Dezeen in Depth features five longer-read Dezeen articles from 2024

Mid Century home

This month’s Dezeen in Depth newsletter highlights five must-read articles from the past 12 months. Subscribe to Dezeen in Depth today!

In the year’s final edition, Dezeen’s features editor Nat Barker has curated five in-depth articles from the past 12 months that haven’t yet been featured in the newsletter.

From odds-defying public housing in the US to rethinking what architecture is worth preserving, these articles are a must-read for design enthusiasts. So pull up a chair and settle down for Dezeen in depth!

Atelier100
Young designers “cutting out the middle man” by producing objects themselves

The latest edition of Dezeen in Depth also features a piece by Amy Frearson on young designers creating their own limited-edition products and an interview with Grafton Architects founders Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara on maintaining motivation after 46 years in practice.

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.

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Holloway Li incorporates local craft heritage into Poznań hotel redesign

PURO Hotel by Holloway Li

Design studio Holloway Li has reimagined the interiors of the Puro hotel in Poznań, Poland, integrating natural materials, contemporary furnishings and locally sourced art to create “a layering of history”.

Drawing on Poznań’s cultural and craft heritage, the studio aimed to capture the city’s identity by weaving historical influences into the redesign of the hotel, which first opened its doors in 2014.

Lobby of PURO Hotel by Holloway Li
Holloway Li has transformed the interiors of the PURO hotel in Poznań, Poland

“We took inspiration from Poznań’s craft heritage, from the streamlined forms and luxurious carriage interiors of the early twentieth-century trains produced in local factories to experimental 1970s glassware,” Holloway Li co-founder Alex Holloway told Dezeen.

“The aim was to create a layering of history that business travellers, tourists and locals could enjoy.”

Reception desk PURO Hotel by Holloway Li
The reception desk is made of burnt red glazed tiles and raised on limestone plinths

Holloway Li transformed the existing ground floor and guest rooms, introducing site-specific designs to create a distinctive guest experience.

The reception area features a curved desk crafted from burnt red glazed tiles and elevated on sculpted limestone plinths. A hand-tufted rug beneath it incorporates patterns and textures inspired by the nearby Old Market Square, while a pendant light suspended above adds a contemporary touch.

Cutout of PURO Hotel by Holloway Li
A circular brass cutout offers a view of the lounge from the reception

As a nod to Poznań’s industrial history, a partition wall in the lounge is punctuated by a large circular brass cutout, referencing the design language of high-speed trains produced in Poznań’s surrounding factories in the early 20th century.

The lounge offers a mix of versatile seating options, including the studio’s T4 armchairs in collaboration with furniture brand Uma, Swedish design company Fogia‘s sofas and a large co-working table with inlaid burl wood markings.

Lounge of PURO Hotel by Holloway Li
The lounge offers a variety of seats, including Holloway Li’s T4 armchairs

A palette of natural materials, including solid oak, leather and glazed ceramics, enhances the sense of warmth and domesticity throughout the space.

This material palette extends to the hotel’s curated art collection, developed in collaboration with Puro’s art director, Gosia Jankowska. The integration of local artistry was a key feature of the hotel’s redesign, showcasing works by local artists, many of whom are connected to Poznań University.

“The artwork curation was the result of working closely with Puro’s art director Gosia Jankowska, who manages the hotel’s growing art collection,” said project designer Grey Grierson. “All the artworks on display are connected to Poznań and add an unexpected textural dimension to the space.”

Local craftsmanship is further celebrated through bespoke decorative elements such as glass windows for a private meeting room, which Holloway Li developed in collaboration with local manufacturer Riwal Ceramika i Szkło.

The design of the windows was informed by the art nouveau style of Poznań’s historic townhouses and traditional crown glass.

Meeting room of PURO Hotel by Holloway Li
Bespoke glass windows were created for the private meeting room

The hotel’s restaurant continues this theme, with leather dining chairs and long banquettes that nod to the rail carriage interiors manufactured in Poznań during the 1920s and 1930s.

To create a shift in the spaces as guests navigate through the hotel, the corridors take on a darker palette from the rest of the interiors with earthy red tones and dim lighting, guiding guests to lift lobbies clad in staggered pale limestone.

Restaurant of PURO Hotel by Holloway Li
The hotel’s restaurant is furnished with leather dining chairs and long banquettes

Outside the rooms, each guest room number was individually moulded and glazed by ceramics manufacturer Riwal Ceramika i Szkło. Inside, Holloway Li introduced a simple colour palette layered with soft textiles to evoke a sense of home.

The guest rooms feature a green datum with a rounded timber beading, while a gradient shower glass inspired by Polish glass homeware is the main focus of the bathrooms.

Guestrooms of PURO Hotel by Holloway Li
The guest rooms feature a green datum with a rounded timber beading

“There are moments of vibrancy which stand out from the natural palette,” said Holloway. “In the guestrooms, we introduced a vibrant gradient to the shower glass inspired by historic Polish pressed glass homeware.”

The suites offer elevated touches, such as limestone side tables carved to complement the curvature of fabric headboards and bathrooms outfitted with green tiles and matching marbled sinks.

Holloway Li is an interior design studio founded by Alex Holloway and Na Li in 2018.

Other recent projects by the studio include an apartment with a kitchen inspired by a fish and chip shop and a 1970s-inspired advertising agency office.

The photography is by PION Studio.

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10-in-1 USB-C Hub with Shortcut Keys and Knob is the Ultimate Combo of Power, Ports, and Productivity

Picture the average multi-device setup. A laptop, a mouse, maybe a monitor, and a dock for charging your phone/smartwatch/earbuds. As fairly simple as this sounds, it involves multiple products and multiple wires connecting them. The more devices, the more wires, and the more the promise of productivity without actual productivity. Dongles were born to solve this problem by streamlining cables, but the HubKey does more than most dongles can. The 10-in-1 compact device not only houses multiple ports – it comes with its own control panel too, letting you quickly access functions/controls through four intuitive buttons and one satisfyingly large rotary knob.

Think of it as your personal command station, set to tackle the daily juggle of multiple tasks and devices. Rather than fumbling with random adapters, you have a 10-in-1 hub that supports 4K@60Hz, 100W fast charging, Ethernet, SD/TF card reading, and more. But the real kicker is its built-in buttons and knob. These let you lock screens, snap screenshots, or tweak volume in seconds, keeping your workflow smooth and intuitive.

Designer: HubKey

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $140 (51% off) Hurry! Only 300 Units Left!

At first glance, the HubKey might seem like yet another dongle, but it quickly reveals a more thoughtful edge. By grouping ports and user commands in one solid package, it reduces desktop chaos. Gone are the days of rummaging for a single adapter or wrestling with on-screen controls. A simple press locks your computer, a knob twist tunes audio, a port gives you ethernet access, another controls your 4K display, and a slot lets you quickly draw media from an SD card. It’s a synergy that actually fulfils the promise of productivity by giving you crucial tools and features in one singular hub.

Those five shortcut keys instantly elevate the experience. Maybe you’re the type who takes endless screenshots for design references, or you love toggling your display off for quick breaks. Each key is there to save precious seconds – one for locking your machine, one for toggling your monitor, another for quick screenshots, and a fourth button for RGB backlighting. Meanwhile, the knob delivers a tactile sense of control seldom found in standard hubs. Rather than pausing to hunt down software sliders, you can stay focused, adjusting volume or lighting with intuitive fluidity. Setting up the HubKey feels like removing friction from your workflow because there’s no need for special drivers or fussy software.

Alongside these controls, the 4K@60Hz HDMI port shines for visual tasks and entertainment alike. Designers get crisp details for pixel-perfect edits, while film buffs see vibrant imagery. There’s also a 1000Mbps Ethernet jack, ensuring stable internet for big downloads or glitch-free video calls. Add in the SD/TF card slots, and photographers or content creators benefit immensely from the HubKey, giving them a dedicated dongle for juggling media between cameras, drones, action-cams, and editing machines like a laptop or desktop.

For those who crave speed, the 100W PD charging port zaps your laptop back to life in record time. No more lugging an extra charger. USB 3.0 ports deliver up to 5Gbps, letting you transfer files in seconds. You can run resource-heavy processes on your device or game on a Steam Deck without worrying about battery depletion. Gamers, remote workers, and creative pros all benefit from the HubKey’s high-performance approach. Oh, and there’s even a 3.5mm audio input for gaming or teleconferencing headsets!

Despite its robust features, the HubKey remains compact. It nestles easily in a laptop bag, making it a lifeline for digital nomads who bounce between coworking spaces or coffee shops. The aluminum alloy housing dissipates heat and endures travel, while a neon LED strip adds a dash of personality. Whether you’re into a cyberpunk glow or a more neutral tone, this accent brings a spark of creativity to your environment – serving gamers, designers, and video-editing professionals alike.

For privacy buffs, a dedicated screen-lock shortcut offers quick protection in crowded environments. You can duck away from your laptop without fretting over prying eyes. The Mac versus Windows nuance is straightforward: short presses for Windows, longer presses for Mac. It’s another illustration of how HubKey caters to varying workflows. No matter the platform, these features encourage a fluid approach to computing, banishing friction and keeping inspiration front and center.

Behind every feature lies a story of testing, revising, and collaborating with real users. The developers explored different port layouts, adjusted button sensitivity, and refined the overall weight to accommodate on-the-go workers. Photographers wanted rapid SD reads, gamers demanded reliable LAN stability, and designers favored crisp external displays… all of which eventually led to the genesis of the HubKey.

The HubKey ships globally and starts at $69 for early bird backers, with the product finally costing $140 when it hits retail shelves. It’s designed to work seamlessly with both Windows and Mac devices, although while Windows users can simply tap the buttons to toggle their functions, Mac users will have to long-press the button instead. That’s a fairly small trade-off, if you ask me, also considering the fact that the HubKey is Steam Deck-compatible too, making it perfect for pretty much everything from regular work to leisure, gaming, video-editing, graphic design, photography, or any other form of multitasking that requires quick-access controls and multiple high-performance ports.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $140 (51% off) Hurry! Only 300 Units Left!

The post 10-in-1 USB-C Hub with Shortcut Keys and Knob is the Ultimate Combo of Power, Ports, and Productivity first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Cozy & Delightful Home Is The Perfect Option For A Downsized & Efficient Lifestyle

Designed by Left Coast Tiny Homes, this tiny home is their flagship model and dubbed the Tantalus. It was constructed with excellent craftsmanship and amazing attention to detail. The home is available in different sizes, ranging from 24 to 30 feet in length, and 8.5 to 10 feet in width. You can choose the perfect size for your tiny home! The house features an open-concept floor plan and has plenty of natural light which makes it feel spacious and welcoming. It merges a modern exterior with a lovely interior, creating a contemporary and elegant space that feels sophisticated and yet homely.

Designer: Left Coast Tiny Homes

The Tantalus Tiny Home seems simple and yet sophisticated. The exterior is marked by clean straight lines, an asymmetrical roof, slimline trim work, and strategically placed windows that are a clever addition. The home is clad in black standing seam metal with a timber accent wall and intricate exterior lighting fixtures. The interior is quite elegant and cozy. It features a spacious floor plan that includes a large open-concept kitchen and living room. It also contains a private bathroom at one end, and an easy-to-access sleeping loft which is ideal for a couple.

As you enter the home, you are welcomed by the living room. The living room is quite spacious and includes a full-size sofa and a coffee table, as well as a vaulted ceiling with exposed rafters and expansive windows. The kitchen is linear, and equipped with a modern snack bar with two stools, and a cushioned storage bench. It also includes a full range, venting hood, full-size fridge, and storage for different cooking essentials. Generous windows mark the entire home, allowing natural light to stream in generously. The windows also provide lovely views from different angles, allowing the residents to feel connected with the outdoors even when they are inside the house.

The home also features a large bathroom with a modern design. A pocket door separates the bathroom from the kitchen. The bathroom is furnished with a walk-in shower with a glass door and other basic amenities. A vanity with a backlit mirror and a wood-slat accent wall adds some elegant touches. The sleeping loft is placed above the bathroom, and it can be accessed via a staircase with built-in storage and underlit treads. The loft contains a queen-sized bed, wardrobe, and a standing landing. It is highlighted with a calm and subtle neutral patelle, and a skylight that allows light to fill up the space.

The home is priced at around USD$ 179,500 – $230,000, and it serves as a comfy and cozy living space that will meet the daily requirements of its residents, while also creating and maintaining a deeper connection with nature.

The post This Cozy & Delightful Home Is The Perfect Option For A Downsized & Efficient Lifestyle first appeared on Yanko Design.

OpenAI Delays Launch of GPT-5 Following ‘Poor Results’ and High Costs

Although it was touted to be released in mid-2024, it seems that OpenAI will not be debuting GPT-5 anytime soon. Sam Altman confirmed that GPT-5 (possibly the next version of the AI LLM following o1) will not be meeting its expected deadlines, which means that we could see a significant delay in the version’s rollout. The reason, many speculate, is what they call the law of diminishing returns. GPTs or Generative Pretrained Transformers are only as capable as their technology allows, and increasing an AI’s database doesn’t necessarily translate to an AI being smarter or better.

The technical hurdles facing GPT-5’s development stem from fundamental challenges in its training process. Initial training rounds exposed unexpected limitations in the model’s ability to process and synthesize information effectively. Despite access to vast quantities of internet data, the model struggled to achieve the sophisticated understanding and reasoning capabilities that OpenAI had envisioned. This revelation highlighted a critical distinction between data quantity and quality in AI development.

The “Arrakis” testing phase, initiated in mid-2023, brought these challenges into sharper focus. Engineering teams discovered significant shortfalls in the model’s processing efficiency, raising concerns about both development timelines and resource allocation. With each training run requiring approximately half a billion dollars in computing resources, these efficiency issues transformed from technical concerns into substantial financial considerations that demanded careful strategic planning.

OpenAI’s response to these challenges demonstrates the complexity of modern AI development. Moving beyond traditional internet-based training data, the company initiated an innovative approach to dataset creation. This involved assembling teams of domain experts to generate high-quality training materials, encompassing everything from advanced coding challenges to complex mathematical problems and detailed conceptual frameworks. While this methodology promises improved results, it has significantly extended the development timeline.

The company’s strategic pivot toward developing advanced reasoning models represents a fundamental shift in approach. These new models focus on sustained critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, requiring less specialized training data but introducing new layers of developmental complexity. This reorientation signals a broader evolution in how AI systems are conceived and developed.

Sam Altman’s confirmation that GPT-5 won’t launch in 2024 reflects a measured approach to AI development. This decision, while affecting market expectations, underscores a commitment to technological integrity over rapid deployment. The delay illuminates the intricate balance between innovation ambition and practical constraints in advancing artificial intelligence capabilities.

The implications of GPT-5’s postponement extend beyond OpenAI’s immediate timeline. This development provides valuable insights into the challenges facing next-generation AI systems. As the field continues to evolve, these technical and resource obstacles are shaping both the pace and direction of AI advancement. The lessons learned during this process will likely influence AI development methodologies and expectations well into the future.

For the broader technology sector, GPT-5’s delay serves as a reminder that progress in artificial intelligence isn’t simply a matter of computational power and resources. It requires careful navigation of complex technical challenges, thoughtful resource allocation, and an unwavering commitment to quality and capability standards that define the next generation of AI systems.

The post OpenAI Delays Launch of GPT-5 Following ‘Poor Results’ and High Costs first appeared on Yanko Design.

TREO mobility concept targets flexible commuting needs of city dwellers in a dual travel mode

The future of mobility is going to be focused on and around the preservation of the environment while keeping in mind the dynamic commuting needs of city dwellers. We’ve seen numerous personal mobility concepts and prototypes that envision the designs of vehicles a decade from now. The same is true for public transportation needs as new technological innovations will change the dynamics of how we move in and around metro cities.

Meet TREO a new kind of sustainable transportation system specifically designed for future rewilding cities, seamlessly integrating with the green urban ecosystems. The proposed concept can be configured both as a personal commuter or a suspended transport module when connected with other TREO vehicles. The idea is to have a single-module vehicle that can transport you to the city center for short-distance travel, and then you can get connected to the other vehicle modules for automated transportation to your destined location.

Designer: Xiqiao Wang

The aerodynamic single-person module can reach speeds up to 25 km/h and has freedom for multidirectional movement on smooth surfaces. On the rear, this module has a suspension link that can be connected to the lifting mechanism when mode switching is required. In the ground movement mode, the rider gets a semi-automated travel option while in the suspended transportation mode, the steering wheel folds, HUD turns into an entertainment hub, and seats retract back in the circular structure for a laid-back travel. Most of the TREO’s structure is made out of 3D-printed material keeping the weight down and opening the possibility of multimodular movement for adjusting according to user’s needs. The omnidirectional wheels are made out of spherical tires and have individual motors.

The vehicle is a combination of organic U shapes contrasted with sharp cutting lines. The interior is kept very open and airy so that the rider has 180-degree vision on all sides to enjoy the ride home. Overall this futuristic ride is targeted towards future cities that have the basic infrastructure sorted and more oriented towards quality of life.

 

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The Absolutely Iconic ‘Mr. Bean Driving A Car’ Moment Gets Recreated Using LEGO Bricks

Don’t come at me, but Mr. Bean is easily one of the top comedies of all time. One man, zero dialogues, endless possibilities – Rowan Atkinson gave us a gem of a TV series that transcended age, race, nationality, or language. Everyone understood, laughed at, and loved Mr. Bean, which makes this particular LEGO set an absolute blast of incredible nostalgia.

If you grew up with a TV in the 90s, you knew this Mr. Bean skit. The tight-lipped quirky character just bought an armchair, only to realize that he had to carry the armchair back with him in his tiny Mini Cooper car. Rather than collapsing the rear seats and shoving the armchair into the car’s boot, Bean came up with one of TV’s most ingenious MacGyvered hacks – he would drive the car while seated in his armchair… Google Waymo had nothing on Mr. Bean’s sheer genius.

Designer: TOMOELL

The entire skit, which lasted a few minutes, involved Bean setting his car up by tying the armchair on top, and then figuring out how he would ‘drive’ the car from up top. A rope tied to the steering wheel, a brick on the accelerator, and a mop pressing the brake whenever necessary – nothing was remotely practical, but Bean pulled it off. Stuff fell apart, his car nearly had an accident multiple times, but the episode ended with Bean reaching home in one piece, along with his car and his new armchair. The LEGO set captures Bean’s journey with impeccable detail.

The LEGO Ideas build comes from the mind of TOMOELL, a LEGO enthusiast and 90s TV connoisseur who wanted to pay tribute to one of his favorite TV characters of all time. The show ran for only 5 years, but had a massive impact on our culture, and on TOMOELL himself, who built the set as a part of LEGO’s 90s Throwback challenge.

It isn’t clear how many bricks make up this Mr. Bean set, but look closely and it’s just a treasure-trove of detail. The car’s built out immaculately, with everything from the perfect lime green color palette (including the black hood) to even the latch on the door, which was how Bean locked his car. Up top is the armchair with the ‘Sold’ tag, Mr. Bean himself in his iconic attire, and a face that perfectly captures Bean’s inimitable hilarious expression – eyes, eyebrows, and all. The Bean figure can be articulated, and the set even comes with the broom, rope, and roller that form a part of the props in the episode. Bean is even accompanied by Teddy, his stuffed toy best friend.

TOMOELL’s submission can be found on the LEGO Ideas website along with a bunch of other submissions in LEGO’s “Build Your Nostalgia – 90s Throwback!” challenge like scenes from X-Files, Beavis & Butthead, Captain Planet, and Jumanji among others. Voting for the challenge begins 6th January, once the submission phase ends, so if you’re reading this then, consider dropping a vote for your favorite LEGO Ideas build! I know which one I’m definitely voting for…

The post The Absolutely Iconic ‘Mr. Bean Driving A Car’ Moment Gets Recreated Using LEGO Bricks first appeared on Yanko Design.

Studio Becker Xu revises dogtrot model for North Carolina house

Dogtrot House by Studio Becker Xu

Chicago-based Studio Becker Xu has separated a vernacular dogtrot house to create a set of concrete pavilion-like blocks capped with a pine gable to form a house in North Carolina.

Known as the Dogtrot House, the 3200-square foot (300-square metre) residence sits on a 10-acre site in Hillsborough, outside of Raleigh-Durham, that is densely wooded with oak, sweet gum, maple and persimmon trees and overlooks a pond.

Exterior of Dogtrot House by Studio Becker Xu
Studio Becker Xu has completed Dogtrot House in North Carolina

Completed in 2023, the house prioritizes seamless indoor-outdoor living and pays tribute to a traditional southern dogtrot, which typically feature two enclosed living areas connected with a covered breezeway.

“This format reflects a connection with the outdoors, which, in the past, was synonymous with life in the region,” Studio Becker Xu said. ​”The clients’ desire to be surrounded by both family and nature in their home called for a new adaptation of this once-ubiquitous typology, expanding and reframing the idea of outdoor living.”

Other exterior of Dogtrot House by Studio Becker Xu
The exterior is a combination of geometric blocks and features concrete and fiber cement panels

The exterior is a conglomeration of board-formed concrete, polished architectural concrete masonry units, light-toned fiber cement panels, and floor-to-ceiling glazing, notched together in geometric blocks.

A dark standing-seam metal roof rises into a steep gable and thin red, circular columns add asymmetrical pops of color around the exterior.

Inside, the two blocks of the dogtrot have been split in half to form four pavilions that each house a separate function and open views in four directions.

Cathedral ceiling of Dogtrot House by Studio Becker Xu
The gable was transformed into a double-height corridor with a cathedral ceiling

The traditional gable became a 100-foot-long (30 metres), double-height corridor with a 20-foot (6 metres) cathedral ceiling, clad in warm laminated Southern pine, and sliding glazed walls at both ends that can open to become a long covered porch.

The gabled ends extend beyond the front and back walls of the house to form shaded porches on either end. On one end of the house, a board-formed concrete wall extends beyond the porch and curves outward toward the forest.

The central corridor serves as “the hearth of the home [and was] engineered by designing the flat roofs as diaphragms to resist the horizontal thrust from the gable roof, with the loft platform at the center tying it all together”.

In the centre of the corridor, a volume combines a lightweight, folded blackened steel staircase, a powder room, a fireplace, and a 10-foot-long piece of custom millwork that can be used as a home office.

Dining room extension of Dogtrot House by Studio Becker Xu
The dining room is extended from the corridor and features a circular window

The wooden ceiling and white walls are juxtaposed by dark earthen tiles and a heavy board-formed half-wall that curves from the entrance into the central space.

“The curved concrete arcs and red columns offer a loose framework for a variety of tableaus – indoor & outdoor seating, family entertainment area, and playscape for the children.”

Staircase of Dogtrot House by Studio Becker Xu
The floating staircase leads to a loft

The four pavilions – a primary suite, children’s rooms with a jack-and-jill bathroom, a living room, and the kitchen – each encounter nature with framed views to the outdoors.

The dining room – featuring a reclaimed red oak dining table – is formed by a small bump-out from the centre of the corridor. A circular window breaks the orthogonal design but references the curved walls.

The floating staircase leads up to a loft with a blocky dormer featuring a square window that sits directly above the porthole in the dining room.

View of Dogtrot House by Studio Becker Xu
Each pavilion of the house frames a different view of the surrounding nature

“One’s spatial experience of the home is fluid, moving around and amongst architectural elements like columns, walls and volumes that feel as if they are scattered across the natural landscape, rather than in and out of enclosed rooms,” co-founder Sharon Xu said.

“Walking around the exterior, each elevation is unique, creating a similarly fluid and dynamic experience of nature and architecture together in the round.”

Other homes recently completed in North Carolina include a house constructed with compressed perennial grass panels by DR Horton and Plantd and an energy-efficient home inspired by agrarian barns by Harding Huebner.

The photography is by Keith Isaacs.


Project credits:

Architect: Studio Becker Xu
Contractor: BuildSense
Structural engineer: Lysaght & Associates
Metal fabricator: Leo Gaev Metalworks
Custom woodwork: Xylem

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Breggz Zohn-1: The Custom-Fit Wireless Earphones Stealing the Show at CES 2025

Every CES or consumer electronics show is brimming with ambitious ideas that claim to change everything, yet most of them fade away before fulfilling even a fraction of their bold promises. Occasionally, however, a product emerges that reignites excitement and curiosity.

Breggz has introduced the Zohn-1, a set of custom-fit earphones that has captured my attention in a meaningful way. Described as a harmonious blend of modern design, advanced materials, and meticulous hand assembly, the Zohn-1 sets high expectations. The brand promises remarkable audio fidelity paired with a personalized experience—a combination few hearables have achieved.

Designer: Xander + Breggz

The Importance of Custom Fit: Personalized Comfort and Performance

Custom fitting does more than provide comfort or stability—it revolutionizes audio performance. When the Zohn-1 is precisely tailored to your ear’s unique contours, acoustic leaks are eliminated, enhancing bass response and delivering crystal-clear sound clarity.

Balanced armature drivers, carefully positioned closer to the eardrum, amplify immersion by creating a direct sound path. This design enhances audio richness and allows for lower volume levels to achieve the same perceived loudness, reducing strain on your ears over time. By combining these elements, custom fitting becomes a critical factor in both audio quality and long-term ear health.

The ear-scanning technology used in the Zohn-1 enables precise placement of the balanced armature drivers, which is key to achieving superior audio quality. During my chat with Breggz founder Xander, he revealed that they have incorporated a hearing test into the app. This test identifies missing frequencies in the user’s hearing, particularly in the high and low ends, and compensates for them through tailored sound adjustments. This thoughtful addition ensures a richer and more balanced listening experience, making the Zohn-1 highly personalized for each user.

The scanning process transmits data to specialized companies that convert the visual information into 3D-printable files. These files are used to create a custom-shaped earphone shell, perfectly aligning with the unique contours of the user’s ears. This precise fit enhances comfort and significantly improves audio isolation and performance, creating a listening experience tailored to individual needs.

Revolutionary Product Concept: Modular Approach Featuring the “Pebble”

The product design centers around the innovative combination of custom ear shells and a small, interchangeable module known as the pebble. This module supports modularity and significantly enhances the user experience by housing critical electronics in a compact, replaceable unit.

The pebble ensures that components can be easily upgraded or repaired, providing convenience while maintaining seamless integration with the custom-fit ear shells. Its design also allows for personalization, with options for different materials and finishes, enhancing its appeal as a stylish accessory.

Beyond aesthetics, the pebble holds most of the electronics and clicks securely into the personalized shells. This thoughtful design creates a handcrafted, ergonomic piece that fits snugly and rests in the ear with minimal pressure. By adopting this approach, Breggz achieves scalable production of the universal core while delivering a bespoke fit for each user.

Comparing to My Current Setup: JH Audio 16

My current setup is the JH Audio 16, which has long been regarded as a gold standard for audiophiles. Its sound quality is undeniably exceptional, with detailed highs, balanced mids, and a dynamic bass range that few products can rival. However, the Bluetooth ear module that pairs with the JH Audio 16 leaves much to be desired.

The module is bulky and awkward, making it uncomfortable for extended use. Its design feels like an afterthought, lacking aesthetic appeal and cohesiveness with the rest of the product. Additionally, the module’s high price point detracts from its overall value, despite the stellar sound quality of the JH Audio 16.

The Zohn-1 promises to address these shortcomings through its integrated design and advanced features. By offering a modular approach with the pebble and focusing on comfort, aesthetics, and functionality, Breggz aims to deliver a more cohesive and user-friendly experience without compromising on audio fidelity.

Battery Life and Charging Features

Breggz has designed the Zohn-1 with an impressive battery life of eight hours, making it suitable for a full day of listening. This functionality is further enhanced by a stylish charging case that adds to its practicality and serves as a piece of functional art. The case extends the total playtime to 40 hours before needing a recharge, making it ideal for long flights or weekend getaways.

The charging case itself is a key component of the Zohn-1 experience. Featuring a gull-wing door system—a nod to upscale automotive design—it balances visual appeal with practicality, enhancing its functionality as a premium accessory. Beyond its style, the case can recharge the Zohn-1 up to five times, eliminating the need for frequent access to a power outlet. This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who often find themselves on the move.

Additionally, the Zohn-1 supports a rapid charge function, allowing the battery to refill to 50% capacity in just five to ten minutes. This quick boost reduces the stress of forgetting to charge overnight, ensuring the earphones are ready to go with minimal downtime. Together, these features emphasize both convenience and thoughtful design, making the Zohn-1 a reliable companion for any lifestyle.

Unboxing and Accessories

Unboxing the Zohn-1 is an experience that emphasizes both personalization and aesthetic appeal. At the heart of the package are the custom-shaped earphones, designed to attach seamlessly to the balanced armature drivers. These earphones are crafted to fit uniquely to each user, reinforcing the tailored approach Breggz has taken with this product.

Surprisingly, the package also includes a set of five silicone ear tips. While this might seem unusual for a custom-fit device, these tips are included to refine the fit further for those who may need subtle adjustments. They help seal small gaps or add extra comfort, ensuring that every user achieves a snug and optimal fit right out of the box.

The charging case stands out as a highlight. Featuring a gull-wing door system, it combines design flair with functionality. This case supports both USB-C and induction charging, providing up to 40 hours of additional playtime. Its thoughtful design complements the premium positioning of the Zohn-1.

To complete the unboxing, Breggz includes a proprietary cleaning kit and a leather carrying case. These accessories underline the brand’s commitment to quality and practicality, offering users a stylish and protective way to maintain and transport their earphones.

Sustainability and Materials

The sustainability story is a big part of Breggz’s approach, even though it exists underneath the flashier features. By constructing the earpieces through an on-demand 3D printing pipeline, the company avoids wasting materials on unsold stock. Breggz has pointed out that glue-free assembly makes recycling more straightforward, and the shell and pebble design could theoretically be taken apart for future upgrades. This is meant to reduce the electronic waste that builds up when entire devices are discarded every year. The extended battery life and ability to replace or repair smaller components reinforce that direction. Breggz is pushing the notion that luxury and eco-friendliness can coexist, which could set them apart if they manage to turn these broad claims into everyday reality.

The materials used in this design reflect a premium direction, with an emphasis on sustainability and luxury. Breggz has revealed that the Zohn-1 meets CE and FCC standards for safety and performance. The shell is 3D-printed to order, and there is potential for those who want to go all out with metals such as gold. The pebble itself gets a leather covering that can be swapped with other textures or colors, turning the functional electronics into something that can be personalized for style.

Anticipating the Breggz Zohn-1 Experience

In my discussion with the Breggz founder, Xander, he highlighted the unique combination of advanced personalization, modular design, and sustainability at the core of this product. The custom ear-scanning process, which eliminates the need for audiologists, and the 3D-printed shells tailored to each individual user are just the beginning. Features like the interchangeable “pebble,” high-quality, balanced armature drivers, and eco-conscious materials reflect the thoughtful design philosophy behind the Zohn-1.

I am eagerly waiting to test the Zohn-1 and discover whether it truly lives up to its promise. By maintaining a consistent focus on easy assembly, upgradable electronics, and 3D-printed customization, Breggz has already distinguished itself from the chorus of wireless earbuds at CES. If this product delivers as envisioned, it could redefine what consumers expect from personalized audio technology.

The post Breggz Zohn-1: The Custom-Fit Wireless Earphones Stealing the Show at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Power strip and lightbox concept makes charging feel a bit more fun

Power strips or extension cords are no longer foreign sights in public spaces and homes. It’s almost as if the architecture of buildings and houses hasn’t caught up with modern times, neglecting the growing need for accessible power outlets. Then again, some establishments intentionally limit those sources of power as deterrents to loitering and lounging that deprive customers of space and businesses of added income.

As common as they may be, the design of power strips hasn’t exactly changed that much over the past years. Aside from designs that include individual switches and fuses per socket, the dominant power strip design has remained the same uninspiring white box as it has been for decades. It is useful but not particularly pleasing. This concept design tries to give the power strip a facelift to turn it into a simple yet eye-catching display that makes every use feel more alive and engaging.

Designer: PTPC

These days, there are many “modern” designs that try to inject a bit of life into gadgets and appliances by adding AI and displays to their feature lists. While those definitely upgrade the experience, they are not the only methods available to change the formula. There are plenty of other ways to make a design look more interesting, one that doesn’t need anything more than a play of light and shadow.

The Lightbox Power Strip, as the name pretty much states, is a combination of a three-socket power strip and a small lightbox. The idea is pretty simple, with the box providing not only power but also a pleasant sight that contrasts with the potential mess of cables coming out from the top of the rather large box. That source of fun and entertainment comes from the light shining inside and out through translucent plates that give character to an otherwise boring piece of equipment.

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The translucent plate with prints and stickers slides in and out of the body, hiding behind a ridged plastic surface that adds visual texture to the design. A knob on top of the box controls the light color and intensity, allowing the owner to mix and match images and colors to their whims. It’s a simple, low-tech design that adds a bit of vibrancy to a mundane object that we use almost mindlessly every day.

Having only three sockets is admittedly a bit limiting, even with USB ports on the side. The bulk of the Lightbox Power Strip also makes it impossible to carry around with you, limiting its use to your house or semi-permanent locations. Nevertheless, it could be a source of attraction and interest, further fanning the flames of power outlet wars.

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