» Home Designs

Colonial home plans

qwcdirect — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 06:15:07 +0000

Simple rectangular shapes, gabled roofs and large pillars or columns are the most basic features of a colonial home plan. Some other distinct characteristics of these homes are temple like entrance, large porticos, double-hung windows that have shutters and heavily paneled doors that look quite exquisite. Commonly, colonial houses have more than one floor and a fireplace. In addition, their exterior is made of either bricks or wood. The interiors of a colonial home reflect the sophisticated taste of early settlers in America, many of whom came from France and England.

Most colonial homes have a large welcoming centre hall with the dining hall and living room on either sides of it. The kitchen and the bedrooms are located at the back of the house to afford some privacy. Yet other detailing of colonial houses includes rectangular transoms and fanlights fitted atop door sidelights to beatify the entrance of the house.

How to go flashy in moderate means?

qwcdirect — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 06:13:28 +0000

Everyone wants to add a little bit of zing to their homes. However, budget constraints often cut them short while shopping for furniture and other interior decoration items. If you too feel like you have fewer choices due to lesser money in hand, prioritizing is the keyword for you. It is always easier and pocket-friendly to revamp what you already have rather than buying something new. This way you can go flashy even in moderate means. Some other time and cost saving interior decorating ideas that you can adopt to liven up your house are given below.

Use wallpaper to get the snazzy texture painting that you have seen in a glossy magazine. Artistic use of mirrors can help you highlight the best features of a room and create the illusion of a larger space. Repaint old wooden furniture instead of buying a new one. Also, it is better to fix the discolored spot on the floor or tapestry than buying a new one.

Art Deco Architecture

qwcdirect — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 06:09:09 +0000

The art deco architecture has been rightly hailed as the architecture of future. True to today’s machine age, this school of architecture is categorized by sleek geometric designs that often have a dramatic impact. Their distinct cubic and zig zag designs set them apart from other building styles and remind one of the Flintstone style of architecture. Once a rage in the 1930’s and 40’s, this style of architecture still finds many takers who want to express their wild side in construction.

As common with most architecture styles, art deco architecture has also adopted distinctive elements of other building styles. In fact, the art deco movement was a fusion of several different art movements such as Futurism, Neoclassical, Cubism and Modernism. It also drew inspiration from the cultures of Far East, Aztec, India, Rome and Egypt. The Art Deco spire of the Chrysler Building in New York is perhaps the best known example of art deco architecture in the world today.

Designing a Pergola

qwcdirect — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:00:52 +0000

If you want to build a pergola, you need to have adequate space. There are various designs you can choose from. It can be made from wood, metal, plastic or trees. When using trees, all you need is to train the branches to curve in the direction you want.
The design you choose for your pergola can either light, heavy, decorative, minimal, elaborate, simple, rustic or formal. It will largely depend on where the pergola will be constructed and how you want to use it.
The pergola can also include paths that are textured, paved or planted. This will create a sophisticated atmosphere along the structure.
To get a structure that is more solid, you should use pillars made from bricks, blocks or cement. Recycled materials can also be utilized when you are designing a pergola. When coming up with the design you have to make sure the structure is solid, well seated, and strong.

Role of technology in designing modern buildings

Constructor — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:18:50 +0000

In the last few years, several methods of constructing and designing the buildings have come up that make use of technology for the benefit of mankind, buildings and also the whole environment. A method called as Building Information Modeling has been developed through which interconnected computable information about buildings is collected. With the help of this method, the progress of the building in the form of digital representations is available to be reviewed by parties. Thus, better communication is allowed as it is related to resolving problems and making modifications if necessary.

Computer-based tools are also used for solving designing problems. Using these tools, designers simulate conditions such as earthquakes before even starting to construct the building. Other technological advancements made in the field of building construction include re-radiating systems and distributed antenna systems which are installed in buildings where concrete, steel and other materials obstruct the radio signals. Thus, technology has ensured that the buildings that are now being constructed are sustainable for the future in the best way possible.