The first thing youll notice about the Lego Architecture Studio is that its white. There are no colors, no shades, no pigments, no hues here. It is as white as a piece of paper, a glass of milk, a blind albino lizard skittering in a lightless cave a mile below the ground. White, white, white.

Your first thought might be: "Thats a little bland for Lego." But you should power through that impression. Theres a reason that every single brick of the 1,200+ Lego Architecture Studio set is white: Its a serious effort by Lego to get bricksmiths young and old the world over thinking about the core concepts of architectural design, not just a Lego buildings bright, Technicolor facade.

"We rarely offer a toolkit in only one color, but using white actually creates natural lines and shadows that can more accurately represent architectural shapes and form," explains Legos brand relations director, Michael McNally. "We felt using all that white gave the kit a very 'sketchbook feel. And since weve never offered a kit that is all white, theres that novelty factor at play for collectors, too.

The kit itself doesnt feature any exotic pieces or other elusive Lego chimeras. Except that they have been bled of color, the 1,200-odd pieces in the Lego Architecture Studio could have come from any Lego set. What makes them special is context. With every Lego Architecture Studio, Lego has included a vividly designed 268-page book that illustrates real-world case studies of six different professional forms, trying to seriously explain the principles of original architectural design by showing how you can do it all in Lego.

Arguably, this book is the meat of the Lego Architecture Studio. Not only does it feature a wonderful layout that brings to mind some of the funky, beautifully designed textbooks aimed at curious kids in the 1970s and 1980s, its a fascinating glimpse into the brains of real architects and how their methodology actually ties in with fitting dimpled plastic Lego pieces together. In fact, you get to see how real architects play with Lego themselves!

Each of the architect firms featured in the book--REX Architecture, Sou Fujimoto, SOM, MAD Architects, Tham & Videgrd, and Safdie Architects--are given as many as 50 pages to talk about their theories on architecture and construction, where they get their inspirations from, how their design process works, and in what ways Lego fits into all this. At the end of each chapter, the lead architects will all sit around a table with Lego and play with the pieces! Only then is the reader invited to take part in a hands-on Lego workshop exploring some of the theories and concepts explored in the chapter, which can range from exercises exploring symmetry, mass, density, the use of negative space, modules, repetition, and more.

"We wanted to have a mix of internationally renowned projects a broad audience could relate to, so we prioritized firms that represented global architects, various architectural styles, and diversity," McNally tells Co.Design. "Because they used Lego bricks in some of their workshops and educational programs, we worked with the Danish architecture firm KRADS to help us pick firms that showcased some of the best architectural principles in the world." The result is a fun, easy-to-understand and totally charming primer on the concepts of architecture that not only shape the world around us, but the innovative new designs that are going to make up the world of the future.

So who is this set for? Its a grown-up concept, but Lego wants this to be a toolkit that is accessible to teenagers who are first starting to think seriously about design, too.

"Lego building from the earliest age is just a terrific primer for budding designers, engineers and architects," says McNally. "We think its a compelling toolkit for adolescents who may be seriously considering a career in architecture or design, or even college students who have real needs for prototyping designs and models. It can even serve as an inspiration for budding architects or as a fun sketching opportunity for real-time design ideas."

The Lego Architecture Studio provides tangible, immediate experience with both classic and cutting-edge architecture concepts. Its a fantastic set that would be as at home in an architecture firms break room as it would be in a high school drafting classroom. Lego has long turned imaginative kids into builders, but the Lego Architecture Studio is the set that will help turn those builders into the designers and architects of tomorrow.

Read the original here:
A Monochrome Lego Set To Teach Tomorrow’s Architects

All Star Home Restoration (972) 424-5656
All Star Home Restoration 1005 Windy Meadow Dr, Plano, TX 75023 (972) 424-5656 Creating personalized interiors since 1986. Family owned and operated, All Sta...

By: Lora Daniels

See the article here:
All Star Home Restoration (972) 424-5656 - Video

DALLAS, Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Roofing Supply Group, LLC ("RSG"), a national leader in the wholesale distribution of roofing supplies and related building materials, announced today the appointment of Shaun Mara as the company's new Chief Financial Officer.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130815/DA64779)

Mara is joining Roofing Supply Group from Dean Foods, where he was CFO and part of a leadership team that created over $2 billion in shareholder value during his tenure. Mara was also formerly with Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and The Gillette Company where he held various positions in the US and Western Europe including Senior VP of Finance, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.

In addition to other impressive accomplishments during his esteemed 27-year career, Mara was recognized as a finalist of the 2012 North Texas CFO of the Year award presented by the Dallas Business Journal.

President and CEO, Mike Farrell, said, "We are very pleased to announce an outstanding addition to the RSG Senior Leadership Team. Bringing Shaun onboard was a key strategic investment for the company and was based on the vast experience and values he brings to us. We look forward to his strong leadership and commitment to excellence as we look to continue to grow the business organically, through M&A and Greenfields."

About Roofing Supply GroupOwned by parent company Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC, Roofing Supply Group, LLC ("RSG") is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and is one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing supplies and related materials in the United States. Through its network of 64 locations in 24 states nationwide, RSG provides one-step distribution services from roofing product manufacturers to roofing contractors and homebuilders. Each branch carries a complete line of roofing products for residential and commercial roofing, including composition asphalt shingles, underlayment and associated ancillary products. For more information regarding Greenfields & Acquisitions, please contact Jeff Clay, Vice President Strategic Planning & Corporate Development, at jclay@rsgroof.com or 214.956.5184.

About Clayton, Dubilier & RiceFounded in 1978, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is a private equity firm with an investment strategy predicated on producing financial returns through building stronger, more profitable businesses. The Firm's partners and advisors include a combination of skilled investment decision-makers and seasoned corporate leaders from major global enterprises. Since inception, CD&R has managed the investment of more than $18 billion in 56 businesses with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $90 billion. The Firm has offices in New York and London. For more information, please visit http://www.cdr-inc.com/.

Read the original:
Roofing Supply Group Names New Chief Financial Officer

DEADWOOD A metamorphosis continues to take shape at the Pineview building work site, an area that just over two years ago was deemed unsafe, with the street and sidewalks in its immediate vicinity closed and concerns that the building would collapse under a heavy snow.

Over the next couple of months, workers on the $4.5 million, 17,000 square foot historic Pineview building renovation project will do their best to once again button up the project before the snow flies, this time reaching a milestone that has the Historic Preservation office in Deadwood very pleased.

The city is anxious to see the storefront and addition completed, to allow for opening of the sidewalk and street, said Deadwood Historic Preservation Officer Kevin Kuchenbecker. The glass for the storefronts has been ordered and should be coming toward the end of August, which will enable the project to be completely enclosed.

The installation of the storefronts, a major milestone, as they are one of the large pieces in the renovation puzzle, requiring ample interior work to stabilize and secure prior to being put in position, will also bring the building much closer to completion.

The Pineview project involves the restoration and renovation of an apartment/commercial building constructed in 1903. The new use will consist of three upper floors of hotel guest rooms, for a total of 41 rooms and one lower floor for commercial and support functions.

The existing structural stone foundations and wood framing are being underpinned, reinforced and reframed to meet present day codes. The original missing basement and first floor storefronts are being reconstructed and extensive face brick repair, tuckpointing, and window replacement have also taken place. A wood framed addition will also house guest rooms, support space and meeting rooms.

The flooring on the third floor of the addition is complete, exterior brick work and masonry work have been completed, along with the windows on the original building being replaced with approved windows. The roof structure has been repaired and replaced as recommended, with a new roof membrane installed. The foundation and basement have been stabilized and a new basement floor has been installed, with concrete replacing the original dirt floor. The sidewalk stairwells have also been stabilized.

Siding was recently completed on the addition, now the most readily recognizable portion of the project on which progress has been made, is part of the original plan to convert the building into a hotel.

A cornice has been installed, along with window trim on the front and side of the addition, as well. Work is currently being completed on the rear of the structure.

It allowed them to come to 41 units as part of the rehabilitation efforts of the historic property, including the addition, Kuchenbecker said. It hasnt been determined what the basement level will house.

More here:
Preservation efforts progress on Pineview building

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C., Aug. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Window World, Inc.(R), America's largest replacement window and home remodeling company, and Good Housekeeping magazine have announced that Window World window products have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for the sixth consecutive year. Windows from the 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 6000 series earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, making window products from every Window World series a recipient of the Seal.

The Good Housekeeping Seal is an emblem from one of the oldest consumer product testing labs in America. It comes with a two-year limited warranty for all approved products -- backed by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute itself. This is in addition to Window World's limited lifetime warranty, which is transferrable to the next homeowner.

"As a Good Housekeeping Seal holder, Window World distinguishes itself from others to the consumer as a brand of quality," said Pat Haegele, senior vice president and group chief revenue officer at Good Housekeeping. "The Seal is synonymous with trustan assurance that a product will perform as promised. For consumers, this means peace of mind, which is especially important when purchasing an investment product such as replacement windows."

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute subjects products to rigorous examination before they are granted the sought-after Seal. All claims made in a product's advertising, packaging and informational materials must be proven factual. "Winning the Seal six years in a row is a remarkable accomplishment," said Tammy Whitworth, Window World's CEO. "We're proud of our products and grateful for this recognition from Good Housekeeping."

About Window World, Inc.(R)

Window World, Inc.(R), headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America's largest replacement window company with stores and offices in more than 200 cities nationwide. Founded in 1995 and led by CEO Tammy Whitworth, the company supplies windows, siding and doors to consumers through its network of stores. Window World is an ENERGY STAR(R) retail partner. Its window products have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal six years in a row. In 2013 it ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors in a Tie" by J.D. Power. Additionally, through its charitable foundation Window World Cares(R), the Window World family provides funding for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R). Window World, Inc. also supports the Veterans Airlift Command, a non-profit organization that facilitates free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families. For more information about Window World, visit http://www.WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXT WINDOW.

Excerpt from:
Window World Windows Earn Good Housekeeping Seal for Sixth Consecutive Year

By Kenn Stark, DCNN Correspondent

All municipalities generate revenue by issuing a variety of permits. The purpose of home improvement permitting is not to create a revenue stream, however, but to ensure that reputable and reliable contractors are doing the work.

Chester Heights Borough Council President Michael Pierce recently noted that many home improvement projects are being done within the borough without permits, putting the property owners at risk. The lack of a permit has often been reported by a neighbor, he said.

When a permit is issued through the borough office, the homeowner can be assured that their house and property, and, in some cases, their neighbors property as well, is in the hands of a certified professional.

When there is construction work, other than window replacement, going on, a permit does need to be obtained, Pierce stated. Its for the protection of the residents and the owner of the property, as well as the borough as a whole, so we will continue to monitor that.

Small do-it-yourself projects and cosmetic repairs do not warrant a permit, but permits are required for major home improvements, such as roof or siding replacement and building a deck, an addition, or retaining wall.

Whether or not a permit is required is not determined by the cost of the project, but by the need for safety and expertise, Pierce noted.

A number of fly-by-night contractors show up and do a lot of quick talking, and we want to make sure that those individuals have the proper credentials and have obtained a building permit from the borough, stated Pierce. Our main concern is that the job is being done properly.

Unfortunately, if unpermitted home improvements later prove to be shoddy, faulty, or even dangerous, there is little that can be done by a property owner to recover their losses, Pierce added.

If a Chester Heights resident is unsure if a permit is required for a pending improvement project, they should call the borough office at 610-459-3400.

More here:
Chester Heights reminder: permits are required

Leander, TX (PRWEB) August 13, 2013

When the air conditioner needs service, repair, or replacement, customers want a knowledgeable skilled professional that can be counted on to do the job right and to provide courteous air conditioning service that will make customer remember Autumn Heating & Cooling for the next time air conditioning repair in Leander. Autumn Heating & Cooling provides customers with award winning services, all performed by qualified NATE HVAC certified air conditioning technicians. With huge discounts, low service fees, an excellent product line, and top-notch service guarantees, this trusted Leander area business has the customer covered, whatever air conditioning services are needed.

Quality Pflugerville AC Repair Service The summer season and its hot temperatures are here. Because of this, customers will want to ensure that the air conditioner is running both effectively and efficiently, keeping the home cool and comfy through those long, hot summer nights without leaving a big hole in your piggy bank. Autumn Heating & Cooling is available to provide ac service in Leander to ensure customers air conditioners are working properly before the season hits or whenever needed. Of course, if the air conditioner is not running smoothly or quits altogether this summer, this BBB A+ business provides qualified technicians 24 hours a day to provide ac service calls and air conditioning repair so the customer wont have to remain in the Texas Summer Heat for long.

Reliable Air Conditioning Systems Autumn Heating & Cooling can also provide Leander residents with new air conditioner replacements, including air conditioners for the home or rental residential properties. Winner of the Angies List Super Service Award, this air conditioning service offers a range of energy efficient units from major brands such as Tappan, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, and more. With a low service call fee and 24-hour service, certified ac technicians are available 7 days per week to assist with all of your air conditioning service and ac repair needs. Available for air conditioning service and air conditioner installation as well, Autumn Heating & Cooling provides huge discounts and specials on complete system installs, guaranteeing professional service and absolutely no hidden fees or charges.

Now is the time for air conditioning system checkups to ensure your air conditioning system is running properly for the hot Texas summer. Give Autumn Heating & Cooling a call to schedule your appointment right away.

About Autumn Heating & Cooling Autumn Heating & Cooling is a trusted BBB member business providing quality heating and air conditioning service, repair, and installation to Pflugerville and the surrounding area. With low service fees, huge discounts, and quality service, Autumn Heating & Cooling has become a local household name.

See original here:
24-Hour Service, Low-Cost Service Fees, and Huge Discounts Make Autumn Heating & Cooling Leander’s Choice Provider for ...

New construction window cleaning exterior only, from the inside. Fly By Might, LLC
via YouTube Capture.

By: James Barber

Read more here:
New construction window cleaning exterior only, from the inside. Fly By Might, LLC - Video

Window Cleaning Hermosa Beach Customhomedetailing.com
Window Cleaning Hermosa Beach Customhomedetailing.com 714-545-5576 888-853-0188.

By: Ron White

See the original post here:
Window Cleaning Hermosa Beach Customhomedetailing.com - Video

Minneapolis Tree Removal Services

By: Harry Hilton

Read more here:
Minneapolis Tree Removal Services - Video