This room encompasses one of the most technical examples of woodwork we’ve seen in a long time. Normally, to create a raised panel wainscot wall, pieces of 1x wood are cut and used to create the boxes, and panel moldings are installed inside the frames to finish off the look. This can be done by typical finish carpenters. The problem is that over time, the numerous joints separate and look bad. In the case of this project, we wanted to avoid that pitfall and do something exquisite AND long-lasting. Over several days, each section of the wall was laid out to determine the appropriate size of each panel. Electrical outlets or switch plates that weren’t centered were moved. Each panel was then specially made at the shop out of 3/4” MDF because its smooth surface is ideal for painting. The raised panels (the pieces that go into each square opening) as well as the panel mouldings (the pieces that frame out each interior panel) were fabricated off site at the shop. Between the set-up, fabrication and the installation, two skilled craftsmen required three solid weeks to make each aspect absolutely perfect. Other finishing details including using a “Back Band” moulding to cap the top of the wainscot and using matching moldings (base, window casings and crown moldings) in areas that needed it for continuity of design. This room’s woodwork is an exquisite example of true craftsmanship. Words and pictures cannot describe the level of skill required for this project. Once everything was completed, it was sprayed with white enamel paint and wallpaper was installed above the wood wainscot to finish off the room. In a nutshell, each wall panel was constructed like a custom made high end cabinet. Literally.

This room encompasses one of the most technical examples of woodwork we’ve seen in a long time. Normally, to create a raised panel wainscot wall, pieces of 1x wood are cut and used to create the boxes, and panel moldings are installed inside the frames to finish off the look. This can be done by typical finish carpenters. The problem is that over time, the numerous joints separate and look bad. In the case of this project, we wanted to avoid that pitfall and do something exquisite AND long-lasting. Over several days, each section of the wall was laid out to determine the appropriate size of each panel. Electrical outlets or switch plates that weren’t centered were moved. Each panel was then specially made at the shop out of 3/4” MDF because its smooth surface is ideal for painting. The raised panels (the pieces that go into each square opening) as well as the panel mouldings (the pieces that frame out each interior panel) were fabricated off site at the shop. Between the set-up, fabrication and the installation, two skilled craftsmen required three solid weeks to make each aspect absolutely perfect. Other finishing details including using a “Back Band” moulding to cap the top of the wainscot and using matching moldings (base, window casings and crown moldings) in areas that needed it for continuity of design. This room’s woodwork is an exquisite example of true craftsmanship. Words and pictures cannot describe the level of skill required for this project. Once everything was completed, it was sprayed with white enamel paint and wallpaper was installed above the wood wainscot to finish off the room. In a nutshell, each wall panel was constructed like a custom made high end cabinet. Literally.

Pond, garden water features, Kansas City Fountain Design Group , the Fountain Builders in Kansas City, is an innovative firm of fountain restoration Kansas City, fountain installation Kansas City, historic fountain repair Kansas City with specific skills in fountain design, pond, garden water features Kansas City, strategic and open space planning, open space master planning, urban and environmental design and community consultation with high standards of graphic and technical outputs. We pride ourselves on the development of aquascape and hardscape design ,site responsive and implementable concept, with demonstrated technical and project skills to ensure the successful translation of innovative designs to high quality constructed works. Large and small fountains Kansas City Large and small water gardens Kansas City Waterfalls and streams Kansas City Waterwalls and architectural water features Kansas City Architectural and Statuary Fountains Kansas City Custom Fountains, Rock Fountains Kansas City Pool installation & management Kansas City Lake Management Kansas City Sprayring and jet manifolds Kansas City Reflecting Pools Kansas City Fountain LED Lights Kansas City Floating fountains Kansas City Lake Fountains Kansas City

Pond, garden water features, Kansas City Fountain Design Group , the Fountain Builders in Kansas City, is an innovative firm of fountain restoration Kansas City, fountain installation Kansas City, historic fountain repair Kansas City with specific skills in fountain design, pond, garden water features Kansas City, strategic and open space planning, open space master planning, urban and environmental design and community consultation with high standards of graphic and technical outputs. We pride ourselves on the development of aquascape and hardscape design ,site responsive and implementable concept, with demonstrated technical and project skills to ensure the successful translation of innovative designs to high quality constructed works. Large and small fountains Kansas City Large and small water gardens Kansas City Waterfalls and streams Kansas City Waterwalls and architectural water features Kansas City Architectural and Statuary Fountains Kansas City Custom Fountains, Rock Fountains Kansas City Pool installation & management Kansas City Lake Management Kansas City Sprayring and jet manifolds Kansas City Reflecting Pools Kansas City Fountain LED Lights Kansas City Floating fountains Kansas City Lake Fountains Kansas City

“The mystical reflections of Villa Borghese – Rome”… I stumbled into photography just before graduation at the U of TN while volunteering at a local hospital where I was influenced to attend Brooks Institute. The instructors preached the technical aspects of photography, and upon graduation…we could implement our own artistic vision. As a commercial photographer since graduation, I have had little time to express my artistic vision…until I went to Italy for the first time, where I discovered my true love and passion! I consider myself a “contemplative” photographer, and as such, I have a three-part process to achieve my final presentation for each image: the discovery, how I perceive the image creation, and how I hope others will perceive the image. This artistic pursuit, I imagine, is similar to Michelangelo viewing a piece of marble for the first time. Villa Borghese in Roma is a famous Gardens and Museum begun in the early 17th century, highlighted by a "Temple of Aesculapius” at the garden lake. Surrounding this small lake is a three-foot iron fence, which I now affectionately call “Il lago di dolore”, or Lake Pain! I tried to cross this iron fence with camera in hand and a 20lb bag on my shoulder…needless to say, it did not go well! Despite the intense pain, I continued to take 60 images around the lake, and upon return home, I stubbornly refused to look at them until recently. My disdain for Lake Pain kept me from discovering the true artistic vision I first saw when I began creating these images. I finally gave into the contempt I had for the Lake and began working on several images. Perhaps, the viewer will perceive the great pain it took to finally engender a feeling of solace and peace in the true vision, and find that suffering eventually brought forth eminent beauty. As for this photographer, Il lago di dolore will be a constant reminder that the creation of great art sometimes endures great pain!

This beautiful traditional style kitchen is crafted with inset custom cabinetry. The doors are recessed in a white stain on maple. Countertops are wood with a 3x6 white marble backsplash. Hardwood floors were used to coordinate with the rest of the house.

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

We recently completed an extraordinary pool project in Jupiter, Florida, pushing the boundaries of traditional pool design. The client envisioned a truly unique space, a half-oval pool with a curved infinity edge, a raised spa, and dual sundecks. At Epic Watershapes, we embraced the challenge and transformed this artistic vision into a stunning reality. Creating a symmetrical pool with a vanishing edge along a curve presented a significant technical hurdle. However, our team's expertise and meticulous attention to detail allowed us to achieve perfect symmetry and a flawlessly functioning infinity edge. The client's inspired design was a work of art in itself, and we were determined to not only meet but exceed their expectations. The pool's standout features include the gracefully curved infinity edge, which creates a seamless transition to the surrounding landscape. A raised spa, tiled with luxurious materials, sits elegantly in the left corner, offering a relaxing retreat. Two sundecks, each positioned on either corner of the pool, provide ample space for lounging and soaking up the Florida sun. Bubblers integrated into the sundecks add a playful touch and create a soothing ambiance. This project embodies Epic Watershapes' commitment to innovative design and exceptional craftsmanship. From the unorthodox pool shape to the intricate details, every aspect of this Jupiter pool reflects our dedication to creating custom outdoor spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Located in beautiful Jupiter, this modern pool is a testament to our ability to bring even the most imaginative visions to life. Visit our website at www.epicwatershapes.com or our Houzz profile at https://www.houzz.com/pro/samuel-mello/__public to explore more of our projects. Contact us today to discuss your dream pool!

Looking for a nice clean crown molding, but what something different? These homeowners did just that with a simple clean flat molding applied to the wall and ceiling to create this look.

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

In the exclusive enclave of Emirates Hills, a magnificent villa transformation by Antonovich Group demonstrates why the firm remains Dubai's premier interior design Dubai destination for discriminating homeowners. This comprehensive redesign showcases the company's ability to harmonize classical grandeur with contemporary functionality, creating a residence of exceptional distinction. The project, encompassing over 20,000 square feet of interior space, began with a strategic architectural intervention. As a leading interior renovation company Dubai residents trust for structural reimagining, Antonovich Group removed restrictive walls and raised ceiling heights to create more dramatic spatial proportions. A new double-height foyer with a sweeping marble staircase now establishes an immediate sense of grandeur upon entry. "Villa renovations of this caliber require thinking beyond surface treatments," explains the project director. "We approach each space architecturally first, ensuring the bones of the residence support the design narrative before addressing finishes and furnishings." Throughout the villa, the material palette speaks to extraordinary attention to detail—hand-selected marble with book-matched patterns, custom wood paneling with integrated lighting elements, and metallic accents in warm champagne tones. Each transition between spaces features thoughtful continuity while maintaining distinct character for individual rooms. The living areas exemplify Antonovich Group's talent for creating environments that balance visual impact with genuine comfort. Custom furnishings, manufactured in the company's dedicated workshop, feature silhouettes that reference classical forms while maintaining contemporary proportions. This approach creates spaces that feel simultaneously timeless and current. As an established interior renovation company Dubai homeowners select for turnkey solutions, Antonovich Group managed every aspect of the project—from conceptual design through technical documentation, procurement, construction management, and final styling. This comprehensive approach ensured flawless execution of even the most intricate details. "What distinguishes truly exceptional interior design Dubai projects is consistency of vision," notes the design director. "When one entity oversees the entire process, the result possesses a harmony that cannot be achieved through fragmented implementation." For villa owners contemplating similar transformations, Antonovich Group offers unparalleled expertise in creating residences that balance spectacular visual impact with the practical requirements of daily living—spaces that impress without sacrificing comfort.

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

In the exclusive enclave of Emirates Hills, a magnificent villa transformation by Antonovich Group demonstrates why the firm remains Dubai's premier interior design Dubai destination for discriminating homeowners. This comprehensive redesign showcases the company's ability to harmonize classical grandeur with contemporary functionality, creating a residence of exceptional distinction. The project, encompassing over 20,000 square feet of interior space, began with a strategic architectural intervention. As a leading interior renovation company Dubai residents trust for structural reimagining, Antonovich Group removed restrictive walls and raised ceiling heights to create more dramatic spatial proportions. A new double-height foyer with a sweeping marble staircase now establishes an immediate sense of grandeur upon entry. "Villa renovations of this caliber require thinking beyond surface treatments," explains the project director. "We approach each space architecturally first, ensuring the bones of the residence support the design narrative before addressing finishes and furnishings." Throughout the villa, the material palette speaks to extraordinary attention to detail—hand-selected marble with book-matched patterns, custom wood paneling with integrated lighting elements, and metallic accents in warm champagne tones. Each transition between spaces features thoughtful continuity while maintaining distinct character for individual rooms. The living areas exemplify Antonovich Group's talent for creating environments that balance visual impact with genuine comfort. Custom furnishings, manufactured in the company's dedicated workshop, feature silhouettes that reference classical forms while maintaining contemporary proportions. This approach creates spaces that feel simultaneously timeless and current. As an established interior renovation company Dubai homeowners select for turnkey solutions, Antonovich Group managed every aspect of the project—from conceptual design through technical documentation, procurement, construction management, and final styling. This comprehensive approach ensured flawless execution of even the most intricate details. "What distinguishes truly exceptional interior design Dubai projects is consistency of vision," notes the design director. "When one entity oversees the entire process, the result possesses a harmony that cannot be achieved through fragmented implementation." For villa owners contemplating similar transformations, Antonovich Group offers unparalleled expertise in creating residences that balance spectacular visual impact with the practical requirements of daily living—spaces that impress without sacrificing comfort.

Photo: Ten Ten Creative
Wet bar - transitional single-wall dark wood floor and brown floor wet bar idea in Dallas with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, black backsplash, subway tile backsplash and gray countertops

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

What You Should Know About Fuel Tanks Home heating solutions can encompass electrical, gas, solar and oil based systems. When one talks about oil tanks that are used as home heating systems, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Start with the installer A high-quality, professional and expert installer of oil or fuel tanks can certainly help you make the decision on which type of tank is the best for your property. When you decide on underground fuel tanks, you should make sure that they are: • Compliant with all statutory requirements. • Made of steel and polyurethane. • Covered by guarantee. • Supported by backfill material, leak detection systems and tank supports. Aboveground fuel tanks are easier to maintain simply because they are more accessible. Even the smallest of oil or fuel leaks can be detected almost immediately. But even here, an installer should give you premium quality tanks. These tanks: • Should have secondary containment. • Should be corrosion resistant. • Should have proper support as well. Installation Installation for both – underground and above ground tanks is a technical and complex process. The installation process for both will start with a technician visiting your home and making an assessment of aspects such as: • Measuring the space. • Taking stock of the distance from your home to the tank, pipes and so on. • The supports needed for the tank and so on. If it is an above ground tank, then it may also need bollards to protect it from vehicles. An underground tank will need containment sumps and drop tubes and so on. The combination of components will be decided by the installer and you can certainly ask for a complete breakup of the same and get the costs for the same as well. Remediation Repair and remediation of above and underground tanks is a critical task. In fact, many problems associated with underground fuel storage tanks can be eliminated if the home owner invests time and resources into periodic analysis and examination of the same. A fuel tank that has been installed above the ground will be easier to access but repair and remediation of both types of tanks will entail: • Soil sampling. • Extent of oil contamination. • Assessment of leaks and the extent and number of the same. • Drawing up a plan for dealing with all problem areas. Removal Every fuel tank has a shelf life. At some point of time or the other, the fuel tank will need to be removed. When it comes to above ground installations, the removal company will need to assess the type of fuel and the knowhow on emptying the tank completely. The tank will also need to be cleaned completely before being loaded on to a vehicle that can take it away to a recycling unit or disposal unit. Underground tanks can be removed or closed or treated as abandoned depending on the condition of the tank and official licenses. For instance, a tank can be treated as closure in place if the removal of the same is going to compromise the safety of structures above the ground.

A Family Retreat in Rural Ontario The clients for this project live abroad, and sought a Canadian homestead — an anchor — for their large, young family. During summer and winter holidays, the parents wanted their children immersed in an Ontario landscape like the one in which they were raised. To this end, they requested a “rustic, modern retreat” for their 100-acre property of forest, wetland, and meadows. The family sought a generous home to allow young teenagers and extended family to be comfortable in a remote area for long stays. They sought a casual, comfortable space for the family and their dogs that would encourage activities like hiking and snowshoeing — no fancy entertaining. Under One Roof The most powerful aspect of the design is the long, tent-like roof, which follows the site’s topography. The roof and its ridge beam became the design’s primary focus, shaping the circulation path through the home’s interior, ultimately extending a view toward the forest. A primary technical challenge was the roof’s structure, which despite its 60-metre length needed to seem light. The folds and angles of the steel roof are supported by the meandering ridge-beam. The roof cantilevers and tapers at all edges. At the entry side of the house, the roof lifts like a bird’s wing off the garage volume beneath, sheltering an outdoor terrace. Playing with Heavy and Light Monolithic slate-clad volumes anchor the home and define the space between the curtains of glass. These opaque volumes echo the property’s rock outcrops. The garage, bathrooms, stairs, and pantry are grouped inside, and appear to hold up the dynamic roof. Steel construction was chosen to avoid using the expected material of heavy timber for this forest getaway. Being cognizant of the clients’ desire for a warm interior, it was also important to avoid modernist tendencies for box-like forms. Because the main floor is lifted above the ground and the topography falls away, the main floor is in the treetops while simultaneously filling the lower recreation area with light. A Contemporary Approach to Warmth and Closeness The continuous space of the home, with only bedrooms and bathrooms closed off, is a layout that underscores closeness. The family areas and parents’ area are on the main level. The kids’ bedrooms are bundled into a single slate-clad volume, suspended like a cocoon above the main floor from a 40’ steel beam and accessed by a catwalk. Sustainability To avoid cutting trees, the home was placed on an existing cleared ridge overlooking a wildflower meadow. The home is heated and cooled via a geothermal unit with summer solar gain reduced by significant roof overhangs. The glass walls are triple-pane, and high-efficiency fixtures and equipment for the well and septic system help reduce the home’s environmental impact. Historically, the Canadian identity has been defined by our relationship to the land. Fulfilling the client’s mandate, the home honours that emotional connection through visual and material harmonization with its surroundings.