Contemporary University Design: Ravensbourne College Building in London

Here is a campus building project located in London. The project was completed by the Office of foreign architects, in order to meet the demands of development era to -21 century for learners.  Here is more from the project developers: “The architecture of the building has been designed to express the culture of contemporary production, by using a non-periodic tiling system which symbolises a more diverse and contemporary approach to technology. Gothic rose windows and flower patterns have also been a rich field of inspiration for the project, but in this building they will not be produced as an imitation of nature but as an abstract construction. To achieve this we have resorted to the use of a non-periodic tiling pattern on the façade, which allowed us to build seven different types of windows out of only three different tiles.” home-4us readers, what is your choice-  traditional or contemporary university building designs?

Family Retreat With Surrounded by Technology and Contemporary Design

If you and your family have a super busy activity and makes you tired and stressed, your family may need a moment amid the fatigue isitrahat daily routine. We suggest that you can make a family holiday in a place of comfort and calm. If  you have a house like the designs below, it would be a cheap and enjoyable vacation spot for your family. The design of this house has a beautiful scenery, surrounded by technology and contemporary design. Growing up in a place like this next home can be surprisingly helpful in learning about clean design lines and uncluttered space. Judy Goodger has this beautiful residence for sale and describes it as a perfectly positioned family retreat: “Spread over two levels, this first-class floor plan offers space for the entire family. The first level features an open plan dining and living area that merges effortlessly without compromising the definition of each space. Neutral tones accentuated by polished timber flooring create a warm and inviting atmosphere that gives way to a generously sized deck and pool area. With views of the tranquil surrounds, it is the perfect outdoor space to kick back and watch the kids enjoy the extensive child-friendly grounds.” With a modern kitchen allowing allows easy service to the dining area and four bedrooms, the residence at the end of a cul-de-sac in Chapel Hill has a total land surface of 577 sqm. Do you think that you would need more space for raising a family?

Artist’s Crib with an Intriguing Architecture in Melbourne

Today we will show an interesting design house located in Melbourne, Australia. This project was designed by Nervegna Reed Architects in collaboration with PH. History of the making of this project begins a  client ideas who wanted a contemporary home design that can be used as a gallery or a studio meeting the artists. Here is more on the structure of the residence from the architects: “The house extends over 3 levels; the entry is on the middle, ground level, where all the living spaces flow around a courtyard, which is a slice of a circle. The dispersed placement of objects, materials and functions on this level works much like a layout of a pinball machine, each surface hinting at a multitude of possible routes that one could take through the building, sometimes encouraging a certain movement, sometimes not. The front study with adjoining bathroom is for visiting artists. Downstairs is a basement gallery, indirectly lit by a concrete light shaft / skylight which also functions as a seat and a sculpture podium.” We appreciate the original approach to this contemporary living project, as well as the indoor-outdoor design similarities. What do you think? Is this place fit for an artist’s crib?

Royal Mix of Traditional Styles: The Kingold Demo Apartment in China

Alberto Apostoli from Verona, Italy designed an intriguing looking apartment in Guangzhou (China).  Here is the project description we received from the architect: “Kingold Demo apartment was designed for a Chinese real estate company planning to built a residence in Guangzhou (China). The Client researched a project for a sample apartment where the neoclassic Italian style faded with a more international architectural concept, especially French and Anglo-Saxon. Italian architect Alberto Apostoli was the right person to realize this project thanks to his worldwide experiences. In this project, classical Italian elements such as columns and statues are mixed with French lacquered wood boiserie and British colonial furniture. Clean lines, symmetry and geometric forms are fused with frivolous baroque details and decorations like the pompous curtains and the luxury chandeliers. The geometric design of the (Italian) marble floor was inspired by the classic style but instead of “chiaroscuro” its colors are pastel green.The space for these quality furniture pieces and materials needed also to be refined, resplendent and very bright, so architect Apostoli create big windows and added many mirrors in every room, playing with the effects of light and perspective.”

10 Amenities to Look for when Buying a Home

Now that spring is here, buying and selling homes is an objective for many of you, who have waited patiently all winter to start your home search. Whether this is your first home or you are a veteran, there are amenities that you should keep an eye out for when looking to buy a home. While many people can stage and make a house look good, remember once their belongings are taken with them, the house will remain. Therefore, look at these 10 amenities when considering buying a home, to help assure you of getting a worthwhile investment.

1. Look at the kitchen appliances: One of the most expensive parts of homes are the appliances. The age, care, and condition of the kitchen appliances in the home will have a direct impact as to whether you will need to buy new ones, or if they will need to be serviced anytime soon. Go ahead… open the refrigerator!

2. Finishes and materials: Once you know your price range, know what finishes are expected in your price point.  Less expensive home will use vinyl flooring, lower end carpet and possible plastic laminate counters in kitchen and baths. While higher end homes may use more resilient flooring such as tile and wood, and solid surfacing in kitchens, such as granite or slate. Knowing what is expected in your price category will help you determine if the home you’re looking at is a deal or not.

 3. Pay attention to the ceiling: The ceiling is a telltale place for water spots to show from possible leaks and cracks from structural damage. Pay attention to cracks in drywall, wall surfaces, and where the ceiling meets the wall for warning signs.

4. Outdoor areas of the home: Don’t forget to look at the roof, gutters, downspouts, and inspect the outdoor condition of the home. Especially older homes, try to find out from your Realtor or the previous homeowner when maintenance or replacements have been conducted in the past.

5. Look at the neighborhood: Yes, your house is important, but the safety, location, and proximity to several amenities should be considered as well. Research nearby schools if you have children, as well as travel time to work, stores, and how your neighborhood is laid out. Feel just as comfortable with your neighborhood as your house.
6. Upgrades versus standard amenities: If you are purchasing a brand new home from a builder, know what are upgrades versus standard amenities when looking at homes. Most model homes will have quite a few upgrades to show the homes in their “highest quality” state.  While upgrades don’t mean the home is built any better or worse than homes with less upgrades. Once again, this information will help you be an informed homebuyer. Don’t allow yourself to buy a more expensive home than you budgeted for because of upgrades. Knowing your price point will keep you disciplined.
7. Bathroom amenities: Similarly to the kitchen, look at the bathroom plumbing fixtures, shower/tub to see what condition these amenities are in. For older homes, if you know you will need to do a remodel or renovation in the future, you should be prepared to know this reality when looking at the home, not after you move in.

8. Major systems: Take a look at the heating/air conditioner unit, hot water heater, and other major systems in the house when looking at homes. These systems can be costly if they are left in disrepair for too long. While you may not need to look at these until you are settling on one specific house, its good to keep on your checklist.
9. Homeowner added amenities: For resale homes, many homeowners have already upgraded the home on their own. From adding a swimming pool and deck in the backyard to crown molding and built in cabinets in the living room. Most homeowners will state what upgrades they have put into the house, and what the approximate cost it was to upgrade. Use this information when comparing like properties in a similar neighborhood, city, etc…
10. Look for a paper trail: Especially when buying a resale home, seek a paper trail, or a list of receipts and/or documents of repairs, upgrades, and services added to the home over the years. Similarly to buying a used car, the more informed you are, the more ideal buying a home from that individual will feel. Amenities in a home can be attractive, but if the homeowner can’t tell you who upgraded it and when, you may want to move on to the next house.

Looking for a new home can be exciting, and at times nerve racking! Even though it can be both of these, looking for a home is an essential part of life, and believe it or not, it is the best investment you can ever make. Decide what amenities you have to have, and which ones you’d prefer, but don’t have to have. Use this 10 amenities list to help you know what to look for when looking for the perfect home.