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Hi All

I have seen most of houses build on site 1200 Sq;ft with space left with 1 to 1.5 feet around. Is this sufficient for getting good lighting?
I know it is impossible considering the fact to get maximum interior space, but have seen most of the rooms are really dark with no day lights. I have even seen that neighbor house window even open seeing through our bedroom.

Please do share your experience on how to get good lighting, and i think at least one side (east) we should leave at least 5 space so that good lighting would flow .

Regards
Sam

I totally agree with the fact that it is hard to get light with that minimal space. But given that space is at a premium, it is hard to leave too much space. I tried to leave more space, but the architect kept insisting that the minimum required is sufficient. Ideally, there should be at least 6' on either side, but sites are so small, how can we accomplish any decent structure if we leave that much space.

I guess, if at all possible on a 30x40, if we leave 4' on either side, and make the building go upwards (or as they call it duplex), then you could achieve some decent lighting.

1 to 1.5' is absolute No as it does not solve any purpose at all. I had left 4.5' on both east and north, and 3' on other sides on my 30x40 site. Though, I get a smaller living room in the ground floor, I had to do that in keeping the light and air ventilation in my mind.

Hi

Thanks for sharing. Even i have seen some houses that we need to leave at least good space in east/north ,and should be more than west/south as per vastu. At least 5 and above in east/north ,and 3 on the other two sides would be good. On the side of road anyway we will leave good space for car porch which could be east/North . West/South we could leave 3 feet ,then we will get good lighting ,else house looks so pathetically dark with living room/bed room looks so congested/clumsy. I heard those sales building are like that ,will leave less space as they do charge total built up area .

Regards
Sam

Hi,
This is a common problem problem in urban sites.Smaller sites with max interior space requirements makes architects too difficult task.
Most cases people compare with apartment saying "you get 3 bhk in 1200 sft why cannot i make a 3 bhk home in 2400 sft site in single floor?"

The practical solutions for these case is to consolidate the open spaces around the house to one location.

For example 30x40 site - 2' open all around will be 264 sft .If i can create a 10'x10' court yard some where and touch the compound wall in certain area will give enough ventilation and a private garden area.
Again this kind of concepts need flexibility in planning and vastuu .

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Desingners
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
www.ardesarchitects.com

Hi

Thanks for suggestion ,i feel we can leaf center roof open (Brahmasthan) covered with glass can give the house enough lighting or leave one side good space. Anybody have plan with roof open plan, what are advantages or disadvantages on this?.
Regards
Sam

I am building a duplex in a 30x40 site. Both my neighbours on left and right
side had left 2.5 ft and I also did the same thing. In the front for half of the
width of the site we left 4' but also placed the main staircase for entry
here and a balcony in the second floor. My ground floor is totally unused
except for parking as of now. I feel this has created a fairly well lit and
ventilated house.

Thanks, Yes you are right 3 feet around the house (3 sides) ,and road side(Depends) should be left for get good lighting. The neighbors leaves 3 to 2 feet would get space of 6 feet between the house which is sufficient for lighting. But a plot with 1200 would hardly get 24*34 will become 816 sq.ft , so one need to plan for duplex as space in ground floor may not be sufficient . it is challenge as mentioned by Praveen, and depends on choice of individuals as well.

I have seen 2400 plot ,and there as well they have only left only onside good space (road side+any one of sides (10feet throughout)) leaving the other two side just 2 feet, and have seen it is getting good lighting.