Slim Building, A Future Trend?

A freshly proposed residential tower in New York is set to push the limits on just how slim a high rise can be.

The base of the 700' tower will only measure 50' x 54', an astoundingly small surface area. To create such a slim tower, all structural support will lie on the perimeter of the building, and only a single concrete core is to be placed inside. New York City's zoning laws allow slim buildings to reach virtually unlimited heights; the primary motivating factor behind building slim.

However, the lanky profile of the building isn't the only remarkable thing about it. It will feature multiple indoor parks, an astoundingly opulent feature. While we don't yet know how much any residential unit in this building will cost, it's a safe bet that I won't be able to afford one any time soon.

As always, for any building needs, fat or slim, call us at (541) 633-7793, email us at sales@buildsitepro.com, or visit our website www.buildsitepro.com

RRP Re-certification May Be Moving Online

The EPA is currently undergoing considerations that would permit renovators certified under the RRP (Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting) rule to complete their recertification classes entirely online. Currently, recertification requires participation in a 4 hour long course featuring 40 minutes of hands-on training. The hands-on sessions require that renovators to travel to a specialized facility.

According to the EPA, moving recertification classes to an online platform will allow renovators to earn their certification in a less time costly manner than physically attending classes.

            “EPA officials want a 100% online recertification course because they believe it will make it easier to get recertified without reducing the course’s value. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) applauds the move, saying that hands-on training has resulted in significant travel costs.”

            Unsurprisingly, this move is not without opposition as some groups dispute the merits of online recertification. Namely, companies that currently operate recertification classes feel their hands-on training is a crucial element of RRP recertification.

Whether you’re supportive of a move to an online program or not, there will be nearly 10 months to wait before any final verdict is reached. Come July 1^st, nearly 200,000 people will need to have their recertification already completed; thus online recertification will have to wait until next year at the earliest. 

We're Proud to be Helping the Central Oregon Biking Community!

We've recently donated hundreds of trail-marking signposts and signs to aid in the development of a new FatBiking complex in the Cascades! This new trail system lies high in the Cascades in the shadows of Mt Bachelor, 20 miles west of Bend, Oregon.

Mt. Bachelor wilderness area, viewed from the South. 

The new trails offer miles of great mountain bike riding in the summer, and great FatBiking snow trails in the winter. For those curious, fatbikes are essentially mountain bikes with five inch wide tires, rather than the standard 2.25-2.75 inch tire sizes on traditional mountain bikes. They are tons of fun to ride in the snow, because they just slide and roll over right over snow and ice.

A new Fatbike at home in the snow

If you would like to learn more about our involvement in the Central Oregon Mountain Biking community, read our latest press release.