Aoife Greene and Stephen O’Brien faced the challenge of accommodating their growing family within the confines of a former Dublin Corporation house on Loreto Row. Initially purchasing the property in 2005 with plans to eventually move to a larger home, the economic downturn halted their aspirations. The family, now with Continue reading “A Smart Renovation Transforms a Former Dublin Corporation House for a Growing Family” »

Spanish architecture studio CRÜ showcased their transformative prowess with the conversion of a former public laundry into the exquisite La Clara house for a couple in Barcelona. Renowned for their innovative designs that seamlessly blend old and new elements, CRÜ took on the challenge of reconfiguring the ground floor laundry into a functional and stylish residence. One of the key interventions was the addition of a two-storey volume to the rear, cleverly expanding the living space while maintaining a connection to the building’s historical roots. Simultaneously, CRÜ addressed the need for a studio space by creating a dedicated area at the front of the plot, demonstrating their commitment to balancing aesthetic and functional considerations in their designs.

The architectural brilliance of CRÜ’s La Clara house lies in the strategic placement of the new volumes around two courtyards and a glazed corridor. This thoughtful layout not only maximizes natural light and ventilation but also establishes a harmonious flow throughout the residence. The glazed corridor serves as a pivotal transitional space, seamlessly connecting the studio to the rest of the home. By artfully integrating these elements, CRÜ has not only revitalized a disused public laundry but has also crafted a modern living space that pays homage to its historical context while meeting the contemporary needs and desires of its inhabitants in the heart of Barcelona.

For Harry Potter enthusiasts seeking a touch of magic and nostalgia this Christmas, the Homesick x Harry Potter candles collection offers an enchanting olfactory experience. This collaboration combines the expertise of Homesick, known for their evocative scented candles that capture the essence of different locations and memories, with the beloved wizarding world of Harry Potter. The collection features several candles, each carefully crafted to transport Potterheads to specific moments and places within the series. With unique fragrances reminiscent of iconic locations such as Platform 9 3/4, Quidditch Pitch, and Diagon Alley, these candles provide a sensory journey through the enchanting realms created by J.K. Rowling.

This magical candle collection not only appeals to fans’ love for the Wizarding World but also adds a festive and cozy touch to holiday celebrations. The scents are designed to evoke the warmth of familiar settings, making them a perfect addition to Christmas festivities for Harry Potter aficionados. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of pumpkin pastries or the invigorating scent of Quidditch field grass, the Homesick x Harry Potter candles collection is a delightful and immersive way for fans to infuse their homes with the essence of the beloved series during the holiday season. Prices start from $33 on the Homesick website.

Power Panel, a US solar products manufacturer, has introduced an innovative solution for emergency response, humanitarian aid, and off-grid living with its portable PV device, the Gen20. Designed to meet the needs of crisis zones and off-grid environments, these devices are manufactured in Oxford, Michigan, and are now being commercialized worldwide. The portable cabinets are equipped with a combination of solar panels, water filtration systems, and water heaters, providing a comprehensive off-grid solution. Continue reading “Power Panel Introduces a Range of Innovative Portable Power Units Perfect for Off-the-Grid Living” »

Matthew Hofmann Architects has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to off-grid living with the launch of the Living Vehicle, a luxury electric trailer that stands as the most self-sufficient house on wheels to date. Spanning 212 square feet and measuring 31 feet in length, the Living Vehicle boasts an impressive array of features, including a heat-treated white aluminum interior, an 8-foot deck accessed through a clamshell folding door, and a Euroloft bed. This mobile dwelling integrates pioneering water-from-air technology fueled by solar power, providing a continuous water Continue reading “Luxurious Self-Sufficient Trailer With Expanded Spaces for the Most Comfortable Off-the-Grid Living” »

Canadian startup Cabn, founded in 2021 by sustainability entrepreneur Jackson Wyatt, is making waves with its innovative approach to eco-friendly housing. Specializing in modular net-zero homes with a distinctive Scandinavian flair, Cabn offers a range of options starting at an affordable $186,100 for a one-bedroom unit. The company has garnered significant interest, boasting a waitlist of 600 potential homebuyers eager to embrace sustainable living. Cabn’s unique design and construction process allows for easy transportation of homes in panels via standard trucking loads, eliminating the need for wide-load permits. The assembly process is swift, and the homes utilize helical piles, allowing them to be erected in diverse locations, emphasizing the company’s commitment to flexibility and accessibility.

The thoughtfully engineered Cabn homes go beyond conventional building methods, incorporating advanced features to achieve a net-zero environmental impact. From the angles of the windows to the design of the roof providing optimal shade and high-tech insulation, each element contributes to the overall sustainability of the homes. The innovative use of helical piles ensures adaptability, enabling Cabn homes to be placed in various environments. As part of its ambitious plans, Cabn intends to establish a 67-unit community in Ontario, reflecting the growing demand for environmentally conscious living spaces.

Looking ahead to 2024, Cabn aims to offer four models with bedrooms, with prices ranging from $186,100 to $470,400. The Mor.ii, a one-bedroom unit spanning 540 square feet, exemplifies affordability at the lower end of the spectrum. On the other hand, the Son.der, a 750-square-foot model available with one or two bedrooms, showcases Cabn’s commitment to providing diverse options for potential homeowners seeking sustainable and adaptable living spaces. Check out the company’s entire catalogue for more options and details.

The escalating cost of living crisis in Australia has not spared the traditional Christmas lunch, with a recent study revealing significant spikes in the prices of festive ingredients. As a result of soaring food prices contributing to an overall increase in the consumer price index (CPI), Australians now find themselves paying 16 percent more for goods and services than they were in December 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest victim of this financial squeeze is the cherished Christmas feast, typically the occasion for lavish spending on quality foods. According to the study’s calculations, a traditional family Christmas lunch featuring turkey with all the trimmings and ham would set Australians back $192, which is $27 more than pre-pandemic prices and $21 higher than the cost in Christmas 2021.

The study further delves into the breakdown of costs, revealing a 16 percent increase in the price of traditional Christmas fare since December 2019 based on the Sydney CPI for each sub-category. With Australian households already allocating 17 percent of their budgets to food—the second-highest expenditure category after housing—this upward trend in Christmas lunch costs adds to the financial strain on families. Notable increases in the price of cheese (up by 15 percent) and bread (up by 12 percent) are cited, with the rising cost of dairy products attributed to increased farmgate milk prices, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Despite the concerning overall trend, the study suggests a slight slowdown in the rate of increase this year, offering a glimmer of relief for consumers facing budget constraints.

The festive menu detailed in the study includes 1 kilogram of prawns, a 3.8kg turkey, a 4.5kg smoked half leg of ham, along with potatoes, carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, Christmas pudding, pavlova with cream, and bottles of white and sparkling wine. This assortment, designed to feed about eight people with leftovers, is based on average prices from popular grocery stores like Coles, Aldi, or Woolworths. Despite the challenges presented by rising costs, the study emphasizes that the December quarter CPI data, to be released next year, may bring some relief based on positive trends observed in the monthly inflation data for October 2023.

In the heart of Madrid, Pilar Cano-Lasso and Ignacio de la Vega’s architectural prowess at Delavegacanolasso studio has given rise to Fresnos. This stunning prefab home seamlessly blends minimalist design with abundant natural light. Embracing the essence of its surroundings, Fresnos is a multifaceted, prefabricated tiny house adapted to complement the landscape, emphasizing the importance of the natural environment. Serving as a retreat from urban life, this home harmoniously integrates into a steep lot adorned with a forest of pines and Holm oaks, creating a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature.

Fresnos serves as an oasis, allowing residents to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature without compromising the functionality or comforts of an urban apartment. The architects at Delavegacanolasso Studio carefully crafted a design that coexists naturally with the trees and the contours of the land. The result is a home that offers breathtaking panoramic views from a terrace thoughtfully adapted to the home’s location. The integration is so seamless that a deliberate hole in the structure accommodates the growth of a pine tree through the house, pushing the boundaries between inside and outside, blurring the distinction in a captivating manner.

The architectural finesse of Fresnos is not only aesthetic but also functional, combining traditional construction techniques with innovative adaptations. Prefab modules seamlessly merge with brick walls and a seemingly floating terrace, forming a mixed system that responds to the passage of time with a truly timeless design. This Madrid prefab home is a testament to the delicate balance between modern architecture and the natural landscape, creating a space where residents can savor the beauty of both.

Sold at auction for over £3,400, the world’s humblest Christmas tree, purchased for a mere 6p in 1920, has a fascinating story behind its simple yet cherished existence. Standing at 79cm (31in), adorned with 25 branches, 12 berries, and six miniature candle holders, the unassuming tree rests in a small, red-painted wooden base featuring a modest decorative emblem. Originally procured by the family of eight-year-old Dorothy Grant, this tree played a central role in their Christmas Continue reading “‘Humblest Christmas Tree’ Bought for 6p in 1920 Sells for £3,400 at Auction” »