I’m lucky enough to live in a natural environment where I’m surrounded by birds. For those who need to attract them, it’s easy enough to make your own bird feeder.
For those who prefer to spend, the market is awash in bird feeders ranging from craftsy to downright designey. Copper seems to be the material of choice. At the low end of the market you’ve got this $35 model apparently designed to attract oenophile birds.
From there the market jumps up into the $100 range, as with thesetwo. (I actually think the hand-hammered model above looks better than both, but it’s not squirrel-proof.)
If you want to support artisans, you can go the Etsy route, where you’ll find handmade ones like these in the $150 range.
And of course, there is a category for people who are running out of money to spend things on. These models by Gloster are made of powder-coated aluminum and teak.
They’re beautiful. Which is why they run in the $800 range!
A cluster of buildings interconnected by sweeping, tentacle-like canopies form The Spine Resort, a rural resort that Hong Kong studio AIM Architecture has completed in Sichuan.
Located next to a lake an hour’s drive south of Chengdu, the resort was designed to resemble organically growing ecosystems, with covered walkways connecting each building.
AIM Architecture has completed a rural resort in Sichuan with tentacle-like canopies
AIM Architecture‘s use of interconnected structures was informed by local villages, which are known for their informal arrangements of separated buildings arranged around gardens, fields, and forested areas.
“The architectural design concept originated from traditional Sichuan dwellings with contemporary design language merged on top,” the studio told Dezeen. “We strived to integrate the architecture with the local culture throughout the design.”
The Spine Resort incorporates a network of weaving roads and pavements
Nestled amongst smaller, curved gardens as well as a network of weaving roads and pavements, the buildings are small-scale timber structures with organic forms placed to offer privacy and frame views of the popular Qiujiayan Lake.
Between the buildings, small gardens, pools, and walkways were created.
“The design deliberately avoids huge building volumes and arranges small-scale buildings in organic forms, ensuring that living spaces and public spaces are connected in interesting ways,” said the studio.
“The shape is determined by two main features: the creation of intimate landscapes around the hotel buildings and the buildings’ orientation to the Qiujiayan Lake, one of the main attractions in the area.”
Intimate landscapes including small pools, gardens and walkways were created
Beyond an organically shaped entrance courtyard, which can be accessed by curving driveways on either side or stepped landscaping that approaches the resort from the front, the main lobby sits at the heart of the plan.
“Located in the middle of the site, the entrance lobby with the unique double-curved roof is a main feature of the resort,” said the studio.
Topped with a sweeping roof, the lobby reaches its tallest at its front, where the structure sweeps upwards at its centre to form a dramatic glazed facade.
This glazed portion illuminates a large interior hall, which features glossy marble floors and walls and a blue, hanging installation designed to resemble a school of fish.
A wooden, wavy canopy sits in front of the lobby that houses an installation resembling fish
A wavy canopy sits in front of the lobby to create a covered entrance space, forming part of a network of covered walkways that branch from the centre of the resort and weave around the entire site.
Further back in the lobby, the roof curves down to create a lower structure that frames panoramic views of the lake on the other side.
The paved walkways that surround the site are covered by an undulating, pitched canopy made from wood, supported by exposed beams and brown columns.
Small-scale timber structures and courtyards provide roofing over resort walkways
Set at different heights and angles, the curving canopies widen and dip at points, coming close to the ground to create an intimate space.
Branching from the walkway at various points across the 55,000-square-metre resort, a number of accommodation structures surrounded by gardens hold 350 guest rooms.
Closer to the buildings, the roofs over the walkways heighten, opening up to create bright, partially sheltered courtyards before sweeping up to reach the flatter roofs of the rectilinear accommodation buildings.
Accommodation surrounded by gardens hold 350 guest rooms across the resort plan
“The western roofs of each building gradually descend with elaborately designed curves, transforming into connecting corridors,” said the studio.
“The elevation of each building also varies based on the terrain, corresponding to nature and enriching the design of the walkway and the roof.”
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Lined with grey aluminium composite panels, the roofs top the four-storey, neutrally toned structures, which feature a double-height top level.
Horizontally louvred fins emerge from the facades of the accommodation blocks, widening towards the top of each building to meet the large eaves.
The Spine Resort’s facilities include several swimming pools and spas
Each flat features a concrete balcony that overlooks the various gardens around the resort, while the ground-floor units open onto small gardens separated by neutrally toned walls.
Other facilities included in the resort include several sports facilities, swimming pools, and spas.
“The lakeside of the building complex is connected by podiums at the bottom, which are arranged along the contour lines of the site and respond to the slope of the site with elevation differences,” said the studio.
“Public areas such as sports facilities, swimming pools, and spas are located within.”
There used to be a time when most pet-oriented brands would design products mostly for puppies and dogs. But now that there are a lot of feline fur parents out there too, we’re seeing more brands get into the game of creating products that will appeal to this market. Even brands that usually don’t have anything to do with pets are also conceptualizing toys for cats.
Yamaha is known more for their musical instruments and vehicles but now they’re exploring design studies for cat-related products while still keeping the design values of the company. What they came up with are three design concepts for things that felines might enjoy if they ever get made into actual products although there are no plans to commercialize it for now.
Neko-Yama is a cat playground but built in the “Yamaha style”. It lets the felines have a platform where they can explore all the tight spaces, crevices, and holes that they usually want to play around in. You will also be able to enjoy looking at them challenge themselves by playing around in the various places they can stick themselves in since it has a transparent design. The Strumming Box meanwhile is a scratching post where different colors will appear in the underside as they create their own patterns. Eventually it will look like a worn-out guitar but with the cat’s claws and scratches creating the unique surface.
Lastly, the Cat Music Box lets your feline friends create their own music by walking around in a wheel. Think of it as a hamster wheel but for cats and it is able to create notes through the rotation of the double wheels as it walks or runs around on the inner ring. The tempo also depends on how fast or slow they move. They can also walk backwards which might create a different kind of music.
Here’s an example of taking design inspiration from the objects around you. Industrial designer Adam Miklosi had a sore throat. When he pulled some lozenges out of his backpack, he found his phone cable had wrapped around them:
Experimenting with different use cases, Miklosi created three different grid sizes: 2×2, 3×3 and 2×5. Each row can support a maximum of two cables stacked.
“The size of the cylinders are calculated based on the bending tolerance of USB-C-type cables,” Miklosi writes. “They hold the cables perfectly locked in place without damaging them.”
These are cast in silicone and feature microsuction tape on the bottom.
No word about production plans.
In addition to doing freelance ID, Hungary-based Miklosi lectures at the Széchenyi University Design Campus in Gyor and the Moholy-Nagy University (MOME) in Budapest.
This concept is by Fabien Otto, an Industrial Design student at Germany’s Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. It calls for autonomous, modular drive platforms that split in half to support cargo containers. After they’ve delivered the container, they rejoin into one unit, and drive back to their depot. Additionally, a joined unit can be used as the pivot for hauling two containers at once.
“Four Cargo is a semester project focusing on future perspectives on autonomous driving and heavy duty vehicles. Based on the current problem that rural areas are increasingly unable to be supplied with food and other everyday products, this concept offers a solution strategy in the form of an autonomously driving vehicle.”
“The vehicle can be separated in two major component categories: four electric driving vehicles and two containers. These components offer a high modularity and fast interchangeability.”
“The vehicles bring the desired container, which can be equipped as a supermarket, to the village that needs to be supplied with certain goods. Arriving at the final destination the containers will be loaded or unloaded autonomously. After the successful delivery of goods the vehicles will continue their schedule and navigate to the next village or back to the distribution center.”
As for how the containers are loaded and unloaded:
Additionally, the containers’ surfaces do double duty for branding and signaling:
Every evening, a herd of deer bounces merrily across the fields of Heckfield Place during dinner. There seems to always be a sprinkle of magic—you can almost imagine Alice in Wonderland sitting amid the mauve-tinted moorland, enjoying a cup of tea. And yet among this otherworldly setting lies a very tangible, red-brick Georgian mansion in the heart of Hampshire, a mere hour away from London.
Courtesy of Heckfield Place
The property, rooted in the 18th century, was first built for Jane Hawley and later expanded with the Shaw-Lefevre family. It was among the latter that the landscapes grew extensively, with Charles Shaw-Lefevre, also known as Lord Eversley, commissioning horticulturist William Wildsmith to develop the grounds. Wildsmith created an arboretum in the ancient woodlands that today treasures the largest specimen of Monterey pine in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, he choreographed an ornamental lake and fragrant walled gardens that are loving unkempt. He was so integral to Heckfield Place that the natural skincare line created with botanicals on-site—offered in the rooms, at the spa and on sale in the little shop—is named after him.
Courtesy of Heckfield Place
Today, Heckfield Place thrives under the helm of Gerald Chan, who purchased the property in 2002 and, after ten years of extensive renovations, reopened the estate as what we see today. Set upon 438 acres of land, the estate coexists with nature, as well as the piglets, chickens, sheep and Guernsey cows that live on the farm.
Courtesy of Heckfield Place
Interiors were also reimagined by British designer Ben Thompson (who also worked with Ilse Crawford at Ett Heim in Stockholm). Thompson transformed the spaces into a contemporary country cottage with mid-century furnishings and a calming palette of sage, forest green and blush rose. Within the 45 bedrooms, including the luxurious, 186-square-meter Long Room, British craftsmanship takes centre stage, with bespoke ceramics, carpets and the most beautiful handwoven pieces by one of the UK’s last remaining rush weavers, Felicity Irons.
Courtesy of Heckfield Place
Essentially, the concept is to stay as close to home as possible; in fact, Heckfield Place embodies a deep commitment to sustainability that transcends the property (they even have a biomass energy center for heating and hot water). One of the most notable examples is the cuisine. Overseen by culinary director Skye Gyngell, supported by head chef Frederick Page, each of the three culinary outlets are bound by the rhythm of nature, with produce arriving directly from the biodynamic market garden and the organic home farm. As Frederick mentions, “everything starts at the farm.” It is therefore the seasonal produce, readily available, that defines the menu.
Courtesy of Heckfield Place
The farm-to-table philosophy steers the Green-Michelin-starred restaurant Marle, in which simple preparations are enhanced by the raw, natural flavor of the ingredients, among which 70% come from the property. Here, the Heckfield Lamb with Ratatouille takes center stage. Thanks to the flavor-packed vegetables, the simplicity of the ratatouille becomes just as important as the lamb itself. Truly admirable at Marle is the Earth Menu: a seven-course dinner prepared with the food waste and surplus created throughout the day, celebrating, through creative recipes, the often overlooked and unloved ingredients typically discarded.
Courtesy of Heckfield Place
Similarly, intimate Home Farm Suppers are another initiative at Heckfield Place. They are a monthly appointment of tablescapes, wholesome ingredients and a communal gathering held from June to September (the last set-date is 22 September) in which diners can share delicious recipes made with the very best summer ingredients from the Home Farm. At Hearth, the concept is similar, although everything is centered around an open fire. Set in a warm, inviting space to the subtle scent of charcoal, dried herbs hang on the wall. Here, diners enjoy a collection of sharing dishes prepared at the chef’s table with freshly picked ingredients.
Courtesy of Heckfield Place
Whether it is waking up to grassy aroma of freshly mowed lawn or the buzzing of the bees while overlooking the bountiful nature that sways to the rhythm of the breeze, a day or two at Heckfield Place is all it takes to feel a deep connection with the landscape, leaving you with a full heart—and belly.
Dezeen Showroom: stone-look tiles are given a detailed 3D surface treatment in Italian brand Marazzi‘s Mystone Berici collection, which includes a floral decor option.
Designed for walls and floors, the Mystone Berici tile collection is based on the look of a calcareous stone quarried near Vicenza, Italy.
Mystone Berici tiles have the look of stone
The collection is available in four neutral colours that are given depth through patterning and a 3D surface texture that makes it look like they are embedded with realistic shells, microfossils and ancient debris.
Also key to the collection is the Flora decor tile, which features a textured leafy floral pattern.
They are available in a floral decor option with a detailed relief texture
The effect is achieved using Marazzi’s 3D Ink together with the company’s Touch technology, where glossy and matt grits are used to create a detailed relief surface.
The Mystone Berici collection is available in a range of formats including large-scale slabs. There is also a choice of anti-slip finishes and outdoor options.
Material: Porcelain stoneware Colours/finishes: Bianco, Beige, Grigio and Cenere Dimensions: 1600 x 3200, 1200 x 2780, 1200 x 1200, 750 x 1500, 600 x 1200, 750 x 750 or 600 x 600 millimetres
Dezeen Showroom
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At IFA 2024, we spotted a trend that may or may not be here to stay, but it did win our hearts. We came across a bunch of super adorable mini-washing machines. Roborock’s Zeo Mini M1 features a compact little body, soft curves, and downright cute plumpness. Of course, the model cannot be compared to traditional washer-dryers and their capacity, but it can handle one kilogram of laundry for washing, and only 500 grams for drying. It has a pretty small drum, which must be noted.
Even though the machine has a small load, it has some intelligent features such as automatic drying, if you forget to unload the machine after washing, and detergent dispensing. It is an all-in-one solution that merges the convenience and size of a small washing machine, with the efficiency of a dryer. The cutesy washing machine can accommodate 25 pairs of lightweight underwear, 15 pieces of bras, and 80 pairs of socks simultaneously, so it could serve well for the everyday requirements of a contemporary family.
The M1’s engine is a DD variable frequency direct drive motor and it can rotate up to 4000 times per minute, with the air flowing up to 18kph. The motor runs pretty quietly, creating only 45dB of noise, and it can run overnight. It also includes a 90°C self-cleaning mode. The washing machine is essentially an auxiliary device, with the ability to handle fragile items of laundry that you don’t want to pop into your bigger washing machine. It functions as a companion to your primary washing machine, allowing you to fit in pieces of clothing that are too soft and gentle for a big load.
The Roborock Zeo Mini M1 isn’t currently available for sale, but it should arrive in the country soon for a price of around $660. Would you consider purchasing the M1? Is such a compact solution viable in today’s homes, or is it yet another unnecessary luxury that we could probably do without? We’ll probably know once it is out on the market.
The word that perfectly defines me, and is a major part of my identity is ‘Bibliophile’. I’m a bibliophile through and through! Give me a good book, and I’ll be tucked away in a corner with it for hours on end, completely detached from reality and immersed in the fictional world. My love for books means I own a lot of them, and I love coming across functional and adorable products that make my reading experience smoother and more fun. We’ve curated a collection of clever and must-have products that every bibliophile needs in their arsenal. From a transparent bookmark that holds your book open for you at all times, to a nifty reading light you can clip onto your book – these fun yet functional products will improve your reading experience by manifolds.
1. Bookish Bookmark
This ingenious little design is called the Bookish Bookmark, and it provides you with a smooth and hands-free reading session, ensuring your book stays open while you read it. You don’t need to adopt any uncomfortable workarounds to keep your book open while reading or performing other tasks while doing so. It has a clear transparent design, making it great for those who follow cookbooks while preparing meals.
If you’re a true blue bibliophile, and you like to display your books at home, then the Bookish Bookmark is the product for you. You can keep your book open, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to your desk, coffee table, or bookshelf on account of its transparent design.
What we like
Lets you showcase your beloved books in an organized and attractive style
What we dislike
The bookmark seems to be too large for small books and isn’t an ideal option for those who like small and subtle bookmarks
2. Japanese Lantern Candle
If you like spending your evenings curled up with your favorite book in the warm light of a candle, then you may want to consider purchasing the Japanese Lantern Candle. This beautiful little candle is inspired by the Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, and it offers some soft yet generous illumination to your reading sessions.
The Japanese Lantern Candle draws inspiration from the iconic Japanese lantern design. The age-old lantern was modernized, creating a surreal lighting solution with a calming glow. The product is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan, making it a veritable collectible.
What we like
The outer wax doesn’t melt too fast, creating a clear body on the lantern candle
What we dislike
The candle does have an open flame, so make sure you don’t place your books too close to it, for fear of catching fire
3. Bowie 2.0
Every book lover needs a trustworthy and dependable reading light, and I do swear by Bowie 2.0. This clever reading light not only offers illumination to the pages of your book but the room as well. The light looks like a leather fashion accessory, that you can easily clip onto the left and right sides of your book cover.
Why is it noteworthy?
The light’s strap features LEDs, which offer a soft and warm glow, that is powerful enough to let you read in the dark. The strap illuminates the pages with a warm LED light, allowing you to read easily and peacefully. You can turn the pages and move about without the light causing any issues.
What we like
Equipped with touch-sensitive brightness settings, that let you adjust the LED brightness
What we dislike
Some people may find it inconvenient and annoying to hold a book with a clipped-on reading light
4. The Ptolomeo Bookshelf
Created by Bruno Rainaldi, the Ptolomeo Bookshelf is a beautiful ode to books, and the people who love to read. The bookshelf is designed especially for bibliophiles, serving as a rejuvenated and refreshing variant of the traditional bookshelf. The revamped design converts an everyday bookshelf into a fascinating design object, bordering on an art piece.
Why is it noteworthy?
The bookshelf is freestanding, amped by a clean and minimal form, which disappears or becomes ‘invisible’ as you fill it up with books! Ptolomeo’s thin and narrow shelves seem to vanish once you place books in them. The mesmerizing piece creates the impression of a stack of books floating in the air.
What we like
The bookshelf seems to “mock the law of gravity”, creating a playful illusion
Functional and sturdy furniture piece, plus amped with good aesthetics
What we dislike
It is a large and space-consuming piece, not well-suited for smaller homes
5. Reference Bookend
Designed by Henry Julier, the Reference is a minimal and classy bookend, designed for those who love to showcase their favorite books. The bookend was created to be a problem-solving tool, facilitating greater connections between the product, and the people who use it. The bookend features a round top flange offering users enough material to hold onto while adding books and adjusting it.
Why is it noteworthy?
Light bookends are tough to adjust with heavy books, hence the Reference was created to function as a sturdy, heavy, and stiff sheet steel bookend that doesn’t need downward pressure to firmly hold onto the books. The Reference Bookend is also quite easy to pick up and put down as and when needed, owing to its unique form.
What we like
The sturdy form that holds the books without any external pressure or support
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the bookend are pretty somber and sober, and may not appeal to everyone’s tastes
Why You Should Embrace Electric Vehicles Despite the News?
Electric mobility is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s a vibrant reality that’s transforming the automotive industry. Despite negative reports and doubts, there are compelling reasons to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV). Here’s why:
Advancements in Technology: Modern EVs come with impressive advancements in battery life, performance, and overall reliability. Many concerns about limited range and slow charging are being addressed with each new model.
Growing Charging Infrastructure: Europe’s charging network has significantly improved, making it increasingly convenient to charge your EV. Don’t let outdated information deter you; the infrastructure is constantly evolving.
Long-Term Savings: EVs often come with lower running costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, including savings on fuel and maintenance.
Enjoy Your Holidays with an Electric Car
Thinking of taking your EV on a road trip? Go for it! Here’s why you should feel confident:
Eco-Friendly Travel: Traveling with an EV not only reduces your carbon footprint but also contributes to a greener future. Make your vacations not just memorable, but also environmentally responsible.
Well-Developed Charging Network: Europe boasts an extensive network of charging stations, especially in popular travel destinations. Your journey across countries should be smoother than ever.
Experience the Journey: Embrace the adventure of an electric road trip. Modern EVs are designed for long-distance travel, and with strategic planning, you’ll find charging stations conveniently located along your route.
Addressing Common Concerns: Charging Infrastructure and More
High-Power Charging Stations: Although 22kW charging points are becoming more common, they can be less efficient than higher-capacity options. Prioritize finding fast-charging stations to minimize downtime.
Varied Experiences: Your personal experience with EV charging might differ from what you read in the news. Reports of long waits or difficulties often focus on isolated cases rather than the norm.
DIY Research: Conduct your own research and talk to other EV owners. Their insights can be invaluable in planning your trips and managing your expectations.
In summary, electric mobility is an exciting and increasingly practical choice. Don’t let outdated reports or isolated issues dissuade you. With ongoing improvements and a growing support network, EVs offer a thrilling, eco-friendly way to travel and enjoy your adventures. Embrace the change, and have fun with your electric journey!
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
