From the monthly archives: June 2010
The winner of the 2010 Passivhaus Architecture Award is a fantastic three-apartment building on the outskirts of Bern, Switzerland. Built by architect Peter Schurch, principle of Halle 52, the building breaks the mold for passive house design by incorporating a lot of glass — over 50% of the facade — yet it still achieves a strict 13kWr per sq meter of energy consumption a year. Natural and local materials, plenty of daylight and a unique footprint made the award a shoe in — the building even cost less to build than the other homes in the neighborhood, yet it has r-52 walls and a solar-electric green roof.
Read the rest of Stylish, Super-Efficient Swiss Home Wins the 2010 Passivhaus Awardhttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: 2010 passivhaus awards, exterior shading, green roof, halle 58, low enrgy apatment, Minergie, passivhaus apartment, passivhaus institute, pellet boiler
The time has come for players to carve their name in history. One touch, tackle or free kick could crush a nation’s hopes or cause them to build a statue in your honour. Drogba, Rooney and Ronaldo are ready to Write The Future.
© Copyright 2008 Kineda (74.208.122.66)
Read the rest of Virginia Tech’s Lumenhaus Wins the 2010 Europe Solar Decathlon!http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: Architecture, eco design, Green Building, green design, lumenhaus, madrid, Solar Decathlon, solar decathlon 2010, solar decathlon europe, solar decathlon winner, SOLAR HOMES, Solar Power, solar powered homes, Sustainable Building, sustainable design, virginia polytechnic, virginia tech, zero energy homes
It is a bonus that the games in Pinel & Pinel Arcade 80s Trunk actually work, as the luxurious trunk alone is a marvel. More than 60 classic retro titles — including Pacman, Space Invaders and 1942 — are encased in meticulously detailed trunk dressed with calfskin (51 colors available) or, if you are really particular, also crocodile and shagreen are available. Superior sound and screen quality round out the enjoyment.
Pinel & Pinel is the Paris-based atelier of salesman-turned-designer-and-craftsman Fred Pinel, known for his luxurious luggage and accessories, and such bespoke items as a wood, leather and brass trunk for a folding bicycle, and a full-scale champagne pic nic trunk. Apparently, his Numero O trunk takes more than 400 hours of work, so the price of 40,000 Euros should not come as a surprise.
Pinel has cooperated with Lacroix, Rabanne, Bang & Olufsen and other stars of design and fashion, and is expected to introduce shoes, scarves and perfume in the near future. - Bill Tikos
If you’ve been reading Inhabitat, you know we’ve been following the European Solar Decathlon as intensely as much of the world is following the World Cup right now. With just one day left until winners are announced, the Solar Decathlon design competition is really heating up, and the Bavarian Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences Team just took the lead for their IKAROS House, with their win of the Innovation prize on Friday evening. A German team has won every Solar Decathlon for the past 3 years (gotta love that German engineering), so we’re wondering if it is going to be another solar slam dunk for the Germans in this competition? Or will the Virginia Tech Lumenhaus team come back in the Solar Systems and Hot Water competitions on Sunday? We can’t wait to find out!
The winner of the 2010 European Solar Decathlon will be announce at 8pm Madrid time, Sunday June 26th. Inhabitat will be watching carefully, and announcing the winner as soon as we know tomorrow, so keep it tuned here for all the latest Solar Decathlon news!
+ Solar Decathlon Madrid
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Post tags: "energy efficiency", 2010 solar decathlon, bavaria, eco design, germany, Green Building, green design, Ikaros, madrid, modular housing, net-zero energy, Prefab, Prefab Housing, prefabricated construction, Solar Decathlon, solar decathlon europe, solar home, solar house, Sustainable Building, team ikaros, university of applied sciences in rosenheim, zero plus home
As the Solar Decathlon competition comes to a head in Madrid, the leaders of the pack have emerged! The amazing Armadillo Box by the French team from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Grenoble has been holding steady as a top competitor for the entire week. Right now the adorably-named Armadillo Box is in third place behind the University of Rosenheim IKAROS House and the leader from the US – Virginia Polytechnic’s Lumenhaus. The competition is heating up — will the Armadillo Box’s energy-efficient exterior and cool interior put a damper on the Lumenhaus’ high-tech shifting facade? Only this weekend will tell!
Read the rest of Sun-Powered Armadillo Box House Closes in on Solar Decathlon Prizehttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: 2010 solar decathlon, armadillo box, eco design, ecole nationale superieure d'architecture de grenoble, energy efficient home, europe solar decathlon, france, Green Building, green design, grenoble school of architecture, madrid, pv, rainwater collection, Solar Decathlon, solar home, Solar Power, Sustainable Building, Zero energy
Team Wuppertal brought an intimate but expansive vision to the Solar Decathlon Europe this year. Their sun-powered house is flanked by solar walls, capped by a solar roof, and provides multiple spaces to enjoy a sunny day. They pulled out some nice design tricks to make the space work like a much larger home, and included an advanced HVAC system to maintain a comfortable climate — factors which have launched this home into the top ranks of the competition. Read on as our exclusive coverage continues!
Read the rest of Ultra-Efficient Wuppertal House Blazes a Trail at Solar Decathlonhttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: Bergische University, ERV, green design, heat pump, Phase change, renewable energy, solar decatha, solar decathlon europe, solar powered home, solar thermal, sustainable design
by Shawn Thompson
As the name suggests, a beautifully built, early 1900s town hall houses London's newly renovated Town Hall Hotel in the East End's working class borough of Bethnal Green. While the building's façade is classic Edwardian baroque architectural style, the interior teems with modern elements juxtaposed with original ornate detailing.
The striking three-story De Montfort Suite (above), for example, preserves the original structure's embellished vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and Henry Poole sculptures, while integrating a modern appearance with clear glass room dividers and minimalist furniture.
Less grand in scale, the standard hotel rooms are equally well-designed, fitted with Hatt's custom-made bathroom furniture and offering a full supply of convenient amenities. In addition, Town Hall Hotel provides extended stay apartments which include a kitchenette and washing machine.
A nod to the town hall's 1930 art deco update, the hotel's bar provides a relaxed ambiance among its decoratively stylish space, suitable for a late night cocktail or business drinks.
With its distinct charm and well-designed layout, the Town Hall Hotel makes an appropriate and needed addition to the arts-enthused Bethnal Green neighborhood. Rates begin at £290 per night and vary depending on length of stay.
The Urcomante Team didn’t have to travel very far for the European Solar Decathlon this week in Madrid, Spain — but their home’s design has taken sustainability a long way. The home’s handsome postmodern facade is a prelude to how forward thinking this project is. A strong contender in this year’s Solar Decathlon, the Urcomante house features walls and a roof covered in photovoltaic panels, while the inside is amply sunlit and adaptable, with interchangeable rooms. The team is a group of dedicated students and teachers from the University of Valladolid, Spain.
Read the rest of Space-Age Solar Urcomante House Debuts at Solar Decathalon Europehttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: green design, renewable energy, solar decatha, solar decathlon europe, solar powered home, solar thermal, sustainable design, University of Valladolid Spain, Urcomante Team, wool insulation
The European Solar Decathlon kicked off this past Friday, and Inhabitat was on the scene to bring you the world’s most stunning sun-powered homes as they go head-to-head in this year’s competition. One of our favorites so far is the FabLab House, a solar panel-covered passive building designed by a team from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia – read on for an exclusive first look!
Read the rest of Stunning FabLab Passive House Unveiled at Europe’s Solar Decathlonhttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: "prefabricated housing", "solar energy", european solar decathlon, european solar decathlon 2010, fab lab, fablab, green design, institute for advanced architecture of catalonia, madrid, passive home, renewable energy, solar, Solar Power, solar powered house, sustainable design
1. Star Wars Meets Today's Fashion
Making it far and wide on the web this week, "He Wears It," a series of illustrations by Hong Kong-based artist John Woo, dresses the iconic Star Wars characters in cult fashion favorites like Band of Outsiders and Comme des Garçons.
2. Loud Cloud Interviews Scott Dadich
An interview with Scott Dadich, the creative mind behind Wired's bestselling iPad app, talks about the creative process of producing the touchscreen version of the magazine.
3. Crayon Cuties
WFDJ takes a look at a bygone era of coloring supplies, exploring vibrant products beyond Crayola, in this quirky gallery of retro crayon, pastel, chalk and watercolor packaging.
4. Matthew Lyons's Imagined Movie Titles
Flavorwire reports on a new project from the ever-talented 21-year-old illustrator Matthew Lyons. The collection of imaginative movie title stills in his retro-inspired signature style has us wishing they were actual films.
5. Somewhere
While some of the buzz around Sofia Coppola's newest film "Somewhere" is negative—critics comparing Stephen Dorff's character, a Hollywood actor, with Bill Murray's celebrity status in "Lost in Translation" insinuate she's made another mid-life crisis feature—from the looks of the trailer, it's at least a beautifully charming mid-life crisis feature.
6. Prison Valley
Every news outlet has multimedia features, but Prison Valley has set the bar much higher. An interactive documentary, readers can fully immerse themselves in Philippe Brault and David Dufrensne's story about Canon City, Colorado's 13 prisons with content that includes extensive video and maps distributed through social media. Outlets include Flash-enabled web browsers, iPhones, Twitter, blogs, and forums.
7. Shut Up, Foodies
Forks and knives drawn, bloggers Julia Childless, Meatball and Snacktime of Shut Up, Foodies call to out elitism, hypocrisy and excess in the food world on their four-month old site.
8. World's Worst Oil Spills
Putting the BP Gulf disaster into a wider context, Fast Company commissioned NG Oil & Gas to create an infographic comparing the sizes, ecological damage and costs of major oil spills.
9. "Got Dat Work" by Memphis Blac featuring Smokahontas Jones
Recently circulating heavily through the league of YouTube-rs across the country, Memphis Blac and Smokahontas Jones discuss life as working girls in their new video for "Got Dat Work." Their straightforward rhymes about the everyday life of a prostitute mix clever lyrics, catchy hooks, and a dose of shock value—in other words, the perfect pop recipe for a YouTube sensation.
10. Twelve iPad Covers
As with any new Apple product, cases designed with the new shape and functions of the iPad in mind flooded the market immediately following its release. Unfortunately, also in accordance with gadgets past, most of the cases are tacky, flimsy or just aesthetically unappealing. Thankfully the good people over at Refinery29 have compiled a list of the least abrasive models, including those made of leather, cork or even wood.
The University of Florida recently unveiled a stunning reinterpretation of a traditional North Florida Cracker House that will be soaking up the sun’s rays at the 2010 European Solar Decathlon. The energy-efficient home brings the traditional vernacular into modern times with a number of high-tech advances including solar passive design, photovoltaic panels, and a prefabricated modular construction. Their RE:FOCUS House has traveled across the pond and is currently under construction in Madrid for the “World Cup” of solar homes, which kicks off today!
Read the rest of Sun-Powered RE:Focus House Set to Shine at Europe’s Solar Decathlonhttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: 2010 solar decathlon, eco design, green design, madrid, modular construction, natural ventilation, net-zero house, Prefab Housing, prefabricated construction, refocus, Solar Decathlon, solar decathlon europe, solar house, solar panels, solar passive design, Sustainable Building, university of florida
We have been looking at a lot of stadiums lately because of the World Cup, but this unique re-envisioning of what a sports venue can be caught our eye. By bringing the fans closer to the action and lowering the visual impact of structure the design creates an open public plaza rather than a monolithic, staid form. Airy and set into the land, International Architectural Development’s design for the Alcala da Guadaira Stadium in Seville, Spain could be a future glimpse of smaller municipal stadiums.
Read the rest of Sweeping Alcala Da Guadaria Stadium Blends in With the Landscapehttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: Green Building, green design, Green Soccer Stadiums, Landscape Architecture, low visual impact building, low visual impact stadium, SOCCER (FOOTBALL) HOUSES, Spain stadium, sustainable design
Creating music with an electrical engineer's perspective, Tristan Perich's "1-Bit Symphony" utilizes one microchip on an electronic circuit to perform a five-movement composition.
The simplified follow-up to the NYC-based musician and visual artist's "1-Bit Music" project continues his efforts to connect a physical medium with the digital world. By programming an original arrangement on a single microchip with simple control buttons and housing it all in a throwback CD jewel case, Perich makes and presents electronic music in its most elegant form.
An example of his interest in orchestral compositions and one-bit audio (see some of his other work in this early Cool Hunting Video), the manifestation of data as sound provokes thought with its look at the "abstract logic of software"—especially when compared to today's intangible music industry.
A great gift for fans of electronic music and soldering alike, pre-order "1-Bit Symphony" (it's due out 24 August 2010) from Bang on a Can for $30.
To those old-fashioned enough to view Cool Hunting on the web, you may have noticed updated images in the showcase above our logo. We hand-picked each of the images now in rotation, which are part of our ongoing collaboration with Society6.
Clicking on the images leads directly to our co-branded section of the Society6 website, where you can buy the featured work, in the form of prints, t-shirts, iPhone, iPod, and laptop skins.
Known for their easy accessibility and world-wide shipping, Society6 provides an outlet for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work. Using only the highest quality inks and papers available, each print helps fund the creation of future artwork.
By increasing artist exposure, this collaboration aims to uphold the original goals of Society6: to connect artists with unique opportunities, provide support with production and packaging, and to allow more time to create art. To view the works featured in the new partnership, check out the Cool Hunting Showcase or simply click on the artwork at the top of the page. To view other artists, purchase artwork, get involved, or just learn more about Society6, visit their website. Artwork for sale through Society6 is also available through their other retail partners, Threadless and Urban Outfitters.
This simple yet elegant home by Key Architects is not just an intriguing example of modern Japanese design — it’s also is the first certified Passive House in Japan. Simplicity has its rewards, and when the Passive House standard is synthesized with Japan’s refined building sensibility the result is a powerful combination that can move green building to a new level. This ultra-efficient house is a far cry from traditional Japanese housing, which used thin wall construction and single-pane windows, which even today is still quit typical.
Read the rest of Japan’s First Passive House Showcases Energy Efficient Buildinghttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: energy efficient housing, green design, green Japanese building, japan pasivhous, Japan passive house, passive house design, sustainable design, sustainable Japanese homes
Under the modernist skin of this Japanese home is an updated interpretation of traditional Japanese building with a very unique feature. Spotted on Dezeen, this home by Architect Masato Sekiya features a timber frame structure set to a grid. Rather than just using the traditional floor grid of 3×6 this home takes it into the third dimension and creates a dynamic space framed by the post and beam layout.
Read the rest of Modern Japanese Home Borrows From the Past With an Eco Twisthttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: cypress post and beam, green architecture, Japanese Modern House, Kasiwara City, Local post and beam, natural lighting, Sustainable Building, traditional Japanese building
Things are heating up in the 2010 European Solar Decathlon as Team Finland has unveiled a beautiful net-zero home designed for cold climates with little access to the sun. That means that when the team’s home is up and running in Madrid, which gets plenty of sun, their home will turn into a energy generating machine, creating more energy than it uses. Named Luuku, which is Finnish for “hatch”, Team Finland’s entry was inspired by traditional Finnish architecture and centered almost completely around the use of timber.
Read the rest of Finland Unveils Ultra-Efficient Energy Positive Solar Decathlon Househttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed
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Post tags: "energy efficiency", eco design, europe solar decathlon, Finland, green design, luuku house, madrid, net zero home, plus-energy home, Solar Decathlon, solar decathlon 2010, Sustainable Building, team finland, timber construction
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