Monday, June 25, 2018

What Makes A Green City?



A green city believes in eco-efficiency, local economic development, site resilience, and pedestrian and transit connectivity. The city is also clean, healthy, democratic, and well-governed. When an area becomes a green city, it significantly contributes to the citizens at large.

Living in a green urban environment is a trend. Modernization of real estate construction is almost at peak as architecture and development take in the needs of individuals along with the contribution of technology.

Realty developers are staying away from hazardous and unfriendly construction practices to build more sustainable and green properties like those in BGC Taguig. The real estate developments aim to save the environment and make it a top priority to build livable cities which that are easy to maintain.

There are four factors to look forward to in a green city. These factors create lasting property value for customers, investors, and stakeholders. Read more about these factors below to understand what makes a green city.

1. Sanitation


A clean and healthy environment involves establishments. The public and private sector are responsible for the safety and cleanliness of the community. A green city must continuously provide safe drinking water, manage effective wastewater treatment, refresh the air, and, maintain proper waste disposal.

These provisions are also the basic elements of a high-quality life in the city. These make the city liveable despite the negative externalities bought by modernization. Still, achieving a clean and healthy environment is not impossible. When the goal is two-way, fresh and healthy living becomes common to households in the community as well as establishments in the city.

2. Peace


A few marks of an ideal green city are open and intimate green pocket spaces, patrolled streets, and recreational parks. These features are essential for relaxation, sports, and social activities for wellness. They also encourage nature watching which has become a primitive way to enjoy the surroundings according to urban dwellers.

Places with plants and a nourishing environment are prevalent in urban cities because of the excessive noise from people, types of machinery, and vehicles. The environmental noise is a source of stress in the city. The level of stress will not decline as long as the rate of the demand for mobility grows annually. Cars, trains, and planes cause a level of noise that can be too much for the human body.

Reals estate developers must be aware of these stressors to include them in their vision for building a green city. They must fine-tune their advocacy to establish more properties catering to homebuyers and property seekers looking for open areas, peace, solitude, and safety in an urban environment.

3. Sustainability


Sustainability comes with efficiency. People and markets must maximize the resources in the area to conserve them for future inhabitants of the city. Energy and water must be readily available in the present and future as green cities are the ideal places to live and thrive. Doing this also minimizes problems of scarcity in the long run.

Besides water and energy, the presence of organic and naturally-grown products changes consumer habits and consumption patterns. An organic market Manila helps local entrepreneurs and sheds light to their product. Local entrepreneurship is an environmental-friendly way to shop and promote the craftsmanship and ideals in the community.

Several realty corporations push for efficiency and sustainability. They look towards green ways to make and build communities reserving resources and amplifying the importance of local industries. Home buyers and property seekers must research proper engineering and architectural strategies to find the right developer who can provide these services and wholesome green living expectations.

4. Organization


Management and governance is a must in an urbanized area. However, it must be democratic since the homes will be for the people. Citizens must be part of their household property and environmental decision-making. An individual must live in a place under proper management. At the same time, protection must be a priority for the communities.

Safety is one reason why a person buys a property, with the location as its second item on the list. Real estate developers are looking at these points to continue bringing out the best for their customers. They are also being mindful of finding more ways to maintain a well-managed location.


These are some of the examined factors of what makes a green city. Though a highly-urbanized area, green cities promote healthy living. They also contribute positively to society as sustainability became the blueprint to continuously enhance land, enrich the lives of more people, and provide economic benefits for the larger public.

Cooperation between home and property owners, developers and the government to improve existing cities eventually encourages neighboring communities to follow and push for green and eco-living establishments. Helping hands will bring these and other factors of making a green city for a lasting eco-friendly community.

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Making-our-cities-attractive-and-sustainable.pdf

This post was published on August 18, 2014 with the title "Green Cities: A Liveable and Sustainable Place to Live." This post was revised and updated for comprehensiveness and relevance to urban development.




Sunday, June 17, 2018

8 Supplies To Purchase During Home Renovation



The first step to home remodeling is to know what you want to achieve with your home. State your priorities. Create a list of the things you wish to accomplish at the end of your home glamorizing project.

Finding inspiration for your remodeling project is essential. You can check home catalogs, magazines, and websites to come up with the image of your project. It will help you know which supplies you need for your home renovation.

The stuff you need depends on your goals. Here are eight items you must purchase to complete your home renovation near Alabang Town Center.

1. Hardware


You need cabinet and drawer hardware such as knobs and pulls. You also need a few for the doors of the rooms all over the place. Most of all, you need them for your windows.

Hardware isn't limited to knobs and pulls. You also have to think curtain rod, rails, and track. Finials are equally important especially for those who value design and aesthetic.

Most hardware is replaceable but measures them first before buying sets to limit purchases or avoid wasting money.

2. Light Bulbs and Its Fixtures


Changing the type and kind of light and upgrading wattage improves the ambiance of the room. A small room appears larger with the right light. A large area becomes well-lit with the combination of light fixtures.

Switching light bulbs also saves you from high electric bills. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are energy-efficient than fluorescent and other types of light bulbs. They even last longer than most.

If you want to gain control over the brightness of the room, you can install a dimming feature. You can also change the cone or cover if its a pendant light, lamp, or a scone. If it's a spotlight, ensure you can move its angles to emphasize corners and shadowy areas.

3. Mirrors


Mirrors are reflective. When natural light hits them, the room becomes twice its size. It also provides the illusion. Hanging two mirrors parallel each other creates an infinite space.

If you wish to emphasize the width of the room, hang a horizontal mirror. Meanwhile, a standing mirror is best for homes and areas with a low ceiling. The mirror must have edges to achieve the illusion of additional space.

Mirrors also encourage fluidity. Those with softer edges balance rooms with harsh lines and sharp edges. They are also feng shui cure as they attract energy.

4. Paint


Paint is necessary to bring life to your home. It gives the character and shows off the personality you wish to embody. Most of all, it protects the structure from withering because of the harsh elements.

It's crucial to remember which type of paint to buy and the colors you want to use. The base coat is different from the top layer. At the same time, the paint you use indoors has a different grade and application requirement.

Premium quality of paint has the best coverage, durability, and ease of working. Still, all paint has three components. These are pigments, binders, and solvents or thinners. You can conduct a touch test to find out if it feels smooth and silky.

These types of paint are more expensive than regular ones because of their expensive ingredients and the combination of components.

5. Plants


Plants are best as decorations. They fill empty corners and walls without spending too much. However, you must select the right plants for minimum upkeep.

Some plants thrive indoors. They can survive on less water and sunlight while still cleaning the air of toxins. NASA reported some houseplants purifies the air of formaldehyde, bacteria, pollen, and mold.

Most of all, indoor plants refresh poorly-ventilated rooms. They supply a fresh batch of oxygen to ensure you stay healthy. They also provide a break from the warm or static design elements in the place. Its earthy feel and cool color make it a great contrast.

6. Wood Planks


Wood planks are necessary in case you need to install a shelf ASAP. They are also useful for adding an extra level on an indoor cabinet and top shelves. Most of all, they are the most suitable material for DIY storage solutions.

You can choose from hard ones, soft, plywood, and MDF. Hard and softwood are those milled from a tree. Plywood and MDF are examples of manufactured products.

Each wood has different characteristics. Some can also be more expensive than others especially the exotic species of hardwood. The best way to pick wood planks is to decide how you will use them, find the measurement you need, and research to know more about the pros and cons of each.

7. Nails, Screws, and Bolts


You can find them in the fastener aisle. Often, you don't look for them unless you need one. You'll be shocked to see the different kinds and sizes available on every store.

The type of fastener you must purchase depend on the surface. Drywall, for instance, needs support. It requires a wall anchor, a hanger, or a toggle bolt to create a grappling hook effect.

Then, there are screws. They are best when you plan to attach the extra weight. For basic construction, you can go with stainless steel nails.

8. Tools


A project is never complete without the right tools. When you have a toolbox stashed somewhere, you can quickly dive into your plans and tackle home repairs. If not, you need to go and look for the best quality tools.

A complete toolbox has these items:

  • Utility knife
  • Clawhammer
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Crescent wrench
  • Socket wrench
  • Vise-Grip pliers
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Cordless drill and bits
  • Crosscut saw
  • Level
If you can't afford to buy to all at once, take them one by one. Always prioritize quality when buying your tools. It helps you finish your job safely. It also enables you to achieve the result you wish to see.

These are some of the supplies or things you need during a home renovation. They serve as decoration, materials, and tools to fill your home. Finishing your home renovation project gives you a sense of achievement no one can take from you.

Monday, June 11, 2018

Home Living: 5 Ways to Decorate a Casual Dining Room


dog, eating, spoon, fork, hands, meal


If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the dining room can be its extension.  It can is the place fulfilling the family's joy. It's where guests and family members come together to celebrate festivities and other important life milestones. Hence, several homeowners have requirements and strict guidelines when decorating their dining area or looking into a new home.

You can always specify the dining room you want in affordable housing in Cagayan de Oro City. You can explore casual dining room ideas to complement your rustic home. There are also modern dining room decorations you can use if you're on a budget.

To find out how to decorate a simple yet stylish dining area, follow the five tips below.

1. Decide between an open-plan vs. a semi-open-plan.


wood, kitchen island, dining area, bar stool


Weighing the pros and cons of the kitchen layouts will narrow your options. An open-plan dining area is visually stimulating because of its extra spaces. It also encourages a smooth workflow from the kitchen.  Unfortunately, it may not provide the intimacy and seclusion you need. A semi-open plan kitchen gives you a chance to close the area or limit the guest's activity in the area. However, it may result in having an awkward space and restrict the entry of natural light.

Experts prefer a practical and functional layout for the dining area. Remeber, the construction of your dining area dictates the furniture and fixtures you need to complete the room's look. Think about it and choose which complements your lifestyle.

2. Place the right dining table.

dining area, dining table, chairs, sunlight


The dining table must be enough to seat the members of the household comfortably while leaving some room to walk around it.  Most of all, it must have the right width to fit flatware and food on the surface. The minimum table width must be 36 inches. Opt for at least 45 inches to display several platters of food, table decorations, and glassware. In case of celebrations, you can add candles and wine bottles to encourage conversations across the table.

Also, consider its height.  Check the table as well as the chairs you will pair it with before buying any. Old tables go with sleek and modern seating, but the wrong height can disrupt the area's design flow. It's also uncomfortable to eat in a seat that's too low or stay in a chair that's too high.

A small casual dining area works best with a round table. It has soft edges and no sharp corners allowing more people to fit in the space. As much as possible, use a pedestal vase to allow extra seating.

Don't forget to measure table-to-wall clearance. Leave 42 to 48 inches between the table and the dining walls to allow diners to sit and get up with ease. Begin measuring the space from the edge of any furniture in the room.


3. Complete the dining area with the perfect seating.

dining area, dining, black chair, round table


The chair is essential to completing the look of the look and theme of the dining area. The style you choose defines the ambiance of the room. Whether you want a modern, traditional design, or a combination of both, a well-constructed chair makes a sexy dining room.

Give enough room for people to move. They must not touch their elbows when seated. Most table manufacturers will recommend the ideal number of chairs for the eating space. Each person requires 2 feet to move comfortably. You can squeeze in a seat for a large gathering if there space available.

If you have a large crowd, use a rectangular table as it can occupy up to ten seats.

4.  Look for expert dining room tips on lighting and emphasis.


Professionals suggest placing a rug under the dining table and the chairs to emphasize its grandeur. A carpet or textured runner prevents the pieces of furniture from drowning especially in open-plan dining areas.

For the rug to be a key design element, it must be at least 23.5 inches wider than the tables and chairs on it.

Another dining room decoration tip from the experts is the use of lights. A pendant fixture emitting a warm, suffused glow helps the table become a focal point of the room. The lighting is also a decorative element defining the space. Most of all, it minimizes the use of downlights.

5. Encourage interest by playing with accessories, texture, and warmth.


You can make the area more creative and exciting by hanging selected dining room pictures for walls. Hang a work of art to fill up a bare wall. You can also use a graphic wallpaper, a sign, indoor plants, and a large mirror to fill the space.

For the remaining space in the dining area, use end chairs and carvers. Don't be afraid to place a centerpiece on the dining table the same way you decorate your coffee table.

Combine color, textures, and levels of shine. Include them in your pieces of furniture, walls, and dining room decorations. The room is more flexible in decorations than the kitchen. Don't be afraid to explore your options.

Don't limit your dining area to a table and several chairs. There's more you can do with the room. You can decorate it with functional pieces like your china and teacups, or you can make it a gallery for your other creative work. The dining room is the area of your home to celebrate your food and your life. Make sure you are comfortable in it.