Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

MARC GREENHILL

Kirk Hargreaves

TEAMWORK: Andrew Charleson, an associate professor in architecture at Wellington's Victoria University speaks to the commission today.

Engineers and architects must work together to integrate earthquake technology into new Christchurch building designs, an inquiry has heard.

New technology for the central-city rebuild was discussed before the Canterbury earthquakes royal commission today.

Academics, senior engineers and professional engineering organisations have been invited to debate building design philosophies, such as life safety versus building survivability, and associated economic impacts.

Andrew Charleson, an associate professor ofarchitecture at Wellington's Victoria University, today told commissioners the interaction between architects and engineers was "always a struggle", but the challenge now was to work together to achieve a design that met the needs of both professions. "It's particularly challenging in the area of seismic design because the structure we need to resist earthquake forces is so much larger in its plan area than the structure needed just to resist the weight of the building," he said. The use of new seismic technology need not reduce the architectural quality, Charleson said. He once asked a group of architecture students to determine the "most exciting" design from 10 cities with high seismic activity and 10 with low seismic activity without knowing which category each city was in. "When we analysed all the results, it came out that if anything, the buildings that were in the seismic zones had more architectural appeal than the buildings in non-seismic zones," Charleson said. "This was incredibly encouraging because intuitively you would think of the constraints imposed on architects because of the need for large shear walls and large braced frames. You'd expect that the architecture would be somewhat blander and less interesting, but that was proven not to be the case."

- Fairfax NZ News

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Engineers, architects 'must work together'

REHOVOT, Israel, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Rietveld Architects, a NY-based architecture firm known for its large-scale international projects, acquired its Objet 3D Printer and now creates architectural models in just a few hours - a fraction of the two-month turnaround time it required previously. Rietveld Architects has also discovered that the Objet 3D Printer can help secure new projects.

The Objet 3D Printer was a fairly straightfoward choice for Rietveld Architects. "We were particularly impressed by the ability of this system to quickly produce highly detailed, accurate models with minimal office clean-up," Rijk Rietveld, the firm's partner, commented. "Other technologies produced brittle models and just didn't have the fine detail of the Objet solution".

Soon after installing the Objet 3D Printer, the architects discovered that the 3D Printer also boosted sales. According to Piet Meijs, a Senior Associate at Rietveld Architects, the Objet prototyping capabilities have helped the firm secure new projects. "There is still very much a 'wow' factor. A potential client asked us to produce a completely re-designed plan because the program changed. Within two weeks we put on the table a 1:400 model of a new design. They knew they could only get it from us and not from other architects."

Using Objet 3D printing, highly accurate architectural models can be produced within hours - reflecting the most recent change requests and updates. Clients can view a physical model with the most intricate details, feel confident about the overall design and how it fits with the surroundings, and reach faster decisions.

Watch the video to learn how Rietveld Architects shortens decision cycles and secures more business with Objet 3D Printer.

About Rietveld Architects

In 1993 Margaret Rietveld founded Rietveld Architects and Rijk Rietveld joined a year later. Presently, Rietveld Architects has an international staff, interior projects in New York City, and substantial new construction in the Netherlands. The built projects reflect the result of fifteen years of the successful cross-fertilization between European design sensibility and American ingenuity and know-how. In recent years, the work of Rietveld Architects has been commended in publications and recognized.

About Objet

Objet Ltd. is a leading provider of high quality, cost effective inkjet-based 3D printing systems and materials. A global company, Objet has offices in North America, Europe, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and India.

Excerpt from:
Rietveld Architects, NY-based Architecture Firm Wins New Projects with an Objet 3D Printer

IOWA CITY, Iowa - A new high-rise building proposed for downtown Iowa City moved a step closer Tuesday to getting $2.5 million from the city.

The City Councils Economic Development Committee voted 3-0 to recommend that the full council OK a $2.5 million tax increment financing agreement with developer Marc Moen. The council could review the request as early as April 3.

Moen would put the money toward a $10.7 million, 14-story building he wants to construct at 114 S. Dubuque St. on the Pedestrian Mall.

Committee members and city staff said the project fits with the citys goals of attracting more owner-occupied housing and retail and office space downtown, and boosting property values.

Im excited about the project, council member Susan Mims said.

She and fellow council members Michelle Payne and Mayor Matt Hayek sit on the Economic Development Committee.

Plans call for the glass building to have retail space on the first and second floors, office space on floors two through four, and 26 residential units on floors five through 14.

Moen, who also is the developer behind the 14-story Plaza Towers downtown, said in an interview that hes had some inquiries about the retail space but couldnt talk about what types of stores may be in the building.

The offices are to be the high-end class A type city officials want more of downtown. And the housing would include rentals and for-sale units aimed at young professionals.

Moen said the project will not happen without the tax increment financing, or TIF, assistance, as a way to leverage private financing. The city received an opinion from the National Development Council concluding the project demonstrates a need for the $2.5 million Moen requested.

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New Downtown Iowa City Project May Get $2.5 Million from City

Construction of a $5 million-plus retail, office and residential project in the village of Manlius was scheduled to begin this spring, but the developer now says the start will be pushed back several months.

Michael Dougherty, the developer of the Madison Row project, said he expects construction on the two main buildings to start probably in late summer. He is asking the village planning board for a six-month extension to break ground, and said the delay is mainly due to difficulty finding an appropriate restaurant to anchor the space.

A project across Route 92 is proposed to include Kinney Drugs, town homes.

Dougherty said hes close to a deal, but the poor economy has hurt his efforts.

We certainly hope to be in the ground this summer, he said. The economy has absolutely been a factor, particularly when it comes to a restaurant expanding to another location. Were looking for a restaurant thats very high quality, and were focused on finding a local or regional operator.

Residents will see action on the four-acre dirt lot at the southwest corner of Route 92 and Stickley Drive next month, he said. Work is slated to begin on a Key Bank office in mid-April, as the bank has secured its building permit and the contractor is ready to begin. Construction should take about five months, with the bank targeting a late-summer opening, Dougherty said.

Dougherty, of Mayflower Associates, is partnering with JGB Properties on part of the project. He said he has letters of intent from a number of tenants, who he did not name.

The project calls for a pair of two-story buildings that will blend professional office space, luxury apartments, retail stores, a restaurant and the new Key Bank. The project is designed with a new urbanism style, a design philosophy that opposes suburban sprawl and instead emphasizes walkable communities.

The development will have a 100-car parking lot behind the buildings, with each retail shop having its own entrance on the street and from the parking lot.

Manlius planners will vote on Doughertys six-month extension request in April, but will likely agree to the extra time, said Marilyn Jeffery, planning board co-chair. The board had stipulated that construction had to start within a year, which is why the extension is necessary.

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Construction on Madison Row in Manlius expected to be delayed about 6 months; Key Bank to break ground in April

Slidell -Construction is set to begin this summer on The Shoppes at FremauxinSlidell. The100 million dollar development will be located on I-10 just south of the junction with I-12 and I-59 between Fremeaux Avenue and Old Spanish Trail.

Phase 1 of the project will include approximately 300,000 square feet of retail space.Six stores have alreadysigned lease agreements. Those stores include Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, Michaels, Versona Accessories and Rack Room Shoes.SlidellMayor FreddyDrennanalso said developers are talking with two major clothing stores. "That project is moving forward and is going to be a major economic impact for the city," said Mayor Drennan.

The news is exciting for Slidell shoppers. Many say their choices are limited and they often have to travel to other cities to get their shopping done.

The Shoppes at Fremaux is expected to open in the Fall of next year. Locals like what they hear, but say they're ready to see some progress at the site. If all goes as planned, The Shoppes at Fremaux will be open just in time for the 2013 holiday shopping season.

According to the developer, future phases may include additional retail, residential and office components.

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Summer construction slated for The Shoppes at Fremaux

Construction could begin in Gaithersburg this spring on a nearly 700-apartment complex with thousands of square feet for restaurants and retail space, as well as an urban park, on Frederick Avenue near Watkins Mill Road.

The city council will discuss at 7:30 p.m. Monday the approval of an amendment for a plan for the Spectrum at Watkins Mill, formerly Casey East.

In phase one, 523 apartments will be built, with restaurants and retail on the ground level, surrounding Performers Park, where events or concerts could be held; rooftop open-air terraces would overlook the events.

Architects and planners have been working for the past year to change the plan to more of a mixed-use development, after seeing that those developments fared the best during the recession, according to Luis Gonzlez of Lee & Associates commercial real estate services, who presented the plan during a Jan. 17 mayor and city council meeting.

The new plan removes a strip shopping center about 43,890 square feet of retail space for a new total of 35,910 square feet, and adds 296 apartment units for a total of 678 units; restaurant and office or bank space also was added.

During the 44 days available for public comment, Bob Portanova of Montgomery Village was the only resident to share his thoughts with city officials. Portanova said he would like the city to preserve part of the area as a wildlife buffer.

Good planning requires a design that incorporates the proper balance between buildings, pavement, structures and buffers, he wrote in a Feb. 15 email to Mayor Sidney Katz.

The development, to be built on 40 acres, will have the quarter-acre Performers Park, 5.86 acres of stream valley buffer, and additional forest along the northwest portion for a total of nearly 16 acres of green space, according to a city report.

At the Jan. 17 meeting, Councilman Henry Marraffa asked for more accessible paths for those walking into the community. Planning staff requested additional information on the impact that the changes to the plan will have on parking and traffic.

jbondeson@gazette.net

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Gazette.Net: Gaithersburg considers 678 apartments, restaurants and retail for Frederick Avenue

A group of concerned Buckhannon residents is trying to save a downtown structure that dates back to the end of the Civil War.

The Latham House, built around 1866, once was the home of Col. George Robert Latham. It soon will receive new siding, as Create Buckhannon and the city are searching for private and public funds to restore the home.

Latham helped lead the 2nd West Virginia Infantry in the War Between the States. In 1864, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, a post he held until 1867. Latham served as a consul at Melbourne, Australia, before returning home to be the Upshur County school superintendent. He died in 1917, and is buried in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon.

"The Latham House is central to a complete downtown revitalization program and will be a focal point for community organization and activity," the Upshur County Commission stated in a recent letter of support for the project.

Bryson VanNostrand, architect for the project, said the foundation has been replaced and stabilized. New stones were installed in the work.

"That was absolutely essential," he said.

Over time, the building on Madison Street had settled about 5 inches, and it has been brought back to level by using jacks. The building also sits in a floodplain, and VanNostrand said the next step will be obtaining approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make the structure flood-proof.

"It's something that's not done very often," he said.

The plan would be to reinforce the concrete walls to a point above the floodplain, he said.

Long-term plans call for the Latham House to become the permanent home of the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce and possibly the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau. There is a plan to construct a small addition to the back of the property in a way that would not overpower the historical look of the current building.

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Historic Latham House to undergo restoration

CORTE MADERA, Calif., March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Restoration Hardware announced today the release of three entirely new publications for Spring 2012-- a Home Source Book, Outdoor Source Book, and a special edition of Big Style/small spaces-- at 992 pages it represents the largest collection in the company's history. The Home Book's opening letter from Chairman and Co-CEO Gary Friedman speaks to the brand's evolution to date-- Paying homage to Steve Jobs' legacy of following one's heart and intuition in the quest for innovation, this philosophy similarly guides Restoration Hardware and drives its creative process. "These pages are filled with examples of our vision to create an inspiring and irreverent style movement," says Friedman. "Our new collection consists of new pieces that have been carefully curated, reimagined and composed to push the established boundaries and stimulate ideas of a new and evolving way to furnish our homes."

A first-of-its-kind hybrid of catalog, magazine, and inspiration file, the three publications are filled with new ideas and fresh perspectives on designing, evolving and defining a home. Like paging through a curated photo album, evocative vignettes showcase lifestyle compositions of the brand's newest collections. Original editorial profiles by independent journalists and celebrated photographers tell the stories of international artisans who bring unparalleled passion and artistry to their latest creations.

In an article entitled "A Family Affair: The Legacy of Van Thiel," two generations of the legendary Belgian antiques family reveal the inner workings of the Deconstructed Collection. Designed exclusively for Restoration Hardware, the collection consists of 16 exacting reproductions featuring distressed walnut frames, exposed hardware, and rich burlap and antiqued cotton upholstery secured with tailor's tacks. Uniquely one of a kind, these elegant statement pieces embody timeless design.

A special 52-page edition launches Big Style/small spaces, introducing a comprehensive re-imagining of the brand's collections in scaled-down form. A range of environments spanning the globe-- from a Parisian pied-a-terre to a New York loft-- showcase curated pieces well suited for more intimate spaces.

The House of Blues features furniture and linens in a color spectrum that begins with a deep indigo-- a timeless hue prized by ancient civilizations-- transcending to a French blue, and ending with a weathered, soft washed blue, showcased in the new Vintage-Washed Chambray Bedding. Calming, restorative and regal, indigo's many hues have been translated into classic accents for the home.

Additional articles include "From Russia With Love," showcasing the artistry of designer Theo Eichholtz and the creation of his one-of-a-kind Russian Oak Dining Tables. Aged by rain, wind and the elements-- everything that gives the collection its rich and authentic look-- the tables are handcrafted from reclaimed, century-old barn planks direct from Eastern Europe. "The Re-Imaginists" invite you into the imaginative world of Mark Sage and Rudi Nijssen, whose Baroque Wood Crystal Chandeliers are rustic reinterpretations of the classic fixture, dripping with hand-turned wooden "crystals" and beads. "The Italian Job," third-generation artisan Carlo Bertelli reveals the craftsmanship behind his legendary Italian bedding. And the piece entitled, "If You Build It..." offers an insider's perspective into the step-by-step process of creating the company's own field of dreams. The 25,000-square-foot Houston Gallery features special spaces dedicated to sensory experiences, including a Bellocq Tea Atelier, a Fresh Floral Boutique, an International Design Bibliotheque and a 7,000-square-foot Rooftop Garden and Conservatory, showcasing the outdoor collection amidst Mission olive trees and trickling fountains.

The 284-page Outdoor Source Book introduces the launch of 24 exclusive furniture collections and the option of "Customization." The comprehensive program offers customers a choice of four metal finishes, all-weather wicker in four variegated colors, two teak stains and 54 Perennials or Sunbrella fabric options for pillows, cushions, drapery and umbrellas.

The Spring 2012 Source Books are available digitally and via the Restoration Hardware iPad App now. The publications are intended to be a timeless source of inspiration-- with a shelf life to match.

About Restoration HardwareRestoration Hardware is a luxury brand in the home furnishings marketplace, offering product assortments across a number of categories, including furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, decor, outdoor and garden, as well as baby and child products. Restoration Hardware operates an integrated business across multiple channels of distribution including galleries, catalogs and websites.

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Restoration Hardware Unveils Spring 2012 Design Source Books

"Yes, I have written to the prime minister seeking his replacement with Mukul Roy, another union minister," Banerjee told PTI.

In fact, Mukul Roy would be replying to the railway budgetary demands for grants before this month-end, highly placed TMC sources said.

Mamata's decision created an unprecedented situation in the country's parliamentary history when a minister is sought to be removed even before the budget presented by him has been discussed in Parliament. In addition, it puts Singh in a piquant situation, which is also unprecedented.

The government was thus faced with a war within which could have serious consequences on its stability.

Should Singh not follow Mamata's dictat, TMC, which is the second largest constituent with 19 MPs in Lok Sabha, may very likely pull out of the government which will increase its dependence on outside supporters like Samajwadi Party and BSP.

Mamata's brinkmanship also presents the prime minister with another acute embarrassment since he had praised Trivedi's budget earlier as "forward-looking".

There are deep concerns within the UPA about Mamata's behaviour which comes two days before the General Budget is to be presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday.

It is very likely that she may find fault with some of the proposals in the General Budget and create further trouble for the government.

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Mamata tells PM to sack Trivedi, Cong agrees to demand

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After being officially sworn into the Senate, former premier Bob Carr unleashed on the Opposition.

Remember the old days when cabinets were chosen from Parliament?

A big difference between government in Australia and America is the way a cabinet is chosen. The US president can choose from an unlimited pool: a Wall Street executive to become treasurer; a retired general to be secretary of state. Academics are often chosen to take senior cabinet positions. In Australia, the pool is more limited because cabinet is chosen from Parliament.

Well, that used to be the case until Julia Gillard reached outside the Commonwealth Parliament to appoint retired NSW premier Bob Carr as her foreign minister. Carr will have to enter Parliament to hold the office, but Labor has made ingenious use of the constitutional provisions that allow a political party to fill a casual vacancy in the Senate. From now on, the Prime Minister can choose any minister from outside Parliament so long as her political party can manufacture a Senate vacancy to accommodate the new entrant. The only limit is the number of senators willing to retire at the disposal of the party machine.

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There is nothing to prevent a treasurer being chosen from outside Parliament. True, treasurers have always been members of the House of Representatives, but there is nothing in the constitution that specifies this must be the case.

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Carr crash a new level of manipulation