Tag Archives: material

Reviving Rattan: A Contemporary Take on Classic Style

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As interior design trends evolve, rattan is staging a remarkable comeback after almost 30 years, infusing any space with tropical-inspired vibes. Rattan has a rich history of gracing homes and outdoor spaces globally for decades, infusing any space with tropical-inspired vibes. Embraced for its durability and versatility, this natural material, derived from climbing vine-like palm plants, effortlessly lends itself to various shapes and patterns. From lighting to furniture, rattan finds its place in home decor, particularly enhancing bohemian, nautical, and traditional styles with its charming, airy appeal.

Designer: Aureole x Tanoti

Rattan’s revival is fueled by its craftsmanship and the increasing preference for natural materials in modern decor. Additionally, the best part about integrating rattan into home decor is that it possesses the capacity to infuse warmth and a relaxed ambiance into any environment, imparting a sense of casual ease to the space.

Is rattan sustainable?

Rattan, a tropical vine that is native to tropical areas in Asia, Australia, and Africa and it possesses the flexibility to be molded into numerous intricate forms. Crafted by skilled artisans with basic manufacturing processes, it requires minimal facilities. Its rapid growth, at 2cm per day, allows for harvest within 2-3 years, faster than traditional wood. Known for durability, well-made rattan furniture can last over a decade, making it an eco-friendly alternative akin to solid wood.

Image courtesy of: colnihko

What is the difference between rattan and wicker?

Rattan and wicker are often confused, but they have distinct meanings. Rattan refers to the natural material from the rattan palm tree, while wicker encompasses woven materials like natural fibers and plastics including rattan.

Image courtesy of: FollowTheFlowStudio

What are the advantages of using rattan in home decor?

Adds Texture

Rattan, with its rich and organic feel, can create a cozy atmosphere while contrasting nicely with smooth surfaces like metal, glass, or marble, adding visual interest and complementing various decor styles.

Image courtesy of: varyapigu

Natural Material

Opting for rattan instead of synthetic or non-renewable materials enables one to lessen the environmental footprint while backing local communities engaged in rattan production.

Lightweight

Rattan furniture’s lightweight nature facilitates easy rearrangement between rooms and indoor-outdoor versatility, offering convenience and flexibility in home decor.

Affordable

Image courtesy of: FollowTheFlowStudio

Rattan furniture, known for its affordability, low maintenance, and durability, serves as a practical choice for home decor, with the option to extend its lifespan through protective coatings against moisture and UV rays.

How to incorporate Rattan into your home décor?

Rattan products, provide an exciting addition to any decor, offering an incredible texture that seamlessly integrates into various styles. Rattan pieces extend beyond outdoor settings, seamlessly blending into existing indoor decor with their natural textures.

1. Furniture

Designer: Anne Brandhøj

Eclipse is a revolutionary chair crafted from flexible rattan wood, defying convention with its minimalist yet captivating design. Featuring an open box seat wrapped in sleek rattan strips, it creates an airy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and relaxation. The iconic vertical arches frame the seated individual, drawing attention to the vast open sky above. Lightweight and visually striking, Eclipse serves as a focal point in any space, effortlessly blending modern aesthetics with natural charm.

Designers: Ching Cheng Chang and Xu Da Zzan

The Mua Lau Lounge Chair is a modern marvel that seamlessly combines rattan with bent metal piping for a unique visual aesthetic. Unlike traditional designs, this chair reimagines rattan’s role, using it as a replacement for foam and cotton for a comfortable yet springy seating experience. Inspired by the beloved Taiwanese treat, the Mua Lau Chair offers a multi-layered sitting sensation, akin to sinking into a delicious snack. With its eye-catching design and surprising comfort, it’s a perfect blend of style and functionality for any space.

Designer: Cuong Nguyen

RU is a nostalgic yet modern lounge chair designed by Cuong Nguyen, inspired by childhood memories. Blending rattan with contemporary comfort, RU offers a cozy retreat in any living space. With its webbed rattan arms and back, paired with a versatile ottoman, RU brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your home. Combining plush cushions with timeless materials, it’s a stylish addition that beckons relaxation and evokes sweet memories of days gone by.

These refined pieces of rattan furniture combine the timeless charm of rattan with a sleek Nordic-inspired design. Its sturdy build and minimalist style provide both elegance and functionality to any home decor. It offers a light and airy look to the overall décor.

2. Lighting Design

Designer: Servomuto

Drawing inspiration from ceramics and the organic shapes formed during pottery wheel throwing, the Cement lamp boasts a unique silhouette. Crafted using cement molded in a silicon cast from a vintage porcelain electrical insulator, it exudes a rustic charm. The concrete surface is treated with a wax finish, imparting a silky touch. Complementing this sturdy base are copper light bulb fixtures and a visible stem. Topping it off, the lampshade is available in pure linen or rattan that adds a touch of elegance, creating a harmonious blend with the cement base

Designer: TESU

These rattan pendant lights are versatile and can elevate any space like a bedroom, child’s room, living area, or covered patio. It exudes a bohemian charm and can be seamlessly integrated into various ceiling heights and home decor styles, from coastal to boho and rustic.

3. Multifunctional Design

Designer: Ben Hansen

The rattan side table is a stylish fusion of function and flair that doubles as a dog house, designed by Ben Hansen. This innovative piece cleverly repurposes excess plant water to fill your pet’s bowl, all while adding a touch of charm to your home decor. With its minimalist design and sturdy construction, it’s the perfect solution for modern pet owners looking to seamlessly integrate their furry friends into their living spaces.

4. Room Divider

Designer: Sarunphon Boonto

Bilid is a meticulously crafted rattan room divider that seamlessly merges traditional craftsmanship with modern design. This double-sided divider features contrasting straight and wavy lines, symbolizing unity amidst diversity. Each panel is thoughtfully woven with locally sourced rattan, offering a harmonious blend of warmth and coolness to your space. With its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, Bilid adds both style and functionality to any room, creating a tranquil atmosphere while making a bold design statement.

5. Planters

Designer: Mason Home

Experience nature year-round with this versatile planter that is crafted from rattan and iron, it features a border, vase, and stand, making it the perfect addition to modern decor while ensuring easy maintenance.

6. Travel Bags

Designer: Zidi Chen of Shantou University

The Regression travel bags are a fusion of modern design and ancient Chinese basket-weaving techniques. Crafted from durable rattan, these eye-catching pieces offer both beauty and practicality. With breathable, shock-absorbent qualities and a flexible Lycra interior, they effortlessly adapt to your needs. Perfect for those seeking style and functionality in their luggage, they’re ideal for frequent travelers. However, their pristine beauty may make some hesitant to subject them to everyday wear and tear.

7. Trays

Designer: Fabinidia

Elevate your serving experience with the addition of rattan trays, infusing a touch of natural charm to your tabletop presentation.

8. Innovative Product Design

Designer: Wiktoria Szawiel

This visually intriguing rattan stool challenges perceptions. Crafted from eco-friendly rattan, it showcases the material’s versatility in furniture design. Comfortable and undeniably cool, it’s a testament to creativity and sustainability. As the world embraces a more eco-conscious future, this stool leads the way in innovative design.

The post Reviving Rattan: A Contemporary Take on Classic Style first appeared on Yanko Design.

What is Jesmonite and Why is it Gaining Popularity in Contemporary Product Design?

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Jesmonite, a flexible substance crafted from a fusion of gypsum sourced from sedimentary rock and water-based acrylic resin, is gaining popularity among artists, eco-conscious enterprises, and DIY enthusiasts. This material emerged in the UK in 1984 and is credited to Peter Hawkins. Jesmonite is known for its durability, flame resistance, and impact resistance, is ideal for crafting objects of all sizes, readily accepting colored pigments and metal powders when mixed. Additionally, it is a preferred option over alternatives like fiberglass, plaster, polyester, or resin because of its safety, eco-friendliness, and user-friendliness.

Designer: Pepper Please Studio

How is Jesmonite made?

Jesmonite, derived from the natural mineral Gypsum is ground into a fine powder and is then blended with a water-based resin. Resembling stone when fully cured, Jesmonite has a rapid setting time of as little as 30 minutes. However, it gradually cures over 24 hours.

What are the benefits of using Jesmonite?

The top benefits of using jesmonite include:

• Versatile Material:

Jesmonite, a versatile material, can replicate any texture and can be pigmented to achieve any color. It is adaptable to various shapes and sizes, effortlessly mimicking the appearance and surface finish of numerous materials such as wood, stone, metal, and even leather.

• Flexible:

Jesmonite can be molded into various shapes and can be used to create both simple and complex designs.

Female sculptor working in pottery studio workshop sculpting human head.

Image courtesy of: zoranzeremski

• Lightweight:

Although Jesmonite can give the appearance of stone, concrete, or metal it is light in weight which makes it user-friendly and easy to handle. Due to its lightweight nature, Jesmonite is favored in other fields where casting and molding are prevalent, particularly in architectural stone and plasterwork applications that demand reduced weight.

• Highly Durable:

Jesmonite is renowned for its durability, withstanding cracking, chipping, and damage while remaining waterproof when sealed. It also resists staining, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, effortlessly handling everyday wear and tear.

• Multiple Finishing Options:

Jesmonite offers versatile finishing options, easily customizable from smooth and matte to rough and textured, making it ideal for crafting unique decor pieces. Unlike concrete and plaster, Jesmonite requires minimal effort to achieve desired finishes without the need for specialized tools or techniques.

• Eco-Friendly:

It is non-toxic, does not emit harmful VOCs, and can be combined with other recyclable materials, further helping to reduce environmental impact.

What are the applications of Jesmonite?

Jesmonite can be used for multiple purposes across various fields and is primarily employed in sculpting and crafting three-dimensional artworks, it also doubles as a suitable painting substrate when paired with other materials. Additionally, Jesmonite functions adeptly as a surface material in construction, offering an appealing alternative to resin-based options like polyester and fiberglass, and is utilized for casting and laminating tasks.

Designer: Pepper Please Studio

Note: Despite being low-hazard, with no need for harmful solvents during mixing and emitting no toxic fumes, caution is urged during mixing, requiring protective gear like rubber gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask in a well-ventilated area, while cleanup is easily done with water.

1. Furniture

Designer: Malgorzata Bany

The Contemporary Jesmonite Side Table – Acacia, designed by Malgorzata Bany, draws inspiration from daily cleansing rituals and natural decay. The ACACIA collection embodies an intuitive construction method, carving the material to create foam molds, ensuring each piece is unique as each mold is used only once. Additionally, the textured body of the acacia vessel recalls Japanese Tsukubai, ceremonial washbasins symbolizing purification for visitors at holy places.

Designer: Hilda Hellström

Crafted by Swedish designer Hilda Hellström, this artistic table is composed of a blend of plaster and jesmonite, and serves various functions as a centerpiece, game, or dining table. Showcasing remarkable artistic vision and practicality, it stands as a true testament to elegance and sophistication.

2. Wall Planters

Designer: Préssec Design

Flora combines a cork pinboard with hanging jesmonite planters, offering a stylish WFH wall accessory. As hybrid and remote work is becoming a popular norm, innovative designs for home office accessories have emerged, including multifunctional solutions integrating storage and organization features. Sydney-based Préssec Design created Flora during the lockdown, initially experimenting with concrete casting before transitioning to jesmonite for seamless integration with the corkboard. Customizable with colorful thumbtacks, Flora maintains crisp edges through meticulous prototyping, using silicone molds for jesmonite casting.

3. Sculpture

Designer: Manny Woodard

Manny Woodard’s sculptures, such as “The Flying Man,” embody contemporary figurative jesmonite sculpture. Woodard’s works prioritize the nuanced dynamics between individuals rather than superficially attractive subject matter, often portraying ordinary people regardless of conventional beauty standards, occasionally depicting individuals who are overweight.

4. Lamps

Designer: Emily Marlin

This lamp is meticulously crafted in Wales from jesmonite/terrazzo material and is perfect for adorning bedside tables or coffee tables next to any sofa. The lamp features a captivating blend of black, white, and copper fragments, exuding modern elegance. Complete with a 1.5m black fabric cable and switch, it offers both style and functionality to illuminate any space with sophistication.

Designer: Egg Designs

The Totem lamp collection draws inspiration from Brutalist forms and incorporates hand-applied details for an individual artisanal flair. Crafted with a terracotta base finished in textured black Jesmonite plaster, each lamp is paired with a shaped raffia shade and polished brass stem, ensuring versatility to complement various interior styles.

5. Stone Carving

Samar, created by British stone carver Zoë Wilson, pays homage to friendship through its intricately precise multidirectional ridges, forming a captivating geometric pattern. Crafted from Jesmonite with a Portland finish, Samar derives its title from the Arabic word meaning ‘to sit together in conversation at sunset.’ The stone craftsmanship embodies a strikingly modern yet timeless aesthetic, effortlessly blending into various environments.

Designer: Zoe Wilson

In Zoë Wilson’s stone carving “Breath,” crafted from Jesmonite with a Portland finish, delicate overlapping circles form a hypnotic pattern, symbolizing the tranquillity she finds in the creative process.

6. Eco-Friendly Products

Designer: Sarah Christensen

Sarah Christensen utilizes Jesmonite, a popular eco-friendly alternative to resin-based products, along with spent coffee grounds to craft everyday homeware. These materials are combined to create solid objects resembling terrazzo, with each product consisting of 40% coffee grounds and 60% Jesmonite. Christensen’s focus on plant pots, candle holders, and soap dishes encourages indoor gardening and mindfulness while repurposing coffee waste. Additionally, she aims to integrate her homeware into the circular economy by utilizing broken pieces for other purposes, showcasing how coffee can continue to benefit the world beyond its primary function of energizing individuals.

7. Homeware

Designer: Grace

Jesmonite lends itself well to molding into diverse shapes, making it an excellent option for crafting various decor pieces such as trays, cups, jars, and other homeware items. These decorative jesmonite trays blend artistry with functionality. Jesmonite products, composed of a reactive mineral base and water-based acrylic resin, are non-solvent and free of VOCs, making them eco-friendly and versatile for various uses at home.

Designer: Marta

The one-of-a-kind multi-colored terrazzo-style bowl, crafted entirely by me using Eco resin and Jesmonite materials and pastel hues.

8. Wall Relief

Designer: Theodóra Alfreðsdóttir

The ‘Wall Jesmonite Relief’ by Theodora Alfredsdottir is a captivating geometric artwork that seamlessly blends artistry, geometric shapes, and functionality, perfect for interior decor. Crafted from versatile jesmonite with a discreet keyhole for easy wall mounting, it looks stunning in various color options.

In conclusion, Jesmonite is highly versatile, durable, and lightweight, finding extensive use across construction, architecture, and art industries. Its ability to replicate natural materials, along with its strength and durability, makes it an ideal choice for diverse projects and design applications.

The post What is Jesmonite and Why is it Gaining Popularity in Contemporary Product Design? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Computer mouse design has to be scratched and deteriorated to show its true self

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We see plenty of designs that try to address one of the computer mouse’s biggest problems, that of ergonomics. Truth be told, however, it’s unlikely that it will change en masse and for good, considering how the horizontal shape of this device has been so ingrained in our consciousness for decades. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there’s no room for experimentation, especially when it comes to adding some value to a traditional mouse design. That can be through its shape, its texture, or even its materials. The latter is something that this curious concept tries to play with, suggesting a computer mouse that you intentionally want to get scratched or quickly deteriorate just so that you can see the secret color or design hidden underneath its skin.

Designer: Liang Yao (苦 口)

Physical products age and deteriorate over time, but those that provide some utility tend to grow old and wear down faster. Not all materials, however, age as gracefully as leather or brass, materials develop unique patinas from their use. Wood can chip, metal gets scratched, and plastic fades or gets discolored. Normally, you wouldn’t want your stuff to even get dinged, let alone scratched, because it then loses its value, but this computer mouse concept is the complete opposite.

“Scratch-off” is a design that adds an extra layer on top of the mouse’s actual design that’s not meant to last forever. Just like those lottery scratchcards, the temporary material on top reveals a prize or a dud when you scratch it off. Of course, you won’t intentionally scratch this mouse’s surface, but it adds a bit of thrill and excitement as you slowly see the hidden design underneath.

This actually brings a lot of opportunities for branding and advertising, with logos or markings hidden underneath the outer layer of the mouse’s surface. Of course, it could be a long burn depending on the kind of material used. After all, it might take weeks or even months before the mouse’s outer cover gets scratched off or peeled completely. In some cases, however, there might even be a marketing gimmick where you intentionally damage the mouse’s surface to reveal some visual gem underneath, hopefully in a safe manner.

The concept, however, does raise the question of the material that should be used to implement this outer layer. It has to be easy to scratch or fade, but not too quickly like some plastic sheet that will defeat the entire purpose of anticipating the product’s deterioration. At the same time, however, it has to be a hygienic material that won’t leave flakes behind, considering how your hand will always be making contact with the mouse.

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This sustainable packaging for eggs is inspired by stamps & made from paper foam!

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Sustainable designs, especially packaging designs, are giving designers food for thought – very literally in some cases – to find solutions that can reduce waste and the burden on the planet! The Stamp Egg packaging stands out from the rest because it is detachable and made of PaperFoam which is sustainable, eco-friendly, low-carbon, highly recyclable, and home compostable material – it is truly egg-cellent!

Think of Stamp Egg as having your eggs individually wrapped but instead of plastic, it is a super sustainable and compostable material. It has all the necessary elements for an egg carton – easy open and close, protective form, and stackability. As the name suggested, it is inspired by a postage stamp that lets you tear out individual pieces from the collection, and now you can do it with your eggs.

This form also helps you save more space in the refrigerator and easily count the eggs without opening the package thus keeping them fresh for longer as they are less affected by temperature changes. Also, the separately packaged eggs can be easily packed for a picnic or in a lunch box without compromising on protectiveness or playing Jenga with the other items.

PaperFoam is a studio based in the Netherlands that specializes in making environmentally friendly packaging material widely used in electronics, cosmetics, medical devices, and food applications. The bio-based product is made out of starch, cellulose fibers, and water all with a very low carbon footprint. It can be composted or recycled at home with paper. Curious to learn more about this innovative material? Read about the manufacturing process, detailed benefits, and more here! 

“After experimenting with the material to enhance its look and its mechanical properties, I had to find a proper application for it. I aimed at designing a mass-produced everyday object within the packaging industry, which proved to be a successful field of application for PaperFoam as it was resistant, natural, and could be customized with branding,” says Yoon. “The purpose was to approach this project in a sustainable way, think about a valid and meaningful alternative to already existing products, combine maximum efficiency with aesthetic quality using an environment-friendly approach throughout the whole lifecycle.”

Compared to the cellulose-pulp, foam, or plastic boxes, the Stamp PaperFoam egg trays are lighter (beaten only by the Polystyrene ones) and emit much less carbon dioxide compared to their competitors (96% less than pulp, 91% less than PS, and 87% less than PET). Easy to achieve with the injection-molded manufacturing process, the product is cost-effective, energy-efficient, high-performing, and attractive!

The carton’s dimpled form accommodates individual eggs and prevents them from coming into contact with one another. An improved hinge holds the units together and makes the cups easy to separate into single independent boxes which saves space and keeps them fresh for longer. The name of the brand and the nutrient contents can be directly embossed on the material surface, saving on additional labeling costs and making recycling easier. Stamp is egg-straordinary!

Designer: Il-Seop Yoon

The post This sustainable packaging for eggs is inspired by stamps & made from paper foam! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sustainable tiles made of recycled glass gathered from old appliances are reducing electronic waste!

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Everyone is chasing the next sustainable material that will change the design industry, from seaweed to mushroom no stone (or plant) is left unturned given how urgently we need alternatives to combat climate change. But at the same time, very few are looking at how to recycle existing sustainable materials like glass that can give them a second life! Common Sands is a design project focused on just that – recycling glass from consumer electronics and turning them into tiles that would otherwise end up with electronic waste.

Glass is sustainable from its origin to its end. While the process of making it contributes to emissions like most things, we can counteract it by extending the life of the glass as it is infinitely recyclable rather than letting it go to waste only to make more of it. Sand is a crucial resource to our technology-focused society, it does a lot more than lay at the beach! We production of silicon microchips, fiberoptic cables, insulation, solar cells, and it is also the primary ingredient in glass which is used in the production of consumer electronic products such as fridges, microwaves, and computers.

Despite strenuous attempts to extract, transport, refine and process sand into complex electronic components, not much is done to recycle these components when the electronic goods are discarded after use partly because there are no clear directives on effectively processing glass from electronic waste. To address this issue, a Norwegian architectural design office called Snøhetta collaborated with Brussels-based Studio Plastique to research and explore the possibility of recycling as well as utilizing glass contained in electronic waste.

After multiple trials, prototypes, and variations, the team developed a standard process for recycling electronic waste glass components as well as an application that integrates its variable material quality – glass tiles! This is where Italian ceramic tile manufacturer Fornace Brioni came in and brought their experience, industrial know-how, production facilities, and potential for scalability to the project to the table. The team is starting with waste glass from ovens and microwaves to demonstrate the aesthetic depth, function, and potential of the recycled material.

Using recycled glass, the team made tiles in two different sizes that were both opaque and transparent. Each one had a unique pattern and look, but all the tiles showed a deeply complex, terrazzo-like material quality. This determined that they are suitable for a wide range of architectural applications, including both surface coverage and semi-transparent partition elements! Common Sands has now turned potential waste into architectural glass tiles that are scalable, infinitely recyclable, and effectively reducing electronic waste!

Designers: Snøhetta, Studio Plastique, and Fornace Brioni

The post Sustainable tiles made of recycled glass gathered from old appliances are reducing electronic waste! first appeared on Yanko Design.

This interactive lotus-shaped art installation moves in response to light!

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Art installations like the Lotus Oculus have all the elements that make it a piece you can stare at for hours – it is intriguing, intelligent, and inspiring. This nature-inspired structure uses a smart material that mimics how flowers act when greeted by the sun, thus the dome also is reactive to light! Lotus Oculus was commissioned by Bulgari and was placed in the Modern Art Gallery in Milan.

The story began in 2010 with a little curiosity and a lot of research on smart materials. Studio Roosegaarde’s design team was searching for a material that looked like something that came from nature and also responded to stimuli in real-time. That is how smart flowers were born and over a decade, the studio has done multiple art installations evolving in scope and shape but maintaining the common factor – they all open in response to light and Lotus Oculus is the most recent one.

Lotus Oculus pays homage to the grandeur of the Pantheon and continues the legacy by creating an organic architecture of movement and shadows. This dynamic dialogue is what Daan Roosegaarde calls Techno-Poetry,” the artist explains. When you see the art in motion, it seems to breathe in the air around it. The geometric orb is made of several small panels of smart material and each of which curls into a flower shape when stimulated!

The entire exhibit comes to life as the parts fold and unfold in response to the changing environment and light intensity which presents a show of light and movement throughout the space. The interactive installation is a mix of art and design, it was awarded the A’Design Gold Award and Media Architecture Award Denmark. Some installations are permanent like the Lotus Maffei in the Palazzo Maffei Museum in Verona, Italy and the Lotus Dome in Sainte Marie Madeleine Church in Lille, France.

This striking installation draws you in, observe, move around it and bring the petals to life as you interact with it. Roosegaarde describes this tangible connection between light and material as “a metamorphosis of nature and technology. In search of a new harmony between people and the environment, Lotus is a work of art and a pilot for more organic architecture.”

Designer: Studio Roosegaarde

The post This interactive lotus-shaped art installation moves in response to light! first appeared on Yanko Design.

These origami greenhouses reduce plastic waste using a sustainable material: inflatable bamboo!

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You will find that in a lot of Southeast Asian countries people still use the traditional plastic-covered greenhouses and they are super popular in India which is the world’s second-biggest agricultural country. Polythene sheets are cheap and easy especially for those in developing countries like India where over 60% of the population depends on agriculture for income. We know that plastic is bad (and still find it so hard to remove it from our lifestyles), but most people in these countries don’t fully grasp that and the quickest way to convince them is by providing them with an accessible sustainable alternative while educating them simultaneously. This way we fast-track their sustainable journey and Designer Eliza Hague has already come up with the alternative solution – inflatable bamboo greenhouses!

Hague is a student at the University of Westminster where she is pursuing her Masters in Architecture. Her design features shellac-coated bamboo to emphasize the use of biomimicry in different disciplines of design – in her case it is providing eco-friendly architectural solutions inspired by nature. For the main structure, Hague drew inspiration from the Mimosa Pudica plant which closes its leaves when it senses danger and that is how she came up with collapsible beams featuring inflatable hinges. It gave the greenhouse a unique origami effect (it actually looks like paper too!) and also enables the structure to be easily flat-packed for transportation/storage. Rows of these bamboo-paper greenhouses can be connected to shared houses constructed from the soil, which has a high thermal mass, providing shelter from extreme temperatures in India. Hague envisions that the greenhouses would be shared by multiple families and would provide each family member with enough food to be self-sufficient, creating communal greenhouse villages in the city’s more rural and isolated areas.

“The tutors in Design Studio 10 encourage you to analyze what it means to be truly sustainable in architecture, rather than integrating sustainability as a generic requirement which is often seen throughout the industry. This helped to develop my project into something that challenges the suitability of widely used materials and current lifestyles. In light of the pandemic, the idea that architecture can provide spaces to encourage self-sufficient living has become more prevalent as we rely on supermarkets more than ever. This notion stimulated the desire to create a design that not only responded to its local environment but proposed innovative solutions to these challenges,” says Hague as she continues to develop her design so it can someday be an accessible alternative that will reduce plastic waste and educate people at the same time. Also, who wouldn’t love a cool, sustainable, origami dome as a greenhouse?

Designer: Eliza Hague

Polythene is used all over India because it is cost-effective for the rural demographic but it needs to be replaced each year which generates tonnes of plastic waste. With Hague’s alternative, the environmental impact can be minimized as the design uses locally sourced bamboo and natural resins extracted from trees.

The bamboo is then coated with shellac resin which makes it weather-resistant and gives it a texture similar to paper.

To set it up, all one has to do is inflate the greenhouse with air, cover it up with the bamboo-shellac material and fit the expandable fin-like black solar balloons that would sit between the inflatable beams and cladding for the hinges to facilitate natural ventilation based on the heat from the sun.

bamboo greenhouse

As each individual requires 40 meters-squared of greenhouse space to grow enough food to maintain self-sufficiency, the concept accommodates the potential different typologies based on two-person, three-person, and four-person homes.

Harvard created a wool-like 3D-printable material that can shape shift

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What if you could have gym clothes that could automatically open cooling vents whenever you work up a sweat and close them when you’ve dried out? You might be able to get your hands on gear that does just that in the future, and it could use a materi...

The World’s Brightest Fluorescent Material Gives Us SMILES

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If you really want to stand out at a rave, you dress up in fluorescent colors and then stand under the black lights. But if you want to take your illumination to 11, there’s a new material that could up your visibility even more.

A team of chemists from Indiana University, the University of Copenhagen , and the University of Southern Mississippi have developed a unique material they claim is the brightest fluorescent substance on the planet.

Known as SMILES (small-molecule ionic isolation lattices), the material is made by creating a crystalline powder, then spinning it into a thin film or incorporating it into a synthetic polymer. While there are lots of highly fluorescent dyes out there, what makes this accomplishment special is that it’s really hard to maintain their fluorescence in solid materials because their molecules stick too closely together, diminishing their brightness. By engineering a special donut-shaped molecule, the scientists were able to find a way to keep them further apart, resulting in a much brighter material. According to their research, SMILES is 30 times brighter than cadmium selenide quantum dots, a fluorescent material used in medical imaging.

If commercialized, the technology could help to improve medical lasers, solar cells, 3D displays, and more. I’m not sure if rave accessories are on the list though. For more information on the SMILES research project, you can find their full paper over on Chem.

[via TechEBlog]

Researchers control a game of Tetris using a breathable wearable sleeve

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Researchers from North Carolina State University created an ultrathin, stretchable electronic material that is gas permeable, or breathable. They believe that it could be used for biomedical and wearable technologies, and to put it to the test, they...