Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Norman Foster's lofty dining room and the tactile living space of Faye Toogood are among the home interiors revealed in author Sam Lubell's new book, Life Meets Art.

Life Meets Artwas curated by Lubell to "reveal a new side" to over 200 of the world's best-loved creatives by offering a glimpse inside their private spaces.

The homes of both notable and lesser-known architects, designers, musicians, poets and artists from across six different centuries and more than thirty countries are also shown many for the first time.

"It started with the people, the world's most talented, interesting, original, and in some cases strange artists, architects, writers, musicians, and more," Lubell told Dezeen.

"We knew we wanted to reveal a new side to these creatives, but we also wanted a lot of surprises, people and places that people might not have heard of."

"All the spaces are reflections of their owners"

According to Lubell, one of the most significant discoveries in the book is how "all the spaces are reflections of their owners".

"There's this phenomenal feedback loop between a creative person and their living space," he explained.

"Their experience inspires their art, which inspires their home, which inspires their art, which inspires their experience, and so on," he continued.

"Every square inch is fueled with a creative vision that manifests in entirely different ways. We learn how they've shaped their homes, and how their homes have shaped them. It's almost like peeking inside someone's body."

"The homes of designers have most influence on residential design trends"

Lubell believes Life Meets Art also encapsulates the extent of the influence that architects and designers have had on residential interiors.

According to Lubell, this "trend rolls through history", and is evident in homes ranging all the way from Charles Moore postmodernist dwelling in Texas to the minimalist London residence of John Pawson.

"I think the homes of architects and designers had the most influence on residential design trends," Lubell explained.

"This makes sense because that's their speciality, and in many cases, their homes were opportunities to experiment with and advocate for entirely new design philosophies."

Read on for Dezeen's pick of 10 designer homes in the book:

La Voile, France

One of the most notable contemporary architects to feature in the book is Pritzker Prize-winning architect Foster, with his La Voile residence that he created within a 1950s tower on the French Riviera.

The building was carved out to create an open, futuristic interior, with a series of balconies overlooking a white-walled dining room and a living room at its heart.

Toogood/Gibberd Residence, UK

Toogood's minimalist home, which she shares with Modern House co-founder Matt Gibberd, is located in a 1960s house in London by Swiss architect Walter Segal.

In her living room, pale bricks are used as a tactile backdrop to a number of pared-back furnishings that range from her own pill-shaped coffee table to playful geometric tapestries.

Cabin at Longbranch, USA

American architect Jim Olsen created this stilted woodland house for himself at the age of 18 and remodelled it several times since.

The dwelling is characterised by its exposed-wood framework and large windows, captured here in this seating area, which is designed to retain focus on the home's natural surroundings.

Rainbow Penthouse, UK

The vibrant and colourful home of Zandra Rhodes, aptly named Rainbow Penthouse, is an embodiment of the fashion designer's trademark style.

Located on top of London's Fashion and Textile Museum, which she also owns, the penthouse apartment is filled with colour-blocked surfaces and adorned with her personal art collection.

Finn Juhls Hus, Denmark

Modernist furniture and artwork fill every space of Finn Juhl's former home in Ordrup. This includes the living room, photographed above, within which his Chieftan lounge chair takes centre stage.

In the book, Lubell describes the dwelling as a "perfect example of how Juhl weighed interior design and architecture equally".

Moore/Andersson Compound, USA

The final home of late Charles Moore, which he created for himself was in Texas, perfectly captures the bold postmodernist style for which he is best known.

Life Meets Art spotlights the dwelling's main living area, which is crammed full with decorative pilasters, a collection of toys, colourful ceramics and statues of kachina dolls.

Villa E-1027, France

Furniture is the focus throughout Villa E-1027, the former clifftop home of modernist designer Eileen Gray that is now open to the public in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

Life Meets Art homes in on its main living room, which features her the iconic Bibendium chair and the glass and steel E-1027 side table.

Rashid Residence, USA

This gallery-like kitchen and dining room forms part of industrial designer Karim Rashid's four-bedroom townhouse in Manhattan.

White walls and floors form a backdrop to bright finishes that range from a luminous lime-hued backsplash to a multi-coloured carpet that echoes Rashid's joyful approach to design.

Juan O'Gorman House-Studio, Mexico

Located just outside Mexico City is the home of the late architect, painter and muralist Juan O'Gorman, which he built for himself in 1933. It is positioned close to La Casa Azul, the dwelling he created for Diego Riviera and Frida Kahlo.

Today it is owned by artist Paulina Parlange, who has teamed its bright, light-filled finishes with an eclectic mix of furnishings, murals and patterned textiles.

Neutra VDFL Research House, USA

Large glazed walls that frame views of a neighbouring reservoir line the Neutra VDFL Research House the former home of modernist architect Richard Neutra.

Lubell selected the dwelling for the book in recognition of its innovative, mid-century design, which he describes as "strikingly ahead of its time".

Photography is courtesy of Phaidon.

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Life Meets Art book offers glimpse inside homes of leading creatives - Dezeen

After an anxiety-filled 2020 and during the continuing pandemic, many of us are looking to our homes for nearly everything: a place to work, study, sleep, eat, exercise. And dont forget unwind. Homes these days can offer calm and relaxation, designers say. Whether that means a decor refresh or a few small additions, they suggest some easy ways to create a more restful home space in 2021.

Think both big and small as you assess your rooms, says John Eason, an interior designer in New York.

The feeling of a soothing room comes not only from the overall effect and aesthetic, but from key details, he says.

THE NEW COZYDont be limited by conventional ideas of what makes a space cozy, Eason says: Metal and stone are as comforting for their sturdy dependability as wood is for its flex and give. Deep, rich colors can be as relaxing as cheerful, bright ones.

Sustainably produced textiles and environmentally friendly paints with velvety finishes can lend a healthy and comfortable vibe.

Find apps that play calming music and relaxing stories, or YouTube videos of crackling fireplaces or lapping waters.

Aromatherapy candles and diffusers wafting scents of nature, or baked goodies, are easy additions, as are soft toss pillows where youll be binge-watching.

In recent years, the Danish word hygge came to describe the concept of coziness. The Welsh have their own apt term: cwtch. Pronounced kutch, it loosely references both cozy nooks and extra warm hugs.

FOLLOW YOUR OWN TASTESCreate your easy-living vibe based on your own sense of balance, harmony and good energy, says Leigh Spicher, national design director for Atlanta-based home builder Ashton Woods. Thats especially true now when guests are discouraged because of safety concerns.

The best way to design a restful, relaxing home is to make it about you and the people you live with, she advises.

Choose colors you love, not necessarily whats trendy. Frame travel pictures and personal photos.

UNPLUGGED SPACESWe all need more screens if were working and spending more time at home, but allow yourself to escape them too, Spicher says.

Make sure theres a space in your home without tech, including TV, she says.

Real plants, and a mix of elements like wood, stone, metal perhaps even a water feature, like a table fountain can create a soothing, authentic living space.

DEFINING THE SPACEIt can be stressful when too much is going on in a space. Get creative with delineating spaces and their functions.

For children, I love to create a designated play area by overlapping a fun, patterned area rug with woven poufs and storage ottomans, says Amanda Amato, a designer in Caldwell, New Jersey, and style expert for HomeGoods. She also suggests creating a reading nook in a forgotten corner of a room, and reducing clutter in a small bedroom by multi-purposing a writing desk as a nightstand.

SEE THINGS IN A GOOD LIGHTChip Wade, a designer and architect in Cumming, Georgia, uses light to define different parts of a room and to create a laid-back atmosphere.

Lighting is a key component to personalizing my space. Controlling my entire lighting setup remotely on my phone makes it easy to dim and create scenes, he says.

You can swap out regular bulbs for color-changing ones that offer sunrise, sunset and other mood-enhancing hues.

Eason likes to play with the way light works on various surfaces.

An upholstered wall lends a peaceful air to a room for its sound-absorbing qualities, but also for how it affects the play of light, he says. Creating pools of light in a variety of intensities, rather than an overall brightness, and having that light emit from fixtures that are focal points, can create a sense of focus and calm.

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Resetting for the new year with soothing decor - KeysNews.com

LISTING OF THE DAY

Location: Flinders, Victoria, Australia

Price: A$30 million (US$22.93 million)

Dubbed Horizon, this recently completed five-bedroom mansion is perched on a dramatic cliff edge on Australias Mornington Peninsula near Flinders township, about 45 miles south of Melbourne.

In 2015, the family of legendary Australian rules football coach Jock McHale put the property, which includes a 1920s homestead called Pinnacle Park, up for sale. According to listing agent Rob Curtain of Peninsula Sotheby's International Realty, developer Brooke Starbuck bought it, along with multiple adjoining titles.

Unlike all of the other allotments offered, which have restrictive zoning regulations, the five-acre homestead did not fall into the same zoning, Mr. Curtain said. So he saw an opportunity and subdivided the land into four separate plots while maintaining the original homestead.

More: Luxury Homes in Seoul, Berlin and Sydney Headed for Significant Price Growth

Starbuck enlisted local craftsmen Williams Group and commercial architect Bruce Henderson to build the home. The process took five years. He wanted to do the unique position justice and build a generational home that would withstand the harsh environment of living so close to the ocean, Mr. Curtain said. He also hired interior designer Mim Design for the internal fit-out based on Miriam Fannings renowned coastal work. Its truly a modern-day masterpiece.

The interiors feature St. Croix stone complemented by American oak flooring. The homes elevated first level contains five ocean bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms and ocean views, as well as a central chefs kitchen, a fully appointed scullery and three living spaces oriented to maximize the views.

The main open-plan living, kitchen, dining area is simply spectacular, Mr. Curtain said. The 13-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a 180-degree ocean view create the most surreal feeling of being suspended over the water. Its an architectural and engineering triumph set on a truly spectacular landholding with 335 feet of oceanfront and tremendous 270-degree ocean and rural views.

More: Why Australian Buyers Are Turning to the Mornington Peninsula

Stats

The 21,528-square-foot home sits on a 1.25-acre lot and has five bedrooms and six full bathrooms.

Amenities

The home has the latest in technology with world-class kitchen appliances from Wolf and Sub-Zero, integrated audio-visual by Sonos, zoned hydronic floor heating and VRV heating and cooling throughout. A comprehensive security system includes keyless entry and all home technologies are controlled via Elan. The residence is also 6-star energy rated and includes a solar panel system.

An elevator connects the upper level to the lower one, which has a professional gymnasium, sauna, cinema room, wine room and a garage. There is also a second gourmet kitchen servicing an al fresco spa terrace, where a suspended 20-person spa overlooks the ocean.

From Penta: Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Rookie Card Sets a Record

Neighborhood Notes

The beauty of this location is the views are all water and rural surroundings as the area is better known for the farming environment, Mr. Curtain said. But this home is only a five-minute walk to the Flinders township, golf courses and the Flinders Bay Beach. Its also only a 60-minute drive to Melbournes central business district.

Listing Agent: Rob Curtain, Peninsula Sotheby's International Realty

View the original listing.

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Brand-New Oceanfront Mansion on Australias Southern Coast Is a Modern-Day Masterpiece - Mansion Global

ITALIAN POLICE have arrested a four-man gang of thieves who used Instagram to stake out the homes of Milan celebrities to prepare daring burglaries.

Investigators in Milan have arrested a gang nicknamed the acrobat thieves by the local press who used Instagram to monitor the movements of their celebrity targets as well as using photo posts to get an insight into their luxury homes.

The criminal quartet, aged between 14 and 44, targetted homes of local celebrities in Italys richest city including Inter Milan footballer Acharif Hakimi, TV personality Diletta Leotta, and Instagram influencer Eleonora Incardona. They analysed the stars social media output to see when they were out of town when they could strike, as well as gaining info on their homes and what type of windows they had.

Dramatic CCTV footage captured the acrobatic thieves scaling a wall to break into a first-floor apartment and the criminals reportedly dressed in style to blend into the crowds of upmarket Milanese neighbourhoods during their heists. They looted Rolex watches, designer handbags, and expensive jewellery during their robberies, much of which has now been recovered following the gangs arrest.

While the south of Italy is famous for its mafia, some of Europes most accomplished thieves have hailed from the north of the country. The mysteriousSchool of Turin,originating in their eponymous home city, garnered international attention in 2003 following the daring and lucrative Antwerp Diamond Heist.

Thank you for taking the time to read this news article Gang of Thieves Used Instagram to Stake Out Celebrity Homes. For more UK daily news, Spanish daily news and Global news stories, visit the Euro Weekly News home page.

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Gang of Thieves Used Instagram to Stake Out Celebrity Homes - Euro Weekly News

I have two fluffy and squishy Persian cats and I absolutely adore them! Having them at home is a delight, a fact Im sure all pet owners can attest to. Another fact that all pet owners can attest to as well sometimes, just sometimes, our pets can be a little annoying (No, were not horrible people for saying this). Theyre like children, they have their mood swings, demands, tantrums, and an intense need for attention. They also love leaving our homes in a mess, with no consideration for our belongings. And the few pet products that I do add in my home to keep them entertained and comfortable, often turn out to be complete eyesores, having no respect at all for my interior decor and theme. The secret is to integrate furniture designs in our homes that our pets can rest on, relax, and keep themselves busy with, but also designs that manage to harmoniously merge with our interiors, seamlessly becoming a part of our living space and also providing us with some functionality. We can cast aside the bulky pet products that stand out in our homes awkwardly without even really catering to the needs of our pets. This collection of interesting, multifunctional and not to mention fun furniture designs will keep both you and your pet satisfied!

Designed by Ben Hansen, this simple yet innovative dog house uses excess water from watering plants and filters it into the dogs water bowl! Rattan with green accents gives it a light, airy feel. The minimal dog house will brighten any corner of your home hard not to when it holds a cute plant and pet! Its an adorable piece of furniture that not only serves as a home for your pet but also doubles up as an elegant plant holder, harmoniously merging with the interiors of your home.

The idea behind the Gatrimonial bed frame by CatLife is that it should be a comforting space for the pet and owner. The cat gets a secure, comfortable den, and does not feel as if you are invading his/her space. The furniture also provides plenty of stimuli to keep him/her entertained. I can already hear my roommates pet darting through his maze while I lie on the bed above him. Perhaps this cat-friendly furniture will encourage some casual bonding time between the two of us.

Seungji created the Dog House Sofa to enhance the harmony between humans and their pets. Created out of solid wood ash and fabric upholstery, the sofa can seat two people. The entire piece is draped in neutral shades of beige and mocha, so no jarring colors to alarm your pet! The wooden armrest also doubles as a cozy hideaway for your pets. Its a private section where they can laze around, with an opening in the armrest, allowing them to sneakily cuddle up to you! Such a design enables the two of you to interact but also provides sufficient personal space, without your pet destroying your beloved upholstery (for a change).

Industrial designer Jong Hoon Yoon from Seoul, Korea pondered over the unique idea of thinking from a pets perspective and designing an intuitive TV stand. Christened With, the space-saving TV unit doubles as a cozy spot for your cat to never let go of. All this while being considerate of the kind human too. Yes, With considers the positioning of the cat and the fellow human, so that they both are in their comfort zone and dont bother each other. For us, the TV is a mere source of entertainment as well as lousy around on our couch binge-watching streaming content. On the other hand, the heat produced from the TV and the accompanying electronics is an opportunity for your pet to curl up and enjoy in their own space.

People in small living spaces use low furniture (such as rugs, floor chairs) to build intimate relaxing areas while cats prefer covert spaces, but due to the limited space, there are not many places to hide or play.CatYou in a Circle by Jack Dogson (ironic huh!)didnt want to separate the pets from their owners so it is designed to cleverly bring them together while also maintaining boundaries. The hollow armrests and backrest offer cats a playground and hiding territory while the coffee table provides a place to sleep. The woven bamboo texture makes it possible for owners to see their cats even when they are hiding and play with through its holes. The size of holes is different in different parts of the furniture to adapt to the needs of the pet as well as humans. The backrest holes are smaller to make the cats feel more secure. But holes above are bigger so that when people lean on the sofa, they can see through the backrest and find their cats underneath.

In all the desk designs Ive seen over the years, this is a first for me! Its calledAscendand its been created by Dan Devine for all the cat ladies and fellas out there. Like any cat person will tell you, the moment you give attention to anything but your furry friend, theyll find a way to lounge on your keyboard or knock over your utensils until its back on them! Designed with this in mind, the wood desk has been crafted with multiple ramps and landings for cats to perch up and play. If you cant fight em, invite em!

Named after the acorn nut and clearly inspired by its curvaceous form, the Acorn Leisure chair boasts of a similar voluminous design, with a seat above for you to rest on, and an area below thats ideally sized for a pet, or a makeshift magazine-rack. The chairs unique design is instantly eye-catching, with the lack of traditional details like legs, or a backrest thats attached directly to the seat. Instead, the chair builds itself out of a wooden platform on the base, with a wrought-iron enclosure above it, topped off with a seat. The backrest, instead of emerging from the seat itself, mounts directly onto the base platform, making for an incredibly unique chair that your eye naturally gravitates towards! The wooden parts of the chair are CNC-machined to perfection, and the wrought-iron pipes on the base give the chair its sturdiness while allowing your pets to see your legs as they sit inside their safe-space, providing a unique connection between both occupants! Alternatively, you could use the space under the seat to store books, toys, and pouf pillows too!

The latest piece to catch our eye has been the Kyali cat climber by MADE for its almost human furniture-like design because usually, a cat climber would stick out but this one just blends in like a cozy stool! The climber has a warm inviting vibe because of the woody tones and the soft fabric cushioning that will instantly draw your cats in for a nap. It is a blend of a bed and a dynamic game for your pets. Featuring three shelves or levels, Kyalis goal was to provide plenty of fun for your feline friends without taking up too much room. It has a modular structure that lets you adjust the shape to create more space for cats to explore or to make it more compact to store.

Grid functions as a comfy resting spot for your pet. With a cozylounging spot at the bottom and a slanted roof on top, it manages to provide a very homely feel, a safe haven of sorts for your furry friend. The gridded structure at the entrance allows your pet to slither in and out, allowing them to have their own little adventure! On the other hand, the roof also functions as a magazine stand. You can place your magazines on the roof, where they will be supported by an almost inconspicuousshelf.

This particular piece of cat furniture is extremely easy to set-up and seamlessly integrates with your current home setting minus the bulkiness of a conventional cat tree. In 2020, it is all about how modular the product is, and that applies to pet furniture too. With Catssup you can create a DIY jungle gym by simply clamping the different parts onto existing furniture and changing the set-up whenever you (read: your cat) need. The best part is that it doesnt require any floor space so if you want to lie down and WFH you absolutely can with the extra room! The Catssup set includes a Dot Step, a Sleeping Pill, a Space Ball, a Cloud Lounge, and a Climbing Tower I would just like to say that I strongly believe human furniture should also have fun labels like this and maybe we would be more invested in it.

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Pet-friendly IKEA-worthy furniture designs that perfectly balance the needs of your pet, your home and you! - Yanko Design

The group wants to save farmland Photo Ros Tapp

A group set up in a bid to save Westgate agricultural land from being developed hopes to mobilise residents into action.

The Westgate Action Group Against Housing Development says a planning application for a huge 2,000 development of a new town on farmland at the edge of town will mean a massive population increase, lost green fields and a change of environment forever.

Millwood Designer Homes wants to create up to 2000 homes, including up to 100 Extra Care units, a care home, two form entry primary school, health centre and shops, cafes and restaurants on 237 acres which includes agricultural land either side of Minster Road.

The site can be broken into three main parcels, divided by the existing roads. The first parcel is on the west of Minster Road. The second parcel lies between Minster Road and Garlinge High Street. The third parcel extends east of Garlinge High Street.

A full application has been submitted for 120 homes earmarked as a new Dent-De-Lion neighbourhood, with views of the Dent-De-Lion Gatehouse and fronting on to a village green with a feature pond. This site will be accessed from Garlinge High Street / Dent-de-Lion Road.

The development has been named The Gallops. Millwood say the new town will include green spaces, play areas and walking and cycle routes. Plan amendments have been made based on feedback from community meetings and exhibitions, including one held last November.

But the action group says members are concerned about: the decimation of prime agricultural land and that this development will increase the population of Westgate from approximately 7500 to 11,500 changing the character of Westgate forever.

A spokesperson for the group said: Our aim is to raise awareness of the planning application and provide information to support and mobilise residents in responding .

We believe this development cannot be considered separately to other similar developments planned for Birchington and Shottendane and so we aim to collaborate with other groups in Thanet .

We believe it is important to ensure there is sufficient time to consider the application in the light of a number of significant changes and additional evidence.

The first phase planning application was made at a time of national emergency andmany people were not aware of it. There are questions regarding the algorithm used to calculate housing numbers and why Thanet been allocated 10% of the Kent housing quota when it represent only 2.7% of the area and has significant food production.

The application appears to extend beyond the designated allocation as agreed in the Local Plan.

One of our members, Ros Tapp, estimates we are losing one third of the central undulating chalk farmland cited as area of character in local plan.

We do not believe the application has fully considered the extensive wildlife population on the farmland.There has been a climate emergency declared locally, nationally and internationally. It is incomprehensible why there are plans to proceed to decimate acres of prime agricultural land, failing to protect this for food production now and for future generations at a time when we need future food security.

We are urging residents to contact their local town, district and Kent county councillors , MPs and Secretary of State for housing.

Millwood says it is planning to include wildflower meadows and bug and bee hotels as well as areas for foraging, an orchard and a heritage trail. There will also be natural play and sensory areas.

Planning documents say: This first phase of development provides an opportunity to create a visually striking gateway and set a high standard for the future phases of development. The Gallops, Land at Westgate and Garlinge, has been designed comprehensively, demonstrating the potential to deliver up to 2000 new homes in a sustainable manner, with no fundamental constraints on development that cannot be appropriately mitigated.

The proposed site is larger than that suggested in Thanets adopted Local Plan, which is a blueprint for housing, development and infrastructure on the isle up until 2031.

Westgate was originally allocated 1,000 homes but a vote in 2018 to retain Manston airport as aviation-use only instead of mixed-use development meant 2,500 proposed homes had to be reallocated to new sites.

The reallocation included 1,000 homes for greenfield sites either side of Minster Road in Westgate, bringing the draft plan total for the town to 2,000.

Millwood Designer Homes is involved with a similar plan for development in Birchington.

Westgate Town Council has also opposed the development plan. A statement says: We have always been opposed to the building of houses on the grade 1 and 2 agricultural land, the loss of separation between Westgate and Garlinge, the loss of open space and the over development of our small town.

We believe that other, preferably brown field sites should have been chosen for a development of this size. We understand that there is a need for housing, however we have always been concerned that the methodology used to calculate the housing need in Thanet caters for developers and those moving to Thanet from outside the district, more than local residents.

We are concerned that this methodology which does not value agricultural land will result in Thanet becoming more and more densely populated with no concern for the over-arching impact on our towns, our residents or the environment.

As the local plan was approved last year, we had to concede that this land will be used as a strategic site for housing against our will. We are now eager to ensure that if houses go ahead that they are future looking, take the environment and our residents into account and do not impact the town in a negative way, now or in the future.

The full objection can be viewed here

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale this week called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to announce and immediate moratorium on the use of all farm land for housing until policy can be reviewed.

The PM said the request was unrealistic although he appeared to believed Sir Roger was calling for a halt on all construction.

The planning documents can be viewed on Thanet councils planning page, reference OL/TH/20/1400

To join the Save Our Fields campaign email saveourfields2021@gmail.com

There is also a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter and Instagram pages @saveourfields

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Westgate action group urges residents to join up and 'Save Our Fields' - The Isle of Thanet News

Now, with work nearly finished, the projects funded by the referendum have brought about changes to every building in the district.

Referendum projects ranged from a $26 million elementary school to a broad array of smaller remodeling and maintenance projects. The district also budgets nearly $2 million of state and local funds to building maintenance each year, and that funding was used in some projects, too.

The work has alleviated overcrowded conditions in the elementary schools and provided more classroom space in other buildings.

Superintendent Jeff Holm started working in the district about a month after the referendum passed. He said he has been grateful to his predecessor Superintendent Jerry Kjergaard and the School Board at the time for pursuing the referendum.

Can you imagine what our challenge would have been (in the pandemic) if we still only had Roosevelt and Kennedy and needed to try to keep kids six feet apart? Holm said. I've felt very grateful to have a third elementary, and a very nice one at that.

Other larger referendum projects were $5.5 million science classroom additions at Willmar Middle School and a $7 million expansion of physical education/athletic facilities at Willmar Senior High School.

The building program included millions in maintenance projects that were past due. Jefferson Learning Center got a new boiler, and four buildings had roof work done. Several buildings, including the Area Learning Center in Garfield School, now have improved fire suppression and ventilation systems.

Aaron Pilarski, buildings and grounds manager for Willmar Public Schools, joined the district as work on Lakeland Elementary was ending, and he turned his attention to Kennedy and Roosevelt elementary schools.

I think that quality buildings reflect on a students education as much as other things, he said.

Kennedy and Roosevelt were well-maintained, but they needed some work. Roosevelt was newer, but Kennedy, which originally was a high school, looked dated, he said.

Both buildings were remodeled to develop collaborative spaces, and corridors were updated. Kennedy needed new windows and improvements to its exterior walls, too.

The Senior High had the biggest price tag among the existing buildings, about $12 million total. In addition to the gym expansions, the work included pool dehumidification, roof replacement and numerous building improvements.

The school was built in the mid-90s and hadnt had many updates, Pilarski said. Music rooms needed work, and an industrial technology expansion was needed to give those classes the room they needed for classes and projects.

The high schools classrooms are clustered around pods, which had never been redone. Remodeling of the pods added new furniture, carpet and paint. Students helped with designing the pods. Each has its own theme.

Pilarski said the referendum projects were done with an eye toward getting as much done as possible with the money available. He found there were some low-cost cosmetic improvements that could add to a buildings visual appeal.

You had to be really wise with it, because there was a lot we wanted to accomplish, he said. Im biased; I think it was really well spent.

School Board Chairman Mike Reynolds said he was impressed with the range of projects and just how well weve stretched our money.

Credit goes to many people, but especially Pilarski, he added.

Weve just done so much with so many things, he said. Our buildings are modern, they're up to date, and theyre safe.

Reynolds and other board members have commented that they hear comments in the community about how nice the buildings look, and they appreciate it.

Its nice to know the parents and community members take notice, he said.

Reynolds said the building upgrades might be noticed by families making decisions about where to send their children, too, but people make those decisions for a variety of reasons.

All we can do is keep making the product we have and the facilities we have top notch, he said.

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Here's what $52 million did for Willmar Public Schools - West Central Tribune

FREEHOLD Municipal officials in Freehold Borough are planning to appropriate $1.78 million toward the cost of improvements at the Freehold Public Library, East Main Street.

Members of the Borough Council have introduced a bond ordinance that provides for the issuance of bonds or notes in that amount to finance the costs. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 16. Council members may adopt the ordinance that evening.

According to the bond ordinance, municipal officials expect to receive an $889,000 grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act to help finance the planned improvements at the library.

The improvements at the library are expected to include wheelchair access to the entire facility; two new restrooms that will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; a kitchenette for staff/program use; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, according to council President Annette Jordan.

Jordan said additional accessibility improvements will be made at the library; there will be designated parking spaces adjacent to library for individuals who have a handicap; the staff office will be relocated; the circulation desk will be repositioned; and there will be a new teen room public space that will be reclaimed from storage and utility areas.

She said safety improvements to the front entrance of the library will preserve the buildings historic character; there will be remodeling and new shelving in the childrens room; updated electric service; a designated conference/study room; and additional shelf capacity, specifically for the childrens, teen and adult fiction collections.

The Freehold Public Library opened in 1904. It operates independently of the Monmouth County Library System and is funded exclusively by Freehold Borough taxpayers.

The library was built with a grant provided by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of 36 libraries in New Jersey. The Freehold Public Library is one of 17 Carnegie libraries that remain operational in the state.

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Freehold Borough bonds will help to finance library improvements - centraljersey.com

A home renovation project can dramatically transform the visual appeal of your house, whether its renovating the interior or exterior, remodeling can increase the value of a residential property and make it look more modern. But it will get messy before everything gets completed.

As a homeowner, you may have mixed feelings, you know your house will look amazing after the remodel, but you are probably dreading the whole renovation process and the mess that usually comes with these home improvement projects.

According to remodeling contractors in Miami, renovating your home is an investment that will pay off in the long term. For homeowners that want to transform their house into their dream home, starting a renovation project with a professional construction firm is a step in the right direction.

In the midst of all the construction work that is going on during the renovation, your day-to-day activities and usual schedule will be turned upside down in order to accommodate the work that needs to be completed by the remolding company you hired.

Dealing with dust When there are walls being torn apart, drilling, cutting, and hammering, dust is inevitable and can make you sneeze and cough non-stop. But there are several ways to deal with the dust. You can consult with your contractor to install temporary compression-fit walls to close off areas where construction is taking place, or you can place air filtering systems to collect floating dust.

Loud noises Loud and annoying noises are expected when it comes to renovating your home. The banging of hammers and mechanized noises from saws are annoying and may hurt your ears, you may find locking yourself in the furthest room away from the construction area possible until the work is finished, which can take days, weeks, or even months depending on the renovation.

Reduced walking space A construction zone is messy and usually takes up a lot of space to make room for all the equipment, tools, and materials needed for the renovation. It can help to consult with your contractor in ensuring there is ample walking space in and around the house if you need to get something.

If you have pieces of expensive furniture and other items you want to protect, its best to cover them with durable plastic bags or slipcovers before the renovation so they can be protected when the renovation work is taking place. Not doing so can leave your valuables covered in dust and other construction debris.

Depending on the level of renovation that is being performed on the residential property, remodeling can range from simple to complex. Circumstances may arise where moving to a temporary location may be necessary such as a nearby hotel, a family members home, or elsewhere if major renovations are being done and living on the property is no longer convenient for you or your family.

It is possible during the renovation process that complications can occur such as going over budget and project delays, that is why its important to keep in direct communication with your contractor or the renovation company to discuss these issues.

The worst part of the whole process is probably coming to terms that the renovations may take longer and will be more expensive than originally anticipated and is a common concern homeowners will have.

Link:
What Should I Expect During A Home Renovation in Florida? - South Florida Reporter

Jameson Champion

On Jan. 30, the Snake Pit reopened as an esports gaming arena, following its remodel.

Last week marks the first time the Snake Pit has been made available to the general student population since last semester.

The event saw visitors trying out the new computer systems in the repurposed Snake Pit, as well as view all the new renovations to the arena.

This spaces renovations include 24 computers for general student access, 12 of which are usable under current COVID-19 restrictions. There are also an additional six computers that have been placed on a stage for esports teams to use during livestream production and live esports events.

These renovations are an exciting new addition to many, especially students who do not have access to consoles or computers capable of playing games.

Its pretty nice. It gives our community a space to play games, sophomore and esports athlete Casey Kabit Freudenthal said.

The Snake Pit was formerly a room for

commuters to spend time between classes. In the Fall 2020 semester it was announced that the esports department would be remodeling the space into an esports arena.

Prior to this, all esports related events were held using a dedicated room within the Carlisle-Rogers building.

Due to its conversion from a student hangout spot to an esports arena, there are some who are unhappy with the change.

The esports arena is great for the esports teams, but it almost seems as though the commuter students were cast aside and forgotten about, sophomore Joshua De La Pena said. Not only was the Snakepit my place to chill, but to do homework without worrying about being too loud, like in the library, or being uncomfortable like outside.

After the announcements that the esports department would be changing the space, a soft opening to the Snake Pit occurred in September 2020 with a highly limited capacity.

This included students having to reserveacomputer in order to follow COVID-19 guidelines.

An important new feature to the arena is the potential for live competition play by esports athletes.

The rooms stage offers an opportunity for the players to be front and center with seating for viewers during play.

Once COVID is over I think being able to play live will be a cool opportunity, Freudenthal said.

The Snake Pits hours are from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day.

In order to receive swipe access to the room, students must fill out the esports room access form on Engage.

Excerpt from:
Snake Pit reopens as esports gaming arena | The Southern - FSC Southern