You can see some more images in our portfolio, also watch this cool time-lapse video of the construction.

Also take a look at this video showing the unique challenges of building 7 stories up.

We recently made a 24 hour pilgrimage to New York City for a little design inspiration.  We were absolutely blown away by the High Line. Not just the build quality and creative use of materials but also the amazing planting scheme by one of our favourite Dutchmen Piet Oudolf . We also visited some of our favourite public spaces like Paley Park and Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram building with a landscape design by Dan Kiley.

When the Globe and Mail came to us asking about our favourite Garden products, The Gardena’s manual 380C Hand Reel Lawnmower was among the top of the list.  For small urban properties a manual push-mower is more than adequate. They provide a better cardiovascular workout and the environmental advantages are numerous. A 2001 Swedish study concluded, “Air pollution from cutting grass for an hour with a gasoline powered lawn mower is about the same as that from a 100-mile automobile ride.” Small gasoline engines produce disproportionately high amounts of carbon monoxide, VOC’s and nitrogen oxides, these are major smog producers and have very negative health impacts. Most importantly, these mowers are quiet so your neighbors can host that alfresco dinner party in peace, while you mow to your heart’s content.

Last summer Dupont Corian® asked us to participate in Countering Conventions, a design challenge for IDS 2011. They invited seven of Canada’s most talented designers and architects from across the country and challenged them to rethink Corian®, traditionally used as a kitchen counter material. We created a unique indoor/outdoor swinging lounge chair, Inspired by the shape of a bulb of the allium family we dubbed it the “Onion Chair”. Check it out on Dwell Magazine’s design blog.