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Unusual Loft of the Swedish Artist

The Unusual Swedish Apartment
This artistic and inventive loft, made of various geometrical forms — spacious and light apartment of famous Swedish artist Carouschka Streijffert.
The atypical interior of the apartment located on an attic of one house in Stockholm, at first sight, can seem freakish or even unusual. Actually, abstract playful forms, co-operating with each other, create the thought about the harmonic space.
Unusual Stockholm Attic
So, for example, a library zone organically is created by from a wooden rack and round windows; also an unusual configuration of a floor and futuristic chair «LC2» by Le Corbusier center on a rug executed under the sketch of the owner of apartment.
A Art Apartments

One of the basic visual dominants of apartment is the art fireplace artly integrated into a ladder. On the color scale and some other obvious signs, this white interior is close to new Scandinavian style which, like eclectic loft, is formed of pictures, art objects and the interior elements of different Scandinavian epochs.
VIA «Unusual Loft of the Swedish Artist»
Tree Felling 101 for the Lavish Property Owner

It doesn't matter how big your house is (even if it's the size of this one), how much it costs or even how much you are worth — the same rules for tree felling apply to everyone.
We're not just talking about the mechanics of lining up a cut and making sure it doesn't drop into your 24ft luxury swimming pool either, there is more to removing a tree than meets the eye.
The above will not make pleasant reading for a lot of property owners, who will have been looking for an excuse to fell a cumbersome tree on their land for years. Yes, they can add privacy, but they can also prevent development whether this is in relation to your garden or the house itself.
Therefore, if you are looking to rid your land of a troublesome tree, read on. The following checklist has been put together for any UK homeowner out there, but it's very likely that the same rules apply for most countries.
Rule #1 — Are you even allowed to fell the tree?
First and foremost, it’s all about legalities. You might own the most exclusive plot in town, but that doesn’t mean to say that you can do whatever you please with the tree. The UK has thousands of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and this means that permission has to be sought before you do anything that will drastically change the tree. The fact that this even includes pruning will tell you that most of the time, the thought of felling one is absolutely out of the question.
This is an occasion where bending the rules is pretty much unthinkable as well. It’s an offence to fell, or even do any work for that matter, on a tree protected by a TPO. Therefore, it doesn’t matter where you live, it’s generally not worth the aggravation and you’ll have to live with the tree for the foreseeable future (i.e., forever).
Rule #2 — Is it going to cause half your house to fall down?
In felling a tree, you also want to ensure that you don't fell your house. This might sound a bit over the top, but it really isn't. Additionally, we're not talking about the risks of the tree crushing your great big roof lights (although that's an obvious concern, as well).
Instead, we’re referring to the perils of subsidence. It’s an insurer’s worst nightmare and a lot of the time it’s related purely to the actions of the homeowner. Remove a tree anywhere near your home and you’ve just allowed an enormous amount of water, which the tree was previously using, to re-enter the soil and subsequently swell it. This can cause a whole host of problems and in the worst situations, it’s not been uncommon for houses to have to be rebuilt.
Rule #3 — Who will manage the whole process?
Once upon a time the only option would have been to take advantage of a professional tree felling service, as it simply wasn’t possible to source the specialist equipment on a domestic level. However, there are now numerous companies offering arborist clothing and machinery and this means that the DIY approach is entirely doable.
Whether you fancy getting your hands dirty is up to you. It will work out significantly cheaper to take this approach, although you’ll also have to factor in all of the calculations that are necessary when felling trees. On this note we should also remind readers that if you do get a calculation wrong, there’s every chance that one side of your house could be completely flattened. Therefore, make sure you read the appropriate literature before whipping out your chainsaw.
Rule #4 — What happens next?
No, this final rule isn’t like the famous part of ‘A Question of Sport’, but rather what is going to happen to the felled tree now? The answer to the above issue might have already covered it, as some companies will dispose of the tree for you.
However, if they don’t, you have a giant piece of lumbar in your back garden. Unless you need wood for your stove, it’s a nuisance to say the least. Moving it in one go is probably out of the question, while even sawing it up into tiny pieces will be too much for some. Unfortunately, it’s something else that has to be covered and this is exactly why, no matter what type of house you reside in, tree felling is never a simple topic and there is a boatload of planning required before even considering it.
VIA «Tree Felling 101 for the Lavish Property Owner»
Solar: the Perfect Technology for the Contemporary Dwelling

There's one thing that's pretty consistent across all of the examples featured on this site — they're all as contemporary as it gets. There are no awkward features, everything is smooth, seamless and damn right modern.
Over the years the construction industry has seen technologies come and go, arguably at a faster rate than in other fields. It would be fair to say that one technology which has grabbed building experts by the scruff of the neck is solar. It's something which is being applied in practically every imaginable use and when it comes to contemporary homes it's no surprise why.
Solar is something that removes any aesthetic fears from architects. Once upon a time those famous panels may have been classed as intrusive, but nowadays they can be blended into any modern building. Similarly, smaller solar products (which we'll get into later), just don't hinder a home's appearance in the slightest and this is the reason it's here to say.
Of course, a lot of these products also happen to save a considerable amount of money - something which is surely required when you see some of the extravagant featured properties! Nevertheless, the point we're trying to make is that solar energy is here to stay and this is something that a lot of rival technologies haven't been able to say over the past few years. Here, we highlight how solar is growing, how you can use it on your home - and why it suits the contemporary, dream homes down to a tee.
The old favourite: solar panels
We may as well start with the thing that everyone associates solar technology with; those panels which seem to be affixed to a growing proportion of UK estates. Initially, they were targeted at local authority housing, but private homeowners have now caught on and they are especially popular with modern properties.
The nature of solar panels means that they are never going to be suited to a rustic dwelling. Shiny panels just don’t work on a converted barn, but when they are integrated to a potential Dwell award candidate, things start to change. They can actually look like a positive addition to such properties, while it’s now possible to purchase the panels in varying styles which make them highly compatible with different types of roofs.
Security lighting: no longer a tangle of wires
This is one use of the technology which doesn’t necessarily have to be implemented in a luxury home. The reason it’s been included in this article is because of the simplicity and it doesn’t matter where you live, gone are the days when you have to source an electrician to fit a complicated set of security lights.
Naturally, these lights arrive in various solar contemporary styles, but the big selling point is that they’re plug and play. Some security lights which are solar powered can be installed in a matter of minutes and this means that they’re certainly here to stay, and possibly overtake the standard security fittings that we have come so accustomed to over the last few years.
Water features: same as above
Take a look at the latest featured house on this blog and it will almost certainly be exquisitely landscaped, with a water feature to boot. The introduction of solar technology to these features has transformed the way in which gardens can be put together and again there’s no need to source a qualified electrician – a lot of these features are powered entirely by the sun.
Considering the fact that it’s also possible to obtain solar fairy lights to compliment the landscape, it goes without saying that water features are evolving and have become even more exuberant because of solar.
And finally… for the ultimate solar/contemporary enthusiast
We should probably have added another component to the title of this subheading, “for the ultimate property owner”. We’ll again refer to the houses that are featured across Art Architect and the vast majority have a pool in their back garden.
For a lot of years, the main problem with swimming pools hasn’t been the upfront cost (although these will still set you back tens of thousands of pounds, or more depending on your requirements), but the running costs. Again, solar has come to the rescue and through the use of solar thermal technology, it’s now possible to heat the water through the sun’s rays. Additionally, excess energy can be used for outside towel rails or even the water for showers – again elements that will accompany the contemporary plot down to a tee.
VIA «Solar: the Perfect Technology for the Contemporary Dwelling»
The Italian Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers

Confindustria Ceramica
Confindustria Ceramica — the Italian Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers - has appointed us with the promotion of an integrated campaign aimed at enhancing the global perception of "Italian Ceramic Tiles".
The project originates out of the need to redefine the product positioning, reviving its role as a main component in design, life style, fashion, new housing styles, and with a view to extending the industry targets by involving ever more competitive, creative consumers, who are strongly fascinated by trendy products.
The Italian Ceramics means Infinite Creativity
The campaign strategy and concept have been identified from the unique product plus: ceramics is basically the only type of tile with which a practically infinite range of shapes, colours, and solutions is possible. Following a target audit phase, in which an opinion poll and one-to-one interviews have been conducted, the campaign has further developed through an integrated project guided by PR actions and implemented in different communication channels: off-line advertising, events, TV, web communication, web portal.
Several actions have been carried out over a period of about one year with appearances on TV channels, newspapers and magazines (editorials, web, TV, events) for a total of approximately 114 million contacts.
Confindustria Ceramica is the Italian Association of Ceramic Tile and Sanitary Appliance Manufacturers — in charge of promoting Italian ceramic products both in Italy and abroad. In the past few years, ceramics has lost appeal versus its competitors: i.e. wood, stone, or resin tiles, deemed to be more prestigious and "trendy". Ceramics is considered to be a "poor", "cold", "uncool" products, suitable only for some specific settings (e.g., kitchens and bathrooms).
Italy Has Always Been the Most Important Producer of Ceramic Tiles In the World
The campaign aims to revamp ceramics as a creative, prestigious, and trendy solution. Ceramics has the right "credentials" to play a leading role in design, fashion, new life styles and architectural design: from all rooms in the house, to large buildings and public spaces.
There are two main reference targets: namely "insiders" (architects, designers, interior designers) and an increasingly larger group of "consum-actors", who are creative, motivated, well informed and who want to play a leading role in creating their own world.
In order to define the target’s needs: opinion poll by Eurisko and one-to-one interviews to some selected influencers.
The Innovations Developed by Ceramics Manufacturers:
The campaign strategy and concept have been identified from the unique plus that distinguishes ceramics from all its competitive products: thanks to a major product innovation developed by ceramics manufacturers, ceramics is the only type of tile with which a practically infinite range of shapes, colours, sizes, decorations, and finishings is possible.
For this reason, ceramics is "Infinite Creativity", and it perfectly meets the needs of Consum-actors, who favour solutions that allow them to pursue an exclusive and personal style. Ceramic tiles and consum-actors are the perfect match.
Unlike previous industry campaigns that were somehow self-referencing — our product is beauty and technology, — this campaign focuses on consumers (and industry experts) by fuelling their desire to play a leading role, while suggesting them that ceramics is the right product to fulfil it.
The campaign has been implemented along two complementary planes: a PR action, aimed at prompting rational purchase motivations (brain), as well as a whole set of integrated strongly emotional actions with a view to consolidating the new product positioning: ceramics as a creative choice (heart).
VIA «The Italian Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers»
The house of the Italian photographer

The big window in this house is simultaneously both a wall, and the screen for a projector. All it was required to photographer Cellina von Mannstein, to the customer of a building.
The architect of project Peter Pichler
Unusual Italian Interior
In the house there will be a studio of the photographer and premises. To create on the ground floor a terrace, the two-storeyed inhabited block has been shifted.
VIA «The house of the Italian photographer»
Integral House [Toronto, Canada]

The Unique Canadian House
The two-storeyed Integral House located near to countryside of suburb Toronto (Canada), belongs to Dr. James Stewart (the Canadian professor of mathematics, famous violoncellist). The Canadian architectural studio «Shim-Sutcliffe Architects» became authors of the project of the unique house.
From Curvilinear Exterior to Curvilinear Interior
The top part of a building is created as a translucent structure with glass facades. The bottom level consists of strong oak walls. This variety of the vertical glazed apertures and the natural oak's exterior cover is a maximally harmoniously integrated into a natural Canadian landscape.
The passion of the client to «curves» was a starting point for design of the future house. These curvilinear interior details with doubled integrals and unusual architectural corners provide to the Integral House the unique spatial form penetrating all architectural project. Besides it, for a house interior the furniture from the legendary manufacturer is used.
Definition «the frozen music» — the fully describes this unique country house. For this reason all elements of exteriors and fragments of interiors perfectly sounds in the general symphony of an interior and appearance of the wooden Canadian house.
The main place in the house is the concert zone in which simultaneously can arrive more than 150 persons. At top level the dining room and a drawing room which is carrying out also function of theatrical balconies.
The house is designed taking into account power of innovative architectural technologies and the good acoustic characteristics necessary for the ideal sound effect of a violoncello. Thus, it's possible to declare with confidence that a home renovations are the innovative architectural standards of housing construction.
VIA «Integral House [Toronto, Canada]»
Rain barrels — for economical owners!

Rains of barrels are good means for gathering and preservation of rain water. Use rain pursues flanks two aims: reductions of expenses on water consumption, and also in deficiency of the water.

In the form rain barrels of three kinds are issued: round, rectangular and decorative. It is offered on a choice to 40 models of the various barrels differing among themselves: the form, in size, colour and appearance.

Rain barrels have capacity from 100 to 2,000 litres. All barrels are made of ecologically pure and reliable material. Each tank has the plastic crane, which is used for filling of a jug by water, and those tanks, which are placed directly on the earth (without a support), also have the bottom system of a fence of water, to which by means of a connecting collar with an external carving it is possible to connect a hose then to use rain water for watering of a lawn or car washing.
Rain barrels it's economical
Also there is a connection possibility to the tank the electric pump; in that case by means of a hose connected to the bottom system of a fence of water, it is possible to swing rain water, for example, for watering of trees in a garden. Rain harvesting can be used also in the garden purposes, and also for putting in order in the house and on a kitchen garden.

Rain barrels place on supports (round), or is direct on the earth, and by means of the connecting device are connected to a catchment basin or the filter which has been built in in a water pipe.
Rain barrels during the winter period
Land tanks can be used during the spring/autumn period. Rain water barrels cannot be used during winter time as the barrel can deteriorate from freezing water (depending on a climatic site).

In the end of autumn, namely, with approach of the first frosts, the tank is necessary for emptying, clearing of pollution and to disconnect from a catchment basin or the filter. Not heavy barrels can be placed for the winter in a premise, and big to leave in the street, densely having closed. Rain barrels for sale — buy only from the recommended manufacturers.
VIA «Rain barrels — for economical owners!»
Mailboxes for apartments and cottages

Now mailboxes represent not simply storehouses for newspapers and the correspondence, and the aesthetic and capacious designs, capable to meet all requirements of tenants private or an apartment house. At building of new buildings the contract organization suggests to get to owners of apartments a mailbox.

The box post in specialized supermarkets is realized or ordered on joiner's manufactures and mechanical factories. Has received a wide circulation a mail box metal, executed of a steel in the thickness of 1 mm, both horizontal, and a vertical design. The similar box becomes covered by a spherical paint which long time protects a surface from corrosion owing to damp conditions of environment.
Commercial Mailboxes for houses
The mailbox in an entrance, according to the executed documentation, on a wall convenient for withdrawal of the correspondence is mounted. All access mailboxes realized in a retail network or made at the enterprises, should correspond to state standards. Not a secret that cases when section mail boxes from barbarous promptings break have become frequent, doors and lateral panels tear off.

If clients want to get slot-hole mail boxes or products of other configurations, they can contact dispatchers by contact phone or send the demand for e-mail.
Residential Mailboxes for cottages
In a private sector the street mail box reliably locked, rain waters inaccessible to penetration and an other atmospheric precipitation is necessary. Except all the rest, the paint by which the box metal is covered, gets out proceeding from durability conditions.

Owners of own houses on general meeting of tenants often state a wish that the mail box has been executed in the general stylistics of the house. Trusting manufacturing of Commercial Mailboxes to any firm, it is necessary to state to masters all requirements, precisely having specified the sizes and product dimensions.

As a rule, the organized groups of tenants choose either a mail box vertical, or a box post horizontal on a steady platform. If it is required to place a considerable quantity of products on the limited area, it is more preferable to choose a case post vertical, intended for street application.

Now the mailbox is considered a synonym of good taste and durability. The material for a product steals up at leading steel-rolling factories. Each horizontal post case or a design of a vertical configuration should have the certificate of conformity from the manufacturer.
VIA «Mailboxes for apartments and cottages»
About the mortgage and a loan

Every year in our country hypothecary crediting (mortgage) or the loan on the security of the bought real estate uses the increasing popularity.

The hypothecary credit allows to get habitation already today, and to repay the credit for many years. The hypothecary credit or VA Loan is the long-term money advance which is given out for purchase of the real estate, on the security of this real estate.
Home Loan it's always favorable
* Hypothecary crediting brings to nothing degree of inflationary risks.
* Payment of cost of the real estate, in conformity with mortgage conditions, is carried out not at a time, and in a current of long time that is much more favourable than full payment.
* The Sums of payments connected with repayment of the hypothecary credit, are fixed at the moment of credit reception.
* Possibility of registration (residence permit) in the got apartment (house).
* VA Home Loan — favourable capital investment (at current trends of the market of the price for the real estate grow on the average from 14,5 to 30% a year).
In America, as well as all over the world, exists two ways of purchase of the real estate on credit: it is the bank mortgage or VA Loan Eligibility. For any bank hypothecary crediting is one of ways of reception of profit.

Percent paid by the borrower on the hypothecary credit include profit of bank taking into account the insurance from the every possible risks connected with difficulty of return of the credit. As a result, the apartment got by means of the bank credit, manages to the buyer essentially more expensively initial cost. In many cases — on 50-70%.

Probably, you agree, that at a choice of the organisation anyhow using your money, the first and main criteria — reliability and conscientiousness. Co-operative movement intensively develops, and now in the market there is wide enough spectrum of offers. Among them — offers to give the housing loan under the tenth shares of percent, the settling promise in apartment in two months, and so forth. It is clear, that such offers caused by the growing competition between housing-memory structures, can be or simple advertising receptions, or (that is much more dangerous) display of frank unconscientiousness.
Home Loan on examples
VIA «About the mortgage and a loan»
Rotterdam supermarket

Building of this project has already begun: Dutch bureau MVRDV will begin building in the centre of Rotterdam. This object will combine two functions — an apartment house (228 apartments) and the market area.
Supermarket in Rotterdam
On the market area 100 trading places, shops and restaurants will take places. In a building is also an underground part — a parking on 1200 places and a supermarket.

In each apartment there will be own balcony, and also a window which leaves on the market area. The project is planned to construct by 2014th year. The general investments into the project makes 175 million euro. The building total area will make 100,000 sq. m.
Apartment house Rotterdam
The project is symbolical enough, but is conceived as new city typology; this steady combination of products and meal, leisure, habitation and a parking.
VIA «Rotterdam supermarket»
A variety of towels in our life

Round us it is a lot of prophetic. Of them we so have strongly got used to many, that often we do not give them any value though it's not always justified. First of all it concerns towels which the person use constantly throughout all life.
Towels are necessary in each house
In any house there are some various towels with which tenants and visitors wipe hands, the body, ware...

The towel is the textile product of the rectangular or square form created specially for a wipe of any subjects, including bodies of the person. Towels have appeared many years back. About them there are mentions in the Bible and national legends of any people.

Towels on appearance are very similar to wafers (therefore them and name wafer). They well absorb a moisture (three times better, than terry towels), perfectly mass, promote microblood circulation and a lymph. They can be used both for a wipe of ware and hands, and in a bathroom. In Hotel Bedding Collection Set — are often included wafer and terry towels.

For massage special massage towels from the flax which unique structure helps a body to relax are created. With their help also it is possible to pound a body well.

Well, and on a beach we, certainly, take a beach towel on which it is possible to sunbathe on the sun and to be wiped after swimming. Allocate also special towels for hands. These are towels of the small size which hang up in a bathroom or in a toilet about a bowl for a wipe of hands.

Towels from velour weave from five threads. Four threads form the top and bottom basis of a fabric (them in pairs bind with each other), and the fifth — pile (it is a velvety thread more often). After end of weaving a fabric cut to separate the top basis from the bottom. Other name of these towels — Luxury Hotel Towels.

Besides, towels differ on a material of which they are made. Certainly, most widespread of them is the cotton fabric from which weave towels many centuries successively. The cotton fibre well absorbs a moisture, does not collapse during the big number of washings and is steady against a friction which is inevitable at towel use. On Queen Bed Blanket always at a headboard put a cotton towel.

Towels also make from silk, a bamboo and a paper. Silk towels beautiful, gentle and improbably magnificent, but badly absorb a moisture and instantly stick to a body. Bamboo towels very soft and gentle.

From a bamboo weave beach towels since the bamboo fibre possesses cooling effect more often. From a paper make disposable towels for a kitchen room which perfectly absorb a moisture and effectively clear ware of a dirt and the food rests.

The terry towel is the most favourite towel, gentle and soft in which it is pleasant to be turned after a shower or a bathroom. Weave such towels from the terry fabric which pile turns out for the account of free giving of loops of leaky tense basis. Terry towels perfectly well absorb a moisture, quickly dry and long do not wear out.

Certainly, always it is possible to manage one towel for all occasions, always it is possible to buy not so expensive towel of so low quality, but, you see, when it is a question of such important subject as a towel, it is wrong and very unreasonable!
Luxury Hotel Towels Here!
VIA «A variety of towels in our life»
Ultra-modern dugout in Switzerland

Whether it is possible to hide simultaneously the house in a slope of the Swiss Alpes, to open before inhabitants a tremendous kind on surrounding city and the nature, and to make this dwelling accessible to light?
Small house in the Swiss Alpes
The input in a building is combined with a small court yard. Rather big facade of the house, with a more potential for spacious windows is inside hidden. The corner of the review from the house is slightly under a corner.

Local authorities do not welcome modern decisions in architecture. But this design has been apprehended positively, as an example of the pragmatic unostentatious project in very sensitive district.
The given concept have apprehended as little bit absurd, but to interfere with building did not become.
By local residents it's approved!
It is interesting, that in Switzerland the statement of the building project is carried out after on a site the wooden model of a building is erected. Then inhabitants of the given district, representatives of local community either approve the project, or reject the project, proving it that the architectural design is not entered in a district general plan.
VIA «Ultra-modern dugout in Switzerland»
Bump Key: safety of the lock under the threat

Several years ago in the West European mass-media the information asserting has flown, that almost all cylinder locks are not protected from a new technique of not authorised opening of key mechanisms, namely use "Bump Key".

At once it is necessary to comment, that the above-named method not is the new. According to experts about method Kwikset Bump Key it is known already more than 20 years.

Set of entrance doors are equipped by locks with usual brass cylinders (sometimes them name larvae). There are some ways to open such lock: to drill, beat out, break out, take advantage of a master key.

The basic models of the cylinders made by Italian company CISA, possess protection against drilling (an insert from the tempered steel), from a sledge hammer, from not authorised manufacturing of twirls (the number keys made only to bearer Security Card), from a master key (to 8 billion combinations of a key, an interactive mobile element). Additional protection is provided with installation of special protective armour overlays.
Bump Key Proof — will protect you the lock
Bumping is a method of longitudinal shock influence on the cylinder lock. Process looks so: the special key (Bump Keys) and a small hammer is required to the malefactor. The burglar inserts into lock Bump Key and starts to tap slightly. Because of vibration the confidential mechanism of the lock can be arranged itself under Bump Key Sets which needs to be turned thus in a keyhole. It is a little patience — and the lock opens...

Now only specialised expert examination can help to prove to the owner the breaking fact. But whether to warn danger in advance is better?

CISA has given the worthy answer to this call of the criminal world. First of all it has been proved, that serial cylinder CISA RS3 with an interactive mobile element (patent CISA), does not give in to opening by a method bamping. But as superreliable cylinder RS3 does not belong to the class of cheap cylinders, CISA has set the task to develop a method of protection of other cylinders first of all most popular and claimed — series ASTRAL and AP3. Today CISA has solved this problem, having received the patent for conformity of cylinders RS3, AP3 S and ASTRAL S to European specifications EN 1303: 2005, including on the requirement of protection from bamping.

Cylinders AP3 S and ASTRAL S have special marks «BKP» (Bump Key Proof). At the expense of what will reach so high level of protection against breakings? We will pay attention, that to the cylinder name letter S — reduction of Italian word Sigillo in the end is added.

The design of these cylinders includes an insert from six rigid plates from the tempered steel and one flexible plate from stainless steel (for flexibility giving). If your house is reliably protected, it means not only safety of property and nerves, but also care of people close and expensive to you!
Bump Key Master Lock
VIA «Bump Key: safety of the lock under the threat»
Faena Aleph Residences [Argentina, Buenos Aires]

The Faena District in Argentina is now home to Foster + Partners’ first completed project in Latin America. Owned by Faena Group, the district totes architectural designs by some of the industry’s most expressive figures including Philippe Starck whose Faena Hotel incorporates a number of recycled silos and the Faena Arts Center by Mike McCormack and Faena Group Architects which evolved from an old mill.
“Faena District was inspired by a desire for redefining the concept of ‘dwelling’ and ‘habitat’, and was conceived as a constantly evolving work of art, a unique piece that offers an alternative lifestyle - different, rich, engaging. We are seeking to redefine how we live in cities, by combining culture, green spaces and architecture: we want to generate more general awareness.”
“The Aleph is a building that is very much borne of its place. From the traditional Buenos Aires house, which takes advantage of the climate to combine outdoor with indoor living, to the industrial architecture legacy of the Puerto Madero District, the Aleph creates a wonderful new living environment that is unique to the Faena Arts District.” says Brandon Haw, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners.

VIA «Faena Aleph Residences [Argentina, Buenos Aires]»
Simple Chains Magic

Time is now growing worldwide popularity of so-called a rain chains, which are much more beautiful option for accumulation rainwater than conventional gutters. Among the many original ideas for the house, they are quite ancient, their motherland is Japan.
Usual Chain, but Unusual Look
The rain chains are spread all over the world, presenting an opportunity for all people to use the unusual design of the usual things. Such chains rain — offer many opportunities for developing imagination and realization of creative ideas. It can be like a normal chain of traditional weaving, mounted directly below a roof of house.
Also, the accumulated rainwater can be used for watering house plants. Functional and beautiful rain chains will be real gem of country house and garden plot. They will help make the exterior of house as something incredible.
Simple mounting makes easy fixing to any system for effective rainwater accumulation. And sending the water directly into beautiful bowls, vessels, bright colorful barrels for water will be directly to the target.
The rain chain may consist of a variety elements in the form of funnels, bells, fish, tea cups and saucers, teapots, umbrellas, flowers, flowery different weaves, etc. Just look what a beauty!

VIA Simple Chains Magic
A Majesty of the Mailbox

If the theater begins with a hanger, but the house of course begins with a mailbox. As though that may be, the real mail never replace the Internet, all because this type of the communication is a kind symbol of USA, thus various type of mailbox and posts is the lifestyle for Americans because it stylish and laconically.
Many countries have tried to adopt the similar symbolism, but few have succeeded. Not inculcate the habit of every morning to check the mailbox, it's hard work. An elementary part of given tradition exists in Great Britain, but this is a privilege of the aristocracy. It's expensive pleasure, but mailboxes have luxury style with rather democratic price.
In third world countries (Russia, Africa, Asia) a function of the mail performs a big mailbox with a slot for letters, nothing unique — a simple steel box. This box will open once a week and letter go to the addressees. All the matter in the low literacy plus the post services, which work slowly than turtle.
The Postman
In terms of promotion the mail of USA to great symbolism, the «Postman» (directed by Kevin Costner) — was endowed with great strength. I strongly recommend to see this cult movie. Over 2.5 hours the hero of Kevin Costner will deliver messages to custom mailboxes of Post-apocalyptic States of America, for restore the National Post Service and for revival of civilization.
VIA A Majesty of the Mailbox
A Perfect Repairman

Category: House, Garden & Pets
Agency: Scholz & Friends
Brand: The German Crafts
Advertising Agency: Scholz & Friends, Berlin, Germany
Chief Creative Officer: Martin Pross
Executive Creative Director: Matthias Spaetgens
Creative Director: Mathias Rebmann, Florian Schwalme
Copywriter: Marco Mueller
Art Director: Marc Ebenwaldner, Michael Johne
Photography: Markus Mueller
Design: Robert Gebhard
Account Managers: Benjamin Baader, Jana Baehr, Marissa Monath, Sven Weiche
Producer: Nelly Sedlanic
VIA A Perfect Repairman
LG Hom-Bot Vacuum Cleaner

House cleaning is no longer in your hands.
Advertising Agency: Y&R, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Chief Creative Officer: Rui Branquinho
Creative Directors: Rui Branquinho, Flavio Casarotti, Victor Sant'Anna, Jorge Iervolino
Art Director: Renato Butori
Copywriter: Pedro Bullos
Photographer: Bruno Cals / Lab
Print production: Elaine Carvalho, Rodrigo Cassino, Flavio Zamboni
Account Managers: Valeria Ordonhez, Sandra Borges, Julia Altenhofen
Planners: Fernanda Flandoli, Joao Gabriel, Rafael Rossi
Media team: Gustavo Gaion, Gabriela Ben David
VIA LG Hom-Bot Vacuum Cleaner
Old is the New New: Making Wood Work for Your Contemporary Pad

A decade or so ago it would have been absolutely unheard of to see timber lining the external walls of a modern architect's latest creation. After all, wood was a material that had been replaced many moons ago and was only found on rotting barns... right?
Like absolutely everything in construction, materials have the habit of forming a full circle. Timber was once the only material used, before technology allowed bricks and all sorts of other alternatives to replace it. Now, contemporary builders are turning to wood again with many under the impression that it releases an ultra-stylish appearance. Additionally, there is also the matter of sustainability and in a bid to stay on the green side, it goes without saying that timber performs much better than bricks and other products.
Therefore, wood is in fashion. It might not be found on your latest set of Wimpy houses, but take to any contemporary street and you'll see plenty of it. If you're looking to replicate the effects of the material, read on and find out what considerations need to be made to make the most of timber and create another wood-cladded sensation...
Which type of wood will you be using?
This question could be rephrased; 'how much is your budget?'. A lot of the time, you won't have much say in the type of wood that you opt for and money really does talk when it comes to choosing a timber.
Fortunately, there are plenty of varieties out there that have been deemed suitable to be used on outside walls. One might not be surprised to read that the likes of oak and chestnut are some of the most expensive options, but naturally provide the highest-quality finish. Down the scale we have cedar and larch, which are classed as softwoods but have the durability factor which makes them the market favourites. Then, at the bottom of the ladder we have pine and as well as holding the most basic appearance, this has the uncanny knack of deteriorating the quickest.
This means there is plenty of food for thought. While you might love the appearance of pine (and trust us, you'll probably be in the minority), you've also got to realise that it will come under a lot of stress and need replacing at shorter intervals than initially more expensive options.
How will the wood be implemented?
We don't need to tell you how many advanced cladding techniques there are now available, you just need to take a look around here and see all of the different materials and styles that can now be adopted.
As such, the world is your oyster when it comes to laying out your timber. It goes without saying that horizontal and vertical layouts are the most common, although don't be fooled into thinking that this is your limit. Some will opt for a diagonal approach, while others will overlap the timbers to create an embezzled effect.
Another misconception revolves around the size of the material. Even if you're buying the whole lot of timber in fixed sizes, don't be under the impression that you have to stick to them. They can be broken down into smaller pieces, although naturally this will involve increased labour costs for the fixing stage.
Who will fix the material?
It would be fair to say that installing a cladded wall is somewhat different to building a brand new one out of bricks. You might think it looks easy - but we'd urge you to stop in your tracks. Wood is a material that can go drastically wrong; it can change shape, become affected by moisture amongst a whole host of other defects.
This means that during the installation phase, the adequate provisions have to be made. The battens in which the cladding is fixed to can’t be spaced too far apart, as this could result in the timber bending. In other areas, a weatherproof membrane is a necessity, while openings must be left between each element of cladding to allow for any seasonal movement.
The above paragraph really is the tip of the iceberg and it's not the sort of handbook you want to be taking to your own construction site. If any of the above sounds confusing, it's time to ditch the DIY job and take to the Yellow Pages.
What is the finished article going to look like?
And finally, what everyone has been waiting for - what is the cladded timber going to look like by the time it is in use as a fully functioning wall?
If you happen to have used an expensive hardwood, there's every chance that you'll be looking to keep things as natural as possible and you might not even have to take out your paintbrush to preserve the material.
However, as soon as the timber gets softer, it might be time to change the approach. Not only will you want to purchase some sort of product to tailor the appearance to your liking, but you'll also probably need a wood stain to protect your wood.
The preservation of cladding becomes even more important if your property sits in an exposed location, without much natural protection. With regular masonry walls your main worry is penetrating damp, but when it comes to cladding you've also got to work to ensure that you're not regularly tearing down the wall coverings every few years just because the timber wasn't preserved adequately.
And there we have it - the four considerations whilst putting together your modern wood-cladded dwelling. While it might seem a lot to take in, a lot of homeowners forget that one of the major benefits of cladding is that it can easily be changed. Admittedly, it’s still a relatively big job, but if you do want to freshen things up from time to time and can afford to purchase new timber, it’s undoubtedly possible and can provide a completely different image to your home.
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