Robin Greenfield, a 37-year-old author and activist, has not only embraced a tiny house lifestyle but has also consciously disconnected from mainstream societal structures. Living off the grid, Greenfield bypasses modern conveniences such as a cell phone, credit cards, and government IDs. His commitment to sustainability is reflected in the various challenges he undertakes, including only consuming food he forages or grows for a year. Greenfield’s Continue reading “Robin Greenfield, 37: an Author and Activist Teaching People How to Live More Sustainably” »

At IFA 2023 in Berlin, Samsung Electronics unveiled its groundbreaking Net Zero Home Project, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable living and innovative technology. The one-person household constructed outside the event venue served as a tangible example of a carbon-neutral home, powered by Samsung’s SmartThings Energy. The project emphasized the potential for homes to generate and store their energy through the integration of solar panels and batteries. In collaboration with industry leaders such as Hanwha Qcells, SMA, Maxeon, and ABB, Samsung demonstrated how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to create a home that not only reduces its carbon footprint but also operates efficiently and intelligently.

The Net Zero Home Project not only focused on energy generation but also highlighted the capabilities of SmartThings Energy in monitoring and managing various aspects of a smart home. By incorporating artificial intelligence, SmartThings Energy enables users to optimize their energy usage by efficiently controlling home appliances and even predicting monthly energy consumption. The introduction of AI Energy Mode exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to providing users with a seamless and eco-conscious lifestyle, automatically activating power-efficient algorithms to ensure that appliances run in an energy-saving mode, further contributing to the goal of a net-zero carbon home.

Casa GE, a newly constructed low-energy home in Seva, Spain, emerges as a testament to innovative architectural design and sustainable living. Nestled within the Monstseny Natural Park, north of Barcelona, this residence was meticulously crafted by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes with a vision of creating a dwelling that embodies simplicity, functionality, and a minimal environmental footprint. Positioned on a sloping triangular plot between two streets, the house maximizes its connection to the surrounding garden while minimizing energy requirements. The architects strategically selected the highest and flattest point on the site, reducing the need for extensive earthworks and preserving existing trees, all while optimizing panoramic views.

The unique approach taken by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes involved not only a thoughtful site survey but also the development of an innovative construction system. This system allows for a flexible internal space organization, enabling seamless transformation from an open plan to a more intimate and conventionally designed layout. The single-story structure features a linear plan that connects the bedroom, office, living room, kitchen, and terrace. This adaptability reflects the architects’ commitment to marrying modern design with practicality, creating a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

Casa GE serves as a showcase for the expertise of architects Marc Alventosa and Xavier Morell in the realm of low-energy construction. Their commitment to social, economic, and environmental responsibility is evident in every aspect of the project. The house stands as a model for sustainable living, demonstrating that a residence can offer maximum comfort and functionality while minimizing its impact on the environment. In a world increasingly conscious of ecological concerns, Casa GE stands out as a beacon of conscientious architecture, embodying a harmonious blend of nature, design, and energy efficiency.

Charlie Low and Dale Comley, a UK couple with a shared love for climbing, a passion for DIY projects, and an interest in van life, embarked on a transformative journey when they decided to turn a former DHL van into a tiny home on wheels. The couple, with backgrounds in physics and engineering, had initially planned to convert a van while Continue reading “Couple Converted Former DHL Van Into Tiny Home on Wheels” »

Edden Ram, 31, and Nicole Sun, 23, have not only captured the attention of their 116,000-strong social media audience with their nomadic adventures but have now taken their passion for unconventional living to new heights. The dynamic couple, both influencers in their own right—Edden as a travel filmmaker and Nicole as an artist—decided to embark on an ambitious project, transforming a £37,000 van into a luxury mobile home inspired by the architecture of Tulum. Their journey chronicled on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, has now culminated in the van being put on the market with an impressive six-figure price tag.

The conversion process was no small feat for Edden and Nicole, as they dedicated four months of intense labor to turn their vision into reality. With no prior building experience, the couple embraced a steep learning curve, mastering everything from design and woodworking to electrical and plumbing work. A TikTok video shared by the couple showcases the stunning result of their hard work, featuring a van equipped with a pull-out coffee table, lounge, queen-size bed, skylight, kitchen with pop-up counter and induction hob, microwave, pull-out pantry, wardrobe, filtered water tap, and even a bathroom with running water, flushable toilet, shower, marble sink, and mirror.

The van is topped with a 480-watt solar panel deck, creating a sunbathing spot that complements the luxurious interior. Having conquered the challenge of transforming a van into a mobile haven, Edden and Nicole are now setting their sights on an even more ambitious endeavor: building a tiny home village in Mexico. Driven by their Tulum-inspired design and armed with newfound building skills, the couple’s journey continues to captivate and inspire their followers.

The real estate market in Fitzroy is currently abuzz with excitement over the remarkable transformation of a historic bluestone church, as it hits the market with a staggering price tag ranging between $5.7 million and $6.2 million. Built in 1871, the Presbyterian church underwent a breathtaking conversion by Glenn Morris, the owner of ZEST Developments. The result is extraordinary, as the church now stands as a testament to luxurious living with a unique touch.

The conversion includes a private north-facing rooftop terrace, accessible via a small bridge, providing residents with a serene and exclusive outdoor space. Nelson Alexander director Arch Staver emphasizes the grandeur of the 443 square meters of living space, showcasing opulent timber materials and a charming mezzanine area accessed by a ladder. The versatile design opens up possibilities for various uses, with Staver suggesting it could serve as a fun camping spot for kids, a home office, or even a dynamic space for hosting events like parties, with the potential to position a DJ in the mezzanine area.

Glenn Morris’s vision for the church goes beyond a single dwelling, as he successfully transformed the entire church site into a stunning redevelopment featuring 13 units, including his residence. The attention to detail and preservation of historical elements combined with modern luxury make this property a residence and a piece of art that captivates the imagination of potential buyers seeking a truly unique and awe-inspiring home in Fitzroy.

Artistree Home, a US-based company, has unveiled its latest architectural marvel, Spyglass by Hometree, a telescopic treehouse nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Sonoma County, California. Completed in 2023, this distinctive 300-square foot (28-square-meter) residence is situated in an 11-acre (5-hectare) forested lot in Occidental. The treehouse’s design, characterized by a vaulted form, draws inspiration from the whimsical childhood act of turning a fallen leaf into a makeshift tube for peering through. Will Beilharz, the project designer from Artistree Home, explained that Continue reading “Artistree Raises a Telescopic Treehouse in California” »

In the bustling marketplace of Jiangsu province, China, a visionary bookstore has emerged as a testament to contemporary design and celestial inspiration. Designed by Li Xiang of X+Living, the Huai’an Zhongshuge bookstore offers a futuristic and immersive experience that transcends traditional notions of book retail. The interior of the store is dominated by enormous three-dimensional structures resembling celestial rings, evoking the grandeur of astronomical instruments. Continue reading “Futuristic Bookstore in China Inspired by the Celestial World” »

In the heart of Tokyo, IGArchitects have masterfully transformed a small apartment into a spacious and inviting home, challenging the common perception of tight living spaces in Japan. Recognizing the lack of separation walls in the initial space, the architects employed a creative approach to deliver a flexible layout that meets the diverse needs of the occupants, a couple seeking a home that seamlessly blends living and working. This ingenious design provides functionality Continue reading “Brilliant Design Transforms Small Tokyo Apartment Into Spacious Inviting Home” »