Home Decorating

The name Norman is derived from a region of Northern France. Norman architecture refers to the constructions made by the Normans. These are not only seen in Northern France and England but also seen in Southern Italy and Sicily. The style of architecture used in Norman buildings is called Romanesque style. The period of Norman architecture extended from 1066 to 1204. In the year 1066 the Saxon-Dane rulers of England were overthrown by the Normans.

NORMAN ARCHITECTURE:

The Normans developed the wooden Motte and Bailey castles in Normandy. This was the first event in the evolution of Norman architecture. Later after invasion of England the Castle keep was used by the Normans. This castle keeps replaced the top of the wooden Motte. Later on, stone was used by the Normans to build their castles. This made the advent of the Norman-Romanesque Architecture. New techniques were developed by the Normans in the construction of castles. They developed the stone vault ceiling, the buttress and the arch to support the weight of the stones and bricks used in the construction of the castles.

These castles build under Norman-Romanesque architecture were very expensive but the castles were long-lasting and durable. The castles were constructed in such a way so that they indicated Fear, Ave, Domination, Envy, Submission, Respect, Power and Wealth. The best site for the construction of the castle was close to a river or a sea.

Stones used in the construction were very heavy. Roman arches were utilized to support this heavy stones. The windows were very small in size so as to support the walls from collapsing by giving them strength. Stone roofs were constructed. These roofs were supported by the vaults. The vaults were of different types like Barrel or Tunnel vaults and Groin Vaults. The Norman arches were made with simple geometry. The arches had zig zag carvings around it. The doorways were present under the tympanum under the arch. These zig zag patterns were also called chevron patterns.

NORMAN CASTLES:

The Norman castles were very massive and housed many men and horses. The castles also housed cavalry. The castles were used to govern the surrounding districts and also to frighten people around. Not only castles but many churches and cathedrals were also constructed in this Norman architectural pattern. The churches had a cruciform plan. The castles were mostly built on a high and elevated land. The Norman castles were initially built with timber. Later, after invading England they were converted to stone. The wooden motte on which the castle was built was not strong enough to bear the weight of the solid stone tower. To solve this problem the Norman castle keep was developed and also the weight of the tower was reduced.The walls of the castles also had some sculptures carved on them.

Sustainable architecture is the idea of using environmentally conscious techniques and materials in the field of architecture. This green building and living technique is intent on creating as little waste as possible, using renewable and clean energy, and building with materials that are not damaging to living things or the earth’s environment.

Energy Use
Perhaps the largest component of sustainable architecture is how energy is used to provide power for the structure that is being built. Excellent insulation is important in a structure that is built with conserving energy in mind. Passive solar energy such as that gathered from strategically placed windows is also an important component in conserving energy and using sustainable energy sources. Awnings, shades, and shutters are considered green in that they use no electricity but can serve as passive building cooling devices.

Renewable Energy
Solar panels are utilised to capture renewable energy for use in an environmentally conscious home or building. Active and passive solar hot water heaters are another component of creating sustainable and renewable energy.

While small wind turbines may also be utilized as a way of harnessing wind power to create energy, they are not useful until winds reach at least eight-miles-per hour.

Air source heat pumps act much like an air conditioner but in reverse. These pumps can absorb heat from cold outside air and deliver it to inside the home or building. Geothermal heat pumps can also utilize warmth from deep in the ground to heat a building or home.

Building materials
Sustainable building materials may include: rock, straw, bamboo, trass (a type of volcanic rock), linoleum, sustainably harvested wood, sheep wool, concrete, clay, sisal, cork, coconut, and vermiculite. Recycled materials are also an important component of sustainable architecture and may include: denim, glass, and reclaimed, or re-used, lumber. Re-used doors, windows and other recycled architectural components are also a part of sustainable architecture.

If you ever wondered why the exterior paint of your house fades away too quickly or transforms it instead like a creepy uphill mansion, chances are you used lousy exterior paint. That’s right, paint is used not only for making your house look beautiful; on the contrary, the best exterior paint will make your house beautiful and well-protected at the same time, and unlike inferior exterior paint, using the best paint for the outside of your house will extend that protection for a long time.

If you want to use the best paint for the outside of your house, naturally you would pick out only the best brands. Choosing the best paint for outside means you should have purchased paint that is durable yet suits your house the best. Also, before using the best paint for outside for your house, you would also consider the neighboring houses in your immediate vicinity. Choose only the best exterior paint which can make your house beautiful but not stand out among the rest.

What does the homeowner get in return for using only the best exterior paint for their house? Well, first is obviously the view. Using only the best paint for the outside of your house will make it beautiful sight to see for everyone, and a place you would always look forward to going back every day.

The next benefit your house will get from using only the best paint for outside is protection. As you know, paint is the only protection a house can get from the elements. Sun, wind, rain, snow, dirt, and a whole lot of other things can damage your house if it isn’t well-protected. Inferior paint will fade quickly when exposed to these elements, which can also mean more expenses for you as you would have to buy new paint or pay for any repairs. However, the right exterior paint will undoubtedly enable your house to withstand the damages while retaining its beauty for a long time to come, and also saves you money in the process.

The last benefit is of course, the value of your house. If you are planning to sell your house or just make it more valuable, then painting it is the best and most inexpensive of increasing that value. You don’t have to buy expensive furniture and fixtures; all you need is paint, paintbrushes, and a good sense of style. Prospective buyers can make up their minds better when they your beautiful house upfront.