January 2015 - Page 2 of 9 - Sunshine Coast GlassNow™

The World’s Most Awesome Swimming Pools

January 10, 2015/in Top Ten /by GlassNow

We all enjoy swimming in a beautiful pool, and the following are pools that are worth travelling to experience!

The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand

This spectacularly coloured pool is lined with mosaic tiles of blood red, orange and yellow. The red loungers around the pool add to the colour of the water and at night the lights are trained to highlight the effect of the tiling.

Pelican Hill, California, United States

This beautiful pool takes inspiration from the Roman Coliseum and is surrounded by an amphitheatre of terraces, arches and columns. The pool is lined with one million tiles and is an idyllic location to while away the day.

Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

This exquisitely lit pool was one of the first to use fibre optic technology to create an atmospheric pool in a beautiful location.

It adjoins the only salt water floatation pool in the Maldives, rich in minerals that have many healing effects.

Nandana Villa, Grand Bahama, Bahamas

An infinity pool that appears to join with the Atlantic, this pool is not cluttered with loungers but instead has just three carefully placed palm trees and is perfect for relaxation and enjoying the picturesque views.

The Standard, Los Angeles, United States

Twelve stories over the city, this turquoise water pool is surrounded by red Astroturf to give it a truly psychedelic appearance while swimmers overlook the city scape.

At night the pool becomes an entertainment area with a dance floor, open fireplace and bar.

Paresa Phuket, Thailand

This infinity pool overlooking the sea is populated by islands that provide the perfect secluded location for a romantic meal for two.

The sound of the waves and the starlight add the final touches to this unforgettable dining experience.

Punta Tragara, Capri, Italy

A pool that has been known by celebrities for over one hundred years, this is one location you will never forget. Surrounded by Cypress-studded Rocks and with a view of iconic Faraglioni rocks, this is a pool that cannot be mimicked anywhere else in the world.

Sanctuary Swala, Tanzania

Overlooking a watering hole in Tarangire National Park, this pool gives views that cannot be seen from any other pool in the world! Watch elephants and rare kudu antelopes against the stunning backdrop of Africa’s dramatic baobab trees.

Enjoy this pool at sundown with a cocktail before retiring to your luxury cabin.

Alila Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

This infinity pool is set among rice fields and appears to disappear down over the jungle below. A pool that will give you a sense of serenity and peace as you swim.

The St. Regis, Lhasa, Tibet

This gold plated pool is adjacent to a meditation garden and was designed for spiritual well being.

Skye, São Paolo, Brazil

This crimson roof top pool sits on the spectacularly designed boutique Hotel Unique. And being the tallest building for over 1km in each direction you are guaranteed panoramic views like nowhere else in the city.

The Cambrian, Switzerland

This heated outdoor pool, complete with bubble massage and soothing jets is perfect for après ski and allows you to feel as though you are swimming right into the unmatched Swiss Alps.

The Park Hyderabad, India

The purple water of this beautifully located pool matches the furnishings of the hotel, designed to make every guest feel like royalty.

This is an infinity pool that overlooks the lake, giving the perspective of both meeting.

Hearst Castle, California, United States

Although swimming is not allowed in either of the two Roman inspired pools at the mansion of William Randolph Hearst, writer of ‘Citizen Kane’, it is a popular tourist destination.

And seeing where many of Hollywood’s ‘Royalty’, such as Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable, have swum is definitely worth the trip.

How to Get Rid of Termite In Your House

January 10, 2015/in Home Improvement, Tips /by GlassNow

The Great Northern Termite, the most aggressive termites known to mankind, was not known to be found south of the Tropic of Capricorn but they have been positively identified in a fast growing colony on the Gold Coast, causing home owners concern about the damage that these fearsome insects can inflict.

Just twelve weeks is long enough for these termites to severely damage the structure of your home and they are known to eat electrical wiring and bitumen also.

So, how can you protect your home?

All home owners need to be able to identify termite damage as soon as it appears, allowing them to be able to call in the experts to rid them of the problem. Look out for:

Pencil wide foraging tubes on your windows, wood siding and other wooden structures.
Damaged woodwork, hollowed out along the grain with mud or grit along the damage.
Winged ‘swarmer’ termites along the floor or windowsills.

And to reduce the risk of infestation in the first place take the following action:

Don’t let moisture build up around your foundation: Termites are attracted to moisture and will be more likely to colonise your property if there is constant moisture around your foundations. Divert water from your property with gutters and downspouts that are regularly cleaned and use splash blocks to keep the water from the soil around your home. Keep your faucets, water pipes and air conditioning units well maintained to reduce leaks. And even something as simple as making sure that your lawn sprinkler isn’t causing puddles around your home can vastly reduce your risk of being colonised.
Reduce the contact of wood with the soil: Many infestations come from structural wood being in contact with the damp ground. Having your wood on the soil gives termites easy access and a safe home with lots to eat. Keep your wooden structures, such as latticing, wood siding or any other wood work, at least six inches from the ground to discourage the destructive insects. Bear in mind that pressure treated wood is not immune to termites, and even bedding wood in concrete will not deter termites who will enter through cracks or cut ends.
Keep your crawl space low in humidity: Keep your vents free from debris build up which increases the humidity and attracts termites to the condensation and moisture build up. Ensure that your vapor barrier and vents are up to code and reduce the humidity in your crawl space by installing 4-6ml polyethylene sheeting over about 75% of the soil surface.
Don’t store firewood or other wood against your foundation or inside your crawl space: By doing that you are setting up an ‘all you can eat’ buffet for the termites, and providing a hidden path for them to enter, bypassing any other deterrents you have invested in such as a termiticide soil barrier. Cardboard and old newspapers are also invitations to termites so keep your crawl space and foundation debris free at all times. Remove old tree stumps or rotting wooden structures as quickly as you can, to prevent termites discovering a way into your home.
When gardening mulch sparingly: Mulch is an attractive and environmentally friendly approach to use in gardening, but unfortunately it is also attractive to termites. It is not a preferred food but it offers moisture and shelter. Other products such as pea gravel and crushed stone are just as attractive to the destructive creatures so keep your mulch to a maximum of two to three inches and ensure it is not in contact with your windows or wood sidings.
Consider having a professional treat your home as a preventative measure: All buildings have openings which termites see as an invitation to move in. Using the above measures will make your home less attractive but a termiticide is the best prevention.

Made-to measure glass pet doors for the discerning owner

January 10, 2015/in DIY, Tips /by GlassNow

Now you can forget all those late night or early morning toilet runs in all weather, which is even worse when it’s raining — when all you want is a steaming hot cup of tea and some breakfast — especially when time is of the essence. The commute to the office has to start early or the traffic will be too heavy to make it on time, meaning extra time at the end of the working day to catch up, and maybe driving home in the dark.

Another chore you can forget (with a perfectly-measured glass pet door) is the mopping up of those little overnight accidents when you first get up and, worse, when the furry culprit decides to do a do-little or two on the new carpet, leaving stains that carpet cleaning can’t quite get out no matter how hard you try. Now, with a made-to-measure pet door, you can stay in bed just a few minutes longer and then paddle your way bleary-eyed to the kitchen without having to look out for puddles along the way.

Owners should be able to enjoy having a pet as part of a comfortable lifestyle … Imagine, no more interruptions while eating dinner or watching television or even enjoying some romantic time on the sofa. The pet door takes care of all those annoying pet toilet problems but only if the door fits properly. It should neither be too big or too small.

The secret is to measure the chest of the largest fully-grown pet and make sure that the door size you have selected is larger than your pet to ensure easy access in and out. Another important measurement is from the top of the shoulders to the bottom of the chest or the tummy, whichever is the lowest point of the animal, then add a further 5 centimeters to be on the safe side. A general estimate is 38 centimeters for a medium sized dog and 45 centimeters for a large dog.

How to Service your Patio Doors with ease

January 10, 2015/in DIY, Home Improvement, Tips /by GlassNow

The great Australian way of life is living outdoors with the comfort and ease of indoor domesticity? And the best way to achieve this is with a modern or classic patio doors that seamlessly bridge your living areas with your veranda or garden. But, do your patio doors function seamlessly?

There are a number of issues that owners of appendages to glass patio doors can experience and the best wayto trouble shoot these is to examine them one-by-one and check them off the handy person’s ‘to do’ list. These are: roller adjustments especially after spring or autumn cleaning; panel reversing; insect screen installation, removing or replacing; and/or issues with between safety-glass blinds.

One of the main benefits of between-glass blinds is never, ever, having to dust the slats again. However, there are rules of engagement when operating the blinds. For one, the glass-enclosed blinds should be operated slowly and steadily and never at high speed or with sudden jerks or the operator may stall and need to be re-engaged.

Here are the correct steps to take to re-engage the blind operator:

Firstly, make sure the operator is at the bottom of the unit and not detached from the glass
Secondly, the operator needs to be moved slowly up and down the glass until the first ‘clicking’ sound occurs
Then, continue moving the operator slowly up the glass until the second ‘clicking’ sound’, which suggests the operator is fully engaged
Finally, run the blind through its cycle a couple of times to ensure it;s fully functional and secure

With panel reversing (which means sliding open from the other side) … One would need to know exactly what one is doing so, if in doubt, engage a professional. Otherwise look carefully at the instructions before embarking on the task. Adjusting the rollers is something one might want to do to hide a weather strip and clear the sill track or make sure the door is adjusted to the correct height.

Ultimately, insect screens should be attached to outside of the operating panel of the glass patio doors. And, always follow the instructions to the letter and make sure the corner screws are adjusted correctly.

How to select windows and doors to suit your home

January 10, 2015/in DIY, Home Improvement, Tips /by GlassNow

When choosing windows and doors for a building, it’s not just what you like or what you can afford that counts… There are many other indicators that need to be considered.

First of all there’s the crucial question of where the block is located, how it’s positioned, and which way you want to have the doors and windows facing. Some people use basic compass readings for this while others rely on Fung Shui methods, which are explained below:

“A good Feng Shui house is a house that attracts good Feng Shui energy, nourishes it and channels it throughout the whole house. From good quality air to a strong Feng Shui front door, there are several basic requirements for good Feng Shui in any house”.

Dominique Vorillon

Feng Shi is the art or practice of positioning objects, especially building entries, based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of Chi… The main entry door of a Feng Shui house should be designed to welcome, strengthen and channel incoming energy throughout an entire building. Believers say this will nourish a home and create good fortune for its occupants.

Believe in this practise or not, placement strategy of doors and windows — in a new or a renovated building — on particular walls can determine the kind of natural light that enters a home, and even the temperature inside. So it’s a really important decision.

Climate definitely plays a role, and doors and windows facing south will receive sunrays from morning to night, (south and west where the sun shines in the hottest part of the day receive the most heat). Glass doors and windows facing south or west should have overhangs to protect them from the harshest weather.

With windows, those that are south facing receive the most winter sun, while north facing windows are better suited to warmer climates with subdued inducted light and heat. Reflective surfaces and shading glass options as well as energy efficient factors should be considered to aid in year-round comfort.

How to add value to your home using ‘curb appeal’

January 10, 2015/in Home Improvement, Tips /by GlassNow

‘Curb appeal’ you might ask what is that? Certainly, this glass afficionada had to stop and think for more than just a moment, but then the penny dropped and realisation dawned that ‘curb appeal’ is what can be seen and appreciated at first glance of a house and front garden from the street or the curb when walking or driving past that precious patch of homespun pride and joy.

Ask any real estate vendor and they’ll tell you that it’s common knowledge that would-be purchasers have already made up their minds as to how much your house is worth by the time they reach the front porch to view the interior and back of the property. And, not just from doing their homework prior to the inspection, but mostly from that all-important first impression from the vantage point of the ‘curb’.

Apparently, many realtors advise their clients to update front-facing windows and doors when arranging to put a property on the market, and often also include the entire suite round the house. The end reaping of profit far outshines the cost of undertaking these renovations. Increased energy efficiency also plays a large part in sales-price expectation and newly updated double-glazed glass windows and screen doors are much-desired features at property auctions.

When considering upgrades, the original style of a home should carefully be considered. For example, if the house is new then the lines should be clean and modern, but if it dates back more than a decade, then the architecture and era of the property should be factored in with any upgrades fitting in with the original house style. This also includes the garage door, which is prominent feature, and could be an eye sore and so detract from the fiscal value of the property.

Front and back gardens should also reflect the owner’s lifestyle and hedge pruning and lawn trimming is an absolute must unless you had the foresight to put in a native garden that looks better when it sprawls wild and beautiful and, with a worm bed, saves an absolute mint in wasted water and aching gardener’ backs.

Home Improvement Tips for Summer

January 10, 2015/in Home Improvement, Tips /by GlassNow

Our home is probably the biggest purchase we will ever make and it is important for home owners to protect that investment with careful home maintenance.

Over the summer is the perfect time to check our home for needed maintenance and repairs.

Consider these areas of your home:

Siding: Siding is not just cosmetic! Quality, well maintained siding protects the underlying structure of your home, so it is essential to have siding repaired as soon as the need arises. Insulated siding also closes off air flow and increases your home’s energy efficiency.
Heating, Ventilating and Cooling Systems: It is considered a good practise to have a HVAC professional examine your systems yearly to ensure that they are running at optimal levels. Also, bear in mind that an air conditioning unit that is ten or fifteen years old is probably costing you more than it would to replace it. Investing in a new unit will help you reduce your energy costs.
Roof: Your roof takes a lot of wear and tear each year from the passing seasons, so have your roof inspected when it is warm and have any repairs carried out before the weather turns cold once more. Replace damaged or missing shingles, flashing or any other areas of damage. Clear your gutters of debris to ensure that you don’t have flooding issues.
Windows: Energy efficient windows make a huge difference in heating and cooling costs. Select double or triple panes windows that have argon or a similar gas between the panes. Check for a warranty and references before choosing a window installer.
Draughts: Windows are not the only way that draughts can get into a home. Check that doors are correctly hung and that insulation is sufficient. Replace insulation, repair cracks in the mortar or brickwork and foundations. Cracks allow not only air leaks, but water and insects to gain access to your home. Draughts also reduce indoor air quality and can cause difficulties for children, elderly and sufferers of allergies or asthma.

Take advantage of the warm weather and longer daylight hours of summer to give your home a health check and bring it back up to standard, protecting your investment, health and lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Island

January 10, 2015/in Home Improvement, kitchen, Tips /by GlassNow

No matter how well designed a kitchen is one thing we all crave is more counter space. And with a kitchen island we can have just that. No matter the size or design of your kitchen there is an island that will meet your needs.

Here is our list of the top kitchen islands, one of which is sure to fit into your kitchen:

Built in Island – the kitchen is the heart of every home and your kitchen island can be the heart of your kitchen, with space for your family to gather, work and play together in the cozy environment of your kitchen and under island storage for pots, pans and other kitchen essentials.
Mobile Cart Island – an island that is there when you need it and moves out of the way to create more space when you don’t need it. Consider a mobile cart with storage underneath to meet dual purposes.
Re-claimed Islands – it may have been a dining table, a dresser or even a butcher’s block. Now, it is the extra counter space that you need in your kitchen. Restore and restyle an old piece of furniture to fit into your kitchen design.
Small Space Island – an island with open storage underneath will give the illusion of space and light while offering extra storage space. Make your island work even harder by affixing hooks for towels and other kitchen items.
Islands with Seating – the island can become the centre of your kitchen, with space for kids to do their homework while you prepare a meal. Consider tall stools to fit into a working height island to make it multi-purpose.
Update your current Island – replace hardware, even doors, to give your kitchen island a face lift, or strip it back to the wood and give it an entirely new treatment to update your kitchen’s style points.

As you can see, there are kitchen islands to fit every space and meet every demand, so give your kitchen a makeover by adding an island that makes your kitchen space more versatile.

Energy Efficient Windows

January 10, 2015/in Energy Efficiency, Home Improvement, Tips /by GlassNow

Windows add light and character to our homes, yet they can also create a huge drain on energy if they are not carefully selected and installed.

Installing energy efficient glazing is the best answer and will repay the initial outlay over just a few years, but if finances are tight then there are some simple steps that can be taken to improve energy efficiency and save money until new glazing is an option.

Add storm windows, caulk and weather strip to reduce air leaks and use drapes to reduce heat loss in the window and to stop heat gain in the summer.

When considering windows, minimise the number of windows on the east, west and north facing walls while still allowing for adequate natural lighting. Windows on the south facing wall should have a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of greater than 0.6 to maximise energy efficiency.

The aim is to maximise heat gain in the winter and minimise it in the summer, so bear in mind the number and size of your windows to ensure that your energy usage is maximised. Low emissivity glazing can help control solar heat gain in heating dominated areas.

Similarly, major glazing areas should generally face south to collect solar heat when the sun is low in the sky in winter, while during the summer overhead overhangs and other shading devices will help prevent excessive heat gain.

A coated glazing will help reduce energy costs by controlling heat transfer. A virtually invisible coating of metal or metallic oxide saves energy costs as does a tinted glass which reflects light in summer and absorbs in winter.

Also, take into consideration how your windows open as some styles have lower air leakage rates than others.

Awning style, were the window is hinged and the top and opens outwards has a lower leakage than sliding windows due to the sash pressing against the frame. Hopper windows, hinged at the bottom and that open inwards also have lower leakage rates. Casement windows are hinged at the side and also have a lower leakage rate.

Fixed panes, when fitted properly, have zero leakage but are not desirable in areas where ventilation is required. Single and double hung and sliding sashes that slide vertically or horizontally have a higher air leakage rate than hinged windows.

Ten of the Most Unusual Houses in the World

January 10, 2015/in Top Ten /by GlassNow

One of the most memorable moments in all of our lives is moving into our own home. And while some people are restrained in their choice by finance, location or availability, others can let their imaginations run wild.

Here are the homes that made our top ten list of the world’s most unusual homes.

Skateboard House, USA

This house was designed for skateboarding enthusiasts and allowed the house to be ridden inside and out. The perfect home for the skater who wants to ‘hang ten’ while hanging out with friends at home.
Dick Clarke’s Flintstone’s Home, USA

Built for television legend, Dick Clarke, this single storey home was designed under the influence of the cartoon series, “The Flintstones”. A panoramic view of the ocean is enjoyed from the cave-like interior with each room seeming to be carved from a rock face.
World’s Smallest House, Germany

At just one metre squared this portable house on wheels is travelling all over Germany bringing a new appreciation for our living spaces to everyone. During the day the house stands upright while at night it flips onto its side allowing the backrest of the chair to serve as a mattress.
Old Water Tower, Belgium

This old water tower, once used as a hideout from Nazis during the war has been transformed into a modern home with all the conveniences of modern living. A spiral staircase gives access to the upper levels and every room enjoys uninterrupted views across the countryside.
The Transparent House, Japan.

Inspired by our tree inhabiting ancestors this house has walls of glass and is open internally allowing for maximum sunlight but no privacy. The use of glass allows passers-by a clear view of the inhabitants and provides a clear line of sight for residents to the outside world.
World’s Narrowest House, Poland

On a lot measuring just 92cms at its narrowest and 152cms at its widest the Keret House in Warsaw offers the smallest living space available. Built as an art installation to disprove the idea that a person could not live in such a small space the house bridges the gap between two buildings and is accessed from a staircase below.
Slide House, Japan

This home is designed with a regular stair case on one side of the space with a slide on the other, allowing you to choose whether to walk down the stairs or just slide from the second to the first floor. Integral hatches allow sliders to enter rooms just as easily as through a standard door.
Stone House, Portugal

Built into a massive stone this unusual home has all the requirements of a standard home. A door, windows and roof were added to this hollowed out boulder to make a comfortable residence.
Church Converted into a Family Home, Holland

A modern family home was created from an old church building in Holland. The design of the exterior maintains the building’s original purpose while the interior has been modified to fit every need of the modern family.
Giant Seashell House, Mexico

Heavily influenced by the work of Gaudi this magical wonderland home was built for a family with two children. The interior follows the natural flow of a seashell, yet meets every need and demand for comfortable family life.