At Davies Smith, we believe that it’s important for our work to exemplify quality. As Davies Smith co-owner, Ian Smith once said, “Rather than focusing on the final profit, we’re more concerned with completing high quality projects that last and that people can be proud of.

In light of this, we decided to showcase Davies Smith’s commitment to quality by taking a stroll down memory lane and re-visiting some of our past projects.  This week, we want to highlight  our crowning jewel in Mississauga, ONYX Condominiums and Lofts.

Described as a “new urban playground” for young professionals in the heart of Mississauga, ONYX has everything you want in a home. The lofts were a selling point to many ONYX residents, allowing them to have downtown Toronto condo-life outside of the City.

And that’s exactly what drew Onyx resident Min Kim to the building. “ONYX was offering lofts, and that drew my attention. Trendy, cool and modern…should I say (it was) love at first sight?”

When we say it’s in the heart of Mississauga, we mean it. Just a few short steps to Square One, the Living Arts Centre, stores, cafés and restaurants, ONYX is the perfect residence for anyone who wants to be conveniently located to everything and anything.

Shannon Pais, another Onyx resident, loves that it is where it is.  “I loved ONYX’s surrounding location,” says Pais. “The area looks so modern and city-like; it was the first thing that physically attracted me to the place.”

However, once you’re home, we doubt you would ever want to leave the condo building with two floors dedicated to relaxing and recreation, plus a rooftop party-room and lounge.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words – well, we have a gallery of amazing pictures, so if you don’t believe us that ONYX is amazing – we’ll let our pictures do the talking:

Kitchens at ONYX feature Epicurean designer-selected cabinetry, stainless steel double bowl kitchen sink, and ceramic floor tiles

The living room in the 1 bedroom model

The beautiful two-storey lobby

Glitzy party room and lounge

The rooftop terrace – a perfect place to relax

Now, this is a gym!

Do you live in Onyx Condos? Tell us about your experience?

Here are the pictures of the progress we’ve, made so far.

We’re looking forward to finally wrapping up the excavation at Eleven Superior and starting work on the formation of the building. As usual, we’ll keep you updated!

Members of the Carpenters Union have since commenced work. However, the International Union of Elevators Constructors strike continues. We have also been monitoring Local Union Members of Marble, Tile and Terrazzo who walked off the job site this week. We are confident that they will return shortly.

We have increased the amount of labourers on site to expedite completion of the drywalling of the suites and we are also continuing to work on the instsallation and fabrication of the kitchens.

The brickwork is also complete and all the windows are installed in the main podium structure of the building except for a few suites at the ends of either wing. Those windows are expected to be completed soon.

We recognize the impact that the strikes have had on our purchasers and please be assured that we will continue to work towards the completion of Ironstone regardless of what trade unions have a work stoppage.

For this post, we decided to spotlight three countries who are rockin’ geothermal energy usage: Iceland, New Zealand, and Kenya.

Iceland

Hveravellir Geothermal Peninsula, Iceland

Iceland is a geothermal energy using champion. Almost a hundred countries use geothermal energy, but no one does it quite like Iceland does it. A whopping 87 per cent of Iceland homes are heated with geothermal energy which saves them millions of dollars of importing oil. Furthermore, 25 per cent of the country’s total electricity is also generated by geothermal energy (the other 75 per cent is generated by hydropower – which means 100 per cent of Iceland’s electricity is powered by renewable energy).

Iceland rocking geothermal energy can be attributed to the high concentration of volcanoes in the area.

Iceland may soon be helping more countries use geothermal energy too. With such an abundance of the renewable energy source, selling and exporting it is now on the table.

New Zealand

Geothermal pool near Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

Geothermal energy is believed to be New Zealand’s more reliable renewable energy source, and they are recognized globally for their efforts and the standards they have set. New Zealand has several geothermal areas as it sits over two active plates, but most geothermal energy usage has occurred in the Taupo Volcanic Regions.

The first recorded use of geothermal energy in New Zealand dates back to hundreds of years ago, when those living in North Island Māori used it for cooking, bathing and therapeutic purposes. Later, European settlers discovered the healing power of thermal springs which led to the development of spa baths.

Being a geothermal superstar, New Zealand recently signed on to help Chile boost it’s efforts in geothermal development and reach their potential

Kenya 

Olkaria III geothermal plant, Kenya

Kenya was the first African country to adopt geothermal energy as a means of providing power, and it is sourced from the Great Rift Valley. Kenya is also home to the largest geothermal power plant on the continent,  Olkaria II. In Africa, geothermal power is predominantly used in their agricultural projects; the Oserian flower farm utilizes steam wells to power its greenhouse.

Because of Kenya’s early involvement in the geothermal industry, the World Bank has significantly backed them up financially.

Currently, the majority of  Kenya’s electricity is supplied by strained hydro-electrical power dams. But because the weather is extremely erratic and sometimes it doesn’t rain for weeks, this system doesn’t always fare well for the people of Kenya. For Kenya, geothermal energy is not only a more sustainable alternative, it’s also the key to progress and can help Kenya become a developed country by 2030.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Canada needs to invest more into geothermal research?

We regret to inform all of our Ironstone purchasers that members of multiple trade unions announced they are on strike and ceased work as of May 6th, 2013.

Due to this unforseen labour strike, we regrettably have to delay all occupancies at Ironstone by several weeks.

As soon as reasonably possible, and no later than 20 days after we receive confirmation that this unavoidable delay has been concluded, we shall provide written notice to you setting out a new amended Confirmed Closing Date.

We recognize the impact that a few more weeks of extension may cause you and appreciate your patience and understanding.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 416-363-1030 or via email at customerservice@davies-smith.com.

We made major progress last month when we received our statement of approval from the City of Toronto for our Site Plan Application.We also recently received our Superstructure Permit.This gives us the go ahead to lay the foundation and begin the concrete work. So we have a lot to be pleased about at Eleven Superior!

The excavation has been moving full steam ahead too and this is expected to continue for the next few months. Once the excavation is done, we will begin the forming. Take a look at all the excavation photos below.

The pictures don’t look very glamourous right now. But it’s only the beginning. Our aim is to make  Eleven Superior look as good as the picture below.

The sun is shining, the weather is warm and it’s time for a summer makeover for your home. Our interior designer Marlene is back with a few ideas to help inspire you!

Our lifestyles alter with warm weather. We automatically change what we wear, what we eat and where we spend our time.

We gravitate to brighter colours, lighter fabrics, natural woven textures and perhaps floral patterns or bold stripes. What will your summer style be this season?

Think of what you are wearing this season. Can you apply the same principals when shopping for a new outfit to your interior spaces? Enjoy your home as much as you do your clothes this season.

Accentuate  your summer style in your home by adding anything white, new summer sheets, long sheer flowing drapery panels, sisal rugs, bright accent pillows and little white lights with succulent plants on your outdoor terrace.

I’m looking forward to eating my favourite summer foods while sitting in an outdoor oasis!

Spring into summer by doing whatever feels good and looks good to you this season!

Marlene Card is a Registered Interior Designer with IDC (Interior Designers of Canada) working with fashion forward interiors since 1990, specializing in multi-family residential interiors in Toronto and surrounding areas for the past 12 years and having great success forecasting what new homeowners and investors are looking for in today’s market.

Dear Ironstone purchasers,

We try and predict move-in dates as accurately as we can but unforeseen variables such as labour shortages in addition to set backs in receiving construction materials has forced us to delay your confirmed occupancy dates at Ironstone by several weeks. We are working diligently to ensure that Ironstone is ready for occupancy, this includes making sure that safety conditions are met and taking the necessary steps to ensure permits are granted. I regret any inconvenience this delay may have caused you.

As we are busy making the final preparations to your home, we are now also faced with the challenge of current and impending Trade Union strikes that are beyond our control; however may cause further delay. Please bear with us as we monitor this situation with the optimism that no additional strikes will come to fruition nor will they cause a further delay.

We understand your frustration at this time and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact us at 416-363-1030 or via e-mail at customercare@davies-smith.com .

Sincerely

Graham Chalmers

Co-Owner, Davies Smith Developments

This is really important for us in the construction process because it means that we can begin to finish the concrete on the penthouse level.

We’re making good progress on other parts of the building too. Brick work will be finished in 2-3 weeks and we expect window installation to be complete by the end of April. Elevators are also expected to be up and running within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, we’re continuing to finish kitchens installs and work on the dry walling of suites continues too.

And lastly, the landscaping area in the courtyard has been soiled and paving stones will be installed soon.

With the crane now down, we can expect  speedier at Ironsone. We’ll be seeing a lot of activity on site over the next few months, so continue to follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Mount Nemo

1) The Niagara Escarpment

The Niagara Escarpment is the most prominent topographical feature of southern Ontario and in 1990, it was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO,  making it one of 12 in Canada. The Niagara Escarpment provides endless possibilities for nature enthusiasts and along its 725 kilometres length, you can find plunging cliff faces, pebbled beaches, waterfalls and wetlands.

2)  Mount Nemo

If rock climbing is your thing, then we highly recommend that you give Mount Nemo a go. It is one of the most popular climbing destinations in Southwestern Ontario and for good reason.It has spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and also has one of the best cliff ecosystems on Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment.

3) Climber’s Rock

Burlington’s picturesque Waterfront is one of its biggest draws. The wide promenade by the waterfront, offers a magnificent view of the lake and beach and it’s a great spot for  cycling, roller blading or simply walking. Other spots to check out by the waterfront include: the Observatory, theRotary Centennial Pond Brant Street Pier and the Waterfront Trail.

Spencer Smith Park

5) Spencer Smith Park

While at the waterfront, make sure to stop by Spencer Smith Park right on the shore of Lake Ontario. The park boasts a small beach and plenty of walking paths as well as a Japanese Garden and several performance areas. Definitely make a point to visit the Discovery Landing  Centre. It’s the perfect place for skating in the winter and has a water-jet play area for those hot summer days.

6) Canada’s largest Ribfest

True to its name, Ribfest really is the largest Rib festival in Canada. Every year, more than 150,000 people line up every year for this 4 day festival and stuf themelves silly with as many ribs as they can.  In  2009, 175,000 people  consumed more 150,000 lbs of ribs over the course of 4 the weekend!

7) Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival

The Sound of Music Festival is Canada’s largest free music festival that spreads along the city’s waterfront and into the downtown core. With more than 90 acts spread cross ten performance areas, you’re  likely to hear anything from Carly Rae Jepsen to Tom Cochrane.

8) Golf

Burlington is literally a Golfer’s Paradise.With 9 courses within the city and 42 in the region, golfer’s are never short of a place to tee off.

9) Hiking

Burlington is the perfect place to take a hike, There There are so many trails in the Burlington area that you could spend days exploring them all.  In total, all the main hiking trails combined cover a span of over 130 km. Hiking enthusiasts are definitely spoiled for choice.

10) The Royal Botanical Gardens

The Burlington Royal Botanical Gardens  is considered the plant biodiversity hotspot for Canada. More than 1,100 species of plants grow within  its 2,700 acre boundary and it has the world’s largest lilac collection. The Royal Botanical Gardens also hosts the not to miss Ontario Garden Show, which is the second-largest garden show in Canada.

Do you live in Burlington? Did we miss anything on our list? Tell us why you think Burlington is the place to be!