Of course the fascination with smaller homes and get-aways continues, mostly due to architects creating cabins just like this. The first sentence quoted below leaves me terribly excited about the future.

"It is a one-room (190 square feet in size), self-contained box that was built by furniture craftsmen in four weeks in a Toronto parking lot and installed on site in 10 days. Three of the exterior walls are floor-to-ceiling glass and of those, two are encased in horizontal cedar-screens for privacy, shade and light effects inside. One of the cedar screens has a large opening providing a direct view of the sunset from the built-in bed. The rest of the screen has random smaller gaps to allow various vignettes of the surrounding nature and to create fantastic light patterns inside. The slats are positioned so that there is no direct view in from the outside, but at the same time, it the inside feels almost wall-less."

[image and quoted text via thecoolhunter]

[posted by katie]

Looking through Dezeen I came across the Sayama Flats by Schemata Architecture Office. Seeing these photos prompt the discussion of what's actually necessary to renovate. With the influx of new products, we're all probably guilty in some way or another of consumerism, itching to rip out the old-but-perfectly-functional sink so that the shiny new one can take its place.

I'll be the first to admit I constantly want to remake my own home, but there's something about these photos that pull charm from some decidedly not-cool kitchen units, and I suppose it's more about a space in flux and the possibilities that exist...whatever it is, it works for me. The super shiny polished floors don't hurt either. (And, what the heck is up that light fixture over the bed? I want to know who makes it and how much it is.)

"The architects, headed by Jo Nagasaka, partially stripped the flats back to their concrete shell, altering selected elements such as windows, doorways and partitions while leaving some parts such as the kitchen units untouched." -Dezeen

“In general, Japanese renovation projects are started from removing every old interior and then redesigned it. However, in this project we started to choose what is necessary and what is not from an existing interior space. Because of remaining some of the elements of the interior, we achieved to design a neutral space that motivates young people to create their own life-style.”-Nagasaka (via Dezeen)

[posted by katie]

Looking through architonic, I happened across this glass. It looks amazing- wish there was an up close picture to show the 3d effect...

"An award was made to Inglas Deko Wilder Wein for its special decorative properties. This , laminated safety glass with integrated decorative material consists of two thermally pre-stressed sheets of glass, with processed tendrils of Virginia creeper in the bonding area. In order to create the effect of space (3D effect) the tendrils of creeper are positioned at different levels of the bonding area. Typical applications for Inglas Deko Wilder Wein are shower partitions, partition walls, table tops and furniture sections."

[posted by katie]

Holy. This is supposed to be available from DWR sometime this spring, which for some reason surprises me. I guess I'm impressed that something so seemingly useful will be available so soon (usually when I find stuff like this it's not available until the next year, if ever). The waterHOG Water Storage tank can be easily installed pretty much anywhere, not to mention un-installed, which means you can take it with you if you move. The Groundhog Thermal Mass (shown on right) is intended for in-wall or in-floor thermal mass.

"The rainwater from your roof represents a valuable commodity: with the waterHOG rainwater tank you can catch and store your rainwater for reuse in your garden and even in your house. Rainwater can be used for drinking, toilet flushing, laundry water and of course for irrigating your garden. Don’t let your rainwater go to waste - the waterHOG is functional, efficient and visually discreet rainwater storage!"

1800mm x 500mm x 220mm for a capacity of 183L

[via materialicio.us]

[posted by katie]

Here's a rather well done site showcasing a home that "will serve as a laboratory for the...ongoing research into sustainable design." It's worth a look to see some ideas on integrating sustainable design into a home- there's an excellent section showing various building materials that are environmentally friendly as well as a plan of how air will circulate, cutting down on air conditioning costs, etc. You can also see a live web-cam chronicling the construction.

"The home's seamless integration of environmental systems and green materials is expected to make it one of the first in California to garner Platiunum Certification from the USGBC LEED for Homes Program. With construction beginning this summer, Sycamore House is scheduled for completion in 2008."

[posted by katie]

This would be handy to have in certain rooms like closets or pantries, or anywhere else where you find that you forget to turn the lights off.

"Press the paddle top to turn on the switch and activate the built-in timer, which will automatically turn the light off in 15 minutes. Tap the paddle top again, and the light will stay on for 1 hour. Each additional tap will add another hour to the timer, up to a maximum of 24 hours. If you would like the SwitchLinc Timer to act like a standard switch, press and hold the paddle top for about 2 seconds, and it will stay on until you turn it off."

[posted by katie]

I think we've all seen the random 'shed' offering us extra space without the lengthy time or hefty price that a room addition to the home has, yet this one has some extra styling which does make it seem less like a shed and more like a guest house. Extra points for that. "Inspired by the mid century moderns by Joseph Eichler. Measuring 14' x 12' overall, it's ideally suited as a home ofice or studio. Price includes delivery and setup. Standard features: SIP's panel construction, Cementitious board cladding, Flat membrane roof, Interior walls white painted OSB, Cork flooring. Options: Timber deck, 16'x14' overall size, custom cladding paint color. Notes: Deck shown not included, Electrical and site work not included. *You should check with your local permits office before ordering." [posted by katie]

"What could a temporary, minimalistic domicile look like, to suit people of a nomadic lifestyle, living for short periods of time in large cities and dense urban areas, offering both sanctuary and social structure, to structure a city to city network for transient living..." Prefab is not a new word, but these Loftcubes take it to a different level. For urban areas with no blank real estate, these can drop in on the roofs of buildings. Anything that expands choices in the housing market is good news to me; Loftcubes are gearing up to go, and if you'd like to learn more or just sign up for them to send you more info, you can visit:

Modern shed out of Seattle sells these great modern one room studios that can be built in a weekend.