ECODESIGN NEWS

Famous architects in help of Hurricane Katrina�s victims

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Photos: Make It Right 9

Тhirteen famous architects design 150 safe eco-houses in New Orleans, ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Тhe initiative for the project called Make It Right belongs to Brad Pitt. Among the mix of local studios, US architects and international names can be seen the names of David Adjaye, MVRDV, Shigeru Ban, Morphosis and Graft.

The Shenandoah Retreat by Carter+Burton

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Daniel Afzal

An energy-saving weekend house by the American studio Carter+Burton, situated in the region of Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia. The open plan of the house demolishes the boundaries between inside and out. The public and the private spaces of the Shenandoah Retreat are separated via a concrete tower and an entry bridge. The passive-solar design, the geothermal heat pump, the radiant floor heating and the roof and walls, made of structural insulated panels, provide energy saving. In the winter months, the living room is warmed by the low sun through the south facing windows. The exposed concrete floors throughout the home absorb and slowly release this heat. In the summer large overhangs shade the interior of the house. Balanced day light is provided by the high northern windows. This reduces the need for electric lights to be turned on.

Yoga Studio by Carter+Burton

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Photos: Daniel Afzal

This project, designed by Carter + Burton Architecture, serves as a yoga studio and a guest house. Typically for the style of the architects, the construction is realized with the use of structural insulated panels, geothermal, passive solar, local materials, green roof and LED lighting. The inner space of the house is designed with the aim of maximal efficiency, too. One of the most interesting decisions are the beds coming out of the floor of the living space. The project earned a LEED Gold certification when it was completed in 2007.

Steps Chair by Lago

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Image: EVDS

Steps chair is a light, but solid chair. With a bayonet assembly system, a series of slices of industrial felt are placed on one another on the aluminium structure to form the seat and back. An easy operation that anyone can manage, suitable for the often nomadic metropolitan final user, who is accustomed to moving frequently.

Artematica Vitrum by Valcucine

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Valcucine

Valcucine has enlarged its Artematica Programme with new models. Artematica Vitrum will be presented at Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2008. Design: Gabriele Centazzo.

Boxhead home by Carter+Burton

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Photos: Daniel Afzal

The latest project of Carter+Burton. The house follows the concept of boxes in a box. �Boxhead is almost twice more energy efficient than regular houses�, explain the architects. The double concrete walls are tilted to gather sun in the colder months. SIPs (structural insulated panel) have been used for one of the walls and the roof. Concrete cut-outs from floor outlets in city building were reused in the master bathroom on the floor/tub platform and on the wall in the shower.

Papercut Project by dARCH Studio

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Vasilis Skopelitis and Elina Drossou

An extravagant project in Athens, Greece by dARCH Studio. The client - the Greek fashion designer Yiorgos Eleftheriades - wanted his showroom �Yeshop in House� to be renovated. The space is spread on 90 sq. m. For the realization of the project 1500 sheets of corrugated carton, 5mm thick with size 110x 80 cm have been used. The total cost equals 2500 euro. �The need to synthesize the two different approaches to design (fashion design and architecture) was the focal point of this project�, says Elina Drossou,architect and founder of dARCH Studio.

Riciclantica by Valcucine

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Valcucine

Valcucine has improved its Riciclantica model with a new 2 mm thick glass door. �It is the maximum expression of the principle of dematerialisation as well as, from an aesthetic viewpoint, of the pre-eminence of lightness� � explain from the company. The model will be presented at Salone Internazionale del Mobile. Design: Gabriele Centazzo.

House RR by Andrade Morettin Arquitectos

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Andrade Morettin Arquitectos

The Brazilian architectural studio Andrade Morettin Arquitectos has designed the summerhouse RR. It is situated on the north coast of Sao Paulo. The structure is elevated 75 cm above the ground level via concrete pillars cast on site. Reinforced concrete has been used for the realization of the project, combined with wood for the floors. Most of the components of the house are pre-fabricated and have been simply mounted in place on the construction site.▪

Nomad Home by Gerold Peham

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Gerold Peham, Marc Haader, Angelo Kaunat
Nomad Home is a modular building system, meant for 21-century people. Gerold Peham�s creation represents a transportable and extendable living space. The home that moves with you is set on a building plot of 200-300 sq.m. It includes mobile electric and sanitary installations. The home has 16 size variations, starting from е 22 sq.m. and can be transported by a standard truck. It�s available in 12 exterior and 9 interior colors. The outside skin is exchangeable through a modular system and available in different variations. The entrance area can be made of aluminium, fibreglass, corrugated iron, larch or special foil in all colours. The inner shell is made of linoleum. The interior is offered in 3 styles - Basic, Trend & High End.

Dolder Grand Hotel by Foster+Partners

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Nigel Young/Foster+Partners

Foster+Partners has transformed the historic Dolder Grand hotel into a new luxury resort opened in March. The project is situated above Lake Zurich and includes Dolder Waldhaus Hotel and Dolder Sports (golf course, tennis courts, outdoor pool and ice rink). The scheme restores the logic of the original hotel, designed in 1899 by Jacques Gros. The total hotel area before the redevelopment was 20 000 sq. m. Now it is 40 000 sq. m. Yet, the new building consumes half the energy of the old one or 75% less energy per sq. m. There are 173 rooms and suites, enormous spa � 4 000 sq.m., restaurants, a ballroom.

Unilever London Headquarters by KPF

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: H.G. Esch

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) has redesigned the headquarters of Unilever in London. The project was finished last year. The existing building was completed in 1931 and Grade II listed in 1977. KPF have succeeded to retain the important parts of the historic building and to provide an transformed work place with original atmosphere. The floor plates are reconfigured within a spatially interesting atrium. Staff and meeting facilities are at the top of the building, above which is a roof garden. On the ground floor are the cafe, exhibition space, restaurant and conference area.▪

Panorama House by Jesse Bornstein

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Tom Bonner

Jesse Bornstein has designed the Panorama House in Santa Monica. As its name hints, it maximizes the panoramic city views with a series of horizontal floor, deck and roof planes. The roof forms parallel the site�s slope. Center-stringer stairs bridge across exterior landscaping and run through the house connecting split-level floor and deck planes. Sliding panels, of clear glass along the exterior and translucent glass within the house, moderate these connections. When panels are open, sliding into pockets in walls, the house is completely open to itself and to the outdoors. ▪

Ann Demeulemeester Shop by Mass Studies

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Yong-Kwan Kim

The site is located in an alley, at Seoul�s Gangnam district. Primarily residential in the past, the neighbourhood is transforming into an upscale commercial district full of shops and restaurants. The building has one subterranean level and three floors above. The Ann Demeulemeester Shop, creted by Mass Studies is located on 378m2 at the first floor, with a restaurant above and a Multi-Shop in the basement. The building defines its relationship between natural/artificial and interior/exterior. The outside building material is primarily a geotextile planted with a herbaceous perennial to form a living facade, while the other three sides that face bamboo borders are clad in steel sheets are finished with propylene resin.

Eco-friendly Products by ALL+

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Umbrella

For the second consecutive year ALL+ brand has been selected to participate to the exhibition Remade in Italy during the Milan Design Week. This is a project of the Regione Lombardia promoting high quality design object made of recycled materials. The main aim is to support the companies and designers to which develop together low environmental impact products. Sito and Filo benches, both designed by architect Ivan Palmini, fulfill the requirements of environmental sustainability, matching design with technology and confirming once more the brand eco-friendly vocation.

Nature & Technology by Toshiyuki Kita

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Copyright Agency

In a heterogeneous exhibition of objects and suggestions, Toshiyuki Kita advances a new perspective on contemporary living: his chairs and tables, his illuminations and furnishing accessories clearly reveal traces of ancient Japanese tradition interpreted through a modern eye that looks towards the future.▪

Magnolia and Pine Tree House by Baumraum

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Baumraum

This tree house is constructed by Baumraum in a large private garden near Osnabruck, in Northern Germany. The quadratic cube serves as a playground, as room for rest and relaxation as well as a meeting point for business. The tree house is hidden between some pines and allows the view to the main house and to the valley. Two high-grade steel frames carry the house and terrace. The spacious terrace with an outdoor shower is large enough for a table and a few chairs. The interior is furnished with benches on three sides and a small table. Beneath the benches there are drawers made of oak. A stereo system, a large dormer window, artificial-light and a heater make the tree house comfortable during all seasons. ▪

Eco Furniture by Gianfranco Furia

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Gianfranco Furia

Gianfranco Furia has presented his Benny and Polly chairs at the exhibition Remade in Italy during the Milan Design Week. This is a project of the Regione Lombardia promoting high quality design object made of recycled materials. The main aim is to support the companies and designers to which develop together low environmental impact products.▪

Oppure Readymade Furniture of Cartons

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Cortepack

Cortepack, a leader in cardboard field, presents its new concept in waved cardboard Oppure Design, designed by Doppiospazio. Oppure is a line of objects and contemporary furniture in cardboard, made to be used and to be lived with: produced from unique and unequivocal designs, that at the same time can be coordinated. The line has been presented for the first time during the Milan Design Week 2008 with an exhibition at Zona Tortona and as a part of the Remade in Italy exhibition.▪

New Products from Rapsel

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Rapsel

Once again Rapsel is taking another huge step forward and presenting state-of-the-art products starring exciting new materials. Featuring materials such as Parapan� and Nikron�, these perfect designs are exquisitely beautiful to look at and seductively smooth to the touch. What�s more, when they eventually reach the end of their lives, they can be fully recycled.▪

Poltravolo by Bioforme

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Bioforme

Poltravolo by Bioforme is an easy chair, which turns into a table and vice versa. The model has been presented at the exhibition Remade in Italy which main idea is to promote high quality design object made of recycled materials. The aim is to support the companies and designers, which develop together low environmental impact products.

CO2 Saver by Piotr Kuczia

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Piotr Kuczia

The design of the CO2 Saver was determinated by the aim to achieve eco design on a low cost. Colourful planks within the timber facade reflect the landscape. Approximately 80% of the building envelope facing South. The single storey living space on the ground floor is externally clad with untreated larch boarding. Solar energy is gained there by the set-in glazed patio. Solar collection panels are located on the roof and a photovoltaic system is planned for the future. The dark facade of the �black box� - a three storey structure clad with charcoal coloured fibre cement panels - is warmed by the sun, reducing heat loss to the environment.

Boxhome by Sami Rintala

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Ivan Brodey, Pia Ulin

Boxhome is a 19 square meter dwelling with four rooms covering the basic living functions: kitchen with dining, bathroom, living room and bedroom. The project focuses in the quality of space, material and natural light, and tries to reduce unnecessary floor area. In Western societies at the moment we are enjoying the highest standard of living ever know to human kind. At the same time we are fully informed of the results of our culture of consumerism. Therein lays the greatest paradox: We are forced to actively forget the real reality to be able to enjoy the facade of excess we have created around us, says Sami Rintala. ▪

Pouffle by Khaos

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Khaos

Pouffle is a puzzle shaped modular pouff made of 75% recycled materials (70% pressed paper and cardboard + 5% polyurethane foam) and 25% cotton. Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 45 cm, weight: 1,2 kg. Design: Paul Tomfed for Khaos.

Design Recycling the Past

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: WIS Design

Lisa Widen and Anna Irinarchos from WIS Design Studio present three new objects � all unique pieces made out of used and neglected parts from old products. With this collection of furniture, the designers explored the possibility of recycling not only materials, but also common shapes and past times. The designer duo present a mix of different styles from earlier decades, which evokes memories. Furniture as haute couture.

Peartree House, Heilbronn, Germany by Baumraum

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Baumraum

This project by Baumraum is created for a couple, their children and seven grandchildren. The tree house serves as a play-area for the children, a room for rest and relaxation for the adults as well as a guestroom. The spacious terrace is large enough for a table and a few chairs, where visitors to the tree house can sit comfortably and enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the magnificent view of the vineyards. The tree house and the pear tree are an impressive sight when the lighting is switched on. They are visible from a great distance at evening time and at night.

Manto Flor

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Remade
Manto flor is a carpet made of 75% recycled materials namely plastic shopping bag. The rest materials used for the product are steel rings and chains. The unique carpet is designed by Carlos Auilera, M. Ignacia Caceres, Kelly Cardenas and Fabrizio Rossier from the Universidad Nacional Andres Bello. Dimensions: 100 x 150 x 50 cm. Weight: 8 kg.

Eggum by Snohetta

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Snohetta
Snohetta won the design concurs for Eggum, which is part of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration�s E10 tourist route project through the dramatic and beautiful landscape of Lofoten. The task was to solve the traffic situation around Kvalhausen, which attracts many campervans, cars and a few buses during the midnight sun season. In addition, a service building was to be designed to suit this unique site. The site relates to the open sea as well as the tall mountains. The project consists of a service building within an amphitheatre, which also allows room for car parking. Outside the amphitheatre there are two separate areas with dedicated spaces for campervans. ▪

Amigos by Vacavallente

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Remade

Amigos are series of desk and tabletop organizers made of 99% recycled leather. They are designed by Vacavallente in different shapes. There are a kangaroo, a hen with chicks, a dog, a bunny, a piggy, a monkey, a stork, a cat, a tortoise, a lizard, a caterpillar and a horse.

Eco-Friendly Furniture by Bruno Longoni

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Remade

Bruno Longoni Atelier presents Numbers table and She chaise lounge � both made of recycled materials. Numbers table is designed by Ugo Nespolo. It is completely made of recycled MDF and glass. Dimensions: 17 x 150 x 150 cm. Weight: 90 kg.

She is a balancing chaise lounge made of 97,65% recycled wood. Dimensions: 85 x 180 x 55 cm. Weight: 38 kg. Design: Matteo Rossi. Available in different colours.▪

World Wildlife Fund Premises by Thomas Rau

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Christian Richters
The Dutch branch of the World Wildlife Fund moves into its new premises, created by Thomas Rau. This is actually a transformed former agricultural laboratory from 1954 in the nature reserve Schoonoord. The new building is energy-efficient, self-sufficient and is CO2 neutral. It has just won a Dedalo Minosse International Prize. The architectural decision was to maintain the frame of the building, to reuse the rubble and to add a warm, pulsating heart in the middle, while simultaneously returning the grounds to nature.▪

Renowned Artists and Designers Up-Cycle Waste Into Habitats For Birds, Bats and Bees

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Phillips de Pury & Company
Phillips de Pury & Company has partnered with Adventure Ecology in an environmental endeavour to cut down the company�s waste in a creative and relevant way. The paper, plastic and wood discarded in the process of packing, moving and installing art works and exhibitions will be up-cycled to ultimately create habitats for the rapidly declining numbers of bird, bat and bee species in urban areas.

Mosspink � a Sofa with Natural Dress

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: bruehl & sippold
Bruehl & sippold presents Mosspink - a new model sofa, which shapes are inspired by the nature. Designed by Kati Meyer-Bruehl, the organic forms are layered one upon the other to produce limitless comfort. The sofa has three colourful versions - dressed in natural materials �Green Living�, distinctive �retro� or the sophisticated white/black leather of �natural glamour�.▪

Eco-Friendly and Good-Looking Ray Collection by Stefano Bigi

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Stefano Bigi

Stefano Bigi designed an eco-friendly and good-looking seating set. Ray is a set of a lounge chair, a cushion and a coffee table. The structure is made in 100% recyclable aluminium. Manufacture: Exde by Cattaneo. Dimensions: 73 x 71x 71 cm. Weight: 8 kg.▪

Going Eco and Innovative

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: OR

OR is the first time that photo reactive technology has been used on an architectural scale. The ecological structure is a step in exploring the possibilities of photo reactive materials in the fields of furniture and design. The beauty of OR is its constant interaction with the elements, each moment of the day is unique. Special software components have been developed in order to create the shapes and to generate the cutting schedules. Architects and designers Ran Ankori, Francesco Brenta, Maya Carni, Christoph Klemmt, Laura Micalizzi and Elisa Oddone developed the project.▪

via 19bis.com

Nokia Starts Global Mobile Phones Recycling Campaign

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Video and images: Nokia

Only 3% of people recycle their mobile phones despite the fact that most have old devices lying around at home that they no longer want, according to a global consumer survey released by Nokia. Three out of every four people added that they don�t even think about recycling their devices and nearly half were unaware that it is even possible to do so. Responding to the survey findings Nokia is developing a series of campaigns and activities to give people more information on why, how and where to recycle their old and unwanted devices, chargers and mobile accessories.▪

Napkin PC

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Microsoft

Napkin PC is a multi-user, multi-interface, modular computer designed by Avery Holleman for creative professionals to collaborate and bring their greatest ideas to life. The Napkin PC has won the 1st Place Judges Award & Chairman�s Award at this year�s Next-Gen PC Design Competition organized by Microsoft. �I had an idea about a system where the user would be able to interact with any number of interfaces connected to the same network � says the designer.

Unexpected Organic-Formed Lamps by Ango

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Ango
Ango presents their brand new lighting designs. The lamps will certainly attract your attention with their weird, ingenious, a little bit strange, but beautiful design. All the models are designed by Angus Hutcheson and are inspired by the nature. Lighting by Ango is a kind of allegory about how we can live alongside nature in a technological world, and usually takes patterns of nature as one of the starting points.▪

The Light at the End of the Funnel

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: dodolivin
Dodolivin presents a new lamp named The Light at the End of the Funnel.This is a true carrier: out of the kitchen into the light. Dodolivin used a charming little funnel to create anelegant lamp and one of the first single spot lights equipped with the latestHighPower LED technology. The Lightat the End of the Funnel is both, a pendant fitting and a spot. With the two clips at the textile cable you can design the type of lamp you like � just in a few seconds. These HighPower LED spots are extreme efficient, they don�t heat up, are eco-friendly with less than 4 wattenergy consumption and have a very long product life. The designer of the lamp is Louis Saul. He is the creator of the popular Half Moon chair, which is the most viewed product posted in DeZona.

V Houses in Yelapa, Mexico

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Martin Kunz
These houses, created for Verana Hotel are self-contained. Solar panels on top, compost toilets and all grey water is treated and reused in our gardens. The idea comes from Joe Sheer tropical-treehouse.com who built his �hoochs� in Puerto Rico and Oregon. He used mainly Bamboo or Douglas fir poles; here metal is used instead. With basically no environmental impact or footprint, those structures can be built on any type of surface condition. Flat ground, steep hills, lots of vegetation, trees, water, sand or whatever else might be in the way for any other design or construction. The interior space is 92 sq m.

Casa Kike, Costa Rica: A Writer�s Retreat

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Christian Richters
Gianni Botsford Architects (GBA) is bringing new �architectural life� to the Caribbean by reappraising the architectural heritage of the region and reviving indigenous techniques. GBA has created an eco-architecture that is remarkably light, impacting on its surrounding only minimally both physically and environmentally. This house is for a writer in Costa. The main structure sits on a timber base, raised on the stilts. These rest on small concrete pad foundations, poured into individual pits. This method, along with much of the project has gleaned from the local labour force.

How Fashion and Nature Get Along

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Noon Solar
On the outside of all Noon Solar bags, there is a paper thin, flexible solar panel. This solar panel charges a battery pack located inside the bag to supply power for your cell phone or iPod, day or night. Simply place the solar panel in the bag towards the sun to collect usable energy. Put it in your window at work, home, car, or on the train; face it towards the sun at a cafe; or walk/bike around town with the panel exposed. Even on cloudy or rainy days, energy is collected through the UV light of the sun. On a bright, sunny day the battery should be fully charged in 6-8 hours. On a cloudy day the battery will require a bit more time. The battery pack will hold the sun\'s energy for several days.
via www.inhabitat.com

Light Show by Mathmos

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Mathmos
See what Mathmos will show at 100% Design London. They will have a special showcase in honour of Babushka a new lamp inspired by Russian nesting dolls. A simple curved glass figure, Babushka uses LED�s to illuminate smaller figures within, magically replicating its form to infinity, while changing colour and casting different light formations. Also on show are new colour-changing Revolution and Baby Airswitch Az. A table version of their elegant floor lamp, Baby Airswitch Az switches on and off by moving the surrounding air. The offspring is also eco friendly, utilising a CFL bulb.

Breathe and Drive: An Eco-Friendly Car

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: The Cool Hunter
An environmentally friendly car is being released and it also has a beautiful design. The producers are Austin-based automotive design and manufacturing company Ronn Motors. The new road sensation is called the Scorpion and it runs on hydrogen fuel injections. The vehicle utilizes new \'hydrogen on demand\' technology, which, simply put, generates water from the inbuilt tank, turns it into hydrogen and then injects this into the car\'s system. Not only does this approach allow fuel mileage to increase by between 20 to 40%, it also reduces carbon emissions to nearly zero. The Scorpion is out early 2009 and can be yours for 150,000 USD.
via The Cool Hunter

We Love Nature! Virtuosity from Timber

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Amanda Manage
This project in London by Emma Doherty and Amanda Menage consists of two 2-bedroom houses, an artist�s studio and inner courtyard. The high-performance, prefabricated, solid wood eco-structures are produced in quality controlled factory conditions and represent the latest in modern construction technology. There�s access into the old house at ground floor through glass doors and first-floor via a brick staircase. The two residential buildings are separated by a 1m wide void, which forms the shared entrance to Carmarthen Place lane. The building has won the Off-Site Category of the Wood Awards 2007.

We Present You BIG FOOT, The Movie

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

image: Melissa Brazil
There�s no way you�ve missed the news that one of the most popular architects in the world, Zaha Hadid is already taking on fashion! She�s appearing on the catwalk thanks to her amazing shoe design. A huge reproduction of the new Melissa model is on Galeria Melissa�s facade in Sao Paolo. The reproduction is handmade from resin, with different stages of mounting The whole process was filmed by the Melissa crew, so have a look at it here.

Translation Armchair - Good In More Than One Way: Recycled And To Win

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Image: Alain Gilles

Translation armchair designed by Alain Gilles for Qui est Paul? is a good example of that with some fine tuning, normally wasted materials can be transformed into fully functional furniture that does not have to hide its origins. The armchair is made of recycled plastic bottle caps that have first been shredded into smaller pieces (70% of the finished product, and also made out of PE) are mixed with some neutral PE (30%). This makes the seat not only recyclable, but largely made out of a recycled product. For the first time, a rotomolded piece of furniture in production is made with a very high recycled content.

New Eco Gadget by Siemens

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Siemens

By creating the new design study �Gigaset Eco Visions� Siemens Home and Office Communication Devices (SHC) has taken a further step in realizing their vision of stylish and environmental-friendly cordless phones of superior quality. The first two concept phones out of this series are Solar and Leaf. The phones have been engineered to be eco-friendly in terms of design, technology, materials, and characteristics throughout the entire product lifecycle � from manufacturing to recycling.▪

The Altruistic Blank Canvas Project by Orange22. Edition 2008

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Orange22 Eight icons of design have joined forces with Orange22 Design Lab to launch the firm�s Blank Canvas Project. Each designer has created a new edition of Orange22�s indoor-outdoor, eco-friendly Botanist furniture. Orange22 has committed to match each designers royalty to a social cause of their choice. This year Blank Canvas participants are Yves Behar, Margo Chase, Milton Glaser, Kahi Lee, Karim Rashid, Joe Ricchio, Massimo & Lella Vignelli, Claude Zellweger.▪

Olympic Extravaganza

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Inhabitat
In preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics Beijing has catched the eye with those green sculptures. With an area of 60,000 sq m, the exhibition showcased more than one million of rarity flowers and trees of over 1,000 species from 205 countries and regions in the five continents. There are certain doubts that these gardens do enough good to tackle the environmental issues�maybe so, but at least it�s really getting the attention.
via Inhabitat

A Dream House in the Woods

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Antti Hahl
This house is situated in a historically significant agricultural landscape in North Espoo, Finland. A simple form and a pitched roof integrate the building into the landscape. The western slope of the site is divided into two areas: pines and rocky ground on the backside, moss and a forest in front. This division is kept because and suites the use of the spaces perfectly. The front yard contains the main entrance, children�s playground, terrace and a workshop. On the opposite side of the main building, is a solitary path leading to the sauna. The project is by POOK Arhitects.

Eco and Comfortable

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Ryan Frank
Ryan Frank - a South African born furniture designer who lives and works in East London has send to DeZona his latest creation �Isabella� that will be launched at the London Design Festival this September. �Isabella� is a totem pole style-stacking stool made from straw and wool. Drawing inspiration from traditional hand carved African seating, but wanting to avoid the use of exotic hard woods, the stools are made from a solid section of Strawboard, a sustainable formaldehyde-free material made entirely from compressed straw.

The New Flower Power

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Lichen studio

The new EweTUBE vases are designed by Brandon Perhacs from the design and manufacturing studio Lichen. These cool colourful eco-friendly vases are made 100% of merino wool and glass tube. An EweTUBE can be used with one tube in an upright position or two tubes if the fest base is placed on its side.

To Serve and Protect�In Style

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: � Peter Vanderwarker 2008
This is how designLAB architects created the new headquarters for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) . The 5016 sq m project included the reconstruction & clean up of a contaminated site; the restoration of habitat with native shrubs, trees, and grasses; rainwater treatment through the use of bio-swales and rain gardens that absorb rainwater runoff, and the on-site treatment of all wastewater produced in the building through a state-of-the-art septic system. Other sustainable initiatives include utilising energy efficient mechanical systems, materials with high-recycled content, and certified wood from managed forests.▪

Termas Geometricas: Natural Geometry

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

images: Guy Wemborne
You can find those 17 slate covered pools of natural hot spring waters in Villarrica National Park in Chile\'s southern Lake Country, south of Santiago. The hot springs water is distributed to the pools through wooden conduits that run under the walkway and heat it, keeping it always dry and safe. Close to every pool there is always a pavilion built with local wood, with private bathrooms, locker rooms, and a deck to rest. A big roof planted with wild grass covers a large space. That allows a nice stay by the open fire. The project is by German del Sol Guzman.▪

Chill Bench by Landscape Forms

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Landscape Forms

Landscape Forms presents its Chill bench from the 35 Collection. Chill is a chaise lounge for commercial outdoor environments. Made from polyethylene, the bench brings comfort in an abstract form. Its sculptural form echoes the human body and supports the sitter in a position that�s reclined, but not exposed.▪

Nokia Applies Nanotechnology in the New Morph Device

1970-01-01T00:00:00+01:00

Images: Nokia

A nanotechnology device concept Morph was launched alongside The Museum of Modern Art �Design and The Elastic Mind� exhibition. Being explored by Nokia Research Center in collaboration with the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre, this device concept demonstrates the functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics, self-cleaning surfaces, ability to observe local environment and harvest energy.▪