Types of Windows

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.

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Indoor & Outdoor Lighting Design in Kerala

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.

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Rules followed in Kerala Vastuvidya

Plot of the house

Shapes: The ideal plot shape is symmetrical. Shapes like circular, hexagonal, rectangular and square is beneficial and good from all aspects.  Other asymmetrical shapes are inauspicious. The slope of the plot must be to the north or east, other directions are not good. Then the rays of the rising sun will directly fall in the plot or the house. The basis of considering the slope to the east is the suns rays.

Direction: It is good if each side of plot is facing exactly to the north direction, south direction, east direction and west direction. It is better if the length of the plot in the east-west direction is more than that in the north-south direction.

Space : The building should be so located on the plot so as to leave more open space in the east than in the west; and more open space in the north than in the south.  If there is more open  space in south than in north, it will lead to damage. Some open space should be kept all around the building. The plot having road on the east-north directions is good.

Roads around the plot : A square piece of plot surrounded by roads on each side is considered very auspicious. It is also good if a road runs alongside the plot and ends at the northeast corner. A road ending on any other part of the plot is  not good. If there is only one road, a road on the north side is good but road on the south is not good likewise it is best if the one road existing is located on the east but not good if it is on the west.  It is good if there are roads only in the east and north. If there are roads only on the west and north, it is not bad. It is very good if there are three roads only on the east, south, and west. But if the three roads are on the north, west, and east or on the north, south, and west it is not  good.  Land should also not be next to a T or Y intersection.

It is best to buy land where happy and successful people have lived. Check out that plot doesn't have any cracks , thorny trees, bones, many rocks anywhere. It is usually best not to purchase land next to a bridge.

Colour : The colour of the soil should be checked. According to Vaastu Shastra, black and clayey soil is not good for building.

Check out the place where the trees are planted and the location of water facilities. It is very ideal if the plot have a pond, well or water rights. You can add a water feature in the northeast of the plot and get the same freshness and prosperity benefits. If there is a well or any other pit in the south-east, south-west or north-west direction, there will always be quarrels in the family and there will be no peace.

Position of the rooms

Generally if you draw a straight line between the north west corner and the south east corner, one side should be allotted for the cooking , dining and prayer area and the opposite side should be allotted for the bedrooms, study room, store room, safety locker for keeping money, valuables etc.

Verandah,  should be in the east corner.

 Bedrooms, study room, store room, safety locker etc could be anywhere in the space from the north west corner, west, south till the south east corner. Bedrooms and study room should ideally be in the south or west.

Master bedroom should be south west or south corner. If bedroom is in the south east direction, there is a possibility for the children shows disinterest in their studies and people have much anger. If bedroom is in north east or west there is possibility of birth of larger number of girls in the family.

Guest room or drawing room in the north west corner, Granary, Children's Bedroom, washing place,  Septic Tank should ideally be in north-west.

Study Room is ideal in the north west corner. People should face East while reading/studying.

Store Room, Lumber Room etc should be in the south west.  

Toilets should be in north-west but should not be situated in corners. Remember when using the toilet you face towards south or north only. Toilets and Bathroom should be situated separately. No toilets should be attached to the dining room. Common bathroom should be in the east. If it is a common bathroom between two bedrooms, then the bathroom should be parallel to the bedrooms.

Kitchen, dining room and prayer room etc could be anywhere in the space from the North west corner, north, east till the south east corner. Kitchen should be ideally located in the North-east. The gas stove or any other cooking material should be placed in such a way one should face only towards the East, while cooking. Sinks should be at the North-East corner of the kitchen. Southern and westerns sides is ideal for placing fridge, storage racks etc.

Living Room or the dining room should be in East, North & Northeast directions. Face east or west while eating.

Prayer room is always best in north east or near it. Face east or west while praying.

Sitting Room, Drinking water,  is always best in the north east or near it.

Staircase should be in West or North. It is good for health and wealth. If there are landings or turnings in it, it should wind up in clockwise and on emerging at the upper floor, the facing should be towards South or East. The number of steps should be odd numbers.

Room for the watchman or guard should be built near the gate in the boundary wall on the left side. His quarter should be on the left side of the gate.

The main gate of the house ideally should be from the east or west. But it can be from all directions. It is better to enter the gate through the right wing, for a gate with two wings.

Doors and Windows

The main door of the house should be larger than the other doors in the house. There should not be two doors opposite each other.There should be only one main door to the house and it should be in any of the exalted positions from the Northeast corner - either from North of Northeast or from East of Northeast. There should not be any obstruction or water body just opposite the main entrance.  The number of doors and windows of a house should be even in numbers.  All the doors and windows should be of the same height and the upper edge should be straight line. The door on upper floor should be shorter than that on the lower floor. The wall, on the side in which main door is to kept, should be divided in nine equal parts (length-wise)-leave five parts on the right and three on the left, door should be constructed in the remaining one part or in the 7th part. Door of the staircase should face either east or south.

Interiors: 

Use only one type of wood for constructing a house.

TVs and computers should ideally be placed in the Southeast corner of the living room or study room. They should not be placed in the Northeast corner or Southwest corner.

The Paintings / Statues in the house are also important. One should not have pictures depicting war scenes, scenes depicting negativities of life like sorrow, struggle, violence, tragedy and calamities and also pictures of pig, leopard, tiger, jackal, serpent, eagle, owl, pigeon, hawk, crow, crane.

The living room of the central zone should be free from any kind of obstructions such as any kind of beam, pillar, loads, columns, water bodies,  fixture, toilet, staircase or even a wall or lift.

The dining table should be square or rectangular but not round or oval.

Image of god should not face the south direction.

Living rooms should be painted in white, yellow, green, or blue. Bedroom should be painted a light pink, dark blue, dark green, gray, etc. Staircase should be painted in white colour. Green is advised for study rooms to promote intelligence. Sandal/Yellow is advised for prayer room. The ideal colour of the safe room is yellow as it is believed that yellow increases the wealth. Bathrooms should be painted in light shades or white, sky blue. Kitchens should be painted yellow, rose, red, orange, brown. White, light yellow, or light blue for prayer room.

Telephones can be placed in the Southeast or Northwest corner but not in the Southwest or Northeast.

The cupboard in the wall should be the Southern or Western part direction of the house.

Trees 

There should be an even number of trees in your house. It is better if there are no tall trees in the east, north and north-east because it will block sun rays. Trees in the south and west are good. No trees should not be planted directly in front of the house's main entrance and no big trees too near the house. Thorny plants other than roses should not be planted near a house. It is believed that planting palm, gooseberry, tamarind trees and cotton plants will destroy wealth and bring miseries to the inmates. Lime or lemon tree with yellow flowers is also not recommended. Coconut, betal, neem, margosa, lemon, jackfruit, mango, ashoka, sandal and plants like tulsi (basil), turmeric, marigold (red), roses (all except black), jasmine and banana are considered very auspicious.

Water bodies : 

Underground water tank, well, hand-pump, boring etc. should be built in north-east direction only. Height of these water bodies should never be above the plinth level of the main building. Water tanks should be on the roof in the south-west direction. Never place these in north or north-east corner.

Sleeping

While sleeping head can be placed in the east or south for adults, for children head should be in the east.  Never sleep with the head towards the North direction.

Information: Courtesy WebIndia123.com

Modern Roof Design in Kerala

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.

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Designing an Eco-friendly Kitchen in Kerala

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.

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Kerala Building Rules: Floor Area and Luxury Tax

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;

(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.

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.

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ASKIN- Architect Shahdad Karim INdia

Kitchen Countertops

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.

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