Dec 06
Walls are too restrictive. They put up a barrier between you and the outside world—sometimes that’s a good thing—but they also block natural light. So why not make them just a little bit translucent—you know, to brighten things up a bit?
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Nov 11
We’ve spent months marveling over the facade of Apple’s new headquarters. But now, thanks to these renderings from the City of Cupertino uncovered by Wired, we’re getting an idea about the spaces inside the building—and it’s hard to decide if it looks more like a futuristic office or a futuristic Apple store.
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Sep 26
Vine-covered homes are charming, but the fast-growing plants can get unruly if left untended for even a short time. When London-based architecture firm Squire and Partners set out to convert an 18th-century public house into an incredible five-story private residence, they developed a unique facade of folded aluminum leaves to take the place of the au natural variety.
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Sep 23
This week, as delegates descend on the United Nations for the 68th General Assembly, they just might be spending their free time in a brand-new lounge area. The renovation, officially opening on Wednesday, is an official gift from the Netherlands to the UN, so it’s only appropriate that it was masterminded by two of the most notable Dutch designers of the day—Rem Koolhaas and Hella Jongerius.
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Aug 16
School buses are so much fun. The springy seats, the awkward-to-open windows, the rumbling engine—it all hearkens back to a time in your life when you were younger, happier and worry-free. But did you ever imagine living in one? Hank Butitta did.
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Jun 03
If you’re looking for a way to create a sense of privacy in your house – but don’t like the look of traditional window shades – there’s a new technology on the scene which creates instant privacy while still letting light in your windows.
SONTE is a special UV protective film you can apply to your windows that provides complete privacy. What’s really nifty about SONTE film is that it can be turned from semi-opaque to transparent with the push of a button – or using an app on your mobile device.
When electrical current is applied to the film, its transparency changes. When switched off (semi-opaque), only 5% of light is transmitted, and when on, it allows 70% of light through. When in its semi-opaque state, the film can even be used as a projection screen. Neat.
To install the film, simply cut it to fit your window, peel off the electrostatic cling adhesive backing, and position it on your window. A tiny conducting clip is attached to each sheet of film, and then connects to either a Wi-Fi transceiver or a direct switch.
SONTE is currently seeking to raise $200,000 over on Kickstarter to fund production of its film. You can get a 1-meter square piece of the film, including a non Wi-Fi switch for as little as $184 (USD). Prices start at $219 for the Wi-Fi version and go up from there, depending on the amount of film you want. The largest kit being offered is an 8-square-meter “daisy chain” kit, which lets you wire together multiple windows, and is going for just under $1500. If you just want to play with the tech before investing heavily, there’s also a Kickstarter exclusive sample sheet (non Wi-Fi) for just $65.
Mar 21
21 Wonders From the Future of Decor
Posted in: Today's Chili
The Architectural Digest Show—running from Friday through Sunday in NYC—will make you wish you had a huge house and unlimited funds with which to decorate it. From crazy range hoods to beautiful woodworking to outdoor showers, the show floor has just about everything you could imagine adorning your home with. Here are some of the best things we saw. More »
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