Dr. Neil Paulvin, a seasoned longevity and regenerative medicine expert, advocates for the incorporation of blueberries into his daily diet as a cornerstone for promoting longevity. Recognizing their multifaceted benefits, he considers them the “holy grail” of longevity-boosting foods. The abundance of antioxidants in blueberries, particularly anthocyanins, plays a pivotal role in strengthening cells, defending against damage, and contributing to DNA repair. This protective quality is likened to a suit of armor guarding the body against infections. Blueberries’ influence extends beyond cellular protection. Their richness in vitamin C, with a single cup providing 16% of the daily value, contributes to enhanced eye health. Vitamin C Continue reading “Blueberries: the ‘Holy Grail’ of Longevity Foods this Doctor Eats Every Day” »

NOT A HOTEL’s exploration of mobile living within revamped Airstream trailers, spearheaded by DDAA architect Daisuke Motogi, brings forth a unique concept called ANYWHERE. Departing from traditional mobile housing projects, Motogi opted for a more enriching and flexible adventure by converting vintage Airstream and Spartan camping trailers into five charming rentable vehicles, each serving a distinct purpose. The architect’s approach Continue reading “NOT A HOTEL Explores Mobile Living Inside These Revamped Airstream Trailers by DDAA” »

Architect Jan Tyrpekl’s Zen House in Hainburg an der Donau, Austria, is a testament to his innovative approach to harmonizing architecture with nature. Situated within the peaceful confines of a farm complex used for both agricultural purposes and social gatherings, the Zen House stands elevated on stilts, offering a unique retreat among the trees. The design, centered around the principles of relaxation, sleep, and communal fire-side gatherings, seeks to provide a bespoke atmosphere for each activity within the compact structure. Elevated nearly four meters above the ground, the living area creates a sense of security and intimacy, reminiscent of a bird’s nest, while generous glass walls establish a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.

The Zen House’s architectural distinction lies not only in its intentional elevation but also in its use of timber. Crafted from glued laminated larch timbers for the lower part and terrace structure, the house exudes both durability and a warm aesthetic. The overall timber frame, constructed with glued laminated spruce timbers, stands atop a solid CLT panel platform, ensuring stability and resilience. The integration of CLT panels into the roof structure further enhances the building’s strength. The careful selection of materials and the archetypal shape of the house, nestled on the edge of a young orchard surrounded by mature trees, create a tranquil space that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings.

Looking ahead, the Zen House is envisioned to evolve with the addition of a sauna, shower, and toilet between the stilts, enhancing the overall experience and functionality of this architectural gem. Architect Jan Tyrpekl’s creation stands as a testament to his commitment to marrying contemporary design with nature, offering a space that not only complements its surroundings but elevates the experience of living in harmony with the environment.

The House in the Clouds by Zayat Arquitectura, nestled within a native forest near Salsipuedes, Córdoba, Argentina, stands as a contemporary abode designed for a family of four. Situated at the center of a sloping terrain, the residence takes the shape of a pristine white prism, strategically positioned to face north and seamlessly integrate with the surrounding clouds. The entrance to the house is facilitated by a cobblestone path beneath it, making use of the uneven landscape to accommodate cistern tanks and parking spaces. The journey into the interior begins with natural stone formations on the ground, creating beds and steps that lead to a suspended staircase, offering an immersive and visually compelling experience.

Architectural photographer Gonzalo Viramonte captures the essence of the design, highlighting the house’s clean geometric lines and its reliance on a singular material. Notably, the northern side of the building features movable and perforated metal panels, creating a veil-like effect. These panels serve a dual purpose by reducing winds in the gallery and filtering sunlight, contributing to a comfortable and dynamic living space. On the southern façade, a compact composition of white metal cladding enhances the building’s modern aesthetic. This thoughtful design, combined with the suspended arrangement and a carefully chosen color palette, establishes a subtle yet profound connection between the residence and the expansive sky and clouds that surround it.

In its entirety, the House in the Clouds exemplifies a harmonious integration of modern architecture with its natural surroundings. Zayat Arquitectura’s meticulous attention to detail, coupled with the strategic placement of elements such as perforated panels and suspended staircases, not only creates a visually stunning residence but also fosters a unique and immersive living experience for its inhabitants.

Vivobarefoot, in collaboration with material science company Balena, has introduced a ground-breaking concept in sustainable footwear with its “scan-to-print-to-soil” compostable trainers. The prototype shoes, revealed at the Biofabricate materials conference, are 3D-printed using a compostable thermoplastic material developed by Balena. The “fully automated process – scanned on phone and automatically printed” offers a unique approach to creating shoes, challenging the conventional industrial system of design, manufacturing, and disposal. Vivobarefoot envisions a future where products are produced on-demand, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.

The “scan-to-print” process not only promotes sustainability but also emphasizes individual customization. By allowing customers to scan their own feet for a tailored fit, Vivobarefoot recognizes the diversity in foot shapes and aims to create footwear that complements the natural structure of the human foot. The prototype shoes, made from Balena’s BioCirflex material, meet international biodegradation standards, emphasizing the commitment to environmental responsibility. However, the company acknowledges that establishing a composting infrastructure will be crucial before a mass launch, underscoring the importance of building a circularity logic for the material.

Vivobarefoot’s initiative aligns with its broader mission to revolutionize the footwear industry by challenging the negative impact of heavily cushioned shoes on both feet and the environment. Co-founder Asher Clark believes that the traditional manufacturing process is inherently wasteful and environmentally damaging. By introducing compostable trainers and advocating for a shift to an on-demand, sustainable model, Vivobarefoot aims to set new standards in the industry, emphasizing the importance of minimal material usage and considering the end-of-life impact of footwear.

In the UK, farmers are taking innovative steps to combat flooding by returning sections of their farms to a more natural state. James Robinson, a farmer from Cumbria, has collaborated with the Ullswater Catchment Management CIC to transform parts of his farm into wetland habitats. This initiative has not only led to the return of wildlife, with birds and invertebrates making a remarkable comeback, but has also proven effective in flood mitigation. Continue reading “Farmer Combats Flooding by Returning Creeks to Nature: ‘Wildlife That Has Come is Phenomenal’” »

In the era of social media-driven organization trends, where every corner of our homes is scrutinized for its aesthetic appeal, IKEA’s KLIPPKAKTUS storage drawer emerges as a budget-friendly hero for transforming the chaotic landscape of our refrigerators. As Instagram and TikTok flooded with creative videos showcasing immaculately organized fridges, the KLIPPKAKTUS has swiftly become a game-changer for those seeking a practical solution to the perennial problem of forgotten and Continue reading “This New Fridge Organizer From IKEA Gives You Loads of Extra Storage Space — It’s the Best $6 You’ll Spend” »

The Crow’s Nest Treehouse with Twisty Slide is a captivating blend of beauty, boldness, and rustic charm, perched gracefully on stilts above the enchanting high desert landscape of Nogal, New Mexico. With panoramic views of the sprawling 30-acre ranch adorned with majestic juniper trees, this tiny house promises a unique and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Step inside, and the cozy interior unveils two twin beds cleverly arranged as a sectional sofa, providing a comfortable communal space. Ascend to the loft bedroom, where a queen-sized bed awaits, surrounded by the rustic charm of the treehouse.

The compact kitchenette and 3/4 bathroom, situated side by side, seamlessly integrate modern amenities into the small but chic dwelling. However, the true highlight of the Crow’s Nest Treehouse lies in its playful twisty slide, offering a whimsical descent from the porch to the lounge space nestled among the stilts. This inviting area serves as a perfect spot to unwind, play games, and share moments with loved ones before retiring for the night. What sets this treehouse apart is its ability to combine the thrill of a slide with the serenity of nature, making it a delightful haven for those seeking a memorable escape.

Lucky New Yorkers may soon find themselves enjoying a refreshing swim in a one-of-a-kind, floating, plus-shaped pool nestled in the East River. Conceived in 2010 by a dedicated team of engineers, the +POOL project aims to transform the East River into a safe and clean aquatic haven. At its core, +POOL functions as a cutting-edge aquatic filtering facility, capable of purifying a staggering one million gallons of the once-infamous East River water each day. Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a $16 million investment, combined from both the city and the state, signifies a significant step towards realizing this ambitious dream. With testing at scale expected to commence as early as summer 2024, the team envisions completing the project, transforming it into a freely accessible public swimming pool, by the following year.

The improved water quality of New York’s rivers and harbors over the past three decades, thanks to measures like the elimination of raw sewage dumping and the reduction of Combined Sewer Overflows, lays the foundation for the +POOL project. Friends of +POOL notes that these waters are now among the cleanest they’ve been in years, creating an opportune moment to explore safe access for public recreation. The innovative three-layer filtration system and final disinfection process developed by +POOL meet bathing beach standards for swimmable water. Having filed patents in 2017 and 2018, the project has already undergone successful testing phases in the East River, building confidence in the feasibility of this floating, self-filtering marvel.

The journey of +POOL began with a Kickstarter campaign in 2010, raising over $40,000 and leading to the initial filtration tests at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011. Subsequent campaigns in 2013, which raised over $300,000, funded scaled testing in the Hudson River in 2014. Collaborations with experts in naval architecture, fabrication, filtration textiles, and marine science demonstrated the viability of the technology. The establishment of the nonprofit organization Friends of +POOL in 2015 further solidified the project’s commitment to creating a chemical-free, natural river water filtration system. Governor Hochul’s substantial investment not only propels +POOL towards completion but also marks a historic effort, representing the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal era of the 1930s. As New York seeks ways to provide safe water recreation in response to a record-breaking summer heatwave, +POOL stands as a promising solution to both cool off residents and promote swimming education.