Konichiwa!
A copper rain chain connected to the downspout by the front porch really caught my eye on my latest visit to the English cottage-style home near Marietta, GA. I had never seen one before but, apparently, they are of Japanese origin and are known as kusari-doi in Japan. They've been around for hundreds of years and have been utilized for their architectural and functional qualities.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised to find yet another unique feature on this extraordinary home being built.
Have You Seen Any Rain Chains?
Rain chains and rain cups have a zen-like quality to them and may mesmerize you as you watch and listen to the water cascade downward through the cups. Think of it as a way to lower your blood pressure.
They've just recently begun to catch on in the U.S. as a decorative alternative to regular downspouts. Rain chains have been featured recently in articles in home magazines and also on The Discovery Channel's "Monster House" episode of "The Loft House". Keep your eyes open because you are likely to see them more often in the coming years.
They vary widely in price depending on the style and length of your purchase but count on around $18-$25 per linear ft. for rain chains such as the the type I have pictured here.
Installation is a cinch! Just place the bracket through the drop outlet and hang the rain chain on the bracket. You might just find yourself praying for rain just to see it in action. Be sure to hang it in a drop outlet that is located where you are able to view it during a rain storm, such as near a front or back porch.
If you find this article interesting, you may want to check out the whole series of posts on this English-cottage style home and all of the beautiful craftsmanship and materials that go into constructing it.
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Carol...
You don't have to use copper rain cups as I have pictured in the story. You could also use a real rain chain, which are actually large, thin chain links. In fact, I'm posting a story very soon about one I saw recently on a home garden tour. I suppose you could get creative with just about any material that weathers well. How about this idea...try stirring your creative juices by visiting yard sales looking for cheap utensils that you can link together via chain links or something like that. You'd need to drill holes through them at the balancing point to make them artsy-fartsy. Other materials that may work are collections of: old measuring cups, flour sifters, tea cups sans bottoms, plates...you get the idea. Try linking together some prefab bamboo shoots. The possibilities are endless. Just thinking out loud.
I love the concept of turning something ugly into something that is lovely like a rain chain.but they are too expensive.. I need 3 or 4 how can I make them without breaking the bank, I know copper is trad, but I'l settle for plastic..lol
Phil...Since a rain chain/cups are open and designed to cascade, (mostly through the holes in the bottoms of each cup) I would say that they should be able to handle just as much rain as a regular downspout. Alot of folks have them anchored to stones or a large bowl of some type at the bottom that drains onto your landscape.
It looks like it would overflow in a dwonpour. How much rain can they handle?
phil
That is just TOOOOOOOoooo cool!