Villa Röling by Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter, Netherlands won Hiše Award 09 for Sustainable Excellence in Private Housing.
The villa consists of two contrasting volumes – a transparent glass volume overlooking the lake and garden; and a ‘floating’ wooden box on top, which the wind can blow through and easily dry when it has rained. Innovative, energy-saving active concrete throughout regulates temperature. Pipes in the concrete floors cool the floor in summer and heat it in winter, and are connected with a system of geothermal power. Outside, pits in the ground contain water with a constant temperature and is pumped into the villa. The water is cool enough in summer and only needs to be heated a few degrees in winter, saving huge amounts of energy. MORE…

Architects: Bevk Perović arhitekti: Matija Bevk, Vasa J. Perović, MA BIA
Location: Ljubljana
Year of completion: 2004
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Maximal Design’s Soul Ash Solace Cremation Coffin & Urn

Cremation demands specific solutions, so Belgium’s Maximal Design has created a cremation coffin with integrated urn in order to appeal to the specific functional needs and emotional circumstances of a cremation funeral. MORE…

Therapy Products’ E-V Sunny Solar Electric Bicycle

The E-V Sunny Bicycle, developed by Canadian Entrepreneur, Peter Sandler, President of Therapy Products, employs light-absorbing Solar panels built into the wheels to generate continual power from the sun. The bike is the first of its kind in the world, the first all-solar electric bicycle powered entirely from the sun. MORE…

GLOW Audio Tube Amplifiers and Loudspeakers

GLOW makes high-end sounding, artfully designed tube amplifiers and audio gear, and their products are even moderately priced. The company’s first stereo tube amplifier is even computer-ready, with USB and integrated DAC. MORE…

Shijyo Mokusei Building, Kyoto, by Kawai Architects

Kyoto-based Kawai Architects designed this office building (completed 2008) which serves as a proposition/solution for a contemporary lifestyle in the 21st century; and what the urban landscape of Kyoto, perhaps Japan’s most traditional city, should look like.

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Tesla Motors Begins Regular Production of 2008 Tesla Roadster

Regular production of the 2008 Tesla Roadster commenced this past spring, marking an historical milestone for Tesla Motors and a watershed in the development of clean, zero-emissions vehicles.
The revolutionary Tesla Roadster – a high performance car that generates zero-emissions and burns no oil – was first unveiled as a prototype in July, 2006. MORE…

Key modular storage system by Housefish

Key is a new highly modular storage system designed and produced by Housefish that ships flat and assembles easily – the only tool you need is a hammer. The parts are cleverly joined into an exceptionally strong structure by machined aluminum tenon keys. The wood used is sustainably harvested, FSC certified maple plywood, finished with a zero VOC finish. Available with optional sliding powdercoated metal doors in a variety of colors. MORE…