Tag Archives: A-frame

Fancy A-Frame Structure Conceals A Nuclear Microreactor That Powers Your House For Decades

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Visualize a day where you can visit your local nuclear power facility, and dive into its indoor pool, or just relax with a close friend and enjoy a cup of coffee. You could be basking in the warm glow of nuclear power, while you unwind and hang out after a long day at work. This vision could be a reality someday, all thanks to Oklo Inc. – a company backed by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and the makers of ChatGPT. Oklo is attempting to transform the way we perceive nuclear energy with its mindblowing Aurora microreactor, which uses recycled nuclear fuel.

The reactor sites will be designed as happening and vibrant community hubs, aimed at remote areas. These hubs will be sanctums of utility and leisure for regions where long and harsh winters can adversely affect mental well-being. These innovative venues will provide some comfort and connection. Oklo reassures everyone that the microreactor will be completely safe. It will produce almost zero greenhouse gas emissions and no nuclear waste. Oklo will recycle nuclear fuel, utilizing pre-existing resources, and cutting down on nuclear waste.

Designer: Oklo

Aurora is designed with a “fire-and-forget” attitude. It will occupy a small footprint while delivering a small output of 1.5 MW, which is more than enough to power 1000 homes.  It has passive safety features, a sealed core, and no moving parts. It has the ability to cool and shut itself down without any intervention from humans.

Aurora can operate for twenty years without any refueling. The core can be easily removed and replaced with another sealed core which will hold the next batch of recycled nuclear fuel. It utilizes high-assay low-enriched uranium-235 fuel in a one-of-a-kind reactor, which essentially means it uses high-energy neutrons to take care of the nuclear chain reaction.

Nuclear fission also produces heat, and hence Aurora features waste heat utilization components to ensure maximum efficiency – 90% overall. The heat is transferred to secondary systems through heat exchangers, and this heat is then applied to other causes such as heating nearby buildings, pasteurizing, and greenhouses.

The microreactor is housed in an unconventional “nuke-like” structure. You can’t see any massive cooling towers, which are often seen with nuclear power plants. It showcases a simple A-frame building, which looks like a little fancy ski lodge where the rich would vacation. The roof is equipped with solar panels, which power the facility’s control panels and monitoring system, ensuring the site is self-sufficient.

Oklo’s goal is to deploy this facility in remote areas where traditional nuclear reactors don’t make sense, military installations, isolated and remote countries, and research outposts. The US Department of Energy recently approved Oklo’s conceptual plans for Aurora and the first commercial Aurora power station will be online by 2027.

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Innovative And Sustainable Tiny Homes Transforming Flood-Prone Communities In Bangladesh

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Bangladesh, a country where up to 80% of the land is classified as floodplain, faces significant challenges with flooding, impacting its population of around 170 million. In response to this critical issue, Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, in collaboration with engineers AKT II, has created the Khudi Bari—a simple, low-cost, and highly functional tiny house designed to offer a safe and affordable home adaptable to the country’s challenging conditions.

Designer: Marina Tabassum and AKT II

The Khudi Bari, meaning “small house” in Bengali, stands out for its innovative and practical design. Raised above the ground and accessed via a ladder, this tiny house is not built on wheels but is designed to be easily assembled, dismantled, and relocated without the need for specialist tools. This feature is particularly crucial for Bangladeshi residents who need to quickly move to higher ground to escape encroaching floodwaters.

The construction of this house prioritizes sustainability and local resource utilization. The primary building material is bamboo, complemented by prefabricated recycled aluminum nodes that allow for easy assembly. The walls and roof can be sourced locally and crafted from materials such as polycarbonate and metal. This approach not only reduces costs but also supports local economies.

The interior of the Khudi Bari ranges from 64 sq ft (5.95 sq m) to 144 sq ft (13.4 sq m), consisting of a single, versatile room. This space can be adapted to meet the needs of its occupants, with the area beneath the raised house available for additional living space if necessary. Despite its simplicity, the Khudi Bari provides a dignified living environment for those in need.

The Khudi Bari is not just a conceptual design, it has been put into real-world use. Over 100 units have already been deployed throughout Bangladesh, significantly improving the living conditions for vulnerable populations. The project has been carried out in collaboration with relief organizations and community groups, demonstrating a successful model of community-driven, sustainable architecture.

One of the units is currently showcased at the Vitra Campus in Germany, an exhibition space run by the renowned furniture maker Vitra, known for featuring exceptional architectural designs. This international exposure highlights the global relevance and innovative nature of the Khudi Bari project.

While the exact cost of each unit is not specified, initial prototypes were produced for around £300 (approximately US$380). Efforts are ongoing to further reduce this cost, making the Khudi Bari even more accessible to those in need. This initiative is part of a broader trend in architecture aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change, with similar projects like the Floating Bamboo House and Blooming Bamboo House also contributing to sustainable and resilient housing solutions.

The post Innovative And Sustainable Tiny Homes Transforming Flood-Prone Communities In Bangladesh first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 A-Frame Cabins To Remind Us Why This Architectural Style Will Always Remain Iconic

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There’s something about an A-frame cabin that instantly puts you at ease and makes you feel at home. I personally love cabin getaways and spending the weekend, nestled away in the woods, in a quintessential and humble A-frame cabin, is my idea of the perfect stress buster! Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, and surrounded by the warm sun, lush trees, and gentle wind. What could be better than that? So, we’ve curated a collection of super cozy and welcoming A-frame cabins that promise to help you relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature. Add these cabins to your must-visit bucket list and get planning!

1. A-Frame Club

Designed by Skylab Architecture, and dubbed the A-frame Club, these 31 A-frame cabins are arranged in a hexagonal arrangement and are an upgraded and better version of traditional ski chalets. They are prefabricated cabins and are located in Winter Park, Colorado.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a contemporary twist, the compact and adorable cabins form a snowflake pattern across the three-acre lot. Occupying 23,450 feet, the project “takes design cues from 1970s American ski culture and the iconic A-frame cabins of that era,” said the studio.

What we like

  • Retain the essence of traditional ski chalets, while upgrading them

What we dislike

  • The loft bed is accessible via a ship’s ladder, which can be inconvenient to use and isn’t very inclusive

2. Cabins in Farouche Tremblant

A series of A-frame buildings populate the Devil River’s Valley with the Mont-Tremblant National Park in the background. The Farouche Tremblant agrotourism site includes four rental micro-cabins, a cafe, and a farm.

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed by the Canadian architecture studio Atelier l’Abri, the buildings are meant to “recede in the landscape”. The studio designed that function as a basecamp for visitors who want to visit Devil’s River and Valley.

What we like

  • Features outdoor decking and a glazed gable end which enables visitors to truly make the most of the vistas of the surrounding natural landscape

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the cabins are a bit old-school

3. Dune Dormer

Dubbed the Dune Dormer, this rustic A-frame cabin was built by RTA Studio on the stunning Great Barrier Island in New Zealand. The cabin is inspired by the traditional Pacific huts, which is quite evident in its gable roof hut.

Why is it noteworthy?

Mimicking the traditional Maori huts, the Dune Dormer’s silhouette reminds you of a harbor standing upright on a dune, helping seafaring owners reach home. It creates a minimal impact on its surrounding landscape.

What we like

  • Inspired by traditional Maori huts
  • Has a spacious feel to it unlike traditional A-frame cabins

What we dislike

  • The aesthetics of the cabin may be too old school for some

5. Slope House

Called the Slope House, this untraditional A-frame cabin is truly one-of-a-kind, and it uses a biophilic design inside and out. It is an angular timber cabin that is tucked away on top of an idyllic hillside somewhere in the lush rainforests of Brazil.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features a signature triangular frame that is an interesting and thoughtful twist on the conventional A-frame cabin. It is made up of two modules, and one internal volume that hosts the cabin’s bedroom, while the other accommodates the home’s main living spaces.

What we like

  • A biophilic design style has been integrated into the cabin’s interior spaces
  • Natural plants have been added inside the house as a small garden

What we dislike

  • The theme and form of the home may be a bit too eccentric for some

6. Kiani’s Lakehouse

Soheil Kiani designed this lakehouse that is formed by two symmetrical A-frame cabins connected by a glass sky bridge. This stunning home is envisioned in the foothills of Gisoom forest near the city of Talesh, Iran.

Why is it noteworthy?

The lakehouse is nestled near the forest’s beginnings, and it is designed to provide guests and residents with an immersive experience in nature, where they get to enjoy all the beauty the natural forest has to offer.

What we like

  • Made up of north and south-facing facades that are built entirely from glass

What we dislike

  • It’s a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a real tangible product

7. UHU

Called UHU, this tiny A-frame-esque cabin is raised on stilts and located in the heart of Charlevoix, Canada. The name translates to ‘owl’ in the Innu language, and it nested 12 meters in the air, with access to lovely views of the Saint-Laurence River.

Why is it noteworthy?

The triangular cabin features a glazed facade which allows for generous views of the surrounding forest and green landscape. You can enter the cabin via an enclosed spiral staircase, and a 6-meter bridge. Although compact in size, the UHU cabin is equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and cozy stay.

What we like

  • Offers an immersive experience amidst the treetops
  • It is elevated 12 meters above the ground

What we dislike

  • It can only accommodate two people

8. Nolla

Called Nolla, meaning ‘zero’ in Finnish, this cabin functions entirely on renewable energy and is located on the Vallisaari island, near Helsinki. It is built using sustainable materials such as local plywood and pine and is designed to support a ‘zero waste lifestyle’.

Why is it noteworthy?

Every element has been designed with the hope of not leaving behind any carbon footprint. Covered by mirrors and supported by wooden stilts, it excludes modern commodities.

What we like

  •  Powered by emission-free solar panels and a Wallas stove that runs on Nestle’s MY renewable diesel

What we dislike

  • Can not accommodate too many people, so it’s not the best option for families

9. Bivvi

The Bivvi is a modular and transportable A-frame cabin that is designed to bring people closer to the outdoors. It can be attached to your car for road trips, or to a foundation for permanent placement.

Why is it noteworthy?

Mobility was their main source of inspiration, and each Bivvi Cabin can be swiftly attached to a trailer hitch and tow, allowing it to be transported almost anywhere. The Bivvi Cabin is even outfitted with off-grid capabilities like three 600W AC outlets, and a 100W solar panel.

What we like

  • Can be transported anywhere, supporting spontaneous trips to nature

What we dislike

  • The cabin can only really accommodate a desk and bed in terms of furniture

10. Iwi Cabin

Dubbed the Iwi Cabin, this innovative and unique design isn’t like ordinary A-frame cabins. It features a space-maximizing design that can be compressed and expanded as and when needed. It is like an accordion-shaped shed, that lets city dwellers expand space in their apartments.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Iwi Cabin is super easy to operate since owners can push and pull the shed, owing to the wheel system that allows it to be swiftly and efficiently handled and stored away.

What we like

  • The cabin is resistant to rain, wind, and sunshine
  • The interiors are outfitted using cork and sheep’s wool which provides insulation to the cold

What we dislike

  • The cabin features only one door/window, hence it is the only source of ventilation in the cabin

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LEGO Brings Adorable A-Frame Cabin to Life with Amazing Details

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An architectural icon from the years 1950 to 1975, the A-Frame cabin still remains one of the most eye-catching and visually memorable home styles. Characterized by an A-shaped design, the frame eschews a ceiling, instead opting for tapering walls that create a unique space to inhabit, with the option of high ceilings or even multi-level living that feels dynamic yet rustic at the same time. This cabin designed in LEGO bricks by LEGO user Norton74, captures the trend of the A-Frame heyday. In ways it also challenges the very nature of the LEGO Brick, which was itself designed to make traditional cuboidal structures back when it was invented in the 1930s.

Designer: Norton74

The beauty of Norton74’s A-Frame cabin is just how remarkably real it is. Whether observed from the outside or even its immaculately detailed insides, every corner of this build has something new to reveal. The cabin itself sits on a stone brick plinth, with colorful larch trees in the background. It’s mildly decrepit, with crooked staircases and boarded-up doors, but that adds to its charm.

The inside of the cabin shows exactly how charmingly rustic and cozy it is. A multi-level design gives you a recreational area at the bottom (with a fireplace), and a bedroom on the top that features two single beds and even some cobwebs on the wall for that forest charm. To access the insides of the cabin, all you need to do is ‘open’ its slanting walls outwards. Hinges on the bottom of the walls make it easy to access the interiors during play-time, and close it back once you’re done.

The inside is just filled with all sorts of details, from tools to trinkets, and even a tiny kitchen of sorts with a dining table. Norton74’s rather mindfully used discolored wooden bricks (including even some with shingle detailing) to mimic the variety often found in wooden cabins – especially ones that have been repaired and restored.

There’s even a backstory to Norton74’s cabin design. “Two brothers, Dan and Ethan, burned out on modern working believed that stripping away modern comforts and living more simply in nature would lead to a more spiritually a creatively fulfilling life. They looked for a cabin in the woods and finally found out this old wooden A-Frame Cabin. They fixed it up, and now they live there happily,” he mentions.

Dan and Ethan aren’t the only occupants of the cabin. Aside from the spiders on the first floor, the cabin is also accompanied by chickens, rodents, a skunk, and even a bear lurking around in the back.

Norton74’s LEGO A-Frame Cabin started its journey as a submission on the LEGO Ideas forum, where it received overwhelming support from the LEGO fanbase. Earlier this year, LEGO turned Norton74’s submission into a retail box kit (you can buy the LEGO A-Frame Cabin right now), although the design went through multiple rounds of changes to make it smaller and simpler for younger users to build. If you ask me, I prefer Norton74’s MOC (My Own Creation) overwhelmingly. It’s charmingly crude, has a son-of-the-soil appeal to it, and certainly possesses much more character if you ask me!

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