Hi Ni, I just thought of something....did you say you planned to do the stencil motifs on the window wall? If so, I am thinking they will be mostly hidden by the curtains. I wonder if it might be better to stencil the long wall that is on the right side of the room when looking toward the window. I could see this being a pretty backdrop to the prayer box (I think that’s what you called it?) and your wood cuttings. Then maybe the opposite wall (the one with the kitchen doorway) could hold a large piece of art?

Yep...shade or blocking direct sunlight from getting into the home is the BIGGEST passive option. And you want to keep the heat off of the ground AROUND your windows/doors as much as possible. That's why you see massive verandas with 20 - 30 ft over hangs in colonial homes in Africa/Asia/India. In N. Africa there are ancient devices (used by the Egyptians during the time of the pyramids) called "wind catchers". These are still in use today in areas of the Middle East. Again it is a passive system. Reduce the amount of WINDOWS that you have. Thick walls and great insulation will all keep the hot sun out. Remember: it is easier to plug in a heater for 2-3 months than it is to remove 30C worth of hot air for 8 months a year! Keep the sun out. Keep it OFF the walls/windows/doors by using over hangs or shade. If you need to add heat for 2-3 months a year, then small heaters are well worth their purchase cost. Highly efficient heaters with well insulated walls = comfortable 2 months of "cool".

Hello Sid, Unless anyone know what were the terms of agreement and what is the sort of miscalculation - it is difficult to comment there on. In any construction, there are a few contingencies, which may change the final BOQ amount . Usually a -/+ 5-10% variation may happen. These should anyways be within the terms of agreement. If the differences are more then you will have to ask him to specify the reasons in writing and then decide on merit of those reasons. Thanks, Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS Bangalore.

Yogender Sharma To make a grass cover, the first thing you will need to ensure if whether the structure of the half basement is capable to holding a green roof. The next would be to waterproof the top again, keeping in mind the soil and the constant contact with water. Once these things are done, you need to locate were it is you want the lawn and ensure you have access to a drainage within or at best near it the area. You will then require the services of a horticulturist to help you set up the lawn. In terms of cost, it really depends on quite a few factors Existing condition of the structure Location Quality of Horticulturist Type of Green Cover etc....