Foxythings

Wind Building

We've seen rotating buildings before, but this design by California-based designer and artist Michael Jantzen is not only aesthetically interesting, but is also a lightweight renewable energy solution. The Wind Shaped Pavilion is a fabric structure with six levels each serving as a wind blade. They capture wind energy and use it to illuminate the building at night. The wind moves the levels whichever way it pleases, constantly changing the appearance of the building and the view from inside.

(via Inhabitat)

miniHomes

Introducing the miniHome, officially an RV (recreational home) but also a new way of sustainable living. Designed by Canadian company, Sustain Design Studio, this home is the smaller response to the Living Home (which I blogged about earlier this week). The miniHome is made from 100 % green materials (no vinyl, CFCs, unsustainable wood, etc.) and is completely powered by self-contained wind and solar energy. Therefore, the structure doesn't require any municipal infrastructure, but a water source (lake or water supply) will be needed for full-time living.

With a starting base price of about $107,000 USD, the miniHome is also more affordable than the Living Home. I realize I'm comparing apples (RV) to oranges (full-size house), but if McDreamy can live in a trailer, why can't we? After all, the 350 sq. ft. miniSOLO model is already 100 sq. ft larger than my Hong Kong apartment. Unfortunately, these miniHomes aren't designed for humid regions like Hong Kong, but they're ready for the freezing Canadian winter.

Links:
miniHomage - Sustain Design Studio's blog

(Via Reading Toronto)

The Googleplex

From the latest issue of Fast Company, all about "The Masters of Design":

Completed just last year, Wilkinson's new offices for Google's Mountain View, California, headquarters are a paean to boundless ambition and nonconformity. At the core of the Googleplex, as it's called, is a miniature city of tented glass rooms, padded pavilions, and Astroturf lawns, all anchored by a monumental stair that's embedded with laptop ports, to encourage stoop- sitting during the workday. For Mother, a top-shelf London ad agency where employees are accustomed to working around a communal table, Wilkinson built on tradition, but on a massive scale, installing a 250-foot-long concrete "desk" that swoops around like a racetrack and seats up to 200.

I can only imagine that the Googleplex is a thing of beauty.  One day, when I have my own company, I will prioritize the design of workspace. And like Google, pets are invited to work.

Links:
Time Magazie's photo essay of the Googleplex
Google Culture, by Google

Living Homes

 

I take back what I said about this blog as a frivolous collection of things I like because while they are still "just" things, well-designed products (and places) serve a purpose. They are about living better.

For example, Living Homes (above). Designed by American architects, these houses are made with non-toxic materials and come with built-in systems to reduce indoor pollution and energy costs. They're beautiful on the inside and out!