Choosing to build or remodel with sustainably in mind can help families reduce their carbon footprint and create a healthier home. Home energy accounts for 19 percent of a family’s total environmental impact, and the kitchen uses a large portion of energy in most homes, as well as a sizeable amount of water. By selecting the right eco-friendly materials, low-flow faucets, and efficient appliances, a family can reduce energy use and utility costs. As an added bonus, avoiding the use of toxic chemicals in the construction process can improve indoor air quality.

Design for Sustainability

•  Size matters.

Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to sustainability. Think about your energy costs and carbon footprint, as well as the amount of space you really need to run a well organised and welcoming kitchen. Using your space effectively with thought out plans for cabinets and counter top space will help save the planet – and your wallet

• Plan ahead

Your family is not going to stay the same – little kids become big kids and needs can change drastically over time. Plan ahead by thinking about your future needs of your family, durable materials and future possible redecorations .

• Construct a lifestyle.

Even the greenest architecture and appliances won’t counteract a wasteful lifestyle. Incorporate aspects of green living right into the plans to make a sustainable lifestyle even easier.

• Plan for food preservation.

Local food is most sustainable, but many of us don’t have the space or tools to store 20 pounds of pears when they’re ripe at the farmer’s market, or a season’s worth of homemade tomato sauce. By incorporating a pantry, dehydrator, efficient freezer, or other food preservation tools into new kitchen plans, a family can take advantage of local and sustainable food options.

For more info head to http://www.custommade.com/

You can always contact us here!

The post Kitchen Design Ideas for the Family Home appeared first on Architectural World.

• Parquet flooring
• Boiserie Panels
• Walk-in Closets
• Baseboards

This flexibility allows for the mixing and matching needed to meet the needs of some of the most demanding interior designers.

The Garofoli Group have always had a strong environmental policy when producing its products. In 2009, they achieved the CCoC/PEFC Certification (Programe for Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes), which is the most widespread and famous scheme in the world for the sustainable management of forests.

In addition, the Garofoli Group will be attending the MADE Expo 2015 in Milan, where they will debut their new collection of products.

For more information on Garofoli Group products, get in touch!

The post Supplier Profile: Garofoli Group appeared first on Architectural World.

Treatment costs will vary depending on the extent of damage  - typically uninhabited buildings with leaks over a long period of time will have extensive damage, and be costly to repair. Dry Rot treatment measures are below:

DIY Repair

Dry Rot can be repaired easily, if caught early. See our free guide to Dry Rot, including identification and DIY repair here.

Calling in the experts

However, if you find that the stability of the windows is affected by Dry Rot, it’s best to contact an expert. This is important, as if the Dry Rot is incorrectly repaired, it may spread through materials and cause further damage.

Unchecked Dry Rot will damage the integrity of wooden windows and furniture, and can cause structural damage to a home. It’s best to get an estimate of the damage from an expert, and do some research on new material to with your expert.

For more information on identifying, repairing and preventing Dry Rot, download our free guide here:

The post Dry Rot Treatment Measures appeared first on Architectural World.

Natural materials like wood, will obtain wear and tear over time. Front doors made of wood will expand and contract through changing weather. This may affect your front door, after the time that your house has naturally settled. You may find that your front door creaks, sticks when opening and closing or begins to leak air.

Repairing a Sticking Front Door
A number of factors may result in a front door sticking, with simple fixes. First of all, check that hinges and edges of your front door are free from dirt, which will build up over time. If your door continues to stick, try tightening the hinges If the door continues to stick, try sanding the edges of the door.

Fixing Squeaky Hinges
Over time and extended use, your front door may begin to squeak when opening and closing. A silicone lubricant should resolve the issue. Remove and lightly scrub the pin, barrel and hinge leaves with steel wool. Then coat all the pieces with a thin layer of silicone spray or a light penetrating oil, and replace.

Repairing Dents
Dents in entry doors should be repaired as quickly as you can. Steel front doors can be repaired it using an auto filler. Sand down the damaged area until you see the metal. The auto filler is then applied in thin layers, which when completed will need additional sanding. Once you have achieved a smooth surface, the area can be primed and painted.

Stopping Air Leaks
Air leaks in front doors can cause cold drafts throughout hallways and rooms. To prevent drafts, your front door should be sealed. Check the caulk around the door, and replace it if it shows any damage or gaps. Weatherstripping is another option for stopping air leaks.This means adding a later around your door, also called a weather board. The angle of the weatherboard directs rain away from the bottom of the door.

Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The post How To Solve The Biggest Problems With Modern Front Doors appeared first on Architectural World.

As we’re focusing on door handles we’ll discuss the different designs, and functional elements of door handle or knob. We’ve compiled a list of the best blogs and sources to learn about Door Handles and how they work for your space.

• Kitchen Door Handles – Kitchen Fittings Direct

This website discusses all things Kitchen from Sinks, Seats to your door handles. They regularly update their blog with new tips and tricks to get the most from your design.

• Handsome Handles

This website discusses every style of door handle that is available for you. Giving you a strong understanding of why door handles can be the statement piece of a door.

• History, Style & Uses of Door Handles - Seven Creative

This blog is run by a marketing company that supplies it visitors with a wealth of knowledge about door knobs. From the different types handles to benefits of different door handles.

We have a wide range of contemporary door handles that we can organise and  fit along with your doors and windows. If you would like to speak to us about our range of door handles that we supply please contact us here. We have a wide range of contemporary door handles that we can organise along with the fitting of your doors and windows.

The post The Best Blogs To Follow About Door Handles appeared first on Architectural World.