The 2010 Watermark Awards...Check them out at http://www.builderonline.com/design/watermark/

A “less is more” philosophy prevails in these recessionary times, and nowhere is this shift more evident than in kitchens and baths. Contemporary spaces continue to gain ground, even in homes that are traditional on the outside, but there’s a difference between streamlined and sterile. The projects that received highest marks from the jurors this year illustrate a deft understanding of that distinction.
Clean, bright white—be it in the form of painted cabinets, marble countertops, or lacquered storage units—seems once again to be the designers’ look of choice. But this time around, it’s more likely to be paired with something warm, such as natural wood, a veiny stone, or oil-rubbed bronze, than with cold stainless steel or chrome. In fact, what made many winners stand out was their artful interplay of warm and cool, light and dark, texture and flat plane.
Another trend worth noting (and this is a biggie) is a clear movement away from the upper cabinets that have conventionally dominated kitchens. Many designers have found clever ways to redistribute storage space and eliminate those bulky masses in order to bring in more light, preserve views, and create a feeling of openness.
And yet, for the second year in a row, the project that received highest honors from the judges was not a kitchen, but a bath—and a traditional one at that. Take one look at this beguiling space, and you’ll see that it’s not so much the style that matters as the execution of it. It’s clean, original, contextual, and balanced.

Eco-Friendly classrooms and schools teaching green lifestyle - Group Phi’s Sustainable Military School for Girls In Pune Sets a Benchmark

Conservation and preservation of natural resources and the environment is a lesson that not only adults but kids too need to learn fast. In order to answer the rising concerns about sustainability of architecture, designers have unveiled several green residential and commercial complexes and have now escalated efforts to design eco-friendly classrooms and schools that can help teach students some green lessons in a green environment. Here is a list of 10 such schools and classrooms where students can be groomed in a sustainable way: http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/10-eco-friendly-classrooms-and-schools-teaching-green-lifestyle/

The Shanghai Corporate Pavilion for Expo 2010: A perfect blend of Architeture and Technology

The Shanghai Corporate Pavilion clearly shows its prowess is blending architecture with the modern and sustainable technologies. The building is covered in an LED array that can be changed on a whim, but - the lighting scheme is determined by people interacting inside the building. The pavilion uses recycled materials and LED lights, and features a solar thermal tube screen on the roof, which can collect solar energy to produce hot water up to more than 200° F.
For more details and pictures , check it out at http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/10038/atelier-feichang-jianzhu-shanghai-corporate-pavilion-for-expo-2010.html.

The Oddly Beautiful war memorials in Yugoslavia

Check out these war memorials in Yugoslavia at http://su.pr/4MdtYP ...truely architectural marvels!!!!

Welcome to the world of ALPRO® Panels

We introduce ourselves as a leading provider of wood based construction solutions such as Plywood, Block Boards and Flush Doors for both interior and exterior applications.

Since its inception in 1986, ALPRO®’s primary focus has been customer satisfaction. Over the last 24 years we have invested in the best business practices to understand the needs of our customers and to provide the best quality wood based construction solutions at truly honest prices.

Whether it is an architect, contractor, institutional builder or a retail home owner, ALPRO® has always believed in treating its customers as partners and growing by partnering in their growth. The testimony of the trust that we have created is the brand loyalty of our existing customers who have continued to patronize us over the past two decades.

It is not surprising then, that ALPRO® has become a preferred brand with reputed Institutions, Banks, Hotels and with many Government organizations.