New head of ACT Institute of Architects
Director of The Mill Architecture + Design, Shannon Battisson (pictured), is the new ACT President of the Australian Institute of Architects. She is the fifth woman to have held this position since 1962, joining well-known architects such as Annabelle Pegrum, Catherine Townsend, Melinda Dodson and Sheila Hughes. Battison will focus on priorities for Canberra such as building regulations, development of inner city areas, and the quality of new housing across the city.
Lauded loo
Kohler’s advanced, intelligent, voice-activated toilet received an innovation award at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Numi 2.0, a toilet and bidet in one, delivers hands-free control of a personal care experience that has been fine-tuned to the user’s exact preferences – from ambient lights, heated seat and preferred cleansing functionality, to choice of music and air/water temperatures. The toilet is also one of the most water-efficient available, using 3L/3.8L per flush. The Numi 2.0 by Kohler is currently unavailable in Australia.
2020 sofa trends
Emerging trends in sofa design have a key focus on style and functionality, with a strong shift towards space-saving styles, according to Nicole Absalom, product manager for sofa specialist Plush. Trends to look out for this year include: mixing and match (mixing materials across multiple furniture items); bringing nature indoors; recliners redesigned (recliners with clean, modern lines are receiving strong interest); and more ways to connect (lounges with in-built USB functionality).
Garden Releaf Day
Mark Sunday 22 March in your calendar for the sixth annual Garden Releaf Day. The main aim of Garden Centres of Australia, the organisers of Garden Releaf Day, is to generate greater awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits associated with getting in a garden and being amongst living greenery. Given the role garden therapy can play in supporting positive mental health, the day also aims to raise funds to support the work of Beyond Blue. This year, Garden Releaf Day is encouraging everyone to take on the #30greenminutes challenge and to get in a garden, get healthy and have fun.
More info: gardenreleaf.com.au
Artist collaboration
Spotlight recently announced the launch of their 2020 collaboration with Australian artist and designer, Jocelyn Proust. Living on the NSW North Coast, Proust is inspired daily by her beautiful surroundings, and the limited edition home furnishings collection features designs of Australian flora and fauna. The range includes: quilting, dressmaking and furnishing fabrics, trims and motifs, ready-to-hang curtains, bed linen and cushions. Supplies are limited.
Available in Spotlight stores and online.
In control anywAIR
To meet the demand for smart home technology, Fujitsu General Australia has launched an infrared Wi-Fi solution, called the anywAiR technology Wi-Fi device. Compatible with new or some existing Fujitsu General indoor units up to 10 years old operating a wireless remote control with infrared technology, the anywAiR technology Wi-Fi device enables users to control their indoor comfort using the myanywAiR App.
For compatibility or more info, visit myanywair.com
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