Careful use of intriguing materials and expansive daylighting create a warm, yet modern structure. Investigations in traditional material treatments leads to a blending, artfully-textured experience. Truly modern and clearly organized spaces become inviting, through this process. East Austin, Texas.

It's known as the PISA/TIMSS voyaging convoy. Every time worldwide tests results are discharged with association tables indicating champs and failures a gaggle of scientists, scholastics and grouped kindred explorers plummet on the most astounding performing nation or instruction framework to break down and write about "world's best practice". The objective continues evolving One issue with thusly of deduction is that nobody framework reliably beats the rest. In light of the 1995 and 1999 TIMSS (Trends in International Math and Science Study) results, Asian instruction frameworks in Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan overwhelmed. Accordingly, the emphasis was immovably on recognizing the reasons the Asian tigers were performing so well. In the PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) 2000 results, Finland positioned first in education, fourth in arithmetic and third in science. Finland became the overwhelming focus and specialists and scholastics ran to Helsinki to find the reasons Finnish understudies performed at or close to the highest point of the table. By 2012, at the end of the day, an alternate training framework turned into the focal point of consideration. Finland descended the PISA rankings as another champ, Shanghai, rose as first in arithmetic, science and perusing. Apples aren't being contrasted with apples A second issue when making correlations is that the spots we've recognized as examples of overcoming adversity are distinctive to Australia. City-states like Singapore and instruction frameworks in profoundly performing spots like Hong Kong and Shanghai have remarkable qualities that separate them from nations like Australia, England and the USA. Contrasts in topography, the quantities of understudies and schools, the understudy cosmetics (as far as dialect, society and financial profile) and how schools, including educational modules and appraisal, are organized and oversaw significantly affect results. Singapore, when contrasted with Australia, is little topographically, more homogenous as far as dialect and culture and utilizes instructive practices that have long been out of support in Australia. These incorporate gushing kids in view of their abilities, and high-chance, focused tests and examinations. As noted in a paper titled How not to prevail upon PISA information: an unexpected examination, there are additionally social components clarifying solid execution that are troublesome, if not unimaginable, to exchange starting with one instruction framework then onto the next. Evident cases incorporate the effect of Confucian qualities and morals that stretch appreciation for power (particularly instructors), the conviction that achievement is conceivable with inspiration, fixation and diligent work, and the thought that training is focal if one is to accomplish a superior life. Confounding circumstances and end results Befuddling what has driven these nations to achievement speaks to the third trouble in expecting that what seems to prompt accomplishment in one nation can without much of a stretch be exchanged to another. To expect that everything we need to do in Australia to enhance test outcomes is to lessen the impact of the Australian Education Union, while being appealing to some, is both undemocratic and blameworthy of accepting circumstances and end results. There are a few advantages of abroad correlations PISA and TIMSS tests have been held for a long time. Thus, there is a decent arrangement of examination recognizing the attributes of more grounded performing instruction frameworks from which states and domains can learn. The early ethnographic work recording Japanese and American classes nitty gritty in Harvard distribution The Teaching Gap uncovers how the lessons in Asian classrooms are more unequivocal, obviously organized and sound and there is a desire that all understudies, with the essential offer and applications, some assistance with canning succeed. A later distribution by the Grattan Institute, Catching up: gaining from the best educational systems in East Asia, likewise distinguishes imperative lessons from fruitful Asian instruction frameworks. Positive variables incorporate giving instructors more opportunity to work cooperatively and to tutor each other, guaranteeing that educator training, course readings and the educational modules are commonly steady and concentrate on enhancing classroom rehearse. It ought to additionally be noticed that while Australian understudies don't perform in the top level in PISA and TIMSS tests, there is some reason for festivity. Understudies in the Australian Capital Territory perform well over the Australian normal and frequently coordinate the execution of top-performing abroad instruction frameworks. As far as lifting the execution of understudies from distraught foundations it is additionally critical to take note of that Catholic schools, in light of an investigation of the 2009 PISA results completed by the Australian Council for Educational Research, accomplish a value rating surpassing that of Finland. About the Author: Amy Parker writes too many academic papers for people who have troubles with it. She always gives needed advices, shows the examples of the papers and helps with writing at http://papersnetwork.net

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

As needs have changed, new home construction in Atlanta has trended towards more open floor plans. Weidmann helps owners of older residences to investigate and achieve these same open objectives by consolidating and reconfiguring the available space on both levels. This home was opened up with a little creative organization, which included relocating the powder room, changing traffic patterns and repurposing rooms for a renewed lifetime of living. FotoGrafik Arts

This project was a ton of fun. I have been working with these clients, now dear friends, for several years on their various properties and we work really well together. For their desert home, my goal was to create a new experience with each space while maintaining flow. This required striking a balance between organic light/airy spaces and glam dark/moody spaces. The finishes specified ranged from blackened steel, walnut, polished brass, rubbed plaster, digital wallcovering and back lit quartz to name a few. When a space draws you in closer to investigate there is a moment of discovery that elicits an emotional response. These spaces do just that. From sublime light fixtures to cozy seating vignettes, this home is a beautiful sanctuary - a place to entertain friends and family both indoors and out. It is a poised exercise in effortless, relaxed, edgy luxe design.

Keith and Amy loved their home in quiet Wake Forest neighborhood on a large corner lot on a cul-de-sac. Over time, Amy had developed allergic reactions to unknown allergens in their home. As her condition worsened, it became impossible for her to spend much time in the home, and they were forced to move out and find temporary housing accommodations. After months of talking with other home improvement providers and indoor air “experts” and trying other solutions to no avail including having their HVAC ducting cleaned, they turned to Paradise Found Construction and our expertise and experience in transforming indoor environments in homes into healthy and clean living spaces. Because many of the improvements we undertook to create a cleaner environment also provided energy savings, we had our work certified under the 2012 National Green Building Standards (NGBS) and were award a Bronze level certification for the home. We conducted a thorough investigation and testing regimen that included bringing in our team industry leading air quality and HVAC experts, we developed a comprehensive plan of action that would solve their “sick home syndrome”. We removed all of the carpeting and pad from the home and thoroughly cleaned all surfaces and filtered the air with advanced HEPA filtration units. There were a few areas of mold in the crawl space which we mitigated as well. We thoroughly air sealed the home, paying particular attention to the ground level and attic floor system. Since the HVAC systems and ducting had become re-contaminated, we cleaned both units and all associated duct work. To eliminate unhealthy air being drawn into the home from the crawl space, we completely sealed and conditioned the crawl. In order to provide a controlled entry point for clean fresh air into the home we installed an energy efficient stand-alone Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). We installed wood flooring in all of the living areas that did not have wood flooring, and finished all of the flooring using a NO-VOC water-based floor finish. All of the painted surfaces of the home were sealed and painted with NO-VOC latex paint. To further improve the energy performance of the home in addition to thoroughly air-sealing and sealing and conditioning the crawl space, we installed 100% LED lighting in the home. We improved the water efficiency of the home by installing low-flow EPA WaterSense rated toilets and shower heads, converted all of the bathroom and kitchen faucets to be more water efficient. Upon completion, Amy and her family was able to move back into their cozy and clean “new home”, and are once again able to enjoy and be comfortable in their home.

Calm, continuous fronts interchange with discreetly lit display cabinets and open shelving. Enjoy the sheer pleasure of investigating the interior: there is nothing easier than keeping things tidy with trays and dividers. In harmony with the carbon grey front, there is a wide-ranging interplay of colors and materials when the pullouts are open. 静雅，连体式的前面板与柔光玻璃橱柜和 开放式组合货架交相辉映。纯粹的喜悦之 情，由内而外：内置储物柜和高品质的实 木地柜排列有序地组合连接。碳灰色前面 板与开启的抽屉柜其整体颜色和材质都进 行了精心的设计搭配。

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

The existing two story residence was built in 1937 and has a footprint of approximately 2,850 sq. ft. While much of the plan at both levels remained in its original “formal” layout with spacious rooms, the home did not meet the current day needs for this modern family. The lack of an “informal” family-room, no space to accommodate overnight guests, only a small powder room tucked under the main stair at the ground floor, and barely enough room for one car in the garage, not to mention the lack of storage space were the problems to solve. After investigating numerous options the decision was made to introduce a new two story addition with maid’s quarters, a new laundry room, and a three car garage with plenty of additional storage space at the first floor, and a two bedroom guest suite with a kitchenette and living quarters at the second floor. Together with a small addition, this move delivered over 600 sq. ft in the main structure for a new family room with game tables and a full bathroom for guests which also serves as a cabana for the pool area. The design of the additions, including the introduction of new fenestration to capitalize on daylight and views was sensitive to the original architecture and unanimously approved by the Historic Preservation Board of West Palm Beach.

We typically meet clients who want to renovate with a need, want or desire in mind. In this case, our client needed to update their full bath as the tub and shower plumbing was leaking into the walls, floor and sub-floor; a complete de-construction was required. Upon investigation, we noticed no mechanical ventilation in place which caused moisture build up and mold to appear. Installing the proper ventilation was ley to ensuring a heathy bathroom environment. All fixtures were replaced along with a wood vanity with drawer for tissue and towel storage. A popular trend, classic Carrera-look quartz countertop, wall and floor tiles created an airy and bright feel. The soft green colored walls was the perfect choice, coordinating nicely with the pretty glass tile mosaic details in the shower area.

Calm, continuous fronts interchange with discreetly lit display cabinets and open shelving. Enjoy the sheer pleasure of investigating the interior: there is nothing easier than keeping things tidy with trays and dividers. In harmony with the carbon grey front, there is a wide-ranging interplay of colors and materials when the pullouts are open. 静雅，连体式的前面板与柔光玻璃橱柜和 开放式组合货架交相辉映。纯粹的喜悦之 情，由内而外：内置储物柜和高品质的实 木地柜排列有序地组合连接。碳灰色前面 板与开启的抽屉柜其整体颜色和材质都进 行了精心的设计搭配。

This project was a ton of fun. I have been working with these clients, now dear friends, for several years on their various properties and we work really well together. For their desert home, my goal was to create a new experience with each space while maintaining flow. This required striking a balance between organic light/airy spaces and glam dark/moody spaces. The finishes specified ranged from blackened steel, walnut, polished brass, rubbed plaster, digital wallcovering and back lit quartz to name a few. When a space draws you in closer to investigate there is a moment of discovery that elicits an emotional response. These spaces do just that. From sublime light fixtures to cozy seating vignettes, this home is a beautiful sanctuary - a place to entertain friends and family both indoors and out. It is a poised exercise in effortless, relaxed, edgy luxe design.

Carol Ashton Interiors New Media Art All works reflect the work of the artist, Carol Ashton, with each piece anchored in acrylic on canvas then further investigated with digital media. Carol draws on her experience as Digital Literacy Specialist with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to continue her exploration with digital technologies as a relevant and robust means of expressing beauty in the digital age. Significant in her work is the desire to validate the union of art and function, recognizing the role of beauty in the internal conversations we have with our home and work environment.

Many companies who require controlled areas without compromising it are in need of access control. We at Optima Security understand the value of controlled areas with internal tracking by time frame and locations. Each person carries a unique badge, pin, or biometric sensor to track them coming and going. Which can be reviewed live or recorded and can help during an investigation of any incident. We have Cloud and Web based Access Control Remote via Internet systems available as well as traditional local software based systems. We have card access readers to biometric read scanners. All components depend on the customer needs and unique safety requirements.

Calm, continuous fronts interchange with discreetly lit display cabinets and open shelving. Enjoy the sheer pleasure of investigating the interior: there is nothing easier than keeping things tidy with trays and dividers. In harmony with the carbon grey front, there is a wide-ranging interplay of colors and materials when the pullouts are open. 静雅，连体式的前面板与柔光玻璃橱柜和 开放式组合货架交相辉映。纯粹的喜悦之 情，由内而外：内置储物柜和高品质的实 木地柜排列有序地组合连接。碳灰色前面 板与开启的抽屉柜其整体颜色和材质都进 行了精心的设计搭配。

Inspiration for a transitional laundry room remodel in Miami

Careful use of intriguing materials and expansive daylighting create a warm, yet modern structure. Investigations in traditional material treatments leads to a blending, artfully-textured experience. Truly modern and clearly organized spaces become inviting, through this process. East Austin, Texas.

Calm, continuous fronts interchange with discreetly lit display cabinets and open shelving. Enjoy the sheer pleasure of investigating the interior: there is nothing easier than keeping things tidy with trays and dividers. In harmony with the carbon grey front, there is a wide-ranging interplay of colours and materials when the pullouts are open. 静雅，连体式的前面板与柔光玻璃橱柜和 开放式组合货架交相辉映。纯粹的喜悦之 情，由内而外：内置储物柜和高品质的实 木地柜排列有序地组合连接。碳灰色前面 板与开启的抽屉柜其整体颜色和材质都进 行了精心的设计搭配。