Archive for December, 2007
Designed by Scott Specht studio architecture Spect Harpman Architects, the “Zero House” is a prefabricated house of 200 square meters totally autonomous and environmentally friendly. The roof is made of solar panels that provides electricity so you don’t have to worry about electricity and the power is then stored in a battery backup. Once completely charged, the home can run efficiently for one week without a hint of sunlight. The roof and also includes a tank of rainwater harvesting over 10 cubic meters. The ground floor when it is equipped with a unit of waste composting. The rest of the house features energy saving design strategies including ample daylighting (led lights are used for artificial light requirements), incredibly energy efficient wall assemblies (r-58 in fact), triple glazed windows, and a compact design (reducing overall energy requirements). Initial studies indicate that the home will sell for around $350,000.
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Posted in Architecture
The Aptera was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, and later as an extended range electric vehicle. The stylish, smart vehicle is only months away from production, and will fit into your garage for under $30,000. The Aptera Tyo-1 is the brainchild of Aptera’s founder, Steve Fambro. Six years ago, Fambro set out to develop an ultra-economic, stylish vehicle that would later become the Typ-1, a three-wheeled two passenger vehicle.
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Posted in Cars & Bikes
Satellite navigation technology looks set to get more interesting. Making Virtual Solid has unveiled plans for Virtual Cable, they say the display will project your route directly on to the windscreen.
There is no longer a need for a sat-nav display, you simply look at your windscreen and watch for the 3D red line emanating from the top of it.
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Posted in Cars & Bikes
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has appointed world-renowned architect Ms Zaha Hadid as the Architect of its new “Innovation Tower”. This building will be her first permanent architectural work in Hong Kong. Ms Hadid has made a special trip from London to Hong Kong to present her design at a press conference hosted by Mr Victor Lo Chung-wing, Chairman of PolyU Council; and Mr Alexander Tzang, Deputy President of PolyU. Addressing the press conference, Mr Victor Lo said PolyU’s new “Innovation Tower” will serve as a driving force in the development of Hong Kong as a design hub in Asia. The new Tower will also provide additional space to facilitate inter-disciplinary research and education in the field of design.
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Posted in Architecture
illy’s innovative Push Button House, designed by noted artist/architect Adam Kalkin, is on display at New York City’s Time Warner Center from November 29 – December 29, 2007. Originally unveiled at the 52nd Venice Biennale in June, 2007, the illy Push Button House is a fully functional and sustainable home built within an industrial shipping container. At the push of a button, the shipping container transforms into a five-room home with kitchen, dining room, bedroom, living room and library.
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Posted in Furniture
Designer Markus Duevel is the mind behind the Urban Fidelity Planet Speakers. The omni-directional Duevel Planets use their shiny orbs to disperse music throughout the entire room. Urban Fidelity states that, “The Planets are designed for hip music lovers, not tweaky audiophiles.”
The Duevel Planets are hand made in Germany and utilise a specialty short horn tweeter, high efficiency 5.9″ woofer and advanced crossover. The efficient speakers only require 10 watts of power per side. The Duevel Planets are currently available from the Urban Fidelity website for $1,295.
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Posted in Audio-Video
A faithful replica of an American classic. This is a fully functioning telephone that will operate with all UK systems . All you have to do is plug it into your existing socket. It can be used as a piggy bank - just drop the coins as you would have done in the 1950’s, but it doesn’t actually require coins to operate. Dialling is quick, using the standard push button system. The ringer has volume control, as does the earpiece. Can be wall mounted or will sit on any solid surface.
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Posted in Gadgets
Aldo Bakker has created this wonderful and beautiful piece of furniture that will happily grace the homes of all contemporary design lovers.
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Posted in Furniture
