Author Archives: Srishti Mitra

Top 10 Desk Gear To Achieve Heightened Productivity & A Streamlined Work Routine

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It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!

1. Magic Bar

Dubbed the Magic Bar, this portable Touch Bar can be partnered up and used with any Apple peripheral. The device is sleek, seamless, easy to carry, and pretty similar to the Touch Bar if you consider functionality and features. The design of the Magic Bar is recognizable and intuitive as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Magic Bar can easily aligned horizontally with your keyboard. You can even pair up the Magic Bar with your iPhone, building and creating multiple smart home shortcuts, which can be used for heightened productivity and efficiency.

What we like

  • It can be easily carried in the backpack with your gear

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a real product

2. Levitating Pen 3.0

Named the Levitating Pen, this sleek writing accessory is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which lets you hold it with ease, allowing you to write smoothly. The pen has a 60-degree angle which can be placed in the specially designed stand, and reminds you of a spacecraft floating in the galaxy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129

Why is it noteworthy?

The pen is quite good-looking, and it can be placed in its magnetized holder, which keeps it floating in position. Give the pen a little twist, and it spins for 20 seconds, allowing you to have a playful experience with it.

What we like

  • Easy and sturdy to hold and use
  • Spinning the pen can be a fun stress-busting activity for you

What we dislike

  • When placed on a curved surface the pen can easily roll off, so you need to keep it aside with care

3. PAL Desk Clock

Named the PAL Desk Clock, this desk accessory is designed to help people work on their desktops, without getting distracted by unwanted objects and mediums. It keeps you updated with the important notifications while eliminating the unnecessary ones. It has a dedicated widget space for the most needed apps.

Why is it noteworthy?

The handy gadget includes five main functions – focus sessions, timekeeping, music playback, and wireless charging. The desk clock also has a calendar and a temperature sensor, as well as a wide display on which you can customize the widgets like weather, music playback, and calendar schedules.

What we like

  • Features a wireless charging pad that can be positioned on the back

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

4. Japanese Drawing Pad

Named the Japanese Drawing Pad, this desk accessory is made of Japanese paper, which is renowned for its premium quality paper. Japanese paper is much loved by artists and designers, and if you wish to incorporate some Japanese paper to your workdesk, you need to purchase the Japanese Drawing Pad.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26

Why is it noteworthy?

You can jot down your thoughts and ideas on this premium-quality pad, without causing any damage to the durable paper fibers. The pad offers you a relaxing and intuitive writing experience.

What we like

  • The paper in the pad is micro-perforated
  • It is available in different colors and sizes, so you need to pick one that suits your needs

What we dislike

  • It may look like an ordinary pad, but the high quality can only be experienced

5. Nemonic Gen 2

Meet the Nemonic Gen 2 – an inkless, thermal and wireless printer that allows you to quickly and efficiently print your notes or even images on Ultra Sticky Notes! Since these notes are ultra-sticky, they won’t fall off with ease, and you can use them to capture important details and thoughts.

Why is it noteworthy?

You can connect the compact little printer to your desktop, and mobile device, so you can print out notes you may have written, drawn, or typed. It can be teamed up with the Microsoft Office apps, Slack, and Zapier too, facilitating heightened productivity.

What we like

  • You can print notes directly, and it includes a de-curl feature too

What we dislike

  • They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes

6. MagBoard Clipboard

Meet the MagBoard Clipboard – this unique desk accessory is minimal and flexible and is designed to be a cutting-edge notepad/clipboard hybrid. It utilizes a magnet and lever mechanism which can be used to hold your sheets securely in place. This notepad is great for capturing your ideas and thoughts as they flow freely.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

The one-of-a-kind accessory redefines the traditional notepad, and it allows users to tailor and customize their note-taking experience without the typical constraints of a conventional notebook.

What we like

  • It features a lightweight and compact form and can be used both at home or while traveling
  • Magnets and levers hold the papers securely

What we dislike

  • Best used with specific sizes, which may not suit everyone’s needs

7. Painless Key Ring

You can now bid adieu to the issue of traditional key rings, and adopt the Painless Key Ring with its revolutionary wave spring key ring. It draws inspiration from the mechanisms used in the aerospace industry. You have a smooth and seamless way of managing your keys without any of the hassle.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

You can organize your keys using a high-tech and sturdy design which ensures your keys are always accessible. It features a lightweight and compact form, which ensures your keys are always organized and safely with you.

What we like

  • Uses a wave spring technology to easily add and remove keys
  • You don’t have to deal with tight or deformed key rings

What we dislike

  • Since it has an advanced design, it is more pricier

8. Lon:HUB

Called the Lon:HUB, this docking hub offers your desk a cleaner and more concise appearance while providing you with all the outlets and ports that you need. The ports and sockets can be connected under your desk, and also on top of your space. Below the desk, you have 5x 110V AC sockets, 2x HDMI 2 display ports, and 2x arms where you can wrap your cords.

Why is it noteworthy?

The edge of the desk holds the hub which has a 10 Gbps USB-C 100W port, 2x USB-A ports, a SD card slot, and also a wireless charger landing pad.

What we like

  • There is a Pro version available as well, if you need a more powerful unit

What we dislike

  • Only works on tables with flat edges

9. DESKRISK

Named DESKRISK, this collection of unique desk accessories ensures you don’t exhaust yourself while sitting on your desk all day long. It attempts to protect you from the adverse effects of sitting on your desk for long hours and straining your eyes and neck. The collection contains a desk clock.

Why is it noteworthy?

The DESKRISK collection also includes a lamp, reminding you to move with the light source, so you don’t bow down and keep looking at your desk. These unique products encourage you to take a much-needed break from your work and desk, letting your mind and body rest.

What we like

  • Functional and valuable products for people who are at risk due to the nature of their work

What we dislike

  • The magazine rack is designed based on the carpal tunnel syndrome, and we don’t know how it will help users with wrist problems

10. Anywhere-Use Lamp

Dubbed the Anywhere-Use Lamp, this minimal and compact lamp design is a well-designed and clever lighting solution. It has a cute little mushroom-shaped head, and it lets out a soft and relaxing glow which creates a calm and tranquil ambience, allowing users to work and relax in peace.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149

Why is it noteworthy?

The lamp is powered by four AA batteries, and it features a modular design that offers atmospheric enhancement wherever it is placed. The lamp is equipped with six high-color rendering LEDs, and it creates an oasis of peace and relaxation in your home.

What we like

  • Features four brightness levels
  • You can easily disassemble the lamp, and take it anywhere with you

What we dislike

  • The lamp isn’t water-resistant, can be an issue if you carry it outdoors

The post Top 10 Desk Gear To Achieve Heightened Productivity & A Streamlined Work Routine first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Low-Energy & Serene Family Home Is Tucked Away In The Rich Forests Of Ontario

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Nestled deep in the Ontarian forest, the Forest Retreat is a beautiful new house designed by Kariouk Architects. Intended to be a family retreat, the home is surrounded by nature on all sides, and this will last throughout the year. The home is intricately connected to the surrounding land, including its exquisite trails and creeks, creating a ‘Canadian homestead’, that is a meeting space for extended family and friends.

Designer: Kariouk Architects

The Forest Retreat is constructed to be a fascinating combination of local materials, craftsmanship, and open space where a family can get together to spend time in the thralls of nature. Immersed amid Canadian nature, the house shares a serene relationship with nature. “Historically, the Canadian identity has been defined by our relationship to the land,’ said the architects. ‘The home honors that emotional connection through visual and material harmonization with its surroundings, but moreover, through responsible material sourcing and site adaptation, as well as energy-saving systems.”

The home is perched on a property of around 100 acres, and the site includes a variety of meadows, rocky outcrops, and wetlands, forming a land with diverse topography. The home is built on a rocky outcrop, so no trees had to be cut down for the construction of the home. It serves a continuous and free-flowing space, topped with a copper-clad roof, which spans at least 60 meters. The entire home is open-plan, although the bedrooms and bathrooms share their own closed-off section. The children’s rooms are placed in a volume above the main floor, and they can be accessed through a catwalk. The roof has a unique tent-like form, which imitates the undulating contours of the site. Glazed walls offer tranquil views of the surrounding trees and landscape.

The interior of the home features hand-crafted elements, in spite of the structural engineering employed for the roof and the raised mezzanine. It is populated with custom fittings and fixtures, and local woodworkers built the shingled paneling, staircases, and cabinetry. The architects made these decisions to incorporate a certain wholesomeness into the space. “The intention was to bring soulfulness to the home by thinking through and resolving details in person and by hand, and not merely on a computer screen,” said the architects.

The post This Low-Energy & Serene Family Home Is Tucked Away In The Rich Forests Of Ontario first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Mexican Lake House Beautifully Accommodates Pre-Existing Trees Without Disturbing The Environment

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Called the Casa Santa Maria del Oro, this picturesque lakeside home in Mexico’s Nayarit state was designed by the Mexican studio MCxA Group. The home is perched on a steep slope, which gently makes its way to the water. The home features circular holes that function as light wells, a courtyard, and spaces for trees. The home is slightly embedded within the earth, and topped by a lovely green roof.

Designer: MCxA Group

“The volume of the house is completely hidden, lost in the slope of the land and leaving only the terraces visible, which coexist with native trees and open to the lake,” said architects MCxA. The home is surrounded by five old trees, and they weren’t disturbed. Curves and holes were created in the floors and ceiling plates to ensure the trees weren’t bothered.

“Circular shapes are subtracted from the volume to honor their presence, allowing these giants to intertwine with the dwelling,” said design team leaders Mauricio Ceballos and Francisco Vázquez. This unique design style was adopted to pay tribute to the natural environment as well as the local community. Construction was conducted in such a way, that it harmonizes with nature, without causing harm to it.

The home occupies 350 square meters, and it contains three levels as well as three bedrooms. All the rooms are concealed from the view on account of the green roof, which also serves as a unique component of the home. You can access it from the upper level through a pathway of cylindrical pillars which create a 20-meter staircase. The staircase is “intricately designed to blend with the site, divert rainwater through the permeability generated by the spacing of the pieces, and serve as a sculptural statement with prefabricated cylindrical concrete steps,” as mentioned by the architects. These volumes feature curved glazed portions which offer lovely views of the trees.

Most of the living spaces are located in the middle story. This floor includes the bedrooms and bathrooms, which are located on both sides of the open-plan lounge and dining area. The home features concrete flooring and earth-toned decor. This decor includes volcanic stone and recycled wooden elements which are further accentuated by dark steel columns and window trims.

The post This Mexican Lake House Beautifully Accommodates Pre-Existing Trees Without Disturbing The Environment first appeared on Yanko Design.

Enhance Your Apple iPhone Experience: Top 10 MagSafe Products Of 2024

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Do you love MagSafe-compatible products as much as I do?! There is a great sense of satisfaction, in my opinion, to have things just stick to your phone. Be it a pair of earphones (maybe that’ll be the next generation of AirPods) or have your phone just conveniently stick to a charging pad – it’s almost like magic. The reintroduction of the MagSafe led to a whole new world of accessories being unleashed. Designers and creatives were racing to create a whole range of products for the repurposed MagSafe. And we’ve been loving every bit of it! From a MagSafe flashlight to a Cyberpunk-themed charging station – there’s a MagSafe accessory out there for your every need. And, we’ve curated many products that we truly believe are worth buying and investing in. This army of accessories will truly amp up your Apple experience!

1. M-Con

The M-Con is inspired by sliders like the PSP Go or, closer to home, the Xperia Play. It is removable like most smartphone controllers today, but it utilizes MagSafe technology to attach it to the iPhone’s back securely. You can always have it attached, or separate the two pieces to place them into your pockets with ease. The design has another USP too – the controller portion and the MagSafe plate can also be separated, and the plate can be used as a stand for the iPhone. You can use the controller as you would, and you can play with the phone even when it is standing on the table.

2. The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

 The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has a unique cyberpunk-like aesthetic which truly sets this charger aside. It doesn’t feature a straightforward row of circles, instead, it alternates their arrangement to create a visually appealing composition that instantly grabs attention. The colors alternate as well, as the white Apple Watch pad is surrounded by black circles for the iPhone and AirPods case. The charging station features the conventional text, lines, and visible screws you’d find in such a tech-centric design language.

3. WUBEN E1

Dubbed the WUBEN E1, this MagSafe flashlight has 300 lumens of brightness and is 6 times more powerful than your smartphone flashlight. It is ideal for vlogging, selfies, outdoor trips, emergencies, and even reading. You can snap the WUBEN E1 onto the back of your phone, allowing it to function as a compact ring light whenever you need it. You don’t need to resort to your phone’s poor flashlight. Even when you’re not using the WUBEN E1 as a ring light, you can prop your phone against it at any angle.

 4. TORRAS MiniMag

Meet the TORRAS MiniMag – a compact MagSafe power bank that you can snap onto the back of your phone, giving it an instant and much-needed battery boost. The power bank is the size of a credit card, and it features a thickness of 0.3 inches. The MiniMag’s compact size and MagSafe compatibility allow it to seamlessly attach to your iPhone, powering it with an extra 5000mAh battery, allowing you to go about your day without the stress of your phone dying down any second.

5. Pandaer 35W Wireless Power Bank

Meet Meizu’s latest Pandaer 35W wireless power bank! The Pandaer 35W features a 10,000mAh capacity and provides multiple charges for almost all smartphones. What makes the product stand out is that it features an integrated magnetic ring, which works perfectly with Meizu’s Pandaer magnetic ecosystem, as well as other MagSafe devices. This ensures effortless and seamless charging, and you can snap your phone onto the power bank, and relax as it receives a battery boost to last the whole weekend!

6. G4 Charger

Dubbed the G4 Charger, this cool accessory reminds you of the Elago charger which converted the Apple Watch into a Macintosh. The charger features a sleek and compact form, which pulls attention to the iPhone placed on it. It is equipped with a dual joint system on the back, and you can position and angle your phone however you like using this joint. It includes a handy light inside the domed front which lights up when your phone starts charging.

7. The Native Union Profile Fox Cases

Created by Native Union and Maison Kitsuńe, these beautiful covers are made from premium Italian leather, and they’re the perfect case for your iPhone. The covers have drop protections, lips around the screen, and a camera bump. It also features a set of magnets that can be used to reinforce the attachment of the companion MagSafe wallet that can be utilized to store at least two cards. The covers are great to look at and use.

8. STRICKERS

Called STRICKERS, this ultra-thin power bank is a conceptual design that you can magnetically attach to the back of your smartphone, most likely an iPhone. The small pack is able to hold a 10,000 mAh battery capacity, so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the back of your smartphone. The power bank is equipped with a sheet of bendable silicone material which converts the phone into a smartphone stand.

9. The Elago WS M5 Charging Stand

Meet Elago’s WS M5 Charging Stand! The nifty little product is designed to be a whimsical yet functional MagSafe charger, and it looks like the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP. The charger serves as a stable stand to charge as well as hold your iPhone. It features a fixed 30-degree angle which is great for watching movies or videos, or even to make use of the IOS Standby Mode at night. It also includes helpful back support, ensuring the charger doesn’t fall down.

10. Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand

Meet the Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand – this MagSafe stand is truly a unique one, and the Japanese art of paper folding inspires it. You can fold the stand flat, hence ensuring you don’t need to waste time assembling and disassembling it. It is a one-of-a-kind accessory that is quite thin and lightweight and has the size of a credit card. The stand is easy to attach to your phone, and can be easily stored in your pocket as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $45.00

The post Enhance Your Apple iPhone Experience: Top 10 MagSafe Products Of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Open House Features Movable Walls Which Ensure Privacy & Offer Access To Nature When Needed

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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.

Design: KWK Promes

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.

The post The Open House Features Movable Walls Which Ensure Privacy & Offer Access To Nature When Needed first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best LEGO Pop Culture Sets For Collectors

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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.

The post 10 Best LEGO Pop Culture Sets For Collectors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Wooden Tiny Home On Wheels Features A Curving Roof & A Snug Little Terrace For Relaxation

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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.

Designer: MadeiGuincho

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 post Wooden Tiny Home On Wheels Features A Curving Roof & A Snug Little Terrace For Relaxation first appeared on Yanko Design.

The 10 Best Tech Gadgets Of June 2024

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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.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179

Why is it noteworthy?

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

10. Marshall Celestion 100: Limited Edition Collectible Amp

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

The post The 10 Best Tech Gadgets Of June 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Technological Center In China Is A Man-Made Mountain With Terraces & Hanging Gardens

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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.

Designer: Stefano Boeri Architetti

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.

The post This Technological Center In China Is A Man-Made Mountain With Terraces & Hanging Gardens first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Novel & Refreshing Preschool Concept In Ethiopia Supports Indoor-Outdoor Learning

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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.

Designer: Studio MEMM

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.

The post This Novel & Refreshing Preschool Concept In Ethiopia Supports Indoor-Outdoor Learning first appeared on Yanko Design.