We could be just a decade or two away from an actual city on Mars, thanks to the team at “SONet” (Sustainable Offworld Network), which includes Dr. Gisela Detrell from the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart (Germany). They developed ‘Nüwa,’ a network of five cities that offers its residents easy access to resources and mobility on a long-term basis. It will be able to expand and grow without supplies or support from Earth, but rather resources from the Red Planet itself. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
The Monsanto House of the Future was an attraction at Disneyland’s Tomorrowland between 1957-1967, and it offered a walkthrough experience for visitors, mainly to demonstrate the versatility of modern plastics. There were many household appliances on the cutting edge of technology at that time, including microwave ovens, which eventually became commonplace. Within the first 6-weeks of it opening (June 12, 1957), the house saw over 435,000 visitors, and ultimately, over 20-million people before closing. Read more for a video and additional information.
H/t: Laughing Squid
Italy-based Capellini teamed up with designer Fabio Novembre to create Adaptaion, a sofa that seems to be off-balance or broken at first, but is actually a clever optical illusion. This is due to its wedge-shaped seat cushions and simple color scheme. Don’t let the design fool you, the sofa boasts a variable legs system of different heights with the cushions gradually growing in size to make the seat base perfectly parallel to ground level. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Palari Group and Mighty Buildings have officially announced the development of the world’s first community of 3D-printed zero net energy homes located in Rancho Mirage, California. A 5-acre parcel of land will be transformed into a planned community of 15 eco-friendly homes, built utilizing the 3D-printed panelized Mighty Kit system by Mighty Buildings, which eliminates 99% of construction waste, thanks to to the efficiency of operations with solar energy and weather-resistant materials. Read more for a video and additional information.
For those who have seen “Parasite,” one thing you may not know is that production designer Lee Ha Jun created the house based on a basic sketch drawn by director Bong Joon–Ho. In the movie, this architectural masterpiece was designed by fictional architect Namgoong Heonja, but the property is actually just a series of film sets created by Lee. An architect who goes by “MonsterKook” online recreated a miniature version of this home from cement, complete with electricity. Read more for a video and additional information.
Photo credit: Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners partnered with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) to build the Red Sea International Airport, which has just begun construction in Saudi Arabia, set for completion in 2022. It aims to be the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism development, offering an exclusive experience of unparalleled diversity for discerning global travelers, complete with a dolphin-shaped hub that consists of five fluid dune-shaped roofs that form the airport itself in a radial layout. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Startup Thinking Huts partnered with architectural and 3D technology firms for the “Building Minds Project,” which will build the world’s first 3D-printed school in the Southeastern Anosy region of Madagascar. Sustainability is key, and that’s why the buildings will feature 3D-printed walls, and locally-sourced construction materials for the roof, doors, as well as windows. This area was chosen for its economic growth potential, political stability, and solar energy possibilities. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Josiah and Steph Photography
IKEA is known for their DIY furniture, so it is no surprise that they have started making pre-built tiny houses. The Swedish company partnered with Vox Creative and RV builder Escape to make this happen, with the Boho XL Wide being their first model, which starts at $47,550 USD. Following in their hygge (cozy) style, the kitchen includes cupboards made from recycled plastic bottles, furniture built into the walls as well as a collapsible desk. Read more for a video additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Park Sang-Gun via YankoDesign
Summer is just months away for those in the northern hemisphere, and that means lots of pesky flies. FOLD may appear to be a standard folding fan, but it’s actually an innovative USB-powered fly swatter. When not in use, it folds into a compact case and can be charged via USB-C. Open it up? The mesh area is electrified and can zap just about any insect with ease or even double as a fan to cool you down on warm days. Read more for additional pictures.
You’ve probably seen pictures of SQ4D’s 3D-printed home in New York, but here’s a first look inside the 1,407-square-foot structure, complete with a 2.5-car detached garage. The footings, foundation, slab, and walls are all printed by a fully custom 3D printer, called the Autonomous Robotic Construction System, that had to be designed from the ground up. However, once things got going, the walls alone took 28-hours to print, while the entire home took 8-days to finish building. Read more for two videos and additional information.