included.

[Note: Area used for parking of vehicles within a building, area of electrical room, room for air conditioning plant, generator room, internal sanitary shafts and air conditioning ducts shall not be included in the floor area of any floor. However, area occupied by lift shall be included in any one floor.]

Luxury Tax for Residences in Kerala:

Under the Kerala Building Tax Act, 1975 (KBT Act), luxury tax at the rate of Rs. 2,000 per annum is leviable on all residential buildings having plinth area of 278.7 sqm (Approx. 3000 sqft) or more and completed on or after 1 April 1999. The tax shall be paid in advance on or before 31 March every year.

ASKIN- Architect Shahdad Karim INdia

Kitchen Countertops

2008-06-18T09:21:00.006+04:00

Two decades ago, choosing a countertop was not at all difficult. You chose from less than twenty variations on color of plastic laminate. It was simple. Today the interest and desire of consumers to have a more practical style of countertop has revolutionized the market. Countertops are no longer merely a work surface, but a key element in the design and luxury of your home.Around the world, manufacturers now offer numerous different styles, color schemes, and materials to match any desire of the consumer.

The kitchen is the focal point of any home. Now you have the means to construct the perfect look.When limited to only a few choices, making a decision was quite easy. When choosing from possibly hundreds of styles, you may become overwhelmed. You may discover the decision to be quite difficult. In this case, here is a descriptive list of products to aid in your decisions toward a perfect kitchen.

Plastic Laminate (Formica):

Plastic lamination was the beginning of modernized kitchen. This particular material is by far the most inexpensive and is available in almost all colors and textures. There are four major manufacturers of plastic laminate- Wilsonart, Formica, Nevamar, and Pionite. Each offers hundreds of styles. For an extra amount of cash, you can have your plastic laminate customized. This means matching your own color, texture, and style. One of the pros of this material is that it is very easy to clean, but the con is that cuts or scratches are difficult to repair.

Tip: If you plan to match your countertop and backsplash, inform your installer when ordering so he has enough material and possibly gives you a discount.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile:

If you are trying to create an artistic or specific look in your kitchen, ceramic and porcelain tile is the key. You can accomplish looks from contemporary to retro when working with these materials. If you are unsure of the design and style wanted, most stores will have showrooms to help you choose. Rustic, timeworn, and stone style surfaces are a current trend. If selecting from one of these looks, it is a good idea to ask the designer or salesperson to see several pieces of tile from the same lot. This will allow you to compare color variations from piece to piece.Porcelain tiles may be a bit more expensive, but the material will handle wear and tear well without losing its ceramic style.

Porcelain is the hardest fired product you can find.A con to installing porcelain tiles is grout lines. It seems no one invests the proper time and energy intended to keep grout clean. Grout requires routine cleaning and care, but is very easy to clean.

Corian and Solid Surfacing:

Corian is known as a solid surfacing material. It will be made from a pure acrylic product or a polyester-acrylic mix. Although there are some solid colored materials, most have a real stone texture produced by small flecks. The real stone texture is more expensive. The pro of the solid material is that the surface is scratch resistant. If you do get a scratch it can be sanded out. Deep scratches will require replacement of the damaged piece.

Concrete Slab:

Concrete is a very old material that is a new trend. It may be purchased in pre-formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Having the concrete poured and formed on-site is appropriate for unusually shaped counters. Although concrete is an old material it has an unusually high price. Because it is susceptible to cracking and its constructive look, consumers are weary about using the product indoors. On the plus side, concrete can be stained to match any color desired.

Granite:

Granite is a timeless countertop surface. Not only does the product stand the test of time, granite slabs greatly increase the value of your home. Therefore, granite is the most expensive of all countertop types. The type, quality, and availability of the material, as well as the edge finish will all affect the price you are going to pay. A popular edge finish is a 1-1/2 inch bull nose, but find out from your fabricator when pricing the material to find out the style of edge included. Granite is a very practical material due to the near impossibility of damaging the surface stone.

If the price is just too extreme, but you can't resist the look and style, look into granite tiles. A 12-inch square tile contributes identical resistance to that of solid slab. You can also reduce the size of grout by butt-jointing the tiles. Also, you can achieve the same basic look and style of solid granite by combining dark colored granite with dark colored grout.

Composite Stone:

Now, composite stone material is the granite rival. The stone is a synthetic composite made from 90% quartz particles and 10% acrylic or epoxy binder. It is even difficult to decipher between the looks of real stone, composite, and granite. Because the composites are man-made, there is no chance of variation as in granite or marble. Therefore the material does not need to be sealed.

Using the same process- Silestone, Okite, CaesarStone, and Dupont's Zodiaq are the major manufacturers. The only difference among these companies are the variations in color and texture. Together they offer over 130 countertops, all of which are scratch resistant. They can stain if not cleaned properly.

Butcher Block:

Ordinarily comprised from rock maple, it can also be made from oak and cherry or mixed and exotic species. Although the surface it explicit for cutting and chopping, knife marks will show and the surface is also prone to water damages.

Tip: If placing the butcher block by a sink, apply several coats of sealant.

Stainless Steel:

For a professional style or restaurant appearance, steel is perfect. The stainless steel is an alloy containing minute amounts of chromium for its rust resistant surface. Because of its thinness, it is attached to plywood, which provides strength, and helps mute the sound. The pros of steel are that it is stainless, heat resistant, and easily cleaned.

The cons may be far and beyond for some. Fabrication is extremely costly and difficult. It shows scratches, fingerprints, dents, and can be rather noisy work surface. Also, if you tire of the look and style in the future, it is quite difficult to change or replace.

Soapstone (Steatite):

Historically, soapstone was used in kitchen sinks. Generally it is a dark gray color, smooth to the touch, and respectively stain and burn resistant. It does however need to be treated on a regular basis with mineral oil.

Trendy Countertops

Designers and dealers get together yearly to discuss upcoming trends and exciting new ideas in home decorating. New and extravagant ideas have arisen in the kitchen. High tech laminates, stainless steel, and the mixing of all of the above materials for an artistic and personal design are among the many new ideas. Yet, the latest in cutting-edge technology is cement.

Integrated drain boards and hydraulic lifts that let you access variations in height are helping designed countertops to be as functional and practical as ever. "Surface energy" is the combination of several countertops and a variety of styles and materials. Surface energy has prevented high functionality in the past, but today design pros are embracing new ways to cope.

A Bit of Last Minute Advice

In the end, you want to choose a countertop material that suits you and your home. Remember that none of the materials are trouble-free. Scratching and periodic resealing will apply to certain materials. All of them will stain if not properly cared for. The only material that does not stain is stainless steel, but it does scratch and the look isn't for everyone. Tile and granite should be tested out before installing.

Certain tile may dull when in contact with vinegar or other foods and chemicals. Test the surface before choosing a specific design. Granite can also contain irregularities. Although they are not noticeable on a 4x4 inch sample, it is best to meet the fabricator upon purchasing and choose the slab yourself.

Backsplash

A backsplash can include wall, sink, and prep area protection which makes the surfaces easy to clean. Once you have chosen a countertop, you will want to decide on the desired look of your backsplash. The overall look of your kitchen can be enhanced by a creative backsplash.

Here is information on some popular backsplash materials and their cost and installation.

Ceramic:

If you want versatility, ceramic is the way to go. Its shape, size, and color are among the greatest offers of all backsplash materials. Some different possibilities with ceramic include- a matte finish, a glossy finish, raised edges, textured areas for dimension, ability to rotate tiles, combining different shapes and sizes, and accenting. All of these possibilities can really accent your kitchen.

Stone Tile (Granite and Marble): Granite and marble tiles come in multiple colors and textures. A new trend is tumbled marble in 4-inch squares. Because of abrasion and acid wash, it has a pitted surface area with softened colors.

Solid Surfacing:

Solid surfacing can be costly due to the amount of wasted material upon installation. If you chose a solid surface countertop for your kitchen you can ask the fabricator if there are enough materials left over to make a backsplash. This way the fabricator does not have to waste left over and you just may get a backsplash for free.

Metal and Metal Laminates:

Fabricators can create a backsplash from any sheet metal. This includes copper, steel, zinc, brass, and nickel. Surface textures include hammered, ribbed, and quilted. The problem with metal laminates is finding a fabricator that specializes in sheetmetal backsplashes.

Make a Splash

Picture the area around and above your countertop as a blank canvas. You or your designer can choose from endless textures and materials that will artistically define your kitchen. Glass, hand-painted porcelain, luxury tiles, gleaming metal, risen dimensional, and natural stones are among the possibilities. Mix, match, and accent away.

Where to put your Washing machine

2008-05-23T10:17:00.008+04:00

"Where can I put my Washing Machine?" is a very common question that every Homebuilder asks his Architect.

Traditionally, Kerala homes had designated washing areas- a large bathroom attached to the well, with the large washing stone. The sound of clothes lashed on the stone has now been replaced by the rumble of the Washing Machine's motor. Although most new homes just have a convenient niche for the Washing Machine, the concept of a Full-fledged laundry room- with washing, drying and folding done there, is gaining popularity.

Here are some practical ideas to keep your laundry area efficient:

Avoid placing the washing machine in a high traffic area such as the kitchen or garage.

Avoid combining the laundry room with another room. For example, do not combine the laundry and a children's study room in one area.

The master bedroom should never have the washing machine in it. It will not be calm and peaceful if you have to look at dirty clothes every time you go to bed.

Place the washing machine as close as possible to the largest source of dirty laundry. The most household laundry normally comes from the bedrooms where, of course, the clothes are kept and changed.

Add a cupboard or shelf over the washing machine to allow for storage of laundry supplies - and detergents.

Always install shutoff valves at your machine's water supply in case of leaks or the need to move the machines for repair. Do not give a direct connection from the plumbing, without valves.

Leave extra space in the area where the machines are installed. Do not create a custom size space that is only suited for a specific model of washing machine because someday if the machines need to be replaced you may not find a model with the same measurements, or you may need a larger one.

If you have a separate Laundry Room, you can even opt to add insulation to the wall and floor area of the laundry room to lower the noise level.

'Green Home' Checklist

2008-05-19T11:04:00.001+04:00

Since green building is still a relatively new process, it's a good idea to research green building on your own so you know what to look for when choosing your site, home plan, builder and sustainable products.

Here is a checklist of things to consider when building a green home:

• Location: New green homes and neighborhoods must not be built on environmentally sensitive sites like prime farmland, wetlands and endangered species habitats. The greenest development sites are "in-fill" properties like former parking lots, rail yards, shopping malls and factories. Be sure to study your property carefully so you can put the sun to work for you and your home. When it comes to clearing your lot, take down only the necessary trees and bushes. The trees you leave behind will act as a shade barrier in the summer months and wind barrier in the colder months.

• Size: No matter how many green building elements go into your home, a 5,000-square-foot green home still consumes many more natural resources than a 2,000-square-foot green home. The larger home will also require more heating, air conditioning and lighting. If you really want a sustainable home, choose a smaller size.

• Building Design: The home should be oriented on its site to bring abundant natural daylight into the interior to reduce lighting requirements and to take advantage of any prevailing breezes. Windows, clerestories, skylights, light monitors, light shelves and other strategies should be used to bring daylight to the interior of the house. The exterior should have shading devices (sunshades, canopies, green screens and — best of all — trees), particularly on the southern and western facades and over windows and doors, to block hot summer sun. Dual-glaze windows reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss during cold winter months. The roof should be a light-colored, heat-reflecting Energy Star roof, or a green (landscaped) roof, to reduce heat absorption.

• Green Building Materials: A green home will have been constructed with healthy, non-toxic building materials and furnishings, like low- and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants and non-toxic materials like strawboard for the sub-flooring. Wood-based features should come from rapidly renewable sources like bamboo. A green home uses salvaged materials like kitchen tiles and materials with significant recycled content.

• Insulation: A non-toxic insulation, derived from materials like soybean or cotton, with a high R (heat resistance) factor in a home's walls and roof will help prevent cool air leakage in the summer and warm air leakage in the winter.

• Windows and Doors: Windows and exterior doors should seal their openings tightly to avoid heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

• Energy Efficiency: A green home has energy-efficient lighting, heating, cooling and water-heating systems.

• Renewable Energy: The home should generate some of its own energy with technologies like photovoltaic systems.

• Water Efficiency: A green home has a water-conserving irrigation system and water-efficient kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Look for a rainwater collection and storage system, particularly in drier regions where water is increasingly scarce and expensive.

• Indoor Environmental Quality: Natural daylight should reach at least 75% of the home's interior. Natural ventilation (via home orientation, operable windows, fans, wind chimneys and other strategies) should bring plentiful fresh air inside the house. The HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system should filter all incoming air and vent stale air outside. The garage should not have any air handling equipment or return ducts, and it should have an exhaust fan.

• Landscaping: Vine-covered green screens, large canopy trees and other landscaping should shade exterior walls, the driveway, patios and other "hardscape" to minimize heat islands. Yards should be landscaped with drought-tolerant plants rather than water-guzzling plants and grass in most regions.

Building a 'Green Home' in Kerala

2008-05-19T10:51:00.011+04:00

The Benefits of Building Green

As consumers continue to learn more and more about green building, architects, designers and builders are starting to incorporate more green features into their new homes. Thanks to new technology and products, consumers can build their dream home without sacrificing aesthetics. Even though everyone in the home building industry is buzzing about the term 'green' building, many consumers are still confused as to exactly what it means to build a green home. Some of the benefits to building green are living in a healthier, more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly home.

A Healthier Home

Green homes' use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution, which can be much worse than outdoor pollution. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks for residents, including cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Such non-toxic materials include wheat-derived strawboard, natural linoleum made from jute and linseed oil, paints with little or no volatile organic compounds and toxin-free insulation made from soybeans, recycled paper or even old denim.

Green homes have far fewer problems with mold or mildew.

Natural ventilation in green homes, as well as use of mechanical ventilation systems to filter and bring fresh air inside and vent stale air outside, keep residents breathing easy.

A Cost-Efficient Home

The net cost of owning a green home is comparable to — or even cheaper than — owning a standard home. If upfront costs are higher, it is often because many architects, homebuilders, engineers, plumbers and other industry professionals just don't have the knowledge and experience to cost-effectively plan, design and build a green home. Finding a professional familiar with green-building techniques will save you money and ensure you're getting the best-quality work possible. Examples in Kerala are- Habitat Technology Group, Costford (Laurie Baker), Nirmiti Kendra etc.

Month to month, people who live in green homes save money by consuming 40% less energy and 50% less water than standard homes. Over the years, that adds up to big savings.

A green home is more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.

The value of a green home is typically higher than that of a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes continues to rise.

An Environmentally Friendly Home

Residential cooling and heating alone make up 10% of the Global energy use. Throw in household lighting, appliances and other electronic equipment, and homes are clearly a major source of energy consumption. Green homes use 40% less energy than comparable standard homes.

Some green homes further reduce our dependence on conventional energy sources as they generate some or all of their energy needs through alternative energy sources like the sun, wind, geothermal energy and biomass.

Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping and water-conserving irrigation systems help green homes use, on average, 50% less water than standard homes.

Far fewer natural resources are used in the construction of a green home. Many green building materials have significant recycled content. Some companies, for example, now make carpets and floor tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Green homes can also be constructed with salvaged materials from demolished buildings. Green homes use materials made from rapidly renewable materials, like bamboo, hemp, agrifibers and soybean-based products. And the use of wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council helps promote socially and environmentally beneficial forestry practices.

Building a standard 2,500-square-foot home creates approximately 2 tons of construction waste that ends up in landfills. Construction of a green home, however, generates 50% to 90% less waste. Click here for the Green Home Checklist>>

http://keralaarchitect.blogspot.com/2008/05/green-home-checklist.html

Home-Lighting in Kerala

2008-04-26T14:35:00.006+04:00

Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects in home construction today, primarily because there is a perception that good lighting or custom lighting is expensive. Budgets are getting squeezed and homeowners prefer spending on things they think give a bigger "impact". And, people often go to great lengths to maximize windows and natural light, all very important considerations, but forget that a large amount of their leisure time is spent in the evenings, after dark, when relying on the artificial lighting in your home.

Our goal here is help you make the most intelligent lighting choices, choices that will leverage your substantial investment in that new home, creating a special environment that is comfortable, relaxing and accentuates the beautiful architecture that you are creating. A house plan that you purchase will have a basic layout that shows wall outlets and some ceiling lights and fans — a useful guide for budgeting and planning but this needs to be amplified by your conceptualizing your use of each space or room, and the furnishing layout you are planning. If you can fit it in your budget, an interior decorator at a local home furnishing or lighting store might be able to help you sketch out a more detailed lighting plan.

Types Of Lighting

General Lighting

Ceiling fixtures, chandeliers and wall sconces are used to illuminate the way for movement throughout the home. Recessed can lights often are used to light hallways, stairs and circulation areas and do a good job of lighting the floor. However, a softer and more pleasant effect can be had by using indirect lighting such as wall washers that do double the duty of highlighting your artwork and, at the same time, provide attractive general lighting.

Try to anticipate where you will be hanging artwork — blank wall spaces — and place recessed can lights that are designed to wash that wall with light. Another way to soften your illumination is to bounce light off the ceiling through the use of indirect cove light and wall sconces. Wall sconces are easy to do almost anywhere but cove lighting often requires changes to the architecture and may be more applicable to high ceiling areas.

Task Lighting

Kitchen counters and other work surfaces such as home offices and workshop areas require a higher level of illumination, usually provided by recessed cans, track lighting, ceiling pendants and, in offices, table, desk, or floor lamps. The key here is to provide light that is bright enough but free from shadows. Particularly in kitchens, it is better have more fixtures, spaced closer together, using a lower wattage such as 50 watt, par 20 halogen can lights. Remember that it is the counter you want lit, not the floor in front or the top of your head, so consider lining up your can lights on the front edge of the counter.

Mood or Accent Lighting

Lighting which is installed primarily for atmosphere such as lamps, ceiling chandeliers, specialty hi-hats and landscape lights fall into this category, as do most ceiling fans with lights. Art niches are popular and require lighting that is focused on them. Dimmers can also be used on general or task lighting to help create mood lighting.

Exterior Lighting

The tendency to focus most of your attention to the inside of your home is common but, particularly in areas where you do a lot of your living outdoors, it is a mistake to forget these areas. Even if your landscaping is staged as a future project, you must think through where you will want lights and plan for adding the appropriate outlets and switches.

Landscape, driveway and pathway lights can also make a huge impact and do not add that much to the budget. Usually these are inexpensive, low voltage, fixtures that require a transformer conveniently located for connection to the house power and access for timers to control the lighting.

New Trends in Lighting

1. The focus is back on brilliant chandeliers in the entry and dining areas. A cozy formality and decorum is once again welcomed into the social spaces of the home. Chandeliers take center stage, carrying the mood of the room.

2. Many are choosing to downsize their homes and then maximize their use of space. Patios, balconies, and decks are serving as additional living/dining areas. Lighting and furniture design elements are being used to create continuity between the indoors and outdoors.

3. Solar powered landscape lighting is seeing more widespread use. As the brightness produced by energy-efficient bulbs improves, these handy outdoor lights will be getting more attention.

4. Color is going natural when it comes to fixtures. The neutrals; beige, ivory, taupe, gray, and white are paired with organic and spice colors. Grays coupled with organic tones deliver the soft, enveloping atmosphere that is the perfect counterpoint to today's busy lifestyle.

5. Everyone is paying attention to kitchen lighting. Since the kitchen has evolved as a social gathering place, multiple layers of function and ambience are necessary. The pendant light trend remains strong. Often set in a row over islands, they are also being used in three-level-closely-clustered formations over a dinette.

Tips for Home Safety

2008-04-19T10:10:00.004+04:00

An accident or injury can occur in any part of your home. Some safety hazards are obvious — such as a toy truck left lying at the top of the stairs. Others are not so easily identified — such as a stairway railing that has become loose.

Create a safer home by taking simple precautions.

Be prepared

Have telephones in easy reach of both your bed and the place you sit most often.

Place emergency phone numbers on or near every phone in your home.

Buy a first-aid kit. Keep one in both your home and your car.

Avoid Fires

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house. Test them periodically to make sure they work. Batteries should be changed at least once a year.

Place fire extinguishers in the kitchen and other rooms. Make sure you know how to use them.

Never smoke in bed.

Turn off appliances when they are not in use.

Run electrical cords along walls, not under rugs.

Don't overload outlets and extension cords.

Never store flammable liquids such as cleaning agents and paint supplies near heating units.

Keep space heaters a safe distance from combustibles. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Have more than one escape route from your home. Practice these routes with your family.

A Recipe for Careful Cooking

Keep flammable objects such as curtains, aprons and dishtowels away from stoves.

Never wear loose clothing near a stovetop while cooking.

Never leave cooking unattended.

Don't cook if you are drowsy.

Heat oil slowly. Heating oil too quickly can easily start a fire. If a pan catches fire, carefully place a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until completely cool.

Always clean appliances and surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup.

Make sure handles on cookware are secure and always turned toward the center of the stove when cooking.

Use a step stool instead of a chair to climb to a high shelf.
Ensure that all sharp tools such as knives, forks and scissors are kept in a safe place.

Keep glass objects and appliances with sharp blades out of children's reach.

Unplug all appliances when not in use with cords out of children's reach.

Store vitamins, medicine bottles, masalas in high cabinet.

Store matches and lighters in locked cabinet.

Position chairs away from the stove.

Avoid bumps, burns, bruises and falls

Make sure staircases are well lit and have convenient switches and night-lights at the top and bottom.

Securely fasten all carpeting and make sure all throw rugs or area rugs have non-skid backing.

Install rubber mats or safety decals in bathtubs and showers.

Close cabinet doors and drawers when they are not in use.

Keep staircases and hallways free of clutter.

Never go up and down stairs carrying things that could block your vision or put you off balance.

In the Bathroom

Store razor blades, nail-scissors and other sharp tools in locked cabinet. Ensure that electrical outlets have grounded circuit breakers.
Unplug electric razors and hairdryers when not in use.
Get non-skid surface.
Fix electrical switches outside bathroom.
Avoid using immersion heaters.
Keep bottles of mouthwash, hair dyes and hairsprays out of children's reach.

In the Garage

Keep all tools and supplies gardening, automotive and lawn care units in a safe place.

Keep all hazardous automotive and gardening products in a locked cabinet.
Keep bleaching powder, cleaning powder and detergents out of children's reach.

Electrical precautions

Cover unused outlets with safety plugs.
Ensure that all major electrical appliances are grounded.
Ensure that all electrical cords in the house are properly insulated (no broken or exposed wiring).
Check and remove other potential electrical fire hazards such as overloaded electrical sockets and electrical wires.
Position TVs, computers and stereo equipment against walls.

Kerala Gabled Roof Design

2008-04-13T15:06:00.009+04:00

In Kerala, gabled roofs have always been the symbol of a family's stature in society. Even concrete houses with sloping roofs today proudly sport gables.

Ask kindergarten kids to draw a house and most of them are likely to come up with the picture of a triangle atop a simple square. No wonder, because this basic outline has come to symbolise home and its comforts.

The classic gable - or the triangular façade formed by extending the top end of a sloping roof - dates back to ancient Greece and is found in almost every style of architecture, from the colonial to the contemporary.

In ancient Kerala, the gabled roof was the symbol of a family's stature in society, a statement of style. Traditional families vied with one another to adorn their houses with highly ornate wooden gables carved by expert craftsmen. Each region in the erstwhile state of Travancore had its own style of gable.

Diversity in design

In South Travancore belt, the gable was designed as an extension from the top end of a sloping roof. The beak was provided with a carved triangular façade as in the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the numerous Amma Veedus dotting the heritage areas in the city. In the mid-Travancore region, the gable was curved in the shape of a boat. Further to the North, in what is now Ernakulam and Thrissur, it was a projection from the roof, angling upwards. The protruding end of the gable provides protection from rain.

Apart from the aesthetics, the gable on a roof performs a vital function. "If the roof is the face of the house, the gable is the nose. It helps the house breathe by expelling hot air rising from the bottom level and thereby keeps the interiors cool in summer," explains B. Arjunan, director of Arjun and Associates, a Thiruvananthapuram-based firm specialising in Vasthu architecture.

Precision work

In the traditional style, the construction of a gable was based on precise measurements. Proportionality is the key. For houses, the sides of the triangle have to be at an angle of 33 degrees with the base. This is to ensure that the gable does not disturb the overall dimensions and aesthetics of the roof and the building in general. An imperfect gable can spoil the appearance of a house, just as a deformed nose mars the beauty of a face.
Even concrete houses with sloping roofs today proudly sport gables. To ensure that the utility value is maintained, air holes are provided within the triangular face. Designing gables for a multi-level roof is both a challenge and an opportunity for an architect. Multi-tier gables and those facing different directions add to the elegance of a house. Again, proportionality is the key to the beauty of this design layout.

A gable can add about Rs.2000 to the construction cost of a roof. For multi- level gables, the cost can be as high as Rs.25,000. But for an increasingly culture-conscious society, the additional cost involved in adding a gable is more than made up for by the proud statement of tradition.
That is perhaps why the gable has emerged as the most distinguishing feature of Kerala architecture. Most new tourist resorts, houses and commercial buildings are built to flaunt this design aspect.

Builders have bypassed the problem of providing a gabled roof for a house with a flat terrace.
This is made possible by fabricating a metal framework over the terrace to hold tiles or light roofing substitutes like tile-profile sheets. Apart from the enhanced aesthetics offered by the gabled roof, the flat terrace offers another tier of useable space. The steel truss used for fabrication is a better and more cost-effective option than wooden rafters.

Staircase Design

2008-04-12T13:20:00.007+04:00

Walk into any grand old home and one of the first things you’ll notice is the staircase — but you don’t have to live in a mansion to have a beautiful stairway. All it takes is some planning and careful attention to details to make the staircase an appealing design feature in your home.

For a classic look nothing beats a hardwood staircase. One of the wonderful things about hardwood is that it lends itself so easily to different decors. Modern, traditional, funky or Victorian…it’s all possible with a hardwood staircase.

The quickest way to have the same staircase take on an entirely new look is in the decorative elements — such as the handrail, balusters, or newel post. Choose a more ornate baluster and you have an old-fashioned look, opt for simple lines if you want a more contemporary style.

If your house is small, or if the space near the stairway is narrow and tight, the stairwell can easily seem confining or restricting. Finding creative ways to “open” the space can create a more spacious feel. Ideas include opening the space beneath the staircase, if possible, or if not, adding a mirror or changing the lighting to divert the focus.

To really “open” a space you can opt for an ultramodern look with open risers and exposed stringers. Visually this look can be stunning, however, they can feel somewhat unnerving the first few times you ascend and descend. Not recommended in a home with young children or pets.

If you are adding another level to your home or are looking at completely redesigning an existing staircase a curved staircase will give a gorgeous and distinctive look — and may use less space than you think. A curved staircase takes up the same amount of room as L-shaped stairs.

Using different materials, such as wrought iron, glass and metal, in combination with wood can create a stunning effect as well.

As with any major home improvement project taking the time to plan what you want will pay huge dividends at the other side of the project. Look for ideas in home improvement books and magazines. Look at stairs in other homes and commercial buildings — it may not be what you are looking for, but it will start your mind thinking about the many design possibilities.

Whether you are redesigning an existing stairway or adding a new one, it is best to hire a professional. More than almost any other element of home construction, building a staircase demands exacting measurements. There is no room for error. Make sure you see examples of the company’s work and have checked references to ensure you are getting a top quality professional for the job.

Frontyard Driveway Design

2008-04-08T12:20:00.014+04:00

The Driveway is the area that leads from the Entrance Gate of your residence to your doorsteps. It will be used for driving the vehicle up to the Car Porch or for walking towards the house.

Being an integral part of your frontyard design, the layout and material selection for driveways demand considerable attantion. Driveway paving materials fall into two main categories: solid-surface (i.e., smooth, seamless, even surfaces) and aggregate-surface. The most popular options lie in the first category, led by asphalt and concrete. Aggregate-surface driveway paving materials include gravel and crushed stone.

Driveway pavers lie somewhere in between these two main categories. Although they are individual components pieced together to form a whole, some types of driveway pavers can, if laid properly, form an almost seamless even surface.

The Pros and Cons of the following Driveway materials are discussed below-

Cobblestone Pavers

Asphalt Paving

Concrete Driveways

Tar and Chip Driveways
Crushed Gravel Driveways

Pros of Cobblestones and Other Driveway Pavers:

Variety in size and design.

A look that says, "Quality!" Durability.

Ease of repair.

Cons of Cobblestones and Other Driveway Pavers:

Cost.

Driveway pavers are varied in size and design, ranging from large hexagonal driveway pavers to small rectangular brick driveway pavers and cobblestones. While concrete and asphalt surfaces can be made to mimic the look of driveway pavers, you know it's not the real thing. Authenticity is important to some people. For instance, if creating an "Old World" feel is one of your landscaping goals, there may be no substitute for cobblestone. If you own a brick house, brick driveway pavers will tie the landscape in nicely with your house.

Driveway pavers are also durable. Cobblestones in particular are practically synonymous with longevity. Even when they do break or become dislodged, repair is simple enough, since driveway pavers are individual units (unlike concrete or asphalt surfaces). They can be replaced individually, so that you're not faced with the prospect of repairing a whole driveway.

But one drawback cobblestones have is that it's difficult to remove dirt from them, since, unlike other driveway pavers, they form an uneven surface (indeed, the uneven surface is part of their Old World charm). They also come at a rather steep price: driveway pavers, especially cobblestone, are more expensive than the other materials considered here.

Pros of Asphalt Paving:

Less prone to frost heaves than concrete.

Ease of dirt removal.

Decorative options.

Unlike concrete, can be relayered.

Cheaper than concrete.

Cons of Asphalt Paving:

Maintenance.

It is fairly common knowledge that concrete driveways can be stamped and colored to enhance their appearance, but some may be surprised to learn that pattern-stamping and coloring are also options for asphalt paving.

Where winters are severe, two issues come to mind for driveways: ease of dirt removal and susceptibility to cracking from frost heaves. Both concrete and asphalt paving rate well on the former, while the relative flexibility of asphalt paving allows it to outperform concrete on the latter. It is also significant that, should such damage occur, asphalt paving can be relayered (reducing repair expenses), while concrete cannot.

Like concrete, asphalt paving needs to be resealed frequently if it is to last long, so maintenance is a consideration.

Pros of Concrete Driveways:

Decorative options.

Ease of dirt removal.

Where winters are not severe, outlasts asphalt paving.

Cons of Concrete Driveways:

More expensive than asphalt paving.

Unlike asphalt paving, can't be relayered.

Concrete driveways stain easily, and the stains are tough to remove.

Maintenance.

The look of concrete driveways can be enhanced through pattern-stamping and coloring. Unfortunately, their appearance is easily marred by stains -- which are almost inevitable on a surface used by automobiles. Oil stains, which also plague asphalt paving, are difficult to remove. But concrete driveways are often lighter in color than their asphalt counterparts, making the stains more noticeable.

If winter is on your mind, asphalt surfaces perform better in areas with severe winters than concrete driveways. For while dirt removal is easy on both surfaces, concrete driveways are more likely to crack due to the freezing/thawing cycle. In addition, the This Old House Web site notes that unlike asphalt paving, concrete driveways cannot simply be relayered once damaged. Both concrete driveways and asphalt paving need to be sealed frequently, so maintenance is a consideration.

Where winters are not severe, concrete driveways last longer than asphalt paving. But you'll pay for it, as concrete driveways are the more expensive of the two.

Pros of Tar and Chip Driveways:

Attractive.

Cheaper than asphalt.

Low-maintenance (occasionally replace displaced stones).

The rough surface potentially affords good traction.

Durable.

Cons of Tar and Chip Driveways:

Difficult to find contractors for installation.

Snow removal is more problematic than for concrete or asphalt.

Here's how tar and chip driveways (or "Macadam") are constructed:

Hot tar is applied to a gravel base. So much for the "tar" part. What about the "chip" part? Well, while the tar is still piping hot, stone chips are thrown on top, so that they can adhere to the tar. Since a major selling point of tar and chip driveways is their looks, people usually make sure the stone chips are pretty, not just any old stone chips. For instance, you might want stones that are a particular color. After the stone chips are laid on top of the tar, a steamroller presses them in firmly.

Besides their splendid appearance, tar and chip driveways are less expensive than asphalt, nor do they have to be sealed, thus cutting down on your yard maintenance.

Tar and chip driveways afford good traction, since the surface layer is composed of individual stones. So rather than having a smooth and potentially slick surface like asphalt, the surface of tar and chip driveways is rough. But the same characteristic that gives these surfaces traction also makes them more difficult to plow and shovel: namely, all those individual little stones sticking up.

Pros of Crushed Gravel Driveways:

Cost (all else being the same).

Reduction in frost heaves in cold climates.

Less repair, since there's no "paved" surface to break.

For the same reason, less maintenance.

Cons of Crushed Gravel Driveways:

Dirt-removal is a bit more difficult.

Ruts can form relatively quickly, marring the appearance.

Relatively dirty.

Some (but by no means all!) of the pros and cons discussed on this page also apply to other driveways similar to crushed gravel driveways; for instance, driveways composed of small stones, crushed seashells or cinder (although none of these are as dirty as crushed gravel driveways, and all are more attractive). Note also that not all crushed gravel driveways will perform the same way, due to the fact that their compositions will vary (how the material is screened, etc.).

Because crushed gravel driveways are inexpensive, they are often the driveway of choice in rural areas. Homeowners often have more crushed gravel added periodically as ruts form and crushed gravel is lost, but that's easy enough: you just have another load of crushed gravel dumped and spread (although it's just a temporary fix).

With crushed gravel driveways, a base with good drainage is important, so make sure the individual installing your crushed gravel driveway pays attention to it, or you could be in for problems. Nonetheless, crushed gravel driveways do generally require less repair or maintenance jobs for you. There will be no sealing, no patching, no cleaning, because there isn't any hard surface that can be damaged or stained.

As mentioned above, crushed gravel driveways are designed to shed water.

What to look for in the Area when you buy a Property

2008-02-07T13:04:00.000+04:00

It’s very important to spend some time thinking about the area that you are planning to move into – and why you want to move there. By considering these factors, you are more likely to understand what it is that you need out of an area.

Here is a list of things that you should take into account when it comes to choosing an area to live in. Prioritize these factors according to how important they are to you. By looking at your requirements, you can better focus your research and your actual property search – and it may even highlight areas that you had never considered before.

Schools

If you have children, you need to look at what types of schools are in the area and what their reputations are like. Find out about their strengths, be it academic or in sport. You also need to consider what your options are if they need to move on to the next level of education in the future.

Transportation

Do you have your own means of transport, or do you rely on public transport? If you own your own transport, you need to look at how easy it is to travel to work, considering the routes that you would take and what the traffic is most likely to be like.

In terms of public transport, find out what is available to you. Check out timetables and routes and ensure that you the walking distance to major transport points isn’t too far away from your new home. It’s also important to get a feel for how safe these places are, especially at times when they are quiet.

Security

Visit the local police station or Neighborhood Watch and find out what is happening in the area in terms of criminal activity. They should also know which spots are targeted and what the most common crimes are. This will help you to assess which security measures are compulsory and how your home security is going to affect your lifestyle.

Talk to Your Real Estate Agent

Don’t be afraid to discuss the area you are looking at buying in with your estate agent – he or she is your best source of information about what is currently happening with the suburb and what the future trends may be. They may also be know a thing or two about future developments in the area that haven’t been widely publicized – and could easily affect your buying decision.

Budget

Set a clear budget according to how much you can expect to sell your home for and (if need be) how much you can borrow from the bank. From there you need to look at the budget in relation to what is available in the area. This brings you to the most important question: Are you going to find a suitable home that fits your basic requirements in that area for the amount that you are willing to spend?

Home vs. Location

Often people are faced with a simple dilemma; get a grotty home in a nice area or a nice home in a grotty area. As a rule of thumb, prioritize the area over the house (as long as the house is in a habitable state if you can’t fix it up immediately). You can renovate the house, but it’s less easy to revive the suburb. You are also faced with the added extras of what comes with a bad area – like crime and litter.

Make Your Own Criteria

These are just a few suggestions of things to look out for, but everyone has certain needs when it comes to looking for the right area to look in. Think of other elements that might affect your lifestyle when you move into an area so that you know that you have covered all the bases.

Askin Architecture & Construction Management
http://www.keralaarchitect.com/

Roof Truss and Rain Water Harvesting

2007-12-01T12:19:00.000+04:00

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Sebastian Adukanil
Kanjirappally, Kottayam

1. Please advise suggested space between roof slab and steel truss. This is for tiled roofing set on top of concrete slab, and meant for a single storey house. What would be the approximate cost of such structure?

2. What would be the typical details for Rain harvesting tanks and systems connected to a single storey villa.

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Ans:

1. Please advise suggested space between roof slab and steel truss. This is for tiled roofing set on top of concrete slab, and meant for a single storey house. What would be the approximate cost of such structure?

The space between a Roof Slab and Steel Truss would depend on 3 factors-
a. The Span of the Roof
b. The Angle of the Roof
c. The Type of Steel Truss used

These factors are determined by the Design of the Residence. Given below are images of different types of Trusses and various Pitch Angles. A 7/12 pitch means that for every 12” span, the truss has a height of 7”.

You may decide on the type of truss and the angle of the pitch to work out the height of the Truss and the Clearance from the Concrete Roof.

As for the cost, it would be advisable to show the design and specifications to two or more contractors in your area and get price quotes, and then decide on the best bid.

2. What would be the typical details for Rain harvesting tanks and systems connected to a single storey villa.

Given below are the standard Rain Water Harvesting Details for Residences in Kerala-

Storm water from the Roof is first filtered through a Filtration Tank and then collected in the Rainwater Collection tank. An Overflow Tank is connected to the Collection tank to drain out excess water during heavy rains.

Architect Shahdad Karim
B Arch MCM AIIA
Askin Architecture & Construction Management
http://www.keralaarchitect.com/

Wall Plastering

2007-11-27T12:48:00.000+04:00

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Shanavas

Karaparamba, Calicut

1. What are the best (recommended) cement-sand ratios to be used while plastering in various areas of the house (like interior walls, exterior Walls, ceilings,.. etc...?

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Ans:

Plastering plays an important role in good construction. Just as skin gives shape and texture to the body and protects it from the harmful environment, plaster protects the house from damage caused by salts, acid and rain in the external environment. It also makes the house look beautiful and attractive.

Often people complain of cracks on walls after plastering works. One of the reasons cited is lack of proper cement-sand ratio. Normally, for outside plaster, the cement-sand ratio can be from 1:4 to 1:5, for internal plaster from 1:5 to 1:6 and for roof plaster from 1:3 to 1:4.

For better results, check that the mason use a 1:4 ration mortar of cement and fine sand. For coarse sand, the ratio can be changed to 1:6. However 1:4 mix is preferred for best results. Make sure that the mason has not prepared the mix all together for the whole day. The mix must be prepared only in small quantities such that it is used up within an hour. If excess mortar is prepared, it dries up due to evaporation and remixing deteriorates strength and increases porosity.

The risk of crazing cracks may be minimised by the use of relatively weak mix for finishing coat, avoiding excessive proportion of very fine material in the finish coat and avoiding excessive towelling so as to prevent the excess of laitance drawing to the surface, he says.

A major precautionary measure to be undertaken prior to plastering is remove loose mortar and grease from joints. Another important task is that the wall should be wetted for a few hours.

The walls should not be soaked but only dampened evenly. Plastering on wet walls is seldom satisfactory because key is not formed between the plaster and the background surface. In an ideal state the background should be in saturated surface dry condition.

A good key is essential for successful rendering and for avoiding cracking and crazing. All joints in the masonry should be raked out to a depth of at least 12 mm with a hooked tool made for the purpose while the mortar is still green and not later than 48 hours of the time of laying.

The addition of water should be carefully monitored. Excess water will cause shrinkage as well as low strength of plaster. Waterproof compounds, if used should be uniformly dispersed and mixed properly.

Use a chicken wire mesh while plastering joints between the concrete work and brickwork. Plaster should be finished with a wood, felt, cork or other suitably faced float. A steel trowel shall not be used. Ensure continuous curing for 10 to 14 days.

When plastering is done in two coats, the first coat should be left rough and open from edge of the laying trowel and after it has been left long enough to set firm, the surface should be combed or scratched to form a key for the second coat. The first coat should be allowed to dry for three to five days before subsequent coats are applied.

Architect Shahdad Karim

B Arch MCM AIIA

Askin Architecture & Construction Management

http://www.keralaarchitect.com/

Pre-cast Door and Window Frames

2007-11-21T15:46:00.000+04:00

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Saiju Mathew
Changanacherry

1. What is your opinion about pre cast door frames and window frames?

2. Is Malaysian Teak wood durable?

3. Is it possible to make a durable house with 4 bed room for 10-12 lakhs?

4. Do you design low cost houses with a budget of 10-12 lakhs?
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Ans:

1. What is your opinion about pre cast door frames and window frames?

If the Company that manufactures Pre-cast Door & Window Frames has strict quality control measures, with proper concrete mix, curing and reinforcement, then Pre-cast Joinery can be an excellent alternative to traditional Wooden Joinery.

Pre-Cast Joinery can be painted with good quality enamel paint to resemble lacquered wood finish. However, if the Concrete mix and Curing is of poor quality, it would result in being a nuisance in the long-term, with brittle edges and cracks.

2. Is Malaysian Teak wood durable?

Being a hardwood, Malaysian Wood is as durable as the timber available in the local market. However, if the wood was cultivated in farms, it would not have the density or pest-resistant properties of natural forest wood.

3. Is it possible to make a durable house with 4 bed room for 10-12 lakhs?

It is possible to Construct a Concrete House with 4 bedrooms for Rs.10-12 lakhs if the Total Floor Area can be restricted to 2000 sqft.

This is a Design Challenge and would depend on many factors like the Shape of the Plot, Soil Condition (to reduce Foundation Cost), Regional Material and Labour Costs, Construction Management etc.

4. Do you design low cost houses with a budget of 10-12 lakhs?

At KeralaArchitect.com, we design residences, irrespective of the budget or size, and take each project as a design challenge.

Architect Shahdad Karim
B Arch MCM AIIA
Askin Architecture & Construction Management
http://www.keralaarchitect.com/