A modern backyard is one that is characterised by clean lines and open spaces. It may contain a lawned area, or it may be paved or pebbled. There are no rules, other than it needs to be uncluttered and easy on the eye.
Not so long ago, home automation was considered the stuff of science fiction -- a paradigm so far into the future that it could be imagined, but no one would dare to believe it may become a reality. However, in the last few years, advances in home automation have been made that would leave former generations with their jaws on the floor. In this article, we'll look at five of the most common ways to automate your home, from heating, ventilation and air conditioning control to retractable awnings.
There are many ways to add value and comfort to the outside of your home, but one of the best ways to achieve this is by installing a retractable awning. Here we take a closer look at retractable awnings with a few frequently asked questions, from what they are and how they work to the various parts that make them.
You may have noticed it gets kind of hot in Australia. Alright, not “kind of” hot – let’s just say “hot”. Actually, wait, scratch that – not just “hot” – extremely hot. Yep. It gets extremely hot in Australia. In fact, we spend the entire duration of winter’s cold months waiting for the warmth of summer to arrive, only to find ourselves a sweaty mess longing for the cool months once again when it does. Whoever first said “We want what we can’t have” sure hit the nail on the head. Anyway, this is one of the biggest reasons Australian homes need shade. Glorious, glorious shade. Here we look at four of the best ways to add shade to your home, from the classic Aussie patio to the modern and innovative retractable awning.
An awning is a brilliant addition to the exterior of any home. It has the ability to protect homeowners from the elements while also offering the versatility to be removed when the elements are favourable. In this sense, it offers something a fixed awning, canopy, patio, pergola or any other type of fixed structure cannot. However, a retractable awning is made of fabric, and because of this, the question of durability is incredibly important. In particular, in the high-wind conditions so often seen in the Australian winter, awnings must be capable of handling extreme winds. For this reason, you’ll want a retractable awning that reaches at least 6 on the Beaufort Wind Scale, which we will introduce you to below.
Awningshave a come a long way from the aluminium, striped variety that came attached to many homes from the 60s and 70s. Developments in mechanisms and materials mean that you can replace those old, rusted awnings or think about installing them where needed in your new home.
What makes a great retractable awning? Great retractable awnings should be affordable, provide energy savings, be easy to use, look great and be durable.