Hasta La Ideas

A curving concrete canopy and a public garden animate Carcavelos Health Complex near Lisbon, Portugal, completed by local practices Simão Botlelho, Studio-J and Duoma.

Carcavelos Health Complex combines four separate health services in a single building and was the result of a public architecture competition held in 2018.

Its sloping site is bordered by residential buildings and a main road, which led Simão Botlelho, Studio-J and Duoma to design an orthogonal concrete structure that acts as a sound and privacy buffer for a multi-level central garden.

This garden includes a cafe, a children’s playground, a covered area for outdoor meetings and events and community vegetable gardens, designed for both users of the building and the general public.

“We used the building briefing as an excuse to give back to the local inhabitants and the city a qualified piece of man-made nature that can inspire the building’s users,” the team told Dezeen.

“These [gardens] can be used for leisure as well as for social prescribing by doctors, responding to non-medical needs by linking health services and community resources to promote health and wellbeing,” the team continued.

“More than designing a building itself, we believe we designed a garden for the city.”

The Family Health Unit and Shared Resources Unit have been positioned on the ground floor to have the closest link to the public garden.

A first-floor block to the east contains the Psychiatry Service and, where the site slopes downwards, the Drug Addiction Treatment Team has been positioned on a lower level.

A central corridor connects each of these facilities across the U-shaped plan, with rooms on either side divided by plasterboard walls to allow for future adaptations to be made easily.

The rectangular blocks of the Carcavelos Health Complex are contrasted by the curving forms of its roofs, which are supported by cylindrical concrete columns and lined with slender steel balustrades.

Inside, exposed concrete circulation areas lead to bright white treatment areas and stone-tiled bathrooms illuminated by circular skylights.

“The building’s raw appearance contrasts with the garden’s greenery and the bright indoor atmosphere,” said the project team.

“There is a bit of design freedom from Japan mixed with a modernist tropical Brazilian way of construction and a very rigorous mathematical Swiss approach on the facade metric design,” it added.

Carcavelos Health Complex is topped by a green roof, which is overlooked from the small circular terrace of the centre’s upper storey.

Other health centres recently featured on Dezeen include a colourful foyer for the Can Zariquiey complex in Catalonia and a clinic in Salzburg formed of textured red concrete.

The photography is by Francisco Nogueira.

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London-based design studio Tatjana von Stein has created a warm and colourful interior for private members’ club Làlia in Palma, Mallorca.

Set in a historic townhouse overlooking Placa de Santa Eulalia, Làlia was restored and renovated in collaboration with local practice Gras Reynès Arquitectos.

Across four levels, the members’ club features work and leisure spaces including a restaurant, bar, gym and private art and event spaces.

According to studio founder Tatjana von Stein, Mallorcan design was “a huge influence, but gently nodded to” in Làlia’s interior.

A jewel-toned palette was implemented throughout to pay homage to the colours of the Palma region.

“The Thorvaldson museum in Copenhagen is a huge inspiration for colour-blocking rooms, which I then localised with the colours of Palma – the green, yellow, terracotta buildings throughout the town,” von Stein told Dezeen.

These local colours run through the pistachio green wall drapery in the dining areas and the banquette seating upholstered in red and terracotta velvet from artisanal workshop Textil Bujosa.

The dining tables crafted from pyrolave lava stone were also commissioned in Palma’s signature colours.

Contemporary elements were injected into the interior to add “a touch of indulgence and personality”, von Stein explained.

“Overall our drive was to reinterpret local colours, textures and materials from a new point of view, specific to the location and the brand we were creating,” she added.

In the main lounge, vivid red-lacquered wood panelling is paired with a statement leopard print carpet alongside antique furniture and decorative vintage finds.

Other graphic elements were added to the interior via the yellow-striped walls and checkerboard fabric ceiling panels in the dining areas.

During the renovation process, Tatjana von Stein and Gras Reynès Arquitectos worked together to “bring to life existing features and repurpose what could be saved”.

In the dining areas, reclaimed tiled flooring was reinstalled and a reclaimed marble fireplace was fitted in one of Làlia’s main lounge areas.

“We salvaged the old tiles of the building and designed fountains from them, as well as utilising them where possible as flooring,” said the studio.

The design studio also collaborated with several Mallorca-based artisans and craftspeople for the project.

“We worked with the local mountain stones, local textiles and fabricated nearly everything on the island to localise the project with a new design twist,” von Stein told Dezeen. “It was an incredible challenge to really work locally and sustainably.”

Làlia’s bathrooms feature local Binissalem stone carved into bespoke sinks by Palma-based stone masonry studio D’aigo.

Furniture studio La Pecera Mallorca was responsible for the bar stools while local carpenters Ducoin crafted large wooden tables for Làlia’s workspaces.

Mallorcan artist and stonemason Diego Sanchez Barcelo also created a bespoke hand-carved bench for the garden area.

“The key was to create a flow of spaces which all have their own identities and purpose that makes you want to come back,” von Stain said.

Other projects featured on Dezeen by Tatjana von Stein, formerly known as Sella Concept, include the Locke hotel in Zurich, Switzerland and an office interior for tech company Sidewalk.

The photography is by Clemente Vergara.

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Promotion: New York-based artist Ran Ortner has created a bespoke speaker finish for Scottish audio brand Linn based on sonic and oceanic rhythms.

Called Triton, the black, satin-like finish produced by Linn is an ode to waves – both sound and ocean waves depicted in Ortner‘s vast, multi-layer oil paintings.

The slate-black colour is described by the artist as “a rich tritone” made up of elements of all the primary colours in a smooth, 8-layer lacquered coat with a subtle sheen that was designed to reflect the luminosity and shifting colours found in Ortner’s work.

“Incorporating both its description as a tritone, and in homage to Ran’s deep connection with the oceanic, we have named his signature finish ‘Triton’, after the Greek demigod of the sea,” said Linn Products’ CEO Gilad Tiefenbrun. “It will be the first in our Signature Collection, joining the established Glasgow and Classic Collections in our range.”

Available as an optional finish for the brand’s 360 speakers and LP12 plinths, the bespoke finish was originally developed for the custom Linn Klimax audio system designed specifically for Ortner’s studio in Dumbo, New York.

“In the pageantry and boundless exuberance of the oceanic, I see the dance of life,” explains Ortner, who said he bought his first Linn speaker as a younger man. “In the colour of waters, I see beautifully engaging, mercurial complexity. I see Tritones; rich, shifting greys composed of all three primary colours.”

“We were considering these ideas in the development of the finish for my Linn speakers,” he added.

“We wanted an alchemic, rich ground; a complexity – densely sensual – that moves. In one moment cool, in the next warm; a hovering liminal finish, unfastened,” Ortner continued. “Here in my Brooklyn studio, the stunning musicality of my Linn Klimax System is wonderfully supported by the speakers’ finish.”

Following the publication of a video and blog documenting the creation of Ortner’s bespoke audio system on Linn’s website, the finish garnered positive feedback, prompting Linn and Ortner to make the finish available to all of its customers.

Linn was founded by Glaswegian mechanical engineer Ivor Tiefenbrun in 1973. The company made its name with its first-ever product, the modular and upgradeable Sondek LP12, which is considered a classic turntable.

To find out more about the Triton finish by Ran Ortner for Linn visit the Linn website.

The photography is by Fyodor Shiryaev and Joe Rodger.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Linn. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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South Korean designer Jeonghwa Seo has used purpose-cast aluminium tubes to create a collection of tables and benches, with their structure obscured behind frosted acrylic.

Each of the eight furniture pieces in the Cylinder series is defined by the fusion of rounded acrylic slabs and hollow metal tubing, arranged horizontally and vertically to create the framework for each piece.

Due to their translucency, the acrylic plates obscure the tubes to the point that only their approximate outline is visible, creating what Seo describes as an “intriguing interplay between shape, material, softness and brutality”.

“[The Cylinder collection] was created by focusing on the overlapping effect seen under the acrylic plate,” he told Dezeen.

The acrylic is tinted with hues including light green, lilac, amber and white to contrast with the silver-grey tone of the aluminium.

“[The subtle colours] show different overlapping effects while harmonising with the achromatic colour of aluminium,” Seo explained.

On the bench, the acrylic slabs serve as a seat while on the seven different tables, they provide a surface for storing and displaying items.

“All pieces were created with an emphasis on research into usable structures, even if they do not have the comfort and practicality of regular furniture,” the designer said.

“They adapt to their surroundings, while simultaneously imposing upon them through the manipulation of light and shadow,” he added.

Both the plastic elements and metal components were made locally in Seoul-based factories.

Seo studied Metal Art and Design at Hongik University in Seoul and completed his graduate studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands before returning to South Korea for his PhD.

He specialises in the design of interior schemes, furniture, homeware and installations, with previous projects including custom furniture for a cafe and wine bar in Seoul and a series of desktop objects for organising and decorating workspaces.

The photography is by Unreal Studio.

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In 2022, the folks at LIVALL unveiled the PikaBoost, a simple battery-powered motor that could attach to any bicycle, giving it an electric upgrade. Now, the PikaBoost 2 comes with the same pitch as its predecessor, but with a power upgrade, better range, an anti-theft design, and swappable batteries. All you really do is strap the PikaBoost 2 to the back of your bicycle, right above the rear wheel and you’re good to go. The process takes under a minute, but gives your bicycle quite the upgrade, with a motor-assisted drive that can be accessed across 4 riding modes. The best part? Unlike e-bikes that can cost upward of $800-1000, the PikaBoost 2 is a simple under-$300 accessory that pretty much attaches to any existing bicycle.

Designer: LIVALL

Click Here to Buy Now: $279 $369 (24% off). Hurry, only 31 left! Raised over $320,000 raised.

Do you remember when Elon Musk put jet thrusters on the Tesla Roadster to make it go even faster? The PikaBoost 2 is sort of the same thing, but scaled down to less mad-scientist and more practical-genius levels. In essence, it just adds a motor to your existing bicycle, so that you don’t have to rely entirely on pedal power. The PikaBoost 2 outputs an impressive 500W, which when coupled with its high RPM capacity, allows cyclists to conquer steep inclines effortlessly, reaching speeds of up to 32 km/h (19mph) without rider exertion. On flat land, the PikaBoost 2 is a nice way to turn your bicycle from an exercise machine to an effortless mode of transport, allowing you to travel farther and faster without splurging for a gas-powered motorbike or an e-bike.

The slick device retrofits onto almost any existing bicycle simply by attaching itself firmly to the frame right under the seat. Traditional e-bike conversion kits often require significant time and effort to install, with many models being incompatible with a range of bike sizes. In contrast, PikaBoost 2 can be installed or removed in under a minute, thanks to its simplified design that fits most bike models and tire sizes. The system includes a proprietary tool that secures the unit with four anti-theft screws, ensuring a secure fit that’s impossible to remove without the specific tools if you’re a thief… but very easy for you to detach and take home at the end of the day by using the proprietary screw. Additionally, its shock-absorbing spring design helps maintain stability, even on rough terrain, while preventing screw loosening.

PikaBoost 2’s adjustable design seamlessly integrates with wheel sizes from 14 to 29 inches, accommodating mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrids. LIVALL also provides its own tire designs for the PikaBoost, allowing you to adjust based on road or mountain driving. Once installed, the PikaBoost 2’s wheel rests on the top of your bicycle’s rear wheel, gripping it securely to ensure high traction so it can efficiently transfer kinetic power to your bike’s rear wheel. The V-shaped grooves on the PikaBoost 2 interlock with your bike’s treads, while also providing channels to direct water/mud when you’re riding in the rain or on wet/muddy roads.

One of the standout features of the PikaBoost 2 (and an upgrade from its predecessor) is its AAR2.0 technology, which offers personalized e-bike assistance. Unlike traditional systems that rely on torque sensors, AAR2.0 continuously learns and adapts to your riding style, providing precise power assistance that matches your needs. The regenerative braking system further extends your ride by capturing and converting kinetic energy back into electricity, adding sustainability to your journey. At 25 km/h, the RBS (regenerative braking system) can generate about 100 watts of power to recharge your battery.

Although it seems like the original PikaBoost had a bigger 234Wh battery, the one on the PikaBoost 2 is smaller but MUCH more efficient. Equipped with a 158Wh lithium-ion battery, the system offers a range of up to 70 kilometers or 43.4 miles (an upgrade over the 30 kilometers on the previous model). This size reduction comes with a good reason too, as the folks at LIVALL wanted the battery pack to be ‘airline-friendly’. For those seeking even greater endurance, an optional 220Wh battery extends the range to 96 kilometers or 59.6 miles. Both batteries support fast-charging technology, allowing for a full charge in just three hours. Beyond powering your ride, the battery can also function as a portable power station, with up to 100W of output power, making it versatile for charging everything from your phone to even your laptop.

Each PikaBoost 2 is paired with a remote controller that attaches to your handlebars, allowing you to switch between modes while riding. Notably, the 2nd gen device also gets a few nifty design and safety upgrades in the form of an LED taillight that automatically shines as you slow down or make turns (and also works as a charging status light), as well as fall or slip detection that automatically kills the motor to prevent accidents or injury. The PikaBoost 2 also comes with its own smartphone app, available for both Android and iOS devices. Aside from letting you perform actions like switching between modes, the app also lets you track your PikaBoost 2, as well as uses your location to automatically adjust its output based on riding regulations of the country you’re in (European users will see their speeds capped at 25 km/h to comply with the maximum speed limit). The entire device weighs 6.6lbs or 3 kilograms, and is IP66 water-resistant, making it fairly weatherproof. The PikaBoost 2 ships globally, along with the remote controller, the 158Wh battery, a mudguard, and the proprietary accessories for upgrading your bicycle. An upgrade gets you the 220Wh battery along with mountain and road bike tire attachments, and a fast-charging setup. Additionally, LIVALL also sells its own bicycle helmet with a built-in rear LED light that synchronizes with the PikaBoost 2 to shine automatically when you slow down, turn, or come to a stop.

Click Here to Buy Now: $279 $369 (24% off). Hurry, only 31 left! Raised over $320,000 rasied.

The post Upgrade your Regular Bicycle into an E-Bike with LIVALL’s $279 PikaBoost 2 Accessory first appeared on Yanko Design.