Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Aman Kyoto sits within 3.2 hectares of secluded forest, softly illuminated by sunlight through overhead foliage and low-lying mist, silent except for birdsong, mountain streams and the occasional frog croak echoing in the stone wells and culverts. And, of course, your own footsteps on the stone paths, along which you encounter huge, moss-covered boulders embedded in the undulating ground, or flat clearings defined by geometric patterns of gravel and stone paving. Indeed, traditional Japanese stroll gardens are designed so as to balance natural serendipity and artificial precision. Every detail is considered, every sightline composed.

As you walk, the elements of the garden are revealed, concealed, then revealed again from different angles and in different relationships. Each step produces a new vista. Its impossible, if not meaningless, to separate the human interventions from their natural surroundings. The compression and variety of incident create illusions of scale and evocations of other places, whether real or mythical. This is nature enhanced, landscape intensified.

Located at the western edge of Kyoto, this hidden valley is nestled within a larger hidden valley the city itself is set in a basin ringed by mountains. Though it took almost a quarter of a century from architect Kerry Hills first, rapturous encounter with the site until the opening of the resort, the forest had been under development for many decades previously. It was once the property of a textile magnate from Kyotos garment district, who intended to build a private museum for his collection of fabrics from Japan and elsewhere. Working with local garden designers, he began subtly modifying the topography and waterways, creating clearings, laying out broad paths of enormous, irregular flagstones, and building high retaining walls of natural rocks in order to produce flat platforms in the foothills at the west edge of the site. He judiciously located trees, shrubs, ferns and moss, as well as picturesque compositions of huge boulders the Japanese term for garden design is literally the setting of stones.

The owner passed away with the museum still unbuilt, inspiring Hill to treat the place as a found object, or perhaps an imaginary ruin. Working closely with famed garden designer Akihiro Shimoda, Hill extended and complemented the existing landscaping with utmost care the moss was moved to a nursery then fastidiously replanted when construction was complete and located his new buildings in response to the implicit and explicit paths, ridges and planes of the site.

View gallery

On arrival, guests first enter the reception. Aman Kyoto is located within an established 3.2-hectare garden setting surrounded by mature forests on the outskirts of Kyoto.

Image: Nacasa & Partners

Hills first architectural gesture was the living pavilion (a restaurant, bar and outdoor seating area with a fire pit) set at the south edge of the main garden. The spaces are accented with commissioned ceramic artworks and paper light fittings designed by the architects, and the cuisine served here is, needless to say, as exquisite as the surroundings. Sadly, Hill did not live to see construction fully completed, but the garden has been named in his honour, and a small stone set in the ground is engraved with a poetic memorial. Guest rooms are contained in two-storey blocks along the east boundary, with larger suites placed on higher platforms to the west. The architectural language is the same throughout: rectangular pavilions faced with vertical slats of dark-stained wood, sheltered by zinc-clad, low-gabled roofs.

The public areas also have dark-stained wood interiors, producing a typically Japanese ambiguity between interior and exterior, but the guestrooms are lined with pale, lacquered tamo (Japanese ash) and have full-height windows facing the garden. Aside from a slightly raised wooden bed instead of a futon on the floor, every element you might expect in a traditional inn is present sliding screens and tatami mats, a tokonoma alcove for displaying an ikebana flower arrangement and a kakejiku hanging scroll but abstracted to an extraordinary level of refinement and elegance. Immaculate surfaces, concealed connections, soundless movements, recessed joints and delicate shadow lines make every element appear simultaneously integrated and independent, visually weightless. With almost the same floor area as the bedroom, the bathroom is finished in frosted glass and stone tiles, and contains a freestanding bathtub made of hinoki (Japanese cypress), a wood chosen for its beauty and durability, and the scent that suffuses the room when it is filled with water.

View gallery

The guest bathroom design is formal and centred around a hinoki (cypress) ofuro , or bathing tub.

Image: Nacasa & Partners

Bathing is central to Japanese culture and the resort experience. A spa elsewhere on the site contains communal (though gender-segregated) indoor and outdoor baths that use geothermal spring water, further heated as necessary. You sit in the outdoor rock pool, sedated by the rising steam and gentle sound of water pouring from a stone spout, looking across a narrow moss garden screened by a bamboo fence. Though the surroundings are designed to showcase the cycles of nature the gradually shifting sunlight and shadow, the changing colours of maple leaves and cherry blossoms here, you feel suspended in time and space. If only that were true.

Here is the original post:
Suspended in time and space: Aman Kyoto - Architecture AU

Someone had to spoil it. That could be the motto of the social media age when things that begin as wonders become mere memes. Now our inability to let well alone is turning the most mysterious art happening of 2020 into another tedious prank.

Strange metal monoliths are materialising everywhere, in California, Romania, the Isle of Wight and, according to the latest reports, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. Their rate of appearance is quickening: barely 24 hours separate photos of the lone sentinel on the Isle of Wights Compton Beach and the new European manifestations. As these silent messengers follow those seen at wider intervals in Utah, California and Romania it seems that their message is becoming more urgent, the time of their revelation imminent.

Except no one believes that. They are certainly a great global diversion at the end of a wretched year. But as with a brilliant stunt by Banksy, we are all in on the joke. Theres even speculation Banksy is behind them, naturellement. And he might as well be, for all the apocalyptic terror the monoliths arouse. The social media chat is about aliens, not aliens.

It would be ironic if these structures really are the work of highly intelligent extraterrestrials trying to make first contact but were so jaded by art pranks and sci-fi cliches that were taking it for an elaborate stunt. Earthlings, we wished to impart the secret of the universe, but you are too cynical, theyll lament as they obliterate us.

Everyone recognises the monuments similarity to the Sentinels in Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C Clarkes 2001. If they really were like those slender black plinths that change the course of human history, they might be our much-needed salvation.

The similarity between the new sentinels and the ones from 2001 is sadly the most damning evidence that these are made by mere human artists. As they crop up all over the place, its also becoming clear their construction is all too earthly no unrecognised metals or inexplicable manufacture. The National Trust said the object on its land on the Isle of Wight seemed secure on a wooden plinth and that it was made from mirrored sections of plastic or Perspex material. Thats a bit ordinary. And to add another banal twist an organisation called The Most Famous Artist claims authorship of the columns in Utah and California, offering replicas for $45,000 (34,000) .

Its a shame to see a magic trick exposed, in a year when we could all do with believing in miracles. For the discovery of the first monolith on 18 November was truly uncanny. Biologists surveying sheep in the red rock country of Utah spotted a shiny object from their helicopter and went in for a closer look. The monolith was far from human habitation or hiking trails and is thought to have gone unnoticed in the wilderness since being erected in summer 2016. So a very patient artist must have been content to let this monument go unseen for years, until it finally happened to be found. That does create mystery and awe. It even makes you question common-sense explanations.

But the people who removed it by night on 27 November were perhaps art critics making an aesthetic judgment. For this and all the monoliths have a big weakness as art. They look good, with their smooth, reflective surfaces coolly mirroring nature: the red landscape caught in the glossy shine of the Utah pillar and the Isle of White sculptures reflections of beach and sea are alluring in photographs. Yet theres something tacky about placing a synthetic metal or plastic object in a wild location. Its not an alien mystery, just human pollution.

Since the 1960s, land artists have tried to make monuments that are ecologically sensitive and more truly poetic. In Utah itself, Robert Smithsons Spiral Jetty is a giant arrangement of stones that disappears and reappears depending on how much water is in the Great Salt Lake. If you are ever hiking and come across a small cairn or just an arrangement of sticks, it may mean the artist Richard Long has walked that way. Even Wiltshires crop circles, a hoax that has gone on since the 1970s, are sensitive to their location: they get ploughed again and wont leave a trace to confuse future archaeologists.

Compared with these modern masterpieces of land art, the shiny monoliths are unmysterious and becoming less so by the day. Their global proliferation is ingenious but as art they are derivative, even kitsch parodies of modernist sculpture. They echo, but in a cheap and shallow way, Barnett Newmans Broken Obelisk or the steel walls of Richard Serra.

Weve never needed mystery more. And for a moment there, for all their faults when you scrutinise them as art, the sentinels were sublime. Please, whoever is responsible, stop now while theres still a shred of the marvellous in this diversion from our mundane apocalypse.

View post:
Mystery of the monoliths: if only it were aliens - The Guardian

Plumbing issues are frustrating and can cost a lot of time and money to fix. Some problems are too tricky and complicated to handle on your own, while others can be easily fixed with a few do-it-yourself tips. Plumbing issues such as clogged drains can undoubtedly disrupt your everyday activities, and you should always try to resolve your plumbing problems as soon as you can.

However, before you decide that you need a plumber, you should always determine what the plumbing issue you are having and whether or not you can tackle it on your own. Here is what you should always check first when you think you may need a plumber.

You can attempt to fix issues on your own such as leaking sinks, running toilets, and clogged drains. However, there are more challenging issues, such as burst pipes, and theres no question a professional plumber should handle that. Therefore, before you call a plumber, have a look at your issue and try to understand what the problem is and whether you have the knowledge and skills to solve it. If your sink is leaking, for example, you can try to fix it yourself by trying to identify any parts which have come loose and then try to tighten them up. Another common problem which many people have is a running toilet. To solve this issue, you can try to replace the flapper, the flapper valve, or both.

After you have assessed your plumbing problem and attempted all the home remedies to no avail, it is time to call a professional plumber. It is important that you hire a professional and trustworthy service to avoid wasting your time, money, and effort. Speak to friends and family for recommendations for local plumbers they have used in the past who have delivered a good service. The experts at All Service Plumbers explain that before hiring a plumber or giving them any money, you should check that they have a plumbing license and the necessary insurance to do the job. If you found the plumber on your own without a recommendation, it is advisable to go online to do some research or find at least two references. Additionally, you should check how long your chosen plumber has been in business since reputable businesses typically last for a longer time than unreliable ones.

Aside from leaking sinks and running toilets, clogged drains are among the most common plumbing problems people often face that are more difficult to fix at home. While major clogs often need a professional plumber, minor clogged drains are easier to deal with. In fact, you can try to check whether or not your sink is clogged by pouring water down and seeing if it drains.

If your sink is clogged, you can try different approaches, such as flushing your drain out using boiling water. This solution is the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to solve a minor clog. First of all, you should try to remove the standing water in your sink or above the clogged area. After that, try pouring boiling water directly into the clogged drain. Wait for a moment to see whether the water goes down before removing the standing water and trying again.

Even though most people associate plungers with toilets, they can also be very effective with a clogged sink. Fill your sink with hot water up to a quarter of the way up, and then place a plunger over the plughole to work it up and down quickly. Afterward, remove the plunger from the drain and observe whether or not the water starts to drain. Remember that it might take some time and a few attempts for the plunger to unclog your sink successfully. Therefore, repeat this a few times if necessary. As well as a plunger, many people also use a straightened coat hanger to try and reach as far as possible down their clogged drains to fish out the blockage.

Depending on the blockage scale and the material which has built up, baking soda can be used with either white vinegar or salt to unblock the sink. Typically, all standing water should be removed from the blocked sink or the blocked area. Then, you can pour a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar or salt down the drain.

Note that this mixture might cause some bubbly liquid to rise, but if this happens, you can place a sink stopper on top of it or cover your drain with a piece of cloth. This solution should be left in your drain for 10 to 15 minutes before running boiling water down and attempting to flush out the drain.

If this doesnt do the trick, you can use a commercial solution made explicitly for blocked drains. This is widely available in many stores, and you can simply follow the instructions on the product. However, remember to use these solutions carefully to avoid physical harm to yourself or further damages.

It is helpful for you as a customer to get competing quotes on a plumbing issue that isnt too urgent. This allows you to choose the best quality plumbing service at a competitive price. Keep in mind; however, that price does not mean everything, and so the lowest price does not necessarily mean that you will get the best available service.

When a plumbing issue arises, sometimes the problem can be solved quickly with simple do-it-yourself tips and solutions. Other times, you will need to hire a professional plumber to save your plumbing system and home from further damage. However, before you call a plumber, remember to check these steps first to make sure that youre not calling one out for a job that you can easily do.

Read the rest here:
What To Always Check When You're In Need Of A Plumber - E/The Environmental Magazine

Ed Del Grande, Tribune News Service Published 5:50 p.m. ET Dec. 3, 2020

Dear Ed: Enjoyed your plumbing gift article for the holidays. Especially like the rules: affordable, easy install and fun. But I noticed the gifts like musical showerheads were bathroom-related. Any kitchen plumbing gift ideas I can research?

Todd, Iowa

Dear Todd: Plumbing accessories can be fun gift choices. But my previously mentioned gifts were more bathroom-related, thanks for the catch. I've now come up with a few kitchen plumbing gift ideas to add to the holiday list.

1. Disinfecting wipes dispenser

These new stainless steel canisters look great on any kitchen countertop and can fit a standard 30-35 wipes inside.

This is a dedicated air dryer made especially for wine glasses. (Photo: David Wallace Kohler)

2. Kitchen sink utility racks

Improve the work area with these adjustable sink racks that straddle the sink bowl. Soaking cups, towel dryers and temporary shelving are just a few features.

3. Wine glass drying racks

This is a dedicated air dryer made especially for wine glasses. Wash, rinse and hang the glasses right next to the sink for fresh party supplies.

I hope these additional kitchen gift suggestions help you cook up some good presents for the holidays.

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visiteddelgrande.comor writeeadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/home-garden/2020/12/03/plumber-plumbing-gifts-keep-giving/6469484002/

Link:
The Plumber: Plumbing gifts that keep on giving - The Detroit News

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. A startup plumbing support company won $10,000 in an E-Factory pitch contest.

3D&L 3D-prints parts that help plumbers by holding pipes in place on the job.

Doug Harris, the owner of 3D&L, said his current product line makes the plumbing process easier by installing cross-linked polyethylene tubing.

Harris said he and his son bought 12 3D printers, figured out how to use them and started prototyping some things to use on the job to test them out.

Tests went on for about a year until three products were ready to be used every day.

Harris said he was very nervous with his pitch and described how he felt when he found out he had won.

Oh, man, are you kidding? I was like, oh yes, I got so many bills to pay, we got attorneys to pay for, getting our patents,' said Harris. Perfect timing. I was surprised we won. There were some really good, talented people doing that.

Harris said their initial intention wasnt just to start a company and make money but to make customers happy. The next step is to take the product nationwide.

For more information, visit https://www.3dandl.com/.

Excerpt from:
Company wins contest for product geared to help plumbers - KOLR - OzarksFirst.com

GE Appliances Announces New Air & Water Solutions to Serve Plumbing and HVAC Industry | 2020-12-08 | ACHR News This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more. This Website Uses CookiesBy closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn MoreThis website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.

Continued here:
GE Appliances Announces New Air & Water Solutions to Serve Plumbing and HVAC Industry - ACHR NEWS

Domonic John Evans admitted the offence when he appeared before Hereford Magistrates Court on December 2.

His white Audi Q1 was spotted in Hereford's Commercial Road at 9.30pm on November 4 after police were told he had driven away from a pub in the city, prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said.

Officers pulled up behind Evans, who they said checked to see if he was being followed by going around a roundabout and doubling back on himself.

The 32-year-old was pulled over in Stonebow Road, where officers noted a smell of alcohol on his breath, and was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.

In custody, an evidential test revealed Evans had 58 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Edmund Middleton, for Evans, said the self-employed plumber had been having a very difficult year .

"He says Covid has had a big impact on his income," Mr Middleton said.

"Work has diminished significantly this year, which has caused a considerable amount of stress, and now he will be unable to drive to locations to work, the effect of this poor decision has been brought into sharp focus."

More court news:

The court heard a mandatory driving ban would mean Evans' teenage apprentice would also lose their job and would impact his family relationships.

"He is very regretful of his actions and apologises to the court for what has gone on," Mr Middleton said.

Evans, of Blaina, Abertillery, was disqualified from driving for 14 months, fined 120, and must pay a 34 victim surcharge. No costs order was made due to his means.

Read more from the original source:
Drink-drive plumber had been "having a very difficult year" - Hereford Times

How to Add Plumbing to Your Already Profitable HVAC Business | ACHR News This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more. This Website Uses CookiesBy closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn MoreThis website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.

Link:
How to Add Plumbing to Your Already Profitable HVAC Business - ACHR NEWS

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Sacramento, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/07/2020 -- Boyd Plumbing, Inc. provides exceptional plumbing services to clients residing in Sacramento. They offer plumbing services that meet the highest quality standards that end up exceeding customer expectations. With fully trained, highly experienced, and courteous professionals, the company deals with all types of plumbing and drain repair services with precision and perfection. All their services are backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and they repair again for free if the services they offered failed.

The company spokesperson said, "When it comes to the plumbing in a business, clients will always want a trained plumber working on site. Our plumbing technicians are certified, insured, and bonded and always treat each client's business with the utmost respect that is needed. We have years of experience in the plumbing industry, which has enabled us to gain the knowledge and the skills needed to tackle even the most complex plumbing problems. Our plumbers can install plumbing systems for new construction or reconstruction in a business facility. They can also service plumbing fixtures and install water heaters, electric or gas. Our plumbers always get the job done in time and ensure that each clients' plumbing system will work perfectly for years to come."

Looking for emergency plumbing service in Folsom? At Boyd Plumbing, Inc., they have a team of expert plumbers in Folsom who respond quickly to plumbing emergencies. Their emergency plumbing services include pipe repair, water heater repair and installation, main line service and repair, and many more. The company is always available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to solve any plumbing problem. So, whenever one needs emergency service in Folsom, he or she should call the professionals at the company. They always deliver effective plumbing solutions that last for a long time.

Speaking on the benefits of water line replacement, the company spokesperson said, "A water line is one of the most important components of an entire plumbing system. This is because it carries all of the water into a home or business from the city water replacement plant. Replacing the water line may seem like a huge job, but the resulting benefits are worth it. They include reduced water bills, cleaner water, increased home value, and peace of mind. Water line replacement is just one of the best ways to improve an entire plumbing system's overall health. For the best water line replacement solutions, clients can contact us to schedule an appointment."

Find a plumber in Sacramento at Boyd Plumbing, Inc. Their Sacramento plumbing repair experts are true plumber professionals. They always provide honest and upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Their plumbing experts are properly trained and highly experienced in managing all kinds of projects. In any plumbing project they undertake, they always try to create a reliable and robust relationship with each of their clients that will lead to excellent delivery of plumbing service. From installing plumbing in a new home to fixing old plumbing in an existing home, the company's plumbers can do it all. Their years of training enable them to solve any plumbing problem that comes their way.

About Boyd Plumbing, Inc.Boyd Plumbing, Inc. can be an appropriate option for those looking for Roseville Plumbing services. The company maintains high-quality and professionalism at all times and fulfills diverse plumbing and drain cleaning requirements comprehensively.

Contact Details

Company Name: Boyd Plumbing, Inc.5485 Hemlock StreetSacramento, CA 95841Telephone: (916) 710-8070Website: https://www.boydplumbing.net/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/get-quality-backed-prompt-and-cost-effective-plumbing-services-from-boyd-plumbing-inc-1319151.htm

View post:
Get Quality Backed, Prompt, and Cost-Effective Plumbing Services from Boyd Plumbing, Inc. - Press Release - Digital Journal

A trainee plumber is set to live what seemed a pipe dream when he takes on England captain Harry Kane and former United boss Jose Mourinho.

Neil Kengni, 20, from Wythenshawe, is a student at Trafford College and a talented amateur footballer with Northern Premier League club Marine.

The Merseyside team landed the plum draw of Premier League Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup only the second club from the eighth tier of English football to get that far in the competition.

As one of Marines top goalscorers, United fan Neil is expected to form an integral part of the line-up for the match, which will take place at the clubs home ground between January 8-11 and is set to be shown live on TV.

Neil has been studying for an apprenticeship in plumbing at Trafford Colleges Stretford Campus for two years and working with Horizon plumbers over the summer.

He said: "I havent spoken about much football in college, but when my course mates found out they have all been saying well done on the win and theyll be tuning in to watch the game.

"Studying plumbing then training in the evenings hasnt always been easy, but the college has been very accommodating.

Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter

You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here

"It has been madness at times to get home, get changed and drive to practise, but to be able to play matches, like this one against Spurs, shows its well worth the effort.

The former St Pauls Catholic High School pupil began his football career playing for Rochdale on a youth scholarship until the age of 18.

He then moved to Stalybridge Celtic for two years and went to Marine on loan before becoming the clubs first summer signing this year.

I decided to study plumbing as a way of making a living while Im playing football semi-professionally, and Im loving it, Neil added.

College is like being part of a big football team. Tutors make it clear what they expect of you, give you support and show you where to find it in order for you to raise your game.

The only area of disagreement is which football team we support.

Neil said he plans to apply for a job in domestic plumbing when he completes his apprenticeship in 2024.

Head of studies for plumbing for The Trafford College Group, John Ellis, said: Were all extremely proud of Neils performance in plumbing as well as on the pitch.

"I know many of our staff and students will be watching the next stage of the FA Cup because Neils such a key player. Were all in awe of what Neil achieves on the pitch after studying as an apprentice on placement and with the College all week.

"Its not easy to juggle the two and wed like to commend what Neil does week in and week out.

Neil has our support every step of the way towards the FA Cup final!

See the article here:
The 20-year-old trainee plumber from Wythenshawe hoping to sink Spurs in the FA Cup - Manchester Evening News