Tag: conduits/pipes

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This article is an introduction to the world of LED Lighting and Controls. I will follow-up with more articles specific to various lighting and control issues that you may have in your environment. The technology discussed is truly leading to a sustainable lighting environment guiding away from the consumption model.

In 2007 anyone who could put a white LED onto a Printed Circuit Board tried to sell a light bulb replacement. Having been involved with laser diode design and in specific blue lasers in their early stages I had a high curiosity whether those devices could replace the light bulb or fluorescent tube.

Like others we attempted to make a light bulb replacement only to find out that the cost of the technology is still very high and in order to justify that cost the device would have to be more efficient than a fluorescent tube and keep its light output for a very long time to get a return of investment.

Deeply understanding the quantum physics involved I knew that the junction where the light is created, that is deep in the solid state structure, had to be kept rather cool to not get damaged over time by heat and to perform with high-efficiency.

When we saw all players not to care about efficiency or keeping their devices cool but try to develop a light bulb with a slightly longer life but not too much longer, the opportunity arose to make a very long-lasting light fixture. We are talking 10 years plus without light degradation or change in color.

Fortunately we also came from the networking arena so we developed a protocol of communication between the light fixtures that allows uniform dimming over an infinite number of devices by one low-cost dimming device.

Imagine that in future a supermarket does not have to change its’ light fixtures every 3 years but can leave them in place for 15 years or more, no more light bulbs or tubes to be replaced and have no light loss.

Oh by the way, LEDs do not have Mercury like fluorescent tubes and “Energy Saving” lamps. The wattage on the fixture is the actual wattage consumed unlike your “Energy Saver” bulb that consumes between 30% and 50% more energy than advertised.

To further cement commitment to the environment manufacturers should recycle all their product as long as the user finds a way to get it to a recycling center and guarantee to pay back to the customer a recycling value on return.

However, it is difficult for the non-specialist person to understand that not all LED devices are created equal and to recognize what is marketing hype and what is real. The DOE or Energy Star are not helping as they lag years behind technology and generally support the consumption model brands rather than lasting and really efficient technology to the point of being hostile to new and better technologies.

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The huge growth in demand for folding sliding doors over the last two or three years has led to a rapid increase in the choice of door systems available for the consumer. Also referred to as bi fold doors, bi folding doors, multi fold doors and concertina doors they are best known as folding sliding doors because of the opening action itself. This type of door can provide unobstructed openings of up to 6 metres and sometime more as the panels simply fold, slide and stack neatly to one side or both sides of the aperture.

Folding sliding doors are an ideal replacement for existing French or sliding patio doors where they can literally transform the existing opening and open up the room to the outside. This type of bi folding door is now becoming the most sought after door style for new build and home extensions whilst also proving a popular upgrade choice for homeowners adding a conservatory to their property due to their ability to seamlessly merge the new conservatory with the garden effectively bringing the outside inside.

Although the original concept of a folding sliding door dates back over 100 years where they were often used for closing off small storage areas today’s folding sliding doors are designed to be high performance energy efficient patio doors using the latest innovative insulation features in both door and glazing construction.

Folding sliding doors not only allow wider unobstructed apertures but the increased glass area allows huge flows of natural light to enter the home from the outside which during the colder months will provide efficient use of solar gain to minimise heating costs. Doors are available in a choice of materials including timber, aluminium and PVC-u together with a choice of colours and finishes that will enhance any home.

TIMBER

You can choose from a number of engineered timber folding sliding doors including softwood or hardwoods such as Meranti and European Oak. Timber is normally engineered or laminated to ensure it is structurally resistant to warping or twisting and doors are normally available with either a factory applied translucent stain or RAL colour paint finish.

As timber is a natural insulator timber folding sliding doors offer the most energy efficient solution when combined with high performance double glazing offering U values as low as 1.4.

Timber folding doors usually provide slim sight lines as the individual door panels are normally hinged off each other without the use of additional mullions between each panel and therefore maximising visible glass areas.

Timber is a natural sustainable material that is very energy efficient but will require regular maintenance over the life time of the door to maintain their stain or paint finish.

ALUMINIUM

Aluminium folding sliding doors are normally manufactured from durable, strong thermally broken aluminium profiles that have specifically been designed for the purpose. These systems have been in use for several years in both domestic and commercial installations such as restaurants and hotels.

Most systems utilise bottom rolling gear so all the weight is carried at the bottom with guide rollers at the top and panels are often connected to sliding and floating mullions which help ensure the door operates smoothly and effortlessly.

Aluminum is a popular choice for this type of folding door as it is virtually maintenance free, hard wearing and good looking. Aluminum folding sliding doors are available in over 200 different RAL paint finishes which can usually be specified in your choice of matt, silk or gloss finish. It is also possible to specify dual colours with a different colour internally and externally.

UPVC

Also referred to as plastic or PVC-u folding sliding doors this type of door is relatively new in the market place when compared to aluminum or timber. Due to its comparative low cost uPVC door manufacturers have quickly adapted their existing uPVC door profiles to create bi folding doors in response to an increasingly growing market that required a more affordable folding door system. uPVC folding sliding doors can be substantially cheaper than their aluminum or timber counterparts but there is often a trade-off in design elements that can sometimes compromise the quality of the product.

Adapting bulky wide uPVC steel reinforced profiles that were originally designed for traditional hinged external doors meant glass sight lines were considerably reduced and the doors used ugly face fixed hinges and exposed gearing which also sometimes posed a security hazard.

However, some manufacturers have started to introduce the next generation of uPVC folding doors using slimmer profiles and concealed gearing that compare favourably with those of timber and aluminium. Heavy steel profile reinforcement is starting to be replaced by lighter yet stronger recycled composite material that is also much more energy efficient.

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Modern urban farmhouse are home design keywords that are very popular today as the natural aesthetic vibe is very much in sync with being grounded to Mother Earth and being respectful to her compassion. Growing up on farms and being surrounded by nature, incorporating rustic wood and furniture is a natural progression of the farmhouse decor style.

Warm and collected, modern rustic farmhouses are filled with casual, lived-in village charm. Designers take elements from the old world architecture, mix with practical and modern fittings thereby making a statement piece.The modern farmhouse aesthetic takes the front porch and makes it whimsical with an elaborately handcarved swing with flowers and peacock detailing. Whether a triple arch spans the entire front porch of the house, or has one that is small and enclosed, a front porch is a beautiful farmhouse touch.

Create a collected fresh look yet one that is worn with time. Use a medley of colors and vary the distressed carved wood cabinets to create a gathered over time ambiance. Keep windows bare so you can see the pastures and fresh flowers blooming. Farmhouse life is centered around the kitchen so have lots of storage and sitting. An old door created into a dining table with a glass top and ox cart benches bring the village rustic charm.

Find an old steel sink for the bathroom and convert a rustic chest into a vanity. Reclaimed old doors are used to make these chest and are very earth friendly. Some have metals like iron and brass that will balance the energy in the room by grounding the negative ions into the earth. An old window frame with iron accents was used to make a mirror. Run a simple sari curtain instead of cabinet doors to cover up storage without taking away from the rough textures of the old woods.

Combine the new into the old. The bathroom glass shower disappears into the stone wall. The carved Tree of Life barn door adds softness to this rustic room. Exposed beams and a carved natural stone Buddha statue carries the zen ambiance through with a waterfall cascading behind it and lots of broad leaf palms accent the white stone walls. Exposed plumbing and electrical conduits run parallel to the cabinets. Primitive lanterns and old ceiling fans with a utilitarian feel hang from the exposed rafters. Rustic handmade wardrobe cabinets give extra storage as well giving and old world sophistication to the room.

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