KOCHI: Water features have always been a part of landscaping.
They are expensive because the hardscape arrangements to be made are costly, starting at around Rs 750 per sq ft. These features are done at key points and often become the centre of attraction.
Vertical falls can be either very tall, measuring up to a few meters. Or they can be as low as 2 meters or less.
The former is mainly meant to be part of a large landscape either indoors or outdoors as a natural fall. If placed indoors, a lot of space must be devoted for the purpose to avoid spillage. However this kind of falls requires a great deal of energy as they come in huge volumes and fall from high levels.
If the waterfall is made to come through chains or other structures made of stainless steel, brass or other metals, the fall volume can be considerably controlled.
The space meant for such a fall can also be reduced.
This feature can be done with many other substitute materials like sea shells, coral beads, terracotta beads or natural stones. The choice is yours to match the theme of the rest of the room or garden.
Vertical falls of a lower height can be constructed with an overflow chamber.
The water will flow from the brink of a tank through claddings made of natural stone or other suitable materials.
The only aspect to be taken care of is that the level of the overflow chamber must be perfect. There must not be a deviation of even a millimetre as even such difference can make the spillage uneven and unattractive.
However, in order to feel the fall the levels of the claddings must not be proper; projections and undulations in cladding can definitely look attractive.
This kind of falls utilise minimum space due to lesser rate of spillage. The wind factor too does not affect the direction of the fall. The recurring expenditure involved in small falls is low as they suit continuous operation.
Vertical flow can be made through plain glass as well.
This gives out a good falling effect visible from both sides of the glass. This can be done in plate form, like a cubicle, in cylindrical, triangular or any other shape.
Use of polycarbonate or acrylic materials are a good substitute as such materials give flexibility of shape. But this also has a disadvantage as most of the polymer materials have lower mhos (hardness) and thus get easily scratched and lose clarity.
If possible, glass is the best material for these kinds of water falls.
Whatever may be the type of fall, a basic sand filter with carbon is advised while the water is recycled. This ensures clarity of the water.
Also, the water will no get polluted by the surrounding environment easily.
subramanianm@epmltd.com