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Joburg Lofts

by admin | Jun 13, 2023 | Build and renovate, Featured Articles, Uncategorized

Living in a loft is a dream for many urban dwellers seeking a unique living experience. The combination of spacious interior double volume spaces and access to outdoor areas creates an unparalleled sense of freedom and flexibility. In this article, we explore the joys of loft living in four vibrant cities: New York, London, Amsterdam, and Cape Town and Johannesburg.

A Comparative Look at Johannesburg, New York, London, Amsterdam, and Cape Town

Johannesburg, the vibrant economic hub of South Africa, also offers an exciting loft living experience. The city’s loft spaces can be found in trendy neighborhoods like Maboneng and Braamfontein, which have undergone urban revitalization in recent years. Converted warehouses and repurposed industrial buildings feature prominently in Johannesburg’s loft scene, offering residents a unique blend of contemporary design and industrial charm.

The interior double volume spaces in Johannesburg lofts often showcase modern aesthetics with an emphasis on open floor plans, clean lines, and minimalist designs. High ceilings and large windows flood the lofts with natural light, creating an airy and spacious atmosphere. These interiors provide an ideal canvas for self-expression and creativity, allowing residents to customize their living spaces according to their personal tastes and preferences.

Access to outdoor areas is also an integral part of loft living in Johannesburg. Some loft buildings have communal rooftop terraces or balconies that provide stunning views of the city skyline, including the iconic Hillbrow Tower and the sprawling urban landscape. These outdoor spaces offer residents a place to relax, socialize, and enjoy the warm South African climate.

Moreover, Johannesburg is surrounded by natural beauty, with nearby attractions such as the Cradle of Humankind and the Magaliesberg Mountains. Residents of Johannesburg lofts can take advantage of the city’s proximity to these outdoor destinations for weekend getaways, hiking adventures, and exploring the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The loft living experience in Johannesburg is characterized by a vibrant urban atmosphere, cultural diversity, and a burgeoning arts scene. The city’s loft communities often host art exhibitions, live music performances, and other cultural events, fostering a sense of community and creativity among residents.

Loft living in Johannesburg offers a unique and exhilarating experience. The combination of modern design, industrial elements, and access to outdoor areas creates a dynamic living environment for those seeking a contemporary urban lifestyle. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural surroundings, and a thriving arts scene, loft living in Johannesburg is sure to provide residents with a joyful and enriching experience.

New York City Lofts

The concrete jungle, is renowned for its iconic loft apartments. The Big Apple boasts an impressive array of loft spaces, from converted industrial buildings in SoHo to converted warehouses in Brooklyn. The interior double volume spaces in New York lofts often feature high ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans, allowing for abundant natural light and a feeling of expansiveness. Residents can enjoy stunning views of the cityscape, while the surrounding streets offer a bustling urban environment just outside their doorstep.

London Loft Living

London is the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom, offers a distinct blend of historical charm and modern flair in its loft living options. Converted warehouses and former industrial buildings in areas like Shoreditch and Camden provide residents with unique spaces characterized by exposed brickwork, timber beams, and large windows. The double volume interiors in London lofts create an airy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for artistic expression and creativity. Additionally, some lofts in London feature private balconies or communal rooftop terraces, offering residents a chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Amsterdam Lofts

Known for its picturesque canals and charming architecture, offers a delightful twist on loft living. The city’s loft spaces often feature traditional Dutch facades, combined with contemporary interior designs. The double volume spaces in Amsterdam lofts are filled with natural light streaming through large windows and skylights. Some lofts even come with rooftop terraces or balcony gardens, providing a peaceful oasis amidst the vibrant city. Imagine sipping a cup of coffee on your loft terrace, overlooking the beautiful canal network – a truly serene experience.

Cape Town Lofts

Loft living in Cape Town offers something unlike any other city in the World. The city center is at the foot of Table Mountain and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, it offers a unique loft living experience with a touch of African charm. Converted warehouses and repurposed industrial spaces in areas like Woodstock and the City Bowl showcase Cape Town’s vibrant creativity and is home to a diverse population of creative energy. The interior double volume spaces in Cape Town lofts often feature sleek designs, combining modern aesthetics with industrial elements. The highlight of loft living in Cape Town, however, is the access to outdoor areas. Many lofts come with private balconies, rooftop decks, or even private gardens, allowing residents to soak up the sun, enjoy panoramic views of the city and mountains, and experience the magic of African sunsets.

In each of these cities, loft living provides a remarkable sense of freedom and versatility. The interior double volume spaces offer endless possibilities for customization, whether it be creating an art studio, a home office, or an entertainment area. The open floor plans in lofts also foster a sense of community, making it easier to socialize and connect with neighbors.

Furthermore, the access to outdoor areas in these cities adds another layer of joy to loft living. The ability to step outside and breathe in the energy of the city, or find solace in a private terrace or garden, enhances the overall living experience. Whether you’re observing the vibrant streets of New York, enjoying a moment of tranquility in an Amsterdam canal-side garden, or marveling at Cape Town’s natural beauty, the outdoor spaces provide a sense of balance and connection to the surroundings.

Loft living in cities like Johannesburg, New York, London, Amsterdam, and Cape Town offers a truly unique and joyous experience. The spacious interior double volume spaces and access to outdoor areas create a sense of freedom, creativity, and connection with the urban environment. Whether you’re an artist, a professional, or simply someone seeking a distinctive living experience, loft living in these cities will undoubtedly provide you with a memorable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Home Insulation

by admin | Apr 25, 2019 | Build and renovate, Featured Articles, Solar Energy and heating

As winter draws near and the cold begins to set in it is a good idea tyo consider checking your insulation and repairing or replacing to keep the warmth in.

Home insulation has a number of benefits including keeping the heat in and lowering your electricity/gas heating usage. Never underestimate the cost involved in leaking hot air through broken windows, poor insulation, gaps under your doors or windows/doors left open.

Insulation comes in a number of forms these days and should last around 20 to 30 years with minimal maintenance involved. This of course is assuming there have been no leaks/excessive wind or roof repairs done.

Types of Home insulation

Aerolite (Pink fibregalss) – We all know or have heard of Pink aerolite through the very successful advertising campaigns a few years which used the catch phrase “Think pink”. Pink Aerolite comes in different thicknesses for the different parts of the country or applications. Typicall Johannesburg would need a 135mm for the extreme cold. KZN or the Cape would typically use 100mm. Pink Aerolite is excellent as a sound proofing material as well that can be used in cavity walls as well as in the ceiling.

Isotherm Insulation has become increasingly popular in recent years as fibreglass becomes less user friendly and environmental issues begin to dominate. Isotherm is particularly important to use in place of other home insulation types for allergy sufferers and has a more efficient temperature regulation capabilities. It is less harmful and requires no protective clothing for installation and ios far more environmentally friendly.

Knauf is a wool product designed and manufactured under very strict environmental conditions in Germany. Knauf has superior temeperature regulation and insulation properties. Knauf is also available in 50mm, 100mm and 135mm thicknesses.

These are the three most popular home insulation materials which have been ordered in price comparison from cheapest to most expensive.

What effects the home insulation installation price?

Firstly, insulating your home is not a very difficult job and as a home DIY project can be very rewarding. If you have a high pitch roof, chances are you will be able to do it yourself insulation with little hassle. Just be sure to have enough lighting in the ceiling and be careful where you put your feet, you don’t want to fall through the ceiling.

The pitch of the roof will have an effect of the cost. If tiles need to be removed and replaced or corrugated roof sheeting needs lifting and replacing, this has a cost.
Typically quotes are in square meters.
Height of the roof. If the house is a single storey, double storey or higher, the prices will typically be differenmt and of course if access is an issue and external equipment like a telehandler or crane is required, this has a cost attached.

Solar heating for Pools

by admin | Jun 12, 2015 | Build and renovate, Featured Articles, Solar Energy and heating

A swimming pool solar heating system allows you to enjoy your swimming pool all year round, providing beautifully warm water at almost zero cost after installation and without putting any strain on the electricity grid.

Solar heating system for pools are vary quite significantly and of course the most important aspect is the longevity of the pool solar water heating system. All to often the cheapest system is not the most effective in the long run but it is still important to do the calculations on a cost per year basis. It is very important to take a look at the solar system warranty and exactly what it covers.

One of the aspects that few include in their calculations is the extended use of the swimming pool due to the higher temperature as a result of having the pool solar heating system. You are likely to get as much as 40% more usage of your swimming pool after installing a solar heating system for your swimming pool.

Of all of the alternative swimming pool heating systems, Solar pool heating is by far the most cost effective and reliable. Installation and maintenance of a solar pool heater is very low comparatively with the long term maintenance being very simple and low cost.

Fortunately for South African’s, we enjoy a very moderate and sunny climate which, when combined with the effectiveness of today’s photo voltaic cells, sees solar pool heater customers enjoying warm water all year round, and yes that includes June/July and August. A solar pool heater uses solar panels that are extremely effective at capturing even the lowest level of sunlight and converting it to energy.

When considering a solar heating system for your pool please scrutinize the solar panel warranty and the manufacturers warranty. The cost to replace solar panels and cracked pipes are the main maintenance costs associated with owning a pool heating system. Most systems available from suppliers who have been in business for over 10 years are very reliable, the warranty is good and can be claimed on and the pipes and panels for the solar heating system have been rigerously tested for the South African climate.

Alternative to home mortgage finance

by admin | Nov 18, 2014 | Bond application, Debt management, Featured Articles, Short term loans

An alternative to Bond finance geared at small business owners. Small to medium business owners are finding it more and more difficult to qualify for bonds from South African banks who are desperately afraid of the high failure rate of new businesses in South Africa.

Banks are risk averse these days that if you are self employed, in a sales position without a fixed salary or any other employment where you have no guaranteed fixed amount of income, getting a bond is becoming almost impossible, even with large deposits and security, Crazy as it may seem, this is the reality of the home loan market.

Of course entrepreneurs like ourselves see opportunity where there is adversity and some have entered this market, offering self employed individuals the opportunity to purchase a home. Essentially you are offered creative finance from private equity companies who charge a fee and a slight premium on the money they loan to you. The idea is to make use of the bond alternative for 3-5 years at a slight premium, create a good payment track record and on the basis of that record, hand you back to the banks as a low risk customer.

In reality what the alternative to home mortgages are, are lease agreements where you lease the property for a period on a lease to own basis and once the loan is paid up, you take transfer of property. By doing this the finance company does not need to go through any expensive legal processes to repossess the property should you not make the required payments like a bank has to. They can simply cancel the lease and use the deposit to charge a cancellation fee.

Owning a home for a small business or self employed individual should not cost a premium. We are after all those that are creating jobs and stimulating the economy but alas, our government and banking institutions make it difficult for us. We chose this life because we get up and make things happen, so use those that make things happen, make it happen for you.

How to decorate your plug and light switch plates

by admin | Oct 28, 2014 | Build and renovate, Debt management, Featured Articles

If you love to decorate and paint your rooms in your home, then this is the perfect project for you. Hardly anyone thinks about decorating the light switch covers or the plug covers to match the rest of the room or to add a little “this is my room”.

This project is so easy and cost effective, and will give your rooms that extra piece of character that it has never had before and don’t forget, with the holidays coming up, you can get the kids making the perfect home-made Christmas gifts. Just be sure to take a peek at their switches before you go about buying spares.

What you will need

Light switch plate / Plug plate
Mod Podge
Paint Brush
stanley knife or similar
Scrapbook paper
Hole punch

Instructions

This is just one idea for you, use glitter/stars/sports stars or whatever grabs your fancy!

Having turned your scrap paper upside down, place the switch/plug plate on top of the paper. Trace the outside and the inside edges of the switch/plug plate.

Next cut only half of the outside traced line (to account for the sides of the switch/plug plate). Do not cut out the centre yet, that comes a little later. Cut a diagonal slit at each of the outside corners (to be-able to fold easier).

Paint a layer of Mod Podge to the front of the switch/plug plate (use a paint brush or a sponge).

Next apply a layer of Mod Podge to the back of the scrapbook paper.

Press the paper to the switch/plug plate. Any excess paper you can simply fold over the plate’s edges.

Turning the switch/plug plate face down cut out the centre with the x-acto knife.

Paint a layer of the Mod Podge over the whole switch/plug plate (this is to seal the edges and to give a crisp look).

When the glue has dried you can install your newly decorative switch/plug plate back onto your wall.

If you want the screws to look the same keep reading

Using the punch, punch holes into the scrapbook paper.

Cover the head of the screw with Mod Podge and stick the punched paper to the screw

Now your switch/plug plate is complete and ready to use.

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