It is getting cooler outside and the calendar reminds us that winter is inevitably drawing nearer. Undoubtedly, because of unfavorable and often highly unpredictable weather conditions, it is a hard time to perform any type of building work. But sometimes, to keep to the building schedule and avoid delays, you have no choice but to continue the work even in low temperatures.

In today’s world, in which carbon dioxide emissions, global warming as well as constantly rising energy costs are ever increasing problems, the use of natural resourcesseems to be a priority. One of the central aspects of sustainable design is making the most ofnatural light. Contemporary architects are introducing innovative, advanced daylightingstrategies and systems that help not only to save energy but also to ensure a comfortable and healthy living space.

We are exposed to noise nuisance almost on a daily basis. It is no wonder that, when we come home, we are longing for a bit of quiet and peace. Whether we live in a modern apartment, a block of flats built of large prefabricated concrete panels or a house outside the city, we all want to enjoy acoustic comfort within our own four walls.

Green office buildings, constructed with a view to the latest ecological technologies, are gaining widespread popularity in the real estate market, among both tenants and investment funds. Consequently, more and more investors and developers are deciding on building green, that is according to LEED or BREEAM environmental standards. The main principles of innovative sustainable architecture revolve around energy and water saving, environmental footprint, and worker productivity.

A house with a view of the sky, a house made entirely of glass, or an eco-friendly house that powers itself – these are only few examples of modern architecture. All around us, there are more and more buildings that are nothing like those constructed several years ago. New materials and technologies are reshaping the way we build. With an appropriate budget, we can create almost anything, and the only limit seems to be our imagination.

The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events in Poland, is just around the corner. It is estimated that almost a million fans from Europe and around the world will head to Poland for this tournament. There is no denying that Euro 2012 will provide an excellent opportunity to promote our country – especially Poland’s host cities. Definitely, visitors’ attention will be drawn to the ultramodern National Stadium – the main Euro 2012 tournament venue, which will host three first-round matches, one quarter-final, a semi-final and, most importantly, the opening match combined with official opening ceremonies.

Our health, comfort and well-being depends, to a large extent, on indoor air quality, and hence on our home's ventilation system. Basically, while working, sleeping, relaxing, or simply living, we spend most of our time indoors, rather than out in nature. Therefore, alongside paying attention to exhaust fumes from vehicles or power plant emissions, we should also consider the problem of air pollution in our homes.

There is no doubt that electricity plays a fundamental part in our daily lives. Whether watching TV, charging a cell phone, or simply turning on the light in the room, we rely on our home’s electrical system.

Every building, whether a new house or an old tenement, needs to provide its occupants with the most essential utilities such as gas, electricity, water. Therefore, when building your own home, you should ensure two things. First, that the construction adheres to the building plan, and second that all the systems and installations in the house are operating correctly. The one that should be given special attention is undoubtedly the proper plumbing system.

The thought of chimneys frequently conjures up different images for a lot of people. While some of them are connected with special Christmas atmosphere, and specifically Santa Clause stuffing himself down the brick-built structure, others are about the industrial landscape with high chimneys and billows of smoke. Above all, however, chimneys provide practical benefits to a house, at the same time adding character and charm to it.