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Have You Built Anything?

CasaSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:30:16 -0700

Be it a fence, a bookshelf, a house, or a garden box, I want to know. Have you built anything? Source

Trendtotting: Dirty Boys

LilSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:00:50 -0700

Boys love nothing more than to dig in the dirt. When it comes to their unearthing activities, what better way to dress the lil guys than with attire inspired by the real movers and shakers - construction tools and vehicles? While out shopping with my son, I spied these boyish finds at Crazy 8. Check out the dirty apparel for your wee worker.

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Ground Zero Reconstruction Planners Ditch Timetable

LibertySugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:00:16 -0700

The building schedule for skyscrapers and a memorial planned for New York City's Ground Zero have been tossed out by the World Trade Center owners, due to unrealistic goals and rising costs.

Planners will announce a new timetable this September, seven years after the Twin Towers fell, according to BBC. Officials previously promised that the Freedom Tower, set to replace the destroyed towers while taking the title of the nation's tallest building, would be complete in 2006, then 2011, and finally in 2013.

Planners promise that the next date will be realistic, rather than emotional. The original Twin Towers took about five years to build. After September 11, 2001, how long did you expect it to take to rebuild Ground Zero? Does the stalling delay the healing process?

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Eco Chic: Previously Developed Land

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:15:03 -0700

No one will tell you that building a new home rather than purchasing one that already exists is environmentally friendly — even if you use salvaged materials. So, if you're considering building a new home, find a lot that's previously been built on. Previously developed land (PDL) that is vacant or unused is a wasted resource. Building on PDL does not disturb wildlife, and keeps our natural assets intact. There may also be a cash incentive to leaving nature untouched. When asked about the value of New Jersey's natural assets, Bill Mates of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, said they're worth a lot:

At least $26 billion a year worth of goods and services. And that $26 billion a year is worth about $850 billion in present value terms.

If you have no plans to build a home but have money to spare, consider purchasing undeveloped land and leaving it that way. It's the only property that can't be reproduced.
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Wolf Whistles Drive Woman to Protest - By Getting Naked?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:36 -0700

An Internet news rumor run amuck? Sites were reporting this shocking story as fact yesterday - do you believe it? Apparently, a road crew in the small town of Kerikeri, New Zealand, was repairing the main street when they decided to pay too much attention to one woman - who decided to let them know just what she thought about their behavior - by stripping.

According to the story, the woman (an Israeli tourist) took offense to their catcalls and planted herself firm, stripped bare, and used the ATM in the altogether. The clothes-free campaign brought a screeching halt to both the whistles and the road work. She then put her clothes back on and walked away.

The sergeant assigned to the case said the woman told police she didn't like the attention. "She said she had thought '... I'll show them what I've got,' " as the men whistled at her, he said. "She gave the explanation that she had been ... pestered by New Zealand men. She's not an unattractive-looking lady."

Her alleged punishment? "She was taken back to the police station and spoken to and told that was inappropriate (behavio[u]r) in New Zealand." Could this be true, or an Internet hoax masquerading as news?

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This Just In: Portland to Reward Energy-Efficient Homes

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:30:28 -0800

According to an article in The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon, is considering a carbon fee and inspection requirement that would tax builders hundreds of dollars for each new home that is not extremely energy efficient. Builders who construct buildings that save at least 45% more energy over Oregon code requirements would be paid cash rewards. Each new home sold would also be required to undergo an energy efficiency report be done by home inspectors.

"This is obviously an ambitious and potentially controversial undertaking, but with the new urgency and call to action on issues around global warming, this is the type of policy that Portland needs to be a leader," said City Commissioner Dan Saltzman.

The proposal will go before voters in January, and if passed, will go into effect in 2010. While this proposal will take significant innovation and work on the part of developers and builders, it is the type of measure that will encourage good building practices. Kudos to Portland!
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Stuck Between A Dude On A Ladder & A Hard Place

GiggleSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I once saw a poster that read, "None of us is as dumb as all of us." I think that applies here.

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TGIF

GiggleSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 10:30:00 -0700

Having a bad week at work? This should make you feel a bit more fortunate. (It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it.)

Designer Spotlight: Domestic Construction

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:00:02 -0800

While most Anthropologie catalogs are beautifully styled, the fabric rooms pictured in this particular catalog truly took my breath away. The stitched backdrops and room facades were designed by Trish Andersen and Maureen Walsh, whose design studio Domestic Construction focuses on interiors, environments, and unique fashion and home products. Trish and Maureen met at Savannah College of Art and Design. Each woman then moved to New York to pursue her passion separately, with Trish working as a display coordinator at Anthropologie and Maureen working on her clothing line, Uncle Bikes. With the formation of Domestic Construction, these two bright lights of the design world are truly showcasing their sparkle. Make sure to check out their Etsy site to purchase some of their designs. And check out some of their other products and installation work in my slideshow!
All photos courtesy of Anthropologie and Domestic Construction

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Nice and New: Hable Construction Cayenne Birds Pillow

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:15:53 -0800

There's not a thing about Hable Construction's new Cayenne Birds Wheat Linen Pillow ($130) that I don't adore. From the Thomas Paul-esque pattern to the hand-printed and hand-sewn material to the organically inspired colors, it's utterly charming. Its smart bird pattern is simple enough for a modern home but exhibits enough folksy flair for a country cottage as well. Its stuffer is made of feather and duck down too, making it a comfy accessory for an oft-used reading chair. And, you know I can't resist a good bird . . .