AirField installed an AirPave grass fire lane for their porous flexible paving at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice, creating a beautiful, functional, ecological friendly solution to facility access. An installation of an AirField Systems grass fire lane at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice brings green building benefits and incredible strength to a beautiful new facility. A time lapse photo series highlight the installation process of the 6,747 PSI sand filled 100% recycled geocell technology, providing the strength of asphalt and concrete while relieving some of the burden of costly storm sewers and drainage. This new installation highlights the benefits of paving with grass, as well as the comparative ease of installation. Concrete and asphalt surfaces occupy twice the area of buildings and are the most detrimental to clean water. Concrete and asphalt surfaces dominate the landscape of our urban environments and prevent rainwater from being filtered naturally. They send harmful polluted water straight into our streams, rivers and lakes. In urban America, concrete and asphalt pavements produce two thirds of our excess water runoff. They are responsible for significant hydrocarbon pollutants on our ground and in our water, causing ground water decline, and resulting in local water shortages. These concrete and asphalt surfaces also create huge increases in temperature known as the urban “heat island effect”. The pollution caused by impervious surfaces deteriorate the quality of our storm water runoff and create large overflows that our storm sewer systems cannot handle. It is also important to realize that the urban forest force is drastically diminishing, causing CO2 levels to rise, which in turn causes global warming. With all the negative influences of impervious pavements now is the time to turn our attention to alternatives for the benefit of the environment. From fire lanes, overflow, and event parking, to temporary and stadium parking, reinforced grass parking systems deliver the same strength and durability of asphalt and concrete without the negative affects mentioned above. These incredibly strong geocells reinforce grass parking, prevent rutting from traffic, protect turf roots, and promote beautiful grass. Reinforced grass parking structures, also know as grass pavements, enhance the environment by naturally filtering auto and truck liquids such as oil drippings, antifreeze overflows and many other leaks and spills. They also help with air pollutants after they have been knocked to the ground by rainwater and greatly reduce hot surface temperatures thus fighting global warming and the “heat island effect”. Grass pavements allow our groundwater to be naturally replenished, the roots of trees to breathe, and they help our streams and rivers flow cleanly in dry hot summers. A large part of the solution to urban environmental problems is under our feet. By paying appropriate attention to the everyday materials on which we walk and drive, we can replenish renewable resources, restore the natural regenerative processes, and produce a cleaner, healthier, safer, more sustainable world in which we must live. Porous pavements are potentially the most important development in urban watersheds since the invention of storm sewers. By routing rainwater directly into the earth as nature intended, the need for costly storm water structures can be drastically reduced. Reinforced grass parking has built in permeable spaces through which water and air can pass. Although some porous paving materials are nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials in construction and superficial appearance, their environmental effects are qualitatively exponential. They allow air, water and heat to dissipate into the environment naturally helping to save the planet. AirField reinforced grass parking provides beauty and comfort, and with the unbeatable price and performance of AirDrain you can’t go wrong. AirDrain is the reinforced grass pave system the industry has trusted for years !!! Airfield Systems, LLC 8028 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-359-3775 Installer – GREENPRO Landscapes Kevin James 9847 Stewart Rd Arlington, TN 38002

AirField installed an AirPave grass fire lane for their porous flexible paving at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice, creating a beautiful, functional, ecological friendly solution to facility access. An installation of an AirField Systems grass fire lane at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice brings green building benefits and incredible strength to a beautiful new facility. A time lapse photo series highlight the installation process of the 6,747 PSI sand filled 100% recycled geocell technology, providing the strength of asphalt and concrete while relieving some of the burden of costly storm sewers and drainage. This new installation highlights the benefits of paving with grass, as well as the comparative ease of installation. Concrete and asphalt surfaces occupy twice the area of buildings and are the most detrimental to clean water. Concrete and asphalt surfaces dominate the landscape of our urban environments and prevent rainwater from being filtered naturally. They send harmful polluted water straight into our streams, rivers and lakes. In urban America, concrete and asphalt pavements produce two thirds of our excess water runoff. They are responsible for significant hydrocarbon pollutants on our ground and in our water, causing ground water decline, and resulting in local water shortages. These concrete and asphalt surfaces also create huge increases in temperature known as the urban “heat island effect”. The pollution caused by impervious surfaces deteriorate the quality of our storm water runoff and create large overflows that our storm sewer systems cannot handle. It is also important to realize that the urban forest force is drastically diminishing, causing CO2 levels to rise, which in turn causes global warming. With all the negative influences of impervious pavements now is the time to turn our attention to alternatives for the benefit of the environment. From fire lanes, overflow, and event parking, to temporary and stadium parking, reinforced grass parking systems deliver the same strength and durability of asphalt and concrete without the negative affects mentioned above. These incredibly strong geocells reinforce grass parking, prevent rutting from traffic, protect turf roots, and promote beautiful grass. Reinforced grass parking structures, also know as grass pavements, enhance the environment by naturally filtering auto and truck liquids such as oil drippings, antifreeze overflows and many other leaks and spills. They also help with air pollutants after they have been knocked to the ground by rainwater and greatly reduce hot surface temperatures thus fighting global warming and the “heat island effect”. Grass pavements allow our groundwater to be naturally replenished, the roots of trees to breathe, and they help our streams and rivers flow cleanly in dry hot summers. A large part of the solution to urban environmental problems is under our feet. By paying appropriate attention to the everyday materials on which we walk and drive, we can replenish renewable resources, restore the natural regenerative processes, and produce a cleaner, healthier, safer, more sustainable world in which we must live. Porous pavements are potentially the most important development in urban watersheds since the invention of storm sewers. By routing rainwater directly into the earth as nature intended, the need for costly storm water structures can be drastically reduced. Reinforced grass parking has built in permeable spaces through which water and air can pass. Although some porous paving materials are nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials in construction and superficial appearance, their environmental effects are qualitatively exponential. They allow air, water and heat to dissipate into the environment naturally helping to save the planet. AirField reinforced grass parking provides beauty and comfort, and with the unbeatable price and performance of AirDrain you can’t go wrong. AirDrain is the reinforced grass pave system the industry has trusted for years !!! Airfield Systems, LLC 8028 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-359-3775 Installer – GREENPRO Landscapes Kevin James 9847 Stewart Rd Arlington, TN 38002

Frank Ooms
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Austin

AirField installed an AirPave grass fire lane for their porous flexible paving at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice, creating a beautiful, functional, ecological friendly solution to facility access. An installation of an AirField Systems grass fire lane at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice brings green building benefits and incredible strength to a beautiful new facility. A time lapse photo series highlight the installation process of the 6,747 PSI sand filled 100% recycled geocell technology, providing the strength of asphalt and concrete while relieving some of the burden of costly storm sewers and drainage. This new installation highlights the benefits of paving with grass, as well as the comparative ease of installation. Concrete and asphalt surfaces occupy twice the area of buildings and are the most detrimental to clean water. Concrete and asphalt surfaces dominate the landscape of our urban environments and prevent rainwater from being filtered naturally. They send harmful polluted water straight into our streams, rivers and lakes. In urban America, concrete and asphalt pavements produce two thirds of our excess water runoff. They are responsible for significant hydrocarbon pollutants on our ground and in our water, causing ground water decline, and resulting in local water shortages. These concrete and asphalt surfaces also create huge increases in temperature known as the urban “heat island effect”. The pollution caused by impervious surfaces deteriorate the quality of our storm water runoff and create large overflows that our storm sewer systems cannot handle. It is also important to realize that the urban forest force is drastically diminishing, causing CO2 levels to rise, which in turn causes global warming. With all the negative influences of impervious pavements now is the time to turn our attention to alternatives for the benefit of the environment. From fire lanes, overflow, and event parking, to temporary and stadium parking, reinforced grass parking systems deliver the same strength and durability of asphalt and concrete without the negative affects mentioned above. These incredibly strong geocells reinforce grass parking, prevent rutting from traffic, protect turf roots, and promote beautiful grass. Reinforced grass parking structures, also know as grass pavements, enhance the environment by naturally filtering auto and truck liquids such as oil drippings, antifreeze overflows and many other leaks and spills. They also help with air pollutants after they have been knocked to the ground by rainwater and greatly reduce hot surface temperatures thus fighting global warming and the “heat island effect”. Grass pavements allow our groundwater to be naturally replenished, the roots of trees to breathe, and they help our streams and rivers flow cleanly in dry hot summers. A large part of the solution to urban environmental problems is under our feet. By paying appropriate attention to the everyday materials on which we walk and drive, we can replenish renewable resources, restore the natural regenerative processes, and produce a cleaner, healthier, safer, more sustainable world in which we must live. Porous pavements are potentially the most important development in urban watersheds since the invention of storm sewers. By routing rainwater directly into the earth as nature intended, the need for costly storm water structures can be drastically reduced. Reinforced grass parking has built in permeable spaces through which water and air can pass. Although some porous paving materials are nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials in construction and superficial appearance, their environmental effects are qualitatively exponential. They allow air, water and heat to dissipate into the environment naturally helping to save the planet. AirField reinforced grass parking provides beauty and comfort, and with the unbeatable price and performance of AirDrain you can’t go wrong. AirDrain is the reinforced grass pave system the industry has trusted for years !!! Airfield Systems, LLC 8028 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-359-3775 Installer – GREENPRO Landscapes Kevin James 9847 Stewart Rd Arlington, TN 38002

AirField installed an AirPave grass fire lane for their porous flexible paving at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice, creating a beautiful, functional, ecological friendly solution to facility access. An installation of an AirField Systems grass fire lane at Baptist Trinity Residential Hospice brings green building benefits and incredible strength to a beautiful new facility. A time lapse photo series highlight the installation process of the 6,747 PSI sand filled 100% recycled geocell technology, providing the strength of asphalt and concrete while relieving some of the burden of costly storm sewers and drainage. This new installation highlights the benefits of paving with grass, as well as the comparative ease of installation. Concrete and asphalt surfaces occupy twice the area of buildings and are the most detrimental to clean water. Concrete and asphalt surfaces dominate the landscape of our urban environments and prevent rainwater from being filtered naturally. They send harmful polluted water straight into our streams, rivers and lakes. In urban America, concrete and asphalt pavements produce two thirds of our excess water runoff. They are responsible for significant hydrocarbon pollutants on our ground and in our water, causing ground water decline, and resulting in local water shortages. These concrete and asphalt surfaces also create huge increases in temperature known as the urban “heat island effect”. The pollution caused by impervious surfaces deteriorate the quality of our storm water runoff and create large overflows that our storm sewer systems cannot handle. It is also important to realize that the urban forest force is drastically diminishing, causing CO2 levels to rise, which in turn causes global warming. With all the negative influences of impervious pavements now is the time to turn our attention to alternatives for the benefit of the environment. From fire lanes, overflow, and event parking, to temporary and stadium parking, reinforced grass parking systems deliver the same strength and durability of asphalt and concrete without the negative affects mentioned above. These incredibly strong geocells reinforce grass parking, prevent rutting from traffic, protect turf roots, and promote beautiful grass. Reinforced grass parking structures, also know as grass pavements, enhance the environment by naturally filtering auto and truck liquids such as oil drippings, antifreeze overflows and many other leaks and spills. They also help with air pollutants after they have been knocked to the ground by rainwater and greatly reduce hot surface temperatures thus fighting global warming and the “heat island effect”. Grass pavements allow our groundwater to be naturally replenished, the roots of trees to breathe, and they help our streams and rivers flow cleanly in dry hot summers. A large part of the solution to urban environmental problems is under our feet. By paying appropriate attention to the everyday materials on which we walk and drive, we can replenish renewable resources, restore the natural regenerative processes, and produce a cleaner, healthier, safer, more sustainable world in which we must live. Porous pavements are potentially the most important development in urban watersheds since the invention of storm sewers. By routing rainwater directly into the earth as nature intended, the need for costly storm water structures can be drastically reduced. Reinforced grass parking has built in permeable spaces through which water and air can pass. Although some porous paving materials are nearly indistinguishable from nonporous materials in construction and superficial appearance, their environmental effects are qualitatively exponential. They allow air, water and heat to dissipate into the environment naturally helping to save the planet. AirField reinforced grass parking provides beauty and comfort, and with the unbeatable price and performance of AirDrain you can’t go wrong. AirDrain is the reinforced grass pave system the industry has trusted for years !!! Airfield Systems, LLC 8028 North May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-359-3775 Installer – GREENPRO Landscapes Kevin James 9847 Stewart Rd Arlington, TN 38002

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

If you haven’t heard the term “aging in place” already, you’re going to hear it more and more in the next ten years. The term as emerged as more and more adults expressed their desire to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Rather than moving into a community built around increased accessibility needs, home owners are looking to the kitchen and bath remodeling industry to innovate the spaces in their home where they perform the most important tasks. As most long-time home owners realize, the need for accessibility and safety first presents itself in the bathroom. If balance is becoming an issue for a homeowner, the first concern that tends to arise is an exponentially increased fall-risk in the bathroom. Each year, one-third of individuals report a fall, and two thirds of those who fall will fall again in the next six months. Finally, falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people over 65. Individuals coping with injury, recovering from surgery, arthritis and other similar health issues are at an even higher risk of falling. In other words, every day, more and more people are finding the act of bathing or showering difficult, worrisome or even painful! For those seeking to age in place, this is where acrylic tub-to-shower conversions, like Reborn Cabinets Bath Solutions, are incredibly helpful, and can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life. Highly customizable to meet anyone’s daily bathing needs, acrylic tub-to-shower conversions give home owners the option to add benches, safety rails, and even the ability to install a barrier-free design—easy entry for those who require wheelchairs or walkers. But the aging in place-crowd isn’t simply looking for strictly functional solutions to their daily routine. Since these innovations are changing their already-existing bathroom, there is a need to move these accessible spaces beyond function and keep them stylish. Again, aging in place is all about keeping your house a home—not a “facility.” Reborn Bath Solutions is a versatile product, allowing home-owners to choose from a great selection of colors and a wide array of fixtures. Sure, the “bathroom of your dreams” may look a little different these days, but you deserve it! Give us a call, and we’ll help you stay in your home and keep your daily sense of confidence!

YOUNG ARCHITECTS STUDIO COMPETITION PROJECT: Clean Water Workshop PARTICIPANT: Robert Tuñón and Keith Labutta DESCRIPTION: Pittsburgh’s waterways are not polluted because of our industrial past, but because our antiquated infrastructure causes 16 billion gallons of wastewater to overflow into the city’s rivers every year. The built-up shoreline forces rainwater runoff directly into the waterways, and the lack of green space at the rivers’ edge allows for limited natural filtration. There is increased public access and interaction with the riverfront, but recreationalists lack awareness of the unhealthy state of the rivers. As an intervention, the Clean Water Workshop provides a place where every day recreational activities aid in the filtration of rainwater runoff. Collective individuals and teams power a variety of resistance machines to generate the energy used in the water filtration process. To carry out this mission, the highly visible urban void beneath the Tenth Street Bypass will be utilized, as it is a place where a dense roadway system meets a high volume of pedestrian traffic. JURY COMMENTS: The jury selected this project because it addresses a real void with a real solution, addressing a need that exists both recreationally and environmentally. We need attention drawn to clean water and the solution engages the community. It achieves everything we want to do on our riverfronts and makes it fun to participate. This space is very bleak from the other side of the river, yet the solution makes all the space useable and beautifully conveys the aesthetic of Pittsburgh’s riverfronts at night. The project has a totally modern sensibility, done simply and practically, as a celebration of health. It is clearly presented and highly inventive. The graphics are superb.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Independent Home just recently completed a Florida walk in tub installation in the city of Pensacola for our customer Claire S. Learn about the process and why it may be a good idea to add one to your home! Our installation process starts with a pre-installation meeting with the customer to go over what type of walk in tub is best for their needs, what the best location would be, and what type of the finish the customer wants. At the meeting with Claire, she told us that she wanted a tub that could prove a safe bathing experience but also help with her arthritis and leg pain. Our installation experts decided that the celebrity walk in tub was the best option for Claire. The celebrity walk in tub was the best option for Claire’s Florida home because of the safety features it is able to provide. Claire’s previous bathtub had a 15 inch edge, which made her nervous of getting in and out. Her old tub also had a non-secure seat giving Claire the fear that she may fall. The celebrity walk in tub has a low threshold eliminating the high edge. It also has a 17” ADA compliant seat, giving Claire that extra security that she needed. As stated before Claire suffers from arthritis and leg pain and she wanted her new tub to help with the pain. The celebrity walk in tub was a great choice because you are able to add hydrotherapy features. Hydrotherapy is the use of water to help decrease physical discomfort. It works by the jets greater range of motion. The jets waves allow an increase in circulation causing the joint inflammation to decrease, which will help eliminate Claire’s pain. Installing Claire’s walk in tub took just a couple of days to complete. The process included removing Claire’s old tub including the foundation, putting in the proper plumbing, connecting the water, making sure there weren’t any leaks, and finally building the shelf area around the tub. Claire is extremely happy with her new walk in tub. Her worries of falling are behind her. She enjoys that when she is in a hurry and can’t enjoy a full soak there is an extendable shower wand. Overall, every time Claire gets a bath she feels like she is at her own private spa.

Master bedroom with metal canopy bed frame with white headboard, a grey bench, and mirrored nightstand by Osmond Designs.
Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Salt Lake City

The Science of Light and Learning To understand the relationship between lighting and learning, it’s critical to grasp the concept of correlated colour temperature (CCT). CCT refers to the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower CCTs (around 3000K) provide a warm, cosy atmosphere, while higher CCTs (5000K or above) emit a cool, daylight-like glow. Studies have shown that cool white light, which mimics natural daylight, can increase alertness and mood, contributing to improved cognitive performance. LED lighting, with its ability to produce this desired CCT, makes an ideal choice for educational settings. LED Lighting: Brightening the Future of Education Energy Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness One of the main advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Traditional lighting solutions like fluorescent and incandescent bulbs consume much more energy to produce the same amount of light as LEDs, which is not only environmentally harmful but also financially costly. Switching to LED lights can result in substantial cost savings for schools, enabling them to redirect funds to other critical areas of education. Durability and Longevity LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity. They have a significantly longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which means less frequent replacement and reduced maintenance costs. This durability also minimises disruptions caused by light failure, providing a consistent, well-lit learning environment. Improved Visibility and Reduced Eye Strain With their superior colour rendering index (CRI), LED lights render colours more accurately, leading to improved visibility. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, where activities often require distinguishing fine details and colours. LED lights also emit less glare than traditional lighting solutions, reducing eye strain and fatigue. This can lead to better concentration and increased comfort for both students and teachers. Incorporating LED Lighting in Classrooms: Practical Considerations When transitioning to LED lighting in classrooms, a few key factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, the lighting design should ensure an even distribution of light, preventing shadowy or overly bright spots that could distract or discomfort students. Secondly, the integration of dimming capabilities can provide flexibility, allowing educators to adjust the lighting level based on the task at hand. Finally, lighting controls can be used to take advantage of natural light, automatically dimming or turning off the LEDs when sufficient daylight is present. Conclusion: The Bright Promise of LED Lighting in Education As education systems continue to evolve, it’s imperative to keep sight of the physical factors that significantly impact learning, one of which is lighting. LED technology, with its myriad benefits, offers an innovative and effective way to enhance the quality of lighting in classrooms. By prioritising investments in such improvements, we can take a significant step towards creating an optimised learning environment that nurtures the educational success of future generations.

Home additions in Florida Home Additions are a great way to enjoy the benefits of additional living space and add value to your home. While design and remodeling projects are great ways to improve the functionality of living space, the only way to add additional living space is with a home addition. When you contact us, we can help you consider the best options available for your home. Six basic design options for additions Exterior structure additions, include sunrooms, florida rooms, porches, verandas, lanais, decks or a balcony and give you living spaces that allow you to experience the outdoors and enjoy both relaxing and entertaining. Bump-out additions are small additions which extend a wall a few feet to create areas like an eat-in kitchen. They can expand a small room or add a more favorable appeal to your home overall. Single-room additions add one room to your home. Homeowners often add single room additions that are home offices, home theaters, master bedrooms, family rooms, laundry or mud rooms, master suites, guest rooms, etc. Wing additions expand your home horizontally and are good choices when you need more than a single room. Examples of additions would include au-pair, in-law, or guest suites and can contain a bedroom, living area and small kitchen. Wings sometimes have separate entrances and even parking. This is great option if your lot has the appropriate space. Second-story additions are a great way to cost effectively maximize your living space by adding a second level which share the same roof and foundation. In many cases this is a favorable way to avoid zoning restrictions and allow you to avoid a lot survey. A second-story addition can increase the functionality, value and comfort of your home, without causing you to give up lawn and garden area. Two-story additions are another way to resolve space issues. Common examples would include adding a garage and an additional bedroom as a second story. They can be adjoined or accessed by a passageways to connect on each level. A spiral staircase can give additional aesthetic appeal.

Today’s skyscrapers do not accommodate ever-changing uses, health, and energy crisis. onE.GLobe proposes organically grown, flexible, and scalable live-work-play structures which can adapt to any condition. Stress increases the risk of chronic diseases, the leading cause of death and disability with around 75% (Source 1a, 1b). Improving human health through a thoughtfully designed environment is as important as energy conservation and carbon sequestration. We can also address all three goals with similar solutions, such as allocating large green areas, water features, and diverse uses in proximity. Nature makes people happier and healthier, and it also absorbs stormwater and can be used for renewable energy production. Therefore, we can achieve resiliency for both environment and society easily together. Amoeba Fusion aims to empower societies by providing a space for decentralized, innovative start-up communities. onE.GLobe considers the built environment a living, breathing, multiplying organism, evolving in nature with harmony. The structure can grow horizontally and vertically by adding new cores in different directions per each site condition. It creates public plazas shaded and shielded by the building as it grows. Fully self-sufficient structure houses flexible 3D printed dwellings and workspaces surrounded by semi-open garden spaces and atrium. Thirty feet deep floor plates receive daylight from the exterior and atrium and can conveniently be used as open-plan office space. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are distributed through modular floor plates, on which 3D printed modules are flexibly plugged in. 3D printed inflatable shells with indoor air cleaning plants house a plug-in kitchen, bedroom, workspace, and bathroom modules. The bridge-connected clusters have decentralized systems with the off-grid micro-grid integrating renewable energy sources and excess energy storage. Compact layouts provide space for an increasing number of entrepreneurs, making them socialize and inspire near their accommodation. Eliminating corridors in dwelling units with an efficient design and replacing them with the garden space surrounding units achieve this endeavor. Amoeba Fusion New York is located at a General Commercial Zoning district in NYC with residential and commercial uses. The site currently accommodates six towers. This project explores a more resilient design solution for an innovative, diverse community for the post-pandemic world. Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood in Manhattan, bordering Hell’s Kitchen with countless restaurants, the site is close to various public transportation, universities, cultural spaces, and businesses, making it ideal for an innovative, creative crowd. Mixed-use commercial and residential buildings are allowed with a floor area bonus of 20% with a public plaza. With tower regulation, there is no minimum lot coverage requirement, and no rule regarding the distribution of floor area allows the tallest buildings in the city. There are plenty of luxury residential buildings in New York City, but they don’t serve innovative young people and entrepreneurs. Co-living buildings do not provide proper workspaces within the facility. For these reasons, onE.GLobe aims to investigate ways to design long-term live-work-play environments for innovative young people and ease the effects of the future pandemics with its efficient, flexible dwelling units and workspaces surrounded by semi-open garden spaces, atrium, rooftops, public plazas, and wet ponds.

This project included a massive renovation to nearly all spaces in the home: the entry, living room, family room, dining room, kitchen, staircase, and master bathroom. Each space underwent a massive transformation in order to create the elegant & traditional aesthetic that our clients love. On the main level of the home, the original space layout was extremely compartmentalized and dark. Our clients wanted to open up and brighten the space as much as possible. In addition to this, a major goal was to increase function and to create a welcoming environment for guests and the clients alike. We started by opening up the space plan significantly. This allows for flowing space between the kitchen, front living room, and rear family room. Light is better carried through these spaces, and further emphasized with airy colors, light cabinetry, and a better lighting plan overall. We removed the old decorative ceiling beams and reworked closets and hallways to create a more open and functional main level. The kitchen offers a large amount of counter space and storage opportunity, but also welcomes guests at a sizable island and secondary peninsula. Beyond the kitchen, we designed a work nook where display storage and functional workspace are both present. We reworked both fireplaces in the home to create warm nooks for gathering: both fireplaces feature large format stone and are flanked with display shelving. The master bathroom upstairs was completely reworked as well. We eliminated the oversized drop-in tub and in-wall fireplace, and took away the steam shower that had been causing water and mildew issues for years. We relocated the toilet and developed a gorgeous vanity area in the space where the old bathtub and fireplace used to be. We then created a massive shower room in lieu of a tub/shower combination. The bathroom is adorned with warm tones and natural textures: marble subway tile runs up the entire wall behind the vanity, wood-look porcelain covers the floor and back wall of the shower, and simple artisan subway tiles in a creamy vanilla tone cover the shower walls. These spaces completely transformed the look and feel of the house, and we are so happy our amazing clients get to enjoy this home with their family for years to come!