Even if you’ve never heard of biophilic design, you already love it. After all, biophilia is a love of nature and a way to “invite nature into your home. Let’s explore together why biophilic design is becoming a popular tool for home improvement and decoration.
What is biophilic design?
The word “biophilia” itself translates as love for all living things, for our nature. Humans have a genetic connection to nature. It has long been established that surrounded by a lot of greenery, a person feels more comfortable not only psychologically but also physically. Therefore, more and more architects and designers integrate natural elements in their projects, creating so-called biophilic interiors.
The concept of biophilic interiors is relatively new, for the first time Professor of Social Ecology Steven Kellert started talking about the method of incorporating nature into architecture and design. It was he, in the 1980s, who substantiated the fact that the integration of nature into the human dwelling has a positive effect on it.
How do you create a biophilic home interior?
It’s not enough to just pick up and furnish, deck the house with houseplants. Let’s go over the main points that characterize the biophilic interior.
Lighting
Light plays a major and perhaps the key role in creating such an interior. Day lighting allows a person to keep in touch with the time of day. Panoramic windows or a glass roof are not available to everyone, but you can increase the amount of daylight by using reflective surfaces, glass and mirrors.
There are no restrictions, many mirrors have never hurt any interior, and the light and air added many times.
The main thing is to place mirrors so that they reflect the daylight. The use of glass partitions when zoning rooms will also add not only more light, but also more air.
Air
Not only is it necessary to artificially create a volume of airspace, which I wrote about in the previous paragraph. Natural ventilation is just as important. For this, you need to properly design the air conditioning and ventilation system. And humidifiers, fragrances, diffusers are the “cherry on the cake”.
Water
The sound of the sea, the sounds of the waterfall calms and soothes, creates a necessary oasis in your room. You can put an aquarium or a table fountain, underwater garden would fit nicely into such interior.
Fire
Fire is pleasant to the human eye, it has a lot of heat and light. If it is impossible to install a fireplace in the room (nowadays, the range of fireplaces allows them to be used in any room), or you for some reason do not want to do this, ordinary candles, of any size and in any quantity, will do.
Finishing materials
Only natural materials are welcomed: stone, wood, cork, rattan, bamboo and natural textiles: linen, jute, cotton.
The color scheme – only natural neutral shades. Surround yourself with these colors, and you’ll get the feeling that you are in a park. The decor, tableware, textiles – everything should be associated with natural elements. If the window does not make you too happy, you can divert your attention from it by hanging a painting with a landscape on the opposite wall.
Plants
Plants in biophilic design does not happen a lot. The only problem is that they all require care. To begin with, it is better to consider options for unpretentious plants. For example, interestingly looks in the interior of moss, which can finish one of the walls, and not only in the room, but even in the bathrooms.
I would strongly advise against using artificial analogues of plants, because natural flowers are triggered as sensors, reacting to mold or high levels of carbon dioxide.
We all strive for comfort, both physical and psychological, but it is biophilic design that allows us to create harmonious conditions for the human soul and body.
The design of the staircase in country houses arranged for permanent residence requires the use of specific attributes. Proper design will add to the aesthetics of the space and create an accent in the hallway of the house.
Types of stairs
The staircase should be functional and beautiful at the same time. To combine these two qualities, it is necessary to properly determine the type and its features.
According to the device, the construction is divided into several varieties:
Spiral or helical. Used rarely, they look original and take up minimal space. Can be made of different materials. Such variants are not very convenient in operation. Therefore, they are installed in homes where there is a shortage of free space.
Stairs on bolts. The original model. It implies a lightweight construction, fastened with special bolts. Therefore, it looks stylish and elegant.
March stairs – a classic option. Can be made of one, two and more elements. It is used for any house. When installing this type of stairs are guided by the free area and height of the ceilings.
Erect structures can be made of any material. Some masters practice various combinations. The use of glass, decorative stone, metal or wood is welcome. The result is an environmentally friendly and beautiful element of the house.
Structural features of stairs
Any staircase consists of a list of mandatory parts. Because of their large number, it is considered a complex construction structure.
The following components are distinguished:
Balustrade – this is a staircase guardrail, which is installed on the second floor landing in the arrangement.
Balusters – a special detail in the form of vertical bars, the distance between which is less than 15 cm.
Pillars – designed to fix the beams, are considered an important element for the slabs.
The sub-beam is considered the basis for the installation of security fencing.
A web is a beam that holds the steps in a given direction.
The tread is the main part that serves to move on the stairs.
The tread is the support for the step. Holds it in a horizontal position.
The platform is necessary for the transition between flights of stairs. It is installed between the floors. Often serves as a reinforcement of the structure.
Handrail – railing, which is necessary for a comfortable passage, serve as holding devices for the safety of people.
Most designs also include a skidding step. It is an angular turning element. It is installed when there is no transition platform. Sometimes these parts are constructed in one combination.
Note! Back steps are considered the widest among all, they are performed in the number of 4-5 pieces in the area of turning stair elements.
Also, by the type of steps, it is customary to divide constructions into open and closed.
Options for the most beautiful staircases for every taste
If it is necessary that the staircase corresponded to the general environment, choose similar shades of construction, as well as the direction of the style.
In a modern style
Bright and original will be any interior with a properly arranged staircase. Modern models are suitable for any direction. Practically have no restrictions on design.
Massive concrete construction without handrails and other auxiliary elements. Held with the help of built-in reinforcement and reinforcement. This variant is considered a march, with the presence of a connecting pass-through platform.
Elegant arched model. It is similar in type to the spiral one as well. A characteristic feature is a special turning point and the design of the baluster with a railing.
The alternation of dark and light material helps the design to match the style of the interior. Handrails, as well as the entire staircase, are made of wood. They are coated with lacquer, so they have a smooth structure.
A simple but stylish piece of wood. Has solid handrails. The combination of coffee and white shades corresponds to the modern type of interior. The three-level marching model is suitable for a house built of wood. Wide railing with rough texture is convenient to use during movement on the stairs.
Spiral staircase with a utility room under it. Made of different material. The steps are of concrete block, and the railing is made of wood. Noteworthy is an interesting design of balusters. They are laid horizontally, with a minimum gap.
Another variant of modern design of structures. Wooden base and staircase frame with glass balusters. Handrails are made in the form of frames. They securely hold a glass cloth. The balustrade is made in the same style, with special fastening mechanisms for glass.
In the style of minimalism
Staircase construction in minimalism has no decor. If some accessories are present, there are very few. It is possible to design any of the options, taking into account new trends and innovations.
One of the simplest models. The marching staircase with an unremarkable design. A special accent is created by the design of the bottom two steps. They are attached to the concrete base, have a wide arc-shaped surface. The balusters are made of metal, with a wooden handrail in a dark color on top.
Wooden construction with a solid first platform and wide steps. Special glass panels are installed as railings. They are fixed with screws. The lack of standard railing makes the element wide and noticeable.
The product is made of durable exclusively transparent glass. Has a stepped type of device, wide transitional platforms are provided. Looks great this staircase in narrow corridors and unremarkable halls.
Glass staircase with a left-hand rail. Characterized by its airiness and simple design. Metal rungs, which are fixed to the main partition, act as holding devices. The handrails on the balustrade and the stairs themselves are made of metal. Glass modules act as a barrier.
In the classical style
Classic is acceptable more for large-sized dacha houses. There should be enough space for such an interior.
An interesting and quite massive staircase model. The main materials are marble and forged metal, with various decorative elements. The design is considered spiral-shaped, it has round forms, there is no transition platform. Such designs have a lot of weight. Therefore, try to attach these structures to the load-bearing walls. Under the construction itself do cellars or basements. They will complement the strength of the construction.
Wooden model, painted in white. The bars of the handrails are turned with a carpentry machine. The design can consist of two or three levels. A wide area between the floors is acceptable. The handrails are the same color as the steps. The ladder is characterized by its arc-shaped shape. Suitable for the design of large country houses.
Massive staircase made of wood. The form of the steps is rounded and smooth. The construction itself has some narrowing to the top. The handrails are equipped with interesting balusters. Their basis is considered to be forged metal with interesting patterns. Their surface is painted white, some parts have a golden hue. Handrails are carved from solid wood. The surface of the staircase has no sharp corners, which is characteristic of the classic design.
Straight and stern staircase. Worthy of attention for its interesting and at the same time restrained design. Brown steps look perfectly with white tread. Massive pillars are considered the basis of a reliable protective structure. The model in the photo is made entirely of wood, has a lacquered glossy surface. The bottom step extends beyond the structure, creating a natural decoration.
A great option for those who prefer chic and rich decoration. The marble style steps with a snow-white tread create a clear accent on the structure. The staircase has branching handrails and interesting balusters made of metal. Forging in the classic is one of the best design options. Slender uprights are designed to branch the railing spectacularly.
Loft style
Loft style is quite common. Its characteristic feature is the presence of a brick wall and the use of natural shades. Staircases with this design option are well limited in decor.
Simple and reinforced version of the design with wooden handrails and metal base. Simple steps made of thick broad wood. The role of attachment is given to special bolt connections. This option refers to the spiral type of stairs. The shade of the handrails and the steps themselves correspond to the style of decoration of the walls and other surfaces in the room.
The staircase in the loft style. A successful combination of mesh balusters and metal handrails. The design looks unfinished, which is considered an important component in the intended direction of the interior. Such structures are more often organized with the help of welding works. The base is held on wooden supports.
Again, a wooden structure on a metal profile base. Narrow, unfinished railings create a sense of unfinished design. Special welded corners serve as holding mechanisms for the steps. Rails and any other type of unpainted metal profile can be used for the base. The march variant of the construction is equipped with small transitional platforms. Such a design would be appropriate in the area of panoramic windows between the floors.
The staircase has wide dark steps and an interesting design of the railing. The balusters are horizontal. Such a staircase seems suspended and light. Handrails and platform are combined with some elements of the interior of the room. Massive metal connectors make the design more rigid and reliable.
Art Deco style
Art deco is one of the modern and popular design options.
A dark design that rises above the floor decor. Characterized by rectangular, massive steps. Powerful railing with a decorated baluster creates volume and increases the dimensions of the construction. Such a model is made of solid wood. The wall in the area of such a construction is arranged similarly.
Circular double-sided stairs with comfortable handrails. They are equipped with nickel-plated protective bars, which are bolted to the floor or steps. There are reinforcing rungs between some sections. The arched handrails are made of wood, with a glossy finish. The steps are made of a material imitating marble.
Comfortable design, which fits perfectly into the Art Deco interior. High stairs to the second floor with wooden steps. The basis of the construction is concrete. The sloping railings are spectacularly complemented by monograms bent out of metal rods. The spiral version of the staircase makes the ceilings visually higher.
Interesting staircase in the interior with prominent handrails and protective structures. Forged balusters are made in the form of unusual patterns. They repeat the features of vegetation, flowers, drops. Steps are usually made of granite or marble stone. Such a staircase has a wide holding platform with a decorative pedestal in the hall.
Regardless of which style the owner prefers, the design must be absolutely safe and beautiful at the same time. In large two-story rooms, try to make massive structures. Models with an interesting decoration are actual.
On a side note! One step should have no more than 18 steps. Further, it is obligatory to arrange the platform. Otherwise, it will be tiring to move around.
Options for lighting the stairs
If the design of stairwells in multi-story buildings does not matter, then in private homes this issue is acute. It is important to correctly organize the main light of the structure or backlighting. As a result, the structure will become a bright component of the interior.
Spotlights and small sconces on the walls are considered the most relevant options for lighting home stairs. If they are properly placed on different sides, it will be possible to achieve an incredible effect. Lighting helps to create a unique shade of the structure in the evening.
The design with running steps. Made of wood. A great option for lighting is the lighting, which is located under each step. It tries to organize with LED strip to light slightly illuminate the structure. This design allows convenient use of the stairs at night. Launched lighting with the help of adjacent switches.
A similar way of lighting design as in the previous idea. The difference is that these steps are suspended. When the lighting is turned on, a visual volume effect is created. The staircase seems transparent and unique. The glass stops give the structure a lightness and neutrality.
The lighting of steps for the second floor can be done with specially designed lamps. They are installed in niches. Turn them on regularly at night. As an option, set up an automatic start and turn off the backlighting.
Suspended marching stairs without safety railings can be equipped with small sconces along the wall. They are not bad to illuminate the design at night. Artificial lighting will be ideal for structures with wooden steps. Also looks good and semi-darkness on the stairs from any other material.
Frequent mistakes that are made during the construction of stairs
Beginner masters often make a lot of mistakes. They adversely affect the design features of stairs. They should not be allowed:
Incorrect rise or a large angle of inclination. As a result of the incorrect projection of the construction, the finished version becomes uncomfortable. Such an error often results in an insufficient width of the steps.
The wrong material for the frame. Many people get confused when choosing the raw material to install a structure. For example, wooden houses need proper stairs. Their height should not exceed two stories. For buildings with monolithic slabs, it is recommended to create concrete stairs with attachment to the load-bearing partition.
Loads on the slab. Always, before you begin construction, it is important to assess whether the floor will support the weight of the future staircase. If this point is not calculated, you may be faced with rapid destruction of a homemade staircase.
Unconformability. If the finished structure is difficult to move, the railing does not meet the safety requirements, it is uncomfortable to use the design. Also, the size of the steps should be observed: no more than 20 and no less than 14 cm.
Ignoring the level of the floor. If a concrete staircase is installed, it must be made taking into account the upper and lower level of the floor covering. As a result of non-compliance, there is a risk of getting too steep and dangerous steps.
Safety. If there are children in the house, all requirements must be met. It is important that the child could not fall out over the handrails or slip on the steps. To do this, the railing is made high. The distance between the baluster should be minimal, and the surface of the steps should not be slippery.
Conclusion
The design of a sculptural or any other staircase should be unique. Professionals recommend doing it in a modern style. This makes it possible not to be limited in imagination in the arrangement of the construction. Following fashion trends and improvements, it is always possible to add something new to such constructions.
A well-thought-out lighting system is an important step on the way to a stylish and harmonious interior. From this article, you will learn what lighting design is, what trends are now at their peak, and how to transform rooms with light.
Who is a lighting designer and why he is needed
Independently think through the lighting strategy without special skills is very difficult. At first glance the task seems feasible, but in practice it is rarely possible to competently implement ideas. Common mistakes:
Incorrect location of fixtures.
Failure to comply with lighting standards.
Inefficient distribution of outlets and switches.
Lack of a plan for linking lighting fixtures on the power groups.
And it is also important to understand the types of lighting and the characteristics of electrical appliances. In order not to delve into these issues, it is easier to trust a professional.
The main task of the lighting designer is to arrange the lighting correctly. A specialist must be familiar with colorists, interior styles, lighting equipment, fashion trends. In developing the project, he is also guided by the climatic nuances of the region.
The first stage of the specialist’s work is the creation of the concept. The lighting designer evaluates the characteristics of natural light, plans the location of fixtures, thinks through the type and number of devices.
The professional knows how to do the work in accordance with norms and standards. He will help organize designer lighting that will bring comfort to all occupants of the rooms.
How lighting in the interior affects the space of rooms
Good lighting will emphasize the details of the interior, visually increase the space and make the room cozy. A few more interesting facts:
Ceiling lights, arranged in a row, will visually add height to the room.
Reflective elements on the walls will visually expand the space.
Lights, longitudinally arranged on the wall, visually “elongate” the room.
If there is not enough light in the room, it will look gloomy. The situation can not fix even the original design of the home – all items of furniture will appear in an unfavorable light. A poorly lit room will visually seem smaller than it really is.
Scenarios and rules of modern lighting
The main rule of lighting design – the choice of fixtures for specific tasks. It is not necessary to place devices in the room, which are unlikely to be involved. To avoid mistakes, it is necessary to think through the scenario.
Several scenarios can be combined in one space. The most common option is a multilevel lighting system. Such a solution is especially relevant for spacious rooms. The scheme includes:
The main ceiling lighting.
Additional lights in certain areas of the room.
Accent lighting of interior objects.
Creative lighting.
You can as much as you want to experiment with designer lighting, but in the first place should go the organization of the main. One chandelier or lamp is not enough, so it is important to think about how many light sources will be in the room and how to place them. To do this, experts make a scheme of lighting.
Lighting scheme of the apartment
The first step in creating a lighting system is to prepare a lighting design project for each room. It is time to decide on the types and number of fixtures and the power of the lamps. In the plan, it is necessary to specify the points of lighting, in accordance with which the light sources should be located.
It is very important to choose switches and decide on their location. Usually, each group of lights is connected to a particular mechanism. Therefore, it is necessary to place all the devices so that it was convenient to use them.
A great option is the pass-through switches. With their help, you can control lighting fixtures from different points in the apartment. To implement such a solution, it is necessary to think through the wiring scheme in advance.
A few more useful recommendations:
Sockets and switches should be located in easily accessible places. As a standard, at least one socket per 6 square meters of space should be provided. You can place more devices, if the lighting system is present floor lamps, sconces and fixtures that require individual connection to the network.
Outlets are best placed at a height of 0.5-0.8 m from the floor. Switches – at a height of 0.6-1.5 m.
To determine the optimal number of lighting fixtures per room, you must multiply the area of the room by the recommended rate of illumination.
Tip! To be able to regulate the light from the lights, you can install special switches-dimmers.
Lighting fixtures in the interior
Interior lighting is represented by different types of fixtures. Variants of devices:
Chandeliers.
Pendant lamps.
Spotlights.
Sconces.
Table lamps.
Floor lamps.
Let’s talk about each group of lamps. You will learn about the features of the products and be able to evaluate examples of interesting models.
Chandeliers
A chandelier is often used as the central element of the lighting system. It becomes a bright accent and a source of powerful light flux. However, it should not be the only fixture in the room.
The chandelier design should be chosen depending on the height of the ceiling and the size of the room. If the room is small, a massive model will visually “steal” space.
The design of the chandelier should follow the trends of the chosen interior style. Models with crystal horns and pendants will look great in the classic and luxurious art deco. Modern trends allow you to experiment with the shape, color and size of devices.
Tip: If there will be several chandeliers in the room, it is better to choose the same or similar in design models.
Pendant lamps
Pendant lamps are often present in the lighting scheme of the apartment. They give directional streams of light, so they are used to highlighting certain areas of the room. Most often they are placed above the kitchen and game tables, the bar.
Suspended models are ideal for lighting design rooms with high ceilings. Devices are rarely placed singly – more often in groups of 3-4 instances.
Wall sconces
Bra – wall lights, which serve for local lighting. There are several varieties of products: open, near-surface, models on a bracket.
Surface-mounted copies are tightly fitted to the wall. Usually they are miniature lamps enclosed in a transparent case. Such sconces emit soft reflected light, so they serve more as decorative illumination. Appropriate in the interior of the bedroom, children’s room, living room.
Open lamps – lamps without a plafond. Outwardly, they are very similar to candles. Most often they decorate offices, living rooms and hallways. Bra is bright enough to shine, so it is suitable as a source of local lighting.
Bracket chandeliers are lights mounted on an adjustable arm. If desired, they can be brought almost close to the wall or, conversely, put further away. Such devices – a great option for the study, library, hallway.
Table lamps
Table lamps – a popular attribute of lighting design projects. From the name of the lamps it is clear that these devices are designed for placement on horizontal surfaces: tabletops, shelves, pedestals. The products do not require special installation and look great in any room.
Floor lamps
Floor lamps are floor lamps on a high base. Devices are equipped with shaped lampshades or laconic plafond. A huge variety of designs allows you to pick up a model in any style of interior.
Spot lighting in the interior
Spotlights (spotlights) deserve special attention. They produce directed streams of light that spread at a certain angle. As a result, it is possible to illuminate the entire space of the room.
Types of spotlights:
Recessed.
Overhead.
Track.
Recessed lights are devices, the body of which is hidden in the ceiling or other surface where they are installed. Products are distinguished by their compact size and versatility. They are practically invisible in the interior and perfectly complement the more original sources of light.
Surface-mounted lights are mounted to the plane of the wall, furniture or ceiling so that the body is visible. Most often these models have a laconic design, so they are not conspicuous. They perfectly combine with other lighting fixtures and fit into any interior.
Track lights – a relatively new trend in lighting design. This is the name of the devices that are fixed on the bus duct. The main advantage of models – the presence of a rotating mechanism that allows you to change the direction of the light flux.
Important! If spotlights appear as the main sources of lighting, it is necessary to arrange them evenly on the ceiling. The optimal distance between devices – no more than 1.5 m.
Trends in lighting design
Interior fashion tends to change quickly. This directly applies to lighting design. We tell you what trends professionals are using in the design of the rooms.
Eco Trends
Popularity is gaining, light devices made of natural and environmentally friendly materials. Effectively look lamps in lampshades made of wood, thick paper, stone. Deserve attention lighting fixtures in wicker lamps. Such models are appropriate in almost all modern interior styles.
Laconic and minimalist
Firstly, this category of trends includes compact lamps in transparent plafond. Devices look original and create a special entourage in the room. They are suitable as additional sources of general lighting and accent lighting of certain areas of the room.
At the peak of fashion, lamps in a concise round lamp shade. They are considered to be universal, because they perfectly combine with other light fixtures.
Unusual shapes
Fixtures with non-standard configuration come into fashion. Triangular, square and trapezoidal plafond will be a great accent in modern designs. Very popular are lamps with lampshades in the form of a balloon. They are ideal for installation in the nursery.
Room design with backlighting
Contour highlighting of interior elements is still in fashion. LED strips can be mounted on walls, on furniture, in niches. Very effectively looks light at the floor and the stairs. The point is that the devices were invisible to the eye and created the impression that the design is lit from within.
Creative lighting is not a mandatory attribute of the project. However, you can “enliven” the interior by adding a few bright accents. Beautiful lighting is easy to create with neon and LED elements, garlands, colored lamps. Soft streams of light will emphasize the configuration of individual items of furniture, add warmth and coziness.
In the organization of lighting, there are no insignificant factors. This is a very responsible and creative process. But the efforts will be rewarded – the rooms will become comfortable and welcoming.
Have you heard of a rain garden? If not, it’s time to find out what it is.
A rain garden is a new type of garden that is a great addition to the landscape design. A rain garden is a type of tropical garden arranged in such a way that the structure collects runoff water and allows it to linger rather than soak into the ground. The secret is that the rain garden is filled with moisture-resistant plants. It’s easy to make, looks great and, importantly, has a positive effect on the environment. What is the peculiarity of the rain garden design? Its main purpose is to collect stormwater from the roof, driveway or other impervious surfaces. Instead of going into a storm drain, rainwater collects in shallow recesses in your yard. This area is specially planted with plants and flowers chosen for their ability to gradually absorb and filter rainwater.
Rain gardens can have a significant impact on your area’s water quality. Studies have shown that up to 70% of pollution in streams, rivers and lakes is caused by stormwater. By taking responsibility for the rainwater that falls on your own roof and driveway, you will help protect our rivers, streams and lakes from stormwater pollution.
Site placement
Your rain garden should be located at least a few feet away from your home. You should choose a natural area for its placement, which would be the lowest spot in your yard that often collects water after a heavy rain. Ideally, this area should be exposed to sunlight throughout the day. If that is not an option, you can limit it to half of the day, but it should never be a completely shady area. The combination of high humidity and constant shade can turn this area of your garden into a real swamp.
The site should have a natural slope away from the water gathering area (your roof or driveway).
Once you have located the new garden, remove the sod and dig a shallow depression of about 10-15 cm. The side slope should gradually go from the outer edge to the deepest area. Use the soil you remove to create a slightly raised area on the underside of the garden. This will help contain stormwater and allow it to slowly seep through the rain garden.
If your rain garden is no more than 15 cm deep, rainwater will be absorbed in about 7 days. Since mosquitoes lay and incubate eggs for 7 to 10 days, this will help you avoid problems with pesky insects. If you want to create an area with standing water for fish and amphibians, you can make one part of your rain garden deeper, up to 50 cm at the deepest point. Depending on the type of soil on your property (sand, clay, loam), you can line the bottom of this area to help keep the pool of water longer.
Most people calculate the size of a garden based on their available space. It depends on the size of the roof surface, the type of soil, and the distance from the rain garden to the house.
The drain from the roof or pump outlet from the basement should point toward the location of the rain garden. This can be accomplished either by a natural slope or by piping along the site.
Filling with plants
Any moisture-loving plants will be suitable for a rain garden. They can withstand difficult growing conditions and do not require special care. When choosing plants, consider the height, flowering time and color. Bushes of three or seven plants of the same variety will look better than a patchwork quilt of singles. Be sure to mix ornamental grasses and sedge with perennial wildflowers to provide the garden with a strong root mass that will resist erosion and prevent weed growth.
All moisture-loving plants are suitable for planting in a rain garden, including flowers and shrubs as well as trees.
Flowers and shrubs:
valerian
geranium
periwinkle
rush
callas
globe-flowers
merlin
turpentine
boxwood
Moisture-loving trees include:
quince
mountain ash
hawthorn
weeping willow.
Even berries such as blueberries and blueberries can be grown in humid conditions.
Water the newly planted plants every day for the first two weeks. Once they have taken root, your garden can do without watering. Fertilizer will also not be needed. All your care for your rain garden will come down to minimal weeding after the first summer of growth.
Most rain gardeners wait until early spring to remove plants left over from the previous year. If you leave seed heads and fallen foliage over the winter, it provides the garden with a kind of protective roof as well as food for insects. As spring arrives, the best way to get rid of last year’s leftovers is to burn them. Not only will it get rid of the excess trash, but it will also stimulate the growth of new plants.
Pool design in the country house includes a fairly large number of important components. On the one hand, you need to take care of its convenience and safety of operation, on the other – to choose the design solution, technology, materials and components, taking into account the economic feasibility and aesthetic side of things. The article touches on the most basic points that will help to form an idea of creating a pool in the house.
Types
Swimming pool, in the language of engineers – a hydraulic structure. Since such artificial reservoirs are widely in demand, a large variety of standard projects for the house, sauna and plot have been created. In the priority of original solutions? Then for the development of the model will have to turn to designers. In either case, you must first decide what kind of pool you need.
Unheated outdoor pool for use in the warm season
For the construction of an outdoor artificial reservoir on the site will require significantly less cost than for the one that is located directly in the house. However, the swimming season is limited to a few months of the year.
Around the perimeter around the pool is recommended to plant dust- and windproof strips of tree and shrub plantings. If the site is located near a local highway, the width of the “green strip” should be at least 5 m on the traffic side. If it is a highway with heavy traffic – 20 m.
What crops are used for green fences:
prickly spruce;
fir;
cedar;
spirea;
honeysuckle;
honeysuckle;
cotoneaster;
snowberry;
pigweed.
At the end of the warm season the owners will have to take care of the conservation of the pond: drain the water, clean the bowl with chemicals and brushes, remove filters and other equipment, close the drains and fill them with water with preservative additives.
Outdoor heated pool for year-round use
Operation of reservoirs in the wintertime can be performed at the expense of heating equipment. Such equipment can be used for the pool, which is located in a house or a separate structure.
To reduce heat loss, it is recommended to install pavilions – sliding structures, which can be purchased in specialized stores. Since heat loss of outdoor structures is much higher, and the largest percentage of heat is lost due to evaporation of the liquid, during the heating automatic blinds or bubble film are used.
Indoor pool in the building for swimming in all seasons
This option is considered one of the most expensive and has many technical nuances, which can not be neglected, so as not to flood and not to destroy the structure of the building. The load created by the house and the pool filled with water, not every soil can withstand.
In the hall, where the pool is located, the humidity is greatly increased, so it is isolated from the rooms to prevent the formation of mold and eliminate other problems.
Pool lighting consumes a lot of energy. To reduce costs, panoramic glazing is installed in the room. However, this solution leads to an increase in heat loss, which is already large. For heating, lighting and air conditioning, a home reservoir consumes a large amount of energy.
Swimming pool should be incorporated into the design of the house, because remake the finished or already under construction building is difficult: it will significantly change the load on the foundation, water consumption, energy consumption. In this case, it is better to erect a separate structure.
Build an artificial reservoir can also be in a wooden house, for which the building must be equipped with a special heating system and treat wood with chrome and copper preservative impregnation. Pool design in a wooden house is customary not to clutter the interior with additional decorative elements.
Indoor pool in a separate building or annexed
Not, in all cases, it is acceptable that the foundation of the pool is adjacent to the foundation of the building. If the area of the site allows, you can make an extension for the pool at a small distance and equipped with a warm passageway.
Complex pool
A rare option – the bowl is indoors and outdoors.
Transformer pool with a rising-bottom
A bowl with a rising-lowering bottom can be installed both in the house and on the plot. This option will save space significantly, which is relevant, especially for allotments with a small area. Control the system is not difficult: press the button – the floor gradually moves downwards, and the tank is filled with water. You can choose a version with a retractable cover, on which you can also walk.
Built-in spa pools
These are prefabricated products for which equipment can be selected not only from the direct manufacturer, but also from other companies. Built-in models are quickly installed, so you can swim in them soon after purchase.
The devices are suitable for any interior, so you can decorate the poolroom in the country house in any style: classic, art deco, oriental, etc.
Portable Spa Pools
Depending on the model, the bowl can accommodate from 2 to 12 people. The devices are equipped with massage jets for turbo, jet and bubble massage. When installing the spa pool, you need to take care of the safety shutoff system. As the base, experts give preference to a concrete platform with a thickness of 10 cm or more.
Parameters for determining the cost of a stationary pool for the house and the selection of equipment
Development of the design of the pool in a private home, as a rule, is carried out at the design stage of the building after the geological studies of the soil and groundwater. If the calculations are wrong, unequal shrinkage of the building is possible, the consequence of which is the deformation of the whole structure that requires expensive reconstruction.
Bowl volume is the main criterion
Maximum characteristics are calculated based on the characteristics of the soil and the maximum allowable load on it. Therefore, not in all cases, it is possible to create a large pool.
Location of the pool
The most frequent variants of placement of home reservoirs – basement and first floor. The optimal height of the room – from 2 m to 80 cm if the bowl is sunk into the floor. The requirement should be observed since the installation of the ceiling, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting over it, the height of the walls significantly reduced.
If the bowl is located on the floor, the recommended height of the room – 3.5 m with a bowl height of 1.7-1.8 m.
Skimmer Pool Type
Water intake for filtration is realized through skimmers. Water is located below the floor level at 15 cm or lower. It is notable for simplicity in operation.
Overflow type
Water level with the edge of the bowl and the floor of the room. Excess water goes through the grids into the overflow trays and then enters the filtration system. Construction of overflow type pool is 1.5-2 times more expensive than skimmer type pool construction.
Pool bowls
Concrete, vinyl, fiberglass, polypropylene and steel sheets are used as material for making artificial reservoirs.
Concrete basin
It is durable and suitable for all hydrotechnical conditions. Swimming pools can be made in any configuration and choose any finish you like. A variety of equipment is produced for them, allowing you to create different effects.
Vinyl bowl
Shorter period of operation compared to other options. The material is resistant to chemical reagents. Suitable for creating containers of simple shape.
Fiberglass pool
Durable and unpretentious in care. Fiberglass refers to materials with low thermal conductivity. It is meant for installation at the initial stage of construction.
Polypropylene bowl
It is distinguished by its durability and low heat emission. Polypropylene pools can be made of almost any shape and size. No installation of heat and water insulation is required.
Steel sheet container
Bottom and walls made of welded stainless steel sheets. Part of the details are manufactured in the factory. The plates are assembled into a single vessel at the location where the pool is to be operated.
Advantages:
lightness;
long service life;
quick installation;
a variety of shapes and designs.
Finishing pool basin
For finishing capacity you can use PVC-film, ceramic tiles, smalt. The film is sold in rolls, it is cut, based on the shape and size of the bowl, and welded with hot air. Types: sealed liner, film with two layers of PVC and a polyester layer, butyl rubber membrane without reinforcement.
Ceramic tiles and mosaics are available in a large variety of colors and are used to create complex ornaments. Mosaic differs from tile in that it can be mounted on round and other curved surfaces.
Facing of pool sides
Floor tiles and mosaics with anti-slip surface, edging stone (granite, coping, straight, radius for curves) are designed for finishing pool sides.
Decorating the walls of the room
As a decorative coating of walls and ceilings in the interior of swimming pools in private homes, premises with home pools use a variety of materials:
artificial and natural stone;
moisture-resistant photo wallpaper;
ceramic and photoceramic tiles
mosaics;
plaster;
decorative panels;
flexible stone;
siding;
stucco and other options.
Lighting
A big role in the interior of swimming pools in private homes is played by lighting, which is used to create interesting effects and a cozy atmosphere. In a room designed for a home pool, you can install moisture-proof chandeliers with LEDs and halogen lamps.
Contour lighting is mounted on top of the edges of swimming pools. Special lights are used for underwater illumination, including multicolored water illumination. The devices are made of stainless metal, durable plastic and tempered glass.
Fiber optic lighting is gaining in popularity, with the help of which:
illuminate areas of the room;
Create an effect of the starry sky and northern lights.
Overview of the transformer pool, which closes the lawn and performs both functions with dignity:
Topic Summary
In addition to the aspects mentioned in the article, when equipping the pool in a private home, you need to take care of disinfecting, filtering systems, filtration and heating devices, stairs and other appliances and interior elements to create a comfortable and safe environment.
Involvement of specialists and professional crews in the design and construction of the artificial reservoir will help to reduce the time of construction and arrangement of the pool, as well as to get the desired result.
