The Rowan Tiny Home is the latest offering from Tiny House Listings, and it takes a fresh attitude to small-space living. At first glance, it’s the clarity of its single-level layout and the inviting front porch that set the tone. The house stretches 34 feet in length and is slightly wider than most, measuring 10 feet across, which immediately gives the interior a more open and relaxed feel. Finished in engineered wood with a durable metal roof, the Rowan balances minimalist lines with a sense of solidity and comfort that’s rare among park model tiny homes.
The interior experience of the home is all about spaciousness and thoughtful functionality. The 340-square-foot interior unfolds in a way that feels purposeful and uncluttered, with each zone flowing effortlessly into the next. The living room greets you first—bright, comfortable, and anchored by a sofa and built-in cabinetry, it’s a space that easily accommodates lounging, conversation, or a quiet evening with a book. Natural light pours in from generous windows, reinforcing the home’s sense of calm and connection to its surroundings.
The kitchen serves as the center of the home, and it is designed with everyday living in mind. There’s an induction cooktop, plenty of counter space, and room for additional appliances—unusual flexibility for a home of this size. Storage is handled with efficiency, with clever cabinetry and nooks that keep everything close at hand but out of sight. The dining area, just steps away, makes the most of the open plan, creating a seamless transition between meal prep, dining, and relaxation.
The bedroom is quite impressive, amped with a full double bed and built-in closet that offer comfort and practicality, while the single-level design means there’s no need for ladders or lofts. Ample headroom and easy circulation make this space feel like a true retreat, rather than a compromise. The bathroom, too, is generously sized for a tiny home, with a modern shower, vanity, and enough space to move around without feeling boxed in. Every detail has been chosen to support full-time living, from the fixtures to the layout.
One of Rowan’s strongest assets is its versatility. The covered front porch extends the living space outdoors, perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The Rowan functions well as a primary residence or a weekend escape; its proportions and features adapt easily to different lifestyles. It’s a home that encourages you to slow down, focus on essentials, and enjoy the daily rituals of living.
The design language throughout is minimalist but never cold, with subtle Scandinavian influences that emphasize light, warmth, and natural materials. There’s a sense of permanence here—the Rowan isn’t just about squeezing life into a smaller footprint, but about expanding what’s possible in a compact home. It challenges assumptions about tiny living, offering an experience that feels grounded, comfortable, and genuinely livable.
Los Angeles has long been at the epicenter of America’s housing crisis, with high costs and limited inventory making homeownership unaffordable for many. The multiple fires this year have also made the situation worse. This year, a new wave of optimism and hope arrived with the “Small Lots, Big Impacts” initiative, a collaboration between the City of Los Angeles, UCLA’s CityLab, and advocacy group LA4LA.
Their design competition invited architects to reimagine starter homes for city-owned small lots, challenging the notion that space is the primary barrier to affordable, family-friendly housing. The result is a collection of inventive, buildable homes that could reshape the city’s housing landscape. The competition was divided into two categories, “Gentle Density” and “Shared Future,” each encouraging creative approaches to maximize livability on minimal footprints.
One of the entries is Shared Steps, designed by California architecture studios WORD and SSK. Responding to the challenges of infill development, the team devised a composition of stepped buildings that reads as a single, cohesive residential facade from the street. Behind this unified exterior, however, are three separate, three-storey buildings, each accompanied by its accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Also in the Gentle Density category, Brooklyn-based studio Light and Air presented 4X4X4, a scheme that brings four three-level houses to a single lot, each with the capacity for ground-floor ADUs. The design uses precast concrete panels punctuated with generous cutouts, allowing for floor-to-ceiling glass and expansive terraces. These features cultivate an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that resonates with Los Angeles’ climate and culture, while the stacked format delivers the density required to make a real impact on housing availability.
Nationally recognized firms also made their mark on the competition. Olson Kundig’s entry envisions a “vertical neighbourhood,” using a scalable mass-timber structure clad with solar panels. This design weaves together three primary buildings with shared amenity spaces, and its modular units can be removed or reconfigured to carve out outdoor spaces as needed. The flexibility of this plan is particularly valuable in a city as dynamic and diverse as Los Angeles, offering the possibility for custom-tailored community spaces and a sustainable, adaptable housing model.
What ties these projects together is their blend of density, flexibility, and a deep sensitivity to context. Rather than imposing generic solutions, the designs respond to the unique qualities of Los Angeles’ neighborhoods and the economic realities of its residents. These refreshing and impressive concepts leverage small lots and innovative design strategies, and could help unlock thousands of new homes, making the dream of affordable homeownership and vibrant, walkable communities more attainable for all Angelenos.
Si comme moi, vous pensiez qu’un bon hacker devait avoir un arsenal d’outils sophistiqués, l’histoire d’Adrian Lamo va vous retourner le cerveau.
Windows 98, Internet Explorer et Notepad. C’est tout.
Avec ces 3 outils basiques, ce type a réussi à pénétrer les réseaux de Microsoft, de Yahoo et du New York Times. Et pendant que d’autres développaient des malwares complexes, lui prouvait qu’une faille reste une faille, peu importe vos outils. Voici donc l’histoire de ce “Homeless Hacker”… un mélange de génie technique, de précarité sociale et de tragédie humaine dans un cocktail qui ferait pâlir les scénaristes de Mr. Robot.
Amnesia House, designed by Edmonds + Lee Architects, introduces an uncommon sense of calm in the wilds of Northern California. Conceived as a minimalist retreat, the home steps away from the city’s demands, offering a space that feels both elemental and contemporary. Its structure responds not only to the shifting light and landscape, but also to the pressing realities of fire resilience, integrating function without sacrificing a certain quietude. The home’s geometry is simple, its palette muted, expressing a belief that beauty emerges from restraint.
Entering the Amnesia House, one notices how openness defines the experience. Expansive glass frames the forest, letting daylight move freely across polished concrete floors and white oak millwork. The main living space is open and uncluttered, anchored by a kitchen that blends seamlessly into the architecture. While every detail feels deliberate, nothing distracts from the view or the sense of escape. Amnesia House is not an exhibition of excess but a distillation of what’s necessary for rest and reflection.
The architects created this design with a clear intention: to build a counterpoint to their celebrated Remember House in San Francisco. Where the urban project is layered and gallery-like, Amnesia House is more monastic, favoring horizontality and understatement. The roofline is crisp, echoing the brush of the landscape, while deep overhangs provide shelter from both sun and wildfire embers. This sensitivity to the environment is present in every aspect, from the fire-resistant materials to the way the building settles into its site.
Living here is about engaging with the elements rather than shutting them out. Windows slide open to the breeze, and the main terrace extends the living area outdoors, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior. The furniture is minimal, the art sparse, leaving room for the changing light and the sounds of the forest to become the home’s true adornments. There’s a deliberate absence of distraction that encourages a slower pace, a deeper connection with the landscape.
The plan of the home is efficient—two bedrooms, a flexible guest suite, and a main living core that adapts to both solitude and gathering. Every finish is chosen for durability and ease of maintenance, reflecting an understanding that a weekend retreat should never become a burden. The firewise strategies—metal roofing, non-combustible siding, minimal landscaping close to the house—are integrated so seamlessly that they become part of the architecture’s overall serenity.
Amnesia House champions an approach to living that finds luxury in simplicity and resilience. Rather than striving for spectacle, the architects frame the essentials: light, shelter, and a connection to place. The result is a home that fosters reflection and comfort, offering its owners not just a retreat from the city but a gentle reminder of the elemental pleasures of quiet design. In this way, Amnesia House serves as both a functional refuge and a subtle meditation on the art of living well.
Sunlight, a German camper brand under the Erwin Hymer Group, has long positioned itself as a maker of well-built, functional recreational vehicles for adventure seekers. With models like the CLIFF campervan and its VAN series based on Fiat Ducato and Citroën chassis, the company has carved a name in the market by offering quality, affordability, and a lifestyle-centric design approach. Its offerings combine streamlined interiors, flexible layouts, and thoughtful add-ons like panoramic roofs, modular bedding, and adventure-ready editions. Now, Sunlight is preparing to take its off-grid philosophy further with the VW Ibex concept, its boldest and most rugged camper design to date.
The VW Ibex concept departs from typical touring campervans with an exterior package aimed at overlanding. Built on the Volkswagen Crafter chassis, the Ibex features raised suspension, all-wheel drive, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, and functional exterior upgrades like roof racks, a light bar, an external spare wheel, and lash panels. The front-end protection, wheel arch guards, and cladding around the body give it a distinctive off-road character that goes far beyond paved campsite roads. The camper embraces a visual language of durability and movement, consistent with Sunlight’s tagline of “outdrive the ordinary.”
The brand has flirted with more adventurous formats before. Its 2019 CLIFF 4×4 Adventure Van, built on a Fiat chassis, catered to the active crowd with gear-specific storage, a modular hammock, and wakeboard holders. But the Ibex pushes that boundary further. While it remains a concept for now, Sunlight has hinted that a production model may not be far off, suggesting serious intent to address the emerging overland market. If brought to production, the Ibex would mark a major shift toward ruggedized adventure campers that merge capability with lifestyle-centric interiors. Inside, Sunlight vehicles typically favor practical, open layouts over decorative excess. Their recent VAN series, including the V60 and V66 models, integrates space-saving cabinetry, convertible lounges, and bright wood tones in its “Sandbar” trim design. The company’s interior focus remains grounded in functionality, optimized for either couples or small families, with models ranging between 19.5 and 22.5 feet in length. Most of these vans are designed to sleep two to four occupants and remain accessible in price, usually starting around $57,000, depending on the base platform and features.
Sunlight’s marketing reflects a shift toward outdoor sports and action imagery, with visuals featuring surfing, climbing, and mountain biking through scenic locations. The Ibex embodies this evolution in brand identity, aiming to be more than just a mobile living space. Instead, it’s pitched as a launchpad for high-mobility adventures across terrain that traditional RVs rarely reach. By venturing into the off-road camper segment, Sunlight appears poised to broaden its appeal while preserving the balance of simplicity and sophistication it’s known for. Whether parked at a forest trailhead or scaling gravel paths in the backcountry, the VW Ibex concept is a signal that the brand is preparing for a future beyond the grid—one where exploration is no longer limited by the road ahead.
Shipping container homes have captured the imagination of architects and homeowners alike, offering a sustainable and flexible approach to modern living. These compact dwellings transform industrial steel boxes into stylish, functional spaces that challenge traditional notions of what a home should be. In 2025, designers are pushing boundaries even further, combining smart layouts, clever insulation, and thoughtful finishes to create tiny homes that feel surprisingly spacious and comfortable.
Whether you’re drawn to the rugged charm of exposed steel, the efficiency of minimalist interiors, or the appeal of high-end amenities packed into a small footprint, there’s a shipping container home to suit every taste. We have curated a collection of five interesting designs that each bring something unique to the table. From multi-container family dwellings to budget-friendly solo retreats, these homes reveal why container living continues to inspire a new generation of tiny house enthusiasts around the world.
1. Double Duo
The Double Duo tiny house reimagines shipping container living by joining two 40-foot containers side by side. This approach results in a surprisingly spacious 640-square-foot interior, a size that is impressive in the world of tiny homes. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms make this house ideal for a couple, a small family, or those seeking a guest space with all the comforts of a modern home. An open living area creates room for gathering, while the flexible floor plan ensures every inch is put to good use.
The exterior can be left exposed for an industrial look or finished with wood cladding to add warmth and character. Large windows brighten the interior, bringing in plenty of daylight and connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The Double Duo’s thoughtful layout and generous size make it an inviting option for those seeking container living without the usual compromises on comfort or privacy.
What we like
Spacious interior with two full bedrooms and bathrooms.
Flexible exterior finish options for customized curb appeal.
What we dislike
The larger footprint may require more land and setup.
The heavier structure can complicate transportation and installation.
2. The Nook
The Nook makes the most of a single 20-foot shipping container, offering a compact 160-square-foot home designed for affordability and simplicity. The black exterior, paired with cedar accents, creates a contemporary look that turns heads. Inside, the layout is efficient, with a sleeping area, kitchenette, and bathroom all within easy reach. Closed-cell foam insulation keeps the interior comfortable year-round, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort in a small space.
Windows and doors are strategically placed to maximize natural light and views, giving the home an airy, open feel despite its size. The Nook is a perfect solution for solo dwellers or couples looking to downsize without sacrificing style. Its budget-friendly approach makes it attainable for those starting their tiny home journey or needing a compact guest suite or office.
What we like
Affordable, minimal design for budget-conscious buyers.
Insulated shell offers year-round comfort in any climate.
What we dislike
Limited living space may feel restrictive for more than two people.
Compact kitchen and bathroom limit extended stays or hosting.
3. Rising Sun
Rising Sun by UnContained Dreams is a compact shipping container home that makes clever use of its 9.6-foot height and 8-foot width. Despite its smaller footprint, the interior layout is both comfortable and practical. The designers have addressed the challenges of insulation and thermal performance by applying closed-cell spray foam to the ceiling, floor, and walls. This keeps the house cozy in winter and cool in summer, while the addition of multiple windows ensures the space is bright and inviting.
The exterior features metal with wood trim, achieving a functional look that balances utility with a touch of warmth. Doors cut into the container provide easy access and ventilation, and the thoughtful use of space inside allows for all the essentials. Rising Sun offers a practical solution for those who want a simple, well-insulated, and easy-to-maintain home.
What we like
Superior insulation for year-round comfort.
Efficient layout maximizes usable space in a compact footprint.
What we dislike
Slightly smaller than traditional trailer-based tiny homes.
Limited width can affect interior design and furniture choices.
4. Modern Side Stack
The Modern Side Stack takes shipping container living to new heights with three high-cube, 40-foot containers arranged in a unique side-by-side configuration. This design delivers a generous 900 square feet, creating a sense of openness rarely found in container homes. The house features multiple outdoor spaces, including decks and patios, that expand the living area and invite residents to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Custom touches throughout the interior showcase the versatility of modular design.
This home’s layout includes spacious bedrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, and thoughtfully integrated storage. The large windows and sliding glass doors make the interior feel connected to nature and full of light. Located in rural Texas, the Modern Side Stack demonstrates how container homes can be comfortable, efficient, and stylish, even in remote settings.
What we like
Expansive floor plan with custom outdoor living zones.
Modular design allows for creative layouts and personalization.
What we dislike
Three-container setup can be more costly and complex to build.
Requires significant site preparation and infrastructure.
5. Delta Model
The Delta Model by Ark Tiny Homes features an attention to comfort and practicality within a single 40-foot container. This highly insulated home boasts premium amenities and a thoughtful layout that avoids the cramped feeling often associated with tiny homes. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring a full gas range, dishwasher, microwave, and a 10-cubic-foot refrigerator, all arranged for maximum efficiency. Ample cabinetry provides excellent storage, making meal prep and daily living a breeze.
A 9,000 BTU air conditioner ensures the home stays cool or warm regardless of the season. The interior is well-lit and inviting, with the living and sleeping areas designed to feel open and accessible. At a price point of $59,500, the Delta Model offers great value for those seeking a quality container home with all the essentials.
What we like
Full-featured kitchen and extensive storage options.
Effective climate control for comfort in any weather.
What we dislike
Larger appliances may reduce available living space.
The price may be higher than more basic container conversions.
The Five Four tiny home by Designer Eco Tiny Homes is a study in compact living where every inch is designed with intention. Its footprint measures just 5.4 meters in length, making it smaller than many city apartments, yet it comfortably accommodates up to four people. The home’s form is simple and understated, featuring a plywood interior that adds warmth and a quiet, textured quality. Large windows and a sliding glass door invite daylight into the main living space, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoors. The result is an atmosphere that feels open and calm despite the home’s minimal dimensions.
The open-plan layout allows the living, dining, and sleeping areas to flow into one another, avoiding the sense of confinement that can sometimes characterize smaller homes. The kitchen is straightforward, equipped with an electric cooktop, sink, and compact fridge. It offers enough workspace for essential tasks while keeping the footprint minimal. There’s a clear focus on utility throughout, with each element serving a purpose and contributing to the overall cohesion of the space.
Sleeping arrangements in the Five Four are flexible. The model is available with or without a loft, offering options for both those who prefer all amenities on a single level and those who want the added separation or storage a loft provides. The loft version can host a sleeping area or simply serve as extra storage, keeping the main floor uncluttered. The main bedroom and living zone merge, allowing the space to adapt to different routines throughout the day, whether lounging, reading, or sleeping.
Storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated. The open areas remain uncluttered thanks to the use of built-in cabinetry and the option for a loft to function as a storage area. The bathroom, tucked discreetly behind a sliding door, is equipped with a modern shower, full-sized vanity, and medicine cabinet. This approach keeps the private zone distinct without sacrificing accessibility. The house’s compactness also brings the advantage of easy maintenance, which is often sought after in minimal living environments.
Mobility is another key feature of the Five Four. Its small size and weight, under 4.5 tons, make it relatively easy to move compared to many other homes. If you’re someone who requires flexibility or may need to relocate, this feature is especially valuable. Off-grid options further underline the home’s adaptability, opening up possibilities for living in more remote or unconventional locations.
The Five Four does not attempt to do everything at once. Instead, it refines the essentials, creating a living space that feels both practical and inviting. The plywood finish, subtle layout, and honest materials echo the clarity and restraint often found in minimal design style. In this home, the focus shifts from excess to experience, and the beauty lies in how each element quietly supports the rhythms of daily life.
Casa Tobi, designed by Espacio 18 Arquitectura, is perched on the rugged coastline of Oaxaca, near Puerto Escondido, as a peaceful retreat for a family of photographers. The home is positioned to capture sweeping western views of the ocean and sunsets, with its structure following the natural slope of the land. The location offers a sense of calm away from city life, allowing the natural environment to play a central role in everyday moments. Each element of the house is designed to frame and highlight the surrounding landscape, bringing the outdoors into the daily experience.
The architectural approach elevates the house above the rocky terrain using concrete supports, which keep the footprint light on the land and preserve the native vegetation underneath. The exposed concrete exterior, combined with wooden and stone accents, gives the building a robust yet welcoming character. This material palette echoes the textures and tones of the coastline, creating a sense of harmony between the built and natural environments. The form of the house is shaped by the needs of the site and the desire to create a lasting, durable home.
Within the home, the spaces are organized to capture the best of the surroundings. Communal areas like the living room, kitchen, and dining space open toward the ocean, drawing in natural light and sea breezes. Large sliding doors and generous windows erase the boundaries between indoors and out, allowing life to spill onto the terraces and shaded patios. The materials inside remain understated, with warm wood and cool stone balancing the concrete’s strength, reflecting the colors and feel of the landscape.
Bedrooms in Casa Tobi are tucked away to ensure privacy, yet each maintains a strong connection to the outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows and access to quiet terraces give these rooms a sense of calm, with views that stretch out to the horizon. Bathrooms follow a similar philosophy, combining functionality with moments of openness. Natural ventilation and thoughtful shading help keep the spaces cool, reducing reliance on artificial systems and making the most of coastal breezes.
Utility and function are present throughout the design, from the way the structure responds to the steep slope to its integration with the local climate. Outdoor living areas are protected yet open, providing comfortable spaces for relaxation or gathering. The concrete shell shields the home from the elements while allowing daylight to reach deep inside. Each design choice reflects a careful consideration of both family needs and the qualities of the coastal site.
Casa Tobi is a thoughtful example of architecture engaging with its environment. Its design and materials respond to the landscape, while the interior spaces encourage a connection to the rhythms of the coast. The house offers its residents a true sense of refuge and a unique perspective from which to experience the Oaxacan shoreline. Through its careful integration of function, form, and setting, Casa Tobi becomes a place shaped by its natural context and the lives of those who inhabit it.
Développé par Madh93, cet outil en Go baptisé Prxy résout un problème que beaucoup d’entre nous subissent en silence à savoir comment accéder proprement à ses services auto-hébergés sans transformer sa connexion en passoire ou en goulot d’étranglement. L’idée, c’est du split-tunneling application par application, une approche chirurgicale qui évite les compromis habituels.
The term “real estate” often conjures images of market transactions, property values, and investment portfolios. Viewed through the distinctive lens of Yanko Design, the concept shifts. It becomes less about the commodity and more about the crucible of innovation where architecture, interior design, technology, and sustainability converge to shape how we experience space and how we live. While the platform covers a diverse range of design disciplines, from mood lamps to coffee machines, its exploration of property consistently prioritizes design ingenuity, user experience, and forward-thinking solutions.
Even metaphorical uses of the word, such as describing precious screen space on devices, reinforce a core idea: space is opportunity. Whether physical or digital, real estate reflects evolving interactions between people and their environments.
Living Architecture
Yanko Design consistently highlights architecture that goes beyond shelter. These are intentional environments, grounded in context and built to support life with clarity and purpose. They shape routines, stimulate senses, and adapt across generations.
Mid-century homes offer enduring examples. The Mori House in Oregon frames forested views with cedar and a folded roofline that manages rain while pulling the eye upward. In Texas, the Wine Country Courtyard uses limestone and a breezy courtyard layout to regulate heat and encourage outdoor flow. Palm Springs’ Thunderbird House embraces desert logic with terrazzo flooring, deep eaves, and selective apertures for solar control. Each structure distills the same principle: design should work with, not against, its setting.
These homes last because every decision is grounded in purpose. Form follows function and site.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Integration
The publication frequently revisits Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work underscores what it means to build with organic awareness. His homes, from Prairie to Usonian, follow the terrain, emphasize horizontality, and integrate custom furnishings to reduce visual noise.
Fallingwater, in my view, captures this mindset. Terraces extend over waterfalls. Stone emerges from the terrain. Interiors unfold around light, proportion, and flow. Wright designed for response, not routine. His aim was to align buildings with place and season.
Nature in the Design Language
Biophilic design is a recurring theme. Yanko Design explores how homes embed nature rather than just face it. Projects like the Portland Japanese Garden extension or Singapore’s PARK ROYAL stack greenery, water, and wildlife across vertical layers.
Green roofs cool interiors, filter water, and restore ecology. Internal gardens, such as those in the Slope House, or dense plantings within urban compounds, reshape how people breathe, see, and move through space. Even structures like Easyhome, integrating over 400 trees, show how density and greenery coexist.
In these examples, form is informed by the environment. Feeling follows the light, air, and material connection to place.
Material Integrity
Material decisions tell stories. Yanko Design focuses on how selections reflect climate, purpose, and endurance. Oregon cedar, Texas limestone, recycled bricks in Shanghai, or cross-laminated timber in contemporary cabins, each reveals logic, not luxury.
Tambour wood panels used in hotels and retail interiors bring warmth and curvature to otherwise flat surfaces. Their application blends texture with acoustic and spatial fluidity. In these examples, the material is never incidental. It drives comfort, character, and continuity.
Small Spaces, Big Ideas
Compact architecture features prominently. These aren’t novelties but testbeds for new ways of living. From corner-lot micro homes in Tokyo to off-grid Scandinavian cabins, the common thread is resourcefulness.
Layouts include sleeping lofts, netted lounges, climbing walls, and rooftop decks. Interior storage tucks beneath stairs, and sliding walls reshape rooms throughout the day. These homes offer mobility, self-sufficiency, and adaptability without design compromise.
Constraints prompt clarity. Yanko Design also highlights downsides such as tight quarters and limited privacy, and treats these as factors to weigh, not flaws to ignore.
Modular and Prefab Approaches
The publication covers modular construction closely. Projects like the Folding Dream House or Octothorpe House show how pre-cut timber panels, container modules, or foldable sections can reduce waste, speed builds, and expand access.
These methods shift the building process from onsite improvisation to offsite precision. The result is scalable, reconfigurable housing that responds to shifting needs and locations.
Smart Design, Integrated Tech
Technology is featured with restraint. Yanko Design focuses on how devices integrate into space, not dominate it. Visual harmony matters: brushed finishes, neutral tones, compact profiles.
Smart lighting, climate control, and audio systems remain hidden until needed. Builders pre-plan wiring routes and system upgrades. Even garden systems such as automated irrigation planters support biophilic integration.
Good tech becomes part of the home’s rhythm. It doesn’t interrupt. It augments.
Virtual Frontiers
The future of real estate includes digital terrain. Yanko Design’s coverage of the Liberland Metaverse, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, explores the idea of virtual plots with physical implications. These spaces propose new models of ownership, interaction, and permanence.
Concept designs extend this thinking. Visualizations depict stacked cityscapes, tunnel-access mountainside retreats, and moss-filled interiors. Some concepts riff on nature’s geometry. Others critique density, automation, or hyper-urban futures. All provoke thought.
Speculative architecture challenges the limits of what buildings can be. It introduces new ways to think about structure, ownership, and design freedom.
Looking Ahead: How Design Shapes the Way We Live
Real estate, as interpreted here, moves away from transactional value and centers on lived experience. It reflects choices in materials, layout, and environmental awareness.
From Wright’s vision to forest-integrated rooftops, tiny homes to prefabricated experiments, the thread remains the same: how we live is shaped by what we build. And what we build, when done with care, reflects the best of how we hope to live.
One of the most wasteful things that happen to me regularly is that I have to throw away some fruits that have spoiled or have become overripe because they are placed together in a fruit bowl. Apples are some of the most common culprits as a rotting apple produces ethylene gas that affects the “decay” of nearby apples. Sure you can just separate them from each other but that’s not the most efficient use of space. There should be a simple design solution for that right?
Designer: Agota Jonas
The Fruitbridge is a simple but inventive solution to this common problem. Instead of a usual bowl where the fruits pile upon each other, this uniquely designed dining room accessory elevates each piece of fruit to promote airflow and also minimize contact with each other. It’s a simple, thoughtful, and even aesthetic solution to a common kitchen problem. The core idea behind the Fruitbridge is simple yet brilliant: each fruit rests on its own individual “bridge,” creating a gap beneath and around it.This elevated positioning allows for crucial air circulation, preventing moisture buildup that can hasten decay. By keeping fruits separated, the risk of bruising from the weight of other fruits is also significantly reduced.
It is a functional object and a stylish addition to your kitchen or dining table, showing off a vibrant orange, a crisp apple, or a bunch of grapes as they “sit” comfortably on their own miniature platform. The materials used in the Fruitbridge likely play a role in its effectiveness and aesthetic. While the specific materials might vary depending on the iteration, the focus seems to be on creating a stable and easily cleanable structure that complements the natural beauty of the fruit. It also uses low-energy fabricating methods like laser cutting, cold rolling, and hand finishing. It is also eco-friendly as the leftover pieces are reused for smaller products like tealight holders and keychains.
The Fruitbridge, as envisioned by Agota Jonas, directly addresses this frustration with an elegant and practical design. It’s more than just a fruit holder; it’s a thoughtful tool that helps bridge the gap between purchase and perfect consumption, ensuring you get the most out of your healthy haul. For anyone seeking a way to extend the life of their fruits while adding a touch of modern design to their kitchen, it is a compelling and innovative solution.It’s also a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the most significant impact on our daily lives.
Vous vous souvenez quand votre ex vous a largué pour “prendre du temps pour réchéfliiiir” (oui il/elle l’a dit comme ça…) et qu’ensuite, il ou elle est revenu(e) en rampant quelques mois plus tard ?
Eh bien, VMware vient de faire pareil avec sa version gratuite d’ESXi. Après l’avoir brutalement buté début 2024, Broadcom vient discrètement de la ressusciter, comme si de rien n’était. En tout cas, c’est ce qu’on a découvert dans les notes de version de ESXi 8.0 Update 3e : “Broadcom makes available the VMware vSphere Hypervisor version 8, an entry-level hypervisor. You can download it free of charge from the Broadcom Support portal.”
Savez-vous ce qu’on peut faire avec 2 MHz de puissance de calcul, 2 Ko de RAM et une palette de 52 couleurs ? Non ? Et bien avec ça, en 1986, Nintendo créait The Legend of Zelda, le chef-d’œuvre qui a changé nos vies !
Et en 2025 pendant que certains perdent leur temps à emmerder le monde avec leurs obsessions pathologiques, d’autres comme le développeur kn56k ont décidé de relever le même défi que Nintendo à l’époque pour créer de nouvelles aventures. C’est le cas de Knight on the Moon, un jeu qui transpose le gameplay légendaire de Zelda sur une mystérieuse lune extraterrestre. Exit Hyrule et la fantasy médiévale, bonjour les vaisseaux spatiaux et les aliens hostiles !
Tiny house builders constantly seek ways to maximize living space, and this clever model addresses the challenge with an innovative interior design that includes a rooftop terrace, complete with seating and a pergola. Designed by Modern Shed, this tiny house is constructed on a triple-axle trailer, measuring 34 ft (10 m) in length and 10 ft (3 m) in width. This increased width creates a more open interior feel but requires a permit for towing on public roads in the US. The exterior features a painted shiplap finish.
As previously mentioned, the layout of this tiny house deviates from the standard design in different ways. The main entrance consists of sliding glass doors that open directly into the living room, creating an inviting and airy transition from outside to inside. This central living area occupies the middle section of the ground floor and includes comfortable seating, clever storage solutions, and a ceiling adorned with wood elements. The space also includes an underfloor heating system to offer warmth during the cooler months.
The kitchen isn’t adjacent to the living room as seen in most tiny homes. Instead, it has been ingeniously positioned in one of the loft areas, accessible via a short flight of steps. The kitchen boasts generous headroom, allowing easy movement and an airy atmosphere. It comes well-equipped with modern appliances, including a fridge/freezer, a compact dishwasher, an electric cooktop, and a microwave. A cozy small dining table provides a perfect spot for meals. The kitchen also features an impressive ceiling design that merges wood and cork, adding a unique aesthetic appeal to the space, and a touch of nature.
The rooftop deck is conveniently accessed from the kitchen area by climbing some steps that cleverly double as storage units. This elevated outdoor space is outfitted with comfortable seating and tables, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying leisurely meals in the open air. The deck is topped with a pergola that provides a pleasant mix of sunlight and shade, and is designed to be easily removable for safe storage when the house is on the move.
The bedroom in the home can be accessed via a set of steps from the living room. The loft space is equipped with a double bed, and an overhead skylight which allows natural light to stream in during the day, while offering a view of the stars at night. A lowered standing platform elevates the functionality of the bedroom, making it much more convenient for residents to stand upright comfortably and get dressed easily. The bathroom is on the ground floor of the house, and it contains a vanity sink, toilet, shower, a washer/dryer, and direct access to the outside through a secondary entrance. This little dwelling is currently priced at US$149,000.
Called the Sunny Bunkie, this little home can accommodate a modern bunk-bed structure, as its name implies. Built by Canadian tiny home builder Sunshine Tiny Homes, this house is intended to be a versatile and practical solution that offers extra space. No building permit is required for the home, and it has a starting price of $35,000, making it accessible as well. You can build your own Sunny Bunkie according to your specifications and have it delivered and installed at low costs. The home occupies only 100 square feet, which is quite small from the sounds of it, but it manages to pack a punch with its versatility.
The dwelling has many possibilities for utilization – it can be used as a guest room with bunk beds, an office area, and a living room. The bunk-bed setup ensures that not much space is occupied by the sleeping quarters. It can accommodate two people, and the built-in staircase offers easy access to the upper bed. The lower bed also features easy-to-reach storage. These simple yet meaningful details make this bunk bed modern and functional, unlike the basic kids’ bunk bed we often see. This little home can house three beds, and the unique bunk-bed configuration can be used for B&B-inspired accommodation.
The Sunny Bunkie has more than enough space for a home office and a small lounge with a sofa and multiple storage options. As you enter through the glass doors, you enter a space that is cozy and inviting. The glass doors visually make the interior seem more spacious, giving the floor space a more generous impression. The space also features a small exterior deck, that allows the home to stay connected to its surroundings. The roof protects the deck as well, creating a sheltered outdoor space. This adorable deck is great for spending time with loved ones out in the sun, absorbing the beauty of nature.
The Sunny Bunkie may not be completely classified as a tiny home, but the adaptable home is built using the same high-quality materials as the Sunshine Tiny Home models. It is fully insulated to ensure comfort throughout the year and to enhance durability over time. Each unit comes equipped with lighting and a heating system, facilitated by a 30-amp sub panel that allows for easy connection to existing electrical systems. The Sunny Bunkie truly lives up to its name, offering the option to integrate a solar power system, making it both an affordable and sustainable modern living solution.
The Sunny Bunkie boasts an innovative exterior that promotes outdoor connectivity, while its versatile interior is designed to accommodate a wide variety of activities. If you’re about to embark on a tiny living journey or looking to efficiently expand your living space, then the Sunny Bunkie is an excellent choice with its blend of functionality, affordability, and sustainable design.
Valentine’s Day is about expressing love and appreciation for your special someone, not about the pressure of buying expensive gifts. It’s not about the pressure of purchasing extravagant gifts, but about crafting experiences that are both visually appealing and deeply meaningful. A thoughtful and meaningful present can speak volumes without straining your budget. Remember, a well-chosen gift is more than just a gesture; it reflects your understanding, respect, and admiration. The experience of giving the gift should be joyful, not stressful. Here are five affordable gift ideas that are simple, practical, timeless, and heartfelt—perfect for showing how much you care.
As a design enthusiast, Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity to blend creativity with sentimentality. It’s not about the pressure of purchasing extravagant gifts, but about crafting experiences that are both visually appealing and deeply meaningful. I remember one year when I decided to design a custom photo book for my partner. Instead of opting for a pricey store-bought item, I curated a collection of our favorite memories, each page thoughtfully designed to reflect our journey together. The joy in choosing this gift was unparalleled. It was more than just a gesture—it was a reflection of my understanding, respect, and admiration for my partner’s taste and our shared experiences. Designing the book allowed me to express my feelings through art and creativity, making the experience of giving it truly joyful and personal. With this mindset, I’ve compiled five affordable gift ideas that are simple yet sophisticated, timeless yet trendy—perfect for showing how much you care while indulging your love for design.
1. For Gamers
Shopping for a gamer on Valentine’s Day can indeed be tricky, especially if you’re not entirely familiar with their favorite game titles or specific preferences. Yet, fear not, because even a modestly priced, thoughtfully chosen gift can significantly enhance their gaming experience. Consider starting with accessories that upgrade their setup. A gaming ergonomic mouse pad, for example, provides essential comfort during those marathon sessions, reducing strain and allowing for smoother gameplay. RGB LED strip lighting is another fantastic option; it transforms any gaming space with customizable colors that set the perfect ambiance. These small touches can make a big difference in creating an immersive environment.
Additionally, practical gifts like cable management clips are invaluable for keeping a gamer’s setup neat and clutter-free, which is often a welcome improvement. For console gamers, thumb grips can enhance precision and control during play—an affordable yet impactful upgrade. To add a personal touch, consider surprising your gamer with themed artwork that reflects their favorite games or characters; this not only personalizes their space but also celebrates their passion in a unique way. By focusing on these budget-friendly options, you can show your appreciation and understanding of their interests without straining your wallet, all while making their gaming experience more enjoyable and personalized.
The Lexip Np93 Alpha gaming mouse integrates a two-axis thumb joystick, providing more control than traditional mice. It features 12 programmable buttons and six ceramic feet for smooth gliding, offering comfort and customization. This innovative mouse uses premium materials, including a soft coating and customizable RGB lighting, to fit any setup.
Additionally, the Lexip Np93 Alpha enhances the gaming experience with features like oil painting and double-injected rubber for a sleek, tactile grip. The customizable RGB lighting ensures it complements any gaming environment. This Valentine’s Day, consider giving the gamer in your life a gift that combines flexibility, control, and ergonomic design. The Lexip Np93 Alpha redefines traditional input methods, making it a must-have for serious gamers.
2. For Music Lovers and Audiophiles
If your special someone is a music lover, showing you care with unique and personalized gifts can create lasting memories without breaking the bank. Start with custom vinyl records that feature their name and a heartfelt message—these not only serve as a tangible expression of your affection but also as a cherished keepsake. Premium-quality headphones or noise-canceling headphones can transform their listening experience, offering rich soundscapes and uninterrupted enjoyment. For those who love tech, smart speakers are an excellent choice; they not only elevate the quality of their music but also offer the convenience of voice commands and smart home integration. A curated playlist of songs that hold special meaning for both of you adds a deeply personal touch, creating an auditory journey through shared experiences.
For an added vibe, consider LED soundbars that sync with the beat of the music, creating a dynamic and visually engaging atmosphere in any room. If your partner enjoys live performances, concert tickets make for an unforgettable gift—offering not just entertainment but also shared experiences that bring you closer together. For those who appreciate vintage charm, retro-inspired designs offer a timeless appeal, whether it’s in the form of record players, radios, or classic album art prints. These budget-friendly options allow you to celebrate their passion for music in thoughtful ways while expressing your love and appreciation.
Take a look at the budget-friendly Miniso G90 headphones that redefine audio innovation by integrating high-quality sound with a built-in detachable touchscreen. Designed for users who value functionality and novelty, these headphones feature premium noise-canceling technology that effectively reduces ambient noise, ensuring an immersive listening experience. Equipped with aptX Adaptive Sound and multiple EQ presets, the G90 optimizes audio clarity for various genres. Its foldable, lightweight design, coupled with plush memory foam ear cushions, offers superior comfort for extended use. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures seamless connectivity, while the intuitive touchscreen allows effortless control of music playback, calls, and noise-canceling modes.
Beyond its cutting-edge technology, the G90 stands out for its unique removable display, which showcases album art, track details, and essential information like time. Complemented by physical buttons for core functions, the headphones provide modern convenience and traditional usability. With a durable 10-hour battery life and a price point under $70, the G90 delivers premium features at an accessible cost, making it an excellent choice for gifting to music lovers seeking style, performance, and affordability in one device.
3. For Bookworms
If your partner is a bookworm who gets completely lost in the pages of a novel, consider enhancing their reading experience with thoughtful accessories that go beyond just another book. While a book may be enjoyed once, the right accessories can be cherished time and again. A well-chosen reading light or task lighting can provide better focus and reduce eye strain, making those late-night reading sessions more comfortable. LED neck reading lights offer a hands-free option, allowing them to read in any position without needing to hold a flashlight or lamp. These practical gifts show your understanding of their passion and support their literary pursuits.
To further elevate their reading experience, consider noise-canceling headphones or earbuds to block out distractions, providing an immersive environment for uninterrupted reading. If they enjoy sipping tea or coffee while getting lost in a story, a stylish tea kettle or coffee maker can enhance this cozy ritual. Bookends add charm and aesthetic appeal to their library, organizing their collection while also serving as decorative pieces. Simple yet meaningful, bookmarks are another delightful addition, offering both utility and personal expression. These budget-friendly gift ideas not only celebrate your partner’s love for books but also demonstrate your thoughtfulness in catering to their unique preferences and habits.
Creativity is not very expensive and the Paris Bookend, inspired by the city of love, makes for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for book lovers and design enthusiasts. Crafted with exquisite detail, this miniature Hausmann-style building brings a touch of Parisian romance to any bookshelf. Its signature Mansard roof supports books effortlessly, while charming elements like chimneys, windows, and a red door add a storybook-like appeal. Resting on a stable platform, the bookend seamlessly blends elegance with functionality, creating a timeless piece that evokes the beautiful streets of Paris.
Whether for a partner, friend, or oneself, this bookend serves as a thoughtful expression of love and appreciation, celebrating both literature and architecture in a uniquely artistic form. For those seeking a personalized Valentine’s Day experience, designer Ezra Feldman offers the 3D file for just $1.60, allowing individuals to print and customize their own Paris Bookend. This flexibility lets users create a one-of-a-kind gift, perhaps even transforming the piece into a decorative lamp with softly glowing windows.
4. For Techies
Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a tech enthusiast can indeed be challenging, especially if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. However, there are many practical and thoughtful options that can delight any techie without stretching your budget. Consider gifts that enhance their mobility and convenience, such as wireless headphones or portable chargers. These items ensure they never have to worry about running out of power while on the go. Solar chargers are another great option, offering an eco-friendly way to keep devices charged anywhere they travel. Multi-purpose chargers with fast charging capabilities or wireless charging features can also simplify their lives by consolidating multiple charging needs into one sleek device.
In addition to power solutions, consider gifts that help organize and streamline their tech setup. Cable management solutions, like sleek organizers or multi-cable stations, can keep their workspace neat and tangle-free—an often overlooked but much-appreciated improvement for those surrounded by gadgets. For a touch of personalization, look for tech accessories that align with their specific interests, whether it’s a smart home gadget or a unique piece of tech-themed decor. These budget-friendly gifts demonstrate your thoughtfulness and understanding of their passion for technology, ensuring they feel appreciated this Valentine’s Day while also enhancing their daily life in meaningful ways.
Any tech enthusiast surely loves minimalist design and wireless charging solutions where chargers have few or no physical buttons. For instance, the MagSafe Trio concept aims to reintroduce tactile interaction, offering a more engaging experience. By adding physical actions like a spring-loaded button to reveal the iPhone charger and a twist-and-pull knob for the Apple Watch, it makes charging feel more personal and intentional in a digital world.
Unlike early flat and horizontal wireless chargers, this concept incorporates vertical charging, adds a soft light feature for extra functionality and the design features a flat top for AirPods. While the concept provides a more interactive approach to charging, it may not suit those who prefer the convenience of simply placing devices down. MagSafe Trio offers a fresh take on wireless charging with innovative, engaging features and its multifunctional design has a very compact footprint making it a suitable addition to one’s desk.
5. For Health and Wellness Enthusiasts
When shopping for a health and wellness enthusiast, consider gifting thoughtful fitness accessories that align with their wellness goals. The key is to choose something they don’t already have, adding value to their existing routine. Essential oil diffusers are a great starting point, offering a calming atmosphere with their favorite fragrances. These can transform any space into a personal sanctuary, perfect for meditation or relaxation. A smartwatch equipped with a pedometer and stress management features can be invaluable for tracking daily activity and well-being, providing insights into both physical and mental health. These devices encourage mindfulness and help set achievable fitness goals.
Additionally, gifts like fitness trackers, workout earbuds, and headphones can elevate their exercise experience by providing motivation through music or tracking progress in real-time. Resistance bands and activewear are excellent additions to their fitness regimen, offering versatility and comfort during workouts. Practical items like gym gloves protect hands during weightlifting sessions, while a water bottle with hydration reminders ensures they stay refreshed throughout the day. A quality yoga mat offers comfort during stretches or yoga practices, supporting their journey toward better health. These budget-friendly options not only demonstrate your thoughtfulness but also support their commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making them feel appreciated and motivated in their wellness pursuits.
You can consider innovative wearable devices like the DnaBand, developed by DnaNudge, which provides personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual’s genetic profile. It functions as a smart fitness tracker, worn on the wrist, and performs real-time genetic analysis of food by scanning product barcodes. The device evaluates whether the selected food is beneficial for the user based on their unique DNA, displaying a green light for suitable options and a red light for less ideal choices. This functionality helps users make informed decisions about their diet, promoting healthier eating habits.
With its growing database, the DnaBand continuously refines its recommendations, providing more accurate suggestions as new information becomes available. The device is comfortable to wear, featuring a magnetic leather strap that fits all wrist sizes. Data is securely stored locally on the band, ensuring privacy and protection. The DnaBand also syncs with fitness activity, adjusting dietary advice based on real-time fitness levels. This wearable offers a seamless way to optimize health through personalized nutrition guidance.
No matter what Valentine’s Day gift you choose, what truly matters is cherishing your relationship and creating lasting, meaningful memories together. After all, the most precious gift is the love and connection you share.
Boxabl recently designed a tiny home called Baby Box that can be constructed in 60 minutes. And they’re back with another banger called the Casita! The Casita is another tiny home is more square footage, and it will be ready to move in within a day. Boxabl’s ingenious, foldable designs truly seem to be redefining the tiny home market. These homes can be built in a matter of hours, and they can be shipped directly to any destination. The Casita measures 19 ft long by 8 ft 6 in wide and 12 ft 4 in tall (5.8 x 2.6 x 3.8 m). Once the house has been unfolded, it measures around 19 ft by 19 ft with a 10 ft 9-in rooftop (5.8 x 5.8 x 3.3 m). The interior includes a spacious 9.5-ft (2.9-m) ceiling.
The Casita comes with fully pre-installed wiring and plumbing from the factory, making the installation process for this 13,000-lb (5,897-kg) home incredibly straightforward and hassle-free. In terms of convenience, it is even more convenient than travel trailers. Despite being a folding house, Boxabl claims the Casita is constructed to a higher code standard than many traditional manufactured homes.
There are two versions of the Casita available to accommodate various zoning requirements. The modular version is built in accordance with residential building codes. It is fully equipped with full-size electric appliances, including a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, and HVAC. It is also equipped with two entry/exit doors and is linked to the grid with a 100-amp service. The modular Casita can be stacked, or connected side by side, if and when your family grows.
Boxabl also offers another version of the Casita – the park model RV option. This model is constructed to meet RV specifications, following the standard ANSI A119.5 RV code. Unlike traditional homes, it is permanently affixed to a rolling chassis, similar to a travel trailer. Some unique features include having only one entry/exit door and the option for a propane-fueled stove. It requires a 50-amp or 100-amp service, much like larger RVs do.
However, both the Casita models share key features, such as energy-efficient insulation, LED lighting, a 30-gallon (113-L) electric water heater, a full bathroom, and pre-installed utility hookups (water, sewage, electricity), enabling homeowners to settle into their tiny homes immediately.
The Casita is the Boxabl’s first model, and it was released in September 2020. The company made its first delivery in 2020, by providing 156 Casitas for Camp Justice at Guantanamo Bay to house juries and lawyers. Casita has been utilized for humanitarian relief efforts – ranging from housing a copper mine workforce in Arizona to creating a commercial Airbnb community in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Australian tiny homes are renowned for their seamless indoor-outdoor integration, which enhances their spaciousness and strengthens the connection with the natural environment. These mobile homes are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want an immersive experience with all the amenities and functionalities of a modern urban home.
Uber Tiny Homes’ latest model, the brand-new Torakina, showcases this design trend beautifully. It fully embraces the outdoors with two separate entrances on one side, while expansive windows throughout the home increase brightness and provide stunning panoramic views.
The home features a single-level configuration which creates a unique and immersive experience. You are constantly surrounded by nature, which ensures there is no sense of isolation, and the entire space feels free-flowing and spacious. Sliding glass doors offer access to the exterior deck from the kitchen and bedroom. The glass doors blur the line between the interior and exterior, with the exterior deck expanding the home’s available floor space. This increases the sense of spaciousness and creates an indoor-outdoor experience that most modern homeowners crave.
The Torakina combines two distinct entrances to create a harmonious blend of openness and privacy, transforming the bedroom into a secluded retreat. The innovative kitchen/lounge layout offers a brand-new approach to interior design. This fascinating concept is the star feature of the Torakina. Tiny homes typically favor open-style kitchens and lounges without clear division, but the Torakina merges these spaces seamlessly. The kitchen cabinets extend into a built-in lounge, while a separate kitchen island serves as a visual focal point.
The kitchen is equipped with wide openings, which creates more spaciousness. It includes an island-bench that is truly quite versatile – it functions as a breakfast bar, meal prep area, and a storage solution. The placement is quite clever, as it offers the best views from any angle. When you open the glass doors, the kitchen becomes a surreal indoor/outdoor area.
The kitchen is outfitted with a full-size fridge and oven, as well as a generous countertop with storage underneath. The built-in lounge sofa serves almost as a natural extension of the kitchen countertop, allowing the lounge and kitchen to seamlessly combine into a unique U-shaped structure. This space contains a sofa, which can be converted into a guest bed.
Torakina features a single, yet luxurious, bedroom located at one end of the home for enhanced privacy. It offers exclusive access to the outdoor deck through separate glass doors. The panoramic views are quite breathtaking, and the clever design ensures an unobstructed line of sight from the bed, creating a remarkable sense of free-flowing space. This transforms the bedroom into an elegant oasis nestled within the natural surroundings.
Since the home includes only one bedroom, there is ample space to accommodate a double bed and full-sized dressers, along with a wide cabinet in the center for additional storage. The room includes two windows, which allow natural light to stream into the space. The sliding glass doors transform the master bedroom into a luxurious indoor/outdoor oasis. The Torakina creates the experience of a vacation getaway, while being perfectly suitable for full-time living.
This truly exciting and ambitious project is an initiative to repurpose an abandoned brutalist water tower. Over four years, a dedicated family collaborated to transform the 1960s relic into an sophisticated vacation getaway. The interior is artfully crafted to fit the tower’s circular architecture while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It stands at a maximum height of 75 feet (23 meters) and was originally designed by Edmund Percey in 1964. It was built to store 50,000 gallons (almost 230,000 liters) of fresh water for the nearby villages of Tonwell and Sacombe Park in Hertfordshire, England.
Designer: Matthew Grey
The transformation was handled by industrial designer Matthew Grey, with the support of his wife Ali and their children. The project was selected for Airbnb’s OMG! Fund. The family put together 10,500 lb of windows, 7.38 US tons of plasterboard, and 1.1 miles of metal framing to convert the reinforced concrete structure into a home, not to mention a whole bunch of blood, sweat, and tears.
“First we cut concrete,” said Grey. “Then we scaffolded to the first story and built the floors above, off the floors below. We purchased a 21-m [68-ft] scissor lift. We fixed the roof and renovated the superstructure. We installed [structural] steels, cut more holes and demolished. We ran the services. We built a 20-m [65-ft] staircase, by hand, step by step; then we built another. We lifted everything, first on ladders, then on ropes, then on a hoist, and finally on the scissor lift; loading everything we could, as soon as we could, and then we closed up.”
The interior of the water tower is thoughtfully arranged to make the most of its distinctive structure. The lower floors function as practical living spaces, including a home office, storage area, laundry room, reception area, and bedrooms, all designed to utilize the available space efficiently. As you move up the tower, you reach the star attraction of the conversion – an expansive open-plan living area that combines the kitchen, dining, and living spaces on the fourth floor, where the old water tank once resided. This level features generous floor-to-ceiling glazing, which elegantly frames the panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
The decor throughout the tower is tasteful and sophisticated, skillfully blending original period Danish and British furniture with modern conveniences such as a projector TV and a high-quality stereo system. The tower includes energy-efficient features like triple glazing to enhance insulation, a Daikin air filter, a heat pump, underfloor heating, and a robust “weapons-grade” fire system that prioritizes safety. These modern amenities combined with the aesthetic charm of classic furnishings, create a unique living experience that offers some history with contemporary luxury.
One glaring issue we can notice in the building is that the spiral stairs aren’t suitable for someone with disabilities. However, the designer is exploring a custom elevator system to address this issue in the future.
Connexion
