Meet this building-in-a-box called the CMAX System. The building-in-a-box is well-designed and is intended to be a solid-floored and habitable structure. It is 19 feet in length, and 7.4 feet in width, with a height of 7.2 feet. What makes the CMAX System unique is that you can fold it into a manageable 330-lb unit which can be easily moved from one location to another, in a pickup or trailer. You can set the box anywhere, and elevate it from the ground, leveling it using its adjustable legs. The box can be set up within 10 minutes, and you only need two people and no special tools for it.
The CMAX functions as a rigid central structure that can be mounted with solar panels, air-conditioning, and a water treatment unit. It is also equipped with a lockable door. It is designed to make use of natural ventilation and features multiple retractable surfaces that can be shut for complete privacy. You can also make it airtight to use it as a mobile medical unit or laboratory. The CMAX’s portable fold-up buildings have a lot of uses – they can be utilized as temporary storage, living or working quarters, or even a shelter, and at economical prices.
Initially, the CMAX System was designed as an emergency shelter for humanitarian aid, but since the design is so versatile, and has so many functionalities, it can be used as a solution for multiple American issues, including affordable emergency housing, to tackle the rising wave of homelessness in the country. The CMAX System is perched on 20 height-adjustable feet, so you can make it stable on flat ground, and emergency teams can set it up wherever needed. The system also offers campers or mountaineers a cabin in the mountains when they need one!
The buildings are being sold to customers on pre-order, and at the moment we are unsure when deliveries are expected.
For the past six months, we’ve seen an incredible and exciting downpour at automotive designs Yanko Design. Each vehicle was innovative, bringing to us something we had never seen or experienced before. From killer speed to dashing good looks, to impenetrable safety standards, every automotive we featured at YD broke some design barrier for us, and hopefully, they did the same for you as well. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of automotive designs that we feel were the best of the lot. Each of these amazing automobiles is mercilessly pushing the boundaries of the automotive industry. Automotive enthusiasts will be itching to get their hands on them, and take them for a spin on the streets!
1. Garage 54’s SUV With Springs
YouTuber Garage54 played out an interesting experiment, creating a unique automotive design in the process. Instead of using rubber treads, he outfitted his car with wheels made of springs, hoping that the car would be able to travel on snowy roads and off-road trails pretty well, without any hassle. Sadly, the experiment failed almost instantly, because metal isn’t a great rubber substitute at all, and also because the springs were welded to the tires. However, the experiment does serve as an excellent starting point for an innovative and one-of-a-kind theory.
2. Baxley Moto
Dubbed the Baxley Moto, this futuristic electric motorbike is designed by Shane Baxley, and it features a menacing street-legal aesthetic, accentuated by spokeless wheels. The bike has a hunched-forward riding position, as well as a suspended tail section, protruding slides, and treaded wires, forming a jaw-dropping ride for adventure seekers who enjoy challenging rides on dirt trails. It also has a balance to it and doesn’t feature an edgy or contoured look.
3. Mercedes-Benz Harp
Named the Mercedes-Benz Harp, this car is inspired by the shapes of musical instruments, hence its unique name. The conceptual automotive also draws inspiration from the W196R Formula-1 racing car which was created for the 1954 and 1955 seasons. The front seam of the car has a modern vibe, perfectly partnered up with an asymmetric windshield panel to the rear. The front is contoured and complemented by a sharp rear. These features give the HARP a really impressive vibe, and a god-like figure in a beautiful costume.
4. Project OVAL
Called the Project OVAL, this vertical car concept includes two parts, both of which embrace the vertically oriented design. It features a vertical oval for the steering wheel, which also complements the vehicle’s overall shape while saving space within the cabin. The car focuses on the economy of space over everything else, and it also offers passengers a panoramic view of the outside world. There is also sufficient space behind the seats for baggage, and the vehicle is quite transparent except for the pillars, sides, and roof.
5. HAMMER Hot Wheels x Polestar
Meet the HAMMER Hot Wheels x Polestar – an automotive concept that lingers in the imaginative realm and features a futuristic aesthetic. The car is inspired by Thor’s majestic weapon – the Mjölnir. It is an electric muscle car imagined for Polestar and equipped with a booming performance platform that is also fit for a real-life muscle car. The design is a scaled-down version of a concept electric muscle fusion vehicle, and we would love to see it on the road someday!
6. DAB 1α
DAB 1α is designed by Bayonne design studio and is manufactured in the Beaulieu-Mandeure. It includes retro-gaming elements such as the blue Nitro button, which is inspired by the NFS franchise. This adds some spice and personality to the futuristic ride. It has a top speed of 130 km/h, which is because of its lightweight and well-designed 125 kg body. The gears and clutch are not included, so you need to simply press the throttle, and get rolling on the road. It can be charged using a normal socket or a Type 2 charging port.
7. Palladio
Named Palladio, this hybrid yacht is a conceptual design, and it is ultra-light and can speed up to 55 knots maximum. The yacht looks like it has jumped straight out of a sci-fi movie set in water, and has a unique mouth-shaped, avant-garde design that gives it a futuristic vibe. The yacht is built from carbon fiber propelled via twin Castoldi jets, and it is powered by two FTP engines.
8. Unitrack Electric All-Track Vehicle
Developed by Oruga SIA, a Mobility Tech startup in Latvia, this is the Unitrack electric all-terrain vehicle. It is a three-wheeled motorbike equipped with three ballooned wheels, and it utilizes the company’s proprietary patent-pending monotrack tech. This is designed to tackle the “diverse challenging terrains, from hot sand and muddy forests to rocky climbs and snowy landscapes.” Currently the automotive is only a prototype, and it will be launched in mid-2025 hopefully.
9. Vanderer Citroën 2CV Electric Mini Camper Van
The niche automotive design firm Vanderer designed a stunning electric mini camper van. The van is inspired by the iconic Citroën 2CV, but the classic 2CV was given a futuristic transformation, creating a surreal harmony of the charm of the past and the sustainability of the present. The car is equipped with an integrated electric powertrain, and it offers a clean and eco-friendly driving experience.
10. Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car
Named the Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car, this unique automotive design is an eVTOL flying car designed by the AeroHT electric aviation wing of the Chinese auto company XPeng. The modular flying car is unlike the conventional ideas seen today, and it adopts a rather unique approach. It is equipped with a two-part design – one part car, and the other is eVTOL, which enables it to smoothly switch between both land and aerial modes.
Acclaimed tiny home maker Baluchon recently created a tiny house that is intended to be a portable house for a health worker. Named the L’atelier de Saint-Joseph or Saint Joseph’s Workshop, it is founded on a double-axle trailer, measuring almost 13 ft in length. The home features a finishing of red cedar cladding and aluminum and is powered by a standard RV-style hookup. We aren’t sure what kind of healthcare the structure will be used for, but it is designed for a healthy professional who will be offering advice from there.
The interior of the structure is quite compact and features a finish of solid oak and spruce. It is filled with loads of natural light, due to the generous glazing. Curtains have been incorporated into the home to offer privacy. As you enter the space, you are welcomed by a reception area. There is a generous amount of space near the large window, and it is occupied by a bed with loads of integrated storage. A work area with a desk is located nearby, and it includes some seating as well, including more storage space. A compact wood-burning stove has been incorporated as well to heat up the small office.
The structure doesn’t contain any sleeping lofts, as it isn’t going to be used as a home, but Baluchon did integrate some loft storage space above the bathroom. The bathroom seems to be quite compact, and it only includes a sink, shower, and toilet. The L’atelier de Saint-Joseph isn’t very well-equipped, but it does have all the essentials one would need to get their work done throughout the day. It isn’t intended to be utilized as a home, hence it doesnt feature a kitchen or sleeping loft, but it does include a workspace, as well as a comfy bed for rest.
We aren’t aware of what the L’atelier de Saint-Joseph is priced at, but Baluchon’s models and tiny homes usually start at around US$85,000.
It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!
1. Magic Bar
Dubbed the Magic Bar, this portable Touch Bar can be partnered up and used with any Apple peripheral. The device is sleek, seamless, easy to carry, and pretty similar to the Touch Bar if you consider functionality and features. The design of the Magic Bar is recognizable and intuitive as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Magic Bar can easily aligned horizontally with your keyboard. You can even pair up the Magic Bar with your iPhone, building and creating multiple smart home shortcuts, which can be used for heightened productivity and efficiency.
What we like
It can be easily carried in the backpack with your gear
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a real product
2. Levitating Pen 3.0
Named the Levitating Pen, this sleek writing accessory is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which lets you hold it with ease, allowing you to write smoothly. The pen has a 60-degree angle which can be placed in the specially designed stand, and reminds you of a spacecraft floating in the galaxy.
The pen is quite good-looking, and it can be placed in its magnetized holder, which keeps it floating in position. Give the pen a little twist, and it spins for 20 seconds, allowing you to have a playful experience with it.
What we like
Easy and sturdy to hold and use
Spinning the pen can be a fun stress-busting activity for you
What we dislike
When placed on a curved surface the pen can easily roll off, so you need to keep it aside with care
3. PAL Desk Clock
Named the PAL Desk Clock, this desk accessory is designed to help people work on their desktops, without getting distracted by unwanted objects and mediums. It keeps you updated with the important notifications while eliminating the unnecessary ones. It has a dedicated widget space for the most needed apps.
Why is it noteworthy?
The handy gadget includes five main functions – focus sessions, timekeeping, music playback, and wireless charging. The desk clock also has a calendar and a temperature sensor, as well as a wide display on which you can customize the widgets like weather, music playback, and calendar schedules.
What we like
Features a wireless charging pad that can be positioned on the back
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product
4. Japanese Drawing Pad
Named the Japanese Drawing Pad, this desk accessory is made of Japanese paper, which is renowned for its premium quality paper. Japanese paper is much loved by artists and designers, and if you wish to incorporate some Japanese paper to your workdesk, you need to purchase the Japanese Drawing Pad.
You can jot down your thoughts and ideas on this premium-quality pad, without causing any damage to the durable paper fibers. The pad offers you a relaxing and intuitive writing experience.
What we like
The paper in the pad is micro-perforated
It is available in different colors and sizes, so you need to pick one that suits your needs
What we dislike
It may look like an ordinary pad, but the high quality can only be experienced
5. Nemonic Gen 2
Meet the Nemonic Gen 2 – an inkless, thermal and wireless printer that allows you to quickly and efficiently print your notes or even images on Ultra Sticky Notes! Since these notes are ultra-sticky, they won’t fall off with ease, and you can use them to capture important details and thoughts.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can connect the compact little printer to your desktop, and mobile device, so you can print out notes you may have written, drawn, or typed. It can be teamed up with the Microsoft Office apps, Slack, and Zapier too, facilitating heightened productivity.
What we like
You can print notes directly, and it includes a de-curl feature too
What we dislike
They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes
6. MagBoard Clipboard
Meet the MagBoard Clipboard – this unique desk accessory is minimal and flexible and is designed to be a cutting-edge notepad/clipboard hybrid. It utilizes a magnet and lever mechanism which can be used to hold your sheets securely in place. This notepad is great for capturing your ideas and thoughts as they flow freely.
The one-of-a-kind accessory redefines the traditional notepad, and it allows users to tailor and customize their note-taking experience without the typical constraints of a conventional notebook.
What we like
It features a lightweight and compact form and can be used both at home or while traveling
Magnets and levers hold the papers securely
What we dislike
Best used with specific sizes, which may not suit everyone’s needs
7. Painless Key Ring
You can now bid adieu to the issue of traditional key rings, and adopt the Painless Key Ring with its revolutionary wave spring key ring. It draws inspiration from the mechanisms used in the aerospace industry. You have a smooth and seamless way of managing your keys without any of the hassle.
You can organize your keys using a high-tech and sturdy design which ensures your keys are always accessible. It features a lightweight and compact form, which ensures your keys are always organized and safely with you.
What we like
Uses a wave spring technology to easily add and remove keys
You don’t have to deal with tight or deformed key rings
What we dislike
Since it has an advanced design, it is more pricier
8. Lon:HUB
Called the Lon:HUB, this docking hub offers your desk a cleaner and more concise appearance while providing you with all the outlets and ports that you need. The ports and sockets can be connected under your desk, and also on top of your space. Below the desk, you have 5x 110V AC sockets, 2x HDMI 2 display ports, and 2x arms where you can wrap your cords.
Why is it noteworthy?
The edge of the desk holds the hub which has a 10 Gbps USB-C 100W port, 2x USB-A ports, a SD card slot, and also a wireless charger landing pad.
What we like
There is a Pro version available as well, if you need a more powerful unit
What we dislike
Only works on tables with flat edges
9. DESKRISK
Named DESKRISK, this collection of unique desk accessories ensures you don’t exhaust yourself while sitting on your desk all day long. It attempts to protect you from the adverse effects of sitting on your desk for long hours and straining your eyes and neck. The collection contains a desk clock.
Why is it noteworthy?
The DESKRISK collection also includes a lamp, reminding you to move with the light source, so you don’t bow down and keep looking at your desk. These unique products encourage you to take a much-needed break from your work and desk, letting your mind and body rest.
What we like
Functional and valuable products for people who are at risk due to the nature of their work
What we dislike
The magazine rack is designed based on the carpal tunnel syndrome, and we don’t know how it will help users with wrist problems
10. Anywhere-Use Lamp
Dubbed the Anywhere-Use Lamp, this minimal and compact lamp design is a well-designed and clever lighting solution. It has a cute little mushroom-shaped head, and it lets out a soft and relaxing glow which creates a calm and tranquil ambience, allowing users to work and relax in peace.
The lamp is powered by four AA batteries, and it features a modular design that offers atmospheric enhancement wherever it is placed. The lamp is equipped with six high-color rendering LEDs, and it creates an oasis of peace and relaxation in your home.
What we like
Features four brightness levels
You can easily disassemble the lamp, and take it anywhere with you
What we dislike
The lamp isn’t water-resistant, can be an issue if you carry it outdoors
Nestled deep in the Ontarian forest, the Forest Retreat is a beautiful new house designed by Kariouk Architects. Intended to be a family retreat, the home is surrounded by nature on all sides, and this will last throughout the year. The home is intricately connected to the surrounding land, including its exquisite trails and creeks, creating a ‘Canadian homestead’, that is a meeting space for extended family and friends.
The Forest Retreat is constructed to be a fascinating combination of local materials, craftsmanship, and open space where a family can get together to spend time in the thralls of nature. Immersed amid Canadian nature, the house shares a serene relationship with nature. “Historically, the Canadian identity has been defined by our relationship to the land,’ said the architects. ‘The home honors that emotional connection through visual and material harmonization with its surroundings, but moreover, through responsible material sourcing and site adaptation, as well as energy-saving systems.”
The home is perched on a property of around 100 acres, and the site includes a variety of meadows, rocky outcrops, and wetlands, forming a land with diverse topography. The home is built on a rocky outcrop, so no trees had to be cut down for the construction of the home. It serves a continuous and free-flowing space, topped with a copper-clad roof, which spans at least 60 meters. The entire home is open-plan, although the bedrooms and bathrooms share their own closed-off section. The children’s rooms are placed in a volume above the main floor, and they can be accessed through a catwalk. The roof has a unique tent-like form, which imitates the undulating contours of the site. Glazed walls offer tranquil views of the surrounding trees and landscape.
The interior of the home features hand-crafted elements, in spite of the structural engineering employed for the roof and the raised mezzanine. It is populated with custom fittings and fixtures, and local woodworkers built the shingled paneling, staircases, and cabinetry. The architects made these decisions to incorporate a certain wholesomeness into the space. “The intention was to bring soulfulness to the home by thinking through and resolving details in person and by hand, and not merely on a computer screen,” said the architects.
Called the Casa Santa Maria del Oro, this picturesque lakeside home in Mexico’s Nayarit state was designed by the Mexican studio MCxA Group. The home is perched on a steep slope, which gently makes its way to the water. The home features circular holes that function as light wells, a courtyard, and spaces for trees. The home is slightly embedded within the earth, and topped by a lovely green roof.
“The volume of the house is completely hidden, lost in the slope of the land and leaving only the terraces visible, which coexist with native trees and open to the lake,” said architects MCxA. The home is surrounded by five old trees, and they weren’t disturbed. Curves and holes were created in the floors and ceiling plates to ensure the trees weren’t bothered.
“Circular shapes are subtracted from the volume to honor their presence, allowing these giants to intertwine with the dwelling,” said design team leaders Mauricio Ceballos and Francisco Vázquez. This unique design style was adopted to pay tribute to the natural environment as well as the local community. Construction was conducted in such a way, that it harmonizes with nature, without causing harm to it.
The home occupies 350 square meters, and it contains three levels as well as three bedrooms. All the rooms are concealed from the view on account of the green roof, which also serves as a unique component of the home. You can access it from the upper level through a pathway of cylindrical pillars which create a 20-meter staircase. The staircase is “intricately designed to blend with the site, divert rainwater through the permeability generated by the spacing of the pieces, and serve as a sculptural statement with prefabricated cylindrical concrete steps,” as mentioned by the architects. These volumes feature curved glazed portions which offer lovely views of the trees.
Most of the living spaces are located in the middle story. This floor includes the bedrooms and bathrooms, which are located on both sides of the open-plan lounge and dining area. The home features concrete flooring and earth-toned decor. This decor includes volcanic stone and recycled wooden elements which are further accentuated by dark steel columns and window trims.
Do you love MagSafe-compatible products as much as I do?! There is a great sense of satisfaction, in my opinion, to have things just stick to your phone. Be it a pair of earphones (maybe that’ll be the next generation of AirPods) or have your phone just conveniently stick to a charging pad – it’s almost like magic. The reintroduction of the MagSafe led to a whole new world of accessories being unleashed. Designers and creatives were racing to create a whole range of products for the repurposed MagSafe. And we’ve been loving every bit of it! From a MagSafe flashlight to a Cyberpunk-themed charging station – there’s a MagSafe accessory out there for your every need. And, we’ve curated many products that we truly believe are worth buying and investing in. This army of accessories will truly amp up your Apple experience!
1. M-Con
The M-Con is inspired by sliders like the PSP Go or, closer to home, the Xperia Play. It is removable like most smartphone controllers today, but it utilizes MagSafe technology to attach it to the iPhone’s back securely. You can always have it attached, or separate the two pieces to place them into your pockets with ease. The design has another USP too – the controller portion and the MagSafe plate can also be separated, and the plate can be used as a stand for the iPhone. You can use the controller as you would, and you can play with the phone even when it is standing on the table.
2. The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
The Aulumu M01 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has a unique cyberpunk-like aesthetic which truly sets this charger aside. It doesn’t feature a straightforward row of circles, instead, it alternates their arrangement to create a visually appealing composition that instantly grabs attention. The colors alternate as well, as the white Apple Watch pad is surrounded by black circles for the iPhone and AirPods case. The charging station features the conventional text, lines, and visible screws you’d find in such a tech-centric design language.
3. WUBEN E1
Dubbed the WUBEN E1, this MagSafe flashlight has 300 lumens of brightness and is 6 times more powerful than your smartphone flashlight. It is ideal for vlogging, selfies, outdoor trips, emergencies, and even reading. You can snap the WUBEN E1 onto the back of your phone, allowing it to function as a compact ring light whenever you need it. You don’t need to resort to your phone’s poor flashlight. Even when you’re not using the WUBEN E1 as a ring light, you can prop your phone against it at any angle.
4. TORRAS MiniMag
Meet the TORRAS MiniMag – a compact MagSafe power bank that you can snap onto the back of your phone, giving it an instant and much-needed battery boost. The power bank is the size of a credit card, and it features a thickness of 0.3 inches. The MiniMag’s compact size and MagSafe compatibility allow it to seamlessly attach to your iPhone, powering it with an extra 5000mAh battery, allowing you to go about your day without the stress of your phone dying down any second.
5. Pandaer 35W Wireless Power Bank
Meet Meizu’s latest Pandaer 35W wireless power bank! The Pandaer 35W features a 10,000mAh capacity and provides multiple charges for almost all smartphones. What makes the product stand out is that it features an integrated magnetic ring, which works perfectly with Meizu’s Pandaer magnetic ecosystem, as well as other MagSafe devices. This ensures effortless and seamless charging, and you can snap your phone onto the power bank, and relax as it receives a battery boost to last the whole weekend!
6. G4 Charger
Dubbed the G4 Charger, this cool accessory reminds you of the Elago charger which converted the Apple Watch into a Macintosh. The charger features a sleek and compact form, which pulls attention to the iPhone placed on it. It is equipped with a dual joint system on the back, and you can position and angle your phone however you like using this joint. It includes a handy light inside the domed front which lights up when your phone starts charging.
7. The Native Union Profile Fox Cases
Created by Native Union and Maison Kitsuńe, these beautiful covers are made from premium Italian leather, and they’re the perfect case for your iPhone. The covers have drop protections, lips around the screen, and a camera bump. It also features a set of magnets that can be used to reinforce the attachment of the companion MagSafe wallet that can be utilized to store at least two cards. The covers are great to look at and use.
8. STRICKERS
Called STRICKERS, this ultra-thin power bank is a conceptual design that you can magnetically attach to the back of your smartphone, most likely an iPhone. The small pack is able to hold a 10,000 mAh battery capacity, so it doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the back of your smartphone. The power bank is equipped with a sheet of bendable silicone material which converts the phone into a smartphone stand.
9. The Elago WS M5 Charging Stand
Meet Elago’s WS M5 Charging Stand! The nifty little product is designed to be a whimsical yet functional MagSafe charger, and it looks like the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP. The charger serves as a stable stand to charge as well as hold your iPhone. It features a fixed 30-degree angle which is great for watching movies or videos, or even to make use of the IOS Standby Mode at night. It also includes helpful back support, ensuring the charger doesn’t fall down.
10. Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand
Meet the Apple MagSafe Origami Grip Stand – this MagSafe stand is truly a unique one, and the Japanese art of paper folding inspires it. You can fold the stand flat, hence ensuring you don’t need to waste time assembling and disassembling it. It is a one-of-a-kind accessory that is quite thin and lightweight and has the size of a credit card. The stand is easy to attach to your phone, and can be easily stored in your pocket as well.
Designed by KWK Promes, the Open House is a new and upcoming German residence that not only embraces openness but also privacy. The home not only opens up to its surroundings but also provides privacy. The home is open as standard, but with the simple flick of a switch, walls will come ahead and shut off the house to curious eyes. The Open House was built as such since the site is often populated with visitors for social and sporting events.
The intent behind the Open House was to create a house where the owner can take in the surrounding forest, and immerse himself in nature, while also being able to close off the home when the site gets busy. The walls are long and curving and placed on small wheels, which will move through an electric motor once the button is pressed.
“The site near Bremen, where the house stands, usually is a quiet corner on the edge of the village at the interface with the forest,” said KWK Promes “However, periodically – due to sports events in the direct neighborhood – the area would fill up with casual people. The architects didn’t want a fence to limit interference with the character of this place and at the same time to preserve the natural migration of wild animals. The essence has therefore become to maintain everyday openness but with the possibility of using temporary closure in the most inconvenient moments.”
The Open House has been created for a family of two, and it occupies almost 2700 sq ft, including the garage. The home includes two bedrooms, a living room, a mezzanine area, a kitchen, and bathrooms, all placed within an open layout amped with generous glazing, creating a serene connection to the outside.
The exterior is influenced by the local architectural style, and it will feature whitewashed walls and a traditional thatched reed roof with custom openings at the top. These openings will ensure better ventilation throughout the home. All the power in the home will be supplied via solar panels, although we are not sure about their capacity.
If you are a lover of pop culture, and your personal space is adorned with Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel, or Mario-themed products and devices, then, well you’re at the right spot. Because we’re gonna take it up a notch for you and introduce you to some pop-culture-based LEGO builds. We’ve curated some of our favorite pop culture LEGO builds for you to try building by yourself! From a LEGO version of the Brooklyn 99 show to a LEGO variant of Harry Potter’s Sorting Hat – these LEGO builds are complete collector’s items for pop culture lovers.
1. LEGO Downton Abbey Set
LEGO builder BRO3 created a dedicated LEGO set for the historical drama series Downton Abbey to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary. The LEGO Ideas Downton Abbey set is extremely detailed, featuring the old Highclere Castle, as well as the expansive Crawley family including the butlers and the castle caretakers who make up the main cast of the show. The built has been designed with incredible attention to detail, and it includes multiple rooms, and at least 15 minifigures – 16 if you count the dog Pharaoh. It even includes Lady Mary’s bench!
2. LEGO Godzilla
Created by the LEGO builder Matthew Esposito, the LEGO version of Godzilla is the first LEGO Godzilla, despite almost ten or more movies coming out. The LEGO build is a small-scale variant of the city-destroying reptile, and it is inspired by the ‘King of Monsters’ Godzilla’ (from the 2019 movie). The Godzilla is only a few inches tall, featuring a hefty body and long tail. It can even blow blue flames in all directions.
3. LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
LEGO builder Teljesnegyzet created the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a LEGO-based action figure set. The LEGO Ideas TMNT kit accurately represents the four turtles in their superhero garb. The set includes turtles in their four colored bandanas and bands, with their own weapons of choice. The turtles have a belt with their initials labeled on the buckle, and they have been color-matched to their originals, and display four shades of green.
4. Sorting Hat
The LEGO Group has launched another cool Harry Potter-based build – meet the LEGO version of the Sorting Hat! It is a dedicated LEGO variant that includes a hidden sound box that emits loud and randomized phrases in English, which we’ve all surely heard before. The hat is 9.5 inches tall, and 7.5 diameters in length, and you can showcase it proudly on a stand with Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw house symbols on it.
5. LEGO Barad-dûr
The new LEGO set- themed on Barad-dûr, Sauron’s iconic stronghold is a must-have for the Lord of the Rings fans. It is a build consisting of 5471 pieces and is topped with the Eye of Sauron, which is the disembodied eye that overlooks his evil domain. It includes four main sections – a prison, an armory, a throne room, and a kitchen. Users can also get a complementary 269-piece Fell beast set, with wings for the flying creature and the Nazul Minifigure.
6. LEGO Portal 2 Gun
The gun from Portal 2 doesn’t exist in real life, but Hooded-Blaze built this gun to be a perfect replica of the cyberpunk quantum gadget from the game. The Portal 2 Quantum Tunneling Device is built entirely from LEGO bricks and includes its own stand. It also has the ability to alternate between shooting orange or blue tunnels, much like the game. How cool is this build?!
7. LEGO Kung Fu Panda
A LEGO Kung Fu Panda from the first movie in the franchise was submitted to the LEGO Ideas Forum. The super cute Po is equipped with a dragon scroll and a bowl of noodles, and he performs the epic Wixu Finger Hold as well! The brick panda is equipped with a completely positionable body with movable hands, legs, head, fingers, and even eyebrows! Po also has a jiggling belly that bounces if you touch it.
8. The LEGO® Ideas 21348 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Red Dragon’s Tale
LEGO has finally combined with DUNGEONS & DRAGONS to mark DND’s 50th anniversary, creating The LEGO® Ideas 21348 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Red Dragon’s Tale. It is a 3745-piece playable box set designed by LEGO-builder Lucas Bolt and was initially submitted to LEGO’s Ideas forum, where LEGO’s internal team selected it and converted it into this stunning set, featuring a tavern, mysterious dungeon, and a tall wizard’s tower. It also includes a massive Cinderhowl, a menacing red dragon as well.
9. LEGO Brooklyn 99
Brooklyn 99 will always be hands down my favorite TV show ever, so when LEGO builder Ben Fakhauser created an adorable build for it, I was super excited. The LEGO creation includes the entire 99th precinct – all the rooms and characters as well! The precise and intricate build contains everything – from the bullpen to the captain’s office, even the printer room! Important aspects of the precinct floors were incorporated, and even secret details like Holt’s pet corgi Cheddar were recreated too!
10. LEGO Seven Dwarf’s Cottage
Say hello to this cute LEGO version of the Seven Dwarf’s Cottage from the iconic Disney movie – Snow White. The fascinating build is made using 2228 pieces, and 10 mini figurines. The build is created with a lot of attention to detail and reminds you of all the interesting and lovely bits of the table. The set also features Snow White’s glass coffin, the Evil Queen with the forbidden red apple, the Prince, and the Seven Dwarfs.
MadeiGuincho, the Portuguese woodworking experts strike again with the Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels, one of their latest tiny homes! The home featured a clever space-saving interior amped with a visually appealing curving roof which contains a terrace area for relaxation. Nestled in a rural space in the Alentejo area of Portugal, the home was built for couples or solo travelers who prefer short cozy vacations. Measuring 16.4 ft in length, and featuring a cladding of cork and timber, the home is based on a double-axle trailer. A small yet comfy deck area is connected to the exterior of the home, while the roof has a unique barrel vault form.
As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a space that is intended for a vacation. It features a finish of wood and is marked by a simple yet functional layout, with most of the space occupied by a massive combined seating/storage area. A compact kitchen and wood-burning stove are placed close to offer warmth.
Separate toilet and shower rooms are located near the entrance. The main sleeping section is on the ground floor, and it includes a double bed. Wooden steps offer access to an additional loft space above the entrance, and this can be utilized as a bedroom or a storage area, depending on the visitors’ needs and requirements.
The comfy little home is equipped with porthole-style windows, and the largest window is placed directly above the main sleeping section. This window is operable, and you can enter the roof terrace area through it. Some removable steps lead you up to the terrace. The terrace is quite snug and cozy-looking and seems like an ideal place to sit with your favorite book and unwind. A nearby tree offers shade, allowing you to lounge about without discomfort. MadeiGuincho is known for its homes that seem to have bespoke wooden style, one that sets its home apart, allowing them to have a unique identity of their own, and the Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels is no exception!
