Congratulations to Arquitectonica Co-Founders on receiving ULI’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Our team would like to congratulate Arquitectonica co-founders Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Laurinda Spear for receiving the very prestigious Urban Land Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. These amazing architects have truly transformed Miami’s skyline and created a brand for our city.

From the Atlantis condominium, featured in the opening credits of Miami Vice, to the recently built Brickell City Centre, Arquitectonica is one of Miami’s most important architecture firms. The firm continues to contribute impeccable work to Miami’s evolving urban landscape.

As Related Group’s Jorge Perez said in a video honoring this couple, “they have a unique ability to successfully mix modernity with light and water. When you look at Miami, you see tropical modernity and the image that Arquitectonica has created.”

As a general contractor, it’s always an honor and privilege to bring the vision of incredible architects like Bernardo and Laurinda to reality. Working with visionaries such as them helps the SPACiO team push boundaries to reach a higher level of sophistication and craftsmanship in our work. We look forward to Bernardo and Laurinda’s future projects, as they never stop surprising us.

Outdoor Kitchens Take Your Home to the Next Level

With cooler temperatures gracing us, South Florida becomes the ideal setting for outdoor gatherings and al fresco dining, making folding arm awnings a practical addition to your outdoor kitchen. Our love for outdoor spaces knows no bounds—it serves as a gateway to elevate your luxury home experience, offering opportunities to play with vibrant colors and styles that might diverge from your home’s interior. Trust NRC Landscaping to create stunning, functional outdoor living spaces.

Consider adding a charming touch with a stylish window canopy, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functionality to your outdoor oasis. And when it comes to sourcing the perfect aluminum window, exploring reputable window suppliers can ensure you find the ideal match for your outdoor space.

Before you draw up the blue prints, there are some factors, as highlighted in the following Mansion Global article, you need to consider to make an outdoor kitchen a functional yet stylish place to entertain.

Consider the logistics

“If you’re on the ocean, understand that every metal—even stainless steel—will eventually rust to some degree, so it needs maintenance. It should be cleaned and protected at least seasonally to extend the life. Think of the house as being in a salt bath all the time. Countertop materials have to be able to withstand sun exposure, so natural stones and concrete work well, whereas many composite materials break down in UV. So if you’re planning to use concrete as your material, then you may consider getting help from a Concrete pump service. “One of the biggest decisions is whether you want your guests to be involved with the cooking. Are you doing the cooking and want to be part of the party? Or, do you have staff that would function better elsewhere? Travel distance (and routes) from cooking to serving to cleanup also need to be thought through. “Subtle lighting is best—you can function with a lot less light than you might think. If your outdoor space is too bright, you might as well be inside. Outdoor spaces tend to get a lot of spillover light from the inside of the house. The goal is to have lounge lighting, not surgical suite lighting.” Contact experts who do lighting installation in Baton Rouge, LA to install one for you.

Define the space

The outdoor kitchen is an area where you can play and experiment, but it should still mix with the rest of the aesthetic inside the home to create a cohesive story and  how you want your kitchen cabinet respray. This might be a good place to try out a funky tile that you’ve been eyeing, or brass hardware, but don’t go crazy with a scheme or vibe that doesn’t match the interiors, here are the Important Things to Keep in Mind Before Renovating Your Home. If you want to drink your morning coffee in your outdoor kitchen, you may purchase gag coffee mugs.

When renovating, you should also take into account the clutter and mess that you’ll be accumulating. Therefore, it’s good to have a Garbage Disposal Bin Rental service when you renovate. “Functional furniture is key for an outdoor entertaining area, but that doesn’t mean it should sacrifice on style. Focusing on durable perennial fabrics and the right sealants and treatments for wood and stone will keep the area useable and durable over time. “Bistro lights or large hurricane candles in tall pillars create ambient lighting, as do tea light candles around the table. As for wired lighting, be sure to install dimmers to set the mood—that’s half the point of eating outside. “Materials like stainless steel, concrete, quartz, and caesarstone are durable, easily cleanable materials that can hold up to the weather.” You can also add an outdoor cold storage to make sure your food and drinks won’t spoil. Visit sites like https://modularcoldroom.uk/ to install one for you.

 Work out the details

“The more trips you can reduce between your outdoor space and your main kitchen, the better. Key elements include a sink and faucet, two mini fridges—one for beverages and one for food—and a grill with ample prep space. My favorite one is from Caliber Appliances—the lid folds all the way back and goes flush with the countertop. It’s very sleek and unintrusive. “Consider a unit that’s mobile to give you more flexibility. Furthermore, did you also know that tiny appliances such as toasters, bottle warmers, popcorn poppers, slow cookers, and portable heaters may have asbestos-containing parts, depending on their age? Some older portable heaters with asbestos-based coil wrapping and insulation may still be in use. You should be aware of the dangers of asbestos installation since breathing asbestos fibers may raise your risk of developing serious diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
I recently collaborated with Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens and Dekton to design my vision for the ultimate outdoor kitchen. Its freestanding modular design includes plenty of storage on both sides of the kitchen to keep counter space clear, allowing it to be a gathering spot from all sides for both guests and the chef—sort of like an island. “Just be sure it’s at least 10 feet from your pool. No one wants their steaks or cocktails splashed with pool water.”

Fashion Designer Giorgio’s Announcement This Week Compelled Us To Look Back

Last week, Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani unveiled his succession plan, which is in place to preserve and protect his legacy, a fashion empire, after the 83-year-old designer dies.

The news of this plan led us to pause and reflect on how fortunate SPACiO has been to work closely with Armani through the Residences by Armani Casa project in Sunny Isles.

As a boutique, highly specialized general contractor, we were trusted with building the development’s luxurious Armani Casa sales center. Armani is hands-on, and he was responsible for the interior design of the luxury condo high-rise.

The sales center was built to resemble one of the tower’s most expensive units, featuring high-quality finishes and materials imported from Italy. It was not uncommon for Armani to walk into the sales center while it was under construction to check the quality of our work, and to ensure that it was in line with the integrity of his brand.

The build-out included precise work, such as the inclusion of book-matched stone flooring installed in complex radiuses.

Armani hand-picked all furniture and materials for use in the build-out of the sales center. Our experience with Armani, his complex designs and luxurious taste, allowed us the opportunity to sharpen our craftsmanship skills. Today, we are a more seasoned general contractor firm thanks to our experience working under Armani’s guidance.

We look forward to seeing many more years of his design genius.

Plumbing Maintenance Made Easy: A Homeowner’s Guide

Plumbing maintenance might seem daunting, but with a little knowledge and routine care, homeowners can keep their systems running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.

Understanding Your Plumbing System

Before diving into maintenance, it’s crucial to understand the basic components of your plumbing system:

  1. Pipes: These transport water to various parts of your home and carry waste away.
  2. Fixtures: Faucets, showers, toilets, and sinks.
  3. Valves: Control the flow of water.
  4. Water Heater: Provides hot water for your home.

Routine Checks and Maintenance

1. Inspect for Leaks

Regularly check under sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater for any signs of leaks. Even a small drip can lead to significant water waste and damage over time.

2. Clean Drains

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes. Instead, use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water to keep your drains clear. Regularly clean out hair and debris from shower and sink drains.

3. Check Water Pressure

Ensure your water pressure is between 40-60 psi. Low pressure can indicate a leak, while high pressure can strain your pipes and fixtures. A pressure gauge can be attached to an outdoor faucet to measure it.

4. Test Shut-Off Valves

Locate and test the main water shut-off valve and individual shut-off valves for sinks, toilets, and appliances. Make sure they turn off and on smoothly, so you can quickly stop the water flow in case of a leak.

5. Examine the Water Heater

Annually flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup, which can reduce efficiency and lifespan. Check the temperature setting, ideally around 120°F, to prevent scalding and save on energy costs. If you’re having issues, then call water heater repair services.

Preventive Measures

1. Install Drain Screens

Drain screens can catch hair and debris, preventing clogs in sinks and showers. This simple measure can save you from frequent and annoying blockages.

2. Use Water Softeners

If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener to prevent mineral buildup in your pipes and appliances, which can cause clogs and reduce efficiency.

3. Insulate Pipes

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as basements and attics, to prevent them from freezing and bursting during cold weather. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Spring and Summer

  • Inspect outdoor hoses and faucets: Check for leaks and ensure they’re in good working condition after the winter.
  • Check your sump pump: Ensure it’s working properly to handle spring rains and prevent basement flooding.
  • Well pump: If you have a well pump, inspect if it’s working by hiring experts like well & well pump services in Arlington, WA.

Fall and Winter

  • Disconnect and drain garden hoses: Store them indoors to prevent freezing.
  • Winterize your plumbing: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, and consider insulating your water heater if it’s in a cold area.

When to Call a Professional

While regular maintenance can prevent many issues, some situations require professional help:

  • Persistent or severe leaks
  • Major clogs or slow drains
  • Strange noises from pipes or water heater
  • Low water pressure in multiple fixtures

With these simple tips and routine checks, plumbing maintenance can be straightforward and manageable. By staying proactive, you can avoid unexpected repairs, extend the life of your plumbing system, and maintain a comfortable, efficient home. Remember, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a professional plumbing contractor like an emergency plumber in Everett, WA to ensure your home’s plumbing remains in top condition.