Sunday, July 16, 2017

Mining Health and Safety Solutions

Mine health and safety management in Australia Many people are aware that mining is a dangerous business. In addition to traditional risk factors, the mining sector now faces a wide range of risks and challenges. Therefore, modern mining techniques and equipment are important when it comes to protecting the health and safety of workers. This infographic should be of value to companies involved in this high risk industry.

To reduce the hassle of choosing an appropriate safety solution for the mining sites, ProjectLink has listed out the top safety equipment from its online database of Australia’s leading suppliers. These safety products will help executives make mining workplace safer and better.

Intrigued?

Go ahead and integrate them into your safety practices.

Protect your mining workforce and the environment with these effective safety equipment

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Emerging Design Trends that will Shape the Future of Education Facilities

Trends shaping the education, learning and school designEducation plays an integral part in shaping the personality and future of a child. Education is not always in books. A child is influenced equally by his or her surroundings. Children do what they see and if we are exposing our children to the surroundings that are not as creative and such that develop a sense of curiosity, then we cannot expect them to deliver their best effort either.

The education system and institutes these days are laying emphasis on education design trends in order to provide the best learning experiences to children. Schools and other educational institutes follow the latest design trends. These trends are developed based on the requirement of an average present generation child.

These design trends can be seen in the activities that are developed for the children to the products, equipment and school furniture being utilised by the children. Interior design is another aspect that utilises these trends and translates it into the layout of the interior space.

Three Aspects of Design Trends:

Colour’s psychological effects in the education environmentA. Colour
Colour is an important aspect of our perception and behaviour. Different colour brings out different emotions in each one of us. While we can show a resistance to such an expression of moods, children often easily exhibit it openly. In any kind of design, colour plays a major role.

Colour changes the mood of the place. The use of colour also gives an illusion of the space being smaller or larger. In school architecture, the emphasis is laid on the use of the space as per the requirement of the activities. In this space, the use of various colours can enhance the learning experience considerably.

The interior design of the educational buildings makes use of such play of colour in order to influence the mood of the students. For example, the use of yellow colour in schools can trigger the creativity and enthusiasm of the children. It will make them feel positive and happy. The colour blue helps to increase concentration by lowering the heart rate, hence this colour will work wonders in a math or science classroom.
B. Minimalism
On of the most used design trends is minimalism. Minimalist design detailing is not only a safe play but at the same time, it makes space look elegant. The less use of objects will make the place look larger. Though many times functionality of the space requires the use of more and more objects like school furniture etc. The interior design of the schools can be based on minimalism but in certain areas, one needs to add objects that are essential for use in various activities of the children.

Minimalism may give an elegant and graceful look to the school architecture but it is needless to say that this minimalism is very difficult to achieve. However, achieving the correct balance in this form of interior design comes with experience.
C. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly schools - A new trendThe eco-friendly schools and the educational institute is a new wave in education design trends. With the rise in awareness about the carbon footprints, people are adopting environment-friendly ways.

The school architecture is integrated with spaces that have plants and trees.

There are spaces that are specifically designed to teach children about growing their own food. The use of recycled material for school furniture is also done.

The overall experience focuses on the social learning skills being inculcated in the children.

Why is School Architecture Important?

A. Space
The first thing that is considered in an educational building is the space. Space needs to be well managed for various activities that take place during the working hours. This lies in the hands of the architecture. School architectures require great planning. The school space has to be divided out for classrooms, playrooms and playgrounds, cafeteria, auditorium, specialised classrooms, gym and sports court, library, restrooms, outdoor space etc. For this segregation of space, one needs to chalk out the action plan for the school first.
B. Facilities for Various Types of Activities
Furniture for various types of activities in schoolsMany types of activities take place in a school or an educational institute. Activities such as games and recreation, vocational training, science experiments, drama etc. are a usual part of the school routine. It becomes essential to have specific education interiors for such places.

Each place where a certain activity is being conducted will require related facilities. For example, a cafeteria will require a space to cook food and clean the utensils. Such facilities need in-depth planning and execution.
C. Recreational Areas
Every educational institute has recreational area. Recreation is a very important part of the physical, emotional and psychological development of a child. This is where the child inculcates within himself the social learning skills. Recreational areas require special forethought. With the emerging design trends, there are many options present to equip these areas with state-of-the-art recreational equipment.
D. Physical Health
The present lifestyle does not allow a child to have much time left for required physical activity. Therefore the new education design trends have introduced outdoor activity sections that provide recreation and physical workout for the children.

ProjectLink has an array of products and equipment that are based on the present education design trends. These products are of good quality and have been developed keeping in mind the end users. Let us take a look at some of the best school furniture and equipment:

1. RE-Fit
Re-fit system for schoolsRE-Fit offers an affordable range of exercise and fitness equipment that are specifically developed for schools. These circuits have six parts that offer about twelve different exercise options.

Every component comes with instructional signage that is easy to understand for the children. Made using recycled plastic, the RE-Fit equipment is an ideal addition to the educational institute.

Click here to know more about Re-Fit »
2. School Kits
These user friendly exercise stations can be a part of a fitness trail or be spaced out as per requirement. The School Kits work best for a school with a large number of students.

The equipment are designed to deliver safe and healthy workout.

Click here to know more about School Kits »

3. Ezy-Drink
A good bubbler is essential for any public place. The Ezy-Drink drinking tapware and bubblers are a perfect solution to drinking water issue for the schools.

The Ezy-Drink bubblers are a 6 star WELS rated product. It comes with a bacteria resistant mouthguard. The self closing valve offers a controlled water flow These bubblers and taps are of three different types: lever action, cam action and push button. It offers many useful features.

Click here to know more about School Kits »

4. King Park Setting
Outdoor furniture for schoolsSports auditorium should be designed with a large seating space. For seating solutions, King Park Setting is what is required. This equipment offers seating for a large number of people. It delivers good performance and is durable.

Its design is robust and it is comfortable to use. It has been designed keeping in mind the safety aspects related to children. It is wheelchair accessible and requires low maintenance.

Click here to know more about King Park Setting here »

5. Yarning Circle
The importance of yarning circleApt for eco-friendly schools, the Yarning Circle provides a great alternative outdoor classroom. The children can not only study out in the open but also learn about their surroundings. It makes learning more fun. The Yarning Circle has been designed in a way that it provides large relaxed spaces.

Listening and talking, team work, bonding, sharing, trust and storytelling are some of the points that this circuit has been designed around. It comes with various parts. Shades and shelters are also given in order to get protection from the sunlight or rain.

Click here to know more about Yarning Circle »

Click here and choose the right school furniture and equipment

Monday, June 19, 2017

How the Use of Stone can Transform your Home Decor


With an increased focus on ecology and sustainability, incorporating green practices and design into homes has become a necessity. Besides using new technologies to conserve energy, water, and other resources architects are creatively using natural materials like wood and stone to create new designs. Not only has design aesthetic been used and accepted by the construction industry at large, it is common now for home-owners to adopt this idea in Do-it-yourself style and create some interesting decor for their homes. In this post, we discuss how the use of stone can transform your home.

Stone can be used to decorate both the interior and the exterior of the house. There are many simple and interesting ways to use stone in home design. From wall accents to murals to pathways and even furniture, there are many ways to enhance the aesthetics of the house with a stone.

 

Advantages of Using Stone

While there are many natural materials that can be used to enhance your home. Here are few advantages:
  1. A Natural and Earthy Appearance The use of natural material creates a welcoming atmosphere in the home with earthy tones and the natural look of stone.
  2. Persistence and Simple Maintenance Stone is known to be durable and works well with exterior cladding. Using non-porous stones like Granite reduces maintenance as one needn’t worry about sealant maintenance and leakages.
  3. Wide Spectrum of Options for Every Taste and Budget Natural stone is available to suit all pockets and tastes. One can start with lower ranging stones that easily available in the region or consider higher end marbles that add a plush look but are also heavy on the savings.
  4. Eco-friendliness Stone offers a great eco-friendly solution to other chemical cladding and flooring options. One can also be certain that there will be no danger of chemical inhalation and surface allergies, especially with young children.
  5. Amazing and Lavish Textures The look of stone is greatly variable with simple finishing techniques. One can go for high end polishes for a lavish look or machine tumble for a rustic finish. Stones like Granite can even give non-slip texture if fired at the right temperatures.
  6. High Noise Insulation Due to natural porosity, stones like marble, limestone, sandstone offer high noise insulation. This helps create the calm serenity one craves for in urban homes.

Stone Types

Natural stone is available in a wide range of colours and patterns. As with gemstones, rare colours and patterns cost the most. Here are some characteristics of the popular varieties:

Granite

With hundreds of available varieties, granite is a popular and durable option. Granite stone can also be flamed for slip-resistant texture in busy kitchens and bathrooms.

Marble

This porous stone is a sophisticated choice for formal spaces but is easily scratched. Slabs or tiles come in many colours, based on where they were quarried. Some varieties of marble are harder and more stain-resistant than others, so ask your dealer if the marble you are considering will perform well for the use you have in mind.

Click here to know more about Marble & Granite »

Limestone

Known for its natural, earthen appearance, limestone is formed from sedimentary materials, such as coral and shells. Unlike some stones, when limestone is cut from the same slab, it has little colour variation from tile to tile. The stone can be sanded perfectly smooth for a soothing, refined look, or machine-tumbled for a worn look. If you use limestone in a room where acidic liquids might spill, consider sealing this porous material every few years.


Click here to know more about Limestone »

Slate

Home decoration with stones offers a rich texture, warmth and earthy flavoursA rustic classic available in geometric pieces and irregular shapes, slate is usually found in dark gray, soft red, and medium green.

Click here to know more about Slate Stone »

Travertine

This crystallized, partially metamorphosed limestone is often mistaken for marble. Its versatile properties can make it look like marble when buffed or a give a great rustic appeal if machine tumbled.

Stone Tiles

Stone tiles are a great option and offer durability and variety. They are made by slicing boulders and slabs of rock into thin squares or rectangles. The appearance of stone varies from tile to tile due to veining, natural imperfections, and even fossils. Colour palettes also vary by the type of stone and location of the quarry.

 Click here to know more about Stone Tiles »

Design Styles in Stone

The Rustic Look

Rustic Style replicates the style of a world gone by, a far cry from the concrete jungle and the super-fast lives of today. Nature-inspired, simple and organic, rustic style home design uses natural materials and textures. The defining feature of a rustic style home is a distinctly homely, comfortable, unpretentious and organic appeal. With a mixture of unfinished texture stone, earthy tones and exposed architectural elements, this look can add real appeal to a holiday cabin, outdoor patio or even a themed garden.

Polished and Chic

There is nothing that defines chic, stylish and opulent like beautifully polished stone flooring and walls. While it is common to see polished decor in high end hotels and restaurants, a homeowner can consider using polished flooring or walls for smaller sections of their homes. Consider an accent wall or dining room flooring in a lush marble finish. They could even treat themselves with a beautifully finished bathroom pairing the high polished surfaces with detailed bathroom fittings.

Ledge Stone

This beautiful, stacked arrangment of tiles is known as ledge stone. The thin, rectangular pieces of tiles of different heights and widths are fitted together and give the room a busy feel. The ledge stone has a gritty, unfinished appearance and works as a beautiful counterpoint to the smooth, streamlined furniture and fittings. It also looks very impressive for wall exteriors or add a rustic element to your poolside or pond.

Exterior vs Interior

Stone can be used extensively with for both Home exterior and interiors. Exteriors can be improved extensively by using stone in the floor, wall claddings and gardens. The proper choice of stone coupled with some interesting design ideas can enhance the look of the front facade or backyard. Interior flooring, wall accents, fire places and simple fittings like stoneware sinks in the bathrooms can add great design elements to the style.

Tips for Installation

Installing stone is labor-intensive and extremely exacting. Hire a seasoned, dedicated professional to ensure proper installation. A proper substrate, the surface on which the stone will be laid, is also critical. With concrete subfloors, installers may opt to apply the mortar directly onto the subfloor and then simply lay the tile. A wood subfloor requires cement backer for support and as a moisture barrier. Talk to a stone dealer to find out whether the variety of stone you are considering for your home requires sealing and, if so, how often it should be reapplied.

Quality stone sealers fill spaces between the crystals and minerals in stone tiles, so they resist water and stains, rather than just covering the surface. Stone floors in low-traffic areas and non-porous stone, such as granite, may not need to be sealed. Because stone tiles can be thicker than other flooring surfaces, you may need to install a transition strip to connect your new stone floor to the flooring in an adjacent area. Your stone dealer may be able to fabricate a stone transition for you, or you can purchase a ready-made transition made from the same surface as the adjacent floor.


Click here to choose the right stone for your Home Decor