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.”
We’re quite used to buying gifts for our loved ones – from our romantic partners to family members and our beloved friends. We spend precious time picking out the perfect present for them, ensuring they don’t get disappointed, and truly like what we select for them. But how often do we actually spend time and money picking thoughtful little presents for ourselves? Not a lot of time, right? Well, it is time you pamper yourself, and if you don’t have plenty of free time on your hands, worry not, we’ve curated a collection of functional and fulfilling products for you! These well-designed and clever products will make for wonderful self-gifts. Not only are they high-value, but they’re also well-priced, and visually appealing.
1. LEGO Tetris
Sometimes the best form of self-care is taking some time off from your hectic day, and indulging in a whimsical game or two. This LEGO Ideas set is a tribute to the world’s most influential digital game – the Tetris. Designed by LEGO builder ‘victorvey300′, the LEGO set celebrates Tetris’ 40th anniversary and features a box with a lid that serves as the game’s screen. It takes you back down memory lane, with a container filled with bricks, controls on the bottom right, and a leaderboard on the top right.
Why is it noteworthy?
This unique LEGO build has a lot of attention to detail on it. It is a vault-shaped kit with cool Tetris graphics and branding on the outside, while the inside is filled to the brim with features and various details which allow 6 players to game a whole game of Tetris. The box also features brick generators which tell you what the next brick should be.
What we like
Lets you play a refreshing version of the iconic game
What we dislike
You need to select each brick’s orientation and position yourself before you drop it into the channel
2. Elevate Stand (For CD Cover/Jacket Player)
If you own the Portable CD Cover Player or CD Jacket Player, then you may want to get your hands on the Elevate Stand as well. The minimal and compact stand is designed to hold your Portable CD Cover Player or CD Jacket Player. You can use the stand to display these products in an effortless and timeless fashion. It is essentially a sleek L-shaped aluminum stand with an elegant silver finish.
The classy-looking stand will add an element of contemporary elegance to your home. It is ideal for windowsills, shelves, or any spot where you can’t wall-mount the players. It serves as a clever product that adds flexibility and style to how you choose to enjoy your music.
What we like
Has a chic and contemporary look that suits modern homes
What we dislike
It is only available in one finish option, and there is no scope for personalization
3. Japanese Lantern Candle
After a long day at work, sometimes I just love to sink into a warm bath, with a lovely little candle giving me company, and offering illumination. If this sounds like the perfect experience for you, then you may want to add the Japanese Lantern Candle to your self-care session. This pretty little lantern is inspired by the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, and has a lovely pillar form.
The candle is designed to be a modern and elegant version of an age-old iconic Japanese lantern design. It radiates a surreal and calming glow while showcasing a minimal and compact design language that will complement different interior styles. The Japanese Candle Lantern is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan.
What we like
The outer wax is quite a handle and doesn’t melt easily, forming a clear body on the candle
What we dislike
Since it has an open flame, it is a fire hazard and must be used around kids and pets with care and caution
4. Sony Walkman MW-A306
Meet the Sony Walkman MW-A306, a neat Walkman device that delivers high-quality digital music in dynamic range, with original records guaranteed. It is designed to upscale compressed music files from streaming services in real time to provide CD-like audio playback that you can enjoy in your leisure time.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can enjoy CD-like music through headphones or wireless earbuds, creating a music-listening experience that feels authentic and seamless. It features Edge-AI and DSEE Ultimate technology, which allows the Walkman to compress files with complete accuracy and in real-time.
What we like
Has a richer and more dynamic music playback
Elevates the user experience on any streaming service of your choice
What we dislike
Equipped with only 18GB available space to store your favorite tracks
5. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass
This beautiful glass is called the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, and it is inspired by metallic hues, creating a rather mesmerizing light and color interplay. The glass offers a lovely visual experience since it has a 1/f fluctuating pattern that resembles a murmuring stream. It is built from pure titanium, enhancing your drinking experience, and making for the perfect self-gift.
It is made using cutting-edge technology which builds an interesting color play. The glass is biocompatible and safe, in fact, even more than platinum or glass. It is resistant to odors and stains and maintains long-term hygiene.
What we like
Utilizes advanced space development technology
What we dislike
You cannot see how much you’re pouring, or how much liquid is in the glass from far, as it is a solid glass
6. MagSnap Wallet
Called the MagSnap Wallet, this wallet has a magnetic and modular design, that lets you attach extra modules, allowing your wallet to hold more cards, cash, or even EDC tools. It is sleek and can be docked on the back of your iPhone, to enable easy carrying. It features an all-metal design and is RFID-blocking as well, something that Apple’s MagSafe wallet doesn’t have either.
Why is it noteworthy?
However, the MagSnap Wallet isn’t MagSafe compatible, it comes along with a magnet-enabled iPhone case or an adhesive MagSnap plate which you can attach to your phone. “Our magnet array and locking pin are much stronger than MagSafe”, say the designers at OhSnap.
What we like
You can attach extra modules giving your wallet a cool storage upgrade
A digitally secure product, owing to its RFID-blocking abilities
What we dislike
Has a slightly less streamlined approach than Apple, which may not be preferred by some users
7. Couch Console
We’ve found the perfect gift for you – to gift yourself! This is the Couch Console the perfect product to hold your snacks and drinks and ensure they remain intact, as you sit and binge-watch your favorite show. There is something so comforting, wholesome, and yet extremely functional about this clever design. You need it in your living room!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Couch Console includes a cupholder that contains a mechanical gyroscope with a counterweight to keep your drinks safe and secure on different surfaces. It also features a clever little compartment to store knick-knacks, as well as a phone stand, snack holder, charging dock, and a dedicated remote tray.
What we like
Features a modular design, letting you customize the layout according to your needs
Features a USB C hub to hold the battery and juice up your phone
What we dislike
The design is quite bulky and space-consuming, we would have preferred smaller and more compact configurations as well
8. Bookish Bookmark
Named the Bookish Bookmark, this clever little product lets you enjoy a hands-free reading session, keeping your book open, without you resorting to any uncomfortable workarounds. Since it keeps your book open and accessible for you, you don’t need to hold your place using something heavy and bulky. It features a transparent design for anyone who likes to follow cookbooks or has a constant vision of their favorite books.
The Bookish Bookmark is ideal for you if you also like to showcase your prized books in your home. Since it has a transparent form, you can keep your book wide open, and let it serve as a visually appealing component to your desk, bookshelf, or coffee table.
What we like
You can display your favorite books in a visually appealing and tidy manner
What we dislike
The bookmark may be too big for small books, and not preferred by people who like discreet and subtle bookmarks
9. OutIn Nano
Dubbed the OutIn Nano, this little flask-shaped product helps you prepare a hot cup of coffee anywhere, and anytime. The espresso maker can be used indoors, outdoors, or even up in the sky! You simply need to pull out a shot of espresso, prepare a cuppa, and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee without any worries.
Why is it noteworthy?
The OutIn Nano also includes its own water heater, so it warms up the water while brewing your coffee. This simplifies the process for you, and you don’t need to prepare anything except an empty cup, and your wish to make some freshly brewed coffee!
What we like
It is a portable espresso maker, so you can carry it wherever you like
Equipped with an easy-to-use single-button interface to prepare your coffee
What we dislike
The product takes a while to heat up between shots
10. Wooden Pen Holder
Called the Wooden Pen Holder, this block of wood is the perfect little holder to store your powerful pen. There is something truly fascinating and satisfying about picking up a pen and putting your thoughts and ideas on paper. This pen holder adorns your desk, adding an element of tasteful elegance to it while storing your pen.
The pen holder is essentially a wooden block, and it is quite simple and unassuming, yet quite beautiful, as minimal designs tend to be. It is built from genuine maple wood, and each piece is marked with unique grains and patterns, making them all special, and of course one-of-a-kind.
What we like
Features a gently curving depression that can hold any pen with a standard-size
Minimalist and compact design ethos
What we dislike
It occupies precious real estate on a bench that cannot be adjusted/reduced
Called the Freedom Tiny Home, this simple little house features a compact footprint and an open interior layout – all placed on one level. This tiny home plays upon the simple lifestyle of micro-homes, to create a version that is even more subtle and stripped-down. Although, it must be noted that it isn’t a good pick for families, and is more suitable for those who travel regularly. The Freedom House can also be utilized as a guesthouse. It is designed by Australia’s Lusk Tiny Homes and is also called Freedom 6m.
It is founded on a double-axle trailer and features an understated steel or wooden exterior. The exterior is integrated with generous glazing, allowing natural light to generously stream inside. The walls and ceilings of the home have been finished in birch plywood or tongue, and groove paneling. The tiny home’s length is 6 m, which is the same length as Baluchon’s Mirasol tiny home. But while Mirasol is equipped with as many amenities possible in a small space, this tiny home is quite simple, amped with airy spaces and a high ceiling.
Much of Freedom’s floorspace is occupied by a large central kitchen unit, containing custom cabinetry finished in fingerprint-resistant laminate and a lot of counter space. The kitchen also includes a sink, small fridge, microwave, and storage. It features a ceiling fan as well which keeps the space cool. The bedroom area is located next to the kitchen, and it doesn’t have any separation from the living area. Heavy curtains can be installed to offer some privacy though. But the lack of separation also offers easier access than most of the typical loft-style bedrooms we see in tiny homes.
The other end of the house features a small bathroom that can be entered via a sliding door. The bathroom includes a shower, vanity sink, and a flushing or composting toilet – according to the owner’s preference. The Freedom tiny home is priced at around US$100,000.
Named the Gilay Estate, and nestled in the rural landscape of New South Wales, Australia, this tiny retreat does look like an old hut or an agricultural shed from afar. But, it is in fact a cozy home designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable off-grid living experience. Designed by Cameron Anderson Architects, the home is built outside the small town of Quirindi, which consists of a population of only 2000 people. The retreat features a visually appealing exterior which includes a sloping sheet metal roof with massive overhangs to protect from the harsh sun.
The Gilay Estate also includes charred timber cladding which encapsulates the traditional fire management techniques employed by the Indigenous Australians. The interior of the home measures 40 sq m, all within one floor. The interior is mainly occupied by an open living area which contains a wood-burning stove for warmth, seating, a king-sized bed, and a kitchen. It also includes a breakfast bar/desk area for having your meals, and also working from home. The retreat also features a bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.
The comfy estate includes a couple of additional amenities as well, such as a deck area, a little wood-fired hot tub, and a fire pit. These extra features make the retreat even more appealing and luxurious, offering sophisticated options to pass the time. Besides these lovely touches, the home is equipped to support an off-the-grid lifestyle. It is powered by a roof-based 6.4-kW solar panel array and 11.4-kW battery storage, whereas the water is supplied by a 60,000-liter (roughly 15,800-gal) rainwater collection system. The Gilay Estate is quite independent in providing electricity and water, so visitors do not need to depend on external sources.
The Gilay Estate is available for short-term rent on Airbnb, you can check it out for a quaint off-grid vacation if you’re in the mood to reconnect with nature!
Named the Kōtuku, this quaint tiny home is designed by Build Tiny. It is substantially larger than of Build Tiny’s other models, measuring 10 m in length. Usually, the tiny home makers’ houses measure around 7 m. However, this extra space has been utilized very well, resulting in a spacious and storage-packed interior – all cleverly placed on one level. The name of the home is quite unique and is a subtle reference to New Zealand’s Kōtuku bird. The home is towable and based on a triple-axle trailer. It features a subtle finishing of vinyl, paired with wooden accenting and a steel structural frame.
The home has a width of 2.4 m, which is typical for a tiny home. It has a height of 3.2 m and is powered by a standard RV-style hookup. Double glass doors offer access into the home, where you are welcomed by a well-designed interior with balanced proportions. The interiors are finished in light hues, highlighted by poplar plywood and vinyl flooring. The result is a space that feels minimal, and soft, instantly helping you feel at ease. As you enter the living room, you come across some seating, as well as some storage space.
Located close is the kitchen, and it is quite spacious for a New Zealand tiny house. It features a fridge/freezer, microwave, sink, as well as an oven with a four-burner propane-powered stove. The kitchen also includes standard cabinetry, overhead cabinets, a pull-out pantry drawer, as well as a breakfast bar that can accommodate two people. The kitchen and bathroom are connected, and the bathroom is equipped with a composting toilet, vanity sink, shower, and washing machine.
However, the Kōtuku tiny home is only equipped with one bedroom. All the rooms have been placed on the ground floor, so it isn’t the typical loft-style bedroom you see in tiny homes. It has a proper double bed and plenty of space to stand upright. Although subtle factors, these do make quite a difference while living full-time in a tiny home. The bedroom is also blessed with loads of storage space. There is storage above, below, and on both sides of the bed. You can access the outdoors from the bedroom through glass doors. This lovely little home is delivered as a turnkey build, amped with all the furniture.
Located in Heidelberg, the Wave House is designed to be a new data center in the urban heart of Germany. Designed by SSV and Mense Korte, and built by Peri 3D Construction for the developer KrausGruppe, the Wave House was 3D-printed, adding an element of style and personality to the rather mundane arena of cloud-computing infrastructure. The end result is Europe’s largest 3D-printed building! The building measures 6600 sq ft and has a rather unique appearance, in an attempt to draw attention and make it unlike the typical 3D-printed structures we come across.
Designer: SSV, Mense Korte & Peri 3D Construction
“Due to the typical absence of windows and large openings in all or the main areas of data centers, for safety and other reasons, data centers tend to look quite dull and uninspiring,” said a press release by COBOD. “As long as such data centers are placed far outside the cities this problem is perhaps of less concern, but the trend towards making data centers more in the vicinity of the users and therefore locate them in suburban areas and cities has created a need to make the data centers more visually appealing.
This issue was resolved by imparting the walls with an innovative wave design, which also lends the building its name. The fascinating waves could not have been built using traditional construction methods, hence 3D-printed technology was adopted, to support creative and design freedom while producing the walls.
The construction process of the Wave House is similar to other 3D-printed projects we’ve come across. It was printed using a single COBOD BOD2 printer, the same model that has been utilized to build other 3D-printed buildings of importance. The printer extrudes a recyclable cement-like mixture in layers via a nozzle. This is done at a rate of 43 sq ft per hour to create the exterior walls which have a length of 177 ft, a width of 35 ft, and a height of 29.5 ft.
The entire printing process involved around 140 hours, after which, finishing touches were added to the project by humans. These touches include the doors, roof, lighting, as well as the wiring and gear needed for a data center well-connected to the internet. A robotic painter by Deutsche Amphibolin-Werke was utilized to paint the interiors of the building. How cool!
