Environment Friendly Systems

Environment Friendly Systems

The industry is now replete with eco-friendly catch phrases like carbon credits, green buildings and energy efficiency. The latest technology is now being harnessed to meet these demands by companies in the business of temperature regulation and ventilation.

That using an efficient, environment-friendly system is in keeping with business sense is what companies are becoming aware of. Retailers in Europe and the US spend 2% of their proceeds on only electricity and now all are demanding that the figure comes down. Retailers in India too are beginning to realize the importance of such matters and how they affect profit margins

.

There are always innovations for energy efficiency. For example, Sanyo possesses an eco-store management system for regulating the load on air-conditioning, refrigeration and lighting. In China and Japan this system has been seen to have a 10% to 40% reduction in load. They have introduced the system in Reliance Hyper Martin Jamnagar.

The same company also possesses air-conditioning systems running on CNG and LPG rather than electricity which will become a popular technology because of the frequent power cuts in India. Commercial establishments are lured by carbon credits. They're willing to invest once they can see business sense in it. Before the awareness and availability of environment-friendly products reaches the public it will take time but young educated middle class Indians in particular are now becoming aware of it.

A common sight in the consumer durables space is the Bureau of Indian standards (BIS), that has star ratings for energy efficiency. There is however, no legislation for commercial spaces as yet. In countries abroad even a certificate for cleaning of an air-conditioner duct has to be compulsorily shown to the health department. As we are going through a construction boom now it would be the ideal time for the government to bring in legislation in this matter.

In the area of emission control existing refrigerants such as R22 are being done away with by companies as they are ozone depleting and variants that do not affect ozone such as R410 and R404 are being brought in. Some are changing to carbon dioxide technology that eliminates heat but does not affect ozone levels.

Only the IT/ITeS, biotechnology, telecom, hospitality and retail sectors seem to have awareness and sensitivity in this matter. The HVAC equipment in a commercial space uses as much as 55% of the energy bill. There is much scope for improvement and innovation.

The proper usage and maintenance of equipment is as important as the installation and companies often do not realize this and go from green to grey. All departments are involved in the planning of a green building from the architect to the mechanical engineer to the electrical department. They must collaborate and work to utilize materials and equipment in the best way.

 For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Improve Your Home Environment through Fengshui

Improve Your Home Environment through Fengshui

The art of science of Fengshui is increasingly gaining recognition among real estate professionals and even in town planning, and is closely related to the practice of Vaastu. It is basically a tool to harmonize and align the dwelling place and is concerned with the flow of 'Chi' the Chinese term for movement of energy, in order to release blocked energy which may have an effect in the corresponding areas of our lives. Nowadays, Fengshui is known to maintain the value of real estate holdings and even in countries like the USA and Canada, buyers often prefer a property that has been approved by a Fengshui expert.

Fengshui gives importance and relevance to the five elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. It focuses on aligning the general layout of the dwelling and creating a balance in order to enhance the flow of Chi. It seeks to do this through the strategic placing of doors, windows, furniture, cots and stove. In addition, factors such as ventilation, the source of water and levels of the land must be in the right order so that the right place, approach and tuning can be achieved.

Nowadays there are many self-styled experts on Vaasthu and Fengshui who have distorted their use through offers like 'single window' services, often lumping it together with gemology, astrology and numerology. It has become non-functional because of the wrong advice imparted by such folk to clients. One must also remember that there is no dwelling which can be described as being 100% Vaasthu or Fengshui perfect. It certainly does not offer a remedy for controlling the force of birth of death, but rather improves our capacity to think and function better.

In Singapore, the town has been planned in keeping with the Fengshui texts known as the 'secrets of the 5 dragons,' that involve mountains, water resources and the movement of traffic as mean of creating prosperity for the country. In Taiwan and Malaysia, services of Fengshui experts are often used to assess the value of the property and to increase its worth before offering it to prospective buyers. Fengshui services are included in the offer of a single window service by The Appraisal Institute of Canada. Some great international corporations such as the Chase Manhattan Bank, Citibank and Morgan Guaranty Trust in Hong Kong and Taiwan do not hesitate to employ experts in this art for the help.

From the perspective of Fengshui, a house is not just a physical structure but is an entity that can either nurture your life or undermine it. It believes that the flow of Chi is what really decides the value of your property. People are automatically attracted to a home that has an abundance of positively flowing chi. There is a distinct relationship between the value of a property and good Fengshui. Homes with good Chi often command high prices in any neighborhood. Those homes that sit on the market longest are the ones in which energy is blocked and stagnant.

Earlier it was considered ideal for a home to have the famous Chinese green dragon-white tiger design in it. This means that there should be certain levels in the house, e.g. the back should be higher than the front and the right side should be lower than the left. This was supposed to protect the centre of the house and was known as the armchair design. Since it is difficult to create such levels in modern day life and as we cannot control the shapes of neighbouring buildings, one could adapt the method by planting trees or using lights mounted on poles to create a higher back effect in a house.

Some guidelines are available to ensure that your house is in harmony with the principles of Fengshui. One could explore the area to see if the design is harmonious and has a sense of beauty. Environmental pollution, the condition of sewage drains and the presence of high tension wires etc., could be noted. The appearance of the front door of the house is important. A front door has the ability to either welcome you or drive you away. Opportunities are supposed to enter through it and it should convey a feeling of pride.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Renovating old buildings

Renovating old buildings

Renovating old buildings are not as easy as they Prima facie look to be. Renovation of old buildings may be required for several factors such as natural wear and tear, change in the ownership and change in the requirement. The first and foremost thing before commencement of any renovation work is to identify the type of renovation needed. After identifying the type of renovation, one should not straight away proceed to execute this job since, the Owner may not be aware of the intricacies involved therein. It is better to seek assistance of an Expert, a Civil Engineer/Architect.

Renovation may be major or minor. No clear-cut groupings as to which one falls under minor renovation and which one under major renovation is possible. However, certain general broad classifications of works can be mentioned. Providing or shifting of electrical, plumbing, sanitary fittings, arresting leakage in water pipes, tanks, taps and seepage into the walls can be considered to fall under the category of minor renovation.

Major renovation may be demolition and construction of a portion of the building, which includes re-doing of floors, total electrical rewiring, painting, polishing of doors and windows, grills, replacement of gates, sanitary fittings and remodeling of rooms to suit Vaasthu to cite a few.

The first and foremost step for renovation is to identify and to take stock of the nature and extent of additions and alterations, their implication on the structural system of the present building and its feasibility. It is also necessary to have an estimated figure of expenditure. For a layman, it is very difficult to visualise all these in a scientific way. Therefore, utilisation of services of an Expert is necessary. Experts like Civil Engineers or Architects can undertake this job with much ease and perfection.  

They also know the work force required and can supervise the work for better and quick result. This would involve in saving unnecessary expenditure. Failure to take help of Experts would generally lead to spending more money and time with a lot of tension to the Owner.

However, it is not easy to get services of Experts for such jobs as the money involved may be very paltry when compared to the expenditure involved in the construction of new houses.  But, with proper persuasion and search, one may find the services of an Expert and the renovation/alteration work can be carried out under his supervision/advice.Though it may cost the Owner additional expenditure for remuneration for the Expert, it is really worth spending as the benefit one gets from such service would be more than what he pays for such service.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Master Bedroom

MASTER BEDROOM

There is nothing like your own master bedroom for getting away from all stress-producing elements and having a warm and cozy retreat to relax. Before you set about the task of designing the room you must choose a suitable theme according to your budget and taste. There should not be a cluttered appearance and the room should be welcoming at all times.

Before choosing the furniture it is sensible to measure the space in the bedroom. If you invest in a dresser and chest of drawers it will be a convenient place that will house your clothing and linen and could also be used as a table top to keep a TV or a music system. Vertical cupboards should provide you a lot of space for your clothes. A chest of drawers could be placed at the foot of your bed for storing books and articles. A sleek bed of steel may be ideal as it won't take up much place. Or you could use a bed of dark wood made with a geometric look.

It is very important to have the right lighting in your bedroom. It should be balanced according to the intensity of light required. You may need brighter light for reading and at the same time it should be relaxing and soothing. For this you could use dimmers on the switches to regulate the level of light. Bedside lamps may be more convenient for you and if you have a dressing table where you put on your makeup you should have the correct intensity of lighting with the possibility of changing it according to the time of day.

Walls should be painted in neutral or cozy colors and can be used to display pictures with evocative themes. Family heirlooms may also be hung on the walls. If space permits keep a large mirror so that the room may appear more spacious.

A place for storage-cum-seating is found at the window seat. You should have suitable curtains to keep out light and the seat should be comfortable. If you desire more privacy you could install wooden blinds.

A soft mattress with pillows and a duvet to go with it are a must. You should have matching bed sheets and pillow covers with a few decorative cushions thrown in here and there.

To get that extra touch of luxury have some rugs and place one where your feet hit the floor on getting up. Don't allow conformity to a theme to create the need to display too many articles. Aim for comfort and a bright welcoming appearance to your bedroom. It should be a place that lifts your mood as soon as you enter it.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Versatile Material – Bamboo

VERSATILE MATERIAL – BAMBOO

Bamboo is coming to be known as a very versatile material especially in its use as furniture material as it couples durability and good looks. It is also a very eco-sensitive material as it is renewable and easy to raise and use. It also has the quality of simplicity which has perhaps made it very popular all over the world. It happens to be resilient and flexible as well as exotic. Bamboo has a rustic element in it and lends a warm ambience to the environment. It can also be used for sophisticated purposes.

Basically bamboo is available in two colors, the natural shade and a darker amber hue. The natural color is that of maple and furniture in that color can be made to keep it as found in its own surroundings. By steaming the bamboo during the process of manufacture its shade can be darkened. You have to keep in mind the decor and accessories in your room when deciding the choice of color.

A smooth finish can be obtained for the furniture by the process of cutting the stalk into narrow sections which are then glued together. You get a different final appearance from using different faces of the material and the final product may be bamboo plywood or vertical grain panels which are somewhat stronger. The bamboo must be treated chemically for safety from pests and decay. Even oak is not as hard and durable as bamboo in spite of it being the hallmark of strength in the business. Bamboo has many valuable qualities. Bamboo is not as expensive as hardwoods are and thus come easier on the budget. Being a green material it is furthermore suitable in homes. It is also easier to grow again as it sends out shoots after being harvested.

Tables, chairs, cots, bamboo blinds and shades are all products that can be made with this material. Mats of this material give aesthetic appeal to the floor. It is easy to cure and prepare for installation and is softer underfoot than oak. Building houses, fences, bridges, flooring, making utensils, faucets, decorative accents, curtains, bed sheets, plates, wall decors, dinnerware, sporting goods, jewelry, handbags, cutting boards, wind chimes, vases and all kinds of wooden things - you name it - it is there in bamboo. It is supposed to be auspicious as a harbinger of health, happiness and long life. Even musical instruments can be made using the hollow stalk for sounding and being a strong material it can even be used in the construction of canoes, zeppelins and planes. As it blends with the landscape you can make a screen out of it too. This down-to-earth, practical plant has a beauty about it and is very affordable in addition.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Fire Proof Buildings

Fire Proof Buildings

Every building should be constructed, equipped, maintained and operated to avoid undue danger to life and safety of the occupants from fire, smoke, fumes or panic during the survival time available for escape.

Building Codes advocate the traditional evacuation by stairs in fire affected buildings upto three or four storey. All buildings which are 15 m in height or above, and all buildings used as educational, institutional, industrial, and buildings having an area more than 500 sq. m on each floor shall have a minimum of two staircases. They shall be of enclosed type : at least one of them shall be on external wall of the building and shall open directly to the place of safety. In taller buildings, fire lifts should be provided with emergency power supplies. In case of power failure, lifts and escalators tend to suddenly stop in between floors, trapping the occupants in the lift. Hence, lifts and escalators should not be considered as exits.

Safe exit for the occupants in a building on fire requires a safe path of escape from the fire in the shortest possible time. This path, which should be as short as possible should be ready for use in case of emergency.  Provision of two separate means of exits for every floor, including basement, is a fundamental requirement.

Although builders and owners often establish their own requirements, the minimum Code requirements must be met. Features covered in these codes include structural design, fire protection, and means of egress, light, sanitation, and interior finish. A Building Code is recommendation that sets forth minimum requirements for design and construction of buildings and structures. These minimum requirements are established to protect the health and safety of society, and generally represent a compromise between optimum safety and economic feasibility.

The design of any buildings and the type of materials used in its construction are important factors in making the building fire resistant. A structure or structural element should be designed to possess an appropriate degree of resistance to flame penetration; heat transmission and failure. The fire resistance of a structural element is expressed in terms of time in hours it can withstand a fire of specified temperature. The reinforcement detailing should reflect the changing pattern of the structural section and ensure that both individual elements and the structure as a whole contain adequate support, ties, bonds and anchorages for the required fire resistance. Additional measures such as application of fire resistant false ceilings in tensile zone, should be adopted in case the nominal cover required exceeds 40 mm for beams and 35 mm for slabs.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Beat the Heat

Beat the Heat

Everyone likes a cool home to relax during the hot summer months. With a little effort you can help your interiors to be more cool and refreshing on a hot summer day.

As the days become longer in the summer season we usually like to make use of it. If, however the windows in the home are old or inexpensive the house may become hot as heat is allowed to get into rooms. Windows of high quality vinyl or wood will help in the energy efficiency of your home.

You should think of using horizontal blinds or shutters on both inner and outer windows. Blinds or shutters should be positioned so the sunlight is directed upwards to the ceiling. This produces the effect of a skylight as it provides indirect, natural light indoors with little cooling cost. Wood blinds and shutters are better than metal blinds. Cooling the home centers on air circulation.

Another popular method of cooling is to use fans when you can't have air conditioners. They are affordable and efficient and help to disperse the heat and circulate air.

Minimal overhead lighting is recommended by interior decorators. When reading or performing a task you could use a lamp rather than turning on an overhead light. Whenever an overhead light is turned on energy furniture in the summer is best. This includes floor coverings. You should roll up the wool and oriental carpets and bring out light coloured cotton area rugs and durries. This is because dark colors absorb and hold heat while light colours reflect it.

If using plants choose them according to the proportions of your living area. Evergreen plants such as scheffleras, dracaenas and ficus are large enough to stand alone and blend well into a large area such as a huge living space or a dining hall. Plants that have glossy leaves and elegant shapes should be preferred and placed in good looking containers. Brass or terracotta ones are ideal.

Finally having a small fountain in your home or a terracotta container filled with water and a few flower petals floating on it will give a cool effect to the home. Your house can be eco-friendly, energy-efficient and a haven of refuge from the summer heat.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Choosing Bowls and Vases

Choosing Bowls and Vases

At times, both the container and its contents would largely be elegant and enchanting. Bowls and Vases  display such a trait. They add gracefulness and spread a delicate charm to the interiors, enlivening the whole atmosphere inside the home. If some attractive and exceptionally beautiful centerpieces are available or if one wants to place the favourite flowers, then Vases and Bowls are perfect elements for them. They are available in a variety of materials like glass crystal, terracotta, wood, porcelain, brass, copper, silver, and stone. Some of them do not require any maintenance. But others like silver require care and attention to keep them in original and natural sheen.

Bowls are available in any shape and size, so as to suit the need.  They are small, round, oval and square. As decor elements these crystal, glass, silver or porcelain bowls just by virtue of being themselves are capable of creating an elegant centerpiece, but to enhance the table, things like fruits, coloured stones, aroma candles flowers etc., could be placed in them. For a beautiful arrangement of fruits on the dining table, fruit bowl in glass, crystal or even steel can be used.

At south Indian homes nowadays we find an ethnic and popular arrangement of floating flowers placed in large brass bowls and 'Urulis'.  These are placed on the floor usually at the entrance of a home or the living room.

If the home has low tables around, then choosing shallow bowls will be a better option or even improvising with soup bowls and coffee cups will be attractive.  Nowadays the modern rage is the ceramic bowls which are handcrafted and handmade.  They are also ideal in adding a dash of ethnicity to the home.

VASES:

Nature spreads a riot of colours during the summer time through the profusion of colourful flowers.  Some of these flowers when brought in, carry with them the sunshine and freshness into one's residence. Fresh flowers from wherever the sources, whether bought from florist or just picked as a bunch from the garden, they actually liven up any room.

But the process of selection is the most important aspect in the floral arrangement. The right Vase has to be chosen for the right flower. Then a visual treat can be created. Flower Vases are available in variety of shapes – tall, short, round, square, narrow, wide etc. Most common variety available these days are Vases shaped like urns and any kind of flower can be placed in such Vases.  The bud vases allows only a few long stems to be placed. These Vases conveniently hold only certain varieties of flowers.

Orchids, lilies, grasses and other exotic flowers look splendid when placed in straight and narrow Vases.  If a single flower of vivid colour is placed it will produce dramatic effect.

A group of Vases can be clustered together and the Vases could be either of the same height or staggered. When placed against a plain wall this arrangement creates an extraordinary visual impression. If short and stout Vases are preferred then creating a round floral arrangement using flowers like begonias will be most suitable. But, it is important to keep the size of the Vases and the size of the flowers in proportion. The rule of thumb to follow is to keep the flowers two thirds taller than the Vases.

The Vases which are hand crafted with designs that are meant to be displayed, are quite artistic and add character to the room. The best area to place them is  on the floor in corners and places that need highlighting.  Grouping together a few of them will create an impressively grand visual effect.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration

Civil law

Plants in Pots

Plants in Pots

Plants when grown and kept in apt ambience, create a scene of fullness and prosperity. If placed in proper receptacles they look splendid. Changing the monotony and dullness in the place is the essential aspect, and when looked after carefully they become the constant and silent companions of the dwellers at home.

Either at indoors or outdoors, plants always remain a source of charm, beauty, freshness and vitality. The entire environment looks more inviting and the dreary and boring scenario gets changed into a lovely and lively ambience.

At the same time plants also need to be given a facelift by putting them in the right kind of pots and displaying them in such a way which enhances their beauty. They thus transform plain and empty open spaces into a green paradise and add character to the surroundings.

While selecting the pots attention should be concentrated regarding the present and final size of the plants' growth and also the place where the plants are going to be displayed. One could well imagine putting a plain, simple plastic or clay pot amidst richly decorated interiors.

There is no deficiency in the varieties and designs of pots to choose from – clay, terracotta, ceramic, plastic or brass are a few among them. The best and healthiest medium to grow plants is in the clay pots. The reason is that the soil in them gets the right amount of fresh air and water as the superfluous water and air are removed through the pores. Normally most of the clay pots have a hole at the base through which the excess water gets drained out automatically. As far as maintenance is concerned they hardly need any, but the one weak point is that they are breakable. If they are to be placed outside, it would be better to paint them in bright colours with a few geometric designs. If they are to be kept indoors, a few mirrors or other suitable decorative items could be stuck on the painted pots. The terracotta pots are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and they certainly add an enchanting earthly feel to the nearby surroundings.

There are no problems in using plastic pots. They are trouble free, unbreakable and are also lighter in weight than the clay pots.

If brass pots are taken for  consideration, they are excellent and spell class. But their prices are very high. Their beautiful gold colour stands out in almost any kind of décor with a distinct air of aristocracy.  They need some maintenance and should be cleaned and polished regularly.

The better idea would be placing the clay or plastic pot inside a brass pot. When the plant needs watering or sunshine, the brass pot need not be shifted and it is the one inside that is taken out.

The ceramic pots of whatever shape they might be, round, oval or long and slender, are capable of working wonders in enhancing the surroundings with their impressive colours. But because of the material from which they are made makes them very fragile and extra care and caution has to be exercised while handling them.

Selection  of Plants  and  display

While selecting the plants, the dimensions of the display area are to be kept in mind.  Glossy leaved plants and plants of elegant shapes could be selected. Plants could be used to highlight dull corners or stairways. Pot stands are best options to display plants, especially when there is shortage of space.  There are single or multiple potholders of various shapes, like spiral or ladder designed.   Cane baskets can also be used, for they would enhance aesthetic attraction.

Small clay pots having plants with small colourful flowers in them could be hung from balconies or placed on stairways or windowsills. 

The space under a stair case can be decorated by placing a huge pot or a cluster of small pots on a bed of pebbles and shells. To celebrate special occasions a large and beautiful brass pot may be placed at a significant position. The whole stretch can be sprinkled with some water and some colourful flower petals strewn over so as to cover the whole surface. Finally when a lighted diya is placed in the centre a visual splendour would have been created.

For More...........:

Advocate Selvakumar

Legal Articles

Property Articles

Legal queries

Property Documentation

Property registration
Civil law