Cabin has been designed by Panos Dragonas and Varvara Christopoulou The structure is elevated above the city's rooftop landscape on four stilts The space contains a raised sleeping area and a small desk area Architects say it could be perfect for sleeping, meditating in the city

By Simon Cable for MailOnline

Published: 07:29 EST, 12 January 2015 | Updated: 09:14 EST, 12 January 2015

At first glance it looks rather like a glorified garden shed.

But this wooden cabin could be the future of city living, according to the Greek architects who designed it.

Designers Panos Dragonas and Varvara Christopoulou believe there are fewer places remote enough to build a wilderness hideaway, so have instead proposed a cabin raised above the Athens rooftops.

Greek architects Panos Dragonas and Varvara Christopoulou have designed a cabin that is raised above the Athens rooftops

They say it could be perfect for sleeping, meditating and relaxing while staying in the city.

As the world becomes increasingly urbanised, and digital mapping extends across deserts and jungles, there can be no more unexplored corners of the globe for a traveller to retreat to, say the pair, who are founders of Dragonas Christopoulou Architects.

They say the structure, named Detached and which comprises a small cabin of just nine square metres, allows the contemporary city dweller to escape a taxing daily routine without having to venture into the wilderness.

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Architects Panos Dragonas and Varvara Christopoulou design rooftop retreat

There's no better complimentand no more blistering insultthan one from your peers, especially when it comes to professions that trade in super-specialized knowledge like architecture. So when your peers talk, you listen.

That's definitely the case with the American Institute of Architects's annual honors, which is one of the most telling awards out there; 11 buildings built within the past five years, chosen by a jury of nine prominent American architects. We cover the awards every year because it's fascinating to see what working architects consider as the state of the art of their professionwhether a cathedral to bourbon or a carefully-engineered hall for physics research. Check out a few highlights from the latest crop below, followed by all the winners.

Maybe you think of college regrets when you hear the name Wild Turkey, maybe you think of your great grandpa. But Wild Turkey is in the midst of a self-led comeback, and a new visitor center at its distillery near the Kentucky River is part of that mission.

Louisville shop De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop built the so-called "cathedral to bourbon," which is clad in stained woodincluding cedar, ash, fir, and pineand has moveable sunshades to lessen solar gain.

In New York, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux are without a doubt most famous for designing Central Park. But the pair designed Prospect Park, across the East River, and it's just asif not moreloved than its older sister. This year, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects opened a 75,000-square-foot skating rink and community center to the 1867 park. It's an ice skating rink in winter and a roller rink in summerand perhaps as a nod to Olmstead's preferences for artfully reconstructed nature, Tsien and Williams have covered it all in a cobalt "sky" of twinkling lights and silver streams.

When Shakespeare wrote Hamlet, he sited it at Kronberg Castle Elsinore, Denmark, a castle that was built in the 16th century to protect the crucial gap between Denmark and Sweden. Today, Kronberg is a protected landmarkso when Bjarke Ingels Group accepted a commission to build a huge maritime museum within viewing distance of the castle, they knew they'd need a clever way to conceal it.

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American Architects Pick the 11 Best Buildings of the Year

San Marcos, Texas (PRWEB) January 12, 2015

Bautex Systems today announced that the Bautex Wall System is now a part of the QAI Product Listing Program in its Concrete Forms category. Its listing, #B1075-1, covers United States and Canadian standards for the "4-hour Load Bearing Fire-Resistance-Rated Wall Assembly" as confirmed by the ASTM E119 test program.

As building codes evolve to require more energy efficient building envelopes, builders and architects need safer building materials such as Bautex Block that improve a walls fire-resistance, because some insulated wall systems and materials may be hazardous under extreme heat or flame.

A third-party testing, inspection and certification organization, QAI Laboratories, confirms that tests performed on the Bautex Wall System were conducted properly. They also periodically conduct factory quality assurance inspections to demonstrate that Bautex products continue to be manufactured to the same standards as the products tested under the QAI listing.

Bautex Systems President Paul Brown notes that the QAI listing makes it easy for architects to document how they are achieving the fire rating required on a specific project, and to manage the approval process with local inspectors and code officials. Were proud to achieve the QAI listing so that our customers can have confidence in the tests performed on the Bautex Block and wall assembly, he says. Architects and contractors now have a new wall system option that delivers the insulation and energy performance required by the building codes while also providing significant fire-resistance capabilities at the same time.

Test walls built with Bautex Block have passed fire-resistance tests according to the following standards:

About Bautex Systems, LLC Bautex Systems, LLC is focused on providing builders and architects with better materials for building safer, more energy efficient and more design flexible building envelope solutions. From its plant in San Marcos, Texas, Bautex Systems manufactures Bautex Block, comprised of proprietary cement mixture and expanded polystyrene (EPS) and used to build interior and exterior walls for commercial and residential construction. The Bautex Wall System with Bautex Block delivers greater energy efficiency, sound reduction, as well as unparalleled resistance to moisture, fire and wind. The company is headquartered in San Marcos and is ideally located to serve commercial builders throughout the southwest United States. For more information, visit http://www.bautexsystems.com.

About QAI Laboratories Founded in 1994, QAI is an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization which serves the building industry, government and individuals with cost effective solutions through in-house capabilities, services, and an established world-wide network of qualified affiliates. For more information, visit http://qai.org/. # # #

*For the ASTM E119 test, the load-bearing Bautex wall assembly sustained the applied load of 10,500 PLF (105,000 lbs.) throughout the test and achieved a fire resistance rating of 241 minutes.

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Bautex Systems Receives QAI Product Listing for Fire-Resistant Testing Performance

The Coventry Telegraph can reveal more details on plans for a new 20million student accommodation and retail development in Coventry.

The new building - which will include around 300 student bedrooms, retail space and restaurants - looks set to be built at the entrance to Far Gosford Street.

Complex Development Projects (CDP), working in partnership with Coventry City Council, have signed up student housing provider Unite Group for the major scheme.

If given planning approval, work is set to start later this year - with the new accommodation expected to open in time for the 2017/2018 academic year.

The project will be the largest investment to date for the Far Gosford Street Partnership, which has been working on the regeneration of the area for almost ten years, and will be the final project in the street.

Ian Harrabin, managing director of CDP, said: The development of site one will fill in the huge gap left by the construction of Sky Blue Way and reconnects the street with the university and city centre.

It has always been part of the masterplan to have a major development on this gateway site which will encourage people to walk up the street and boost trade.

We had originally hoped to secure a hotel, but despite marketing to operators for a number of years, we hadnt managed to secure any interest.

The bones of the current proposal with Unite were agreed when we were out at MIPIM (a property trade show in France) last year and we have been working on the detail with them for the past nine months.

What has resulted is a great scheme of four joined buildings which make the transition between the large buildings of the university and the small scale of the historic street.

Link:
Details revealed on new 20m student flats and retail development for Coventry city centre

The main construction work is right in the beginning stages, and will see the former brewing area transformed into offices, a cheese production area, and a cheese packaging area. This is a bigger undertaking than it first appears, requiring the installation of drop-down ceilings and other safeguards that will allow the cheese to be produced in a clean environment. Cheese is, after all, the product of an intricate dance between bacteria, enzymes, and sometimes even mold, and the goal is to maximize the critters that make cheese delicious while keeping out any foreign bodies that could contaminate the process. Because of the care that goes into insuring a clean production space, Walker doesn't plan to move his production to the new space for at least two months.

Walker has moved one element of the cheese-making process to the new space: aging. The last time I was in what is now the Kent Walker Artisan Cheese Cave, it was ice cold and filled with six packs and kegs. Now, the temperature is kept at a steady 55 degrees, with just the right touch of humidity needed to allow the wheels of cheese to develop their characteristic flavors over time. There's an earthy, deep aroma hanging in the air between the cheese racks think of it as the rich aroma of science at work. Some of the cheeses that Walker produces only spend a short time in the cave before being sold, but one rack holds what Walker calls his "reserve," and it contains cheeses that have been hanging out for quite awhile, multiple years in some cases. Aging develops and matures the flavor of the cheese, and the loss of moisture from each wheel changes the texture, which means that two wheels of cheese from the same batch will have significant tastes differences with the only added ingredient being time.

As luck would have it, Walker was holding a cheese-tasting over the weekend in support of the debut of Sixes and Sevens and Earl Grey ESB fromMoody Brews(which Scott previewed here, and which were spectacular). It was fun to see Walker working the crowd, explaining the method behind his cheese-making madness and educating the public (including yours truly) about just what it takes to turn milk into cheese. On the menu were three of Walker's creations: theGoat Gouda, a creamy cheese with just a touch of wildness to it that I found brought a nice touch of complexity to the style; a sharp and tangy Leicester that is certain to appeal to fans of cheddar cheese everywhere, and a deliciously nutty take on asiago that Walker has dubbed "Roccina," which is, naturally, Italian for "Little Rock." What always impresses me is that these cheeses start off as the same stuff (milk) and are transformed into vastly different flavors by a combination of the cheese-maker's skill and some time. It's all chemistry and biology of course, but I'm not convinced there isn't witchcraft involved somewhere.

Walker is still unsure of when he will be able to open the tasting room (despite reports in other media outlets listing dates), because although there aren't any major renovations that need to happen to the space, balancing the building of an entirely new production area coupled with operating a retail space is a burden he's unsure he wants to shoulder at this time. One major change planned for the taproom: the area behind the bar where Diamond Bear's tap lines ran is to be replaced by a large window that will allow visitors to see the racks of aging cheese in the cheese cave without danger of contamination. That alone provides a unique aspect to the tasting room that should appeal to fans of homegrown foodstuffs everywhere.

I've eaten a good deal of Kent Walker cheese over the past couple of years, and I think he's improved and refined his technique considerably over the past year. That's not to say that Walker's cheese was ever bad it certainly wasn't but the cheese I had at the Moody Brews tasting was beyond good, it was excellent. Soon, we'll have a space where we can go grab a glass of beer and enjoy that ancient and magical process by which fresh milk turns into something far better: pungent, creamy, and always delicious cheese.

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Kent Walker Artisan Cheese moves into new space

The construction brought on by Kingland Systems' renovation of Campustown and an entirely new building on the corner of Welch Avenue and Lincoln Way is well underway.

The entire 2013 year was spent working with the city and various student groups on Kinglands project. Now, completion is the goal.

The outcome of the project is a combination from the students, from the community, the Campustown Action Association and the city. The outcome is its a good mixture of office and retail space, said Todd Rognes, president of Kingland Systems.

The third floor will consist of Kingland Systems offices.

It will add a lot of excess space for the growth of our business as we add more full time employees and as we expand our data center, Rognes said.

The second floor will consist of administrative offices for Iowa State, including the Iowa State Daily. Two-thirds of the ground floor will be a CVS and the remaining third will consist of retail suites.

Delays on the project were caused by weather. However, Kingland is still expecting the building to be in use by this fall.

They have been working in campus town for about 10 years now, said Kim Hanna, the director of Campustown Action Association. They are just as much a part of campustown as any other business.

During the beginning of development, Hanna admits there was a small amount of concern from the community about the new additions. However, Kingland reached out multiple times to take in suggestions from the community in order to provide the most useful services.

They have been amazing to work with, Hanna said. They have really bent over backwards to take suggestions from the community. They changed their entire layout even.

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Community speaks, Kingland Systems answers

Houston, TX (PRWEB) January 13, 2015

Relative Home Systems, a full-service residential and commercial custom electronics design and integration company, today announced the addition of Coastal Source to their landscape lighting and outdoor audio entertainment packages.

Coastal Source is a manufacturer of exterior fixtures, hardware, and audio video entertainment components that can withstand the harsh conditions of coastal environments making them a leader in the marketplace. Coastal Source guarantees warranties of its landscape lighting system only when installed and maintained by a certified dealer.

With access to the best products we can now offer homeowners sophisticated, low maintenance, durable solutions for their outdoor space, COO of Relative Home Systems Wayne Getschman said. Were impressed with the team at Coastal Source and their dedication to delivering a superior product backed by a lifetime guarantee.

The new partnership with Coastal Source will allow Relative Home Systems to provide its customers with an expanded portfolio of outdoor services including audio, waterfront and architectural lighting. Relative Home Systems was hand-selected as a certified dealer of Coastal Source products.

In addition to the benefits of landscape lighting, the Coastal Source systems reduce waste and save energy, supporting Relative Home Systems green home technology initiative to reduce a homes carbon footprint.

Coastal Source warrants its goods against defects in material and functionality when the complete landscape lighting system is professionally installed and maintained by a certified dealer.

About Relative Home Systems Relative Home Systems, headquartered in Houston, TX, is a full-service residential and commercial custom electronics design and integration firm. Our technology solutions transform the way you interactive with your home, making it safer, easier to use, and enhancing your lifestyle. With our commercial solutions youll see operational efficiency improvements and enhanced productivity in the workplace. Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals whose number one priority is providing our clients with the best products and services the industry has to offer. For more information visit http://www.relativehomesystems.com.

About Coastal Source Coastal Source, a family owned business with more than 50 years of experience designing and building waterfront estate properties, is a landscape lighting expert. Real world and laboratory experience gave Coastal Source a solid understanding of the challenges facing outdoor lighting products. Coastal Source designs and engineers the entire system to be better, from the transformer to the last light bulb. Coastal Source landscape lights are created from the raw materials and the fixtures are designed for superior function and durability. For more information visit http://www.coastalsource.com.

Originally posted here:
Relative Home Systems Announces Updated Landscape Lighting and Outdoor Audio Services as Coastal Source Dealer

In the first regular Ames City Council meeting of the year after two special meetings on Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, council members will waste no time getting down to business at the gathering Tuesday nightabout policies with Ames Police and Youth and Shelter Services.

One item on the Council's agenda is a reimbursement agreement for Ames Police for overtime to enforce underage drinking laws in Ames. According to the agenda, Ames Police as has partnered with Youth and Shelter Services to provide funding for officers who work overtime to enforce underage drinking laws.

Together, the police and YSS are proposing a new arrangement for alcohol compliance checks with local businesses. The proposed program will include compliance checks with about 30 businesses in Ames. Those businesses would be checked on twice during a five-and-a-half-month period.

The checks would be split with Ames Police and YSS on a 50/50 basis and maximum reimbursement from YSS would be set at $2,000. The program must be completed by June 30, 2015.

City Manager Steve Schainker is recommending the approval of the Underage Enforcement agreement between Ames Police and YSS.

Also on the City Council's agenda is the proposition for the tool to help evaluate high-density residential areas. At the Nov. 18 meeting, the Council was provided with a workshop to discuss general trends of Ames in high-density residential areas.

The Council was then tasked to come back and discuss what this evaluation tool would look like, what its objectives should be and how it will be enacted. Some topics the staff kept in mind were a "need for non-student housing, conversion of commercial land to residential, CyRide access and capacity, architectural design, affordable housing, location in the community and access to services."

Other agenda items include:

A Resolution authorizing and approving a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreementand providing for the issuance and securing payment of $76,325,000 Taxable Water RevenueBonds.

Motions to approve renewal of the following Beer Permits, Wine Permits, and LiquorLicenses:

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Ames Police, Youth and Shelter Services among topics of first Council meeting

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A builder's mission to turn a derelict former Victorian schoolhouse into his family home will be featured on Channel 4s Restoration Man.

For years the Old Schoolhouse on Braxted Park Road, Great Braxted - where workers of the neighbouring stately home schooled their children - had been unloved and unlived.

But now it is enjoying a new lease of life just 18 months after changing hands into the ownership of Jim and Bee Goody a renovation that attracted producers of the TV show, who sent presenter George Clarke to visit the project several times, while film crews were at the house more than 20 times during the revamp.

OnWednesday (January 14), Jim and Bee will be seenreliving the mammoth task as the episode featuring their new beloved home was aired to the nation.

Jim said: It was wrecked inside. We had to do everything, refurbish the whole lot; it was re-plumbed, had new electrics, was plastered and redecorated. Everything.

The Goodys, including Bees stepson Lewis, 22, have relocated from Chigwell after their 288,000 bid for the property, built in a Tudor revival style popular at the time, was accepted in September 2013, before work began in April 2014.

We didnt know what we were looking for until we found it, said Jim. I went to view the property and saw the views around it, so I text my wife a few photos of the fields around the place.

So we thought lets do it, we put in a bid three days later, and the rest is history.

The project was perhaps not as daunting to Jim, who specialises in home refurbishments, as it would have been to other property developers.

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WillWatkinson published Old Schoolhouse on Braxted Park Road to feature on Channel 4's...

By Marina WilliamsJan. 13, 2015, 9 a.m.

An 1880s Victorian house in the Macedon Ranges becomes the 'ideal home' for two keen renovators.

A Victorian house in the Macedon Ranges is lovingly restored. Photo: LIZ FLEMING.

A rundown Victorian property in the Macedon Ranges has been given a new lease of life thanks to the deft touch of a retired Melbourne couple.

Situated well off the main highway and nestled on a high spot on the southern side of the ranges, the historic house had good bones. But it had been untouched for decades by the previous - and original - owners when these keen renovators took it on as their latest project.

The oldest house we have fully renovated was from the1820s in Tasmania - now you can't get much earlier than that, says one half of the couple, who are a renovating powerhouse after having restored multiple homes in Victoria and Tasmania.

Family photos and artworks adorn the walls of the original hallway. Photo: LIZ FLEMING.

Family photos and artworks adorn the walls of the original hallway. Photo: LIZ FLEMING.

An original archway, door frames and lead light windows were in good order. Photo: LIZ FLEMING.

A wall of windows transitions the old to the new in the Macedon Ranges farmhouse. Photo: LIZ FLEMING.

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Heritage home renewed on Macedon Ranges: photos