Studio Varey Architects celebrates natural light in Notting Hill house renovation

Dog in kitchen-dining room of Huron House in London by Studio Varey Architects

London firm Studio Varey Architects has simplified this Victorian terraced house to create a light-filled home in Notting Hill, with timber-framed skylights designed to catch the sun.

Set in the Westbourne Conservation Area, Huron House has belonged to its current owners for the last 25 years.

Exterior of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
Huron House is a renovated Victorian terrace in west London

The overhaul of the 19th-century building started as a simple ground-floor renovation to replace the kitchen and improve the connection between the house and its garden.

However, exploratory works showed the four-storey property to be in bad structural condition, which demanded major improvement works but also gave the owners an opportunity to reimagine their period home.

Dining area of Huron House
Decorative oak beams frame the skylight in the extension

The new brief to Studio Varey Architects included a full house renovation and interior design, with special emphasis on the bathrooms as well as custom joinery and the rebuilding of the 1990s rear extension to create a new open-plan kitchen and dining room.

“Our goal was to create an open-plan living space and bring lots of natural light into the ground floor, helping it to feel more inviting and better suited to entertaining friends and family,” the studio told Dezeen.

Stairwell of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
A simple white staircase leads upstairs

The property sits on a rough east-west axis, giving it the potential to achieve great light levels throughout the day, with the sun moving from the back of the house in the morning to the front in the afternoon.

“We wanted to ensure this natural light was captured through the architecture and design of the spaces,” the studio said.

On the ground floor, Studio Varey Architects removed a structural post that supported the building but divided the back wall.

Bathroom with light well in Huron House
A skylight illuminates the top-floor bathroom

This has been replaced with a steel frame, which allowed the studio to introduce slimline aluminium sliding doors that now run along the whole back of the property.

An existing skylight in the flat roof here was enlarged and framed with oak beams, pulling more light into the centre of the hybrid kitchen-dining space.

“Natural light cascades into the back of the house, while the introduction of oak beams created a feature that plays with the light as it travels through the property,” the studio said.

The whole staircase was replaced and positioned further away from the home’s large rear windows, creating a lightwell funnels sun into the lower floors.

On the top floor, an existing bathroom was fully renovated. Situated in the middle of the top floor it featured no windows save for a small skylight, meaning that light levels were totally inadequate.

Here, Studio Varey Architects cut back the ceiling to create a multifaceted surface clad in birch plywood – its colour knocked back with a wash of soft white – to bounce light around the space.

Timber-clad light well in Huron House
The ceiling was cut back to allow more light into the interior

“We created a splayed ceiling that increased the height of the space, allowing for the playful integration of materials to emphasise the new angles,” the studio said.

“Naturally finished birch ply, leading from the skylight down into Tadelakt walls, beautifully captures sunlight creating a special warmth in the space.”

Living room of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
Oak forms bookcases in the sitting rom

White oak can be found throughout the house in the form of built-in joinery from bookcases and wardrobes, as well as in the feature beams of the extension.

“We wanted to simplify the material palette and keep it light, both in appearance and number of elements we used,” the studio said.

“This was done to emphasise the quality of the materials themselves, highlight the craftsmanship of the work and establish a visual link between the interior spaces throughout the home.”

Bedroom of house in London by Studio Varey Architects
Oak joinery features in the primary bedroom

Polished concrete, used for the floor at ground level, is underlaid with underfloor heating and provides a durable surface that is easy to clean for the owners after walking their dog.

Other recently renovated houses in London include Sunderland Road House by 2LG, which features pastel-painted corniced ceilings, and Graphic House by Office S&M, which is defined by graphic shapes and bold hues.

The photography is by Taran Wilkhu.

The post Studio Varey Architects celebrates natural light in Notting Hill house renovation appeared first on Dezeen.

How this automated hydroponics indoor garden brings you healthy greens all year round

We’re all advised to add more fruits and veggies into our diets, but markets and even nature itself seem to be working against us. Fresh food is harder to come by, and going to supermarkets has become even more of a chore than it already was before. Online shopping is, of course, expensive, and we are rarely sure about the quality and safety of the greens we buy from stores. We’d plant these ourselves, but then we’d still be at the mercy of weather, seasons, and our aching backs. Thankfully, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore with this ingenious combination of nature and technology that lets you enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, healthy food right inside your home, no matter the season.

Designer: Tilden Cooper (Assoc. AIA)

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1,599 ($800 off exclusive to YD readers only). Hurry, less than 72 hours left!

Growing plants indoors have become a bit popular in the past years as people found themselves stuck at home with very little to do outside of work or school. It didn’t take long for succulents to be replaced by edibles as the benefits of homegrown vegetables, herbs, and even fruits became more apparent. Growing these healthy greens the traditional way, however, is not only very difficult but also horribly inefficient, which is why an innovative product like Nutraponics is needed to make such a vital part of our nutrition practically effortless.

Nutraponics is what one would call an automated hydroponics garden system, which is to say it’s a self-sustaining indoor garden that uses water-based solutions instead of soil to grow plants. Of course, that barely scratches the surface of what Nutraponics can do, which is to grow, nurture, and monitor your darling veggies for you. All you need to do is plant the seeds, set the parameters you want, and practically forget it until it’s time to harvest those fresh, delicious, and nutritious greens.

This miracle garden appliance harnesses the power of multiple technologies, making them work in perfect harmony to ensure the growth of plants in its care. The Grow Ring that encircles the tower, for example, delivers a balanced light spectrum that supports all stages of a plant’s life cycle, from seedling to fruiting, in an energy-efficient manner that doesn’t generate too much heat. An electronically controlled water pump delivers nutrient-rich water directly to the roots of the plant using a patent-pending water distribution panel, ensuring that plants get the nourishing fluids they need exactly when they need it.

Best of all, all of these happen without requiring your attention or intervention, at least until it’s time to refill the water. That doesn’t mean you’re not part of the process though. Thanks to Nutraponics’ advanced and precise monitoring system, it can keep a close watch on important factors like temperature, pH levels, nutrient solution quality, water levels, and more. It will bring concerns to your attention before they become problems, allowing you to quickly step in to replenish the nourishing water or any other matter that needs to be resolved.

With Nutraponics, you can enjoy 3x faster plant growth and 40% greater yields, ensuring you’ll have a fresh supply of your favorite herbs and greens when you need them, all year round. And with its small footprint, this indoor garden doesn’t just get out of your way but also adds a beautiful piece of decoration to your home. Why settle for dubious and expensive supermarket greens when you can grow them quickly at home with minimal effort, thanks to the Nutraponics self-sustaining indoor garden.

Click Here to Buy Now: $799 $1,599 ($800 off exclusive to YD readers only). Hurry, less than 72 hours left!

The post How this automated hydroponics indoor garden brings you healthy greens all year round first appeared on Yanko Design.

Karim Rashid, Beeple, and more artists collaborate to create the world’s most beautiful ‘digital analog clock’

Imagine if an NFT could tell time – that’s pretty much what Klydoclock feels like. The vintage pendulum-clock-inspired device comes with two circular display areas that showcase the time in unique ways. With an upper screen displaying the clock’s face and a lower one showing a swinging pendulum, Klydoclock relies on bizarrely beautiful visual styles that make reading the time an entrancing and contemplative experience. The clock’s visuals are the result of a collaboration between Klydo and some of the top animators and visual artists from around the world including the likes of Karim Rashid and Beeple.

Designer: Boaz Mendel

Click Here to Buy Now: $229 $350 ($121 off). Hurry, only 38/550 left! Raised over $320,000.

Klydoclock plays on the idea of uplifting and reimagining the mundane. Most antique clocks (especially those grandfather clocks) were designed for reliability and precision, and to let you see the time at a glance. They weren’t made to captivate you or grab your attention, but modern art works rather differently. Created as a quirky bridge between those two approaches, Klydoclock is a clock you could spend your day watching. Klydoclock’s screens showcase creative visuals that depict the passage of time, but in unique animations.

Analog Clock with Infinite Animated Faces – Transform your time-reading experience into an infinitely variable one.

Own a Piece of Decor Everyone Will Talk About – Klydoclock brightens up your space and serves as conversation piece.

The clock’s outer appearance remains strictly traditional – a rounded box made from birchwood veneer. However, the magic is what happens inside the box. The two displays show time in a variety of styles, letting you not just choose from a roster of artists and their motion graphics, but even design your own. Through the Klydo Artist Collective, users can contribute to the expanding collection of clock faces from industry elites like Karim, Beeple, Simona Alunni, Matt Semke, and many more.

Each Klydoclock is equipped with two 60Hz displays that show the clock face and moving pendulum respectively. A knurled tactile knob lets you preview the different ‘Klydos’ (that’s what the art experiences/themes are called) as well as adjust the time on your clock. Each Klydoclock also comes with a remote that lets you cycle through audio and visual themes in the clock settings, displayed in a circular UI that’s as beautiful as the clock itself. Sticking to the ethos of displaying great art, the Klydoclock doesn’t come with any fancy smartphone app, and doesn’t have a built-in camera or microphone to snoop in on you. Its only motive is to enrich your life and tell you the time while doing so!

Ultimately, the Klydoclock is also a global movement to bring art into every home. The team at Klydo partnered with more than 150 artists from 30 countries, creating as many as 1500 Klydos (art themes) that you can choose from in the initial collection. The movement also aims at supporting artists – not just by sharing a portion of the revenue from the Klydoclock sales, but also through the Klydo Artist Collective, which will offer events, workshops, promotions, and other opportunities to participants. Each Klydoclock starts at $229, with global shipping starting as early as December 2023.

Click Here to Buy Now: $229 $350 ($121 off). Hurry, only 38/550 left! Raised over $320,000.

The post Karim Rashid, Beeple, and more artists collaborate to create the world’s most beautiful ‘digital analog clock’ first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Grid Chair Stores Your Books And Prevents Your Coffee From Accidentally Spilling Over

A beautiful piece of furniture can complete a room. It can be the final piece that makes a space come full circle, building a comfortable and cohesive haven, rather than a random area. Furniture pieces make or break a home, they add to the essence or soul of a home, hence one needs to be extremely picky while choosing a furniture design. The design should be a reflection of you, and what you want your home to be. When you place a piece of furniture in a room, it should instantly integrate with the space, creating a wholesome and organic environment. And, there’s something about a simple, minimalist, and well-done furniture design that completely wins my heart – for example, the Grid Chair by SUNRIU Design

Designer: SUNRIU Design

Designed by SUNRIU Design, the Grid Chair is a simple well-designed chair with a few thoughtful details that truly set it apart. SUNRIU Design made a few changes to an ordinary wooden chair by incorporating certain flat elements. The idea behind the Grid Chair was to tackle the issue of accidentally knocking over your coffee, or a glass of water while sitting on a chair or couch. The Grid Chair is made up of four planks of wood arranged in an interesting grid-like manner. The various lines of the chair stagger together to create a neat grid that creates extended flat surfaces on either side of the chair.

These extended surfaces are quite useful since you can place your cup of coffee, magazine, book, or other knick-knacks on them. By making such a simple tweak to the conventional chair, the design studio hoped to eliminate a major problem for users and attempted to showcase how design challenges can be resolved through simple measures, materials, ad construction methods.

The grid-like form of the chair, and the extended sides give the furniture piece a rustic and raw charm, allowing it to truly shine without any additional bells and tassels. The Grid Chair by SUNRIU Design is a furniture piece that radiates simplicity and minimalism but also serves as a modern solution for a modern problem.

The post The Grid Chair Stores Your Books And Prevents Your Coffee From Accidentally Spilling Over first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tall Skinny House On A Cramped Inner-City Plot in Vietnam Gives Stiff Competition To Typical Tiny Homes

Skinny Houses are another intriguing marvel in the architecture world, much like tiny homes.  In today’s chaotic, consuming, and ever-expanding world, space is becoming a luxury. Since space is now at a premium in most major cities, architects are attempting to design homes that can comfortably fit into the tiniest of locations. These narrow houses manage to squeeze into minute places while providing a cozy and sufficient living space for families. Some of them even have a width that is less than 4 meters! Space-saving and comfortable, skinny homes are the modern solution we need! And a brilliant skinny home that you will definitely love is the Chic Vid House.

Designer: STD Design Consultant

Tucked away in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, is a tall and skinny home all squeezed up in a cramped inner-city lot. Say hello to the Chic Vid House. Designed by STD Design Consultant, the Chic Vid House showcases an operable facade to regulate the ventilation and sunlight inside the home. The site that accommodates the home measures almost 13 feet in width, and 64 feet in length. A tall and slender structure like the Chic Vid House was the perfect fit for the site in question.

The exterior of the home is quite simple and to the point. It features multiple small balconies sprouting with greenery growing inside built-in planters, while teak shutters function as an operable facade for the home. “The house attracts the attention of passersby with the firmness and weight of simplicity,” explained STD Design Consultant.

The foldable teak facade can be opened and closed hence controlling the sunlight that enters the home and improving the home’s ventilation. The facade not only prevents direct sunlight from entering the home but also aims to avoid vision loss. “The laterite stone used for the facade is very popular in tropical countries like Vietnam with the function of self-regulating temperature. All materials are also used as an aesthetic way to enhance the rustic appearance of the facade,” concludes the studio.

The interior of the home spans over five floors and is quite sophisticated and muted. The furniture has been specially arranged to make the most of a small and narrow space. The ground floor holds the kitchen and dining area, as well as a play area for the children to play safely in. Glass doors lead to a rear garden. The upper floors hold the bedrooms, living, room, and an office, which offers impressive views over the rooftops. The topmost floor includes a small rooftop terrace, and a quaint dining area with a canopy to provide shade.

The post Tall Skinny House On A Cramped Inner-City Plot in Vietnam Gives Stiff Competition To Typical Tiny Homes first appeared on Yanko Design.

Move aside Boston Dynamics, this robotic dog can run “on its own” once you get it started

When strolling through a park or a mall, you see a lot of fur parents proudly showing off their pets. You also see a lot of people fawning over cute puppies and dogs and sometimes even running around with them. But would you be willing to run around with a robotic dog that seems to be running on its own without a human controlling it? My first instinct would probably be to run away from it or to think that our robot overlords will actually be canines. But for those who are interested in robotics, this would be something worth checking out.

Designer: Mickaël Achkar at CREATE Lab

A robotics student from the EPFL research insitute in Switzerland has been able to create a robotic dog that doesn’t require control motors and can actually run on its own once you get it started. The bilaterally symmetric robot dog actually uses motion-capture data from real dogs to be able to have a more realistic albeit mechanical motion. This data was usde to guide the design as well.

The robot dog uses various materials like metal rods for its bones, thin steel cables to represent the tendons, and 3D-printed polymer pulleys for its joints. Each of its for legs have three joints that are mechanically coordinated with each other, based on what real dogs’ joints have which lets it run like an actual dog goes. There’s also a pendulum-like counterweight that actually keeps the dog running once you get it started.

For other actions like jumping and stepping over objects, and other broader motions, it still has to use its control motors. The goal of this prototype is to basically modify the passive properties that most robotic designs have so that only simple control systems will be needed. Still, I would probably run away from robotic dogs for now, especially one that seems to be running on its own. But studies and inventions like this can be useful in creating other robotic body parts that are more bio-based.

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Embrace Minimalism and Enhance Productivity with This Work Table

In the world of interior design, the philosophy of minimalism has gained immense popularity. This design concept advocates for a clutter-free and purposeful living environment, where possessions are carefully chosen based on their value and significance. As we delve into the realm of minimalism, a revolutionary product emerges as the embodiment of this philosophy – the Parallel Work Table. This versatile and sleek table is designed to enhance productivity and aesthetics in various settings, be it offices, homes, or classrooms.

Designer: Eldho T Jai

Minimalism transcends a mere design trend; it’s a way of life that encourages us to simplify and declutter. With its core tenets rooted in mindfulness and intentionality, minimalism urges individuals to focus on what truly matters and eliminate distractions. The Parallel Work Table seamlessly aligns with this ethos, presenting a workspace solution that embodies simplicity and functionality.

At the forefront of modern workspace innovation is the Parallel Work Table. This exceptional piece of furniture caters to the demands of contemporary lifestyles, where efficiency and elegance go hand in hand. Crafted for use in offices, homes, and classrooms, the Parallel Work Table redefines the workspace experience.

A distinguishing feature of the Parallel Work Table is its minimalist design language. This aesthetic choice not only imparts an inviting and uncluttered ambiance but also resonates with the principles of minimalism. The clean lines and unobtrusive form of the table create an approachable workspace that encourages focus and creativity.

One of the standout attributes of the Parallel Work Table is its customization options. The table can be personalized with a range of accessories, allowing users to tailor their workspace to their specific needs. Whether it’s storage or a pinboard for putting up important ideas, this table adapts to individual preferences seamlessly. Moreover, its user-friendly assembly process ensures that users can set up their workspace effortlessly, without unnecessary hassle.

The Parallel Work Table goes beyond aesthetics and functionality; it addresses practicality as well. With its flat-pack design, the table significantly reduces transportation costs and environmental impact. Additionally, the table’s easy disassembly feature facilitates seamless relocation, ensuring that your workspace can adapt to changing environments effortlessly.

The Parallel Work Table stands as a testament to thoughtful design, boasting features that cater to modern work needs. The integrated board serves as a space for whiteboard surfaces, perfect for brainstorming and visualizing ideas. Moreover, the cleverly designed slit at the table’s junction provides an organized solution for cable management, eliminating clutter and promoting a tidy workspace.

Enhancing convenience is a key priority of the PARALLeL Work Table. With strategically placed hooks on the table’s legs, users can keep their bags off the floor, ensuring easy access without disrupting the workflow. Additionally, specially designed holders on the legs offer convenient storage for stationery, gadgets, and other essentials, keeping everything within arm’s reach.

In a world where minimalism is gaining momentum as a lifestyle choice, the PARALLeL Work Table emerges as a groundbreaking solution that perfectly encapsulates the essence of minimalistic design. Its seamless blend of form and function, coupled with innovative features and customization options, makes it a compelling choice for individuals seeking an efficient and clutter-free workspace. Embrace minimalism, enhance productivity, and elevate your workspace aesthetics with the PARALLeL Work Table – a true embodiment of modern design philosophy.

The post Embrace Minimalism and Enhance Productivity with This Work Table first appeared on Yanko Design.

Core77 Weekly Roundup (8-21-23 to 8-25-23)

Here’s what we looked at this week:

An ID student invented what would become the “Operation” board game in 1962. He got $500. The game made $40 million.

Steady-hand game design evolution: From “Operation” to “Jenga,” now “Tiny Laser Heist.”

Humanoid robot design evolution: The latest, the Unitree H1, wears clothing. Who do you think gets to wash it?

This inexpensive, impressive bathroom-cleaning robot signals the death of janitorial jobs.

Extreme furniture design: This 650-lb. Zero Gravity Workstation is by ErqoQuest, a Michigan-based furniture manufacturer.

The Wired Chair, designed by Michael Young, is an updated take on Harry Bertoia’s 1952 design classic.

The Kati Blitz Mini is a surprisingly sexy cable puller, designed by ID consultancy Noto.

Halfway between a typewriter and a laptop, the Freewrite Traveler is a “dedicated drafting device.”

There are several clever design features in this Flagship pan, a hybrid between a skillet and a Dutch oven.

This fastener-free furniture joinery is by designers Gerlach & Heilig, inspired by Germany’s Black Forest.

The Scrubba Wash Bag is a portable washing machine, in bag form.

This hard drive concept, designed by CLAIRE + LÉA, keeps your desk tidy while providing access to the crucial bits.

German Company One Two Beer has developed a faster beer-pouring technology for crowded festivals. A precision-guided nozzle quickly fills bottom-to-top, preventing over-foaming.

Atari is re-releasing the 2600! (Sadly, it only comes with one joystick.)

ID student Shira Gandelman’s One-Line Chair looks as if it’s made from a single length of tubing.

Designed and made in 1934 by Gerald Summers, this chair is made from one piece of plywood, with four cuts.

When Everyday Carry becomes Everything Carry. Here’s an insane soft-sided EDC briefcase so you can carry 120 objects around with you.

This Apollo humanoid robot has been designed with an off button and other desirable features.

Industrial design firm Whipsaw designs gigantic gaming machines for client Aristocrat.

When Everyday Carry Becomes Everything Carry

“Everyday Carry” was once the idea that you carried a few useful objects around to help you tackle unexpected challenges. However, the movement has completely hijacked the “gatherer” instinct in hunter/gatherer-minded folks, leading them to amass gigantic collections of pocket-sized objects. So what do you do when your EDC outnumbers your pockets?

What you do is, of course, buy another thing. This Vault 2.0 is like a briefcase for EDC objects, so you can carry dozens of flashlights, butterfly knives, titanium carabiners, tactical pens etc., all at once in a series of elastic-festooned panels.

The Vault 2.0 comes in three sizes. The largest, the MaxHaul, can carry an absurd “120+” objects.

It’s up on Kickstarter, and gee, whaddaya know? It landed $128,000+ at press time, with four days left to pledge. Everyday Carry has become Everything Carry.

Nuts and Bolts Industrial Design: 9-Foot-Tall Gaming Machines

Industrial design consultancy Whipsaw is the go-to designer for Aristocrat, a manufacturer of gaming machines. As the firm explains:

Each year, several new machine designs are introduced to the market. Featured here are Helix, Arc, Flame, and Edge X. Each product fills a market niche ranging from entry-level to deluxe large-game format, and each currently leads their category. Whipsaw has provided a long-term design strategy for Aristocrat which includes analytical research, development of exciting concepts with strong form, finish and lighting effects, comfortable human factors, and sensible manufacturing strategies.”

HELIX

An instant classic and bestseller, Helix was the first machine to offer infinity-edge displays that float on a cloud of light.

ARC

Standing nine feet tall, ARC is audacious, monumental, and revolutionary. Our goal was to create a mind-blowing machine presence without compromising ergonomics. Since its introduction, ARC has become a sensational market hit and a popular player destination.

FLAME

Elegant, minimal and seamless, Flame incorporates a single “S”-curved 55? display.

EDGE X

The first two-player machine with full glass play deck and twin 43? curved displays to make players feel like they’re inside the game.

Our objective for Aristocrat is to always create sophisticated and elegant designs that are exciting and emotional for the gaming market. As a result, Aristocrat has elevated the industry standard with good design, they have witnessed substantial sales growth, and they are now ranked among the top three gaming companies in the world. Since our partnership, Aristocrat has won dozens of prestigious game design and innovation awards.

See more of Whipsaw’s work here.