Chrysler Building

Soaring a 1,048 feet in the sky on Lexington Avenue, the Chrysler Building is like the Crown Jewel of the city skyline. The building was a major player in the War for the skies in 1929. Auto tycoon Walter Chrysler contested Wall Street’s Bank of Manhattan Trust Company for the title of world's tallest building. Upon completion, Chrysler Building had the honor of being the tallest construction structure in the world for four months before the completion of the Empire State Building in 1931.


This New York building was built for Chrysler Corporation’s corporate offices. Walter Chrysler wanted his construction management to build a tall impressive structure that would reflect modern day glory. The crown of the building is heavily decorated and has two lighting systems. On special occasions colored lights brighten up the skyline.

Automotive fashion and style pieces such as eagle heads and hood ornament wings were used as design touches. Walter also used hubcaps and mudguards in his building with the dream to make it a global name.

The corners of 61st floor are decorated with 1929 Chrysler hoods and eagles, while on the 31st floor; décor includes reproductions of 1929 radiator caps. The tall art deco facade is topped by a shiny needle which was raised to add height. For the first time ever, Nirosta metal- a mixture of chrome, nickel and steel was used on the exterior of Chrysler building.

Soon as you walk in, the wonderful interiors that show off attractive marble works take over. The elevator doors display rare patterned wood inlays and stairs use chrome hand rails. Today, the Chrysler Building is the city’s greatest Art Deco landmark. A reflection of the city’s history and the auto-artsy feel make it a cherished destination.

This New York landmark building is neighbored by Grand Central Terminal, Ford Foundation Atrium, New York Public Library, United Nations Headquarters and the Bryant Park.


Address:
405 Lexington Ave,
New York, NY 10174
Tel: (212) 682-3070

Location: On Lexington between 42nd and 43rd Streets

Trains: 4,5,6,7 to Grand Central-42nd St







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Flatiron Building

Located on 175th Fifth Avenue, the Flatiron Building is a turn of the century landmark. Built in 1902, this defiant and bold structure is a favorite with many locals and tourists. Upon its completion in 1902, Flatiron Building was rated as one of the tallest building of New York.

There are twenty two floors that soar 285 feet into the sky. This architectural landmark was designed and constructed by architect Daniel Burnham, John Wellborn Root. The construction was financed by George A. Fuller, and the building was first named after him. The building stands on a triangular block named the Flatiron block. The building has an outstanding shape- similar to a clothes iron and is called Flatiron Building. Due to this building the neighborhood has acquired the name as Flatiron District.

The most photographed building of Manhattan is also a National Historic Landmark since 1989. Home to many offices, especially book publishers, the Flatiron building was also used in the in the Spider-Man movies as the Daily Bugle building.

The Tiki Room (646-230-1444) on 4 W 22nd Street offers a nice menu and has a nice bar and lounge where you can unwind. On 5th Avenue side you can have a light eat at Eisenbert Sandwich Shop (212-675-5096).


Address:
175 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10010

Location: 23rd St./Broadway/5th Ave.

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Trump Tower - New York, NY

Dominating Fifth Avenue, in its powerful style, Donald Trump’s brainchild Trump Tower was built in 1983 by architects Swanke, Hayden & Connell. The 68 storey building has an all glass and bronze façade that blends well into the environment.

The public spaces inside the building are decked in marble, brass and mirrors. The gigantic five-level atrium has an arresting waterfall. Natural light passes through the monolithic skylight that caps the atrium. To cross over the waterfall’s pool, there is a pedestrian bridge for public use.

The first six stories of the building house a mall, where the retail shops and eateries keep busy. Latest fashions can be found on display in chic interior decor. During Christmas season, the base of the tower plays host to choral groups, when passer byes add celebration to the charming display.

Above the mall, the apartments and the offices make it a mixed use building. Donald Trump resides in the Tower’s penthouse valued at more than $100 million. If you are in the city, this is quintessential New York that you do not want to miss. You may walk out with less money but it is worth the experience.

Those looking into home construction may want to look up an apartment here.


Address:
725 Fifth Ave,
New York, NY 10022-2519
Tel: (212) 832-2000

Location: On 5th between 56th and 57th Sts.

Trains: E, F to Fifth Ave

Seagram Building

This New York landmark was designed by Philip Johnson, developed by Joseph Seagram's & Sons and the main architect was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Completed in 1958, this was Mies dream come true; in it he has delivered his vision of simplicity and clarity. This was a time when construction jobs were difficult to get. The 38 storey International Style tower was later to become the most copied office building. architecture

Upon completion, Seagram became the world's most expensive skyscraper. The steel structure of the architecture is covered with tinted bronze glass. The construction used the most expensive materials and construction equipment. The use of bronze, travertine- a sedimentary rock and expensive green marble added to the construction cost and resulted in a work later celebrated as a city landmark.

Onsite, you can find the famous Four Seasons Restaurant, also designed by Mies and Johnson. You can still enjoy a meal in the 1959 ambience. The front space of the building is used as a gathering area and in the holiday season you can join the festive mood here. The city adapted and promoted the idea of "privately owned public spaces" from Seagram and advised other builders to come up with such spaces.

Seagram's facade reflects a calm sense of strength. Inside you will find 800,000 square feet of office space, Picasso art and fine dining options. Onsite, you can find the famous Four Seasons Restaurant (212-754-9494), also designed by Mies and Johnson. You can also enter the restaurant from the 52nd street. You can still enjoy a meal in 1959 ambience at the same place where JFK's 46th birthday party was celebrated. You will have to don a jacket and the ladies have to be formally dressed too. While you are at the Seagram Building, go down to the Brasserie Restaurant in the basement. From this 24x7 spot, you can exit onto 53rd street.

Neighboring architectural landmarks include St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Villard Houses at the New York Plaza Hotel and the Trump Tower.

Location: On Park Avenue between 52nd & 53rd Street

Trains: 6 to 51st Street; E or F to Lexington Avenue.

Address:
375 Park Ave,
New York, NY 10022

Empire State Building NY NY

Empire State Building was preceded by Chrysler Building and surpassed by the World Trade Center as the world’s tallest building. Standing on prestigious Fifth Avenue, this is the country’s second tallest building after the destruction of the World Trade Center. With 102 stories the ESB soars more than a quarter mile into the Manhattan skyline.

Designed and built by architects Shreve, Lamb and Harmon at a cost of $41 million USD, the ESB has a classical facade and serves as home to more than a 1000 offices. The one year build time was outstanding at a speed of approx. 2 stories per week. After completion it had an equally spectacular opening ceremony on May 1, 1931, when US President Herbert Hoover turned on the building's lights all the way from the capital.

While you are there, go over to the observation decks on 86th and 102nd floors. With clearer skies you can see farther than 80 miles from the lower deck while the upper deck is smaller and closed on high traffic days. Get there in the morning when it is less crowded, or take in magical views at night.

The ESB has special lightening at special occasions when the top 30 stories are lit up by colored lights. The lobby serves as a host of colorful events through out the year. Banking, dining and shopping options are available on-site.

After you are done at the ESB, designers will like to walk down to the Bryant Park, see the historic Grand Central Terminal, while food lovers can explore the many dining options and voguish shops of fashionable Times Square.

At Toledo (212-696-5036) on 6 E 36th St, between 5th and Madison Avenues; you can meet with the business types enjoying Spanish and European cuisine. The cozy ambience and a refined setting makes it an outstanding neighborhood spot.


Hours:
Daily 8am-11:15pm

Admission:
Adult $18;
Senior and Student (12-17) $16;
Child (6-11) $12, under 5 Free

Credit Cards accepted:
Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express

Address:
350 Fifth Ave,
New York, NY 10118
Tel: (212) 736-3100

Location: On 5th and 34th St.

Trains:
6 to 33rd St;
B, D, F, N, Q, R to 34th St

Web address: http://www.esbnyc.com

Historic Hotel Architecture

Historic architecture can be admired at one of the historic hotels of New York. If you get a chance to visit New York do take in the moving experience. Most New York historic hotels are spacious and stylish. The sumptuous spaces are filled with art deco design touches that blend with the historical architecture. Most of these properties have an old world charm and elegance that gives them distinction. Some of these historic hotels have also served as home to several celebrities and eminent personalities from around the globe.

Waldorf Astoria is a world famous chain with properties that boast historic landmark buildings for a signature charm. The grand dame of art deco, The Waldorf Astoria soars 47 stories into the Manhattan sky. This 4 star luxury hotel seamlessly blends period charm with modern design touches. The hotel lobby has a distinct style both opulent and traditional. Located on the bustling Park Avenue, Waldorf sets new standards for luxury and privacy.

Those looking for a European charm in a prime location would like the historic
The Helmsley Park Lane. This New York Hotel is also one of the Leading hotels of the World. Their ball room is majestic and the open spaces are grand with polished floors and stylish design touches. The design flavor here is more European.

Another place that will interest deigners here is the Algonquin. This historic boutique hotel was built in 1902 and is a city landmark. At their Oak Room literary writers Dorothy Parker, James Thurber, George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber met in 1920s for their vicious circle discussions. The '20s style still echoes through out the lobby décor in the furnishing and the artifacts. Enjoy fresh seafood, roasted lamb and other delicacies at the in-house Round Table Restaurant while you are there.

New York Boutique Hotels

New York has some of the chicest boutique hotels in the world. These properties boast modern artsy interiors aimed towards giving guests a unique experience. Some of the best boutique hotels are located in the heart of the city which is quite touristy due to the attractions, shopping streets, fine dining options and Broadway theater.

Hotel Paramount was designed by the famous interior designer Phillippe Starck. The decor features artsy furniture while a chess board like checkered carpet theme runs through out the hotel. The 597 guestrooms are decked up with the most hip, stylish furnishings apart from bold prints and striking wall art. Soon as you get in, the lobby greets you by vibrant décor. Notice how the mezzanine floors seamlessly combines old architecture with modern design touches.

Amsterdam Court Hotel is a boutique property in the theater district that will interest designers and architects. Fifth Avenue, historical architecture of Rockefeller Center and Times Square are just a few blocks away. Nice thing about this area is that subway stations are located at a walk-able distance and you can walk down to watch a play at the Broadway or go to the Radio City Music Hall. The lounge offers books and newspaper with free coffee for those who like reading.

The Lowell speaks of an English taste. You can find English tradition and hospitality here. This New York hotel has a modern Art Deco facade and European style interiors. Having tea at the English tearoom will prove to be an exquisite experience because of the rich and glamorous interiors. The suites have kitchens and some have terraces.

Hotel Hudson is a very chic hotel that shows off trendy interiors. The sleek rooms reflect a yacht feel and lend great views of the Hudson River and the private park. The hotel has on site restaurant and bar, both decked in a trendy style. This Ian Schrager hotel has great meeting facilities. You can stroll down to nearby museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Their private park has out door heaters,and the building has a library apart from a sky terrace on the 15th floor, where people take in the fresh air and city looks.

Old Palace,Croydon - 1500 - London

Those who like design and architecture should pay a visit to Old Palace, Croydon. It is a former home for Archbishops of Canterbury over five centuries and a regular stopover for royalty such as Henry III and Elizabeth I. Highlights include the 15th century Great Hall, the Chapel, Long Gallery and Elizabeth I's bedroom. The palace is now a school for girls but historic tours are available on certain dates throughout the year.

The Great Hall was built in the time of Stafford (1443-52). It is built of flint rubble with ashlar buttresses, and the roof is a very impressive example of a complex arch-braced construction of the period.

The Guardroom is built of stone. Here archbishops retired after meals and received guests, and here the future James I of Scotland was imprisoned around 1412.

The Chapel dates back to the mid-15th century, though there was a chapel here in the 1280s. The screen at the west end was installed by Morton, who left on it his rebus, and the raised pew and altar rails by Laud.

You would love to see the Queen Elizabeth's Room. This room was customarily used by very honored guests, including the Queen herself. You will notice the 15th century construction and the amazing six centuries old well preserved ceiling.

Visit the Long galleries, where the royals used to dance and entertain guests in the 15th century.

Old Palace Road, Croydon, CR0 1AX
Tel: 020 8688 2027

Frogmore House

The house and attractive gardens at Frogmore House, once used to be Queen Victoria's favorite retreats. Frogmore House is situated in the serene surroundings of the private Home Park of Windsor Castle. This fascinating place has been a home to various monarchs since the seventeenth century. In the gardens, stands the Mausoleum where Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert are buried.

The interior of Frogmore House reflects the artistic taste and talent of the royal family down the ages. The Cross Gallery has decorative panels painted by Princess Elizabeth, daughter of George III and Queen Charlotte. At the Frogmore House, The Victoria Closet is where works of art, made by three generations of the royal family are displayed.

The gardens are the works of Queen Charlotte who had a great interest in plants and gardening. She used rare plants to lay out her garden.

This year, thirty-three dolls from all over the world, given to The Queen from her earliest childhood to Golden Jubilee year, are on display at Frogmore House. Some of these dolls are gifts from other royal families and some are as many as 75 years old.

London SW1A 1AA
Telephone (+44) (0)20 7766 7305

St. James's Palace

St. James's Palace is one of London's oldest and most historic palaces. It is situated on The Mall in London, just north of St. James's Park. It was built in the late-1530s by Henry VIII, on the site of St James's Hospital, a former leper hospital. The palace was a primary royal residence only briefly, during the reign of Elizabeth I and the late-17th and early-18th centuries.

In 1952, Elizabeth II made her first speech as Queen from St James's Palace. The Tudor palace is still the Court's official headquarters and tradition dictates that foreign ambassadors to the UK are known as 'Ambassador to the Court of St James'.

Although St James's Palace is closed to the public, you can explore Friary Court on Marlborough Road and attend Sunday services at the Chapel Royal. Charles I took holy communion at the Chapel Royal on the morning of his execution, and Victoria and Albert were married here.

Today St. James's Palace remains a busy working palace. The State Apartments are being used for entertaining during in-coming State Visits, and for other ceremonial and formal occasions. Most of the charities associated with the Royal Family attend official receptions here.

Clarence House, the former London home of the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, is within the St. James's Palace environs and provides a London home for The Prince of Wales and his two sons.

Lancaster House, another building in the Palace complex, is used for government hospitality.

St James's Palace
The Mall, London SW1

Eltham Palace - London

A masterpiece of modern design, Eltham is a marvelous combination of the innovative and the traditional. The building is often overlooked by visitors to London, but is close enough to the centre of town to be worth your excursion.

The boyhood home of Henry VIII, he grew up here and it is famous for that reason.
The kings of the 14th century used to spend Christmas at Eltham and later on the Tudors used it as a base for deer hunting. After the Civil War from 1642- 60, the palace was in ruins for over 200 years and the Great Hall, once the venue for lavish parties, was used as a barn.

In 1934, Stephen Courtauld, a member of the textile family and patron of the arts purchased Eltham Palace. He restored the Great Hall to its former glory and built their adjoining Art Deco home. Filled with lavishly gilded interiors, the latest state of the art, cutting-edge design features, Eltham Palace once again became a much talked about place due to its high society parties.

You will love to discover the only English Art Deco house open to the public, enter the heart of the medieval palace and the magnificent Great Hall. The great Art Deco interior uses geometry, line and contrasts of light and dark to produce a magnificent effect. The light-filled entrance hall has an impressive concrete and glass dome.

Explore the 19 acres of richly planted moated gardens with panoramic views over London and relax with delicious home-baked cakes in the tearoom.
If you would like to stay in the neighborhood try the Premier Travel Inn Docklands, which is modern and located close to Excel East, London's Premier Business Exhibition Centre, and a short distance from attractions like Cutty Sark and The National Maritime Museum.
If the price seems crunchy, the perfect place for you to stay would be St. Christopher’s Greenwich located on 189 Greenwich High Road. You can take a direct train into the city as this friendly hostel is right next to Greenwich station.

Hampton Court - Journey in Time

Going to Hampton Court Palace is like taking a journey back into time. You will discover the magnificent State Apartments of Henry VIII and William III and would love to discover the costly collection of Royal paintings. You will be given free tours and presentations by costumed guides in the State Apartments. You can explore 60 acres of immaculate riverside gardens and lose yourself in the world-famous maze.

Hampton Court Palace is the oldest Tudor palace in England and was where King Henry VIII courted his queens. It has sumptuous interiors which are brought back to life costumed guides.

This Place has a family room where you can rest if you get tired of walking around. It has play equipment to keep kids busy. There is also ample facility for holding corporate and business events.

In winters at the west front of the palace, you can find an ice rink. It is there Dec 2nd, for six weeks each year and this is a nice place for Christmas. If you begin to freeze don’t forget there is an Ice Rink Café near the ice rink that serves warm drinks and snacks. Book yourself ahead of time for this event.

The ticket price includes a daily program of activities and a multilingual sound guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. There are also sound guides for the whole family to enjoy.

You can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides at an extra cost, take the eerie ghost tours or just step into the Tudor kitchen to check out the Tudor cookery. Call the Palace enquiry to find out what all you can do there, when you go there.

Nearest Station: Hampton Court Rail (30 minutes from Waterloo).

Address: East Molesey, KT8 9AU
Telephone: (+44) 0870 752 7777

Clarence House

Clarence House is a royal home in London, situated in The Mall. It is attached to St. James's Palace and shares the palace's garden. For nearly 50 years from 1953 to 2002 it was home to HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, but is now the official residence of The Prince of Wales, his second wife, HRH the Duchess of Cornwall and his sons, the princes William and Harry of Wales. You can visit this place between August and October while the Royal family is away on vacation. You must book your tickets in advance.

At the Clarence house guests are guided around the five ground-floor rooms where The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall engage in official activities and socialize with their state guests.

Nothing has been changed since the Queen last lived at this castle. The setting of the rooms, their displays and contents remain the same. Much of the Queen’s rich collection of art and furniture is still in the same position as she has left it while she lived here last. The glamorous interiors use marble, granite and stone.

You will see an outstanding 20th-century painting collection here that includes works of arts by John Piper, Graham Sutherland, WS Sickert and Augustus John. You will find awe aspiring English porcelain and silver on display here.


Visitor details:
Nearest Train or Bus: Green Park / Charing Cross

Ticket Sales and Information Office
London SW1A 1AA

Telephone (+44) (0)20 7766 7303
Fax (+44) (0)20 7930 9625
E-mail bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk

Windsor Castle - Dramatic site

This is the most dramatic site for a castle you have ever seen. It is the biggest and the most ancient occupied castles in the world today. Windsor Castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. It has been remodeled by successive kings and queens.

The Castle encapsulates 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 13 acres and contains a royal palace, a magnificent chapel and the homes and workplaces of a large number of people. The structure is built of thick stone, that is very difficult to cut with modern saws.

You would love to visit the glorious State Apartments which are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Gainsborough and the famous triple portrait of Charles I by Sir Anthony van Dyck.

More than 100 rooms at the Castle were destroyed by a fire in 1992. There was no damage to life but some of the very precious Castle's artistic treasures got destroyed. It took five years of renovations to fix the place.

If you are an interior decorator you will enjoy visiting the George IV's private quarters (the Semi-State Rooms). These are the most richly decorated interiors of any castle you have ever seen.

Another place that is worth mention there is St George's Chapel. You will be mystified with the Gothic architecture. The chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. Within the chapel you will find tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I.

Leeds Castle - Lovely 500 Acres

Rated as the loveliest castle in the world, the Leeds Castle is set in 500 acres of lush grounds. You can make an educational trip to this castle that will be filled with learning and fun activity.

This 9th century castle is actually built upon two islands in a lake. Six of England's medieval queens have used it as their official residence apart from Henry VIII who used it as his palace. This the best of Medievel construction you can come across.

William the Conqueror used Anglo-Saxon labourors to construct the Leeds Castle. He replaced the original wooden castle with one of fortified stone in 1119. The castle has access to the River Len. Leeds Castle occupies three islands that are surrounded by a beautiful artificial lake. King Henry VIII converted Leeds Castle into a Royal Palace. He retained these defences due to the risk of invasion from France and Spain.

Leeds Castle has a lot of appeal and attraction for tourists. If you are a dog lover, you would enjoy visiting the unique Museum on the Castle Island that features a collection of a very diverse kind - dog collars that date back to the sixteenth century. All these were actually used by the royal dogs and are part of the royal collection.

The aviary houses over 100 species of endangered birds, and also a duck house where the royal ducks live. The maze in the garden can keep you busy for half an hour or more. At the Culpeper and the Lady Baillie Garden you will find an amazing collection of flowers. You will also find a vineyard and a golf course in the grounds and gardens. You can relax with a cup of tea at the Wykeham Martin Tea Room or get a sandwich and a soft drink from one of the kiosks or if you are feeling really hungry try out the Fairfax Restaurant for a sumptuous meal.



Leeds Castle
Maidstone
Kent, ME17 1PL
Tel +44 (0) 1622 765400

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is not an art gallery and nor is it a museum, but you will discover the most precious works of art here.

In 1820, the King George IV's hired architect John Nash to convert the Queen's House into a palace of the pied-a-tarre style. John Nash redid the exteriors and used honey-hued Bath Stone in the Neo-classical French design as favored by George III. The landscape showed off a marble arch made of Carrara marble from Italy. Nash's extravagance, later costed him his job in 1829 when project costs exceeded the amount allotted by the British Parliament by £350,000. King George IV died in 1930 and never got to lived in his newly redone palace.

For travellers, the most important place in the Palace seems to be the 19 State Rooms that open to the public only in August and September while the Queen is on vacation. You can visit the rest of the Palace year round. The State Rooms are used for official entertaining. You will enjoy walking through these lush rooms festooned with some of the greatest Victorian style furnishings and rare regal collections like oil paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Poussin. You will get to see sculptures by Canova and Chantrey; antique porcelain; and the top class furniture in the world.

See the antique paintings at The Picture Gallery that is a corridor and a link to the State rooms. You would also experience the pomp and splendor of the State Ballroom. This ballroom is one of Queen Victoria additions and is used for state banquets.

If you like horses don’t miss out on The Royal Mews located behind Buckingham Palace. Get to see the regal horses and carriages that are used in coronations and weddings. See the 4 ton Gold State Coach, which is used for coronations and takes 8 Windsor Grey horses to pull. If you go to the west front of the Palace, you will find The Queen's Gallery which is open to the public. The gallery exhibits works owned by the Queen.

Buckingham Palace Gardens are situated at the rear of Buckingham Palace. The gardens occupy a 42 acre (17 hectare) site in the City of Westminster, London. You will love the great 19th-century lake poised by flamingoes, and the Waterloo Vase. If you are lucky you can get to see the Queen's Swans.

Address: Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA
Information: 020 7321 2233
Tube: Victoria or Green Park Tube

Design - Stones

Since stone-age man has known the value of stone at home. Ancient man was closer to stone because it was used due to its availability and because it was a robust and readily available material to build homes. Stone ware and stone utensils have also been discovered in excavations in various parts of India and the subcontinent, where life supposedly evolved.

Even today, stone is often used for fireplaces, hearths, and decorative walls in homes. Stone walls and fireplaces are easier to clean and look attractive. To put these stones together in walls in designs and other interior décor they have to be cut to size first. Since the stones are hard, a very hard diamond blade is used to cut these. These blades are used on a wet tile saw. A water pump in the tile saw helps keep the blade cool so the job gets done with speed.

A diamond blade is a circular saw blade used for cutting hard or abrasive materials. Where shape cutting is required band saws are used. These also use diamond blades for cutting hard materials.

For cutting concrete, brick, block, stone and other similar materials designers use diamond blades. A diamond blade consists of a steel core and powder metal combined with diamond crystals which is heated and pressed into a molding to become the diamond segments, which are the actual cutting teeth of the blade. These diamond segments are then welded to the steel core. Another way of making a diamond blade includes electroplating diamond crystal directly to the metal core. Single layer diamond blades are made by a method called brazing (soldering).

The steel core of a diamond blade may be different one from another because of its usage. The spaces called segments are used in a diamond blade to provide cooling to the blade. The continuous rim blades are more used for smooth chip- free cutting. To cut a stone in designs, modern architecture demands use of proper tile saw. People have developed tastes and need more finesse in their living standards.

Construction and masonry tiles

A concrete block is also called cement block or foundation block. It is a large rectangular brick commonly used in construction of homes and other buildings. For higher density, sand and fine gravel is mixed with cast concrete, i.e. Portland cement. While lower density blocks are made by using cinders instead of sand and fine gravel. These low density blocks are called cinder blocks in the US and in UK breeze blocks or clinker blocks. In clinker blocks bottom ash or clinker is used. Since concrete is a heavy building material; to reduce weight the blocks are built with hollow centers. This also helps to improve insulation.

A lot of contractors use blocks because they can be layered in designs.
For a hard, glossy finish these blocks can be coated with glaze used in pottery. This way you can also color the blocks to your choice while making them water resistant.

For contractors, where sanitation codes matter; these masonry blocks serve the best in the design and build of such places as car washes, pools, locker rooms, shower stalls and dining areas such as cafeterias and commercial kitchens.

Glazing such as that used for pottery can also be applied to concrete blocks, resulting in a hard, glossy finish on this construction material. This finish often can be made virtually any color and, with integral water repellents, can be made water-resistant, ideal for design use in homes.

This makes glazed masonry an ideal fit for building areas in which special attention must be paid to moisture issues and sanitation codes. This includes construction of car washes, pools, locker rooms, shower stalls and dining areas such as cafeterias and commercial kitchens.