[ Filed under Conversions & in the Architecture category ] In the midst of insanely high housing prices in Tel Aviv, Israel, clients who want to upgrade their living spaces are left with few choices. One client, the owner of a tiny 40 square meter studio, decided to keep her current abode and transform it entirely. The client wanted to trade in her studio apartment for a one bedroom. Rather than adding walls to divide the space, SFARO Architects added a central command center contained in a cube in the center of the apartment. The central cube contains storage, a kitchen, a bathroom and the resident’s entertainment gadgets. Sliding ...

[ Filed under Furniture & in the Chairs category ] Yet another brilliantly efficient German design, this new twist on the classic folding chair concept is at least a worthy prototype to potentially replace its predecessor. Still also a little German in its lack of comfortability, though, it could arguably use some cushions if intended for extended use. Finally, also in German tradition, it is titled with a single compound word: Klappstuhl – for now simple plywood and single-color-painted variants are available with other options soon to come. ...

[ Filed under Contemporary & in the Architecture category ] The plan is at the heart of this elegantly elemental forest home set with a light touch (atop elevated footings) on an island in Finland. The layout thrusts residents back out in four different directions, taking focus off the smallness of the space and emphasizing its intentional lack of center. Designed by Avanto Architects (images by Anders Portman and Martin Sommerschield), the secondary functions (for it also omits core uses) of the retreat each exist on one arm of a four-pronged spiral. Outside, dark stain makes it blend with the landscape, except for soft squares of light at the terminus of each arm. ...

[ Filed under More & in the Installation Art category ] Like an anatomy lesson played out with inanimate objects, this museum exhibit bridges that fine gap between art and design. Bulgarian artist Konstantin Achkov is intentional in his choice of displays, creating patterns that can be appreciated as stand-alone pieces but that also challenge the viewer to try and mentally assemble them into a greater whole. Each dark furniture object is matched with light elements on a dark board – if anything, one might wish that they were not set right next to each other, so that visitors to the gallery might have to guess which flat works matched ...

[ Filed under Green Homes & in the Architecture category ] One big key to small-spacing living is vertical space – with nine feet in each horizontal direction, the only way to go is up. At the same time, this particular design manages to look like it evolved somehow organically, with elements not simply occupying every spare spot. Everything manages to coexist and flow within the limited area provided, including custom chairs, tables, kitchen zone (with microwave and refrigerator), full-sized shower, composting toilet, washing machine and double bed. LED lights and recovered heat help keep fixture needs to a bare minimum, while a timber frame with red and plywood ...

[ Filed under Tables & Stands & in the Furniture category ] Some designs start with practical realities, others with artistic inspiration, but some mix the two from start to finish, like this hybrid glass-and-wood Grand Canyon Table. Amit Apel introduces a river of glazing sandwiched between wooden panels that is neither devoid of use nor specific to any particular purpose. The result is a visual highlight as well as a place one could imagine would evolve a specific meaning or usage over time – perhaps that is where you put a piece of sculpture, or the book you are currently reading, versus the general-purpose rest of the surface area. ...

[ Filed under Lamps & Lights & in the Furnishings category ] Like line drawings brought to life, these quirky minimalist lighting elements manage to be cute, simple, playful and contemporary all at the same time. As an added surprise, the video illustrates their flexibility as well – the sharp-seeming corners are really not as risky around the edges as they look. DING3000 writes of their work: “The quick hand sketch of an archetypical lamp was the inspiration for 2D LED. By means of modern LED technology it is possible to keep the body of the lamp as thin as possible, which gives the luminaire the appearance of a ...

[ Filed under Lights & Mirrors & in the Fixtures category ] You could call it a conversation piece perfect for a dinner party, but you might want to say so softly, or “they” might hear you. Functionally, it looks like quite a compelling set of little spotlights, all suspended from a black powder-coated steel frame that articulates on demand. But of course there is some social commentary here, too, about Big Brother who might just be watching … even in your living room. Designed by Humans Since 1982, this is one of many similar ‘minimalist message’ pieces from a collective that likes to use simple blacks and whites ...

[ Filed under Kitchens & in the Interiors category ] When it comes to conversions – particularly ones with sweeping views – it is hard to beat the minimalist approach, letting context and background speak for themselves. And so it is with this project by Minimal USA, a partial renovation in DUMBO on the waterfront, in the most luxurious residence the area has to offer (valued at 25 million dollars). The building and tower itself date back to 1915, with the top later converted into a whopping 6500-square-foot loft that looks out in all directions. Imported this, triple-lacquered that, the details are of course top-of-the-line stuff, but really, the best ...

[ Filed under More & in the Gadgets & Tech category ] It is a technophile’s worst nightmare: being stranded away from home with no power outlet to charge a depleted gadget. Designers Haimo Bao, Hailong Piao, Yuancheng Liu & Xiameng Hu propose Continuance as a brilliantly simple solution to this dilemma. Continuance is a line of rechargeable batteries with a powerful addition: a USB port on the side. The addition of a USB cord lets the stored power in the battery transfer to another location. The USB plug allows users to charge gadgets when away from home – provided they can remember to slip one or two of the ...