Don't Get Stuck In The Middle When Choosing A Mezzanine Floor Installer

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For many businesses, especially those that encounter a period of growth, floor space is very often at a premium. It's certainly not common for businesses to have large amounts of free space within premises, as most will strive to ensure that every square metre of floor is fulfilling a vital role generating revenue for the company.

When is it comes to the physical growth and expansion of a business there are often a number of potential options. Business owners may consider moving premises; but for many the cost of relocating staff, stock and machinery will require a sizable investment; not to mention the potential disruption to customers and the business in general.

Another option is to expand existing premises with an extension if land is available to build on and a budget allows, but this again can be very costly. A business can however expand in a different way, one that has become an increasingly viable and popular solution; the installation of mezzanine flooring.

If space permits the floor can be installed, for example, in the roof space of high ceiling buildings to make the most of available space. Mezzanine areas can be used for offices or storage and provides a flexible solution that in the main can be constructed with minimum disruption to a business.

For retail environments mezzanine flooring allows a business to get the most out of existing premises, providing vital selling space or additional storage capacity which can open up new profitable opportunities. Most importantly it can be installed quickly and can be dismantled easily should a business move premises.

There are a great many specialist installers of mezzanine floors throughout the UK; but it's important to employ a reputable and experienced company. Building regulations and health and safety requirements must be adhered to with the construction of them so it's important to request case studies and testimonials of previous work undertaken. Most companies will be able to show you existing installations so that you can assess the quality of work and be certain that the solution they propose will be right for you.

If mezzanine flooring is required for storage or handling equipment then you may need a company that is able to deliver a full service to ensure the project fully meets your requirements. That way you can be certain that the solution can cope with the demands placed on it whatever the requirements; be it partitioning, racking, shelving, lifts or conveyors. It's also much easier to deal with one company that can handle a project from inception to delivery.

Once you've decided the function your mezzanine will serve you need to consider all of the relevant variables including price, quality, materials, projected lead times and how will the business be affected during installation.

Most importantly you want to deal with a company that is professional and responds quickly. Some companies will use in-house teams and others will use sub-contractors, but either way you should ensure that those involved in the project follow ISO9001 criteria.

For more information on mezzanine flooring and the installation of mezzanine floors visit Mezzanine Floors Leeds.

Office Space Should Be Effective And Efficient To Assure Productivity

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An office needs to be clutter free, needs to be organized and yet reflect a professional space which means serious business. Most office spaces are designed as per the processes in the organization. They also reflect on the principles and morale's of the enterprise. The office area should be airy and should have free areas to allow comfortable movement. The aim is to have a work place which encourages workflow and a positive atmosphere.

Office areas depend on the business enterprise and their various processes involved in the organization. Each department needs to be segregated as per the necessity of the work flow. Large spaces need to be arranged only after careful contemplation and planning, smaller spaces more so for the limited area available to each of the sector. The office space should accommodate all the business needs and aid in the growth of the organization.

In many areas, you get offices fully customized as per your requirement. But they all whatever suitable place for your work, it is time to redesign it accordingly which would be an attribute to its growth. The prevailing financial conditions would enable the buying of a place or leasing one, but ultimately it all depends on how intelligently you use the space available. Whatever be the design, the aim is to provide efficiency in the production of work. Stated below are some ideas which would ameliorate to the functionality of the organization.

Rationalized strategies would definitely aid in the growth of the company. The first step to take care is to improve the productivity by removing the clutter of the home. Cabinets and shelves arrange the work and make it more easily accessible. Containing the clutter to a specific area also leads to a clean environment and thereby reduces hampering of work.

Individualized work spaces enable a positive atmosphere towards the organization. All employees spend more than half their day in the work area and therefore allowing those to lend their personal touches makes them feel a part of the team. The proficiency is further augmented with ergonomic work stations provided to the employees. Increasing the comfort of the employee, these facilitate in the growth of both the organization and the employee.

The design should be such as to foster communication among the employees and their departments. The employees and the employers should have a clarified communication platform which enables easy collaboration.

Lastly, what follows is proper lighting in the office area. Adequate lighting is necessary for the employee to see properly and therefore, sufficient lighting becomes an integral part of the office interior decoration.

The office area is a work place and as the saying goes "work is worship." However, the office areas do not mean to be boring or yet over decorated. They should clean to reflect a positive ambience and yet be elegant. Light colors with some promotional posters and events also augment the mood of the workers. The aim is to maximize the area and provide an illusion of depth. Work areas have their pros and cons and it depends entirely on the interior designers approach making it a beneficial work environment.

Annie Barrette has been closely associated with Encore Offices. Reviewing their work had been a pleasure. Completely evaluating the need of the consumer, they have been successfully providing entrepreneurs with beautiful Office Space Laguna Beach. With flexible and cost effective, these are perfect as a workplace.

The Feng Shui Office Fit Out

Feng Shui (literally translated as "wind - water") is a Chinese system of geomancy that is said to utilize the laws of heaven and earth to assist in the receipt of positive Qi.

Fen Shui is widely practiced across far eastern culture and has been dated back to 4,000 BC. It is a formal study that is part of courses undertaken by students wishing to pursue careers in architecture and interior design. Armed with a Bagua and a compass a Feng Shui practitioner will optimize and enhance the flow of Qi.

Fengu Shui has seen a significant adoption in the west, it is a common consideration undertaken by many interested in alternative and new age thinking during the design of homes and offices and has been promoted by public figures such as Donald Trump who had only recently engaged a Feng Shui master to analyze the auspiciousness of the Trump Towers.

Qi is best defined as a movable life force and Feng Shui infers to 'Qi which rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water'. It could also be described as best practices in design for attracting and retaining positive energy, while assuring harmony.

Insightful tips as well as 'dos & don'ts' of Feng Shui office fit outs are noted. Feng Shui states that color is an important attribute for optimizing positive energy:

Red represents one's aggressiveness in business;

Orange stands for cooperation and collaboration and strengthen concentration and purpose;

Yellow represents clear thinking and install warmth and friendship;

Blue and green colors account for reflection and infer peace and trust;

Purple can influence the healing of the body and mind and influences creativity;

White defines confidence and represents dignity and poise;

Black promotes power, money, income and emotional power;

The do's of Feng Shui (in relation to Office Fit Outs):

DO Assume command by placing your desk so as it faces towards doorways or entrances; ensure support by having a wall to your rear and lever support by placing an earth element against your back;

DO place an oxygen generating money plant in a red pot to the east side of your desk to encourage good health or in the south east for wealth;

DO make the entry to your office inviting as it will welcome positive Qi;

DO place a peacekeeping symbol in (such as a rooster) in the middle of the office to discourage backstabbing and encourage harmony;

DON'T ever sit with your back to door and if you must, place a mirror on your desk so you can see those who are approaching and try to avoid facing towards stairs, elevators, storage rooms or toilets which are thought to be distracting;

DON'T ever use a cactus or sharp pointy plants as they generate fierce Qi, and don't leave dead decorative flowers, or rancid water as they may have a negative effect on wealth;

DON'T work in a cluttered space, and don't retain old items that harbor bad memories - all objects have energy and they represent your past, present and future business so things should be filed to encourage success;

DON'T allow broken equipment to be visible, a dripping tap may symbolize a steady slow drain on resources, the same goes for mops & brooms which may 'sweep away' success;

These simple, do's & don't's are said to aid the flow of positive Qi around the office so as to establish a better workspace and more profitable business. Feng Shui may also improve the mental and physical health of your workforce.

Office Space Design empowers Australian companies with productive, efficient workplace spaces that facilitate core business needs while promoting culture and identity.

Office Space Design delivers commercial architectural, design and construct services to Australian companies moving offices or involved in refurbishment, relocation and fit-out projects.

Office fit outs Melbourne

AutoCAD - The One Stop Solution for Designing Architectural Design in 2D and 3D Formats

Architectural CAD Drafting is a process of developing design of Commercial, Residential and Institutional buildings through CAD Software. AutoCAD® Architecture software helps in developing the design in an easy and speedy way thus it ensures safe, and secure document management and reduce cost. Engineers draw Architectural drawings to scale, so that comparative sizes are accurately characterized.

With the help of Architectural Computer Aided Design, you can design draft of Commercial Buildings, Residential Buildings, Institutions & Universities, Hotels, Hospitals, Auditoriums and Monuments. With the help of the development of the CAD software, now engineers are able to design draft of any buildings in 3D, 2D and such other formats. With the 3D and 2D feature of Architectural Drafting, you can design Floor Plans, Wall Sections, Elevations, Building Sections, Door-Window Details, Floor and Roof Framing Plans, Foundation Plans, Non-Structural Layouts, Power & Communication Locations, Lighting Drawings, Furniture Layouts and many other things.

In Architectural Computer Aided Design, the scale is chosen to ensure that the whole building will fit on the chosen sheet size and also to show the needed amount of detail. There are several types of architectural drawing, which includes Presentation drawings, Working drawings, Record drawings and Survey drawings.

There are some advantages of Architectural Computer Aided Design, which includes:

As complex elements can be copied, replicated and stored for re-use, chances of repetition are reduced
Errors can be deleted
Architectural CAD allows many permutations to be tried before finalizing the design

The model drawn through Auto CAD can be viewed from any angle to find the most useful viewpoints. You can also use different software to apply colors and texture to surfaces and with the help of different Auto-CAD software, engineers can also draw shadows and reflections of any wall.

Services provided using Architectural CAD:

Architectural 3D Modelling
3D Architectural Rendering
Architectural Animation
Architectural Design
Architectural Drafting
Architectural Drawing
Construction Documentation

Now a day, most plans of buildings, parks and such other architectural monuments are designed using Architectural Computer Aided Design. Most civil engineers use the software and they mostly prefer to draw the draft of any plan using Auto-CAD.

Most of the civil engineers across the globe use Architectural CAD for drawing the draft of any type of architecture. They value this as this can provide faultless drawing within short span of time. Further, with the help of the software engineers can also experiment with any design as par their wish.

Auto-cad is only a basic software that can be used for architectural and interior design.

VMD offers Architectural drafting service and use Autocad for the Architectural CAD work.

The Power Of Great Night Club Lighting

Night clubs are all about the fantastic light shows that go on inside the place. The night club lighting provides to the magnificence and to the mood of the event and offers all folks in the night club a chance to break free, let spirits loose and get pleasure from the night.

The benefits that come of the correct type of the nightclub lighting are many. Besides the fantastic atmosphere it creates, it can also help the visitors enjoy the night and turn it to the most memorable time for them, for a lot can happen in the LED club lighting and using the club light effects.

The correct lights for a club have to be of the correct power and must throw the correct amount and volume of the colour and should not produce too much heat, to make sure that the temperature inside the night club stays under control.

The right mixture of the LED club lights and LED ceiling panels and LED wall panels would help you guarantee that you are able to strike the right notes in the party once the place is packed with guests and they want to have a good time.

Good dance floor lighting would hold the people going all through the night and make sure that they come back to the night club yet again and always. The club owner can guarantee that the people are coming to back on a normal basis, all due to the fantastic and incredible feel of the lighting show and the overall atmosphere.

The other advantage of the fantastic night club lighting is that it will set you apart from the competition and help you build a name for your club and put it apart from the rest, as the word of mouth publicity will do the rest, one can expect more and more individuals coming very soon, and all due to the amazing nightclub lighting that everybody wants to enjoy again.

Additionally you have to remember that if the night club furniture is not in tune with the lighting, then the overall effects may be a thing that you may end up compromising on and not get the effect that you are seeking.

So in a way the fantastic club lightning system can make you look at the club furniture also and if need be, force you to change it, which will be definitely for your good.

For a wide variety of night club lighting products take a look into our product line at http://www.disco-designer.com/, where you will find LED lighting, club furniture, sound systems, light control software and information how to build your dream club. Complete design with 3D preview!

How to Increase Sales by Increasing Lighting in Kiosks

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Do you own and operate a kiosk in your local shopping mall or other retail center? Are you wondering what you can do to increase your overall sales, but find that the solution just doesn't seem to be appearing? Believe it or not, the answer likely doesn't have anything to do with your products or even the way that you have them arranged. The simple fact is that consumers are more inclined to buy products when they can see them clearly and can make out important details in terms of both style and quality. If you are looking for a great way to improve this, it might be time to consider the addition of kiosk display case lighting.

Get Attention and Keep Customers Looking

When it comes to employing kiosk display case lighting, you have two basic goals that will lead to your ultimate goal of increased sales. In order to boost sales, you need to be able to accomplish to very important objectives: you need to be able to catch the eyes of prospective customers as they are walking by your kiosk, and you need to be able to hold their attention long enough to help them see and appreciate what you have to offer. When you have employed the right lighting to accomplish these goals, making a final sale becomes much easier to achieve.

The Right Lighting Type for Your Needs

When you are operating a kiosk with a display case, options such as installing overhead lighting are essentially ruled out. Instead, you need to turn your attention on lighting that will highlight just your products, allowing them to really stand out and shine. LED lighting is widely renowned as the clearest and most energy efficient form of lighting on the market today, but what you might not realize is that it is also the best option for your display cases. LED lights give off almost no heat while providing ideal, even illumination. This makes them a great solution for kiosk display case lighting, regardless of the size or shape of your cases.

Lighting That Is Tailored to Your Cases

With ultra-slim LED light strips, you can find the perfect solution for any kiosk display case lighting needs. There are a number of options available to you, including both fixed and flexible lighting strips. You will find it easy to get strips in the exact size that you need, and you can opt for bracket mounted lights or strips that use strong adhesive backing, depending on your specific needs. LED lighting is sweeping the retail market these days due to both energy efficiency and performance quality. When you need lighting that is tailored to your needs and that can be easily fitted to your kiosk displays, you will find that LEDs offer great lighting while consuming minimal electricity. It is a win-win scenario, and it is one that can go a long way towards boosting your overall sales numbers.

Looking for better ways to increase your retail sales potential by improving your retail store illumination? LED-Mate brings you cost effective custom lighting solutions. Kim Zheng is the company's main author of energy saving LED lighting articles, an experienced expert of super bright SMD based LED linear tube lighting for retail visual merchandising display and interior design lighting applications. He reveals technology aiming to improve retail display lighting by using high brightness LED fixtures. Learn more about retail store lighting from other articles and releases written by Kim Zheng, where he offers valuable advises and tips for environmentally friendly, energy efficient LED tube lighting for excellent lighting effects.

Interior Design Training: Principles of the Four Basic Style Categories

If you are beginning your coursework or self-training to become an interior designer, you want to have a firm grasp of the basics. Whether you're decorating a dorm room or a whole house, a bungalow or a penthouse, you'll find the many specific design styles fit into four broad generic categories. This overview guide will define the Casual, Formal, Traditional and Contemporary styles so you may proceed in your studies and your career with an understanding of each categories' design principles.

Formal

Formal is the look of elegant Ritz-Carlton hotels and public government buildings like the White House. While homes today are not usually constructed with 12" high baseboard moldings, hand-laid herringbone-patterned wood floors, or elaborate carved plaster ceiling and wall decorations, there are elements of the formal style of decorating that you and your clients may want to utilize in a project.

Symmetry is one of the key features of interiors and exteriors of homes designed in a formal style. Windows, furniture, paintings are elements which are most often arranged in pairs with a straight axis dominating each room. A central focal point will define a room, and it might be a beautiful window-wall looking out to a perfect lawn, a large stone fireplace centered on one key wall, or an exquisite piece of furniture. A formal style of decorating suits a home with high ceilings, large and tall windows, and architectural features such as beautifully paneled walls, columns and pilasters.

Formal style interiors are decorated to attract attention and display wealth so they include highly polished woods, glistening mirrors, highly polished brass window and door hardware, sparkling crystal chandeliers and wall sconces, and unique and interesting pieces of fine wood and upholstered furniture.

Furniture and accessories in formal interiors are often antique or fine reproductions. Woods used are generally dark and rich looking, but lighter woods are often used for decoration and inlay. Imported Oriental rugs cover polished hardwood floors. Original artwork is often elaborately framed in hand-carved gilt frames and stone or bronze figurative sculptures will be displayed on pedestals.

Contemporary

Contemporary decorating is for those who like to keep current with the latest styles and enjoy things that are of today. While it's been thought that modern interiors are cold and minimalist, today's contemporary interiors are often comfortable and welcoming without being cluttered and dark. It's a style that is equally appropriate for offices and homes, lofts and stores.

A contemporary style home can be quiet and serene, and may give the appearance of an Asian meditation space. Simplicity, subtle sophistication, texture and clean lines help to define contemporary interiors. The focus of each room is tranquil space rather than furnishings. By focusing on color, dimension and shape contemporary interiors are thought-provoking, sleek and fresh.

Neutrals, black and white are the main colors in contemporary style interiors. The palette is often accented with bright and bold color, and, within a few style variants, ornate patterning and glitzy ornamentation. Black is often used to ground and define a room. With walls painted in a basic neutral, you have a backdrop for bold colored accessories.

Line is a key design element. It's found in architectural details and defined by the use of bold color blocks, high ceilings and bare windows. Geometric shapes are used in wall art and sculpture. Bare space is left on walls, between pieces of furniture, and above in upper areas, and it becomes as important as areas filled with objects.

In contemporary interiors, less is more since space creates perspective and dimension. Each piece of furniture stands out as individual and unique. Contemporary style takes advantage of structural elements as decoration. Air ducts may hang from a ceiling, fabric and bricks provide texture and stability. Structural details may be painted in bold contrasting colors, or simply exposed and painted the same color as the wall to diminish their importance.

Casual

A casual style room is homey, warm, comfortable, and inviting. For TV watchers, it's like walking onto the set of Friends or The Big Bang Theory. Who doesn't want to be comfortable in their own home? If you want to put together a casual style room, learn the basic elements that combine to create an informal, unassuming room. Casual rooms have simple details, textured elements in fabrics and accessories, soft, neutral-colored upholstery, low-luster surfaces, structural elements and furniture arrangements that avoid perfect symmetry.

Details are simple, and elements are rectangular or softly curved. A room decorated in a casual style has simple details, but it is the perfect place to add an unexpected touch of whimsey, such as an old, reconstructed birdhouse or a bowling pin for a lamp base. Casual decorating is easily incorporated into such specific styles as rustic, cottage, beach, French Country, Shabby Chic, or American Country decorating styles.

With people enjoying more relaxed lifestyles, many homes today are totally decorated using the elements of casual decorating. But any home can incorporate the elements into a guest room, country kitchen, TV room, or bath. Elements of the casual style of decorating can infiltrate into most any room and make it feel comfortable.

Traditional

Traditional decorating is calm, orderly and predictable. You may have grown up in a home that was decorated with traditional style furnishings. Furniture is classic and might feel outdated, so nothing is a surprise. Pieces fill up a room and match and are consistent.

Furniture pieces are often reproductions. They are a part of dining room sets, living room sets and bedroom sets, and all room sets are similar in furniture styles. Furniture and accessories are placed in pairs and tend to be centered in each room. There is nothing out of place or of a vastly different style.

Traditional rooms are not ostentatious but somewhat casual so that traditional style homes feel comfortable for any age group. It's a familiar look that you see in magazines or furniture show rooms.

Upholstered furniture in a traditional room shows classic lines and understated details. They may have decorative details but they are functional, unfussy, and restful looking. Edges are soft, smooth, and blend into the whole. Fabrics are generally neither too shiny nor too textured. Plain colors, florals, muted plaids, understated stripes, geometrics, tone-on-tone and small all-over patterns are common.

As you continue your education, knowing the four broad generic categories of Casual, Formal, Traditional and Contemporary, you will lay a good foundation for your career. Once you research these well, and expand your studies into specific styles, their history and their resources, you can confidently guide your clients through their various projects to make each a unique expression of their taste and your design ability.

(c) 2012 Elizabeth McMillian

Elizabeth McMillian enjoys writing about her personal interests, including travel, exercise and cycling. She is an architectural historian, a former editor at Architectural Digest and the author of five books and numerous articles. Learn more about the traditional to contemporary furniture developed out of the American furniture center at Thomasville, North Carolina at http://www.Thomasville-Furniture-Discount.com/

Ergonomics and Human Resources in Control Room Design

The goal of a control room is to maximize efficiency. You can have the most sophisticated equipment in the world but the operator will ultimately be the one who will be taking the information that is provided to them and using it to make a decision. If an operator's work environment is not conducive to comfort then their ability to react and interpret information will be compromised.

There are certain factors that should be taken into account when designing an ergonomically sound work environment. The physical attributes of the operator definitely need to be taken into account. A person's size and reach need to be reflected in the design and selection of correct control room furniture. An operator should not be in a position where they are straining themselves or are forced to work in uncomfortable positions.

If a person is in a position of discomfort while they work their will become agitated faster and their ability to make an informed decision will be drastically reduced. In fact as much as possible furniture that aims to reinforce and promote correct posture should be chosen. Think about it this way - If an employee has to stand behind their desk and work instead of sitting in a comfy chair for 8 hours, how productive do you think they would be?

What it all comes down to when designing a workspace is that the operators and the workspace should be considered a combined entity and not considered separately. The employees and the workspace are two parts of a system that need to work in unison if a control centre is to reach operational excellence.

Other important ergonomic considerations include the lighting of the room, which will also affect the productivity of operators. A well-lit room, with correct ventilation is required for health reasons but will also be conducive to productivity.

If employees are operating in an environment where time dependent decision-making is a factor, then enrolling them in training to assist them with improving reaction time and working in a high pressured environment can be beneficial.

Human needs should always be taken into consideration when undertaking a workspace design project. This goes back to what was said at the beginning of this post - You can have top of the range equipment and workspace design that borders on perfection but all of it will mean nothing if you don't have the right people to make use of them.

Remember, when undertaking control room design, always take comfort and usability into consideration.

Places To Visit To Discover The Best Mirrors

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You might have recently walked into your bedroom, bathroom or living room and noticed the floors cracking, the wooden doors losing their color and the decorations appearing aged and faded. You might begin with the obvious renovations, such as repainting or adding new floors or cabinets, but you might also consider something as minor as a mirror to add new life into a room. Shoppers who are interested in looking for something plain, but still want to add some style, color and light into a room, may want a mirror.

Home Department Stores

Home department stores will have a variety of different mirrors to pick from, and many will come in modern shapes and styles for homeowners to buy from. One drawback, though, is the mirror you buy from a huge department store like Target or Wal-Mart will sell hundreds of thousands of the same products to other consumers which can be a bad thing to the individual seeking originality. A department store can issue a large discount on what usually would cost 20% more at a little mirror store, and the person wanting to save a bit may want to start here before looking elsewhere. Another issue to purchasing mirrors from a store is there is no way to customize the item yourself; what you see is what you get, and if you don't like the color or shape you are out of luck.

Mirror Stores

What's wonderful about specialized mirror stores is many will let you customize the design, frame and size of the item. Of course, these specialty stores do come at a more expensive cost, but some customers choose to customize the decorative wall mirrors inside to change it to their liking. Many of these mirror stores will sell you just the mirror or frame, so you can order just one and locate the missing part at another place for a lower cost. However, not many of these mirror businesses actually exist, and coming across one may not be as simple as driving around the corner.

Online

Online shops are perfect because the merchandise they sell is inexpensive and they tend to give shoppers more customization options because of the bigger inventory. As with brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers can also customize the frame, so if you want white framed mirrors, you can select the style of your choice. You are bound to have a simple time locating an online vendor that fits your likes, especially with so many out there selling mirrors and offering customization choices.

OvalandRoundMirrors.com has been manufacturing hard-to-find picture frames, decorative wall mirrors, white framed mirrors and related products since the mid 1980's. With us you buy directly from the manufacturer and pay the lowest prices. You can choose from multiple sizes, variety of frame styles, and dozens of color options. Avoid the middle man and enjoy getting the highest quality for the best price anywhere. Many of our frame styles are not available anywhere else.

How to Design Ceiling Lighting With LED Puck Lamps

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Whether you are considering your own home or a place of business, you likely understand how difficult the quest for perfect lighting can be. Ceiling lighting is one of the biggest things to consider, and anyone who has ever lived or worked in a space without adequate lighting can attest to just how important lighting really is. Here, we will take a look at LED ceiling lamps and how they can help you offer a light quality that is second to none. Whether you want to save energy or just improve light quality, these lights have just what you need.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of options available to you when it comes to choosing ceiling lights. The best option, however, is definitely going to come down to LED. LED lighting offers brighter, more natural light that can fill the entire room while bringing out definition and color in a way that no other option will ever be able to achieve. Better still, however, LED lamps accomplish this while drawing in significantly less power from the electrical grid, which translates into major energy savings. LED puck lights are a prime example of ideal ceiling lighting.

LED puck lamps are perfect for a new built, but they can be retrofitted into an existing ceiling with only minimal effort. These lights are designed to be wired in directly to your main volt line and they can really offer a major boost in energy savings. While the output of light is enough to illuminate even larger rooms, you will find that a quality LED puck lamps will require only about eight watts of electricity. When you think about this in comparison to the energy requirements of other bulbs, the difference is certainly too big to overlook.

One thing you also want to consider is that LED ceiling lamps give you a bit of flexibility in terms of lighting choice. Both cool white and warm white LEDs are available, helping to you really select the lighting that provides the best look and feel for your tastes or for your business needs. LED lighting is a perfect alternative to halogen and fluorescent lamps and it is certainly light years ahead of incandescent lighting in terms of both quality and energy consumption.

The last thing to consider when looking at LED ceiling lamps and puck lights is the fact that they generate very little heat while in operation. What this means for you is that the lights are very cool to the touch and that they are not likely to burn out from prolonged use, even when run around the clock. This of course translates into a significant reduction in overall maintenance needs, which helps you ensure that your lights are able to last for years. A great LED fixture will offer a long term warranty and will certainly provide you with a difference in light quality that will let you know instantly that you have made the right decision for illuminating your home, business, or office building.

Visit LED Spotlight Bulbs to find out the latest LED spot lamp lighting solutions. Kim Zheng is a top author of LED light bulb articles, an expertized Led bulb designer, engineer for 5 years in LED-Mate. He conducted broad research and study about how LED bulbs can bring you not only superior high brightness and top quality eco-friendly illuminations, but also provide you cost effective retrofit solutions. LED is the next generation lighting, act now to replace your traditional incandescent, halogen or even fluorescent bulbs with LED Par Lamps and other LED spot lamps for numerous benefits at home or business.

Good Design Is Crucial to a Casino Restaurant's Success

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Most restaurant owners understand that the success of a casino restaurant depends on the quality of both its customer service and its cuisine. However, great food and attentive service are often not quite enough to entice new customers or to encourage repeat their visit to the business. Restaurant design is a key factor in appealing to casino guests. Successful restaurant owners address several key design factors to create a pleasing and inviting atmosphere that attracts loyal customers.

When planning the seating capacity of the restaurant, take care to ensure that the environment remains comfortable. One should consider a moderate seating capacity rather than a more crowded room. Also, it is important that one carefully examines the dining area, taking the time to understand the flow of the room. Furthermore, be sure to take the perspective of a potential customer by sitting at tables in various parts of the room. Restaurants often have problem areas, such as tables too near a restroom or entrance. Most such problems are easily solved by simply changing the placement of tables, or by strategic placement of a screen or greenery. Such small details can make a big difference in the quality of the customer's experience and as well as boost the aura of a restaurant.

Once the seating capacity and arrangement of furniture are complete, considering the music and decor of the place is also a must. Music is frequently neglected during restaurant design, but is a powerful and simple way to change the atmosphere of a restaurant. Choose music appropriate to the restaurant's atmosphere and clientele. If possible, consider hiring musicians. Live music is a popular trend in restaurants, and appeals to a variety of potential customers. To create a visually pleasing environment, select paint colors and wall hangings that are tasteful and striking.

Finally, pay attention to ventilation and temperature. Customers prefer an environment with good ventilation. Temperatures should remain comfortable, with proper heating during cold months and adequate cooling during warmer months. Neglecting heating and cooling, or maintaining uncomfortable temperatures to save money, will lead to lost sales.

Location within the casino and an attractive exterior also play roles in attracting customers. Take time to evaluate these details, making changes as necessary. Consider consulting a restaurant design expert, or recruit friends and family to offer advice and opinions. While good interior design requires both time and money, the investment will pay off in increased business.

Why Do We Build Skyscrapers?

A lot of buildings in the world today, that are considered representatives of Modern Architecture, seem to have exceeded all natural limitations when it comes to height. The typically monolithic shape of the popular (from the looks of it) skyscrapers continue to increase in height. The tallest building in the world in the year of 2020 will be over 1 kilometer high.

This "mine is bigger than yours" contest has been going on between countries and continents ever since the industrial revolution. The United States held the title for over forty years with the Empire State Building, with its 102 floors and 380 meters, but now it is Little League in comparison with the newest super tall building structures, many of them located in Asia.

Perhaps the phenomena of Skyscrapers stems from our desire to reach skyward, which we can see examples of all through our history. From the time of the ancient pyramids of Egypt and the great cathedrals and towers of Europe, humankind have sought toward heaven in our buildings. The pyramids were built to guide the deceased kings and pharaohs towards their afterlife, whereas the cathedrals were built to inspire fear of God, piety and awe of the congregation. But these buildings also represent a more mundane quest for symbols of power and prosperity. In the Modern version of tall buildings this last factor has become predominant, and skyscrapers first and foremost represent the power of money.

A huge building like the Modern skyscraper can house a lot of people, almost like a little micro-city with vertical main streets in the form of stairs and elevators. But unlike a dynamic city these structures are inflexible and boringly predictable. The one floor plan is bound to be more or less like the next, and the next, and the next. It´s inherent monotony lacks the strength to stimulate us like a living city organism should. The functions of the floors are usually the same also, be it at huge corporate building with offices, a hotel, or an apartment building. You won't find shops or hairdressers there, or cinemas and theaters, like you would in a city.

So, what´s the problem?

We seem to forget the fact that people need to feel secure and comfortable within their building environment. Even though we can appreciate the stunning beauty and impressiveness of a monolithic building structure, or a skyline filled with these impressive buildings that glow in the dark, up front they tend to make us feel small, inadequate and uncomfortable. They look their best from a distance, but seem to defy nature with their monstrous scale and use of man-made materials. In a way they represent humankind's victory over nature, but still, they are inhuman in their nature.

This seems to be a paradox, but it is really just the result of having forgotten that human beings are an integrated part of nature. Human nature at its best is striving towards truth and understanding, peace and compassion, but at its worst it is ruled by cravings for wealth and power. In my opinion the skyscrapers of Modern Architecture represent the latter, and research shows that living in one even can be hazardous to your health.

The buildings that surround us are supposed to serve us - not the other way around. In regards to a dwelling, for instance, there should be access to private, semi private and semi public spaces for a rich social life to occur. The skyscraper´s vast elevation from the ground puts a distance between its inhabitants and the people on the ground, both physically and metaphorically. The same goes for the huge corporate buildings that put an emotional distance between themselves and their clients.

So, even though the trophy for "The Tallest Building in the World" is passed around from one continent to another, we could be losing something along the way. The need for shelter from the climatic forces is one of our most basic needs. People should not feel depressed and confused in their homes and workplaces, but rather safeguarded, stimulated and relaxed.

I believe Modern Architecture is a reflection of our society´s predominant values, and sadly, it isn't always a pretty sight.

Connie Hendseth is a self employed architect from Norway, living the sweet life in Italy, writing articles about home improvement and architecture, and managing her online architectural practice. Visit the site http://versatilearchitect.com/ for more.

Cadogan Place - An Ideal Living Space For A Luxurious Urban Style Home

For any discerning interior designer an ideal living space is one that combines warmth and comfort with class and elegance. With this in mind, it is then possible to create an urban style home that is synonymous with luxury and sophistication and in accordance with the owner's preferences.

The visual wow! Factor can be created through the use of quality furnishings, lighting and bold materials. If we look how international architecture and interior design firm, Casa Forma, unveils their magnificent apartment at Cadogan Place, London with its uninterrupted view, resultant of the frameless glass balustrade, from the split level dining room looking down to the lounge area, one is comforted with a warm, cosy feeling of rich fabrics upholstered to the Ralph Lauren furniture. One side of the wall features a long bespoke shelving unit that houses an LCD television; the whole unit draws your eyes to the front window that overlooks the beautiful, well kept Cadogan Gardens. On the other, there is a contrast of walnut clad walls with Bruno Triplet wall finishes, creating a distinctive look.

Cadogan Place is a prime address based just off Sloane Street between Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. The street comprises two terraces of Georgian houses and one long terrace of white stuccoes Victorian houses. As one of Casa Forma's properties that it has designed recently Cadogan Place is a triple lateral apartment set across the top floors of three adjoining period buildings. It boasts three ample sized bedrooms - all with en-suite bathrooms, a study, cloakroom, lounge and four small south-facing ornamental balconies. The apartment offers a unique view from all front facing rooms across Cadogan Place gardens which include tennis courts and beautiful manicured lawns. Initially, the apartment was of a very busy and highly decorative classical circa 1980's style. It underwent an extensive period of stripping out and structural work in the majority of the rooms. The first stage of the project involved a thorough dismantling of existing finishes, fixtures and fittings. New stud walls, new electrical works including Lutron and AMX and bespoke joinery were fitted throughout. Even the design and layout of the kitchen was completely reworked.

The master bedroom, which is the most luxurious, concentrates on a dark and dramatic atmosphere pepped up with glossy black surfaces and a feature wall of Tahitian Mother of Pearl in shimmery green brown colour. Again, walnut is used to create a bespoke joinery and panelling to one wall; this is dramatically lit with LED lights that enhance the design. To add on to the dramatic effect, beautiful black and grey woven silk curtains and grey distressed silk upholstered chair with ottoman are aptly positioned at the window. The master bathroom suite uses the same dramatic feel as the bedroom with dark shades of colour; some walls are clad with natural stone, while others with Tahitian Mother of Pearl.

The study leading off the corridor seems like a perfectly balanced space. With its rich palette of colours selected for the upholstery of the furniture, it reflects perfectly in the grey - black mirrors adorning the walls, effecting an elegant atmosphere. The approach to one of the bedrooms is done in subtle colour tones to create a textured feature wall behind the beds. The en-suite bathrooms has the same tones of colour with a minimal effect of natural original stone.

Casa Forma is an award winning luxury Interior Design firm comprising 15 qualified Interior Designers

Commercial Interior Design - Selecting and Using a Color Palette

The successful conception, design and implementation of any commercial fit-out require mastery and expertise across architectural, design and construction phases led by excellent project management.

Interior design and its disciplines have been mistakenly understood by stakeholders of commercial projects as a luxury afterthought; 'a cherry on the cake', 'an olive in the martini'.

Nothing could be further from the truth. In our humble experience, good design is often the result of the right vision and expertise across functional domains, coming together through well led orchestration and collaboration.

The onus of relevance has never been more important, keywords such as 'timeless', 'sustainable' and 'eco-friendly' driving the creative agenda adding value to a project is much more than just lip service.

Understanding your space: what are the sizes, heights and shapes of your working areas? What sort of furniture and fittings will be integrated? Where are the doors? Where are the windows? How much natural light is available?

Defining your vision: is branding defining the vision? Is the vision to achieve harmony across all areas or to accommodate functionality? Is there an orderly pattern among materials, objects and placements? Are the furniture and fittings distributed aesthetically and dimensionally relevant to each other and their environments?

Selecting a color palette: every space is unique, and every corporation has a different vision, domain and operation. As such there are many variables to consider when selecting a color palette for your new corporate interior.

Corporate identity will likely play a lead role in any design brief, a company's existing brand and culture will need to be present and complemented in the final color palette.

Color temperature will often complement branding, but the size and lighting density of your space or climate can also add weight to your selection: warmer colors (reds, oranges and yellows), cooler colours (violets, blues) or neutral colors, (as a general rule, greens are the most neutral of all colors).

Personal touches are the finish, they include the plants, pictures, and other aesthetics that add weight to and complement your corporate identity.

Optical illusions are the secret weapon of any interior designer, a low ceiling can seem taller when using a cool color that is lighter than the walls, a vast space can be contained using a color darker than the walls, a room can seem more spacious using cool and light colors on side walls, against darker warmer colors.

There are four sorts of color schemes to choose from when defining your palette:

Monotone - a single pale color palette (e.g. beiges) Monochromatic - a single vibrant color palette (e.g. reds) Analogous - adjacent color wheels (e.g. red, orange and yellow) Complementary - contrasting colors (e.g. red with green)

Here are some 'rule of thumb' concepts and expert tips to consider when experimenting with your color palette.

Use lighter or neutral colours on large expanses, using brighter colors sparingly for accents; Consistency is important, don't be afraid to reuse accent colors; Balance patterns with plain elements, don't overwhelm; Plain areas give the eyes rest, while textures and patterns relieve boredom; Natural light changes colours and intensity throughout the day; Use natural light to your advantage, greet the morning sun with bright cheerful accents; Use muted, cool and neutral accents to complement darker spaces;Grayed tones are more restful and will complement your accents more fully; Use bright intense coloring only to highlight key accessories, the smaller the area the more intense a color can be; Vice versa, colour intensifies with area, the more of one color you use, the stronger it can seem; Make allowance for texture rougher surfaces or fabrics appear darker, hard glossy surfaces reflect more and appear brighter; Make allowances for distance, the close a space is the more intense it can be, colors will often grey or blend to their environments with distance; Think about proximity, complementary colors brighten each other, related colors (dark/dark or light/light) will soften each other, neutrality brightens clear colors, strong primaries deaden neutrals;

Office Space Design empowers Australian companies with productive, efficient workplace spaces that facilitate core business needs while promoting culture and identity.

Office Space Design delivers commercial architectural, design and construct services to Australian companies moving offices or involved in refurbishment, relocation and fit-out projects.

http://www.officespacedesign.com.au/

Best Way to Select the Quality Furniture for Your Dining Room

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When choosing furniture for your home, there are lots of things you would need to consider which may help you decide the best choice of room furniture for your dream home. Home furniture selection requires some pre preparation and thinking on the styles that you like and your tastes, a month other factors are your current room decors and other home furniture items.

We all love our dining rooms and would do almost everything to make it look elegant and stylish. There is so much associated with the selection of the dining room furniture and one of the vital aspects that make a difference is the type of furniture you like. It must show your style and tastes so that you can be truly proud of your home and the dining furniture in particular.

Shopping for a new home can be extremely exciting. With careful consideration given to your selection process ahead of time, you can be sure of making the right choices in furniture for your dining space. Whether your style is traditional, contemporary, casual or formal, plan ahead and be sensible in your selections and you will come home with the furniture for your home's decor. A unified theme throughout the various living spaces adds to the sense of personality and tranquility.

Dining area furniture has importance attached to it in a way as it acts as the showpieces of your home decor and also display your taste, style and class to the guests. There are different types of dining furniture available in market today namely, wooden, glass, oak, mahogany, pine wood. Different styles and budget makes them unique a month all the others dining room furniture.

The following are some of the important factors that are ingredients for the recipe of selection of a great dining furniture for your home. These are some of the general ideas that would be helpful to keep in mind while choosing a perfect dining furniture for your home.

In summary, when shopping for dining room furniture, you can choose to visit local stores and get your pieces or you can choose to shop online. Either way, you will find great pieces of various styles, materials and designs to choose from. Just make sure that what you choose will match with the rest of your furniture and will compliment your dining area and your dream home decor.

In short, do a ground work before you actually commit to buy furniture for your dream home.

Finally best of luck with your dining room furniture purchase and for ideas, please visit mysite4u.co.uk to see the vast ranges of dining room furniture and living room furniture ranges.

5 Tips for a Happier Workplace

When you are planning to set up your office, it is most likely that you have a fair idea about the furnishings and the color scheme for the interior in your mind. You most likely have thought about the facilities that you want to incorporate in your office for your employees.

More importantly, you need to have an office set up that boosts employee motivation and enables them to be more productive. Here is a list of some cool furnishing options that you can use to make your office look attractive and a fun place to work:

1. Make Sure the Office is Well-lit

It is important to have bright yellow lights in your office that practically reach out in every corner. A well-lit office can enhance concentration and motivation to work. Make sure not to use white lights as they can be depressing and can make the atmosphere all gloomy like that of a graveyard.

2. Use Sound Absorption Panels

Sound absorption panels are a great way to give your office a modern and attractive look. Also referred to as, noise reduction panels; are made of cotton fabric that helps to reduce noise in the environment. Noise reduction panels add style to work place because they are available in different colors and textures.

3. Clear the Clutter

A cluttered workspace is a big factor that affects creativity negatively at work. Make sure the office is clutter free and all documents and folders are organized and put neatly into their designated places. Extra folders, stationary and even furnishings can give the place a congested feel that can obstruct creative thinking and the inflow of new ideas.

4. Modernize Your Equipment

It is very much possible that with time, your machinery, printers, fax machines, hard drives etc slow down in speed. There is also a possibility of your office furnishing becoming much cluttered. Make sure to frequently update your hard drive, replace old printers and telephones. Upgrade your furniture that is more storage efficient (like sliding cabinets and drawers).

5. Add Color

Color has the power to do wonders. It can either work as a great energy booster or otherwise. An appropriate color scheme can liven up the workplace and energize the employees to work with high motivation. Colors like red, blue, orange and green are ideal for workplace as they have their own positive effects on the people around them.

If you are a business owner, it is important that you consider these changes in workplace that can help to motivate and energize your employees in order to increase productivity and efficiency.

Soundtect provides acoustic soundproofing panels that help to reduce external sound while adding to the beauty of your interior. For more information about acoustic panels, check out the Soundtect website.

Simple Considerations In Restaurant Design

Great food and outstanding customer service are the most frequently cited keys to restaurant success. While quality food and service are two foundations of a successful restaurant, good restaurant design is vital to customer gratification and long term success. Good interior design creates a beautiful and functional dining space that enhances customer's enjoyment of meals and entices guests to return.

Creating an excellent dining experience for customers requires a balance of design, technical considerations and function. While planning the restaurant interior, consider the architecture and infrastructure of the building. Create a harmonious design by combining existing aspects of the structure with attention to detail in several key areas.

Clientele

Begin by identifying the expectations of the restaurant's target clientele. For example, fine dining customers may expect more space and privacy when dining than guests of more casual establishments. Families with children may prefer a relaxed environment that appeals to children. Understanding the needs of guests allows owners to develop a design that pleases customers.

Dining Room

When planning the dining room, consider the number of guests expected at peak meal hours. A good restaurant design will accommodate this number while maintaining customer comfort. Customers should be able to move around easily and dine without feeling crowded.

Create the right atmosphere by choosing furnishings, colors and lighting suited to the restaurant's theme and clientele. An owner of a family friendly restaurant, for example, may choose bright colors and lighting to create an environment suited to children. Restaurants that cater to adults and fine dining often choose more subdued lighting and furnishings that create a more intimate environment.

Bar

Owners of restaurants that serve alcohol may benefit from creating a separate bar area. A bar serves as a place for guests to order a drink and relax while waiting to be seated. This area also allows single customers to sit for a meal without waiting for a table. In restaurants with heavy weekend traffic, the bar area should be as large as space allows.

Kitchen

A restaurant serving high quality meals requires a well-designed kitchen. The kitchen should be able to accommodate all necessary equipment along with all needed kitchen staff. Include areas for food preparation, storage and handling. Areas for handling shipments and washing dishes are also necessary. A well planned kitchen allows the restaurant to operate efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Restrooms

When space allows, a restaurant's public restrooms should be able to accommodate several guests. Tables should be located away from restrooms or separated from them by partitions. If possible, employee restrooms should be located away from public restrooms.

Staff and Office Space

The restaurant layout should include a space for staff to store their personal belongings. A restaurant's office should be a secure area suitable for storing money and important items or documents. Ideally, office space should be located in the back of the layout.

At all stages of restaurant planning, keep the customer's needs and expectations in mind. Thoughtful attention to these details allows the restaurateur to create a dining environment that encourages customers to keep coming back.

Paul Kelly is the man behind some of Australia's most successful food and beverage venues. Coming into our 15th year of business, Paul Kelly Design is turning the corner on 150 projects, each a signature space, each uniquely different and each one a personal creation of Paul Kelly and his team.

We are hospitality design, we live and breathe it and we do it very well. Welcome to Paul Kelly Design home of the creative minds behind some of Australia's most successful food and beverage venues. Coming into our 15th year of business we are turning the corner on 150 projects, each a signature space, each uniquely different and each one a personal creation of Paul Kelly and his team.We are a holistic design company embracing new ideas and taking the complete project head on with involvement into every area of the project. Our goal is to be the top hospitality firm in the market and our passion for the success of the venues we create gives a Paul Kelly Design project the edge over competitors.

Composite Timber Cladding Installation Guide

Tested repeatedly and accurately to ensure safety and reliability for use, composite timbers are produced by extruding a unique composition of cultivated wood, high-density polyethylene and some engineered stabilizers, such as UV inhibitors and mould resistance. These make composites ideal for outdoor use as the outstanding properties provide durability against harsh weather and resistance to breakage, mould, and decay. Laboratory tests have shown that composites are much stronger and durable than natural timber.

The combination of strength and attractive wood-like appearance of composites is a result of achieving great balance between wood fibres and plastic resin where temperature and speed are optimised during manufacturing.

Installing Composite Timber Cladding

Composite timbers are easy and very simple to install. However, to ensure best performance, quality, and lifespan, it is recommended that a professional tradesman complete the installation. Installing composites is very similar to installing natural timbers; however some key areas where care must be taken are outlined below.

It is important to know that the installation guideline presented below may not cover every event that may occur during installation. A professional is recommended to do the installation in order for easy adaptation if anything unexpected occurs. It is also recommended that a licensed architect, engineer or local building official review your design. Another is to make sure that local building codes are met before beginning the installation.

1. Ensuring Safety for Everyone

Keep children away from the work area until the job has been completed and tools have been stored safely.Refer to operators manuals for all power tools safety guidesWhen handling WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) timber always wear gloves and eye protection and work in a well-ventilated area.Do not burn WPC off-cuts. Dispose of them safely as refuse.Wear goggles when pressure washing or scrubbingAlways use eye protectionPreparation - Avoid exposing planks to direct sunlight when storing. Weathering may lighten or darken colored cladding. However, this will stabilize after approx 3 months.

Note - Composite cladding is NOT intended for use as columns, support posts, beams, joist stringers or other primary load-bearing members. A code-compliant substructure must support the composite cladding. While composite cladding products are great for re-cladding (removing old cladding planks and installing cladding on code-compliant substructure), composite cladding should not be installed on top of existing cladding.

2. Prepare Fixings

Composites should be fixed and secured with quality products. It is recommended to use stainless steel fixings to ensure quality and stability. Use of pneumatic nail guns is not recommended.

3. Installation & Fixing

Composites are designed for simplicity and easy installation. While a tradesman is recommended to complete the job, basic DIY skills and the appropriate tools are all that is needed to do it yourself.

Starter battens

On external walls, the starter batten should be fixed at or above DPC level and checked for levelAt junctions with flat or lean-to roofs, consideration should be given to the installation of the necessary flashingFix cladding to a substantial timber framework, secured to masonry or timber substrate.Horizontal cladding requires battens spaced vertically at a maximum of 400mm centres.For vertical or diagonal cladding battens should be horizontal.Sufficient battens should be utilised and positioned to support trims and plank ends.Over two storeys high, fix centres should not exceed 400mm. Battens on plywood sheathing must be fixed directly into studdingCladding should be secured with A2 (marine grade) stainless steel screws.Battens should be a minimum of 19 x 38mm and should be treated with suitable preservative. Irregularities on the backing surface should be removed and reduced where possible to create an even finish.Clear air space of at least 25mm must be provided behind the cladding, with cross battens used to keep the gap clear if insulation is to be used.8 gauge screws should be used. Holes of 6mm should be pre-drilled into each fixing cladding plank to allow for expansion and contraction.Work from the centre out when screwing to ensure flatness and fix ends with 4mm clearance at each end for expansionTop planks may be cut down to fit the remaining space but allow sufficient clearance to engage the tongue into the grooveFit subsequent planks in the same fashion ensuring that the tongued and grooved joints are firmly closed. Lightly tap the plank down to cover the screw with the overlapStagger the joints and position them at least one fixing centre apartUse a Arbosil 9010 sealant around perimeter junctions and openingShould the cladding be used on timber studding, walls which are not weather tight or walls which are very exposed, the cladding can be backed by a permeable membrane which complies with BS4106: 1972Planks and trims should be secured by jagged plasterboard A2 (marine grade) stainless steel screws. Fixings should be through the lip as this is then hidden by the next plank. Trims should be secured prior to installation of cladding with the final part added upon completionPlease refer to expansion and contraction guide to measure the butt joint gapping requirements Additional battens are required at base and head and for direction changesIrregularities in the substrate will be adversely reproduced in the cladding installation unless the battens are properly aligned. Packing pieces should therefore be placed behind the battens where required.

4. Gapping - Allowing For Expansion (And Contraction)

Composite cladding planks expand and contract according to temperature. Expansion and contraction are more active in areas where extreme temperature changes occur. Installing planks according to the gapping requirements noted below will accommodate this.

Remember that changes in length can occur if working in extreme temperatures during installation. Cutting planks when the temperature is hot and then letting them cool overnight is a good example. A small contraction may occur so it is recommended that planks are fastened as soon as possible after cutting.

Gapping Requirements

Allow 5mm minimum gap where the planking meets any adjoining structure or postFollow all supplied butt joint gapping guidelines for all composite cladding planks.

5. Pre-Drilling

Composite cladding planks require an over-drilled fixing hole of 6mm slot to allow the board to expand and contract. The screw must not be screwed in so tight, as this can restrict the ability of the material to expand or contract. If these are not followed, the cladding plank may bow as a result of material expansion.

6. Cutting Tool Options

Chop Saw

(Any wood cutting blade can be used, although Fine Teeth are highly recommended)

Used for simple straight cutsIdeal for cutting obtuse and acute anglesPerfect for cutting mitres

Jigsaw (Any Bosch Wood Blades Can Be Used)

Used for simple straight cuts, radius edges and for intricate shapesUseful for notching out sectionsA proficient Jigsaw operator is capable of absolute precisionCircular Saw (Any Wood Cutting Blade Can Be Used, Recommended Fine Teeth For Professional Finish)For cuts that exceed 1 metre and provides a perfect straight line cutUsually quicker than using a jigsaw but limited to cuts in one direction at a timeCan be sourced from Dewalt, Bosch or Hilti etcâ?¨A proficient Circular Saw operator is capable of absolute precision

Standard Fixing Tool Options

Drills

Used for creating clearance holes using appropriate sized drill bit depending on the size of the fixing (clearance hole should be big enough for the fixing to pass through the object it is fixing)Used for screwing fixings through clearance holes to firmly secure objectDrill can also be used with attachments such as Hex (Allen) key tool or a socket to the correct diameter of the fixing to enable rapid tightening of the fixings

There are a number of power tool manufacturers such as Dewalt, Bosch or Hilti

What Is a Chiller Plant Design and How Do They Work?

A chiller plant design consists of many pieces of HVAC equipment that are all interconnected by piping to form a chiller plant. This article will look at a water cooled chiller plant design.

The major parts of a water cooled chiller are the compressors, the evaporator heat exchanger (piping circuit #1) and the condenser heat exchanger (piping circuit #2). There are two separate piping circuits in a chiller plant design.

A chiller produces cold water that is typically circulated (pumped) to cooling coils that are inside air conditioning units. This is called the chilled water piping circuit, circuit #1.

The air conditioning unit fan takes air from a room and blows this air across the cooling coil to produce colder air and then circulates this colder air through a duct system to cool the room.

Once the cold water from the chiller cools the air, it becomes warmer, and it must be circulated back to the chiller so that it can become cooler again.

A chiller uses a refrigerant to cool the water, but once it cools the water the refrigerant becomes warmer and it rejects its heat to the cooling tower (or condenser water) piping circuit, circuit #2, so that the entire process can start over.

The basic design consists of a chiller or multiple chillers, chiller water pumps for the chilled water piping circuit, a cooling tower or towers and cooling tower pumps for the cooling tower water piping circuit.

In a water cooled chiller plant design, there is a cooling tower which is considered a heat rejection device and it takes the unwanted heat from the chiller, by circulating water through the chiller and then takes this warmer water and rejects this heat to the tower. The tower then takes the heat from the water and rejects this heat into the atmosphere. This is the second piping circuit and is called the condenser water circuit.

There are many different types of chillers that must be considered in a chiller plant design. The difference is the type of compressors and the difference in efficiencies in each type. There are scroll type compressors, reciprocating type, screw type, centrifugal type and there are chillers that do not use compressors such as steam absorption type chillers.

In a chiller plant design the chiller is selected based upon the amount of tons of cooling that it can produce. A ton of cooling is equal to 12,000btuh. So a 20 ton chiller has a 240,000btuh cooling capacity. The chiller cooling capacity must be equal to or greater than the cooling requirements of the building at peak load which occurs during the summer.

A chiller plant design is usually required for larger buildings with multiple floors because it is much easier to pump water around a building than it is to circulate air. The chiller plant is centrally located and chilled water is pumped to air conditioning units that are located closer to the areas that they have to cool.

The Stages Of Architectural Design

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Have you ever looked at a building in Manhattan and wondered, "how did someone do that?" Chances are, you have! That is the power of incredible architecture. It is pretty surreal to imagine the human race and the technological and innovative strides that we are capable of when working as a team. Buildings in large metropolitan areas often provoke these feelings of amazement and, in addition, are often the product of some of the finest architectural design teams to ever exist. Presumably, most individuals would imagine the process of constructing a building as a well-thought-out, planned process. They would be right. The architectural design process must be broken down into stages in order for a seamless final product.

Building design is best understood by being broken down into stages. Typically, most design processes will adhere to the following stages:

Programming/Site Analysis:

Prior to any physical work being implemented, the professionals and experts must take a close look at the site of the project and make initial determinations. This programming phase will help the experts communicate the parameters, tasks, objectives, and all work entailed to make the project happen successfully. For large business building projects, the client will inform all professionals of design and functionality wishes. How many rooms? What kind of materials? how many inhabitants? What kind of electrical work? In addition, if the property is located on historical territory, inspections and experts will need to approve the work to be rendered. Finally, a programming document will be produced, articulating the plans for the project.

Schematic Developer Design:

This phase is what individuals most commonly think of when they imagine architectural design. Here, the experts prepare intricate sketches of every aspect of the building floor plan and design. First, they are preliminary sketches, developing into detailed floor plan, elevations, and eventually 3-dimensional images of an almost, real life design. The client must approve all phases as they are created, to ensure project effectiveness and success.

Working Drawings:

At the end of the last phase, the client will approve design of the building projected. The architect will now pay close attention to the design and implementing the further details of the project. This phase always includes drawings, working drawings, that serve as a contract documentation of the project. The connection between the design, materials, structure, and systems of the final product will be married between all professionals working on the project. With these drawings complete, the builders can easily begin the pricing and building permitting, prior to building construction.

There is a great deal of work and planning that an architect must endure, as made evident by the above phases. Even such intricate details, like the contemporary office furniture of the project must be considered, to ensure that everything will work and fit in the building perfectly. If your business is located in a city, like Manhattan, you will also need to obtain NYC building permits to make sure the architecture adheres to the cities codes.

How to Find an Architect in Brittany for Your Renovation Project

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There are many properties still available throughout France to buy for renovation to create a beautiful new home or a holiday cottage for those important family breaks. Brittany has always been one of the favourite regions for this with Brits and Channel Islanders.

When thinking of buying a property to renovate there are many questions that come to mind that it would be nice to get an expert answer to, particularly if the property you're considering is in a different country. This article deals with one frequently asked question, "How do I find an Architect for my Renovation Project in Brittany?" and is in the form of an interview with the questions being asked by a prospective purchaser of property in Brittany.

Do I have to engage an architect for a renovation project in France?

You must use an architect if you wish to apply for a permis de construire (construction permit) and the total floor area of your project property is or will be over 170 sq/m when completed. For a demand prealable (permit for small works) you are not required to engage the services of an architect.

How do I find an architect that is appropriate for my project?

The Ordres des Architects will have a list of registered architects in your area of France and you can find this via their web site. Alternatively if you have engaged the services of a builder they maybe able to recommend an architect for you.

How do I check him out, when I can't spend time in France looking at previous work he has done?

Your potential architect should be able to email you examples of his work and or put you in touch with past and current clients that you could talk to in order to establish their satisfaction level with his service.

How expensive are they?

Architects are trained designers and their fees are generally based on a percentage of the project cost. This is a tried and tested method that has been recommended by the architects professional body and has been adjusted over many years to reflect the return that a practicing architect requires to earn a reasonable living. Generally there are two fee scales, one for existing buildings and one for new work. because the first is more complex the percentage is usually at a higher rate than for new work. The fee will also reflect the complexity of the project and as every architectural project is very individual fees may vary to reflect this. However as a general guide for a domestic project the fee is likely to be around 12% for a loft conversion and 10% for a new house. The fee can be considerably reduced if you are willing to take on dealings with the builder and other sub contractors yourself.

Are there English-speaking architects?

There are English-speaking architects all over France many of which advertise in English magazines and on web sites aimed at the British community in France. Alternatively the Ordre des Architectes could help you find an English or English-speaking architect.

Is there an equivalent to RIBA in France and does it protect me?

In order for an architect to practice in France they must be registered with the Ordre des Architectes. They must also carry an up to date insurance which is required by the Ordres des Architectes in order to allow them to practice. You can ask to see a copy of an architects registration with the ODA or a copy of their insurance.

What happens if I am not happy with their work?

Your architect should act as a professional adviser to and agent for you throughout the design and building process if required. Any problems should be able to be resolved between the architect and the client throughout this process. However if you really are unhappy with your architect then you should be able to cut off his services at any time though you may have to pay him for work done up to that point unless he has been negligent or not fulfilled his services as outlined in any agreement with you.

Will they help us through planning consents and permissions and can they manage the project?

An architect can provide design advice, final design drawings, make the planning application, prepare specifications, contract documents, carry out project management and determine completion of the project. However the architect's contribution to your project extends far beyond form and aesthetics, it can influence perception, performance and value. A sound working relationship between you and your architect will contribute significantly to the success of your project.

Do they recommend builders and contractors?

Architects will work closely with a number of builders and sub-contractors and should be able to put you in contact with these services in order to obtain estimates or the architect can obtain them on your behalf.

How can Fabrick 22 Builders Dinan, Brittany help?

Fabrick 22 work closely in hand with professional architects and should you wish can put you in touch personally with an architect to suit your project. They can then liaise between you and your architect to arrive at a completed project personally tailored to suit your requirements.

Brittany architect Andrew Allen has a close association with Fabrick 22 and both businesses are now based in the same building in Salle Gourdine,Dinan. The two long-established enterprises, although separate entities, have worked closely together on a number of past projects. Because they work closely together they can offer a more client friendly, complete service for all building related issues under one roof. To find out more about the services offered by Fabrick 22 see the Architect Brittany page of their website at www.fabrick22.com/builder-dinan-brittany/architecture/.

After studying architecture in the UK and Australia Andrew Allen went on to work in private practice in the UK and later for the City architects dep't Launceston Tasmania. During the 1990s Andrew taught and lectured in architecture and building conversion in both the UK and over seas.Andrew moved to Brittany in 2000 were he has practiced architecture since, gaining invaluable experience of the French planning and architectural systems. See Andrew Allen Architect Brittany for mor information.

Buying a Lot to Get a Custom Home Designed

Deciding what lot to purchase to get a custom home designed can be intimidating and stressful. Some things to consider to help make it less so.

The lot of course has to accommodate whatever is desired in the design. There is some leeway here as a custom home design is like a puzzle with different size pieces. The way those pieces fit together determine the width and depth of the house. Sometimes room orientations are flexible and the shorter dimension can be in the width resulting in a narrower house. That is one of the reasons why it is important if the house is to be custom designed to fit the lot that it be purchased first.

The easiest way to ensure a house of the footage you desire will fit on the lot is if there are similar houses of that footage already on lots in the subdivision. If not then it is usually a matter of taking into account what will be different and how that will affect the width or depth. Some differences simply might not work however for some lots. If you want a garage that you enter from the side the distance from the property line is preferably 30' and may not be achievable. Another major consideration is a pool. A simple rectangular pool will require about 30'x15' not including whatever deck area there is. Unique shapes and elaborate landscaping can greatly impact the space needed.

Building lines and easements need to be considered. Most subdivisions have restrictions which spell out the minimum distance, building lines, from the property line a house or any structure including a pool has to be. There may be easements for utilities on specific lots that can not be built on. While it is rare there may also be height limitations so be sure that neither the restrictions or the city will disallow what will be necessary for your design. Once again looking to what has been built can help answer that question.

Some cities or subdivisions will not allow trees of a certain diameter to be cut down. Not that you would want to but if a tree is in the area where the house would have to be then a choice has to be made. Typically the root system will extend to the canopy of the tree. Many a tree close too a house has never caused foundation problems but many have. It is not a chance you want to take.

Determine if the lot is in an area that floods or is subject to the flood plain map. It may be a required that the house be built a minimum height off the ground.

The other consideration is orientation of the lot. For energy efficiency in warmer climates ideally the front of the lot will face north. The main objective is to have the sides of the house with less windows with an east and west orientation. The rear of the house facing south will usually have some porch to protect windows from the southern winter sun. However while this is advantageous it should not be the main criteria of a lot choice to the point it will compromises the house design.

Hope this knowledge helps take some of the intimidation and stress out of the equation!

Darrell A. Haertl, AIBD, TIBD, CPBD is the owner of Design Concepts which has provided award winning custom home design and remodeling design since 1991. With over 30 years of experience, including 8 as a construction superintendent, he is uniquely qualified to provide creative custom home designs while considering the cost consequences.

http://designconcepts.biz/

Creating Architectural Form In Response to the Solar and Seasonal Cycles

Introduction:

There are many factors and influences which can contribute to a building being considered Green-that is a building which minimizes its impact on the environment. A building that uses its site well, uses appropriate material resources, construction and mechanical systems, and preferably makes use of natural energy flow, daylight and air movement are all possible attributes of green buildings. Ultimately it comes down to a client's eagerness to execute a Green project. If an architect is commissioned by someone who is not interested in producing a sustainable building, he/she can only try to educate the client on the subject matter and hope the client accepts this vision. Many of the green technologies have up front costs associated with them that clients do not want to assume. Despite the client's position, there are elements of building design that architects can control which can make a building greener. Frank Lloyd Wright was truly a Master Architect. Not only because he designed beautiful buildings with elegant spaces, but because his buildings made great use of natural energy flow. He carefully sited his buildings to take advantage of the sun's path and understood how the daylight would enhance the interior spaces. If an architect sites a building and thinks about how its position in the landscape is relating to the Solar and Seasonal cycles he/she can then begin to derive a form for the building that responds to the Sun's Path. Maximizing on day lighting of interior spaces and implementing shading techniques can greatly reduce a building's energy consumption even if the most conventional construction techniques and technologies are being used.

Architectural Form: Strategies That Respond To The Solar And Seasonal Conditions

Surface Treatment Due To Orientation: Faces of a building need to respond to the unique conditions created by the solar and seasonal cycles. Architect and Educator Hassan Fathy in his book Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture, describes some basic characteristics of the solar condition acting on faces of buildings in the northern hemisphere. He points out that the northern facade only receives direct solar exposure in the summer months during the early morning and late afternoon. At these times the altitude of the sun is low and the azimuth causes the sun's rays to hit the surface of the building tangentially. The gentle angles of the sun cause spaces positioned along the northern face of a building to have diffuse lighting conditions. During the summer months the sun is high over the horizon and light does not penetrate deeply into the openings on the southern face. However, in the winter months the angle is low and the sunlight does penetrate deeply. Eastern facade receives sun from morning until noon and spaces along this face do not tend to heat up too much, whereas the western face is exposed to the sun from noon on and spaces that share this face can overheat and often require shading.

Articulation: Demarcations can be created in building forms that acknowledge the presence, or influence, of the solar and seasonal cycles. Markings can be quite simple as demonstrated in the ancient Anasazi construction of Pueblo Bonito. Sunrise on the winter solstice and sunset on the summer solstice was marked. Ralph Knowles has done extensive research on deriving an entire building's form that maximizes the benefits of incoming solar radiation and limits the shadow cast by a building onto adjacent elements of the landscape.

Daylight Controls: Daylight Controls are building elements used to modify the amount of solar radiation that enters a building or a space. Controls can be active or passive, that is, moveable/operable or fixed in place. Some examples of daylight controls are screens, fins, louvers, brise-soleil, and light diffusers that both Louis Kahn makes use of at the Kimbell Art Museum and that Renzo Piano uses at the Menil Museum of Art. An extensive overview of various controls and strategies can be found in William M.C. Lam's book Sunlighting as Formgiver for Architecture.

Materiality: Materials used for construction have thermal and optical properties. Material properties influence the thermal and lighting conditions of space. They can be categorized as conductors or insulators based on their ability to transfer heat energy. Materials have optical properties in that they can reflect, absorb and transmit light rays. While an entire scientific discipline of materials exists, it is more the purpose of this investigation to select materials in order to convey the meaning and the purpose of their use. In the Passive Solar Energy Book written by Edward Mazria, both basic concepts and precise scientific data of material performance are presented.

About The Author:

Serge Young recently started his architectural practice in the Hudson Valley of New York. He has a special interest in vernacular architecture. You can access more information about architecture and view his work at: http://www.sergeyoung.com/

Retail Counter LED Lights Really Help Increase Sales

Are you looking for ways to help increase sales within your retail store? If you are like most business owners in today's economy, then the answer is yes. The simple fact is that consumers today are reluctant to spend extra money on things that they view as luxury items or on things that they do not deem to be necessities. It isn't that customers won't buy these items, but it is certainly on business owners to make them as visible and as appealing as possible. If you need a great strategy to help boost sales on big ticket display items or on the impulse items at your front counter, installing new retail counter lights can be a surprisingly effective strategy.

The Effects of Quality Lighting

One thing you might not realize about proper retail counter lighting is that the effects on your customer are both direct and indirect. Sure, you know that high quality lighting has the direct effect of providing a clearer view of your products and making it easier for your customer to see what you have on offer, but did you know that great lighting has an indirect, psychological effect as well? Simply put, when you employ bright, natural light that feels as clear and as well defined as natural sunlight, you can actually help boost the mood of your customers, making them more inclined to purchase.

Simply put, when you take the time to install great lighting in your store, you can put your customers in a better mood. Couple this with an increased ability to see and appreciate all that you have on offer, and you have a natural recipe for higher sales numbers. If you are looking for the perfect retail counter lights to help you achieve this, the answer certainly lies in LEDs. LED lights are as close as you can get to natural sunlight, preventing artificial tints and glowing, while also providing light that is bright and that evenly illuminates all of the items in your display or on your retail counters. It really is a perfect solution for virtually any retail store, kiosk, or market.

Why Choose LEDs?

If you are wondering what makes LED lighting so perfect as a retail counter lighting solution, there are many things to take into consideration. In addition to superior light quality, LED also offers significantly less energy consumption. This can not only decrease your energy costs, but it reduces your environmental impact as well. The lights give off only minimal heat, making them as well suited for foods as for traditional products, and you will find that there are both fixed and flexible LED light strips, making it easy to install lighting that perfectly conforms to any counter or display. LED lighting is as versatile as the business owners who use it, and when you want the best lighting for your customers and for your bottom line, you will find that there is no option on the market better suited for your retail counters than ultra-slim LED strip lights.

Looking for better ways to increase your retail sales potential by improving your retail store illumination? LED-Mate brings you cost effective custom lighting solutions. Kim Zheng is the company's main author of energy saving LED lighting articles, an experienced expert of super bright SMD based LED linear tube lighting for retail visual merchandising display and interior design lighting applications. He reveals technology aiming to improve retail display lighting by using high brightness LED fixtures. Learn more about retail store lighting from other articles and releases written by Kim Zheng, where he offers valuable advises and tips for environmentally friendly, energy efficient LED tube lighting for excellent lighting effects.

Cowhide Accessories Also Add Great Color and Texture To Your Lifestyle

Cowhide Accessories. If the Whole idea of using a cowhide rug on your floor is too western for you, but you still like the looks of a cowhide and want to utilize it in your home, then cowhide accessories are for you. Accessories still offer you the great look and texture that a cowhide adds to any home, yet in a smaller form. A little dab will do. When it comes to adding a cowhide accessory, there are a multitude of products and styles you can choose from. Whether you want to just spice up one room with a touch of cowhide, or every room, cowhide accessories are perfect for the job. No where is it written that you can't have the accessories as well as the rug. The choices for cowhide accessories include but not excluded to: coasters, lampshades, pillows, mouse pads, koozies, place mats, etc. to choose from. The list is endless.

Great For the Living Room

Maybe your living room needs a little more color and or texture, but you don't want to spend a ton of money on furniture. Cowhide pillows can add just the touch of color and texture you're looking for. Not to mention they are great to snuggle up with on a cold unpleasant day in the winter. Cowhide pillows are also great for mixing and matching. Carry the great look of cowhide all the way from your floor to your couch, with cowhide pillows. Want to go farther with the theme? Great, then hang a cowhide on the wall behind a beautiful picture or just plain. Either way it will all look good! Just because we call them cowhide rugs doesn't mean they have to be used for that only. Cowhide works great as a throw on your furniture as well.

What About Your Office

A cowhide mouse pad is just the thing for your office. Add some quality to your surroundings with a genuine leather cowhide mouse pad. Pillows and mouse pads, even throw in a coaster for your drink, in your office and you can give it that "at home feel western motif feel". No one says you have to be uncomfortable at work. Make it feel right at home with quality made cowhide accessories. Pillow too much? No big thing, just stick with the mouse pad and coaster. Maybe even a small custom made cowhide rug to hang on your wall? The custom made rugs can give your and your clients something to look at during down time. Just always remember the uses for cowhide is endless. Have fun mixing it up with your personal choices

Jennifer Wing invites you to check out quality cowhide rugs and accessories at http://www.winghide.com/home.html We pride ourselves in quality and customer care. You won't find better quality cowhide rugs and accessories. So stop in, do some shopping, and don't forget to sign the guest book before you leave. We thank you for shopping!

How to Increase Your Retail Sales Potential

When you think about things you could do to increase the sales potential of your business, what comes to mind? Do you think about clever marketing gimmicks that might get more people in the door? Do you think of promotions that encourage first time customers to check out your store in the future? There are lots of great ways to increase sales potential, but have you ever considered the role that your lighting plays? Retail lighting designs actually have a major impact on overall customer impressions, and taking the time to find the design that really showcases all of your products and helps your customers see the best in everything you have to offer can do more for your sales than you might think.

Building Buzz Only Goes So Far

While generating a buzz around your business can be an excellent short term marketing technique, it is what your customers find once you get them in the door that will determine if they come back and if they end up making a purchase. Great lighting should be a part of every marketing strategy, and you will find that it is easier than you might imagine retail lighting designs you maximize your product displays.

How to Use Lighting to Improve Sales

So, how exactly does lighting help to boost your overall sales potential? Part of the answer lies in psychology. Numerous studies have shown that clear, bright lighting helps people to feel happier. It is why people develop seasonal affective disorder in the winter, and it plays a large role in how we feel in any indoor situation. Brighter lights equate better moods. But part of using retail lighting designs to improve sales comes down to display and shelf lighting. The simple fact is that your customers are going to be more inclined to purchase an item if they can see it clearly and can really make out the details that set it apart from other products.

Creating Ideal Showcase Lighting

While overhead lighting is usually pretty easy to set up in a way that provides a comfortable customer experience, you will find that choosing the right lighting for showcases and display cases can be a bit trickier. One option that is sweeping the retail market right now is LED strip lighting. With numerous ultra-slim light strips available for virtually any display need, finding the right lights has never been easier. You will find that there are both fixed and flexible strips to choose from, as well as a variety of different mount types. Best of all, these strips can be fitted to any display length or shape. When you need lighting that is even, bright, and cost effective, creating retail lighting designs around LED strip lights is a great choice. With no heat and virtually no maintenance requirements, you will find that LED lights are designed for years of use. When you have a great marketing strategy and want to make sure that you can convert curious customers into long-term customers, LED lighting can be a fantastic option!

Looking for better ways to increase your retail sales potential by improving your retail store illumination? LED-Mate brings you cost effective custom lighting solutions. Kim Zheng is the company's main author of energy saving LED lighting articles, an experienced expert of super bright SMD based LED linear tube lighting for retail visual merchandising display and interior design lighting applications. He reveals technology aiming to improve retail display lighting by using high brightness LED fixtures. Learn more about retail store lighting from other articles and releases written by Kim Zheng, where he offers valuable advises and tips for environmentally friendly, energy efficient LED tube lighting for excellent lighting effects.