Designed by BM partners and 3D-printed using one of COBOD’s BOD2 models, this unnamed home in Almaty, Kazakhstan is deemed as Central Asia’s first 3D-printed house. The home is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and seismic areas. It is irrefutable proof that 3D-printed homes can handle such challenging situations. And what’s even more interesting is that the home can be printed in five days, while also being cheaper than a conventional home.
To print the walls of the home, the COBOD 3D printer ejected a cement-like mixture in multiple layers from a nozzle, much like typical 3D-printed architecture. But, a very strong cement-like mix was utilized, since Almaty has very strict seismic regulations. This mix can withstand extreme weather conditions and even an earthquake up to 7.0 on the Richter scale.
“To enhance the building’s structural integrity, BM Partners used a special strong concrete mix with a compression strength of almost 60 MPa (8,500 PSI), substantially exceeding the 7-10 MPa (1,015-1,450 PSI) typical of conventional brick and stone used in Kazakhstan,” said COBOD. “This mix, comprising locally sourced cement, sand, and gravel enhanced with the D.fab admixture, a joint development of COBOD International and Cemex, allows for customized concrete formulations tailored to regional needs. Considering Kazakhstan’s extreme climate conditions, varying from minus 57 to plus 49 degrees Celsius (minus 70.6 to plus 120 degrees Fahrenheit), the building incorporates expanded polystyrene concrete as insulation for the walls, enhancing both the thermal and acoustic performance of the wall.”
Once the cement-like mixture has been extruded, and the walls have been constructed, human builds add doors, windows, and furniture to the home. The whole process from the printer setup to the installation of the future takes around two months. The end result is an interior space with a floor area of 100 sq m, all located within on floor. The home has a simple and uncomplicated layout, amped with generous glazing, and a spacious living room. The home perfectly showcases the expansive capabilities of 3D-printed construction. The home is currently priced at roughly US$21,800 making it much cheaper than the cost of average local homes.
Constructing and putting together precise and intricate LEGO structures as a child was one of my favorite hobbies, and to be honest even now. I could spend hours sitting and creating the little builds, and I still hold those memories dear to my heart. I’m sure most of us have nostalgic and heartwarming memories associated with LEGO blocks from our childhood, as well as the not-so-heartwarming ones of stepping on them with our feet and feeling an insane amount of pain shoot up our legs. But nowadays LEGO is no longer considered child’s play. Master builders and LEGO enthusiasts all over the world have been creating impressive LEGO builds, and we’ve curated a few of our favorites for you!
1. Brooklyn 99 LEGO Build
I love Brooklyn 99, it is one of my favorite TV shows, and it has the capability to put a smile on my face anytime. LEGO creator Ben Fankhauser immortalized this amazing show with his lovely LEGO build which captures the 99th precinct – all rooms and characters included. The set is quite detailed and intricate, and it includes loads of details – from the bullpen to the captain’s office, and the printer room too. Secret details such as Holt’s pet corgi Cheddar were included too.
2. LEGO Zelda
LEGO unveiled a Zelda-themed playset, and it captures the Great Deku Tree in a fascinating 2-in-1 build. The playset lets you build a variant of the tree in its early stages, or even in full bloom as seen in the 2017 game – Breath of The Wild. This set also has a bunch of familiar characters like Zelda, Link, and more! Consisting of 2500 pieces, the Great Deku Tree provides an interesting 2-in-1 build experience, letting you build the iconic tree.
3. LEGO Tetris SOLID
Say hello to the LEGO version of Tetris Solid. LEGO builder ‘victorvey300’ paid tribute to Tetris on its 40th anniversary by building a LEGO Ideas set. It includes a box with a lid that serves as the game’s screen. Bricks are placed in a container below, and the controls are located on the bottom right. The top right functions as the leaderboard. Once the box is closed shut, the bricks don’t get lost, they’re safely placed within.
4. LEGO Yamaha MT-10 SP
You can now build a LEGO Yamaha MT-10 SP and have a roaring LEGO automotive. You need to put it together with the same attention to detail as all Technic creations. Putting together the build piece by piece brings an extreme sense of satisfaction. It features realistic function, movement of chain drive, 3-speed transmission, 4-cylinder engine, working steering, and front and rear suspension.
5. LEGO Barad-dûr
Lord of the Ring fans should rejoice as LEGO has recently released a LEGO set themed on Barad-dûr – which is Sauron’s iconic stronghold. The set contains 5471 pieces, and it includes the tower with the Eye of Sauron topped on it. This sinister eye keeps a lookout on his domain. The tower features four main sections – a prison, a throne room, a kitchen, and an armory. If you’re lucky enough to get the set before 7, you also get a complementary 269-piece Fell beast with wings.
6. LEGO Icons Retro Radio Set
Meet the LEGO Icons Retro Radio set! It is a 906-piece set, which celebrates the iconic musical era of the 50s and 60s. The LEGO set features bright color accents in white and brown. It stands tall at 13 inches, 9 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep, making it an impressive LEGO build. It is amped with nostalgic faux wood-colored trims, a pretty pastel bluish-green exterior, speaker slits, a tuner window, and an extendable antenna.
Mercedez and LEGO have teamed up to create the LEGO version of two acclaimed cars – the AMG 63 G-Wagon SUV and the AMG SL63 convertible roadster. The performance cars are available in a kit with 2 driver minifigures, and the sets are a part of the LEGO Speed Champions line. The 2 cars combined together are made up of 808 pieces, with the G wagon featuring a black color, and the SL 63 Roadster a yellow. They showcase authentic design details captured from real-life models.
8. LEGO Motorized Beating Heart
LEGO builder Anatomical_Brick’s ‘Motorized Beating Heart’ is designed to be a near-perfect replica of an actual beating heart! It outputs 55 bpm and is made entirely from LEGO bricks and is powered by replaceable batteries. The model includes a LEGO Technic frame with two interlocking slider mechanisms and a scissor element. It is an ingenious design that supports dynamic adjustments to the height and width of the structure.
9. LEGO Milky Way Galaxy
Say hello to the LEGO Milky Way Galaxy. This galactic hot mess of plastic includes 3000 bricks, which are joined together to create a mesmerizing art piece. As stunning as the final build is, it is also equally complicated to make. The different pieces are color-coordinated, and they are merged together to build the different bands of the galaxy. The set also includes a ‘You Are Here’ tag which pinpoints the general location of our solar system, and us.
10. The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull (76964)
Meet The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull (76964). It is designed to be one of the first Jurassic World sets created for museum-like display. The set includes 577 pieces and contains an intriguing T.Rex skull with an opening jaw, as well as a stand to showcase it. The Jurassic World set also contains an info plaque, a fossilized footprint, and an amber piece at the back, making it a LEGO set worthy of an impressive display.
Do you own an Apple Watch? Cause I do, and it is honestly one of the handiest devices I own. Today, the Apple Watch is considered one of the most popular smartwatches globally, and it’s not a surprising fact when you consider the number of people you see walking or jogging on the street with their Apple Watch smartly strapped around their wrists. And, if you’re someone who absolutely cannot do without their Apple Watch, then this collection of innovative and nifty accessories is for you. From an iPod-shaped cover to bands made from plant-based leather – these super cool accessories are a must-have for Apple Watch lovers.
1. RSTR Case
Called the RSTR Case, this beautiful transparent crystalline case for your Apple Watch is designed to be shown off. Created by Golden Concept, the case converts your Apple Watch into a lovely shimmering jewel that you can wear on your wrist. It is available in four pretty colors and is made using 50 meticulously engineered parts. Crafted from stainless steel, the home and action buttons are bigger than usual and more accessible.
2. tinyPod
Dubbed the tinyPod, this little design wraps up your Apple Watch in a case, and it looks exactly like the iPod! the tinyPod is a perfect replica of an iPod, except that it also has a colored screen. You can control the Apple Watch via an authentic click wheel, however we’re unsure how it manages to do this. But, this is quite an important little detail, as Apple Watch’s digital crown cannot be accessed in this new and innovative form.
3. ErgonBand
This ergonomic Apple Watch accessory may look a little ridiculous and funny, but it is quite functional. The band is designed to be more of a strap, and it resembles those thumb or hand braces used by athletes for protection. The Apple Watch is strapped into place utilizing clips that feature standard lugs, and placed below the joint of your thumb. The location was chosen as this allows the screen to be visible without the need to twist your wrist.
4. Pod Case
Designed by Joyce Kang and C.O Design Lab, this is the Pod Case that gives your Apple Watch a nostalgic touch. It introduces the watch to its ancestor which kickstarted the apple craze. The watch’s screen almost matches the screen size of the classic iPod Nanos, while its body is just a little thicker. The Pod Case is built from silicone, and it smoothly slides over the Apple Watch’s body, providing it with a refreshing yet nostalgic throwback.
5. Y24 Apple Watch Cases
This collection of luxurious and aesthetic Apple watch cases is actually quite price-friendly. They draw inspiration from the lifestyle of Tokyo and are designed by Y24. Each watch design captures the cool and charming vibes of Tokyo and converts that fascinating culture into interesting accessories. The cases have been designed to elevate and upgrade the young generation’s style, providing them with a unique and one-of-a-kind identity, without altering Apple’s originality or personality.
6. NightWatch
Named the NightWatch, this Apple Watch dock features a massive curved glass element on the front, which interestingly magnifies the screen. You can place your watch behind the massive lens, and it seems to enlarge the watch screen, increasing the visibility. It can transform your charging smartwatch into an innovative bedside click. It can even enhance your watch’s audio, which makes your alarm more audible.
7. Wristcam
Dubbed the Wristcam, this little device gives your Apple Watch the ability to click pictures all by itself! It features a front-mounted 8MP camera which can shoot images in 4K resolution, while also recording videos in Full HD. It has a selfie camera which can be used for video calling, or for live streaming. It is amped with 8GB of storage, as well as a long-lasting battery that can support a day’s worth of shooting and fun. It is water-resistant up to 1 meter as well.
8.(Re)Classic Band
Designed by Native Union, the (Re)Classic Band for Apple Watch is a cruelty-free Italian leather-inspired band. The unique band is built from repurposed mycelium, which is basically fungal threads that cover long distances underground. Mushrooms grow and bloom from these fungal threads. It forms a plant-based leather which is also one of the many all-natural resources used in the synthesis of Yatay by Coronet.
9. hardgraft Collector’s Watch Case
This artisanal leather product is called the hardgraft Collectors Watch case. It is designed to store your smartwatch in style and elegance. It has a soft Alcantara lining on the inside and is pretty padded. The exterior is made of vegetable-tanned Italian leather and a scratch-free zipper. It has a round compact form, which makes it portable and pretty easy to carry around. You can pick from three elegant color options – Classic, Coal, and Off Grey.
10. 2-in-1 Apple Devices Charging Stand
Designed by Taesung Yoon, and inspired by the daily sunrise, this is the 2-in-1 Apple Devices Charging Stand. The design does exactly what its name implies. It is created using feedback from data-driven research, and what people truly want from their unified Apple charging stand. It is the perfect integration of form and functionality and features a vertical stance with a slightly arched top which holds your iPhone comfortably without letting it topple over.
With our super hectic lives, bathtime is probably the only time of the day when we get to relax and be truly alone. It’s that precious hour of the day when we can completely indulge in self-care, and pamper ourselves, hence it is my favorite time of the day. Having a beautifully designed bathroom with thoughtful designs will only amplify this special time of the day. These products can make a huge difference in our everyday bathroom experience. And a product that would make an invaluable addition to your bathroom is the Recycled Washbasin by VitrA.
Designed by Turkish bathroom brand Vitra, the Recycled Ceramic Washbasin is a minimalist and well-designed bathroom fixture that is made from almost 100 percent waste materials. These materials even include discarded ceramics from the company’s own production processes. This recycled washbasin has been designed to ensure minimal damage to the environment, according to VitrA.
“The recycled ceramic washbasin embodies the principles of circular manufacturing, where waste becomes a valuable resource,” said VitrA. “Choosing to reclaim materials from the manufacturing process that would otherwise have been discarded, VitrA crafts something new from waste products.
For the Recycled Ceramic Washbasin, VitrA chose waste materials, creating something new and improved from what would otherwise have been discarded. They are promoting the ideology of circular manufacturing, ensuring that everything is used, and nothing truly goes to waste.
The Recycled Ceramic Washbasin is available in five rounded shapes – Pebble, Square, Circle, Oval, and TV. The different shapes are created in a textural taupe-colored clay, which allows them to merge perfectly with different bathroom designs. Besides being eco-friendly, the washbasin also features subtle and minimal aesthetics, making it a good-looking addition to your bathroom, instead of an eyesore. The washbasin also features a compact and ergonomic size, so it won’t occupy excessive space in your bathroom, encouraging you to design and curate a well-planned and efficiently-designed bathroom.
Named La Maison du Bonheur or House of Happiness, this charming little home is designed by Baluchon. It is unique, and a little different from the typical tiny homes, as it not only serves as a wholly functional house but also as a fascinating play area. This play area is amped with a slide and climbing wall. The tiny home was commissioned by the homeowner Siana as she wanted a playroom for her daughter and her friends, that could be converted into a traditional tiny home once she grew up.
Measuring 20 feet in length, and based on a double-axle trailer, La Maison du Bonheur has a finishing of red cedar with aluminum cladding. It is powered by a standard RV-style hookup. What would have typically been the living room of the home series functions as the play area? It includes a slide, a small playhouse, a climbing wall as well as a mat. There is also some space to store toys and books. The room is amped with generous glazing to ensure it is light-filled and serves as a spacious and fun space for young kids.
The rest of the home functions as a typical tiny house. It includes a dining table with seating space for three people and a small wood-burning stove. The kitchen is pretty compact, and it includes a two-burner propane-powered stove, sink, fridge, and cabinetry. This space is connected to the bathroom which also includes a shower and a toilet.
La Maison du Bonheur contains one bedroom which can be accessed via a staircase, that is integrated into the slide and dining area. The bedroom is a traditional loft-style bedroom which is typically seen in tiny homes. It contains a low ceiling, storage space, and a bed. The home has been delivered to its owner, and it is located in southeast France. We aren’t sure of the pricing of the home, but Baluchon tiny homes usually start at around US$85,000.
Our unhealthy practices and way of living are truly harmful to the environment and have been slowly leading to its deterioration. And the world has been changing (for the worse) because of this. Hence, it is extremely important to live sustainably and consciously and to take care of the environment in 2024! Integrating sustainability into our day-to-day lives has become crucial. And we can do this in various ways. Designers and creators are coming up with sustainable alternatives for almost everything. Every product that is necessary and utilized by us in our everyday routine has an eco-friendly alternative to it. Replacing our usual mass-produced designs with these greener options will make a huge difference to the environment and Mother Earth. And on World Environment Day, we’ve curated a collection of eco-friendly designs to help you live more green – check them out!
1. EasyFreeze
In countries like Nigeria, power outages are a daily occurrence, and they can tend to last for hours. In these difficult living conditions, a traditional fridge is of no use. Hence, Amped Innovation designed EasyFreeze – a solar-powered fridge that will function effectively irrespective of power conditions.
Why is it noteworthy?
The fridge will function off-grid, or irrespective of an unreliable grid. It is an excellent solution for regions with abundant solar energy, but poor infrastructure. It is a thoughtfully designed fridge and freezer, which can refrigerate in 20 minutes, and freeze in less than an hour. It can maintain its temperature for up to 40 hours even during power outages, or days when the sun isn’t shining.
What we like
Provides reliability and efficiency even in challenging conditions
Uses an ice battery instead of typical lithium-ion batteries
What we dislike
Priced at $900, and intended for middle-class families, low-income groups may find it difficult to purchase
2. Sustainable Cutlery Set
Named the Sustainable Cutlery Set, this guilt-free dining product is built using Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GFRP. It is a sustainable set comprising of light and durable utensils, packed in reusable and recyclable packaging. The utensils are designed to last a long time, maybe even longer than you!
The Sustainable Cutlery Set is quite mechanically strong, which means the knife and fork wont break if your steak is a bit too tough. The different utensils can be split in half, making them portable in design. The various parts can be easily screwed and unscrewed, while also ensuring they are durable.
What we like
Eco-friendly and yet long-lasting
Portable and easy-to-carry form
What we dislike
The handles of the cutlery might be too thin for large hands
3. Briiv Pro
Called the Briiv Pro, this eco-friendly purifier combines nature and technology to offer you clean air in your home. The newly designed version is more powerful than the previous one, and it can purify a 16 sq.m. room in 21 minutes. It is a ‘mini forest’ that is 6900% more effective than house plants.
Why is it noteworthy?
Briiv Pro is 6900% more effective than house plants, which is truly commendable for its size. It is super functional, and quite hood-looking, unlike other air purifiers in the market which tend to be bulky and visually displeasing.
What we like
The purifier works at a whisper-soft noise level
Features an AI-based sensor
What we dislike
Isn’t as fast as other air purifiers in the market, and they’re more economically priced as well
4. Earth-Friendly Tumbler
Meet the Earth-Friendly Tumbler – an eco-friendly made using PAPLUS, a new thermoplastic resin that combines biodegradable paper to add more durability, moldability, and heat resistance. These are qualities that normal PLA lacks, so this tumbler is quite exceptional.
The Earth-Friendly Tumbler utilizes PAPLUS, an eco-friendly material-, to form a unique texture that is similar to ceramic or wooden cups. As you take a sip from the tumbler, you taste a wonderful flavor, while also experiencing an engaging sensation on your lips.
What we like
Elevates the basic act of drinking water, and adds a whole new sensory experience
Has 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
5. Cloche Table Smoker
Meet the Cloche table smoker – a smoker that uses aromatic pants and wood ships, allowing the food you’re cold smoking to retain its original flavors, with a touch of smokiness added to it. This smoker also functions as a dining table decoration, owing to its beech and stainless steel aesthetic which elevates the ordinary atmosphere of your meal.
Why is it noteworthy?
It creates a soothing ritual for you, one that involves arranging the food, lighting the fire, putting it out, and displaying the food for eating. The sustainable smoker ensures that you don’t need to use an actual smoking grill, and it in fact doubles up as a table decoration or food container too.
What we like
Eliminates the need for an actual smoking grill
Serves as a table decoration too
What we dislike
A bit small in size, so you can only use it if you’re having a few guests over
6. Earth-Friendly Stacking Cup
Called the Earthly-Friendly Stacking Cup, this stylish yet minimal stacking cup is designed to save the environment. The cup is built from eco-friendly synthetic materials which lend it a unique texture. The cup is made from a material called PAPLUS and it includes biodegradable paper.
The unique texture of the cup is much like ceramic or wood, and it offers a sensory experience to your lips and mouth. It embodies minimal aesthetics and sustainable practice and produces a soul-enriching drinking experience that you’ll never forget.
What we like
Built from a plant-derived biodegradable resin
What we dislike
It looks similar to other cups on the market, with nothing special aesthetically to set it apart
7. Cambio Pods Container
Designed by Zenpack, this container is made using eco-friendly materials, and it also functions as a mini recycling bin for the pods, before they’re sent to the actual recycling bin. The container is made using molded pulp with vertical ribs to offer it more structure. The container can hold 10 pods. It is sustainable as it is essentially a glue-free belly band with a tear strip.
Why is it noteworthy?
The elements of the packaging can be later thrown into a respectable recycling bin. You can also use it as a temporary compost bin for your coffee grounds, and kitchen scraps. It is an added functional product in a world where sustainable brands are growing, and evolving.
What we like
Serves as a mini recycling bin for the pods
What we dislike
There aren’t different sizes and colors to pick from, no variety
8. PLANETCARE 2.0
Dubbed the PLANETCARE 2.0, this microfiber filter attachment is designed for your washing machine. A lot of the ocean’s microplastic problem, or to be precise 35% of it comes from the washing machine, as it involves a blend of synthetic fibers that mix with water, and then land up in the ocean.
Why is it noteworthy?
This nifty little filter can be easily snapped onto the side of the washing machine. The filter cleanses out all the water the machine drains out after a cycle. It is the water equivalent of sorting through your trash.
What we like
You can be easily attached to your washing room
Removes all the microplastic from the machine’s drain water
What we dislike
You may need to change/adjust the position of the filter to ensure adequate water pressure
9. Stack Chair
Called the Stack Chair, this innovative chair includes a compass-like four-legged base, allowing you to stack the chair almost to infinity! However, you will be limited by the vertical space available, and how safe it is to reach there. But it is a great space-saving design, especially for when chairs are not being used.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Stack Chair consists of the base and the shells, and both parts can be connected by snapping the base under the shell’s designed rim. This allows both elements to form a single piece of furniture, which is quite stable. This also simplifies the entire manufacturing process, and assembly and shipping too.
What we like
You can mix and match different base and shell colors or even materials
What we dislike
The chair doesn’t look too comfy to sit on for long durations of time
10. Grass-Fed Bone China
Dan Barber and Ceramist Gregg F Moore collaborated to build a line of tableware that is made from grass-fed bone china. The ceramic is made from the bones of grass-fed cows, and these cows are raised by Barber on his farms – he is the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill restaurant.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cows consume grass, instead of the usual grain-based farm diet. They consume the grass, move around, and roam freely to look for greener pastures. This makes their bones stronger in comparison to cows who are raised on conventional farms. This makes the ceramics stronger, creamier, and durable.
What we like
The ceramics are stronger and more durable compared to the regular ones
Dubbed the Sprite Cabin, this sustainable cabin in the Fragrant Lake of Huanggang City, China is located next to the Inner Lake Peninsula in the midst of a charming bamboo forest. The cabin was designed by Wiki World and it intends to minimize the impact on the environment. The cabin is essentially a crystal-like structure amped with three peaked volumes which form a cozy yet modern hut-like appearance. “The design of the Sprite Cabin is inspired by the idea of crystals,” said Mu Wei, Founder of Wiki World “In nature normally we can’t find artificial-like shaped geometries. But crystals are very special.”
Designer: Wiki World & Advanced Architecture Lab
The Sprite Cabin was constructed quite sustainably, and an effort was made to preserve the trees and vegetation on the site. The cabin was constructed without causing any kind of damage to the woodland. The different components of the chain were custom-designed utilizing digital technology. It is prefabricated off-site, and once it is delivered to the location, it can be constructed using an easy-to-follow assembly kit. The kit enables anyone to construct the structure even if they dont’ have any experience or building expertise.
The prefabricated laminated timber structure can be assembled on the site itself. It includes a hexagonal floor plan and has a light wood foundation, which is raised above the ground, to ensure a reduced footprint and impact. “It’s like making a full-scale LEGO game,” said Wei. “We numbered each part and workers can easily connect the metal profiles in the right way.”
The Sprite Cabin features a unique rustic patterned aesthetic, and irregular window openings accompanied by exterior wooden shingles which look like fish skin! The cabin also includes a single aluminum-plated facade which creates a reflection of the surrounding plants and vegetation, allowing the structure to harmoniously merge with the landscape. The cabin contains a master bedroom, bathroom, living area, combustion wood stove, and timber outdoor decking. Triangular openings in the cabin offer beautiful views of the river. An additional elevated bedroom is included in the highest structure of the three crystal-shaped buildings. This space can be accessed via a timber ladder and is an excellent space for the kids to play in.
Japanese design has a soft place in my heart, and for good reason. It is quintessentially functional, thoughtful, and pretty-looking too! I have a soft spot for Japanese product designs as they always manage to be – simple, sophisticated, and high-value. I love incorporating Japanese products in my home space, they have such a soothing effect and can add an elegant touch to any home. I also enjoy using Japanese kitchen appliances and tools. Not only are they adorable to look at and gentle to use, but they’re also high on functionality and very rarely give you any trouble. They’re foolproof designs that you can depend on to tackle your cooking prep and other kitchen tasks, and we’ve curated some top-notch Japanese kitchen tools for you!
1. Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife
Dubbed the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife, this kitchen tool is the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship and a revolutionary design. It is created with care, thoughtfulness, and advanced technology. This exceptional knife is designed to elevate the culinary art of sashimi, allowing it to serve as an important tool for professional chefs and culinary lovers.
The sleek ceramic knife lets you cut through delicate sashimi with ease, without damaging the soft pieces of fish. It functions with effortless ease and precision. It features a lightweight and sharp blade, and the use of ceramic requires minimal maintenance and doesn’t require constant sharpening.
What we like
Slices through sashimi with the finesse of an expert Japanese swordsman
Helps in preparing aesthetically appealing and delicious dishes
What we dislike
Fragile as compared to steel knives
It can be difficult to sharpen if the need arises
2. Mitsubishi Bread Oven
Named the Mitsubishi Bread Oven, this waffle maker-looking toaster will prepare the perfect toast for you. It has a classy veneer brown appearance, which seems to be right out of the ’80s. The toaster features a sealed thermal-insulated structure, letting you toast the perfect toast without releasing any moisture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Bread Oven features two plates that can handle temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The plates are quite handy, as they seal the bread slice and transfer the heat to it, preparing a soft and fluffy slice of toast for you, that isn’t dry at all.
What we like
Features four handy cooking settings – Toast, Frozen Toast, Topping, and French Toast
Elegant and good-looking appliance, which doesn’t look like an eye-sore on your dinner table or kitchen counter
What we dislike
It can only toast a single piece of bread, which isn’t very efficient
Bread with low sugar content takes longer to toast
3. PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs
Named the PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs, these unique little tongs are shaped like chopsticks. They’re great for picking up small pieces of food, supporting you with portion control, and preventing you from overeating. You can even turn the tongs over on the pan, letting you prepare meals like a pro chef.
The Chopsticks Tongs are excellent for putting together bento boxes or eating sushi. The tongs are quite easy to use, and there is no wrong way to hold and use the tool.
What we like
Made from sustainable SUS821L1 stainless steel which is derived from scraps and offcuts
What we dislike
Difficult to use for larger pieces and cuts, only ideal for smaller food items
4. Ishiyaki Set
Called the Ishiyaki Set, this kitchen appliance brings an authentic and fascinating Japanese dining experience to your home, letting you prepare food in true teppanyaki style. It functions as a tabletop stone grill, allowing you to cook your meat the way you like it, in a personalized grilling set.
Why is it noteworthy?
It brings the Benihana experience to your home, letting you dry-sear your food before you eat it. It features a board with an additional porcelain tray to hold your food, as well as two bowls to hold your soy sauce and wasabi, creating the ultimate modern teppanyaki experience for you.
What we like
It brings the Benihana-style teppanyaki experience to your home
Ideal for dry-searing sashimi-style seafood like Tuna, Salmon, or Scallops, or meats like beef
What we dislike
Bulky, space-consuming design
5. Playful Palm Grater
Named the Playful Palm Grater, this compact little grater will add some whimsical yet functional fun to your dining experience. The grater is designed to fit into the palm of your hand, and you can nicely grate fresh ingredients into your food, elevating your meal to a gourmet-level experience.
The palm grater looks like a curled piece of paper, and it is made from a single aluminum alloy plate. You can make your pick, as the grater is available in a variety of cool colors. You can select the one that suits your kitchen and personal taste.
What we like
Provides a firm grip, and is pretty easy to use
It converts the tedious act of grating into something exciting and fun
What we dislike
The grater’s size is quite cute and handy, but it doesn’t have the best design to grate large amounts of food
6. Rassen Chopsticks
The Rassen (spiral chopsticks) are designed by Nendo for Hashikura Matsukan. They are the perfect combination of fun and functionality, forming a product that is truly Japanese. You can combine the chopsticks together creating one convenient single unit, and you can pull them apart when needed.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bringing the chopsticks together and then separating them feels like you’re playing with a jigsaw puzzle. Using the chopsticks becomes a fun and interactive experience, bringing joy to your daily meal. And since you can easily combine the pair, you never have to live in fear of losing one!
What we like
Merges fun and functionality to form an interesting product
It is handmade by artisans
What we dislike
The design is quite new and unlike traditional chopsticks, and it can take a while to get used to them
7. Plate Grater
Called the Plate Grater, this tiny product looks like a little plate and can be set on the table. Once put on the table, you can use it to grate fresh ingredients into your meal. It merges the functionality of a plate with a grater. You can add fresh garnishes to your meal, preparing gourmet-style dishes.
The Plate Grater features dual functionality and is a visually pleasing design, which lets you elevate your basic meal with some fresh garnishes.
What we like
Excellent for grating fresh ingredients onto your meal, and adding a gourmet touch
What we dislike
It may take a while for users to adjust to it and use it
8. Slim Fold Dish Rack
Say hello to the Slim Fold Dish Rack! This unique dish rack is portable, and you can carry it everywhere with you. It has a patent-pending spring mechanism which can be easily adjusted and drunk. You can deploy the dish rack when needed, making it super easy to set up and utilize.
It features a minimal and sturdy design, which offers adequate ventilation, and makes more than enough space to store utensils, plates, and different cookware. The dish rack is an excellent product for your kitchen or for camping outdoors.
What we like
Easy to clean, maintain, and set up
Has a flexible collapsible form that you can carry anywhere with you
What we dislike
The wires of the rack are thin, making it tough to hold utensils
9. Hinoki Essence Cutting Board
Meet the Hinoki Essence Cutting Board – a beautiful wooden cutting board that offers you a hassle-free food-cutting experience. It is made from majestic hinoki cypress, and it is amped with a medium hardness which provides resistance without damaging knives. The cutting board has a minimal and visually appealing appearance.
The Hinoki Essence Cutting Board has a simple yet stunning aesthetic, and the use of premium cypress wood makes it the perfect companion to the Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife. Pair up the two to have a stunning and functional duo for all your cutting needs.
What we like
Built from Hinoki Cypress Wood which is not too harsh on knives
It has a water-resistant silicone coating which prevents damage
What we dislike
Requires special care to maintain it, which can be tedious
10. Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker
Dubbed the Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker, this portable cooker allows you to cook up a bowl of warm rice whenever needed. The cooker has a small portable size, and it is designed to cook single-serve rice in a short duration of time. The light glows once your bowl of rice is cooked.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cooker is excellent for those who like to travel often and need a fresh bowl of rice for dinner. You can prepare six ounces of rice in one go, and it has a measuring cup for convenience.
What we like
It has a portable and easy-to-carry design
You can eat rice right from the corner
What we dislike
There doesn’t seem to be a variety of choices in sizes and colors
Designed by Architect Micheal Quirk, this quaint little micro-cabin is designed to display the efficiency of sustainable building practices. Dubbed the Magnolia Eco-Cabin, this dwelling is built using locally sourced and recycled materials. It runs off the grid using solar power. The cabin occupies 11 square meters and is located in a forest in Nederland, Colorado. The architect thought of the cabin while he was serving on the Colorado Green Building Guild Board.
“The carbon-negative, eco tiny home was an idea that I came up with while on the Colorado Green Building Guild board, to highlight some of our members who are building material suppliers and also carbon negative/net zero energy building techniques,” said Quirk. “The cabin is successful in sequestering carbon through the organic nature of the materials used to build it.”
The Magnolia Eco-Cabin has a finishing of locally sourced birch plywood mixed with reused treated cedar shiplap siding, and pine wood siding. The mixture was charred using the Japanese technique Shou Sugi Ban to protect and preserve the exterior of the cabin. Metal panels are also incorporated, which were the leftovers from Quirk’s other architectural projects. In fact, the windows and doors are reused as well. The insulation comprises a mixture of hempcrete and hemp wool.
As you enter the cabin, you are welcomed by a space that is simple and basic. It includes two rooms which span over two floors. The ground level is occupied by a firewood storage area, a wood-burning stove, as well as a dining/work table with a chair. The table and chair are positioned next to a window, which offers a lovely view of the forest. Storage-integrated stairs and a small ladder lead you to the bedroom. The bedroom is like most typical tiny house bedrooms. It is equipped with a low ceiling, a double bed, and some glazing. The house seems quite comfortable and cozy, even though it is pretty simple.
The home also includes a roof-based solar panel array, which is attached to batteries, to power the home when the sun is not out. The cabin does have a few drawbacks as it doesn’t feature a bathroom or a kitchen. And it also lacks running water. So it is definitely an inconvenient space to stay in for longer than a day in my opinion.
Nestled in the city of Munich, Germany is an innovative architectural structure that intends to transform communal living. Designed by German architectural firm Peter Haimerl Architektur, the building is known as the Clusterwohnen Wabenhaus or the Honeycomb House. This interesting house is a representation of communal harmony and efficiency. The Honeycomb House features an ingenious apartment layout which is a far cry from traditional homes. Every apartment has hexagon-framed rooms, which seem to give the impression of spaciousness, even more than they are. Sloping ceilings and usable floor area mark the apartments, allowing residents to fully utilize storage along the interior walls.
The sloping walls of the apartments incorporate space-saving furniture designs like shelves, sofas, floating beds, seating, dining tables, and wardrobes. The apartments also include European wall kitchens, spacious outdoor balconies, and hidden bathrooms. The unique honeycomb shape of the homes not only elevates the spatial orientation but also leads to optimum natural light diffusion. The primary spatial axis is aligned longitudinally to the facade, which allows daylight to flow in freely.
The Honeycomb House is designed to create a whole new communal living space, with a central hub serving as the center of life. This ideology merges the boundaries between individual 1, 2, 3, and 4-room apartments, creating a sense of harmony and community between the residents. It allows the residents to have a shared living experience, with privacy as well. The shared gathering zone helps facilitate a sense of harmony. This space is anchored by a staircase that connects all the apartments, and the common areas.
The Honeycomb House is not only a beautiful example of communal living, but it also has a lot of economic and sustainable benefits to it. The apartments reduce down on walls and instead incorporate sloping planes, which have more economic value, without compromising on the quality of life. The modules are prefabricated hence making them even more economically viable, cutting down on construction waste, and streamlining the entire building process. The House features rooftop gardens and communal kitchens which fosters an attitude of sustainability.
