Architecture

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Redwood Deck Thumbnail

Redwood Deck

A redwood deck is a building addition that often surrounds living spaces. Built with lumber from the western conifer, Sequoia sempervirens, a redwood deck commonly has a pier and post foundation underlaying two inch by six inch by one inch wide and a half inch thick boards. The modern method of fastening boards to foundation is with three and one half inch deck screws. Railings for the decking are usually three feet high with vertical slats four inches apart. A coating of protective finish, such as SuperDeck, helps preserve the integrity of the construction.

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By William Lemos

July 25, 2012

14
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Shelter Thumbnail

Shelter

Shelter has a wide variety of definitions. It can range from emergency housing or basic accommodations, to luxurious mansions. Keeping warm and dry is the goal of the most basic shelter constructions in wilderness or rural settings. Caves, lean-tos, tarps, houses, sheds, tepees, snow houses, and cardboard boxes have all provided shelter to people and animals. "A comfortable house was once made here," said Thoreau, "almost entirely of such materials as Nature furnished."

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By William Lemos

April 10, 2012

10
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Wawona Hotel

The historic Wawona Hotel is located in the southern portion of Yosemite National Park. Originally a stop-over for stagecoaches heading for the Yosemite Valley, the grand hotel is still being used by visitors to the park. The hotel features dining, access to Glacier Point and the Merced Grove of giant redwoods, and a nine-hole golf course.

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By William Lemos

November 29, 2011

7
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Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is an ornate, large baroque fountain in Rome, Italy. It is one of the most famous fountains in the world, standing at a statuesque 85 feet high and 66 feet wide. This fountain sits on the convergence of three roads (where the name "tre vie" originates) and was one of ancient Rome's main sources of water for over 400 years.

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By Megan McDuffee

October 27, 2011

18
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Stone Henge

Who built this prehistoric monument in England's Wiltshire County near Amesbury is something of a mystery. It was constructed around 2500 BCE and consists of standing stones in a circular configuration. The stones used in the construction weigh several tons and are of various types of rock, including dolerite or "bluestone." The reason for the henge is also unclear. Some think it was a place of worship, others that it was a place of healing. Based on archaeological evidence, the site may have been used as a burial ground.

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By June Lemos

October 23, 2011

15
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Water Towers

Elevated storage containers for drinking water are called water towers. Generally constructed in a spherical or cylindrical shape, water towers are built at a height that will allow for sufficient water pressure through gravity flow. In the US, many of the towers that were built during the Industrial Revolution have now been converted to apartments and penthouses. In New York City during the 19th century, building codes required that any structure over six stories high must be equipped with a rooftop water tower. A variety of materials can be used to construct water towers, including steel, concrete, brick, and wood.

  • Architecture
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By June Lemos

October 9, 2011

20
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Dunnottar Castle Thumbnail

Dunnottar Castle

On the rocky cliffs of Scotland's northeast coast stands the medieval fortress called Dunnottar Castle. The structures were built between the 13th and 17th centuries in a strategically located area overlooking the shipping lanes of northern Scotland. The only access to this castle is via a narrow strip of land that connects to the castle grounds, which comprise roughly three acres rising 160 feet from the sea. The name Dunnottar is said to come from the Scottish Gaelic Dùn Fhoithear, meaning "fort on the shelving slope." Dunnottar was used as an administrative complex for the kings and queens of Scotland. Mary, Queen of Scots, visited Dunnottar in 1562 and 1564. Today the castle is a tourist destination and bird sanctuary.

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By June Lemos

October 2, 2011

18
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Pagoda

Pagoda is the English word, from the Portuguese "pagode", meaning "temple", the multi-tiered place of worship for a number of Indian and Asian cultural religions. Various styles and shapes can be seen worldwide.

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By William Lemos

September 26, 2011

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