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Green Terraces Inspired by the Way Mushrooms Grow on Trees Appear on New Brazilian Building

Urupê Tower, an architectural marvel conceived by Victor B. Ortiz Architecture, is poised to redefine São Paulo’s skyline with its innovative design inspired by the organic beauty of nature. Taking cues from the intricate way mushrooms grow on trees, the tower boasts lush green terraces that ascend the building’s façade, offering a breathtaking manifestation of biophilic design. This integration of nature into the urban landscape not only imparts a stunning aesthetic quality to the structure but also serves a practical purpose by creating micro-climates that offset the environmental impact of the architecture. Continue reading “Green Terraces Inspired by the Way Mushrooms Grow on Trees Appear on New Brazilian Building” »

This New Mud Home Built of Hemp and Earth Demonstrates Super Energy Efficiency in the UK

This innovative mud home, constructed with a blend of hemp straw, earth, and water, stands as a testament to the marriage of ancient construction methods and modern energy efficiency standards in the UK. Architect Anthony Hudson, drawing inspiration from centuries-old techniques, successfully built a three-bedroom bungalow in Fakenham, Norfolk, as part of an EU initiative promoting the construction of energy-efficient homes. Named the CobBauge project, the building’s mud walls, made of cob, provide exceptional thermal insulation, meeting contemporary Continue reading “This New Mud Home Built of Hemp and Earth Demonstrates Super Energy Efficiency in the UK” »

Study Finds That Urban Agriculture Must Be Carefully Planned to Have Climate Benefits

The University of Michigan-led international study sheds light on the complex relationship between urban agriculture and its climate impact. The findings reveal that, on average, fruits and vegetables grown in urban farms and gardens have a carbon footprint six times greater than conventionally grown produce. However, the study also identifies exceptions, such as tomatoes grown in open-air urban plots and air-freighted crops like asparagus, which demonstrated lower carbon intensities than their conventional counterparts. The research underscores the need for careful planning Continue reading “Study Finds That Urban Agriculture Must Be Carefully Planned to Have Climate Benefits” »

Can Beef Farming be Carbon Neutral? A Decade-Long Experiment in Australia Has Mixed Results

The story of Jigsaw Farms in Australia once celebrated for achieving carbon neutrality in beef farming, now serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities and challenges involved in sustaining such practices. The initial success of Jigsaw Farms in achieving carbon neutrality by 2011 was attributed to its strategic approach, including planting thousands of trees, nurturing the soil, and implementing regenerative farming practices. However, a recent report indicates that the farm’s carbon Continue reading “Can Beef Farming be Carbon Neutral? A Decade-Long Experiment in Australia Has Mixed Results” »

A Couple Bought a Crumbling 700-Year-Old Medieval Farmstead and Turned it Into a Fairytale Retreat

Nicki and John Beavan’s journey to transform a crumbling 700-year-old medieval farmstead into a fairytale retreat in Worcestershire, England, is a testament to their vision and dedication. In 1999, while searching for a home that could accommodate Nicki’s furniture design business workshop, they stumbled upon a Continue reading “A Couple Bought a Crumbling 700-Year-Old Medieval Farmstead and Turned it Into a Fairytale Retreat” »

Baluchon Fits an Entire Tiny Home on One Level to Save Space

Baluchon’s innovative approach to tiny home design is exemplified in their latest creation, the Eucalyptus. Breaking away from the conventional loft-style layouts commonly found in tiny homes, the Eucalyptus maximizes space efficiency by incorporating all its features on a single level. Measuring 22 feet in length, slightly longer than Baluchon’s typical models, this tiny home is built on a double-axle trailer, allowing for increased space without compromising on mobility. Clad in red cedar with a spruce frame and insulated with eco-friendly materials like linen, hemp, and recycled cotton, the Eucalyptus embodies sustainability in its construction.

Upon entering the Eucalyptus through double glass doors, occupants are greeted by a well-designed kitchen that takes center stage in the home. Complete with an oven, propane-powered stove, small fridge, sink, and custom cabinetry, the kitchen is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Adjacent to the kitchen is the bathroom, accessible through a sliding wooden door, featuring a shower, toilet, and storage units. The living room, situated on the opposite side of the house, incorporates clever storage solutions, an electric radiator, and a sofa bed, ensuring versatility in the utilization of the limited space. With blackout blinds enhancing privacy and a thoughtful layout catering to the owner’s needs, the Eucalyptus stands as a testament to Baluchon’s commitment to creating comfortable and efficient tiny homes. While the exact pricing for the Eucalyptus is undisclosed, Baluchon homes typically start around US$84,000, providing a ballpark figure for prospective buyers.

The ‘Skywalker’ Gibbon Thought to be Nearly Extinct Has Significant Populations Uncovered in Myanmar

The discovery of significant populations of the ‘Skywalker’ gibbon in Myanmar is a beacon of hope for species conservation, offering a positive turn for a primate species initially thought to be on the brink of extinction. Initially described in 2017 in the remote mountains of Yunnan, China, the Skywalker gibbon, also known as the hoolock gibbon, was categorized as Endangered by the IUCN with an estimated population of only 150 individuals. The recent findings in Myanmar, Continue reading “The ‘Skywalker’ Gibbon Thought to be Nearly Extinct Has Significant Populations Uncovered in Myanmar” »

Space Perspective Completes Capsule for Balloon-Powered “Journey to the Edge of Space”

Space Perspective has reached a significant milestone in its pursuit of space tourism with the unveiling of a test capsule for its Neptune spacecraft. The innovative design, a teardrop-shaped capsule, is lifted by a giant hydrogen-filled balloon instead of relying on a rocket engine. This unique approach not only offers a gentler and more environmentally friendly journey but also allows for a more leisurely experience, with the “journey to the edge of space” Continue reading “Space Perspective Completes Capsule for Balloon-Powered “Journey to the Edge of Space”” »

Tiny Home Concept Will Have You Living in a Futuristic Capsule House

As the global population continues to grow and available living space becomes increasingly scarce, the concept of tiny homes has gained popularity as an innovative solution. While many tiny homes are traditionally constructed using wood, repurposed trailers, or aluminum vans due to their ease of use as foundations, there is a growing interest in exploring more futuristic and unconventional designs. The ONCO Capsule House concept represents a departure from the norm, showcasing a compact capsule that exudes a futuristic aesthetic both on the exterior and interior.

While the capsule shape might not be the most efficient for stacking or joining in a grid, the ONCO Capsule House prioritizes human factors in its design. Comfort, safety, and a sense of home are paramount considerations, and the absence of sharp edges and corners in the capsule’s shape contributes to an interesting and pleasing aesthetic. The white exterior gives the capsule a clean appearance, though considerations for maintenance are acknowledged. The interior of the capsule mirrors a sci-fi movie set, adorned with strip lights, screens, and panels that create a minimalist, futuristic atmosphere. Despite the smaller physical space, the circular interior cleverly gives the illusion of more room, and provisions for transparent sections allow for customizable views and privacy.

While constructing a capsule house may pose challenges in terms of cost and complexity, the ONCO Capsule House concept envisions a future where such designs become standard in the era of tiny homes. As the need for space-efficient residences persists, innovative and aesthetically pleasing solutions like the ONCO Capsule House may become integral in redefining our approach to living spaces.


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