Hasta La Ideas

Mercedes-Benz typically makes fast, powerful cars. However, they’ve just unveiled this one-off EV designed “for the special purpose of slow journeys at public appearances.” Introducing the all-new Popemobile, a zero-emissions vehicle based on the G580.

The vehicle took about a year to produce, due to the extensive modifications:

“In the rear, the bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swivelling main seat makes it possible to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers.”

“The roof was removed at the B-pillar, and the B-pillar itself was harmoniously transitioned into the side wall to create an unmistakable side profile. In case of rain or bad weather conditions, a separate hardtop offers protection for the occupants. The left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists – in traditional coachbuilding style – from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the hinges of the rear door were relocated to the opposite side.”

“Like the previous Popemobiles, the vehicle is painted in classic pearl white on the outside.”

Mercedes has been in the Popemobile business for nearly a century. Notably, the switch to electric was reportedly requested by the key passenger himself: “We are overjoyed to be able to fulfil. the Holy Father’s wish for an electric Popemobile,” says Mercedes board member Britta Seger, “and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements. This cooperation at eye level honours us deeply and is a valuable symbol of sustainable change together.”

The vehicle will make its debut at the 2025 Jubilee in Rome.

Promotion: London design studio The Unlimited Dream Company created “waves” on stage for a Jorja Smith tour using modular fins that could be rearranged to create a variety of curves.

The Unlimited Dream Company was behind the set design for Smith’s Falling or Flying tour, which included creating elements representing waves, the horizon and the clouds.

The design was informed by the “emotional dichotomies” of Smith’s music. UDC’s team of architects, production designers and film makers are behind high concept creative direction and visuals for live performances.

“UDC’s concept draws inspiration from the emotional dichotomies at the core of Falling or Flying, exploring the delicate balance between opposing states—fear and bravery, failure and success, flying and falling,” said the team. 

“The stage serves as a visual metaphor for these dualities, inviting the audience to embark on a journey through the emotional spectrum that Jorja navigates through her music.”

The various stage elements consist of a series of modular fins that create “waves” behind Smith, floating drapes that symbolise clouds and a linear light at ground level that acts as a “horizon”.

Above, the drape system is suspended above the artist. It was designed to represent “suspension”, reflecting the mixture of highs and lows found in her music. Below, the undulating waves represented the ebbs and flow of emotion.

The wave installation was created using modular fins, which can be reconfigured to fit different spaces and venues.

“A total of 96 modular fins were created in collaboration with Lighting Designer Matt Kemp. The find could be reconfigured by removing two units, allowing the design to adapt to various stage slides while preserving its flow,” said the team.

Lastly, a horizontal lighting element towards the back of the stage acts as the “horizon” or a space of “harmony” for Smith, which she finds when performing on stage.

UDC combined these three feature elements to reflect the emotional journey of Smith’s album, creating a physical representation that concert-goers can connect with during a show.

“Every detail of the design was meticulously crafted to elevate the emotional depth of Jorja’s live shows, offering the audience an intimate, multi-sensory connection to her world,” said the team. 

UDC was founded in 2021 by architect George Thomson and production designer Harrison Smith. Other work by the studio includes set and stage design for artists Olivia Dean and Loyle Carner, among others. 

For more information on the Unlimited Dream Company, visit its website.

The photography is by Karolina Wielocha for the Unlimited Dream Company

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Unlimited Dream Company. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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Called the Little Chateau and designed by Artisan Tiny Homes, this tiny home embodies a masculine aura with a dark and moody aesthetic. The Tasmanian-based tiny home-maker attempted to capture the owner’s aesthetic and transfer it into their home. The owner requested a cocoon-like house with a masculine aura.

They wanted a home where they could cook on the fire, and star gaze as well. Taking into account the owner’s height, the kitchen was raised, and the wooden stove was installed at the same height as the kitchen countertop to facilitate comfortable and easy cooking.

Designer: Artisan Tiny Homes

Although the house embodies a rather dark and moody theme, it still has a free-flowing and airy interior. It is lined with large windows that open the home to the outdoors while offering access to the surrounding views. This creates a contrasting and fascinating effect, where the living space manages to be spacious and masculine. The furnishings feature a matte black color – ranging from the tapware and handrails to the wood stove and kitchen sink. An adorable LEGO piano has been placed in the home, which adds a wonderful effect to the space.

The 26.2 feet tiny home includes an open-concept main-floor layout with a lounge and a kitchen. The master bedroom is placed in the loft area, and a guest bedroom is in the second loft. It also features a custom staircase, which looks like double ladders. One section leads to the smaller loft, while the second section leads to the master bedroom. The main loft section has been equipped with a lovely skylight for stargazing, and the second smaller loft is pretty well-ventilated as well.

The lounge area is marked by sliding glass doors and an oversized picture window which are found in most Australian tiny homes. The home allows natural light to stream in through the day creating a cozy and luminous living area. The home is a mysterious and seductive build specially designed and curated for the residents.

The post The Little Chateau Is A Dark & Moody Tiny Home With A Masculine Aura For The Modern Gentleman first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dezeen Showroom: Italian stone company Antolini has introduced the Azerocare Plus treatment, designed to allow its surfaces to escape common sources of damage in kitchens and bathrooms.

A patented process exclusive to Antolini, Azerocare Plus protects natural stone from the staining or corrosion that can be caused through contact with oil-based or acidic substances such as lemon, coffee or wine.

In so doing, it enhances the visual power of these stones, enabling them to play the starring role in kitchen and bathroom settings for the length of their life.

“Kitchens and bathrooms, traditionally considered service environments, have experienced a real revolution over time, becoming the protagonists of the design attention of architects and designers,” said Antolini.

“The first, a place par excellence of conviviality and sharing, has managed to integrate more and more with the other living spaces, eliminating any traditional architectural barrier; the second, from a necessary place, has transformed into a temple of domestic wellbeing, where personal care and tranquility are the masters,” the brand continued.

Azerocare Plus offers permanent protection and is available on Antolini’s marble, onyx and soft quartzite stones with Matt, Lether or Lux finishes, as well as travertine with a Matt finish.

Product details:

Product: Azerocare Plus
Brand: Antolini
Contact: info@antolini.com

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Architect Michael Henriksen used exposed clay block walls, timber ceilings and cork flooring to bring a sense of “warmth and texture” to the renovation and extension of his own family home in St Albans, England.

Henriksen, who is a director at London studio Coffey Architects, undertook the redesign of the 1920s, three-bedroom pebble-dashed house as a “nights and weekends passion project”.

The renovation added two additional bedrooms and opened-up the ground floor to house a living, kitchen and dining space with an extension made using clay blocks, in what Henriksen claims is a UK first.

As well as simplifying the construction process due to their inherent insulation properties, these blocks were left exposed to form a textured feature wall in the open-plan kitchen and living area.

“I had previously seen clay blocks used in projects back in Denmark where I’m from, as well as in some exceptional projects from Spain,” Henriksen told Dezeen.

“Initially, I considered using typical cavity walls, but I realised that monolithic clay blocks could simplify the construction process and potentially reduce labour costs, as these blocks form the entire wall structure, requiring only a thin external render,” he added.

Overlooking the garden through full-height windows and a sliding glass door, the exposed clay block walls of the extension are complemented by cork floor and a ceiling of exposed timber, with a series of skylights that illuminate smooth concrete and ribbed timber countertops.

This open space is visible as soon as the home is entered, with a new axis framed by the corridor and staircase, where a timber balustrade extends the full length and width of the wall to conceal doors to utility and bathroom spaces.

“A ceiling canopy of birch plywood and glued-laminated timber beams, paired with cork flooring tiles, brings warmth and texture to the open plan living area,” said Henriksen.

“The added ceiling height enhances the area’s spacious, open feel, often leaving a striking first impression on friends as they enter the house,” he continued.

“We used simple butt joints at the joinery corners rather than more complex options like mitre joints, which helped keep the process both efficient and satisfying.”

On the first floor, a side extension above the home’s garage created space for two additional bedrooms, while a loft conversion added a further guest bedroom and reading den that can be accessed from the children’s bunk beds.

While more pared-back in their material palette, these bedroom spaces continue the use of exposed plywood in beds and “crisp” window reveals.

With London studio Coffey Architects, Henriksen has worked on projects including a home in Dorset that was designed to mimic a cluster of timber-clad agricultural barns.

The photography is by James Retief.

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