VASTU SHASTRA GUIDELINES | BASEMENT

In multi-level houses, there may be a Basement. The Basement is reached through the Staircase. The Basement is  usually meant for Car Parking or for storage etc.

Here, I have explained the Vastu Guidelines for Basements. Since Vastu is a science, every guideline is based on sound logic and reasoning. As an Architect, I have attempted to explain these guidelines rationally and scientifically, so that you can decide what you want to follow and what you don’t.

WHAT ARE THE VASTU GUIDELINES FOR BASEMENTS IN A BUILDING?

Avoid basements for living areas: The Scientific Reason – Basements are generally damp and dark, since sunrays do not enter them and there is a tendency for water to seep through the walls from the surrounding soil. This highly reduces the basement’s positive effect on the persons living in them.

It is preferable to have only part-basement, and that too, only in the North-East or East of the house: It should not, be located only on the South, South-East, or West side. The Scientific Reason – By keeping the basement in the North-East corner, some sunlight will enter from the East in the mornings and constantly from the North. If the North-East corner is not used for a basement, then there will be hardly any light entering into the basement.

At least one-fourth of the Basement should be above ground: The Scientific Reason – By keeping a part of the basement above the ground, one can have some windows in the portion above ground which can then light up and keep the basement dry.

Any heavy equipment should be located in the South and West parts of the Basement: The Scientific Reason – Since the South-West corner is to be kept higher than the rest of the house, as it blocks out the hot evening sunlight to the rest of the house, the structural foundation will be designed to support more load and hence the heavier things should be kept in this corner.

The height of the Basement walls should be at least 9 feet: The Scientific Reason – Since the basement is below the ground, people have a tendency to excavate less (as it is expensive) and end up having very low height space. This then is not very comfortable for tall people as they feel the ceiling, right above their head. Also, if cars are parked here the exhaust fumes tend to stagnate within the space as there is less roof height.

The Basement wall colours: The basement should be painted white and not a dark colour.   The Scientific Reason – White colour reflects light the most and this is very essential in a dark space like a basement as it allows one to see around clearly.

Related Topics:

• VASTU SHASTRA
• VASTU SHASTRA FACTORS
• VASTU SHASTRA PRINCIPLES
  
• VASTU GUIDELINES | SELECTION OF SITE
• VASTU GUIDELINES | DESIGN OF A HOUSE
• VASTU GUIDELINES | STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION
• LOGIC BEHIND SUPERSTITIONS