Collects Rain Water for Primary and Secondary Use

Water is our most precious natural resource and something that most of us take for granted. We are now increasingly becoming aware of the importance of water to our survival and its limited supply, especially in a city like ours.

The harvesting of rainwater simply involves the collection of water from surfaces on which rain falls, and subsequently storing this water for later use. Normally water is collected from the roofs of buildings and stored in rainwater tanks. Water can also be collected in dams from rain falling on the ground and producing runoff.

Waste Management

Solid waste is the unwanted or useless solid materials generated fro combined residential, industrial and commercial activities in a given area. It may be categorised to its origin ( domestic, industrial, commercial, construction or institutional ), according to its contents ( organic material, glass, metal, plastic paper etc.) A number of processes are involved in effectively managing waste including - monitoring, collecting, transporting, processing, recycling and disposal.

The Concept

Every building whether home, industry, institution or commercial establishment can generate some solar power by installing PV panels on the roof top. Sometimes this can be a BIPV(building integrated).

Some Key Benefits

Photovoltaic roof-top installations at the tail-end of the grid can enhance grid-stability and reduce losses

Savings in land requirement and costs

Savings in development of new transmission infrastructure

Creation of value from under-utilized /unutilized rooftops

Good choice for distributed power generation system

BIPV can enhance esthetics of buildings

Benefits of Roof top PV

At national level, reduces requirement of land for solar Power. It reduces need for additional transmission infrastructure

For consumers:

• Reduces the dependency on grid power.
• Mitigates diesel generator dependency.
• Long-term reliable power source.

For Discoms, it reduces

• Day Peak load Demand
• T&D and conversion losses as power is consumed at the point of generation. Most suitable for commercial establishments
• Max generation during peak usage time.
• Solar power cost is close to the commercial power cost.
• Solar power cost is fixed for 25 years

Solar Water Heating

Aside from cost and greenhouse gas emissions savings, the beauty of a solar hot water system is its relative simplicity and durability!

There are two types of collectors used in a solar hot water service:

• flat plate collectors (suitable where tank roof mounting is required).
• Evacuated tubes (more efficient and great for frost prone areas).

Waterwise Water Proofing.

Causes For Leakages

The below mentioned reasons are the principle causes of leakage

• Poor constructional workmanship and no precautionary measures.
• Poor workmanship affects the structure and leads to expansion and contraction over a period of time, which leads to cracks on the walls, and damages the structure overtime and leads to leakages.
• This is specially noted on terraces/roofs where the contractors do not take proper care during the "Brick Bat Coba" work.
• Plastering and tiling job is not done properly, which leads to cracks on the surface resulting in entire terrace/roof surface being damaged.
• It is also observed that due to improper mixing ratios of cement, sand and water, while constructing Terrace or parapet walls, cracks are developed on the joints, Chajjas and parapet walls
• It is normal practice in Mumbai to use Sea Sand while constructing structures. This sea sand also contains muddy portion proportion, which is also directly responsible for damaging the structure.A typical example of this is small plants and shrubs coming out of the cracks on the structures after some time.

How To Prevent Leakages.

The modern engineering technology has come out with an innovative material known as “Polymer base waterproofing compound” which is specially manufactured for the Indian climate. It has been Proved that polymer based waterproofing has different kinds of uses in the construction field. Different kinds of “Polymer base water proofing compounds” are available for different kinds of problems. Today most of the consultant architects and engineers recommend the use of this compound fro solving the leakage problem.

To keep pace with this growing industry we use three different kinds of polymer compounds.

Advantages

• It stops leakages, seepages and dampness of water and finally gives full waterproofing properties to the surface on which it is applied.
• It prevents the growth of algae or fungus on the surface and thus protects the surface from damage.
• It resists the precipitation of salt from the bricks and other masonry structures.
• When applied, it penetrates the hairline cracks, fills the cracks completely and forms a sound film on the surface in turn stopping all sorts of leakages.

Physical Properties

• Highly water repellant.
• Single component liquid compound.
• Resistant to ultra violet rays and chemicals.
• Provides best bonding and adhesions with structures.
• Can withstand changes in climate from 5 degree c to 90 degree c.
• Can be directly applied on the surface of the building and can also be mixed with cement plaster, mortar, concrete, cement paint and distemper paint, thus provides multipurpose application uses.
• Easy to brush or spray with no side effects.
• Long life span with no wastage.

How does Acrylic polymer compound work?

When applied, the compound forms a very hard and strong film on the structure, filling the voids completely and providing waterproofing, anti fungal, and salt resisting properties to the structure. Application is done by brush or spray.

Internal/External Treatment with Acrylic Polymer CompoundMinor Leakages / Damages

In case of minor leakages / damages inside or outside the room, it is observed that usually the paint gets peeled off. To prevent this it is recommended the paint film be completely removed and the surface cleaned. Thereafter at least two coats of ‘Acrylic Polymer’ base waterproofing compound to be applied to the make the surface fully leak-proof.

Major Dampness and Continuous Seepage of Water

In case of major dampness and continuous seepage of water through the wall surface. It is advisable to remove the affected loose plaster and the surface by fully cleaned. Thereafter one primer coat of compound by diluting with equal quantity of water is applied on the affected surface. Once done, add the compound in the ratio of 2 Ltrs. of polymer compound: 50 kgs cement and redo the plastering. Allow it to dry for 48 hours at least.

Landscaping

"Landscaping" a property means you must be making improvements (or maintaining past improvements) on that property grounds -- either in a practical or in an aesthetic way. Everything on your property that stands outside of the home itself is part of a property's landscaping.

Softscape

It refers to the live horticultural elements of a landscape. Softscaping can include flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, and duties like weed/nuisance management, grading, planting, mowing, trimming, aerating, spraying, and digging for everything from plants and shrubs, to flower beds. Wheel barrows and manual tools like rakes, shovels, picks, and gas power tools are commonly used.

Hardscape

Hardscape refers to hard landscape materials in the built environment structures that are incorporated into a landscape.This can include paved areas, driveways, retaining walls, sleeper walls, stairs, walkways, and any other landscaping made up of hard wearing materials such as wood, stone, concrete etc. as opposed to Softscape, the horticultural elements of a landscape.

Elements Of Landscaping

Line:

Lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or curved. Lines are used in landscape designs to accentuate an object, control movement or draw attention to a focal point such as a fire pit or water feature.

Lines can be real (actual) or perceived (implied). Perceived lines are created from a series of objects organized in such a fashion to make it seem as though a line is present.

Form:

Forms are associated with three-dimensional objects. Plants come in many forms including round, upright, spreading, etc.

Colour:

Colour tends to be the most used (as well as over-used) element of landscape design composition.Warm and Cool colours combinations have different visual impacts on the landscape. Colour is an important design consideration for both plants and Hardscape.

Texture:

Texture is a surface characteristic that can be divided into three categories: Coarse, Medium and Fine. Plants, pavements and other site elements all have their own texture. Contrasting textures add interest to a landscape and should play an important role in design composition.

Understanding these elements of design composition is an integral part of laying the foundation for good design and ensuring you will love your landscaping for years.

Principles Of Landscaping

Scale:

Evokes Emotional Connection and is Closely Related to Colour.

Absolute Scale:

Absolute Scale relates to the comparative value of landscape elements to a fixed structure (house).

Relative Scale:

Relates to comparative sizes or “values” of objects in the landscape. Relative scale is very emotionally charged and closely linked to color. It may create a feeling of relaxation and peacefulness or one of energy and action.

High Scale:

High Scale promotes action. It is used around large buildings and in large spaces to fill the space. Use of high scale in small spaces makes the space feel smaller.

Low Scale:

Low Scale is relaxing and calming. It is used in the home landscape to give a feeling of peace and relaxation.

Balance:

Equilibrium on Left and Right Sides.

Formal Balance:

Formal balance repeats the same left and right, giving stability, stateliness, and dignity.

Informal Balance:

Differs from left to right giving curiosity, movement, and feels alive.

Simplicity & Variety:

Simplicity and variety work together to balance each other. Simplicity is a degree of repetition rather than constant change, creating unity. Variety is diversity and contrast in form, texture, and colour preventing monotony.

• For simplicity, repeat some plant materials in sweeps and groupings.
• For variety, fill in with other plants.
• Avoid creating a horticultural zoo (one of this, two of that).
• Zipper plantings (like red-white-red-white) lack simplicity and variety.

Emphasis:

Domination & Subordination of Elements.

The human mind looks for dominance and subordination in life. As we look at a landscape from any direction, we need to see dominance and subordination of various elements. If we do not find it, we withdraw from the landscape. Some gardens lack the dominant element. Others suffer with too many dominate elements screaming to be the focal point. Emphasis can be achieved through different sizes, bold shapes, groupings, and the unusual or unexpected.