Designed by KWK Promes, the Open House is a new and upcoming German residence that not only embraces openness but also privacy. The home not only opens up to its surroundings but also provides privacy. The home is open as standard, but with the simple flick of a switch, walls will come ahead and shut off the house to curious eyes. The Open House was built as such since the site is often populated with visitors for social and sporting events.
The intent behind the Open House was to create a house where the owner can take in the surrounding forest, and immerse himself in nature, while also being able to close off the home when the site gets busy. The walls are long and curving and placed on small wheels, which will move through an electric motor once the button is pressed.
“The site near Bremen, where the house stands, usually is a quiet corner on the edge of the village at the interface with the forest,” said KWK Promes “However, periodically – due to sports events in the direct neighborhood – the area would fill up with casual people. The architects didn’t want a fence to limit interference with the character of this place and at the same time to preserve the natural migration of wild animals. The essence has therefore become to maintain everyday openness but with the possibility of using temporary closure in the most inconvenient moments.”
The Open House has been created for a family of two, and it occupies almost 2700 sq ft, including the garage. The home includes two bedrooms, a living room, a mezzanine area, a kitchen, and bathrooms, all placed within an open layout amped with generous glazing, creating a serene connection to the outside.
The exterior is influenced by the local architectural style, and it will feature whitewashed walls and a traditional thatched reed roof with custom openings at the top. These openings will ensure better ventilation throughout the home. All the power in the home will be supplied via solar panels, although we are not sure about their capacity.
If you are a lover of pop culture, and your personal space is adorned with Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel, or Mario-themed products and devices, then, well you’re at the right spot. Because we’re gonna take it up a notch for you and introduce you to some pop-culture-based LEGO builds. We’ve curated some of our favorite pop culture LEGO builds for you to try building by yourself! From a LEGO version of the Brooklyn 99 show to a LEGO variant of Harry Potter’s Sorting Hat – these LEGO builds are complete collector’s items for pop culture lovers.
1. LEGO Downton Abbey Set
LEGO builder BRO3 created a dedicated LEGO set for the historical drama series Downton Abbey to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary. The LEGO Ideas Downton Abbey set is extremely detailed, featuring the old Highclere Castle, as well as the expansive Crawley family including the butlers and the castle caretakers who make up the main cast of the show. The built has been designed with incredible attention to detail, and it includes multiple rooms, and at least 15 minifigures – 16 if you count the dog Pharaoh. It even includes Lady Mary’s bench!
2. LEGO Godzilla
Created by the LEGO builder Matthew Esposito, the LEGO version of Godzilla is the first LEGO Godzilla, despite almost ten or more movies coming out. The LEGO build is a small-scale variant of the city-destroying reptile, and it is inspired by the ‘King of Monsters’ Godzilla’ (from the 2019 movie). The Godzilla is only a few inches tall, featuring a hefty body and long tail. It can even blow blue flames in all directions.
3. LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
LEGO builder Teljesnegyzet created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a LEGO-based action figure set. The LEGO Ideas TMNT kit accurately represents the four turtles in their superhero garb. The set includes turtles in their four colored bandanas and bands, with their own weapons of choice. The turtles have a belt with their initials labeled on the buckle, and they have been color-matched to their originals, and display four shades of green.
4. Sorting Hat
The LEGO Group has launched another cool Harry Potter-based build – meet the LEGO version of the Sorting Hat! It is a dedicated LEGO variant that includes a hidden sound box that emits loud and randomized phrases in English, which we’ve all surely heard before. The hat is 9.5 inches tall, and 7.5 diameters in length, and you can showcase it proudly on a stand with Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw house symbols on it.
5. LEGO Barad-dûr
The new LEGO set- themed on Barad-dûr, Sauron’s iconic stronghold is a must-have for the Lord of the Rings fans. It is a build consisting of 5471 pieces and is topped with the Eye of Sauron, which is the disembodied eye that overlooks his evil domain. It includes four main sections – a prison, an armory, a throne room, and a kitchen. Users can also get a complementary 269-piece Fell beast set, with wings for the flying creature and the Nazul Minifigure.
6. LEGO Portal 2 Gun
The gun from Portal 2 doesn’t exist in real life, but Hooded-Blaze built this gun to be a perfect replica of the cyberpunk quantum gadget from the game. The Portal 2 Quantum Tunneling Device is built entirely from LEGO bricks and includes its own stand. It also has the ability to alternate between shooting orange or blue tunnels, much like the game. How cool is this build?!
7. LEGO Kung Fu Panda
A LEGO Kung Fu Panda from the first movie in the franchise was submitted to the LEGO Ideas Forum. The super cute Po is equipped with a dragon scroll and a bowl of noodles, and he performs the epic Wixu Finger Hold as well! The brick panda is equipped with a completely positionable body with movable hands, legs, head, fingers, and even eyebrows! Po also has a jiggling belly that bounces if you touch it.
8. The LEGO® Ideas 21348 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Red Dragon’s Tale
LEGO has finally combined with DUNGEONS & DRAGONS to mark DND’s 50th anniversary, creating The LEGO® Ideas 21348 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Red Dragon’s Tale. It is a 3745-piece playable box set designed by LEGO-builder Lucas Bolt and was initially submitted to LEGO’s Ideas forum, where LEGO’s internal team selected it and converted it into this stunning set, featuring a tavern, mysterious dungeon, and a tall wizard’s tower. It also includes a massive Cinderhowl, a menacing red dragon as well.
9. LEGO Brooklyn 99
Brooklyn 99 will always be hands down my favorite TV show ever, so when LEGO builder Ben Fakhauser created an adorable build for it, I was super excited. The LEGO creation includes the entire 99th precinct – all the rooms and characters as well! The precise and intricate build contains everything – from the bullpen to the captain’s office, even the printer room! Important aspects of the precinct floors were incorporated, and even secret details like Holt’s pet corgi Cheddar were recreated too!
10. LEGO Seven Dwarf’s Cottage
Say hello to this cute LEGO version of the Seven Dwarf’s Cottage from the iconic Disney movie – Snow White. The fascinating build is made using 2228 pieces, and 10 mini figurines. The build is created with a lot of attention to detail and reminds you of all the interesting and lovely bits of the table. The set also features Snow White’s glass coffin, the Evil Queen with the forbidden red apple, the Prince, and the Seven Dwarfs.
MadeiGuincho, the Portuguese woodworking experts strike again with the Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels, one of their latest tiny homes! The home featured a clever space-saving interior amped with a visually appealing curving roof which contains a terrace area for relaxation. Nestled in a rural space in the Alentejo area of Portugal, the home was built for couples or solo travelers who prefer short cozy vacations. Measuring 16.4 ft in length, and featuring a cladding of cork and timber, the home is based on a double-axle trailer. A small yet comfy deck area is connected to the exterior of the home, while the roof has a unique barrel vault form.
As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a space that is intended for a vacation. It features a finish of wood and is marked by a simple yet functional layout, with most of the space occupied by a massive combined seating/storage area. A compact kitchen and wood-burning stove are placed close to offer warmth.
Separate toilet and shower rooms are located near the entrance. The main sleeping section is on the ground floor, and it includes a double bed. Wooden steps offer access to an additional loft space above the entrance, and this can be utilized as a bedroom or a storage area, depending on the visitors’ needs and requirements.
The comfy little home is equipped with porthole-style windows, and the largest window is placed directly above the main sleeping section. This window is operable, and you can enter the roof terrace area through it. Some removable steps lead you up to the terrace. The terrace is quite snug and cozy-looking and seems like an ideal place to sit with your favorite book and unwind. A nearby tree offers shade, allowing you to lounge about without discomfort. MadeiGuincho is known for its homes that seem to have bespoke wooden style, one that sets its home apart, allowing them to have a unique identity of their own, and the Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels is no exception!
The month of June has been pretty interesting as it’s brought with it a storm of mind-boggling and innovative tech designs! At Yanko Design, it’s surely been an exciting time for us, as we came across an influx of intriguing designs that left a lasting impression on our minds. Each design broke through some barrier or convention in the tech world, bringing us unique solutions, improved functionality, and immense value. From the downpour of tech designs that June 2024 introduced to us, we’ve curated some of the very best. Not only do these designs address tangible problems, but they also make our lives better, easier, and more efficient in their way. We hope these inventive tech gadgets impress you, as much as they impressed us!
1. Minisforum S100
Dubbed the Minisforum S100, this small and sleek box may look like a power bank, but it is, in fact, a mini PC that you can carry with you almost anywhere, or even install in narrow little spaces. The PC has a small form but is equipped with many standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.2, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, USB-A ports, HDMI, and 65W USB-C. The HDMI and the USB-C make the product pretty portable and flexible.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can connect another monitor through the HDMI to create a high-value dual-screen setup which increases productivity. The palm-sized mini PC is pretty easy to pick up and take anywhere with you, so you can work in a cafe by simply connecting an external display and a power bank.
What we like
Supports Power-over-Ethernet or PoE, so you can use the S100 to operate a camera security system without plugging it in
What we dislike
It doesn’t have its own battery
2. Nothing Power Bank
Named the Nothing power bank, this nifty little gadget is the ideal device for your jet-setting adventures. The gadget has a transparent aesthetic that boasts its innards in all their glory. The interior is illuminated with tiny warm-toned LEDs, which impart the power bank with a futuristic and Cyberpunkish look inside and out.
Why is it noteworthy?
This conceptual power bank design is a great fit for Nothing, as it is pretty functional, and has a simple no-frills design. There are quite a lot of options in the market, but this transparent design would make for a valuable and unique addition to Nothing’s ever-growing line of products.
What we like
The power bank complements the Nothing Phone (2)
Features sleek transparent aesthetics
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we’re not sure how well it would translate into a tangible product
3. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a 49-inch monitor with a resolution of 5120×1440 and an aspect ratio of 32:9. It isn’t an ordinary curved screen, and offers a really wide field of view that perfectly conforms to the way your eyes work, owing to its 1800R curvature. You can enjoy a more immersive and fascinating visual experience, irrespective if you’re playing a game or just watching videos.
Why is it noteworthy?
Using the Odyssey OLED G9 is like having two QHD or 2K monitors side-by-side but with the elimination of the distracting borders that break the seamlessness and harmony of the entire experience. There is also enough space for multiple application windows, helping you get your work done.
What we like
It features a Multi-View option that allows you to place two screens from two different sources, letting them play at the same time
What we dislike
It doesn’t have the best sound
Quite a hefty price tag
4. JBL Live 3 Series
At CES 2024, JBL released three distinct models – the Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3, and the Live Flex 3. These wireless earbuds make up the Live 3 series, and they were made to meet the requirements and preferences of different users, offering them a smooth and personalized audio listening experience. They are stored in a sleek touchscreen charging case.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Live 3 Series includes a 1.45-inch LED touch display on the charging case. It was first integrated in JBL’s Tour Pro 2, and now it has made a comeback. This unique touchscreen allows users to handle calls, view texts, and control music playback. It even lets you check social media alerts on the charging case.
What we like
It is a great option for those who don’t like using their phones much
What we dislike
The touch control system isn’t very customizable
5. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers
Named the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers – these innovative speakers are both portable and battery-free. The speakers are a fresh new version of a typical no-power smartphone speaker. It is made from metal, making the product quite functional, unlike conventional speaker designs.
The amplifying speakers are built from Duralumin, which is an aluminum alloy used in aviation and aerospace industries, as it is equipped with vibration-resistant properties. All you need to do is place the smartphone into the speaker and let the sound envelop the room and you.
What we like
Electricity-free and doesn’t require any power
Quite intriguing to look at, with a minimal appeal
What we dislike
Won’t work well with bulky smartphone covers and cases
6. TCL 50 XE 5G
Meet the TCL 50 XE 5G, a nifty smartphone that helps you not only keep up, and stay way ahead of your crazy and fast-paced life. It is equipped with advanced technology and a triple camera system, both teaming up to provide you with accurate color, deep contrasts, and fluid animations at a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone captures every detail owing to its fifty-megapixel main camera, which preserves your priceless moments.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is equipped with the MediaTek Octa-core fifth-generation processor which supports smooth and seamless operations, irrespective if you’re streaming, gaming, or multitasking. It has a battery of 5010 mAh which easily gets you through your day, without the need to constantly recharge it.
What we like
Biometric solutions like face unlock and side-mounted fingerprint protect your precious information
What we dislike
No 4K video recording support
No reverse charging support
7. ASUS ROG ALLY
The ASUS ROG ALLY may look similar to the OG ROG Ally, but it does have a new all-black motif. ASUS also chose white for its first iteration, although it does help it stand out from its rivals. The handles are rounder which ensures a better grip, which is pretty critical to a handheld device. The back triggers are also positioned at a better angle, offering improved ergonomics, while the joystick and D-pad are more durable and precise.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme as the original ROG ALLY, but the mobile gaming processor is now teamed up with 24GB of DDR-7500 RAM. The storage capacity has also been increased to 1TB, and the battery has also been improved to 80Wh, which ensures more playing time.
What we like
Amped with improved thermal cooling solutions so it won’t burn your hand
What we dislike
Doesnt feature ASUS’ proprietary XG external graphics port
8. Moto Tag
Motorola recently announced an Android-based device tracker, which in all honesty looks pretty familiar. Called the Moto Tag, it is based on Apple’s AirTag and is designed to be a compact little tracking device that pairs up and works perfectly with the Android OS. It allows you to accurately and efficiently track your precious belongings.
Why is it noteworthy?
Much like the AirTag, the Moto Tag is a tiny circular disc that is just a little bigger than a quarter. The Moto Tag features a user-replaceable CR2032 battery which can last a full year on a single charge. The Moto Tag integrates perfectly with the new Google Find My Device Network, facilitating easy and smooth pairing with multiple Android smartphones.
What we like
It plays a sound for easier retrieval
What we dislike
Doesnt feature a built-in keyring loop
9. Pony Project
Meet the Pony Project – a portable CD player concept with a built-in speaker that is inspired by Sony and Teenage Engineering. It is a conceptual design with the design DNA and color theme of Teenage Engineering and features a digital display that shows the music being currently played.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Pony Project features volume rockers, bass, and treble, as well as power and stop buttons. The player is equipped with the ‘Pony’ branding and makes for an interesting dupe of Sony. Teenage Engineering’s signature color theme was also incorporated in the design.
What we like
Offers a new and fun makeover to DAPs
Combines Sony & TE design language
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so not sure how well it will translate into a real product
Dubbed the Marshall Celestion 100 limited edition collectible amp, this limited edition design is the perfect combination of timeless design and the brand’s historic sound. Only 100 units have been made, and each amplifier is equipped with a unique numbered plaque. It has versatile power controls, and you can switch between 20W and 5W settings to perfectly match your playing environment.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can play tunes in different settings to complement different vibes – ranging from house parties, and quaint me-time sessions. They are handmade in the UK, and they carry the legacy of legendary build quality and are crafted with immense attention to detail.
What we like
Limited-edition, special pieces that are must-haves for collectors
What we dislike
Premium materials need extra special care especially when transporting and using outdoors
Stefano Boeri Architetti, the designer of the acclaimed Vertical Forests was commissioned to build a new technology museum in Xi’an, China. This anticipated structure will serve as a tree-covered man-made mountain, allowing visitors to explore on the top, and immerse themselves in nature in the midst of a chaotic metropolis. Dubbed the Culture CBD Modern Technology Experience Center, the building features a unique hilly form that is inspired by the area’s topography, including the mountains, rivers, and the rugged valley.
The building will have a curving concrete form amped with expansive glazing on the front-facing facade. The facade will be marked with horizontal slats for shading. The rooftop will feature a stepped exterior and include terraces and walkways, including loads of plants and trees. They will also contain different kinds of shrubs, as well as perennial herbs. Visitors can ascend to the top, and they will be welcomed by beautiful hanging gardens, as well as a massive viewing platform that offers serene views of the city.
“On the roof, the project includes a hanging garden in continuity with the park and a system of terraces that allows visitors to climb up to the building and gain a new look at the surrounding urban panorama,” said Stefano Boeri Architetti. “The green terraces accessible to citizens will be an integral part of the museum’s cultural program of events (the different areas will host screenings, activities, shows, and performances) – as well as offering citizens a new public outdoor space, with unprecedented views of the park and the city. ”
As you enter the museum, you will be greeted by four main exhibition spaces, as well as a temporary exhibition area, and multiple commercial zones. The various sections will be linked by a big double-height central atrium. The decor of the interiors will feature a vibrant and bright blue hue, which was selected on account of its significance and heavy usage in digital design and art. This is a popular choice in the world of digital design, and once you start looking out for it, you’ll find that it is quite widespread.
Currently, nature-inspired architecture in on the rise in China, and the cultural center will be another invaluable and wonderful addition. Although currently, we don’t know when it will be completed, the project is being headed by Stefano Boeri Architetti’s China-based satellite branch, instead of the main Italian studio.
Designed by the Brazilian architectural firm Studio MEMM, this preschool concept has been tucked away in the natural setting of Ethiopia. The school is designed to be visually appealing and attempts to strike a serene balance between architecture and nature, creating an educational setting that is conducive to learning, and keeps the students inspired and intrigued. Studio MEMM participated in a competition to design the preschool and the resultant structure is a dynamic building that serves as a natural space for a fun yet valuable education.
While designing the building, the architecture team wanted to create something that not only supports learning but also serves as a playful center where children can engage, interact, as well as imagine and discover new things. The buildings were designed to be stimulating, featuring open windows, that offer constant access to sunlight and fresh air. Expansive classrooms create a space that is free-flowing and open, so the kids don’t feel caged in. The space is intended to encourage coexistence and teaching, while due respect is paid to its natural surroundings. The overall structure was split into smaller volumes, adding fluidity to the entire site. Doors and walls have been designed as moving panels in an effort to add flexibility, while also ensuring easy access to the outdoors.
There were budget constraints, as well as limitations of materials. These issues posed challenges, and hence excavated earth was utilized to build the classroom walls, and the forms on the outside. This earth was excavated from the site itself, and it elevates the auditorium-like landscaping. Since Ethiopia doesn’t always have access to electricity, the studio focused on natural lighting and ventilation quite a bit. Moveable panels were installed to ensure this.
The entire school is made up of a number of classrooms – ranging from small to large. It has been equipped with bleachers with blackboards and open gardens, which also serve as spaces for local community gatherings. Since elements of indoor-outdoor design were incorporated, students can learn inside the school, as well as outside, promoting interactive and novel ways of learning.
Named the Midgard, this space-saving starter home was designed by Baluchon and was built for a couple who wanted their son to have his own living space in their garden. It is intended to be their son’s first independent home, while also maintaining a connection to the main home and the family. It features a clever design, that maximizes the functionality of the compact space. It has a length of 20 feet and serves as a comfortable guest sleeping area or a home office.
Based on a double-axle trailer, the Midgard tiny home features an exterior made of red cedar and aluminum accenting. The tiny home’s length is nothing special, about average for French models, on account of the country’s strict towing laws. But it is much smaller in comparison to the North American tiny home models we see nowadays. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by the living room. The living room is amped with generous glazing and plenty of storage space. There is a sofa bed for guests, and a home office is positioned next to it, consisting of a desk and a chair.
The living room and the kitchen are connected, and the kitchen is pretty well-designed and stocked for a typical French tiny home. The kitchen contains a sink, fridge, oven, two-burner propane-powered stove, as well as a compact dining table intended for two. The dining table can be easily folded away when not in use. The bathroom is placed next to the kitchen, and you can access it via a sliding door. The bathroom features a sink, toilet, and shower.
The Midgard tiny home includes two lofts – one is placed above the living room, and serves as a small yet efficient storage area. The second loft functions as a bedroom, and you can reach it via wooden steps. This room is like most tiny house-style bedrooms, equipped with a double bed and a low ceiling. There is some storage space tucked away behind the headboard area.
While decorating our homes, we always focus on the furniture we place in them or on the interior decor style we prefer, but focusing on home decor accents is equally important. These little decorative items can truly uplift the aesthetic appeal of a space, adding a personalized touch that will resonate with you and your visitors. A well-selected set of home decor accents can truly set the perfect tone for your home, and if they’re minimal and super-functional, well they tick all the boxes then! We’ve put together a collection of functional, nifty, and visually pleasing home decor accents that you need to check out!
1. Pop-up Book Vase Edition 4
Called the Pop-up Book Vase, this pretty vase holds and displays your flowers in a lovely, fairytale-ish style. As you open the cover, a 3D cutout of the vase is revealed, and it beautifully displays your elegant floral arrangement. You can even flip the age to unveil a different vase design, so you can have a fresh presentation whenever you want.
The book can be turned upside down to get lovely views from another angle. The book vase is quite simple but still, an interesting way to make your everyday flowers truly stand out, bringing a pop of personality to your living space. Start your home decor adventure with this ingenious pop-up book vase.
What we like
Amped with three pretty pop-up vase designs
It is made from 100% natural pulp with a water-resistant coating
What we dislike
The vase seems a bit tough to clean, and there seem to be no clear instructions on how to do so
2. CD Jacket Player
Meet the CD Jacket Player – a unique design that allows you to relive priceless moments with CDs, while also appreciating the album art that comes along with it. The CD Jacket Player stores your classic audio CDS, while also enhancing their aesthetic appeal by seamlessly including their accompanying jackets.
The CD Jakcet Player showcases the CD jacket art, and it can be wall-mounted as well, serving as a decorative element in your home. You can proudly show off your favorite album art, while also adding an interesting and visually appealing decorative item to your living space.
What we like
Perfect design for music lovers, allows them to add an aesthetically pleasing musical element to their home
What we dislike
It can be a bit redundant for people who prefer using digital music streaming platforms
3. IKEA JETSTRÖM
Designed by IKEA, the new JESTRÖM is a single-piece lighting panel in the form of a 30cm x 30cm square. However, it is not a simple square but features rounded corners and curved edges, which softens the harshness you may perceive from straight edges and inorganic forms. The lamp design has plenty of smart lighting features, and the white light can be shifted to warmer to set the mood.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can even set different colors to complement a particular theme. You can control these settings from the IKEA Home mobile app, and sync the lamp with other IKEA smart lights via the DIRIGERA hub, allowing you to create your own unique concert of lighting designs.
What we like
Economically priced for a large smart LED panel
What we dislike
Only one color is available for the diffuser cover
There is a dedicated remote for it, but you need to purchase it separately, which increases costs
4. Invisible Shoehorn
Dubbed the Invisible Shoehorn, this innovative product will save your back and your socks as it harmoniously vanishes into the background once you’re done using it. It has a long stainless steel body that will prevent tears and snags in socks and stockings. It has a transparent and minimal form which is easy on the eye and on the interior style of your home.
The Invisible Shoehorn is pretty unique as it artfully disappears into the background when it is not being utilized. It is equipped with a transparent stand, and the two elements partner up to form an interesting and visually appealing decoration for your home. The Invisible Shoehorn has both practical use, as well as decorative value.
What we like
Functional design with decorative appeal
Easily disappears into the background when not being used
What we dislike
Hefty price tag which may be beyond someone’s price range
5. Oakywood MagSafe Collection
This is the Oakwood MagSafe collection, and it uses Apple MagSafe charges to support actual charging function, while also offering visually appealing aesthetics. The collection includes products with solid and multi-functional bases which keep your iPhone and Apple Watch in place, while also adding some minimalist design ethos to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.
What we like
The charger they accommodate can be removed and used separately
Reduces e-waste in the long run
What we dislike
The accessories do not come with an Apple MagSafe charger
7. Moon Rock Clock
If you share a love for the Moon and outer space, then you can welcome them both into your home with the Moon Rock Clock! The Moon Rock Clock is minimalist, yet quite striking, allowing you to embark on space travel fantasies within your own home. The clock is built from specially polished stainless steel and has. circular shape which perfectly represents the moon.
The various numbers wane and wax about much like the moon, and the clock serves as a reminder to you, urging you to live life with an adventurous spirit, like the rocket ship moving around the moon. It features a moon travel-inspired aesthetic which is a gentle nudge to follow your dreams.
What we like
The printed numbers seem to float and vanish around the moon
What we dislike
A large and bulky product that will occupy substantial space on your desk or table
8. Gramophone Lamp
Named the Gramophone Lamp, this pretty and subtle home decoration design utilizes vinyl as material, featuring a retro and minimalistic aesthetic. It features a curved base that reminds you of the stands for an Apple monitor and is amped with a single aluminum stand that slopes at the back. The vinyl serves as the main light source.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Gramophone lamp also has a trackpad-like surface that holds the controls, and you can use it to switch the ambient lighting on and off, to increase and reduce the brightness. It has a polycarbonate diffuser disk which is considered the “star”, and it magnifies the light owing to its translucent quality.
What we like
Amped with a 4000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery that you can use for up to 24 hours even when not plugged in
What we dislike
Seems like a desk lamp, but not really well-suited to be used as one
9. Modular Flower Tubes
Dubbed the Modular Flower Tubes, these pretty little tubes are an incredible alternative to the typical old vases we all tend to use. The container is made from metal and wood, delivering flexible creativity to the users, and allowing them to build their own flower arrangements according to their own tastes and requirements.
The Modular Flower Tubes are equipped with thin copper pipes that can be arranged in different positions and patterns, in turn creating lovely floral displays. Users can develop different patinas with time, elevating the aesthetic sense and value to the vase. The base is wooden, and hence quite sturdy, offering stability and durability to the product.
What we like
Offers users creative liberation, letting them create their own personalized arrangements
What we dislike
The unique patinas that develop over the tube need to be maintained well, and not everyone may like them
10. Tray & Incense Holder
Designed by Songpa-gu in collaboration with the Seoul Design Foundation, this beautiful tray and incense holder represents the beauty of the Hangseong period of the Baekje Dynasty’s cultural legacy, as well as the aroma of tradition. The tray and holder perfectly complement all kinds of interior decor styles, while displaying the Baekjeasty’s beautiful art and cultural elements.
Why is it noteworthy?
The white finishes of the product create a zen and minimal aesthetic, which is pleasing to the eye, and also calming to the mind. The neutral colors elevate one’s mood, while also helping you to focus better, and complete tasks with more concentration and precision.
What we like
Create a cozy, calming and soothing ambiance at home
What we dislike
It features a wavy design which limits the type of items it can hold, hence impacting usability
Designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the Mori JP Tower is Japan’s new tallest skyscraper! Featuring an astounding height of 1066 ft, and located in Tokyo, the skyscraper was created to reduce grid-based energy usage by incorporating it with sustainability features. The tower is also designed to be earthquake-resistant, offering sturdy support against the country’s seismicity. It is nestled in the Azabudai Hill development – a new district amped with plenty of green space and other high-rise buildings.
The impressive skyscraper is equipped with a glazed facade and a unique form that brings to mind the image of a lotus flower. It features a beautiful crown of four curved glass “petals”, which gives it a lotus-inspired shape and symmetry. The exterior is highlighted with bands of integrated lighting. The lighting is designed by US lighting design company L’Observatoire International, and they seem to gleam magically in the night. The interior of the building houses sixty-four floors and includes a combination of residential and office spaces. The hospitality company Aman will be taking over the top eleven floors, and they will be coined Aman Residences.
Although the Mori JP Tower is Japan’s tallest skyscraper, it is not the tallest ‘structure’. The tallest structure is the Tokyo Skyree which stands tall at 2080 ft, in fact, even the Tokyo Tower is taller than the Mori JP Tower, as it measures 1092 ft in height. However, since the two structures are essentially broadcasting and observation towers, they cannot be included in the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s height rankings. But despite this consideration, the Mori JP is a noteworthy construction, as it can function and stand tall in an earthquake as severe as the Great East Japan Earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.0. This is truly a commendable feat, that will save lives, and reduce destruction. The structural steel tubes of the tower were packed with high-strength concrete, and the building was incorporated with multiple dampers to achieve this feat.
“High-strength steel and concrete components are deployed to balance the structures, and vibration-control devices are placed in core areas where vibration during earthquakes can be efficiently reduced, resulting in high resistance to shaking,” said Mori. “In addition, large-scale vibration-control devices known as “active mass dampers” will help reduce the swaying that occurs at the tops of buildings during strong winds.”
Designed by architect Christian Tonko, the MM01 tiny home was designed for two people who intend to use it as a holiday home, and a comfy base for outdoor activities in rural Austria. The home is quite compact but is amped with a thoughtfully-designed layout that maximizes space, while also fitting in a home office. The home measures around 215 sq ft, and is planned on one floor. This living space is divided into four equally sized sections – the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and workspace.
The central space of the home is occupied by the workspace, and this section includes some seating as well as an office desk. The desk can be pulled out from the bed unit, as it is equipped with wheels. The space also contains storage units which also function as dividing walls, and a kitchenette. The kitchenette is amped with a dishwasher and washing machine, which can be closed up when not being utilized. Glass doors line the main space, and they can be opened to naturally cool the home, allowing the breeze to enter. Curtains have been installed to provide privacy when needed. The MM01 also features a well-sized terrace area, equipped with tables and seating.
The tiny home is called MM01 as a tribute to Malcolm McLean, who is said to be the inventor of the modern shipping container. The dwelling may look like a shipping container, but it is built from metal boxes, since they seem to handle the heat and cold much better, despite being equipped with glazing. Currently, we aren’t aware of the R-values, but the architect states that the home has good insulation, and is in accordance with local building codes.
“MM01 is named after Malcolm McLean the inventor of the shipping container on which the modules are based in terms of the standard dimensions and frames,” said Tonko. “They can be transported by standard trucks on the road. The whole structure including the screw foundations can be removed entirely and the site can easily be restored to its original state.”
