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Renovating Europe is needed NOW

January 2, 2013 / barros / 0 Comments

We start this new year of 2013 by showing our support for the ‘Renovate Europe’ campaign.

The ‘Renovate Europe’ Campaign was initiated by EuroACE (The European Alliance of Companies for Energy Efficency in Buildings). It is calling for an ambitious roadmap to be drawn up on how to triple the annual renovation rate of the EU building stock from the current rate of 1% to 3% by 2020 and to ensure that the aggregate result of those renovations leads to an 80% reduction of the energy demand of the building stock by 2050 as compared to 2005.

We can continue to burn money on ever more expensive imported fossil fuels. Or we can invest in measures that will help create up to 2 million European jobs, reduce our environmental footprint and prevent more Europeans falling into fuel poverty.

The choice is yours. Support a 3% renovation rate of Europe’s buildings.

Source: Renovate Europe

Visit www.renovate-europe.eu/threepercent to add your support to calls for policy measures that will help Renovate Europe.

OVERVIEW – Energy efficient renovation makes economic sense

Isabel’s Picks for December 2012

December 11, 2012 / barros / 0 Comments

COSY AND WARM

Are you ready to celebrate?

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1. KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD

Brand: Gutmann

Model: Futura

Price Range: €8,900

Material: Stainless steel and glass.

Key Features: The entire module disappears completely into the counter at the push of a button. High-quality condensation filter.

Available in Ireland from: Showtime Essential Kitchen Products

2. DOOR HANDLE

Manufacturer: Olivari

Product Name: Milano 2

Price Range: €104

Finishes: Matt Chrome, Chrome, SuperGold Bright.

Available in Ireland from: The Door Handle Store

3. LEARNING THERMOSTAT

Brand: Nest

Product Name: Nest Learning Thermostat

Price Range: €193

Key Features: Learns from your usage, nudges you to conserve energy and can be remote-controlled from a smartphone, tablet or web browser.

4. PAINT

Brand: Crown

Product Name: Stepping Stone (Matt Emulsion) and Cotton Field (earthbalance®).

Price Range: from €27

Key facts: Made with Breatheasy® formulation so they’re virtually odour free. earthbalance®: 99% solvent free – Reducing our impact on the environment; 22% lower embodied carbon – Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions; 100% recyclable pack.

Available in Ireland from: Woodie’s DIY

5. NATIVITY SCENE

Brand: Alessi

Designer: LPWK, Giacon Massimo

Product Name: AMGI10 AZ – Presepe, Group

Price Range: €69

Material: Porcelain. Hand-decorated.

Available in Ireland from: Alessi Shop

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The Secret Guide to Deal with Architects – Take 2

November 29, 2012 / barros / 11 Comments

Dealing with Architects can seem a bit daunting if you have never done it before. But we are here to help you to make the all construction process for your project as painless as possible.

This time we give you some tips about Fee Proposals.

If you have just landed here, you may want to start with Take 1 – Stages.

2. Fee Proposals

When approaching an Architect to get a fee proposal for your project you don’t need to tell him/her what is your favourite colour and how many steps you want separating the living room from the dining. We know you are all excited about getting your project started but these details are not needed to prepare a fee proposal.

Hot tip: If you can’t figure out what are the main points the Architect needs to prepare a fee proposal, just ASK him/her! Don’t waste your time and the Architect’s time with too much information. Later on when you appoint the Architect s/he will be asking for your Brief. The Brief will include your requirements and aspirations and that’s when you have to provide as much information as possible.

Go to Take 3 – The Brief.

Start from Take 1 – Stages.