Adding a Pergola? 6 Stunning Ideas to Consider

If you are like many homeowners, chances are you are constantly in search of fun and creative ideas to make your outdoor space the ideal relaxation haven you have always envisioned it to be.

While undoubtedly challenging, it can be done.

The good news is you need not spend a fortune to make your property aesthetically appealing and cozy.

In fact, an addition as simple as a pergola would be enough to transform your exterior into the absolute relaxation sanctuary you have always wanted it to be.

Get your outdoor transformation off to a good start by keeping in mind the following basics.

1.   The Reading Room

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The serenity and relaxing ambiance of the outdoors is deemed ideal by many bookworms.

If you love reading and the outdoors, this is something you should seriously consider.  To ensure your comfort, make it a priority to integrate a set of benches that will suit whatever reading position you might have in mind.

Throw in some pillows and you have the ideal reading place right in your very own home.

2.   The Enclosed Nook 

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Have you always envisioned a place in your property where you can spend date nights and quality time with your significant other?

A pergola in your yard might just be what you need. To make the ambiance romantic, consider installing curtains or lattice panels.

Apart from being a creative way to add privacy, it is sure to take the romantic element up a notch.

3.   The Pergola-Deck

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Are you looking for the ideal place where you can hold your parties and other important gatherings?

Use whatever space you have in your garden to your full advantage. Consider building a pergola that will use whatever space you have. Throw in gently arched beams and a freestanding deck into the mixture and you will have a space you can comfortably host your parties in.

Integrate some lattice fencing into the picture to complete the stunning look.  

4.   The Secret Garden

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Wouldn’t it be exciting to find a mini garden in places where you least expect it?

If you need a secret place to get away from all the stress and be on your own, this is an idea you might find brilliant. Create your own private getaway right in the comfort of your very own property.

Install a pergola in your chosen secret garden and personalize the look of the place by adding elements that reflect both your taste and inclinations. Case in point, if you are a fan of the classics, adding retro furniture, container plants and tiny hanging lantern lights would be ideal.

5.   The Modern Dining Area

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Do you want to take dining time to a whole new and exciting level?

Why not take advantage of whatever outdoor space you have and transform it into the consummate dining area? With a little ingenuity and a whole lot of creativity thrown in, you can easily accomplish the feat.

You can choose to go for the traditional or the contemporary feel, whichever suits your fancy. If you prefer the latter however, opt for modern fixtures to complete the avant-garde look.

6.   The Classic Pergola

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Do you want a classic addition that will complement your property’s conventional theme?

Fortunately, you need not spend lavishly to pull this one off. Adding a traditional pergola will go a long way towards achieving the conventional feel you are after.

Have vines cover your pergola if you wish to bring about a more romantic, yet classic atmosphere.

 

Demand on Construction Engineers in Bangalore

Those looking to acquire a degree of construction engineer in India are making the right choice. According to the research by Dr. Kuppuswamy Anantha Narayanan, associate professor in the department of civil engineering at Indian Institute of technology, building engineering sector is regularly contributing 8% to GPD of the country and has already generated around 31 million jobs. For more information, take a look at this report: http://www.jacic.or.jp/acit/indian_national.pdf.

 

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Given the number of jobs building construction sector has already created and taking into account the projected growth for the industry (approximately 9% according to Dr. Kuppuswamy Anantha Narayanan’s report), construction professionals in India will not experience any serious challenges while searching for a job. In particular, educated construction professionals in Bangalore have plenty of employment opportunities in the present-day labor market.

It is common to search for construction jobs on specialized platforms – for instance, look for job openings on sites dedicated to a particularly large construction property. Yet, such an approach typically requires a lot of time, and, as it often happens, there is a quicker solution. For example, you can browse through a lot of great construction job opportunities by Jobtonic. This job posting platform offers you a wide selection of relevant construction jobs in the specified area. Among the advantages of the platform, one should note that it aggregates all job listings and offers job seekers to browse through them in one place. In addition, you have a chance to either narrow down or widen your job search parameters. You can look for jobs by title, location, experience, etc. This is an amazing opportunity for active applicants, who do not want to waste a lot of time but nevertheless want to stay informed about the latest postings in their field of expertise.

Speaking of construction jobs in Bangalore, one should note that the region is in need of highly educated engineering and management staff. So far, construction industry in the city is developing rapidly; and while there is little demand on low-skilled workers, plenty of construction companies are looking for qualified experienced engineers and site project managers.

Construction engineers are required on a wide range of projects, starting from residential construction and ending with an industrial one. In addition, qualified engineers are required on high-rise projects, pipeline construction, and in the heavy machinery sector. The requirements for each position will greatly depend on a particular industry segment. However, most employers prefer experienced candidates with at least 3 years of relevant experience in the area. The salary expectations may reach up to 375 thousand rs.

However, new graduates should not be put off by the fact that most employers are looking for experienced professionals. Given the lack of the latter ones in the region, construction market is open for trainee engineers, working under supervision. This can be a promising start to an excellent career, as most trainees are typically promoted in less than a year.

Regarding the position of a construction site project manager, the demand is even higher. Typically, the responsibilities of a construction manager presuppose site supervision and ensuring the overall safety of the newly-built construction property. Some companies will also request the implementation of SWAT-analysis, risk assessment, and logistic planning. In other words, apart a degree in construction area, expertise in managing and economics is also required. Previous experience is beneficial, yet by far not always necessary.

Reflection

The picture still derived from the same dock at Mutun Beach (Lampung, Sumatra Island). I tried to capture reflection of poles. I think it looks nice in B&W. 

 The Weekend in Black and White

What Are The Health Benefits Of Underfloor Heating?

Many people claim that swapping over to underfloor heating can actually be beneficial for your health, but do you understand in what ways? If you (or someone in your family) suffers from asthma or allergies you are often told to look into hydronic heating, but do you know why it helps? In this article, we have aimed to outline the health benefits associated with underfloor systems in the hopes it will help you reach a final decision.

Your family can breathe easy

One of the biggest benefits of installing underfloor heating is easily a reduction in respiratory problems for your family. Unlike traditional heating (which uses convection currents to warm the space), these systems get things toasty using radiation. Convection currents move in a circular motion; they will capture and redistribute dust particles as they go. These particles float freely through the air, which makes them far easier to breathe in.

Gently warming the space via radiation, however, will mean that there is far less air movement. This will lead to a reduction in the number of air particles being circulated and, in turn, will make us less likely to inhale them.

Fight the spread of dust mites

Another benefit of installing an underfloor system is that the amount of dust mites that could potentially be living in your home will be significantly reduced (in some cases by as much as 80%!). This is because your heating will lessen the amount of moisture in your carpets – and it is this moisture that the mites need to survive. Traditional systems often have very cool floor areas with raised levels of humidity, which the mites actually like.

Other associated health benefits

Whilst there are certainly other health benefits associated with underfloor heating, those who suffer from arthritis will see a few improvements. As we all know, the colder months can wreak havoc on our joints. There is also a belief that periods of low barometric pressure and high humidity can considerably worsen symptoms. Having direct contact with a constant heat source (such as hydronic systems) is said to help relieve some of this pain.

Safety concerns are also reduced

Whilst this is not directly a health issue, it is often pointed out that traditional systems can pose a real threat to safety. This is particularly true for the very young and the elderly. Radiators, for example, are known to become incredibly hot and there is a risk of burning if sufficient guarding is not in place. The burns sustained from contact with a radiator can be quite severe with the worst sufferers ending up in hospital for treatment.

We hope that the health benefits associated with underfloor heating are now a little clearer and that you can recognise why it might be a good idea to install such a system in your home. If you (or a loved one) suffer from asthma, allergies or arthritis, it is essential that you do everything in your power to lessen the symptoms and risks. After all, respiratory problems are especially something that should not be taken lightly.