Last month, Las Vegas hosted roughly 100,000 attendees for Design and Construction Week. The event, which included more than 1,400 exhibitors spanning more than 600,000 square feet of event space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, serves as the official kickoff to what's new in the building and construction industry for many brands. While mostly geared toward builders, designers, architects and other trade professionals, it serves as a window into new innovations relating to the industry. Here are a few of this year's trends.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency dominated new rollouts for many building suppliers, especially with HVAC, insulation and hot waters systems. Nearly every manufacturer in this category touted a new product that offers a more environmentally friendly approach. This ranged from tankless hot water systems and low-emission furnaces to insulation made from materials such as sugar.

Home automation

While not new for 2020, home automation seems to be a focus for many brands in expanding into more rooms of the home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Some smart bathrooms had features in which one can preprogram their morning routine to include lighting preferences and even a shower that automatically turns on to a certain temperature.

Unique materials

Wood, especially reclaimed barnwood or responsibly harvested wood, was a popular material, as was porcelain. Durable and nonporous, porcelain for both indoor and outdoor flooring needs remained with many companies introducing porcelain as a modern kitchen countertop solution.

Rebranding

Las Vegas Design and Construction Week is essentially the convergence of two huge shows in one, the NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS) and NKBA's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). It is billed as "the largest annual gathering of the residential construction and design industry." As such, the biggest brands showcase their products and promote their brands. Several took the opportunity to unveil new looks, that are fresh, modern and edgy.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at http://www.cathyhobbs.com.

Link:
Design Recipes: Watch for these construction building trends - The Providence Journal

Side by side with the trends comes the hype. Then, the myths start to appear. It was like that with the internet, smartphones and now with the smart home concept. Wherever you go, everybody seems to have something to say about techy houses and how integrated, futuristic and automated they are. Still, plenty of consumers really dont know much about them, or if they really can improve your life at home.

Such information blur is even bigger when it comes to money and energy savings. Buyers not only want to know if smart homes are useful but also want to figure out if they will increase or reduce their electricity bills. If that sounds like you, why not jump to the facts and see what the world has been saying about it? Experts, international organizations and companies have researched connected homes for the past few years, and its time for us to finally discover whether smart homes can help you save money on your utilities.

Before we dive in, its essential to keep in mind what makes a house a smart home. The idea of home automation is part of the Internet of Things (IoT) concept, which is somewhat self-explanatory. IoT basically means giving life to objects by using an internet connection so they can have extra features. In other words, a smart house is an integrated system of intelligent devices.

From smart light bulbs to virtual assistants, a smart home provides the environment for you to monitor and model your life at home and make it more practical. The concept was quite abstract until tech brands such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung and Amazon started selling smart gadgets for the whole house, from washing machines to speakers. Such creations let consumers use their phones as remote controls and turn the house itself into a tech device.

Okay, theyre smart, practical and innovative. But can they also be energy-efficient? Lets see some examples below and learn if smart homes can also save you money on your bills.

Sensors can open doors, turn the lights on or off, and even set the temperature in a room, so there must be a reason why we use them everywhere, right? Yes, and heres a tip: Its not only because they are super-practical at home. Such devices are highly energy-efficient and can save plenty of electricity.

According to the United Kingdoms Carbon Trust, occupancy sensors, which can identify if a person is in the room, can reduce energy use by 30 percent. Daylight sensors are even more efficient and can lower your usage by up to 40 percent.

Another interesting data fact from the U.K. was presented by the Kings College London. In 2013, the university cut its lighting energy use by nearly 90 percent as a result of the installation of sensor-controlled indoor lighting. According to the projects developers, the institution will save 6,349 British pounds (around $8,037 in the U.S.) every year on electricity bills.

Smart power strips, or smart power bars, may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about a smart home. Dont let their conventional appearance fool you, though. These gadgets can block energy to your devices while they are in standby mode, which is an overlooked yet significant energy-saving tool.

As reported by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), standby mode accounts for 10 percent of residential electricity usage. A smart power strip, then, will help you lower your bills considerably by blocking this silent, energy-consuming function at home. Imagine never again having to worry about unplugging devices.

Long, hot showers are relaxing and energizing, but also highly energy-inefficient. Thats why experts decided to create intelligent shower time limiters, which let you have the best of both worlds: the warmth of a relaxing shower with a limit to it.

Shower time limiters can boost your water savings up to 50 percent, according to some brands. As Showerguard states on its website, smart timers can save up to 20 percent on your utility bills and hundreds of dollars within a year, which is exceptional payback time.

Such devices allow you to set the time you want to spend in the shower, and it will tell you when its time to close the faucet. Whats more, they can be a helpful tool if you are looking for eco-friendly renovations at home.

Smart thermostats are perhaps the best example of what home automation means in both technological and energy-saving terms. These devices are highly integrated with phones or tablets, and let you monitor and set your homes temperature by distance.

Still, their list of features goes way beyond remote access. Smart thermostats can send you energy usage reports regularly and even create charts for you to check historical data. Over and above, all these functions will save you about 15 percent on your energy bills, according to Canadas Global News.

Even energy monitors got a makeover with the home automation trend. These gadgets can provide users with insights about their energy use and home activity. If you have a solar-powered system, for example, they can even measure solar production versus electricity consumption.

Thanks to the mobile integration, you can track everything regarding energy usage from your phone, including which devices are costing you more money and related reports. There are even open source options if youre into DIY projects. Many consumers have created their own smart energy monitors using modular Raspberry Pi computers.

Products such as the LG SmartView counter-depth refrigerator apply the IoT concept to one of the most traditional machines at home. This fridge sends you mobile notifications when the door is left open and is integrated with an app that lets you monitor, for example, if you have ice in the freezer or check the temperature. It can get even smarter if you connect it to Google Assistant.

Another good old device with an intelligent twist to it is the Samsung WW9000 washing machine. This clothes washer comes with the ecobubble technology, which allows users to cut down the amount of warm water needed to clean clothes. In other words, it can save both water and heating costs. The smart features are boosted by Wi-Fi and the mobile app and help users control major functions using their phones.

Yes, smart homes can save you money plenty of it, actually. But it will depend on what smart products you buy. The most energy-efficient devices are the ones that come with sensors or other kinds of energy limiters. A smart TV or Bluetooth speaker wont necessarily save you money although they probably will when compared to their older peers such as tube TVs or decades-old record players.

The good news is that nowadays, most of these gadgets tend to be energy-efficient and smart at the same time, so you wont have a problem combining energy-savings with comfort, be it purchasing a fridge or a lighting kit.

Written by Caio Bersot, Content Specialist with EnergyRates.ca

More:
Can a Smart Home Really Help You Save Energy (And Money)? - IoT For All

BY GRANT LANCASTER

MTA officials plan to build a permanent indoor connector between the Livonia Avenue L station and the Junius Street 3 station in Brooklyn by 2024 and are extending a free transfer program between the stations in the meantime, they announced at a press conference Friday afternoon.

The plan to connect the two stations, which are less than 1,000 feet apart, is part of the MTAs 2020-2024 Capital Plan, which also includes improvements to make both elevated stations fully ADA accessible, said Sally Librera, New York City Transit senior vice president of subways. The Livonia Avenue station should be fully accessible by 2022 and the Junius Street station by 2024.

The MTA set aside $38.4 million for the project and has already spent $400,000 for pre-design activities, according to an MTA press release Friday. Construction on the accessibility improvements, such as elevators and ramps, are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2020.

The free MetroCard transfer that customers have been able to use for the past nine months during construction on the L line will continue until the construction at the stations is complete, according to the press release.

Riders have two hours to swipe their MetroCard and make the free transfer.

The transfer program allows people to use both stations without paying twice, Librera said. About 1 million customers use the Livonia Avenue station each year, with about 600,000 annually at Junius Street station, she said.

Sen. Roxanne Persaud thinks that the indoor connection will be a great improvement over the uncovered walkway between the two stations now, despite improvements in lighting on that walkway, she said.

For many years, it was considered a dangerous walkway, Persaud said.

MTA Board Member Andrew Albert, chair of the NYC Transit Riders Council, thinks the project will help tie the two stations together in a way that is convenient for citizens, he said.

This is one of the last places where lines cross, but there is no real connection, Albert said.

Assembly Member Latrice Walker thinks that, in addition to convenience, the improvement will help reduce fare evasion at stations where people are likely to evade instead of paying double the fare, she said.

For years my constituents have suffered paying two fares for stations directly across the street from each other, Walker said. A free transfer between Livonia and Junius stations will make a huge difference in their daily lives.

Read the original post:
MTA to connect two Brooklyn stations and extend free transfer program - amNY

Listing of the Day

Location: Taipei City, Taiwan

Price: NT197.1 million (US$6.5 million)

Built in 2013, Jade 12 is a development in Taipei City that, while positioned within the citys central business district, is also built into the side of the scenic Elephant Mountain. The propertys agent, Michael Liu, described it as "gloriously nestled between the bustling city and the breathtaking natural environment, with its magnificent exterior reminiscent of an upright bamboo branch."

Seamless integration with its surrounding environment is the driving force behind Jade 12s design, the brainchild of Taiwanese architect Lee Tianduo. Everything from the curvature of its balconies to the orientation of its windows to its exterior lighting is designed to inspire harmony with the mountain landscape.

Its name derives from the precious jade marble that covers its facade, in combination with aluminum-clad board. According to Mr. Liu, "in Eastern culture, jade symbolizes the origin of nature and signifies the pursuit of the integration between architecture and environment."

More: In Kaohsiungs Gushan District, Green Spaces Create Sought-After Addresses

This fourth-floor apartment is a blank slate (unfurnished and without interior compartment), so owners can design according to their own needs, according to Mr. Liu. With its open-plan design and windows on all sides, the unit is bright, spacious and well ventilated.

"While relaxing in the living room," Mr. Liu said, "the floor-to-ceiling windows open the connection between the room and the picturesque elephant mountain. You are constantly hugged by the endless greenery and ample sunlight, inspiring the soul with creativity and energy."

Stats

The fourth-floor, 4,660-square-foot apartment has three bedrooms and four bathrooms.

There are only 12 apartments in the 13-floor building, each occupying a full floor.

More: Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo Are the Worlds Most Expensive Cities

Amenities

Being built into Taipeis Elephant Mountain, the exterior lights of this environmentally aware building are a color temperature that wont scare off the surrounding wildlife, such as frogs, insects and birds. "They were here long before we came," Mr. Liu said.

The buildings many luxury amenities include a fitness center, a media room, air conditioning, and an infinity-edge pool, as well as an outdoor kitchen area.

The six-meter-high ground floor lobby provides six-star hotel services, according to Mr. Liu, with an infinity pool on the top floor. The property benefits from airtight windows with triple-layer glass, which can effectively isolate outdoor heat, cold air mass and noise, while the indoor tap water is automatically filtered and drinkable.

There is also a water-permeable pavement system that increases water absorbance, infiltration, and retention capabilities of the building base and surrounding landscapes.

From Penta: Future Returns: How to Invest in Global Infrastructure

Neighborhood Notes

Jade 12 is located in the center of the Xinyi District (or the Central Business District), which is on the southeast of Taipei City, and is the most valuable commercial area in Taiwan, according to Mr. Liu. One side of the building faces the busy city while the other faces the vast forested expanse of Elephant Mountain. The mountain is 183 meters high and has a hiking trail about 1.5 kilometers long, from which Taipei 101a building that was classified as the worlds tallest between 2004 and 2010can be seen. The trail also comprises The Six Giant Rocks, which are one of Taipei Citys major tourist attractions.

The property benefits from convenient transportation on the MRT, city bus, sharing bikes and expressways. In addition to the ecological scenery of Elephant Mountain, the property is also close to Taipei City Hall, the municipal library, sports centers, parks, hospitals and commercial districts.

Agent: Michael Liu, President of Jubon Taiwan, affiliate of Christies International Real Estate.

View the original listing. Write toListing of the Day

Read the original here:
A 4,660-Square-Foot Blank Slate Home in Taipei That Integrates Architecture and Environment - Mansion Global

This week,we saw the death of theatre director Terry Hands, acclaimed for his founding ofthe Everyman in Liverpool among various other theatrical, notablyShakespearean, endeavours. This news came within hours of the RSCsannouncement of their winter season of Shakespeares Wars of the Roses plays, nearlyforty years after Hands production of the Henry VI trilogy as artisticdirector of the RSC supplanted it firmly back into the public psyche.

Handsstyle of directing was distinctive, and often classic. His productions had acertain energetic hum that surrounded them, and in his more than 25 years asDirector Emeritus and Artistic Director of the RSC, it became difficult todisassociate his productions from his latent directorial presence. He came tothe RSC with a track-record of success, having founded the Everyman aftergraduating from RADA; he continued to wield his benevolent hands (pun notintended) over the theatre world when, after leaving the RSC, he saved Wales Theatr Clwyd fromclosure. His styles soon became trademark, as he made his way through Europestheatre circles. He had an almost unparalleled ability to pick out and persuadingtalent to his ends, mentoring the likes of Anthony Sher, Deborah Warner andAdrian Noble.

One of the most recognisable parts of hisdirectorial style, though, is his idiosyncratic use of light, casting himselfas lighting director in a number of productions. Hands made us light-sensitiveas an audience; what were the possibilities of light in Shakespeare, and howcould they enhance a performance? He seems to have tapped into usefuldirectorial opportunities, noticing and exploiting the infinite variety oflights possibility in Shakespeares plays.

Light, for anyone who has pored over an ArdenShakespeare, traipsing through theme after theme, is an image of notablesignificance. Romeo famously asks Juliet: But soft, what light through yonderwindow breaks?; if the window is the east, and Juliet really is the sun, how can a director make herso? The 2006 RSC production, directed by Nancy Meckler, has Juliet perched noton a balcony but on a precarious metal scaffold. The light that bathes her faceis not warm sunlight but the harsh whiteness of stage lights, as we are deniedaccess to the fallacy in which the two lovers find themselves in. To Romeo, hisparamour has the soft warmth of the sun, but to us, she looks harsh anddistant, lit with a clinical pale glow. In the 2010 RSC production, Juliet isoffstage when Romeos dramatic love exposition begins; the visions of grandeurin Romeos mind can be indulged by the director, or gently mocked by way ofdeliberate omission.

The relative scarcity of specific stage directionor set instruction makes a Shakespeare play a useful tabula rasa upon which adirector can build an effective, stylistically distinctive production. However,there are some specific light requirements that are vital to the narrative whilebeing difficult for a director to work with. A distinction between night andday is a recurring feature, a technique that would have been especiallydifficult in the open-air amphitheatre styles of some Elizabethan theatres. Thescript for our case study, Romeo and Juliet, includes the time markers ofmorning, twilight, noon, twilight, night and dawn. It is, obviously, at thedirectors discretion whether they choose to play to these distinctions, orwhether they will allow the play to exist in its own isolated timelessness.Time disorientation works well for the two lovers tragic story; a refusal toacknowledge the passage of time gives the story a cruelly ironic sense ofhaving time to spare, when in reality the events take place over only fourdays. If the director chooses to note these fluctuations in light, the playbecomes more urgent, more visceral and more real.

There are over thirty stage directions inShakespeares oeuvre calling for lights to be carried on-stage. Three kinds oflights are specified: tapers, torches and lanterns. Torches are the most commonby far, and undoubtedly the easiest for an actor to use effectively on stage. However,the Elizabethan nomenclature of specific lights was inconsistent, so relativefree-reign, even then, was given to matters of lighting for the productions. Itis unreasonable to presume that a modern director will feel constricted to theconfines of Shakespeares own light specifications, but some performance spacesnecessitate a modicum of orthodoxy. The Globes primary light source issunlight, making the only significant differentiation in light that betweenLondons night and day. Even the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, thoughartificially lit with candles, is illuminated uniformly throughout entireperformances. In such spaces, lightscarried on and off stage were not a requirement, but a superfluity to thespace: they were an exercise in aesthetics, rather than function.

Aside from the time markers mentioned previously,the use of hand-held lights in the plays are used traditionally to indicatedark, shadowy loci, where the presence of light indicates a lack it, as well asceremony and metaphor. The extinguishing of these indicates a plummet intototal darkness, in which Cassio can be ambushed and Lear can be left isolate onthe heath. As Lears Fool says: so out went the candle and we were leftdarkling. The audience is trusted to suspend disbelief as we plunge, with thecharacters, into metaphorical darkness.

How, then, has Hands legacy of light been aninfluential force on the modern Shakespeare scene? The 2014 Park AvenueTheatre, New York, staged a production of Macbeth that surpassed audienceexpectations not only of light but also of staging. The plays cavernous spacewas transformed into a barren heath, complete with open flame torches lighting theaudiences way towards the steep, stadium seating. Strange and otherworldlyshadows were cast on the faces of the (floating!) witches. The mass of candlesat the end of the traverse stage that glowed hot in Lady Macbeths fieriestmoments stood cold and dark when, hands stained with blood, she begs: Ohlight! Please take me! I deserve to die! / Nowtake me light! Now cover my darkness!. Though elements of this productioncrumble under accusations of style over substance, it is exemplary in itsmanipulation of, or abject disregard for, Shakespeares original plans forlight in his plays.

Nonconformist lightingtechniques are not specific to tragedy; Shakespeares already farcical,unrealistic comedic scenarios can be made more so with lighting that removes usentirely from reality. The recent production of A Midsummer Nights Dream atLondons Bridge Theatre explores the dark sexuality that runs throughout theplay, by keeping the in-the-round performance space mostly dark and shadowy,save select spots of bright lightness. In a play usually interpreted with thesummer-gaze of cloudless days and soft heat, the Bridges chiaroscuro is arefreshing palate cleanser for some of its more sanguine adaptations. Sequinnedand salacious, the plays purple hue in the final scene gives it permission torevel in its unabashed campness, dragging the audience literally skipping intoits midsummer fever dream.

One wonders whetherShakespeares verse benefits from these techniques; should we give in topurists, and have our open-air theatres lit exclusively by the sun and the oddtaper? Some productions, like Park Avenues, undoubtedly suffer for stylisticdiversity, sacrificing subtleties of language, style and blocking to make roomfor the enormity of these effects. However,in order to guarantee our public appreciation for these plays for years tocome, we have a duty to embrace and support attempts at stylistic innovation,rather than dismissing them as silly or superfluous. Done well, effects such aslighting can enhance audience enjoyment, and Terry Hands productionsexemplified this. He used never-before-seen lighting techniques with consistentsuccess, demonstrating how, even though Shakespeare doesnt need to bemodernised to the 21st century, wed be happy to have him.

Visit link:
What Light Through Yonder Theatre Breaks? - Cherwell Online

'The Terrace - A Maiden Affair' is located in Andheri, Mumbai and has been designed by Saniya Kantawala Design

Stepping through the doors of The Terrace A Maiden Affair, a newly opened restaurant in Andheri, Mumbai, one is greeted by a neon sign, Here comes the sun, hinting at a happy, cheerful experience that awaits inside. Pastel shades, jewel-shaped lighting, comfortable seaters upholstered in rich fabrics, an outdoor space with an alluring ambience and more, make this restaurant an instant attraction. The brand, The Terrace, located in Juhu is owned by Karan and Kaushal Shah. They have franchised it to Kaplan and Nishiket Shah and the interiors of the new Andheri outlet have been envisioned by interior designer Saniya Kantawala.

This restaurant is primarily for the millennials and Gen-X; the entire theme and decor for the space includes elements that are attractive to this generation. For me, designing the restaurant and understanding the client brief and bringing it to life was instinctive, as I am a millennial myself; hence, pink has been used in a variety of ways in the space, says Kantawala. The finishes on the walls and the flooring have been kept fairly restrained. The predominant use of soft pink hues are offset by pops of blue, green andorange and the use of brass imparts a sleek finish to the furniture incorporated indoors. Theexposed ceiling is adorned with dainty, jewel-shaped lighting. The bar, positioned centrally within the 2,200-square-feet indoor space is surrounded by seating that includes high bar seating and circular booth seating. Pop art dots the walls, perking up the interiors and adding an element of quirk.

On the other side of the glass partition lies the outdoor seating area (600-square-feet) and is easily the most endearing spot in the restaurant. A centrally positioned light installation sets an ideal tone, with the space being further enhanced by the inclusion of several potted plants. Quirky bent chair plates accessorise the walls of the garden and the seating has been arranged in such a way that it makes one feel like they are amidst an art garden. A swing installed in the garden also lifts the ambience of the space and creates a visual that makes the restaurant photo-worthy, adds Kantawala.

The food is helmed by chef Rajesh Talwar, who has two more restaurants in the works in Doha and The Bahamas. The menu comprises a diverse selection. We tried the delicately spiced Tandoori Indian Machhi, the Golden Prawns, Chicken Sesame Seekh and the flavourful Tandoori stuffed Mushrooms. If you happen to be in the mood for some comfort food, the menu includes Khichdi, a dish most of us crave for every now and then. Named after Kantawala herself, Saniya ka pakaya hua khichdi can be paired with veggies and chicken (yes, you read that correctly!). Go ahead and indulge!

In this age of social media and Instagram, the fascination with posting about our wheres and whens has completely re-defined the process of conceptualising a restaurant and its design, says Kantawala. This understanding has translated effortlessly into a design that spatially renders a simple yet efficient layout, imparts a cheerful and soothing vibe, offers picture perfect backdrops and makes it an ideal spot to catch up with a group of friends. If you are wondering where to head out this weekend, we suggest you give The Terrace in Andheri a try. Who knows it might just end up becoming a regular hang-out spot for you and your friends.

Surat: The Kathiyawadi design influences in this restaurant help create an authentic Gujarati vibe

Continue reading here:
A new hang-out has cropped up in Mumbai and we are loving its vibe - Architectural Digest India

This post may contain affiliate links; please read the disclosure for more information.

Work in EPCOT continues to transform Future World. Today, we saw several notable changes around the area.

At the old Mouse Gear location, the final visible signs of the past are gone after the last decorative gear character window display was removed. Now, all guests see are black tarps.

Next to the Taste Track site, new pavement has been poured for the sidewalk that will connect the old rear exit of Mouse Gear to the Test Track Simporium and Cool Wash.

Over between The Land and Imagination!, the mystery construction site was abuzz with activity.

From above, the dirt behind the newly poured retaining wall was being prepped for new sod to be laid down.

Meanwhile, heavy machinery continued to move dirt around the site.

Several markers remain in place for potential pathway paving in the area.

Stay tuned to WDWNT as we keep you updated on this and other construction projects from around the Disney parks.

Related

Excerpt from:
PHOTOS: New Pavement Added Near Taste Track, Mystery Landscaping Construction Continues in Future World at EPCOT - wdwnt.com

YOKOHAMA A teenager was killed Wednesday morning when she was struck by a small landslide while walking through a residential area in the city of Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, local police said.

The landslide occurred at around 8 a.m. when a nearly vertical, 10-meter-wide section of a hill underneath an apartment building collapsed onto the street below.

The 18-year-old woman was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, according to police and rescue workers. There were no other victims.

Although the lower part of the hill was reinforced by a concrete retaining wall, the upper section collapsed releasing around 20 cubic meters of earth. A pile of dirt up to 2 meters high could be seen on the road, which was strewn with boulders, and a nearby guardrail had been bent by the force of the falling earth.

One person was transported to the hospital on a stretcher, and the ambulance staff had a bloodstained bag with them, said a woman from the neighborhood. The road gets busy in the morning with commuters heading to work and school. I cant believe a landslide could happen here.

The prefectural government had previously flagged the area as being at high risk of such an incident. Rain was unlikely to have been a factor in the collapse as there has been no rainfall in the area since last Thursday, according to the Meteorological Agency.

Here is the original post:
18-year-old woman dies after small landslide in Kanagawa - The Japan Times

ST. GEORGE (ABC4 News) Tuesday marks exactly three months since the St. George Temple, the longest-operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, closed for a major renovation inside and out for necessary safety and energy-efficient upgrades.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints closed the 142-year-old temple in November of 2019 for renovations to make it safer and more functional while preserving as much of the original craftsmanship as possible, according to a news release. Project managers announced the first phase of the construction, removing all of the 20th-century additions to the building, is well underway.

One of the aspects of this project is preserving the original building as it stands right now, said Eric Jamison, project manager. The structure of the building is in fantastic condition given its age. Despite its age, the temple has endured very well.

Some system upgrades will be made to the temple, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing work, according to church representatives.

The first phase of this project really has been removing all the 20th-century additions to this building, said Emily Utt, historic site curator for the Church. So, for the first time in 100 years, were able to see where the original door openings were in this building, what the floor plan was, what the paint colors were.

Construction crews have removed the 1970s era north entrance and west addition that will more closely match the original architecture of the historic temple once rebuilt. On the west side of the building, contractors unveiled an exterior window hidden from view for more than 40 years.

Its a really exciting process to see the work and craftsmanship that these people had back then, said Jamison.

Salvaging removed materials for recycling, piles from cement to steel are sorted and loaded, hauled away to recycling plants where almost everything will be re-purposed, church officials said.

The completion date for the entire renovation is anticipated in 2022. Following a public open house, the temple will be rededicated.

Continued here:
St. George Temple renovation hits three month mark, massive construction underway - ABC 4

FALLS CHURCH, VA Falls Church City Council will make final considerations on Monday, Feb. 10 before the Mary Riley Styles Public Library expansion and renovation project can move forward. Council must approve a budget amendment and the awarding of the construction contract for the project.

If Council approves those items, the library will announce the schedule on Tuesday, Feb. 11 for closing and reopening in the temporary location. During the renovation project, the library will move its collection to trailers at Jefferson Elementary School, 601 South Oak Street. Construction is expected to last 12 to 14 months, or February 2020 through May 2021.

The relocation will take two to three weeks and require the library to be closed during this time. It will likely move during February or March. The temporary location will remain open through spring or summer 2021, when the renovated library will open.

The renovation project will bring an addition and numerous changes to the library. The main level will have an addition for its adult fiction section. The nonfiction section, 10 computers, adult reading room, local history room and conference room. The children's and teen area will be on the lower level. Plans for this level include an early literacy zone, school age children zone, teen collection area, teen room and 180-person large conference room with a sink and projector. Library members can expect more tables and chairs next to windows with charging outlets.

The library's website says the renovation and expansion project will address growth in membership, ADA deficiencies, infrastructure repairs or replacements, storage and security measures, public restroom space and the need for larger meeting space. The library's board also recommended separating the adult area and children's areas on different levels.

See more information about the expansion project and temporary location questions and answers.

More:
Final Vote Would Allow Falls Church Library Renovation To Begin - Patch.com