Not all home renovations are considered equal when it comes to the saleability of your property – picking the right improvements to increase the value of your home is vital. Some home improvements can be incredibly costly, but you might not necessarily see a return on your investment. These home
For most people, home is where they unwind, escape the world around them and enjoy times of tranquility. But thanks to design elements like open floor plans, lightweight frameworks, high ceilings and hardwood floors, today’s properties are more susceptible to noise pollution than ever before. This is a recipe for
A giant mural featuring the Roman god of the sea Neptune will appear at Edward Street Quarter in Brighton when renowned local artist Cosmo Sarson installs his work. At 10 meters high, the artwork will be one of the city’s biggest murals and looks set to become a meeting point
Business is coming out of a fallow season, as is society, and it’s bringing with it huge demands for infrastructure upgrades across energy, transport and housing. The Guardian has highlighted a sizable 6% surge in March 2021, with infrastructure pushing forward the industry alongside housing. What these figures fail to highlight is
British Land, Berkeley, and Multiplex team up to clean up Hyde Park and the Grand Union Canal Marble Arch London BID assembled volunteers from some of London’s biggest businesses to celebrate the Great British Spring Clean. As part of its ongoing commitment to the local community, Marble Arch London BID,
Hot summers necessitate the installation of a proper cooling system in your house. If you cannot install an air conditioner, fans are the next suitable option. You might find it impractical to install an AC because it can be quite expensive. If you’re renting your house, the agreement may prohibit
Poway has around 17,000 households, and home prices in the city have increased by up to 37% since the past year. It’s essential to ensure that you follow the proper steps to sell your home, even though it’s relatively easy to sell a home in Poway. An effective home selling
The Jeju Dream Tower is one of the most exciting new builds in South Korea. Designed by Siaplan architects, this building was opened only this year, after a long five years in construction. There were several major setbacks along the way and one still in progress now, but the hotel
There are several different ways of powering your home, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re more progressive, you most likely are considering more efficient ways of powering your home instead of sticking to oil and coal. If you’re in such a situation, the ideal decision would
The UK construction sector was heavily impacted by the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Tactics, which were speedily adopted by the industry to keep sites open, will no doubt continue post pandemic. TOM WAKEFORD, joint managing director of 154-year-old family firm Stepnell, which operates throughout central and southern England,
Not all home renovations are considered equal when it comes to the saleability of your property – picking the right improvements to increase the value of your home is vital. Some home improvements can be incredibly costly, but you might not necessarily see a return on your investment. These home renovations can help to improve the value and saleability of your property. Bathroom suites Bathrooms are one of the most-used areas of the home, and it’s common for them to look worse for wear over time as a result. But it’s also an area of the property that buyers pay close attention to, so making improvements before you put your home on the market can help you during the selling process. Depending on how much you want to invest and the time you want to put into it, bathroom upgrades can be anything from minor refreshing through hardware and changing out the shower curtain, to a full suite renovation that can add anywhere up to over 60% in returns. Aim to create a spa-like experience in the bathroom, as this will appeal to potential buyers. Garage Garages are desirable for buyers as they offer a secure place to store vehicles and can be used as additional storage for belongings too, which can be scarce in some homes. Your garage door is important for adding kerb appeal to your home, but it is also crucial in ensuring that the garage is safe and secure, so an upgrade can help to improve the look of your home for buyers and guarantees security. Once you’ve checked your garage door is free from faults and damage, refinishing it can help to improve the aesthetic appeal it provides for a great first impression. Kitchen A popular home upgrade, kitchen renovations are often the first port of call for people looking to increase the value of their home. But how much can you really make from this home improvement project? Kitchen renovations typically do pay off in the long-run, especially if your kitchen is very dated. Even just changing the cabinetry and updating the taps can add between 2 and 3% in returns, while a full overhaul could increase your home’s value by as much as 10%. Since the average kitchen upgrade costs in the region of £10,000, this can be a significant profit overall. Loft conversion A study by Halifax found that a loft conversion offers excellent value for money in terms of saleability, adding 15% in value. What’s more, it can significantly increase the floor space of your home by up to 30%, which can be a real selling point for potential buyers. The average for a loft conversion is between £16,000 and £20,000, so it’s more of an upfront investment than some other home improvement projects, but it can offer great returns long-term. Landscaping Landscaping the outdoor spaces isn’t something that you immediately think of when it comes to renovating your home, but it can make a big difference. Gardens are sought-after, so having a beautiful lawn or pretty container plants can really boost your home’s appeal. In fact, just a bit of work could increase the value of your property by as much as 15% on average, topping out at over 40% in profit if you spend in the region of £4,000. The return you’ll see depends on how much you invest in your landscaping, but even minor upgrades and tidying can really do wonders for saleability. Flooring Flooring can do wonders for the overall feel and look of a property, and it can boost the value too. If the carpet is stained and worn, or the laminate is starting to lift, it can make your property look drab, even if other areas of the home have been refreshed. It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make but it has an instant impact and can completely transform the look of your home. Go for something that’s easy to maintain and neutral to appeal to a broader range of buyers. Final thoughts You might be planning to move in the near future or you could be looking to make upgrades that your family can enjoy but that will pay off in the future. Whatever your situation, being thoughtful and considered in your approach to home renovations can really pay off further down the line when you put your home on the market. From the minor improvements that can work brilliantly in improving the aesthetic appeal of your home to the bigger renovation projects that can add thousands to the overall market price, think about the needs of a future buyer when you’re making changes to the property.
For most people, home is where they unwind, escape the world around them and enjoy times of tranquility. But thanks to design elements like open floor plans, lightweight frameworks, high ceilings and hardwood floors, today’s properties are more susceptible to noise pollution than ever before. This is a recipe for disaster considering the loudness of modern life. Everything from internal sounds such as washing machines, loud speakers and even the humming of the fridge, to outdoor disturbances like planes, sirens and construction work can create a cacophony of disturbance. Add noisy neighbours into the mix and you can see why homes are increasingly failing to fulfil their roles as sanctuaries. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little forethought, you can soundproof your home and make it the peaceful place you want it to be. Here’s how. 1. Sort out your walls Your first port of call should be your walls, as they are responsible for a huge chunk of the sound coming into a room. Unfortunately, most are built like drums, featuring surface plasterboard (drywall) attached to a structural framework of wall studs or ceiling joists. The spaces in between these studs or joists are usually filled with air or insulation, meaning sound is usually easily conducted through a wall. One way to reduce this is to add a second layer of plasterboard to one or both sides to give the wall surface greater mass, making it less likely to vibrate and transfer sound waves. Soundproof plasterboard will give you the best protection, though be aware of the benefits offered by different types too. Building Materials Nationwide Limited suggest using fire resistant plasterboard to offer serious insulation, or moisture resistant plasterboard for more humid places. Meanwhile, holes or cracks around areas like window frames, ventilation grates and electrical sockets can let in lots of sound. So, closely inspect your walls and repair any cracks or holes you find with caulk. However, if the damage is significant, get a professional to fix these instead, or you risk doing even more damage. Likewise, electrical switches and outlets are usually set into hollow plastic boxes in the wall, which can also help conduct sound. Installing putty pads will create an air seal and add mass to the box that noise can’t pass through. 2. Upgrade your windows Sound is also easily transmitted through windows, so this should be your next area of focus. First of all, moving to double glazing if you haven’t already is imperative. But don’t just go for any type of window — invest in special soundproofing types. These have thicker glass, more space in between the panes and stronger frames, offering much greater sound protection. As noted in The Telegraph: “Acoustic double glazed windows reduce sound by up to 40dB, which would take the loud 80dB noise from road traffic down to a quiet 40dB noise — that’s the equivalent to the sound of someone speaking in a library.” Indeed, even if you already have double glazing, you should consider upgrading it to this kind, wth sites like Windows Guide great for comparing quotes across local suppliers. On the other hand, window inserts may be the better option overall. These are custom-made to fit your window, pressing inside the frame to act as an extra wall against sound vibrations. Going down this route prevents you from forking out on entirely new windows. Meanwhile, other useful window soundproofing options include sound-blocking curtains, filling any cracks and holes around them with caulk, placing furniture near your windows to absorb sound waves, and planting shrubs outside to prevent them getting in. 3. Refurbish your doors Doors are often poor at blocking noise considering they’re usually the thinnest barrier in a wall. The first thing to consider when soundproofing one is whether it’s a hollow-core or solid-core door. The latter will do a much better job at protecting your home from noise, meaning an upgrade is essential. If you need to shop for a new door, make sure to take into account its Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating — the higher it is, the better. Hollow-core doors tend to have a STC of around 20, whereas solid-core ones are usually in the mid thirties. However, this step alone will only block sounds like low speech, and not louder noises, meaning you need to go further to give yourself the best protection. One way to better soundproof your door is to add materials like mass loaded vinyl, soundproof blankets and panels to it to block noise coming in. Mass loaded vinyl is a thick sheet that can be installed inside a door’s core, soundproof blankets go over the top of it, while panels go inside the door itself. Like with walls and windows, another way to improve things is seal any cracks or holes. You can use a door gasket to fill any that are underneath, and things like gap foam, silicone sealant or noise-reducing tape for any in the door itself.
A giant mural featuring the Roman god of the sea Neptune will appear at Edward Street Quarter in Brighton when renowned local artist Cosmo Sarson installs his work. At 10 meters high, the artwork will be one of the city’s biggest murals and looks set to become a meeting point for locals, as well as a tourist attraction in its own right. Cosmo revealed his designs in a time lapse video where he discusses the challenges of creating an oil-style painting on an epic scale. Project developers First Base with Brighton and Hove City Council commissioned the classically trained painter to deliver this vibrant addition to Brighton’s thriving street art scene after a competitive selection process. “Brighton started off as a fishing village hundreds of years ago and this area was once a thriving hub for the fishing industry. Part of the brief was to showcase its heritage. As well as marking the entrance to Edward Street Quarter, I hope this classical God of the sea creates an iconic image for Brighton, ” said Cosmo, who lives in Hanover. “It’s been a very exciting process because, while I’m known for large scale murals, I’m also known for my oil paintings. I don’t think creating a mural on this scale in the style of an oil painting has ever been done before! I’m looking forward to seeing how the brush work translates onto a larger canvas.” The time lapse video reveals a smaller version of Neptune, which will soon be printed on ceramic tiles and mounted onto laser-cut steel. The mural will then be installed on an exterior wall at Edward Street Quarter, Brighton’s newest neighbourhood, a mixed-use development under construction on the site of the former AMEX-house site. A total of 37 artists put themselves forward for the job, but Cosmo was set apart by his experience creating large-scale urban artworks and his distinctive style – dubbed ‘classic with a twist’. Cosmo created the hand painted ‘Angel of Brighton’ mural, a three-story fresco, which depicts a winged woman rising from the ashes against a glittering gold background in the North Laine. Neptune will join Cosmo’s latest cackling seagulls mural at Brighton Palace Pier which is also ten metres high and features two seagulls with human bodies in striped blue and white deckchairs, laughing and holding hands. “Brighton is well known for its street art culture and we hope Neptune will be part of the fascinating tours of the city’s best outdoor art. We also predict Neptune will soon become a local landmark and an easy place for people to meet locally – he will definitely stand out in a crowd! We can’t wait for the big unveil later this year. Edward Street Quarter will be home to creative and digital businesses, residents and cafes and shops, so this beautiful piece of art will add to the vibrancy of the development,” added Steve Eccles, Project Director at First Base. Cosmo was internationally celebrated in 2013 for his giant mural of ‘Breakdancing Jesus’ which he painted opposite Banksy’s iconic ‘Mild, Mild West’ in Bristol. As a freelance scenic artist, Cosmo’s artwork can also be spotted in blockbuster films including Dumbo, The Favourite, The Avengers – Age of Ultron, Guardians of the Galaxy and Tomb Raider.
Business is coming out of a fallow season, as is society, and it’s bringing with it huge demands for infrastructure upgrades across energy, transport and housing. The Guardian has highlighted a sizable 6% surge in March 2021, with infrastructure pushing forward the industry alongside housing. What these figures fail to highlight is the increasing rate of accidents on construction sites stemming from huge demand. ConstructionNews.co.uk has found that construction site deaths have risen by a third over the past five years. Whether proportional to the worker population or not, that’s an unacceptable increase in risk and, indeed, rate. Welding comes central to some of these figures, and even when the construction site is safe, poorly completed welding can have a disastrous impact on the eventual users of the new infrastructure. Setting principles The need for high-quality welders has been shown in the long-awaited construction of nuclear plant Hinkley C. As the BBC highlights, aggressive recruitment has been undertaken to provide workers for the construction of the cutting-edge facility, with welders in high demand. Elsewhere, in East Anglia, the approval of other nuclear projects is being met with promises of further welding professional schemes to meet demand. For welders moving into the lucrative business of high-end welding, it’s important to first establish basic safety principles. Much of this will, of course, be covered in the course of learning the necessary skills to work on professional construction sites. What they can’t necessarily provide, however, is proper equipment, and in high-pressure environments, employers often overlook the need for the best quality safety kit. A welding table is a good example, with stable, bespoke items doing a better job for the safety of the employee and their colleagues than the kit often provided on site. Of course, equipment only forms one part of the safety equation, and in high-pressure work environments, workers must be aware of their rights. Overtime and flexibility In May 2020, Yorkshire Live reported on the tragic case of Zac Payne and Michael Morris. Both welders, they had died in a fatal car crash after their parent company failed to follow internal fatigue regulations. A £750,000 fine was ordered as a result. Companies must be aware of the rules and regulations they need to follow under HSE guidelines, and workers should be aware of what they can reasonably expect to work on and how much rest they need between jobs. Fatigue is often the key factor in mistakes – when it comes to infrastructure, this can have a disastrous impact not only on the employee, but the public, too, who use the infrastructure welders contribute to. Infrastructure damage The impact of hastily constructed projects was put into tragic view in Mexico City in May 2021. As Yahoo News UK outlines, poor quality welding, among other issues, led to the collapse of an overhead rail passage. As new infrastructure to supply the UK flies up across the country, lessons like this one are vitally important for project managers and contractors to bear in mind. It’s an exciting time for new builds, and getting the country back on the road to being fully functioning will be something to stake reputations on. However, this cannot be at the cost of human safety. This is what the welding issues boils down to – human safety. There are so many risks associated with welding, from the simple danger of the tools required to the danger of the related environments; welding is often required in electrical environments, for instance. Protecting the safety of workers is protecting their ability to do good work and, ultimately, deliver high quality construction projects.
British Land, Berkeley, and Multiplex team up to clean up Hyde Park and the Grand Union Canal Marble Arch London BID assembled volunteers from some of London’s biggest businesses to celebrate the Great British Spring Clean. As part of its ongoing commitment to the local community, Marble Arch London BID, brought its members together to participate in two in-person events. Working together the 22 volunteers helped to clear cow parsley from Hyde Park’s meadows and remove plastic waste and debris from the Grand Union Canal. Volunteers from businesses including British Land, Berkeley, Hunter Boots and GIC ventured out on GoBoats, canoes and paddleboards to clean up the canal. Meanwhile, employees from Multiplex, Hunter Boots and British Land worked with The Royal Parks in Hyde Park to pull up cow parsley, enabling other flower species to grow which help bees, butterflies, and other insects to thrive. The Great British Spring Clean 2021 which saw volunteers across the UK make 1.15 million miles of British outdoor spaces cleaner and greener, was also a great opportunity for colleagues to reunite after over a year of home working. The event marked the start of Marble Arch London BID’s in-person community events after many months of virtual volunteering throughout the pandemic. Through its Community Programme, the BID matches volunteers with charities and schools to undertake practical challenges such as decorating or gardening, as well as skill sharing. Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID, comments: “We are a champion for business and community and our goal is to unite the two to create a welcoming and hospitable environment for those who live, work and visit our district. The Great British Spring Clean is a regular fixture in our calendar and we would like to thank all the volunteers for getting their boots on to support an event which is crucial to maintaining our beautiful outdoor spaces. These green spaces have become a vital escape for many Londoners who have found themselves feeling isolated at home during the pandemic, and it was fantastic to see so many colleagues from across our member businesses reunite for the first time at this event. As restrictions ease, we look forward to hosting more in-person community events which will bring our members together to support the local area.” During the pandemic, the BID’s community programme also helped businesses to channel donations of surplus food, furniture, IT and office equipment, clothes, and homeware to local charities and food banks.
Hot summers necessitate the installation of a proper cooling system in your house. If you cannot install an air conditioner, fans are the next suitable option. You might find it impractical to install an AC because it can be quite expensive. If you’re renting your house, the agreement may prohibit you from installing an AC. Either way, a bladeless fan is an excellent option for total cooling during the summer months, during which temperatures reached record levels just last year. There are many innovative designs and models in the market that you must consider before choosing a fan. With an advanced air multiplying technology, bladeless tower fans, for example, are an extremely innovative cooling solution suitable for all spaces. Types of Fans to Consider Before you choose a particular fan for your house, there are some options that you must be aware of. The different types of fans are as follows: Pedestal Fans: Pedestal fans are pretty large and have big blades that help even dispersion. The height of these fans can generally be adjusted, making them quite useful. They have been the classic choice for years and are a good cooling solution. Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are the most common type of fans available in the market and are mostly used to seeing. They are attached to the ceiling and do not cause any obstruction or take up space in the room. They provide uniform cooling all around the room, making them another great choice. Desk Fans: For a more concentrated source of cooling, desk fans are a perfect choice. If you do not want something as big as a pedestal fan because you do not have enough space in the room but want a direct air source, desk fans are a perfect choice. You can easily set them on a flat surface and enjoy the cool breeze. Tower Fans: Tower fans are the most innovative and modern version of fans in the market. These are typically bladeless fans with various features, much more than what you get in a standard pedestal fan. As the name suggests, tower fans are much sleeker and hence fit even in a cramped space. Although they are quite narrow, they provide strong output, making them an ideal solution. How do Bladeless Tower Fans Work Bladeless tower fans are similar to traditional oscillating fans, except that bladeless fans offer better air circulation and distribution. The fans pull the air using the side vents and spin it before circulating the cool air through the front. How to Buy Tower Fans Tower fans are very new to the market and are only produced by a few companies. These fans are very innovative and are popularly known as bladeless fans. When you buy a tower fan, you will enjoy the various features that come packed with them. When purchasing a tower fan, make sure to consider the following factors for a successful purchase: Timer: You will find several tower fans that come with a timer function. This lets you set a timer for how long you want to run the fan. They usually provide an option to set a timer for up to 24 hours. They might even come with a sleep timer that automatically switches off the fan after you fall asleep. Oscillating head: An oscillating head is essential for ensuring that the airflow is well-distributed, thus allowing them to cool large spaces in a short while. You need a good rate of oscillation if you share your room with another person. Heating capabilities: Some tower fans also have excellent heat settings. This way, you can use the fan even during the winter season to stay warm and comfortable. Remote Control: Just like an AC, there are tower fans that come with a remote control. This means that you can switch your fan on and off without having to leave your bed and control other settings without having to get close to it. Why Choose Bladeless Fans Bladeless fans are nothing like the old-school fans. Since their release in the market, these fans have garnered much attention and excitement from tech enthusiasts and homeowners alike. These “bladeless” fans do have blades. In reality, it is just that they remain hidden from sight. They channel high-velocity smooth air, and the airflow is magnificent. These fans are best suited for families with children as the lack of visible blades ensures better safety. They are also much easier to clean and come with enhanced functions. However, tower fans are more expensive than your regular pedestal fans. Tower fans are truly a fascinating opportunity for those looking for a modern and out-of-the-box cooling solution. They come with much better features and are perfectly suitable for houses with smaller spaces!
Poway has around 17,000 households, and home prices in the city have increased by up to 37% since the past year. It’s essential to ensure that you follow the proper steps to sell your home, even though it’s relatively easy to sell a home in Poway. An effective home selling plan can help you avoid potential legal issues and ensure that you don’t sustain a financial loss. A certified agent specializing in Poway real estate can educate you on the professional and legal intricacies of the home selling process and help you choose the right buyer. Assess the Condition of Your House The median value of a Poway home is around $1 million. Home prices in Poway are much higher than in other areas in cities in the US. When buyers are compelled to pay such high prices for a house, they also tend to be more analytical about the condition of your home and the distinct features of your home. A critical assessment of your home will help reveal any damages or defects in your home. The assessment will also help reveal any scope for improvement before the selling process begins. It’s recommended you seek the help of your real estate agent to carry out the home assessment. Real estate agents have clarity on what buyers expect. Your agent could suggest ways to increase the value of your home with minor alternations or renovations. You may also consider painting your home, attending to any plumbing or wiring issues, and other home maintenance requirements before putting your house up for sale. Fix a Price for Your Home There are several factors you will have to consider to fix a price for your home. A real estate expert can help you fix a competitive price of your home. Besides the size and condition of the house, home sellers will also have to consider the real estate rates of similar homes in the neighborhood. High prices may drive away potential buyers. Hence, it’s critical to ensure that you settle on a reasonable price. You may also want to cover the cost of sale-related home renovations and improvements in the price. If the price does not cover the initial cost of buying the house and the cost of further improvements, you will sustain a loss. While settling for a lower price is inevitable in some real estate markets, Poway has a thriving real estate market that offers several opportunities to home sellers. Find Legal and Financial Help Your real estate agent will put you in touch with lawyers, lenders, and other experts who will help you with the home selling process. You will need help with several aspects, like the title deed and the transfer deed. You will also need approvals and certifications from relevant authorities to proceed with the sale. Expert lawyers can educate you on the legal requirements you need to follow. You may need documentation to prove that you are the actual owner of the home you are selling. You may also need to interact and negotiate with the prospective buyer’s real estate title company and real estate agent. A comprehensive assessment of all relevant documents will help you identify any pending payments or other pending liabilities associated with the house. Buyers may be reluctant to buy a house that has pending mortgage payments. A financial analyst can help you find ways to deal with any pending liabilities or payments. It’s also vital to ensure that you get your home insurance documents and agreements reviewed by your insurance agent or lawyer. Shortlist Potential Buyers If you have several offers on your home, it’s imperative to assess all the potential buyers and shortlist the ones you find most reliable. You may want to speak to the buyers directly and ask your real estate agent to interact with them. It’s also essential to study the financial credibility of the buyers to ensure they are capable of paying for the home. Experts recommend doing a thorough background check of the buyers you shortlist. This will help eliminate the possibility of falling prey to real estate scams. Choose the Right Buyer An expert realtor who works in the Poway real estate market can help you finalize the right buyer and handle all the required closing obligations. Your agent will also help you identify the right time for the sale. It’s vital to sell your home when market rates are high to guarantee maximum profits from the sale. Collaborating with the right Poway real estate agent is crucial to ensuring that the home selling process is smooth and hassle-free. It is also essential to prepare and stage your home for sale. A thorough home appraisal by real estate experts will help you fix the right price for your home.
The Jeju Dream Tower is one of the most exciting new builds in South Korea. Designed by Siaplan architects, this building was opened only this year, after a long five years in construction. There were several major setbacks along the way and one still in progress now, but the hotel and dining elements of the building have been open to travelers for almost a month now and are receiving positive feedback. We take a look at the design of the building and the facilities available inside. Jeju is a volcanic island with pillar and hexagon shaped rock formations. From this natural inspiration came the formulation of the building itself. The facade of the building is created with strong hexagonal pillars, each with a hole right through the center. These holes allow the building to take on a totally different feeling depending on the light conditions. Owing to the curved surface of the hexagon, these holes can reflect the colour of the sky on their inner walls. A dramatic sunset is made even more dramatic with its colours echoed by the pillars. In the same way, the twinkling city lights occasionally catch the building at night, creating a dreamlike effect. The folding of the facade into neat ‘pleats’ creates an interesting effect to the holes when viewed from certain angles, they appear as hearts. This effect was not accidental, but rather an homage to the core of the building, the Jeju Dream Casino. Whether the casino will be accepted into the final design of the building is a contentious issue at the moment. With new online casinos opening all of the time, that are available for South Koreans to play, it seems an unusual attitude to lobby for the removal of the casino from the Jeju Dream Tower. The current design really puts the casino at the beating heart of the building, right in the midst of a space so obviously designed to work around it. If it does happen that the opening of the casino is put on the back burner then there’s no reason not to enjoy some time in the Jeju Dream Tower and opt for an online casino experience instead. With very generous deals for new players, it might end up giving you more play time for your money anyway. Of course, the casino is not the only form of entertainment that guests can expect. Perhaps the most spectacular part of the building is right at the very top. At 38 stories high, Jeju Dream Tower is the tallest on the island, so it made sense to give guests the maximum benefit of the incredible views. Super-fast elevators transport guests up to the Sky Lounge, where they can choose from three different restaurants, all offering a complete rooftop view of the surrounding island. Whether it’s fine dining, cocktails, or bar snacks that guests fancy, they can take in the incredible natural scenery of sky and mountains, as well as watch the busy city below. The building also boasts not one, but two spas, as well as a relaxing indoor pool. One of the spas has a modern international feel, whilst the other, the Jimjil spa, is traditionally Korean. The design of the jimjilbang is incredible. Each of the four rooms is made with a different material, all of which promote a different area of wellbeing. The red clay room is entirely clad in red clay bricks, it is hot and humid, helping the body to sweat out toxins. The cypress room is panelled in cyprus with a wide open roof letting in lots of natural light. It is cool, relaxing and gently scented thanks to the natural wood. The next two rooms are ice and salt, cooling and healing respectively. It is clear that the interior of the tower has been given just as much thought as the exceptionally complex exterior. A day spent in the spa here really is an induction into traditional Korean wellness culture and will leave even the most frazzled of travelers feeling rejuvenated. Finally, probably the most important part of any hotel project are the bedrooms. The Presidential Suite is the largest and most exclusive in the tower. Making the most of the incredible views it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with a 180 degree view of the city skyline. The interior of the space is designed in a classic contemporary style, with largely European furniture, but an impressive collection of modern Korean artwork. The bedrooms and kitchen area are both as elegant as you would expect, but the marble bathroom is a touch of luxury that would leave even the most discerning of guests impressed. This development has perfected the feeling of luxury, without ever feeling ostentatious. Thoughtful and painstakingly accurate design has gone into creating a soothing space in a bustling city.
There are several different ways of powering your home, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re more progressive, you most likely are considering more efficient ways of powering your home instead of sticking to oil and coal. If you’re in such a situation, the ideal decision would be to switch to natural gas, as this is quickly being seen among many homeowners as a perfect alternative. But if you’re unsure on whether natural gas is an ideal choice to use in your home, look no further. Without wasting any more of your precious time, here’s a guide taking you through why opting for natural gas is a wise move to make: 1. Reliability Among the main reasons why switching to Florida natural gas is great is its reliability if you’re residing in the area. This is very advantageous as you never have to worry about your home being heated, thereby warm and comfortable enough for you and your family. This reliability is because natural gas is delivered straight to your home, even when there’s an electrical outage or during winter storms. Therefore, you can still go ahead and enjoy using your hot water heater, air conditioning unit, and lights even during a power outage. 2. Eco-Friendly As its name suggests, natural gas is 100% natural. With global warming becoming a worldwide concern, making the switch to natural gas is a great way to cut down your carbon emissions, unlike when using other fossil fuels such as oil and coal. This is because natural gas produces less than half of carbon dioxide levels when burnt, unlike oil and a third less than coal. In addition, it doesn’t produce as much sulfur. All this helps in making the fight to achieve environmental sustainability more plausible for each individual or household. 3. Affordable If you’re thinking of more affordable ways to heat your home, you shouldn’t wait any longer to make the switch to natural gas. The price of natural gas has always been lower compared to heating oil and electricity. In addition, the use of natural gas helps you cut down on your spending if you switch to using efficient gas-powered appliances. This affordability is brought about by natural gas being a deregulated utility. Therefore, there aren’t as many restrictions, and this gives you the freedom to control the sum of money to spend paying for gas. 4. Versatile The use of natural gas provides you with a broader range of purposes apart from quickly heating your home. Other possible uses include tumble dryers, outdoor lighting, stoves, fireplaces, warming hot tubs, pools, and grills. This versatility and practicality of natural gas make it an awesome home upgrade that can save you when doing different tasks in the house. As a result, it makes your life a lot simpler. In addition to natural gas being versatile, it runs appliances a lot quicker than those powered by other energy sources. Additionally, when using kitchen equipment such as ovens, cooktops, or gas stoves, you enjoy greater temperature control. 5. Less Maintenance Needed You don’t have to worry about frequent clean-ups when using the natural gas supply as it doesn’t leave behind any ash. This isn’t a privilege you get to enjoy when using other energy sources, particularly coal. The same is evident when heating using oil as the furnaces need to regularly be cleaned to remain in proper working condition and be safe to use. With natural gas, you don’t have to deal with such worries as it takes less effort to maintain, which makes it stand out as a suitable pick. 6. Improved Safety When picking an appropriate heating solution, you must always be a responsible homeowner by factoring in your safety and everyone inside your home. And when you do this, natural gas stands out as among the safest choice to use. One reason for this is the huge regulatory oversight put in place by governments to ensure exceptional standards are observed in the inspection, construction, and maintenance of the underground pipelines transporting natural gas. The safety appeal of natural gas is because it doesn’t produce as many toxic products, for instance, dissolved solids, airborne particulates, and sulfur dioxide that harms your health. Takeaway When searching for the best fuel to heat your home’s heating system, you most likely are prioritizing reliability, safety, and affordability. If this is the case, this article has gone into detail to show why natural gas ticks all these boxes. Therefore, making the switch to natural gas looks more sensible, reasonable and is a decision you won’t regret.
The UK construction sector was heavily impacted by the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Tactics, which were speedily adopted by the industry to keep sites open, will no doubt continue post pandemic. TOM WAKEFORD, joint managing director of 154-year-old family firm Stepnell, which operates throughout central and southern England, says the industry needs to work collaboratively to keep the recovery juggernaut on track. “’Build, build, build!’ was the rallying cry last June. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new deal to put infrastructure at the heart of the government’s economic growth strategy. Johnson said he was committed to build, build, build – in order to fix not just problems created by the pandemic, but issues that the UK had experienced for three decades. “Johnson said he was committed to building new homes, fixing the NHS and tackling the skills crisis – as well as mending the gap in opportunity, productivity and connectivity between the regions of the UK. All the time, the construction industry needed to build back better, greener and faster. “Seen by many then as the industry to help lift the UK out of economic gloom, construction is vitally important to the UK’s recovery. In December, the government issued its Construction Playbook – a blueprint of how the government saw local authorities working more closely with the construction sector. It came at the right time and is being adopted by thousands of organisations across the UK – Stepnell included. “Looking back to March 2020, COVID-19’s impact was immediate. Within a few days of lockdown, remote working was the norm. For some contractors, work on site stopped overnight – and the construction sector stood blinking as companies took in the huge catastrophe before them. “But, despite not being able to assess the future, the construction sector did what it always did – rolled up its sleeves and got on with the job in hand. Projects usually delivered from the board room were now being designed in people’s living rooms and kitchens, which meant contractors looked for new ways of working to ensure projects kept on track. “Alongside government support through furlough and other initiatives, there was stronger collaboration among contractors, supply chain and agencies. This unity meant a camaraderie and a strong sense of everyone having their part to play to achieve the common goal of delivering projects and keeping sites open. “Many contractors, including Stepnell, continued to work on site – and very quickly adapted to new ways of working to ensure colleagues’ safety. “By their very nature, contractors are agile, with their number one role being a problem solver for clients. This agility enabled us to swiftly adjust to solve a very different set of problems during lockdown one in 2020. As an industry, we moved at speed to meet clients’ expectations and we worked closely with clients to manage risk, ensure project delivery and overcome the many hurdles COVID-19 presented together. With our clients, we focused not just on project delivery, but also health and safety and wellbeing. “We also turned to managing our projects in an even more innovative way – using digital technologies and closely looking at new ways of working in order to achieve the results we needed. As well as taking a ‘partnership’ approach with clients, we also worked even closer with our supply chains. Again, working in partnership with supply chain partners, we were able to pay suppliers as early as possible and work together to achieve the results we collectively needed. “Stepnell had a flexible supply chain, which could also adapt quickly to demand. This, like many other factors we have adopted because of the pandemic, will be in place post-pandemic. The ‘not just for COVID’ approach means that the industry will continue to look at new technologies such as cloud working. The industry was way behind in terms of new technologies prior to COVID-19 – one of the positive things to come out of the pandemic for me is to see how crucial we view technology in the long term. “And of course, the pandemic has highlighted an issue that has been present in the construction industry for years – colleague wellbeing. Before the pandemic, the industry already had above average rates of divorce and suicide. Colleague mental health is something which became even more of an issue in 2020 – and will no doubt need to remain a focus for the industry once the worst of the pandemic is over. “On a positive note, the industry could potentially use the recent changes to ways of working to diversify its workforce. The pandemic has plunged the industry into the quickest and deepest possible experiment in flexible working — which has proved to be a success. “Not only that, but the construction industry was in the news during the first part of lockdown – not always for the right reasons as the public could see working sites when others had to stay away from workplaces. But the news pages highlighted construction and the way it was adapting, as well as new technologies. Construction companies’ ability to adapt to these changes, and so quickly, could make the industry more accessible and attractive to a wider talent pool – including young people. “Another key factor I see is the real importance of social value. Something that may have been seen as an exercise to tick boxes and score points against competitors pre-pandemic has been brought to the forefront during COVID-19 to show the genuine benefit to communities which our construction projects can bring. Whether that’s sandwiches for construction workers from a local café which has been closed for months or CSR projects to engage with local schools, which were also forced to lock their doors. “Continuing to bring young people into the industry is crucial. Stepnell has 14% of our workforce as trainees and apprentices – we see opportunities to give young people (an age bracket affected by the pandemic like no other) a great opportunity in a fantastic rewarding
