Homes and buildings in Pune
Pune's housing is organised around co-operative housing societies, from the older low-rise buildings of Kothrud, Aundh and Sahakar Nagar to the large gated townships of Hinjewadi, Wakad, Baner, Kharadi and Hadapsar. The IT parks at Hinjewadi, Kharadi and Magarpatta have driven a wave of high-rise construction, and neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad has grown just as quickly.
Most work in Pune has to fit in with society rules. Many societies ask for a particular net colour or grill pattern so the building looks uniform, and some arrange netting for an entire wing at once. In older Pune buildings we often work on open ducts, dry balconies and terraces that were never designed with bird-proofing or child safety in mind.
Pune's weather and the right materials
Pune lies about 560 metres above sea level on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. The south-west monsoon brings heavy rain from June to September, summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool. Nets need to be UV-stabilised for the summer sun and fitted with stainless fixings for the long wet season. Being inland, 304-grade stainless steel is normally enough for invisible grills.
Pigeons and birds in Pune
Pigeons are a well-known concern for Pune housing societies, both for the mess they leave on balconies, ducts and parked vehicles and because of the health worries linked to dried droppings. They favour dry balconies, AC ledges and open duct shafts. A properly sealed net closes these spaces without harming the birds, and netting the duct along with the balcony stops them simply moving next door.
Child and balcony safety in Pune
In Pune's newer towers, families with young children commonly ask for invisible grills on balconies and safety nets on windows and dry balconies. Because most societies want a uniform look, invisible grills are popular: they are hardly visible from outside. On higher floors we plan anchors for wind, and we always confirm the wall type before drilling.
Drying clothes in Pune homes
During Pune's monsoon, clothes can take days to dry outdoors. A ceiling cloth hanger in the dry balcony keeps laundry sheltered and in moving air, and lifts it clear of the floor space.
Further reading: Pune (Wikipedia)