:: May 2006 Volume 5/Number 3

Ecology Section:
Keeping it Green
Using Vastu Shastra, India’s
Environmental Science.


By Robin and Michael Mastro

Green building is not a new concept. Thousands of years ago, the ancient seers of India spent entire lifetimes observing how man-made structures impacted the environment. Their findings were compiled into a body of knowledge called Vastu Shastra and it is from this environmental science that some of the world’s most enduring structures were created.

The concept of green building includes land, building and construction strategies designed to minimally impact the environment and its occupants before, during and after construction. It addresses modern energy shortages, water and air pollutants, ozone depletion and hazardous waste.

According to Vastu, in nature all five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) are in pristine balance. We are all striving for balance and this cannot take place when there is environmental stress. Stress comes when there is clutter, poor layout or design, lack of light, improper air circulation or when the environment is not aligned with the cardinal directions (north/south/east/west).
Green building strives to minimally impact the five elements of nature. Here are some beneficial suggestions from a Vastu perspective that will enhance and balance your environment.
The earth is minimally impacted by using regional natural materials, which reduces transportation costs and energy and keeps the dollars in the local economy. Some examples of environmentally preferable materials are brick, stucco, natural stone tile, granite countertops, bamboo flooring, wool carpets and jute pads. These products can be chosen for their beauty, sustainability and longevity.

Water resources will be minimally impacted using energy efficient washing machines, hot water tanks, dishwashers and low-volume flush toilets. Another suggestion is using an aboveground holding tank that collects rainwater for family use. Hot water coming from solar water heating collection tubes absorbs the sun’s heat. Gray water can be filtered and distributed through dispersion hoses that water low maintenance landscaping.

Photo: Courtesy of Robin and Michael Mastro, vastucreations.com

The fire or solar aspect is addressed by using passive solar heating and cooling features that minimize the use of mechanical and electrical equipment. By using three-foot eaves around a house you limit direct sunlight into the interior. Double-panel, low E (emissivity) glass screens out unwanted solar rays, which can overheat your home. Aerated concrete block framing material R-30 is very energy efficient and can save our forests. Radiant heat from panels installed in the ceiling goes to the interior mass - such as the columns in the home and the furnishings - much like sunlight streaming through the windows heats the inside of your car. Mass heating is deep, unlike the systems that blow hot air around and which must remain continually activated to feel warm. Installing switches to turn off all power to the electrical wires in a bedroom protects from harmful electromagnetic radiation while people sleep.
The air quality is dealt with by using a central cupola or thermal chimney, which can be used for naturally cooling the interior air and reducing electricity typically used for air conditioning. Use motorized shutters in the central cupola which open to release hot air. North-south window currents provide cross ventilation throughout the house to maintain natural coolness. An air conditioning unit, using no CFC (fluoro-carbons from R22 refrigerants) contaminants, can stand by in case a heat wave overtaxes the natural venting system. Air quality can also be improved by minimizing the use of VOCS (volatile organic compounds) like the toxic fumes from varnishes, glues, paints, cabinets, carpets, pads and furniture. These compounds can react with the atmosphere to form ground level ozone or acid rain and cause headaches and allergies.

Proper placement inside and outside the space of the home is critical for sustainability. Proper site placement of the structure oriented to true north on the property insures the inside rooms can be arranged around the movement of the sun so daily activity corresponds to the rising and the setting of the sun. Natural light is then maximized during the day, reducing the need for electric lighting. Kitchen and dining rooms are best placed on the east side of the house, taking advantage of the energizing early morning sunlight. Bedrooms and family rooms work well on the west side where the sun is setting, providing more restful spaces. Outside the home the use of tall deciduous trees in the south and west will help to cool a home in the summer when the sun is more intense in the afternoon. Create more open space sloping to the north and east to take advantage of the morning beneficial ultraviolet rays. Have more protected space on the south and west sides of the home to shield out the harmful infrared rays, which can overheat your home.

Unfortunately, most modern architecture is based on function alone and is not designed to obey the forces of nature, which influence our health, happiness and overall well-being. When our environments are designed to conquer nature, there is no question we will feel stressed. The beauty of Vastu is that it specifically balances living and working environments without costly structural changes and does so in subtle, yet powerful ways that can improve the quality of our lives.

Many ancient cultures have long understood how to live in harmony with nature and sustain rich, complex and diverse societies. With interest in ecology along with application of ancient sciences such as yoga and Vastu, our lives and the planet can be impacted positively once again.

 

To contact the Mastros or for more information on Vastu, consultations and Vastu-related products and books: go to www.vastucreations.com; info@vastucreations.com; or call
(206) 328 - 0122.

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