It’s one thing seeing a transparent Nothing phone and completely another when it’s a car. Looking something straight out of the Marvel universe, this cool Volkswagen ID 3 EV is a custom sedan you don’t want to ride if you prefer privacy.

The car originally owned by a Chinese automobile influencer Dog Bro Fast Dog has been customized to have a see-through form achieved with modding that seems absolutely bonkers. It’s not every day that you come across a transparent car on the streets. To complete the distinct appeal of the VW ID 3, LED lighting has been put to good use.

Designer: Fast Dog

The Chinese automotive influencer draws his inspiration from the Nothing Phone (not surprising) which traversed normal conventions to create a mobile device that stands out from the crowd when it comes to pure form factor. The idea was good but executing it to achieve the desired look is another challenge altogether. Major sections of the vehicle were cut out including the door panels and plastic bumpers. They were replaced with vacuum-formed transparent plastic to achieve the see-through look of the clear acrylic panels.

The C-pillars and other structurally important parts of the frame were kept intact but etched with circuit boards and working computer fans to maintain the futuristic theme and aesthetics. Surprises don’t end there as the interiors are a cool little world on their own. The white theme carries the clean theme to the inside. There’s a racing seat for the driver and the passenger seat is replaced with a secondary battery for those extra 18 odd miles and feeding the power-hungry electronics.

The influencer has one more surprise in there, a PlayStation 5 console complete with a gaming setup including dual monitors, desks and an acrylic rack for all the peripherals in the rear section. The gaming setup is for real to enjoy as the influencer managed to fit a gaming chair in there too.

This is one of the craziest car modifications we’ve seen in a long time and the coolest without a doubt. A perfect show-stopper for the Japanese drifting scene in the dark hours!

The post This transparent Volkswagen ID 3 is born to rock Japanese night drifting scene first appeared on Yanko Design.

Architecture studio TAAC and interior designer Sara Skalli have created a seaside hotel in Mexico that uses traditional materials including chukum – a finish made from tree resin and limestone.

Named Casa Yuma, the 25-room boutique hotel is located on Playa Los Naranjos, a short drive from Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Skalli, who co-owns the hotel with friends Camille Lambert and Tim de Belloy, felt it was important for the buildings to utilise materials native to the region.

She and the project architect, TAAC founder Ricardo de la Concha, devised a materials palette that centres around the use of chukum.

Described as a “vegetal concrete”, this water-resistant, plaster-like material is made by combining the resin of indigenous chukum trees with limestone-based stucco.

The material often has a strong red tone –  as seen in other new Mexico buildings like as the Xique Boutique Hotel and Tulix housing – although the colour here is closer to a pale concrete-like grey.

Skalli said the use of chukum was intended to create “an ambience that is both organic and sustainable”.

“My main goal was to create an environment where elegance harmoniously blends with the surrounding nature while reflecting the warmth and authenticity of this unique land,” she said.

The materials palette also includes “salmon pink” adobe bricks from Puebla, which form decorative screen walls, and locally sourced macuil wood, used to build furniture and joinery.

“The use of materials of Mexican origin was of vital importance,” added De la Concha.

Casa Yuma is situated between the seafront and a vast grove of palm trees. It is formed mainly of single-storey buildings, with zigzagging staircases providing access to rooftop patios.

The reception is housed inside a palapa – a traditional Mexican hut with a palm leaf roof. From here, guests are led past the bedroom suites to arrive at facilities on the beachfront.

These facilities include an open-air restaurant, co-working lounge, beach bar, swimming pool, sunken firepit area and a spa cabin.

“The layout of the elements is based on a linear axis with a direct path from the entrance to the beach, passing through the rooms to reach a pool facing the sea,” said De la Concha.

He said the concept was for “a barefoot hotel” where guests always have the feeling of being on the beach.

“We want to create a unique atmosphere so that guests feel comfortable in every corner of the hotel and feel like they have found a second home,” added co-owner Tim de Belloy.

The interior design follows a similar ethos to the architecture, with craft objects and textiles sourced from local makers. These include handmade wall tiles, minimal nightstands, woven rugs and striped bedspreads.

“Most of the decorative elements come from incredibly talented local artisans and underscore our commitment to preserving regional culture,” said Skalli.

“The aim is to offer unique spaces, where each room retains its individuality while inspiring a familiar experience.”

Other recent Mexican hotels on Dezeen include a hotel by Productora and Esrawe Studio on a hilly site in San Miguel de Allende and a boutique hotel coated in pink chukum and set in an artificial wetland in Puerto Escondido.

The photography is courtesy of Casa Yuma.

The post Casa Yuma hotel built with “vegetal concrete” and pink bricks appeared first on Dezeen.

US company Cosmic has unveiled an accessory dwelling unit that it claims is the first to come with integrated systems for generating and storing solar power and recycling water.

Called Cosmic ONE, the building is an upgraded version of a model unveiled in 2002 by the San Francisco-based company. The small building is designed for a variety of applications.

“Cosmic ONE is a limited-edition, high-quality micro home that can serve as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a primary single-family home, or building blocks for an entire residential community,” said Cosmic.

The latest iteration is offered in three configurations.

The first, called The Studio, spans 395 square feet (37 square metres) and serves as the base version. It contains a room with a living space and kitchen with pocket doors, along with a bathroom.

Customers can add on to the base unit to create a one-bedroom unit totalling 595 square feet (55 square metres) or a two-bedroom unit spanning 750 square feet (70 square metres).

Exterior and interior finishes are customisable. A unit now on display in San Francisco features charred wood siding, an orange-hued aluminium fascia, and an exterior deck made of steel and stained larch.

Inside, the display unit is fitted with engineered hardwood flooring and medium-density-fibreboard (MDF) cabinetry with a white oak veneer.

From start to finish, a unit can generally be built and installed in about seven months. The building components are made in a factory, transported to the site by truck, and assembled on-site.

“Using modern manufacturing techniques, Cosmic ONE significantly reduces build times, cost variability and material waste compared to traditional construction methods,” the team said.

The Cosmic micro home has systems for generating and storing power and recycling water.

“Cosmic ONE is the first ADU with an integrated water recycling system, solar, and battery,” the team said.

A rooftop solar array is composed of 10 to 32 panels, depending upon the size of the building. The smallest array is expected to generate 24 kWh per day, while the largest one will generate 76 kWh daily.

The home also comes with a 40 kWh battery for storing electricity and a system for capturing wastewater and reusing it for non-potable needs.

The climate crisis, combined with the affordable housing crisis in California and beyond, were key motivators for creating the Cosmic micro home.

“In addition to the affordability challenges, housing is at the forefront of the battle against climate change,” said Cosmic.

“The simple truth is that our carbon crisis is a housing crisis, as most existing and newly built homes rely on the exploitation of natural resources and energy from fossil fuels.”

“Cosmic One enables us to add the configurable housing capacity California needs, giving homeowners a fast and sustainable way to build homes to house their expanding families, build a business, or earn new income,” the team added.

The starting cost for Cosmic One is $279,000 (£219,650), which includes installation.

The company has vowed to donate one per cent of every home solid to the Cosmic Foundation Initiative, which is “dedicated to providing affordable housing and clean energy to children who were displaced by war”.

Currently, 100 units are available for purchase in California, and Cosmic hopes to add more states to its roster in the future.

During a recent “pre-seed” round of funding, the company raised $1.5 million (£1.18 million) from investors.

The company – which has an office in Belgrade in addition to San Francisco – was started by Sasha Jokic, an entrepreneur, inventor and trained architect. His previous ventures include Formdwell, a startup company that is creating new construction tools powered by intelligent robots.

Other micro homes in the US include a mobile dwelling by Land Ark that features a slanted roof and dark metal cladding, and a small home with an aero-hydroponic green wall that was designed by Gray Organschi Architecture, in collaboration with researchers at Yale University.

The photography is by Cosmic.

The post Cosmic reveals updated “high-quality” model of all-electric micro home appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen School Shows: a modular lighting system featuring a customisable lamp is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at University of Brighton.

Also featured is a project which examines biodiversity within built environments and another focusing on improving menstrual health and education surrounding it.

University of Brighton

Institution: University of Brighton
School: School of Architecture Technology and Engineering
Course: Product Design BSc (Hons) and Design Engineering BEng (Hons)
Tutors: James Tooze, Dr Derek Covill, Dr Catherine Grundy, Dr Pablo Prieto Cabrera and Gareth Owen Lloyd

School statement:

“Product Design BSc (Hons) and Design Engineering BEng (Hons) share the Industrial Design studio, a multi-disciplinary co-working environment that mirrors industry and encourages students to learn from each other preparing them for their careers.

“The two courses guide students to use creativity and problem-solving to develop innovative solutions that enhance people’s lives.

“They can work on projects across different industries collaborating with professionals from various backgrounds.

“Industrial Design Brighton integrates practical experience and theoretical knowledge in a supportive environment as students develop the skills to become well rounded professionals.

“They learn to navigate every stage of the product development process with the ability to design sustainable, socially conscious, commercially viable and technically sound solutions.

“The projects shown below are by graduating students from the course.”

Stratigen by Jamie Marriott

“Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes, which can lead to amputation, infection, sepsis and death, and with the global increase in diabetes, DFUs present an escalating challenge for clinicians.

“OSTEOmycin micro, an antibiotic-impregnated bone allograft, has been successful in limb salvage surgery (LSS) for DFUs, aiding infection eradication and bone regeneration – however, its small particle size complicates handling and implantation.

“To address this, I designed Stratigen, a specialised device developed for the precise and efficient implantation of OSTEOmycin micro in diabetic LSS.

“Stratigen features a thin tip for accessing small bone voids and pre-filled cartridges for contamination-free delivery – its spring actuator mechanism delivers the graft directly into the surgical site and then tamps it to form a stable, weight-bearing structure suitable for bone remodelling and revascularisation.

“I hope Stratigen will improve clinical outcomes in diabetic LSS, reducing the need for amputation.”

Student: Jamie Marriott
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Dr Derrick Covill

Evolva, personalised menstrual cycle care by Mia Edbrooke

“Menstrual cycles affect various bodily functions throughout the month, including cognition, strength, sleep, digestion, brain function and emotional sensitivity – hormone receptors (particularly oestrogen) are widespread in the brain and levels fluctuate during the cycle, directly affecting brain function.

“Education on menstrual cycles is lacking – Endometriosis UK reports that nearly 30 per cent of people didn’t understand periods before their first one – research is limited, leaving even experts without sufficient answers.

“Millions suffer from PMS, PMDD and menstrual pain, yet the pathophysiology remains unclear, leading to few effective treatments; hormonal contraceptives (suppressants) are commonly prescribed, but come with their own issues, and do not meet the desire for natural options.

“Evolva aims to empower those who menstruate by providing personalised care based on continuous hormone readings, core body temperature and vaginal ph monitoring, whilst offering tailored cycle tracking and care suggestions using AI.

“This approach also contributes to broader research and understanding of menstrual health, ultimately enhancing women’s health options.”

Student: Mia Edbrooke
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Gareth Owen Lloyd

ReUSed by Angus Clifford

“ReUSed is a critical design project transforming waste into awareness.

“90 per cent of the 33 million uniforms handed out each year in the UK end up in landfill – focused on courier uniforms as a particularly wasteful cycle that demands change, this project sought ways of re-breathing life into these waste textiles.

“Investigating the industry of takeaway couriers uncovered a shocking system full of exploitation hidden behind the glossy apps of the online food ordering giants: Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.

“The project outcomes seek to raise awareness of the social and environmental issues these companies continue to cause.

“Next time you order a takeaway think about the face behind the delivery.”

Student: Angus Clifford
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Gareth Owen Lloyd

Recover Quest by Hanna Harings-Mahendra

“Over 65 per cent of people who are prescribed physiotherapy fail to complete their at-home injury recovery program, with lack of ongoing motivation being a primary driver.

“Recover Quest uses game mechanics to help make recovery programs fun and engaging, encouraging patients to stay motivated for the whole course of their treatment.

“The prototype developed uses a video game experience and real-time hand tracking technology, to turn hand and wrist recovery into a captivating adventure-based game.

“Personalised for each user, it will offer real-time feedback and progress updates for physiotherapists.

“It aims to revolutionise the rehabilitation industry and help more people enjoy completing their recovery.”

Student: Hanna Harings-Mahendra
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Dr Catherine Grundy

MakR Blocks by Matt Read

“Every day Amazon ships over 1.5 million packages in the US alone, the majority of which will be in cardboard boxes.

“This equates to nearly 4000 trees a day, or 1.5 million trees’ worth of materials a year.

“This project explores how the cardboard from these deliveries could be utilised to promote construction play and the reuse of ‘rubbish’ resources.

“Inspired by LEGO, MakR Blocks encourages curiosity in everyone through play and educates children about the need and possibilities of reusing materials for new purposes.”

Student: Matt Read
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: Gareth Owen Lloyd

TAGD by Alfie Hau

“A recent Amazon consumer sentiment study (the rise of gaming), states that ‘escapism and entertainment’ are primary drivers for more people playing video games.

“Within this context, there is a growing demand and market for immersive and novel gaming experiences and products.

“TAGD is a gaming device, situated in a speculative atomPunk, fallout-esque universe, which tugs on nostalgic heartstrings and immerses its user like a good book.

“The device aims to captivate its users through an offline, standalone, armchair gaming experience, while also paying homage to the text games of the 70s and 80s.”

Student: Alfie Hau
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: James Tooze

Raspberry Racing by Charlie Martin

“Raspberry Racing is an entry-level, accessible sim racing wheel developed to address the limitations of traditional sim racing setups.

“Designed to be plug-and-play, it uses the player’s existing controller for most functions and features a lightweight base that easily connects to any flat surface.

“The project aims to make sim racing more affordable and convenient, allowing enthusiasts to simply secure the base, snap in the quick release, connect the cables and start racing.”

Student: Charlie Martin
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: James Tooze

Moth Tile by Alex Moulds

“As of 2024, it is a requirement of UK planning permission to provide a minimum of 10 per cent biodiversity net gain.

“This will be achieved by considering regenerative design at all levels of the built environment.

“Moth Tile zooms in on the roof tile as a site for improvements – moths are often seen as pests but this is not the case, moth populations are an indication of a healthy biome.

“They are crucial nocturnal pollinators and often neglected in favour of more popular pollinators.

“This innovative solution caters to the physiological needs of moths – it aims to attract, feed and provide shelter, facilitating their reproduction and emphasising their crucial environmental role.”

Student: Alex Moulds
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutors: Gareth Owen Lloyd

Versa Light by Kay Lucas

“Versa Light is a modular lighting system designed for the home, providing convenience, flexibility and personalised ambience.

“Offering versatile living options, this lighting system allows people to have separate set-ups in multiple rooms with a single light, bypassing ceiling lights and cabled lighting for ease of movement.

“This light allows users the choice to have multiple attachments to fit a light on the wall, ceiling or desk.

“Versa offers an adjustable light ranging from warm to cool white, allowing light temperature differences to boost productivity or create a relaxing environment.

“Adjusting the light is simple and intuitive, by twisting the shade in either direction or by using a custom app to create the perfect mood.”

Student: Kay Lucas
Course: BSc (Hons) Product Design
Tutor: James Tooze

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and University of Brighton. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

The post University of Brighton spotlights nine product and engineering student projects appeared first on Dezeen.

The vast majority of design concepts for future cars unsurprisingly revolve around the more exciting parts of the experience, from hands-free autonomous driving to hotel-like cabins to quiet, efficient, and eco-friendly engines. Of course, those aren’t the only parts of the driving experience, which starts and ends with drivers getting in and out of the car. Oftentimes, that part is presented as a keyless activity that either relies simply on the touch of a finger or the tap of a smartphone screen. It might be quick and efficient, but not exactly satisfying or meaningful. This concept tries to attack the problem from a different angle, retaining the tactile joy of a physical key fob while improving not only the features but even the comfort of using one.

Designer: Zander De Beer

A dedicated car key fob might sound unnecessary today in an age of smartphone apps, but having a distinct and direct device you can easily use is still far more convenient, not to mention faster, than fumbling around with a smartphone and its dozens of apps. It gets the job done without fuss, but it’s not exactly a memorable or even pleasant experience. Neither is its design the most inspiring accessory for a car, especially the sleek and sophisticated vehicles of the future.

This concept for a new kind of car key fob thinks outside the box and adopts a shape unlike any other fob. Instead of a small disc or teardrop-shaped piece of plastic, it looks to the aerodynamic form of an airplane wing or car spoiler for inspiration, promising a more ergonomic design that you can comfortably hold in your hand. It almost looks like a lighter, with one side tapering sharply to a single edge.

More than just a change in shape, however, this car key fob concept also offers a slight change in functionality. There are still buttons for typical actions like remotely locking and unlocking the car, starting or killing the engine, and even blowing the horn. What’s new is a large dial on top that you turn to set the temperature inside so that it will be as toasty or as cold as you want by the time you enter. This dial has a large display on its top surface to clearly show the current temperature so that you can adjust it accordingly.

The design tries to comply with Deiter Ram’s famous principles of design, though there are still some details that it leaves out in this current iteration. Knowing which buttons map to which actions, for example, could be a matter of guesswork and muscle memory as there are no clear indicators on them, not even embossed symbols that let you blindly press them. There’s also the question of whether the design, ergonomic as it might claim to be, is actually convenient to carry around due to its size and unique shape. Either way, it’s an interesting thought experiment that challenges the presumption that car owners of the future won’t even want physical key fobs like this.

The post Wing-like car key fob concept promises a more ergonomic design for future drivers first appeared on Yanko Design.