Design Build Team

Incorporate Recycling into Kitchen Design

2013-05-17T21:27:51Z

A recycling station in the kitchen is a must for a green conscious homeowner

If you’re remodeling or building a new kitchen, an accomplished architect with a green consciousness will make certain to incorporate recycling into your design. The importance of recycling will only continue to grow in the future.

Using an architect for your plan will allow you to choose your options so you include the efficient and most clever recycling ideas. Everyone’s space is limited, and your architect will provide a recycling station that is clean, simple and easy to access:

Choose a place for your recycling area. This space can be right at your fingertips, completely out in the open (if you have lots of room), under your sink in a hidden cabinet or even in your pantry. The simplest recycling center includes just two receptacles – a modest size container for your trash, and a larger one for your recycling.
Your architect can do the vital measurements when designing your counters and cabinets so it will be completely convenient for you to recycle. The bins and storage areas will be aesthetically pleasing as well right at hand.
In the design stage, it will be easy to engineer an adjacent storage area for your supplies, such as plastic bags, rubber gloves, twist-ties and anything else that will aid you in staying efficient and green.

An architect’s creativity is endless. Combined with an experienced building contractor, you’ll end up with the perfect design. Design Build Team incorporates that knowledgeable architect into the building process; Contact us or call 913-722-1443 for more information.

image via nicolas raymond

Cove Lighting Explained

2013-05-13T19:42:30Z

Cove lighting is a great way to include accent lighting in an area such as a bathroom or kitchen where brightness levels are important. Cove lights are installed in groups and built into ledges,

Image via Shutterstock.

recesses, ceiling nooks, skylights, or valences either in a ceiling or high up on the walls to create layers of light. The light is shone upward to create an aesthetically pleasing effect from the warm, evenly distributed indirect light source.

An alternative to uplighting is to use cove lights under cabinets in either a bathroom or kitchen. When installed in lower cabinets, the lights illuminated the floor, whereas those placed above counters can spotlight any decorative features. In bathrooms, a light beneath the mirror of a sink creates a suitable light for washing hands.

Cove lights can use T5 fluorescent tubes or LED strips, both of which are very energy efficient options. Homeowners are recommended to install the lights at least 18 inches away from the ceiling and 6 feet 8 inches from the floor using a crown molding technique to keep the hardware out of sight.

To incorporate cove lighting into a home design, contact us at Design Build Team.

4 Fun and Creative Architecture Websites!

2013-05-13T19:34:36Z

There is an architecture website for everyone from amateurs with an interest in the subject to a homeowners looking for inspiration for their own projects. Following are four of the top fun and creative choices on the Internet.

Arch Daily. This daily publication, produced by Plataforma Networks, has been an online source of information on projects, products, events, interviews, and competitions in the architectural field since 2008. Daily articles are intended to inspire architects in hope to improve the quality of life of people moving into city homes.
Contemporist. Multiple homes are spotlighted every day on this website jam-packed with information and photos. The buildings showcased feature original and contemporary designs from all over the world.
The Cool Hunter. High definition photos are interspersed with information about some of the most creative properties across the globe. Many of the buildings featured are simplistic, but highly effective, and all are completely unique.
Architect Magazine. This online magazine is a top spot for any architect or enthusiast. Just some of the features of this website include top stories and business news, photos of recent projects, products for sale, a job board, and courses to allow professionals to continue their education.

For any architectural needs, no matter how big or small, contact us at Design Build Team.