28 July 2007
Vastusastra and Building Rules
Almost, all the building rules are created for the healthy and happy life of the people.
I. Vastu Rules
As per vastusastra east side should have more open space than west and north side should have more open space than south.
The reasons are:
a.Under ground sump, bore-well, septic tank etc are to be located only on the east side or north side. For purposes more open space with be required and this should be the reason for the rule to have more open space on the east side and north side.
b.One should not create ditch on the south side or west side. Hence less open space will be enough on the west side and south side.
II. Set-Back Rules
The open space in front of the abutting street or road is known as set-back. A set-back is also referred to as building line. The land contained in the set-back area belongs to the owner of the property. But he is prohibited from constructing any structure in the set-back portion.
According to the location of the site and the width of the front side road, set-back space may vary. The set-back may be required on the rear side and on the sides also.
Advantages of set-back:
a. It reduces the noise pollution in the building
b. It provides more air and light in the building
c. It is to avoid fire damages from the neighbouring and opposite buildings.
Set-back Rules and Vastusastra:
As per vastusastra, building should not be extended upto the compound wall. One should be able to walk around the building. The set-back rules also are helpful for this purpose.
III. Floor Space Index
The ratio of the total built-up area inclusive of walls, to the area of the site on which the building stands is known as floor space index (F.S.I). In some cities it is known as floor area ratio (F.A.R)
For calculating the F.S.I the following items are exampted
a. Parking space (Stilt area)
b. Basement or cellar used to locate A/c Plat, storage space etc.
c. Electrical room, water pump room, stair-case light, over head tank, ramp etc.
d. Projection for Architectural features.
The available F.S.I may be 1 or 1.5 or more according to the location and width of the road. F.S.I rules cover many aspects of the building including the height of the floors, size of the bathrooms etc.
F.S.I Rules and Vastusastra:
Municipal rules and vastu rules are complementary to each other and not contradictory. Both the building rules are help