Hasta La Ideas

A lot of offices and workplaces now have realized that the furniture and the design in their spaces can contribute to the productivity and the stress release of their employees. We’re seeing some add subtle and not-so-subtle touches to their offices to help people destress or at least have some sense of rest and relaxation while at the same time contribute to the eventual productivity of these employees.

Designers: PD Group X design studio

Cortina is a concept for a series of office furniture that gives users in the office their personal time and space and at the same time, increase work concentration. It is made up of three different pieces that are also multi-functional. Of course we’re fans of designs that can serve more than just one purpose to its users. The three items in this concept series are: the Pause Lounge Stand, the Peep Desk Wall, and the Tab Document Rack, which their names show off what their main functions are. They are meant to have multiple functions so as to save space and your office’s budget as well.

The Pause Lounge Stand lets users take a pause at work while also not overstaying in the rest area. Before you settle in your lounge chair or rest area, pull the handle that will set the time and as the minutes tick by, the shade parts of the tower-like stand goes down and the subtle lighting slowly disappears. Once the shades are all down, it’s a sign to go back to work. It also doubles as a phone charging station so you can let your device rest. The Peep Desk Wall is a divider placed on your table which is able to control the field of view between you and the other occupants of the table and the degree of light diffusion as well. You can also attach magnets and sticky notes on the metal plates so you can reach them easily.

Lastly, the Tab Organizer sorts papers of different sizes when you close the “blinds” after placing the different pieces into the tabs. The product renders don’t really show how the sorting happens but at the very least, it lets you store different documents into a standing piece of furniture and lessen clutter on your table. These carefully designed piece of office furniture would be an interesting addition to your workspace if these are functionalities that you need to implement, working on both rest and productivity.

The post Office furniture tries to find balance between rest and productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Labor Day is here, and it’s time to chill out, fire up the grill, and make the most of the holiday weekend. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day with the family or hosting a backyard bash, we have everything you need to elevate your celebration. From stylish kitchen essentials to outdoor must-haves, here are our top 10 picks to upgrade your Labor Day plans.

1. Black Kitchen Knives: Slice Like a Pro This Labor Day

Thinking of becoming the next MasterChef this Labor Day? The Black Kitchen Knives aren’t just sharp—they’re sharp-looking. Crafted in Seki, Japan, these all-black beauties blend ancient samurai craftsmanship with modern materials like molybdenum vanadium steel, offering exceptional edge retention and easy maintenance. A titanium coating adds wear resistance, keeping your blades sharper for longer, so you spend less time sharpening and more time impressing your guests.

Hand-finished by skilled artisans, each knife delivers perfect balance and precision with every slice. Whether you’re prepping meats or slicing veggies, these knives make cooking feel effortless and stylish.

Why You Need It: Make a statement this Labor Day with knives that combine sharpness, durability, and striking design.

Click Here to Buy Now: $76.50 $85 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

2. Inseparable Notebook & Pen: Jot Down Genius Ideas Anywhere

Ever had a million-dollar idea while flipping burgers? Don’t let it slip away. The Inseparable Notebook & Pen are your new best friends. With a magnetic clip that keeps them together, this dynamic duo ensures you’re always ready to scribble, doodle, or draft your next big thing. Poolside or park bench, brilliance strikes anywhere.

Why You Need It: Keep your brainwaves flowing wherever you are. You never know when inspiration will hit—be prepared!

Click Here to Buy Now: $15 $17 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

3. Iron Frying Plate: The Ultimate BBQ Wingman

Hosting this Labor Day? The Iron Frying Plate has got your back. This kitchen MVP goes from stove to table with a flick of the wrist, thanks to its detachable wooden handle that you can attach or remove with just one hand. Rust-resistant, stick-resistant, and ready to use straight out of the box, it’s perfect for serving up sizzling fajitas or perfectly seared steaks. Your guests’ jaws will drop. Trust us; this plate makes you look like you know what you’re doing.

Why You Need It: Effortlessly cook and serve in style this Labor Day with a plate designed for easy, impressive entertaining.

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $69 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

4. Eterna Glass Mug: Drink in Style, Sustainably

Start your day right with the Eterna Glass Mug. Made from recycled glass and 100% recyclable, it’s not just a mug; it’s a statement. Crafted with twelve elegant angles representing each hour on the clock, this mug symbolizes the flow of time and the connections between life’s moments. The unique glass-dyeing technique gives each piece its own color, shaped by the interplay of glass, light, and your beverage. Picture sipping your coffee as the morning sun catches the light in the glass—pure magic.

Why You Need It: Good vibes, good coffee, and a nod to sustainability—what’s not to love? Sip consciously and in style.

Click Here to Buy Now: $31.50 $35 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

5. Pop-Up Book Vase: Decor that Doubles as a Party Trick

Ready to amaze your guests? The Pop-Up Book Vase is a flat book that springs into a vase, offering a delightful surprise every time. Flip a page to reveal another simple yet graceful vase design, perfect for a fresh look whenever you want. Turn the book upside down for an enchanting new perspective. Made from 100% natural pulp with a water-resistant coating, it’s perfect for a last-minute decor boost that’ll leave your friends asking, “Where’d you get that?” Pop in some fresh flowers, and bam—you’ve just leveled up your hosting game.

Why You Need It: Instant decor points with a versatile twist. Plus, it’s easy to store—more space for other cool stuff.

Click Here to Buy Now: $35 $39 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

6. Precision Chopstick Tongs: Serve Like a Sushi Master

Why settle for ordinary tongs when you can have the Precision Chopstick Tongs? Inspired by traditional Japanese utensils, these sleek, chopstick-style tongs blend the elegance of chopsticks with the practicality of tongs, letting you handle delicate foods like a pro. Made from SUS821L1 stainless steel, they offer exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, perfect for your Labor Day sushi night or any dish that requires finesse. With a special black oxide film processing, they boast a luxurious finish that won’t fade or scratch, ensuring you impress your guests with style and effortless precision.

Why You Need It: Hosting just got a whole lot cooler. Serve up style, durability, and precision with every bite.

Click Here to Buy Now: $17 $19 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

7. Airflow 8-Panel Fire Pit: Keep the Vibes Cozy All Night

As the sun sets and the temperature drops, keep your outdoor hangout warm and welcoming with the Airflow 8-Panel Fire Pit. This isn’t just any fire pit—it’s a party starter with a unique 8-panel removable design that lets you effortlessly adjust the intensity of the fire. Combined with an adjustable combustion system and optimized airflow, it promises minimal smoke and easy cleanup. Perfect for roasting marshmallows or enjoying a glass of wine under the stars, this fire pit makes your backyard the place to be this Labor Day.

Why You Need It: Extend the fun into the night with a fire pit that offers both ambiance and convenience. Nothing beats the glow of a crackling fire.

Click Here to Buy Now: $292 $325 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

8. Slim Fold Dish Rack: Compact Convenience for Your Labor Day Adventures

Planning a Labor Day picnic, camping trip, or just a backyard BBQ? The Slim Fold Dish Rack has got you covered. This innovative dish rack collapses from 14″ (36cm) to just 1.2″ (3cm) in a second, thanks to its patent-pending spring mechanism, making it perfect for any setting—whether you’re outdoors or saving space in your kitchen. With its minimalist yet durable design, it provides ample space and ventilation for all your plates, utensils, and cookware, ensuring everything dries quickly and is ready for its next use.

Why You Need It: Keep your holiday stress-free with a dish rack that’s as portable as it is practical, ideal for any Labor Day outing or for maximizing space at home.

Click Here to Buy Now: $67.50 $75 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

9. JewelVase Mirror Stand: Double the Function, Double the Style

Add a touch of elegance to any room with the JewelVase Mirror Stand. This 2-in-1 wonder acts as both a mirror and a vase, bringing a chic and multifunctional vibe to your decor. Perfect for entryways, living rooms, or any spot that needs a little glam. It’s like having two pieces of decor in one, and who doesn’t love a good two-for-one deal?

Why You Need It: Boost your space’s style with a piece that does double duty. Plus, it’s an instant conversation starter.

Click Here to Buy Now: $53 $59 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

10. Aroma Fragrance Pin: Freshen Up, On the Go

Stay fresh all day with the Aroma Fragrance Pin. This isn’t your average air freshener—it’s a stylish accessory that keeps you smelling great no matter where your Labor Day plans take you. Clip it on and enjoy a subtle, lasting scent that’s perfect for busy, on-the-go days. Whether you’re hitting up a picnic, a beach day, or a family gathering, stay cool, calm, and collected.

Why You Need It: A refreshing scent that travels with you. What’s not to love?

Click Here to Buy Now: $44 $49 (10% off). Hurry, Labor Day sale ends in 48 hours!

The post Discover 10 Minimalist Must-Haves for a Stylish Labor Day first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen In Depth‘s August newsletter explores the evolution of Scandinavian design and features an interview with Suriname’s architect minister. Subscribe to Dezeen in Depth today!

Designers in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are transforming Scandinavian design with organic, colourful, and playful pieces, moving away from the minimalist style, as reported by Dezeen deputy editor Cajsa Carlson.

The latest edition of Dezeen in Depth also features an interview with Suriname’s architect minister Marciano Dasai on the challenges facing the rainforest nation and an opinion piece by Smith Mordak on the row over air condition in the athletes’ village at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as part of our Olympic Impact series.

Dezeen In Depth

Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design. Each edition includes an original feature article on a key topic or trend, an interview with a prominent industry figure and an opinion piece from a leading critic. Read the latest edition of Dezeen In Depth or subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Agenda is sent every Thursday containing a selection of the most important news highlights from the week, Dezeen Debate is sent every Tuesday featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories and Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours on Dezeen.

The post Dezeen In Depth explores Scandinavian design’s move away from minimalism appeared first on Dezeen.

Remember when some pens had multiple refills inside them and that somehow felt like peak functionality? Well, we now live in 2024, where a multi-refill pen is severely outdated. Instead, we’ve got 4-in-1 pens that pack rulers/scales, pencils, and even a capacitive stylus for working digitally. The FLINTONE is an all-metal pen that comes with a unique modular design. Its outer sleeve has a waterdrop cross-section that allows it to double as a grip for the pen on the inside. However, if you want to change things up, the pen element swaps out for other modules… namely a capacitive stylus, or an eternal pencil capable of writing forever without running out of graphite or needing to be sharpend. Designed with professionals and creatives in mind, this tool reflects a deep understanding of the demands placed on those who require precision, adaptability, and convenience in their daily tasks.

Designer: FLINTONE

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $109 ($30 off) Hurry! Limited units left.

The FLINTONE 4-in-1 EDC Pen is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, making it both lightweight as well as durable (definitely more durable than those plastic pens you carry around). At the core of its design is the ability to switch between four functions—pen, pencil, touch pen, and ruler—effortlessly in just a few seconds. This pretty much guarantees never needing to carry a full-fledged stationery kit with you. The FLINTONE’s multipurpose design gives you all you need. The outer sleeve serves as a scale or ruler, and the pen, which can be detached from the sleeve, can be used independently. Conversely, the sleeve’s teardrop shape provides a nifty grip if you’re using the pen while it’s docked within. The pen itself uses a standard G2 refill, giving you the ability to swap out old refills for new ones.

The sleeve’s unique form factor has two functions. For starters, its non-cylindrical design means it’ll never roll off a table. However, on the tapered edge lie both imperial and metric etchings, allowing you to take measurements in the unit of your choice. This is particularly beneficial for engineers, architects, and designers who work in diverse environments and require precise measurements in different units. The rulers are integrated with a dual synchronized roller design that allows for smooth, parallel movement, making it easier to draw straight lines and achieve accurate measurements.

The roller design lets you move the scale on a perfect straight axis, allowing you to quickly draw parallel lines.

The barrel of the pen module comes with a threaded end, allowing you to attach any one of the FLINTONE’s other modules. This effectively allows you to slide the pen out, flip it over, and slide it back in, basically swapping modules in a way. Apart from the ballpoint pen, the FLINTONE offers a capacitive stylus, allowing you to draw on most touchscreens the way you would on paper with a pen/pencil. Unlike other styluses that require charging (looking at you, Apple), the one on the FLINTONE works without a battery, although don’t expect any functions like pressure-sensing or tilt detection the way you would get with an Apple Pencil.

Alternatively, you have the option of using the eternal pencil module – perhaps the most interesting of the bunch. The eternal pencil uses a specific alloy instead of graphite. While graphite rubs off on paper, creating the black mark you see, this alloy oxidises onto paper, providing a similar mark without getting depleted the way graphite does. The result, stellar black lines without dust, smudging, or even the need to sharpen. The eternal pencil quite literally works forever, without losing its pointed tip.

The FLINTONE’s waterdrop-shaped body provides an ergonomic grip, allowing for extended use without causing hand fatigue. This design consideration is particularly important for those who spend long hours working on detailed projects, where comfort can significantly impact productivity. The pen also features a magnetic closure that secures it in place, preventing it from rolling off surfaces and ensuring it is always within reach.

In addition to its multifunctional capabilities, the FLINTONE 4-in-1 EDC Pen is built to last. The pencil component, for instance, is constructed from an ultra-durable carbon alloy, capable of withstanding extensive use. This durability is matched by the pen’s overall construction, which is designed to endure the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. The pen also comes with a specially crafted storage case, which helps keep everything organized and prevents any mess.

By combining multiple tools into one sleek and durable device, the folks at FLINTONE have created a product that meets the needs of professionals and creatives alike. Whether you are drafting a technical drawing, taking notes, or interacting with your digital devices, this pen is engineered to deliver performance and convenience at every turn. The FLINTONE sports a $79 price tag, which may seem high for a pen, but can be justified when you look at its 4-in-1 aspect and all-metal durable construction. The FLINTONE 4-in-1 pen comes in 3 colors – Frost Silver, Midnight Black, and Aurora Blue (shown in the images above). The pen ships globally, starting November 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $109 ($30 off) Hurry! Limited units left.

The post 4-in-1 EDC Pen also packs a Ruler, Stylus, and an Eternal Pencil that lasts forever first appeared on Yanko Design.

Kautokeino is located in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, and suffers from extremely cold temperatures that can hit – 45 °C. Snøhetta was commissioned to build a brand-new cultural and education hub in this difficult location. A lot of thinking and attention to detail went into building this sturdy wooden structure which is supposed to be 90% self-sufficient in heating and cooling. Named, this building was constructed in collaboration with Joar Nango and 70°N arkitektur. The word ‘Čoarvemátta’ is derived from the Sami words for horn and root, which are the strongest parts of the reindeer’s antler. The hub is inspired by the local Sami culture and will be hosting the Sami National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sami High School and Reindeer Herding School.

Designer: Snøhetta

The structure occupies around 77,500 sq ft and is constructed mainly from wood. It features an impressive 53,000-sq-ft sloping roof that slowly moves towards the ground. The exterior was built using the slate from a previous school which has been demolished. The hub has a branching shape which creates surreal outdoor spaces. The south-facing space functions as the main entrance, and is protected by the dipping roof. The interior is equipped with theater and school areas, as well as a cool skylight inspired by a traditional Sami smoke hole. The interior is subtle yet beautiful, letting the natural beauty of the wood truly shine. The interior is also amped with traditional art by respected Sami artists. These pieces add hints of red and blue to the space, livening it up.

“The building is 90% self-sufficient in energy to heating and cooling thanks to 40 geowells drilled about 250 meters [820 ft] into the ground,” said Snøhetta. “The wells supply two heat pumps that both heat and cool the building, while exchangers for the energy wells dump surplus heat back again. On the coldest winter days, the system is supplemented with an electric boiler.”

The Čoarvemátta is in complete accordance with the requirements of the Passive House Standard – a strict green building standard that needs a high level of insulation and air-tightness. The hub also utilizes geothermal heating. The landscaping around the Čoarvemátta has been kept natural since Sami culture does not include creating parks and urban spaces. The soil that was removed from the site has been preserved, stored, and returned, ensuring the safety of the seed stocks.

The post Snøhetta Builds A Timber School In Norway with 90% Energy Self-Sufficiency first appeared on Yanko Design.