Gemma and Nick Warren, a couple originally from the UK now residing in Tulum, Mexico, purchased a 296-square-foot cabin in the Catskill Mountains, New York, for $85,000 in December 2021. Despite lacking a bathroom and heating, Gemma saw the potential in the cabin and, over three months, they transformed it from an uninhabitable space to a stylish weekend escape listed on Airbnb. The renovation cost $50,000 and involved collaboration with local contractors and some DIY work.
The cabin is picturesque, surrounded by a creek and nestled in three acres of meadow with mountain views. The couple painted the cabin black, installed a driveway, and added a floating deck above the creek, creating a cozy spot for relaxation. Overcoming challenges like the absence of heating in the winter, they installed electric heating to make the cabin comfortable year-round.
The interior of the cabin was carefully designed to maximize space and comfort. They painted the interior white for a bright and airy feel, replaced furniture with bespoke pieces from small businesses, and extended the loft to accommodate a queen bed with a memory foam mattress. They opted for an incineration toilet to address the lack of a septic tank and added a stylish shower with blue tiles and brass fittings. The cabin features handmade maple top cabinets and a tiny kitchen flooded with natural light. The couple also created a sunroom as an add-on, enhancing the overall charm of the space. Now a dreamy retreat, the cabin offers a magical experience, especially when adorned with string lights at night.
The successful transfer of 21 eastern black rhinos to the Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya marks a significant triumph in conservation efforts to revive a species that was on the brink of extinction. In an 18-day operation led by highly skilled capture and veterinary experts, the rhinos were relocated from three different locations to establish a new viable breeding population. The Loisaba Conservancy, now the 17th sanctuary in Kenya dedicated to the conservation of black rhinos, Continue reading “21 Black Rhinos Successfully Moved to New Kenya Home With Space to Breed–Hailing Return of Species After 50 Years” »
Japanese fruit sandwiches have taken on a delightful twist thanks to the creative genius of chef Nao. Departing from traditional dessert art forms like cakes and cookies, Nao transforms the classic Japanese fruit sandwich into an edible canvas embedded with adorable characters. Oranges, strawberries, and grapes are meticulously arranged to form tiny cats and charming dogs that peek out from the whipped cream. What sets Nao’s creations apart is the element of surprise; the artist works partly blind, Continue reading “Japanese Fruit Sandwiches Reveal Adorably Edible Characters When You Cut Into Them” »
Urupê Tower, an architectural marvel conceived by Victor B. Ortiz Architecture, is poised to redefine São Paulo’s skyline with its innovative design inspired by the organic beauty of nature. Taking cues from the intricate way mushrooms grow on trees, the tower boasts lush green terraces that ascend the building’s façade, offering a breathtaking manifestation of biophilic design. This integration of nature into the urban landscape not only imparts a stunning aesthetic quality to the structure but also serves a practical purpose by creating micro-climates that offset the environmental impact of the architecture. Continue reading “Green Terraces Inspired by the Way Mushrooms Grow on Trees Appear on New Brazilian Building” »
This innovative mud home, constructed with a blend of hemp straw, earth, and water, stands as a testament to the marriage of ancient construction methods and modern energy efficiency standards in the UK. Architect Anthony Hudson, drawing inspiration from centuries-old techniques, successfully built a three-bedroom bungalow in Fakenham, Norfolk, as part of an EU initiative promoting the construction of energy-efficient homes. Named the CobBauge project, the building’s mud walls, made of cob, provide exceptional thermal insulation, meeting contemporary Continue reading “This New Mud Home Built of Hemp and Earth Demonstrates Super Energy Efficiency in the UK” »
The University of Michigan-led international study sheds light on the complex relationship between urban agriculture and its climate impact. The findings reveal that, on average, fruits and vegetables grown in urban farms and gardens have a carbon footprint six times greater than conventionally grown produce. However, the study also identifies exceptions, such as tomatoes grown in open-air urban plots and air-freighted crops like asparagus, which demonstrated lower carbon intensities than their conventional counterparts. The research underscores the need for careful planning Continue reading “Study Finds That Urban Agriculture Must Be Carefully Planned to Have Climate Benefits” »
The story of Jigsaw Farms in Australia once celebrated for achieving carbon neutrality in beef farming, now serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities and challenges involved in sustaining such practices. The initial success of Jigsaw Farms in achieving carbon neutrality by 2011 was attributed to its strategic approach, including planting thousands of trees, nurturing the soil, and implementing regenerative farming practices. However, a recent report indicates that the farm’s carbon Continue reading “Can Beef Farming be Carbon Neutral? A Decade-Long Experiment in Australia Has Mixed Results” »
Nicki and John Beavan’s journey to transform a crumbling 700-year-old medieval farmstead into a fairytale retreat in Worcestershire, England, is a testament to their vision and dedication. In 1999, while searching for a home that could accommodate Nicki’s furniture design business workshop, they stumbled upon a Continue reading “A Couple Bought a Crumbling 700-Year-Old Medieval Farmstead and Turned it Into a Fairytale Retreat” »
Baluchon’s innovative approach to tiny home design is exemplified in their latest creation, the Eucalyptus. Breaking away from the conventional loft-style layouts commonly found in tiny homes, the Eucalyptus maximizes space efficiency by incorporating all its features on a single level. Measuring 22 feet in length, slightly longer than Baluchon’s typical models, this tiny home is built on a double-axle trailer, allowing for increased space without compromising on mobility. Clad in red cedar with a spruce frame and insulated with eco-friendly materials like linen, hemp, and recycled cotton, the Eucalyptus embodies sustainability in its construction.
Upon entering the Eucalyptus through double glass doors, occupants are greeted by a well-designed kitchen that takes center stage in the home. Complete with an oven, propane-powered stove, small fridge, sink, and custom cabinetry, the kitchen is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Adjacent to the kitchen is the bathroom, accessible through a sliding wooden door, featuring a shower, toilet, and storage units. The living room, situated on the opposite side of the house, incorporates clever storage solutions, an electric radiator, and a sofa bed, ensuring versatility in the utilization of the limited space. With blackout blinds enhancing privacy and a thoughtful layout catering to the owner’s needs, the Eucalyptus stands as a testament to Baluchon’s commitment to creating comfortable and efficient tiny homes. While the exact pricing for the Eucalyptus is undisclosed, Baluchon homes typically start around US$84,000, providing a ballpark figure for prospective buyers.
