The design and arrangement of exterior spaces such as porches, patios, and balconies play a significant role in the energy dynamics of a home. According to Vastu Shastra, these areas are not merely architectural appendages but vital conduits for natural elements and cosmic energies. The porch, often the first point of interaction with a home, serves as a threshold where morning sunlight and positive vibrations can enter. Real Vastu Living emphasizes that arranging exteriors in complete balance with the elements of nature is essential for maximum benefits from the cosmos, ensuring a safe and healthy environment. Whether one is constructing a new home or seeking to harmonize an existing structure, the principles governing these open spaces are foundational to attracting good fortune and maintaining vibrational health.
The importance of the porch or verandah lies in its ability to invite morning sunlight, which is deemed essential for health and well-being. As modern apartment buildings increase and security concerns deter the use of traditional courtyards, balconies and porches have taken on the role of providing open space. Vastu science asserts that open spaces are crucial for health because they allow the entry of morning light. When planning a home improvement or new construction, keeping Vastu guidelines in mind ensures that the resulting vibrations are positive and beneficial, removing defects and defaults from the built environment.
Strategic Placement and Directional Alignment
The orientation of the porch is the primary factor in determining its energetic impact. Ideally, the porch area should lie between the east and north directions. Constructing the porch in this zone is considered highly profitable and increases the value of the property. The morning sunlight received on a daily basis is crucial for all living beings, and no obstruction on the verandah should block this light from reaching the home. This alignment ensures that the positive energy required for peace and success flows unobstructed into the living space.
When designing the porch, the orientation of objects placed within this area is equally important. If the porch is used as a garage or for parking vehicles, specific directional guidelines apply. The location of a garage should always be in the northeast or southwest direction. If the garage is an underground room, it should be located in the east and north directions only. When placing a car on the porch, it is essential that the vehicle faces the east or north direction. This orientation is very essential for the happiness and peace of the inmates. Additionally, the car should never be parked too near the compound wall, maintaining a healthy energetic distance.
Architectural Features and Structural Corrections
Structural additions near the porch can serve as powerful corrective measures for Vastu defects. Constructing a small room near the porch area is described as extra advantageous. This room should be built very close to the porch wall in the southwest region of the house. To maximize its corrective potential, the room should not have many windows or doors, and its flooring should be higher than the flooring of the rest of the home. Such a room can be utilized as a storeroom for items that are not in regular use. The specific construction of this room helps in correcting Vastu defects and defaults within the home.
Balconies, which project from the wall of the building and are surrounded by a railing, are meant for relaxation. They act as a substitute for courtyards in modern living. However, Vastu Shastra recommends caution regarding the placement of wide open spaces, porches, or water elements in certain corners or sides of a building, particularly in the USA. The direction, land terrain, and shape of the property dictate specific requirements. For example, excessive landscaping in the North East corner of a building is not recommended. For those remodeling or constructing new exterior patios, sun rooms, gazebos, or adjacent landscaping structures, professional Vastu consultant help is advised to address the specific design and directional orientation of the house.
Color Schemes and Design Simplicity
The aesthetic choices made for the porch and patio contribute to the vibrational quality of the space. Basic colors recommended for painting this area include yellow, white, and other pastel shades. It is imperative to select only light hues, as dark colors like grey and black should always be avoided. These light colors reflect the necessary energy and support the flow of positivity.
Furthermore, the design of the porch should be kept as simple as possible. A simple design aligns with the Vastu principle of avoiding unnecessary complexity that can disrupt energy flow. By adhering to these guidelines, the patio or porch becomes a source of positive vibrations, contributing to the overall harmony of the home.
Holistic Considerations for Exterior Spaces
The benefits of a well-designed porch extend beyond structural integrity to encompass health and environmental safety. Real Vastu Living emphasizes that making exterior sections at proper places and in the right manner gives desirable results. These results include good health, positivity, peace, and harmony in life. The methodology of Vastu and allied sciences brings out the best from the living environment, promising a better future for life.
In the context of North American homes, specific challenges often arise. Many single-family homes in the USA have a layout where the South West side of the property is larger than the North East quadrant, which contradicts Vastu principles that suggest the South West should be smaller in size compared to the North East quadrant in the Northern hemisphere. VastuTruth has noted that this is a common defect and has helped hundreds of clients across the USA with appropriate plot corrections and remedies for this aspect. When buying or remodeling an unusual structural design for a building, seeking expert Vastu assistance is crucial, as remedial measures can be complex and costly.
Conclusion
In summary, the porch and patio are critical components of a home's energetic landscape. Their placement between the east and north directions, the unobstructed flow of morning sunlight, and the correct orientation of vehicles and structural additions are fundamental to harnessing positive vibrations. The use of light colors and simple designs further supports this harmony. While modern living presents challenges such as apartment structures and security concerns, the principles of Vastu Shastra offer adaptable guidelines to ensure that these spaces contribute to health, prosperity, and peace. Professional consultation is recommended for complex structural issues or properties with significant deviations from ideal directional layouts, ensuring that the home environment remains aligned with natural and cosmic forces.