Enhancing your premises with
a natural element
| Water bodies have a way of adding charm and beauty to a building. |
FLUID DIMENSION: A bit of water can make a great deal of difference
Water has been used in different ways for centuries to add
beauty to buildings and their environs. While it was the architects and
designers who suggested using water bodies for aesthetic purposes, the ancient
architectural traditions like Vasthu Sastra and Feng Shui have promoted the
increasing use of water in buildings
Interestingly, using of a water body in a building project
involves a coordinated effort of at least three experts with the architect
formulating the design, the interiors professional suggesting the kind of extra
aesthetic material that could be used and the landscapist suggesting the flora
and fauna.
Says Kottayam-based architect Jose K Mathew, "I like
using the three natural elements air, water and sound because it gives life to
the building too. The quality of the water can vary according to the type of
body it is. For example, if it is a lily or a fishpond, there will be a natural
flow of oxygen and fewer mosquitoes. All you need is a mechanised filter, as the
water will have natural bacteria to keep it clean. He says that water has
positive energy and hence is good for a house or building."
The location of water bodies varies according to the
architecture of the building. Interior specialist Jomon J. Panagad says that as
there are guidelines for Vasthu or Feng Shui-based buildings, and ponds and
aquariums are placed accordingly. Sometimes aquariums are placed in the living
area for people to see or in partition areas depending on the plan. He believes
that water bodies have two major things in their favour, one is the cooling
effect and the other, controlling dust.
Even the shapes are no longer barriers. From the usual
rectangular one, now the shape and size vary according to the design from
symmetrical to curved ones. "One can have a water body like an aquarium or
fountain either in the centre of a big lobby or at a corner," opines
Harris, event manager and interiors specialist.
Landscapist Chitra Menon finds that many people prefer clear
water. She feels that those wanting to have a small water body can opt for
either a fishpond or one with water lilies. In case of lotus, one needs to have
it where there is sunlight.
Maintenance is a big hitch for many. Says Chitra, "Many
hesitate to have water bodies, because taking care of it is a tough task and an
expensive process too. They may get them closed after a few years."
However, unlike swimming pools, these water bodies do not
need chemicals or chlorination to keep them clean. There are mechanical and bio
filters that have to be installed to maintain the quality of the water. Vinod
Mohan, Trios Engineering, says bio-filters are good but are yet to catch on.
Fishponds have a natural process of filteration but reflective pools, lotus
ponds and large water bodies where rainwater is harvested do need external
filters to prevent the growth of algae. For example, phosphate in pond water
results in string algae growth. So `phosless-filter' media tubes counteract
these conditions. They bond significant amounts of phosphate. Bio-filters use
bacteria to keep the water clean.
If one were to look at the costs of making a small water
body, the price for a mechanical filter could be around Rs.1 lakh or at the rate
of Rs.3 to Rs.4 per litre for flowing water.
For a natural body like a lily pond or aquarium, one could
even get it done at a rate from Rs.15,000 upwards, depending on the material
used like pebbles, glass, tiles, colours, etc.
SUDHA NAMBUDIRI
Courtesy: Property Plus, The Hindu
