Emerald Interior and Exterior

The world's largest paint retailer, Sherwin-Williams, is the only paint company with a VOC-free, environmentally responsible colorant that can tint all 1,500 of its colors. The washability of Emerald Interior and Exterior doesn't make its colors any less vibrant. Print ads for Emerald showcase the rich, sumptuous palettes of Sherwin-Williams through the imagery of London-based artist Mark Mawson. Those who wish to pamper their walls paint with Emerald.

Agency: McKinney;
Country: United States of America;
Chief Creative Officer: Jonathan Cude;
Group Creative Director: Ellen Steinberg;
Art Director: Jordan Eakin;
Copywriter: Ian Fairbrother;
Retoucher: Stacy Evans;
Photographer: Mark Mawson;
Print Producer: Lauren March;
Print Producer: Kellie Bingman.

Sherwin-Williams: TV Commercial

VIA «New Emerald Paint»

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]»

Another recent post on this site highlights that 'old is the new new' and in some regards, this article follows a similar theme. While a lot of Brits are head over heels in love with the whole contemporary theme, many also appreciate completely upgrading a building that is on the verge of extinction.

The idea of combining a rustic exterior with completely stylish and futuristic internal features is an approach that a lot of people are starting to follow. Unfortunately, along with that old outer shell arrive a whole host of legal issues. Heritage and conservation are two of the primary concerns and for anyone who decides to get their hands dirty in one of these projects, they'll most probably have to satisfy English Heritage as well as all of the other standard statutory requirements.

One of the most frustrating areas of such a project is the glazing. One might assume that the simple nature of windows means that they surely can't be at the centre of too many problems. However, this is seldom the case with listed properties and the general requirement is to leave the existing glazing and frames in place.

Naturally, this causes a whole host of problems. Firstly, the old style single glazing is extremely inefficient, prompting umpteen thermal difficulties that will drive your heating bills up considerably. This also relates to all of the condensation problems that can occur and due to the cold surface, it's not uncommon for the glazing to be lined with that unflattering moisture while the frames have to be regularly treated with chemicals to rid them of all of the black mould. Then, there are the other aesthetic issues and while some property owners might want to retain some 'original' features - windows rarely fall into this category.

Therefore, staying ‘original’ is certainly very difficult in relation to the windows. Fortunately, like pretty much everything in the construction industry, technology has come to the rescue. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the ways in which it’s possible to negotiate the heritage problems that surround original glazing.

Secondary Glazing

Over the years this is a solution that has become more and more popular, even if some would argue that it detracts from the quality of the interior.

The main problem that the authorities have when it comes to historic windows is their appearance from the outside. The last thing they want is for historic buildings to be donning brand new white PVC windows - it just doesn't look right, and this is something that even the most stringent building owner would struggle to disagree with.

Therefore, secondary glazing is an immediate solution. As the name indicates, this revolves another pane of glass being installed, but with the original staying in exactly the same place. This means that there is usually a significant gap between the two panes and there's no doubt that in some cases, it can look somewhat bizarre. Still, it generally satisfies English Heritage and from a thermal perspective, the extra pane of glass will work wonders. We may as well add that those dreaded condensation stains around the windows will be a thing of the past as well, as this new pane will not be coming into contact with any cold air.

Slimlite

An even more recent method has been derived from a company called Slimlite. The fact that Grand Designs have endorsed this glazing in some of their featured projects speaks volumes about its success.

In this case, the original glazing is actually removed - although the frames stay in place. Then, exceptionally thin glass, which performs as well as your standard double-glazing, is inserted into the empty frames. The end result is that the windows have the original frames, with glass that looks identical to the material that was there previously.

It's an ingenious method and can again solve all of the problems that were discussed in the early portions of this article.

Eco Ease

The final option we'll look at falls right in between the above two. In some regards, the Eco Ease concept can be described as secondary glazing as it technically results in another pane of 'glass' being installed. However, there's no significant cavity, with this 'glass' actually arriving in sticker form.

That's right, the material isn't like the standard glass that forms our windows. Instead, this is a product which can be installed via a DIY approach, or in some cases for a team of specialists to measure up and fit the glazing for you.

The fact that it is detachable will be useful for some households, while it retains impressive thermal and noise properties as well. Unsurprisingly, it arrives at a fraction of the cost - yet still manages to keep the exterior of the windows looking the same.

A Closing Thought

It’s clear to see that the problem of balancing glazing with heritage isn’t as severe as it was several years ago. At one point, the cost of fine-tuning original windows made some projects completely unviable from a financial standpoint – especially as this still prompted condensation and poor thermal performance. Therefore, the industry has progressed substantially and if you are contemplating the purchase of a historic building, one of the above solutions should at least ensure that you don’t have any troublesome heritage headaches to experience with the windows.

VIA «The Glazing Conundrum for Conversion Enthusiasts»

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

The Byzantine Bath of the Upper Town, on Theotokopoulou Street in Ano Poli, will be inaugurated in early July, 75 years after it was closed.

The 800-year-old facility has been fully restored in a project that took four years to complete and will be open not just to the public for visits but also to cultural associations and groups to stage events.

For the inauguration, the internationally acclaimed performance artist Ulay, who will be honored at the Thessaloniki Biennale of Contemporary Art, will present his interactive performance “Code of Conduct” from July 1-4 (4-8 p.m.)

While the marble sinks and European-style baths that have been salvaged from among the facility’s early-20th century fittings are no longer in use, the site continues to offer valuable insight into the personal hygiene habits of all the different people who made use of it through the ages. The Byzantines, for example, bathed in still water, while the Ottoman preferred running water.

The bathhouse was built some time between the late 12th and early 13th century, at a time when the 11th-century tradition of bathhouses was seeing a revival. Known later as Koule Hamam, it operated all the way up until 1940. Despite numerous changes and renovations, as well as abandonment during World War II and the scars of a series of strong earthquakes in 1978, its Byzantine roots are still apparent in its layout and architectural elements.

It is the biggest and most intact Byzantine-era bathhouse among a handful that have survived in Greece and the only one in Thessaloniki, according to the supervisors of the restoration project, Fani Revythiadou, an architect and restorer, and Constantinos Raptis, an archaeologist at the Thessaloniki Ephorate of Antiquities.

While it survived collapse thanks to significant structural supports put in place by the former 9th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and a shelter protecting its exterior, it did not escape the construction boom of the 1960s and is now sandwiched between apartment blocks.

It is, nevertheless, an excellent example of the art of restoration and an important part of any tour taking in the secular monuments of Byzantine-era Thessaloniki and the bathhouse tradition that flourished mainly in Ottoman times, stresses the head of the Ephorate, Stamatios Hondroyiannis.

Source: ekathimerini [July 04, 2015]

It was a moment of fun after this morning's in-depth talks on issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform.
Obama and Cameron diligently serve a burger to a soldier wounded in service during the garden party
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, serve food at the barbecue for British and American service members and veterans
The pair gamely served the cooked meat at the lunch party while their wives, Samantha and Michelle, spooned side dishes onto the plates of 150 American and British service members.
The Prime Minister and the President appeared at ease as they performed their catering duties in shirt sleeves, chatting and laughing while they worked.
Servicemen and their partners arrive at the Downing Street garden party, which was attended by 150 American and British military personnel

The Prime Minister, left, and the President appeared at ease as they entertained military personnel in shirt sleeves
Both leaders worked together to pile food on to one wounded soldier's plate, as other guests queued at the food-laden tables.
Following the barbecue, Obama and Cameron gave a joint press conference in which the Prime Minister said Taliban must make a 'decisive split' with al Qaida if a political settlement in Afghanistan is to be brokered.
Speaking outside Lancaster House in London, Mr Cameron said the U.S. operation against Osama bin Laden represented a 'strike right at the heart of international terrorism'.
Mr Cameron said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan, while British and American troops had 'broken the momentum of the insurgency' in the country.
Mr Obama speaks during a joint press conference with David Cameron at Lancaster House today. The Prime Minister said the next 12 months represented a 'vital year' in Afghanistan
In the Taliban heartland of Kandahar and central Helmand, the insurgents were 'on the back foot', the Prime Minister said.
Calling for a political settlement, he told the press conference: 'Now is the moment to step up our efforts to reach a political settlement.
Obama arrived at Downing Street before 10am this morning for discussions with Cameron as he got down to the real political business of his state visit.
Obama and Cameron, right, were joined by Nick Clegg, left, for today's talks at Downing Street. Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said to the U.S. leader: 'You've brought the sun today'
Mr Obama shares a joke with Nick Clegg at 10 Downing Street. Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the U.S. leader said: 'Wonderful to see you'
During the talks, the U.S. President insisted the alliance between America and the UK is key to providing global security after a 'difficult decade'.
Nick Clegg proved that three isn't always a crowd as he joined the leaders and was seen sharing a joke with the President.
Mr Obama was smiling broadly after making the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace.
The leaders greeted each other with a handshake before Mr Obama patted the Prime Minister on the shoulder.
They then shook hands again on the steps of No. 10 but they were no
Obama smiles before today's meeting with Cameron. The U.S. President and the Prime Minister are to spend the morning holding talks before a joint press conference in Downing Street

Commander-in-chief: Barack Mr Obama takes a seat across from David Cameron (second left) in the Cabinet Room for today's talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials
Barack Obama is greeted by the Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street this morning. The pair are discussing issues ranging from military campaigns in Libya and Afghanistan to global economic reform
He is expected to tell MPs and peers that even though the world has changed significantly since the Second World War, the UK-US relationship and the broader transatlantic alliance is still the 'cornerstone of global security'.
The 'Arab Spring' in the Middle East and North Africa reinforce that the allies' shared beliefs are 'not just relevant but essential', he is to say.
The president will also strike an optimistic note by claiming that the world is 'turning a corner' following a 'difficult decade'.
As well as operations winding down in Iraq, the shift to Afghanistan taking control of its own security has begun, and al Qaida has been 'weakened' by successes such as the recent killing of Osama bin Laden.
Yesterday, large parts of central London were brought to a standstill as crowds gathered to welcome the president for his first state visit.
Obama and Cameron wave to members of the media outside the Prime Minister's official residence, prior to their meeting
Mr Obama made the short journey in Cadillac One - his bombproof limousine known as 'The Beast' - from Buckingham Palace
Police marksmen take position on rooftops along Whitehall as the Presidential motorcade arrives at Downing Street this morning. Helicopters were seen whirring overhead, as part of the major security operation
After being greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, the president and first lady met newlyweds the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before Mr Obama laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
Mr Obama and Mr Cameron then dropped in on a south London school where they took off their jackets to play two schoolboys at table tennis.
But the Anglo-American team took a sound beating at the hands of 16-year-olds Jason Do and Jamiyu Mojaji at the Globe Academy in Southwark.
Mr and Mrs Obama then attended a star-studded state banquet in the president's honour at Buckingham Palace last night as the Queen hailed the US as Britain's 'most important ally'.

Cameron and Obama pose for the army of press photographers gathered outside 10 Downing Street
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton walks with British Foreign Secretary William Hague to join Obama at 10 Downing Street
The smartly dressed driver of the President's vehicle brushes down its shiny exterior as she waits for him outside the Prime Minister's residence
She insisted the relationship was 'tried, tested and, yes, special' and the two nations together contributed to security and prosperity of the world.
'I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that when the United States and the United Kingdom stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and more prosperous,' the Queen said.
Responding with his own toast, Mr Obama spoke of the 'rock-solid foundation' between the two countries.
Mr Obama's motorcade travels along the Mall as it leaves Buckingham Palace to go to Downing Street this morning
'From that day to this, you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here,' the president said.
'As we confront the challenges of the 21st century together we have can confidence in the partnership our two countries share, based on a rock-solid foundation built during Queen Elizabeth's lifetime of extraordinary service to her nation and to the world.'
Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat down for talks in the White Room of No 10 shortly before 10am this morning.
'Okay. Enough about Ryan Giggs. What's the latest on Arnold Schwarzenegger?'
As about a dozen photographers took pictures at the start of the meeting, the president joked: 'All right guys, one of those must have worked.'
Foreign Secretary William Hague and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton followed the two leaders into Number 10 half an hour later.
Mrs Clinton waved briefly and smiled as she entered.
Michelle Obama, the wife of the U.S. President, and Samantha Cameron, wife of the Prime Minister, pose with their husbands on the steps of 10 Downing Street yesterday
Earlier, the smartly dressed driver of the president's vehicle brushed down its shiny exterior as she waited for him outside the Prime Minister's residence.
Mr Obama and Mr Cameron were joined by Nick Clegg at about 10.15am.
Shaking hands with the Deputy Prime Minister, the US leader said: 'Wonderful to see you.'
Mr Clegg, gesturing to the sunlit windows, said: 'You've brought the sun today.'
At about 10.40am, the President, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister moved to the Cabinet Room for talks on security with other ministers, advisers and officials.
Mr Cameron and Mr Obama sat opposite each other in the centre of the coffin-shaped Cabinet table, the Prime Minister flanked by Mr Clegg and Mr Hague, and the President by Mrs Clinton and the U.S. Ambassador to London, Louis Susman.
Other British ministers attending included Chancellor George Osborne and Home Secretary Theresa May.
Special relationship 'stronger than ever'

Cameron: 'Special relationship will get stronger'

BARACK OBAMA's LIMO Gets Stuck in Dublin

Obama flips burgers for troops

source: dailymail

VIA President and PM dish up burgers at 'Obama-Q' honouring American and British veterans

Royal Couple Set to Visit California from July 8 to July 10

Beverly Hills Hotel, aka ‘Pink Palace’ for its typical pink exterior, will be honoured to host Royal Couple as all set forKate Middletonand Prince Williams for their California visit starting from July 8. The royal couple is scheduled to spend at least one night at the new £7,500-a-night presidential bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The Daily Mail reported that the Prince Williams and Duchess Kate Middleton have finalized their California visit from 8 to 10 July after their week long official trip as a married couple to Canada, visiting Ottawa, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, including the Arctic.

It is expected that the Royal trip to California will boost tourism further as California is already a hot spot for tourists and visitors. 

California Travel and Tourism Commission managing director Caroline Beteta said, “No matter where they venture in California, the royal visit will create a global postcard for the Golden State this summer.”

VIA Royal Couple Set to Visit California from July 8 to July 10