Author: AU News Bureau

Canada plans to ease a housing shortage by leasing public land to developers for construction of affordable houses under a plan unveiled by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that aims to build nearly 3.9 million houses by 2031. The government said the land is underutilized. The property could potentially include abandoned industrial parks, sites of defunct government companies and schools with low enrolment. The plan still falls 1.2 million units short of what is needed from 2023 to 2030, according to national housing agency Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. The Liberal government has announced a series of measures to address the…

Nuance Studio, celebrated for its innovative strides with Litheoz Concrete in interior design and top-tier craftsmanship, unveils the debut of Artego Freestanding, a groundbreaking addition to its lineup of contemporary bathroom fixtures. This concrete washbasin epitomizes minimalist design principles intertwined with understated elegance. Exemplifying Nuance Studio’s unwavering dedication to marrying functionality with unmatched aesthetics, Artego Freestanding is meticulously crafted with attention to every detail. Its sleek silhouette and clean lines exude sophistication and modernity, seamlessly blending into any bathroom space. Contrary to the common perception of concrete as a monotonous grey material, Nuance defies stereotypes by introducing sixteen vibrant colors…

According to news reports, the flagship firm of the Piramal Group, Piramal Enterprises, has invested more than ₹500 Crore in the real estate developer Puravankara Group, based in Bengaluru, across a number of its projects. The investment comprises a variety of projects, ranging from residential to commercial properties, demonstrating a strategic partnership intended to support real estate endeavors throughout various regions of India. “The Piramal Group entity has made this investment through a senior secured financing structure and it currently covers a total of four projects of the developer,” stated the report. The building of commercial premises spanning 800,000 square…

Oman’s capital of Muscat is set to get an expansive $1.3 billion waterfront development, designed by globally renowned Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). The 3.3 million square-meter Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront development will include a residential complex, a marina, a cultural district, numerous canal walkways and a ministerial campus. Work is set to start at the end of this year and the area is expected to house more than 60,000 people when completed. ZHA’s associate director, architect Paolo Zilli, spent around a year finalizing the model he presented to Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Central to ZIlli’s…

A new white paper on “Laminate Flooring Water Performance” is now available from the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA). The document provides insight into the water performance of laminate flooring, offering guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. In response to increasing concerns regarding flooring durability in moisture-prone environments, NALFA’s white paper clarifies the distinctions between flooring products labeled as “waterproof” and/or “water-resistant.” Additionally, it outlines four key design methods employed in the manufacture of laminate flooring to safeguard against household spills and water challenges. The white paper is available for download at NALFA’s website. Formed in 1997 by…

Shalimar Paints has appointed C Venugopal as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic move reflects the company’s commitment to driving growth and reinforcing its dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and unparalleled quality. Venugopal, a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience, excels in driving profitability and growth through strategic marketing and operational expertise. He leads initiatives for a more focused, sustainable business model in line with Shalimar 2.0’s vision of becoming a tech-driven organization, setting new industry standards. “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Venugopal, a dynamic, values-driven business leader with a diverse experience, as the COO of Shalimar…

Interior design solutions startup Arrivae has raised INR 21 Cr as part of its extended Series B funding round from CaratLane cofounder Mithun Sacheti. The startup did not disclose the valuation at which the funds were secured. The fresh proceeds will be used to expand its distribution, penetrate deeper into existing markets and boost supply chain. As part of the deal, Sacheti has also joined the startup’s board, which currently comprises Ace Investor Madhusudhan Kela, Arrivae Founder Yash Kela and the company’s Chief Business Officer Raghav Bubna. Commenting on the fundraise, Sacheti said, “With one of the largest design libraries…

The shortlist for the Activism Award 2024 has been announced, flagging the work of a six-strong group of nominees who have been chosen for their role in taking action and championing change in the field when it comes to key, current issues within the built environment. The annual gong, which is organised by the digital architecture platform Archiboo and supported this year by Heatherwick Studio, recognises work covering topics such as the use of public land, safety on our streets, the climate emergency and gender and disability rights. Activism Award 2024: the shortlist This year’s list casts a net far…