Tag Archives: Architecture

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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Luxury Meets Sustainability In This Mirrored Holiday Home In The Forests Of India

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Called Reflections, this idyllic holiday home by Okno Modhomes is tucked away in the midst of a jungle in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India. The tranquil home with a fascinating mirrored facade is the ultimate haven in nature, away from the chaos of city life. Occupying 300 square feet, the contemporary-style home is protected by a lush canopy of newly planted and old trees. It is designed to be a space where humans and nature can co-exist in peace, functioning as a thoughtfully designed and sustainable architectural structure. The home was constructed to have as little an impact as possible on the surrounding environment. The interesting mirrored facade beautifully complements the lush green environment, while the metallic and wooden elements add a modern yet earthy touch to the home.

Designer: Okno Modhomes

As you enter the home through a quaint entryway, you are welcomed into a raised living area that seems to be floating amidst the trees. Expansive views and the noise of the outdoors highlight the deck which allows residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the woods. The home features an open-plan living area which perfectly merges the indoor and outdoor spaces. This area is the highlight of the home. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow impressive glimpses of the surrounding greenery. This living area then harmoniously connects to the outdoor deck with a hot tub, and a cozy lounge area, which is great for admiring views and staring at the stars in the night sky.

As you explore further, you are welcomed by a comfortable bedroom amped with stunning views of the forest. Natural materials were utilized, including soft textiles and organic wood finishes to uplift this space, imparting it with an elegant yet warm touch. The bedroom features a motorized sliding bed which offers a chance to partake in some stargazing.

“The mirrored exterior of Reflections not only creates a striking visual effect but also serves a functional purpose,” said Okno Modhomes. It reflects the natural surroundings, reducing the visual impact of the structure and helping it blend into the landscape. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems ensures that Reflections is as gentle on the environment as it is on the eyes,” the firm concluded.

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This Little Cabin In Prague Features A Facade That Can Be Lifted Up To Open It To The Outside

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Dubbed the Garden Pavilion, and designed by BYRÓ architekti, this cozy retreat looks like a simple little shed when you first look at it. However, located on a garden plot in Prague, the home is equipped with a clever space-saving layout. The retreat’s front-facing facade can be raised, opening up the cabin to the outdoors! How cool is that?!

Designer: BYRÓ architekti

The pavilion was constructed on the foundation of what was once an old wooden cottage. Greenhouses and other small cottages are located next to it, which function as storage spaces for gardeners. The retreat was designed to merge with its surroundings while allowing the residents to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the greenery.

“We thought about how to connect the building as closely as possible to the surrounding garden, and we ultimately came up with the idea of a folding panel that allows one side of the house to completely open,” said BYRÓ architekti. “This way, the interior seamlessly transitions to the outdoors, with the garden penetrating the building, creating a kind of paraphrase of a garden loggia, which was our fundamental architectural inspiration. When open, the polycarbonate wall also functions as an outdoor roof, expanding the covered space where one can stay during rainy weather. The panel folding mechanism consists of steel cables, pulleys, and counterweights, making it easy for one person to open the entire facade.”

The retreat occupies a minimal footprint and measures 3 x 5 m. It has a finish of charred wood which was created using the traditional Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban. This technique involves burning wood to preserve the home and keep bugs at bay. The interior of the home is 20 sq m, and it features two floors which have been designed like a tiny home. The ground floor includes an open living area which has plenty of shelving for books and CDs. It also contains a dining table and seating.

The upper floor can be accessed via a fixed wooden ladder and this section doesn’t have to have a lot of headspace. This floor includes the bedroom – some shelving, a double bed, and a skylight. The retreat doesn’t contain a bathroom, which is quite inconvenient, but also implies that it may not be intended for long stays. The Garden Pavilion is better suited for spending time during the day, or for an occasional overnight trip.

The post This Little Cabin In Prague Features A Facade That Can Be Lifted Up To Open It To The Outside first appeared on Yanko Design.

Discover Cosmic ONE: A Sustainable, Off-Grid Tiny Home for Modern Living

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If you’re interested in the ADU movement and are considering living in one, then you’ve probably found yourself drowning in a whole bunch of incredible options. It is a difficult choice to make, as there are a lot of factors to consider and think about. However, Cosmic is attempting to simplify and ease up this process for you, by streamlining it and welcoming clients to check out their solar-powered homes and make a decision for themselves. The homes feature battery storage, air purification systems, high-performance insulation construction, and graywater solutions.

Designer: Cosmic

Designed by the San Francisco ADU developer, the Cosmic ONE offers three different layouts ranging from $279,000 to $445,500. The tiniest home is a 380-square-foot studio which serves as the perfect backyard ADU with a bedroom measuring 595 square feet. There is another 750-square-foot two-bedroom unit designed for full-time residency. Cosmic allows you to choose a layout, and then you can customize the design aesthetically. A smooth-coated aluminum panel facade exterior is paired perfectly with cedar siding or eco-cement fiber.

Each Cosmic house is amped with a half-roof array of solar panels, as well as a 5 kWh battery which supports net zero operations even when unplugged from the grid. Cosmic gives customers the opportunity to extend the solar panels, allowing them to cover most of the roof. This can be done at an additional cost of $4,000-$12,000. You can also double up the backup battery capacity for an additional $6,000.

For those who want a complete off-the-grid lifestyle, you can also install a renewable water generation system for drinking water. Cosmic also provides a gray water system for suburban backyards. These can be used to treat wastewater, and utilize it for “all non-potable needs inside the home, in the garden, or for the pool.”

The interiors of the home are soothing and elegant, with ceilings measuring 8′ 4″ – 12′ 10″ in height and marked by wide-plank white oak floors. The bathrooms are contemporary with warm touches, with a beautiful finish of Cream de Lyon limestone and white oak.

The post Discover Cosmic ONE: A Sustainable, Off-Grid Tiny Home for Modern Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meet The Outlander: A Masculine, Industrial All-Black Tiny Home For Men On The Go

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If you’re looking for a tiny home that looks rugged and unabashed while meeting all your micro-living requirements then you may want to take a look at the Outlander. Designed to be a breath of fresh air in a world where most tiny homes look alike, or seem extremely cutesy or boho chic, the Outlander looks sturdy and reliable. Showcasing a contemporary industrial style, the Outlander is equipped with a small home frame, complemented by unique, custom-made pieces. The Outlander features an all-black exterior, which allows it to seamlessly merge with its surroundings during the night. The interior is stunning with a hint of industrial aesthetic.

Designer: Artisan Tiny Homes

The home was designed and constructed in Tasmania and is quite a spacious and cozy space. The length is nine meters and accommodates an open-space kitchen, a king-size loft bedroom, lounge, and a bathroom with a bathtub as well as a full-size shower cabin. The bathroom is exceptionally designed and is custom-made. The sink is built from a keg, while the bathtub is a converted ice tub. The shower cabin walls have been made from corrugated iron. The various custom-made pieces elevate the washroom’s industrial aesthetic, giving it a sophisticated touch. It contains minimal wooden furniture which is custom-made as well. The vanity and deep-set shelves have been designed for clever storage and to save space. The tapware in the bathroom is black, and beautifully contrasts the white shipping walls.

The entire home features the same concrete-esque flooring which gives it a seamless and harmonious look. The color palette of the home is quite industrial with the use of neutral urban tones that perfectly complement the matte black furniture and accents. These thoughtful touches create a living space that is minimal and elegant, yet powerful and bold.

Another interesting point of the home is that it includes a number of smart storage hacks. The kitchen and bathroom share a transition area which functions as a spacious wardrobe. The kitchen incorporates massive cabinets and overhead shelves. The staircase also serves as a magnificent decorative piece. It lies somewhere in between a staircase and a ladder and seems to float in the air. It provides access to the bedroom which is loft-style, and is equipped with generous storage.

The post Meet The Outlander: A Masculine, Industrial All-Black Tiny Home For Men On The Go first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aman’s Latest Pop-Up Store In Thailand Is An Eco-Friendly, Modular Alternative To Heavy Construction

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The hospitality brand Aman commissioned an architectural firm called Luxury Frontiers to design an eco-friendly and sophisticated mobile retail concept to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Designed as a part of the anniversary celebrations, the Aman cabana pop-up shop will be opening up at Amanpuri, in Phuket, Thailand.  The resultant design is classic, elegant, and a subtle structure that can be assembled and disassembled at will.

Designer: Luxury Frontiers

The mobile pop-up shop is designed to be moved around in various Aman properties while capturing and representing the brand’s lovely and distinguished identity. Designed to look luxe, the cabana is pre-manufactured and can be easily and efficiently assembled and disassembled without 12 hours. No specialized equipment or niche skills are required to set up the store. This allows the store to be an easy project that can be shifted amongst different locations. As a trial, the store is first being set up in Amanpuri, and will then be moved to Amangiri in spring 2024, and Amanzoe in 2025. The roof design is interchangeable and will be swapped according to the varied geographical settings.

This exciting project enables Aman to display its product from a particular region in the same space, giving a unique experience that feels true to the brand. It will include items from Aman Essentials – luxurious skincare products, accessories, fragrances, and Italian leather bags. The cabana will offer the guests a one-of-a-kind experience that is special to the location they are visiting. It will give guests an opportunity to shop in the sun next to the water.

Besides being sophisticated and a true testament to Aman’s identity, the pop-up store is a modular project that is eco-friendly and non-invasive. It does not employ heavy construction, and in fact, minimizes the effects on its surroundings. This is a revolutionary and transformative solution targeted especially for accommodations such as resorts, camps, and lodges. The impact on the environment is reduced, while also paying attention to flexibility and modularity. Once the cabana is done being utilized as a store, it will be converted into a children’s play area or a dining pavilion.

The post Aman’s Latest Pop-Up Store In Thailand Is An Eco-Friendly, Modular Alternative To Heavy Construction first appeared on Yanko Design.

Aman’s Latest Pop-Up Store In Thailand Is An Eco-Friendly, Modular Alternative To Heavy Construction

Posted on by

The hospitality brand Aman commissioned an architectural firm called Luxury Frontiers to design an eco-friendly and sophisticated mobile retail concept to celebrate its 35th anniversary. Designed as a part of the anniversary celebrations, the Aman cabana pop-up shop will be opening up at Amanpuri, in Phuket, Thailand.  The resultant design is classic, elegant, and a subtle structure that can be assembled and disassembled at will.

Designer: Luxury Frontiers

The mobile pop-up shop is designed to be moved around in various Aman properties while capturing and representing the brand’s lovely and distinguished identity. Designed to look luxe, the cabana is pre-manufactured and can be easily and efficiently assembled and disassembled without 12 hours. No specialized equipment or niche skills are required to set up the store. This allows the store to be an easy project that can be shifted amongst different locations. As a trial, the store is first being set up in Amanpuri, and will then be moved to Amangiri in spring 2024, and Amanzoe in 2025. The roof design is interchangeable and will be swapped according to the varied geographical settings.

This exciting project enables Aman to display its product from a particular region in the same space, giving a unique experience that feels true to the brand. It will include items from Aman Essentials – luxurious skincare products, accessories, fragrances, and Italian leather bags. The cabana will offer the guests a one-of-a-kind experience that is special to the location they are visiting. It will give guests an opportunity to shop in the sun next to the water.

Besides being sophisticated and a true testament to Aman’s identity, the pop-up store is a modular project that is eco-friendly and non-invasive. It does not employ heavy construction, and in fact, minimizes the effects on its surroundings. This is a revolutionary and transformative solution targeted especially for accommodations such as resorts, camps, and lodges. The impact on the environment is reduced, while also paying attention to flexibility and modularity. Once the cabana is done being utilized as a store, it will be converted into a children’s play area or a dining pavilion.

The post Aman’s Latest Pop-Up Store In Thailand Is An Eco-Friendly, Modular Alternative To Heavy Construction first appeared on Yanko Design.