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” »
Nestled in the Canadian mountains of Whistler, BC, this charming mountain home seamlessly blends modern minimalism with retro log cabin cool. Originally constructed in the 1990s in the traditional Canadian log house style, the residence underwent a recent renovation that transformed its interior into a stylish and unexpected space. Little Giant, led by architect Mark Burkart, took on the project with a design approach that marries sparse and minimalist elements with organic and Continue reading “This Cozy Canadian Mountain Home Mixes Modern Minimalism With Retro Log Cabin Cool” »
Balbek Bureau, a Kyiv-based architecture studio, has undertaken a modern reinterpretation of a traditional log cabin in Ukraine with the transformation of the Relogged house. Deviating from the conventional log cabin interiors, the three-bedroom cabin features horizontally stacked logs that are deliberately left exposed throughout the interior. Inspired by the industrial and utilitarian aesthetics of American fashion designer Rick Owens, the studio aimed to depart from the classic log cabin style that characterized the Continue reading “Relogged House by Balbek Bureau Reinterprets Traditional Log Cabins” »
Nestled in the serene Tamar Valley near Latchley, Cornwall, Thimble Hall stands as a testament to exquisite church conversion. Formerly a Victorian church, this captivating property has been meticulously transformed into an elegant residence, carefully renamed Thimble Hall. Positioned away from the village and surrounded by the tranquil hillsides, Continue reading “Elegant Church Conversion in Cornwall, England With Its Own Log Cabin Up for Sale” »
Krystyna Filipiak, the designer behind REDUKT, introduces the Country REDUKT Tiny House—a mobile micro-hotel designed to offer an off-grid retreat on the forest edge. Since 2017, REDUKT has been a trailblazer in the European market for tiny houses on wheels, staying attuned to evolving trends in alternative lifestyles and the growing demand for tailored homes and unique short-term stay experiences. The compact 15 sqm cabin is a response to the increasing desire for alternative hotel accommodations in naturally scenic locations. The mobile tiny house, customized for Bento Houses, comes in two autumn-inspired color schemes. The first variant features light natural poplar plywood, creating an ascetic and airy interior. Contrastingly, the second house is adorned with darkened plywood, highlighting the wood’s natural grain and establishing a warm and cozy atmosphere. Both designs prioritize comfort, incorporating a king-sized bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a full-size shower.
Despite its small footprint, the Country REDUKT Tiny House places a strong emphasis on thermal comfort, utilizing a timber frame structure filled with thermal insulation, infrared floor foils, a wood-burning stove, and air conditioning. The thoughtful design maximizes every square meter, ensuring a comfortable living experience in a compact space. With its darkened plywood exterior, the second house seamlessly blends into the forest environment, creating a harmonious relationship with light and shadow. These mobile tiny houses not only provide an alternative retreat but also showcase REDUKT’s commitment to innovative design and sustainable living.
Photographer Søren Solkær has embarked on a captivating journey across Europe to document the mesmerizing phenomenon of starling murmurations. Originating from Denmark, Solkær spent several years honing his craft, capturing the intricate formations of these birds in flight. His migration across the continent led him to Ireland, Continue reading “Photographer Travels Europe to Document Incredible Starling Murmurations” »
In the picturesque village of Greccio, nestled on a cliffside in Umbria, Italy, Christmas is not confined to a single season but a year-round affair. Greccio holds a unique claim to fame as the birthplace of the world’s first nativity scene, created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. The village, home to around 1,500 residents, is tranquil most of the year, immersed in its agricultural surroundings and the beech and oak forest where wild boar freely roam. However, during the festive weeks of December, Greccio transforms as it welcomes visitors from across the globe who embark on a pilgrimage to experience the legacy of St. Francis.
For Christians worldwide, Greccio is a significant stop on the pilgrimage route dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, a revered Catholic friar known for his deep connection with nature and his belief in voluntary poverty. The village becomes a hub of activity during December, attracting over 100,000 pilgrims and tourists eager to witness the enchanting nativity scenes that adorn the town. From miniature displays intricately nestled into the brickworks of walls to larger exhibits showcased in front of hotels and guesthouses, Greccio’s festive spirit and historical significance make it a destination that transcends the traditional boundaries of the Christmas season.
The heart of Greccio beats with the spirit of St. Francis, and the legacy of the first nativity scene remains a cherished tradition for the villagers and the multitude of visitors who come to marvel at the artistry and storytelling that unfold in this timeless Italian village.
In Edmonton, Alberta, a unique holiday trend is gaining popularity as Farlinger Farms in Strathcona County offers an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional Christmas tree options. For the second consecutive year, the farm is providing residents with the opportunity to rent living Christmas trees for $50, mitigating the guilt associated with the traditional fate of cut trees—being discarded in landfills after the holiday season. Mike Farlinger, the owner of Farlinger Farms, emphasizes the sustainability aspect of the initiative, stating that these are live Christmas trees that can be rented out year after year, contributing to the reduction of Christmas tree waste in landfills.
The rental process involves taking home a living tree with a fabric pot and soil, allowing individuals to keep it as a house plant for up to 24 days. Rather than searching for the perfect tree to cut down or buy from a lot, people can now embrace a more eco-friendly and temporary approach to holiday decorations. In its second year, the program has already seen significant interest, with approximately 70 trees rented out so far in the current season. Farlinger Farms’ initiative not only offers a sustainable alternative but also highlights the growing awareness and desire among consumers to make environmentally responsible choices during the festive season. Hopefully, more cities around the world will start embracing similar sustainable Christmas initiatives.
