ARCHITECTURE: Honor Award PROJECT: Cathedral Campus CLIENT: Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Strada Architecture, LLC ENGINEERS: Allen & Shariff; Atlantic Engineering Services; Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc. CONTRACTORS: JD&E PHOTOGRAPHER: Dennis Marisco DESCRIPTION: The Cathedral Campus project is an exercise in campus place making, which created a new administrative and religious center for the Diocese of Wheeling/Charleston. An opportunity for a makeover emerged when the parish school was closed due to low enrollment. The final result combines selective demolition, adaptive reuse of historic structures, and strategic additions to establish a new religious place focused on the historic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. JURY COMMENTS: While in some ways this project seems very basic, it is deceptively so. Its details, materials, and spaces – both internal and external – are rich and sophisticated. The building is strong and very comfortable in its response at an urban scale, just as it is very successful at the detail scale. It demonstrates a great understanding of the campus by removing those parts that do not work and creating a beautiful courtyard that enhances all of the surrounding buildings. The glass and metal façade, while modern, continues the lines of the brick buildings next to it and fits masterfully. Beautiful landscape work too!

Scandinavian exterior home idea in Portland Maine

Getting your homeowner's association board to approve your new custom garage doors can seem daunting. Dynamic Garage Door as a custom design and manufacturing firm has come across this situation quite frequently with a phenomenal success approval rate! In order to get approval for your custom garage door approval there are a few basic points you must understand. First off, your HOA is committed to preserving the neighborhood's curb appeal integrity by focusing on the impact your new custom garage doors might have on your house and the houses of your neighbors. It is important to understand that your curb appeal decisions will impact your home and neighborhood alike. Too many companies offer semi-custom wood doors without the true understanding of the client's need and the essence of their home's architectural style. The garage door design you choose needs to comply with neighborhood regulations while complement your home's architecture. At Dynamic Garage Door, our designers are well-rounded in the garage door industry and so we can suggest or develop designs that will reinforce the natural appearance of your home's style. If you can prove to your HOA that you've done your homework and that the garage door design you chose will complement not only your home but the neighborhood you'll be surprised when your proposal is marked with the approval stamp! This garage door is actually a single double-car door not two as it appears. The reason is that this garage used to have two separate doors with a post in the middle. The post in the middle made it difficult to use the garage on a daily basis so the post was removed to facilitate the use of the garage. The HOA wasn't too happy about the removal of the post as it was an essential part of the arches located right above the garage doors. You can clearly see how that would have been disruptive if the homeowner went with a regular wood door and not one custom designed and manufactured by Dynamic Garage Door. This garage door was specifically designed to address the HOA's concern about the center post removal and the effect it would have on the curb appeal of the home with the incomplete double arch look. So we addressed this by crafting the door with a false center post in the middle that was textured and painted the same color of the house to give off that illusion that the post is still there. Overall, it gives the home a complete finished appearance with two independent-looking doors and original post. The homeowner got the entire width of the opening to use at the push of a button so having a larger car won't be a problem anymore. The neighbors are all happy and no one seems to notice the center post is actually fake! Got an interesting garage door project you want our designers to review and price out for you? Give us a call at (855) 343-DOOR

Country house plan - 23-441 from Houseplans.com Questions? Call us at 1-800-913-2350 Photographs may show modified designs. All images are copyrighted. Plan 23-441 992 sq ft 2 beds 1.50 baths 28' wide 28' deep × Plans Main Floor Plan Reverse Upper Floor Plan Reverse Lower Floor Plan Reverse Specifications Plan Styles Country Farmhouse Exterior Wall Framing Framing 2"x6" Bedroom Features Main Floor Bed Bath Area Main Floor Sq Ft 896 sq ft Total Sq Ft 992 sq ft Garage Sq Ft 800 sq ft Lower Floor Sq Ft 96 sq ft Garage Garage Under Basic Features Baths 1.50 Garage Stalls 2 Stories 2 Bedrooms 2 Potential Bedrooms 0 Dimension Depth 28' Width 28' Designer Notes Included EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS: Detailed drawings showing how the house will look from each elevation once it is built. FLOOR PLANS: These drawings will show each level of the house, indicating the dimensions of each room, the location of walls, windows, stairs, structure to hold the possible floor above and basic electrical layout. FOUNDATION PLAN: This fully detailed drawing is showing all pertinent notes, the dimensions, height and thickness of the poured foundation. Structure to hold the floor above is also shown. Most plans come with a full basement, unless otherwise specified. CROSS SECTION: These construction drawings will show you sections of the house as it cuts through the length and depth indicating the height and details for each volume. ROOF PLAN: This layout will help you understand the structure of the roofing system and the location of each of the main trusses. TRUSS DIAGRAM: General layout and truss diagram that you can bring to a local manufacturer or simply to help the builder with his structure. CONSTRUCTION DETAILS: wall sections and stair section: In these pages you will get general construction details and staircase section to conform with up to date ways of building and regulations. Pricing Plan Set Price 5 Copy Set $755.00 8 Copy Set $780.00 PDF Set $935.00 Reproducible Set $935.00 CAD Set $1

Are you interested in writing the thesis? I want to tell about the some nuances which will help to write a good and interesting theses paper. 1. Firstly find a topic, which is really interesting to you. Be attentive, because all methods, directions and explorations will be directed to this topic. By the way, it will be bad when the topic will be chosen for you by your tutor. 2. Think about the exploration of this topic. Try to think about the subject of exploration. What will you really explore? It is really needed to understand and to make the further steps. 3. Think about the aim of the thesis, about the audience and methods of the paper. Find sources and literature which you will use in your thesis paper. 4. Start to write the thesis. Write the first thoughts and ideas. Try to develop these ideas and find the basic information of previous explorations which you’ve found. Everything should be written clearly and logically. 5. Make an analyze of the thesis. But do if after all paper will be written. Look at mistakes and proofread the whole paper. Moreover, you need to write a thesis not from you. Don’t use such phrases like “I mean” or “I think”. Try to write everything in scientific style and use terms. 6. Consider all moments and discuss all problems and serious moments with the tutor. May be he/she will help you to make your thesis paper fuller and more interesting. 7. I think that I have mentioned all important moment which you need to follow. But there are some more moments which should be in mind. Of course, it concerns about the topic of thesis. 8. Take into account all details and aims which you should achieve writing this thesis paper. Moreover, the most important moment is an absence of mistakes. Proofread your paper few times and give to someone to read it and to check if it needs. Hopefully I think that there are the basic and the most important tips which must be taken into consideration when we speak about thesis paper. This kind of academic papers takes too much time and attention, that’s why you need to start as earlier as possible to make it really perfect. About the Author: Samantha Smith is a freelance writer at academic writing services Papersnetwork providing students with online assistance. She gives useful advices and helps in writing essays, research papers and even dissertations.

Getting your homeowner's association board to approve your new custom garage doors can seem daunting. Dynamic Garage Door as a custom design and manufacturing firm has come across this situation quite frequently with a phenomenal success approval rate! In order to get approval for your custom garage door approval there are a few basic points you must understand. First off, your HOA is committed to preserving the neighborhood's curb appeal integrity by focusing on the impact your new custom garage doors might have on your house and the houses of your neighbors. It is important to understand that your curb appeal decisions will impact your home and neighborhood alike. Too many companies offer semi-custom wood doors without the true understanding of the client's need and the essence of their home's architectural style. The garage door design you choose needs to comply with neighborhood regulations while complement your home's architecture. At Dynamic Garage Door, our designers are well-rounded in the garage door industry and so we can suggest or develop designs that will reinforce the natural appearance of your home's style. If you can prove to your HOA that you've done your homework and that the garage door design you chose will complement not only your home but the neighborhood you'll be surprised when your proposal is marked with the approval stamp! This garage door is actually a single double-car door not two as it appears. The reason is that this garage used to have two separate doors with a post in the middle. The post in the middle made it difficult to use the garage on a daily basis so the post was removed to facilitate the use of the garage. The HOA wasn't too happy about the removal of the post as it was an essential part of the arches located right above the garage doors. You can clearly see how that would have been disruptive if the homeowner went with a regular wood door and not one custom designed and manufactured by Dynamic Garage Door. This garage door was specifically designed to address the HOA's concern about the center post removal and the effect it would have on the curb appeal of the home with the incomplete double arch look. So we addressed this by crafting the door with a false center post in the middle that was textured and painted the same color of the house to give off that illusion that the post is still there. Overall, it gives the home a complete finished appearance with two independent-looking doors and original post. The homeowner got the entire width of the opening to use at the push of a button so having a larger car won't be a problem anymore. The neighbors are all happy and no one seems to notice the center post is actually fake! Got an interesting garage door project you want our designers to review and price out for you? Give us a call at (855) 343-DOOR

The wall cabinets designed in Kemper, maple, Cotter Door Style, color is Forest Floor, The Island designed in Kemper< Maple, Whitman Doorstyle, color is Dover w/ Greystone Glaze. The counter(s) are quartz – Hanstone Aspen and the Island top is also quartz – Caeserstone Piatra Grey Design: Jon McGill, Jolene Amico Photo Credit: Jon Woodbury

Example of a beach style living room design in San Diego

We were approached by a Karen, a renowned sculptor, and her husband Tim, a retired MD, to collaborate on a whole-home renovation and furnishings overhaul of their newly purchased and very dated “forever home” with sweeping mountain views in Tigard. Karen and I very quickly found that we shared a genuine love of color, and from day one, this project was artistic and thoughtful, playful, and spirited. We updated tired surfaces and reworked odd angles, designing functional yet beautiful spaces that will serve this family for years to come. Warm, inviting colors surround you in these rooms, and classic lines play with unique pattern and bold scale. Personal touches, including mini versions of Karen’s work, appear throughout, and pages from a vintage book of Audubon paintings that she’d treasured for “ages” absolutely shine displayed framed in the living room. Partnering with a proficient and dedicated general contractor (LHL Custom Homes & Remodeling) makes all the difference on a project like this. Our clients were patient and understanding, and despite the frustrating delays and extreme challenges of navigating the 2020/2021 pandemic, they couldn’t be happier with the results. Photography by Christopher Dibble

Dual sliding barn doors with black pipe handles (the same that was used in the bar!) form the entrance to the home gym. The spacious and bright room has a rubber floor. 40 tires were upcycled to create this sustainable and durable flooring. A wall of mirrors amplifies the natural light from the windows and door to the outside. Welcome to this sports lover’s paradise in West Chester, PA! We started with the completely blank palette of an unfinished basement and created space for everyone in the family by adding a main television watching space, a play area, a bar area, a full bathroom and an exercise room. The floor is COREtek engineered hardwood, which is waterproof and durable, and great for basements and floors that might take a beating. Combining wood, steel, tin and brick, this modern farmhouse looking basement is chic and ready to host family and friends to watch sporting events! Rudloff Custom Builders has won Best of Houzz for Customer Service in 2014, 2015 2016, 2017 and 2019. We also were voted Best of Design in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 which only 2% of professionals receive. Rudloff Custom Builders has been featured on Houzz in their Kitchen of the Week, What to Know About Using Reclaimed Wood in the Kitchen as well as included in their Bathroom WorkBook article. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area. This business, like most others, developed from a friendship of young entrepreneurs who wanted to make a difference in their clients’ lives, one household at a time. This relationship between partners is much more than a friendship. Edward and Stephen Rudloff are brothers who have renovated and built custom homes together paying close attention to detail. They are carpenters by trade and understand concept and execution. Rudloff Custom Builders will provide services for you with the highest level of professionalism, quality, detail, punctuality and craftsmanship, every step of the way along our journey together. Specializing in residential construction allows us to connect with our clients early in the design phase to ensure that every detail is captured as you imagined. One stop shopping is essentially what you will receive with Rudloff Custom Builders from design of your project to the construction of your dreams, executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsmen. Our concept: envision our client’s ideas and make them a reality. Our mission: CREATING LIFETIME RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST AND INTEGRITY. Photo Credit: Linda McManus Images

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

Mike and Michelle of Lake Barrington knew they needed extra space. Their home was becoming too crowded for their family with blossoming teenagers, so a basement renovation offered the perfect solution for more space for the kids and more room to entertain for the adults. “Our project consisted of expanding our laundry room, putting in a first floor wet bar so we had adult space upstairs, while also renovating our basement for a family-friendly and teen-functional area as well,” Michelle says. They found Advance Design Studio through a neighbor who gave a glowing recommendation, giving Michelle and Mike the confidence they needed to move forward with a major home renovation. They felt like they knew Advance Design before they even worked together. When they met with the owner Todd Jurs and designer Nicole Ryan, Mike and Michelle knew they were getting a trustworthy, dependable team that could create the project they had been dreaming about for 7 years. Having virtually no natural light to work with, one of the biggest design challenges was creating a basement that did not feel dark and depressing. The Advance team got to work creating architectural archways and custom detailed dry-stack stone columns artfully designed into the space, adding a dramatic element that made the space feel less like a basement or more like a relaxing family room. Color 3D renderings were created to portray what the space would look like so Mike and Michelle could visualize the space in advance. Detailed trim and crown moldings grace the built in buffet and wet bar making for an amazingly functional space that lacks nothing in style and visual interest. Cherry wood cabinetry by Dura Supreme is featured in the space with a “Cocoa Brown” finish and includes beautiful mirrored glass doors embellished with unique elliptical mullion details. A built-in microwave, dishwasher and mini fridge add practicality to the ample entertainment mecca. An under mounted sink finishes the space joined with a intricate mosaic tile backsplash and “Ventisca Polished” quartz countertops. The basement is absolutely perfect for hosting friends and family with expertly designed key areas such as a game space for the kids, a movie area for the family, an ample workout room with luxurious full bath, and even built in wine storage. The family absolutely loves the new basement living space, and has already enjoyed numerous family movie nights and sleep-overs with friends. While custom cabinets made by Dura Supreme were used to create unique spaces that lived up to Mike and Michelle’s expectations., heated flooring under the 16”x16” “Mongolian Spring” tile was installed giving all tiled areas of the basement a much cozier feel, eliminating that cold hard surface most of us hate in our basements! The new basement must-have requirement list included a new bath space, which was incorporated adjacent to the work out room. The sleek shower door and cabinets in the new bathroom make guests and family feel like they are in an elegant hotel. The new guest bath features 4”x36” “Silver Screen” honed marble tile in a brick pattern on the shower walls and 2”x2” “Chenille” limestone tile in a hexagon mosaic pattern on the shower floor. “I came in with very specific requirements for our three project areas,” Michelle says. “There was not one time that I felt like I was asking for something that was not going to turn out how I anticipated.” Tying in multiple rooms during a renovation if you have can do it makes a lot of sense and saves money in the long run. A fully functional laundry room as well was a must on this family’s wish list. Michelle wanted to add space to the existing cramped and awkward laundry room, and Mike wanted to make sure they could still park a car in the garage. Reconfiguring interior walls required borrowing unused space cleverly from the garage in order to enlarge the laundry room space. Drawers under the stairs added beautiful hidden storage created almost magically out of dead space. White painted Dura Supreme cabinets bring additional light into the small space; while the 16”x16” cleft slate tile flooring provides excellent contrast and the naturally earthy feel Michelle wanted. Quartz countertops with a 3”x12” “Debut Dew” subway tile backsplash add elegance to the now upliftingly bright laundry room. The extra space makes doing laundry much more pleasurable and the added storage is a great for all those little things like winter hats and gloves, umbrellas and the like. “The Advance Design project team was phenomenal to work with,” Michelle says. “They came in, shared the plans with us and walked us through the expectations. We always knew what was coming next.” Converting an existing closet space, the wet bar upstairs was challenging because they wanted a functional area that didn’t look or feel like cabinets just sticking out of a closet. So the Advance team transformed this ordinary closet space into a stunning wet bar that architecturally appears as if it’s always been there. Traditional, elegant hand carved custom molding matching the adjacent fireplace ties the new entertainment bar area in nicely with the existing family room and kitchen area. Featuring a built in wine refrigerator, Dura Supreme cabinetry in deep cherry wood elegantly displays wine bottles and etched glass mullion doors that fill with soft light in the evening hours. Cambria “Windermere” quartz countertops with a sophisticated hammered copper sink and a glimmering backsplash round out the stunning wet bar. Hosting parties and family functions has become much more enjoyable now that they have a dedicated beverage serving area large enough to include hors devours. All three projects were designed and constructed together at the same time, making for a cohesive project that was administered smoothly and easily both for the design team and for the family. Disruption to the home was minimal as each phase was completed in each project conclusively, and design and meeting time for the homeowner was efficient and organized making for an enjoyable process. “Advance Design was great to work with,” Michelle says. “I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a home improvement project. They took the time at the beginning to understand our needs, our budget, and our vision for our home. The field team was great, attentive, on time, cleaned up each day and made the overall experience very positive. We couldn't be happier with the finished product.” With the help of our talented, award winning design team you can create the basement, laundry room, or any other home renovation that you have been dreaming of. With our “Common Sense Remodeling” approach, the process of renovating you home has never been easier. Contact us today at 847-836-2600 or schedule an appointment to talk with us about that kitchen remodeling project. Joe Nowak

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) 'Kagiri Nishiki'. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Eclectic home design photo in Charlotte

Grout haze or grout smears as it is often called can be a huge problem when laying tiles. Grout haze is basically grout that has been left to dry on the surface of the tile after installation. It’s a common problem which is exacerbated by the use of quick drying products. Take for example this interesting Wood Effect Ceramic Tile installation at a house in Guildford following installation by a builder. I was a bit slow in following up on the initial enquiry as we had been very busy so by the time, I got in touch I was told they had employed someone else to carry out the work. I apologised for my late response and said to call me if he needed help in the future. Three days later I got a call so we arranged a visit so that I could carry out a test and quote a price. As it turns out the builder had returned and failed to remove the grout haze and so had a rival firm that seemed more interested in selling unnecessary sealer than fixing the problem. I was astonished to see what a state the builder had left his floor. Grout was all over the floor with footprints walked across thresholds and more. I could understand it if there was some grout was missed after installation but not to this level! I carried out a successful test and confirmed to the customer that there was absolutely no need to rip and replace his £2k floor. We agreed a date to resolve the problem and to say he was relieved was an understatement! The builders had used Mapei grout which contains polymers. Polymers offer better flexibility and adhesion, however in order to remove the grout haze we would first need to break down the polymers in the grout first and this is why the rival firm failed. With that in mind, my first action was to apply Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the floor and leave it to dwell for five to ten minutes. I then worked it into the tile using a scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. After washing the soil away with warm water and extracting with a wet vacuum I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up to treat the grout. Grout Clean-up is an acid-based product that breaks down the grout so it can be rinsed away and extracted as before. Afterwards I rinsed the floor with warm water and extracted again to remove any trace of product and neutralise the floor. After removing as much moisture as possible with the wet vacuum I speed dried the tiles with a blower. Ceramic tiles won’t accept a sealer so once the floor had dried the job was finished and it took less than a day. The customer was over the moon with the difference. While his floor was in such a state, he has been unable to bring in new furniture as the serious possibility of removing the tiles was hanging over him. Relieved that the problem was now resolved he kindly left the following review: “I had a floor that had just been laid with very heavy grout haze. I had already had advice from two other professional floor cleaners who had advised me that the floor was irreparable and would need to be pulled up. As soon as I spoke with Rupert, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable. He asked questions none of the other companies had. By understanding the specific nature of the problem, he was able to solve it by first removing the grout polymers and then applying an acid wash. The floor came up brilliantly. Rupert was the only person I spoke to that could fix this, everyone else told me I needed to replace my floor! Superbly knowledgeable, professional and did an excellent job. Don’t bother speaking to anyone else, just call Rupert! “ Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

Baldwin Homes, one of Maryland’s leading green home builders, continues to set a high standard for innovation by bringing DOW POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles to homebuyers. Baldwin Homes has already built five beautiful homes with POWERHOUSE, the dually-functional solar system that protects like conventional roofing materials while generating clean electricity. “As a progressive Builder, we are excited to offer the DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingles to our buyers,” said Mike Baldwin, President of Baldwin Homes. “The benefits of Solar Shingles are impressive - they are part of the home, built solidly into the roof allowing for a seamless look, while providing energy savings to the homeowner. Also of great value to the customer is the ability to track their savings online and really see the advantage of actively generating energy with the Solar Shingles.” Mike Baldwin has over 20 years of experience building quality homes and built the first Maryland Green Designer Show Home. Staying ahead of market trends has allowed Baldwin Homes to excel in offering the most innovatively and solidly constructed homes in Maryland. Including POWERHOUSE and other green energy products in their portfolio evidences their dedication to understanding the needs of discerning, sophisticated buyers.

Welcome to Dream Coast Builders, your premier choice for beach house construction, home additions, home remodeling, and custom homes in Clearwater, FL. Our team specializes in creating stunning coastal properties that perfectly capture the essence of beachfront living. At Dream Coast Builders, we understand the importance of creating spaces that reflect your unique style and preferences. Whether you're dreaming of a beach house with panoramic views of the ocean, a luxurious pool house for entertaining guests, or a custom home designed to meet your every need, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. With our comprehensive range of services, including exterior remodeling, construction services, and pool house design, we can handle every aspect of your project from start to finish. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional results and ensuring your complete satisfaction. When you choose Dream Coast Builders, you can trust that your project will be completed to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. From concept to completion, we'll work closely with you to turn your dreams into reality. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation. Let us help you create the beach house of your dreams. Contact Us Today to Embark on the Journey of Transforming Your Space Into a True Masterpiece. https://dreamcoastbuilders.com

Industry: Building Design and Construction Location: USA The Objective Develop a 3D model for retaining wall design plan meant to block the flood water from a nearby river The Solution Several elements as specified by client were incorporated to design a retaining wall and a detailed 3D model was developed. Technology/Software Used 3Ds Max An environmental consultant had to assess a site and provide a plan to the client for retaining wall design meant to block the flood water from a nearby river from entering the site. Some old hand drawn sketches of a retaining wall structure and a PPT with landscaping plans, was all that was provided. Improvising the basic design and preparing a well rendered 3D model, to facilitate the consultant to give final presentation of the design to the client, was the task. Challenges 1. Client expected a design improvement based on a landscape PPT & some handmade designs developed in 2008. 2. Files were without any exact dimensions or additional inputs from the client 3. No plans, elevations and CAD files were given to support the team for further design revisions and 3D modeling 4. Client’s verbal explanations were to be used as a base to analyze and understand the requirements. 5. Numerous brainstorming sessions, repeated iterations and approvals. 6. Client was accessible only through email and conference call Engineering Solution Retaining the wall to stop flood water from a nearby river entering the area filling it with debris 1. Hi-Tech team deftly handled the communication, approvals and design development process. 2. Built a retaining wall to extend the useful area towards the flood plain of the river. 3. Retaining wall was designed as a 3 stepped structure with property (7 – 8 homes and a swimming pool) at the top. 4. Terraces with trees and shrubs were included. This design feature made the entire wall look like a natural retaining boulder covered with greenery. 5. Narrow walkways and stairs that led to the terrace were incorporated in the design 6. Subterranean garage under the flat ground surface of the property was also included as a part of the design Benefits 1. In a short span of one month, the team managed to develop a fully fledged design and plan for the retention wall. 2. Vacant space was effectively utilized; the stepped wall not only stooped the flood water from entering the client’s property, but also created space for 7-8 homes. 3. The designed structure looked very much a part of the natural terrain, and in fact added to the beauty of the surround