The Chinese studio Temp designed the 3-to-1 Pavilion – a lovely triangular shelter tucked away in a rocky garden in Shanghai. Made using charred wood, the building is designed to be a sanctuary-like space for drinking tea and gathering. It features a geometric form with well-organized triangular plana and louvered walls built from wooden frames.
“The 3-to-1 Pavilion design is the integration of time, space, and people, with a focus on ‘in-between’ or interstitial spaces,” said Temp.”The pavilion serves as a serene sanctuary for tea drinking, contemplation, and social gatherings in a Shanghai garden setting.”
Designer: Temp
The 3-to-1 pavilion’s louvered walls are made using 30 charred timber frames which have been created from flush tenon joints. The frames are set at certain angles, increasing in height as the building narrows. The frames include little openings that filter in sunlight, creating whimsical shadows within the interior. The interior is designed to have a calming and meditative atmosphere. The triangular form of the pavilion urges visitors to admire the natural surroundings. A large open wall on one side offers views of the garden. A narrow floor-to-ceiling opening is located at one end.
“The shape directs visitors on a journey from casual gatherings to contemplation, culminating in a narrow, tall opening that frames a view of the garden, creating a strong visual connection with nature,” said Temp.
The structure is placed on a concrete plinth which offers support to a black floor built from charred wooden boards. The center includes a low black table, which serves as a chill place to relax and unwind. Solid wood was used throughout the entire pavilion, to bring attention to the surrounding trees. The wood was also charred using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique.
“The structure is entirely solid wood, cut into tenon joints in a local factory and assembled on-site,” said Temp. “The use of tenon joints not only showcases craftsmanship but also ensures structural integrity and flexibility. The wood construction, combined with the charring wood process, reinforces the pavilion’s connection to natural surroundings while providing a distinct architectural presence,” concluded Temp.
Designed for the Hope Village, this upcoming community center in Tanzania features a mindblowing 3D-printed design. Instead of being constructed from layered concrete like typical 3D-printed projects, the walls will be built using locally sourced soil. Designed by Hassell in collaboration with the Australian-based charity foundation One Heart, the community center is part of an expansive plan to offer housing, childcare, school, and skills training to young girls in Kibaha, eastern Tanzania.
“The Hope Village community hall design seeks to create a beautiful, functional, safe, and uplifting environment that provides both hope and education for vulnerable girls,” says Mark Loughnan, Principal, and Head of Design at Hassell. “The hall is a welcoming space that creates an innovative central activity hub connecting with its surrounding environment. The design and building process for the hall aims to engage the community and provide ongoing opportunities for local participation and education throughout construction.”
The community center is designed to be pretty complex, and it includes walls that are made using soil sourced within 25 km of the site and a WASP 3D printer. The center will be printed using a clay-based earthen mixture, released from a nozzle in layers. The walls will be reinforced with a thin wire mesh between layers.
As you enter the community center, you are welcomed by a massive open floor plan that perfectly suits the local climate. It includes a limited number of columns to support flexibility. A central steel beam was constructed to be the structural spine of the center, and it supports a roof built from locally sourced timber sections. The roof is equipped with cladding made from readily available corrugated metal sheet panels, which keeps the project budget-friendly. The project also includes the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, IAAC, and Clarke Hopkins Clarke.
Designed by Stanley Tiny Homes, the Rogue tiny house rejects complicated and complex amenities, and adopts the pure basics. It is a compact home with more than sufficient space for two people. The home is pretty easy to tow and has a pocket-friendly price tag that will excite many prospective tiny home buyers. It is based on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 20 ft. It is pretty small for a North American-style tiny home, but will be a breeze to tow around. It is amped with a black metal finish and cedar shake siding. It is powered by a standard RV-style hookup, but you could integrate a solar panel setup as well if you’re seeking an off-the-grid lifestyle.
The interior of the Rogue tiny house spans over two floors. The amenities have been comfortably arranged over the two stories. A mini split air-conditioning system maintains a comfortable temperature. A single glass door leads you to the living area, which includes a sofa, and a big window to allow plenty of light to enter into the space. The kitchen is nearby, and it is equipped with a four-burner propane-powered stove, sink, cabinetry, and space for other appliances.
The bathroom can be accessed from the kitchen via a barn-style door. The bathroom is quite compact, and it includes a shower, composting toilet, and a tiny sink. The Rogue only includes one bedroom which can be accessed via a staircase. The bedroom is a typical loft-style space with a low ceiling. It is amped with windows and more than enough space for a double bed.
The Rogue Tiny Home is priced at an economical US$85,000, which is pretty cheap for a North American tiny home. It may not be the cheapest house we’ve seen, but it is still decently-priced. It makes for an excellent rental property guest house or vacation home.
If you’re a hardcore audiophile or have a few hardcore music lovers in your life, then you know a true blue audiophile just needs a bunch of amazing audio devices to set his/her mood. All an audiophile needs is a collection of impressive audio designs to blast out their favorite tunes. Whatever your musical need may be, it is integral to own clear, distortion-free, nifty, and interactive audio devices. And if you manage to get retro-themed music players, then it’s a whole new experience for you! Retro-style music players take you to an era gone by while maintaining some modern functionality. And, we’ve curated a collection of our favorite retro music players for you. These gadgets are wonderfully retro-esque, they have been imbibed with modern functionality. Their aesthetics may be from their past, but their utility is embedded in the future.
1. Black Wheel
Named Black Wheel, this one-of-a-kind innovation is the latest iteration of the stunning Wheel design by Miniot. The turntable cleverly conceals the electronic and mechanical components beneath the record, which stores all the varied parts within a thin circular yet sturdy body, which vanishes once you put a record on.
Why is it noteworthy?
When placed upright, the Black Wheel creates a pretty apparent illusion. It features a minimal and classy charm that attracts you instantly, even when placed horizontally. It includes a unique control system that can be felt but not seen.
What we like
Equipped with a thin and compact body that doesn’t alter audio quality
Features a space-saving design
What we dislike
It has an old-fashioned charm which may not appeal to users of modern products
2. SP3000T
Say hello to Astell&Kern’s latest portable music player, which attempts to bring a modern device that looks retro on the outside but partially retro on the inside, creating a device that merges the past and present. Called the SP3000T, this device features a retro twist, since it incorporates dual vacuum tube amplifiers on the back.
Why is it noteworthy?
The tube amps aren’t just for sure, they function the way tube amps did in the past. They provide the device with an analog appearance and sound, offering a unique audio quality that is warm and pretty soothing, something that cannot be achieved by only digital sound.
What we like
You can switch between analog tube amplifiers and the digital op-amp mode
Equipped with 8GB of memory
What we dislike
Too large and heavy for a portable player
Expensive price tag
3. FUTURAHEAD Headset
Say hello to the FUTURAHEAD headset, which provides a whole new music-listening experience. These conceptual headphones feature a digital screen that has been integrated into the outer shell to display playlists, videos, the user’s mood, as well as the rhythm of the music, genre, or images. The square shape of the cans is inspired by the retro design of headphones of the past.
Why is it noteworthy?
With the FUTURAHEAD headset, Olga wanted to create a product that merges retro looks and modern tech, while ensuring the functionality is top-notch. According to the designer, “Future Nostalgia as a visual style became a source of inspiration for this project.”
What we like
Amped with peppy details, and charming aesthetics
What we dislike
If you’re a private person, you may not like the fact that the music you’re listening to is being displayed on the digital screen
4. LEGO Radio
This LEGO Radio is the perfect retro-themed music player! It cannot play your local radio station, but you can play the pre-recorded tunes that come along with it. You can turn on the dial, and Spotify and Apple Music too. It is equipped with an extendable antenna and tuner window to offer some old-school feelings.
Why is it noteworthy?
The adorable LEGO Radio is functional and it is amped with Apple Music/Spotify support. It has a lovely color palette which elevates the whole nostalgic aesthetic. It is 13 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep.
What we like
Features a stunning vintage-inspired green and beige palette
You can connect your smartphone in the hidden compartment on the back, and play your fav tunes
What we dislike
It doesn’t have an actual transmitter to play live radio stations
5. Portable CD Cover Player
Say hello to the Portable CD Cover Player – a minimal CD player with a lovely retro design that provides an excellent listening experience, with the pleasure of pretty visual art. You can put in the CD jacket or sleeve within the specially-designed pocket, and showcase your favorite CD with pride.
The Portable CD Cover Player is essentially the physical equivalent of showcasing digital album art, with the extra benefit of being able to showcase your physical original CD.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry product with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
Equipped with a powerful battery which offers 7-8 hours of top-notch audio
What we dislike
You cannot sync it with any digital medium, it only supports analog music listening
6. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers
These are the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers, and they’re portable and battery-free. This iPhone speaker is a novel and exciting version of the conventional no-power smartphone speaker. It is made from metal, making it pretty functional and valuable, unlike typical speaker designs you see nowadays.
The speakers are built from Duralumin – an aluminum alloy that is used in aviation and aerospace industries since it has vibration-resistant properties. You can place the smartphone into the speaker, and the sound surrounds the room and you.
What we like
Does not require any power, and is electricity-free
Minimal, sleek, and unique aesthetics
What we dislike
Incompatible with bulky smartphone covers and cases
7. Retio
This stunning retro speaker is called Retio, and it is made using vintage Nixie tubes, creating a gadget that beautifully blends past aesthetics with modern utility. The Retio serves as a Bluetooth speaker and a clock. It features Nixie tubes that were made during the 70s to 90s, adding a hint of retro-ness to the product.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Retio is a portable product amped with 6 hours of playback time. It is powered by a 6800mAh battery, and the Nixie tubes have an impression lifespan of 22 years. The speaker is equipped with a powerful 10W Class-D amplifier and has been created with meticulous care and attention to detail.
What we like
Perfectly merges the past with modern functionality
Hand-crafted and amped with steampunk flavor
What we dislike
The numbers for the clock are difficult to read from a distance
8. Floating Record
Called the Floating Record, this high-performance turntable plays your record vertically, with the help of built-in full-range stereo speakers. It features a walnut wood base and a Carbon Fiber tonearm. It is made using high-quality materials, which add a whole new level of class to your living space.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Floating Record is essentially turntable tech reimagined to create a visually and mechanically interesting way to experience vinyl music. It is a must-have for all the vinyl lovers out there – ranging from the first-time record listener to the seasonal vinyl enthusiast.
What we like
No external gear is needed, it’s all integrated into the design
Perfectly blends with different interiors and environments
What we dislike
The turntable is pretty fragile and can skip if you don’t position the record properly
9. VIBESPIN
Meet the VIBESPIN – a super cool portable record player. This compact record player is designed by vinyl lovers for all the vinyl lovers out there. It features an elegant and timeless design, amped with modern features and high-quality elements. It is the perfect turntable for camping trips, outdoor adventures, or even parties in your home!
Why is it noteworthy?
What makes VIBESPIN unique, is that it works well for the indoors and the outdoors. You can use it on a road trip, or if you’re simply chilling at home. It features a retro vintage design, and its style will bring to mind the image of a big 1950s car, despite this, the turntable is pretty lightweight and ergonomic.
What we like
Occupies half the area of a 12″ record
Among the smallest record players available today
What we dislike
The stylus is pretty basic and doesn’t have a true aux out
10. iBoy Retro Toy
Designed by Classicbot, and called the iBoy Retro Toy, this adorable little product is a tribute to the iconic MP3 player. It features arms, legs, and earbuds for ears. He looks like a friendly little MP3 player! The Retro Toy can be used at home or in your office, adding a hint of nostalgia to both these settings.
Why is it noteworthy?
The iBoy features magnetic joints that support his arms and legs. He can be posed in any way you like. You can play around with the little toy, and get a whole bunch of poses, around a thousand! It serves as a helpful fiddling toy for when you’re stressed out, and need to distract and give yourself a little break,
What we like
Functions as a toy for grownups with detachable and lifelike headphones
Designed by Australia’s Ridgeline Tiny Homes, the Sun Valley model showcases that sometimes less is truly more. The tiny home features a simple and light-filled layout, making the best use of available space. The home serves well as a vacation home, or a second home. The Sun Valley tiny home features a sloping roof, and a sleek black exterior. It is founded on a triple-axle trailer with a length of 23.7 feet. The home has a metal finish, and is amped with loads of glazing, which allows it to be pretty light-filled.
The Sun Valley tiny home can be entered via glass double doors, and the interior occupies around 15.4 sq m. The entire house is arranged on one floor, and there isn’t any loft, which helps the home feel more light-filled and airy. The entrance leads to the living room which is quite small and simple. The living room includes a sofa, and integrated storage. The kitchen is closely located, and it includes a sink, a two-burner propane-powered stove, plus a small fridge and some cabinetry.
The kitchen is connected to the bedroom. As you enter the bedroom, you are welcomed by a double bed with built-in storage and generous glazing. Since the bedroom is located on the ground floor, there is plenty of headroom to stand straight, unlike typical loft-style bedrooms where residents need to bend and reach their beds.
Like other tiny homes, the Sun Valley has a lot of customization options available, such as the color of the home, the cladding, and the cabinetry. We are unaware of the price of the home, or on the availability of it. The Sun Valley home proves how you can actually do a lot with less, and represents the smart utilization of limited space. The layout of the home is simple but clever, with all the essential amenities integrated. If you’re looking for a compact and well-planned tiny home, then the Sun Valley house is the one for you.
I’m sure you have a beverage of choice that you need whether in the morning, the evening, or night – usually, it is coffee or tea. For me personally, it is coffee! I love coffee, I need it to start my day, or else I simply refuse to start my day! It’s the boost of energy, dose of motivation, and rush of serotonin that I need every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. We all need our cup of tea or coffee. There is a different satisfaction and pleasure in sipping caffeine that you know is the result of your hard work, something precariously prepared with your personal touch to it. And, you need the perfect mug or cup to drink from it. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of well-designed, functional, and aesthetically pleasing cups and mugs that will make a great addition to your kitchen.
1. Hug Cup
Called Imre’s Hug Cup, this cute little mug was designed to embody the designer’s belief that, “we give special attention to things we use in our everyday life. We like to have a personal relation to the objects we touch closely, such as a cup.” The innovative design offers a unique take on the mug’s traditional side handle.
Why is it noteworthy?
The mug allows users to securely grip the Hug Cup while letting them feel the warmth of the liquid contents inside. Imre says “The whole cup creates an intimate tunnel through the cup itself for your finger, you may enjoy the heat of your beverage without burning your palm.”
What we like
Provides an innovative and contemporary twist on a typical mug design
What we dislike
It could take a while to adjust to the new form of the handle. Some users could find it uncomfortable to use
2. Ceramic Mug
Say hello to the Ceramic Mug – this lovely little mug is the perfect example of earth meets wood. It is a symphony of textures that is designed to be an excellent treat to your fingers and lips. When you slowly drink from the mug, you experience an enriching sensory stimulation, which creates a whole new drinking experience for you. Click Here to Buy Now: $60
Why is it noteworthy?
As you drink tea from the mug, you slowly come into contact with the surface, which forms a relaxing and soothing mood for the whole tea-drinking experience. The mug is an engaging product with interesting contrasts.
What we like
Built from quality Japanese ceramics
The mug is quite smooth and interesting to touch and drink from
What we dislike
You cannot put the mug in a microwave, which is quite inconvenient
3. Eterna Glass Mug
Say hello to the Eterna Glass Mug – a stunning mug that lets you enjoy your favorite beverage in style while ensuring you also look after the planet, owing to its glass design. The mug is made from recycled glass, and it is a 100% recyclable product. The drinkware is pretty stunning, merging expert craftsmanship with a love for the environment.
The delightful mug showcases a mesmerizing display of light in every drink. Each glass is made by hand and displays little bubbles, which gives each glass a unique and captivating character. The mugs also showcase a rather luxurious and elegant appearance.
What we like
Sustainable and recyclable product
Boasts an aura of elegance and style
What we dislike
Seems quite delicate, and must be handled and cleaned with care
4. Biomorphic Mugs
These fascinating mugs are inspired by the real and organic beauty of coral reefs, cellular structures, and the networks of mycelium. The diverse pieces seem to be alive with movement. The handles seem to sprawl and move around like living extensions of the cups, forming intriguing web-like patterns, which offer a new identity to the same-old mugs.
Why is it noteworthy?
The handles feature curves and twists, which allow you to playfully interact with the mugs, converting the everyday act of holding a mug into something engaging and sensory. The mugs are also visually quite attractive and unique, allowing them to add some personality to your kitchen or dining table.
What we like
Plays around with the concept of mugs
What we dislike
The handles have a unique form, and they may be tough to hold and drink from
5. Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass
Named the Unfiltered Titanium Whisky Glass, this lovely glass draws inspiration from metallic hues in turn building a captivating light and color interplay. This glass provides an exciting visual experience as it is amped with a 1/f fluctuating pattern which reminds you of a murmuring stream. The glass is made from pure titanium and elevates your drinking experience.
Built using cutting-edge technology which creates 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
Makes use of advanced space development technology
What we dislike
You’re unable to see how much liquid you’re pouring into the glass
6. Earth-Friendly Tumbler
Called the Earth-Friendly Tumbler, this eco-friendly glass is made from PAPLUS – a new thermoplastic resin that uses biodegradable paper to add durability, moldability, and heat resistance. Normal PLA usually lacks these qualities, making the tumbler pretty amazing.
PAPLUS builds a rather unique and novel texture that is similar to ceramic or wooden cups. When you take a sip from the tumbler, you taste a lovely flavor, which also forms an engaging sensation on your lips.
What we like
Makes drinking water a whole new sensory experience
Equipped with a heat resistance of f 120°
What we dislike
The natural color does become uneven and fade from use, which may not be preferred by all users
7. Eatsy
The designer Jexter created Eatsy by asking himself the simple question, “How might we design an adaptive tableware to enhance the dining experience for the visually impaired?”. The collection includes a set of multi-functional tableware including a plate, bowl, cup, and other utensils integrated with a silicone flap.
Why is it noteworthy?
Eatsy includes a unique silicone flap that can be utilized to increase the ease of usage while eliminating the stigma by combining it with existing tableware. The collection is created for the visually impaired, and it enables them to feel the edge of the container, helping them get through their tasks, and letting them pour water correctly.
What we like
Subtly offer unique sensory cues for the visually impaired
What we dislike
Requires user to have a firm grip on the cup
8. Floating Mug
Called the Floating Mug, this unique little mug is designed with beauty in mind. It is an elegant drinking solution designed to be not only a mug but also a coaster. It serves as two handy products, packed in a minimal and compact form, which is pretty easy to use. The mug doesn’t need any coaster to prevent any stains, since it has an in-built coaster.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Floating Mug is truly a wonder for tea and coffee drinkers, as it functions as two products as one. You don’t need to add a coaster under the mug since it already has one attached to it. You can handle the mug as any other standard drinking glass, and it works just fine as that too.
What we like
Serves as two products in one
What we dislike
The handle is breakable, so it should be used with care, and like a regular mug
9. Mμ
Say hello to Mμ – a coffee cup designed to celebrate the everyday rituals. These stunning Porcelain coffee cups are designed to push the boundaries of ceramics manufacturing. They are designed to be frictionless, and they feature a ribbed design which ensures that your beverages stay hot, and ready for you to drink whenever you wish to.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee cup is designed for speed and convenience, and they are made with complete attention to detail, using premium materials and craftsmanship, elevating your everyday tea or coffee drinking ritual.
What we like
The unglazed porcelain exterior offers a tactile feel to the cup
What we dislike
They aren’t portable, so you can’t use them for on-the-go coffee
10. Ceramic Travel Cups
These stunning travel cups by Rebecca Heasman are truly unique and one-of-a-kind. These travel cups are made on a pottery wheel and the rim of each travel cup is thrown at a precise width which enables the silicone lids to fit properly after firings. The designer spent hours testing, measuring, and calculating to finally create the perfect travel cups.
Why is it noteworthy?
The travel cups are designed to be unique pieces of art, and you can admire them as you drink coffee or tea from them. They’re great for your daily commute, work, and when you’re simply chilling at home. Each cup is a beautiful blend of shape and design, and you can choose your preferred liquid amount and have it created.
What we like
Unique and colorful aesthetics that make the mugs stand out
The online marketplace Tiny House Listings recently created a new towable home which is pretty large and spacious. Called the 28′ Model Tiny, this cozy house features a light-filled interior that is great for those who hate climbing stairs into the bed every night. All the amenities are mostly arranged on one floor. The tiny home measures 8.5 meters, and it is on the smaller side for typical North American tiny home models. The tiny house is based on a triple-axle trailer and features a finishing of wood and cement board siding. It is accentuated by a steel roof.
The tiny home occupies 224 square feet and has a pretty airy and impressive layout. The interior is quite open and can be accessed via double glass doors which lead to the living room. The living area includes a sofa with integrated storage, as well as a bed. The glazing is pretty generous and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It also allows light to generously stream in. The kitchen is located next to the living area, and this includes a sink, induction stove, cabinetry, and a big pantry. The kitchen also includes quartz counters, and an apartment-sized fridge/freezer, as well as a dining table for two people.
The 28′ Model Tiny Home’s kitchen and bathroom are connected via a pocket sliding door. The bathroom is pretty small and compact, and it includes a shower, a flushing toilet, and a wall-mounted sink. A loft is located above the bathroom, and this is big enough to be used as a bathroom, but since it doesn’t include any windows, it is better used as a storage space.
The 28′ Model Tiny is a well-designed and free-flowing home for those who prefer open layouts, and spaces that seem inviting and airy. It is well-equipped with generous glazing, and an ample amount of storage space. All the rooms are placed on one floor, which facilitates easy movement, and eliminates the need for stairs.
If you’re on your way to university this August, then you most definitely need a collection of efficient, functional, and well-designed products to help you reach your utmost potential, and organize your life better. Having the right collection of designs by your side is crucial, as it helps you manage your uni life even better, making sure you complete all your tasks and maintain a healthy and well-planned daily routine. These products not only help you get your university work done easily and efficiently but also help you complete other tasks well. And, we’ve curated the collection of perfect back-to-university products for you – enjoy!
1. Van der Waals
Meet Van der Waals – a speaker with a 9-inch ferromagnetic visualizer. This intriguing speaker not only lets you listen to music but also see it. Ferrofluid is a magnetic liquid developed by NASA, and it is used in rocket ships to control fuel in Zero Gravity. The designers have used this liquid in their speakers to offer music lovers lovely graphics to accompany their favorite songs.
Why is it noteworthy?
The speakers have been equipped with stunning illumination, with beautiful LED lights perfectly pairing up with the ferrofluid visuals. You can turn off the lights, and enjoy a drink while listening to your favorite tunes on the Van der Waals.
What we like
You don’t simply listen to music, but you also watch it
What we dislike
The speakers look a bit difficult to maintain and clean
2. Inseparable Notebook Pen
The Inseparable NoteBook Pen has been created to be the perfect companion for your notebook. It merges with your notebook, allowing you to pen down your thoughts, memories, and ideas. It features a minimal design, comfy grip, and a seamless ink flow, making it more than just an ordinary writing tool – but an important part of your work day.
The pen is simple yet elegant, and it is designed to be a natural and harmonious extension of the notebook. It features a sleek and minimalist form which is excellent for effortless writing. and it showcases timeless and elegant aesthetics which everyone loves.
What we like
The gel ink allows smooth and seamless writing
Compact design that easily attaches to your notebook
What we dislike
It is positioned outside the notebook space, may cause it to get stained faster.
3. Minepot
If you’re a university student living alone, then you know how tasking it can be to cook meals for yourself, sometimes you make more than what is required, and either end up wasting the meal, or eating it for three days in a row – both scenarios are pretty goddamn terrible. Hence, the Minepot is the ultimate lifesaver for you!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed by Yifeeling, the Minepot looks like a food processor at first glance, but it is an air fryer or food fryer type of appliance. It is smaller than most kitchen appliances, and it prepares food for one, and in a quantity that is perfect for different users. You can create the food intake that is just right for you.
What we like
Opaque or semi-transparent upper section which allows you to keep an eye on your food as it is being cooked
Helps include cooking in your daily ritual
What we dislike
It’s still a concept, so we are unsure how well it would work as an actual product
4. Whiteboard Notebook
Called the Whiteboard Notebook, this little stationery product is perfect for students heading back to university. It is an innovative analog notebook designed for the digital age. The notebook combines the power of magnets with a whiteboard-like experience. This notebook utilizes a unique material that allows you to erase pen marks, and reuse the page.
The pages are magnetically attached to the covers, and they can be removed and rearranged as and when needed. This offers you ample space to write and rewrite your different ideas.
What we like
The pages are removable, and they can stick to magnetic surfaces
It is made from an anti-glare material, which lets you easily take photos
What we dislike
There aren’t different options in colors and sizes to choose from, which are preferred by students.
5. AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap
Another nifty accessory to have by your side in university is the AirPods Neck Strap. If you’re someone who loses their earbuds while working, then this AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap is the design for you! They keep your precious AirPods close to your heart, ensuring you never lose your AirPods or AirPods Pro.
The neck strap is essentially a woven necklace which is pretty cute. You can wear it around your neck, keeping your precious AirPods close to you at all times. The neck strap is quite functional but also fashionable. It is equipped with the One-Click Magnetic Lock, which ensures the overall safety of your AirPods.
What we like
Keeps your AirPods safe and secure, so you never lose them
Serves as a simple yet stylish fashion accessory around your neck
What we dislike
Since the AirPods are held by a strap, they can easily get dirty or damaged
6. BRuX
Meet BRuX – a portable pour-over coffee brewer bottle. This compact little pour-over system features fine filter papers, which enhance the sweet undertones with every brew while reducing the harsh acidic taste. The BRuX is very easy to work with, and you can take it anywhere with you – to university, work, campground, or any other outdoor adventure.
Why is it noteworthy?
BRuX is a stainless steel container that is durable, and equipped with double-wall vacuum insulating, making sure your coffee stays hot for hours. The designers had to work with over 30 iterations of their initial idea to get the final product, making BRuX unique and super functional.
What we like
Easy-to-carry and portable design
Elevate the sweet undertones of your coffee
What we dislike
You can only prepare a limited quantity of coffee
7. Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife
Named the Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife, this minimal and stylish EDC knife is designed like an everyday paper cutter. It features an all-metal body, accentuated by a textured knob which allows you to deploy and lock the blade. The handle of the knife is quite weighted and grippy, so you can hold it with ease.
The Utility Knife has a simple and sophisticated aesthetic with a CNC-machined handle and an enclosed blade that is machined to perfection. Since the blade is enclosed, it glides through with smoothness and no difficulty at all, forming a seamless experience.
What we like
Features a 45° slant to help you open boxes with ease
Equipped with a metal scale, making it a multifunctional design
What we dislike
It is equipped with a magnetic back, so it can attract small metal parts
8. Summy
Called Summy, this dedicated device keeps students connected, while planning out the number of interruptions and distractions they can carry out. The device is a voice messenger, daily planner, timer, and social network to be used among friends, or particularly amongst students in the same class or level. You can send short voice messages to the people in your circle.
Why is it noteworthy?
Summy makes use of a UI that is made up of small concentric circles and icons that are represented by old-school monochrome 8-bit characters. By tapping on a friend’s icon, you can send a voice message, and you can also look at your other friends’ daily schedules. You can even send them a “Study with Me” request.
What we like
Helps you study with your friends, ensuring you look forward to the study sessions
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product
9. Stacks
Say hello to Stacks – a metal cube desk accessory, and desk organizer. The aesthetically pleasing product is made of industrial steel and brass, forming a desk accessory that organizes cords and cables. It is a premium desk accessory that can be used on your desk as an organizer, or even as home decor.
Why is it noteworthy?
Stacks measures 6.35 mm x 6.3 mm and it is the perfect size for contemporary charging cables, headphones, or any other wires that need to be neatly organized. It is a neat wire passageway and is available in industrial steel and classic brass.
What we like
Aesthetically pleasing product that looks like a work of art
What we dislike
It is pretty small in size, so can be easily misplaced
10. Beam Backpack
This is the Beam Backpack – the most advanced solar power backpack out there. This solar-powered backpack charges your iPhones, tablets, power banks, or any other device that may need charging. You don’t need to be anxious if your precious gadgets are running low on juice, because if the sun is out, it will power your backpack, which will in turn charge your devices.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Beam Backpack is also waterproof and features a YKK Water Resistant Zipper to keep any water. It has a clever ergonomic design as well as compression shoulder straps which stabilize the weight on your lower back.
What we like
Equipped with a unique anti-theft buckle system
Utilizes Miasolé – Flexible Solar Cells to charge your devices on the go
What we dislike
There isn’t any option between different sizes and colors
Designed by Alejandro Vazquez, the Levitae House is perched on a mountain, and creates the impression of levitation through its large and imposing volumes. The home is made using contemporary materials, and it exhibits an impressive level of complexity and detailing. The house seems to float in the air, while simultaneously tapering into slim columns that seem to harmoniously integrate with the natural topography.
Designer: Alejandro Vazquez
The Levitae House is located on the southern slope of La Paz, Mexico, and it faces the north, which allows sunlight to stream in throughout the day while ensuring it doesn’t get too hot either. The design of the home ensures there is constant access to the lovely views of the city, while certain spaces have been oriented to ensure more panoramic views. As you look at the external structure of the home, you will be quite impressed, as it showcases a certain uniqueness and complexity of character that we do not easily witness in modern architecture.
The architectural style of the home is called Neo Deconstructivist, and it is highlighted by an innovative structural system, and a detailed morphology. The Levitae House is built for a couple with cats, and it is equipped with a garden, music studio, barbecue area, parking space for two vehicles, and green spaces both inside and outside the home. It is also integrated with double and triple-height spaces, which offer an air of openness and spaciousness to the home.
The Levitae House occupies around 340 square meters, and building the home was no easy task. Local engineers in La Paz didn’t have much experience with inclined columns and massive cantilevers, and the standard labor construction practices also deepened the issues. Hence, the designers needed to be thoroughly present during the construction process to ensure the proper steps and care were taken. The complex nature of the materials and the structural components of the project needed proper attention.
Designed by France’s Baluchon, the Nano Suisse is really one of the tiniest tiny homes we’ve ever seen. It may be super small, but it is still functional and practical enough to live in. It measures 3.5 m in length, and features a clever space-saving layout that can accommodate two people, and also house a home office. Typical Baluchon homes are twice the size of Nano Suisse, so it is quite small, although it is described as the “big sister” to Baluchon’s Nano home. However, the size difference isn’t much at all, since the Nano Suisse features an increased length of 7.8 inches. However, Suisse’s interior is pretty different and has plenty of storage options.
Founded on a double-axle trailer, the Nano Suisse features red cedar cladding amped with aluminum accenting. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a home office area, which also serves as a dining area. It contains seating for two people, a big porthole-style window, and plenty of storage. The storage is pretty commendable when you consider the size of the tiny house. The space also includes a sofa bed, which can be used in the main living space and bedroom. This section includes more storage as well.
Although, you must take into consideration that the kitchen is quite small. It is basic – equipped with a fridge, sink and some storage. It also contains a portable stove, but besides that, it doesnt have any other amenities. This could be considered bare for some people, so the home is only suitable for short stays, or for people who are okay with a very simple life.
The bathroom is the only separate room in the tiny home, and you can access it via a sliding door from the kitchen. The bathroom is integrated with a shower and toilet, but there isn’t any sink, since there isn’t much space, to be honest. A small storage loft has been placed above the bathroom. Currently, the Nano Suisse has been delivered to the owner’s land in Switzerland. We are unsure of the home’s pricing, but Baluchon’s tiny homes usually start at around US$92,000.
