Leading plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin has completed the first project in a new relationship with Band of Builders to support tradespeople in need. Band of Builders is a registered charity that provides support for members of the construction industry who are facing life-changing health issues. Since it was created
A slitter rewinder is a machine used in the converting industry. The converting industry is an important part of manufacturing, and it’s especially relevant right now, as the U.S. is working to promote more onshoring of manufacturing and similar work. The following is a guide to the converting industry and
Any business that does oil refinement or something similar must know about fluid catalytic cracking and fluid catalytic cracking units, which some in the industry abbreviate as FCCUs. We’ll go over both of those concepts in detail in the following article. What is Fluid Catalytic Cracking? Fluid catalytic cracking is
With the threat of climate change being high, many people want to help in their own way. As a building owner, you are in an excellent position to make significant changes to your building. The general opinion is that integrating these innovations into the building can get expensive. However, modern
Technology is often blamed for destroying historic architecture, but in some cases, it can be used to help preserve and restore these buildings. In this article, we will discuss how technology is being used to aid in the rehabilitation of historic architecture. We will also discuss the benefits of using
Landscaping covers an array of different features when it comes to gardening, including flower beds, fences, walkways, fountains and much more. In particular, evergreen trees are a must-have when it comes to landscaping. They offer a vibrant display of rich, green-coloured foliage that can be greatly enjoyed through every season,
If your deck area is becoming a little bland, it may be time to spice it up with some upgrades. A majority of the options in this article are inexpensive and straightforward to implement. So you can have your deck area transformed in a matter of days to weeks if
Are you trying to achieve a luxurious home interior but don’t know where to start? Here’s how: Define Your Style Before you start designing, you should know what you want. In any area of life, overlooking the planning process can result in less-than-desirable results. To define your style, take an
Colleagues across Balfour Beatty in Scotland have teamed up with addiction and homelessness charity, Steps for Hope, to raise more than £140,000 to support people in need in Edinburgh through a variety of activities and initiatives. The most recent fundraising initiative, supported by the University of Edinburgh, saw Balfour Beatty
Marble is a gorgeous material that can serve as a long-lasting and attractive feature in your bathroom or kitchen. However, once your dream of having marble countertops installed is fulfilled, you may be wondering how to clean them without damaging them. Because marble is a porous material, the products and
Leading plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin has completed the first project in a new relationship with Band of Builders to support tradespeople in need. Band of Builders is a registered charity that provides support for members of the construction industry who are facing life-changing health issues. Since it was created in 2016, it has completed more than 25 construction projects across the UK, bringing volunteers from across the industry together to provide financial and emotional support for tradespeople and their families. Wavin recently supported Band of Builders on a project to help Kyle O’Connor – a multi-skiller from Hereford who had previously worked with the charity as a volunteer and received a cancer diagnosis part-way through an extension on his family home. Band of Builders and its team of volunteers stepped in to complete the work, with Wavin providing all drainage products, including those needed for a wetroom conversion. Lee Frimston, Key Account Manager Independents and Buying Groups, at Wavin UK, said: “Band of Builders is a fantastic charity and shows what can be achieved when people work together in this industry. We’re proud to have supported the team on this project for Kyle, and look forward to continuing to support the incredible work they do.” Tony Steel, Operations Director at Band of Builders, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of our job is improving the lives of construction workers, and we’re grateful to play our part in unifying the construction industry under this common goal. “Projects such as this, alongside our Big Brew initiative – which is focused on mental health awareness – are examples of how our sector can make tradespeople’s lives better. We are incredibly thankful to Wavin for supplying materials and the volunteers who gave up their time to work on Kyle’s project.” For more information on Band of Builders, visit: https://bandofbuilders.org/ Or, to find out more about Wavin’s products and services, visit: https://www.wavin.com/
A slitter rewinder is a machine used in the converting industry. The converting industry is an important part of manufacturing, and it’s especially relevant right now, as the U.S. is working to promote more onshoring of manufacturing and similar work. The following is a guide to the converting industry and what the implications are, as well as more specifics about the slitter rewinder, also just known as a slitter. 1. The Converting Industry The term converting industry refers to manufacturing processes and practices that are used to process materials that come in thin layer form. Thin layer-formed materials can include textiles, paper, foil, plastic film, and materials that aren’t woven. The materials are usually stored and then shipped in their roll form after being wound. A roll of shipped materials can be just a few inches in diameter, or these materials can be many feet. The material width can be a fraction of an inch to several feet wide. Converting processes include painting, coating, and laminating. Other converting processes include slitting, which means making narrow rolls from wider roles, drying, die cutting, packaging, and extruding. The processes can go from very slow speeds to high speeds of thousands of feet per minute. The processes can be high-tech and sophisticated, and they’re often pretty customized. A material roll is usually unwound from its roll form in one layer, then they’re processed and rewound into a roll so it can be shipped or processed further. The single material layer is the web that flows through machines or a process. Basically, the term converting in converting industry means a roll of material is processed and then converted into a roll of something else. 2. Web Handling Web handling is the engineering, equipment, and science that’s needed to bring flexible materials through the different required converting processes. The right kind of web handling, which can be done through the use of the right designed, engineered, and manufactured equipment, can make sure that webs are transported through their converting processes without any defects. 3. The Role of a Slitter Rewinder Slitter rewinders are used for some essential functions that help make the modern soft materials we know today. Slitter rewinders are machines that cut what’s known as a parent or master roll of material to a width that’s smaller. The materials need to be cut smaller so they can go on to the next step in the production process. A slitter rewinder is a piece of equipment that’s found in a wide range of manufacturing facilities across many global industries. The majority of these pieces of machinery are built for particular types of material, but they can also be modified, so they’re able to slit different materials. Along with the roll specifications of the material, most manufacturers want machines that will slit specific materials when they’re choosing them. They also want to consider factors like how easy to use they are, their safety, floor space they would take up, and speed. A master roll is made to be as large as it can be because that’s cost-effective, which is why it then needs to be slit to the right width. 4. Winding Type Slitter rewinders can be characterized and categorized based on winding type, including: – Center winding: This is the most common method to rewind materials that might have different levels of thickness throughout the roll’s width. The material will go through a nip and anvil roll where it’s then slit using the right method. At that point, it’s rewound onto a core. This rewinding method is used for materials like woven items, foams, foils, films, and tapes. It’s useful for materials that could be sensitive to higher tension settings and compression. – Turret winding: The method is a variation of center winding. It’s an alternative that can help reduce machine downtime, so multiple shafts are used, and then the machine can keep slitting on an active shaft, while an operator or sometimes automated mechanisms will unload and then reset the finished shift. This method is meant to help reduce changeover times. It’s for consumer goods, paper items, tapes, and high-volume products. – Surface winding: Also referred to as drum surface winding, in this method, the rewinding materials are usually large in diameter. Non-wovens and paper are the applications of surface winding. – Center surface winding: in this method, there’s a combination of elements borrowing from traditional surface rewinding and also center winding. The applications for this method include materials that aren’t woven and are slit to a smaller width. As the diameter goes up, the rewinding center shaft will keep the tension. 5. How It Works There are three primary functions of a slitter rewinder which are performed in a fixed order. The process starts with the already rolled paper or material, and it has to be unwound so that it can go through the rewinder in one single layer. As it goes through the machine, it’s slit by one of many available cutting methods into strips of the right thickness. After the material is slit to its market-ready dimensions, it’s rewound into a roll that’s then sellable. The cutting can be done in different ways, primarily based on the type of material. The oldest type of cutting is known as score cutting. With score cutting, the materials between a dull blade and hard surface are cut. This is used for adhesives like tape, with a dry and sticky side. Another method is razor blade cutting, which tends to be the most cost-effective approach. This uses a blade positioned over the area where the sheet is fed. As the material goes through a drum or set of drums, it’s drawn against the blade. The method can’t be used for heavy items, rigid materials, or abrasive materials. Finally, there’s shear cutting which is the most accurate method, and it can be used with rigid, thicker, and heavier materials like laminates and foils. This uses two, typically rotating blades. The material is pulled between
Any business that does oil refinement or something similar must know about fluid catalytic cracking and fluid catalytic cracking units, which some in the industry abbreviate as FCCUs. We’ll go over both of those concepts in detail in the following article. What is Fluid Catalytic Cracking? Fluid catalytic cracking is part of the complex, lengthy gasoline production process. If you’re dealing with catalytic particles, you’ll soon discover that they convert long-chain, thick hydrocarbons. These come from crude oil. You’re trying to create gasoline from those because it’s profitable and beneficial for humanity. You’ll need what those in the industry call a riser line. There, you can refine the long-chain hydrocarbons by fluidizing them. You blow them upward at a very high velocity, and as they rise, they react. This produces a coke-coated catalyst. In your reactor, you’ll have two cyclone sets. These work on the hydrocarbons by feeding them into the regeneration section. An air grind fluidizes them. At that point, you can burn off the catalyst particles that you no longer need. The catalyst absorbs the excess heat, and you can control the cracking reaction safely and expediently. This is where FCCUs come into play. What is a Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit? You’ll need a fluid catalytic cracking unit if you want to make safely refined gasoline and similar products. What you need to do is make sure to take care of these units if you have some in a warehouse or somewhere similar. You must keep a close eye on them because they can sometimes sustain damage during the gasoline refinement cycle. With these units, you’ll have refractory linings in the major vessels and transfer lines. If you look at them after heavy use, you may uncover damage. You can expect that with heavier use unless you examine these units after each refinement process. You must appoint an expert who can examine your FCCUs regularly. That way, you do not risk any costly and dangerous equipment malfunctions. How Can You Repair a Damaged FCCU? If you do see that you have a damaged FCCU, you’ll need to stop gasoline production while you repair it. Once you start learning about these units, you’ll soon find that they have six major components, any of which can potentially sustain damage with heavy use. The six components include the distribution rig, your overhead lines, the slide valves, the internal cyclones we discussed earlier, the regenerator, and the reactor itself. They’re all delicate and costly. If you look at your FCCU and see damage, you’ll need to bring in a company to repair it. Such companies do exist, but you’ll want to locate one that has an excellent industry reputation. You’ll also want one that does not charge an exorbitant price. When you look at an FCCU repair company’s website, you’ll want to see some evidence that they can do the job right. You might look for former client recommendations. You’ll also want to see what training their technicians received. Anyone who examines and tries to fix your FCCU must know what they’re doing. If they don’t, and they’re only faking their credentials, they might make the situation worse and endanger your workers. They can also cost you more production time if they make the unit worse instead of better. What Else Do You Want from Your FCCU Repair Company? When you contact a company to repair your FCCU, you’ll also want one that knows about all the potential problems that these units can develop as time passes. For instance, the company you hire should know how to fix a unit with silica mitigation issues or independent anchoring system problems. You might want a company that can do some IDA and stud welding. You may need hexavalent chrome mitigation instead. Some businesses that do this kind of refinement need hydro-demolition, so the company you hire should know all about that as well. You should know very quickly when you talk to a company representative whether this business entity can repair your FCCU and get it up and running again. They’ll know all the appropriate terminology and have the latest tools and techniques mastered. You can’t fake this knowledge. Additional Requirements As you’re narrowing down the list regarding who should repair your faulty or damaged FCCU, you’ll need to think about availability as well. Maybe someone in your area can fix your FCCU, but they have a long wait time because they’ve got other clients in line ahead of you. That probably won’t work for you. Remember that as a refinery or an entity that uses FCCUs, you probably want to get back to work as soon as possible. If you have to wait weeks for the repairs and new components you need, that won’t do you much good. The repair company you hire should also have the parts you need on hand. If they need to wait for weeks to get someone to ship them those parts, you’ll probably have to go with someone else. Finally, you should establish a rapport with the company you hire. You and the techs they send over won’t be best friends, but they need to have a positive attitude. If you get someone surly who doesn’t seem to want the job, that won’t work. You’re giving this company an opportunity and probably paying them well to get your FCCU up and running again. They should appreciate that and respect you. If they don’t, you should go with another company that can give you prompt service, a fair price, and also has excellent customer service and response time. Once you find a company to service your FCCUs, you might use them for many years to come. If you’re constantly using those FCCUs for refining, you’ll likely need service for them periodically. You can call the entity you use and get them to send someone every time you need that service. Your two companies can benefit from each other over the years.
With the threat of climate change being high, many people want to help in their own way. As a building owner, you are in an excellent position to make significant changes to your building. The general opinion is that integrating these innovations into the building can get expensive. However, modern technology can allow the addition of renewable tech easily. Here are some tips on how to do it. Solar energy The easiest way to integrate when it comes to renewables is solar energy. First, there is the use of passive solar energy. It refers to the indirect usage of the sun as an energy source. For example, you can consider adding more natural lighting to your building as a passive use of solar energy. Instead of paying for interior lights, you can install bigger windows and mirrors for better daylight lighting that can save you a lot of money. Another passive use is solar heating through better insulation and intelligent positioning of windows. This approach can be a big help during the summer months. For a more active use of solar energy, there is the installation of solar panels for the building. It should be easy to find a solar company in Manchester that can do the installation for those based in the area. It is a great way to use the rooftop space if you don’t have a penthouse. In addition, the electricity your panels can generate will cut down on the external energy consumption of your building. Wind energy Another easily accessible renewable method for a building is wind energy. Natural ventilation through the use of wind catchers can be a good alternative to mechanical ventilation and even air conditioners. If you position them in the right places, your building will always feel like it has fresh air moving through it. A building still in the design stage could also use clever design for better air movement. For example, large spaces connected to hallways naturally draw in the air so that you can encourage natural movement. For example, you can place an atrium in the direction of prevailing winds. This position allows the surrounding spaces to have cold air because of the windows while warmer air collects in the atrium. The temperature difference then encourages the hot air to spread out into the nearby space while the colder air rushes in. Geothermal energy While many think geothermal energy requires a nearby volcano or hot spring, the earth’s natural properties can provide some renewable energy. It is because the temperature below ground is much different from above it. Using a heat pump, you can pump in cold air to push warmer underground air to heat a building. You can also do the opposite with hot air passing underground and dispersing its higher temperature so you can cool a building. It takes some planning, but this approach can help reduce HVAC costs a lot. Final thoughts Adding renewable energy to your building is not as complex as it initially appears. The pointers above should give you an idea of integrating renewables into your building’s systems. You can assure yourself that you are doing your small part in fighting climate change.
Technology is often blamed for destroying historic architecture, but in some cases, it can be used to help preserve and restore these buildings. In this article, we will discuss how technology is being used to aid in the rehabilitation of historic architecture. We will also discuss the benefits of using technology in this restoration project. Helping To Preserve Our Cultural Heritage Rehabilitating historic architecture is a necessary process that helps preserve our cultural heritage. Historic buildings are a valuable part of our built environment and represent an essential part of our collective history. By rehabilitating these buildings, tech expert Mark Stiffler believes we can maintain their architectural integrity and ensure that they will be able to stand for future generations. The rehabilitation of historic architecture also positively impacts the local economy. It can create jobs, revitalize communities, and attract tourists. In addition, the reuse of existing buildings can help to reduce our carbon footprint and conserve natural resources. Therefore, the rehabilitation of historic architecture is a necessary process that helps preserve our cultural heritage. Technology Makes Rehabilitation Easier And More Affordable While many challenges are involved in rehabilitating historic buildings, technology has made many aspects of the process easier and more affordable than ever before. For example, advances in laser scanning and 3D modeling have made it possible to create accurate digital representations of existing structures. This data can be used to develop virtual reality simulations that allow stakeholders to explore different design options and make informed decisions about the project’s direction. In addition, new construction techniques and materials have made it possible to replicate or restore original features with greater precision and at a lower cost than ever before. As a result, technology has played a vital role in ensuring that our shared heritage can be preserved for future generations. Using 3D Printing To Create Replicas Tech expert Mark Stiffler noticed that 3D printing could be used to create precise replicas of missing or damaged architectural elements. This technology can create detailed models of complex shapes, which can then be used to develop full-scale prototypes. Additionally, 3D printing can make molds for casting, which can be used to create exact replicas of the original piece. This process can be used to repair or replace missing or damaged pieces of architecture, such as statues, columns, or other ornamental elements. In addition, 3D printing can be used to create customized facades or other factors that are not readily available. As a result, this technology offers a versatile and precise solution for creating missing or damaged architectural elements. The Use Of Drones In Historic Architecture One of the most exciting applications of technology in historical architecture is the use of drones. Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be equipped with a variety of cameras and sensors. They have been used extensively recently to capture detailed images and video footage of hard-to-reach places. This data can then create accurate three-dimensional models of buildings or sites. In the past, this type of data would have been complicated and expensive to obtain. However, thanks to drones, it is now possible to gather this data quickly and affordably. This information can help plan and execute rehabilitation projects more accurately and precisely. CAD Software Easily Creates Plans And Drawings Architects and engineers frequently use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans and drawings for construction projects. However, CAD software can also help restore old buildings to their original condition. By creating a 3D model of the building, CAD software can be used to identify areas that need to be repaired or rebuilt. In addition, CAD software can be used to create accurate plans for restoration work, which can help to ensure that the work is carried out correctly and that the finished product closely resembles the original building. As a result, CAD software can be a valuable tool for those undertaking the challenging task of restoring an old building. Conclusion Rehabilitating historic architecture is a necessary process that helps preserve our cultural heritage. However, it can be difficult and expensive, especially when done correctly. Thankfully, technology has made many aspects of the rehabilitation process more accessible and more affordable than ever before. For example, computer-aided design (CAD) software can be used to help restore old buildings to their original condition. Additionally, drones can capture detailed images and video footage of hard-to-reach places. Technology can preserve our shared heritage for future generations.
Landscaping covers an array of different features when it comes to gardening, including flower beds, fences, walkways, fountains and much more. In particular, evergreen trees are a must-have when it comes to landscaping. They offer a vibrant display of rich, green-coloured foliage that can be greatly enjoyed through every season, but especially during the long winter months. Throughout the year, evergreens can provide beautiful blossoms, delicious fruit, and a shelter for wildlife, as well as protecting your landscape from the varying weather conditions. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right evergreen tree for your garden. Consider how tall and wide you would like the evergreen to grow, the speed you would like it to grow, and the purpose for your choice of evergreen tree. Evergreen trees vary greatly, so read below to find out about the top five out of many evergreen trees for landscaping. 1. Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) Growth Rate: Up to 3 or 4 feet per year Location: Full sun to partial shade The Leyland Cypress is an excellent, exceptionally fast-growing evergreen which will thrive in most conditions. The perfect evergreen if you are looking for an upright hedge that is easy to maintain with its soft foliage. It can grow to be around 50 feet in 15 years. 2. Thuja Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata) Growth Rate: Up to 3 feet per year Location: Full sun to 50% shade The Thuja Green Giant provides an excellent, exceptionally fast-growing evergreen for homeowners looking for privacy, beauty, and easy care and maintenance. This exceptional evergreen is also perfect for protection from all weather conditions and elements. This evergreen can grow as tall as 20 feet in just a few years. 3. Columnar Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Fastigiata’) Growth Rate: Up to 1 foot per year Location: Full sun The Columnar Blue Atlas Cedar is a beautiful, tall evergreen tree which can be grown as a grand backdrop to any landscape or driveway. This fast-growing evergreen is narrower than other cedar trees as branches grow upwards and can grow as tall as 15 feet within 10 years. 4. Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) Growth Rate: Up to 1 foot per year Location: Full sun The Ponderosa Pine is a large, native tree of North America, and is an excellent choice for a larger landscape, usually growing to at least 12 feet tall. This style of evergreen is suited to and most frequently grown in more relaxed spaces, such as along the coast or in the countryside. 5. Castle Wall ® Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae) Growth Rate: Up to 2 feet per year Location: Full sun to partial shade The Castle Wall ® Blue Holly is an ideal choice for hedging, usually growing anywhere from 6 feet to 15 feet tall, and around 3 feet wide. This wonderful evergreen can be left to branch out as a hedge, or delicately trimmed and displayed to suit your taste. The type of evergreen you choose for your garden will depend on your individual needs. Make sure you consider your options carefully and reach out to experts for advice if needed.
If your deck area is becoming a little bland, it may be time to spice it up with some upgrades. A majority of the options in this article are inexpensive and straightforward to implement. So you can have your deck area transformed in a matter of days to weeks if you put in the work. Then, you’ll have the ultimate hangout space in your backyard. Add Plants Give the space life by adding plants to some of the bare spots on your deck. For example, consider installing some planters around the edges, placing large pots near the posts, and getting some hanging baskets if possible. Depending on your gardening capabilities, you should plant various flower breeds around the deck to showcase an array of colors. However, stick with leafy plants, succulents, and bushes if you want a simple look with low maintenance. Decorations Customizing with outdoor decorations turns a house into a home, and you can upgrade your deck by showcasing your style. First, if you have outdoor furniture, get some cute pillows. Then, get some hanging decor for the railings. If you have difficulty finding decor for your deck, hobby stores usually offer it in just about any style. However, you can also order online to save money and expand your options. Restain the Wood Over time, the color of your deck will fade to grey. Additionally, parts of it may turn an unsightly, slimy green from excess moisture and algae buildup. So if your deck looks a little dull, it may be time to power wash and restain it to look brand new. Install a Pergola Pergolas are wooden lattice structures that provide shade without completely blocking the sunlight. Installing one will give your deck a unique creative style that simultaneously provides comfort. To make the ultimate hang-out spot under the pergola, you’ll need some comfortable furniture, pillows, and an outdoor rug. Then, hang a string of lights around the perimeter to create a relaxing vibe at nighttime. Expand Your Deck Adding another level can create extra space if your deck is too small for your needs. So whether you’re seeking a private place to relax, more room to party, or a spot to build an outdoor kitchen, adding another level to your deck creates endless potential. However, this task is meant for professionals who know how to maintain your deck’s structural integrity while building. Deck builders in Harford County, MD, can safely create the deck of your dreams. Therefore, you can ease your mind knowing that you won’t sacrifice quality. Add Some Lights Lighting plays an essential role in setting the mood. So if you wish to switch up the vibe on your deck, you should switch up the lighting. This upgrade can be enough to totally transform the space, creating a fun place to hang out on summer nights. The trend is to use strings of lights above the deck space, but you should also consider bug-repelling torches, candles, and even lamps on each post. Additionally, get creative with the lighting by finding decorations that double as lamps. Install a Bar Having a bar at home can make your house the go-to for every get-together. First, you’ll need a counter with plenty of storage underneath and another behind the bar to display alcohol. Then, get a few barstools to complete it. Finally, consider adding a few beer taps if you want to go the extra mile. Screens Several types of screens can serve as valuable upgrades for your deck. For example, a small, wooden privacy structure can also serve as a place for climbing plants to grow, adding to your deck’s visual appeal. On the other hand, adding a bug screen around the deck can turn the space into a sunroom, so you can still relax outside without worrying about pests or the elements ruining the area. Plus, this can double as a privacy screen, allowing you to relax without interruption from neighbors. Multipurpose Storage If your deck is cluttered with random junk, it may be time for a clean-up. Once you’ve gone through your things, set them aside and build some multipurpose storage units. For instance, you could build benches with a lifting seat. Or you can use a microwave cart with drawers to hold gardening supplies and act as a display for your favorite plants. Conclusion Your deck space holds much potential, and your home may not feel complete if you aren’t using it to its fullest advantage. So implementing some of these upgrades can totally transform the area into the perfect hangout spot. Ensure that you conduct adequate research before starting a DIY project and hire a contractor when you’re not qualified to complete the task safely.
Are you trying to achieve a luxurious home interior but don’t know where to start? Here’s how: Define Your Style Before you start designing, you should know what you want. In any area of life, overlooking the planning process can result in less-than-desirable results. To define your style, take an online quiz. Then, objectively look at your space and consider all of the elements that cannot be changed, such as location, size, and natural lighting. Then, have fun getting inspired by researching your style and finding elements you can incorporate into your home’s interior. Invest in Your Furniture Nothing says shabby like bad furniture. But, conversely, nothing says luxury like high-end furniture pieces. Of course, choosing custom-made furniture is an excellent choice, and the best option is to purchase an entire set and build the rest of your home décor around that. But even if you can only afford one piece, make sure you aren’t buying inexpensive, cheaply made furniture pieces. There are many advantages to purchasing custom-made furniture. However, when trying to achieve a luxurious look, you will want to coordinate quality, craftsmanship, and design with colors and textures that suit your style. Custom Amish furniture in Katy, TX makes it simple to get exactly what you need and want for your home interior. This furniture is built to last, and the timeless designs are intrinsically luxurious. You can have just the right pieces built for you, using the right colors, finishes, and materials for your space. Cut the Clutter If you want to achieve a luxurious home interior, clutter has no place in it. However, if you are trying to decorate, removing all the clutter before you even start is a good idea. If your clutter is items that you use every day, it is possible that you need more storage space. When you are custom-made furniture, see if you can increase your storage space by incorporating more drawers and cabinets, perhaps by having some drawers built into your sofa, for instance. This will make it easy to have those everyday items within reach without them becoming distractions to your luxurious home décor. Let in the Light Wherever it is possible, let some light in. Sometimes, window coverings are used to create privacy and block much-needed light. If you can change your window dressings to maintain privacy but let in light, you will find that letting some light in makes your rooms less drab and automatically seem more luxurious. Say Yes to Color If you are trying to achieve a luxury look, it doesn’t mean you have to stick with neutral colors. You can still use color, but you will want to pay attention to the tone you are trying to set. Bold colors like deep reds create energy and evoke confidence, while soft tones make you feel relaxed. It doesn’t matter if you choose a color for your sofa or throw pillows on it. You will want to use complementary colors in all areas where you add color to your interior. You can also try using color on an accent wall to set a tone and add interest to your home’s interior. Focus on Mixing Rather than focusing on matching patterns and design elements, try mixing them. The trick is to use only a few different types of patterns, mix them with solids, coordinate them by using colors and repeat them at different scales to add visual interest. You can achieve very good results by following a few simple rules for mixing patterns. Go With Textures Adding different textures can be done in many ways. Everything from adding stenciled patterns to your ceiling to putting a sherpa throw on your sofa can increase the visual appeal of your interior. You can find different textures in every area of your design, from the type of furniture you choose to the window coverings. Stone and concrete can be important textural elements, as well as macramé or rattan. Both hanging and potted plants can contribute to the variety of textures in a room. Look everywhere for opportunities to add texture in a way that represents your style and maintains the luxurious flow of your interior. Upgrade your Fixtures Whether it is a simple light fixture or a major appliance like a refrigerator, upgrading your fixtures and appliances can greatly impact your home interior. Even just changing out knobs and faucets can create a more luxurious look. When it comes to lighting, pay attention to how a light fixture looks and how it illuminates a room. Determine where you want the light to shine, and get a fixture that puts the light where you want it to. Make a Statement with Art It’s hard to achieve a perfect luxury home interior without using art to make a statement. You have a lot of options to choose from. You can choose groupings of framed art, a large focus piece to call attention to the center of your room, or a deluxe sculpture that perfectly defines your style. Bas relief and hanging sculptures are also popular choices. Whatever type of art you choose to make a statement, it should be bold enough to set the tone for the entire room. Also, everything else must support the statement without being a distraction.
Colleagues across Balfour Beatty in Scotland have teamed up with addiction and homelessness charity, Steps for Hope, to raise more than £140,000 to support people in need in Edinburgh through a variety of activities and initiatives. The most recent fundraising initiative, supported by the University of Edinburgh, saw Balfour Beatty and its supply chain partner, Anixter, recycle and sell approximately 8.5 tonnes of redundant materials from the Institute of Regeneration and Repair Expansion project – a flagship project which will see Balfour Beatty construct a new, purpose built, state of the art research facility for the University. All of the proceeds from the sale of the materials were then donated to Steps to Hope. Richard Roncero, Founder & Operations Manager for Steps to Hope said: “We are absolutely over the moon and grateful to have received this sizeable donation from the Balfour Beatty and University of Edinburgh team. “These funds will make a huge impact in allowing us to continue carrying out our vital work for those who need it most here in Edinburgh.” Hector MacAulay MBE, Regional Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s business in Scotland, said: “Wherever we operate, we always seek to support the local community including its businesses, people and charities, collaborating to create better futures for people and communities most in need. “This innovative fundraising idea was truly a win-win as it saw the recycling of redundant materials from the project raise funds for a fantastic cause.” In further support of Steps for Hope, Balfour Beatty’s Regional Operations Manager, Ray Duffy, completed the “Climb to Hope” challenge, climbing the 3,255 ft Cuillins Rocky Range before abseiling into, and spending a night in, Bastier Nick cave. The funds raised by Ray were then donated to the “5 Weeks Sleeping Rough” challenge which involved Steps to Hope Founder and Operations Manager, Richard Roncero, sleeping rough for five weeks in five UK cities. Balfour Beatty continued its charitable support of Steps to Hope last month with Senior Project Manager, Mark Reid, walking 50 miles along the East Coast of Scotland, raising over £5,500 for the charity.
Marble is a gorgeous material that can serve as a long-lasting and attractive feature in your bathroom or kitchen. However, once your dream of having marble countertops installed is fulfilled, you may be wondering how to clean them without damaging them. Because marble is a porous material, the products and techniques you use to clean the other hard surfaces in your home may actually end up ruining it. Of course, you could hire a professional marble cleaning service to do it for you. But, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, read on for the dos and don’ts when cleaning your new marble countertops. Supplies You’ll Need You’ll need a few supplies to clean and maintain your marble countertops. Soap, water, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and a liquid cleaner are essential for daily cleaning. For maintenance, purchase a food-safe sealant for your marble kitchen countertops and #0000 steel wool. Following the guide below will help keep your marble sparkling clean and beautiful. Cleaning and Maintaining Marble Surfaces As we’ve mentioned, marble is more porous than other materials used to create countertops – such as quartz, granite, or soapstone. This means it is more prone to stains, scratches, and changes in the structure of the stone. To keep your marble countertops looking pristine, you’ll want to keep them clean and seal them regularly – more on this below. Preventing Damage Whether you have marble countertops in your bathroom or kitchen, sealing them every three months is the best way to maintain them. While sealants won’t make them completely stain-proof, they will make them more resistant to staining. Regular sealing will give you extra time to clean up spills as they won’t get absorbed by the stone right away. Contact the supplier of your marble countertops and ask for recommendations for the best marble sealants. If your marble is in your kitchen, it’s very important to make sure the sealant you use is food-safe. You should also invest in some coasters to prevent spills and watermarks from forming in the first place – prevention is always better than cure. Daily Cleaning For daily cleaning and spills you can clean immediately, use warm soapy water – just be sure to rinse the surface well so no soap residue remains and dry it thoroughly. Another thing to note is that acidic substances can damage marble – so keep acidic beverages like lemon juice and wine away from your countertops whenever possible. Acidic cleaning products that contain vinegar should also be avoided at all costs. If you do have spills on your marble, tend to them immediately. Abrasive substances can also ruin your marble, so always wipe it down with a soft cloth – trying not to drag dust and debris along the surface. Removing Stains If you can’t tend to a spill immediately, it might not be the end of the world. Most organic substances (like red wine, food, and fruit juice) can be cleaned with a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide and a couple of drops of ammonia. For oily stains (like olive oil or butter), clean the surface gently with a liquid cleaning product that contains mineral spirits, acetone, or household detergents. Correcting Scuffs, Scratches, and Watermarks For scuffs, light scratches, watermarks, and nicks, dry-buff your marble countertops with #0000 steel wool. If you have deeper scratches that penetrate below surface level or stubborn acidic stains, you’ll need to call on a professional marble cleaning service.
