Now a days, many houses consist of multiple floors which require structures to connect the vertical distance between them called stairways. Stairways can be in multiple shapes (as round, rectangular, etc.) and of different materials (as concrete, iron, wooden, RCC, etc.). Before finalizing, size or direction, make sure that the blue print of your stairway confirms with Vastu.
A staircase should be built in the west or south portion. It should not be constructed in the northeast corner, as that could lead to financial losses. Staircase in any other corner except west or south bring losses.
External staircase should be constructed in the southeast direction facing east, southwest direction facing west, northwest direction facing north, and southwest direction facing south.
Stairs should have an odd number and the number must never end with a zero.
Avoid circular staircases as they can cause bad health. Also, avoid staircase encircling the building.
The room which has a staircase in the southwest corner of a basement is not auspicious. As per Vastu, people living in a room such as this experience high blood pressure, undiagnosed diseases, anemia, etc.
Doors should be constructed at the end and beginning of each staircase. Stairs should also not touch the northern or eastern walls.
Try constructing staircases in such a way that stairs are not openly visible to the visitors. Directly visible stairs are thought to be inauspicious.
Broken stairs should be repaired at the earliest, as they may lead to accidents.
Bathroom, kitchen, or pooja room should not be constructed under a staircase, however it can be used as storage room.
If a linear staircase is constructed, it must begin from north to south or east to west (inside or outside the house). Later, it can take any direction.
Depending on the availability of vacant space in and around stairs can be arranged against entrance or outside. For an internal staircase, room in the northeast and northwest should be left out. After that leave at least 3 inches from the east wall, without touching it, with steps going from north to south.
Alternatively, it can be alongside or away from southern wall from east to west & so on.
For a linear staircase inside or outside the house, staircase should be from east to west or north to south. It may later take any direction.
If staircase outside the house is in the eastern southeast, then stairs should not touch the eastern compound wall. It should be from north to south and proceed from there onwards. This will lead to the entry into first floor in an excellent position. The entry will be via the balcony provided in the eastern northeast part. There should be no pillar under the landing. It should be built on a cantilever beam. Observe the following design.
As shown in figure “A”, the steps came to Southeast (Fire place) in the east side. This is considered auspicious, however one should balance Northeast (Eshan, Prayer place), because steps are extending towards South-East (Fire place), resulting in less part of Eshan corner. Hence, we have to make some adjustment as balcony / veranda towards North-east side at East direction. For details of balcony setup, see the figure “B”.
The Balcony is constructed to balance the Loss of Northeast due to steps placed at Southeast Corner towards East side.
For this house as shown in figure “C”, steps go from Southwest towards South. Here the Southwest is extended due to stairs, so for balancing it, we have to construct balcony towards south, east and North directions. This will provide good benefits and act as solution for the southwest extension.
If stair case planned in the west occupying south-west, then the steps should be from north towards south, See figure “D”. There after the landing turning should be arranged so that entry to first floor is from north west balcony. For such case there will be a landing in the west, so to balance one balcony should be built in the east which may cover North too. This will bring happiness, health, income etc.
For North facing house
As shown in figure “E”, stairs occupy Northwest from North side. To balancing its effect, one should construct balcony covering north and east. It will bring occupants health, money, name and fame.
Balcony projects from the wall of the building, may or may not have a roof and is usually attached with a bedroom or living room. People use it for multiple purposes as relaxing, sitting, unwinding, drying clothes, etc. With more people living in apartment, balcony has taken the place of open courtyard. It is also used as a get together spot in the evening and to enjoy the weather.
Here are some Vastu guidelines to be considered while designing a Balcony.
Location: Balcony should be constructed in the east or north. Avoid constructing a balcony in the south or west of the house.
Reason for this is one will get smoothing sunlight in morning to evening avoiding its hot harsh hot aspect.
Furniture arrangement: Place heavy furniture and seating arrangement in the south-west, south or west portion of the balcony.
Small plants, flower pots can be placed in the north-east. Avoid Big ones, flower pots with creepers as they tend to obstruct light in the balcony.
The roof height of the balcony should be lower than the roof of the main building to give it a proportionate look in comparison to the main building. Select roof material so that space does not heat up thus making it uncomfortably for the users.
Staircases should be painted with light colors and red and black shades should be avoided.
