Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Escape to a modular timber retreat in Italy by Teke Architects

Teke Architects createsmodular, off-grid countryside retreat, MU50, made of prefabricated wooden elements in ItalysMediterranian Coast

A relatively small and modest structure has appeared among the pine forest on a secluded spot of theMediterranean Coast of Italy. It is Genoa-based architect Onur Tekes latest offering, a simple but striking retreat for a private client.

The project istitled MU50 standing for Modular Unit 50 and hinting at the way this design works. The structure may be used in this case as a holiday home, but itssmall-scale, modular, off-grid nature means it can beadaptable to a wide variety of sites and even, potentially, uses. Whats more, it is also recyclable.

Asimple act of repeating and combining a small number of relatively simple building elements can produce a wide variety of spaces fit for different uses from a small meditation room to a dwelling, says Teke.

Through its simplicity, flexibility and choice of materials, this structure is intended to bring beauty to the users daily lives; to allow them to incorporate it in their quotidian landscape and to connect with the surrounding nature reducing at most its carbon footprint, explains Teke.

The house consists of two untreated Larch structuraltimber frames. Glass wraps around the structure to open up the interior to views and nature, butmanually operated timber shades protect privacy and the interiors from harsh sunlight when needed. The spaces inside are clean and minimalist.

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The projects environmental impact is reduced by maximum use of natural lighting and ventilation,photovoltaic panels on the roof and a ground source heat pump. Clever use of eco-friendly technologies, a low tech approach and the modular system developed through it,meanthis little getaway can be enjoyedguilt free.

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Escape to a modular timber retreat in Italy by Teke Architects - Wallpaper*

Sign, Harlingen, Texas. 1939. Photographer Lee Russell Photo courtesy of The New York Public Library on Unsplash

New buildings constructed using innovative techniques are springing up all over Canada.

These structures only exist because someone tried to push the boundaries of what was possible and quite often its an architect who was responsible.

But what many architects dont realize is that tax benefits exist for all kinds of innovation through the Canadian governments Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive program, and their work can qualify too.

These incentives are not just for scientists. Examples of R&D conducted by architects in the past include:

and many more.

Not all types of innovation qualify there are specific criteria that have to be satisfied first.

The government looks for any activity that involves systematic investigation or research that is carried out in a field of science or technology by means of experiment or analysis. It must involve experimental development, but the work need not create new materials, devices, products or processesit could just be an improvement to existing ones.

There are three simple tests that must be met for innovation to qualify for the incentives. The work must:

How rewarding are SR&ED tax incentives and how do they work?

The rewards for claiming innovation tax incentives can be huge, and they are often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, SR&ED incentives allow businesses to claim back up to 41.5% of innovation expenses. The main qualifying costs are materials, payments to contractors and third parties, staff costs and salaries.

The overall amount can vary by province as the final benefit is a combination of federal and provincial schemes. Private Canadian businesses receive the incentive as a cash payment, while publicly traded companies get a credit to be offset against outstanding taxes.

Claiming

Businesses can claim SR&ED up to eighteen months after the tax year in which the work took place. Tt costs firms nothing to establish whether they can claim, as most consultancies charge contingent fees. This means that businesses pay a percentage of the value of the claim once successful.

SR&ED incentives shouldnt be confused with the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), which is a government-funded grant program available to small- and medium-size businesses, rather than an R&D tax incentive. The SR&ED regime for SMEs has actually improved recently, so theres never been a better time to claim.

Richard Hoy is President of specialist tax consultancy Catax Canada. You can reach him at [emailprotected]

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How architects can take advantage of R&D tax incentives - Canadian Architect

cat hill house by studio MM architect is a private residence in the US, complete with a floating, glass-clad fitness studio that extends over a natural ridge. located at the foothills of the catskill mountains in new yorks hudson valley, the house occupies a densely wooded site with dramatic changes in elevation. its main volume extends parallel to the ridge, directly responding to the topography, while the studio space extends horizontally along the knoll.all images by brad feinknopf

studio MM architect developed cat hill house for a marathon runner, businesswoman, traveler, musician, and art collector, who requested not only a thoughtfully-designed home, but also an inspiring place to pursue creative and athletic activities. the glass-clad fitness studio that extends over the ridge marks the heart of the project. surrounded by trees, the studio appears to float above the wooded landscape as the topography falls steeply away.

set apart from the rest of the house, the studio is accessed via a long, enclosed gallery that follows the ridgeline. deeply personal mementos and works of art are displayed in the gallery walkway, while the studio itself is enclosed by glass on three sides. this space is dedicated to the clients passion for running, featuring a treadmill and an indoor cycling bike that benefit from great views of the surrounding wooded landscape.

the main volume of the house features an open living room with a patio, where floor-to-ceiling windows put forest views front and center.interiors are thoughtfully curated, complete with original artwork and custom-built pieces fabricated by a local furniture maker. the client, a new york city transplant turned proud local, wanted not only a simple and cozy retreat but a true hudson valley home that would showcase the work of skilled makers and craftsmen, notes studio MM architect. with personal or local connections proudly shining through, every piece has meaning.

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studio MM architect adds floating, glass-clad fitness studio to 'cat hill' house in the US - Designboom

Showy. Splashy. Sunny. Sentimental.

by Bruce Hope

ORANGE PARK Annabelle wears multiple hats at Annabelles Interiors. She is an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, a small business owner and a talented interior decorator.

Her store, located at 38 College Dr., has been around for 45 years. It has many products and designs, with ideas and demonstrations for Halloween, Harvest, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its Christmas Shoppe has been awarded, and people can even take designing and tree decorating classes.

We change the store out twice a year, said Annabelle. We go from winter to spring. So, we do a whole different presentation throughout the store. This is 4,500-square-feet, so I do all the design work, all the decorating. I just have an idea in my head of what we want. Were known for our trees and our toppers.

Its easy to see Annabelles unique and intriguing design style in the many rooms with different themes.

Every room has a different theme. There are different themes throughout the store, she said.

The themes often have to do with the colors, of which Annabelle has many variations in her Christmas themes.

There are also many different items, from lamps and fragrance oils to personal safety handbags, including purses with special pockets for concealed handgun carry. She also works with the NRA and is big on the Second Amendment. There are also many Trump memorabilia, such as MAGA hats, mugs, bobbleheads and more.

One of Annabelles distinct tree styles is that she never puts an angel on top of the tree.

I never put them at the very top of the tree, she said. I dont want this to be a teepee. If I put an angel, shes going to be here in the body of the tree, so I dont have to look up; shes right there at my eye level, and I can enjoy her.

Even the bathroom at Annabelles is decorated. Not only does she sell, but one of her goals is to provide different ideas for customers on how to decorate their homes.

She is also a supporter of the military with tree decorations representing all the branches of the Armed Forces.

The store takes pride in the fact that its designs are atypical.

Why come here and see what you can see anyplace else? Annabelle asks while customers walked through the store.

The answer is simple: when you go to Annabelles, you wont see what youll see anyplace else. The friendly staff, innovative designs, and great variety of merchandise make the shoppe live up to its billing.

See original here:
Annabelle's Interiors offers creative imagination to unique styles - Clay Today Online

B-Towners have been jet-setting to various holiday destinations with the lifting of lockdown. Most seem to have headed to beach destinations, especially either to Maldives or Goa. Not Sussanne Khan it seems, who is posting pictures of her vacay, but refusing to divulge the name of the destination. Looking absolutely beautiful in a single-shoulder top, with hair tied back in a ponytail and tinted sunglasses on a boat, she wrote: "Once upon a boat. #islandgirlforlife". The interior decorator seems to be having a ball of a time with her close friends there. Sussanne recently celebrated her birthday on October 28. Looking stunning in a mustard yellow dress she wrote : "Thank you dear Life for giving me the best of chances, the best of grace, the best of guidance and most importantly the best of humans that surround me with their love. My sunshine ochre birthday dress is from our very own @thelabellife. This birthday I have the most grateful heart for all that the universe has blessed me with. All that we are is a result of what we have thought -The Buddha. Work with your heart, to give back to the people around you, think with kindness and nothing will stop you from manifesting your path #kindessisasuperpower #ilovemybirthday #happyheart." However, the wishes didn't end there, the picture went viral and received a lot of comments. The one comment that caught everyone's attention was that of her former husband, Hrithik Roshan. He wrote: "Love it (sic)" and followed it up with another comment where he wished her a "happy birthday".

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Is Sussanne Khan holidaying on an island? - Times of India

The rich and famous are known to enjoy the finer things in life. Part of being wealthy comes with the satisfaction that you get to have your name on expensive and luxurious things. While the rich can buy anything they want, they are quite frugal in their spending. Careful thought is made on investments that have value. Below are some splurges that the rich spend their money on;

#1. LUXURIOUS HOMES

Everyone craves to know how the rich and famous live. There is a certain curiosity in wanting to know the kind of house your favourite entrepreneur has. When it comes to the homes for the rich, its all about extravagance and comfort. You might be surprised that your favourite mogul is a talented interior decorator hence explaining the innovative landscapes, precisely painted murals and unusual amenities. Having Italian furniture for your luxury home would speak flamboyance to many, however, for the rich, they go above and beyond to make their homes as meaningful and magnificent as possible.

#2. CLASSIC AUTOMOBILES

The finer things in life go hand in hand; you cannot live in a luxurious mansion and drive just any car. Classic automobiles cost lots of millions and the market for these sorts of cars is pretty niche hence can only be afforded to the overwhelmingly rich. Luxury car buyers are changing over time. Nowadays, the majority of the buyers are youthful with a growing proportion being female. Concerns over climate changes have made many want to opt for an eco-friendly set of wheels to flaunt their wealth.

#3. DESIGNER CLOTHES

Fashion is a status symbol for the rich and famous. Part of knowing how the rich look comes down to dressing. When money is no object, anyone can dress to impress. World renown fashion designers offer show-stopping clothes and accessories for out to look impeccable. While dressing in designer all the time is hugely debatable, fitted garments are a sign of taste, elegance and wealth. The key to success lies in how well put one looks which consequently depicts how people address you. Designer clothes are bound to make one stand from the crowd and look like a million dollars. Prosperous men have their clothes tailored to measure.

#4. JEWELRY

Knowing how to look rich is not just about clothing; accessories matter too. There is a wide range of accessories from hats, scarves, belts, bags, shoes to Jewelry. When it comes to jewelry, it has become a universal form of expression. Historically, jewelry was worn as a symbol of power and wealth by the kings, emperors and Pharaohs. Today, jewelry completes a look while acting as an agent of expressing character and personality. People love to accessorise to feel beautiful and confident. The rarer the jewel, the more unique and appealing it is. The rich buy jewelry not only to accessorize but for the future value. Expensive jewellery is worth the high price tag.

#5. TRAVEL

The spending of the rich is not limited on physical items and status. Nowadays, people spend on things that leave memories. People love to travel and millionaires certainly have the means to do so. Vacations are a big splurge as people move from country to country in search of new cultures, meet interesting people and enjoy fascinating sceneries.

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5 incredible splurges of the rich and famous - Be Global Fashion Network

Shah Rukh Khan with Gauri Khan. (courtesy gaurikhan)

Don't we all have a "favourite corner" in our homes? Well, so does Shah Rukh Khan and he recently shared a picture of his favourite spot in his Delhi home on Instagram story. BTW, this is the same home that is now on Airbnb. On his Instagram story on Friday, the actor posted a picture of what he described as "Nostalgia wall." It happens to be a wall that features some of the coolest posters. SRK, in his caption wrote: "My favourite corner of my Delhi home - our very own Nostalgia wall. Here's an opportunity for you to relive our memories. Only on AirBNB."

This is what Shah Rukh Khan posted:

Screenshot of Shah Rukh Khan's Instagram story.

Earlier this week, Gauri Khan gave us a tour of the Delhi home and she wrote sharing the video: "Our Delhi home is filled with memories of our early days, what we collected over the years and all the things we love as a family! It holds a very special place in my heart. Through my collaboration with Airbnb, a lucky duo will get a chance to be our guest."

Shah Rukh Khan too shared glimpses from the house and he wrote: "With so many memories of our early days in Delhi, the city holds a very special place in our hearts. Gauri Khan has redesigned our Delhi house and filled it with love and moments of nostalgia. Here's a chance for you to be our guest with Airbnb."

Gauri Khan is an interior decorator and she owns the plush Gauri Khan Designs in Mumbai. She has given makeovers to several suburban Mumbai restaurants and celebrity homes over the years. She has decorated homes for several Bollywood A-listers such as Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar among others. She has designed restaurants like Arth and Sanchos. She also designed Alia Bhatt's vanity van.

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Of Course Shah Rukh Khan Has A "Favourite Corner" In His Delhi Home. This Is What He Calls It - NDTV

He and set decorator Sabine Schaaf transformed the town hall in the Berlin borough of Spandau into the lobby of the fictional Gibson Hotel in Cincinnati; a unique event venue called Palais am Funkturm (designed by Bruno Grimmek in the 50s) into the Hotel Mariposa in Las Vegas; and the Friedrichstadt-Palast theater into an Art Decoinspired Mexico City hotel. The windows [at the theater] are big and have these colorful glass mosaic parts. We didnt want you to look outside and see Berlin. So we copied the pattern and printed it on a foil and put it on the windows, says Hanish.

Midcentury furniture was brought in from a dealer in the Netherlands as well as sourced from Berlin prop houses for sets like the Las Vegas hotel, pictured here.

For each city, we thought about what the biggest clich would be to let you know where you are. he says, but fans will have noticed that wherever the protagonist seems to go, shes enveloped in patterns, patterns, and more patterns. In her Las Vegas hotel room, its a greenish-blue, white, and brown diamond motif on the walls and a blue-and-brown fan pattern on the bedspread, curtains, and chair. In Mexico City, its Osborne & Little's Trailing Orchid print in teal on one wall, Angalyptas Deco Paradiso painted burgundy on the others, and a palm leaf headboard. In France, it is Morris & Co.s Bullerswood print on the walls, a brocade ottoman, and a leafy bedspread and headboard.

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But nowhere is the use of patternsand especially wallpapermore interesting than in the home of Beths adoptive mother, Alma Wheatley (played by Marielle Heller). Schaaf describes the decor there as fireworks, and says that after seeing images of American homes from the period with matching wallpaper and fabrics and busy patterns, she simply ran with the idea. We jumped into these patterns and put layers and layers on top of each other, so even if they dont match, in the end, when you use similar color families, theres a point where it comes together. I love it.

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Why Is Everyone So Obsessed With The Queens Gambit? - Architectural Digest

Synonymous with live jazz and Champagne brunches, Shook! is cemented in many a Malaysian's early memories of fine dining in KL. But nostalgia alone won't guarantee return customers; as such, the all-day dining restaurant is shaking up its offerings to stay ahead of the curve in today's competitive market.Little has been revealed about the menu, save for the promise of "globally inspired gourmet experiences."

What's certain is this: Shook!'s cooking will be spearheaded by chefs Mo and Rafizan, previously of Enak KL.

Furthermore, Shook! will prioritise private events, hence its two exclusive spaces titled The Living Room and Shook! 118.

Besides Shook!, The Starhill Dining is also breathing life into the following: Luk Yu Tea House, which is inspired by Chinese tea culture; The Alchemy, a gin-centric bar for fans of botanicals; Tarbush Lounge, a specialist of fine Arabic cuisine; and Jogoya, once home to KL's most coveted Japanese buffets.

See next:Chef Chats: Communal Table By Gen's Johnson Wong And Kevin Ng

Follow The Starhill Dining on Instagram for timely reveals about each outlet.

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The Starhill Dining Is Bound To Bedazzle In December 2020 - Tatler Malaysia

With the goal of outdoing his two older brothers, Blayne Elder completed his Eagle Scout service project by cleaning and painting the gazebo next to Keizer City Hall.

Blayne Elder with Keizer Mayor Cathy Clark. Elder completely rehabilitated a gazebo in Chalmers Jones Park as his Eagle Scout project (Submitted).

Blayne Elder had wanted to be an Eagle Scout since he was eight years old.

It's the final rank of scouting and the ultimate achievement. It looks great on a resume and shows you put forth the effort and work, Elder said.

One of the prerequisites for achieving Eagle Scout status is to perform a service project for the benefit of the community.

Since both of his older brothers were Eagle Scouts, Elder, a freshman at McNary High, wanted to make sure that his service project went above and beyond what his brothers did.

My main motivation was to beat my older brothers. It was to go big or go home, Elder said.

Most Eagle Scout service projects are done over the course of a weekend. However, Elder decided to tackle a much bigger project cleaning and painting the gazebo next to Keizer City Hall.

With the help of members of Troop 20 and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder was able to finish the project in two months.

I knew it would be benefitting to the community if I did it. It ended up looking so great, Elder said.

Robert Johnson has been the parks and facilities manager for the City of Keizer for 13 years and said he has never seen a scout take on this big of a project for the city.

I wanted to make sure he knew the size of the project he was about to take on. There's a lot of surface area that is not easy to get to. It's a multi-step process with a lot of details, Johnson said.

Elder brought his proposal for the project before the parks board on Aug. 13. It was estimated that the Elder would save the city more than $9,000 in labor costs, which is why it was an easy decision for the parks board to give their stamp of approval.

It was a no-brainer decision.The labor was a big saver for the city, Johnson said.

The Keizer parks department paid $650 for Elder's supplies through the parks matching grant.

Elder received paint discounts from the Sherman-Willams paint store in Keizer,as well as Rodda Paint in Salem. He also received free supplies from Herc Rentals in Keizer.

After Elder and his crew began sanding and pressure-washing the gazebo, they were forced to take a two-week hiatus due to the wildfires damaging the air-quality across the state. When Elder was able to return to work, he applied a rust-killing chemical to the facility, then began priming and masking the gazebo before painting.

Manuel Jauregui, a local painter, offered guidance and assistance to Elder free of charge.

After approximately 415 man hours, the project was completed in late-October.

I'm so thankful for everyone who helped me out, Elder said.It was a huge relief once we were finished. I learned that a project of this capacity takes a lot of planning and organization.

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Sibling rivalry saves city thousands | Keizertimes | You think you know. To be sure, read Keizertimes. - Keizertimes