Tag: design

Advice Center

Alvar Aalto: the great architect of the Santa Claus village  

23rd December 20220

Who was Alvar Aalto?  

Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto (3rd February 1898 – 11th May 1976) born in Kuortane, Finland was a Finnish architect and designer. His work includes architecture, furniture, textiles and glassware, as well as sculptures and paintings. The span of his career, from the 1920s to the 1970s, is reflected in the styles of his work, ranging from Nordic Classicism of the early work, to a rational International Style Modernism during the 1930s to a more organic modernist style from the 1940s onwards. 

Early life –  

Aalto completed his basic education in 1916, and started taking drawing lessons from a local artist. In 1916 he enrolled to study architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology. However, his studies were interrupted because he went to fight in the Finnish civil war. Later, he continued his education, graduating in 1921. In the summer of 1922 he began military service, finishing at Hamina reserve officer training school, and was promoted to reserve second lieutenant in June 1923. In 1923, he opened an architectural office in Jyvaskyla under the name ‘Alvar Aalto, Architect and Monumental Artist’.   

Lapland during WW2 –  

In the 1930s, Rovaniemi was a quiet trading town of around 6,000 people until Russia invaded in 1939. The Finns fought off their aggressors in the brutal winter war of 1939-40, then allied with Germany for protection from further Russian incursions. The Germans created a base in Rovaniemi, doubling the population and built an air field and barracks, which would then become Santas official airport and Santa Claus village.  

Once the Germans left in 1944, they burned Rovaniemi to the ground, they destroyed 90% of the town.  

Rebuilding Rovaniemi, Lapland –  

Aalto was commissioned by the Association of Finnish Architects to reconstruct the town in 1945. He saw the burned town as an opportunity. Aalto had the genius idea to have a town shaped like a reindeer. The central Rovaniemi is wrapped inside the reindeer’s head, with the Keskuskenttä sports stadium as the eye. Roads leading north, west and south make up the antlers. 

Photo: Visit Rovaniem

In June 1950, Eleanor Roosevelt wanted to visit the Arctic Circle, so the Finns built a log cabin near Rovaniemi airport in a week, furnished with chairs designed by Aalto. The cabin because a tourist attraction and a tourism grew Rovaniemi was rebuilt.  

He designed three main buildings for the towns centre:  

  • A concert hall  
  • A town hall  
  • And a library, which is one of his finest works  

He also built a small section of houses in the suburbs, a private home and a commercial block all inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s design style.  

Santa Claus Village –  

Local entrepreneurs created the Santa Claus Village when more visitors were coming to Rovaniemi to see the arctic circle. A rural-style wooden village was created around Eleanor Roosevelt’s cabin, offering shops, reindeer rides, a Santa, and a post office so visitors could send letters from the Arctic Circle. This is where every letter addressed to Father Christmas ends up – around 700,000 a year. 

Image: TripAdvisor
Architecture & Building

How Green architecture impacts the modern world  

22nd December 20220

It is commonly known by now that the world as we know it has become endangered over the years. In the architecture industry the response has been the growth of green architecture.  

What is green architecture?  

Green architecture is a philosophy that advocates for architects to produce smart designs and use of technologies to ensure that structures generate minimal harmful effects to the ecosystem and the communities.  

The rise of green architecture –  

The green architecture movement gained momentum in the late 80s/ early 90s when the American Institute of Architects collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop new guidelines for architectural design. 

What makes a building green? 

Any building can be green if it is made with these features:  

  • Good indoor environmental air quality  
  • Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy  
  • Efficient use of energy, water, space and other resources 
  • Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable 
  • A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment 
  • Consideration of the environment in design, construction, and operation 
  • Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling 
  • Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction, and operation 

Why is green architecture important? 

While cities are continuously expanding, the Earth itself is not getting any bigger. This growth has a huge impact to the environment because the process of developing new habitats for our communities constantly requires a huge chunk of our natural resources. 

According to the UN Environment Global Status Report 2017, building and construction account for more than 35% of global final energy use and for nearly 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions. While these numbers are lower than those in 2010 due to a higher awareness regarding sustainability, there’s still a long way to go. 

Here are some examples of sustainable architecture –  

One central park, Sydney Australia –  

One central park is a mixed use dual high-rise building located in Sydney. A park at the foot of the building continues up the structure. Vegetation of 250 species of Australian plants and flowers cover one central park. The plants stretch over 50 meters high, and it has become the world’s tallest vertical garden. In 2013 the building was awarded a 5-star green star by the green building council of Australia.  

Image: Sardaka

Shanghai tower, Shanghai China –  

The world’s second tallest building at 2,073 feet, Shanghai Tower is an architectural wonder as well as a sustainable one. A transparent second skin wrapped around the building creates a buffer of captured air that serves as natural ventilation, reducing energy costs, and 270 wind turbines incorporated into the facade power its exterior lights. 

Bosco Verticale, Milan Italy –  

The project was named Bosco Verticale, or in English “Vertical Forest”, because together the towers have 800 trees, 5,000 shrubs and 1.5000 perennial plants, which help mitigate smog and produce oxygen. With more than 90 species, the buildings’ biodiversity is expected to attract new bird and insect species to the city. It is also used to moderate temperatures in the building in the winter and summer, by shading the interiors from the sun and blocking harsh winds. The vegetation also protects the interior spaces from noise pollution and dust from street-level traffic. 

Architecture & Building

Learn all about Arctic architecture this winter 

21st December 20220

The extreme weather in the arctic regions cause a range of design and planning challenges. For example: the cold temperature, structural problems, transportation, the high standards for materials, and resource limitations.  

Tips for designing, operating and maintaining buildings and systems in cold climates –  

  • The colder the climate, the more important it is to keep your equipment sheltered from the weather.
  • Avoid or minimise any external service pipes because they will freeze.  
  • Windblown snow has the consistency similar to sand. So, this requires special design techniques to keep it from getting into the HVAC systems.  
  • Place air vents in locations that will avoid snow drifts and blockages.  
  • Use prefab materials  

Building green – 

Since in the Arctic Region the effects of climate change are amplified and lead to global consequences, governments and international organizations are developing solutions to promote sustainable constructions. Green buildings provide benefits from an economic and social perspective, through lower building costs and improved comfort of their occupants.  

Building houses in the arctic –  

Many people in the arctic today live in modern towns and cities. People work in the arctic, extracting oil and gas beneath the permafrost, conducting research or working in tourism.  

Permafrost is very challenging to build on. Which is why houses where permafrost is present are built on stilts. This is to keep the permafrost from melting under them. While it is frozen it provides the house with a stable foundation. When the ground thaws, it can cause the building to shift or even collapse. Many houses are elevated on steel piles driven into the bedrock to keep the heat inside the home from going into the frozen ground.  

Houses in the north are often very different from the south. Northern houses will often have the bedrooms downstairs and the common areas upstairs. Heat rises so rooms closer to the ground are cooler, while upstairs the living areas capture and retain the heat in the winter.  

Windows are also an important factor when it comes to homes in polar regions. You want to make sure you place the windows in areas that have a positive impact. The placement of the window is important because you will get much needed sunlight in the winter but won’t be roasting in the summer.  

Here are some examples of architecture in the arctic –  

Arctic tree house hotel, Finland –  

This hotel in Finland was designed by Studio Puisto and it took inspiration from Nordic nature and culture. The timber structures are covered in wood and are carefully designed to be comfortable even in the winter months. All of the structures were fully constructed inside, right down to the internal surfaces and fixtures. They were then transported to the site and was lifted onto support pillars.  

Photographs:Marc Goodwin

Svart Hotel, Norway –  

The Svart Hotel is planned to be constructed at the base of Norway’s Almlifjellet mountain. Designed by international architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design firm Snohetta, the Svart Hotel gets its name from the nearby Svartisen glacier. The Norwegian hotel is being planned as modern sustainable architecture, with extensive research having gone into energy-efficient construction and operation. Snohetta even claims that the ring-shaped hotel will in-fact be energy positive – meaning it will produce more energy than it consumes. By mapping the movement of the sun’s ray, the circular structure design includes solar panels that would provide optimum levels of light throughout the day all year long. 

SVART – Photo credit Snøhetta Plompmozes MIRIS
Advice Center

Green Belt Areas: Everything You Need To Know

20th December 20220

England’s 14 green belts cover around 12.4% of land in the country and provide a breath of fresh air for 30 million people. 

What is a green belt area?  

A green belt is a policy and land use zone designation used in land use planning. They retain areas of largely undeveloped, wild, or agricultural land surrounding or neighboring urban areas.  

There are three different types of land and they are:  

  • Brownfield – land that has been built on previously, but is now vacant or in need of redevelopment.  
  • Greenfield – land that has not been built on before (agricultural/grassland). 
  • Green belt – highly protected land with tight restrictions on development.  

Local planning authorities are extremely cautious about their green belt areas. This is because the purpose of one is to capture the fugitive emissions emanating from plant operations, alternate the noise generated and improve the aesthetic. 

New homes can be allowed in the green belt if they meet the need. And this exception only applies to specific policies in the local plan. And only then if the need for those homes is clearly demonstrated they will be able to live in a green belt area. Developers need to submit a case for very special circumstances in which the building would outweigh the resulting harm to the environment.  

How much does it cost to buy green belt land?  

The cost of the land largely depends on whether it has planning permission or not. Green belt land is usually cheap if it doesn’t have consent to build on. It is cheap because of the strong building restrictions. However, if the area has consent to build on it could sell for about £500,000 per acre. 

Green belts are intended to check further growth of large built-up areas such as London. This is because they need to prevent neighboring towns from merging into one another.

You definitely can’t overlook the benefits that green belts can offer for your health and wellbeing. For example, being in the countryside where it’s rich with nature, and there’s plenty of fresh air for everyone to enjoy. They also double up as local nature reserves. So, they work brilliantly for wildlife, allowing creatures to move between habitats safely and flourish in a mix of landscapes. 

Instead of viewing the Green Belts as a limitation to building more homes, we need to focus on restoring and enhancing the land. So, it can continue to provide a space for nature and a place to relax, play and grow our food. 

Hellerick – Own work

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Architecture & Building

Why Modern Architecture Became So Popular

16th December 20220

What Defines Modern Architecture? 

 Modern architecture has something for everyone, Even if you prefer other styles. There are some elements of modern design that will appeal to you. Modern architecture is clean and simple. It is defined by clean lines and minimalist interiors that allow the structure to speak for itself and take center-stage. To keep it simple, modern architecture focuses more on industrial metals such as steel, concrete, and glass. These metals give the architecture the simplistic look that a lot of people find aesthetically pleasing to look at. The thing about modern architecture is that it remains unique in fact, modern architects have created some of the most unique designs to date. And even though the interior is minimal the designs are so unique the houses never look boring. 

A large misconception that a lot of people have is that modern houses are not very homely and are cool and cold. This is because of the open spaces and the minimal furniture that people usually choose. However, a large number of modern design features are naturally warm and inviting. For example wood and stone accents and floors and also warm lighting. Another inviting feature most modern homes have is floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, large windows that let in natural light, and high vaulted ceilings. A lot of modern plans contain fewer walls to create an open living space and make the place more welcoming.  

Visualized by: Alex_nerovnya

Architecture Post WW2

After World War 2 modern architecture was at its highest. The wartime industrial demands resulted in shortages of steel and other building materials. This meant that people were using inexpensive building materials to rebuild their houses and offices because they were cheap enough to mass-produce. They mainly used reinforced concrete and some steel to rebuild the majority of homes. They made the houses open plan with vaulted ceilings to create living space, and also used large windows to let in more daylight. 

Architecture Post WW2
Image: Rufus Knight

Nowadays modern homes are more expensive to build and to buy because they have gained a lot of popularity. The majority of people would like a modern home because of celebrities and posts online. However, modern homes are also a lot more expensive than traditional homes. This is because they need more materials to make the house more durable. Also, because traditional houses are made from brick, and modern ones are made from concrete, which is more expensive than brick.  Although, modern houses are becoming popular the most desired and common house style in the UK is the Tudor houses. 

Advice Center

What Season Should You Start Construction Work? The Ultimate Guide

15th December 20220

Looking to start construction work but are not sure when the best time of year is? This blog will help you decide.  

The climate is the biggest and most important factor when it comes to construction. This is because it determines the materials you can use and the longevity of the work.  

Autumn – Winter Construction

The autumn and winter periods are a classic time for dangerous construction sites. many accidents happen because the ground is often slippery and wet. Workers also need to dress up warmly and wear extra padding, this leads to having less mobility which leads to accidents. You also need to watch out for the water and electricity and make sure they do not come in contact. Because the site can become a death trap if it is not managed properly.  

Thunderstorms –  

Thunderstorms and heavy rains cause a lot more damage to a build than expected. If there are high winds materials being used in the construction can be destroyed or damaged. And if it is hailing it can easily break glass and can dent sheet metal.  

Moisture –  

Moisture is very bad when it comes to construction it can lead to accumulating Mold in the environment. The metals used in the construction such as iron and steel will be accessible to rust. If you are working with wood, even when it is cured it is still open to moisture. Bricks are one of the first building materials that is immediately affected by moisture during construction.  this is because it traps the moisture in the tinner walls and it could be released at a later date. 

Extreme Cold –  

Materials contract in extreme cold, so applying paint and glue to surfaces on these days will lead to cracking and wrinkling. Concrete and cement will also form ice particles and this drastically reduces strength and stability.  

However, building in cold climates is not a new thing and cold counties have successfully overcome all issues. Because they use specially adapted materials, additives, and application processes. 

How Does Weather Affect Construction? |
Image: Abode By Patrick

Spring – Summer Construction  

You may think because the weather is getting warmer it is for the better, however, moisture is an even bigger issue in spring.  

Heat – 

The heat can be just as big of an issue as the rain. Heat changes the expansion dimensions of materials and this may lead to misaligned joins during the construction. The heat also causes workers to be less careful, wearing less protective clothing and causing drowsiness due to heat fatigue. 

It has shown that preparing concrete on hot days without adding in extra water requirements will lead to weaker applications. Bricks in the heat can also become brittle and, pain, when applied, might crack as well as discolour.   

Construction Workers
Image: Stock.adobe

Just like the colder season building in hotter seasons have its own issues and many countries manage to develop methods and tools that work for the climate. However, it is clear to see that it is better to start construction in the spring-summer months compared to the autumn-winter months.    

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Architecture & Building

How architecture and science intertwine: Biometric architecture  

14th December 20220

Firstly, what is biometric architecture?  

Biometric architecture is a versatile scientific approach to sustainable design that goes beyond using nature as inspiration for aesthetics. But rather studying and applying construction principles that are found in natural environments and species.  

Nature always has solutions to adapt to the environment and the changes occurring due to climate change. It also has solutions to survive in the most extreme climates. Architects and designers have been greatly inspired by the mechanism that every plant, animal, and other life forms possess within them to adapt to their surroundings. Mimicking their mechanisms through technology and using it in designing structures is a way to combine architecture and nature for the building to adapt to the environment. 

Biomimicry – 

Biomimetic architecture is a branch of the new science of biomimicry. Defined and popularized by Janine Benyus in book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature. Biomimicry refers to innovations inspired by nature as one which studies nature and then imitates or takes inspiration from its designs and processes to solve human problems. The book suggests looking at nature as a Model, Measure, and Mentor”  

  • Model – Biomimicry is a new science that studies natures models and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems.  
  • Measure – Biomimicry uses an ecological standard to judge the sustainability of our alterations. 
  • Mentor – Biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing nature.  

History –  

Architecture for many years have taken inspiration from nature. The incorporation of natural existing elements as inspiration in design, originated possibly with the beginning of man-made environments and remains present today. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans incorporated natural patterns into design, such as the tree inspired columns. 

Examples of biometric architecture –  

Beijing National stadium – 

The stadium, also known as the bird’s nest, was a joint venture among architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. Designed for the 2008 Olympics. The outer steel frame of the stadium represents the twigs of a nest. Similar to how a nest is insulated by stuffing material between the twigs, the front is filled with ETFE (Ethyl tetrafluoroethylene) panels. However, to protect spectators, provide acoustic insulation, reduce the dead load on the roof and optimize the entry of sunlight. 

Eastgate Center – 

The Eastgate Centre is a shopping centre and office block in central Zimbabwe, designed by Mick Pearce. It was designed to be ventilated and cooled by entirely natural. Meaning it was probably the first building in the world to use natural cooling to this level of sophistication. 

Furthermore, passive cooling systems are particularly appropriate for this part of Africa because, passive cooling was being used by the local termites. Termite mounds include flues which vent through the top and sides, and the mound itself is designed to catch the breeze. So, as the wind blows, hot air from the main chambers below ground is drawn out of the structure, helped by termites opening or blocking tunnels to control air flow. 

©www.livinspaces.net

The Eden Project –  

The Eden project in Cornwall, England is the world’s largest green house. In addition, the whole building was inspired by the shape of bubbles. The efficient structural system consisting of hexagons and pentagons was derived after studying pollen grains, and carbon molecules. 

House Extension

Front House Extension Rules: Can You Extend

13th December 20220

Whenever you plan to add a front house extension, there are some rules that you need to follow. Like any other house extension, there are some limits on how high, wide and far you can go. If the design does not comply with these rules then you have to apply for planning permission.

It does not mean that this process is negative. It is just difficult and can make your project stressful. Furthermore, it can take many weeks to complete and will cost you extra money. Anyhow, if you are following the rules then you can skip this process and build a front house extension. You can add a room to the front of your house without any worry.

The rules with this type of extensions are very strict. The reason is that you are extending towards the front of the house. It means towards a public highway and hence there are stringent rules.

On the other hand, this type of extension provides you with options to have extra space for living and make some changes to the exterior. You can use this space to build a lounge, kitchen, or a bedroom.

The rules for a front extension are very much similar to the side and rear extension. There are lots of things to consider before you start work. If you want to extend the front, you first need to check whether there is already an extension, because the rules can be different if you already had an extension.

To avoid the daunting process of planning permission, you need to build the extension within “Permitted Development”.

It is better to contact previous owners before starting the work.

Front House Extension Rules to Follow

Some of the rules are as follows:

  • The size of the front house extension should not be greater than the land around the house.
  • You can make an extension higher than the existing roof.
  • You need to make sure that the materials you are using are the same.
  • If your house situated near the public highway; you cannot build an extension under permitted development rights.
Architecture & Building

The unique architecture of igloos  

12th December 20220

Firstly, an igloo is a house built out of snow. It is a sheltered construction, made from snow blocks and it generally look like a dome. They are perfect for extreme cold weather conditions. These unique buildings are mostly associated with the Inuit and Eskimo people from Alaska, Siberia, Canada, and Greenland. 

How does insulation in an igloos work?  

Igloos are built from compressed snow. Snow if a great insulator because snow if filled with miniature air pockets. While it looks solid, as much as 95% of snow is actually air trapped inside tiny crystals. Because the air can’t circulate very well inside the ice crystals, the heat gets trapped in there. The temperature outside could be as low as –45 degrees Celsius, and the temperate inside could rise to anything between –7 and 16 degrees Celsius when warmed by body heat alone.  

The types of igloos –  

There are 3 types of traditional igloos, of all different sizes and purposes. For example: 

  • The smallest of the three are usually constructed as temporary shelters. There are only used for one- or two-nights during hunting trips.  
  • The medium sized igloos were for semi-permanent, family houses. This was usually a single room dwelling that housed 1 or 2 families.  
  • The largest igloos were normally built-in groups of two. One of the buildings was a temporary structure built for special occasions, the other built nearby for living. These might have had up to five rooms and housed up to 20 people. A large igloo might have been constructed from several smaller igloos attached by their tunnels, giving common access to the outside. These were used to hold community feasts and traditional dances. 

Igloos are often built with multi levels inside. The lower level, ideally near the door collects all of the cold air on the floor. While the middle level is for the fire and the upper level is for sleeping.  

The building method –  

The snow used to build an igloo must have enough structural strength to be cut and stacked appropriately. The best snow to use for this purpose is snow which has been blown by wind, which can serve to compact and interlock the ice crystals; snow that has settled gently to the ground in still weather is not useful. 

Architecturally, the igloo is unique in that it is a dome that can be raised out of independent blocks leaning on each other and polished to fit without an additional supporting structure during construction. An igloo that is built correctly will support the weight of a person standing on the roof. 

How are fires able to burn inside igloos?  

while a central fire will always deliver some heat to the ice of the igloo, the ice of the igloo will also tend to lose heat to colder air outside. As long as the ice loses heat at least as fast as the fire delivers heat to it, the ice won’t become any warmer and it won’t melt. 

Extensions

Timber Frame Extension: Learn About Planning, Finishes, and Costs

12th December 20220

There are several great benefits of a timber frame extension other than the added value and extra space for your home. It is possible to achieve a weathertight stage in days with this extension. It also means that you need to spend less time on-site and it does not depend on the weather conditions.

Once you have built a timber frame extension, it can sustain for longer. Furthermore, it provides good airtightness and thermal performance. So, if you are planning this extension, then it is essential to consider a proper frame manufacturer and best exterior finish. However, it all depends on your budget and whether the projects need planning permission.

Is A Timber Frame Extension Cheaper Than Other Extensions?

If we talk about the cost of timber frame extension then yes, it is an affordable choice compared to other traditionally-built extensions. One of the reasons is that it requires few labour hours to complete the work.

Furthermore, it is easy to estimate the time required to complete the project because it does not depend on the weather conditions. You can even carry out the work in winter months. If you are planning to apply for a mortgage, then you should keep in mind that your external finish is of primary importance. Many lenders are limited to external finish they accept, which can limit your choice of lenders.

Another important thing that you should keep in mind is that your project should add value to your house.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Well, you do not need planning permission if you meet specific criteria, then you can build a timber frame extension under permitted development rights. But if your criteria are outside the scope, then you need planning permission from the local council.

We always recommend our readers to double-check the authorities before they start working. But if your property is located in a conservation area, then it is necessary to apply for planning permission.

Does it Can Be Built on Site

Most of this extension built using timber frame and all of the panels for the structure are made up on site. They do not get manufactured in a factory. You will need the help of a structural engineer to design it and prepare the specifications such as grade and size of timbers. After that, a joiner will make up the frame panels on site.

You will also find out that the manufacturers do not provide any quote for the extension projects. The reason is that they need lots of technical input for a new build.

Exterior Finishes for the Timber Frame Extension

You can use a variety of materials for the exterior finish, including:

  • Rendered brickwork
  • Facing Brick
  • Reconstituted Stone
  • Brick Slips
  • Natural Stone
  • Fibre Cement Cladding
  • Render board system
  • Timber
  • Metal Cladding

Tips for Building Timber Frame Extension

  • First of all, you need an architectural services provider with years of experience with timber frame extensions
  • We will recommend you to take quotes from at least three architectural services providers to make sure you are getting the best rates
  • We always advise our clients to have a 10% buffer budget for any unforeseen expense.

Types of Timber Frame Construction

Open-Panel Systems

In this construction as sheet material is fixed to the softwood frame. However, the inner face is left open for the plumbing, insulation and electrics. Once every work is done, the structure is closed up.

Closed-Panel Systems

It is same as the open-panel systems, but the main difference is that the insulation is already fitted and ducts are in place for the services.

Keep in mind that the panels are provided without windows and doors. However, some manufacturers give the panels fully glazed external joinery.

Cost of Timber Frame Extension

As we mentioned earlier that this extension costs less than other traditional extensions. The main reason is that you need fewer labour hours. A person should expect to pay £1,800 per square meter.

There are some expensive materials such as oak, which will you around £2,400 per square meter. In short, it is the most cost-effective extension in Scotland but can cost more in Wales, Northern Ireland, and England. You should keep in mind that the original cost of any extension depends on what you want. For example, if you need an additional storey roof, then the price will be higher. However, it is still cost-effective if the structure is made of timber.

Factors that can affect the cost include:

  • Frame type
  • Amount of Insulation and its type
  • The thickness of the frame
  • Prefabrication
  • Specifications of glazing
  • Location and choice of external cladding.

Benefits of Timber Frame Extension

  • One of the best benefits is that timber is lightweight compare to other choices. Due to the lightweight, it is easy to deliver the large modules made off-site.
  • If your house is small and has limited space, then you can manufacture the modules off-site.
  • Furthermore, it allows you to create large rooms, galleried ceilings with character, and you can use different finishes outside the house.