POLY-WOOD, manufacturer of sustainable casual furniture, announces the introduction of its latest collection of dining and lounge seating, the Bayline Collection. Crafted to incorporate modern styling, the Bayline Collection features a slender contemporary profile crafted of weather-resistant aluminum complemented by a large selection of durable sling fabric options.  

"With the Bayline Collection, POLY-WOOD has expanded our casual furnishing designs to provide our retail partners with more options in construction as well as styling," said Mark Phillabaum, co-founder, POLY-WOOD, Syracuse, Indiana. "The aluminum frames and quick drying sling fabrics are just the beginning of the Bayline story as each unit features a contemporary yet tailored design all built to withstand the elements."

The Bayline Collection includes side and armchair styles in three height specifications for dining, counter and bar applications. Four frame color options are available in select textured or satin finishes. The arm details are offered in POLY-WOOD's Plastique or SOLID. The collection also includes a chaise lounge that is designed to fold completely flat for ease of stacking. All seating units are available individually in pre-determined finish, fabric and feature choices.

The POLY-WOOD design team also has developed within the Bayline Collection featured sets by incorporating the seating units with two styles of dining tables. "By utilizing combinations of arm and side chairs and configurations for four and six seats, the featured sets are pre-designed to easily accommodate a consumer's outdoor space layout," Phillabaum said. "In this manner, we aid our retailers in designing a usage plan that not only delivers the lasting looks, but multiple proven selling options." Tables within the featured sets include the popular Euro and MOD styles.

 

 

Western States Leading the Nation's Recovery

From the Wells Fargo Economics Group

Four years have now passed since the Great Recession ended and the U.S. economy is still struggling to regain its footing. Real GDP growth has averaged just 2.1 percent since the recession ended, compared to a 3.3 percent pace averaged during the 25 years prior to the recession.

Many western states have fared better, however, thanks to their heavier concentration of technology firms, energy resources and international ties. More recently, an improving housing market and resurgence in tourism have added to the region's recovery.

The economic winds are constantly changing, however, and the West now faces a whole new set of threats. Global economic growth has slowed, which has cut into the region's exports. With the Fed contemplating winding down its securities purchases, interest rates have also increased, raising questions about what comes next for the budding recoveries in residential and commercial real estate.

We expect the western states to slightly outperform the nation during the next few years. Growth in California and Washington is likely even stronger than current numbers suggest, while Arizona, Nevada and Idaho are all gaining momentum. Although export growth has slowed, there are increasing signs that global growth may now be bottoming. 

Napoleon is proud to introduce its newest clean face multi-view fireplace, ideal for making an exceptional focal point between two rooms.

"At Napoleon we are always trying to create the next must-have item in your dream house," said David Coulson of Napoleon Fireplaces. "The HD4 is the perfect example of that type of innovation. This fireplace can be inset in a wall separating two rooms to not only provide warmth for both but a unique look that unifies the rooms."

Napoleon's new HD4 is available as a see-thru or three-sided peninsula and features various firebox/burner options including a log and linear glass burner or a designer fire cradle featuring topaz glass embers to match any room in the home.

The new HD4 multi-view fireplaces offer up to 30,000 Btus, a massive 1,000 sq. in. viewing area, multiple firebox configurations and electronic ignition with battery back up. Optional zen modern door kits, contemporary rectangular door kits, media kits and decorative panels are available to match any room in your house.

The HD4 is available at authorized Napoleon dealers nationwide.

When it came time to replace 14-year-old parasols on an outdoor patio, the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club (BBYC) in Miami decided to take a closer look at how the area could be rejuvenated for the increased enjoyment of its membership, and in a way that would be more sustainable in the ever- changing Florida climate.

"We believe that the days of private clubs selecting off-the-shelf umbrellas for pool or restaurant areas has passed," said Dougan Clarke, TUUCI CEO. "Private clubs that want to create outdoor areas to support membership recruitment and retention while increasing revenues must adopt a more strategic approach."

TUUCI collaborated closely on the project with the management of BBYC, which was founded in 1887 and boasts a membership of approximately 250 who enjoy a broad menu of amenities ranging from the clubhouse and outdoor dining to a recently renovated marina and modernized dry boat storage. TUUCI and BBYC teams reviewed how the outdoor patio is used and the effects of environmental factors, including high winds often associated with Biscayne Bay, frequent brief showers and changing seasonal sun angles.  

"Based on our analysis, the decision was made to replace small moveable parasols centered within each table with parasols that are twice as large at 10-feet-square and permanently mounted in the ground," Clarke said. "This important decision meant that shaded areas are much more effective in protecting guests regardless of the season. Additionally, permanent mountings significantly increased the flexibility of arranging tables and chairs, which is important for special events and to respond to seasonal changes in the direction of the sun."

Biscayne Bay Yacht Club.

An added benefit of mounting the umbrellas in the ground is their ability to withstand winds of up to 35 miles per hour even when fully opened. This feature allows guests to extend the time they enjoy being outdoors even during brief rain showers that frequently pop up in south Florida. The yacht club also wanted the new umbrellas to complement existing structures and the natural environment while contributing to the yacht club vibe.

The new parasols are made of marine grade hardware and incorporate components that are virtually maintenance free and familiar to sailors, such as pulleys that are incorporated for ease of opening and closing.

In terms of the parasol covers, the club selected a Sunbrella fabric that complements the coral exterior of the clubhouse as well as the colors of nearby trees. BBYC General Manager Shawn Sumner reports the project met and exceeded everyone's expectations.

"There has been a 35 percent increase in member usage of the patio since the new shade structures were added," he said. "This increased use gives us great confidence for a relatively quick payback on the club's investment in the patio renovation. Equally important, our membership could not be more pleased with the new look and comfort the parasols have created for us."

According to Clarke, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club is an excellent example of the strategic use of shade.

"Virtually every outdoor venue, from private clubs to hotels and restaurants, can improve the use of shade products by taking a more strategic approach," he said. "By addressing several essential considerations, you can do a better job of selecting the right shade products and installing them for the greatest benefit of guests, which translates to higher rates of customer satisfaction and increased revenues."