Latest news with #Concrete
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery Wins Top Honour At 2025 Concrete Construction Awards
The gallery project won the Premier Award and the Excellence in Concrete for the Community category in recognition of extending the structures life, preserving architectural integrity, and transforming a nationally significant building into … The refurbishment and expansion of Whanganui's iconic Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery has taken top honour at the 2025 Concrete Construction Awards held last night at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland. The gallery project won the Premier Award and the Excellence in Concrete for the Community category in recognition of extending the structure's life, preserving architectural integrity, and transforming a nationally significant building into a world-class facility for the community at Aotearoa. The 2025 Concrete Construction Awards celebrate excellence in concrete design, construction, innovation, rehabilitation and research, with entries judged across nine categories. Around 275 people attended the awards, including architects, concrete designers, engineers and developers from across Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery reopened in November 2024 after a major redevelopment that strengthened and restored the original 105-year-old heritage-listed structure while adding a striking new wing, Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa. Judges praised the project's outstanding use of concrete to deliver a discreet yet highly effective seismic strengthening solution within a sensitive heritage context. Over 300 stainless steel post-tensioned bars, new composite diaphragms, and meticulously executed concrete tie beams were employed to enhance resilience while maintaining architectural elegance. The project team behind the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery transformation comprises Clendon Burns & Park, the Sarjeant Gallery Trust, Warren & Mahoney, McMillan & Lockwood, and Contech. Concrete NZ Chief Executive Rob Gaimster said through hidden concrete interventions the refurbishment and expansion of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery delivered seismic resilience without compromising heritage value. 'The result is a restored gallery that honours its past and safeguards its future; an exemplar of how concrete can respectfully modernise historic infrastructure. This remarkable project sets a national benchmark for how concrete can restore, strengthen, and honour New Zealand's most significant public buildings,' he said. Almost 50 projects nationwide entered the 2025 Concrete Construction Awards and were judged in categories ranging from innovation, to infrastructure, sustainability, and landscaping. 'The calibre of award entries this year has been outstanding, emphasising concrete's role in resilient, low-carbon infrastructure, as well as reinforcing concrete's position as the durable, low-carbon material of choice for modern New Zealand, Gaimster said. Category Award Winners and Highly Commended Premier Award (overall winner): Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui Excellence in Concrete for the Community: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui Highly Commended: Wi Neera Walkway, Raglan Excellence in Concrete Infrastructure: Te Ara Tupua, Wellington Highly Commended: Tauhara Geothermal Power Plant, Taupō Highly Commended: SH94 Homer Tunnel Avalanche Shelter, Fiordland Excellence in Architectural Concrete (Monte Craven Award): Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, Rotorua Highly Commended: Sylvia Park Build-To-Rent (BTR) Architectural In-Situ Shear Walls, Auckland Excellence in Commercial Concrete: Mānawa Bay Premium Outlet Centre, Auckland International Airport Excellence in Concrete Innovation: Ecoreef® erosion solution, Akitio Highly Commended: KiwiKrete for KinaKrete Excellence in Sustainable Concrete for the Planet: Shakespeare Bay Log Yard, Marlborough Sounds (NZ's first major use of Roller Compacted Concrete) Highly Commended: APD Factory, Auckland Excellence in Concrete Remediation and Reuse: Region 3 & 4 Bridge Strengthening Programme, Waikato & Bay of Plenty Highly Commended: SH1 Mangatoetoenui Stream Bridge Replacement, Desert Road
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I saved thousands fitting a new bathroom myself – people love our Amazon mirror & floor to ceiling tiles came from B&Q
Plus, ten DIY hacks that will transform your home for just £1 each WATER GLOW-UP I saved thousands fitting a new bathroom myself – people love our Amazon mirror & floor to ceiling tiles came from B&Q Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COUPLE have left people with their jaws on the floor after giving their bathroom an epic glow-up with no prior experience. If you're looking to have your bathroom fitted professionally, this will cost you around an eye-watering £7,000 - or more, depending on the size, according to data by Checkatrade. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 One thrifty couple wowed social media users with their epic bathroom makeover on a budget Credit: FACEBOOK/DIY ON A BUDGET OFFICIAL 2 Thanks to doing everything themselves, they spent just £4,000 for the gorgeous glow-up Credit: FACEBOOK/DIY ON A BUDGET OFFICIAL But as many cash-strapped households are looking for cheaper alternatives, one DIY-loving couple recently stunned everyone with their gorgeous bathroom makeover. What's more, not only did they achieved the stunning results themselves - but they also saved thousands in the process. Chloe Newlove took to Facebook to share snaps of the process from the very start to the very end - and while it did take them several months, the final result was worth it. According to the thrifty woman - one of the members of the DIY On A Budget Official page - the pair had ''no experience''. Before the jaw-dropping transformation, the bathroom was pretty plain, featuring a bathtub, dark grey wall tiles, as well as cream tile flooring. The slow reno process started with getting rid of the existing bathtub and sink, as well as removing the wall tiling, stripping the room completely. The DIY enthusiasts then installed the brand new bathtub, a stunning white sink, before tackling the light grey wall tiles - all of which they did themselves. The Johnson tiles Urban Concrete White Matt Stone effect tiles, Chloe revealed in the comments, were from B&Q and cost just £23 for a pack of six. The gorgeous Johnson Tiles Marlow Beige Matt Cement Tile Effect Porcelain Indoor Wall & Floor Tiles were also purchased from the beloved retailer. If you want to get your hands on this stunning flooring, you'll have to be quick - as they're currently on offer, down from £22.50 to just £13.50 for a five-pack. I transformed my council house hallway for under £60 - the old laminate has vanished but critics say it 'looks cheap' Another fabulous feature that instantly gave the room a more modern yet cosy feel was the round light-up mirror they found on Amazon. Sharing the jaw-dropping results online, Chloe revealed the total costs came to just £4,000 - saving the money-smart pair an astronomical sum. 10 DIY hacks for under £1 each These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money Homemade Air Freshener: Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh. Upcycled Tin Can Planters: Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants. Custom Phone Stand: Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint. DIY Lip Scrub: Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container. Personalised Bookmarks: Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch. Decorative Mason Jars: Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders. Easy Cable Organiser: Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape. Magnetic Spice Jars: Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage. Handmade Coasters: Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home. 'Love it, who needs a professional' Since being uploaded on the popular page, the glow-up has taken the internet by storm, winning Chloe more than 130 likes in less than 24 hours - and heaps of praise. Dozens of fellow DIY lovers flooded to comments totally amazed by the stunning makeover. One person said: ''Soo gorgeous!!! You should pat yourself in the back for that!'' Someone else chimed in: ''That looks absolutely amazing.'' ''Love it, who needs a professional,'' a third added. ''Bathroom looks stunning,'' another was singing praises.
CairoScene
15-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Egypt's Concrete Opens First Gulf Flagship at Abu Dhabi's Reem Mall
Known for its Italian-informed refinement, Egyptian label Concrete makes its Gulf debut with a new flagship in Abu Dhabi's Reem Mall — a space as deliberate and elegant as the garments it holds. May 15, 2025 It's not just a store. It's a statement - of intent, of identity, and of what it means to design with quiet conviction. Concrete, the Cairo-born fashion house that has quietly shaped Egyptian menswear since 1989, has just opened its first location in the Gulf. The new flagship, situated in Abu Dhabi's Reem Mall, marks more than a geographic expansion. It's a reflection of a brand that has always chosen depth over noise, tailoring over trend, and form over fuss. Designed by international architect Franco Ferrarese, the space is an architectural continuation of Concrete's design philosophy. Inside, clean lines meet warm finishes, and precision never comes at the cost of ease. It's a store that doesn't shout — but it doesn't disappear either. Much like the garments themselves, it holds its presence with purpose. Since its founding, Concrete has carved out a distinct place in the region's style landscape. Drawing from Italian tailoring traditions while remaining rooted in the realities of Middle Eastern life, the label has long championed a wardrobe that bridges the old and the new, the refined and the functional. From sharply cut suits to contemporary separates, Concrete's collections speak in a language of restraint - confident, not performative. The Reem Mall location also features the brand's limited women's capsule - a refined edit of pieces designed for the iconic women of today. Sleek, tailored, and unapologetically modern, the collection brings Concrete's design ethos into a new conversation, without losing the architectural clarity it's known for. The opening of the Reem Mall store is a natural evolution - a considered step into the Gulf that aligns with the brand's rhythm of expansion: intentional, thoughtful, and meticulously executed. This isn't about a splashy regional takeover. It's about presence. Craft. And building something that lasts.
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
At Dubai exhibition, Pakistan's envoy says art can shape global perception of his country
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, said on Sunday art could serve as a powerful tool of soft power for his country, helping project its positive image on the world stage, as he visited an exhibition by a leading Pakistani artist in Dubai on its concluding day. Titled 'Vanishing Points,' the event ran from April 13 to 20 as part of Alserkal Art Week and was held at Concrete, a prominent contemporary art space at Dubai's Alserkal Avenue. Curated by Nada Raza, Director of the Alserkal Arts Foundation, the show featured Imran Qureshi's latest body of work, spanning photography, video, painting and a site-specific installation, offering a vivid meditation on urban life and the visual chaos of South Asian cityscapes. Known for pioneering a contemporary revival of Indo-Persian miniature painting, Qureshi's practice blends traditional techniques with modern perspectives. 'Imran Qureshi's art vividly transforms Pakistan's day-to-day life into breathtaking visual narratives,' Tirmizi said after touring the exhibition. 'Through his lens, the bustling streets, Sufi shrines and architectural heritage come alive, arising a deep sense of connection,' he continued. 'His depiction of a Sufi tomb with Qawwali resonating in the background is particularly mesmerizing and emotionally powerful.' The ambassador emphasized the importance of art as a form of diplomacy, saying it could promote cross-cultural understanding and enhance Pakistan's global standing. He also pledged support for future cultural collaborations in the UAE, particularly with platforms like Alserkal Avenue that promote diverse artistic voices. A recipient of Pakistan's Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of the country's highest civilian honors, and France's Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a prestigious distinction recognizing significant contributions to the arts and literature, Qureshi is among the internationally celebrated artists. His works are housed in prominent collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Qureshi's works are also featured in Art Dubai, another major international art fair running in the city. This year's Art Dubai edition includes work by 10 Pakistani artists, reflecting the country's growing presence on the global contemporary art scene.
The National
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Weekly UAE museum and gallery guide: Celebration of late Palestinian photographer Majd Arandas
Art Dubai is around the corner. The city's premier art event often marks its busiest art season with several galleries rolling out new exhibitions to coincide with the fair. From an exhibition dedicated to Palestinian photographer Majd Arandas to an open studio delving into the artistic process and pathos of Emirati artist Rami Farook, here are a few exhibitions and events to see across the UAE this weekend. Hyderabad-born artist Imran Qureshi is best known for his idiosyncratic take on Persian miniature painting, while also drawing inspiration from Mughal and Sikh architectural traditions. His exhibition at Concrete is curated by Nada Raza, director of Alserkal Arts Foundation and is a highlight of Alserkal Art Week. It surveys contemporary South Asian cityscapes through photography, video, painting, and a site-specific installation. Monday to Sunday, 10am-7pm; April 13 to 20; Concrete, Dubai This exhibition presents a major body of work by Majd Arandas. The Palestinian photographer was killed in November 2023 by an Israeli air strike near his home in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. The works presented in A Memorial in Fragments show Arandas's natural sense of composition and ability to capture a wide gamut of emotions. The photographs were recovered by the photographer's brother after his tragic death. The exhibition also explores the function of photography not just in the documentation of the present but in providing testimony for the future. Monday to Saturday, 10am-7pm; April 13 to August 13; Gulf Photo Plus, Dubai Voices and Visions presents a wide variety of work by Arab women artists. It includes the vibrant canvasses of Hend Rashid, the textured portraits of Fatma Lootah, acrylic works by Mariam Abbas and mixed media paintings by Fatima Al-Nimr that incorporate motifs from UAE heritage. Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm; Friday, 8am – 3pm; until May 6; Khawla Art and Culture, Abu Dhabi Rami Farook has often found creativity in ugliness. In this open studio session, which comes as part of Alserkal Art Week, the Emirati artist will be presenting a series of works, some of which he began as far back as 2009. The works in the open studio reflect upon subjects such as decay, suffering and inhumanity. Instead of shying away from the grotesque, Farook instead seeks to coax from these topics an emotional experience, even if it comes at the expense of visual appeal. Sunday, 9am- 6pm; April 13; Satellite, Dubai Singaporean artist John Clang is returning to Sharjah to offer another round of his performance series Reading by an Artist. Clang sits with individuals and predicts life events based on several divination systems. These include geomancy, which comes from zi wei dou shu, a traditional Chinese fortunetelling system. The readings, often lasting an hour, result in a unique chart or portrait for each of the sitters. The performances are meant to blur the lines of art and lived experience. Prior registration is required through the Sharjah Art Foundation website. Registration required; April 10 to 23; Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah
