Focus on Sustainability

Green building designs tributaries are reaching an ever - widening range of construction activities, materials, products and systems

Beginning mostly with architects, engineers, scientists, environmentalists and a handful of innovative government agencies in various countries, then spurred by the 1973 oil crisis, todays green building movement is spreading out to engage an ever - widening range of adherents and participants. As well as new green structures, more existing buildings are being re - purposed and upgraded. "What is old is new again," says Mark Opresnik, president of Opresnik Engineering Consultants.

Sometimes, because of the costs involved in the process, owners will skirt LEED certification. Nonetheless, more owners are embracing the principles of sustainability. "Thats the focus," says Opresnik. On the other hand, owners who also operate the building, he says, are more apt to embrace LEED. "Its because it saves money over the long haul," he says.

Architectural Woodwork 2012

LIGHT FANTASTIC

Using bis skills as both painter and craftsman, Tom Denny creates exquisitely coloured stained - glass windows that stir the senses with an evocative mix of finely observed, natural details and bold, dramatic visions.
As the low December sunlight streams through the glorious stained - glass windows in the tiny Audley Chapel - of Hereford Cathedral, Christmas worshippers are bathed in the refracted hues of rich reds and jcwcl - likc greens that heighten the festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, in the cathedrals of Durham and Gloucester, deep blues and golds suffuse the proceedings with an extra aura of drama and majesty; and in Great Malvern Priory, Worcestershire, the fiery reds and frosted pinks of a winter sunset hrighten the medieval interior as the congregation gathers. Each piece draws the eye with its intense shades, and is the inspirational, unmistakable work of stained - glass artist Tom Denny.

COLOUR SCHEME

Elegant shapes, intriguing twists and strikingshades light up the work of artist Rana Begum.
Artist Rana Begums father emigrated to England in 1985 from an obscure village in Bangladesh because he wanted his family to have a better life, one unmarked by hardship. When he now sees his daughter doing hard labour to make a living, it bewilders him.

Shall We Dance?

For Jamie Harris, glassblowing is a combination of precisely coordinated steps and happy accidents.
Harris: Glassblowing is inherently captivating. Its a sexy, magical dance. Its always done in a team - based environment. One or two turn the blow pipe, while I work the glass at the end. Another blows air into the pipe, while another protects my hands from the heat coming off the piece. Like dancing, there are these coordinated movements. Glass is intense. You have 30 seconds. Every touch has to be just so. So you have to develop a way of communicating with your assistants intuitively.

MARKED CONTRASTS

Dalia and Mike Levy combined dark and light units to create a sophisticated kitchen with striking good looks.
When Dalia and Mike Levy decided to invest in a new kitchen, they had the luxury of working with an empty space as they had gutted the house completely. Mike has been a property developer for many years and Dalia works alongside him on some of the design processes, so together they embarked on their new project with confidence. We both have lots of experience of renovating properties and we work well as a team/ says Dalia. Mike had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve for our kitchen and his ideas played a big part in the end result. Luckily, we agreed on most things as we both know what the other likes.