Huf Haus – High quality German post and beam system with extensive glazing.
Potton
Benfield ATT
Cloud Nine
Fleming Homes
Baufritz
Scandia-Hus
WeberHaus
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Huf Haus – High quality German post and beam system with extensive glazing.
Potton
Benfield ATT
Cloud Nine
Fleming Homes
Baufritz
Scandia-Hus
WeberHaus
{ 0 comments }
One of the coolest self build houses around is the Huf Haus.
Basically it’s a building in a box.
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Timber framed building solutions can be very cost effective. Most houses built using timber are built to the highest specifications and use skilled workers in factories to pre-fabricate the constituent elements, making sure that they adhere to strict quality guidelines.
Timber can be sourced from ethically managed forests and most house builders who use timber advertise this fact. It seriously lessons the impact the house build has on the environment. It is a lot less environmentally freindly to use bricks or concrete.
Timber framed houses can have many advantages over using other materials in a self build house. It enables the frame of the house to go up very quickly and a timber framed roof can mean that work can continue effectively and efficiently.
Timber beams can of course be made to look very pleasing to the eye and as the house is built using a frame structure it means there can be fewer supporting internal walls, leaving the floor space to be more open and flexible.
Log cabins have this advantage, being able to have a large open space on the lower floors as all the structural strength goes into the brick walls. It leaves you with a lot of questions about bricks.
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Living in an age when everybody and his dog seem to be a designer, sometimes it is easy to imagine that design has reached it’s creative limits, making it a challenge to find that design that really holds your attention, and even more so, something that you would actually make you buy it.
The next 30 products, some available to buy and some merely concepts of creative genius, will take you on a roller coaster through the unobtainable and dizzy heights of kitchen technology available today. It delves into the minds of those designers and brands who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and envision a new future of kitchen style – Science-kitchen.
1 – Vespeo espresso machine
Espresso machines do have a tenancy to follow a similar design vein, but this design by Stefan Radev really does take the biscuit. The Vespeo espresso machine is closely based on the iconic Italian scooter Vespa, it’s best feature being an indicator dial that shows information about steam and water levels, this part pf the design is taken directly from what an original Vespa’s dash, and is a really nice feature.
2 – the ‘Cantilever’ kitchen
These kitchens are the beautiful contemporary designs by the Toyo Kitchen & Living Co, they cross over between fashion and functionality and feature the astounding floating counter top design. The idea behind the range is that the kitchen is not simply a place to cook but to enjoy and express ones passion, the stainless steel design has both bold silhouettes as an artistic emblem and a slick dramatic look that would be at home in any modern environment.
3 – Garden Kitchens
The concept for an outdoor kitchen is the creation of landscape designer Jamie Durie, it features splendid natural wood bars and benches and is surrounded by freshly growing herbs and plants. The shrubbery is amalgamated into the counter top as is the integrated burner and sink making the whole design run seamlessly together. Another nice feature of the kitchen are the beautifully etched plant patterns on the tops and doors that finish off the urban sustainable look.
4 – Fruit of Life
This kitchen is a concept inspired by fruit trees, the design is meant to look like two large fruits hanging from a branch. The apple inspired orbs hold a small refrigerator, a microwave, electric cooker and an LCD screen. The kitchen also has the added bonus of allowing the owner to surf the web whilst cooking so you can ask for advice or just chat with friends while making dinner.
5 – KaionWAVE washing system
This stunning design straight from the Labs of Electrolux encompasses some of the most futuristic technology on the planet, this new style of washing machine will be entirely waterless. It will clean by way of a ultraviolet-C light that can penetrate surfaces, in this case fabrics and kill off any bacteria hidden within it. The system also using an ingenious way of breaking down the dirt in materials in dioxide and water, this is done by using free radical oxygen.
6 – Lenee microwave washing machine
Another washing machine concept is the Lenee, this works in much the same way as standard microwave does. This design would also go one step further as the technology would not only clean and sanitize the clothing, but repair and give the user the ability to change the fabric colour also. This idea of user interaction with appliances is something that will no doubt be an intregal part of any future homes.
7 – Water Furniture
At first glance these tables and benches look covered in flowing water, but in fact it is the optical glass that gives the illusion of moving water. The Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka used telescope glass the get the flowing water affect.
8 – The Brunch breakfast Series
This series of kitchen items are called ‘Brunch’ and are from a range of ideas that celebrate the mundane, the bread slicer allows for the ultimate in precision cuts, the toaster asks for a level of skill in setting up the angles and force to get the toast to land on your plate, and the teapot in good ipod fashion, records the height at which you can pour your tea.
9 – Diamantine wall kettle
This kettle comes from a collection of space saving kitchen items, at first glance it looks like a steam iron, but the designs shape is to allow it to be hung from the wall and to stand up right like an ordinary kettle. This is a great space saving idea as the kitchen kettle with it’s clumsy base and plugs can get in the way on the counter top.
10 – The water ball iron
Adam Wendel’s modern Iron is as far from the traditional concept of an iron that you could get, the device pivots in the center on a heated ball that glows bright blue when hot. It is also pretty kind the human hands, it has a sensor to stop you getting burned, to stop any fires starting if the iron is left on a piece of fabric and it reduces the risk of wrist strain as minimal movement is needed with this device.
11 – the INO collection
This is the latest in Japanese kitchen design by ‘Toyo Kitchen Style’, the INO design is a 135 degrees V shaped island, said to be much easier to work at than a traditional rectangle island work space. The main features are the raised base, the mixture of dark counter top and bright scratched steel that covers all of the islands doors, drawers and minimal space on the counter top.
12 – Calming faucet
This faucet design comes from the idea of water as a relaxation device, the designer has therefore elongated the tap nozzle so that much more water flows out. It is meant to give the calming feeling that one gets from filling a bath tub with water, and bringing the idea of water usage throughout the home as a therapeutic experience not merely a domestic chore.
This future technology called Oniris features a chandelier with inbuilt LED lights, motion-sensor camera and a projector. What it does is project anything that the host wishes too onto the table, this could be seating instructions, next course teasers and as you can see from above animations.
14 – Espresso machine concept
This is a futuristic espresso concept from the mind of Adam Zerbib, it has an unusual tree look and incorporates a neat space saving idea as the two long projecting arms are cup holders.
15 – the Smart Fridge
For anyone that gets stuck what to cook, this is the answer. The smart fridge from designer Ashley Legg comes up with meal or snack suggestion based on all the ingredients inside. The way it does it is via a touch screen panel mounted in the door, it lets you enter the ingredients when you buy them, and delete them when they are used up, the smart fridge does the rest. If all you have left is cheese, jam and salsa the smart fridge will give you inspiration and ideas on what to cook or add to it.
16 – Karbon faucet
Kohler are well known for their innovative designs and this fold-able faucet is no exception, the faucet folds out from a compact pole into an extendable arm when you are washing dishes. It is finished off in a highly polished chrome with an etched woven decoration over half of it.
17 – IZone cook surface
This stylish black ceramic aero burner hob is by designer Fisher and Paykel, what is different about this aero burner technology is that it has a linear flame control system, allowing the user to set the flame at such a low heat that it can either gently melt chocolate or sear a tuna steak.
18 – Nomad ceramic kitchen appliances
What is nice about I2D designs are the use of unusual materials, this style that heralds from Israel is made in ceramic and featuring some exquisite design elements such as; red details, simple construction and clean porcelain white lines.
19 – Wireless kitchen assistant
U.S designer Adam Brodowski developed this concept to help foodies keep in touch with their friends whilst enjoying their passion, cooking. The kitchen assistant would display recipes and share your kitchen triumphs with friends via your social networks. But what is even more amazing about the kitchen assistant is that it would have sensors in the copping board and even be able to taste the ingredients, thus making sure that your cooking is always a success.
20 – Nitrocream N2-G4
$35,000 will get you this top of the range ice cream maker that makes it using liquid nitrogen as the cooling agent. Designed by Tokujin Yoshioka, it is basically a pimped up kitchen mixer with a liquid nitrogen pump. You can do exactly the same with a small amount of liquid nitrogen and a bowl, but you might accidentally freeze off an arm and be unable to carry the plates through to your dinner guests.
21 – The Tinno robot chef
Now this is pure genius, you get back from work or from a night out and you are hungry, instead of making yourself something to eat, you get your kitchen to make it for you. This concept once again from the brain boxes at Electrolux will make it possible to order food via your phone or PC while out or at work, and come home to a freshly prepared meal made for you by your friendly oven. Also, like a doting partner the Tinno robot cook would keep the food nice and fresh for you if you were late from work and it won’t feed it to the dog.
22 – Cornucopia personal food factory
This concept design is getting into the realms of Star Trek, this is basically a 3 dimensional food printer. Cornucopia works by storing, mixing and cooking lots of different ingredients into food layers, the ingredients are deposited via containers, these can be heated or chilled depending on the food needed. This will give the chef full control over the quality, taste and nutrient value of each item of food he or she creates.
23 – The Teaser
This is the future of the cookbook, the concept was designed to cut down on food waste by allowing the cook to sample recipes before trying them out. It would be portable so could be taken anywhere and has a touchscreen and printing system that dispenses an edible flavour strip. The system works on an ink jet basis, the 18 flavoured ink cartridges will print out the flavours into dissolving strips so that they can be consumed.
24 – SWV-08AM mega-sonic cleaner
Looking rather like a bizarre turn table, the SWV-08AM is the latest in mega-sonic cleaning technology. It works by using sound waves through the water to clean away dirt from plates and cutlery without the use of toxic detergents. The mega-sonic waves help remove impurities from surfaces while the water is purified in a P-sediment filter and the water pressure can be also managed for different tasks, such as cleaning hard to remove burn marks and grease.
25 – Wall cooker
This concept for the reinvention of the oven, Ludovic Peperstraete shows here the replacement of the conventional oven with a wall mounted alternative. It cooks food using lasers rather than electricity or gas, giving the user the complete control over the ovens temperature so that food is never under cooked or in fact burnt.
26 – Big Bang egg steamer
Designed by Lo Chi Di, this stunning egg steamer works in much the same way as a toaster, thus making eggs easier to prepare and much better for you. All you have to do is push the eggs down as you would do with toast and when they are ready, they pop out.
27 – The Miele concept
This Miele concept for the kitchen of the future has a multi touch surface offering full web access. It can be programmed with shopping lists, nutritional information, cooking tips and instructions. The entire design will also be bluetooth enabled to share information to and from your phone.
28 – Egg kitchen
Yet again Electrolux have created an award winning design for the future of kitchen functionality and design, this egg shaped kitchen is the height of beauty and functionality and consists of three wings that fold back to create the entire work surface. In the center is an (IHP) interactive holographic projector that allows the user to watch and learn how to cook certain recipes, it will operate on low energy and only ever use as much as is needed and save on waste.
29 – the eco kitchen
This Eco-intelligent kitchen would delight any foodie or technology fan on the planet, it features a two part kitchen with refrigerator and a built in table top. Herbs are grown beneath the counter top and a transparent water filtration system lies underneath the sink. The intelligent element comes in when the kitchen decides to use only the minimum power expenditure required at any given time. The LED displays show were certain items are kept and the wine racks that appear to be push in sections shaped like bottles add an unusual touch to the design.
30 -Kitchen Robot Helper
We have saved the best for last, this kitchen robot is the result of 4 years hard work by 40+ University of Tokyo professors. They wanted to create a robot that would be a service device and could be used in all kinds of environments such as homes, hotels and hospitals. The robot in it’s early stages may not be able to carry out it’s duties as fast as a human and is slightly jerky in it’s movements, but it can make and pour a cup tea and wash up the cup afterwards.
Personally i’m ordering a num 30 as i really fancy a nice cup of tea!
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This is for people using google to search for kitchens. Interesting what made the grade.
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1. Hong Kong, China 195
2. New York City, USA 186
3. Chicago, USA 87
4. Shanghai, China 72
5. Tokyo, Japan 65
6. Singapore City, Singapore 38
7. Houston, USA 29
8. Seoul, SOuth Korea 27
9. Sydney, Australia 25
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 24
London 9
Skyscraper is defined as a completed habitable building of more than 153m
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Build a garge in 4 minutes, it’s can’t be done. Here is the video to prove otherwise.
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