Tag Archives: Architecture

This Little Retreat In The Australian Wilderness Offers An Off-The-Grid Yet Luxurious Weekend Getaway

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Named the Gilay Estate, and nestled in the rural landscape of New South Wales, Australia, this tiny retreat does look like an old hut or an agricultural shed from afar. But, it is in fact a cozy home designed to offer a luxurious and comfortable off-grid living experience. Designed by Cameron Anderson Architects, the home is built outside the small town of Quirindi, which consists of a population of only 2000 people. The retreat features a visually appealing exterior which includes a sloping sheet metal roof with massive overhangs to protect from the harsh sun.

Designer: Cameron Anderson Architects

The Gilay Estate also includes charred timber cladding which encapsulates the traditional fire management techniques employed by the Indigenous Australians. The interior of the home measures 40 sq m, all within one floor. The interior is mainly occupied by an open living area which contains a wood-burning stove for warmth, seating, a king-sized bed, and a kitchen. It also includes a breakfast bar/desk area for having your meals, and also working from home. The retreat also features a bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.

The comfy estate includes a couple of additional amenities as well, such as a deck area, a little wood-fired hot tub, and a fire pit. These extra features make the retreat even more appealing and luxurious, offering sophisticated options to pass the time. Besides these lovely touches, the home is equipped to support an off-the-grid lifestyle. It is powered by a roof-based 6.4-kW solar panel array and 11.4-kW battery storage, whereas the water is supplied by a 60,000-liter (roughly 15,800-gal) rainwater collection system. The Gilay Estate is quite independent in providing electricity and water, so visitors do not need to depend on external sources.

The Gilay Estate is available for short-term rent on Airbnb, you can check it out for a quaint off-grid vacation if you’re in the mood to reconnect with nature!

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Unveiling Egypt’s Architectural Wonders: A Journey Through Time

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Ancient Egyptian architecture is deeply rooted in the divine relationship between humans the kings and their Gods. This symbolism is echoed in the tombs, pyramids, and temples of Egypt. The prevalent use of materials such as limestone, sandstone, and granite evolved from sun-baked mud bricks, with architectural designs reflecting a harmonious mix of religious, social, and political influences.

Designer: I. M. Pei

Egyptian Art Timeline

Egyptian art history is characterized by three key epochs:

Old Kingdom (circa 2,700-2,200 B.C.E.)

The Old Kingdom was characterized by political stability and economic prosperity. This period witnessed the construction of grand pyramidal tombs for Egyptian monarchs, while early Egyptians employed mastabas for marking their deceased graves.

The Middle Kingdom (2,050-1,800 B.C.E.)

This period is often regarded as the golden age which gave rise to some of its most exceptional works of art and literature.

The New Kingdom (approximately 1,550-1,100 B.C.E)

The history of Egyptian Architecture is marked as a flourishing era of architecture and art. During this period, the Pharaoh’s empire was achieved through diplomacy, trade, and warfare, securing centuries of political stability and prosperity.

Characteristics of Egyptian Architecture

• Materials: The temples and pyramids were constructed from stone, while houses were primarily made from mud brick. Most of the Egyptian structures featured flat roofs, which were supported by exterior walls and columns.
• Monumental Scale: Egyptian architecture is known for its monumental scale as in the Great Pyramid of Giza, standing over 450 feet tall.

Image courtesy of: antonpetrus

• Hierarchical Planning: Hierarchical Planning in Egyptian architecture arranges spaces deliberately. Karnak Temple Complex is a testament to the planning skills as it incorporates a strategic layout, leading to the grand Hypostyle Hall, emphasizing its religious importance.

Image courtesy of: Givaga

• Symbolic Decoration: Symbolism forms an integral part of Egyptian architecture. Deir el-Bahari’s Temple of Hatshepsut is beautified with intricately carved reliefs and sculptures that narrate her divine birth, reign, and religious significance.

Image courtesy of: Givaga

• Hieroglyphs: Hieroglyphs are formal inscriptions on papyrus and wood. They encompass logographic, syllabic, and alphabetic elements, portraying real or abstract concepts, and holding religious significance.

Image courtesy of: animix

• Pylon Gateways: Pylon gates of the Temple of Horus at Edfu, feature immense, sloping structures marking the transition from the secular to the sacred world and it is adorned with intricate artwork.

Image courtesy of: wirestock

• Mortuary Temples: Mortuary temples are dedicated to pharaohs like Ramesses II. They were places of worship, featuring colossal statues and detailed reliefs, aimed at preserving the pharaoh’s legacy and ensuring divine favor.

Image courtesy of: Merlinus74

• Hypostyle Halls: In Egyptian architecture, Hypostyle halls are expansive spaces featuring numerous colossal columns, as seen in the Temple of Luxor’s magnificent hall with 74 intricately adorned columns.

Image courtesy of: BlackBoxGuild

• Carved stone images: Architects utilized indigenous stones like soft limestone, sandstone, calcite, and schist to craft sculptures of deities, monarchs, and royalty. These sculptures conveyed tales of victories, battles, foreign conquests, and pharaohs’ lives.

Image courtesy of: BreakingTheWalls

• Mastabas: A hallmark of Egyptian architecture, mastabas, served as burial tombs along the Nile’s banks. Inspired by pyramid construction, these brick and stone structures entombed kings and their families. The structure featured rectangular shapes, sloping walls, and interiors with statues, vaults, and chambers.

Image courtesy of: wirestock

• Clerestory Windows: Clerestory windows were positioned on high walls as they channel natural light into sanctuaries. This divine illumination enhances spiritual experiences, harmonizing with architecture.
• Obelisks: Obelisks are iconic in Egyptian architecture due to their towering, slender structures topped with pyramids, exemplified by the Luxor Obelisk, formerly located at Luxor Temple.

Image courtesy of: filin72

Top Ten Egyptian Structures

Many remarkable ancient Egyptian marvels have withstood the test of time and dedicated archaeologists have unveiled the stories hidden within these grand temples, statues, tombs, and the pharaohs responsible for them. Below, explore ten of Egypt’s most extraordinary ancient monuments.

1. Great Pyramids of Giza

Image courtesy of: wirestock

The Great Pyramid, part of the Giza necropolis in Cairo, was built by Khufu during Ancient Egypt’s 4th Dynasty. Standing at 139 meters and employing 100,000 craftsmen, it’s the last of the Seven Wonders of the World. Khufu’s son, Khafre, built the second, slightly shorter pyramid, while Menkaure constructed the smallest.

2. Abu Simbel

Image courtesy of: ivanmorenosl

During the 19th Dynasty, Ramesses the Great carved the imposing Abu Simbel temple into solid rock to assert his divinity in Nubian territory. The Great Temple’s entrance is guarded by four colossal 20-meter statues of Ramesses II, with hieroglyphs inside depicting his feats and interactions with gods. The Small Temple, dedicated to the sky goddess Hathor, features statues of Ramesses II’s wife, Queen Nefertari, standing 10 meters tall.

3. The Great Sphinx, Giza

Image courtesy of: wirestock

The Great Sphinx, near Khafre’s pyramid complex, is a unique monument crafted in the 4th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. Khafre added his face to a lion’s body. The nose, often attributed to Napoleon’s soldiers, was likely removed by 14th-century Muslim groups to discourage offerings from local farmers, dispelling earlier myths.

4. Luxor Temple

Image courtesy of: Givaga

Luxor Temple served as a site for New Kingdom pharaohs to rejuvenate their kingship before the gods. Amenhotep III and Ramesses II erected monuments to celebrate the Opet festival, during which gods like Amun, Maat, and Khons journeyed from Karnak to Luxor for a 24-day celebration. Notable structures include the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, the Great Court of Ramesses II, the First Pylon, and the Standing Statue of Ramesses II.

5. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Image courtesy of: Unai82

Built during Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is near the Valley of the Kings, beneath Deir el Bahari’s cliff. Architect Senenmut designed it, dedicated to the god Amun. Hatshepsut, a unique female Pharaoh, ruled for nearly two decades and is considered history’s first “great lady.” She accidentally poisoned herself while treating a hereditary skin condition.

6. Karnak Temple

Image courtesy of: Yakov_Oskanov

Karnak, a revered site in Egypt, was dedicated to Amun-Ra’s worship. This complex, central for Thebes’ festivals, evolved over 2,000 years. Akhenaten’s temple to Aten was demolished by Horemheb and Ramesses II. Prominent monuments include the Hypostyle Hall, Thutmose I’s Obelisk, Hatshepsut’s Obelisk, Horemheb’s Great Edict, and the Avenue of Sphinxes.

7. The Valley of The Kings

Image courtesy of: DavePrimov

The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, served as the New Kingdom pharaohs’ burial ground. It contains various tombs, ranging from single coffins to elaborate underground family tombs for the afterlife. The most renowned is King Tutankhamun’s, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Attempts to erase Tutankhamun from history by later pharaohs protected his tomb from disturbance for nearly 3,500 years.

8. The Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid of Sneferu

Image courtesy of: BlackBoxGuild

Sneferu, the inaugural pharaoh of Egypt’s 4th Dynasty and Khufu’s father, reigned for around 50 years. He constructed three pyramids, including the Bent Pyramid, named due to mid-construction angle adjustments. The Red Pyramid, known for its reddish color due to limestone oxidation, once had a white limestone casing stolen by robbers due to its flat sides, leaving the red core visible.

9. The Colossi of Memnon

Image courtesy of: Givaga

The Colossi of Memnon, two 20-meter-tall statues of Amenhotep III, are now part of the Theban Necropolis in Luxor. Originally part of his mortuary temple, they are massive stone structures stacked without mortar. The statues were restored multiple times, even by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, but face recent deterioration due to pollution and wear. Efforts are underway to prevent further damage and collapse. “Memnon” is the Greek name given in honor of their hero from the Trojan War.

10. Temple of Edfu

Image courtesy of: Unai82

Constructed in the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the Temple of Edfu is a tribute to Horus and Hathor. With the ascendance of Christianity in the 4th century, the temple lost its religious significance, suffering arson and vandalism. Villagers later built over and nearly buried the site. Today, Edfu attracts tourists on Nile riverboats, offering a glimpse into Egypt’s history.

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Wave-Shaped Data Center Is Europe’s Biggest 3D-Printed Building Constructed In Only 140 Hours

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Located in Heidelberg, the Wave House is designed to be a new data center in the urban heart of Germany. Designed by SSV and Mense Korte, and built by Peri 3D Construction for the developer KrausGruppe, the Wave House was 3D-printed, adding an element of style and personality to the rather mundane arena of cloud-computing infrastructure. The end result is Europe’s largest 3D-printed building! The building measures 6600 sq ft and has a rather unique appearance, in an attempt to draw attention and make it unlike the typical 3D-printed structures we come across.

Designer: SSV, Mense Korte & Peri 3D Construction

“Due to the typical absence of windows and large openings in all or the main areas of data centers, for safety and other reasons, data centers tend to look quite dull and uninspiring,” said a press release by COBOD. “As long as such data centers are placed far outside the cities this problem is perhaps of less concern, but the trend towards making data centers more in the vicinity of the users and therefore locate them in suburban areas and cities has created a need to make the data centers more visually appealing.

This issue was resolved by imparting the walls with an innovative wave design, which also lends the building its name. The fascinating waves could not have been built using traditional construction methods, hence 3D-printed technology was adopted, to support creative and design freedom while producing the walls.

The construction process of the Wave House is similar to other 3D-printed projects we’ve come across. It was printed using a single COBOD BOD2 printer, the same model that has been utilized to build other 3D-printed buildings of importance. The printer extrudes a recyclable cement-like mixture in layers via a nozzle. This is done at a rate of 43 sq ft per hour to create the exterior walls which have a length of 177 ft, a width of 35 ft, and a height of 29.5 ft.

The entire printing process involved around 140 hours, after which, finishing touches were added to the project by humans. These touches include the doors, roof, lighting, as well as the wiring and gear needed for a data center well-connected to the internet. A robotic painter by Deutsche Amphibolin-Werke was utilized to paint the interiors of the building. How cool!

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Elevated Tiny Home Is Designed As An Economical & Safe Solution To Bangladesh’s Flooding Problem

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Bangladesh is quite prone to flooding, with about 80% of the country marked as floodplain. With a population of around 170 million, this is quite a severe and serious problem for the country. To serve as a solution to this issue, the Khudi Bari was designed. The Khudi Bari is a low-cost raised tiny home that has been created to serve as an economical and safe housing solution against the flooding problem. Designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and in collaboration with engineers AKT II, the Khudi Bari has been elevated above the ground and must be entered via a ladder.

Designer: Marina Tabassum

The home isn’t equipped with wheels, but it can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing it to be moved to a new location without the need for any special tools or expertise. This home will help the citizens of Bangladesh to evade the rising floodwater. Constructed from bamboo and prefabricated recycled aluminum nodes into which the bamboo is fitted, the humble home has an interior occupying around 64 sq ft to 144 sq ft. The walls and roof are locally sourced and built from materials such as metal and polycarbonate. The Khudi Bari includes one room, which includes space underneath, so you can expand it if the need arises.

The model home in the images is an installation in Vitra Campus, Germany. The Campus includes many stunning architectural designs including Renzo Piano’s Diogene. But the home isn’t simply a prototype, and 100 units have been delivered throughout Bangladesh already.

“It is an extremely low-cost, lightweight structure that can be assembled and dismantled by hand – without electricity or any other means of mechanical power,” said Vitra’s press release. “Marina Tabassum’s team has been building these houses in the chars [landmasses made from silt and sand] together with relief organizations and community groups, improving existential conditions for a vulnerable population living at the absolute minimum subsistence level. Over one hundred Khudi Bari have already been installed and more are yet to come.”

Currently, we aren’t aware of the exact pricing of the Khudi Bari, but AKT II said it is being produced for US$380, and they are trying to reduce the cost.

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10 Best Dog Products to Keep Your Furry Friend Happy & Comfy

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I am definitely a complete cat person, but I really cannot help adoring doggos at times! They are just so cute, not to mention insanely loving (a quality most cat owners aren’t used to witnessing in their pets). And as much as I love pampering my kittie cats with presents from time to time, I’m sure all dog owners feel the same. Ensuring your pet feels safe, secure, and comfortable at home is every pet owner’s priority. We want to make sure they always feel loved and truly at home! It’s important to create an environment where they feel completely safe to let their guard down, while also managing to stay active and playful. And, we’ve curated a collection of dog-friendly product designs that promise to do exactly that! These pet products will help turn your home into the ultimate safe haven for your dogs, allowing you to connect and bond with them better while ensuring they’re always comfortable.

1. Fetch House

Dubbed the Fetch House, and designed by CallisonRKTL, this unique-looking home offers shelter to one happy doggo. It features a modular internal structure that lets you compression-fit at least a 1000 tennis ball into it! You can randomly pluck out the balls from their individual enclosers to play fetch with your pet. And once your dog is done playing, you can press-fit the ball back into the dog house.

Why is it noteworthy?

If you like, you can add fewer balls and build patterns in the facade, or even form windows for ventilation and light. “Ultimately, we would like to create a platform that allows individuals to customize the doghouse design based on their specific dog,” says Brendan O’Grady, VP of CRKTL’s Dallas office. “They can then download the digital model and use a local maker space or their own desktop 3D printer to fabricate the structure.

What we like

  • Unique and fun home for your dogs
  • Easy access to balls, so you can play fetch with your pet whenever

What we dislike

  • We’re unsure how to maintain and clean the dog house

2. ORo

 

Ogmen Robotics unveiled something super cool at CES 2024. It is an intelligent home robot that was designed from the ground up to be the “pawfect” guardian, playmate, and caretaker for your canine best friend. It looks like one of those robots on wheels that are intended for human use.

Why is it noteworthy?

ORo can provide physical, mental, and emotional stimulation through playful activities. It can help you keep track of the dog’s health, and even find out when they’re feeling anxious, and play some soothing music to help calm them down.

What we like

  • Help owners train their dogs through obedience games and virtual training services

What we dislike

  • Not sure how comfy dogs would feel with a robot, they could get aggressive or feel threatened

3. Clink Clicker

Named the Clink Clicker, this tiny gadget is perfect for training your doggo! The click combines clicking and the treats in one nifty design, so you need to hold and operate only one device while training your dog. The clicker looks like a typical clicker, but it is equipped with a sliding mechanism that holds treats for your doggo!

Why is it noteworthy?

Once you’re done training your dog, you need to press the clicker, and your doggy will come to you. You can feed him the treats then! The clicker features a tiny space for the treats, which is essentially a desiccant compartment that keeps the treats fresh even if you’re outdoors with your pet.

What we like

  • Simplifies your training session with your pet
  • Reduces the time spent on the training process

What we dislike

  • The size of the clicker is quite small, so you need to take care to not misplace it

4. Precision-Crafted Pet Bowl

Called the Precision-Crafted Pet Bowl, this aesthetic-looking food bowl for your furry buddies isn’t just good-looking, it is functional too. Creativity and craftsmanship were combined to create a pet bowl that offers a delightful experience for all the members of your home. The bowl was designed to focus completely on the eating experience, making the “ease of eating” the main aim of the design, but doing so in a simple yet efficient manner.

Click Here to Buy Now: $349

Why is it noteworthy?

It is a stainless steel bowl that serves food at an angle of 20 degrees, making it easy for your pets to slurp on their food and eat it up, without spilling anything. At the same time, this makes life easier for humans, as they don’t need to keep cleaning up once their pets are done eating.

What we like

  • Meets the needs of humans and pets alike
  • The base is made of fine Japanese cypress wood

What we dislike

  • Too easy for food to spill out

5. ROLA PetPal Robot

Raising pets isn’t an easy task and with busy schedules, it can be hard to be present for them all the time. This is where the Enabot ROLA PetPal robot comes in! The robot helps you and takes a load off your shoulders, especially if you’re not able to always give your pet what he/she needs. You can change what the robot does, by switching out the load it carries on its back!

Why is it noteworthy?

The ROLA PetPal resembles the popular disc-shaped robot vacuum cleaners. It features two wheels on the side and has a “face” on the front. It has a modular design and can switch from providing entertainment to exercise. You simply need to switch to the Interactive Toys module or the Treat Dispenser module.

What we like

  • Keeps your doggos occupied with a playful stick, laser games, or rolling balls

What we dislike

  • Pets may not take too well to the robot and may take some time to adjust to it

6. Dyson Pet Grooming Kit

Getting your pets neat and clean can be a tedious process, but something that cannot be avoided at all costs. If you want to break down and simplify your doggy’s cleaning process, then you may want to get your hands on the Dyson Pet Grooming Kit. This grooming kit works great for cats as well!

Why is it noteworthy?

Cats and dogs both tend to shed quite a bit, depending on their breed and the season. This grooming kit helps you handle the issue at its root, keeping your pets neat and tidy, while also ensuring you don’t need to run around constantly vacuuming and cleaning your house.

What we like

  • Makes the after-bath ritual less hectic and more calming
  • Comes along with an extension hose, which offers 3 feet of flexibility

What we dislike

  • You need a Dyson vacuum cleaner to pair up with the accessories and use them

7. Wowo Multipurpose Furniture

Dubbed Wowo Multipurpose Furniture, this collection of furniture designs is intended for human kids and fur babies both! It includes furniture pieces with rounded and playful forms, as well as colorful hues that truly make them stand out. The shapes of the furniture designs are inspired by the mouth shape kids make when they say the word “wowo”.

Why is it noteworthy?

The designs feature a hollow structure, merged with “saturation color and mellow shape”, to create comfortable furniture products that are cozy for both kids and pets. Some of the seats are hallowed, creating space for your pets to sit in, and lounge about. This furniture collection serves as a harmonious space for your human kids, and pet kids!

What we like

  • Works well for your kids and pets both
  • The main components of the furniture are 3D-printed

What we dislike

  • The collection seems to be a concept currently, so we are unsure how well it will translate as a real product

8. Cottage Dog House

This adorable little structure is called the Cottage Dog House! It is a minimalist dog house designed for your beloved pets. It features metallic elements, and eco-friendly felt coverings, creating a cozy little corner for your dog. It allows your pet to have a space of their own in their home, somewhere they can retire to and rest, without being disturbed. Although dogs aren’t too fussy, and they can get comfy anywhere, it is still nice to have a special space for them in your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed by LSY and Jaeyeon Choi, this dog house is one-of-a-kind, as it serves as a comfortable haven using only a felt covering, and a pretty sturdy and durable build. Although the home is quite minimal and simple to look at it, it has a resilient build, and can handle your dog’s weight and sudden activity.

What we like

  • Features an internal cushion that offers extra comfort for your canine buddy
  • It has a removable roof to allow for an open-air sleeping area as well

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics are a bit too simple and could have been worked upon

9. Maeve Pet Protection System

Say hello to the Maeve Pet Protection System – an innovative system by Tavo that lets you take your pet from your home to the car, and then to the final location with total ease. This system is a lifesaver when you need to take your pet to a dreaded vet appointment. It contains a carrier and a vehicle base for the carrier.

Why is it noteworthy?

The latest United Nations ECE child restraint standards were used by Tavo to provide the highest degree of safety and protection possible. With this protection system, you can travel with your pet in peace, knowing they are safe and secure.

What we like

  • Ensures the ultimate safety and comfort while traveling for your doggo

What we dislike

  • We’re not sure how easy to clean and maintain the system is

10. Hank Feed Bowl

This is the “Hank” Feed Bowl, and it is designed to help your doggo eat with ease. It features a maze pattern which ensures they don’t just gobble down their food in one go without raising their heads, as this can cause choking and clogging of the digestive tract. The feed bowl helps them eat in a better manner.

Why is it noteworthy?

Made from silicone, the bowl can be removed and cleaned easily, which should be done often. It is fitted inside a container with a cover, which keeps dust, dirt, and other unhygienic substances away from their food. The designer also says that the “working principle of the cover will automatically turn on” when it detects that your dog is nearby.

What we like

  • Features a silicone strap, so you can carry it with you whenever you head out with your dog
  • It resembles an adorable little toy

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we are unsure how functional it will be as a tangible product

The post 10 Best Dog Products to Keep Your Furry Friend Happy & Comfy first appeared on Yanko Design.

The World’s Longest Immersed Tunnel Is Set To Connect Germany & Denmark In 2029

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Set to open in 2029, an impressive underwater road and rail tunnel is being constructed in Europe! Dubbed the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, it will connect Germany and Denmark, crossing around an 11.2-mile stretch of the Baltic Sea. The Fehmarnbelt runner or the Fehmarn Belt fixed link is being constructed by Femern A/S, Rambøll, Arup, and TEC. It is set to be the world’s longest-immersed tunnel, and the world’s deepest-immersed tunnel with road and rail traffic. In these claims, it is important to focus on the ‘immersed’ bit, since there are longer undersea tunnels like the Channel Tunnel. But despite that, this is still a really exciting and extraordinary project!

Designer: Femern A/S, Rambøll, Arup and TEC

When the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is completed, it will connect Rødbyhavn in Denmark and Fehmarn in Germany. It is set to be the shortest route between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. People will have the option to take a seven-minute train journey or a ten-minute car drive across the Fehmarn Belt, instead of the forty-five-minute ferry. To build the expansive tunnel, 360,000 tonnes of rebar will be required, which is almost 50 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower’s metal structure. The site on the Danish section is the size of around 373 soccer pitches, and nearly 70 vessels were needed to dredge up the tunnel trench. As a whole, about 12 million cubic meters of soil was dredged up from the seabed.

As you can see the tunnel is truly something to reckon with, and it will include 79 standard and 10 special sections. The standard sections will weigh around 73,000 tonnes, with a length of 217 m, and a width of 42m, and a height of 10m. The special sections will be more compact and will be half the length of the standard sections. Although, the width and height will be a little more. The tunnel portions will be first cast on land and then floated into place with the help of a barge. After which they will be submerged, and firmly positioned on the seabed at a depth of 40m.

Such a mighty project will require a mighty budget to back it up. Currently, the budget for the Fehmarnbelt tunnel is around DKK8.4 billion or around US$1.2 billion. The first section of the tunnel was inaugurated by Denmark’s King Frederik X, and it will be sunk soon.

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ESA’s LEGO-like space bricks made from meteorite dust explore building houses on the Moon

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In sci-fi movies and TV shows, we’ve seen houses or structures built on other planets and on the moon. That’s probably still decades away from actually happening but it doesn’t mean that we can’t start dreaming about it. And those that are actually involved in space things are doing more than just dreaming, they’re actually testing things out to prepare for the possibility. And now we’re getting the first tiny steps into thinking how we can build homes for the astronauts on the moon.

Designer: European Space Agency

The scientists at the ESA have come up with space bricks, similar to the LEGO bricks that a lot of them (and a lot of us) love. The idea is to explore whether the materials found on the moon can actually be used to build houses and other structures. It makes sense to use what’s already there rather than bringing over building materials from earth. The surface there has layers of rocks and mineral fragments called lunar regolith. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of that material here on Earth to actually play around with.

What the scientists did is to grind up 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite (which was found in North Africa 20 years ago) and mix them with some polylactide and regolith stimulant. The mixture was then used to 3D print some bricks in the style of LEGO. Since this is from meteorite, it only comes in “stylish space grey” color. With these bricks, they can test creating some small-scale structures to play around with the possibility of eventually using regolith to build houses on the Moon.

Some of the ESA space bricks will be displayed at selected LEGO stores so kids (and maybe adults) can play around with it. They want to encourage kids to become interested in space and build their own LEGO Moon bases. Seeing bricks that have billions of years materials on it seems like a pretty interesting experience if there’s a LEGO store near you.

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Garden Pavilion For Plant Conservation Is Made Using A Modified Softwood That Is As Good As Hardwood

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Designed by NU Architectuur Atelier, the Green Ark is located in the center of Belgium’s Meise Botanic Garden. The structure is an extremely sustainable visitor pavilion on the grounds of the Bouchout Castle in the Flemish Brabant. It is part of an impressive project that aims to extend 7600 sq m of greenhouses in the heart of the site. It is built from Kebony Clear wood, forming a lattice structure that is truly a wonder to look at. The rather dramatic and sophisticated-looking structure is located dead in the middle of the 92-hectare conservatory.

Designer: NU Architectuur Atelier

The Meise Botanic Garden is supposed to be one of the largest conservatories in the world that looks after endangered plant species. The project which is intended for restoration includes 22 of the Garden’s greenhouses. The greenhouses are focused on different environments and some of the activities on the site include education and conservation. With the Green Ark, the architectural firm has designed a dramatic and impressive pavilion in one of the newly resorted conservatories. It provides visitors with educational experiences, allowing them to learn more about the endangered plants.

The structure features a curved roof of Kebony wood shingles which look like scales! The shingles seem to gently cascade down the curved sides, creating quite an interesting visual. The interior of the pavilion features a wooden structure elevated on a concrete frame and paired up with a glazed ground floor. The glazed floor allows a glimpse into the surrounding glasshouses.

The Kebony wood was an integral part of the pavilion’s structure. The company is being acknowledged for its ‘modified wood’ process, which involves a faster growth rate of softwood and a special technique that merges wood with furan polymers to provide increased solidity and stability. Kebony’s softwood is a sustainable option when it comes to carbon capture and sourcing. The Green Ark is also designed to recycle rainwater through the shingled roof. The remaining portion of the roof serves as a flat structure that offers views into the surrounding greenhouses.

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Floating sauna beside museum is accessible and sustainable

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When visiting a museum that’s located next to a body of water, probably the next thing you think of after you’ve completed your tour is: “Hmmm, it would be nice to have a relaxing time at a sauna”. Well, that’s if you’re tired after going around the museum. If you visit the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, you will get the chance to do just that.

Designer: Estudio Herreros

Trosten is a floating sauna that you can find in the fjord next to the museum as both are designed by Estudio Herreros. The idea is to bring saunas closer to the people and make it sustainable and accessible as well. They were inspired by architectural follies but aside from it being aesthetic, the structure is still also highly functional but with a “distinct volume and silhouette with a strong, colorful component”.

The sauna’s main structure is actually constructed offsite and then placed on the prefabricated floating concrete platform. It’s made with aluminum cladding with a green tone to give off a calm and relaxing vibe, combining it with the usual wooden decking you see on saunas with large terrazzo tiled surfaces plus steel balustrades and netting. Outside there’s stepped seating so users can also sunbathe before or after using the sauna. Inside there are lockers and seating spaces and inside the sauna itself you get stepped wooden seating.

At the back, there’s also a sheltered seating space and you can access the fjord from here if you want to cool off. Since this is a sustainable structure, you get an energy system and a steam recirculation system and use of natural and recycled materials. It would be nice to heat up and cool off at something like this after a long day of exploring the museum and nearby places.

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With Three Bedrooms, This Tiny Home Is A Comfy & Cozy House For A Family Of Five

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Designed by Evergreen Homes Australia, the Grevillea is a great housing option for families, as it can accommodate up to five people, although it may be a tight fit. The home features a clever space-saving layout that includes three bedrooms as well as a well-designed kitchen. All these features have been snugly fit into a length of 8.4m. The home is named after an evergreen tree and is founded on a triple-axle trailer.

Designer: Evergreen Homes Australia

Equipped with a black metal exterior and timber accenting, the home has a stylish matte finish to it. It features a glass door that leads you to a compact living room equipped with a small sofa and a wood-burning stove. The interior of the home is quite light and spacious. Generous glazing and high ceilings add an airy vibe to the home. Tiny nooks and smart shelving help in maximizing the storage space within the home. The kitchen is positioned next to the living room, and it is pretty well-stocked. The home includes a two-burner propane-powered stove, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, a full-size electric oven as well as a sink. The kitchen also contains a seating area with stools and a breakfast bar for two. The breakfast is amped with a pull-out table area.

The master bedroom is located next to the kitchen, and it has plenty of headroom to stand upright since it is positioned downstairs. The bedroom features a queen-sized bed, with a bathroom placed on the opposite side of the home. The bathroom houses a full-sized shower, composting toilet, and vanity sink.

Besides the master bedroom, Grevillea also accommodates two loft bedrooms. The larger bedroom can be accessed via a storage-integrated staircase and is like most loft-style rooms found in tiny homes. You can enter the smaller bedroom through a wooden ladder, and it can house one person. It can be used for storage, if not a bedroom. The tiny home is powered by a grid-based hookup, though it can be equipped with solar panels if the owner decides to adopt an off-the-grid lifestyle.

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