For the vast majority of us, the dining room is the heart of the home and where a large amount of our time is spent. It is a place where we enjoy meals, host dinner parties and socialise with our friends over a bottle of wine (or several). We therefore
Manufacturer’s systems now feature on all five Cardiff office buildings by JR Smart. Ultra-green ceiling tiles from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions feature again on the fifth and latest office building to rise in Cardiff’s Capital Quarter redevelopment. Specified by M2M Architects, they feature throughout the office areas at No 4 Capital
FIS is proud to announce that we are launching the FIS Sector Skills Pledge, designed to bring the sector together to secure future sector sustainability and address the skills shortages in key trades, we need to work together as a sector. This will ensure a steady supply of new entrants
It’s always fun to bring a new essence to your home décor. It can be anything you want and you are always free and encouraged to make some changes, regardless of how small they may be. All it takes is some free time and creativity. Even money isn’t necessarily an
WorkLife Central, The Ashby de la Zouch headquarters of workplace consultants and interior fit-out specialist Blueprint Interiors was transformed as clients and staff gathered to celebrate the company’s 18th anniversary on Thursday 11 July. Over 75 people attended an afternoon BBQ during which each guest was presented with a commemorative
Properties in the UK fit into one of two categories: Traditional Construction Most houses, bungalows and low-rise flats are brick or block wall construction. They generally have a sloping roof and will either have solid or cavity walls, depending on the era they were built. Non-traditional Construction Anything other than
If you have recently given your home a serious makeover, now that the repairmen are gone and the mess is cleaned, you are probably assessing whether everything is as you imagined it. However, with so many choices to make it seems as though the work is never done, especially when
Last week, leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash marked its recent growth by unveiling a collaborative As One exhibition at an event at The IET, London. Attended by over 100 high profile guests from the across the design and construction industry, the considered collection celebrates twenty three
The eco-friendly movement made its way in almost all aspects of our lives. The people deciding to join this noble cause range from those who are completely ride-or-die when it comes to embracing the green mentality to those who simply are willing to change certain behavioral patterns but are not
Working from home has so many perks: you don’t have to worry about nosy co-workers or an overly-demanding boss. Everything can be done on your own terms as long as you do finish your tasks on time. Working from bed can be tempting, but it can also impact your productivity,
For the vast majority of us, the dining room is the heart of the home and where a large amount of our time is spent. It is a place where we enjoy meals, host dinner parties and socialise with our friends over a bottle of wine (or several). We therefore want the space the look as elegant as possible. Styling our dining space does not necessarily require full-blown makeovers, mammoth budgets, or hiring specialist designers. Instead, choosing the right dining room furniture, colours and materials can help in transforming the room into something you are proud of. Bifold doors UK, a company specialising in sliding and bifold doors, windows and conservatories, explains how you can create your ideal dining room. Interior styles Firstly, decide on the style you want to create, as it will give you an idea of the type of furniture to acquire. Here are a few popular dining room themes that many homeowners opt for: Traditional Traditional dining rooms are generally used for celebratory meals, special dinners and fine dining. This particular theme consists of wooden furniture, like matching dining tables and chairs, sideboards and china cabinets. Including a striking chandelier or antique wall sconces acts as lovely accents and can tie the whole room together. Modern For a more casual, sleek and exciting setting, go for a contemporary-style dining room. A dining table made of glass, quirky pendant lights and fascinating sculptural elements may all be incorporated into a modern dining room. The combination of bright, vibrant colours, which contrast with purist tones, are found in the majority of modern homeware. Country If the rustic look appeals to you most, opt for a country-style dining room. This interior style is comprised of aged, bleached or painted woods, which have neutral or pastel colour palettes. Additionally, wooden ladder-back chairs, benches and stools are commonly used in this type of room. Dining tables Once you have identified your preferred style, your next step is to start purchasing furniture. Dining tables are, of course, the centrepiece of any dining room, so it is important to choose one which blends well with its surroundings. The average number of guests you tend to cater for and the amount of space you have to work with will determine the table shape that is most suitable. Dining tables come in several forms, such as oval, square and rectangular. They are also available in a variety of materials. Here, we outline the several different materials homeowners may choose from when purchasing a dining table: Wooden Wood is one of the most popular materials homeowners use for their dining table as it is durable, versatile and aesthetically pleasing. The table can be minimalistic or decorative, with different finishes, grains and carvings. Glass Dining tables made of glass offer a sleek and modern touch. If you have a small house, glass is a perfect choice, as it makes the room appear more spacious. It is recommended to select tempered glass, in order to provide greater robustness and prevent accidents. Marble Marble is another material that is incredibly popular in modern settings. In most cases, the marble tabletop is paired with a wooden or metal base. It is possible to find full marble tables, but these tend to be rather pricey, and due to the nature of this material, it is important to make sure your flooring can handle the weight. Dining chairs The two most common types of dining room chairs are carver chairs (with arms) and standard chairs (without arms). It is never pleasant to sit on uncomfortable chairs, so it is best to choose designs that have sufficient padding. As well as maximising your comfort, you should choose a fabric that’s durable and long-lasting. You should conduct a Martindale rub test, which quantifies the abrasion resistance of the material and ensures that your chairs will age well. Alternatively, choose a wooden ladder-back chair, shaker-style chair, or bench if you are leaning towards more of a rustic style or informal look. To maintain the shape and enhance the user’s comfort when sitting on the chair, place removable pads on the seating area. When combined, all of these elements should allow you to create a stylish and comfortable dining room, with each piece of furniture complimenting your overall theme.
Manufacturer’s systems now feature on all five Cardiff office buildings by JR Smart. Ultra-green ceiling tiles from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions feature again on the fifth and latest office building to rise in Cardiff’s Capital Quarter redevelopment. Specified by M2M Architects, they feature throughout the office areas at No 4 Capital Quarter, the eight-storey canal-side landmark office building designed to BREEAM “Excellent, in the heart of the city’s Enterprise Zone. The Dune eVo MicroLook mineral tiles had already been used by main contractor JR Smart on the five previous office projects and were specified, with their approval, for this latest, 96,870ft2 Grade A building which is now home to Sky UK, legal firm Geldards and financial services company Optimum Credit. The building incorporates the occupational density of open floor plates to suit the current and future needs of modern office occupiers as well as a central atrium, high-quality reception, sixth-floor roof terrace and ground-floor retail and leisure units. Some 11,000m2 of the 1200mm x 300mm Dune eVo panels were supplied to No 4 by the Cardiff branch of distributor Nevill Long and installed on the 2.7m floor-to-ceiling heights by specialist sub-contractor 2nd Generation Facades. Fully recyclable, Dune eVo is the next evolution in ceiling tiles. The tiles provide a balanced acoustic performance of up to 0.65 aw, Class C sound absorption, and a sound attenuating performance of up to 39 dB. The perforation design of Dune eVo is unique to standard tiles, creating a smooth, contemporary finish. Dune eVo has been highly engineered to have a reinforced edge that provides maximum durability and resilience, both in storage and application. It is the first ceiling system in the industry to gain Cradle to Cradle accreditation. Rhodri Morgan of M2M Architects said: “We specified Armstrong Ceilings’ Dune eVo system in the knowledge the client was happy with it on office buildings we had carried out for them.” Armstrong’s area sales manager for the UK’s south-west, Mark Turner, added: “This project showcases what a great visual can be achieved using Dune eVo MicroLook.” JR Smart has continued to bring prestigious new office space to market in the centre of the Welsh capital regardless of the wider economic climate. Since acquiring the seven-acre brownfield site, its Capital Quarter scheme is now home to some of the area’s leading companies and organisations, with all of its office schemes now fully let. Over the past decade, Capital Quarter, which began with the relatively modest (at 37,000ft2) Driscoll Buildings scheme, has provided more than 370,000ft2 of new office space and will eventually accommodate more than 3,000 staff. The wider Capital Quarter scheme is well on track to delivering over 1,000,000ft2 of development including residential, café and student accommodation. Number Four joins the existing office space at Capital Quarter that is already home to Finance Wales, Alert Logic, WSP-Parsons Brinckerhoff, Network Rail, Home Office, Public Health Wales and Opus Energy. The four-storey Driscoll Buildings completed in 2012. Capital Quarter’s first major office building – the nine-storey, 77,992ft2 Grade A No 1 Capital Quarter – followed soon after, with completion in 2014 and subsequent sale to the Welsh Government. The 85,077ft2 No 2 Capital Quarter was completed in March 2016 and in summer 2018 the seven-storey, 77,931ft2 No 3 was completed and part-let to consumer champion Which? JR Smart construction director Gareth Smart said: “It has been a great 12 months at Capital Quarter which is testament to the commitment and hard work of the whole Capital Quarter development team, including our professional advisers and sub-contractors who I would personally like to thank.” More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/
FIS is proud to announce that we are launching the FIS Sector Skills Pledge, designed to bring the sector together to secure future sector sustainability and address the skills shortages in key trades, we need to work together as a sector. This will ensure a steady supply of new entrants into the sector who will be trained and skilled tradespeople with the right qualifications for their trade to deliver the projects needed. Businesses can deliver lasting change by providing work experience, taking on apprentices and setting individuals up with skills and knowledge for long term careers. We want to inspire young people to choose careers in construction as a first-choice option, not the last. The FIS Sector Skills Pledge is a commitment from organisations and employers to become FIS Skills Champions and to embrace programmes that will help us as a sector to create a sustainable, competent and skilled workforce. The pledge will also highlight which businesses and employers are going the extra mile. To become FIS Sector Skills Champions, we need businesses and employers to commit and sign up to at least one of the following programmes: • FIS BuildBack – allows businesses and employers to meet their social value obligations and unearth new workers in this dedicated programme to train and bring new individuals into the sector in the drylining trade. • FIS BuildME – encourages new entrants from the college sector. It allows businesses and employers to meet their social value obligations and open their sites and offices to college learners for work experience opportunities. • Qualify your workforce – committed to training the finishes and interiors workforce to NVQ 2 (equivalent) by 2020. Enabling your workforce skills to be recognised with the right matching qualifications. • Showcase dedication to skills – commit to the 5% Club challenge, a dynamic cross sector movement of employers working to create shared prosperity across the UK by driving ‘earn and learn’ skills training opportunities. • #iBuiltThis2019 competition – designed to inspire the next generation of construction workers – promote and encourage attraction into construction through a fun competition by showcasing the projects you have built and enter the competition • Bringing you modern apprentices – without the pain! Iain McIlwee, CEO at FIS said “I firmly believe that together we are stronger and can make a lasting difference if we work together. The Sector Skills Pledge is an industry wide campaign to improve sector skills sustainability, an exciting invitation to the sector to sign-up to the pledge and work in collaboration to deliver the programmes that will help to make this sector sustainable for all. Together we can show everybody including young people what fantastic career opportunities exist within the sector and attract the 1500 new entrants needed in the finishes and interiors sector” For more information and to sign up to the FIS Sector Skills Pledge visit our website at www.thefis.org/fis- sector-skills-pledge/
It’s always fun to bring a new essence to your home décor. It can be anything you want and you are always free and encouraged to make some changes, regardless of how small they may be. All it takes is some free time and creativity. Even money isn’t necessarily an issue as there is a lot that can be DIY-ed on a budget. However, sometimes we’re simply at a loss for the right ideas and it seems that we cannot really think of anything new to do with our interior. You can find many useful websites such as the Home Remodeling & Renovation Guide to help you. This is where we come in with French country décor. If you’ve never done it before, it’s time to start. Here are a few pieces of inspiration to steer you in this direction. Color palette This style involves a varied but tasteful color palette. The natural landscape is the inspiration for the choice of colors of this particular style. Having that in mind, we have lavender, sage green, summer yellow and soft blue as prime choices for the style. They work perfectly regardless of the number of colors combined. The secret is in the shades, they keep everything looking graceful and elegant. Of course, you can also experiment with some textures and patterns as long as they keep the original appeal. It can either be the pillows, rugs or curtains to break up the neutral look. Bring in the rustic This style is all about vintage staple pieces of furniture. For instance, you can introduce some mirrors with an unusual metal or wood frame. A vintage coffee table and a birdcage to match the style would go perfectly in the living room. The traditional French coffee table includes a sturdy wooden construction. Moreover, you can have a plush cushion on its top so it can double as a tabouret. If you want to really stand out from the crowd of your generic French country living rooms, opt for a set of amazingly practical barn doors. Not only do they look enticing but they slide in a very simple way, enabling you to move across the room easily as well as save some space. DIY it a bit If you want to bring a vintage French vibe into your home, you may not have to spend too much money. Many furniture items can be purchased at flea markets. With a good eye and a strong will and determination, you can find amazing stuff there. Don’t limit yourself to just one place. You can dedicate a whole day to your search. Just choose a partner equally enthusiastic as you and you will have a lot of fun browsing through all sorts of stuff. Once you find what you need, you can easily transform it a bit using sandpaper and some paint or decoupage. Perhaps you don’t even need to shop for new old furniture items. Try checking your own basement or attic and see if an old table or cupboard pops up. You’ll be surprised by what you find. Devil in the details Many people feel they need to do a complete makeover of their interior in order to make a change. On the contrary, if you just change the focal points of the room and a few details, you’ll achieve exactly the same results with much less effort and much less money spent. This is why you should start by determining the focal points of each room you wish to change and deciding on what to do with it. Once you do that, simply adding new covers to your cushions and changing the drapes may just do the trick. A few framed photos or mirrors can go a long way in this quest, too. All in all, where there’s a will, there’s a way. All you need is to make the decision. Everything else is easy. Trust us, it may seem tedious when you think about how long or expensive the process is going to be. However, as you can see from what has been written, you can save your money and still do great things. Think about the fun you’re going to have along the way and how happy you’ll be once everything is finished. Change is healthy and as soon as you have your new interior, you’ll be able to find inspiration for many other things, too.
WorkLife Central, The Ashby de la Zouch headquarters of workplace consultants and interior fit-out specialist Blueprint Interiors was transformed as clients and staff gathered to celebrate the company’s 18th anniversary on Thursday 11 July. Over 75 people attended an afternoon BBQ during which each guest was presented with a commemorative biophilic planter as a momento of reaching this milestone anniversary. Founded in 2001 by Chairman Rob Day, the interior fit out business has grown to a turnover of £4m and now employs 15 designers, project managers and experienced support staff. The management team now comprises; Rob Day, Managing Director, Rachel Biddles, Creative Director, Chloe Sproston and Head of Business Development, Andrew Hobson. The re-location and million-pound investment in WorkLife Central in 2017 to create a showroom in which customers can try out and view the latest cutting edge office design products and technology has been a major catalyst of recent success. The company is also differentiating itself by championing the concept that workplace consultancy should be a precursor to design to ensure businesses make the very best of the space available and create environments which inspire and motive their workforce. Commenting, Rob Day said, “2019 has been a momentous year for many reasons. Not only are we celebrating our 18th year in business, we have been shortlisted or won four business awards and have also achieved our objective of becoming renown for workplace consultancy and design across the Midlands region. I would like to thank all the clients and staff that have assisted us on this journey and hope they enjoyed being part of our celebrations.” Some of the many prestigious projects that Blueprint Interiors has worked on across the Midlands include The MIRA Technology Institute, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce new offices, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and Ibstock Brick.
Properties in the UK fit into one of two categories: Traditional Construction Most houses, bungalows and low-rise flats are brick or block wall construction. They generally have a sloping roof and will either have solid or cavity walls, depending on the era they were built. Non-traditional Construction Anything other than a brick or block wall construction is defined as ‘non-traditional’. These include metal framed, pre-cast concrete, in-situ concrete and timber framed properties. The reason they’re split into categories is so that buyers and mortgage lenders are aware of any potential risks with the property. Mortgage lenders will want to know that a property is suitable collateral for their loan. Buyers will want to be sure that they won’t have to pay too much for repairs over time and that they will be able to sell their house fast should they decide to move. Now, let’s look in more detail at each of the constructions and what to be aware of if you’re looking at a property without much additional information. Metal Framed There are around 140,000 metal framed houses in the UK and a number of aluminium framed ones. The majority were built after WWII when rapid re-building was required due to bomb damage. They are, however, made to look like standard houses with finishes of brick, render or imitation brick and many of them are so convincing that a specialist eye would be needed in order to confirm whether they are actually metal framed or not. One way to find out if the house is metal framed is to look in the roof space. There will usually be unlined sheathed metal framing or metal stud framing, lined with plasterboard. Pre-cast Concrete Around 284,000 houses in the UK have concrete panels as their main wall structure. These were built throughout the 1920s, then again in the ‘50s and ‘60s. There are two types of pre-cast concrete houses – panel and pre-cast. Panel systems are created in a factory before being transported to a building site for construction. If they are used as external walls then they will either look like concrete, or will have brick or tile affixed to them, imitating a traditional house. Pre-cast concrete systems are concrete frames with in-fill panels. The panels will be slotted into the frame and can mostly be found in two-storey properties. In-situ Concrete Introduced during the two great wars in the UK, in-situ walling was intended to keep costs low and construction time down. However, they ended up being more costly than traditional builds. The most well-known buildings with in-situ concrete were the Wimpey homes built between the 1940s and 1970s. Timber Framed Houses with timber frames will usually have cladding on the outside that protects the property from the elements, as well as making them look more appealing. From around 1920 to the late ‘70s approximately 108,000 timber framed houses were built in the UK. During the ‘80s brick and block constructions became more popular, until the ‘90s when timber frames made a slight come-back again. Recognising whether your property is timber framed or not depends on when it was built. Pre-WWII houses were mostly clad with timber as well as the structure being built from it. However, post-war constructions were clad with bricks that made them more traditional in appearance. There will usually be indicators somewhere within the property as to whether it is a timber frame or not and a specialist will be able to work this out. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) More recently there has been an increased need for housing, at the same time as there is a lack of skilled workers. Therefore, the Government is now encouraging property developers to use MMC to fulfil demand. Methods such as using Aircrete blocks, thin joint systems and structural insulated panels are helping to evolve more traditional masonry and timber frame constructions. Similarly, steel frame systems have developed, along with in-situ concrete techniques which has led to insulated concrete forms becoming a more popular choice. The point of MMC is to find ways of reducing construction time on site, whilst increasing the number of properties built. The quality of the properties isn’t compromised and developers are able to more accurately forecast costs and turnaround.
If you have recently given your home a serious makeover, now that the repairmen are gone and the mess is cleaned, you are probably assessing whether everything is as you imagined it. However, with so many choices to make it seems as though the work is never done, especially when it comes to the interior. For those lost in a multitude of options and who are worn out from making major remodeling decisions, here are a few smaller projects to consider that will highlight the beauty of your freshly renovated nest. Go green If you are an outdoorsy person, you shouldn’t think twice before you fill your home with plants. Huddle them in order to make a green corner or place them gingerly around the room. Esthetically speaking, plants will enrich any space with a dash of color. If you play around with how you arrange the pots, you can create many interesting arrangements which will revive a dull room. However, plants are more than decorative elements to your house. They purify the air, which then makes the room feel fresher and people less fatigued and therefore happier. Besides consequentially lifting your mood, the greenery is a good place to rest your eyes. The only thing to be mindful of is the intake of water and the amount of direct sunlight each plant requires, as well as whether you are able to provide them with those conditions. Let the light in Even countries which get a lot of sunlight all year through, like Australia, have to sometimes compensate with lamps and chandeliers when there is not enough light or windows in a room. If you wish for a room to appear spacious and open, consider track lighting. It is quite convenient since it can be placed even on walls and beams, enabling more light sources to be placed throughout the room. Even the atmosphere in the house can be set with a specific light setting. For example, head for well-equipped lighting stores in Sydney in search of dimmers and lamps which can give your bedroom a cozier and warmer feeling. Such stores always have an employee who can provide you with advice on the choice of the light source, depending on what your wishes are. Accessorize moderately Striking a balance between peppering every available surface of the house with trinkets and having room to move is not always an easy task for people who love ornaments. However, too much clutter, no matter how gorgeous those individual items look, can turn your elegant family house, whether it`s a country house or a downtown 3-bedroom apartment, into an aesthetically-challenged flee market. So, think in terms of central pieces, those that will catch everyone’s eye and enrich the lovely undertone you already created. It can be anything from a vase to a clock, but once you set it in place, make sure that other elements, if any, accentuate the beauty of both your home and that central piece, instead of disrupting it. Mix and match Don’t be afraid to play around with fabrics, materials, and colors since the combinations you can create can give your interior just the right boost. Hardwood goes well with finer elements, so your wooden crate can be a resting place for a modern glass lamp. Cold marble kitchen countertops are perfect for placing a small flower pot, or a set of wooden utensils. A leather armchair could be combined well with soft cashmere thrown over it, and if your living room is black and white, throw in a yellow pillow or two to give it some life. If your bathroom has just a little window as the source of light, paint the walls white, choose bright colored tiles, as well as towels. Depending on the floor color and material, mix dark surfaces with pastel carpets and vice versa, but don’t forget that you would need a thicker fabric for tile floors if you wish to stay warm. Although you might be happy with the way the interior of your home looks like, there are probably a few things that you could change, just to strike a better balance with the atmosphere you created. If you are a nature lover, adding plants and flower pots will please you both visually and psychologically, while carefully positioned lighting can contribute to boosting your mood. For trinkets collectors, the only cure is to limit their budget and aim for central pieces instead of the whole store, while artistic souls could enjoy bravely mixing styles and materials. Whatever you choose, just bear in mind that when it comes to interior decorating, less is more.
Last week, leading UK construction, refurbishment and fit out contractor, Gilbert-Ash marked its recent growth by unveiling a collaborative As One exhibition at an event at The IET, London. Attended by over 100 high profile guests from the across the design and construction industry, the considered collection celebrates twenty three iconic projects. The exhibition has been designed to represent how Gilbert-Ash has grown significantly in this time as a result of its unique collaborative approach working with its team, partners and clients to create landmark buildings around the world. Selected and interpreted by Hugh Mulholland, one of the UK and Ireland’s leading visual art curators and currently Senior Curator of The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) in Belfast, the imagery includes recent, high-profile projects. These include the Cambridge Mosque, stand-out Royal College of Pathologists headquarters, the award-winning City of London Freemen’s School swimming pool and the stunning new build of the renowned Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Curator Hugh Mulholland commented: “As One” is a considered collection that brings together imagery from Gilbert-Ash’s most recent, highest profile projects. In totality, the exhibition symbolises the company’s ‘as one’ approach. But take a closer look and you’ll discover that each photograph does too. Wood, glass, stone and the environment in which each building exists work together to create a unity much greater than the sum of the parts. Ray Hutchinson, Managing Director, Gilbert-Ash commented: “As we recognise the recent success of many projects and our continued growth as company, we felt it was the perfect time to step back and take a moment to understand why we have reached this point; and this exhibition is the result – a celebration of collaboration and our signature can-do style. “We have had the privilege of working with visionary clients, partners and suppliers, and we really do work as one to pursue excellence, delivering innovative, bespoke buildings all over the world. Gilbert-Ash is an employee owned company which certainly leads to a unique working culture. Our success is in no small part down to this environment and the hands-on attitude of our dedicated team – often going above and beyond to deliver stunning buildings while confidently facing and overcoming challenges that can often be encountered.” The venue selected for the unveiling of the ‘As One’ exhibition – the headquarters of the Institution of Engineering &Technology (IET) on Savoy Place – is also an award-winning Gilbert-Ash project preserving a heritage building while providing a contemporary home for the IET and its 150,000 members in 127 countries around the world and one of London’s most technologically advanced conferencing facilities. Aside from projects highlighted in the As One exhibition, Gilbert-Ash’s current work on prestigious Royal College of Music in London was represented this evening by a talented quartet which accompanied the unveiling. Gilbert-Ash projects have been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Stirling Prize with its work on the Everyman Theatre recognised in the winning of the coveted award in 2014. The contractor employs over 180 staff at offices in London and Belfast and is currently UK Contractor of the Year in the coveted Construction News Awards. Gilbert-Ash’s latest financial results reveal significant year-on-year growth with an increase in overall turnover to £179.4m in 2018, up from £165.5m in the previous year. The company also confirmed a more than three-fold increase in pre-tax profits to £7.6m in 2018, an increase from £2m in 2017. Gilbert-Ash attributes its continued strong performance to its ‘As One’ approach and its unique working culture and family environment as an employee-owned company. It also highlighted the completion this year of a broad portfolio of successful construction projects across sectors including arts and culture, workplace, hotels and leisure, science and technology, retail and residential. Speaking tonight at the event, Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson also revealed plans to invest in new £5m headquarters in Belfast with work already underway on the prestigious new facilities close to its current offices in Boucher Road in the city. The As One Exhibition will be moving tomorrow to The MAC, an award-winning venue in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and home to iconic exhibitions, theatre performances, and contemporary experimental works. Employees, partners and industry stakeholders from across Northern Ireland will join Gilbert-Ash in the Belfast unveiling.
The eco-friendly movement made its way in almost all aspects of our lives. The people deciding to join this noble cause range from those who are completely ride-or-die when it comes to embracing the green mentality to those who simply are willing to change certain behavioral patterns but are not willing to make some larger sacrifices and convert all the way. That being said, we can notice a significant increase in people embracing eco-friendly designs in their homes and living environments. This probably stems from the fact that we, humans – as a race – have moved so much away from the nature we originally came from, that we are now looking for ways to come back to it and embrace it once more as much as possible. Since we already know that the kitchen is the heart of every home and we are now increasingly striving towards embracing nature, it only makes sense that we want to make our kitchen designs eco-friendlier as well. Here are some ideas worth considering. Start from the ground up Just like you wouldn’t start building a home from the roof down, you shouldn’t start any redecoration project with anything other than your floors. When it comes to sustainable flooring solutions, reclaimed wood is one of the better ways to go. However, finding enough reclaimed wood can prove to be really difficult. That’s why you should definitely consider going with concrete floors, especially in areas such as the kitchen. These are very durable and easy to maintain, and they can be so versatile you definitely won’t have any difficulties picking the right fit for your desired final look. Decide on the color scheme Next, once your flooring solution is set in place, you should focus on the other base of your design – the walls. Depending on the vibe and design you’re going for, you probably already have a color scheme in mind. However, in order to stay on the eco-friendly track here, it’s important to note that you should pay special attention to the type of paint you choose to go with as well. Zero-VOC and lead-free paints are the ones you should choose for this project as they are safe both for the environment and the people living in your household – yourself included. Add shelter for your dishes Kitchen cabinets are something many associate with being pricey and usually not very eco-conscious to make. However, this way of thinking is very, very wrong, especially when talking about built-in or fitted kitchen cabinets. With these, you can go with an iron or stainless-steel base construction and the only other materials you’ll have to use will be the ones used for kitchen cabinet fronts and countertops. However, do know that you will have to specify clearly that you want to go with this type of kitchen cabinets, as they are still a relatively new concept and not many people are familiar with the idea. Chose work surfaces with care And now comes the fun part – countertops, sinks and other work surfaces. When sinks are concerned, you should definitely go with the ones made of natural stone, as they are super easy to make and look absolutely stunning. Recycled glass is becoming an increasingly popular option for countertops. The reason behind this is the fact that not only are they super sturdy but they also offer a range of color combos and finishes that can fit right in with any kitchen design. Finally, chopping boards are also something you should be very careful when buying. Plastic cutting boards that are most commonly used in households are not very good for either the users or the environment, as they can contain some harsh chemicals, among other things. That’s why you should always try to go with wooden chopping boards that are not only safe to use but look absolutely stunning. That’s why you should look for a charcuterie board for sale and use it both as a nifty kitchen tool and a décor piece when it’s not being used. You can even buy multiple of these and hang them on your kitchen wall so that they can serve the aesthetic purpose as well. Make it light and bright Finally, the lighting in your kitchen must be top-notch. Since the kitchen is the place most commonly filled with sharp objects, hot surfaces and boiling-hot food it’s only normal that you do all in your power to make this area as bright as possible. To stay as eco-friendly and as energy efficient as possible, invest in equipping your lighting fixtures with LED light bulbs. Not only are these very eco-friendly but they are also excellent at mimicking natural light. So, if you are looking to create a sustainable design in your kitchen and make it as eco-friendly as possible, start by implementing some of these changes.
Working from home has so many perks: you don’t have to worry about nosy co-workers or an overly-demanding boss. Everything can be done on your own terms as long as you do finish your tasks on time. Working from bed can be tempting, but it can also impact your productivity, therefore it’s much better to have your own office where you’ll be able to work in peace. A home office can increase your productivity and help you work harder, so here are some tips for designing it to suit your needs. Get rid of distractions Decluttering can be extremely beneficial if you want to stay on track. A home office is supposed to be a place for work, not for lounging, so make sure to remove all the clutter and junk and make it functional. Having too many decor pieces can be distracting, instead, add one or two elements in a tray like this one and keep the rest minimalist. Use the shelves for files, folders, and books, and if you have a lot of documents, get some paper trays where you can put all the paperwork. Make your desk as clean as possible, so you’ll be able to focus on work. By doing so, you’ll have a more relaxing and comfortable work ambiance at home. Get a comfortable chair Having a comfortable chair is essential if you want to avoid back pain and stiffness. There are many types of chairs, so before you purchase, try at least two or three until you find the one that’s comfortable. You can choose a specifically colored chair that matches your office vibe, but when it comes to office chairs, you should always prioritize your own comfort. When picking a chair, make sure that the backrest is adjustable and follow the shape of the spine. Plus, if you have a carpet, make sure that your chair has wheels made for carpet, so it will be easy for you to move around, especially whenever you need to reach something from the chair. It is a good idea to invest in an ergonomic office chair so you may prevent suffering from various postural and other musculoskeletal health problems. Take a look at the following tips when choosing an ergonomic office chair for your work-from-home setting: Choose Adjustable Armrests: With adjustable armrests, your arms can rest comfortably and your shoulders are more relaxed. Your lower arms and elbows rest will lightly, too. To ensure proper posture, your forearm shouldn’t be lying on the armrest while you’re typing. Seat Height: Select an ergonomic office chair with adjustable seat height, which is one with a pneumatic adjustment lever. The seat height should range from 16 to 21 inches to leave your feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk. Choose One With A Swivel: Pick an ergonomic chair that could easily rotate so you can easily reach different areas on your desk without causing strains. Backrest: When it comes to the chair’s backrest, it should be around 12 to 19 inches wide. The backrest should be height and angle adjustable if it’s separated from the seat. Seat Depth And Width: Comfortably sit with 17 to 20 inches wide as the standard width. The depth (measurement from front to back) needs to be enough to sit with your back against the ergonomic office chair’s back (leaving 2 to 4 inches between your knees and the chair seat). Lumbar Support: Look for an ergonomic chair with good lower back support. Because the lumbar spine curves inward, the natural curve can be flattened when sitting for a long period due to slouching. Avoid straining your spine by choosing an ergonomic chair with a lumbar adjustment to get the proper fit and support your lower back. Seat Material: Choose an ergonomic office chair material with enough padding for your comfort, most especially if you will be working for long hours. Shelves will give you more space Aside from looking good, shelves can help you reorganize your office and make it look tidier. If you feel like you need some extra space, you should consider investing in durable and quality shelving. Having a place to put away all your books and heavy folders can greatly improve your home office and make it look more business-like, which is important if you have clients coming over. And if you’re feeling extra creative, you can play with different designs and materials so your shelf will look more interesting. Decorate wisely Maybe some people prefer cramped working spaces, but for maximum productivity, you should aim for less is more principle. Adding some paintings you love will enrich your space and make it look more homely and stylish. Getting some potted plants can have benefits, so be sure to choose those that fit with your office and are also easy to maintain. Besides, a nice round rug will add make your home office look more like a pleasant living room, so feel free to buy one that is easy on the eye and soft. Keep it well-lit Whether you work during the day or night, your home office needs to be properly lit so you’ll avoid straining your eyes. If you prefer daytime, ensure that you have enough natural light coming in. To make it happen, get quality windows and position your home office in a way that you’ll be close to the light source. Add curtains or blinds that are light and easy to adjust. And during the night, make sure you have enough lamps so you’ll be able to work without feeling disturbed by the lack of light. Get a meeting area If you have clients, it’s important to have space where you can sit and talk to them without being distracted. Ideally, a meeting area is a room separate from your office, but in case you can’t afford it, you can use a corner in your office where you’ll place a small table and two
