InterUrban will have big views of historic city -- PAGES D2-3

Durability and sustainability are two of the reasons why wood has replaced carpeting in popularity in the main living areas of a house. Traditional hardwoods like oak and maple have been joined by bamboo, cork and reclaimed wood. Bamboo reaches maturity in six years and can be continually harvested. With cork, the bark of a tree is harvested every few years without killing the tree. Shown here, a dining room with cork flooring, left, a kitchen with bamboo flooring, above, and a sitting area with reclaimed wood, right.

Dear Condo Smarts: Our strata council is confused on how to apply our bylaws.

A subtle pride permeates the Inter-Urban new-home project in New Westminster -- pride in the 18-storey building, but also in the neighbourhood in which it is located.

Q: Is it possible to grow basil indoors? I know it cannot be seeded or transplanted outdoors until late spring. I am craving some fresh, homegrown basil. I am fond also of cilantro.

Kinichi Shigeno is an award-winning veteran artisan whose ceramic works have been showcased both locally and overseas. Hamza Vora and Raneen Nosh are novice artisans whose tile creations have just recently made their public introduction.

Q: When we had our roof done a few years ago, we had a turbine vent installed to improve ventilation. Mine makes a lot of noise when it spins.

When veteran interior designer Robert Ledingham embarks on a project, he takes his inspiration not only from within the space of a building's walls, but also from what's beyond them.

NEW HOMES: Response has been vigorous for Adera project at UBC:

Dear Condo Smarts: I have been working with a realtor and trying to find a condo to purchase for investment that I intend to use as a rental.

It's been slightly over three weeks since the 62 new apartments at the Pacific Spirit project went to market. To say sales have been brisk is most certainly an understatement.

Q: A home I have purchased has a well-established, but neglected perennial garden. Could you suggest a book that would give me basic information?

Q: We have an ongoing problem with rats nesting in our shed and we are wondering if those electronic pest-chasers would work to keep them away. Two years ago, one made its way into our attic, so we want to make sure we deal with this before it happens again. We have pets and kids, so do not want to put poison out.