Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton are officially shacking up together. The musical couple recently closed the deal on their very first home together, a mansion in Encino, California, Variety reports. According to the outlet, Stefani and Shelton shelled out $13.2 million for the estate, which sits on a 1.6-acre lot and spans approximately 13,000 square feet.

Because the deal happened off-market, and because the home was newly built on spec, there are few photos of the actual house itself, though renderings of the three-story mansion reveal a host of amenities, including a four-car garage, a large kitchen with top-end appliances, an Atmos home theater, and a stunning backyard cabana with its own wet bar and outdoor kitchen situated adjacent to a large pool and inset spa. Because the home is tucked right up against the foothills, it is extra private, with two oversize gates shielding it from street view. Noted developer Evan Gaskin was responsible for the design and execution.

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Both Stefani and Shelton, who initially met as judges on The Voicein 2014 and started dating in 2015, shed their old homes in recent years: The country singer sold the Brentwood, Tennessee, home he shared with his now ex-wife Miranda Lambert in January 2017 for $2.25 million. And just last October, Stefani sold the Beverly Hills mansion she used to co-own with then husband Gavin Rossdale for $21 million(she initially listed it for $35 million back in 2017).

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Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Buy First Home Together in Encino - Architectural Digest

GettySinger Shakira (L) and her husband and footballer Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona (R)

Shakiras house will be on fine display during the Disney Family Singalong Volume II, which airs Sunday, May 10 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. The Colombian superstar is one of dozens of celebrities appearing on TV for the special, which is raising money for Feeding America.

Ahead of the show, heres what we know about where Shakira, her husband Girard Pique, and their children are quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shakira owns several homes all over the world. According to Velvet Ropes, she owns a mansion in Miami and a villa in Barcelona, plus a private island in the Bahamas she bought in 2011 with Pink Floyd member Roger Waters and Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz for $15 million. The plans were to build a luxury resort there, though its unclear whether any real estate has been developed there.

It would seem Shakira and her family are quarantining in the Barcelona villa because she made a comment in an Instagram video about being here in Europe Barcelona is in Spain.

Shakiras Barcelona home is a seven-bedroom property in a town called Esplugues de Llobregat. It boasts two kitchens, a gym, a cabana, and an outdoor swimming pool. Her Miami Beach property is on the water and boasts 8700 square feet of living space and 100 feet of waterfront on Biscayne Bay.

The singer has been keeping busy in quarantine. She recently posted a picture of herself to Instagram talking to the CEO of Sony Music Latin while blow-drying her hair. She has also been taking an Ancient Philosophy course online through the University of Pennsylvania.

She writes on Instagram, I know my hobbies are very impractical, but it took a lot of hours after the kids were asleep. Thank you, Plato and predecessors, for all the fun over the past month!

Just like with the first Disney Family Singalong, the performers this time run the gamut across the musical landscape, from divas to Disney stalwarts to dancers. The star-studded lineup includes:

Christina Aguilera, Tituss Burgess, Sabrina Carpenter, Chloe x Halle, Billy Eichner, Hayley Erbert, Halsey, Josh Gad, Donald Glover, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Jennifer Hudson, Lang Lang, John Legend, Idina Menzel, Miguel, Keke Palmer, Katy Perry, Ben Platt, Seth Rogen, Anika Noni Rose, Walter Russell III, Rebel Wilson, Shakira, and Disney on Broadway stars Merle Dandridge, Heather Headley, Adam Jacobs, Caissie Levy, Kara Lindsay, Kevin Massey, and Josh Strickland.

Plus, Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of The Muppets will open the show, and Dancing with the Stars professional dancers Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber and Emma Slater team up for an outstanding remote ensemble routine to Zero to Hero with Keke Palmer.

The ABC press release also teases that there are some surprise performances in store for fans as well.

Families and vulnerable members of the community who need help can visit FeedingAmerica.org/FeedTheLove to learn more about Feeding Americas COVID-19 response and how to locate local food banks for help.

The Disney Family Singalong Volume II airs Sunday, May 10 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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Shakira's House: Where Husband Girard Pique & Their Kids Call Home - Heavy.com

As Torontonianssit sequestered in our homes perhaps coming to terms with the fact that the closer summer gets, the less likely we are to get much of onedue to the pandemic residentsseem to befeeling extra sentimental and reminiscing on all of the things they miss about the city.

With no concerts or other events to look forward to in the foreseeable future, no restaurants or bars open for a sit-down meal or a patio pint, no stores to browse around in an attempt tosolace our growing existential dread via retail therapy, life can seem pretty bleak.

But, remembering thegood times (and hoping they'll be back soon), may help.

One of the Toronto things people seem to miss the most is grabbing food and drinks at their favourite local spots: an intimidatingplate of Sneaky Dee's nachos, fluffy Japanese pancakes from Fuwa Fuwa, a beer tasting flightfrom AmsterdamBrewhouse, some deep-fried plant-based goodness from theHogtown Vegan, or a handcrafted espresso beverage from their neighbourhood cafe.

Unforgettable drag parties at Crews & Tangos, or nights out on the town in general, are another thing that people are longing to relive during these dark days.

Sports games are another obvious one, though the fact that the Raptors and Leafs are beginning to practice again may provide a glimmer of hope for some.

And also, events in general, whether they be a game at the Scotiabank Arena, a concert at the Danforthor the annualToronto Comic Arts Festival, which was due to take place last weekend.

Some people just wish they couldpack a car full of friends and drive around the city singing the besthits by beloved Toronto artists (ones that reference the city, of course).

And others would prefer to hop onthe ferry or a water taxi over to the Toronto Islands and catchthe iconic view of the city skyline from the lake a key summer escapade thatpeople are really going to pine for now that traffic to Centre Island and Hanlan's has been temporarily suspended for anyone who doesn't live there.

There's also waiting in an overly busy lineup a normal,uncomfortably close one, not a socially distant one to get daydrunk off ofmimosas atbrunch: another peak Toronto activity on any given Saturday or Sunday morning.

Some people miss simply being able to go to work and hang out with their colleagues at what feels like a second home (since we're all getting pretty sick of our actualhomes, these days).

While others want to hide out and get some work done somewhere like the sprawling Toronto Reference Library (especially book lovers who can't access library services right now).

And like theAmericans famously protesting with ridiculoussigns, some Toronto citizens just want a haircut but hopefully it's more about the bonding chats with their beloved stylist than the actual cut itself.

The best and most Toronto things that people are missing right now, though, have to be the ones that we usually love to hate: infuriating TTC shuttle buses and packed subway platforms,an overhyped andultimately disappointing new eatery, getting lost in the confusing-as-hell labyrinth that is the PATH even the Trinity Bellwoods slackliners and cringeworthy hotspots like theCabana Pool Bar.

In a hilarious Twitter thread on the topic which includes some ofthe best/worst and most notoriously Toronto things there are also mentions of diveystaples likeJava House andthe Imperial Pub, the eccentric characters ofYonge-Dundas Square, and the midnight chaos of the Queen-Spadina McDonald's.

And, of course, the (sufferin) Dufferin Mall,Union Station construction, sketchy basement washrooms,Peter Parkour and the daunting out-of-service escalator at Scotiabank Theatre, among other things.

Yes, we miss it all, and terribly so:lineups, traffic, construction, smelly streets, ALL OF IT.

Just having the chance to impatiently meanderdown a busy Queen West sidewalk on a sunny day, or push pastatangle of out-of-towners vying for some Instagrammable ice cream, or wait for a table on the patio atBellwoods Brewerywould be heaven for most of us right about now.

Hopefully one thing to come from this health crisis will be a newfound love and appreciation for all of the quirks of this city that, though at times annoying, lend it the warm familiarity that makes it home.

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These are the things that Toronto misses the most while the city is in lockdown - blogTO

The tour of tennis is stopped for an indefinite period due to the pandemic of coronavirus. Accordingly, the tennis stars are confined in their homes and spend a nice time with your family. The former world no. 1 Serena Williams also loves to spend time with his family.

Williams is excessively active in social networks during the quarantine period. The legend american has posted several videos of her playing with the Olympia, cooking food with his daughter and playing tennis on the lawn against herself.

Casa Serena Williams in Palm Beach Garden, Florida Subsequently, their fans were amazed with your fabulous home while they were watching their videos. Williams is spending time with her husband Alexis Ohanian and his daughter Olympia in his impressive mansion in Palm Beach Garden in Florida.

The house of luxury of Serene, which is a co-owner with her sister Venus Williams, has a size of 7,323 square feet. The house has a roof with clay tile, and the property also includes a swimming pool with a cabana and a tennis court.

According to reports, Williams has been the owner of the property for more than two decades. She bought the property in 1998 for $ 525,000. Then built improvements in the luxurious house during the following two years.

Serena Williams is one of the athletes best paid in the world. She has earned more than $ 92 million in awards during his professional career tennis for 25 years until now. Last year, he won $ 4.3 million in prizes.

In addition, other $ 25 million come from the support of sponsors like Nike, JP Morgan and Gatorade, reported Forbes. Williams became the first athlete to reach the annual list of Forbes of the richest women made themselves in the world.

It has investments in more than 30 new businesses through Serena Ventures and has an estimated fortune of $ 225 million. Serena certainly has learned how to invest better than Alexis Ohanian .

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This is the lavish mansion of Serena Williams, where it passes quarantine with his family - Matzav Review

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Honoring healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis, ARS, one of the nation's largest providers of air conditioning, heating and plumbing services, announces its ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes program. Rewarding HVAC systems and water heaters to more than 70 recipients in 24 states prior to the start of this summer, the program is an extension of ARS Cares, which provides a new system to deserving homeowners suffering without heat, A/C or water heaters.

Requesting submissions from the general public to identify healthcare workers in need of a new HVAC system or water heater, individuals can make nominations for the ARS Cares Healthcare Heroes Program via ars.com/ars-cares.

"Everyday thousands of healthcare workers are confronting COVID-19, putting others first and making tremendous personal sacrifices," said Luis Orbegoso, President and COO of ARS. "Our brave healthcare workers deserve to have their homes be an environment in which they can recharge. The Healthcare Heroes Program will help to ensure those most deserving of appreciation are receiving a new HVAC system or water heater to make them as comfortable as possible during this stressful time."

Open immediately, the nomination period will close on Friday, May 29. ARS's national network of brands will then select the recipient in each market and complete installation of the new system the week of June 8.

The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares.

ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICESBased in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy's Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, "Will" Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services.

Press Contact:Jennifer Hughesjqhughes@ars.comPhone: (901) 271-9878

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American Residential Services (ARS) Network Of Brands To Recognize Healthcare Heroes With Home Services Makeovers Across 24 States - Tullahoma News...

A highly acclaimed vertical in itself, electric water heaters market has received a commendable boost from the exponentially rising awareness regarding limited fuel supply having stimulated the demand for electric-powered alternatives. The growing requirement of electric heaters across the household, medical, and hospitality sectors, on account of the former providing an edge over traditional fuel-based heaters in terms of costs, product design, and shelf life, has led to electric water heaters market gaining substantial proceeds lately. Additionally, these heaters can be efficiently installed pertaining to space conditioning loads and require lesser maintenance, which will propel electric water heaters industry size, pegged at USD 16 billion in 2017.

Electric water heaters function on the principle of thermodynamics and are massively utilized across domestic applications such as cleaning, cooking, space heating, and bathing. These heaters are available in a variety of appliances such as heat exchangers, geysers, hot water heaters, hot water tanks, and boilers, many of which are deployed on a large scale across the hospitality, healthcare, and construction sectors. It is thus rather overt that electric water heaters market share from commercial applications will exhibit tremendous growth over the next few years, driven by the surging demand from hotels, medical centers, office buildings, hostels, and academic institutions. Products used in commercial applications need to be lined with stainless steel, hydrastine cement, regular cement, or glass, since they require to exhibit a high rate of durability and efficiency.

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Residential applications held a substantial proportion of the electric water heaters market share in 2017. Electric water heaters of high capacity are extensively deployed for applications such as cooking, laundry, and bathing. With the exponential growth of the construction sector, the enforcement of building codes and standards have observed a rise, on the grounds of which electric water heater market from residential applications is expected to grow at a healthy pace in the ensuing years. In addition, evolving consumer lifestyle, rise in the per capita income, the necessity for customer satisfaction, and the constant need for product innovation will augment electric water heaters industry share from residential applications.

A pivotal factor that would augment electric water heaters market from the residential sector is the presence of a supportive regulatory landscape that encourages the deployment of sustainable heating systems in most homes. As advancements in technology continue to depict an upsurge and innovative products offering multiple control and management features come into play, electric water heaters market from residential applications will grow at a substantial pace over 2018-2024.

The U.S. is touted to be one of the most pivotal grounds for electric water heaters market growth, on account of the extreme weather conditions and the subsequently growing need for reliable hot water supply. Indeed, in the year 2017, U.S. electric water heaters market size was pegged at USD 800 million. The nation is also characterized by a stringent regulatory landscape that mandates the installation of highly sustainable heating appliances which would further augment the regional industry. Powered by the growing adoption of space and district heating systems and the refurbishment of existing heating systems, not to mention, the incorporation of advanced digital heating technologies, U.S. electric water heaters market size is expected to surpass the billion-dollar mark by 2024.

Electric water heater market is quite consolidated, with the top three companies contributing to more than 90% of the total share. Companies are focusing on strengthening their regional presence, primarily through R&D activities. Corporations such as Ariston Thermo, Bajaj, AO Smith, Havells, Venus, and Haier have a rather significant share in India electric water heater industry. Likewise, AO Smith, Haier, and Midea Group accumulate a major share in China electric water heaters market. Eemax, General Electric, AO Smith Corporation, Havells, Bradford White Corporation, Zenith, AquaMax, Bosch, Ariston Thermo, and Rheem Manufacturing Company are the key players operating in global electric water heaters industry.

Leading companies are also concentrating on product differentiation to score a competitive edge over their rivals in the business. For instance, as of 2017, Haier Appliances launched a premium electric water heater in India that is integrated with shock-proof technology. This heater can provide protection against electricity issues such as power leakage, earthing, or incorrect wiring. Most other players are also engaged in the manufacturing of products integrated with cutting edge technology, thus fueling global electric water heaters market.

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Electric water heaters are designed to eliminate the disadvantages caused due to fuel-fired water heaters. The rising government pressure on companies for reducing carbon footprints have led to major corporations striving to develop low cost, eco-friendly, and efficient electric water heaters. Such strict norms coupled with changing consumer preferences toward electric products are sure to impel global electric water heater industry share over the coming years.

Table of content:

Chapter 4 Electric Water Heater Market, By Product

4.1 Electric water heater market share by product, 2019 & 2026

4.2 Instant

4.2.1 Global market from instant, 2015 2026

4.2.2 Global market from instant, by region, 2015 2026

4.3 Storage

4.3.1 Global market from storage, 2015 2026

4.3.2 Global market from storage, by region, 2015 2026

Chapter 5 Electric Water Heater Market, By Capacity

5.1 Electric water heater market share by capacity, 2019 & 2026

5.2 <30 Liters

5.2.1 Global market from <30 liters, 2015 2026

5.2.2 Global market from <30 liters, by region, 2015 2026

5.3 30-100 liters

5.3.1 Global market from 30-100 liters, 2015 2026

5.3.2 Global market from 30-100 liters, by region, 2015 2026

5.4 100-250 liters

5.4.1 Global market from 100-250 liters, 2015 2026

5.4.2 Global market from 100-250 liters, by region, 2015 2026

5.5 250-400 liters

5.5.1 Global market from 250-400 liters, 2015 2026

5.5.2 Global market from 250-400 liters, by region, 2015 2026

5.6 >400 liters

5.6.1 Global market from >400 liters, 2015 2026

5.6.2 Global market from >400 liters, by region, 2015 2026

Chapter 6 Electric Water Heater Market, By Application

6.1 Electric water heater market share by application, 2019 & 2026

6.2 Residential

6.2.1 Global market from residential, 2015 2026

6.2.2 Global market from residential, by region, 2015 2026

6.3 Commercial

6.3.1 Global market from commercial, 2015 2026

6.3.2 Global market from commercial, by region, 2015 2026

6.3.3 College/university

6.3.3.1 Global market from college/university, 2015 2026

6.3.3.2 Global market from college/university, by region, 2015 2026

6.3.4 Offices

6.3.4.1 Global market from offices, 2015 2026

6.3.4.2 Global market from offices, by region, 2015 2026

6.3.5 Government/Military

6.3.5.1 Global market from government/military, 2015 2026

6.3.5.2 Global market from government/military, by region, 2015 2026

6.3.6 Others

6.3.6.1 Global market from others, 2015 2026

6.3.6.2 Global market from others, by region, 2015 2026

Browse complete Table of Contents (ToC) of this research report @ https://www.decresearch.com/toc/detail/electric-water-heater-market

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Electric Water Heaters Market to Traverse Along a Lucrative Growth Map over 2020-2026 - Cole of Duty

Charming 3bd 2bth hme on corner lot! This hme has been loved for yrs by owners; so many imprvmnts you have to see to appreciate. Upon arrival, wrap around frnt porch is game changer, 41x5 perfect for relaxing w/glass of sweet tea! ML offers MB & full bth, lndry, LR, DR & updated K which fts some lam & wd flrs. K completely gutted & updated w/42in maple cab, crown molding, hidden hinges, 2 lazy susans, slow catch drwrs & drs, Corian cntrs, tile BS & SS appls. You will also find can & pendant lighting in K. Lg BF bar & DR offer rm for entertaining. W/newer dbl-pane vinyl wndws, hme has lots of natural lt as well as taller ceilings. Bkyd is private w/private fence, 14x25 low maint deck, 16x32 above grnd pool, storage shed, & dog run if needed. 2car garage currently serves as ent space w/HVAC-you def want to see this! Other imprvmnts-HVAC '19, back storm dr w/dog dr, & 30yr arch roof. Make your appt soon, we don't expect this to last long! Walking distance to schools, park, & church.

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Affordable Starter Homes in the Park Hills Area - Kenosha News

It all starts with a simple question

A few months back we were asked by a developer client what is the best hot water heating solution for new all-electric homes in Victoria. Given the myriad of technology options available, I figured this was a straightforward life-cycle cost shooting match.

Oh, how wrong was I!

It turns out the pathway for selecting hot water heaters for all-electric homes is not a technical consideration but a regulatory one. It is regulated heavily by the National Construction Code and Victorian Plumbing Regulations.

Im generally a fan of regulation, but not when it is botched like this. What I revealed was staggering:

The Victorian regulations are complex to navigate (to the point of legendary), out of date, encumber innovation and are in desperate need of overhaul;

Rather than encouraging 100% renewable energy and decarbonisation, they make gas solutions much more favourable.

Where there is mains gas available for connection and you dont want to install a space-hugging 2000L rainwater tank connected to toilets, the regulated solution for heating water for freestanding and terrace homes is as follows:

A heat-pump hot water system that is not electrically connected to the main grid (our modelling shows this will likely result in a lack of hot water in Victoria).

A solar thermal heater with gas boost.

If youre finding that a bit hard to digest, I dont blame you. But the implications are as follows:

Where there is a mains gas supply, electric hot water systems connected to the grid are all but ruled out. Thats unless you have space for a 2000L rainwater tank in which case, all options appear to be back on the table;

All the electrical benefits that could be had using electric hot water as energy storage systems for solar PV come with big strings attached.

If you dont reticulate gas, then the electric grid-connected options above also appear to be available. While many of our developer clients are considering ditching gas, it is a bold move for most.

For new homes around Australia, hot water solutions are normally regulated by National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 2 (Part B2.6) and Volume 3 (Part B2).

These parts of the code are pretty sensible, with many options on the table. However, Victoria saw fit to ditch most of these sections and replace it with a requirement to comply with the Plumbing Regulation 2018.

The cascade of legal frameworks that are at work is as follows:

In summary, as a new home builder, to satisfy the Building Regulations you must install a rainwater tank OR a solar water heater system.

In Plumbing Regulations 2018, a solar water heater system is defined as:

A solar collector and a container (including an integral, close coupled or remote container) that heats water by means of radiant energy from the sun []. (i.e. a typical solar thermal hot water system);

A heat pump water heater.

In the relevant Schedule 2 Section 11 Standards relating to solar water heaters new Class 1 buildings, there are a bunch of requirements about what is required to satisfy the NCC. One requirement caught our eye:

If a reticulated gas supply from a gas company is available for connection to a new Class 1 building, a solar water heater installed in that building must be

(a) if the solar water heater incorporates booster heating and is not a heat pump water heatera gas boosted solar water heater; and

(b) if the solar water heater is a heat pump water heaterinstalled so that no part of the heater that is capable of heating water can be connected to the mains electricity supply in order for that part of the heater to operate.

In summary, if your home can connect to the town gas supply (and you dont want or have room for a rainwater tank), then comply with Building Regulations, you could install a gas solar thermal hot water system OR a heat pump water heater that is not electrically connected to mains electricity supply.

Bonkers!

My general take away from all this is that the building code and attempts at improving it appears to have been hijacked by the gas industry in Victoria.

In creating this labyrinth of legal frameworks, regulators have just made it all too hard for developers and builders to think beyond installing the simplest possible solutions:

Rainwater tanks connected to toilets Solar thermal hot water heaters with gas boast.

This is a classic case of picking winners rather than setting a performance standard and letting the market figure it out. It just leads to poor outcomes.

In our view, the technology has moved on from 2007 when these regulations might have seemed current. At that time, we had a drought and gas was seen as the bridging fuel to full decarbonisation.

We now have a situation where:

Solar PV is cheap and generally a better solution all-round than solar thermal (a one-trick pony);

Smart home devices and controls mean that hot water can be heated in very high efficiency heat pumps nearly exclusively from solar (as is the case at my house).

Decarbonisation on our grid means loads that can be switched on or off and store energy are a massive benefit;

Victorias grid is rapidly decarbonising so all-electric solutions that leverage solar + heat pump hot water systems + grid connection back-up will be better from a greenhouse gas perspective. (By our count, this setup results in around 372kg CO2-e versus 376 kg for solar thermal plus gas boost at current (2019) carbon intensities of Victorian electricity and town gas supplies.)

Victoria now has a 50% renewable energy target by 2030 so this will only improve as Victorias grid decarbonises.

Clearly its time to update the building code, Victoria.

James Allston is the Managing Director of New Energy Ventures, a management consultancy that specialises in new energy projects and businesses. New Energy Ventures works extensively with property developers, helping them to integrate new energy, create profitable new operating businesses and achieve outstanding outcomes for end customers. As is evidenced by this article, James is also a massive regulation nerd.

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Building all-electric homes and why ditching gas isnt as easy as it should be - One Step Off The Grid

Connectivity is one of those special buzzwords used across most industries, whether it be for a virtual meeting app, a washing machine, or a car. All companies seem to think we need moreof it. Today we want to know are you a fan of cars that come equipped with over-the-air update connectivity?

It seems a lot of people are in favor of ever-increasing connectivity, and require it even in the most mundane of appliances. I realized this while shopping for a water heater about three years ago. Reading the reviews, I expected most details to be about the quality of the water heater and if it was an efficient user of electrons. Instead, several users marked off a star or two because it didnt feature Wi-fi connectivity. Id never considered before how a water heater mightneed such connectivity, so I bought the model without it.

Since then Ive been utterly devastated on multiple occasions when I couldnt check the status of my water heater from bed, or at work. Or not

This question was prompted by news reported yesterday about the new Ford MustangMach-E and its over-the-air updates. Manufacturers claim the advantages of such connectivity are great: Updates and improvements can be made to your car without your intervention (or knowledge). Patches in the software can fix problems before you encounter them, saving you stress and anxiety about the weak points of your car. And additional features of later software versions can be added to your older vehicle, bringing it up to par with the latest new product at dealer lots. Its a win-win!

The downside here is the potential to charge you up front for tech which never arrives (ahem, Tesla), or to remove software the initial customer paid for when the car is resold to an unsuspecting second party (again, Tesla). A third concern is arising presently in the case of Volkswagenand the not-ready-will-ship ID.3. Because updates are downloadable and limitless, manufacturers will launch their product as an unfinished beta test, asking consumers to pony up full asking price for a car with incomplete software and features.

This consumers-as-testers methodology has occurred in the video game industry already, usually called early access. In many examples (which have escalated in frequency over the past five years or so), a developer put their game out in early access before it was finished. The promise is always that the final game will be completed soon, and released at no additional charge to the early access buyers. Sometimes the game is improved, finalized, and released. But other times it becomes abandonware, after the newly funded developer makes a nice return on their investment and moves on.

I can see this happening more and more in cars equipped with over-the-air in the future. When updates are unlimited and relatively low-cost, theres less incentive to get the productrightbefore consumers go and buy it. Just fix it later, no big deal.

What do you think about over-the-air connectivity? Is it a great way for product to be continually supported and improved by manufacturers? Or is it mostly a way to rush product to market and exercise greater control over access to features?

[Image: VW]

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QOTD: Do You Care for Over-the-air? - The Truth About Cars

In-Tenta designed the Tenzo, an environmentally friendly and foundation-less mobile home that has three bedrooms that can sleep up to six people.

Barcelona-based In-Tenta is a creative "modular design" studio company that specializes in unique urban installation, product, and tiny home designs. The company which was founded in 2012 also has a specific focus on creating designs that reflect In-Tenta's emphasis on "functionality, sustainability, and modularity."

The Tenzo which the company says is Japanese for "master of ceremonies" tiny home on wheels is a direct example of In-Tenta's three cornerstone themes.

The mobile home, which was designed to be both functional and Earth-friendly, comes with all of the typical rooms found in traditional houses, such as a kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and an outdoor space in the form of a shaded terrace.

Tenzo starts at $38,064 and is available in Europe, although one order needs to include a minimum of eight units. Keep scrolling to see inside the tiny home on wheels, which In-Tenta calls a "vacation house on wheels":

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In-Tenta $38,000 modular tiny home on wheels 'Tenzo' with 3 bedrooms - Business Insider - Business Insider