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| Charming London Flat Engages Sliding Screens for Privacy Posted: 28 May 2014 08:00 AM PDT
This flat in central London is an unusual renovation in that it has been built out to accommodate a large, multi-generational family who only live there at times, and not all at the same time. The South East Asian family uses the home in London as a secondary home for when they visit the city for work or pleasure. Because of the flexible nature of the family’s living situation, their living space had to be equally flexible.
Architects VW+BS were called on to create a space that could not only accommodate their unusual living situation, but that would have a simple look and plenty of privacy.
The first step in the renovation was restoring the trio of stately French windows at the front of the living space. The decorative wrought iron railing around the terrace was brought back into use after the terrace had fallen into disuse.
Taking advantage of the flat’s double height, the architects then installed a mezzanine overlooking the main living area. Equipped with an opaque screen that folds open for maximum sunlight and closed to maximum privacy, the screen completely transforms the flat when it changes positions.
Because there can be as many as two families and as few as two individuals staying in the apartment at any time, the need for defined private spaces was important. At the back of the living space, beyond the kitchen, a pivoting wooden door reveals a set of stairs that lead up to the sleeping areas. The top of the stairs houses another opaque screen that closes off to provide an even greater degree of privacy.
The overarching idea of the living space was simplicity. The flat had once been a magnificent Victorian living space, but before this renovation had somewhat lost its focus. With the restoration of some original details and the addition of simple, contemporary finishes, the feeling of an elegant Victorian drawing room has been redefined and brought into the 21st century. Keep Going - Check Out These Great Related Dornob Articles: |
| Recycled Cardboard = Desks + Backpacks for Indian Kids Posted: 27 May 2014 02:00 PM PDT
In most of the developed world, education is a right, not a luxury. But in India, the children who are able to attend school often don’t even have chairs to sit on or desks to write on. To address some of these problems, Aarambh, a nonprofit organization based in New Bombay, created a dual-purpose portable desk made from recycled cardboard boxes.
Help Desks are made from cartons collected from recycling centers, retail businesses, and offices. Simple outlines are stenciled onto the cardboard,which is then cut and folded into a unique shape that allows it to be used as a desk or as a briefcase-like backpack.
The lack of desks is not only inconvenient; it can result in eye strain, back pain, and lasting physical discomfort. The Help Desk allows schoolchildren a flat surface to work on, easing the strain on their backs. It also gives kids a convenient way to carry their supplies to and from school – much more convenient than the plastic shopping bags that many of them currently use.
The desks/backpack combinations only cost about 20 cents a piece to produce. Aarambh already distributed some of the Help Desks to schoolchildren in rural Maharashtra, and their concept was proven. The children who used the desks were able to work more comfortably and effectively. Although there are many other obstacles facing effective communication in rural Indian communities, Aarambh is working to deliver solutions that will make education more accessible to marginalized families. ... |
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