Nitin Killawala Architect at G7 Architects Planners Pvt Ltd
He passed out Architecture in 1974 from Mumbai and gained professional experience from then MP- Mr. Piloo Mody before he started his practice and formed Group Seven Architects and Planners Pvt. Ltd. He has designed projects ranging from all typologies of buildings and interiors. Also won several architectural awards and recognition. He is the past president of Institute of Indian Interior Designers. He believes that the benefits of good design should percolate down to the masses
Answers
Architecture & Interiors
#color#appartment
How does one select the color scheme for their appartment?
How does one select the color scheme for their appartment?
|
Answered on November 08, 2017
Colours are always very personal, therefore can not be generalised. However, white furniture can go very well with any pastel shade or simply white painted walls!
Architecture & Interiors
#rented#appartment
I am living in a rented appartment. How can I decorate my apparment without making much changes?
I am living in a rented appartment. How can I decorate my apparment without making much changes?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Use bare essentials as much as possible. Make use of light and loose furniture . Do not venture out modifications of electrical network and plumbing pipes unless if it's a must. Frankly it should be lived-in house so you don't have to decorate it with many added impediments.
Architecture & Interiors
#proof
I want to baby proof my apartment. What all should I consider while baby proofing?
I want to baby proof my apartment. What all should I consider while baby proofing?
Answered on November 08, 2017
There is no particular list of items for child friendly house. However there are basic precautions such as sharp edges to table tops, especially glass tops, small split levels (where even grown ups missed the steps), loose and light curios, open shelves at lower height, electronic items and outlets , door locks and many such things which you feel child's movement is getting restricted. Also ref...
(View more)
Architecture & Interiors
#monsoons#water#windows
In the monsoons, water seeps into the house from the borders of the windows even when the windows are shut. Why does this happen?
In the monsoons, water seeps into the house from the borders of the windows even when the windows are shut. Why does this happen?
Answered on November 08, 2017
This happens primarily due to substandard workmanship. Sometimes this problem occurs even after few years. Generally surface of windows are smoother, therefore bonding with masonry gets gradually detached. There are many sealants and chemicals are now available in the market which can seal these gaps to prevent water seapage.
Architecture & Interiors
#appartment#society#policy
I have purchased a new appartment and all the rooms have French Windows without any safetyl grills. What is the best modification available in this situation as the society has a strict no grill policy?
I have purchased a new appartment and all the rooms have French Windows without any safetyl grills. What is the best modification available in this situation as the society has a strict no grill policy?
Answered on November 08, 2017
I admire your society has a strict no grill policy. For any full height window you essentially need protection for children, which can be achieved by simple railings up to about 36" to 42", made out of steel/ wood/aluminim/ glass depending upon overall decor and budget. A gap between railing and window of about 6" will also help in creating space for curtains and discourages children to lean over.
Architecture & Interiors
My house is small. After decluttering, still it looks kinda cluttered as space is less. I can't afford a spacious house. How can I decorate it?
My house is small. After decluttering, still it looks kinda cluttered as space is less. I can't afford a spacious house. How can I decorate it?
Answered on November 08, 2017
If it looks cluttered in spite of removing certain items, that means it's not adequately decluttered. You may keep bare essentials which actually works well functionally.
Architecture & Interiors
During moonsoons, when i sleep with the AC on, there is condensation on the walls and the floors. What could be the reason for this?
During moonsoons, when i sleep with the AC on, there is condensation on the walls and the floors. What could be the reason for this?
Answered on November 08, 2017
This is a normal problem in hot and humid climate of coastal cities. The reason and solution is similar to query 34, where maximising ventilation will help in reducing condensation. You also must have observed this in AC cabins with large glass panes.
Answered on November 08, 2017
Keep windows covered with curtains or blinds especially during hot afternoons. A bamboo chick from outside of windows or leafy plants will also help in reducing heat directly on the glass panels.
Answered on November 08, 2017
Colours are always very personal, therefore can not be generalised. However, white furniture can go very well with any pastel shade or simply white painted walls!
Architecture & Interiors
#ceiling
My ceiling has a alot of brown spots. What are the main causes and reasons for this and how to prevent it?
My ceiling has a alot of brown spots. What are the main causes and reasons for this and how to prevent it?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Generally these spots are noticed during monsoon because of high level of moisture and most likely spread thru ceiling fans. The simple solution is to keep blades of ceiling fans dry and dust free and keep windows open as much as possible for natural ventilation.
Architecture & Interiors
#tile
Is it possible to make a tile & grout countertop "flush" by adding a top layer of something clear?
Is it possible to make a tile & grout countertop "flush" by adding a top layer of something clear?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Yes, it is possible to add another layer over grouted tile counters. Although it may vary from original look and feel of the tiles.
Architecture & Interiors
#costs#residential#society
Do solar panels prove effective at cutting costs for a residential society?
Do solar panels prove effective at cutting costs for a residential society?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Yes, solar panels will certainly be cost effective in comparison to energy used from Power suppliers, because it uses natural resource of sunlight. (Similar to using of bore well water is economical than municipal supplied water.). However, as per present technology we need very large surfaces to mount solar panels facing direct sunlight.
Architecture & Interiors
#reduce
What steps can residents of an existing building take to go green and reduce their environmental footprint?
What steps can residents of an existing building take to go green and reduce their environmental footprint?
Answered on November 08, 2017
This a hypothetical question if not superficial. You must accept that we as Indians are 'green' from birth. No amount of recycling, reuse, optimisation , energy conservation ,etc. can be better in our country than any part of the world. At the same time your personal effort can barely impact environmental footprint but for the self satisfaction. We must push governments to impose policies for '...
(View more)
Answered on November 08, 2017
LEED is Leadership in Energy & Environment Design issued by IGBC based in Hyderabad. You may visit www.igbc.in for more information.
Architecture & Interiors
#bedroom
If I have a 500 sq. ft. living room and a 150 sq. ft. bedroom, how much AC tonnage do I need for each room?
If I have a 500 sq. ft. living room and a 150 sq. ft. bedroom, how much AC tonnage do I need for each room?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Air condition tonnage theoretically depends upon the orientation and sunlight penetration of the room. However, for a Livingroom of 500 soft and Bedroom of 150 soft you may consider about 3.0 tons and 1.0 ton respectively. The cooling comfort also depends upon the efficiency of the air conditioner.
Architecture & Interiors
If I want to ensure that my room is well lit, what is the ideal ratio of watt/lumens per square footage?
If I want to ensure that my room is well lit, what is the ideal ratio of watt/lumens per square footage?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Generally it is 200/250 lux level for residential premises which can go up to 350/500 lux level for offices and so on...
Architecture & Interiors
#carpet#builtup
What is the ideal efficiency ratio for carpet area to builtup area to super builtup area?
What is the ideal efficiency ratio for carpet area to builtup area to super builtup area?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Carpet area can be well identified on plans whereas Superbuilt up is perceived based on many common areas of the building. Therefore, the efficiency ratio totally depends upon the planning requirement and its intricacies. However, it's a mathematics which can be calculated after understanding of plans .
Answered on November 08, 2017
Formica is the name of the manufacturer who pioneered and popularised artificial laminate sheets. (like Dunlop is commonly used for foam rubber) Yes, there're inherent differences. Veneer is produced out of natural timber, therefore may not be water resistant as much as laminates., while laminated sheets are mechanically produced using paper as medium for its top surface for variety of colours,...
(View more)
Architecture & Interiors
#door
Is there any particular reason for the use of granite door frames in wet areas, and wood door frames in dry areas?
Is there any particular reason for the use of granite door frames in wet areas, and wood door frames in dry areas?
Answered on November 08, 2017
I suppose the query is mainly for bathrooms. Its is a myth that wooden door frames gets decayed because of constant water spilling in the bathroom. To start with bathroom planning , specially shower placement should be such that no drop of water spills outside the shower area. Secondly it is perceived that granite or any stone does not require maintenance like paint, polish, etc. However, with ...
(View more)
Architecture & Interiors
#flat
Am I allowed to make modifications to a flat that is bought in a ready building? If yes, what are the modifications I can make?
Am I allowed to make modifications to a flat that is bought in a ready building? If yes, what are the modifications I can make?
Answered on November 08, 2017
Yes you can make modifications with full responsibility and permissions as prescribed by building department of MCGM. Moreover most of the societies have their own dos and don'ts ,duly passed by the general body, over above statutory approvals. Strictly modifications can not to be done to any load bearing structural member of the building including all RCC works. During internal modifications, ...
(View more)
Connect with us
