Ever wonder how boards turn from trees into building materials? While not a secret, the process is also not entirely obvious – and rarely this clear or quite so visceral.

Vincent Kohler (photos by Geoffrey Cottenceau) shows the art and geometry of the dissection process in much the same way an insect specialist might cut and splice a living specimen

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Smiling Opel

18 Jun
2013

Smiling Opel

Steel Drake’s design for Opel (Buick in America) gives the brand a much-needed breath of fresh air. Called the Lancorte, it looks a bit like a cross between a CR-Z and an Eclipse… sporty but reserved for the older target customer. If its price point is as low as the brand’s other models, the coupe will be worth


No need to swap out your existing deadbolt with a newfangled device – this circular switch slots right over your locking mechanism, but shifts the method of unlocking to entirely new territory.

Designed by Jason Johnson and Yves Behar, the Smart Lock can sense your approach automatically, saving you the trouble of taking out your virtual ‘key’, or can be activated remotely


WIN chair Nautica Swing!

When I was growing up, I remember that I spent many hours in this comfortable chair swing that is hooked up to the ceiling of my balcony. Many hours spent reading books, watching the sunset, idling over a cuppa hot coffee on a gloomy rainy day! This swing chair was my go-to place, my consolation. Well,


Part prototype, part experiment, but entirely excellent, this mobile shelter was a design/build labor of love from its scrappy start to its rustic finish.

Aaron Maret made this 200-square-foot structure mainly from reclaimed and salvaged materials and local upcycled hardwoods.

After spending time downsizing and living in it himself, he has put the building up for sale … and unfortunately been

Wooden Skyscraper

17 Jun
2013

Wooden Skyscraper

It might surprise you to discover that this is a 34-story residential skyscraper proposed for Stockholm’s cultural center is not made up of steel, but almost entirely of wood! Although not often used in such verticals, the material is chosen for its lightness, natural climate control, acoustics and exposed aesthetic qualities. While the exterior facade shines with glass,

3D Pentax

17 Jun
2013

3D Pentax

Although they may be sight impaired, the blind have heightened intuitiveness and imagination. To help them ‘see’ the bountiful beauty around them, this concept camera helps print three-dimensional images of whatever it captures. With features like adjusting the depth of the shot and its range, it offers an engaging and virtual experience. An idea worth exploring, what do


A two-story courtyard featuring an oculus for six willow trees, surrounded by a peaceful reflecting pool on the upper level, provides a sense of separation between the homes of a retired couple and one of their adult children. Located in Singapore, the Wall House by FARM is technically one residence with two separate, self-contained ‘blocks’ of living space linked at


A seat that loops over the head of the sitter provides a sense of enclosure and privacy in busy public environments like airports and hotel lobbies, or simply reduces distractions at home. ‘Windowseat Lounge’ by San Francisco design studio Mike & Maaike simply extends three ‘walls’ to create a room within a room.

Incorporating these architectural elements makes it easier

The sound on the spot

15 Jun
2013

sound on the spot

Sound + Go is a travel-friendly wireless speaker that allows you to take your phone and tablet melody at every turn. The durable exterior makes it ideal for carrying to the beach, park, or anywhere at home, and its battery system offers hours of playtime. It’s also a great first portable audio solution for kids! Get

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