the new kitchen . . . Sometimes, in remodel designs, it is best to keep things simple. Do small things to affect utility, flow and aesthetics. For this mid-century modern, for all their noted openness, the kitchen was closed off from the public, living areas. Hard to entertain to a wall. This we fixed. The other big flaw was the flow. While there was no way to economically change the path of travel through the kitchen. Nudging here and there could at least reduce the disruption at the core kitchen work areas. See the before and after plans and the photos: Photo Credits - Beatrice McGinnis

An unused office got a second life as spacious industrial loft-style apartment. Previously, the 66sqm office had a standard three-meter-high fake ceiling, a small internal toilet and was divided into rooms. However, this corner location on a commercial floor, between car parking and apartment floors of an older condominium building in the Huay Khwang area of Bangkok, has become a hidden gem. regroup architecture remodeled the space after reducing the old office to its bare shell. The basic design idea uses the central core provided by the kitchen and bathroom to separate the space into different zones. There is a more private zone behind the core for the bed, a living zone with a TV and sofa, and an in-between space for a multipurpose bar-height desk. This basic zoning could potentially also work for other functions like an artist atelier, yoga studio, exhibition space, or even for a small office once again.

This roof was 10 yrs old with new plywood at the time of original install. The contractor at that time did not take the time to evaluate why the plywood was such bad shape and installed new plywood into the same condition that deteriorated the original plywood. During our initial evaluation we discovered the shingles were in great shape, but there was a lack of proper ventilation and not enough insulation in the attic. With this combination, there was a consistent presence of moisture due to condensation. Year after year this condensation destroys the glue of the plywood and the shingles and plywood can sag between the roof rafters. With the added weight of the moisture and 2-1/2' of snow, the roof rafters cracked. Increase cost of fuel needed to heat the home and the additional electrical usage to cool the home has now been reduced. Throw in the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty and they now have to best performing and protected roof for years to come.

Located in the Uptown area of Dallas, this modern townhome features a new outdoor living area providing a private retreat for an owner retreat and entertaining. The space includes an outdoor cooking area, dining, fountain, built-in seating area and linear fire pit.

BEFORE... Amazing Backyard Transformations! Pool Renovation from dull to Dazzling! This amazing transformation is the result of a pool renovation by Paragon Pools in Las Vegas. The homeowner was seeking to update the pool with a more vibrant look. The pool renovation included a redesign of the spa spillway, new tile, new interior finish, and flagstone accents on the spa, spa steps, and seating bench. Before and after photos. Designers: Joseph Michael Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Fellow, PHTA Builder of the Year 2012 Joseph Anthony Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Builder of the Year 2021 If your pool is more than 10 years old… you could benefit from a pool renovation. New technology: • Reduce utility consumption with energy efficient equipment, LED lights, and remote connectivity with smart phone app • Better health by reducing chemical use with the introduction of UV and Ozone water quality systems and • Improve safety with the latest safety devices and by replacing old drains with VGB compliant drains What about an overall facelift to enhance the appearance and versatility of the backyard space. • Is the interior finish/plaster chipping or stained? • Do you have missing, cracked, or calcified tile? • Discolored, uneven, or chipped decks? • Water features that no longer work? • Do you lack in-pool sitting space for your family and guests? • Have you dreamed of having a wet deck to place a lounger on? • Would you love to have a swim up bar for entertaining? Serving these areas and communities: Lake Las Vegas * Boulder City * Henderson * Seven Hills * Anthem * MacDonald Highlands * MacDonald Ranch * Silverado Ranch * Green Valley Ranch * Inspirada * Southern Highlands * Summerlin * Sun City * Aliante * North Las Vegas * Sky Canyon * Centennial Hills * Providence * Spring Valley * Paradise, and others.

BEFORE... Amazing Backyard Transformations! Pool Renovation from dull to Dazzling! This amazing transformation is the result of a pool renovation by Paragon Pools in Las Vegas. The homeowner was seeking to update the pool with a more vibrant look. The pool renovation included a redesign of the spa spillway, new tile, new interior finish, and flagstone accents on the spa, spa steps, and seating bench. Before and after photos. Designers: Joseph Michael Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Fellow, PHTA Builder of the Year 2012 Joseph Anthony Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Builder of the Year 2021 If your pool is more than 10 years old… you could benefit from a pool renovation. New technology: • Reduce utility consumption with energy efficient equipment, LED lights, and remote connectivity with smart phone app • Better health by reducing chemical use with the introduction of UV and Ozone water quality systems and • Improve safety with the latest safety devices and by replacing old drains with VGB compliant drains What about an overall facelift to enhance the appearance and versatility of the backyard space. • Is the interior finish/plaster chipping or stained? • Do you have missing, cracked, or calcified tile? • Discolored, uneven, or chipped decks? • Water features that no longer work? • Do you lack in-pool sitting space for your family and guests? • Have you dreamed of having a wet deck to place a lounger on? • Would you love to have a swim up bar for entertaining? Serving these areas and communities: Lake Las Vegas * Boulder City * Henderson * Seven Hills * Anthem * MacDonald Highlands * MacDonald Ranch * Silverado Ranch * Green Valley Ranch * Inspirada * Southern Highlands * Summerlin * Sun City * Aliante * North Las Vegas * Sky Canyon * Centennial Hills * Providence * Spring Valley * Paradise, and others.

from the great room . . . Sometimes, in remodel designs, it is best to keep things simple. Do small things to affect utility, flow and aesthetics. For this mid-century modern, for all their noted openness, the kitchen was closed off from the public, living areas. Hard to entertain to a wall. This we fixed. The other big flaw was the flow. While there was no way to economically change the path of travel through the kitchen. Nudging here and there could at least reduce the disruption at the core kitchen work areas. See the before and after plans and the photos: Photo Credits - Beatrice McGinnis

Cavity wall insulation Energy-efficient homes are insulated from roof to foundation, but only newly built homes may have this level of protection. If your home lacks built-in insulation, wall insulation is your next priority after attic insulation. Cellulose cavity wall benefits: Made from recycled materials - better for environment and health No fiberglass content (which can increase cancer risk and cause irritation) Blown cellulose fills cracks and crevices for seamless barriers Reduces fire risk and mold growth Treated with boric acid that repels insects and rodents Professional installation: We use specialist equipment to blow treated cellulose insulation into both internal and external wall cavities. Installation method and expertise are critical to performance. Long-term value: Properly installed cellulose cavity wall insulation provides thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and fire resistance for your home's lifetime.

BEFORE... Amazing Backyard Transformations! Pool Renovation from dull to Dazzling! This amazing transformation is the result of a pool renovation by Paragon Pools in Las Vegas. The homeowner was seeking to update the pool with a more vibrant look. The pool renovation included a redesign of the spa spillway, new tile, new interior finish, and flagstone accents on the spa, spa steps, and seating bench. Before and after photos. Designers: Joseph Michael Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Fellow, PHTA Builder of the Year 2012 Joseph Anthony Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Builder of the Year 2021 If your pool is more than 10 years old… you could benefit from a pool renovation. New technology: • Reduce utility consumption with energy efficient equipment, LED lights, and remote connectivity with smart phone app • Better health by reducing chemical use with the introduction of UV and Ozone water quality systems and • Improve safety with the latest safety devices and by replacing old drains with VGB compliant drains What about an overall facelift to enhance the appearance and versatility of the backyard space. • Is the interior finish/plaster chipping or stained? • Do you have missing, cracked, or calcified tile? • Discolored, uneven, or chipped decks? • Water features that no longer work? • Do you lack in-pool sitting space for your family and guests? • Have you dreamed of having a wet deck to place a lounger on? • Would you love to have a swim up bar for entertaining? Serving these areas and communities: Lake Las Vegas * Boulder City * Henderson * Seven Hills * Anthem * MacDonald Highlands * MacDonald Ranch * Silverado Ranch * Green Valley Ranch * Inspirada * Southern Highlands * Summerlin * Sun City * Aliante * North Las Vegas * Sky Canyon * Centennial Hills * Providence * Spring Valley * Paradise, and others.

BEFORE... Amazing Backyard Transformations! Pool Renovation from dull to Dazzling! This amazing transformation is the result of a pool renovation by Paragon Pools in Las Vegas. The homeowner was seeking to update the pool with a more vibrant look. The pool renovation included a redesign of the spa spillway, new tile, new interior finish, and flagstone accents on the spa, spa steps, and seating bench. Before and after photos. Designers: Joseph Michael Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Fellow, PHTA Builder of the Year 2012 Joseph Anthony Vassallo, CBP, PHTA Builder of the Year 2021 If your pool is more than 10 years old… you could benefit from a pool renovation. New technology: • Reduce utility consumption with energy efficient equipment, LED lights, and remote connectivity with smart phone app • Better health by reducing chemical use with the introduction of UV and Ozone water quality systems and • Improve safety with the latest safety devices and by replacing old drains with VGB compliant drains What about an overall facelift to enhance the appearance and versatility of the backyard space. • Is the interior finish/plaster chipping or stained? • Do you have missing, cracked, or calcified tile? • Discolored, uneven, or chipped decks? • Water features that no longer work? • Do you lack in-pool sitting space for your family and guests? • Have you dreamed of having a wet deck to place a lounger on? • Would you love to have a swim up bar for entertaining? Serving these areas and communities: Lake Las Vegas * Boulder City * Henderson * Seven Hills * Anthem * MacDonald Highlands * MacDonald Ranch * Silverado Ranch * Green Valley Ranch * Inspirada * Southern Highlands * Summerlin * Sun City * Aliante * North Las Vegas * Sky Canyon * Centennial Hills * Providence * Spring Valley * Paradise, and others.

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in Seattle

EVERNATURAL PREMIUM - $3.36 / SF. Evernatural Premium Evernatural Premium offers the most realistic, all-in-one product on the synthetic grass market today. By engineering multiple blade types, it gives the product the benefits of all blades in one product while still offering a dense 111-ounce product with tall 2” blade height. The blades are designed to reduce shine, reduce heat, and act as a memory foam so blades return to their original shape after bent by foot traffic. More specifically: Double W Blade (Lime color) is designed to diffuse light, making it look more realistic with less shine. The ability to deflect light also helps keep the turf cooler. In addition, it is great for high traffic as it can withstand high wear and pressure. Double S Blade (Field color) is designed to replicate natural grass in both appearance and function. The Double S has an uneven surface, consisting of seven sublayers. This provides effective insulation and reflection of the sunlight. Diamond Blade (Emerald and Brown colors) is designed to make the grass look more realistic and gives it a soft touch. The Evernatural Premium has all these benefits, all while looking and feeling like real lawn! For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy) Phone: 510-753-4773 Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

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.

EVERNATURAL PREMIUM - $3.36 / SF. Evernatural Premium Evernatural Premium offers the most realistic, all-in-one product on the synthetic grass market today. By engineering multiple blade types, it gives the product the benefits of all blades in one product while still offering a dense 111-ounce product with tall 2” blade height. The blades are designed to reduce shine, reduce heat, and act as a memory foam so blades return to their original shape after bent by foot traffic. More specifically: Double W Blade (Lime color) is designed to diffuse light, making it look more realistic with less shine. The ability to deflect light also helps keep the turf cooler. In addition, it is great for high traffic as it can withstand high wear and pressure. Double S Blade (Field color) is designed to replicate natural grass in both appearance and function. The Double S has an uneven surface, consisting of seven sublayers. This provides effective insulation and reflection of the sunlight. Diamond Blade (Emerald and Brown colors) is designed to make the grass look more realistic and gives it a soft touch. The Evernatural Premium has all these benefits, all while looking and feeling like real lawn! For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy) Phone: 510-753-4773 Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

Residents of Bishop, California have seen many benefits from installing a 7.56 kW LG & ENPHASE system with the help of Green Home Systems. The project was completed in less than a month and has already made an impact on the local community. Green Home Systems has been providing unparalleled solar solutions at the most economical price and best customer service in the industry for decades. They specialize in providing customized renewable energy solutions to meet individual needs and goals, all while ensuring performance and durability guarantees and excellent customer service. The customer was looking for a way to reduce their utility bill, take advantage of government incentives, and utilize utility company incentives. After extensive research, they decided that Green Home Systems would be the perfect choice for their home solar installation project. The customer chose Green Home Systems due to their wide selection of solar panels, performance and durability guarantees, and excellent reputation. The team inspected the roof and then got started on the installation process. The project was completed quickly and efficiently thanks to Green Home System's expert craftsmanship. The results of this project have been impressive - increased home value, reduced carbon footprint, and increased property value are just some of the positive outcomes that residents are seeing from their new solar panel system installation. In addition, they are now taking advantage of competitive pricing which has allowed them to save money on their monthly utility bills as well as receive credits back from the utility company for unused power generated by their new system. At Green Home Systems we strive to provide our customers with the best service possible - from our knowledgeable staff to our competitive pricing - we put our customers first every time. We are proud to have been able to help this Bishop resident go solar and make a positive impact on both their wallet and environment through renewable energy solutions.

EVERNATURAL PREMIUM - $3.36 / SF. Evernatural Premium Evernatural Premium offers the most realistic, all-in-one product on the synthetic grass market today. By engineering multiple blade types, it gives the product the benefits of all blades in one product while still offering a dense 111-ounce product with tall 2” blade height. The blades are designed to reduce shine, reduce heat, and act as a memory foam so blades return to their original shape after bent by foot traffic. More specifically: Double W Blade (Lime color) is designed to diffuse light, making it look more realistic with less shine. The ability to deflect light also helps keep the turf cooler. In addition, it is great for high traffic as it can withstand high wear and pressure. Double S Blade (Field color) is designed to replicate natural grass in both appearance and function. The Double S has an uneven surface, consisting of seven sublayers. This provides effective insulation and reflection of the sunlight. Diamond Blade (Emerald and Brown colors) is designed to make the grass look more realistic and gives it a soft touch. The Evernatural Premium has all these benefits, all while looking and feeling like real lawn! For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy) Phone: 510-753-4773 Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

The new Mt. Vernon Insert with Efficient Energy (E2) technology is the most powerful and efficient insert ever designed by Quadra-Fire. E2 technology helps achieve 87% efficiency—saving money by burning less fuel. Plus E2 technology automatically adjusts the blower to maintain desired room temperatures. A 47 lb hopper and easy-clean cast iron firepot reduce maintenance efforts. And the Mt. Vernon E2 is the only product available with cast iron construction on all major components—proving it’s built to last.

EVERNATURAL CALSSIC - $2.79 / SF. Evernatural Classic offers the most realistic, all-in-one product on the synthetic grass market today, next only to our Evernatural Premium. This product offers a 96-ounce weight and 1-3/4” height offering a variation to the Evernatural Premium for customers who want a more economical option with slightly less density and shorter blade height. But all the benefits are still the same! The blades are designed to reduce shine, reduce heat, and act as a memory foam so blades return to their original shape after bent by foot traffic. More specifically: Double W Blade (Lime color) is designed to diffuse light, making it look more realistic with less shine. The ability to deflect light also helps keep the turf cooler. In addition, it is great for high traffic as it can withstand high wear and pressure. Double S Blade (Field color) is designed to replicate natural grass in both appearance and function. The Double S has an uneven surface, consisting of seven sublayers. This provides effective insulation and reflection of the sunlight. Diamond Blade (Emerald and Brown colors) is designed to make the grass look more realistic and gives it a soft touch. The Evernatural Classic has all these benefits, all while looking and feeling like real lawn! For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy) Phone: 510-753-4773 Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

EVERNATURAL CALSSIC - $2.79 / SF. Evernatural Classic offers the most realistic, all-in-one product on the synthetic grass market today, next only to our Evernatural Premium. This product offers a 96-ounce weight and 1-3/4” height offering a variation to the Evernatural Premium for customers who want a more economical option with slightly less density and shorter blade height. But all the benefits are still the same! The blades are designed to reduce shine, reduce heat, and act as a memory foam so blades return to their original shape after bent by foot traffic. More specifically: Double W Blade (Lime color) is designed to diffuse light, making it look more realistic with less shine. The ability to deflect light also helps keep the turf cooler. In addition, it is great for high traffic as it can withstand high wear and pressure. Double S Blade (Field color) is designed to replicate natural grass in both appearance and function. The Double S has an uneven surface, consisting of seven sublayers. This provides effective insulation and reflection of the sunlight. Diamond Blade (Emerald and Brown colors) is designed to make the grass look more realistic and gives it a soft touch. The Evernatural Classic has all these benefits, all while looking and feeling like real lawn! For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy) Phone: 510-753-4773 Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com