The expo, till March 15, has several leading builders showcasing their projects

Cut down on fittings, cut down on factors such as luppum and cut down on fittings that are high costing. Make housing affordable and come out with products that are middle class friendly.

That’s what K. Narasimha Murthy, Director-IDBI Bank suggested builders to tide over the scenario emerging from economic downturn. In the city to inaugurate the IDBI Bank Homes 2009, a three-day exhibition on housing finance at Nizam College Grounds on Friday, he observed that coming out with affordable structures and in tune with the downturn will not help the builders but also the economy.

Housing sector supports about 200 different varieties of trades from mason to painters.

There was a lot of unsold stock in the city and discounts were being offered by the builders, Mr. Murthy said adding that consumers should avail the opportunity since cheaper home loan interests were on offer from the IDBI.

Fixed interest rates of 8.5 per cent per annum for loans up to Rs.5 lakh and 9.25 per cent for Rs.5 lakh to Rs.20 lakh loans are on offer. With a wide network already in place, the IDBI bank has set an aggressive expansion plan for the State and will be opening more branches.

The exhibition which has several leading builders showcasing their projects also has on offer the option of ‘book now pay later’ and in addition, the bank also promise to waive off processing charges apart from freebies and discounts.

Interested can also avail special package for loans up to Rs.20 lakh and spot sanctions at the property exhibition that is open till March 15.

When you walk into this home, your eyes straightaway fall on a groovy glass panel that curves at its top, like a wave. Anchored on a cedar-finish wooden partition, this fixture allows Nalina and Kannan to harness both utility and aesthetics. The fact it is a divider that demarcates the living and dining spaces in their home. The panel doesn’t reach up to the ceiling, thereby allowing air circulation, and of course potential conversation between the occupants of the two areas.

The lower wooden side, brightened up by slender, vertical steel rods inlaid on its surface, allows for easy maintenance. The glass panel explores a range of textures, incorporating within it, frosted glass, clear glass and also bevelled glass, which bestows it a sculpted quality.

The different glass textures themselves form a subtle design, passing over the need for a design or color element.

Glass can be groovy, especially if your taste veers towards the subtle.