Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

12 August 2014

Innovative design wins Auckland apartment design competition

Auckland firm S3 Architects proposal for an innovative timber building has won the competition to design an apartment building on a brownfield site in Mt Eden.

Organised by the New Zealand Institute of Architects and developer Ockham Residential, and with the support of Auckland Council, the competition was staged to produce a buildable design for 11 Akepiro Street, a site adjacent to the Western Line rail tracks and the city end of Dominion Road.

A further goal of the competition is to promote architectural and community thinking around medium density development, a housing option that is increasingly relevant in rapidly growing Auckland.

The result of the competition was announced today by Mayor Len Brown at Auckland Art Gallery, where the 65 competition entries have been on display since Sunday.

Aucklanders have made their views absolutely clear to us having greater choice in housing is crucial to them, the Mayor says.

Auckland is also united in something else our development has to be of high quality. That is fundamental to Aucklands future and that is one of the strongest messages we have heard.

And that is why I as Mayor and Auckland Council are so strong in our support of this competition.

Jury chair Richard Goldie, a director of Peddle Thorp Architects, said the competition was a bold and timely initiative by Ockham Residential and the Institute of Architects that had produced an exceptional response from architectural practices.

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Innovative design wins Auckland apartment design competition

Park 'N' Play, by Danish firm JAJA Architects (Image: JAJA Architects)

Multi-story car parks are ubiquitous, necessary, and almost always boring. Danish firm JAJA Architectshopes to do something about the latter with its Park 'N' Play project. Located in the Nordhavn area of Copenhagen, it's a multi-story car park that features plenty of parking space, but also some greenery and a kid's playground up on the roof.

JAJA Architects was given the nod to go ahead with Park 'N' Play after the firm won a competition hosted by developers By & Havn. The project is part of a wider scheme to redevelop the local harbor area and features a facade of red-brick concrete and a frieze that depicts major local historic events, in addition to scattered greenery.

While most inner-city multi-story car park staircases tend to have that smell and a distinctly sinister "about-to-get-mugged" atmosphere, JAJA Architects cites Paris' iconic Centre Pompidou as inspiration, and envisions its staircase as an attractive feature that will also offer views of the surrounding area.

The stair's handrails are dubbed the "red thread" and include a continuous bar that leads up to the roof, before twisting into some rather cool-looking playground equipment. There are also benches and viewing points for the grownups.

Park 'N' Play is scheduled to be completed in late 2015.

Sources: JAJA Architects, By & Havn via Arch Daily

The rest is here:
JAJA Architects aims to make car parks a little more interesting

Written by Daniel Offner Wednesday, 13 August 2014 00:00

Last week, Farmingdale village officials approved a special use permit to allow for mixed use development at 155 Main St., currently home to the nostalgic toy and hobby shop, The Land of Oohs and Oz.

According to Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, the project will entail the demolition of an old dilapidated building behind the retail storefront, renovations to the 6,153 square-feet of retail space and construction of 14 studio apartments on the back lot.

But, in order to erect a new residential building, the village requires that sufficient parking be provided for its tenants. At the meeting on Aug. 4, property owner Samuel Glass, agreed to provide 17 parking spaces for residents on the ground level, using the top two floors for the one-bedroom apartments. Once construction is complete, Glass plans to lease the one bedroom studios at current market value.

He will not be changing the size of the building, Ekstrand said, stressing that the construction will look very similar to the offices at 399 Conklin St., which he referred to as a building on stilts.

While Glass would agree to provide parking for potential tenants, he would opt to waive 14 of the 15 required commercial parking spaces, paying the village $5,000 for one parking spot.

Link:
Sam Glass Gets Green Light

Muncy, PA (PRWEB) August 12, 2014

Construction Specialties Inc. (C/S), a leading manufacturer of high-performing architectural specialty products, introduces its new line of wall and door protection, Acrovyn by Design and Acrovyn Doors by Design. These revolutionary products offer unprecedented design freedom to architects and designers by embedding high resolution images and logos as well as simulated woods, metals and stones into impact-resistant, rigid sheet material.

Until now, designers and commercial building operators have struggled to incorporate patterns and high resolution graphics into environments such as hospitals, schools, transportation terminals and corporate centers. In many cases, design and durability have been compromised with the use of limited-offering, type-II graphic wall coverings and solid color or wood grain materials that dont withstand the extensive abuse customary in high traffic environments.

In response, C/S developed Acrovyn by Design composed of a .040 inch-thick rigid sheet made from environmentally-preferable, durable Acrovyn 4000, a PETG compound that contains no PVC, PBTs or halogenated or brominated fire retardants. The rigid sheet serves as a protective shield for graphics and provides impact-resistant, easily cleanable wall protection, which C/S customers have come to expect from the renowned Acrovyn brand. Available in 4'x8' and 4'x10' sheets, Acrovyn by Design can protect and enhance any wall space with high resolution graphics. From subtle visual textures and refined patterns to vivid, space-defining imagery, Acrovyn by Design offers limitless possibilities that can complement C/S Acrovyns existing wall and door protection suite.

Acrovyn Doors by Design offer the same durability and design capabilities as Acrovyn by Design while utilizing the standard line of durable Acrovyn Doors customers expect. A facilitys doors can now be included in the interior design, and featured as part of a full mural with Acrovyn by Design or any other surrounding motif -- instead of interrupting it. With no minimum to buy, doors can look like anything customers want.

Acrovyn by Design and Acrovyn Doors by Design introduce a new level of graphic freedom and protection to commercial interior environments, said Joe Neidig, Vice President and General Manager at C/S. These are industry-changing products.

Many applications of Acrovyn by Design and Acrovyn Doors by Design are unique. Architects and designers can compose their own designs, choose from C/S catalog of Organic and Geometric patterns or utilize the in-house design services to create or locate imagery.

For more information about Construction Specialties, visit the companys website.

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About Construction Specialties Construction Specialties manufactures and sells specialty architectural products internationally, with over 30 offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Its products include interior wall and door protection, entrance flooring, expansion joint covers, louvers, grilles, sun controls, explosion vents, smoke vents, and cubicle track/curtains. The company serves architects and designers, building owners, facility managers and contractors. Construction Specialties, Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Lebanon, New Jersey.

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Construction Specialties Introduces Digitally Printed Acrovyn by Design Wall Protection and Acrovyn Doors by Design

BALANCING economics with the need to preserve Toowoomba's heritage has again reared its head among city officials.

Council has overruled its own planning officers' advice by a majority of seven votes to four and opted to allow a character-listed home in Cavell St to be demolished.

The owner of the run-down East Toowoomba property plans to replace it with a new building in keeping with the historical streetscape.

The current house requires major work to reach a liveable standard, with rectification costs of up to $104,000 just to become structurally sound.

However, council's decision to override a recommendation by its own staff has riled conservationists.

"We have reached a new low in conserving our built history when councillors' opinions take precedence over recommendations by their planners and experts," said East Toowoomba resident Eleanor Cullen.

Cr Chris Tait said the proposal fell into a "grey area" where the replacement home would actually enhance the streetscape.

"What is there at the present time is probably detracting from the street," he said.

Cr John Gouldson argued the restoration costs were likely to multiply above and beyond estimates once work actually started.

Continued here:
Demolition of character home one step closer

Recently reelected Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced the replacement of several key cabinet ministers, including mines and energy ministry Minminas head Amylkar Acosta, the presidential website reported.

The challenges during Acosta's four years as minister were many. His efforts to pass a new mining code and begin regulating Colombia's prolific informal mining sector were met with legal delays, community opposition and complications stemming from the involvement of organized crime and left-wing guerrillas in the sector.

In terms of hydrocarbons, Acosta was confronted this year with frequent infrastructure attacks by guerrilla groups FARC and ELN. Frequent pipeline shutdowns resulting from these attacks caused Colombia to lower its 2014 production goal this year. In addition, the country suffered an arguably disappointing oil and gas licensing round this year, with bids and investment commitments falling below expectations.

Toms Gonzlez will replace Acosta. As the former deputy minister of mines and energy, Gonzlez is well acquainted with the situation he is inheriting. His first challenges will be passing new mining licensing rules and possibly attracting more hydrocarbons investment, through a second mini oil and gas round planned this month.

Issues stemming from guerrilla involvement in illegal mining and attacks on energy infrastructure are related more to politics and largely out of Gonzlez's control. It is worth noting that Santos retained defense minister Juan Carlos Pinzn, likely signaling a continuation of Colombia's current security strategy.

BNamericas will host its fourth LatAm Power Generation Summit in Santiago, Chile, on August 13-14. Click here to download the agenda. Live streaming of the event can be seen here.

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Related Sector

MONTPELIER, Vt. -

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin has removed his top manager tasked with overseeing Vermont's health reforms and the protection of children. WCAX broke the news of the departure of Agency of Human Services Secretary Doug Racine Tuesday.

The Agency of Human Services is massive, including disability and aging services, health and social supports, as well as corrections among its departments. Its budget eats nearly half of the state's General Fund. Significant problems persist with Vermont Health Connect while two toddler deaths tarnish the reputation of the Department for Children and Families. The governor says it's the right time to make a change.

Starting Tuesday, Vermont Health Commissioner Harry Chen will take over atop the Agency of Human Services. The governor's staff asked former Secretary Doug Racine to step down Monday. Racine oversaw much maligned health reform efforts and child protection in his role leading Vermont's largest agency.

"I felt that it was time for a different kind of leadership. And I'm grateful to Sec. Racine for his service and I'm grateful to have someone as capable as Harry Chen to take over as secretary," said Shumlin, D-Vermont.

The state's online health exchange, Vermont Health Connect, still has plenty of bugs, even as the one-year anniversary and next open enrollment period draw near.

The Legislature hasn't been in session since May, but select lawmakers continue to look into the Department for Children and Families. Some worry a lack of resources and questionable regulations may be partially responsible the deaths of two toddlers earlier this year. Lawmakers don't think the management change alone will solve ongoing problems.

"I think this is really what you would call the perfect storm," said Sen. John Campbell, D-Windsor County. "The fact that these things all happened at one time I think had something to do with this."

"To equate the change in leadership with DCF and the tragic child deaths is to look for a simple answer," said Rep. Ann Pugh, D-South Burlington.

"I've often said I only need two votes to do this job; one is the governor's and one is mine. I've lost the governor's vote," Racine said.

More:
Gov. Shumlin fires a top member of his cabinet

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) -

?Here is a list of road projects around the Heartland scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Bollinger County, MO

Route C in Bollinger and Stoddard Counties will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction as crews seal coat the road. This section is located from Route 51 in Bollinger County to Route 91 in Stoddard County. Weather permitting, crews will be working Monday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Aug. 23 from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., including weekends as necessary.

Butler County, MO

Route CC will be reduced to one lane while crews perform pavement repairs. This section of road is located between Route 53 and Route U. Weather permitting, crews will be working on Wednesday, Aug. 13 and Aug. 14 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

East and westbound traffic will be restricted. Existing lanes of Route 67 from CR 323 to Route 160/158 will be signed as Route C. The north end of Route C (existing Route 67) will remain closed for about two months as work is completed at the intersection of Route 67, Route C, and CR 323.

Cape Girardeau County, MO

The Fruitland rest area on Interstate 55 mm 110 in Cape Girardeau County will be closed as contractor crews perform repairs. Closures for the north and south facilities will occur the week of Aug. 25, weather permitting. Work will begin at the southbound rest area at 7 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25 with crews moving to the northbound rest area on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Repairs are expected to be finished by 8 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29.

Crews will be performing should work for the bike trail on Route 74. This section of road is located from Fountain Street to I-55. Weather permitting, crews will be working on Monday, Aug. 18 through Friday, Aug. 22 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Read more from the original source:
Heartland road projects for 8/13

ROSWELL, GA -- Addressing a gap in the siding market, Boral introduces the new Boral TruExterior Siding Craftsman Collection. As the first poly-ash siding product, the Craftsman Collection offers an array of full-thickness profiles with bold, defined shapes uniquely coupled with the low maintenance and simple installation synonymous with other Boral TruExterior products.

"We are very excited to offer the market a unique siding solution by continuing to expand our innovative poly-ash technology platform," stated Russell Hill, Boral's Global Chief Technology Officer. "We have applied a lot of science and design to produce a product that will meet our customer's needs for performance, aesthetics and sustainability. We are very optimistic about the future for this platform."

Boasting superior workability, durability, and dimensional stability, the Boral TruExterior Siding Craftsman Collection includes five high-performing profiles designed to recreate the classic look traditionally associated with wood products. An alternative to conventional redwood, pine, and cedar siding options, the Boral TruExterior Siding Craftsman Collection satisfies the marketplace's strong demand for a workable option while resisting the issues which consistently plague wood-based siding products (including rotting, cupping, twisting and raised grain).

Available in nominal six-, eight- and 10-inch widths, the profiles found in the new Craftsman Collection include:

Shiplap: Edge-matched for a tight joint appearance.

V-Rustic: Its deep "V" groove creates an appealing shadow line effect.

Cove/Dutch Lap: The subtle, curved profile creates a unique eased appearance.

Channel: Features a wide groove that creates a rich shadow line effect.

Channel Bevel: Channel-style joint with an angled edge.

Boral TruExterior Siding is the first poly-ash siding product, comprised of coal combustion products (fly ash) and a proprietary polymer blend, and boasts a high level of sustainability with a minimum of 70 percent recycled content. Suitable for ground contact, Boral TruExterior Siding is highly resistant to moisture. Boral TruExterior Siding products can be installed using traditional woodworking tools and methods and there is no need for back priming, or to prime or seal end cuts. The product comes primed and may be painted any color. And unlike wood, there is no need to leave a gap between courses and no sap or tannins to bleed. Impervious to termites, Boral TruExterior Siding also includes a 20-year limited warranty.

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Boral Launches Boral Truexterior Siding Craftsman Collection

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By: Robert Roofer

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Roof Repair Adelaide - Contact AdelaideRoofRepairscom now at 08 7100-1655 - Video