Brazilian architecture studio MAB3 and Zénite Arquitetura & Construção have teamed up to install a wood-wrapped library in a school in São Paulo.

The 470-square metre Graded School Library was completed in 2023 in a building constructed in 1961. The library is the American school’s latest addition after architect Siegbert Zenettini updated the building in 2012, modelling the design after a Park School concept with tree-lined squares.

Local studio MAB3 architecture office designed the library with “comfortable, playful and ergonomically designed spaces to house the vast physical collection of books,” while Zénite Arquitetura & Construção brought the project to life in a matter of 45 days.

“Our work focuses on the well-being of teachers, parents and students,” said Zénite founder Giselle Benedetti. “With a solid organisational culture, technical competence and responsible and consistent financial management, we want to inspire and promote enchanting experiences, give new meaning to spaces and make dreams come true.”

The curved, natural wooden bookshelves are divided by large, white “tree” columns with suspended paper leaves.

“One of the work’s outstanding features is the use of joinery which, as well as storing books, also plays a key role as a decorative element integrated into the project’s design,” the team explained.

A curved circulation desk holds the entrance of the library and leads to a glazed conference room. In the centre of the library, a set of rounded risers becomes a small amphitheatre for stories and lessons.

In between the desk and the amphitheatre is a climbing area with an elevated reading platform full of pillows surrounded by a cargo net that becomes a casual, relaxing hideaway. Underneath a toy-filled space allows students to play and create.

The design “relates to the context of students’ learning and social relationships, while at the same time reinforcing the importance of reading within the whole process of students’ intellectual formation and relationships in an inviting and playful environment,” the team said.

At the far end of the library sits a classroom with curved tables and a large swooping window.

The seating – which ranges from cushion benches to scarlet pouffes to nooks tucked into bookcases – creates a welcoming atmosphere for students.

Lighting designer Regina Bruni created undulating recessed lighting features with cut drywall that form an organic tree canopy above the books and a fibre optic ceiling installation creates the illusion of a starry sky. Ribbon lights run along the bottom of the furniture, suggesting the effect that it lifts off the ground.

Below the “forest” of books is vinyl flooring printed to look like wood. It continues the space’s theme while providing durability, easy maintenance, and practicality for the high-trafficked library.

Wave-shaped bookcases flow along the exterior wall underneath a row of windows. An interior planted area adds greenery to the space.

“The internal landscaping was not neglected and received special attention with the implementation of flower beds in organic shapes that harmonise with the exuberant green of the outdoor area,” the team said, referencing the exterior courtyard with awnings and teaching planters.

Other libraries recently completed across the world include a five-form, angular library set within a tea plantation in Xiuwu, China by Atelier Xi and a library with rounded shelves and a wooden, tree-like skeleton in Mumbai, India by Studio Hinge.

The photography is by Maurício Moreno.

Project credits:

Architecture: MAB3
Construction: Zénite Arquitetura & Construção
Suppliers: Esquadriall, Nogal Marcenaria, Lumini, Elo Ar, ArchFloor

The post MAB3 and Zénite create forest of books for a Brazilian library appeared first on Dezeen.

These beautiful audio objects are by industrial designers Nicolai Toma and David Knop. Collectively the duo operate as Issue Design, based in Berlin. This first one is a concept:

Desk Radio

“The desk radio is a design sketch to research proportions, surface materials and behaviour between physical movement and visual feedback. Its form factor is partly inspired by the Braun HiFi collections of the 60s and 70s, designed by Dieter Rams. This applies to the speaker cover and the clear layout design, for example. The stone-like surface makes the radio look like a decorative object that can be placed on a desk or shelf, creating a harmonious image in combination with its surroundings. The monochrome gray tone, which was also chosen for the display, emphasises the minimalist and understated look.”

“In addition to the display, the radio features two buttons and an encoder as user interface, which are made of the same material as the rest of the radio. The encoder controls various functions of the radio such as volume, frequency search or slot change, which can be selected via the buttons. When the encoder is turned, the display directly above the knob shows visual feedback. This is to give the user the feeling of a natural and physical interaction.”

The second one was designed for Katalog Equipment, a German startup manufacturer of audio products.

katapult

“katapult is a stand-alone portable DJ device with hands on mixing- and effect controls. You can connect any music sources via bluetooth or cable and start mixing instantly. The system is independent from streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music or Youtube and there is no need of preinstallation or registration.”

Sadly, there’s no description for this last one:

I know it’s subjective, but to me, this object looks like what Daft Punk sounds like.

Though this is the work of neither, this reminds me of 1990s Alessi and Marc Newson. This is the Metamorfosi, newly introduced by Italian furniture brand Mavimatt:

“This extraordinary piece can be transformed into a seat, a side table or a bookcase simply by rotating it. One shape, three functions. Completely handmade in Italy, METAMORFOSI combines Italian craftsmanship and unique design. It will be available in different colors and finishes.”

At press time it wasn’t yet up on their website, so no word on price.

In exchange for portability and mobility, laptops give up some power and flexibility, especially when it comes to things you can connect to. Sure, you can still connect plenty of peripherals, but you’re limited not only by the amount of ports available but also by the space you have around your laptop. A dual monitor laptop, for example, is inconvenient and even impossible in some circumstances, so a few solutions have been designed to address that limitation, from portable monitors to laptops that are just two screens and nothing else. The latter has been billed as “dual laptops,” though their appearance and use are far from what most people expect from laptops. This “true dual screen laptop” wants to fix that problem with a design that is both intriguing but perhaps also questionable at the same time.

Designer: GPD

You can’t change a laptop’s screen after the fact, so you can only expand it with an external portable monitor that adds yet another thing to your bag. Dual-screen laptops like the ASUS ZenBook Duo and Lenovo Yoga Book 9i are actually more like two monitors with integrated computer hardware rather than like a laptop with two screens. One of the biggest problems is requiring the use of a Bluetooth keyboard in ways that are unfamiliar to most laptop users.

The GPD DUO’s solution is to combine all these parts into a single whole, delivering a completely traditional laptop experience when needed and a dual-screen or even tablet when wanted. It does this by actually having two folds, one with a traditional laptop hinge that can fold open up to 135 degrees, and another for the second monitor that can fully swing 360 degrees. This second screen is permanently attached to the top of the first, creating a vertically stacked dual-screen setup when unfolded. But unlike ASUS’s and Lenovo’s designs, the keyboard is still attached to the primary screen and functions as expected.

This rather unconventional design means that, if you don’t want or can’t use a tall dual-screen setup, you can simply fold back the second screen and use the GPD DUO as a regular laptop. That said, the second screen in that position could actually still be used to present content to people in front of the user, sort of like the “tent mode” of some 360-degree laptops. And when you close the laptop down in this configuration, you get a tablet that you can draw on.

While the design of the GPD DUO sounds reasonable, it does raise a few concerns, especially in terms of the weight and bulk of the laptop. Although GPD claims that the 13.3-inch laptop is only the size of an A4 paper when folded, it hasn’t yet revealed the thickness or weight of the device. The design also forces the dual screen orientation to only be vertical, and you have no other option on how to use or position the screens. It does seem that the GPD DUO trades one feature for another, so it remains to be seen how this design will resonate with laptop users.

The post Dual screen laptop proposes a unique design to solve the laptop monitor problem first appeared on Yanko Design.

Both vinyl and laminate flooring form affordable and durable options for flooring. However, before selecting the flooring material it’s important to consider their specific strengths and weaknesses to ensure which flooring material is best suited for your home. Most laminate floors and some luxury vinyl planks are installed as floating floors, where boards and tiles interlock like puzzle pieces and rest on the subfloor.

Image courtesy of: StiahailoAnastasiia

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a synthetic material, unlike natural options such as wood, stone, or cork. Made with a fiberboard core and finished with a resin layer, laminate flooring offers a budget-friendly option for enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal. With a décor layer or printed image, it can replicate the look of more expensive flooring types like wood, tile, or stone. This durable flooring choice is particularly suitable for dry areas like living rooms or bedrooms, where moisture is not a concern.

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is exceptionally durable and offers patterns and textures that mimic marble, tile, or real wood like teak, oak, cedar, and pinewood which enhances its stylish appearance. Additionally, laminate flooring with foam underlayment can help dampen hollow sounds underfoot.

Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is sensitive to excess moisture, including damage from steam mops. Another disadvantage is that the resin surface can be easily scratched by abrasive scrubbers or sponges and low-quality laminate flooring tends to fade faster in the presence of sunlight.

Vinyl Flooring

Image courtesy of: ellinnur

Unlike laminate, vinyl is a synthetic plastic material often made with PVC vinyl and fiberglass for added flexibility. Vinyl is highly regarded for its durability, moisture resistance, and easy installation, with many options featuring a convenient peel-and-stick backing for DIY projects. It comprises a bottom layer, called the backing layer, which is typically made of cork or foam. It serves as both the underlayment for the vinyl flooring and a cushion for comfort while walking and functions as a sound barrier to reduce noise. The common types of vinyl flooring include Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP), Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), and Sheet Vinyl.

Advantages of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring holds up well in areas with heavy foot traffic and is easy to install, especially peel-and-stick vinyl tiles that can be grouted for a natural stone look. Vinyl’s water-resistant properties make it ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms and this material resists fading in natural light.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over time and can be difficult to remove due to the adhesives and glues used in installation. Unlike some flooring options, vinyl cannot be patched or repaired. Another minus is that vinyl flooring is not biodegradable and the presence of heavy furniture and appliances on the flooring can cause dents.

What is the difference between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring?

Here are some parameters considered when comparing laminate and vinyl flooring.

1. Appearance

Image courtesy of: StiahailoAnastasiia

High-end laminate flooring typically mimics wood more naturally, with a texture similar to wood, while vinyl, composed of synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and sealed with urethane, tends to have a shiny and synthetic appearance.

2. Layers of Materials Utilized

Image courtesy of: anatoliy_gleb

Laminate Flooring

The multiple layers of laminate flooring include:

• Featuring a clear aluminum oxide layer, the Wear Layer protects the floor against scratches.
• Defining the flooring’s image or visual appearance is the Print Layer.
• Constructed from highly compressed wood fibers, the Core Layer forms the main body of the floor.
• Aiding with uneven subfloors is the Built-in Underlayment, which includes a soft layer.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl Flooring comprises multiple layers namely:

• Protection against sun damage is provided by the UV Acrylic Coating.
• Guarding against scratches is the role of the Wear Layer.
• Defining the visual appearance of the flooring is the responsibility of the Print or Image Layer.
• The PVC layer ensures stability, support, and durability at the core.
• Helping to level uneven subfloors is the soft layer of the Built-in Underlayment.

3. Durability

Image courtesy of: choreograph

Vinyl flooring is a resilient flooring material and it requires minimal maintenance, even in commercial settings. Laminate flooring, while also durable and low-maintenance, may delaminate over time, especially with prolonged water exposure, as repair is not possible and the flooring material allows water infiltration into lower layers. Note that thin vinyl flooring, with its single cohesive layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is less prone to delamination compared to thicker varieties, which may have a soft underlayment that is susceptible to such issues.

Image courtesy of: towfiqu98

4. Water, Stain, and Heat Resistance

• Water Resistance:

Laminate flooring, with its fiberboard core, can suffer irreversible damage from water exposure, leading to swelling and peeling layers. Replacement is often necessary for severe water damage, and while newer laminate materials may offer improved water resistance, they are not suitable for areas prone to standing water like bathrooms. In contrast, vinyl flooring, including sheet vinyl, LVT, and LVP, is inherently more water-resistant, with all types being waterproof. However, water can penetrate seams, reaching the subfloor in significant quantities. Vinyl flooring outperforms laminate in wet areas like bathrooms and basements.

• Stain Resistance:

Image courtesy of: towfiqu98

Laminate and vinyl flooring both offer stain-resistant properties and feature wear layers that are treated to resist stains effectively. Laminate flooring uses a clear aluminum oxide top layer for superior stain resistance, while quality vinyl flooring is coated with transparent urethane for excellent stain resistance.

• Heat Resistance:

Both vinyl and laminate flooring have limited heat resistance and are susceptible to damage in the presence of heat. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to the burning of the top layer in laminate flooring, causing expansion and contraction issues, while prolonged exposure to extreme heat in vinyl flooring can result in expansion and melted adhesive.

5. Lifespan

Image courtesy of: nikmock

Both laminate and vinyl flooring can offer comparable lifespans with proper maintenance, with laminate warranties typically ranging from 10 to 25 years and luxury vinyl warranties commonly extending up to 20 years. Vinyl is well-suited for high-humidity rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, whereas laminate performs better in high-traffic areas. Proper maintenance is crucial to prolong the lifespan of the flooring, and professional installation may be advisable if you lack experience.

6. Comfort and Acoustics

Image courtesy of: larisikstefania

Both laminate and vinyl flooring can offer a comfortable and quiet walking experience. Laminate flooring, while not identical to wood, can feel warmer, especially with quality underlayment, and may become quieter and softer with foam or felt underlayment. However, footsteps, especially with heels, may be audible on laminate. Vinyl floors, although they may feel cold or hard, especially over concrete or tile, tend to produce minimal noise when walking with heels.

7. Pet Friendly

Image courtesy of: Olga_Ovcharenko

Vinyl flooring surpasses laminate for pet-friendly environments due to its 100% synthetic construction, which makes it waterproof.

8. Costing

Cost-wise, both vinyl and laminate flooring are competitive options, with sheet vinyl usually being more economical. Generally, they are less expensive compared to natural hardwood, engineered wood, and many ceramic or porcelain tile types, making them popular choices for budget-conscious consumers.

In conclusion, one can choose between vinyl and laminate flooring based on personal preferences like style and cost, but vinyl is superior in water resistance, especially in places like bathrooms. However, laminate is often preferred due to its versatility and natural look.

The post Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring: Which is the Best Choice for Your Home? first appeared on Yanko Design.