Rain Chains | Water Features and Courtyards | Glass Roofs
Rain is a universal symbol of renewal and vitality. Its timeless beauty and serene cadence, captivates and rejuvenates like no other, nourishing the Earth and soul alike. It is poetry in nature.
Architectural elements that celebrate rains go beyond mere functionality, combining sustainability, aesthetics, and sensory experiences. Such elements exemplify innovation in design in a way that honours nature.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of climate change, embracing architectural elements that celebrate rains offers a path towards building sustainable, resilient, and respectful built environments that live in harmony with nature.
Here are three architectural elements that we think beautifully accentuate the magnificence of rain:
1. Rain Chains
Have you ever taken shelter under the canopy of a building with a downspout when it rained? If so, do you remember being constantly subjected to the splashing rainwater that was getting drained from its roof?
Now imagine walking beside a building where rainwater gracefully descends from the roof, flowing through a series of interconnected links, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience—that's the magic of rain chains.
Unlike conventional downspouts, rain chains are decorative alternatives that gently guide rainwater from the roof to the ground (or a basin that softly overflows into the ground), celebrating the flow of water in its purest form.
A rain chain connected to the roof drainage gutter at a country home in Norfolk.
Image Source: Slatalla, Michelle (2019) "Garden Designer Visit: At Home with Emily Erlam in Norfolk". Photograph by Marinescu, Ioana. Gardenista: https://www.gardenista.com/posts/garden-designer-visit-home-emily-erlam-norfolk/. As seen on November 02, 2023.
Originating from Japanese architectural traditions, rain chains, or "kusari-doi," have transcended borders to become a popular design feature worldwide. They come in various materials like copper, stainless steel, and bronze, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal.
The tube L rain gutter and a a rain chain modelled after flowers by seo_seisakusyo.
Image Source: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seo_seisakusyo/
So next time you are planning a project, maybe switch out the boring downspout for a rain chain, and transform the act of rainwater drainage from something matter-of-fact into an enchanting spectacle!
2. Water Features and Courtyards
Incorporating water features like ponds, fountains, or reflecting pools within architectural designs can create captivating focal points that come alive when it rains, turning a regular building from just another space into a multi-sensory experience.
The Pool Villa Entrance Courtyard at The Siam Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand: A lovely porch overlooks an intimate courtyard with a gentle water feature that one can imagine coming fully to life in the rains.
Image Source: The Siam (2022) "Gallery". The Siam Hotel: https://www.thesiamhotel.com/gallery/
This is more so when the features are integrated into courtyards, i.e., within the building, rather than dotted around in its surrounding landscaping as providing a sheltered space from where once can appreciate the sounds, sights and smells associated with the collection, reflection and cascading of rainwater, automatically creates a heightened sensory involvement that transforms the experience of a space.
3. Glass Roofs
Glass roofs seamlessly integrate transparency, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. They too bring the outdoors in, inviting inhabitants to experience the calming effect of rain from the comfort of a sheltered environment. And this juxtaposition of shelter and transparency, helps us create our own unique connection with the rains.
Whether it's within a minimalist modern design or a historical renovation, the incorporation of glass roofs adds a layer of sophistication and visual appeal, creating dynamic spaces that evolve with the time of day and changing weather patterns.
A contemporary glass extension that houses the kitchen diner at the Barnes Family Home designed by Imperfect Interiors is a great example of what glass roofs can do for a space. On a sunny day they can create a lovely play of light and shadow, while on a rainy evening they can give you the best of both worlds: immersing you in the rain with a hot cup of tea in your hands, while keeping you dry.
Image Source: Imperfect Interiors (2023) "Barnes family Home". Imperfect Interiors: https://www.imperfectinteriors.co.uk/projects/barnes-family-home
So that's it! These were the three elements we thought best celebrate the rains. Which one is your favourite? Do you know of any others that we could add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
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What’s wonderful way to celebrate the source of life on earth. My personal favourite is the glass roof, as it retains its charm even on a sunny day on a cold winter morning. If I were to add to this list, I can only think of greens - lots of foliage.