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Equipment

Houses are equipped from top to bottom, from the attic down to the cellar. Wether you're renovating or building your home, keep in mind your wealth of options - starting with how you move from one level to another.

Stairs can be straight, qurter-turn, half-turn, helical, and more. Which one is best? The purpose and the available room will dictate the choice.
Stairs that are used daily should be built using strong materials like beech or oak and be around 80 centimetres wide. The size or "depth" of the step's treads is another key comfort factor. The step depth should be greater than the height of its riser. The more steps there are the easier it will be to climb. Blondel's riser-tread formula can be used to calculate the ideal dimensions: step lenght of 60-64 cm should be equal to 2 risers + tread. For safety reasons, dimensions of balustrades and railings must comply with the NF P 01-012 standard.
For less-frequently used stairs or smaller spaces such as mezzanines, ladders, spiral stairs or retractable stairs are possible solutions.
Style-wise, lighter designs are increasingly en vogue. Twin staircases in stone, for all their majesty, are less popular. Space is used more efficiently, instead, suspended stairs, stairs with central stringer or with no risers for an airy look are preferred. Glass and plexiglass are even used to create transparent stairs.

Radiators have followed a similar trend. Technological innovation and new materials have increased their efficiency and whittled down their bulk. Radiator covers are a thing of the past with new ultra-stylish radiators that are works of art in their own right. Triptychs of spheres or thin plates of brushed steel are hung on the walls like paintings. Designer Karim Rashid has even created a customisable radiator that uses optical effects. Depending on the room size, modules are assembled to form wave patterns. Electric radiators panels distribute heat very effectively.

The same approach is at work in air conditioning. The comfort of a cool home in every season is no longer a luxury enjoyed only across the Atlantic. You don't need to break the bank to buy an air conditioner. There is a wider range of models and prices. Air conditioners come in either monobloc or split-type units. Monobloc units are easy to install, with only a window needed for the discharge hose. Split-type units come in two parts, one placed indoors and the other one outdoors. They are more powerful and are better suited to larger rooms.
Nontheless, you are still required to install a mechanical or natural ventilation system.

Good equipment choices and a well-heated, well-ventilated house mean greater well-being and energy savings.

Latest news ...

| The Institut français du Design has granted Janus industry awards to the SALM group's Schmidt brand for its "In&Out" line of kitchens designed by Pagnon and Pelhaître and TotalGaz for its butane gas bottle. | Design aficionados will be rushing to grab a copy of the book devoted to the work of Piero Fornasetti. The two-volume set is lavishly illustrated with 3000 breathtaking images. Editions Electa. | The Rencontres d'Arles photography festival celebrates its  40th anniversary with over 60 exhibits including a homage to Willy Ronis, who turns 99 this year. From 7 July  to 13 September | Toiles de Mayenne enters the world of paint with a range of 120 colours, including verbena and star anise. 31.50 euros for a 0.75 litre pot of acrylic paint. | Diesel adorns your home in collaboration with Moroso for furniture and Foscarini for lighting. We especially like the industrial-style Glas lamp.

MUDE, the Museum of design and Fashion, opens to the public in May 2009 in Lisboa. "Preview" presents a group of pieces that heralded significant changes over the 20th century, in both design and fashion. Russel Wright, Jean Prouvé, Hans Wegner, Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, Charles & Ray Eames, Olivier Morgue, Verner Panton, Alessandro Mendini, Droog Design and Marc Newson are some of the featured designers.

www.mude.pt