Quadra FNX Mining Ltd. shareholders will meet to decide on a C$2.87 billion offer by KGHM Polska Miedz SA, in the nation’s biggest bid abroad designed to deepen the Polish copper producer’s global reach.
The proposal by the Lubin, Poland-based company, with Europe’s largest mine output, is “attractive,” Quadra Chief Executive Officer Paul Blythe told Polish daily Rzeczpospolita on Feb. 16. Institutional Shareholder Services, which advises pension and mutual funds on proposals in shareholder meetings, backed the bid, Quadra said on Feb. 6. The shareholders meet today in Vancouver after Warsaw markets close.
“This is the first spectacular takeover deal by a Polish company and it’s being noticed,” said Leszek Iwaszko, a Warsaw- based analyst at Societe Generale SA. “KGHM still has a long way to go to join the world’s premier league, but this purchase will help it become a global player.”
Companies from Poland, the biggest post-communist country in the European Union, have stepped up expansion plans in the last decade, fighting for supremacy in central Europe. PKN Orlen SA bought Czech and Lithuanian refiners, Asseco Poland SA acquired software developers in most countries in the region, while Rovese SA, Poland’s largest ceramic tile producer, expanded into Romania, Ukraine and Russia.
Quadra is KGHM’s second Canadian transaction since 2010 after the company bought a stake in a joint venture with Abacus Mining & Exploration Corp. for $37 million. KGHM, which is buying miners outside Poland to cut production costs and raise output, will pay for Quadra with its own cash as it is set to report a record 11.2 billion zloty in net income for 2011.
KGHM shares climbed 1.7 percent at 1:11 p.m. in Warsaw, extending their advance to 5.4 percent since Quadra’s deal was announced on Dec. 6 and valuing the Polish company at 28 billion zloty.
“It’s a huge deal for KGHM,” Tomasz Krukowski, a Warsaw- based analyst at Deutsche Bank AG said by phone. “We won’t probably see more transactions of this size as KGHM now needs to focus on efficient management of its purchased assets.”
KGHM may seek further purchases outside Poland, Chief Executive Officer Herbert Wirth told Dziennik Gazeta Prawna on Dec. 27. It is looking for companies in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana and does not rule out the purchase of copper reserves in Canada, the newspaper reported.
Quadra was created in 2010 when Quadra Mining Ltd. acquired FNX Mining Co. for about C$1 billion. The company owns the Robinson mine in Nevada, Carlota in Arizona, Franke in Chile and the Morrison and Podolsky operations in Canada’s Sudbury basin.
Its purchase will help KGHM raise annual copper output from its own deposits by 50 percent to 635,000 tons by 2018. KGHM estimates it will have 37.4 million tons of copper in deposits, more than BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s biggest mining company, or Anglo American Plc after the acquisition, according to a presentation on its website.
2012年2月19日星期日
KVS Interior Design creating and executing interiors
KVS Interior Design's Tina Margrander, ASID, NCIDQ and Design Assistant Julie Oswald, ASID, NCIDQ are creating and executing interior designs for two model residences being built by McGarvey Custom Homes in Quail West.
One of the models, McGarvey's Bardane villa in Quail West's La Caille neighborhood, is nearing completion.
The Bardane's two-story great room floor plan offers 3,788 square feet under air and includes an oval-shaped foyer, four bedrooms, a study, a staircase leading to the loft, three-and-a-half baths, a gourmet kitchen, a free-form pool, spa and landscaped pool deck and a covered outdoor living area.
The model includes an optional outdoor kitchen and fireplace as well as an optional wine cooler in the kitchen. The large master suite has a sitting area that opens to the outdoor living area and offers golf course and water views.
The classic-transitional design style features a color palette that includes light, creamy backgrounds with chocolate browns and aqua blues as well as gold and white contrasts. Tropical style art selections include a piece by Quail West resident Carol Weber. A combination of classic and clean-lined furnishings mixes wood tones with painted pieces to bring character to an interior design that is sophisticated, elegant and comfortable.
"The furnishings reflect simple lines with light fabrics and finishes to give the home a fresh feeling," said Margrander. "The combination of the simple wood tones with painted accent pieces provides additional interest in spaces throughout the residence."
Ceramic tile floors, crown molding, distinctive ceiling treatments and other elegant features and finishes are found throughout the Bardane.
The kitchen includes raised panel wood cabinetry, granite countertops, under-cabinet accent lighting and a Bosch stainless steel appliance package.
Granite or marble countertops are also found in the master bath along with his-and-her vanities, a tiled walk-in shower, a separate tub and his-and-her walk-in closets with built-in cabinets.
The four-bedroom with study Casa Fiore is being constructed in Quail West's Sunnyslope neighborhood. This home features cutting edge architectural details, ceilings that soar to 20 feet and floor-to-ceiling windows that amplify pool, golf course and lake views.
A soft-modern design style plays clean-lined neutral furniture pieces with darker finishes against accessories and artwork. Windows are stacked all the way to the island kitchen's 25-foot ceiling. The natural light enhances the room's rich palette that includes taupes and backsplash details that compliment lighter toned walls.
"McGarvey Custom Homes is known for its attention to detail," said Margrander, "and that will be evident throughout the Casa Fiore. The clean-lined trim package will include beamed ceiling details, 12-inch baseboards and two-piece crown molding around the perimeter and in the ceiling coffers in the dining room, kitchen, leisure room and master bedroom. A morning bar in the master suite, indoor and outdoor fireplaces with pre-cast concrete surrounds, a wet bar and a five-car garage with a motor court will be included. Mud-set stone flooring with numerous inlays and details will be featured in the kitchen, dining room and leisure room. Decorative stone or ceramic tile will be used in the bathrooms.
The study will be finished with hardwood flooring and will include custom built-in cabinetry. The leisure room will feature a custom built-in entertainment cabinet. An airy island kitchen will be equipped with a Viking and Sub-Zero appliance package. The breakfast nook will feature a view of the outdoor living area and pool and include a built-in breakfast bench. All of these features and finishes work beautifully with our soft-modern design style."
The Casa Fiore is perfectly suited to Southwest Florida's outdoor lifestyle. An outdoor living area will include an outdoor kitchen with a 36-inch grill, sink and refrigerator. The 615-square-foot pool will feature a heated spa. The pool deck will be surrounded by an aluminum fence.
One of the models, McGarvey's Bardane villa in Quail West's La Caille neighborhood, is nearing completion.
The Bardane's two-story great room floor plan offers 3,788 square feet under air and includes an oval-shaped foyer, four bedrooms, a study, a staircase leading to the loft, three-and-a-half baths, a gourmet kitchen, a free-form pool, spa and landscaped pool deck and a covered outdoor living area.
The model includes an optional outdoor kitchen and fireplace as well as an optional wine cooler in the kitchen. The large master suite has a sitting area that opens to the outdoor living area and offers golf course and water views.
The classic-transitional design style features a color palette that includes light, creamy backgrounds with chocolate browns and aqua blues as well as gold and white contrasts. Tropical style art selections include a piece by Quail West resident Carol Weber. A combination of classic and clean-lined furnishings mixes wood tones with painted pieces to bring character to an interior design that is sophisticated, elegant and comfortable.
"The furnishings reflect simple lines with light fabrics and finishes to give the home a fresh feeling," said Margrander. "The combination of the simple wood tones with painted accent pieces provides additional interest in spaces throughout the residence."
Ceramic tile floors, crown molding, distinctive ceiling treatments and other elegant features and finishes are found throughout the Bardane.
The kitchen includes raised panel wood cabinetry, granite countertops, under-cabinet accent lighting and a Bosch stainless steel appliance package.
Granite or marble countertops are also found in the master bath along with his-and-her vanities, a tiled walk-in shower, a separate tub and his-and-her walk-in closets with built-in cabinets.
The four-bedroom with study Casa Fiore is being constructed in Quail West's Sunnyslope neighborhood. This home features cutting edge architectural details, ceilings that soar to 20 feet and floor-to-ceiling windows that amplify pool, golf course and lake views.
A soft-modern design style plays clean-lined neutral furniture pieces with darker finishes against accessories and artwork. Windows are stacked all the way to the island kitchen's 25-foot ceiling. The natural light enhances the room's rich palette that includes taupes and backsplash details that compliment lighter toned walls.
"McGarvey Custom Homes is known for its attention to detail," said Margrander, "and that will be evident throughout the Casa Fiore. The clean-lined trim package will include beamed ceiling details, 12-inch baseboards and two-piece crown molding around the perimeter and in the ceiling coffers in the dining room, kitchen, leisure room and master bedroom. A morning bar in the master suite, indoor and outdoor fireplaces with pre-cast concrete surrounds, a wet bar and a five-car garage with a motor court will be included. Mud-set stone flooring with numerous inlays and details will be featured in the kitchen, dining room and leisure room. Decorative stone or ceramic tile will be used in the bathrooms.
The study will be finished with hardwood flooring and will include custom built-in cabinetry. The leisure room will feature a custom built-in entertainment cabinet. An airy island kitchen will be equipped with a Viking and Sub-Zero appliance package. The breakfast nook will feature a view of the outdoor living area and pool and include a built-in breakfast bench. All of these features and finishes work beautifully with our soft-modern design style."
The Casa Fiore is perfectly suited to Southwest Florida's outdoor lifestyle. An outdoor living area will include an outdoor kitchen with a 36-inch grill, sink and refrigerator. The 615-square-foot pool will feature a heated spa. The pool deck will be surrounded by an aluminum fence.
2012年2月16日星期四
Officials Say in Manslaughter Case Against Architect
An $11 million mansion in Hollywood Hills was a deathtrap, officials are contending in an unusual criminal case brought against its architect after the death of a Los Angeles firefighter.
Despite the home's hefty pricetag, the fireplaces in place at the time of the blaze did not meet building standards and presented an "extreme immediate and imminent hazard," according to an affidavit attached to an article in the L.A. Now blog of the Los Angeles Times.
Architect Gerhard Albert Becker, 48, was arrested over the weekend when he arrived at the Los Angeles airport from Spain and initially held without bail. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment yesterday in the involuntary manslaughter case, and his bail was set at $2 million, the Associated Press reports.
Court documents (PDF) linked to the newspaper article include a search warrant and affidavit that describe the alleged cause of the Feb. 16, 2011 fire and say Becker was both the owner and designer of the home.
He told fire investigators he is licensed as an architect in Germany and Spain and planned and built the fireplaces himself because he wanted to be sure the job was done right, the affidavit says. According to officials, the home had no fireplaces when a building inspection was performed and Becker said at that time he didn't intend to install any, although plans called for a standard gas fireplace.
The affidavit says a building inspector determined that the fireplaces in the home were not constructed in a typical manner, which would have involved the use of noncombustible materials such as brick or stone, liner material that was resistant to high temperatures and an angled design intended to help vent heat and ash through a flue leading out of the building.
In the Hollywood Hills home, by contrast, the fireplaces were built of wood framing and lined on the bottom, sides and top with combustible drywall that ordinarily is used for standard walls, according to the document. Ceramic tile or slate was glued to the drywall.
Among other ways in which the building inspector found that the construction "fails to meet any standards for approved fireplaces," the affidavit says, one of the fireplaces was vented into the interior of the mansion. It appears from the affidavit that all of the fireplaces were gas, rather than wood-burning, and allegedly were manufactured for use outdoors rather than indoors.
Becker allegedly told investigators that he considered his installations architectural or decorative features, rather than fireplaces.
Glenn Allen, a Los Angeles firefighter, was buried in debris after the ceiling of the home collapsed during the fire, the affidavit says. Unconscious and not breathing when he was rescued several minutes later, he died in a hospital two days after the fire. An autopsy determined the cause to be mechanical asphyxiation.
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said that the fire started as a result of gross negligence, the AP article reports. As far as he is aware, the case against Becker may be the only one in which alleged building defects resulted in an involuntary manslaughter charge.
Despite the home's hefty pricetag, the fireplaces in place at the time of the blaze did not meet building standards and presented an "extreme immediate and imminent hazard," according to an affidavit attached to an article in the L.A. Now blog of the Los Angeles Times.
Architect Gerhard Albert Becker, 48, was arrested over the weekend when he arrived at the Los Angeles airport from Spain and initially held without bail. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment yesterday in the involuntary manslaughter case, and his bail was set at $2 million, the Associated Press reports.
Court documents (PDF) linked to the newspaper article include a search warrant and affidavit that describe the alleged cause of the Feb. 16, 2011 fire and say Becker was both the owner and designer of the home.
He told fire investigators he is licensed as an architect in Germany and Spain and planned and built the fireplaces himself because he wanted to be sure the job was done right, the affidavit says. According to officials, the home had no fireplaces when a building inspection was performed and Becker said at that time he didn't intend to install any, although plans called for a standard gas fireplace.
The affidavit says a building inspector determined that the fireplaces in the home were not constructed in a typical manner, which would have involved the use of noncombustible materials such as brick or stone, liner material that was resistant to high temperatures and an angled design intended to help vent heat and ash through a flue leading out of the building.
In the Hollywood Hills home, by contrast, the fireplaces were built of wood framing and lined on the bottom, sides and top with combustible drywall that ordinarily is used for standard walls, according to the document. Ceramic tile or slate was glued to the drywall.
Among other ways in which the building inspector found that the construction "fails to meet any standards for approved fireplaces," the affidavit says, one of the fireplaces was vented into the interior of the mansion. It appears from the affidavit that all of the fireplaces were gas, rather than wood-burning, and allegedly were manufactured for use outdoors rather than indoors.
Becker allegedly told investigators that he considered his installations architectural or decorative features, rather than fireplaces.
Glenn Allen, a Los Angeles firefighter, was buried in debris after the ceiling of the home collapsed during the fire, the affidavit says. Unconscious and not breathing when he was rescued several minutes later, he died in a hospital two days after the fire. An autopsy determined the cause to be mechanical asphyxiation.
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said that the fire started as a result of gross negligence, the AP article reports. As far as he is aware, the case against Becker may be the only one in which alleged building defects resulted in an involuntary manslaughter charge.
2012年2月15日星期三
Olsons ‘take show(room) on the road’
Executive Interiors takes its product on the road, arriving at destinations via a motorbus so customers can view flooring and tile at its destination – not merely in the showroom.
“Anyone can have a flooring business. We cater to the needs of the client,” sales representative Chris Gatewood said the unique marketing niche.
Matt and Alyssa Olson offer all types of flooring, countertops and Amish cabinetry at the showroom at 506 Henrietta North – ceramic, porcelain, tile, carpet, vinyl, stone and wood.
But parked in the garage, is the bus, loaded with samples.
“It’s the nicer of the uglies,” Alyssa joked of the truck they found in Brainerd in 2009, the decision to buy following prayer on the matter – and lunch for the kids.
A home’s lighting is often much different than a showroom’s, Matt explained of bringing samples on site. “This saves time for both.”
Matt’s experience in the industry began 11 years ago, working with Keith Blumberg. He attended seminars to learn the “tricks of the trade.” He began Lakes Area Tile in Park Rapids in 2003, but subsequently moved to Rochester, where he opened a store.
Matt was returning to Park Rapids with samples when the idea of a mobile showroom emerged. “It started from necessity,” he said. “But it’s worked out well.”
The move to Rochester proved pivotal, not from a business perspective, but for the twins Alyssa was pregnant with at the time. Alexander and Aiden, now 4, were not sharing blood and oxygen properly. The Mayo doctors detected the problem and corrected it.
“Meanwhile, the economy dipped,” Matt said. “We still had our home, so we moved back.”
Executive Interiors products are backed by warranty. They offer free estimates, with installation completed on residential and commercial properties – from restaurants to grocery and bookstores, to hotels, apartments and churches. References will be supplied on request.
They also will complete custom showers and concrete countertops. And their service radius ranges from Rousseau to Minot and points in between.
“No job is too small,” Matt said.
“Anyone can have a flooring business. We cater to the needs of the client,” sales representative Chris Gatewood said the unique marketing niche.
Matt and Alyssa Olson offer all types of flooring, countertops and Amish cabinetry at the showroom at 506 Henrietta North – ceramic, porcelain, tile, carpet, vinyl, stone and wood.
But parked in the garage, is the bus, loaded with samples.
“It’s the nicer of the uglies,” Alyssa joked of the truck they found in Brainerd in 2009, the decision to buy following prayer on the matter – and lunch for the kids.
A home’s lighting is often much different than a showroom’s, Matt explained of bringing samples on site. “This saves time for both.”
Matt’s experience in the industry began 11 years ago, working with Keith Blumberg. He attended seminars to learn the “tricks of the trade.” He began Lakes Area Tile in Park Rapids in 2003, but subsequently moved to Rochester, where he opened a store.
Matt was returning to Park Rapids with samples when the idea of a mobile showroom emerged. “It started from necessity,” he said. “But it’s worked out well.”
The move to Rochester proved pivotal, not from a business perspective, but for the twins Alyssa was pregnant with at the time. Alexander and Aiden, now 4, were not sharing blood and oxygen properly. The Mayo doctors detected the problem and corrected it.
“Meanwhile, the economy dipped,” Matt said. “We still had our home, so we moved back.”
Executive Interiors products are backed by warranty. They offer free estimates, with installation completed on residential and commercial properties – from restaurants to grocery and bookstores, to hotels, apartments and churches. References will be supplied on request.
They also will complete custom showers and concrete countertops. And their service radius ranges from Rousseau to Minot and points in between.
“No job is too small,” Matt said.
2012年2月14日星期二
Milwaukee/NARI Members Suggest Tweaking Your Home to Suit Your Aging in Place Needs
The number of homeowners between the ages of 55 and 74 is set to increase by 10.2 million from now until the year 2020 and nearly 90 percent of those 65 and over prefer to stay in their home as long as possible. This trend, called aging in place, has area remodelers busy with modifications that can help homeowners remain in their homes as long as possible.
Remodeler Rick Bartelt is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and owner of Bartelt - The Remodeling Resource in Delafield. “Homeowners don’t want to have a handicapped-accessible home when they don’t have any physical limitations. But we can make improvements so it isn’t a difficult transition if somebody were to have a serious situation develop. We encourage them to think about what will help them stay in that house down the road without making it seem institutional,” he said.
“Every home and every homeowner’s needs are different, but being aging in place specialists, we always make suggestions that could help in the future,” said Mark Brick, CR, CAPS, owner of B & E General Contractors, Glendale.
“Many things a homeowner can do are simple and inexpensive. There are subtle elements such as decorative grab bars in the bathroom, softer flooring in the kitchen, motion sensors that automatically turn lights off and on, timers on bathroom humidity/exhaust fans, and levers on doors and faucets to name a few,” Brick said.
“As specialists, we do suggest aging in place principals, but some homeowners are not ready. We urge them to look at the big picture whether they are in their 40s or their 60s,” said Jim Klappa, CGR, CAPS, owner of JDJ Builders, Inc., Greenfield.
“We address the current needs of the individual as well as what they will need in the future,” Klappa said. One of the best things when remodeling a bathroom is to have enough flexibility so if a wheelchair is needed, there is a proper turning radius. It is easy enough to do by taking space from a closet or an adjoining bathroom. If we are bumping out a wall, we can create enough space for a laundry room as well. A main floor laundry gets more important as a person starts to age,” he said.
There are many things on the market now that are more user-friendly to individuals of all abilities, such as front controls on stoves, microwaves in drawers, pull-out cabinets, and a plethora of lighting options.
“We’ll be seeing more of this as the population ages, even window treatments,” said Bartelt. He referred to the option of having shades that are not controlled by strings, but by side levers. “It’s easy for someone who has strength issues and it’s nice because you don’t have to worry about a toddler getting caught up in strings,” he said.
“Suppliers like plumbing and cabinetry manufacturers are making more products available,” said Brick, who has seen more of a presence of these things at builder and remodeler trade shows. “We are seeing more interest in this trend.”
Remodeler Rick Bartelt is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and owner of Bartelt - The Remodeling Resource in Delafield. “Homeowners don’t want to have a handicapped-accessible home when they don’t have any physical limitations. But we can make improvements so it isn’t a difficult transition if somebody were to have a serious situation develop. We encourage them to think about what will help them stay in that house down the road without making it seem institutional,” he said.
“Every home and every homeowner’s needs are different, but being aging in place specialists, we always make suggestions that could help in the future,” said Mark Brick, CR, CAPS, owner of B & E General Contractors, Glendale.
“Many things a homeowner can do are simple and inexpensive. There are subtle elements such as decorative grab bars in the bathroom, softer flooring in the kitchen, motion sensors that automatically turn lights off and on, timers on bathroom humidity/exhaust fans, and levers on doors and faucets to name a few,” Brick said.
“As specialists, we do suggest aging in place principals, but some homeowners are not ready. We urge them to look at the big picture whether they are in their 40s or their 60s,” said Jim Klappa, CGR, CAPS, owner of JDJ Builders, Inc., Greenfield.
“We address the current needs of the individual as well as what they will need in the future,” Klappa said. One of the best things when remodeling a bathroom is to have enough flexibility so if a wheelchair is needed, there is a proper turning radius. It is easy enough to do by taking space from a closet or an adjoining bathroom. If we are bumping out a wall, we can create enough space for a laundry room as well. A main floor laundry gets more important as a person starts to age,” he said.
There are many things on the market now that are more user-friendly to individuals of all abilities, such as front controls on stoves, microwaves in drawers, pull-out cabinets, and a plethora of lighting options.
“We’ll be seeing more of this as the population ages, even window treatments,” said Bartelt. He referred to the option of having shades that are not controlled by strings, but by side levers. “It’s easy for someone who has strength issues and it’s nice because you don’t have to worry about a toddler getting caught up in strings,” he said.
“Suppliers like plumbing and cabinetry manufacturers are making more products available,” said Brick, who has seen more of a presence of these things at builder and remodeler trade shows. “We are seeing more interest in this trend.”
2012年2月13日星期一
NSF International offering environmental certification
NSF International, an independent global organization that writes public health standards and certifies products for food, water and consumer goods, now offers Green Squared Certification for sustainable ceramic tiles, glass tiles and installation materials.
NSF’s Sustainability division is a leading developer of sustainable standards and certification programs for building and furnishing products such as furniture, wallcoverings, and furnishing fabrics, carpets and flooring.
Developed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), Green Squared certification provides accurate, third-party verified information on the environmental impacts of certified tile products.
Green Squared certification through NSF Sustainability helps manufacturers and suppliers of tiles and installation materials distinguish their products from competitors, earn preferred vendor status by environmentally-minded consumers and companies, and demonstrate compliance to state and federal purchasing requirements.
The NSF certification process includes a comprehensive documentation review and onsite facility audit to verify conformance to the standard upon which the Green Squared certification program is based -- ANSI A138.1 American National Standard Specifications for Sustainable Ceramic Tiles, Glass Tiles and Tile Installation Materials.
This consensus-based standard requires an evaluation of products in five categories of performance: product characteristics, manufacturing, corporate governance, innovation, and end-of-life.
“Green Squared provides a standard of excellence in sustainability for the entire industry as it covers not just tile products but also the materials required for their installation,” says Bill Griese, TCNA standards development and green initiative manager. “We are pleased that the certification bodies we have participating in Green Squared are leaders in the realm of developing sustainability standards and certification programs for interior furnishing products, and these organizations have the expertise and industry experience necessary to provide high quality certifications under the Green Squared program.”
Tiles covered by the Green Squared program may include mosaic, quarry, pressed floor, glazed wall, porcelain, specialty, cast glass, fused glass, and low-temperature coated glass tiles.
Installation materials may include mortar adhesives, mastic adhesives, reactive resin adhesives, grouts, tile backer units, crack isolation membranes, waterproofing membranes, water containment membranes, and sound reduction membranes.
NSF’s Sustainability division is a leading developer of sustainable standards and certification programs for building and furnishing products such as furniture, wallcoverings, and furnishing fabrics, carpets and flooring.
Developed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), Green Squared certification provides accurate, third-party verified information on the environmental impacts of certified tile products.
Green Squared certification through NSF Sustainability helps manufacturers and suppliers of tiles and installation materials distinguish their products from competitors, earn preferred vendor status by environmentally-minded consumers and companies, and demonstrate compliance to state and federal purchasing requirements.
The NSF certification process includes a comprehensive documentation review and onsite facility audit to verify conformance to the standard upon which the Green Squared certification program is based -- ANSI A138.1 American National Standard Specifications for Sustainable Ceramic Tiles, Glass Tiles and Tile Installation Materials.
This consensus-based standard requires an evaluation of products in five categories of performance: product characteristics, manufacturing, corporate governance, innovation, and end-of-life.
“Green Squared provides a standard of excellence in sustainability for the entire industry as it covers not just tile products but also the materials required for their installation,” says Bill Griese, TCNA standards development and green initiative manager. “We are pleased that the certification bodies we have participating in Green Squared are leaders in the realm of developing sustainability standards and certification programs for interior furnishing products, and these organizations have the expertise and industry experience necessary to provide high quality certifications under the Green Squared program.”
Tiles covered by the Green Squared program may include mosaic, quarry, pressed floor, glazed wall, porcelain, specialty, cast glass, fused glass, and low-temperature coated glass tiles.
Installation materials may include mortar adhesives, mastic adhesives, reactive resin adhesives, grouts, tile backer units, crack isolation membranes, waterproofing membranes, water containment membranes, and sound reduction membranes.
2012年2月12日星期日
Local Artist Donates Fireplace Tiles to Westfield Historical Society
Renowned ceramic tile artist and former Westfield resident Stacey Farley created and donated more than a dozen tiles that tell the story of life in Westfield in the early 1900s.
Members of the Westfield Historical Society gathered Saturday morning for the unveiling of the tiles that frame the fireplace inside the former home of the Reeve family, which currently serves as The Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center on Mountain Avenue.
Farley, who has been making ceramic tile art for over 25 years, has had her work installed at train stations—including the Westfield station—museums, gardens and parks. The work of the artist, who holds a BA from Brown University and an MFA from the University of Illinois in Chicago, often reflects a bygone era and such is the case at The Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center.
Spending countless hours pouring over hundreds of photographs, Farley created a narrative that pays homage to a time and place in Westfield, using a timeless material – clay.
"My plan is that this will last for hundreds of years," said Farley, who noted that many times the only thing that withstands the test of time in an older building is the tilework. "I try to make it to last forever and I try to make it relevant to the site."
The tiles include a glimpse at Ralph Reeve, who grew up in the home which dates back to the 1870s, on horseback. Another tile displays a postcard from 1901. Above the fireplace, a panoramic tile depicts a large group of children in front of the Rialto Theatre.
"It was nice to find such a fabulous picture," said Farley, who added that is rare to find photos of women and children from that period in history.
Historical Society President Nancy Priest welcomed and thanked guests for attending the 11 a.m. unveiling. Priest said it was Lee Hale who first suggested contacting Farley, whom all deemed a "perfect match" for the project. Priest said Farley "graciously agreed" to undertake the endeavor, which the artist called "a pleasure."
Betty Jane Kowalski, Vice Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, said it is wonderful to see the beautiful restoration work that has been done to the home over the past decade.
She added that the County was "pleased and proud" to have contributed its support through the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
Historical Society curator Stan Lipson suggested that those who didn't want to crouch down to look at the tiles could view the photos they depict in the dining room via a digital picture frame.
Other recent improvements include the replacement of half the windows at The Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center, Priest said. The other half will be updated as soon as additional funding is procured.
"It's coming together little by little," said Priest, who added that the Historical Society hopes to construct an archives building on the property to house the artifacts that are currently stored at the Board of Education building.
Following the unveiling, guests were able to tour the home and enjoy refreshments.
Sherry Cronin, vice-president of the society, said upcoming events will offer the community a chance to learn more about the rich history of the building and the Reeve family, who resided in the home from 1906 until 2001.
A basement sale on Saturday, Feb. 25 will be held to raise money for the society's continuing efforts. Tours and exhibits will also be offered in March and April.
Members of the Westfield Historical Society gathered Saturday morning for the unveiling of the tiles that frame the fireplace inside the former home of the Reeve family, which currently serves as The Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center on Mountain Avenue.
Farley, who has been making ceramic tile art for over 25 years, has had her work installed at train stations—including the Westfield station—museums, gardens and parks. The work of the artist, who holds a BA from Brown University and an MFA from the University of Illinois in Chicago, often reflects a bygone era and such is the case at The Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center.
Spending countless hours pouring over hundreds of photographs, Farley created a narrative that pays homage to a time and place in Westfield, using a timeless material – clay.
"My plan is that this will last for hundreds of years," said Farley, who noted that many times the only thing that withstands the test of time in an older building is the tilework. "I try to make it to last forever and I try to make it relevant to the site."
The tiles include a glimpse at Ralph Reeve, who grew up in the home which dates back to the 1870s, on horseback. Another tile displays a postcard from 1901. Above the fireplace, a panoramic tile depicts a large group of children in front of the Rialto Theatre.
"It was nice to find such a fabulous picture," said Farley, who added that is rare to find photos of women and children from that period in history.
Historical Society President Nancy Priest welcomed and thanked guests for attending the 11 a.m. unveiling. Priest said it was Lee Hale who first suggested contacting Farley, whom all deemed a "perfect match" for the project. Priest said Farley "graciously agreed" to undertake the endeavor, which the artist called "a pleasure."
Betty Jane Kowalski, Vice Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, said it is wonderful to see the beautiful restoration work that has been done to the home over the past decade.
She added that the County was "pleased and proud" to have contributed its support through the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
Historical Society curator Stan Lipson suggested that those who didn't want to crouch down to look at the tiles could view the photos they depict in the dining room via a digital picture frame.
Other recent improvements include the replacement of half the windows at The Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center, Priest said. The other half will be updated as soon as additional funding is procured.
"It's coming together little by little," said Priest, who added that the Historical Society hopes to construct an archives building on the property to house the artifacts that are currently stored at the Board of Education building.
Following the unveiling, guests were able to tour the home and enjoy refreshments.
Sherry Cronin, vice-president of the society, said upcoming events will offer the community a chance to learn more about the rich history of the building and the Reeve family, who resided in the home from 1906 until 2001.
A basement sale on Saturday, Feb. 25 will be held to raise money for the society's continuing efforts. Tours and exhibits will also be offered in March and April.
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