Hi drmdilip -- While I waited for my trumpet vines to fill in sufficiently to provide summer shade, I sewed three matching striped shower curtains together, using the button holes on each end to tie it in place. I did this because as the vine was growing new, each thin runner would drop between the rafters rather than grow straight across. After a few years now, those thin runners have become a massed layer of thick vines, all of the new growth is straight up and by the end of summer I'll be able to easily remove my temporary support and have a roof of vines. It's not rainproof though -- for that, polycarb is practical, and I love the copper above!

The amazing thing is that you have the luxury of approaching the architect about these issues. Laminated glass should address the security along with any alarm or security system you plan on installing, though the laminated glass may have size limitations. Regarding the waterproofing you should contact the architect, contactor and waterproofing subcontractor, or see about hiring an independent waterproofing specialist who can detail and warranty the condition. As a design consideration, make the lower area a garden or gallery or sculpture area and upper should be all glass. Maybe a garden roof there too if accessible or visible. In any case looks like an amazing place!!

Hi Neharika, if that wall is not exposed to water from outside, you could put a wallpaper there, there are beautiful wall boards also available in the market. Textured paint is another option. We could have the same wall paper/board/textured paint on the piller as well. You might have to move idol of Ganesha and picture near the pillar to some other place. Large paintings look better in living area as half of the wall is covered by sofas. In dining area, even if you cover upper half by painting, lower half remains exposed. So full wall needs to be decorated. More queries are welcome :-)

vedikaseth Bombay rains are harsh! The one thing you can do is use flexible covers that work similar to roller blinds, and are transparent which allows the light to enter. There are many companies that offer such a product. Just choose one where the installation is easy and taking down the sheets is not an issue once the rains are over. Do keep in mind however that the water will still enter the balcony, you will simply be reducing the force of rains, and will require a water outlet.