A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials. A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis. Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time. Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

Vetrazzo® is a distinctive surfacing material. 100% of the glass is recycled from everyday items like beverage bottles, windows, stemware and stained glass and the unexpected – traffic light lenses, windshields and shower doors. There is, quite literally, a story in every surface™. With no petroleum resin binders and its savvy use of waste, Vetrazzo is one of the most eco-friendly surfacing options in the industry. It is an extremely durable and easy-to-maintain surface. it’s comparable to granite in strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, durability, and care and maintenance. Vetrazzo surfaces can easily be cleaned, which means that you shouldn’t expect to spend much (or any) money by way of maintenance over the years. Location: Sarasota Ranch Model Builder: Nutter Custom Construction

Nestled in the picturesque mountainside close to Aspen, Colorado, sits this stunning, modern single-family home. Appropriately called ‘Black Magic’, the home features an open floorplan and large windows of varying sizes to maximize the breathtaking views of this unique location. Seeking to make a bold statement from its heavily wooded lot and earthy surroundings, the home features the extensive use of metal cladding in a dark solid hue. Corrugated metal wall panels add texture and visual appeal to the large squared surfaces, while also providing strength and resistance against the harsh Colorado winters. The use of similarly colored flush panels for accent pieces, add additional visual distinction to the structure.

Metallic marble Epoxy coating is one of a kind mind-blowing flooring solution that can add five stars to your commercial flooring, home floor, or corporate office. This breathtaking flooring system can give your floor a unique and exceptional appearance that will become a distinctive identity of your business or home. The Metallic Epoxy coating makes no compromise with strength and durability. The system can be installed on floors that are subjected to both medium and heavy traffic. Metallic Epoxy Coating is ideal for installation in malls, corridors, commercial offices, galleries, and pathways because of its fascinating look and outstanding performance. It has the POWER to transform your cracked, ugly looking concrete floors or substrates into an attractive, yet high performing and resilient surface.

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials. A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis. Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time. Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

Aided by the intrinsic strength of natural materials, the surface of Arabescato reproduces the elegance of a highly prized variety of marble. Its prominent dark grey veining stands out on the distinctive crystalline white of the background, forming circular patterns.

Krull Residence in Alaska with ASC Building Products' Country Rustic Corrugated siding. Country Rustic Corrugated siding provides the distinctive look of weathered metal with the added benefit of robust strength, high wind performance and the assurance of a limited lifetime warranty. Photo Credit Krull Residence

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials. A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis. Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time. Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

This Marion, MA home is complete with Mastic Carvedwood 44® in Pebblestone Clay! Carvedwood 44® vinyl siding is an affordable siding option that has the look of natural cedar grain with strength, durability and plenty of color options. With 23 colors, six distinct profiles and two attractive finishes – smooth and wood grain – Carvedwood•44 is the ideal choice for a virtually maintenance-free home exterior. It never needs painting, caulking or patching because, unlike wood, it won’t crack, peel, rot or split. Wind speed – rated up to 200 MPH V.I.P Limited Lifetime Warranty Crafted of sustainable materials No paint, no hassle siding

Nestled between Tazewell and Harrogate, Tennessee, this home’s roof had reached the point where it could no longer keep up with the elements. Years of exposure had worn down the original asphalt shingles, raising concern about water entering the attic and affecting the structure. The homeowner chose to move forward before it became a problem. Smith Roofing & Exteriors completed a full inspection, starting in the attic and moving to the roof, where the condition confirmed the need for replacement. Looking for a more distinctive option, the homeowner selected a ProVia barrel tile-style metal roofing system in Auburn. This profile provides the look of traditional tile while offering the strength and durability of metal, making it a strong fit for the weather conditions in upper East Tennessee. The project began with a full tear-off of the existing shingles. Because the issue was addressed early, only a small amount of decking needed replacement. A high-temperature synthetic underlayment was then installed to prepare for the new system. Once complete, the 26-gauge galvanized steel ProVia roofing gave the home a clean, defined look. New 6-inch gutters were also installed to handle the heavy rainfall common in the area. The result is a roofing system built for long-term performance with a finished look that fits the home.

Award Advertising Inc. Residential Renovations in New York City Manhattan Luxury Interior Design & Construction for High-End Residences In New York, a true luxury home is more than a space — it is a statement of status, taste, and lifestyle. Award Advertising Inc. specializes in high-end residential and private villa interior design and construction throughout New York. We create refined, sophisticated living environments for clients who demand excellence without compromise. With deep expertise in NYC building regulations and permit processes, we offer a seamless design-build experience — from concept development and bespoke design solutions to premium material sourcing, meticulous craftsmanship, and comprehensive project management. Whether modern minimalism, contemporary luxury, or timeless European elegance, we deliver residences that embody distinction, exclusivity, and enduring value. We are a fully licensed NYC contractor with $1M+ commercial liability insurance, providing compliant and professional renovation services. Home Improvement Contractor License Number 2109845-DCA OUR STRENGTHS: ◆ Specialized in luxury NYC residences & villas ◆ Fully integrated design-build services ◆ Premium materials & exceptional craftsmanship ◆ Expertise in NYC DOB regulations ◆ Discreet, professional, and detail-driven execution OUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ◆ Customized renovation design solutions ◆ Permit application & filing assistance ◆ Full project management & quality control ◆ Complimentary on-site estimate PROJECT SCOPE ◆ Apartment renovations ◆ Interior & exterior villa remodeling OUR SERVICES INCLUDE ◆ Electrical rewiring & upgrades ◆ Plumbing system modifications ◆ Tile, flooring & masonry work ◆ Drywall & premium painting ◆ Concrete driveway construction & resurfacing ◆ Interior & exterior structural improvements AWARD ADVERTISING INC. Residential Renovations in New York City Build a home that adapts to the way you live Build an office that adapts to the way you work Build a store that adapts to the way you exhibit ADDRESS 150 West 47th Street 11th Floor 11E New York, NY 10036 PHONE +1 (212) 810-0019 EMAIL czhou11@sva.edu WEBSITE www.AwardAd.com

A classic fireplace surround is a timeless design element that enhances your home with elegance, structure, and lasting appeal. Inspired by traditional architectural styles, it features balanced proportions and refined detailing that create a warm, inviting focal point in any room. Crafted from durable precast or cast stone, this surround offers strength, beauty, and low maintenance while delivering the authentic look of natural stone. Its clean lines and sophisticated form complement a wide range of interiors — from traditional and European-inspired spaces to transitional and modern homes seeking a touch of classic character. Ideal for living rooms, family rooms, and statement interiors, a classic fireplace surround brings warmth, depth, and architectural distinction, elevating the overall design of your space with enduring style.

Award Advertising Inc. Residential Renovations in New York City Manhattan Luxury Interior Design & Construction for High-End Residences In New York, a true luxury home is more than a space — it is a statement of status, taste, and lifestyle. Award Advertising Inc. specializes in high-end residential and private villa interior design and construction throughout New York. We create refined, sophisticated living environments for clients who demand excellence without compromise. With deep expertise in NYC building regulations and permit processes, we offer a seamless design-build experience — from concept development and bespoke design solutions to premium material sourcing, meticulous craftsmanship, and comprehensive project management. Whether modern minimalism, contemporary luxury, or timeless European elegance, we deliver residences that embody distinction, exclusivity, and enduring value. We are a fully licensed NYC contractor with $1M+ commercial liability insurance, providing compliant and professional renovation services. Home Improvement Contractor License Number 2109845-DCA OUR STRENGTHS: ◆ Specialized in luxury NYC residences & villas ◆ Fully integrated design-build services ◆ Premium materials & exceptional craftsmanship ◆ Expertise in NYC DOB regulations ◆ Discreet, professional, and detail-driven execution OUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ◆ Customized renovation design solutions ◆ Permit application & filing assistance ◆ Full project management & quality control ◆ Complimentary on-site estimate PROJECT SCOPE ◆ Apartment renovations ◆ Interior & exterior villa remodeling OUR SERVICES INCLUDE ◆ Electrical rewiring & upgrades ◆ Plumbing system modifications ◆ Tile, flooring & masonry work ◆ Drywall & premium painting ◆ Concrete driveway construction & resurfacing ◆ Interior & exterior structural improvements AWARD ADVERTISING INC. Residential Renovations in New York City Build a home that adapts to the way you live Build an office that adapts to the way you work Build a store that adapts to the way you exhibit ADDRESS 150 West 47th Street 11th Floor 11E New York, NY 10036 PHONE +1 (212) 810-0019 EMAIL czhou11@sva.edu WEBSITE www.AwardAd.com

This handcrafted Cherry conference table was designed to become the centerpiece of Inspire Wealth's office while reinforcing the company's brand with every meeting. Built from solid USA-sourced Cherry hardwood, this custom boardroom table combines timeless craftsmanship with thoughtful branding, creating a professional workspace that leaves a lasting impression on clients, employees, and visitors alike. Designed and installed for Inspire Wealth in Brighton, Michigan, the table features custom powder-coated steel legs that wrap seamlessly around a solid Cherry beam, creating a distinctive architectural base that balances strength with refined craftsmanship. The gently rounded ends soften the overall profile, making the conference table feel more inviting while encouraging conversation and collaboration during meetings. To further personalize the design, the tabletop is branded with Inspire Wealth's company name and logo, transforming the table into more than just a place to gather. Every client meeting, strategic discussion, and team collaboration takes place around furniture that reflects the company's professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. The result is a conference room that's both highly functional and a true extension of the company's identity. Unlike mass-produced conference tables built from laminate, veneer, or particle board, our commercial furniture is handcrafted from solid hardwood and fabricated steel that's built to withstand decades of daily use. Every conference table is custom designed around your business, your meeting space, and your brand—creating furniture that's as memorable as the company it represents.

This landscape project features a series of tiered retaining walls constructed with High Format Rosetta Outcroppings, designed to stabilize a sloped backyard while improving the overall appearance of the landscape. Installed for a homeowner in Westerville, Ohio, the retaining wall system addresses significant hillside erosion while creating a structured and visually appealing outdoor environment. The project includes three distinct tiers of Rosetta Outcropping retaining walls, strategically installed along the back hillside to help control soil movement and reduce erosion. The large-scale stone appearance of the Rosetta Outcroppings provides the look of natural quarried stone while offering the structural strength required for retaining wall applications in sloped terrain. Each tier of the retaining wall system helps slow water runoff and stabilize the hillside by creating stepped levels across the slope. This tiered approach not only improves erosion control but also adds dimension and depth to the backyard landscape. The textured surfaces and natural stone character of the High Format Rosetta Outcroppings blend naturally with the surrounding greenery, allowing the retaining walls to complement the existing landscape while providing essential structural support. Retaining wall systems like this are commonly used throughout Westerville, Ohio and Central Ohio to address drainage challenges and hillside erosion. By incorporating professionally installed retaining walls, homeowners can transform unstable slopes into functional, attractive landscape features while protecting their property from ongoing soil loss. Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtfully designed retaining walls in Westerville, Ohio can provide both practical erosion control and long-term landscape enhancement for homes throughout Central Ohio.

Some surfaces speak softly, but with clarity. Papyrus™ is one of those materials. Its subtle texture invites curiosity without overpowering the space, offering a calm backdrop for modern outdoor living. Belgard Papyrus™ is a contemporary paver with a distinctive etched finish, inspired by ancient textures and timeless geometry. Its clean square shape and consistent dimension make it ideal for patios, walkways, and structured garden spaces that require sophistication and minimalism. Now imagine a space where every element feels deliberate, yet effortless. A low table, morning light, and the soft feel of sculpted stone underfoot. Papyrus™ holds that visual rhythm. It does not compete for attention. It creates presence. This is not just about choosing a modern paver. It is about designing with intention, giving your space the quiet strength it needs to become your favorite place to return to. Let’s explore how this material can bring your outdoor story to life. Schedule your consultation today: 516-522-8249

A luxurious en suite bath was created within this classic 1925 Portland bungalow by reconfiguring the second story’s original small bedrooms and tiny half bath. In this welcoming new urban boho space, eclectic finishes mingle harmoniously, integrated through subtle repetition of shapes and materials. A furniture-style vanity sets the tone for this luxurious space, introducing materials, colors, shapes, and textures that repeat throughout. Individual walnut hexagons join to create distinctive vanity doors, offset beautifully by horizontal-grain drawers. Topping the cabinetry is a simple concrete countertop with integral sinks. An expansive framed mirror above enlarges and brightens the room. Within the mirror, sconces float, their globes a nod to the hexagons below. Champagne bronze fixtures reflect the warm walnut glow. Nestled into the back corner, a stunning shower features waterjet tiles in a double herringbone pattern, each precisely cut and laid to maintain design integrity at every surface transition. Teak floor tiles and a pebbled niche hint at the classic spa experience. Across from the shower, a large hexagonal window provides a treetop view from the free-standing tub below. The gentle oval of the tub and the beaded chandelier above provide a pleasing contrast to the strong lines surrounding it, as do the softly-shaded pebbles in the full-length niche. Shiplap wainscotting wraps the room, creating an illusion of height in the compact space. Subtle flooring and soft green walls create an understated backdrop for the bold mix of materials, unifying them into a serene oasis. Asking a century-old home to accommodate a modern luxury bath is a tall order. Asbestos-laden plaster and flooring had to be abated. The subfloor had to be leveled and reinforced to increase strength and prevent deflection. Water lines and multiple electrical circuits had to be brought across and up without disturbing a beautifully-paneled ceiling, something we accomplished by firring out stair walls to hide the chases. Our client had visions of a leafy view from her tub, but the new layout eliminated existing windows. Placing a new window was complicated by deep eaves and flat soffits. By pushing the header into the roofline, however, we were able to accommodate a picture window. The flat soffit was replaced by an inverse hip lined with stained tongue and groove cedar, tying it to the bathroom finishes. Bringing materials up a narrow staircase became truly challenging when it was time to install the big items. However, strategic removal of drywall around the landing got the job done. Our attention to detail is showcased in the shower tile, where precise cuts were required at surface transitions to maintain the integrity of a complex double herringbone lay. The project was delivered on time. Savvy layout choices minimized spending on structural changes. Because we were dealing with dormer space, head height was an issue. Raising the ceiling would have been complex and expensive so our design accommodated the constraints – tub on the low outside wall, shower on the full-height interior wall. The vanity spanned the spread, accommodating our petite client on the exterior side and her taller husband on the interior side. An under-eave closet was closed off to create room for both a freestanding tub and a separate shower. Rather than building replacement storage elsewhere, we simply added a new door into the closet from the primary bedroom. This was made possible by absorbing the short hallway separating the existing bed and bathroom into the primary bedroom. This new layout also created an en suite relationship between the primary bedroom and the new bath. We saved additional dollars by selecting a furniture-style vanity rather than using custom cabinetry, and the countertop with integral sinks provided a cost savings over a more traditional quartz countertop with undermount sinks. Affordable shower tiles allowed us to put more money into a dynamic tile layout. The project was delivered within budget.

Looking for a hardwood floor that can handle heavy foot traffic, pets, and busy family life? This whole-first-level renovation showcases the incredible strength and beauty of natural wide plank hickory floors. Known for its distinct grain character and unmatched durability, hickory offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern longevity. A durable matte clear coat ensures maximum protection against daily wear without losing the wood's timeless, organic appeal.

Chicora House is a three-storey Edwardian renovation, originally built in 1899. The house has seen three distinct centuries during its existence. This renovation was careful to preserve the original architecture of the era in which it was originally designed while transforming the interior with contemporary architectural features. The original brick and timber structure was harvested from the local forest and quarries that existed during construction and has retained its strength throughout the centuries.