Ondule is a creative slip-covered chair for stylish thinkers made by French designer Mattis Esnault. This piece of furniture boasts a strong resemblance to a human brain.

According to the designer the Ondule Chair was actually inspired by digital data (and has no connection to a human brain).

They say that this chair looks usual only from the first sight because the odd quilted pattern gives it an undulating surface that makes it appear as it if is constantly moving.

What a comfortable and stylish seat!

ArtStyleOnline

TO RECOMMEND BUILDER

QUOTE

Anonymous   has left a new comment on your post "Answers to your queries #Architecture":

Sir,
I would like to build a Home around 2000-2200 SQ ft in Trivandrum in 5 cents, would you please recommend me a Builder & Designer and what would be the cost per Sq Ft …?need your assistant

My reply

Such posting of comments in blogs without revealing your identity or email  cannot get you a reply from me as it will not be practically feasible for me to reply to comments in all blogs

So those who want replies from me please write your queries/comments/suggestions to

vhthomas@viruvelil.com

How can any one recommend or suggest a builder? There is not even two builders/contractors following same construction practices or procedures.When you try to find a contractor who quotes “lowest square feet cost” for construction ,contractor in turn try to  build your house with lowest labour charges and lowest material content to increase his profit

Contactor/Builder has only one objective in building your house: Get maximum profit.Quality of construction is simply for the talk making you believe that his quality of work is the best.You simply believe him and consider yourself as smart for getting the “best quality construction” at lowest cost! But the builder/contractor is definitely more knowledgeable about construction than you.He knows how to misguide you who knows very little about construction

Just try to put a good Architect or Engineer and tell the contractor to do construction as per drawings and instructions of your consultant.Then watch the fun.Contractor/builder will demand a higher cost if you introduce a person who knows about construction in between.

PLAN AND ELEVATION FROM ANY ONE

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Ramnath   has left a new comment on your post "Elevation for three bed house":

I have a 8 cent plot that is rectangular. i am planning a house in the range of 35 lacs , anyone having a plan/elevation for a single storied house please email it to

My reply

8 cents is only area of land.It does not give any idea about dimensions of each of four sides.Also we have no idea of the position of roads near plot.To consider Vasthu aspects,directions also has to be considered.

So how can you simply take plan and Elevation of somebody else for your house? I simply do not understand why people talk like this.

BEST POSSIBLE SIZE OF PLOT

QUOTE

Anonymous   has left a new comment on your post "Replies to your queries#Architecture":

I am an NRI Mechanical Engineer like to build a 2500-2800 sq. ft. house in Cochin and on the look out for 8 cents of land (which is my budget) and identified few plots.
Appreciate if you could let me know the best possible size of plot in 8 cents to have a good architect designed house
I understand that the house can be designed to suite the plot but prefer to buy a plot where in design can be flexible

My reply

If I tell  a particular length and width of plot,will anybody sell you a plot of same dimension in Kerala that too in Cochin? Impossible.

If you have to identify a plot best suited to you ,take an expert who knows about Structural Engineering,Architecture,Vasthu and Kerala Building rules to the plot or plots you have identified and get his comments/advice before finalising the plot.

PARABOLIC ROOF DESIGN

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Hello Mr. Thomas,

I am a frequent visitor of your blogs, Nice experience. I want know about Parabolic roof design, now a days people are doing this, I want know more about this how this design and how its covering with glass advantages & disadvantages. Hope you will reply

My reply

It is not my intention to educate people about every terminology that come in House design/Construction.For getting such details,you have various sources.If you cannot find proper sources for getting more info,you can try googling.

GRANITE LAYING COST

QUOTE

Anonymous   has left a new comment on your post "Flooring for house-options":

How much it cost to get 3200sgft granite installed.,any idea ?

My reply

First of all Granite laying for floors is fast becoming outdated like marble flooring.There are much more better,cheaper alternatives which are more trendy and environment friendly

Getting labour for building construction is becoming difficult as days pass.There is no such thing as a universally accepted standard granite laying charges.Again each of the labour contractor does the work in different manner.So you cannot compare charges of one with charges of another.Your Architect for the work will be able to guide you on this.

EXISTING BUILDING MODIFICATION

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Menon has left a new comment on your post "Queries and replies-House design,construction ,rem…":

I am a retiree in Cochin residing in Chittoor Road. I have two houses separated hardly by 5-10 ft. I am interested in joining the terraces together and have a terrace garden and retreat with a small bed room, bath and kitchen on one so that It can be self contained also. I need someone to conceptualize the idea so that I can look at the possibilities. Can you do it please? or can you recommend someone please?

My reply

For any modification/remodeling/renovation work,I will have to visit the site and study all aspects related to modification you are thinking of.First of all it has to be checked whether the modification is feasible at all.

Without any doubt it can be said that modification will be much more costly than building new and no one can safely estimate cost involved as you will be working on a building about which you know practically nothing.As you break and cut in to old building parts it may present you new problems to be solved.

Unless you have so much sentimental reasons to retain the old building by  modifying and not simply bothered about cost involved,do not attempt remodeling.Try to design and build a new building instead of trying to work with old building.Lot of people have a mistaken notion that modifying is cheaper.It is not so.

Kerala Architecture and House construction

Prescription drugs have become a large part of our culture in just the last few years. Doctors are prescribing them to patients more than ever. This has led to the rise of young people abusing prescription drugs. It is very easy for someone to either sell or buy prescription drugs on the streets. This is causing a growing health concern, as many young people are ending up in the hospital after overdosing on these powerful prescription drugs. It is important that we educate people more on the inherent dangers of prescription drug addiction. If you suspect someone you know has developed a problem with prescription drugs, it is important that they get a prescription drug addiction detox as soon as they possibly can.

Honesty

One of the best ways to combat people abusing prescription drugs is by educating them at an early age about the dangers of drug abuse. These drugs are only meant to be taken in the correct dosage and with the supervision of a medical professional. When an individual self-administers these types of drugs it can be very dangerous. They could have allergic reactions or accidental overdoses. Thankfully, young people have more access to information than ever before in our history. They know when we are telling the truth and when we are lying to them. It is a good idea to be upfront with young people about the dangers of prescription drugs. A drug abuse addiction is a serious issue.

Society

Another reason why it is so important to properly educate our young people about the dangers of these drugs is the fact that they are shown in our culture every day. Many television shows and movies make light of the problem by showing prescription drug abuse as no big deal. In fact, prescription drug abuse kills people every year and is no laughing matter. It is incredibly easy to underestimate the dangers of something that is coming from a doctor or pharmacist. However, that is exactly what millions of people do on a daily basis when they abuse prescription drugs.

Research

Prescription drugs, if taken in the proper context, can be very helpful for individuals who suffer from different ailments. It is when people who do not need them abuse them that a problem arises. These drugs are very potent and can cause a dependency very quickly if a person begins to abuse them on a regular basis. By having an honest dialogue with young people about the inherent dangers of prescription drug abuse society will have a much greater chance of curtailing the prescription drug abuse epidemic.

Examples

There are many other reasons why prescription drug abuse is so dangerous. Generally, when an individual starts abusing prescription drugs they will have incredibly impaired judgment. This could cause them to make other bad decisions that could end up with them hurt or in jail. Drinking with prescription drugs is also something that is very dangerous and has led to many high profile deaths recently.

When looking for new and unique places to visit you may want to check out Palau. One of the world’s newest countries, not to mention smallest, it is rich in nature and culture. Go ahead and grab your passport or if needed get an expedited pass port to make your trip to Palau happen.

Passport Needs

With a valid United States passport, a person is allowed to travel freely all over the globe. Also, a US passport allows a United States citizen access back into America when they are finished traveling abroad. If you are thinking about going out of the country, and need to do so soon, you can hire a company that will be able to offer expedited passports. This process, while being a little bit more expensive, only takes a couple of days to complete.

History

Palau established independence in 1993 after a long period of ratifying amendments. They are The Republic of Palau now. Palau is a small island in the Pacific Ocean. Once part of the United Nations Trusteeship, it declined addition into the Federation States of Micronesia and opted for independence instead.

Activities

Palau boasts many amazing nature sites and has some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Palau is known as one of the underwater wonders of the world. Palau offers a variety of diving tours and charters sure to suit any diver’s interests.

Jellyfish Lake

In addition to diving and spectacular underwater sites, Palau is also known for the Jellyfish Lake. The lake is found on the Eil Malk Island in Palau which is part of the Rock Islands. Jellyfish Lake is most notable because of the infamous snorkeling site. It is known for the millions of golden jellyfish migrating horizontally across the lake daily. The lake is connected to the ocean through fissures and openings within the limestone of the ancient Miocene reef. It is so isolated that the marine life differs significantly from nearby lagoons. He Jellyfish do not sting in this lake which is why it’s a popular snorkeling site.

Kayaking

Other activities in Palau consist of dolphin encounters, swimming up close and personal with the intelligent mammals. There are also kayaks that can be rented. There is so much to do and see on the island of Palau, from Jellyfish Lake to kayaking with the dolphins, it is a great experience.

History

Palau, even though it is only a few years old, has an incredibly rich culture and history. There have been people living on the island for almost five thousand years. IF you are in Palau, you can visiti one of the many museums that highlight the wonderful heritage of the people and culture of Palau. If you are interested in learning more about the people and places in Palau, you can sign up for one of the many wonderful guided tours that are offered.

Anyone considering travel overseas during the upcoming Easter season should consider going to Italy. Not only is Italy already considered one of the most popular travel destinations anywhere in the world, they also have some of the most spectacular Easter celebrations anywhere. Make sure you take care of any passport renewals issues you may have, though, as you will need a valid United States passport to be allowed to travel overseas. Once you have your passport ready to go, you can begin to plan your Italian Easter vacation.

Travel

If you are going to be doing any international travel in the future you will need to have your valid United States passport with you. Having a passport allows all American citizens to travel freely around the world while still being allowed reentrance into the United States of America when they are done. Everyone who wants to travel internationally, even infants, must have their own, individual pass port. This is unlike the past where babies did not need their own passports to travel.

Attractions

The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most notable sites. It is an ancient gladiatorial structure; however few people realize that it is also considered sanctioned holy ground. After some rather outlandish ideas from 16th and 17th century Pope’s concerning the fate of the Colosseum it was finally declared a sacred site due to Christian martyrdom. He consecrated the building to the Passion of the Christ and installed Station of the Cross. To get a spectacular view of the Colosseum be sure to hit the Stations of the Cross procession lead by Pope Benedict XVI as he follows the Scriptural Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday.

Religion

Italy is primarily Roman Catholic, so Easter is a widely venerated celebration with processions and parades abound. Any small town you go into will feature such festivities. Be sure to take advantage of the excellent cuisine offered around this time, foods such as eggs, artichokes, roasted lamb, and the Italian sweet bread known as Colomba, which means dove and is actually baked in the shape of a dove. This special bread may feature a prize inside as well.

Easter

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Italy on Easter day you will have many incredible activities to choose from. You could attend the mass in Vatican City that is held by the Pope. This is an incredible event involving thousands of Catholics. Also, you could go to St. Peter’s Basilica for a wonderful Easter celebration. You are sure to find something amazing that the whole family can enjoy if you are in Italy on Easter.

Easter Monday

There are many notable celebrations that you can partake in on Easter Monday in Italy. There is something that is known as Pasquetta which refers to the Easter celebration in Italy. One of the most popular things to do on this day is to pack a picnic and go to one of Italy’s many wonderful parks or gardens. There are other places in Italy that will host egg hunts for children. This is a good idea if you are traveling with young children.

My heart goes boom-boom-boom every time I spot such sweet and cute interior details. Sitting Lamp by Graeme Bettles is everything any stylish house can dream of.

The Sitting Lamp is full of personality, and I even don’t know why because right now we are looking at a simple light fixture that boasts a couple of wooden legs in place of a traditional base.

May be that is why the lamp look so awesome and sweet, very unusual. What is more, the legs serve a more practical purpose – they can be used as book ends and hooks as well.

The lamp was created by Graeme Bettles, an art director and product designer at JWT Cape Town.

ArtStyleOnline

I would love to tell you a couple of words about one of the most unusual things I’ve ever seen that is a prototype right now. Are you into to get one of these ghost-shaped urns for ashes by Anna Marinenko?!

Frankly speaking, it is a bit strange to be excited about urns, but I must admit, this concept, by Ukrainian designer Anna Marinenko, will make a lot of people pay attention to cremation.

These urns are still just a prototype, they are not available yet. Anyway, these urns is a combination of an elegant, modern modular design, and awesome idea.

Are you into the urns?

ArtStyleOnline

Incorporating environmentally friendly building materials and energy efficient heating and cooling systems into a home may reflect a commitment to the environment or a wish to save money on energy costs. It is also an increasingly important issue for the United States government, which has developed a number of consumer-oriented incentives for energy efficiency and green building practices. Conserving energy is a matter of national security. Lower energy usage reduces dependence on foreign oil and reduces the need for exploration and extraction of resources in environmentally sensitive zones in the United States and throughout the world.

Using green building materials reduces environmental pollution and the volume of hazardous waste. Energy efficient homes produce less pollution and reduce demand on energy production.

The federal government sponsors several lending programs that fund energy efficiency upgrades in both new and existing homes. Other programs allow costs of remodeling existing homes to be added to mortgages. The Department of Energy (DOE) oversees the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) project, which lists utility providers and local, state and federal entities that provide incentives for energy conservation and use of alternative power.

The Energy Star Mortgage Program

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsors the Energy Star program, which evaluates the energy usage of electronics, building materials and heating and cooling products. The Energy Star Mortgage program offers lower-cost loans for new homes that are designated “Energy Star” and also to owners of existing homes who want to make improvements that reduce energy usage. These mortgages include the costs of qualified improvements in the loan. Borrowers must meet income eligibility requirements. Some lenders offer discounts, attractive refinancing rates or reduced loan fees.

To qualify for the mortgage, borrowers of existing homes must complete an energy audit that assesses the existing energy usage and recommends ways to save energy. Existing and new home upgrades must reduce energy usage by at least 20 percent. Work must be completed within 90 days after closure of the mortgage. The program is available in several states, with more in the process of joining.

States that have not yet implemented the Energy Star Mortgage program may work with lenders who participate in an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) program. Some lenders work through federal programs under Fannie Mae, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Veteran’s Administration (VA) that incorporate energy improvements as part of refinancing or buying a new home.

Department of Housing and Urban Development Energy Efficient Mortgages

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) EEM program allows borrowers who qualify for FHA loans to include 100 percent of costs of approved energy efficient improvements into refinanced or new mortgages. Borrowers reduce operating costs of a home through these improvements. The energy savings over the life of the loan must be more than the cost of improvements. The program is available in all 50 states.

Borrowers refinancing a home must complete an energy audit by a qualified energy rater. The audit evaluates the energy efficiency of the structure including levels of insulation, annual energy usage, types of windows and existing heating and cooling systems. The auditor prepares a Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) report that details the overall efficiency of the house as it is, makes recommendations for upgrades and estimates energy usage after completing the upgrades.

Loans under the EEM program may exceed the maximum mortgage amount allowed by FHA to include the cost of improvements. Refinancing rates are determined by lenders approved under the HUD program.

Federal Housing Authority 203(k) Loans

FHA’s 203(k) loans are for properties on the market that need repairs or renovation that might otherwise be considered risky for lenders. The cost of repairs is financed into the loan. Borrowers who qualify for an FHA loan are eligible for the 203(k). A required down payment of 3.5 percent is based on the purchase price plus cost of repairs. The regular 203(k) mortgage is based on either the as-is value of the property plus the costs of repairs or 110 percent of the estimated value after completion of repairs. A streamlined mortgage allows lenders to finance up to ,000 over the as-is value to cover the costs of rehabilitation. HUD stipulates that specific requirements such as energy efficiency standards must be met.

This original blog from which this comes is http://blog.greenhomebuilding.com/

Green Home Building and Sustainable Architecture

All those who would love to decorate their apartment and diversify interior are highly welcomed to pay attention at the following stylish Magnetic Cloud Keyholder by Duncan Shotton.

I am talking about the wall mounted cloud is made from plastic and has 3 hidden magnets to hold your keys. We deal with an elegant, functional and minimalist gadget that is so pretty.

Despite its fragile appearance, this gadget does exactly what its supposed and what is more, it decorates your interior.

To my mind, when you have all three keys dangling from the gadget, you’ve got the impression of rain falling down from the cloud. The cloud measures 97 mm across and its embedded neodymium magnet can hold items up to 220g. A

Don’t miss!

ArtStyleOnline

If you belong to those who adore reading books and you have tons of them, then the Falling Bookends series by the Art Ori design studio is something your interior needs for sure. This design useful piece of furniture shows books falling on tiny people.

The Falling Bookends series by the Art Ori design studio is perfect for people who are always overwhelmed with reading material.

By the way, this shelf is also a great opportunity to show to the rest of the world, I mean all your friends, your past or future reads.

Books at these bookshelf look as if they are about to squish a very small, metal man. Love this fresh idea!

ArtStyleOnline