Hasta La Ideas

Mobile devices, both smartphones and tablets, have become an inescapable fact of modern life to the point that almost everyone has one. While they do empower people with their smart features, they unfortunately also inflict damage on the environment, whether it’s through their manufacturing or, more often than not, their improper disposal. Not all smartphone manufacturers have a well-established or easy process for owners to send back unused or broken devices for handling and responsible disposal, which means many of these end up in landfills where they eventually poison the soil and water. Some of these aren’t even totally broken just outdated or unused for one reason or another. Finding a different use for them delays their untimely demise, which is exactly what this upcycling concept tries to do, offering smartphones a better life after death.

Designer: Think Tank Team

There could be a variety of reasons for ditching an old but still functional smartphone. Some parts, like the screen, battery, or charging port might no longer be in tip-top shape, or the owner simply upgraded to a newer model that will last them another two years or so. Whatever the reason may be, it might not actually be enough to warrant simply throwing the phone in the waste bin, or even just keeping it in a drawer until it’s forgotten forever or, worse, becomes a safety hazard.

Project Afterlife tries to remedy that situation by upcycling rather than recycling the phone. This means it puts the device to a different use without actually modifying it or taking it apart, thereby using less energy, less resources, and less effort. This increases the likelihood that people will adopt this product because it is accessible and easy to use.

The product concept pretty much comes in a taco-like crescent shape made of recycled plastic and given a frosted finish. You simply slide in the phone from the opening and set it on a flat surface with its curved edge at the bottom. The shape is balanced in such a way that it will stay still unless you intentionally rock it, and that rocking motion actually affects its functions. Just like a game controller with motion sensors, tilting the phone lets you cycle through its different modes without having to touch the screen. Rocking also makes the “Endless Clock” change the clock face at every movement, while both the “Timeline” photo stream and the “Moment” abstract art display also react to such movement.

Admittedly, you can simply take that same old smartphone, put it on a stand, and use it in the same way as a clock or small photo frame. Project Afterlife, however, also transforms the phone into a kinetic art object that will enhance the ambiance of your desk or shelf. It’s a simple yet impressive example of how upcycling not only helps save the environment but even adds value to your experience.

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Dezeen Showroom: Belgian furniture brand Extremis has created a modular outdoor dining system called Panigiri, which is designed to comfortably accommodate people via a range of seating options.

Designed by Extremis founder Dirk Wynants, the Panigiri dining system is based around a long table with either attached bench seating or open space for chairs.

The benches are divided so that each seating spot can be easily accessed, without the need to clamber over it, and there is an optional add-on called the Bring Your Own Seat (BYOS) that hooks onto the benches to create a more supportive, chair-like sitting experience with a backrest.

Named after the Greek words “pan” and “giri”, meaning “all” and “gathering”, the furniture was designed to facilitate communal dining and comes in a number of variations seating eight to 12 people.

The system comes in three iterations – Panigiri Picnic features a picnic-table-style setup with bench seating, while the Panigiri Table has no built-in seating and is designed to be used in conjunction with supplementary chairs. The Panigiri Combo marries elements of both of these formats.

Made from steel and ash wood, the furniture is built for longevity, and Extremis made use of excess wood from other collections to minimise its environmental impact.

Product details:

Product: Panigiri
Designer: Dirk Wynants
Brand: Extremis
Contact: info@extremis.com

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Dezeen speaks to residents of new council housing in London about what their homes mean to them as part of our Social Housing Revival series.

“When I got here, I was just really in shock because it is absolutely beautiful,” said Amanda Bennett*, a mother-of-three who recently moved into a new council house near south London’s Old Kent Road, in a development designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards and Concertus for Southwark Council.

“I’ve never been as happy,” Bennett told Dezeen.

“It’s such a weird feeling”

Bennett and her children previously spent 12 years in a one-bedroom flat, bidding unsuccessfully for social housing where they would have more space.

“Our old flat had condensation because it was overcrowded and my back was breaking from having to move things around constantly,” she recalled.

“It was such a tight area, so there was hardly any space for the children to play and my son couldn’t get homework done – he went backwards at school quite quickly.”

“Really and truly, he just needed some space and a good night’s sleep, but it’s impossible when the baby’s crying, it was just chaotic.”

Named Wouldham Court, the 21-home scheme on a former garage site is aesthetically functional, but for Bennett and her family it has been life-changing.

“It’s such a weird feeling – I feel like I can breathe again,” she said.

In the decades following world war two, local councils were the UK’s primary builders of new housing. In 1953, they completed 245,000 homes – 75 per cent of all homes built in the country.

This era came to an end in the late 1970s when Margaret Thatcher’s government cut funding for new council housing and introduced Right to Buy, which saw millions of homes sold off to tenants at a discount.

By 2000, the supply of new council housing had dwindled to a tiny trickle. Between 2005 and 2010, London’s 33 local government bodies built just 90 homes between them.

However, in recent years, following a series of reforms to financing and borrowing rules plus targeted funding from London mayor Sadiq Khan, councils in the UK capital have launched a mini-renaissance in house-building.

In 2022/2023, they started a combined 11,000 homes.

As well as helping to meet London’s enormous affordable-housing need, some of the city’s new council housing is among its most significant contemporary architecture.

Henley Halebrown‘s intervention to deliver 45 homes on the Frampton Park Estate in Hackney, including 16 council homes for social rent, won a RIBA National Award in 2023.

Arranged over three blocks ranging from five to seven storeys that are connected by bridges, the project used small bricks to reduce material weight and timber-aluminium hybrid windows and solar shading to reduce overheating.

“When I saw the property, I was shocked”

Taxi driver Abbey Alebiosu was the first tenant to move into the scheme three years ago. He rents a two-bedroom maisonette, which he shares with his wife and adult son.

“When I saw the property, I was shocked because I was expecting it to be one of those little boxes, but what they built was really, really surprising,” said Alebisou.

“I was really impressed with them to have built something of such a good standard. My son would not be able to stay in London if we did not have this place.”

Their total rent and service charge bill is currently £641 a month – significantly less than it costs to rent a private room in most of the borough.

Across town just off Edgware Road, Daventry House is a 10-storey block of homes designed by Stirling Prize-winning studio Mae Architects for Westminster Council, which completed last year.

It is an area of the city better known for ultra-prime residential development than social housing, but nearly all 60 flats are let to tenants at social rents.

Many of the residents are former council tenants who have moved from Penn House, an ageing block nearby that had started to suffer from serious disrepair.

One such resident is Charles Curtis, who now lives on the 10th storey of Daventry House. He said that Penn House was a difficult place to live, and that his life has greatly improved in the new building.

“I wanted the flat on the top floor because you get such great light,” Curtis told Dezeen. “I see the sunrise and the sunset from here.”

The view from his window is a panorama of London, from Wembley Stadium to the London Eye.

“You think about how much this place would cost if it was private,” he said. “I am very fortunate that I have what I have here.”

London has been the epicentre of council housing’s re-emergence in the UK, but it is not the only place where high-quality, low-rent municipal homes have had a transformational impact on residents’ lives.

One notable example is Goldsmith Street, a street-based Passivhaus project owned by Norwich City Council that won the Stirling Prize in 2019.

Architect Mikhail Riches received a letter from a resident of the development describing how her new council home has meant she no longer relies on food handouts to eat, and has been able to entertain friends for the first time in as long as she can remember.

Mikhail Riches told Dezeen it has also heard stories of residents who have been able to pay off long-standing debts after moving into Goldsmith Street.

Post-occupancy analysis by the studio found that a third of residents had experienced improvements to their health, citing reduced requirement for medication, better sleep, less anxiety and improved respiratory illnesses.

Not everyone is satisfied though. Dezeen also spoke to a wheelchair-using resident of Daventry House who said his storage is out of reach, the bathroom is difficult to use and that a lip on his front door means he cannot leave the flat unaided.

Westminster Council said it will investigate the issues and fix any defects where necessary, and Dezeen saw emails shortly after our visit showing that works had been approved to his flat.

The case does, however, reflect dissatisfaction experienced by many social housing residents in the UK, with decades of restricted investment meaning that a significant minority of existing homes – particularly older ones – are beset with issues.

Councils and housing associations are also often criticised for poor management practices.

Dezeen asked Newham Council about speaking to residents at its Neave Brown Award-winning McGrath Road scheme, designed by Peter Barber Architects and completed in 2019.

But the authority declined, saying it is working through “ongoing issues” at the estate.

Meanwhile, economic headwinds mean councils’ progress on new housing has slowed, as major cities including London struggle more than ever to retain key workers and families are increasingly priced out.

Bennett is hopeful that the social-housing revival continues, however.

“Everyone needs the chance to at least live a nice life, and an opportunity to do the best they can,” she said.

*This name has been changed.

Social Housing Revival

This article is part of Dezeen’s Social Housing Revival series exploring the new wave of quality social housing being built around the world, and asking whether a return to social house-building at scale can help solve affordability issues and homelessness in our major cities.

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Sketch Design Studio has completed a rural residence in north India that combines a highly ordered facade with a rustic stone interior.

Located near the Aravalli mountains in Rajasthan, the two-storey Stone House is built from stone blocks sourced from local demolition sites.

The walls are rendered externally in mud and lime plaster. This provides a smooth and even finish, emphasising the linearity of the various ground-floor window bays.

The irregularity of the stone is only revealed inside the house, where it is left exposed on a series of feature walls and arches.

Sketch Design Studio founder Shipra Singhania designed Stone House for a couple whom she said “have long been our neighbours and cherished family friends”.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the couple decided to swap their apartment home in Alwar for a residence that would allow them to grow their own food and reconnect with nature.

“They set their sights on a farm located on the outskirts of the city, envisioning a small yet inviting home that would serve as their sanctuary and a gathering place for family and friends,” Singhania explained.

The design showcases Singhania’s interest in building with natural, non-toxic materials, as she previously did with the Dezeen Award-winning Mud House and the more recent project, Hybrid House.

The other key material finish is clay paint, which covers many of the house’s interior walls.

“We conceptualised Stone House as a modern home that combines the rustic charm of repurposed stone with eco-friendly finishes and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces,” Singhania told Dezeen.

The house’s form and construction details take cues from various traditional Indian building techniques, which were reworked for a contemporary aesthetic.

The roof is a low-angled pyramid, projecting out on one side to meet a pair of simple columns. As well as topping the first floor – a volume with the feel of a lookout tower – it provides partial shelter to a large roof terrace.

Inside, a filler-slab ceiling incorporates ceramic pots. The technique pays tribute to the legacy of eminent architect Laurie Baker, whose work is mostly found in South India.

“Not only does this technique enhance the structural integrity of the roof, it also adds a unique visual element that captivates the eye and celebrates the beauty of nature’s randomness,” said Singhania.

The interior layout is modest, with only a handful of rooms.

The ground floor is divided into two zones, with an open-plan lounge and kitchen on one side and a pair of en-suite bedrooms on the other, while the first floor contains a single room dedicated to music.

White marble sourced from the town of Makrana provides flooring throughout and furniture in the bedrooms.

One of the window bays features a glazed door, which opens the living spaces out to a screened patio. A spiral staircase connects this outdoor space with the roof terrace above.

“This outdoor seating area serves as a gateway to the lush lawns and flourishing kitchen garden, providing an idyllic space for relaxation and connection with nature,” added Singhania.

The photography is by Purnesh Dev, with styling by Rahul Kukreja.

Project credits:

Architecture and interior design: Sketch Design Studio
Design team: Shipra Singhania, Gargi Thakur, Mohit Ganda
Structural consultants: 3D construction

The post Recycled stone forms walls of Rajasthan farmhouse by Sketch Design Studio appeared first on Dezeen.

A countertop RO system brings a plethora of benefits to your home. Not only does it provide clean and delicious water, but it also takes convenience to a new level. The system requires no complicated setup, saving you from the upfront high cost of purchasing a traditional under-stage RO, hassle, and time typically associated with such installations. Furthermore, it doesn’t come with the high installation costs that often accompany traditional water purification systems. Unlike under-sink models, a countertop RO system does not take up any space under your sink, which leaves you with more room for storage. All these advantages make the Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Reverse Osmosis System an excellent choice for those who value both quality, value, and convenience.

Designer: Waterdrop

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Aesthetics & Ergonomics

As the name implies, countertop Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, such as the Waterdrop CoreRO, are designed to be placed on a kitchen or utility room countertop, ideally close to a water source. This placement is not only for convenience but also for the system’s efficient operation.

The Waterdrop CoreRO is designed for compactness, standing just 17 inches tall. This height, considered small compared to other models, is a major selling point. It should fit comfortably under most if not all, kitchen countertops. Despite its powerful purification capabilities, it won’t dominate your kitchen space. It’s crucial, as the kitchen is often a family gathering spot, and the last thing you want is an unsightly appliance on the countertop.

Moreover, its slim yet wide dimensions (15.6 inches by 10.9 inches) significantly add to its compact nature. These dimensions have been carefully chosen to ensure the system takes up minimal space on your countertop while providing ample room for the necessary filtration components. Overall, the Waterdrop CoreRO’s compact design can seamlessly fit into your kitchen setup without disrupting your space or routines.

The front of the device has an easy-to-read touch-screen control panel, and underneath is a drip tray. The filter is inserted into the top left, while the pure water tank sits on the right side. At the same time, the feed water tank hangs out in the back of the unit.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the mode settings, which can store the precise amount of water to dispense. I’ve set the favorite mode to dispense 8oz of water, as this is the daily recommended intake for an adult. The option on the right allows for amounts ranging from 4, 8, 12, and 20 ounces all the way up to 999 oz. It also has a TDS display showing the Total Dissolved Solids in the water. These include small particles like minerals, salts, or metals. The display provides a measurement that allows you to assess your water quality. A lower TDS value indicates purer water.

What sold me is the 40oz removable water container. It’s the perfect size for the refrigerator. The part is it’s convenient to have a few of these containers on hand, prefilter the water, and have them nice and cold, ready to pour for a refreshing drink.

Performance

Operating with a “3:1 pure to drain RO filtration,” this system showcases its proficiency in water purification. The “3:1” ratio indicates that for every three portions of clean water it generates, only one portion is wasted, highlighting the efficient use of water resources. This makes the Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop RO System a sustainable choice for clean water.

During the RO process, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane, separating out impurities and contaminants. The Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop System, which is NSF/ANSI 372 Certified, SGS&CSA Tested, and FCC approved, utilizes a 5-stage filtration process, reducing up to 99.9% of impurities. This process includes a PP cotton layer, a scale inhibitor layer, a carbon fiber layer, another PP cotton layer, and a final 0.0001μm RO membrane. The discarded water, often called drain or wastewater, removes the rejected substances from the system. The system strikes a balance between producing purified water and managing wastewater, ensuring clean drinking water delivery while reducing resource wastage.

My family consumes a significant amount of water daily, more than I do, since I primarily drink coffee. They can’t tell the difference between Waterdrop CoreRO and bottled water. More importantly, they prefer its purer taste over the filtered water from our refrigerator.

Sustainability

For several reasons, a countertop RO system, such as the Waterdrop CoreRO, is highly sustainable and better for the planet. First, it reduces the need for disposable plastic water bottles, a major pollution source. Providing clean, filtered water directly from the tap eliminates the need for bottled water and the associated waste.

Secondly, this system is designed with longevity in mind. The 5-stage filter has a lifespan of 12 months, reducing the frequency of replacement and the associated waste. This is significantly longer than many other filtration systems on the market, further contributing to its sustainability.

Moreover, the Waterdrop CoreRO system’s efficient 3:1 ratio ensures minimal water wastage during filtration, a big improvement over less efficient systems that waste more water. The system contributes to water conservation efforts by minimizing water waste, an important consideration given the increasing global water scarcity. The Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Reverse Osmosis System is a high-performance water purification system that, through its sustainable design, significantly contributes to environmental conservation.

Value

Thanks to its low initial cost, the Waterdrop CoreRO countertop system offers substantial long-term value. This is particularly evident when considering the financial savings and positive environmental impact it provides.

The recommended daily water intake for a family of two adults and two children averages around 240 ounces. Factoring in the system’s cost of $199 plus next year’s filter replacement only comes to less than $300.

Contrast this with the expense of purchasing bottled water. With an average cost of $0.50 per 16.9 oz bottle, the family’s daily consumption translates to approximately $7.10. Annually, this reaches a staggering $2591.50.

Despite the initial investment, the cumulative annual savings become evident. Deducting the total yearly cost of using the filtration system from the annual expense of buying bottled water yields a net annual savings of approximately $2391.50.

Living with two teenagers who participate in sports year-round, it’s crucial for them to consume water beyond the recommended daily intake. Hence, we find great value in the Waterdrop CoreRO system. Instead of reaching for bottled water, my kids use this system to fill up their water bottles.

As a coffee enthusiast, I’ve always found that coffee tastes much better when made with filtered water. I can enjoy this luxury without paying for bottled, filtered water. I’m convinced.

Verdict

For any household looking for a compact, efficient, and sustainable solution for high-quality drinking water, the Waterdrop CoreRO countertop RO system is an exceptional choice. Its standout features include a hassle-free setup that eschews complex installations, a leading-edge 3:1 reverse osmosis efficiency ratio that signifies its outstanding efficacy, and a 5-stage filter boasting an impressive 12-month lifespan for sustained use. The design includes a removable water container for added convenience alongside a built-in safeguard against leaks, a common issue with traditional under-the-sink systems. While it requires daily refilling of the water container and occupies some counter space, the overall benefits, such as its aesthetic appeal, user-friendly design, top-notch performance, sustainable operation, and excellent value proposition, make it a sound investment for accessing pure drinking water.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $249 (20% off, Use coupon code “WDYanko5” to get additional 5% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!

The post Waterdrop CoreRO Countertop Reverse Osmosis System Review: an Eco-Friendly and Cost-Efficient Solution for Pure Drinking Water first appeared on Yanko Design.