Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014

 The new Building Control (Amendment) Regulation 2014

 S.I-9 (replacing S.I-80) will come into force on 1st of March 2014.

This is in relation to the Commencement notice that needs to be sent in before construction can start.

This is quite a heated subject currently with architects, engineers and building surveyors as all the information on these new regulations are not in yet.

This is not widely publicized yet, but it will have quiet an impact on all in the building process from the 1st of March 2014.

E.G. As a self builder, you will not be able to nominate yourself to be the builder after 1st of March 2014 when the new regulations comes into effect.

Read IAOSB

More info on this forum

And on Linkedin

Safety Guide for Homeowners wanting to build

Have you started on your domestic project & informed the HSA?

There is a guide that tells you what you need to know and do when you
are having construction work done in your home. The Health
and Safety Authority (HSA) developed this guide in light of new
responsibilities for homeowners under the Safety, Health and
Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013. The regulations
apply to construction work that you pay to get done in your
home. They do not apply to DIY (Do it yourself) jobs.

Here is a to do guide you must follow since the 1st of Aug 2013.

Home owner Guide

Best Eco Green Blog Shorlisted 2012.

We are happy to be shortlisted for the Blog Awards Ireland

Best Eco Green Blog 2012.

 

 

Blogawardsireland best-ecogreen-blog-shortlist

Waterless toilet solutions

 

In Dublin there is a companty now offering waterless toilet solutions.
Are problems with septic tanks a thing of the past?

 

>Urine diverting toilets

>Composting toilets - NSF certified >>>>

>Waterless Urinals - for men and women

>Incinerating Toilets - (perhaps not the most eco friendly but waterless none the less !)

>Deep Freeze Toilets

All of the above dispose of human waste without the need for water so a septic tank is not required. There are options that do not require any electricity either.

http://www.toiletrevolution.ie/

 

 

 

 

 

Brazil's star architect Oscar Niemeyer is 104 today, and he still has no plans to retire.

The constant presence, of Oscar Niemeyer on the scene of international contemporary architecture from 1936 until the present time, has transformed him into a symbol of Brazil.

His pursuit of great architecture linked to roots of his native land has resulted in new plastic forms and a lyricism in buildings, not only in Brazil, but around the world. For his lifetime achievements, the Pritzker Architecture Prize is bestowed.

Happy Birthday Oskar Niemeyer, it’s my Birthday too.

But will I still be around at 104? And still working?

Timeslive tribute

Lego Architectural Scale Kits

On a recent trip to Germany I came across a LEGO shop. There were about 13 architectural master pieces ‘to scale’ in LEGO elements. A bit pricy from about € 25 to €300.

Fallingwater House is about €95.

Farnsworth House pictured  below here about €60.

Link to Lego Germany.

The CMG Building and Design Awards 2011

Winkens Architecture has been short-listed to the final four of the prestigious CMG awards Best Architectural Practice 2011.  This is our second nomination is as many years.
The CMG Building and Design Awards 2011 will recognise success in the building, engineering and architecture professions during the past year with a focus on best practice, sustainable design and innovation.
On the 2nd of Dec 2011 in the Four Seasons hotel in Dublin, the winners will be announced.

Click here to see CMG Site