Hasta La Ideas

Spanish practice Plantea Estudio has completed the interior of Acid bakery in Berlin, which features a palette of austere and functional materials chosen to echo its urban context.

Acid Berlin is located on a corner lot in the city’s central Mitte district, with large ground-floor windows looking out onto Rosenthaler Strasse and Auguststrasse.

Having previously designed the bakery’s original outlet in Madrid, Plantea Estudio opted for a similar pared-back style with nods to Mitte’s gritty urban character.

The main materials used throughout the public areas include chestnut wall panelling and red Ferrés tiles, which contrast with the more austere sections finished in stainless steel and grey paint.

“The aim was to achieve a frank and efficient German ambience and at the same time a temperate refuge, a Mediterranean ‘nativity scene’ in the harsh urban territory of Berlin’s city centre,” said the designers.

The premises are located on the ground floor of a residential building, with large wood-framed windows providing a visual connection to the streets outside.

The L-shaped internal plan is organised with the workshop area on the longer side towards Auguststrasse and the cafe space facing Rosenthaler Strasse.

Ovens, fermenters, mixers and office equipment are arranged along the bakery’s back wall in front of stainless-steel panels that produce gentle reflections of the goings-on.

Tables for kneading and rolling are positioned in the centre of the room facing the windows, so passers-by can observe the bakers at work.

This space also features a robust orange resin floor that complements the tonality of the tiled public areas and is reflected on the surfaces of the stainless-steel machinery.

The cafe area is organised around a six-metre-long counter containing a glass display case for pastries and space for coffee-making equipment.

The counter is clad entirely in stainless steel, giving it a utilitarian aesthetic that ties in with the materiality of the bakery.

Behind the counter is a steel worktop and shelving system where bread is displayed in front of semi-opaque panels with a subtle orange-white gradient that allows a partial view through to the work area.

Tables, benches and stools by Copenhagen brand Frama are arranged along the facades and back walls so customers feel immersed in the cityscape.

Plantea Estudio drew directly from the restrained forms, materials and tonality of the urban surroundings to design a space that feels raw yet refined.

“It is simple and austere, practical and functional, like the city but in no small measure warm and welcoming, bold and spontaneous like its inhabitants,” said the studio.

Woodwork, ceiling panels and bare brick walls are painted a unifying shade of light grey that echoes the simplicity and functionality of the adjacent mid-rise apartment buildings.

The panelled walls and red-clay tiles used for the flooring and built-in bench seating introduce warmer tones and bring an expressive touch of handmade quality to the space.

The tables feature white polyethylene tops set on chrome bases that add a further reflective element, while the birch stools provide another natural detail alongside the grain of the chestnut panelling.

Simple lighting including wall sconces from Spanish brand Santa & Cole and a classic Japanese-style paper lantern provide gentle illumination.

Ceramic works by female artists Raquel Riola, Wendy Taylor and Saeam Kwon were chosen to add textural highlights that complement the character of the interior.

Plantea Estudio was founded by brothers Lorenzo and Luis Gil in 2012, with Carla Morán joining in 2017. Much of the studio’s work focuses on smaller projects including hotels, family homes, restaurants, cafes, shops and offices.

The studio’s output is characterised by a careful consideration of materials and fabrication, with previous examples including a store for footwear brand Veja featuring raw finishes and brutalist details, and a minimalist restaurant that uses plywood and chipboard to create a light and warm ambiance.

The photography is by Marina Denisova.

The post Plantea Estudio creates “frank and efficient German ambience” inside Acid Berlin bakery appeared first on Dezeen.

We may not consciously notice but a lot of our time slips away as we mindlessly scroll through our phones, and the Phase lamp from a London-based studio Relative Distance offers a refreshing antidote to the distractions of modern life. Designed to mirror the moon’s real-time orbit around Earth, this ethereal piece of functional art creates a profound connection with our celestial neighbor.

Designer:  Relative Distance

Phase is no ordinary lamp. It’s the result of four years of meticulous design and engineering, capturing the moon’s timeless essence. From the moment the light crosses the glass, it reveals intricate details of the lunar landscape, offering a delicate and almost hypnotic experience. The lamp’s co-founder Roland Ellis notes that Phase allows us to “have a relationship with something that is a monumental part of our existence,” evoking a sense of calm and a deeper awareness of time and space.

The journey of creating Phase began with a stunning image released by NASA in 2014, which mosaics 15,000 wide-angle photographs of the moon’s surface. This image is meticulously applied to smoked glass, framed by a case made from a mineral composite, reminiscent of materials that could one day be used to build on the moon itself. The slim form and minimalist design of the lamp reflect Relative Distance’s philosophy of maximizing impact through a simple, almost magical object.

Phase’s interface is as simple as it is functional. Users can set the date, time, and brightness with just three buttons. It offers three different modes: a full synchronization with the lunar cycle, a fully illuminated moon, or a short animation showcasing the moon’s phases. There’s no need for apps or Wi-Fi, reinforcing the idea of disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with nature’s rhythms.

One of the most captivating aspects of the lamp is its attention to detail. The lamp’s caseback is crafted in two tones, Ilmenite and Feldspar, inspired by the minerals found on the moon’s surface. These materials, combined with the innovative lighting and diffusion technology, make Phase an object of both scientific and artistic significance.

What sets Phase apart from typical lighting is its ability to capture the true essence of moonlight. The quality of the light is soft and diffuse, creating a natural, calming glow that stands in stark contrast to the harshness of phone and computer screens. The highly controlled optics and fading technology evoke the subtle gradients of the moon’s light, drawing the viewer into an intimate experience with this celestial body.

The experience of living with Phase is unlike any other. It prompts us to slow down, become more aware of our surroundings, and reflect on the passage of time. The lamp’s slender form and immersive lighting create an almost surreal suspension of disbelief, allowing us to experience the moon as if it were within reach.

Set to debut at the London Design Festival on September 14th, Phase stands as an icon of contemporary design, innovation, and space exploration. Each lamp is handmade to order in Relative Distance’s London studio, with diameters available in 60cm and 120cm, making it a stunning centerpiece in any space.

The post Meticulously-textured Moon Lamp Brings The Charm Of The Lunar Rock Into Your Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

I bought a wireless charging power bank a few months back for my iPhone 15 Pro. I don’t use it anymore just because of how much it heats up my battery. You see, a battery’s biggest enemy is heat. Heat affects the lithium-ion sub-structure, not only causing your battery to lose efficiency over time but also potentially catch fire. Neither of those things are good, obviously – which is why Aukey’s new chargers with its proprietary Omnia-Frez technology keep your devices cool while they wirelessly charge.

Aukey’s MagFusion series, equipped with the innovative Omnia-Frez cooling technology, offers a practical and stylish solution to one of the most frustrating problems of modern tech—overheating during charging. Whether you’re a mobile gamer fighting through long boss battles, an Apple enthusiast with too many cables cluttering your desk, or a commuter relying on your phone for navigation, the MagFusion lineup promises to keep your devices cool, charged, and ready for anything.

“The new Omnia-Frez technology addresses the challenge of overheating while charging head-on,” said David Yunyou Wu, Vice President of AUKEY. “Overheating slows down charging and degrades a battery’s lifespan, but AUKEY’s revolutionary Omnia-Frez cooling technology is changing the game for iPhone users.”

Designer: Aukey

The MagFusion 3-in-1 Pro is the perfect charging station for those who live deep within the Apple ecosystem. It’s designed to handle your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously, offering a sleek, minimalist design that’s far more appealing than the spaghetti mess of cables we’re all too familiar with. But it’s not just about looks—this charging hub is all about efficiency. Thanks to the Omnia-Frez cooling system, the 3-in-1 Pro keeps your devices running cool by reducing charging temperatures by up to 20°C (68°F), which leads to faster charging times and a longer lifespan for your battery. In fact, Aukey’s testing shows that an iPhone 15 Pro charges a full 26 minutes faster on the 3-in-1 Pro compared to traditional wireless chargers. Plus, the adjustable stand allows you to prop your phone at the perfect angle for FaceTime calls or a quick glance at notifications.

Not only does it work beautifully, but the 3-in-1 Pro is also easy on the eyes, made with tempered glass and aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s a charging station that will look just as good in a modern office as it would on your nightstand. All the while, a strong magnetic connection ensures your iPhone stays firmly in place—so even if you accidentally nudge it, it’s not going anywhere.

If mobile gaming is your thing, Aukey’s MagFusion GameFrost was tailor-made for you. We’ve all had our phones get alarmingly hot mid-game, only to watch performance tank as the heat throttles the processor. The GameFrost combats this by offering three adjustable cooling modes—Common, Medium, and Freezing—that you can tweak depending on how intense your gaming session gets. This performance enhancer disguised as a charger keeps your phone cool enough to handle whatever game you throw at it without losing speed or lagging when you need it most. And, of course, it charges your phone at the same time, pumping out 15W of wireless power for iPhones compatible with Qi2 and MagSafe.

But Aukey didn’t stop at function; they added a dash of flair with customizable lighting effects. Whether you prefer a pulsing glow during late-night gaming sessions or a solid color that matches your RGB keyboard, GameFrost lets you set the mood. The real-time temperature display is a nice touch, too, giving you live feedback on just how cool your device is staying, ensuring both peace of mind and bragging rights.

For those always on the move, the MagFusion Dash Pro transforms your car into a high-tech charging station. We’ve all been there—halfway through a road trip or stuck in traffic, watching your phone heat up as it juggles GPS, podcasts, and texts. The Dash Pro prevents that problem with its active Omnia-Frez cooling system, designed to keep your phone cool even on long, grueling drives. It delivers 15W wireless charging and is compatible with iPhones using Qi2 tech, ensuring your phone stays powered up without becoming a hot brick in your hand.

What sets the Dash Pro apart, though, is its secure, no-nonsense design. It’s compact yet sturdy, with a strong magnetic mount that holds your phone firmly in place, even over potholes and bumpy roads. The adjustable ball joint means you can tweak your phone’s angle to suit your line of sight—perfect for navigation. With its sleek profile and silent operation, this is the kind of tech you’ll barely notice while it quietly does its job.

Aukey’s Omnia-Frez technology, featured in every MagFusion product, works its magic through a combination of cooling techniques. A 7-blade fan spins silently, whisking heat away, while alloy cooling fins and a thermoelectric chip work in tandem to dissipate heat quickly. The result is a cooler, more efficient charging experience, with no throttling or battery damage from excessive heat. And, unlike many cooling systems, this one is impressively quiet. Whether you’re deep into a gaming session, working at your desk, or listening to tunes on the road, the MagFusion series operates with barely a whisper, making it as unobtrusive as it is effective. So, whether you’re catching up on emails, dominating the leaderboards, or navigating rush hour traffic, you can count on your phone being ready for action without going mercurial… literally.

The post Your Wireless Charger Might Be Hurting Your Battery — Aukey’s MagFusion Pro Series Has the Fix first appeared on Yanko Design.

A large circular opening offers a glimpse through the white wall in front of this California accessory dwelling unit, designed by architect Yan M Wang of Cover Architecture for his mother.

The LA-based architect created the additional unit on his property in Altadena, north of Pasadena, so that his mother and her partner could be closer to the family after retiring.

The 620-square-foot (57 square metre) building was constructed between the main house and the street and is divided in two to make room for a pathway to the back of the lot.

Living spaces are located in the larger section on the right, while storage is housed in a narrow volume to the left – both rendered entirely in white.

The minimalist form was intentionally designed to “challenge” the 1961 ranch-style, single-storey house where Wang and his young family reside.

“This deliberate contrast in building styles and eras is an interplay between the ordinary and the extraordinary,” said the architect.

The ADU’s living volume is partially obscured by a wall that slopes up from the path and includes a round portal that punctures through at the taller end.

This feature gives the project its name, Moongate, after the circular gateways found in traditional Chinese architecture.

“Its expressive sloped partition wall with a large circular opening, at once, conceals and reveals what’s beyond the parapet,” said Wang.

The wall creates a shaded, decked patio area in front of the dwelling, providing an outdoor seating area with privacy from the street.

Curved elements in the roof eaves and an arched entry into the storage space help the two volumes to read as one.

Inside, the modest structure includes a kitchen and living area, a bedroom, a bathroom and a small office.

“Cheerful geometries extend from the exterior to the interior of the ADU, alongside a light, natural material palette,” the architect said.

Baltic birch plywood millwork with round cabinet handles used throughout is complemented by light grey Pietra Artica marble used for the kitchen counter and onyx marble atop the bathroom vanity.

Skylights in the kitchen and bathroom bring additional natural light into these spaces, and a back patio opens to a courtyard area shared with the main house.

“The three structures, in dialogue with one another, help foster a sense of connection to the outdoors while bridging three generations, providing ample room to commune together and also retreat into private spaces,” Wang said.

ADUs have grown in popularity across states like California and Texas, where revised zoning laws allow for higher density in urban and suburban neighbourhoods.

Others in California include a mountainside dwelling in Marin County with wooden interiors and a loft space, and a Bay Area live-work unit that consists of two gabled volumes connected by a glazed bridge.

The photography is by Leonid Furmansky.

The post Moongate ADU by Cover Architecture offers intergenerational living near LA appeared first on Dezeen.

A greenhouse framed by a wooden pergola tops this home in Muiden, the Netherlands, designed by local studio Moke Architecten with landscape practice LA4Sale.

Called Wooden House, the home is located in a new residential area in the port town that enjoys views of the nearby lake IJmeer.

The clients desired a balance between open views of this landscape and sufficient privacy, which led Moke Architekten and LA4Sale to split the house into two offset volumes with small terraces on either side.

“The front and back house form two square volumes that have been pulled apart and connected at the corners with pergolas,” explained Moke Architecten.

“The house that takes full advantage of the beautiful view on the lake and at the same time offers a lot of privacy,” it added.

On the south side of Wooden House, the more private volume containing a workspace on the ground floor and a bedroom on the upper floor is finished with a sloping green roof.

In the northern volume, a ground-floor kitchen and dining area and first-floor living room are topped by a terrace, which is partially sheltered within a greenhouse structure fitted with photovoltaic panels.

Wooden slats to filter light and views feature both internally and on the external pergolas, where they can be opened or closed to provide greater privacy.

On the ground floor, full-height glass doors open out onto the lower terraces, while large windows on the first floor can be sheltered by wooden shutters.

Around a boardmarked concrete core, the gridded wooden frame of the structure has been left exposed, complemented by pale plywood panels that line the internal walls.

“Wood is a central theme in the home, reflected in all places,” explained the studio. “The laminated larch trusses, the exterior finish of frake, the interior finish of poplar and the Douglas fir floors provide a soft and natural ambience.”

“The concrete wall in the middle of the core of the house also provides a natural appearance, the pattern of the horizontal wooden slatted formwork plays with the grazing light that falls along the floating steel staircase from above the greenhouse,” it added.

A timber frame and greenhouse-like terrace also featured in a recent prototype home in Olst by Dutch studio Woonpioniers, which was designed to feature as many bio-based materials as possible.

Other homes in the Netherlands recently featured on Dezeen include a Haarlem house renovation by Barde vanVoltt and Open Park Villa by i29 in Limburg.

The photography is by Thijs Wolzak.

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