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Designing the Hamptons: Long Island's Luxury Homes

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The Hamptons are defined by a storied past. As wealthy New Yorkers were drawn to this part of Long Islands South Fork for the last century and a half, they increasingly built a series of exclusive and luxurious homes. Today, new residences along the coastline are some of the most expensive properties in the United States. As summer homes and vacation getaways, many of these residences are designed as private retreats surrounded by nature.

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Homes in the Hamptons have become synonymous with decadence. Popularized through television and film, this string of seaside communities are built around diverse landscapes. Between Long Islands dense woodlands and sandy beaches, new homes embrace the outdoors and provide space for recreation and relaxation. Close to sea level and surrounded by nature, they are made with new approaches to Long Island design while including ample space for an affluent few.

Set among fields along the south-facing coast of Long Island and within a short walk to the ocean, this Hamptons residence is a quiet refuge for a growing family and offers extraordinary views of the surrounding landscape. The residence lies parallel to the water, looking south into preserved agricultural land and north to a field of wildflowers and native grasses.

The Peconic House is comprised of a 4,000-square-foot building and 2,000-square-foot terrace. Gently wedged into a hillock just north of the great sycamore and featuring low-slung proportions, the residence is designed to preserve the trees sun exposure and original views to Peconic Bay. Its roof is planted with native meadow grasses to camouflage human intervention.

The goal for this Hamptons pool house was to create a maximum variety of experiences within a relatively small set of indoor and outdoor spaces, all within eyeshot and earshot of each other. Moving through the space reveals a range of dedicated areas: a seating area with fireplace, trellised sections that frame the sky, as well as enclosed areas for storage, a changing room and bathroom.

Straddling freshwater wetlands and a tidal estuary just six feet above sea level, this houses site demanded sensitivity to environmental concerns. The houses basic massing was limited to a one-story, 1,900 square foot design, raised eight feet above the ground. The spaces within this envelope are articulated by a structural system thatorganizes the home.

Building codes in the Hamptons specify that a pool house can only contain 200 square feet of interior space. Here, the interior section maxing out at exactly 200 square feet, and enclosable by folding doors was carefully crafted to maximize the space: it contains a kitchenette, bathroom, day bed and chair.

Located at the edge of a heavily wooded 3-acre plot in East Hampton, New York, The C+S house is a complete redesign and renovation of an existing 1970s era residence and serves as a retreat for the Manhattan based clients; a graphic designer, and an art consultant and curator. Clean lines and minimalist details were chosen to breathe new life into the existing house.

Designed by Blaze Makoid Architecture with interiors by Purvi Padia Design, this 17,000 square foot family compound is located on a flat, four-and-a-half-acre flag lot in the Hamptons with views of Sagg Pond. It was conceived of as a garden wall in that the landscape connects agrarian inspired outbuildings.

This residence is primarily used when the clients extended family comes from England for long visits. The design objective was to make unique spaces by providing a range of destinations within the site through diverse scales, functions, and views: from gathering in the expansive living room overlooking the fields of the former peach orchard to reading alone on a shaded bench between the library and the edge of the forest.

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Designing the Hamptons: Long Island's Luxury Homes - ArchDaily

Author Nathan Watson - November 18, 2020November 18, 2020Making your home warm and inviting isnt hardespecially with these tips from Lauren Murphy. Photo via Lauren Murphy Realtor LAH Real Estate on Facebook

Whether youre staying home and self-quarantiningor having family and friends over, thesetips will make your home feel festive through the season and beyond.We turned to Lauren Murphy, local interior designer and agent at LAH Real Estate, to learn more.

Based right here in Birmingham, Lauren Murphy can do it all. As an interior designer and realtor at LAH Real Estate, Lauren is dedicated to finding her clients the perfect houseand then using her passion for interior design to bring their vision to life.

Lauren grew up in Alabama, graduating with a degree in Interior Design from The University of Alabama and obtaining a masters in Historic Preservation from the University of Georgia. Afterwards, she moved to Birmingham, where she lives with her husband and two precious puppies.

When we wanted to learn more about sprucing up our homes this Thanksgiving, we knew where to turnthe experts at LAH Real Estate.

Tidying up around your home may seem like a no-brainer, but it truly makes a huge difference. Whether its finally getting to that pile of laundry or dusting in places you normally pass over, little steps like that can make your home seem even more open and inviting.

Whether youre having people over or trying to sell your home, decluttering is a MUST! Storing away any personal items and tidying up around the home makes a huge difference when you have guests.

Now that your home is nice and tidy, its time to add some visual flair:

Personally, I like all my big furniture pieces and staples to be neutral tones. Then, I use accent pieces with color to mix things up. That way, you can change your statement pieces if you need to without replacing all of your furniture.

One of the best ways to make your home feel natural and alive is by addingyou guessed itplant life! You can find eye-catching greenery at places like Botanica, Shoppe and even Trader Joes. P.S. Trader Joes has small white pumpkins that make excellent centerpieces.

Plants arent the only way to make your home warm and inviting. Candles and diffusers are an easy way to add a welcoming scent to your homethe trick is finding the scent that works for you.

Pro tip: Shy away from overpowering scents like cinnamonfind a fresh, subtle scent. You can even make your own at several local hand-poured candle companies in Birmingham.

P.S. use fresh Eucalyptus from Trader Joes in the shower. When the hot shower steam gets going it lets off a nice aroma. Always a plus to make guests feel like they are staying in a luxuriousBed & Breakfast!

Whether youre looking to spruce up your home for the holidays, or hoping to get your home ready to sell, the experts at LAH Real Estate know all the tips and tricks to turn your house into a home!

Reach out to the team at your local branch to get started:

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3 tips from local interior designer Lauren Murphy to make your Thanksgiving celebration festive + cozy - Bham Now

These custom built homes are the stuff dreams are made of, showcasing exceptional design and building prowess. They beat strong competition this year to win their categories.

Winner: Split Building Custom Built Home Up to $600,000

A double height void defines the living space in this new build by Split Building. It won the Custom Built Home up to $600,000 category.

Central to the design of this stylish architect-designed home is a double height void with gallery space on the upper level leading to the bedrooms. The kitchen is tucked under the bedrooms on the ground floor and leads onto a fully equipped outdoor entertaining area. Timber has been used along with cladding to add warmth to this light and bright home.

splitbuilding.com.au

This new house by Split Building has a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and entertaining space.

Winner: Solitary Designer Homes Custom Built Home $600,000 to $1 million

This new home by Solitary Designer Homes won the Custom Built $600,000 to $1 million category.

Lightweight construction and generous use of louvred windows were the perfect choice for this seaside house, allowing it to make the most of the north-easterly breezes. Designed to step down the site in three parts to manage height issues without losing out on ocean views, there are separate areas for the children and adults, offering easy access to the decks and pool. Working with a sloping site had its challenges but the result is a stunning contemporary family home.

solitarydesignerhomes.com.au

This spectacular home by Solitary Designer Homes has been designed to step down the steep site.

Winner: Hammerhead Building Projects Custom Built Home $1 million to $2 million

This house built by Hammerhead Building Projects references Japanese design.

Taking inspiration from the owner's Japanese heritage, this home in the Byron Bay hinterland is a collection of separate wings connected by a low-profile roofline. The floorplan has been designed for flexibility, with living areas positioned to take advantage of the north and easterly aspects while also being able to open up to the south for better cross-ventilation. Natural materials dominate in this beautifully crafted house, including stone and Australian timbers.

hammerheadbuilding.com.au

Indoor/outdoor flow is fundamental to this house built by Hammerhead Building Projects.

Winner: Bellevarde Constructions Custom Built House over $4 million

This extraordinary house built by Bellevarde Constructions won the Custom Built over $4 million category.

As impressive as it is, it's the work you cannot see that makes this Point Piper house designed by Durbach Bloch Jaggers so exceptional. Extensive excavation and underpinning anchor this four-level off-form concrete harbourside home into place. Punctuated by double-storey voids and angled balconies, the house has a 7m-wide glass roof made from a single piece of glass that had to be craned into position. It has a smart-home system, underfloor heating, sauna and triple car stacker.

bellevardeconstructions.com.au

Originally published as Check out the best newly built homes in NSW

Concrete formwork is the standout in this amazing project by Bellevarde Constructions.

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Check out the best newly built homes in NSW - Daily Examiner

While there has always been a kinship between the fashion and the home industries, the two have only grown closer this year during the pandemic. (Hello, cashmere loungewear.) But it was months before COVID-19 hit that Kym Gold, co-founder of denim brand True Religion, made the decision to step away from clothing retail to launch Style Union Home, a Los Angelesbased pottery and lifestyle brand.

Kym GoldCourtesy of Style Union Home

Golds interest in ceramics began last year when her son took her to a pottery class for her birthday. I started throwing and I thought, This is so much fun, she says. I had a studio space, and [decided] to make this a business. My son said, Mom, why cant it just be a hobby? Thats just not me!

The shift from designer denim to ceramics isnt quite as big of a leap as it seems. A seasoned entrepreneur, this is the sixth company Gold has founded, albeit the first outside of the fashion industry. (Her most recent venture, Babakul, sold bohemian clothing until the label dissolved in 2014.) But all the while, shes also had a foot in the world of interiors and real estate: For years, Gold has been designing and staging, including flipping a number of properties. Along the way, she struggled to find a brand that produced both high-style tabletop pieces and practical home accessories like pet food bowls or entry baskets that matched her taste. Her solution? If I dont find something, Ill just make it, she says.

The resulting ceramics reflect a streamlined cool, with a refined palette of bisque, black or a color-blocked combination of the two; some pieces are also available in teal, orange or a sunny yellow. The brands two place settings reflect the companys range: the restrained Legacy (a simple pair of plates and a bowl with a spout-like notch) and the more freewheeling Malibu (with irregular, undulating edges on all three pieces); the collection also features a dash of humor, with personalized pet bowls and three playful labeled serving pieces (napkins, chips and guac) that resemble crumpled cloth bags.

Creating a brand with what Gold calls whole-home cohesiveness (a quality that stems from a shared material language and design sensibility) is one of her primary goalsand it makes the collection attractive not only to homeowners, but also to hospitality groups and stagers. Im working with Soho House in London, stagers, interior [designers], and a lot of bridal, explains Gold of her current clientele. When I was staging my own homes that I built, it was really difficult to find something like a basket that would go with the sculpture so that the pieces werent jumping out at youthat they had an easy flow. Thats hard [to achieve] when you have so many other vendors that you get to pick from.

A table setting using pieces from the Legacy collectionCourtesy of Style Union Home

Still, Gold is bringing some lessons from fashion along. For starters, she has chosen to have the Style Union Home production cycle sync up with the fall/spring fashion calendar. Shes also adopting a personal approach to product testing she learned from fashion: Anything I ever designed or made, I would wear it to make sure it fit perfectly and that there were no issues, says Gold. In the same way, everybody eats on my plates, the pieces are all in my house.

Like everything else, the pandemic affected Golds plans. In January, she was purchasing equipment and developing design concepts. In early March, she started hiring. Then came COVID-19. Challenge No. 1 is doing everything yourself; challenge No. 2 is trying to build a team, but having everybody working remotely when youre working with a hands-on product, she says.

Despite that hurdle, Gold was able to assemble her team and develop a modern-day cottage industry, giving the potters wheels to take home; the pieces are then dropped off at her house for firing and glazing. Her goal was to build up shippable stock before launching. From my business background, I knew that I needed to gear up for inventoryI knew I was going to have buyers that wanted the product right away, she says.

One unique aspect about Style Union Home: Gold has been building the company with the intention of being acquired. Its not about the money, she says. Im a woman, I hire a lot of women, and [Im] dividing shares for their futuretheres the excitement of leaving a legacy for the people who work with me. Its a team. Giving back underpins the business in other ways, too; Gold donates 5 percent of all sales from her Unity collection to Black Women for Wellness, a Los Angelesbased nonprofit that is committed to the health and well-being of Black women through education, empowerment and advocacy.

High-gloss meets a matte finish in the Laurie dinner plate for a sophisticated place setting.Courtesy of Style Union Home

Gold sees an eventual acquisition as a necessary next step to grow Style Union Homeadditional capital that would give her the freedom to expand her team and bring on a strategic partner, in addition to the purchasing power that would go toward additional pottery equipment. Im finding that companies like West Elm and Restoration Hardware are going to want to acquire a company like mine [because] its very difficult to go overseas right now, she says.

Since launching Style Union Home in August, Gold has been filling orders daily, bolstered in part through Zoom-based collaborations with companies like Girls Night In, but also through her fashion network. On December 1, the brand will launch a collection with Kim Chi Avocado, the lifestyle brand started by Fred Segal Couture partner Yunnie Kim Morena. Golds tabletop pieces will also show at NY Now and Shoppe Object next year, albeit virtuallywith a few pandemic-borne workarounds to help along the way, from videos on her website to sending out tile samples to editors and showrooms.

For the time being, Style Union Home will continue to focus on ceramics, but in the coming seasons, napkins, pillows and other lifestyle pieces will make their way into the brands portfolio. Its still a new medium for me, which is a challenge, but clay is exciting[and] Im getting orders every day, says Gold. Im excited to be waking up with a new passion, and its not fashionits passion for the home.

Homepage image: The Jill Candle in three sizes, by Style Union Home | Courtesy of Style Union Home

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This fashion entrepreneur is giving home a spin - Business of Home

Netflixs Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas follows Mr. Christmas himself, interior designer Benjamin Bradley, as he teams up with his most trusty elves to transform his clients loved spaces and help them welcome the holiday season with a bang. He takes the dull and dreary out of the everyday setting and turns it into a warm and pleasant place to ensure that everyone can feel the genuine merriment of the festival. Benjamin usually only designs homes and relatively small spaces, but as we saw in the second episode, he took on a Fire Department at the behest of Jeffrey Kempf Jr., whose story just had to be highlighted.

A native of West Islip, Long Island, New York, Jeffrey Kempf Jr. is a volunteer firefighter who followed his father and grandfathers footsteps when it came to his career. Because his father, Jeffrey Jacko Kempf Sr., was the Chief at the West Islip Fire Department, Jeffrey Jr., or Jeff, basically grew up there, visiting him after school and helping out wherever he could. Unfortunately, though, last year, in August, at the age of 60, Jeffrey Sr. passed away after losing his battle with cancer.

Jeffrey Sr.s death obviously crushed his family, but because of his nature and his loud, loving, and caring personality, the whole community of West Islip felt the loss. Thus, to continue on his path, keep up the tradition of celebrating Christmas in the over-the-top way that he loved to, and to keep his memories alive, Jeff Kempf Jr. contacted Benjamin Bradley and his team for help. Subsequently, together the team, Jeff, and many of the volunteer firefighters, along with their family members decorated the Department in such a way that it would have made Jeffrey Sr. proud.

Jeffrey Kempf Jr. still resides in West Islip, New York, with his wife, Samantha Kempf, and their only child, a now three-year-old son named Jeffrey Kempf III. And according to records, along with being a maintenance worker at the North Patchogue Fire District, Jeff is also a part-time Fire and Rescue dispatcher at the West Islip Fire District, holding the position of a Captain.

Jeffs place of work as the Captain is the West Islip Fire Department Mohawk Engine Company #5, stationed on Union Boulevard, which houses three engines. Even though he is a volunteer, Jeff still prides himself on the fact that he is a trained firefighter thanks to regular sessions at the Suffolk County Fire Academy as well as weekly ones within the Department itself.

The best part of it all for Jeff, it seems like, is that his son, Jeffrey III, has started taking an interest in his work as well, showing up for visits and walking around with a radio in hand, just like he himself used to when he was a little kid.

Read More: How to Hire Mr. Christmas? How Much Does He Cost?

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Where Is Jeffrey Kempf Jr. Now? Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas Update - The Cinemaholic

By Katie Boyden The view of the new Westgate and Garlinge housing development looking over at the Dent-de-Lion gatehouse (Image: Millwood Designer Homes)

Controversial plans to build 2,000 homes south of Westgate and Garlinge have been revealed.

Plans for the development on agricultural land in Thanet, Kent have been submitted by Gillings Planning on behalf of applicants Millwood Designer Homes, and the executors of the will of Michael Cotton Garratt.

The homes, seen as overdevelopment of Westgate town by councillors and protesters alike, will infill much of the open land north Shottendane Road and located mainly between Minster Road and Garlinge High Street.

The land was designated for use as housing in the district's Local Plan which was finally approved this summer after years of uncertainty and delays.

The design and access statement submitted alongside the application for 'The Gallops' reads: "The Gallops derives its name from the history of the site which was once a Victorian racecourse.

"This new mixed-use neighbourhood will include up to 2,000 new homes, a primary school, a potential care home, land for a medical facility, and a variety of green spaces that thread through the development.

"A 'village green' preserves the setting of the listed Dent-de-Lion and the framed avenue retains and enhances existing long-range views."

As part of the hybrid application submitted to the district council earlier this month, detailed proposals have been submitted for the first phase of residential development: 120 homes accessed from Garlinge High Street and Dent-de-Lion Road.

The plans could also include a new link road between Shottendane Road and the A28, and will see Shottendane Road widened and roundabouts installed at its junctions with Minster Road and a new road joining Dent-de-Lion Road.

Roughly 600 of the homes provided would be classed as affordable.

So far seven objections have been submitted against the proposals, with one saying there are "so many things on so many levels" that are wrong with the development, and another calling it an "act of wanton vandalism" against Westgate and Garlinge.

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Hated plans for 2,000 homes in Westgate have been submitted - In Your Area

The sheer absurdity of listings also makes for engaging content. Its really fun to have a virtually unending supply of very interesting things to look at, Mr. Boner said. Theres always going to be someone with too much money and too much creativity that results in some Frankenstein of a home.

Zillow surfing is especially popular among teenagers. A TikTok meme over the summer consisted of users talking about knowing where the bathrooms were in their friends or crushs house before ever visiting it because they had toured all of their classmates homes on Zillow. Many young people have extensive lists of saved homes and discuss and share listings with friends.

We dont have control over where we live because most of us live in our parents home, Ms. Silva said, so being able to create this world where I pick where I live and what house I live in regardless of price is fun.

After Ariel Norling, 29, a designer in Oakland, made a name for herself on Zillow Twitter by identifying unique, enviable listings around the country, she started a weekly house-hunting newsletter on Substack called I Know A Spot. Ive always been a Zillow scroller, she said, but its been a big activity for me as a part of quarantine. I felt like I was running out of things to do, Zillow felt like a different kind of outlet.

Ali Zaidi, 40, an attorney in Boston, prefers Redfin over Zillow, and has made checking the site part of his morning routine, despite the fact that he has no plans to buy a house. Its part of my morning, he said. I log into my work email, check different media outlets, then one of the websites I open up is always Redfin.

He compared the serotonin rush of seeing beautifully staged homes to checking social media and seeing pictures of peoples private lives. I get the same sort of joy from looking into Redfin as I do on Facebook or Instagram, he said. I find it interesting and almost voyeuristic.

What makes Zillow different from those social networks, though, is the absence of people, the writer Brian Feldman noted in his newsletter, BNet, this summer. It has no engagement loop, no social interactions, no real network effects to speak of, he wrote. It is a giant canvas onto which people project their desires and insecurities, and a constantly evolving document not just of the housing market, but of how people lived.

Though the site hasnt delved into social networking yet, many users have begged Zillow to add a comment section where surfers can connect and bond over listings.

I think for a lot of people, Zillow feels like the opposite of doomscrolling, Ms. Norling said. Youre stuck in your apartment, maybe you cant move, but its easy to look at listings and imagine yourself in a different life. And maybe in that life Covid isnt happening.

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Zillow Surfing Is the Escape We All Need Right Now - The New York Times

When it comes to changing the house's windows, there is only one company that can be relied upon, and that is none other than HomeCraft Windows.

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Raleigh, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/19/2020 -- Windows are an essential part of the structure of one's house. In various styles and designs, windows have emerged to be a style statement for the contemporary homeowner. So when one window gets broken or damaged, you do not have to live with the same. With HomeCraft Windows available with its big repository of replacement windows, every homeowner can get the worn-out windows replaced quickly and without much hassle. The company has been around for many years, and they are happy to be at their clients' services all the time. Their options in windows range anything from Bay & Bow Windows, Casement Windows, Sliding Windows, Double-Hung Windows, Awning Windows, or Hopper Windows. All the windows are of the highest quality and extremely affordable.

According to the experts handling the window replacement in Cary and Holly Springs, North Carolina it is wise to carry out the old window replacement job at the earliest. Windows that take time to open or close, or have holes in them, or are seen to fall off the hinges are of no good. They are not only an eyesore but are a severe threat to one's safety as well. That is why no time should be lost in getting the windows replaced.

When it comes to picking the right home replacement windows from the lot, the professional window installers at HomeCraft Windows will help. With their years of expertise, it is easy for them to suggest changes and pick the windows to fit their need and budget.

HomeCraft Windows also offers patio doors in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina.

Call 919-276-5400 for more details.

About HomeCraft WindowsHomeCraft Windows is one of the reliable places to loo for quality patio doors and window replacement in Cary and Holly Springs, North Carolina.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/homecraft-windows-is-the-place-to-shop-for-window-replacement-in-cary-and-holly-springs-north-carolina-1316696.htm

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HomeCraft Windows Is the Place to Shop for Window Replacement in Cary and Holly Springs, North Carolina - Press Release - Digital Journal

You want to do windows and doors Edmonton replacement projects in your home but your budget is constrained. This means you have to find what replacement or repair will have a big return on your money. Some places that are mostly lucky when it comes to renovations are the kitchen and the bathroom. You want to modify your kitchen and bring in a built-in glass cooktop. Who doesnt want such a kind of a kitchen anyway? When you weigh between the built-in glass cooktop and the most beautiful bathtubs, your budget does not allow you to do all that. These two areas are essential, and after the work is done, you will look at them and feel satisfied that the work was worth your money.

But do you know that these two renovations cannot compare to a door and window replacement? Purchasing new energy-efficient windows and doors Edmonton will not only enhance your homes look but also cut your energy costs. They also give your home a more homely feeling, more lighting, and a comfort. NorthTech Windows and Doors compiled this information to help you decide.

1.How window replacements are a valuable investment

When it comes to windows and doors Edmonton replacement, it might seem like you are spending a lot of money on it, but come to think of it this way. Replacing windows will increase your homes value by up to 80%. So, if you intend to sell your house, that will be a significant advantage to you. Can the built-in glass cooking top get to that value? Probably no.

The amount of money you will spend on replacing your windows will depend on the window types and materials and the kind of window frames. While aluminum is a good conductor of heat, its frames are cheap to buy and install. Fiberglass frames are good insulators and are more expensive to buy than vinyl. The cost of installing a double-hung window is more than that of installing a single-hung window. While wood frames cost more, they are more attractive than the other frames and energy-efficient.

2.How the type of window will affect the cost of replacement

The most affordable windows are the double-hung type of windows. They are also the most common types, and they are characterized by two sashes that open vertically. Single-hung windows can only be opened on one side, and many people do not consider them. This makes them uncommon, and they are also hard to clean. These windows are cheaper compared to the double-hung windows. While casement tends to be expensive, they are better at keeping cold air away. They are also commonly used by many people. Picture windows have a wide pane of glass that gives you an unobstructed view. They have a modern make, and they are expensive.

3.Energy-efficient windows

When it comes to windows and doors Edmonton replacement, energy efficiency comes first. With energy-efficient windows, your energy bills will be reduced. Also, if you are looking to sell your home, most home buyers consider energy-efficient windows to save on electricity. This means that replacing your windows will add value to your home and increase the chances of getting a buyer. These are the different types of windows you will find from most window manufacturers Edmonton:

a.Single-paned window- they have one glass pane that does not offer insulation. These windows are also leaky, and they might not be suitable for areas that experience strong winds. These windows lose 20% of the heat in your home to the outside and make you spend more money on energy.

b.Double-pane windows- Unlike the single-paned windows, double paned windows have two panes, which help reduce cold leaks. This makes them more energy efficient. They are also filled with air or gas like argon between the panes, which act as heat insulators. However, their price is comparatively higher than that of single-paned windows.

4.Low-Emissivity coating

It is also called a Low-E coating. This coating maintains the heat in the room and reflects heat especially in hot areas from getting into the house. You will find this glass is more expensive compared to others thanks to this property. However if you are buying many, window manufacturers Edmonton can give you a good deal.

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Is Windows and Doors Edmonton Replacement Worthy It? - The African Exponent

The building's leasing agent said the crime shows an increasing number of vagrants and professional beggars in downtown Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. Just one day after a man was arrested for busting out windows at the Brown & Williamson Tower, the senior vice president for the company leasing the office building said the destruction "points to a much larger problem" in Louisville.

LMPD charged Troy Mercer with criminal mischief after he admitted to breaking windows at the tower with a hammer, causing more than $100,000 worth of damage just days after new windows were installed.

While leasing agent Doug Owen said he was glad someone was arrested, he said the crime shows an increasing number of "vagrants and professional beggars" in the downtown area.

"I, along with many others, have been urging City officials (Metro-Council and the Mayors office) to address the problem of vagrancy and professional begging in our downtown for over a year," Owen said. "Many of the vagrants are aggressive and that is something which can be off-putting to many."

Owen said they decided to remove boards from their windows following guidance from the city, however, leaders "did not listen to the concerns of the business community."

"As downtown struggles to rebuild [following] COVID-19 shutdowns and the damage caused by the riots this summer, we simply must do all we can to create a safe and welcoming environment for all," Owen said.

The leasing agent said he was "disappointed" that the current state of downtown was not a priority, saying it was as vibrant as ever pre-pandemic. Now, Owen said businesses are looking to other locations.

"Aggressive vagrants and boarded up buildings send a poor message to visitors and potential new businesses," Owen said. "I wish the City would see this problem and treat it like the emergency it is."

Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.

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Man arrested in connection with damaging recently replaced windows at Brown & Williamson Tower, police say - WHAS11.com