tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51341743848688737582024-03-08T15:11:18.988-08:00Architecture and Interior Design Interior Design Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07791803725292618353noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-56316425861949651292012-11-16T19:33:00.000-08:002012-11-16T19:33:00.663-08:00Green Sustainable Architecture - Heating and Cooling<div style="text-align: justify;">
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What does "Sustainable" mean - it means that you are using far less energy produced from fossil fuels that have to be yielded from the earth by drilling, or mining for them. And if you have to use materials that you have to mine and refine that those materials remain preserved and can be re-used at the end of life so that they do not have to be mined again. For example most of the world's aluminium need can be satisfied with aluminium re-processed from scrap. Low load bearing foundations and walls can use crushed concrete for ballast when available. There are many crushing and concrete re-cycling services available today which can easily be found when searching for "recycled crushed concrete". You can also use Recycled Asphalt Pavement and Crushed Concrete as backfill for Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Walls.<br />
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In the context of "Green Sustainable Architecture" this can mean correct positioning of a building versus the prevailing wind direction, run-off water management on the property, wall and roof insulation and avoiding roof penetrations. Those are some of the passive measures that can be taken at the design stage of a new building to make it more sustainable.<br />
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In the context of "Heating and Cooling" there are slightly different requirements on a sustainable Heating and Cooling Systems depending on the climate-region. There are also significantly different Systems that can be deployed which will have significantly different requirements for the infrastructure the building has to provide.<br />
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The most significant factors for both heating and cooling are loss of heat or cool through walls, windows and ceilings. This has to be addressed architecturally by designing with good or very good insulation materials and the really good ones may not be from re-cycled materials but are end of life recyclable as ballast. In preference of performance; Aerogel, Styrene and Two Component Esther Foams. In preference of price; Foams, Styrene, Aerogel.<br />
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The plenum between floors should be well insulated to the outside walls and contain the infrastructure for water-loops rather than air ducts (or both) as well as a 48V-DC electrical distribution system which allows the use of 48V-DC based heat pumps and 48V-DC based lighting equipment.<br />
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The reason for using DC based systems is that:<br />
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LED lighting running of DC can run with an efficiency of 98% while<br />
AC based LED lighting systems run with an efficiency of 85%.<br />
Any Watt in heat generated requires a Watt to pump it out of the building, in the case where the air space needs to be cooled. The energy wasted by lighting has a direct and significant impact on the energy required to cool a building that is well insulated.<br />
The same applies to the heat exchanger when the heat pump itself is located in the building.<br />
DC based systems can use Solar and Wind Generators to charge Batteries for storage,<br />
the Grid or a Generator can supplement the batteries.<br />
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The highest loss of efficiency of conventional air conditioning systems for heat or cool is in the air duct. Therefore for highest efficiency and sustainability heat exchangers should be in each room. The heat exchangers may include heat pumps which for noise reasons may use solid state heat pumps which require little or no maintenance other than air-filter maintenance. This is the most efficient way to cool or heat the air in the room.<br />
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Any air-cooling system will have condensate at one time or another. This requires the use of heat-exchange / heat-pump systems with built-in condensate pumps or gravity-fed condensate removal and cater for condensate disposal pipes within each floor level of heat-pumps. The disposal pipes should have the usual grade for gravity-fed pipes. The condensate should be guided to one location where it can be re-used by re-introducing it into the environment via the chiller or may be collected in a cistern for other uses.<br />
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The in-house water loop can and should be water based as it is the most efficient energy carrying and storage medium on the planet. The only challenge is that you must not allow the water to freeze so the lines carrying the water have to be well insulated where they leave the building to the outside heat exchanger, underground tank or chiller. A heater of some sort has to be introduced into the water transport loop for locations where temperatures can fall below freezing. This can be hidden in a closet integrated into the structure of the building but accessible from the outside so that heating equipment can be maintained and replaced without affecting the living or working space.<br />
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I am often asked why not use anti-freeze in the loop? Well it would have to be non-toxic anti freeze which is expensive and not easy to replenish in case of a leak or a repair. If toxic anti-freeze is used, which is cheaper, the piping needs to run inside a bigger pipe that is drained into an outside tank that can take the whole system's anti-freeze without contaminating the environment. So de-ionized or de-mineralized water and measures to keep it from freezing are more attractive and in case a pipe leaks definitely more friendly to the environment.<br />
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The most effective way to create heat at the lowest cost is using natural gas or propane or from bio-mass when and where available. So for all winter applications except in near equatorial regions, a gas heater is most appropriate. This is based on the assumption that the time of the year that heat is needed there is insufficient sun or reliable wind to produce sufficient energy for heating when temperatures fall below freezing. Of course an electric heater could be used driven from the electric grid but that would be the least sustainable way of doing things.<br />
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There is one additional way to be even more energy-efficient and that is using a generator that is natural gas and/or propane driven where the cooling loop of the generator can be selectively heating the air-conditioning loop in the winter and the generator charging the batteries at the same time, basically using all the energy (in the winter) the generator produces, electricity and heat. In the summer the generator has to be automatically de-coupled and have its independent chiller when operated.<br />
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Another aspect is fresh air, where new structures should accommodate the delivery of fresh air to living and working spaces via a selective and controlled system that uses CO2 sensors to determine the level of human activity and O2 use. This means air ducts that can deliver fresh air from the outside selectively. Such systems should have pollen filters that are easily maintainable and have the ability to email or warn the parties responsible for building maintenance to replace or clean the filters.<br />
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Different climate regions require different approaches, in equatorial regions (+/- 10° off the Equator) insulation, positive pressure and dehumidification of fresh air are the key factors for climate control. There are no heating requirements and all cooling can be mostly supplied by solar and wind energy.<br />
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In the regions between 20° and 40° North and South, where ambient temperatures can fall below or rise above human comfort, heating and cooling are key requirements. Here, significant efficiencies can be achieved by exchanging air in the plenum of the structure with outside air depending on the outside ambient temperature.<br />
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In the regions above 45° heating and occasional cooling as well as controlled heating of the fresh air brought into the building are the key requirements. Underground or above ground tanks can greatly assist in balancing during most of the year except in the winter season.<br />
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In the region above 60° insulation and heating are the only requirements for both the area to be heated and the fresh air brought into the building.<br />
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For the regions of 20° to 55°, during the transition times of the year, the sun can heat the roof space yet the outside air can be cold. If for cost or other reasons the roof fabric can not be insulated sufficiently, at least the building infrastructure should offer a set of fans that can replace the roof plenum air with outside air. The intake should be on the North side of the building and the outlet(s) on the South side or on both east and west side. Intake fans should also have pollen filters that are accessible and can warn that they need changing.<br />
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Water heating systems can consist of solar heated vacuum tubes as well as a propane, natural gas, bio methane or other combustible materials or liquids as a backup for prolonged periods of no sun or at night.<br />
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Underground or above ground closed system storage tanks that require sufficient insulation above ground to not freeze in cold environments and if below ground are just below the freezing line of the region. Deep underground tanks are not recommended as the surroundings in hot climates will just make them get hotter and hotter, the system should be able to relieve heat to the environment by being in surface proximity but below the freezing line.<br />
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Klaus Bollmann is a 30 year veteran in energy conservation, resource saving innovative products for a sustainable environment. Click the link If you are interested in Ringdale DC Systems high performance 48V-DC products or ActiveLED 48V-DC capable lighting systems, 48V-DC air conditioning systems using Solid State heat pumps and controls.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-90125909221982163622012-11-10T19:57:00.000-08:002012-11-10T19:57:25.678-08:00Modular Lighting Controls - What To Use, When and Where<div style="text-align: justify;">
Often Facility Managers, Architects and Interior Designers wonder when or when not to use controls for lighting and what types of controls are available.<br /><br />In today's environment sustainability and energy-saving lighting design should be a natural combination. Over-lighting indoor and outdoor has long been a problem in commercial, municipal and federal buildings.<br /><br />It is true that 20% of the US energy consumption could be eliminated while maintaining the same quality of life with safe and adequate lighting levels by just selecting the right lighting technology, but few know that another 50% of the remainder used for lighting could be saved when using motion and other sophisticated control devices.<br /><br />Many of you have been to municipal parking structures, US postal service redistribution centers, covered parking structures in airports, schools, universities, fire stations or hospitals. In those structures, where lights are turned on 24 hours a day, the savings using controls can often exceed 90%.<br /><br />The energy cost of architectural displays, as used in Dulles Airport (near Washington DC) where the whole atrium is lit with 230 kW of HID lamps per hour, can be significantly reduced if those conventional lights would be replaced with newer technology and the light were adjusted to outdoor lighting levels.<br /><br />The lights in conference rooms in hospitals are often left on and could be turned off automatically using an occupancy sensor, the same with restrooms where the lights could move from a lower level of lighting to a higher level of lighting which is more practical than motion controlled on/off lighting.<br /><br />Once you have accepted that investing in controls to reduce lighting cost and maintenance makes extreme sense, here are some important issues to consider;<br /><br /> try to stay with simple systems, which are self-contained so that you do not need a PC to turn on your light.<br /> A motion sensor / dimmer should be intuitively programmable on the dimming device without further hardware or know how required.<br /> A street light with daylight sensor or a high bay fixture with motion sensor should be re-programmable from the ground using infrared (IR) from a Laptop with an IR dongle.<br /><br />Where to use which controls:<br /><br />Home<br />In a Hallway use only simple and self-contained devices that can detect motion as well as setting dimming levels, that may be IR controlled via a remote control in a bedroom or the living room. For safety and convenience in the Garage or the Utility Room use motion control devices for. Use daylight sensors and timers for landscape lighting and daylight and motion sensors for perimeter lighting.<br /><br />Small Office<br />Only use simple devices that can be motion operated in a hallway, that may be IR controlled via a remote control in the office or the conference room. Definitely motion control for the Printer/Mail Room or the Server Room.<br /><br />Restroom and other Staff Areas<br />Restrooms and Kitchen areas definitely benefit from motion controls and Active Rest at 20% or 30% with such simple controls you may be able to light five restrooms and a kitchen area for $34 a year @ $0.11 a kWh.<br /><br />Large Multiple Office Space<br />Only use simple devices that can be motion operated in a hallway, that can be daisy chained, that may be IR controlled via a remote control in the office or the conference room. Definitely motion control for the Printer/Mail Room or the Server Room.<br /><br />A centralized system may reduce the need to personally monitor the locations or enforce rules to the availability of maximum light levels. This can be achieved using LightSpace Concentrators that can be connected to the Internet for remote event and use monitoring and following server applied rules. However, a server managed system should be locally self-sufficient. In case the Internet connection fails, the localized daylight and motion controls should remain fully functional and control the lights via the local LightSpace Controller(s).<br /><br />Larger In-Door Systems' controls should be battery backed up and better still light fixtures and LightSpace controllers should be able to be supplied by line power and/or 48V-DC power for backup or permanently powering the devices from DC.<br /><br />Outdoor Parking<br />For larger un-covered parking spaces the only practical control are timers and/or daylight sensors combined with timed and controlled light output.<br /><br />Covered Parking (Single Structure)<br />For a single covered parking structure daylight controls in areas where natural daylight will supplement or totally cover daytime lighting levels and motion control for all other areas.<br /><br />Covered Parking (Multiple Structures)<br />For multiple parking structures a centralized system may reduce the need to personally monitor the locations. This can be achieved using LightSpace Concentrators that can be connected to the Internet for remote monitoring. However, the system should be self-sufficient for the case when the Internet connection fails the localized daylight and motion controls should remain fully functional and control the lights via the local LightSpace Controller(s).<br /><br />Klaus Bollmann is a 30 year veteran in energy conservation, resource saving innovative products for a sustainable environment. Click the link If you are interested in ActiveLED high performance lighting products.<br /><br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-14933830034959172882012-10-23T19:53:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:53:59.299-08:00Guidelines for Installing Mezzanine Floors<div style="text-align: justify;">
Firstly, let me outline exactly what a 'mezzanine' floor is. The word mezzanine derives from the Italian word mezzano, meaning simply 'middle'. With this in mind the mezzanine acts as a middle or extra floor. Although architects use this term to explain additional levels in domestic buildings, a 'mezzanine', for the purpose of this topic, relates to additional floors in commercial or industrial applications.<br /><br />When looking at an area to add additional floor space to, it is important to ensure that the space meets the design criteria requirements. Generally a ceiling height which exceeds 4.5m is acceptable to insert an intermediate floor, however, the physical construction depth of the system should be taken into account. i.e. 2m clear headroom above and below the mezzanine floor should ideally remain so a construction depth in excess of 0.5m could cause issues. The construction depth consists of all materials required to suspend the mezzanine. Usually, a main beam combined with the decking creates the overall dimension. I will come back to these components later in the article.<br /><br />In addition to the height, the sub floor should also be considered, for example, the floor of which the mezzanine shall be built. This should be strong enough to accept the load of the mezzanine columns. In most cases mezzanine floors are bolted on top of concrete slab floors. Structural calculations that the slab will take the point loads should be carried out prior to the installation and are required as part of the local authority building regulations submission. In order to determine the physical strength of the concrete when construction details are not available, core samples can be taken from the slab and 'crush' tested.<br /><br />Once these two elements are suitable, you can then begin to design a mezzanine floor for your area. The first thing to decide is how far apart the columns (supporting pillars) are. This is largely dependent on the results of the slab calculation which would tell you the maximum permissible load down a column, as well as any obstructions in the way, i.e. floor joints, machinery, doors etc. If the area is completely clear of obstruction it may be an idea to design the mezzanine floor from an economical point of view and make sure that the columns are set out in the most cost saving manner. The typical size of an economical design can vary between manufacturers, however, as an example, a 4 metre grid pattern in both directions is very common.<br /><br />There are various types of decking material available to use on mezzanine floors, however, the most common by far is chipboard. There are a few environments where chipboard is unsuitable such as damp or wet workspaces as well as areas that have very high point loads on them. Other examples of flooring types are durbar or chequer plate, which are very strong but can be noisy and expensive. Open grates are good for letting light through but again noisy and also difficult to use with picking trolleys.<br /><br />Any open edges of the mezzanine, i.e. sides of the floor not butting up to a wall, should be protected. The most common way to do this is by means of installing handrails. In addition to a handrail, a knee rail must be added and usually a toe rail to avoid kicking anything of the floor. There are regulations surrounding handrail and these should be adhered to.<br /><br />Access for personnel to the mezzanine level can be achieved in several ways such as lifts or<br /><br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-77543406432501901382012-08-09T19:37:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:37:52.140-08:00Living And Working In Sustainable Environments - Electrical Challenges<div style="text-align: justify;">
Electricity is convenient but also not as efficient to generate or transport as you might think. Electricity will become a more and more expensive commodity and for this reason more efficient ways of using and storing electricity will have to be employed. If you are moving towards a more sustainable office or home environment you may simply use load shifting storing lower cost energy in the night for use during peak hours or you are likely to employ alternative energy generation techniques which may reach from Solar or Wind to Propane or other Combustion Engines.<br />There are more than one reason to use an off-grid system and often a mixed system allowing you to use the grid as a backup is an appropriate implementation.<br /><br />If you have native DC devices such as computers, LED lighting and other DC capable systems delivering the energy in form of DC is mostly 15% more efficient than delivering it in form of AC which requires AC to DC converting power supplies. For this reason it will become paramount that electricians and Electrical Engineering companies understand this and plan new construction with AC and DC systems in mind. The most appropriate voltage for DC based systems is 48V.<br /><br />Tri-Generation<br />There is the tri-generation environment where typically Grid-Power, Propane Generation and Solar and/or Wind are all feeding the same system. This is for mission critical applications where power will always be available at the lowest cost and as much renewable power as generated is used. Also this system benefits greatly from separating DC capable devices from higher energy-consuming devices that may have to be supplied from and AC source like the Grid or a Generator.<br /><br />On-Grid System<br />An On-Grid System is based on Solar or PV Generators feeding the grid via a separate meter, the energy supplied to the grid is credited to your account. The energy used by you from the grid is charged as usual. There is no backup to the grid, if the grid fails there is no energy.<br /><br />Grid Assist or Solar Assist<br />A Grid Assist System is typically based on Solar and Wind Generation coupled with the grid charging the storage batteries when insufficient wind or sunlight is available. Solar Assist is normally used for mission critical systems where security is the main concern, in this case the equipment is powered by the grid at the same time as it is powered by an alternative energy charger, it will consume most of the energy provided by solar or wind but also a small amount of grid power.<br /><br />Load Shifting<br />In cases when at certain night times power is at a significantly lower cost outweighing any losses in the charging of batteries and conversion to the form of energy required in peak times, a Load Shifting system is a way to save financial and fossil resources.<br /><br />Off-Grid System<br />The reasons to employ a system that is totally off-grid can be the cost to get a remote location on the grid or requiring mission capability when the grid fails. An off-grid system can be Solar and Wind Generation only or coupled with a Propane or other Combustion Engine / Turbine Generator to allow seamless energy during spells of no wind or sufficient sunlight or exhaustion of battery storage.<br /><br />When becoming more energy-efficient you will have to consider running a mixed DC and AC system unless you are willing to go all out for latest technology advancements in air conditioning, heating and cooking, you may want limit yourself to lighting systems for now which can be made super efficient and you can go off-grid with lighting due to the significantly reduced energy required to produce light with some LED lighting products.<br /><br />Large energy users are not so readily replaceable, so for cooking or big electrical machinery the grid or a generator supply is often necessary as the conversion loss from DC to AC is not attractive. Also heaters and cooking equipment could be replaced with propane or methane apparatus which is significantly cheaper to run.<br /><br />In office and industrial environments additional controls such as motion sensors, daylight sensors, dimmer and programmatic control can save very significant amounts of energy. This means bringing a low voltage and a high voltage junction box to the light switch location, a feature all electricians and Mechanical Engineers should keep in mind.<br /><br />Klaus Bollmann is a 30 year veteran in energy conservation, resource saving innovative products for a sustainable environment. Click the link If you are interested in Ringdale DC Systems high performance 48V DC products or ActiveLED 48V DC capapable lighting systems.<br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-38559156629457660372012-07-28T19:49:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:49:41.029-08:00Wide Format Document Scanning - The Advantages<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Wide format document scanning and the digitisation of large documents is one of the most used services these days by the likes of architects and local authorities and with good reason.<br /><br />Even the largest and most successful businesses in the world are finding that they need to save as much space as possible as well as bringing in the need for resources as much as is physically possible. Scaling back has become a familiar thing for so many businesses but when you have a lot of large documentation or large format drawings, plans or blueprints this can be a difficult task. More often than not these types of wide format files are either kept rolled in hard cardboard tubes or are left in a particular room unrolled where they take even more room than the cardboard tubes do. Cardboard tubes help to recude the amount of space that can be taken by large format documents but they are still heavily bulky things that take a lot of room especially if you have a large quantity of larger wide format images.<br /><br />The best way to reduce the amount of space taken by these drawings is to simply get rid of them altogether but, as with most things, it's not as simple as that. This is where wie format scanning comes in.<br /><br />Much like traditional document scanning, wide format scanning is a way to make digital versions of physical files but in this case on a much larger scale. Obviously you can do a large format drawing on a standard office scanner and they are more often than not done on a specialist large format scanner by a professional company.<br /><br />But in doing this you can gain room that you might never have even realised you had. If your organisation is thinking of downsizing this can make a huge difference or even if you're just looking at giving your team some much needed space, wide format scanning is the ideal solution. This can have untold impacts on people's morale as well as the potential to use the new found room however you wish.<br /><br />With wide format scanning files can be converted to numerous file formats of your choice whether this is PDF, TIFF or JPEG plus it's also possible, thanks to modern software innovation, to then convert the scanned files to fully editable CAD files which can be modified and used again and again.<br /><br />With wide format scanning you're not just getting a way to save space and reduce your paper usage it also makes for a more flexible way of handling your documents. As with most PDF, JPEG or TIFF files, you can do pretty much anything you wish with them; modify them, email them, put them online to download and virtually anything else you can think of. This is the true beauty of digitisation.<br /><br />Once the wide format scanning is completed you can then dispose of the large files either by sending them for secure shredding or to recycle. Usually the document scanning company that handles the conversion of you documents will be able to help out with these needs.<br /><br />It might be surprising to realise that wide format document scanning is also something that doesn't cost a great deal. Most companies are in a position where they can process files<br /><br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-74214307412096965582012-07-26T19:55:00.000-07:002012-11-17T04:37:53.964-08:00Simple Contrast in the Sokyo Restaurant Interior Design<div style="text-align: right;">
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Blending two cities in worlds apart is no mean feat, much less when the distinctive style felt in those different places comes into one design, the Sokyo restaurant interior design. Beautifully simple, the design allows for minimal and unobstructive furniture and lighting, to create a minimalistic feel of two cultures and philosophies in one room in perfect harmony with each other. The stunning use of Japanese and Australian heritage leaves an impression of a beautiful marriage between two ages, and harmony between worlds that were once irreconcilable. The modern ways of Sydney are not pushed aside meaning the inside looks and feels like modern Australia, but to the Japanese eye, the choice of design philosophy evokes a deep sense of being home.</div>
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Above the dining area modern lighting with throwback lamp shades from Japanese architecture gives the hall an air of modernity interspersed with a simple traditional style. Teasingly simple chairs take their place next to dark wooden tables, creating a feeling of sitting on the traditional Japanese sitting space. Candles adorn the tables, adding a romantic quality that's borrowed from the pre-modern era before Thomas Edison gave us the humble light bulb. The windows are well covered with hanging curtains clearly made from a Japanese inspired style, simple ropes with brightly colored top halves and dark contrasting lower halves, and with a flowing pattern that gives the sense of a flowing wave of color.</div>
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The kitchen area has a transparent and appealing counter-top, with chefs preparing meals in full view, but yet not paraded in front of customers, creating a sense of homeliness, and trust between the chefs and the diners. Dark high-placed chairs at the front of the kitchen with an accompanying table create a beautiful merged effect with the background of bright ceilings and walls around and above the chefs. Distinctly made walls made from traditional Japanese paper and wood makes the separation between the various sections of the restaurant look like the traditional Japanese dining area.</div>
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The walls are not completely obscuring, with the paper only waist high, enough to give privacy to the average diner, but low enough to keep everyone from feeling isolated. The wooden floors give the restaurant an attractive, but simple elegance that is hard to achieve with modern tiles and polished ceramics, or sophisticated carpets. This simple effect leaves the diner feeling like they are in an authentic and cultured place.</div>
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A brightly colored tile-like under-counter in the bar area gives the room a bright ambience without leaving the undesirable afterglow from bright lights that is common with overhead lights. This is done without leaving the diner brightly lit and exposed to too much light. There is a well designed dining area, with a dark ambience and furniture inspired by Japanese simplicity that is hard to beat. All in all this is a professionally done design that will appeal to the modern and contemporary individual looking for good taste and style. Good design never fails to inspire, and in this instance, one can clearly feel the inspiration than went into the creation of this work of art, at truly well thought, planned, and executed exercise.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-44128033552878653352012-07-25T19:52:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:53:08.255-08:00Restaurant Design: How to Do Interior Design on a Budget<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are thinking about opening a restaurant, or thinking about doing a renovation on your existing restaurant, but have a very limited budget, there are lots of creative and affordable ways that you can make a big change without spending big money.<br /><br />A few simple ideas can help you transform your restaurant operation into a brand new place. The ideas below are also all DIY, so there is no need to have to deal with the headaches of hiring a contractor.<br /><br />1. Clean it up<br /><br />First and foremost, a complete detailing of your restaurant should be done before any big or small renovation jobs are done. Wash and clean each and every single wall, corner, countertops, display shelves, drawers, cabinets, table, chair, window, washroom, etc. in your entire operation. When things are clean, they can look new again.<br /><br />2. Paint<br /><br />A good paint job can change the dynamic of any operation drastically. It is the easiest and most inexpensive way to make an instant change to the interior design of your restaurant. Choose colors that are related to your brand, and the type of food that you serve. Paint your bulkheads in bright colors to attract attention. If your tables, chairs, cabinets and counters are looking a bit shabby, repaint those as well.<br /><br />3. Make deals with artists<br /><br />Can't afford to buy expensive artwork for your walls? Why not help local artists in your community get some exposure instead? Use your restaurant operation as a gallery for new and upcoming artists. If a piece sells, the artist can give you a percentage of the sales. This way, artists have an outlet to display their work to the public, and you get to have beautiful pieces of art in your restaurant for free.<br /><br />4. Avoid restaurant supply stores<br /><br />Restaurant suppliers tend to charge a fortune for shelving units, display props, food display ware, cookware, smallwares, etc. Consider shopping for these items at stores like IKEA, Pier 1 Imports and other inexpensive home décor stores that offer such items at a much lower price.<br /><br />5. Wallpaper<br /><br />Wallpaper is a great way to add texture, color and depth to your operation. Today, you can buy wallpaper with any type of print imaginable. For example, if you want to give your operation a wood feel, but can't afford to use real wood, use a wood-themed wallpaper instead. Contrast your painted walls with strips of wallpaper to make your walls more interesting. Wallpaper can also help you relay to your customers the atmosphere of your restaurant.<br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-40899819794089362012012-07-19T19:47:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:48:18.881-08:00Role of Designers in the Business World<div id="article-content">
Many people are confused between the distinction of art and
design. Some of them assume that these terms are just the same thing for
the reason that both produce visual projects. However, there are many
elements which could separate each.<br />
With
regards to personal commitment, artists use their abilities and
creative imagination to inspire individuals. Alternatively, designers
tend to be more reasonable and simple on what they would like to share.
Artists are more emotional in their aim to amuse the hearts and minds of
their visitors while designers just want to effectively disseminate the
information wherein their readers can immediately understand their
purpose.<br />
There are many sorts of designers but every one of them
believe in the concept of customer service. All things in this world are
mainly influenced by design. If you have a business and you intend to
make your place look relaxing to your potential customers, it is wise to
get tips from retail design professionals.<br />
Normally, people in
the designing business make better money than artists. Having a design
in a business standpoint is becoming vital as a result of competition.
Business institutions specifically well-known companies always want the
best and exquisite materials for their interior design. Many <a href="http://www.desimonedesign.com.au/retail-design-and-interior-design/waffleicious-cafe/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">shop fit out</a> firms make a great deal of money out of these big companies.<br />
The
designers carry out an important role in the business world with
regards to visual representations. These representations may not only be
observed as a created material. It may also be viewed as a marketing
notion. At present, every business requires a website to extend their
marketing and advertising arm. Web design is one of the big variables in
bringing in potential prospects. Given that many of these organizations
don't have much understanding of web design, their best chance is to
get or outsource the services of a branding and print agency that will
do the good work for them. Just bear in mind that this is not a cost but
a long term investment.<br />
Art and design are both built to give a
message. The only real difference is that art discloses different
meanings while design only transmits one solid message for the benefit
of all. In case you are opting for a business, it is prudent to imagine
like a designer rather than an artist. A more realistic and feasible
approach is better than the complicated thoughts of an artistic thinker.<br />
</div>
<div id="article-resource">
Desimone Design offers a full scope of designing services at top quality level. To see some examples, you can go to <a href="http://www.desimonedesign.com.au/graphic-design-branding/" target="_new">Graphic Design Studio Sydney</a>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-25074519455629861812012-07-18T19:44:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:44:27.970-08:00Architectural Rendering Services Are Important<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />Architectural rendering services offer to plan and set up a design for construction purposes. These are usually tendered by several construction companies with expert artists to ensure that clients approve the final plan as well as highly satisfied with the final output. These designing services are often tendered to construction of models for both residential and commercial units. Not so long time ago, these services proposed for design and preparation of models were only done with sketches crafted online. But with the latest technology, the invention of 3D renderings in particular which are accepted and adopted by several constructions companies made it easier to produce images. Both 3D rendering and modelling are greatly helpful to many architectural companies as well as self-employed architects when designing projects.<br /><br />With this latest 3D technology, architectural rendering services had become beneficial to three types of individuals who are involved in architectural projects. This technology has different impacts on the architecture, the owner of the business and of course the targeted client. The next paragraphs will talk about the importance of this new technology to each of the three entities.<br /><br />For architectures, this revolution in architectural rendering had permitted them to have a better view of upcoming projects such as commercial, industrial and residential units. Aside from architectures, there are also other professionals who make use of the techniques that architectural visualization proffers. Some examples of these professionals are engineers, interior designers and multimedia providers. Oftentimes, they use techniques for both modelling and designing projects. Some of the services that they get a hold of are CAD services. They also use some modelling products like 3D product and furniture models.<br /><br />On the other hand, business owners also benefit from these architectural services geared by 3D technology when they get a hold of the services of architectures or designers. With the help of this new revolution, owners become the clients of these professionals. And because of this, they are given the best solution to prepare and design units through the use of software tools at a lower cost. This also helps owners to build construction models within their budget. Also, it allows them to play with their imaginations before concluding the final model. With the help of the 3D technology as well as the 3D experts, a business owner will surely build the most realistic model for his projects.<br /><br />And finally, when it comes to targeted buyers and clients, the use of these architectural services can also be beneficial in making them more understand and visualize the projects. They will be able to see how the actual units will look like right after construction process is finished. These clients can also be impressed by the effects that the 3D professionals and experts had prepared for the presentation.<br /><br />Some of the architectural rendering services that are offered by 3D technology experts are planning a house or a unit including major and minor details such as interior and exterior and floor plans, respectively. So hiring an expert with this new technological advancement can really be helpful especially if the business owner or the future client is constrained by either budget or time.<br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-54658211808774965842012-07-17T19:54:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:55:12.216-08:00Custom ADA Signs to Accommodate Customers<div style="text-align: justify;">
To be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, businesses selling goods or providing services to the public are required to meet specific requirements making the premises accessible ADA-sign so anyone with varying degrees of eyesight, mobility, and other physical hindrances. If your business provides equal access as required by law, you will also need signage such as custom ADA signs to ensure navigation or other important details.<br /><br />Business Storefront Entries<br />Without an entrance to your location that is accessible by all, you might not only be in violation of the law, but additionally excluding many potential customers or clients from patronizing your place of business. In most cases it is required to have an area that can be accessed easily by a wheelchair such as a ramp, or other provisions and services to make your business entrance available to everyone.<br /><br />International Signage<br />A standard sign which is used for representing wheelchair accessibility or other internationally recognized graphics and symbols must follow specific proportion regulations. So that they will visibly appear to each individual, such accessibility signs must be located at a convenient, logical height. There are other guidelines and legal regulations concerning safety and tactile warning messages. If your company is not aware of such requirements, it's essential to find a professional signage company that can manufacture custom ADA signs for your business.<br /><br />Reduced Glare Signs<br />The ADA standard also requires signs to have a finish which is non-glare. This is to make certain there are not problems with readability due to bright light. For many people, excessive glare can make reading very difficult if not completely impossible. Therefore, current regulations dictate that the lettering and sign background has a specified level of contrast in order to ensure they are easily read by the visually impaired.<br /><br />Finding a Supplier<br />Nowadays, finding a competent and quality minded sign manufacturer is not difficult. As well as traditional resources including community directories, most will have an online presence. Some provide enhanced software applications allowing customers to create virtual signage as a preview mechanism. This technique permits clients to easily make changes on the fly before making a final decision regarding style, color combinations, fonts and sign material.<br /><br />Worldwide Accessibility<br /><br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-65137559291817383022012-07-11T19:45:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:45:58.869-08:00Find The Perfect Reception Desk For Your Business<div id="article-content">
Your place of business may be reputable. But what about its
presentation? How the inside of your place looks says a lot about the
owner. Well, no matter the size of your office or business space, there
is appropriate furniture available at affordable costs. It is tough to
run a business without having the tools and equipment necessary to keep
things organized. If you need a reception desk, these aren't hard to
find. There are so many sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from within
your budget. Even if there is a certain design you have in mind, a
representative can help you find the one that best suits your needs.<br />
You
usually see a reception desk in the front lobby or waiting room of any
place of business. From hotels and hospitals to schools, every place
needs this type of area. In every company, a person is needed to sign
people in for appointments, greet them, and give them directions, among
other tasks. Employees who hold this position undoubtedly need a
spacious area with a phone, computer, and other materials that allow
them to get the job done. This is why it is necessary to have the proper
furniture.<br />
Since the receptionist area is usually the first thing
customers see when entering a place, it is best that this area be kept
as professional looking as possible. Having the right reception desk is
vital. The good news is that there is a huge variety of furniture to
choose from. There are so many types of wood and laminate that you will
surely find something suitable. Many color selections are also available
so that you can find something that goes well with the overall look of
the office. And exceptional designs are indeed plentiful. Customers will
without a doubt feel comfortable in an environment that is well
furnished and equipped.<br />
When shopping for a reception desk, it is
best to seek furniture that is durable and will last for years to come.
Buying material of the highest quality is advised. What sense would it
make to spend tons of money on a piece of furniture that will easily
break down or scratch up? You would have to spend even more cash to
replace it every couple of years. Making purchases from a company that
specializes in business furniture is the key. That way, you will know
you are getting good equipment for a good price as well!<br />
Make your
business presentable by purchasing a beautiful, durable reception desk
that compliments your space. This equipment is affordable and well worth
the cost. Your business may be known for offering certain services. But
what do your customers have to say about the appearance of your place
of business? Is it professional? Is it welcoming? Does the staff have
the necessary equipment? Ensure that these answers are "yes" by looking
for the perfect lobby table today.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-57286769792003766282012-07-07T19:42:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:43:04.737-08:00A Checklist For "Home Extensions"<div style="text-align: justify;">
This article will simply be putting forward the things that a house
owner should be looking at, before and when involved in the procedure of
getting a house extension done.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
information that needs to be critically examined before getting rolled
up in house plans is being divided into 3 broad stages. All of these
three stages have equal importance for your future actions regarding
your home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><em><strong>01: Money and Extensions:</strong></em></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
this portion you will be doing costing of every little thing that will
make you reach for your wallet; the broken door knob to the plumbing to
the seepage in the attic.</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Real Estate agents price for getting you a new home; if the house plans are not a viable option.</li>
<li>The Mortgage price of the new house; and/or the loss being bared from the old house.</li>
<li>The governmental stamp duty on a new house.</li>
<li>The mover's cost of moving into a new house.</li>
<li>The damaged caused by the mover's.</li>
<li>Cost of moving the internet, telephone line, cable service, security
services, and letter's informing the change in address; and so many
other things.</li>
<li>How many days off from the workplace look mandatory? And how much will those days off be costing you?</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><em><strong>02</strong></em></u><u><em><strong>: </strong></em></u><u><em><strong>Benefits and Extensions:</strong></em></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This
portion will be revolving you around the intangible yet effective
aspects that are connected to your old home and maybe the reason's for
considering house extension plans:</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Your neighbors, the entire feel of the neighborhood, the school in that area, and amenities.</li>
<li>In general do you think that will be a good idea in these economic conditions?</li>
<li>Can a particularly big event distract you while in the procedure of
getting a house extension; like a baby coming in, a wedding, or a loan's
maturity?</li>
<li>Is the extension budget worth the budget cut that you are bearing now?</li>
<li>Where would you live during the extensions? How much will it be costing you?</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before the 3rd stage; now do a bit of a cost-benefit
analysis; taking into the consideration the things that you wrote in the
two stages above.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><em><strong>03</strong></em></u><u><em><strong>: </strong></em></u><u><em><strong>Cost of the Extension:</strong></em></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remember
that the decision of getting a house extension plan will be affecting
you in the years to come; so deep consideration, analysis and a keen eye
on things is quite significant. Another important thing is taking your
time, don't rush you're self.</div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Take builder or architects to your home, explain the desired extensions and get a cost.</li>
<li>Take this cost to other builders and architects to recheck your chosen architect.</li>
<li>Once an architect has been chosen; obtain a planning permit from him before moving </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-38649655464054336792012-07-03T19:35:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:35:59.715-08:00Living And Working In Sustainable Environments - Introduction<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1977 I tried to get into alternative energy, mainly because Uninterruptible Power Supplies were not available and Computers did not like frequent power failures, so was considering fuel cells as using hydrogen and oxygen to create electrical energy appeared to me a good way of creating electrical energy without environmental impact. Siemens in Germany held significant patents on that technology so I contacted the patent holder within Siemens only to hear "we are in nuclear energy right now - we have no wish to further develop or make fuel cell technology available to anyone" - that was that. So in 1978 I went on to my city to get planning permission to add Photo Voltaic (PV) solar panels to the roof structure, as I wanted to produce my own electricity, when the local authority came back to say "you can do that but be advised we will also cut you off all other utilities, water, sewer and refuse collection" - and that was that.<br /><br />Now times have changed but a little of that attitude still persists today. Energy providers that were trusted with the management of federal funds will apply them only to schemes that will keep the dependence on the energy provider. For example, offer re-distribution of federal funds for grid connected Solar PV generation only but not for off-grid solar. Although, both equally save generation requirement, in fact the off-grid solution saves more than the on-grid solution. Also grid connected systems have a separate meter that the electricity company charges you, the supplier, a monthly additional meter rent so they can measure what you have provided. They also control what they are willing to pay to you for the generated energy and their contracts often force you to provide a minimum amount of energy a year keeping you responsible for the upkeep of the solar panels and inverters. So bottom line - using the grid for storage is a raw deal.<br /><br />Many people I asked believe that a sustainable working environment means sweating in overheated rooms in the summer and chilling in the winter, having dim light and going back to poorly lit neighbourhoods. Well, that is no longer the case if you are willing to employ the latest in technology and controls managing your energy use automatically. I found that despite the availability of sustainable technology that assists in achieving sustainable work and living environments the biggest obstacle is that people believe it is too good to be true and the second biggest obstacle is that people do not like change, even is the change is for the better or has no negative qualitative impact.<br /><br />I am working and living in a super-efficient environment, which has been created in part from components of the company I worked for and from other commonly available goods like high-efficiency insulation of walls and ceilings, painting the roof and walls white on the outside (we live in Texas), 3000 gallon sealed underground water tanks for the air conditioning system, LightSpace Management and Building Automation Controls.<br /><br />Working in this environment is actually a pleasant surprise as the rooms are adequately cool in the summer and warm in the winter, the lighting is adjustable to the level the people working in the area are comfortable with. This means sometimes a little less and sometimes a little more light depending on the task at hand, the mood and the supplemental daylight available. Conference rooms where you just walk in and the light comes on, the air condition turns on to higher level dealing with additional heat to be removed. Hallways that dim if nobody occupies them. Hot water produces cold in the water loop that can be used by the air conditioning system to cool another room. Cold storage and server farms that heat the buildings in the winter. All this is not utopia but possible today at insignificant extra cost as systems that facilitate such designs have become more developed.<br /><br />It is easier to plan and build sustainable structures than to convert existing structures to be super-efficient. However, either way it is far easier than getting a man to the moon. Things to consider on a new build are summarized below and detailed in separate articles in this series:<br /><br />Electrical<br />Hopefully soon electrical companies will embrace low voltage wiring more than they do today and I have to re-write this paragraph. If you can separate your home or office wiring into three categories, 48V-DC low voltage (LV) for Lighting and 48V-DC Air Conditioning, 120V-AC for computers and wall sockets, 240V-AC for Air Conditioning and Heating. The lighting should be LV wiring to a central point where you can have the power supplies for the lighting, a good lighting technology the LED will never fail but the Power Supply using current available technology eventually will.<br /><br />Load Balancing<br />In some environments energy providers offer significantly lower rates at night times if you already have a DC battery system for your PV or Wind generator you may be able to supplement with cheap grid energy. We have compiled the electricity providers in North America allowing such arrangements.<br /><br />Energy Storage<br />If you use Solar PV, Wind or both you need to have a space for batteries, preferably accessible from the outside so that you can change and maintain batteries conveniently. There are a number of battery types suitable for short-term storage and repeated discharge and a compromise between cost and performance has to be made.<br /><br />Mechanical<br />To be super-efficient means you have to do things differently which, unfortunately today, a run-off-the-mill Air Conditioning Contractor will not subscribe to. To convert an existing system can be challenging, not insurmountable but definitely challenging. The Mechanical Challenges Section is divided into Equatorial Plus/Minus 30 and North and South of 30° as there are different challenges depending on the climate region that the system has to operate in. A third section deals with fresh air and plenum ventilation.<br /><br />Building Fabric<br />The fabric of the building matters little to the efficiency and can be metal, artificial materials, or natural products like wood or stone or a combination thereof, whatever is the most cost-effective in your region and for your purpose.<br /><br />Insulation Materials<br />The insulation material between your outer fabric and your sheet-rock wall is what matters. The most efficient material available today is called an Aerogel, this is not a brand but the type of material which has extreme durability and heat insulation properties within the likely operating temperatures in any environment on planet Earth. There are water repellant varieties of the material which are best for regions where high humidity and dampness are main features of the local climate.<br /><br />What Is Right For Your Region<br />I like to classify the world into two major regions, from the Equator to 30° North and South and the region above 31° North and South. Conventional and sustainable systems do not apply to the sub-arctic or arctic regions of the World.<br /><br />Return Of Investment<br />The number of misinformation and the excuses used by propagates of the consume society to obscure or redefine the meaning of Return Of Investment or ROI is mind-boggling. There is only one scientific way for ROI which will be discussed in this article ROI of Sustainable Environments, which clearly shows the payback can be significantly better than any conventional planned obsolescence model.<br /><br />Klaus Bollmann is a 30 year veteran in energy conservation, resource saving innovative products for a sustainable environment. Click the link If you are interested in Ringdale DC Systems high performance 48V DC products or ActiveLED 48V DC capapable lighting systems.<br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-5106795841765263042012-06-21T19:51:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:51:43.833-08:00Getting New Office Furniture for Your Company - Read This So You Know What to Do<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, you've identified the need for brand new workplace furniture for
your company. What to do next? Are you on a restrictive budget for this
furniture project? You may want to give consideration to purchasing used
office furniture from a reputable provider that is skilled in this
category.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Or,
some business furniture companies provide lower priced designs in their
stock. Should you seek out a local furniture provider or find an office
furniture firm online? Frequently, you can find an web-based dealer
that can handle the commercial furniture project at a cheaper price. A
solid, regional provider can usually provide more followup support
should your office furniture suffer from service issues. Therefore, it
can depend on what you find are the most significant decision factors.
Either a furniture distributor or an office furniture installation
company can help you when it comes to area planning to determine
precisely what will work best for your office's layout.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The most
crucial element to success of your workplace furniture project is the
work undertaken during the course of the furniture installation.
Business furniture providers, no matter if local or remote, often use
the help of a 3rd party office furniture installation service provider
that specializes in this kind of work. The usefulness and help of a
furniture installer can't be understated; it can mean the difference
between a smooth project and a catastrophe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First-rate workplace furniture installers provide the following professional services to guarantee great success:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
•
Location evaluation and/or space planning - This is to guarantee the
requested office furniture meshes as specified and possible problems
like fire code compliance are attained.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Go backs - Repairs or
service work are performed to ensure your office furniture is properly
functioning for its practical life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Electrical & data
contractors - Installation companies can either complete the work
themselves or arrange with a specialist to complete the necessary
connectivity during the install.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
• Warehousing - Installers
usually maintain warehouse space to put away your business furniture
until you are ready to go forward with the install.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-62344287766509620862012-06-13T19:50:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:50:36.598-08:00Copper Roof Drains Drown the Competition<div style="text-align: justify;">
oof drains are commonly used on flat roofed buildings in America. For years there have been a few manufacturers that make commercial drains out of either cast iron or plastic. Both cast iron drains and plastic drains are a pain to install. Having to cut out roofing membrane and install a clamping system that clamps the drain to the roof from below the roof line. Cast iron drains are very costly and plastic drains tend to fail over time. But there is an alternative!<br /><br />Thunderbird Products has been making copper drains for over 30 years. Copper drains don't rust, are very easy to install, and are cost effective. Copper roof drains come on a large flashing made out of 20 ounce natural copper. Why is this important? This is what makes the drain easy to install, just nail the flashing down and put your waterproofing over it and your done!<br /><br />One of the biggest problems with cast iron and plastic roof drains is that as the building settles the drain winds up popping up off the roof causing puddling around the drain and usually a future callback to the contractor and roofer. Thunderbird copper drains eliminate this problem. The nature of copper is that it is a softer metal. So as a building settles the copper drain flashing actually settles with the roof. This means no more puddling, and no more call-backs!<br /><br />One potential problem with copper drains is electrolysis. This is reaction that happens between some dissimilar metals. For instance, when copper comes in contact with iron the two metal corrode each other. It is therefore easy to see why you wouldn't want to use a copper drain on a steel or tin roof. That is why Thunderbird Products recently introduce a line of drains that are made out of 26 gauge marine grade 316 stainless steel. Stainless steel can be used with metal roofing systems, and does not have a bad reaction to other metals.<br /><br />Thunderbird products also manufactures a line of TPO cladded drains. TPO is recenlty popular waterproofing membrane that can be heat welded to itself. It is a great single ply roofing membrane that has a very long life and a very successful track record. Thunderbird TPO cladded roof drains use TPO cladded flashing material from the manufacturer. An installer no longer has to cut a whole in their tpo material to install a drain. Just buy a Thunderbird TPO roof drain, put it down, and heat weld directly to the drain flashing.<br /><br />All Thunderbird roof drains share some common characteristics. All model are made with a seamless drain basin and flashing. All drains come with a strong ABS plastic dome strainer. Made for pipe size up to 6" in diameter. Overflow and clamping ring options available.<br /><br />There are a few online retails that have Thunderbird Products line of drains in stock and<br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-17135570736621985282012-06-10T07:20:00.000-07:002012-11-09T07:20:35.313-08:00http://aminbakish.blogspot.com/http://aminbakish.blogspot.com/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-11754974204585302922012-05-24T19:46:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:47:05.353-08:00Choosing the Right Office Furniture Installation Service<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Before you decide on an office furniture installation service,
there are a few things you should consider. This will help to ensure
that you don't waste your time and money on an inferior company. Being
diligent and purposeful with your choice also helps to make sure your
equipment and other belongings will be installed properly. One of the
worst things you can do in this situation is be nonchalant and
uninterested. Choosing a random business is not a smart idea. You may be
thinking that it's really not that serious, because anyone can install
furniture. However, this way of thinking is far from the truth. Certain
things, such as cubicles, cannot be installed by just anyone. It takes
someone with the right skill level and the right amount of patience to
get the job done correctly.<br />
With
that being said, and as previously mentioned, one of the first things
you should look for when it comes to finding a good office furniture
installation service is a company that exudes patience. This is
extremely important because of the nature of the job. Workers are
sometimes required to carry heavy objects and putt together difficult
pieces of equipment. Someone with little patience can either become
frustrated and give up or their frustration can prompt them to do the
job incorrectly just so they can get "finished."<br />
Of course,
there's really no way for you to know who exactly will be working on
your office. However, a good way to judge the workers is by judging the
person who employs them. Many times, the attitude and disposition of an
employee is a direct reflection of the supervisor or manager. So, meet
up with the people in charge of the company or companies you are
interested in. If you aren't able to meet with them personally, you can
opt to have a phone conversation with them. The conversation doesn't
have to be long or complex. Ask them a few general or pressing
questions. This will help you to get a feel for their personality and
attitude.<br />
Lastly and probably most importantly, you want to find
an office furniture installation service that has the proper skill level
and expertise to get all of your items situated correctly. No matter
how nice the manager may be or how much patience the workers may have,
if they lack the proper skills, then they won't really be helpful to you
or your business. A good way to find out if a particular company is up
to par is to ask around or search for online reviews<br />
Don't forget
to choose wisely when it comes to finding the office furniture
installation service that is right for you. Being relaxed about your
choice can end up backfiring.<br />
</div>
<div id="article-resource" style="text-align: justify;">
If you're moving your company to a new borough, you may need <a href="http://www.centralmoving.com/office-furniture-installation-new-york-new-jersey/" target="_new">office furniture installation New York</a>. Visit<br />
</div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-52026567043714483462012-05-17T19:39:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:39:45.701-08:00The Colour Wheel and DesignWhat is the most important instrument that shapes the atmosphere of a room or interior space? Is it the furniture? Is it the flooring? Some people may be surprised to find out that it is even simpler than a paint brush. When it comes to planning out fantastic interior design the colour wheel is an interior decorator's most important tool. No matter how well decorated or cosy a room may be designed if the colour is uninviting or simply not attractive it can completely off balance the entire space. For most home spaces, every room will possess their own unique colour scheme which reflects the qualities of that room. For example, a living room is typically bright and inviting while a kitchen is typically darker in colour tones to promote closeness and proximity between parties. Bright colours that decorate a child's room or a play room may not be as appropriate in a master bathroom and vice versa.<br /><br />The colour wheel is made up of six separate and unique archetypes which each have separate impacts upon the interior design and atmosphere of a space: primary colours, secondary colours, tertiary colours, cool colours, warm colours, and whites. Primary colours are made up of what one would assume such as red, yellow, and blue. The secondary colours are the combinations of the primary colours such as purple and green. Cool colours, such as hues of blue and green, as considered to be passive which have an effect of making a room seem larger than it really is; on the other side of that coin are warm colours, such as reds and yellows, which are well suited for living spaces which make them seem much more inviting. Finally, white colours (also known as "neutralizers") are commonly utilized to bring out the brilliance of surrounding colours by providing a contrast and augmentation which can bring vitality to a room that would remain quite plain if it was simply composed of a single solid colour.<br /><br />When applying this in practice bear in mind that soft and light schemes are set to play an important role in interiors, with considered textural and tonal pairings creating a timeless finish that celebrates intricate details and beautiful materials. Presenting a collection of textured and hand-painted wallpaper designs that featured soft metallic shades and traditional artisan wall finishes that are applied directly to the paper makes good use of this interior design technique. Playing around with luxurious materials through a rich selection of drapes, woven paisleys, liquid velvet fabrics and accessories will assure an appeal to high end interiors.<br /><br />Interior Desires provide Interior Design in London such as Architectural Interior Design<br /><br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-29323837662909944562012-04-18T19:41:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:41:37.579-08:00The World's Top Architectural Cities<div style="text-align: justify;">
Architecture is a subject that fascinates and captures the attention
of a certain breed of people. Appreciating the design of a building is
one thing, but understanding its construction, the different elements
that make it so spectacular and feeling that desire to create something
for yourself appeals to a fair few select people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Read about some
of the top architectural cities in the world, different design trends
and how they have been evolving in the past hundred years.</div>
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Dubai</div>
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Perhaps
the most impressive of modern construction sites is Dubai in the United
Arab Emirates. With oil no longer the main focus in the Emirate,
attention is turning to tourism and hospitality in the region with some
of the most grandiose skyscrapers and construction endeavours ever seen
taking place within the city. Modern spins on traditional Islamic
architecture can be found as well as the most innovative modern designs
in the world. Man-made islands shaped to look like palm trees and
skyscrapers that resemble the sails of yachts are just the beginning as
developments continue.</div>
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Beijing</div>
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China's capital has been the
centre of culture and politics in the country since the Ming Dynasty in
the 14th century. When the last of the dynasties fell in 1911, Beijing
was a place of extreme unrest with warlords fighting for control of the
city. Relics of the dynasties architectural styles remain - buildings
like the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City are characteristic of
this with multi-eaved roofs and intricate brickwork. Today this old
architecture clashes with modern skyscrapers and boxy buildings that
exist for function rather than form, providing for the corporate centre
that the capital has become. Innovative marvels like the Watercube
National Swimming Centre's blue walls and the dome-like National Grand
Theatre of China do break up the monotony of grey skyscrapers that are
found in central business districts.</div>
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Rome</div>
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Ancient Roman
architecture plants an image in the mind of almost anybody who hears the
words. Stone colosseums and the intricate Aquduct of Segovia in Spain
still stand today as proud monuments of the empire's past. Government
and banking buildings all over the Western world took inspiration from
these early designs and today the arch is a staple of Roman architecture
that can be seen almost anywhere and everywhere.</div>
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When you're planning a new home for yourself or planning the construction of a new office or</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5134174384868873758.post-92093726933844613352012-01-19T19:28:00.000-08:002012-11-10T19:31:47.341-08:00Fiber Optic Lighting for Commercial Use<div style="text-align: justify;">
The use of fiber optics in lighting systems is an amazing innovation, owing to the many benefits that the technology offers. Among the key benefits is the color changeability that these systems offer, thus making them ideal for applications that require unique color changeability and lighting effects.<br /><br />The benefits of a Fiber Optic Lighting System<br /><br />1. Safety: Fiber optic systems have a reputation for being safe for commercial use since they do not require any ultraviolet light, heat, or electricity in the cable to function. In addition, the light source is normally remote from the point of application. As such, they can be used safely in and around combustible surfaces, water, paintings, and other precious artifacts.<br /><br />2. Cost-Effectiveness: An optics lighting system is quite economical to use, bearing in mind that it only requires two amps, or less to operate. It also comes with low maintenance costs. A single light source can be used with multiple fixtures.<br /><br />3. Durability & Convenience: The UV protected plastic coating makes the cable durable, waterproof, and shockproof, and in effect maintenance free. As such, the fiber optic lighting systems are convenient to use, and can be used for many years, without breaking or burning out. This makes them ideal for locations that are not easily within reach. In addition, they are perfectly safe to use outdoors, without worrying about water damage or overheating.<br /><br />4. Versatility: These lighting systems are very flexible in that, one light source can be used simultaneously for multiple applications. In addition, they can be used in virtually any application that requires a bold and dramatic effect.<br /><br />Commercial Applications and Uses of Fiber Optic Lighting System<br /><br />A fiber optic system offers a focused light source that does not emit ultraviolet rays or heat. This makes it ideal for commercial use due its energy efficiency. In addition, the system can be used safely with light sensitive and temperature sensitive materials such as museum artwork.<br /><br />The lighting systems are rapidly replacing traditional systems in many commercial applications, especially, where convenience and safety is called for. The most common application is decorative lighting, but there are many other uses for such technology.<br /><br />They are ideal for Shop front window displays, Trade shows and exhibitions, Signage, Shopping Center arcades, Chandeliers, swimming pools, Aquariums, Building foyers and corridors, Landscaping for gardens and driveways, Casinos, Discos and nightclubs, Ice sculptures and art pieces, Christmas exhibits and many more.<br /><br />Learn more about the different commercial uses of a fiber optic lighting sytem as it may help with your commercial undertaking.<br /><br /><br /></div>
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